BANCROFT LIBRARY
HISTORY
or THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
1836-1844
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY
PRESIDENT JOSEPH SMITH
AND
APOSTLE HEMAN C. SMITH
OF THE REORGANIZED CHT7BCH
VOLUME 2
SIXTH EDITION
LAMONI, IOWA:
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION OF THE
REORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.
1911.
J U V^J
4-5
- -
Bancraft Library
PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.
THE reception that Volume 1 of the Church History met
from the merabers of the church and their friends greatly
encouraged the Board of Publication to urge forward the
second volume.
The work of selection, compilation, and arrangement was
continued diligently, Apostle Heman C. Smith giving faith-
ful attention to this part of the work, aided at separate
stages by the committee of examination and revision.
The second volume covers the difficult period between
1836 and the death of the presidents and martyrs, Joseph
and Hyrum Smith, in 1844.
It was found so impracticable with the original design of
furnishing an authentic and reliable history, and complete it
in two volumes, that the Board decided it to be better to do
the work thoroughly, though it should require a third
volume to make it what the completed work should be.
It is in this spirit and intention that the Board takes
pleasure in placing in the hands of its patrons Volume 2 of
the Church History.
THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION.
LAMOM. Iowa, August 9, 1897.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER 1.
1836.
Peculiar Circumstances -Reflections — Reconciliation— The Trial —
The Confession — The School — High Council of Zion — A Feast —
Plastering the Temple — A Joint Council — Another Council — Pub-
lic Meeting — Marriage Certificate — Boynton's Marriage — Patriarch
Ordained — A Vision — Endowments — Resolutions on Ordaining —
Example of Intemperance i
CHAPTER 2.
1836.
The Temple — Its Dedication — Quorums Approved — Dedicatory
Prayer— Testimonies— Washing of Feet — A Vision— H. C. Kim-
ball's Mission— Family Affairs 33
CHAPTER 3,
1835-1836.
Affairs In Missouri— Trouble in Clay County — Historical Account —
Organization of Caldwell County — Prospects of Peace 51
CHAPTER 4.
1836.
Mission to the East— General Prosperity— Labors of the Patriarch
and His Brother— Kirtland Bank — Conference of Authorities-
Literary Concerns — Work in the South — Gathering to Missouri... 80
CHAPTER 5.
1837.
Kirtland Bank— A Private Enterprise— Articles of Agreement— Pur-
pose Not Fraudulent— Spirit of Speculation— Joseph Smith Re-
signs -He Publishes a Warning— Kelley's Letter 89
CHAPTER 6.
1837.
Temple Meetings -Messenger and Advocate Transferred— Solemn
Assembly — Presidents of Seventies— Causes for Embarrassment —
vl CONTENTS
Apostasy of 1837— Canada Conference— Revelation to T. B. Marsh
— Mission to Canada — Elders' Journal— Kirtland Conference— As-
sembly of the Church — Marks Appointed Agent — Locate Other
Stakes — Appointment of Elders— Bishop Sends Epistle — Start to
Missouri— Death of Mrs. Hyrum Smith — Voice of Warning— Danc-
ing and Unruly Children— Ardent Spirits— Arrival at Far West. . . (Jb
CHAPTER 7.
1837.
Bright Prospects — Settlements Outside Caldwell County— Commit-
tee on Town Lots — Building Committee — Word of Wisdom —
Liquor Traffic— The Fourth at Far West— Caldwell Militia— Re-
solve to Build a Temple — General Assembly — Bishop Reimbursed
— Affairs at Kirtland 11 J
CHAPTER 8.
1837, 1838.
European Mission— Kimball's Account— Child Healed— Preaching
on Board Ship— Arrive at Liverpool— A Trying Condition— They
go to Preston — A door is Opened— Success Attends Them — First
Conference in England — Opposition of the Clergy- Organization of
the Mission— Farewell Addresses — Arrival at Kirtland 12'2
CHAPTER 9.
1838.
Apostate Mobocracy — Arrival at Far West — Motto of the Church-
Questions on Scripture — Expulsion of Prominent Men — Letter
from J. Smith — Wm. Marks — Church Records— Anniversary Cele-
brated— Officers Appointed— Quarterly Conference— Standing of
Quorums — Action Against Cowdery and Others— Teachers on Dif-
ficulties and Interest — Church History— Trial of McLellin and
McCord — Adam-ondi-ahman — Stake of Adam-ondi-ahman —
Celebration at Far West — Tithing— Selling Liquor — Kimball and
Hyde Arrive— F. G. Williams Rebaptized — Trouble at Gallatin... 13G
CHAPTER 10.
1838.
Seventies Move in a Body— Their Journey— D. C. Smith and Com-
pany—Seventy's Camp— Company Under J. E. Page 178
CHAPTER 11.
1838.
Unholy Crusade— Affidavit of Joseph Smith— Bound Over to Court-
Excitement — Firearms Captured — Trial — The Governor Peti-
tioned— Doniphan's Report — Atchison's Report — Governor Boggs
Culpable — Parks and Atchison Report — Mob Proceed Against De
CONTENTS. Tit
Witt— Petition the Governor— Other Official Documents— Di»-
reputable Acts— Forced to Leave De Witt — Mob Return to Daviess
County 185
CHAPTER 12.
1838.
Quarterly Conference— March to Adam-ondi-ahman — Inflammatory,
Affidavits — Marsh and Hyde Apostatize — False Reports — Move-
ments of the Mob — Patten and O'Banion Killed — Governor's Order
Exterminating Order — Atchison Revolts — Perilous Situation —
Danites— The Mob Approach ing 209
CHAPTER 13.
1838.
Haun's Mill Massacre — Governor Boggs Responsible — Burr Joice's
Account— History of Caldwell County— Statement of J. W. Young
— Statement of Amanda Smith— Statement of Hyrum Smith — Of
Nathan Knight . 224
1838. 11
Troops at Far West— Betrayed— Court Martial and Sentence— Cald-
well Militia Surrendered — Prisoners Visit Their Families— Start
for Jackson County— Lyman Wight's Accoiiht— Not Subject td %
Court Martial — Order for Execution' — The Reply' — Hinkle's
Strange Action — Arrival of General Clark — Clark's Speech —
Strange Military Tactics— Court of Inquiry in Daviess County-
Order of Expulsion — Sample Permit — Agreement — Some Hu-
manity Left— Petition to Legislature— Sound Advice — Page and
Taylor Ordained Apostles— Legislative Action 255
CHAPTER 15.
1838-1839.
Experience of the Prisoners— Delivered to Civil Authorities — The
Trial— Conveyed to Liberty — Wight's Account — Pratt's Account—
Pratt and Phelps Escape— Visitors at the Jail— Closing of the
Tear 285
CHAPTER 16.
1839.
The Opening Tear— Legislative Proceedings— Events at Par West-
Legislative— A Trial— Hyrum Smith Attempts to Escape— Woods
Bill Denied— Friends Importune for Prisoners— Attempt to Escape
— Petitions to Supreme Court — Joseph Writes to the Church —
Judge Turnham's Opinion— Mission of Kimball and Turley— In-
*IH CONTENTS.
struction to the Church— Prisoners Taken to Daviess County— A
Change of Venue — Escape — Incidents of Travel — Arrival at
Quincy, Illinois 810
CHAPTER 17.
1838-1839.
Suffering and Privation — Lucy Smith's Account — Joseph's Family —
From History of Caldwell County— Democratic Association Reso-
lutions— From Quincy Argus — Resolutions Passed at New York —
From Boston Atlas— Bancroft's Version — The Western Messenger
— Testimonies on Character 336
CHAPTER 18.
1839.
Rebuilding Wasted Fortunes— The Twelve Return to Far West-
Return to Quincy — Reception at Quincy — Seeking a Location —
Bancroft on the Situation — Dr. Qalland's Offer — Some Expul-
sions— Letters from Lucas — Committee on Location — Conference
Minutes— Seventies to Europe — J. P. Green — Letters to Rigdon
and Green— Joseph Smith Locates at Commerce — Political Contro-'
versy — Statements of Damage— Commerce — Purchase Nashville —
O. Hyde Restored — Instruction — Zarahemla — Blessings— Instruc-
tion to the Twelve— Their Farewell— Conference Minutes— Mission
to Washington— Hymn Book— Delegates Leave for Washington —
Pratt's Letter — Times and Seasons — Ripley Ordained Bishop — Ad-
vice to Kirtland— Sickness 352
CHAPTER 19.
1839-1840.
Committee's Work in Washington — Rigdon's Illness — Interviews
with Van Buren and Calhoun— Joseph Returns— Higbee Remains
— Uigbee's Reports— Action of General Conference 376
CHAPTER 20.
1839-1840.
Affidavits Presented to Congress— Simeon Carter— W. F. Gaboon—
J. M. Burk— John Lowry— Jedediah Owen— T. Alvord— William
Hawk— T. B. Clark— U. V. Stewart— John Smith— Samuel Smith-
James Powell — John Smith — Smith Humphrey — Henry Root-
Joseph Clark — T. D. Casper — J. W. Johnston — Owen Cole — E.
Maginn — A. Green— J. P. Green — A. A. Lathrop— Burr Riggs — 8.
P. Curtis — E. H. Groves— Jacob Fouts— F. G. Williams — Jacob
Shumaker— Levi Richards— Gibson Gates— David Pettigrew 423
CONTENTS. 1*
CHAPTER 81.
1840.
Committee to Collect Evidence— Mission to Palestine -Conference
Business— Hyde and Page Start for Jerusalem— Commerce Changed
to Nauvoo— Millennial Star— Bishop Partridge Dies— Progress at
Nauvoo— First Emigrants from England — Joseph Smith Relieved
from Responsibility— Instructs the High Council— Kidnapping —
Magnanimous Spirit— J. C. Bennett — Death of the Patriarch —
Blesses His Family — Boggs Makes Requisition— Conference Busi-
ness—Stakes Organized — Times and Seasons— Charters Granted —
List of Publications. 446
CHAPTER 22.
1837-1840.
The English Mission— Peculiar Trials— Twelve Return— Brief His-
tory— Quorum Council — General Conference — Hyde and Page —
South Australia. 482
CHAPTER 23.
1841.
Fair Prospects — General Proclamation — Revelation — Trustee In
Trust— Threats of Violence — Election — Military Organization —
Hyde Sails— Nauvoo House— Toleration — Agriculture and Manu-
facturing Association — Aaronic Priesthood Organized — Temple
Corner Stone Laid — Annual Conference— English Conference — Po-
litical— Great Success — Kirtland Conference — Twelve Arrive —
Joseph Smith Arrested... 501
CHAPTER 24. u,
1841.
The Temple— Hyde In Germany— The Twelve — Death of D. 0. Smith
— Missionaries Sent— Professor Pratt — Indians at Nauvoo— Semi-
annual Conference of 1841— Epistle of the Twelve — Kirtland Af-
fairs—Baptismal Font— Epistle of the Twelve— Baptism for the
Dead— Letter from O. Hyde— The Twelve Dissatisfied with Times
and Seasons — Temple Building and Church Rejection — List of
Publications 632
CHAPTER 25.
1842.
The New Year— Corrections — Book of Abraham— Epitome of Faith
—Editorial Charge— John Snider Agent— Ladies' Relief Society-
General Conference— John E. Page Explain!— The Wasp— The
Temple — Boggs Shot — Morals of Nauvoo — The Pineries 668
* CONTENTS.
CHAPTER 28.
1842.
Case of J. C. Bennett— The Case Editorially— Bishop Miller's State-
ment— Mass Meeting— Relief Society — Not Under Duress— Other
Evidence— Marriage 584
CHAPTER 27.
1842.
Political Situation — Boats Start for Pinery — Joseph Smith Ar-
rested— Baptism for the Dead — Joseph Resigns as Editor — Jacob's
Book... ............:... 599
CHAPTER 28.
1842.
Arrest of Joseph Smith — His Movements— Mrs. Smith Writes Gov-
ernor Carlin — Governor's Reply — Other Correspondence — Joseph
Surrenders— Editorial Comment— The Trial— The Opinion........ 607
CHAPTER 29.
1843.
Anxiety In Nauvoo— Progress at Kirtland— General Progress— P. P.
Pratt. Returns— T. Ward Succeeds* Pratt— William Smith in the
Legislature — A Season of Peace — Nauvoo Improving — Young Gen-
tlemen and Ladies' Society — Annual Conference — A Band of
Thieves — Nauvoo Compared With Other Places — Missionaries
Appointed— Hyde and Adams Appointed to Russia— Other Ap-
pointments—Judge Higbee Dies— English Conference— Arrest of
Joseph Smith — Other Conferences— Expedition to the Pineries—
Rigdon's Conduct Investigated— Temple Work— Scheme of James
Arlington Bennett— Joseph's Reply— Kidnapping 638
CHAPTER 30.
1843.
Joseph's Arrest Near Dixon— Lucy Smith Relates the Incident—
The Trial— Kindness to Reynolds and Wilson— Brayman's Letter —
Ford Agrees. ............ 65(i
CHAPTER 31.
1843-1844.
Correspondence With Candidates— Writes to Van Buren and Cass—
Correspondence With Calhoun — With Clay: — Joseph Smith for
President — His Views on Government— Times and Seasons De-
•'•• clares for Him — Apostles Enter the Canvass — The Purpose.. . ..... 708
CONTENTS. xl
CHAPTER 32.
1844.
Political Situation— Joseph Did Not Dictate— Polygamy False and
Corrupt— Hyrum Smith Denounces It— John Taylor Against Spir-
itual Wife System— William Marks on Polygamy— Old Man of
Israel Repudiates It— John Taylor Indorses the Old Man— Taylor
Resents the Charge of Polygamy — Pratt Thinks It Barred by Law
—Falsehoods Have Been Told— General Conference— King Follett
Sermon — Missionary Appointments— Law and Others Disaffected-
Crime Not Proven — Troublesome Times— F. M. Higbee Versus
Joseph Smith — Municipal Court — Conspiracy Disclosed — The Ex-
positor—The Public Excited— Political Support Withdrawn— Gov-
ernor Ford on the Situation— Avoid Arrest. 729
CHAPTER 83.
1844
Governor Assures Protection — Admitted to Ball — Charged With
Treason — History of the Tragedy — Statement of Attorney Reid —
Pacific Statement— Writs for Williams and Others— Indictments-
Governor Ford's Account— Ford's Opinion — Subsequent Events
— Joseph Undecided Where To Go — Joseph's Loyalty — Employs
Browning — Funeral Obsequies — Reflections — Joseph's Family —
Hyrum's Family 741
CHAPTER 34.
Hyrum Smith— William Law 776
CHAPTER 35.
John Taylor— John E. Page— Wilford Woodruff— Willard Richards
—George A. Smith— Lyman Wight 778
CHAPTER 36.
George Miller 792
CHAPTER 1.
1836.
PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES — REFLECTIONS — RECONCILIATION -THE
TRIAL — THE CONFESSION — THE SCHOOL — HIGH COUNCIL OF
ZION— A FEAST— PLASTERING THE TEMPLE— A JOINT COUNCIL—
ANOTHER COUNCIL— PUBLIC MEETING— MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
— BOYNTON'S MARRIAGE — PATRIARCH ORDAINED — A VISION-
ENDOWMENTS — RESOLUTIONS ON ORDAINING — EXAMPLE OF
INTEMPERANCE.
UNDER the peculiar circumstances mentioned in volume 1,
chapter 23, the year 1836 opened. Serious difficulty existed
Pecnnar dr- between Joseph Smith and his brother William,
cumstunces. which was affecting several others. The spirit
manifested by Joseph, as indicated by his writing, was com-
mendable; and we invite special consideration of the follow-
ing copied from the Millennial Star: —
"Friday morning, January 1, 1836. This being the begin-
ning of a new year, my heart is filled with gratitude to God,
that he has preserved my life, and the lives of
my family, while another year has rolled away.
We have been sustained and upheld in the midst of a wicked
and perverse generation, and exposed to all the afflictions,
temptations, and misery that are incident to human life, for
which I feel to humble myself in dust and ashes, as it were,
before the Lord. But notwithstanding the gratitude that fills
my heart on retrospecting the past year, and the multiplied
blessings that have crowned our heads, my heart is pained
within me because of the difficulty that exists in my father's
family. The Devil has made a violent attack on my brother
William, and Calvin Stoddard, and the powers of darkness
seem to lower over their minds, and not only theirs, but
casts a gloomy shade over the minds of my brothers and sis-
ters, which prevents them from seeing things as they really
2 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
are; and the powers of earth and hell seem combined to over-
throw us and the church, by causing a division in the family;
and indeed the adversary is bringing into .requisition all his
subtlety, to prevent the saints from being endowed, by caus-
ing a division among the Twelve, also among the Seventy,
and bickerings and jealousies among the elders and official
members of the church; and so the leaven of iniquity fer-
ments and spreads among the members of the church. But
I am determined that nothing on my part shall be lacking to
adjust, and amicably dispose of, and settle, all family diffi-
culties on this day, that the ensuing year, and years, be they
few or many, may be spent in righteousness before God.
And I know that the cloud will burst, and Satan's kingdom
be laid in ruins, with all his black designs; and the saints
come forth like gold seven times tried in the fire, being made
perfect through sufferings and temptations, and the bless-
ings of heaven and earth multiplied upon our heads, which
may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen.
"Brothers William and Hyrum, and Uncle John Smith,
came to my house, and we went into a room by ourselves, in
Recon- company with Father, and Elder Martin Harris,
cuation. Father Smith then opened our interview by prayer,
after which he expressed his feelings on the occasion in a
very feeling and pathetic manner, even with all the sym-
pathy of a father, whose feelings were deeply wounded on
the account of the difficulty that was existing in the family;
and while he addressed us, the Spirit of God rested down
upon us in mighty power, and our hearts were melted.
Brother William made an humble confession, and asked my
forgiveness for the abuse he had offered me. And wherein
I had been out of the way, I asked his forgiveness. And
the spirit of confession and forgiveness was mutual among
us all, and we covenanted with each other, in the sight of
God, and the holy angels, and the brethren, to strive thence-
forward, to build each other up in righteousness, in all things,
and not listen to evil reports concerning each other, but, like
brethren indeed, go to each other, with our grievances, in
the spirit of meekness, and be reconciled, and thereby pro-
mote our happiness, and the happiness of the family, and in
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 3
short, the happiness and wellbeing of all. My wife, and
mother, and my scribe were then called in, and we repeated
the covenant to them that we had entered into; and while
gratitude swelled our bosoms, tears flowed from our eyes.
I was then requested to close our interview, which I did with
prayer; and it was truly a jubilee, and time of rejoicing;
after which we all unitedly administered by laying on of
hands to my cousin, George A. Smith, who was immediately
healed of a severe rheumatic affection all over the body,
which caused excruciating pain.
"Saturday morning, 2d. According to previous arrange-
ment I went to the council at nine o'clock. This council
was called to sit in judgment on a complaint pre-
ferred against Brother William Smith, by Orson
Johnson, on the 29th December.
"The council organized and proceeded to business, but
before entering on the trial Brother William arose and hum-
bly confessed the charges preferred against him, and asked
the forgiveness of the council and the whole congregation.
"A vote was then called to know whether his confession
was satisfactory, and whether the brethren would extend
the hand of fellowship again. With cheerfulness the whole
congregation raised their hands to receive him. . . .
"Sunday morning, 3d. Went to meeting at the usual
hour. President Rigdon delivered a fine lecture upon the
subject of revelation.
*'In the afternoon I confirmed ten or twelve persons who
had been baptized, among whom was Malcham 0. Divis,
who was baptized during intermission to-day. Brother
William Smith made his confession to the church to their
The con- satisfaction, and was cordially received into fel-
fewion. lowship again. The Lord's supper was adminis-
tered, and Brother William gave out an appointment to
preach in the evening, at early candlelight, and preached a
fine discourse; and this day has been a day of rejoicing to
me. The cloud that has been hanging over us has burst
with blessings on our heads, and Satan has been foiled in
his attempts to destroy me and the church, by causing jeal-
ousies to arise in the hearts of some of the brethren. And I
4 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
thank my heavenly Father for the union and harmony which
now prevail in the church.
"Monday morning, 4th. Met and organized our Hebrew
school according to the arrangements that were made on
Saturday last, as we had engaged Doctor Piexotto
The school.
to teach us in the Hebrew language, when we had
our room prepared. We informed him that we were ready,
and our room was prepared. And he agreed to wait on us
this day, and deliver his introductory lecture.
• "Yesterday he sent us word that he could not come until
Wednesday next. A vote was then called to know whether
we would submit to such treatment or not; and carried in
the negative; and Elder Sylvester Smith appointed clerk to
write him on the subject, and inform him that his services
were not wanted; and Elders William E. McLellin and Orson
Hyde dispatched to Hudson Seminary to hire a teacher.
They were appointed by the voice of the school to act in
their behalf. However, we concluded to go on with our
school, and do the best we could until we obtained a teacher;
and by the voice of the school I consented to render them
all the assistance I was able to, for the time being.
"We are occupying the translating room for the use of
the school, until another room can be prepared. This is the
first day we have occupied it, which is the west room in the
upper part of the temple, which was consecrated this morn-
ing by prayer, offered up by Father Smith. This is a rainy
time, and the roads are extremely muddy. . . .
"Tuesday, 5th. Attended the Hebrew school, divided
them into classes. . . .
"Wednesday, 6th. Attended school, and spent most of
the forenoon in settling the unpleasant feelings that existed
in the breast of Elder O. Pratt. . . .
"Elder McLellin returned from Hudson, and reported to
the school that he had hired a teacher to teach us the term
of seven weeks, for three hundred and twenty dollars; that
is, forty scholars for that amount; to commence in about
fifteen days. He is highly celebrated as a Hebrew scholar,
and proposes to give us sufficient knowledge during the
above term, to read and translate the language.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 5
"A High Council assembled at Kirtland for the purpose
of filling the vacancies of the High Council of Zion. Presi-
High conn- dents David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and W. W.
en of zion. pnelps, and fifteen high priests and elders pres-
ent. President Phelps announced the death of Christian
Whitmer on the 27th of November, 1835. Four councilors,
namely, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, William E. McLellin,
and Thomas B. Marsh, had been chosen apostles, or spe-
cial witnesses; and Elisha H. Groves was appointed to
take the place of P. P. Pratt in the High Council of Zion;
Jesse Hitchcock in the place of William E. McLellin; G. M.
Hinkle for O. Pratt; Elias Higbee for T. B. Marsh; and
Peter Whitmer, Jr., for Christian Whitmer, deceased; who
were ordained, at the time, to their office as councilors. . . .
"Thursday, 7th. Attended a sumptuous feast at Bishop
N. K. Whitney's. This feast was after the order of the Son
of God— the lame, the halt, and blind were invited,
according to the instruction of the Savior. Our
meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Father
Smith; after which Bishop Whitney's father and mother,
and a number of others, were blessed with a patriarchal
blessing. We then received a bountiful refreshment, fur-
nished by the liberality of the Bishop. The company was
large, and before we partook, we had some of the songs of
Zion sung; and our hearts were made glad while partaking
of an antepast of those joys that will be poured upon the
heads of the Saints, when they are gathered together on
Mount Zion, to enjoy each other's society for evermore,
even all the blessings of heaven, when there will be none to
molest or make us afraid. Returned home, and spent the
evening.
"Friday, 8th. Spent the day in the Hebrew school, and
made rapid progress in our studies.
••The plastering and hard-finishing on the outside of the
Lord's house was commenced on the 2d November, 1835,
Plastering an^ finished this day. The job was let to Artemas
the temple. Millet and Lorenzo Young, at one thousand dol-
lars. Jacob Bump took the job of plastering the inside of
the house throughout, at fifteen hundred dollars, and com-
6 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
menced the same on the 9th of November last. He is still
continuing the work, notwithstanding the inclemency of the
weather.
"Saturday, 9th. Attended school in the forenoon. About
eleven o'clock, received the following note: —
" 'Thus saith the voice of the Spirit to me: If thy
brother, Joseph Smith, Jr., will attend the feast at thy
house this day (at twelve o'clock), the poor and the lame
will rejoice at his presence, and also think themselves hon-
ored. Yours in friendship and love,
"'N. K. W. (WHITNEY.)
•"January 9, 1836.'
"I dismissed the school, in order to attend to this polite
invitation, with my wife, father, and mother. A large con-
gregation assembled, a number were blessed under the
hands of Father Smith, and we had a good time. Spent the
evening at home.
"Sunday, 10th. Attended meeting at the usual hour. . . .
"Monday, llth. There being no school, I spent the day
at home. ...
"Tuesday, 12th. I called on the Presidency of the church,
and made arrangements to meet to-morrow at ten o'clock
a. m., to take into consideration the subject of the solemn
assembly." — Millennial Star, vol. 15, pp. 551, 552, 564,
565, 567, and 568.
On Wednesday, January 13, 1836, there was a council held
at Kirtland, Ohio, composed of the First Presidency of
Ajolnt the church, the presidents of the High Council
counca. in Zion, and the presidents of the High Council
in Kirtland, the Twelve Apostles, the Seventy, and many
of the elders.
At this council Elder Vinson Knight was chosen a mem-
ber of the Bishop's council of Kirtland. He was ordained a
high priest and Bishop's counselor under the hands of
Bishop N. K. Whitney.
Elder John P. Green was elected a member of the High
Council, instead of Oliver Cowdery, who had been elected a
president of said council.
Elder Thomas Grover was elected to the High Council to
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 7
fill the place of Luke Johnson, who had been ordained one
of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Noah Packard was elected a member of the High
Council in place of Sylvester Smith, who had been ordained
to the Presidency of the Seventy.
Elder Joseph Kingsbury was elected a high councilor to
supply the place of Elder Orson Pratt, who had been or-
dained one of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Samuel James was chosen a member of the High
Council, in place of Joseph Smith, Sr. These were all
ordained under the hands of Presidents Rigdon, Joseph
Smith, Jr., and Hyrum Smith, to positions in the High
Council of Kirtland.
Then the following were selected to act temporarily in the
High Council of Zion, on account of the absence of John
Murdock and Solomon Hancock; viz., Elders Alva Beeman
and Isaac McWithy.
Thomas Carrico was appointed a doorkeeper in the house
of the Lord.
Elders Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Eigdon, W. W. Phelps,
David Whitmer, and Hyrum Smith were appointed a com-
mittee to draft rules and regulations to govern the house of
the Lord.
The following resolution was passed: —
"By the unanimous voice of the whole assembly, motioned,
seconded, and carried unanimously, that no whispering shall
be allowed in our councils or assemblies, nor anyone allowed
(except he is called upon, or asks permission) to speak loud,
upon any consideration whatever; and no man shall be inter-
rupted while speaking, unless he is speaking out of place;
and every man shall be allowed to speak in his turn." — Mil-
lennial Star, vol. 15, p. 582.
Joseph states regarding the work of this day: —
"This has been one of the best days that I ever spent;
there has been an entire union of feeling expressed, in all
our proceedings this day; and the Spirit of the God of Israel
has rested upon us in mighty power, and it has been good
for us to be here in this heavenly place in Christ Jesus; and
although much fatigued with the labors of the day, yet my
6 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
spiritual reward has been very great indeed. Spent the
evening at home." — Millennial Star, vol. 15, p. 582.
On February 15, 1836, this council again assembled, when
the committee on rules reported. Their report was three
times read, then passed upon by the Presidency, the High
Council of Kirtland, the High Council of Zion, the Twelve
Apostles, the Seventy, the Bishop of Zion and his coun-
selors, the Bishop of Kirtland and his counselors, and then
by the assembly as a whole; when it became a law to govern
the house of the Lord in Kirtland. l
At this council Don C. Smith was chosen President of the
High Priests in Kirtland; Alva Beeman to preside over the
1 "I. It is according to the rules and regulations of all regular and
legally organized bodies, to have a President to keep order.
"II. The body thus organized, are under obligation to be in subjection
to that authority.
"III. When a congregation assembles in this house, they shall submit
to the following rules, that due respect may be paid to the order of wor-
ship; viz.: —
"1. No man shall be interrupted who is appointed to speak by the
Presidency of the church, by any disorderly person or persons in the
congregation, by whispering, by laughing, by talking, by menacing
gestures, by getting up and running out in a disorderly manner, or by
offering indignity to the manner of worship, or the religion, or to any
officer of said church, while officiating in his office, in anywise whatso-
ever, by any display of ill manners, or ill breeding, from old or young,
rich or poor, male or female, bond or free, black or white, believer or
unbeliever. And if any of the above insults are offered, such measures
will be taken as are lawful, to punish the aggressor or aggressors, and
eject them out of the house.
"2. An insult offered to the presiding elder of said church, shall be
considered an insult to the whole body. Also, an insult offered to any of
the officers of said church, while officiating, shall be considered an insult
to the whole body.
"3. All persons are prohibited from going up the stairs in times of
worship.
"4. All persons are prohibited from exploring the house, except waited
upon by a person appointed for that purpose.
"5. All persons are prohibited from going into the several pulpits,
except the officers who are appointed to officiate in the same.
"6. All persons are prohibited from cutting, marking, or marring the
inside or outside of the house with a knife, pencil, or any other instru-
ment whatever, under pain of such penalty as the law shall inflict.
"7. All children are prohibited from assembling in the house, above or
below, or any part of it, to play, or for recreation, at any time; and all
parents, guardians, or masters, shall be amenable for all damage that
shall accrue in consequence of their children's misconduct.
"8. All persons, whether believers or unbelievers, shall be treated with
due respect by the authorities of the church.
"9. No imposition shall be practiced upon any member of the church
by depriving them of their rights in the house." — Millennial Star, vol. 15,
pp. 582, 583.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 9
elders, in Kirtland; William Cowdery to preside over the
priests of the Aaronic priesthood in Kirtland; Oliver Olney
to preside over the teachers in Kirtland; and Ira Bond to
preside over the deacons in Kirtland. D. C. Smith and
Alva Beeman were ordained by Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney
Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith; the others were ordained by
Bishop Whitney.
It was agreed that the several quorums should take their
turn as doorkeepers in the house of the Lord, and that they
should be assisted by Nathaniel Milliken, Thomas Carrico,
Amos R. Orton, and Samuel Rolfe.
It was resolved that the Presidency of the High Council
should hold all of the keys of the temple, except the keys of
one vestry, which were to be held by the "Bishopric of the
Aaronic priesthood."
John Corrill was placed in charge of the house.
On January 16, 1836, a joint council was held at Kirtland,
between the First Presidency and the Twelve, in which
Another joint some differences were reconciled. By reference
council. to footnote it will be seen that the difference arose
on account of the unwarrantable interference of another.
The minutes of the council are as follows: —
"Saturday morning, 16th. By request, I met with the
council of the Twelve in company with my colleagues, Fred-
erick G. Williams and Sidney Rigdon.
"Council opened with singing, and prayer by Thomas B.
Marsh, President of the Twelve. He arose and requested
the privilege, in behalf of his colleagues, of each speaking
in his turn without being interrupted; which was granted
them.
"Elder Marsh proceeded to unbosom his feelings touching
the mission of the Twelve, and more particularly respecting
a certain letter which they received from the Presidency of
the High Council in Kirtland, while attending a conference
in the State of Maine; also spoke of being placed, in our
council on Friday last, below the councils of Kirtland and
Zion, having been previously placed next the Presidency in
our assemblies; also observed that they were hurt on
account of some remarks made by President Hyrum Smith,
10 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
on the trial of Gladden Bishop, (who had been previously
tried before the Council of the Twelve, while on their mis-
sion in the east,) who had by their request thrown his
case before the High Council in Kirtland for investigation;
and the Twelve considered that their proceedings with him
were in some degree discountenanced.
"Elder Marsh then gave way to his brethren, and they
arose and spoke in turn until they had all spoken, acquies-
cing in the observations of Elder Marsh, and made some
additions to his remarks, which were as follows: that the
letter in question, which they received from the Presidency,
in which two of their members were suspended, and the rest
severely chastened, and that too upon testimony which was
unwarrantable; and particular stress was laid upon a certain
letter which the Presidency had received from Doctor War-
ren A. Cowdery, of Freedom, New York, in which he pre-
ferred charges against them, which were false, and upon
which we (the Presidency) had acted in chastening them;
and therefore the Twelve had concluded that the Presidency
had lost confidence in them; and that whereas the church in
this place had caressed them, at the time of their appoint-
ment to the apostleship, they now treated them coolly, and
appeared to have lost confidence in them also. *
"They spoke of their having been in the work from the
beginning almost, and had borne the burden in the heat of the
"NOTICE
* "Is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that Messrs. T. B.
Marsh and others, denominated the 'Twelve,' while on their mission to
the East, last season, received a letter from the Presidency of the
church in which they were censured for neglecting to teach the church
in Freedom, Cattaraugus County, New York, the necessity of contribut-
ing of their earthly substance for the building of the house of the Lord
in this place. The rebuke from the Presidency (as the undersigned has
been informed) was predicated upon a letter addressed by him to the
Presidents or some one of them, stating that they, the Twelve, taught
no such thing. The undersigned, although actuated by the purest
motives at the time he wrote, believing he had stated nothing but the
truth, has since become satisfied from the best of evidence that that
particular item in their instructions was not omitted as he had repre-
sented, he therefore most deeply regrets it, being sensible as he now is
that he was the cause (although innocent) of wounding the best of feel-
ings, and depressing spirits buoyant with hope, while in a field of useful
labor at a distance from home. W. A. COWDKBY.
"KuiTLAND, March 7, 1836."
— Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, p. 263.
.HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 11
day, and passed through many trials, and that the Presi-
dency ought not to suspect their fidelity, nor lose confidence
in them, neither have chastened them upon such testimony
as was lying before them; also urged the necessity of an
explanation upon the letter which they received from the
Presidency, and the propriety of their having information,
as it respects their duties, authority, etc., that they might
come to an understanding in all things, that they might act
in perfect unison and harmony before the Lord, and be pre-
pared for the endowment; also that they had preferred a
charge against Doctor Cowdery for his unchristian conduct,
which the Presidency had disregarded; also that President.
Oliver Cowdery, on a certain occasion, had made use of lan-
guage to one of the Twelve that was unchristian and unbe-
coming any man; and that they would not submit to such
treatment. The remarks of the Twelve were made in a
very forcible and explicit manner, yet cool and deliberate.
"I observed that we had heard them patiently, and in turn
should expect to be heard patiently also. And first, I
remarked that it was necessary that the Twelve should state
whether they were determined to persevere in the work of
the Lord, whether the Presidency were able to satisfy them
or not.
"Vote called, and carried in the affirmative, unanimously.
„ "I then said to them that I had not lost confidence in
them, they had no reason to suspect my confidence, and that
I would be willing to be weighed in the scale of truth,
to-day, in this matter, and risk it in the day of judgment;
and as it respects the chastening contained in the letter in
question, which I acknowledged might have been expressed
in too harsh language, which was not intentional, I asked
their forgiveness, inasmuch as I had hurt their feelings; but
nevertheless, the letter that Elder McLellin wrote back to
Kirtland, while the Twelve were at the east, was harsh also,
and I was willing to set the one against the other.
"I next proceeded to explain the duty of the Twelve, and
their authority, which is next to the present Presidency,
and that the arrangement of the assembly in this place on
the 15th instant, in placing the High Councils of Kirtland
12 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
next the Presidency, was because the business to be trans-
acted was business relating to that body in particular, which
was to fill the several quorums in Kirtland, not because they
were first in office, and that the arrangements were the most
judicious that could be made on the occasion; also the
Twelve are not subject to any other than the First Presi-
dency; viz., myself, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Wil-
liams, who are now my counselors; (and where I am not,
there is no First Presidency over the Twelve.)
"I also stated to the Twelve that I did not countenance
the harsh language of President Cowdery to them, neither
in myself nor any other man, although I have sometimes
spoken too harshly from the impulse of the moment, and
inasmuch as I have wounded your feelings, brethren, I ask
your forgiveness, for I love you, and will hold you up with
all my heart in all righteousness, before the Lord, and before
all men; for be assured, brethren, I am willing to stem the
torrent of all opposition, in storms and in tempests, in thun-
ders and in lightnings, by sea and by land, in the wilderness,
or among false brethren, or mobs, or wherever God in his
providence may call us. And I am determined that neither
heights nor depths, principalities nor powers, things pres-
ent or things to come, or any other creature, shall separate
me from you. And I will now covenant with you before
God, that I will not listen to nor credit any derogatory
report against any of you, nor condemn you upon any testi-
mony beneath the heavens, short of that testimony which is
infallible, until I can see you face to face, and know of a
surety; and I do place unremitted confidence in your word,
for I believe you to be men of truth. And I ask the
same of you, when I tell you anything, that you place
equal confidence in my word, for I will not tell you I
know anything which I do not know. But I have already
consumed more time than I intended when I commenced, and
I will now give way to my colleagues.
"President Rigdon arose next and acquiesced in what I
had said, and acknowledged to the Twelve that he had not
done as he ought, in not citing Dr. Cowdery to trial on the
charges that were put into his hands by the Twelve; that he
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 18
had neglected his duty in this thing, for which he asked
their forgiveness, and would now attend to it, if they
desired him to do so; and President Rigdon also observed to
the Twelve, if he had spoken or reproved too harshly at any
time, and had injured their feelings by so doing, he asked
their forgiveness.
"President Williams arose and acquiesced in the above
sentiments, expressed by myself and President Rigdon, in
full, and said many good things.
"The President of the Twelve then called a vote of that
body to know whether they were perfectly satisfied with the
explanation which we had given them, and whether they
would enter into the covenant we had proposed to them,
which was most readily manifested in the affirmative, by
raising their hands to heaven in testimony of their willing-
ness and desire to enter into this covenant, and their entire
satisfaction with our explanation upon all the difficulties
that were on their minds. We then took each other by the
hand in confirmation of our covenant, and there was a per-
fect union of feeling on this occasion, and our hearts over-
flowed with blessings, which we pronounced upon each
other's heads as the Spirit gave us utterance.
"My scribe is included in this covenant, and these bless-
ings with us, for I love him for the truth and integrity that
dwell in him. And may God enable us all to perform our
vows and covenants with each other, in all fidelity and
righteousness before him, that our influence may be felt
among the nations of the earth, in mighty power, even to
rend the kingdoms of darkness asunder, and triumph over
priestcraft and spiritual wickedness in high places, and
break in pieces all kingdoms that are opposed to the king-
dom of Christ, and spread the light and truth of the ever-
lasting gospel from the rivers to the ends of the earth.
"Elder Beeman came in for counsel, to know whether it
was best for him to return before the solemn assembly or
not. After consideration, the council advised him to tarry.
"Council dismissed by singing and prayer.
"WARREN PARRISH, Scribe."
—Millennial Star, vol. 15, pp. 594-596,
14 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Joseph resumes the history as follows: —
"Sunday morning, 17th. Attended meeting at the school-
house at the usual hour; a large congregation assembled.
"I proceeded to organize the several quorums present, first
the Presidency, then the Twelve, and the Seventy who were
present, also the councilors of Kirtland and Zion.
"President Rigdon then arose and observed, that instead
of preaching, the time would be occupied by the Presidency
Public and Twelve, in speaking each in their turn, until
meeiing. foey had all spoken> The Lord poured out his
Spirit upon us, and the brethren began to confess their faults
one to the other, and the congregation was soon overwhelmed
in tears, and some of our hearts were too big for utterance.
The gift of tongues came on us also, like the rushing of
a mighty wind, and my soul was filled with the glory of
God.
* 'In the afternoon I joined three couple in matrimony in
the public congregation; viz., William F. Gaboon and Mi-
randa Gibbs, Harvey Stanley and Larona Oahoon, Tunis
Rapley and Louisa Cutler. We then administered the sac-
rament, and dismissed the congregation, which was so dense
that it was very unpleasant for all. We were then invited
to a feast at Elder Gaboon's, which was prepared for the
occasion, and had a good time while partaking of the rich
repast; and I verily realized that it was good for brethren to
dwell together in unity, like the dew upon the mountains of
Israel, where the Lord commanded blessings, even life for-
evermore. Spent the evening at home.
"Monday, the 18th. Attended the Hebrew school. This
day the elder's school was removed into the temple in the
room adjoining ours.
"Tuesday, 19th. Spent the day at school. The Lord
blessed us in our studies. This day we commenced reading
in our Hebrew Bibles with much success. It seems as if
the Lord opens our minds in a marvelous manner to under-
stand his word in the original language; and my prayer is
that God will speedily endue us with a knowledge of all
languages and tongues, that his servants may go forth for
the last time to bind up the law, and seal up the testimony.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 15
" 'FORM OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.
" 'I hereby certify, that, agreeable to the rules and regu-
lations of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
Marriage on matrimony, were joined in marriage, Mr.
certificate. William F. Cahoon and Miss Nancy M. Gibbs,
both of this place, on Sabbath, the 17th instant.
" 'JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.,
" 'Presiding Elder of said Church.
" 'KiKTLAND, Ohio, January 19, 1836.'
"Wednesday morning, 20th. Attended school at the usual
hour, and spent the day in reading and lecturing, and made
some advances in our studies.
"At evening I attended on a matrimonial occasion with my
family, at Mr. John Johnson's, having been invited to join
President John F. Boynton and Miss Susan Lowell
jn marriage. A large and respectable company
assembled, and were seated by Elders O. Hyde and W. Par-
rish, in the following order: The Presidency and their com-
panions in the first seats, the Twelve Apostles in the second,
the Seventy in the third, and the remainder of the congre-
gation seated with their companions. Elder Boynton and
lady with their attendants came in and were. seated in front
of the Presidency.
"A hymn was sung, after which I addressed a throne of
grace. I then arose and read aloud a license (according to
the law of the land) granting any minister of the gospel the
privilege of solemnizing the rights of matrimony, and after
calling for objection, if any there were, against the antici-
pated alliance between Elder Boynton and Miss Lowell, and
waiting sufficient time, I observed that all forever after this
must hold their peace. I then invited them to join hands.
I pronounced the ceremony according to the rules and regu-
lations of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, in the name
of God, and in the name of Jesus Christ; I pronounced upon
them the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and such
other blessings as the Lord put into my heart; and being
much under the influence of a cold, I then gave way, and
President Rigdon arose and delivered a very forcible address,
16 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
suited to the occasion, and closed the services of the evening
by prayer."— Millennial Star, vol. 15, pp. 596, 597.
On the evening of the 21st of January, 1836, the First
Presidency met in the west schoolroom of the Kirtland Tem-
Patriarch Ple> at which time they ordained Joseph Smith,
ordained. gr ^ Patriarch of the church, and also received
their patriarchal blessings under his hands. Joseph states
concerning this meeting and other matters as follows: —
"The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the
celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in
the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the tran-
scendent beauty of the gate through which the
heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto cir-
cling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon
was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful
streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being
paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and
my father and mother, my brother Alvin, that has long
since slept, and marveled how it was that he had obtained
an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed
this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel
the second time, and had not been baptized for the remis-
sion of sins.
"Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: —
" 'All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel,
who would have received it if they had been permitted to
tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also
all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who
would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of
that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men according
to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.'
4 'And 1 also beheld that all children who die before they
arrive at the years of accountability, are saved in the celes-
tial kingdom of heaven. . . .
"Many of my brethren who received the ordinance with
me saw glorious visions also. Angels ministered unto them
as well as myself, and the power of the Highest rested upon
us, the house was filled with the glory of God, and we
shouted, Hosanna to God and the Lamb. . . .
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 17
."The Bishop of Kirtland with his counselors, and the
Bishop of Zion with his counselors, were present with us,
and received their anointings under the hands of Father
Smith, and were confirmed by the Presidency, and the
glories of heaven were unfolded to them also.
"We then invited the councilors of Kirtland and Zion into
our room, and President Hyrum Smith anointed the head of
the President of the councilors in Kirtland, and
President David Whitmer the head of the Presi-
dent of the councilors of Zion.
"The president of each quorum then anointed the heads
of his colleagues, each in his turn, beginning at the eldest.
"The visions of heaven were opened to them also. Some
of them saw the face of the Savior, and others were minis-
tered unto by holy angels, and the spirit of prophecy and
revelation was poured out in mighty power; and loud hosan-
nahs, and glory to God in the highest saluted the heavens,
for we all communed with the heavenly host. . . .
"22d. At evening we met at the same place, with the
Council of the Twelve, and the Presidency of the Seventy,
who were to receive this ordinance. The High Councils of
Kirtland and Zion were present also.
"After calling to order, and organizing, the Presidency
proceeded to consecrate the oil.
"We then laid our hands upon Elder Thomas B. Marsh,
who is President of the Twelve, and ordained him to the
authority of anointing his brethren. I then poured the con-
secrated oil upon his head in the name of Jesus Christ, and
sealed such blessings upon him as the Lord put into my
heart. The rest of the Presidency then laid their hands
upon him and blessed him, each in his turn, beginning at
the eldest. He then anointed and blessed his brethren from
the eldest to the youngest. I also laid my hands upon them
and pronounced many great and glorious things upon their
heads. The heavens were opened, and angels ministered
unto us.
"The Twelve then proceeded to anoint and bless the
Presidency of the Seventy, and seal upon their heads power
and authority to anoint their brethren. . . .
18 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Brother Don C. Smith was also anointed and blessed to
preside over the High Priesthood.
"President Rigdon -arose to conclude the services of the
evening by invoking the benediction of heaven upon the
Lord's anointed, which he did in an eloquent manner; the
congregation shouted a long hosannah; the gift of tongues
fell upon us in mighty power, angels mingled their voices
with ours, while their presence was in our midst, and
unceasing praises swelled our bosoms for the space of half
an hour.
"I then observed to the brethren that it was time to retire.
We accordingly closed our interview and returned home at
about two o'clock in the morning, and the Spirit and visions
of God attended me through the night.
"Saturday, 23d. Attended at the schoolroom as usual,
and we came together filled with the Spirit, as on the past
evening, and did not feel like studying, but commenced con-
versing upon heavenly things, and the day we spent agreea-
bly and profitably. Elder Alva Beeman had been tempted
to doubt the things which we received on Saturday evening,
and he made an humble confession, and asked forgiveness of
the school, which was joyfully given, and he said he would
try to resist Satan in future.
"Sunday, 24th. Met the several quorums in the room
under the printing office, and after organizing and opening
by prayer, called upon the High Council of Kirtland to pro-
ceed and confess their sins, as they might be directed by the
Spirit, and they occupied the first part of the day, and con-
fessed and exhorted as the Spirit led.
"Afternoon, attended again, and saw the bread and wine
administered to the quorums and brethren who were present.
"In the evening met the Presidency in the room over the
printing room, and counseled on the subject of endowment,
and the preparation for the solemn assembly, which is to be
called when the house of the Lord is finished.
"Monday, 25th. Received a line from my scribe, inform-
ing me of his ill health, as follows:—
" 'Brother Joseph: — My great desire to be in your com-
pany and in the assembly of the Saints, where God opens
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 19
the heavens, and exhibits the treasures of eternity, is the
only thing that has stimulated me, for a number of days
past, to leave my house; for be assured, dear brother, my
bodily affliction is severe. I have a violent cough, more
especially at night, which deprives me of my appetite, and
my strength fails, and writing has a particular tendency to
injure my lungs, while I am under the influence of such a
cough, I therefore with reluctance send your journal to you
until my health improves.
"'Yours in haste,
" 'WARREN PARRISH.
" 'P. S. —Brother Joseph, pray for me, and ask the
prayers of the class on my account also. W. P.'
"Appointed Elder Sylvester Smith acting scribe for the
time being, or till Elder Parrish shall recover his health.
Spent the day at home receiving visitors.
"Tuesday, 26th. Mr. Seixas arrived from Hudson to
teach the Hebrew language, and I attended upon the organ-
izing of the class, for the purpose of receiving lectures upon
Hebrew grammar. His hours of instruction are from ten to
eleven a. m., and from two to three p. m. His introduction
pleased me much. I think he will be a help to the class in
learning Hebrew.
"Wednesday, 27th. Attended school as usual, and other
matters also which came before me.
"Thursday, 28th. Attended school at the usual hour.
"In the evening met the Quorum of High Priests in the
west room of the upper loft of the Lord's house, and, in com-
pany with my Council of the Presidency, consecrated and
anointed the Counselors of the President of the High Priest-
hood, and having instructed them, and set the quorum in
order, I left them to perform the holy anointing, and went
to the Quorum of Elders at the other end of the room. I
assisted in anointing the counselors of the president of the
elders, and gave the instruction necessary for the occasion,
and left the President and his council to anoint the elders
while I should go to the adjoining room and attend to organ-
izing and instructing of the Quorum of the Seventy.
"I found the Twelve Apostles assembled with this quorum,
20 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and I proceeded, with the Quorum of the Presidency, to
instruct them, and also the Seven Presidents of the Seventy
Elders, to call upon God with uplifted hands to seal the bless-
ings which had been promised to them by the holy anoint-
ing. As I organized this quorum, with the Presidency in
this room, President Sylvester Smith saw a pillar of fire rest
down and abide upon the heads of the quorum, as we stood
in the midst of the Twelve.
"When the Twelve and the Seven were through with their
sealing prayer, I called upon President S. Rigdon to seal
them with uplifted hands; and when he had done this, and
cried hosannah, that all the congregation should join him,
and shout hosannah to God and the Lamb, and glory to God
in the highest . . .
"After these things were over, and a glorious vision,
which I saw, had passed, I instructed the seven presidents
to proceed and anoint the Seventy, and returned to the room
of the High Priests and Elders, and attended to the sealing
of what they had done, with uplifted hands.
"The Lord had assisted my brother Carlos, the President
of the High Priests, to go forward with the anointing of the
High Priests, so that he had performed it to tha acceptance
of the 'Lord, notwithstanding he was very young and inex-
perienced in such duties; and I felt to praise God, with a
loud hosannah for his goodness to me and my father's family,
and to all the children of men. Praise the Lord all ye his
saints, praise his holy name.
"After these quorums were dismissed, I retired to my
home, filled with the Spirit, and my soul cried, Hosanna to
God and the Lamb, through the silent watches of the night;
and while my eyes were closed in sleep the visions of the
Lord were sweet unto me, and his glory was round about me.
Praise the Lord.
"Friday, 29th. Attended school and read Hebrew. Re-
ceived a line from the Presidency of the Elders' Quorum,
they wishing to know whom they should receive, which I
answered verbally.
"Afternoon, I called in all my father's family and made a
feast, and related my feelings towards them. My father
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 21
pronounced patriarchal blessings on the heads of Henry
Gannet, Charles H. Smith, Marietta Carter, Angeline Car-
ter, Joanna Carter, and Nancy Carter. This was a good
time to me, and all the family rejoiced together. We con-
tinued the meeting till about eight o'clock in the evening,
and related the goodness of God to us in opening our eyes to
see the visions of heaven, and in sending his holy angels to
minister unto us the word of life. We sang the praise of
God in animated strains, and the power of love and union
was felt and enjoyed.
"Saturday, 30 bh. Attended school as usual and waited
upon several visitors, and showed them the record of Abra-
ham. Mr. Seixas, our Hebrew teacher, examined it with
deep interest, and pronounced it to be original beyond all
doubt. He is a man of excellent understanding, and has a
knowledge of many languages which were spoken by the
ancients, and he is an honorable man so far as I can judge yet.
" 'At a conference of the Presidency of the church, it was
resolved that no one be ordained to an office in the church in
Kirtland, without the voice of the several quorums, when
assembled for church business.
" 'Resolved, that Alva Beeman, President of the Elders,
be directed to give to the Presidents of the church a list of
the names of the several elders comprising his quorum, and
all other elders in Kirtland not belonging to any quorum
now established.
" 'Resolved, that Harvey Whitlock be restored to the
church in full fellowship on his being rebaptized, and after,
be ordained to the high priesthood.
" 'OLIVEK COWDERY, Clerk.'
"In the evening, went to the upper rooms of the Lord's
house, and set the different quorums in order. Instructed
the Presidents of the Seventy concerning the order of their
anointing, and requested them to proceed and anoint the
Seventy. Having set all the quorums in order, I returned
to my house, being weary with continual anxiety and labor
in putting all the authorities in order, and in striving to
purify them for the solemn assembly, according to the com-
mandment of the Lord.
22 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Sunday, 31st. Attended divine service in the school-
house, organized the several quorums of the authorities of
the church, appointed doorkeepers to keep order about the
door because of the crowd, and to prevent the house from
being excessively crowded. The High Council of Zion occu-
pied the first part of the day in speaking as they were led,
and relating experiences, trials, etc.
"Afternoon. House came to order as usual and President
Sidney Rigdon delivered a short discourse, and we attended
to the breaking of bread.
"In the evening my father attended to the blessing of
three brethren at President O. Cowdery's. Spent the even-
ing at home. . . .
"In the evening, attended to the organizing of the Quorums
of High Priests, Elders, Seventy, and Bishops, in the upper
rooms of the house of the Lord, and after blessing each quo-
rum in the name of the Lord, I returned home, had another
interview with Mr. Seixas, our Hebrew teacher, and related
to him some of the dealings of God to me, and gave him
some of the evidence of the work of the latter days. He
listened cordially and did not oppose.
"Tuesday, 2d. Attended school as usual, and various
duties.
"Went to the schoolhouse in the evening and heard an
animated discourse delivered by President Rigdon. He
touched the outlines of our faith, showed the scattering and
gathering of Israel, from the Scriptures, and the stick of
Joseph in the hands of Ephraim, aside from that of Moses.
It was an interesting meeting; the Spirit bore record that
the Lord was well pleased.
"Wednesday, 3d. Morning, attended our Hebrew lecture.
"Afternoon, studied with Oliver Cowdery and Sylvester
Smith. Received many visitors, and showed them the rec-
ords of Abraham. My father blessed three with a patri-
archal blessing. President Alva Beeman handed in seventy
of his quorum, designed for another Seventy if God will.
"Thursday, 4th. Attended school, and assisted in form-
ing a class of twenty-two members to read at three o'clock
p. m. . . .
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 23
"Friday, 5th. Attended school, and assisted the commit-
tee to make arrangements to supply the third and fourth
classes with books; concluded to divide a Bible into several
parts, for the benefit of said classes; continued my studies
in the Hebrew; received several visitors, and attended vari-
ous duties.
"Saturday, 6th. Called the anointed together to receive
the seal of all their blessings. The High Priests and Elders
in the council room as usual, the Seventy with the Twelve
in the second room, and the Bishops in the third. I labored
with each of these quorums for some time to bring them to
the order which God had shown to me, which is as follows:
The first part to be spent in solemn prayer before God, with-
out any talking or confusion; and the conclusion with a
sealing prayer by President Rigdon, when all the quorums
were to shout with one accord a solemn hosannah to God
and the Lamb, with an Amen, Amen, and Amen; and then
all take seats and lift up their hearts in silent prayer to God,
and if any obtain a prophecy or vision, to rise and speak
that all might be edified and rejoice together.
"I had considerable trouble to get all the quorums united
in this order. I went from room to room repeatedly, and
charged each separately, assuring them that it was accord-
ing to the mind of God, yet, notwithstanding all my labor,
while I was in the east room with the Bishop's quorum I
felt, by the Spirit, that something was wrong in the Quorum
of Elders in the west room, and I immediately requested
President O. Cowdery and Hyrum Smith to go in and see
what was the matter. The Quorum of Elders had not ob-
served the order which I had given them, and were reminded
of it by President Don Carlos Smith, and mildly requested
to preserve order, and continue in prayer. Some of them
replied that they had a teacher of their own, and did not
wish to be troubled by others. This caused the Spirit of
the Lord to withdraw; this interrupted the meeting, and
this quorum lost their blessing in a great measure.
"The other quorums were more careful, and the Quorum
of Seventy enjoys a great flow of the Holy Spirit. Many
arose and spoke testifying that they were filled with the
24 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Holy Ghost, which was like fire in their bones, so that they
could not hold their peace, but were constrained to cry
hosannah to God and the Lamb, and glory in the high-
est. . . .
"Monday, 8th. Attended school at the usual hour.
"In the afternoon lectured in the upper room of the
printing office, with some of the brethren. At evening
visited Mr. Seixas, in company with Presidents Rigdon and
Cowdery. He conversed freely; is an interesting man.
Elder Parrish, my scribe, received my journal again. His
health is so much improved, that he thinks he will be able,
with the blessing of God, to perform his duty. . . .
"Friday, 12th. ... I met in company with the several
quorums in the schoolroom in the temple, at evening, to
take into consideration the subject of ordination. I made
some remarks upon the subject of our meeting, which were
as follows: that many are desiring to be ordained to the
ministry, who are not called, consequently the Lord is dis-
pleased. Secondly, many already have been ordained, who
ought not to hold official stations in the church, because
they dishonor themselves and the church, and bring perse-
cution swiftly upon us, in consequence of their zeal without
knowledge. I requested the quorums to take some measures
to regulate the same. I proposed some resolutions, and
remarked to the brethren, that the subject was now before
them, and open for discussion.
"The subject was discussed by Presidents S. Rigdon and
O. Cowdery, and Elder Martin Harris, and others, and reso-
lutions were drafted by my scribe (who served as clerk on
the occasion), read, and rejected. It was then proposed that
I should indite resolutions, which I did as follows:—
" '1. Resolved that no one be ordained to any office in
the church, in this Stake of Zion, at Kirtland, without the
Resolutions unanimous voice of the several bodies that consti-
on ordaining. ^ute fofe qUOrum, who are appointed to do church
business in the name of said church ; viz. , The Presidency of
the Church, and Counsel; the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb;
the twelve High Councilors of Kirtland; the twelve High
Councilors of Zion; the Bishop of Kirtland and his coun-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, 25
selors; the Bishop of Zion and his counselors; the Seven
Presidents of the Seventies; until otherwise ordered by the
said quorums.
" '2. And further Resolved that no one be ordained in the
branches of said church abroad, unless they are recom-
mended by the voice of the respective branches of the
church to which they belong, to a General Conference
appointed by the heads of the church, and from that confer-
ence receive their ordination. The foregoing resolutions
were concurred in by the Presidents of the Seventies.'
"Saturday, 13th. ... At one o'clock, p. m., the Council of
the Twelve Apostles met in the house of the Lord, and after
prayer, and consultation upon the nature and expediency of
the preceding resolutions, offered in council on the 12th
instant, it was unanimously agreed to offer the following
amendment to the second resolution (perfectly acquiescing
in the first) ; viz. : that none be ordained to any office in the
branches to which they belong; but to be recommended to a
General Conference appointed by those or under the direc-
tion of those who are designated in the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants as having authority to ordain and set in order all
the officers of the church abroad, and from that conference
receive their ordination.
"THOMAS B. MARSH, Chairman.
"ORSON HYDE, ) n, ,
"WM. E. MCLELLIN, \ U
"Sunday, 14th. Attended to the ordinance of baptism
before meeting.
"At the usual hour attended meeting. The Presidents of
the Seventy expressed their feelings on the occasion, and
their faith in the Book of Mormon and the revelations, also
their entire confidence in all the quorums that are organized
in the Church of Latter Day Saints. A good time — the
Spirit of God rested upon the congregation. Administered
the sacrament, and confirmed a number that had been bap
tized; and dismissed.
"Monday, 15th. Attended school at the usual hours.
"Spent the afternoon in reading Hebrew, and in receiving
and waiting on visitors. On this day we commenced trans-
lating the Hebrew language, under the instruction of Pro-
26 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
fessor Seixas; and he acknowledged that we were the most
forward of any class he ever instructed the same length of
time. . . .
"Wednesday, 17th. Attended the school, and read and
translated with my class as usual. My soul delights in read-
ing the word of the Lord in the original, and I am deter-
mined to pursue the study of the languages until I shall
become master of them, if I am permitted to live long enough.
At any rate, so long as I do live I am determined to make
this my object; and with the blessing of God I shall succeed
to my satisfaction.
"Elder Coe called to make some arrangements about the
Egyptian mummies and records. He proposes to hire a
room at John Johnson's inn, and exhibit them there from
day to day, at certain hours, that some benefit may be
derived from them. I complied with his request, and only
observed that they must be managed with prudence and
care, especially the manuscripts.
" 'The High Council of Kirtland met in the house of the
Lord at six o'clock, p. m., to discuss the subject of ordina-
tion, as laid before the council on the 12th instant; and also
the proposed amendment of the Twelve Apostles, of the 13th.
After discussing the resolutions drawn by President Smith,
[it was] voted unanimously that they should remain entire,
and the proposed amendment of the Twelve Apostles be
rejected.
"•JOSEPH C. KINOSBUBT, Clerk.*
"Thursday, 18th. Spent the day as usual in attending to
my family concerns, receiving and waiting upon those who
called for instructions, and attending to my studies.
" 'The High Council of Zion met in the upper room of the
printing office at seven o'clock, p. m., to discuss the subject
of ordination, as laid before them in the council of the 12th
instant, and also the amendment of the Twelve Apostles.
After discussing the resolutions drawn up by the President,
[it was] voted unanimously that they should remain, and
that we perfectly acquiesce in said resolutions without any
alteration or amendment.
HIGBEE, Clerk.' . . .
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 27
"Monday, 22d. . . . 'The Presidency of the church met
and took into consideration the resolutions presented to the
Twelve Apostles (dated February 12), the Presidents of the
Seventies, the High Council of the church for Zion and Kirt-
land. After due deliberation it was unanimously agreed
that the original resolutions be adopted without amend-
ments.
" 'OLIVEB COWDEBY, Clerk of Council.'
"The lower room of the temple is now prepared for paint-
ing. Elder Brigham Young was obliged to leave the
Hebrew class and superintend the painting of lower room
till finished.
"This afternoon the sisters met to make the vail of the
temple. Father Smith presided over them, and gave them
much good instruction. Closed by singing and prayer,
which is customary at the commencement and close of .all
councils and meetings of the Church of Latter Day Saints,
although not always mentioned in this record.
"Tuesday, 23d. . . Towards the close of the day I met
with the Presidency and many of the brethren in the house
Df the Lord, and made some remarks from the pulpit upon
the rise and progress of the Church of Christ of Latter Day
Saints, and pronounced a blessing upon the sisters, for
their liberality in giving their services so cheerfully to make
the vail for the Lord's house; also upon the congregation;
and dismissed.
"Wednesday, 24th. . . At evening, met the quorums at
the schoolroom in the temple, to take into consideration the
propriety or impropriety of ordaining a large number of
individuals who wish to be ordained to official stations in
the church. Each individual's name was presented, and the
voice of th» assembly called; and William Wightman,
Charles Wightman, David Cluff, Truman Jackson, Reuben
Barton, Daniel Miles, and Moses Daley, were received, and
nineteen were rejected Their ordinations deferred until
another tima Presidents Orson Hyde, Oliver Cowdery, and
Sylvester Smith, were nominated and seconded to draft
rules and regulations concerning licenses, and by vote of
the assembly, passed unanimously.
28 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Thomas Burdick chosen by nomination to officiate as
clerk, to record licenses and receive pay for his services
accordingly. Also voted that the Twelve and Seventy see
that the calls for preaching in the region round about Kirt-
land be attended to, and filled by judicious elders of this
church. . . .
"This evening [March 3] the several quorums met agreea-
ble to adjournment, and were organized according to their
official standing in the church. I then arose and made some
remarks on the object of our meeting, as follows: —
" '1. To receive or reject certain resolutions that were
drafted by a committee chosen for that purpose, at a preced-
ing meeting, respecting licenses for elders and other official
members.
" '2. To sanction, by the united voice of the quorums,
certain resolutions respecting ordaining members, that have
passed through each quorum separately without any altera-
tion or amendment, excepting in the Quorum of the Twelve.'
"After singing and prayer, President Oliver Cowdery,
chairman of the committee appointed on the 24th ultimo, to
draft resolutions respecting licenses, arose and made report
in behalf of the committee, which was read three times by
the chairman. The third time he read the resolutions he
gave time and opportunity, after reading each article, for
objections to be made, if any there were. No objections
were raised or alterations made, but an addition was made to
the sixth article, extending the powers of chairman and
clerk pro tern, to sign licenses, etc.
"I then observed that these resolutions must needs pass
through each quorum separately, beginning at the Presi-
dency, and consequently it must first be thrown into the
hands of the President of the Deacons and his council, as
equal rights and privileges is my motto; and one man is as
good as another, if he behaves as well; and that all men
should be esteemed alike, without regard to distinctions of
an official nature. The resolutions passed through the
President of the Deacons and his council by their unani-
mous voice.
"It was then thrown before the presidents of the several
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 29
quorums and their council in the following order, and in the
same manner as before, viz. ; the Teachers, Priests, Bishop
of Kirtland, Bishop of Zion, Elders, High Priests, Seventy,
High Council of Zion, High Council of Kirtland, the Twelve,
and, lastly, into the hands of the Presidency of the church,
and all the quorums, and received their unanimous sanction.
The resolutions are as follows: —
" 'Whereas the records of the several conferences, held by
the elders of the church, and the ordination of many of the
official members of the same, in many cases, have been im-
perfectly kept since its organization, to avoid ever after any
inconvenience, difficulty, or injury, in consequence of such
neglect, your committee recommend: —
" '1. That all licenses hereafter granted by these authori-
ties assembled as a quorum, or by General Conference held
for the purpose of transacting the business of the church,
be recorded at full length by a clerk appointed for that pur-
pose, in a book to be kept in this branch of tha church, until
it shall be thought advisable, by the heads of the church to
order other books and appoint other clerks to record licenses
as above; and that said recording clerk be required to indorse
a certificate under his own hand and signature, on the back
of said licenses, specifying the time when and place where
such license was recorded, and also a reference to the letter
and page of the book containing the same.
"'2. That this quorum appoint two persons to sign
licenses given as aforesaid, one as chairman, and the other
as clerk of conference; and that it shall be the duty of said
persons appointed to sign licenses as clerk of conference im-
mediately hereafter, to deliver the same into the hands of
the recording clerk.
" '3. That all General Conferences abroad give each indi-
vidual whom they ordain a certificate, signed by the chair-
man and clerk of said conference, stating the time and place
of such conference, and the office to which the individual has
been ordained; and that when such certificate has been for-
warded to the person hereafter authorized to sign licenses
as clerk of conference, such persons shall, together with
chairman of conference, immediately sign a license; and
30 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
said clerk of conference shall, after the same has been
recorded, forward it to the proper person.
" '4. That all official members in good standing and fellow-
ship in the. various branches of this church, be requested to
forward their present licenses, accompanied by a certificate
of their virtuous and faithful walk before the Lord, signed
by the chairman and clerk of a General Conference, or by
the clerk of the branch of the church in which such official
member resides, by the advice and direction of such church,
to the clerk of conference, whose duty it shall be to fill a new
license, as directed in the third article; and that all licenses,
signed, recorded, and indorsed, as specified in the first article,
shall be considered good, and valid to all intents and pur-
poses, in the business and spiritual affairs of this church, as
a religious society, or before any court of record of this or
any other country, wherein preachers of the gospel are
entitled to special privileges, answering in all respects as an
original record, without the necessity of referring to any
other document.
«' '5. That the recording clerk be required to publish quar-
terly, in a paper published by some member or members of
this church, a list of the names of the several persons for
whom he has recorded licenses within the last quarter.
" '6. That this quorum appoint two persons to sign as
chairman and clerk of conference, pro tern., licenses for the
standing chairman and clerk, who shall be appointed as
named in the second article, and also to act in their absence,
in signing other licenses, as specified in the foregoing
article.
*' 'Presidents Joseph Smith, Junior, was nominated as
chairman, Frederick G. Williams, as clerk, and Sidney Rig-
don as chairman pro tern., and Oliver Cowdery as clerk pro
tern. Vote from the several quorums called, in their order,
and passed unanimously.
" 'President Joseph Smith, Junior, made some remarks
upon the resolution offered to the council on the 12bh of Feb-
ruary, followed by President Thomas B. Marsh, who called
a vote of his quorum to ascertain whether they would repeal
their amendment of the 13th of February. And nine of the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 31
Twelve voted in the affirmative, and three; viz., John F.
Boynton, Lyman E. Johnson, and Orson Pratt, in the nega-
tive. And the original bill of the 12th of February was
passed.
•* 'Dismissed by prayer, half past nine o'clock.
" 'OLIVER COWDERY, Clerk.' . . .
"Saturday, 12th. Engaged a team to go to Hudson after
Mr. Seixas' family and goods, also a horse and carriage for
Bxampie of himself and wife. Cold weather and fine sleigh-
intemperance. jng j was informed to-day that a man by the
name of Clark froze to death last night, near this place, who
was under the influence of ardent spirits. O, my God! how
long will this monster intemperance find its victims on the
earth? Methinks until the earth is swept with the wrath
and indignation of God, and Christ's kingdom becomes uni-
versal. O, come, Lord Jesus, and cut short thy work in
righteousness! . . .
"Saturday, 19th. . . . 'Elders Orson Pratt, John F. Boyn-
ton, and Lyman Johnson, met the Presidency of the church,
and verbally withdrew all objections to the first resolution
presented to the quorums by the Presidency, on the 12th of
February, for the regulation of ordinations.
" 'OLIVER COWDERY, Clerk of Conference.'
"Sunday, 20th. Attended the house of worship. The
Quorum of High Priests delivered short addresses to the
congregation, in a very feeling and impressive manner.
One individual was baptized at intermission.
"In the afternoon, administered the Lord's supper, as we
were wont to do on every Sabbath, and the Lord blessed our
souls with the outpouring of his Spirit, and we were made
to rejoice in his goodness.
"Monday, 21st. At school in the morning. After school,
went to the printing office, and prepared a number of elders'
licenses, to send by Elder Palmer to the court of Medina
County, in order to obtain licenses to marry, as the court in
this county will not grant us this privilege. Ten persons
were baptized in this place. . . .
"Saturday, 26th. At home, attending to my domestic
concerns in the morning. After breakfast, met with the
32 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Presidency to make arrangements for the solemn assembly,
which occupied the remainder of the day." — Millennial Star,
vol. 15, pp. 620, 621, 622, 631, 632, 633, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646.
647, 648, 662, and 708.
CHAPTER 2. .
1836.
THE TEMPLE -ITS DEDICATION— QUORUMS .APPROVED -DEDICATORY
PRAYER— TESTIMONIES— WASHING OP FEET — A VISION— H. C.
KIMBALI/S MISSION— FAMILY AFFAIRS.
SUNDAY, March 27, 1836, was a great day in Kirtland,
for on that day the temple was dedicated with appropriate
ceremonies. Considering the circumstances of
the people, the erection of this building was a
wonderful accomplishment. How the people's hearts must
have swelled for joy when they beheld completed this house
which they had builded by so much toil, suffering, and sac-
rifice! It stands to-day a magnificent monument of the
industry, liberality, and faithfulness of a humble but
devoted people. It is a splendid illustration of what ear-
nest men and women can do, even under the most adverse
and discouraging circumstances, when they possess the will
and determination.
This historic building stands on elevated ground south of
the east fork of the Chagrin River about three miles south-
east of Willoughby, Ohio, about nine miles southwest of
Painesville, and about six miles in direct line from Lake
Erie.
The building is built of stone, plastered without and
within. It is three stories high exclusive of the basement.
The first and second stories are auditoriums, each fifty-
five by sixty-five feet on the inside, exclusive of the vesti-
bule on the east end, through which is the entrance to the
building, and in which are the stairways. The lower room
was to be dedicated for "sacrament offering, and for your
preaching; and your fasting, and your praying, and the
offering up your most holy desires unto me, saith your
Lord." The second room was to be dedicated for the school
of the apostles. In each of these rooms are eight pulpits,
34 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
four in each end. Those in the west end were intended for
the Melchisedec priesthood, and those in the east end for
the Aaronic priesthood. The third story is divided into
small rooms.
The outside walls are about two feet thick; the outside of
the building is fifty-nine by seventy-nine feet.
The minutes of the dedication as published in the Messen-
ger and Advocate at the time are as follows: —
"KiBTLAND, Ohio, March 27, 1836.
"Previous notice having been given, the Church of the Lat-
ter Day Saints met this day in the house of the Lord to dedi-
cate it to him. The congregation began to assemble
Dedication. , . -1^,11 •, . v •, .-, -,
before eight o'clock a. m. and thronged the doors
until nine, when the Presidents of the church, who assisted
in seating the congregation, were reluctantly compelled to
order the doorkeepers to close the doors; every seat and aisle
was crowded. One thousand persons were now silently and
solemnly waiting to hear the word of the Lord from the
mouth of his servants in the sacred desk. President S. Rig-
don began the services of the day, by reading the ninety -sixth
and twenty-fourth Psalms. An excellent choir of singers,
led by M. C. Davis, sung the following hymn: —
" 'TUNE— Sterling.
" 'Ere long the vail will rend in twain.* . . .
"President Rigdon then, in an able, devout, and appropri-
ate manner, addressed the throne of grace. The following
hymn was then sung:—
" 'TuNE — Weymouth.
" 'O happy souls who pray.' . . .
"The speaker (S. Rigdon) selected the eighth chapter of
Matthew, the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth verses
from which he proposed to address the congregation, con-
fining himself more closely to the twentieth verse. He spoke
two hours and a half in his usual forcible and logical man-
ner. At one time in the course of his remarks he was rather
pathetic than otherwise, which drew tears from many eyes.
He was then taking a retrospective view of the toils, priva-
tions, and anxieties of those who had labored upon the walls
of the house to erect them. And added, there were those
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 35
who had wet them with their tears, in the silent shades of
night, while they were praying to the God of heaven to pro-
tect them and stay the unhallowed hands of ruthless spoilers,
who had uttered a prophecy when the foundation was laid that
the walls would never be reared. This was only a short
digression from the main thread of his discourse, which he
soon resumed.
"Here it may not be improper to give a synopsis of the
discourse for the satisfaction of our readers who were not
privileged as we were with hearing it. The speaker
assumed as a postulate, what we presume no one was dis-
posed to deny; viz. : that in the days of the Savior there
were synagogues, where the Jews worshiped God, and in
addition to them, the splendid temple at Jerusalem. Yet,
when on a certain occasion one proposed to follow him
whithersoever he went, he, though heir of all things, cried
out like one in the bitterness of his soul in abject poverty,
•The foxes have holes,' etc. This, said the speaker, was
evidence to his mind that the Most High did not put his
name there, and that he did not accept the worship of those
who paid their vows and adorations there. This was evident
from the fact that they would not receive him, but thrust him
from them, saying, 'Away with him! crucify him! crucify
him!' It was therefore abundantly evident that his Spirit
did not dwell in them. They were the degenerate sons of
noble sires; but they had long since slain the prophets and
seers through whom the Lord revealed himself to the chil-
dren of men. They were not led by revelation, this, said
the speaker, was the grand difficulty among them— their unbe-
lief in present revelation. He further remarked that their
unbelief in present revelation was the means of dividing that
generation into the various sects and parties that existed.
They were sincere worshipers, but their worship was not
required of them, nor was it acceptable to God. The
Redeemer himself, who knew the hearts of all men, called
them a generation of vipers. It was proof positive to his
mind, that there being Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and
Essenes, and all differing from each other, that they were led
by the precepts and commandments of men. Each
something peculiar to himself, but all agreed in one point;
viz. : to oppose the Redeemer. So that we discover he could
with the utmost propriety exclaim, notwithstanding their
synagogue and temple worship, 'The foxes have holes, the
birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not
where to lay his head.' He took occasion here to remark
that such diversity of sentiment ever had and ever would
obtain when people were not led by present revelation. This
brought him to the inevitable conclusion that the various
sects of the present day, from their manifesting the same
spirit, rested under the same condemnation with those who
were coeval with the Savior. He admitted there were many
houses, many sufficiently great, built for the worship of
God; but not one except this, on the face of the whole earth,
that was built by divine revelation; and were it not for this,
the dear Redeemer might in this day of science, this day of
intelligence, this day of religion, say to those who would fol-
low him, 'The foxes have holes, the birds of the air have
nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.'
"Here his whole soul appeared to be fired with his subject.
Arguments, strong and conclusive, seemed almost to vie with
each other for utterance. Indeed, there was no sophistry in
his reasoning, no plausible hypothesis on which the whole
rested, but on the contrary, plain scripture facts. There-
fore his deductions and inferences were logical and conclu-
sive.
4 'The comparison drawn between the different religious sects
of ancient and modern times was perfectly natural and sim-
ple, yet it was done in that confident, masterly manner, ac-
companied with those incontrovertible proofs of his position,
that was directly calculated to cheer and gladden the hearts
of the saints, but to draw down the indignation of the sec-
tarian world upon him; and we have no doubt, had our
speaker uttered the same sentiments, with the same proof of
their correctness, had there been those present that we
might name, his voice would doubtless have been drowned,
as was that of the ancient apostle in the Athenian temple,
when his auditors cried incessantly for about two hours
4Great is Diana of the Ephesians.'
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 37
"But to conclude, we can truly say no one unacquainted
with the manner of delivery and style of our speaker can
from reading form any adequate idea of the powerful effect
he is capable of producing in the minds of his hearers; and
to say on this occasion he showed himself master of his sub-
ject and did well, would be doing him injustice; to say he
acquitted himself with honor or did very well, would be de-
tracting from his real merit; and to say that he did exceed-
ing well, would be only halting praise.
"After closing his discourse he presented Joseph Smith,
Jr., to the church as a prophet and seer. The Presidents
of the church, then all in their seats, acknowledged him as
such by rising. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative.
"The question was then put and carried, without a mani-
fest dissenting sentiment, to each of the different grades or
quorums of church officers respectively, and then to the con-
gregation.
"The following hymn was then sung: —
" 'TtTNE, Hosanna.
" 'Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.' . . ,
"Services closed for the forenoon.
"Intermission was about fifteen minutes, during which
none left their seats except a few females, who from having
left their infants with their friends were compelled to do so
to take care of them. The p. m. services commenced by
singing the following hymn: —
" 'TUNE, Adam-ondi-Ahman.
"'This earth was once a garden place." . . .
"President J. Smith, Jr., then rose, and after a few pre-
liminary remarks presented the several Presidents of the
Quorums church, then present, to the several quorums re-
approyed. spectively, and then to the church as being equal
with himself, acknowledging them to be prophets and seers.
The vote was unanimous in the affirmative in every instance.
Each of the different quorums was presented in its turn to
all the rest, and then to the church, and received and ac-
knowledged by all the rest, in their several stations, with-
out a manifest dissenting sentiment.
"President J. Smith, Jr., then addressed the congregation
38 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
in a manner calculated to instruct the understanding rather
than please the ear, and at or about the close of his remarks
he prophesied to all that inasmuch as they would uphold
these men in their several stations, alluding to the different
quorums in the church, the Lord would bless them; yea, in
the name of Christ, the blessings of heaven shall be yours.
And when the Lord's anointed go forth to proclaim the
word, bearing testimony to this generation, if they receive
it, they shall be blessed; but if not, the judgments of God
will follow close upon them, until that city or that house
that rejects them shall be left desolate. The following
hymn was then sung: —
"'TuNE, Dalston.
" 'How pleased and blest was I.* ...
"He then offered the dedication prayer, which was as fol-
lows:—
*' 'Thanks be to thy name, O Lord God of Israel, who
keepest covenant and showest mercy unto thy servants,
Dedicatory w^° walk uprightly before thee with all their
prayer. hearts: thou who hast commanded thy servants
to build an house to thy name in this place. (Kirtland.)
And now thou beholdest, O Lord, that so thy servants
have done, according to thy commandment. And now we
ask thee, holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son
of thy bosom, in whose name alone salvation can be adminis-
tered to the children of men; we ask thee, O Lord, to accept
of this house, the workmanship of the hands of us, thy serv-
ants, which thou didst command us to build; for thou know-
est that we have done this work through great tribulation:
and out of our poverty we have given of our substance to
build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have
a place to manifest himself to his people.
" 'And as thou hast said, in a revelation given unto us,
calling us thy friends, saying, "Call your solemn assembly,
as I have commanded you; and as all have not faith, seek
ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea,
seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom: seek learn-
ing, even by study, and also by faith.
" ' "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 39
and establish a house, even a house 'of prayer, a house of
fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a .house of
glory, a house of order, a house of God ; that your incom-
ings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings
may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations
may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands to the
Most High."
*' 'And now, holy Father, we ask thee to assist us, thy
people with thy grace in calling our solemn assembly, that
it may be done to thy honor, and to thy divine acceptance,
and in a manner that we may be found worthy, in thy sight,
to secure a fulfillment of the promises which thou hast made
unto us thy people, in the revelations given unto us: that
thy glory may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy
house, which we now dedicate to thee, that it may be sancti-
fied and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence
may be continually in this house; and that all people who
shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel
thy power and be constrained to acknowledge that thou hast
sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holi-
ness.
" 'And do thou grant, holy Father, that all those who
shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom
out of the best books, and that they may seek learning, even
by study, and also by faith; as thou hast said; and that they
may grow up in thee and receive a fullness of the Holy
Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be pre-
pared to obtain every needful thing: and that this house
may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of
faith, a house of glory, and of God, even thy house: that all
the incomings of thy people, into this house, may be in the
name of the Lord; that all their outgoings from this house
may be in the name of the Lord; that all their salutations
may be in the name of the Lord, with holy hands, uplifted
to the Most High; and that no unclean thing shall be per-
mitted to come into thy house to pollute it.
" 'And when thy people transgress, any of them, they
may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in
thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast
40 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence
thee in this thy house.
" 'And we ask thee, holy Father, that thy servants may
go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that
thy name may be upon them and thy glory be round about
them, and thine angels have charge over them; and from
this place they may bear exceeding great and glorious
tidings in truth unto the ends of the earth, that they may
know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy
hand to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of
thy prophets concerning the last days.
" 'We ask thee, holy Father, to establish the people that
shall worship and honorably hold a name and standing in
this thy house, to all generations, and for eternity, that no
weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who dig-
geth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself; that no
combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and
prevail over thy people, upon whom thy name shall be put
in this house; and if any people shall rise against this peo-
ple, that thine anger be kindled against them; and if they
shall smite this people, thou wilt smite them— thou wilt
fight for thy people as thou didst in the day of battle, that
they may be delivered from the hands of all their enemies.
" 'We ask thee, holy Father, to confound and astonish,
and bring to shame and confusion all those who have spread
lying reports abroad over the world against thy servant or
servants, if they will not repent when the everlasting gos-
pel shall be proclaimed in their ears; and that all their
works may be brought to nought, and be swept away by the
hail, and by the judgments which thou wilt send upon them
in thine anger, that there may be an end to lyings and slan-
ders against thy people; for thou knowest, O Lord, that thy
servants have been innocent before thee in bearing record
of thy name, for which they have suffered these things;
therefore we plead before thee for a full and complete deliv-
erance from under this yoke. Break it off, O Lord; break
it off from the necks of thy servants by thy power, that we
may rise up in the midst of this generation and do thy work!
" 'O Jehovah! have m^rcy upon this people, and as all
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 41
men sin, forgive the transgressions of thy people and let
them be blotted out forever. Let the anointing of thy min-
isters be sealed upon them with power from on high: let it
be fulfilled upon them as upon those on the day of Pente-
cost; let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people,
even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation
thereof. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing
mighty wind, with thy glory.
" 'Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant,
that when they go out and proclaim thy word they may seal
up the law and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those
judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the
inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions,
that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble.
" 'And whatever city thy servants shall enter and the
people of that city receive their testimony, let thy peace
and thy salvation be upon that city, that they may gather
out of that city the righteous, that they may come forth to
Zion or to her stakes, the places of thine appointment, with
songs of everlasting joy; and until this be accomplished let
not thy judgments fall upon that city.
" 'And whatever city thy servants shall enter and the
people of that city receive not the testimony of thy serv-
ants, and thy servants warn them to save themselves from
this untoward generation, let it be upon that city according
to that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of thy proph-
ets; but deliver thou, O Jehovah, we beseech thee, thy set- •
ants from their hands, and cleanse them from their blood.
O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our fellow men:
their souls are precious before thee; but thy word must be
fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assist-
ing them, "Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours."
•' 'We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy
prophets terrible things concerning the wicked, in the last
days, that thou wilt pour out thy judgments, without meas-
ure; therefore, O Lord, deliver thy people from the calamity
of the wicked; enable thy servants to seal up the law and
bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared against
the day of burning.
42 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
'* 'We ask thee, holy Father, to remember those who have
been driven by the inhabitants of Jackson County, Missouri,
from the lands of their inheritance, and break off, O Lord,
this yoke of affliction that has been put upon them. Thou
knowest, O Lord, that they have been greatly oppressed and
afflicted, by wicked men, and our hearts flow out in sorrow
because of their grievous burdens. O Lord, how long wilt
thou suffer this people to bear this affliction, and the cries
of their innocent ones to ascend up in thine ears, and their
blood to come up in testimony before thee, and not make a
display of thy power in their behalf?
" 'Have mercy, O Lord, upon that wicked mob, who have
driven thy people, that they may cease to spoil, that they
may repent of their sins, if repentance is to be found; but if
they will not, make bare thine arm, O Lord, and redeem that
which thou didst appoint a Zion unto thy people!
" 'And if it cannot be otherwise, that the cause of thy
people may not fail before thee, may thine anger be kindled
and thine indignation fall upon them, that they may be
wasted away, both root and branch, from under heaven; but
inasmuch as they will repent, thou art gracious and merciful
and will turn away thy wrath when thou lookest upon the
face of thine anointed.
" 'Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth;
have mercy upon the rulers of our land. May those princi-
ples which were so honorably and nobly defended; viz., the
Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established for-
ever. Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles, and the
great ones of the earth, and all people; and the churches; all
the poor, the needy and the afflicted ones of the earth, that
their hearts may be softened when thy servants shall go out
from thy house, O Jehovah, to bear testimony of thy name,
that their prejudices may give way before the truth, and thy
people may obtain favor in the sight of all, that all the ends
of the earth may know that we thy servants have heard thy
voice, and that thou hast sent us, that from among all these
thy servants, the sons of Jacob, may gather out the right-
eous to build a holy city to thy name, as thou hast commanded
them.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 43
" 'We ask thee to appoint unto Zion other stakes besides
this one, which thou hast appointed, that the gathering of
thy people may roll on in great power and majesty, that thy
work may be cut short in righteousness.
" 'Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee,
concerning the revelations and commandments which thou
hast given unto us, who are identified with the Gentiles. But
thou knowest that we have a great love for the children of
Jacob who have been scattered upon the mountains; for a
long time in a cloudy and dark day.
" 'We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon the children
of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from this hour, may begin to be
redeemed, and the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken
off from the house of David, and the children of Judah may
begin to return to the lands which thou didst give to Abra-
ham, their father, and cause that the remnants of Jacob,
who have been cursed and smitten, because of their trans-
gression, to be converted from their wild and savage condi-
tion, to the fullness of the everlasting gospel, that they may
lay down their weapons of bloodshed and cease their rebel-
lions. And may all the scattered remnants of Israel, who
have been driven to the ends of the earth, come to a knowl-
edge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, and be redeemed
from oppression, and rejoice before thee.
" 'O Lord, remember thy servant Joseph Smith, Jr., and
all his afflictions and persecutions, how he has covenanted
with Jehovah and vowed to thee, O mighty God of Jacob,
and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and
that he hath sincerely strove to do thy will. Have mercy,
O Lord, upon his wife and children, that they may be
exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering
hand. Have mercy upon all their immediate connections,
that their prejudices may be broken up and swept away as
with a flood, that they may be converted and redeemed with
Israel and know that thou art God. Remember, O Lord, the
presidents, even all the presidents of thy church, that thy
right hand may exalt them with all their families, and their
immediate connections, that their names' may be perpetuated
44 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and had in everlasting remembrance from generation to gen-
eration.
" 'Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all their fami-
lies, and all their immediate connections, with all their sick
and afflicted ones, with all the poor and meek of the earth,
that the kingdom which thou hast set up without hands may
become a great mountain and fill the whole earth, that thy
church may come forth out of the wilderness of darkness
and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terri-
ble as an army with banners, and be adorned as a bride for
that day when thou shalt uoveil the heavens and cause the
mountains to flow down at thy presence, and the valleys to
be exalted, the rough places made smooth, that thy glory
may fill the earth.
" 'That when the trump shall sound for the dead, we shall
be caught up in the cloud to meet thee, that we may ever be
with the Lord, that our garments may be pure, that we may
be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in
our hands and crowns of glory upon our head, and reap eter-
nal joy for all our sufferings. O Lord, God Almighty, hear
us in these our petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy
holy habitation, where thou sittest enthroned with glory,
honor, power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice,
judgment, mercy, and an infinity of fullness from everlast-
ing to everlasting.
" 'O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord, and answer these
petitions, and accept the dedication of this house unto thee,
the work of our hands, which we have built unto thy name;
and also this church to put upon it thy name. And help us
by the power of thy Spirit, that we may mingle our voices
with those bright shining seraphs around thy throne with
acclamations of praise, singing hosanna to God and the
Lamb: and let these thine anointed ones be clothed with sal-
vation, and thy saints shout aloud for joy. Amen and
Amen.'
"The choir then sung a hymn.
" 'TuNE, Hosanna.
"'The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.' . . .
"President Smith then asked the several quorums sepa-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 45
rately, and then the congregation, if they accepted the
prayer. The vote was in every instance unanimous in the
affirmative.
"The eucharist was administered. D. C. Smith blessed
the bread and wine and they were distributed by several
elders present, to the church.
"President J. Smith, Jr., then arose and bore record of his
mission. D. C. Smith bore record of the truth of
the work of the Lord in which we are engaged.
"President O. Cowdery spoke and testified of the truth of
the Book of Mormon and of the work of the Lord in these
last days.
"President P. G. Williams bore record that a holy angel
of God came and sat between him and J. Smith, Sr., while
the house was being dedicated.
"President Hyrum Smith (one of the building committee)
made some appropriate remarks concerning the house, con-
gratulating those who had endured so many toils and priva-
tions to erect it, that it was the Lord's house built by his
commandment and he would bless them.
"President S. Rigdon then made a few appropriate closing
remarks, and a short prayer, which was ended with loud
acclamations of Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna to God and
the Lamb, Amen, Amen and Amen! three times. Elder B.
Young, one of the Twelve, gave a short address in tongues;
Elder D. W. Patten interpreted and gave a short exhortation
in tongues himself; after which, President J. Smith, Jr.,
blessed the congregation in the name of the Lord, and at a
little past four p. m. the whole exercise closed and the con-
gregation dispersed-.
"We further add that we should do violence to our own
feelings and injustice to the real merit of our brethren and
friends who attended the meeting, were we here to withhold
a meed of praise, which we think is their just due, not only
for their quiet demeanor during the whole exercise, which
lasted more than eight hours, but for their great liberality in
contributing of their earthly substance for the relief of the
building committee, who were yet somewhat involved. As
this was to be a day of sacrifice, as well as of fasting, there
46 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
was a man placed at each door in the morning to receive the
voluntary donations of those who entered. On counting the
collection it amounted to nine hundred and sixty-three dol-
lars."— Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, pp. 274-281.
Tuesday, March 29, 1836, there was a meeting of some of
washing ^e leading men held in the temple, at which time
of feet. flje ordinance of washing of feet was attended to,
and the Lord's supper administered.
On the 30th official members of the church to the number
of about three hundred met and attended to the ordinance of
feet washing, continuing all night in session.
On Thursday, the 31st, the dedication services of the pre-
vious Sunday were repeated for the benefit of those who
could not be admittedJfor want of room on Sunday.
Of a meeting held in the temple on April 3, 1836, and other
items, Joseph writes: —
"Sunday, 3d. Attended meeting in the Lord's house, and
assisted the other presidents of the church in seating the
congregation, and then became an attentive listener to the
preaching from the stand. Thomas B. Marsh and David W.
Patten spoke in the forenoon to an attentive audience of
about one thousand persons. In the afternoon, I assisted
the other presidents in distributing the elements of the
Lord's supper to the church, receiving them from the
Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate in the sacred desk
this' day. After having performed this service to my breth-
ren, I retired to the pulpit, the vails being dropped, and
bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent
prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was
opened to both of us: —
"The vail was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our
understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing
upon the breastwork of the pulpit before us, and
under his feet was a paved work of pure gold in
color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire, the hair
of his head was white like the pure snow, his countenance
shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was as
the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of
Jehovah, saying: —
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 47
" 'I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth;
I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the
Father. Behold, your sins are forgiven you, you are
clean before me, therefore lift up your heads and rejoice, let
the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all
my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this
house to my name, for behold, I have accepted this house,
and my name shall be here, and I will manifest myself to my
people in mercy in this house; yea, I will appear unto my
servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my
people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this
holy house; yea, the hearts of thousands and tens of thou-
sands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings
which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which
my servants have been endowed in this house; and the fame
of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the
beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon
the heads of my people. Even so. Amen.'
"After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened
unto us, and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto
us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of
the earth, and the leading of the Ten Tribes from the land of
the north.
"After this Elias appeared, and committed the dispensa-
tion of the gospel of Abraham, saying, that in us and our
seed all generations after us should be blessed.
"After this vision had closed, another great and glorious
vision burst upon us, for Elijah the prophet, who was taken
to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and
said: —
" 'Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of
by the mouth of Malachi, testifying that he [Elijah] should
be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with
a curse. Therefore the keys of this dispensation are com-
mitted into your hands, and by this ye may know that the
great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the
doors.'
48 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Monday, the 4th. The elders began to spreid abroad in
all parts of the land, preaching the word.
"Saturday, the 9th. Myself and the principal heads of
the church, accompanied the wise men of Zion; namely,
Bishop Partridge and his counselors, Isaac Morley and John
Corrill, and President W. W. Phelps, on their way home, as
far as Chardon; and after staying all night, blessed them in
the morning and returned to Kirtland." — Millennial Star.
vol. 15, pp. 729 and 739.
Resuming the history, Joseph writes: —
"The remainder of this month, and May also, was devoted
to the spiritual interests of the brethren, and particularly
in devising ways and means to build up Kirtland; and in
fact the city began to spring into existence like the opening
buds of the forest.
"May 10. Brother Hober C. Kimball came to me for
counsel, to know whether he should go into the vineyard to
H. c. mm- proclaim the gospel, or go to school. I told him
hairs mission. ne might do either that he should choose, for the
Lord will bless you, or you shall be blessed. He chose to
go into the vineyard; he likewise immediately started, and
went down through the State of New York into the State of
Vermont, to his native country. He stopped a short time,
and then returned back to the city of Ogdensburg, on the
St. Lawrence River, where he built up a church of twenty
members. When about leaving that place, my father, and
Uncle John Smith, came to him, and blessed the church with
patriarchal blessings. When they came to Brother Kimball
they were very much depressed in spirits, for when they
came through the town of Potsdam, their brother, Jesse
Smith, having a spirit against them, in consequence of their
religion, swore out an execution against my father, and
levied upon his horse and wagon; and to settle the affair
and get out of his clutches, my uncle, Silas Smith, (who had
returned to that place on private business,) stepped forward
and paid fifty dollars, in order that they might pursue their
journey home
"My cousin. Elias Smith, arrived from St. Lawrence
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 49
County, New York, with the information that his father and
Family family, and Uncle Silas and family, were on their
way to Kirtland, and that my grandmother was at
Fairport.
"May 17. I went, in company with my brother Hyrum,
in a carriage to Fairport, and brought home my grand-
mother, Mary Smith, aged ninety-three years. She had not
been baptized, on account of the opposition of Jesse Smith,
her eldest son, who has always been an enemy to the work.
She had come five hundred miles to see her children, and
knew all of us she had ever seen; was much pleased at being
introduced to her great-grandchildren, and expressed much
pleasure and gratification on seeing me.
"My grandfather, Asael Smith, long ago predicted that
there would be a prophet raised up in his family, and my
grandmother was fully satisfied that it was fulfilled in me.
My grandfather Asael died in Bast Stockholm, St. Law-
rence County, New York, after having received the Book of
Mormon, and read it nearly through; and he declared that I
was the very prophet that he had long known would come
in his family.
"On the 18th, my uncle Silas Smith and family arrived
from the East. My father, three of his brothers, and their
mother, met the first time for many years. It was a happy
day, for we had long prayed to see our grandmother and
uncles in the church.
"On May 27, after a few days' visit with her children,
which she enjoyed extremely well, my grandmother fell
asleep without sickness, pain, or regret. She breathed her
last about sunset, and was buried in the burial ground near
the temple, after the funeral address had been delivered by
Sidney Rigdon. She had buried one daughter, Sarah; two
sons, Stephen and Samuel; and her husband, who died
October 30, 1830, and left five sons and three daughters still
living. At the death of my grandfather, who had kept a
record, there were one hundred and ten children, grandchil-
dren, and great-grandchildren. My uncle Stephen, and
aunt Sarah, were buried side by side in the burial ground
in Royal ton, Windsor County, Vermont. Stephen died July
50 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
25, 1802, aged seventeen years, three months, and eleven
days." — Millennial Star, vol. 15, pp. 741 and 742.
CHAPTER 3.
1835-1836.
AFFAIRS IN MISSOURI — TROUBLE IN CLAY COUNTY — HISTORICAL
ACCOUNT — ORGANIZATION OF CALDWELL COUNTY — PROSPECTS
OF PEACE.
IN Missouri the year 1835 and a portion of 1836 were spent
Affairs in *n comparative peace. The people in Clay County
Missouri. were mostly friendly and hospitable.
The Jackson County people, however, were diligent in
their efforts to stir up strife and distrust. In consequence
of this the public mind became somewhat inflamed, so much
so that trouble was feared, and some public measures were
taken to avert it, an account of which will be given in the
following pages, and documents produced which in them-
selves are sufficiently explicit.
In a serial article entitled, "A history of the persecution
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Mis-
souri," published in the Times and Seasons in 1840, occurs the
following: —
"The Governor, D. Dunklin, was disposed to bring the
mobbers to justice; consequently ten or twelve witnesses
were subpoenaed to attend the February term of the Circuit
Court. Captain Atchison was ordered to guard them over
to Jackson and back with his company of Liberty Blues.
The Attorney General was also ordered, or requested, by
the Governor to attend the court, to assist the circuit attor-
ney in the investigation. The witnesses were guarded over
to Independence, and after having been there a short time
they were visited by the circuit attorney, accompanied by
the Attorney General. They informed the witnesses that
such was the excitement prevailing there that it was doubt-
ful whether anything could be done to bring the mobbers to
justice; that if any should be convicted they would only be
52 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
fined in some trifling sum, not to exceed five dollars at most,
just enough to answer the law; and they advised the wit-
nesses not to go before the grand jury, intimating at the
same time that they might be in danger. The witnesses
replied that they had been ordered there by the court, and
they supposed that they were still subject to the court, or
to them— the attorneys. As to the danger in going before
the grand jury, they feared it not; they were ready and will-
ing to go and testify to the truth. The attorneys left them,
and in a short time after they were informed by Captain
Atchison that the judge, Mr. Ryland, had sent him word
that the witnesses and guard were not wanted there any
longer. Captain A. paraded his men as soon and as well as
he could for the crowd, and immediately marched off, the
witnesses following him. All hopes were now given up of
ever bringing that people to justice; their hatred towards
the saints appeared to be unabating; they frequently sent
over word to Clay County that they were coming over to
drive them from that place; they even went so far as to cir-
culate a paper in Clay County, the object of which was to
obtain volunteers there, to assist them in driving the saints
away. In Clay County, however, they had but a few friends
(for some time) and could not obtain many signers.
"A wealthy farmer by the name of Arthur, living in Clay
County, who was then friendly to the saints, and who was in
the habit of sending flour and whisky into Jackson to sell,
(it generally being higher there than in Clay, in consequence
of the Indian trade,) sent over one of his negroes and team
with a load, sometime that fall or winter, [and] they were
stopped on the road by some of the good people of Jackson,
who mounted the load and with axes cut the barrels to pieces
and wasted the flour and whisky upon the ground.
"In 1834, if we mistake not, an inoffensive brother by the
name of Ira J. Willes went into Jackson County to hunt for
a lost cow. He was taken by some of the ruffians residing
there who, after stripping off his clothes, whipped him un-
mercifully. For the credit of Missouri we would state that
he was taken from the house of a justice of the peace; this
is an ensample of upper Missouri peacemakers. The same
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 53
year Bro. Lewis Abbot, a very peaceable man, went to Jack-
son to see a man who owed him. On his way he was discov-
ered and overtaken by some of that lawless banditti, who
beat him with handspikes, no doubt with an intent to kill,
for that was what they swore they would do; but his life
was preserved and he escaped out of their hands. Thus
have that people unceasingly abused and persecuted the
saints whenever they could get an opportunity.
"Governor Dunklin appeared willing to guard back the
saints to Jackson County at any time when they should get
ready to go, but said that he had .not authority to keep a
guard there for their protection. That being the case, they
were advised by some of the most influential men in the
upper country, who were friendly to them but not believers
in their faith, to have enough of their brethren emigrate to
that country to enable them to maintain their rights should
the mob ever attempt to trample upon them again, and then
get the Governor to set them back' upon their lands. Ac-
cordingly word was sent forth to the churches to that effect,
and in the summer of 1834 a large company emigrated from
the eastern churches to Clay County for that purpose.
"Whilst this company was forming and going up to Mis-
souri, rumor with her ten thousand tongues was busily en-
gaged in circulating falsehoods about them, insomuch that
before they arrived at Clay County there was considerable
excitement even there.
"The Jackson County people went over into Clay and
called a meeting and stirred up all the feelings there that
they possibly could against the saints. The anger of the
people of Jackson County rose to a great height; they had
furnished themselves with a number of cannon, and their
neighbors of the adjoining counties on the south side of the
Missouri River volunteered by hundreds to assist them
provided that the Governor should attempt to set the saints
back upon their land in Jackson County.
"The company from the eastern churches arrived in Clay
County and their gentle manners and peaceable deportment
soon convinced the people of that country of the false
reports which had been circulated about them. The excite-
54 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
ment was very soon done away, and the people appeared
more friendly than before.
"After the arrival of the brethren from the East a coun-
cil was held and it was concluded, considering the great
wrath of the people south of the river, that it would not be
wisdom to ask the Governor to set them back at that time.
"The people of Clay County were mostly friendly to the
saints, but there were a few exceptions. Nothing of impor-
tance occurred, however, for some time; a few threats and
insults from those who were disaffected was all the hostility
manifested till the summer of 1836.
"The suits which had been commenced against the Jack-
son County people for damages progressed so slowly and were
attended with such an amount of costs that they were all
dropped but two, which were considered sufficient to try the
experiment to ascertain whether or not anything could be
obtained by the law. Nearly three hundred dollars cost had
been paid by the brethren to obtain a change of venue; the
suits were then removed to Ray County. Court after court
passed and the trials were continued. At last, in the sum-
mer of 1836, the time drew near when it was supposed that
the trials must come on, which was very gratifying to those
who planted the suits. When the court came, their lawyers,
instead of going to trial as they should have done, made a
sort of compromise with the mobbers, by dropping one suit
without even having the cost paid, and that too without the
knowledge or consent of their employers. On the other
suit the defendants agreed to pay a few hundred dollars,
though not as much as the lawyer's fees had been. Thus
the lawyers, after getting their pay, managed the cases.
Had they been true to the brethren, as they were bound
to be by oath, and brought their suits to a trial instead
of making a compromise, and labored faithfully for them
as they ought to have done, and labored as though- they
meant to earn their thousand dollar fee, there is no doubt
but that on the two suits they would have obtained as
many thousands of dollars as they did hundreds by the
compromise. No further attempts have ever been made to
obtain a compensation for the losses and damages sustained
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 55
by the saints in Jackson County, except last winter in
petitioning the legislature of Missouri. Among other things
they asked the State for remuneration for them, which the
legislature did not see fit to grant.
"In the summer of 1836 the mob party in Clay County
strengthened itself considerably and became quite bold, inso-
much that they in one or two instances began to whip the
saints; and one day some sixty or seventy of them assembled,
rode off a few miles east and stopped a few wagons which
were moving to Clay County, and turned them back. It was
manifested from their threatenings and actions that they
were determined to fall upon the saints and drive them out
of the county if they could. It was equally manifest that
the saints were disposed to defend themselves against mobs,
even to the shedding of blood.
"At that time it was seen that if something was not done
to stop it blood would be shed; for the mob party were re-
solved on driving, and the saints were determined not to be
driven by them, without first trying their strength; where-
fore the most intelligent and respectable citizens of the
county, who had always appeared friendly to the saints,
held a meeting, in which they appointed a committee and
also requested the saints to appoint a committee, to meet
their committee near Liberty on a day appointed to confer
with each other, and see if something could not be done to
evade the storm, which appeared to be fast gathering.
"The committee met at the appointed time and a propo-
sition was made by the citizen's committee to the other, to
this effect:—
"That whereas, the people of Clay County had kindly
received the saints in their distress, when it was expected
that they would soon return to Jackson County, and not
think of making Clay County a permanent home; and whereas
almost three years had passed away since, and the prospect
of their returning to Jackson County was less at that time
than it was years before; and that a portion of the citizens
of Clay County were dissatisfied to have them remain where
they were any longer; therefore the committee in behalf of
the citizens requested that they (the saints) should look
56 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
themselves a new location, either in some unsettled part of
the State, or otherwise go out of the State, as suited them
best. The committee disclaimed all right to request any
such thing; they said they knew very well that the saints
had just as good a right there as themselves, but they
thought that considering the opposition that there was to
them it would be better for them to go where they could be
more by themselves; and they even recommended their gath-
ering together and living altogether by themselves. They
further said that if they would consent to go and seek a new
location they would send a committee with them who was
acquainted with the country, who would pilot them in look-
ing it out. However, a location had already been selected
and about sixteen hundred acres of land purchased but a
short time previous; and they were willing to go, and some of
them were making preparations to move there soon before the
meeting of the committee. Wherefore the committee on the
part of the church consented to the proposition made to
them; and then all parted with apparent good feelings.
Soon afterwards three on the part of the church and two
pilots started to view the country. They traveled a number
of days in the new settlements towards the northwest corner
of the State; and they finally concluded that the place pre-
viously selected, now known as Caldwell County, should be
the place where they would settle; there being but a few in-
habitants in a district of country large enough for a county,
and they, in general, willing to sell out.
"Upon these movements the mob spirit in Clay County
measurably subsided, and the saints prepared and moved to
their new settlement as fast as their circumstances would
permit, pleased with the idea of settling together by them-
selves."— Times and Seasons, vol. 1, pp. 49-51.
The resolutions passed by the citizens of Clay County,
referred to in the above, were in full as follows: —
"From the Far West.
"PUBLIC MEETING.
"A respectable number of our fellow citizens met, being
Trouble in previously notified of the same, at the courthouse,
ciay county. in tbe town of Liberty, June 29, 1836.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 57
"On motion of Doctor Woodson J. Moss, John Bird was
called to the chair.
"And, on motion of Col. William T. Wood, John F.
Doherty appointed secretary: —
"The object of the meeting was, by request of the chair,
explained in a few appropriate remarks by Col. Wood, when
"On motion of Col. William T. Wood, a committee of nine
was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of
this meeting: —
"Whereupon the following gentlemen were chosen; viz.: —
"John Thornton, Esq., Peter Rogers, Esq., Andrew
Robertson, Esq., James T. V. Thompson, Esq., Col. Wil-
liam T. Wood, Doct. Woodson J. Moss, James M. .Hughes,
Esq., David R. Atchison, Esq., and A. W. Doniphan, Esq.,
who retired, and in a short time returned and made through
their chairman (Col. John Thornton) the following unani-
mous report, which was read: —
" 'It is apparent to every reflecting mind that a crisis has
arrived in this county that requires the deep, cool, dispas-
sionate consideration and immediate action of every lover of
peace, harmony, and good order. We cannot conceal from
ourselves the fact that at this moment the clouds of civil war
are rolling up their fearful masses and hanging over our
devoted county, solemn, dark, and terrible. This painful
state of things has been produced mainly by the rapid and
increasing emigration of that people commonly called Mor-
mons, during the last few months. It is known to all that
in November, 1833, these people were expelled from their
homes in Jackson County, without money, without property,
without the means of subsistence for themselves, their wives,
and their children; and like Noah's dove without even a
resting place for their feet.
" 'They came to our county thus friendless and penniless,
seeking (as they said) but a temporary asylum from the
storms of persecution by which they were then buffeted.
Their destitute and miserable condition, at that inclement)
season of the year, excited the deep sympathies of the philan-
thropic and hospitable citizens of this county; and notwith-
standing the thousand reports that were borne on the wings
58 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
of the wind, charging them with almost every crime known
to the laws of our country; yet our feelings of kindness, and
sympathy for human suffering, prevailed over every obstacle,
and they were received with friendship and treated with
toleration, and often with marks of peculiar kindness. They
always declared that they looked not upon this county as
their home, but as a temporary asylum, and that whenever
a respectable portion of the citizens of this county should
request it, they would promptly leave us in peace as they
found us. That period has now arrived. Duty to ourselves,
to our families, and to the best interests of our county,
require at our hands to demand the fulfillment of that pledge.
" 'They are charged, by those who are opposed to them,
with an unfriendly determination to violate that pledge.
Their rapid emigration, their large purchases and offers to
purchase lands, the remarks of the ignorant and imprudent
portion of them that this country is destined by heaven to be
theirs, are received and looked upon by a large portion of
this community as strong and convincing proofs that they
intend to make this county their permanent home, the cen-
ter and general rendezvous of their people.
*' 'These are some of the reasons why these people have
become objects of the deepest hatred and detestation to many
of our citizens. They are eastern men, whose manners,
habits, customs, and even dialect are essentially different
from our own; they are non-slaveholders, and opposed to
slavery, which, in this peculiar period when abolition has
reared its deformed and haggard visage in our land is well
calculated to excite deep and abiding prejudices in any com-
munity where slavery is tolerated and practiced. * In addi-
1 That these fears were groundless will appear from the following ex-
tract published by Joseph Smith in April, 1836.
"Before closing this communication, I beg leave to drop a word to the
traveling elders: You know, brethren, that great responsibility rests
upon you, and that you are accountable to God for all you teach the
world. In my opinion you will do well to search the Book of Covenants,
in which you will see the belief of the church concerning masters and
servants. All men are to be taught to repent; but we have no right to
interfere with slaves contrary to the mind and will of their masters. In
fact, it would be much better and more prudent not to preach at all to
slaves, until after their masters are converted: and then, teach the mas-
ter to use them with kindness, remembering that they are accountable
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 59
tion to all this they are charged, as they have heretofore
been, with keeping up a constant communication with the
Indian tribes on our frontier, with declaring, even from the
pulpit, that the Indians are a part of God's chosen people,
and are destined by heaven to inherit this land, in common
with themselves.
" 'We do not vouch for the correctness of these statements,
but whether they are true or false, their effect has been the
same in exciting our community. In times of greater tran-
quility such ridiculous remarks might well be regarded as
the offspring of frenzied fanaticism; but at this time our
defenseless situation on the frontier, the bloody disasters of
our fellow citizens in Florida and other parts of the South,
all tend to make a portion of our citizens regard such senti-
ments with horror, if not alarm.
" 'These and many other causes have combined to raise a
prejudice against them, and a feeling of hostility, that the
first spark may, and we deeply fear will, ignite into all the
horrors and desolations of a civil war — the worst evil that
can befall any country. We therefore feel it our duty to
come forward as mediators and use every means in our
power to prevent the occurrence of so great an evil.
" 'As the most efficient means to arrest the evil, we urge
on the Mormons to use every means to put an immediate
stop to the emigration of their people to this county. We
earnestly urge them to seek some other abiding place,
where the manners, the habits and customs of the people
will be more consonant with their own. For this purpose
we would advise them to explore the Territory of Wiscon-
sin. This country is peculiarly suited to their condition and
their wants. It is almost entirely unsettled; they can there
procure large bodies of land together, where there are no
to God, and that servants are bound to serve their masters, with single-
ness of heart, without murmuring. I do most sincerely hope that no one
who is authorized from this church to preach the gospel will so far
depart from the scripture as to be found stirring up strife and sedition
against our brethren of the South. Having spoken frankly and freely, I
leave all in the hands of God, who will direct all things for his glory and
the accomplishment of his work.
"Praying that God may spare you to do much good in this life, I sub-
scribe myself your brother in the Lord, JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.
60 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
settlements and none to interfere with them. It is a Terri-
tory in which slavery is prohibited, and it is settled entirely
with emigrants from the North and East.
" 'The religious tenets of this people are so different from
the present churches of the age that they always have and
always will excite deep prejudices against them in any popu-
lous country where they may locate. We therefore, in a
spirit of frank and friendly kindness, do advise them to seek
a home where they may obtain large and separate bodies of
land and have a community of their own.
" 'We further say to them, if they regard their own safety
and welfare, if they regard the welfare of their families,
their wives and children, they will ponder with deep and
solemn reflection on this friendly admonition. If they have
one spark of gratitude, they will not willingly plunge a peo-
ple into civil war who held out to them the friendly hand of
assistance in that hour of dark distress when there was few
to say, God save them. We can only say to them that if
they still persist in the blind course they have heretofore fol-
lowed in flooding the country with their people, that we
fear and firmly believe that an immediate civil war is the
inevitable consequence.
'« 'We know that there is not one among us who thirsts
for the blood of that people. We do not contend that we
have the least right, under the Constitution and laws of the
country, to expel them by force; but we would indeed be
blind if we did not foresee that the first blow that is struck
at this moment of deep excitement, must and will speedily
involve every individual in a war bearing ruin, woe, and
desolation in its course. It matters but little how, where,
or by whom the war may begin, when the work of destruc-
tion commences, we must all be borne onward by the storm
or crushed beneath its fury. In a civil war, when our
homes is the theatre on which it is fought, there can be no
neutrals; let our opinions be what they may, we must fight
in self-defense. We want nothing, we ask nothing, we
would have nothing from this people. We only ask them,
for their own safety and for ours, to take the least of the
two evils. Most of them are destitute of land, have but lit-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 61
tie property, are late emigrants to this country, without
relations, friends, or endearing ties to bind them to this
land at the risk of such imminent peril to them and to us.
We request them to leave us, when their crops are gathered,
their business settled, and they have made every suitable
preparation to remove. Those who have forty acres of land
we are willing shall remain until they can dispose of it with-
out loss if it should require years; but we urge, most
strongly urge, that emigration cease and cease immediately,
as nothing else can or will allay for a moment the deep
excitement that is now unhappily agitating this community.
If the Mormons will comply with these friendly requisitions,
we will use every exertion among our own citizens to arrest
this evil before it is forever too late; but if they are disre-
garded, we can promise neither them or ourselves, a long
continuation of the blessings of peace and harmony.
" '1. Therefore, be it resolved by this meeting, that they
view with feelings of the deepest regret the present unhappy
situation of our country.
" '2. That it is the fixed and settled conviction of this
meeting, that unless the people commonly called Mormons
will agree to stop immediately the emigration of their peo-
ple to this county, and take measures to remove themselves
from it, a civil war is inevitable.
" 43. That a committee of ten be appointed to make known
to the leaders of that people the views of this meeting, and
to urge upon them the propriety of acceding to these propo-
sitions.
" 44. That said committee consist of Andrew Robertson,
Michael Arthur, Littleberry Sublet, John Baxter, James
M. Hughes, W. J. Moss,. John Bird, Peter Rogers, W. T.
Wood, and J. T. V. Thompson, who shall meet on to-mor-
row at the house of Mr. Cowen and confer with the Mor-
mons and report to this meeting, as soon thereafter as
convenient, the reply of the Mormons to these requisitions.
" '5. That if the Mormons agree to these propositions we
will use every means in our power to allay the excitement
among our own citizens and to get tnem to await the result
of these things.
62 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
" '6. That it is the opinion of this meeting that the recent
emigrants among the Mormons should take measures to
leave this county immediately, as they have no crops on
hand and nothing to lose by continuing their journey to
some more friendly land.'
"On motion of Col. Wm. T. Wood, the preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted.
"Be it resolved that this meeting adjourn until Saturday
next.
"JOHN BIRD, Chairman.
"JOHN F. DOHERTY, Secretary."
— Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, pp. 353-355.
This meeting reassembled according to adjournment on
July 2, 1836, when the committee appointed to visit the
"Mormon leaders" reported as follows: —
"PUBLIC MEETING.
"The citizens of Clay County met, pursuant to adjourn-
ment. The chairman and secretary resumed their stations,
when the committee appointed by a public meeting held at
the courthouse in the town of Liberty, on Wednesday, June
29, to confer with the Mormon leaders and to present to
them the preamble and resolutions passed by said meeting,
met according to the appointment at the house of Mr. Cowan,
and through the chairman of the committee, Woodson J.
Moss, reported to the meeting the response of the Mormons
to the preamble and resolutions passed at the aforesaid
meeting on Wednesday, the 29th, which is as follows: —
*' 'At a respectable meeting of the Elders of the Church
of Latter Day Saints, held in Clay County, Missouri, on Fri-
day, the first day of July, 1836; W. W. Phelps was called to
the chair and John Corrill appointed secretary. The pre-
amble and resolutions from a meeting of citizens was read
and a committee of twelve; viz., E. Partridge, I. Morley, L.
Wight, T. B. Marsh, E. Higbey, C. Beebe, J. Hitchcock, I.
Higbey, S. Bent, T. Billings, J. Emmett, and R. Evans, were
appointed, who retired and, after a short time, reported the
following preamble and resolutions: —
" 'That we (the Mormons so-called) are grateful for the
kindness which has been shown to us by the citizens of Clay
since we have resided with them, and being desirous for
peace and wishing the good rather than the ill will of man-
kind, will use all honorable means to allay the excitement
and, so far as we can, remove any foundation for jealousies
against us as a people.
" 'We are aware that many rumors prejudicial to us as a
society are afloat, and time only can prove their falsity to
the world at large.
" 'We deny having claim to this or any other county or
country further than we purchase with money, or more than
the Constitution and laws allow us as free American citi-
zens.
" 'We have taken no part for or against slavery, but are
opposed to the abolitionists, and consider that men have a
right to hold slaves or not according to law. We believe it
just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth and
warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruptions
of the world, but we do not believe it right to interfere with
bondservants nor preach the gospel to nor meddle with or
influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied
with their situation in this life, thereby jeopardizing the
lives of men. Such interference we believe to be unlawful
and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government
allowing human beings to be held in servitude.
" 'We deny holding any communications with the Indians,
and mean to hold ourselves as ready to defend our country
against their barbarous ravages as any other people. We
believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the
respective governments in which they reside, while protected
in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such
governments, and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming
every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accord-
ingly. It is needless to enter into a further detail of our
faith or mention our sufferings, therefore,
" '1. Resolved, for the sake of friendship and to be in a
covenant of peace with the citizens of Clay County, and the
citizens of Clay County to be in a covenant of peace with us,
notwithstanding the necessary loss of property and expense
we incur in moving, we comply with the requisitions of their
64 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
resolutions in leaving the county of Clay, as explained by
the preamble accompanying the same; and that we will use
our exertions to have the church do the same; and that we
will also exert ourselves to stop the tide of emigration of
our people to this county.
" '2. Resolved, that we accept of the friendly offer verbally
tendered to us, by the committee yesterday, to assist us in
selecting a location and removing to it.
" '3. Resolved, unanimously, that this meeting accept and
adopt the above preamble and resolutions which are here
presented by the committee.
" '4. Resolved, that T. B. Marsh, L. Wight, and S. Bent
be a committee to carry these proceedings to the meeting of
the citizens of Clay, to be held to-morrow, at Liberty.'
"The above was unanimously adopted by the meeting.
"W. W. PHELPS, Chairman.
"JOHN CORRILL, Secretary."
— Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, pp. 359, 360.
Upon this report the mass meeting took action as follows: —
"Resolved, that this meeting do accept and receive the
reply of the Mormons to the resolutions passed on Wednes-
day, the 29th June, as perfectly satisfactory.
"Be it further resolved by this meeting that we will use
our utmost endeavors to carry into effect the object con-
tained in the preamble and resolutions passed on Wednes-
day, the 29th, and as agreed to by the Mormons.
"Be it further resolved, that we urge it on our fellow
citizens to keep the peace towards the Mormons as good
faith, justice, morality, and religion require us.
"Be it further resolved, that a committee of ten persons,
two in each township, be appointed to raise money by sub-
scription to aid those of the Mormons who may from neces-
sity require it to leave this county.
"Resolved, that Samuel Tillery, Jeremiah Migner, and
Abraham Shafer be appointed a committee to receive the
pecuniary aid by subscription for the purpose of aiding the
poor persons that may belong to the Mormons in removing
from this county to their place of abode, and that the elders
of the church be requested to report the above-named per-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 65
sons to the aforesaid committee, who will judge of the
proofs and facts entitling the Mormons to pecuniary aid,
and appropriate the funds accordingly.
"Resolved, that said committee be authorized to employ
some suitable person to accompany those that may wish to
examine a new country. It is also understood that if the
money which may be received by the committee is not
appropriated for the purpose above-named it shall be
refunded back in proportion to the amount subscribed.
"Resolved, that the chair appoint five persons in each
township to carry the object of the above resolutions into
effect.
"The following gentlemen were then appointed in the
different townships.
"For Liberty Township, John Thornton, Joel Turnham,
Peter Rogers, John Bird, David Atchison.
"For Fishing River Township, Elisha Cameron, E. Price,
G. Withers, M. Welton, James Kazey.
"For Platte Township, T. C. Gordon, S. Harris, W.
Owens, L. Rollins, J. Marsh.
"For Washington Township, B. Riley, S. Crawford, T
Findley, G. Mcllvaine, P. Y. G. Bartee.
"For Gallatin Township, D. Dale, W. Nash, William
Todd, B. Ricketts, J. Forbion.
"Be it further resolved, that this meeting recommend the
Mormons to the good treatment of the citizens of the adjoin-
ing counties. We also recommend the inhabitants of the
neighboring counties to assist the Mormons in selecting
some abiding place for their people where they will be in a
measure the only occupants and where none will be anxious
to molest them.
"Resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting be handed
over to the publishers of the Far West with a request that it
be printed.
"Which was severally read, and unanimously adopted.
"On motion the meeting adjourned.
"JOHN BIRD, Chairman.
"JOHN F. DOHERTY, Secretary.
"LIBERTY, July 2, 1836."
— Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2. pp. 300, 361.
66 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
When the authorities of the church in Kirtland read of
this threatened disturbance, they wrote to the citizens of
Clay County, and also to their own brethren. We here
reproduce both these letters in full, and recommend for
them a careful reading:—
"KIRTLAND, Geauga County, Ohio, July 25, 1836.
"To John Thornton, Esq., Peter Rogers, Esq., Andrew Robert-
son, Esq., James T. V. Thompson, Esq., Col. William T. Wood,
Doct. Woodson J. Moss, James M. Hughs, Esq. , David R. Atchi-
son, Esq., and A. W. Doniphan, Esq.; Gentlemen: —
"We have just perused with feelings of deep interest an
article in the Far West, printed at Liberty, Clay County,
Missouri, containing the proceedings of a public meeting of
the citizens of said county upon the subject of an excitement
now prevailing among you, occasioned either from false
reports against the church of Latter Day Saints, or from
the fact that said church is dangerous to the welfare of your
country, and will, if suffered among you, cause the ties of
peace and friendship, so desirable among all men, to be
burst asunder, and bring war and desolation upon your now
pleasant homes.
"Under existing circumstances while rumor is afloat with
her accustomed cunning, and while public opinion is fast
setting like a flood tide against the members of said church,
we cannot but admire the candor with which your preamble
and resolutions were clothed, as presented to the meeting of
the citizens of Clay County on the 29th of June last.
Though, as you expressed in your report to said meeting,
'We do not contend that we have the least right, under the
Constitution and laws of the country, to expel them by
force,' yet communities may be, at times, unexpectedly
thrown into a situation when wisdom, prudence, and that
first item in nature's law, self-defense, would dictate that the
responsible and influential part should step forward and
guide the public mind in a course to save difficulty, preserve
rights, and spare the innocent blood from staining that soil
so dearly purchased with the fortunes and lives of our
fathers. And as you have come forward as 'mediators' to
prevent the effusion of blood, and save disasters consequent
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 67
upon civil war, we take this opportunity to present to you,
though strangers, and through you, if you wish, to the peo-
ple of Clay County, our heartfelt gratitude for every kind-
ness rendered our friends in affliction, when driven from
their peaceful homes, and to yourselves also for the prudent
course in the present excited state of your community. But,
in doing this, justice to ourselves, as communicants of that
church to which our friends belong, and duty towards them
as acquaintances and former fellow citizens, require us to
say something to exonerate them from the foul charges
brought against them to deprive them of their constitutional
privileges and drive them from the face of society.
"They have been charged, in consequence of the whims
and vain notions of some few uninformed, with claiming
that upper country, and that ere long they were to possess
it at all hazards, and in defiance of all consequences. This
is unjust and far from a foundation, in truth; a thing not
expected, not looked for, not desired by this society as a
.people, and where the idea could have originated is unknown
to us. We do not, neither did we ever insinuate a thing of
this kind, or hear it from the leading men of the society now
in your country. There is nothing in all our religious faith
to warrant it, but on the contrary the most strict injunctions
to live in obedience to the laws and follow peace with all
men. And we doubt not but a recurrence to the Jackson
County difficulties, with our friends, will fully satisfy you
that at least, heretofore, such has been the course followed
by them. That instead of fighting for their own rights they
have sacrificed them for a season, to wait the redress guar-
anteed in the law, and so anxiously looked for at a time dis-
tant from this. We have been, and are still, clearly under
the conviction that had our friends been disposed they
might have maintained their possessions in Jackson County.
They might have resorted to the same barbarous means with
their neighbors, throwing down dwellings, threatening lives,
driving innocent women and children from their homes, and
thereby have annoyed their enemies equally, at least, but
this to their credit, and which must ever remain upon the
pages of time to their honor, they did not. They had pos-
68 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
sessions, they had homes, they had sacred rights, and more
still, they had helpless harmless innocence, with an approv-
ing conscience that they had violated no law of their coun-
try or their God to urge them forward, but, to show to all
that they were willing to forego these for the peace of their
country, they tamely submitted and have since been wander-
ers among strangers (though hospitable) without homes.
We think these sufficient reasons to show to your patriotic
minds that our friends instead of having a wish to expel a
community by force of arms, would suffer their rights to be
taken from them before shedding blood.
"Another charge brought against our friends is that of
being dangerous in societies 'where slavery is tolerated and
practiced.' Without occupying time here, we refer you to
the April (1836) number of the Latter Day Saints' Messenger
and Advocate, printed at this place, a copy of which we for-
ward to each of you. From the length of time which has
transpired since its publication, you can easily see that it
was put forth for no other reason than to correct the public
mind generally, without a reference or expectation of an
excitement of the nature of the one now in your country.
Why we refer you to this publication particularly, is
because many of our friends who are now at the west were
in this place when this paper made its appearance, and from
personal observation gave it their decided approbation, and
expressed those sentiments to be their own in the fullest
particular.
"Another charge of great magnitude is brought against
our friends in the West — of 'keeping up a constant commu-
nication with the Indian tribes on our frontier; with declar-
ing, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a part of
God's chosen people, and are destined by heaven to inherit
this land in common with themselves.' We know of noth-
ing, under the present aspect of our Indian relations, calcu-
lated to rouse the fears of the people of the Upper Missouri
more than a combination or influence of this nature; and we
cannot look upon it other than one of the most subtle pur-
poses of those whose feelings are embittered against our
friends to turn the eye of suspicion upon them from every
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 69
man who is acquainted with the barbarous cruelty of rude
savages. Since a rumor was afloat that the western Indians
were showing signs of war, we have received frequent pri-
vate letters from our friends, who have not only expressed
fears for their own safety in case the Indians should break
out, but a decided determination to be among the first to repel
any invasion and defend the frontier from all hostilities. We
mention the last fact, because it was wholly uncalled for on
our part, and came previous to any excitement on the part
of the people of Clay County against our friends, and must
definitively show that this charge is also untrue.
"Another charge against our friends, and one that is urged
as a reason why they must immediately leave the county of
Clay is, that they are making or are like to, the same 'their
permanent home, the center and general rendezvous of their
people.' We have never understood such to be the purpose,
wish, or design of this society; but on the contrary have
ever supposed that those who resided in Clay County only
designed it as a temporary residence until the law and au-
thority of our country should put them in the quiet posses-
sion of their homes in Jackson County, and such as had not
possessions there could purchase to the entire satisfaction
and interest of the people of Jackson County.
"Having partially mentioned the leading objections urged
against our friends, we would here add that it has not been
done with a view on our part to dissuade you from acting in
strict conformity with your preamble and resolutions offered
to the people of Clay County on the 29th ult., but from a
sense of duty to a people embarrassed, persecuted, and
afflicted. For you are aware, gentlemen, that in times of
excitement virtues are transformed into vices, acts which in
other cases and under other circumstances would be consid-
ered upright and honorable, interpreted contrary from their
real intent and made objectionable and criminal. And from
whom could we look for forbearance and compassion with
confidence and assurance more than from those whose
bosoms are warmed with those pure principles of patri-
otism with which you have been guided in the present
instance to secure the peace of your county and save a
70 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
persecuted people from further violence and destruction?
"It is said that our friends are poor; that they have but
little or nothing to bind their feelings or wishes to Clay
County, and that in consequence have a less claim upon that
county. We do not deny the fact that our friends are poor;
but their persecutions have helped to render them so. While
other men were peacefully following their avocations and
extending their interest, they have been deprived of the
right of citizenship, prevented from enjoying their own,
charged with violating the sacred principles of our Constitu-
tion and l^ws, made to feel the keenest aspersions of the
tongue of slander, waded through all but death, and are now
suffering under calumnies calculated to excite the indignation
and hatred of every people among whom they may dwell,
thereby exposing them to destruction and inevitable ruin!
"If a people, a community, or a society can accumulate
wealth, increase in worldly fortune, improve in science and
arts, rise to eminence in the eyes of the public, surmount
these difficulties so much as to bid defiance to poverty and
wretchedness, it must be a new creation, a race of beings
superhuman. But in all their poverty and want we have yet
to learn for the first time that our friends are not industrious
and temperate, and wherein they have not always been the
last to retaliate or resent an injury, and the first to overlook
and forgive. We do not urge that there are not exceptions
to be found. All communities, all societies and associations
are cumbered with disorderly and less virtuous members —
members who violate in a greater or less degree the princi-
ples of the same; but this can be no just criterion by which
to judge a whole society. And further still, where a people
are laboring under constant fear of being dispossessed, very
little inducement is held out to excite them to be industri-
ous.
"We think, gentlemen, that we have pursued this subject
far enough, and we here express to you, as we have in a let-
ter accompanying this to our friends, our decided disappro-
bation to the idea of shedding blood if any other course can
be followed to avoid it; in which case, and which alone, we
have urged upon our friends to desist, only in extreme cases
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 71
of self-defense; and in this case not to give the offense or
provoke their fellow men to acts of violence, — which we have
no doubt they will observe, as they ever have. For you may
rest assured, gentlemen, that we would be the last to advise
our friends to shed the blood of men or commit one act to
endanger the public peace.
"We have no doubt but our friends will leave your county,
sooner or later, they have not only signified the same to us,
but we have advised them so to do as fast as they can with-
out incurring too much loss. It may be said that they have
but little to lose if they lose the whole. But if they have but
little, that little is their all, and the imperious demands of
the helpless urge them to make a prudent disposal of the
same. And we are highly pleased with a proposition in
your preamble, suffering them to remain peaceably till a dis-
position can be made of their land, etc., which if suffered
our fears are at once hushed, and we have every reason to
believe that during the remaining part of the residence of
our friends in your county the same feelings of friendship
and kindness will continue to exist that have heretofore, and
that when they leave you, you will have no reflection of sor-
row to cast that they have been sojourners among you.
"To what distance or place they will remove we are unable
to say; in this they must be dictated with judgment and pru-
dence. They may explore the Territory of Wisconsin, they
may remove there, or they may stop on the other side; of
this we are unable to say. But be they where they will, we
have this gratifying reflection, that they have never been
the first in an unjust manner to violate the laws, injure their
fellow men, or disturb the tranquility and peace under which
any part of our country has heretofore reposed. And we
cannot but believe that ere long the public mind must
undergo a change, when it will appear to the satisfaction of
all that this people have been illy treated and abused with-
out cause; and when, as justice would demand, those who
have been the instigators of their sufferings will be regarded
as their true characters demand.
"Though our religious principles are before the world,
ready for the investigation of all men, yet we are aware that
72 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
the sole foundation of all the persecution against our friends
has arisen in consequence of calumnies and misconstructions,
without foundation in truth or righteousness, in common
with all other religious societies at their first commence-
ment. And should Providence order that we rise not as
others before us, to respectability and esteem, but be trod-
den down by the ruthless hand of extermination, posterity
will do us the justice when our persecutors are equally low
in the dust with ourselves, to hand down to succeeding gen-
erations the virtuous acts and forbearance of a people who
sacrificed their reputation for their religion, and their earthly
fortunes and happiness to preserve peace and save this land
from being further drenched in blood.
"We have no doubt but your very seasonable mediation,
in the time of so great an excitement, will accomplish your
most sanguine desire in preventing further disorder; and we
hope, gentlemen, that while you reflect upon the fact that the
citizens of Clay County are urgent for our friends to leave
you, that you will also bear in mind that by their complying
with your request to leave is surrendering some of the dear-
est rights and first among those inherent principles guaran-
teed in the Constitution of our country; and that human
nature can be driven to a certain extent when it will yield
no farther. Therefore, while our friends suffer so much, and
forego so many sacred rights, we sincerely hope— and we
have every reason to expect it— that a suitable forbearance
may be shown by the people of Clay, which if done, the cloud
that has been obscuring your horizon will disperse and you
be left to enjoy peace, harmony, and prosperity.
"With sentiments of esteem and profound respect, we are,
gentlemen, your obedient servants,
•SIDNEY RIQDON.
'.JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
'O. COWDEBY.
'F. G. WILLIAMS.
•HYRUM SMITH."
"KrRTLAND, Ohio, July 25, 1836.
"Pear Brethren:- Yours of the 1st inst. accompanying the
proceedings of a public meeting held by the people of Clay,
was duly received. We are sorry that this disturbance has
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 73
broken out— we do not consider it our fault. You are better
acquainted with circumstances than we are, and of course
have been directed in wisdom in your moves relative to leav-
ing the county.
"We forward you our letter to Mr. Thornton and others,
that you may know all we have said. We advise that you
be not the first aggressors. Give no occasion, and if the
people will let you dispose of your property, settle your
affairs, and go in peace, go. You have thus far had an
asylum, and now seek another as God may direct. Relative
to your going to Wisconsin, we cannot say; we should think
if you could stop short in peace, you had better. You know
our feelings relative to not giving the first offense, and also
of protecting your wives and little ones in case a mob should
seek their lives. We shall publish the proceedings of the
public meeting, with your answer, as well as our letter. We
mean that the world shall know all things as they transpire.
If we are persecuted and driven, men shall know it!
"Be wise; let prudence dictate all your counsels; preserve
peace with all men if possible; stand by the Constitution of
your country; observe its principles, and above all show your-
selves men of God, worthy citizens, and we doubt not com-
munity ere long will do you justice and rise in indignation
against those who are the instigators of your suffering and
affliction.
"In the bonds of brotherly love we subscribe ourselves, as
ever,
"SIDNEY RIGDON.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
"OLIVER COWDERY.
"F. G. WILLIAMS.
"HYRUM SMITH.
"To W. W. Phelps and others.'*
—Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, pp. 355-359.
To the careful and fair reader these documents will show
that the church authorities were disposed to be just and
conciliatory, even yielding their rights to a certain extent
for the sake of peace.
The serial article before-mentioned contains this concern-
74 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
ing the exodus from Clay and other counties into the pro-
posed new county: —
"In August, 1836, the saints commenced settling upon
their new location, in great numbers, and made preparations
for the coming winter, by constructing comfortable dwell-
ings for themselves and gathering as much food for their
cattle, horses, etc., as their straitened circumstances would
permit. Here they settled with the fond anticipation of
being permitted to dwell in quietness and peace upon their
possessions without molestation; consequently large entries
of the public lands were made by individuals of the society,
and extensive farms were soon opened. Those who had not
means to purchase lands were under the necessity of loaning
[borrowing] it of the citizens at very high rates of percent-
age, frequently being compelled to pay fifty per cent. Oth-
ers who could not obtain money by loan would procure two
or three months provision for their families, and then go to
Fort Leavenworth or elsewhere, and work until they had
earned enough to enter a forty or an eighty acre tract.
Thus by dint of hard labor and untiring perseverance almost
every man in a few months found himself in the possession
of sufficient land to make a good farm. In a few months
nearly or quite all the best land of the territory, now known
as Caldwell County, was purchased by the saints, several
hundred buildings erected, and great preparations made for
a crop the coming season. A principal part of the old inhab-
itants sold out and moved away, which, however, were but
few, there being only about fifteen or twenty families in the
county.
"Commencing a settlement at this season of the year they
were obliged to procure all their provision for themselves,
and grain for their stock in the adjoining counties, and
transport it some thirty or forty miles, which was a great
detriment to the extensive improvements they were making.
At the session of the Legislature, in the winter of 1836-7, an
act was passed calling the territory upon which the saints
had settled Caldwell County."— Times and Seasons, vol. 1,
p. 65.
This account agrees with the following extract from the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 75
"History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri,"
published in 1886, by the "St. Louis National Historical
Company": —
"It was during the summer of 1836 that the Mormons be-
gan their settlement of the county in earnest. It was then
Historical a portion of Ray, but the people of the northern
portion of that county, as well as the Mormons,
were informed that a new county was to be organized ex-
pressly for the occupation and general benefit of the latter.
Indeed, an arrangement of that character had been made by
the leaders of the Mormon Church and certain prominent
Gentiles. An entire county was to be set apart as a sort of
reservation for the saints. To be sure Gentiles were not to
be forbidden to enter it, but it was believed that under the
circumstances few, if any, would desire to do so. The
Mormons were to have undisturbed possession of the new
county; they were to hold the county offices, send a repre-
sentative to the legislature, and in return for these privi-
leges they were not to settle in any other county save by
express consent and permission, previously obtained, of two
thirds of the non-Mormon residents of the township in said
county wherein they desired to make location.
"Everybody thought this a complete and satisfactory
solution of the Mormon problem, which then, as often since,
demanded attention and settlement. The Missourians were
satisfied, because they had a poor opinion of the prairie soil
of the proposed new county, which they declared was fit
only for Mormons and Indians, and doubted whether it
could ever be made really valuable. Moreover, they wished
to rid themselves of the presence of the despised sect, whose
members were clannish and exclusive, as well as unpleasantly
peculiar. The Mormons were satisfied, because they wished
for peace and security and desired above all to enjoy their
religion undisturbed and undismayed.
"Very soon in the summer and fall of 1836 the Mormons
left Ray and Clay and pushed up into the new Canaan,
which had been reported upon by Phelps and Whitmer, and
which when visited was found to be equal to the representa
tions made of it. A few Gentile settlers were found, but
76 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
nearly all of them were bought out — all who would sell.
Nothing could have been fairer or more equitable than the
acquisition of the territory afterward called Caldwell County
by the Mormons.
"The leading authorities and shining lights of the Mor-
mon Church came up with the emigration to the new coun-
try. There were W. W. Phelps, Bishop Edward Partridge,
Sidney Rigdon, Philo Dibble, Elias Higbee, John Whitmer,
Oliver Cowdery, and others. In time came Joseph Smith,
Hiram (or Hyrum) Smith, John Taylor, Lyman Wight, Par-
ley P. Pratt, Orson Hyde, Thomas B. Marsh, G. M. Hinkle,
and Alexander McRae.
"In December, 1836, the county of Caldwell was organ-
ized, a measure of much importance to the Mormons. The
county seat was located at Far West, and courts held in the
schoolhouse. Justices of the peace were appointed in the
different townships and all the political machinery of the
county was controlled by the Mormons. The militia of the
county, all or nearly all Mormons, organized and mustered,
and a regiment was formed under the laws of the State, of
which either 'General' [Colonel] George M. Hinkle or Lyman
Wight was colonel.
"Settlements were made up and down Shoal Creek and
thickly along the southern tier of townships of the county.
Mills were built, shops were opened, stores established, and
the foundations for a thrifty and successful community were
securely laid. Emigrants came in from Ohio and other
States, but chiefly from the Mormon colony at Kirtland,
Ohio, while the saints in Ray and Clay and elsewhere in
Missouri joined their brethren in Caldwell as soon as they
could do so."— Pages 116-118.
The same authority says of Far West:—
"The town site was entered August 8, 1836. The north
half was entered in the name of W. W. Phelps, the south
half in the name of John Whitmer; but both Phelps and
Whitmer merely held the land in trust for 'the church.' The
date of the entry goes to prove that the first exploration was
in the summer of 1836.
"Soon after the selection of the second 'promised land,'
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 77
•
in Caldwell County, and the location of the second temple,
the Mormons came pouring in and soon a village of respec-
table proportions sprang up where the wild prairie grass
waved tall and luxuriant. As has been stated the town site
was a mile square, giving plenty of room for the building of
a large city. It was laid out in blocks 396 feet square, and
the streets were alike on a grand scale. The four principal
avenues were each 132 feet wide, and all the others 82£ feet
wide. These diverged at right angles from a public square
in the center, designed as the site of the grand temple.
"Nearly all the first houses in Far West were log cabins.
In a few months, however, some frames were built, a portion
of the lumber being brought from lower Ray, and a portion
being whip-sawed. Perhaps the first house was built by one
Ormsby; this was in the summer of 1836. It is said that
John Whitmer's house was built January 19, 1837. In the
fall of 1836 a large and comfortable schoolhouse was built
and here courts were held after the location of the county
seat until its removal to Kingston. The Mormons very early
gave attention to educational matters. There were many
teachers among them and schoolhouses were among their
first buildings. The schoolhouse in Far West was used as a
church, as a town hall, and as a courthouse, as well as for a
schoolhouse. It first stood in the southwest quarter of town,
but upon the establishment of the county seat it was
removed to the center of the square."— Pages 120, 121.
The act of the legislature providing for the organization
of Caldwell County was as follows: —
"Hon. Alex. W. Doniphan, then a representative elect
from Clay County, had been the leader, if not the proposer,
of the scheme, and to him was assigned the work
Organization
of caidweii of preparing and introducing into the legislature
County. . . , .
the act organizing the new counties and of press-
ing the bill to a passage. Fearing that a separate bill to
organize the 'Mormon county' might be defeated, Gen. Doni-
phan incorporated that proposition in the bill to organize
the other county, and early in the month of December,
introduced the measure, which soon passed without much
opposition. Following is a copy of the important provi-
78 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
sions of the act organizing Caldwell and Daviess Counties: —
V 'Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Mis-
souri, asfolloius: 1. All that portion of territory included in
the following limits is hereby declared to be erected into a
separate and distinct county, to be called the county of Cald-
well; to wit: Beginning at a point where the township line
dividing townships 54 and 55 intersects the range line divid-
ing ranges 25 and 26; thence north along said range line to
the division line between townships 57 and 58; thence west
along said line to the division line between ranges 29 and 30;
thence south along said line to the division line between
townships 54 and 55; thence east along said line to the point
of beginning.
" '2. All that portion of territory included in the follow-
ing limits is hereby declared to be erected into a separate
and distinct county, to be called the county of Daviess, in
honor of Col. Joseph H. Daviess, who fell at the battle of Tip-
pecanoe; to wit: Beginning at the northeast corner of the
county of Caldwell, as fixed by this act; thence north 24
miles; thence west 24 miles; thence south to the northwest
corner of Caldwell County; thence east along the north
boundary line of said county to the place of beginning.
" '3. Joseph Baxter, of the county of Clay, Cornelius
Gilliam, of the county of Clinton, and William W. Mangee,
of the county of Ray, are hereby appointed commissioners
to select a seat of justice for each of said counties; and the
said commissioners . . . shall meet on the first Monday in
April next, at the house of Francis McGuire, in Caldwell
County, for the purpose of selecting and locating the perma-
nent seat of justice of said county; . . . the said commis-
sioners shall, as soon as convenient, proceed to Daviess
County for the purpose of selecting and locating a seat of
justice for said county. . . .
«' 'This act to be in force from after its passage.
"'Approved December 29, 1836. )!1- History of Caldwell
County, pp. 104, 105.
1Approvecl by Daniel Dunklin, Governor.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 79
Thus with fair prospects of peace and prosperity the year
1836 closed in Missouri.
Those who have carefully investigated the history of these
troubles, beginning in Jackson County in 1833, must admit
Prospects ^3,1 the saints did all in their power to promote
of peace. peace, even at times to the sacrificing of the most
sacred rights and privileges. While we do not claim that
they were perfect, or at all times wise, we nevertheless won-
der at the patience and fortitude which they displayed under
these trying ordeals. From a natural standpoint their self-
control seems strange, and awakens the conviction if any-
thing can, that they were largely taught and led by divine
influences.
CHAPTER 4.
1836.
MISSION TO THE EAST — GENERAL PROSPERITY — L\BOT?S OF THE
PATRIARCH AND His BROTHER— KIRTL.AND BANK— CONFERENCE
OF AUTHORITIES— LITERARY CONCERNS— WORK IN THE SOUTH-
GATHERING TO MISSOURI.
THE history of the church in the East, from July 25, 1836,
to the end of the year, is briefly related by Joseph Smith, as
follows: —
"On Monday afternoon, July 25, in company with Sidney
Rigdon, Brother Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery, I left
Mission to Kirtland, and at seven o'clock the same evening,
we took passage on board the steame'r Charles
Townsend, S. Fox, master, at Fairport, and the next even-
ing, about ten o'clock, we arrived at Buffalo, New York, and
took lodgings at the 'Farmers' Hotel.' Here we met with
Elders O. Hyde and M. C. Nickerson, the former on his
way to Canada, and the latter from that Province.
"To avoid the crowding, fisting, fighting, racing, and
rioting of the packets, we took passages on a line boat for
Utica, where we arrived about eight -o'clock, a. m., of the
29th, just in time to take the railroad car for Schenectady,
the first passengers' car on the new road. We were more
than six hours traveling eighty miles. The locomotive had
hardly stopped before the cry was 'Albany baggage cars
start in five minutes.' Amid a scene of confusion, bustle,
and crowding, we succeeded, after a good share of scuffling
and pulling, in getting our trunks on board the luggage car
for Albany, where we arrived the same evening.
"On the 30th, at seven o'clock, a. m., we went on board the
steamer John Mason, which took us to the Erie, lying over
the bar. While the passengers were stepping off the John
Mason, the steamer Rochester passed us. 'Now for a race,'
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 81
was the cry from different parts, and a race and try of speed
it was; however, as fate or steam power or engine would
have it, the Erie, after touching at Catskill and West Point,
where the Rochester did not, went into New York a few
miles 'ahead.' By such undue pressure of steam the lives
of thousands have been sacrificed, and I thanked God that
myself and friends were safely landed.
"While here I visited the burnt district — that part of the
city where it was estimated fifteen millions of property were
consumed by fire on the 16th of December, 1835. . . .
"From New York we continued our journey to Providence,
on board a steamer; from thence to Boston, by steam cars,
and arrived in Salem, Massachusetts, early in August, where
we hired a house, and occupied the same during the month,
teaching the people from house to house, and preaching pub-
licly, as opportunity presented; visiting, occasionally, sec-
tions of the surrounding country, which are rich in the
history of the Pilgrim Fathers of New England, in Indian
warfare, religious superstition, bigotry, persecution, and
learned ignorance.
"The early settlers of Boston (the Emporium of New Eng-
land), who had fled from their mother country to avoid per-
secution and death, soon became so lost to principles of
justice and religious liberty as to whip and hang the Baptist
and the Quaker, who, like themselves, had fled from tyranny
to a land of freedom; and the Fathers of Salem from 1691 to
1693, whipped, imprisoned, tortured, and hung many of their
citizens for supposed witchcraft; and quite recently, while
boasting of her light and knowledge, of her laws and reli-
gion, as surpassed by none on earth, has New England been
guilty of burning a Catholic convent in the vicinity of
Charleston, and of scattering the inmates to the four winds;
yes, in sight of the very spot where the fire of the Ameri-
can Independence was first kindled, where a monument is
now erecting in memory of the battle of Bunker Hill, and
the fate of the immortal Warren, who bled, who died on
those sacred heights, to purchase religious liberty for his
country; in sight of this very spot, have the religionists of
the nineteenth century demolished a noble brick edifice, hurl-
82 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
ing its inhabitants forth upon a cold, unfeeling world for
protection and subsistence.
"Well did the Savior say concerning such, 'By their fruits
you shall know them.' And if the wicked mob who
destroyed the Charleston convent, and the cool, calculating
religious lookers on, who inspired their hearts with deeds of
infamy, do not arise, and redress the wrong, and restore the
injured fourfold, they in turn will receive of the measure
they have meted out till the just indignation of a righteous
God is satisfied. When will man cease to war with man, and
wrest from him his sacred rights of worshiping his God
according as his conscience dictates? Holy Father, hasten
the day. . . .
"While here Brothers Brigham Young and L. C. Johnson
arrived. Brother Young had been through New York, Ver-
mont, and Massachusetts, in company with his brother,
Joseph Young, having visited their connection in this coun-
try, and baptized a good number into the church. They
staid in Boston two or three weeks, and baptized seventeen
persons. We had a good visit with the brethren, for which
I feel very thankful.
"Thus I continued in Salem aiid vicinity until I returned
to Kirtland, sometime in the month of September. During
this month the church in Clay County, Missouri, commenced
removing to their newly selected location on Shoal Creek, in
the territory attached to Ray County.
"During the quarter ending September 3, fifty-two elders',
six priests', three teachers', and two deacons' licenses were
General recorded in the License Records, in Kirtland,
prosperity. Ohio, by Thomas Burdick. The intelligence from
the elders abroad was interesting. Elder P. P. Pratt still
continued his labors in Upper Canada, Toronto, and vicinity,
with good success. Elder Lyman E. Johnson had been
laboring in New Brunswick and other places on the sea-
board; and on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of August a confer-
ence was held by Elders Brigham Young and Lyman E.
Johnson, at Newry, Maine, where seventeen branches were
represented, amounting to three hundred and seventeen
members.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 83
•'October 2, 1836. My father, and Uncle John Smith, re-
turned to Kirtland, from their mission to the Eastern States,
having traveled about two thousand four hundred
rchand miles, and visited nearly all the branches of the
church in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire
and Pennsylvania. During this mission, they baptized many,
conferred blessings upon many hundreds, and preached the
gospel to many thousands. They also visited their friends
and relatives in the land of their nativity. My cousin,
George A. Smith, returned the same day from his mission to
Richland County, Ohio. Brother H. C. Kimball returned to
Kirtland, having been absent nearly five months, during
which time he baptized thirty persons into the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this being in fulfillment
of a blessing that I had conferred upon his head before he
started on his mission.
"Through the month of October . . . my attention was
particularly directed to the building up of Kirtland, and the
spiritual interests of the church. And on the 2d
Kirtland Bank. __ _. , ..
of November the brethren at Kirtland drew up cer-
tain articles of agreement, preparatory to the organization
of a banking institution, to be called the 'Kirtland Safety
Society.'
"President O. Cowdery was delegated to Philadelphia to
procure plates for the institution; and Elder O. Hyde, to
repair to Columbus, with a petition to the legislature of
Ohio, for an act of incorporation, which was presented
at an early period of their session, but because we were
•Mormons,' the legislature raised some frivolous excuse on
which they refused to grant us those banking privileges
they so freely granted to others. Thus Elder Hyde was
compelled to return without accomplishing the object of
his mission, while Elder Cowdery succeeded at a great
expense in procuring the plates, and bringing them to Kirt-
land.
"Forty-four elders' licenses were recorded in the License
Records at Kirtland, during the quarter ending December 1;
also five priests' and one teacher's licenses; by T. Bur-
dick.
84 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
" 'Minutes of a conference, held in the house of the Lord
on the 22d of December, 1836.
" 'The authorities of the church being present, viz.: The
First Presidency, the High Council of Kirtland, the Quorum
conference °* ^e Twelve, the Presidents of the Seventies,
of authorities. the president of the Elders and his counselors,
and many other official members, such as priests, teachers,
deacons, etc., the house was called to order, and the follow-
ing motions were made, seconded, and carried by the unani-
mous voice of the assembly.
" '1. That it has been the case that a very improper and
unchristianlike course of conduct has been pursued by the
elders of this church, and the churches abroad, in sending
their poor from among them, and moving to this place, with-
out the necessary means of subsistence; whereas the church
in this place being poor from the beginning, having had to
pay an extortionate price for their lands, provisions, etc.;
and having a serious burthen imposed upon them by comers
and goers, from most parts of tne world, and in assisting
the traveling elders and their families, while they them-
selves have been laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, to
preach the gospel; and also having suffered great loss in
endeavoring to benefit Zion, it has become a serious matter
which ought to be considered by us.
" 'Therefore, after deliberate discussion upon the subject,
it was motioned, seconded, and unanimously carried, that we
have borne our part of this burden, and that it becomes the
duty, henceforth, of all the churches abroad, to provide for
those who are objects of charity that are not able to provide
for themselves; and not send them from their midst to
burthen the church in this place, unless they come and pre-
pare a place for them, and means for their support.
" '2. That there be a stop put to churches or families
gathering or moving to this place, without their first com-
ing or sending their wise men to prepare a place for them,
as our houses are all full, and our lands mostly occupied,
except those houses that do not belong to the church, which
cannot be obtained without great sacrifice, especially when
brethren with their families are crowding in upon us, and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 85
are compelled to purchase at any rate, and consequently are
thrown into the hands of speculators, and extortioners, with
which the Lord is not well pleased; also that the churches
abroad do according to the Revelation contained in the Book
of Commandments, page 238, commencing at section 10,
which is as follows: —
" ' "Now verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather
together all their moneys; let these things be done in their
time, be not in haste; and observe to have all these things
prepared before you, and let honorable men be appointed,
even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and
every church in the eastern countries when they are built
\ip, if they will hearken unto this counsel, they may buy
hinds and gather together upon them, and in this way they
may establish Zion."
" ' JOSEPH SMITH, Chairman.
" 'WARREN PARRISH, Clerk.'
"On the 31st of December, at the setting of the sun, Doc-
tor Willard Richards was baptized at Kirtland, under the
hands of President Brigham Young, in the presence of
Heber C. Kimball, and others, who had spent the afternoon
in cutting the ice to prepare for the baptism." — Millennial
Star, vol. 15, pp. 821-823, 842.
With the March number of the Messenger and Advocate,
Literary John Whi.tmer's connection with the paper as editor
concerns. ceased, and Oliver Cowdery succeeded him.
On June 7, 1836, the publishing firm of F. G. Williams
and Company was dissolved by mutual consent and the
whole establishment was purchased by Oliver Cowdery, who
became sole proprietor, editor, and publisher.
The June number of the Messenger and Advocate contains
the minutes of a conference held at Chalk Level, Benton
work in County, Tennessee, May 28 and 29, 1836, Elder D.
the south. w Patten presiding. At this conference there
were seven branches represented; namely, Taropen branch,
28 members; Clarks River, 10 members; Blood River, 10
members; Academy, 10 members; Chalk Level, 27 members;
Eagle Creek, 15 members; and Cyprus, 10 members.
By this it appears that the work was getting a firm hold
86 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
in the South, though so far as we know it had spread no
farther south than Tennessee at this time. There is also a
notice in same paper of a conference to be held in Galloway
County, Kentucky, the following September.
But, as in other places, the work was not permitted to be
promulgated without serious and violent opposition, "as indi-
cated by a letter from Hickman County, Tennessee, June 28,
1836, written by Warren Parrish, and published in the Mes-
senger and Advocate, vol. 2, pp, 365-367. l
1 This evening while meditating upon the variegated scenes of human
existence, the ever fluctuating current of mortal life, which sometimes
threatens to overwhelm the way-wandering sons of men like an irresisti-
ble torrent and hurry them to an untimely grave, while far separated
from those who are bound by the dearest ties of consanguinity, my mind
flits back to those happy seasons I have enjoyed in Kirtland, in the
society of my brethren and friends. The loss of this society is more
than usually impressed on my mind from a combination Of circum-
stances which have transpired since I last wrote.
On the return of Brother Patten and myself from Clarks River, to
Brother Utley's, we were informed that many of the citizens of that
county (Benton) and some of the citizens of Carroll County, had met in
convention, headed by a Methodist priest, who was called to the chair,
and the county clerk appointed secretary. They drew up resolutions to
drive all the "Mormon" (Latter l)ay Sa'int) preachers from their coast.
These resolutions were signed by the sheriff and many who are sworn to
be civil peace officers, to suppress all riots and unlawful assemblies and
support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the
State of Tennessee; also military officers who are sworn to do the same.
From colonels and majors down through all the grades of officers,
enrolled their names with this lawless banditti, to abuse the servants of
the living God by abridging their privileges and trampling upon their
rights.
We enjoyed our meeting unmolested at Brother Utley's, on Saturday
the 19th inst., although almost every breeze brought us news that the
mob intended to carry their resolutions into effect and that some hun-
dreds had entered into this conspiracy. In the afternoon a little before
sunset a company of some forty or fifty men made their appearance,
some on foot, others mounted two on a horse, with guns, sticks, clubs,
etc.; they were led by a sheriff, colonel, first and second major, with
some other officers, and a Methodist priest with a gun on his shoulder.
The sheriff informed us that he had a State's warrant for D. W.
Patten, W. Parrish, and W. Woodruff, issued on complaint of Mathew
Williams, the Methodist priest and chairman spoken of above, who sware
that we had put forth the following false and pretended prophecy; viz.,
that Christ would come the second time before this generation passed
away, also that four individuals should receive the Holy Ghost within
four and twenty hours.
We were credibly informed that the company that were under the
control of these noble chieftains consisted of Baptists, Methodists, Pres-
byterians, liars, drunkards, hog and horse thieves. And so determined
were they to force us off at that late hour that it was with much diffi-
culty we could prevail on them to show us any lenity. However, they
protracted the time of our appearance before the court until Tuesday
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 87
Having good reasons to believe that all differences were
adjusted, and that they would be permitted to occupy the
Gathering new county in peace, and make permanent homes
to Missouri. in this fruitful land> the closing of the year 1836
following, by our giving a bond of two thousand dollars, signed by our-
selves and two of our brethren.
They intended to have led us into the woods under the dark curtain
of night (the emblem of their corrupt and wicked hearts), with the pre-
tension of taking us before the magistrate, that they might the better
execute their diabolical designs upon us.
On Tuesday in company with about twenty brethren and warm
friends, who were ready and willing to lay down their lives for us, we
went before our rulers. We found about one hundred persons assembled
whose countenances too plainly indicated the black designs of their hearts.
They were armed with guns, dirks, pistols, dubs, sticks, etc. At a late
hour we prevailed on the sheriff to have the court called, which con-
sisted of three magistrates, one of whom was rejected from the judgment
seat because some of his family were members of our church. The
sheriff then asked of the court the privilege of divesting us of our arms,
if any we had. It was granted. Elder Patten had a pistol which he had
taken that morning in consequence of our having heard that the mob
did not expect to sustain a lawful charge against us, but intended to rise
up and overpower us by their numbers; he also had a walking stick. I
had a cane and common pocket knife. These were taken from us.
A man by the name of Perkins (who report says had run his country
for hog stealing and also had been guilty of concealing a stolen horse for
which he had lost a part of his nose), was appointed by the court to act
as State's Attorney, or in other words, mob solicitor general, to abuse
the innocent and screen the guilty. We were abused by any and every
scoundrel that saw fit to do so, and the court allowed them this privi-
lege. After they had brought many of those who had entered into a
conspiracy to witness against us; we called on our witnesses, but the
court refused to hear any testimony on our part, because the mob
objected and they dare not do otherwise, but were controlled by the law-
less banditti that surrounded them and us, who were determined on our
destruction. Said Perkins made a plea against us, and we were not per-
mitted to reply or speak in our own defense. Thus ended this mock
trial, and the court after retiring a few minutes, returned with this ver-
dict: That they concluded that the charges preferred against us had
been sustained, and that we were bound over to court for trial
Our accusers did not attempt to prove tnat those individuals who
were promised the Holy Ghost on condition of obedience to the gospel
did not receive it, for they if called upon would have testified otherwise;
and let the candid judge whether any man can in truth testify that he
who prophecies that Christ will come the second time in this generation
is a false prophet. And furthermore our complainant testified that the
above-named crimes were committed in October, 1834. It is a well-
known fact that Elder Woodruff, whose name is included in the warrant
(though not arrested) was not in this State until the spring of 1835. So
much for the oath of a Methodist priest.
While the court was preparing our bonds, another warrant was
served on Elder Patten. The mob without and the mob within, whose
intoxicating zeal had risen to its zenith, were threatening our lives, and
seemed only waiting the dark shades of night, which were fast gather-
ing round, to cover them while they should wreak their hands in our
88 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
found hundreds from all parts of the country with their faces
turned towards Missouri, with glad hearts, anticipating a
home of peace and plenty as a reward of honest toil.
blood. The influence of our friends as instruments in the hands of God
kept this gathering storm from bursting upon our heads. About this
time the sheriff proposed to us that if we would leave the county in ten
days and pay the cost they would set us at liberty, at the same time
Informing us that it was the only way for us to escape the hands of the
mob, who were hardly restrained from acts of violence. One of the
brethren present offered to pay the cost and all advised us to accept the
offer, although in its nature most insulting, for if we were really guilty
of a violation of the laws of the State their oath of office obligated them to
bind us over to trial before the circuit court. But this was not the fact;
we were not guilty, and this last step proves to a demonstration that
they (the court) did not consider us so; and shows that oaths, obliga-
tions, and the rights of man were disregarded, and the whole scenery
from beginning to end was controlled and governed by a set of ruthless
ruffians, who are sunk in the lowest depths of degradation and infamy,
of whom the Devil himself ought to be ashamed.
WARREN PABRISH.
CHAPTER 5.
1837.
KIRTLAND BANK— A. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE— ARTICLES OF AGREE-
MENT—PURPOSE NOT FRAUDULENT— SPIRIT OF SPECULATION—
JOSEPH SMITH RESIGNS— HE PUBLISHES A WARNING— KELLEY'S
LETTER.
THE year 1837 commenced in Kirtland by a movement
upon the part of some of its citizens to establish a general
banking business. Though this was never a
Kirtland Bank. , ,. , ,_
church measure, some of the leading men of the
church engaged in the enterprise. The fate of this enter-
prise was an unfortunate one. The financial stringency of
1837, under which many older and better established institu-
tions went down, combined with the opposition urged by the
enemies of the church, and probably with some mismanage-
ment, insured its failure. Stories were put afloat that the
officers of the bank had stolen the funds. No institution of
the kind ever failed without such reports being circulated.
In this case where there was so much religious opposition to
the stockholders and officers, these reports would, of course,
be more likely to obtain. We therefore beg the indulgence
A private °* ^e reader while we give some items regarding
enterprise. fafe institution, which do not properly come under
the head of church history, because of its having been an
individual or private enterprise.
A meeting of the Kirtland Safety Society was held at
Kirtland, Ohio, on January 2, 1837, of which the following
are the minutes: —
"Minutes of a meeting of the Members of the 'Kirtland
Safety Society,' held on the 2d day of January, 1837.
"At a special meeting of the 'Kirtland Safety Society,'
two thirds of the members being present, S. Rigdon was
called to the chair, and W. Parrish chosen secretary.
90 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"The house was called to order, and the object of the
meeting explained by the chairman; which was: First, to
Articles of annul the old constitution, which was adopted by
agreement. the gociety> Qn the 2d day Qf November, 1836;
which was, on motion, by the unanimous voice of the meet-
ing, annulled. Second, to adopt articles of agreement, by
which the 'Kirtland Safety Society' are to be governed.
"After much discussion and investigation, the following
Preamble and Articles of Agreement were adopted by the
unanimous voice of the meeting:—
"We, the undersigned subscribers, for the promotion of
our temporal interests, and for the better management of
our different occupations, which consist in agriculture, me-
chanical arts, and merchandising, do hereby form ourselves
into a firm or company for the before -mentioned objects, by
the name of the 'Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Com-
pany,' and for the proper management of said firm, we indi-
vidually and jointly enter into and adopt the following
articles of agreement: —
"Art. 1. The capital stock of said society or firm shall
not be less than four millions of dollars; to be divided into
shares of fifty dollars each; and may be increased to any
amount, at the discretion of the managers.
"Art. 2. The management of said company shall be under
the superintendence of thirty -two managers, to be chosen
annually, by, and from among, the members of the same; each
member being entitled to one vote for each share, which he,
she, or they, may hold in said company; and said votes may
be given by proxy, or in propria persona.
"Art. 3. It shall be the duty of said managers, when
chosen, to elect from their number, a Treasurer and Secre-
tary. It shall be the further duty of said managers to meet
in the upper room of the office of said company, on the first
Mondays of November and May, of each year, at nine
o'clock, a. m., to inspect the books of said company, and
transact such other business as may be deemed necessary.
"Art. 4. It shall be the duty of said managers to choose
from among their number, seven men, who shall meet in the
upper room of said office on Tuesday of each week, at four
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 91
o'clock, p. m., to inquire into and assist in all matters per-
taining to said company.
"Art. 5. Each manager shall receive from the company
one dollar per day for his services when called together at
the annual and semiannual meetings. The Treasurer and
Secretary and the seven, the committee of the managers,
shall receive a compensation for their services as they shall
be agreed by the managers at their semiannual meetings.
"Art. 6. The first election of managers, as set forth in
the second article, shall take place at the meeting of the
members to adopt this agreement, who shall hold their
offices until the first Monday of November, 1837, unless
removed by death or misdemeanor, and until others are duly
elected. Every annual election of managers shall take place
on the first Monday of November in each year. It shall be
the duty of the Treasurer and Secretary of said company to
receive the votes of the members by ballot, and declare the
election.
"Art. 7. The books of the company shall be always open
for the inspection of the members.
"Art. 8. It shall be the duty of the managers of the com-
pany to declare a dividend once in six months; which divi-
dend shall be apportioned among the members, according to
the installments by them paid in.
"Art. 9. All persons subscribing stock in said firm shall
pay their first installment at the time of subscribing, and
other installments from time to time, as shall be required by
the managers.
"Art. 10. The managers shall give thirty days' notice in
some public paper, printed in this county, previous to an in-
stallment being paid in. All subscribers residing out of the
State, shall be required to pay in half the amount of their
subscriptions at the time of subscribing; and the remainder,
or such part thereof, as shall be required at any time, by the
managers, after thirty days' notice.
"Art. 11. The Treasurer shall be empowered to call
special meetings of the managers whenever he shall deem it
necessary, separate and aside from the annual and semi-
annual meetings.
92 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Art. 12. Two thirds of the managers shall form a quo-
rum to act at the semiannual meetings, and any number of
the seven, the committee of the managers, with the Treas-
urer and Secretary, or either of them, may form a quorum to
transact business at the weekly meetings, and in case none
of the seven are present at the weekly meetings, the Treas-
urer and Secretary must transact the business.
"Art. 13. The managers shall have power to enact such
by-laws as they may deem necessary from time to time, pro-
vided they do not infringe upon these articles of agreement.
"Art. 14. All notes given by said society, shall be signed
by the Treasurer and Secretary thereof, and we, the indi-
vidual members of said firm, hereby hold ourselves bound
for the redemption of all such notes.
"Art. 15. The notes given for the benefit of said society
shall be given to the Treasurer in the following form:
'Ninety days after date, we jointly, and severally, promise
to pay A. B. or order, dollars and cents, value
received.' A record of which shall be made in the books at
the time, of the amount, and by whom given, and when due,
and deposited with the files and papers of said society.
"Art. 16. Any article in this agreement may be altered
at any time, annulled, added unto, or expunged by the vote
of two thirds of the members of said society, except the four-
teenth article; that shall remain unaltered during the exist-
ence of said company. For the true and faithful fulfillment
of the above covenant and agreement, we individually bind
ourselves to each other, under the penal sum of one hundred
thousand dollars. In witness whereof we have hereunto set
our hands and seals, the day and date first above written."
— Millennial Star, vol. 15, pp. 843, 844.
A close inspection of Article 14 of the foregoing should
convince anyone that the purpose of this company was not
Purpose not fraudulent, for they, the members of the firm,
fraudulent, jjgjfl themselves individually responsible for the
redemption of every note signed by the Treasurer and Sec-
retary of the society. Men do not usually involve all they
have in an effort to defraud.
Again: Article 16 binds them to each other severally and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 93
individually in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars for
the true and faithful fulfillment of the covenant and agree-
ment set forth in these articles.
Whatever may have been the subsequent action of indi-
viduals, this institution was manifestly founded in good faith,
and with no design of fraud.
As early as May, 1837, there was a spirit of speculation
in Kirtland, affecting, among others, some of the leading
spirit of men of the church ; and it is possible that under
speculation, fofe influence SOme of them, including some of
those connected with the bank, did things of questionable
propriety and honesty. This spirit, with its legitimate ten-
dencies, was condemned by Joseph Smith, and by others
of high standing. Of this Joseph wrote: —
"At this time the spirit of speculation in lands and prop-
erty of all kinds, which was so prevalent throughout the
whole nation, was taking deep root in the church. As the
fruits of this spirit, evil surmisings, faultfinding, disunion,
dissension, and apostasy followed in quick succession, and
it seemed as though all the powers of earth and hell were
combining their influence in an especial manner to overthrow
the church at once, and make a final end. Other banking
institutions refused the 'Kirtland Safety Society's' notes.
The enemy abroad and apostates in our midst united in their
schemes, flour and provisions were turned towards other
markets, and many became disaffected towards me as though
I were the sole cause of those very evils I was most strenu-
ously striving against, and which were actually brought
upon us by the brethren not giving heed to my counsel.
"No quorum in the church was entirely exempt from the
influence of those false spirits who were striving "against
me for the mastery; even some of the Twelve were so far
lost to their high and responsible calling as to begin to take
sides, secretly, with the enemy."— Millennial Star, vol. 16,
page 11.
On the date of July 7, 1837, Joseph writes: —
"Some time previous to this I resigned my office in the
'Kirtland Safety Society,' disposed of my interest therein,
and withdrew from the institution; being fully aware, after
94 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
so long an experiment, that no institution of the kind, estab-
lished upon just and righteous principles, for a blessing not
only to the church but the whole nation, would be suffered
to continue its operations in such an age of darkness, specu-
lation, and wickedness. Almost all banks throughout the
country, one after the other, suspended specie payment, and
gold and silver rose in value in direct ratio with the depre-
ciation of paper currency. The great pressure of the money
market is felt in England as well as America, and breadstuffs
are everywhere high."— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 13.
Notwithstanding the depreciation of Kirtland bank notes,
some of these speculators were imposing them upon the
He publishes uninformed, when Joseph put himself squarely
a warning. upon record by publishing a warning in the Mes-
senger and Advocate for August, 1837. l
A letter written by Elder E. L. Kelley from Painesville,
Ohio, is valuable to history in this connection. It was writ-
Keiiey's ten just at the time the church was in court suing
for possession of the Kirtland Temple, which
would naturally revive the old prejudice and opposition
against Joseph Smith and the church.8
1 In the August number of the Advocate I published the following
CAUTION to the brethren and friends of the Church of Latter Day Saints: —
"I am disposed to say a word relative to the bills of the 'Kirtland
Safety Society Bank.' I hereby warn them to beware of speculators,
renegades, and gamblers, who are duping the unwary and unsuspecting,
by palming upon them those bills, which are of no worth here. I dis-
countenance and disapprove of any and all such practices. I know
them to be detrimental to the best interests of society, as well as to the
principles of religion. JOSEPH SMITH, Jr."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, page 55.
a PRES. J. SMITH, Piano, Illinois: —
Dear S$r: — One week ago to-day I arrived in this city, to look after
the interests of the Reorgani/ed Church in its action in the State courts,
to recover the possession of the Kirtland Temple property, in Lake
County. The plaintiff's claim is based upon the grounds that the Reor-
ganized Church is the lawful and legitimate successor of the Church of
Christ of Latter Day Saints, organized by Joseph Smith, Jr., A. D. 1830,
at Palmyra, New York, and to which the property in controversy was
deeded in the year 1841. The cause was tried to the court, Judge Sher-
man on the bench, on the 17th inst., and is now held under advisement.
Upon the final submission of the case the court referred to the evidence
produced, as "showing a very wide departure from the laws and usages
of the original church by that body of Mormons in Utah Territory,"
which make claim to be in the line of succession. Although no decision
has been made in the case yet, plaintiff's counsel are confident that
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 95
The following letter of Governor Lucas, who was Gover-
nor of Ohio from 1832 to 1836, is of importance in this con-
nection: —
"BuKUNGTON, Iowa Territory, April 22, 1839.
"To His Excellency, Martin Van Buren, President of the
United States.
"Sir: — I have the honor to introduce to your acquaintance,
judgment must be for the Reorganized Church and ordering that they
be put in possession of the property.
Since my arrival I have had the pleasure of the acquaintance of many
of the leading citizens of the c.ounty, and find that among them the most
tolerant spirit is manifest toward the members of the original and the
Reorganized Church. And now, while I am upon the ground and have
every means to ascertain the true character of the Latter Day Saints, or
Mormons, who resided here from 1830 to 1838, and have been surprised
myself with the facts in the case, as so widely differing from what is
found in the popular histories of religious denominations of the day and
encyclopedias, I have determined to submit to you the result of my can-
did inquiries.
So far, among the former acquaintances of Joseph Smith, Jr., I have
failed to find one who will say that he was not a good citizen and an hon-
est man. "Joe Smith, "say they, "was an honorable man and a gentleman
in every particular, let the histories say what they may." Now, if these
things are true, history greatly belies the man, and in the eternal 4fitness
of things time must correct the false and fickle stories and vindicate his
memory. My information is derived from such men as Messrs. Quinn,
Storm, Burrows, and Axtell, who are foremost citizens of the county.
These parties say that among some of the fanatical and ignorant there
is existing great prejudice and hatred against the early Mormons, and I
have found in Kirtland two persons who are terribly bitter, but neither
of these had any acquaintance with the parties and base their knowledge
on the "stories told." One of these is the present pastor of the Metho-
dist Church in Kirtland, and who is now under the charge of being not
only a fanatic, but crazy, and his congregation ask his removal; the
other, a Mr. Harvey, of Kirtland, a member of the Baptist Church, but
ignorant, can neither read nor write, and abuses his own wife for differ-
ing from him in religion, and teaches his children to abuse their mother.
As a sample of my testimony I give you my conversation with I. P.
Axtell, Esq., a large farmer, and director in the First National Bank of
Painesville for many years; a man of energy and experience, and as
early as 1844, a member of the Whig convention at Baltimore, which
nominated Henry Clay for President. The conversation was as follows: —
Q. — When did you come to this county, Mr. Axtell?
A.— My father moved here with his family in the year 1830. I was but
a boy then.
Q. — What was your father's business?
A. — He was a Baptist minister, and kept a hotel then.
Q. — Did you know Joseph Smith?
A. — Yes, sir. I have seen him many a time; he was often at my
father's house; and I with many young people often went to Kirtland to
see him and his people. I knew his father also, who at the time I knew
him had charge of the Kirtland Temple. He took me with others
through the temple at one time; he appeared to be a fine old man.
Q. — When did your father become acquainted with Mr. Smith?
96 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
the bearer, Doctor Sidney Rigdon, who was for many years
a citizen of the State of Ohio, and a firm supporter of the
administration of the General Government.
"Doctor Rigdon visits Washington (as I am informed) as
A. — In about six weeks after he came to the county he first met him;
he went out of his way one day six miles to see Joseph Smith and Sidney
Rigdon. He said he found them in Kirtland Township; they had been
there but a short time and occupied a small log house. He found them
to be quite intelligent men, and he said pleasant talkers, and quite free
to converse upon their religious views, which at that time was known as
the "new sect." My father always said Joseph Smith was a conscien-
tious and upright man.
Q. — Did you know any other persons of the new society?
A. — O, yes, a great many. I knew Mr. Pratt very well. He was a
smart and a square man all around. Those men were neither knaves
nor rogues; that is my opinion of them. I suppose some of them may
have been. It was just as in all other bodies of the kind, there will be
some bad ones, but I don't know of any that were. There were a good
many stories circulated about them tha't I knew to be false. At one
time an ox was found in Kirtland Township, killed and skinned; and
there was a great to do about the Mormons having killed it. My brother
was sheriff at the time, and with others went up to investigate the
matter, and he says that there was not the least evidence which showed
that the Mormons had any hand in killing the ox. Persons around,
however, who hated their religion, would tell that they did.
<2.-*-How was it that people did not like them? Were they not good
citizens?
A. — Yes, they were as good citizens as those of any society. It was the
fanatics in religion that tried to drive those men out. There were a great
many conservative men in our county at that time who held these fanat-
ics back, and if it had not been for this they would have gone in and
killed them all. But our intelligent and honorable citizens prevented
this.
Q. — What about the Kirtland Bank swindle? Mr. Axtell, you are a
banker, and know how that was, do you not?
A. — Yes, I know about that bank; they started in Kirtland. These
parties went into the banking business as a great many others in the
State of Ohio and other States. They got considerabla money out at
first, and their enemies began to circulate all manner of stories against
them, and as we had a great many banks then that issued what was
known as "wild-cat" money, the people began to get alarmed at so many
stories, and would take the other banks' issue instead of the Kirtland;
and so much of it was forced in at once that the bank was not able to
take it up. Had the people let these people alone there is no reason that
I know of why the Kirtland Bank should not have existed to this time,
and on as stable a basis as other banks.
Q. — Then you think it was the fault of the enemies of the bank that it
failed?
A. — Yes, I do; and it was not the only one that failed either by a good
many, and with which Smith had nothing to do.
Q. — What thtn do you consider the prime causes of the expulsion of
the Mormons from Kirtland?
A. — The ignorance and fanaticism of their accusers did it: they
thought public sentiment would tolerate it and they did it. The same
as Roger Williams was driven out and the witches burned in Massachu-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 97
the representative of a community of people called Mormons,
to solicit from the government of the United States, an inves-
tigation into the causes that led to their expulsion from the
State of Missouri: together with the various circumstances
connected with that extraordinary affair.
"I think it due to that people to state, that they had for a
number of years a community established in Ohio, and that
while in that State they were (as far as I ever heard) believed
to be an industrious, inoffensive people; and I have no recol-
lection of having ever heard of any of them being charged
in that State as violators of the laws.
"With sincere respect, I am your obedient servant,
"ROBERT LTTCAS."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 151.
setts. My position is that no fanatic, either in religion or politics, should
be permitted to hold an office of trust in this country.
The above is a fair average sample of the testimony of those I have
met and talked with as to the character of the early Mormons in this
county, among those who lived here and knew these people. A gentle-
man of Willoughby, this county, suggested to me, that another reason
was, their persecutors wanted their property, and said he, "They got
from them thousands of dollars worth too." After canvassing the senti-
ment here of these men, I feel a good deal like Col. R. G. Ingersoll when
he offered the gold for the evidence of Tom Paine's dying declarations;
and I now affirm that if any of the great newspapers of the day, like the
Chicago Times, Tribune, or Inter-Ocean wish to test the truth of the
statements and publish the facts by a correspondent through their col-
umns; I will undertake the task of accompanying their correspondent
and if the general integrity, uprightness, honesty, and patriotism, of
these men are not maintained by the evidence, I will forfeit to the one
so publishing one hundred dollars in gold. A letter will reach me at any
time directed, Glenwood, Iowa.
My associate counsel in the 'case here, J. B. Burrows, Esq., is not only
an able attorney but a genial gentleman. He is a brother of Congress-
man Burrows from Michigan, and I must say that his acquaintance has
greatly raised in my estimation the favorable opinion I had already
entertained of Michigan's great orator. I find many able and indeed
eloquent practitioners at the bar here, — this is one of the oldest towns in
the State, as well as the wealthiest in proportion to its population — and,
as all well informed attorneys are, these are pleasant and honorable.
Hastily, I am very respectfully yours, E. L. KEI/LEY.
PAINESVILLE, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1880.
—Saints' Herald, vol. 27, pp. 84, 35.
CHAPTER 6.
1837.
TEMPLE MEETINGS— MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE TRANSFERRED-
SOLEMN ASSEMBLY— PRESIDENTS OF SEVENTIES— CAUSES FOR
EMBARRASSMENT— APOSTASY OF 1837— CANADA CONFERENCE-
REVELATION TO T. B. MARSH— MISSION TO CANADA— ELDERS'
JOURNAL— KIRTLAND CONFERENCE— ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH
—MARKS APPOINTED AGENT— LOCATE OTHER STAKES— APPOINT-
MENT OF ELDERS— BISHOP SENDS EPISTLE— START TO MISSOURI-
DEATH OF MRS. HYRUM SMITH— VOICE OF WARNING— DANCING
AND UNRULY CHILDREN— ARDENT SPIRITS— ARRIVAL AT FAR
WEST.
RESUMING the general thread of history we quote from
Joseph Smith as follows: —
"During the winter, the house of the Lord at Kirtland
was filled to overflowing with attentive hearers, mostly com-
municants; and in the evenings of the same, the singers met
under the- direction of Elders Luman Carter and Jonathan
Crosby, Jr., who gave instructions in the principles of vocal
music.
"On Monday evenings the Quorum of High Priests meet
in the west room of the attic story, where they transact the
Temple business of their particular quorum. On Tuesday
meetings. evenings the Seventies occupy the same room.
On Wednesday evenings the rooms are occupied by the Quo-
rum of Elders. And on Thursday, p. m., a prayer meeting
is held in the lower part of the house, free for all, though
generally conducted by Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sr. The
Twelve, the High Council, and other quorums, generally,
meet each week to transact business, and during the week
the 'Kirtland High School' is taught in the attic story, by
H. M. Hawes, Esq., professor of the Greek and Latin lan-
guages. The school numbers from one hundred and thirty-
five to one hundred and forty students, divided into three
departments; the classics, where the languages only are
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 99
taught; the English department, where mathematics, com-
mon arithmetic, geography, English grammar, writing, and
reading are taught; and the juvenile department, the last
two having each ah assistant instructor. The school com-
menced in November, and on the first Wednesday in January
the several classes passed a public examination in presence
of the trustees of the school, parents and guardians, and
their progress in study was found of the highest order. . . .
"The brethren in Missouri were very busy in gathering
into Caldwell County, entering United States land, building
houses, and preparing to put in crops in the spring.
"On the first of February, 1837, the firm of O. Cowdery
and Company was dissolved by mutual consent, and the
entire establishment was transferred to Joseph
Messenger
and Advocate Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon; and Warren A.
transferred.
Cowdery acted as their agent m the printing office
and bookbindery, and Editor of the Messenger and Advo-
cate.
* 'During the quarter ending March the 3d, thirty-two
elders', seven priests', three teachers', and two deacons'
licenses were recorded in the License Records in Kirtland,
by T. Burdick.
"A short notice only was given, that a solemn assembly
would be called, of the official members of the church, on
s-iemn ^e 6th of April, for the purpose of washing,
Assembly. anointing, washing of feet, receiving instructions,
and the further organization of the ministry." — Millennial
Star, vol. 15, p. 845.
On Thursday, April 6, 1837, the solemn assembly spoken
of above, met, when considerable business was done, and
President* among other items the following: Upon investi-
ot seventies. gatiOn it was discovered that some of those who
were presiding over the Seventy were high priests. These
were directed to unite with the High Priests, and it was
ordered that new Presidents of the Seventy should be cho-
sen in their places. These were finally ascertained to be,
Hazen Aldrich, Leonard Rich, Zebedee Coltrin, Lyman Sher-
man, and Sylvester Smith. In the places of these were cho-
sen James Foster, Daniel S. Miles, Josiah Butterfield,
100 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Salmon Gee, and John Gay lord; so that on September 3,
1837, when this point was finally settled, the Presidency of
Seventy stood in the following order: 1, Joseph Young; 2,
Levi W. Hancock; 3, James Foster; 4, Daniel S. Miles; 5,
Josiah Butterfield; 6, Salmon Gee; and 7, John Gaylord.
After this there were only two changes in this council
before the death of Joseph Smith in 1844.
On January 13, 1838, John Gaylord was expelled from the
church; and on February 6, 1838, Elder Henry Herriman
was chosen to fill the vacancy.
On March 6, 1838, the quorum withdrew fellowship from
Salmon Gee, and Zera Pulsipher was chosen on the same
day to fill the vacancy.
The order as given in Doctrine and Covenants, section 107,
paragraph 44, is different; but why the change in arrange-
ment was made we do not know.
This solemn assembly on April 6, 1837, was appropriately
addressed by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery,
and Sidney Rigdon. Among other things said are the fol-
lowing. President Joseph Smith spoke as follows: —
"There are many causes of embarrassment, of a pecuniary
nature, now pressing upon the heads of the church. They
causes tor began poor; were needy, destitute, and were truly
embarra8smentafflicted by their enemies; yet the Lord commanded
them to go forth and preach the gospel, to sacrifice their
time, their talents, their good name, and jeopardize their
lives; and in addition to this, they were to build a house for
the Lord, and prepare for the gathering of the saints. Thus
it is easy to see this must involve them. They had no tem-
poral means in the beginning commensurate with such an
undertaking; but this work must be done; this place had to
be built up. Large contracts have been entered into for
lands on all sides, where our enemies have signed away their
rights. We are indebted to them, but our brethren from
abroad have only to come with their money, take these con-
tracts, relieve their brethren from the pecuniary embarrass-
ments under which they now labor, and procure for themselves
a peaceable place of rest among us. This place must and
will be built up, and every brother that will take hold and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 101
help secure and discharge those contracts that have been
made, shall be rich.
"At four p. m., President Hyrum Smith addressed the
assembly, principally in relation to the temporal affairs of the
church, and censured those who counselled such brethren as
moved to this place, when they were not authorized to give
advice. He also alluded, in terms of disapprobation, to the
practice of some individuals, in getting money from brethren
that come in, when it ought to be appropriated to the dis-
charge of heavy debts that are now hanging over the heads
of the church, or the payments of the land contracts which
had been made for the benefit of the saints in this place.
"Twenty -five minutes before five, President Oliver Cow-
dery spoke, opposing the idea of elders attempting to preach
or teach that which they did not know, etc.
"President Sidney Rigdon rose a little before five p. m.,
and after referring to the gathering, and the preaching of
the gospel, as the first thing, alluded to the debt which had
been contracted for building the Lord's house, and other
purposes, and stated three principal items that constituted
nearly the aggregate of debt that now remained unliquidated.
"First, a charge of six thousand dollars which was appro-
priated and expended in consequence of the brethren being
driven by a lawless mob from their possessions in Jackson
County. The second was the building of the Lord's house,
the unliquidated debt of which was rising of thirteen thou-
sand dollars. The third item of debt was for the purchase
of land, that there might be a place of rest, a place of safety,
a place that the saints might lawfully call their own." — Mil-
lennial Star, vol. 15, p. 850.
The foregoing will serve to explain how the First Presi-
dency and other leading men became involved, and will also
explain the necessity for the provision made for the debts of
the Presidency in the revelation of July 8, 1838.
In the spring and summer of 1837 there was much disaf-
fection in the church, in which some of the leading men
Apogtasy were arrayed against Joseph Smith and his sup-
of IBS?. porters. In this opposition we find such names as
F. G. Williams, Lyman Johnson, P. P. Pratt, David Whit-
102 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
mer, Warren Parrish, and many others. These difficulties
led to a series of charges and counter charges, which would
be tedious to follow. This disturbance led to the apostasy
of some, the rejection of some by the church, and the recon-
ciling of others; this all resulting in a readjustment and
rearranging of some if not all the quorums.
P. P. Pratt mentions this time as follows: —
"About this time, after I had returned from Canada, there
were jarrings and discords in the church at Kirtland, and
many fell away and became enemies and apostates. There
were also envyings, lyings, strifes, and divisions, which
caused much trouble and sorrow. By such spirits I was
also accused, misrepresented, and abused. And at one time,
I also was overcome by the same spirit in a great measure,
and it seemed as if the very powers of darkness which war
against the saints were let loose upon me. But the Lord
knew my faith, my zeal, my integrity of purpose, and he
gave me the victory.
"I went to Brother Joseph Smith in tears, and with a
broken heart and contrite spirit confessed wherein I had
erred in spirit, murmured, or done or said amiss. He
frankly forgave me, prayed for me, and blessed me. Thus
by experience I learned more fully to discern and to contrast
the two spirits, and to resist the one and cleave to the other.
And being tempted in all points, even as others, I learned
how to bear with, and excuse, and succor those who are
tempted."— Autobiography of P. P. Pratt, pp. 183, 184.
President John Taylor, of the Utah Church, in a discourse
delivered at Salt Lake City, Utah, October 7, 1881, said:—
"There was a time when there was a large amount of
apostasy in Kirtland; it was in 1837, I think. There was a
very bitter feeling gotten up by a number of men who had
apostatized. Parley P. Pratt was one who was affected.
He, however, did not go to the length that some did; and
Orson Pratt had partaken more or less of that spirit. I
speak of these things as facts."— Pamphlet "On marriage
— Succession in the Priesthood," p. 13.
Joseph Smith writes of this as follows: —
"In this state of things, and but a few weeks before the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 103
Twelve were expecting to meet in full quorum (some of them
having been absent for some time), God revealed to me that
something new must be done for the salvation of his church.
And on or about the first of June, 1837, Heber C. Kimball,
one of the Twelve, was set apart by the spirit of prophecy
and revelation, prayer and the laying on of hands of the
First Presidency, to preside over a mission to England, to
be the first foreign mission of the Church of Christ in the
last days. While we were about ordaining him, Orson
Hyde, another of the Twelve, came in, and upon listening
to what was passing his heart melted within him (for he had
begun to drink of the cup filled with the overflowings of
speculation). He acknowledged all his faults, asked for-
giveness, and offered to accompany President Kimball on
his mission to England. His offer was accepted, and he
was set apart for that purpose.
"Thirty -five elders', three priests,' two teachers', and two
deacons' licenses were recorded in the License Records in
Kirtland, during the quarter ending June 3, by T. Burdick."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 11.
On the 10th of June, 1837, there was a conference held at
Portland, Upper Canada, John E. Page presiding. At this
Canada conference there were represented three hundred
conference. an(j five members, all the fruits of thirteen
months' labor by Elder Page.
Joseph, writing of scenes in Kirtland on the same date,
states: —
"The same evening, while I was engaged in giving some
special instructions to Elders Kimba.ll and Hyde and Presi-
dent Joseph Fielding, concerning their mission to England,
President Brigham Young came into my house where we
were sitting, accompanied by Dr. Willard Richards, who had
just returned from a special business mission to New York,
Boston, and other eastern cities, on which he started with
President Young the 14th March; Dr. Richards having been
ordained an elder on the 6th of March, and President Young
having returned from the mission a few days previous. . . .
"Monday, June 12, I was taken sick, and kept my room,
unable to attend to business.
104 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Elder W. Richards, having reported his mission,
requested the privilege of fulfilling a covenant which he
made with President Kimball in January, which was that he
should, agreeable to his desire, accompany the Twelve on
their first foreign mission. President Hyrum Smith and
Sidney Rigdon granted his petition, laid their hands upon
his head, and set him apart for the English mission.
"Tuesday, 13th. My afflictions continued to increase and
were very severe, insomuch I was unable to raise my head
from my pillow when the brethren called to bid me fare-
well; and at nine o'clock a. m., Elders H. C. Kimball, O.
Hyde, W. Richards, and Joseph Fielding, a priest, a native
of Honedon, England, left Kirtland in company with Presi-
dent Brigham Young and several of the Kirtland brethren
and sisters, who continued with them as far as Fairport, on
Lake Erie, where the mission took a steamer for Buffalo,
directing their course for New York City.
"Wednesday, 14th. I had continued to grow worse and
worse until my sufferings were excruciating, and although
in the midst of it all I felt to rejoice in the salvation of
Israel's God, yet I found it expedient to call to my assistance
those means which a kind Providence had provided for the
restoration of the sick, in connection with the ordinances;
and Dr. Levi Richards, at my request, administered to me
herbs and mild food, and nursed me with all tenderness and
attention; and my heavenly Father blessed his administra-
tions to the ease and comforting of my system, for I began
to amend in a short time, and in a few days I was able to
resume my usual labors.
"This is one of the many instances that I have suddenly
been brought from a state of health to the borders of the
grave, and as suddenly restored, for which my heart swells
with gratitude to my heavenly Father, and I feel renewedly
to dedicate myself and all my powers to his service.
"While I was thus afflicted the enemy of all righteousness
was suggesting, apostates reporting, and the doubtful believ-
ing that my afflictions were sent upon me because I was in
transgression and had taught the church things contrary to
godliness; but of this the Lord judge betwixt me and them,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 105
while I pray my Father to forgive them the wrong." — Mil-
lennial Star, vol. 16, p. 12.
On Sunday, July 23, 1837, the same day that Apostles
Kimball and Hyde preached their first sermons in England,
Revelation ^^s being the first preaching in a foreign land,
toTB-Mar8h- the revelation to Thomas B. Marsh, President of
the Apostles' Quorum, was received.1
1 1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant, Thomas, I have
heard thy prayers, and thine alms have come up as a memorial before
me, in behalf of those thy brethren who were chosen to bear testimony
of my name, and to send it abroad among all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and people; and ordained through the instrumentality of my servants.
2. Verily I say unto you, There have been some few things in thine
heart and with thee, with which I, the Lord, was not well pleased; nev-
ertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shall be exalted;
therefore, all thy sins are forgiven thee. Let thy heart be of good cheer
before my face, and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto
the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews; and thou shalt send forth my word
unto the ends of the earth.
3. Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning, and day after day;
let thy warning voice go forth, and when the night cometh, let not the
inhabitants of the earth slumber because of thy speech.
4. Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and remove not thy house, for
I, the Lord, have a great work for thee to do, in publishing my name
among the children of men; therefore, gird up thy loins for the work.
Let thy feet be shod also for thou art chosen and thy path lieth among
the mountains, and among many nations; and by thy word many high
ones shall be brought low; and by thy word many low ones shall be
exalted. Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor; and at thy
rebuke let the tongue of the slanderer cease its perverseness.
5. Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand,
and give thee answer to thy prayers. I know thy heart, and have heard
thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in
love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and
let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name. And
pray for thy brethren of the twelve. Admonish them sharply for my
name's sake, and let them be admonished for all their sins; and be ye
faithful before me unto my name. And after their temptations and
much tribulations, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they
harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they
shall be converted, and I will heal them.
6. Now, I say unto you, — and what I say unto you I say unto all the
twelve, — Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and
feed my sheep. Exalt not yourselves; rebel not against my servant
Joseph, for verily I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be
over him, and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to you-
ward, shall not be taken from him till I come.
7. Verily I say unto you, my servant Thomas, Thou art the man whom
I have chosen to hold the keys of my kingdom (as pertaining to the
twelve) abroad among all nations, that thou mayest be my servant to
unlock the door of the kingdom in all places where my servant Joseph,
and my servant Sidney, and my servant Hyrum, cannot come; for on
them have I laid the burden of all the churches for a little season; where-
fore, whithersoever they shall send you, go ye, and I will be with you,
106 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On Thursday, July 27, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and
Mission T- B- Marsh started on a mission to Canada. Ar-
to Canada. riving. at Painesville, Ohio, they were delayed two
days by malicious lawsuits.
The August number of the Messenger and Advocate con-
mden, tained the prospectus of a new paper to be
edited by Joseph Smith, Jr., at Kirtland, Ohio,
and called the Elders1 Journal.
On or about the last of August, 1837, Joseph Smith and
his companions on the Canada mission returned to Kirtland.
On September 3, 1837, there was a conference held at
and in whatsoever place ye shall proclaim my name, an effectual door
shall be opened unto you, that they may receive my word; whosoever
receiveth my word receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth
those (the first presidency) whom I have sent, whom I have made coun-
selors for my name's sake unto you.
8. And -again I say unto you, that whosoever ye shall send in my name,
by the voice of your brethren, the twelve, duly recommended and
authorized by you, shall have power to open the door of my kingdom
unto any nation whithersoever ye shall send them, inasmuch as they
shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken
to the voice of my Spirit.
9. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Darkness covereth the earth, and
gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt
before my face. Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhab-
itants of the earth — a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation,
of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation— and as a whirlwind it
shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.
10. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go
forth, saith the Lord. First among those among you, saith the Lord,
who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have
blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.
11. Therefore, see to it that ye trouble not yourselves concerning the
affairs of my church in this place, saith the Lord; but purify your
hearts before me, and then go ye into all the world, and preach my* gos-
pel unto every creature who has not received it; and he that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not, and is not bap-
tized, shall be damned.
12. For unto you (the twelve), and those (the first presidency), who are
appointed with you, to be your counselors and your leaders, is the power
of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in the
which is the dispensation of the fullness of times, which power you hold
in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any
time from the beginning of the creation; for verily I say unto you, The
keys of the dispensation which ye have received, have come down from
the fathers; and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you.
13. Verily I say unto you, Behold how great is your calling. Cleanse
your hearts and your garments, lest the blood of this generation be
required at your hands. Be faithful until I come, for I come quickly,
and my reward is with m every man according as his
work shall be. I am A1 en.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 107
Kirtland, an extract of the minutes of which is as follows: —
"Minutes of a conference assembled in committee of the
whole church on Sunday, the 3d of September, 1837: —
"At nine o'clock in the morning George W. Robinson was
called upon to take the minutes of the conference. Sidney
Kirtiand Rigdon then presented Joseph Smith, Jr., to the
conference, church to know if they still looked upon and
would still receive and uphold him as the President of the
whole church; and the vote was unanimous in the affirma.
tive.
"President Smith then presented Sidney Rigdon and
Frederick G. Williams as his counselors, and to constitute
with himself the three First Presidents of the church.
Voted unanimously in the affirmative, except for F. G
Williams, which was not carried.
"President Smith then introduced Oliver Cowdery, Joseph
Smith, Sr., Hyrum Smith, and John Smith, for assistant
counselors. These last four, together with the first three,
are to be considered the heads of the church. Carried
unanimously.
"Voted, that Newel K. Whitney hold his office as Bishop,
and continue to act as such in Kirtland, and that Reynolds
Gaboon and Vinson Knight continue to act as counselors to
the Bishop.
"The Twelve Apostles were then presented one by one,
when .Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten, Brigham Young,
Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson
Pratt, William Smith, and William E. McLellin were re-
ceived unanimously in their apostleship. Luke John-
son, Lyman Johnson, and John F. Boynton were rejected
and cut off, though privileged with confessing and mak-
ing satisfaction.
"Elder Boynton (who was the only one present at the
time) arose and endeavored to confess, justifying himself in
his former conduct by reason of the failure of the bank, etc.
"His conduct was strongly protested by Elder Brigham
Young in a plain and energetic manner, staMng various rea-
sons why he could not receive him into fellowship until a
hearty repentance and confession were manifested.
108 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Elder Young was followed by Elder Marsh, who acqui-
esced in testimony and resolutions.
"President Rigdon then addressed the assembly, showing
the cause of the difficulty with Elders Boynton and Johnson,
in leaving their calling to attend to other occupations.
"Elder Boynton again rose and still attributed his difficul-
ties to the failure of the bank, stating that he understood the
bank was instituted by the will of God and he had been told
that it should never fail, let men do what they would.
"President Smith then arose and stated that if this had
been declared, no one had authority from him for so doing,
for he had always said that unless the institution was con-
ducted on righteous principles it would not stand.
1 'A vote was then taken to know if the congregation was
satisfied with Boynton's confession; carried in the negative.
"Conference adjourned for one hour.
"Conference assembled at two o'clock in the afternoon;
opened by reading, singing, and prayer.
"The President then arose and said he would call upon
the church to know if they were satisfied with their High
Council, and should proceed to name them individually.
"John Johnson, Joseph Coe, Joseph Kingsbury, and Mar-
tin Harris were objected to, also John P. Green; but his
case was put over until he should be present.
"Noah Packard, Jared Carter, Samuel H. Smith, were
voted to retain their office.
"Oliver Granger, Henry G. Sherwood, William Marks,
Mayhew Hillman, Harlow Redfield, Asahel Smith, Phinehas
Richards, and David Dort were chosen to fill the places of
those objected to (and Thomas Grover having moved west);
John Smith chosen one of the Presidents of the church, and
Orson Johnson having been excluded from the church; (all
having belonged to the High Council.) . . .
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR., President.
"GEORGE W. ROBINSON, Clerk."
— Milennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 56, 57.
Members of the High Council chosen in this conference
were ordained on the 9th, when the council drew numbers,
which resulted in the following arrangement: 1, John P.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 109
Green; 2, Asahel Smith; 3, Samuel H. Smith; 4, Mayhew
Hillman; 5, William Marks; 6, Noah Packard; 7, Oliver
Granger; 8, David Dort; 9, Jared Carter; 10, Phinehas Rich-
ards; 11, Henry G. Sherwood; 12, Harlow Redfield.
An assembly of the whole church was held on the 10th,
when Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and John F. Boynton,
Assembly °^ ^e Twelve, made satisfactory confession, and
of the church. were by vote restored to fellowship, and permitted
to retain their Apostleship. Counselor John P. Green was,
upon his confession, also forgiven and retained in his office.
At a conference held at Kirtland, September 17, 1837,
Marks ap- William Marks was appointed agent for Bishop
pointed agent. N< K Whitney, in order to relieve the Bishop
that he might travel.
George W. Robinson was elected Church Recorder, in
place of Oliver Cowdery, who had removed to Missouri.
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were requested to locate
other stakes for the gathering of the saints.
The elders in a situation to labor as missionaries were
called upon to volunteer, and one hundred and nina
Appointment responded. These were divided into eight com-
of ewers. panics of thirteen and fourteen each, and sent out
as follows: fourteen were to go east, fourteen southeast,
fourteen south, fourteen southwest, thirteen west, thirteen
northwest, fourteen north, thirteen northeast.
On September 18 Bishop N. K. Whitney and his coun-
Bishop selors, Reynolds Gaboon and Vinson Knight, sent
sends epistle. out a generai epistle to the church.
On September 27 Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, William
Smith, and Vinson Knight started for Missouri.
On October 1 Elder Lyman Sherman was elected to the
High Council of Kirtland, in place of Jared Carter, who had
removed to Missouri; and on the 2d, Samuel H. Smith was
appointed president of the council.
On October 13 Jerusha Smith, wife of Hyrum Smith, died
Death of Mrs. at Kirtland, while he was absent in Missouri. Of
Hyrum smith. ^erj LUCV Smith, her husband's mother, wrote a
touching tribute of respect. 2
2 About one year after my husband returned from this mission a
110 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
About this time Parley P. Pratt published from New York
City a work of 116 pages entitled, "A Voice of Warning."
voice of This work has since become quite popular, and is
warning. now published and extensively circulated by the
church.
On October 18, 1837, the High Council of Kirtland resolved
to commence a reform by pruning the church of unruly mem-
bers.
On the 22d the church in Kirtland disfellowshiped twenty-
two members, until satisfaction should be made, for uniting
with the world in a dance.
On the 23d the High Council resolved that all unruly chil-
dren should be reported to their parents, and in case the
parents neglect to take suitable notice of it, the parents be
reported to church authorities.
They also passed the following resolution: "That we dis-
Ardent countenance the use of ardent spirits, in any way,
spirits. J.Q se}^ or JJQ ke brought into this place for sale or
use."
On the 29th nine more members were reported to the
church for having taken part in the dance referred to, and
eleven of the thirty-one made confession.
About the last of October Joseph Smith and his compan-
ions arrived at Far West, Missouri. Immediately upon their
Arrival at arrival a series of councils and conferences was
Far west. held for the purpose of regulating and more fully
organizing the church in Missouri. In addition to the local
authorities the following officials from Kirtland, Ohio,
engaged in this work: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, of
the First Presidency; Thomas B. Marsh, William B. McLel-
lin, Lyman E. Johnson, and William Smith, of the Twelve;
and Hyrum Smith, of the High Priests.
calamity happened to our family that wrung our hearts with more than
common grief. Jerusha, Hyrum's wife, was taken sick, and, after an ill-
ness of perhaps two weeks, died while her husband was absent on a mis-
sion to Missouri. She was a woman whom everybody loved that was
acquainted with her, for she was every way worthy. The family were
so warmly attached to her that, had she been our own sister, they could
not have been more afflicted by her death. — Joseph Smith, the Prophet,
page 225.
CHAPTER 7.
1837.
BRIGHT PROSPECTS —SETTLEMENTS OUTSIDE CALDWELL COUNTY-
COMMITTEE ON TOWN LOTS— BUILDING COMMITTEE —WORD OF
WISDOM— LIQUOR TRAFFIC— THE FOURTH AT PAR WEST— CALD-
WELL MILITIA— RESOLVE TO BUILD A TEMPLE— GENERAL ASSEM-
BLY — BISHOP REIMBURSED— AFFAIRS AT KIRTLAND.
THE year 1837 -dawned upon the saints of Missouri with
bright hopes and flattering prospects, though some appre-
Bright hension was doubtless felt because of the change
prospect.. o;f administration in the State government. The
term of office of Governor Daniel Dunklin had expired, and
he was succeeded by their cruel and relentless enemy, Lil-
burn W. Boggs, of Independence; yet under the agreement
that they were to have a county, and a county organization
of their own, free from molestation, they were encouraged
in the thought that peace had at last come to them.
The first three months of the year they were as busy as
the season of the year would admit, building their homes and
preparing for the future. Their numbers were almost daily
augmented by accessions from the East. In some
d- instances settlements were made outside of Caldwell
anty' County, but always by written consent, as pro-
vided in the agreement.
On this point we quote from the "History of Caldwell and
Livingston Counties, Missouri, as follows: —
"The most desirable locations in Caldwell having been
taken, the Mormon settlement extended into other counties.
In the spring of 1837 quite a detachment went up into
Daviess, and by written permission of the few Gentile set-
tlers there, made locations in that county. Three miles
above Gallatin, on the east bluffs of Grand River, they laid
out a town which they called Diahman (pronounced Di-a-?non).
The locality was named 'Adam-ondi-ahman,' signifying, it is
112 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
said, 'the grave of Adam,' as certain of the Mormon wise
men claimed it to be the burial place of the progenitor of the
human race! Some of the Mormons located at Gallatin and
elsewhere throughout the county. Over in Clinton County
there were perhaps fifty Mormon families in 1833. Down in
Carroll County, at DeWitt, on the Missouri, in the spring of
1838, General George M. Hinkle and John Murdock, as trus-
tees for the Mormons, purchased the town site, laid it off
into lots, and soon a thriving village of one hundred houses
was built. DeWitt was designed to be a steamboat landing
and a point from which goods and immigrants could be for-
warded to Caldwell County.
"It is claimed that all the Mormon settlements outside of
this county were made with the prior consent of the inhabitants
then living where the settlements were made; the consent
was obtained, in nearly every instance, by the payment of
money, either for the lands of the pioneer Gentiles or for
some articles of personal property they owned. Money was
scarce at that day, and although the pioneers did not approve
Mormon doctrines, they did approve of Mormon gold and
silver, and they were willing to tolerate the one if they
could obtain the other. But afterward certain of the Gen-
tiles claimed that the Mormon occupation had been by
stealth and fraud, and perhaps in some instances this was
true.
"By far the majority of the Mormon settlers in this quarter
were poor. Many of them were able to enter and improve but
forty acres of land, and nearly all their houses were cabins.
Like other pioneers they had come to the country to better
their condition; to worship as they pleased, and to be with
their brethren, were of course considerations. Every head of
family was guaranteed a home, and if he was unable to buy
one it was given him from the lands held by the trustees of
the church. Among so many, however, there could but be
those of some wealth, as well as craftsmen of various kind?,
skilled mechanics and artisans. There were also many per-
sons of education and accomplishment. School-teachers
were plenty and schools were numerous." — History of Cald-
well County, pp. 118, 119.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 113
At a meeting of the High Council of Far West and the
Bishop's Council held at Far West, April 7, 1837, a commit-
committee tee on appraising and selling town lots was
on town iota. appOinted, consisting of W. W. Phelps, John
Whitmer, Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, and John Cor-
Building "Ik Jacob Whitmer, Elisha H. Groves, and Geo.
committee. ^ Hinkle were appointed a building committee
to build the house of the Lord in Far West.
About May 28, 1837, at a general meeting of the church
the following was passed: "Resolved unanimously, that we
word of wiH n°t fellowship any ordained member who will
wisdom. not or £oes not Ot,serve the Word of Wisdom
according to its literal reading." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 9.
On June 11, 1837, the High Council at Far West passed a
resolution in regard to the liquor traffic, which is in strict
Liqnor harmony with the one passed at Kirtland, and
leaves no doubt as to where the church stood on
that question, which had not then agitated the public mind
to the extent it has since. 1
On July 4 an excavation was made for the proposed tem-
The Fourth ple> an<^ quite a gathering of saints was had at
at Far West. par wesk Concerning this and other items, W.
W. Phelps writes: —
"FAR WEST, Missouri, July 7, 1837.
"Monday, the 3d of July, was a great and glorious day in
Far West. More than fifteen hundred saints assembled at
this place, and at half past eight in the morning, after
prayer, singing, and an address, proceeded to break the
ground for the Lord's house. The day was beautiful; the
Spirit of the Lord was with us. A cellar for this great edi-
fice, one hundred and ten feet long by eighty feet broad, was
nearly finished. On Tuesday, the 4th, we had a large meet-
ing and several of the Missourians were baptized; our meet-
ings, held in the open prairie, were larger than they were in
1It was reported that certain individuals, not of the church, were de-
sirous or were about to establish themselves as grocers, retailers of spir-
ituous liquors, and so forth, in Far West, whereupon it was resolved that
we will not uphold any man or men to take a partner out of the church
to trade or traffic in this line of business, or sell for any man or men out
of the church, .in his name, or on commission. — Millennial Star, vol.
1G, p. 11.
114 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Kirtland, when I was there. We had more or less to bless,
confirm, and baptize, every Sabbath. This same day our
school section was sold at auction, and although entirely a
prairie, it brought, on a year's credit, from $3.50 to $10.20
per acre, making our first school fund $5,070.00!! Land
cannot be had round town now much less than ten dollars
per acre.
"Our numbers increase daily, and notwithstanding the
season has been cold and backward, no one has lacked a
meal, or went hungry. Provisions have risen, but not .as
high as accounts say they are abroad. Public notice has
been given by the mob in Daviess County, north of us, for the
Mormons to leave that county by the first of August, and go
into Caldwell: our enemies will not slumber till Satan knows
the bigness of his lot. Our town gains some; we have
about one hundred buildings, eight of which are stores. If
the brethren abroad are wise, and will come on with means,
and help enter the land, and populate the county, and build
the Lord's house, we shall soon have one of the most pre-
cious spots on the globe; God grant that it may be so. Of
late we receive little news from you, and we think much of
that is exaggerated. As ever,
"W. W. PHELPS.
"N. B. — Please say in your Messenger and Advocate, a 'Post
office has been established at Far West, Caldwell County,
Missouri.'" — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 13.
About this time the Caldwell regiment of the State militia
caidweii was regularly organized, composed mostly of
militia. members of the church. Their officers received
their commission under the hands of Governor Boggs.
Lyman Wight, in his private journal under date of August
2, 1837, states:—
"We held an election to make choice of a colonel to take
the command of the regiment in Caldwell County. I
received a unanimous vote for that office, which was two hun-
dred and thirty-six votes, whereupon I received a commis-
sion from under the hands of Lilburn W. Boggs."
Of this event the History of Caldwell and Livingston
Counties, Missouri, has this: —
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 115
"The militia of the county, all or nearly all Mormons,
organized and mustered, and a regiment was formed under
the laws of the State, of which either 'General' George M.
Hinkle or Lyman Wight was Colonel."— Page 117.
We are thus particular to mention this because careless
writers often write of this regiment as the "Mormon militia,"
and the uninformed conclude that their only authority was
from the church; when the fact is they were regularly or-
ganized and a part of the State troops. It is also true that
subsequently when this regiment took an active part in
putting down riots and quelling mobs, Colonel Wight acted
under orders from his military superiors, as will appear from
General Parks' address on October 18, 1838. 8
About this time two deaths occurred in the High Council
at Far West; viz., Jesse Hitchcock and Peter Whitmer, Jr.
Their places were filled by the selection of Thomas Grover
and George Morey.
On August 5 a meeting was held in Far West, of which
Joseph writes: —
'"Gentlemen, I deplore your situation. I regret that transactions of
this nature should have transpired in our once happy State. Your con-
dition is certainly not an enviable one, surrounded by mobs on one side,
and popular opinion and prejudice a,gainst you on the other. Gladly
would I fly to your relief with my troops, but I fear it would be worse for
you; most of them have relations living in this county, and will not
fight against them. One of my principal captains; namely, Samuel
Bogart, and his men, have already mutinized and have refused to obey
my command. I can only say to you, gentlemen, follow the command
of Colonel Wight, whom I have commanded to disperse all mobs found
in Daviess County, or to make them prisoners and bring them before the
civil authorities forthwith. I wish to be distinctly understood that Colonel
Wight is vested with power and authority from me to disperse from your
midst all who may be found on the side of mobocracy in the county of
Daviess. I deeply regret, gentlemen, (knowing as I do the vigilance and
perseverance of Colonel Wight in the cause of freedom and rights of
man,) that I could not even be a soldier under his command in quelling
the hellish outrages I have witnessed. In conclusion, gentlemen, be
vigilant and persevere and allay every excitement of mobocracy. I have
visited your place frequently; find you to be an industrious and thriving
people, willing to abide the laws of the land. And I deeply regret that
you could not live in peace and enjoy the privileges of freedom. I shall
now, gentlemen, return and dismiss my troops and put Captain Bogart
under an arrest, leave the sole charge with Colonel Wight, whom I deem
sufficiently qualified to perform according to law in all military opera-
tions necessary." — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 260.
116 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"The same day, August 5, the Presidency, High Council,
and all the authorities of the church in Missouri, assembled
in council at Far West, and unanimously resolved
Resolve , , ,
to build to go on moderately and build a house unto the
name of the Lord in Far West, as they had means,
and appointed Edward Partridge treasurer, to receive all
the donations and subscriptions for the erection of the house
of the Lord; Isaac Morley to be his secretary. Also voted
that the committee; viz., Jacob Whitmer, Elisha H. Groves,
and George M. Hinkle, stand until President David Whitmer
goes to and returns from Kirtland; also that the buil'ding
committee of the house of the Lord have no store connected
with building the house, but that every firm or individual
that embarks in that business, have, own, and claim such
property as their own private individual property and stew-
ardship."— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 54, 55.
This is peculiar in this: that it appears from subsequent
events that these authorities were hasty in resolving to
build a temple without a direct command of God. When
Joseph Smith arrived at Far West, three months later, the
High Council, on November 6, 1837, Joseph Smith being
present, "voted unanimously, that it is the opinion of this
council that there is sufficient room in this country for the
churches to continue gathering from abroad; also that the
building of the house of the Lord be postponed, till the Lord
shall reveal it to be his will to be commenced."— Millennial
Star, vol. 16, p. 89.
Concerning this, Andrew Jensen in his "Historical Rec-
ord," page 434, has this to say: —
"Consequently Joseph and Sidney, accompanied by Wil-
liam Smith and Vinsoh Knight, started from Kirtland Sep-
tember 27, and arrived in Far West, Missouri, about the 1st
of November. While there Joseph met in council with the
elders and saints, and regulated matters connected with the
townrsite of Far West. It was also decided that there was
sufficient room in the county for the saints to continue gath-
ering there from abroad. The previous summer (August 5,
1837) the authorities of the church in Missouri had resolved
in council to go on moderately and build a house unto the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 117
name of the Lord in Far West. When Joseph arrived there
he counseled that the building of that house should be post-
poned until the Lord should reveal it to be his will to have
it commenced."
From this it" appears that Joseph's counsel was (and the
High Council concurred) not to commence the building of a
temple until commanded of God.
From this it will appear that the Kirtland Temple is the
only one standing to-day, the building of which is approved
of God.
On August 20, 1837, Charles C. Rich was ordained Presi-
dent of the High Priests' Quorum in Missouri, and Henry
Green President of the Elders in Caldwell County.
On November 7 a general assembly of the church in Mis-
souri was held at Far West, the minutes of which as pub-
lished in the Millennial Star, are as follows: —
"Minutes of a conference at Far West, Missouri, Novem-
ber 7, 1837.
"At a general assembly of the Church of Latter Day
Saints, assembled at Far West, to take into consideration
General an(i transact the business of said church, Elder
a-sembiy. Thomas B. Marsh was chosen as moderator, and
Oliver Cowdery clerk.
"After singing, the moderator addressed the throne of
grace in prayer, after which President Sidney Rigdon ex-
plained the object of the meeting, giving a relation of the
recent reorganization of the church in Kirtland. The min-
utes of said meeting were read by the moderator, who also
nominated Joseph Smith, Jr., the First President of the
whole church, to preside over the same.
"All were requested (male and female) to vote, and he was
unanimously chosen.
"He then made a few remarks, accepting the appointment,
requesting the prayers of the church in his behalf.
"President Smith then nominated President Sidney Rig-
don to be one of his counselors, who was unanimously
chosen.
"He then nominated Frederick G. Williams to be his next
counselor, who was objected to by Elder Lyman Wight in a
118 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
few remarks, referring to a certain letter written to this
place by the said F. G. Williams.
"Also Elder Marsh objected to President Williams.
"Elder James Emmet also objected to President Williams.
"Bishop E. Partridge said he seconded President Wil-
liams' nomination, and should vote for him; and as to said
letter, he had heard it, and saw nothing so criminal in it.
"President David Whitmer also made a few remarks in
President Williams' favor.
"Elder Marsh made further remarks.
"Elder Thomas Grover also objected to President Wil-
liams.
"President S. Rigdon then nominated President Hy*um
Smith to take President Williams' place.
"He then called for a vote in favor of President Williams,
who was rejected.
"He then called for a vote in favor of President Hyrum
Smith, which was carried unanimously.
"Some few remarks were made by President David Whit-
mer and Sydney Rigdon.
"David Whitmer was nominated as the president of this
branch of the church, and was objected to by Elder Marsh.
"Bishop E. Partridge said he should vote for President
Whitmer.
"Elder William E. McLellin made a few remarks.
"Elder George M. Hinkle made a few remarks in favor
of President Whitmer; also Elder King Follet.
"Elder Caleb Baldwin spoke against President Whitmer;
also Elder Seymour Brunson.
"Elder Elisha H. Groves spoke in favor of President
Whitraer.
"Further remarks from Elder McLellin by request of
President Whitmer, who made satisfaction for him.
"Remarks from President Joseph Smith, Jr., who called
for an expression, which was carried by almost an unani-
mous vote in favor of President Whitmer.
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., then nominated John Whit-
mer for an assistant president, who was objected to, and
Elder Marsh spoke in opposition to him, and read a list of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 119
charges from a written document against him and President
Phelps.
"President John Whitmer then spoke a few words by way
of confession, and was followed by Elder Isaac Morley.
"The vote was called, and carried unanimously.
"The meeting adjourned for one hour.
"Meeting convened according to adjournment, a hymn was
sung, and a prayer offered up by the moderator.
"W. W. Phelps was nominated for an assistant president
for this church, by President Joseph Smith, Jr.
"He rose and made certain remarks on the subject of
the charges referred to above, by way of confession also,
when the vote was put by President Rigdon, and passed
unanimously.
"Elders John Murdock, Solomon Hancock, Elias Higbee,
Calvin Beebe, John M. Hinkle, Thomas Grover, and Simeon
Carter were unanimously chosen high counselors.
"Lyman Wight was nominated and objected to by John
Anderson, who went aside to converse.
"Newel Knight was unanimously chosen. George M.
Hinkle was nominated, and objected to by Elder James
Emmet, because he was too noisy; by King Follet, because
of his military office; and by James Durfee, because he was
a merchant.
"Elder Hinkle made a few remarks.
"The vote was called, and was unanimous.
"Levi Jackman and Elisha H. Groves were unanimously
chosen.
"John Anderson then took the stand and made his ob-
jections to Lyman Wight; after which Elder Wight also
spoke.
"The vote was called, and he was unanimously chosen.
"The Twelve were then called; namely, Thomas B. Marsh,
David W. Patten, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson
Hyde, William E. McLellin, Parley P. Pratt, William Smith,
Luke Johnson, Orson Pratt, John P. Boynton, and Lyman
E. Johnson, and were unanimously chosen.
"Bishop E. Partridge was nominated to still act as Bishop,
and was unanimously chosen; who then nominated Isaac
120 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Morley and Titus Billings for his counselors, who were
unanimously chosen.
"Elder Isaac Morley was then unanimously appointed
Patriarch of this branch of the church.
"Elder John Corrill was chosen to be keeper of the Lord's
storehouse.
"Elder Isaac Morley was then ordained to the office of
Patriarch, under the hands of Presidents Joseph Smith, Jr.,
Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith.
"The congregation, after a few remarks from Sidney Rig-
don, unanimously voted not to support stores and shops
selling spirituous liquors, tea, coffee, or tobacco.
"A vote was called on the subject of the Presidents of the
Seventies; and those who have recently been appointed to
that office were unanimously received.
"The congregation then united with President Sidney
Rigdon, who, in the closing prayer, called upon their Lord
to dedicate this land for the gathering of the saints, and
their inheritances.
"THOMAS B. MARSH, Moderator.
"Attest, OLIVER COWDBRT, Clerk."
• —Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 106-108.
Soon after this Joseph Smith left Far West to return to
Kirtland.
On November 27, at Kirtland, Reuben Hedlock was
chosen President of the Elders' Quorum, to succeed Elder
Beeman, deceased.
On November 30 Bishop Partridge reported that he had
paid attorney's fees in suits against the Jackson County mob,
Bishop *° the amount of six hundred dollars, and costs to
reimbursed. foQ amount of three hundred dollars, and asked
that he be permitted to liquidate the debt out of properties
of the church. This request was granted.
Of affairs at Kirtland, Joseph writes: —
"During my absence Warren Parrish, John P. Boynton,
Luke Johnson, Joseph Coe, and some others united together
for the overthrow of the church.
"I returned to Kirtland on or about the 10th of December,
soon after which this dissenting band openly and publicly
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 121
renounced the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, and
claimed themselves to be the old standard, calling them-
selves the Church of Christ, excluding that of saints, and
set me at naught, and the whole church, denouncing us as
heretics, not considering that the saints shall possess the
kingdom according to the Prophet Daniel.
"The Elders1 Journal No. 2, for November, was the last
paper printed at Kirtland. Our printing establishment was
attached to satisfy an unjust judgment of county court, and
soon after the whole printing apparatus was burned to the
ground." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 109.
Joseph records the following regarding the troublesome
times in Kirtland at the close of the year 1837: —
"On the morning of the 22d of December, 1837, Brother
Brigham Young left Kirtland, in consequence of the fury of
the mob, the spirit that prevailed in the apostates who had
threatened to destroy him, because he would proclaim pub-
licly and privately that he knew by the power of the Holy
Ghost that I was a prophet of the most high God, that I had
not transgressed and fallen as the apostates declared.
"Apostasy, persecution, confusion, and mobocracy strove
hard to bear rule at Kirtland, and thus closed the year
1837."— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 110.
A detailed account of these trials and persecutions may
be found in the "History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet," by
Lucy Smith.
CHAPTER 8.
1837, 1838.
EUROPEAN MISSION — KIMBALL'S ACCOUNT — CHILD HEALED —
PREACHING ON BOARD SHIP — ARRIVE AT LIVERPOOL — A TRY-
ING CONDITION — THEY GO TO PRESTON — A DOOR is OPENED
—SUCCESS ATTENDS THEM— FIRST CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND-
OPPOSITION OF THE CLERGY— ORGANIZATION OF THE MISSION-
FAREWELL ADDRESSES— ARRIVAL AT KIRTLAND.
HAVING now followed the church in America to the close
of A. D. 1837, and noted during the last year that a mission
European was sen^ ^° Europe, it will now be proper to
mission. inquire how the work was prospering in for-
eign lands.
Heber C. Kimball, who was in charge of this mission, kept
a journal, extracts of which have since been pub-
lished in book form, and from which we will
quote largely in this chapter: —
"I was then set apart, along with Elder Hyde, who was
likewise appointed to that mission, by the laying on of the
hands of the Presidency, who agreed that Elders Goodson,
Russell, Richards, Fielding, and Snider should accom-
pany us.
"After spending a few days in arranging my affairs and
settling my business, on the thirteenth day of June, A. D.
1837, I bade adieu to my family and friends, and the town of
Kirtland, where the house of the Lord stood, in which I
had received my anointing, and had seen such wonderful dis-
plays of the power and, glory of God. In company with
Elder Hyde and the other brethren I arrived at Fairport, on
Lake Erie, that afternoon, a distance of twelve miles, and
about an hour after our arrival, took passage in a steam-
boat for Buffalo, New York.
"We were accompanied by Brother R. B. Thompson and
wife, who were on their way to Canada, from Kirtland,
where he intended to labor in the ministry.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 123
"After a pleasant voyage, we reached Buffalo the next
day, at which place we expected to get some funds which
were promised us, to assist us on our journey; but we were
unfortunately disappointed.
"At that time we had but very little means, but still we
determined to prosecute our journey, believing that the
Lord would open our way.
"We accordingly continued our journey, and took our
passage in a line boat on the Erie Canal to Utica, a distance
of two hundred and fifty miles, and thence to Albany on the
railroad.
"Prom this latter place I went with Brother Richards into
the country about thirty miles, where we were successful in
obtaining some means to enable us to prosecute our journey.
We then returned and took passage on a steamboat for New
York, at which place we arrived on the 22d day of June.
"On our arrival we met with Brothers Goodson and Sni-
der, according to appointment (they having gone round by
the way of Canada), all in good health.
<fWhen we arrived at New York we found a vessel ready
to sail; but not having sufficient means, we were obliged to
wait until such time as we could obtain funds to pay our
passage and buy provisions for the voyage. We rented a
small room in a storehouse, hoping that some way would be
provided for us to go forward and fulfill the mission where-
unto we were sent.
"We spent considerable time while we were there in pray-
ing to our heavenly Father for his guidance and protection,
that he would make our way plain before us, bless us with a
prosperous voyage across the billows of the mighty ocean,
and make us a blessing to each other and to the captain and
crew with whom we should sail.
"During our stay in that city, we were subject to many
inconveniences. We had to lay upon the floor, and had to
buy and cook our own victuals; yet none of these things
moved us, neither did we feel discouraged, believing that
the Lord would open our way and guide us to our destination.
"We conversed with many persons on the subject of the
gospel, and distributed a large number of copies of the 'Pro-
124 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
phetic Warning' among all classes of the community, not
forgetting the ministers of religion who abound in that city.
We sent a copy to every one whose name we could ascertain
through the medium of the post office.
"After remaining a few days, we were presented with sixty
dollars to assist us. Brother Elijah Fordham made us a
present of ten dollars, and concluded to accompany us on our
mission, but upon more mature consideration we thought it
was best for him to stop in that place, believing that the
Lord had a people in that city, and that a church would be
built up, which was afterwards done by the instrumentality
of Elders Parley P. and Orson Pratt.
"Having obtained as much money as would pay our pas-
sage across the Atlantic, we laid in a stock of provisions, and
on the first day of July went on board the ship Garrick,
bound for Liverpool, and weighed anchor about ten o'clock
a. m., and about four o'clock p. m. of the same day lost sight
of my natiye land. I had feelings which I cannot describe
when I could no longer behold its shores, and when I bade
adieu to the land of my birth, which was fast receding. . . .
"I hope I was actuated by a different motive than either
to please myself or to gain the riches and applause of the
world: it was a higher consideration than these that induced
me to leave my home. It was because a dispensation of the
gospel had been committed to me, and I felt an ardent desire
that my fellow creatures in other lands, as well as those of
the land of my birth, might hear the sound of the everlast-
ing gospel, obey its requisitions, rejoice in the fullness and
blessings thereof, and escape the judgments which were
threatened upon the ungodly.
"Our passage was very agreeable, and the winds for most
part very favorable. On the banks of New Foundland we
saw several whales and many different species of fish.
"We were kindly treated while on board, both by the
officers and crew, and their conduct was indeed praiseworthy;
had we been their own relatives, they could not have be-
haved more kindly or have treated us better. Thus the
Lord answered our prayers in this respect, for which I
desire to praise his holy name.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 125
"The Lord also gave us favor in the eyes of the passen-
gers, who treated us with the greatest respect. During our
voyage a child belonging to one of the passengers was very
sick and was given up for dead by the doctor who
Child healed.
attended it; consequently, its parents had given
up all hopes of its recovery, and expected to have to commit
their little one to the ocean. Feeling a great anxiety for the
child, I went to its parents and reasoned with and laid before
them the principle of faith, and told them that the Lord was
able to restore their child notwithstanding there was no
earthly prospect of its recovery, to which they listened with
great interest. Having an opportunity shortly after secretly
to lay hands upon the child, I did so, and in the name of
Jesus Christ rebuked the disease which preyed upon its sys-
tem. The Spirit of the Lord attended the administration,
and from that time the child began to recover, and two or
three days after it was running about perfectly well. Its
parents had to acknowledge that it was healed by the power
of the Almighty.
"The last Sunday we were on the water I went to the cap-
tain and asked the privilege for one of us to preach on
board. He very obligingly agreed, and appointed the time
when it would be most suitable for himself and the crew to
attend, which was at one o'clock p. m. We then appointed
Brother Hyde to speak, and notified the crew and passengers
of the circumstance.
"At the time appointed there was a congregation of from
two to three hundred persons assembled on the deck, who
listened with great attention and deep interest to the dis-
course, which was delivered with great power. I think I
never heard Brother Hyde speak with such power and elo-
quence as that time; he spoke on the subject of the resur-
rection. The time being limited on account of the duties of
the ship's company, his subject was necessarily condensed.
The congregation was composed of persons from different
nations and of different faiths, English, Irish, Scotch, Ger-
mans, French, etc., both Jews and Christians. A great feel-
ing was produced upon the minds of the assembly, who had
never heard the subject treated in like manner before, and
126 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
from the conversation we afterwards had with several of
them I believe that good was done, and many from that time
began to search the Scriptures for themselves, which are
able to make men wise unto salvation.
"On the 15th of July we came in sight of land, which
caused joy and gratitude to my heavenly Father to arise in
my bosom for the favorable passage we had had so far and
the prospect of soon reaching our destination. We then
sailed up the Irish Channel, having Ireland on our left and
Wales on our right. The scenery was very beautiful and
imposing.
"Three days after first seeing land, being the 18th of July,
we arrived in Liverpool, one of the largest ports in Great
Amve at Britain, being just seventeen days and two hours
Liverpool. from our departure from New York. The packet
ship South America, which left New York the same time we
did, came in a few lengths behind. The sight was very
grand to see these two vessels enter port, with every inch of
canvas spread. When we first got sight of Liverpool I went
to the side of the vessel and poured out my soul in praise
and thanksgiving to God for the prosperous voyage and for
all the mercies which he had vouchsafed to me; and while
thus engaged, and while contemplating the scenery which
then presented itself, and the circumstances which had
brought me thus far, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me
in a powerful manner; my soul was filled with love and
gratitude, and was humbled within me, while I covenanted
to dedicate myself to God and to love and serve him with all
my heart.
"Immediately after we anchored a small boat came along-
side, and several of the passengers, with Brothers Hyde,
Richards, Goodson, and myself got in and went on shore.
When we were within six or seven feet from the pier I
leaped on shore, and for the first time in my life stood on
British ground, among strangers whose manners and cus-
toms were different from my own. My feelings at that time
were peculiar, particularly when I realized the object,
importance, and extent of my mission and the work to
which I had been appointed and in which I was shortly
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 127
to be engaged." — Heber C. Kimball's Journal, pp. 11-15.
Left in the city of Liverpool, strangers in a strange land,
they had nothing to rely upon but their faith in God and his
promises.
Of their condition Elder Kimball states: —
"Having no means, poor and penniless we wandered in the
streets of that great city, where wealth and luxury, penury
A trying anc^ want abound. I there met the rich attired in
condition. ^e mos^ COstly dresses, and the next moment was
saluted with the cries of the poor, who were without cover-
ing sufficient to screen them from the weather. Such a dis-
tinction I never saw before. We then looked out for a place
to lodge in, and found a room belonging to a widow, which
we engaged for a few days.
"The time we were in Liverpool was spent in council and
in calling on the Lord for direction, so that we might be led
to places where we should be most useful in proclaiming the
gospel and in establishing and spreading his kingdom.
While thus engaged the Spirit of the Lord, the mighty
power of God, was with us, and we felt greatly strength-
ened; and a determination to go forward, come life or
death, honor or reproach, was manifested by us all. Our
trust was in God, who we believed could make us as useful
in bringing down the kingdom of Satan as he did the rams'
horns in bringing down the walls of Jericho, and in gathering
out a number of precious souls who were buried amidst the
rubbish of tradition and who had none to show them the way
of truth.
"Feeling led by the Spirit of the Lord to go to Preston, a
large manufacturing town in Lancashire, we started for that
They go place three days after our arrival in Liverpool.
to Preston. yye went by coach and arrived on Saturday after-
noon about four o'clock. After unloading our trunks,
Brother Goodson went in search of a place of lodging, and
Brother Fielding went to seek a brother of his, who was a
minister, residing in that place." — Heber C. Kimball's Jour-
nal, pp. 16, 17.
This Mr. Fielding was found, and he received the elders
very kindly, and gave them the privilege of preaching in his
128 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
chapel, until some of the members of his church were be-
lieving, when he closed the doors against them. The elders
A door then began preaching in private houses, which
is opened. were opened on every hand, and many became
obedient to the faith.
After laboring in Preston for a time successfully and bap-
tizing several they divided their labor; Elders Goodson and
Success at- Richards going to the city of Bedford, Elders
tends them. Russen an(j Snider to Alston, and Elders Kim-
ball, Hyde, and Fielding remaining in Preston. The work
spread rapidly and their success was remarkable.
After about four weeks' labor, Elder Kimball states: —
"I was instrumental in building up churches in Eccleston,
Wrightington, Askin, Exton, Daubers Lane, Chorly, Whit-
tle, and Laland Moss, . . . and baptized upwards of one
hundred persons."
All these places were near Preston.
Soon after, in company with Elder Fielding, he took a
short tour northeast of Preston, and raised up churches in
Ribchester, Thomly, Soney Gate Lane, and Clitheroe. On
his first visit to the village of Chatburn he baptized twenty-
five persons. At this time, after an absence of seven days,
they returned to Preston, having baptized eighty-three per-
sons.
The first conference in Europe was held on Christmas
Day, 1837. Of this conference and the events succeeding it,
Elder Kimball writes: —
"On Christmas Day the saints assembled in the Cockpit,
and we then opened the conference, which was the first that
was held by the Church of Christ in that country.
ence in°Eng- There were about three hundred saints present on
the occasion, all of whom, with the exception of
three, had been baptized within a very short time. Elders
Hyde, Fielding, and myself were present.
"The brethren were instructed in the principles of the gos-
pel, and their several duties enjoined upon them, as saints
of the Most High. We then proceeded to ordain several of
the brethren to the lesser priesthood, to take charge of the
different branches where they resided. We confirmed four-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 129
teen who had previously been baptized, and blessed about
one hundred children.
* 'At this conference the Word of Wisdom was first publicly
taught in that country, having previously taught it more by
example than precept; and, from my own observation after-
wards, I am happy to state that it was almost universally
attended to by the brethren.
"The Spirit of the Lord was with us during our interview,
and truly the hearts of the elders were rejoiced beyond
measure when we contemplated the glorious work which had
begun. We had to exclaim, 'It is the Lord's doings, and it
is marvelous in our eyes! Blessed be the name of the Lord!'
"I felt greatly humbled before the Lord, who had crowned
our labors with such signal success, and had prospered us
far beyond my most sanguine expectations.
"Immediately after this conference Elder Hyde and I went
to a village called Longton, situated near the seashore,
where we raised the standard of truth and published to the
listening crowds the glad tidings of salvation. After deliver-
ing two discourses, several came to us and requested bap-
tism. It being very cold weather, insomuch that the streams
were all frozen up, we had to repair to the seashore to
administer that ordinance, and immersed fifteen in the
waters of the ocean.
"It would probably be too tedious to enumerate all the
particulars which occurred during the time we sojourned in
that country; I shall therefore pass over many events which,
though pleasing to us at that time, and which showed the
kind dealings of our heavenly Father, would not be suffi-
ciently interesting to others. I shall therefore content
myself by giving an outline of the principal circumstances
attending our mission, which I have no doubt will be pleas-
ing to the brethren, and to all who love the prosperity of
Zion.
"From this time until about five weeks previous to our
departure from that land, we were continually engaged in
the work of the ministry, proclaiming the everlasting gospel
in all the region round about, and baptizing all such as
believed the gospel and repented of their sins. And truly,
130 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
'the Lord of Hosts was with us, the God of Jacob was our
refuge.' The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, was given to us
and abode with us in a remarkable manner, while the people
thronged to hear our addresses, and 'numbers were added to
the church daily, such as should be saved.' We would bap-
tize as many as fifty in Preston in a week, exclusive of those
in the country. During one short mission which Brother
Hyde and I took into the country, after preaching five dis-
courses on the principles of our holy religion, we had the
pleasure of immersing one hundred and thirty in the waters
of baptism.
"Thus mightily ran the word of God and prospered to the
joy and comfort of his servants, and to the salvation of
precious and immortal souls; while the world was struck
with amazement and surprise at the things which they saw
and heard. During this state of things, our enemies were
not idle, but heaped abuse upon us with an unsparing hand,
and issued torrents of lies after us, which, however, I am
thankful to say, did not sweep us away.
"Among those most active in publishing falsehoods against
us and the truth were many of the reverend clergy, who
opposition were afraid to meet us face to face in honorable
of the clergy, debate, although particularly requested so to do,
but sought every opportunity to destroy our characters and
propagate their lies concerning us, thus giving testimony
that 'they loved darkness rather than light.'
"Although we frequently called upon the ministers of the
different denominations, who had taken a stand against us,
to come forward and investigate the subject of our religion
before the world in an honorable manner, and bring forth
their strong reasons to disprove the things we taught, and
convince the people by sound argument and the word of God,
if they could, that we did not preach the gospel of Christ,
they altogether declined.
"This course we felt moved upon by the Spirit to adopt;
but they kept at a respectful distance, and only came out
when we were absent, with misrepresentations and abuse.
It is true we suffered some from the statements which they
thought proper to make, when we could get no opportunity
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 131
to contradict them; but generally their reports were of such
a character that they carried along with them their own
refutation.
"The time when we expected to return to our native land
having now nearly arrived, it was thought necessary to
spend the short time we had to remain in the country in vis-
iting and organizing the churches; placing such officers over
them, and giving such instructions as would be beneficial to
them during our absence. Accordingly Brothers Hyde,
Fielding, and I entered upon this duty, and we visited a
church nearly every day, and imparted such instructions as
the Spirit directed. We first visited the churches south of
Preston, and after spending some time in that direction we
journeyed to the north, accompanied by Brother Richards,
who had just returned from the city of Bedford.
"While we were attending to our duties in that section we
received a very pressing invitation from a Baptist church,
through the medium of their deacon, to pay them a visit,
stating that the society was exceedingly anxious to hear
from our own lips the wonderful things we had proclaimed
in the regions round about.
"We endeavored to excuse ourselves from going, as our
engagements already were such that it would require the
short time we had to stay to attend to them. But they
seemed determined to take no denial, and plead with us with
such earnestness that we could not resist their entreaties,
and finally we consented to go and preach once.
"Having arrived at the place we found a large congrega-
tion already assembled in the Baptist chapel, anxiously
awaiting our arrival. The minister gave out the hymns for
us, and Elder Hyde spoke on the subject of the resurrection
with great effect; after which the minister gave out another
hymn, which was sung by the assembly, and he then
requested me to address them. I arose and spoke briefly on
the first principles of the gospel.
"During the services the congregation were overjoyed, the
tears ran down their cheeks, and the minister could not
refrain from frequently clapping his hands together for joy
while in the meeting. After the service was over he took us
132 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
to his house, where we were very kindly entertained. After
partaking of his hospitality he with some more friends
accompanied us to our lodgings, where we remained in con-
versation until a very late hour.
"The next morning while we were preparing to depart we
were waited upon by several of the citizens, who requested
us to preach again that day, stating that great interest was
felt by the inhabitants, many of whom were in tears, fearing
they should hear us no more; and that a number of influen-
tial men had suspended operations in their factories to allow
their workmen the privilege of hearing us preach. But we
were obliged to deny them, as it was necessary to attend to
the appointments we had previously made. We could
scarcely tear ourselves away from them, and when we did so
they wept like little children. Such a desire to hear the gos-
pel I never saw equaled before.
"After commending them to the grace and mercy of God,
we went to Downham, where we preached in the afternoon,
after which forty came forward and were baptized. In the
evening we called the churches of Chatburn and Downham
together, and after confirming forty-five who had previously
been baptized, we appointed priests, teachers, and deacons to
preside over them." — Heber C. Kimball's Journal, pp. 32-35.
Of their closing labors in the mission and the organization
they left when returning to America, Elder Kimball writes: —
"On the eighth day of April, A. D. 1838, it being Sunday,
and the time appointed for a general conference of the saints
in that kingdom, and the day previous to our departure from
them, they began to assemble at an early hour in the morn-
ing, and by nine o'clock there were from six to seven
hundred of the saints assembled from various parts of the
country.
"Believing it necessary for the good of the kingdom to
have some one to preside over the whole mission, we nomi-
organization nated Brother Joseph Fielding to be appointed to
of the mission, that office, and Brothers Levi Richards and Wil-
liam Clayton to be his counselors. The nominations met
with the approbation of the whole assembly, who agreed to
hearken to their instructions and uphold them in their
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 138
offices. These brethren were then, with eight elders, sev-
eral priests, teachers, and deacons, set apart and ordained
to the several offices to which they were called. One of the
brethren who was ordained was going to Manchester, one of
the largest manufacturing towns in England, and another to
the city of London, and they undoubtedly would carry the
glad tidings of salvation to those places.
"We then laid hands upon forty individuals, who had
previously been baptized, for the gift of the Holy Ghost,
after which about one hundred children were presented to us
to receive a blessing, and the same day we baptized about
twenty individuals for the remission of sins, and then pro-
ceeded to administer the sacrament to this numerous
assembly. We then gave some general instructions to the
whole church respecting their duty to God and to one
another, which were listened to with great attention and
were treasured up in the hearts of most who were present.
"At five o'clock p. m. we brought the conference to a close,
it having continued without intermission from nine o'clock
a. m. We then appointed seven o'clock the same evening to
deliver our farewell addresses.
"At the time appointed we repaired to the meeting, which
was crowded to excess. Brother Hyde and myself then
Farewell spoke to them respecting our labors in that land,
addresses. foe success of our ministry, and the kindness we
had experienced at their hands; told them that we hoped
before long to see them again, after we had visited the
church and our families in America; but when we spoke of
our departure their hearts were broken within them. They
gave vent to their feelings and wept like children, and broke
out in cries like the following: 'How can we part with our
beloved brethren!' 'We may never see them again!' 'O,
why can you leave us!' etc. I could not refrain; my feelings
only found vent in a flood of tears.
"Some persons may be disposed to accuse me of weakness
on this occasion, but if any should do so, I would say that I
do not envy any man's feelings who could witness such a
scene with all its associations, and the finer feelings of his
heart not be touched on such an occasion; indeed, it would
134 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
have been almost an impossibility for us to have left this
dear and affectionate people had we not had the most implicit
confidence in the brethren who were appointed to preside
over them in our absence; but knowing their faith and vir-
tuous conversation, and that they had the confidence of the
church, we felt assured that the affairs of the church would
be conducted in righteousness; consequently we left them
under different feelings than we otherwise could have done.
"Immediately after dismissing we met the official mem-
bers, the number of whom were eighty, at a private house,
and instructed them further in their duties, and dismissed
them at one o'clock the next morning.
"This was certainly one of the most interesting conferences
I ever attended. The services were calculated to convince
the honest and give joy to saints, and will long be remem-
bered by all those who attended, and I have no doubt was
the means of great and lasting good.
"At this conference we were favored with the company ol
Elders Isaac Russell and Willard Richards. The latter had
returned from the county of Bedford, where he had been
proclaiming the gospel. In consequence of sickness his
labors had not been so extensive as they otherwise would
have been, and were confined within a short distance from
the city of Bedford, where he raised up two small branches,
which he set in order and ordained one elder and other offi-
cers. He labored under considerable difficulty in conse-
quence of the conduct of Elder Goodson, who accompanied
him on* that mission, who taught many things which were
not in wisdom, which proved a barrier to the spread of the
truth in that region. Elder Russell had returned from a
mission to the north, having been laboring in the county of
Cumberland, near the borders of Scotland, where numbers
of his friends resided. While he was there he met with con-
siderable opposition, even from those of his own family as
well as the ministers of the different denominations, who
sought every opportunity to block up his way and to destroy
his influence.
"However, notwithstanding the great opposition he was
instrumental in bringing upwards of sixty souls into the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 135
kingdom of God, and left them rejoicing in the truth and
strong in the faith of the gospel.
"Thus the great work which is to go through the length
and breadth of that land, which will cause the hearts of thou-
sands to rejoice and the poor and meek to increase their joy
in the Lord; which shall lead the honest-hearted to the
foundation of truth; which shall prepare a holy company
from that nation to meet the Lord Jesus when he shall
descend from the mansions of glory and from the
regions that are not known, which shall cause thou-
sands to rail against the doctrines of Christ and his
servants, and persecute the honest in heart; which shall
prepare the ungodly for the day of vengeance of our God,
and shall bind them together in the cords of darkness, was
commenced in three places; viz., Preston, Bedford, and Als-
ton; which forcibly reminds me of the parable of the leaven
which the woman cast into the three measures of meal." —
Heber C. Kimball's Journal, pp. 45-47.
They arrived in Kirtland on the 22d of May, 1838, after an
Arrival absence of nearly one year. This was one of the
»t Kirtiand. most marvelously successful missions ever prose-
cuted by the church, the details of which we have not space
to relate.
CHAPTER 9.
1838.
APOSTATE MOBOORACY— ARRIVAL AT PAR WEST—MOTTO OP THE
CHURCH— QUESTIONS ON SCRIPTURE— EXPULSION OP PROMINENT
MEN— LETTER FROM J. SMITH— WM. MARKS— CHURCH RECORDS-
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED— OFFICERS APPOINTED— QUARTERLY
CONFERENCE— STANDING OP QUORUMS— ACTION AGAINST Cow-
DERY AND OTHERS— TEACHERS ON DIFFICULTIES AND INTEREST —
CHURCH HISTORY — TRIAL OF MCLELLIN AND McCoRD— ADAM-
ONDI-AHMAN — STAKE OP ADAM-ONDI-AHMAN— CELEBRATION AT
FAR WEST— TITHING— SELLING LIQUOR— KIMBALL AND HYDE
ARRIVE— F. G. WILLIAMS REBAPTIZED— TROUBLE AT GALLATIN.
THE opening of the year 1838 can best be told in the lan-
guage of Joseph Smith. He writes: —
"A new year dawned upon the church in Kirtland in all
the bitterness of the spirit of apostate mobocracy; which
Apostate continued to rage and grow hotter and hotter,
mobocracy. Untii Eider Rigdon and myself were obliged to flee
from its deadly influence, as did the apostles and prophets of
old, and as Jesus said, 'When they persecute you in one
city, flee to another.' And on the evening of the 12th of
January, about ten o'clock, we left Kirtland, on horseback,
to escape mob violence, which was about to burst upon us
under the color of legal process to cover their hellish designs
and save themselves from the just judgment of the law. We
continued our travels during the night, and at eight o'clock
on the morning of the 13th arrived among the breth-
ren in Norton Township, Medina County, Ohio, a distance of
sixty miles from Kirtland; where we tarried about thirty -six
hours, when our families arrived, and on the 16th pursued
our journey with our families, in covered wagons, toward
the city of Far West, in Missouri; passing through Dayton,
Eaton, etc., to Dublin, Indiana, where we tarried nine days
and refreshed ourselves.
"The weather was extremely cold, and we were obliged to
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 137
secrete ourselves in our wagons sometimes, to elude the
grasp of our pursuers, who continued their race more than
two hundred miles from Kirtland, armed with pistols, etc.,
seeking our lives. They frequently crossed our track; twice
they were in the houses where we stopped ; once we tarried
all night in the same house with them, with only a partition
between us and them, and heard their oaths and imprecations
and threats concerning us, if they could catch us; and late
in the evening they came in our room and examined us, but
decided we were not the men. At other times we passed
them in the streets, and gazed upon them, and they on us;
but they knew us not. One Lyons was one of our pursuers.
"I parted with Brother Rigdon at Dublin, and traveling
different routes we met at Terre Haute, where, after resting
we separated again, and I pursued my journey, crossing the
Mississippi River at Quincy, Illinois. . . .
"When I had arrived within one hundred and twenty miles
of Far West the brethren met me with the teams and money
Arrival at to help me forward; and when eight miles from
Far west. ^Q cj^y we were me^ by an escort; viz., Thomas
B. Marsh and others, who received us with open arms; and
on the 13th of March I with my family and some others put
up at Brother Barnards' for the night. Here we were
met by an escort of the brethren from the town, who came
to make us welcome to their little Zion.
"On the 14th as we were about entering Far West, many
of the brethren came out to meet us, who also with open
arms welcomed us to their bosoms. We were immediately
received under the hospitable roof of Brother George W.
Harris, who treated us with all possible kindness; and we
refreshed ourselves with much satisfaction after our long
and tedious journey, the brethren bringing in such things as
we had need of for our comfort and convenience.
"After being here two or three days my brother Samuel
arrived with his family.
"Shortly after his arrival, while walking with him and
certain other brethren, the following sentiments occurred to
my mind: —
"Motto of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
138
"The Constitution of our country formed by the fathers of
liberty. Peace and good order in society. Love to God and
Motto of good will to man. All good and wholesome laws,
the church, virtue and truth above all things, and aristarchy,
live forever! But woe to tyrants, mobs, aristocracy,
anarchy, and toryism, and all those who invent or seek out
unrighteous and vexatious lawsuits, under the pretext and
color of law, or office, either religious or politics,!. Exalt
the standard of democracy! Down with that of priestcraft,
and let all the people say Amen ! that the blood of our fath-
ers may not cry from the ground against us. Sacred is the
memory of that blood which bought for us our liberty.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JB.
"THOMAS B. MARSH.
"DAVID W. PATTEN.
"BRIGHAM YOUNG.
"SAMUEL H. SMITH.
"GEORGE M. HIXKLE.
"JOHN CORRILL.
"GEORGE W. ROBINSON.
"QUESTIONS ON SCRIPTURE.
"Who is the stem of Jesse spoken of in the first, second,
third, fourth, and fifth verses of the eleventh chapter of
Isaiah?
"Verily thus saith the Lord, It is Christ.
"What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the
eleventh chapter of Isaiah that should come of the stem of
Jesse?
"Behold, thus saith the Lord, It is a servant in the hands
of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of
Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid
much power.
"What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the tenth verse of
the eleventh chapter?
"Behold, thus saith the Lord, It is a descendant of Jesse,
as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belong the priest-
hood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for
the gathering of my people in the last days.
"Questions by Elias Higbee, as follows: —
" 'What is meant by the command in Isaiah, fifty- second
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 139
chapter, first verse, which saith, "Put on thy strength, O
Zion"? And what people had Isaiah reference to?'
"He had reference to those whom God should call in the
last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring
again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her
strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which
she (Zion) has a right to by lineage; also to return to that
power which she had lost.
"What are we to understand by Zion's loosing herself
from the bands of her neck, second verse?
"We are to understand that the scattered remnants are
exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have
fallen, which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he
will speak to them, or give them revelation. See the sixth,
seventh, and eighth verses. The bands of her neck are the
curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel in their
scattered condition among the Gentiles.' " — Millennial Star,
vol. 16, pp. 114, 115, 117, 118.
About this time a disaffection which had been growing for
some time culminated in the expulsion from the church of
several prominent men, among whom were two of
the presidents of the church in Missouri: John
Whitmer and W. W. Phelps.
A conference and a meeting of the High Council were held,
in which this matter was considered and disposed of. We
give the minutes of these from the history of Joseph Smith,
as published in the Millennial Star, volume 16, which was
not published during the lifetime of Joseph Smith or D. W.
Patten. Further than this we know nothing of the merits or
demerits of this unfortunate controversy. We are not inter-
ested in criminating the men involved on the one side, nor in
shielding those on the other. We therefore give the record
as it appears for what it may be worth.
It will be observed that the minutes of the conference are
signed by John Murdock, Moderator, and T. B. Marsh,
Clerk.
The minutes of the High Council are signed by Thomas B.
Marsh and David W. Patten, Presidents, and Ebenezer Rob-
inson, Clerk. So whatever sentiment these minutes contain
140 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
besides the actual business done, received the indorsement of
those over whose signatures it appears.
" 'Minutes of the proceedings of the committee of the
whole church in Zion, in General Assembly, at the following
places; to wit: At Far West, February 5, 1838. Thomas
B. Marsh, Moderator, John Cleminson, Clerk.
" 'After prayer the moderator stated the object of the
meeting, giving a relation of the recent organization of the
church here and in Kirtland. He also read a certain revela-
tion given in Kirtland, September 3, 1837, which made known
that John Whitmer and W. W. Phelps were in transgres-
sion, and if they repented not they should be removed out of
their places; also read a certain clause contained in the
appeal published in the old Star, on the one hundred and
eighty-third page as follows: "And to sell our lands would
amount to a denial of our faith, as that is the place where the
Zion of God shall stand, according to our faith and belief in
the revelations of God."
" 'Elder John Murdock then took the stand and showed to
the congregation why the High Council proceeded thus was
that the church might have a voice in the matter; and that
he considered it perfectly legal according to the instructions
of President Joseph Smith, Jr.
" 'Elder G. M. Hinkle then set forth the way in which the
Presidency of Far West had been labored with, that a com-
mittee of three, of whom he was one, had labored with them.
He then read a written document containing a number of
accusations against the three Presidents. He spoke many
things against them, setting forth in a plain and energetic
manner the iniquity of Phelps and Whitmer in using the
moneys which were loaned to the church. Also David Whit-
mer's wrong in persisting in the use of tea, coffee, and
tobacco.
" 'Bishop Partridge then arose and endeavored to rectify
some mistakes of minor importance made by Elder Hinkle;
also the Bishop spoke against the proceedings of the meet-
ing as being hasty and illegal, for he thought they ought to
be had before the Common Council, and said that he could
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 141
not lift his hand against the Presidency at present. He then
read a letter from President Joseph Smith, Jr.
" 'A letter was then read by T. B. Marsh, from William
Smith, who made some comments on the same, and also on
the letter read by Bishop Partridge.
" 'Elder George Morey, who was one of the committee sent
to labor with the Presidency, spoke, setting forth in a very
energetic manner the proceedings of the Presidency as
being iniquitous.
" 'Elder Grover, also, being one of the committee, spoke
against the conduct of the Presidency and Oliver Cowdery,
on their visit to labor with them.
" 'Elder D. W. Patten then spoke with much zeal against
the Presidency, and in favor of Joseph Smith, Jr., and that
the wolf alluded to in his letter were the dissenters in Kirt-
land.
" 'Elder Lyman Wight stated that he considered all other
accusations of minor importance compared to their selling
their land in Jackson County; that they (Phelps and Whit-
mer) had set an example which all the saints were liable to
follow. He said that it was a hellish principle, and that
they had flatly denied the faith in so doing.
" 'Elder Elias Higbee sanctioned what had been done by
the council, speaking against the Presidency.
" 'Elder Murdock stated that sufficient had been said to
substantiate the accusations against them.
" 'Elder Solomon Hancock pleaded in favor of the Presi-
dency, stating that he could not raise his hand against
them.
" 'Elder John Corrill then spake against the proceedings
of the High Council, and labored hard to show that the
meeting was illegal, and that the Presidency ought to be
had before a proper tribunal, which he considered to be a
bishop and twelve high priests. He labored in favor of the
Presidency, and said that he should not raise his hands
against them at present, although he did not uphold the
Presidents in their iniquity.
" 'Simeon Carter spoke against the meeting as being
hasty.
142 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
" 'Elder Grover followed Brother Carter in like observa-
tions.
" 'Elder Patten again took the stand in vindication of the
cause of the meeting.
" 'Elder Morley spoke against the Presidency, at the
same time pleading mercy.
" 'Titus Billings said he could not vote until they had a
hearing in the Common Council.
" 'Elder Marsh said that the meeting was according to the
direction of Brother Joseph, he therefore considered it
legal.
" 'Elder Moses Martin spoke in favor of the legality of
the meeting, and against the conduct of the Presidency,
with great energy, alleging that the present corruptions of
the church here were owing to the wickedness and mis-
management of her leaders.
' ' 'The moderator then called the vote in favor of the pres-
ent Presidency; the negative was then called, and the vote
against David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and William W.
Phelps was unanimous, excepting eight or ten, and this
minority only wished them to continue in office a little
longer, or until Joseph Smith, Jr., came up.
" 'In S. Carter's settlement the saints assembled on the 6th
instant, when they unanimously rejected the three above-
named Presidents. On the 7th, the saints assembled at
Edmond Durphy's, agreeable to appointment, where the
above-named Presidents were unanimously rejected; also on
the 8th at Nahum Curtis's dwelling house, they were unani-
mously rejected by the assembly; also at Haun's Mills, on
the 9th, the saints unanimously rejected them.
" 'At a meeting of the High Council, the Bishop, and his
council, February 10, 1838, it was moved, seconded, and car-
ried, that Oliver Cowdery, William W. Phelps, and John
Whitmer stand no longer as chairman and clerks to sign
and record licenses.
" 'Voted that Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten be
authorized to attend to such business for the time being.
" 'Also voted that Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten
be Presidents, pro tempore, of the Church of Latter Day
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 143
Saints in Missouri, until Presidents Joseph Smith, Jr., and
Sidney Rigdon arrive in the land of Zion.
" 'J. MURDOCK, Moderator.
" 'T. B. MARSH, Clerk.
" 'The High Council of Zion met in Par West, on Satur-
day, March 10, 1838, agreeable to adjournment; when after
discussion it was resolved first: That the High Council
recommend by writing to the various branches of this
church, that all those who wish to receive ordination, pro-
cure a recommend from the branch to which they belong,
and have it pass through the hands of the different quorums
for inspection, previous to their ordination.
" '2d. Resolved that the High Council recommend to all
those who hold licenses, between the ages of eighteen and
forty -five, and do not officiate in their respective offices, to
be subject to military duty.
" 'A charge was then preferred against William W. Phelps
and John Whitmer for persisting in unchristianlike con-
duct. •
" 'Six counselors were appointed to speak; viz., Simeon Car-
ter, Isaac Higbee, and Levi Jackson [Jackman?], on the part of
the accuser; and Jared Carter, Thomas Grover, and Samuel
Bent, on the part of the accused; when the following letter
was read by Brother Marcellus Cowdery, bearer of the same,
belonging to Thomas B. Marsh, previous to giving it to its
rightful owner: —
" ' "FAR WEST, March 10, 1838.
'• ' "Sir: — It is contrary to the principles of the revelations
of Jesus Christ, and his gospel, and the laws of the land, to
try a person for an offense by an illegal tribunal, or by men
prejudiced against him, or by authority that has given an
opinion or decision beforehand, or in his absence.
" « "Very respectfully we have the honor to be
. " ' "DAVID WHITMEB,
41 ' "W. W. PHELPS,
44 ' "JOHN WHITMEB,
ii « "Presidents of the Church of Christ in Missouri.
« i «.rpo rp g Marsh, one of the Traveling Counselors."
" 'Attested, OLIVER COWDERY, Clerk of the High Council
of the Church of Christ in Missouri.
144 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
41 'I certify the foregoing to be a true copy from the
original.
" 'OLIVER COWDERY, Clerk of the High Council.
" 'All the effect the above letter had upon the council was
to convince them more of the wickedness of those men by
endeavoring to palm themselves upon the church as her
Presidents after the church had by a united voice removed
them from their presidential office for their ungodly conduct;
and the letter was considered no more nor less than a direct
insult or contempt cast upon the authorities of God and the
Church of Jesus Christ; therefore the council proceeded to
business.
" 'A number of charges were sustained against these men,
the principal of which was for claiming two thousand dollars
church funds, which they had subscribed for building an
house to the Lord in this place, when they held in their pos-
session the city plot, and were sitting in the presidential
chair, which subscription they were intending to pay from
the avails of the town lots; but when the town plot was
transferred into the hands of the Bishop for the benefit of
the church, it was agreed that the church should take this
subscription from off the hands of W. W. Phelps and John
Whitmer; but in the transaction of the business they bound
the Bishop in a heavy mortgage to pay them the above two
thousand dollars in two years from the date thereof, a part
of which they had already received, and claim the remainder.
" 'The six counselors made a few appropriate remarks,
none of whom felt to plead for mercy, as it had not been
asked on the part of the accused, but all with one consent
declared that justice ought to have her demands.
" 'After some remarks by Presidents Marsh and Patten,
setting forth the iniquity of those men in claiming the two
thousand dollars spoken of, which did not belong to them
any more than any other person in the church, it was decided
that William W. Phelps and John Whitmer be no. longer
members of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, and
be given over to the buffetings of Satan, until they learn to
blaspheme no more against the authorities of God, nor fleece
the flock of Christ.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 145
'* 'The council was then asked if they concurred with the
decision; if so, to manifest it by rising, when they all arose.
" 'The vote was then put to the congregation, which was
carried unanimously. •
** 'The negative was called but no one voted.
" 'Brother Marcellus Cowdery arose and said he wished to
have it understood that he did not vote either way, because
he did not consider it a legal tribunal. He also offered insult
to the High Council and to the church, by reading a letter
belonging to Thomas B. Marsh before giving it to him, and
in speaking against the authorities of the church.
" 'A motion was then made by President Patten, that fel-
lowship be withdrawn from Marcellus Cowdery until he
make satisfaction; which was seconded and carried unani-
mously.
" 'THOMAS B. MARSH, ) T>_ao, j._f_
" -DAVID W. PATTEN, f Presidents.
" 'EBENEZER ROBINSON, Clerk of High Council.' "
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 115-117.
The following letter, written to the authorities of the
church at Kirtland by Joseph Smith, will be read with in-
Letter from terest. We invite especial attention to' the vision
j. smith. concerning Elder Marks, which indicates that he
would finally triumph over his enemies and be raised "up
for a blessing unto many people."
44 'To the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-
ter Day Saints in Kirtland:—
" 'Dear and Well-Beloved Brethren:— Through the grace
and mercy of our God, after a long and tedious journey of
two months and one day, I and my family arrived safe in
the city of Far West, having been met at Huntsville, one
hundred and twenty miles from the place, by my brethren
with teams and money, to forward us on our journey.
When within eight miles of the city of Par West we were
met by an escort of brethren from the city; viz., Thomas B.
Marsh, John Corrill, Elias Higbee, and several others of the
faithful of the West, who received us with open arms and
warm hearts, and welcomed us to the bosom of their society.
On our arrival in the city we were greeted on every hand by
146 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
the saints, who bade us welcome to the land of their inher-
itance.
" 'Dear brethren, you may be assured that so friendly a
meeting and reception paid us well for our long seven years
of servitude, persecution, and affliction in the midst of our
enemies, in the land of Kirtland; yea, verily, our hearts
were full, and we feel grateful to Almighty God for his
kindness unto us. The particulars of our journey, breth-
ren, cannot well be written; but we trust that the same God
who has protected us will protect you also, and will, sooner
or later, grant us the privilege of seeing each other face to
face, and of rehearsing all our sufferings.
" 'We have heard of the destruction of the printing office,
which we presume to believe must have been occasioned by
the Parrish party, or more properly the aristocrats or an-
archies.
" 'The saints here have provided a room for us, and daily
necessaries, which are brought in from all parts of the coun-
try to make us comfortable; so that I have nothing to do but
to attend to my spiritual concerns, or the spiritual affairs of
the church.
'* 'The difficulties of the church had been adjusted before
my arrival here, by a judicious High 'Council, with Thomas
B. Marsh and David W. Patten, who acted as Presidents
pro tempore of the church of Zion, being appointed by the
voice of the council and church; William W. Phelps and
John Whitmer having been cut off from the church, David
Whitmer remaining as yet. The saints at this time are in
union; and peace and love prevail throughout; in a word,
heaven smiles upon the saints in Caldwell. Various and
many have been the falsehoods written from thence to this
place, but have availed nothing. We have no uneasiness
about the power of our enemies in this place to do us
harm.
" 'Brother Samuel H. Smith and family arrived here soon
after we did, in good health. Brothers Brigham Young,
Daniel S. Miles, and Levi Richards arrived here when we
did. They were with us on the last of our journey, which
ended much to our satisfaction. They also are well. They
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 147
have provided places for their families, and are now about
to break the ground for seed.
" 'Having been under the hands of wicked and vexatious
lawsuits for seven years past, my business was so deranged
that I was not able to leave it in so good a situation as I had
anticipated; but if there are any wrongs, they shall all be
noticed, so far as the Lord gives me ability and power to
do so.
" 'Say to all the brethren that I have not forgotten them,
but remember them in my prayers. Say to Mother Beeman,
that I remember her, also Brother Daniel Carter, Brother
Strong. and family, Brother Granger and family; finally I
cannot enumerate them all for want of room; I will just
name Brother Knight, the Bishop, etc. My best respects to
them all, and I commend them and the Church of God in
Kirtland to our heavenly Father, and the word of his grace,
which is able to make you wise unto salvation.
" 'I would just say to Brother Marks, that I saw in a vision
while on the road, that whereas he was closely pursued by
an innumerable concourse of enemies, and as they
Wm. Marks. . . . , , . ,
pressed upon him hard, as if they were about to
devour him, and had seemingly obtained some degree of
advantage over him, but about this time a chariot of fire
came, and near the place, even the angel of the Lord put
forth his hand unto Brother Marks, and said unto him,
"Thou art my son, come here," and immediately he was
caught up in the chariot, and rode away triumphantly out of
their midst. And again the Lord said, "I will raise thee up
for a blessing unto many people." Now the particulars of
this whole matter cannot be written at this time, but the
vision was evidently given to me that I might know that the
hand of the Lord would be on his behalf.
" 'I transmit to you the Motto of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints.
" 'We left President Rigdon thirty miles this side of Paris,
Illinois, in consequence of the sickness of Brother George W.
Robinson's wife.
" 'On yesterday Brother Robinson arrived here, who
informed us that his father-in-law (S. Rigdon) was at Hunts-
148 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
ville, detained on account of the ill health of his wife. They
will probably be here soon.
" 'Choice seeds of all kinds of fruit, also choice breed of
cattle, would be in much demand; and best blood of horses,
garden seeds of every description, and hay seeds of all sorts,
are much needed in this place.
" 'Very respectfully I subscribe myself your servant in
Christ, our Lord and Savior,
" 'JOSEPH SMITH, JH.,
" 'President of the Church of Christ of
Latter Day Saints.' "
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 130, 131.
Sidney Rigdon arrived at Far West with his family on
April 4, 1838.
At the time of John Whitmer's expulsion he was the
church official historian of the church. He refused to
records. give up the records, and by some it has been
claimed that the church never obtained access to them.1
This, however, does not agree with the statement made by
Ebenezer Robinson in 1889, who was the clerk writing the
letter above referred to for the Presidency. 2
We have been unable to learn the whereabouts of either
the original or the copy.
In June, 1896, we made a special trip to Richmond, Mis-
souri, for the purpose of obtaining a view of the original,
but were unsuccessful. We were courteously treated by the
Whitmer family and Elder Philander Page; but none of
them could locate the present whereabouts of the record.
Mr. George Schweich, a grandson of David Whitmer, gave
1 After his excommunication from the church John Whitmer refused
to deliver up the church documents in his possession to the proper
authorities, which gave occasion for quite a severe letter from Joseph
Smith and Sidney Rigdon. The records, however, were never obtained;
they are now [1888] in the custody of John C. Whitmer (a nephew of
John Whitmer) who resides in Richmond, Clay County, Missouri. — His-
torical Record, p. 613.
* No attention was paid to the foregoing letter by John Whitmer, as,
perhaps, he thought he would not be justified in thus surrendering the
work which had been assigned him by revelation. The record was sub-
sequently obtained however, and brought to our house, where we copied
the entire record into another book, assisted a part of the time, by Dr.
Levi Richards. — The Return, vol. 1, p. 133.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 149
us encouragement that he would find the record and permit
us to have access to it for the purposes of this history; but
up to the time of going to press (May, 1897) it has not been
received.
On April 6, 1838, the anniversary of the organization of the
Anniversary church was celebrated in Far West, of which
celebrated. Joseph Smith records the following:—
"Far West, April 6, 1838. Agreeable to a resolution
passed by the High Council of Zion, March 3, 1838, the
saints in Missouri assembled in this place, to celebrate the
anniversary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, and to transact church business; Joseph Smith, Jr.,
and Sidney Rigdon presiding.
"The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by
David W. Patten, after which President Joseph Smith, Jr.,
read the order of the day as follows: Doors will be opened
at nine o'clock a. m., and the meeting will commence by
singing and prayer. A sexton will then be appointed for a
doorkeeper, and other services in the house of the Lord.
officer* Two historians will then be appointed to write and
appointed. keep tne Church History; also a General Recorder
to keep the records of the whole church, and to be the clerk
of the First Presidency. And a clerk will be appointed for
the High Council, and to keep the church records of this
stake. Three presidents will be appointed to preside over
this church of Zion, after which an address will be delivered
by the Presidency. Then an intermission of one hour, when
the meeting will again convene, and open by singing and
prayer. The sacrament will then be administered, and the
blessing of infants attended to.
"The meeting then proceeded to business. George
Morey was appointed sexton, and Dimick Huntington assist-
ant; John Corrill and Elias Higbee historians; George W.
Robinson General Church Recorder, and clerk to the First
Presidency; Ebenezer Robinson church clerk and recorder
for Far West, and clerk of the High Council; Thomas B.
Marsh president pro tempore of the church in Zion, and
Brigham Young and David W. Patten his assistant presi-
dents.
150 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"After one hour's adjournment, meeting again opened by
David W. Patten. The bread and wine were administered,
and ninety-five infants were blessed.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JB., President.
"E. ROBINSON, Clerk."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 131, 132.
A quarterly conference was held at Far West, April 7
and 8. The several quorums were represented: The Quorum
Quarterly °f the Twelve Apostles was represented by D. W.
conference. patten, who highly commended T. B. Marsh,
Brigham Young, H. C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, P. P. Pratt,
standing and Orson Pratt. He spoke doubtfully of William
of quorums. Smith, and declared he could not recommend W.
E. McLellin, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and J. F.
Boynton.
John Murdock represented the High Council, stating that
E. H. Groves, Calvin Beebe, and Lyman Wight had moved
so far away that they could not attend the councils. Thomas
B. Marsh nominated Jared Carter, J. P. Green, and G. W.
Harris to fill their places, and these nominations were unani-
mously approved, and G. W. Harris was ordained a high
priest.
C. C. Rich represented the Quorum of High Priests.
D. S. Miles and Levi Hancock represented the Seventies.
Harvey Green represented the Elders.
Bishop Partridge represented his council and the lesser
priesthood.
On April 11, 1838, charges were preferred against Oliver
Cowdery, by Seymour Bronson. He was tried before the
Bishop's court on the 12th, and expelled from
Action against m . .
Cowdery and the church. This account is found on page 133 of
Millennial Star, volume 16, where reference is made
to Book "A," Far West Record.
On April 13, charges were preferred against David Whit-
mer, upon which he was tried before the High Council and
expelled. An account of this trial is found in the Millennial
Star, volume 16, pages 133 and 134, where reference is made
to Far West Record, Book "A."
On the same day Lyman E. Johnson was expelled on con-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 151
viction before the High Council. (See also Millennial Star,
vol. 16, p. 134.)
It has been urged in the cases of Oliver Cowdery, David
Whitmer, and others, that there is no record that their cases
were ever presented to the church, or that the church ever
lifted up their hands against them, as provided for in the
law; and it is further urged that neither the High Council
nor the Bishop's Council have authority to take the final
action in expelling members; hence that they were not legally
expelled from the church. Whether their cases were pre-
sented to the church or not, we do not know; nor is it our
province as historians to discuss what the legitimate effect of
these council decisions without a vote of the church would be.
On April 26, 1838, the Teachers resolved that they would
not fellowship any member of the quorum who
did not settle his own difficulties, and that they
would not fellowship any member of the quorum
who would take unlawful interest.
On this date a revelation was given which among other
things settles definitely the name of the church.8
About this time Joseph Smith began writing a history of
the church.
* Revelation, given at Far West, April 26, 1838, making known the will
of God concerning the building up of this place, and of the Lord's house,
etc.
Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jr.,
and also my servant Sidney Rigdon, and also my servant Hyrum Smith,
and your counselors who are and shall be appointed hereafter; and also
unto you my servant Edward Partridge, and his counselors; and also
unto my faithful servants, who are of the High Council of my church in
Zion (for thus it shall be called), and unto all the elders and people of
my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, scattered abroad in all
the world; for thus shall my church be called in the last days, even the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Verily I say unto you all,
Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations,
and that the gathering together upon the land of Zion and upon her
stakes may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from
wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
Let the city, Far West, be a holy and consecrated land unto me, and
it shall be called most holy, for the ground upon which thou standest is
holy; therefore I command you to build an house unto me, for the
gathering together of my saints, that they may worship me; and let
there be a beginning of this work, and a foundation, and a preparatory
work, this following summer; and let the beginning be made on the 4th
day of July next, and from that time forth let my people labor diligently
to build an house unto my name, and in one year from this day let them
152 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On May 5, 1838, General Wilson, then the Federal candi-
date for Congress, delivered an address in Far West.
On Monday, May 7, Elders P. P. Pratt and Reynolds
Gaboon arrived in Far West, from Kirtland, Ohio.
Of the trial of W. E. McLellin and Doctor McCord, Joseph
Smith writes as follows: —
"Friday, llth. I attended the trial of William E. McLel-
lin and Doctor McCord, for transgression, before the Bishop's
Court.
"McCord said, 'he was sorry to trouble the council on his
account, for he had intended to withdraw from the
McLeiiin church before he left the place; that he had no
confidence in the work of God, or his prophet, and
should go his own way.' He gave up his license and de-
parted.
"William E. McLellin stated about the same as McCord,
and that 'he had no confidence in the heads of the church,
believing they had transgressed, and had got out of the way,
consequently he quit praying, and keeping the command-
ments of God, and indulged himself in his lustful desires,
but when he heard that the First Presidency had made a gen-
eral settlement, and acknowledged their sins, he began to
pray again, etc.' When I interrogated him, he said, 'he had
seen nothing out of the way himself, but he judged from
hearsay.' " — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 151.
recommence laying the foundation of my house; thus let them from that
time forth labor diligently until it shall be finished, from the corner
stone thereof unto the top thereof, until there shall not anything remain
that is not finished.
Verily I say unto you, Let not my servant Joseph, neither my servant
Sidney, neither my servant Hyrum, get in debt any more for the build-
ing of an house unto my name; but let an house be built unto my name
according to the pattern which I will show unto them. And if my peo-
ple build it not according to the pattern which I shall show unto their
Presidency, I will not accept it at their hands; but if my people do build
it according to the pattern which I shall show unto their Presidency,
even my servant Joseph and his counselors, then I will accept it at the
hands of my people. And again, verily I say unto you, It is my will
that the city of Far West should be built up speedily by the gathering
of my saints, and also that other places should be appointed for stakes in
the regions round about, as they shall be manifest unto my servant
Joseph, from time to time; for behold, I will be with him, and I will
sanctify him before the people, for unto him have I given the keys of
this kingdom and ministry. Even so. Amen. — Millennial Star, vol. 16,
pp. 147, 148.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 153
In regard to exploring northward from Far West and of
locating "Adam-ondi-ahman," Joseph writes: —
"Friday, 18th. I left Far West in company with Sidney
Rigdon, T. B. Marsh, D. W. Patten, Bishop Partridge, E.
Higbee, S. Carter, Alanson Ripley, and many others, for the
purpose of visiting the north country, and laying off a stake
of Zion, making locations, and laying claims to facilitate the
gathering of the saints, and for the benefit of the poor, in
upbuilding the Church of God. We traveled to the mouth
of Honey Creek, which is a tributary of Grand River,
where we camped for the night. We passed a beautiful
country of land, a majority of which is prairie (untimbered
land), and thickly covered with grass and weeds, among
which is plenty of game; such as deer, turkey, hen, elk, etc.
We discovered a large black wolf, and my dog gave him
chase, but he outran us. We have nothing to fear in camp-
ing out, except the rattlesnake, which is natural to this
country, though not very numerous. We turned our horses
loose and let them feed on the prairie.
"Saturday, 19th. This morning we struck our tents and
formed a line of march, crossing Grand River at
the mouth of Honey Creek and Nelson's Ferry. Grand
River is a large, beautiful, deep, and rapid stream during
the high waters of spring, and will undoubtedly admit of
steamboat navigation and other water craft; and at the
mouth of Honey Creek are a splendid harbor and good land-
ing.
"We pursued our course up the river, mostly in the tim-
ber, about eighteen miles, when we arrived at Colonel Lyman
Wight's, who lives at the foot of Tower Hill (a name I gave
it in consequence of the remains of an old Nephite altar or
tower), where we camped for the Sabbath.
' 'In the afternoon I went up the river about half a mile to
Wight's Ferry, accompanied by President Rigdon and my
clerk, George W. Robinson, for the purpose of selecting and
laying claim to a city plat near said ferry in Daviess County,
township 60, range 27 and 28, and sections 25, 36, 31, and 30,
which the brethren called Spring Hill; but by the mouth of
the Lord it was named Adam-ondi-ahman, because, said he,
154 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
it is the place where Adam shall coine to visit his people, or
the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the
Prophet.
"Sunday, 20th, was spent by our company principally at
Adam-ondi-ahman; but near the close of the day we struck
our tents and traveled about six miles north, and encamped
for the night in company with Judge Morin and company,
who were also traveling north.
"Monday, 21st. This morning, after making some loca-
tions in this place, which is in township 61, range 27 and 28,
we returned to Robinson's Grove, about two miles, to secure
some land near Grand River, which we passed the day pre-
vious; and finding a mistake in the former survey, I sent the
surveyor south five or six miles to obtain a correct line
while some of us tarried to obtain water for the camp.
"In the evening I called a council of the brethren, to
know whether it was wisdom to go immediately into the
north country, or tarry here and hereabouts, to secure land
on Grand River, etc. The brethren spoke their minds
freely on the subject, when I stated to the council that I felt
impressed to tarry and secure all the land near by that is
not secured between this and Par West, especially on Grand
River. President Rigdon concurred, and the council voted
unanimously ,to secure the land on Grand River, and between
this and Far West. . . .
"Tuesday, 22d. President Rigdon went last [east?] with
a company, and selected some of the best locations in the
county, and returned with a good report of that vicinity,
and valuable locations which might be secured. Following
awhile in the course of the company I returned to camp in
Robinson's Grove, and from thence went west to obtain
some game to supply our necessities. We discovered some
antiquities about one mile west of the camp, consisting of
stone mounds, apparently erected in square piles, though
somewhat decayed and obliterated by the weather of many
years. These mounds were probably erected by the abo-
rigines of the land, to secrete treasures. We returned with-
out game.
"Wednesday, 23d. We all traveled east, locating lands,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 155
to secure a claim on Grove Creek and near the city of Adam-
ondi-ahman. Towards evening I accompanied Elder Rig-
don to Colonel Wight's, and the remainder of the company
returned to their tents.
"Thursday, 24th. This morning the company returned to
Grove Creek to finish the survey, accompanied by President
Rigdon and Colonel Wight, and I returned to Far West.
"Friday, 25th. The company put up the river, and made
some locations. In the afternoon they struck their tents and
removed to Colonel Wight's.
"Saturday, 26th. They surveyed lands on the other side
of the river opposite Adam-ondi-ahman.
"Sunday, 27th, they spent at Colonel Wight's.
"Monday, 28th. The company started for home (Far
West), and I left Far West the same day in company with
Brother Hyrum Smith and fifteen or twenty others, to seek
locations in the north, and about noon we met President
Rigdon and his company going into the city, where they
arrived the same evening.
"President Hyrum Smith returned to Far West on the
30th, and I returned on the 1st of June, on account of my
family, for I had a son born unto me. *
"Monday, June 4. I left Far West with President Rig-
don, my brother Hyrum, and others, for Adam-ondi-ahman,
and staid at Brother Moses Dailey's over night; and on the
morning of the 5th went to Colonel Lyman Wight's in the
rain. We continued surveying, building houses, etc., day
after day for many days, until the surveyor had completed
the city plat. . . .
"June 16. My uncle, John Smith, and family, with six
other families, arrived in Far West, all in good health and
spirits. I counseled them to settle at Adam-ondi-ahman." —
Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 152, 153.
Lyman Wight in his journal agrees with this account. He
writes:—
"About June Joseph Smith, together with many others
4 This son was President Alexander Hale Smith, who was born on
the 2d.
156 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
of the principal men of the church, came' to my house,
and taking a view of the large bottom in the bend of the
river, and the beautiful prairies on the bluffs, came to the
conclusion that it would be a handsome situation for a town.
We therefore commenced surveying and laying off town lots,
and locating government lands for many miles north of this
place. This beautiful country with its flattering prospects
drew in floods of emigrants. I had not less than thirty com-
ers and goers through the day during the three summer
months, and up to the last- mentioned date [last of October]
there were upwards of two hundred houses built in this town,
and also about forty families living in their wagons."
On June 28, 1838, a conference was held at Adam-ondi-
ahman, for the purpose of organizing a stake. The follow-
ing are the minutes of this organization as published in the
history of Joseph Smith: —
"Adam-ondi-ahman, Missouri, Daviess County, June 28,
1838. A conference of elders and members of the
Adam-ondi- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was
held in this place this day, for the purpose of
organizing this stake of Zion, called Adam-ondi- ahman.
"The meeting convened at ten o'clock a. m., in the grove,
near the house of Elder Lyman Wight.
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., was called to the chair,
who explained the object of the meeting, which was to
organize a Presidency and High Council, to preside over this
stake of Zion, and attend to the affairs of the church in
Daviess County.
"It was then motioned, seconded, and carried by the unani-
mous voice of the assembly, that President John Smith
should act as President of the Stake of Adam-ondi- ahman.
"Reynolds Gaboon was unanimously chosen first counselor,
and Lyman Wight second counselor.
"After prayer the Presidents ordained Elder Wight as
second counselor.
"Vinson Knight was chosen acting Bishop pro tempore,
by the unanimous voice of the assembly.
"President John Smith then proceeded to organize the
High Council. The counselors were chosen according to the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 157
following order, by a unanimous vote: John Lemon, 1st;
Daniel Stanton, 2d; Mayhew Hillman, 3d; Daniel Carter, 4th;
Isaac Perry, 5th; Harrison Sagers, 6th; Alanson Brown,
7th; Thomas Gordon, 8th; Lorenzo D. Barnes, 9th; George
A. Smith, 10th; Harvey Olmstead, llth; Ezra Thayer, 12th.
"After the ordination of the counselors, who had not
previously been ordained to the high priesthood, President
Joseph Smith, Jr., made remarks by way of charge to the
presidents and counselors, instructing them in the duties of
their callings, and the responsibility of their stations, exhort-
ing them to be cautious and deliberate in all their councils,
and to be careful and act in righteousness in all things.
"President John Smith, R. Gaboon, and L. Wight then
made some remarks.
"Lorenzo D. Barnes was unanimously chosen clerk of this
council and stake, and after singing the well known hymn,
Adam-ondi-ahman, the meeting closed by prayer by
President Cahoon, and a benediction by President Joseph
Smith, Jr.
"LORENZO D. BABNES,
"ISAAC PEKKY, Clerks."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 181.
July 4 was a great day in Far West. A grand celebration
was held. "Joseph Smith, Jr., was president of the day,
celebration Hyrum Smith vice president, Sidney Rigdon
at Far west. Orator; Reynolds Cahoon chief marshal, and
George W. Robinson clerk." The procession commenced
forming at ten a. m., and marched to the Temple Lot, form-
ing a circle around the excavation; when the corner stones
of the proposed temple were laid with appropriate ceremo-
nies. After this the oration was delivered by Sidney
Rigdon. * This was an able and patriotic address, but con-
8 Friends and Fellow Citizens: — By your request I am called upon to
address you this day under circumstances novel to myself, and, I pre-
sume, as much so to most of you; for however frequently we may have
met our fellow citizens in times past, in the places of our nativity, or of
our choice, to mingle our feelings with theirs, and unite with them in
grateful acknowledgments to our divine Benefactor, on the anniversary
of our national existence, we have never before been assembled by reason
of our holy religion, for which cause alone a very large majority of us
are here to-day. But though our residence here is far from the sepul-
158 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
tained some scathing denunciations of mobs and lawless
practices.
"If it be granted that this speech is correctly reported by
Hunt, the orator crossed the bounds of propriety and right
chers of our fathers, and from the lands of our nativity and former
choice; and our association here as novel and as strange to ourselves as
it could be to any portion of our fellow men; still we hail the return of
the birthday of our liberties with no less feelings of joy and gratitude,
nor no less desire for the prosperity and continuance of the fabric of our
national government inspires our breasts this day, than when we met in
the mixed assemblies of all religions, as in times past, in the lands of our
nativity. Nor, indeed, could it otherwise be: from our infancy, we have
been traditionated to believe ours to be the best government in the world.
Our fathers, our neighbors, and our associates in life have extolled its
excellence to the highest pinnacle of fame in our ears, even before we
were capable of judging of its merits for ourselves, or were able to form
an estimate of its worth. As we advanced in life we heard nothing else
from our statesmen and heroes but the perfection and excellence of uiir
public institutions, and the superiority of our government over all the
governments of the world, whether they existed in former or latter
times. It is the government under which we were born and educated,
or else we exchanged another for it, with whose form we were satisfied,
and in exchange gave this the preference, and sought, by removal, to
enjoy its benefits. We have been taught from our cradles to reverence
the Fathers of the Revolution, and venerate the very urns which contain
the ashes of those who sleep; and every feeling of our hearts responds in
perfect unison to their precept. Our country and its institutions are writ-
ten on the tablet of our hearts, as with the blood of the heroes who offered
their lives in sacrifice, to redeem us from oppression. On it towers the
flag of freedom, and invites the oppressed to enter, and find an asylum;
under the safeguard of its constitution the tyrant grasp is unfastened,
and equal rights and privileges flow to every part of the grand whole.
Protected by its laws, and defended by its powers, the oppressed and per-
secuted saint can worship under his own vine and fig tree, and none can
molest or make him afraid. We have always contemplated it, and do
now, as the only true fabric of freedom and bulwark of our liberty in the
world. Its very existence has taught the civili/ed world, far surpassing
those of a Pitt, a Wilberforce, a Canning, or a Grey, and has cast all their
efforts in the shade forever. It has stood, and now stands, as the arbiter
of the world, the judge of the nations, and the rebuker of tyrants
throughout the world: it is the standard of freedom, both civil and
religious. By its existence, the fears of the superstitious have been
removed, and the pretexts of tyrants have been swept away, as a refuge
of lives [lies], and the rights of man have been restored, and freedom,
both political and religious, have been made to triumph. Our govern-
ment is known throughout the civilized world, as the standard of free-
dom, civil, religious, and political: By it are the acts of all nations
tried; and it serves to expose the frauds, the deceptions, and crafts of the
old world, in attempting to palm upon the people monarchy and aristoc-
racy for republicanism and freedom. So powerful has been its influence
that the hand of the oppressor, even in the old world, has been lightened
— tyrants have been made to tremble, and oppressors of mai kind have
been filled with fear. Thrones, if they have not been cast down, have
been stripped of their terror, and the oppressed subject has been meas-
urably delivered from his bondage. Having been rocked in tne cradle
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 159
in boasting, and bidding defiance to the mob; but he may be
measurably excused when we consider how much persecu-
of liberty and educated in the school of freedom, all our prejudices and
prepossessions are deeply rooted in favor of this superlative excellence of
a government from which all our privileges and enjoyments have flown.
We are wedded to it by the greatest ties, — bound to it by cords as strong
as death, — to preserve which should be our thought and our aim, in all
our pursuits, to maintain its constitution inviolable, its institutions
uncorrupted, its laws unviolated, and its order unchanged.
There is one thing, in the midst of our political differences, which
ought to create feelings of joy and gratitude in every heart, and in the
bosom of every well-wisher of mankind, that all parties in politics ex-
press the strongest desire to preserve both the Union and the Constitu-
tion unimpaired and unbroken, and only differ about the means to
accomplish this object — so desirable, as expressed by all parties. And
while this, indeed, is the object of parties in this republic, there is noth-
ing to fear: the prospects for the future will be as flattering as the past,
in celebrating this the anniversary of our independence: all party dis-
tinctions should be forgotten — all religious differences should be laid
aside. We are members of our common republic, equally dependent on
a faithful execution of its laws for our protection in the enjoyment of
our civil, political, and religious privileges; all have a common interest
in the preservation of the Union, and in the defense and support of the
Constitution. Northern, southern, and western interests ought to be
forgotten, or lost, for the time being, in the more noble desire to pre-
serve the Union;— we cannot, by rending it to pieces. In the forme?
there is hope; in the latter, there is fear; — in one, peace; in the other,
war. In times of peace it ought to be our aim and our object to
strengthen the bonds of the Union, by cultivating peace and good will
among ourselves; and in times of war, to meet our foes sword in hand,
and defend our rights at the expense of life. For what is life when free-
dom has fled? It is a name — a bubble: "better far sleep with the dead,
than be oppressed among the living." All attempts on the part of
religious aspirants to unite church and state ought to be repelled with
indignation, and every religious society supported in its rights, and in
the exercise of its conscientious devotions — the Mohammedan, the
pagan, and the idolater not excepted — and be partakers equally in the
benefits of the government; for if the Union is preserved, it will be
endearing the people to it; and this can only be done by securing to all
their most sacred rights. The least deviation from the strictest rule of
right, on the part of any portion of the people, or their public servants,
will create dissatisfaction; that dissatisfaction will end in strife, — strife,
in war, — war, in the dissolution of the Union. It is on the virtue of the
people that depends the existence of the government, and not in the
wisdom of legislators. Wherefore serveth laws (it matters not how
righteous in themselves) when the people, in violation of them, tear
those rights from one another, which they (the laws) were designed to
protect? If we preserve the nation from ruin and the people from war
it will be by securing to others what we claim ourselves, and being as
zealous to defend another's rights as to secure our own. If, on this day,
our fathers pledged their fortunes, their lives, and their sacred honors
to one another, and to the claims which they represented, to be free, or
to lose all earthly inheritance (not life and honor excepted), so ought we
to follow their example, and pledge our fortunes, our lives, and our
sacred honors, as their children and their successors, in maintaining
inviolable what they obtained by their treasure and their blood. With
160 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
tion and oppression they had been subjected to; and how
they had been driven from place to place, robbed, and
holy feelings, sacred desires, and grateful hearts to our divine Benefac-
tor, ought we to perform the duties of this day, and enjoy the privileges
which, as saints of the living God, we enjoy in this land of liberty and
freedom, where our most sacred rights, even that of worshiping our God
according to his will, is secured unto us by law; and our religious rights
so identified with the existence of the nation that to deprive us of them
will be to doom the nation to ruin and the Union to dissolution!
It is now threescore and two years since the God of our fathers Abra-
ham, Isaac, and Jacob, caused the proclamation to go forth among the
people of the continents that the people of this nation should be free,
and that over them "Kings should not rule and princes decree
authority;" and all this preparatory to the great purpose which he had
designed to accomplish in the last days, in the face of all people, in
order that the Son of God, the Savior of the world, should come down
from heaven and reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem; and before his
ancients gloriously, according to the testimony of the holy prophets since
the world began: and it is eight years, two months, and twenty-eight
days since this church of the last days was organized by the revelations
of that same Jesus, who is coming to reign before his ancients gloriously
— then consisting of six members only. At its first appearance excite-
ment began to prevail among the people where it made its appearance;
and as it increased in members the excitement increased. The first
attack made upon it by its enemies was false representations and foul
slander. By this engine it was assailed from ever quarter, and by all
classes of men, religious and irreligious. Misrepresentation followed
misrepresentation — falsehood after falsehood followed each other in
rapid succession, until there must have been multitudes of them created
in a minute, by those employed in it, or else they could not have gotten
so many put in circulation. This scheme not succeeding, the enemies
had recourse to persecutions, which were multiplied continually, appar-
ently with determination to destroy every person who united to aid and
assist in bringing forth the work of the Lord. But all this not succeeding
according to the expectations of the presenters, they united to all this
power that of mobs, driving men, women, and children from their houses;
dragging them, in the dead hours of the night, out of their beds; whip-
ping, tarring and feathering, and otherwise shamefully treating them.
Nor were those means the only ones resorted to in this work of persecu-
tion; but being determined to put an end to the church forever, they
added to all the rest of the means used — stealing the property of the
saints; also burning houses and charging it on their (the saints') heads,
in order to raise public indignation against them; and also false swear-
ing; and, indeed, we may add, all other means which the adversary had
in his power to use, — nothing seems to be left undone that could be done,
by men and demons, in order that the purpose of God might fail; but
Btill the object so much desired has not yet been obtained. Under all
this fire of persecution the cause has rolled on with a steady course; the
increase has been gradual, but constant; and the church at this time
numbers many thousands. Some in the old world have become obedient
to the faith; multitudes in the Canadas, as well as most parts of the
United States. During their scenes of persecution a number of the
saints have lost their lives, and others are missing, and it is unknown
what has become of them; but the presumption is, they have been
secretly murdered. No country of which we have any knowledge has
offered so fair an opportunity for determining the great hostility which
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 161
despoiled of their homes, possessions, and sacred rights.
And even at that time they were hearing the mutterings of
exists naturally in the human heart against God and against his work, as
this one. In other countries persecutions were carried on under pretext
of law; but in this country, where the Constitution of the United States
and the Constitution of every State in the Union guarantees unto every
person the rights of conscience and the liberty of worshiping as hfe
pleases, to witness such scenes of persecution as those which have fol-
lowed this church from the beginning, in despite of law, justice, equity,
and truth, and at war with the very genius of republican institutions;
and contrary to the design of our government, surely evinces the
depravity of the human heart, and the great hostility there exists in the
hearts of the human family against the work and purposes of God; and
fully confirms the apostles, that the carnal mind is at enmity against God.
But notwithstanding all this violence we even say, as did Paul to the
Corinthians, "We are troubled on every side, yet not destroyed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down,
but not destroyed." We have, until this time, endured this great weight
of affliction, and kept the faith. If the ancient saints had to endure as
seeing him who is invisible, so have we; if they had to suffer the con-
tradiction of sinners against themselves, so have we; if they had to suffer
stripes and imprisonments for their religion's sake, so have we; if they
were journeying in perils of water, in perils among robbers, in perils by
their own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in
perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false breth-
ren, in weariness and painfulness, in watchings, often in hunger and
thirst, in fastings, often in cold and nakedness — so are we. If they had
to commend themselves to God, in much patience, in afflictions, in
necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonment, in tumults, in
labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-
suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the
word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on
the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and
good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, they lived; as chastened, and not killed; as sor-
rowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having
nothing, yet possessing all things; — so have we. If they went up through
much tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb, so have we to go through as great a tribulation; and
we trust in so doing we will also wash our robes and make them white in
the blood of the Lamb.
One cause of our heavy persecution is the influence which those have
in the world whom we have separated from the fellowship of the
church for their wickedness; who attempt to gratify their vengeance on
us, and also to hide their own shame, by foul slanders and base calumny.
We were at one time represented by them as having all things common;
at another as being enemies to the government; and in other places we
were represented to be abolitionists; and, indeed, anything they thought
best calculated to stir up the public mind, and to excite public indigna-
tion and, if possible, put an end to the work, by sacrificing some of those
who were considered as most active in supporting and defending the
cause. But, through the mercy of God we are still in existence, and
have the opportunity of joining with you in the privileges of this day.
In assembling on this occasion our object is not only to comply with
the custom of our nation in celebrating the birthday of our liberties, but
also to lay the corner stone of the edifice about to be built in this place
162 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
the mob, who bent on plunder was threatening their peace.
Naturally they might be expected to resent any further
in honor of our God, to whom we ascribe the glory of our freedom as
well as our eternal salvation, and whose worship we esteem of more con-
sequence than we do the treasures of Missouri; ready at all times to offer
unto him the sacrifice of our firstfruits; and by uniting perseverance,
patient industry, and faithful devotion to the cause of God, rear this
building to his name, designed for the double purpose of a house of wor-
ship and an institution of learning. The first floor will be for sacred devo-
tion, and the two others for the purpose of education. The building to
be one hundred and ten feet by eighty, with three floors, and not far
from thirty feet between the floors; all to be finished according to the
best style of such buildings in our country; the entire expense calculated
at not far from one hundred thousand dollars; all, when finished, to
stand as a monument of the power of union, of effort, and concert of
action.
Next to the worship of our God we esteem the education of our chil-
dren and of the rising generation; for what is wealth without society, or
society without intelligence? And how is intelligence to be obtained?
By education. It is that which forms the youthful mind; it is that alone
which renders society agreeable, and adds interest and importance to the
worship of God. What is religion without intelligence? An empty
sound. Intelligence is the root from which all true enjoyments flow.
Intelligence is religion; and religion is intelligence, if it is anything.
Take intelligence from it, and what is left? A name — a sound, without
meaning. If a person desires to be truly pious in the sight of God, he
must be purely intelligent. Piety without intelligence is fanaticism,
and devotion without understanding is enthusiasm.
The object of our religion is to make us more intelligent than we could
be without it; not so much to make us acquainted- with what we do see,
as with what we do not see. It is designed to evolve the faculties — to
enlighten the understanding — and, through this medium, purify the
heart. It is calculated to make men better by making them wiser; more
useful, by making them more intelligent; not intelligent on some sub-
jects only, but on all subjects on which intelligence can be obtained.
And when science fails, revelation supplies its place and unfolds the
secrets and mysteriesof the unseen world — leads the mind intoknowledge
of the future existence of men — makes it acquainted with God, its
Redeemer, and its associates in the eternal mansions; so that, when
science fails and philosophy vanishes away, revelation, more extensive
in its operations, begins where they (science and philosophy) end, and
feasts the mind with intelligence, pure and holy, from the presence of
God, — tells of eternal mansions of immortal glories, of everlasting domin-
ions, of angelic throngs, of heavenly hosts, of flaming seraphs, of crowns
of glory, of palms of victory, of the saints' eternal triumph through a
glorious resurrection, of songs of everlasting joy; of God, the Father of
all; of Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, and the blood of sprink-
ling, which speaketh better things than that of righteous Abel.
It not only acquaints us with these eternal things, but it makes known
unto us the future history of man, time of the purposes of God, which
have to be accomplished before the end of all things comes. It warns
and forewarns of the wars, the pestilence, the famines, the earthquakes,
and the desolations which are coming on the earth; the rising and fall-
ing of the nations, and also the desolations of the earth itself; the falling
of the mountains, the rising of the valleys, the melting of the rocks, the
purifying of the elements by fire; of the sun's veiling his face, the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 163
aggressions and with patriotic courage to defend their homes
and loved ones. The only legitimate criticism that can be
moon's turning to blood, the stars of heaven falling; of the heavens roll-
ing away, as a scroll; of Christ's descending from heaven with a shout of
the archangel and the trump of God; and of the wicked's fearing and
trembling, of their faces gathering blackness, and of their seeking refuge
under the mountains, and of their calling upon the rocks to hide them
from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of
the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come, and who shall be
able to stand?
All this mass of important intelligence, together with the final end of
all thrones, and dominions, and principalities, and powers, and govern-
ments, which nothing else but revelation could make known (for science,
with all her powers, could never declare it — neither could philosophy,
with all her utmost stretch, reach it), we obtain by our holy religion; for
this is her province; it is the theater where she acts; it is the business
we have for her; it is to tell us things which nothing else could tell; it is
to fill us with that kind of wisdom which cometh down from above, and
which alone is obtained by revelation, and by the powers which our holy
religion confers, and by nothing else.
In view then of what we have already obtained, and of what there is to
be obtained, we have assembled ourselves together in this remote land to
prepare for that which is coming on the earth; and we have this day
laid the corner stones of this temple of God, and design, with as little
delay as possible, to complete it; and to rear up to the name of our God,
in this city, Par West, a house which shall be a house of prayer, a house
of learning, a house of order, and a house of God, where all the sciences,
languages, etc., which are taught in our country, in schools of the high-
est order, shall be taught; and the object is to have it on a plan accessi-
ble to all classes, the poor as well as the rich, that all persons in our
midst may have an opportunity to educate their children, both male
and female, to any extent they please, so that all the talents in our
midst may be called forth, in order that we may avail ourselves of all
the means God puts into our hands, and put into the power of all, to
deliver themselves from the impositions and frauds which are practic-
ing upon the more illiterate part of the community, by those who have
had superior advantages, or as far, at least, as learning can go to obtain
this object.
One part of the house shall be set apart for a place of worship, where
we shall invoke our God for revelations, when we have gone as far as
human skill can carry us, that by revelations, visions, etc., we may fill
the vacuum still left, after science and philosophy have done all they
can do; sc that we may have that understanding and that wisdom which
brings salvation, and that knowledge which is unto eternal life. That
whether there are wars, or famines, or pestilences, or earthquakes, or
distress of nations, or whatever may come according to the purposes
of our God, that we may know it beforehand, and be prepared for it, so
that none of these things shall overtake us as a thief in the night, and
while we are enjoying peace and safety, sudden destruction come upon
us. The Savior of the world himself, while he was here with his disci-
ples, said that as it was in the days of Noah, so should it be at the com-
ing of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, they were
marrying and giving in marriage, and knew not until the flood came
and swept them all away; so shall it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
And Paul declared to the saints of his day, that the day of the Lord
cometh as a thief in the night; that when the people are crying peace
164 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
made is that, considering tbeir profession they should have
been governed more by the spirit of the gospel and less by
and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall
not escape; and that wicked men and seducers would wax worse and
worse, "deceiving and being deceived." "They will," says Peter, "say,
Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all
things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."
Such is to be the state of the world, and the most important period in
the existence of man's earthly residence.
The description given by Isaiah is tremendous in the extreme: "Be-
hold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turn-
eth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And
it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant,
so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the
buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as
with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land
shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken
this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth
and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The
earth also is denied under the inhabitants thereof; because they have
transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting cove-
nant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell
therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned,
and few men left."
The Prophet Malachi, describing the same scene and the same period
of calamity, says: "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an
oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble:
and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts,
that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
The psalm-ist David, in the majesty of his prophetic power, has left us
a warning also, when he says: "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath
spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going
down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before
him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call
to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his
people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a
covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his right-
eousness: for God is judge himself."
Having, then, knowledge of these things, and the voice of God being
unto us to meet together, and make a covenant with our God by sacrifice,
we have given heed thereunto, and are here this day as witnesses
for God, that he has not spoken in vain, neither has he said in vain.
But the day and hour of his judgment sleepeth not, neither do they
slumber; and whether men believe or do not believe, it alters not the
word which God has caused to be spoken, but come it must and come' it
will, and that to their astonishment, the confusion and the dismay of
thousands who believe not; neither will they regard until overtaken by
it as a thief in the night, and sudden destruction come upon them, and
there be none to deliver. Knowing therefore the terrors of the Lord, we
warn our fellow men, not only by precept, but example also, by leaving
our former house, to which we were bound by the strongest ties, suffer-
ing a sacrifice of the greatest share of our earthly possessions. Many of
us in times past were rich; but for Jesus' sake and the command of our
God we have become poor; as he (Christ) became poor for our sakes, so
in like manner we follow his example, and become poor for his sake.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 165
their natural inclinations. We acknowledge the strength of
this criticism, yet as men we can but admire the manhood,
patriotism, and heroism that strikes in defense of home and
liberty. While we acknowledge, with regret, the weaknesses
of our fathers, we hope we shall always honor them for the
strength and virtue they displayed in these dark hours when
harassed by foes and betrayed by friends.
And as Moses left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, and refused
to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
season, having respect to the recompense of reward, so do we. We
choose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the
flatteries of the world for a season. It is not because we cannot if we
were so disposed enjoy both the honors and flatteries of the world, but
we have voluntarily offered them in sacrifice, and the riches of the
world also, for a more durable substance. Our God has promised us a reward
of eternal inheritance, and we have believed his promise; and though we
wade through great tribulations, we are in nothing discouraged, for we
know he that has promised is faithful. The promise is sure and the
reward is certain. It is because of this that we have taken the spoiling
of our goods. Our cheeks have been given to the smiters, and our heads
to those who have plucked off the hair. We have not only when smitten
on one cheek turned the other, but we have done it again and again,
until we are wearied of being smitten and tired of being trampled upon.
We have proved the world with kindness; we have suffered their abuse
without cause, with patience, and have endured without resentment
until this day, and still their persecutions and violence do not cease.
But, from this day and this hour we will suffer it no more. We take
God and all the holy angels to witness this day that we warn all men, in
the name of Jesus Christ, to come on us no more forever; for, from this
hour, we will bear it no more: our rights shall no more be trampled on
with impunity; the man, or the set of men, who attempts it, does it at
the expense of their lives. And that mob that comes on us to disturb
us, it shall be between us and them a war of extermination; for we will
follow them till the last drop of their blood is spilled, or else they will
have to exterminate us; for we will carry the seat of war to their own
houses and to their own families, and one party or the other shall be
utterly destroyed. Remember it, then, all men! We will never be the
aggressors; we will infringe on the rights of no people, but shall stand for
our own until death.
We claim our own rights, and are willing that all others shall enjoy
theirs. No man shall be at liberty to come into our streets to threaten
us with mobs, for if he does, he shall atone for it before he leaves the
place; neither shall he be at liberty to vilify and slander any of us, for
suffer it we will not in this place. We therefore take all men to record
this day, that we proclaim our liberty this day, as did our fathers; and
we pledge this day to one another, our fortunes, our lives, and our
sacred honors, to be delivered from the persecutions which we have had
to endure for the last nine years, or nearly that time. Neither will we
indulge any man or set of men in instituting vexatious lawsuits against
us, to cheat us out of our rights; if they attempt it, we say woe be unto
them! We this day, then, proclaim ourselves free, with a purpose and a
determination that never can be broken, — "no, neverl no, never!! no,
never!!!"— Hunt's Mormon War, pp. 167-180.
166 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On July 8, 1838, the revelation on tithing was received. •
According to Millennial Star two other revelations were
given on the same day; one to William Marks, N. K. Whit-
ney, and Oliver Granger; and one on the filling up of the
Quorum of Twelve, naming John Taylor, John E. Page,
Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards to fill the places of
William E. McLellin, Lyman Johnson, Luke Johnson, and
J. F. Boynton, who had apostatized;7 but these last two
revelations are not found in the Book of Doctrine and Cove-
nants.
On July 26, 1838, a council composed of the First Presi-
dency, the High Council, and the Bishop's court passed the
following resolution:—
"That we use our influence to put a stop to the selling of
•In answer to the question, O Lord, show unto thy servants how much
thou requires! of the properties of thy people for a tithing?
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to
put into the hands of the bishop of my church of Zion, for the building
of mine House, and for the laying the foundation of Zion, and for the
priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency of my church; and this
shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people; and after that, those
who have thus been tithed, shall pay one tenth of all their interest annu-
ally; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy
priesthood, saith the Lord.
2. Verily I say unto you, It shall come to pass that all those who
gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties,
and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide
among you. And I say unto you, If my people observe not this law, to
keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my
statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most
holy, behold, verily I say unto you, It shall not be a land of Zion unto
you; and this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion. Even so.
Amen.
'Verily, thus saith the Lord, let a conference be held immediately, let
the Twelve be organized, and let men be appointed to supply the place
of those who are fallen. Let my servant Thomas remain for a season in
the land of Zion, to publish my word. Let the residue continue to
preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart,
in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto
them a promise that I will provide for their families, and an effectual
door shall be opened for them, from henceforth; and next spring let
them depart .to go over the great waters, and there promulgate my gos-
pel, the fullness thereof, and bear record of my name. Let them take
leave of my saints in the city Far West, on the 26th day of April next,
on the building spot of my house, saith the Lord.
Let my servant John Taylor, and also my servant John E. Page, and
also my servant Wilford Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Rich-
ards, be appointed to fill the places of those who have fallen, and be
officially notified of their appointment.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 167
liquors in the city Far West, or in our midst, that our streets
may not be filled with drunkenness; and that we
t iqnor. ^^^ ^^^ influence to bring down the price of pro-
visions."— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 204.
On May 21, Apostles Kimball and Hyde arrived at Kirt-
Kimbaiiand land &om tneir mission to England, and in the fol-
Hyde arrive. iowing juiy arrived in Far West. On July 29,
1838, they preached in Far West.
The third number of the Elders' Journal was published,
» n wir mawith T. B. Marsh, Editor, about this time. On
r 't. \» illiJiUlS
rebaptized. Sunday, August 5, several were confirmed, among
them F. G. Williams, who had been rebaptized.
On August 6, at a mass meeting of the citizens, Elder Sid-
ney Kigdon was recommended to the Postmaster General for
appointment as postmaster at Far West, in place of W. W.
Phelps, resigned. The same day it was resolved to start a
weekly newspaper, to be edited by Sidney Rigdon. There
was also a petition circulated to locate the county seat at
Far West.
There was an election held August 6, 1838, at Gallatin, in
Daviess County, at which an attempt was made to prevent
Trouble *ke "Mormons" from voting; which resulted in a
at Gaiiatin. conflict, and was the beginning of the hostilities
which finally resulted in so much suffering and the expulsion
of the saints from the State.
Joseph Smith's account is as follows: —
"Some two weeks previous to this, Judge Morin, who
lived at Millport, informed John D. Lee and Levi Stewart
that it was determined by the mob to prevent the 'Mormons'
from voting at the election on the sixth day of August, and
thereby elect Colonel William P. Peniston, who led the mob
in Clay County. He also advised them to go prepared for an
attack, to stand their ground and have their rights.
"The brethren, hoping better things, gave little heed to
Judge Morin's friendly counsel, and repaired to the polls at
Gallatin, the shire town of Daviess County, without weapons.
"About eleven o'clock a. m. William P. Peniston ascended
the head of a barrel and harangued the electors for the pur-
pose of exciting them against the 'Mormons, 'say ing that the
168 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
'Mormon' leaders were a set of horse thieves, liars, counter-
feiters, etc. ; 'and you know they profess to heal the sick, cast
out devils, etc.; and you know that is a damned lie;' that the
members of the church were dupes, and not too good to take
a false oath on any com mon occasion ; that they would steal, and
he did not conceive property safe where they were; that he
was opposed to their settling there; and if they suffered the
'Mormons' to vote, the people would soon lose their suffrage;
'and,' said he, addressing the saints, 'I headed a mob to
drive you out of Clay County, and would not prevent your
being mobbed now:' when Richard (called Dick) Welding,
the mob bully, just drunk enough for the occasion, began a
discussion with Brother Samuel Brown by saying 'The Mor-
mons were not allowed to vote in Clay County, no more than
the damned negroes,' and attempted to strike Brown, who
gradually retreated, parrying the blow with his umbrella,
while Welding continued to press upon him, calling him a
damned liar, etc., and attempting to repeat the blow on
Brown.
"Perry Durphy attempted to suppress the difficulty by
holding Dick's arm, when five or six of the mobbers seized
Durphy and commenced beating him with clubs, boards, etc.,
and crying, 'Kill him, kill him, God damn him, kill him, ' when
a general scuffle commenced with fist and clubs, the mobbers
being about ten to one of the saints. Abraham Nelson was
knocked down and had his clothes torn off, and while trying
to get up was attacked again, when his brother, Hyram Nel-
son, ran in amongst them and knocked the mobbers down
with the butt of his whip. Riley Stewart struck Dick Weld-
ing on the head, which brought him to the ground. The
mob cried out, 'Dick Welding's dead, by God; who killed
Dick?' And they fell upon Riley, knocked him down, kicked
him, and hallooed, 'Kill him, God damn him, kill him; shoot
him, by God,' and would have killed him, had not John L.
Butler sprung in amongst them and knocked them down.
During about five minutes it was one continued knockdown,
when the mob dispersed to get firearms.
"Very few of the brethren voted. Riley, escaping across
the river, had his wounds dressed and returned home.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 169
"Butler called the brethren together and made a speech,
saying, 'We are American citizens; our fathers fought for
their liberty, and we will maintain the same principles,' etc.;
when the authorities of the county came to them and
requested them to withdraw, stating that it was a premedi-
tated thing to prevent the 'Mormons' voting.
"The brethren held a council about one fourth of a mile out
of town, where they saw mobbing recruits coming in, in small
parties, from five and ten to twenty-five in number, armed
with clubs, pistols, dirks, knives, and some guns, cursing
and swearing.
"The brethren not having arms, thought it wisdom to
return to their farms, collect their families, and hide them
in a thicket of hazel bush, which they did, and stood sentry
around them through the night, while the women and chil-
dren lay on the ground in the rain.
"Tuesday morning, 7th. A report came to Far West, by
way of those not belonging to the church, that at the elec-
tion at Gallatin yesterday two or three of our brethren were
killed by the Missourians, and left upon the ground, and not
suffered to be interred; that the brethren were prevented
from voting, and a majority of the inhabitants of Daviess
County were determined to drive the saints from the county.
"On hearing this report I started for Gallatin to assist the
brethren, accompanied by President Rigdon, Brother Hyrum
Smith, and fifteen or twenty others, who were armed for
their own protection; and the command was given to George
W. Robinson.
"On our way we were joined by the brethren from differ-
ent parts of the country, some of whom were attacked by
the mob, but we all reached Colonel Wight's that night in
safety, where we found some of the brethren who had been
mobbed at Gallatin, with others, waiting for our counsel.
Here we received the cheering intelligence that none of the
brethren were killed, although several were badly wounded.
"From the best information about one hundred and fifty
Missourians warred against from six to twelve of our breth-
ren, who fought like lions. Several Missourians had their
skulls cracked. Blessed be the memory of those few breth-
170 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
ren who contended so strenuously for their constitutional
rights and religious freedom, against such an overwhelming
force of desperadoes.
"Wednesday, 8th. After spending the night in counsel at
Colonel Wight's, I rode out with some of the brethren to
view the situation of affairs in that region, and, among
others, called on Adam Black, justice of the peace and judge
elect of Daviess County, who had some time previous sold
his farm to Brother Vinson Knight, and received part pay
according to aggreement, and afterwards united himself
with a band of mobbers to drive the saints from and prevent
their settling in Daviess County. On interrogation he con-
fessed what he had done, and in consequence of this violation
of his oath as magistrate we asked him to give us some satis-
faction so that we might know whether he was our friend or
enemy, whether he would administer the law in justice; and
politely requested him to sign an agreement of peace. But
being jealous, he would not sign it, but said he would write
one himself to our satisfaction, and sign it, which he did, as
follows: —
4< 'I, Adam Black, a Justice of the Peace of Davies county,
do hereby Sertify to the people, coled Mormin, that he is
bound to suport the Constitution of this State, and of the
United State, and he is not attached to any mob, nor will
not attach himself to any such people, and so long as they
will not molest me, I will not molest them. This the 8th
day of August, 1838.
" 'ADAM BLACK, J. P.'
"Hoping he would abide his own decision and support the
law, we left him in peace, and returned to Colonel Wight's
at Adam-ondi-ahman.
"In the evening some of the citizens from Millport called
on us, and we agreed to meet some of the principal men of
the county in council at Adam-ondi-ahman the next day at
twelve o'clock. . . .
"The committee assembled at Adam ondi-ahman at twelve,
according to previous appointment; viz., on the part of citi-
zens, Joseph Morin, senator elect; John Williams, repre-
sentative elect; James B. Turner, clerk of the circuit court,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 171
and others; on the part of the saints, Lyman Wight, Vinson
Knight, John Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and others. At this
meeting both parties entered into a covenant of peace, to
preserve each other's rights, and stand in their defense; that
if men should do wrong, neither party should uphold them
or endeavor to screen them from justice, but deliver up all
offenders to be dealt with according to law and justice. The
assembly dispersed on these friendly terms, myself and
friends returning to Par West, where we arrived about mid-
night and found all quiet. . . .
"The spirit of mobocracy continued to stalk abroad, not-
withstanding all our treaties of peace, as will be seen by the
following affidavit: —
" 'State of Missouri, Ray County.
" 'Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, judge
of the fifth judicial circuit, William P. Peniston, and makes
oath that he has good reason to believe, and that he verily
does believe, that there is now collected and embodied in the
county of Daviess, a large body of armed men, whose move-
ments and conduct are of a highly insurrectionary and unlaw-
ful character; that they consist of about five hundred men,
and that they, or a part of them, to the number of one hun-
dred and twenty, have committed violence against Adam
Black, by surrounding his house and taking him in a violent
manner, and subjecting him to great indignities, by forcing
him under threats of immediate death to sign a paper writ-
ing of a very disgraceful character, and by threatening to do
the same to all the old settlers and citizens of Daviess County;
and that they have, as a collected and armed body, threat-
ened to put to instant death this affiant on sight; and that he
verily believes they will accomplish that act without they
are prevented; and also they have threatened the same to
William Bowman and others; and this affiant states that he
verily believes all the above facts to be true, and that the
body of men now assembled do intend to commit great vio-
lence to many of the citizens of Daviess County, and that they
have already done so to Adam Black; and this affiant verily
believes, from information of others, that Joseph Smith, Jr.,
and Lyman Wight are the leaders of this body of armed mer,
172 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and the names of others thus combined are not certainly
known to this affiant; and he further states the fact to be
that it is his opinion, and he verily believes, that it is the
object of this body of armed men to take vengeance for some
injuries, or imaginary injuries, done to some of their friends,
and to intimidate and drive from the county all the old citi-
zens, and possess themselves of their lands, or to force such
as do not leave to come into their measures and submit to
their dictation.
" 'WILLIAM P. PENISTON.
" 'Sworn to and subscribed before me the undersigned judge
as aforesaid, this 10th day of August, 1838.
" 'AUSTIN A. KINO.'
"The above was also sworn to by William Bowman, Wilson
McKinney, and John Netherton. So it is that when men's
hearts become so hard and corrupt as to glory in devising,
robbing, plundering, mobbing, and murdering innocent men,
women, and children by wholesale, they will more readily
swear to lies than speak the truth.
"At this time some of the brethren had removed with
their families from the vicinity of Galhbtin, to Diahman and
Par West, for safety.
"Saturday, llth. This morning I left Far West with
my council and Elder Almon W. Babbitt, to visit the brethren
on the forks of Grand River, who had come from Canada
with Elder Babbitt, and settled at that place contrary to
counsel.
"In the afternoon, after my departure, a committee from
Ray County arrived at Far West, to inquire into the pro-
ceedings of our society in going armed into Daviess County,
complaint having been entered in Ray County by Adam
Black, William P. Peniston, and others. The committee
from Ray requested an interview with a committee of Cald-
well, and a general meeting was called at the city hall at six
in the evening, when it was stated that they were assembled
to take into consideration the doings of the citizens of Ray
County, wherein they have accused the 'Mormons' of this
place of breaking the peace, in defending their rights and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 173
those of their brethren in the county of Daviess; and the
meeting organized by appointing Bishop E. Partridge
chairman and George W. Robinson clerk.
" 'Resolved 1st. That a committee of seven be appointed
to confer with the committee from Ray.
" 'Resolved 2d. That this committee with their secretary
be authorized to answer such questions as may be offered by
the committee from Ray, and as are named in the document
presented this meeting, purporting to be the preamble and
resolutions of the citizens of Ray.
" 'Resolved 3d. That whereas the document referred to
has no date or signature, our committee judge of the fact,
and act accordingly.
" 'Resolved 4th. That our committee report their pro-
ceedings to this meeting as soon as possible.
* " 'EDWARD PARTRIDGE, Chairman.
" (GEO. W. ROBINSON, Clerk.'
. . . "Sunday, 12th. I continued with the brethren at the
forks of Grand River, offering such counsel as their situation
required. . . .
"Monday, 13th. I returned with my council to Far West.
We were chased by some evil designing men, ten or twelve
miles, but we eluded their grasp. When within about eight
miles of home we met some brethren, who had come to inform
us that a writ had been issued by Judge King for my arrest
and that of Lyman Wight, for attempting to defend our
rights against the mob. . . .
"Thursday, 16th, I spent principally at home.
"The sheriff of Daviess, accompanied by Judge Morin,
called and notified me that he had a writ for to take me to
Daviess County, on trial, for visiting that county on the
seventh instant.
"It had been currently reported that I would not be appre-
hended by legal process, and that I would not submit to the
laws of the land; but I told the sheriff that I calculated
always to submit to the laws of our country, but I wished to
be tried in my own county, as the citizens of Daviess County
were highly exasperated at me, and that the laws of the
country gave me this privilege. Upon hearing this the
174 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
sheriff declined serving the writ, and said he would go to
Richmond and see Judge King on the subject. I told him I
would remain at home until his return.
"The sheriff returned from Richmond and found me at
home (where I had remained during his absence), and
informed me very gravely that I was out of his jurisdiction,
and that he could not act in Caldwell, and retired."— Millen-
nial Star, vol. 16, pp. 222, 229-231.
Of these events Parley P. Pratt writes: —
"Soon after these things the war clouds began again to
lower with dark and threatening aspect. The rebellious
party in the counties around had long watched our increas-
ing power and prosperity with greedy and avaricious eyes,
and they had already boasted that as soon as we had made
some fine improvements and a plentiful crop they would
drive us from the State and again enrich themselves with the
spoils. Accordingly at an election held in Daviess County
the robbers undertook to drive our people from the poll box,
and threatened to kill whoever should attempt to vote.
"But some were determined to enjoy their right or die;
they therefore went forward to vote, but were seized by the
opposing party and attacked, and thus a fight commenced.
But some of our people knocked down several of the rob-
bers, and thus cleared the ground and maintained their
rights, though vastly unequal in numbers. The news of this
affair soon spread far and wide, and caused the people to
rally, some for liberty and some to support the robbers in
their daring outrages. About one hundred and fifty of our
people went the next day to the residence of the leaders in
this outrage, and soon an agreement was signed for peace.
But this was of short duration, for the conspirators were
stirred up throughout the whole State, being alarmed for
fear the Mormons, as they called them, should become so for-
midable as to maintain their rights and liberties, insomuch
that they could no more drive and plunder them. About
this time meetings were held by the robbers in Carroll,
Saline, and other counties, in which they openly declared
their treasonable and murderous intentions of driving the
citizens who belonged to our society from their counties, and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 175
if possible from the State. Resolutions to this effect were
published in the journals of upper Missouri, and this with-
out a single remark of disapprobation." — Persecution of the
Saints, pp. 58, 59.
"The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Mis-
souri," has the following: —
"At the August election, 1838, a riot occurred at Gallatin
between the Mormons and the Gentiles. The latter would
not allow the Mormons to vote, and it is admitted were
the aggressors. Two Gentiles were killed and half a dozen
more wounded. Both parties then armed to defend them-
selves, and a sort of guerrilla warfare was kept up in the
county for some weeks. The people of Daviess and Living-
ston petitioned Gov. Boggs to remove the Mormons from the
State.
"Early in September a number of the citizens of Daviess
assembled at Millport, near Adam-ondi-ahman, and began a
raid on the Mormons. According to the journal of Hyrum
Smith, their conduct was outrageous. It says the Gentiles
'took away our hogs and cattle, threatened us with extermi-
nation or utter extinction, saying that they had a cannon,
and that there should be no compromise only at its mouth.
They frequently took our men, women, and children prison-
ers, whipping them and lacerating their bodies with hickory
withes, and tying some of them to trees and leaving them in
most uncomfortable positions without food and water for two
or three days.' Much worse offenses were also charged.
"Down in Ray County, along the northern border, the
Gentile settlers were (or pretended to be) apprehensive of
forays upon them from the Mormons in Caldwell. Captain
Samuel Bogart went to Major General D. R. Atchison, at
Liberty, who was then in command of this military division,
and presented a petition to be allowed to form a company to
'clean out' the Mormons if they should invade Ray County
territory, and to patrol the country along the northern
border of Ray and keep watch and ward against the 'Joe
Smithites.'
"The Mormons of Daviess dispatched messengers to Gen-
eral Atchison and to Judge Austin A. King, at Richmond,
176 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
then the judge of this circuit, demanding assistance. Gen-
eral Atchison returned with the messengers, went immedi-
ately to Diahman, and from thence to Millport, and found the
facts substantially true as they had been reported to him —
that the Gentile citizens of Daviess County, to the number
of two hundred and fifty or three hundred, were assembled
in a hostile attitude and threatening the utter extermination
of the Mormons. He also found that the Mormons had set-
tled in the county with the full permission of the resident
citizens at the time.
"General Atchison hastily returned to Clay and ordered
out certain detachments of the militia of his division to pro-
ceed to Daviess County and protect the Mormons and pre-
serve the peace generally. Perhaps five hundred troops
marched to Diahman. Among these were some companies
from Carroll and Saline Counties, who had marched up Grand
River, camping the first night out in Daviess near the old
blockhouse on Splawn's ridge, in the central part of Da-
viess, east of Gallatin, near Millport, and the next night at
Diahman. Though the troops were sent out to protect the
Mormons, they were heartily opposed to them and in sym-
pathy with their enemies, and had matters come to a fight
would most certainly have taken sides with the latter. Gen-
eral Atchison, seeing this, determined to evacuate the coun-
try as soon as a fair semblance of peace could be observed.
He remained in camp a few days near Diahman, and then
marched his troops away, fearing every hour that they
would unite with those he had come to put down.
"Even before the militia had disbanded or left Daviess
County, the Gentiles declared and began open warfare
against the Mormons, firing upon them whenever they met
them, burning a number of their houses, and taking posses-
sion of their horses, and driving off their cattle. The Mor-
mons soon retaliated. 'The prophet,' Joseph Smith, sent
them from Far West a reinforcement of fifty men under
Captain Seymour Brunson (or Brownson). Colonel Lyman
Wight called out every able-bodied Mormon man or boy
capable of carrying and handling a gun." — Pp. 126, 127.
Thus was inaugurated what is known as the "Mormon
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 177
War." By both "Mormon" and "Gentile" writers it is ad-
mitted that the Missourians were the aggressors. Whether
the "Mormons" were justified in resisting or not we leave
the reader to judge.
CHAPTER 10.
1838.
SEVENTIES MOVE IN A BODY— THEIR JOURNEY— D. C. SMITH AND
COMPANY— SEVENTY'S CAMP— COMPANY UNDER J. E. PAGE.
AT Kirtland the year began, as we have seen, with dark
and gloomy prospects. After the departure of Joseph
Smith we have but meager accounts of what was
move in going on there, until the Seventies took measures
to move in a body to Missouri. Soon afterward
another company left Norton, Ohio.
Of these two companies Joseph Smith writes: —
"The Seventies assembled in the Lord's house in Kirtland
on the sixth of March to devise the best means of removing
their quorum to Missouri, according to the revelations; and
on the tenth it was made manifest, by vision and prophecy,
that they should go up in a camp, pitching their tents by
the way.
' 'On the 13th they adopted a constitution and laws to gov-
ern them on their journey, which were soon signed by one
hundred and seventy-five of the brethren.
"The privilege was given for anyone to go who did not
belong to the Seventies, provided they would abide the con-
stitution; and all the faithful who could improved the oppor-
tunity, for fearful sights and great signs were shown forth
in and around Kirtland, clearly manifesting to the honest
heart that God was not unmindful of his word, and that he
would bring upon the place those judgments he had declared
by his servants.
"Elders James Foster, Zerah Pulsipher, Joseph Young,
Henry Herriman, Josiah Butterfield, Benjamin Wilber, and
Elias Smith were commissioners to lead the camp, which
was divided into companies of tens, with a captain over each.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 179
Elias Smith was chosen clerk and historian, and Jonathan
H. Hale treasurer.
"On the 5th of July they met about a quarter of a mile
south of the Lord's house and pitched their tents in form of
a hollow square.
"On the 6th, at noon, they struck their tents and began to
move toward the south, and in thirty minutes the whole
camp was under motion, consisting of five hun-
Their journey. , 1 , , ,
dred and fifteen souls— two hundred and forty-
nine males, two hundred and sixty-six females, twenty-seven
tents, fifty-nine wagons, ninety-seven horses, twenty-two
oxen, sixty-nine cows, and one bull. Jonathan Dunham was
engineer. The camp traveled to Chester, seven miles, the
first day, and pitched their tents in the form of a hollow
square formed by their wagons.
"This day I received a letter from Heber C. Kimball and
Orson Hyde, dated at Kirtland, Ohio, expressive of their
good feelings, firmness in the faith, prosperity, etc. Also
another letter from my brother, as follows: —
"'Nine miles from Terre Haute, Indiana.
'"Brother Joseph:— I sit down to inform you of our situa-
tion at the present time. I started from Norton, Ohio, the
D.C. smith 7th of May, in company with Father, William,
and company. jen^iDS Salisbury, William McClary, and Lewis
Bobbins, and families, also Sister Singly. We started with
fifteen horses, seven wagons, and two cows. We have left
two horses by the way sick, and a third horse (as it were our
dependence) was taken same last evening, and is not able to
travel, and we have stopped to doctor him. We were disap-
pointed on every hand before we started in getting money.
We got no assistance whatever, only as we have taken in Sis-
ter Singly, and she has assisted us as far as her means
extended. We had when we started $75.00 in money. We
sold the two cows for $13.50 per cow. We have sold of your
goods to the amount of $45.74, and now we have only $25.00
to carry twenty -eight souls and thirteen horses five hundred
miles.
" 'We have lived very close and camped out at night, not-
withstanding the rain and cold, and my babe only two weeks
180 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
old when we started. Agnes is very feeble; Father and
Mother are not well and very much fatigued; Mother has a
severe cold, and in fact it is nothing but the prayer of faith
and the power of God that will sustain them and bring them
through. Oar courage is good, and I think we shall be
brought through. I leave it with you and Hyrum to
devise some way to assist us to some more expense money.
We have unaccountable bad roads, had our horses down in
the mud, and broke one wagon tongue and thills, and broke
down the carriage twice; and yet we are all alive and en-
camped on a dry place for almost the first time. Poverty is
a heavy load, but we are all obliged to welter under it.
'• 'It is now dark and I close. May the Lord bless you all
and bring us together, is my prayer. Amen. All the
arrangements that Brother Hyrum left for getting money
failed; they did not gain us one cent.
" 'DON C. SMITH.'
"Saturday, 7th. The Kirtland camp moved forward to
Aurora, thirteen miles, and encamped for the Sabbath.
"Sunday, 8th. There was some sickness in the camp.
They held a public meeting, and the leaders informed them
seventies' *na^ tne destroyer was in their midst, and some
camp. would fall victims unless they adhered strictly to
the covenant they had made, laid aside all covetousness, and
lived by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of the
Lord. They were threatened this night with tar and feath-
ers from the mob of the place, and were obliged to keep a
close watch to keep their horses from being stolen by the
mob, who threw a club and hit Elder Tyler on the breast." —
Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 182, 183.
On July 10, while enroute, the Seventies' Camp adopted
rules for the government of the camp. *
1 1. The engineer shall receive advice from the counselors concerning
his duties.
2. At four o'clock a. m. the horn shall blow for rising, and at twenty
minutes past four for prayers, at which time each overseer shall see that
the inmates of his tent are ready for worship.
3. The head of each division shall keep a roll of all his able-bodied
men to stand guard in turn, as called for by the engineer; one half in
the former, the other half in the latter part of the night.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 181
On Monday, July 16, while at Mansfield, Ohio, they were
met by the sheriff, who produced warrants and arrested
Josiah Butterfield, Jonathan Dunham, and Jonathan H.
Hale, on charges connected with the failure of the "Kirtland
Safety Society" Bank. They were lodged in jail in Mans-
field, where they were kept until next day, when the jury
failing to find bills against them they were discharged at one
o'clock p. m. on the 17th, and overtook the camp the same
night.
While in camp on the night of July 22, when about one
hundred and eighty miles from Kirtland, they relate having
seen a wonderful phenomenon: "Sometime during this
night a luminous body, about the size of a cannon ball, came
down over the encampment near the ground, then whirled
around some forty or fifty times and moved off in a horizon-
tal direction, passing out of sight." — Millennial Star, vol. 16,
p. 203.
The company remained in camp the 24th of July, the
women washing, while the men cleared seven acres of land,
and reaped and bound three acres of wheat, for which they
were paid nineteen dollars.
On August 8 they were yet in Ohio, many of them afflicted
with diseases. Elders Dunham, Carter, Knight, Pettingill,
Brown, and Perry continued all night in "rebuking dis-
eases and foul spirits."
Sunday, August 12, the Seventies' Camp having fallen in
company on- with another camp from Canada, under charge of
der/E. Page. john E. Page, held services conjointly with them,
when Elder Page addressed them.
On September 9 the camp had reached a point near the
west line of Edgar County, Illinois, where on account of
means getting scarce it was agreed that some would stop
4. Each company of the camp Is entitled to an equal proportion of the
milk, whether it owns the cows or not.
5. Thomas Butterfield shall be appointed herdsman, to drive the cows
and stock and see that they are taken care of, and call for assistance
when needed.
6. That in no case at present shall the camp move more than fifteen
miles per day, unless circumstances absolutely require it. — Millennial
Star, vol. 16, p. 184.
182 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and seek employment for the winter, but that the Seventies
should go on and locate their families in Missouri and be
ready to go out and preach the gospel. Nine or ten families
therefore obtained places and stopped.
September 14, 1838, the camp passed through Springfield,
Illinois. Food was very scarce with them, which resulted
in some suffering. *
On the 20th they crossed the Mississippi River, at the
town of Louisiana.
Joseph writes of the suffering and distress of the camp as
follows: —
"Monday, 24th. The camp was called together and the
council informed them of their scanty means, and that there
had been a delinquency in consecrating their moneys and
goods according to the pattern; that the council had hired
large sums of money, for which they were bound, and liable
to imprisonment in case of failure, and must wait on the
brethren for their pay, and these sums had been expended
for the benefit of the camp. They were required to bring
forward their goods, which they did, and Elders B. Wilber
and D. Carter went forward with the commissary's wagon
to sell them.
"The camp went on, and passing through Madisonville
(where they were assailed with all kinds of bugbear stories
about the 'Mormons,' war, etc.), tented on the west side of
the north branch of Salt River, on the encampment that
Elder John E. Page had left on Saturday with his Canada
Camp. The brethren were told that the Governor was just
* The camp Is sometimes short of food, both for man and beast, and
they know what it is to be hungry. Their living for the last one hundred
miles has been boiled corn and shaving pudding, which is made of new
corn ears shaved upon a jointer or fore plane. It is excellent with milk,
butter, or sweetening, and with an occasional mixture of pork, flour,
potatoes, pumpkins, melons, etc., makes a comfortable living. The cobs
and remaining corn are given to the horses, so that nothing is lost; hence
the proverb goes forth in the world, "The Mormons would starve a host
of enemies to death, for they will live where everybody else would die."
The camp numbers about two hundred and sixty. There were five
hundred and fifteen, but they have been scattered to the four winds;
and it is because of selfishness, covetousness, murmurings, and com-
plainings, and not having fulfilled their covenants that they have been
thus scattered. — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 207.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 183
ahead, with a military force, to stop them, to which they
gave no heed."— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 295.
On account of rumors concerning the troubles in Far West
and Adam-ondi-ahman, the camp was in doubt as to the
advisability of going up in a body, some thinking it would
be wiser to scatter and go up separately.
Of this Joseph writes:—
"Wednesday, 26th. This morning Elder James Poster,
one of the counselors, proposed to the council to stop and
break up the camp, on account of existing circumstances; so
much excitement, so many moving west, and in large bodies
too; it was wisdom for them to go to work, and provide for
their families, until the difficulties should be settled, or they
heard from Far West. Four of the seven counselors were
present and three absent. Elder Young had stopped by the
way. A silence prevailed. Shortly it was manifest that it
was the desire of the camp collectively to go forward, not-
withstanding their deference always to the will of the Lord
through the council. Elder McArthur said, in a low tone,
that it was his impression that we might go up in righteous-
ness, keeping the commandments, and not be molested.
Some others manifested the same, in concurrence with his
feelings. Silence again. Here our faith was tried, and
here the Lord looked down and beheld us, and lo, a gentle-
man who was directly from Far West and was returning to
the East where he belonged, left his carriage and came
among us, although we were a good distance from the road,
and he told us that there was no trouble in Far West and
Adam-ondi-ahman, but that we might go right along without
danger of running into anybody's difficulties; and further,
said he, 'The one hundred and ten volunteers are to be dis-
charged this day at twelve o'clock, at Keytsville.' The
council replied, 'We believe you, sir, and we thank you for
your kindness.' A vote of the camp was called for, whether
we should proceed, and instantly all hands were raised
towards heaven!
"We pursued our journey, and in crossing a seven mile
prairie we stopped in a hollow to bait the teams and herd,
and here the volunteers passed us on their homeward bound
184 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
passage, according to the man's word. One of the platoon
officers said, as he passed us, 'Well, friends, we will let you
go this time, but the next time we will give you the Devil up
to the handle.' The bugler gave a blast and said, 'You'll soon
reach the promised land, don't you hear Gabriel's trump?' " —
Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 296.
The company from Canada under John E. Page arrived at
De Witt during the last week of September, 1838.
The Seventies' Camp arrived at Par West, October 2. On
the 3d they left Par West, arriving at their destination —
A.dam-ondi-ahman— on the 4th. The company under D. C.
Smith arrived some time previous to this; the date we have
not learned.
CHAPTER 11.
1838.
UNHOLY CRUSADE— AFFIDAVIT OP JOSEPH SMITH— BOUND OVER TO
COURT— EXCITEMENT— FIREARMS CAPTURED— TRIAL— THE GOV-
ERNOR PETITIONED— DONIPHAN'SREPORT— ATCHISON'S REPORT —
GOVERNOR BOGGS CULPABLE— PARKS AND ATCHISON REPORT-
MOB PROCEED AGAINST DE WITT— PETITION THE GOVERNOR —
OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS— DISREPUTABLE ACTS— FORCED TO
LEAVE DE WITT— MOB RETURN TO DAVIESS COUNTY.
THE great majority of the church was now in Missouri,
where troublesome times awaited them.
As we have seen in a former chapter, that unholy crusade
against the church, which has passed into history as "the
Unholy Mormon war," began in the summer of 1838. We
crusade, shall not take space to give all the details, but will
give the leading events from the pens of participants, so that
our readers can judge of the merits of the contention.
Adam Black, justice of the peace, who on August 8 had
agreed to do all he could to promote peace in Daviess
County, tried to stir up feeling against the church, contrary
to his agreement. On August 28 he made the following
affidavit: —
••STATE OP MISSOTJEI, J
"County of Daviess. )
"Before me, William Dryden, one of the justices of the
peace of said county, personally came Adam Black, who
being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith; that
on or about the 8th day of August, 1838, in the county of
Daviess, there came an armed force of men, said to be one
hundred and fifty-four, to the best of my information, and
surrounded his house and family, and threatened him with
instant death if he did not sign a certain instrument of writ-
ing, binding himself, as a justice of the peace for said county
of Daviess, not to molest the people called Mormons; and
threatened the lives of myself and other individuals, and did
186 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
say they intended to make every citizen sign such obliga-
tion, and further said they intended to have satisfaction for
abuse they had received on Monday previous, and they could
not submit to the laws: and further saith, that from the best
information and his own personal knowledge, that Andrew
Ripley, George A. Smith, Ephraim Owens, Harvey Hum-
stead, Hiram Nelson, A. Brown, John L. Butler, Cornelius
Lott, John Wood, H. Redfield, Riley Stewart, James Whita-
ker, Andrew Thor, Amos Tubbs, Dr. Gourze, and Abram
Nelson was guilty of aiding and abetting in committing and
perpetrating the above offense.
"ADAM BLACK.
"Sworn to and subscribed this the 28th of August, 1838.
"W. DRTDEN,
"Justice of the Peace of the county aforesaid."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 243.
An item of history from Joseph Smith's pen, also his
opinion of and determined action in these troubles, will be
interesting. He writes: —
"There is great excitement at present among the Missouri-
ans, seeking if possible an occasion against us. They are
continually chafing us and provoking us to anger, if possi-
ble—one sign of threatening after another; but we do not
fear them, for the Lord God the Eternal Father is our God,
and Jesus the Mediator is our Savior, and in $he great I AM
is our strength and confidence.
"We have been driven time after time, and that without
cause, and smitten again and again, and that without provo-
cation, until we have proved the world with kindness, and
the world proved us that we have no designs against any
man or set of men; that we injure no man; that we are
peaceable with all men, minding our own business, and our
business only. We have suffered our rights and our liberties
to be taken from us; we have not avenged ourselves of those
wrongs; we have appealed to magistrates, to sheriffs, to
judges, to Government and to the President of the United
States, all in vain; yet we have yielded peaceably to all these
things. We have not complained at the great God; we mur-
mured not, but peaceably left all, and retired into the back
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 187
country, in the broad and wild prairie, in the barren and
desolate plains, and there commenced anew; we made the
desolate places to bud and blossom as the rose; and now the
fiend-like race are disposed to give us no rest. Their father,
the Devil, is hourly calling upon them to be up and doing,
and they, like willing and obedient children, need not the
second admonition; but in the name of Jesus Christ the Son
of the living God we will endure it no longer, if the great
God will arm us with courage, with strength and with power,
to resist them in their persecutions. We will not act on the
offensive, but always on the defensive; our rights and our
liberties shall not be taken from us and we peaceably
submit to it, as we have done heretofore; but we will avenge
ourselves of our enemies, inasmuch as they will not let us
alone.
"But to return again to our subject. We found the place
for the city, and the brethren were instructed to gather
immediately into it, and soon they should be organized accord-
ing to the laws of God. A more particular history of this
city may be expected hereafter, perhaps at its organization
and dedication. We found a new route home, saving, I
should think, three or four miles. We arrived at Far West
about the close of daylight. . . .
"Sunday, 2d. . . . The First Presidency attended meet-
ing as usual in the morning. I tarried at home in the even-
ing to examine the church records, and spent a part of the
time in company with a gentleman from Livingston County,
who had become considerably excited on account of a large
collection of people, as they said, to take Joseph Smith, Jr.,
and Lyman Wight for going to one Adam Black's in Daviess
County; and as they said, President Smith and Colonel
Wight had resisted the officer who had endeavored to take
them, etc.; and accordingly these men are assembling to
take them, as they say. They are collected from every part
of the country to Daviess County. Report says they are
collecting from eleven counties, to help take two men who
had never resisted the law or officer, neither thought of
doing so, and this they knew at the same time, or many of
them at least. This looks a little too much like mobocracy;
188 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
it foretells some evil intentions. The whole upper Missouri
is in an uproar and confusion.
"This evening I sent for General Atchison, of Liberty,
Clay County, who is the Major General of this division, to
come and counsel with us, and to see if he could not put a
stop to this collection of people, and to put a stop to hos-
tilities in Daviess County. I also sent a letter to Judge King
containing a petition for him to assist in putting down and
scattering the mob, which are collecting at Daviess.
"Monday, 3d. Nothing of importance transpired this day,
only reports concerning the collection of a mob in Daviess
County, which has been collecting ever since the election in
Daviess on the sixth of August last. I was at home most of
the day.
"This evening General Atchison arrived in Par West. . . .
"Tuesday, 4th. . . . This day I spent in council with
General Atchison. He says he will do all in his power to
disperse the mob, etc. We employed him and Doniphan
(his partner) as our lawyers and counselors in law. They
are considered the first lawyers in upper Missouri.
"President Rigdon and myself commenced this day the
study of law, under the instruction of Generals Atchison
and Doniphan. They think by diligent application we can
be admitted to the bar in twelve months.
"The result of the council was that myself and Colonel
Wight volunteer, and be tried by Judge King in Daviess
County. Colonel Wight was present, having been pre-
viously notified to attend the council. Accordingly Thurs-
day next was appointed for the trial, and word to that
amount was sent to Judge King (who had previously agreed
to volunteer and try the case) to meet all at Bro. Littlefield's,
near the county line in the southern part of Daviess. I was
at home in the evening after six o'clock.
"Wednesday, 5th. I gave the following affidavit, that the
truth might appear before the public in the matter in con-
troversy.
" 'STATE OF MISSOURI, )
" 'Caldwell County, J a
" 'Before me, Elias Higbee, one of the justices of the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 189
county court, within and for the county of Caldwell afore-
Affidavit of said, personally came Joseph Smith, Jr., who,
joaeph smith. \)Q(ng &uiy SWOrn according to law, deposeth and
saith: That on the seventh day of August, one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-eight, being informed that an
affray had taken place in Daviess County, at the election in
the town of Gallatin, in which two persons were killed, and
one person was badly wounded, and fled to the woods to
save his life; all of which were said to be persons belonging
to the society of the Church of Latter Day Saints; and
further, said informant stated that those persons who com-
mitted the outrage would not suffer the bodies of those who
had been killed to be taken off the ground and buried.
" 'These reports with others, one of which was that the
saints had not the privilege of voting at the polls as other
citizens; another was that those opposed to the saints were
determined to drive them from Daviess County, and also
that they were arming and strengthening their forces and
preparing for battle; and that the saints were preparing and
making ready to stand in self-defense;— these reports hav-
ing excited the feelings of the citizens of Far West and
vicinity, I was invited by Dr. Avard and some others to go
out to Daviess County to the scene of these outrages; they
having previously determined to go out and learn the facts
concerning said reports.
" 'Accordingly some of the citizens, myself among the
number, went out, two, three, and four, in companies, as
they got ready. The reports and excitement continued
until several of those small companies through the day were
induced to follow the first, who were all eager to learn the
facts concerning this matter. We arrived in the evening at
the house of Lyman Wight, about three miles from Gallatin,
the scene of the reported outrages. Here we learned the
truth concerning the said affray, which had been considera-
bly exaggerated, yet there had been a serious outrage com-
mitted. We there learned that the mob was collected at
Millport, to a considerable number; that Adam Black was
at their head; and were to attack the saints the next day, at
the place we then were, called Adam-ondi-ahman. This re-
190 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
port we were still inclined to believe might be true, as this
Adam Black, who was said to be their leader, had been but
a few months before engaged in endeavoring to drive those
of the society who had settled in that vicinity, from the
county. This had become notorious from the fact that said
Black had personally ordered several of said society to
leave the county.
" 'The next morning we dispatched a committee to said
Black's to ascertain the truth of these reports, and to know
what his intentions were; and as we understood he was a
peace officer, we wished to know what we might expect
from him. They reported that Mr. Black instead of giving
them any assurance of peace, insulted them and gave them
no satisfaction. Being desirous of knowing the feelings of
Mr. Black for myself, and being in want of good water, and
understanding that there was none nearer than Mr. Black's
spring, myself with several others mounted our horses and
rode up to Mr. Black's fence.
" 'Dr. Avard, with one or two others who had rode ahead,
went into Mr. Black's house; myself and some others went
to the spring for water. I was shortly after sent for by Mr.
Black, and invited into the house, being introduced to Mr.
Black by Dr. Avard. Mr. Black wished me to be seated.
We then commenced a conversation on the subject of the
late difficulties and present excitement. I found Mr. Black
quite hostile in his feelings towards the saints; but he
assured us he did not belong to the mob, neither would he
take any part with them; but said he was bound *by his oath
to support the Constitution of the United States and the
laws of the State of Missouri. Deponent then asked him if
he would make said statement in writing so as to refute the
arguments of those who had affirmed that he (Black) was
one of the leaders of the mob. Mr. Black answered in the
affirmative. Accordingly he did so, which writing is in pos-
session of the deponent. The deponent further saith that
no violence was offered to any individual in his presence or
within his knowledge; and that no insulting language was
given by either party, except on the part of Mrs. Black,
who, while Mr. Black was engaged in making out the above-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 191
named writing (which he made with his own hand), gave to
this deponent and others of this society highly insulting lan-
guage and false accusations, which were calculated in their
nature to greatly irritate, if possible, the feelings of the
bystanders belonging to said society, in language like this;
Being asked by the deponent if she knew anything in the
"Mormon" people derogatory to the character of gentlemen,
she answered in the negative, but said she did not know but
the object of their visit was to steal something from them.
After Mr. Black had executed the writing deponent asked
Mr. Black if he had any unfriendly feelings towards the
deponent, and if he had not treated him genteelly. He
answered in the affirmative. Deponent then took leave of
said Black and repaired to the house of Lyman Wight. The
next day we returned to Far West, and further this depo-
nent saith not.
" 'JOSEPH SMITH, JB.
" 'Sworn to and subscribed, this fifth day of September,
A. D. 1838.
" 'ELIAS HlGBEB, J. 0. C. C. C.'
"Judge King arrived at Far West on his way to Daviess
to meet the proposed trial. General Atchison had gone
before Judge King arrived, and the Judge tarried all night.
I was at home after six o'clock in the evening. . . .
"Thursday, 6th. ... At half past seven this morning I
started on horseback, accompanied by several brethren,
among whom were my brother Hyrum and Judge E. Hig-
bee, to attend my trial at Brother Littlefield's. I thought
it not wisdom to make my appearance before the public in
that place, in consequence of the many threats made against
me, and the high state of excitement. The trial could not
proceed on account of the absence of the plaintiff and lack
of testimony, and the court adjourned until to-morrow at ten
o'clock in the morning, at a Mr. Raglin's, some six or eight
miles further south, and within half a mile of the line of
Caldwell. Raglin is a regular mob character. We all
returned to Far West, where we arrived before dark.
"Friday, 7th. About sunrise I started with my friends,
and arrived at Mr. Raglin's at the appointed hour. We did
192 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
not know but there would be a disturbance among the mob
characters to-day; we accordingly had a company of men
placed at the county line, so as to be ready at a minute's
warning, if there should be any difficulty at the trial.
"The trial commenced. William P. Peniston, who was
the prosecutor, had no witnesses but Adam Black, who con-
trived to swear a great many things that never had an exist-
ence until he swore them, and I presume never entered the
heart of any man to conceive; and in fine, I think he swore
by the job, and that he was employed so to do by Pen-
iston.
"The witnesses on the part of the defense were Dimick B.
Huntington, Gideon Carter, Adam Lightner, and George W.
Robinson.
"The Judge bound Colonel Wight and myself over to court
in a five hundred dollar bond. There was no proof against
Bound over us to criminate us, but it is supposed he did it to
to court. pacify as much as possible the feelings of the
mobbers. The Judge stated afterwards, in the presence of
George W. Robinson, that there was nothing proven against
us worthy of bonds; but we submitted without murmuring a
word, gave the bonds with sufficient securities, and all
returned home the same evening.
"We found two persons in Daviess at the trial, which gen-
tlemen were sent from Chariton County as a committee to
inquire into all this matter, as the mobbers had sent to that
place for assistance, they said to take Smith and Wight; but
their object was to drive the brethren from the county of
Daviess, as was done in Jackson County. They said the people
in Chariton did not see proper to send help without knowing
for what purpose they were doing it, and this they said was
their errand. They accompanied us to Far West to hold a
council with us, in order to learn the facts of this great
excitement, which is, as it were, turning the world upside
down. We arrived home in the evening. . . .
"Saturday, 8th. . . . The Presidency met in council with
the committee from Chariton County, together with General
Atchison, where a relation was given of the whole matter,
the present state of excitement, and the cause of all this
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 193
confusion. These gentlemen expressed their fullest satis-
faction upon the subject, considering they had been
outrageously imposed upon in this matter. They left this
afternoon, apparently perfectly satisfied with the inter-
view. "—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 244-248, 266.
After this there was much excitement and some skirmish-
Excite- *n£' There were rumors afloat and widely circu-
ment lated damaging to both parties. It is quite
impossible to learn the exact truth of these details.
Early in September, upon information that there was a
wagonload of firearms being transported from Richmond,
Firearms Missouri, to the mob in Daviess County, the civil
captured. authorities of Far West concluded to intercept
them as they passed through Caldwell County; accordingly
they issued a writ and intrusted it in the hands of William
Allred, who with ten mounted men succeeded in capturing
the guns, and three men supposed to be the smugglers,
whose names were J. B. Comer, W. L. McHoney, and
Allen Miller, and brought prisoners and guns to Far
West.
The three men were tried on September 12, 1838, when
they were held to bail for their appearance at the
circuit court; Comer for an attempt to smuggle
arms to a mob, the other men as accomplices.
Both parties petitioned the Governor; the saints asking
The Governor ^or protection, and the mob asking that all Mor-
petition d. m0ns be driven from the State. .
On September 11, General Atchison ordered the militia to
march "immediately to the scene of excitement and insur-
rection."
The following report of General Doniphan will show how
Doniphan's promptly this order was complied with, and also
report. show the respective dispositions manifested by the
commanders of the two hostile forces: —
"Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 3d Division Missouri Militia.
"Camp at Grand River, September 15, 1838.
"Major General David R. Atchison, Commanding 3d Division
Missouri Militia; Sir:— In pursuance of your orders, dated
llth instant, I issued orders to Colonel William A. Dunn,
194 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
commanding the 28th regiment, to raise four companies of
mounted riflemen, consisting of fifty men each; also to
Colonel John Boulware, commanding 70th regiment, to raise
two companies of mounted riflemen, consisting each of like
number, to start forthwith for service in the counties of
Caldwell and Daviess.
"On the same day Colonel Dunn obtained the four com-
panies of volunteers required from the 28th regiment, and
on the morning of the 12th I took the command in person, and
marched to the line of Caldwell, at which point I ordered the
colonels to march the regiments to the timber on Crooked
River. I then started for Far West, the county seat of Cald-
well, accompanied by my aid alone.
"On arriving at that place, I found Comer, Miller, and
McHoney, the prisoners mentioned in your order. I
demanded of the guard who had them in confinement to
deliver them over to me, which was promptly done. I also
found that the guns that had been captured by the sheriff
and citizens of Caldwell had been distributed and placed in
the hands of the soldiery and scattered over the country; I
ordered them to be immediately collected and delivered up
to me. I then sent an express to Colonel Dunn to march
the regiment by daylight for that place, where he arrived
about seven a. m., making forty miles since ten o'clock a. m.
on the previous day.
""When my command arrived the guns were delivered up,
amounting to forty-two stand; three stand could not be pro-
duced, as they had probably gone to Daviess County. I sent
these guns under a guard to your command in Ray County,
together with the prisoner Comer; the other two being citi-
zens of Daviess, I retained, and brought with me to this
county, and released them on parole of honor, as I conceived
their detention illegal.
"At eight o'clock a. m. we took up the line of march and
proceeded through Millport in Daviess County, thirty-seven
miles from our former encampment, and arrived at the camp
of the citizens of Daviess and other adjoining counties,
which amounted to between two and three hundred, as their
commander, Dr. Austin, of Carroll, informed me. Your
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 195
order requiring them to disperse, which had been forwarded
in advance of my command, by your aid, James M. Hughes,
was read to them, and they were required to disperse. They
professed that their object for arming and collecting was
solely for defense, but they were marching and counter-
marching guards out; and myself and others who approached
the camp were taken to task and required to wait the
approach of the sergeant of the guard. I had an interview
with Dr. Austin, and his professions were all pacific. But
they still continue in arms, marching and countermarch-
ing.
"I then proceeded with your aid, J. M. Hughes, and my
aid, Benjamin Holliday, to the Mormon encampment com-
manded by Colonel Wight. We held a conference with him,
and he professed entire willingness to disband, and sur-
render up to me every one of the Mormons accused of crime,
and required in return that the hostile forces, collected by the
other citizens of the county, should also disband. At the
camp commanded by Dr. Austin I demanded the prisoner
demanded in your order, who had been released on the even-
ing after my arrival in their vicinity.
"I took up line of march and encamped in the direct road
between the two hostile encampments, where I have
remained since, within about two and a half miles of Wight's
encampment, and sometimes the other camp is nearer, and
sometimes farther from me. I intend to occupy this posi-
tion until your arrival, as I deem it best to preserve peace
and prevent an engagement between the parties, and if kept
so for a few days they will doubtless disband without coer-
cion. I have the honor to be, yours with respect,
"A. W. DONIPHAN,
"Brig. General 1st Brigade, 3d Division Missouri Militia."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 268, 269.
Subsequently Major General Atchison arrived, and his
report to Governor Boggs, the commander in chief, will
show his view of the situation: —
''Headquarters 3d Division Missouri Militia,
"Grand River, September 17, 1838.
'To His Excellency, the Commander in Chief; Sir: — I arrived
196 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
at the county seat of this county, Daviess, on the evening of
Atchison'» *ne 15th instant, with the troops raised from the
report. militia of Ray County, when I was joined by the
troops from Clay County under the command of General
Doniphan. In the same neighborhood I found from two to
three hundred men in arms, principally from the counties of
Livingston, Carroll, and Saline. These men were embodied
under the pretext of defending the citizens of Daviess County
against the Mormons, and were operating under the orders
of a Dr. Austin from Carroll County. The citizens of Daviess,
or a large portion of them, residing on each side of Grand
River, had left their farms and removed their families either
to the adjoining counties or collected them together at a
place called the Camp Ground. The whole county on the
east side of Grand River appears to be deserted, with the
exception of a few who are not so timid as their neighbors.
The Mormons of Daviess County have also left their farms,
and have encamped for safety at a place immediately on the
east bank of Grand River, called Adam-ondi-ahman. The
numbers are supposed to be about two hundred and fifty
men, citizens of Daviess County, and from fifty to one hun-
dred men, citizens of Caldwell County. Both parties have
been scouting through the country, and occasionally taking
prisoners, and threatening and insulting each other; but as
yet no blood has been shed. I have ordered all armed men
from adjoining counties to repair to their homes; the Liv-
ingston County men and others to the amount of one hun-
dred men, have returned, and there remain now about one
hundred and fifty who will, I am in hopes, return in a few
days. I have been informed by the Mormons, <that all of
those who have been charged with a violation of the laws
will be in to-day for trial; when that is done the troops under
my command will be no longer required in this county, if the
citizens of other counties will return to their respective
homes. I have proposed to leave two companies of fifty
men each in this county, and discharge the remainder of
the troops; said two companies will remain for the preser-
vation of order, until peace and confidence are restored.
I also inclose to your Excellency the report of General
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 197
Doniphan, and refer you for particulars to Major Rogers.
"I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
"D. R. ATCHISON,
"Major General 3d Division Missouri Militia."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 282, 283.
On the 18th Governor Boggs, undoubtedly considering
the force under Atchison too small, or considering the Gen-
eral too pacific in his measures, ordered the fourth division,
under General S. D. Lucas, to the scene of trouble, there to
cooperate with the forces under General Atchison. General
Atchison again reported to the Governor as follows:—
"Sir:— The troops ordered out for the purpose of putting
down the insurrection supposed to exist in the counties of
Daviess and Caldwell were discharged on the 20th instant,
with the exception of two companies of the Ray militia, now
stationed in the county of Daviess, under the command of
Brigadier General Parks. It was deemed necessary in the
state of excitement in that county that those companies
should remain there for a short period longer, say some
twenty days, until confidence and tranquility should be
restored. All the offenders against the law in that county,
against whom process was taken out, were arrested and
brought before a court of inquiry, and recognized to appear
at the circuit court. Mr. Thomas C. Birch attended to the
prosecuting on the part of the State. The citizens of other
counties who came in armed to the assistance of the citizens
of Daviess County, have dispersed and returned to their
respective homes, and the Mormons have also returned to
their homes; so that I consider the insurrection, for the
present at least, to be at an end. Prom the best information
I can get there are about two hundred and fifty Mormon
familes in Daviess County, nearly one half of the population,
and the whole of the Mormon forces in Daviess, Caldwell,
and the adjoining counties, is estimated at from thirteen to
fifteen hundred men, capable of bearing arms. The Mor-
mons of Daviess County, as I stated in a former report, were
encamped in a town called Adam-ondi-ahman, and are headed
by Lyman Wight, a bold, brave, skillful, and I may add, a
desperate man; they appear to be acting on the defensive,
198 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and I must further add, gave up the offenders with a good
deal of promptness. The arms taken by the Mormons, and
prisoners, were also given up upon demand, with seeming
cheerfulness." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 294.
After all this it seems to us that Governor Boggs was
guilty of maliciously fostering the spirit of insurrection, and
GOT. Bogg» striving to provoke the Mormons to deeds of vio-
cuipabie. lence by sending their old Jackson County enemy,
S. D. Lucas, to the scene, at the head of an armed force,
when there was no reasonable demand for it. But we leave
these facts with the reader.
On September 25 General Parks, who was left in com-
mand, wrote the Governor, as follows: —
"Whatever may have been the disposition of the people
called Mormons, before our arrival here, since we have made
our appearance they have shown no disposition to
resist the laws, or of hostile intentions. There has
been so much prejudice and exaggeration concerned in this
matter, that I found things entirely different from what I was
prepared to expect. When we arrived here we found a large
body of men from the counties adjoining, armed and in the field
for the purpose, as I learned, of assisting the people of this
county against the Mormons, without being called out by
the proper authorities.
"P. S. — Since writing the above, I received information
that if the committee do not agree, the determination of the
Daviess County men is to drive the Mormons with powder
and lead." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 295.
He also wrote General Atchison on the same date, thus: —
"I am happy to be able to state to you that the deep
excitement existing between the parties has in a great
degree ceased; and so far I have had no occasion to resort
to force in assisting the constables. On to-morrow a com-
mittee from Daviess County meets a committee of the Mor-
mons at Adam-ondi-ahman, to propose to them to buy or sell,
and I expect to be there. l"— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 295.
1The mob committee met a committee of the brethren, and the breth-
ren entered into an agreement to purchase all the lands and possessions
of those who desired to sell and leave Daviess County. — Millennial Star,
vol. 16, p. 295.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 199
The forces dispersed by order of General Atchison in
Mob proceed Daviess and Caldwell Counties, or many of them,
against DC w«t. instead of going quietly to their homes as in-
structed to do, proceeded to De Witt, Carroll County,
and began hostilities against the saints there.
The following petition will show the condition of affairs: —
"DE WITT, Carroll County, State of Missouri,
"September 22, 1838.
"To His Excellency, Lilburn W. Boggs, Governor of the State
of Missouri: —Your petitioners, citizens of the county of Car-
Petition r°U» do hereby petition Your Excellency, praying
the Governor. for reiief : That whereas, your petitioners have on
the 20th instant been sorely aggrieved by being beset by a
lawless mob, [of] certain inhabitants of this and other coun-
ties, to the injury of the good citizens of this and the adjacent
places; that on the aforesaid day came from one hundred to
one hundred and fifty armed men, and threatened with force
and violence to drive certain peaceable citizens from their
homes, in defiance of all law, and threatened then to drive
said citizens out of the county, but on deliberation concluded
to give them, said citizens, till the first of October next to
leave said county; and threatened, if not gone by that time,
to exterminate them, without regard to age or sex, and
destroy their chattels by throwing them in the river.
"We therefore pray you to take such steps as shall put a
stop to all lawless proceeding; and we your petitioners will
ever pray, etc.
"BENJ. KENDRICK. SMITH HUMPHREY. FRANKLIN N. THAYEH.
"H. G. SHERWOOD. JOHN TILFORD. DUDLEY THOMAS.
"JOHN KENDRICK. WM. P. LUNDOW. JOHN MURDOCK.
•JAMES VALANCE. G. M. HINKLE. THOS. DEHART.
"ALBERT LOREE. FRANCIS BROWN. JABEZ LAKE.
"D. THOMAS (no Mor- H. M. WALLACE. SAMUEL LAKE.
mon). Asu MANCHESTEB. WM. WINSTON.
"NATHAN HARRISON. JOHN CLARK. ELIZABETH SMITH.
"THOS. HOLLINGSHEAD. HENRY ROOT. ASA W. BARNES.
"A. L. CALDWELL. ELIJAH T. ROGERS. RUFUS ALLEN.
"JOHN DOUGHERTY. EZEKIEL BARNES. MOSES HARRIS.
"D. H. BARNS. PERRY THAYER. WM. S. SMITH.
"B. B. BARTLEY. JAMES HAMPTON. JONATHAN HARRIS.
"ROBERT HAMPTON. WM. J. HATFIELD. JONATHAN HAMPTON.
200 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"OLIVEB OLWEY. GEOBGE PEACOCK. JOHN THOBP.
"DANIEL CLARK. H. T. CHIPMAN. JOHN PROCTOB.
"DAVID DIXON. JAMES McGuiN. BENJ. HENSLEY."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 294, 295.
On Tuesday, October 2, 1838, a mob fired on the saints in
other official De Witt. The following affidavit was sent to Gen-
documenis. eral par]jS> and was forwarded to General Atchi-
son with the accompanying note: —
"Dear Sir:— I received this morning an affidavit from Car-
roll County. The following is a copy: 'Henry Root, on his
oath, states, that on the night of the first of October there
was collected in the vicinity of De Witt an armed force, con-
sisting of from thirty to fifty persons, and on the morning
of the second of October came into the town of De Witt and
fired on the civil inhabitants of that place. Thirteen of said
individuals were seen by me in that place, and I believe
there is actually an insurrection in that place.
" 'HENRY ROOT.
*' 'Subscribed and sworn to this 3d day of October, 1838.
" 'WILLIAM B. MORTON, J. P.'
"In consequence of which information, and belief of an
attack being made on said place, I have ordered out the two
companies raised by your order, to be held in readiness un-
der the commands of Captains Bogarb and Houston, to
mawjh for De Witt, in Carroll County, by eight o'clock to-
morrow morning, armed and equipped as the law directs,
with six days provisions and fifty rounds of powder and ball.
I will proceed with these troops in person, leaving Colonel
Thompson in command on Grand River. As soon as I reach
De Witt I will advise you of the state of affairs more fully.
I will use all due precaution in the affair, and deeply regret
the necessity of this recourse.
"H. G. PARKS,
"Brigadier-General 2d Brigade, 3d Division."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 318.
On the 4th the mob again fired on the citizens of De Witt,
and they returned the fire, which furnished an excuse for
the too anxious General Lucas to offer his willing services.
He wrote the Governor as follows:—
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 201
"BooNvn/LE, Missouri, October 4, 1838.
"Dear Sir: — As we passed down the Missouri River on
Monday last, we saw a large force of Mormons at De Witt,
in Carroll County, under arms. Their commander, Colonel
Hinkle, formerly of Caldwell County, informed me that
there were two hundred, and that they were hourly expect-
ing an attack from the citizens of Carroll County, who he
said were then encamped only six miles from there, waiting
for a reinforcement from Saline County. Hinkle said they
had determined to fight. News had just been received at
this place, through Dr. Scott, of Fayette, that a fight took
place on yesterday, and that several persons were killed.
Dr. Scott informed me that he got his information from a
gentleman of respectability, who had heard the tiring of
their guns as he passed down. If a fight has actually taken
place, of which I have no doubt, it will create excitement in
the whole of upper Missouri, and those base and degraded
beings will be exterminated from the face of the earth. If
one of the citizens of Carroll should be killed, before five
days I believe that there will be from four to five thousand
volunteers in the field against the Mormons, and nothing
but their blood will satisfy them. It is an unpleasant state
of affairs. The remedy I do not pretend to suggest to your
Excellency. My troops of the fourth division were only
dismissed, subject to further orders, and can be called into
the field at an hour's warning.
"SAMTJEL D. LUCAS."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 318.
The comment of Joseph Smith on this letter is so appro-
priate that we give it place: —
" 'Base and degraded beings!* Who ever heard, before, of
high-minded and honorable men condescending to sacrifice
their honor by stooping to wage war, without cause or provo-
cation, against 'base and degraded beings.' But General
Lucas is ready with his whole division, at an 'hour's warn-
ing,' to enter the field of battle on such degrading terms, if
his own statement is true. But Lucas knew better. He
knew the saints were an innocent, unoffending people, and
would not fight, only in self-defense, and why write such a
202 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
letter to the Governor to influence his mind? Why not keep
truth and justice on your side, poor Lucas? The annals of
eternity will unfold to you who are the 'base beings,' and
what it will take to 'satisfy' for the shedding of 'Mormon
blood. '"—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 318.
Joseph Smith went to De Witt, and the following is his
account of the situation:—
"Saturday, 6th. I arrived at De Witt, and found that the
accounts of the situation of that place were correct; for it
was with much difficulty, and by traveling unfrequented
roads, that I was able to get there, all the principal roads
being strongly guarded by the mob, who refused all ingress
as well as egress. I found my brethren, who were only
a handful in comparison to the mob by which they were
surrounded, in this situation, and their provisions nearly
exhausted and no prospect of obtaining any more. We
thought it necessary to send immediately to the Governor to
inform him of the circumstances, hoping from the executive
to raise the protection which we needed; and which was
guaranteed to us in common with other citizens. Several
gentlemen of standing and respectability who lived in the
immediate vicinity, who were not in any way connected with
the Church of Latter Day Saints, who had witnessed the
proceedings of our enemies, came forward and made affidavits
to the treatment we had received, and concerning our peril-
ous situation; and offered their services to go and present
the case to the Governor themselves." — Millennial Star, vol.
16, p. 342.
About the 6th of October General Parks wrote General
Atchison concerning affairs at De Witt, as follows: —
"Sir:— Immediately after my express to you by Mr. Warder
was sent, I proceeded to this place, which I reached yester-
day, with two companies of mounted men from Ray. I
ordered Colonel Jones to call out three companies from this
county to hold themselves in readiness to join me at Carroll-
ton on the 5th instant, which order has not been carried into
effect. None of Carroll regiment is with me.
"On arriving in the vicinity of De Witt I found a body of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 203
armed men under the command of Dr. Austin,' encamped
near De Witt, besieging that place, to the number of two or
three hundred, with a piece of artillery ready to attack the
town of De Witt. On the other side Hinkle has in that place
three or four hundred Mormons to defend it, and says he
will die before he is driven from thence.
"On the 4th instant they had a skirmish— fifteen or thirty
guns fired on both sides, one man from Saline wounded in
the hip.
"The Mormons are at this time too strong, and no attack
is expected before Wednesday or Thursday next, at which
time Dr. Austin hopes his forces will amount to five hundred
men, when he will make a second attempt on the town of De
Witt, with small arms and cannon. In this posture of affairs
I can do nothing but negotiate between the parties until
further aid is sent me.
"I received your friendly letter on the 5th instant, by Mr.
Warder, authorizing me to call on General Doniphan, which
call I have made on him for five companies from Platte,
Clay, and Clinton, with two companies I ordered from Liv-
ingston, of which I doubt whether these last will come; if
they do, I think I will have a force sufficient to manage these
belligerents. Should these troops arrive here in time, I
hope to be able to prevent bloodshed. Nothing seems so
much in demand here (to hear the Carroll County men talk)
as Mormon scalps; as yet they are scarce. I believe Hinkle
with the present force and position will beat Austin with five
hundred of his troops. The Mormons say they will die
before they will be driven out, etc. As yet they have acted
on the defensive as far as I can learn. It is my settled
opinion the Mormons will have no rest until they leave;
whether they will or not, time only can tell.
"H. G. PARKS."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 375.
Joseph's account of the surrender of De Witt and the suf-
fering there is as follows: —
"Under the same date, from the camp near De Witt,
* The same who led the mob in Daviess County.
204 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
eleven bloodthirsty fellows; viz., Congreve Jackson, Larkin
H. Woods, Thomas Jackson, Rolla M. Davies, James Jack-
Disrepu- son» 3*'* Johnson Jackson, John L. Tomlin, Sid-
tabie acts. ney g Woods, George Crigler, W. L. Banks, and
Whitfield Dicken, wrote a most inflammatory, lying, and mur-
derous communication to the citizens of Howard County,
calling upon them as friends and fellow citizens to come to
their immediate rescue, as the 'Mormons' were then firing
upon them, and they would have to act on the defensive
until they could procure more assistance.
"A. C. Woods, a citizen of Howard County, made a certifi-
cate to the same lies, which he gathered in the mob camp;
he did not go into De Witt, or take any trouble to learn the
truth of what he certified. While the people will lie and
the authorities will uphold them, what justice can honest
men expect?
"Tuesday, 9th. General Clark wrote the Governor, from
Boonville, that the names subscribed to the inclosed paper
(as before-stated, 7th instant) are worthy, prudent, and
patriotic citizens of Howard County; men who would leave
their families and everything dear, and go to a foreign
county to seek the blood of innocent men, women, and chil-
dren! If this constitute 'worth, prudence, and patriotism,'
let me be worthless, imprudent, and unpatriotic.
"The messenger, Mr. Caldwell, who had been dispatched
to the Governor for assistance, returned, but instead of re-
ceiving any aid or even sympathy from his Excellency, we
were told that 'the quarrel was between the Mormons and
the mob,' and that 'we might fight it out.'
"About this time a mob commanded by Hyrum Standly took
Smith Humphrey's goods out of his house, and said Standly
set fire to Humphrey's house and burned it before his eyes,
and ordered him to leave the place forthwith, which he did
by fleeing from De Witt to Caldwell County. The mob had
sent to Jackson County and got a cannon, powder, and balls,
and bodies of armed men had gathered in to aid them from
Ray, Saline, Howard, Livingston, Clinton, Clay, Platte, and
other parts of the State, and a man by the name of Jackson
from Howard County was appointed their leader.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 205
"The saints were forbid to go out of the town, under pain
of death, and were shot at when they attempted to go out to
get food, of which they were destitute. As fast as their
cattle, horses, or other property got where the mob could
get hold of it, it was taken as spoil. By these outrages the
brethren were obliged, most of them, to live in wagons or
tents. . . .
"General Parks informed us that a greater part of his
men under Captain Bogart had mutinied, and that he should
be obliged to draw them off from the place, for fear they
would join the mob; consequently he could offer us no
assistance.
"We had now no hopes whatever of successfully resisting
the mob, who kept constantly increasing; our provisions
were entirely exhausted, and we being wearied out by con-
tinually standing on guard, and watching the movements of
our enemies, who during the time I was there fired at us a
great many times. Some of the brethren died for the com-
mon necessaries of life, and perished from starvation; and
for once in my life I had the pain of beholding some of my
fellow creatures fall victims to the spirit of persecution,
which did then and has since prevailed to such an extent in
upper Missouri; men, too, who were virtuous, and against
whom no legal process could for one moment be sustained,
but who in consequence of their love to God, attachment to
his cause, and their determination to keep the faith, were
thus brought to an untimely grave.
"In the meantime Henry Root and David Thomas, who
had been the sole cause of the settlement being made,
Forced to solicited the saints to leave the place. Thomas
leave De wm sai\ft ne ^ad assurances from the mob that if they
would leave the place they would not be hurt, and that they
would be paid for all losses which they had sustained, and
that they had come as mediators to accomplish this object,
and that persons should be appointed to set value on the
property which they had to leave, and that they should be
paid for it. They finally, through necessity, had to comply
and leave the place. Accordingly the committee was ap-
pointed—Judge Erichson was one of the committee, and
206 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Major Florey, of Rutsville, another; the names of the others
not recollected. They appraised the real estate; that was
all.
"When the people came to start, their horses, oxen, and
cows were gone, many of them, and could not be found; it
was known at the time, and the mob boasted of it, that they
had killed the oxen and lived on them. A great number of
cows, oxen, and horses have never been seen since, which
doubtless the mob took and kept, and that was all the breth-
ren ever received of the promised pay for all their losses at
De Witt. Many houses belonging to my brethren were
burned, their cattle driven away, and a great quantity of
their property was destroyed by the mob.
"Seeing no prospect of relief, the Governor having turned
a deaf ear to our entreaties, the militia having mutinied,
and the greater part of them being ready to join the mob,
the brethren came to the conclusion to leave that place and
seek a shelter elsewhere; and gathering up as many wagons
as could be got ready, which was about seventy, with a rem-
nant of the property they had been able to save from their
matchless foes, left De Witt and started for Caldwell on the
afternoon of Thursday, October 11, 1838. They traveled
that day about twelve miles and encamped in a grove of tim-
ber near the road.
"That evening a woman who had some short time before
given birth to a child (in consequence of the exposure occa-
sioned by the operations of the mob, and having to move her
before her strength would admit), died, and was buried in
the grove, without a coffin.
"During our journey we were continually harassed and
threatened by the mob, who shot at us several times, whilst
several of our brethren died from the fatigue and privations
which they had to endure, and we had to inter them by the
wayside, without a coffin, and under circumstances the most,
distressing. We arrived in Caldwell on the twelfth.
"No sooner had the brethren left De Witt than Sashiel
Woods called the mob together and made a speech to them,
that they must hasten to assist their friends in Daviess
County. The land sales, he said, were coming on, and if
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 207
they could get the Mormons driven out, they could get all
the lands entitled to preemptions, and that they must hasten
to Daviess in order to accomplish their object; that if they
would join and drive them out they could get all the lands
back again, as well as all the pay they had received for
them. He assured the mob that they had nothing to fear
from the authorities in so doing, for they had now full proof
that the authorities would not assist the Mormons, and that
they might as well take their property from them as not.
His request was complied with, and accordingly the whole
banditti started, taking with them their cannon, for Daviess
County.
"In the meantime Cornelius Gillium was busily engaged in
raising a mob in Platt and Clinton counties, to aid Woods in
his effort to drive peaceable citizens from their homes and
take their property.
"On my arrival in Caldwell I was informed by General
Doniphan, of Clay County, that a company of mobbers eight
hundred strong were marching toward a settlement of our
people in Daviess County. He ordered out one of the offi-
cers to raise a force and march immediately to what he called
Wight's Town, and defend our people from the attacks of
the mob, until he should raise the militia in his and the
adjoining counties to put them down. A small company of
militia, who were on their route to Daviess County, and who
had passed through Far West, he ordered back again, stat-
ing that they were not to be depended upon, as many of
them were disposed to join the mob, and, to use his own
expression, were 'damned rotten-hearted.' "—Millennial Star,
vol. 16, pp. 375, 376, 394, 395.
The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties has this
to say about the De Witt trouble:—
"Troubles thickened and multiplied. Down in Carroll
County the citizens, under Col. W. W. Austin, attempted the
expulsion of the six hundred Mormons at De Witt, under
Hinkle. At the August election a vote was taken to decide
whether or not they should be allowed to remain, and it was
practically unanimous that they should not. In time the
citizens were reinforced by their neighbors from Ray, Clay,
208 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Jackson, Saline, Howard, and Chariton, and De Witt was
regularly besieged for two or three days. Congreve Jack-
son was elected a brigadier-general commanding the forces.
September 21, the Mormons (who in the meantime had been
reinforced by a company from Far West, led by Col. Lyman
Wight8) surrendered and agreed to leave the county. The
citizens paid them back the money they had given for the
town site,* allowing nothing for building or other improve-
ments, and the Mormons, wretched and miserable, and
stripped of nearly all their earthly possessions, left for
Caldwell County, many families, even women and children,
making the journey on foot." — Page 129.
Thus ended the 'trouble in Carroll County, but the mob,
Mob return no^ satisfied, returned to Daviess County, deter-
to Daviessco. mine(j to despoil the Mormons.
'This is a mistake. Lyman Wight was not at De Witt.
'This is doubtful.
CHAPTER 12.
1838.
QUARTERLY CONFERENCE— MARCH TO ADAM ONDI AHMAN— INFLAM-
MATORY AFFIDAVITS — MARSH AND HYDE APOSTATIZE — FALSE
REPORTS — MOVEMENTS OF THE MOB— PATTEN AND O'BANION
KILLED— GOVERNOR'S ORDER — EXTERMINATING ORDER— ATCHI-
SON REVOLTS — PERILOUS SITUATION — DANITES — THE MOB
APPROACHING.
ON October 5 and 6 there was a quarterly conference held
at Far West. On the last day of this conference Stephen
Quarterly Chase was ordained President of the Elders' Quo-
conference. rum in jiar \\Test; and Isaac Laney, Horace Alex-
ander, and Albert Sloan were ordained elders. Samuel Bent
and Isaac Higbee were appointed to fill the places of John
Murdock and George M. Hinkle in the council, they having
removed to De Witt.
Joseph writes concerning the thrilling events following
the abandonment of De Witt, as follows:—
"Monday, 15th. The brethren assembled on the public
square and formed a company of about one hundred, who
took up a line of march for Adam-ondi-ahman;
Adlm-on- and here let it be distinctly understood that this
company were militia of the county of Caldwell,
acting under Lieutenant-Colonel Hinkle, agreeable to the
order of General Doniphan, and the brethren were very
careful in all their movements to act in strict accordance
with the constitutional laws of the land.
"The special object of this march was to protect Adam-
ondi-ahman and repel the attacks of the mob in Daviess
County. Having some property in that county and having a
house building there, I went up at the same time. While I
was there a number of houses belonging to our people were
burned by the mob, who committed many other depredations,
210 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
such as driving off horses, sheep, cattle, hogs, etc. A
number of those whose houses were burned down as well as
those who lived in scattered and lonely situations fled into
the town for safety, and for shelter from the inclemency of
the weather, as a considerable snowstorm took place on the
17th and 18th. Women and children, some in the most deli-
cate situations, were thus obliged to leave their homes and
travel several miles in order to effect their escape. My feel-
ings were such as I cannot describe when I saw them flock
into the village, almost entirely destitute of clothes, and
only escaping with their lives.
"During this state of affairs General Parks arrived at
Daviess County and was at the house of Colonel Lyman
Wight on the 18th, when the intelligence was brought that
the mob were burning houses; and also when women and
children were fleeing for safety, among whom was Agnes M.
Smith, wife of my brother, Don Carlos Smith, who was
absent on a mission in Tennessee, her house having been
plundered and burned by the mob, she having traveled
nearly three miles, carrying her two helpless babes, and
having had to wade Grand River.
"Colonel Wight, who held a commission in the 59th regi-
ment under his (General Parks') command, asked what was
to be done. He told him that he must immediately call out
his men and go and put them down. Accordingly a force
were immediately raised for the purpose of quelling the mob,
and in a short time were on their march, with a determina-
tion to drive the mob or die in the attempt; as they could
bear such treatment no longer.
"The mob, having learned the orders of General Parks,
and likewise being aware of the determination of the
oppressed, broke up their encampment and fled. The mob
seeing that they could not succeed by force now resorted to
stratagem; and after removing their property out of their
houses, which were nothing but log cabins, they fired them,
and then reported to the authorities of the State that the
'Mormons' were burning and destroying all before them. . . .
"About this time William Morgan, sheriff of Daviess
County, Samuel Bogart, Colonel William P. Peniston, Doc-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 211
tor Samuel Venable, Jonathan J. Dryden, James Stone, and
Thomas J. Martin, made communications or affidavits of
inflammatory tne most inflammatory kind, charging upon the
'Mormons' those depredations which had been com-
mitted by the mob, endeavoring thereby to raise the anger
of those in authority, rally a sufficient force around their
standard, and produce a total overthrow, massacre, or ban-
ishment of the 'Mormons' from the State. These and their
associates were the ones who fired their own houses and then
fled the county, crying 'fire and murder.'
"It was reported in Far West to day that Orson Hyde had
left that place the night previous, leaving a letter for one of
the brethren which would develop the secret.
"Monday, 22d. On the retreat of the mob from Daviess I
returned to Caldwell with a company of the brethren, and
arrived at Far West about seven in the evening, where I had
hoped to enjoy some respite from our enemies, at least for a
short time; but upon my arrival there I was informed that a
mob had commenced hostilities on the borders of that county,
adjoining to Ray County, and that they had taken some of
our brethren prisoners, burned some houses, and had com-
mitted depredations on the peaceable inhabitants.
"Tuesday, 23d. News came to Far West this morning
that the brethren had found the cannon which the mob
brought from Independence, buried in the earth, and had
secured it by order of General Parks. The word of the
Lord was given several months since for the saints to
gather into the cities, but they have been slow to obey until
the judgments were upon them, and now they are gathering
by flight and haste, leaving all their effects, and are glad to
get off at that. The city of Far West is literally crowded,
and the brethren are gathering from all quarters.
"Fourteen citizens of Ray wrote the Governor an inflam-
matory epistle, one of which was Mr. Hudgins, postmaster;
and Thomas C. Burch, of Richmond, wrote a similar com-
munication. Also the citizens of Ray, in public meeting,
appealed to the Governor of the State to give the people of
upper Missouri protection from this fearful body of 'thieves
and robbers,' when the saints were all minding their own
212 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
business, only as they were driven from it by those who
were crying 'thieves and robbers.'
"The mail came in this evening, but not a single letter to
anybody, from which it is evident there is no deposit sacred
to those murderers who are infesting the country and trying
to destroy the saints.
"Wednesday, 24th. Austin A. King and Adam Black re-
newed their inflammatory communications to the Governor, as
did other citizens of Richmond; viz., C. R. Morehead, Wil-
liam Thornton, and Jacob Gudgel, who manifested no
scruples at any falsehood or exaggeration to raise the Gov-
ernor's anger against us.
"Thomas B. Marsh, formerly President of the Twelve,
having apostatized, repaired to Richmond and made affidavit
before Henry Jacobs, justice of the peace, to all
and^'yde the vilest calumnies, aspersions, lies, and slan-
ders, towards myself and the church that his
wicked heart could invent. He had been lifted up in pride
by his exaltations and the revelations of heaven concerning
him, until he was ready to be overthrown by the first
adverse wind that should cross his track, and now he has
fallen, lied and sworn to it, and is ready to take the lives of
his best friends. Let all men take warning by him, and
learn that he who exalteth himself God will abase.
"Orson Hyde was also at Richmond, and testified to most
of Marsh's statements.
"The following letter being a fair specimen of the truth
and honesty of a multitude of others which I shall notice, I
give it in full: —
" 'CARROLLTOWN, Missouri, October 24, 1838.
" 'Sir: — We were informed, last night, by an express from
Ray County, that Captain Bogart and all his company,
Falge amounting to between fifty and sixty men, were
reports. massacred by the Mormons at Buncombe, twelve
miles north of Richmond, except three. This statement you
may rely on as being true, and last night they expected Rich-
mond to be laid in ashes this morning. We could distinctly
hear cannon, and we know the Mormons had one in their
possession. Richmond is about twenty five miles west of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 213
this place, on a straight line. We know not the hour or
minute we will be laid in ashes— our country is ruined — for
God's sake give us assistance as quick as possible.
*' 'Yours, etc.,
" 'SASHIEL WOODS.
" 'JOSEPH DICKSON.'
"These mobbers must have had very acute ears to hear
cannon (a six-pounder) thirty-seven miles. So much for the
Movements lies of a priest of this world. Now for the truth
of the mob. of the case rp^is day about noon, Captain Bogart
with some thirty or forty men called on Brother Thoret
Parsons, where he was living, at the head of the east branch
of Log Creek, and warned him to be gone before next day at
ten in the morning, declaring also that he would give Far
West thunder and lightning before next day at noon if he
had good luck in meeting Neil Gillium, who would camp
about six miles west of Far West that night, and that he
should camp on Crooked Creek, and departed towards
Crooked Creek.
"Brother Parsons dispatched a messenger with this news
to Far West, and followed after Bogart to watch his move-
ments. Brothers Joseph Holbrook and Judith, who went
out this morning to watch the movements of the enemy, saw
eight armed mobbers call at the house of Brother Pinkham,
where they took three prisoners (Nathan Pinkham, Brothers
William Seely, and Addison Green) and four horses, arms,
etc., and departed, threatening Father Pinkham if he did not
leave the State immediately they 'would have his damned
old scalp;' and having learned of Bogart's movements,
returned to Far West near midnight and reported their pro-
ceedings and those of the mob.
"On hearing the report, Judge Higbee, the first judge of
the county, ordered Lieutenant Colonel Hinkle, the highest
officer in command in Far West, to send out a company to
disperse the mob and retake their prisoners, whom, it was
reported, they intended to murder that night. The trumpet
sounded and the brethren were assembled on the public
square about midnight, when the facts were stated, and
about seventy five volunteered to obey the Judge's order,
214 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
under command of David W. Patten, who immediately com-
menced their march on horseback, hoping to surprise and
scatter the camp, retake the prisoners, and prevent the
attack threatened upon Far West without the loss of blood.
"Thursday, 25th. Fifteen of the company were detached
from the main body, while sixty continued their march till
they arrived near the ford of Crooked River (or
cvBanion Creek), where they dismounted, tied their horses,
killed. ,
and leaving four or five men to guard them, pro-
ceeded towards the ford, not knowing the location of the
encampment. It was just at the dawning of light in the
east when they were marching quietly along the road, and
near the top of the hill which descends to the river, when
the report of a gun was heard, and young O'Banion reeled
out of the ranks and fell mortally wounded. Thus the work
of death commenced, when Captain Patten ordered a charge
and rushed down the hill on a fast trot, and when within
about fifty yards of the camp formed a line. The mob
formed a line under the bank of the river, below their tents.
It was yet so dark that little could be seen by looking at the
west, while the mob, looking towards the dawning light,
could see Patten and his men, when they fired a broadside,
and three or four of the brethren fell. Captain Patten
ordered the fire returned, which was instantly obeyed, to
great disadvantage in the darkness which yet continued.
The fire was repeated by the mob, and returned by Captain
Patten's company, and gave the watchword, 'God and lib-
erty,' when Captain Patten ordered a charge, which was
instantly obeyed. The parties immediately came in contact,
with their swords, and the mob were soon put to flight,
crossing the river at the ford and such places as they could
get a chance. In the pursuit one of the mob fled from be-
hind a tree, wheeled, and shot Captain Patten, who instantly
fell mortally wounded, having received a large ball in his
bowels.
"The ground was soon cleared, and the brethren gathered
up a wagon or two and making beds therein of tents, etc.,
took their wounded and retreated towards Far West. Three
brethren were wounded in the bowels, one in the neck, one
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 215
in the shoulder, one through the hips, one through both
thighs, one in the arms, all by musket shot. One had his
arm broken by a sword. Brother Gideon Carter was shot
in the head and left dead on the ground, so defaced that the
brethren did not know him. Bogart reported that he had
lost one man. The three prisoners were released and
returned with the brethren to Far West. Captain Patten
was carried some of the way in a litter, but it caused so much
distress he begged to be left, and was carried into Brother
Winchester's, three miles from the city, where he died that
night. O'Banion died soon after, and Brother Carter's body
was also brought from Crooked River, when it was discov-
ered who he was.
"I went with my Brother Hyrum and Amasa Lyman to
meet the brethren on their return, near Log Creek, where I
saw Captain Patten in a most distressing condition. His
wound was incurable.
"Brother David W. Patten was a very worthy man,
beloved by all good men who knew him. He was one of the
Twelve Apostles, and died as he lived, a man of God and
strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection in a world
where mobs will have no power or place. One of his last
expressions to his wife was, 'Whatever you do else, O, do
not deny the faith.'
"How different his fate from that of the apostate, Thomas
B. Marsh, who this day vented all the lying spleen and
malice of his heart towards the work of God, in a letter to
Brother and Sister Abbot, to which was annexed an addenda
by Orson Hyde."— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 395, 405-408.
On October 26, 1838, the following order was issued by
Governor Boggs: —
"Friday, Headquarters of the Militia,
"CITY OP JEFFERSON, Oct. 26, 1838.
"GENERAL, JOHN B. CLARK, 1st Division, Missouri Militia.
"Sir:— Application has been made to the Commander in
Chief, by the citizens of Daviess County, in this State, for
Govern- protection and to be restored to their homes and
rder. property, with intelligence that the Mormons with
an armed force have expelled the inhabitants of that county
216 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
from their homes, have pillaged and burnt their dwellirgs,
driven off their stock, and were destroying their crops; that
they (the Mormons) have burnt to ashes the towns of Galla-
tin and Millport in said county; the former being the county
seat of said county, and including the clerk's office and all
the public records of the county, and that there is not now
a civil officer within said county. The Commander in Chief
therefore orders, that there be raised, from the 1st, 4th, 5th,
6th, and 12th divisions of the militia of this State, four hun-
dred men each, to be mounted and armed as infantry or
riflemen, each man to furnish himself with at least fifty
rounds of ammunition and at least fifteen days' provisions.
The troops from the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 12th will rendezvous
at Fayette, in Howard County, on Saturday, the 3d day of
next month (November), at which point they will receive
further instructions as to their line of march. You will
therefore cause to be raised the quota of men required of
your division (four hundred men), without delay, either by
volunteer or drafts, and rendezvous at Fayette, in Howard
County, on Saturday, the 3d day of next month (November),
and there join the troops from the 5th, 6th, and 12th divi-
sions. The troops from the 4th division will join you at
Richmond, in Ray County. You will cause the troops raised
in your division to be formed into companies, according to
law, and placed under officers already in commission. If
volunteer companies are raised they shall elect their own
officers. The preference should always be given to volun-
teer companies already organized and commissioned. You
will also detail the necessary field and staff officers. For
the convenience of transporting the camp equipage, provi-
sions, and hospital stores for the troops under your com-
mand, you are authorized to employ two or three baggage
wagons.
*'By order of the Commander in Chief,
"B. M. LISLE, Adj.-General."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 445.
On the following day the famous "exterminating order"
was issued, which is as follows: —
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 217
"Headquarters Militia, City of JEFFERSON, Oct. 27, 1838.
"Sir:— Since the order of the morning to you, directing
you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within
Exterminat- your division, I have received by Amos Rees,
ing order. Egq ^ and Tffney ft Williams, Esq., one of my aids,
information of the most appalling character, which changes
the whole face of things, and places the Mormons in the
attitude of open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of
having made open war upon the people of this State. Your
orders are therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavor
to reach Richmond, in Ray County, with all possible speed.
The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exter-
minated or driven from the State, if necessary, for the public
good. Their outrages are beyond all description. If you
can increase your force you are authorized to do so, to any
extent you may think necessary. I have just issued orders
to Major- General Wallock, of Marion County, to raise five
hundred men, and 'to march them to the northern part of
Daviess, and there to unite with General Doniphan, of Clay,
who has been ordered with five hundred men to proceed to
the same point, for the purpose of intercepting the retreat
of the Mormons to the north. They have been directed to
communicate with you by express; you can also communicate
with them if you find it necessary. Instead, therefore, of
proceeding, as at first directed, to reinstate the citizens of
Daviess in their homes, you will proceed immediately to
Richmond, and there operate against the Mormons. Briga-
dier-General Parks, of Ray, has been ordered to have four
hundred men of his brigade in readiness to join you at Rich-
mond. The whole force will be placed under your command.
"L. W. BOGGS,
"Governor and Commander in Chief.
"To General Clark."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 446.
This was just what such men as Generals Clark, Lucas,
and the lawless element of upper Missouri desired, and they
Atchison proceeded to satisfy their bloodthirsty inclina-
tions. General Atchison, however, revolted at
this inhuman order.
218 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The author of the "History of Caldwell and Livingston
Counties," Missouri, writes: —
"General Doniphan states to the writer hereof that at this
time he also received an order and a letter from Governor
Boggs. The order, General Doniphan says, commanded him
to obey the orders of Gen. John B. Clark, when he should
arrive and assume command, as he had been ordered to do,
and the letter was very denunciatory of the Mormons, and
declared, among other things, that 'they must all be driven
from the State or exterminated.'
"It is asserted that General Atchison's orders or direc-
tions from the Governor were to the same purport as Doni-
phan's letter from the Governor, and that thereupon
General Atchison withdrew from the military force, declar-
ing that he would be no party to.the enforcement of such
inhuman commands. On the other hand, it is asserted that
the Governor's orders to Atchison relieved him from com-
mand, directing him to turn over his command to General
Lucas. At any rate, General Atchison left the militia at
Log Creek on receipt of the Governor's orders and returned
to his home at Liberty, and General Lucas was left in sole
command."— P. 133.
This information, coming from General Doniphan, is with-
out doubt correct.
The saints were now at the mercy of a mob under com-
mand of an officer who had himself been one of the leaders
Perilous °f ^ne m°b iQ Jackson County and who was sus-
situation. tained by an Executive who had aided the mob in
robbing them. Nothing was left but to complete the work
of destruction.
As the news reached Far West that the Governor had
ordered them expelled or exterminated, all hopes of peace
fled. If when they thought of their pleasant homes and
fruitful farms, made beautiful through sacrifice and toil — if
when they thought of wives and children soon to be laid low
by the assassin's hand or driven out destitute in the face of
the winter's storm, they felt resentful and desperate, can we
be surprised? If when they felt that all appeals to the
courts and to the Executive had failed to give them relief,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 219
and they saw a horde of marauders marching upon them by
the Governor's order; they resolved to die in defense of
homes and loved ones, can we blame them? It is just what
brave men would have done and what brave men will now
excuse them for doing.
It was some time before this that the order known as
"Danites" was organized. This, as will be seen, was not
done with the knowledge of the church authori-
Danites. , , . , T
ties, nor by their order. It was a secret organiza-
tion, which was severely condemned by the leaders of the
church as soon as it became known to them. The chief insti-
gator was not only reprimanded, but he was expelled from
the church, and it was supposed the movement was effectu-
ally killed; but it was in after years revived by wicked and
evil designing men, and has since been the cause of much
evil. Joseph Smith in his history as published in the Mil-
lennial Star speaks very explicitly regarding this movement
and the evils of it. He writes: —
"Lilburn W. Boggs had become so hardened by mobbing
the saints in Jackson County, and his conscience so 'seared
with a hot iron,' that he was considered a fit subject for the
gubernatorial chair; and it was probably his hatred to truth
and the 'Mormons,' and his bloodthirsty, murderous dispo-
sition, that raised him to the station he occupied. His exter-
minating order of the twenty-seventh aroused every spirit in
the State of the like stamp of his own; and the Missouri
mobocrats were flocking to the standard of General Clark
from almost every quarter.
"Clark, although not the ranking officer, was selected by
Governor Boggs as the most fit instrument to carry out his
murderous designs; for bad as they were in Missouri, very
few commanding officers were yet sufficiently hardened to go
all lengths with Boggs in this contemplated inhuman butch-
ery, and expulsion from one of the should-be free and
independent States of the Republic of North America, where
the Constitution declares that 'every man shall have the privi-
lege of worshiping God according to the dictates of his own con-
science? and this was all the offense the saints had been
guilty of.
220 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
''And here I would state, that while the evil spirits were
raging up and down in the State to raise mobs against the
'Mormons,' Satan himself was no less busy in striving to
stir up mischief in the camp of the saints; and amoog the
most conspicuous of his willing devotees was one Doctor
Sampson Avard, who had been in the church but a short
time, and who, although he had generally behaved with a
tolerable degree of external decorum, was secretly aspiring
to be the greatest of the great, and become the leader of the
people. This was his pride and his folly, but as he had no
hopes of accomplishing it by gaining the hearts of the peo-
ple in open strife, he watched his opportunity with the
brethren at a time when mobs oppressed, robbed, whipped,
burned, plundered, and slew, till forbearance seemed no
longer a virtue and nothing but the grace of God without
measure could support men under such trials, to form a
secret combination by which he might rise a mighty con-
queror, at the expense of the overthrow of the church; and this
he tried to accomplish by his smooth, flattering, and winning
speeches, which he frequently made to his associates, while
his room was well guarded by some of his pupils, ready to
give him the wink on the approach of anyone who would not
approve of his measures.
"In this situation he stated that he had the sanction of the
heads of the church for what he was about to do; and by
his smiles and flattery persuaded them to believe it, and
proceeded to administer to the few under his control an
oath, binding them to everlasting secrecy to everything
which should be communicated to them by himself. Thus
Avard initiated members into his band, firmly binding them
by all that was sacred in the protecting of each other in all
things that were lawful; and was careful to picture out a
great glory that was then hovering over the church, and
would soon burst upon the saints as a cloud by day and a
pillar of fire by night, and would soon unveil the slumbering
mysteries of heaven, which would gladden the hearts and
arouse the stupid spirits of the saints of the latter day, and
fill their hearts with that love which is unspeakable and full
of glory, and arm them with power that the gates of hell
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 221
could not prevail against them; and would often affirm to
his company that the principal men of the church had put
him forward as a spokesman and a leader of this band, which
he named Danites.
"Thus he duped many, which gave him the opportunity of
figuring largely. He held his meetings daily and carried on
his work of craft in great haste, to prevent a mature reflec-
tion upon the matter, and had them bound under the penal-
ties of death to keep the secrets and certain signs, which
they had to know each other by, by day and night.
"After those performances he held meetings to organize
his men into companies of tens and fifties, appointing a cap-
tain over each company. After this organization he went
on to teach them their duty in compliance with the orders of
their captains; he then called his captains together and
taught them in a secluded place, as follows: —
•' 'My brethren, as you have been chosen to be our lead-
ing men, our captains to rule over this last kingdom of Jesus
Christ, who have been organized after the ancient order, I
have called upon you here to-day to teach you and instruct
you in the things that pertain to your duty, and to show you
what your privileges are and what they soon will be. Know
ye not, brethren, that it soon will be your privileges to take
your respective companies and go out on a scout on the bor-
ders of the settlements, and take to yourselves spoils of the
goods of the ungodly Gentiles? for it is written, the riches
of the Gentiles shall be consecrated to my people, the
house of Israel; and thus waste away the Gentiles by rob-
bing and plundering them of their property; and in this
way we will build up the kingdom of God, and roll forth the
little stone that Daniel saw cut out of the mountain without
hands, until it shall fill the whole earth. For this is the
very way that God destines to build up his kingdom in the
last days. If any of us should be recognized, who can harm
us? for we will stand by each other and defend one another
in all things. If our enemies swear against us, we can swear
also. [The captains were confounded at this, but Avard con-
tinued.] Why do you startle at this, brethren? As the Lord
liveth, I would swear a lie to clear any of you; and if this
222 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
would not do, I would put them or him under the sand as
Moses did the Egyptian; and in this way we will consecrate
much unto the Lord, and build up his kingdom; and who can
stand against us? And if any of as transgress, we will deal
with him amongst ourselves. And if any one of this Danite
society reveals any of these things, I will put him where the
dogs cannot bite him. '
"At this lecture all of the officers revolted and said it
would not do, they should not go into any such measures,
and it would not do to name any such things; 'such proceed-
ings would be in open violation to the laws of our country,
and would be robbing our fellow citizens of their rights, and
are not according to the language and doctrine of Christ, of
the Church of Latter Day Saints.'
"This modern Sampson replied and said there were no
laws that were executed in justice, and he cared not for
them, this being a different dispensation, a dispensation of
the fullness of times; 'in this dispensation I learn from
the Scriptures that the kingdom of God was to put down all
other kingdoms, and he himself was to reign, and his laws
alone were the only laws that would exist.'
"Avard's teachings were still manfully rejected by all.
Avard then said that they had better drop the subject;
although he had received his authority from Sidney Rigdon
the evening before. The meeting then broke up; the eyes
of those present were then opened, his craft was no longer
in the dark, and but very little confidence was placed in him,
even by the warmest of the members of his Danite scheme.
"When a knowledge of Avard's rascality came to the
Presidency of the church, he was cut off from the church,
and every means proper used to destroy his influence, at
which he was highly incensed, and went about whispering
his evil insinuations; but finding every effort unavailing, he
again turned conspirator, and sought to make friends with
the mob.
"And here let it be distinctly understood, that these com-
panies of tens and fifties got up by Avard were altogether
separate and distinct from those companies of tens and fifties
organized by the brethren for self-defense, in case of an
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 223
attack from the mob, and more particularly that in this time
of alarm no family or person might be neglected, therefore,
one company would be engaged in drawing wood, another in
cutting it, another in gathering corn, another in grinding,
another in butchering, another in distributing meat, etc.,
etc., so that all should be employed in turn, and no one lack
the necessaries of life. Therefore let no one hereafter, by
mistake or design, confound this organization of the church
for good and righteous purposes with the organization of the
Danites, of the apostate Avard, which died almost before it
had existence.
"The mob began to encamp at Richmond on the twenty -
sixth, and by this time amounted to about two thousand five
Mob ap. hundred, all ready to fulfill the exterminating
preaching. or(jer an(j jojn the standard of the Governor.
They took up a line of march for Far West, traveling but
part way, where they encamped for the night.
"Tuesday, 30th. Their advance guard were patroling the
country and taking many prisoners, among whom were
Brother Winchester and Brother Carey, whose skull they
laid open by a blow from a rifle barrel. In this mangled con-
dition the mob laid him in their wagon and went on their
way, denying him every comfort, and thus he remained that
afternoon and night.
"General Clark was in camp at Chariton under a forced
march to Richmond, with about a thousand men and the Gov-
ernor's exterminating order." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp.
458-460, 507.
CHAPTER 13.
1838.
HAUN'S MIL.I, MASSACRE— GOVERNOR BOGQS RESPONSIBLE -"BURR
JOYCE'S ACCOUNT— HISTORY OP CALDWELL COUNTY— STATEMKNT
OP J. W. YOUNG — STATEMENT OP AMANDA SMITH— STATEMENT
OP HYRUM SMITH— OP NATHAN KNIGHT.
IN this chapter we record one of the most cruel deeds of
blood known to the history of the age. We would gladly
Hann's Mill draw the curtain and say nothing regarding this
massacre. horrible affair, but we have no right to cover up
or conceal the facts of history. Nor can we resist the con-
clusion that this butchery was the direct and legitimate
Boges result of the exterminating order of the chief
responsible, executive of the State of Missouri. By this were
these desperate, cruel, and bloodthirsty men impelled to this
deed that causes humanity to blush. The horrible conse-
quences of this awful deed must by the faithful historian be
laid at the door of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs.
We might compile an account of this from church records,
but we prefer to present it to our readers from the pens of
men who were not connected with it, and who dispassion-
ately viewed the matter after years had dispelled the intense
feeling of the time.
The following is the account as written by Burr Joyce,
Burr Joyce's an(^ published in the St. Louis Globe Democrat for
account. October 6, 1887, and reproduced in the Saints' Her-
ald for October 22, 1887:—
"THE HAUN'S MILL MASSACRE.
"AN INCIDENT OF THE 'MORMON WAR* IN MISSOURI.
"Special Correspondence of the Globe- Democrat.
"BRECKENRIDGE, Missouri, September 27, 1887.
"In the afternoon of Tuesday, October 30, 1838, during
the Mormon war in Missouri, there occurred in Caldwell
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 225
County a dreadful incident, generally termed 'The Haun's
Mill Massacre.' From official documents and other records,
from affidavits of witnesses, and from statements made by
actual participants, I have prepared the following account.
If any newspaper publication of the affair has ever before
been made, I am not aware of the fact.
"The Mormons made their first settlement in Missouri, in
Jackson County, in the year 1832, under the leadership of
their 'prophet,' Joseph Smith. I have not the space here to
describe their experiences in that county, their expulsion
therefrom, their sojourn in Clay and Ray, the 'treaty' by
which they were given Caldwell County as a sort of, reserva-
tion, the founding of the city of Par West, nor can I narrate
the circumstances leading to the Mormon war (so called), and
finally the banishment of these unhappy people from the
• State. All these incidents may form the subject of a future
paper. I may state, however, that the massacre was perpe-
trated on the very day that the militia, under Generals
Lucas and Doniphan, arrived at Far West, with orders from
Governor Boggs to 'expel the Mormons from the State or
exterminate them.'
"At Jacob Haun's mill, on Shoal Creek, in the eastern
part of Caldwell County, about eight miles south of Breck-
enridge, there had collected about twenty Mormon families.
Haun himself was a Mormon and had come to the site from
Wisconsin a few years before. He had a very good mill,
and clustered around it were a blacksmith shop and half a
dozen small houses. The alarm that the troops were mov-
ing against them had driven nearly all the Mormon families
in the county to Far West for safety. A dozen or more liv-
ing in the vicinity repaired to Haun's mill, which was twenty
miles to the eastward of Far West. As there were not
enough houses to accommodate all of the fugitives, a num-
ber were living in tents and temporary shelters. A few
families, perhaps four, had come in on the evening of the
..29th, from Ohio, and were occupying their emigrant wagons.
Not one member of the little community had ever been in
arms against the 'Gentiles,' or taken any part whatever in
the preceding disturbances.
226 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Word that the militia of the State had been ordered to
expel them from the country had reached the Mormons of
the Haun's mill settlement, and following this intelligence
came a report that a considerable number of men in Living-
ston County, together with some from Daviess, had organ-
ized in the forks of Grand River, near Spring Hill, in
Livingston, and were preparing to attack them. Where-
upon a company of about twenty-five men and boys, indiffer-
ently armed with shotguns and squirrel rifles, was organized
at the mill, and David Evans was chosen captain. It was
resolved to defend the place against the threatened assault.
Some of the older men urged that no resistance should be
made, but that all should retreat to Far West. The day
after the skirmish on Crooked River (October 25), Haun
himself went to Far West to take counsel of Joe Smith.
'Move here, by all means, if you wish to save your lives,'
said the prophet. Haun replied that if the settlers should
abandon their homes, the Gentiles would burn their houses
and other buildings and destroy all of the property left
behind. 'Better lose your property than your lives,'
rejoined Smith. Haun represented that he and his neigh-
bors were willing to defend themselves against what he
called 'the mob,' and Smith finally gave them permission to
remain. Others at the mill opposed a retreat, and when an
old man named Myers reminded them how few they were,
and how many the 'Gentiles' numbered, they declared that
the Almighty would send his angels to their help when the
day of battle should come. Some of the women, too, urged
the men to stand firm, and offered to mold bullets and pre-
pare patching for the rifles if necessary.
"North of the mill was a body of timber half a mile in
width, skirting Shoal Creek; beyond was a stretch of prairie.
For a day or two Capt. Evans kept a picket post in the
northern border of the timber, but on the 28th he entered
into a sort of truce with Capt. Nehemiah Comstock, com-
manding a company of Livingston 'Gentiles' from the settle-
ments near Mooresville and Utica, and the post was
withdrawn. By the terms of this truce, which was effected
by a messenger who rode between Evans and Comstock, the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 227
Gentiles were to let the Mormons alone as long as the latter
were peaceable, and vice versa. Each party, too, was to
disband its military organization. But on the morning of
the 29th the Mormons learned that a company of Livingston
militia, a few miles to the eastward, were menacing them,
and so they maintained their organization and that night set
watches. The latter company was commanded by Captain
William Mann, and for some days had been operating at and
in the vicinity of Whitney's mill, on Lower Shoal Creek
(where the village of Dawn now stands), stopping Mormon
emigrants on their way from the East to Caldwell County,
turning them back in some instances, taking their arms
from them in others, etc.
"On the 29th, at Woolsey's, northeast of Breckenridge, an
agreement was reached by the Gentiles for an attack upon
Haun's mill. There companies, numbering in the aggregate
about two hundred men, were organized. They were com-
manded by Captains Nehemiah Comstock, William O. Jen-
nings, and William Gee. The command of the battalion was
given to Col. Thomas Jennings, an old militia officer, then
living in the Forks. Nearly all of the men were citizens of
Livingston County. Perhaps twenty were from Daviess,
from whence they had been driven by the Mormons during
the troubles in that county a few weeks previously. The
Daviess County men were very bitter against the Mormons,
and vowed the direst vengeance on the entire sect. It did
not matter whether or not the Mormons at the mill had taken
any part in the disturbances which had occurred; it was
enough that they were Mormons. The Livingston men
became thoroughly imbued with the same spirit, and all
were eager for the raid. The Livingston men had no wrongs
to complain of themselves, for the Mormons had never
invaded their county, or injured them in any way; but they
seemed to feel an extraordinary sympathy for the outrages
suffered by their neighbors.
"Setting out from Woolsey's after noon on the 30th, Col.
Jennings marched swiftly out of the timber northwest of the
present village of Mooresville, and out on the prairie stretch-
ing down southwards towards the doomed hamlet at Haun's
228 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Mill. The word was passed along the column, 'Shoot at
everything wearing breeches, and shoot to kill.'
"All of the Gentiles were mounted, and they had with
them a wagon and two Mormon prisoners. Within two
miles of the mill the wagon and prisoners were left, in
charge of a squad, and the remainder of the force pressed
rapidly on. Entering the timber north of the mill, Colonel
Jennings passed through it, unobserved, right up to the
borders of the settlement, and speedily formed his line for
the attack. Capt. W. O. Jennings' company had the center,
Capt. Comstock's the left, and Capt. Gee's the right.
"The Mormon leader had somehow become apprehensive
of trouble. He communicated his fears to some of the men,
and was about sending out scouts and pickets. It had been
previously agreed that in case of attack the men should
repair to the blacksmith shop and occupy it as a fort or
blockhouse. This structure was built of logs, with wide
cracks between them, was about eighteen feet square, and
had a large wide door. The greater portion of the Mormons
were, however, unsuspicious of any imminent peril. Chil-
dren were playing on the banks of the creek, women were
engaged in their ordinary domestic duties, the newly arrived
immigrants were resting under the trees, which were clad
in the scarlet, crimson, and golden leaves of autumn. The
scene was peaceful and Acadian. It was now about four
o'clock in the afternoon, and the sun hung low and red in a
beautiful Indian summer sky.
"Suddenly, from out of the timber north and west of the
mill the Gentiles burst upon the hamlet. The air was filled
with shouts and shots, and the fight was on. It cannot
fairly be called a fight. Taken wholly by surprise, the Mor-
mons were thrown into extreme confusion. The women and
children cried and screamed in excitement and terror, and
the greater number, directed by some of the men, ran across
the milldam to the south bank of the creek and sought shel-
ter in the woods. Perhaps twenty men, Captain Evans
among them, ran with their guns to the blacksmith shop and
began to return the fire. Some were shot down in their
attempts to reach the shop.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 229
"The fire of the Mormons was wild and ineffective; that of
the militia was accurate and deadly. The cracks between
the logs of the shop were so large that it was easy to shoot
through them, and so thickly were the Mormons huddled
together on the inside that nearly every bullet which entered
the shop killed or wounded a man. Firing was kept up all
the while on the fleeing fugitives, and many were shot down
as they ran.
"Realizing very soon that he was placed at a decided dis-
advantage, Captain Evans gave orders to retreat, directing
every man to take care of himself. The door of the shop
was thrown open, and all of the able-bodied survivors ran
out, endeavoring to reach the woods. Some were shot before
reaching shelter. Captain Evans was much excited, and ran
all the way to Mud Creek, seven miles south, with his gun
loaded, not having discharged it during the fight. The
Gentiles advanced, and began to use their rough, homemade
swords.or corn knives, with which some of them were armed.
The fugitives were fired on until they were out of range, but
not pursued, as the few who escaped scattered in almost
every direction.
"Coming upon the field after it had been abandoned, the
Gentiles perpetrated some terrible deeds. At least three of
the wounded were hacked to death with the 'corn knives' or
finished with a rifle bullet. William Reynolds, a Livingston
County man, entered the blacksmith shop and found a little
boy, only ten years of age, named Sardius Smith, hiding
under the bellows. Without even demanding his surrender,
the cruel wretch drew up his rifle and shot the little fellow
as he lay cowering and trembling. Reynolds afterward
boasted of his exploit to persons yet living. He described
with fiendish glee how the poor child 'kicked and squealed'
in his dying agonies, and justified his inhuman act by the
old Indian aphorism, 'Nits will make lice.' Charley Mer-
rick, another little boy only nine years old, had hid under
the bellows. He ran out, but did not get far until he re-
ceived a load of buckshot and a rifle ball, in all three
wounds. He did not die, however, for nearly five weeks.
Esquire Thomas McBride was seventy-eight years of age,
230 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and had been a soldier under Gates and Washington in the
Revolution. He had started for the blacksmith shop, but
was shot down on the way, and lay wounded and helpless,
but still alive. A Daviess County man named Rogers, who
kept a ferry across Grand River, near Gallatin, came upon
him and demanded his gun. 'Take it,' said McBride.
Rogers picked up the weapon and finding that it was loaded
deliberately discharged it into the old veteran's breast. He
then cut and hacked the body with his 'corn knife' until it
was frightfully gashed and mangled.
"After the Mormons had all been either killed, wounded,
or driven away, the Gentiles began to loot the place. Con-
siderable property was taken, much of the spoil consisting
of household articles and personal effects. At least three
wagons and perhaps ten horses were taken. Two emigrant
wagons were driven off with all their contents. The Mor-
mons claim that there was a general pillage, and that even
the bodies of the slain were robbed. The Gentiles deny
this, and say that the wagons were needed to haul off their
three wounded men, and the bedding was taken to make
them comfortable, while the other articles taken did not
amount to much. Two of the survivors have stated to me
that the place was 'pretty well cleaned out.'
"Colonel Jennings did not remain at the mill more than
two hours. Twilight approaching, he set out on his return
to his former encampment. He feared a rally and return of
the Mormons with a large reinforcement, and doubtless he
desired to reflect leisurely on his course of future opera-
tions. Reaching Woolsey's, he halted his battalion and
prepared to pass the night. But a few hours later he
imagined he heard cannon and a great tumult in the direc
tion of Haun's Mill, betokening, as he thought, the advance
of a large Mormon force upon him. Rousing his men
from their sweet dreams of the victory, he broke camp,
moved rapidly eastward, and never halted until he had
put the West Fork of Grand River between him and his
imaginary pursuers. He and his men had won glory enough
for one day, anyhow! They had not lost a man killed and
only three wounded. John Renfrow had his thumb shot
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 231
off, Allen England was shot in the thigh, and Hart in
the arm.
"The Mormon killed and mortally wounded numbered
seventeen. Here are the names:—
Thomas McBride, Augustine Harmer,
Levi N. Merrick, Simon Cox,
Elias Benner, Hiram Abbott,
Josiah Puller, John York,
Benjamin Lewis, John Lee,
Alexander Campbell, John Byers,
George S. Richards, Warren Smith,
William Napier, Charles Merrick, aged 9,
Sardius Smith, aged 10.
"The severely wounded numbered eleven men, one boy
(Alma Smith, aged 7), and one woman, a Miss Mary Sted-
well. The latter was shot through the hand and arm as she
was running to the woods.
"Diesirce! Bloody work and woeful. What a scene did
Colonel Jennings and his men turn their backs upon as they
rode away in the gloaming from the little valley once all
green and peaceful! The wounded men had been given no
attention, and the bodies of the slain had been left to fester
and putrefy in the Indian summer temperature, warm and
mellowing. A large red moon rose, and a fog came up from
the stream and lay like a facecloth upon the pallid counte-
nances of the dead. Timidly and warily came forth the
widows and orphans from their hiding places, and as they
recognized one a husband, one a father, another a son, and
another a brother among the slain, the wailings of grief and
terror were most pitiful. All that night were they alone
with their dead and wounded. There were no physicians,
but if there had been many of the wounded were past all
surgery. Dreadful sights in the moonlight, and dreadful
sounds on the night winds. In the hamlet the groans of the
wounded, the moans and sobs of the grief-stricken, the bel-
lowing of cattle, and the howling of dogs, and from the black
woods the dismal hooting of owls.
"By and by, when the wounded had been made as com-
fortable as possible, the few men who had returned gathered
the women and children together, and all sought consolation
232 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
in prayer. Then they sang from the Mormon hymn book a
selection entitled 'Moroni's Lamentation,' a dirge-like com-
position, lacking in poesy and deficient in rhythm, but giv-
ing something of comfort, let us hope, to the choristers.
And .so in prayer and song and ministration the remainder
of the night was passed.
"The next morning the corpses had changed, and were
changing fast. They must be buried. There were not
enough men left to make coffins or even dig graves. It
could not be determined when relief would come or when the
Gentiles would return. There was a large unfinished well
near the mill, which it was decided should be used as a com-
mon sepulcher. Four men, one of whom was Joseph W.
Young, a brother of Brigham Young, gathered up the
bodies, the women assisting, and bore them, one at a tica?,
on a large plank to the well, and slid them in. Some hay
was strewn upon the ghastly pile and then a thin layer of
dirt thrown upon the hay.
"The next day Captain Comstock's company returned to
the mill, as they said, to bury the dead. Finding that duty
had been attended to, they expressed considerable satisfac-
tion at having been relieved of the job, and, after notifying
the people that they must leave the State, or they would all
be killed, they rode away. The pit was subsequently filled
by Mr. C. R. Ross, now a resident of Black Oak, Caldwell
County.
"A day or two after the massacre, Colonel Jennings
started with his battalion to join the State forces at Far
West. He had not proceeded far when he met a messenger
who informed him that the Mormons at Far West had sur-
rendered, and gave him an order to move to Daviess County
and join the forces under Gen. Robert Wilson, then operat-
ing against the Mormons at Adam-ondi-ahman. The bat-
talion was present at the surrender at 'Diamon,' as it is
generally called, and a day or two thereafter Captain Com-
stock's company was ordered to Haun's mill, where it
remained in camp for some weeks. Herewith I give an
extract from an affidavit made by Mrs. Amanda Smith,
whose husband and little son were killed in the massacre,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 233
and who resided at the mill during the stay of Comstock's
company: —
" ' . . . The next day the mob came back. They told us
we must leave the State forthwith or be killed. It was bad
weather, and they had taken our teams and clothes; our men
were all dead or wounded. I told them they might kill me
and my children, and welcome. They said to us, from time
to time, if we did not leave the State they would come and
kill us. We could not leave then. We had little prayer
meetings; they said if we did not stop them they would kill
every man, woman, and child. We had spelling schools for
our little children; they pretended they were "Mormon meet-
ings," and said if we did not stop them they would kill every
man, woman, and child. ... I started the 1st of February,
very cold weather, for Illinois, with five small children and
no money. It was mob all the way. I drove the team, and
we slept out of doors. We suffered greatly from hunger,
cold, and fatigue; and for what? For our religion. In this
boasted land of liberty, "Deny your faith or die," was the
cry.'
"While in camp at the mill, according to the statements to
me of two of its members, Comstock's company lived off the
country, as did the State troops at Far West. The Mormon
cattle and hogs had been turned into the fields and were fine
and fat. The mill furnished flour and meal, and other
articles of provision were to be had for the taking. The
Mormon men were either prisoners or had been driven from
the country. By the 1st of April following all had left the
State. Many of them had been killed, their houses burned,
their property taken, their fields laid waste, and the result
was called peace.
"BuKR JOYCE."
Of this event Bancroft writes:—
"Meanwhile was being matured the bloody tragedy which
occurred on the 30th of October, near Haun's mill, on Shoal
Creek, about twenty miles below Far West. Besides the
Mormons living there were a number of emigrants awaiting
the cessation of hostilities before proceeding on their jour-
ney. It had been agreed between the Mormons and Mis-
234 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
sourians of that locality that they would not molest each
other, but live together in peace. But the men of Caldwell
and Daviess Counties would not have it so. Suddenly and
without warning, on the day above-mentioned, mounted and
to the number of two hundred and forty, they fell upon
the fated settlement. While the men were at their work out
of doors, the women in the house, and the children playing
about the yards, the crack of a hundred rifles was heard,
and before the firing ceased eighteen of these unoffending
people were stretched dead upon the ground, while many
more were wounded. I will not enter upon the sickening
details, which are copious and fully proven; suffice it to say
that never in savage or other warfare was there perpetrated
an act more dastardly and brutal. Indeed, it was openly
avowed by the men of. Missouri that it was no worse to
shoot a Mormon than to shoot an Indian, and killing Indians
was no worse than killing wild beasts." — Bancroft's History
of Utah, p. 128.
Mrs. Olive Ames, a survivor of the tragedy now residing
at San Bernardino, California, wrote the following account
in October, 1896:—
"HAUN'S MILL MASSACRE.
"This dreadful massacre occurred October 30, 1838.
There was quite a settlement of saints at Haun's mill, there
being some dozen families or more. We had been living
there a year or so prior to the cruel treatment the saints
received during this massacre.
"People came from far and near to the mill for the pur-
pose of getting their wheat and corn ground. We were liv-
ing in peace and quiet when word reached our ears that a
mob was coming to destroy Haun's mill. There being some
thirty men of the brethren, they began immediately to make
arrangements as to what would be best to do, so a few of the
brethren went to Far West to seek assistance, and found
they would be able to get some help if needed. But lo! one
evening while I was busily engaged getting supper, and two
of the brethren, Mr. Rial Ames (my husband's brother) and
Hyrum Abbott were sitting just outside the door, one cutting
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 235
the other's hair, they rose from the chair and remarked, 'I
see some of the brethren coming from Far West,' when sud-
denly the party that was approaching began firing. Then
said Mr. Ames, 'It's the mob right on us.' The party con-
sisted of two hundred men.
"When I call this scene to mind it makes my poor old
heart ache. Men, women, and poor little children running in
ever/ direction, not knowing wnat minute their lives would
be taken. The mob continued firing, shooting at anyone
they could see amidst the smoke. I rushed out of the
house, crying, 'Where are my children?' They gathered
around me, then, with my babe, but one month old, in my
arms, I started to hide, not knowing where to go or what to
do, so frightened was I, but anxious to conceal my little ones
somewhere. I soon found myself and little ones hidden
away down under the bluff in a little nook by the creek. No
sooner had I concealed myself there than my husband, Mr.
Ames, and old Father McBride ran past hunting a place of
concealment. He called to me as he passed, 'Have you all
the children?' 'Yes,' said I, 'all four.' As Rial Ames fled
he remarked, 'I guess Ellis's folks [that is myself and hus-
band] are all murdered.'
"Isaac Laney crossed the creek above me. The mob
saw him and began firing. I saw him fall, then rise and
climb the hill. He escaped death, but carried a great many
wounds. How he suffered that night!
"Poor old Father McBride was overtaken by one of the
mob, who took his gun, and not then being satisfied, he took
a corn knife and hacked the poor old man on the head, then
turned back to his company. As he passed my place of con-
cealment I was crying, talking, and feeling oh ! so dreadful
after seeing such a dreadful sight as these two. He
remarked to me while passing, 'Don't be scared; you shan't
be hurt.'
"By this time the firing ceased and they went to plunder-
ing. I came out from my place of concealment, crossed the
creek, and went to Mrs. Haun's, finding there women crying,
heart-broken, their husbands killed; others, their innocent
little children were missing. Not knowing my husband's
236 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
whereabouts, I was much worried; but word soon came say-
ing he was safe.
"While at Mrs. Haun's I could see them go into the houses
and tents, carrying out clothing and bedding, etc., and pile
it on Mr. Ames' horse, then they led him off. Of course
money was what they were hunting for. What little money
we had was hid away in my old clock. I supposed that too
would be taken, with all my bedding.
"Such a dreadful night we spent! men, women, and chil-
dren lying here and there. Such mourning for their dear
ones! Everything was in an uproar. Words cannot describe
the awful scene. The wounded were numerous. Some were
groaning; others we would refresh by moistening their
mouths with a little cold water. It was an awful sad time.
"The brethren came home in the night and buried the
dead in the old well and cared for the wounded as best they
could. During the night I persuaded a lady to go over home
with me, as I was anxious to see if my money was safe in
the old clock. Sure enough, there it was, but everything
had been turned upside down and things carried off. We
returned again to Mrs. Haun's and remained until morning.
"On returning home next morning it was with heavy
hearts we stepped in our doors, not knowing when the same
scenes would be repeated. The sound of a horn was a signal
they were coming.
"After two days they again returned painted like Indians,
and took possession of the mill. They had two prisoners
with them. Part of the mob gathered the crops while-others
did the grinding, and then they sent the product home to
their families, while we had to do without. They kept pos-
session nine days, until they had stripped the fields. We
had a number of hogs. They killed nine of ours while
there. During their stay we were visited with a heavy
snowstorm; soon after this they left. We took possession
of the mill. (This mill was purchased by Mr. Haun and Mr.
Ames from a Mr. Myers.) During their stay the brethren
were all hid away.
"A few months after this I went to Far West to visit
Mother. She, too, was undergoing bar share of trouble.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 237
Father was put in jail at Richmond. Mother gronnd her
buckwheat in a coffee mill, to make bread. After a short
visit I returned home, where we remained until next spring.
During the winter we underwent a great many hardships.
Abbey Ames (my stepdaughter) remained with me all win-
ter. She was six years old the day that fearful massacre
happened. She is now living in Los Angeles.
"In the spring we began moving from one place to
another, until we finally settled at Nauvoo.
"I was born February 13, 1815, at Rutland, Rutland
County, Vermont, and am now living in San Bernardino,
California.
"OLIVE AMES.
"I would like to mention about the cap my husband had
on that day. He was a great hand to go hunting, so I made a
cap for him and he happened to have it on that day. That
saved him from being killed, so we thought after we talked
it over. The mob thought he was one of them because of
the red stripes in his cap. But there was a bullet hole in
his coat tail. "O. A."
The foregoing statements are fully verified by the account
given in the History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties,
Missouri, with affidavits attached: —
"In the afternoon of October 30, 1838, the day the militia
arrived at Far West, occurred what has since been generally
known as 'the Haun's Mill Massacre.' Following is perhaps
the first complete and correct account of this affair ever
published.
"At Jacob Haun's mill, on the north bank of Shoal Creek,
in the eastern part of the county in what is now Fairview
Township (nw. i ne. i, section 17-56-26), were besides the
mill, a blacksmith shop and half a dozen or more houses,
and perhaps twenty Mormon families. Some of these fami-
lies were living in tents and covered wagons, having recently
come into the country, or having lived elsewhere in the
county had become alarmed at the aspect of affairs, and had
come to the mill for safety. News that the militia of the
State had been ordered to expel them had reached the Mor-
mons, and following these tidings word was brought that a
238 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
considerable number of men living in Livingston County,
together with some from Daviess, had organized near Spring
Hill, in Livingston County, and were preparing to attack
them. A company of about thirty men, indifferently armed
with shot guns and squirrel rifles, was organized, and David
Evans, a Danite, was chosen captain. It was determined to
defend the place.
"Learning that the force organizing against them num-
bered some hundreds, some of the older men among the
Mormons urged that no resistance should be made, but that
all should retreat to Far West. It seems that the Prophet
had advised this, but nevertheless had given them permis-
sion to remain if they thought they could protect themselves.
"Others opposed retreating and the abandonment of their
property to the 'mob of Gentiles,' and when an old man
named Myers reminded them how few they were, and how
many the Gentiles numbered, they declared that the Lord
would send his angels to help them when the day of battle
should come. Some of the women, too, urged the men to
stand firm, and offered to mold bullets and prepare patching
for the rifles if necessary.
"North of Haun's mill, a short distance, was a body of
timber and brush, and north of this, towards where Brecken-
ridge now stands, was a stretch of prairie for miles. For a
day or two Captain Evans kept a picket post in the northern
edge of the timber, but having entered into a truce with
Captain Nehemiah Comstock, commanding one of the Liv-
ingston County companies, and no other enemy appearing,
this post was withdrawn.
"This truce was effected by means of a messenger, who
rode between Comstock and Evans, and its terms were that
the Gentiles were to let the Mormons alone as long as they
were peaceable, and vice versa. The Mormons agreed also
to disband their military organization if the Gentiles would
disband theirs, and this it is claimed was agreed to. But
the Mormons heard that over in Livingston, directly east of
them, another company of Gentiles, under Captain William
Mann, was menacing them; and so they did not disband; for
while they confided in Comstock's company, they had no
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 239
confidence in Mann's, which for some time had been operat-
ing at and near Whitney's mill, on Shoal Creek (where
Dawn now is), stopping Mormons on their way to Caldwell
from the East, turning them back in some instances, taking
their arms from them in others, etc. The Gentile force in
Livingston County numbered about two hundred men, and
was under the command of Colonel William O. Jennings, then
the sheriff of that county. Three companies composed it,
led by Captain Nehemiah Comstock, Thomas R. Bryan, and
William Mann. It took the field in earnest about the 25th
of October, and for a few days prior to the 30th was
encamped about three miles northeast of Breckenridge, at
least Comstock's company was. Perhaps Mann's was em-
ployed in the southern portion of the county until the 29th.
"Learning that the Mormons at Haun's mill had not dis-
banded, and yielding to the almost universal desire of his
men, who were eager to seize upon any pretext for a fight,
Colonel Jennings set out from his camp last-mentioned,
after noon of the 30th of October, intending to attack and
capture Haun's mill, and encamp there that night. The
route lay via where Mooresville now stands, or between
Mooresville and Breckenridge, and on across the prairie,
and the march was made swiftly and without interruption.
"Within two miles of the mill Colonel Jennings left his
wagons and two Mormon prisoners, captured some days
before, in charge of a squad of men, of whom James Tros-
per, now of Breckenridge, was one, and pressed rapidly on.
Entering the timber north of the town, Jennings' men
passed through it unobserved right up to the borders of the
hamlet. Captain Nehemiah Comstock's company had the
advance.
"The Mormon leader, David Evans, had become appre-
hensive of an attack, and was about sending out scouts and
pickets. It was arranged to use the blacksmith shop as a
fort or blockhouse. This structure was of logs, with wide
cracks between them, and had a large door. The greater
portion of the Mormons were unsuspicious of imminent
danger, and the women and children were scattered about.
Nearly every house contained two or more families. There
240 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
were two or three small houses on the south bank of the
creek thus occupied. It was now about four o'clock in the
afternoon of a warm and beautiful Indian summer day.
"Suddenly from out of the timber north of the mill the
Livingston militia burst upon the hamlet. In a few seconds
the air was filled with wild shouts and shots, and the fight
was on. It can scarcely be called a fight. The Mormons
were thrown into confusion and many of them ran wildly
and aimlessly about. The women and children cried and
screamed in excitement and terror, and the greater number,
directed by the men, ran across the milldam to the south
bank and sought shelter in the woods south of the creek.
Perhaps half of the men, Evans among them, ran with their
guns to the blacksmith shop and began to return the fire.
Some were shot down in aij effort to reach the shop or as
they were trying to escape.
"The fire of the Mormons was for the most part wild and
ineffective; that of the militia was accurate and deadly.
The cracks between the logs of the shop were so large that
it was easy to shoot through them, and so thickly were the
Mormons huddled together on the inside that nearly every
bullet that entered the shop killed or wounded a man. Fir-
ing was kept up all the while on the fleeing fugitives, many
of whom were shot down.
"Seeing that he was placed at a decided disadvantage,
Captain Evans gave orders to retreat, ordering every man
to take care of himself. The door of the shop was thrown
open and all the able-bodied survivors ran out, endeavoring
to reach the wood. Some were shot before they got to
shelter. Captain Evans was somewhat excited, and, as he
afterwards related, ran all the way to Mud Creek with his
gun loaded, not having fired it during the fight. The mili-
tia fired at the fugitives until they were out of range, but
did not pursue them, as the few who escaped scattered in
almost every direction.
"After the engagement was over and all the able-bodied
male Mormons had been killed, wounded, or driven away,
some of the militiamen began to 'loot' the houses and stables
at the mill. A great deal of property was taken, much of it
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 241
consisting of household articles and personal effects, but
just how much cannot now be stated. The Mormons claim
there was a general pillage and that in two or three in-
stances the bodies of the slain were robbed. Some of the
militia or their friends say only two or three wagons were
taken, one to haul off the three wounded, and sufficient bed-
ding to make their ride comfortable; but on the other hand
two of those who were in a position to know say that the
Mormon hamlet was pretty thoroughly rifled. One man
carried away an empty ten gallon keg, which he carried
before him on his saddle and beat as a drum. Another had
a woman's bonnet, which he said was for his sweetheart.
Perhaps a dozen horses were taken.
' 'Colonel Jennings did not remain at Haun's mill, in all,
more than an hour or an hour and a half. Twilight ap-
proaching, he set out on his return to his former camp, for
one reason fearing a rally and return of the Mormons with a
large reinforcement, and doubtless desiring to reflect leis-
urely on his course of future operations.
"Reaching his camp near Woolsey's, northeast of Breck-
enridge, Colonel Jennings halted his battalion and prepared
to pass the night. But a few hours later he imagined he
heard cannon and a great tumult in the direction of Haun's
mill, betokening the presence of a large Mormon force, and
rousing up his men he broke camp, and moving rapidly east-
ward never halted until he had put the west fork of Grand
Eiver between him and his imaginary pursuers!
"From the records of the Mormon Church it seems that
seventeen men of the Mormons were either killed outright
or mortally wounded. Their names, as kindly furnished for
this history by Rev. F. D. Richards, assistant historian and
custodian of the church records at Salt Lake, are:—
'Thos. McBride, Alex. Campbell, Hiram Abbott,
'Levi N. Merrick, Geo. S. Richards, John York,
'Elias Benner, Wm. Napier, John Lee,
'Josiah Fuller, ' Augustine Harmer, John Byers,
'Benj. Lewis, Simon Cox, Warren Smith,
'Sardius Smith, aged 10, and Chas. Merrick, aged 9.
"Esq. Thomas McBride was an old soldier of the Revolu-
tion. He was lying wounded and helpless, his gun by his
242 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
side. A militiaman named Rogers came up to him and
demanded it. 'Take it,' said McBride. Rogers picked up
the weapon, and finding that it was loaded, deliberately dis-
charged it into the old man's breast. He then cut and
hacked the old veteran's body with a rude sword, or 'corn
knife,' until it was frightfully mangled. William Reynolds,
a Livingston County man, killed the little boy Sardius
Smith, ten years of age. The lad had run into the black-
smith shop and crawled under the bellows for safety. Upon
entering the shop the cruel militiaman discovered the cower-
ing, trembling little fellow, and without even demanding his
surrender fired upon and killed him, and afterwards boasted
of the atrocious deed to Charles R. Ross and others. He
described, with fiendish glee, how the boy struggled in his
dying agony, and justified his savage and inhuman conduct
in killing a mere child by saying, 'Nits will make lice, and if
he had lived he would have become a Mormon.'
"Charlie Merrick, another little Mormon boy, was mor-
tally wounded by another militiaman. He too was hiding
under the bellows.
"The Mormons wounded, according to the Mormon rec-
ords, numbered twelve, as follows:—
"Isaac Laney, Wm. Yokum, Jacob Potts,
"Nathan K. Knight, Tarlton Lewis, Chas. Jimison,
"Jacob Myers, Jacob Haun, John Walker,
"George Myers, Jacob Foutz, Alma Smith, aged 7.
"A young Mormon woman, Miss Mary Stedwell, was shot
through the hand, as she was running to the woods. Doubt-
less this shooting was accidental.
"The militia, or Jennings' men, had but three men
wounded, and none killed. John Renfrew, now living in
Ray County, had a thumb shot off. Allen England, a
Daviess County man, was severely wounded in the thigh,
and the other wounded man was named Hart.
"Dies irce! What a woeful day this had been to Haun's
Mill! What a pitiful scene was there when the militia rode
away upon the conclusion of their bloody work! The
wounded men had been given no attention, and the bodies of
the slain were left to fester and putrefy in the Indian sum-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 243
mer temperature, warm and mellowing. The widows and
orphans of the dead came timidly and warily forth from
their hiding places as soon as the troops left, and as they
recognized one a husband, another a father, another a son,
another a brother among the bloody corpses, the wailings of
grief and terror that went up were pitiful and agonizing. All
that night they were alone with their dead. A return visit
of Jennings' men to complete the work of 'extermination'
had been threatened and was expected. Verily the experi-
ence of the poor survivors of the Haun's Mill affair was ter-
rible; no wonder that they long remembered it.
"The next morning the bodies had changed, and were
changing fast. They must be buried. There were not
enough men in the place to dig graves, and it could not be
determined when relief would come. There was a large
unfinished well at the place, and the bodies were gathered
up, the women assisting, and borne, one at a time, all gory
and ghastly, to this well and slid in from a large plank. All
of the corpses were disposed of in this way; then some hay
or straw was strewn over the ghastly piles and then a thin
layer of dirt thrown on the hay.
"Soon after the burial was over, the same day, Comstock's
company was sent back to give the dead a decent sepulture.
Seeing what had been done already, they rode away, glad to
be relieved from the job. The next February Mr. Charles
R. Ross moved into the house and occupied the property to
which the well belonged. Soon after his arrival some warm
days came, and an offensive smell arose from the well. Mr.
Ross at once set to work and filled up the loathsome sepul-
cher, even making a good sized mound over it. In time this
mound was leveled, and now it is almost impossible to fix the
exact location of the pit.
"Whatever of merit there was in the attack on Haun's
Mill, and whatever of glory attaches to the famous victory,
must be given to Colonel William O. Jennings mainly. He
made the attack on his own responsibility, without orders
from Governor Boggs, or any other superior authority,
although the Governor afterwards approved what was done.
True, Jennings' subordinates must be given their share, in
244 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
proportion to the part they bore, but Colonel Jennings stands
among them all as a Saul among his fellows, the Ajax Tela-
mon of the contest, the Hector of the fight!
"It is but proper that both sides of the story of the affair
at Haun's Mill— fight, skirmish, massacre, or butchery, what-
ever it was— should be given. The best Mormon account
extant is embodied in an affidavit of Joseph Young, a brother
of Brigham Young, made at Quincy, Illinois, the June fol-
lowing the occurrence. This affidavit, much of which is
undoubtedly true, is yet among the Mormon records, and a
copy has been furnished for use in this history by F. D.
Richards, the Mormon custodian of records. Following is the
copy:—
" 'SWORN STATEMENT OF JOSEPH W. YOUNG.
" 'On the 6th day of July last I started with my family
from Kirtland, Ohio, for the State of Missouri, the county of
statement of Caldwcll, in the upper part of the State, being the
j. w. Young. pjace Of my destination. On the thirteenth day of
October I crossed the Mississippi at Louisiana, at which
place I heard vague reports of the disturbances in the upper
country, but nothing that could be relied upon.
" 'I continued my course westward till I crossed Grand
River, at a place called Compton's Ferry, at which place I
heard, for the first time, that if I proceeded any further on
my journey I would be in danger of being stopped by a body
of armed men. I was not willing, however, while treading
my native soil and breathing republican air, to abandon my
object, which was to locate myself and family in a fine
healthy country, where we could enjoy the society of our
friends and connections. Consequently I prosecuted my
journey till I came to Whitney's Mills, situated on Shoal
Creek, in the eastern part of Caldwell County. [Southwest-
ern part of Livingston.— Compiler.]
" 'After crossing the creek and going about three miles,
we met a party of the mob, about forty in number, armed
with rifles, and mounted on horses, who informed us that we
could go no farther west, threatening us with instant death
if we proceeded any farther. I asked them the reason of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 245
this prohibition; to which they replied that we were "Mor-
mons;" that every one who adhered to our religious faith
would have to leave the State in ten days or renounce their
religion. Accordingly they drove us back to the mills
above-mentioned. Here we tarried three days, and on Fri-
day, the 26th, we recrossed the creek, and following up its
banks we succeeded in eluding the mob for the time being,
and gained the residence of a friend in Myers' settlement.
" 'On Sunday, the 28th of October, we arrived about
twelve o'clock at Haun's Mill, where we found a number of
our friends collected together, who were holding a council
and deliberating upon the best course for them to pursue to
defend themselves against the mob, who were collecting in
the neighborhood under the command of Colonel Jennings,
of Livingston, and threatening them with house burning
and killing. The decision of the council was that our
friends should place themselves in an attitude of self-
defense. Accordingly about twenty-eight of our men armed
themselves and were in constant readiness for an attack of
any small body of men that might come down upon them.
" 'The same evening, for some reason best known to
themselves, the mob sent one of their number to enter into a
treaty with our friends, which was accepted, on the condi-
tion of mutual forbearance on both sides, and that each
party, as far as their influence extended, should exert them-
selves to prevent any further hostilities upon either party.
At this time, however, there was another mob collecting on
Grand River, at William Mann's, who were threatening us,
consequently we remained under arms. •
•' 'Monday passed away without molestation from any
quarter. On Tuesday, the 30th, that bloody tragedy was
acted, the scenes of which I shall never forget. More than
three fourths of the day had passed in tranquility, as smil-
ing as the preceding one. I think there was no individual
of our company that was apprised of the sudden and awful
fate that hung over our heads like an overwhelming torrent,
which was to change the prospect, the feelings and circum-
stances of about thirty families. The banks of Shoal Creek
on either side teemed with children sporting and playing,
246 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
while their mothers were engaged in domestic employments,
and their fathers employed in guarding the mills and other
property, while others were engaged in gathering in their
crops for the winter consumption. The weather was very
pleasant, the sun shone clear, all was tranquil, and no one
expressed any apprehension of the awful crisis that was
near us— even at our doors.
" 'It was about four o'clock, while sitting in my cabin
with my babe in my arms, and my wife standing by my side,
the door being open, I cast my eyes on the opposite bank of
Shoal Creek, and saw a large company of armed men on
horses, directing their course towards the mills with all
possible speed. As they advanced through the scattering
trees that stood on the edge of the prairie they seemed to
form themselves into a three square position, forming a van-
guard in front.
" 'At this moment, David Evans, seeing the superiority of
their numbers (there being two hundred and forty of them
according to their own account), swung his hat and cried for
"peace." This not being heard, they continued to advance,
and their leader, Mr. Nehemiah Comstock, fired a gun,
which was followed by a solemn pause of ten or twelve sec-
onds, when all at once, they discharged about one hundred
rifles, aiming at a blacksmith's shop into which our friends
had fled for safety; and charged up to the shop, the cracks
of which between the logs were sufficiently large to enable
them to aim directly at the bodies of those who had there
fled for refuge from the fire of their murderers. There
were several families tented in rear of the shop, whose lives
were exposed, and who amidst a shower of bullets fled to
the woods in different directions.
" 'After standing and gazing on this bloody scene for a
few minutes, and finding myself in the uttermost danger, the
bullets having reached the house where I was living, I com-
mitted my family to the protection of heaven, and leaving
the house on the opposite side I took a path which led up
the hill, following in the trail of three of my brethren that
had fled from the shop. While ascending the hill we were
discovered by the mob, who immediately fired at us, and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 247
continued so to do till we reached the summit. .In descend-
ing the hill I secreted myself in a thicket of bushes, where
I lay till eight o'clock in the evening, at which time I
heard a female voice calling my name in an undertone, tell-
ing me that the mob was gone and there was no danger. I
immediately left the thicket and went to the house of Ben-
jamin Lewis, where I found my family (who had fled there)
in safety, and two of my friends mortally wounded, one of
whom died before morning. Here we passed the painful
night in deep and awful reflections on the scenes of the pre-
ceding evening.
'"After daylight appeared some four or five men, with
myself, who had escaped with our lives from the horrible
massacre, repaired as soon as possible to the mills to learn
the condition of our friends, whose fate we had too truly
anticipated. When we arrived at the house of Mr. Haun we
found Mr. Merrick's body lying in rear of the house. Mr.
McBride's in front was literally mangled from head to foot.
We were informed by Miss Rebecca Judcl, who was an eye-
witness, that he was shot with his own gun after he had
given it up, and then cut to pieces with a corn cutter by a
Mr. Rogers, of Daviess County, who keeps a ferry on Grand
River, and who has since repeatedly boasted of this act of
savage barbarity. Mr. York's body we found in the house,
and after viewing these corpses we immediately went to the
blacksmith's shop, where we found nine of our friends, eight
of whom were already dead, the other, Mr. Cox. of Indiana,
struggling in the agonies of death, who expired. We imme-
diately prepared and carried them to the place of interment.
This last office of kindness, due to the relics of departed
friends, was not attended with the customary ceremonies or
decency, for we were in jeopardy every moment, expecting
to be fired upon by the mob, who we supposed were lying in
ambush waiting for the first opportunity to dispatch the
remaining few who were providentially preserved from the
slaughter of the preceding day. However, we accomplished
without molestation this painful task. The place of burying
was a vault in the ground, formerly intended for a well, into
which we threw the bodies of our friends promiscuously.
248 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Among those slain I will mention Sardius Smith, son of War-
ren Smith, about twelve years old, who through fear had
crawled under the bellows in the shop, where he remained
till the massacre was over, when he was discovered by a Mr.
Glaze, of Carroll County, who presented his rifle near the
boy's head and literally blowed off the upper part of it.
Mr. Stanley, of Carroll, told me afterwards that Glaze
boasted of this fiend-like murder and heroic deed all over
the country.
" 'The number killed and mortally wounded in this wanton
slaughter was eighteen or nineteen. . . .
" 'Miss Mary Stedwell, while fleeing, was shot through
the hand, and, fainting, fell over a log, into which they shot
upwards of twenty balls.
" 'To finish their work of destruction this band of murder-
ers, composed of men from Daviess, Livingston, Ray, Car-
roll, and Chariton counties, led by some of the principal men
of that section of the upper country (among whom, I am
informed, were Mr. Ashley, of Chariton, member of the
State Legislature, Colonel Jennings, of Livingston County,
Thomas R. Bryan, clerk of Livingston County, Mr. Whitney,
Dr. Randall, and many others), proceeded to rob the houses,
wagons, and tents of bedding and clothing, drove off horses
and wagons, leaving widows and orphans destitute of the
necessaries of life, and even stripped the clothing from the
bodies of the slain. According to their own account they
fired seven rounds in this awful butchery, making upwards
of one thousand six hundred shots at a little company of men
about thirty in number.
" 'I hereby certify the above to be a true statement of
facts, according to the best of my knowledge.
"•JOSEPH YOUNG.'
"Subscribed and sworn to by Joseph Young, June 4, 1839,
before C. M. Woods, clerk of the circuit court of Adams
County, Illinois, at Quincy, in said county.
"Let us now hear the story as told by Mrs. Amanda Smith,
whose husband, Warren Smith, and little ten year old son,
Sardius Smith, both perished in the massacre.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 249
"STATEMENT OF AMANDA SMITH, WIDOW OP
WARREN SMITH.
"To whom this may concern: — I do hereby certify that my
husband, Warren Smith, in company with several other
statement of families, were moving from Ohio to Missouri.
Amanda smith. We came to Caldwell County. Whilst we were
traveling, minding our own business, we were stopped by a
mob; they told us that if we went another step they would
kill us all. They took our guns from us (as [we] were going
into a new country, we took guns along with us); they took
us back five miles, placed a guard around us, there kept us
three days and let us go.
" 'I thought: Is this our boasted land of liberty? For
some said we must deny our faith, or they would kill us;
others said we should die at any rate. The names of this
mob, or the heads, were Thomas R. Bryan, county clerk,
Jefferson Bryan, William Ewell, and James Austin, all of
Livingston County. After they let us go we traveled ten
miles, came to a small town composed of one grist mill, one
saw mill, and eight or ten houses belonging to our brethren;
there we stopped for the night.
" 'A little before sunset a mob of three hundred came upon
us. The men hallooed for the women and children to run
for the woods; and they ran into an old blacksmith shop, for
they feared if we all ran together they would rush upon us
and kill the women and children. The mob fired before we
had time to start from our camp. Our men took off their
hats and swung them and cried "quarter" until they were
shot. The mob paid no attention to their cries nor entreat-
ies, but fired incessantly.
" 'I took my little girls— my boys I could not find— and
started for the woods. The mob encircled us on all sides
but the brook. I ran down the bank, across the mill pond
on a plank, up the hill into the bushes. The bullets whistled
all the way like hail, and cut down the bushes on all sides
of us. One girl was wounded by my side and fell over a log,
and her clothes hung across the log; and they shot at them,
expecting they were hitting her; and our people afterwards
cut out of that log twenty bullets.
250 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
" 'I sat down to witness the dreadful scene. When they
had done firing they began to howl, and one would have
thought that all the infernal s had come from the lower
region. They plundered the principal part of our goods,
took our horses and wagons, and ran off howling like
demons.
*' 'I came down to witness the awful scene. Oh horrible!
what a sight! My husband, and one son ten years old, life-
less upon the ground, and one son seven years old wounded
very bad; the ground covered with the dead. These little
boys crept under the bellows in the shop; one little boy ten
years old had three wounds in him; he lived five weeks and
died; he was not mine.
" 'Realize for a moment the scene:— It was sunset; noth-
ing but horror and distress; the dogs, filled with rage, howl-
ing over their dead masters; the cattle caught the scent of
innocent blood, and bellowed; a dozen helpless widows,
thirty or forty fatherless children, screaming and groaning
for the loss of their fathers and husbands; the groans of the
wounded and dying— all these were enough to have melted
the heart of anything but a Missouri mob.
" 'There were fifteen dead and ten wounded; two died the
next day. There were no men, or not enough to bury the
dead; so they were thrown into a dry well and covered with
dirt. The next day the mob came back. They told us we
must leave the State forthwith or be killed. It was cold
weather and they had our teams and clothes; our men all
dead or wounded. I told them they might kill me and my
children and welcome. They sent to us from time to time
if we did not leave the State they would come and kill us.
We had little prayer meetings. They said if we did not stop
them they would kill every man, woman, and child. We
had spelling schools for our little children; they said if we
did not stop them they would kill every man, woman, and
child. We did our own milking, got our own wood; no man
to help us.
" 'I started the 1st of February for Illinois without money
(mob all the way), drove our own team, slept out of doors.
I had five small children; we suffered hunger, fatigue, and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 251
cold; for what? For our religion; where in a boasted land
of liberty "deny your faith or die" was the cry.
" 'I will mention some of the names of the heads of the
mob: Two brothers by the name of Comstock, William
Mann, Benjamin Ashley, Robert White, one by the name of
Rogers, who took an old scythe and cut an old white-headed
man all to pieces.
" 'I wish further also to state that when the mob came
there (as I was told by one of them afterwards), their inten-
tion was to kill everything belonging to us that had life;
and that after our men were shot down by them they went
around and shot all the dead men over again, to make sure
of their lives.
*' 'I now leave it with this honorable government to say
what my damages may be, or what they would be willing to
see their wives and children slaughtered for, as I have seen
my husband, son, and others.
" 'I lost in property by the mob— to goods stolen, $50;
one pocketbook and $50 cash, bank notes; damage of horses
and team, $100; one gun, $10; in short, my all. Whole
damages are more than the whole State of Missouri is worth.
" 'Written by my own hand, this 18th day of April, 1839.
" 'AMA.NUA SMITH.
" 'Q.uiNCY, Adams County, Illinois.'
"Hyrum Smith, the brother of the 'prophet,' in his 'state-
ment' on record in the archives of the church at Salt Lake
statement of makes the following reference to the affair at
Hyrum smith. Haun's Mill:—
" 'Immediately after this there came into the city a mes-
senger from Haun's Mill, bringing the intelligence of an
awful massacre of the people who were residing in that
place, and that a force of two hundred or three hundred
detached from the main body of the army, under the
superior command of Captain Nehemiah Comstock, who, the
day previous, had promised them peace and protection, but
on receiving a copy of the Governor's order to exterminate or
to expel, from the hands of Colonel Ashley, he returned upon
them the following day and surprised and massacred the
whole population, and then came on to the town of Far West
252 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and entered into conjunction with the main body of the army.
The messenger informed us that he himself with a few others
fled into the thickets, which preserved them from massacre,
and on the following morning returned and collected the
dead bodies of the people and cast them into a well. There
were upwards of twenty (?) who were dead or mortally
wounded. One of the name of Yocum has lately had his leg
amputated in consequence of wounds he then received. He
had a ball shot through his head, which entered near his eye
and came out the back part of his head, and another ball
passed through one of his arms.'
"Extracts from a statement of Nathan K. Knight.
" '. . . We traveled through the lower part of Missouri
without any difficulty, the people treating us kindly and
of Nathan advising us to leave the main road, as mobs were
Kmght. collecting on it. We traveled on byroads and
came out at Compton's Perry, on one fork of Grand River,
where we camped. Next day we traveled across a prairie of
thirty miles without inhabitants, and arrived at Whitney's
mill, on Shoal Creek, Livingston County, Missouri. We
crossed over the mill pond next morning in a flat boat and
started across to Caldwell County, a distance of fourteen
miles. When we were about two miles out we met a party
of sixty men, armed and mounted, led by Thomas Bryan,
who compelled us to give up our arms and return to Whit-
ney's mill, where we remained a week. . . . While they
were drunk and asleep one afternoon we hitched up, re-
crossed the mill pond, told the women living there that we
were going back out of the State, and took the back track
for two miles, where we halted a few minutes and requested
Elder Joseph Young to take the lead of the company, which
now numbered eleven wagons and families. He objected,
but appointed Bro. Levi Merrick to take charge. We
started on, leaving the main road and taking a dividing
ridge without any track and traveled on that afternoon and
night and halted just before daybreak to bury a son of mine,
sixteen years old, who had just died. . . . The next day
Bro. Walker's son-in-law [of Caldwell County] piloted us to
Haun's mill, where we arrived in the afternoon, found a
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 253
number of brethren waiting to get grinding done. We
remained until next morning, and, as we had been on short
rations for a number of days, we purchased some grain, and,
as we could not get it ground until late in the day, we con-
cluded to wait till next morning.
" 'About thirty minutes past three o'clock p. m. that day
(October 30) Bro. David Evans, Father Myers, and another
brother returned from an appointed meeting with the mob,
who agreed in writing to let the saints alone if the saints
would let them alone. Bro. Evans said he did not feel like
the mob intended to keep their word, and advised the breth-
ren to keep out a double guard, and while he was organizing
it and within half an hour after his return his fears were
confirmed. ... I had just finished eating. I caught my gun
and hung my powder horn over my neck, when the buck-
skin string was cut by a ball fired by their leader, which
also passed through my vest pocket, taking out my pocket
knife. . . . The women and children were so terrified that
some of them would run in front of the mob's guns and cry,
"Murder! Murder!" ... As one man was running to help
cut him [Esq. McBride] down, swearing as he went, I fired
my gun the first time. The ball passed through one hip
and lodged in the other. He was always a cripple after-
wards. . . . Two men had Bro. Warren Smith stripped of
his coat, hat, and boots, and were dragging him around
after he was dead and kicking him. . . . The first wound I
received was in the finger of my right hand. The next in
my left leg, and the next in my body, the ball entering just
above the small of my back and lodging just below the pit of
my stomach. The last shot brought me to my hands and
knees. I recovered myself and tried to escape. ... I made
out to get three quarters of a mile farther through timber
and brush, and secreted myself in some fallen tree tops.
... I remained about three quarters of an hour. A little
after sunset I saw Sister Polly Wood (formerly Miss Polly
Merrill). I motioned for her to come to me. I could not
call her, neither could I stand up. She came and tried to
lead me back, but I was too weak. She then kneeled down
and placed her hands on my wounds and prayed the Lord to
254 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
strengthen and heal me. I never heard a more powerful
prayer. The Lord answered her prayer, and I received
strength and walked back to Haun's house by resting three
or four times. . . . The mob were all gone and had taken
with them all our horses, wagons, cows, and all of our prop-
erty of every description, both belonging to our camp and
the settlement, which numbered a half dozen houses or
more. Bro. Haun's house escaped their ravages, but his
horses were taken from the stable. I had nothing left but a
small trunk; the contents were gone excepting a bottle of
consecrated oil, which they had left on the ground. Sister
Haun and my wife passed the night in dressing the wounds
and making comfortable, as far as possible, the wounded
and dying. Their groans and shrieks made the night hide-
ous and horrible beyond description, and the women were
the only ones to administer comfort during that night of
desolation and suffering; I prevailed on them to sing
"Moroni's Lamentation," contained in our hymn book. . . .
" 'A few days after the massacre the mob returned to the
mill and ground up all the brethren's grain in that region of
country. They numbered about one hundred and remained
about a month, killing hogs, robbing bee stands and hen
houses. I and my family suffered much for food. At the
end of six weeks I began to get around a little, and was
again fired upon by a mob of fourteen. I escaped into the
woods unhurt. . . .
" 'About the first of February I and three or four of the
brethren left for Illinois, locating near Lima. The next fall
I gathered with the saints at Nauvoo. In September, 1842,
my wife died from injuries and hardships received and en-
dured at Haun's mill, and during the Missouri persecution.
" 'NATHAN KINSMAN KNIGHT.' "
— History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri,
pp. 145-158.
CHAPTER 14.
1838.
TROOPS AT FAR WEST— BETRAYED— COURT MARTIAL AND SENTENCE
— CALDWELL MILITIA SURRENDERED— PRISONERS VISIT THEIR
FAMILIES — START FOR J ACKSON COUNTY — LYMAN WIGHT'S
ACCOUNT— NOT SUBJECT TO COURT MARTIAL— ORDER FOR EXE-
CUTION — THE REPLY— HINKLE'S STRANGE ACTION — ARRIVAL OP
GENERAL CLARK — CLARK'S SPEECH— STRANGE MILITARY TAC-
TICS—COURT OF INQUIRY IN D AVI ESS COUNTY— ORDER OF EX-
PULSION—SAMPLE PERMIT— AGREEMENT— SOME HUMANITY LEFT
—PETITION TO LEGISLATURE— SOUND ADVICE— PAGE AND TAY-
LOR ORDAINED APOSTLES— LEGISLATIVE ACTION.
OF AFFAIRS at Far West at this time Joseph Smith writes
as follows:—
"On the 30th of October a large company of armed sol-
diery was seen approaching Far West. They came up near
Troops at to t^e ^°^^ an(* t*1611 drew back about a mile and
Far west. encamped for the night. We were informed that
they were militia, ordered out by the Governor for the pur-
pose of stopping our proceedings, it having been represented
to his Excellency, by wicked and designing men from Daviess,
that we were the aggressors and had committed outrages in
Daviess, etc. They had not yet got the Governor's order of
extermination, which I believe did not arrive till the next
day. »
"Wednesday, 31st. The militia of Far West guarded the
city the past night, and threw up a temporary fortification
of wagons, timber, etc., on the south. The sisters, many of
them, were engaged in gathering up their most valuable
effects, fearing a terrible battle in the morning, and that the
houses might be fired and they obliged to flee, the enemy
beins; five to one against us.
"About eight o'clock a flag was sent, which was met by
1 This is doubtless a mistake. According to other records the order was
received on the 30th.
256 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
several of our people, and it was hoped that matters would
be satisfactorily arranged after the officers had heard a true
statement of all the circumstances. Colonel Hinkle went to
meet the flag, and secretly made an engagement— 1st, To give
up their [the church's] leaders to be tried and punished; 2d,
To make an appropriation of their property, all who had
taken up arms, to the payment of their debts, and indemnify
for damage done by them; 3d, That the balance should leave
the State and be protected out by the militia, but be per-
mitted to remain under protection until further orders were
received from the Commander in Chief; 4th, To give up the
arms of every description, to be receipted for.
"The enemy was reinforced by about one thousand five
hundred men to-day, and news of the destruction of property
by the mob reached us from every quarter.
"Towards evening I was waited upon by Colonel Hinkle,
who stated that the officers of the militia desired to have an .
interview with me and some others, hoping that the difficul-
ties might be settled without having occasion to carry into
effect the exterminating orders which they had received from
the Governor. I immediately complied with the request, and
in company with Elders Rigdon and Pratt, Colonel
Wight and George W. Robinson, went into the
camp of the militia. But judge of my surprise when, instead
of being treated with that respect which is due from one
citizen to another, we were taken as prisoners of war, and
were treated with the utmost contempt. The officers would
not converse with us, and the soldiers, almost to a man,
insulted us as much as they felt disposed, breathing out
threats against me and my companions. I cannot begin to
tell the scene which I there witnessed. The loud cries and
yells of more than one thousand voices, which rent the air
and could be heard for miles, and the horrid and blasphe-
mous threats and curses which were poured upon us in tor-
rents, were enough to appall the stoutest heart. In the
evening we had to lie down on the cold ground, surrounded
by a strong guard, who were only kept back by the power
of God from depriving us of life. We petitioned the officers
to know why we were thus treated, but they utterly refused
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 257
to give us any answer or to converse with us. After we
arrived in the camp Brother Stephen Winchester and eleven
other brethren who were prisoners volunteered, with per-
mission of the officers, to carry Brother Carey into the city
to his family, he having lain exposed to the weather for a
show to the inhuman wretches, without having his wounds
dressed or being nourished in any manner. He died soon
after he reached home.
"Thursday, November 1. Brothers Hyrum Smith and
Amasa Lyman were brought prisoners into camp. They
court martial held a court martial and sentenced us to be shot
and sentence. on pri(jay morning, on the public square, as an
ensample to the 'Mormons.' However, notwithstanding their
sentence and determination they were not permitted to carry
their murderous sentence into execution. Having an oppor-
tunity of speaking to General Wilson, I inquired of him the
cause why I was thus treated. I told him I was not sensible
of having done anything worthy of such treatment; that I
had always been a supporter of the Constitution and of
democracy. His answer was, 'I know it, and that is the rea-
son why I want to kill you, or have you killed.'
"The militia then went into the town and without any
restraint whatever plundered the houses and abused the
innocent and unoffending inhabitants. They went to my
house and drove my family out of doors. They carried away
most of my property and left many destitute. General Doni-
phan declared he would have nothing to do with such cold-
blooded murder, and that he would withdraw his brigade in
the morning.
"Governor Boggs wrote General Clark from Jefferson
City, that he considered full and ample powers were vested
in him to carry into effect the former orders. Says Boggs: —
" 'The case is now a very plain one— the Mormons must
be subdued and peace restored to the community; you will
therefore proceed without delay to execute the former
orders. Full confidence is reposed in your ability to do so;
your force will be amply sufficient to accomplish the object.
Should you need the aid of artillery I would suggest that an
application be made to the commanding officer of Fort Leav-
258 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
enworth for such as you may need. You are authorized to
request the loan of it in the name of the State of Missouri.
The ringleaders of this rebellion should be made au example
of; and if it should become necessary for the public peace,
the Mormons should be exterminated or expelled from the
State.'
"This morning General Lucas ordered the Caldwell militia
to give up their arms. Hinkle, having made a treaty with
caidweii *ne mo^ on k*s own responsibility, to carry out his
mmtia treachery, marched the troops out of the city, and
•urrendered. *
the brethren gave up their arms, their own prop-
erty, which no government on earth had a right to require.
"The mob (called Governor's troops) then marched into
town, and under pretense of searching for arms, tore up
floors, upset haystacks, plundering the most valuable effects
they could lay their hands on, wasted and destroyed a great
amount of property which could do themselves no good, com-
pelled the brethren to sign deeds of trust at the point of the
bayonet, to pay the expenses of the mob even while the chas-
tity of the place was desecrated. About eighty men were
taken prisoners, the remainder were ordered to leave the
State, and were forbid to be more than three in a place, and
if they were the mob would shoot at them.
"Friday, 2d. About this time Sampson Avard was found
by the mob secreted in the hazel brush some miles from Par
West, and brought into camp, where they were 'hail fellows
well met,' for Avard told them that Daniteism was an order
of the church, and by his lying tried to make the church a
scapegoat for his sins.
"We were taken to the town, into the public square, and
before our departure from Far West, we, after much
prisoners visit entreaty, were suffered to see our families, being
their families, attended all the while with a strong guard. I
found my wife and children in tears, who expected we were
shot by those who had sworn to take our lives, and that
they should see me no more. When I entered my house
they clung to my garments, their eyes streaming with
tears, while mingled emotions of joy and sorrow were mani-
fest in their countenances. I requested to have a private
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH, 259
interview with them a few minutes, but this privilege was
denied me. I was then obliged to take my departure, but
who can realize my feelings which I experienced at that time,
to be torn from my companion, and leaving her surrounded
with monsters in the shape of men, and my children too,
not knowing how their wants would be supplied; to be
taken far from them in order that my enemies might
destroy me when they thought proper to do so. My partner
wept, my children clung to me, and were only thrust from
me by the swords of the guards who guarded me. I felt
overwhelmed while I witnessed the scene, and could only
recommend them to the care of that God whose kindness had
followed me to the present time, and who alone could protect
them, and deliver me from the hands of my enemies, and
restore me to my family. I was then taken back to the
camp, and then I with the rest of my brethren;
Jackson' namely, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Parley P.
Pratt, Lyman Wight, Amasa Lyman, and George
W. Robinson, were started off for Independence, Jackson
County, and encamped at night on Crooked River, under a
strong guard commanded by Generals Lucas and Wilson." —
Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 510, 523-525.
The journal of Lyman Wight agrees with this account.
He writes: —
"30th October. This morning about two o'clock came
into my house two messengers from Far West and informed
Lyman wight's me tlaati a large bodv of troops were encamped in
account. ^alf a m\\e of taat place and for what purpose it
was unknown. And as I had been the acting commander of
that regimQnt, Joseph Smith and others requested that I
would come forthwith to that place. In an hour's time I
was mounted upon my favorite horse, Dragon, and one
hundred and twenty mounted men by my side, lightly
bounding over the vast prairies between this place and Far
West, where we arrived about eight o'clock a. m. and found
the whole town in an uproar, and twenty-two hundred well-
armed men encamped in half a mile of the town, professing
to be militia of the State. My advice was to send immedi-
ately a flag of truce. This was believed to be a requisite
260 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
course, and accordingly George M. Hinkle and John Corrill
were appointed to be the bearers of this flag. They came
back and informed us, Joseph Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Sid-
ney Rigdon, George W. Robinson, and Lyman Wight, that
the chief officers of the army desired an interview with us,
and that if we were not in the camp previous to six o'clock
p. m. they would fall upon and destroy Far West together
with its inhabitants; and that if we would come they would
pledge their honor that we should be released that night or
the next morning early. Accordingly we went and met the
whole camp under motion to receive us. Generals Lucas,
Wilson, and Doniphan brandished their swords and made a
short halt, when George M. Hinkle made his obeisance and
said: 'Gentlemen, these are the prisoners whom I agreed
to deliver up to you.' We were then hurried into camp in
front of the mouth of a six pounder, and placed under a
strong guard of ninety soldiers, well armed. This proved
to be a dismal night on the account of the rain, and three
alarms in the course of the night, which brought every man
to his feet, and placed him under arms. The hideous
screeches and screaming of this wretched, murderous band
would have made a perfect dead silence with the damned in
hell. Thus I spent the first night after being imprisoned,
for believing the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith to be
a prophet of God.
"31st. This morning Hyrum Smith and Amasa Lyman
were brought into camp to be our fellow prisoners. In suf-
fering the wrath of this unhallowed mob militia, we spent
this day, which proved to be rainy, on a small spot of
ground snugly inclosed by a guard of ninety men. About
seven o'clock I was taken one side by General Moses Wil-
son, who informed me that they were about to hold a court-
martial upon the prisoners, and asked me if I would turn
State's evidence and swear to what I knew concerning
Joseph Smith. I answered that I would. He then said:
« Wight, we do not wish to kill you or hurt you; we believe
you to be an honest man.' After using much more sophistry
he asked me what I knew concerning him [Joseph Smith]. I
informed him that as far as I was acquainted with him that I
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 261
knew no man, 'more honest or more philanthropic, having a
greater zeal and love for his country and its laws, or one
who would strive more for the peace and happiness of man-
kind than Joseph Smith.' He then informed the guard
that he had no further use for me, and ordered them to
place me back with the prisoners.
"Sometime about the hour of eleven o'clock General Doni-
phan called on me and said to me: 'Wight, your case is a
damned hard one; you are all sentenced to be shot to-morrow
morning at eight o'clock on the public square in Far West,
by fourteen to seven, and for this reason I wash my hands
against such cool-blooded and heartless murder.' And also
said he should move his troops, numbering three hundred,
before sunrise the next morning, and would not suffer them
to witness such hard-hearted, cruel, and base murder. He
then shook hands with me and bade me farewell."
We need not remind the reader that those of these prisoners
who were not members of any military organization were
Notsubjectto not subject to a court martial, but if crime was
court martial. anegea should have been tried before the civil
courts. Nor was there any necessity for the military to be
called out to make the arrest, as they had not then, nor at
any other time had they resisted arrest. There were no
warrants for them, nor were they cited to trial. Lyman
Wight was, so far as we know, the only military officer
among them. There might have been some pretext for try-
ing him before a court martial if he had been guilty of any
breach of military discipline. But no claim of this kind was
ever made that we are aware of, nor was he ever charged
with disobeying his superior officers. So the whole transac-
tion was illegal and uncalled for, both from a military and
civil standpoint. Yet did they, in utter disregard of all law,
try these men before a military court, and sentence them to
death.
General Doniphan was ordered to execute the sentence,
but with characteristic courage and manliness he spurned
the order, though by doing so he became subject to trial
and punishment for insubordination. The following is a
copy of the order: —
262 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Brigadier- General Doniphan; Sir: You will take Joseph
Order tor Smith and the other prisoners into the public
execution. square of Far West, and shoot them at nine
o'clock to-morrow morning.
"SAMUEL D. LUCAS,
"Major-General Commanding."
— History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, p. 137.
To the honor of General Doniphan, he dared to take the
consequence of returning the following reply to his supe-
rior:—
"It is cold-blooded murder. I will not obey your order.
My brigade shall march for Liberty to-morrow morning, at
eight o'clock; and if you execute those men, I will
hold you responsible before an earthly tribunal, so
help me God!
"A. W. DONIPHAN, Brigadier-General."
—Ibid., p. 137.
This historian continues as follows: —
"The prisoners somehow heard of the order, and kneeled
in prayer, and prayed fervently that it might not be execu-
ted. And it was not. Flagrantly insubordinate as was Gen-
eral Doniphan's refusal, he was never called to account for
it."— Ibid., p. 137.
It may be well here to mention the strange action of
George M. Hinkle in delivering his brethren into the hands
of the enemy. His act was looked upon by the
Btrange church as the act of a traitor, he was expelled
conduct. .
from the church, and was afterward held in con-
tempt by his brethren; but the writer of the History of
Caldwell County gives a different solution, and we here
insert it for the consideration of the reader: —
"Doubtless this officer was actuated by the noble motive
of desiring to save the lives of scores if not hundreds of his
brethren in his action, but he concealed the real state of
affairs from the leaders of the church, and his conduct was
marked with something of diplomacy — the Mormons called
it duplicity and treachery. He visited the parties desig-
nated by General Lucas, and informed them that they were
wanted, not for hostages, but to confer with General Lucas
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 263
and the other military authorities in arranging a compro-
mise or truce. Doubtless he feared that if he disclosed the
real purpose for which they were wanted, they would refuse
to surrender themselves, and the most direful results would
follow. He knew that the militia against him numbered
about 3,000, or about five to one of his own force; that a
fight could result but one way, and under the Governor's
orders the consequences would be most frightful and terri-
ble— practically wholesale slaughter. 'Gen.' [Col.] Hinkle
was a Kentuckian, and personally brave and fearless. He
did not fear danger for himself, but for his brethren, and his
course, it must be admitted, was certainly for the best. Yet
the Mormons ever afterwards regarded him as a traitor, and
he was cut off from the church, and spent his last days in
Iowa, and died aloof from his former brethren." — History of
Caldwell and Livingston Counties, pp. 135, 136.
Article 2 of the contract between Hinkle and Lucas,
as given on page 256 of this work, was afterward interpreted
to hold the saints for the payment of the debts of the war
which had been waged against them. This whole procedure
has been looked upon by men of fairness as being extraordi-
nary and cruel.
The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Mis-
souri, has this to say upon the subject: —
"What authority General Lucas had to make such a
'treaty' and to impose such conditions, is not clear. It
would seem that he regarded the Mormons as composing a
foreign nation, or at least as forming an army with belliger-
ent rights, and with proper treaty-contracting powers. The
truth was they were and had not ceased to be citizens of
Missouri, amenable to and under jurisdiction of its laws. If
they had committed any crime they ought to have been pun-
ished, just the same as other criminals. There was no
authority for taking their arms from them except that they
were proved to be militia in a state of insubordination.
There was no sort of authority for requiring them to pay
the expenses of the war. There was no sort of authority
for requiring them to leave the State. It was monstrously
illegal and unjust to attempt to punish them for offenses for
264 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
which they had not been tried and of which they had not
been convicted. It would be a reasonable conclusion that in
making his so-called 'treaty' General Lucas was guilty of
illegal extortion, unwarranted assumption of power, usurpa-
tion of authority, and flagrant violation of the natural rights
of man.
"By an act of the legislature approved December 11, 1838,
the sum of $2,000 was appropriated, 'for the purpose of re-
lieving the indigent and suffering families in Caldwell and
Daviess Counties,' and the following commissioners were
appointed to expend the sum and 'distribute food, raiment,
and other necessaries' among the deserving: Anderson
Martin, Wm. Thornton, and John C. Richardson, of Ray
County; Elisha Camron, John Thornton, and Eli Casey, of
Clay; Henry McHenry, of Caldwell, and M. T. Green, of
Daviess. It is asserted that not a dollar of the appropriation
was expended for the benefit of the Mormons, although the
act itself did not especially exclude them. The Gentiles
were the sole beneficiaries.
"The same legislature also prohibited the publication of
'the orders, letters, evidences, and other documents relating
to the Mormon disturbances,' and enjoined the Secretary of
the State from 'furnishing or permitting to be taken copies
of the same for any purpose whatsoever.' Two years later,
however, this prohibition was rescinded. (See Acts 10th
Gen. Assembly, p. 334.) Why the act was passed in the
first place may better be conjectured than positively
asserted."— History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties,
p. 143.
On November 4 General Clark arrived at Far West and
assumed command.
The speech he made on the 6th, when he had gathered the
ciark'« people of Far West on the public square, will
speech. give the reader an idea of the man and what
measures might be expected of him. It was as follows: —
"Gentlemen: — You whose names are not attached to this
list of names will now have the privilege of going to your
fields and providing corn, wood, etc., for your families.
Those who are now taken will go from this to prison, be
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 265
tried, and receive the due demerit of their crimes. But you
(except such as charges may hereafter be preferred against)
are now at liberty, as soon as the troops are removed that
now guard the place, which I shall cause to be done imme-
diately. It now devolves upon you to fulfill the treaty that
you have entered into, the leading items of which I shall
now lay before you: —
"The first requires that your leading men be given up to
be tried according to law; this you have already complied
with.
"The second is, that you deliver up your arms; this has
been attended to.
"The third stipulation is, that you sign over your proper-
ties to defray the expenses of the war; this you have also
done.
"Another article yet remains for you to comply with, and
that is, that you leave the State forthwith; and whatever
may be your feelings concerning this, or whatever your
innocence, it is nothing to me; General Lucas, who is equal
in authority with me, has made this treaty with you — I
approve of it — I should have done the same, had I been here
—I am therefore determined to see it fulfilled. The charac-
ter of this State has suffered almost beyond redemption from
the character, conduct, and influence that you have exerted;
and we deem it an act of justice to restore her character to its
former standing among the States, by every proper means.
"The orders of the Governor to me were, that you should
be exterminated, and not allowed to remain in the State;
and had your leaders not been given up, and the terms of
the treaty complied with before this, you and your families
would have been destroyed and your houses in ashes.
"There is a discretionary power vested in my hands which
I shall exercise in your favor for a season; for this lenity
you are indebted to my clemency. I do not say that you
shall go now, but you must not think of staying here another
season, or of putting in crops, for the moment you do this
the citizens will be upon you. If I am called here again, in
case of a noncompliance of a treaty made, do not think that
I shall act any more as I have done—you need not expect
266 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
any mercy, but extermination, for I am determined the Gov-
ernor's order shall be executed. As for your leaders, do
not once think — do not imagine for a moment— do not let it
enter your mind, that they will be delivered, or that you will
see their faces again, for their fate is fixed— THEIR DIE is
CAST— THEIR DOOM IS SEALED!
"I am sorry, gentlemen, to see so great a number of appar-
ently intelligent men found in the situation that you are;
and oh! that I could invoke that Great Spirit, THE
UNKNOWN GOD, to rest upon you, and make you suffi-
ciently intelligent to break that chain of superstition, and
liberate you from those fetters of fanaticism, with which you
are bound — that you no longer worship a man.
"I would advise you to scatter abroad, and never again
organize yourselves with Bishops, presidents, etc., lest you
excite the jealousies of the people and subject yourselves to
the same calamities that have now come upon you.
"You have always been the aggressors— you have brought
upon yourselves these difficulties by being disaffected and
not being subject to rule— and my advice is, that you become
as other citizens, lest by a recurrence of these events you
bring upon yourselves irretrievable ruin." — Millennial Star,
vol. 16, p. 555.
About ten thousand of the State militia was called out to
march against Far West, and for what purpose? To meet
strange mm- a foreign foe? No. What then? Tomeetaregi-
tary tactics. ment of State troops — a part of their own force,
whose officers were commissioned by the Governor of the
State, and who had always acted under orders of their supe-
rior officers. They had never failed to report for duty
when called upon. In this instance they were not ordered
to report for duty. They were simply reserved as a foe
that their ten thousand gallant comrades might have an
enemy to fight. Strange military tactics were these!
On November 6, 1838, the Governor wrote General Clark,
authorizing and directing him to hold a military court of
inquiry in Daviess County. The order read as follows: —
"It will also be necessary that you hold a military court
of inquiry in Daviess County, and arrest the Mormons who
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 267
have been guilty of the late outrages committed towards
court of th® inhabitants of said county. My instructions
Da"^11 to y°u are to settle this whole matter completely,
county. jj pOSSibiej before you disband your forces. If
the Mormons are disposed voluntarily to leave the State, of
course it would be advisable in you to promote that object in
any way deemed proper. The ringleaders of their rebellion,
though, ought by no means to be permitted to escape the punish-
ment they merit." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 555, 556.
General Clark ordered Brigadier- General Robert Wilson
to Adam-ondi-ahman for the purpose of this inquiry.
General Wilson arrived at Adam ondi-ahman November 8,
1838, and immediately put a guard around the town, with
instruction to allow no person to pass in or out without per-
mission. He then put every man in town under guard, and
instituted a court of inquiry with Adam Black, before-men-
tioned, on the bench, and a soldier of General Clark's com-
mand acting as prosecuting attorney. After three days
investigation every man was by this court "honorably
acquitted."
After this acquittal General Wilson issued an order that
every family must be out of town within ten days, with
order of permission to go to Caldwell County for the win-
ezpuision. j^ tken ^o leave the State under pain of exter-
mination. Here is a specimen of the permits granted to
men against whom no charge had been sustained: —
"I permit David Holman to remove from Daviess to Cald-
well County, there to remain during the winter, or to pass
out of the State.
"R. WILSON, Brigadier-General.
"By F. G. COCKNU, Aid.
"November 10, 1838."
There was an agreement made between the mob and the
saints by which the latter, could obtain their stock
with the consent of their opponents. The agree-
ment was as follows: —
"1. That the Mormon committee be allowed to employ,
say twenty teamsters for the purpose of hauling off their
property.
268 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"2. That the Mormon committee collect whatever stock
they may have in Daviess County at some point, and some
two or three of the Daviess County committee be notified to
attend for the purpose of examining said stock, and convey
or attend the Mormon committee out of the limits of the
county; and it is further understood that the Mormon com-
mittee is not to drive or take from this county any stock of
any description at any other time nor under any other cir-
cumstances than these mentioned.
"As witness our hands,
"WILLIAM P. PENISTON, )
"Da. K. KERB, v Committee.
"ADAM BLACK, j
"The above propositions were made and agreed to by the
undersigned committee on the part of the Mormons.
"WILLIAM HUNTINGTON.
"B. S. WlLBEB.
"J. H. HALE.
"HENRY HEBBIMAN.
"Z. WILSON."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 566, 567.
There was, however, some humanity left in upper Mis-
souri, and some noble-minded men raised their
voices in protest against the outrages of the
militia and in defense of justice.
The following letter from a citizen of Clay County to mem-
bers of the legislature is a case in point: —
"M. Arthur, Esq., to the Representatives from Clay County.
"LiBEBTY, November 29, 1838.
11 Respected .Friends:— Humanity to an injured people
prompts me at present to address you thus: You were
aware of the treatment (to some extent before you left home)
received by that unfortunate race of beings called the Mor-
mons, from Daviess, in the form of human beings inhabiting
Daviess, Livingston, and a part of Ray County; not being
satisfied with the relinquishment of all their rights as citizens
and human beings, in the treaty forced upon them by Gen-
eral Lucas, by giving up their arms and throwing them-
selves upon the mercy of the State and their fellow citizens
generally, hoping thereby protection of their lives and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 269
property, are now receiving treatment from those demons
that makes humanity shudder, and the cold chills run over
any man not entirely destitute of any feeling of humanity.
These demons are now constantly strolling up and down
Caldwell County, in small companies armed, insulting the
women in any and every way, and plundering the poor
devils of all the means of subsistence (scanty as it was) left
them, and driving off their horses, cattle, hogs, etc., and
rifling their houses and farms of everything therein, taking
beds, bedding, wardrobe, and all such things as they see
they want, leaving the poor Mormons in a starving and
naked condition.
* 'These are facts I have from authority that cannot be
questioned, and can be maintained and substantiated at any
time. There is now a petition afloat in our town, signed by
the citizens of all parties and grades, which will be sent you
in a few days, praying the legislature to make some speedy
enactment applicable to their case. They are entirely will-
ing to leave our State so soon as this inclement season is
over; and a number have already left, and are leaving daily,
scattering themselves to the four winds of the earth.
"Now, sirs, I do not want by any means to dictate to you
the course to be pursued, but one fact I will merely suggest.
I this day was conversing with Mr. George M. Pryer, who
is just from Far West, relating the outrages there com-
mitted daily. I suggested to him the propriety of the legis-
lature's placing a guard to patrol on the lines of Caldwell
County, say of about twenty-five men, and give them, say
about one dollar or one and a half per day, each man, and
find their provisions, etc., until, say the first day of June
next;, these men rendering that protection necessary to the
Mormons and allowing them to follow and bring to justice
any individuals who have heretofore or will hereafter be
guilty of plundering or any violation of the laws. I would
suggest that George M. Pryer be appointed captain of said
guard, and that he will be allowed to raise his own men, if
he is willing thus to act. He is a man of correct habits, and
will do justice to all sides and render due satisfaction.
"Should this course not be approved of, I would recom-
270 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
mend the restoration of their arms for their own protection.
One or the other of these suggestions is certainly due the
Mormons from the State. She has now their leaders
prisoners, to the number of fifty or sixty, and I apprehend
no danger from the remainder in any way until they will
leave the State.
"M. ARTHUR."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 565, 566.
On December 10, 1838, a committee appointed by the
saints petitioned the legislature as follows: —
"To the Honorable Legislature of the State of Missouri, in
Senate and House of Representatives convened: —
"We the undersigned petitioners and inhabitants of Cald-
well County, Missouri, in consequence of the late calamity
Petition to ^a* has come upon us, taken in connection with
legislature, former afflictions, feel it a duty we owe to our-
selves and our country to lay our case before your honorable
body for consideration. It is a well-known fact that a
society of our people commenced settling in Jackson County,
Missouri, in the summer of 1831, where they, according to
their ability, purchased lands and settled upon them, with
the intention and expectation of becoming permanent citi-
zens in common with others.
"Soon after the settlement began, persecution began; and
as the society increased, persecution also increased, until
the society at last was compelled to leave the county; and
although an account of these persecutions has been pub-
lished to the world, yet we feel that it will not be improper
to notice a few of the most prominent items in this memorial.
"On the 20th of July, 1833, a mob convened at Independ-
ence—a committee of which called upon a few of the men of
our church there and stated to them that the store-printing
office, and indeed all other mechanic shops, must be closed
forthwith, and the society leave the county immediately.
"These propositions were so unexpected that a certain
time was asked for to consider on the subject before an
answer should be returned, which was refused, and our men
being individually interrogated, each one answered that he
could not consent to comply with their propositions. One
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 271
of the mob replied that he was sorry, for the work of de-
struction would commence immediately.
"In a short time the printing office, which was a two story
building, was assailed by the mob and soon thrown down, and
with it much valuable property destroyed. Next they went
to the store for the same purpose; but Mr. Gilbert, one of the
owners, agreeing to close it, they abandoned their design.
Their next move was their dragging of Bishop Partridge
from his house and family to the public square, where, sur-
rounded by hundreds, they partially stripped him of his
clothes and tarred and feathered him from head to foot. A
man by the name of Allen was also tarred at the same time.
This was Saturday, and the mob agreed to meet the follow-
ing Tuesday to accomplish their purpose of driving or
massacring the society.
"Tuesday came, and the mob came also, bearing with
them a red flag in token of blood. Some two or three of the
principal men of the society offered their lives if that would
appease the wrath of the mob, so that the rest of the society
might dwell in peace upon their lands. The answer was,
that unless the society would leave en masse, every man
should die for himself. Being in a defenseless situation, to
save a general massacre, it was agreed that one half of the
society should leave the county by the first of the next
January, and the remainder by the first of the following
April. A treaty was entered into and ratified, and all things
went on smoothly for awhile. But sometime in October the
wrath of the mob began again to be kindled, insomuch that
they shot at some of our people, whipped others, and threw
down their houses, and committed many other depredations;
indeed the society of saints were harassed for some time,
both day and night; their houses were brickbatted and
broken open — women and children insulted, etc. The store-
house of A. S. Gilbert and Co. was broken open, ransacked,
and some of the goods strewed in the streets.
"These abuses, with many others of a very aggravated
nature, so stirred up the indignant feelings of our people
that when a party of them, say about thirty, met a company
of the mob of about double their number, a skirmish took
272 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
place in which some two or three of the mob and one of our
people were killed. This raised as it were the whole coun-
try in arms— and nothing would satisfy them but an imme-
diate surrender of the arms of our people and they forthwith
to leave the county. Fifty one guns were given up, which
have never been returned or paid for to this day. The next
day parties of the mob from fifty to seventy, headed by
priests, went from house to house, threatening women and
children with death if they were not off before they returned.
This so alarmed them that they fled in different directions;
some took shelter in the woods, while others wandered in
the prairies till their feet bled. In the meantime, the
weather being very cold, their sufferings in other respects
were very great.
"The society made their escape to Clay County as fast as
they possibly could, where the people received them kindly
and administered to their wants. After the society had left
Jackson County, their buildings, amounting to about two
hundred, were either burned or otherwise destroyed; and
much of their crops, as well as furniture, stock, etc., which,
if properly estimated, would make a large sum, for which
they have not as yet received any remuneration.
"The society remained in Clay County nearly three years;
when, at the suggestion of the people there, they removed
to that section of the country known now as Caldwell
County. Here the people purchased out most of the former
inhabitants, and also entered much of the wild land. Many
soon owned a number of eighties, while there was scarcely a
man that did not secure to himself at least a forty. Here we
were permitted to enjoy peace for a season; but as our
society increased in numbers and settlements were made in
Daviess and Carroll Counties, the mob spirit spread itself
again. For months previous to our giving up our arms to
General Lucas' army, we heard little else than rumors of
mobs collecting in different places and threatening our peo-
ple. It is well known that the people of our church, who
had located themselves at De Witt, had to give up to a mob
and leave the place, notwithstanding the militia were called
out for their protection.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 273
"From De Witt the mob went towards Daviess County,
and while on their way there they took two of our men pris-
oners, and made them ride upon the cannon, and told them
that they would drive the 'Mormons1 from Daviess to Cald-
well, and from Caldwell to hell; and that they would give
them no quarter, only at the cannon's mouth. The threats
of the mob induced some of our people to go to Daviess to
help to protect their brethren who had settled at Diahman,
on Grand River. The mob soon fled from Daviess County;
and after they were dispersed and the cannon taken, during
which time no blood was shed, the people of Caldwell
returned to their homes in hopes of enjoying peace and
quiet; but in this they were disappointed, for a large mob
was soon found to be collecting on the Grindstone (fork of
Grand River), from ten to fifteen miles off, under the com-
mand of Cornelius Gillium, a scouting party of which came
within four miles of Far West and drove off stock belonging
to our people, in open daylight.
"About this time word came to Far West that a party of
the mob had come into Caldwell County to the south of Far
West; that they were taking horses and cattle, burning
houses, and ordering the inhabitants to leave their homes
immediately; and that they had then actually in their pos-
session three men prisoners. This report reached Far West
in the evening and was confirmed about midnight. A com-
pany of about sixty men went forth under the command of
David W. Patten, to disperse the mob, as they supposed. A
battle was the result, in which Captain Patten and two of
his men were killed and others wounded. Bogart, it appears,
had but one killed, and others wounded. Notwithstanding
the unlawful acts committed by Captain Bogart's men pre-
vious to the battle, it is now asserted and claimed that he
was regularly ordered out as a militia captain to preserve
the peace along the line of Ray and Caldwell Counties.
That battle was fought four or five days previous to the
arrival of General Lucas and his army. About the time of
the battle with Captain Bogart a number of our people who
were living near Haun's Mills, on Shoal Creek, about twenty
miles below Far West, together with a number of emigrants
274 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
who had been stopped there in consequence of the excite-
ment, made an agreement with the mob which was about
there that neither party should molest the other, but dwell
in peace. Shortly after this agreement was made a mob
party of from two to three hundred, many of whom are sup-
posed to be from Chariton County, some from Daviess, and
also those who had agreed to dwell in peace, came upon our
people there, whose number in men was about forty, at a
time they little expected any such thing, and without any
ceremony, notwithstanding they begged for quarter, shot
them down as they would tigers or panthers. Some few
made their escape by fleeing. Eighteen were killed, and a
number more were severely wounded.
"This tragedy was conducted in the most brutal and sav-
age manner. An old man, after the massacre was partially
over, threw himself into their hands and begged for quarter,
when he was instanty shot down; that not killing him, they
took an old corn-cutter and literally mangled him to pieces.
A lad of ten years of age, after being shot down, also begged
to be spared, when one of them placed the muzzle of his gun
to his head and blew out his brains. The slaughter of these
not satisfying the mob, they then proceeded to rob and
plunder. The scene that presented itself after the massacre
to the widows and orphans of the killed, is beyond descrip-
tion. It was truly a time of weeping, of mourning, and of
lamentation.
"As yet we have not heard of any being arrested for these
murders, notwithstanding there are men boasting about the
county that they did kill on that occasion more than one
'Mormon;' whereas all our people who were in the battle with
Captain Patten against Bogart, that can be found, have been
arrested, and are now confined in jail to await their trial for
murder.
"When General Lucas arrived near Far West and pre-
sented the Governor's order we were greatly surprised; yet
we felt willing to submit to the authorities of the State. We
gave up our arms without reluctance. We were then made
prisoners and confined to the limits of the town for about a
week, during which time the men from the country were not
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 275
permitted to go to their families, many of whom were in a
suffering condition for the want of food and firewood, the
weather being very cold and stormy.
"Much property was destroyed by the troops in town dur-
ing their stay there, such as burning house logs, rails, corn
cribs, boards, etc. ; the using of corn and hay, the plunder-
ing of houses, the killing of cattle, sheep, and hogs, and
also the taking of horses not their own; and all this without
regard to owners, or asking leave of anyone. In the mean-
time, men were abused, women insulted, and abused by the
troops; and all this while we were kept prisoners.
"Whilst the town was guarded we were called together by
the order of General Lucas and a guard placed close around
us, and in that situation were compelled to sign a deed of
trust for the purpose of making our individual property all
holden, as they said, to pay all the debts of every individual
belonging to the church, and also to pay for all damages the
old inhabitants of Daviess may have sustained in conse-
quence of the late difficulties in that county.
"General Clark had now arrived and the first important
move made by him was the collecting of our men together
on the square, and selected out about fifty of them, whom he
immediately marched into a house and confined close. This
was done without the aid of the sheriff or any legal process.
The next day forty-six of those taken were driven, like a
parcel of menial slaves, off to Richmond, not knowing why
they were taken or what they were taken for. After being
confined in Richmond more than two weeks, about one half
were liberated; the rest, after another week's confinement,
were most of them required to appear at court, and have
since been let to bail. Since General Clark withdrew his
troops from Par West, parties of armed men have gone
through the county driving off horses, sheep, and cattle, and
also plundering houses; the barbarity of General Lucas'
troops ought not to be passed over in silence. They shot
our cattle and hogs merely for the sake of destroying
them, leaving them for the ravens to eat. They took
prisoner an aged man by the name of Tanner, and without
any reason for it he was struck over the head with a gun,
276 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
which laid his skull bare. Another man by the name of
Carey was also taken prisoner by them, and without any
provocation had his brains dashed out by a gun. He was
laid in a wagon and there permitted to remain for the
space of twenty-four hours, during which time no one was
permitted to administer to him comfort or consolation; and
after he was removed from that situation he lived but a
few hours.
"The destruction of property at and about Far West is
very great. Many are stripped bare, as it were, and others
partially so; indeed, take us as a body, at this time, we are
a poor and afflicted people; and if we are compelled to leave
the State in the spring, many, yes, a large portion of our
society will have to be removed at the expense of the State;
as those who might have helped them are now debarred that
privilege in consequence of the deed of trust we were com-
pelled to sign; which deed so operated upon our real estate
that it will sell for but little or nothing at this time.
"We have now made a brief statement of some of the most
prominent features of the troubles that have befallen our
people since our first settlement in this State; and we be-
lieve that these persecutions have come in consequence of
our religious faith, and not for any immorality on our part.
That instances have been, of late, where individuals have
trespassed upon the rights of others, and thereby broken
the laws of the land, we will not pretend to deny; but yet
we do believe that no crime can be substantiated against any
of the people who have a standing in our church of an ear-
lier date than the difficulties in Daviess County. And when
it is considered that the rights of this people have been
trampled upon from time to time with impunity, and abuses
heaped upon them almost innumerable, it ought in some
degree to palliate for any infraction of the law which may
have been made on the part of our people.
"The late order of Governor Boggs to drive us from this
State or exterminate us is a thing so novel, unlawful, tyran-
nical, and oppressive that we have been induced to draw up
this memorial and present this statement of our case to your
honorable body, praying that a law may be passed rescind-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 277
ing the order of the Governor to drive us from the State and
also giving us the sanction of the legislature to inherit our
lands in peace. We ask an expression of the legislature
disapproving of the conduct of those who compelled us to
sign a deed of trust, and also disapproving of any man or
set of men taking our property in consequence of that deed
of trust and appropriating it to the payment of damage sus-
tained in consequence of trespasses committed by others.
"We have no common stock; our property is individual
property, and we feel willing to pay our debts as other indi-
viduals do; but we are not willing td be bound for other
people's debts also. The arms which were taken from us
here, which we understand to be about six hundred and
thirty, besides swords and pistols, we care not so much
about as we do the pay for them, only we are bound to do
military duty, which we are willing to do, and which we
think was sufficiently manifested by the raising of a volun-
teer company last fall at Far West, when called upon by
General Parks to raise troops for the frontier.
"The arms given up by us we consider were worth be-
tween twelve and fifteen thousand dollars; but we under-
stand they have been greatly damaged since taken, and at
this time probably would not bring near their former value.
And as they were, both here and in Jackson County, taken
by the militia, and consequently by the authority of the
State, we therefore ask your honorable body to cause an
appropriation to be made by law whereby we may be paid
for them, or otherwise have them returned to us and the
damages made good.
"The losses sustained by our people in leaving Jackson
County are so situated that it is impossible to obtain any
compensation for them by law, because those who have sus-
tained them are unable to prove those trespasses upon indi-
viduals. That the facts do exist that the buildings, crops,
stock, furniture, rails, timber, etc., of the society have been
destroyed in Jackson County, is not doubted by those who
are acquainted in this upper country; and since these tres-
passes cannot be proven upon individuals, we ask your hon-
orable body to consider this case; and if in your liberality
278 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and wisdom you can conceive it to be proper to make an ap-
propriation by law to these sufferers, many of whom are
still pressed down with poverty in consequence of their
losses, would be able to pay their debts, and also in some
degree be relieved from poverty and woe; whilst the wid-
ow's heart would be made to rejoice, and the orphan's tear
measurably dried up, and the prayers of a grateful people
ascend on high with thanksgiving and praise to the Author
of our existence for that beneficent act.
"In laying our case before your honorable body we say
that we are willing and ever have been to conform to the
Constitution and laws of the United States and of this
State. We ask in common with others the protection of the
laws. We ask for the privilege guaranteed to all free citi-
zens of the United States and of this State to be extended to
us, that we may be permitted to settle and live where we
please, and worship God according to the dictates of our
conscience without molestation. And while we ask for our-
selves this privilege we are willing all others should enjoy
the same.
: "We now lay our case at the feet of your legislature and
ask your honorable body to consider it, and do for us, after
mature deliberation, that which your wisdom, patriotism,
and philanthropy may dictate.
"And we, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
•'Edward Partridge, Heber C. Kiraball, John Taylor,
"Theodore Tin-ley, Brigham Young, Isaac Morley,
"George W. Harris, John Murdock, John M. Burk,
•'A committee appointed by the citizens of Caldwell
County, to draft this memorial and sign it in their behalf.
"FAB WEST, Caldwell County, Missouri, December 10, 1838."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 586-589.
On December 16 President Joseph Smith wrote a lengthy
epistle to the church, which closed with the following
sound advice: —
•'And now dear and well beloved brethren, — and when we
say brethren, we mean those who have continued faithful in
Christ, men, women, and children, — we feel to
exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus to be
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 279
strong in the faith in the new and everlasting covenant, and
nothing frightened at your enemies. For what has happened
unto us is an evident token to them of damnation; but unto
us of salvation, and that of God. Therefore hold on even
unto death; for 'he that seeks to save his life shall lose it;
but he that loseth his life for my sake and the gospel's shall
find it,' saith Jesus Christ.
"Brethren, from henceforth let truth and righteousness
prevail and abound in you; and in all things be temperate;
abstain from drunkenness, and from swearing, and from all
profane language, and from everything which is unrighteous
or unholy; also from enmity, and hatred, and covetousness,
and from every unholy desire. Be honest one with another,
for it seemeth that some have come short of these things,
and some have been uncharitable, and have manifested
greediness because of their debts towards those who have
been persecuted and dragged about with chains without
cause, and imprisoned. Such characters God hates— and
they shall have their turn of sorrow in the rolling of the
great wheel, for it rolleth and none can hinder. Zion shall
yet live, though she seemeth to be dead.
"Remember that whatsoever measure you mete out to oth-
ers, it shall be measured to you again. We say unto you,
brethren, be not afraid of your adversaries; contend ear-
nestly against mobs and the unlawful works of dissenters
and of darkness.
"And the very God of peace shall be with you, and make
a way for your escape from the adversary of your souls.
We commend you to God and the work of his grace, which
is able to make us wise unto salvation. Amen.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 628, 629.
On December 19, 1838, John E. Page and John Taylor
page and Tay- were ordained apostles at Far West, Missouri,
ior ordained. under the nands of Brigham Young and H. C.
Kimball.
The following account of legislative action is from the pen
of Joseph Smith:—
"This day [December 16, 1838] Elder David H. Redfield
280 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
arrived at Jefferson City, and on Monday, 17th, presented
Legisia- tne petition of the brethren to General D. R.
tive action. Atchison and others, who were very anxious to
hear from Caldwell, as there were many reports in circula-
tion, such as 'the Mormons kept up the Danite system,'
'were going to build the Lord's house,' and 'more blood
would be spilled before they left the State,' etc.; which crea-
ted a hardness in the minds of the people.
"In the afternoon Brother Redfield had an interview
with Governor Boggs, who inquired about our people and
property with as much apparent interest as though his
whole soul was engaged for our welfare; and said that he
had heard that 'the citizens were committing depredations
on the Mormons, and driving off their stock,' etc.
"Brother Redfield informed him that armed forces came
in the place and abused men, women, and children, stole
horses, drove off cattle, and plundered houses of everything
that pleased their fancy.
"Governor Boggs said that he would write Judge King
and Colonel Price to go to Far West and put down every
hostile appearance. He also stated that 'the stipulations
entered into by the Mormons to leave the State, and sign
the deed of trust, were unconstitutional and not valid.'
"Brother Redfield replied, 'We want the legislature to
pass a law to that effect, showing that the stipulations and
deeds of trust are not valid and are unconstitutional; and
unless you do pass such a law we shall not consider our-
selves safe in the State. You say there has been a stain
upon the character of the State, and now is the time to pass
some law to that effect; and unless you do, farewell to the
virtue of the State; farewell to her honor and good name;
farewell to her Christian virtue, until she shall be peopled
by a different race of men; farewell to every name that binds
man to man; farewell to a fine soil and a glorious home;
they are gone, they are rent from us by a lawless banditti.'
"Tuesday, 18th. Mr. Turner, from the joint committee
on the 'Mormon' investigation, submitted a report, preamble
and resolutions. The essential part is as follows: —
" 'They consider the evidence adduced in the examination
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 281
held at Richmond in a great degree ex parte, and not of the
character which should be desired for the basis of a fair and
candid investigation —
*' '1. Because it is not authenticated: and
" '2. It is confined chiefly to the object of that inquiry;
namely, the investigation of criminal charges against indi-
viduals under arrest. For these reasons, and above all for
the reason that it would be a direct interference with the
administration of justice, this document ought not to be pub-
lished with the sanction of the legislature.
" 'Resolved: That it is inexpedient at this time to prose-
cute further the inquiry into the causes of the late disturb-
ances and the conduct of the military operations in
suppressing them.
" 'Resolved: That it is inexpedient to publish at this
time any of the documents accompanying the Governor's
message in relation to the last disturbances.
" 'Resolved: That it is expedient to appoint a joint com-
mittee, composed of senators and representatives, to investi-
gate the cause of said disturbances and the conduct of the
military operations in suppressing them, to meet at such
time and to be invested with such power as may be pre-
scribed by laws.'
"Wednesday, 19th. Mr. John Carroll presented the peti-
tion to the House. While it was reading the members were
silent as the house of death; after which the debate com-
menced, and excitement increased till the House was in an
uproar; their faces turned red; their eyes flashed fire, and
their countenances spoke volumes.
"Mr. Childs, of Jackson County, said, 'there was not one
word of truth in it, so far as he had heard, and that it ought
never to have been presented to that body. Not long ago
we appropriated two thousand dollars to their relief, and
now they have petitioned for the pay for their lands, which
we took away from them. We got rid of a great evil when
we drove them from Jackson County, and we have had peace
there ever since; and the State will always be in difficulty so
long as they suffer them to live in the State; and the quicker
they get that petition from before that body the better.'
282 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Mr. Ashley, from Livingston, said, 'the petition was
false, from beginning to end, and that himself and the Mor-
mons could not live together, for he would always be found
fighting against them, and one or the other must leave the
State.' He gave a history of the Haun's Mill massacre, and
saw Jack Rogers cut up McBride with a corn-cutter.
"Mr. Carroll corrected Mr. Childs, and stated facts in the
petition which he was knowing to, and that Mr. Childs ought
to know that there could not be the first crime established
against the 'Mormons' while in Jackson County.
"One member hoped the matter would not be looked over
in silence, for his constituents required of him to know the
cause of the late disturbances.
"Mr. Young, of Lafayette, spoke very bitter against the
petition and the 'Mormons.'
"An aged member from St. Charles moved a reference of
the bill to a select committee; and, continued he, 'as the gen-
tleman that just spoke, and other gentlemen want the peti-
tion ruled out of the House for fear their evil-doings will be
brought to light; and this goes to prove to me and others
that the petition is true.'
"Mr. Redman, of Howard, made a long speech in favor of
a speedy investigation of the whole matter; said he, 'The
Governor's order has gone forth, and the Mormons are leav-
ing; hundreds are waiting to cross the Mississippi River,
and by and by they are gone and our State is blasted; her
character is gone; we gave them no chance for a fair inves-
tigation. The State demands of us that we give them a
speedy investigation.'
"Mr. Gyer, from St. Louis, agreed with the gentleman
from Howard, 'that the committee should have power to call
witnesses from any part of the State and defend them; and
unless the Governor's order was rescinded, he for one would
leave the State.'
"Other gentlemen made similar remarks.
"The testimony presented the committee of investigation,
before referred to, was the Governor's orders, General
Clark's reports, the report of the ex parte trial at Richmond,
and a lot of papers signed by nobody, given to nobody, and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 283
directed to nobody, containing anything our enemies were
disposed to write. . . .
"After much legislation, disputation, controversy, and
angry speechifying, as the papers of Missouri published at
the time abundantly testify, the petition and memorial were
laid on the table until the July following: thus utterly refus-
ing to grant the memorialists their request, thereby refusing
to investigate the subject.
"After we were cast into prison we heard nothing but
threatenings, that if any judge or jury or court of any kind
should clear any of us we should never get out of the State
alive.
"The State appropriated two thousand dollars to be dis-
tributed among the people of Daviess and Caldwell, the
'Mormons' of Caldwell not exempted. The people of
Daviess thought they could live on 'Mormon' property and
did not want their thousand, consequently it was pretended
to be given to those of Caldwell. Judge Cameron, Mr. Mc-
Henry, and others attended to the distribution. Judge
Cameron would drive in the brethren's hogs (many of which
were identified) and shoot them down in the streets; and
without further bleeding and half dressing they were cut up
and distributed by McHenry to the poor, at a charge of four
and five cents per pound; which, together with a few pieces
of refuse goods, such as calicoes at double and treble price,
soon consumed the two thousand dollars; doing the breth-
ren very little good, or in reality none, as the property
destroyed by them was equal to what they gave the saints.
"The proceedings of the legislature were warmly opposed
by a minority of the House, among whom were D. R. Atchi-
son, of Clay County, and all the members from St. Louis,
and Messrs. Rollins and Gordon, from Boone, and by vari-
ous other members from other counties; but the mob
majority carried the day, for the guilty wretches feared an
investigation, knowing that it would endanger their lives
and liberties. Sometime during this session the legislature
appropriated two hundred thousand dollars to pay the
troops for driving the saints out of the State.
"Many of the State journals tried to hide the iniquity of
284 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
the State, by throwing a covering of lies over her atrocious
deeds. But can they hide the Governor's cruel order for
banishment or extermination? Can they conceal the facts
of the disgraceful treaty of the Generals with their own
officers and men at the city of Far West? Can they conceal
the fact that twelve or fifteen thousand men, women, and
children have been banished from the State without trial or
condemnation? And this at an expense of two hundred
thousand dollars— and this sum appropriated by the State
Legislature, in order to pay the troops for this act of law-
less outrage? Can they conceal the fact that we have been
imprisoned for many months, while our families, friends,
and witnesses have been driven away? Can they conceal
the blood of the murdered husbands and fathers, or stifle
the cries of the widow and the fatherless? Nay! The
rocks and mountains may cover them in unknown depths,
the awful abyss of the fathomless deep may swallow them
up, and still their horrid deeds will stand forth in the broad
light of day for the wondering gaze of angels and of men!
They cannot be hid!
"Sometime in December Heber C. Kimball and Alanson
Ripley were appointed by the brethren in Far West to visit
us at Liberty jail as often as circumstances would permit,
or occasion required, which they faithfully performed. We
were sometimes visited by our friends, whose kindness and
attention I shall ever remember with feelings of lively grati-
tude; but frequently we were not suffered to have that privi-
lege. Our victuals were of the coarsest kind and served up
in a manner which was disgusting.
"Thus, in a land of liberty, in the town of Liberty, Clay
County, Missouri, I and my fellow prisoners, in chains,
dungeons, and jail, saw the close of 1838." — Millennial Star,
vol. 16, pp. 661-665.
CHAPTER 15.
1838-1839.
EXPERIENCE OF THE PRISONERS— DELIVERED TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES
—THE TRIAL— CONVEYED TO LIBERTY — WIGHTS ACCOUNT—
PRATT'S ACCOUNT— PRATT AND PHELPS ESCAPE— VISITORS AT
THE JAIL— CLOSING OP THE YEAR.
WE will now relate the experience of the prisoners in their
journeys, trials, and incarceration.
Joseph Smith's account is as follows: —
"Saturday, 3d. We continued our march and arrived at
the Missouri River, which separated us from Jackson
Experience of County, where we were hurried across the ferry
the prisoners. when but few troops had passed. The truth was
General Clark had sent an express from Richmond to Gen-
eral Lucas to have the prisoners sent to him and thus pre-
vent our going to Jackson County, both armies being
competitors for the honor of possessing 'the royal prisoners.'
Clark wanted the privilege of putting us to death himself,
and Lucas and his troops were desirous of exhibiting us in
the streets of Independence.
"Sunday, 4th. We were visited by some ladies and gen-
tlemen. One of the women came up and very candidly
inquired of the troops which of the prisoners was the Lord
whom the 'Mormons' worshiped. One of the guards pointed
to me with a significant smile and said, 'This is he.' The
woman then turning to me inquired whether I professed to
be the Lord and Savior. I replied that I professed to be
nothing but a man and a minister of salvation, sent by Jesus
Christ to preach the gospel.
"This answer so surprised the woman that she began to
inquire into our doctrine, and I preached a discourse both to
her and her companions and to the wondering soldiers, who
listened with almost breathless attention while I set forth
286 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
the doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance, and
baptism for remission of sins, with the promise of the Holy
Ghost, as recorded in the second chapter of the Acts of the
Apostles.
"The woman was satisfied and praised God in the hearing
of the soldiers, and went away praying that God would pro-
tect and deliver us. Thus was fulfilled a prophecy which
had been spoken publicly by me a few months previous —
that a sermon should be preached in Jackson County by one
of our elders before the close of 1838.
"The troops having crossed the river about ten o'clock,
we proceeded on and arrived at Independence, past noon, in
the midst of great rain and a multitude of spectators who
had assembled to see us and hear the bugles sound a blast
of triumphant joy, which echoed through the camp as we
were ushered into a vacant house prepared for our recep-
tion, with a floor for our beds and blocks of wood for our
pillows.1
1 The following letter written at this date by Joseph Smith, the origi-
nal of which is now in our possession in his own handwriting, conflicts
slightly with this account as regards their treatment: —
INDEPENDENCE, Jackson Co., Missouri, November 4, 1838.
My dear and beloved companion of my bosom, in tribulation and affliction: —
I would inform you that I am well and that we are all of us in good
spirits as regards our own fate. We have been protected by the Jack-
son County boys in the most genteel manner, and arrived here in the
midst of a splendid parade, a little after noon. Instead of going to gaol
we have a good house provided for us and the kindest treatment. I have
great anxiety about you and my lovely children. My heart mourns and
bleeds for the brethren and sisters, and for the slain of the people ol
God. Colonel Hinkle proved to be a traitor to the church. He is worse
'than a Hull who betrayed the army at Detroit. He decoyed us unawares,
God reward him. John Corrill told General Wilson that he was going to
leave the church. General Wilson says he thinks much less of him now
than before. Why I mention this is to have you careful not to trust
them. If we are permitted to stay any time here we have obtained a
promise that we may have our families brought to us. What God may
do for us I do not know, but I hope for the best always in all circum-
stances. Although I go unto death I will trust in God. What outrages
may be committed by the mob I know not, but expect there will be but
little or no restraint. Oh! may God have mercy on us.
When we arrived at the river last night an express came to General
Wilson from General Clark, of Howard County, claiming the right of
command, ordering us back, where or what place, God only knows; and
there are some feelings between the officers. I do not know where it
will end. It is said by some that General Clark is determined to exter-
minate. God-has spared some of us thus far. Perhaps he will extend
ttiercy in some degree toward us yet. Some of the people of this place
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 2&7
"General Clark arrived at Far West with one thousand
six hundred men, and five hundred more were within eight
miles of the city.
"Thus Par West has been visited by six thousand men in
one week, when the militia of the city (before any were
taken prisoners) amounted only to about five hundred, whose
arms having been secured, the mob continued to hunt the
brethren like wild beasts, and shot several, ravished the
women, and killed one near the city; no saint was permitted
to go in or out of the city, and they lived on parched corn.
"General Clark ordered General Lucas, who had previ-
ously gone to Adam-ondi-ahman with his troops, 'to take the
whole of the men of the Mormons prisoners and place such
a guard around them and the town as will protect the pris-
oners and secure them until they can be dealt with prop-
erly,' and secure all their property, till the best means could
be adopted for paying the damages the citizens had sus-
tained.
"Monday, 5th. We were kept under a small guard and
were treated with some degree of hospitality and politeness,
while many flocked to see us. We spent most of our time in
preaching and conversation, explanatory of our doctrines
and practice, which removed mountains of prejudice and
enlisted the populace in our favor, notwithstanding their old
hatred and wickedness towards our society.
"The brethren at Far West were ordered by General
have told me that some of the Mormons may settle in this county as
other men do. I have some hopes that something may turn out for good
to the afflicted saints. I want you to stay where you are until you heat
from me again. I may send for you to bring you to me. I cannot learn
much for certainty in the situation that I am in, and can only pray for
deliverance until it is meted out, and take everything as it comes with
patience and fortitude. I hope you will be faithful and true to every
trust. I can't write much in my situation. Conduct all matters as
your circumstances and necessities require. May God give you wisdom
and prudence and sobriety, which I have every reason to believe you
will. Those little children are subjects of my meditation continually.
Tell them that Father is yet alive. God grant that he may see them
again. OhI Emma, for God's sake do not forsake me nor the truth, but
remember me. If I do not meet you again in this life— may God grant
that we may — may we meet in heaven. I cannot express my feelings;
my heart is full. Farewell, O my kind and affectionate Emma. I am
yours forever, your husband and true friend,
JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
288 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Clark to form a line, when the names of fifty-six present
were called and made prisoners to await their trial for some-
thing they knew not. They were kept under a close
guard. . . .
"Shortly after our arrival in Jackson County Colonel
Sterling Price, 2 from the army of General Clark, came with
orders from General Clark, who was commander in chief of
the expedition, to have us forwarded forthwith to Richmond.
Accordingly on Thursday morning we started with three
guards only, and they had been obtained with great diffi-
culty, after laboring all the previous day to get them.
Between Independence and Roy's Ferry, on the Missouri
River, they all got drunk, and we got possession of their
arms and horses.
"It was late in the afternoon, near the setting of the sun.
We traveled about half a mile after we crossed the river,
and put up for the night.
"Friday, 9th. This morning there came a number of men,
some of them armed. Their threatenings and savage
appearance were such as to make us 'afraid to proceed with-
out more guards. A messenger was therefore dispatched to
Richmond to obtain them.
"We started before their arrival, but had not gone far
before we met Colonel Price with a guard of about seventy-
four men, and were conducted by them to Richmond and put
into an old vacant house, and a guard set.
"Sometime through the course of that day General Clark
came in and we were introduced to him. We inquired of
him the reason why we had been thus carried from our
homes, and what were the charges against us. He said that
he was not then able to determine, but would be in a short
time; and with very little more conversation, withdrew.
"Some short time after he had withdrawn Colonel Price
came in with two chains in his hands and a number of pad-
locks. The two chains he fastened together. He had with
him ten men, armed, who stood at the time of these opera-
tions with a thumb upon the cock of their guns. They first
2 This is the General Price of Confederate fame.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 289
nailed down the windows, then came and ordered a man by
the name of John Fulkinson, whom he had with him, to
chain us together with chains and padlocks, being seven in
number. After that he searched us, examining our pockets
to see if we had any arms. Finding nothing but pocket
knives, he took them and conveyed them off.
"Saturday, 10th. . . General Clark had spent his time
since our arrival at Richmond in searching the laws to find
authority for trying us by court-martial. Had he not been a
lawyer of eminence I should have supposed it no very diffi-
cult task to decide that quiet, peaceful, unoffending, and
private citizens too, except as ministers of the gospel, were
not amenable to a military tribunal, in a country governed
by civil laws. But be this as it may, General Clark wrote
the Governor that he had
" 'Detained General White and his field officers here a day
or two, for the purpose of holding a court-martial, if neces-
sary. I this day made out charges against the prisoners
and called on Judge King to try them as a committing court;
and I am now busily engaged in procuring witnesses and
submitting facts. There being no civil officers in Caldwell, I
have to use the military to get witnesses from there, which
I do without reserve. The most of the prisoners here I con-
sider guilty of treason; and I believe will be convicted; and
the only difficulty in law is, can they be tried in any county
but Caldwell? If not, they cannot be there indicted, until a
change of population. In the event the latter view is taken
by the civil courts, I suggest the propriety of trying Jo
Smith and those leaders taken by General Lucas, by a court-
martial, for mutiny. This I am in favor of only as a dernier
resort. I would have taken this course with Smith at any
rate; but it being doubtful whether a court-martial has juris-
diction or not in the present case — that is, whether these
people are to be treated as in time of war, and the mutineers
as having mutinied in time of war— and I would here ask
you to forward to me the Attorney General's opinion on
this point. It will not do to allow these leaders to return
to their treasonable work again, on account of their not
being indicted in Caldwell. They have committed treason
290 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
murder, arson, burglary, robbery, larceny, and perjury.' . . .
"Sunday, llth. While in Richmond we were under the
charge of Colonel Price from Chariton County, who suffered
all manner of abuse to be heaped upon us.
"During this time my afflictions were great, and our situa-
tion was truly painful.
"General Clark informed us that he would turn us over to
the civil authorities for trial. Joseph Smith, Jr., Hyrum
Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, Lyman
Delivered
to civil Wight, Amasa Lyman, George W. Robinson,
Caleb Baldwin, Alanson Ripley, Washington
Voorhees, Sidney Turner, John Buchanan, Jacob Gates,
Chandler Holbrook, George W. Harris, Jesse D. Hunter,
Andrew Whitlock, Martin C. Allred, William Allred, George
D. Grant, Darwin Chase, Elijah Newman, Alvin G. Tippets,
Zedekiah Owens, Isaac Morley, Thomas Beck, Moses Claw-
son, John T. Tanner, Daniel Shearer, Daniel S. Thomas,
Alexander McRae, Elisha Edwards, John S. Higbee,
Ebenezer Page, Benjamin Covey, Ebenezer Robinson,
Luman Gibbs, James M. Henderson, David Pettcgrew,
Edward Partridge, Francis Higbee, David Frampton,
George Kimball, Joseph W. Younger, Henry Zabriski,
Allen J. Stout, Sheffield Daniels, Silas Maynard, Anthony
Head, Benjamin Jones, Daniel Carn, John T. Earl, and
Norman Shearer, were brought before Austin A. King, at
Richmond, for trial, charged with the several crimes of
high treason against the State, murder, burglary, arson",
robbery, and larceny.
"Monday, 12th. The first act of the court was to send
out a body of armed men, without a civil process, to obtain
witnesses.3
"Tuesday, 13th. We were placed at the bar, Austin A.
King presiding, and Thomas C. Burch State's Attorney.
8The following: letter, the original of which is now in our possession,
shows the inward life and feelings of the man: —
RICHMOND, Missouri, November 12, 1838.
My Dear Emma: — We are prisoners in chains and under strong guards
for Christ's sake and for no other causes; although there have been
things that were unbeknown to us and altogether beyond our control
that might seem to the mob to be a pretext for them to persecute us;
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 291
Witnesses were called and sworn at the point of the
bayonet.
"Dr. Sampson Avard was the first brought before the
court. He had previously told Mr. Oliver Olney that if he
[Olney] wished to save himself he must swear
hard against the heads of the church, as they
were the ones the court wanted to criminate; and if he could
swear hard against them, they would not (that is, neither
court nor mob) disturb him. 'I intend to do it,' said he, 'in
order to escape, for if I do not, they will take my life.'
"This introduction is sufficient to show the character of
his testimony, and he swore just according to the statement
but on examination I think that the authorities will discover our inno-
cence and set us free; but if this blessing cannot be obtained I have this
consolation, that I am an innocent man, let what will befall me.
I received your letter, which I read over and over again; it was a
sweet morsel to me. O God, grant that I may have the privilege of see-
ing once more my lovely family in the enjoyment of the sweets of liberty
and sociable life; to press them to my bosom and kiss their lovely cheeks
would fill my heart with unspeakable gratitude. Tell the children that
I am alive, and trust I shall come and see them before long. Comfort
their hearts all you can, and try to be comforted yourself all you can.
There is no possible danger but what we shall be set at liberty if justice
can be done, and that you know as well as myself. The trial will begin
to-day for some of us. Lawyer Reese, and we expect Doniphan, will
plead our cause. We could get no others in time for the trial. They
are able men and will do well, no doubt.
Brother Robinson is chained next to me, he has a true heart and a
firm mind; Brother Wight is next, Brother Rigdon next, Hyrum next,
Parley next, Amasa next; and thus we are bound together in chains, as
well as the cords of everlasting love. We are in good spirits and rejoice
that we are counted worthy to be persecuted for Christ's sake. Tell
little Joseph he must be a good boy. Father loves him with a perfect
love; he is the eldest — must not hurt those that are smaller than he, but
care for them. Tell little Frederick Father loves him with all his heart;
he is a lovely boy. Julia is a lovely little girl; I love her also. She is a
promising child; tell her Father wants her to remember him and be a
good girl. Tell all the rest that I think of them and pray for them all.
Bro. Babbitt is waiting to carry our letters for us. Colonel Price is
inspecting them; therefore my time is short. Little Alexander is on my
mind continually. O, my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember
that I am a true and faithful friend to you and the children forever.
My heart is entwined around yours forever and ever. O, may God bless
you all. Amen. I am your husband, and am in bonds and tribulation,
etc. JOSEPH SMITH, JB.
To Emma Smith.
P. S. — Write as often as you can, and If possible come and see me, and
bring the children if possible. Act according to your own feelings and
best judgment, and endeavor to be comforted, if possible, and I trust
that all will turn out for the best. Yours, J. S.
292 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
he had made, doubtless thinking it a wise course to ingra-
tiate himself into the good graces of the mob.
"The following witnesses were examined in behalf of the
State, many of whom, if we may judge from their testimony,
swore upon the same principle as Avard; namely, Wyatt
Cravens, Nehemiah Sale, Captain Samuel Bogart, Morris
Phelps, John Corrill, Robert Snodgrass, George Walton,
George M. Hinkle, James C. Owens, Nathaniel Carr, Abner
Scovell, John Cleminson, Reed ]?eck, James C. Owens
regxamined, William Splawn, Thomas M. Odle, John Raglin,
Allen Rathbun, Jeremiah Myers, Andrew P. Job, Freeburn
H. Gardner, Burr Riggs, Elisha Camron, Charles Bleckley,
James Cobb, Jesse Kelly, Addison Price, Samuel Kimball,
William W. Phelps, John Whitmer, James B. Turner, George
W. Worthington, Joseph H. McGee, John Lockhart, Porter
Yale, Benjamin Slade, Ezra Williams, Addison Green, John
Taylor, Timothy Lewis, and Patrick Lynch. . . .
"We were called upon for our witnesses and we gave the
names of some forty or fifty. Captain Bogart was dis-
patched with a company of militia to procure them. Ar-
rested all he could find, thrust them into prison, and we
were not allowed to see them.
"We were again called upon most tauntingly for witnesses;
we gave the names of some others, and they were also thrust
into prison, so many as were to be found.
"In the meantime, Malinda Porter, Delia F. Pine, Nancy
Rigdon, Jonathan W. Barlow, Thoret Parsons, Ezra Chip-
man, and Arza Judd, Jr., volunteered, and were sworn, on
the defense, but were prevented by threats from telling the
truth as much as possible. We saw a man at the window by
the name of Allen, and beckoned him to come in and had
him sworn; but when he did not testify to please the court,
several rushed upon him with their bayonets, and he fled the
place, and three men took after him with loaded guns, and
he barely escaped with his life. It was of no use to get any
more witnesses if we could have done it.
"Thus this mock investigation continued from day to day,
till Saturday, when several of the brethren were discharged
by Judge King, as follows:—
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 293
"'Defendants against whom nothing is proven; viz.,
Amasa Lyman, John Buchanan, Andrew Whitlock, Alvah
L. Tippets, Jedediah Owens, Isaac Morley, John T. Tan-
ner, Daniel S. Thomas, Elisha Edwards, Benjamin
Covey, David Frampton, Henry Zabriski, Allen J. Stout,
Sheffield Daniels, Silas Maynard, Anthony Head, John T.
Earl, Ebenezer Brown, James Newberry, Sylvester Hulet,
Chandler Holbrook, Martin Allred, William Allred. The
above defendants have been discharged by me, there being
no evidence against them.
44 'AUSTIN A. KING, Judge, etc.
44 'November 24, 1838.'
"Our church organization was converted, by the testimony
of the apostates, into a temporal kingdom which was to fill
the whole earth and subdue all other kingdoms.
"Much was inquired by the Judge (who, by the by, was a
Methodist) concerning the prophecy of Daniel, 'In the days
of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom
which shall break in pieces all other kingdoms, and stand
forever,' etc.; 'and the kingdom and the greatness of the
kingdom, under the whole heavens, shall be given to the
saints of the Most High,' etc., just as though it was treason
to believe the Bible.
"The remaining prisoners were all released, or admitted
to bail, except Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, Hyrum Smith,
Alexander McRae, Sidney Rigdon, and myself, who were
sent to Liberty, Clay County, to jail, to stand our trial for
treason and murder— the treason, for having whipped the
mob out of Daviess County and taking their cannon from
them; and the murder, for the man killed in the Bogart
battle; also Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs,
Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer, who were put into
Richmond jail to stand their trial for the same crimes.
"During the investigation we were mostly confined in
chains and received much abuse.
"The matter of driving away witnesses, or casting them
into prison, or chasing them out of the country, was carried
to such a length that our lawyers, General Doniphan and
AJ»OS Reese, told us not to bring our witnesses there at all;
294 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
for if we did there would not be one of them left for final
trial; for no sooner would Bogart and his men know who
they were than they would put them out of the coun-
try.
"As to making any impression on King, if a cohort of
angels were to come down and declare we were clear, Doni-
phan said it would be all the same; for he (King) had deter-
mined from the beginning to cast us into prison.
"We never got the privilege of introducing our witnesses
at all; if we had, we could have disproved all they swore."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 539, 556-558, 565.
On November 30 the prisoners were started from Rich-
mond for Liberty, as ordered in the following mittimus: —
"State of Missouri, Ray County.
"To the Keeper of the Jail of Glay County; Greeting: —
Whereas, Joseph Smith, Jr., Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight,
conveyed Alexander McRae, and Caleb Baldwin, as also
to Liberty. Sidney Rigdon, have been brought before me,
Austin A. King, judge of the fifth judicial circuit in the
State of Missouri, and charged with the offense of treason
against the State of Missouri, and the said defendants, on
their examination before me, being held to answer further
to said charge, the said Joseph Smith, Jr., Hyrum Smith,
Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae, and Caleb Baldwin to an-
swer in the county of Daviess, and the said Sydney Rigdon
to answer further in the county of Caldwell, for said charge
of treason, and there being no jail in said counties: These
are therefore to command that you receive the said Joseph
Smith, Jr., Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae,
Caleb Baldwin, and Sidney Rigdon into your custody in the
jail of the said county of Clay, there to remain until they be
delivered therefrom by due course of law.
"Given under my hand and seal the 29th day of Novem-
ber, 1838.
. . "AUSTIN A. KING.
"State of Missouri, County of Clay.
"I, Samuel Hadley, sheriff of Clay County, do hereby cer-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 295
tify that the above is a true copy of the mittimus to me,
directed in the cases therein named.
"SAMUEL HADLEY, Jailer.
"By SAMUEL TILLERY, Deputy Jailer.
"Clay County, Missouri."4
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 566.
Lyman Wight's account as recorded in his journal is as
follows: —
"November 1. This morning we were ordered by General
Wilson to make ready to go to Jackson County, and in-
wight's formed by him that we were delivered into his
account. charge, that he had three hundred good soldiers,
and that he would guarantee that we should be well treated;
which promise he fulfilled to the very letter. We were then
placed in a wagon, marched seventeen miles to Crooked
River, and camped for the night.
"2d. To-day we marched on and crossed the Missouri
River at Williams' Ferry and camped on the other side for
the night.
"3d. We now found ourselves in Jackson County, from
which we were driven in 1833, about thirteen miles from
Independence. Several times in the course of this day we
were exhibited as a public show, having been carried in a
covered wagon. But I have it to say that with one excep-
tion we were treated in the most genteel manner. We
landed at Independence about three o'clock p. m. and were
placed in a huge log house on the north side of the public
square, with a small guard about us. We had many respecta-
ble visitors this evening, together with some few of the
offscouring of the earth. We had food prepared for and
brought to us. We rested very comfortably through the
night.
"4th. This day we were at liberty to go where we pleased
about through the town. We walked down to the Temple
Lot, in company with a gentleman by the name of Collins.
He said he presumed the place did not look as it would had
«This purported mittimus was not made out, however, until the
March following. So they were over three months in jail without pro-
cess.
296 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
we been permitted to have remained in this county. We
spent [the day] in walking about, retired in the evening to
the same place and tarried for night.
"5th. This day we were invited to dine with General
Wilson, by the request of his wife and family, where we
were treated in the most genteel style. When the blessing
was asked at the table his wife shed tears freely. We
retired after dinner to our place of residence for the
night.
"November 6. This morning General Wilson ordered us
to be moved to Knowlten's hotel, where we were treated in
a genteel manner. We spent the day walking about through
town, and also traded some, and returned to Knowlten's for
"the night.
"7th. On this day we were invited to dine at a hotel in the
lower part of the town. We returned to Knowlten's in the
evening, and were introduced to Colonel Price, who gave us
to understand that he had been sent by General Clark, who
had just arrived in Richmond with five Ihousand troops, and
who, by the order of the Governor, was commander in chief
of all the mob militia in the State, ordered us forthwith to
Richmond for a new trial, as he claims the highest authority
of martial law on the occasion. He also informed us that
General Clark had with him an express order from the Gov-
ernor, to either exterminate or drive from the State every
Mormon within its borders. We now retired to rest, and to
wait the result of another day.
"8th. This morning we made every necessary preparation
to repair to Richmond as quick as possible. Colonel Arnat
and two other men attended us as guards. We started and
crossed the Missouri River fifteen miles from this place
about the setting of the sun, and camped in an old house on
the opposite bank.
"9th. This morning about ten miles from Richmond we
were met by about fifty men, who guarded us into Rich-
mond, where we were thrust into an old log house. Some
little provisions were brought in, which we took in our
hands and ate. We were strongly guarded through the
night. This evening we were informed that Genera] Clark
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 297
had been to Far West and had disarmed every Mormon that
he could find, and had taken about sixty prisoners, and
brought them to this place, and placed them in the court-
house about twenty rods from where we now are, which has
neither floor nor door- shutter, and the weather is very in-
clement. The remainder of the Mormons he said could remain
until the opening of the spring season; but if they should
then be found attempting to put in a crop or stay longer,
they should most assuredly be exterminated without
mercy. . . .
''General Clark came in between the hours of seven and
eight o'clock this evening, who on being interrogated what
our crimes were, said he would inform us in the morning,
and with a frown passed out of the room. After receiving
many insults and much abuse from the people, we were left
to await the result of the morning.
"10th. This morning General Clark came and with a look
of awe and disdain said: 'Gentlemen, you are charged with
having committed treason, murder, arson, burglary, larceny,
and stealing, and various other crimes too numerous to men-
tion,' and in great haste left the room. He had not more
than passed the door when Colonel Price with sixteen men
stepped in at the door, each having his gun presented with
his thumb on the cock. They were quickly followed by a
Mr. Fulkinson, the overseer of the penitentiary, with three
trace chains and seven padlocks in his hands, and com-
menced chaining us by our legs, one by one, until we were
all chained together about two feet apart. We were then
informed that we were delivered over to the civil law, and
that General Clark, after arriving at this place, had held a
court-martial and sentenced us to be shot, but fearing this
might not be correct he had sent to Fort Leaven worth to the
United States officer, whose answer, on the subject was that
•it would be nothing more, nor nothing less than cold-blooded
murder.'6 During this whole time there had not been a pro-
cess served on us, neither civil nor uncivil. We spent this
day in chains for the first time, ruminating from present
'This was Lieutenant Colonel Richard B. Mason, First Dragoons.
298 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
prospects what the future might be. You may well calcu-
late the day passed off with gloomy aspect.
"llth. A. King, circuit judge of the fifth judicial circuit,
called for us at the courthouse to-day, and informed us that
we were put on trial for the above-mentioned charges, stated
by General Clark. Court was called and adjourned for want
of testimony. We retired to our chains and couches of straw
and spent the night.
"November 12. Court opened this morning and Sampson
Avard was sworn. He was a man whose character was per-
fectly run down in all classes of society, and he being a
stranger palmed himself upon the Mormon Church, and in
order to raise himself in the estimation of the church
invented schemes and plans to go against mobocracy, which
were perfectly derogatory to the laws of this State and of
the United States, and frequently endeavored to enforce
them upon members of the church, and when repulsed by
Joseph Smith he would frequently become chagrined. At
one time he told me that the reason why he could not carry
his plans into effect was that the First Presidency of the
church feared that he would have too much influence, and
gain the honor which the First Presidency desired for them-
selves.
"At one time he said to me that he would be damned if he
did not carry his plans through. More than once did he
raise a conspiracy against them (the Presidency) in order to
take their lives, thinking that he might then rule the church.
Now when he was brought before the court he swore that all
these treasonable purposes (which he had sworn in his
heart to perform) originated with us."
P. P. Pratt writes concerning their treatment at Inde-
pendence:—
"We were soon at liberty to walk the streets without a
guard; and soon we were removed from our house of con-
Pratt's finement to a hotel, where we were entertained in
account. foe ^gg^ styie of which the place was capable,
which was lodging on the floor and a block of wood for a pil-
low. We had no longer any guard — we went out and came
in when we pleased, a certain keeper being appointed merely
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 299
to look to us; with him we walked out of town and visited
the desolate lands which belonged to our society, and the
place which, seven years before, we had dedicated and conse-
crated for the building of a temple, it being a beautiful rise
of ground about half a mile west of Independence. When we
saw it last it was a wilderness, but now our enemies had
robbed it of every stick of timber, and it presented a beauti-
ful rolling field of pasture, being covered with grass. Oh,
how many feelings did this spot awaken in our bosoms! Here
we had often bowed the knee in prayer to Jehovah in bygone
years; and here we had assembled with hundreds of happy
saints, in the solemn meeting, and offered our prayers, and
songs, and sacraments, in our humble dwellings; but now all
was solemn and lonely desolation; not a vestige remained to
mark the place where stood our former dwellings; they had
long since been consumed by fire, or removed to the village
k and converted to the use of our enemies. While at Inde-
pendence we were once or twice invited to dine with General
Wilson, and others, which we did with much apparent
politeness and attention on their part and much cheerfulness
on our own.
"After about a week spent in this way, during which I
was at one time alone in the wilderness more than a mile
from town, we were at length (after repeated demands) sent
to General Clark, at Richmond. This place was on the same
side of Missouri that Far West was, and about thirty miles
distant. Generals Lucas and Wilson had tried in vain to get
a guard to accompany us; none would volunteer, and when
drafted they would not obey orders; for, in truth, they
wished us to go at liberty. At last a colonel and two or three
officers started with us, with their swords and pistols, which
was more to protect us than keep us from escaping. On
this journey some of us rode in carriages and some on horse-
back. Sometimes we were sixty or eighty rods in front or
rear of our guard, who, by the by, were three sheets in the
wind in the whisky line, having a bottle in their pockets;
but knowing that we were not guilty of any crime, we did
not wish to escape by flight. At night, having crossed the
ferry, we put up at a private house. Here our guards all
800 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
went to bed and to sleep, leaving us their pistols to defend
ourselves in case of any attack from without, as we were in
a very hostile neighborhood."— Persecution of the Saints,
pp. 92-95.
One touching incident we relate here as given by Mr.
Pratt.
"The court of inquiry now commenced before Judge A. A.
King. This continued from the llth to the 28th of Novem-
ber, during which we were kept most of the time in chains,
and our brethren, some fifty in number, were penned up in
the open, unfinished courthouse.
"It was a very severe spell of snow and winter weather,
and we suffered much. During this time Elder Rigdon was
taken very sick from hardship and exposure, and finally lost
his reason; but still he was kept in a miserable, noisy, and
cold room, and compelled to sleep on the floor with a chain
and padlock round his ankle, and fastened to six others; and,
here he endured the constant noise and confusion of an
unruly guard who were changed every few hours, and who
were frequently composed of the most noisy, foul-mouthed,
vulgar, disgraceful, indecent rabble that ever defiled the
earth. While he lay in this situation, his son-in-law, George
Robinson, the only male member of his numerous family,
was chained by his side; and thus Mrs. Rigdon and her
daughters were left entirely destitute and unprotected*. One
of his daughters, Mrs. Robinson, a young and delicate
female, with her little infant, came down to see her husband
and to comfort and take care of her father in his sickness.
When she first entered the room, amid the clank of chains
and the bristle of weapons, and cast her eyes on her sick
and dejected parent and sorrow-worn husband, she was
speechless, and only gave vent to her feelings in a flood of
tears. This faithful lady with her little infant continued by
the bed of her father till he recovered from his sickness, and
till his fevered and disordered mind assumed its wonted
powers of intellect.
"In this mock court of inquiry the judge could not be pre-
vailed on to examine the conduct of the murderers, robber?,
and plunderers, who had desolated our society. Nor would
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 301
he receive testimony except against us. And by the dissent-
ers and apostates who wished to save their own lives and
secure their property at the expense of others; and by those
who had murdered and plundered us from time to time, he
obtained abundance of testimony, much of which was entirely
false."— Persecution of the Saints, pp. 102-104.
Of the prisoners left at Richmond when Joseph and his
companions were taken to Liberty, all were finally released
but four, and they were sent to Columbia, in Boone County.
Of this Mr. Pratt writes as follows:—
"On the 24th of April our cases were laid before the
grand jury of the county of Ray; and Darwin Chase and
Norman Shearer were dismissed after being imprisoned
near six months. This release happened just as Mr.
Shearer came to visit his son for the last time before
he left the country. He came into the prison to see us,
and not knowing of the intended release, he took an af-
fectionate leave of us and of his son, who seemed to weep
with heartbroken anguish. But while he yet lingered in
town his son was called before the court, and with Mr.
Chase was told that they might go at liberty. The father
and son then embraced each other, almost overcome with
joy, and departed. At the same time my brother, Orson
Pratt, whom I had not before seen for a year, came from
Illinois to see me, but was only permitted to visit me for a
few moments, and then was ordered to depart. Mrs.
Phelps, who had waited in prison for some days in hopes
that the court would release her husband, now parted with
him, overwhelmed with sorrow and tears, and with her
infant moved slowly away to remove to Illinois and leave
her husband behind. Thus our families wander in a strange
land, without our protection, being robbed of house and
home. Oh God, who can endure the thought! Come out in
justice, O Lord, and restore us to our mourning families!
"Our number in prison were now reduced to four. One
having been added about the middle of April. His name
was King Follet; he was dragged from his distressed family
just as they were leaving the State. Thus of all the prison-
ers which were taken at an expense of two hundred thou-
302 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
sand dollars, only two of the original ones, who belonged to
the church, now remained, Mr. Gibbs having denied the faith,
to try to save his life. These were Morris Phelps and
myself. All who were let to bail were banished from the
State, together with those who bailed them. Thus none are
like to have a trial by law but ourselves; and we are with-
out friends or witnesses in the State. After the grand jury
had found a bill against us for defending ourselves in the
battle with Bogart's company, we were kept in prison at
Richmond for about a month. We then took a change of
venue and were ordered to be sent to Columbia, Boone
County, for trial. On the 22d of May we were handcuffed
together, two and two, with irons round the wrist of each,
and in this fix we were taken from prison and placed in a
carriage. The people of Richmond gathered around us to
see us depart; but none seemed to feel for us except two
persons. One of these (General Parks' lady) bowed to us
through the window, and looked as if touched with pity.
The other was a Mr. Huggins, merchant of Richmond, who
bowed with some feeling as we passed. We now took leave
of Richmond, accompanied by Sheriff Brown, and four
guards with drawn pistols, and moved on towards Columbia.
No tongue can describe our sensations as we came forth
from a most filthy dungeon, where we had been confined for
near seven months, and began to breathe the free air, and
to change the scenery and look abroad upon the face of the
earth. There was a sweetness in the air and a perfume
from the earth which none could fully realize except such as
have been for a long time confined in tainted air. It had
been thundering and raining for some days and the thunder-
storm lasted with but short cessations from the time we
started till we arrived at the place of destination, which was
five days. The small streams were swollen so as to be very
difficult crossing them. On the second day we came to a
creek which was several rods over, with a strong current,
and very deep. It was towards evening and far from any
house, and we had received no refreshment through the
day. Here we halted, and knew not what to do; we waited
awhile for the water to fall, but it fell slowly. All hands
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 303
were hungry and impatient, and a lowery night seemed to
threaten that the creek would rise before morning by the
falling of additional rains. In this dilemma some counseled
one thing and some another. Some said, Go back some
miles to a house and tarry till morning. Others said, Camp
here for the night. Others said, Swim the river and leave
the carriage and baggage till morning; and some advised to
attempt to drive some miles around the head of the stream.
At last I proposed to the sheriff that if he would take off my
irons I would go into the water to bathe and by that means
ascertain the depth and bottom; this he consented to do,
after some hesitation. I then plunged into the stream and
swam across, and attempted to wade back; I found it to be a
hard bottom, and the water about up to my chin; but a very
stiff current. After this, Mr. Brown, the sheriff, undertook
to cross on his horse; but just as his horse neared the oppo-
site shore he sprung sidewise to gain a bank, and Mr.
Brown was thrown off his horse and buried in the stream.
He could not swim, but sprang out, hallooing and flouncing
in a manner that caused much merriment to the company.
This accident decided the fate of the day. Being now com-
pletely wet, he resolved to effect the crossing of the whole
company, bag and baggage. Accordingly several stripped
off their clothes and mounted on the bare backs of the
horses; and, taking their clothing, saddles, and arms, to-
gether with our trunk and bedding upon their shoulders,
they bore them across in safety, without wetting. This was
done by riding backwards and forwards across the stream
several times. In this sport and labor prisoners, guards,
and all mingled in mutual exertion. All was now safe but
the carriage. Mr. Phelps then proposed to swim that across
by hitching two horses before it; and he mounted on one of
their backs, while myself and one of the guards swam by
the side of the carriage to keep it from upsetting by the
force of the current. And thus, Paul like, we all got safe to
land. Everything was soon replaced; and ourselves in the
carriage, and the suite on horseback, we moved swiftly on,
and at dark arrived at a house of entertainment, amid a
terrible thunderstorm. Next morning we proceeded on and
304 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
in a few miles came to another swimming stream; but after
some consultation it was thought best to go around the head
of the stream. We accordingly took our back track for a
half mile, and then striking to the north in the open prairie,
without any track, we rode some seven miles around,
crossed the head of the stream, and returned to the road
which we had left; this day we crossed the Missouri at a
place called Arrow Rock, being named from the circum-
stance of the natives coming there from all quarters to get a
kind of hard rock from the bluff to make arrow points. In
this journey we had slept each night on our backs on the
floor, being all four of us ironed together, with hand and
ankle irons made for the purpose. This being done, the
windows and doors were all fastened, and then five guards
with their loaded pistols staid in the room, and one at a
time sat up and watched during the night. This cruelty
was inflicted on us more to gratify a wicked disposition than
anything else; for it was in vain for us to have tried to
escape, without any irons being put on us; and had we
wished to escape, we had a tolerable good opportunity at
the creek.
"When we arrived within four miles of Columbia the
bridge had been destroyed from over a large and rapid river;
and here we were some hours in crossing over in a tottlish
canoe, having to leave our carriage, together with our bed-
ding, -clothing, our trunk of clothing, books, papers, etc. ;
but all came to us in safety after two days. After we had
crossed the river, our guards having swam their horses,
mounted them, and we proceeded towards Columbia, the
prisoners walking on foot, two being fastened together two
and two by the wrists.
"After walking two or three miles Mr. Brown hired a car-
riage, and we rode into Columbia. It was about sunset on
Sunday evening, and as the carriage and our armed attend-
ants drove through the streets we were gazed upon with
astonishment by hundreds of spectators, who thronged the
streets and looked out at the windows, doors, etc., anxious
to get a glimpse of the strange beings called Mormons. On
our arrival we were immediately hurried to the prison with-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 305
out going to a tavern for refreshment, although we had
traveled a long summer day without anything to eat. When
unloosed from our fetters we were ushered immediately from
the carriage into the jail, and the next moment a huge trap-
door was opened, and down we went into a most dismal
dungeon, which was full of cobwebs and filth above, below,
and all around the walls, having stood empty for near two
years. Here was neither beds, nor chairs, nor water, nor
food, nor friends, nor anyone on whom we might call, even
for a drink of cold water; for Brown and all others had with-
drawn to go where they could refresh themselves. When
thrust into this dungeon we were nearly ready to faint with
hunger, and thirst, and weariness. We walked the room
for a few moments, and then sank down upon the floor in
despondency, and wished to die; for, like Elijah of old, if
the Lord had inquired, 'What dost thou here?' we could have
replied, 'Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and thrown
down thine altars, and have driven out all thy saints from
the land, and we only are left to tell thee; and they seek
our lives, to take them away; and now, therefore, let us
die.'
"Our feelings were the more melancholy because here we
had hoped to see our families from Illinois or some kind
friend from thence, as we had not heard from them for some
time and were now within one hundred miles of them; but
we neither saw nor heard of anyone who knew us or cared
for us. We now sent to the post office, but got no letters.
Our families and friends, it seemed, had even neglected to
write to us— this seemed the more unaccountable, as they had
long expected us at Columbia. When we had been in the
dungeon for some time, our new jailer handed down some
provisions, but by this time I was too faint to eat; I tasted a
few mouthfuls, and then suddenly the trapdoor opened and
some chairs were handed to us, and the new sheriff, Mr. Mar-
tin, and his deputy, Mr. Hamilton, entered our dungeon and
talked so kindly to us that our spirits again revived in some
measure. This night we slept cold and uncomfortable; hav-
ing but little bedding. Next morning we were suffered to
come out of the dungeon, and the liberty of the upper room
306 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
was given us through the day ever afterwards."— Persecu-
tion of the Saints, pp. 114-124.
P. P. Pratt and Morris Phelps escaped from the Boone
County jail on July 4, 1839, and finally made their way to
Pratt and their families in Illinois. Mr. Pollet broke jail
Pheips escape. ^Uln them, but was recaptured. Mr. Luman
Gibbs, the other one of the four, apostatized, and was
acquitted on trial. Mr. Follet was retained several months
and dismissed. The following is Mr. Pratt's account of
their thrilling escape: —
"The author of the foregoing narrative is now at liberty,
and some account of his narrow escape from prison and from
the State of Missouri, is due to the public. On the 1st of
July the special term of the court was held at Columbia for
our trials but was adjourned for nearly three months because
all our witnesses were banished from the State. Under
these circumstances we were unwilling to be tried in a State
where all law and justice were at an end. We accordingly
thought it justifiable to make our escape. In the meantime
we were visited by Mrs. Phelps, the wife of one of the
prisoners, and also by my brother, Orson Pratt, and Mrs.
Phelps' brother. These all came from Illinois or Iowa, on
horseback, and visited with us for several days. On the 4th
of July we felt desirous as usual to celebrate the anniversary
of American liberty. We accordingly manufactured a white
flag, consisting of the half of a shirt, on which was inscribed
the word LIBERTY, in large letters, and also a large Ameri-
can eagle was put on in red. We then obtained a pole from
our jailer, and on the morning of the 4th this flag was sus-
pended from the front window of our prison, overhanging
the public square, and floating triumphantly in the air to the
full view of the citizens who assembled by hundreds to cele-
brate the national jubilee. With this the citizens seemed
highly pleased, and sent a portion of the public dinner to us
and our friends, who partook with us in prison with merry
hearts, as we intended to gain our liberties or be in paradise
before the close of that eventful day. While we were thus
employed in prison, the town was alive with troops parad-
ing, guns firing, music sounding, and shouts of joy resound-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 307
ing on every side. In the meantime we wrote the following
toast, which was read at their public dinner, with many and
long cheers: —
" 'The patriotic and hospitable citizens of Boone County:
Opposed to tyranny and oppression, and firm to the original
principles of republican liberty — may they in common with
every part of our widespreading country, long enjoy the
blessings which flow from the fountain of American Inde-
pendence.' Our dinner being ended, our two brethren took
leave of us and started for Illinois (leaving Mrs. Phelps to
still visit with her husband). They had proceeded a mile or
two on the road and then took into the woods, and finally
placed their three horses in a thicket within one third of a
mile of the prison, and there they waited in anxious sus-
pense till sundown. In the meantime we put on our coats
and hats and waited for the setting sun. With prayer and
supplication for deliverance from this long and tedious bond-
age, and for a restoration to the society of our friends and
families, we then sang the following lines: —
"'Lord, cause their foolish plans to fail,
And let them faint or die,
Our souls would quit this loathsome jail,
And fly to Illinois.
"'To join with the embodied saints,
Who are with freedom blessed,
That only bliss for which we pant,
With them awhile to rest.
"'Give joy for grief — give ease for pain,
Take all our foes away.
But let us find our friends again,
In this eventful day.'
"This ended the celebration of our national liberty, but
the gaining of our own was the grand achievement now
before us. In the meantime the sun was setting. The
moment arrived, the footsteps of the jailer were heard on the
stairs. Every man flew to his feet, and stood near the door.
The great door was opened, and our supper handed in
through a small hole in the inner door, which still remained
locked; but at length the key was turned in order to hand in
the pot of coffee. No sooner was the key turned than the
308 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
door was jerked open, and in a moment all three of us were
out and rushing down the stairs. The foremost, Mr. Phelps,
was clinched by the jailer; both tumbled down the stairs,
through the entry and out into the dooryard, when Phelps
cleared himself without injuring the jailer, and all of us
leaped several fences, ran through the fields towards the
thicket, where we expected to find our friends and horses.
In the meantime the town was alarmed and many were seen
rushing after us, some on horseback and some on foot, pre-
pared with dogs, guns, and whatever came to hand. But the
flag of liberty with its eagle still floated on high in the dis-
tance, and under its banner our nerves seemed to strengthen
at every step. We gained the horses, mounted, and dashed
into the wilderness, each his own way. After a few
jumps of my horse I was hailed by an armed man at pistol
shot distance, crying, 'D n you, stop, or I'll shoot you.'
I rushed onward deeper in the forest, while the cry was
repeated in close pursuit, crying, 'D n you, stop, or I'll
shoot you,' at every step, till at length it died away in the
distance.
"I plunged a mile into the forest — came to a halt— tied my
horse in a thicket— went a distance, and climbed a tree to
await the approaching darkness. Being so little used to
exercise, I fainted through overexertion, and remained so
faint for nearly an hour that I could not get down from the
tree. But calling on the Lord, he strengthened me, and I
came down from the tree. But my horse had got loose and
gone. I then made my way on foot for several days
and nights, principally without food, and scarcely suffering
myself to be seen. After five days of dreadful suffering
with fatigue and hunger, I crossed the Mississippi and found
myself once more in a land of freedom. Hundreds of my
friends crowded around me, and many of the citizens of Illi-
nois, although strangers to me, received and welcomed me as
one who had escaped from a persecution almost unparalleled
in modern history. I was everywhere invited to preach the
gospel, and gave many public addresses, but no attempt has
ever been made to retake myself and fellow prisoners." —
Persecution of the Saints, pp. 164-169.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 809
A more detailed account may be found in his autobiog*
raphy.
Joseph Smith and his companions reached Liberty jail on
December 1, 1838, where the closing month of the year was
visitors spent in a loathsome jail. On the 8th the wives
at the jaii. of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon visited them,
remaining with them in the jail all night and departing on
the 9th. On the 10th Lyman Wight's wife and four boys
were visitors at the jail. They remained over the llth, on
which day the youngest child was blessed, taking their
departure on the 12th.
On the 14th Isaac Morley, Reynolds Cahoon, and W. M.
Allred, of their brethren, visited them; also a Mr. Harris and
several other gentlemen of Clay County. Alexander McRae's
wife and two little boys came on the 13th and remained until
the 15th.
On the 17th they were visited by General Doniphan and
N. West.
On December 20 the wives of Joseph Smith and Caleb
Baldwin, accompanied by Mrs. Reynolds Cahoon, came in
and remained until the 22d.
On the 21st they were visited by William Clark, also by
Attorneys Doniphan and Burnett.
On the 22d Deacon Covey, accompanied by a Mr. Rase,
came in and brought them each a pair of boots which he had
manufactured, assisted by his son-in-law, Ethan Barrows.
On Christmas Day they were visited by a Disciple preacher
by the name of Howard Evert.
On the 30th a Mr. Thompson, from Ray County, called.
Thus in their gloomy prison house, cheered only by occa-
sional visits from friends and the comfort of the Holy Spirit,
they beheld the eventful year 1838 pass away. Its closing
closing of hours found them deprived of liberty, their fami-
the yew. jjeg robbed and destitute, their brethren scattered
and driven from their once pleasant, happy homes by a ruth-
less mob,— and all this for the testimony they bore, that Jesus
was the Christ, his gospel true, and his promised blessings
sure.
CHAPTER 16.
1839.
THE OPENING YEAR— LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS— EVENTS AT PAR
WEST — LEGISLATIVE — A TRIAL — HYROM SMITH ATTEMPTS TO
ESCAPE— WOODS BILL DENIED— FRIENDS IMPORTUNE FOR PRIS-
ONERS—ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE— PETITIONS TO SUPREME COURT—
JOSEPH WRITES TO THE CHURCH— JUDGE TURNHAM'S OPINION-
MISSION OP KlMBALL AND TURLEY— INSTRUCTION TO THE CHURCH
—PRISONERS TAKEN TO DAVIESS COUNTY— A CHANGE OP VENUE
— ESCAPE — INCIDENTS OP TRAVEL— ARRIVAL AT QUINCY, ILLINOIS.
WE commence the history of 1839 with the appropriate
words of Joseph Smith: —
"Tuesday, January 1, 1839, dawned upon us as prisoners
of hope, but not as sons of liberty. O Columbia, Columbia!
The open- How art thou fallen! 'The land of the free, the
ing year. home of the brave!' *The asylum of the op-
pressed'— oppressing thy noblest sons, in a loathsome dun-
geon, without any provocation, only that they have claimed
to worship the God of their fathers according to his own
word and the dictates of their own consciences. Elder P. P.
Pratt and his companions in tribulation were still held in
bondage in their doleful prison in Richmond.
"Monday, 7th. Anson Call returned to his farm on the
three forks of Grand River to see if he could secure any of
the property he had left in his flight to Adam-ondi-abman,
and was there met by the mob, and beat with a hoop pole
about his limbs, body, and head; the man that used the pole
about his person was George W. O'Neal. With much diffi-
culty he returned to Far West, with his person much bruised,
and from that time gave up all hopes of securing any of his
property. . . .
"Wednesday, 16th. Mr. Turner, from the joint select
committee, introduced to the Senate 'A bill to provide for
*ne investigation of the late disturbances in
tnjs gtate.' This bill consists of twenty-three
sections:-—
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 311
" 1. A joint committee shall be appointed to investigate
the causes of the late disturbances between the people called
Mormons and other inhabitants of this State, and the conduct
of the military operations in repressing them: which com-
mittee shall consist of two senators to be elected by the
Senate, and three representatives to be elected by the House
of Representatives.'
"The bill farther provided that the committee should meet at
Richmond, Ray County, on the first Monday in May, and there-
after at such times and places as they should appoint; that
they should choose a chairman, clerk, sergeant-at-arms, and
assistants; issue subpoenas and other processes; administer
oaths; keep a record; furnish rooms; pay witnesses one dol-
lar and fifty cents per day out of the treasury; receive their
pay as members of the legislature; clerk four dollars per
day, and one dollar and fifty cents for each arrest. In short,
all parties concerned were to be paid the highest price — and
this committee were to be clothed with all the powers of the
highest courts of record. This bill did not concern the
'Mormons,' as the exterminating order of Governor Boggs
"and the action of General Clark thereon would compel all
the saints to be out of the State before the court would sit,
so that they would have no testimony but from mobbers and
worse apostates; and this was evidently their object in post-
poning the time so long.
••Thursday, 24th. I wrote as follows from Liberty jafl: —
•• To the Honorable Vhe Legislature of Missouri:— Your memo-
rialists having a few days since solicited your attention to
the same subject, would now respectfully submit to your
honorable body a few additional facts in support of their
prayer.
•* -They are now imprisoned under a charge of treason
against the State of Missouri, and their lives, and fortunes,
and characters being suspended upon the result of the crimi-
nal charges preferred against them.
•• 'Your honorable body will excuse them for manifesting
the deep concern they feel in relation to their trials for a
crime so enormous as that of treason.
'* -It is not our object to complain —to asperse anyone.
312 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
All we ask is a fair and impartial trial. We ask the sympa-
thies of no one. We ask sheer justice; 'tis all we expect,
and all we merit, but we merit that. We know the people of
no county in this State to which we would ask our final
trials to be sent, are prejudiced in our favor. But we believe
that the state of excitement existing in most of the upper
counties is such that a jury would be improperly influenced
by it. But that excitement and the prejudice against us in
the- counties comprising the fifth judicial circuit are not the
only obstacles we are compelled to meet. We know that
much of that prejudice against us is not so much to be
attributed to a want of honest motives amongst the citizens
as it is to wrong information.
" 'But it is a difficult task to change opinions once formed.
The other obstacle which we candidly consider one of the
most weighty, is the feeling which we believe is entertained
by the Hon. A. A. King against us, and the consequent inca-
pacity to do us impartial justice. It is from no disposition
to speak disrespectfully of that high officer that we lay
before your honorable body the facts we do; but simply that
the legislature may be apprised of our real condition. We*
look upon Judge King* as like all other mere men, liable to be
influenced by his feelings, his prejudices, and his previously
formed opinions. We consider his reputation as being par-
tially if not entirely committed against us. He has written
much upon the subject of our late difficulties, in which he has
placed us in the wrong. These letters have been published
to the world. He has also presided at an excited pub-
lic meeting as chairman, and no doubt sanctioned all the
proceedings. We do not complain of the citizens who held
that meeting, they were entitled to that privilege. But for
the judge before whom the very men were to be tried for a
capital offense to participate in an expression of condemna-
tion of these same individuals, is to us at least apparently
wrong; and we cannot think that we should, after such a
course on the part of the Judge, have the same chance of a
fair and impartial trial as all admit we ought to have.
" 4We believe that the foundation of the feeling against us
which we have reason to think Judge King entertains, may
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 313
be traced to the unfortunate troubles which occurred in
Jackson County some few years ago; in a battle between the
"Mormons" and a portion of the citizens of that county, Mr.
Brazeale, the brother-in-law of Judge King, was killed. It
is natural that the Judge should have some feeling against
us, whether we were right or wrong in that controversy.
" 'We mention these facts, not to disparage Judge King;
we believe that from the relation he bears to us he would
himself prefer that our trials should be had in a different
circuit and before a different court. Many other reasons
and facts we might mention, but we forbear.'
"This letter was directed to James M. Hughes, Esq.,
member of the House of Representatives, Jefferson City." —
Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 709-711.
On Saturday, January 26, 1839, the citizens of Caldwell
County met at Far West and appointed a committee of seven;
Events at V1Z- ' Jolm Taylor, Alanson Ripley, Brigham Young,
Parweet Theodore Turley, H. C. Kimball, John Smith, and
D. C. Smith to draft resolutions respecting their removal
from the State according to the Governor's order, and to
devise means for removing the destitute.
On the 29th another meeting was called, when the com-
mittee reported through their chairman, John Taylor. The
result was the adoption of a covenant to assist one another,
which reads as follows:—
"We whose names are hereunder written do each for our-
selves individually hereby covenant to stand by and assist
each other to the utmost of our abilities, in removing from
this State in compliance with the authority of the State; and
we do hereby acknowledge ourselves firmly bound to the
extent of all our available property, to be disposed of by a
committee who shall be appointed for that purpose, for pro-
viding means for the removing of the poor and destitute
who shall be considered worthy, from this country, till
there shall not be one left who desires to remove from the
State: with this proviso, that no individual shall be deprived
of the right of the disposal of his own property for the
above purpose, or of having the control of it, or so much of
it as shall be necessary for the removing of his own family,
314 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and to be entitled to the overplus, after the work is effected;
and furthermore, said committee shall give receipts for all
property, and an account of the expenditure of the same." —
Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 730.
The committee on removal provided for were William
Huntingtpn, Charles Bird, Alanson Ripley, Theodore
Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrach Roundy, and J. H. Hale,
of which "Wm. Huntington, was appointed chairman; Daniel
Shearer, treasurer; and Alanson Ripley, clerk. A long
list of names were signed to the agreement. *
1 John Smith, Wm. Huntington, Charles Bird, Alanson Ripley, Theo-
dore Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrach Roundy, Jonathan H. Hale,
Elias Smith, Brigham Young, James Burnham, Leicester Gaylord,
Samuel Williams, John Miller, Aaron M. York, George A. Smith, Daniel
Howe, James Bradin, Jonathan Beckelshimer, David Jones, Wm. M.
Fossett, James McMillan, Chandler Holbrook, Alexander Wright, Wil-
liam Taylor, John Taylor, Reuben P. Hartwell, John Lowry, Welcome
Chapman, Solomon Hancock, Arza Adams, Henry Jacobs, James Carroll,
David Lyons, John Taylor, Don Carlos Smith, William J. Stuart, Isaac
B. Chapman, Roswell Stephens, Reuben Hedlock, David Holman, Joel
Goddard, Charles N. Baldwin, Jesse N. Reed, Benjamin Johnson, Jona-
than Hampton, Anson Call, Peter Dopp, Samuel Rolph, Abel Lamb,
Daniel McArthur, William Gregory, Zenas Curtis, John Reed, William
R. Orton, Samuel D. Tyler, John H. Goff, Thomas Butterfleld, Dwight
Bardin, Norvil M. Head, Stephen V. Foot, Jacob G. Bigler, Eli Bagley,
William Milam, Lorenzo Clark, William Allred, Wm. Van Ausdall,
Nathan K. Knight, John Thorp, Andrew Rose, John S. Martin, Albert
Sloan, John D. Lee, Eliphas Marsh, Joseph Wright, John Badger, Levi
Richards, Erastus Bingham, Elisha Everett, John Lytle, Levi Jackman,
Thomas Guyman, Nahum Curtis, Lyman Curtis, Philip Ballard, William
Gould, Reuben Middleton, William Harper, Seba Joes, Charles Butler,
Richard Walton, Isaac Kerron, Joseph Rose, David Foot, L. S. Nicker-
son, Moses Daley, David Sessions, Perry Green Sessions, Alford P.
Childs, James Daley, Noah T. Guyman, David Winters, John Pack,
Sylvenus Hicks, Horatio N. Kent, Joseph W. Pierce, Phineas R. Bird,
Duncan McArthur, Allen Talley, James Hampton, Sherman A. Gilbert,
James S. Holman, Andrew Lytle, Aaron Johnson, Heber C. Kimball,
George W. Harris, George W. Davidson, Harvey Strong, Elizabeth
Mackley, Sarah Mackley, Andrew More, Harvey Downey, John Maba,
Lucy Wheeler, John Turpin, William Earl, Zenos H. Gurley, Joseph W.
Coolidge, Anthony Head, S. A. P. Kelsey, Moses Evord, Ophelia Harris,
Zuba McDonald, Mary Goff, Harvey J. Moore, Francis Chase, Stephen
Markham, John Outhouse, Wm. P. Leavens, Daniel Tyler, Noah Rogers,
Stephen N. St. John, Francis Lee, Eli Lee, Benjamin Covey, Michael
Borkdull, Miles Randall, Horace Evans, David Dort, Levi Hancock,
Edwin Whiting, William Barton, Elisha Smith, James Gallaher, Robert
Jackson, Lemuel Merrick, James Dunn, Orin Hartshorn, Nathan Hawke,
Pierce Hawley, Thomas P. Fisher, James Leithead, Alfred Lee, Stephen
Jones, Eleazer Harris, Elijah B. Gaylord, Thomas Grover, Alexander
Badlam, Phebe Kellog, Albert Miner, Thomas Gates, Squire Bozarth,
Nathan Lewis, Philander Avery, Benjamin F. Bird, Charles Squire,
Jacob Curtis, Rachel Medfo, Lyman Stevens, Roswell Evans, Leonard
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 315
On February 1 the committee was increased to eleven and
Elias Smith, Erastus Bingham, Stephen Markham, and
James Newberry were added. Mr. Ripley declined to act as
clerk, and Elias Smith was appointed.
On January 31 the bill of Mr. Turner before referred to
passed the State Senate. On February 4 the
House laid it on the table until July 4, by a
majority of seven. This was too late to benefit the saints.
Charles Bird was sent in advance to buy and store corn on
the way, and to make contracts for ferriage across the Mis-
sissippi River.
Visitors at the jail during the month of January were as
follows: Mrs. Rigdon, and Mrs. Wight and two daughters
visitors on ^e ^d; Lyman Cowdery on the 5th; Attorney
at the Jan. Burnett and Judge Turnham on the 8th; Attor-
neys Doniphan and Burnett on the 9th; Mrs. McRae on the
10th; Mr. Moore, and Mr. James Sloan, wife, and daughter
on the llth; Mr. Bennett on the 12th; Mrs. Fowler, Mrs.
Sloan and daughter Jane, Messrs. Morey, Hedlock, and
Lawyer Burnett on the 13th; Bishop Partridge and Messrs.
Barlow, Gorden, and Burnett on the 16th; Bishop Partridge,
Messrs. Barlow, Sloan, and Burnett on the 17th; General
Hughes on the 18th; Mrs. Sloan and daughter on the 19th;
Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Blevin on the 20th; G. W. Robinson,
D. C. Smith, Mrs. Emma Smith, and John Daley on the 21st;
Brn. Partridge, D. C. Smith, Ripley, and Morley on the
23d; Mr. Samuels on the 24th; Mr. Samuels and Mr. Bird on
the 26th; Mrs. Wight, Mrs. Baldwin, and a Mr. Murphy on
the 27th; Major Dorothy on the 28th; Mrs. Hyrum Smith
and Mrs. Thompson on the 29th; Messrs. Newberry, Bald-
win, and Samuels on the 30th.
On January 22 a writ was served on the prisoners and
Clark, Nehemiah Harmon, Daniel Cathcart, Gershom Stokes, Rachel
Page, Barnet Cole, Wm. Thompson, Nathan Cheney, James Sherry,
David Frampton, Elizabeth Pettigrew, Charles Thompson, Wm. Wood-
land, Martin C. Allred, Jedediah Owen, Orren P. Rockwell, Nathan B.
Baldwin, Truman Brace, Sarah Wixom, "Lewis Zobriski, Henry Zobriski,
Morris Harris, Absolom Tidwell, Alvin Winegar, Samuel Winegar, John
E. Page, Levi Gifford, Edmund Durfee, Josiah Butterfield, John Killion,
John Patten, John Wilkins, Abram Allen, Wm. Felshaw. — Millennial
Star, vol. 16, pp. 730, 731.
316 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
they were taken to the courthouse and their trial set for the
25th.
The court opened the case on the 25th and it was continued
on Saturday, the 26th, and adjourned until Monday, 28th.
On the 28th by noon the evidence was all in. In
the afternoon Mr. Wood made the argument for the
State. On the 29th Mr. Doniphan made a very able argu-
ment in behalf of the defense. He was followed by Sidney
Rigdon and Joseph Smith. In the afternoon Hyrum Smith
addressed the court, followed by Lyman Wight and Caleb
Baldwin; after which Mr. Wood closed for the State. On
the 30th the judge admitted Sidney Rigdon to bail and re-
manded the others to jail without bail.
On the 3d of February they were visited by H. C. Kim-
ball, Brigham Young, and G. A. Smith. Rigdon was
liberated the 5th.
On February 7, Alanson Ripley, David Holman, Watson
Barlow, William Huntington, Jr., Erastus Snow, and Cyrus
Daniels were admitted to the prison, and con-
Hyrum Smith , . , .,, ., ..,
attempts to tmued with them until supper time. Hyrum
Smith had just received a letter stating that his
family were in a destitute condition, and divided, a part of
them on one side of the Mississippi River and a part on the
other; so as the jailer passed out and Cyrus Daniels with
him, Hyrum made an ineffectual effort to go with them.
The other five visitors were locked in with the prisoners.
They were subsequently charged with being accessory to an
attempted escape. Erastus Snow was acquitted, and the
other four held to bail in one hundred and fifty dollars each.
On the 13th they gave bail and started for home.
Attorney Wood presented a bill to the legislature for serv-
ices in prosecuting the Mormon leader, which was denied,
wood's Senator McDaniel was the leader in opposing the
bin denied, j^jj^ w]ao sa^ |n effect, that Mr. Wood's honor
for persecuting an oppressed and abused people should be
sufficient pay. This was the information given to the pris-
oners by a Mr. Gorden.
The month of February was spent in jail with but little
transpiring outside of the dreary monotony of prison life.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 317
Their families, with the majority of the saints, left the State
about this time, so their visitors were mostly strangers; but
the few remaining paid them every attention pos-
sible, especially Heber C. Kimball and Theodore
Turley, who visited them occasionally and unceas-
ingly importuned the authorities for the release of the
prisoners on bail or in some other way.
About March 1 they began to make a breach in the jail by
Attempt means of augers, but the timbers being hard, the
to escape. auger handles gave out, which delayed them until
the secret was known to the authorities.
In the epistle written by them on March 20 they state: —
"We should have made our escape, and succeeded admi-
rably well, had it not been for a little imprudence or over-
anxiety on the part of our friends." — Times and Seasons, vol.
1, p. 100.
Lyman Wight writes of it as follows: —
"[March] 3. This morning hard at work for our deliver-
ance. We expect to go to day without fail. We have
worked hard all day— we could not finish. We will do it
to-morrow if the Lord will.
"4th. This morning I walked out and returned about ten
o'clock. We expect to make our escape this afternoon with-
out fail. We got all ready to go out, and Shoemaker felt so
tickled to think that he was our assistant that he made a
confidant of Doctor Moss. The thing leaked out, and there
were ten guards called for," etc.
On March 15 the following petition to the Supreme Court
Petitions to su-was sworn to by and in behalf of Joseph Smith.
preme court. ^ foQ same time each of the prisoners made a
similar petition: —
"To the Honorable Judge Tompkins, or either of the Judges of
the Supreme Court for the State of Missouri: —
"Your petitioners beg leave respectfully to represent to
your honor, that Joseph Smith, Jr., is now unlawfully con-
fined and restrained of his liberty, in Liberty jail, Clay
Coutty (Missouri); that he has been restrained of his liberty
near five months. Your petitioners claim that the whole
transaction which has been the cause of his confinement is
318 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
unlawful from the first to the last. He was taken from his
home by a fraud being practiced upon him by a man by the
name of George M. Hinkle and one or two others, thereby,
your petitioners respectfully show, that he was forced con-
trary to his wishes and without knowing the cause, into the
camp which was commanded by General Lucas, of Jackson
County, and from thence to Ray County, sleeping on the
ground and suffering many insults and injuries and depriva-
tions, which were calculated in their nature to break down
the spirits and constitution of the most robust and hardy of
mankind. He was put in chains immediately on his being
landed at Richmond, and there underwent a long and tedious
ex parte examination; not only was it ex parte, but your
petitioners solemnly declare that it was a mock examination;
that there was not the least shadow of honor or justice or
law administered toward him, but sheer prejudice, and the
spirit of persecution and malice, and prepossession against
him on account of his religion; that the whole examination
was an inquisitory examination. Your petitioners show that
the said Joseph Smith, Jr., was deprived of the privilege of
being examined before the court as the law directs; that the
witnesses on the part of the State were taken by force of
arms, threatened with extermination or immediate death,
and were brought without subposna or warrant under this
awful and glaring anticipation of being exterminated if they
did not swear something against him to please the mob or
his persecutors; and those witnesses were compelled to
swear at the muzzle of the gun, and that some of them have
acknowledged since, which your petitioners do testify and
are able to prove that they did swear false and that they did
it in order to save their lives. And your petitioners testify
that all the testimony that had any tendency or bearing of
criminality against said Joseph Smith, Jr., is false. We
are personally acquainted with the circumstances, and
being with him most of the time, and being present at
the times spoken of by them, therefore we know that
their testimony was false, and if he could have had a
fair and impartial and lawful examination before that court,
and could have been allowed the privilege of introducing his
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 319
witnesses, he could have disproved everything that was
against him; but the court suffered them to be intimidated —
some of them in the presence of the court, and they were
driven also, and hunted, and some of them entirely driven
out of the State. And thus he was not able to have a fair
trial; that the spirit of the court was tyrannical and over-
bearing, and the whole transaction of his treatment during
the examination was calculated to convince your petitioners
that it was a religious persecution, proscribing him in the
liberty of conscience, which is guaranteed to him by the
Constitution of the United States and the State of Missouri;
that a long catalogue of garbled testimony was permitted by
the court, purporting to be the religious sentiment of the
said Joseph Smith, Jr., which testimony was false, and your
petitioners know that it was false; because the witnesses
testified that those sentiments were promulgated on certain
days, and in the presence of large congregations; and your
petitioners can prove by those congregations that the said
Joseph Smith, Jr., did not promulge such ridiculous and
absurd sentiments for his religion, as was testified of and
admitted before the Honorable Austin A. King; and, at the
same time, those things had no bearing on the case that the
said Joseph Smith, Jr., was pretended to be charged with;
and after the examination the said prisoner was committed
to the jail for treason against the State of Missouri;
whereas, the said Joseph Smith, Jr., did not levy war
against the State of Missouri, neither did he commit any
covert acts; neither did he aid or abet an enemy against
the State of Missouri during the time that he is charged
with having done so; and, further, your petitioners have yet
to learn that the State has an enemy; neither is the proof
evident nor the presumption great, in its most indignant
form, upon the face of the testimony on the part of the
State, ex parte as it is in its nature, that the said prisoner
has committed the slightest degree of treason or any other
act of transgression against the laws of the State of Mis-
souri; and yet said prisoner has been committed to Liberty
jail, Clay County (Missouri), for treason.
"He has continually offered bail to any amount that could
320 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
be required, notwithstanding your petitioners allege that he
ought to have been acquitted. Your petitioners also allege
that the commitment was an illegal commitment, for the law
requires that a copy of the testimony should be put in the
hands of the jailer, which was not done. Your petitioners
allege that the prisoner has been denied the privilege of the
law in a writ of habeas corpus, by the judges of this county.
Whether they have prejudged the case of the prisoner, or
whether they are not willing to administer law and justice
to the prisoner, or that they are intimidated by the high office
of Judge King, who only acted in the case of the prisoners
as a committing magistrate, a conservator of the peace, or
by the threats of a lawless mob, your petitioners are not able
to say; but is a fact that they do not come forward boldly and
administer the law to the relief of the prisoner; and, further,
your petitioners allege that immediately after the prisoner
was taken, his family was frightened* and driven out of their
house, and that, too, by the witnesses on the part of the
State, and plundered of their goods; that the prisoner was
robbed of a very fine horse, saddle, and bridle, and other
property of considerable amount; that they (the witnesses),
in connection with the mob, have finally succeeded, by vile
threatening and foul abuse, in driving the family of the
prisoner out of the State, with little or no means and with-
out a protector, and their very subsistence depends on the
liberty of the prisoner. And your petitioners allege that he
is not guilty of any crime whereby he should be restrained
of his liberty, from a personal knowledge, having been with
him and being personally acquainted with the whole of the
difficulties between the Mormons and their persecutors; and,
that he has never acted, at any time, only in his own de-
fense, and that too on his own ground, property, and pos-
sessions; that the prisoner has never commanded any
military company, nor held any military authority, neither
any other office, real or pretended, in the State of Missouri,
except that of a religious teacher; that he has never bore
arms in the military rank, and in all such cases has acted as
a private character and as an individual.
"How, then, your petitioners would ask, can it be possible
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 321
that the prisoner has committed treason? The prisoner has
had nothing to do in Daviess County, only on his own busi-
ness as an individual. The testimony of Doctor Avard con-
cerning a council held at James Sloan's was false. Your
petitioners do solemnly declare that there was no such coun-
cil; that your petitioners were with the prisoner, and there
was no such vote nor conversation as Doctor Avard swore
to; that Doctor Avard also swore false concerning a consti-
tution, as he said, was introduced among the Danites; that
the prisoner had nothing to do with burning in Daviess
County; that the prisoner made public proclamation against
such things; that the prisoner did oppose Doctor Avard
and George M. Hinkle against vile measures with the mob,
but was threatened by them if he did not let them alone;
that the prisoner did not have anything to do with what is
called Bogart's battle, for he knew nothing of it till it was
over— that he was at home, in the bosom of bis own family
during the time of that whole transaction; and, in fine, your
petitioners allege that he is held in confinement without
cause, and under an unlawful and tyrannical oppression, and
that his health and constitution and life depend on being
liberated from his confinement.
"Your petitioners aver that they can disprove every item
of testimony that has any tendency of criminality against
the prisoner, for they know it themselves and can bring
many others also to prove the same. Therefore your peti-
tioners pray your honor to grant to him the State's writ of
habeas corpus, directed to the jailer of Clay County (Mis-
souri), commanding him forthwith to bring before you the
body of the prisoner, so that his case may be heard before
your honor, and the situation of the prisoner be considered
and adjusted according to law and justice, as it shall be pre-
sented before your honor, and as in duty bound, your peti-
tioners will ever pray.
"And, further, your petitioners testify that the said
Joseph Smith, Jr.. did make a public proclamation in Far
West, in favor of the militia of the State of Missouri, and of
its laws, and also of the Constitution of the United States;
that he has ever been a warm friend to his country, and did
322 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
use all his influence for peace; that he is a peaceable and
quiet citizen, and is not worthy of death, of stripes, bonds,
or imprisonment.
"The above-mentioned speech was delivered on the day
before the surrender of Far West.
"ALANSON RIPLET.
"HEBER C. KIMBALL.
"WILLIAM HUNTINGTON.
"JOSEPH B. NOBLE.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JK.
"STATE OP MISSOURI, \
"County of Clay, j 8
"This day personally appeared before me, Abraham
Shafer, a justice of the peace within and for the aforesaid
county— Alan son Ripley, Heber C. Kimball, William Hunt-
ington, Joseph B. Noble, and Joseph Smith, Jr., who being
duly sworn, doth depose and say that the matters and things
set forth in the foregoing petition, upon their own knowledge,
are true in substance and in fact, and so far as set forth upon
the information of others, they believe to be true.
'ALANSON RIPLEY.
'HEBER C. KIMBALI..
'WILLIAM HUNTINGTON.
•JOSEPH B. NOBLE.
•JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
"Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 15th day of
March, 1839.
"ABRAHAM SHAFER, J. P.
"We, the undersigned, being many of us personally
acquainted with the said Joseph Smith, Jr., and the circum-
stances connected with his imprisonment, do concur in the
petition and testimony of the above-named individuals, as
most of the transactions therein mentioned we know from
personal knowledge to be correctly set forth, and from
information of others, believe the remainder to be true.
•AMASA LYMAN.
'H. G. SHERWOOD.
'JAMES NEWBERRY.
'CYRUS DANIELS.
•ERASTUS SNOW.
'ELIAS SMITH."
—Persecution of the Saints, pp. 205-215.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 329
These petitions were carried to Jefferson City by Heber
C. Kimball and T. Turley.
On the 20th, the letter published in Times and Seasons,
volume 1, pages 99 to 104, was written. This epistle was
Joseph writes signed by the five prisoners, but was written by
to the church. joseph Smith him self. Under date of March 20,
1839, Lyman Wight in his journal writes: —
"This evening Joseph is writing an epistle to the church;
myself and Bro. Baldwin letters to our families.
"22d. . . . Brother Ripley came in and took our package
of letters for Quincy."
Elder Wight in his journal states under date of March 23,
1839, as follows:—
"Doniphan informed us that Judge Turnham did not think
judge Turn- that we had committed treason, but the responsi-
ham's opinion. bility was too great for him; accordingly he
remanded us for fear he should offend Judge King."
This is sustained by the testimony of Mr. M. Curtis, of
Bandera, Texas: —
"AFFIDAVIT.
" To Whom it May Concern: — I hereby certify that I was an employee
of Judge Joel T. Turnham, in 1838, at the time Joseph Smith, Jr., Sid-
ney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, and others were confined in Liberty jail,
Clay County, Missouri, and I was often present in the office of said Judge
Joel T. Turnham while the above-named defendants were being tried,
and I heard the said Judge Turnham read extracts from the written tes-
timony of the witnesses for the State of Missouri, and then point out
points of contradiction in said testimony; saying that such evidence was
insufficient to hold the prisoners, and that he would have acquitted the
prisoners at the bar, only for fear that they would be assassinated by a
furious mob.
"Witness my hand this 23d day of July, 1878.
"MEACHAM CURTIS.
"BANDEBA, Bandera County, Texas."
— Saints' Herald, vol. 25, p. 256.
Here we quote the statement of Joseph Smith concerning
the effort to reach the Governor and the Supreme Court: —
"Monday, 25th.8 About this time Elders Kimball and Tur-
ley started on their mission to see the Go/ernor. They
called on the sheriff of Ray County and jailer for
Mission of - ,, •!.• i i • i .1
Kimbaii a copy of the mittimus by which the prisoners
•were held in custody, but he confessed he had none.
8 Lyman Wight states that they started on the 18th.
324 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
They went to Judge King, and he made out a kind of
mittimus. At this time we had been in prison several
months without even a mittimus; and that, too, for crimes
said to have been committed in another county. •
"Kimball and Turley took all the papers by which we
were held, or which were then made out for them, with our
petitions to the Supreme Judges, and went to Jefferson City.
"The Governor was absent. The Secretary of State
treated them very kindly; and when he saw the papers
could hardly believe those were all the documents by which
the prisoners were held in custody, for they were illegal. . . .
"The Secretary was astonished at Judge King acting as
he did, but said he could do nothing in the premises, and if
the Governor were present, he could do nothing. But the
Secretary wrote a letter to Judge King.
"The brethren then started to find the Supreme Judges
and get writs of habeas corpus; and after riding hundreds of
miles to effect this object, returned to Liberty on the 30th
March, having seen Matthias McGirk, George Tompkins, and
John C. Edwards, the Supreme Judges, but did not obtain the
writ of habeas corpus, in consequence of a lack of the order
of commitment, although the Judges seemed to be friendly.
"We were informed that Judge King said that there was
nothing against my brother Hyrum, only that he was a
friend to the prophet. He also said there was nothing
against Caleb Baldwin and McRae."— Millennial Star, vol.
17, pp. 68, 69.
During their absence Joseph continued his instruction to
the church through Bishop Partridge, in an epistle which is
instruction found in Times and Seasons, volume 1, pages 131,
t-i the church. 134 This epistie c\oseB with the following sound
advice, and patriotic declaration: —
"We further caution our brethren against the impropriety
of the organization of bands or companies by covenants,
oaths, penalties, or secrecies; but let the time past of our
experience and sufferings by the wickedness of Doctor
Avard suffice, and let our covenants be that of the everlasting
covenant, as it is contained in the holy writ, and the things
which God has revealed unto us; pure friendship always
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 325
becomes weakened the very moment you undertake to make
it stronger by penal oaths and secrecy. Your humble serv-
ants intend from henceforth to disapprobate everything that
is not in accordance with the fullness of the gospel of Jesus
Christ, and which is not of a bold, frank, and upright nature;
they will not hold their peace as in times past when they see
iniquity beginning to rear its head, for fear of traitors, or
the consequences that shall follow, from reproving those
who creep in unawares that they may get something to
destroy the flock. We believe that from the experience of
the saints in times past they will henceforth be always ready
to obey the truth without having men's persons in admira-
tion because of advantage; we ought to be aware of those
prejudices (which are so congenial to human nature) against
our neighbors, friends, and brethren of the world, who
choose to differ with us in opinion, and in matters of faith;
our religion is between us and our God; their religion
is between them and their God: there certainly is a tie
to those of the same faith which is peculiar to itself; but
it is without prejudice, gives full scope to the mind, and
enables us to conduct ourselves with liberality towards those
who are not of our faith; this principle, in our opinion,
approximates the nearest to the mind of God, and is godlike.
There is a duty which we in common with all men owe to
governments, laws, and the regulations in the civil concerns
of life; these guarantee to all parties and denominations of
religion equal and indefeasible rights, all alike interested;
and they make our responsibilities one towards another in
matters relating to temporal affairs and the things of this
life; the former principles do not destroy the latter, but bind
us stronger and make our responsibility not only one towards
another, but unto God also: hence we say that the Constitution
of the United States is a glorious standard, it is founded in
wisdom, it is a heavenly banner, and is to all those who are
privileged with the sweets of its liberty, like the cooling
shade and refreshing water of a great rock in a thirsty and
weary land; it is like a great tree under whose branches men
from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of
an inclement sun. We are deprived of the protection of this
326 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
glorious principle by the cruelties of those who only look to
the time being for pasturage; and who forget that the Mor-
mons, as well as the Presbyterians and every other denomi-
nation, have equal rights to partake of the fruits of the great
tree of our national liberty; yet notwithstanding we see
what we do, and feel the effects of the cruelty of the enemies
of freedom, that fruit is no less precious and delicious to our
taste; we cannot be weaned from the milk, neither can we
be drawn from the breast; nor will we deny our religion
because of the hand of oppression, but we will hold on until
death. We say that God is true, that the Constitution of the
United States is true, that the Bible is true, the Book of Mor-
mon is true, that Christ is true, that the ministering of
angels is true; and 'we know we have a house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker is
God;' a consolation which our oppressors cannot feel when
fortune or fate may lay its hand on them as it has on us.
We ask, What is man? Remember, brethren, that time and
chance happeneth to all men.
"We subscribe ourselves your sincere friends and brethren
in the bonds of the everlasting gospel, and prisoners of
Jesus Christ
"JOSEPH SMITH, JB.
"HYRUM SMITH.
"LYMAN WIGHT.
"CALEB BALDWIN.
"ALEXANDEB McRAE."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 1, pp. 133, 134.
They were taken from Liberty jail on the 6th of April,
Taken to Da- 1839, and taken to Daviess County for trial. Of
viess county, these events Joseph Smith writes: —
"Brothers Kimball and Turley called on Judge King, who
was mad at their having reported the case to the Governor;
and, said he, 'I could have done all the business for you
properly, if you had come to me; and I would have signed
the petition for all except Joe, and he is not fit to live.' I
bade Brothers Kimball and Turley to be of good cheer, 'for
we shall be delivered; but no arm but God can deliver us
now. Tell the brethren to be of good cheer and get the
saints away as fast as possible.'
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 327
"Brothers Kimball. and Turley were not permitted to
enter the prison, and all the communication we had with
them was through the grate of the dungeon. The brethren
left Liberty on their return to Far West.
•'Friday, 5th. Brothers Kimball and Turley arrived at
Far West.
"Saturday, April 6. Judge King, evidently fearing a
change of venue, or some movement on our part to escape
his unhallowed persecution, (and most probably expecting
that we would be murdered on the way,) hurried myself and
fellow prisoners off to Daviess County, under a guard of
about ten men, commanded by Samuel Tillery, deputy jailer
of Clay County. We were promised that we should go
through Far West, which was directly on our route, which
our friends at that place knew, and expected us; but
instead of fulfilling their promise they took us round the
city and out of the direct course eighteen miles, far from
habitations, where every opportunity presented for a gen-
eral massacre. . . .
"We continued our travels across the prairie, while the
brethren at Far West, anxious for our welfare, gave a man
thirty dollars to convey a letter to us at Daviess County and
return an answer.
"Monday, 8th. After a tedious journey, for our long con-
finement had enfeebled our bodily powers, we arrived in
Daviess County, about a mile from Gallatin, where we were
delivered into the hands of William Morgan, sheriff of
Daviess County, with his guard, William Bowman, John
Brassfield, and John Pogue. The Liberty guard returned
immediately, but became divided or got lost on their way,
and a part of them arrived in Far West after dark and got
caught in the fence; and calling for help, Elder Markham
went to their assistance and took them to the tavern. From
them he got a letter I had written to the committee inform-
ing them of our arrival at Daviess.
"Tuesday, 9th. Our trial commenced before a drunken
grand jury, Austin A. King presiding judge, as drunk as the
jury; for they were all drunk together.
328 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Elder Stephen Markham had been dispatched by the
committee to visit us and bring a hundred dollars that was
sent by Elder Kimball, as we were destitute of means at
that time; and leaving Far West this morning and swim-
ming several streams he arrived among us in the afternoon
and spent the evening in our company. Brother Markham
brought us a written copy of a statute which had passed the
legislature, giving us the privilege of a change of venue on
our own affidavit.
"Judge Morin arrived from Millport and was favorable to
our escape from the persecution we were enduring, and
spent the evening with us in prison, and we had as pleasant
a time as such circumstances would permit, for we were as
happy as the happiest; the Spirit buoyed us above our
trials, and we rejoiced in each other's society.
"Wednesday, 10th, was spent in the examination of wit-
nesses before the grand jury. Dr. Sampson Avard was one
of the witnesses. Brother Markham was not permitted to
give his testimony.
"Our guard went home, and Colonel William P. Peniston,
Blakely, and others, took their place. . . .
"The examination of witnesses was continued and Elder
Markham was permitted to give his testimony. After he
had closed, Blakely, one of the guard, came in and said to
Markham that he wanted to speak to him. Brother Mark-
ham walked out with him, and round the end of the house,
when Blakely called out, 'God damn you, you damned old
Mormon; I'll kill you;' and struck at Markham with his fist,
and then with a club. Markham took the club and threw it
over the fence. There were ten of the mob, who immedi-
ately rushed upon Markham to kill him, Colonel William P.
Peniston, captain of the guard, being one of the number.
But Markham told them he could kill the whole of them at
one blow apiece, and drove them off. The court and grand
jury stood and saw the affray, and heard the mob threaten
Markham's life by all the oaths they could invent, but they
took no cognizance of it.
"The ten mobbers went home after their guns to shoot
Markham, and the grand jury brought in a bill for 'Murder,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 329
treason, burglary, arson, larceny, theft, and stealing,'
against Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae, Caleb Baldwin,
Hyrum Smith, and myself.
"This evening the committee assembled at Daniel Shear-
er's. After prayer by Brother James Newberry, he was
ordained an elder on the recommendation of Elder Kimball,
under the hands of Elder Kimball, H. Clark, and W. Hunt-
iugton.
"Elder Kimball reported that Jesse P. Maupin, the thirty
dollar messenger they sent to us, had returned; that the
prisoners were well and in good spirits.
"Brother Rogers, who had returned from Jackson
County, reported that he had sold ail the lands in Jackson.
Elder Kimball was requested to attend a meeting of the
county to-morrow, and as an individual mention the case of
the committee and brethren generally, and learn their feel-
ings, whether they would protect the brethren from the
abuse of the mob, in case they come immediately to drive
them out, as they had recently threatened.
"During this night the visions of the future were opened
to my understanding, when I saw the ways and means and
near approach of my escape from imprisonment, and the
danger that my beloved Brother Markham was in. I awoke
Brother Markham and teld him if he would rise early and
not wait for the judge and lawyers, as he had contemplated,
but ride briskly, he would get safe home almost before he
was aware of it; and if he did not, the mob would shoot him
on the way; and tell the brethren to be of good cheer and
lose no time in removing from the country." — Millennial
Star, vol. 17, pp. 102-104, 126, 127.
They were granted a change of venue, and on the 15th of
April started for Boone County, in company with the sheriff,
A change William Morgan, and four guards; viz., John
of venue. Brassfield, William Bowen, Wilson McKinney, and
John Pough. That night they staid with a man by the
name of Cox, and on the 16th traveled about twenty miles
and camped. The sheriff and guards became intoxicated
and went to sleep. The prisoners soon arose and
left the camp, traveling towards Illinois and lib-
330 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
erty. Of their escape Hyrum Smith testified before the
municipal court of Nauvoo, as follows: —
"There we bought a jug of whisky, with which we
treated the company, and while there the sheriff showed us
the mittimus before referred to, without date or signature,
and said that Judge Birch told him never to carry us to
Boone County and never to show the mittimus;
'and,' said he, 'I shall take a good drink of grog and
go to bed; you may do as you have a mind to.' Three
others of the guard drank pretty freely of whisky, sweet-
ened with honey; they also went to bed, and were soon
asleep, and the other guard went along with us and helped
to saddle the horses. Two of us mounted the horses, and
the other three started on foot, and we took our change of
venue for the State of Illinois, and, in the course of nine or
ten days we arrived in Quincy, Adams County [Illinois],
where we found our families in a state of poverty, although
in good health, they having been driven out of the State
previously, by the murderous militia, under the exterminat-
ing order of the Executive of Missouri."— Joseph Smith the
Prophet and His Progenitors, pp. 264, 265.
On the 17th Elder Baldwin got separated from the rest;
incidents but two day s later he fortunately but accidentally
of travel. met them again, at the 4iouse of a Mr. Harrison,
on Big Chariton River.
On the 21st Alexander McRae left the rest. Of this
Lyman Wight states:—
"McRae left us, being displeased with Joseph."
The other four proceeded together, until the next day, the
22d, when Joseph Smith and Caleb Baldwin took the horses
and hurried onward, while Hyrum Smith and Lyman
Arrival at Wight proceeded more leisurely on foot. The
Quincy, in. ^wo on foot arrived at Quincy, Illinois, at six p. m.
the same evening, the other two having preceded them.
We will close this chapter in the words of Joseph, allow-
ing him to tell of his feelings when again at liberty and
among friends: —
"Monday, 22d. We continued on our journey, both by
night and by day, and after suffering much fatigue and hun-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 331
ger I arrived at Quincy, Illinois, amidst the congratulations
of my friends and the embraces of my family, whom I found
as well as could be expected, considering what they had
been called to endure. Before leaving Missouri I had paid
the lawyers at Richmond thirty-four thousand dollars in
cash, lands, etc.; one lot which I let them have, in Jackson
County, for seven thousand dollars they were soon offered
ten thousand dollars for it, but would not accept it. For
other vexatious suits which I had to contend against the few
months I was in this State, I paid lawyer's fees to the
amount of about sixteen thousand dollars, making in all
about fifty thousand dollars, for which I received very little
in return; for sometimes they were afraid to act on account
of the mob, and sometimes they were so drunk as to in-
capacitate them for business. But there were a few honora-
ble exceptions.
"Among those who have been the chief instruments and
leading characters in the unparalleled persecutions against
the Church of Latter Day Saints, the following stand con-
spicuous; viz., Generals Clark, Wilson, and Lucas, Colonel
Price, and Cornelius Gillium; Captain Bogart also, whose
zeal in the cause of oppression and injustice was unequaled,
and whose delight has been to rob, murder, and spread dev-
astation among the saints. He stole a valuable horse, sad-
dle, and bridle from me, which cost two hundred dollars,
and then sold the same to General Wilson. On understand-
ing this I applied to General Wilson for the horse, who
assured me upon the honor of a gentleman and an officer
that I should have the horse returned to me; but this prom-
ise has not been fulfilled.
"All the threats, murders, and robberies which these offi-
cers have been guilty of are entirely looked over by the
Executive of the State; who, to hide his own iniquity, must
of course shield and protect those whom he employed to
carry into effect his murderous purposes.
"I was in their hands, as a prisoner, about six months;
but notwithstanding their determination to destroy me, with
the rest of my brethren who were with me, and although at
three different times (as I was informed) we were sentenced
332 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
to be shot, 8 without the least shadow of law (as we were not
military men), and had the time and place appointed for that
purpose, yet through the mercy of God, in answer to the
prayers of the saints, I have been preserved and delivered
out of their hands, and can again enjoy the society of my
friends and brethren, whom I love, and to whom I feel
united in bonds that are stronger than death; and in a State
where I believe the laws are respected, and whose citizens
are humane and charitable.
"During the time I was in the hands of my enemies I
must say that although I felt great anxiety respecting my
family and friends, who were so inhumanly treated and
abused, and who had to mourn the loss of their husbands
and children who had been slain, and, after having been
robbed of nearly all that they possessed, be driven from
their homes, and forced to wander as strangers in a strange
country, in order that they might save themselves and their
little ones from the destruction they were threatened with in
Missouri,— yet as far as I was concerned I felt perfectly
calm and resigned to the will of my heavenly Father. I
knew my innocency, as well as that of the saints, and that
we had done nothing to deserve such treatment from the
hands of our oppressors. Consequently I could look to that
God who has the hearts of all men in his hands, and who
had saved me frequently from the gates of death, for deliv-
erance; and notwithstanding that every avenue of escape
seemed to be entirely closed, and death stared me in the
face, and that my destruction was determined upon, as far
as man was concerned; yet from my first entrance into the
camp I felt an assurance that I with my brethren and our
families should be delivered. Yes, that still small voice
which has so often whispered consolation to my soul in the
depth of sorrow and distress, bade me be of good cheer, and
promised deliverance, which gave me great comfort. And
although the heathen raged and the people imagined vain
things, yet the Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob was my
refuge; and when I cried unto him in the day of trouble he
zOnce at Far West and once at Richmond. Of the third time we have
seen no account.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 333
delivered me; for which I call upon my soul and all that is
within me to bless and praise his holy name. For although
I was 'troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed,
but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down,
but not destroyed.'
"The conduct of the saints under their accumulated wrongs
and sufferings has been praiseworthy; their courage in
defending their brethren from the ravages of the mobs;
their attachment to the cause of truth, under circumstances
the most trying and distressing which humanity can possi-
bly endure; their love to each other; their readiness to
afford assistance to me and my brethren who were confined
in a dungeon; their sacrifices in leaving Missouri, and assist-
ing the poor widows and orphans and securing them houses
in a more hospitable land; all conspire to raise them in the
estimation of all good and virtuous men, and has secured them
the favor and approbation of Jehovah, and a name as imper-
ishable as eternity. And their virtuous deeds and heroic
actions while in defense of truth and their brethren will be
fresh and blooming when the names of their oppressors shall
be either entirely forgotten or only remembered for their
barbarity and cruelty.
"Their attention and affection to me while in prison will
ever be remembered by me; and when I have seen them
thrust away and abused by the jailer and guard, when they
came to do any kind offices, and to cheer our minds while
we were in the gloomy prison house, gave me feelings
which I cannot describe; while those who wished to insult
and abuse us by their threats and blasphemous language
were applauded and had every encouragement given them.
"However, thank God, we have been delivered. And
although some of our beloved brethren have had to seal
their testimony with their blood and have died martyrs to
the cause of truth, yet
" 'Short, though bitter, was their pain,
Everlasting is their joy.'
"Let us not sorrow as 'those without hope;' the time is
fast approaching when we shall see them again and rejoice
together, without being afraid of wicked men. Yes, those
334 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
who have slept in Christ shall he bring with him when he
shall come to be glorified in Him, and admired by all those
who believe, but to take vengeance upon his enemies
and all those who obey not the gospel.
"At that time the hearts of the widows and fatherless
shall be comforted, and every tear shall be wiped from off
their faces. The trials they have had to pass through shall
work together for their good, and prepare them for the
society of those who have come up out of great tribulation
and have washed their robes and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb.
"Marvel not, then, if you are persecuted; but remember
the words of the Savior: 'The servant is not above his
Lord; if they have persecuted me, they will persecute you
also;' and that all the afflictions through which the saints
have to pass are in fulfillment of the words of the prophets
which have spoken since the world began.
"We shall therefore do well to discern the signs of the
times as we pass along, that the day of the Lord may not
'overtake us as a thief in the night.' Afflictions, persecu-
tions, imprisonments, and deaths we must expect, according
to the Scriptures, which tell us that the blood of those
whose souls were under the altar could not be avenged on
them that dwell on the earth until their brethren should be
slain as they were.
"If these transactions had taken place among barbarians,
under the authority of a despot, or in a nation where a cer-
tain religion is established according to law and all others
proscribed, then there might have been some shadow of
defense offered. But can we realize that in a land which is
the cradle of liberty and equal rights, and where the voice
of the conquerors who had vanquished our foes had scarcely
died away upon our ears, where we frequently mingled with
those who had stood amidst 'the battle and the breeze,' and
whose arms have been nerved in the defense of their coun-
try and liberty, whose institutions are the theme of philoso-
phers and poets and held up to the admiration of the whole
civilized world, — in the midst of all these scenes with which
we were surrounded, a persecution the most unwarrantable
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 335
was commenced and a tragedy the most dreadful was
enacted, by a large portion of the inhabitants of one of those
free and independent States which comprise this vast repub-
lic; and a deadly blow was struck at the institutions for
which our fathers had fought many a hard battle, and for
which many a patriot had shed his blood; and suddenly was
heard amidst the voice of joy and gratitude for our national
liberty, the voice of mourning, lamentation, and woe. Yes!
in this land, a mob, regardless of those laws for which so
much blood has been spilled, dead to every feeling of virtue
and patriotism which animated the bosom of freemen, fell
upon a people whose religious faith was different from their
own, and not only destroyed their homes, drove them away,
and carried off their property, but murdered many a free-
born son of America— a tragedy which has no parallel in
modern and hardly in ancient times; even the face of the
Red Man would be ready to turn pale at the recital of it. It
would have been some consolation if the authorities of the
State had been innocent in this affair; but they are involved
in the guilt thereof, and the blood of innocence, even of chil-
dren, cries for vengeance upon them.
"I ask the citizens of this vast republic whether such a
state of things is to be suffered to pass unnoticed, and the
hearts of widows, orphans, and patriots to be broken and
their wrongs left without redress? No! I invoke the genius
of our Constitution. I appeal to the patriotism of Ameri-
cans to stop this unlawful and unholy procedure; and pray
that God may defend this nation from the dreadful effects of
such outrages.
"Is there not virtue in the body politic? Will not the peo-
ple rise up in their majesty and with that promptitude and
zeal which is so characteristic of them discountenance such
proceedings by bringing the offenders to that punishment
which they so richly deserve, and save the nation from that
disgrace and ultimate ruin which otherwise must inevitably
fall upon it?
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 148-151.
CHAPTER 17.
1838-1839.
SUFFERING AND PRIVATION — LUCY SMITH'S ACCOUNT — JOSEPH'S
FAMILY — FROM HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY — DEMOCRATIC
ASSOCIATION RESOLUTIONS — PROM QUINCY ARGUS — RESOLU-
TIONS PASSED AT NEW YORK — FROM BOSTON ATLAS — BAN-
CROFT'S VERSION — THE WESTERN MESSENGER — TESTIMONIES
ON CHARACTER.
THE suffering and privation of the saints in the winter of
1838-39, during their removal from the State of Missouri, no
suffering Pen can describe. To tell of all the incidents of
and privation, interest would fill a volume, so we will give the
history of this event in a general way as recorded by other
pens.
The following is from the pen of Lucy Smith, the mother
of the prophet, concerning her banishment from Missouri: —
"Just as we got our goods into the wagon a man came to
us and said that Sidney Rigdon's family were ready to start
Lucy smith's an^ must have the wagon immediately. Accord -
account. ingly our goods were taken out, and we were
compelled to wait until the team could come after us again.
We put our goods into the wagon a second time, but the
wagon was wanted for Emma and her family, so our goods
were again taken out. However, we succeeded after a long
time, in getting one single wagon to convey beds, clothing,
and provisions for our family, Salisbury's family, and Mr.
M'Cleary's family, besides considerable luggage for Don
Carlos, who, with his family and the remainder of his bag-
gage, was crowded into a buggy,1 and went in the same
company with us.
"For the want of teams we were compelled to leave most
of our provisions and furniture. Another inconvenience
1 A light vehicle, drawn by one horse.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 837
which we suffered was, the horses were windbroken, conse-
quently we were obliged to walk much of the way, especially
up all the hills, which was very tiresome work.
"The first day we arrived at a place called Tinney's
Grove, where we lodged over night in an old log house,
which was very uncomfortable. Half of the succeeding day
I traveled on foot. That night we stayed at the house of
one Mr. Thomas, who was then a member of the church.
On the third day, in the afternoon, it began to rain. At
night we stopped at a house and asked permission to stay
till morning. The man to whom we applied showed us a
miserable outhouse, which was filthy enough to sicken the
stomach, and told us if we would clean this place and haul
our own wood and water we might lodge there. To this we
agreed, and with much trouble we succeeded in making a
place for our beds. For the use of this loathsome hovel he
charged us seventy-five cents. We traveled all the next day
in a pouring rain. We asked for shelter at many places,
but were refused. At last we came to a place quite like the
one where we spent the previous night. Here we spent the
night without fire. On the fifth day, just before arriving at
Palmyra, in Missouri, Don Carlos called to Mr. Smith, and
said, 'Father, this exposure is too bad, and I will not bear
it any longer; the first place that I come to that looks com-
fortable I shall drive up and go into the house, and do you
follow me.'
"We soon came to a farmhouse, surrounded with every
appearance of plenty. The house was but a short distance
from the road, having in front of it a large gate. Through
this Don Carlos drove without hesitating to ask the privi-
lege, and after assisting us through, he started to the house,
and meeting the landlord, he said: 'I do not know but that
I am trespassing, but I have with me an aged father, who is
sick, besides my mother and a number of women with small
children. We have traveled two days and a half in this
rain, and if we are compelled to go much farther we shall all
of us die. If you will allow us to stay with you over night
we will pay you almost any price for our accommodation.'
«« 'Why, what do you mean, sir!' said the gentleman,
338 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
'do you not consider us human beings? Do you think
that we would turn anything that is flesh and blood from
our door in such a time as this! Drive up to the house and
help your wife and children out: I'll attend to your father
and mother and the rest of them.' The landlord then as-
sisted Mr. Smith and myself into the room in which his lady
was sitting, but as she was rather ill, and he feared that the
dampness of our clothing would cause her to take cold, he
ordered a black servant to make a fire for her in another
room. He then assisted each of our family into the house,
and hung up our cloaks and shawls to dry.
"At this house we had everything which could conduce to
comfort. The gentleman, who was Esquire Mann, brought
us milk for our children, hauled us water to wash with, and
furnished us good beds to sleep in.
"In the evening he remarked that he was sent by his
county the year before to the House of Representatives,
where he met one Mr. Carroll, who was sent from the county
in which the 'Mormons' resided; 'and if ever,' said Esquire
Mann, 'I felt like fighting any man, it was him. He never
once raised his voice nor even his hand in behalf of that
abused people while the House- was in session. I was
never a member of the House before, and had not sufficient
confidence to take a stand upon the floor in their behalf, as I
should have done had I been a man of a little more experi-
ence.'
"After spending the night with this good man we proceeded
on our journey, although it continued raining, for we were
obliged to travel through mud and rain to avoid being
detained by high water. When we came within six miles of
the Mississippi River the weather grew colder, and in the
place of rain we had snow and hail; and the ground between
us and the river was so low and swampy that a person on
foot would sink in over his ankles at every step; yet we were
all of us forced to walk, or rather wade, the whole six miles.
"On reaching the Mississippi we found that we could not
cross that night, nor yet find a shelter, for many saints were
there before us waiting to go over into Quincy. The snow
was now six inches deep and still falling. We made our
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 339
beds upon it, and went to rest with what comfort we might
under such circumstances. The next morning our beds were
covered with snow, and much of the bedding under which
we lay was frozen. We rose and tried to light a fire, but
finding it impossible, we resigned ourselves to our comfort-
less situation.
"Soon after this Samuel came over from Quincy, and he,
with the assistance of Seymour Brunson, obtained permis-
sion of the ferryman for us to cross that day. Abo at sunset
we landed in Quincy. Here Samuel had hired a house, and
we moved into it, with four other families."— Joseph Smith
the Prophet and His Progenitors, pp. 272-275.
The story of the journey of Joseph's family is best told in
Joseph's a sketch of the life of Emma Smith, written by
family. j^r gon> for a wor^ entitled, "The Pioneer
Women of Lee County, Illinois," some years ago: —
"After making such arrangements for the safety of her-
self and her children as she could, Mrs. Smith turned her
face from the home whence she and hers were being driven,
towards Illinois and freedom. The winter shut in early,
and when the fleeing pilgrims reached the Mississippi
River, it was freshly frozen over, and Mrs. Smith, carrying
her two youngest, with the oldest boy and the little girl
clinging to her dress, crossed the mighty river, to Quincy,
Illinois, on foot, weary, heartbroken, and sad.
"She found a hospitable welcome at the home of a man by
the name of Cleaveland, where she remained during the long
winter, sad but trusting, and in faithful expectancy, waiting
for her husband's relief, and delivery from bonds."
The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Mis-
souri, contains the following statement concerning these
troublesome times: —
"In the consummation of the 'treaty' with General Lucas,
and by the orders of Governor Boggs, when, as a Mormon
poet says: —
" 'The people of Missouri,
Like a whirlwind in its fury,
And without judge or jury,
Drove the saints and spilled their blood,' —
340 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
there were many distressing scenes. Having been banished
from the State, they concluded to settle in Illi-
From history .
ofcaidweii nois, on the upper Mississippi, and eventually
selected Hancock County, on the Mississippi,
opposite the southeastern part of Iowa, as their future
home.
"In the midst of an inclement winter, in December, 1838,
and in January, 1839, many of the Mormon men, women, and
children, the sick and the aged as well as the young and
strong, were turned out of their homes in this county and
Daviess, into the prairies and forests, without food or suffi-
cient protection from the weather. In some instances in
Daviess their houses were burnt before their eyes and they
turned out into the deep snow. Only a few cabins in the
southwestern part of Caldwell were burned at this time.
"Numerous families set out at once for Illinois, making
the entire distance in midwinter, on foot. A large majority,
however, remained until spring, as under the terms of the
treaty they were allowed to remain in the county until that
time. All through the winter and early spring those who
remained prepared to leave. They offered their lands for
sale at very small figures. In fact, many bartered their
farms for teams and wagons to get away on. Some traded
for any sort of property. Charles Ross, of Black Oak,
bought forty acres of good land, north of Breckenridge, for
a blind mare and a clock. Some tracts of good land north
of Shoal Creek, in Kidder Township, brought only fifty
cents an acre. Many of the Mormons had not yet secured
the patents to their lands, and though they had regularly
entered them, they could not sell them; the Gentiles would
not buy unless they could receive the government's deeds,
as well as the grantor's. These kinds of lands were aban-
doned altogether, in most instances, and afterward settled
upon by Gentiles, who secured titles by keeping the taxes
paid."— History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Mis-
souri, pp. 141, 142.
The Democratic Association of Quincy, Illinois, on Feb-
ruary 28, 1839, after inviting other citizens to meet with
them, passed appropriate resolutions, which were signed
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 341
by Samuel Leach, chairman, and J. D. Morgan, secretary.*
The Quincy, Illinois, Argus for March 16, 1839, contains
the following editorial: —
"We give in to-day's paper the details of the recent
bloody tragedy acted in Missouri— the details of a scene of
Prom Quincy terror and blood unparalleled in the annals of
Argus. modern and, under the circumstances of the
case, in ancient history — a tragedy of so deep and fearful
and absorbing interest that the very lif eblood of the heart is
chilled at the simple contemplation. We are prompted to
ask ourselves if it be really true that we are living in an
enlightened, a humane and civilized age — in an age and
quarter of the world boasting of its progress in everything
good, and great, and honorable, and virtuous, and high-
minded— in a country of which, as American citizens, we
could be proud — whether we are living under a constitution
and laws, or have not rather returned to the ruthless times
of the stern Attila — to the times of the fiery Hun, when the
sword and flame ravaged the fair fields of Italy and Europe,
and the darkest passions held full revel in all the revolting
scenes of unchecked brutality and unbridled desire?
"We have no language sufficiently strong for the expres-
sion of our indignation and shame at the recent transaction
in a sister State— and that State MISSOURI— a State of
which we had long been proud, alike for her men and his-
tory, but now so fatten that we could wish her star stricken
out from the bright constellation of the Union. We say we
1 Resolved, that we regard the rights of conscience as natural and inal-
ienable, and the most sacred guaranteed by the Constitution of our free
government.
Resolved, that we regard the acts of all mobs as flagrant violations of
law, and those who compose them individually responsible, both to the
laws of God or man, for every depredation committed upon the property,
rights, or life of any citizen.
Resolved, that the inhabitants upon the western frontier of the State
of Missouri in their late persecutions of the class of people denominated
Mormons, have violated the sacred rights of conscience, and every law of
justice and humanity.
Resolved, that the Governor of Missouri in refusing protection to this
class of people when pressed upon by a heartless mob, and turning upon
them a band of unprincipled militia, with orders encouraging their
extermination, has brought a lasting disgrace upon the State over which
he presides. — Persecution of the Saints, pp. 190, 191.
342 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
know of no language sufficiently strong for the expression
of our sharne and abhorrence of her recent conduct. She
has written her own character in letters of blood— and stained
it by acts of merciless cruelty and brutality that the
waters of ages cannot efface. It will be observed that an
organized mob aided by many of the civil and military offi-
cers of Missouri, with Governor Boggs at their head, have
been the prominent actors in this business, incited, too, it
appears, against the Mormons by political hatred, and by
the additional motives of plunder and revenge. They have
but too well put in execution their threats of extermination
and expulsion, and fully wreaked their vengeance on a body
of industrious and enterprising men, who had never wronged
nor wished to wrong them, but on the contrary had ever
comported themselves as good and honest citizens, living
under the same laws and having the same right with them-
selves to the sacred immunities of life, liberty, and property. " —
Persecution of the Saints, pp. 178-180.
The New York Commercial- Advertiser published resolutions
passed shortly after by a mass meeting held at National
Hall."
• Resolved, that as Americans we have heard with shame and indig-
nation the narrative given by Mr. Green, of the persecutions, sufferings,
and lawless violence of which a body of American citizens have been
the objects and the victims, for no other apparent cause than that,
without hindrance to others or violation of any law of the land, they
acted on the right guaranteed to them by the Constitution of the United
States of a free exercise of religion.
Resolved, that without meaning to express any opinion whatever as
to the religious tenets or practices of the Mormons as a sect, we con-
demn and desire to bear our testimony against mob law, lynch law, and
all other forms of violence and outrage, where an excited populace
becomes at once jury, judge, and executioner.
Resolved, that the Mormons, as wronged, persecuted, exiled, and
defrauded Americans, are entitled to the sympathy and support of their
countrymen, and that especially in behalf of the women and children
driven from their homes at the point of the bayonet, we appeal to the
known benevolence of our fellow citizens at large for pecuniary aid.
Resolved, that the chairman and secretary be a committee with
power to add to their numbers — to obtain subscriptions in aid of the
women and children of the Mormons — such subscriptions to be applied
after due investigation by the committee themselves.
Resolved, that these resolutions be signed by the chairman and sec-
retary, and be published in the newspapers.
CHABLES KING, Chairman.
MARCUS SPRING, Secretary.
— Persecution of the Saints, pp. 162, 1G3.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 343
The Boston Atlas published a letter showing the contrast
between the Mormons and their neighbors. *
* FROM THE BOSTON ATLAS. — Letter from a Gentleman at the West to
his frend in Boston.
Dear Sir: — You ask me for information concerning the Mormon trou-
ble in Missouri. In giving it I shall be compelled to state particulars
that will stagger your belief; and I shall be betrayed into a warmth of
expression which may be construed into the signs of partisan bitterness,
but which will be in truth only the language of honest indignation.
The series of wrongs and outrages perpetrated on the Mormons, and the
closing act of injustice by which those wrongs and outrages were suffered
to escape, not only unpunished but triumphant, from the elements of
persecution, which in vain seeks a parallel in the history of our country.
For example of similar outrages on the rights of justice and humanity, I
am compelled to resort to barbarous nations and dark ages, which alone
furnish precedents to excuse the conduct of the people of Missouri.
The Mormons, I need not say, are a weak and credulous people, whose
chief fault is the misfortune of having become the dupes of a villainous
impostor.* They have an excess of that as to which the world at large
is exceedingly deficient, i. e., faith. They have been misled; and they
are to be pitied. But I have yet to learn that their faith taught them
immorality. I have yet to learn that it encouraged disobedience to the
laws or encroachments on the rights of any fellow citizen.
The Mormons were in truth a moral, orderly, and sober population.
They were industrious farmers and ingenious mechanics. They were
busy about their own affairs, and never intermeddled in the concerns of
their neighbors. They were exceedingly peaceful and averse to strife,
quarrels, and violence. They had established schools, they encouraged
education; and they all had the rudiments of learning, taught under our
school system at the East. They had begun to open fine farms and put
their lands in a high state of improvement. Many of them were sur-
rounded by numerous comforts, and some with even the elegancies of
life.
In all these respects their condition presented a broad contrast to that of
their neighbors. Of these neighbors, many had been there for years —
much longer in fact than the Mormons — and had made few advances
upon the Indians they had displaced. Mud hovels, a "truck patch,"
hunting, and buckskin breeches were their highest aspirations. Letters
they despised as much as they did the coveniences or comforts of life.
Bold, violent, unscrupulous, and grasping — hating all who differed
from, much more who excelled them in the art of living, the relations
between them and the Mormons may readily be inferred by any man
who has read a single chapter in the history of human strife.
The Anti-Mormons (for I must distinguish this horde of demi-savages)
are exceedingly intolerant. They are refuse Kentuckians and Tennes-
seans, intermixed with Virginians of the same caste, in whom the vice of
sectional pride, which marks these people, and a prejudice against all
others, especially those belonging to the free States, whom they indis-
criminately brand as Yankees — is exaggerated to the highest pitch.
Such persons, if they could do it, would incorporate in the Constitution
of Missouri a provision to prohibit emigrating thither of anybody not
belonging to their own "kith and kin." They have also personal pride
*The writer, though just in other remarks, falls into the common
error of crying imposition, without showing wherein the deception con-
sists.
344 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Bancroft's version is as follows: —
"There was no help for them; they must leave the State
or be killed; of this they were assured on all sides, pub-
licly and privately.
•'And now begins another painful march— painful in the
thought of it, painful in the telling of it. It is midwinter;
whither can they go, and how? They have homes, but they
may not enjoy them; land which they have bought, houses
which they have built, and barns and cattle and food, but
hereabout they are hunted to death. Is it Russia or Tartary
or Hindostan, that people are thus forced to fly for opinion's
sake? True, the people of the United States do not like such
opinions; they do not like a religious sect that votes solid,
or a class of men whom they look upon as fools and fanatics
talking about taking the country, claimed as theirs by divine
right; but in any event this was no way to settle the diffi-
culty. Here are men who have been stripped in a moment
of the results of years of toil — all that they have in the
world gone; here are women weighed down with work and
care, some whose husbands are in prison, and who are thus
left to bear the heavy burden of this infliction alone; here
are little children, some comfortably clad, others obliged to
encounter the wind and frozen ground with bare heads and
bleeding feet.
"Whither can they go? There is a small following of the
prophet at Quincy, Illinois; some propose to go there, some
start for other places. But what if they are not welcome at
Quincy, and what can they do with such a multitude?
There is no help for it, however, no other spot where the
outcasts can hope for refuge at the moment. Some have
horses and cattle and wagons; some have none. Some have
tents and bedding; some have none. But the start is made,
to an excess, which leads them, however, not to emulate a rival's exer
tions, but to envy his success and hate his person. They have, however
a grasping disposition, which stimulates them to acquire; but not indus-
try and enterprise enough to lead them to acquire honestly. They pre-
fer plunder to fair means, if they can only conceal the knowledge of
their foul play; because rapine gratifies their propensities to force, indo-
lence, and acquisition. They are bold, crafty, and when inspired by
revenge, energetic and persevering beyond almost any other race of
men. . . . — Persecution of the Saints, pp. 144-147.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 345
and the march is slowly to the eastward. In the months of
February and March over one hundred and thirty families
are on the west bank of the Mississippi unable to cross the
river, which is full of floating ice. There they wait and suf-
fer; they scour the country for food and clothing for the
destitute; many sicken and die." — History of Utah, pp. 135,
136.
Though we might fill a volume with such testimony, and
with such denunciations of Governor Boggs and Missouri,
from nonpartisan sources, we will add but one more, which
The western *s an extract from an editorial published in the
Messenger. Western Messenger, of Cincinnati, Ohio, about No-
vember or December, 1840: —
"OUTRAGES OF MISSOURI MOBS ON MORMONS.
"Reader! Let not the word Mormon repel you! Think
not that you have no interest in the cruelties perpetrated on
this poor people! Read, we pray you, the history of this
persecuted community; examine the detailed facts of these
atrocities; reflect upon the hallowed principles and usages
trampled under foot by ruffians; bring before your mind the
violations of all law, human and divine, of all right, natural
and civil, of all ties of society and humanity, of all duties of
justice, honor, honesty, and mercy, committed by so-called
freemen and Christians — and then speak out, speak out for
prostrate law, for liberty disgraced, for outraged man, for
heaven insulted;
" 'Loud as a summer thunderbolt shall waken
A people's voice.'
"We speak strongly, for we feel strongly; and we wish to
attract attention to a tragedy of almost unequalled horror,
which has been unblushingly enacted in a State of this
Union. Its history should be trumpeted abroad until the in-
dignant rebuke of the whole land compels the authors,
abettors, and tolerators of these wrongs to make the small
return now in their power for their aggravated injustice.
Life cannot be restored to the murdered nor health to the
broken down in body and soul, nor peace to the bereaved ;
but the spoils on which robbers are now fattening can be
repaid; the loss of the destitute can be made up; the captive
346 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
can be freed, and, until by legislative acts she makes redress
— Missouri is disgraced!
"It seems like some horrid dream, that these enormities,
which Nicholas would have shrunk from inflicting on the
Poles, have been deliberately committed in an age of peace,
in a land of laws and freedom, upon our own brethren. ' Is
it actually true that citizens— peaceable, industrious, tem-
perate, orderly citizens— have been driven from their prop-
erty, their houses burned, the furniture broken and
scattered, their crops laid waste, their stores plundered,
their cattle killed, their horses stolen, their clothes stripped
from them, and themselves expelled under threats of instant
death? Is it true that men have been tarred and feathered,
whipped till they were raw from head to foot, till their bowels
gushed out, that their skulls have been knocked in, and
brains scattered with musket butts, that they have been
shot down while crying for quarter, shot down unarmed
and defenseless like hogs in a pen? Is it true that sick
women have been driven from burning houses at midnight
on the snowy prairies, where they have given birth to chil-
dren on the frozen ground, that they have forded rivers
with helpless infants in their arms, fleeing from heartless
pursuers, that they have been insulted when their natural
protectors were hid from the murderers, that they have
been violated by the guards appointed for their defense?
And were the guilty instigators and executioners of the
massacres, arsons, and rapes, really men of standing, minis-
ters of the gospel, judges, senators, military officers, and
the Governor of the State? Were not the evidence on
which the narrative of each one of these cruelties rests
incontrovertible, no one could conceive that such fiendlike
acts had actually been wrought by beings in human shape.
Would that for the honor of our nature they could be dis-
credited. Our statement is strictly, unexaggeratedly true.
It is only TOO MEAGER, TOO FEEBLE. . .
"These, it may be said, were the acts of unauthorized
mobs, against whom the militia of the State had been called
BThis was not a Mormon paper, and the word brethren was not used in
the sense of church fellowship.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 347
out. True! But when after months, we may say years, of
suffering from similar outrages, harassed by anxieties,
goaded by wrongs, and under the advice of authorities, civil
and military, these poor fellows deserted by the militia
guard, unprotected by the State, did at last defend their
houses from pillage, their children and wives from abuse,
themselves from murder — then was the cry of 'Mormon war'
raised; and Governor Boggs, to his lasting infamy, sent out
his order for exterminating these citizens of Missouri, whom
it was his duty under oath to save. In his order of October
27, he says: —
" 'The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exter-
minated or driven from the State, if necessary, for the public
good.'
"The Mormons had only defended themselves against
infuriated and lawless rioters; so soon as General Lucas
arrived and presented the Governor's orders, they submitted
to the authorities of the State. They gave up their arms
and were made prisoners. . . .
"And thus, during the greatest cold of the last winter,
were men, women and children, aged, sick and helpless,
driven out from shelter, and, half-clothed, unfed, robbed of
teams and horses even, forced to make their way as they
could to other States. One more picture we must present
in order to give a glimpse of the horrors thus permitted by
a State Executive— thus authorized and commanded by the
highest power of Missouri. We take the account given
under oath by Lyman Wight, of 'a few facts concerning his
family (while he was in jail).'
" 'His wife was confined on the 3d of November, whilst
Cornelias C. Gilliam, with one hundred painted men, sur-
rounded the house, screeching and hallooing in the attitude
of Delaware Indians; and it was with the utmost difficulty
that the militia officers could keep them out of the house-
In this situation the family remained, threatened day by
day that they must leave the country or be exterminated.
Accordingly, when her babe was eight days old she was
informed she could stay no longer, that she must not
only leave the county, but the State; that she need not
348 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
flatter herself that she would ever see her husband again,
for if they could not find law to kill him, they would kill him
without law. She was stripped of her bed and bedding, and
of her household furniture, then placed in an open wagon
with six helpless children, to make the best shift she could
to get out of the State. The last news received from her
she was on the banks of the Mississippi River in a tent,
depending on the charity of the people for her support. This
is the fifth time that I and my family have been unlawfully
driven from house and home.'
"Now let everyone on reading this tale of horror speak
out fully, fearlessly. Had the Mormons been pirates, blood-
stained, had they been Indians, girdled with scalps, they
would have deserved better treatment. Let the unsupported
accusations brought against them be true, and yet the con-
duct of their plunderers and murderers was utterly without
a palliation or excuse. Before the face of heaven and in the
sight of men such acts are devilish.
"What, in a word, were the causes of the madness of these
mobs? The Mormons were deluded, obstinate, zealous,
exclusive in their faith. They used the vague prophetic
denunciations of an enthusiastic sect. They retaliated the
reproaches heaped upon them by religious opponents. This,
we believe, was the great exciting cause. Their first perse-
cutions were attacks on their opinions, and ridicule of
their absurdity.
"Again, there were suspicions against the sincerity of
their leading men. They were thought to be speculators on
the credulity of the ignorant. Blind prejudice multiplied
evil suspicions; enmity misconstrued natural acts; slander
swelled trifles into monstrous wrongs; idle curiosity, greedy
of alarm, and eager to gossip, circulated rumors. Now add
that they were a larger and growing community, allied
together both by necessity and choice, and withal prosperous,
and we have an explanation of the fear, jealousy, envy, and
hatred felt against them; an explanation, but no justification.
The same elements were active and fierce in these Missouri
outrages, which have kindled the faggot, and bared the
sword, and opened the dungeon in all times. These ele-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 349
ments were bigotry, ignorance, panic. And when we talk
of living in an age of enlightenment, liberty, and law, let us
recollect with shame the burning of the convent at Charles-
town, the absurd humbug of Maria Monk, and the count-
less wrongs which other mobs, for as slight pretexts, have
wrought in almost every State in the Union. The blaze of
these other disgraceful proceedings is lost, however, in the
hot glare of this infernal outbreak." — Times and Seasons, vol.
2, pp. 235-238.
It was to counteract this wave of indignation which went
over the United States that the Missouri Legislature com-
piled all the scurrilous reports obtainable, and published
them in 1841.
To close this chapter we insert a few testimonies to the
good character of Joseph Smith and the church members in
Testimonies general. It is true that Joseph and others had to
on character. ]eave their business in Ohio in an unfinished con-
dition because of violent persecution which compelled them
to leave, but they sent Oliver Granger as an agent, who set-
tled up their business in an honorable way, as the following
testimonies will show: —
"A CARD.
"PAINESVILLE, October 19, 1838.
"We, the undersigned, being personal acquaintances of
Oliver Granger, firmly believe that the course which he has
pursued in settling the claims, accounts, etc., against the
former citizens of Kirtland Township, has done much credit
to himself and all others that committed to him the care of
adjusting their business with this community, which also
furnishes evidence that there was no intention on their part
of defrauding their creditors.
"THOMAS GRIFFITH.
"JOHN S. SEYMOUK."
—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 406.
"To all persons that are or may be interested. I, Horace
Kingsbury, of Painesville Township, Geauga County, and
State of Ohio, feeling the importance of recommending to
remembrance every worthy citizen who has by their conduct
commended themselves to personal acquaintance by their
350 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
course of strict integrity, and desire for truth and common
justice, feel it my duty to state that Oliver Granger's man-
agement in the arrangement of the unfinished business of
people that have moved to the Far West, in redeeming their
pledges and thereby sustaining their integrity, has been
truly praiseworthy, and has entitled him to my highest
esteem, and ever grateful recollection.
'•PAINESVILLB, October 26, 1838." "HORACE KINGSBUBY.
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 445.
"To all whom it may concern: — This may certify that during
the year of eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, I had deal-
ings with Messrs. Joseph Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon,
together with other members of the society, to the amount of
about three thousand dollars, and during the spring of eight-
een hundred and thirty-eight, I have received my pay in full
of Colonel Oliver Granger, to my satisfaction. And I would
here remark, that it is due Messrs. Smith and Rigdon, and the
society generally, to say that they have ever dealt honorably
and fair with me: and I have received as good treatment from
them as I have received from any other society in this vicinity;
and so far as I have been correctly informed and made known
of their business transactions generally, they have, so far as
I can judge, been honorable and honest, and have made
every exertion to arrange and settle their affairs. And I
would further state that the closing up of my business with
said society has been with their agent, Colonel Granger,
appointed by them for that purpose; and I consider it highly
due Colonel Granger from me here to state that he has acted
truly and honestly in all his business with me, and has
accomplished more than I could have reasonably expected.
And I have also been made acquainted with his business in
that section; and wherever he has been called upon to act,
he has done so, and with good management he has accom-
plished and effected a close of a large amount of business for
said society, and, as I believe, to the entire satisfaction of
all concerned. "JOHN W. HAWDEN.
"PAINESVILLE, Geauga County, Ohio, Oct. 27, 1838."
— Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 445, 446.
The Kansas City Journal published an interview with Gen-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 351
eral A. W. Doniphan, which was reproduced in the Saints' Her-
ald for August 1, 1881, and from which we make extracts: —
" 'What kind of people were the Mormons?'
" 'They were northern people, who, on account of their
declining to own slaves and their denunciation of the system
of slavery, were termed "free soilers." The majority of
them were intelligent, industrious, and law-abiding citizens,
but there were some ignorant, simple-minded fanatics among
them, whom that people said would steal. . . .
" 'The majority of the Mormons, after being driven from
Jackson County, went to Clay County, where they were
received and provided for as well as it was possible by the
citizens. The Mormons remained in Clay County until 1836,
in an unorganized community, when it was agreed between
them and the citizens of Clay and Ray Counties that if they
(the Mormons) would buy out a few inhabitants then inhab-
iting what is now Caldwell County, then a part of Ray
County, the balance of the land being public, they could
enter it at their leisure, and we would urge the legislature
to create a county for them, which was done at the session
of the legislature of 1836-37. . . .
" 'It has been said that in the treaty I made with the Mor-
mons I stipulated that they must leave the State, under
penalty of annihilation if they refused to do so. This is
entirely untrue, as I made no stipulation. It is true, how-
ever, that in an order to me and other officers, Governor
Boggs used the expression "that the Mormons leave the
State or be exterminated," whereas this order was entirely
illegal. I paid no attention to it. In my report to Governor
Boggs I stated to him that I had disregarded that part of his
order, as the age of extermination was over, and if I
attempted to remove them to some other State it would
cause additional trouble. The Mormons commenced immedi-
ately after this to move to Nauvoo, Illinois, and I know
nothing further about them. While the Mormons resided in
Clay County, they were a peaceable, sober, industrious, and
law-abiding people, and during their stay with us not one
was ever accused of a crime of any kind.' "—Saints' Herald,
August 1, 1881.
CHAPTER 1&
1839.
REBUILDING WASTED FORTUNES— THE TWELVE RETURN TO FAB
WEST— RETURN TO QUINCY— RECEPTION AT QUINCY— SEEKING A
LOCATION — BANCROFT ON THE SITUATION — DR. GALLAND'S
OFFER— SOME EXPULSIONS— LETTERS FROM LUCAS— COMMITTEE
ON LOCATION— CONFERENCE MINUTES— SEVENTIES TO EUROPE—
J. P. GREEN— LETTERS TO RIGDON AND GREEN — JOSEPH SMITH
LOCATES AT COMMERCE— POLITICAL CONTROVERSY— STATEMENTS
OF DAMAGE — COMMERCE — PURCHASE NASHVILLE — O. HYDE
RESTORED— INSTRUCTION — ZARAHEMLA — BLESSINGS — INSTRUC-
TION TO THE TWELVE — THEIR FAREWELL — CONFERENCE MIN-
UTES — MISSION TO WASHINGTON — HYMN BOOK — DELEGATES
LEAVE FOR WASHINGTON— PR ATT'S LETTER— TIMES AND SEA-
SONS — RIPLEY ORDAINED BISHOP — ADVICE TO KIRTLAND —
SICKNESS.
IT is now the spring of 1839, and the body of the Saints
are in Western Illinois, where they went cheerfully and dili-
gently to work to rebuild their wasted fortunes.
There is one event of this time which we cannot pass
without mention; viz., the return of the Twelve to Far
West amid dangers, in the face of a threatening
The Twelve . „ , .. . , ,
return to mob, to carry into effect an obligation placed upon
Far West. , ,. ... r. , _ , ,
them, as they believed, by command of God.
There were five of the Twelve who made this journey from
Illinois, accompanied by others; viz., Brigham Young, Heber
C. Kim ball, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, and John E. Page.
They assembled on the Temple Lot with several of their
brethren on April 26, 1839.
At this meeting they ordained Wilford Woodruff and
George A. Smith1 apostles of the Quorum of the Twelve,
and Darwin Chase and Norman Shearer to the office of Sev-
1 He visited me while I was in Liberty jail, when I made known to
him that he was appointed to fill the place of Thomas B. Marsh in the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He assisted in moving the saints out
of Far West, and returned with the Twelve to fulfill the revelation con-
cerning the foundation stone of the temple at Far West. — Joseph Smith,
Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 168.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 353
enty. They then commenced laying the foundation of the
temple by rolling a large stone near the southeast corner,
Return an(* Elder Alpheus Cutler, master workman,
to Quincy. placed it in position. The Twelve then returned
to Quincy, taking several families who had not removed
during the winter.
The following is from the pen of Elder Wilford Woodruff,
a participant in the scenes: —
"When the time drew near for the fulfillment of this com-
mandment of the Lord, Brigham Young was the President
of the Twelve Apostles; Thomas B. Marsh, who was the
senior apostle, had fallen. Brother Brigham called to-
gether those of the Twelve who were then at Quincy, Illi-
nois, to see what their minds would be about going to Par
West to fulfill the revelation. The Prophet Joseph and his
brother Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, and Parley
P. Pratt were in prison in Missouri at the time; but Father
Joseph Smith, the Patriarch, was at Quincy, Illinois. He
and others who were present did not think it wisdom for us
to attempt the journey, as our lives would be in great
jeopardy. They thought the Lord would take the will for
the deed. But when President Young asked the Twelve
what our feelings were upon the subject, we all of us, as the
voice of one man, said the Lord God had spoken and it was
for us to obey. It was the Lord's business to take care of
his servants, and we would fulfill the commandment, or die
trying.
"To fully understand the risk the Twelve Apostles ran in
making this journey, my readers should remember that Lil-
burn W. Boggs, Governor of the State of Missouri, had
issued a proclamation, in which all the Latter Day Saints
were required to leave that State or be exterminated. Far
West had been captured by the militia, who were really only
an organized mob; the citizens had been compelled to give
up their arms; all the leading men who could be got hold of
had been taken prisoners; the rest of the saints- men,
women, and children— had to flee as best they could out of
the State to save their lives, leaving all their houses, lands,
and other property which they could not carry with them,
354 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
to be taken by the mob. In fact they shot down the
cattle and hogs of the saints wherever they could find them,
and robbed them of nearly everything they could lay their
hands upon. Latter Day Saints were treated with merciless
cruelty and had to endure the most outrageous abuses. It
was with the greatest difficulty that many of them got out of
the State, especially the prominent men; for there were many
men of that State at that time who acted as though they
thought it no more harm to shoot a 'Mormon' than a mad
dog. From this brief explanation you will be able to under-
stand why some of the brethren thought we were not
required to go back to Far West to start from there upon
our mission across the ocean to Europe.
"Having determined to carry out the requirement of the
revelation, on the 18th of April, 1839, I took into my wagon
Brigham Young and Orson Pratt; and Father Cutler took
into his wagon John Taylor and George A. Smith, and we
started for Far West.
"On the way we met John E. Page, who was going with
his family to Quincy, Illinois. His wagon had turned over,
and when we met him he was trying to gather up a barrel of
soft soap with his hands. We helped him get up his wagon.
He drove down into the valley below, left his wagon, and
accompanied us on our way.
"On the night of the 25th of April we arrived at Far West
and spent the night at the home of Morris Phelps, who was
not there, however, himself; he having been taken prisoner
by the mob, was still in prison.
1 'On the morning of the 26th of April, 1839, notwithstanding
the threats of our enemies that the revelation which was to be
fulfilled this day should not be, and notwithstanding that
ten thousand of the Saints had been driven out of the State
by the edict of the Governor, and though the Prophet Joseph
and his brother, Hyrum Smith, with other leading men were
in the hands of our enemies, in chains and in prison,8 we
moved onto the temple grounds in the city of Far West, and
held a council, and fulfilled the revelation and commandment
* This is a mistake. They had escaped ten days before.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 355
given unto us, and we performed many other things at this
council.
"We excommunicated from the church thirty-one persons
who had apostatized and become its enemies.
"The 'Mission of the Twelve' was sung, and we then
repaired to the southeast corner of the temple ground, and,
with the assistance of Elder Alpheus Cutler, the master
workman of the building committee, laid the southeast chief
corner stone of the temple, according to revelation.
"There were present of the Twelve Apostles Brigham
Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, and
John Taylor, who proceeded to ordain Wilford Woodruff
and George A. Smith to the apostleship, and as members
of the Quorum of the Twelve, in the places of those who had
fallen, as they had been called by revelation.
"Darwin Chase and Norman Shearer, who had just been
liberated from Richmond prison, were also ordained to the
office of seventies. The Twelve then offered up vocal
prayer in the following order: Brigham Young, Heber C.
Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, John Taylor, Wilford
Woodruff, and George A. Smith, after which we sang 'Adam-
ondi-ahman.'
"The Twelve then took their leave of and gave the part-
ing hand to the following saints, agreeable to revelation:
A. Butler, Elias Smith, Norman Shearer, William Burton,
Stephen Markham, Shadrach Roundy, William O. Clark,
John W. Clark, Hezekiah Peck, Darwin Chase, Richard
Howard, Mary Ann Peck, Artimesia Granger, Martha Peck,
Sarah Granger, Theodore Turley, Hiram Clark, and Daniel
Shearer.
"Bidding good-bye to the small remnant of the saints who
remained on the temple ground to see us fulfill the revela-
tion and commandments of God, we turned our backs on Far
West and Missouri, and returned to Illinois. We had accom-
plished the mission without a dog moving his tongue at us,
or any man saying, 'Why do you do so?'
"We crossed the Mississippi River on the steam ferry,
entered Quincy on the 2d of May, and all had the joy of
reaching our families once more in peace and saiety.
356 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"There was an incident connected with our journey that
is worthy of record. While we were on our way to fulfill
the revelation, Joseph the prophet and his companions in
chains had been liberated, through the blessings of God,
from their enemies and prison, and they passed us. We
were not far distant from each other, but neither party
knew it. They were making their way to their families in
Illinois, while we were traveling to Far West into the midst
of our enemies. So they came home to their families and
friends before our return." — Leaves from My Journal, pp.
57-60.
The church was hospitably received by the people of
Quincy and vicinity, but of course some provision must be
Rece ti<m made for future homes, and they early began
at Quincy. tne investigation of the advantages of different
localities.
An offer of twenty thousand acres of land, located in Iowa
Territory, between the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers,
seekin was ma^e them. They were offered this tract of
• location. ian(j at; ^wo dollars per acre, to be paid in twenty
annual installments without interest. A committee was
appointed to examine the land, who at a conference held at
Quincy, Illinois, in February, 1839, reported favorably.
However, there was some difference of opinion about the
propriety of again settling in a body.
William Marks, Bishop Partridge, and Judge Higbee
opposed it, thinking it was best to scatter out and seek
locations severally; so there was no definite action taken on
the proposition, but it was decided "not to be advisable to
locate on the lands for the present."
Of their reception in Illinois, Bancroft states the follow-
ing:—
"Finally they reach Quincy, and are kindly received.
Not only the saints but others are there who have human
Bancroft on hearts and human sympathies. Indeed, upon the
the situation, expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri the peo-
ple of Illinois took a stand in their favor. The citizens of
Quincy, in particular, offered their warmest sympathy and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 357
aid, on the ground of humanity. A select committee
appointed to ascertain the facts in the case, reported, on the
27th of February, 1839. 'that the strangers recently arrived
here from the State of Missouri, known by the name of Lat-
ter Day Saints, are entitled to our sympathy and kindest
regard.' The workingmen of the town should be informed
'that these people have no design to lower the wages of the
laboring class, but to procure something to save them from
starving.' Finally it was resolved: 'That we recommend
to all the citizens of Quincy, in all their intercourse with the
strangers, that they use and observe a becoming decorum
and delicacy, and be particularly careful not to indulge in
any conversation or expressions calculated to wound their
feelings, or in any way to reflect upon those who, by every
law of humanity, are entitled to our sympathy and com-
miseration.'"—History of Utah, pp. 136, 137.
Dr. Isaac Galland, a gentleman residing at a village called
Commerce, on the east bank of the Mississippi River, fifty
Dr Gai- miles above Quincy, took an active interest in the
land's offer, saints and made them some propositions which
were being considered as early as March, 1839.
The following letter written by Bishop Partridge gives a
fair idea of the situation: —
"QuiNCT, Illinois.
"Beloved Brother: — Having an opportunity to send direct
to you by Brother Rogers, I feel to write a few lines to
you.
"President Rigdon, Judge Higbee, Israel Barlow, and
myself went to see Dr. Galland, week before last. Brothers
Rigdon, Higbee, and myself are of opinion that it is not wis-
dom to make a trade with the Doctor at present; possibly it
may be wisdom to effect a trade hereafter.
"The people here receive us kindly; they have contributed
near one hundred dollars cash, besides other property, for
the relief of the suffering among our people. Brother
Joseph's wife lives at Judge Cleveland's; I have not seen
her, but I sent her word of this opportunity to send to you.
Brother Hyrum's wife lives not far from me. I have been
to see her a number of times; her health was very poor
358 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
when she arrived, but she has been getting better; she
knows of this opportunity to send. I saw Sister Wight
soon after her arrival here; all were well; I understand that
she has moved about two miles with Father and John Hig-
bee, who are fishing this spring. Sister McRae is here,
living with Brother Henderson, and is well; I believe she
knows of this opportunity to send. Brother Baldwin's
family I have not seen, and do not know that she has got
here as yet. She, however, may be upon the other side of
the river; the ice has run these -three days past, so that
there has been no crossing; the weather is now moderating,
and the crossing will soon commence again.
' 'This place is nearly full of our people, yet they are scat-
tering off nearly all the while. I expect to start to-morrow
for Pittsfield, Pike County, Illinois, about forty-five miles
southeast from this place. Brother George W. Robinson
told me this morning that he expected that his father-in-law,
Judge Higbee, and himself, would go on a farm about twenty
miles northeast from this place. Some of the leading men
have given us (that is our people) an invitation to settle in
and about this place. Many no doubt will stay here.
"Brethren, I hope that you will bear patiently the priva-
tions that you are called to endure; the Lord will deliver in
his own due time.
"Your letter respecting the trade with Galland was not
received here until after our return from his residence, at
the head of the shoals or rapids. If Brother Rigdon were
not here, we might, after receiving your letter, come to a
different conclusion respecting that trade. There are some
here that are sanguine that we ought to trade with the Doc-
tor. Bishops Whitney and Knight are not here, and have
not been, as I know of. Brothers Morley and Billings have
settled some twenty or twenty-five miles north of this place,
for the present. A Brother Lee, who lived near Haun's
Mill, died on the opposite side of the river a few days since.
Brother Rigdon preached his funeral sermon in the court-
house. It is a general time of health here.
"We greatly desire to see you, and to have you enjoy your
freedom. The citizens here are willing that we should
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 859
enjoy the privileges guaranteed to all civil people without
molestation.
•'I remain your brother in the Lord,
"E. PARTRIDGE.
"[Directed] To Joseph Smith, Jr., and others, confined in
Liberty jail, Missouri." — Millennial Star, vol. 16, pp. 775, 776.
At a meeting held at Quincy, March 9, 1839, a committee
of five was appointed to visit certain lands in Iowa and
"select the land, if it can be safely located." The committee
were, Sidney Rigdon, J. P. Green, Elias Higbee, E. T. Ben-
son, and Israel Barlow.
On March 17, at a conference held at Quincy, several were
expelled from the church. The record is as follows: —
"After the conference fully expressed their feelings upon
the subject, it was unanimously voted that the following
some persons be excommunicated from the Church of
expulsions. Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; viz.: George
M. Hinkle, Sampson Avard, John Corrill, Reed Peck, Wil-
liam W. Phelps, Frederick G. Williams, Thomas B. Marsh,
Burr Riggs, and several others."
Dr. Galland, who interested himself in behalf of the
Letters saints, wrote a letter to Robert Lucas, Governor
from Lucas. of iowa Territory, concerning their settling on
Iowa soil, and received the following reply: —
"Executive Office, Iowa, Burlington, March, 1839.
"Dear Sir:— On. my return to this city, after a few weeks'
absence in the interior of the Territory, I received your let-
ter of the 25th ultimo, in which you give a short account of
the sufferings of the people called Mormons, and ask
•whether they could be permitted to purchase lands, and set-
tle upon them, in the Territory of Iowa, and there worship
Almighty God according to the dictates of their own con-
sciences, secure from oppression,' etc.
"In answer to your inquiry, I would say that I know of
no authority that can constitutionally deprive them of this
right. They are citizens of the United States, and are
entitled to all the rights and privileges of other citizens.
The second section of the fourth article of the Constitution
of the United States (which all are solemnly bound to sup-
360 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
port), declares that 'the citizens of each State shall be
entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens of
the several States.' This privilege extends in full force to
the Territories of the United States. The first amendment
to the Constitution of the United States declares that 'Con-
gress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'
"The ordinance of Congress of the 13th July, 1787, for the
government of the territory northwest of the river Ohio,
secures to the citizens of said Territory, and the citizens of
the States thereafter to be formed therein, certain privileges
which were by the late act of Congress organizing the Terri-
tory of Iowa, extended to the citizens of this Territory.
"The first fundamental article in that ordinance, which is
declared to be forever unalterable, except by common con-
sent, reads as follows, to wit: • 'No person demeaning him-
self in a peaceable and orderly manner shall ever be
molested on account of his mode of worship or religious
sentiments in said Territory.'
"These principles I trust will ever be adhered to in the
Territory of Iowa. They make no distinction between
religious sects. They extend equal privileges and protec-
tion to all: each must rest upon its own merits, and will
prosper in proportion to the purity of its principles, and the
fruit of holiness and piety produced thereby.
"With regard to the peculiar people mentioned in your let-
ter, I know but little. They had a community in the north-
ern part of Ohio for several years; and I have no recollec-
tion of ever having heard in that State of any complaints
against them from violating the laws of the country. Their
religious opinions I consider has nothing to do with our
political transactions. They are citizens of the United
States, and are entitled to the same political rights and
legal protection that other citizens are entitled to.
"The foregoing are briefly my views on the subject of
your inquiries. With sincere respect,
• "I am your obedient servant,
"To Isaac Galland, Esq., Commerce, Illinois." "ROBERT LUCAS.
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 133.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 361
Governor Lucas also issued, to President Sidney Rigdon,
letters of introduction to President Van Buren, and General
Shannon of Ohio. 8
President Smith and his fellow-prisoners arrived in Quincy
on April 22, 1839.
On the 24th a council was held in which Joseph Smith, Jr.,
committee Bishop Knight, and Alanson Ripley were sent into
on location. iowa Territory as a committee to make a location
for the church.
The following resolution was also passed at this council: —
"That the advice of the conference to the brethren in gen-
eral is, that as many of them as are able, move north to Com-
merce, as soon as they possibly can."
The committee purchased land in Hancock County,
Illinois. Of this purchase Joseph states:—
"[May 1, 1839.]
"I this day purchased, in connection with others of the
committee, a farm of Hugh White, consisting of one hundred
and thirty-five acres, for the sum of five thousand dollars;
also a farm of Dr. Isaac Galland, lying west of the White
purchase, for the sum of nine thousand dollars; both of
which were to be deeded to Alanson Ripley, according to the
counsel of the committee; but Sidney Rigdon declared that
'no committee should control any property which he had
anything to do with;' consequently the Galland purchase was
deeded to George W. Robinson, Rigdon's son-in-law, with
the express understanding that he should deed it to the
2 'The letter to President Van Buren can be found on pages 95, 96, and
97 of this volume. The one to Governor Shannon is as follows: —
BURLINGTON, Iowa Territory, April 22, 1839.
To His Excellency, Wilson Shannon, Governor of the State of Ohio.
Sir:— I have the honor to introduce to your acquaintance, Doctor Sid-
ney Rigdon, who was for many years a citizen of Ohio. Doctor Rigdon
wishes to obtain, from the general government of the United States, an
investigation into the causes that led to the expulsion of the people
called Mormons from the State of Missouri, together with all the facts
connected with that extraordinary affair. This investigation, it appears
to me, is due them as citizens of the United States, as well as to the
nation at large.
Any assistance that you can render the Doctor towards accomplishing
that desirable object, will be gratefully received and duly appreciated
by your sincere friend and humble servant,
ROBEBT LTJOAS.
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 151.
362 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
church when the church had paid for it according to their
obligation in the contract."3 — Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp.
202, 203.
On May 4 and 5, 1839, a conference was held, of which the
following are the minutes:—
"Minutes of a General Conference, held by the Church of
conference Latter Day Saints at the Presbyterian camp
minutes. ground, near Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, on
Saturday, the 4th of May, 1839.
"At a quarter past eleven o'clock meeting was called to
order, and President Joseph Smith, Jr., appointed chairman.
"A hymn was then sung, when President Smith made a
few observations on the state of his peculiar feelings, after
having been separated from the brethren so long, etc., and
then proceeded to open the meeting by prayer.
"After some preliminary observations by Elder J. P. Green
and President Rigdon, concerning a certain purchase of
land in the Iowa Territory, made for the church by the
Presidency, the following resolutions were unanimously
adopted: —
"Resolved 1st: That Almon W. Babbitt, Erastus Snow,
and Robert B. Thompson, be appointed a traveling committee
to gather up and obtain all the libelous reports and publica-
tions which have been circulated against our church, as well
as other historical matter connected with said church, that
they possibly can obtain.
"Resolved 2d: That Bishop Knight be appointed, or
received into the church in full bishopric.
"Resolved 3d: That this conference do entirely sanction
the purchase lately made for the church in the Iowa Terri-
tory, and also the agency thereof.
"Resolved 4th: That Elder Granger be appointed to go to
Kirtland and take the charge and oversight of the house of
the Lord, and preside over the general affairs of .the church
in that place.
"Resolved 5th: That the advice of this conference to the
8 The committee was appointed to make a location in Iowa Territory.
By what authority they purchased in Illinois does not appear.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 863
brethren living in the Eastern States is, for them to move to
Kirtland and the vicinity thereof, and again settle that place
as a Stake of Zion; provided they feel so inclined, in prefer-
ence to their moving farther west.
"Resolved 6th: That George A. Smith be acknowledged
one of the Twelve Apostles.
"Resolved 7th: That this conference are entirely satisfied
with, and give their sanction to the proceedings of the con-
ference of the Twelve and their friends, held on the temple
spot at Far West, Missouri, on Friday, the 26th of April last.
"Resolved 8th: That they also sanction the act of the
council held the same date and same place in cutting off
from the' communion of said church certain persons men-
tioned in the minutes thereof.
"Resolved 9th: That Elders Orson Hyde and William
Smith be allowed the privilege of appearing personally before
the next General Conference of the church to give an account
of their conduct; and that in the meantime they both be sus-
pended from exercising the functions of their office.
"Resolved 10th: That the conference do sanction the
mission intended for the Twelve to Europe, and that they
will do all in their power to enable them to go.
"Resolved llth: That the subject of Elder Rigdon's
going to Washington be adjourned until to-morrow.
"Resolved 12th: That the next General Conference be
held on the first Saturday in October next, at Commerce, at
the house of Elder Rigdon.
"Resolved 13th: That we now adjourn until to-morrow at
ten o'clock a. m. . . .
"Sunday, 5th, ten a. m. Conference opened pursuant to
adjournment as usual, by prayer and singing; when it was
unanimously Resolved, that this conference send a delegate
to the city of Washington, to lay our case before the general
government; and that President Rigdon be the delegate.
"Resolved 2d: That Almon W. Babbitt be sent to Spring-
field, Illinois, clothed with authority, and required to set to
rights the church in that place in every way which may
become necessary according to the order of the Church of
Jesus Christ.
364 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Resolved 3d: That Colonel Lyman Wight be appointed
to receive the affidavits which are to be sent to the city of
Washington; after which the afternoon was spent in receiv-
ing instruction from the Presidency, and those of the Twelve
who were present.
"At five o'clock p. m. conference adjourned, according to
the resolution of Saturday; namely, until the first Saturday
in October next, at Commerce, Illinois.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR., Chairman.
"JAMBS MULHOLLA.ND, Clerk."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 204, 205.
At a conference held on the 6th of May the following-
named seventies received the sanction of the conference to
seventies accompany the Twelve on their mission to Europe:
to Europe. Theodore Turley, George Pitkin, J. B. Nobles,
Charles Hubbard, John Scott, L. D. Snow, Samuel Mulliner,
Willard Snow, John Snider, 'William Burton, L. D. Barnes,
Milton Holmes, A. O. Smoot, Elias Smith; also the follow-
ing high priests: H. G. Sherwood, John Murdock, Winslow
Farr, William Snow, and Hiram Clark.
John P. Green was appointed to preside over the churches
in the city of New York and the regions round about.
President Smith gave him a letter of recommen-
dation, in which he says: "We do not hesitate to
recommend him to the saints as one in whom they may
place the fullest confidence, " etc.
About this time the church was making an effort to bring
their Missouri grievances to the attention of President Van
Letters to Rig- Buren and tbe Governors of the several States,
donand Green. Tbe citizens gave letters of recommendation to
Elders Rigdon and Green. *
4 QTJINCY, Illinois, May 8, 1839.
To all whom it may concern: —
The undersigned citizens of Quincy, Illinois, take great pleasure in
recommending to the favorable notice of the public, the bearer of this,
John P. Green. Mr. Green is connected with the church of "Mormons"
or "Latter Day Saints," and makes a tour to the East for the purpose of
raising means to relieve the sufferings of this unfortunate people,
stripped as they have been of their all, and now scattered throughout
this part of the State.
We say to the charitable and benevolent, you need have no fear but
your contributions in aid of humanity will be properly applied if
intrusted to the hands of Mr. Green. He is authorized by his church to
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 365
On May 9, 1839, Joseph Smith left Quincy with his
family, and arrived at Commerce on the 10th,
io°caetes a™ where he moved into a small log house one mile
Commerce. » • . J». mt , i i i <• ., n
south of Commerce on the bank of the river, on
the White purchase before-mentioned.
act in the premises; and we most cordially bear testimony to his piety
and worth as a citizen.
Very respectfully yours,
SAMUEL HOLMES, Merchant.
I. N. MOKKIS,
Attorney at Law, and Editor of Argus.
THOMAS CARLIN,
Governor State of Illinois.
RICHARD M. YOUNG,
United States Senator.
L. V. RALSTON, M. D.
SAMUEL LEACH,
Receiver Public Moneys.
HIRAM RODGERS, M. D.
J. T. HOLMES, Merchant.
NICHOLAS WREN, County Clerk.
C. M. WOODS,
Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams County, Illinois.
QUINCY, Illinois, May 8, 1839.
To His Excellency, the President of the United States, the Heads of Depart-
ment*, and to all whom this may be shown: —
The undersigned citizens of Quincy, Illinois, beg leave to introduce to
you the bearer, Rev. Sidney Rigdon. Mr. Rigdon is a divine, connected
with the Church of Latter Day Saints, and having enjoyed his acquaint-
ance for some time past, we take great pleasure in recommending him to
your favorable notice as a man of piety and a valuable citizen.
Any representation he may make touching the object of his mission
to your city may be implicitly relied on.
Very respectfully yours,
SAMUEL HOLMES.
THOMAS CARLIN.
RICHARD M. YOUNO.
I. N. MORRIS.
HIRAM RODGERS.
J. T. HOLMES.
NICHOLAS WREN.
C. M. WOODS.
QUINCY, Illinois, 10th May, 1839.
The bearer, the Rev. Sidney Rigdon, is a member of a society of peo-
ple called "Mormons," or "Latter Day Saints," who have been driven
from the State of Missouri, by order of the Executive of that State, and
who have taken up their residence in and about this place in large num-
bers. I have no hesitation in saying that this people have been most
shamefully persecuted and cruelly treated by the people of Missouri.
Mr. Rigdon has resided in and near this place for three or four
months, during which time his conduct has been that of a gentleman
and a moral and worthy citizen.
SAMUEL LEACH.
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 215.
366 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On May 13 Elder R B. Thompson wrote a letter to the
Presidency complaining of articles written by Lyman Wight
Political an(l published in the Quincy Whig, wherein it was
controversy. aneged that Lyman Wight charged the Democratic
party with the responsibility for the Missouri troubles, to
which the First Presidency replied as follows: —
"COMMERCE, Hancock County, Illinois,
25th May, 1839.
"Dear Sir:— In answer to yours of the 13th instant, to us,
concerning the writings of Colonel Lyman Wight, on the
subject of our late sufferings in the State of Missouri; we
wish to say, that as to a statement of our persecutions being
brought before the world as a political question, we entirely
disapprove of it. Having, however, great confidence in
Colonel Wight's good intentions, and considering it to be
the indefeasible right of every free man to hold his own
opinion in politics as well as religion, we will only say that
we consider it to be unwise, as it is unfair, to charge any one
party in politics, or any one sect of religionists, with having
been our oppressors, since we so well know that our perse-
cutors in the State of Missouri were of every sect, and of all
parties, both religious and political; and as Brother Wight
disclaims having spoken evil of any administration, save
that of Missouri, we presume that it need not be feared that
men of sense will now suppose him wishful to implicate any
other.
"We consider that in making these remarks we express
the sentiments of the church in general as well as our own
individually, and also when we say in conclusion that we
feel the fullest confidence that when the subject of our
wrongs has been fully investigated by the authorities of the
United States, we shall receive the most perfect justice
at their hands; whilst our unfeeling oppressors shall be
brought to condign punishment, with the approbation of a
free and enlightened people, without respect to sect or
party.
"We desire that you may make whatever use you may
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 367
think proper of this letter, and remain your sincere friends
and brethren.
"JOSEPH SMITH, JB.
"HYRUM SMITH.
"SIDNEY RIGDON.
"ELDER R. B. THOMPSON."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 231.
This will serve to show that the troubles in Missouri had
no partisan significance, and that it is unwise to charge them
upon any political party or religious organization.
May 25, William Smith was restored to fellowship in the
Quorum of the Twelve.
On June 4, Joseph and Hyrum Smith each made a state-
ment regarding the Missouri troubles, to present before the
statementa general government. Each also, made a state-
of damage. ment of damages they had sustained, estimating
the damage at one hundred thousand dollars each, including
actual loss and damages for illegal imprisonments.
Regarding Commerce at the time the church went there,
we quote from Joseph Smith. He states: —
"Tuesday, [June] 11. I commenced dictating my history
for my clerk, James Mulholland, to write. About this time
Elder Theodore Turley raised the first house
built by the saints in this place; it was built of
logs, about twenty-five or thirty rods north northeast of my
dwelling, on the northeast corner of lot 4, block 147 of the
White purchase. When I made the purchase of White and
Galland, there were one stone house, three frame houses,
and two block houses, which constituted the whole city of
Commerce. Between Commerce and Mr. Davidson Hib-
bard's, there was one stone and three log houses, including
the one that I live in, and these were all the houses in this
vicinity, and the place was literally a wilderness. The land
was mostly covered with trees and bushes, and much of it
so wet that it was with the utmost difficulty a footman could
get through, and totally impossible for teams. Commerce
was so unhealthy, very few could live there; but believing
that it might become a healthy place by the blessing of
heaven to the saints, and no more eligible place presenting
368 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
itself, I considered it wisdom to make an attempt to build up
a city."— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 276.
Monday, June 24, the church purchased the town of
Purchase Nashville, in Lee County, Iowa, together with
Nashviiie. twenty thousand acre's of land adjoining it.
June 27, at a conference of the Twelve, which Joseph
o. Hyde Smith attended, Orson Hyde made his confession
restored. an(j was restored to his position in the quorum.
Joseph at this time gave some instruction, from which we
make the following extract:—
"The Spirit of revelation is in connection with these bless-
ings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimations
of the Spirit of revelation; for instance, when you
Instruction. ., ..LIT a
feel pure intelligence flowing unto you, it may
give you sudden strokes of ideas, that by noticing it, you
may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; i. e., those things
that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God,
will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God
and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of
revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus. "— Mil-
lennial Star, vol. 17, p. 279.
July 2, President Smith advised the building of a town
to be called Zarahemla, upon land recently pur-
chased by Bishop Knight, in Iowa.
On the same day some of the twelve and seventy who
were to go to Europe were blessed under the
hands of the Presidency; also the wives of some
who were to go abroad were blessed by the same.
At this time Joseph gave some instruction to the Twelve,
of which the following is an extract: —
"Again: Let the Twelve and all saints be willing to con-
fess all their sins, and not keep back a part; and let the
instruction Twelve be humble, and not be exalted, and
to the Twelve. beware of pride, and not seek to excel one above
another, but act for each other's good, and pray for
one and another, and honor our brother or make honora-
ble mention of his name, and not backbite and devour
our brother. Why will not man learn wisdom by pre-
cept at this late age of the world, when we have such
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 369
a cloud of witnesses and examples before us, and not be
obliged to learn by sad experience everything we know?
Must the new ones that are chosen to fill the places of
those that are fallen, of the Quorum of the Twelve, begin
to exalt themselves, until they exalt themselves so high that
they will soon tumble over and have a great fall, and go
wallowing through the mud and mire and darkness, Judas-
like, to the buffetings of Satan, as several of the quorum
have done, or will they learn wisdom and be wise? O God,
give them wisdom, and keep them humble, I pray!
"When the Twelve or any other witnesses stand before the
congregations of the earth, and they preach in the power and
demonstration of the Spirit of God, and the people are aston-
ished and confounded at the doctrine, and say, 'That man
has preached a powerful discourse, a great sermon,' then let
that man or those men take care that they, do not ascribe the
glory unto themselves, but be careful that they are humble,
and ascribe the praise and glory to God and the Lamb; for it
is by the power of the holy priesthood and Holy Ghost they
have power thus to speak. What art thou, O man, but dust?
And from whom dost thou receive thy power and blessings,
but from God?
"Then, O ye Twelve! notice this key, and be wise for
Christ's sake, and your own soul's sake. Ye are not sent
out to be taught, but to teach. Let every word be seasoned
with grace. Be vigilant; be sober. It is a day of warning,
and not of many words. Act honest before God and man.
Beware of Gentile sophistry; such as bowing and scraping
unto men in whom you have no confidence. Be honest, open,
and frank in all your intercourse with mankind.
"O ye Twelve, and all saints! profit by this important KEY
—that in all your trials, troubles, temptations, afflictions,
bonds, imprisonments, and death, see to it, that you do not
betray heaven; that you do not betray 'Jesus Christ; that you
do not betray the brethren; that you do not betray the reve-
lations of God, whether in the Bible, Book of Mormon, or
Doctrine and Covenants, or any other that ever was or ever
will be given and revealed unto man in this world or that
which is to come. Yea, in all your kicking and fiounderings
370 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
see to it that you do not this thing, lest innocent blood be
found in your skirts, and you go down to hell. All other
sins are not to be compared to sinning against the Holy
Ghost, and proving a traitor to thy brethren." — Millennial
Star, vol. 17, p. 295.
On July 3, 1839, Dr. Isaac Galland was baptized by Joseph
Smith.
About this time six of the Twelve; viz., Brigham Young,
H. C. Kimball, J. E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor,
and G. A. Smith, wrote a lengthy epistle to the elders, the
churches, and the saints scattered abroad.
Sunday, July 7, there was an open air meeting at
Commerce, when a large gathering assembled to hear the
Their farewell addresses of the Twelve who were to go to
farewell. England. The meeting was addressed by John E.
Page, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, and
Brigham Young, of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Sidney
Rigdon of the First Presidency.
Monday, July 28, Joseph and the Twelve were engaged
in selecting hymns for the compiling of a hymn book.
During the months of July and August there was much
sickness among the saints.
On August 4 several of the Twelve addressed a meeting
at Commerce and declared their willingness to proceed to
Europe, and the church passed a resolution, That the
Twelve proceed as soon as possible, and that they would
provide for their families during their absence.
August 29, 1839, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, and
Hiram Clark started for their mission to Europe, leaving
Commerce by wagon.
September 18, Elders Brigham Young and Heber C.
Kimball also started.
September 21 Elders G. A. Smith, Reuben Hedlock, and
Theodore Turley started by wagon.
A General Conference convened at Commerce, October 5,
conference 1839- Tiie following extracts are from the min-
minuteB. utes as published in the Times and Seasons:—
"Proceedings of the General Conference, held at Com-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 371
merce, Hancock County, Illinois, on Saturday, the 5th day
of October, 1839.
"The meeting was opened by prayer by President Joseph
Smith, Jr., after which he was appointed president, and
James Sloan clerk of the conference, by the unanimous voice
of the meeting.
"The President then spoke at some length upon the situa-
tion of the church, the difficulties they had to contend with,
and the manner in which they had- been led to this place;
and wished to know the views of the brethren, whether they
wished to appoint this a stake or not, stating that he
believed it to be a good place and suited for the saints.
"It was then unanimously agreed upon that it should be
appointed a stake and a place of gathering for the saints.
The following officers were then appointed; viz.: —
"William Marks to be president. Bishop Whitney to be
bishop of Middle Ward. Bishop Partridge to be bishop of
Upper Ward. Bishop Knight to be bishop of Lower Ward.
George W. Harris, Thomas Grover, Samuel Bent, Newel
Knight, Henry G. Sherwood, Charles C. Rich, David Ful-
mer, David Dort, Alpheus Cutler, Seymour Brunson, Wil-
liam Huntington, Lewis D. Wilson, to be high council; who
being respectfully called upon, accepted of their appoint-
ment.
"It was then voted, that a branch5 of the church be estab-
lished on the other side of the river, in Iowa Territory; over
which Elder John Smith was appointed president, Alanson
Ripley bishop, and Asael Smith, David Pettigrew, John M.
Burke, Elijah Fordham, A. Owen Smoot, Edward Fisher,
Richard Howard, Elias Smith, Willard Snow, John Patten,
Erastus Snow, Stephen Chase, were elected High Council.
"Don C. Smith was elected to be continued as president of
the high priesthood.
"Orson Hyde to stand in his former office, and William
Smith to be continued in his standing.
"Letters were then read respecting the absence of mem-
bers, from ill health. .
• We are of the opinion that this should read stake.
372 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Judge Higbee was appointed to accompany Presidents J,
Smith, Jr., and S. Rigdon to the city of Washington.
"The meeting then adjourned until Monday morning.
"Monday morning, October the 9th.
"Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
"The 'President spoke at some length to the elders, and
explained many passages of scripture.
"Elder Lyman Wight spoke on the subject of the resur-
rection, and other important subjects. When he offered the
following resolution, which passed unanimously:—
"Resolved, That a new edition of hymn books be printed
immediately, and that the one published by D. W. Rogers
be utterly discarded by the church. . . .
"After having referred the business not gone into, to the
High Council; the President then returned thanks to the
conference for their good attention and liberality; and hav-
ing blessed them in the name of the Lord, the conference
was dismissed.
"The next conference was appointed to be held on the 6th
day of April next." — Times and Seasons, vol. 1, pp. 30, 31.
On October 21, the High Council indorsed President
Smith's resolution to go to Washington to present the
Mission to grievances of the church, and decided that he
washing on. should have B> recommend from the High Council.
The 26th they also voted that Sister Emma Smith select
and publish a hymn book for the use of the
church, and that Brigham Young be informed of
the same, and he not to publish the hymns taken by him
from Commerce; and that the council assist in publishing a
hymn book and the Times and Seasons.
The 28th the council resolved to build a stone boarding
house in upper Commerce. They resolved also to finish the
office of President Joseph Smith. The council resolved to
sign the recommend of Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon,
and Elias Higbee as delegates of the church, to importune
the President and Congress of the United States for redress.
The above delegates, accompanied by O. P. Rockwell, left
Commerce, enrouta to Washington, on October 29, in a two
horse carriage.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 373
A letter written November 22, from New York, by Elder
P. P. Pratt, gives quite a concise account of the
Pratt's letter. ,.,. , . ,, _.
condition of the church m the East. •
Sometime in the month of November, 1839, the first issue
of the Times and Seasons was published at Commerce, Illi-
Times nois, by Don Carlos Smith and Ebenezer Robin-
and seasons. gon> under the firm name of "Robinson and
Smith." It was a monthly periodical devoted to the inter-
ests of the church, from the pages of which we have
frequently quoted in this work.
December 6 the High Council of Iowa ordained Alanson
Ripley to the office of Bishop.
• The churches in these parts are prospering greatly, and are firm in
the faith, and increasing in numbers continually. The church in New
York and Brooklyn now numbers from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred members, and additions are being made every week. A Gen-
eral Conference was held in this city on Tuesday and Wednesday of this
week. Elders present: O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, Samuel James, Benja-
min Winchester, Elders Foster, Layne, Jenks, Brown, Benedict, and
myself. Priests present: A. Everett, Birge, and Vanvelver. Many
branches of the church in the region round about were represented;
several hundred members in all, and mostly increasing. Great doors are
open for preaching, and crowded houses are the order of the day.
I have also received letters from Maine and from Michigan, with joy-
ful accounts of the spread of the work of the Lord. You would now find
churches of the saints in Philadelphia, in Albany, in Brooklyn, in New
York, in Sing Sing, in Jersey, in Pennsylvania, on Long Island, and in
various other places all around us. Our New York meetings are now
held three times every Sabbath in Columbia Hall, Grand Street, a few
doors east of the Bowery; it is very central, and one of the best places in
the city; it will hold nearly a thousand people, and is well filled with
attentive hearers. Brother Winchester has a good hall well fitted up in
Philadelphia, where stated meetings are held — several every week, and
crowded audiences.
In short the truth is spreading more rapidly than ever before, in every
direction, far and near. There is a great call for our books. I am now
reprinting the "Voice of Warning," "The History of the Persecution,"
and my "Poems." There is a great call for "hymn books," but none to
be had. I wish Sister Smith would add to the old collection such new
ones as is best, and republish them immediately. If means and facili-
ties are lacking in the West, send it here, and it shall be nicely done for
her; and at least one thousand would immediately sell in these parts
wholesale and retail. The "Book of Mormon" is not to be had in this
part of the vineyard for love or money; hundreds are wanted in various
parts hereabouts, but there is truly a famine in this respect.
The conference took into consideration the pressing calls for this book,
and have appointed a committee to raise means for the publication of
the same, and also to publish it if we can obtain leave from you, who
hold the copyright. Any "hymn book" which Sister Smith or the
church will favor us with, shall also be published on similar conditions.
P. P. PRATT.
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 420.
374 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The 8th of December, 1839, the High Council, the
Advice to Presidency concurring, resolved to issue an epistle
Kirtiand. to foe saint,s> advising them not to return to Kirt-
land, Ohio, as some contemplated doing.11
The year 1839 closed in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa
with all the activity possible for the inclement season of the
7 To the saints scattered abroad, in the region westward from Kirtiand,
Ohio.
Beloved brethren: — Feeling that it is our duty, as the servants of God, to
instruct the saints from time to time in those things which to us appear
to be wise and proper: therefore we freely give you, a few words of
advice at this time.
We have heard it rumored abroad, that some at least, and probably
many, are making their calculations to remove back to Eirtland next
season.
Now brethren, this being the case, we advise you to abandon such an
idea; yea, we warn you, in the name of the Lord, not to remove back
there unless you are counseled so to do by the First Presidency and the
High Council of Nauvoo. We do not wish by this to take your agency
from you; but we feel to be plain and pointed in our advice, for we wish
to do our duty, that your sins may not be found in our skirts. All per-
sons are entitled to theiragency, for God has so ordained it. He has con-
stituted mankind moral agents, and given them power to choose good or
evil; to seek after that which is good, by pursuing the pathway of holi-
ness in this life, which brings peace of mind and joy in the Holy Ghost
here, and a fullness of joy and happiness at his right hand hereafter; or
to pursue an evil course, going on in sin and rebellion against God,
thereby bringing condemnation to their souls in this world and an eter-
nal loss in the world to come. Since the God of heaven has left these
things optional with every individual, we do not wish to deprive them
of it. We only wish to act the part of a faithful watchman, agreeably
to the word of the Lord to Ezekiel the prophet (Ezekiel 33: 2-5), and leave
it for others to do as seemeth them good. Now for persons to do things
merely because they are advised to do them, and yet murmur all the
time they are doing them, is of no use at all; they might as well not do
them.
There are those who profess to be saints who are too apt to murmur
and find fault when any advice is given which comes in opposition to
their feelings, even when they themselves ask for counsel; much more
so when counsel is given unasked for, which does not agree with their
notion of things; but, brethren, we hope for better things from the most
of you; we trust that you desire counsel from time to time, and that you
will cheerfully conform to it whenever you receive it from a proper
source.
It is very probable that it may be considered wisdom for some of us,
and perhaps others, to move back to Kirtiand, to attend to important
business there; but notwithstanding that, after what we have written,
should any be so unwise as to move back there without being first coun-
seled so to do, their conduct will be highly disapprobated.
Done by order and vote of the First Presidency and High Council for
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at Nauvoo, December
8, 1839.
H. G. SHERWOOD, Clerk.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 1, p. 29.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 375
year, with events incident to new settlements. Tkere had
been much sickness since their advent into this
Sickness.
country, some of which was fatal; but with com-
mendable energy and resignation they took up the burdens
of social and business life as only those can who have confi
dence in the triumph of right.
CHAPTER 19.
1839-1840.
COMMITTEE'S WORK IN WASHINGTON— RIQDON'S ILLNESS —INTER-
VIEWS WITH VAN BUREN AND CALHOUN— JOSEPH RETURNS—
HIGBEE REMAINS— HIGBEE'S REPORTS —ACTION OP GENERAL
CONFERENCE.
THE mission of the committee to Washington, so far as
immediate and visible results were concerned, seemed to
have been a failure. Yet they had been obedient
Committee's , .. „, , , ,
work in to the commands of God, and what real effect it
Washington. ITT L i * n
may have had or may yet have, no one can tell.
Elder Rigdon, of the committee who left Commerce on
October 29, 1839, was quite ill during the journey, which
delayed them considerably.
On November 1, they met Dr. R. D. Foster, who accom-
panied them for the purpose of waiting upon Elder Rigdon.
A letter from Joseph explains the situation and is valuable
as showing Joseph's feeling towards his family. *
1 SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, November 9, 1839.
My Dear Wife:—
Perhaps you may think strange that we are not further on our jour-
ney at this date, but I will say that we have done all that we could for
the safety of Elder Rigdon on account of his weak state of health, and
this morning we are under the necessity of leaving him at Bro. Snyder's
and pursuing our journey without him. We think he will soon recover
his health, as he is not dangerously sick. We regret that he cannot go
on with us very much, but cannot help ourselves, but must commit him
to the hands of God, and go on, being filled with constant anxiety for
our families and friends behind.
I shall be filled with constant anxiety about you and the children until
I hear from you, and in a particular manner little Frederick. It was
so painful to leave him sick. I hope you will watch over those tender
offspring in a manner that is becoming a mother and a saint, and try to
cultivate their minds and learn them to read and be sober. Do not let
them be exposed to the weather to take cold, and try to get all the rest
you can. It will be a long and lonesome time during my absence from
you, and nothing but a sense of humanity could have urged me on to so
great a sacrifice. But shall I see so many perish and not seek redress?
No, I will try this once in the name of the Lord; therefore be patient
until I come, and do the best you can.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 377
They had been so much delayed by the illness of Elder
Rigdon, and the time was so near for the assembling of Con-
gress, that it was concluded best for President Smith and
Judge Higbee to proceed with more dispatch; accordingly,
on November 18, when near Columbus, Ohio, they took
stage, leaving Rigdon, Rockwell, and Foster to come at
their leisure in the carriage.
On November 27, the day before reaching Washington, a
little incident occurred, an account of which we will give in
President Smith's own language:—
"While on the mountains some distance from Washington,
our coachman stepped into a public house to take his grog,
when the horses took fright and ran down the hill at full
speed. I persuaded my fellow travelers to be quiet and
retain their seats, but had to hold one woman to prevent her
throwing her infant out of the coach. The passengers were
exceedingly agitated, but I used every persuasion to calm
their feelings; and opening the door, I secured my hold on
the side of the coach the best way I could, and succeeded in
placing myself in the coachman's seat and reining up the
horses, after they had run some two or three miles, and
neither coach, horses, or passengers received any injury.
My course was spoken of in the highest terms of commenda-
tion, as being one of the most daring and heroic deeds, and
no language could express the gratitude of the passengers
when they found themselves safe and the horses quiet.
There were some members of Congress with us, who pro-
posed naming the incident to that body, believing they
would reward such conduct by some public act; but on
inquiring my name, to mention as the author of their safety,
and finding it to be Joseph Smith the 'Mormon Prophet,' as
they called it, I heard no more of their praise, gratitude, or
reward.
"Thursday, 28th. I arrived at Washington City this
morning, and put up at the corner of Missouri and Third
Streets."— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 420, 421.
I eannot write what I want, but believe me, my feelings are of the
best kind towards you all. My hand cramps so I must close. lam,
Your husband until death,
To Emma Smith. JOSEPH SMITH.
378 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The following is a copy of the petition presented to Con-
gress:—
"To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives oj
the United States of America, in Congress assembled: —
"Your petitioners, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and
Elias Higbee, would most respectfully represent, that they
have been delegated, by their brethren and fellow citizens,
known as 'Latter Day Saints' (commonly called Mormons),
to prepare and present to you a statement of their wrongs,
and a prayer for their relief, which they now have the honor
to submit to the consideration of your honorable body.
"In the summer of 1831 a portion of the society above-
named commenced a settlement in the county of Jackson, in
the State of Missouri. The individuals making that settle-
ment had emigrated from almost every State in the Union to
that lovely spot in the far West, with the hope of improving
their condition, of building houses for themselves and pos-
terity, and of erecting temples, where they and theirs might
worship their Creator according to the dictates of their
conscience. Though they had wandered far from the homes
of their childhood, still they had been taught to believe that
a citizen born in any one State in this great republic might
remove to another and enjoy all the rights and immunities
of citizens of the State of his adoption — that wherever waved
the American flag, beneath its stars and stripes an American
citizen might look for protection and justice, for liberty in
person and in conscience.
"They bought farms, built houses, and erected churches.
Some tilled the earth, others bought and sold merchandise,
and others again toiled as mechanics. They were industri-
ous and moral, and they prospered; and though often perse-
cuted and vilified for their difference in religious opinion
from their fellow citizens, they were happy; they saw their
society increasing in numbers, their farms teemed with
plenty, and they fondly looked forward to a future big with
hope. That there was prejudice against them, they knew;
that slanders were propagated against them, they deplored;
yet they felt that these were unjust; and hoped that time
and an uprightness of life, would enable them to outlive
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 379
them. While the summer of peace, happiness, and hope
shone over the infant settlement of the saints, the cloud was
gathering, unseen by them, that bore in its bosom the thun-
derbolt of destruction.
"On the 20th July, 1833, around their peaceful village a
mob gathered, to the surprise and terror of the quiet 'Mor-
mons'— why, they knew not; they had broken no law, they
had harmed no man, in deed or thought. Why they were
thus threatened, they knew not. Soon a committee from
the mob called upon the leading 'Mormons' of the place; they
announced that the store, the printing office, and the shops
must be closed, and that forthwith every 'Mormon' must
leave the county. The message was so terrible, so unex-
pected, that the 'Mormons' asked time for deliberation and
consultation, which being refused, the brethren were sever-
ally asked, 'Are you willing to abandon your home?' The
reply was, 'We will not go;' which determination being re-
ported to the committee of the mob, one of them replied that
he was sorry; for, said he, 'The work of destruction must
now begin.' No sooner said than it was done. The printing
office, a two-story brick building, was assailed by the mob
and tore down, and, with its valuable appurtenances,
destroyed. They next proceeded to the store with a like
purpose. Its owner in part, Mr. Gilbert, agreed to close it,
and they delayed their purpose.
"They then proceeded to the dwelling of Mr. Partridge,
the beloved bishop of the church there, dragged him and his
family to the public square, where, surrounded by hundreds,
they partially stripped him of his clothing and tarred and
feathered him from head to foot. A man by the name of
Allen was at the same time treated in a similar manner.
The mob then dispersed with an agreement to meet again on
the next Tuesday, the above outrages having been committed
on Saturday.
"Tuesday came, and with it came the mob, bearing a red
flag, in token of blood. They proceeded to the houses of
Isaac Morley and others of the leading men, and seized
them, telling them to bid their families farewell, that they
would never see them again. They were then driven, at the
380 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
point of the bayonet, to jail, and there, amid the jeers and
insults of the crowd, they were thrust in prison, to be kept
as hostages; in case any of the mob should be killed, they
were to die to pay for it. Here some two or three of the
'Mormons' offered to surrender up their lives, if that would
satisfy the fury of the mob, and purchase peace and security
for their unoffending brethren, their helpless wives and
children. The reply of the mob was, that the 'Mormons'
must leave the county en masse, or that every man should
be put to death.
"The 'Mormons,' terrified and defenseless, then entered
into an agreement to leave the county— one half by the first
of January, the other half by the first of April next ensuing.
This treaty being made and ratified, the mob dispersed.
Again, for a time, the persecuted 'Mormons' enjoyed a
respite from their persecutions; but not long was the repose
permitted them.
"Sometime in the month of October a meeting was held at
Independence, at which it was determined to remove the
'Mormons' or die. Inflammatory speeches were made, and
one of the speakers swore he would remove the 'Mormons'
from the county if he had to wade up to his neck in blood.
"Be it remarked that up to this time the 'Mormons' had
faithfully observed the treaty, and were guilty of no offense
against the laws of the land or of society, but were peacea-
bly following the routine of their daily duties.
"Shortly after the meeting above referred to, another per-
secution commenced; some of the 'Mormons' were shot at,
others were whipped, their houses were assailed with brick-
bats, broken open, and thrown down; their women and chil-
dren were insulted; and thus for many weeks, without
offense, without resistance, by night and by day, were they
harassed, insulted, and oppressed.
"There is a point beyond which endurance ceases to be a
virtue. The worm when trampled upon will turn upon its
oppressor. A company of about thirty 'Mormons' fell in
with twice that number of the mob engaged in the destruc-
tion of 'Mormon' property, when a battle ensued, in which
one 'Mormon' was killed, and two or three of the mob; act-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 381
ing in concert with the officer who commanded the mob, was
Lilburn W. Boggs, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Mis-
souri. When the noise of the battle was spread abroad, the
public mind became much inflamed. The militia collected in
arms from all quarters and in great numbers, and inflamed
to fury. They demanded that the 'Mormons' should sur-
render up all their arms and immediately quit the county.
Compelled by overpowering numbers, the 'Mormons' sub-
mitted. They surrendered up fifty-one guns, which have
never been returned or paid for.
"The next day parties of the mob went from house to
house threatening women and children with death if they
did not immediately leave their homes. Imagination cannot
paint the terror which now pervaded the 'Mormon' com-
munity. The weather was intensely cold, and women and
children abandoned their homes and fled in every direction
without sufficient clothing to protect them from the pierc-
ing cold. Women gave birth to children in the woods and
on the prairies. One hundred and twenty women and chil-
dren, for the space of ten days, with only three or four men
in company, concealed themselves in the woods in hourly
expectation and fear of massacre, until they finally escaped
into Clay County. The society of 'Mormons,' after the
above disturbances, removed to the county of Clay, where
they were kindly received by the inhabitants and their
wants administered to by their charity.
"In the meantime the houses of the 'Mormons' in the
county of Jackson, amounting to about two hundred, were
burned down or otherwise destroyed by the mob, as well as
much of their crops, furniture, and stock.
"The damage done to the property of the 'Mormons' by
the mob in the county of Jackson as above related, as near
as they can ascertain, would amount to the sum of one hun-
dred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The number of
•Mormons' thus driven from the county of Jackson amounted
to about twelve hundred souls. For the property thus de-
stroyed they have never been paid.
"After the expulsion of the 'Mormons' from the county of
Jackson as above related, they removed to and settled in
382 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
the county of Clay. They there purchased out some of the
former inhabitants, and entered at the land office wild lands
offered for sale by the general government. The most of
them became freeholders, owning each an eighty or more of
land.
"The 'Mormons' lived peaceably in the county of Clay for
about three years, and all that time increased rapidly in
numbers, by immigration, and also in wealth by their indus-
try. After they had resided in that county about three
years, the citizens not connected with them began to look
upon them with jealousy and alarm. Reports were again
put in circulation against them; public meetings were held
in the counties of Clay and Jackson, at which violent resolu-
tions were passed against the 'Mormons,' and rumors of
mobs began again to spread alarm among the 'Mormons.'
At this juncture the 'Mormons,' desirous of avoiding all
conflict with their fellow citizens, and anxious to preserve
the peace and harmony of the society around them, as well
as their own, deputized a committee of their leading men to
make terms of peace with their fellow citizens of Clay. An
interview took place between them and a committee of citi-
zens, at which it was agreed that the1 'Mormons' should
leave the county of Clay, and that the citizens of Clay
County should buy their lands.
"These terms were complied with. The 'Mormons' re-
moved to and settled in the county of Caldwell, and the
citizens never paid them value for their lands. Many
received nothing at all for their land. The 'Mormons' by
this removal sacrificed much both of money and feeling, but
the sacrifice was made upon the altar of duty, for the peace
of the community.
"Your memorialists would beg here to give what they
believe a just explanation of the causes of the prejudice and
persecution against the 'Mormons' related above, and which
will follow. That there might have been some unworthy
members among them cannot be denied; but many aver that
as a community they were as moral, as upright, and as
observant of the laws of the land as any body of people in
the world. Why then this prejudice and persecution? An
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 383
answer they trust will be found in the fact that they were a
body of people distinct from their fellow citizens, in reli-
gious opinions, in their habits, and in their associations.
They were numerous enough to make the power .of their
numerical and moral force a matter of anxiety and dread to
the political and religious parties by which they are sur-
rounded; which arose not from what the 'Mormons' had
done, but from the fear of what they might do.
"In addition, the 'Mormons' have purchased of the set-
tlers, or of the government, or obtained by preemption, the
best lands in all those regions of the State; and at the times
of speculation, the cupidity of many was aroused to possess
those lands by driving off the 'Mormons,' and taking forci-
ble possession, or constraining them to sell, through fear or
coercion, at a price merely nominal.
"After the 'Mormons' removed from Clay they settled in
the county of Caldwell as aforesaid.
"Your memorialists do not deem it necessary for their
purpose to detail the history of the progress, the cares, and
anxieties of the 'Mormons' from the time they settled in
Caldwell in the year 1836 until the fall of 1838. They
would, however, state, that during all that time they de-
ported themselves as good citizens, obeying the laws of the
land, and the moral and religious duties enjoined by their
faith. That there might have been some faithless among
the faithful, is possible. They would not deny that there
might have been some who were a scandal to their brethren-
and what society, they would ask, has not some unworthy
member? Where is the sect, where the community, in
which there cannot be found some who trample under foot
the laws of God and man? They believe the 'Mormon' com-
munity to have as few such as any other association, reli
gious or political. Within the above period the 'Mormons'
continued to increase in wealth and numbers, until in the
fall of the year 1838 they numbered about fifteen thousand
souls.
"They purchased of the government, or of the citizen, or
held by preemption, almost all the lands in the county of
Caldwell and a portion of the lands in Daviess and Carroll.
384 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
The county of Caldwell was settled almost entirely by
'Mormons,' and 'Mormons' were rapidly filling up the coun-
ties of Daviess and Caldwell. When they first commenced
settling^ in those counties there were but few settlements
made there; the lands were wild and uncultivated. In
the fall of 1838 large farms had been made, well im-
proved and stocked. Lands had risen in value and sold
for from ten to twenty-five dollars. The improvement
and settlement had been such that it was a common remark
that the county of Caldwell would soon be the wealthiest in
the State.
"Thus stood their affairs in the fall of 1838, when the
storm of persecution again raged over the heads of the
•Mormons,' and the fierce demon of the mob drove them
forth houseless and homeless and penniless upon the chari-
ties of the world, which to them, thank God! have been like
angels' visits, but not few, or far between. This last perse-
cution began at an election which was held in Daviess
County on the first Monday of August, 1838. A 'Mormon'
went to the polls to vote. One of the mob standing by
opposed his voting, contending that a 'Mormon' had no
more right to vote than a negro; one angry word brought
on another, and blows followed. They are, however, happy
to state that the 'Mormon' was not the aggressor, but was
on the defensive; others interfered, not one alone, but many
assailed the 'Mormon.' His brethren, seeing him thus
assailed by numbers, rushed to the rescue; then came others
of the mob, until finally a general row commenced. The
'Mormons' were victorious. The next day a rumor reached
the 'Mormons' of Caldwell, that two of their brethren had
been killed in this fight, and that a refusal had been made
to surrender their bodies for burial. Not knowing at the
time that this rumor was false, they became much excited,
and several of them started for Daviess County with a view
of giving the brethren, whom they supposed to have been
killed, a decent interment; where they arrived next morn-
ing. Among the citizens this fight produced a great excite-
ment. They held a public meeting and resolved to drive
the 'Mormons' from the county. Individuals began also to
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 385
threaten the 'Mormons' as a body, and swear that they
should leave the county in three days. When the 'Mor-
mons' who had gone from Caldwell to Daviess, as aforesaid,
arrived there, they found this state of excitement to exist.
They also heard that a large mob was collecting against
them, headed by Adam Black, one of the judges of the
county court of Daviess County.
"Under these circumstances, and with a view to allay the
excitement, they called on Mr. Black, and inquired of him
whether the reports they had heard in relation to him were
true. Upon his denying them to be true, they then re-
quested him to give that denial in writing, which he freely
did. This writing they published with a view of calming
the public mind and allaying the excitement. Having done
this, they rested in quiet for some time after, hoping that
their efforts would produce the desired effect. Their sur-
prise can, under these circumstances, be easily imagined,
when a short time after they learned that said Black had
gone before Judge King and made oath that he was forced
to sign the instrument by armed 'Mormons,' and procured a
warrant for the arrest of Joseph Smith, Jr., and Lyman
Wight, which was placed in the hands of the sheriff. It
was also reported that the said individuals had refused to
surrender themselves, and that an armed force was collect-
ing to come and take them.
"Your memorialists aver that the sheriff had never made
any efforts to serve the writ, and that the said Smith and
Wight, so far from making any resistance, did not know
that such a writ had been issued until they learned it first
by report as above related. In the meantime the rumor had
run over the whole country that the 'Mormons' were compel-
ling individuals to sign certain instruments in writing, and
that they were resisting the process of the law. The public
mind became much inflamed, and the mob began to collect
from all quarters and in large numbers, with pretensions of
assisting the sheriff to serve the process; and here let it be
observed in passing that Adam Black had sold the improve-
ment and preemption claim on which he then resided, to the
'Mormons,' received his pay for the same, and that through
386 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
his instrumentality the 'Mormons' were driven off, and now
retains both their money and the improvement.
"As soon as the above reports reached the ears of the
said Smith and Wight, they determined immediately upon
the course they ought to pursue, which was to submit to the
laws. They both surrendered themselves up to Judge King,
underwent a trial, and in the absence of all sufficient testi-
mony they were discharged. They hoped that this volun-
tary submission of theirs to the law, and their triumphant
vindication of the charge, would allay the excitement of the
community. But not so— the long-desired opportunity had
arrived when the oppression and extermination of the 'Mor-
mons' might be made to assume the form of legal proceed-
ing. The mob that had assembled for the pretended purpose
of assisting the officers in the execution of process did not
disperse upon the acquittal of Smith and Wight, but con-
tinued embodied with the encampments and forms of a mili-
tary force, and committing depredations upon 'Mormon'
property. The 'Mormons' in this extremity called upon the
laws of the land and the officers of the law, for protection.
After much delay, the militia under Generals Atchison, Doni-
phan, and Parks, were sent to their relief. They arrived on
the 13th September, and encamped between the 'Mormons'
and the mob.
"The above officers made no attempt to disperse the mob,
excusing themselves by saying, 'that their own men had
sympathies with the mob.' After remaining there for sev-
eral days, those officers adopted the following expedient of
settling the difficulties: they mustered the mob, and enrolled
them with their own troops, and then disbanded the whole,
with orders to seek their several homes. The officers went
home, excepting Parks, who remained for their protection,
with his men.
"The 'Mormons' made an agreement with the citizens of
Daviess to buy out their lands and preemption rights, and
appointed a committee to make the purchase, and to go on
buying till they had purchased to the amount of twenty-five
thousand dollars. While these purchases were going on,
the citizens were heard to say that as soon as they had sold
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 387
out to the 'Mormons' and received their pay, they would
drive the 'Mormons' off and keep both their lands and the
money.
"The mob, when disbanded in Daviess by the generals as
aforesaid, instead of repairing to their homes as commanded,
proceeded in a body to the adjoining county of Carroll and
encamped around De Witt, a village built and inhabited by
'Mormons;' while thus encamped around De Witt they sent
to the county of Jackson and procured a cannon. They
invested the place so closely that no person could leave the
town in safety; when they did so, they were fired upon by
the mob. The horses of the 'Mormons' were stolen and
their cattle killed. The citizens of De Witt, amounting to
about seventy families, were in great extremity and worn
out by want and sickness. In their extremity they made
application to Governor Boggs for protection and relief; but
no protection, no relief, was granted them. When reduced
to the last extremity, no alternative was left them but to
seek protection by flight and the abandonment of their
homes. Accordingly on the evening of the llth of October,
1838, they retreated from De Witt and made their way to
the counties of Daviess and Caldwell, leaving many of their
effects in the possession of the mob.
"Your memorialists will not detail the horrors and suffer-
ings of such a flight, when shared with women and children.
They might detail many. One lady who had given birth to
a child just before the flight commenced, died on the road
and was buried without a coffin. Many others, sick, worn-
out, starved, deprived of medical aid, died upon the road.
The remnant of 'Mormons' from De Witt arrived in Daviess
and Caldwell, and found a short relief and supply of their
wants from their friends and brethren there.
"After the abandonment of De Witt and the flight of the
'Mormons' from Carroll, one Sashiel Woods addressed the
mob, advising them to take their cannon and march to the
county of Daviess and drive the 'Mormons' from that county
and seize upon their lands and other property, saying that
the 'Mormons' could get no benefit of the law, as they had
recently seen. They then commenced their march from
388 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Carroll to Daviess, carrying with them the cannon which
they had received from Jackson. On their way they cap-
tured two 'Mormons,' made them ride on the cannon, and
taunted them as they went along, telling them that they
were going to drive the 'Mormons' from Daviess to Caldwell,
and from Caldwell to hell; and that they should find no
quarter but at the cannon's mouth. The mob at this time
was reported to number about four hundred strong.
"The 'Mormons,' in these distresses, in pursuance of the
laws of Missouri, made application to Judge King, the cir-
cuit judge of that circuit, for protection, and for the aid of
the officers of the law to protect them. Judge King, as
they have been informed, and believe, gave an order to
Major General D. R. Atchison to call out the militia to pro-
tect the 'Mormons' against the fury of the mob. General
Atchison thereupon gave orders to Brigadiers Parks and
Doniphan. In pursuance of these orders issued as afore-
said, on the 18th of October, 1838, General Doniphan arrived
at Far West, a 'Mormon' village in the county of Caldwell,
with a small company of militia. After he had been at Far
West two days, General Doniphan disbanded his company,
alleging to the 'Mormons' as his reason for so doing that his
company had the same feelings as the mob, and that he
could not rely upon them. In a short time General Parks
arrived at Far West, and also disbanded his company. At
this time the mob was marching from Carroll to Daviess.
General Doniphan, while at Far West, directed the 'Mor-
mons' to raise a company to protect themselves, telling
them that one Cornelius Gillium was raising a mob to destroy
their town, and also advising them to place out guards to
watch the motions of the mob. He also directed them to
raise a company and send them to Daviess to aid their breth-
ren there against the mob which was marching down upon
them from Carroll. This the 'Mormons' did; they mustered
a company of about sixty men, who proceeded to Diahman.
When General Parks arrived at Far West as aforesaid and
learned that General Doniphan had disbanded his men, he
expressed great dissatisfaction. The same evening on which
General Parks disbanded his company as aforesaid he pro-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 889
ceeded to Diahman, in order to learD what the mob were
doing there, and if possible to protect the 'Mormons.'
"When General Parks had arrived in Daviess he found
that the mob had commenced its operations there, which was
on the 20th October, 1838. They commenced by burning the
house of a man who had gone to Tennessee on business and
left his wife at home with two small children. When the
house was burned down, the wife and two small children
were left in the snow, and she had to walk three miles
before she could find a shelter, carrying her two children all
that distance, and had to wade Grand River, which was
three feet deep. The mob on the same evening burned seven
other houses, burning and destroying all the property that
they thought proper. The next morning, Colonel Lyman
Wight, an officer in the militia, inquired of General Parks
what was to be done, as he now saw the course the mob was
determined to pursue. General Parks replied that he
(Wight) should take a company of men and give the mob
battle, and that he would be responsible for the act, saying
that they could have no peace with the mob until they had
given them a scourging.
"On the next morning, in obedience to his order, David
W. Patten was dispatched with one hundred men under his
command to meet the mob as they were advancing from
Carroll, with directions to protect the citizens and collect
and bring into Par West such of the 'Mormons' as were
scattered through the county, and unprotected, and if the
mob interfered he must fight them. The company under
the command of Patten was the same, in part, that had gone
from Far West by the order of General Doniphan to protect
the citizens of Daviess. As Patten went in the direction of
the mob, they fled before him, leaving their cannon, which
Patten took possession of. The mob dispersed. Patten
with his men then returned to Daviess County. Patten in a
few days after returned to Far West. It was now supposed
that the difficulties were at an end. But contrary to expec-
tation, on the evening of the 23d October messengers
arrived at Far West and informed the citizens that a body of
armed men had made their appearance in the south part of
390 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
the county, and that they were burning houses, destroying
property, and threatening the 'Mormon' citizens with death
unless they left the county the next morning by ten o'clock,
or renounced their religion.
"About midnight another messenger arrived with news of
the like tenor. Patten collected about sixty men and pro-
ceeded to the scene of the disturbance, to protect if possible
the lives and property of the 'Mormon' citizens. On his
arrival at the neighborhood where the first disturbance had
commenced, he found that the mob had gone to another
neighborhood to prosecute their acts of plunder and out-
rage. He marched a short distance and unexpectedly came
upon the encampment of the mob. The guards of the mob
fired upon him and killed one of his men. Patten then
charged the mob, and after a few fires the mob dispersed and
fled, but Patten was killed and another of his men. After
the fight and the dispersion of the mob, Patten's company
returned to Par West. The report of the proceedings cre-
ated much excitement. The community were made to
believe that the 'Mormons' were in rebellion against the law;
whereas the above facts show they were an injured people,
standing up in the defense of their persons and their
property.
"At this time the Governor of the State issued an order to
General Clark to raise several thousand men and march
against the 'Mormons' and drive them from the State, or
•exterminate them.' Major- General Lucas and Brigadier-
General Wilson collected three or four thousand men; and
with this formidable force commenced their march and
arrived at Far West. In their rear marched General Clark
with another formidable force.
"In the meantime the 'Mormons' had not heard of these
immense preparations, and so far from expecting an armed
force under the orders of the State to war against them,
were daily expecting a force from the Governor to protect
their lives and their property from the mob.
"When this formidable array first made its appearance,
intent upon peace the 'Mormons' sent a white flag several
miles to meet them, to ascertain the reason why an armed
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 391
force was marching against them, and what we might expect
at their hands. They gave us no satisfaction, but continued
marching towards Far West. Immediately on their arrival
a man came bearing a white flag from their camp. He was
interrogated about his business; he answered the interroga-
tions, saying they wanted three persons out of Far West
before they massacred the rest. Those persons refused to
go, and he returned back to the camp. He was closely fol-
lowed by General Doniphan and his whole brigade marching
to the city of Far West in line of battle. The citizens also
of Far West formed a line of battle in full front of Doni-
phan's army; upon this Doniphan ordered a halt, and then a
retreat. Night closed upon both parties without any col-
lision.
"On the next day, towards evening, the 'Mormons' were
officially informed that the Governor of the State had sent
this immense force against them to massacre them or drive
them from the State. As soon as the 'Mormons' learned
that this order had the sanction of the Governor of the State,
they determined to make no resistance; to submit themselves
to the authorities of the State, however tyrannical and unjust
soever the exercise of that authority might be.
"The commanders of the Missouri militia before Far West
sent a messenger into the town, requesting an interview in
their camp with five of the principal citizens among the
'Mormons,' pledging their faith for their safe return on the
following morning at eight o'clock. Invited, as they sup-
posed, to propose and receive terms of peace, and under the
pledge of a safe conduct, Lyman Wight, George W. Robin-
son, Joseph Smith, Jr., P. P. Pratt, and Sidney Rigdon went
towards the camp of the militia. Before they arrived at the
camp, they were surrounded by the whole army; and by
order of General Lucas put under guard, and marched to
the camp, and were told that they were prisoners of war. A
court-martial was held that night, and they, without being
heard, and in the absence of all proof, condemned to be shot
next morning.
"The execution of this bloody order was prevented by the
manly protest of General Djniphan. He denounced the act
392 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
as cold-blooded murder, and withdrew his brigade. This
noble stand taken by General Doniphan prevented the mur-
der of the prisoners. It is here worthy of note that seven-
teen preachers of the gospel were on this court-martial, and
were in favor of the sentence.
"The next morning the prisoners were • marched under a
strong guard to Independence, in Jackson County, and after
being detained there for a week, they were marched to Rich-
mond, where General Clark then was with his troops. Here
a court of inquiry was held before Judge King; this con-
tinued from the llth until the 28th of November; while the
five prisoners were kept in chains, and about fifty other
'Mormons,' taken at Far West, were penned up in an open,
unfinished courthouse. In this mock court of inquiry the
defendants were prevented from giving any testimony on
their part, by an armed force at the courthouse; they were
advised by their lawyers not to bring any, as they would be
in danger of their lives, or drove out of the county; so there
was no testimony examined only against them.
"In this inquiry a great many questions were asked relative
to religious opinions. The conclusion of the court of in-
quiry was to send the prisoners to jail upon a charge of
treason.
' 'They do not deem it necessary to detail their sufferings
while in prison; the horrors of a prison for four long months,
in darkness, in want, alone, and during the cold of winter,
can better be conceived than expressed. In the following
April the prisoners were sent to the county of Daviess for
trial; they were then indicted for treason, and a change of
venue was taken to Boone County. The prisoners were sent
to the county of Boone, and while on their way made their
escape and fled to the State of Illinois.
"That they were suffered to escape, admits of no doubt.
The truth is, the State of Missouri had become ashamed of
their proceedings against the 'Mormons,' and as the best
means of getting out of the scrape, gave the prisoners an
opportunity to escape. In proof of this, the prisoners have
ever since been living publicly in the State of Illinois, and
the Executive of Missouri have made no demand upon the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 393
Executive of Illinois. Can it be supposed that the people
of Missouri would thus tamely submit to the commission of
treason by a portion of their citizens, and make no effort to
punish the guilty, when they were thus publicly living in
an adjoining State? Is not this passiveness evidence [that]
they knew the 'Mormons' were innocent and the citizens of
Missouri wrong?
"But to return to the operations of General Lucas before
Par West; we need only say that the exterminating order of
Governor Boggs was carried into full effect. After the
above-named individuals were taken prisoners, all the 'Mor-
mons' in Far West, about five hundred in number, surren-
dered up their arms to the militia without any resistance.
The 'Mormons' now fled in every direction— women and chil-
dren, through the dead of winter, marked their footsteps
with blood as they fled from the State of Missouri.
"The orders of the Governor were that they should be
driven from the State or destroyed. About fifteen thousand
souls, between the sacking of Par West and spring, aban-
doned their homes, their property, their all, hurried by the
terrors of their armed pursuers, in want of every necessary
of life, with bleeding hearts sought refuge in the State of
Illinois, where they now reside.
"We cannot trespass upon your time by the relation of
cases of individual suffering; they would fill a volume.
We forbear for our regard to humanity, to detail the par-
ticulars of the conduct of the Missouri militia. We could
relate instances of house burnings, destruction of property,
robbings, rapes, and murder, that would shame humanity.
One instance as a sample of many which they enacted:
Two hundred of the militia came suddenly upon some 'Mor-
mon' families emigrating to the State, and then encamped
at Haun's mill in Caldwell County. The 'Mormon' men and
children took refuge in an old log house which had been
used as a blacksmith's shop. On seeing the militia
approach, the 'Mormons' cried for quarter, but in vain; they
were instantly fired upon; eighteen fell dead; and their
murderers, putting the .muzzles of their guns between the
logs, fired indiscriminately upon children, upon the dead and
394 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
dying. One little boy, whose father (Warren Smith) had
just been shot dead, cried piteously to the militia to spare
his life. The reply was, 'Kill him, kill him [with an oath],
he is the son of a damned Mormon.' At this they shot
his head all open and left him dead by the side of his father.
About the same time an old man by the name of McBride, a
soldier of the Revolution, came up to them and begged his
life; but they hewed him to pieces with an old corn cutter.
They then loaded themselves with plunder and departed.
"Your petitioners have thus given a brief outline of the
history of the 'Mormon' persecutions in Missouri— all which
they can prove to be true, if an opportunity be given them.
It will be seen from this their brief statement, that neither
the 'Mormons' as a body nor individuals of that body have
been guilty of any offense against the laws of Missouri, or
of the United States; but their only offense has been their
religious opinion.
"The above statement will also show that the 'Mormons'
on all occasions submitted to the laws of the land, and
yielded to its authority in every extremity, and at every
hazard, at the risk of life and property. The above state-
ment will illustrate another truth: that wherever the 'Mor-
mons' made any resistance to the mob, it was in self-defense;
and for these acts of self-defense they always had the
authority and sanction of the officers of the law for so doing.
Yet they, to the number of about fifteen thousand souls,
have been driven from their homes in Missouri. Their
property, to the amount of two millions of dollars, has been
taken from them, or destroyed. Some of them have been
murdered, beaten, bruised, or lamed, and have all been
driven forth, wandering over the world without homes,
without property.
"But the loss of property does not comprise half their suf-
ferings. They were human beings, possessed of human
feelings and human sympathies. Their agony of soul was
the bitterest drop in the cup of their sorrows.
"For these wrongs the 'Mormons' ought to have some
redress; yet how and where shall they seek and obtain it?
Your Constitution guarantees to every citizen, even the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 895
humblest, the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property. It
promises to all, religious freedom, the right to all to wor-
ship God beneath their own vine and fig tree, according to
the dictates of their conscience. It guarantees to all the citi-
zens of the several States the right to become citizens of any
one of the States, and to enjoy all the rights and immunities
of the citizens of the State of his adoption. Yet of all these
rights have the 'Mormons' been deprived. They have,
without a cause, without a trial, been deprived of life,
liberty, and property. They have been persecuted for their
religious opinions. They have been driven from the State
of Missouri, at the point of the bayonet, and prevented from
enjoying and exercising the rights of citizens of the State of
Missouri. It is the theory of our laws that for the protec-
tion of every legal right there is provided a legal remedy.
What, then, we would respectfully ask, is the remedy of the
'Mormons?' Shall they apply to the legislature of the State
of Missouri for redress? They have done so. They have
petitioned, and these petitions have been treated with silence
and contempt. Shall they apply to the federal courts?
They were, at the time of the injury, citizens of the State
of Missouri. Shall they apply to the court of the State of
Missouri? Whom shall they sue? The order for their
destruction, their extermination, was granted by the Execu-
tive of the State of Missouri. Is not this a plea of justifica-
tion for the loss of individuals, done in pursuance of that
order? If not, before whom shall the 'Mormons' institute a
trial? Shall they summon a jury of the individuals who
composed the mob? An appeal to them were in vain. They
dare not go to Missouri to institute a suit; their lives would
be in danger.
"For ourselves, we see no redress, unless it is awarded by
the Congress of the United States. And here we make our
appeal as American Citizens, as Christians, and as men —believ-
ing that the high sense of justice which exists in your honor-
able bodies will not allow such oppression to be practiced
upon any portion of the citizens of this vast republic with
impunity; but that some measures which your wisdom may
dictate may be taken, so that the great body of people who
396 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
have been thus abused may have redress for the wrongs
which they have suffered. And to your decision they look
with confidence; hoping it may be such as shall tend to dry
up the tear of the widow and orphan, and again place in
situations of peace those who have been driven from their
homes and have had to wade through scenes of sorrow and
distress.
"And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray,
etc."— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 433-441.
The following letter and postscript give some interesting
information concerning the movements and experiences of
the committee: —
"WASHINGTON CITY, Corner of Missouri and
Third Streets, December 5, 1839.
"Dear Brother Hyrum, President, and to the Honorable High
Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints— to
whom be fellowship, love, and the peace of Almighty God extended,
and the prayer of faith forever and ever. Amen.
"Your fellow laborers, Joseph Smith, Jr., Elias Higbee,
and agents as well as the servants that are sent by you to
perform one of the most arduous and responsible duties, and
also to labor in the most honorable cause that ever graced
the pages of human existence, respectfully show by these
lines that we have taken up our cross thus far, and that we
arrived in this city on the morning of the 28th November,
and spent the most of that day in looking up a boarding
house, which we succeeded in finding. We found as cheap
boarding as can be had in this city.
"On Friday morning, 29th, we proceeded to the house of
the President. We found a very large and splendid palace,
surrounded with a splendid inclosure, decorated with all the
fineries and elegancies of this world. We went to the door
and requested to see the President, when we were immedi-
ately introduced into an upper appartment, where we met
the President, and were introduced into his parlor, where we
presented him with our letters of introduction. As soon as
he had read one of them he looked upon us with a kind of
half frown, and said, 'What can I do? I can do nothing for
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 397
you! If I do anything I shall come in contact with the whole
State of Missouri.'
"But we were not to be intimidated; and demanded a
hearing, and constitutional rights. Before we left him he
promised to reconsider what he had said, and observed
that he felt to sympathize with us on account of our suffer-
ings.
"Now we shall endeavor to express our feelings and views
concerning the President, as we have been eyewitnesses of
his majesty. He is a small man, sandy complexion, and
ordinary features; with frowning brow, and considerable
body, but not well proportioned as to his arms and legs; and
to use his own words, is 'quite fat.' On the whole we think
he is without body or parts, as no one part seems to be pro-
portioned to another; therefore instead of saying body and
parts, we say body and part, or partyism if you please to
call it. And in fine, to come directly to the point, he is so
much a fop or a fool (for he judged our cause before he knew
it) we could find no place to put truth into him.
"We do not say the saints shall not vote for him, but we
do say boldly, (though it need not be published in the streets
of Nauvoo, neither among the daughters of the Gentiles,)
that we do not intend he shall have our votes.
"We have spent the remainder of our time in hunting up
the representatives, in order to get our case before the
House; in giving them letters of introduction, etc., and in
getting acquainted. A meeting of the delegation of the State
of Illinois was appointed to-day, to consult for bringing our
case before Congress. The gentlemen from Illinois are
worthy men, and have treated us with the greatest kindness,
and are ready to do all that is in their power; but you are
aware, brethren, that they with us have all the prejudices,
superstition, and bigotry of an ignorant generation to con-
tend with; nevertheless we believe our case will be brought
before the House, and we will leave the event with God; he
is our Judge, and the avenger of our wrongs.
"For a general thing there is but little solidity and hon-
orable deportment among those who are sent here to 'rep-
resent the people; but a great deal of pomposity and show.
398 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"We left President Rigdon and others on the road, and
received a letter from them this day. They were, at the
date of the letter, on the 29th of November, near Washing-
ton, in Pennsylvania, expecting to stop a day or two at his
brother's on account of his ill health. He has occasionally
a chill yet, but is not dangerous. We expect him here
soon.
"We have already commenced forming some very honora-
ble acquaintances, and have thus far been prospered as
much as we had anticipated, if not more. We have had a
pleasing interview with Judge Young, who proposed to fur-
nish us with expense money. We can draw on him for
funds to publish our book, and we want you to raise some
more money for us, and deposit it in the Branch Bank in
Quincy, to be drawn to the order of Judge Young. Send us
the amount of your deposit, taking a receipt of the same.
You need not be afraid to do this. We think from the pro-
ceeds of the sale of books we can make it all straight. Do
therefore be punctual, as much depends upon it. We can-
not accomplish the things for which we were sent without
some funds. You very well know, brethren, we were con-
tented to start, trusting in God, with little or nothing. We
have met with but one accident since we started. The lock
of our trunk was broken off, and Brother Lyman Wight's
petition is missing; but we trust there is a copy of it pre-
served; if there is, you will please forward it immediately,
with the name and affidavit affixed to it.
"For God's sake, brethren, be wide-awake, and arm us
with all the power possible, for now is the time or never.
We want you should get all the influential men you can
of that section of country, of Iowa, and of every other
quarter, to write letters to the members of Congress, using
their influence in our behalf, and to keep their minds con-
stantly upon the subject.
"Please to forward this to our wives.
"Yours in the bonds of the everlasting covenant,
"JOSEPH SMITH, JH.
"ELIAS HIOBBE.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 399
"P. S. — Congress has been in session four days, and the
House of Representatives is not yet organized, in conse-
quence of some seats being contested in the New Jersey
delegation. They have this day succeeded in electing John
Q. Adams to the chair pro tern. ; but whether they will get
their speaker and clerk chosen, is yet unknown, as there is
a great deal of wind blown off on the occasion on each day.
There is such an itching disposition to display their oratory
on the most trivial occasions, and so much etiquette, bowing
and scraping, twisting and turning, to make a display of
their witticism, that it seems to us rather a display of folly
and show, more than substance and gravity, such as becomes
a great nation like ours. However, there are some excep-
tions.
"A warm feeling has been manifested in the discussion of
the House to-day, and it seems as much confusion as though
the nation had already began to be vexed. We came with
one of the Missouri members from Wheeling to this
place, who was drunk but once, and that however was most
of the time; there was but one day but what he could navi-
gate, and that day he was keeled over, so he could eat no
dinner. The horses ran away with the stage; they ran
about three miles; Brother Joseph climbed out of the stage,
got the lines, and stopped the horses, and also saved the
life of a lady and child. He was highly commended by the
whole company for his great exertions and presence of mind
through the whole affair. Elias Higbee jumped out of the
stage at a favorable moment, just before they stopped,
with a view to assist in stopping them, and was but slightly
injured. We were not known to the stage company until
after our arrival.
"In our interview with the President, he interrogated us
wherein we differed in our religion from the other religions
of the day. Brother Joseph said we differed in mode of bap-
tism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of
hands. We considered that all other considerations were
contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost, and we deemed it
unnecessary to make many words in preaching the gospel to
him. Suffice it to say he has got our testimony. We watch
400 . HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
th« post office, but have received no letters from our sections
of the country. Write instantly.
"Yours with respect,
"J. 8., JB.
"E. H."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 452-454.
Further information is chronicled in the following let-
ter:—
"WASHINGTON CITY, Corner of Missouri
and Third Streets, December 7, 1839.
11 To Seymour Brunson and the Honorable High Council of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: —
"Your humble servants, Joseph Smith, Jr., and Elias
Higbee, again address you for the purpose of informing you
of our proceedings here in relation to our business and pros-
pects of success. We deem it unimportant to say anything
in relation to our journey, arrival, and interview with his
Excellency, the President of these United States; as they
were mentioned in a letter lately addressed to President
Hyrum Smith and the High Council. We mentioned in that
letter the appointment of a meeting to be held by the Illi-
nois delegation, to consult upon the best measures of getting
our business brought before Congress. They met yesterday
in one of the committee rooms of the Capitol. All the dele-
gation except the ex-Governor Reynolds were present— who
is now one of the representatives in Congress, and on ac-
count of whose absence the meeting was adjourned until
to-day at eleven o'clock; however, the subject was partially
introduced, and Mr. Robinson took a stand against us, so
far as concerned our presenting claims to be liquidated by
the United States.
"We took a stand against him, asserting our constitu-
tional rights. Brother Joseph maintained the ground in
argument against him firmly and respectfully, setting forth
the injuries that we have received, and the appeals that we
have made to the judiciary of Missouri, and also the Gov-
ernor; their refusals from time to time to do us justice, also
the impracticability of doing anything in the judiciary
courts of Missouri, which tribunal Mr. Robinson thought
was the only proper place for our claims; but he finally said
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 401
it was his first impression on the subject, not having consid-
ered the matter, but would take it into further considera-
tion.
"Judge Young of the Senate made some remarks in bur
favor, saying he would get the opinion of some of the promi-
nent members of the Senate, who were also lawyers, and
would report to us the next meeting. We met this day
according to appointment, and very friendly feelings were
manifested on the occasion. Our business was taken up, and
Judge Young stated that he had asked the opinion of Judge
White, of Tennessee, of Mr. Wright and several other mem-
bers whose names we do not recollect, but were prominent
members of the Senate. They all declined giving an opinion
at present, as it was a matter that they had not considered
sufficiently to decide upon at this time. The meeting then,
after some deliberations, decided in our favor, which deci-
sion was that a memorial and petition be drawn up in a concise
manner, (our representatives promising so to do,) and Judge
Young present them to the Senate, that they might thereby
refer it to the proper committee, with all the accompanying
documents, and order the same to be printed.
"We want you to assist us now, and also to forward us
your certificates that you hold for lands in Missouri; your
claims to preemption rights, and affidavits to prove that
soldiers were quartered on us and in our houses without our
consent or any special act of law for that purpose, contrary
to the Constitution of the United States. We think Brother
Ripley and others will recollect the circumstances and facts
relative to this matter. You will also recollect the circum-
stances of Brother Joseph and others being refused the
privilege of habeas corpus by the authorities of Missouri.
"These facts must be authenticated by affidavits. Let
any particular transaction of the outrages in Missouri that
can be sworn to by the sufferers or those who were eyewit-
nesses to the facts, be sent, specifying the particulars.
Have the evidence bona fide to the point.
"The House of Representatives is not yet organized.
Much feeling and confusion have prevailed in the House for
a few days past. The House succeeded in electing John Q.
402 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Adams chairman pro tern, on the 5th instant. They have
not yet elected their speaker or clerk. The Senate can do
nothing of consequence until the House is organized; neither
can' the President's Message until then be received. We de-
sign taking a paper and forwarding it to you.
"Your brethren in the bonds of the everlasting covenant,
"JOSEPH SMITH, JK.
"ELIAS HIGBEE.".
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 471, 472.
During the latter part of December President Smith made
a visit to Philadelphia, and Elders Higbee and Rockwell fol-
lowed him by carriage, leaving Elder Rigdon in Washington,
sick, attended by Doctor Foster.
The 14th of January, 1840, Elder Rigdon and Doctor
Poster arrived at Philadelphia. Until about the last of the
month they visited and preached in different places, when
Joseph Smith, Elias Higbee, Doctor Foster, and O. P. Rock-
well returned to Washington, leaving Elder Rigdon sick in
Philadelphia.
President Smith had interviews with President Van
Buren, also with John C. Calhoun, of which he writes as fol-
lows:—
"During my stay I had an interview with Martin Van
Buren, the President, who treated me very insolently, and it
interviews was with great reluctance he listened to our mes-
BJmsiTan'd sage» which when he had heard, he said, ' Gentle-
Calhoun. men^ YOUR CAUSE IS JUST, BUT I CAN DO NOTHING
FOR YOU;' and, 'If I take up for you, I shall lose the vote of Mis-
souri.1 His whole course went to show that he was an office-
seeker, that self-aggrandizement was his ruling passion,
and that justice and righteousness were no part of his com-
position. I found him such a man as I could not conscien-
tiously support at the head of our noble republic. I also
had an interview with Mr. John C. Calhoun, whose conduct
towards me very ill became his station. I became satisfied
Joseph there was little use for me to tarry to press the
returns. just ciajms of ^he saints on the protection of the
President or Congress, and staid but a few days, taking pas-
sage in company with Rockwell and Foster on the railroad
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 403
and stages back to Dayton, Ohio." — Millennial Star, vol. 17,
pp. 584, 585.
Judge Higbee, who remained in Washington to look after
mgbee ^Q interests of the petition, wrote under date of
remains. February 20, 1840, as follows :-
" WASHINGTON CITY, February 20, 1840.
"Dear Brother:— I have just returned from the committee
room, wherein I spoke about one hour and a half. There
were but three of the committee present, for which I am
very sorry. I think they will be obliged to acknowledge
the justice of our cause. They paid good attention, and I
think my remarks were well received. It was a special
meeting appointed to hear me by my request. The Missouri
senators and representatives were invited to attend. Dr.
Linn and Mr. Jamieson attended, and God gave me courage,
so that I was not intimidated by them. Dr. Linn, I thought,
felt a little uneasy at times; but manifested a much better
spirit afterwards than Mr. Jamieson.
"I told them firstly that I represented a suffering people,
who had been deprived, together with myself, of their rights
in Missouri; who numbered something like fifteen thousand
souls; and not only they, but many others were deprived of
the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution of the
United States. At least the amount of one hundred and
fifty thousand freeborn citizens are deprived of the enjoy-
ment of citizenship in each or every State; that we had no
ingress in the State of Missouri; nor could any of us have,
only at the expense of our lives; and this by the order of
the Executive.
"I then took their own declaration of the cause of our ex-
pulsion; referred them to P. P. Pratt's pamphlet, which I
held in my hand; then showed that the first accusation
therein contained was on account of our religious tenets;
furthermore, that the others were utterly groundless. I
went on to prove that the whole persecution from beginning
to end was grounded on our religious faith. For evidence
of this I referred them to Porter Rockwell's testimony and
P. Powell's. I stated that there was abundant testimony to
prove this to be a fact, among the documents.
404 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"I then gave a brief history -of the persecutions from the
first settlement in the State to our final expulsion. I also
stated that the society were industrious, inoffensive, and
innocent of crime; had the Times and Seasons, from which I
read Governor Lucas' letter to Alanson Ripley. I also
referred to Judge Young's letter from Pike County, the
clerk's, and others, respecting our character in their section
of country. I gave them some hints of the Haun's mill mas-
sacre, and the murder of the two little boys, but referred
them more particularly to the documents for information
concerning those things; and furthermore that I had not
come here to instruct them in what they were to do in the
case, but to present them with the facts, having all confi-
dence in this honorable body (the Congress), believing them
to be honorable men.
"I demanded from them a restitution of all our rights and
privileges as citizens of the United States, and damages
for all the losses we had sustained in consequence of our
persecutions and expulsion from the State; and told them
we could have recourse nowhere else on earth that I knew
of; that we could not sue an army of soldiers, neither
could we go into the State to sue anyone else. I told
them that I knew not how far Congress had jurisdiction in
this case, or how far they had not; but as far as they had,
we claimed the exercise of it for our relief; for we were an
injured people.
"These and some others were the principal subjects of my
speech, after which Mr. Jamieson said he was once in the
'Mormons' ' favor; but afterwards learned that it was impos-
sible to live among them, for they stole their neighbors'
hogs; and there being so much testimony, he believed it,
etc., etc. I replied something like this: making statements
was one thing, and proving them was another. Mr. Linn
then said he wished me to answer one thing; viz.: If the
legislature of Missouri did not refuse to investigate the sub-
ject of our difficulties solely on account of the trials then
pending. In reply I assured him that I knew they had
refused us an investigation; but as to that being the cause,
I did not know, but told him they might have done it
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 405
when those trials were discharged. He seemed to think
it injustice for Congress to take it up before the legislature
had acted on it.
"I occupied all but a few minutes of the time when the
Senate were to go into session, so they adjourned until the
morrow at ten o'clock, when the Missourians are to reply.
Mr. Linn observed that there was a gentleman whom he
would have before the committee on the morrow who lived
in the upper part of Missouri, that knew everything relative
to the affair. I presume Tie is to put in his gab. I suppose I
must attend the committee, as I am solicited by the chair-
man; but I would rather take a flogging, because I must sit
still and hear a volubility of lies concerning myself and
brethren. Lies I say, for they have nothing but lies to tell,
that will in the least degree justify their conduct in Mis-
souri. Mr. Linn said he had written to Missouri to get all
the evidence taken before Judge King, so that if the thing
must come up he would be prepared to have a full investiga-
tion of the matter, and that the committee should have
power to send for persons, papers, etc., etc.
"In my remarks I stated that an article of the Constitution
was violated in not granting compulsory process for wit-
nesses in behalf of the prisoners; and that the main evidence
adduced, upon which they were committed, (as I under-
stood,) was from Dr. Avard, who once belonged to our
society, and was compelled to swear as suited them best, in
order to save his life; that I knew him to be a man whose
character was the worst I ever knew in all my associations
or intercourse with mankind; and that I had evidence by
affidavits before them, of five or six respectable men, to
prove that all he swore to was false.
"Brethren and sisters, I want your especial prayers that
God may give me wisdom to manage this case according to
his will, and that he will protect me from our foes, both pub-
licly and privately.
"Yours in the bonds of love,
"ELIAS HIGHER."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 598, 599.
406 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The next day he wrote as follows: —
"WASHINGTON CITY, February 21, 1840.
"Dear Brethren:—"], have just returned again from the com-
mittee room. Mr. Linn and Mr. Jamieson made some re-
Higbee«« marks, to which I replied. Mr. Linn is much more
reports. jnild and reasonable (mostly perhaps from policy)
than Mr. Jamieson, who related a long lingo of stuff, which
he said was proven before the legislature, which amounted to
about this: that Joseph Smith gave the 'Mormons' liberty to
trespass on their neighbors' property; also told them that it
all belonged to them, as they were Israelites. Upon the
strength of this they became the aggressors. I replied that
the Jackson County people in their declaration of causes
that induced them to unite in order to drive the 'Mormons,'
the crime of stealing or trespassing was not mentioned; and
there was no docket, either clerk's or justice's, that could
show it, in Jackson, Clay, Caldwell, or in Daviess Counties;
and that no man ever heard such teaching or doctrine from
Joseph Smith or any other 'Mormon;' that we held to no
such doctrine, neither believed in any such thing.
"I mentioned some things contained in our Book of Doc-
trine and Covenants; Government and Laws in General. I
told them we had published long ago our belief on that sub-
ject. Some things I recollected, which were that all persons
should obey the laws of the government under which they
lived, and that ecclesiastical power should not be exercised
to control our civil rights in any way; particularly that
ecclesiastical power should only be used in the church, and
then no further than fellowship was concerned. I think
they injured their cause to-day. There is another appoint-
ment for them on the morrow at ten o'clock. Their friend
they said was sick, consequently could not attend to-day.
Mr. Linn said he thought it would be time enough to take it
up in Congress when they could not get justice from the
State, and that he was confident there was a disposition in
the State of Missouri to do us justice, should we apply; that
the reason of their refusing to investigate before was, the
trials of the prisoners were pending; and further said (when
speaking of the trials before Judge King) that he understood
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 407
from gentlemen that the prisoners commended the Judge for
his clemency and fair dealing towards them and acknowl-
edged they were guilty in part of the charge preferred
against them. Mr. Linn said he presumed I was not pres-
ent when said men were tried. I replied in the negative,
that I was not there, neither anybody else that could be a
witness in their favor. The lawyers advised them to keep
away if they desired the salvation of their lives. I observed
that I had read the proceedings of the legislature, but did
not now recollect them; but since yesterday I have been
reflecting on the subject, and recollect a conversation I had
with Mr. Harvey Redfield, who was the bearer of the peti-
tion to Jefferson City, and he informed me that the reasons
why they refused an investigation was on account of the
upper Missouri members being so violently opposed to it
that they used their utmost exertions, and finally succeeded
in getting a majority against it; and the reason of their tak-
ing this course was in consequence of one of their members
being in the massacre at Haun's mill; viz., Mr. Ashley; and
Cornelius Gillium was a leader of the first mob in Daviess
County, which the militia were called out to suppress.
"Mr. Linn said if it must come out in Congress it should
be fully investigated, and they, the committee, should have
power to send for persons and papers; for if we have a right
to claim damages of the United States, so had they, if all
were true concerning the acts alleged against the 'Mor-
mons;' that they had a right to ask the government to pay
the war against the 'Mormons;' but finally seemed to disap-
prove of the exterminating order, which was admitted to
have existed by Mr. Jamieson, or was issued by their legis-
lature, but that no one ever thought of carrying it into
effect. He said that General Clark merely advised the
'Mormons' to leave the State. To which I replied, General
Clark's speech was before them; that I had stated some of
its contents yesterday, and if it were necessary I could prove
it by four or five hundred affidavits.
"Then Mr. Jamieson stated something about the prisoners
making their escape, and that he had no doubt but that they
could have a fair trial in Missouri, for the Legislature, to
408 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
his certain knowledge, passed a law whereby they had a
right to choose any county in the State to be tried in; to
which I replied that I understood such a law was passed,
but notwithstanding, they could not get their trials in the
county wherein they desired; for they were forced to go to
Boone, whereas they desired to have their trials in Palmyra,
where they could get their witnesses, as that was only six-
teen miles from the river, and the other was a great dis-
tance. He said that Judge King certainly would not go
contrary to law. I told him there were some affidavits in
those documents that would tell him some things very
strange concerning Judge King. Mr. Linn then wished to
know if the affidavits were from anybody else save 'Mor-
mons.' I replied that there were some others, but how
many I knew not. He then wanted to know how they were
certified, whether any clerk's name was attached in the busi-
ness. I told him they were well authenticated by the courts
of record, with the clerk's name attached thereto.
"After these things and some others were said, the com-
mittee refused to consult on the subject. Only the same
three attended that were in yesterday. The chairman ob-
served that they had not expressed any opinion relative to
the subject, but observed his mind was made up in relation
to the matter. I think, from all I have discovered, Mr.
Smith, of Indiana, will be on the side of justice; but how
the thing will terminate I cannot tell. Mr. Crittenden and
Mr. Strange are the two absent members of the committee.
"Yours in the bond of love,
"ELIAS HIQBEB."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 599, 600.
On the 22d Mr. Higbee again wrote: —
"WASHINGTON, February 22, 1840.
"Dear Brother:—!, have just returned from the committee
room. The committee being present to-day, a Mr. Corwin, of
St. Louis, formerly a Democratic editor, emptied his budget;
which was as great a bundle of nonsense and stuff as could
be thought of; I suppose not what he knew, but what gen-
tlemen had told him; for instance, the religious General
Clark and others. I confess I had hard work to restrain my
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 409
feelings some of the time, but I did succeed in keeping
silence tolerably well. Himself, Mr. Jamieson, and Mr. Linn
summoned all the energies of their minds to impress upon
the assembly that Joe Smith, as he called him, led the people
altogether by revelation, in their temporal, civil, and politi-
cal matters, and by this means caused all the 'Mormons' to
vote the whole hog ticket on one side, except two persons.
But when I got an opportunity of speaking I observed that
Joseph Smith never led any of the church in these matters,
as we considered him to have no authority, neither did he
presume to exercise any of that nature; that revelations
were only concerning spiritual things in the church; and
the Bible being our standard, we received no revelations con-
trary to it. I also observed that we were not such ignora-
muses, perhaps, as he fain would have people believe us to
be; and some other things on this subject. I then told him
that every man exercised the right of suffrage according to
his better judgment, or without any ecclesiastical restraint
being put upon him; that it was all false about a revelation
on voting; and the reason of our voting that ticket was in
consequence of the democratic principles having been taught
us from our infancy that they ever believed and extended
equal rights to all; and that we had been much persecuted
previous to that time, many threatenings being made from
the counties round about, as well as among us, who took the
lead in political affairs. It was true we advised our breth-
ren to vote this ticket, telling them we thought that party
would protect our rights, and not suffer us to be driven from
our lands as we had hitherto been, believing it to be by far
the most liberal party; but in that we were mistaken, because
when it came to the test there were as many Democrats
turned against us as Whigs; and indeed less liberality and
political freedom was manifested by them; for one Whig
paper came out decidedly in our favor.
"I made these remarks partly from motives which I may
at another time explain to you. He laid great stress on the
trials at Richmond, and a constitution, that he said Avard
and others (who were in good standing in the 'Mormon'
Church at this time) swore to; then went on to relate what
410 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
it contained, and that it was written by Sidney Rigdon.
"I flatly denied it, and I could bring all the 'Mormons,'
both men, women, and children, besides myself, that would
swear before all the world that no such thing ever existed
nor was thought of among the 'Mormons.'
"He then related some things which he said John Corrill
had told him at the legislature, in Missouri; which were to
the effect that the 'Mormons' had burnt a number of houses
in Daviess County, and that for himself, if he could not get
to heaven by being an honest man, he would never go there.
Then, I, speaking of some of the dissenters, told him Corrill
was anxious to get into the church again, and that it was the
fact in regard to damages having been done, after we had
been driven from Jackson and Clay, relating the De Witt
scrape, and calling of the militia, and the mob's marching to
Daviess, and saying they would drive the 'Mormons' from
there to Caldwell, and then to hell; there burning our houses;
that small parties on both sides were on the alert, and proba-
bly did some damages; though I was not personally knowing
to, as I was not there. I told him Joseph Smith held no office
in the country, neither was he a military man, and did not
take gun in hand in the affair to my knowledge. I then
stated that John Corrill's affidavit, which contained some
important facts, was before them, — which facts I forgot to
mention yesterday, — importing that he (J. Corrill) was con-
vinced he would get no redress in Missouri (he being a mem-
ber of the legislature, ought to know). I saw the chairman
of the committee not long since, who informed me that the
committee had not come to a final conclusion on this matter
as yet.
"I saw Mr. Jamieson on the walk, who said the first thing
the committee would do was to decide whether they would
take it up and consider it or not; and if they do take it up
according to request, the Senate will grant the committee
power to send for persons and papers. The committee made
some inquiries respecting our religion, and I answered them
as a matter of course, as well as I was able. They inquired
very particularly concerning how much land we had entered
there, and how much of it yet remained unsold; when Mr.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 411
Corwin observed that we had never entered much land
there, but were squatters. I then described the size of Cald-
well and Daviess Counties, giving an explanation on these
matters.
"I suppose perhaps on Monday or Tuesday we shall know
something relative to this matter. Whether power be given
them to send for persons and papers, you may see where
they depend to rally their forces; viz., by endeavoring to
make us treasonable characters, by the Constitution, said
to govern us, and that everything both civil and political
among us is done by revelation. These points I desire to
blow to the four winds, and that you will select a number of
firm brethren, possessing good understanding, who will tell
the truth and willingly send me their names when they know
they are wanted. Send plenty of them. They will get two
dollars per day, and ten cents a mile to and from, expense
money. Do not send them until their subpoenas get there, for
they will not draw expense money only for going home.
"I will suggest a few names: Alanson Ripley, King
Follet, Amasa Lyman, Francis M. Higbee, as they know
concerning the De Witt scrape; also send Charles C. Rich,
Seymour Brunson, and others. You will know whom to
send better than myself.
"If the Missourians should send for you, I would say
consult God about going.
"E. HIGBEE.
"P. S. - Mr. Jamieson stated to me this evening, if the
•Mormons' could make it appear that they had been
wronged, they would use their influence in having them
redressed, so the shame should not fall on the whole State,
but on those which had been guilty. I then observed that
there was a minority in the legislature much in our favor,
which seemed to please him, as they attended several times
to it. The cause of my being so particular is to show you
the whole ground I have taken in this matter; that there
may be no inconsistency. If I have erred in this matter,
it is my head and not my heart.
"E. HIGBEE."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 611, 612.
412 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Again he wrote:—
? 'WASHINGTON. February 26, 1840.
"Dear Brother:— I am just informed by General Wall (the
chairman of the committee), before whom or to whom our
business is referred, that the decision is against us, or in
other words unfavorable; that they believe redress can only
be had in Missouri, the courts, and legislature. He says
they will report this week. I desire to get a copy of it, and
also the papers. I feel a conscience void of offense towards
God and man in this matter; that I have discharged my duty
here; and as I wish not to be on expense, as soon as I can
write to President Rigdon, get my papers, and draw some
money to bear my expenses, I shall bid adieu to this city, to
return to my family and friends. I feel now that we have
made our last appeal to all earthly tribunals; that we should
now put our whole trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob. We have a right now which we could not heretofore
so fully claim— that is, of asking God for redress and
redemption, as they have been refused us by man.
"ELIAS HIGBKE.
"To Joseph Smith, Jr."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 613.
The committee reported as follows: —
"Twenty-sixth Congress— First Session.— In Senate of
committee tne United States, March 4, 1840. Submitted,
report. jai(j on ^Q table, and ordered to be printed, the
following report, made by Mr. Wall.
"The committee on the judiciary to whom was referred the
memorial of a delegation of the Latter Day Saints, report: —
"The petition of the memorialists set forth in substance
that a portion of their sect commenced a settlement in the
county of Jackson, in the State of Missouri, in the summer
of 1831; that they bought lands, built houses, erected
churches, and established their homes, and engaged in all
the various occupations of life; that they were expelled
from that county in 1833 by a mob, under circumstances of
great outrage, cruelty, and oppression, and against all law,
and without any offense committed on their part, and to the
destruction of property to the amount of $120,000; that the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 413
society thus expelled amounted to about 12,000 souls; that
no compensation was ever made for the destruction of their
property in Jackson; that after their expulsion from Jack-
son County they settled in Clay County, on the opposite
side of the Missouri River, where they purchased lands, and
entered others at the land office; where they resided peacea-
bly for three years, engaged in cultivation and other useful
and active employments, when the mob again threatened
their peace, lives, and property; and they became alarmed,
and finally made a treaty with the citizens of Clay County,
that they should purchase their lands, and the saints should
remove; which was complied with on their part, and the
saints removed to the county of Caldwell, where they took
up their abode and reestablished their settlement, not with-
out heavy pecuniary losses and other inconveniences; that
the citizens of Clay County never paid them for their lands,
except for a small part; they remained in Caldwell from 1836
until the fall of 1838, and during that time had acquired, by
purchase from the government, the settlers, and pregmption-
ers almost all the lands in the county of Caldwell and a por-
tion of the lands in Daviess and Carroll Counties— the former
county being almost entirely settled by the saints, and they
were rapidly filling up the two latter counties.
"Those counties, when the saints first commenced their
settlement, were for the most part wild and uncultivated,
and they had converted them into large and well-improved
farms, well stocked. Land had risen in value to ten or even
twenty-five dollars per acre, and these counties were rapidly
advancing in cultivation and wealth.
"That in August, 1838, a riot commenced, growing out of
an attempt of a saint to vote, which resulted in creating
great excitement and the perpetration of many scenes of
lawless outrage, which are set forth in the petition. That
they were finally compelled to fly from those counties, and
on the llth October, 1838, they sought safety by that
means, with their families, leaving many of their effects
behind. That they had previously applied to the consti-
tuted authorities of Missouri for protection, but in vain.
They allege that they were pursued by the mob; that con-
414 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
flicts ensued; deaths occurred on each side; and finally a
force was organized under the authority of the Governor of
the State of Missouri, with orders to drive the saints from
the State, or exterminate them. The saints thereupon
determined to make no further resistance, but to submit
themselves to the authorities of the State.
"Several of the saints were arrested and imprisoned on a
charge of treason against the State, and the rest, amounting
to about 15,000 souls, fled into other States, principally in
Illinois, where they now reside.
"The petition is drawn up at great length, and sets forth
with feeling and eloquence the wrongs of which they com-
plain; justifies their own conduct, and aggravates that of
those whom they call their persecutors, and concludes by
saying they see no redress, unless it be obtained of the Con-
gress of the United States, to whom they make their
solemn, last appeal, as American citizens, as Christians, and
as men; to which decision they say they will submit.
"The committee have examined the case presented by the
petition, and heard the views urged by their agent, with
care and attention; and after full examination and considera-
tion, unanimously concur in the opinion —
"That the case presented for their investigation is not
such a one as will justify or authorize any interposition by
this government.
"The wrongs complained of are not alleged to be com«
mitted by any of the officers of the United States, or under
the authority of its government in any manner whatever.
The allegations in the petition relate to the acts of its citi-
zens, and inhabitants and authorities of the State of Mis-
souri, of which State the petitioners were at the time
citizens or inhabitants.
"The grievances complained of in the petition are alleged
to have been done within the territory of the State of Mis-
souri. The committee under these circumstances have not
considered themselves justified in inquiring into the truth or
falsehood of the facts charged in the petition. If they are
true, the petitioners must seek relief in the courts of judica-
ture of the State of Missouri, or of the United States, which
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 415
has the appropriate jurisdiction to administer full and ade-
quate redress for the wrongs complained of, and doubtless
will do so fairly and impartially; or the petitioners may, if
they see proper, apply to the justice and magnanimity of the
State of Missouri — an appeal which the committee feel justi-
fied in believing will never be made in vain by the injured
or oppressed.
"It can never be presumed that a State either wants the
power or lacks the disposition to redress the wrongs of its
own citizens, committed within her own territory, whether
they proceed from the lawless acts of her officers or any
other persons. The committee therefore report that they
recommend the passage of the following resolution: —
" 'Resolved, That the committee on the judiciary be dis-
charged from the further consideration of the memorial in
this case; and that the memorialists have leave to withdraw
the papers which accompany their memorial.' "—Millennial
Star, vol. 17, pp. 613, 614.
On March 9 Elder Higbee again wrote: —
"WASHINGTON, March 9, 1840.
"Dear Brother:— I expected by this time that we would be
through with our business, but the chairman of the commit-
tee gave notice last week he should call it up to-day in the
Senate; though Mr. Young's having gone to Philadelphia,
it will not be called up until his return, which will be on
next Thursday, according to the information that I have
obtained relative to this matter. If the resolution is passed,
as annexed to the report, I shall get my papers and leave
the city.
"I have written some letters to Brother Rigdon, which it
seems he did not get. Brother Samuel Bennett writes that
Bro. Rigdon left Philadelphia for the Jerseys on the 5th
instant. He stated that he expects me to come there to go
with him home, and that he would write me soon on the sub-
ject. I shall write for him to make the necessary arrange-
ments. He says, Dr. Ells'8 family left about a week ago for
Commerce. Also that the church there numbers about one
2 Josiah Ells, afterwards well known as one of the Twelve Apostles of
ttie Reorganized Church.
416 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
hundred; and P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Brother Kimball,
Brother Young, G. A. Smith, and Brother Hedlock were to
sail from New York to England on the 7th instant.
"As I have lately written several letters to you, I shall
bid adieu, not to write again until after the Senate acts upon
our business. Mr. Robinson says he has sent you a report;
notwithstanding, I shall inclose another for you.
"I have changed my place of boarding in consequence of
Mrs. Richey's breaking up housekeeping, and gone to Balti-
more. I am busy here at chimney corner preaching.
"Yours as ever in the bonds of everlasting love,
"E. HIGHER.
"To President J. Smith, Jr., Commerce, Illinois.
"P. S.— Lest my previous letters should not come to hand,
I merely say that I have been before the committee three
days, and done all in my power to effect the object of our
mission; have spoken my mind freely on the subject; and
feel to have a conscience void of offense towards God in this
matter. The submission of which the report makes mention
was on condition they could not lawfully do anything for us;
after examination we were to submit and wait until the
Great Disposer of human events shall adjust these things, in
that place where the wicked cease from troubling and the
weary are at rest (this I think is nearly the sentiment,
though perhaps not the very words); and I for one hope and
pray the time will soon come when they will not trouble us
in the West, as they have hitherto done.
"There is a man here who owns two printing presses and
much type, reading our books, (on whom I occasionally call,)
I will with the assistance of God, get to come to the West as
soon as possible with his press, that you may set him to
printing the truth. He told me if we had any printing to
do, he would do it cheap, and even go to the West if neces-
sary.
"Give my respects to P. Rockwell, Dr. Foster, and also
all the household of faith.
"E. H."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 615, 616.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 417
On March 24 Elder Higbee reported as follows: —
"WASHINGTON CITY, March 24, 1840.
"Dear Brother:— Our business is at last ended here. Yes-
terday a resolution passed the Senate that the committee
should be discharged, and that we might withdraw the
accompanying papers, which I have done. I have also taken
a copy of the memorial, and want to be off for the West
immediately. I have not gotten a letter from President
Rigdon, although I have frequently written to him. I have
received a letter from Brother Bennett, stating that he was
in the Jerseys, and that he was calculating to have me come
that way and go home with him; and also that he had busi-
ness which he wanted me to attend to at the office here.
When he last wrote he stated that as yet he had no money
to get home with, and I hardly know what course to take in
regard to the matter. If I do not receive a letter in two or
three days, I design leaving for Philadelphia or the West.
"There is one honest Quaker-looking sort of a man here,
by the name of William Green, (instead of John Green, as I
stated in a letter to Brother Robinson,) who has two iron
printing presses, with other things necessary, that would
come to Commerce, provided you could find work for him
and inform him of the same. How much work there is to do
I know not, therefore merely write that if such a man and
establishment are wanted, you could easily obtain them, or
would know where they could be obtained. He believes as
much in our religion as any other, but not much in any.
"Yours in the Lord,
"E. HIGBEE.
"P. S.— I would just observe that information has reached
this place, through some of the newspapers, that you have
come out for Harrison. It is said that the information came
by some gentlemen who obtained it from you whilst in your
company in passing through the State of Indiana. Another
paper states that one thousand houses are to be built in
Commerce this season, which I hope is the truth.
"I would just observe (on the subject of our business) I
am sorry Judge Young had not insisted on the motion to
print our papers, as it would have been opposed; then a
418 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
speech from Clay and Mr. Preston would have been brought
forth, as I have since learned; but I think it was a trick of
the Missouri Senators to slide it along without making a
noise, by its going to the committee as it did. Judge Young
says he was anxious to have it brought before the commit-
tee, but seemed disposed to let it slide along easily, rather
than run the risk of its being refused.
"If he had let those speeches been made, almost every
one would have read them; which would have shamed Mis-
souri, (if there is any shame in her,) and waked up the whole
country, so that by another year Congress would do some-
thing for us. But there is no need of crying for spilt milk.
I have done all I could in this matter, depending on the good
judgment of Judge Young to legislate for us to the best
advantage. I am inclined, however, to think if it was an
error, it was one of the head, and not of the heart.
"Mr. Hotchkiss, of Fair Haven, Connecticut, has
addressed a letter to yourself, Brother Rigdon and myself,
which seems to be written with much good feeling. He
desires to know concerning our business here, inviting us to
make his house our home, should we travel in that region.
He writes that his health is very bad. I have been talking
with Mr. Steward concerning a memorial, requesting him to
bring it before the House; who has promised to do so if he
can. He says he will talk with some of the members respect-
ing it. I have answered Mr. Hotchkiss' letter this day, and
sent him the report of the committee.
"E. H."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 663, 664.
Joseph Smith gives an account of his return to Commerce,
then frequently called Nauvoo, as follows: —
"When I had returned as far as Dayton, I found the horses
which we left on our journey out, and from thence I pursued
my journey through Indiana on horseback, in company with
Dr. Foster, leaving Brother Rockwell at Dayton. The trav-
eling being exceedingly bad, my progress was slow and
wearisome.
"My clerk, James Mulholland, died on November 3, 1839,
while I was absent, aged thirty-five years. He was a man
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 419
of fine education, and a faithful scribe and elder in the
church.
"Wednesday, March 4, 1840. I arrived safely at Nauvoo,
after a wearisome journey, through alternate snows and
mud, having witnessed many vexatious movements in gov-
ernment officers, whose sole object should be the peace and
prosperity and happiness of the whole people; but instead
of this, I discovered that popular clamor and personal aggran-
dizement were the ruling principles of those in authority;
and my heart faints within me when I see, by the visions of
the Almighty, the end of this nation, if she continues to dis-
regard the cries and petitions of her virtuous citizens, as she
has done, and is now doing.
«'I have also enjoyed many precious moments with the
saints during my journey.
"On my way home I did not fail to proclaim the iniquity
and insolence of Martin Van Buren towards myself and an
injured people, which will have its effect upon the public
mind; and may he never be elected again to any office of
trust or power by which^he may abuse the innocent and let
the guilty go free.
"I depended on Dr. Poster to keep my daily journal dur-
ing this journey, but he has failed me." — Millennial Star, vol.
17, p. 613.
Thus ended what would appear to have been a fruitless
effort to obtain redress. We have, to save space, omitted
numerous affidavits and statements concerning the Missouri
outrages; but we think most of the general facts, as well as
some of the details, are now before the reader; and we leave
it with a candid public to judge who were the aggressors,
and whether justice was done to the oppressed or not.
The General Conference on April 8, 1840, passed the fol-
lowing:—
"He3 then gave some account of his mission to Washing-
ton City, in company with President Rigdon and Judge
Acuon of Higbee, the treatment they received, and the
conference, action of the Senate on the memorial which was
presented to them.
•President Smith.
420 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"The meeting then called for the reading of the memorial,
and the report of the committee on judiciary, to whom the
same had been referred. — Which were read.
"It was then resolved that a committee of five be appointed
10 draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of this con-
ference in reference to the report.
"Resolved, that Robert D. Poster, Orson Hyde, John E.
Page, Joseph Wood, and Robert B. Thompson compose
said committee, and report to this conference.
"Resolved that this meeting adjourn until to-morrow
morning at nine o'clock.
"A hymn was then sung and the meeting was dismissed
by Elder John Smith.
"Wednesday morning [8th], conference met pursuant to
adjournment.
"A number were confirmed who had been baptized the
previous evening.
"The meeting was then opened with prayer by Elder
Marks.
"The committee appointed to draft resolutions on the
report which was read yesterday, were then called upon to
make their report.
"Robert B. Thompson of the committee then read the
resolutions, as follows: —
"Whereas, we learn with deep sorrow, regret, and disap-
pointment that the committee on judiciary, to whom was
referred the memorial of the members of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called Mor-
mons) complaining of the grievances suffered by them in the
State of Missouri, have reported unfavorably to our cause,
to justice and humanity,
"Therefore,
"Resolved, 1st. That we consider the report of the com-
mittee on judiciary unconstitutional and subversive of the
rights of a free people; and justly calls for the disapproba-
tion of all the supporters and lovers of good government
and republican principles.
"Resolved, 2d. That the committee state in their report
that our memorial aggravated the case of our oppressors,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 421
and at the same time say that they have not examined into
the truth or falsehoods of the facts mentioned in said
memorial.
"Resolved, 3d. That the memorial does not aggravate
the conduct of our oppressors, as every statement set forth
in said memorial was substantiated by indubitable testi-
mony, therefore, we consider the statement of the committee
in regard to that part as false and ungenerous.
"Resolved, 4th. That that part of the report referring us
to the justice and magnanimity of the State of Missouri for
redress, we deem it a great insult to our good sense, better
judgment, and intelligence, when from numerous affidavits
which were laid before the committee proved that we could
only go into the State of Missouri contrary to the extermi-
nating order of the Governor, and consequently at the risk
of our lives.
"Resolved, 5th. That after repeated appeals to the con-
stituted authorities of the State of Missouri for redress,
which were in vain, we fondly hoped that in the Congress
of the United States ample justice would have been rendered
us; and upon that consideration alone, we pledged ourselves
to abide their decision.
"Resolved, 6th. That the exterminating order of Gov-
ernor Boggs is a direct infraction of the Constitution of the
United States, and of the State of Missouri; and the com-
mittee in refusing to investigate the proceedings of [the]
Executive and others of the State of Missouri, and turning a
deaf ear to the cries of widows, orphans, and innocent blood,
we deem no less than seconding the proceedings of that mur-
derous mob, whose deeds are recorded in heaven, and justly
calls down upon their heads the righteous judgments of an
offended God.
"Resolved, 7th. That the thanks of this meeting be
tendered to the citizens of the State of Illinois for their
kind, liberal, and generous conduct towards us; and that we
call upon them, as well as every patriot in this vast republic,
to aid us in all lawful endeavors to obtain redress for the
injuries we have sustained.
"Resolved, 8th. That the thanks of this meeting be
422 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
tendered to the delegation of Illinois, for their bold, manly,
noble, and independent course they have taken in present-
ing our case before the authorities of the nation, amid mis-
representation, contumely, and abuse which characterized
us in our suffering condition.
"Resolved, 9th. That the thanks of this meeting be
tendered to Governor Carl in, of Illinois, Governor Lucas, of
Iowa, for their sympathy, aid, and protection; and to all
other honorable gentlemen who have assisted us in our
endeavors to obtain redress.
"Resolved, 10th. That Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rig-
don, and Elias Higbee, the delegates appointed by this
church to visit the city of Washington to present our suffer-
ings before the authorities of the nation, accept of the
thanks of this meeting for the prompt and efficient manner
in which they have discharged their duty; and that they be
requested in the behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints throughout the world to continue to use
their endeavors to obtain redress for a suffering people; and
if all hopes of obtaining satisfaction (for the injuries done
us) be entirely blasted, that they then appeal our case to the
court of heaven, believing that the great Jehovah, who rules
over the destiny of nations and who notices the falling spar-
row, will undoubtedly redress our wrongs and ere long
avenge us of our adversaries.
"It was then resolved that the report of the committee on
judiciary, as well as the foregoing preamble and resolutions,
be published in the Quincy papers." — Times and Seasons, vol.
1, pp. 93, 94
CHAPTER 20.
1839-1840.
AFFIDAVITS PRESENTED TO CONGRESS— SIMEON CARTER— W. F.
CALHOON -J. M. BURK— JOHN LOWRY— JEUEDIAH OWEN— T.
ALVORD— WM. HAWK— T. B. CLARK— U. V. STEWART— JOHN
SMITH— SAMUEL, SMITH— JAMES POWELL— JOHN SMITH— SMITH
HUMPHREY— HENRY ROOT— JOSEPH CLARK— T. D. CASPER— J. W.
JOHNSTON — OWEN COLE— E. MAGINN — A. GREEN— J. P. GREEN —
A. A. LATHROP— BURR BIGGS— S. P. CURTIS— E. H. GROVES— JACOB
FOUTS— P. G. WILLIAMS— JACOB SHUMAKER— LEVI RICHARDS-
GIBSON GATES— DAVID PETTIGREW.
IN this chapter we introduce without special comment the
statements and affidavits of several of the saints, and others,
prepared for and introduced by the Washington committee
to the Congress committee on judiciary:—
"I, Simeon Carter, certify that I have been a resident of
the State of Missouri for six years and upwards, and that I
Simeon have suffered many things by a lawless mob; both
carter. me an(j mv famjiy having been driven from place to
place, and suffered the loss of much property, and finally ex-
pelled from the State. I further certify that I belong to the
Church of the Latter Day Saints, commonly called 'Mormons.'
And I certify that in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-
eight both me and my people suffered much by the people of
the State of Missouri. And I further certify that in this same
year, in the month of November, between the first and sixth,
were surrounded by a soldiery of the State of Missouri, in
the city of Far West, in Caldwell County, both me and many
of my 'Mormon' brethren, and were compelled by their
soldiery, which were armed with all the implements of war
to shed blood, by a public declaration of our entire extermi-
nation, to sign away our all, our property, personal and real
estate, and to leave the State of Missouri immediately.
"I certify I had at that time one hundred and sixty-two
acres of land, the same which I held the certificates for. I
424 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
further certify that I was obliged to give up my duplicates
to help me to a small sum to carry me out of the State. I
further certify not.
"SIMEON CARTER.
"Territory of Iowa, Lee County.
"Sworn to and subscribed before me a justice of the peace
for said county, this 2d day January, 1840.
"D. W. KILBOURN, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 551.
"I hereby certify that in the year 1838 I was residing in
Daviess County, Missouri, and while from home I was taken
prisoner in Far West, by the militia, and kept
W.F.Cahoon. ^ . ' . £ . , . , ... FT
under guard for six or eight days, in which time I
was forced to sign a deed of trust, after which I was permitted
to return home to my family in Daviess County, and found
them surrounded by an armed force, with the rest of my
neighbors, who were much frightened. The order from the
militia was to leave the county within ten days, in which time
my house was broken open and many goods taken out by the
militia. We were not permitted to go from place to place
without a pass from the General, and on leaving the county
I received a pass as follows: —
" 'I permit William P. Cahoon to pass from Daviess to
Caldwell County, and there remain during the winter, and
thence to pass out of the State of Missouri.
44 'Signed November 10, 1838.
•
" 'REEVES, a Brigadier-General.'
"In which time both me and my family suffered much on
account of cold and hunger because we were not permitted to
go outside of the guard to obtain wood and provision; and
according to orders of the militia, in the spring following I
took my family and left the State with the loss of much
property, and trouble.
"WILLIAM F. CAHOON.
'•Territory of Iowa, Lee County, etc., subscribed and
sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 566.
"(January, 1840.)
"I hereby certify that General John Clark and his Aid, at
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 425
their arrival at Far West, in Caldwell County, Missouri,
came to my tavern stand and without my leave
pitched their marquees in my yard, and did take my
wood and hay to furnish the same, and did bring their horses
in also, and without my leave take hay for them, and did take
possession of my house and use -it for a council house, and did
place a strong guard around it so as to hinder any person from
going in or out, and I myself was not permitted to go in and
out; for all this I have received no remuneration, and was
not even permitted to pass out of town to water travelers'
horses without a permit. The above took place in the first
part of November, 1838.
"I also certify that Caleb Baldwin, Lyman Wight, Hyrum
Smith, Joseph Smith, Junior, and Mr. McRae, in Clay
County, Missouri, did apply for a writ of habeas corpus and
did not get it.
"JOHN M. BUBK.
"Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 580.
"I certify that I saw General John Clark and his Aid, on
their arrival at Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, in the
yard of John M. Burk, and gave orders to their
John Lowry. • • . i ..i • • i • j -i .
waiters to pitch their marquees in his yard, and to
take of his wood for fire.
"I also saw Captain Samuel Bogart with his men come
near my dwelling, and did pitch their camp, and took my
house logs without my leave, and did burn them. I also saw
him with the horse of Joseph Smith, Junior, in his posses-
sion.
"JOHN LOWRY.
"Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 580.
"To whom it may concern.— This is to certify that on the day
following on which the troops arrived at Far West, that
jedediah two men °^ sa^ troops came to my house, broke
Owen open my trunk, and took therefrom both money
and clothing, and also a number of papers, among which were
deeds and notes, and also a number of cooking utensils, and
in consequence of the cruel and inhuman treatment which I
426 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and others have received from those troops, we are reduced to
a state of almost absolute starvation; and Daniel Avery and
myself are appointed as a committee to go out and beg corn
and meal, or anything we may obtain that can render them as-
sistance or relieve them in their suffering condition.
"JEDBDIAH OWBN.
« 'Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 580, 581.
"I removed my family from the State of Michigan to Clay
County, Missouri, in the year 1835, where I lived in peace
with the people, on my own land, eighteen months
T. Alvord. ' . , .
or more, when the people began to be excited in
consequence of the emigration of our people to that county.
The excitement became so great that I was obliged to sell my
place at half price, and removed to the County of Caldwell,
where I purchased me a farm, settled my family, and made a
good improvement, and was in a good situation to support my
family, and there lived in peace with the people until the sum-
mer and fall of 1838, when the mob began to arise, and we were
obliged to fly to arms in self-defense; but notwithstanding
our exertion, they murdered and massacred many of our peo-
ple. We applied to the Governor for assistance, and his
reply to us was, 'If you have got into a scrape with the mob,
you must fight it out yourselves, for I cannot help you.'
The mob still increased, until I was obliged to remove my
family to Par West and there remain, surrounded with mobs
of murderers until General Clark arrived with his army, with
the Governor's exterminating order. Then we were all
taken prisoners, our arms taken away; they then treated us
with all the cruelty they were masters of, and took posses-
sion of whatever they pleased, burnt timber, and laid waste
town and country.
"I heard General Clark say that he would execute the
Governor's order; 'but notwithstanding, I will vary so much
as to give some lenity, for the removal of this people, and
you must leave the State immediately; for you need not
expect to raise another crop here.' What were not taken to
prison were permitted to return to their homes to make
preparations to leave the State. Finding I had no safety for
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 427
myself and family in Missouri, I fled to Illinois for safety.
"T. ALVORD.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 581.
"MoNTROSE, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840.
"I hereby certify, that sometime in the month of October,
1838, an armed force collected in the County of Carroll, near
De Witt, and in open daylight drove a man by the
name of Humphrey out of his house, and set fire to
it and burnt it to ashes, and then sent an express ordering all
the 'Mormons' to leave the place as soon as the next day. The
next day they sent another express ordering them to leave in
six hours, or they would be massacred upon the ground. They
also fired their guns at different persons traveling the road
near the town. The 'Mormons' were at length compelled to
leave their possessions, and all removed to Caldwell, consist-
ing of seventy and perhaps one hundred families, many of
whom were in want of the sustenance of life, sick, and some
died upon the way.
"About two weeks after this another armed force invaded
Far West, took my gun, and compelled me to sign away my
property, both real and personal, and leave the State forth-
with.
"WILLIAM HAWK.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 581.
"MoNTROSE, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840.
"This is to certify that I was at work on my farm on the
last of October, 1838, when an armed company, under Gen-
eral Lucas, came and took myself and my three
T.B.Clark. . J
sons prisoners, and threw down my fences and
opened my gates, and left them open, and left my crops to
be destroyed, and while I was a prisoner, they declared that
they had made clean work in destroying the crops as they
passed through the country; and they took from me two
yoke of oxen, and three horses, and two wagons, and com-
pelled me and my sons to drive them loaded with produce
of my own farm, to supply their army.
"I had in possession at the time, four hundred and eighty
428 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
acres of land, and rising of an hundred acres improved, with
a small orchard and nursery, the necessary buildings of a
farm, etc.; and in consequence of my imprisonment my
fences remained down and most of my crops were destroyed;
and further this deponent saith not.
••TIMOTHY B. CLARK.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 581.
"MONTROSE, Lee County, Iowa Territory,
January 7, 1840.
"This is to certify that about the middle of October I was
driven, by the threats of the Daviess County armed force, to
u v Stewart *eave mv possessions, consisting of a preemption
right to a quarter section of land with thirty acres
under improvement, and a good house. I went to Di-Ahman
and remained until about first of November, when I was
driven from there by an armed force under General Wilson.
I then went to Far West. While at Ondi-Ahman the armed
force took from me one cow and calf, and a yoke of oxen,
one horse, and five sheep; they also took from me fifteen
hogs. While at Par West they took two cows belonging to
me and I saw the soldiery killing the live stock of the in-
habitants without leave or remuneration, and burning build-
ing timber, fences, etc.
"URBAN V. STEWART.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 581, 582.
"Lee County, Iowa Territory.
"This day personally appeared before me D. W. Kilbourn,
an acting justice of the peace in and for said county, John
Smith, and after having been duly sworn, depos-
John Smith.
eth and saith, 'That in the months of October and
November, 1838, I resided in the town of Adam-ondi-ahman,
Daviess County, Missouri, and whilst being peaceably en-
gaged in the ordinary vocations of life, that in the early part
of November, my house was entered by a body of armed men
painted after the manner or customs of the Indians of North
America, and proceeded to search my house for firearms,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 429
stating that they understood the Mormons knew how to hide
their guns; and in their search of a bed on which lay an
aged sick female, whom they threw to and fro in a very
rough manner, without regard to humanity or decency.
Finding no arms they went off without further violence.
" 'Shortly after this above-described outrage there was a
number of armed men, say about twenty, rode into my yard
and inquired for horses which they said they had lost, and
stated, under confirmation of an oath, that they would have
the heads of twenty "Mormons," if they did not find their
horses. These last were painted in like manner as the first.
These transactions took place when the village citizens and
its vicinity were engaged in a peaceable manner in the ordi-
nary pursuits of life.'
"This deponent further saith, 'That the mob took posses-
sion of a store of dry goods belonging to the Church of Lat-
ter Day Saints, over which they placed a guard. I went
into the store to get some articles to distribute to the suffer-
ing poor, and the officer who had the charge of the store
ordered me out peremptorily, stating it was too cold to wait
on me, that I must come the next morning; and returning
the next morning I found the store almost entirely stripped
of its contents. Thereupon we as a church were ordered to
depart the county and State, under the pains and penalty of
death, or a total extermination of our society. Having no
alternative, (having my wagon stolen,) I was compelled to
abandon my property, except a few movables which I got
off with in the best way that I could, and on receiving a per-
mit or pass which is hereto appended, I then proceeded to
depart the State: "I permit John Smith to remove from
Daviess to Caldwell County, there remain during the win-
ter, or remove out of the State unmolested. Daviess County,
November 9, 1838. R. Wilson, Brigadier- General. By F.
G. Cochnu." I accordingly left the State in the month of
February following, in a destitute condition.'
"JOHN SMITH.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 582.
430 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"MoNTKOSE, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840.
"I do hereby certify that I, Samuel Smith, made an
improvement and obtained a preemption right upon one hun-
Samuel dred and sixty acres of land in Daviess County,
Missouri, in 1837. On the first of November, 1838,
I was compelled to leave the county by order of General
Wilson, in ten days. They took without my consent, two
horses, which have never been returned nor remunerated
for; also destroyed my crop of corn, drove off four head of
cattle.
"SAMUEL SMITH.
" Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 582.
"Illinois, Adams County, March 11, 1840.
" I, James Powell, do certify that I was a citizen of the
State of Missouri in 1838. I solemnly declare that while I
was peaceably traveling to one of my nearest
James Powell. . T '
neighbors, I was assaulted by a company of men,
to the number of five— Autherston Wrathey, John Gardner,
Phillomen Ellis, Jesse Clark, and Ariel Sanders. First they
threw a stone and hit me between the shoulders, which very
much disabled me; they then shot at me, but did not hit me.
One of them then struck me with his gun, and broke my
skull about six inches — a part of my brain run out. I have
had fourteen pieces of bone taken out of my skull. My
system is so reduced that I have not done a day's work
since.
"I know no reason why they should have done so, as I did
not belong to the Mormon Church, neither had I ever heard
one preach. In this situation I was forced to leave the
State forthwith. I was carried three days without having
my head dressed. When I arrived at Huntsville, Doctor
Head offered me assistance. I refer to him for further tes-
timony.
"JAMES POWELL.
"Attest, John Smith.
4 'We certify that the foregoing affidavit of James Powell's
is true and correct, as we stood by and saw it with our eyes.
We also heard them say they would kill the Mormons
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 431
if they did not clear out. We carried the wounded man in
our wagon till he was out of reach of the mob.
"PBTEB WIMMEB.
"SUSAN WiMMEB.
"ELLEN WIMMEB.
"Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 629.
"Illinois, Columbus, Adams County, March 11, 1840.
" I, John Smith, certify that I was a resident in the State
of Missouri in 1838, when I was driven from my house and a
preemption right, and forbid to stay in the State,
threatening me if I did not go forthwith. I took
my family and pursued my journey one hundred miles. In
consequence of cold, snow, water, and ice, at the inclement
season in which I was driven, I fell sick, and for four weeks
I was unable to travel, during which time I was threatened
daily; yet I was so sick it was considered by many that I
could not live, and was compelled to start when I was not
able to sit up through the day. I landed in Illinois. The
long and fatiguing journey, lying out in the cold open air,
proved too much for my companion; it threw her into a vio-
lent fever, with which she died. Many others in company
took sick and died with the same hard fare.
"JOHN SMITH.
"Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 629.
"Illinois, Adams County, March 16, 1840.
"I, Smith Humphrey, certify that I was a citizen of Mis-
souri in eighteen hundred and thirty-eight; and sometime in
Smith the month of October of the same year I was fallen
Humphrey. UpOn by a mob commanded by Hyrum Standley.
He took my goods out of my house; and said Standley set fire
to my house and burnt it before my eyes, and ordered me to
leave the place forthwith. I removed from De Witt to Cald-
well County, where I was again assailed by Governor Boggs'
exterminating militia. They took me prisoner, and robbed
my wagon of four hundred dollars in cash, and one thousand
dollars worth of goods, and drove me out of the State.
"SMITH HUMPHREY.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 630.
432 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"QuiNCY, Illinois, 16th March, 1840.
"This is to certify that I, Henry Root, am and was a c.Uizen
of De Witt, Carroll County, Missouri, at the time the perse-
cutions (known by the name of the 'Mormon War')
Henry Root.
commenced and terminated between the citizens of
said State of Missouri and the Mormons; that in the fall of
1838, in the month of September, a mob (under no regular
authority) headed by William W. Austin, Sr., consisting of
from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men, came into
De Witt and ordered the Mormons to leave that place within
ten days from that time; that if they did not leave they
would be driven from there by force.
"The Mormons did not leave; the appointed time camo,
and the mob came, armed and equipped for war. The Mor-
mon citizens petitioned to the Governor of the State, but no
relief came. They sent to the General of that brigade, who
ordered the militia to repair to De Witt to disperse the mob.
On the arrival of the militia, Brigadier-General Parks told
me the Mormons had better leave their property and go
off, as his men were prejudiced against them, and he could
do them no good nor relieve them. With that the Mormons
left.
"HENRY ROOT.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Courfc,
Adams County, Illinois."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 630.
"QuiNCY, Illinois, March 16, 1840.
"I, Joseph Clark, certify that I was a citizen of th.s State
of Missouri in 1838; and when peaceably traveling the high-
way I was shot at twice by Governor Boggs' ex-
terminating militia; commanded by Major- General
John Clark.
"JOSEPH CLARK.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court,
Adams County, Illinois."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 630.
"QuiNCT, Illinois, March 16, 1840.
"This is to certify that I, Thomas D. Casper, was a resi-
dent of the State of Missouri in the year 1838. I was not a
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 433
member of the Church of Mormons or Latter Day Saints,
but witnessed the following acts of distress: As
I was on business, I inquired for Perry Moppin,
and learned that he, with Samuel Snowden, Esq., had gone
after Mr. Wilson, a Mormon, and had threatened and sworn
to take his life if he did not tell his name; and they swore
they had the tools to take his life if he had not told them his
name.
"Further they agreed that the Mormons should leave the
country of Missouri except they would deny the faith, or
their religion. And I heard Anthony McCussian say that he
would head a mob in any case to prevent the lawyers from
attending to any case of their (the Mormons') grievances;
and he was a postmaster. And I saw two men that said
they had been at Haun's mill at the murder; and one by the
name of White and the other Moppin stated that he had
slain three Mormons. And I, Thomas D. Casper, witnessed
other things too tedious to mention; and solemnly swear be-
fore God and men that what is here written is a'true state-
ment of facts relative to the suffering of the Mormons in the
State of Missouri.
"THOMAS D. CASPER."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 630.
"QuiNCY, Illinois, March 16, 1840.
"I. Jesse W. Johnston, certify that the following circum-
stances took place in the State of Missouri while I was a
j w resident of that State; viz.: I was taken prisoner
Johnston. by Governor Boggs' exterminating militia. I saw
one man killed belonging to the Mormon Church, and was
forced by them to take corn out of the fields of the Mormon
Church without leave. This was in the fall of 1838.
"JESSE W. JOHNSTON.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court,
Adams County, Illinois."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 630, 631.
"QuiNCT, Illinois, March 17, 1840.
"This is to certify that I, Owen Cole, was a resident of
Caldwell County, State of Missouri, and while residing at
my dwelling house the militia under Governor Boggs,
434 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and by his orders, plundered my house, and shot me through
my thigh. My damage sustained by the militia
Owen Cole. .
by being driven from the State, besides my
wound, was five hundred dollars. The militiamen were
quartered on the lands of the people called Mormons, con-
trary to the laws and Constitution of the State. I hereby
certify this to be a true statement.
"OWEN COLE.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 646.
"QuiNCY, Illinois, March 17, 1840.
"I, Ezekiel Maginn, certify that I was a citizen of the
State of Missouri in the year 1838, and was an eyewitness
to the following facts: First, I saw the militia,
called for by Governor Boggs' exterminating
order, enter the house of Lyman Wight, and took from it a
bed and bedding, pillows, and dishes, personally known to
me to be his property.
"EzEKiEi, MAGINN.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court,
Adams County."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 646.
"QuiNCY, March 17, 1840.
"I, Addison Green, do certify that in the month of Octo-
ber, one thousand eight hundred and thirty -eight, when I
was peaceably walking the high road in Ray
County, State of Missouri, I was molested and
taken prisoner by ten armed men, who took from me one
double barrel fowling piece and equipage, threatening to
blow out my brains, and swore that if I was a Mormon they
would hang me without further ceremony. They had previ-
ously been to my lodging and taken my horse, saddle, and
bridle. All was then taken into the woods about one mile to
Bogart's camp.
"I was kept a prisoner until the next morning, when I was
let go; but have not obtained any part of my property, which
was worth about one hundred and fifty dollars.
"A. GREEN.
"Sworn before John H. Hoi ton, notary public."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 646.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 435
"I John P. Green, was in company with several of my
neighbors walking the road in peace, when one of our com-
pany, a young man, by the name of O'Banion, was
shot down at my side! being shot by a company of
mobbers; and soon after this we were fired upon again, and
two more were killed and several others wounded. This was
about the 25th day of October, one thousand eight hundred
and thirty-eight, in the State of Missouri. And I do hereby
certify the above to be true according to the best of my
knowledge.
"JOHN P. GREEN.
"Sworn to before John H. Hoi ton, notary public."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 646.
"This is to certify that I, Asahel A. Lathrop, was a citizen
of the State of Missouri at the time the difficulty originated
between the people called Mormons and the in-
P' habitants of the aforesaid State, and herein give a
statement of the transactions that came under my observa-
tion, according to the best of my recollection.
"I settled in Missouri in the summer of 1838, in Caldwell
County, where I purchased land and erected buildings. The
said land I now have a deed of; and in the fall I purchased a
claim on what is called the East Fork of Grand River, to-
gether with a large stock of cattle and horses, sheep and
hogs; it being about sixty miles from the aforesaid county
where I first located; and moved on to the latter place, sup-
posing that I was at peace with all men. But I found by
sad experience that I was surrounded by enemies, for in the
fall of 1838, whilst at home with my family, I was notified
by a man by the name of James Welden that the people of
Livingston County had met at the house of one Doctor Wil-
liam P. Thompson, then living in the attached part of said
county, for the purpose of entering into measures respect-
ing the people called Mormons; and the same Weldeh was a
member of the same, and also the aforesaid W. P. Thomp-
son was a justice of the peace; and they all jointly agreed to
drive every Mormon from the State; and notified me that I
must leave immediately, or I would be in danger of losing
my life.
436 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"At this time my family, some of them, were sick; but
after listening to the entreaties of my wife to flee for safety,
I committed them into the hands of God and left them, it
being on Monday morning; and in a short time after I left,
there came some ten or fifteen men to my house, and took
possession of the same and compelled my wife to cook for
the same, and also made free to take such things as they
saw fit; and whilst in this situation my child died, which I
have no reason to doubt was for the want of care; which
owing to the abuse she received and being deprived of ren-
dering that care that she would, had she been otherwise
situated. My boy was buried by the mob, my wife not being
able to pay the last respects to her child.
' 'I went from my home into Daviess County and applied to
Austin A. King and General Atchison for advice, as they
were acting officers in the State of Missouri, and there were
men called out to go and liberate my family, which I had
been absent from some ten or fifteen days; and on my return
I found the remainder of my family confined to their beds,
not being able the one to assist the other, and my house
guarded by an armed force.
"I was compelled to remove my family in this situation,
on a bed, to a place of safety. This, together with all the
trouble and for the want of care, was the cause of the death
of the residue of my family, as I have no doubt; which con-
sisted of a wife and two more children, as they died in a few
days after their arrival at my friend's. Such was my situa-
tion that I was obliged to assist in making their coffins.
"I will give the names of some of the men that have drove
me from my house and abused my family — those that I
found at my house on my return: Samuel Law, Calvin Hat-
field, Stanley Hatfield, Andy Hatfield; and those that were
leading men were James Welden, Doctor William P. Thomp-
son, a justice of the peace, and William Cochran, and many
others, the names I do not recollect.
"And I have also seen men abused in various ways; and
that whilst they were considered prisoners, such as the mob
cocking their guns and swearing that they would shoot with
their guns to their face, and the officers of the militia so-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 437
called, standing by, without uttering a word; and in these
councils they have said if a Missourian should kill a Mor-
mon, he should draw a pension, same as a soldier of the
Revolution.
"I was also compelled to give up my gun; and the terms
was, I was to leave the aforesaid State of Missouri, or be
exterminated. My property is yet remaining in said State,
whilst I am deprived of the control of the same.
"Written this 17th day of March, 1840.
ASAHEL A. LATHBOP.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P., Lee County,
Iowa Territory."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 646, 647.
••I, Burr Riggs, of the town of Quincy, and State of Illi-
nois, do hereby certify that in the year 1836, when moving
to the -State of Missouri with my family and oth-
ers, we were met in Ray County, in said State, by
a mob of one hundred and fourteen armed men, who com-
manded us not to proceed any further, but to return, or they
would take our lives; and the leader stepped forward at the
same time, and cocked his piece. We turned round with our
team, and the mob followed us about six miles and left us.
"Some time after this I moved to Caldwell County in said
State, and purchased about two hundred acres of land, and
a village lot, on which I erected a dwelling house, staked,
and commenced improving my land, and had at the time I
was driven away, about forty acres of corn, vegetables, etc. ;
and in the year 1838, in the month of November, was com-
pelled to leave my house and possessions in consequence of
Governor Boggs' exterminating order, without means suf-
ficient to bear my expense out of the State.
"Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, 17th March,
1840.
"BURR RIGGS.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit
Court, Adams County, Illinois."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 047.
"I, Simons P. Curtis, a resident of Quincy, Adams
438 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
County, Illinois, certify that in the year 1838, I was a citizen
of Caldwell County, Missouri, residing in the city
of Far West. Also that I went in search of a lost
steer, and in passing by Captain Bogart's camp, while he
was guarding the city, I saw the hide and feet of said steer,
which I knew to be mine; the flesh of which I suppose they
applied to their own use.
"I also certify that Wiley E. Williams, one of the Govern-
or's aids, who was gun keeper, caused me to pay thirty-
seven and one half cents to him. I also paid twenty -five
cents to a justice of the peace to qualify me to testify that
the gun was mine. The said Wiley E. Williams is said to be
the one that carried the story to Governor Boggs, which
story was the cause of the exterminating order being issued,
as stated by the Governor in said order.
"SIMONS P. CURTIS.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court,
Adams County, Illinois."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 647.
"I, Elisha H. Groves, of the town of Quincy and State of
Illinois, upon oath saith, that I was a resident of Daviess
County, in the State of Missouri, and that on the
16th day of November, in the year of our Lord
1838, Judge Vinson Smith and others came to my house and
ordered myself and family, Levi Taylor, David Osborn, and
others, to leave our possession which we had bought of
government and paid our money for the same, saying we
must within three days leave the county, or they would take
our lives, for there was no law to save us after that time.
In consequence of these proceedings, together with Gov-
ernor Boggs' exterminating order, we were compelled to
leave the State of Missouri. Furthermore this deponent
saith not.
"Given under my hand at Quincy, the 17th day of March,
A. D. 1840.
"ELISHA H. GROVES.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 647, 648.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 439
"QuiNCY, Illinois, March 17, 1840.
"This is to certify that I was a citizen, resident of Cald-
well County, Missouri, at the time Governor Boggs' extermi-
nating order was issued, and that I was quartered
Jacob Fouts.
on by the mob militia without my leave or consent
at different times, and at one time by William Mann, Hiram
Comstock, and brother, who professed to be the captain; also
Robert White; and that I was at the murder at Haun's mill,
and was wounded; and that I was driven from the State, to
my inconvenience, and deprived of my freedom, as well as
to my loss of at least four hundred dollars.
"JACOB FOUTS.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 648.
"I do certify that I was a resident of Caldwell County, in
the State of Missouri, in the year of our Lord 1838, and
F Q owned land to a considerable amount, building
Williams. jotgj etc ^ jn the vinage Of ]?ar West; and in con-
sequence of mobocracy, together with Governor Boggs'
exterminating order, was compelled to leave the State under
great sacrifice of real and personal property, which has
reduced and left myself and family in a state of poverty,
with a delicate state of health, in an advanced stage of life.
Furthermore this deponent saith not.
"Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840.
"F. G. WILLIAMS.
* 'Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk, Adams County,
Illinois."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 648.
"Q.triNCY, Illinois, Adams County, March 18, 1840.
"I, Jacob Shumaker, do certify that I went back to the
State of Missouri about the first of October last, with the
Jacob calculation to live with my family, but finding it
Shumaker. impossible, as the mob surrounded my house and
threatened me with my life— say to the amount of twenty or
thirty of them- and whilst they were quarreling about me,
what they should do and in what way they should dispose of
me, I crept out of the back window and made my escape;
and leaving my family to their most scandalous abuses, my
440 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
wife and oldest daughter barely escaping from their unholy
designs.
"I was thus a second time obliged to leave the State, or
remain at the risk of my life. The former alternative I
chose. My loss sustained by the above-mentioned abuses
was not less than three hundred dollars. A lot of land con-
taining forty acres, for which I paid four dollars per acre,
situated in Caldwell County, was unjustly and unlawfully
taken from me, and is still retained by some person or per-
sons to me unknown. I hereby certify that the above is a
true statement.
"JACOB SHUMAKEB.
"Sworn to before C. M. Woods."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 660, 661.
"I, Levi Richards, a resident of Quincy, Adams County,
Illinois, practitioner of medicine, certify that in the year one
Levl thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight I was a
Richards. citizen of Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri,
and that in the fall of said year I saw the city invaded by a
numerous armed soldiery, who compelled its inhabitants to
surrender, give up their firearms, and submit to their dicta-
tion. They then set a strong guard round the city, thereby
preventing egress or ingress without special permission.
Then they collected the citizens together upon the public
square, formed round them a strong guard of soldiers, and
then at the mouths of their rifles compelled them to sign
what was termed a deed of trust, thereby depriving them of
all the.ir property and civil rights.
"This occupied several days of most inclement weather,
when they were brought to the same order by General
Clark, and I judge some forty or fifty were made special pris-
oners by him. At this time he delivered his speech to the
'Mormons,' which has been published, and which is substan-
tially correct. I was compelled by a company of men armed
with rifles to leave my house and go to Captain Bogart's
camp (he commanded, as I understood, a part of the guard
which surrounded the city) upon an indirect charge or
insinuation; was detained a prisoner two days, examined,
and then liberated. I then asked the clerk of the company,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 441
who had been my keeper, the following questions, which he
readily answered: —
"Were those men who massacred the 'Mormons' at Haun's
mill, out under the Governor's order, or were they mobbers?
"A. Mobbers.
"Are Captain Cornelius Gillium and his company out by
legal authority, or are they mobbers?
"A. Mobbers.
"Where are those mobbers now?
"A. They have joined the army.
"This company at the surrender at Far West were painted
like Indians. The army wore a badge of red (blood!). I
saw a large amount of lumber and timber destroyed, and
used for fuel by the soldiers. The destruction of cattle,
hogs, etc., seemed to be their sport, as their camp and the
fields testified when they withdrew. An excellent gun was
taken from me, which I have never seen or heard of since.
A gun that was left in my care was taken at the same time,
which I afterwards found with Wiley E. Williams, of Rich-
mond (reputed one of the Governor's aids), to obtain which
I had to prove property, affirm before a magistrate, and pay
said Williams fifty cents!
"I was called to extract lead, dress the wounds, etc., for
several persons (saints) who were shot in the above siege,
two of whom died. Immediately previous to the above
transactions, and for a long time before, the citizens of
Caldwell, and particularly Far West, were called upon to
watch for mobs by day and guard against them by night,
till it became a burden almost intolerable.
"LEVI RICHARDS.
"Sworn to before 0. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court,
Adams County, Illinois."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 661.
"I, Gibson Gates, do hereby certify that I was residing in
Jackson County, Missouri, in the fall of the year 1833, and
had been for the space of about one year. I was at
Gibson Gates.
a meeting one day for worship, when a man by the
name of Masters came to us, stating that he was sent by the
442 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
mob to inform us that if we would forsake our religion they
were willing to be our brethren and fight for us; 'but if not,'
said he, 'our young men are ready, and we can scarce con-
strain them from falling upon you and cutting you to pieces.'
"Soon after this there came a large company of men,
armed, to my place, and with much threatening and profane
words ordered me to be gone by the next day, or they would
kill me and my family; in consequence of which threatening
we quit our house in the month of November, leaving most
of our effects; suffering very much with cold, fatigue, and
hunger, we took on the prairie, and went southward twenty
miles or more, where we stayed a few weeks. But still
being threatened by the mob, we removed to Clay County,
where we lived in peace until the fall of 1838, when a mob
arose against the people of the church of Latter Day
Saints, when we were again obliged to leave our home, seek
safety in another place for a few weeks. When we
returned, our house had been broken open, and the lock of a
trunk broken open and the most valuable contents thereof
taken away; the most of our bedding and furniture was
either stolen or destroyed; and we were then ordered to
leave the State.
"GIBSON GATES.
"Sworn to before David W. Kilbourn, J. P."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 661, 662.
"This is to certify that I, David Pettigrew, was a citizen
of Jackson County, Missouri, and owned a good farm, lying
Dayid on ^e Blue River, six miles west of Independ-
Pettigrew. 6nce, and lived in peace with the inhabitants
until the summer and fall of 1833, when the inhabitants be-
gan to threaten us with destruction. I was at work in my
field and a man by the name of Allen and others with him
came along and cried out, 'Mr. Pettigrew, you are at work as
though you was determined to stay here, but we are deter-
mined that you shall leave the county immediately. ' I replied
that I was a freeborn citizen of the United States, and had
done harm to no man. 'I therefore claim protection by the
law of the land,' and that the law and Constitution of the
land would not suffer them to commit so horrid a crime.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 443
They then replied, that 'the old law and Constitution is
worn out, and we are about to make a new one.'
"I was at a meeting where we had met for prayer, and a
man by the name of Masters came and desired an interview
with us; he then stated that he was sent by the mob to
inform us that if we would forsake our 'Mormon' and
prophet religion, and become of their religion, they, the
mob, would be our brothers, and would fight for us; 'but if
you will not, we are ready and will drive you from the
county.'
"A few days after this a large mob came to my house,
commanded by General Moses Wilson, Hugh Brazeale, and
Lewis Franklin, and broke down my door and burst into my
house, armed with guns, clubs, and knives; some of them
were painted red and black. This was in the night, and my
family was much frightened. They threatened me with
immediate death if I did not leave the place. After much
abuse they left us for the night, but in a few days after they
returned and drove me and my family into the street, not
suffering us to take anything with us. I saw that we must
go or die; we went south to Van Buren County, in company
with eighty or ninety others. In a short time after I
returned to my farm and found my house plundered, my
grain and crop, stock, and all my farm and farming tools
laid waste and destroyed; and shortly after my house was
burned to ashes.
"I called to Esquire Weston, of Independence, and
inquired of him if he could inform me what all this mobbing
and riot meant, informing him of the destruction and plun-
dering of my house; to which he gave me no satisfaction,
but insulted me and treated me roughly. Governor Boggs
lived in the county, and I have seen him passing through
among us in our great distress, and gave no attention to our
distresses. He was then Lieutenant Governor of the State.
On my return to my family in Van Buren County I was
much abused by a man by the name of Brady; he said he
would kill me if ever I attempted to go to my farm, or if he
saw me passing that way again. I returned to my family,
and in a few days after a company of men came where we
444 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
lived and said they would spill my blood if I did not leave
the place immediately. The leaders of this company were
John Cornet, Thomas Langley, and Hezekiah Warden; they
lived in Jackson County.
"This was in the cold winter, and our sufferings were
great. I fled across the Missouri River to Clay County,
where I lived three years, in which time I often heard
Judge Cameron and others say that 'your Mormons cannot
get your rights in any of the courts of the upper country;'
and I had not the privilege of voting as a free citizen.
"I moved to Caldwell County, bought land and opened a
good farm, and lived in peace until the summer and fall of
1838, when mobs arose in counties round about, and I with
the rest was obliged to take up arms in self-defense; for
the cry was that the mob law should prevail if we stood
against them, until the army came and took us all prisoners
of war. I with the rest was obliged to sign a deed of trust
at the point of the sword. I with sixty others was selected
out and marched to Richmond and Ray County, by the com-
mand of General Clark, where they kept us a number of
weeks, pretending to try us as treasoners and murderers.
At length I obtained my liberty and returned to my family
in Caldwell County; and I found that there was no safety
there, for there was no law, but all a scene of robbing, and
plundering, and stealing. They were about to take me
again, and I was obliged to leave my family and flee to
Illinois. In about two months my family arrived, having
suffered much abuse and loss of health and property. Soon
after the arrival of my family, my son, a young man, died;
and I attribute his death to the cruel barbarity of the mob
of Missouri, he being a prisoner among them, and having
suffered much because of them.
"My father was a soldier, and served in the Revolutionary
War, under the great Washington, but I have not had pro-
tection on my own lands; and I have not been permitted
to see my farm in Jackson County, Missouri, in seven years.
Soldiers were stationed or quartered in different parts of
Far West; and they treated us roughly, threatening to shoot
us, and making use of anything they pleased, such as burn-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 445
ing house, timber, and rails, and garden fences, and stealing
and plundering what they pleased.
"When I was at Richmond, a prisoner before Judge King,
we sent for many witnesses; and when they came they were
taken and cast into prison with us, and we were not per-
mitted to have any witnesses. The day I came out of prison
they compelled me to sign a writing which was not true, or
remain in prison.
"DAVID PBTTIGBBW.
"Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P."
—Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 662, 663.
CHAPTER 21.
1840.
COMMITTEE TO COLLECT EVIDENCE— MISSION TO PALESTINE - CON-
FERENCE BUSINESS— HYDE AND PAGE START FOR JERUSALEM-
COMMERCE CHANGED TO NAUVOO— MILLENNIAL STAR— BISHOP
PARTRIDGE DIES— PROGRESS AT NAUVOO— FIRST EMIGRANTS FROM
ENGLAND— JOSEPH SMITH RELIEVED FROM RESPONSIBILITY —
INSTRUCTS THE HIGH COUNCIL — KIDNAPPING — MAGNANIMOUS
SPIRIT— J. C. BENNETT — DEATH OF THE PATRIARCH— BLESSES
His FAMILY— BOGGS MAKES REQUISITION— CONFERENCE BUSI-
NESS—STAKES ORGANIZED — TIMES AND SEASONS — CHARTERS
GRANTED— LIST OF PUBLICATIONS.
IN the early part of the year 1840 there was not much
done in Nauvoo and vicinity, except the duties incident to
preparing homes, preparing for spring farming, and other
work; only the regular routine of church business and the
preaching of the elders in the regions round about.
The High Council of the church for Iowa met at Montrose
on March 6 and among other things passed the two follow-
ing resolutions: —
"2d. That a committee of three be appointed, consisting
of Wheeler Baldwin, Lyman Wight, and Abraham
to collect O. Smoot, to obtain affidavits and other documents
to be forwarded to the city of Washington.
"3d. That the clerk of this council be directed to inform
Judge Higbee, that it is the wish of this council that he
should not, upon any consideration, consent to accept of
anything of Congress short of our just rights and demands
for our losses and damages in Missouri."— Millennial Star,
vol. 17, p. 615.
The General Conference convened in Nauvoo, Illinois,
MiBsion to April 6, 1840. The first day of the conference the
Palestine. mission to Palestine was considered as follows: —
"Elder Orson Hyde addressed the conference and stated
that it had some years previous been prophesied of him,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 447
that he had a great work to perform among the Jews; and
that he had recently been moved upon by the Spirit of the
Lord to visit that people and gather up all the information
he could from them respecting their movements, expecta-
tions, etc., and communicate the same to this church and to
this nation at large. Stated that he intended to visit the
Jews in New York, London, Amsterdam, and then visit
Constantinople and the Holy Land.
1 'It was then unanimously resolved that Elder Hyde pro-
ceed in his mission, and that his letter of recommendation
be signed by the president and clerk of the conference.
"Elder John E. Page then rose, and spoke with much
force on the object of Elder Hyde's mission, the gathering
together of the Jews, and the restoration of the house of
Israel; proving in a short but convincing manner from the
Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and Cove-
nants, that these things must take place and that the time
had now nearly arrived for their accomplishment." — Times
and Seasons, vol. 1, p. 92.
The resolutions quoted in chapter 19 were passed, as well
conference as otner business, of which the following are
business. extracts:—
"The President called upon the clerk to read the report of
the Presidency and High Council with regard to their pro-
ceedings in purchasing lands and securing a place of gather-
ing for the saints. The report having been read, the
President made some observations respecting the pecuniary
affairs of the church, and requested the brethren to step for-
ward and assist in liquidating the debts on the town plot, so
that the poor might have inheritances. . . .
"Resolved that a committee of three be appointed to inves-
tigate the recommendations those persons may have who
wish to obtain an ordination to the ministry and to ordain
such as may be thought worthy; that Elder Samuel Bent,
Joseph Wood, and Orson Hyde compose said committee.
"Resolved, that this meeting feel satisfied with the pro-
ceedings of the Presidency with regard to the sales of town
property, etc., and that they be requested to continue in
their agency. .
448 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"He then spoke to the elders respecting their mission, and
advised those who went into the world to preach the gospel
to leave their families provided for with the necessaries of
life, and to teach the gathering as set forth in the Holy
Scriptures.
"That it had been wisdom too, for the greater body of the
church to keep on this side of the river, in order that a
foundation might be established in this place, but that now
it was the privilege of the saints to occupy the lands in the
Iowa, or wherever the Spirit might lead them.
"That he did not wish to have any political influence,
but wished the saints to use their political franchise to the
best of their knowledge.
"He then stated that since Elder Hyde had been appointed
to visit the Jewish people, he had felt an impression that it
would be well for Elder John E. Page to accompany him on
his mission.
"It was resolved, that Elder John E. Page be appointed
to accompany Elder Orson Hyde on his mission, and that he
have proper credentials given him.
"It was then resolved, that as a great part of the time of
the conference had been taken up with charges against indi-
viduals which might have been settled by the different
authorities of the church, that in future no such cases be
brought before the conferences.
"The committee on ordination reported that they had
ordained thirty-one persons to be elders in the church, who
were ordained under the hands of Alpheus Gifford and
Stephen Perry, which report was accepted.
"P. G. Williams presented himself on the stand and hum-
bly asked forgiveness for his conduct and expressed his
determination to do the will of God in future. His case was
presented to the conference by President Hyrum Smith,
when it was unanimously resolved, that F. G. Williams be
forgiven and be received into the fellowship of the church.
"It was reported that seventy -five persons had been bap-
tized during the conference, and that upwards of fifty had
been received into the quorum of the seventies." — Times and
Seasons, vol. 1, pp. 92, 93, 94, 95.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 449
April 15 Elder Orson Hyde left Commerce for his
mission to Jerusalem, meeting his companion, John B.
Page, on the 16th, at Lima, Illinois.
The name of the post office was officially changed from
Commerce to Nauvoo, on April 21, 1840, as the following
notice and letter will show: —
"POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, Appointment
"Office, 21st April, 1840.
"Sir: — I have the honor to inform you, that the Postmas-
ter General has this day changed the name of the
ch^eTto post office at Commerce, Hancock County, Illi-
nois, to 'Nauvoo,' and appointed George W. Rob-
inson postmaster thereof.
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"ROBERT JOHNSTONE,
"Second Assistant Postmaster General.
"To the Hon. R. M. Young, U. S. Senate."
"WASHINGTON CITY, April 22, 1840.
"Dear Sir:— After your departure from this city I re-
ceived, under cover from the Reverend Sidney Rigdon, the
petition mentioned by you for the appointment of George
W. Robinson as postmaster at Commerce. This petition I
laid before the Honorable Robert Johnstone, Second Assist-
ant Postmaster General, who has appointed Mr. Robinson
as requested.
"We found on an examination of the papers and a letter
from Dr. Galland, that there was a request that the name of
the post office should be changed to that of Nauvoo, a
Hebrew term, signifying a beautiful place. Mr. Johnstone,
at my instance, has changed the name accordingly, in the
supposition that it would be agreeable to the citizens con-
cerned. Will you please advise with the Rev. Joseph Smith
and others most immediately interested, and if the change
of the name to Nauvoo should not be acceptable, it can on
application be restored to that of Commerce.
"I received a letter from Malcom McGregor, Esq., post-
master at Carthage, a few days ago, in which he urges the
necessity of having the mail carried twice a week between
Carthage and Nauvoo, and expresses the opinion that the
450 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
additional expenses would not exceed one hundred and fifty
dollars, as the mail is carried on horseback. I have brought
the subject before the proper department as requested by
Mr. McGregor, and hope to be able to succeed; although
the Post Office Department, owing to pecuniary embarrass-
ments, is not in a situation to extend facilities at the pres-
ent time.
"Please present my respects to Mr. Smith, and accept for
yourself my kindest regards.
"Very respectfully, etc.,
"RICHABD M. YOUNG.
"To Judge E. Higbee."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, p. 743.
In May, 1840, the first number of the Millennial Star was
issued from Manchester, England, Parley P. Pratt, editor.
May 27, 1840, Bishop Edward Partridge died at Nau-
voo, Illinois. Joseph Smith says of him: "He lost his life
Bishop Par- ^n consequence of the Missouri persecutions, and
tridgedies. js one Qf fa^ number whose blood will be
required at their hands."
Under date of June 1, 1840, Joseph Smith states: "The
Progress saints have already erected about two hundred and
at Nauvoo. fifty houses at Nauvoo, mostly blockhouses, a few
framed, and many more in lively operation."
June 6, 1840, the first company of saints, numbering forty,
emigrating from England to America, sailed from Liverpool
for New York under charge of Elder John Moon.
July 3, 1840, the High Council of Nauvoo, at his own
request, released Joseph Smith from the responsi-
hom bility of attending to sale of town lots, attaching
responsibility. , j» i • i • ^i •*, i
by virtue of his being on the committee on loca-
tion, and appointed H. G. Sherwood as clerk for him. This
was made necessary, as he explains, that he might "devote
himself exclusively to those things which relate to the spir-
itualities of the church." Bishop Alanson Ripley was
appointed to see that the necessities of the First Presidency
were supplied, including appropriations for clerks. July
4, 1840, the Presidency decided to organize a stake at
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 451
Crooked Creek, Illinois, according to a request from a branch
located there.
July 11, Joseph Smith gave the following instruction to
the High Council at Nauvoo: —
"Saturday, llth. The High Council met at my office,
when I taught them principles relating to their duty as a
instructs the council, and that they might be guided by the
High council. same in future, I ordered it to be recorded as fol-
lows: 'That the council should try no case without both
parties being present, or having had an opportunity to be
present, neither should they hear one party's complaint
before his case is brought up for trial; neither should they
suffer the character of anyone to be exposed before the High
Council without the person being present and ready to
defend him or herself; that the minds of the councilors be
not prejudiced for or against anyone whose case they may
possibly have to act upon.'"— Millennial Star, vol. 18, p. 55.
About this time several of the members of the church,
among them Alanson Brown, James Allred, Benjamin
Boyce, and Noah Rogers, were kidnapped and
Kidnapping. . &, u • i
carried to Missouri, where they were abusively
treated. The following affidavit, made by Allred, will illus-
trate the procedure: —
"STATE OP ILLINOIS, )
"Hancock County. \
"This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an
acting justice of the peace in and for said county, James
Allred, a credible witness, who first being duly sworn
according to law, deposes and says, that William Aliens-
worth, John H. Owsly, and William Martin, on the seventh
day of July, A. D. 1840, within the limits of the said county
of Hancock, aided by several other persons to this affiant
unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant and one Noah Rog-
ers, whilst affiant and said Rogers were peaceably pursuing
their own lawful business; and that the said Aliens worth,
Owsly, and Martin, after said arrest, aided by sundry per-
sons to this affiant unknown, did forcibly take, kidnap, and
carry this affiant and said Rogers from the said county of
Hancock, in the State of Illinois, on the day and year above-
452 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
mentioned, into the State of Missouri, without having estab-
lished a claim for such procedure according to the laws of
the United States.
"Affiant further states that in a short time after he had
been so taken into the State of Missouri he was put into a
room with said Rogers, and there kept until sometime during
the following night, when they were taken out of the room
where they were confined, into the woods near by, and this
affiant was bound by the persons conducting him to a tree,
he having been first forcibly stripped by them of every par-
ticle of clothing. Those having him in charge then told affi-
ant that they would whip him, one of them by the name of
Monday, saying to this affiant, 'God-dam you, I'll cut you to
the hollow.' They, however, at last unbound the affiant
without whipping him. Affiant states that said Rogers was
taken just beyond the place where affiant was bound with a
rope about his neck, and he heard a great number of blows
which he then supposed, and has since learned, were inflicted
upon said Rogers, and heard him cry out several times as if
in great agony; after which affiant together with Rogers
was taken back and placed in the room from which they
were taken, together with one Boyce and Brown, and
detained until Monday next succeeding the day on which he
was kidnapped; at which time he received from one of the
company who had imprisoned him, a passport, of which the
following is a copy:—
"TULLY, Mo., July 12, 1840.
"The people of Tully, having taken up Mr. Allred, with
some others, and having examined into the offenses com-
mitted, find nothing to justify his detention any longer, and
have released him.
"By order of the committee,
"H. M. WOODYARD.
"And then this affiant was permitted to return home into
the State of Illinois. This place in Missouri to which affiant
and said Rogers were taken he has learned is called Tully,
and is situated in the county of Lewis, and at which place
[in] Missouri the said Allensworth, Owsly, and Martin are
now living.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 453
"I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit, -was this day
subscribed and duly sworn to before me by the said James
Allred.
"DANIEL H. WELLS,
"Justice of the Peace.
"July 16, 1840."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 1, pp. 141, 142.
A similar statement was also made by Brown.
This was the occasion of a public meeting held in Nauvoo,
at which resolutions were passed expressive of their feelings
on the subject. The following are the minutes of the meet-
ing:—
"At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, Hancock County,
Illinois, 13th July, 1840, Elias Higbee was called to the
chair and R. B. Thompson was appointed secretary.
"On motion a committee was appointed to report resolu-
tions expressive of the sense of this meeting, consisting of
the following persons; to wit: Isaac Galland, R. B. Thomp-
son, Sidney Rigdon, and D. H. Wells, who retired and after
a short absence reported the following preamble and resolu-
tions which were unanimously adopted.
"PREAMBLE.
"The committee appointed to express the sense of this
meeting in relation to the recent acts of abduction and other
deeds of cruelty and inhumanity committed upon our citizens
by the citizens of the State of Missouri, beg leave respect-
fully to report;
"That having under consideration the principal matters
involved in the discharge of their duty, they have been
forced to arrive at the following conclusion.
"1st, That the people of Missouri not having sufficiently
slaked their thirst for blood and plunder, are now disposed
to pursue us with a repetition of the same scenes of
brutality which marked their whole course of conduct
towards us during our unhappy residence among them.
"2dly, That notwithstanding they have already robbed us
of our homes — murdered our families, stolen and carried
away our property, and to complete the measure of their
infamy as a State their Executive caused unoffending thou-
454 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
sands to be banished from the State, without even the form
of a trial, or the slightest evidence of crime, — they are now
sending their gangs of murdering banditti and thieving
brigands to wreak further vengeance and satisfy their insa-
tiable cupidity in the State of Illinois, and that too before we
have even had time to erect shelters for our families.
"3dly, That for the purpose of giving a semblance of
justification to their most unhallowed conduct, of the people
of Missouri, have again commenced concealing goods within
the limits of our settlements, as they had done before in the
State of Missouri, in order to raise a charge of stealing
against our citizens, and under this guise they have within a
few days kidnapped and carried away several honest and
worthy citizens of this county.
"4thly, Under these circumstances the first duty and the
only redress which seems to offer itself to our consideration
is an appeal to the Executive of the State of Illinois for
redress, and protection from further injuries, with a confi-
dent assurance that he, unlike the Governor of Missouri,
will extend the Executive arm to protect from lawless out-
rage, unoffending citizens.
"Therefore, Resolved first: that we view with no ordinary
feelings the approaching danger as a necessary consequence
following the lawless and outrageous conduct of the citizens
of Missouri in setting at defiance the laws of this as well as
all other States of this Union, by forcing from their homes
and from the State civil citizens of Illinois, and taking them
into the State of Missouri without any legal process what-
ever, and there inflicting upon them base cruelties in order
to extort false confessions from them, to give a coloring to
their (the Missourians') iniquities, and screen themselves
from the just indignation of an incensed public.
"Resolved secondly, that while we deeply deplore the cause
which has brought us together on this occasion, we cannot
refrain from expressing our most unqualified disapprobation
at the infringement of the laws of this State, as set forth in
the above preamble, and strongest indignation at the man-
ner in which the people of Missouri treated those whom
they had thus inhumanly taken from among us.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 455
"Resolved thirdly, that inasmuch as we are conscious of
our honest and upright intentions, and are at all times ready
and willing to submit to the just requirements of the laws,
we claim of the citizens and authorities of this State protec-
tion from such unjust and before unheard of oppressions.
"Resolved fourthly, that the forcible abduction of our
citizens by the citizens of Missouri is a violation of the laws
regulating the federal compact, subversive of the rights of
freemen, and contrary to our free institutions and republican
principles.
"Resolved fifthly, 'that the cruelties practiced upon our
citizens since their abduction is disgraceful to humanity, the
height of injustice and oppression, and would disgrace the
annals of the most barbarous nations, in either ancient or
modern times, and can only find its parallel in the Auto da fa
— the inquisitions in Spain.
"Resolved sixthly, that such unconstitutional and unhal-
lowed proceedings on the part of the citizens of Missouri
ought to arouse every patriot to exertion and diligence, to
put a stop to such procedure and use all constitutional
means to bring the offenders to justice.
"Resolved seventhly, that we memorialize the Executive of
this State of the gross outrage which has been committed
on our citizens, and pledge ourselves to aid him in such
measures as may be deemed necessary to restore our citi-
zens to freedom, and have satisfaction for the wrongs we
have suffered.
"ELIAS HIGBEE, Chairman.
"R. B. THOMPSON, Secretary."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 1, pp. 142, 143.
The following petition was sent to Governor Carlin: —
"To His Excellency Governor Garlin: — The undersigned
being a committee to draft a memorial to your Excellency
relative to the recent outrages, would respectfully represent:
That after being driven from our homes and pleasant
places of abode, in the State of Missouri, by the authorities
of said State, Illinois seemed to be the first shelter or asylum
which presented itself to our view; that having left the
State of Missouri, your memorialists found an asylum in the
456 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
State of Illinois; and notwithstanding the false reports
which were circulated to our prejudice, we were received
with kindness by the noble-hearted citizens of Illinois; who
relieved our necessities, and bade us welcome; for which
kindness we feel thankful.
"That under your Excellency's administration we have
had every encouragement given us, and have every reason,
from the kindness and sympathy which you have ever mani-
fested towards us in our sufferings, to feel confident that
your aid will ever be offered to us in common with the rest
of the citizens of the State. That feeling ourselves so happy
and secure, and beginning again to enjoy the comforts of
life, we are sorry to say that our quiet has been disturbed,
our fears alarmed, and our families annoyed by the citizens
of Missouri; who, with malice and hatred which is charac-
teristic of them, have unconstitutionally sent an armed force
and abducted some of our friends; namely, James Allred,
Noah Rogers, Alanson Brown, and one Boyce, and carried
them into the State of Missouri, and treated them with the
greatest barbarity and cruelty; even now their wives and
children, as well as their friends, are alarmed for the safety
of their lives.
' 'Therefore we have felt it our duty to place the circum-
stances of this unheard-of outrage before you, and appeal to
your Excellency for protection from such marauders, and
take such measures as you may deem proper, that our friends
may be again restored to the bosom of their families, and
the offenders punished for their crimes.
"We have the greatest confidence in your Excellency, that-
every constitutional means will be resorted to to restore oui
friends to the society of their families, etc., that we, in com-
mon with other citizens of the State of Illinois, may enjoy
all the rights and privileges of freemen.
"Your memorialists have under all circumstances paid the
greatest respect to the laws of the country, and if any
should break the same they have never felt a disposition to
screen such from justice, but when under false pretenses, to
gratify and satiate a revengeful disposition; for the citizens
of another State, regardless of both the laws of God and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 457
man, to come and kidnap our friends, to carry off our citi-
zens, to cruelly treat our brethren, — such offenders, we
think, should be brought to an account, to be dealt with ac-
cording to their merit or demerit, that we may enjoy the
privileges guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United
States.
"We therefore humbly pray that your Excellency will
satisfy yourself of the gross outrage which has been com-
mitted on the citizens of the State, and with that energy
which is so characteristic of your Excellency's administra-
tion, take such steps as you may deem best calculated to
repair the injuries which your memorialists have sustained;
that you will vindicate the injured laws of the State.
"In conclusion, we beg leave to assure your Excellency
that in the discharge of this as well as every other constitu-
tional movement you may rely upon the hearty cooperation
of your memorialists, who respectfully submit to your Ex-
cellency the accompanying resolutions, which were passed
at a large meeting held in this place on this day, and also
the affidavit of one of those persons who was kidnapped, but
fortunately has made his escape." — Millennial Star, vol. 18,
pp. 71, 72.
To show the magnanimous spirit that characterized the
Mangnani- church and its President, we here give a letter
mous spirit, f rom one wno proved a traitor in an hour of dis-
tress, together with the answer.
"DAYTON, Ohio, June 29, 1840.
"Brother Joseph: — I am alive, and with the help of God I
mean to live still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never
doubt or disbelieve the fullness of the gospel. I have been
greatly abased and humbled, and I blessed the God of Israel
when I lately read your prophetic blessing on my head as
follows: —
" 'The Lord will chasten him because he taketh honor to
himself, and when his soul is greatly humbled he will for-
sake the evil. Then shall the light of the Lord break upon
him as at noonday, and in him shall be no darkness,' etc.
"I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the
gulf I have passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed
458 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and God answered, but what could I do? Says I, 'I will
repent and live, and ask my old brethren to forgive me, and
though they chasten me to death, yet I will die with them,
for their God is my God. The least place with them is
enough for me, yea it is bigger and better than all Baby-
lon.' Then I dreamed that I was in a large house with
many mansions, with you and Hyrum and Sidney, and when
it was said, 'Supper must be made ready,' by one of the
cooks, I saw no meat, but you said there was plenty, and
showed me much, and as good as I ever saw; and while
cutting to cook, your heart and mine beat within us, and we
took each other's hand and cried for joy, and I awoke and
took courage.
"I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and
I want to be saved if my friends will help me. Like the
captain that was cast away on a desert island; when he got
off he went to sea again and made his fortune the next time,
so let my lot be. I have done wrong, and am sorry. The
beam is in my own eye. I have not walked 'with my
friends according to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness
in the name of Jesus Christ of all the saints, for I will do
right, God helping me. I want your fellowship; if you can-
not grant that, grant me your peace and friendship, for we
are brethren, and our communion used to be sweet; and
whenever the Lord brings us together again, I will make all
the satisfaction on every point that saints or God can require.
Amen.
"W. W. PHELPS."
— Millennial Star, vol. 18, p. 6.
"NAUVOO, Hancock County, Illinois, July 22, 1840.
"Dear Brother Phelps.:—! must say that it is with no ordinary
feelings I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to
yours of the 29th ultimo; at the same time I am rejoiced at
the privilege granted me.
"You may in some measure realize what my feelings, as
well as Elder Rigdon's and Brother Hyrum's were when we
read your letter— truly our hearts were melted into tender-
ness and compassion when we ascertained your resolves,
etc. I can assure you I feel a disposition to act on your case
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 459
in a manner that will meet the approbation of Jehovah
(whose servant I am) and agreeably to the principles of
truth and righteousness which have been revealed; and inas-
much as long-suffering, patience, and mercy have ever char-
acterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the
humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example,
cherish the same principles, and by so doing be a savior of
my fellow men.
"It is true that we have suffered much in consequence of
your behavior— the cup of gall, already full enough for
mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you
turned against us. One with whom we had oft taken
sweet counsel together, and enjoyed many refreshing
seasons from the Lord— 'had it been an enemy, we could
have borne it.' 'In the day that thou stoodest on the other
side, in the day when strangers carried away captive his
forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots
upon Par West, even thou wast as one of them; but thou
shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother, in the
day that he became a stranger, neither shouldest thou have
spoken proudly in the day of distress.'
"However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our
Father has been done, and we are yet alive, for which we
thank the Lord. And having been delivered from the hands
of wicked men by the mercy of our God, we say it is your
privilege to be delivered from the powers of the adversary,
be brought into the liberty of God's dear children, and
again take your stand among the saints of the Most High,
and by diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend
yourself to our God, and your God, and to the Church of
Jesus Christ.
"Believing your confession to be real, and your repent-
ance genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the
right hand of fellowship and rejoice over the returning
prodigal.
"Your letter was read to the saints last Sunday, and an
expression of their feeling was taken, when it was unani-
mously
460 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"Resolved, that W. W. Phelps should be received into fel-
lowship.
" 'Come on, dear brother, since the war is past,
For friends at first, are friends again at last.'
" Yours as ever,
"JOSEPH SMITH, JB."
— Millennial Star, vol. 18, p. 85.
About this time Gen. J. C. Bennett, "Quartermaster Gen-
eral of the State of Illinois," began a series of letters of a
friendly and complimentary character, which
J.C.Bennett. . f. .
finally resulted in his uniting with the church.
He became quite prominent as an officer of the Nauvoo Le-
gion and as mayor of the city, but held no high position of
trust in the church. He afterward became disaffected and
was expelled from the church, and in 1842 published a Book
entitled "Mormonism Exposed." By the church he was
accused of gross immorality, and he by way of retaliation
accused the leaders of the church with serious wrongdo-
ing. A minute tracing of his career would be unprofitable;
nor is he, according to his own testimony, worthy of it.
Whatever of wrong or error, if any, may have been com-
mitted by Joseph Smith or his colleagues, the evidence of it
must rest upon other testimony than that of Mr. Bennett.
When a man confesses, as Mr. Bennett did, that at one time
in life he was a hypocrite and liar, fair-minded men will dis-
card his testimony, whether favorable to their own views or
not. Mr. Bennett has this to say of himself: —
"It at length occurred to me that the surest and speediest
way to overthrow the impostor, and expose his iniquity to
the world, would be to profess myself a convert to his doc-
trines, and join him at the seat of his dominion. I felt con-
fident that from my standing in society, and the offices I held
under the State of Illinois, I should be received by the Mor-
mons with open arms; and that the course I was resolved to
pursue would enable me to get behind the curtain, and be-
hold, at my leisure, the secret wires of the fabric, and like-
wise those who moved them." — Mormonism Exposed, pp.
6, 7.
Again he says: —
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 461
"The fact that in joining the Mormons I was obliged to
make a pretense of belief in their religion does not alter the
case. That pretense was unavoidable in the part I was act-
ing, and it should not be condemned like hypocrisy towards
a Christian church. For so absurd are the doctrines of the
Mormons that I regard them with no more reverence than I
would the worship of Manitou or the Great Spirit of the
Indians, and feel no more compunction at joining in the for-
mer than in the latter, to serve the same useful purpose." —
Ibid., p. 9.
A man who will confess to such high-handed hypocrisy,
and then say he has no compunction of conscience, is only
worthy a passing historical notice, if so much.
September 14, 1840, Joseph Smith, Sr., Patriarch of
the whole church, died at Nauvoo, Illinois. He was born at
Death of Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, on the
thePatriarch. 12th Qf July> 17?1> and hence wag sixty_nine yearS,
two months, and two days old at the time of his death.
His son, Joseph the Prophet, stated of him: "After I
and my brother Hyrum were thrown into the Missouri jails
by the mob, he fled from under the exterminating order of
Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, and made his escape to
Quincy, Illinois, whence he removed to Commerce in the
spring of 1839. The exposure he suffered brought on con-
sumption, of which he died."
On his deathbed he pronounced blessings on his family,
some of which are very peculiar. We invite attention to the
Blesses promise made to William and Sophronia to live as
MS family. long as they desired life. Each lived to a good
old age and was reconciled to go. The promise of long life
to Catharine is peculiar, as she yet lives, and as she attends
the general gatherings often and bears faithful testimony,
the hearer is reminded of the words: "Then shall she rise
up and defend her cause."
In connection with the fact that Joseph's and William's
children are identified with the Reorganization, while
Hyrum's and Samuel's are in Utah, it is interesting to note
that the children of the two former were to be blessed after
them, while the children of the two latter are not mentioned.
462 -HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
The account of this deathbed scene and the blessings, as
given by Lucy Smith, the mother of the Prophet and widow
of the Patriarch, is as follows: —
"They were all with him, except Catharine, who was
detained from coming by a sick husband. Mr. Smith, being
apprised of this, sent Arthur Millikin (who, but a short time
previous was married to our youngest daughter) after Catha-
rine and her children; but before he went my husband blessed
him, fearing that it would be too late when he returned. He
took Arthur by the hand, and said: —
" 'My son, I have given you my youngest darling child,
and will you be kind to her?' 'Yes, father,' he replied, 'I
will.' 'Arthur,' he continued, 'you shall be blessed, and you
shall be great in the eyes of the Lord; and if you will be
faithful, you shalt have all the desires of your heart in
righteousness. Now, I want you to go after my daughter
Catharine, for I know, that because of the faithfulness of
your heart, you will not come back without her.'
"Arthur then left, and my husband then addressed himself
to me: —
" 'Mother, do you not know that you are the mother of as
great a family as ever lived upon the earth. The world
loves its own, but it does not love us. It hates us because
we are not of the world; therefore all their malice is poured
out upon us, and they seek to take away our lives. When I
look upon my children and realize that, although they were
raised up to do the Lord's work, yet they must pass through
scenes of trouble and affliction as long as they live upon the
earth; and I dread to leave them surrounded by enemies.' . . .
"He then laid his hands upon Hyrum's head, and said: —
" 'My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal
blessing, which I placed upon your head before, for that
shall be verified. In addition to this, I now give you my
dying blessing. You shall have a season of peace, so that
you shall have sufficient rest to accomplish the work which
God has given you to do. You shall be as firm as the pillars
of heaven unto the end of your days. I now seal upon your
head the patriarchal power, and you shall bless the people.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 463
This is my dying blessing upon your head in the name of
Jesus. Amen.'
"To Joseph he said: —
" 'Joseph, my son, you are called to a high and holy call-
ing. You are even called to do the work of the Lord. Hold
out faithful, and you shall be blessed, and your children
after you. You shall even live to finish your work.' At this
Joseph cried out, weeping, 'Oh! my father, shall I?' 'Yes,'
said his father, 'you shall live to lay out the plan of all the
work which God has given you to do. This is my dying
blessing on your head, in the name of Jesus. I also confirm
your former blessing upon your head; for it shall be fulfilled.
Even so. Amen.'
"To Samuel he said: —
" 'Samuel, you have been a faithful and obedient son. By
your faithfulness you have brought many into the church.
The Lord has seen your diligence, and you are blessed, in
that he has never chastised you, but has called you home to
rest; and there is a crown laid up for you, which shall grow
brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. When the Lord
called you, he said, "Samuel, I have seen thy sufferings,
have heard thy cries, and beheld thy faithfulness; thy skirts
are clear from the blood of this generation." Because of
these things I seal upon your head all the blessings which I
have hitherto pronounced upon you; and this is my dying
blessing, I now seal upon you. Even so. Amen.'
"To William he said:—
"'William, my son, thou hast been faithful in declaring
the word, even before the church was organized. Thou hast
been sick, yet thou hast traveled to warn the people. And
when thou couldst not walk thou didst sit by the wayside
and call upon the Lord, until he provided a way for thee to
be carried. Thou wast sick and afflicted, when thou wast
away from thy father's house, and no one knew it to assist
thee in thy afflictions; but the Lord did see the honesty of
thine heart, and thou wast blessed in thy mission. William,
thou shalt be blessed, and thy voice shall be heard in distant
lands, from place to place, and they shall regard thy teach-
ings. Thou shalt be like a roaring lion in the forest, for
464 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
they shall hearken and hear thee. And thou shalt be the
means of bringing many sheaves to Zion, and thou shalt be
great in the eyes of many, and they shall call thee blessed,
and I will bless thee and thy children after thee. And the
blessings which I sealed upon thy head before, I now confirm
again, and thy days shall be many; thou shalt do a great
work, and live as long as thou desirest life. Even so.
Amen.'
"To Don Carlos he said:—
" 'Carlos, my darling son, when I blessed you your bless-
ing was never written, and I could not get it done, but now
I want you to get my book, which contains the blessings of
my family. Take your pen and fill out all those parts of
your blessing which were not written. You shall have the
Spirit of the Lord, and be able to fill up all the vacancies
which were left by Oliver when he wrote it. You shall be
great in the sight of the Lord, for he sees and knows the
integrity of your heart, and you shall be blessed; all that
know you shall bless you. Your wife and your children
shall also be blessed, and you shall live to fulfill all that the
Lord has sent you to do. Even so. Amen.'
"To Sophronia he said: —
•• 'Sophronia, my oldest daughter, thou hadst sickness
when thou wast young, and thy parents did cry over thee to
have the Lord spare thy life. Thou didst see trouble and
sorrow, but thy troubles shall be lessened, for thou hast been
faithful in helping thy Father and thy mother in the work of
the Lord. And thou shalt be blessed, and the blessings of
heaven shall rest down upon thee. Thy last days shall be
thy best. Although thou shalt see trouble, sorrow, and
mourning, thou shalt be comforted, and the Lord will lift
thee up, and bless thee and thy family, and thou'shalt live
as long as thou desirest life. This dying blessing I pro-
nounce and seal upon thy head, with thine other blessings.
Even so. Amen.'
"After this he rested some time, and then said: —
" 'Catharine has been a sorrowful child, trouble has she
seen, the Lord has looked down upon her and seen her
patience, and has heard her cries. She shall be comforted
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 465
when her days of sorrow are ended; then shall the Lord look
down upon her, and she shall have the comforts of life, and
the good things of this world; then shall she rise up, and
defend her cause. She shall live to raise up her family; and
in time her sufferings shall be over, for the day is coming
when the patient shall receive their reward. Then she shall
rise over her enemies, and shall have horses and land, and
things around her to make her heart glad. I, in this dying
blessing, confirm her patriarchal blessing upon her head,
and she shall receive eternal life. Even so. Amen.'
"To I,>ucy he said: —
" 'Lucy, thou art my youngest child, my darling. And
the Lord gave thee unto us to be a comfort and a blessing to
us in our old age, therefore, thou must take good care of thy
mother. Thou art innocent, and thy heart is right before
the Lord. Thou hast been with us thiough all the persecu-
tion; thou hast seen nothing but persecution, sickness, and
trouble, except when the Lord hath cheered our hearts. If
thou wilt continue faithful thou shalt be blessed with a house
and land; thou shalt have food and raiment, and no more be
persecuted and driven, as thou hast hitherto been. Now
continue faithful, and thou shalt live long and be blessed,
and thou shalt receive a reward in heaven. This dying
blessing, and also thy patriarchal blessing, I seal upon thy
head in the name of Jesus. Even so. Amen.'
"After this he spoke to me again, and said: —
" 'Mother, do you not know that you are one of the most
singular women in the world?' 'No,' I replied, 'I do not.'
'Well, I do,' he continued, 'you have brought up my children
for me by the fireside, and, when I was gone from home, you
comforted them. You have brought up all my children, and
could always comfort them when I could not. We have
often wished that we might both die at the same time, but
you must not desire to die when I do, for you must stay to
comfort the children when I am gone. So do not mourn,
but try to be comforted. Your last days shall be your best
days, as to being driven, for you shall have more power
over your enemies than you have had. Again I say, be com-
forted.'
466 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"He then paused for some time, being exhausted. After
which he said, in a tone of surprise, 'I can see and hear, as
well as ever I could.' A second pause, of considerable
length. 'I see Alvin.' Third pause. 'I shall live seven
or eight minutes.' Then straightening himself, he laid his
hands together, after which he began to breathe shorter,
and in about eight minutes his breath stopped without
even a struggle or a sigh, and his spirit took its flight
for the regions where the justified ones rest from their
labors. He departed so calmly that for some time we
could not believe but that he would breathe again.
"Catharine did not arrive until the evening of the second
day; still we were compelled to attend to his obsequies the
day after his decease, or run the risk of seeing Joseph and
Hyrum torn from their father's corpse before it was interred,
and carried away by their enemies to prison. After we had
deposited his last remains in their narrow house, my sons
fled from the city, and I returned to my desolate home; and
t then thought that the greatest grief which it was possible
for me to feel had fallen upon me in the death of my beloved
husband. Although that portion of my life, which lay
before me seemed to be a lonesome, trackless waste, yet I
did not think that I could possibly find, in traveling over it,
a sorrow more searching or a calamity more dreadful than
the present. But as I hasten to the end of my story, the
reader will be able to form an opinion with regard to the
correctness of my conclusion." 1— Joseph Smith the Prophet
and His Progenitors, pp. 285-289.
On September 15, 1840, Governor Boggs of Missouri made
Boggs make. a requisition on Governor Carlin of Illinois for the
requisition. arrest of Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Ly-
1 There is a discrepancy in the date of the ordination of Joseph Smith,
Sen., as Patriarch of the church. Joseph Smith, Jr.. his son in the body
of history states that he was ordained January 21, 1836. See page 16 of
this volume, but when his obituary was published in Times and Seasons
it was stated that he was ordained December 18, 1833. See page (531 of
volume one of this work. This last date is probably a typographical
error, as there is no record of his officiating in the office until long after;
while frequent mention is made of his officiating after January, 1836.
We think it is safe to say that the date of his ordination was January
21, 1836.
' HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 467
man Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Caleb Baldwin, and Alanson
Brown, as "fugitives from justice." This demand was com-
plied with by Governor Carlin, and writs issued for their
arrest. The sheriff visited Nauvoo for the purpose of mak-
ing the arrests, but failed to find any of the parties. They
were all at the time absent from the city, whether from
design or accident does not appear.
If any further effort was made at this time to execute
these warrants, we have seen no account of it. This is per-
haps the instance spoken of by Governor Ford in his "His-
tory of Illinois," but if so he has made a mistake of one year
in the time. He states: —
"In the fall of 1841, the governor of Missouri made a de-
mand on Governor Carlin for the arrest and delivery of Joe
Smith and several other head Mormons, as fugitives from
justice. An executive warrant was issued for that purpose.
It was placed in the hands of an agent to be executed; but for
some cause, unknown to me, was returned to Governor Car-
lin without being executed. Soon afterwards the Governor
handed the same writ to his agent, who this time succeeded
in arresting Joe Smith upon it." — Page 266.
A General Conference was held at Nauvoo beginning
conference October 3, 1840. Not much of historical interest
business was <jone> but we mention a few items.
R. B. Thompson was appointed church clerk instead of G.
W. Robinson, who had removed to Iowa. Hyrum Smith,
Lyman Wight, and Almon Babbitt were appointed a com-
mittee to organize stakes between Nauvoo and Kirtland,
Ohio.
It was resolved to build a "house of the Lord" in Nauvoo;
and Reynolds Gaboon, Elias Higbee, and Alpheus Cutler
were appointed a committee for that purpose.
The report of the First Presidency on the general condi-
tion of the church was very encouraging.
The following action was also had:—
"Resolved, that a committee be appointed to draft a bill
for the incorporation of the town of Nauvoo, and other pur-
poses."
468 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Resolved, that Joseph Smith, Jr., Dr. J. C. Bennett, and
R. B. Thompson, compose said committee."
"Resolved, that Dr. J. C. Bennett be appointed dele-
gate to Springfield, to urge the passage of said bill through
the legislature."
Elias Higbee and R. B. Thompson were appointed a com-
mittee to obtain redress for wrongs sustained in Missouri.
During the month of October the committee appointed at
General Conference organized stakes at the following-named
stakes places: Lima, Quincy, Mount Hope, in Adams
organized. County, and one at Freedom; and on November 1
they organized a stake in Morgan County, Illinois, called
Geneva stake.
On December 14, Ebenezer Robinson and D. C. Smith, pub-
Times and lishers, dissolved copartnership, Robinson with-
seasonp. drawing, and Smith continuing the Times and
Seasons.
On December 16, the charters of the city of Nauvoo, the
charter. Nauvoo Legion, and the University of the City
granted. ojj NauvOo, were signed by the Governor, having
previously been passed by the Senate and House by unani-
mous vote.
The charters read as follows: —
"An act to incorporate the city of Nauvoo.
"Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illi-
nois represented in the General Assembly, That all that dis-
trict of country embraced within the following boundaries;
to wit: beginning at the northeast corner of section thirty-
one, in township seven, north of range eight west of the
fourth principal meridian, in the county of Hancock, and
running thence west to the northwest corner of said section,
thence north to the Mississippi River, thence west to the
middle of the main channel of the said river, thence down
the middle of said channel to a point due west of the south-
east corner of fractional section number twelve, in township
six north of range nine west of the fourth principal meridian,
thence east to the southeast corner of said section twelve,
thence north on the range line between township six north
and range eight and nine west, to the southwest corner of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 469
section six, in township six, north of range eight west,
thence east to the southeast corner of said section, thence
north to the place of beginning,, including the town plats of
Commerce and Nauvoo, shall hereafter be called and known
by the name of the 'City of Nauvoo,' and the inhabitants
thereof are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic
by the name aforesaid, and shall have perpetual succession,
and may have and use a common seal, which they may
change and alter at pleasure.
"Sec. 2. Whenever any tract of land adjoining the 'City of
Nauvoo' shall have been laid out into town lots, and duly
recorded according to law, the same shall form a part of the
'City of Nauvoo.'
"Sec. 3. The inhabitants of said city, by the name and
style aforesaid, shall have power to sue and be sued, to
plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended, in all
courts of law and equity, and in all actions whatsoever;
to purchase, receive, and hold property, real and personal,
in said city, to purchase, receive, and hold real property
beyond the city for burying grounds, or for other public
purposes, for the use of the inhabitants of said city; to sell,
lease, convey, or dispose of property, real and personal, for
the benefit of the city, to improve and protect such property,
and to do all other things in relation thereto as natural per-
sons.
"Sec. 4. There shall be a City Council to consist of a
mayor, four aldermen, and nine councilors, who shall have
the qualifications of electors of said city, and shall be chosen
by the qualified voters thereof, and shall hold their offices
for two years, and until their successors shall be elected and
qualified. The City Council shall judge of the qualifications,
elections, and returns, of their own members, and a majority
of them shall form a quorum to do business, but a smaller
number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the at-
tendance of absent members under such penalties as may be
prescribed by ordinance.
"Sec. 5. The mayor, aldermen, and councilors, before
entering upon the duties of their offices shall takfe and sub-
scribe an oath or affirmation that they will support the Con-
470 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
stitution of the United States, and of this State, and that
they will well and truly perform the duties of their offices to
the best of their skill and abilities.
"Sec. 6. On the first Monday of February next, and
every two years thereafter, an election shall be held for the
election of one mayor, four aldermen, and nine councilors;
and at the first election under this act, three judges shall be
chosen viva voce by the electors present; and said judges
shall choose two clerks, and the judges and clerks before
entering upon their duties shall take and subscribe an oath
or affirmation such as is now required by law to be taken by
judges and clerks of other elections; and at all subsequent
elections, the necessary number of judges and clerks shall
be appointed by the City Council. At the first election so
held the polls shall be opened at nine o'clock a. m., and close
at six o'clock p. m. ; at the close of the polls the votes shall
be counted and a statement thereof proclaimed at the front
door of the house at which said election shall be held; and
the clerks shall leave with each person elected, or at his
usual place of residence, within five days after the election,
a written notice of his election, and each person so notified
shall within ten days after the election take the oath or affir-
mation hereinbefore mentioned, a certificate of which oath
shall be deposited with the Recorder whose appointment is
hereafter provided for, and be by him preserved; and all
subsequent elections shall be held, conducted, and returns
thereof made as may be provided for by ordinance of the
City Council.
"Sec. 7. All free white male inhabitants who are of the
age of twenty-one years, who are entitled to vote for State
officers, and who shall have been actual residents of said
city sixty days next preceding said election shall be entitled
to vote for city officers.
"Sec. 8. The City Council shall have authority to levy
and collect taxes for city purposes upon all property, real
and personal, within the limits of the city, not exceeding one
half per cent per annuca, upon the assessed value thereof,
and may enforce the payment of the same in any manner to
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 471
be provided by ordinance, not repugnant to the Constitution
of the United States, or of this State.
•'Sec. 9. The City Council shall have power to appoint a
recorder, treasurer, assessor, marshal, supervisor of streets,
and all such other officers as may be necessary, and to pre-
scribe their duties, and remove them from office at pleasure.
"Sec. 10. The City Council shall have power to require
of all officers appointed in pursuance of this act, bonds with
penalty and security, for the faithful performance of their
respective duties, such as may be deemed expedient; and,
also, to require all officers appointed as aforesaid to take an
oath for the faithful performance of the duties of their
respective offices.
' 'Sec. 11. The City Council shall have power and authority
to make, ordain, establish, and execute, all such ordinances,
not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, or
of this State, as they may deem necessary for the peace,
benefit, good order, regulation, convenience, and cleanliness,
of said city; for the protection of property therein from
destruction by fire, or otherwise, and for the health and
happiness thereof; they shall have power to fill all vacancies
that may happen by death, resignation, or removal, in any
of the offices herein made elective; to fix and establish all
the fees of the officers of said corporation not herein estab-
lished; to impose such fines, not exceeding one hundred dol-
lars, for each offense, as they may deem just, for refusing to
accept any office in or under the corporation, or for miscon-
duct therein; to divide the city into wards, to add to the
number of aldermen and councilors and apportion them
among the several wards, as may be most just and condu-
cive to the interest of the city.
"Sec. 12. To license, tax, and -regulate auctions, mer-
chants, retailers, grocers, hawkers, peddlers, brokers,
pawnbrokers, and money changers.
"Sec. 13. The City Council shall have exclusive power
within the city, by ordinance, to license, regulate, and
restrain the keeping of ferries; to regulate the police of the
city; to impose fines, forfeitures and penalties, for the
breach of any ordinance, and provide for the recovery of
472 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
such fines and forfeitures, and the enforcement of such pen-
alties, and to pass such ordinances as may be necessary and
proper for carrying into execution the powers specified in
this act; Provided such ordinances are not repugnant to the
Constitution of the United States, or of this State: and, in
fine, to exercise such other legislative powers as are con-
ferred on the City Council of the City of Springfield, by an
act entitled 'An act to incorporate the city of Springfield,'
approved, February third, one thousand eight hundred and
forty.
"Sec. 14. All ordinances passed by the City Council shall
within one month after they shall have been passed, be pub-
lished in some newspaper printed in the city, or certified
copies thereof be posted up in three of ohe most public
places in the city.
"Sec. 15. All ordinances of the city may be proven by
the seal of the corporation, and when printed or published
in book or pamphlet form, purporting to be printed or pub-
lished by authority of the corporation, the same shall be
received in evidence in all courts or places without further
proof.
"Sec. 16. The mayor and aldermen shall be conservators
of the peace within the limits of said city, and shall have all
the powers of justices of the peace therein, both in civil and
criminal cases arising under the laws of the State: they shall
as justices of the peace, within the limits of said city, per-
form the same duties, be governed by the same laws, give
the same bonds and security, as other justices of the peace,
and be commissioned as justices of the peace in and for said
city by the Governor.
"Sec. 17. The mayor shall have exclusive jurisdiction in
all cases arising under the ordinances of the corporation,
and shall issue such process as may be necessary to carry
said ordinances into execution and effect; appeals may be
had from any decision or judgment of said mayor or alder-
men, arising under the city ordinances, to the Municipal
Court, under such regulations as may be presented by ordi-
nance; which court shall be composed of the mayor as chief
justice, and the aldermen as associate justices, and from the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 473
final judgment of the Municipal Court, to the Circuit Court
of Hancock County, in the same manner as appeals are
taken from judgments of justices of the peace; Provided,
that the parties litigant shall have a right to a trial by a
jury of twelve men, in all cases before the Municipal Court.
The Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of
habeas corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of
the City Council.
"Sec. 18. The Municipal Court shall sit on the first Mon-
day of every month, and the City Council at such times and
place as may be prescribed by city ordinance; special meet-
ings of which may at any time be called by the mayor or any
two aldermen.
"Sec. 19. All process issued by the mayor, aldermen, or
Municipal Court, shall be directed to the marshal, and in the
execution thereof he shall be governed by the same laws as
are, or may be, prescribed for the direction and compensa-
tion of constables in similar cases. The marshal shall also
perform such other duties as may be required of him under
the ordinances of said city, and shall be the principal min-
isterial officer.
"Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the recorder to make and
keep accurate records of all ordinances made by the City
Council, and of all their proceedings in their corporate
capacity, which record shall at all times be open to the
inspection of the electors of said city, and shall perform such
other duties as may be required of him by the ordinances of
the City Council, and shall serve as clerk of the Municipal
Court.
"Sec. 21. When it shall be necessary to take private
property for opening, widening, or altering, any public
street, lane, avenue, or alley, the corporation shall make a
j ust compensation therefor to the person whose property is
so taken, and if the amount of such compensation cannot be
agreed upon, the mayor shall cause the same to be ascer-
tained by a jury of six disinterested freeholders of the city.
"Sec. 22. All jurors empaneled to inquire into the amount
of benefits or damages that shall happen to the owners of
property, so proposed to be taken, shall first be sworn to
474 . HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
that effect, and shall return to the Mayor their inquest in
writing, signed by each juror.
"Sec. 23. Incase the mayor shall at any time be guilty of
a palpable omission of duty, or shall willfully and corruptly
be guilty of oppression, malconduct, or partiality in the dis-
charge of the duties of his office, he shall be liable to be
indicted in the Circuit Court of Hancock County, and on
conviction he shall be fined not more than two hundred dol-
lars, and the court shall have power on the recommendation
of the jury to add to the judgment of the court that he be
removed from office.
"Sec. 24. The City Council may establish and organize
an institution of learning within the limits of the city, for
the teaching of the arts, sciences, and learned professions,
to be called the 'University of the City of Nauvoo,' which
Institution shall be under the control and management of a
Board of Trustees, consisting of a chancellor, registrar, and
twenty-three regents, which board shall thereafter be a body
corporate and politic with perpetual succession by the name
of the 'Chancellor and Regents of the University of the City
of Nauvoo,' and shall have full power to pass, ordain, estab-
lish, and execute all such laws and ordinances as they may
consider necessary for the welfare and prosperity of said
university, its officers, and students; Provided, that the said
laws and ordinances shall not be repugnant to the Constitu-
tion of the United States, or of this State; and Provided, also,
that the trustees shall at all times be appointed by the City
Council, and shall have all the powers and privileges for the
advancement of the cause of education which appertain to
the trustees of any other college or university of this State.
"Sec. 25. The City Council may organize the inhabitants
of said city, subject to military duty, into a body of inde-
pendent military men to be called the 'Nauvoo Legion,' the
court-martial of which shall be composed of the commis-
sioned officers of said legion, and constitute the lawmaking
department, with full powers and authority to make, ordain,
establish, and execute, all such laws and ordinances as may
be considered necessary for the benefit, government, and
regulation of said legion; Provided, said court-martial shall
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 475
pass no law or act repugnant to or inconsistent with the Con-
stitution of the United States, or of this State; and Provided,
also, that the officers of the legion shall be commissioned by
the Governor of the State. The said legion shall perform
the same amount of military duty as is now or may be here-
after required of the regular militia of the State, and shall
be at the disposal of the mayor in executing the laws and
ordinances of the city corporation and the laws of the State,
and at the disposal of the Governor for the public defense,
and the execution of the laws of the State or of the United
States, and shall be entitled to their proportion of the pub-
lic arms; and Provided, also, that said legion shall be exempt
from all other military duty.
"Sec. 26. The inhabitants of the 'City of Nauvoo,' are
hereby exempted from working on any road beyond the
limits of the city, and for the purpose of keeping the
streets, lanes, avenues, and alleys, in repair to require of
the male inhabitants of said city, over the age of twenty-
one, and under fifty years, to labor on said streets, lanes,
avenues, and alleys, not exceeding three days in each year;
any person failing to perform such labor when duly notified
by the Supervisor, shall forfeit and pay the sum of one dol-
lar per day for each day so neglected or refused.
"Sec. 27. The City Council shall have power to provide
for the punishment of offenders by imprisonment in the
county or city jail in all cases when such offenders shall
fail or refuse to pay the fines and forfeitures which may be
recovered against them.
"Sec. 28. This act is hereby declared to be a public act,
and shall take effect on the first Monday of February next.
"WM. L. D. EWINO, Speaker of the
House of Representatives.
"S. H. ANDERSON, Speaker of the Senate.
•'Approved, Dec. 16, 1840.
"Tno. CABLIN.
"STATE OP ILLINOIS, )
"Office of Secretary of State, }
«'I, Stephen A. Douglass, Secretary of State, do hereby
476 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the
enrolled law now on file in my office.
[L. S.] "Witness my hand, and seal of State, at
Springfield, this 18th day of December, A. D. 1840.
"8. A. DOUGLASS, Secretary of State.
"The following are the legislative powers alluded to in
the 13th section of the foregoing act as pertaining to the
City Council of the City of Springfield, and which, conse-
quently, become a part of the charter of the City of Nauvoo;
to wit: —
"OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
"Sec. 1. The City Council shall have powers and
authority to levy and collect taxes upon all property, real
and personal, within the city, not exceeding one half per
cent per annum upon the assessed value thereof, and may
enforce the payment of the- same in any manner prescribed
by ordinance not repugnant to the Constitution of the
United States and of this State.
"Sec. 2. The City Council shall have power to require of
all officers appointed in pursuance of this charter, bonds
with penalty and security for the faithful performance of
their respective duties as may be deemed expedient, and
also to require all officers appointed as aforesaid to take an
oath for the faithful performance of the duties of their
respective offices upon entering upon the discharge of the
same.
"Sec. 3. To establish, support, and regulate common
schools, to borrow money on the credit of the city: Provided,
That no sum or sums of money shall be borrowed at a
greater interest than six per cent per annum, nor shall the
interest on the aggregate of all the sums borrowed and out-
standing ever exceed one half of the city revenue arising for
taxes assessed on real property within the corporation.
"Sec. 4. To make regulations to prevent the introduction
of contagious diseases into the city, to make quarantine laws
for that purpose, and enforce the same.
"Sec. 5. To appropriate and provide for the payment of
the debt [and] expenses of the city.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 477
"Sec. 6. To establish hospitals, and make regulations
for the government of the same.
"Sec. 7. To make regulations to secure the general
health of the inhabitants, to declare what shall be a nui-
sance, and to prevent and remove the same.
"Sec. 8. To provide the city with water, to dig wells and
erect pumps in the streets for the extinguishment of fires,
and convenience of the inhabitants.
"Sec. 9. To open, alter, widen, extend, establish, grade,
pave, or otherwise improve and keep in repair streets,
avenues, lanes, and alleys.
"Sec. 10. To establish, erect, and keep in repair, bridges.
"Sec. 11. To divide the city into wards, and specify
the boundaries thereof, and create additional wards, as the
occasion may require.
"Sec. 12. To provide for lighting the streets and erect,
ing lamp posts.
"Sec. 13. To establish, support, and regulate night
watches.
"Sec. 14. To erect market houses, establish markets, and
market places, and provide for the government and regula-
tion thereof.
"Sec. 15. To provide for erecting all needful buildings
for the use of the city.
"Sec.. 16. To provide for inclosing, improving, [and]
regulating all public grounds belonging to the city.
"Sec. 17. To license, tax, [and] regulate auctioneers,
merchants and retailers, grocers, taverns, ordinaries, hawk-
ers, peddlers, brokers, pawnbrokers, and money changers.
"Sec. 18. To license, tax, and regulate hacking, car-
riages, wagons, carts, and drays, and fix the rates to be
charged for the carriage of persons, and for the wagonage
cartage, and drayage of property.
"Sec. 19. To license and regulate porters and fix the
rates of porterage.
"Sec. 20. To license and regulate theatrical and other
exhibitions, shows, and amusements.
"Sec. 21. To tax, restrain, prohibit and suppress, tip-
478 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
pling houses, dram shops, gaming houses, bawdy and
other disorderly houses.
"Sec. 22. To provide for the prevention and extinguish
ment of fires, and to organize and establish fire companies.
"Sec. 23. To regulate the fixing of chimneys and the flues
thereof, and stove pipes.
"Sec. 24. To regulate the storage of gunpowder, tar,
pitch, rosin, and other combustible materials.
"Sec. 25. To regulate and order parapet walls and par-
tition fences.
"Sec. 26. To establish standard weights and measures,
and regulate the weights and measures to be used in the
city, in all other cases not provided for by law.
"Sec. 27. To provide for the inspection and measuring of
lumber and other building materials: and for the measure-
ment of all kinds of mechanical work.
"Sec. 28. To provide for the inspection and weighing of
hay, lime, and stone coal, the measuring of charcoal, fire-
wood, and other fuel, to be sold or used within the city.
"Sec. 29. To provide for and regulate the inspection of
tobacco, and of .beef, pork, flour, meal, and whisky in
barrels.
"Sec. 30. To regulate the weight, quality, and price of
bread sold and used in the city.
"Sec. 31. To provide for taking the enumeration of the
inhabitants of the city.
"Sec. 32. To regulate the election of city officers, and
provide for removing from office any person holding an office
created by ordinance.
"Sec. 33. To fix the compensation of all city officers and
regulate the fees of jurors, witnesses, and others, for serv-
ices rendered under this act or any ordinance.
"Sec. 34. To regulate the police of the city, to impose
fines, and forfeitures, and penalties, for the breach of any
ordinance, and provide for the recovery and appropria-
tion of such fines and forfeitures, and the enforcement of
such penalties.
"Sec. 35. The City Council shall have exclusive power
within the city, by ordinance, to license, regulate, and sup-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 479
press and restrain billiard tables, and from one to twenty
pin alleys, and every other description of gaming or gam-
bling.
"Sec. 36. The City Council shall have power to make
all ordinances which shall be necessary and proper for car-
rying into execution the powers specified in this act, so that
such ordinance be not repugnant to, nor inconsistent with,
the Constitution of the United States or of this State.
"Sec. 37. The style of the ordinances of the city shall be:
'Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Spring-
field.'
"Sec. 38. All ordinances passed by the City Council
shall, within one month after they shall have been passed,
be published in some newspaper published in the city, and
shall not be in force until they shall have been published as
aforesaid.
"Sec. 39. All ordinances of the city may be proven by
the seal of the corporation, and when printed and published
by authority of the corporation, the same shall be received
in evidence in all courts and places without further proof."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 281-286.
In the bustle incident to the organizing of a city gov-
ernment under the new charter the year closed.
Joseph Smith gives the list of publications for and against
the church for the year 1840 as follows: —
"The following is a list of books, pamphlets, and letters
published for and against the Latter Day Saints during the
past year, so far as have come under my observation: —
"Fourteen numbers of the Times and Seasons have been
issued from the office in Nauvoo, containing 224 pages,
edited by E. Robinson and Don Carlos Smith, three numbers
having been issued during 1839.
"Eight numbers of the Millennial Star have been published
at 149 Oldham Road, Manchester, England, containing 216
pages, edited by Elder P. P. Pratt.
"A selection of hymns was published about the first of
July, in England, by Brigham Young, John Taylor, and
Parley P. Pratt, for the use of the saints in Europe.
"The Rev. Robert Keys, Wesleyan minister, Douglas,
480 HISTORY OP THE CHUKUH.
Isle of Man, published three addresses in pamphlet form,
against the Latter Day Saints, which were replied to in the
following order: —
"An Answer to some False Statements and Misrepresen-
tations, published by the Rev. Robert Heys, Wesleyan min-
ister, in an address to his society in Douglas, and its
vicinity on the subject of Mormonism. By John Taylor,
October 7, 1840.
"Calumny Refuted, and the Truth Defended, being a reply
to the second address of the Rev. Robert Heys. By John
Taylor, Douglas, October 29, 1840.
"Truth Defended and Methodism Weighed in the Balances
and Found Wanting; being a reply to the third address of
the Rev. Robert Heys against the Latter Day Saints. And
also an Exposure of the Principles of Methodism. By John
Taylor, Liverpool, December 7, 1840.
"The Latter Day Saints and the Book of Mormon; being
a few words of warning against the Latter Day Saints, from
a minister to his flock. W. J. Morrish, Ledbury, Hereford-
shire, September.
"A second warning by the same W. J. Morrish, Octo-
ber 15.
"A few more facts relating to the self-styled 'Latter Day
Saints;' by John Simons, Church of England minister,
Dymock, Herefordshire, September 14.
"Several letters written by Mr. J. Curran, and published
in the Manx Liberal, Isle of Man, in October, were replied to
by Elder John Taylor.
"Mormonism Weighed in the Balances of the Sanctuary
and Found Wanting; the substance of four lectures, by
Samuel Haining. Published in Douglas, Isle of Man; a tract
of 66 pages.
"Interesting Account of several Remarkable Visions, and
of the Late Discovery of Ancient American Records, giving
an Account of the Commencement of the Work of the Lord
in this Generation. By Elder Orson Pratt, Edinburgh,
September.
"The Word of the Lord to the Citizens of London, of
every sect and denomination; and to every individual into
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 481
whose hands it may fall; shewing forth the plan of salva-
tion, as laid down in the New Testament; namely, Faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ — Repentance— Baptism for the remis-
sion of sins — and the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying
on of hands. Presented by H. C. Kimball and W. Woodruff,
Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
"An Exposure of the Errors and Fallacies of the self-
named 'Latter Day Saints.' By William Hewitt, of Lane
End, Staffordshire Potteries.
"An answer to Mr. William Hewitt's tract against the
Latter Day Saints. By Elder Parley P. Pratt.
"Plain Facts; showing the falsehood and folly of the Rev.
C. Bush (the Church of England minister, of the parish of
Peover, Cheshire); being a reply to his tract against the
Latter Day Saints. By Elder Parley P. Pratt.
"A few remarks by way of reply to an anonymous scrib-
bler, calling himself 'a philanthropist,' disabusing the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of the slanders
and falsehoods which he has attempted to fasten upon it.
By Samuel Bennett, Philadelphia.
"Mormonism Unmasked, and Mr. Bennett's reply answered
and refuted. By a philanthropist of Chester County. Pub-
lished in Philadelphia.
"An appeal to the American People; being an account of
the persecutions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, and of the barbarities inflicted on them by the in-
habitants of the State of Missouri.
"A reply to Mr. Thomas Taylor's pamphlet, entitled,
'Complete Failure,' etc., and also to Mr. Richard Livesey's
tract, 'Mormonism Exposed.' By Parley P. Pratt.
"The editor of the London Dispatch, published an article
on November 8, against the Latter Day Saints, containing
some of the false statements of Captain D. L. St. Clair, in
his tract against them, which was replied to by Elder Parley
P. Pratt, in the November number of the Millennial Star.
"'The Millennium, and other Poems:' to which is annexed,
'A Treatise on the Regeneration and Eternal Duration of
Matter.' By P. P. Pratt, New York. "— Millennial Star, vol.
18, pp. 299, 300.
CHAPTER 22.
1837-1840.
THE ENGLISH MISSION— PECULIAR TRIALS -TWELVE RETURN-
BRIEF HISTORY— QUORUM COUNCIL— GENERAL CONFERENCE-
HYDE AND PAGE— SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
WHEN Apostles Kimball and Hyde left England in 1838,
they left the church in charge of Elder Willard Richards;
English who, though meeting local opposition both within
mission. an(j without the church, remained faithfully at his
post of duty, and presided with acceptability to the church
during the dark days of American persecution, when assist-
ance could not be sent him.
In January, 1839, Elder Isaac Russell, who had formerly
been a missionary to England, wrote to Alston, England,
and caused much trouble. He claimed that Joseph the
prophet had fallen and that the Lord had chosen him.
President Richards, however, succeeded in meeting this
influence and destroying its effect.
In England as well as in America the most ridiculous
stories were told regarding the saints. On September 2,
1838, a lady by the name of Alice Hodgin died at Preston.
Elder Richards was arraigned before the mayor's court on
the charge of having killed her with a "black stick." He
was discharged, however, before going to trial.
Some of the peculiar trials of Elder Richards are briefly
told by Joseph Smith as follows:—
"While the persecutions were progressing against us in
Missouri, the enemy of all righteousness was no less busy
Peculiar w^ ^e saints *n England, according to the
trials. length of time the gospel had been preached in
that kingdom. Temptation followed temptation, and being
young in the cause, the saints suffered themselves to be
buffeted by their adversary. Prom the time that Elder Wil-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 483
lard Richards was called to the apostleship, in July, 1838,
the Devil seemed to take a great dislike to him, and strove
to stir up the minds of many against him. Elder Richards
was afflicted with sickness and several times was brought to
the borders of the grave, and many were tempted to believe
that he was under transgression or he would not be thus
afflicted. Some were tried and tempted because Elder
Richards took to himself a wife; they thought he should
have given himself wholly to the ministry and followed
Paul's advice to the letter. Some were tried because his
wife wore a veil, and others because she carried a muff to
keep herself warm when she walked out in cold weather;
and even the president of the church there thought 'she had
better done without it;' she had nothing ever purchased by
the church, and to gratify their feelings wore the poorest
clothes slae had, and they were too good, so hard was it to
buffet the storm of feeling that arose from such foolish
causes. Sister Richards was very sick for some time, and
some were dissatisfied because he did not neglect her
entirely and go out preaching; and others, that she did not
go to meeting when she was not able to go so far.
"From such little things arose a spirit of jealousy, tat-
tling, evil speaking, surmising, covetousness, and rebellion,
until the church but too generally harbored more or less of
those unpleasant feelings; and this evening Elder Halsal
came out openly in council against Elder Richards and pre-
ferred some heavy charges, none of which he was able to
substantiate. Most of the elders in Preston were against
Elder Richards for a season, except James Whitehead, who
proved himself true in the hour of trial.
"Sunday, 10th. When Elder Richards made proclamation
from the pulpit that if anyone had aught against him or his
wife Jennetta, he wished they would come to him and state
their grievances, and if he had erred in anything he would
acknowledge his fault, one only of the brethren came to him,
and that to acknowledge his own fault to Elder Richards in
harboring unpleasant feelings without a cause. Elder
Richards' wife1 bore all these trials and persecutions with
1 This should probably read Elder Richards and his wife.
484 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
patience; for he knew the cause, his calling having been
made known to him by revelation; but he told no one of it.
The work continued to spread in Manchester and vicinity,
among the Staffordshire Potteries, and other places in Eng-
land. "—Millennial Star, vol. 16, p. 789.
As already stated the Twelve resolved, in 1839, to go to
England, accompanied by several of the severity and some
of the high priests. Their resolution was ap-
TirelTe return.
proved by the First Presidency and the church.
They left Nauvoo at different times, as has been noted in
these pages. They traveled through the Eastern States,
preaching and building up churches, though sickness and
adverse circumstances were against them.
The following brief history of the English mission is from
the pen of Willard Richards, who had been con-
Briel history.
nected with the mission from its beginning:—
"About the first of June, 1837, Elder Heber C. Kimball
was called by the Spirit of revelation and set apart by the
First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, then at Kirtland, Ohio, North America, to pre-
side over a mission to England, accompanied by Elder Orson
Hyde, who was set apart for the same work at the same
time. In a few days, Brother Joseph Fielding, priest, was
set apart; and on the eve of the 12th, Elder Willard Rich-
ards (having been absent several months on a long journey,
and having returned the day previous) was called and set
apart for the same mission.
"The following morning, Tuesday, 13th, these brethren
gave the parting hand, bade farewell to home, and without
purse or scrip started for England. They were accompa-
nied twelve miles to Fairport, on Lake Erie, by Elders Brig-
ham Young, John P. Green, and Brother Levi Richards,
and Sisters Kimball, Green, and Fielding (Brother R. B.
Thompson and wife accompanied the mission to Buffalo, and
Brother Fitch Brigham to Utica), and others, with whom
they parted in the afternoon, and went on board a steamer
for Buffalo, where they arrived next day.
"At this place the brethren expected to receive some
means from Canada to assist them on their journey, but they
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 485
were disappointed. In the evening they took passage on a
canal boat, and arrived in Albany on the 19th, Elder Hyde
having gone forward to New York from Rochester.
Brother Fielding proceeded to New York, and on the 20th
Elder Kim ball accompanied Elder Richards to his father's
house in Richmond, Massachusetts, thirty miles east, where
they spent one day, and having received some assistance
from his friends, bade them farewell for the last time, his
father and mother having since died, also a sister whom he
had left in Kirtland, and on the 21st returned to Albany,
and arrived in New York on the 22d, where they found
Brothers O. Hyde and Fielding; also Elders John Goodson,
Isaac Russell, and John Snyder, priest (who had come from
Canada to join the mission), anxiously waiting their arrival
so that they might take passage on board the United States,
which was to sail next day, but they arrived too late.
"In New York Elder Richards received some further
means, quite providentially, and on the 23d the brethren
engaged passage to Liverpool, on board the Garrick, which
was to sail on the 1st of July.
"In the meantime the brethren received every possible
assistance from Elder Elijah Fordham, for at that time he
was the only member of the church residing in the city, and
having no house of his own, he procured his father's store-
house for the use of the brethren, where they lodged on the
floor, amid straw and blankets, one week, eating their cold
morsel, and conversing with the people as they had oppor-
tunity; for no place could be procured to preach in, and
there was no one to receive them into their houses.
"Sunday, the 25th, the brethren held a council at their
lodgings (Mr. Fordham's store), and organized ready for
taking their departure.
"On the 29th, the brethren sealed, superscribed, and for-
warded one hundred and eighty of Elder Orson Hyde's
•Timely Warnings' to the ministers of the different denomi-
nations in the city, and went on board the Garrick, which
hauled out into the river and cast anchor.
"July 1st the ship weighed anchor, and was towed to the
Hook by a steamer, where she spread sail, and in four hours
486 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and a half was out of sight of land. With the exception of a
strong wind on the 12th, there was generally a gentle breeze
from the northwest during the voyage.
"On the 16th, Elder Hyde preached on the aft quarter
deck, and on the 18th Cape Clear was visible (eighteen days
out of sight of land); and on the morning of the 20th the
brethren landed in Liverpool, twenty days from New York.
Here Elders Kimball, Hyde, and Richards found themselves
on a foreign shore, surrounded by strangers, without the
first farthing in their possession; but the brethren unitedly
took lodgings in a private house in Union Street, till after
the inspection of the ship; and on Saturday, the 22d, took
coach for Preston. When they had alighted from the coach
and were standing by their trunks in front of the hotel in
Preston, a large flag was unfurled over their heads, on
which was printed in golden letters, 'Truth will prevail;' at
the sight of which their hearts rejoiced, and they cried
aloud, 'Amen, thanks be unto God, Truth will prevail.'
"Brother Joseph Fielding lodged with his brother, Rev.
James Fielding, then a preacher in Vauxhall Road chapel,
and the remainder of the brethren took lodgings in St. Wil-
ford Street, Fox Street. The same evening the elders vis-
ited the Rev. Mr. Fielding, by his request, at his lodgings.
He had previously been apprised of the coming forth of this
work in America, through the medium of letters from his
relatives and others, and had requested his church to pray
that God would send them his servants, and exhorted his
people to receive their message when they should come.
"Sunday, the 23d. As they had no place in which to
preach, the seven brethren went to Vauxhall chapel to hear
the Rev. Mr. Fielding; and, at the close of the morning
service, Mr. Fielding gave public notice that an elder of the
Latter Day Saints would preach in the afternoon in his pul-
pit. This was voluntary with Mr. Fielding, as no one had
requested the privilege; and in the afternoon, according to
the notice, Elder Kimball gave a brief history of the rise of
the church, and the first principles of the gospel, and Elder
Hyde bore testimony; after which the Rev. Mr. Fielding
requested the brethren to give out an appointment for the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 487
evening, when Elder Goodson preached and Brother Joseph
Fielding bore testimony.
"At the close Mr. Fielding again gave leave for preaching
at the same place on Wednesday evening, when Elder Hyde
preached and Elder Richards bore testimony; and from that
time the Rev. Mr. Fielding closed his doors against the
elders, and began to oppose the work, and stated that the
elders promised to say nothing about baptism in their preach-
ing, before he consented to let them preach in his pulpit;
whereas the subject of the elders preaching in his chapel
had not been named between the parties, before Mr. F. gave
out the public appointment before referred to: much less (if
possible) that they would 'say nothing about baptism.'
"Nine of Mr. Fielding's members offered themselves for
baptism; and Mr. Fielding presented himself before the
elders and forbade their baptizing them; but he received for
answer that 'they were of age and could act for themselves;'
and on Sunday, the 30th, they were baptized under the
hands of Elder Kimball; Brother George D. Watt being the
first who offered himself for baptism in England, and is now
an elder laboring in Edinburgh, Scotland.
"Elder Russell preached in the market place in the after-
noon, and from that day the doors of private houses were
opened on almost every hand for the elders.
"July 31st, a council of the elders decided that Elders
Goodson and Richards should go on a mission to Bedford,
and Elder Russell and Priest Snyder on a mission to Alston,
Cumberland; and after a night of prayer, praise, and thanks-
giving, the brethren took their departure on the morning of
the first of August for their several stations.
"The Rev. Mr. Fielding continued to oppose the doctrine
of baptism for a season; but finding that he was likely to
lose all his 'best members,' he offered to baptize them him-
self; but they, being aware that he had no authority,
declined his friendly offers; whereupon he engaged the Rev.
Mr. Giles, a Baptist minister in Preston, of as little authority
as himself, to do the baptizing for his flock; but this iniqui-
tous scheme succeeded little better than the other — only one
coming forward to his baptism, so far as we have heard,
488 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Mr. Fielding's people also stated that tie acted the part of a
hypocrite and deceived them, when he read the letters to
them in public, which he received from America, by keep-
ing back that part which treated on baptism, which, since
the foregoing failure, he has opposed.
"Elders Kimball and Hyde and Priest Fielding continued
to preach daily in different parts of Preston, and on Wednes-
day and Thursday evenings (August 2) the meetings were
attended by Miss Jennetta Richards, who was visiting her
friends in Preston, and on Friday she requested baptism,
which was attended to by Elder Kimball, after which she
was confirmed at the water side by Elders Kimball and
Hyde, it being the first confirmation in a foreign land in
these last days.
"The day following Sister Richards returned home to her
friends, and informed her father, the Rev. J. Richards, an
Independent minister at Walker-fold, Chaidgely, whom she
had found at Preston, and what she had done, and
requested him to send for Elder Kimball to preach in his
chapel. Mr. Richards complied with his daughter's request.
Elder Kimball arrived at Walker-fold Saturday eve, August
12, and the day following preached three times in Mr.
Richards' pulpit, to crowded assemblies; also twice during
the week and twice the Sunday following, being most
kindly and cordially entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Richards
for nine days, during which time Elder Kimball baptized
several in the neighborhood.
"After a short visit to Preston, where Elder Hyde con-
tinued to preach and baptize, Elder Kimball returned to
Walker-fold and continued to receive the hospitality of Mr.
Richards' house for some days, while the work spread in the
neighborhood; and from thence the work went forth to
Clitheroe, Waddington, Downham, Chatburn, Thornley, and
Ribchester, through the labors of Brothers Kimball and
Fielding.
"Elders Goodson and Richards arrived in Bedford on the
2d of August, and having letters of introduction to the Rev.
Timothy R. Mitthews from Brother Joseph Fielding (Mrs.
Matthews' brother), they immediately waited on Mr. Mat-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 489
thews, who expressed great joy at their arrival, and mani-
fested his sincerity by walking arm in arm with the elders
through the streets of Bedford, calling on the mem-
bers of his church, and inviting them to attend the
lectures of the elders at his chapel vestry that evening. Mr.
Matthews had previously been apprised of the saints in
America through the medium of the Rev. James Fielding, of
Preston, and the letters from America, before referred to.
In the evening his church assembled in the vestry, and
Elders Goodson and Richards continued to lecture and
testify of the work of God, on that and the three following
evenings in the same place, with the entire approbation of
Mr. Matthews, who at the close of the lectures publicly bore
testimony to the truths advanced, and called upon his peo-
ple to know why they did not come forward for baptism;
while they in return wished to know why he did not set
them the ex am pie.
"After this Mr. Matthews engaged another house in the
neighborhood for the elders to preach in, under the pretense
that some *>f the proprietors of the chapel might not be
pleased with the elders occupying the vestry, and Mr.
Matthews continued to attend the preaching of the elders,
and also spent a great share of his time from day to day in
conversation with them.
"Mr. Matthews told the elders that he had received two
ordinations; one from Bishop West, whom he had proved to
be an impostor, and another from the Church of England,
which he acknowledged to be descended from the Church of
Rome; and he further acknowledged that he had no
authority from God for administering in the ordinances of
God's house.
"On the 10th, Mrs. Braddock and four others were bap-
tized by Elder Goodson. Soon after this Mr. Joseph
Saville, member of Mr. Matthews' church, being very desir-
ous of receiving baptism at the same time with Mr. Matth-
ews, waited on him at his house, in company with Elders
Goodson and Richards, and Mr. Matthews and Mr. Saville
mutually agreed to meet the elders on the bank of the river
Ouse, at a specified hour in the afternoon, and attend to the
490 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
ordinance of baptism. At the hour appointed Mr. Saville
met the elders at the place previously designated by Mr.
Matthews; but as he did not make his appearance according
to promise, after waiting for h'm an hour, Mr. Saville was
baptized, when the elders repaired to Mr. Matthews' to learn
the cause of his not fulfilling his engagement, and were
informed by Mr. Matthews' family that he had gone out into
the country to preach.
"In a day or two it was currently rumored that Mr. Mat-
thews had baptized himself, and this rumor was afterwards
confirmed by Mrs. Matthews, who stated to Elder Kimball
at Preston, that Mr. Matthews had baptized himself, rea-
soning upon this principle within himself, 'If I have
authority to administer the sacrament to my people, why
not have authority to baptize myself?' etc.— and all this
after Mr. Matthews had acknowledged to Elders Goodson
and Richards that he had no authority to administer in the
ordinances of God's house; and altogether regardless of the
words of the apostle (Heb. 5:4), 'No man taketh this honor
unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.'
"By the foregoing it is plainly to be seen that Mr.
Matthews has attempted to take that upon himself which
was never conferred upon him by the Spirit of revelation,
either by God, his angels, or his servants; viz., the holy
priesthood; and from that period Mr. Matthews began to
preach baptism, and baptized those who felt it their duty
to be baptized, and then invited them to the penitent form to
get remission of their sins; but finding that would not
answer all the design which he intended, he afterwards
began to baptize for the remission of sins.
"Mr. Matthews appears to have well understood that
counterfeit coin is more current the nearer it approximates
to the true, and governed himself accordingly; for he con-
tinued to preach faith, repentance, baptism for the remission
of sins, the second coming of Christ, etc., etc., adding one
thing to another, in imitation of truth, as fast as it answered
his purpose, from those doctrines which he had heard from
the Latter Day Saints; but it was some time before he
arrived at that heaven-daring, conscience seared hardihood
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 491
to lay hands on those whom he had baptized, for the recep-
tion of the Holy Ghost, and at the same time he acknowl-
edged that he had not got the Holy Ghost himself, by
praying that he might receive it (Query, How can a man
communicate that which he is not in possession of?), and he
now calls his church 'The Church of Latter Day Saints.'
"Thus has Mr. Matthews been running about from Bed-
ford to Liverpool, from Liverpool to Northampton, from
Northampton to Bedford, and other places, crying aloud in
public and private that the Latter Day Saints and their doc-
trines came from hell; at the same time has been preaching
the same doctrines, calls his church by the same name, is
administering in the same ordinances, just as though he fully
believed that the doctrines and sacraments of hell would be
sanctified and made holy and heavenly when administered by
the tongue and hands of an impostor.
"About the time that Mr. Matthews rejected the truth in
Bedford his son (as Mr. Matthews called him), the Rev.
Robert Aitkin, commenced his attack on the principles of
righteousness in Preston; and while furiously pounding his
pulpit with the Book of Mormon and warning his people to
beware of the Latter Day Saints and their doctrines, saying
that they and their record came from hell, called upon his
people to use all their efforts to put down the work of God
or stop the progress of the Latter Day Saints; and if it
could not be put down without, prayed that God would smite
the leaders; and from that time to the present his prayer has
been answered on his own head.
"After Mr. Aitkin had preached against the corruptions
of the Church of England for years, and established many
flourishing chapels in Liverpool, Preston, Manchester,
Burslem, London, etc.; after he had been visited by the
elders of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and acknowledged
to them at one time that baptism was right, but he could
find no man who had authority to baptize; and at another
time that he was afraid of them, and rejected their testi-
mony; and last of all would not receive the elders into his
house;— after all this, and deserted by a part of his flock, he
has fled from the remainder because he was an hireling and
492 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
cared not for the sheep; yes, he has deserted his 'Christian
Society'— ceased to be an Aitkinite, and dissolved his copart-
nership with Father Matthews, as may well be supposed,
returned, and taken 'holy order' in 'Mother Church,' against
the corruptions of which he testified so diligently from year
to year, and is now about to enter on his parochial duties in
St. John the Evangelist's church, Hope Street, Liverpool,
for no other reason, that the writer knows of, only that he
could find no one who had authority to baptize for the re-
mission of sins, and not possessing the faith of his father,
Matthews, to believe that the doctrines of the pit would
become holy and gospel doctrines when taught by the
tongue of wickedness and imposture, he has concluded thus
publicly to acknowledge himself a servant of those very
errors he has so long contended against, for the sake of
filthy lucre.
"About the 12th of September Elder Goodson and Priest
Snyder returned to Preston, and soon after sailed for
America.
"Some years previous, the principles of the Temperance
Society (originally established in America) were introduced
into England, and Preston was the first town to receive them.
Among the many interesting and valuable items held forth
by the Temperance people, it was often remarked by them
that Temperance was the forerunner of the gospel, which
prophecy proved true; for when the fullness of the gospel
came from America to England, it was first preached in Pres-
ton, and through the influence of the Temperance Society the
Latter Day Saints procured the use of the Temperance hall
in Preston (a commodious building, originally erected for
cock fighting) for their chapel, and commenced meeting
therein on the third of September, 1837, and continued until
they were ejected through the influence of others, the Tem-
perance Society not having it entirely at their control.
Similar favors have been received from several other Tem-
perance Societies in England, for which the Lord reward
them.
"Elder Richards continued to labor against much opposi-
tion in Bedford and the region round about, until the seventh
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 493
of March, 1838, when he returned to Preston, leaving about
forty members in charge of Elder James Lavender. Elder
Russell continued to labor at Alston, Brampton, etc., and
returned to Preston near the same time, leaving about sixty
members in the care of Elder Jacob Peart.
"At Christmas, 1837, Priest Joseph Fielding was or-
dained elder, and several were ordained teachers, etc., at
Preston; and in March, 1838, the church had extended from
Preston to Penwortham, Longton, Southport, Eccleston,
Whittle, Hunter's Hill, Chorley, and the intermediate region,
through the labors of Elders Hyde, Kimball, and Fielding,
and the members amounted to several hundreds in the
regions of Preston and Clitheroe. During this month Elders
Kimball and Hyde were diligently engaged in organizing the
different branches; and on the first of April a General Con-
ference was called at Preston, when the organization of the
churches was completed, and many were ordained, among
whom were Elders Joseph Fielding, Willard Richards, and
William Clayton, to the high priesthood, and set apart by
Elders Kimball and Hyde to preside over all the churches in
England.
"On the 9th, Elders Kimball, Hyde, and Russell took
leave of the saints in Preston and went to Liverpool,
where they were visited by Elders Fielding, Richards, Clay-
ton, and others; and on the 20th of April sailed for New
York, on board the Garrick, the same ship they came out
unto England.
"When Elders Fielding and Richards had returned to
Longton they found a pamphlet, purporting to be written
by the Rev. Richard Livesey, a Methodist minister, who had
spent some time on a mission to the United States, as he
says, and having nothing more important to attend to during
his mission, it appears that he spent his time in gathering
up a heap of lies and filth from the American papers, and
imported them to England on his return; and finding that
the work of God had commenced in his native land, and was
likely to destroy his craft, set himself at work to condense
his heterogeneous mass of transatlantic lies, and form the
wonderful production of the Rev. Richard Livesey's tract
494 rflSTORY OF THE CHURCH.
against the Latter Day Saints; it being the first thing of the
kind that the enemy of all righteousness had found means
to export from America and circulate in England; but since
which he has found servants in abundance to assist in this
nefarious merchandise of his heart's delight.
"The church at this time was in its infancy and needed
much instruction, which necessarily occupied the attention
of the presiding elders to a great extent; and as there were
few laborers in the field, the spread of the work was not
very rapid for some time.
"Sister Alice Hodgin died at Preston on the second of
September, 1838, and it was such a wonderful thing for a
Latter Day Saint to die in England that Elder Richards was
arraigned before the Mayor's Court at Preston, on the third
of October, charged with 'killing and slaying' the said Alice
with a 'black stick,' etc., but was discharged without being
permitted to make his defense, as soon as it was discovered
that the iniquity of his accusers was about to be made mani-
fest.
"October 19, 1838, Elder Clayton gave himself wholly to
the work and soon after commenced preaching and baptizing
in Manchester; and from thence the work spread into Stock-
port and other places in the neighborhood, through the
labors of Elders Clayton, Fielding, John Moon, and David
Wilding. A small church had previously sprung up in Bol-
ton, through the labors of Elder D. Wilding, and was con-
tinued by Elder Amos Fielding.
"In the summer of 1839 Elders Clayton, Richards, and J.
Moon labored in Burslem, with some success, and a small
church was planted in Burnley by Elder Thomas Richard-
son, besides many who were added in the older branches,
through the instrumentality of the local elders and priests,
who were generally very faithful.
"December 8, 1839, Elders Hiram Clark, Alexander
Wright, and Samuel Mulliner arrived in Preston from
America; and on the 25th Brothers Wright and Mulliner
started for Scotland, and soon commenced preaching and
baptizing in Paisley and vicinity.
"January 13, 1840, Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 495
and Theodore Turley arrived in Preston, from America; and
on the 18th Brothers Woodruff and Turley started for the
Potteries in Staffordshire, passing through Manchester; and
on the 22d, Elder Taylor left for Liverpool.
"April 6, 1840, just ten years from the organization of the
church, Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley
P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, and Reuben Hed-
lock, landed in Liverpool from New York; and on the 9th
Elder Kimball arrived in Preston, just two years from the
day he left for America.
"The arrival of the elders caused the saints to rejoice
exceedingly, for it had been prophesied by many (not of the
church) that they would never come, and that Elders Kim-
ball and Hyde would never return; but they are both now in
England, Elder Orson Hyde having arrived in Liverpool on
the third instant from New York.
"HEBER C. KIMBALL.
"ORSON HYDE.
"WILLARD RICHARDS.
"PRESTON, March 24, 1841."
—Millennial Star, vol. 18, pp. 434-438.
When they arrived they were almost penniless, but full of
faith and hope.
There were now seven of the Quorum of Twelve in Great
Britain, and this being a majority, they were prepared as a
quorum to transact business for the first time in a foreign
land.
The Millennial Star was published soon afterward, at Man-
chester, and the work began to take a new impetus.
On April 14, 1840, there was a council of the Twelve held
at Preston, England; present, Brigham Young, Heber C.
Quorum Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford
council. Woodruff, George A. Smith, and John Taylor.
At this meeting they ordained Elder Willard Richards to
the apostleship. There were now eight of the quorum in
England, leaving only three; viz., William Smith, Orson
Hyde, and John E. Page in America, as the vacancy occa-
sioned by the death of David W. Patten had not been filled.
Two of them; viz., Orson Hyde and John E. Page, were pro-
paring for their mission to the Holy Land.
496 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
At this council, on April 14, 1840, Brigham Young was
unanimously chosen the standing president of the quorum.
A General Conference convened on April 15, 1840, and
General °^ that conference i\nd the churches reported
conference. there the Millennial Star states:—
"At a General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints held in the Temperance hall, Preston,
Lancashire, England, on the 15th of April, 1840, the follow-
ing churches were represented:—
Places. Members. Elders. Priests. Teachers. Deacons.
Preston 300 7 8 6 2
Penworthen 73 3 1 2 1
Longton 51 2 4 2 0
Southport 20 0 1 1 0
Daubers Lane, etc 54 1230
Hunters Hill, etc 17 1 1 1 0
Heskin 31 0' 0 0
Bolton.:.. CO 1 2 2 0
Ratclitfe 10 0 0 0 0
Whittle 18 1 4 0 0
Ribchester 25 2 0 1 0
Burnley 24 0 1 1 0
Blackburn 15 0 1 0 0
Keighley, etc 29 2 1 1 0
Waddington 50 0 2 2 1
Clitheroe 27 1 3 0 0
Chatburn 84 1 2 2 1
Dunham 20 0 0 1 1
Grindleton 50000
Manchester 240 2540
Stockport 40 0 1 2 1
Duttonfleld 30 0 1 00
Altrincham 80110
Perverand Macclesfield... 30 0 3 0 0
Middlewitch 60000
Bury and Elton 12 0 0 0 0
Potteries 101 1 2 4 1
Herefordshire 160 1200
Liverpool 28 0 0 0 0
Alston 40 2 2 2 0
Brampton 30 1 1 ' 0 0
Bedford 40 1 1 0 0
Scotland 21 3 0 0 0
"Since the conference and up to the present time many
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 497
are being added by baptism in almost every place where
the fullness of the gospel is preached. In Scotland, the
work of the Lord is going on and souls are coming into
the church. In Herefordshire and the adjoining country
some forty preachers of other orders have lately submitted
to the ordinances and united themselves to the Church of
the Latter Day Saints, by which means upwards of forty
preaching places have been opened for our elders. May
God Almighty bless the people of that region abundantly,
because with all readiness they received the word and were
willing to be taught in the way of the Lord more perfectly.
In Manchester our meetings are well attended; people seem
desirous to hear, and some are baptized and added to the
church every week. We very much need a larger place to
meet; indeed, the largest place in the town would be too
small if the public could have general notice. Numbers are
being baptized and added to the church in the towns and
country around.
"In short, on all sides we turn our eyes we behold the
field all white ready to harvest. Calls for preaching are
more than we can fill at present. May the Lord send more
laborers into his harvest. There are thousands of people in
England, if they once knew our principles would embrace
them, and even lay down their lives for them if required." —
Millennial Star, vol. 1, pp. 20, 21.
Another conference was held on July 6, 1840, at Manches-
ter, at which time reports showed an increase over the num-
ber of members in April of about six hundred and fifty.
Again, there was a conference held at Manchester, Octo-
ber 6, 1840, which showed an increase in the three months
of over one thousand three hundred. This ratio of increase
will give the reader a fair idea of the prosperity of the work
in the British Isles, without going into details.
On August 6 a company of saints sailed from Liverpool
for America, in charge of Elder Theodore Turley.
During the remainder of the year the work in Europe
spread with unabating interest.
Apostles Hyde and Page were yet laboring in the United
498 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
States but working their way eastward. The following
letter from them is of interest: —
"COLUMBUS, Indiana, May 1, 1840.
"President Smith; Sir:— The mission upon which we are sent
swells greater and greater. As there is a great work to be
Hyde and done in Germany, as manifested to us by the Spirit,
rage. foe following plan has been suggested to us; viz.,
to write a set of lectures upon the faith and doctrine of our
church, giving a brief history of the coming forth of the Book
of Mormon, and an account of its contents in as clear and plain
a style as possible; together with the outlines and organiza-
tion and government of the Church of Latter Day Saints,
drawn from the Doctrine and Covenants with all the wisdom
and care possible; and get the same translated into German,
and publish it when we arrive in Germany, and scatter it
through the German Empire. Is this correct? Should we
consider it necessary to translate the entire Book of Mormon
into German, and Doctrine and Covenants too, are we or are
we not at liberty to do so? Should we deem it necessary to
publish an edition of hymn books in any country, are we at
liberty to do it? The fact is, we need such works, and we
cannot get them from the church here; and if we could, we
could not well carry them with us, at least any quantity.
"We feel that we are acting under the direction of the
Presidency of the church; and the reason that we make
these inquiries is, that we do not wish to step beyond our
limits, or bring ourselves into a snare and dishonor by tak-
ing liberties that are not ours. We feel that all our exer-
tions and interests shall become subservient to build up the
kingdom of God. We wish to be coworkers with you and
with the Spirit of the Lord. We did not converse so much
upon these literary works as we should have done before we
left. The fact was, we did not begin to see the greatness
of our mission before we left home; our minds were in a nut-
shell.
"It seems to us that we should spread this work among
all people, languages, and tongues, so far as possible; and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 499
gather up all jewels among the Jews besides. Who is suffi-
cient for these things?
"As agents for the church abroad, and as coworkers with
yourself, in spreading this kingdom to the remotest corners
of the earth, are we at liberty to translate and publish any
works that we may think necessary, or that the circum-
stances in which we are placed seem to require, whether
original or works published by the church? If we are not
at liberty to take this wide range, please tell us how far we
may go.
"We are setting this great work before the people as an
inducement to them to help us. If we are setting our stand-
ard too high, a word from you will bring it down. We have
held a two-days' meeting in this place; but in consequence
of continual rains, which swelled the creeks so high, the
people could not get to us. The meeting was four miles
from Columbus; one only baptized.
"We have now an opportunity to ride as far east as
Indiana, beyond the metropolis, and have the privilege to
stop and preach by the way. Will you write to us at Cin-
cinnati, and much oblige,
"Your brethren in the kingdom of God,
"ORSON HYDE.
"JOHN E. PAGE."
— Millennial Star, vol. 17, pp. 744, 745.
Sometime previous to this date a young man by the name
south °^ William Barrett was ordained an elder in Eng-
Austraiia. ian(j an(j sent to South Australia. On July 15,
1840, he wrote as follows from Deptford, England: —
"Dear Brother in Christ: — I write to inform you of my
arrival in the metropolis this morning, after a tedious jour-
ney in the midst of much profaneness and swearing, such as
I never heard in my life before. I feel, as the apostle
expresses it, like a lamb among wolves, going into a land of
strangers to preach the gospel; therefore I desire your
prayers in my behalf. I have witnessed much of the Spirit
of revelation since Sunday; in fact I only thought it a mere
thought when the elders testified that they were called by
revelation; but now I know the truth of the assertion, which
500 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
proves to me who ought to preach, and that none ought
without they are called by revelation.
"Give my love to all the saints, and tell them that as
many as remain faithful I will meet them at Zion, bringing
my sheaves with me. Tell them my faith is fixed, and my
resolution is strong to meet you all there, whom I love in
the Lord. Pray that a door may be opened, and a gift of
utterance may be given unto me in a foreign Land to preach
the gospel. Brethren, sorrow not for me, as those that
have no hope, for we have a hope of living and eating
together in the kingdom of our God."— Millennial Star, vol.
18, p. 84.
CHAPTER 23.
1841.
PAIR PROSPECTS - GENERAL PROCLAMATION— REVELATION— TRUS-
TEE IN TRUST— THREATS OP VIOLENCE— ELECTION— MILITARY
ORGANIZATION— HYDE SAILS— NAUVOO HOUSE— TOLERATION —
AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION — AARONIO
PRIESTHOOD ORGANIZED — TEMPLE CORNER STONE LAID —
ANNUAL CONFERENCE — ENGLISH CONFERENCE — POLITICAL —
GREAT SUCCESS — KIRTLAND CONFERENCE — TWELVE ARRIVE
—JOSEPH SMITH ARRESTED.
THE year 1841 opened with fair prospects at home and
abroad. Nauvoo had just been favored with a charter
granting extraordinary privileges. Everywhere
' throughout the States and Canada the ministry
were finding willing ears to hear the message, and multi-
tudes were becoming obedient. Nauvoo was growing as if
by magic, numbering already some three thousand inhabit-
ants. England, Wales, and Scotland had heard the sound
and were responding with unexampled enthusiasm and zeal ;
especially was this true of England.
Under these circumstances, having just emerged from the
dark cloud of Missouri's oppression, it was but natural that
they should feel glad, and thankfully rejoice. Yes, it may
be that some of them had then to an extent become arro-
gant, proud, and boastful, neglecting to be as humble and
devoted as they were under more adverse circumstances;
and it may be, too, that this proud spirit increased as their
prosperity increased. If so, it was but the outcropping of
nature and what might reasonably be expected of any com-
munity similarly situated; but that they will compare
favorably with any other people in similar conditions of
which history speaks, must be conceded. This will be
apparent to a close and fair investigator.
On January 15, 1841, the First Presidency made a gen-
502 ' HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
eral proclamation to the saints. In this proclamation is
General found the avowed purpose of the church upon
proclamation. some points of special interest, among them the
object in obtaining the charters above-mentioned. *
1 We would likewise make mention of the legislature of this State,
who, without respect of parties, without reluctance, freely, openly,
boldly, and nobly have come forth to our assistance, owned us as citizens
and friends, and took us by the hand and extended to us all the blessings
of civil, political, and religious liberty, by granting us, under date of
December 16, 1840, one of the most liberal charters, with the most
plenary powers, ever conferred by a legislative assembly on free citizens,
for the "City of Nauvoo," the "Nauvoo Legion," and the "University of
the City of Nauvoo." The first of these charters (that for the "City of
Nauvoo") secures to us in all time to come, irrevocably, all those great
blessings of civil liberty which of right appertain to all the free citizens
of a great civilized republic — 'tis all we ever claimed. What a contrast
does the proceedings of the legislature of this State present when com-
pared with those of Missouri, whose bigotry, jealousy, and superstition
prevailed to such an extent as to deny us our liberty and our sacred
rights. Illinois has set a glorious example to the whole United States
and to the world at large, and has nobly carried out the principles of her
Constitution and the Constitution of these United States, and while she
requires of us implicit obedience to the laws, (which we hope ever to see
observed,) she affords us the protection of law— the security of life, lib-
erty, and the peaceable pursuit of happiness.
The name of our city (Nauvoo) is of Hebrew origin, and signifies a beau-
tiful situation or place, carrying with it also the idea of rest; and is truly
descriptive of this most delightful situation. It issituated on the eastern
bank of the Mississippi River, at the head of the Des Moines Rapids, in
Hancock County; bounded on the east by an extensive prairie of sur-
passing beauty, and on the north, west, and south, by the Mississippi.
This place has been objected to by some on account of the sickness
which has prevailed in the summer months, but it is the opinion of Dr.
Bennett, a physician of great experience and medical knowledge, that
Hancock County and all the eastern and southern portions of the City of
Nauvoo are as healthy as any other portions of the western country (or
the world, to acclimated citizens), whilst the northwestern portion of
the city has experienced much affliction from ague and fever, which,
however, he thinks can easily be remedied by draining the sloughs ou
the adiacent islands in the Mississippi.
The population of our city is increasing with unparalleled rapidity, num-
bering more than three thousand inhabitants. Every facility is alforded
in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock County, for the successful
prosecution of the mechanical arts and the pleasing pursuits of agricul-
ture. The waters of the Mississippi can be successfully used for manu-
facturing purposes to an almost unlimited extent.
Having been instrumental in the hands of our heavenly Father in lay-
ing a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, Let all those
who appreciate the blessings of the gospel and realize the importance of
obeying the commandments of heaven, who have been blessed of heaven
with the possession of this world's goods, first prepare for the general
gathering. Let them dispose of their effects as fast as circumstances will
possibly admit, without making too great sacrifices, and remove to our
city and county — establish and build up manufactories in the city, pur-
chase and cultivate farms in the county. This will secure our perma-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 503
nent Inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor.
This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on
which the gathering can be effected. Let the rich, then, and all who
can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation to come on
without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in promoting the
happiness of the saints. This cannot be too forcibly impressed on the
minds of all; and the elders are hereby instructed to proclaim this word
in all places where the saints reside, in their public administrations, for
this is according to the instructions we have received from the Lord.
The temple of the Lord is in progress of erection here, where the
saints will come to worship the God of their fathers, according to the
order of his house and the powers of the holy priesthood, and will be so
constructed as to enable all the functions of the priesthood to be duly
exercised, and where instructions from the Most High will be received,
and from this place go forth to distant lands.
Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions of our
magna charta granted by the Illinois legislature, at the "City of Nau-
voo," and surrounding country, and strive to emulate the actions of the
ancient covenant fathers and patriarchs, in those things, which are of
such vast importance to this and every succeeding generation.
The "Nauvoo Legion" embraces all our military power, and will en-
able us to perform our military duty by ourselves, and thus afford us the
power and privilege of avoiding one of the most fruitful sources of
strife, oppression, and collision with the world. It will enable us to
show our attachment to the State and nation as a people, whenever the
public service requires our aid, thus proving ourselves obedient to the
paramount laws of the land, and ready at all times to sustain and exe-
cute them.
The "University of the City of Nauvoo" will enable us to teach our
children wisdom— to instruct them in all knowledge and learning, in the
arts, sciences, and learned professions. We hope to make this institu-
tion one of the great lights of the world, and by and through it to diffuse
that kind of knowledge which will be of practical utility and for the
public good, and also for private and individual happiness. The regents
of the university will take the general supervision of all matters apper-
taining to education, from common schools up to the highest branches
of a most liberal collegiate course. They will establish a regular system
of education, and hand over the pupil from teacher to professor, until
the regular gradation is consummated and the education finished. This
corporation contains all the powers and prerogatives of any other college
or university in this State. The charters for the university and legion
are addenda to the city charter, making the whole perfect and com-
plete. . . .
Dr. Isaac Galland, also, who is one of our benefactors, having under
his control a large quantity of land in the immediate vicinity of our
city, and a considerable portion of the city plot, opened both his heart and
his hands, and "when we were strangers took us in," and bade us wel-
come to share with him in his abundance; leaving his dwelling house,
the most splendid edifice in the vicinity, for our accommodation, and
betook himself to a small, uncomfortable dwelling. He sold us his
large estates on very reasonable terms and on long credit, so that we
might have an opportunity of paying for them without being distressed,
and has since taken our lands in Missouri in payment for the whole
amount, and has given us a clear and indisputable title for the same.
And in addition to the first purchase, we have exchanged lands with
him in Missouri to the amount of eighty thousand dollars. He is the
honored instrument the Lord used to prepare a home for us, when we
were driven from our inheritances, having given him control of vast
504
bodies of land and prepared his heart to make the use of it the Lord
intended he should. Being a man of extensive information, great
talents, and high literary fame, he devoted all his powers and influence
to give us a character. . . .
Prom the kind, uniform, and consistent course pursued by the citizens
of Illinois and the great success which has attended us while here, the
natural advantages of this place for every purpose we require, and the
necessity of the gathering of the saints of the Most High, we would say,
Let the brethren who love the prosperity of Zion, who are anxious that
her stakes should be strengthened, and her cords lengthened, and who
prefer her prosperity to their chief joy, come, and cast in their lots with
us, and cheerfully engage in a work so glorious and sublime, and say
with Nehemiah, "We his servants will arise and build."
It probably would hardly be necessary to enforce this important sub-
ject on the attention of the saints, as its necessity is obvious and is a
subject of paramount importance; but as watchmen to the house of
Israel, as shepherds over the flock which is now scattered over a vast
extent of country, and the anxiety we feel for their prosperity and ever-
lasting welfare, and for the carrying out the great and glorious purposes
of our God, to which we have been called, we feel to urge its necessity,
and say, Let the saints come here — This is the word of the Lord, and in
accordance with the great work of the last days.
It is true the idea of a general gathering has heretofore been associated
with most cruel and oppressing scenes, owing to our unrelenting perse-
cutions at the hands of wicked and unjust men; but we hope that those
days of darkness and gloom have gone by, and from the liberal policy of
our State government we may expect a scene of peace and prosperity we
have never before witnessed since the rise of our church, and the happi-
ness and prosperity which now await us, is, in all human probability,
incalculably great. By a concentration of action and a unity of effort
we can only accomplish the great work of the last days, which we could
not do in our remote and scattered condition, while our interests both
spiritual and temporal will be greatly enhanced, and the blessings of
heaven must flow u-nto us in an uninterrupted stream; of this we think
there can be no question. The great profusion of temporal and spiritual
blessings, which always flow from faithfulness and concerted effort,
never attend individual exertion or enterprise. The history of all past
ages abundantly attests this fact. . . .
We would wish the saints to understand that when they come here
they must not expect to find perfection, or that all will be harmony,
peace, and love; if they indulge these ideas they will undoubtedly be
deceived, for here there are persons, not only from different States, but
from different nations, who, although they feel a great attachment to the
cause of truth, have their prejudices of education, and consequently it
requires some time before these things can be overcome. Again, there
are many that creep in unawares and endeavor to sow discord, strife,
and animosity in our midst, and by so doing bring evil upon the saints.
These things we have to bear with, and these things will prevail either
to a greater or lesser extent until "the floor be thoroughly purged" and
"the chaff be burnt up." Therefore let those who come up to this place
be determined to keep the commandments of God, and not be discour-
aged by those things we have enumerated, and then they will be pros-
pered, the intelligence of heaven will be communicated to them, and
they will eventually see eye to eye and rejoice in the full fruition of that
glory which is reserved for the righteous.
In order to erect the temple of the Lord great exertions will be required
on the part of the saints, so that they may build a house which shall be
accepted of by the Almighty, and in which his power and glory shall be
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 505
January 19, 1841, a lengthy revelation containing much
valuable information was received. •
manifested. Therefore let those who can, freely make a sacrifice of
their time, their talents, and their property, for the prosperity of the
kingdom and for the love they have to the cause of truth, bid adieu to
their homes and pleasant places of abode, and unite with us in the great
work of the last days, and share in the tribulation, that they may ulti-
mately share in the glory and triumph.
We wish it likewise to be distinctly understood that we claim no privi-
lege but what we feel cheerfully disposed to share with our fellow citi-
zens of every denomination and every sentiment of religion; and therefore
say, that so far from being restricted to our own faith, let all those who
desire to locate themselves in this place or the vicinity, come, and we
will hail them as citizens and friends, and shall feel it not only a duty,
but a privilege, to reciprocate the kindness we have received from the
benevolent and kind-hearted citizens of the State of Illinois.
JOSEPH SMITH,
SIDNEY RIGDON,
HYRUM SMITH,
Presidents of the Church.
NA.UVOO, January 15, 1841.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 273-277.
*1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I
am well pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you
have made, for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might shew
forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth. Your prayers
are acceptable before me, and in answer to them'I say unto you that you
are now called immediately to make a solemn proclamation of my gos-
pel, and of this stake which I have planted to be a corner stone of Zion,
which shall be polished with that refinement which is after the simili-
tude of a palace. This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of
the world, to the four corners thereof — to the honorable President elect,
and the high-minded governors of the nation in which you live, and to
all the nations of the earth, scattered abroad. Let it be written in the
spirit of meekness, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall be
in you at the time of the writing of the same; for it shall be given you
by "the Holy Ghost to know my will concerning those kings and authori-
ties, even what shall befall them in a time to come. For, behold, I am
about to call upon them to give heed to the light and glory of Zion, for
the set time has come to favor her.
2. Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation, and with
your testimony, fearing them not, for they are as grass, and all their
glory as the flower thereof, which soon falleth, that they may be left
also without excuse, and that I may visit them in the day of visitation,
when I shall unveil the face of my covering, to appoint the portion of
the oppressor among hypocrites, where there is gnashing of teeth, if
they reject my servants and my testimony which I have revealed unto
them. And again, I will visit and soften their hearts, many of them,
for your good, that ye may find grace in their eyes, that they may come
to the light of truth, and the exaltation or lifting up of Zion. For the
day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye think not of,
and where shall be the safety of my people, and refuge for those who
shall be left of them?
3. Awakel O kings of the earth! Come ye, O come ye, with your gold
606 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and your silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the daughters
of Zion!
4. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my servant Robert B. Thomp-
son help you to write this proclamation; for I am well pleased with him,
and that he should be with yon; let him, therefore, hearken to your
counsel, and I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings; let him be
faithful and true in all things from henceforth, and he shall be great in
mine eyes; but let him remember that his stewardship will I require at
his hands.
5. And agajn, verily I say unto you, Blessed is my servant Hyrum
Smith, for I, the Lord, love him, because of the integrity of his heart,
and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.
6. Again, let my servant John C. Bennett, help you in your labor in
sending my word to the kings of the people of the earth, and stand by
you, even you my servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of affliction, and
his reward shall not fail, if he receive counsel; and for his love he shall
be great; for he shall be mine if he do this, saith the Lord. I have seen
the work which he hath done, which I accept, if he continue, and will
crown him with blessings and great glory.
7. And again, I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant
Lyman Wight should continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of
meekness, confessing me before the world, and I will bear him up as on
eagle's wings, and he shall beget glory and honor to himself, and unto
my name, that when he shall finish his work, that I may receive him
unto myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at
this time, and also my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged
servant Joseph Smith, Sr., who sitteth with Abraham, at his right hand,
and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine.
8. And again, verily I say unto you, My servant George Miller is with-
out guile; he may be trusted because of the integrity of his heart; and
for the love which he has to my testimony, I, the Lord, love him: I,
therefore, say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a bishopric,
like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may receive the conse-
crations of mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the heads
of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my serv-
ant George, for he shall honor me.
9. Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant
John Snider, and others, build a house unto my name, such a one as my
servant Joseph shall show unto them; upon the place which he shall
show unto them also. And it shall be for a house for boarding, a house
that strangers may come from afar to lodge therein; therefore, let it bo
a good house, worthy of all acceptation, that the weary traveler may
find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord,
and the cornerstone I have appointed for Zion. This house shall be a
healthy habitation, if it be built unto my name, and if the governor,
which shall be appointed unto it shall not sutfer any pollution to come
upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lord your God will not dwell therein.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, Let all my saints come from
afar; and send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say
unto them, Come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your pre-
cious stones, and with all your antiquities; and with all who have knowl-
edge of antiquities, that will come may come, and bring the box tree,
and the fir tree, and the pine tree, together with all the precious trees of
the earth; and with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc,
and with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house to my
name, for the Most High to dwell therein; for there is not a place found
on earth that he may come and restore again that which was lost unto
you or, which he hath taken away, even the fullness of the priesthood;
HISTORY OB THE CHURCH. 507
for a baptismal font there is not upon the earth; that they, my saints,
may be baptized for those "who are dead; for this ordinance belongeth to
my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your
poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me. But I com-
mand you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant unto
you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and during this time
your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.
11. But, behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for
your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these
things at the end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a church
with your dead, saith the Lord your God. For, verily I say unto you,
that after you have had sufficient time to build a house to me, wherein
the ordinance of baptizing for the dead belongeth, and for which the
same was instituted from before the foundation of the world, your bap-
tisms for your dead cannot be acceptable unto me; for therein are the
keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may receive honor and
glory. And after this time, your baptisms for the dead, by those who
are scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord; for it
is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those
places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your
baptisms for your dead.
12. And again, verily I say unto you, How shall your washings be
acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have
built to my name? For, for this cause I commanded Moses that he
should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in the
wilderness, and to build a house in the land of promise, that those ordi-
nances might be revealed which had been hid from before the world was;
therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and your wash-
ings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and
your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and for your
oracles in your most holy places, wherein you receive conversations,
and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations
and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all
her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which
my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name.
13. And verily I say unto you, Let this house be built unto my name,
that I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my people; for I deign
to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before
the foundation of the world; things that pertain to the dispensation of
the fullness of times; and I will show unto my servant Joseph all things
pertaining to this house, and the priesthood thereof; and the place
whereon it shall be built; and ye shall build it on the place where you
have contemplated building it; for that is the spot which I have chosen
for you to build it. If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate
that spot, that it shall be made holy; and if my people will hearken unto
my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to
lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved
out of their place. But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto
the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blessed,
because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances and
charters, and my holy words, which I give unto them.
14. And it shall come to pass, that if you build a house unto my name,
and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I
make unto you, neither fulfill the promises which ye expect at my hands,
saith the Lord; for instead of blessings, ye,, by your own works, bring
cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments, upon your own heads, by
your follies, and by all your abominations, which you practice before
me, saith the Lord.
508 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
15. Verily, verily I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to
any of the sons of men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons of
men go with all their might, and with all they have, to perform that
work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them,
and hinder them performing that work; behold, it behooveth me to
require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to
accept of their offerings; and the iniquity and transgression of my holy
laws and commandments, I will visit upon the heads of those who hin-
dered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they
repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. Therefore, for this cause
have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a
city and a house unto my name, in Jackson County, Missouri, and were
hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God; and I will answer
judgment, wrath and indignation, wailing and anguish, and gnashing of
teeth, upon their heads, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as
they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord your God.
16. And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation, con-
cerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have
been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith
the Lord your God; for I am the Lord your God, and will save all those
of your brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in
the land of Missouri, saith the Lord.
17. And again, verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a
house to my name, even in this place, that you may prove yourselves
unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you,
that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, and eter-
nal life.
18. And now I say unto ,you, as pertaining to my boarding house,
which I have commanded you to build, for the boarding of strangers,
Let it be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and
let my servant Joseph and his house have place therein, from generation
to generation; for this anointing have I put upon his head, that his bless-
ing shall also be put upon the head of his posterity after him; and as I
said unto Abraham, concerning the kindreds of the earth, even so I say
unto my servant Joseph, In thee, and in thy seed, shall the kindred of
the earth be blessed. Therefore, let my servant Joseph, and his seed
after him, have place in that house, from generation to generation, for
ever and ever, saith the Lord, and let the name of that house be called
the Nauvoo House; and let it be a delightful habitation for man, and a
resting place for the weary traveler, that he may contemplate the glory
of Zion, and the glory of this the corner stone thereof; that he may
receive also the counsel from those whom I have set to be as plants of
renown, and a? watchmen upon her walls.
19. Behold, verily I say unto you, Let my servant George Miller, and
nay servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my servant
Peter Haws, organize themselves, and appoint one of them to be a presi-
dent over their quorum for the purpose of building that house. And
they shall form a constitution whereby they may receive stock for the
building of that house. And they shall not receive less than fifty dollars
for a share of stock in that house, and they shall be permitted to receive
fifteen thousand dollars from any one man for stock in that house; but
they shall not be permitted to receive over fifteen thousand dollars stock
from any one man; and they shall not be permitted to receive under
fifty dollars for a share of stock from any one man, in that house; and
they shall not be permitted to receive any man as a stockholder in this
house, except the same shall pay his stock into their hands at the time
he receives stock; and in proportion to the amount of stock he pays into
their hands, he shall receive stock in that house; but if he pay nothing
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 509
into their hands, he shall not receive any stock in that house. And if
any pay stock into their hands, it shall be for stock in that house, for
himself, and for his generation after him, from generation to generation,
so long as he and his heirs shall hold that stock, and do not sell or convey
the stock away out of their hands by their own free will and act, if you
will do my will, saith the Lord your God.
20. And again, verily I say unto you, If my servant George Miller, and
my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my serv-
ant Peter Haws, receive any stock into their hands, in moneys, or in prop-
erties, -wherein they receive the real value of moneys, they shall not
appropriate any portion of that stock to any other purpose, only in that
house; and if they do appropriate any portion of that stock anywhere
else, only in that house, without the consent of the stockholder, and do
not repay fourfold for the stock which they appropriate anywhere else,
only in that house, they shall be accursed, and shall be moved out of
their place, saith the Lord God; for I, the Lord, am God, and cannot be
mocked in any of these things.
21. Verily I say unto you, Let my servant Joseph pay stock into
their hands for the building of that house, as seemeth him good; but my
servant Joseph cannot pay over fifteen thousand dollars stock in that
house, nor under fifty dollars; neither can any other man, saith the
Lord.
22. And there are others also, who wish to know my will concerning
them; for they have asked it at my hands; therefore, I say unto you,
concerning my servant Vinson Knight, If he will do my will, let him put
stock into that house for himself and for his generation after him, from
generation to generation, and let him lift up his voice, long and loud, in
the midst of the people, to plead the cause of the poor and the needy,
and let him not fail, neither let his heart faint, and I will accept of his
offerings; for they shall not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he
shall be mine, saith the Lord. Let his family rejoice, and turn away
their hearts from affliction, for I have chosen him and anointed him,
and he shall be honored in the midst of his house, for I will forgive all
his sins, saith the Lord. Amen.
23. Verily I say unto you, Let my servant Hyrum put stock into that
house, as seemeth him good, for himself and his generation after him,
from generation to generation.
24. Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock into that house, for I, the
"Lord, love him for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his sins;
therefore, let him be remembered for an interest in that house from gen-
eration to generation. Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed
among you, and be ordained by my servant William Marks, and be
blessed of him, to go with my servant Hyrum, to accomplish the work
that my servant Joseph shall point out to them, and they shall be greatly
blessed.
25. Let my servant William Marks pay stock into that house, as it seem-
eth him good, for himself and his generation, from generation to genera-
tion.
26. Let my servant Henry G. Sherwood pay stock into that house, as
seemeth him good, for himself and his seed after him, from generation
to generation.
27. Let my servant William Law pay stock into that house, for him-
self and his seed after him, from generation to generation. If he will do
my will, let him not take his family unto the eastern lands, even unto
Kirtland; nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build up Kirtland, but I, the
Lord, have a scourge prepared for the inhabitants thereof. And with
my servant Almon Babbitt there are many things with which I am not
well pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his council instead of the
510 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH,
council which I have ordained, even the presidency of my church, and
he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people. Let no man
go from this place who has come here essaying to keep my command-
ments. If they live here let them live unto me; and if they die let them
die unto me; for they shall rest from all their labors here, and shall con-
tinue their works. Therefore let my servant William put his trust in
me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of
the land. If ye love me, keep my commandments, and the sickness of
the land shall redound to your glory.
28. Let my servant William go and proclaim my everlasting gospel
with a loud voice, and with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by my
Spirit, unto the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of
Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, and also unto the
inhabitants of Madison, and await patiently and diligently for further
instructions at my general conference, saith the Lord. If he will do my
will, let him from henceforth hearken to the counsel of my servant
Joseph,, and with his interest support the cause of the poor, and publish
the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabitants of the earth;
and if he will do this, I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings,
that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread.
29. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my servant William be
appointed, ordained, and anointed, as a counselor unto my servant
Joseph, in the room of my servant Hyrum; that my servant Hyrum may
take the office of priesthood and patriarch, which was appointed unto
him by his father, by blessing and also by right, that from henceforth
he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all
my people, that whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he
curseth shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed
in heaven; and from this time forth, I appoint unto him that he may be
a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my church, as well as my
servant Joseph, that he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph,
and that he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall
show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be
crowned with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and priesthood,
and gifts of the priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my
servant Oliver Cowdery; that my servant Hyrum may bear record of the
things which I shall show unto him, that his name may be had in honor-
able remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever.
30. Let my servant William Law also receive the keys by which he
may ask and receive blessings; let him be humble before me, and be
without guile, and he shall receive of my Spirit, even the Comforter, which
shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, and shall give him, in
the very hour, what he shall say, and these signs shall follow him: He
shall heal the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered from
those who would administer unto him deadly poison, and he shall be led
in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel, and
he shall mount up in the imagination of his thoughts as upon eagle's wings;
and what if I will that he should raise the dead, let him not withhold his
voice. Therefore let my servant William cry aloud and spare not, with
joy and rejoicing, and with hosannas to him that sitteth upon the throne
forever and ever, saith the Lord your God.
31. Behold, I say unto you, I have a mission in store for my servant
William, and my servant Hyrum, and for them alone; and let my serv-
ant Joseph tarry at home, for he is needed. The remainder I will show
unto you hereafter. Even so. Amen.
32. And again, verily I say unto you, If my servant Sidney will serve
me, and be counselor unto my servant Joseph, let him arise and come up
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 511
and stand in the office of his calling and humble himself before me; and
if he will offer unto me an acceptable offering, and acknowledgments,
and remain with my people, behold, I, the Lord, your God, will heal him
that he shall be healed; and he shall lift up his voice again on the
mountains, and be a spokesman before my face. Let him come and
locate his family in the neighborhood in which my servant Joseph
resides, and, in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the
sound of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the
wrath to come; let him assist my servant Joseph: and also let my serv-
ant William Law assist my servant Joseph in making a solemn procla-
mation unto the kings of the earth, even as I have before said unto you.
If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him not remove his family
unto the eastern lands, but let him change their habitation, even as I
have said. Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to find safety
and refuge out of the city which I have appointed unto you, even the
city of Nauvoo. Verily I say unto you, Even now, if he will hearken
to my voice, it shall be well with him. Even so. Amen.
33. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my servant Amos Davis pay
stock into the hands of those whom I have appointed to build a house
for boarding, even the Nauvoo House; this let him do if he will have
an interest, and let him hearken unto the counsel of my servant Joseph,
and labor with his own hands, that he may obtain the confidence of
men; and when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall
be intrusted unto his care — yea, even a few things — he shall be made
ruler over many; let him, therefore, abase himself that he may be
exalted. Even so. Amen.
34. And again, verily I say unto you, If my servant Robert D. Foster
will obey my voice, let him build a house for my servant Joseph, accord-
ing to the contract which he has made with him, as the door shall be
open to him from time to time; and let him repent of all his folly, and
clothe himself with charity, and cease to do evil, and lay aside all
his hard speeches, and pay stock also into the hands oT the quorum of
the Nauvoo House, for himself and for his generation after him, from
generation to generation, and hearken unto the counsel of my servants
Joseph and Hyrum and William Law, and unto the authorities which I
have called to lay the foundation of Zion, and it shall be well with him
forever and ever. Even so. Amen.
35. And again, verily I say unto you, Let no man pay stock to the quo-
rum of the Nauvoo House unless he shall be a believer in the Book of
Mormon and the revelations I have given unto you, saith the Lord your
God; for that which is more or less than this cometh of evil, and shall be
attended with cursings, and not blessings, saith the Lord your God.
Even so. Amen.
36. And again, verily I say unto you, Let the quorum of the Nauvoo
House have a just recompense of wages for all th^ir labors which they
do in building the Nauvoo House, and let their wages be as shall be agreed
among themselves, as pertaining to the price thereof; and let every man
who pays stock bear his proportion of their wages, if it must needs be,
for their support, saith the Lord, otherwise their labors shall be ac-
counted unto them for stock in that house. Even so. Amen.
37. Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging to
my priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the priesthood
wnich is after the order of Melchisedec, which is after the order of my
only begotten Son.
38. First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith to be a patriarch unto you, to
hold the sealing blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise,
whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that ye may not
fall, notwithstanding the hour of temptation that may come upon you.
512 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
On Sunday, January 24, 1841, Hyrum Smith was received
as Patriarch of the church to succeed his father, Joseph
Smith, Sr. William Law had by revelation been appointed
one of the First Presidency in place of Hyrum Smith.
39. I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a presiding elder over all
my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet. I give
unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon and my servant Wil-
liam Law, that these may constitute a quorum and first presidency, to
receive the oracles for the whole church.
40. I give unto you my servant Brigham Young, to be a president over
the twelve traveling council, which twelve hold the keys to open up the
authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after
that to send my word to every creature; they are: Heber C. Kimball,
Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor,
John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George A. Smith.
David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his priesthood no man
taketh from him; but verily 1 say unto you, Another may be appointed
unto the same calling.
41. And again I say-unto you, I give unto you a high council, for the
corner stone of Zion; viz.: Samuel Bent, H. Q. Sherwood, George W.
Harris, Charles C. Rich, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, David Dort,
Dunbar Wilson. Seymour Brunson I have taken unto myself; no man
taketh his priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the same
priesthood in his stead (and verily I say unto you, let my servant Aaron
Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his stead), David Fulmer,
Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington.
42. And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith to be a president over a
quorum of high priests, which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of
qualifying those who shall be appointed standing presidents or servants
over different stakes scattered abroad, and they may travel, also, if they
choose, but rather be ordained for standing presidents; this is the office
of their calling, saith the Lord your God. I give unto him Amasa
Lyman and Noah Packard for counselors, that they may preside over
the quorum of high priests of my church, saith the Lord.
43. And again I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel
Williams, and Jesse Baker, which priesthood is to preside over the quo-
rum of elders, which quorum is instituted for standing ministers; never-
theless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers
to my church, saith the Lord.
44. And again, I give unto you Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield,
Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James
Foster, to preside over the quorum of seventies, which quorum is insti-
tuted for traveling elders to bear record of my name in all the world,
wherever the traveling high council, my apostles, shall send them to
prepare a way before my face. The difference between this quorum
and the quorum of elders is, that one is to travel continually, and the
other is to preside over the churches from time to time; the one has
the responsibility of presiding from time to time, and the other has no
responsibility of presiding, saith the Lord your God.
45. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you Vinson Knight, Samuel
H. Smith, and Shadrach Roundy, if he will receive it, to preside over
the bishopric, a knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you, in the
Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
46. And, again I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and his counselors
for priests, and the president of the teachers and his counselors, and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 513
George Miller had by revelation been appointed Bishop to
succeed Edward Partridge, deceased.
On Monday, January 24, Mary, wife of Samuel H. Smith,
died.3 Saturday, January 30, 1841, at a special conference
Trustee neld at Nauvoo, President Joseph Smith was
in Trust. appointed "sole Trustee in Trust for the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."
Some murmurings of discontent and threats of violence
also the president of the deacons and his counselors, and also the presi-
dent of the stake and his counselors: The above offices I have given
unto you, and the keys thereof, for helps and for governments, for the
work of the ministry, and the perfecting of my saints, and a command-
ment I give unto you that you should fill all these offices and approve of
those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them, at my
general conference, and that ye should prepare rooms for all these offices
in my house when you build it unto my n'ame, saith the Lord your God.
Even so. Amen.
8 DIED. — In this city, January 25, Mary, consort of Samuel H. Smith,
aged thirty-one years. She has left four small children, an affectionate
companion, and numerous relatives and friends to mourn her loss, a loss
which is easier felt than described. Mrs. Smith was one of the first who
embraced the fullness of the gospel in the New England States. She was
a resident of the city of Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded with
friends and the comforts of life; but there was no sacrifice too great for
her to make for Jesus Christ and his cause, and in A. D. 1833, in company
with Miss Coolbrith (now the companion of my bosom), she bade farewell
to friends and connections and everything most dear, and traveled the
distance of one thousand miles to Kirtland, Ohio, with no human pro-
tector but the one above-named, to associate with the saints, in obedi-
ence to the commands of God and the instructions of the inspired
prophets and apostles.
She has ever manifested a willingness to endure persecution and
affliction for Christ's sake, and it has been her lot to suffer much for the
sake of the gospel; her companion being stripped of his goods and made
desolate by the enemies of truth, they suffered much in journeying to
Missouri, being exposed for the want of the comforts of life. They
located in Daviess County, Missouri, and while in childbed she was
driven from her home by an infatuated mob, and exposed to a violent
storm in the midst of an open prairie for several days, which brought
her nigh unto death; she however recovered to witness more distressing
scenes, all of which would be lengthy to enumerate, and too disgraceful
to harrow up the soul of the reader. We will state, however, that
before she had recovered of her illness, her companion had to flee for his
life and leave her to the mercy of an infuriated community, while he
wandered through the wilderness for the space of fourteen days without
seeing one white inhabitant, and the most of the time without food. The
reader can judge that her journey to Illinois must be attended with suf-
fering, being robbed of their all. But she is gone — she "rests from her
labors," she has been patient in all her afflictions — has kept the faith,
and will inherit eternal life, which is the greatest gift of God. — ED. —
Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 324, 325.
514 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
had been heard in different places, principally in Adams
County, Illinois, for some months past.4
On February 1, 1841, the first election under the new
charter was held, which resulted in the election of John C.
Bennett mayor, Daniel H. Wells, William Marks,
Election.
Samuel H. Smith, and N. K. Whitney aldermen;
Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, C. C. Rich, J.
T. Barnett, Wilson Law, D. C. Smith, J. P. Green, and
Vinson Knight, councilors.
On February 3, the council met, and in accordance with
the privilege granted in the charter authorized the organi-
zation of the "University of Nauvoo" and the "Nauvoo
Legion."
The militia met on the 4th, and organized the
Nauvoo Legion by the election of Joseph Smith, Lieu-
tenant General; John C. Bennett, Major General;
4 THE MORMONS. -
We regret to learn that the fell spirit of persecution towards this
religious denomination, which has cast such a reproach upon the peo-
ple of Missouri, is taking root in our own State. We will not go so
far as to call the leaders of the Mormons martyr-mongers, but we be-
lieve they are men of sufficient sagacity to profit by anything in the
shape of persecution, and fear but little from it. To constitute martyr-
dom, there must be both persecution and sympathy; and with a humane
people the latter follows the former. The Mormons have greatly profited
by their persecution in Missouri, and let war be commenced here so that
the first person shall be killed, and the cry of martyrdom is heralded
throughout the Union to the great profit of the Mormons and the dis-
grace of our State.
But what is this Mormon religion that the intrinsic excellence of the
code of our blessed Savior is insufficient to compete with it without phys-
ical force? Are we to glorify a God of infinite mercy and goodness by
worshiping him as a Moloch who delights in human sacrifices? Will
the destruction of a few enlighten the minds of the other Mormons? But
there is no reasoning with religious persecutors, generally the foulest
hypocrites on earth, whose burning zeal for the Lord and Savior is gen-
erally lighted up at the altar of worldly ambition. A minister who is
afraid to encounter the doctrines of Joe Smith should be made to quit
the pulpit; and the man who enlists in a personal crusade against the
Mormons, who have a right to preach just what they please, should suf-
fer the proper penalty for larceny, arson, or murder, as the case be. Let
Illinois repeat the bloody tragedies of Missouri and one or two other
States follow, and the Mormon religion will not only be known through-
out our land, but will be very extensively embraced. We hope the
friends of civil order in the Bounty Tract will extinguish thvs smolder-
ing fire of persecution, knowing that a fire merely material can never do
away with the intellectual darkness of the Mormons. — Chicago Democrat.
(Times and Seasons, vol. 2, p. 303.)
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 515
Wilson Law, Brigadier General of the First Cohort;5 D. C.
Smith, Brigadier General of the Second Cohort.6 The
Lieutenant General chose as his staff Captain A. P. Rock-
wood, Drill Officer; Captains William Law and R. B. Thomp-
son, aids-de-camp; for guards and assistant aids-de-camp,
James Allred, Thomas Grover, C. M. Kreymeyer, John L.
Butler, John Snider, Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Gaboon,
Elias Higbee, H. G. Sherwood, Shadrach Roundy, Samuel
H. Smith, and Vinson Knight.
We mention this military organization because many of the
church authorities were engaged in it, and thereby closely
associated it with church history; but as it was in fact an
organization separate and distinct from the church, and in
its government essentially different, we shall not hereafter
write the details of its history, but only mention it inciden-
tally as it concerns the historical narrative.
It was authorized by the legislature of the State and was
without question legal, and every citizen had the legal right
to enlist in its service. And it should be remembered that
under the law all able-bodied men were required to do mili-
tary duty.
As to the wisdom and expediency of high church officials
holding military office and receiving military honors, we
have nothing to say in this connection. We think it very
inconsistent to claim that it was wise because Joseph Smith
did it; but on the other hand, we think it just as inconsistent
to condemn in Joseph Smith what we justify in other Ameri-
can citizens.
On February 13, 1841, Orson Hyde sailed from New York
for Liverpool, on his way to Jerusalem, accom-
panied by George J. Adams. John E. Page, for
some causes hereafter explained, failed to go.
The City Council, composed mostly of church members,
sale of on February 15, 1841, passed a resolution which
intoxicants, shows them to have been fully abreast if not in
0 Horse troop.
• Foot troop.
516 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
advance of their time on the subject of vending of intoxi
cants. 7
Joseph Smith in his history states regarding this ordi-
nance:—
"In the discussion of the foregoing bill, I spoke at great
length on the use of liquors, and showed that it was unnec-
essary, and operates as a poison in the stomach, and that
roots and herbs can be found to effect all necessary purposes.
In harmony with the provisions of the late revelation steps
Nauvoo were taken for tlie building of the "Nauvoo
House. House," which resulted in the passage of the fol-
lowing act by the legislature: —
"AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE NAUVOO HOUSE
ASSOCIATION.
"Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illi-
nois, represented in the General Assembly, that George
Miller, Lyman Wight, John Snider, and Peter Haws, and
their associates, are hereby declared a body corporate, under
the name and style of the 'Nauvoo House Association;' and
they are hereby authorized to erect and furnish a public
house of entertainment, to be called the 'Nauvoo House.'
"Sec. 2. The above-named George Miller, Lyman Wight,
John Snider, and Peter Haws, are hereby declared to be the
trustees of said association, with full power and authority
7 AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO TEMPEBANCE.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo
That all persons and establishments whatever, in this city, are prohib-
ited from vending whisky in a less quantity than a gallon, or other spir-
ituous liquors in a less quantity than a quart, to any person whatever,
excepting on the recommendation of a physician duly accredited in
writing by the "Chancellor and Regents of the University of the City of
Nauvoo;" and any person guilty of any act contrary to the prohibition
contained in this ordinance shall, on conviction thereof before the
Mayor or Municipal Court, be fined in any sum not exceeding twenty-
five dollars, at the discretion of said Mayor or court; and any person or
persons who shall attempt to evade this ordinance by giving away
liquor, or by any other means, shall be considered alike amenable and
fined as aforesaid.
Sec. 2. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after
its passage.
Passed February 15, A. D. 1841.
JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor.
JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, p. 321.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 517
to hold in joint tenancy, by themselves and their successors
in office, a certain lot in the city of Nauvoo, in the county of
Hancock, and State of Illinois, known and designated on the
plot of said city as the south half of lot numbered fifty-six,
for the purpose of erecting thereon the house contemplated
in the first section of this act.
"Sec. 3. The said trustees are further' authorized and
empowered to obtain by stock subscription, by themselves or
their duly authorized agents, the sum of one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars, which shall be divided into shares of
fifty dollars each.
"Sec. 4. No individual shall be permitted to hold more
than three hundred, nor less than one share of stock, and
certificates of stock shall be delivered to subscribers so soon
as their subscriptions are paid in, and not before.
"Sec. 5. As soon as the contemplated house shall have
been completed and furnished, the stockholders shall appoint
such agents as the trustees may deem necessary in the man-
agement of the affairs of said association.
"Sec. 6. The trustees shall have power to sue and be
sued, plead and be impleaded, in any court of this State, in
the name and style of the 'Trustees of the Nauvoo House
Association.'
"Sec. 7. They shall also take the general care and super-
vision in procuring materials for said house, and construct-
ing and erecting the same, and further to superintend its
general management, and to do and perform all matters and
things whicn may be necessary to be done, in order to secure
the interests and promote the objects of this association.
"Sec. 8. This association shall continue twenty years
from the passage of this act, and the house herein provided
for shall be kept for the accommodation of strangers,
travelers, and all other persons who may resort thereto for
rest and refreshment.
"Sec 9. It is moreover established as a perpetual rule of
said house, to be observed by all persons who may keep or
occupy the same, that spirituous liquors of every description
are prohibited, and that such liquor shall never be vended
as a beverage, or introduced into common use, in said house.
518 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Sec. 10. And, whereas Joseph Smith has furnished the
said association with the ground whereon to erect said
house, it is further declared that the said Smith and his
heirs shall hold, by perpetual succession, a suit of rooms in
the said house, to be set apart and conveyed in due form of
law to him and his heirs by the said trustees, as soon as the
same are completed.
"Sec. 11. The Board of Trustees shall appoint one of
their number as President thereof.
"Approved February 23, 1841.
"Tnos. CARLOT, Governor.
"W. L. D. EWING,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
"S. H. ANDERSON,
Speaker of the Senate.
"State of Illinois, Office of Sec. State, s. a.
•'I, Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of State, do hereby
certify the foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the
enrolled law on file in my office.
"Witness my hand and seal of State.
"SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 24, A. D. 1841.
"S. A. DOUGLAS, Secretary of State."
—Millennial Star, vol. 18, pp. 391, 392.
These articles speak for themselves. We invite special
attention to the article prohibiting the sale or use of liquor
in the house. An ordinance offered to the City
Council by Joseph Smith by them adopted shows
broad and liberal toleration on the subject of religion.8
8 AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, that
the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Latter Day Saints,
Quakers, Episcopalians, Universalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans, and
all other religious sects and denominations, whatever, shall have free
toleration and equal privileges in this city; and should any person be
guilty of ridiculing, abusing, or otherwise depreciating another, in con-
sequence of his religion, or of disturbing or interrupting any religious
meeting within the limits of this city, he shall on conviction thereof
before the Mayor, or Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the
public peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars,
or imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of
said Mayor, or court.
Sec. 2. It is hereby made the duty of all municipal officers to notice,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 519
Soon after the passage of this act another passed the leg-
islature and was duly signed on March 10, 1841,
entitled, "An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo Agri-
tion. cultural and Manufacturing Association in the
County of Hancock. "
Companies leaving England for America were quite fre-
quent about this time; some landing at New York, and some
at New Orleans.
Sunday, March 21. The quorums of the Aaronic priest-
hood were organized by Bishops Whitney, Miller, Higbee,
Aaronic priest- aD(i Knight. Samuel Rolfe was chosen President
hood organized. of tbe priests> QUOrum with Stephen Markham
and Hezekiah Peck as counselors. Elisha Everett, with J.
W. Huntsman, James Hendricks, counselors, was choseji to
the presidency of the Teachers' Quorum. Phineas R. Bird,
with David Wood and W. W. Lane counselors, to the presi-
dency of the Deacons' Quorum.
March 29, William Marks, President of the Nauvoo
stake, made choice of C. C. Rich and Austin Cowles as coun-
selors.
Previous preparation having been made, the corner stones
Temple cor- °* tne Nauvoo Temple were laid on April 6, 1841,
ner stone laid. y^h appropriate and imposing ceremonies by and
under the direction of the First Presidency.
The General Annual Conference convened at Nauvoo on
Annual April 7, 1841. From the minutes as published in
conference. Times and Seasons we glean the following facts: —
"President Smith observed that it was necessary that
some one should be appointed to fill the Quorum of the
Twelve in the room of the late Elder David W. Patten,
and report to the Mayor any breach or violation of this or any other
ordinance of this city that may come within their knowledge, or of
hrhich they may be advised; and any officer aforesaid is hereby fully
authorized to arrest all such violators of rule, law, and order, either with
or without process.
Sec. 3. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after
its passage. Passed March 1, A. D. 1841.
JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor.
JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 336, 337.
520 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
whereupon President Rigdon nominated Elder Lyman Wight
to that office, which was unanimously accepted."
On presentation of the quorums to be sustained the follow-
ing were objected to: John A. Hicks, President of the
Elders' Quorum, Bishop Alanson Ripley, John E. Page of
the Twelve, and Noah Packard of the High Priests. Upon
motion of Bishop N. K. Whitney they were referred to their
several quorums. James Allred was appointed a member of
the High Council in place of C. C. Rich, who had been cho-
sen a counselor to the president of the stake.
John Murdock, Lyman Wight, William Smith, H. W. Mil-
ler, Amasa Lyman, Leonard Soby, Jehiel Savage, and Z. H.
Gurley were appointed to travel and collect means for the
purpose of building the temple.
The General Conference held at Manchester, England, at
English *ne same time reported 5,850 members, 136 elders,
conference. 393 priests, 169 teachers, and 68 deacons. In addi-
tion to these about 800 had emigrated to America during the
season.
On Tuesday, April 21. 1841, Brigham Young, H. C. Kim-
ball, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, G. A.
Twelve Smith, and Willard Richards, of the Twelve, with
leave England. a COmpany of about one hundred and thirty,
sailed from Liverpool for New York, en route for Nauvoo;
leaving P. P. Pratt, whose family was with him, in charge
of the European mission; while Orson Hyde was to prose-
cute his appointed mission to Jerusalem.
April 24, 1841, the High Council of Iowa selected David
Pettigrew and Moses Nickerson counselors to President
John Smith, in place of Reynolds Gaboon, removed to Nau-
voo, and Lyman Wight, ordained an Apostle of the Quorum
of Twelve.
With the issue of Times and Seasons for May 1, R. B.
Thompson became associated with Don C. Smith in the edi-
torial conduct of the paper.
May 2 the Teachers' Quorum was organized in Nauvoo,
Elisha Everett president, James Hendricks and J. W. Hunts-
man counselors.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 523
On May 2 Hon. Stephen A. Douglas and Cyrus Walker,
Esq., visited Nauvoo and addressed the citizens.
Political.
They and the people of Nauvoo seemed to be mu-
tually pleased with the results of the visit. •
• CITY OP NAUVOO, May 6, 1841.
To the Editors of the Times and Seasons; Gentlemen: — I wish, through
the medium of your paper to make known that on Sunday last I had the
honor of receiving a visit from the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, Justice of
the Supreme Court and Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State
of Illinois, and Cyrus Walker, Esq., of Macomb, who expressed great
pleasure in visiting our city, and were astonished at the improvements
which were made. They were officially introduced to the congregation
who had assembled on the meeting ground, by the mayor; and they sev-
erally addressed the assembly. Judge Douglas expressed his satisfac-
tion of what he had seen and heard respecting our people and took that
opportunity of returning thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo for conferring
upon him the freedom of the city, stating that he was not aware of render-
ing us any service sufficiently important to deserve such marked honor;
and likewise spoke in high terms of our location and the improvements
we had made, and that our enterprise and industry were highly cred-
itable to us indeed.
Mr. Walker spoke much in favor of the place, the industry of the
citizens, etc., and hoped they would continue to enjoy all the blessings
and privileges of our free and glorious Constitution, and as a patriot and
a freeman he was willing at all times to stand boldly in defense of liberty
and law.
It must indeed be satisfactory to this community to know that kind
and generous feelings exist in the hearts of men of such high reputa-
tion and moral and intellectual worth.
Judge Douglas has ever proved himself friendly to this people; and
interested himself to obtain for us our several charters, holding at that
time the office of Secretary of State. Mr. Walker also ranks high, and
has long held a standing at the bar which few attain, and is considered
one of the most able and profound jurists in the State.
The sentiments they expressed on the occasion were highly honorable'
to them as American citizens and as gentlemen.
How different their conduct from that of the official characters in the
State of Missouri, whose minds were prejudiced to such an extent that
instead of mingling in our midst and ascertaining for themselves our
character, kept entirely aloof, but were ready at all times to listen to
those who had the "poison of adders under their tongues," and who
sought our overthrow.
Let every person who may have imbibed sentiments prejudicial to us,
imitate the honorable example of our distinguished visitors (Douglas
and Walker), and I believe they will find much less to condemn than they
anticipated, and probably a great deal to commend.
What makes the late visit more pleasing is the fact that Messrs. Doug-
las and Walker have long been held in high estimation as politicians,
being champions of the two great parties that exist in the State; but
laying aside all party strife, like brothers, citizens, and friends, they
mingle with us, mutually disposed to extend to us courtesy, respect, and
friendship, which I hope we shall ever be proud to reciprocate.
I am, very respectfully yours, etc.,
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, p. 414.
522 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The success of the elders this summer was great. Many
were uniting with the church in various places, and some
notable miracles were done.
Elder Charles Thompson wrote from Batavia, New York,
February 2, 1841:—
"... During the harvest I introduced the gospel into
Batavia village. I preached seven times in the courthouse
Great *° attentive audiences composed of many of the
success. grst men jn ^e piace an(j others from the country
round about. This served to break down much of the preju-
dice through this country. Since then we have had access
to many neighborhoods through this region, and many are
believing in almost every direction, and the Lord works with
us and confirms the work with signs following them that
believe; for they speak with new tongues and interpret them,
many sick are healed, and even the deaf are made to
hear and the dumb to speak. About two months since I
baptized a man by the name of Shamp and wife, now resid-
ing in the village of Batavia, who had a daughter about six
years old that was deaf and dumb. Since then through the
laying on of hands and the anointing with oil in the name of
the Lord she has been perfectly restored to hearing, and is
beginning to talk. This has caused a great excitement;
many come from various towns to see the person upon whom
this great miracle has been wrought and to inquire of her
parents concerning it, while the enemies of truth are doing
their utmost to make people believe that no miracle has been
wrought. Some have offered to swear that the child is deaf
and dumb still, and others assert that the child began to hear
and speak before the Mormons ever saw it. Thus like the
false witness that came against Christ, their testimony does
not agree together; but the parents of the child (like the
parents of him who was blind) testify (and their testimony
is backed by many of their neighbors both in the church and
out) 'This is our child, and she was both deaf and dumb
when we embraced "Mormonism," but now she both hears
and speaks.' . . ." — Times and Seasons, vol. 2, p. 349.
May 22 and 23, a conference was held at Kirtland, Ohio.
A. W. Babbitt was elected president of that stake, Lester
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 623
Brooks and Zebedee Coltrin to be his counselors. Thomas
Burdick was elected Bishop of Kirtland, and Hiram Winters
Kirtiand an(^ Rsuben McBride his counselors. Hiram Kel-
conference. jOg was eiected President of the High Priests
Quorum, John Knapp and Joseph Pine counselors; and
Amos Babcock president of Elders Quorum, Otis Hobart
and Thomas Green counselors. By-laws were adopted for
the preservation of the Lord's house. * °
About this time the Twelve who sailed from Liverpool,
Twelve April 21, arrived in New York. The issue of the
arrive. Times and Seasons for June 1 contains a good arti-
cle showing the "progress of the church."11
10 Elders Brooks, Morton, and Norton, were appointed a committee to
draft a set of by-laws for the preservation of the Lord's house.
The committee reported a set of resolutions, which appoint two door-
keepers: that no person shall occupy the pulpits or stand unless entitled
by office or invited; that if any person shall deface the said house they
shall be punished according to law; that we will claim our right and
be protected in our worship according to law; that no person shall be
allowed to wear his hat on his head in the inner court; and that means
be taken to prevent persons from defiling the inside of the house with
tobacco cuds and tobacco spittle, and to prevent smoking. — Times and
Seasons, vol. 2, p. 459.
11 PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH.
More than ten years have passed away since the rise of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and although it has had to meet with
difficulties from almost every source, it still survives, and at this
moment, probably, is possessed of more strength and zeal than at any
former period of its existence.
While tracing over the history of events which have transpired since
its first commencement, and while calling to mind the scenes of afflic-
tion and persecution which the first propagators of our holy religion had
to contend with, who nobly and honorably bore up under scenes of woe
and distress which would have daunted persons less determined and
resolute, we feel our bosoms animated with the same feelings as those
which have frequently agitated our frame while reading the privations,
sufferings, valor, and achievements of our forefathers, who stemmed the
current of corruption and oppression, bore up under difficulties and
dangers sufficient to appall the stoutest heart, and counted not their
lives dear, so that they could be privileged to bequeath to their posterity
t^ie invaluable blessings of liberty. The days of the Revolution were
days that tried men's souls. The sycophant crouched to each party as
it rose in power, and for the sake of gain frequently betrayed his best
friends. But there was a band, resolute, determined, and invincible,
who scorned to crouch to power and popularity; a band in whose bos-
oms, under all circumstances, continued to burn the sacred flame of lib-
erty. Many waters could not quench it, the winds of adversity could not
extinguish it; it warmed them in the winter's blast, it cheered them in
disappointment: and in the gloomy prison, and survived them when theii
524 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
June 5, 1841, President Joseph Smith was arrested on a
requisition from the Governor of Missouri, and upon a writ
Joseph smith issued the year before and returned without being
executed. Joseph writes of this experience as
follows: —
"I called on Governor Carlin, at his residence in Quincy.
bodies fell in the battlefield, covered with wounds and gore, to descend
upon their posterity.
By their steadfastness, patience, and indomitable courage they effected
the object they bound themselves by every sacred tie to accomplish.
Victory perched on the warrior's shield, and the glad notes of peace
were heard through the land. The patriot found himself surrounded by
friends; his name was emblazoned on his country's banners, and on the
hearts of tens of thousands, who duly appreciated his toils and who
rejoiced in the liberty for which he nerved his arm in the day of battle.
The whole nation respected them and cheerfully awarded to them the
honor and merit which were justly their due.
And shall not those who were the first to make a stand against iniquity,
corruption, and the false religions of the day, who have had to contend
against a wicked and gainsaying people, and for their testimony have
had to wade through scenes too heartrending to mention, — been tarred,
feathered, whipped, stoned, imprisoned, — be likewise rewarded for their
toil and labor of love? Yea, verily; for they have given evidence of a
love of liberty as strong, a courage as great, a spirit as indomitable as
the fathers of the Revolution. These are the Elishas upon whom the
flowing mantles of our Elijahs fell, who have honorably maintained
their character in the sight of heaven and earth; and although some
have died in the conflict and have entered into rest, yet their names will
be had in remembrance from generation to generation, and-they will be
rewarded by the Judge of all the earth, who will do right. Those who
yet survive have the assurance that their labors have not been in vain;
they know that they have been crowned with success.
Ye noble-hearted scions of honored sires, may heaven's choicest bless-
ings rest upon you; may your declining years be years of peace; may
your children and your children's children enjoy all the blessings of that
gospel which you struggled to establish; and may you see them flourish
like the trees of Lebanon, your sons grow up as plants of renown, and
your daughters be polished after the similitude of a palace. May all
your wants both temporal and spiritual be supplied, and when you shall
gather up your feet and bid adieu to mortality, may the sacred halo of
glory surround your honored heads, and your posterity catch the sacred
flame of liberty and love, to be handed down to generations yet unborn.
Cold is the heart of that man and unworthy the character of a saint of
God who does not feel his bosom heave at the recital of the cruelties
practiced upon the saints of the Most High, and does not appreciate the
toils of the first elders.
Although they have no emblazoned urn to perpetuate their names, yet
they live, and will continue to live in the hearts and affections of a
church which is coming up out of the wilderness, "fair as the sun, clear
as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners."
We do not suppose that the struggle has yet terminated, or that an
unbroken scene of prosperity will attend the saints from this time forth.
Such an idea would be incompatible with the word of God; but we do
expect that although afflictions may be the lot of the saints, and they be
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 525
During my visit with the Governor I was treated with the
greatest kindness and respect; nothing was said about any
requisition having come from the Governor of Missouri for
my arrest. In a very few hours after I had left the Gov-
ernor's residence he sent Thomas King, Sheriff of Adams
County, Thomas Jasper, a constable of Quincy, and some
others, as a posse, with an officer from Missouri, to arrest
me and deliver me up to the authorities of Missouri.
"Saturday, 5th. While I was staying at Heberlin's Hotel,
Bear Creek, about twenty-eight miles south of Nauvoo,
Sheriff King and posse arrested me. Some of the posse, on
learning the spirit .of the officer of Missouri, left the com-
pany in disgust and returned to their own homes. I accord-
ingly returned to Quincy and obtained a writ of habeas
corpus from Charles A. Warren, Esq., Master in Chancery;
and Judge Stephen A. Douglas happening to come to
driven from one city to another, yet the purposes of Jehovah will at the
same time be consummating.
One thing, however, is certain: that Zion shall be established, her
foundations shall be laid, her beauty shall astonish the world, and she
become the glory of the whole earth. These things are decreed by the
King of kings and Lord of lords, and he hath declared that heaven and
earth may pass away, but not one jot or tittle of his word shall fall to the
ground.
Knowing then that the work of the Lord is propelled by Almighty
power, the saints can rest satisfied, under all circumstances, that it will
roll forth with power and energy that shall comport with the purposes
of Jehovah.
And if in the short space of ten years it has risen from obscurity,
penetrated into the different States of the Union, spread and flourished
in the European Isles, caused the wisdom of wise men to perish and
the understanding of the prudent to be hid, risen above the persecutions
of individuals and communities, and appears so marvelous in the eyes of
this generation, — what may be expected ten years hence? Where is the
individual whose mind is sufficient to grasp the fullness, extent, and
glory of the church? None but those who catch the sacred spirit which
animated the bosom of the prophets when they foretold of the glories of
the last days, and when the visions of the Almighty rested upon them.
A field wide as eternity, a labor worthy the archangels, appear before
the saints of God, and to accomplish which they must be faithful, dili-
gent, enterprising, and prepared to make whatever sacrifice the
Almighty may require at their hands. By doing so they will not only be
instrumental in securing the happiness of their fellow man, but their
own; and when the judgment is set and the books are opened and every
man rewarded according to his works, they will hear from the righteous
Judge, "Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful
over a few things, now I will make thee ruler over many things, enter
thou into the joy of thy Lord." — Timea and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 423, 424.
526 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Quincy that evening, he appointed to give a hearing on the
writ on the Tuesday following, in Monmouth, Warren
County, where the court would then commence a regular
term. . . .
"Sunday, 6th. News of my arrest having arrived in Nau-
voo last night and being circulated through the city, Hosea
Stout, Tarleton Lewis, William A. Hickman, John S.
Higbee, Elijah Able, Uriel C. Nickerson, and George W.
Clyde started from the Nauvoo landing in a skiff, in order to
overtake me, and rescue me if necessary. They had a heavy
head wind, but arrived in Quincy at dusk, went up to Benja-
min Jones' house, and found that I had gone to Nauvoo in
charge of two officers.
"I returned to Nauvoo in charge of the officers (Sheriff
King had been suddenly siezed with sickness— I nursed and
waited upon him in my own house, so that he might be able
to go to Monmouth), and notified several of my friends to
get ready and accompany me the next morning.
"Monday, 7th. I started very early for Monmouth, sev-
enty-five miles distant (taking Mr. King along with me, and
attending him during his sickness), accompanied by Charles
C. Rich, Amasa Lyman, Shadrach Roundy, Reynolds
Gaboon, Charles Hopkins, Alfred Randall, Elias Higbee,
Morris Phelps, John P. Green, Henry G. Sherwood, Joseph
Younger, Darwin Chase, Ira Miles, Joel S. Miles, Lucien
Woodworth, Vinson Knight, Robert B. Thompson, George
Miller, and others. We traveled very late, camping about
midnight on the road.
"Tuesday morning, 8th. Arrived at Monmouth and pro-
cured breakfast at the tavern; found great excitement pre-
vailing in the public mind, and great curiosity was mani-
fested by the citizens, who were extremely anxious to obtain
'a sight of the Prophet, 'expecting to see me in chains. Mr.
King (whose health was now partly restored) had considera-
ble difficulty in protecting me from the mob that had gath-
ered there. Mr. Sidney H. Little, for the defense, motioned
'That the case of Mr. Smith should be taken up,' but was
objected to by the States' Attorney pro tern, on account of
Viis not being prepared, not having had sufficient notice
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 527
of the trial. It was accordingly, by mutual consent, post-
poned until Wednesday morning.
"In the evening great excitement prevailed, and the citi-
zens employed several attorneys to plead against me.
"I was requested to preach to the citizens of Monmouth,
but as I was a prisoner, I kept closeted in my room, for I
could not even come down stairs to my meals but the people
would be crowding the windows to get a peep at me, and
therefore appointed Elder A. Lyman to preach in the court-
house on Wednesday evening.
"Wednesday, 9th. At an early hour the courthouse was
filled with spectators desirous to hear the proceedings.
"Mr. Morrison on behalf of the people wished for time to
send to Springfield for the indictment, it not being found
with the rest of the papers. This course would have delayed
the proceedings, and as it was not important to the issue,
the attorneys for the defense admitted that there was an
indictment, so that the investigation might proceed.
"Mr. Warren, for the defense, then read the petition,
which stated that I was unlawfully held in custody, and that
the indictment in Missouri was obtained by fraud, bribery,
and duress,- all of which I was prepared to prove.
"Mr. Little then called upon the following witnesses;
viz., Morris Phelps, Elias Higbee, Reynolds Gaboon, and
George W. Robinson, who were sworn. The counsel on the
opposite side objected to hearing evidence on the merits of
the case, as they could not go beyond the indictment. Upon
this a warm and long discussion occurred, which occupied
the attention of the court through the entire day.
"All the lawyers on the opposite side excepting two; viz.,
Messrs. Knowlton and Jennings, confined themselves to the
merits of the case, and conducted themselves as gentlemen;
but it was plainly evident that the design of Messrs. Knowl-
ton and Jennings was to excite the public mind still more on
the subject and inflame the passions of the people against
me and my religion.
"The counsel on behalf of the defense, Messrs. Charles A.
Warren, Sidney H. Little, O. H. Browning, James H. Rals-
ton, Cyrus Walker, and Archibald Williams, acted nobly
528 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and honorably, and stood up in the defense of the persecuted
in a manner worthy of high-minded and honorable gentle-
men. Some had even been told that if they engaged on the
side of the defense they need never look to the citizens of
that county for any political favors; but they were not to be
overawed by the popular clamor, or [to] be deterred from an
act of public duty by any insinuations or threats whatever,
and stated that if they had not before determined to take a
part in the defense, they, after hearing the threats of the
community, were now fully determined to discharge their
duty. The counsel for the defense spoke well, without
exception, and strongly urged the legality of the court
examining testimony to prove that the whole proceedings
on the part of Missouri were base and illegal, and that
the indictment was obtained through fraud, bribery, and
corruption.
"The court after hearing the counsel adjourned about
half-past six o'clock p. m.
"While I was at dinner a man rushed in and said, 'Which
is Joe Smith? I have got a five dollar Kirtland bill, and I'll
be damned if he don't take it back I'll sue him, for his name
is to it.' I replied, 'I am the man,' took the bill and paid
him the specie; which he took very reluctantly, being anx-
ious to kick up a fuss.
"The crowd in the court was so intense that Judge
Douglas ordered the sheriff of Warren County to keep the
spectators back; but he neglected doing so, when the Judge
fined him ten dollars. In a few minutes he again ordered
the sheriff to keep the men back from crowding the prisoner
and witnesses. He replied, 'I have told a constable to do
it,' when the Judge immediately said, 'Clerk, add ten dollars
more to that fine.' The sheriff, finding neglect rather expen-
sive, then attended to his duty.
"A young lawyer from Missouri volunteered to plead
against me. He tried his utmost to convict me, but was so
high with liquor and chewed so much tobacco that he often
called for cold water. Before he had spoken many minutes
he turned sick, requested to be excused by the court, and
went out of the courthouse, puking all the way down stairs.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 529
(As the Illinoisans call the Missouri people pukes, this cir-
cumstance caused considerable amusement to the members
of the bar.) During his plea his language was so outra-
geous that the Judge was twice under the necessity of order-
ing him to be silent.
"Mr. O. H. Browning then commenced his plea, and in a
short time the puking lawyer returned and requested the
privilege of finishing his plea, which was allowed.
"Afterwards Mr. Browning resumed his pleadings, which
were powerful; and when he gave a recitation of what he
himself had seen at Quincy and on the banks of the Missis-
sippi River, when the saints were 'exterminated from Mis-
souri,' where he tracked the persecuted women and children
by their bloody footmarks in the snow, they were so affect-
ing that the spectators were often dissolved in tears. Judge
Douglas himself and most of the officers wept, for they
were under the necessity of keeping the spectators com-
pany.
"Elder Amasa Lyman during the evening preached a
brilliant discourse in the courthouse, on the first principles
of the gospel, which changed the feelings of the people very
materially.
"The following letter is from the editor of the Times and
Seasons: —
"'American Hotel, MONMOXJTH, Warren County,
" 'Illinois, June 5, 1841, Wednesday evening.
" 'We have just returned from the courthouse, where we
have listened to one of the most eloquent speeches ever
uttered by mortal man, in favor of justice and liberty, by O.
H. Browning, Esq., who has done himself immortal honor in
the sight of all patriotic citizens who listened to the same.
He occupied the attention of the court for more than two
hours, and showed the falsity of the arguments of the oppo-
site counsel, and laid down principles in a lucid and able
manner, which ought to guide the court in admitting testi-
mony for the defendant, Joseph Smith. We have heard Mr.
Browning on former occasions, when he has frequently
delighted his audience by his eloquence; but on this occasion
he exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The seoti-
580 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
ments he advanced were just, generous, and exalted; be
soared above the petty quibbles which the opposite counsel
urged, and triumphantly, in a manner and eloquence pecul-
iar to himself, avowed himself the friend of humanity, and
boldly, nobly, and independently stood up for the rights of
those who had waded through seas of oppression and floods of
injustice and had sought a shelter in the State of Illinois. It
was an effort worthy of a high-minded and honorable gentle-
man, such as we ever considered him to be since we have
had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Soon after we came
out of Missouri he sympathized with us in our afflictions,
and we are indeed rejoiced to know that he yet maintains the
same principles of benevolence. His was not an effort of a
lawyer anxious to earn his fee, but the pure and patriotic
feelings of Christian benevolence and a sense of justice and
of right. While he was answering the monstrous and ridicu-
lous arguments urged by the opposing counsel, that Joseph
Smith might go to Missouri and have his trial, he stated the
circumstance of our being driven from that State, and feel-
ingly and emphatically pointed out the impossibility of our
obtaining justice there. There we were forbidden to enter
in consequence of the order -of the Executive, and that
injustice and cruelties of the most barbarous and atrocious
character had been practiced upon us until the streams of
Missouri had run with blood; and that he had seen women
and children, barefoot and houseless, crossing the Missis-
sippi to seek refuge from ruthless mobs. He concluded his
remarks by saying, that to tell us to go to Missouri for a
trial was adding insult to injury; and then said: "Great
God! Have I not seen it? Yes, my eyes have beheld the
blood-stained traces of innocent women and children, in the
drear winter, who had traveled hundreds of miles barefoot,
through frost and snow, to seek a refuge from their savage
pursuers. 'Twas a scene of horror, sufficient to enlist sym-
pathy from an adamantine heart. And shall this unfortu-
nate man, whom their fury has seen proper to select for
sacrifice, be driven into such a savage land, and none dare to
enlist in the cause of justice? If there was no other voice
under heaven ever to be heard in this cause, gladly would I
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 531
stand alone and proudly spend my latest breath in defense
of an oppressed American citizen.'"
"Thursday morning, 10th. The court was opened about
eight o'clock, when Judge Douglas delivered his opinion on
the case.
"He said — 'That the writ being once returned to the
Executive by the Sheriff of Hancock County, was dead, and
stood in the same relationship as any other writ which might
issue from the Circuit Court; and consequently the defend-
ant could not be held in custody on that writ. The other
point, whether evidence in the case was admissible or not,
he would not at that time decide, as it involved great and
important considerations relative to the future conduct of
the different States; there being no precedent, as far as
they had access to authorities, to guide them. But he would
endeavor to examine the subject, and avail himself of all the
authorities which could be obtained on the subject, before
he would decide that point. But on the other, the defend-
ant must be liberated.'
"The decision was received with satisfaction by myself
and the brethren, and all those whose minds were free from
prejudice. It is now decided that before another writ can
issue a new demand must be made by the Governor of Mis-
souri. Thus have I once more been delivered from the fangs
of my cruel persecutors, for which I thank God, my heavenly
Father.
"I was discharged about eleven a. m., when I ordered din-
ner for my company, now increased to about sixty men; and
when I called for the tavern bill, the unconscientious fellow
replied, 'Only one hundred and sixty dollars.'
"About two p. m., the company commenced their return,
traveled about twenty miles, and camped by the wayside.
"Friday, llth. Started very early, arrived at La Harpe
for dinner, and returned safely to Nauvoo by four p. m.,
where I was met by the acclamations of the saints."— Mil-
lennial Star, vol. 18. pp. 550-553.
An editorial in Times and Seasons agrees with the above.
CHAPTER 24.
1841.
THE TEMPLE— HYDE IN GERMANY— THE TWELVE— DEATH OF D. C.
SMITH— MISSIONARIES SENT— PROFESSOR PRATT— INDIANS AT
NAUVOO— SEMIANNUAL CONFERENCE OF 1841— EPISTLE OF THE
TWELVE— KIRTLAND AFFAIRS— BAPTISMAL FONT— EPISTLE OP
THE TWELVE — BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD— LETTER FROM O. HYDE—
THE TWELVE DISSATISFIED WITH TIMES AND SEASONS— TEMPLE
BUILDING AND CHURCH REJECTION— LIST. OF PUBLICATIONS.
ON July 1, 1841, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and
John Taylor, of the Twelve, arrived in Nauvoo from their
mission to England, and the Prophet states: "The accounts
of their missions are highly satisfactory."
Sometime this month Orson Pratt published in New York
an edition of his work which had previously been printed in
Edinburgh, Scotland, called, "The History of the Coming
Forth of the Book of Mormon."
The issue of the Times and Seasons for July 1, 1841, con-
tains an account of the temple, which shows very
The temple. , ,
satisfactory progress, and speaks well for the
energy and perseverance of a despoiled and afflicted peo-
ple.1
1 THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD.
We are happy to say that this building is progressing In a manner
which does honor to the citizens of this place. On visiting it a few days
ago we were agreeably surprised to find that the brethren, notwithstand-
ing their poverty, had accomplished so much; and we feel assured if the
saints abroad with their wealth would make a corresponding effort that
another year would not roll over our heads before the "tops tone would
be brought up, with shouts of Grace, grace be unto it."
The building committee are making every preparation to erect the
baptismal font in the basement story as soon as possible. The font is
intended to be supported by twelve oxen, several of which are in a state
of forwardness, and are certainly good representations of that animal,
and do great credit to the mechanics who are engaged in carving the
same. It is intended to overlay them with gold, and when finished will
have a very grand appearance indeed. Most of the labor that is done
has been accomplished by the citizens devoting every tenth day gratui-
tously to that purpose.
While contemplating the foundation which has been so happily begun,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 533
July 12; William Clayton was appointed clerk of the High
Council of Iowa, and John Patten recorder of baptisms for
the dead in Iowa. Baptisms for the dead were authorized
to be performed in the Mississippi River on the Iowa side.
On July 13, 1841, George A. Smith, of the Twelve, ar-
rived in Nauvoo from his mission to England.
A letter written by Orson Hyde on July 17, 1841, left him
H de in ^ Ratisbon, Germany, on the Danube. It gives
Germany. quite a f ull and interesting account of his travels
after leaving London. *
we were forcibly reminded of the circumstances, as recorded in holy
writ, connected with the building of the ancient temple at Jerusalem,
by the Israelites, after they had escaped the perils of the wilderness
and had obtained a possession in the land of Canaan. — Times and Sea-
sons, vol. 2, p. 455.
* RATISBON, on the Danube, July 17, 1841.
Dear Bro. Joseph, and all whom it may concern: —
With pleasure I take my pen to write to you at this time, hoping this
communication may find you as it leaves me, in good health and enjoy-
ing a comfortable measure of the Holy Spirit.
On the 20th of June last I left London for Rotterdam, in Holland,
after writing a lengthy epistle to you, and also the copy of a letter
addressed to the Rev. Doctor S. Hirschell, President Rabbi of the He-
brews in London, which I hope you have received ere this. The work
of the Lord was steadily advancing in London under the efficient and
zealous labors of our worthy brother, Elder L. Snow.
The fine steamer Battavier brought me safely over the billows of a
tremendous rough sea in about thirty hours. Never did I suffer more
from seasickness than during this short voyage; but it was soon over,
and we landed safely in Rotterdam. I took my lodgings at the London
Hotel at two florins per diem, about three shillings and five pence ster-
ling, or seventy-five cents. Here I called on the Hebrew Rabbi, and
proposed certain questions to him; but as he did not understand a word
of English, it was hard for me to enter into particulars with him. I
asked him, however, whether he expected his Messiah to come directly
from heaven, or whether he expected him to be born of a woman on
earth. He replied that he expected him to be born of a woman, of the
seed and lineage of David. At what period do you look for this event?
Answer, "We have been looking a long time, and are now living in con-
stant expectation of his coming." "Do you believe in the restitution of
your nation to the land of your fathers, called the land of promise?"
"We hope it will be so," was the reply. He then added: "We believe
that many Jews will return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city — rear a
temple to the name of the Most High, and restore our ancient worship."
"Jerusalem shall be the capital of our nation; the center of our union,
and the standard and ensign of our national existence. But we do not
believe that all the Jews will go there, for the place is not large enough
to contain them. They are now gathering there," continued he, "almost
continually." I told him that I had written an address to the Hebrews
and was about procuring its publication in his own language (Dutch);
and when completed I would leave him a copy. He thanked me for this
534 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
token of respect, and I bade him adieu. I soon obtained the publication
of five hundred copies of the address, and left one at the house of the
Rabbi. He being absent from home, I did not see him.
After remaining here about one week I took the coach for Amsterdam,
distance seven hours, or about thirty English miles. Rotterdam is a fine
town of about eighty thousand inhabitants. The cleanliness of its
streets, the antique order of its architecture, the extreme height of its
buildings, the numerous shade trees with which it is beautified, and the
great number of canals through almost every part of the town, filled
with ships of various sizes from different parts of the world, — all these,
with many other things not mentioned, contributed to give this place a
peculiarity resembled nowhere else in the course of my travels, except in
Amsterdam. Most of the business men here speak a little English; some
speak it very well. In ascending the waters of the Rhine from the sea
to Rotterdam, the numerous windmills which I beheld in constant
operation led me to think, almost, that all Europe came here for their
grinding. But I ascertained that they were grinding for distilleries,
where the floods of gin are made, which not only deluge our beloved
country with fatal consequences, but many others. Gin is one of the
principal articles of exportation from this country. In going to Amster-
dam I passed through a very beautiful town called "The Hague," the
residence of the King of Holland. I saw his palace, which was guarded
by soldiers, both horse and foot. For grandeur it bore but a faint resem-
blance to Buckingham Palace in London. But the beautiful parks and
picturesque scenery in and about the Hague I have never seen equaled in
any country. I remained in Amsterdam only one night and a part of two
days. I called on the President Rabbi here, but he was gone from home.
I left at his house a large number of the addresses for himself and his
people, and took coach for Arnheim on the Rhine. Took boat the same
evening for Mazenty. Traveling by coach and steam is rather cheaper
in this country than in the United States. We were three days in going
up the Rhine to Mazenty. Holland and the lower part of Prussia are
very low, flat countries. The French and German languages are spoken
all along the Rhine; but little or no English. The Rhine is about like
the Ohio for size, near its mouth where it empties into the Mississippi.
Its waters resemble the Missouri waters, dark and muddy. The scenery
and landscapes along this river have been endowed with art and nature's
choicest gifts. I have been made acquainted with Europe in America
by books to a certain extent, yet now my eyes beholdl It is impossible
for a written description of a stranger's beauty to leave the same impres-
sion upon the mind as is made by an ocular view of the lovely object.
This is the difference between reading of and seeing the countries of
Europe.
From Mazenty I came to Frankfort-on-the-Main, by railroad, distance
seven hours. From Frankfort I came to this place, distance about
thirty hours, where Napoleon gained a celebrated victory over the
Prussians and Austrians. The very ground on which I now write this
letter was covered by about sixty thousand slain in that battle. It is
called the battle of Ackynaeal.
It was my intention to have gone directly down the Danube to Con-
stantinople, but having neglected to get my passport viseed by the Aus-
trian embassador at Frankfort, I had to forward it to the Austrian
embassador at Munich and procure his permission, signature, and seal,
before I could enter the Austrian dominions. This detained me five
days, during which time I conceived the idea of sitting down and learn-
ing the German language scientifically. I became acquainted with a
lady here who speaks French and German to admiration, and she was
very anxious to ipeak the English — she proposed giving me instruction
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 535
in the German if I would instruct her in English. I accepted her pro-
posal. I have been engaged eight days in this task; I have read one
book through and part of another, and translated and written considera-
ble. I can speak and write the German considerable already, and the
lady tells me that I make astonishing progress. From the past experi-
ence I know that the keen edge of any work translated by a stranger in
whose heart the spirit of the matter does not dwell is lost; the life and
animation thereof die away into a cold monotony, and it becomes almost
entirely another thing. This step is according to the best light I can
get, and hope and trust that it is according to the mind of the Lord.
The people will hardly believe but that I have spoken German before;
but I tell them, "nicht" — not. The German is spoken in Prussia, Ba-
varia, and in all the states of Germany, Austria, the south of Russia, and
in fine more or less all over Europe. It appears to me therefore that
some person of some little experience ought to know this language so as
to translate himself, without being dependent on strangers. If I am
wrong in my movement, pray that the Spirit of the Lord may direct me
aright. If I am right, pray that Heaven may speedily give me this lan-
guage. It is very sickly in Constantinople, Syria, and Alexandria, at
present; I would rather, therefore, wait until cool weather before I go
there. I might have written most of this letter in German; but as you
would more readily understand it in English, I have written it in Eng-
lish.
With pleasure I leave the historical part of my letter, to touch a softer
note, and give vent to the feelings of my heart.
I hope and trust that the cause which you so fearlessly advocate is
rolling forth in Amerioa with that firm and steady motion which charac-
terizes the work of Jehovah. The enemies which we are forced to
encounter are numerous, strong, shrewd, and cunning. Their leader
transfuses into them his own spirit, and brings them into close alliance
with the numerous hosts of precious immortals who have earlier been
taken captives by the haughty tyrant, and sacrificed upon the altar of
iniquity, transgression, and sin. May it please our Father in heaven to
throw around thee his protecting arms, to place beneath thee almighty
strength, ever buoy thy head above the raging waves of tribulation
through which the chart of destiny has evidently marked thy course.
Happy in the enjoyment of the distinguished consideration with which
Heaven's favor alone has endowed me, of bearing with you some humble
part in laying the foundation of the glorious kingdom of Messiah which
is destined in its onward course to break in pieces and destroy all others
and stand forever.
The friendship and good will which are breathed towards me through
all your letters are received as the legacy which noble minds and gener-
ous hearts are ever anxious to bequeath. They soften the hard and
rugged path in which Heaven has directed my course. They are buoy-
ancy in depression, joy in sorrow, and when the dark clouds of despond-
ing hope are gathering thick around the mental horizon, like the kind
angel from the fountain of mercy they dispel the gloom, dry the tear of
sorrow, and pour humanity's healing balm into my grieved and sorrow-
ful heart. Be assured, therefore, Bro. Joseph, that effusions from the
altar of a grateful heart are smoking to heaven daily, in thy behalf; and
not only in thine, but in behalf of all Zion's suffering sons and daugh-
ters whose generous magnanimity will ever environ and adorn the brow
of the object of their compassion. Though now far separated from you,
and also from her who with me has suffered the chilling blasts of adver-
sity, yet hope lingers in this bosom, brightened almost into certainty by
the implicit confidence reposed in the virtue of that call which was
borne on the gentle breeze of the Spirit of God through the dark shades
530 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
of midnight gloom, till it found a mansion in my anxious and inquiring
heart, that my feet shall once more press the American soil, and under
the shade of her streaming banner embrace again the friends I love
I never knew that I was, in reality, as American, until I walked out one
fine morning in Rotterdam along the wharf where many ships lay in the
waters of the Rhine. Suddenly my eye caught a broad pennant floating in
a gentle breeze over the stern of a fine ship at half-mizzenmast; and when
I saw the widespread eagle perched on her banner, with the stripes and
stars under which our fathers were led on to conquest and victory, my
heart leaped into my mouth, a flood of tears burst from my eyes, and
before reflection could mature a sentence, my mouth involuntarily gave
birth to these words, "I am an American!"
To see the flag of one's country in a strange land, and floating upon
strange waters, produces feelings which none can know except those
who experience them. I can now say that I am an American. While
at home, the warmth and fire of the American spirit lay in silent slum-
ber in my bosom; but the winds of foreign climes have fanned it into a
flame.
I have seen some of the finest specimens of painting and sculpture of
both ancient and modern times. The vast variety of curiosities, also,
from every country on the globe, together with every novelty that genius
could invent or imagination conceive which I have been compelled to
witness in the course of my travels, would be too heavy a tax upon my
time to describe and upon your patience to read. I have witnessed the
wealth and splendor of many of the towns of Europe, have gazed with
admiration upon her widely extended plains, her lofty mountains, her
moldering castles, and her extensive vineyards; for at this season Nature
is clad in her bridal robes, and smiles under the benign jurisprudence of
her Author.
I have also listened to the blandishments, gazed upon the pride and
fashion of a world grown old in luxury and refinement, viewed the pag-
eantry of kings, queens, lords, and nobles, and am now where military
honor and princely dignity must bow at the shrine of clerical superi-
ority. In fine, my mind has become cloyed with novelty, pomp, and
show, and turns with disgust from the glare of fashion to commune
with itself in retired meditation.
Were it consistent with the will of Deity and consonant with the con-
victions of my own bosom, most gladly would I retreat from the oppress-
ing heat of public life, and seek repose in the cool and refreshing shades
of domestic endearments and bask in the affections of my own little
family circle. But the will of God be done. Can the Messiah's kingdom
but be advanced through my toil, privation, and excessive labors, and at
last sanctify my work through the effusion of my own blood, I yield, O
Lord! I yield to thy righteous mandate, imploring help from thee in
the hour of trial and strength in the day of weakness to faithfully endure
until my immortal spirit shall be driven from its earthly mansion to find
a refuge in the bosom of its God!
If the friends in America shall be edified in reading this letter from
Bro. Hyde, I hope they will remember one thing; and that is this: that
he hopes he has a wife and two children living there; but the distance
is so great between him and them, that his arm is not long enough to
administer to their wants. I have said enough. Lord, bless my wife
and children and the hand that ministers good to them, in the name of
Jesus Christ, Amen. Adieu for the present.
Good rest on all the saints, throughout the world,
ORSON HTDE.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 570-573.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 537
The Times and Seasons for August 1, 1841, contained quite
a readable article on "The Twelve," which reflects
The Twelve. _ , .
great credit on their work done in England. *
* THE TWELVE.
All of the Quorum of the Twelve who were expected here this season,
with the exception of Elder Woodruff, have arrived.
We have listened to the accounts which they give of their success and
the prosperity of the work of the Lord in Great Britain, with great pleas-
ure. They certainly have been the instruments in the hands of God of
accomplishing much, and must have the satisfaction of knowing that
they have done their duty.
Perhaps no men ever undertook such an important mission under such
peculiarly distressing, forbidding, and unpropitious circumstances.
Most of them when they left this place nearly two years ago were worn
down with sickness and disease, or were taken sick on the road. Several
of their families were also afflicted and needed their aid and support.
But knowing that they had been called by the God of heaven to preach
the gospel to other nations, they conferred not with flesh and blood, but
obedient to the heavenly mandate, without purse or scrip, commenced a
journey of five thousand miles, entirely dependent on the providence of
that God who had called them to such a holy calling.
While journeying to the seaboard, they were brought into many try-
ing circumstances; after a short recovery from severe sickness, they
would be taken with a relapse, and have to stop among strangers, with-
out money and without friends. Their lives were several times
despaired of, and they have taken each other by the hand, expecting it
would be the last time they should behold one another in the flesh.
However, notwithstanding their afflictions and trials, the Lord always
interposed in their behalf and did not suffer them to sink in the arms of
death. Some way or other was made for their escape — friends rose up
when they most needed them and relieved their necessities; and thus
they were enabled to pursue their journey and rejoice in the Holy One of
Israel.
They, truly, "went forth weeping, bearing precious seed, "but have
"returned with rejoicing, bearing their sheaves with them," and thou-
sands upon the shores of Britain have to rejoice that they ever visited
their land and proclaimed the sound of the everlasting gospel, which is
taking such a wide spread through that empire; and causing the wisdom
of the wise to perish and the understanding of the prudent to be hid, but
the meek to increase their joy in the Lord, etc., etc.
It is true, they met with considerable opposition from the learned
priests, who, like their pious brethren in this land, loved to retail
wicked and slanderous reports, and would endeavor, behind their backs,
to ridicule their religion, but .durst not stand the brunt of honorable
investigation. But their efforts to stop the progress of truth were una-
vailing, the people got their ears and their hearts open, and were deter-
mined to hear and understand for themselves, and being convinced of
the truth of these things, regardless of the scorn of sinners and the
anathemas of the self-righteous, they boldly avowed their attachment to
the doctrines of the gospel.
Under the instrumentality of the Twelve and their fellow laborers,
large and flourishing churches have been built up in various parts of
Ensrland, Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man; and when they left, the
work was progressing with rapid strides.
We cannot too strongly urge upon the elders of Israel to imitate tho
538 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
On August 7, 1841, Don Carlos Smith, editor of the Times
Death of an^ Seasons, and youngest brother of the Prophet,
D. c. smith. died at his residence in Nauvoo. The following
obituary notice was published in Times and Seasons, volume
2, pages 503, 504:—
"With emotions of no ordinary kind we announce the
death of Don Carlos Smith, the publisher and one of the
editors of this paper, which unexpected event took place at
his residence in this city on the morning of the 7th inst., at
twenty minutes after two o'clock, in the twenty-fifth year of
his age.
"The deceased had been afflicted some time, but nothing
serious was apprehended, and not until a day or two before
his death was he thought to be dangerous. It was then
ascertained that disease had been preying upon his system
in such a manner as baffled all medical skill to check, and he
gradually sunk in the arms of death.
"His funeral obsequies took place on the 9th inst., amid a
vast concourse of relatives and friends. He was buried with
military honors, holding at the time of his death the office of
Brigadier General of the Second Cohort of the Nauvoo
Legion.
"The death of Bro. Smith, so unexpected, caused a sensa-
tion, not only in the minds of his relatives, but his numerous
example which these servants of God have set them, and, whenever they
shall be called to proclaim the gospel to the enlightened European, or
the dark and benighted African, they will manifest the same zeal and
laudable enterprise, trusting in the arm of the Lord for assistance and
support, and, undoubtedly, the same blessings will crown their labors
and their toil.
We are aware that it is something contrary to the feelings of most
men to undertake such a journey without purse or scrip, entirely
dependent upon the arm of Jehovah. However it has been done, and
those that have gone forth trusting in the name of the Lord, have found
his promise true, and have not been suffered to lack any good thing.
Let not the faithful laborers be discouraged, but let them gird up their
loins, and ever be prepared to move in the direction their heavenly
Father would have them go, and labor with all their mights, for a great
work remains to be accomplished, and the laborers are but few. If the
Lord's people be a willing people in the day of his power, then every
obstacle can be overcome, every difficulty can be surmounted, and the
work will roll forth with power and great glory. Israel shall be hunted
up from the rocks and corners where they have been hid from the gaze
of the world, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be
increased. — Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 487, 488.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 539
acquaintance of friends, which will never be forgotten. En-
deared to the church and to his friends by all that was virtu-
ous, honorable, and exalted in a Christian and a man, — to his
partner and children by all that was affectionate, kind, and
lovely in a parent and father, — to his aged mother who yet
survives her youngest son, by all that was dutiful, and affec-
tionate in a son.
"In all our associations with mankind we never knew of
an individual who stood higher in the estimation of all than
did the deceased. His manners were courteous and bland.
His disposition was kind and gentle, ever looking over the
foibles of his fellow men and putting the best construction
upon their actions, at the same time setting them such
examples of integrity, sobriety, humanity, and virtue as
could not but cause every one to admire him, and conse-
quently he secured the good will of all — their friendship and
esteem.
"He was just in the bloom of manhood and bid fair to sur-
vive most of his contemporaries. But just as the sun was
shining with its luster, and shedding a radiance all around,
it set in a moment—
" 'Lo at day 'twas sudden night!'
The hopes of relatives and friends and the entire com-
munity, who had observed with pleasure and delight the
opening glories which shone around his path, who had
marked his virtues, faith, and piety, and who had received
counsel at his hands, were blasted, and sorrow and distress
has taken the place of high strung hopes and ardent antici-
pations.
"Since our acquaintance with the deceased we have shared
his friendship, and have had opportunities of marking his
character under various circumstances; we have seen him
struggling against misfortune and stemming the tide of
adversity, and have seen displayed, under those unpropitious
circumstances, patience, resolution, and firmness — his only
anxiety seemed to be for the welfare and comfort of his
family and parents, who clung to hjm for support. We
have likewise marked his conduct while prosperity and
peace filled his noble soul and gladdened his fireside, and
540 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
while honor from God and man was deservedly lavished
upon him, and he remained the same kind, affable, generous,
and pious character.
"He will be missed in the councils of the just, and as
President of the High Priesthood, which office he filled with
honor to himself and credit of the church. As a councilor
in the Church of God he has frequently given evidence of
wisdom far beyond his years, and the aged have listened
with amazement and delight at the wisdom which flowed
from his lips.
"He was warmly attached to the cause of truth, and in the
day of trial and bitter persecution, when others wavered and
turned aside, he stood firm and immovable, trusting in the
mighty God of Jacob, and fearlessly advocated the cause of
suffering Zion, and ever maintained his integrity.
"While writing this so many associations crowd upon us
which give evidence of his moral worth, his kindness, his
sensibility, his piety and friendship, as entirely unman us,
and we feel we must bring this notiee to a close. May that
God who in the order of his providence has called from our
midst the spirit of our departed brother and friend, be a
husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless, and
assist us by his Spirit to follow him, as he followed Christ.
"A discourse was delivered at his funeral by Elder John
Taylor, which was attentively listened to by the immense
concourse which assembled to pay their last respects and
kind offices to the deceased.
" 'Now he's gone we'd not recall him
From a paradise of bliss,
Where no evil can befall him.
To a changing world like this.
His loved name will never perish.
Nor his memory crown the dust:
For the saints of God will cherish
The remembrance of the just.'
"The deceased has left a wife and three children to mourn
his loss." — Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 503, 504.
On August 7, there was a conference convened in Zara
hernia, Iowa, when the branches on that side of the river
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 541
reported a numerical strength of seven hundred and fifty.
This conference, on the 9th, appointed George W. Gee,
church recorder for the Iowa churches.
Some items of interest we will here present in the words
of Joseph Smith: —
"Tuesday, 10th. I spent the day in council with B. Young,
H. C. Kimball, J. Taylor, O. Pratt, and George A. Smith,
Missions- an^ appointed a special conference for the 16th
ries sent. instant, and directed them to send missionaries to
New Orleans; Charleston, South Carolina; Salem, Massa-
chusetts; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, District of
Columbia; and also requested the Twelve to take the bur-
then of the business of the church in Nauvoo, and especially
as pertaining to the selling of church lands.
"The department of English literature and mathematics
Professor °* ^e University of the City of Nauvoo, is in
Pratt. operation under the tuition of Professor Orson
Pratt. . . .
"Letters from various parts of England and Scotland
show that numbers are daily added to the church; while
shipwrecks, floods, houses and workshops falling, great and
destructive fires, sudden deaths, banks breaking, men's
hearts failing them for fear, because no man buyeth their
merchandise, shopkeepers and manufacturers failing, and
many accidents on the railways, betoken the coming of the
Son of Man.
"Thursday, 12th. A considerable number of the Sac and
Fox Indians have been for several days encamped in the
Indians at neighborhood of Montrose. The ferryman this
Nauvoo. morning brought over a great number on the
ferryboat and two flatboats, for the purpose of visiting me.
The military band and a detachment of Invincibles were on
shore ready to receive and escort them to the grove, but
they refused to come on shore until I went down. I accord-
ingly went down, and met 'Keokuk,' 'Kiskukosh,' 'Appa-
noose,' and about one hundred chiefs and braves of those
tribes, with their families, at the landing, introduced my
brother Hyrum to them, and after the usual salutations, con-
ducted them to the meeting ground in the grove, and
542 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
instructed them in many things which the Lord had revealed
unto me concerning their fathers, and the promises that
were made concerning them in the Book of Mormon; and
advised them to cease killing each other and warring with
other tribes, and keep peace with the whites; which was
interpreted to them.
"Keokuk replied he had a Book of Mormon at his
wick-a-up, which I had given him some years before. 'I
believe,' said he, 'you are a great and good man; I look
rough, but I also am a son of the Great Spirit. I've heard
your advice. We intend to quit fighting, and follow the
good talk you have given us.'
"After the conversation they were feasted on the green
with good food, dainties, and melons by the brethren; and
they entertained the spectators with a specimen of their
dancing. . . .
"Sunday, 15th. My infant son Don Carlos, died, aged
fourteen months, two days.
"Conference met in Zarahemla, and were addressed by
Elders B. Young and George Miller, on building the temple
in Nauvoo.
"Monday, 16th. Elder Willard Richards arrived at Nau-
voo this morning.
"Ebenezer Robinson succeeded Brother Don Carlos as
editor of the Times and Seasons, with Elder Robert B. Thomp-
son."—Millennial Star, vol. 18, pp. 629, 630.
On August 16 a special conference was held in Nauvoo
special uP°n tlae cal1 of President Smith, at which some
conference, important business concerning the quorums, the
stakes, and other matters of interest was done.4
« At a special confrrence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, held in the city of Nauvoo, August 16, 1841, Elder Brigham
Young was unanimously appointed to preside over the conference, and
Elias Smith and Lorenzo Barnes were appointed clerks.
After singing by the choir, conference opened by prayer by the Presi-
dent.
The object of the conference was then presented by the President, who
stated that President Joseph Smith (who was then absent on account of
the death of his child) had called a special conference to transact certain
items of business necessary to be done previous to the October con-
ference, such as to select men of experience to send forth into the vine-
yard, take measures to assist emigrants who may arrive at the place of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 543
August 25, 1841, Elder Oliver Granger, who had done
much valuable work for the church, died at Kirtland, Ohio.
gathering, and prevent impositions being practiced upon them by un-
principled speculators, etc., etc.; and he hoped no one could view him
and his brethren as aspiring because they had come forward to take part
in the proceedings before them; for he could assure the brethren that
nothing cou.ld be farther from his wishes and that of his Quorum than
to interpose with church affairs at Zion and her stakes, for he had been
in the vineyard so long he had become attached to foreign missions, and
nothing could induce him to retire therefrom and attend the affairs of
the church at home but a sense of duty, the requirements of heaven, or
the revelations of God; to which he would always submit, be the conse-
quence what it might; and the brethren of his quorum responded
Amen.
A list of names of the elders and cities were read by the president, and
a few were selected by nomination and designated as follows: Voted
that Elders H. G. Sherwood go to New Orleans, Louisana, A. O. Smoot
go to Charleston, South Carolina, B. Winchester go to Salem, Massachu-
setts, Erastus Snow go to Salem, Massachusetts, John Murdock go to
Baltimore, Maryland, Samuel James go to Washington, District of
Columbia. On motion of V. Knight, seconded by Samuel Bent:
Resolved, that the Quorum of the Twelve select the individuals to go
and preach in such places as they may judge expedient, and present the
same to the conference, with a view of expediting the business of the
day.
The situation of the poor of Nauvoo City was then presented to the
conference by Bishops Knight and Miller, and a collection taken for
their benefit.
After singing, conference adjourned until two o'clock p. m.
Conference assembled at two p. m. and was addressed by Elders L.
Barnes and H. G. Sherwood concerning the spread of the gospel and the
building up of the kingdom of God in these last days.
President Joseph Smith now arriving proceeded to state to the confer-
ence at considerable length the object of their present meeting, and in
addition to what President Young had stated in the morning, said that
the time had come when the Twelve should be called upon to stand in
their place next to the First Presidency, and attend to the settling of
emigrants and the business of the church at the stakes, and assist to
bear off the kingdom victorious to the nations; and as they had been
faithful and had borne the burden in the heat of the day, that it was
right that they should have an opportunity of providing something for
themselves and families, and at the same time relieve him so that he
might attend to the business of translating.
Motion seconded and carried that the conference approve of the in-
structions of President Smith in relation to the Twelve, and that they
proceed accordingly to attend to the duties of their office.
Motion seconded and carried unanimously that every individual who
shall hereafter be found trying to influence any emigrants belonging to
the church, either to buy of them (except provisions) or sell to them
(excepting the church agents), shall be immediately tried for fellowship,
and dealt with as offenders, and unless they repent shall be cut off from
the church.
President Rigdon then made some appropriate remarks on specula-
tions.
It was moved that the conference accept the doings of the Twelve in
designating certain individuals to certain cities, etc.; when President
544 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
The 27th, Elder R. B. Thompson, one of the editors of the
Times and Seasons, died at Nauvoo.
On the 28th a conference was held at Attica, New York.
The Quorum of the Twelve held a council on August 31,
at the house of Brigham Young, when it was resolved to
send Lorenzo Barnes on a mission to England, Harrison
Sagers to the West Indies, and Joseph Ball * to South
America.
Nothing of peculiar importance transpired during the
month of September, though all departments of the work
moved on with accustomed regularity, and the good news
was being declared in many places, where hundreds were
receiving it with gladness.
October 1, 1841, the General Semiannual Conference con-
vened in Nauvoo and closed on the 5th. This con-
c?mferenceof ference transacted some business of historic
1841. . ..
importance. 6
Joseph Smith remarked that the conference had already sanctioned the
doings of the Twelve, and it belonged to their office to transact such
business with the approbation of the First Presidency, and he would
then state what cities should now be built up; viz., Nauvoo, Zarahemla,
Warren, Nashville, and Ramus.
Resolved that this conference adjourn to the time of the General Con-
ference in October next. Closed with prayer by President Young.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, President.
ELIAS SMITH, | ~, ,
LORENZO BARNES, \ Clerks'
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 521, 522.
• MINUTES OF A CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER DAY SAINTS, HELD IN NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, COM-
MENCING OCTOBER 1, 1841.
Friday, October 1. In consequence of the inclemency of the weather
the congregation were prevented from assembling in conference for busi'
ness.
Saturday, 2d, a. m. The conference assembled on the meeting ground,
but as the Presidency were absent laying the corner stone of the Nauvoo
House, business was delayed, and the conference organized themselves
in their several quorums in order. Bro. B. Young opened divine service
and Bro. O. Pratt closed. The conference then made choice of Bro.
Joseph Smith to preside in conference, and appointed Elias Smith and
Gustavus Hills as secretaries.
P. M. President Joseph Smith opened by calling the choir to sing a
Hymn, sung eighteenth hymn. The president then read a letter from
Bro. O. Hyde giving an account of his journeys and success in his mis-
sion, which was listened to with intense interest; and the conference, by
vote, expressed their approbation of the style and spirit of said letter.
The President then made remarks on the inclemency of the weather and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 545
the uncomfortable situation of the saints with regard to a place of wor-
ship and a place of public entertainment.
The conference was then called upon by the President to elect a gen-
eral church clerk in place of R. B. Thompson, deceased. Conference
made choice of James Sloan. Bro. Lyman Wight then called upon the
conference to elect a President of the High Priests Quorum in place of
Don Carlos Smith, deceased. Bro. George Miller was nominated and
duly elected.
Bro. B. Young then presented to the notice of the conference the busi-
ness commenced at a late special conference, with regard to the appoint-
ment of suitable and faithful men to the several important stations of
labor in this and other countries.
Bro. L. Wight then addressed the conference on the importance of
order and uniformity of instruction, and of a unanimity of effort to
spread the work of the kingdom. President Joseph Smith then made
some corrections of doctrine in quoting a passage from 1 Corinthians 12:
28, showing it to be a principle of order or gradation in rising from one
office to another in the priesthood.
Bro. Hyrum Smith made remarks disapprobatory of the course pur-
sued by some elders in withstanding the efforts of the Presidency to
gather the saints, and in enticing them to stop in places not appointed
for the gathering; particularly the conduct of Elder Almon Babbitt, of
Kirtland. Brn. Lyman Wight and Henry Miller having traveled in
places where Bro. A. Babbitt had been in his journeying eastward from
his visit to Nauvoo, testified that he had in many places taught doctrine
contrary to the revelations of God and detrimental to the interest of the
church.
Moved, seconded, and carried that Elder Almon Babbitt be disfellow-
shipped by the conference as an elder till such time as he shall make
satisfaction.
Closed with singing by the choir, hymn 124, and prayer by Bro. George
Smith.
Conference adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Sunday, 3d, a. m. Conference assembled and was called to order by
President Marks, and divine service commenced by the choir singing
hymn 274, and prayer by Bro. H. C. Kimball.
President Joseph Smith, by request of some of the Twelve, gave
instructions on the doctrine of baptism for the dead, which was listened
to with intense interest by the large assembly. The speaker presented
baptism for the dead as the only way that man can appear as saviors on
Mount Zion. The proclamation of the first principles of the gospel was
a means of salvation to men individually; and it was the truth, not men,
that saved them; but men by actively engaging in rites of salvation sub-
stitutionally, became instrumental in bringing multitudes of their kin
into the kingdom of God. He explained a difference between an angel
and a ministering spirit; the one a resurrected or translated body, with
its spirit ministering to embodied spirits; the other a disembodied spirit,
visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ became
a ministering spirit (while his body was lying in the sepulcher) to the
spirits in prison; to fulfill an important part of his mission, without
which he could not have perfected his work or entered into his rest.
After his resurrection he appeared as an angel to his disciples, etc.
Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a
change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for future
missions. The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a
translated or resurrected body. Jesus Christ went in body, after his
resurrection, to minister to translated and resurrected bodies. There
has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the preseiu
546 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
time. The only way to obtain truth and wisdom is, not toask it from books,
but to go to God in prayer and obtain divine teaching. It is no more
incredible that God should save the dead than that he should raise the
dead. There is never a time when the sp rit is too old to approach God.
All are within the reach of pardoning mercy who have not committed
the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither in this world
nor the world to come. There is a way to release the spirit of the dead:
that is, by the power and authority of the priesthood — by binding and
loosing on earth.
This doctrine appears glorious inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of
divine compassion and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human
salvation. This glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the under-
standing and to sustain the soul under troubles, difficulties, and dis-
tresses. For illustration the speaker presented by supposition the case
of two men, brothers, equally intelligent, learned, virtuous, and lovely,
walking in uprightness and in all good conscience, so far as they had
been able to discern duty from the muddy stream of tradition, or from
the blotted page of the book of nature. One dies and is buried, having
never heard the gospel of reconciliation; to the other the message of sal-
vation is sent, he hears and embraces it, and is made the heir of eternal
life. Shall the one become a partaker of glory and the other be con-
signed to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape? Sec-
tarianism answers, None! none!! none!!! Such an idea is worse than
atheism. The truth shall break down and dash in pieces all such
bigoted Pharisaism; the sects shall be sifted, the honest in heart
brought out, and their priests left in the midst of their corruption.
The speaker then answered the objections urged against the Latter
Day Saints for not admitting the validity of sectarian baptism, and for
withholding fellowship from sectarian churches. It was like putting
new wine into old bottles, and putting old wine into new bottles. What!
new revelations in the old churches! New revelations knock out the
bottom of their bottomless pit. New wine into old bottles! The bottles
burst and the wine runs out. What! Sadducees in the new church!
Old wine in new leathern bottles will leak through the pores and escape;
so the Sadducee saints mock at authority, kick out of the traces, and
run to the mountains of perdition, leaving the long echo of their braying
behind them.
The speaker then contrasted the charity of the sects in denouncing all
who disagree with them in opinion, and in joining in persecuting the
saints, with the faith of the saints, who believe that even such may be
saved in this world and in the world to come, (murderers and apostates
excepted.)
This doctrine, he said, presents in a clear light the wisdom and mercy
of God in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead, being
baptized by proxy, their names recorded in heaven, and they judged
according to the deeds done in the body. This doctrine was the burden
of the Scriptures. Those saints who neglect it, in behalf of their
deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation.
The dispensation of the fullness of times will bring to light the thinjrs
that have been revealed in all former dispensations, also other things
that have not been before revealed. He shall send Elijah the prophet,
etc., and restore-all things in Christ.
The speaker then announced, "Thereshall be no more baptisms for tlie
dead until the ordinance can be attended to in the font of the Lord's
house; and the church shall not hold another General Conference until
they can meet in said house; for thus saith the Lord!"
Closed by prayer by President Hyrum Smith; adjourned for one hour.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 547
P. M. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 105, and prayer
by Bro. Lyman Wight.
Bro. B. Young addressed the elders at some length, on the importance
of teaching abroad the first principles of the gospel, leaving the mys-
teries of the kingdom to be taught among the saints. Also on the pro-
priety of the elders, many of them, remaining at home, and working on
the Lord's house; and that their labors will be as acceptable to the Lord
as their going abroad, and more profitable for the church; that those
who go abroad must take a recommend from the proper authorities,
without which they will not be fellowshipped; and that those who go
and those who remain make consecrations more abundantly than hereto-
fore.
Bro. Lyman Wight followed with remarks of a similar purport, resign-
ing his mission of gathering means for the buildings.
Bro. B. Young called upon the conference to appoint a committee to
petition Congress for redress of wrongs and injuries received in Mis-
souri.
On motion Elias Higbee, John Taylor, and Elias Smith were appointed
said committee.
On motion Elder John Taylor was appointed to present said petition at
the city of Washington.
Closed by choir singing hymn 125, and prayer by Elder John Smith.
Monday, 4th, a. m. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 183
and prayer by Bro. George Smith.
President Joseph Smith made a lengthy exposition of the condition of
the temporal affairs of the church, the agency of which had been com-
mitted to him at a General Conference in Quincy, explaining the manner
that he had discharged the duties involved in that agency, and the con-
dition of the lands and other property of the church.
On motion, Resolved that Elder Reuben McBride be vested with
power of attorney to go, settle, and if possible close a business concern
left in an uncertain condition by Elder Oliver Granger deceased.
Prayer by Bro. L. Wight; adjourned for one hour.
P. M. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 88 and prayer by
Elder John Smith.
Bro. Lyman Wight spoke at some length on the subject introduced in
the former part of the day, and on the old debts and obligations that are
frequently brought up from Kirtland and Missouri; one of which, in the
form of a fifty dollar note, he held in his hand and proclaimed as his
text.
On motion, voted viva voce unanime, that the trustee in trust of church
property here be instructed not to appropriate church property to liqui-
date old claims that may be brought forward either from Kirtland or
Missouri.
Pres. H. Smith presented to the notice of conference some embarrass-
ment growing out of his signing as security a certain obligation in Kirt-
land in favor of Mr. Eaton.
On motion, voted that church property here shall not be appropriated
to liquidate said claim.
Bro. B. Young made some appropriate and weighty remarks on the
importance of more liberal consecrations and more energetic efforts to
forward the work of building, etc. After purchasing Bro. L. Wight's
text, by paying him fifty cents, he tore it in pieces and gave it to the
winds, saying, "Go ye and do likewise." Choir sung hymn 104 and
President Hyrum Smith closed by prayer. Conference adjourned to
meet to-morrow morning: nine o'clock.
Tuesday 5th, a. m. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 274
and prayer by Bro. O. Pratt.
548 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
In the issue for October 15, 1841, the Times and Seasons
Kpistie of contains an epistle signed by eight of the Twelve',
the Twelve, giving some general instruction.*
Bro.^Orson Pratt, by request of President Joseph Smith, presented and
read to the conference a recent letter from Smith Tuttle, Esq., one of
the proprietors of the Hotchkiss purchase, in reference to some misun-
derstanding in the adjustment of their claims, and conciliatory of any
hard feelings growing out of such misunderstanding.
Bro. B. Young spoke on the contents of the letter, and expressed his
earnest desire that that business might be speedily adjusted, and a
proper title obtained by the church. Brothers L. Wight and H. Smith
followed with appropriate remarks.
On motion, voted that President Joseph Smith write an answer to Mr.
Hotchkiss on the subject of his claim.
On motion by President Joseph Smith, voted that the Twelve write an
epistle to the saints abroad to use their influence and exertions to secure,
by exchange, purchase, donation, etc., a title to the Hotchkiss purchase.
Bro. B. Young presented an appeal from the Elders' Quorum against
Elder John A. Hicks, charging him with a breach of the ordinances of
the city and of the peace, with falsehood, and with schismatical conver-
sation and behavior, signed by Dimick B. Huntington. After hearing
sufficient testimony on his case, On motion conference voted that Elder
John A. Hicks be cut off from the church.
Closed by the choir singing 275th hymn, prayer by B. Young.
Adjourned for one hour.
P M. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 104, and prayer
by Bro O. Pratt.
Bro. O. Pratt read to the conference the minutes of a special confer-
ence held in the city of Nauvoo, August 16, 1841.
President Joseph Smith made remarks explanatory of the importance
of the resolutions and votes passed at that time.
On motion, voted that this conference sanction the doings of said
special conference.
Bro. B. Young proposed to the congregation that those who would take
laborers on the Lord's house into their houses to board with them while
thus laboring should manifest their willingness by rising and giving
their names. About sixty persons arose.
Conference closed by the choir singing hymn 284 and prayer by Bro.
B. Young.
Conference adjourned sine die.
Although conference commenced under discouraging circumstances,
owing to the inclemency of the weather, yet a vast number of brethren
and visitors from abroad were present, and on Saturday and Sunday, the
weather having become favorable, the congregation was immense. 'The
greatest unanimity prevailed; business was conducted with the most
perfect harmony and good feelings, and the assembly dispersed with new
confidence iu the great work of the last days.
JOSEPH SMITH, President.
ELIAS SMITH, ) ~,
GUSTAVUS HILLS, \ Clerks-
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 57G-580.
* In this city the church has succeeded in securing several extensive
plats of land, which have been laid out in city lots, a part of which
have been sold, a part has been distributed to the widow and the orphan,
and a part remains for sale. These lots are for the inheritance of the
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 549
On October 28, 1841', Joseph Smith, as Trustee in Trust
for the church, gave power of attorney to Reuben McBride,
Kirtiand °^ Kirtiand, Ohio, authorizing him to transact all
church business left in an unfinished condition at
saints, a resting place for the church, a habitation for the God of Jacob;
for here he has commanded a house to be built unto his name where he
may manifest himself unto his people as in former times, when he caused
the ark, the tabernacle, and the temple to be reared and the cloud and
the fire to rest down thereon; and not that the temple be buitt only, but
that it be completed quickly, and that no more General Conference be held
till it shall be held therein; and that the Nauvoo House be finished for
the accommodation of the brethren from afar, and the stranger who
shall come up hither to inquire after the work of the Lord and worship
in his temple. . . .
What then shall we do? Let us all arise and with one united and
mighty exertion, by the strength of Israel's God, oppose the powers of
darkness, and every heing and principle that may rise up against us, and
complete the work already commenced. Let us not for a moment lend
an ear to evil and designing men, who would subvert the truth and
blacken the character of the servant of the Most High God, by publish-
ing abroad that the prophet is enriching himself on the spoils of the
brethren. When Bro. Joseph stated to the General Conference the
amount and situation of the property of the church, of which he is
Trustee in Trust by the united voice of the church, he also stated the
amount of his own possessions on earth; and what do you think it was?
We will tell you: his old Charley horse, given him in Kirtiand; two pet
deer; two old turkeys, and four young ones; the old cow given him by a
brother in Missouri; his old Major, dog; his wife, children, and a little
household furniture;— and this is the amount of the great possessions of
that man whom God has called to lead his people in these last days; this
is the sum total of the great estates, the splendid mansions and noble
living of him who has spent a life of toil and suffering, of privation and
hardships, of imprisonments and chains, of dungeons and vexatious
suits, and every kind of contumely and contempt ungodly men could
heap upon him, and last of all report him as rolling in wealth and
luxury which he had plundered from the spoils of those for whose good
he had thus toiled and suffered. Who would be willing to suffer what
he has suffered and labor near twenty years as he has done, for the
wealth he is in possession of?
Brethren, in view of all these things let us be up and doing. Let those
in the Eastern States use all diligence in communicating to us their
ability to assist in the Hotchkiss payment, being assured that no exer-
tion they can make will equal what has already been made for them and
the church generally; and let all the saints come up to the places of
gathering, and with their mites and their abundance as God has given
them in trust, help to build up the old waste places which have been
thrown down for many generations, knowing that when they are com-
pleted they will belong unto the people of the Most High God, even the
meek, the honest in heart, he shall possess all things in the due time of
the Lord. Be not covetous, but deal in righteousness, for what the
saints shall not possess by purchase and in righteousness they shall not
possess, for no unrighteous thing can enter into the kingdom; therefore,
beloved brethren, deal justly, love mercy, walk humbly before God, and
whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might, keeping all the
commandments, and then, whether in life or in death, all things will b«
550 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Kirtland, he to succeed Oliver Granger deceased in this
capacity. *
October 2, a conference was held in Kirtland, Ohio, A. W.
Babbitt president, W. W. Phelps clerk, at which conference
yours, whether they be temples or lands, houses or vineyards, baptisms
or enduements, revelations or healings, all things will be yours, for you
will be Christ's and Christ is God's.
BKIGHAM YOUNG.
HEBEE C. KTMBALL.
ORSON PBATT.
LYMAN WIGHT.
JOHN TAYLOR.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
GEO. A. SMITH.
WILLARD RICHARDS.
NAUTOO, October 12, 1841.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 2, pp. 567, 569, 570.
7 Know all men by these presents, that I, Joseph Smith, of Nauvoo,
Hancock County, and State of Illinois, "sole Trustee in Trust for the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," have made, constituted
and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute, and appoint,
Reuben McBride, of Kirtland, Lake County, and State of Ohio, my true
and lawful attorney for me and in my name, and for my use as "sole
•Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,"
to ask, demand, sue for, recover, and receive all such sum or sums of
money, debts, goods, wares, and other demands which are or shall be
due, owing, payable, or belonging to me, as Trustee in Trust as afore-
said, by any manner or means whatsoever; also, to dispose of in my
name, to grant, bargain, sell, release, and confirm all or any part of my
real estate as Trustee in Trust as aforesaid, in and about Kirtland, Lake
County, and State of Ohio, and throughout any of the northern and east-
ern States, and to receive all such sum or sums of money accruing there-
from, for me and for my use as sole Trustee in Trust for the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to take up the power of attorney
which I gave to Oliver Granger, and all the papers and obligations of
every description specified therein, or in his possession by virtue thereof,
and to settle the same in my name, for me and for my use as above-
described; and I, as Trustee in Trust as aforesaid, hereby give and grant
unto the said Reuben McBride, my attorney, full power and authority in
and about the premises, to have, use, and take all lawful ways and means
in my name for the purposes aforesaid, and upon the receipt of any such
debts, dues, or sums of money (as the case may be), acquittances, or other
sufficient discharges, for me and in my name as aforesaid Trustee, to
make and give, and generally to do all other acts and things in the law
whatsoever needful and necessary to be done, in the before-mentioned
places, for me and in my name as aforesaid Trustee, to do, execute, and
perform, as fully and to all intents and purposes, as I might or could do
if personally present. Hereby ratifying all and whatsoever my said
attorney shall [do], in the places above specified, by virtue hereof.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day
of October, 1841.
JOSEPH SMITH, (L. S.)
Witness, John Taylor, John S. Fullmer.
— Millennial Star, vol. 18, pp. 741, 742.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 551
they appointed Thomas Burdick, Bishop of Kirtland, and
his counselors, a company to publish a religious paper
called the Olive Leaf. \
October 31, Hyrum Smith wrote a letter to Kirtland J
strongly disapprobating this and other business of the con-
ference. *
November 8, a temporary baptismal font was dedicated in
the Lord's house at Nauvoo, a description of
Baptismal font. , . , , ,. , , . ,,.,, . , ,». .
which was published in Millennial Star. •
• All the saints that dwell in that land are commanded to come away,
for this is, "Thus saith the Lord;" therefore pay out no moneys nor
properties for houses, nor lands, in that country; for if you do, you will
lose them, for the time shall come that you shall not possess them in peace,
but shall be scourged with a sore scourge; yet your children may possess
them, but not until many years shall pass away; and as to the organiza-
tion of that branch of the church, it is not according to the Spirit and will
of God; and as to the designs of the leading members of that branch rela-
tive to the printing press, and the ordaining of elders, and sending out
elders to beg for the poor, are not according to the will of God; and in
these things they shall not prosper, for they have neglected the house of
the Lord, the baptismal font, in this place, wherein their dead may be
redeemed, and the key of knowledge that unfolds the dispensation of the
fullness of times may be turned, and the mysteries of God be unfolded,
upon which their salvation and the salvation of the world, and the
redemption of their dead depends; for "Thus saith the Lord," "there
shall not be a General Assembly for a General Conference assembled
together until the house of the Lord shall be finished, and the baptismal
font, and if we are not diligent the church shall be rejected and their
dead also," "Saith the Lord;" therefore, dear brother, any proceedings
otherwise than to put forth their hands with their might to do this work,
is not according to the will of God, and shall not prosper; therefore
tarry not in any place whatever, but come forth unto this place from all
the world, until it is filled up, and polished, and sanctified according to
my word, saith the Lord; come ye forth from the ends of the earth, that
I may hide you from mine indignation that shall scourge the wicked,
and then I will send forth and build up Kirtland, and it shall be polished
and refined according to my word; therefore your doings and your
organizations, and designs in printing, or any of your councils, are not
of me, saith the Lord, even so, Amen.
HYHUM SMITH, Patriarch for the whole church.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 589.
• Monday, 8th. At five o'clock p. m., I attended the dedication of the
baptismal font in the Lord's house. President Brigham Young was
spokesman.
The baptismal font is situated in the center of the basement room,
under the main hall of the temple. It is constructed of pine timber, and
put together of staves tongued and grooved, oval shaped, sixteen feet long
east and west, and twelve feet wide, seven feet high from the foundation,
the basin four feet deep. The molding of the cap and base are formed
of beautiful carved work in antique style; the sides are finished with
panel work; a flight of stairs in the north and south sides leading up and
down into the basin, guarded by side railing.
552 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On November 15 the Twelve wrote an epistle "to the
Epistie of saints scattered abroad in England, Scotland, Ire-
the Twelve. iand, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the eastern con-
tinent," in which they gave instruction regarding the
gathering, the building of the temple, and the Nauvoo House.
This epistle was signed by each one of the quorum except
P. P. Pratt, who was in England, Orson Hyde, who was on
a mission to Jerusalem, and John E. Page.
November 20, the Twelve in council expressed their disap-
proval of the manner in which the Times and Seasons was
conducted.
Sunday, November 21, the first baptisms for the dead in
Biptismfor the font were administered by Elders B. Young,
the dead. H Q Kimball, and John Taylor.
On November 22, 1841, Orson Hyde wrote a letter from
Letter from Alexandria, Egypt, in which he gave an account
o. Hyde. o;f hjg vj_sjt to Jerusalem and of his prayer upon
the Mount of Olives. * °
The font stands upon twelve oxen, four on each side and two at each
end, their head, shoulders, and forelegs projecting out from under the
font; they are carved out of pine plank, glued together, and copied after
the most beautiful five-year-old steer that could be found in the country,
and they are an excellent striking likeness of the original; the horns
were geometrically formed after the most perfect horn that could be pro-
cured.
The oxen and ornamental moldings of the font were carved by Elder Eli-
jah Fordham, from the city of New York, which occupied eight monthsof
time. The font was inclosed by a temporary frame building sided up
with split oak clapboards, with a roof of the same material, and was so
low that the timbers of the first story were laid above it. The water was
supplied from a well thirty feet deep in the east end of the basement.
This font was built for the baptisms for the dead until the temple shall
be finished, when a more durable one will supply its place. — Millennial
Star, vol. 18, pp. 743, 744.
10 INTERESTING NEWS FROM ALEXANDRIA AND JERUSALEM.—
LETTER PROM ELDER HYDE.
ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 22, 1841.
Dear Brother Pratt: — A few minutes now offer for me to write, and I im-
prove them in writing to you. I have only time to say that I have seen
Jerusalem precisely according to the vision which I had. I saw no one
with me in the vision; and although Elder Page was appointed to accom-
pany me there, yet I found myself there alone.
The Lord knows that I have had a hard time, and suffered much; but
I have great reason to thank him that I enjoy good health at present,
and have a prospect before me of soon going to a civilized country,
where I shall see no more turbans or camels. The heat is most oppres-
sive, and has been all through Syria.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 553
The Quorum of Twelve being dissatisfied with the con-
e Twelve duct of the Times and Seasons, met on November
30' 18415 present Brigham Young, H. C. Kimball,
and seasons, ^illard Richards, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight,
John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff; President Joseph
I have not time to tell you how many days I have been at sea, without
food, or how many snails I have eaten; but if I had had plenty of them,
I should have done very well. All this is contained in a former letter to
you written from Jaffa.
I have been at Cairo, on the Nile, because I could not get a passage
direct. Syria is in a dreadful state; a war of extermination is going on
between the Druses and Catholics. At the time I was at Beirut a battle
was fought in the mountains of Lebanon, near that place, and about
eight hundred killed. Robberies, thefts, and murders are daily being
committed. It is no uncommon thing to find persons in the street with-
out heads. An English officer in going from St. Jean d'Acre to Beirut,
found ten persons murdered in the street, and was himself taken
prisoner, but was rescued by the timely interference of the Pasha. The
particulars of all these things are contained in a former letter.
An American traveler by the name of Gager, who was a licensed min-
ister of the Congregational or Presbyterian Church, left Jerusalem in
company with me. He was very unwell with the jaundice when we
left, and at Damietta we had to perform six days' quarantine before we
ascended the Nile. On our passage up he was taken very ill with a
fever, and became helpless. I waited and tended upon him as well as
our circumstances would allow; and when we landed at Bulak, I got
four men to take him to the American consul's, in Cairo, on a litter; I
also took all his baggage there, and assisted in putting him upon a good
bed — employed a good faithful Arabian nurse, and the English doctor.
After the physician had examined him, he told me that he was very low
with a typhus fever, and that it would be doubtful whether he recov-
ered. Under these circumstances I left him to obtain a passage to this
place. After I had goneon board a boat, and was just about pushing off,
a letter came from the doctor stating that poor Mr. Gager died in about
two hours after I left him. He told me before we arrived at Cairo that
he was twenty-seven years of age, and his friends lived in Norwich, Con-
necticut, near New London, I think. There are many particulars con-
cerning his death which would be interesting to his friends, but I have
no time to write them now.
On Sunday morning, October 24, a good while before day, 1 arose from
sleep and went out of the city as soon as the gates were opened, crossed
the brook Cedron, and went upon the Mount of Olives, and there in
solemn silence, with pen, ink, and paper, just as I saw in the vision,
offered up the following prayer to him who lives for ever and ever: —
"O Thou, who art from everlasting to everlasting, eternally and un-
changeably the same, even the God who rules in the heavens above, and
controls the destinies of men on the earth, wilt thou not condescend
through thine infinite goodness and royal favor to listen to the prayer
of thy servant which he this day offers up unto thee in the name of
thy holy child Jesus, upon this land where the Sun of Righteousness sat
in blood, and thine Anointed One expired!
"Be pleased, O Lord, to forgive all the follies, weaknesses, vanities,
and sins of thy servant, and strengthen him to resist all future tempta-
tions. Give him prudence and discernment that he may avoid the evil,
and a heart to choose the good; give him fortitude to bear up under try-
554 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Smith was also present. The following business was
done: —
"It was voted that Ebenezer Robinson be solicited to give
up the department of printing the Times and Seasons to Elder
Willard Richards.
"Voted that if Brother Robinson does not comply with
this solicitation, Elder Richards be instructed to procure a
press and type and publish a paper for the church.
ing and adverse circumstances, and grace to endure all things for thy
name's sake, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall rest in
peace.
"Now, O Lord, thy servant has been obedient to the heavenly vision
which thou gavest him in his native land; and under the shadow of
thine outstretched arm he has safely arrived in this place to dedicate
and consecrate this land unto thee, for the gathering together of Judah's
scattered remnants, according to the predictions of the holy prophets — for
the building up of Jerusalem again after it had been trodden down by
the Gentiles so long, and for rearing a temple in honor of thy name.
Everlasting thanks be ascribed unto thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, that thou hast preserved thy servant from the dangers of the seas,
and from the plague and pestilence which have caused the land to
mourn! The violence of man has also been restrained, and thy provi-
dential care by night and by day has been exercised over thine unworthy
servant. Accept, therefore, O Lord, the tribute of a grateful heart for
all past favors, and be pleased to continue thy kindness and mercy
towards a needy worm of the dust.
"O thou who didst covenant with Abraham thy friend, and who didst
renew that covenant with Isaac, and confirm the same with Jacob with
an oath, that thou wouldst not only give them this land for an everlast-
ing inheritance, but that thou wouldst also remember their seed forever!
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have long since closed their eyes in death,
and made the grave their mansion. Their children are scattered and
dispersed abroad among the nations of the Gentiles like sheep that have
no shepherd, and are still looking forward for the fulfillment of those
promises which thou didst make concerning them; and even this land,
which once poured forth nature's richest bounty, and flowed, as it were,
with milk and honey, has, to a certain extent, been smitten with barren-
ness and sterility since it drank from murderous hands the blood of him
who never sinned.
"Grant therefore, O Lord, in the name of thy well-beloved Son, Jesus
Christ, to remove the barrenness and sterility of this land, and let springs
of living water break forth to water its thirsty soil. Let the vine and the
olive produce in their strength, and the fig tree bloom and flourish. Let
the land become abundantly fruitful when possessed by its rightful heirs;
let it again flow with plenty to feed the returning prodigals who come
home with a spirit of grace and supplication; upon it let the clouds distill
virtue and richness, and let the fields smile with plenty. Let the flocks
and the herds greatly increase and multiply upon the mountains and
the hills: and let thy great kindness conquer and subdue the unbelief of
the people. Do thou take from them their stony heart, and give them a
heartof flesh; and may the Sun of thy favor dispel the cold mistsof dark-
ness which have beclouded their atmosphere. Incline them to gather in
upon this land according to thy word. Let them come like clouds and
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 555
"Moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Woodruff,
that Lyman Wight and John Taylor present these resolu-
like doves to their windows. Let the large ships of the nations bring
them from the distant isles; and let kings become their nursing fathers,
and queens with motherly fondness wipe the tear of sorrow from their
eye.
"Thou, O Lord, did once move upon the heart of Cyrus to shew favor
unto Jerusalem and her children. Do thou now also be pleased to
inspire the hearts of kings and the powers of the earth to look with a
friendly eye towards this place, and with a desire to see thy righteous
purposes executed in relation thereto. Let them know that it is thy
good pleasure to restore the kingdom unto Israel, raise up Jerusalem as
its capital, and constitute her people a distinct nation and government,
with David thy servant, even a descendant from the loins of ancient
David, to be their King.
"Let that nation or that people who shall take an active part in behalf
of Abraham's children, and in the raising up of Jerusalem, find favor in
thy sight. Let not their enemies prevail against them, "neither let pesti-
lence or famine overcome them; but let the glory of Israel overshadow
them, and the power of the highest protect them; while that nation or
kingdom that will not serve thee in this glorious work must perish,
according to thy word — 'Yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.'
"Though thy servant is now far from his home and the land bedewed
with his earliest tear, yet he remembers, O Lord, his friends who are
there, and family, whom for thy sake he has left. Though poverty and
privation be our earthly lot, yet ah! do thou richly endow us with an
inheritance where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do
not break through and steal.
"The hands that have fed, clothed, or shown favor unto the family of
thy servant in his absence, or that shall hereafter do so, let them not lose
their reward, but let a special blessing rest upon them, and in thy king-
dom let them have an inheritance when thou shall come to be glorified
in this society.
"Do thou also look with favor upon all those through whose liberality
I have been enabled to come to this land; and in the day when thou
shalt reward all people according to their works, let these also not be
passed by or forgotten, but in time let them be in readiness to enjoy the
glory of those mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. Particularly
do thou bless the stranger in Philadelphia, whom I never saw, but who
sent me gold, with a request that I should pray for him in Jerusalem.
Now, O Lord, let blessings come upon him from an unexpected quarter,
and let his basket be filled, and his storehouse abound with plenty, and
let not the good things of the earth be his only portion, but let him be
found among those to whom it shall be said, 'Thou hast been faithful
over a few things, and I will make thee ruler over many.'
"O my Father in heaven! I now ask thee in the name of Jesus to re-
member Zion, with all her stakes, and with all her assemblies. She has
been grievously afflicted and smitten; she has mourned; she has wept:
her enemies have triumphed, and have said, 'Ah, where is thy God?'
Her priests and prophets have groaned in chains and fetters within the
gloomy walls of prisons, while many were slain, and now sleep in the
arms of death. How long, O Lord, shall iniquity triumph, and sin go
unpunished?
"Do thou arise in the majesty of thy strength and make bare thine
arm in behalf of thy people. Redress their wrongs, and turn their sor-
row into joy. Pour the spirit of light and knowledge, grace and wisdom,
550 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
tions to Brother Robinson." — Millennial Star, vol. 18, p. 791.
Under date of January 17, 1842, Joseph Smith wrote: —
into the hearts of her prophets, and clothe her priests with salvation.
Let light and knowledge march forth through the empire of darkness,
and may the honest in heart flow to their standard, and join in the
march to go forth to meet the Bridegroom.
"Let a peculiar blessing rest upon the Presidency of thy church, for
at them are the arrows of the enemy directed. Be thou to them a sun
and a shield, their strong tower and hiding place; and in the time of
distress or danger be thou near to deliver. Also the Quorum of the
Twelve, do thou be pleased to stand by, for thou knowest the obstacles
which we have to encounter,' the temptations to which we are exposed,
and the privations which we must suffer. Give us, therefore, strength
according to our day, and help us to bear a faithful testimony of Jesus
and his gospel, and to finish with fidelity and honor the work which
thou hast given us to do, and then give us a place in thy glorious king-
dom. And let this blessing rest upon every faithful officer and member
in thy church. 'And all the glory and honor will we ascribe unto God
and the Lamb forever and ever. Amen."
On the top of Mount Olives I erected a pile of stones as a witness,
according to the ancient custom. On what was anciently called Mount
Zion, where the temple stood, I erected another, and used the rod
according to the prediction upon my head.
I have found many Jews who listened with intense interest. The idea
of the Jews being restored to Palestine is gaining ground in Europe
almost every day. Jerusalem is strongly fortified with many cannon
upon its walls. The wall is ten feet thick on the sides that would be
most exposed, and four or five feet where the descent from the wall is
almost perpendicular. The number of inhabitants within the walls is
about twenty thousand. About seven thousand of this number are Jews,
the balance being mostly Turks and Armenians. Many of the Jews who
are old go to this place to die, and many are coming from Europe into
this Eastern world. The great wheel is unquestionably in motion, and
the word of the Almighty has declared that it shall roll.
I have not time to write particulars now, but suffice it to say that my
mission has been quite as prosperous as I could expect.
I am now about to go on board a fine ship for Trieste, and from thence
I intend to proceed to Regensburgb, and there publish our faith in the
German language. There are those who are ready and willing to assist me.
I send you this letter by Captain Withers, an English gentleman, who
goes direct to England on board the oriental steamer. He has come
with me from Jerusalem. If I had money sufficient I should be
almost tempted to take passage on board of her to England, but this I
cannot do.
On receipt of this I wish you to write to me immediately, and direct
to Regensburgh, on the Danube, Beyern, or Bavaria. If you know any-
thing of my family, tell me.
My best respects to yourself and family, to Brothers Adams and Snow,
and to all the saints in England.
May grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and from the Lord
Jesus Christ, rest upon you all from this time, henceforth, and forever.
Amen. Your brother in Christ,
ORSON HYDE.
P. 8.— Mr. Gagar di»d on th« 13th instant, at four o'clock in the after-
noon.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 739-742.
HISTORY OF THB CHURCH. 657
"In the evening I attended a council of the Twelve at my
office; present Elders Young, Kimball, Orson Pratt, Taylor,
Woodruff, George A. Smith, and Richards. . . . The coun-
cil were unanimously opposed to Robinson's publishing the
Book of Mormon and other books."— Millennial Star, vol. 19,
p. 22.
Under date of January 28, Joseph Smith made this entry
in his history: —
"I received the following revelation to the Twelve con-
cerning the Times and Seasons, given January 28, 1842." J1
Under date of February 4, President Smith wrote: —
"Elder Woodruff took the superintendence of the printing
office, and Elder Taylor the editorial department of the
Times and Seasons; who commenced by taking an inventory
of the establishment this day."
It was finally arranged for Joseph Smith to be chief editor,
with John Taylor assistant editor. Elder Robinson pub-
lished his "valedictory" in the Times and Seasons for Feb-
ruary 15, 1842, which was strongly expressive of confidence
in the church, both before, and at the time of writing. 1 8
11 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph, go and say
unto the Twelve that it is my will to have them take in hand the edi-
torial department of the Times and Seasons, according to that manifesta-
tion which shall be given unto them by the power of my Holy Spirit in
the midst of their counsel, saith the Lord. Amen. — Millennial Star, vol.
19, pp. 38, 39.
12 VALEDICTORY.
As is customary on like occasions, it now becomes my duty to say a
few words to the friends and patrons of the Times and Seasons, by way of
farewell address.
When I look back and survey the scenery through which this church
has passed, for the short space of three years, it is impossible to find
words to express my feelings— to recollect that three years this present
month many thousands of the members of this church were compelled
to leave their peaceful and happy firesides, to sacrifice all the enjoy-
ments of a sweet and pleasant home, which they had purchased with
their own money and made comfortable by the labor of their own hands,
to flee for their lives, and seek protection in a strange land, among
strangers, — all to satisfy the avarice and hellish desire of an infatuated
mob, and to obey the order of a second Nero, who then acted as Gov-
ernor of a, said to be, free and sovereign State — all conspire to fill the
mind with solemnity and sad recollections of bygone days.
It is not, however, my intention at present to dwell at length upon
th«se things, more than to draw the contract between those days and the
present.
In the summer of 1839, having a few months previous emerged from
558 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On December 4 and 5 a conference was held at Ramus, at
which time the organization of the Ramus stake was discon-
tinued.
December 13, the Twelve wrote an important epistle on
baptism for the dead, temple building, and church rejec-
tion. By this epistle it appears that the Twelve
id church understood as early as December 13, 1841, that
unless the temple was completed speedily the rejec-
the confines of a Missouri prison, -where I had been thrust together with
about sixty of my brethren, solely because we would not renounce the
religion of heaven, Bro. D. C. Smith and myself purchased the remains
of a printing establishment, had by the church in Missouri, which had
been saved from the ruins by being buried in the earth, and after having
carefully extracted the polluted soil of Missouri from the press and
type, which, by the by, like ourselves, were none the better for having
passed through the scrutinizing ordeal of an ungodly mob, we issued a
prospectus for publishing this paper, under circumstances the most
adverse possible. The only place we could obtain wherein to put our
press was an underground room to an old warehouse, without any floor,
and almost destitute of light. Here we succeeded in issuing a few
copies of the paper, when disease (which we had contracted while
laboring in a damp room) brought us upon our sick beds, and we were
compelled to suspend business for several months. However, in the
month of November we were permitted, through the blessings of a kind
Providence, again to issue the paper, which has been published until the
present time without interruption, notwithstanding two good and
mighty men have fallen while acting as its editors.
The Times and Seasons is now placed on a permanent basis, with a
iiberal patronage, and its circulation is daily increasing. The building
in which it is published was erected expressly for a printing establish-
ment, with spacious rooms, where each branch can be carried on in its
own department, without interfering with the other. The church also
is in a flourishing and prosperous condition — more so than at any previ-
ous period since its rise; naught but joy and gladness seems to pervade
the bosoms of the saints, and peace and happiness attend all their foot-
steps.
Under these circumstances I now take leave of the editorial depart-
ment of the Times and Seasons, having disposed of my entire interest in
the printing establishment, bookbindery, and stereotype foundry, and
they are transferred into other hands. The editorial chair will be filled
by our esteemed brother, President Joseph Smith, assisted by Elder John
Taylor, of the Quorum of the Twelve, under whose able and talented
guidance this will become the most interesting and useful religious jour-
nal of the day.
With these considerations I feel confident that the agents and friends
of the Times and Seasons will exert themselves to support the press,
knowing that while it is under the supervision of him whom God has
chosen to lead his people in the last days, all things will go ritrht.
With these brief remarks, and a bosom filled with kind and grateful
feelings towards all my friends, I will say to the patrons of the Times,
Farewell. E. ROBINSON.
NAUVOO, February 15, 1842.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 695, 696.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 559
tion of the church was inevitable. * 8 This is a serious reflec-
tion, and causes one to inquire anxiously, "Was the temple
ever completed?" If not, we are confronted with evidence
conclusive, if the Twelve are correct, that the church
organization existing at that time has been rejected of God.
18 BAPTISM FOB THE DEAD. — AN EPISTLE OP THE TWELVE TO THE
SAINTS OP THE LAST DAYS.
The building of the temple of the Lord, in the city of Nauvoo, is
occupying the first place in the exertions and prayers of many of the
saints at the present time, knowing as they do, that if this building is
not completed speedily, "we shall be rejected as a church with our
dead," for the Lord our God hath spoken it; but while many are thus
engaged in laboring, and watching, and praying for this all-important
object, there are many, very many more, who do not thus come up to
their privilege and their duty in this thing, and in many instances we
are confident that their neglect arises from want of proper understand-
ing of the principles upon which this building is founded, and by which
it.jnust be.jcpmpleted
There are individuals who have given nothing as yet, either as lith-
ings or consecration, thinking that they shall be able to do a great deal
sometime hence, if they continue their present income to their own use;
but this is a mistaken idea. Suppose that all should act upon this prin-
ciple, no one would do aught at present, consequently the building must
cease, and this generation remain without a house, and the church be
rejected; then suppose the next generation labor upon the same prin-
ciple, and the same in all succeeding generations, the Son of God would
never have a place on earth to lay his head. Let every individual
remember that their tithings and consecrations are required from what
they have, and not from what they expect to have sometime hence, and
are wanted for immediate use.
All money and other property designed for tithings and consecrations
to the building of the temple must hereafter be presented to the Trustee
in Trust, President Joseph Smith, and entered at the Recorder's office
in the book before referred to; and all receipts now holden by individu-
als, which they have received of the building committee for property
delivered to them, must also be forwarded to the Recorder's office for
entry, to secure the appropriation of said property according to the origi-
nal design.
The elders everywhere will instruct the brethren, both in public and
in private, in the principles and doctrine set forth in this epistle, so that
every individual of the church may have a perfect understanding of his
duty and privilege.
BKIQHAM YOUNG.
HEBEB C. KIMBALL.
ORSON PRATT.
WILLIAM SMITH.
LTMAN WIGHT.
WILPORD WOODRUFF.
JOHN TAYLOR.
GEO. A. SMITH.
WILLARD RICHARDS.
NAUVOO, Illinois, December 13, 1841.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 625-627.
560 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
That it was the intention of the church to finish the temple,
appears from the following statements: —
P. P. Pratt, Willard Richards, John Taylor, and W. W.
Phelps on July 15, 1844, stated:—
"Let us then humble ourselves under the mighty hand of
God, and endeavor to put away all our sins and imperfec-
tions as a people and as individuals, and to call upon the
Lord with the spirit of grace and supplication; and wait
patiently on him, until he shall direct our way.
"Let no vain and foolish plans, or imaginations scatter us
abroad, and divide us asunder as a people, to seek to save
our lives at the expense of truth and principle; but rather
let us live or die together and in the enjoyment of society
and union. Therefore, we say, let us haste to fulfill the
commandments which God has already given us. Yea, let
us haste to build the temple of our God, and to gather
together thereunto, our silver and our gold with us, unto the
name of the Lord; and then we may expect that he will
teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths." — Times
and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 586.
August 15, 1844, the Twelve in an epistle signed by "Brig-
ham Young, President of the Twelve," stated: —
"The temple must be completed by a regular system of
tithing, according to the commandments of the Lord, which
he has given as a law unto this church, by the mouth of his
servant Joseph." — Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 619.
An editorial in January 1, 1845, when John Taylor was
editor, contained the following:—
"Our warning voice therefore is; 'Be ye also ready;' be
ready for the times and seasons; be ready for the gathering;
be ready for the tithing; be ready to give a reason of your
hope; be ready to help finish the temple; be ready to leave
apostates to themselves; be ready for the events of the last
days; and be ready to serve God according to his command-
ments; and thus our prayer for all shall be, May God bless
you this year according to your works." — Times and Seasons,
vol. 5, p. 762.
An editorial in October, 1842, by Joseph Smith, is very
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 561
significant, taken in connection with subsequent events.
This is an extract: —
"Perhaps we have said enough on this subject, but we
feel the importance of it, and therefore speak plainly. It is
for you, brethren, to say whether the work shall stand or
progress. One thing is certain, that unless that is done all
our efforts to aggrandize or enrich ourselves will be vain
and futile. We may build splendid houses, but we shall not
inhabit them; we may cultivate farms, but we shall not
enjoy them; we may plant orchards, or vineyards, but we
shall not eat the fruit of them. The word of the Lord is,
Build my house; and until that command is fulfilled we
stand responsible to the great Jehovah for the fulfillment of
it; and if not done in due time we may have to share the
same fate that we have heretofore done in Missouri." — Times
and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 939.
P. P. Pratt claims that he received a revelation soon after
the death of the martyrs, which, if true, makes it plain that
it was the Lord's will for them to complete the temple; and
in answer to the inquiry as to whether they should flee "to
the wilderness," or remain there, they were instructed to
remain.
"As I walked along over the plains of Illinois, lonely and
solitary, I reflected as follows: I am now drawing near to
the beloved city; in a day or two I shall be there. How
shall I meet the sorrowing widows and orphans? How shall
I meet the aged and widowed mother of these two martyrs?
How shall I meet an entire community bowed down with
grief and sorrow unutterable? What shall I say? or how
console and advise twenty-five thousand people who will
throng about me in tears, and in the absence of my President
and the older members of the now presiding council, will ask
counsel at my hands? Shall I tell them to fly to the wilder-
ness and deserts? Or, shall I tell them to stay at home and
take care of themselves, and continue to build the temple?
With these reflections and inquiries, I walked onward,
weighed down as it were unto death. When I could endure
it no longer, I cried out aloud, saying: O Lord! in the name
of Jesus Christ I pray thee, show me what these things
.562 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
mean, and what I shall say to thy people? On a sudden the
Spirit of God came upon me, and filled my heart with joy
and gladness indescribable; and while the spirit of revelation
glowed in my bosom with as visible a warmth and gladness
as if it were fire, the Spirit said unto me: 'Lift up your
head and rejoice; for behold! it is well with my servants
Joseph and Hyrum. My servant Joseph still holds the keys
of my kingdom in this dispensation, and he shall stand in
due time on the earth, in the flesh, and fulfill that to which
he is appointed. Go and say unto my people in Nauvoo,
that they shall continue to pursue their daily duties and take
care of themselves, and make no movement in church gov-
ernment to reorganize or alter anything until the return of
the remainder of the Quorum of the Twelve. But exhort
them that they continue to build the house of the Lord which
I have commanded them to build in Nauvoo.'
"This information caused my bosom to burn with joy and
gladness, and I was comforted above measure; all my sorrow
seemed in a moment to be lifted as a burthen from my
back.
"The change was so sudden I hardly dare to believe my
senses; I, therefore, prayed the Lord to repeat to me the
same things the second time; if, indeed, I might be sure of
their truth, and might really tell the saints to stay in Nau-
voo, and continue to build the temple.
"As I prayed thus, the same Spirit burned in my bosom,
and the Spirit of the Lord repeated to me the same message
again. I then went on my way rejoicing, and soon arrived
in Nauvoo, and delivered this message both to the people
and friends individually, and in the great congregation. In
confirmation that the message was right, I found them
already renewing their labors on the temple, under the direc-
tion of John Taylor and Willard Richards, who were mem-
bers of our quorum, and were in jail with the prophets when
they were murdered— Taylor being wounded with four bul-
lets, and Richards escaping uninjured." — Autobiography of
Parley P. Pratt, pp. 370-372.
The church failed to do the Lord's will in this matter, and
hence according to the epistle of the Twelve, in December,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 563
1841, and the command of God, (Doctrine and Covenants
107:10, II,)14 was rejected as a church.
That the church did not finish the temple is evident from
the following statements from men who know of what they
affirm. The two first-named were reared at Nauvoo and
were acquainted with the temple and its condition through
all the years of its existence. The last-named was one of
the chief men at Nauvoo and certainly knew concerning
whereof he speaks: —
"TEMPLE AT NAUVOO NOT FINISHED.
"I lived at Nauvoo from 1839 to 1866; with the exception
of the time between September 12, 1846, and February 19,
1847.
"I knew of the work being done on the temple at that place
from the time it began until the building was burned in
1848. It was not finished. The basement was fitted for
occupation, and the baptismal font was ready for use. The
auditorium on the first floor was completed sufficiently to be
seated and occupied for assembly purposes. The stairway
on the south side was completed for use. The auditorium
on second floor, the stairway on north side, nor any other
portion of the building except those above-named were com-
pleted; though the small rooms above the second floor audito-
rium were used by President Young and the resident church
authorities for various purposes.
"As boy and man I visited the building both while it was
being built and after work on it stopped, was all over it from
cellar to the dome, many times, with visitors from abroad,
and with comrades, after the saints left the city and while
David La Barron had charge, attended meetings in it both
for worship and for political purposes, and know from
actual personal observation that the temple at Nauvoo was
14 But I command you, all ye my saints, to build an house unto me;
and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build an house unto me, and
during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me. But,
behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your dead
shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these things at the
end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a church with your dead,
saith the Lord your God.
564 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
not finished. I know, too, that it was a matter of common
talk among members of the church that changes were made
in the designs, after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith;
and that those portions that were completed so as to be
occupied were not in accordance with the original plans.
" JOSEPH SMITH.
"L.AMONI, Iowa, June 26, 1897."
"Inasmuch as the subject of the temple built by the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo,
Illinois, has been in controversy in the past and sometimes
of late called up; and as some have claimed that the temple
was finished according to the revelation or command of God,
and endowments legally given therein, I wish to make a
statement and leave my testimony in history, that perhaps
it may correct an error, and free some minds which may be
in doubt upon the matter.
"When a boy I was privileged to wander all over the build-
ing, and sometimes when the man in charge did not feel like
climbing up the many flights of stairs, which led into the
cupola to show visitors the wonderful building and beauti-
ful view to be had from the dome, he requested me to show
them. I well remember that on one of those occasions I
ventured out of the small door on the east side of the
rounded top which was covered with bright tin. I walked all
around it, and as I approached the door the gentleman whom
I was guide to caught me and drew me in, and lectured me
for my imprudence, declaring that he would not dare do it.
"The offices in the corner to the left of main entrance on
the ground floor were finished, but not furnished. The
auditorium or main meeting room was temporarily finished;
the seats and pulpit were only temporary.
"The upper auditorium; the plastering was not done, the
floor was only the rough boards, intended only for the lining,
was laid, and from this floor upward the stairs, except in
the tower, or circular main stairs, were also temporary; the
upper floor which was to have been divided into numerous
rooms was laid, and partitioned off with cotton factory cloth,
and used for some purposes before the saints were driven
away.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 665
"I was told that the cloth of those partitions was subse-
quently used for wagon covers, by the saints on their jour-
ney across the plains.
"To my knowledge the temple never was finished, and
those who have been led to believe it was, have been
deceived. I make this statement freely for the benefit of
the present and future generations.
44 ALEXANDER H. SMITH.
"AUDUBON, Minnesota, July 2, 1897."
"REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG, DELIVERED AT
THE TEMPLE, ST. GEORGE, JANUARY 1, 1877.
" 'I cannot consent in my feelings to retire from this house
without exercising my strength, the strength of my lungs,
stomach, and speaking organs, in speaking to this people.
I hardly dare say what is in my heart to say to this people.
Perhaps it would not be prudent, but I will say a few encour-
aging things to the Latter Day Saints; that is, they ought to
be encouraging. We that are here are enjoying a privilege
that we have no knowledge of any other people enjoying
since the days of Adam; that is, to have a temple completed,
wherein all the ordinances of the house of God can be be-
stowed upon his people. Brethren and sisters, do you
understand this? It seems that a great many of the people
know nothing about it. It is true that Solomon built a tem-
ple for the purpose of giving endowments, but from what
we can learn of the history of that time they gave very few
if any endowments, and one of the high priests was mur-
dered by wicked and corrupt men, who had already begun to
apostatize, because he would not reveal those things apper-
taining to the priesthood that were forbidden him to reveal
until he came to the proper place. I will not say but what
Enoch had temples and officiated therein, but we have no
account of it. We know that he raised up a people so pure
and holy that they were not permitted to remain with the
wicked inhabitants of the earth, but were taken to another
place. We as Latter Day Saints have been laboring for
over forty years, and the revelations given us in the first
were to establish the kingdom by gathering the saints,
building temples, and organizing the people as the family of
566 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
heaven here on the earth. We reared up a temple in Kirt-
land, but we had no basement in it, nor a font, nor prepara-
tions to give endowments for the living or the dead. It was
left by the saints before it was completed, they going to
Missouri. Joseph located the site for the Temple Block in
Jackson County, Missouri, and pointed out the southeast
corner of the temple in the year 1831; also laid the corner
stone for a temple in Par West, Caldwell County, Missouri.
These temples were not built. We built one in Nauvoo. I
could pick out several before me now that were there when
it was built, and know just how much was finished and what
was done. It is true we left brethren there with instructions
to finish it, and they got it nearly completed before it was
burned; but the saints did not enjoy it. Now we have a
temple which will all be finished in a few days, and of
which there is enough completed to commence work therein,
which has not been done since the days of Adam, that we
have any knowledge of. Now those that can see the spir-
itual atmosphere can see that many of the saints are still
glued to this earth and lusting and longing for the things of
this world in which there is no profit. It is true, we should
look after the things of this world and devote all to the
building up of the kingdom of God.' " — Journal of Discourses,
vol. 18, pp. 303, 304.
Joseph Smith gives as a fitting close to the history of
1841, a partial list of publications issued for and against the
church. * 8
10 The following list shows some of the books, pamphlets, letters, etc.,
etc., published for and against the Latter Day Saints in 1841.
"A Proclamation to the Saints scattered abroad;" January 15, by
Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith.
Twenty-three numbers of the Times and Seasons, were published at
Nauvoo.
Twelve numbers of the Millennial Star were published in England bv
Parley? Pratt.
First edition of the "Book of Mormon," published in England, 21st
January, by Elders B. Young and W. Richards.
A third edition of the "Voice of Warning," was published in Manches-
ter, England, by Parley P. Pratt.
"A Letter to Queen Victoria of England, Touching the Signs of the
Times, and the Political Destiny of the World;'* in pamphlet form; by
Parley P. Pratt, Manchester, England.
Five hundred copies of "An Address to the Hebrews," in the Dutch
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 567
language, by O. Hyde. Published in Rotterdam, Holland; being the first
pamphlet pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
written in a foreign language; July.
A pamphlet containing 116 pages, 8 vo., by O. Hyde, containing
"A Synopsis of the Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints;" addressed to the German nation in their own language.
A small selection of hymns, by Christopher Merkley.
"Evidences in proof of the Book of Mormon;" a work of 256 pages, 32
mo. Published at Batavia, New York, by Charles Thompson.
A lengthy "Address to the Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts, and
Vicinity," by E. Snow and B. Winchester; October.
Gospel Reflector, a monthly periodical, by Benjamin Winchester. Pub-
lished in Philadelphia.
"Proclamation and Warning to the Inhabitants of America," by
Charles Thompson.
The editor of the Times and Seasons noticed the following: —
From the Upper Mississippian, a series of letters, entitled "Nauvoo,
Mormon Religion," etc. The writer no doubt intended to give a fair
statement, and in the main did; but respecting our faith (on some
points), "The Book of Mormon," etc., he is widely from the mark.
An article was published in the North Staffordshire Mercury, showing
the difference between the Baptists and Latter Day Saints; Hanley, Feb-
ruary 16; Signed, "A Baptist;" replied to by Parley P. Pratt, who
showed the difference between the Baptists and former-day Saints.
A severe article against the Latter Day Saints, which filled several
columns of fine print, was published in the Edinburgh InteUigencer, of
April 7, taken from the Athenaeum, on the subject of the "Book of Mor-
mon" and the Latter Day Saints; replied to by Parley P. Pratt, May.
Mr. J. B. Rollo, of Edinburgh, Scotland, published a pamphlet entitled
"Mormonism Exposed;" replied to by Parley P. Pratt, July 10.
The Preston Chronicle of April 24, published a long article against the
Latter Day Saints, which was replied to by Parley P. Pratt in the Mil-
lennial Star, July 10.
A bitter article was published in the Cheltenham Free Press of August
23, headed "Latter Day Saints' Swindle;" replied to by Parley P. Pratt
in the Star of October.
"A few plain facts, showing the folly, wickedness, and imposition of
the Rev. Timothy R. Matthews;" by George J. Adams, Bedford, Eng-
land.
The St. Louis, Missouri, Atlas published a favorable article entitled,
"The Latter Day Saints."
The Joliet Courier published a favorable account of the late trial of
Joseph Smith; Monmouth, June.
The Philadelphia Saturday Courier and the Public Ledger on July 10
published several articles anathematizing the Latter Day Saints.
A slanderous pamphlet entitled "Mormonism Unmasked;" by A. Gard-
ner, of Rochdale, England.
"The Mormons — Arrest of Joe Smith," was the heading of an article
published in the New York Herald of Commerce, and copied in many of
the eastern papers.
The Christian Messenger and Reformer published an account of the Lat-
ter Day Saints, collected from the book of E. D. Howe, of Painesville,
Ohio.
Tom Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal, devoted his entire time to
Blander, lie against, and misrepresent the Latter Day Saints. — Millennial
Star, vol. 19, pp. 8, 9.
CHAPTER 25
1842.
THE NEW YEAR— CORRECTIONS — BOOK OP ABRAHAM - EPITOME OF
FAITH — EDITORIAL CHARGE — JOHN SNIDER AGENT — LADIES'
RELIEF SOCIETY — GENERAL CONFERENCE — JOHN E PAGE EX-
PLAINS—THE WASP— THE TEMPLE— BOGGS SHOT— MORALS OF
NAUVOO— THE PINERIES.
WE will open this chapter with the words of Joseph Smith,
under date of January 6, 1842: —
"Thursday, 6th. The new year has been ushered in and
continued thus far under the most favorable auspices, and
Thene,, the saints seem to be influenced by a kind and
year. indulgent Providence in their dispositions and
means to rear the temple of the Most High God, anxiously
looking forth to the completion thereof as an event of the
greatest importance to the church and the world, making
the saints in Zion to rejoice, and the hypocrite and sinner to
tremble. Truly this is a day long to be remembered by the
saints of the last days, a day in which the God of heaven
has begun to restore the ancient order of his kingdom unto
his servants and his people; a day in which all things are
concurring to bring about the completion of the fullness of
the gospel, a fullness of the dispensation of dispensations,
even the fullness of times; a day in which God has begun
to make manifest and set in order his church, those things
which have been, and those things which the ancient proph-
ets and wise men desired to see, but died without beholding
it; a day in which those things begin to be made manifest
which have been hid from before the foundation of the
world, and which Jehovah has promised should be made
known in his own due time, unto his servants, to prepare the
earth for the return of his glory, even a celestial glory, and
a kingdom of priests and kings to God and the Lamb for-
ever, on Mount Zion, or the hundred and forty and four
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 569
thousand whom John the Revelator saw, which should come
to pass in the restitution of all things.
"Conference held at Zarahemla, at which the stake was
discontinued. A branch organized and John Smith ap-
pointed president."— Millennial Star, vol. 19, pp. 21, 22.
Saturday, January 15, 1842, Joseph Smith began reading
the Book of Mormon for the purpose of correcting
Corrections. . , . , _ _. __, .
some mistakes in the first edition.1 This work
continued from time to time as opportunity offered.
Nothing more of peculiar importance occurred except the
general routine of business until March 1, 1842. On this
date President Smith writes: —
"I commenced publishing my translation of the Book of
Abraham, in the Times and Seasons."
These extracts, as we understand, are from a translation
of a roll of manuscript found with some Egyptian mummies
Bookoi purchased of a traveler who visited Kirtland,
Abraham. Ohio, a few years before for the purpose of ex-
hibiting the mummies. The church has never to our knowl-
edge taken any action on this work, either to indorse or
condemn; so it cannot be said to be a church publication;
nor can the church be held to answer for the correctness
of its teachings. Joseph Smith, as the translator, is com-
mitted of course to the correctness of the translation, but
not necessarily to the indorsement of its historical or doc-
trinal contents.
About this time, at the request of Hon. John Wentworth ,
of Chicago, Illinois, editor and proprietor of the Chicago
Epitome Democrat, Joseph Smith wrote a sketch of the rise
of faith. an(i progress of the church, which sketch was
published soon after in that paper. This production closed
with a plain and comprehensive epitome of the faith and
doctrine of the church. 8
1 Saturday, 15th. I commenced reading the Book of Mormon, at page
54, American stereotype edition (the previous pages having been cor-
rected), for the purpose of correcting the stereotype plates of some errors
which escaped notice in the first edition. — Millennial Star, vol. 19, p 22.
2 We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ,
and in the Holy Ghost.
570 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
This is an important historical document, for the reason
that there has been some discussion regarding just what the
doctrine of the church was in past years.
On assuming editorial charge of the Times and Seasons
President Joseph Smith published a notice that he would
Editorial become responsible for all future editorials and
charge. for au papers having his signature, but disclaim-
ing responsibility for the paper in the past. 5
March 20, 1842, the Quorum of the Twelve wrote a general
"We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for
Adam's transgression.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be
saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
We believe that these ordinances are, 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ; 2d, Repentance; 3d, Baptism by immersion for the remission of
sins; 4th, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by
laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel
and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive
church; viz.: Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, heal-
ing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated
correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and
we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things per-
taining to the kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of
the Ten Tribes. That Zion will be built upon this continent. That
Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be
renewed and receive its paradisaic glory.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the
dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let
them worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magis-
trates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in
doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition
of Paul, "we believe all things, we hope all things," we have endured
many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is any-
thing virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after
these things. Respectfully, etc.,
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 709, 710.
8 To SUBSCRIBERS. — This paper commences my editorial career. I
alone stand responsible for it, and shall do for all papers having my sig-
nature henceforward. I am not responsible for the publication or
arrangement of the former paper; the matter did not come under my
supervision. JOSEPH SMITH.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 710.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 571
epistle to the church in Europe, in which they made the
Johnsni- building of the temple and the Nauvoo House a
aer agent. special feature, and appointed John Snider their
agent for collecting means.
This epistle was signed by each of the quorum except P.
P. Pratt and Orson Hyde, who were in foreign lands.4
March 24, the "Ladies' Relief Society" was organized.
Ladies- Re- ^he editor of the Times and Seasons, Joseph Smith,
iief Society. jn ^g jssue for April 1, speaks of the society and
explains the purpose of its creation. *
* The following is an extract from the epistle of the Twelver-
Brethren, we wish not to control you or your means; it is not for our
peace or interest; nay, rather, it is a source of labor, trouble, and anxiety
to have aught to do with the pecuniary business of the church, which
we would gladly avoid, could we do it and do our duty, could we do it
and the things desired be accomplished and we stand guiltless where
God hath placed us; and for this reason we desire to make such arrange-
ments as will most tend to leave the business in your own hands, or in
the hands of those whom you shall select; men of your own acquaintance
in whom you can repose confidence that they will execute their trust in
righteousness. And that our plans may be understood by you and car-
ried into execution, we have sent unto you our beloved brother, Elder
John Snider, the bearer of this epistle and other epistles also previously
written by us to you; and we beseech you, brethren, to receive him as a
servant of the Most High, authorized according to the order of the king-
dom of heaven, and assist him by all lawful means in your power to
execute the mission intrusted to him; for great events depend on his
success, but to none will they be greater than to yourselves.
Our authority for thus sending Brother Snider to you is found in the
Book of the Law of the Lord, page 36, as follows: "Nauvoo, December
22, 1841." "The word of the Lord came unto Joseph the Seer, Verily
thus saith the Lord, Let my servant John Snider take a mission to the
Eastern Continent, unto all the conferences now sitting in that region;
and let him carry a package of epistles that shall be written by my
servants, the Twelve, making known unto them their duties concerning
the building of my houses, which I have appointed unto you, saith the
Lord, that they may bring their gold, and their silver, and their precious
stones, and the box tree, and the fir tree, and all fine wood to beautify
the place of my sanctuary saith the Lord; and let him return speedily
with all means which shall be put into his hands; even so, Amen."
In this revelation, the brethren will discover their duty in relation to
the building of the temple of the Lord in Nauvoo and the Nauvoo House;
and we call upon them with united cry to give heed unto the things
written and help to build the houses which God hath commanded, so
that Brather Snider may speedily return with means to strengthen the
hands of the laborers and adorn and beautify the tabernacle of Jehovah.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 736, 737.
0 LADIES' RELIEF SOCIETY. — A society has lately been formed by the
ladies of Nauvoo for the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow, and
the orphan; and for the exercise of all benevolent purposes. The society
is known by the name of the "Ladies' Relief Society of the City of Nau-
voo;" and was organized on Thursday, the 24th of March, A. D. 1842.
572 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
March 26, Elder John Snider was blessed for his mission
under the hands of President Joseph Smith and Apostles
Page and Richards, and the same day started for England.
On the 27th Joseph Smith baptized one hundred and seven
persons in the Mississippi River. April 6, 1842, there was a
General special General Conference convened at Nauvoo,
conference. a^. WQich several important items of business were
done. Among them was the consideration of the case of
johnE. Page Apostle John E. Page who had been under cen-
expiains. sure jor somQ ^[me [n consequence of his failure to
accompany Apostle Orson Hyde to the Orient. The investi-
gation resulted in his restoration to fellowship.*
The society is duly organized with a presidentess or chairwoman, and
two counselors, chosen by herself, a treasurer and secretary. Mrs.
Emma Smith takes the presidential chair, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Whitney
and Mrs. Sarah M. Cleveland are her counselors; Miss Elvira Cole is
treasuress, and our well-known and talented poetess, Miss Eliza R. Snow,
secretary.
There was a very numerous attendance at the organization of the
society, and also at their subsequent meetings, of some of our most intel-
ligent, humane, philanthropic, and respectable ladies; and we are well
assured from a knowledge of those pure principles of benevolence that
flow spontaneously from their humane and philanthropic bosoms, that
with the resources they will have at command they will fly to the relief
of the stranger, they will pour in oil and wine to the wounded heart of
the distressed, they will dry up the tear of the orphan, and make the
widow's heart to rejoice.
Our ladies have always been signalized for their acts of benevolence
and kindness; but the cruel usage that they have received from the bar-
barians of Missouri has hitherto prevented their extending the hand of
charity in a conspicuous manner; yet in the midst of their persecutions,
when the bread has been torn from their helpless offspring by their cruel
oppressors, they have always been ready to open their doors to the
weary traveler, to divide their scanty pittance with the hungry, and
from their robbed and impoverished wardrobes to divide with the more
needy and destitute; and now that they are living on a more genial soil,
and among a less barbarous people, and possess facilities that they have
not heretofore enjoyed, we feel convinced that with their concentrated
efforts the condition of the sufferingpoor, of the stranger, and the father-
less, will be ameliorated.
We had the privilege of being present at their organization, and were
much pleased with their modus operandi and the good order that pre-
vailed. They are strictly parliamentary in their proceedings, and we
believe that they will make pretty good Democrats. — ED. — Times and
Seasons, vol. 3, p. 743.
e CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
met according to appointment in the city of Nauvoo, April 6, 1842.
The day being wet, the First Presidency did not attend, and Elder
Page addressed those present upon the subject of the charges against
HISTORY OP THE OHUROH. 573
him, and said he would be happy to have an opportunity of laying his
statement before the conference at a convenient time.
President William Law, General Bennett president pro tern., and
President H. Smith all spoke upon the subject of military affairs, show-
ing the necessity of a well-organized and efficient force; that as we were
bound to serve our country if required in common with all good citizens,
we ought not to be behind any of our neighbors in point of good order,
neat uniforms, and equipments, and a well-organized and thoroughly
disciplined legion.
April 7. Conference met; President Joseph Smith had the several
quorums put in order, and seated. He then made some very appropriate
remarks concerning the duties of the church, the necessity of unity of
purpose in regard to the building of the houses, and the blessings con-
nected with doing the will of God, and the inconsistency, folly, and dan-
ger of murmuring against the dispensations of Jehovah.
He said that the principal object of the meeting was to bring the case
of Elder Page before them, and that another object was to choose young
men, and.ordain them, and send them out to preach, that they may have
an opportunity of proving themselves, and of enduring the tarring and
feathering and such things as those of us who have gone before them
have had to endure.
Elder Page having arrived, was called upon, and addressed the con-
gregation in relation to the nonperformance of his mission to Jerusalem.
He said that when he started with Elder Hyde, joy filled their hearts,
and they were aware of the responsibility of their mission. Elder
Hyde's vision was that he should be in Jerusalem alone; E. P. [Elder
Page] considered Elder Hyde to be his father and guide in the mission,
and felt it his duty to submit to Elder Hyde's opinion in all things. No
elders ever were more in concert on a mission than they were while
together. They made a covenant in Quincy to stand by each other
while on the mission; that if they were insulted or imposed upon they
would stand by each other even unto death, and not separate unless to
go a few miles to preach a sermon; that all moneys should go into one
purse, and it did so. Elder Hyde in Indiana first said he would go to
visit Bro. Knight, and that Elder Page would stay and preach. He
assented, and he went and returned to Indianapolis. Elder Page had a
mare given him on account of both. Elder Hyde then took the mare,
went on, and left his luggage with Elder Page. While away he sold the
mare for forty dollars, and received sixty dollars more as a donation from
the man to .whom he sold the mare. He returned; they preached in
Dayton and received a handsome contribution. Elder Page preached
sixteen miles off and raised a branch; Elder Hyde went to Cincinnati,
revised the "Missouri Persecutions," got two thousand copies printed,
and paid for them, and took part of them with him, and left a large box
full and about one hundred and fifty loose copies with Elder Page.
Elder Hyde started for Philadelphia, purposing to visit churches on the
way; he left Elder Page twenty-three dollars and thirty-one cents. Elder
Page returned to Dayton and Milton and sold books, with the intention
of following Elder Hyde as soon as practicable; but he stayed a day or
two too long, and the river closed by the frost, from one to two weeks
earlier than usual. Elder Hyde told him that it was possible they might
be from one to two years before they would leave America, as it would
take upwards of one thousand dollars each to take them to Jerusalem
and back; that it would be slow gleaning in England; and assigned this
as a reason for not immediately following Elder Hyde, thinking that he
would be sure of seeing him in the spring.
Elder Page accused himself of not using better economy in proceeding
on his journey. There came out a piece in the paper stating the dis-
574 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
April 13, the first number of a periodical called The Wasp
was issued at Nauvoo, Elder William Smith editor. It was
a weekly newspaper devoted to art, science, litera-
The Wasp.
ture, agriculture, manufactures, trade, commerce,
and general news.
pleasure of the Lord respecting Elder Hyde and Elder Page. He sat
down and wrote a piece to put in the paper, acknowledging the justice
of the charge; but wisdom prevented its being published; preached
about Washington, etc., gathered funds for the mission, in Westchester
and in Philadelphia. Elder Hyde raised funds on behalf of the mission,
by applauding Elder Page's talents, wisdom, etc.; but they were disap-
pointed in him when they saw him. He raised funds for the mission;
the most liberal was in Philadelphia. He intended to sail on the 25th of
July, but the brethren said that if he would remain two weeks they
would raise funds for him. They found that it would take longer, and
he decided to stay a month. He then received a command through a let-
ter from President H. Smith to an official character in Philadelphia,
requesting him to return. He wrote to ascertain the reason, but did not
get an answer. He was then called in by President J. Smith and Elder
B. Young. Elder Hyde would often renew the covenant between them,
never to part with each other in that mission. Elder Page had no blame
to attach to Elder Hyde — he supposed that he had done right; but if he
had been in his place he would have tarried for him until the spring.
The reports of his having apostatized, etc., returned even from this
place to New York. Many reproved him for leaving Cincinnati for
Dayton.
President J. Smith then arose and stated that it was wrong to make
the covenant referred to by him; that it created a lack of confidence for
two men to covenant to reveal all acts of secrecy or otherwise to each
other, and Elder Page showed a little grannyism. He said that no two
men when they agreed to go together ought to separate; that the proph-
ets of old would not, and quoted the circumstance of Elijah and Elisha
. . . when about to go to Gilgal; also when about to go to Jericho, and
to Jordan; that Elisha could not get clear of Elijah — that he clung to
his garment until he was taken to heaven; and that Elder Page should
have stuck by Elder Hyde, and he might have gone to Jerusalem; that
there is nothing very bad in it, but by the experience let us profit. . . .
When Elder Hyde returns we will reconsider the matter, and perhaps
send them back to Jerusalem. We will fellowship Elder Page until
Elder Hyde comes, and we will then weld them together and make them
one. A vote was then put and carried, that we hold Elder Page in full
fellowship.
Voted that Elder Page be sent to Pittsburg. . . .
Elder L. Wight then addressed those who intended to be ordained, on
the subject of their duty and requirements to go to preach.
President H. Smith spoke concerning the elders who went forth to
preach from Kirtland, and were afterwards called in for the washing
and anointing at the dedication of the house; and those who go now will
be called in also, when this temple is about to be dedicated, and will
then be endowed to go forth with mighty power, having the same anoint-
ing, that all may go forth and have the same power; the first, second,
and so on, of the seventies, and all those formerly ordained. This will
be an important and beneficial mission, and not many years until those
now sent will be called in again.
He then spoke in contradiction of a report in circulation about Elder
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 575
The Times and Seasons for May 2, 1842, contained two arti-
cles on the temple. One, the epistle of the
Twelve to the church in America, * and the other
Kimball, B. Young, himself, and others of the Twelve, alleging that a
sister had been shut in a room for several days, and that they had en-
deavored to induce her to believe in having two wives. Also cautioned
the sisters against going to the steamboats.
President J. Smith spoke upon the subject of the stories respecting
Elder Kimball and others, showing the folly and inconsistency of spend-
ing any time in conversing about such stories or hearkening to them, for
there is no person that is acquainted with our principles would believe
such lies, except Sharp, the editor of the Warsaw Signal. Baptisms for
the dead, and for the healing of the body, must be in the font; those
coming into the church and those rebaptized may be done in the river.
A box should be prepared for the use of the font, that the clerk may
be paid, and a book procured by the moneys to be put therein by those
baptized, the remainder to go to the use of the temple. Sung a hymn.
Ordinations to take place to-morrow morning, baptisms in the font also.
There were two hundred and seventy-five ordained to the office of elder
under the hands of the Twelve during the conference.
April 8. Sung a hymn; prayer by Elder Kimball; sung a hymn.
Elder Page then addressed the assembly upon several subjects; made
many interesting remarks concerning being called to the ministry, labor
in the vineyard, etc., spoke of his own travels and the fruits of his
labors as an encouragement to the young elders who were going into the
vineyard.
President J. Smith said the baptisms would be attended to, also the
ordinations. Sung a hymn. Elder John Taylor preached a sermon while
the ordinations and baptisms were going on, on the subject of infidelity,
showing that the arguments used against the Bible were reasonably,
scientifically, and philosophically false.
The stand was occupied in the afternoon by Elder Amasa Lyman and
followed by Elder William Smith; then the conference closed by bene-
diction of President J. Smith. — Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 761-763.
T AN EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE.
To the Saints in America; Greeting: —
Beloved brethren, we have whereof to congratulate you at the present
time, as we have opportunity from day to day to witness the progress of
the building of the temple of the Lord in this city, and which is and
must be accomplished by the united exertions of the labors of the breth-
ren who reside here, and the tithings and contributions of those who are
scattered abroad in the different States.
In this glorious object the hearts of all the faithful are united, the
hands of the laborer are made strong continually, and the purse strings
of the more opulent are unloosed, from time to time, to supply those
things which are necessary for upraising the stones of this noble edifice;
and it may truly be said that the blessing of the Lord is upon his peo-
ple; we have pence without and love within the borders of our beautiful
city — beautiful, indeed, for situation, is Nauvoo, the crown of the great
valley of the Mississippi, the joy of every honest heart.
Although all things are more prosperous concerning the temple than
at any former period, yet the saints must not suppose that all is done or
that they can relax their exertions and the work go on. It is a great
work that God has required of his people, and it will require long and
576 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
unwearied diligence to accomplish it; and redoubled diligence will be
necessary with all to get the building inclosed before another winter, so
that the joiner can be employed during the cold weather; and we would
again call upon all the saints abroad to unite in making their deposits in
banks known to be good and safe, and forward their certificates to the
Trustee in Trust, as speedily as possible, when trusty men are not com-
ing immediately to this place who can bring your offerings. All will
want the privileges and blessings of the sanctuary when it is completed,
and all can have their wishes; but they can obtain them only by faith-
fulness and diligence in striving to build.
We praise our God for the liberality which has hitherto been mani-
fested. Many have given more than was required of them, many have
given their all; but they have done it cheerfully, they have done it
voluntarily, and they shall have a great reward; for the blessings of
heaven and earth shall be multiplied unto such, even the blessings of
that priesthood which hath ueither beginning of days nor end of life.
While there are those who of their abundance have built unto them-
selves fine houses, and who ride in carriages and on horseback, and
regale themselves with the good things of the land, and at the same
time they have left the Lord's house untouched, or, if touched at
all, have touched it so lightly as scarce to leave the print of their
little finger, — their reward will be according to their deeds, and unless
they speedily repent and come up with their abundance to the help
of the Lord, they will find in the end that they have no part nor lot in
this matter; their gold and silver will become cankered, their garments
moth-eaten, and they will perish in their own slothfulness and idolatry,
leaving none to mourn their absence.
But, brethren, the temple will be built. There are hundreds and
thousands who stand ready to sacrifice the last farthing they possess on
earth rather than have the building of the Lord's house delayed; and
while this spirit prevails no power beneath the heavens can hinder its
progress; but we desire you all to help with the ability which God has
given you, that you may all share the blessings which will distill from
heaven to earth through this consecrated channel.
This is not all. It will be in vain for us to build a place where the
Son of Man may lay his head, and leave the cries of the widow and the
fatherless unheard by us, ascending up to the orphan's God and widow's
friend. It. is in vain we cry, Lord, Lord, and do not the things our Lord
hath commanded; to visit the widow, the fatherless, the sick, the lame,
the blind, the destitute, and minister to their necessities; and it is but
reasonable that such cases should be found among a people who have but
recently escaped the fury of a relentless mob -on the one hand and
gathered from the half-starved population of the scattered nations on the
other.
Neither is this all. It is not sufficient that the poor be fed and
clothed, the sick ministered unto, the temple built; No! When all this
is accomplished, there must be a year of jubilee; there must be a day of
rejoicing; there must be a time of release to Zion's sons, or our offerings,
our exertions, our hopes, and our prayers will be in vain, and God will
not accept of the doings of his people.
On those days of darkness which overspread our horizon, when the
wolf was howling for his prey around the streets of Kirtland, when the
burglar was committing his midnight and midday depredations in Jack
son County, when the heartless politician was thrusting his envious darts
in Clay, and when the savage war whoop of Missouri echoed and reechoed
through Far West, and Zion's noblest sons were chained in dungeons,
and her daughters driven by a horde of savages, naked and defenseless,
from their once peaceful homes to seek a shelter in a far distant land,—
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 577
many of the brethren stepped forward to their rescue, and not only
expended all they possessed for tb,e relief of suffering innocence, but
gave their notes and bonds to obtain more means with which to help
ihose who could not escape from the overwhelming surge of banishment
from all that they possessed on earth.
Deaths, wounds, and sickness, from the mob, and the cold and shel-
terless situation of the brethren, followed in quick succession; and all
the means which could possibly be obtained from each other, in addi-
tion to the noble charities of the citizens of Illinois, were brought in
requisition to sustain a remnant of the saints, who now mostly inhabit
this place. To accomplish this the president and bishops loaned [bor-
rowed] money and such things as could be obtained, and gave their
obligations in good faith for the payment of the same; and many of the
brethren signed with them at different times and in different places to
strengthen their hands and help them carry out their designs, fully
expecting that, at some future day, they would be enabled to liquidate
all such claims to the satisfaction of all parties.
Many of these claims have already been settled, many have been
given up as cancelled by those who held them, and many yet remain
unsettled. The saints have had many difficulties to encounter since
they arrived at this place. In a new country, destitute of houses, food,
clothing, and nearly all the necessaries of life, which were rent from
them by an unfeeling mob, having to encounter disease and difficulties
unnumbered, it is not surprising that the church has not been able to
liquidate all such claims, or that many individuals should yet remain
involved, from the foregoing circumstances; and while things remain as
they are, and men remain subject to the temptations of evil as they now
are, the day of release and year of jubilee cannot be; and we write
you especially at this time, brethren, for the purpose of making a final
settlement of all such claims, of brother against brother, of the brethren
against the presidency and bishops, etc., etc. — claims which have origi-
nated out of the difficulties and calamities the church has had to
encounter, and which are of long standing, so that when the temple is
completed there will be nothing from this source to produce jars and
discords, strifes and animosities, so as to prevent the blessings of heaven
from descending upon us as a people.
To accomplish this most desirable object we call on all the brethren
who hold such claims to bring them forward for a final settlement; and
also those brethren who have individual claims against each other, of
long standing, and the property of the debtor has been wrested from him
by violence, or he has been unfortunate and languished on a bed of sick-
ness till his means are expended; and all claims whatsoever between
brother and brother, where there is no reasonable prospect of a just and
equitable settlement possible, that they also by some means, either by
giving up their obligations or destroying them, see that all such old
affairs be adjusted so that it shall not give occasion for difficulties to
arise hereafter. Yes, brethren, bring all such old accounts, notes,
bonds, etc., and make a consecration of them to the building of the
temple, and if anything can be obtained on them it will be obtained,
and if nothing can be obtained when the temple is completed, we will
make a burnt offering of them, even a peace offering, which shall bind
the brethren together in the bonds of eternal peace, and love, and union;
and joy and salvation shall flow forth into your souls, and you shall
rejoice and say, It is good that we have hearkened unto counsel and set
our brethren free, for God hath blessed us.
How can we prosper while the church, while the Presidency, while
the bishops, while those who have sacrificed everything but life, in this
thing, for our salvation, are thus encumbered? it cannot be. Arise
578 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
an editorial from the pen of Joseph Smith.8 A careful
perusal of these articles will indicate that the erection of
the temple was one of the leading purposes of the times.
then, brethren, set them free, and set each other free, and we will all be
free together; we will be free indeed.
Let nothing in this epistle be so construed as to destroy the validity
of contracts, or give anyone license not to pay his debts. The com-
mandment is to pay every man his dues, and no man can get to heaven
while he justly owes his brother or his neighbor, who has or can get the
means and will not pay. It is dishonest, and no dishonest man can
enter where God is.
We remain your brethren in the gospel of peace,
B. YOUNG, President.
HEBER O. KIMBALL.
ORSON PRATT.
WILLIAM SMITH.
JOHN E. PAGE.
LYMAN WIGHT.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
JOHN TAYLOR.
GEORGE A. SMITH.
W. RICHARDS, Clerk.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 767-769.
•THE TEMPLE. — This noble edifice is progressing with great rapidity;
strenuous exertions are being made on every hand to facilitate its erec-
tion, and materials of all kinds are in a great state of forwardness, and
by next fall we expect to see the building inclosed; if not the topstone
raised with "shouting of grace, grace unto it." There have been fre-
quently, during the winter, as many as one hundred hands quarrying
rock, while at the same time multitudes of others have been engaged in
hauling and in other kinds of labor. A company was formed last fall to
go up to the pine country to purchase mills and prepare and saw lumber
for the temple and the Nauvoo House, and the reports from them are
very favorable. Another company has started this last week, to take
their place and to relieve those that are already there. On their return
they are to bring a very large raft of lumber for the use of the above-
named houses.
While the busy multitudes have thus been engaged in their several
avocations, performing their daily labor, and working one tenth of their
time, others have not been less forward in bringing in their tithings and
consecrations for the same great object. Never since the formation
[foundation] of this church was laid have we seen manifested a greater
willingness to comply with the requisitions of Jehovah, a more ardent
desire to do the will of God, more strenuous exertions used, or greater
sacrifices made, than there has been since the Lord said, "Let the tem-
ple be built by the tithing of my people." It seemed as though the
spirit of enterprise, philanthropy, and obedience rested simultaneously
upon old and young; and brethren and sisters, boys and girls, and even
strangers, who were not in the church, united with an unprecedented
liberality in the accomplishment of this great work; nor could the widow,
in many instances, be prevented, out of her scanty pittance, from throw-
ing in her two mites.
We feel at this time to tender to all, old and young, both in the church
and out of it, our unfeigned thanks for their unprecedented liberality,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 579
On May 17, 1842, Gen. John C. Bennett resigned his posi-
tion as Mayor of Nauvoo, and Joseph Smith was elected by
the City Council to succeed him.
On May 6, 1842, Ex- Governor Boggs, of Missouri, was
kindness, diligence, and obedience, which they have so opportunely
manifested on the present occasion. Not that we are personally or
individually benefited in a pecuniary point of view, but when the breth-
ren as in this instance show a unity of purpose and design, and all put
their shoulder to the wheel, our care, labor, toil, and anxiety is materi-
ally diminished; "our yoke is made easy, and our burden is light."
The cause of God is one common cause, in which all the saints are
alike interested. We are all members of the one common body, and all
partake of the same Spirit, and are baptized into one baptism, and pos-
sess alike the same glorious hope. The advancement of the cause of God
and the building up of Zion is as much one man's business as another.
The only difference is that one is called to fulfill one duty and another
another duty; "but if one member suffers, all the members suffer with
it," and if one member is honored all the rest rejoice with it, and the
eye cannot say to the ear I have no need of thee, nor the head to the foot
I have no need of thee; party feelings, separate interests, exclusive
designs should be lost sight of in the one common cause, in the interest
of the whole.
The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of
God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests, and kings
have dwelt with peculiar delight. They have looked forward with joy-
ful anticipation to the day in which we lived; and fired with heavenly
and joyful anticipations they have sung, and wrote, and prophesied of
this our day. But they died without the sight; we are the favored peo-
ple that God has made choice of to bring about the latter-day glory; it is
left for us to see, participate in, and help to roll forward the latter-day
glory — "the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God will gather
together all things that are in heaven, and all things that are upon the
earth, even in one;" when the saints of God will be gathered in one from
every nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue; when the Jews will
be gathered together into one, the wicked will also be gathered together
to be destroyed, as spoken of by the prophets; the Spirit of God will also
dwell with his people, and be withdrawn from the rest of the nations,
and all things whether in heaven or on earth will be in one, even in
Christ. The heavenly priesthood will unite with the earthly, to bring
about those great purposes; and whilst we are thus united in the one
common cause to roll forth the kingdom of God, the heavenly priesthood
are not idle spectators; the Spirit of God will be showered down from
above, it will dwell in our midst. The blessings of the Most High will
rest upon our tabernacles, and our name will be handed down to future
ages; our children will rise up and call us blessed; and generations yet
unborn will dwell with peculiar delight upon the scenes that we have
passed through, the privations that we have endured, the untiring zeal
that we have manifested, the insurmountable difficulties that we have
overcome, in laying the foundation of a work that brought about the glory
and blessings which they will realize; a work that God and angels have
contemplated with delight, for generations past; that fired the souls of
the ancient patriarchs and prophets; — a work that is destined to bring
about the destruction of the powers of darkness, the renovation of the
earth, the glory of God, and the salvation of the human family. — Ed. —
Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 775, 776.
580 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH,
shot and severely wounded at his home in Independence,
Missouri. It was at first reported that he was
dead, but this was a mistake. He recovered and
went to California, where he died some years later.
Because of the part that Governor Boggs had taken in
driving the saints from the State, suspicion rested upon
them. It was quite generally charged that Joseph Smith
sent one O. P. Rockwell to do the deed. Rockwell was
apprehended, tried, and acquitted. Gen. A. W. Doniphan
was attorney for Rockwell, and he told us a few years ago
that there was not one particle of evidence produced in
court to connect Rockwell with the crime. At the time
Boggs was shot he was a candidate for State senator, and
politics was agitated during the campaign in a very vindic-
tive spirit. Boggs had many bitter political enemies.
There was surely as much reason to suspect his political
enemies of being guilty of the crime as to suspect the Latter
Day Saints.
About this time the Quincy Wfiig published an account of
the tragedy, which is a fair specimen of the reports which
went the rounds of the press. 9
To this Joseph Smith published an answer and denial. * •
9 ASSASSINATION OP EX-GOVEKNOR BOGGS, OP MISSOURI.— Lilburn W.
Boggs, late Governor of Missouri, was assassinated at his residence in
Independence, Missouri, by an unknown hand, on the 6th instant. He
was sitting in a room by himself, when some person discharged a pistol
loaded with buckshot, through an adjoining window; three of the shot
took effect in his head, one of which penetrated the brain. His son, a
boy, hearing the report of the pistol, ran into the room in which his
father was seated, and found him in a helpless situation, upon which he
gave the alarm. Footprints were found beneath the window, and the
pistol which gave the fatal shot. The Governor was alive on the seventh,
but no hopes are entertained of his recovery. A man was suspected, and
is probably arrested before this. There are several rumors in circulation
in regard to the horrid affair; one of which throws the crime upon the
Mormons, from the fact, we suppose, that Mr. Boggs was Governor at
the time, and in no small degree instrumental in driving them from the
State. Smith, too, the Mormon prophet, as we understand, prophesied,
a year or so ago, his death by violent means. Hence there is plenty of
foundation for rumor. The citizens of Independence had offered a re-
ward of five hundred dollars for the murderer. — Millennial Star, vol. 19,
p. 439.
10 NAUVOO, Illinois, May 22, 1842.
Mr. Bartlett; Dear Sir: — In your paper (the Quincy Whig) of the 21st
instant, you have done me manifest injustice in ascribing to me a pre-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 581
The report of the English mission to the conference at
Manchester, June 1, 1842, showed a membership of 7,514.
On June 17, 1842, Elder William Law made a statement
Morals of regarding the morals and loyalty of Nauvoo,
Nauvoo. which makes an extraordinarily good showing for
the dominant church there. * *
diction of the demise of Lilburn W. Boggs, Esq., Ex-Governor of Mis-
souri, by violent hands. Boggs was a candidate for the State Senate,
and, I presume, fell by the hand of a political opponent, with "his handa
and face yet dripping with the blood of murder;" but he died not
through my instrumentality. My hands are clean, and my heart pure,
from the blood of all men. I am tired of the misrepresentation, calumny,
and detraction heaped upon me by wicked men; and desire and claim
only those principles guaranteed to all men by the Constitution and laws
of the United States and of Illinois. Will you do me the justice to publish
this communication, and oblige, yours respectfully,
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Milennial Star, vol. 19, pp. 439, 440.
11 "What have the Mormons done in Illinois? is a question which I
have frequently asked of those who are busy with the tongue of slander
in calumniating the Latter Day Saints, but as yet I have found none
who are willing to answer me honestly or correctly. Perhaps many
judge from rumor, not having investigated the matter for themselves. I
have, therefore, thought it might be well to lay before the public some
facts in relation to the case, believing that there is a respectable portion
of community who, after having received correct information, will
frown with indignation upon the conduct of those who are endeavoring
to raise a persecution against our people.
In the first place, we would say, that where a crime is committed
there is a law broken, for if no law has been violated there cannot have
been a crime committed; if, then, our people have broken the law, is
there not power in those laws to vindicate themselves, or to redress the
wrongs of those who are injured? We say there is; neither would we
cast any aspersion upon the characters of the administrators of the laws,
as though they were not vigilant in the discharge of their duty; we be-
lieve they have been (with very few exceptions).
With these facts before us, th«re is then no difficulty in obtaining cor-
rect information as to the amount of crime committed by the Mormons
throughout the State. You have only to refer to the various dockets
kept by the administrators of law, from the highest court to the lowest,'
throughout the length and breadth of the land, and there you will find
recorded the crimes of theMormons, if it so be that they have committed
any. We say their faults are few compared to the population. Where
is there a record of murder committed by any of our people? None in
the State. Where is there a record against any of our people for a peni-
tentiary crime? Not in the State. Where is there a record of fine or
county imprisonment (for any breach of law) against any of the Latter
Day Saints? I know of none in the State. If, then, they have broken
no law, they consequently have taken away no man's rights— they have
infringed upon no man's liberties.
We have been three years in this State, and have not asked for any
county or State officer. Laws have been administered by those not of
our persuasion; administered rigorously, even against the appearance of
crime, and yet there has been no conviction of which I have heard.
582 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
But favorable as the statement of Elder Law is, it is not
more complimentary to their industry, good government,
and morality than is a statement made by the Rev. Mr.
Prior, of the Methodist Church, who visited Nauvoo in
1843. 18
Where is there another community of thirty thousand, in any State,
against none of whom there is a record of conviction for crime in any
court during the space of three years? And yet there are those who cry
out "Treason! murder! bigamy! burglary! arson!" and everything that
is evil, without being able to refer to a single case that has ever been
proved against the Mormons.
This, then, must be the "head and front of our offending," that by
industry in both spiritual and temporal things we are becoming a great
and numerous people; we convert our thousands and tens of thousands
yearly to the light of truth — to the glorious liberty of the gospel of
Christ; we bring thousands from foreign lands, from under the yoke of
oppression, and the iron hand of poverty, and we place them in a situa-
tion where they can sustain themselves, which is the highest act of
charity towards the poor. We dry the widow's tear, we fill the orphan's
hand with bread, and clothe the naked; we teach them the principles of
morality and righteousness, and they rejoice in the God of Abraham,
and in the Holy One of Israel, and are happy.
Thus it is with the honest in heart; but when the wicked creep in
amongst us for evil, to trample upon the most holy and virtuous pre-
cepts, and find our moral and religious laws too strict for them, they cry
out, "Delusion, false prophets, speculation, oppression, illegal ordinances,
usurpation of power, treason against the government, etc. You must
have your charters taken away; you have dared to pass an ordinance
against fornicators and adulterers; you have forbid the vending of spir-
ituous liquors within your city; you have passed an ordinance against
vagrants and disorderly persons; with many other high-handed acts.
You even threaten to vote at the next election, and maybe (at least we
fear) you will send a member to the legislature; none of which doings
we, the good mobocrats and anti-Mormon politicians (and some priests
as well) are willing to bear."
This is the cry of the base and vile, the priest and the speculator, but
the noble, the high-minded, the patriotic, and the virtuous breathe no
such sentiments; neither will those who feel an interest in the welfare
of the State; for who does not know that to increase the population ten
thousand a year with the most industrious people in the world, to pay
thousands of dollars of taxes, to bring into the State immense sums of
gold and silver from all countries, to establish the greatest manufactur-
ing city in America (which Nauvoo will be in a few years), and to create
the best produce market in the West, is for the good and prosperity
of the community at large, and of the State of Illinois in particular. As to
the city ordinances, we have passed all such as we deemed necessary for
the peace, welfare, and happiness of the inhabitants, whether Jew or
Greek, Mohammedan, Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saint, or any other:
that they all worship God according to their own conscience, and enjoy
the rights of American freemen.
WILLIAM LAW.
NAUVOO, June 17, 1842.
—Millennial Star, vol. 19, pp. 485, 486.
18 At length the city burst upon my sight. Instead of seeing a few
miserable log cabins and mud hovels, which I had expected to find, I
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 583
On June 26 a council was held, to decide upon the pro-
priety of sending a delegation to the pineries, to engage in
. . the lumber business in the interest of the temple
The pineries. *
and Nauvoo House. On the 28th it was decided to
send a company under the leadership of Ezra Chase.
was surprised to see one of the most romantic places that I had visited
in the West. The buildings, though many of them were small, and of
wood, yet bore the marks of neatness which I have not seen equaled in
this country. The far-spread plain at the bottom of the hill was dotted
over with the habitations of men with such majestic profusion, that I
was almost willing to believe myself mistaken, and instead of being in
Nauvoo of Illinois, among Mormons, that I was in Italy at the city of
Leghorn, which the location of Nauvoo resembles very much. I gazed
for some time with fond admiration upon the plain below. Here and
there arose a tall majestic brick house, speaking loudly of the genius and
untiring labor of the inhabitants, who have snatched the place from the
clutches of obscurity and wrested it from the bonds of disease, and in
two or three short years rescued it from a dreary waste to transform it
into one of the first cities of the West. The hill upon which I stood was
covered over with the dwellings of men, and amid them was seen to rise
the hewn stone and already accomplished work of the temple, which was
now raised fifteen or twenty feet above the ground. The few trees that
were permitted to stand are now in full foliage, and are scattered with a
sort of fantastic irregularity over the slope of the hill.
But there was one object which was far more noble to behold, and far
more majestic than any other yet presented to my sight, and that was
the widespread and unrivaled Father of Waters, the Mississippi River,
whose mirror-bedded waters lay in majestic extension before the city,
and in one general curve seemed to sweep gallantly by the beautiful
place. On the farther side was seen the dark green woodland, bending
under its deep foliage, with here and there an interstice bearing the
marks of cultivation. A few houses could be seen through the trees on
the other side of the river, directly opposite to which is spread a fairy
isle, covered with beautiful timber. The isle and romantic swell of the
river soon brought my mind back to days of yore, and to the bright
emerald isles of the far-famed fairy land. The bold and prominent rise
of the hill, fitting to the plain with exact regularity, and the plain push-
ing itself into the river, forcing it to bend around its obstacle with be-
coming grandeur, and fondly to cling around it to add to the heightened
and refined luster of this sequestered land.
I passed on into the more active parts of the city, looking into every
street and lane to observe all that was passing. I found all the people
engaged in some useful and healthy employment. The place was alive
with business — much more so than any place I have visited since the
hard times commenced. I sought in vain for anything that bore the
marks of immorality, but was both astonished and highly pleased at my
ill success. I could see no loungers about the streets nor any drunkards
about the taverns. I did not meet with those distorted features of
ruffians, or with the ill-bred and impudent. I heard not an oath in the
place, I saw not a gloomy countenance; all were cheerful, polite, and
industrious. — Smucker's History of the Mormons, pp. 152-155.
CHAPTER 26.
1842.
CASE OF J. C. BENNETT —THE CASE EDITORIAL/LY— BISHOP MILKER'S
STATEMENT— MASS MEETING— RELIEF SOCIETY— NOT UNDER
DURESS— OTHER EVIDENCE— MARRIAGE.
IN a former chapter we made some mention of John C.
Bennett, who about this time was expelled from the church,1
case of an<* soon after published his "Mormonism Ex-
j. c.Bennett. pOse(j," charging the church leaders with immor-
ality and crime. We devote this space to Mr. Bennett
because it is a part of the history, and to show the course
pursued by the church with such characters, also to show
what the position of the church was on some of the things
charged.
1 NOTICE.
The subscribers, members of the First Presidency of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, withdraw the hand of fellowship from
General John C. Bennett, as a Christian, he having been labored with
from time to time to persuade him to amend his conduct, apparently to
no good effect.
JOSEPH SMITH.
HYRUM SMITH.
WILLIAM LAW.
The following members of the Quorum of the Twelve concur in the
above sentiments: —
BRIGHAM YOUNG.
HEBER C. KIMBALL.
LYMAN WIGHT.
WILLIAM SMITH.
JOHN E. PAGE.
JOHN TAYLOR.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
GEORGE A. SMITH.
WILLARD RICHARDS.
We concur In the above sentiments: —
N. K. WHITNEY.
V. KNIGHT.
GEORGE MILLER.
Bishops of the above-mentioned church.
NAUVOO, May 11, 1842.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 830.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 585
In the Times and Seasons for July 1, 1842, Joseph Smith
The case presents the case editorially, which we here give
editorially. JQ fun:_
"To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to
all the honorable part of community: —
"It becomes my duty to lay before the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints and the public generally, some
important facts relative to the conduct and character of Dr.
John C. Bennett, who has lately been expelled from the
aforesaid church; that the honorable part of community may
be aware of his proceedings, and be ready to treat him and
regard him as he ought to be regarded; viz., as an impostor
and base adulterer.
"It is a matter of notoriety that said Dr. J. C. Bennett
became favorable to the doctrines taught by the elders of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and located
himself in the city of Nauvoo about the month of August,
1840, and soon after joined the church. Soon after it was
known that he had become a member of said church, a com-
munication was -received at Nauvoo, from a person of
respectable character, and residing in the vicinity where
Bennett had lived. This letter cautioned us against him,
setting forth that he was a very mean man and had a wife
and two or three children in McConnelsville, Morgan
County, Ohio; but knowing that it is no uncommon thing for
good men to be evil spoken against, the above letter was
kept quiet, but held in reserve.
"He had not been long in Nauvoo before he began to keep
company with a young lady, one of our citizens; and she be-
ing ignorant of his having a wife living, gave way to his ad-
dresses, and became confident, from his behavior towards
her, that he intended to marry her; and this he gave her to
understand he would do. I, seeing the folly of such an
acquaintance, persuaded him to desist; and, on account of
his continuing his course, finally threatened to expose him if
he did not desist. This, to outward appearance, had the
desired effect, and the acquaintance between them was
broken off.
586 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
•'But, like one of the most abominable and depraved
beings which could possibly exist, he only broke off his pub-
licly wicked actions to sink deeper into iniquity and hypoc-
risy. When he saw that I would not submit to any such
conduct, he went to some of the females in the city, who
knew nothing of him but as an honorable man, and began to
teach them that promiscuous intercourse between the sexes
was a doctrine believed in by the Latter Day Saints, and that
there was no harm in it; but this failing, he had recourse to
a more influential and desperately wicked course; and that
was, to persuade them that myself and others of the
authorities of the church not only sanctioned but practiced
the same wicked acts; and when asked why I publicly
preached so much against it, said that it was because of the
prejudice of the public, and that it would cause trouble in
my own house. He was well aware of the consequence of
such willful and base falsehoods, if they should come to my
knowledge; and consequently endeavored to persuade his
dupes to keep it a matter of secrecy, persuading them
there would be no harm if they should not make it known.
This proceeding on his part answered the desired end, — he
accomplished his wicked purposes; he seduced an innocent
female by his lying, and subjected her character to public
disgrace, should it ever be known.
"But his depraved heart would not suffer him to stop here.
Not being contented with having disgraced one female, he
made an attempt upon others; and, by the same plausible
tale, overcame them also; evidently not caring whose char-
acter was ruined, so that his wicked, lustful appetites might
be gratified.
"Sometime about the early part of July, 1841, I received
a letter from Elder H. Smith and William Law, who were
then at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This letter was dated
June 15, and contained the particulars of a conversation
betwixt them and a respectable gentleman from the neigh-
borhood where Bennett's wife and children resided. He
stated to them that it was a fact that Bennett had a wife and
children living, and that she had left him because of his ill-
treatment towards her. This letter was read to Bennett,
HISTORY OP THE OHUBOH. 587
which he did not attempt to deny; but candidly acknowl-
edged the fact.
"Soon after this information reached our ears Dr. Bennett
made an attempt at suicide, by taking poison; but he being
discovered before it had taken effect, and the proper anti-
dotes being administered, he again recovered; but he very
much resisted when an attempt was made to save him. The
public impression was that he was so much ashamed of his
base and wicked conduct that he had recourse to the above
deed to escape the censures of an indignant community.
"It might have been supposed that these circumstances
transpiring in the manner they did would have produced a
thorough reformation in his conduct; but, alas! like a being
totally destitute of common decency and without any gov-
ernment over his passions, he was soon busily engaged in
the same wicked career, and continued until a knowledge of
the same reached my ears. I immediately charged him with
it, and he admitted that it was true; but in order to put a
stop to all such proceedings for the future, I publicly pro-
claimed against it, and had those females notified to appear
before the proper officers that the whole subject might be
investigated and thoroughly exposed.
"During the course of investigation the foregoing facts
were proved by credible witnesses, and were sworn and sub-
scribed to before an alderman of the city, on the 15th ult.
The documents containing the evidence are now in my pos-
session.
"We also ascertained by the above investigation that
others had been led by his conduct to pursue the same
adulterous practice, and in order to accomplish their detesta-
ble designs made use of the same language insinuated by
Bennett, with this difference, that they did not hear me say
anything of the kind, but Bennett was one of the heads of
the church, and he had informed them that such was the
fact, and they credited his testimony.
"The public will perceive the aggravating nature of this
case, and will see the propriety of this exposure. Had he
only been guilty of adultery, that was sufficient to stamp
disgrace upon him, because he is a man of better information
588 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and has been held high in the estimation of many. But
when it is considered that his mind was so intent upon his
cruel and abominable deeds, and his own reputation not
being sufficient to enable him to do it, he must make use of
my name in order to effect his purposes, an enlightened pub-
lic will not be astonished at the course I have pursued.
"In order that it may be distinctly understood that he will-
fully and knowingly lied in the above insinuations, I will lay
before my readers an affidavit taken before an alderman of
the city, after I had charged him with these things: —
"STATE OF ILLINOIS, )
"City of Nauvoo. )
"Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an
Alderman of said city of Nauvoo, John C. Bennett, who
being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith: that
he never was taught anything in the least contrary to the
strictest principles of the gospel, or of virtue, or of the laws
of God, or man, under any circumstances, or upon any occa-
sion, either directly or indirectly, in word or deed, by Joseph
Smith; and that he never knew the said Smith to counte-
nance any improper conduct whatever, either in public or
private; and that he never did teach to me in private that an
illegal, illicit intercourse with females was, under any cir-
cumstances, justifiable, and that I never knew him so to
teach others.
"JOHN 0. BENNETT.
"Sworn to and subscribed, before me, this 17th day of
May, A. D. 1842.
"DANIEL H. WELLS, Alderman.
'•The following conversation took place in the City Coun-
cil, and was elicited in consequence of its being reported that
the Doctor had stated that I had acted in an indecorous
manner, and given countenance to vices practiced by the
Doctor and others: —
"Dr. John C. Bennett, ex-mayor, was then called upon by
the mayor to state if he knew aught against him; when Mr.
Bennett rsplied: 'I know what I am about, and the heads of
the church know what they are about. I expect I have no
difficulty with the heads of the church. I publicly avow
589
that anyone who has said that I have stated that General
Joseph Smith has given me authority to hold illicit inter-
course with women is a liar in the face of God; those who
have said it are damned liars; they are infernal liars. He
never, either in public or private, gave me any such
authority or license, and any person who states it is a scoun-
drel and a liar. I have heard it said that I should become a
second Avard by withdrawing from the church, and that I
was at variance with the heads and should use an influence
against them because I resigned the office of mayor; this is
false. I have no difficulty with the heads of the church, and
I intend to continue with you, and hope the time may come
when I may be restored to full confidence, and fellowship,
and my former standing in the church; and that my conduct
may be such as to warrant my restoration; and should the
time ever come that I may have the opportunity to test my
faith, it will then be known whether I am a traitor or a true
man.'
"Joseph Smith then asked: 'Will you please state defi-
nitely whether you know anything against my character
either in public or private?'
"General Bennett answered: 'I do not; in all my inter-
course with General Smith, in public and in private, he has
been strictly virtuous.'
"Aldermen- N. K. WHITNEY. "Counselors: WILLARD RICHARDS.
"HlRAM KlMBALL. "GEO. A. SMITH.
"ORSON SPENCER. " WILSON LAW.
"GusT. HILLS. "B. YOUNG.
"G. W. HARRIS. "JOHN TAYLOB.
"H. C. KIMBALL.
"W. WOODRUFF.
"JOHN P. GREEN.
"JAMES SLOAN, City Recorder.
"May 19, 1842.
"After I had done all in my power to persuade him to
amend his conduct, and these facts were fully established,
(not only by testimony, but by his own concessions,) he hav-
ing acknowledged that they were true, and seeing no pros-
pects of any satisfaction from his future life, the hand of
fellowship was withdrawn from him as a member of the
590 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
church, by the officers; but on account of his earnestly
requesting that we would not publish him to the world, we
concluded not to do so at that time, but would let the matter
rest until we saw the effect of what we had already done.
"It appears evident that as soon as he perceived that he
could no longer maintain his standing as a member of the
church, nor his respectability as a citizen, he came to the
conclusion to leave the place; which he has done, and that
very abruptly; and had he done so quietly, and not attempted
to deceive the people around him, his case would not have
excited the indignation of the citizens, so much as his real
conduct has done. In order to make his case look plausible,
he has reported, 'that he had withdrawn from the church
because we were not worthy of his society;' thus instead of
manifesting a spirit of repentance, he has to the last proved
himself to be unworthy the confidence or regard of any
upright person, by lying, to deceive the innocent, and com-
mitting adultery in the most abominable and degraded
manner.
"We are credibly informed that he has colleagued with
some of our former wicked persecutors, the Missourians,
and has threatened destruction upon us; but we should
naturally suppose that he would be so much ashamed of
himself at the injury he had already done to those who
never injured, but befriended him in every possible manner,
that he could never dare to lift up his head before an
enlightened public, with the design either to misrepresent
or persecute; but be that as it may, we neither dread him
nor his influence; but this much we believe, that unless he is
determined to fill up the measure of his iniquity, and bring
sudden destruction upon himself from the hand of the
Almighty, he will be silent, and never more attempt to injure
those concerning whom he has testified upon oath he knows
nothing but that which is good and virtuous.
"Thus I have laid before the Church of Latter Day
Saints, and before the public, the character and conduct of a
man who has stood high in the estimation of many; but from
the foregoing facts it will be seen that he is not entitled to
any credit, but rather to be stamped with indignity and dis-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 591
grace so far as he may be known. What I have stated I am
prepared to prove, having all the documents concerning the
matter in my possession, but I think that to say further is
unnecessary, as the subject is so plain that no one can mis-
take the true nature of the case.
"I remain yours, respectfully,
"JOSEPH SMITH.
"NAUVOO, June 23, 1842."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 839-842.
Mr. George Miller, who was at that time Bishop of the
church, made some investigations into Mr. Bennett's early
history, and published the following: —
"McCoNNELSviLLB, Morgan Co., Ohio, March 2, 1841.
"Dear Sir:— By your request I have made inquiries into
the history of John Cook Bennett, and am enabled to give
you the following facts which may be relied on as cor-
rect:—
" 'When a young man his character stood fair, he studied
medicine with his uncle, Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth, of Mari-
etta, Washington County, Ohio. It is believed he
ier*ss?ate- has a diploma, and also recommendations from
some of the principal physicians of that place.
He started out with fair prospects, and married a daughter
of Colonel Joseph Barker, near Marietta. Bennett and his
wife united with the Methodist Church, and he became a
local preacher. It was soon manifest that he was a superfi-
cial character, always uneasy, and moved from place to
place; at different times lived in Barnesville, McConnels-
ville, Malta, Wheeling, Virginia, Colesville, Pennsylvania,
and Indiana; it is presumed that not less than twenty towns
have been his place of residence at different times. He has
the vanity to believe he is the smartest man in the nation;
and if he cannot at once be placed at the head of the heap,
he soon seeks a situation; he is always ready to fall in with
whatever is popular. By the use of his recommendations he
has been able to push himself into places and situations
entirely beyond his abilities; he has been a prominent per-
sonage in and about colleges and universities, but had soon
vanished; and the next thing his friends hear of him he is
592 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
off in some other direction. At one time he was a prominent
Campbellite preacher.
" 'During many years his poor but confiding wife followed
him from place to place, with no suspicion of his unfaithful-
ness to her. At length, however, he became so bold in his
departures that it was evident to all around that he was a
sore offender, and his wife left him under satisfactory evi-
dence of his adulterous connections. Nor was this his only
fault; he used her bad otherwise. Mrs. Bennett now lives
with her father, has two children living, and has buried one
or two. Dr. Bennett has three brothers-in-law living in this
place, who, if they were disposed, could give all the particu-
lars; but I dislike to urge them. I did apply to one which I
thought the most likely; but he seemed reluctant to give it,
but referred me to the person who has given me the forego-
ing; but he not being a connection, has not been particular
in following him in all his peregrinations; but is no doubt
correct, so far as given. It has been Dr. Bennett's wish
that his wife should get a bill of divorcement, but as yet she
has not; nor does my informant know that she contemplates
doing so; — in fine, he is an impostor, and unworthy of the
confidence of all good men.' . . .
"Through motives of delicacy, we withhold the names of
our informants and other correspondents; but hold ourselves
in readiness, at all times, to substantiate by abundant testi-
mony all that has been asserted, if required, as the docu-
ments are all on hand.
"GEORGE MILLEB."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 842.
Mr. Bennett was also dropped from the Masonic Lodge in
Nauvoo, upon evidence that he had before been expelled
from Pickaway Lodge, Ohio.
In the Times and Seasons for August 1, 1842, there is an
editorial on "John C. Bennett," of which the following is an
extract: —
"Such was Dr. Avard and John C. Bennett. With the lat-
ter we have to do at the present time, and in many of the
foregoing statements and prophecies we shall see his char-
acter and conduct exemplified. He professed the greatest
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 593
fidelity, and eternal friendship, yet he was an adder in the
path and a viper in the bosom. He professed to be virtuous
and chaste, yet did he pierce the heart of the innocent,
introduce misery and infamy into families, reveled in volup-
tuousness and crime, and led the youth that he had influ-
enced over to tread in his unhallowed steps. He professed
to fear God. yet did he desecrate his name, and prostitute
his authority to the most unhallowed and diabolical pur-
poses, even to the seduction of the virtuous, and the defiling
of his neighbor's bed. He professed indignation against
Missouri saying, 'My hand shall avenge the blood of the
innocent;' yet now he calls upon Missouri to come out
against the saints, and he 'will lead them on to glory and to
victory.'
"It may be asked why it was that we would countenance
him so long after being apprised of his iniquities, and why
he was not dealt with long ago. To this we would answer,
that he has been dealt with from time to time, when he
would acknowledge his iniquity, ask and pray for forgive-
ness, beg that he might not be exposed, on account of his
mother, and other reasons, saying he should be ruined and
undone. He frequently wept like a child, and begged like a
culprit for forgiveness, at the same time promising before
God and angels to amend his life, if he could be forgiven.
He was in this way borne with from time to time, until for-
bearance was no longer a virtue, and then the First Presi-
dency, the Twelve, and the Bishops withdrew their
fellowship from him, as published in the sixteenth number
of this paper. The church afterwards publicly withdrew
their fellowship from him, and his character was published
in the seventeenth number of this paper. Since that time
he has published that the conduct ot the saints was bad; that
Joseph Smith and many others were adulterers, murderers,
etc.; that there was a secret band of men that would kill
people, etc., called Danites; that he was in duress when he
gave his affidavit and testified that Joseph Smith was a vir-
tuous man; that we believed in and practiced polygamy;
that we believed in secret murders, and aimed to destroy the
government, etc., etc. As he has made his statements very
594 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
public, and industriously circulated them through the coun-
try, we shall content ourselves with answering his base
falsehoods and misrepresentations, without giving publicity
to them, as the public are generally acquainted with them
already."— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 868, 869.
At a mass meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo the following
proceedings were had:—
"At a meeting of the citizens of the city of Nauvoo, held
in said city at the meeting ground, July 22, 1842,
Mass meeting
Orson Spencer, Esq., was called to the chair, and
Gustavus Hills was appointed clerk.
"The meeting was called to order by the chairman, who
stated the object of the meeting to be to obtain an expres-
sion of the public mind in reference to the reports gone
abroad calumniating the character of President Joseph
Smith. General Wilson Law then rose and presented the
following resolution: —
" 'Resolved, that having heard that John C. Bennett was
circulating many base falsehoods respecting a number of the
citizens of Nauvoo, and especially against our worthy and
respected Mayor, Joseph Smith, we do hereby manifest to
the world that so far as we are acquainted with Joseph
Smith we know him to be a good, moral, virtuous, peacea-
ble, and patriotic man, and a firm supporter of law, justice,
and equal rights; that he at all times upholds and keeps
inviolate the Constitution of this State and of the United
States.'
"A vote was then called and the resolution adopted by a
large concourse of citizens, numbering somewhere about a
thousand men. Two or three voted in the negative.
"Elder Orson Pratt then rose and spoke at some length in
explanation of his negative vote. President Joseph Smith
spoke in reply: —
"Question to Elder Pratt, 'Have you personally a knowl-
edge of any immoral act in me toward the female sex, or in
any other way?' Answer by Elder O. Pratt, 'Personally,
toward the female sex, I have not.'
"Elder O. Pratt responded at some length. Elder B.
Young then spoke in reply, and was followed by Elders
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 595
William Law, H. C. Kimball, and President H. Smith. Sev-
eral others spoke bearing testimony of the iniquity of those
who had calumniated President J. Smith's character.
"Meeting adjourned for one hour.
"P. M. Meeting assembled pursuant to adjournment and
was called to order by the chairman.
"A petition was then received from a committee appointed
by the city council for the reception, approbation, and sig-
natures of the citizens generally, petitioning the Governor
of Illinois for protection in our peaceable rights, which was
read, and approved, and signed by eight hundred persons.
"ORSON SPENCER, ESQ., Chairman.
"GusTATOS HILLS, Clerk."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 869.
In the same issue it is editorially stated that the ' 'Ladies'
Relief Relief Society," and many citizens not members of
society. t^e cnurcn) signed petitions to the same effect.8
Thirteen members of the City Council published an affi-
Not under davit to the effect that J. C. Bennett was not under
duress when he made affidavit to the good charac-
ter of Joseph Smith. s
* The "Ladies' Relief Socrety" also drew up a petition signed by about
one thousand ladies, speaking in the highest terms of the virtue, phi-
lanthrophy, and benevolence of Joseph Smith; begging that he might not
be injured, and that they and their families might have the privilege of
enjoying their peaceable rights. A petition was also drawn up by many
citizens in and near Nauvoo, who were not Mormons, setting forth the
same things. — Times and Seasons, vol. 3, p. 869.
8 AFFIDAVIT OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
We the undersigned, members of the City Council of the city of Nau-
voo, testify that John C. Bennett was not under duress at the time that
he testified before the City Council May 19, 1842, concerning Joseph
Smith's innocence, virtue, and pure teaching. His statements that he
has lately made concerning this matter are false; there was no excite-
ment at the time, nor was he in anywise threatened, menaced, or intimi-
dated. His appearance at the City Council was voluntary; he asked the
privilege of speaking, which was granted. After speaking for some
time on the city affairs, Joseph Smith asked him if he knew anything
bad concerning his public or private character. He then delivered
those statements contained in the testimony voluntarily, and of his own
free will, and went of hii own accord at fr»» a§ any member of the
council.
We do further testify that there is no such thing as a Danite society in
596 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
The above facts are abundantly sustained by the state-
ments and affidavits of Hyrum Smith, D. H. Wells, George
Miller, William Law, Elias Higbee, William Marks, and
others. (See Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 870-875.)
In this connection we insert an article "On Marriage," from
Times and Seasons, October 1, 1842, which sets forth the faith
of the church on marriage; to which is attached
the certificates from leading gentlemen and ladies
of the church, showing that there was no other system of
marriage known to them: —
"According to the custom of all civilized nations, mar-
riage is regulated by laws and ceremonies: therefore we be-
lieve, that all marriages in this Church of Christ of Latter
Day Saints should be solemnized in a public meeting, or
feast, prepared for that purpose: and that the solemnization
should be performed by a presiding high priest, high priest,
bishop, elder, or priest, not even prohibiting those persons
who are desirous to get married, of being married by other
authority. We believe that it is not right to prohibit members
of this church from marrying out of the church, if it be their
determination so to do, but such persons will be considered
weak in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanks-
giving; and at the solemnization, the persons to be married,
standing together, the man on the right, and the woman on
the left, shall be addressed, by the person officiating, as he
shall be directed by the Holy Spirit; and if there be no legal
objections, he shall say, calling each by their names: 'You
this city, nor any combination, other than the Masonic Lodge, of which
we have any knowledge.
WILSON LAW. GBO. A. SMITH.
JOHN TAYLOR. GEO. W. HARRIS.
W. WOODRUFF. N. K. WHITNEY.
VINSON KNIGHT. BRIGHAM YOUNG.
H. C. KIMBALL. CHARLES C. RICH.
JOHN P. GREEN. ORSON SPENCER.
WILLIAM MARKS.
Subscribed and sworn to, by the persons whose names appear to the
foregoing affidavit, this 20th day of July, A. D. 1842; except N. K. Whit-
ney, who subscribed and affirmed to the foregoing this day, before me.
DANIEL H. WELLS,
Justice of the peace, within and for Hancock County, Illinois.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 809, 870
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 597
both mutually agree to be each other's companion, husband
and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to this condi-
tion; that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and
from all others, during your lives.' And when they have
answered, 'Yes,' he shall pronounce them 'husband and
wife' in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of
the laws of the country and authority vested in him: 'May
God add his blessings and keep you to fulfill your covenants
from henceforth and forever. Amen.'
"The clerk of every church should keep a record of all
marriages solemnized in his branch.
"All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is
baptized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled.
Inasmuch as this Church of Christ has been reproached with
the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we
believe that one man should have one wife; and one woman
but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at
liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman
to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband, neither is
it lawful to influence her to leave her husband. All children
are bound by law to obey their parents; and to influence
them to embrace any religious faith, or be baptized, or leave
their parents without their consent, is unlawful and unjust.
We believe that husbands, parents, and masters who exer-
cise control over their wives, children, and servants, and
prevent them from embracing the truth, will have to answer
for that sin.
"We have given the above rule of marriage as the only
one practiced in this church, to show that Dr. J. C. Ben-
nett's 'secret wife system' is a matter of his own manufac-
ture; and further to disabuse the public ear, and show that
the said Bennett and his misanthropic friend Origen Bache-
lor are perpetrating a foul and infamous slander upon an
innocent people, and need but be known to be hated and
despised. In support of this position, we present the fol-
lowing certificates: —
"We the undersigned members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints and residents of the city of Nau-
voo, persons of families, do hereby certify and declare that
698 E&STORY OF THE CHURCH.
we know of no other rule or system of marriage than the one
published from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and we
give this certificate to show that Dr. J. C. Bennett's 'secret
wife system' is a creature of his own make, as we know of
no such society in this place, nor never did.
"8. BENNETT. N. K. WHITNEY.
"GEOKGE MILLER. ALBERT PETTEY.
"ALPHEUS CUTLER. ELIAS HIQBEE.
"REYNOLDS CAHOON. JOHN TAYLOR.
"WILSON LAW. E. ROBINSON.
"W. WOODRUFF. AARON JOHNSON.
"We the undersigned members of the Ladies' Relief So-
ciety, and married females, do certify and declare that we
know of no system of marriage being practiced in the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints save the one contained
in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; and we give this
certificate to the public to show that J. C. Bennett's 'secret
wife system' is a disclosure of his own make.
"EMMA SMITH, President.
"ELIZABETH ANN WHITNEY, Counselor.
"SARAH M. CLEVELAND, Counselor.
"ELIZA R. SNOW, Secretary.
"MARY C. MILLER. CATHARINE PETTEY.
"Lois CUTLER. SARAH HIGBEE.
"THIRZA CAHOON. PHEBE WOODRUFF.
"ANN HUNTER. LEONORA TAYLOR.
"JANE LAW. SARAH HILLMAN.
"SOPHIA R. MARKS. ROSANNA MARKS.
"POLLY Z. JOHNSON. ANGELINE ROBINSON.
"ABIGAIL WORKS."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 3, pp. 939, 940.
CHAPTER 27.
1842.
PouncAi, SITUATION— BOATS START FOR PINERY — JOSEPH SMITH
ARRESTED — BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD — JOSEPH RESIGNS AS
EDITOR— JACOB'S BOOK.
THE political situation assumed a peculiar aspect this sum-
mer, and the lines were being drawn between anti-Mormons
Political and Mormon sympathizers. A convention was
situation. ^Id and a countv ticket nominated, pledged to
receive no support from and to yield no quarter to "Mor-
mons."
On July 1 Joseph Smith published a statement strongly
calling upon the independent element to come out and stand
for liberty and right. l
1 TO THE CITIZENS OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
As a people the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are found
"more sinned against than sinning." In political affairs we are ever
ready to yield to our fellow citizens of the county equal participation in
the selection of candidates to offices.
We have been disappointed in our hopes of being met with the same
disposition on the part of some of the old citizens of the county. They
indeed seem to manifest a spirit of intolerance and exclusion incompati-
ble with the liberal doctrines of true republicanism.
At the late anti-Mormon convention a complete set of candidates
pledged to a man to receive no support from, and to yield no quarters to
"Mormons," are commended to all the citizens of this county for their
suffrages!
As a portion of the said citizens of Hancock we embrace the oppor-
tunity to decline this ticket for the want of reciprocity in its terms
and honesty and intelligence in the character of some of its candidates.
If the old citizens of the county are still desirous of equal participa-
tions with us in the choice of candidates, we are ready to cooperate with
them. If independent gentlemen will announce themselves and possess
t'je requisite qualities, capacity, and integrity, they will receive the
united support of our people in the country.
The time for holding a convention seems to have already gone by;
there is time enough for the friends of justice and fair play to elect a
ticket to be announced in the independent manner we have suggested.
Let the gentlemen who have the courage to oppose the spirit of dictation
which governed the anti-Mormon convention candidates, show them-
selves, and we will exercise enough, on the terms proposed in this arti-
cle, to insure complete success. JOSEPH SMITH.
—Millennial Star, vol. 19, pp. 536, 537.
600 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
July 4, there was a parade and celebration at Nauvoo, at
which everything passed off pleasantly. Two individuals
were fined ten dollars and twenty -five cents each for offering
whisky for sale on the ground.
July 6, two boats started for the pineries. Of these
Joseph writes: —
"Two keel boats, sloop rigged, and laden with provisions
and apparatus necessary for the occasion, and manned with
Boats start fifty of the brethren, started this morning on an
for pinery. expedition to the upper Mississippi, among the
pineries, where they can join those already there, and erect
mills, saw boards and plank, make shingles, hew timber, and
return next spring with rafts for the temple of God, Nauvoo
House, etc., to beautify the city of Nauvoo, according to the
prophets."
August 31; Bishop Vinson Knight died at Nauvoo.
On August 8, Joseph Smith was arrested at Nauvoo on
the charge of "being an accessary before the fact to an
Joseph smith assault with an intent to kill, made by one O. P.
arrested. Rockwell on Lilburn W. Boggs on the night of
the 6th of May, 1842." O. P. Rockwell was arrested at the
same time.
Of this case so far as it concerns Joseph Smith, we give a
fuller account on succeeding pages.
Joseph, as will be seen, eluded the officers by keeping
himself concealed. All kinds of rumors were in circulation
concerning his whereabouts, even among the saints. Some
supposed he had gone to Washington to plead his cause
there, some supposed that he had gone to Europe. But at a
special conference held at Nauvoo, August 29, while his
brother Hyrum was speaking he suddenly stepped upon the
stand amid the rejoicing of the saints.
On September 1, Joseph wrote an epistle to all the saints
Ba tism *n Nauvoo concerning the subject of baptism for
for the dead. faQ (Jea(L *
* NAUVOO, September 1, 1842.
To aU the Saints in Nauvoo: —
1. Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies, both
in Missouri and this State, were again on the pursuit of me; and inas-
much as they pursue me without a cause, and have not the least shadow
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 601
or coloring of justice or right on their side in the getting up of their
prosecutions against me; and inasmuch as their pretensions are all
founded in falsehood of the blackest dye, I have thought it expedient
and wisdom in me to leave the place for a short season, for my own
safety and the safety of this people. I would say to all those with whom
I have business, that I have left my affairs with agents and clerks, who
will transact all business in a prompt and proper manner; and will see
that all my debts are canceled in due time, by turning out property, or
otherwise as the case may require, or as the circumstances may admit of.
When I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will return to
you again.
2. And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem
but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my
common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysteri-
ous, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world, for
some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for your-
selves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But
nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in; it all has become
a second nature to me. And I feel like Paul to glory in tribulation, for
to this clay has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and
will deliver me from henceforth; for, behold, and lo, I shall triumph
over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.
3. Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceeding glad, for
Israel's God is their God; and he will mete out a just recompense of re-
ward upon the heads of all your oppressors.
4. And again, verily thus saith the Lord, Let the work of my temple,
and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and
not cease; and let your diligence and your perseverance, and patience,
and your works be redoubled; and you shall in nowise lose your reward,
saith the Lord of hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they
the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there
is a reward in heaven.
5. And again, I give unto you a word in relation to the baptism for
your dead. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead:
When any of you are baptized for your dead, let there be a recorder; and
let him be eyewitness of your baptisms; let him hear with his ears, that
he may testify of a truth, saith the Lord; that in all your recordings, it
may be recorded in heaven, that whatsoever you bind on earth, may be
bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth may be loosed in
heaven; for I am about to restore many things to the earth pertaining to
the priesthood, saith the Lord of hosts.
6. And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put
in the archives of my Holy Temple, to be held in remembrance from
generation to generation, saith the Lord of hosts.
7. I will say to all the saints, that I desired, with exceeding great
desire, to have addressed them from the stand, on the subject of baptism
for the dead, on the following Sabbath. But inasmuch as it is out of my
power to do so, I will write the word of the Lord from time to time, on
that subject, and send it to you by mail, as well as many other things. *
8. I now close my letter for the present, for the want of more time;
for the enemy is on the alert, and, as the Savior said, The prince of this
world cometh, but he hath nothing in me.
9. Behold, my prayer to God is, that you all may be saved. And I sub-
scribe myself your servant in the Lord, prophet and seer of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 109.
602 HISTORY OP THE OHURCH.
On September 6 he wrote another epistle, in which he
renewed the subject and considered it more minutely.*
• NAUVOO, September 6, 1842.
To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saintt, Sendeth Greeting: —
1. As I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, that I would
write to you from time to time, and give you information in relation to
many subjects, I now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead; as
that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings
the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies.
2. I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. I
have had a few additional views in relation to this matter, which I now
certify. That is, it was declared in my former letter that there should
be a recorder, who should be eyewitness, and also to hear with his ears,
that he might make a record of a truth before the Lord.
3. Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one
recorder to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To obvi-
ate this difficulty, there can be a recorder appointed in each ward of the
city, who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes; and let him be
very particular and precise in taking the whole proceedings, certifying
in his record that he saw with his eyes and heard with his ears, giving
the date and names, etc., and the history of the whole transaction; nam-
ing, also, some three individuals that are present, if there be any pres-
ent, who can, at any time when called upon, certify to the same, that in
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
4. Then let there be a general recorder, to whom these other records
can be handed, being attended with certificates over their own signa-
tures, certifying that the record which they have made is true. Then
the general church recorder can enter the record on the general church
book, with the certificates and all the attending witnesses, with his own
statement that he verily believes the above statement and records to be
true, from his knowledge of the general character and appointment of
tho e men by the church. And when this is done on the general church
book, the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the ordinance
just the same as if he had seen with his eyes and heard with his ears,
and made a record of the same on the general church book.
5. You may think this order of things to be very particular, but let
me tell you that they are only to answer the will of God, by conforming
to the ordinance and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared
before the foundation of the world, for the salvation of the dead who
should die without a knowledge of the gospel.
6. And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator was
contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he de-
clared, as you will find recorded in Revelation 20: 12, "And I saw the
dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and
another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works."
7. You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened, and
another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books
which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records
which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life,
is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely
with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 603
In the letter which I wrote to you, previous to my leaving my place,
"that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven."
8. Now the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priest-
hood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that what-
soever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; or, in other words, taking a dif-
ferent view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be
recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not
be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged,
according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to
the ordinances in their own propria persona or by the means of their own
agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their sal-
vation from befofe the foundation of the world, according to the records
which they have kept concerning their dead.
9. It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of — a
power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven; nevertheless,
in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of
the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this
power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in au-
thority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and
kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth
and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of
the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?
10. And again, for a precedent, Matthew 16: 18, 19. "And I say also
unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will
give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shall
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
11. Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the sum-
mum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in
obtaining the pow.ers of the holy priesthood. For him to whom th'ese
keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in
relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the
dead as for the living.
12. Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life. The
ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer
to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the
other. To be immersed in the water, and come forth out of the water,
is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of
their graves; hence this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship
with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the
dead.
13. Consequently the baptismal font was instituted as a simile of the
grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living
are wont to assemble, to show forth the living and the dead; and that
all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with
another; that which is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, as
Paul hath declared. (1 Corinthians 15:46-48.)
14. "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is
natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the
earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the
earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such
are they also that are heavenly." And as are the records on the earth in
relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records
in heaven. This, therefore, is the sealing and binding power, and in one
sense of the word, the keys of the kingdom, which consists in the key of
knowledge.
604 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
15. And now my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you
that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that can-
not be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their sal-
vation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning
the fathers, "that they without us cannot be made perfect;" neither can
we without our dead be made perfect.
16. And now in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you
another quotation of Paul. 1 Corinthians 15: 29. "Else what shall they
do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are
they then baptized for the dead?"
17. And again, in connection with this quotation, I will give you a
quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restora-
tion of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in
an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the
everlasting gospel; viz.: the baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last
chapter, verses 5 and 6, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he
shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the ea^rth with a curse."
18. I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is suf-
ficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know in
this case that the earth will be smitten with a curse, unless there is a
welding link of some kind or other, between the fathers and the children,
upon some subject or other, and, behold, what is that subject? It is the
baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect;
neither can they»without us be made perfect. Neither can they or we
be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is
necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times;
which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole, and com-
plete, and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and
keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed, from
the days of Adam even to the present time; and not only this, but those
things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the
world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be
revealed unto babes and sucklings in this the dispensation of the fullness
of times.
19. Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? "A
voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth
out of the earth, glad tidings for the dead: a voice of gladness for the
living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy; how beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things;
and that say unto Zion, Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of
Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them."
20. And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorahl Mo-
roni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfillment of the prophets —
the book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fay-
ette, Seneca County, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the
book. The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting
the Devil when he appeared as an angel of light. The voice of Peter,
James, and John, in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna
County, and Colesville, Broome County, on the Susquehanna River,
declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the
dispensation of the fullness of times.
21. And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer,
in Fayette, Seneca County, and at sundry times, and in divers places,
through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints. And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the
voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 605
Excepting the excitement occasioned by and interest in
the case of Joseph Smith, things passed off in their usually
quiet way.
In the November 15 number of the Times and Seasons is
Joseph resigns Polished Joseph Smith's "valedictory," he resign-
as editor. ing the editorial chair to. John Taylor.*
Adam, down to the present time, all declaring each one their dispensa-
tion, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and
the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon pre-
cept; here a little and there a little — giving us consolation by holding
forth that which is to come, confirming our hope.
22. Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and
not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your
hearts rejoice, and be exceeding glad. Let the earth break forth into
singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King
Immanuel, who hath ordained before the world was that which would
enable us to redeem them out of their prisons; for the prisoners shall go
free.
23. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and
all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your eternal King. And ye
rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods
and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for
joy. And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and
let all the sons of God shout for joy. And let the eternal creations
declare his name forever and ever. And again I say, How glorious is the
voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation,
and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities,
and powers.
24. Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand, and who can abide
the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth, for he is
like a refiner's fire and like fuller's soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and
purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them
as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in
righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter
Day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness, and let us
present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the
records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.
25. Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but
shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another time.
I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend,
JOSEPH SMITH.
* VALEDICTORY.
I beg leave to Inform the subscribers of the Times and Seasons that it
is impossible for me to fulfill the arduous duties of the editorial depart-
ment any longer. The multiplicity of other business that daily devolves
upon me renders it impossible for me to do justice to a paper so widely
circulated as the Times and Seasons. I have appointed Elder John Tay-
lor, who is less encumbered and fully competent to assume the responsi-
bilities of that office, and I doubt not but that he will give satisfaction
to the patrons of the paper. As this number commences a new volume,
it also commences his editorial career.
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 8.
606 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
There was a book circulated, written by a Mr. Jacobs on
the subject of marriage, that some supposed had the indorse-
ment of Joseph Smith because issued from the
office of the Times and Seasons; but Joseph corrects
this misunderstanding and disapproves the book in a notice
published in the December 1 issue. 6
Sometime in December Orson Hyde returned to Nauvoo
from his oriental mission.
Thus the year passed away, with Joseph absent, but every-
thing in Nauvoo moving smoothly along.
8 There was a book printed at my office a short time since, written by
Udney H. Jacobs, on marriage, without my knowledge; and had I been
apprised of it, I should not have printed it; not that lam opposed to any
man enjoying his privileges, but I do not wish to have my name associ-
ated with the authors, in such an unmeaning rigmarole of nonsense,
folly, and trash.
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 32.
CHAPTER 28.
1842.
ARREST OF JOSEPH SMITH— His MOVEMENTS— MRS. SMITH WRITES
GOVERNOR CARLIN— GOVERNOR'S REPLY— OTHER CORRESPOND-
ENCE—JOSEPH SURRENDERS— EDITORIAL COMMENT — THE TRIAL—
THE OPINION.
WE devote this chapter to an account of the arrest of
Joseph Smith, his trial and acquittal.
The following statement of Joseph Smith regarding this
case, in his own language, as published in his history as it
appears in the Millennial Star, will be of interest: —
"Monday, 8th. This afternoon I was arrested by the
deputy sheriff of Adams County and two assistants, on a
Arrest of warrant issued by Governor Carlin, founded on a
Joseph smith, requisition f rom Governor Reynolds of Missouri,
upon the affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs, complaining of the
said Smith as 'being an accessory before the fact, to an
assault with an intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rockwell
on Lilburn W. Boggs,' on the night of the sixth of May, A. D.
1842. Brother Rockwell was arrested at the same time as
principal. There was no evasion of the officers, though the
Municipal Court issued a writ of habeas corpus according to
the constitution of the State, article 8, and section 13. This
writ demanded the bodies of Messrs. Smith and Rockwell to
be brought before the aforesaid court; but these officers
refused to do so, and finally without complying they left
them in the care of the marshal, without the original writ by
which they were arrested and by which only they could be
retained, and returned back to Governor Carlin for further
instructions; and Messrs. Smith and Rockwell went about
their business.
"I have yet to learn by what rule of right I was arrested
to be transported to Missouri for a trial of the kind stated.
608 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
'An accessory to an assault with an intent to kill,' does not
come under the provision of the fugitive act, when the per-
son charged has not been out of Illinois, etc. An accessory
before the fact to manslaughter is something of an anomaly.
The isolated affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs is no more
than any other man's, and the Constitution says, 'That no
person shall be liable to be transported out of the State for
an offense committed within the same.' The whole is
another Missouri farce. In fact, implied powe*r and con-
structive guilt, as a dernier resort, may answer the purpose
of despotic governments, but are beneath the dignity of the
sons of liberty, and would be a blot on our judicial
escutcheon."— Millennial Star, vol. 19, pp. 630, 631.
On August 17, 1842, Mrs. Emma Smith wrote Governor
Carlin in behalf of her husband, appealing to his
Mrs Smith ' f r
writes knowledge of Boggs cruelty and his own sense of
justice. *
1 NATJVOO, August 17, -1842.
To His Excellency Governor Carlin.
Sir: — It is with feelings of no ordinary cast that I have retired, after
the business of the day and evening too, to address your honor. I am at
a loss how to commence; my mind is crowded with subjects too numer-
ous to be contained in one letter. I find myself almost destitute of that
confidence necessary to address a person holding the authority of your
dignified and responsible office; and I would now offer as an excuse for
intruding upon your time and attention, the justice of my cause.
Wa& my cause the interest of an individual or of a number of indi-
viduals, then, perhaps, I might be justified in remaining silent. But it
is not. Nor is it the pecuniary interest of a whole community alone that
prompts me again to appeal to your Excellency. But, dear sir, it is for
the peace and safety of hundreds, I may safely say, of this community,
who are not guilty of any offense against the laws of the country; and
also the life of my husband, who has not committed any crime whatever;
neither has he transgressed any of the laws or any part of the Constitu-
tion of the United States; neither has he at any time infringed upon the
rights of any man, or of any class of men, or community of any description.
Need I say that he is not guilty of the crime alleged against him by Gov-
ernor Boggs? Indeed, it does seem entirely superfluous for me or any
one of his friends in this place lo testify his innocence of that crime,
when so many of the citizens of your place, and of many other places in
this State, as well as in the Territory, do know positively that the state-
ment of Governor Boggs is without the least shadow of truth; and we do
know, and so do many others, that the prosecution against him has been
conducted in an illegal manner; and every act demonstrates the fact that
all the design of the prosecution is to throw him into the power of his
enemies, without the least ray of hope that he would ever be allowed to
obtain a fair trial; and that he would be inhumanly and ferociously mur-
dered, no person having a knowledge of the existing circumstances has
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 609
Joseph resumes his history as follows: —
"Several rumors were afloat in the city, intimating that
my retreat had been discovered, and that it was no longer
safe for me to remain at Bro. Sayers'; consequently Emma
came to see me at night, and informed me of the report. It
was considered wisdom that I should remove immediately,
one remaining doubt; and your honor will recollect that you said to me
that you would not advise Mr. Smith ever to trust himself in Missouri.
And, dear sir, you cannot for one moment indulge one unfriendly feel-
ing towards him if he abides by your counsel. Then, sir, why is it that
he should be thus cruelly pursued? Why not give him the privilege of
the laws of this State? When I reflect upon the many cruel and illegal
operations of Lilburn W. Boggs, and the consequent suffering of myself
and family, and the incalculable losses and sufferings of many hundreds
who survived, and the many precious lives that were lost, — all the effect
of unjust, prejudice and misguided ambition, produced by misrepresen-
tation and calumny, — my bosom heaves with unutterable anguish. And
who that is as well acquainted with the facts as the people of the city of
Quincy, would censure me if I should say that my heart burned with
just indignation towards our calmuniators as well as the perpetrators of
those horrid crimes?
But happy would I now be to pour out my heart in gratitude to Gov-
ernor Boggs, if he had rose up with the dignity and authority of the
chief executive of the State, and put down every illegal transaction, and
protected the peaceable citizens and enterprising emigrants from the vio-
lence of plundering outlaws, who have ever been a disgrace to the State,
and always will, so long as they go unpunished. Yes, I say, how happy
would I be to render him not only the gratitude of my own heart, but
the cheering effusions of the joyous souls of fathers and mothers, of
brothers and sisters, widows and orphans, whom he might have saved by
such a course, from now drooping under the withering hand of adversity
brought upon them by the persecutions of wicked and corrupt men.
And now may I entreat your Excellency to lighten the hand of oppres-
sion and persecution which is laid upon me and my family, which
materially affect the peace and welfare of this whole community; for let
me assure you that there are many whole families that are entirely de-
pendent upon the prosecution and success of Mr. Smith's temporal busi-
nessfor theirsupport; and if he isprevented from attendingto the common
avocations of life, who will employ these innocent, industrious, poor peo-
ple, and provide for their wants?
But, my dear sir, when I recollect the interesting interview I and my
friends had with you when at your place, and the warm assurances you
gave us of your friendship and legal protection, I cannot doubt for a
moment your honorable sincerity; but do still expect you to consider
our claims upon your protection from 'every encroachment upon our
legal rights as loyal citizens, as we always' have been, still are, and are
determined always to be a law-abiding people; and I still assure myself
that when you are fully acquainted with the illegal proceedings prac-
ticed against us in the suit of Governor Boggs, you will recall those
writs which have been issued against Mr. Smith and Rockwell, as you
must be aware that Mr. Smith was not in Missouri, and of course he
could not have left there; with many other considerations, which, if
duly considered, will justify Mr. Smith in the course he has taken.
And now I appeal to your Excellency, as I would unto a father who is
610 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
and accordingly I departed in company with Emma and
Brother Derby, and went to Carlos Granger's, who lived on
the northeast part of the city. Here we were kindly received
and well treated.
"Friday morning, 19th. William Clayton presented
Emma's letter of the 17th to Governor Carlin at Quincy, in
presence of Judge Ralston. The Governor read the letter
with much attention, apparently; and when he got through
he passed high encomiums on Emma Smith, and expressed
astonishment at the judgment and talent manifest in the
manner of her address. He presented the letter to Judge
Ralston, requesting him to read it. Governor Carlin then
proceeded to reiterate the same language as on a former
occasion; viz., that he was satisfied there was 'no excitement
anywhere but in Nauvoo, amongst the ''Mormons" them-
selves;' all was quiet and no apprehension of trouble in other
places, so far as he was able to ascertain.
"He afterwards stated, when conversing on another sub-
ject, that 'Persons were offering their services every day,
either in person or by letter, and held themselves in readi-
ness to go against the "Mormons" whenever he should call
upon them; but he never had the least idea of calling out the
militia, neither had he thought it necessary.'
"There was evidently a contradiction in his assertions in
the above instances; and although he said 'there was no
not only able but willing to shield me and mine from every unjust prose-
cution. I appeal to your sympathies, and beg you to spare me and my
helpless children. I beg you to spare my innocent children the heart-
rending sorrow of again seeing their father unjustly dragged to prison or
to death. I appeal to your affections as a son, and beg you to spare our
aged mother— the only surviving parent we have left — the unsupporta-
ble affliction of seeing her son, whom she knows to be innocent of the
crimes laid to his charge, thrown again into the hands of his enemies,
who have so long sought for his life; in whose life and prosperity she
only looks for the few remaining comforts she can enjoy. I entreat of
your Excellency to spare us these afflictions, and many sufferings which
cannot be uttered, and secure to yourself the pleasure of doing good and
vastly increasing human happiness, secure to yourself the benediction of
the aged, and the gratitude of the young, and the blessing and venera-
tion of the rising generation.
Respectfully, your most obedient,
EMMA SMITH.
P. S.— Sir, I hope you will favor me with an answftr. E. 8.
— Millennial Star, vol. 19, pp. 725,726.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 611
excitement but amongst the Mormons,' it is evident he knew
better. He also said that it was his opinion that if Joseph
would give himself up to the sheriff, he would be honorably
acquitted and the matter would be ended; but on Judge Ral-
ston asking how he thought Mr. Smith could go through the
midst of his enemies without violence being used towards
him, and if acquitted how he was to get back, the Governor
was evidently at a loss what to say, but made light of the
matter, as though he thought it might be easily done. He
took great care to state that it was not his advice that Mr.
Smith should give himself up, but thought it would be
soonest decided. It appeared evident by the conversation
that Governor Carlin was no friend to the saints and they
could expect no good things from him. He explicitly
acknowledged his ignorance of the law touching the case in
question.
"After spending the day in conversation and reading, in
the evening I received a visit from my Aunt Temperance
Mack, and at night went to the city, and concluded to tarry
at home until something further transpired relative to the
designs of my persecutors.
"Saturday, 20th. Spent the day in my general business
office, otherwise called the Lodge, or Assembly Room, or
Council Chamber, which is over my store, and the place
where most of the business of the city and church is trans-
acted: my health very indifferent. In the evening had an
interview with my brother Hyrum, William Law, "Wilson
Law, Newel K. Whitney, and George Miller, on the ille-
gality of the proceedings of our persecutors." — Millennial
Star, vol. 19, pp. 726, 727.
"[22d.] Received an interesting visit from Mother, and
Aunt Temperance Mack. My health and spirits good.
"This afternoon received a few lines from Emma, inform-
ing me that she would expect me home this evening, believ-
ing that she could take care of me better at home than
elsewhere. Accordingly, soon after dark I started for home,
and arrived safe, without being noticed by any person. All
is quiet in the city.
"Wednesday, 24th. At home all day; received a visit from
612 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Brothers Newel K. Whitney and Isaac Morley."— Millennial
Star, vol. 19, p. 758.
On the above date Governor Carlin replied to Mrs. Emma
Smith's letter of the 17th instant.8
• QUINCT, August 24, 1842.
Dear Madam: — Your letter of this date has just been handed tome,
which recalls to my mind your great solicitude in reference to the
security and welfare of your husband; but I need not say it recalls to
my mind the subject matter of your solicitude, because that subject,
except at short intervals, has not been absent from my mind, lean
scarcely furnish you a justifiable apology for delaying a reply so long, but
be assured, Madam, it is not for want of regard for you and your peace of
mind that I have postponed it, but a crowd of public business which has
required my whole time, together with very ill health since the receipt
of your former letter; and it would be most gratifying to my feelings now
if due regard to public duty would enable me to furnish such a reply as
would fully conform to your wishes. But my duty in reference to all
demands made by executives of other States, for the surrender of fugi-
tives from justice, appears to be plain and simple, consisting entirely of
an executive, and not a judicial character, leaving me no discretion or
adjudication as to the innocence or guilt of persons so demanded and
charged with crime; and it is plain that the Constitution and laws of the
United States in reference to fugitives from justice presumes and con-
templates that the laws of the several States are ample to do justice to
all who may be charged with crime, and the statute of this State simply
requires, "That whenever the Executive of any other State, or of any
Territory of the United States, shall demand of the Executive of this
State any person as a fugitive from justice, and shall have complied
with the requisitions of the act of Congress in that case made and pro-
vided, it shall be the duty of the Executive of this State to issue his
warrant under the seal of the State, to apprehend the said fugitive," etc.
With the Constitution and laws before me, my duty is so plainly marked
out that it would be impossible to err, so long as I abstain from usurping
the right of adjudication. I am aware that a strict enforcement of the
laws by an executive, or a rigid administration of them by a judicial
tribunal, often results in hardship to those involved, and to you it
doubtless appears to be peculiarly so, in the present case of Mr. Smith.
If, however, as you allege, he is innocent of any crime, and the proceed-
ings are illegal, it would be the more easy for him to procure an
acquittal. In reference to the remark you attribute to me that I "would
not advise Mr. Smith ever to trust himself in Missouri," I can only say
— as I have heretofore said on many occasions — that I never have
entertained a doubt that if Mr. Smith should submit to the laws of Mis-
souri that the utmost latitude would be allowed him in his defense, and
the fullest justice done him, and I only intended to refer (in the remark
made to you when at my house) to the rabble, and not to the laws of
Missouri.
Very much has been attributed to me in reference to General Smith
that is without foundation in truth, a knowledge of which fact enables
me to receive what I hear as coming from him with great allowance. In
conclusion. Dear Madam, I feel conscious when I assure you that all my
official acts in reference to Mr. Smith have been prompted by a strict
sense of duty, and in discharge of that duty have studiously pursued
that course least likely to produce excitement and alarm, both in your
community and the surrounding public; and I will here add that I much
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 613
Joseph continues: —
"August: Friday, 26th. At home all day. In the even-
ing, in council with some of the Twelve and others. I gave
some important instructions upon the situation of the church,
showing that it was necessary that the officers that could
should go abroad through the States, and, inasmuch as a
great excitement had been raised through the community at
large by the falsehoods put in circulation by John C. Bennett
and others, it was wisdom in God that the elders should go
forth and deluge the States with a flood of truth, setting
forth the mean, contemptible, persecuting conduct of ex-
Governor Boggs, of Missouri, and those connected with him
in his mean and corrupt proceedings, in plain terms, so that
the world might understand the abusive conduct of our
enemies, and stamp it with indignation.
"I advised the Twelve to call a special conference on Mon-
day next, to give instructions to the elders, and call upon
them to go forth upon this important mission; meantime,
that all the affidavits concerning Bennett's conduct be taken
and printed, so that each elder could be properly furnished
with correct and weighty testimony to lay before the public.
"Great distress prevails in England on account of the dull
state of trade.
"Saturday, 27th. In the assembly room with some of the
Twelve and others, who were preparing affidavits for the
press." — Millennial Star, vol. 19, p. 759.
On the above date Mrs. Emma Smith wrote to Governor
Carlin in reply to the Governor's letter of the 24th instant. 3
regret being called upon to act at all, and that I hope he will submit to
the laws, and that justice will ultimately be done.
Be pleased to present my best respects to Mrs. Smith and Miss
Snow, your companions when at Quincy, and accept of my highest
regard for yourself, and best wishes for your prosperity and happiness.
Your obedient servant,
Mrs. Emma Smith. THOS. CARLIN.
— Copied from original letter in our possession.
8 NAUVOO, August 27, 1842.
To His EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR CARLIN.
Dear Sir: — I received your letter of the 24th in due time, and now ten-
der to you the sincere gratitude of my heart for the interest which you
have felt in my peace and prosperity; and I assure you that every act of
kindness and every word of consolation have been thankfully received
and duly appreciated by me and my friends also; and I much regret your
614 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Joseph further continues, as follows: —
"August: Tuesday, 30th. At home through the day.
"Wednesday, 31st. At home in the forenoon; afternoon
rode to the grove -with Emma, and attended the Female
Relief Society's meeting. "— Millennial Star, vol. 19, p. 789.
"Friday, [Sept.] 2d. Spent the day at home. A report
ill health, and still hope that you will avail yourself of sufficient time to
investigate our cause and thoroughly acquaint yourself with the ille-
gality of the prosecution instituted against Mr. Smith. And I now cer-
tify that Mr. Smith, myself, nor any other person to my knowledge has
ever, nor do we at this time wish your honor to swerve from your duty as
an Executive, in the least. But we do believe that it is your duty to
allow us in this place the privileges and advantages guaranteed to us by
the laws of this State and the United States. This is all we ask, and if
we can enjoy these rights unmolested, it will be the ultimate end of all
our ambition; and the result will be peace and prosperity to us and all
the surrounding country, as far as we are concerned. Nor do we wish to
take any undue advantage of any intricate technicalities of law, but
honorably and honestly to fulfill all of the laws of this State and of the
United States, and then, in turn, to have the benefits resulting from an
honorable execution of those laws.
And now, your Excellency will not consider me assuming any unbe-
coming dictation, but recollect that the many prosecutions that have
beea got up unjustly, and pursued illegally against Mr. Smith, instigated
by selfish and irreligious motives, has obliged me to know something for
myself; therefore, let me refer you to the eleventh section of our City
Charter: —
"All power is granted to the City Council, to make, ordain, establish,
and execute all ordinances, not repugnant to the Constitution of the
State or of the United States, or, as they may deem necessary for the
peace and safety of said city." Accordingly there is an ordinance passed
by the City Council to prevent our people from being carried off by an
illegal process. And if anyone thinks he is illegally seized, under this
ordinance, he claims the right of habeas corpus under section 17 of the
charter, to try the question of identity, which is strictly constitutional.
These powers are positively granted in the charter over your own sig-
nature; and now, dear sir, where can be the justice in depriving us of
these rights which are lawfully ours, as well as they are the lawful rights
of the inhabitants of Quincy and Springfield and many other places,
where the citizens enjoy the advantages of such ordinances without con-
troversy? With these considerations, and many more which might be
adduced, give us the privilege, and we will show your honor, and the
world beside, if required, that the Mr. Smith referred to in the demand
from Missouri is not the Joseph Smith of Nauvoo, for he was not in Mis-
souri; neither is he described in the writ, according as the law requires;
and that he is not a fugitive from justice. Why, then, be so strenuous
lo have my husband taken, when you know him to be innocent of any
attempt on the life of Governor Boggs, and that he is not a fugitive from
justice?
It is not the fear of a just decision against him that deters Mr. Smith
from going into Missouri, but it is an actual knowledge that it was never
intended that he should have a fair trial. And now, sir, if you were not
aware of the fact, I will acquaint you with it now, that there were lying
in wait between this place and Warsaw, twelve men from Jackson
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 615
reached the city this afternoon that the sheriff was on his
way to Nauvoo with an armed force.
"Saturday, 3d. In the morning at home, in company with
John Boynton."— Millennial Star, vol. 19, p. 791.
On September 5, 1842, "The Nauvoo Relief Society"
other cor- wrote the Governor an appeal, praying him to
respondence. exert his official privilege in behalf of the inno-
cent.
On September 7, 1842, Governor Carlin replied to Mrs.
Emma Smith's letter of the 27th ultimo.4
County. Missouri, for the purpose of taking Mr. Smith out of the hands
of the officers who might have him in custody. Also those two men from
Missouri that were here with Messrs. King and Pitman, divulged the
most illegal and infernal calculations concerning taking Mr. Smith into
Missouri, the evidence of which we can furnish you at any time, if
required. And, dear sir, our good feelings revolt at the suggestion that
your Excellency is acquainted with the unlawful measures taken by
those engaged in the prosecution — measures which, if justice was done
to others, as it would be done to us, were we to commit as great errors in
our proceedings, would subject all concerned in the prosecution to the
penalty of the law, and that without mercy. I admit, sir, that it is next
to an impossibility for anyone to know the extent of the tyranny, treach-
ery, and knavery of a great portion of the leading characters of the
State of Missouri: yet it only requires a knowledge of the Constitution
of the United States, and statutes of the State of Missouri, and a knowl-
edge of the outrages committed by some of the inhabitants of that
State, upon the people called Mormons, and that passed unpunished by
the administrators of the law, to know that there is not the least confi-
dence to be placed in any of those men that were engaged in those dis-
graceful transactions.
If the law was made for the lawless and disobedient, and punishment
instituted for the guilty, why not execute the law upon those that have
transgressed it, and punish those who have committed crime, and grant
encouragement to the innocent, and liberality to the industrious and
peaceable?
And now I entreat your honor to bear with me patiently while I ask,
What good can accrue to this State or the United States, or any part of
this State or the United States, or to yourself, or any other individual,
to continue this persecution upon this people, or upon Mr. Smith — a per-
secution that you are well aware is entirely without any just foundation
or excuse? »
With sentiments of due respect, I am, your most obedient servant,
EMMA SMITH.
To his Excellency, Thomas Carlin,
Governor of the State of Illinois.
P. 8. — Sir, you will please tender my best respects and considerations
to your wife and family, and tell them I greatly desire to see them with
yourself in our place as soon as can be convenient.
EMMA SMITH.
— From copy of original letter in our possession.
* QUINCY, September 7, 1842.
Dear Madam: — Your letter of the 27th ultimo was delivered to me on
616 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
There was much correspondence between Joseph and the
Governor, but Joseph avoided arrest until Governor Carlin's
term of office had expired and he was succeeded on January
1, 1843, by Governor Thomas Ford.
Monday the 5th instant, and I have not had time to answer it until this
evening; and I now appropriate a few moments to the difficult task of
replying satisfactorily to its contents, every word of which evinces your
devotedness to the interest of your husband, and pouring forth the effu-
sions of a heart wholly his. I am thus admonished that I can say noth-
ing, that does not subserve his interest, that can possibly be satisfactory
to you; and before I proceed, I will here repeat my great regret that I
have been officially called upon to act in reference to Mr. Smith in anv
manner whatever. I doubt not your candor when you say you do not
desire me "to swerve from my duty as Executive in the least," and all
you ask is to be allowed the privileges and advantages guaranteed to you
by the Constitution and laws: you then refer me to the eleventh section
of the Charter of the City of Nauvoo, and claim for Mr. Smith the right
to be heard by the Municipal Court of said city, under a writ of habeas
corpus emanating from said court, when he was held in custody under an
executive warrant. The Charter of the City of Nauvoo is not before
me at this time, but I have examined both the charters and city ordi-
nance upon the subject, and must express my surprise at the extraordi-
nary assumption of power by the board of Aldermen as contained in
said ordinances. From my recollection of the charter it authorizes the
Municipal Court to issue writs of habeas corpus in all cases of imprison-
ment or custody arising from the authority of the ordinances of said
city; but that the power was granted or intended to be granted to release
persons held in custody under the authority of writs issued by the courts
or the Executive of the State, is most absurd and ridiculous, and an at-
tempt to exercise it is a gross usurpation of power that cannot be tol-
erated. I have always expected and desired that Mr. Smith should avail
himself of the benefits of the laws of this State, and of course that ho
would be entitled to a writ of habeas corpus issued by the Circuit Court,
and entitled to a hearing before said court; but to claim the right of a
hearing before the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo, is a burlesque
upon the charter itself. As to Mr. Smith's guilt or innocence of the
crime charged upon him, it is not my province to investigate or deter-
mine; nor has any court on earth jurisdiction of his case but the courts
of the State of Missouri; and, as stated in my former letter, both the
Constitution and laws presume that each and every State in this Union
are competent to do justice to all who may be charged with crime com-
mitted in said State.
Your information that twelve men from Jackson County, Missouri,
were lying in wait for Mr. Smith between Nauvoo and Warsaw, for the
purpose of taking him out of the hands of the officers who might have
him in custody, and murdering him, is like many other marvelous
stories that you hear in reference to him — not one word of it true; but I
doubt not that your mind has been continually harrowed up with fears
produced by that and other equally groundless stories. That that state-
ment is true is next to impossible, and your own judgment, if you will
but give it scope, will soon set you right in reference to it. If any of the
citizens of Jackson County had designed to murder Mr. Smith, they would
not have been so simple as to perpetrate the crime in Illinois, when he
would necessarily be required to pass through to the interiorof the State
of Missouri, where the opportunity would have been so much better and
HISTORY OF THE CHUROH. 617
Joseph Smith and his friends were anxious to test the
legality of the cause of arrest, and at the solicitation of
Joseph President Smith Governor Ford issued a duplicate
surrender* warrant, upon which Joseph Smith went to
Springfield and surrendered. He then obtained a writ of
habeas corpus from Judge Pope of the Federal Court.
Governor Ford in his history of Illinois states: —
"We turn again to the history of the State as connected
with the Mormons. This people had now become about six-
teen thousand strong in Hancock County, and several thou-
sands more were scattered about in other counties. As I
have said before, Governor Carlin, in 1842, had issued his
warrant for the arrest of Joe Smith their prophet, as a fugi-
tive from justice in Missouri. This warrant had never been
executed, and was still outstanding when I came into office.
the prospect of escape much more certain. That is like the statement
made by Mr. Smith's first messenger after his arrest, to Messrs. Ralston
and Warren, saying that I had stated that Mr. Smith should be surren-.
dered to the authorities of Missouri, dead or alive, — not one word of which
was true. I have not the most distant thought that any person in Illi-
nois or Missouri contemplated personal injury to Mr. Smith by violence
in any manner whatever.
I regret that I did not see General Law when last at Quincy. A previ-
ous engagement upon business that could not be dispensed with, pre-
* vented, and occupied my attention that evening until dark. At half
past one o'clock p. m. I came home and learned that the General had
called to see me, but the hurry of business only allowed me about ten
minutes to eat my dinner, and presuming if he had business of any im-
portance that he would remain in the city until I returned. It may be
proper here in order to afford you all the satisfaction in my power, to reply
to a question propounded to my wife by General Law in reference to Mr.
Smith; viz., whether any other or additional demand had been made
upon me by the Governor of Missouri for the surrender of Mr. Smith. I
answer, None; no change whatever has been made in the proceedings.
Mr. Smith is held accountable only for the charge as set forth in my
warrant under which he was arrested. In conclusion you presume upon
my own knowledge of Mr. Smith's innocence, and ask why the prosecu-
tion is continued against him. Here I must again appeal to your own
good judgment, and you will be compelled to answer that it is impossi-
ble I could know him to be innocent; and as before-stated it is not my
province to investigate as to his guilt or innocence, but could I know
him innocent, and were he my own son, I would nevertheless (and the
more readily) surrender him to the legally constituted authority to pro-
nounce him innocent.
With sentiments of high regard and esteem,
Your obedient servant,
THOS. CARLIN.
Mrs. Emma Smith.
— Copied from original letter In our possession.
618 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The Mormons were desirous of having the cause of arrest
legally tested in the Federal Court. Upon their application
a duplicate warrant was issued in the winter of 1842-43, and
placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Sangamon County.
Upon this Joe Smith came to Springfield and surrendered
himself a prisoner. A writ of habeas corpus was obtained
from Judge Pope of the Federal Court, and Smith was dis-
charged."— Ford's History of Illinois, pp. 313, 314.
The editor of the Times and Seasons (John Taylor) in the
Editorial issue of January 2, 1843, gives a statement of the
comment. case> ag foUOWS:—
"THE RELEASE OF GENERAL, JOSEPH SMITH.
"We are happy to have it in our power to state that the
distinguished individual above-named is once more free, and
that the illegal prosecution and persecution which has been
instituted against him by ex- Governor Boggs, Governor
Reynolds, of Missouri, and ex-Governor Carlin, of this
State, has terminated successfully in behalf of the innocent
and unoffending; and we have had one striking instance of
the dignity and purity of our laws being held inviolate,
despite of executive influence and intrigue, and the influence
of misrepresentation and bigotry.
"Mr. Smith had long been convinced of the illegality of
the proceedings which were instituted against him; but he at
the same time thought that when public excitement was so
great and popular prejudice so strong that it would be
hazardous for him to place himself in the hands of any
of the minions of ex- Governor Carlin; judging (very cor-
rectly) that if that gentleman had issued a writ illegally and
unconstitutionally for his apprehension, he might use an
unwarrantable executive influence in having him delivered
up to the justice (i. e. injustice) of the State of Missouri.
"But while on the one hand he feared and had reason to
fear usurped executive power, he as firmly believed that if
he could obtain a fair and impartial hearing before the
judiciary, that there was sufficient strength and virtue in
the laws to deliver him from the unjust influence and malad-
ministration of his enemies.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 619
"Feeling fully convinced of the justice of his cause, he
repaired to Springfield, about two weeks ago, for the pur-
pose of obtaining a hearing, (and as he belieyed,) receiving an
acquittal from the District Court of the United States for the
District of Illinois.
"The Secretary of State had been instructed to send for
the writ issued by Governor Carlin, that Mr. Smith might
have the privilege of the habeas corpus and of having the
legality and constitutionality of the writ tested.
"But as ex-Governor Carlin, or the sheriff of Adams
County, or both, were either afraid of having their deeds
investigated or wished to set at defiance the law, the writ
was not forthcoming; and after the great hue and cry that
has been made about Joseph Smith's fleeing from justice, he
was absolutely under the necessity of petitioning Governor
Ford to issue another writ before he could obtain a hearing
before the court. For the purpose of answering the ends of
justice and that Mr. Smith might be legally and fairly dealt
with, Governor Ford issued another writ, which was a copy
of the one issued by Governor Carlin. Mr. Smith then
petitioned the United States District Court for a writ of
habeas corpus, which was granted, and he appeared before
that court on Saturday, the 30th of December, 1842, and
gave bail for his appearance at court on Monday. Mr.
Lambourn, the Attorney General of the State of Illinois,
appeared in behalf of the State, and Mr. Butterfield was
counsel for General Smith.
"On Monday Mr. Lambourn requested of the court a little
time, stating that the subject was new to him, that it was
one of great importance, that he had not had an opportunity
of investigating it, and he hoped that the court would
indulge him with one or two days. The court granted him
that privilege and the trial was postponed until Wednesday,
the 4th of January. Mr. Lambourn objected to the proceed-
ings on the ground that the United States Court had no
jurisdiction in this case, and that it belonged to the courts of
this State to adjudicate in this matter. He moreover con-
tended that they could not go behind the writ, to try the
620 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
guilt or innocence of the accused party. His objections,
however, were overruled by the court.
"Mr. Edwards and Butterfield showed in a very lucid man-
ner that Mr. Lambourn was in the dark concerning this mat-
ter, and Mr. Butterfield contended that in this case, and
under the circumstances of the issuing of this writ, the
United States District Court not only had jurisdiction, but
that it had exclusive jurisdiction. He also showed very
clearly that although they had no right to go behind the
writ when judgment was rendered, that they had a perfect
right where that was not the case. He quoted several
authorities in defense of the position that he took, and very
clearly showed that the course which he had taken in this
affair was strongly supported by law, that he was sustained
by the Constitution of the United States, and by a law of
Congress based upon the Constitution, and by all former
precedents. He then exposed in a very able manner the cor-
ruption of Governor Reynolds of Missouri, and of Governor
Carlin of Illinois, in relation to this matter, proving from
their own documents that the steps which they had taken were
illegal, that Governor Reynolds had no foundation to issue
a writ, or to demand Joseph Smith from Governor Carlin on
anything that there was in the affidavit of ex-Governor
Boggs of Missouri, and that he was obliged to add certain
clauses in his demand which were not found in the body of
the affidavit, before his claims upon this State could have
the semblance of law; and that Governor Carlin with these
lame documents before him wished to make it a little more
plain, and added another addition, by way of codicil to the
charge. He clearly showed the progress of crime among
those governors. Ex-Governor Boggs' affidavit stated that
'he believed and had good reason to believe that Joseph
Smith was accessory before the fact, and that he was a resi-
dent of Illinois.' Governor Reynolds stated that it had been
represented to him that Joseph Smith was accessory before
the fact, and had fled from the justice of Missouri; and to
make up the thing complete, Governor Carlin stated that
he was a fugitive from justice, consequently neither Gov-
ernor Reynolds nor Governor Carlin had any foundation
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 621
whereon to base the issuing of a demand, proclamation, or
writ.
"After showing very clearly the ignorance and injustice
of those executives, proving to a- demonstration that Joseph
Smith had not been in Missouri for three years, that he
could not be a fugitive from justice, and that if he were
guilty of being an accessory the thing was not done in Mis-
souri, and he could not be taken there to be tried, — he con-
cluded by saying that all the difference there was between
the Mormons and other professions was that the different
sects believed in the ancient prophets only, and the Mor-
mons believed in both ancient and modern prophecy.
Another distinction was that the ancient prophets prophe-
sied in poetry, and the modern ones in prose.
"Judge Pope then stated that the court would give its
decision the next morning.
"On Wednesday morning the Judge in his decision inves-
tigated the whole matter, and in a very able manner sus-
tained the views of Mr. Buttarfield, and adduced additional
testimony and evidence in favor of the acquittal of Mr.
Smith; and after a very learned and able address, he con-
cluded by saying that, 'The decision of the court is that the
prisoner be discharged; and I wish it entered upon the rec-
ords in such a way that Mr. Smith be no more troubled
about this matter.' " — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp. 59, 60.
A copy of the proceedings, with the opinion of the Court,
was published January 16, 1843, by the Times and
The trial. _. __. , . , ,
Seasons. We reproduce it here as a fitting close
to this chapter: —
"CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR THE
DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS.
"December term, A. D. 1842.
"Before the Honorable Nathaniel Pope, Presiding Judge.
( J. Butterfieldand B.
•< S. Edwards, Counsel
"Exparte Joseph Smith ( for Smith
on Sabeas Corpus. I J. Lambourn, Attorney
•j General for the State
( of Illinois.
622 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"This case came before the court upon a return to a writ
of habeas corpus, which was issued by this court on the 31st
of December, 1842, upon a petition for a habeas corpus on the
relation of Joseph Smith, setting forth that he was arrested
and in custody of William P. Elkin, Sheriff of Sangamon
County, upon a warrant issued by the Governor of the State
of Illinois, upon the requisition of the Governor of the State
of Missouri, demanding him to be delivered up to the Gov-
ernor of Missouri, as a fugitive from justice; that his arrest
as aforesaid was under color of a law of the United States,
and was without the authority of law in this, that he was not
a fugitive from justice, nor had he fled from the State of
Missouri.
"Afterwards on the same day the Sheriff of Sangamon
County returned upon the said habeas corpus, that he
detained the said Joseph Smith in custody by virtue of a
warrant issued by the Governor of the State of Illinois upon
the requisition of the Governor of the State of Missouri,
made on the affidavit of L. W. Boggs. Copies of the said
affidavit, requisition, and warrant were annexed to the said
return in the words and figures following: —
*' 'STATE OP MlSSOUBI, )
County of Jackson, f
" 'This day personally appeared before me, Samuel Wes-
ton, a justice of the peace within and for the county of Jack-
son, the subscriber, Lilburn W. Boggs, who being duly
sworn, doth depose and say, that on the night of the 6th day
of May, 1842, while sitting in his dwelling in the town of
Independence, in the county of Jackson, he was shot with
intent to kill, and that his life was despaired of for several
days; and that he believes and has good reason to believe
from evidence and information now in his possession, that
Joseph Smith, commonly called the Mormon prophet, was
accessory before the fact of the intended murder; and that
the said Joseph Smith is a citizen or resident of the State of
Illinois; and the said deponent hereby applies to the Gov-
ernor of the State of Missouri to make a demand on the
Governor of the State of Illinois to deliver the said Joseph
Smith, commonly called the Mormon prophet, to some person
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 623
authorized to receive and convey him to the State and county
aforesaid, there to be dealt with according to law.
*' 'LlLBURN W. BOGGS.
" 'Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 20th day of
July, 1842.
" 'SAMUEL WESTON, J. P.'
" 'The Governor of the* State of Missouri, to the Governor
of the State of Illinois; Greeting: —
" 'Whereas it appears by the annexed document, which is
hereby certified to be authentic, that one Joseph Smith is a
fugitive from justice, charged with being accessory before
the fact to an assault with intent to kill, made by one O. P.
Rockwell, on Lilburn W. Boggs, in this State, and it is rep-
resented to the executive department of this State, has fled
to the State of Illinois:
" 'Now, therefore, I, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the
said State of Missouri, by virtue of the authority in me vested
by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do by these
presents demand the surrender and delivery of the said
Joseph Smith to Edward R. Ford, who is hereby appointed
as the agent to receive the said Joseph Smith on the part of
t,he State.
" 'In testimony,' etc.
"'The people of the State of Illinois, to the Sheriff of
Sangamon County; Greeting:—
" 'Whereas, it has been made known to me by the execu-
tive authority of the State of Missouri that one Joseph Smith
stands charged by the affidavit of one Lilburn W. Boggs,
made on the 20th day of July, 1842, at the county of Jackson,
in the State of Missouri, before Samuel Weston, a justice of
the peace within and for the county of Jackson aforesaid,
with being accessory before the fact to an assault with an
intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rockwell on Lilburn W.
Boggs, on the night of the 6th day of May, 1842, at the
county of Jackson, in said State of Missouri, and that the
said Joseph Smith had fled from the justice of said State and
taken refuge in the State of Illinois;—
" 'Now therefore, I, Thomas Ford, Governor of the State
of Illinois, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the
624 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
United States and of this State do hereby command you to
arrest and apprehend the said Joseph Smith, if he be found
within the limits of the State aforesaid, and cause him to be
safely kept and delivered to the custody of Edward R. Ford,
who has been duly constituted the agent of the said State of
Missouri to receive said fugitive from the justice of said
State, he paying all fees and charges for the arrest and ap-
prehension of said Joseph Smith and make due return to the
executive department of this State, the manner in which this
writ may be executed.
" 'In testimony whereof,' etc.
"The case was set for hearing on the 4th day of January,
1843, on which day Josiah Lambourn, Attorney General of
the State of Illinois, appeared, and moved to dismiss the
proceedings, and filed the following objection to the juris-
diction of the court, viz. : —
" '1st. The arrest and detention of Smith was not under or
by color of authority of the United States, or of any officers
of the United States, but under and by color of authority of
the State of Illinois, by the officers of Illinois.
" '2d. When a fugitive from justice is arrested by au-
thority of the Governor of any State, upon the requisition
of the Governor of another State, the courts of justice,
neither State or Federal, have any authority or jurisdiction
to inquire into any facts behind the writ.'
"The counsel of the said Joseph Smith then offered to
read in evidence affidavits of several persons, showing con-
clusively that the said Joseph Smith was at Nauvoo, in the
County of Hancock and State of Illinois, on the whole of the
6th and 7th days of May, in the year 1842, and on the even-
ings of those days, more than three hundred miles distant
from Jackson County in the State of Missouri, where it is
alleged that the said Boggs was shot, and that he had not
been in the State of Missouri at any time between the 10th
day of February and the 1st day of July, 1842, the said per-
sons having been with him during the whole of that period.
That on the 6th day of May aforesaid he attended an officer's
drill at Nauvoo aforesaid, in the presence of a large number
of people, and on the 7th day of May aforesaid he reviewed
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 625
the Nauvgo Legion in presence of many thousand people.
"The reading of these affidavits was objected to by the
Attorney General of the State of Illinois, on the ground that
it was not competent for Smith to impeach or contradict the
return to the habeas corpus. It was contended by the counsel
of the said Smith, 1st, That he had a right to prove that the
return was untrue. 2d, That the said affidavits did not con-
tradict the said return, as there was no averment under
oath in said return that the said Smith was in Missouri at
the time of the commission of the alleged crime or had fled
from the justice of that State. The court decided that the
said affidavits should be read in evidence, subject to all ob-
jections; and they were read accordingly.
"The cause was argued by J. Butterfield and B. S. Ed-
wards, for Smith, and by Josiah Lambourn, Attorney
General of the State of Illinois, contra.
"J. Butterfield, counsel for Smith, made the following
points: —
"1. This court has jurisdiction.
"The requisition purports on its face to be made, and the
warrant to be issued, under the Constitution and laws of the
United States, regulating the surrender of fugitives from
justice. — 2d section, 4th article, Constitution United States.
— 1st section of the act of Congress of 12th February, 1793.
"When a person's rights are invaded under a law of the
United States he has no remedy except in the courts of the
United States.— 2d section, 3d article, Constitution United
States.— 12th Wend. 325.— 16 Peters 543.
"The whole power in relation to the delivering up of fugi-
tives from justice and labor has been delegated to the United
States, and Congress has regulated the manner and form in
which it shall be exercised. The power is exclusive. The
State Legislatures have no right to interfere, and if they do,
their acts are void.— 2d and 3d clause of 2d section, 4th arti-
cle, Constitution United States.— 2d volume laws United
States 331.— 16 Peters 617, 618, 623.— 4th Wheaton's Rep. 122,
193.— 12, Wend. 312.
1 'All courts of the United States are authorized to issue
writs of habeas corpus when the prisoner is confined under or
626 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
by color of authority of the United States. — Act of Congress
of September 24, 1789, section 4. 2d condensed 33.— 3d
Cranch 447. 3d Peters 193.
"2. The return to the habeas corpus is not certain and suf-
ficient to warrant the arrest and transportation of Smith.
"In all cases on habeas corpus previous to indictment, the
court will look into the depositions before the magistrate,
and though the commitment be full and in form, yet if the
testimony prove no crime, the court will discharge ex parte.
—Taylor 5th, Cowen 50.
"The affidavit of Boggs does not show that Smith was
charged with any crime committed by him in Missouri, nor
that he was a fugitive from justice.
"If the commitment be for a matter for which by law the
prisoner is not liable to be punished, the court must dis-
charge him.— 3. Bac. 434.
"The Executive of this State has no jurisdiction over the
person of Smith to transport him to Missouri, unless he has
fled from that State.
"3. The prisoner has a right to prove facts not repugnant
to the return, and even to go behind the return and contra-
dict it, unless committed under & judgment of a court of com-
petent jurisdiction.— 3d Bacon 435, 438.— 3d Peters 202.—
Gale's Revised Laws of Illinois 323.
"The testimony introduced by Smith at the hearing, show-
ing conclusively that he was not a fugitive from justice, is
not repugnant to the return.
"J. Lambourn, Attorney General of the State of Illinois, in
support of the points made by him, cited 2d Condensed Rep.
37; Gordon's Digest, 73; Gale's Statutes of Illinois 318;
Conkling 85; 9th Wendall 212.
"And afterwards, on the 5th day of January, 1843, Judge
Pope delivered the following
"OPINION:
"The importance of this case, and the consequences which
may flow from an erroneous precedent, affecting the lives
and liberties of our citizens, have impelled the
The opinion. , . , .
court to bestow upon it the most anxious consid-
eration. The able arguments of the counsel for the respect-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 627
ive parties have been of great assistance in the examination
of the important question arising in this cause.
"When the patriots and wise men who framed our Consti-
tution were in anxious deliberation to form a perfect union
among the States of the confederacy, two great sources of
discord presented themselves to their consideration: the
commerce between the States, and fugitives from justice and
labor. The border collisions in other countries had been
seen to be a fruitful source of war and bloodshed, and most
wisely did the Constitution confer upon the National Gov-
ernment the regulation of those matters, because of its
exemption from the excited passions awakened by conflicts
between neighboring States, and its ability alone to adopt a
uniform rule, and establish uniform laws among all the
States in those cases.
"This case presents the important question arising under
the Constitution and laws of the United States, whether a citi-
zen of the State of Illinois can be transported from his own
State to the State of Missouri, to be there tried for a crime,
which, if he ever committed, was committed in the State of
Illinois; whether he can be transported to Missouri, as a
fugitive from justice, when he has never fled from that
State.
"Joseph Smith is before the court on habeas corpus,
directed to the Sheriff of Sangamon County, State of Illinois.
The return shows that he is in custody under a warrant
from the Executive of Illinois, professedly issued in pursu-
ance of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and
of the State of Illinois, ordering said Smith to be delivered
to the agent of the Executive of Missouri, who had de-
manded him as a fugitive from justice, under the 2d section,
4th article of the Constitution of the United States, and the
act of Congress passed to carry into effect that article.
The article is in these words; viz. : 'A person charged in
any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee
from justice and be found in another State, shall on demand
of the executive authority of the State from which he fled,
be delivered up to be removed to the State having jurisdic-
tion of the crime.' The act of Congress made to carry into
628 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
effect this article, directs that the demand be made on the
executive of the State where the offender is found, and pre-
scribes the proof to support the demand; viz. : Indictment
or affidavit.
"The court deemed it respectful to inform the Governor
and Attorney General of the State of Illinois of the action
upon the habeas corpus: on the day appointed for the hear-
ing, the Attorney General for the State of Illinois, appeared,
and denied the jurisdiction of the court to grant the habeas
corpus.
"1st. Because the warrant was not issued under color or
by authority of the United States, but by the State of Illi-
nois.
4 '2d. Because no habeas corpus can issue in this case from
either the Federal or State courts to inquire into facts
behind the writ. In support of the first point, a law of Illi-
nois was read, declaring that whenever the executive of any
other State shall demand of the Executive of this State, any
person, as a fugitive from justice, and shall have complied
with the requisition of the act of Congress in that case made
and provided, it shall be the duty of the Executive of this
State to issue his warrant to apprehend the said fugitive,
etc. It would seem that this act does not purport to confer
any additional power upon the Executive of this State, inde-
pendent of the power conferred by the Constitution and laws
of the United States, but to make it the duty of the Execu-
tive to obey and carry into effect the act of Congress. The
warrant on its face purports to be issued in pursuance of the
Constitution and laws of the United States, as well as of the
State of Illinois. To maintain the position that this warrant
was not issued under color or by authority of the laws of the
United States, it must be proved, that the United States
could not confer the power on the Executive of Illinois.
Because if Congress could and did confer it, no act of Illi-
nois could take it away, for the reason that the Constitution
and laws of the United States passed in pursuance of it, and
treaties, are the supreme law of the land; and the Judges in
every State shall be bound thereby, anything in the Consti-
tution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 629
This is enough to dispose of that point. If the legislature
of Illinois, as is probable, intended to make it the duty of
the Governor to exercise the power granted by Congress,
and no more, the Executive would be acting by authority of
the United States. It may be that the legislature of Illinois,
appreciating the importance of the proper execution of those
laws, and doubting whether the Governor could be punished
for refusing to carry them into effect, deemed it prudent to
impose it as a duty, the neglect of which would expose him
to impeachment. If it intended more, the law is unconstitu-
tional and void.— 16 Peters 617 Prigg vs. Pennsylvania.
"In supporting the second point the Attorney General
seemed to urge that there was greater sanctity in a warrant
issued by the Governor than by an inferior officer. The
court cannot assent to this distinction. This is a govern-
ment of laws, which prescribes a rule of action, as obliga-
tory upon the Governor as upon the most obscure officer.
The character and purposes of the habeas corpus are greatly
misunderstood by those who suppose that it does not review
the acts of an executive functionary: all who are familiar
with English history must know that it was extorted from
an arbitrary monarch and that it was hailed as a second
Magna Charta, and that it was to protect the subject from
arbitrary imprisonment by the king and his minions, which
brought into existence that great palladium of liberty in the
latter part of the reign of Charles the Second. It was
indeed a magnificent achievement over arbitrary power.
Magna Charta established the principles of liberty; the
habeas corpus protected them. It matters not how great or
obscure the prisoner, how great or obscure the prison
keeper, this munificent writ, wielded by an independent
judge, reaches all. It penetrates alike the royal towers and
the local prisons, from the garret to the secret recesses of
the dungeon. All doors fly open at its command, and the
shackles fall from the limbs of prisoners of state as readily
as from those committed by subordinate officers. The war-
rant of the king and his secretary of state could claim no
more exemption from that searching inquiry, 'The cause of
his caption and detention,' than a warrant granted by a jus-
630 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
tice of the peace. It is contended that the United States is a
government of granted powers, and that no department of it
can exercise powers not granted. This is true. But the
grant is to be found in the 2d section of the 3d article of the
Constitution of the United States: 'The judicial power shall
extend to all cases in law or equity, arising under this Con-
stitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made
and which shall be made under their authority.'
"The matter under consideration presents a case arising
under the 2d section, 4th article of the Constitution of the
United States, and the act of Congress of February 12, 1793, to
carry it into effect. The judiciary act of 1789 confers on this
court (indeed on all the courts of the United States) power
to issue the writ of habeas corpus, when a person is confined
'undercolor of or by the authority of the United States.'
Smith is in custody under color of and by authority of the 2d
section, 4th article of the Constitution of the United States.
As to the instrument employed or authorized to carry into
effect that article of the Constitution (as he derives from it
the authority to issue the warrant), he must be regarded as
acting by the authority of the United States. The power
is not official in the Governor, but personal. It might have
been granted to anyone else by name, but considerations of
convenience and policy recommended the selection of the
Executive, who never dies. The citizens of the States are
citizens of the United States; hence the United States are as
much bound to afford them protection in their sphere, as the
States are in theirs.
"The court has jurisdiction. Whether the State courts
have jurisdiction or not, this court is not called upon to
decide.
"The return of the sheriff shows that he has arrested and
now holds in custody Joseph Smith, in virtue of a warrant
issued by the Governor of Illinois, under the 2d section of
the 4th article of the Constitution of the United States, rela-
tive to fugitives from justice, and the act of Congress passed
to carry it into effect. The article of the Constitution does
not designate the person upon whom the demand for the
fugitive shall be made; nor does it prescribe the proof upon
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 631
which he shall act. But Congress has done so. The proof
is 'an indictment or affidavit,' to be certified by the Governor
demanding. The return brings before the court the war-
rant, the demand, and the affidavit. The material part of
the latter is in these words; viz.: 'Lilburn W. Boggs, who
being duly sworn, doth depose and say, that ori the night of
the sixth day of May, 1842, while sitting in his dwelling in
the town of Independence, in the county of Jackson, he was
shot with intent to kill, and that his life was despaired of
for several days, and that he believes and has good reason
to believe from evidence and information now in his posses-
sion, that Joseph Smith, commonly called the Mormon
prophet, was accessory before the fact of the intended mur-
der, and that the said Joseph Smith is a citizen or resident
of the State of Illinois.' This affidavit is certified by the
Governor of Missouri to be authentic. The affidavit being
thus verified, furnished the only evidence upon which the
Governor of Illinois could act. Smith presented affidavits
proving that he was not in Missouri at the date of the shoot-
ing of Boggs. This testimony was objected to by the
Attorney General of Illinois, on the ground that the court
could not look behind the return. The court deems it unnec-
essary to decide that point, inasmuch as it thinks Smith
entitled to his discharge for defect in the affidavit. To
authorize the arrest in this case the affidavit should have
stated distinctly, 1st, That Smith had committed a crime.
2d, That he committed it in Missouri.
"It must appear that he fled from Missouri to authorize
the Governor of Missouri to demand him, as none other than
the Governor of the State from which he fled can make the
demand. He could not have fled from justice, unless he
committed a crime, which does not appear. It must appear
that the crime was committed in Missouri to warrant the
Governor of Illinois in ordering him to be sent to Missouri
for trial. The 2d section, 4th article, declares he 'shall be
removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.'
"As it is not charged that the crime was committed by
Smith in Missouri, the Governor of Illinois could not cause
him to be removed to that State, unless it can be maintained
632 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
that the State of Missouri can entertain jurisdiction of crimes
committed in other States. The affirmative of this proposi-
tion was taken in the argument with a zeal indicating sin-
cerity. But no adjudged case or dictum was adduced in sup-
port of it. The court conceives that none can be. Let it be
tested by principle.
"Man in a state of nature is a sovereign, with all the pre-
rogatives of king, lords, and commons. He may declare war
and make peace, and as nations often do who 'feel power
and forget right,' — may oppress, rob, and subjugate his
weaker and unoffending neighbors. He unites in his person
the legislative, judicial, and executive power— 'can do no
wrong,' because there is none to hold him to account. But
when he unites himself with a community, he lays down all
the prerogatives of a sovereign (except self-defense) and
becomes a subject. He owes obedience to its laws and the
judgments of its tribunals, which he is supposed to havo
participated in establishing, either directly or indirectly.
He surrenders also the right of self-redress. In considera-
tion of all which, he is entitled to the aegis of that com-
munity to defend him from wrongs. He takes upon himself
no allegiance to any other community, so owes it no obe-
dience, and therefore cannot disobey it. None other than
his own sovereign can prescribe a rule of action to him.
Each sovereign regulates the conduct of its subjects, and
they may be punished upon the assumption that they know
the rule and have consented to be governed by it. It would
be a gross violation of the social compact if the State were
to deliver up one of its citizens to be tried and punished by a
foreign State, to which he owes no allegiance, and whose
laws were never binding on him. No State can or will do it.
"In the absence of the constitutional provision, the State
of Missouri would stand on this subject in the same relation
to the State of Illinois that Spain does to England. In this
particular the States are independent of each other. A
criminal, fugitive from the one State to the other, could not
be claimed as of right to be given up. It is most true as
mentioned by writers on the laws of nations that every
State is responsible to its neighbors for the conduct of its
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 633
citizens so far as their conduct violates the principles of
good neighborhood. So it is among private individuals.
But for this, the inviolability of territory, or private dwell-
ing, could not be maintained. This obligation creates the
right, and makes it the duty of the State to impose such
restraints upon the citizen as the occasion demands. It was
in the performance of this duty that the United States passed
laws to restrain citizens of the United States from setting on
foot and fitting out military expeditions against their neigh-
bors. While the violators of this law kept themselves
within the United States, their conduct was cognizable in
the courts of the United States, and not of the offended
state, even if the means provided had assisted in the invasion
of the foreign state. A demand by the injured state upon
the United States for the offenders, whose operations were
in their own country, would be answered, that the
United States' laws alone could act upon them, and that as a
good neighbor it would punish them.
"It is the duty of the State of Illinois, to make it criminal
in one of its citizens to aid, abet, counsel, or advise, any per-
son to commit a crime in her sister State,— anyone violating
the law would be amenable to the laws of Illinois, executed
by its own tribunals. Those of Missouri could have no
agency in his conviction and punishment. But if he shall
go into Missouri, he owes obedience to her laws, and is liable
before her courts, to be tried and punished for any crime he
may commit there, and a plea that he was a citizen of
another State, would not avail him. If he escape, he may
be surrendered to Missouri for trial. But when the offense
is perpetrated in Illinois, the only right of Missouri is, to
insist that Illinois compel her citizens to forbear to annoy
her. This she has a right to expect; for the neglect of it
nations go to war and violate territory.
"The court must hold that where a necessary fact is not
stated in the affidavit, it does not exist. It is not averred
that Smith was accessory before the fact, in the State of
Missouri, nor that he committed a prime in Missouri; there-
fore he did not commit the crime in Missouri, — did not flee
from Missouri to avoid punishment.
634 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"Again, the affidavit charges the shooting on the 6th of
May in the county of Jackson and State of Missouri, 'that he
believes and has good reason to believe, from evidence and
information now [then] in his possession, that Joseph Smith
was accessory before the fact, and is a resident or citizen
of Illinois.' There are several objections to this. Mr.
Boggs having the 'evidence and information in his posses-
sion,' should have incorporated it in the affidavit to enable
the court to judge of their sufficiency to support his 'belief.'
Again, he swears to a legal conclusion when he says that
Smith was accessory before the fact What acts constitute a
man an accessory in a question of law are not always of easy
solution. Mr. Boggs' opinion, then, is not authority. He
should have given the facts. He should have shown that they
were committed in Missouri, to enable the court to test them
by the laws of Missouri, to see if they amounted to a crime.
Again, the affidavit is fatally defective in this, that Boggs
swears to his belief.
"The language in the Constitution is 'charged with felony,
or other crime.' Is the Constitution satisfied with a charge
upon suspicion? It is to be regretted that no American
adjudged case has been cited to guide the court in expound-
ing this article. Language is ever interpreted by the sub-
ject matter. If the object were to arrest a man near home
and there were fears of escape if the movement to detain him
for examination were known, the word charged might war-
rant the issuing of a capias on suspicion. Rudyard (reported
in Skin. 676) was committed to Newgate for refusing to give
bail for his good behavior, and was brought before common
pleas on habeas corpus. The return was that he had been
complained of for exciting the subjects to disobedience of the
laws against seditious conventicles, and upon examination they
found cause to suspect him. Vauhan, Chief Justice 'Tyrrell
and Archer against Wild held the return insufficient; 1st,
because it did not appear but that he might abet frequent-
ers of conventicles in the way the law allows. 2d, To say
that he was complained of or was examined, is no proof
of his guilt. And then to say that he had cause to suspect
him is too cautious; for who can tell what they count a cause
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 635
of suspicion, and how can that ever be tried? At this rate
they would have arbitrary power upon their own allegation,
to commit whom they pleased.'
"From this case it appears that suspicion does not warrant
a commitment, and that all legal mtendments are to avail
the prisoner. That the return is to be most strictly con-
strued in favor of liberty. If suspicion in the foregoing
case did not warrant a commitment in London by its officers,
of a citizen of London, might not the objection be urged with
greater force against a commitment of a citizen of our State
to be transported to another on suspicion? No case can arise
demanding a more searching scrutiny into the evidence than
in cases arising under this part of the Constitution of the
United States. It is proposed to deprive a freeman of his
liberty; to deliver him into the custody of strangers, to be
transported to a foreign State, to be arraigned for trial be-
fore a foreign tribunal, governed by laws unknown to him;
separated from his friends, his family, and his witnesses,
unknown and unknowing. Had he an immaculate character,
it would not avail him with strangers. Such a spectacle is
appalling enough to challenge the strictest analysis.
"The framers of the Constitution were not insensible of
the importance of courts possessing the confidence of the
parties. They therefore provided that citizens of differ-
ent States might resort to the federal courts in civil causes.
How much more important that the criminal have confidence
in his judge and jury? Therefore before the capias is issued,
the officers should see that the case is made out to warrant it.
"Again, Boggs was shot on the 6th of May. The affidavit
was made on the 20th of July following. Here was time for
inquiry, which would confirm into certainty or dissipate his
suspicions. He had time to collect facts to be had before a
grand jury or be incorporated in his affidavit. The court is
bound to assume that this would have been the course of
Mr. Boggs, but that his suspicions were light and unsatis-
factory.
"The affidavit is insufficient: 1, Because it is not posi-
tive. 2, Because it charges no crime. 3, It charges no crime
committed in the State of Missouri. Therefore he did not
636 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
flee from the justice of the State of Missouri, nor has he
taken refuge in the State of Illinois.
"The proceedings in this affair from the affidavit to the
arrest affords a lesson to governors and judges whose action
may hereafter be invoked in cases of this character.
"The affidavit simply says that the affiant was shot with
intent to kill, and he believes that Smith was accessory
before the fact to the intended murder, and is a citizen or
resident of the State of Illinois. It is not said who shot him,
or that the person was unknown.
"The Governor of Missouri in his demand calls Smith a
fugitive from justice, charged with being accessory before the
fact to an assault with intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rock
well, on Lilburn W. Boggs, in this State [Missouri]. This
Governor expressly refers to the affidavit as his authority
for that statement. Boggs in his affidavit does not call
Smith a fugitive from justice, nor does he state a fact from
which the Governor had a right to infer it. Neither does
the name of O. P. Rockwell appear in the affidavit, nor does
Boggs say Smith jfled. Yet the Governor says he has fled to
the State of Illinois. But Boggs only says he is a citizen or
resident of the State of Illinois.
"The Governor of Illinois responding to the demand of the
Executive of Missouri, for the arrest of Smith, issues his
warrant for the arrest of Smith, reciting that 'whereas
Joseph Smith stands charged by the affidavit of Lilburn W.
Boggs with being accessory before the fact to an assault
with intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rockwell on Lilburn
W. Boggs, on the night of the 6th day of May, 1842, at the
county of Jackson, in said State of Missouri, and that the
said Joseph Smith has fled from the justice of said State,
and taken refuge in the State of Illinois.'
"Those facts do not appear by the affidavit of Boggs. On
the contrary, it does not assert that Smith was accessory to
O. P. Rockwell; nor that he had fled from the justice of the
State of Missouri, and taken refuge in the State of Illinois.
"The court can alone regard the facts set forth in the affi-
davit of Boggs, as having any legal existence. The misre-
citals and over-statements in the requisition and warrant are
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 637
not supported by oath, and cannot be received as evidence
to deprive a citizen of his liberty, and transport him to a
foreign State for trial. For these reasons Smith must be
discharged.
"At the request of J. Buttertield, counsel for Smith, it is
proper to state in justice to the present Executive of the
State of Illinois, Governor Ford, that it was admitted on the
argument that the warrant which originally issued upon the
said requisition was issued by his predecessor; that when
Smith came to Springfield to surrender himself up upon that
warrant, it was in the hands of the person to whom it had
been issued at Quincy in this State; and that the present
warrant, which is a copy of the former one, was issued at
the request of Smith, to enable him to test its legality by
writ of habeas corpus.
"Let an order be entered that Smith be discharged from
his arrest."— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp, 65-71.
CHAPTER 29.
1843.
ANXIETY IN NAUVOO -PROGRESS AT KIRTLAND - GENERAL PROGRESS
— P. P. PRATT RETURNS — T. WARD SUCCEEDS PRATT — WM.
SMITH IN THE LEGISLATURE — A SEASON OP PEACE — NAUVOO
IMPROVING— YOUNG GENTLEMEN AND LADIES' SOCIETY— AN-
NUAL CONFERENCE— A BAND OP THIEVES— NAUVOO COMPARED
WITH OTHER PLACES— MISSIONARIES APPOINTED— HYDE AND
ADAMS APPOINTED TO RUSSIA— OTHER APPOINTMENTS— JUDGE
HIGBEE DIES— ENGLISH CONFERENCE— ARREST OP JOSEPH SMITH
— OTHER CONFERENCES— EXPEDITION TO THE PINERIES— RIG-
DON'S CONDUCT INVESTIGATED — TEMPLE WORK — SCHEME OP
JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT— JOSEPH'S REPLY— KIDNAPPING.
THE year 1843 commenced with intense anxiety in Nau-
voo, occasioned by the suspense felt regarding the trial of
Anxiety Joseph Smith, the conclusion of which was re-
in Natm>o. corded in the last chapter. As is natural in such
cases all sorts of reports and theories were circulated, and
various opinions were expressed as to the best policy to
pursue should he be delivered up to the Missouri agent.
Some views were of course conservative, while some were
extreme. For none of these was the church responsible,
for she defined no policy.
From a letter written by Justin Brooks in the November
before, and published in Times and Seasons for January 2,
Progress 1843, it appears evident that the work was taking
•tKirtiand. on a new impetus in Kirtland, Ohio, and vicinity;
notwithstanding the reports abroad that the authorities of
the church were in bad repute in their former home. *
1 KIKTLAND, Ohio, November 7, 1842.
Brother Joseph Smith; Sir: — I now take the opportunity to inform you,
the brethren in Nauvoo, and all that feel interested in this last dispensa-
tion of Almighty God, which has been committed to the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, that since our conference minutes were
inclosed, Elders Wight, Green, and Badlam have continued their labors
in this place, up to this time, with great success; the Lord pouring out
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 639
On February 1, 1843, the Times and Seasons editorially
o»nerai makes a very encouraging statement of the prog-
progress. regs of ^e work in different places. 8
Parley P. Pratt, on his return from England, landed in
New Orleans, Louisiana, early in January, 1843. He pro-
p. p. Pratt ceeded with his company up the Mississippi River
returns. j^ boa^. fo^ learning that the river was not open
above St. Louis, the company scattered, seeking places of
temporary abode. Elder Pratt and family located for the
winter at Chester, Illinois, about eighty miles below St.
Louis. Here he left his family and rode to Nauvoo on
horseback, arriving early in February, remaining a short
time. He then returned to his family and removed them to
Nauvoo, arriving April 12, 1843.
his Spirit upon them and also upon the people. There have been, since
the above-stated time, several persons baptized, which have looked on,
and have seen the rise and progress of this church from the commence-
ment, and many smart, intelligent young men have also been ordained
elders. Amongst the number are Austin Babbitt and William Wilson.
The number ordained since conference is ten; and several persons have
been baptized. The prospect now is that a great blessing will result to
the inhabitants of this region of country from the labors of the above-
named elders. The reformation which has taken place here has taken
some of the most prominent members from among the Methodists; and
the Presbyterians begin to think that Mormonism, as they call it, is not
dead, as they supposed, in consequence of Bennett's apostasy. . . .
Where the reformation that has begun will end, the Lord only knows;
such an anxiety to learL the doctrines of this church has never before
been manifest since the commencement of the church.
The elders are going to leave us this morning with the prayers and
fellowship of the brethren in this region of country. Those which have
been the most hostile in their feelings are perfectly friendly with Bro.
Wight, and have all invited him to call upon them.
The labors of the elders seem to have effected a union of all parties;
and if I must give my opinion I think upon the right principle.
Twelve persons were baptized yesterday. ... I would further state
that Bro. Wight expects to administer baptism to several persons in
Painesville, on his way east. — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp. 62, 63.
* The work of the Lord is progressing with great rapidity on every
hand; from the north, south, and east we are continually receiving
accounts of the progress of eternal truth; we cannot find room for many
communications. Elder Andrew L. Lamareaux writes from New Tren-
ton, Franklin County, Indiana, and tells us that the work is rolling forth
in that neighborhood with unprecedented rapidity, and that there are
more doors open than it is possible for them to fill. This seems to be
generally the case where our elders are laboring, throughout the Union,
as well as in Great Britain. — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 89.
640 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On his departure from England he appointed Thomas
T ward one- Ward in charge of the mission, with Lorenzo Snow
ceeds Pratt. an(j Hiram Clark as his counselors, and gave some
excellent instruction.'
• I therefore recommend and appoint Elder Thomas Ward as my suc-
cessor in the office of the general presidency of the church in Europe, in
connection with Elders Lorenzo Snow and Hiram Clark. To these per-
sons I commit the care and government of the church in this country
for the present, trusting that they will conduct and counsel in all things
according to the mind of the Spirit, and according to the counsel which
shall be given them from Nauvoo from time to time, by the Quorum of
the Twelve or the First Presidency.
I sincerely hope that the officers and members in the several confer-
ences wil uphold and support these men in their high and holy calling,
by the prayer of faith, and by a willing, submissive, and teachable spirit;
and in so doing they will prosper.
It will be necessary as soon as convenient for a General Conference to
be called for the United Kingdom, and for high priests and presiding
elders to be ordained to fill the several vacancies which have or may
occur on account of emigration or otherwise, and to transact all other
necessary business for the general welfare.
In regard to the ministry I would recommend, and earnestly exhort
that the first principles of the gospel be fully and constantly taught, and
the spirit of discussion and contention avoided as far as possible; for he
that hath the spirit of contention is not of God, but is of the Devil.
In regard to emigration, I would recommend patience as well as perse-
verance; and that the saints do not emigrate in haste, leaving their
affairs unsettled, or their property to be wasted; and above all, pay every
man his honest due as far as possible. And in regard to husbands and
wives, we feel bound to forbid the separation of one from the other in
emigrating, either on account of poverty or any other cause. Let them
go together or stay together, live together or die together, and let noth-
ing separate them from each other during so long and tedious a journey.
And again, husband and wife have no right to separate bocause of one
being an unbeliever, and those who do so will not be justified by this
church. These have ever been our principles and teachings; but we
have received a communication from the First Presidency of late on this
subject which is very pointed, and which will probably'appear in the
next number of the Star. — Millennial Star, vol. 3, pp. 110, 111.
The communication referred to above is as follows: —
ADDRESS FROM THE FIBST PRESIDENCY.
NAUVOO.
To our wdl beloved brother, Parley P. Pratt, and to the Elders of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter .Day Saints in England, and scattered abroad
throughout all Europe, and to the Saints; Greeting: —
Whereas, in times past persons have been permitted to gather with
the saints at Nauvoo, in North America — such as husbands leav-
ing their wives and children behind; also, such as wives leaving their
husbands and children behind; and such as women leaving their hus-
bands, and such as husbands leaving their wives who have no children,
and some because their companions are unbelievers. All this kind of
proceeding we consider to be erroneous and for want of proper informa-
tion. And the same should be taught to all the saints, and not suffer
families to be broken up on any account whatever if it be possible to
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 641
Elder Ward also succeeded Elder Pratt as editor of the
Millennial Star.
avoid it. Suffer no man to leave his wife because she is an unbeliever,
nor any woman to leave her husband because he is an unbeliever. These
things are an evil and must be forbidden by the authorities of the
church, or they will come under condemnation; for the gathering is not
in haste nor by flight, but to prepare all things before you, and you know
not but the unbeliever may be converted and the Lord heal him; but let
the believers exercise faith in God, and the unbelieving husband shall
be sanctified by the believing wife, and the unbelieving wife by the
believing husband, and families are preserved and saved from a great
evil which we have seen verified before our eyes. Behold this is a
wicked generation, full of lyings, and deceit, and craftiness; and the
children of the wicked are wiser than the children of light; that is, they
are more crafty; and it seems that it has been the case in all ages of the
world. And the man who leaves his wife and travels to a foreign nation,
has his mind overpowered with darkness, and Satan deceives him and
flatters him with the graces of the harlot, and before he is aware he is
disgraced forever: and greater is the danger for the woman that leaves
her husband. The evils resulting from such proceedings are of such a
nature as to oblige us to cut them off from the church.
There is another evil which exists. There are poor men who come
here and leave their families behind in a destitute situation, and beg for
assistance to send back after their families. Every man should tarry
with his family until Providence provides for the whole, for there is no
means here to be obtained to send back. Money is scarce and hard to
be obtained. The people that gather to this place are generally poor,
the gathering being attended with a great sacrifice; and money cannot
be obtained by labor, but all kinds of produce are plentiful and can be
obtained by labur; therefore the poor man that leaves his family in
England, cannot get means, which must be silver and gold, to send for
his family; but must remain under the painful sensation that his family
must be cast upon the mercy of the people, and separated and put into the
poorhouse. Therefore, to remedy the evil, we forbid a man to leave his
family behind because he has no means to bring them. If the church is
not able to bring them, and the parish will not send them, let the man
tarry with his family— live with them, and die with them, and not leave
them until Providence shall open a way for them to come all together.
And we also forbid that a woman leave her husband because he is an
unbeliever. We also forbid that a man shall leave his wife because she
is an unbeliever. If he be a bad man (i. e. the unbeliever) there is a law
to remedy that evil. And if she be a bad woman, there is law to
remedy that evil. And if the law divorce them, then they are at
liberty; otherwise they are bound as long as they two shall live, and it is
not our prerogative to go beyond this; if we do it, it will be at the
expense of our reputation.
These things we have written in plainness, and we desire that they
should be publicly known,. and request this to be published in the Star.
May the Lord bestow his blessing upon all the saints richly, and
hasten the gathering, and bring about the fullness of the everlasting
covenant, are the prayers of your brethren.
Written by Hyrum Smith, Patriarch, by the order of Joseph Smith,
President over the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
HYRUM SMITH.
— Millennial Star, vol. 3, p. 115.
642 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Elder William Smith, brother of the prophet, was a member
of the State Legislature in the winter of 1842-43,
Wm. Smith
in the and did some very satisfactory work in success-
Legislature. _ ,. , * TL.T 1
fully opposing the repeal of the Nauvoo charter,
which was twice undertaken.
The early part of the year after the discharge of President
A season Smith by Judge Pope was a season of peace and
of peace. tranquility, so far as persecution was concerned.
The city of Nauvoo was rapidly building, the population
Nauvoo being increased by accessions from all parts of the
improving. States, also from foreign lands, several shiploads
having recently arrived from England.
During this time the organization of a society to be known
as "The Young Gentlemen and Ladies' Relief So-
mennagndLa-e ciety of Nauvoo" was perfected. President Smith,
iety' H. C. Kimball of the Twelve, and others took an
active part in bringing about this organization. It had for
its purposes the correction of the follies of youth, to guard
against temptations to which they are exposed, and to aid in
charitable enterprises.
On March 21, 1843, they adopted a preamble and resolu-
tions indicative of their purpose and providing for their gov-
ernment.*
* Whereas, the young gentlemen and ladles, citizens 6f the city of Nau-
voo, are desirous of aiding and ameliorating the condition of 'the poor
and of carrying out the principles of charity and benevolence, as taught
in the Holy Scriptures, therefore, be it
Resolved, that we form ourselves into a society to be styled the "Young
Gentlemen and Ladies' Relief Society of Nauvoo," and that we be gov-
erned by the following articles. . . .
6. There shall annually be chosen a committee of vigilance, consisting
of five persons, whose duties it shall be to search out the poor of our
city, and make known to the society the wants of those whom they, in
their judgment, shall consider most deserving of our assistance. . . .
9. This constitution shall be lodged in the hands of the secretary,
whose duty it shall be to present it at each meeting of the society, and
receive the names of all persons wishing to become members, under
thirty years of age, who can sustain a good moral character, and who
are willing to support this constitution.
10. Any person being a member of this society, and being found guilty
of any disorderly conduct, or refusing to comply with the rules of the
society, can be expelled at any regular meeting of the same, by a vote of
the majority of the members present. . . .
William Walker was chosen president, William Cutler vice president,
Lorin Walker treasurer, and James M. Monroe secretary. Stephen
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 643
April 6, 1843, a special conference for the whole church
Annual convened on the platform of the temple in Nauvoo.
conference. gOme business of historical importance was done. *
Perry, Marcellus L. Bates, R. A. Allred, William H. Kimball, and Gar-
rett Ivans were appointed as a committee of vigilance. After some dis-
cussion the meeting adjourned until the next Tuesday evening. — Times
and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 156.
5 President Joseph then asked the conference if they were satisfied
with the First Presidency, so far as he was concerned, as an individual,
to preside over the whole church; or would they have another? If, said
he, I have done anything that injures my character, reputation, or
standing, or have dishonored our religion by any means in the sight of
men or angels, or in the sight of men and women, I am sorry for it, and
if you will forgive me I will endeavor to do so no more. I do not know
that I have done anything of the kind; but if I have, come forward and
tell me of it. If anyone has any objection to me, I want you to come
boldly and frankly and tell me of it; and if not, ever after hold your
peace.
Motion was made and-'SeconQ'ed that President Joseph Smith continue
President of the whole church. After a few minutes silence, the motion
was put by President Young, when one vast sea of hands was presented,
and the motion was carried unanimously.
President Joseph returned his thanks to the assembly for the mani-
festation of their confidence, and said he would serve them according to
the best ability God should give him.
The First Presidency being disposed of, President Joseph said he did
not know anything against the Twelve; if he did he would present them
for trial. It is not right that all the burden of the Nauvoo House should
rest on a few individuals; and we will now consider the propriety of
sending the Twelve to collect means for the Nauvoo House. There has
been too great a solicitude, in individuals, for the building of the temple,
to the exclusion of the Nauvoo House. The agents have had too great
latitude to practice fraud, by receiving donations and never making
report. The church has suffered loss, and I am opposed to that system of
collecting funds when any elder may receive moneys.
I am opposed to any man's handling the public funds of the church
who is not duly authorized.
I advise that some means be devised for transacting business on a sure
foundation. The Twelve are the most suitable persons to perform this
business; and I want the conference to devise some means to bind them
as firm as the pillars of heaven, if possible. The Twelve were always
honest, and it will do them no hurt to bind them.
It has been reported that they receive wages at two dollars per day
for their services. I have never heard this till recently, and I do not
believe it. I know the Twelve have never had any wages at all. They
have fulfilled their duty — they have always gone where they were sent,
and have labored with their hands for their support, when at home. If
we send them into the world to collect funds, we want them to return
those funds to this place, that they may be appropriated to the very
purpose for which they were designed. I go in for binding up the
Twelve, solid, pulling them under bonds; and let this conference insti-
tute an order to this end, and that the traveling expenses of the agents
shall not be borne out of the funds collected for building these houses;
and let no man pay money or stock into the hands of the Twelve except
be transmit an account of the same immediately to the Trustee in Trust:
644 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
At this time and for some 'time after there was a band of
A band thieves committing depredations in the vicinity of
of thieves. Nauvoo and elsewhere. Some members of the
church were doubtless engaged in this disreputable practice.
In consequence of this the church suffered in reputation,
as those who were religiously opposed were glad to quote
the crimes of the lawless and point to them as the acts of
the church. To what extent the church members were in-
volved in this contemptible avocation we do not know; but
we have evidence conclusive that the authorities of the
church unequivocally condemned it, and used both their
ecclesiastical and civil authority to put it down. At the con-
ference above referred to both Hyrum and Joseph Smith
denounced the practice in unmeasured terms. *
and let no man but the Twelve have authority to act as agent for the
temple and Nauvoo House
It was then voted unanimously that the Twelve be appointed a
committee to collect funds to build the Nauvoo House, and receive
moneys for the temple, with this proviso: —
That the Twelve give bonds for the safe delivery of all funds, coming
into their hands belonging to the Nauvoo House and temple, to the
Trustee in Trust, and that the payor, also, make immediate report to the
Trustee in Trust of all moneys paid by him to the Twelve; and that
the instructions of President Joseph Smith to the conference be carried
into execution. — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp. 181, 182.
• Patriarch Hyrum Smith commenced by saying that he had 'some
communication to make to the conference, on stealing, and he would do
it while waiting for Joseph; and referred to the article in the last num-
ber of the Wasp. Said he, I have had an interview with a man who
formerly belonged to the church, and he revealed to me that there is a
band of men, and some who pretend to be strong in the faith of the doc-
trine of the Latter Day Saints; but they are hypocrites, and some who
do not belong to the church, who are bound together by secret oaths,
and obligations, and penalties, to keep the secret; and they hold it is
right to steal from anyone who does not belong to the church, provided
they consecrate two thirds of it to the building of the temple. They are
also making bogus money.
This man says he has become convinced of the error of his ways, and
has come away from them to escape their fury. I wish to warn you all
not to be duped by such men, for they are the Qadiantons of the last
days.
He then read from the Wasp as republished from the Times and Sea-
sons, his own affidavit, and the proceedings of the authorities of the
church generally, dated November 26, 1841. The man who told me said,
"This secret band refer to the Bible, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
and Book of Mormon to substantiate their doctrine;" but no such doc-
trines are taught there.
They say it has been taught from this stand, that they are the little
foxes that spoil the vines, and the First Presidency are the big foxes:
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 645
Notwithstanding this practice obtained there, and so much
was and is being said about it, Nauvoo was no worse than
other places of its size. Governor Ford after-
Nauvoo com-
pared with wards made personal investigation of this matter
other places. .
and in his message to the legislature dated Decem-
ber 23, 1844, "in relation to the disturbances in Hancock
and the big foxes wanted the little foxes to get out of the city and spread
abroad, so that the big foxes might have a chance; which everybody
knows is false. All these things are used to decoy the foolish and un-
wary.
I will mention two names, David Holman and James Dunn; they were
living in my house. I went to them and asked them if they were steal-
ing for a livelihood. Holman confessed that he had. stolen from the
world, not from the brethren. I i,old them to get out of my house.
David asked me to forgive him, and he lifted his hands towards heaven
and swore if I would forgive him he would never do so again. Soon
after he went to Montrose, where he was found stealing salt, as is cur-
rently reported; he then stole a skiff and came across the river, stole a
barrel of flour that had just been landed from a steamer, rowed down
the river to Keokuk, and sold the flour for two dollars, saying he had
picked it up in the river, and was likely a little damaged, got his pay,
and went his way. Dunn would not promise to quit stealing, but said
he would go to St. Louis. I tell you to-day, the man that steals shall
not long after be brought to the penitentiary. They will soon be brought
to condign punishment. I demand in the presence of God that you will
exert your wit and your power to bring such characters to justice. If
you do not the curse of God will rest upon you; such things would ruin
any people. Should I catch a Latter Day Saint stealing, he is the last
man to whom I would show mercy.
President Joseph Smith said, I think it best to continue this subject.
I want the elders to make honorable proclamation abroad concerning
what the feelings of the First Presidency is, for stealing has never been
tolerated by them. I despise a thief above ground. He would betray
me if he could get the opportunity. I would know that he would be a
detriment to my cause, and if I were the biggest rogue in the world, he
would steal my horse when I wanted to run away.
It has been said that some were afraid to disclose what they know of
these secret combinations, consequently I issued a proclamation which
you may read in the Wasp, No. 48, which the President read.
PROCLAMATION.
To the Citizens of Nauvoo: —
Whereas it appears by the republication of the foregoing proceedings
and declaration, that I have not altered my views on the subject of steal-
ing: And whereas it is reported that there now exists a band of despera-
does, bound by oaths of secrecy, under severe penalties in case any
memberof the combination divulges their plans of stealing and conveying
properties from station to station, up and down the Mississippi and other
routes: And whereas it is reported that the fear of the execution of the
pains and penalties of their secret oaths, on their persons, prevents some
of the members of said secret association (who have, through falsehood
and deceit, been drawn into their snares) from divulging the same to the
legally constituted authorities of the land:
Know ye, therefore, that I, Joseph Smith, Mayor of the city of Nau-
646 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
County," makes special mention of this feature, and his
report is complimentary to Nauvoo and the church;7 and
this notwithstanding his report in general showed him to be
strongly prejudiced against Joseph Smith and the church.
At the above-mentioned conference quite a large number
Missionaries °' missionaries were appointed to different parts
appointed. of foe United States and elsewere.8 '
voo, will grant and insure protection against all personal mob violence
to each and every citizen of this city who will freely and voluntarily
come before me and truly make known the names of all such abomina-
ble characters as are engaged in said secret combination for stealing, Gl-
are accessory thereto in any manner; and I would respectfully solicit
the cooperation bf all ministers of justice, in this and the neighboring
States, to ferret out a band of thievish outlaws from our midst.
Given under my hand at Nauvoo City, this 25th day of March, A. D.
1843.
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor of said City.
If any man Is afraid to disclose what he knows about this gang of
thieves let him come to me, and tell the truth, and I will protect him
from violence. Thieving must be stopped. — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp.
183, 184.
7 Justice, however, requires me here to say, that I have investigated
the charge of promiscuous stealing, and find it to be greatly exaggerated.
I could not ascertain that there were a greater proportion of thieves in
that community than any other of the same number of inhabitants; and
perhaps if the city of Nauvoo were compared with St. Louis, or any
other western city, the proportion would not be so great. I think it
very probable, however, that the Mormons sometimes erred in protect-
ing members of their community from prosecution and punishment, who
were accused of offenses, under a belief that the accusation against them
was a persecution of their enemies on account of their religion.
I have reason to believe, too, that the report of an alliance with the
Indians was a groundless calumny. For, on a late i/ccasion when fifteen
or twenty Pottawattamie Indians passed Nauvoo in their canoes on their
way to their hunting grounds in Iowa Territory, it was at once asserted
that as many as two hundred Indains had come to the assistance of the
Mormons, and were ready to scalp and murder their enemies; and this
ridiculous story was greedily swallowed by an excited people. — Message
of the Governor of the State of Illinois, in Relation to the Disturbances
in Hancock County, p. 7.
• James Munroe and Truman Gillet; Auburn, New York.
Dominicus Carter; Lockport, Indiana.
Joshua Holman and John Pierce; Madison, Indiana.
Wandle Mace and Isaac Hate; Washingtonville, Orange County, New
York.
William O. Clark; Richardson settlement, Iowa.
Benjamin Clapp, John Bear, "Wilson Hewitt, and L. O. Littlefleld;
Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Alonzo Whitney and J. Goodale; Dublin, Ohio.
William Eaton; Westfield, Sullivan County, New York.
Zebedee Coltrin, Graham Coltrin, and James Planigan; Smith and
Tazewell Counties, Virginia.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 647
About this time the First Presidency appointed Orson
Hyde and Ad- Hyde, of the Twelve, and Elder G. J. Adams.
ams appointed. on a mission to St. Petersburg, Russia.
Jonathan Dunham; Lawrenceburgh, Indiana.
Lewis Robbins and Jacob Gates; have a roving commission for Mas-
sachusetts, with leave to take their wives, but to keep out of the
churches.
Stephen Markham and Truman Waite; Berlin, Huron County, Ohio.
John D. Chase and A. M. Harding; Pittsfleld, Vermont.
Amos Puller and Cyrus H. Wheelock; Newfane, Williamsville, Wind-
ham County, Vermont.
John S. Gleason and Henry Jacobs; west part of the State of New
York.
Marcellus L. Bates and Norman B. Shearer; near Sacket's Harbor,
New York.
Samuel Brown; Brandywine and Woodville, Maryland.
Lemuel Mallory and George Slater; Saline, Washtenau County, Michi-
gan.
Moses Wade; some county in New York, where there has been, no
preaching by the saints.
Chillion Daniels and E. Robinson; Pierpont, St. Lawrence County,
New York.
William Brown and Daniel Cathcart; Pensacola, Florida.
Eleazar Willis; go where he likes.
John Zundall, Muskootau, St. Glair County, Illinois.
Crandall Dunn; somewhere in Michigan.
George Middow; Waterloo, Canada.
Samuel H. Rogers and Harvey Green; Greenwich, Cumberland, New
Jersey.
Daniel Spencer; Eardly, Bristol, and Clarendon, Lower Canada;
March and Fitzroy Harbor, Upper Canada.
Elias Harmar; Green, Chenago County, New York.
Harvey Tate; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
Robert D. Foster and Jonathan Allen; Candor, Tioga County, New
York.
William Wharton, of Philadelphia; Wilmington and vicinity, Dela-
ware.
Leonard Soby; Peru, Miami County, Indiana.
Warner Hoops; York County, Pennsylvania.
F. D. Wilson and G. W. Brandon; Dyer and Montgomery Counties,
Tennessee.
E. H. Groves and G. P. Dykes; from Terre Haute to Shawneetown and
Cairo, on both sides of the Wabash.
P. Sessions; Oxford County, Maine.
John L. Butler and David Lewis; Lexington and Teesburgh, Ken-
tucky.
Charles 0. Rich; Ottawa, Illinois.
W. W. Rust; Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Aaron M. York; Maine.
Asaph Rice; Pontiac, Michigan.
Orson Spencer; New Haven, Connecticut.
Lorin Farr; Connecticut, leave to call at Milwaukee.
Stephen Perry, Amos B. Tomlinson, E. G. Terrill, Amos P. Rogers,
Joseph Outhouse, and William Bird; State of Connecticut.
648 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
In the issue of the Times and Reasons for June 15, 1843,
other ap- the Twelve Apostles published a short list of mis-
pointments. siOnary appointments, among others sending Elder
Reuben Hedlock to preside over the English mission. •
Francis Edwards and Charles Ryan; Overton, Jackson County, Ten-
nessee.
Benjamin Kempton; Wheeling to Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Peter Hess, of Philadelphia; Lancaster and vicinity, Pennsylvania.
Noah Curtis and Luman H. Corkins: Wayne County, New York.
Stratton Thornton and Sandford Porter; southeast part of Illinois and
Indiana.
Benjamin Leland and Eden Smith; Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Samuel Swarner; Orleans County, New York.
Samuel Parker; York County, Maine.
Jacob E. Terry and Err Terry; Niagara District, Upper Canada.
Edward P. Duzette and Elisha Edwards; Loraine and Huron Counties
Ohio.
Edwin Williams; New Germantown, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Jacob G. Bigler; Weston, Lewis County, Virginia.
Orlando Hovey; New Trenton, Franklin County, Indiana.
William B. Brink; some place in the interior of Pennsylvania, where
the elders have not been.
F. B. Jacaway and Samuel Rowland; Adams County, Ohio.
Moses Tracy; Perry County, Illinois.
Alfred Brown; Maysville, Chatauque County, New York.
Noah Rogers, Peter Lemons, Joseph Mount, B. W. Wilson, Addison
Pratt, and John Brown; State of Vermont.
Samuel C. Brown; to labor on the temple.
James Carroll; New Castle, Henry County, Indiana.
Levi Stewart and James Pace; Williamson and Gallatin Counties, Illi-
nois.
Edwin Clegg; Rock Island, Illinois.
John Cairns; Richmond, Indiana.
Edward Bosley and Rodman Clark; Genesee, Livingston County, New
York.
James Hutchins and Daniel Tyler; Natchez, Mississippi.
George M. Chase; Auburn, Geauga County, Ohio.
John Royce; Sing Sing, New York.
Lyman Whitney; Franklin County, Vermont.
Twenty-two were ordained elders.— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp 157
158.
• APPOINTMENTS BY THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE.
Elder Reuben Hedlock, to England, to preside over the English mis-
sion.
Elder John Cairns, to Scotland.
Elder James Sloan, to Ireland.
Elder Benjamin Brown, accompanied by Elder Jesse W. Crosby, to
the Province of Nova Scotia.
Elder Edwin W. Webb, to the vicinity of Galena.
Elder Isaac Chase, to the Eastern States.
Elder Stephen Abbott and Charles E. Spencer, to Wisconsin Territory;
Elder Isaac Thompson to accompany them.
W. RICHARDS, Clerk.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 232.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 649
About this time occurred the death of Judge Elias Higbee,
judge nig- who had been quite prominent in the councils of
bee dies. fae cnurcia> especially in his work at Washington
in presenting the grievances of the saints before Congress.
He was an honorable and faithful man.
A General Conference of the English mission was held at
Manchester, June 4. This was said to have been the larg-
Kngiish est gathering ever witnessed in England und«r the
conference, supervision of the saints. There was, however, no
business of especial historic importance done.
June 23, 1843, Joseph Smith was again arrested by Har-
mon T. Wilson, a constable of Hancock County, and turned
Arrest of over to Joseph H. Reynolds, of Jackson County.
Joseph sm'th. Missouri, who had been appointed, by Governor
Thomas Reynolds of Missouri, agent to receive Joseph
Smith.
Of this arrest, his trial before the Municipal Court of Nau-
voo, and his final acquittal, we write more fully in a subse-
quent chapter.
Conferences were held in various parts of the United
other con- States, including Kirtland, Ohio, during the sum-
ferences. mer months, reports to which showed substantial
progress.
The building committees of the temple and Nauvoo House
purchased mills in Wisconsin Territory, at a cost of twelve
Expedition to thousand- dollars, and an expedition, under Lyman
the pineries, wight, of the Twelve, and Bishop George Miller,
was sent there to manufacture lumber for these two build-
ings and to ship the same to Nauvoo. This expedition left
Nauvoo on July 22, and arrived at its destination August 4
1843. » •
10 Lyman Wight in his journal states: "I was busily engaged in my
domestic concerns, and also making preparations to move my family to
the lumber country in Wisconsin Territory, on Black River, distance
from this place about five hundred miles. ... I accordingly started on
the 22d of July, with my family, and about one hundred and fifty per-
sons besides, consisting of men, women, and children, with no other pur-
pose in view only to procure lumber to build the temple, the Nauvoo
House, and to assist in the building up the City of Nauvoo.
"The building committees of those two houses are now the proprietors
of mills, and a lumbering establishment in that place. We passed up
650 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
A special conference convened October 6, at Nauvoo.
The special features of this conference were, an
conducun- investigation into the conduct of Sidney Rigdon,
of the First Presidency, with whom President
Joseph Smith was in a measure dissatisfied, and the build-
ing of the temple, work on which had been sus-
Temple work. ° .
pended for a time.
We here insert the minutes on these points: —
- "Conference assembled and proceeded to business.
"President Joseph Smith was called to the chair and Gus-
tavus Hills chosen clerk. . . .
"The President stated the items of business to be brought
before the conference, to be
"1. The case and standing of Elder Sidney Rigdon, coun-
selor to the First Presidency.
"2. The further progress of the temple; after which, any
miscellaneous business.
"Elder Sidney Rigdon addressed the conference on the
subject of his situation and circumstances among the saints.
"President Joseph Smith addressed the conference, invit-
ing an expression of any charges or complaints which the
conference had to make. He stated his dissatisfaction with
Elder Sidney Rigdon as a counselor, not having received any
material benefit from his labors or counsels since their es-
cape from Missouri. Several complaints were then brought
forward in reference to his management in the post office;
a supposed correspondence and connection with John C.
Bennett, with ex-Governor Carlin, and with the Missourians.
of a treacherous character; also his leaguing with dishonest
persons in endeavoring to defraud the innocent.
"President Joseph Smith related to the conference the
detention of documents from J. Butterfield, Esq., which
were designed for the benefit of himself (President Smith),
the Mississippi River on the steamer, Maid of Iowa, and run as far up
as the head of Black River Lake, where we landed on the 26th inst. at
eleven o'clock a. m., fifty miles below the mills. From this to the 30th
of July, I was scouting about, and viewing the fair quality, and situation
of the country, and patiently awaiting for the arrival of the boats from the
Palls on Black River, to convey us up the river to the mills. And on
this, which is the 30th of July, the boats arrived. We loaded them and
started for the mills, where we landed on the 4th day of August, 1843."
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 651
but was not handed over for some three or four weeks,
greatly to his disadvantage. Also an indirect testimony
from Missouri, through the mother of Orrin P. Rockwell,
that said Rigdon and others had given information, by letter,
of President Smith's visit to Dixon, advising them to pro-
ceed to that place and arrest him there. He stated that in
consequence of those and other circumstances, and his un-
profitableness to him as a counselor, he did not wish to retain
him in that station, unless those difficulties could be removed;
but desired his salvation, and expressed his willingness that
he should retain a place among the saints.
"Elder Almon Babbitt suggested the propriety of limiting
the complaints and proofs to circumstances that had trans-
pired since the last conference.
"President Joseph Smith replied, and showed the legality
and propriety of a thorough investigation, without such
limitation.
"Elder Sidney Rigdon plead, concerning the documents
from J. Butterfield, Esq., that he received it in answer to
some inquiries which he had transmitted to him; that he
received it at a time when he was sick, and unable to exam-
ine it— did not know that it was designed for the perusal and
benefit of President Joseph Smith; that he had, conse-
quently, ordered it to be laid aside, where it remained until
inquired for by Joseph Smith. He had never written to
Missouri concerning the visit of Joseph Smith to Dixon, and
knew of no other person having done so. That concerning
certain rumors of belligerent operations under Governor
Carlin's administration, he had related them, not to alarm or
disturb anyone, but that he had the rumors from good
authorities, and supposed them well founded. That he had
never received but one communication from John C. Ben-
nett, and that of a business character, except one addressed
to him conjointly with Elder Orson Pratt, which he handed
over to President Smith; that he had never written any let-
ters to John C. Bennett. . . .
"Sunday, 8th inst.. ten o'clock a. m.
"... Elder Sidney Rigdon resumed his plea of defense.
He related the circumstances of his reception in the city of
652 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Quincy, after his escape from Missouri; the cause of his
delay in not going to the city of Washington, on an express
to which he had been appointed; and closed with a moving
appeal to President Joseph Smith concerning their former
friendship, associations, and sufferings; and expressed his
willingness to resign his place, though with sorrowful and
indescribable feelings. During this address the sympathies
of the congregation were highly excited.
"Elder Almon Babbitt related a conversation he had had
with Esquire Johnson, in which he exonerated Elder Sid-
ney Rigdon from the charge or suspicion of having had a
treacherous correspondence with ex- Governor Carlin.
"President Joseph Smith arose and satisfactorily ex-
plained to the congregation the supposed treacherous corre-
spondence with ex-Governor Carlin, which wholly removed
suspicion from Elder Sidney Rigdon, and from every other
person. He expressed entire willingness to have Elder Sid-
ney Rigdon retain his station, provided he would magnify
his office and walk and conduct himself in all honesty, right-
eousness, and integrity; but signified his lack of confidence
in his integrity and steadfastness, judging from their past
intercourse.
"President Hyrum Smith 'followed with appropriate and
expressive remarks on the attribute of mercy in God, as that
by which he influences, controls, and conquers, and the pro-
priety and importance of the saints exercising the same
attribute towards their fellows; and especially towards their
aged companion and fellow servant in the cause of truth and
righteousness.
"Elder Almon Babbitt and President William Law fol-
lowed with remarks in defense of Elder Sidney Rigdon.
"On motion by President William Marks, and seconded by
President Hyrum Smith, conference voted that Elder Sidney
Rigdon be permitted to retain his station as counselor to the
First Presidency. . . .
"Monday, ten o'clock a. m.
"Conference assembled, and resumed business. . .
"The business pertaining to the temple was then an-
nounced by the President as next in order.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 653
"Elder Alpheus Cutler, on the part of the Temple Com-
mittee, represented the work of the temple to be retarded
for want of team work and provisions; also of iron, steel,
powder, and clothing; giving as his opinion that the walls
could easily be completed next season, if these embarrass-
ments were removed, and the brethren would come forward
to sustain them in the work with the means that were in their
hands.
"Elder Reynolds Cahoon followed, seconding the remarks
of Elder Cutler, and setting forth the importance of the
saints using their utmost exertions to fulfill the revelation
concerning the temple, earnestly exhorting the saints here
and abroad to roll in the necessary means into the hands of
the committee, that the work may advance with rapidity.
"President Hyrum Smith followed with pertinent remarks
on the importance of the work— the ease with which it might
be advanced to its completion; that it had already become a
monument for the people abroad to gaze on with astonish-
ment. He concluded with some advice to parents to restrain
their children from vice and folly, and employ them in some
business of profit to themselves, to the temple, or elsewhere.
"On motion by Elder William Law and seconded by Presi-
dent Hyrum Smith, conference voted, that we as a confer-
ence and individuals will use all the means, exertions, and
influence in our power to sustain the Temple Committee in
advancing the work of the temple." — Times and Seasons, vol.
4, pp. 329-331.
On October 24, 1843, James Arlington Bennett wrote a
fawning letter to President Joseph Smith from Arlington
House, New York. A friendly correspondence
riing- had been carried on between them for some time,
but in this letter Mr. Bennett betrayed the design
he had in view in gaining the Prophet's favor, and em-
phatically declared that he expected to locate in Illinois, and
become Governor of the State through Joseph's influence;
and intimated that he in turn would always favor the
saints.11 In connection with this he writes: "I say, there-
11 1 may yet run for a high office in your State, when you would be
sure of my best services in your behalf, therefore a known connection
654 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
fore, go ahead; you have my good good wishes. You know
Mahomet had his 'right hand man.1 "
This proposition was resented by Joseph Smith in a vig-
orous letter written November 13, becoming to
Joseph's reply. ,. ,. i •.-,..•, i
him as a man, and with the dignity belonging to
his calling and station. 1 8
with you would be against our mutual Interest. It can be shown that
a commission in the legion was a Herald hoax, coined for the fun of it by
me, as it is not believed even now by the public. In short I expect to
be yet, through your influence, Governor of the State of Illinois.
My respects to Brother Young, Richards, Mrs. Emma, and all friends.
Yours, most respectfully,
JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT.
Lieutenant-General Smith.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 372.
12 The summit of your future fame seems to be hid in the political
policy of a "mathematical problem" for the chief magistracy of this
State, which I suppose, might be solved by "double position," where the
errors of the supposition are used to produce a true answer.
But, sir, when I leave the dignity and honor I received from heaven,
to boost a man into power, through the aid of my friends, where the evil
and designing, after the object has been accomplished, can lock up the
clemency intended as a reciprocation for such favors; and where the
wicked and unprincipled, as a matter of course, would sieze the oppor-
tunity, to flintify the hearts of the nation against me for dabbling at a
sly game in politics; verily, I say, when I leave the dignity and honor of
heaven, to gratify the ambition and vanity of man or men, may my
power cease, like the strength of Samson, when he was shorn of his
locks, while asleep in the lap of Delilah. Truly said the Savior, Cast not
your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and
turn again and rend you.
Shall I who have witnessed the visions of eternity, and beheld the
glories of the mansions of bliss, and the regions and the misery of the
damned, — shall I turn to be a Judas? Shall I who have heard the voice
of God, and communed with angels, and spake as moved by the Holy
Ghost for the renewal of the everlasting covenant, and for the gathering
of Israel in the last days, — shall I worm myself into a political hypocrite?
Shall I who hold the keys of the last kingdom, in which is the dispensa-
tion of the fullness of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy
prophets, since the world began, under the sealing power of the Mel-
chisedec priesthood, — shall I stoop from the sublime authority of
Almighty God, to be handled as a monkey's cat's paw, and pettify
myself into a clown to act the farce of political demagoguery? No,
verily no! The whole earth shall bear me witness that I, like the tower-
ing rock in the midst of the ocean, which has withstood the mighty
surges of the warring waves, for centuries, am impregnable, and am a
faithful friend to virtue, and a fearless foe to vice; no odds, whether the
former was sold as a pearl in Asia, or hid as a gem in America; and the
latter dazzles in palaces, or glimmers among the tombs.
I combat the errors of ages; I meet the violence of mobs; I cope with
illegal proceedings from executive authority; I cut the Gordian knot of
powers; and I solve mathematical problems of universities; WITH
TRUTH, diamond truth, and God is my "rig/it hand man."
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 655
Citizens of Missouri, aided by some from Illinois, began
during the closing weeks of the year a policy of kidnapping
members of the church and taking them to Mis-
Kidnapping. . . -1,1. i
souri without process, and this under pretense
that they wanted to see the law executed and justice done.
The Times and Seasons of November 1, 1843, published an
editorial containing some strong language. Perhaps it
might be called harsh language; but the provocation was so
great as to furnish excuse for forcible criticism. * '
And to cJose, let me say in the name of Jesus Christ to you, and to
presidents, emperors, kings, queens, governors, rulers, nobles, and men
in authority everywhere, do the works of righteousness, execute justice
and judgment in the earth that God may bless you, and her inhabitants;
and
The laurel that grows on the top of the mountain,
Shall green for your fame while the sun sheds a ray;
And the lily that blows by the side of the fountain,
Will bloom for your virtue till earth melts away.
With due consideration and respect I have the honor to be.
Your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp. 374, 375.
™ KIDNAPPING.
Missouri has been playing one of her old pranks again, and not con-
tent with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property
belonging to the saints, has been engaged again in stealing human
beings.
Two of our brethren, Daniel and Philander Avery, father and son,
were decoyed into the neighborhood of Warsaw, about the 4th of De-
cember, and by a gang of desperadoes were forcibly taken across the
Mississippi River into Missouri. Daniel Avery was taken by nine men,
three of whom were Missourians, and six inhabitants of the State of Illi-
nois. The ruffians were armed, and having forcibly seized Daniel Avery,
the father, put him on a horse, and tied his feet underneath. Informa-
tion was received at Nauvoo relative to this affair, by Mr. Sission Chase,
who made affidavit before a magistrate relative to the affair, and a con-
stable was immediately dispatched after a person by the name of John
Elliott, one of the villains, who is a schoolmaster, and resides four and a
half miles below Warsaw. Mr. Elliott, was brought up to Nauvoo, was
tried before Aaron Johnson, justice of the peace, proven guilty and com-
mitted to the Carthage jail, to wait his trial at the county court.
In the examination facts were developed implicating others, who will
in their own due time be brought to punishment. Testimony has since
been received which shows that a clan of those villains are associated
with the Missourians to assist in killing or kidnapping Joseph Smith and
others. Since their names and whereabouts have been ascertained,
some of them we are informed have fled, whilst officers are in pursuit of
others. Colonel Williams, we are informed, is one of the parties engage*1
in this very honorable transaction. — Times and Seasons, vol. 4, p. 375.
CHAPTER 30.
1843.
JOSEPH'S ARREST NEAR DIXON— LUCY SMITH RELATES THE INCIDENT
—THE TRIAL- KINDNESS TO REYNOLDS AND WILSON— BRAY-
MAN'S LETTER —FORD AGREES.
As MENTIONED in the last chapter Joseph was arrested,
Joseph's arrest or rather kidnapped, by Reynolds of Missouri and
nearDixon. ^ilSOn of Illinois, OD June 23, 1843.
In this chapter we give the account of this arrest, trial,
and release, as published in the records of the time. The
testimonies of some of the witnesses are quite lengthy, but
the events of the Missouri troubles are given by them in a
more consecutive manner than found elsewhere, and hence
we think a careful reading would be profitable.
Lucy Smith in her "Joseph Smith the Prophet" briefly
relates this incident, as follows: —
"About the middle of June, 1843, Joseph went with his
wife to visit Mrs. Wasson, (ten miles southeast of Dixon,
Illinois,) who was his wife's sister. Whilst there
relates™1 an attempt was made to kidnap him and take him
into Missouri, by J. H. Reynolds, from that State,
and Harmon Wilson, of Carthage, Hancock County, Illinois,
who was a Missourian in principle. You have read Hy rum's
testimony, and can judge of the treatment which Joseph
received at their hands. Suffice it to say, he was shame-
fully abused. Wilson had authority from the Governor of
Illinois to take Joseph Smith, Jr., and deliver him into the
hands of the before-named Reynolds; but as neither of them
showed any authority save a brace of pistols, Joseph took
them for false imprisonment. He then obtained a writ of
habeas corpus of the Master in Chancery of Lee County,
returnable before the nearest court authorized to determine
upon such writs; and the Municipal Court of Nauvoo being
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 657
the nearest one invested with this power, an examination
was had before said court, when it was made to appear that
the writ was defective and void; furthermore, that he was
innocent of the charges therein alleged against him. It was
in this case that Hyrum's testimony was given, which is re-
hearsed in a preceding chapter."— Joseph Smith the Prophet
and His Progenitors, pp. 292, 293.
The Times and Seasons gave the following account of the
arrest and other incidents connected therewith: —
"Once more at peace, Mr. Smith flattered himself that his
relentless persecutors must have satiated their rage and
exhausted their ingenuity to find means to prose-
cute; and he had favorably hoped that had they
invented anything else, that the Executive of this State,
alive to the injustice that Mr. Smith had already experi-
enced from the hands of Missouri, would not have counte-
nanced or furthered any demands that might be made by
that State upon the Executive of this for the person of
Joseph Smith. This we believe he had reason to expect; he
was in hopes that the time of his trials pertaining to the
tyranny of that State was at an end, and that he would bo
allowed to enjoy the precious boon of liberty, and to dwell
in peace in the bosom of his family and with his friends.
Feeling perfectly secure, he set off with his family to Mr.
Wasson's, to visit his wife's sister, Mrs. Wasson and family,
who resided about twelve miles from Dixon, Lee County, in
this State. While he was there a Mr. J. H. Reynolds,
sheriff of Jackson County, Missouri (so he says), and Mr.
Harmon Wilson, of Carthage, arrived at Dixon, professing
to be Mormon preachers; from thence they proceeded to Mr.
Wasson's, at whose house Mr. Smith was staying. They
found Mr. Smith outside of the door, and accosted him in a
very uncouth, ungentlemanly manner, quite in keeping
however with the common practice of Missourians. [The
language here is so profane that we omit as far as the nar-
rative will -permit.] They then hurried him off to a carriage
that they had, and without serving process, were for hurry-
ing him off without letting him see or bid farewell to his
family or friends. Mr. Smith then said: 'Gentlemen, if you
658 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
have any legal process I wish to obtain a writ of habeas cor-
pus,' and was answered, 'G— d d— n you, you shan't have
one.' Mr. Smith saw a friend of his passing and said,
'These men are kidnapping me, and I wish a writ of habeas
corpus to deliver myself out of their hands.' This friend
immediately proceeded to Dixon, whence the sheriff also
proceeded full speed. On arriving at the house of Mr.
McKennie, tavern keeper, Mr. Smith was thrust into a room
and guarded there without being allowed to see anybody,
and horses were ordered in five minutes. Mr. Smith then
>!ated to Reynolds: 'I wish to get counsel,' and was
answered, 'G— d d— n you, you shan't have counsel, one word
more, G— d d— n you, and I'll shoot you.' 'What is the use
of this so often,' said Mr. Smith, 'I have often told you to
shoot, and I now tell you again to shoot away;' and seeing a
person passing he said, 'I am falsely imprisoned here, and I
want a lawyer.' A lawyer came, and had the door banged in
his face with the old threat of shooting if he came any
nearer; another afterwards came and received the same
i reatment. Many of the citizens of Dixon, by this time being
apprised of his situation, stepped forward and gave the
sheriff to understand that if that was their mode of doing
business in Missouri, they had another way of doing it here;
that they were law-abiding people, and republicans; that
Mr. Smith should have justice done him and have the oppor-
tunity of a fair trial; but that if they persisted in their
course, they had a very summary way of dealing with such
people;— and gave them to understand that Mr. Smith should
not go without a fair and impartial trial. Mr. Reynolds
finding further resistance to be useless, allowed one or
two attorneys to come to Mr. Smith, who gave them to
understand that he had been taken up without process; that
they had insulted and abused him, and he wanted a writ of
habeas corpus. Up to this time they had altogether refused
to allow the counsel to have private conversation with him.
"A writ was sued out by Mr. Smith against Harmon Wil-
son for a violation of the law in relation to writs of habeas cor-
pus, the said violation consisting in said Wilson having trans-
ferred said Smith to the custody of Reynolds for the purpose
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 659
of removing Mr. Smith to Missouri, and thereby avoiding
the effect and operation of said writ contrary to law.
"There was also another writ sued out from the Circuit
Court of Lee County, in favor of Mr. Smith, against Rey-
nolds and Wilson, for private damage, for false imprison-
ment, upon the ground that the writ issued by the Governor
of Illinois was a void writ in law, upon which said writ said
Reynolds and Wilson were held to bail; and were in the cus-
tody of the sheriff of Lee County. Reynolds and Wilson
obtained a writ of habeas corpus for the purpose of being dis-
charged before Judge Young, of Quincy, but they did not go
before Judge Young, but gave bail at Carthage for their
appearance at the Circuit Court of Lee County in said action.
"Mr. Smith obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the Mas-
ter in Chancery of Lee County, returnable before the Hon.
John D. Caton, judge of the ninth judicial circuit, at Ottawa,
upon which said writ Mr. Smith was conveyed by Reynolds
and Wilson towards Ottawa as far as Pawpaw Grove, at
which last- mentioned place it was ascertained that Judge
Caton was on a visit to New York; upon which the party,
Messrs. Smith, Reynolds, Wilson, and others in company
returned to Dixon, where another writ was issued by the
said Master in Chancery, in favor of Smith, returnable
before the nearest tribunal in the fifth judicial circuit author-
ized to hear and determine writs of habeas corpus. It was
ascertained t«hat the nearest tribunal authorized to hear and
determine upon writs of habeas corpus, was at Nauvoo. On
their arrival at Nauvoo a writ of habeas corpus was sued out
before and made returnable to the Municipal Court of the city
of Nauvoo, directed to Mr. Reynolds, upon which said writ
Mr. Reynolds did produce the body of said Smith before said
court, objecting however to the jurisdiction of said court. It
was ascertained by the counsel for said Smith that the
Municipal Court had full and ample power to hear and deter-
mine upon writs of habeas corpus. Upon examination before
said court he was discharged from said arrest upon the
merits of said case, and upon the further ground of -sub-
stantial defects in said writ so issued by the Governoi of the
State of Illinois. . . .
660 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"MUNICIPAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS.
"Second day of special term, July 1, 1843.
"Before Alderman William Marks, Acting Chief Justice;
and Aldermen Daniel H. Wells, Newel K. Whitney, George
W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, and Hiram Kimball, Associate
Justices; presiding.
"Exparte Joseph Smith, | Messrs. Walker, Patrick, and
"On Habeas Corpus. ) Southwick, Counsel for Smith.
"Mr. Mason, Counsel for Reynolds.
"This case came before the court upon a return to a writ
of habeas corpus, which was issued by this court, on the 30th
of June, 1843, upon the petition of Joseph Smith, Senior, as
follows:—
"STATE OF ILLINOIS, | « t
"City of Nauvoo. )
"To the Honorable the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo,
Hancock County, and State of Illinois: —
"Your petitioner, Joseph Smith, Sr., who has been ar-
rested by and under the name of Joseph Smith, Jr., states
on oath that he is now detained as a prisoner, and in the cus-
tody of Joseph H. Reynolds, in the said city of Nauvoo, and
State of Illinois, who claims to be the agent of the State of
Missouri; and that your petitioner was arrested by one
Harmon G. Wilson, by virtue of what purports to be a war-
rant issued by His Excellency, Thomas Ford, Governor of
the State of Illinois, in the county of Lee, and State of Illi-
nois; and by said Wilson your petitioner was delivered into
the custody of said Joseph H. Reynolds, at and within the
county of Lee, aforesaid; that said supposed warrant, so
issued by His Excellency, Thomas Ford, Governor as afore-
said, and the arrest thereupon, and the imprisonment conse-
quent thereupon, by said Wilson, and afterward by said
Joseph H. Reynolds, is illegal, and in violation of law, and
without the authority of law, as he is informed and verily
believes, for the following, besides other reasons; to wit:—
"1st. The said supposed warrant so issued by the said
Governor of the State of Illinois, as aforesaid, does not con-
fer any authority to arrest your petitioner, for that it com-
mands the officers therein named to arrest one Joseph
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. C61
Smith, Jr., whereas the name of your petitioner is Joseph
Smith, Sr., and your petitioner avers that he is not known
and reputed by the name of Joseph Smith, Jr.
"2d. The said supposed warrant is defective and void, for
that it does not recite that the Joseph Smith, Jr., mentioned
therein, has been demanded by the Executive of the State of
Missouri, of the Executive of the State of Illinois.
"3d. Said supposed warrant is defective and void, for that
it does not state that said Joseph Smith, Jr., therein named,
has been indicted or that any other legal accusation of any
offense has been legally preferred, and is as pending against
him in the said State of Missouri.
"4th. It is defective and void, for that it does not show
that any legal foundation was furnished by the Executive of
the State of Missouri, upon which to issue the same; and
your petitioner avers that the same was issued without due
authority of law.
"5th. Said supposed warrant is in other respects defective
and void.
"6th. The said Joseph H. Reynolds has no authority to
detain your petitioner in custody; for that he is not an officer
of the State of Illinois, nor is he legally authorized by the
said Governor of the State of Illinois, or otherwise, as the
agent of the State of Missouri, in the State of Illinois, or in
any other character and capacity to imprison your petitioner
within the said State of Illinois.
"7th. Your petitioner before the making of the said arrest
upon which he is now detained and imprisoned, had been
arrested for the same cause, and upon a charge for the same
offense, for which he is now arrested and imprisoned, by
virtue of a warrant issued by the Governor of the said
State of Illinois, upon a requisition of the executive
authority of the said State of Missouri, and was discharged
from said arrest and imprisonment by judgment of the Cir-
cuit Court of Warren County, at a court holden in the said
county of Warren, in or about the month of June, A. D.
1841, in such manner as not to be liable to the said second
arrest for the same cause.
"8th. Your petitioner is not a fugitive from justice, and
662 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
has not fled from the justice of the said State of Missouri,
and be is not guilty and has not been guilty of treason in or
against the said State of Missouri.
"9th. Your petitioner was not, and has not been within
the limits of the said State of Missouri, for more than four
years next, before the making of said arrest and imprison-
ment whereby he is now detained, nor for or during four
years before any indictment or other legal accusation was
preferred against him.
"10th. Your petitioner avers that the said supposed war-
rant, so issued by the said Governor of the said State of
Illinois, and under color of which your petitioner is now
imprisoned, and the document purporting to be an authority
to receive the said Joseph Smith, Jr., are wholly defective
and insufficient to legally authorize the arrest and imprison-
ment of your petitioner: copies of which supposed warrant
and the supposed authority from the Executive of the State
of Missouri are hereunto annexed.
"Wherefore your petitioner prays that a writ of habeas
corpus may be awarded, directed to the said Joseph H. Rey-
nolds, commanding him that he bring your petitioner forth-
with and without delay, before this honorable court, together
with the causes of his caption and detention, in order that
your petitioner may be dealt with according to law; and
your petitioner as in duty bound, will ever pray.
"JOSEPH SMITH, SEN.
"Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 30th day of
June, A. D. 1843, at the City of Nauvoo, Illinois.
"JAMES SLOAN,
"Clerk of the Municipal Court, of the City of Nauvoo.
"STATE of ILLINOIS, ) Q/,t
"City of Nauvoo. j B
" The People of the State of Illinois to the Marshal of said
City; Greeting: —
"Whereas application has been made before the Municipal
Court of said city that the body of one Joseph Smith, Sr., of
the said city of Nauvoo (who is styled in the warrant by
which he is held in custody, Joseph Smith, Jr.), is in the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 663
custody of Joseph H. Reynolds, — These are therefore to
command the said Joseph H. Reynolds to safely have the
body of the said Joseph Smith, Sr., who is styled Joseph
Smith, Jr., in his custody detained, as it is said, together with
the day and cause of his caption and detention, by whatever
name the said Joseph Smith, Sr., may be known or called,
before the Municipal Court of said city forthwith, to abide
such order as the said court shall make in their behalf: and
further, if the said Joseph H. Reynolds or other person or
persons having said Joseph Smith, Sr., of said city of Nau-
voo in custody, shall refuse or neglect to comply with the
provisions of this writ, you, the marshal of said city, or
other person authorized to serve the same, are hereby
required to arrest the person or persons so refusing or neg-
lecting to comply as aforesaid, and bring him or them,
together with the person or persons in his or their cus-
tody, forthwith before the Municipal Court aforesaid, to be
dealt with according to law; and herein fail not, and bring
this writ with you.
"Witness, James Sloan, Clerk of the Municipal Court at
Nauvoo, this 30th day of June in the year of
[L. S.] our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-
three.
"JAMES SLOAN, Clerk.
"I, Joseph H. Reynolds, the within named, do hereby
return this writ, with the body of Joseph Smith, with
the following cause of caption and detention; to wit:
The within named Joseph Smith was arrested on a
warrant issued by the Governor of the State of Illi-
nois, by one Harmon T. Wilson, a constable of Hancock
County, in the State of Illinois, on the 23d day of June,
A. D. 1843, a copy of which warrant is hereunto annexed and
marked letter B, and delivered over to my custody as
directed by said writ. The person of said Smith was, on
said 23d of June, in the county of Lee and State of Illinois,
by the said Wilson delivered over to my custody, and
that I received and detained the said Smith in my custody by
virtue of a certain warrant of attorney issued by the Gov-
ernor of the State of Missouri, a copy of which is hereto
664 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
annexed, and marked letter B, directing me to receive the
said Smith, and convey him to and deliver him to the sheriff
of Daviess County in the State of Missouri, and that the
within detention referred to, is the same referred to, and
none other.
"JOSEPH H. REYNOLDS.
"NAUVOO, June 30, 1843.
"Executive Department, City of JEFFERSON.
"Know ye that I, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the State
of Missouri, having full trust and confidence in the integrity
and abilities of Joseph H. Reynolds, do hereby constitute
and appoint him as the agent of the said State of Missouri,
to proceed to the State of Illinois, for the purpose of receiv-
ing from the proper authorities of that State, one Joseph
Smith, Jr., charged with treason by him committed against
the State of Missouri, and as having fled from justice to
the State of Illinois, and I do hereby authorize and direct
said Joseph H. Reynolds to convey said Joseph Smith, Jr.,
from the State of- Illinois, and deliver him to the custody of
the sheriff of Daviess County in the State of Missouri.
"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
[L. S.] my hand, and caused to be affixed the great
seal of the State of Missouri.
"Done at the city of Jefferson this 13th day of June in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-
three. By the Governor,
"THOMAS REYNOLDS.
"JAMES L. MINOR, Secretary of State.
"Thomas Ford, Governor of the State of Illinois, to all Sheriffs
and Constables of any County of the State, and to Harmon T.
Wilson, of the County of Hancock; Greeting: —
"Whereas it has been made known to me by the executive
authority of the State of Missouri, that one Joseph Smith,
Jr., stands charged with the crime of treason, against the
State of Missouri, and alleged that Joseph Smith, Jr., has
fled from the justice of the said State of Missouri, and taken
refuge in the State of Illinois,
"Now therefore I, Thomas Ford, Governor of the State of
Illinois, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the United
States and of this State, do hereby command you to arrest
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 665
and apprehend the said Joseph Smith, Jr., if he be found
within the limits of the State aforesaid, and cause him to be
safely kept and delivered to the custody of Joseph H. Rey-
nolds, Esq., who has been duly constituted the agent of the
said State of Missouri to receive the said fugitive from the
justice of said State, he paying all fees and charges for the
arrest and apprehension of said Joseph Smith, Jr., and
make due returns to the executive department of this State
of the manner in which this writ may be executed.
"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
[L. S.] my hand and caused the great seal of the State
to be affixed.
"Done at the city of Springfield, this 17th day of June, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-
three, and of the independence of the United States the
sixty-seventh.
"By the Governor, THOMAS FOBD.
"THOMAS CAMPBELL, Secretary of State.
"The following witnesses were examined, viz.: Hyrum
Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, George W. Pitkin,
Lyman Wight, and Sidney Rigdon.
"Hyrum Smith sworn. Said that the defendant now in
court is his brother, and that his name is not Joseph Smith,
Jr., but his name is Joseph Smith, Sr., and has been for
more than two years past. I have been acquainted with him
ever since he was born, which was thirty-seven years in
December last, and I have not been absent from him at any
one time, not even the space of six months since his birth,
to my recollection, and have been intimately acquainted with
all his sayings, doings, business transactions and move-
ments, as much as any one man could be acquainted with
another man's business up to the present time, and do know
that he has not committed treason against any State in the
Union, by any overt act, or by levying war, or by aiding and
abetting or assisting an enemy in any State in the Union,
and that the said Joseph Smith, Sr., has not committed
treason in the State of Missouri, nor violated any law or rule
of said State, I being personally acquainted with the trans-
actions and doings of said Smith whilst he resided in said
666 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
State, which was for about six months in the year 1838; I
being also a resident in said State during the same period of
time, and I do know that said Joseph Smith, Sr., never
was subject to military duty in any State, neither was he
in the State of Missouri, he being exempt by the ampu
tation or extraction of a bone from his leg, and by his
having a license to preach the gospel, or being, in other
words, a minister of the gospel; and I do know that said
Smith never bore arms, as a military man, in any capacity
whatever, whilst in the State of Missouri, or previous to
that time; neither has he given any orders or assumed any
command in any capacity whatever; but I do know that
whilst he was in the State of Missouri, that the people
commonly called Mormons were threatened with violence
and extermination, and on or about the first Monday in
August, 1838, at the election at Gallatin, the county seat in
Daviess County, the citizens who were commonly called Mor-
mons were forbidden to exercise the rights of franchise, and
from that unhallowed circumstance an affray commenced,
and a fight ensued among the citizens of that place, and from
that time a mob commenced gathering in that county, threat-
ening the extermination of the Mormons.
"The said Smith and myself upon hearing that mobs were
collecting together, and that they had also murdered two of
the citizens of the same place, and would not suffer them to
be buried, . . . went over to Daviess County to learn the
particulars of the affray, but upon our arrival at Diahman.
we learned that none were killed but several were wounded ;
we tarried all night at Colonel Lyman Wight's. The next
morning the weather being very warm and having been very
dry for some time previously, the springs and wells in that
region were dried up; on mounting our horses to return, we
rode up to Mr. Black's, who was then an acting justice of
the peace, to obtain some water for ourselves and horses.
Some few of the citizens accompanied us there, and after
obtaining the refreshment of water, Mr. Black was asked by
said Joseph Smith, Sr., if he would use his influence to see
that the laws were faithfully executed and to put down mob
violence, and he gave us a paper, written by his own hand,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 667
stating that he would do so. He also requested him to call
together the most influential men of the county on the next
day that we might have an interview with them. To this he
acquiesced, and accordingly the next day they assembled at
the house of Colonel Wight and entered into a mutual cove-
nant of peace, to put down mob violence and to protect each
other in the enjoyment of their rights; after this we all
parted with the best of feelings and each man returned to
his own home.
"This mutual agreement of peace however did not last
long, for but a few days afterwards the mob began to collect
again, until several hundreds rendezvoused at Millpbrt, a
few miles distant from Diahraan. They immediately com-
menced making aggressions upon the citizens called Mor-
mons, taking away their hogs and cattle, and threatening
them with extermination or utter extinction; saying that
they had a cannon and there should be no compromise only
at its mouth; frequently taking men, women, and children
prisoners, whipping them and lacerating their bodies with
hickory withes, and tying them to trees and depriving them
of food until they were compelled to gnaw the bark from the
trees to which they were bound in order to sustain life;
treating them in the most cruel manner they could invent or
think of, and doing everything they could to excite the indig-
nation of the Mormon people to rescue them, in order that
they might make that a pretext of an accusation for the
breach of the law, and that they might the better excite the
prejudice of the populace and thereby get aid and assistance
to carry out their hellish purposes of extermination.
"Immediately on the authentication of these facts, mes-
sengers were dispatched from Par West to Austin A. King,
judge of the fifth judicial district of the State of Missouri,
and also to Major General Atchison, commander in chief of
that division, and Brigadier- General Doniphan, giving them
information of the existing facts, and demanding imme-
diate assistance. General Atchison returned with the
messengers and went immediately to Diahman and from
thence to Millport, and he found the facts were true as
reported to him; that the citizens of that county were
668 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH,
assembled together in a hostile attitude to the amount of
two or three hundred men, threatening the utter extermina-
tion of the Mormons. He immediately returned to Clay
County and ordered out a sufficient military force to quell
the mob. Immediately after they were dispersed, and the
army returned, the mob commenced collecting again; soon
after, we again applied for military aid, when General
Doniphan came out with a force of sixty armed men to Far
West; but they were in such a state of insubordination that
he said he could not control them, and it was thought
advisable by Colonel Hinkle, Mr. Kigdon, and others, that
they should return home. General Doniphan ordered
Colonel Hinkle to call out the militia of Caldwell and defend
the town against the mob, for said he, you have great reason
to be alarmed, for he said Neil Gillium from the Platte
country had come down with two hundred armed men and
had taken up their station at Hunter's mill, a place distant
about seventeen or eighteen miles northwest of the town of
Far West, and also that an armed force had collected again
at Millport, in Daviess County, consisting of several hun-
dred men, and that another armed force had collected at De
Witt, in Carroll County, about fifty miles southeast of Far
West, where about seventy families of the Mormon people
had settled upon the bank of the Missouri River at a little
town called De Witt. Immediately a messenger, whilst he
was yet talking, came in from De Witt, stating that three or
four hundred men had assembled together at that place
armed cap-a-pie, and that they threatened the utter extinc-
tion of the citizens of that place if they did not leave the
place immediately, and that they had also surrounded the
town and cut off all supplies of food, so that many of them
were suffering with hunger. General Doniphan seemed to
be very much alarmed, and appeared to be willing to do all
he could to assist, and to relieve the sufferings of the Mor-
mon people; he advised that a petition be immediately got
up and sent to the Governor. A petition was accordingly
prepared and a messenger dispatched immediately to the
Governor, and another petition was sent to Judge King.
"The Mormon people throughout the country were in a
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 669
great state of alarm, and also in great distress. They saw
themselves completely surrounded with armed forces on the
north, and on the northwest, and on the south, and also
Bogard, who was a Methodist preacher, and who was then a
captain over a militia company of fifty soldiers, but who had
added to his number out of the surrounding counties about a
hundred more, which made his force about one hundred and
fifty strong, was stationed at Crooked Creek, sending" out
his scouting parties, taking men, women, and children pris-
oners, driving off cattle, hogs, and horses, entering into
every house on Log and Long creeks, rifling their houses of
their most precious articles, such as money, bedding, and
clothing, taking all their old muskets and their rifles or mili-
tary implements, threatening the people with instant death
if they did not deliver up all their precious things, and enter
into a covenant to leave the State or go into the city of Par
West by the next morning, saying that 'they calculated to
drive the people into Far West, and then drive them to hell.'
Gillium also was doin? the same on the northwest side of
Far West; and Sashiel Woods, a Presbyterian minister, was
the leader of the mob in Daviess County; and a very noted
man of the same society was the leader of the mob in
Carroll County; and they were also sending out their scout-
ing parties, robbing and pillaging houses, driving away
hogs, horses, and cattle, taking men, women, and children,
and carrying them off, threatening their lives and subject-
ing them to all manner of abuses that they could invent or
think of.
"Under this state of alarm, excitement, and distress the
messengers returned from the Governor and from the other
authorities, bringing the fatal news that the Mormons could
have no assistance. They stated that the Governor said
that 'the Mormons had got into a difficulty with the citizens,
and that they might fight it out for all he cared. He could
not render them any assistance.'
"The people of De Witt were obliged to leave their homes
and go into Far West; but did not until after many of them
had starved to death for want of proper sustenance, and sev-
eral died on the road there, and were buried by the wayside,
670 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
without a coffin or a funeral ceremony, and the distress, suf-
ferings, and privations of the people cannot be expressed.
All the scattered families of the Mormon people, in all the
counties except Daviess, were driven into Far West, with
but few exceptions.
"This only increased their distress, for many thousands
who were driven there had no habitations or houses to shel-
ter them, and were huddled together, some in tents and
others under blankets, while others had no shelter from the
inclemency of the weather. Nearly two months the people
had been in this awful state of consternation; many of them
had been killed, whilst others had been whipped until they
had to swathe up their bowels to prevent them from falling
out.
"About this time General Parks came out from Richmond,
Ray County, who was one of the commissioned officers who
was sent out to Diahman, and I myself, and my brother,
Joseph Smith, Sr., went out at the same time. On the even-
ing that General Parks arrived at Diahman, my brother's,
the late Don Carlos Smith's wife, came in to Colonel Wight's
about eleven o'clock at night, bringing her two children
along with her, one about two years and a half old, the other
a babe in her arms. She came in on foot, a distance of three
miles, and waded Grand River, and the water was then
about waist deep, and the snow about three inches deep. She
stated that a party of the mob, a gang of ruffians, had turned
her out of doors, had taken her household goods and had
burnt up her house, and she had escaped by the skin of her
teeth. Her husband at that time was in Virginia,1 and she
was living alone.
4 'This cruel transaction excited the feelings of the people
in Diahman, especially Colonel Wight, and he asked Gen-
eral Parks in my hearinj. .ow long we had got to suffer
such base violence. General Parks said he did not know
how long. Colonel Wight then asked him what should be
done. General Parks told him 'he should take a company
of men, well armed, and go and disperse the mob wherever
1 This is probably an error. Others say he was in Tennessee.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 671
he should find any collected together, and take away their
arms:' Colonel Wight did so precisely, according to the
orders of General Parks. And my brother, Joseph Smith,
ST., made no words about it. And after Colonel Wight had
dispersed the mob and put a stop to their burning houses
belonging to the Mormon people and turning women and
children out of doors, which they had done up to that time
to the amount of eight or ten houses which were consumed
to ashes — after being cut short in their intended designs, the
mob started up a new plan. They went to work and moved
their families out of the county and set fire to their houses,
and not being able to incense the Mormons to commit crimes,
they had recourse to this stratagem to set their houses on
fire and send runners into all the counties adjacent, to
declare to the people that the Mormons had burnt up their
houses and destroyed their fields, and if the people would
not believe them, they would tell them to go and see if what
they had said was not true. Many people -came to see; they
saw the houses burning, and being filled with prejudice,
they could not be made to believe but that the Mormons set
them on fire. . . . And the houses that were burnt, together
with the preemption rights, and the corn in the fields, had
all been previously purchased by the Mormons of the peo-
ple, and paid for in money, and with wagons and horses, and
with other property, about two weeks before; but they had
not taken possession of the premises. But this wicked
transaction was for the purpose of clandestinely exciting the
minds of a prejudiced populace and the Executive, that they
might get an order, that they could the more easily carry
out their hellish purposes, in expulsion or extermination or
utter extinction of the Mormon people.
"After witnessing the distressed situation of the people in
Diahman, my brother, Joseph Smith, Sr., and myself
returned back to the city of Far West, and immediately dis-
patched a messenger with written documents to General
Atchison, stating the facts as they did then exist, praying
for assistance if possible, and requesting the editor of the
Far West to insert the same in his newspaper; but he utterly
refused to do so. We still believed that we should get
672 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
assistance from the Governor, and again petitioned him,
praying for assistance, setting forth our distressed situation;
and in the meantime the presiding judge of the county court
issued orders — upon affidavits made to him by the citizens -
to the sheriff of the county, to order out the militia of the
county to stand in constant readiness night and day to pre-
vent the citizens from being massacred, which fearful situa-
tion they were exposed to every moment.
"Everything was very portentous and alarming. Not-
withstanding all this, there was a ray of hope yet existing
in the minds of the people that the Governor would render
us assistance; and whilst the people were waiting anxiously
for deliverance— men, women, and children frightened, pray-
ing and weeping — we beheld at a distance, crossing the
prairies and approaching the town, a large army in military
array, brandishing their glittering swords in the sunshine,
and we could not but feel joyful for a moment, thinking that
probably the Governor had sent an armed force to our
relief, notwithstanding the awful forebodings that pervaded
our breasts. But to our great surprise, when the army
arrived they came up and formed a line in double file in one
half mile on the east of the city of Far West, and dis-
patched three messengers with a white flag to come to the
city. They were met by Captain Morey with a few other
individuals whose names I do not now recollect. I was
myself standing close by, and could very distinctly hear
every word they said.
"Being filled with anxiety, I rushed forward to the spot,
expecting to hear good news; but alas! and heart-thrilling to
every soul that heard them, they demanded three persons
to be brought out of the city before they should massacre
the rest. The names of the persons they demanded were
Adam Lightner, John Cleminson, and his wife. Immedi-
ately the three persons were brought forth to hold an inter-
view with the officers who had made the demand, and the
officers told them they had now a chance to save their lives,
for they calculated to destroy the people and lay the city in
ashes. They replied to the officers and said, 'If the people
must be destroyed, and the city burned to ashes, they would
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 673
remain in the city and die with them.' The officers imme-
diately returned, and the army retreated and encamped about
a mile and a half from the city. A messenger was immedi-
ately dispatched with a white flag from the colonel of the
militia of Far West, requesting an interview with General
Atchison and General Doniphan; but as the messenger ap-
proached the camp, he was shot at by Bogart, the Methodist
preacher. The name of the messenger was Charles C. Rich,
who is now Brigadier-General in the Nauvoo Legion. How-
ever, he gained permission to see General Doniphan; he also
requested an interview with General Atchison. General
Doniphan said that General Atchison had been dismounted
by a special order of the Governor a few miles back, and
had been sent back to Liberty, Clay County. He also stated
that the reason was that he (Atchison) was too merciful unto
the Mormons, and Boggs would not let him have the com-
mand, but had given it to General Lucas, who was from
Jackson County, and whose heart had become hardened by
his former acts of rapine and bloodshed, he being one of the
leaders in murdering, driving, plundering, and burning some
two or three hundred houses belonging to the Mormon peo-
ple in that county in the years 1833 and 1834.
"Mr. Rich requested General Doniphan8 to spare the peo-
ple, and not suffer them to be massacred until the next
morning, it then being evening. He coolly agreed that he
would not, and also said that 'he had not as yet received
the Governor's order, but expected it every hour, and
should not make any further move until he had received
it; but he would not make any promises so far as re-
garded Neil Gillium's army,' he having arrived a few minutes
previously, and joined the main body of the army; he
knowing well at what hour to form a junction with the
main body. Mr. Rich then returned to the city, giving
this information. The colonel immediately dispatched a
second messenger with a white flag, to request another inter-
view with General Doniphan, in order to touch his sympathy
and compassion, and if it were possible, for him to use his
best endeavors to preserve the lives of the people. On the
* We think this name should be Lucas.
874 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
return of this messenger we learned that several persons
had been killed by some of the soldiers who were under the
command of General Lucas. One Mr. Carey had his brains
knocked out by the breech of a gun, and he lay bleeding
several hours; but his family were not permitted to ap-
proach him, nor anyone else allowed to administer relief to
him whilst be lay upon the ground in the agonies of death.
Mr. Carey had just arrived in the country from the State of
Ohio, only a few hours previous to the arrival of the army.
He had a family, consisting of a wife and several small chil-
dren. He was buried by Lucius N. Scovil, who is now the
senior warden of the Nauvoo Lodge. Another man, of the
name of John Tanner, was knocked on the head at the same
time, and his skull laid bare the width of a man's hand, and
he lay, to all appearance, in the agonies of death for several
hours; but by the permission of General Doniphan his
friends brought him out of the camp, and with good nursing
he slowly recovered, and is now living. There was another
man whose name is Powell, who was beat on the head with
the breech of a gun until his skull was fractured and his
brains run out in two or three places. He is now alive and
resides in this county, but has lost the use of his senses.
Several persons of his family were also left for dead, but
have since recovered. These acts of barbarity were also
committed by the soldiers under the command of General
Lucas, previous to having received the Governors order of
extermination.
4 'It was on the evening of the 30th of October, according
to the best of my recollection, that the army arrived at Far
West, the sun about half an hour high. In a few moments
afterwards Cornelius Gillium arrived with his army, and
formed a junction. This Gillium had been stationed at
Hunter's Mills for about two months previous to that time,
committing depredations upon the inhabitants, capturing
men, women, and children, and carrying them off as pris-
oners, lacerating their bodies with hickory withes. The
army of 'Gillum' were painted like Indians; some of them
were more conspicuous than, were others, designated by red
spots, and he also was painted in a similar manner, with red
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 675
spots marked on his face, and styled himself 'the Delaware
chief.' They would whoop, and halloo, and yell as nearly
like Indians as they could, and continued to do so all that
night. In the morning early the colonel of militia sent a
messenger into the camp with a white flag, to have another
interview with General Doniphan. On his return he
informed us that the Governor's order had arrived. General
Doniphan said that 'the order of the Governor was, to
exterminate the Mormons by God, but he would be damned if
he obeyed that order; but General Lucas might do what he
pleased.' We immediately learned from General Doniphan
that 'the Governor's order that had arrived was only a copy
of the original, and that the original order was in the hands
of Major-General Clark, who was on his way to Far West
with an additional army of six thousand men.' Immediately
after this there came into the city a messenger from Haun's
Mill, bringing the intelligence of an awful massacre of the
people who were residing in that place, and that a force of
two or three hundred, detached from the main body of the
army, under the superior command of Colonel Ashley, but
under the immediate command of Captain Nehemiah Corn-
stock, who the day previous had promised them peace and
protection, but on receiving a copy of the Governor's order
'to exterminate or to expel from the hands of Colonel Ashley,
he returned upon them the following day and surprised and
massacred the whole population of the town, and then came
on to the town of Far West and entered into conjunction
with the main body of the army. The messenger informed
us that he himself with a few others fled into the thickets,
which preserved them from the massacre, and on the follow-
ing morning they returned and collected the dead bodies of
the people and cast them into a well; and there were up-
wards of twenty who were dead or mortally wounded, and
there are several of the wounded who are now living in this
city. One, of the name of Yocum, has lately had his leg
amputated in consequence of wounds he then received. He
had a ball shot through his head, which entered near his eye
and came out at the back part of his head, and another ball
passed through one of his arms.
676 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"The army, during all the while they had been encamped
in Par West, continued to lay waste fields of corn, making
hogs, sheep, and cattle common plunder, and shooting them
down for sport. One man shot a cow and took a strip of
her skin, the width of his hand, from her head to her tail
and tied it around a tree to slip his halter into, to tie his
horse to. The city was surrounded with a strong guard,
and no man, woman, or child was permitted to go oat or
come in, under the penalty of death. Many of the citizens
were shot in attempting to go out to obtain sustenance for
themselves and families. There was one field fenced in,
consisting of twelve hundred acres, mostly c ivered with
corn. It was entirely laid waste by the horses of the army,
and the next day after the arrival of the army, towards
evening, Colonel Hinkle came up from the camp, requesting
to see my brother Joseph, Parley P. Pratt, Sidney Rigdon,
Lyman Wight, and George W. Robinson, stating that the
officers of the army wanted a mutual consultation with those
men; also stating that Generals Doniphan, Lucas, Wilson,
and Graham, — however, General Graham is an honorable
exception, he did all he could to preserve the lives of the
people, contrary to the order of the Governor,— he (Hinkle)
assured them that these generals had pledged their sacred
honor that they should not be abused or insulted, but should
be guarded back in safety in the morning, or so soon as the
consultation was over. My brother Joseph replied that he
did not know what good he could do in any consultation, as
he was only a private individual; however, he said he was
always willing to do all the good he could and would obey
every law of the land, and then leave the event with God.
They immediately started with Colonel Hinkle to go down
into the camp. As they were going down about half way to
the camp they met General Lucas with a phalanx of men,
with a wing to the right and to the left and a four-pounder in
the center. They supposed he was coming with this strong
force to guard them into the camp in safety; but to their sur-
prise, when they came up to General Lucas he ordered his
men to surround them, and Hinkle stepped up to the General
and said, 'These are the prisoners I agreed to deliver up.'
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 677
General Lucas drew his sword and said, 'Gentlemen, you are
my prisoners;' and about that time the main army were on
their march to meet them. They came up in two divisions,
and opened to the right and left, and my brother and his
friends were marched down through their lines, with a
strong guard in front and a cannon in the rear, to the camp,
amidst the whoopings, hallooings, yellings, and shoutings
of the army, which was so horrid and terrific that it fright-
ened the inhabitants of the city.
"It is impossible to describe the feelings of horror and
distress of the people. After being thus betrayed they were
placed under a strong guard of thirty men, armed cap-a-pie,
which they relieved every two hours. There they were
compelled to lay on the cold ground that night, and were
told in plain language that they need never to expect their
liberties again. So far for their honors pledged. However,
this was as much as could be expected from a mob under the
garb of military and executive authority in the State of Mis-
souri. On the next day the soldiers were permitted to
patrol the streets, to abuse and insult the people at their
leisure, and enter into houses and pillage them, and ravish
the women, taking away every gun and every other kind of
arms or military implements; and about twelve o'clock on
that day Colonel Hinkle came to my house with an armed
force, opened the door and called me out of doors, and
delivered me up as a prisoner unto that force. They sur-
rounded me and commanded me to march into the camp. I
told them that I could not go: my family were sick, and I
was sick myself, and could not leave home. They said they
did not care for that— I must and should go. I asked when
they would permit me to return. They made me no answer,
but forced me along with the point of the bayonet into the
camp, and put me under the same guard with my brother
Joseph; and within about half an hour afterwards Amasa
Lyman was also brought and placed under the same guard.
There we were compelled to stay all that night, and lie on
the ground; but along sometime in the same night Colonel
Hinkle came to me and told me that he had been pleading
my case before the court-martial, but he was afraid he should
678 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
not succeed. He said there was a court-martial then in ses-
sion, consisting of thirteen or fourteen officers, Circuit
Judge A. A. King, and Mr. Birch, district attorney; also
Sashiel Woods, Presbyterian priest, and about twenty other
priests of the different religious denominations in that coun-
try. He said they were determined to shoot us on the next
morning in the public square in Far West. I made him no
reply.
"On the next morning about sunrise General Doniphan
ordered his brigade to take up the line of march and leave
the camp. He came to us where we were under guard, to
shake hands with us, and bid us farewell. His first saluta-
tion was, 'By God, you have been sentenced by the court-
martial to be shot this morning; but I will be damned if I
will have any of the honor of it, or any of the disgrace of it;
therefore I have ordered my brigade to take up the line of
march and to leave the camp, for I consider it to be cold-
blooded murder, and I bid you farewell;' and he went away.
This movement of General Doniphan made considerable
excitement in the army, and there was considerable whis-
perings amongst the officers. We listened very atten-
tively, and frequently heard it mentioned by the guard that
the damned Mormons would not be shot this time. In a few
moments the guard was relieved with a new set; one of those
new guards said that the damned Mormons would not be
shot this time, for the movement of General Doniphan had
frustrated the whole plan, and that the officers had called
another court-martial, and had ordered us to be taken to
Jackson County, and there to be executed; and in a few
moments two large wagons drove up and we were ordered to
get into them, and while we were getting Into them, there
came up four or five men armed with guns, who drew up and
snapped their guns at us, in order to kill us. Some flashed
in the pan, and others only snapped, but none of their guns
went off. They were immediately arrested by several
officers and their guns taken from them, and the drivers
drove off.
"We requested of General Lucas to let us go to our
houses and get some clothing. In order to do this we had to
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 679
be driven up into the city. It was with much difficulty that
we could get his permission to go and see our families and
get some clothing; but after considerable consultation we
were permitted to go under a strong guard of five or six men
to each of us, and we were not permitted to speak to any one
of our families, under the pain of death. The guard that
went with me ordered my wife to get me some clothes im
mediately, within two minutes, and if she did not do it I
should go off without them. I was obliged to submit to their
yrannical orders, however painful it was, with my wife and
tchildren clinging to my arms and to the skirts of my gar-
ments, and was not permitted to utter to them a word of con-
solation, and in a moment was hurried away from them at
the point of the bayonet. We were hurried back to the
wagons and ordered into them, all in about the same space
of time. In the meanwhile our father, and mother, and sis
ters, had forced their way to the wagons to get permission to
see us, but were forbidden to speak to us; and they immedi-
ately drove off for Jackson County.
"We traveled about twelve miles that evening, and en
camped for the night. The same strong guard was kepi
around us, and were relieved every two hours, and we were
permitted to sleep on the ground. The nights were then
oold, with considerable snow on the ground, and for the
want of covering and clothing we suffered extremely with
the cold. That night was a commencement of a fit of sick
ness from which 1 have not wholly recovered unto this day,
in consequence of my exposure to the inclemency of the
weather. Our provision was fresh beef roasted in the
fire on a stick, the army having no bread in consequence of
the want of mills to grind the grain. In the morning at the
dawn of day we were forced on our journey, and were ex-
hibited to the inhabitants along the road, the same as they
exhibit a caravan of elephants or camels. We were ex.
amined from head to foot, by men, women, and children;
only I believe they did not make us open our mouths to look
at our teeth. This treatment was continued incessantly,
until we arrived at Independence, in Jackson County. After
our arrival at Independence we were driven all through the
680 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
town for inspection, and then we were ordered into an old
\og house, and there kept under guard as usual, until sup-
per, which was served up to us as we sat upon the floor, or
on billets of wood, and we were compelled to stay in that
house all that night and the next day.
"They continued to exhibit us to the public, by letting the
people come in and examine us, and then go away and gke
place for others, alternately all that day and the next night;
but on the morning of the following day we were all per-
mitted to go to the tavern to eat and to sleep; but afterward
they made us pay our own expenses for board, lodging, and
attendance, and for which they made a most exhorbitant
charge. We remained in the tavern about two days and two
nights, when an officer arrived with authority from General
Clark, to take us back to Richmond, Ray County, where the
General had arrived with his army to await our arrival there;
but on the morning of our start for Richmond, we were in-
formed by General Wilson that it was expected by the sol-
diers that we would be hung up by the necks on the road,
while on the march to that place, and that it was prevented
by a demand made for us by General Clark, who had the
command in consequence of seniority, and that it was his
prerogative to execute us himself; and he should give us up
into the hands of the officer, who would take us to General
Clark, and he might do with us as he pleased.
"During our stay at Independence, the officers informed
us that there were eight or ten horses in that place belong-
ing to the Mormon people, which had been stolen by the sol-
diers, and that we might have two of them to ride upon, if
we would cause them to be sent back to the owners after our
arrival at Richmond. We accepted of them, and they were
rode to Richmond, and the owners came there and got them.
"We started in the morning under our new officer, Colonel
Price, of Keytsville, Chariton County, with several other
men to guard us over. We arrived there on Friday evening,
the 9th day of November, and were thrust into an old log
house, with a strong guard placed over us. After we had
been there for the space of half an hour there came in a man
who was said to have some notoriety in the penitentiary,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 681
bringing in his hands a quantity of chains and padlocks.
He said he was commanded by General Clark to put us in
chains. Immediately the soldiers rose up and pointing their
guns at us, placed their thumb on the cock, and their finger
on the trigger; and the State's prison keeper went to work,
putting a chain around the leg of each man, and fastening
it on with a padlock, until we were all chained together,
seven of us.
"In a few moments came in General Clark. We requested
to know of him what was the cause of all this harsh and
cruel treatment. He refused to give us any information at
that time, but said he would in a few days; so we were com-
pelled to continue in that situation, camping on the floor, all
chained together, without any chance or means to be made
comfortable, having to eat our victuals as it was served up
to us, using our fingers and teeth instead of knives and
forks.
"Whilst we were in this situation, a young man of the
name of Grant, brother-in-law to my brother William Smith,
came to see us, and put up at the tavern where General Clark
made his quarters. He happened to come in time to see
General Clark make choice of his men to shoot us on Mon-
day morning, the 12th day of November. He saw them
make choice of their rifles, and load them with two balls in
each, and after they had prepared their guns, General Clark
saluted them by saying, 'Gentlemen, you shall have the honor
of shooting the Mormon leaders on Monday morning at eight
o'clockl' But in consequence of the influence of our friends,
the heathen General was intimidated, so that he durst not
carry his murderous designs into execution, and sent a mes-
senger immediately to Fort Leavenworth to obtain the
military code of laws. After the messenger's return, the
General was employed nearly a whole week, examining the
laws; so Monday passed away without our being shot. How-
ever, it seemed like foolishness to me for so great a man as
General Clark pretended to be, should have to search the
military law to find out whether preachers of the gospel,
who never did military duty, could be subject to court-
martial. However, the General seemed to learn that fact
682 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
after searching the military code, and came into the old log
cabin where we were under guard, and in chains, and told
us he had concluded to deliver us over to the civil authori-
ties, as persons guilty of treason, murder, arson, larceny,
theft, and stealing. The poor deluded General did not know
the difference between theft, larceny, and stealing.
"Accordingly we were handed over to the pretended civil
authorities, and the next morning our chains were taken off,
and we were guarded to the courthouse, where there was a
pretended court in session; Austin A. King being the judge,
and Mr. Birch, the district attorney, the two extremely and
very honorable gentlemen who sat on the court-martial when
we were sentenced to be shot. Witnesses were called up and
sworn at the point of the bayonet, and if they would not
swear to the things they were told to do, they were threat-
ened with instant death; and I do know, positively, that the
evidence given in by those men, whilst under duress, was
false. This state of things was continued twelve or fourteen
days, and after that time we were ordered by the Judge to
introduce some rebutting evidence, saying if we did not do
it, we would be thrust into prison. I could hardly under-
stand what the Judge meant, for I considered we were in
prison already, and could not think of anything but the per-
secutions of the days of Nero, knowing that it was a reli-
gious persecution, and the court an inquisition. However, we
gave him the names of forty persons who were acquainted
with all the persecutions and sufferings of the people. The
Judge made out a subpoena, and inserted the names of those
men, and caused it to be placed in the hands of Bogart, the
notorious Methodist minister, and he took fifty armed sol-
diers and started for Far West. I saw the subpoena given
to him and his company when they started.
"In the course of a few days they returned with most all
those forty men whose names were inserted in the subpoena,
and thrust them into jail, and we were not permitted to bring
one of them before the court; but the judge turned upon us
with an air of indignation and said, 'Gentlemen, you must
get your witnesses or you shall be committed to jail imme-
diately; for we are not going to hold the court open on ex-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 683
pense much longer for you anyhow.' We felt very much
distressed and oppressed at that time. Colonel Wight said,
'What shall we do? Our witnesses are all thrust into prison,
and probably will be, and we have no power to do anything;
of course we must submit to this tyranny and oppression;
we cannot help ourselves.' Several others made similar ex-
pressions in the agony of their souls; but my brother Joseph
did not say anything, he being sick at that time with the
toothache and ague in his face, in consequence of a severe
cold brought on by being exposed to the severity of the
weather. However, it was considered best by General Doni-
phan and Lawyer Reese that we should try to get some wit-
nesses before the pretended court; accordingly I myself gave
the names of about twenty other persons. The judge
inserted them in a subpoena and caused it to be placed in
the hands of Bogart, the Methodist priest, and he again
started off with his fifty soldiers to take those men prisoners,
as he had done to the forty others. The judge sat and
laughed at the good opportunity of getting the names, that
they might the more easily capture them, and so bring them
down to be thrust into prison, in order to prevent us from
getting the truth before the pretended court, of which him-
self was the chief inquisitor or conspirator. Bogart returned
from his second expedition with one prisoner only, whom he
also thrust into prison.
"The people at Far West had learned the intrigue and had
left the State, having been made acquainted with the treat-
ment of the former witnesses. But we, on learning that we
could not obtain witnesses, whilst privately consulting with
each other what we should do, discovered a Mr. Allen stand-
ing by the window on the outside of the house. We beck-
oned to him as though we would have him come in. He
immediately came in. At that time Judge King retorted
upon us again, saying, 'Gentlemen, are you not going to in-
troduce some witnesses?' Also saying it was the last day
he should hold the court open for us, and if we did not rebut
the testimony that had been given against us, he should
have to commit us to jail. I had then got Mr. Allen into the
house, and before the court, so-called. I told the judge w
684 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
had one witness, if he would be so good as to put him under
oath. He seemed unwilling to do so; but after a few mo-
ments consultation, the State's attorney arose and said he
should object to that witness being sworn, and that he should
object to that witness giving in his evidence at all, stating
that this was not a court to try the case, but only a court of
investigation on the part of the State. Upon this General
Doniphan arose and said 'he would be God damned if the
witness should not be sworn, and that it was a damned
shame that these defendants should be treated in this man-
ner; that they could not be permitted to get one witness be-
fore the court, whilst all their witnesses, even forty at a
time, have been taken by force of arms, and thrust into the
"bull pen" in order to prevent them from giving their testi-
mony.' After Doniphan sat down the judge permitted the
witness to be sworn and enter upon his testimony. But so
soon as he began to speak, a man by the name of Cook, who
was a brother-in-law to Priest Bogart, the Methodist, and
who was a lieutenant, and whose place at that time was to
superintend the guard, stepped in before the pretended court
and took him by the nape of his neck and jammed his head
down under the pole or log of wood that was placed up
around the place where the inquisition was sitting to keep
the bystanders from intruding upon the majesty of the in-
quisitors, and jammed him along to the door, and kicked him
out of doors. He instantly turned to some soldiers who were
standing by him, and said to them, 'Go and shoot him, damn
him, shoot him, damn him.'
"The soldiers ran after the man to shoot him; he fled for
his life, and with great difficulty made his escape. The pre-
tended court immediately arose, and we were ordered to be
carried to Liberty, Clay County, and there to be thrust into
jail. We endeavored to find out for what cause, but all that
we could learn was because we were Mormons. The next
morning a large wagon drove up to the door, and a black-
smith came into the house with some chains and handcuffs.
He said his orders were from the judge, to handcuff us and
chain us together. He informed us that the judge had made
out a mittimus, and sentenced us to jail for treason; he also
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 685
said the judge had done this that we might not get bail; he
also said the judge stated his intention to keep us in jail
until all the Mormons were driven out of the State; he also
said that the judge had further stated that if he let us out
before the Mormons had left the State, that we would not
let them leave, and there would be another damned fuss
kicked up. I also heard the judge say myself, Vvhilst he
was sitting in his pretended court, that there was no law for
us, nor the Mormons, in the State of Missouri; that he had
sworn to see them exterminated, and to see the Governor's
order executed to the very letter, and that he would do so.
"However, the blacksmith proceeded and put the irons
upon us, and we were ordered into the wagon, and they
drove off for Clay County, and as we journeyed along on the
road we were exhibited to the inhabitants, and this course
was adopted all the way, thus making a public exhibition of
us until we arrived at Liberty, Clay County. There we
were thrust into prison again, and locked up; and were held
there in close confinement for the space of six months, and
our place of lodging was the square side of a hewed white
oak log, and our food was anything but good and decent.
Poison was administered to us three or four times. The
effect it had upon our system, was, that it vomited us almost
to death, and then we would lay some two or three days in a
torpid, stupid state, not even caring or wishing for life; the
poison being administered in too large doses, or it would
inevitably have proved fatal, had not the power of Jehovah
interposed in our behalf to save us from their wicked pur-
pose. We were also subjected to the necessity of eating
human flesh, for the space of five days, or go without food,
except a little coffee, or a little corn bread. The latter I
chose in preference to the former. We none of us partook
of the flesh except Lyman Wight. We also heard the guard
which was placed over us making sport of us, saying that
they had fed us upon 'Mormon beef.' I have described the
appearance of this flesh to several experienced physicians,
and they have decided that it was human flesh. We learned
afterwards, by one of the guard, that it was supposed that
that act of savage cannibalism in feeding us with human
686 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
flesh, would be considered a popular deed of notoriety; but
the people on learning that it would not take, tried to keep it
secret; but the fact was noised abroad before they took that
precaution.
"Whilst we were incarcerated in prison we petitioned the
Supreme Court of the State of Missouri for habeas corpus,
twice, but were refused both times by Judge Reynolds, who
is now the Governor of that State. We also petitioned one
of the county judges for a writ of habeas corpus, which was
granted in about three weeks afterwards; but were not per-
mitted to have any trial; we were only taken out of jail and
kept out for a few hours and then remanded back again. In
the course of three or four days after that time Judge Turn-
ham came into the jail in the evening, and said he had per-
mitted Mr. Rigdon to get bail; but said he had to do it in the
night, and had also to get away in the night, and unknown
to any of the citizens, or they would kill him, for they had
sworn to kill him if they could find him; and as to the rest
of us, he dared not let us go, for fear of his own life, as well
as ours. He said it was damned hard to be confined under
such circumstances, for he knew we were innocent men, and
he said the people also knew it; and that it was only a per-
secution and treachery, and the scenes of Jackson County
acted over again, for fear that we would become too numerous
in that upper country. He said the plan was concocted from
the Governor down to the lowest judge, and that that
damned Baptist priest, Riley, who was riding into town
every day to watch the people, stirring up the minds of the
people against us all he could, exciting them and stirring up
their religious prejudices against us, for fear they would let
us go. Mr. Rigdon, however, got bail and made his escape
to Illinois. The jailor, Samuel Tillery, Esq., told us also,
that the whole plan was concocted by the Governor down to
the lowest judge in that upper country, early in the previous
spring, and that the plan was more fully carried out at the
time that General Atchison went down to Jefferson City,
with General Wilson, Lucas, and Gillium, the self-styled
•Delaware chief.' This was sometime in the month of Sep-
tember, when the mob were collected at De Witt, in Carroll
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 687
County. He also told us that the Governor was now
ashamed enough of the whole transaction and would be glad
to set us at liberty if he dared to do it; but said he, you need
not be concerned, for the Governor has laid a plan for your
release. He also said that Squire Birch, the State's at-
torney, was appointed to be circuit judge on the circuit
passing through Daviess County, and that he (Birch) was
instructed to fix the papers, so that we would be sure to be
clear from any incumbrance, in a very short time.
"Sometime in April we were taken to Daviess County, as
they said, to have a trial; but when we arrived at that place,
instead of finding a court or a jury, we found another inqui-
sition, and Birch, who was the district attorney, the same
man who was one of the court-martial when we were sen-
tenced to death, was now the circuit judge of that pre-
tended court;3 and the grand jury that was empanelled
were all at the massacre at Haun's Mill, and lively actors
in that awful, solemn, disgraceful, cool-blooded murder,
and all the pretense they made of excuse was, they had
done it because the Governor ordered them to do it. The
same jury sat as a jury in the daytime, and were placed
over us as a guard in the nighttime; they tantalized and
boasted over us, of their great achievements at Haun's Mills,
and at other places, telling us how many houses they had
burned, and how many sheep, cattle, and hogs they had
driven off, belonging to the Mormons, and how many rapes
they had committed. . . . This grand jury constantly cele-
brated their achievements with grog and glass in hand,
like the Indian warriors and their war dances, singing and
telling each other of their exploits in murdering the Mor-
mons, in plundering their houses and carrying off their
property; at the end of every song thay would bring in the
chorus. [We omit this chorus, as it is too profane for inser-
tion.—Historian.] Then they would pretend to have
swooned away into a glorious trance, in order to imitate
some of the transactions at camp meetings. Then they
would pretend to come out of their trance, and would shout
» Austin A. King was presiding judge, but Judge Birch was circuit
judge and was probably associated with King on this trial.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
and again slap their hands and jump up, while one would
take a bottle of whisky and a tumbler and turn it out full of
whisky and pour it down each other's necks, crying, 'Damn
it, take it, you must take it;' and if anyone refused to drink
the whisky, others would clinch him whilst another poured it
down his neck, and what did not go down the inside went
down the outside. This is a part of the farce acted out by
the grand jury of Daviess County whilst they stood over us
as guards for ten nights successively; and all this in the
presence of the great Judge Birch, who had previously said
in our hearing that there was no law for the Mormons in the
State of Missouri. His brother was then acting as district
attorney in that circuit, and if anything was a greater canni-
bal than the judge.
"After all these ten days of drunkenness, we were
informed that we were indicted for treason, murder, arson,
larceny, theft, and stealing. We asked for a change of venue
from that county to Marion County, but they would not
grant it; but they gave us a change of venue from Daviess
to Boone County, and a mittimus was made out by the pre-
tended Judge Birch, without date, name, or place. They
fitted us out with a two-horse wagon, and horses, and four-
men, besides the sheriff, to be our guard; there were five of
us. We started from Gallatin, the sun about two hours
high p. m., and went as far as Diahman that evening and
staid till morning. There we bought two horses of the
guard and paid for one of them in our clothing, which we
had with us, and for the other we gave our note. We went
down that day as far as Judge Morin's, a distance of some
four or five miles. There we staid until the morning, when
we started on our journey to Boone County, and traveled on
the road about twenty miles distance. There we bought a
jug of whisky, with which we treated the company, and
while there the sheriff showed us the mittimus, before
referred to, without date or signature, and said that Judge
Birch told him never to carry us to Boone County, and never
to show the mittimus; 'and' said he, 'I shall take a good drink
of grog and go to bed; and you may do as you have a mind
to.' Three others of the guard drank pretty freely of
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 689
whisky, sweetened with honey; they also went to bed, and
were soon asleep, and the other guard went along with us
and helped to saddle the horses. Two of us mounted the
horses, and the other three started on foot, and we took our
change of venue for the State of Illinois, and in the course
of nine or ten days arrived safely at Quincy, Adams County,
where we found our families in a state of poverty, although
in good health; they having been driven out of the State
previously, by the murderous militia, under the exterminat-
ing order of the Executive of Missouri; and now, the people
of that State, a portion of them, would be glad to make the
people of this State believe that my brother Joseph has com-
mitted treason, for the purpose of keeping up their murder-
ous and hellish persecution; and they seem to be unrelenting,
and thirsting for the blood of innocence, for I do know most
positively that my brother Joseph has not committed trea-
son, nor violated one solitary item of law or rule in the State
of Missouri.
"But I do know that the Mormon people en masse were
driven out of that State, after being robbed of all they had,
and they barely escaped with their lives, as well as my
brother Joseph, who barely escaped with his life; his family
also was robbed of all they had, and barely escaped with the
skin of their teeth; and all of this in consequence of the
exterminating order of Governor Boggs, the same being
confirmed by the legislature of that State. And I do know —
so does this court, and every rational man who is acquainted
with the circumstances, and every man who shall hereafter
become acquainted with the particulars thereof will know —
that Governor Boggs and Generals Clark, Lucas, Wilson,
and Gillium, also Austin A. King, have committed treason
upon the citizens of Missouri, and did violate the Constitu-
tion of the United States, and also the constitution and laws
of the State of Missouri; and did exile and expel, at the
point of the bayonet, some twelve or fourteen thousand
inhabitants from the State, and did murder some three or
four hundreds of men, women, and children, in cold blood,
and in the most horrid and cruel manner possible. . . .
"But notwithstanding the Mormon people had purchased
690 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
upwards of two hundred thousand dollars worth of land, most
of which was entered and paid for at the land office of the
United States in the State of Missouri— and although
the President of the United States has been made
acquainted with these facts, and the particulars of
our persecutions and oppressions, by petition to him,
and to Congress, yet they have not even attempted
to restore the Mormons to their rights, or given any
assurance that we may hereafter expect redress from
them. And I do also know, most positively and assuredly,
that my brother, Joseph Smith, Sr., has not been in the
State of Missouri since the spring of the year 1839. And
further this deponent saith not.
"HYKTTM SMITH."
Parley P. Pratt was the next witness. He was an eye wit-
ness to much related by Hyrum Smith. He related in detail
the difficulties leading up to the attack on Par West, their
imprisonment and mock trial. On all important points his
testimony was strongly corroborative of Hyrum Smith's.
"George W. Pitkin sworn. Says that he concurs with the
preceding witnesses, H. Smith and P. P. Pratt, in all the
facts with which he is acquainted; that in the summer of
1838 he was elected sheriff of the county of Caldwell and
State of Missouri; that in the fall of the same year, while
the county was threatened and infested with mobs, he
received an order from Judge Higbee, the presiding judge of
said county, to call out the militia, and he executed the
same. The said order was presented by Joseph Smith, Sr.,
who showed the witness a letter from General Atchison giv-
ing such advice as was necessary for the protection of the
citizens of said county. Reports of the mobs destroying
property were daily received. Has no knowledge that Jo-
seph Smith was concerned in organizing or commanding
said militia in any capacity whatever. About this time he
received information that about forty or fifty 'Yauger rifles'
and a quantity of ammunition were being conveyed through
Caldwell to Daviess County for the use of the mob; upon
which he deputized William Allred to go with a company of
men and to intercept them if possible. He did so, and
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 691
brought the said arms and ammunition into Far West, which
were afterwards delivered up to the order of Austin A. King,
judge of the fifth circuit in Missouri. . . .
"He further says that whilst in office as sheriff he was
forcibly and illegally compelled by Lieutenant Cook, the
son-in-law or brother-in-law of Bogart, the Methodist priest,
to start for Richmond; and when he demanded of him by
what authority he acted, he was shown a bowie knife and a
brace of pistols; and when he asked what they wanted of
him, he said they would let him know when he got to Rich-
mond. Many of the citizens of Caldwell County were taken
in the same manner without any legal process whatever and
thrust into prison.
"GEORGE W. PITKHT."
Brigham Young was the next witness. He testified to a
long and intimate acquaintance with Joseph Smith, and of
his good character, and moral teachings. He related the
events at Far West substantially as given by Hyrum Smith,
and as set forth in this history.
Lyman Wight was the next witness. He related in detail
the difficulties in Jackson County, corroborated the testi-
mony of Hyrum Smith and others, and gave some other par-
ticulars, from which we make the following extracts: —
"This so exasperated the saints that they mutually agreed
with the citizens of Clay County that they would purchase
an entire new county north of Ray and cornering on Clay ;
there being not more than forty or fifty inhabitants in this
new county, who frankly sold out their possessions to the
saints, who immediately set in to enter the entire county
from the general government. The county having been
settled, the Governor issued an order for the organization of
the county into a regiment of militia; and an election being
called for a colonel of said regiment, I was elected unani-
mously, receiving two hundred and thirty-six votes, in Au-
gust, 1837. Then organized with subaltern officers, according
to the Statutes of the State, and received legal and lawful
commissions from Governor Boggs for the same.
"I think sometime in the latter part of the winter said
Joseph Smith moved to the district of country the saints had
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
purchased, and he settled down like other citizens of a new
county, and was appointed the first elder in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding no office in the
county either civil or military. I declare that I never knew
said Joseph Smith to dictate by his influence or otherwise
any of the officers, either civil or military, he himself being
exempt from military duty from the amputation from his leg
of a part of the bone on account of a fever sore.
"I removed from Caldwell to Daviess County, purchased
a preemption right, for which I gave seven hundred and fifty
dollars, gained another by the side thereof, put in a large
crop, and became acquainted with the citizens of Daviess,
who appeared very friendly. In the month of June or July
there was a town laid off, partly on my preemption, and
partly on lands belonging to government. The emigration
commenced flowing to this newly laid off town very rapidly.
This excited a prejudice in the minds of some of the old citi-
zens, who were an ignorant set, and not very far advanced
before the aborigines of the country in civilization or culti-
vated minds, fearing lest this rapid tide of emigration should
deprive them of office, of which they were dear lovers. This
was more plainly exhibited at the August election in the
year 1838. The old settlers then swore that not one Mormon
should vote at that election; accordingly they commenced
operations by fist and skull. This terminated in the loss of
some teeth, some flesh, and some blood. The combat being
very strongly contested on both sides, many Mormons were
deprived of their votes, and I was followed to the polls by
three ruffians with stones in their hands, swearing they
would kill me if I voted.
"A false rumor was immediately sent to Par West, such
as two or three Mormons were killed and were not suffered
to be buried. The next day a considerable number of the
saints came out to my house; said Joseph Smith came with
them. He inquired of me concerning the difficulty. The
answer was, political difficulties. He then asked if there
was anything serious. The answer was, 'No, I think not.'
We then all mounted our horses and rode up into the prairie
a short distance from my house to a cool spring near the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 693
house of Esq. Black where the greater number stopped for
refreshment, whilst a few waited on Esq. Black. He was
interrogated to know whether he justified the course of con-
duct at the late election or not. He said he did not, and
was willing to give his protest in writing, which he did, and
also desired that there should be a public meeting called,
which I think was done on the next day. Said Joseph
Smith was not addressed on the subject, but I was, who, in
behalf of the saints, entered into an agreement with the
other citizens of the county that we would live in peace,
enjoying those blessings fought for by our forefathers; but
while some of their leading men were entering into this
contract, others were raising mobs, and in a short time the
mob increased to two hundred and five, rank and file, and
they encamped within six miles of Ondiahman.
"In the meantime Joseph Smith and those who came with
him from Far West returned to their homes in peace, sus-
pecting nothing; but I. seeing the rage of the mob and their
full determination to drive the church from Daviess County,
sent to General Atchison, Major- General of the division in
which we lived. He immediately sent Brigadier -General
Doniphan, with between two hundred and three hundred men.
General Doniphan moved his troops near the mob force, and
came up and conversed with me on the subject. After con-
versing some time on the subject, Major Hughes came and
informed General Doniphan that his men were mutinizing,
and the mob were determined to fall on the saints in Ondiah-
man. I having a colonel's commission under Doniphan, was
commanded to call out my troops forthwith, and to use Doni-
phan's own language 'kill every . . mobocrat or make them
prisoners, and if they come upon you give them hell.' He
then returned to his troops and gave them an address, stating
the interview he had with me; and he also said to the mob that
if they were so disposed they could go on with their meas-
ures that he considered that Colonel Wight with the militia
under his command all-sufficient to quell every . . . mobo-
crat in the county, and if they did not feel disposed so to do,
to go home or . . be would kill every one of them. The
mob then dispersed.
694 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"During these movements Joseph Smith nor any of those
of Far West or any other place were not at Ondiahman, only
those who were settlers and legal citizens of the place. The
mob again assembled and went to De Witt, Carroll County,
there being a small branch of the church at that place; but
of the transactions at this place I have no personal knowl-
edge. They succeeded in driving the church from that
place, some to the east and some to the west, etc. This
increased their ardor, and with redoubled forces from sev-
eral counties of the State they returned to Daviess County
to renew the attack. Many wanton attacks and violations
of the rights of citizens took place at this time from the
hands of this hellish band. I, believing forbearance no
longer to be a virtue, again sent to the Major- General for
military aid, who ordered out Brigadier- General Parks.
Parks came part of the way, but fearing his men would
mutinize and join the mob, he came on ahead and con-
versed with me a considerable time. The night previous
to his arrival the wife of Don Carlos Smith was driven
from her house by this ruthless mob, and came into
Ondiahman, a distance of three miles, carrying two children
OD her hips, one of which was then rising of two years old,
the other six or eight months old; the snow being over shoe-
mouth deep, and she having to wade Grand River, which
was at this time waist deep, and the mob burnt the house
and everything they had in it; and General Parks, passing
the ruins thereof, seemed fired with indignation at their
hellish conduct, and said he had hitherto thought it impru-
dent to call upon the militia under my command in conse-
quence of popular opinion, but he now considered it no more
than justice that I should have command of my own troops,
and said to me, 'I therefore command you forthwith to raise
your companies immediately and take such course as you
may deem best in order to disperse the mob from this
county.' I then called out sixty men and placed them
under the command of Captain David W. Patten, and I also
took about the same number. Captain Patten was ordered
to Gallatin, where a party of the mob were located, and I to
Millport, where another party was located. I and Captain
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 695
Patten formed the troops under our command, and General
Parks addressed them as follows: . . . [Here follows the
speech of General Parks as found in this volume, page 115.]
"Captain Patten then went to Gallatin, when coming in
sight of Gallatin, he discovered about one hundred of the
mob holding some of the saints in bondage, and tantalizing
others in the most scandalous manner. At the sight of Cap-
tain Patten and company the mob took fright, and such was
their hurry to get away, some cut their bridle reins, and
some pulled the bridles from their horses' heads and went
off with all speed, nothing to prevent the speed of their
horses.
*'I went to Millport and on my way discovered that the
inhabitants had become enraged at the orders of the Gen-
erals Doniphan and Parks, and that they had sworn venge-
ance, not only against the church, but also against the two
Generals, together with General Atchison, and to carry out
their plans they entered into one of the most diabolical
schemes ever entered into by man, and these hellish schemes
were injuriously carried out: Firstly, by loading their fami-
lies and goods in covered wagons, setting fire to their
houses, moving into the midst of the mob and crying out,
'The Mormons had driven us and burnt our houses.'
"In this situation I found the country between my house
and Millport, and also found Millport evacuated and burned.
Rumors were immediately sent to the Governor, with the
news that the Mormons were killing and burning everything
before them, and that great fears were entertained that they
would reach Jefferson City before the runners could bring
the news. This was not known by the Church of Latter Day
Saints, until twenty-two hundred of the militia had arrived
within half a mile of Far West, and they then supposed the
militia to be a mob. I was sent for from Ondiahman to Far
West; reached there the sun about one hour high in the
morning of the 29th of October, 1838; called upon Joseph
Smith, inquired the cause of the great uproar. He declared
he did not know, but feared the mob had increased their
numbers and was endeavoring to destroy us. I inquired of
him if he had had any conversation with anyone concerning
696 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
the matter. He said he had not, as he was only a private
citizen of the county; that he did not interfere with any such
matters. I think that he told me there had been an order
from General Atchison or Doniphan, one to the sheriff to
call out the militia in order to quell the riots, and to go to
him; he could give me any information on this subject. On
inquiring for him I found him not. That between three and
four o'clock p. m., George M. Hinkle, colonel of the militia
in that place, called on me in company with Joseph Smith,
and said Hinkle said he had been in the camp in order to
learn the intention of the same, he said they greatly desired
to see Joseph Smith, Lyman Wight, Sidney Rigdon, P. P.
Pratt, and George W. Robinson. Joseph Smith first in-
quired why they should desire to see him, as he held no
office, either civil or military. I next inquired why it was
they should desire to see a man out of his own county.
Colonel Hinkle here observed, 'There is no time for contro-
versy; if you are not into the camp immediately they are de-
termined to come upon Far West before the setting of the
sun;' and said they did not consider us as military bodies,
but religious bodies. . ." [His testimony of scenes follow-
ing agrees with what is elsewhere related in this work.]
Sidney Rigdon was the next witness. He agreed with
statements made by other witnesses, and gave a detailed
account of the disturbances at De Witt and Far West.
He also gave the following account of the causes for call-
ing out the militia of Caldwell, and an exposition of the
laws governing in the case: —
"General Doniphan came to Far West, and while there
recommended to the authorities of Caldwell to have the
militia of said county called out as a necessary measure of
defense; assuring us that Gillium had a large mob on the
Grindstone, and his object was to make a descent upon Far
West, burn the town and kill or disperse the inhabitants;
and that it was very necessary that an effective force should
be ready to oppose him, or he would accomplish his object.
"The militia was accordingly called out. He also said
that there had better be a strong force sent to Daviess
County to guard the citizens there. He recommended that
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 697
to avoid any difficulties which might arise they had better
go in very small parties, without arms, so that no legal
advantage could be taken of them. I will here give a short
account of the courts and internal affairs of Missouri, for the
information of those who are not acquainted with the same.
"Missouri has three courts of law peculiar to that State:
the supreme court, the circuit court, and the county court.
The two former, about the same as in many other States of
the Union. The county court is composed of three judges,
elected by the people of the respective counties. This court
is in some respects like the court of probate in Illinois, or
the surrogate's court of New York; but the powers of this
court are more extensive than the courts of Illinois or New
York. The judges, or any one of them, of the county court
of Missouri, has the power of issuing habeas corpus in all
cases where arrests are made within the county where they
preside. They have also all the power of justices of the
peace in civil as well as criminal cases; for instance, a war-
rant may be obtained from one of these judges, by affidavit,
and a person arrested under such warrant. Prom another
of these judges a habeas corpus may issue, and the person
arrested be ordered before him, and the character of the
arrest be inquired into; and if in the opinion of the judge
the person ought not to be holden by virtue of said process,
he has power to discharge him.
"In the internal regulation of the affairs of Missouri the
counties in some respects are nearly as independent of each
other as the several States of the Union. No considerable
number of men armed can pass out of one county into or
through another county, without first obtaining the permis-
sion of the judges of the county eourt, or some one of them,
otherwise they are liable io be arrested by the order of said
judges; and if in their judgment they ought not thus to pass,
they are ordered back from whence they came; and in case
of refusal, are subject to be arrested or even shot down in
case of resistance. The judges of the county court or any
one of them, have the power to call out the militia of said
county upon affidavit being made to them for that purpose,
by any of the citizens of said county; showing it just, in the
698 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
judgment of such judge or judges, why said militia should
be called out to defend any portion of the citizens of said
county. The following is the course of procedure: Affidavit
is made before one or any number of the judges, setting
forth that the citizens of said county, or any particular por-
tion of them, is either invaded or threatened with invasion
by some unlawful assembly whereby their liberties, lives, or
property may be unlawfully taken. When such affidavit is
made to any one of the judges or all of them, it is the duty
of him or them before whom such affidavit is made, to issue
an order to the sheriff of the county to make requisition
upon the commanding officer of the militia of said county to
have immediately put under military order such a portion of
the militia under his command as may be necessary for the
defense of the citizens of said county.
"In this way the militia of any county may be called out
at any time deemed necessary by the county judges, inde-
pendently of any other civil authority of the State.
"In case that the militia of the county is insufficient to
quell the rioters, and secure the citizens against the invaders,
then recourse can be had to the judge of the circuit court,
who has the same power over the militia of his judicial dis-
trict as the county judges have over the militia of the
county. And in case of insufficiency in the militia of the
judicial district of the circuit judge, recourse can be had to
the Governor of the State, and all the militia of the State
called out; and if this should fail, then the Governor can
call on the President of the United States, and all the forces
of the nation be put under arms.
"I have given this expose of the internal regulations of
the affairs of Missouri, in order that the court may clearly
understand what I have before said on this subject, and
what I may hereafter say on it.
"It was in view of this order of things that General Doni-
phan, who is a lawyer of some celebrity in Missouri, gave
the recommendation he did at Far West, when passing into
Daviess County with his troops, for the defense of the citi-
zens of said county. It was in consequence of this that he
said that those of Caldwell County which went into Daviess
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 699
County should go in small parties, and unarmed, in which
condition they were not subject to any arrest from any
authority whatever.
"In obedience to these recommendations the militia of
Caldwell County was called out; affidavit having been made
to one of the judges of the county, setting forth the danger
which it was believed the citizens were in from a large
marauding party assembled under the command of one Cor-
nelius Gillium, on a stream called Grindstone. When
affidavit was made to this effect, the judge issued his order
to the sheriff of the county, and the sheriff to the com-
manding officer, who was Col. G. M. Hinkle, and thus
were the militia of the county of Caldwell put under
military orders. ..."
Elder Rigdon then gives the account of causes leading to
the attack on Far West, the surrender, the travels, and trial
of the prisoners, substantially as given by others, and con-
cludes with following account of his own discharge from
custody and escape to Illinois:—
"The trial at last ended, andLyman Wight, Joseph Smith,
Sr., Hyrum Smith, Caleb Baldwin, Alexander McRae, and
myself were sent to jail in the village of Liberty, Clay
County, Missouri.
"We were kept there from three to four months, after
which time we were brought out on habeas corpus before one
of the county judges. During the hearing under the habeas
corpus, I had for the first time an opportunity of hearing the
evidence, as it was all written and read before the court.
"It appeared from the evidence that they attempted to
prove us guilty of treason in consequence of the militia of
Caldwell County being under arms at the time that General
Lucas' army came to Par West. This calling out of the
militia, was what they founded the charge of treason upon,
an account of which I have given above. The charge of
murder was founded on the fact that a man of their number,
they said, had been killed in the Bogart battle.
"The other charges were founded on things which took
place in Daviess. As I was not in Daviess County at that
time, I cannot testify anything about them.
700 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
"A few words about this written testimony.
"I do not now recollect of one single point about which
testimony was given, with which I was acquainted, but was
misrepresented, nor one solitary witness whose testimony
was there written that did not swear falsely; and in manj-
instances I cannot see how it could avoid being intentiona1
on the part of those who testified; for all of them did swear
things that I am satisfied they knew to be false at the time,
and it would be hard to persuade me to the contrary.
"There were things there said so utterly without founda-
tion in truth, so much so, that the persons swearing must at
the time of swearing have known it. The best construction
I can ever put on it is, that they swore things to be true
which they did not know to be so; and this, to me, is willful
perjury.
"The trial lasted for a long time, the result of which was
that I was ordered to be discharged from prison and the
rest remanded back; but I was told by those who professed
to be my friends that it would not do for me to go out of jail
at that time, as the mob were watching and would most cer-
tainly take my life; and when I got out that I must leave the
State, for the mob, availing themselves of the exterminating
order of Governor Boggs, would, if I were found in the
State, surely take my life; that I had no way to escape them
but to flee with all speed from the State. It was some ten
days after this before I dare leave the jail. At last the even-
ing came in which I was to leave the jail. Every preparation
was made that could be made for my escape. There was a
carriage ready to take me in and carry me off with all speed.
A pilot was ready— one who was well acquainted with the
country— to pilot me through the country so that I might
not go on any of the public roads. My wife came to the
jail to accompany me, of whose society I had been deprived
for four months. Just at dark the sheriff and jailer came
to the jail with our supper. I sat down and ate. There
were a number watching. After I had supped, I whis-
pered to the jailer to blow out all the candles but one,
and step away from the door with that one. All this was
done. The sheriff then took me by the arm and an appar-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 701
ent scuffle ensued, so much so that those who were watching
did not know who it was the sheriff was scuffling with. The
sheriff kept pushing me towards the door, and I apparently
resisting, until we reached the door, which was quickly
opened and we both reached the street. He took me by the
hand and bade me farewell, telling me to make my escape,
which I did with all possible speed. The night was dark.
After I had gone probably one hundred rods, I heard some
person coming after me in haste. The thought struck me
in a moment that the mob was after me. I drew a pistol and
cocked it, determined not to be taken alive. When the per-
son approaching me spoke I knew his voice, and he speedily
caaae to me. In a few minutes I heard a horse coming. I
again sprung my pistol cock. Again a voice saluted my ears
that I was acquainted with. The man came speedily up and
said he had come to pilot me through the country. I now
recollected I had left my wife in the jail. I mentioned it to
them, and one of them returned, and the other and myself
pursued our journey as swiftly as we could. After I had
gone about three miles, my wife overtook me in a carriage,
into which I got, and we rode all night. It was an open car-
riage, and in the month of February, 1839. We got to the
house of an acquaintance just as day appeared. There I put
up until the next morning, when I started again and reached
a place called Tenny's Grove; and to my great surprise, I
here found my family, and was again united with them, after
an absence of four months, under the most painful circum-
stances. From thence I made my way to Illinois, where I
now am. My wife, after I left her, went directly to Far
West and got the family under way, and all unexpectedly
met at Tenny's Grove.
"SIDNEY RIGDON.
"After hearing the foregoing evidence in support of said
petition, it is ordered and considered by the court that the
said Joseph Smith, Sr., be discharged from the said arrest
and imprisonment complained of in said petition, and that
the said Smith be discharged for want of substance in the
warrant, upon which he was arrested, as well as upon the
merits of said case, and that he go henceforth without day.
702 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of said court, at the city of
[L. S.] Nauvoo, this 2d day of July, 1843.
"JAMES SLOAN, Clerk."
The foregoing account of the trial of Joseph Smith is
taken from the Times and Seasons, volume 4, pages 242-278.
During the stay of Reynolds and Wilson in Nauvoo they
were treated with the utmost kindness. The prophet him-
self took them to his own house and gave them the
Kindness to , ... ,. ,1.11-1 TT-
Reynolds places of honor as his guests at his table. His
and Wilson. ., .. , . , . , , m, .
wife waited upon them with her own hands. This
was in marked contrast to their brutal conduct when they
apprehended him near Dixon and dragged him ruthlessly
from her presence.
After Joseph's release by the Municipal Court of Nauvoo,
Governor Reynolds of Missouri requested Governor Ford of
Illinois to call out the State militia to assist in rearresting
him. This Governor Ford declined to do, and gave his rea-
sons as follows: —
"Executive Department, SPRINGFIELD,
"Illinois, July 26, 1843.
'To His Excellency, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of Missouri;
Sir: — The demand of Joseph H. Reynolds, Esq., the agent
appointed by you to receive Joseph Smith, Jr., for a detach-
ment of militia to assist in retaking said Smith, has been
duly considered by me, and I now, at the earliest moment,
after coming to a conclusion on the subject, proceed to lay
before you the result of my deliberations.
"The request for a military force is declined. The reasons
which have influenced me in coming to the determination
will be furnished to you at large, as soon as I can obtain
leisure to do so. I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"THOMAS FORD.
"Executive Department, SPRINGFIELD,
"Illinois, August 14, 1843.
"To His Excellency, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the State
of Missouri; Sir: -On the 26th day of July last I had the
honor to inform you by letter that after full consideration I
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 703
had come to the conclusion to decline ordering out a detash-
ment of militia to assist in retaking Joseph Smith, Jr., who
was said to have escaped from the custody of the Missouri
agent; and in that letter I engaged to furnish you with my
reasons at large for coming to that determination. .
"It appears that an indictment was found at a special term
of the Daviess Circuit Court, Missouri, held on the 5th day
of June last, against Smith, for treason. Upon this indict-
ment the Governor of Missouri issued a requisition to the
Governor of this State, demanding the arrest and delivery
of Smith. A writ was thereupon duly issued by me for the
apprehension and delivery of Smith as demanded. This writ
was put into the hands of an officer of this State to be exe-
cuted. The officer to whom it was directed immediately ar-
rested Smith, and delivered him to Joseph H. Reynolds, the
agent of Missouri, appointed to receive him. The writ has
been returned to me as having been fully executed.
"After Smith was delivered into the hands of Mr. Joseph
H. Reynolds, it is alleged that he was rescued from his cus-
tody by the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo.
"Affidavits on both sides of the question have been filed
before me, and I also have additional information on the sub-
ject contained in a report of M. Bray man, Esq., a special
agent appointed by myself to investigate and collect facts in
relation to the whole matter.
"The undisputed facts of the case are that Smith was ar-
rested near Dixon, in Lee County; he was immediately deliv-
ered over to Mr. Reynolds; Smith immediately brought an
action against Mr. Reynolds for false imprisonment, and held
him to bail in the sum of four hundred dollars. Mr. Rey-
nolds being in a strange country, and unable to give bail, was
taken into custody by the sheriff of Lee County, and held as
a prisoner; whilst Reynolds held Smith as his prisoner.
The parties finally concluded to get out writs of habeas cor-
pus, and try the legality of the imprisonment in each case.
The writs were accordingly issued, returnable before the
nearest judicial tribunal in the circuit in which Quincy is
situated, and thereupon all parties proceeded in the direction
of Quincy; Smith being in the custody of Reynolds, and Rey-
704 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
nolds himself in the custody of the sheriff of Lee County.
On the road during their progress they were met by parties
of the citizens of Nauvoo; some or most of whom are said to
have been members of the Nauvoo Legion; though there is
no evidence that they appeared in a military capacity.
There was no exhibition of arms of any description, nor was
there any military or warlike array; nor was there any
actual force used; though Mr. Reynolds testifies that he felt
under constraint, and that Smith, soon after meeting the
first parties of Mormons, enlarged himself from his custody.
Mr. Reynolds also testifies (and there can be no doubt of the
fact) that he was taken to Nauvoo against his will. But
whether he was taken there by the command of Smith and
his friends, or by the voluntary act of the sheriff of Lee
County, who had him in custody, does not appear by any
testimony furnished by Mr. Reynolds. The affidavit of the
sheriff has not been obtained; though there is evidence
on the other side to show that the sheriff of Lee County
voluntarily carried Mr. Reynolds to the city of Nauvoo, with-
out any coercion on the part of anyone.
"After arriving at Nauvoo a writ of habeas corpus was
issued by the Municipal Court of that city, and Mr. Rey-
nolds was compelled by the authority of the court to pro-
duce Mr. Smith before that tribunal. After hearing the
case, the court discharged Smith from arrest.
"There is much other evidence submitted; but the forego-
ing is the material part of it to be considered on the present
occasion.
"Now, sir, I might safely rest my refusal to order a de-
tachment of militia to assist in retaking Smith upon the
ground that the laws of this State have been fully exercised
in the matter. A writ has been issued for his apprehension;
Smith was apprehended; and was duly delivered by the offi-
cer of this State, to the agent of the State of Missouri,
appointed to receive him. No process, officer, or authority
of this State has been resisted or interfered with. I have
fully executed the duty which the laws impose on me, and
have not been resisted either in the writ issued for the arrest
of Smith, or in the person of the officer appointed to appro-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 705
hend him. If there has been any resistance to anyone, it has
been to the officer of Missouri, after Smith came to his cus-
tody; and everything had been done on my part which the
law warranted me in doing.
"Another objection to ordering a detachment of militia,
arises out of the militia laws of this State; the forty-third
section of which is as follows: 'Whenever it may be neces-
sary to call into actual service any part of the militia of this
State on a requisition of the Executive of the United States,
on an actual or threatened invasion of this State, or any of
the neighboring States or Territories of the United States,
the commander in chief shall forthwith demand from each
division a detachment in proportion to the strength thereof,
except as hereinafter excepted; which order shall be deliv-
ered by a special messenger to the several commandants of
divisions, specifying the number demanded from each divi-
sion; the time and place of rendezvous, if ordered to march;
and if the same be detached under any particular act of the
United States to indorse the same on such order: Provided,
that whenever the safety of any of the frontier settlements
in this State shall, in the opinion of the Governor, require it,
he may exempt the militia in such settlements from being
called into service, and make such further provision for the
defense as the necessity of the case may require; which
exemption shall be expressed in his orders to commandants
of the divisions; who, together with the commandants of
brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies, shall govern
themselves accordingly. And provided also, that such mili-
tiamen may be required to serve as spies on their own fron-
tiers; and that on actual invasion or any extreme emergency,
the commander in chief, commandants of divisions, bri-
gades, battalions, and companies may call on the whole or
any part of the militia under their respective commands, as
the nature of the case may require, who shall continue in
service, if necessary, until the militia can be regularly called
out.'
"The Governor has no other authority in calling out the
militia than that which is contained in this section; by
which it appears that there must be either a requisition from
706 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
the President, an actual or threatened invasion, or some
extreme emergency to warrant the Governor in exercising
this power. No one of these contingencies has arisen.
There has been no requisition from the President, there has
been no actual or threatened invasion of the State, nor is
this such an extreme emergency as is contemplated by the
law. If we allow that force was exhibited and threatened
to compel your agent to carry his prisoner before the
Municipal Court of Nauvoo; that the court there took cog-
nizance of the cause without jurisdiction, and against the
consent of your agent, it would amount at most to a riot;
and to a resistance of authority in a single case, and that too
under color of law and legal process. To constitute an
extreme emergency, so as to justify a call for the militia,
there ought, in my opinion, to be something more than a
mere illegal act— something more than a design to resist the
law in a single instance. The design ought to be general as
in treason, rebellion, or insurrection; in which cases an uni-
versality of design is essential to constitute the offense.
"If a person resists a constable or sheriff, or other officer
charged with the execution of process, with an intention to
resist the law in that particular instance; such an act is a
misdemeanor at most, — is indictable as such, and may be
met by the posse comitatus. But something more than a mere
misdemeanor must have been contemplated by the law. It
would seem to me that it could never have been intended
that the Governor should call out the militia in every case
where a constable or sheriff may be resisted; and even in a
case of a riotous resistance, it would not be an extreme
emergency without some military array, some warlike show,
or some threatened resistance to the government itself.
"In this case there has been no warlike array in the pro-
ceedings of Smith and his friends; no exhibition of arms,
and no actual force of an illegal character. Mr. Reynolds
was not subjected to illegal imprisonment. He was arrested
on lawful process; and although that process may have been
wrongfully obtained, yet his arrest was not riotous or
unlawful, but according to the forms of law. Mr. Reynolds
continued in the custody of the sheriff by virtue of that pro-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 707
cess until he was taken to Nauvoo; and although he was
taken to that city against his will, and was by that means
compelled to take his prisoner there, yet was he taken by
lawful process; by an authorized officer who acted, so far as
I have any evidence, freely and voluntarily in so doing. In
no one aspect of the case can I consider the present an
extreme emergency, warranting a call for the militia accord-
ing to the provisions of law in this State.
"Thus, sir, I have stated to you the principal reasons
which have influenced me in refusing to order a call of the
militia. To my mind they are entirely satisfactory; and I
hope they will meet with approval of your Excellency, and
the citizens, of Missouri.
"I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient
servant,
"THOMAS FORD."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 4, pp. 292-294.
On July 29, 1843, Mr. M. Bray man, Esq., the special agent
referred to in the above document, wrote a private and con-
• rayman'B fidential letter to Joseph Smith, which gives
letter. expression to convictions highly creditable to Jo-
seph Smith and the people of Nauvoo.4
Governor Ford in his history of Illinois agrees with this
account in regard to his refusal to call out the
militia. (See Ford's History of Illinois, p. 317.)
*On my return from Nauvoo I found Governor Ford absent on public
business at Rock Island, from whence he did not return for a week after
I arrived. I presented him a detailed report of my investigations, in
which the fact is fully established that neither you nor your people were
guilty of any violence or disorderly or unlawful conduct whatever; but
that throughout the whole of the unpleasant scene connected with your
arrest, and the ill treatment which you received, your and their conduct
was that of peaceful, law-abiding, and good citizens. He is perfectly
satisfied on U at point. . . .
As to the other points, I can assure you, with perfect confidence, that
with the evidence now before him, he will issue no more writs — that he
will be perfectly satisfied that the demand of Missouri is not only unjust,
(as he before believed it to be,) but so palpably illegal and contrary to
the meaning of the Constitution as to release him forever from all obli-
gation to give you up, and enable him to justify himself before the
world in refusing to do so. (From original in our possession.)
CHAPTER 31.
1843-1844
CORRESPONDENCE WITH CANDIDATES— WRITES TO VAN BUREN AND
CASS— CORRESPONDENCE WITH CALHOUN— WITH CLAY— JOSEPH
SMITH FOR PRESIDENT— His VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT— TIMES AND
SEASONS DECLARES FOR HIM— APOSTLES ENTER THE CANVASS—
THE PURPOSE.
THE church had so often appealed in vain for redress and
so often been repulsed or neglected, that they thought to
enter upon a correspondence with some of the
enwuh leading aspirants for the office of President of the
United States, before the presidential election of
1844, and learn their views on the question of redressing the
wrongs of the saints; also to learn their attitude on the
mooted doctrine of State sovereignty, upon which their case
largely depended.
Joseph Smith wrote to Martin Van Buren and Lewis Cass,
among others; but if they ever replied their replies were
not made public. We suppose that the letters
va" B8uren written them were similar to those written to John
C. Calhoun and Henry Clay, which will be
noticed in these pages.
Near the close of the year Joseph Smith wrote to John C.
Calhoun, then an aspirant for the office of President of the
correspondence United States, relative to his attitude towards
with caihoun. ^ne rights of the saints who had been robbed and
driven from Missouri. The correspondence is valuable as
expressing the situation, the views of the men on the issues,
and for the remarkable prediction contained in the letter of
Joseph Smith, to which we invite careful attention, and com-
parison with subsequent events. Because of the peculiar
importance of this correspondence we reproduce Joseph
Smith's letter of inquiry, Calhoun's reply, and extracts from
Joseph Smith's rejoinder: —
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 709
"CORRESPONDENCE OF GENERAL, JOSEPH SMITH AND
HON. J. C. CALHOUN.
"NAUVOO, Illinois, November 4, 1843.
"Honorable John C. CaUioun; Dear Sir:— As we understand
you are a candidate for the presidency at the next election;
and as the Latter Day Saints (sometimes called Mormons,
who now constitute a numerous class in the school politic
of this vast republic) have been robbed of an immense
amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings by the
State of Missouri, and from her borders have been driven by
force of arms, contrary to our national covenants; and as in
vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal, and
honorable means, in her courts, her executive councils, and
her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to
take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have
judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and
solicit an immediate, specific, and candid reply to What will
be your rule of action, relative to us as a people, should fortune
favor your ascension to the chief magistracy?
"Most respectfully, sir, your friend, and the friend of
peace, good order, and constitutional rights,
"JOSEPH SMITH,
"In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
"Honorable John C. Calhoun, Port Hill, South Carolina.
"(HON. J. C. CALHOUN'S REPLY.)
"FORT HILL, 2d December, 1843.
"Sir: — You ask me what would be my rule of action rela-
tive to the Mormons or Latter Day Saints, should I be
elected President, to which I answer; that if I should be
elected, I would strive to administer the government accord-
ing to the Constitution and the laws of the Union; and that
as they make no distinction between citizens of different re-
ligious creeds, I should make none. As far as it depends on
the executive department, all should have the full benefit of
both, and none should be exempt from their operation.
"But, as you refer to the case of Missouri, candor compels
me to repeat, what I said to you at Washington; that accord-
ing to my views the case does not come within the jurisdic-
710 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
tion of the federal government, which is one of limited and
specific powers.
"With respect I am, etc., etc.,
"J. 0. CALHOUW.
"Mr. Joseph Smith.
"NAUVOO, Illinois, January 2, 1844.
"Sir: — Your reply to my letter of last November, concern-
ing your rule of action towards the Latter Day Saints, if
elected President, is at hand; and, that you and your friends
of the same opinion relative to the matter in question may
not be disappointed as to me or my mind upon so grave a
subject, permit me as a law-abiding man, as a well-wisher to
the perpetuity of constitutional rights and liberty, and as a
friend to the free worship of Almighty God, by all, accord-
ing to the dictates of every person's conscience, to say / am
surprised that a man, or men, in the highest stations of pub-
lic life should have made up such a fragile view of a case,
than which there is not one on the face of the globe fraught
with so much consequence to the happiness of men in this
world, or the world to come. . . .
"So, then, a State can at any time expel any portion of
her citizens with impunity, and in the language of Mr. Van
Buren, frosted over with your gracious 'views of the case,'
'though the cause is ever so just, government can do nothing
for them, because it has no power.' . . .
"If the general government has no power to reinstate
expelled citizens to their rights, there is a monstrous hypo-
crite fed and fostered from the hard earnings of the people !
a real 'bull beggar' upheld by sycophants; and, although
you may wink to the priests to stigmatize, wheedle the
drunkards to swear, and raise the hue and cry of impostor,
false prophet, . . . yet remember, if the Latter Day Saints
are not restored to all their rights, and paid for all their
losses, according to the known rules of justice and judg-
ment, reciprocation, and common honesty among men, that
God will come out of his hiding place and vex this nation
with a sore vexation; yea, the consuming wrath of an
offended God shall smoke through the nation with as much
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 711
distress and woe as independence has blazed through with
pleasure and delight. Where is the strength of govern-
ment? Where is the patriotism of a Washington, a Warren,
and Adams? And where is a spark from the watchfire of
76, by which one candle might be lit, that would glimmer
upon the confines of democracy? Well may it be said that
one man is not a State, nor one State the nation. In the days
of General Jackson, when France refused the first install-
ment for spoliations, there was power, force, and honor
enough to resent injustice and insult, and the money came;
and shall Missouri, filled with Negro drivers, and white men-
stealers, go 'unwhipped of justice,' for tenfold greater sins
than France? No! verily no! While I have powers of body
and mind; while water runs and grass grows; while virtue
is lovely, and vice hateful; and while a stone points out a
sacred spot where a fragment of American liberty once was,
— I or my posterity will plead the cause of injured innocence,
until Missouri makes atonement for all her sins, or sinks
disgraced, degraded, and damned to hell, 'where the worm
dieth not and the fire is not quenched.'
"Why, sir, the power not delegated to the United States,
and the States, belongs to the people, and Congress sent to
do the people's business have all power; and shall fifteen
thousand citizens groan in exile? . . .
"And let me say, that all men who say that Congress has
no power to restore and defend the rights of her citizens,
have not the love of the truth abiding in them. Congress has
power to protect the nation against foreign invasion and
internal broil; and whenever that body passes an act to
maintain right with any power, or to restore right to any
portion of her citizens, IT is THE SUPREME LAW OF THE
LAND; and should a State refuse submission, that State is
guilty of insurrection or rebellion, and the President has as
much power to repel it as Washington had to march against
the 'whisky boys of Pittsburg,' or General Jackson had to
send an armed force to suppress the rebellion of South
Carolina!
"To close, I would admonish you ... to read in the
eighth section and first article of the Constitution of the
712 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
United States, the first, fourteenth, and seventeenth 'specific'
and not very 'limited powers' of the federal government,
what can be done to protect the lives, property, and rights
of a virtuous people, when the administrators of the law,
and lawmakers, are unbought by bribes, uncorrupted by
patronage, untempted by gold, unawed by fear, and uncon-
taminated by tangling alliances— even like Caesar's wife, not
only unspotted but unsuspected! And God, who cooled the
heat of a Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, or shut the mouths of
lions for the honor of a Daniel, will raise your mind above
the narrow notion that the general government has no
power, to the sublime idea that Congress, with the Presi-
dent as executor, is as almighty in its sphere as Jehovah is
in his.
"With great respect I have the honor to be, your obedi-
ent servant,
"JOSEPH SMITH.
"Hon. ('Mr.'!) J. C. Calhoun, Fort Hill, S. C."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 393-396.
He also wrote Henry Clay on the same date and in the
same words. (See page 709.)
To this Mr. Clay responded promptly as follows: —
" ASHLAND, November 15, 1843.
"Dear Sir: -I have received your letter in behalf of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, stating that
you understand that I am a candidate for the Presidency,
and inquiring what would be my rule of action relative to
you, as a people, should I be elected.
"I am profoundly grateful for the numerous and strong
expressions of the people in my behalf, as a candidate for
President of the United States; but I do not so consider my-
self. That much depends upon future events, and upon my
sense of duty.
"Should I be a candidate, I can enter into no engagements,
make no promises, give no pledges, to any particular por-
tion of the people of the United States. If I ever enter into
that high office, I must go into it free and unfettered, with
no guarantees but such as are to be drawn from my whole
life, character, and conduct.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 713
"It is not inconsistent with this declaration to say, that I
have viewed with a lively interest, the progress of the Latter
Day Saints; that I have sympathized in their sufferings
under injustice, as it appeared to me, which has been inflicted
upon them; and that I think, in common with all other re-
ligious communities, they ought to enjoy the security and
the protection of the Constitution and the laws.
"I am, with great respect, your friend and obedient
servant,
"H. CLAY.
"Joseph Smith, Esq."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 544.
This appears to us a frank and manly letter and all that
should have been expected of a man situated as Mr. Clay
was.
Joseph, however, being of aggressive and decisive nature,
and always ready himself to give an opinion on questions at
issue, was not pleased with Mr. Clay's conservative answer.
He took the letter under consideration for nearly six
months, and finally, on May 13, 1844, made a lengthy reply,
in which his views were forcibly expressed. (See Times and
Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 544-548.)
On January 29, 1844, a political meeting was held in Nau-
joseph smith vo° to ta^e into consideration the proper course to
tor President. pursue in the approaching presidential campaign.
The trust of the saints had so often been betrayed by
political leaders that confidence in them was almost entirely
gone. They could not with confidence support either of the
political parties.
Upon motion of Willard Richards the meeting resolved to
put out an independent ticket, and that Joseph Smith should
be their candidate for President.
Joseph, soon after, published a paper expressive of his
His views views on the "government and policy of these
on government United States": —
"GENERAL SMITH'S VIEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT AND
POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.
"Born in a land of liberty, and breathing an air uncor-
rupted with the sirocco of barbarous climes, I ever feel a
714 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
double anxiety for the happiness of all men, both in time and
in eternity. My cogitations, like Daniel's, have for a long
time troubled me, when I viewed the condition of men
throughout the world, and more especially in this boasted
realm, where the Declaration of Independence 'holds these
truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness;' but at the same time, some two or three millions
of people are held as slaves for life, because the spirit in
them is covered with a darker skin than ours; and hundreds
of our own kindred, for an infraction, or supposed infrac-
tion, of some overwise statute, have to be incarcerated in
dungeon glooms, or suffer the more moral penitentiary
gravitation of mercy in a nutshell, while the duellist, the
debauchee, and the defaulter for millions, and other crimi-
nals, take the uppermost rooms at feasts, or, like the bird
of passage, find a more congenial clime by flight.
"The wisdom which ought to characterize the freest,
wisest, and most noble nation of the nineteenth century,
should, like the sun in his meridian splendor, warm every
object beneath its rays; and the main efforts of her officers,
who are nothing more or less than the servants of the peo-
ple, ought to be directed to ameliorate the condition of all,
black or white, bond or free; for the best of books says,
'God hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell
on all the face of the earth.'
"Our common country presents to all men the same ad-
vantages, the same facilities, the same prospects, the same
honors, and the same rewards; and without hypocrisy, the
Constitution when it says, 'We, the people of the United
States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish jus-
tice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common de-
fense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings
of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and estab-
lish this Constitution for the United States of America,'
meant just what it said, without reference to color or condi-
tion; ad wflnitum. The aspirations and expectations of a
virtuous people, environed with so wise, so liberal, so deep,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 715
so broad, and so high a charter of equal rights, as appears in
said Constitution, ought to be treated by those to whom the
administration of the laws are intrusted, with as much sanc-
tity as the prayers of the saints are treated in heaven, that
love, confidence, and union, like the sun, moon, and stars,
should bear witness,
"Forever singing as they shine,
'The hand that made us is divine!*
"Unity is power, and when I reflect on the importance of it
to the stability of all governments, I am astounded at the silly
moves of persons and parties, to foment discord in order to
ride into power on the current of popular excitement; nor
am I less surprised at the stretches of power, or restrictions
of right, which too often appear as acts of legislators, to
pave the way to some favorite political schemes as destitute
of intrinsic merit as a wolf's heart is of the milk of human
kindness. A Frenchman would say, 'Prosque tout aimer
richessess et pouvoir.' (Almost all men like wealth and
power.)
"I must dwell on this subject longer than others, for
nearly one hundred years ago that golden patriot, Benjamin
Franklin, drew up a plan of union for the then colonies of
Great Britain that now are such an independent nation,
which among many wise provisions for obedient children
under their father's more rugged hand, thus: 'they have
power to make laws, and lay and levy such general duties,
imports, or taxes, as to them shall appear most equal and
just, (considering the ability and other circumstances of
the inhabitants in the several colonies,) and such as may be
collected with the least inconvenience to the people; rather
discouraging luxury, than loading industry with unnecessary
burthens.' Great Britain surely lacked the laudable
humanity and fostering clemency to grant such a just plan
of union; but the sentiment remains like the land that hon-
ored its birth as a pattern for wise men to study the conven-
ience of the people more than the comfort of the cabinet.
"And one of the most noble fathers of our freedom and
country's glory, great in war, great in peace, great in the
estimation of the world, and great in the hearts of his coun-
716 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
h
try men,— the illustrious Washington,— said in his first
inaugural address to Congress: 'I hold the surest pledges
that as, on one side, no local prejudices or attachments,
no separate views or party animosities, will misdirect
the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch
over this great assemblage of communities and interest,
so, on another, that the foundations of our national
policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles
of private morality; and the preeminence of free govern-
ment be exemplified by all the attributes which can win
the affections of its citizens, and command the respect
of the Vvorld.' Verily, here shines the virtue and wisdom of
a statesman in such lucid rays, that had every succeeding
Congress followed the rich instruction, in all their delibera-
tions and enactments, for the benefits and convenience of the
whole community and the communities of which it is com-
posed, no sound of a rebellion in South Carolinia; no rupture
in Rhode Island; no mob in Missouri, expelling her citizens
by executive authority; corruption in the ballot boxes; a bor-
der warfare between Ohio and Michigan; hard times and
distress; outbreak upon outbreak in the principal cities;
murder, robbery, and defalcations, scarcity of money, and a
thousand other difficulties, would have torn asunder the
bonds of the union; destroyed the confidence of man; and
left the great body of the people to mourn over misfortunes
in poverty, brought on by corrupt legislation in an hour of
proud vanity, for self-aggrandizement. The great Washing-
ton, soon after the foregoing faithful admonition for the
common welfare of his nation, further advised Congress that
'among the many interesting objects which will engage your
attention, that of providing for the common defense will
merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of
the most effectual means of preserving peace.' As the Ital-
ian would say: Buono aviso, (Good advice.)
"The elder Adams in his inaugural address gives national
pride such a grand turn of justification, that every honest
citizen must look back upon the infancy of the. United
States with an approving smile and rejoice, that patriotism
in the rulers, virtue in the people, and prosperity in the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 717
Union, once crowned the expectations of hope, unveiled the
sophistry of the hypocrite, and silenced the folly of foes.
Mr. Adams said: 'If national pride is ever justifiable, or
excusable, it is when it springs not from power or riches,
grandeur or glory, but from conviction of national innocence,
information and benevolence.' There is no doubt such was
actually the case with our young realm at the close of the
last century; peace, prosperity, and union filled the coun-
try with religious toleration, temporal enjoyment, and vir
tuous enterprise; and gradually, too, when the deadly winter
of the 'Stamp Act,' the 'Tea Act,' and other close communion
acts of royalty had choked the growth of freedom of speech,
liberty of the press, and liberty of conscience, did light,
liberty, and loyalty flourish like the cedars of God.
"The respected and venerable Thomas Jefferson, in his
inaugural address made more than forty years ago, shows
what a beautiful prospect an innocent, virtuous nation pre-
sents to the sage's eye, where there is space for enterprise,
hands for industry, heads for heroes, and hearts for moral
greatness. He said: 'A rising nation, spread over a wide
and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich pro-
ductions of their industry, engaged in commerce with nations
who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly to
destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye, — when I contem-
plate these transcendent objects, and see the honor, the
happiness, and the hopes of this beloved country committed
to the issue and the auspices of this day, I shrink from the
contemplation, and humble myself before the magnitude of
the undertaking.' Such a prospect was truly soul-stirring
to a good man; but 'since the fathers have fallen asleep,'
wicked and designing men have unrobed the government of
its glory, and the people, if not in dust and ashes, or in
sackcloth, have to lament in poverty, her departed great-
ness; while demagogues build fires in the north and south,
east and west, to keep up their spirits till it is better times.
But year after year has left the people to hope till the very
name of Congress or State legislature, is as horrible to the
sensitive friend of his country, as the house of 'Blue Beard'
is to children, or 'Crockett's' Hell of London, to meek men.
718 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
When the people are secure and their rights properly
respected, then the four main pillars of prosperity; viz.,
agriculture, manufactures, navigation, and commerce need
the fostering care of government: and in so goodly a
country as ours, where the soil, the climate, the rivers,
the lakes, and the seacoast; the productions, the timber,
the minerals; and the inhabitants are so diversified, that a
pleasing variety accommodates all tastes, trades, and cal-
culations;— it certainly is the highest point of subversion
to protect the whole northern and southern, eastern and
western, center and circumference of the realm, by a
judicious tariff. It is an old saying and a true one, 'If you
wish to be respected, respect yourselves.'
"I will adopt in part the language of Mr. Madison's
inaugural address: 'To cherish peace and friendly inter-
course with all nations having correspondent dispositions;
to maintain sincere neutrality towards belligerent nations;
to prefer in all cases amicable discussion and reasonable
accommodation of differences to a decision of them by an
appeal to arms; to exclude foreign intrigues and foreign
partialities, so degrading to all countries, and so baneful to
free ones; to foster a spirit of independence, too just to invade
the rights of others, too proud to surrender our own, too
liberal to indulge unworthy prejudices ourselves, and too
elevated not to look down upon them in others; to hold the
union of the States as the basis of their peace and happiness;
to support the Constitution, which is the cement of the
Union, as in its limitations as in its authorities; to respect the
rights and authorities reserved to the States and to the people,
as equally incorporated with and essential to the success of the
general system; to avoid the slightest interference with the
rights of conscience, or the functions of religion, so wisely
exempted from civil jurisdiction; to preserve, in their full en-
ergy, the other salutary provisions in behalf of private and per-
sonal rights, and of the freedom of the press;' — as far as inten-
tion aids in the fulfillment of duty, are consummations too big
with benefits not to captivate the energies of all honest men to
achieve them, when they can be brought to pass by reciproca-
tion, friendly alliances, wise legislation, and honorable treaties.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 719
"The government has once flourished under the guidance
of trusty servants; and the Hon. Mr. Monroe in his day,
while speaking of the Constitution, says: 'Our commerce
has been wisely regulated with foreign nations, and between
the States; new States have been admitted into our union;
our territory has been enlarged by fair and honorable treaty,
and with great advantages to the original States; the States
respectively protected by the national government, under a
mild paternal system against foreign dangers, and enjoying
within their separate spheres, by a wise partition of power,
a just proportion of the sovereignty, have improved their
police, extended their settlements, and attained a strength and
maturity which are the best proofs of wholesome law well
administered. And if we look to the condition of individuals,
what a proud spectacle does it exhibit? Who has been
deprived of any right of person and property? who re-
strained from offering his vows in the mode he prefers, to
the divine Author of his being? It is well known that all
these blessings have been enjoyed to their fullest extent:
and I add, with peculiar satisfaction, that there has been no
example of a capital punishment being inflicted on anyone
for the crime of high treason.' What a delightful picture of
power, policy, and prosperity! Truly the wise proverb is
just: 'Sedaukauh teromain goy, veh-ka-sade le-u-meem
khahmaut:' Righteousness exalte th a nation, but sin is a
reproach to any people.
"But this is not all. The same honorable statesman,
after having had about forty years' experience in the gov-
ernment, under the full tide of successful experiment, gives
the following commendatory assurance of the efficiency of
the magna charta to answer its great end and aim: to protect
the people in their rights. 'Such, then, is the happy govern-
ment under which we live; a government adequate to every
purpose for which the social compact is formed; a govern-
ment elective in all its branches, under which every citizen
may, by his merit, obtain the highest trust recognized by
the Constitution; which contains within it no cause for dis-
cord; none to put at variance one portion of the community
with another; a government which protects every citizen in
720 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
the full enjoyment of his rights, and is able to protect the
nation against injustice from foreign powers.'
"Again, the younger Adams in the silver age of our coun-
try's advancement to fame, in his inaugural address (1825)
thus candidly declares the majesty of the youthful republic,
in its increasing greatness: 'The year of jubilee since the
first formation of our Union has just elapsed — that of the
Declaration of Independence is at hand. The consummation
of both was effected by this Constitution. Since that period
a population of four millions has multiplied to twelve. A
territory, bounded by the Mississippi, has been extended
from sea to sea. New States have been admitted to the
Union, in numbers nearly equal to those of the first Confed-
eration. Treaties of peace, amity, and commerce, have been
concluded with the principal dominions of the earth. The
people of other nations, the inhabitants of regions acquired,
not by conquest, but by compact, have been united with us
in the participation of our rights and duties, of our burdens
and blessings. The forest has fallen by the ax of our wood-
men; the soil has been made to teem by the tillage of our
farmers; our commerce has whitened every ocean. The do-
minion of man over physical nature has been extended by
the invention of our artists. Liberty and law have walked
hand in hand. All the purposes of human association have
been accomplished as effectively as under any other govern-
ment on the globe, and at a cost little exceeding, in a whole
generation, the expenditures of other nations in a single
year.
"In continuation of such noble sentiments, General Jack-
son, upon his ascension to the great chair of the chief mag-
istracy, said: 'As long as our government is administered
for the good of the people, and is regulated by their will; as
long as it secures to us the rights of person and property,
liberty of conscience, and of the press, it will be worth de-
fending; and so long as it is worth defending, a patriotic--
militia will cover it with an impenetrable cegis.'
"General Jackson's administration may be denominated
^he acme of American glory, liberty, and prosperity; for the
national debt, which in 1815, on account of the late war, was
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 721
$125,000,000, and lessened gradually, was paid up in his
golden day; and preparations were made to distribute the
surplus revenue among the several States: and that august
patriot, to use his own words in his farewell address, retired
leaving 'a great people prosperous and happy, in the full
enjoyment of liberty and peace, honored and respected by
every nation of the world.'
"At the age, then, of sixty years, our blooming republic
began to decline under the withering touch of Martin Van
Buren! Disappointed ambition; thirst for power, pride, cor-
ruption, party spirit, faction, patronage, perquisites, fame,
tangling alliances; priestcraft and spiritual wickedness in
high places; struck hands, and revelled in midnight splen-
dor. Trouble, vexation, perplexity, and contention, mingled
with hope, fear, and murmuring, rumbled through the
Union and agitated the whole nation as would an earthquake
at the center of the earth the world, heaving the sea beyond
its bounds, and shaking the everlasting hills. So, in hopes
of better times, while jealousy, hypocritical pretensions, and
pompous ambition were luxuriating on the ill-gotten spoils
of the people, they rose in their majesty like a tornado, and
swept through the land, till General Harrison appeared, as
a star among the storm clouds, for better weather.
"The calm came; and the language of that venerable
patriot, in his iuaugural address, while descanting upon the
merits of the Constitution and its framers, thus expressed
himself: 'There were in it features which appeared not to
be in harmony with their ideas of a simple representative
democracy or republic. And knowing the tendency of
power to increase itself, particularly when executed by a
single individual, predictions were made that, at no very
remote period, the government would terminate in virtual
monarchy. It would not become me to say that the fears of
these patriots have been already realized. But as I sin-
cerely believe that the tendency of measures and of men's
opinions, for some years past, has been in that direction, — it
is, I conceive, strictly proper that I should take this occa-
sion to repeat the assurances I have heretofore given, of my
determination to arrest the progress of that tendency if it
722 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
really exists, and restore the government to its pristine
health and vigor.' ...
"Now, O, people! turn unto the Lord and live; and reform
this nation. Frustrate the designs of wicked men. Reduce
Congress at least one half. Two senators from a State and
two members to a million of population, will do more busi-
ness than the army that now occupy the halls of the
National Legislature. Pay them two dollars and their
board per diem (except Sundays); that is more than the
farmer gets, and he lives honestly. Curtail the offices of
government in pay, number, and power, for the Philistine
lords have shorn our nation of its goodly locks in the lap
of Delilah.
"Petition your State legislature to pardon every convict
in their several penitentiaries: blessing them as they go,
and saying to them in the name of the Lord, Go thy way and
sin no more. Advise your legislators when they make laws
for larceny, burglary, or any felony, to make the penalty
applicable to work upon the roads, public works, or any
place where the culprit can be taught more wisdom and
more virtue, and become more enlightened. Rigor and
seclusion will never do as much to reform the propensities
of man, as reason and friendship. Murder only can claim
confinement or death. Let the penitentiaries be turned into
seminaries of learning, where intelligence, like the angels of
heaven, would banish such fragments of barbarism:
Imprisonment for debt is a meaner practice than the savage
tolerates with all his ferocity; 'Amor vincit omnia:' Love
conquers all.
"Petition also, ye goodly inhabitants of the slave States,
your legislators to abolish slavery by the year 1850, or now,
and save the abolitionist from reproach and ruin, infamy and
shame. Pray Congress to pay every man a reasonable price
for his slaves out of the surplus revenue arising from the
sale of public lands, and from the deduction of pay from the
members of Congress. Break off the shackles from the
poor black man, and hire them to labor like other human
beings; for 'an hour of virtuous liberty on earth, is worth a
whole eternity of bondage!' Abolish the practice in the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 723
army and navy of trying men by court-martial for desertion;
if a soldier or marine runs away, send him his wages, with
this instruction, that Ms country will never trust him again, he
has forfeited his honor. Make HONOR the standard with all
men: be sure that good is rendered for evil in all cases; and
the whole nation, like a kingdom of kings and priests, will
rise up with righteousness, and be respected as wise and
worthy on earth; and as just and holy for heaven; by Jeho-
vah the author of perfection. More economy in the national
and State governments would make less taxes among the
people; more equality through the cities, towns, and coun-
try would make less distinction among the people; and more
honesty and familiarity in societies would make less hypoc-
risy and flattery in all branches of community; and open,
frank, candid, decorum to all men, in this boasted land of
liberty, would beget esteem, confidence, union, and love;
and the neighbor from any State, or from any country, of
whatever color, clime, or tongue, could rejoice when he put
his foot on the sacred soil of freedom, and exclaim: The
very name of 'American* is fraught with friendship! O, then,
create confidence! restore freedom! break down slavery!
banish imprisonment for debt, and be in love, fellowship,
and peace with all the world! Remember that honesty is
not subject to law: the law was made for transgressors;
wherefore a Dutchman might exclaim: Ein ehrlicher name
ist besser als Reichthum: A good name is better than riches.
"For the accommodation of the people in every State and
Territory, let Congress show their wisdom by granting a
national bank, with branches in each State and Territory,
where the capital stock shall be held by the nation for the
mother bank, and by the States and Territories, for the
branches; and whose officers and directors shall be elected
yearly by the people with wages at the rate of two dollars
per day for services; which several banks shall never issue
any more bills than the amount of capital stock in her vaults
and the interest. The net gain of the mother bank shall be
applied to the national revenue, and that of the branches to
the States' and Territories' revenues. And the bills shall
be par throughout the nation, which will mercifully cure
724 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
that fatal disorder known in cities, as brokerage', and leave
the people's money in their own pockets.
"Give every man his constitutional freedom, and the
President full power to send an army to suppress mobs; and
the States authority to repeal and impugn that relic of folly,
which makes it necessary for the governor of a State to
make the demand of the President for troops, in cases of
invasion or rebellion. The governor himself may be a mob-
ber, and instead of being punished, as he should be for mur-
der and treason, he may destroy the very lives, rights, and
property he should protect. Like the good Samaritan, send
every lawyer as soon as he repents and obeys the ordinances
of heaven, to preach the gospel to the destitute, without
purse or scrip, pouring in the oil and the wine;— a learned
priesthood is certainly more honorable than 'a hireling
clergy.'
"As to the contiguous territories to the United States,
wisdom would direct no tangling alliance: Oregon belongs
to this government honorably, and when we have the red
man's consent, let the Union spread from the east to the
west sea; and if Texas petitions Congress to be adopted
among the sons of liberty, give her the right hand of fel-
lowship; and refuse not the same friendly grip to Canada
and Mexico; and when the right arm of freemen is stretched
out in the character of a navy, for the protection of rights,
commerce, and honor, let the iron eyes of power watch
from Maine to Mexico, and from California to Columbia;
thus may union be strengthened, and foreign speculation
prevented from opposing broadside to broadside.
"Seventy years have done much for this goodly land:
they have burst the chains of oppression and monarchy,
and multiplied its inhabitants from two to twenty millions,
with a proportionate share of knowledge keen enough to cir-
cumnavigate the globe, draw the lightning from the clouds,
and cope with all the crowned heads of the world. . . .
"The southern people are hospitable and noble: they will
help to rid so free a country of every vestige of slavery,
whenever they are assured of an equivalent for their prop-
erty. The country will be full of money and confidence,
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 725
when a national bank of twenty millions, and a State bank in
every State, with a million or more, give a tone to monetary
matters, and make a circulating medium as valuable in the
purses of a whole community as in the coffers of a speculat-
ing banker or broker.
"The people may have faults, but they never should be
trifled with. . . .
"In the United States the people are the government; and
their united voice is the only sovereign that should rule, the
only power that should be obeyed, and the only gentlemen
that should be honored, at home and abroad, on the land and
on the sea; wherefore, were I the President of the United
States, by the voice of a virtuous people, I would honor the
old paths of the venerated fathers of freedom: I would walk
in the tracks of the illustrious patriots, who carried the ark
of the government upon their shoulders with an eye single
to the glory of the people; and when that people petitioned
to abolish slavery in the slave States, I would use all hon-
orable means to have their prayers granted, and give liberty
to the captive, by giving the southern gentleman a reasonable
equivalent for his property, that the whole nation might be
free indeed! When the people petitioned for a national
bank, I would use my best endeavors to have their prayers
answered, and establish one on national principles to save
taxes, and make them the controllers of its ways and means;
and when the people petitioned to possess the territory of
Oregon or any other contiguous territory; I would lend the
influence of a chief magistrate to grant so reasonable a re-
quest, that they might extend the mighty efforts and enter-
prise of a free people from the east to the west sea; and make
the wilderness blossom as the rose; and when a neighbor-
ing realm petitioned to join the Union of the sons of liberty,
my voice would be, Come: yea, come Texas; come Mexico;
come Canada; and come all the world — let us be brethren:
let us be one great family; and let there be universal peace.
Abolish the cruel customs of prisons (except certain cases),
penitentiaries, and court martials for desertion; and let
reason and friendship reign over the ruins of ignorance and
barbarity; yea I would, as the universal friend of man, open
726 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
the prisons; open the eyes; open the ears and open the
hearts of all people, to behold and enjoy freedom, unadul-
terated freedom. And God, who once cleansed the violence
of the earth with a flood, whose Son laid down his life for
the salvation of all his Father gave him out of the world,
and who has promised that he will come and purify the
world again with fire in the last days, should be supplicated
by me for the good of all people.
"With the highest esteem, I am a friend of virtue and of
the people,
'•JOSEPH SMITH.
"NAUVOO, Illinois, February 7, 1844."
— Times and Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 528-533.
As early as March 1, 1844, the Times and Seasons
placed at the head of its editorial column,
"For President, General Joseph Smith, of
dares for him
Nauvoo, Illinois.
The same issue of the paper contained an editorial in
defense of the movement in nominating Mr. Smith.
On May 17, 1844, a State convention was held in Nauvoo.
At that time, Joseph Smith, of Illinois, was formally nomi-
nated for President of the United States, and Sidney Rigdon,
of Pennsylvania, for Vice President.
The Twelve Apostles and many others entered upon a
canvass of the States to present this ticket to the
people. Thus was the ticket placed prominently
before the public for thsir consideration; and of
course the propriety of the move thus became a legitimate
subject of inquiry.
We have the undoubted right yet to discuss the wisdom
and propriety of the move. We cannot entertain the thought
that the instigators of the movement had the
remotest idea of electing their ticket; some other
motive must be ascribed to them. It is probable that they
chose to cast an honest vote in the face of certain defeat,
rather than support successfully what they esteemed to be
fraudulent and corrupt. They had the further purpose to
get before the public through this canvass certain political
reforms which they believed to be sorely needed.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 727
Whether these ends justified the means is doubtful; yet we
must not forget that this subject, like all others, has two
sides.
Prom one standpoint it seems a thing incongruous that a
high church official— a prophet of God should aspire to
political honors, and seek to fill such a position. It savors
too much of the doctrine of church and state to be acceptable
in a republic. On the other hand, when the church in a
body had been deprived of citizenship in a sovereign State,
their lives imperiled, at the mercy of a lawless mob sus-
tained by an inhuman Executive, and they robbed of thou-
sands of dollars, where no redress could be obtained because
of the false application of a political doctrine, it seems at
least a plausible excuse for a leading church official to enter
the political arena and contend for the suppression of that
particular fallacy.
Such was the situation at the time, and that the doctrine
of State sovereignty was largely responsible, none can deny.
If not responsible for the overt and unlawful acts in the first
place, it was responsible for preventing redress of wrongs
inflicted. Opposition to the doctrine of State sovereignty
was the keynote of Joseph's political doctrine. Had his rec-
ommendations been adopted then and that doctrine sup-
pressed, this nation might have been spared the horrors of
a bloody civil conflict from the effect of which we have not
yet recovered.
Politically, Joseph Smith was comparatively unknown
and his candidacy from a political standpoint was a hopeless
one, yet we should not forget that when sixteen years later-
this same doctrine of "State sovereignty" had plunged our
nation into the throes of civil war, there arose, from this
same State of Illinois, an obscure backwoodsman, who saved
the nation by his determined opposition to this political
fallacy.
Which would have been the better for the nation, to have
accepted the political views of Joseph Smith in 1844, and by
heroic measures to have settled this question peaceably, or
having waited sixteen years, to be forced, as it was, to settle
it by the arbitrament of the sword?
728 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
We do not intend by these reflections to commit ourselves
to the indorsement of the political policy pursued by the
church in 1844. They are intended simply as suggestive to
the wise, that before they rashly condemn, they carefully
consider.
CHAPTER 32.
1844.
POLITICAL SITUATION— JOSEPH DID NOT DICTATE— POLYGAMY FALSE
AND CORRUPT — HYRUM SMITH DENOUNCES IT — JOHN TAYLOR
AGAINST SPIRITUAL WIFE SYSTEM — WILLIAM MARKS ON PO-
LYGAMY—OLD MAN OP ISRAEL REPUDIATES IT — JOHN TAYLOR
INDORSES THE OLD MAN — TAYLOR RESENTS THE CHARGE OP
POLYGAMY— PRATT THINKS IT BARRED BY LAW— FALSEHOODS
HAVE BEEN TOLD — GENERAL CONFERENCE — KING FOLLETT
SERMON— MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS— LAW AND OTHERS DIS-
AFFECTED—CRIME NOT PROVEN— TROUBLESOME TIMES— F. M.
HIGBEE VERSUS JOSEPH SMITH— MUNICIPAL COURT— CONSPIRACY
DISCLOSED — THE EXPOSITOR — THE PUBLIC EXCITED — POLITI-
CAL SUPPORT WITHDRAWN— Gov. FORD ON THE SITUATION-
AVOID ARREST.
THE year 1844 opened with public feeling running high on
the "Mormon" question. So numerous had the saints
Political become that their favor was eagerly sought by
situation. Tooth political parties; and while each party was
ready to favor and praise them if by so doing their patronage
could be secured, they were each equally ready to abuse,
slander, and if possible expel them, if their support was not
given; so that in any event they were sure to have pro-
nounced and bitter enemies.
This had just been illustrated in the campaign of 1843,
when Cyrus Walker, Whig candidate for Congress, was
defeated by his Democratic opponent, Mr. Hoge; and it was
determined by the returns that if the votes of Nauvoo, a
large majority of which were cast for Hoge, had been cast
for Walker, he would have been successful. The rage of
the Whigs knew no bounds.
Governor Ford relates the circumstances truthfully, no
doubt. He writes:—
"The next day Mr. Hoge received about three thousand
votes in Nauvoo, and was elected to Congress by six or eight
hundred majority. The result of the election struck the
730 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Whigs with perfect amazement. Whilst they fancied them-
selves secure of getting the Mormon vote for Mr. Walker,
the Whig newspapers had entirely ceased their accustomed
abuse of the Mormons. They now renewed their crusade
against them; every paper was loaded with accounts of the
wickedness, corruptions, and enormities of Nauvoo. The
Whig orators groaned with complaints and denunciations of
the Democrats, who would consent to receive Mormon sup-
port, and the Democratic officers of the State were violently
charged and assaulted with using the influence of their
offices to govern the Mormons. From this time forth the
Whigs generally, and a part of the Democrats, determined
upon driving the Mormons out of the State; and everything
connected with the Mormons became political, and was con-
sidered almost entirely with reference to party. To this
circumstance in part, is to be attributed the extreme diffi-
culty ever afterwards of doing anything effectually in rela-
tion to the Mormon or anti-Mormon parties, by the executive
government."— Ford's History of Illinois, p. 319.
From this we can easily see that it was largely the spirit
of partisan politics that caused the agitation which finally
culminated in the tragic and horrible assassination at Car-
thage and the expulsion of the church from Nauvoo.
Nor can we truthfully suppose that it would have been
different had the Democrats been defeated. It was not the
Whig party, as such, that caused the mischief; it was the
partisan spirit that ruled in politics, affecting all parties. It
has in this instance, at least, proven to be a curse to the
church. It is a menace to the prosperity of the nation, and
always detrimental, even to the interest of the party it
seeks to serve.
As will be seen by Mr. Ford's statement, the two parties
were so nearly equal in that congressional district that the
saints held the balance of power; and it was charged that
the Mormon leaders controlled the votes of the church, and
hence were in a position to absolutely dictate the election.
Joseph aid While all men do have, or should have, some influ-
not dictate, ence; yet so far as Joseph Smith dictating the vote
of Nauvoo is concerned, the charge seems to be ground-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 73]
less, as Mr. Ford himself states. While the vote was largely
for Mr. Hoge, and he received the support of Hyrum Smith,
Joseph voted for Mr. Walker, and stated, "that he would
not, if he could, influence any voter in giving his vote; that
he considered it a mean business for him or any other man
to attempt to dictate to the people whom they should support
in elections."
Such, in brief, were the facts regarding political dictation,
of which so much has been said.
The Times and Seasons for February 1, 1844, contains an
item that, taken in connection with subsequent issues, is of
peculiar importance to history. It is a published
fa°segandy notice over the signatures of Joseph and Hyrum
Smith wherein they declare polygamy a false and
corrupt doctrine, and give notice of the expulsion of an
Elder Brown for teaching that "and other false and corrupt
doctrines."1
In keeping with this is the statement of Hyrum Smith, in
Hyrum Smith a l^ter written to the members of the church on
denounces u. china Creek, Hancock County, Illinois, on March
15, 1844.*
* NOTICB.
As we have lately been credibly informed that an elder of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by the name of Hiram Brown, has
been preaching polygamy, and other false and corrupt doctrines, in the
county of Lapeer, State of Michigan; —
This is to notify him and the church in general, that he has been cut
off from the church for his iniquity; and he is further notified to appear
at the special conference, on the 6th of April next, to make answer to
these charges.
H°SuS ImTH, [ P'esldente of said Church.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 423.
* The following is an extract from the above-mentioned letter: —
NAUVOO, March 15, 1844.
To the Brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, living
on China Creek, in Hancock County, Greeting: — Whereas Brother Richard
Hewitt has called on me to-day, to know my views concerning some doc-
trines that are preached in your place, and states to me that some of
your elders say, that a man having a certain priesthood, may have as
many wives as he pleases, and that doctrine is taught here: I say unto
you that that man teaches false doctrine, for there is no such doctrine
taught here; neither is there any such thing practiced here. And any
man that is found teaching privately or publicly any such doctrine, is
culpable, and will stand a chance to be brought before the High Council,
732 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
In the issue for April 1, 1844, the editor of the Times and
Seasons, John Taylor, of the Twelve Apostles, states:—
"We very frequently receive letters from elders and indi-
viduals abroad, inquiring of us whether certain statements
John Taylor fa&t ^ey hear, and have written to them, are true:
spiritual some pertaining to John C. Bennett's spiritual wife
:e system. SyStem; others in regard to immoral conduct, prac-
ticed by individuals, and sanctioned by the church; and as it
is impossible for us to answer all of them, we take this op-
portunity of answering them all, once for all."— Times and
Seasons, vol. 5, p. 490.
In his reply to these questions he expresses his surprise
that anyone acquainted with Nauvoo would ask such ques-
tions, and closes with a strong disapproval of any man who
will teach what is not found in the standard books of the
church, denounces him as an impostor, and advises that he
be disfellowshipped.*
and lose his license and membership also: therefore he had better beware
what he is about. — Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 474.
In connection with this the following extract from a private letter to
J. J. Strang, written by Mr. Hewitt, of Bastrop, Texas, June 14, 1849,
(the original of which is now before us,) is significant: —
1 want to know what your mind is about men having the priesthood,
having more wives than one. The principle is taught amongst all that I
have been with. Some have from two to ten, or twenty, and some have
none. If it is consistent I want you to let me know when you write to
me, and I want you to write as soon as you get this, so Brother Miller
[Bishop George Miller] and myself may know what to do. You must
excuse me for asking so much, but you must bear with me, as I confess
I am ignorant. Bro. Miller says their whoring will send them all to hell.
You can see Bro. Hyrum's epistle to me on that subject, in the Times and
Seasons, 15th March, 1844, if I don't mistake. I don't find such things in
the Book of Covenants, nor in the Book of Mormon, nor in the writings
of the apostles: and I don't want to be deceived, nor flattered any more,
etc.
8 If any man writes to you, or preaches to you, doctrines contrary to
the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or the Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
set him down as an impostor. You need not write to us to know what
you are to do with such men; you have the authority with you. Try
them by the principles contained in the acknowledged word of God; if
they preach, or teach, or practice contrary to that, disfellowship them;
cut them on* from among you as useless and dangerous branches, and
if they are belonging to any of the quorums in the church, report them
to the president of the quorum to which they belong; and if you cannot
find that out, if they are members of ah official standing, belonging to
Nauvoo, report them to us.
Follow after purity, virtue, holiness, integrity, godliness, and every-
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 733
The testimony of William Marks, then President of the
wm. Marks Nauvoo Stake, indicates that Joseph Smith con-
on polygamy, tinued in his opposition to polygamy up to a few
days before his death, though some members of the church
were guilty of the crime. It shows further that Joseph real-
ized that to save the church from destruction such parties
must be expelled from the church. *
thing that has a tendency to exalt and ennoble the human mind; and
shun every man who teaches any other principles. — Times and Seasons,
vol. 5, pp. 490, 491.
4 OPPOSITION TO POLYGAMY BY THB PBOFHET JOSEPH.
Brother Sheen: — I feel desirous to communicate through your periodical
a few suggestions made manifest to me by the Spirit of God, in relation
to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. About the first of
June, 1844, (situated as I was at that time, being Presiding Elder of the
Stake at Nauvoo, and by appointment the presiding officer of the High
Council,) I had a very good opportunity to know the affairs of the
church; and my convictions at that time were, that the church in a
great measure had departed from the pure principles and doctrines of
Jesus Christ. I felt much troubled in mind about the condition of the
church. I prayed earnestly to my heavenly Father to show me some-
thing in regard to it, when I was wrapped in vision, and it was shown
me by the Spirit that the top or branches had overcome the root, in sin
and wickedness, and the only way to cleanse and purify it was to dis-
organize it, and in due time the Lord would reorganize it again. There
were many other things suggested to my mind, but the lapse of time has
erased them from my memory.
A few days after this occurrence I met with Brother Joseph. He said
that he wanted to converse with me on the affairs of the church, and we
retired by ourselves. I will give his words verbatim, for they are indeli-
bly stamped upon my mind. He said he had desired for a long time to
have a talk with me on the subject of polygamy. He said it eventually
would prove the overthrow of the church, and we should soon be obliged
to leave the United States, unless it could be speedily put down. He
was satisfied that it was a cursed doctrine, and that there must be every
exertion made to put it down. He said that he would go before the con-
gregation and proclaim against it, and I must go into the High Council,
and he would prefer charges against those in transgression, and I must
sever them from the church, unless they made ample satisfaction.
There was much more said, but this was the substance. The mob com-
menced to gather about Carthage in a few days after, therefore there
was nothing done concerning it.
After the Prophet's death, I made mention of this conversation to sev-
eral, hoping and believing that it would have a good effect; but to my
great disappointment, it was soon rumored about that Brother Marks
was about to apostatize, and that all that he said about the conversation
with the Prophet was a tissue of lies. From that time I was satisfied
that the church would be disorganized, and the death of the Prophet and
Patriarch tended to confirm me in that opinion. From that time I was
looking for a reorganization of the church and kingdom of God. I feel
thankful that I have lived to again behold the day, when the basis of
the church is the revelations of Jesus Christ, which is the only sure foun-
734 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
For some time after the death of Joseph the leading men
of the church occupied the same attitude towards
«f israei" polygamy. In the Times and Seasons for Novem-
repudiates it. , + r> i t • A • • J,,A u
ber, 1844, a communication signed "An old man
of Israel," condemns the doctrine in unqualified terms.8
This, perhaps, could not be considered official if it stood
alone, but as it received editorial indorsement in
John Taylor , . • .-, i-rimi
indorses the the same issue of the paper when John Taylor,
one of the Twelve apostles, was editor and pro-
prietor, it must be considered authoritative. •
This same Apostle Taylor resented the accusation of
polygamy made against the church, in a discus-
th^Vharge6" sion held by himself atBoulogne-sur-Mer, France,
polygamy. . ^ 1850, an(j rea(j from the Book of Doctrine
and Covenants to disprove the allegation. *
dation to build upon. I feel to invite all my brethren to become identi-
fied with us, for the Lord is truly in our midst.
WILLIAM MARKS.
SHABBONA, DeKalb County, Illinois, Oct. 23, 1859.
— Saints' Herald, vol. 1, pp. 22, 23.
6 The saints of the last days have witnessed the outgoings and the in-
comings of so many apostates that nothing but truth has any effect upon
them. In the present instance, after the sham quotations of Sidney and
his clique, from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Cove-
nants, to skulk off, under the "dreadful splendor" of "spiritual wifery,"
which is brought into the account as graciously as if the law of the land
allowed a man a plurality of wives, is fiendish, and like the rest of Sid-
ney's revelation, just because he wanted "to goto Pittsburg and live."
Woe to the man or men who will thus willfully lie to injure an innocent
people! The law of the land and the rules of the church do not allow
one man to have more than one wife alive at once, but if any man's wife
die, he has a right to marry another, and to be sealed to both for eter-
nity; to the living and the dead! there is no law of God or man against it!
This is all the spiritual wife system that ever was tolerated in the church,
and they know it. — Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 715.
* l|^ For the communication of an "old man of Israel," and the letter
of Elder Addison Pratt from the islands of the Pacific Ocean, we bespeak
a hearty welcome. They are genuine. — Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 711.
T We are accused here of polygamy, and actions the most indelicate,
obscene, and disgusting, such that none but a corrupt and depraved
heart could have contrived. These things are too outrageous to admit
of belief; therefore leaving the sisters of the "White Veil," the "Black
Veil," and all the other veils, with those gentlemen to dispose of,
together with their authors, as they think best, I shall content myself
by reading our views of chastity and marriage, from a work published
by us, containing some of the articles of our faith.— "Doctrine and Cove-
nants," page 330. [Liverpool edition.] [He here read article on mar
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 735
Parley P. Pratt, also one of the Twelve Apostles, and at
the time editor of the Millennial Star, editorially disclaims
polygamy, in August, 1842, and reasons that it
Pratt thinks ' A
it barred could never become a tenet of the church because
of its opposition to the text-books of the church.8
Taking these facts in connection with subsequent develop-
ments, it is evident that there has been some con-
Dd8' temptible lying on this subject.
If Joseph and Hyrum Smith, or either of them, were im-
plicated in the practice of polygamy or in telling falsehoods
regarding it, we have no disposition to shield them; but in
justice to them we insist that neither of these crimes shall
be fastened upon them without competent evidence; and we
further contend that neither those who have perjured them-
selves by giving conflicting testimony on the subject, nor
those who justify such procedure, are competent or reliable
witnesses.
A special conference was held at Nauvoo, convening on
, April 6, 1844. The business done was not of
General
conference, special historical importance, being principally
devoted to instruction.
It was at this conference that Joseph Smith preached the
funeral sermon of King Follett. A synopsis of this ser-
mon was published in the Times and Seasons in
King ivoi-
leu sermon. August, 1844. We do not feel justified in present-
ing this synopsis as containing the teachings of Joseph
Smith, for several reasons. First: The sermon was said to
be a very long one, while this extract covers less than five
pages of the Times and Seasons, and can leisurely be read in
about twenty-five minutes. One cannot get the true sense
riape as given on pp. 596 and 597 this volume.] — Orson Pratt's Works,
Public Discussion between Reverends C. W. Cleeve, James Robertson,
and Philip Cater, and Elder John Taylor, p. 8.
8 But, for the information of those who may be assailed by those fool-
ish tales about the two wives, we would say that no such principle ever
existed among the Latter Day Saints, and never will; this is well known
to all who are acquainted with our books and actions, the Hook of Mor-
mon, Doctrine and Covenants; and also all our periodicals are very
itric't and explicit on that subject, indeed far more so than the Bible.—
Millennial Star, vol. 3, p. 74.
736 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
of a discourse from so meager an extract. Second: It was
not found in print until after Joseph's death, and hence was
not subjected to his inspection as published. Third: Its
style and diction, as well as its doctrinal teachings, differ so
widely from the productions of Joseph Smith as found else-
where that it suggests suspicion as to its genuineness.
Fourth: We have no evidence that a verbatim report was
made when delivered, and hence it must have been written
from memory, or at best from notes. So without indorsing
or condemning we decline to present it as historically cor-
rect.
At this conference there was quite a large force of mis-
sionaries sent out.
About this time disaffection, in which the Laws, Doctor
Poster, and the Higbees figured prominently, culminated,
and under date of April 18, 1844, the Church Recorder pub-
lished notice that several had been expelled for "unchristian -
like conduct." '
We have never been able to determine fully the cause of
this trouble. Crime and immoral conduct were charged on
Lawandoth- both sides and many conflicting stories told and
ers disaffected, published. The more we have read and heard on
the subject the less prepared are we to state just what the
status of the case was. We are unwilling to state our opin-
ion in the absence of verified facts upon which to base that
opinion.
We, however, have carefully examined all that has come
crime under our observation, and found no conclusive evi-
not proven, dence of immorality or dishonesty against Joseph
Smith or others who remained in association with him.
This agitation within the church, however, connected with
the religious and political influence used against the church
• NAUVOO, April 18, 1844.
Robert D. Foster, Wilson Law, William Law, and Jane Law, of Nau
voo, and Howard Smith, of Scott County, Illinois, for unchristianlike
conduct, were cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, by the authorities of said church, and ordered to be published in
the Times and Seasons.
W. RICHARDS, Church Recorder.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 511.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 737
from without, produced troublesome times in and around
Troublesome Nauvoo, and public feeling ran so high that the
time». lives of the Prophet and others of the leading men
were in constant danger, and conditions were ripening for
the bloody and cruel consummation at Carthage.
On May 6, 1844, Joseph was arrested by officer John D.
Parker on a warrant issued by the clerk of the Circuit Court
at Carthage, issued on complaint of Francis M.
versus Higbee, one of the dissenters mentioned above.
It appears that Higbee claimed five thousand dol-
lars damage, but his complaint did not specify upon what
his claim was based; nor was there any crime charged what-
ever.
Joseph obtained a writ of habeas corpus and brought the
case before the Municipal Court at Nauvoo. Before this
Municipal court he had an investigation on the 8th and was
court. duly discharged. The complainant did not
appear, either in person or by counsel.
On the request of the defendant the court allowed the
conspiracy case *° proceed, and the evidence disclosed that a
disclosed. conspiracy existed between Francis M. Higbee
and others to take the life of Joseph Smith.
Immediately after this a "prospectus" was issued and
distributed for a paper to be called the Nauvoo
The Expositor. _
Expositor.
On May 18, 1844, F. M. Higbee and others were expelled
from the church for apostasy.
June 7, 1844, the Expositor made its appearance. It con-
tained much that was of a slanderous character, and also
affidavits against the character of the Prophet and others.
June 10, 1844, the City Council declared the Expositor a
nuisance, and ordered the mayor (Joseph Smith) to have the
establishment and paper removed without delay in such
manner as he should elect. The mayor issued an order to
the marshal, John P. Green, who with a posse proceeded to
the office of the Expositor and removed the press, type,
paper, and fixtures into the street, and destroyed them.
F. M. Higbee went before Thomas Morrison, a justice of
the peace, at Carthage, Illinois, and obtained a writ for the
738 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
arrest of Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, Wil-
liam W. Phelps, Hyrutn Smith, John P. Green, Stephen
Perry, D. B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Mark-
ham, William Edwards, Jonathan Harmon, J. P. Harmon,
John Lytle, J. W. Coolidge, H. D. Redfield, Porter Rock-
well, and Levi Richards, on a charge of riot.
Joseph Smith sued out a writ of habeas corpus in the Muni-
cipal Court of Nauvoo and was, after due investigation, dis-
charged by that tribunal. Subsequently all the others
named in the writ took the same course and were also ac-
quitted.
On the 14th the mayor made a detailed report of the
Expositor case to Governor Ford, and stated that if the Gov-
ernor had any doubts about the legality of the proceedings,
he had only to signify it and all who were implicated would
go before any legal tribunal at the State capital and submit
to an investigation; that he need not go to the trouble or ex-
pense to issue a writ, as they would respond upon the receipt
of his expressed wish.
Upon the advice of Judge Jesse B. Thomas, those named
in the warrant for riot, again submitted to arrest. They
were rearrested by Constable Joel S. Miles on a writ issued
upon the complaint of W. G. Ware, by Daniel H. Wells, jus
tice of the peace.
They had a lengthy examination before Esquire Wells,
who was not then a member of the church, and they were
again acquitted.
During all this time mobs were collecting in different parts
of the county; inflammatory speeches were being made from
The public pulpit and rostrum. The press, especially the
excited. Warsaw Signal, were opening their columns to the
most slanderous reports that could be invented. So with
traitors within and foes without times were very perilous in
Nauvoo.
What favor they had secured from the Democratic party
by their support of Mr. Hoge in the election of
support 1843, was now withdrawn, because of their action
in putting out an independent ticket for the ensuing
election. This action served notice to both parties that the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 739
"Mormons" could not be depended upon to assist either of
them in carrying the State in the presidential election, and
hence, though there was no party action taken as such, yet
men of different political beliefs were equally clamorous to
expel the saints from the State.
Governor Ford in his message to the legislature in Decem-
ber, 1844, admits that the accusations made against the
GOT Ford on citizens of Nauvoo were false, and were originated
die situation. for foe .purpose of exciting public prejudice
against them.10
10 These also were the active men in blowing up the fury of the peo-
ple; in hopes that a popular movement might be set on foot, which
would result in the expulsion or extermination of the Mormon voters.
For this purpose public meetings had been called; inflammatory
speeches had been made; exaggerated and unfounded reports had been
extensively circulated; committees had been appointed, and rode night
and day to spread the reports, and solicit the aid of the neighboring
counties. And at a public meeting at Warsaw resolutions were passed
10 expel or exterminate the Mormon population. This was not, how-
ever, a movement which was unanimously concurred in. The county
contained a goodly number of inhabitants in favor of peace, or who at
least desired to be neutral in such a contest. These were stigmatized by
the name of "Jack Mormons," and there were not a few of the more
furious exciters of the people, who openly expressed their intention to
involve them in the common expulsion or extermination.
A system of excitement and agitation was artfully planned and
executed with tact: It was planned and executed very much upon the
principle adopted by the Jacobins in revolutionary France. It consisted
in spreading reports and rumors of the most fearful character. As
examples: On the morning before my arrival at Carthage I was awak-
ened at an early hour, by the frightful report, which was asserted with
confidence and apparent consternation, that the Mormons had already
commenced the work of burning, destruction, and murder; and that
every man capable of bearing arms was instantly wanted at Carthage
for the protection of the country. We lost no time in starting; but
when we arrived at Carthage we could hear no more concerning this
story. Again, during the few days that the militia were encamped at
Carthage, frequent applications were made to me, to send a force here,
and a force there, and a force all about the country, to prevent murders,
robberies, and larcenies, which it was said were threatened by the Mor-
mons. No such forces were sent; nor were any such offenses committed
at that time, except the stealing of some provisions; and there was never
the least proof that this was done by a Mormon. Again, on my late
visit to Hancock County I was informed by some of their violent
enemies that the larcenies of the Mormons had become unusually
numerous and insufferable. They indeed admitted that but little had
been done in this way in their immediate vicinity. But they insisted
that sixteen horses had been stolen by the Mormons in one night, near
Lima in the county of Adams. At the close of the expedition I called
at this same town of Lima, and upon inquiry was told that no horses had
been stolen in that neighborhood, but that sixteen horses had been
stolen in one night in Hancock County. This last informant being told
740 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
J
Amidst this tumult the writ for riot in destroying the
Nauvoo Expositor was renewed, and placed in the hands
Avoid °f Constable Bettisworth. Joseph and Hyrum
arrest. Smith, though willing to submit to legal investi-
gation when protected, feared the violence of the mob, and
hence concluded to avoid arrest. They left their homes and
crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa, where for the time
they were secure.
of the Hancock story, again changed the venue, to another distant set*
tlement in the northern edge of Adams.— Message of Governor Ford,
December 23, 1844, pp. 7, 8,
CHAPTER 33.
1844.
GOVERNOR ASSURES PROTECTION— ADMITTED TO BAIL— CHARGED
WITH TREASON— HISTORY OF THE TRAGEDY— STATEMENT OF
ATTORNEY REID— PACIFIC STATEMENT— WRITS FOR WILLIAMS
AND OTHERS — INDICTMENTS — GOVERNOR FORD'S ACCOUNT —
FORD'S OPINION — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS — JOSEPH UNDECIDED
WHERE To Go — JOSEPH'S LOYALTY — EMPLOYS BROWNING —
FUNERAL OBSEQUIES — REFLECTIONS — JOSEPH'S FAMILY —
HYRUM'S FAMILY.
UPON receiving the assurance of Governor Ford that they
would receive the protection of the militia, Joseph
Governor a»- , XT e-i • i IK • «
Mire* pro- and Hyrum Smith returned from their retirement,
went to Carthage, and delivered themselves up to
Constable Bettisworth.
They then appeared before Justice R. F. Smith, of Car-
thage, Illinois, and captain of the Carthage Greys, and
Admitted "voluntarily entered into recognizance in the sum
to bau. of five hundred dollars each, with unexceptionable
security, for their appearance at the next term of the Cir-
cuit Court."
On the same day they were arrested on a charge of "trea-
son against the State of Illinois." Ou this charge and
charged against the protest of their counsel, they were com-
with treason. mitted to jail, without examination; where they
met their tragic death.
The history of this affair, together with facts in the case,
written by their counsel and others, were published in the
History o« Times and Seasons for July 1, 1844. These accounts
the tragedy. w^} te^ ^e story better than we can tell it, and
we reproduce them for the reader's examination: —
"AWFUL ASSASSINATION OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH!
THE PLEDGED FAITH OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
STAINED WITH INNOCENT BLOOD BY A MOB!
"On Monday the 24th inst., after Governor Ford had sent
word that those eighteen persons demanded on a warrant,
742 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
among whom were Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, should
be protected by the militia of the State, they in company with
some ten or twelve others started for Carthage. Four miles
from that place they were met by Captain Dunn with a com-
pany of cavalry, who had an order from the Governor for
the 'State arms.' General Smith indorsed his acceptance of
the same, and both parties returned to Nauyoo to obtain said
arms. After the arms were obtained, both parties took up
the line of march for Carthage, where they arrived about
five minutes before twelve o'clock at night. Captain Dunn
nobly acquitting himself, landed us safely at Hamilton's
Hotel. •
"In the morning we saw the Governor, and he pledged the
faith of the State that we should be protected. General
Smith and his brother Hyrum were arrested by a warrant
founded upon the oaths of H. O. Norton and Augustine
Spencer, for treason. Knowing the threats from several
persons, that the two Smiths should never leave Carthage
alive, we all began to be alarmed for their personal safety.
The Governor and General Deming conducted them before
the McDonough troops and introduced them as General
Joseph Smith and General Hyrum Smith. This maneuver came
near raising a mutiny among the 'Carthage Greys,' but the
Governor quelled it.
"In the afternoon, after great exertions on the part of our
counsel, we dispensed with an investigation, and voluntarily
gave bail for our appearance to the Circuit Court, to answer
in the case of abating the Nauvoo Expositor as a nuisance.
"At evening the justice made out a mittimus, without an
investigation, and committed the two Generals Smith to
prison until discharged by due course of law, and they were
safely guarded to jail. In the morning the Governor went
to the jail and had an interview with these men, and to every
appearance all things were explained on both sides.
"The constable then went to take these men from the jail,
before the justice for examination, but the jailer refused to
let them go, as they were under his direction 'till discharged
by due course of law;' but the Governor's troops, to the amount
of one or two hundred, took them to the courthouse, when
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 743
the hearing was continued till Saturday the 29th, and they
were remanded to jail. Several of our citizens had permits
from the Governor to lodge with them, and visit them in jail.
"It now began to be rumored by several men, whose
names will be forthcoming in time, that there was nothing
against these men; the law could not reach them, but powder and
ball would! The Governor was made acquainted with these
facts, but on the morning of the 27th he disbanded the Mc-
Donough troops and sent them home, took Captain Dunn's
company of cavalry and proceeded to Nauvoo, leaving these
two men and three or four friends to be guarded by eight men
at the jail; and a company in town of sixty men, eighty or
one hundred rods from the jail as a corps in reserve.
"About six o'clock in the afternoon the guard was sur-
prised by an armed mob of from one hundred and fifty to
two hundred and fifty, painted red, black, and yellow, which
surrounded the jail, forced in— poured a shower of bullets
into the room where these unfortunate men were held, 'in
durance vile,' to answer to the laws of Illinois; under the
solemn pledge of the faith of the State, by Governor Ford,
that they should be protected/ but the mob ruled!! They fell as
martyrs amid this tornado of lead, each receiving four bul-
lets! John Taylor was wounded by four bullets in his limbs,
but not seriously. Thus perishes the hope of law; thus van-
ishes the plighted faith of the State; thus the blood of inno-
cence stains the constituted authorities of the United States;
and thus have two among the most noble martyrs since the
slaughter of Abel sealed the truth of their divine mission,
by being shot by a mob for their religion!
"Messengers were dispatched to Nauvoo, but did not reach
there till morning. The following was one of the letters: —
"Twelve o'clock at night, 27th June,
"CARTHAGE, Hamilton's Tavern.
"To Mrs. Emma Smith, and Major- General Dunham, etc.:—
The Governor has just arrived; says all things shall be
inquired into, and all right measures taken.
"I say to all the citizens of Nauvoo, my brethren, Be still,
and know that God reigns. Don't rush out of the city— don't
rush to Carthage; stay at home, and be prepared for an at-
744 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
attack from Missouri mobbers. The Governor will render
every assistance possible— has sent out orders for troops.
Joseph and Hyrum are dead, but not by the Carthage people;
the guards were true as I believe.
"We will prepare to move the bodies as soon as possible.
"The people of the county are greatly excited, and fear
the Mormons will come out and take vengeance. I have
pledged my word the Mormons will stay at home as soon as
they can be informed, and no violence will be on their part.
And say to my brethren in Nauvoo, in the name of the Lord,
Be still; be patient; only let such friends as choose come
here to see the bodies. Mr. Taylor's wounds are dressed
and not serious; I am sound.
"WILLARD RICHARDS.
"JOHN TAYLOB.
"SAMUEL H. SMITH.
"Defend yourselves until protection can be furnished
necessary. June 27, 1844.
"THOMAS FORD,
"Governor and Commander in Chief.
"Mr. Orson Spencer; Dear Sir: — Please deliberate on this
matter; prudence may obviate material destruction. I was
at my residence when this horrible crime was committed. It
will be condemned by three fourths of the citizens of the
county. Be quiet or you will be attacked from Missouri.
"M. R. DEMINO.
"The Governor, as well as the citizens of Carthage, was
thunderstruck! and fled.
"The legion in Nauvoo was called out at ten a. m. and
addressed by Judge Phelps, Colonel Buckmaster, of Alton,
the Governor's aid, and others; and all excitement and fury
allayed, and preparations were made to receive the bodies of
the noble martyrs. About three o'clock they were met by a
great assemblage of people, east of the temple on Mulhol-
land Street, under the direction of the city marshal, followed
by Samuel H. Smith, the brother of the deceased, Doctor
Richards, and Mr. Hamilton, of Carthage. The wagons were
guarded by eight men. The procession that followed in Nau-
voo, was the City Council, the Lieutenant- General's staff, the
Major- General and staff, the Brigadier-General and staff, com-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 745
manders and officers of the legion, and citizens generally,
which numbered several thousands, amid the most solemn
lamentations and wailings that ever ascended into the ears
of the Lord of Hosts to be avenged of our enemies!
"When the procession arrived the bodies were both taken
into the 'Nauvoo Mansion'; the scene at the mansion cannot
be described: the audience was addressed by Doctor Rich
ards, Judge Phelps, Woods and Reid, Esqs., of Iowa, and
Colonel Markham. It was a vast assemblage of some eight
or ten thousand persons, and with one united voice resolved
to trust to the law for a remedy of such a high-handed assas-
sination, and when that failed, to call upon God to avenge
us of our wrongs! Oh, widows and orphans! Oh, Ameri-
cans! weep, for the glory of freedom has departed!
"STATEMENT OF FACTS'.
"At the request of many persons who wish that the truth
may go forth to the world in relation to the late murder of
statement of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, by a band of lawless
Attorney Reid. assassins, I have consented to make a statement
of the facts so far as they have come to my knowledge, in an
authentic shape, as one of the attorneys employed to defend
the said Smiths against the charges brought against them
and other persons at Carthage, in the State of Illinois.
"On Monday the 24th inst., at the request of General
Joseph Smith I left Fort Madison, in the Territory of Iowa,
and arrived at Carthage, where I expected to meet the Gen-
eral, his brother Hyrum, and the other persons implicated
with them; they arrived at Carthage late at night, and next
morning voluntarily surrendered themselves to the consta-
ble, Mr. Bettisworth, who held the writ against them on a
charge of riot for destroying the press, type, and fixtures of
the Nauvoo Expositor, the property of William and Wilson
Law, and other dissenters, charged to have been destroyed
on the 10th inst.
"Great excitement prevailed in the county of Hancock,
and had extended to many of the surrounding counties. A
large number of the militia of several counties were under
arms at Carthage, the headquarters of the commanding Gen-
eral Deming; and many other troops were under arms at
746 HISTORY" OF THE CHURCH.
Warsaw and other places in the neighborhood. The Gov-
ernor was at headquarters in person, for the purpose of see-
ing that the laws of the land were executed, and had pledged
his own faith and the faith of the State 'of Illinois, that the
Smiths and the other persons concerned with them should
be protected from personal violence, if they would surrender
themselves to be dealt with according to law. During the
two succeeding days his Excellency repeatedly expressed to
the legal counselors of the Smiths his determination to pro-
tect the prisoners, and to see that they should have a fair
and impartial examination, so far as depended on the Execu-
tive of the State. On Tuesday morning, soon after the sur-
render of the prisoners on the charge of riot, General Jo-
seph Smith and his brother Hyrum were both arrested on a
charge of treason against the State of Illinois. The affida-
vits upon which the writs issued were made by Henry O.
Norton and Augustine Spencer.
"On Tuesday afternoon the two Smiths and other persons
on the charge of riot appeared before R. P. Smith, a justice
of the peace residing at Carthage; and by advice of counsel,
in order to prevent if possible any increase of excitement,
voluntarily entered into recognizance in the sum of five hun-
dred dollars each with unexceptionable security, for their
appearance at the next term of the Circuit Court for said
county. The whole number of persons recognized is fifteen,
most if not all of them leading men in the Mormon Church.
« 'Making out the bonds and justifying bail necessarily
consumed considerable time, and when this was done it was
near night, and the justice adjourned his court over without
calling on the Smiths to answer to the charge of treason, or
even intimating to their counsel or the prisoners that they
were expected to enter into the examination that night. In
less than an hour after the adjournment of the court, Con-
stable Bettisworth, who had arrested the prisoners in the
morning, appeared at Hamilton's Hotel, at the lodgings of
the prisoners and their counsel, and insisted that the Smiths
should go to jail. Mr. Woods, of Burlington, Iowa, and
myself, as counsel for the prisoners, insisted that they were
entitled to be brought before the justice for examination
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 747
before they could be sent to jail. The constable to our sur-
prise thereupon exhibited a mittimus from said justice as
follows: —
"STATE OF ILLINOIS, )
Hancock County. )
"The people of the State of Illinois, to the keeper of the jail of
the said county; Greeting: —
"Whereas Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith of the county
aforesaid have been -arrested upon the oath of Augustine
Spencer and Henry O. Norton, for the crime of treason, and
has been brought before me as a justice of the peace in and
for said county, for trial at the seat of justice thereof, which
trial has been necessarily postponed by reason of the
absence of material witnesses; to wit: Francis M. Higbee
and others; therefore I command you in the name of the
people to receive the said Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith
into your custody in the jail of the county aforesaid, there
to remain until discharged by due course of law.
"Given under my hand and seal this 25th day of June,
A. D. 1844. (Signed,)
"R. P. SMITH, J. P. [L. S.]
"His Excellency did not think it within the sphere of his
duty to interfere, and the prisoners were removed from their
lodgings to jail. The recitals of the mittimus so far as they
relate to the prisoners having been brought before the justice
for trial, and it there appearing that the necessary witnesses
of the prosecution were absent, is wholly untrue, unless
the prisoners could have appeared before the justice without
being present in person or by counsel; nor is there any law
of Illinois within my knowledge which permits a justice to
commit persons charged with crimes, to jail without exami
nation as to the probability of their guilt.
"On Wednesday forenoon the Governor in company with
one of his friends visited the prisoners at the jail, and again
assured them that they should be protected from violence,
and told them that if the troops marched the next morning
to Nauvoo as his Excellency then expected, they should be
taken along in order to insure their personal safety.
"On the same morning some one or more of the counsel
748 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
for the prosecution expressed their wish to me that the
prisoners should be brought out of jail for examination.
They were answered that the prisoners had already been
committed, and that the justice and constable had no further
control of the prisoners; and that if the prosecutors wished
the prisoners brought out of jail, they should bring them
out on a writ of habeas corpus or some other due course of
law. The constable after this conversation went to the jail
with the following order to the jailer: —
••STATE OF ILLINOIS, )
Hancock Counly. )
"To David Bettisworth, constable of said county: —
"You are commanded Jo bring the bodies of Joseph Smith
and Hyrum Smith from the jail of said county, forthwith,
before me at my office, for TtrT examination on the charge of
treason, they having been committed for safe keeping until
trial could be had on such examination and the State now
being ready for such examination.
"Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of June, 1844.
"(Signed,) R. F. SMITH, J. P. [L. 8.]
And demanded the prisoners, but as the jailer could find no
law authorizing a justice of the peace to demand prisoners
committed to his charge, he refused to give them up until
discharged from his custody by due course of law. Upon
the refusal to give up the prisoners, the company of Car-
thage Greys marched to the jail, by whose orders I know
not, and compelled the jailer against his will and conviction
of duty to deliver the prisoners to the constable, who forth-
with took them before Justice Smith, the captain of the Car-
thage Greys. The counsel for prisoners then appeared and
asked for subpoanas for witnesses on the part of the
prisoners, and expressed their wish to go into the examina-
tion, as the witnesses could be brought from Nauvoo to Car-
thage. The justice thereupon fixed the examination for
twelve o'clock on Thursday the 27th inst; whereupon the
prisoners were remanded to prison.
"Soon after a council of the military officers was called by
the Governor, and it was determined to march on the next
morning, the 27th inst., to Nauvoo, with all the troops.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 749
except one company which was to be selected by the Gov-
ernor from the troops whose fidelity was more to be relied
on to guard the prisoners whom it was determined should be
left at Carthage.
"On Thursday morning another consultation of officers
took place, and the former orders for marching to Nauvoo
with the whole army were countermanded. One company
were ordered to accompany the Governor to Nauvoo; the
Carthage Greys, who had but two days before been under
arrest for insulting the commanding General, and whose
conduct had been more hostile to the prisoners than that of
any other company, were selected to guard the prisoners,
and the other troops, including those rendezvoused at Gol-
den's Point, from Warsaw, and who had been promised that
they should be marched to Nauvoo, were disbanded. A
guard of only eight men was stationed at the jail, whilst the
rest of the Greys were in camp at a quarter of a mile's dis-
tance, and whilst his Excellency was haranguing the peace-
able citizens of Nauvoo, and asking them to give up all their
own arms, the assassins were murdering the prisoners in
jail, whom the Governor had pledged himself and the faith
of the State to protect.
"H. T. REID."
Mr. Reid's associate attorney, James W. Woods, of Bur-
lington, Iowa, also made a statement, in harmony with the
foregoing; which was also published in the Times and Seasons,
following that of Mr. Reid's.
"To the People of the State of Illinois: —
"I desire to make a brief but true statement of the recent
disgraceful affair at Carthage, in regard to the Smiths, so
far as circumstances have come to my knowledge. The
Smiths, Joseph and Hyrum, have been assassinated in jail,
by whom it is not known, but will be ascertained. I pledged
myself for their safety, and upon the assurance of that
pledge they surrendered as prisoners. The Mormons sur-
rendered the public arms in their possession, and the
Nauvoo Legion submitted to the command of Captain Sin-
gleton, of Brown County, deputed for that purpose by me.
All these things were required to satisfy the old citizens of
750 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Hancock that the Mormons were peaceably disposed, and to
allay jealousy and excitement in their minds. It appears
however that the compliance of the Mormons with every
requisition made upon them failed of that purpose. The
pledge of security to the Smiths was not given upon my
individual responsibility. Before I gave it I obtained a
pledge of honor, by an unanimous vote from the officers
and men under my command to sustain me in performing it.
If the assassination of the Smiths was committed by any
portion of these, they have added treachery to murder, and
have done all they could to disgrace the State and sully the
public honor.
"On the morning of the day the deed was committed, we
had proposed to march the army under my command into
Nauvoo. I had, however, discovered on the evening before,
that nothing but utter destruction of the city would satisfy
a portion of the troops; and .that if we marched into the
city, pretexts would not be wanting for commencing hostili-
ties. The Mormons had done everything required or which
ought to have been required of them. Offensive operations
on our part would have been as unjust and disgraceful
as they would have been impolitic, in the present critical
season of the year, the harvest, and the crops. For these
reasons I decided, in a council of officers, to disband the
army, except three companies, two of which were reserved
as a guard for the jail. With the other company I marched
into Nauvoo, to address the inhabitants there, and tell them
what they might expect in case they designedly or impru-
dently provoked a war. I performed this duty, as I think
plainly and emphatically, and then set out to return to Car-
thage. When I had marched about three miles a messenger
informed me of the occurrences at Carthage. I hastened on
to that place. The guard, it is said, did their duty, but
were overpowered. Many of the inhabitants of Carthage
had fled with their families. Others were preparing to go.
I apprehended danger to the settlements from the sudJen
fury and passion of the Mormons, and sanctioned their
movements in this respect.
"General Deming volunteered to remain with a few troops,
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 751
to observe the progress of events, to defend property against
small numbers, and with orders to retreat if menaced by a
superior force. I decided to proceed immediately to Quincy,
to prepare a force sufficient to suppress disorders, in case it
should ensue from the foregoing transactions or from any
other cause. I have hopes that the Mormons will make no
further difficulties. In this I may be mistaken. The other
party may not be satisfied. They may recommence aggres-
sion. I am determined to preserve the peace against all
breakers of the same, at all hazards. I think present cir-
cumstances warrant the precaution of having competent
force at my disposal in readiness to march at a moment's
warning. My position at Quincy will enable me to get the
earliest intelligence, and to communicate orders with greater
celerity.
"I have decided to issue the following general orders: —
"Headquarters, QUINCY, June 29, 1844.
"It is ordered that the commandants of regiments in the
counties of Adams, Marquette, Pike, Brown, Schuyler, Mor-
gan, Scott, Cass, Fulton, and McDonough, and the regiments
composing General Stapp's brigade, will call their respective
regiments and battallions together immediately upon the
receipt of this order, and proceed by voluntary enlistment to
enroll as many men as can be armed in their respective regi-
ments. They will make arrangements for a campaign of
twelve days, and will provide themselves with arms, ammu-
nition, and provisions accordingly, and hold themselves in
readiness immediately to march upon the receipt of further
orders.
"The independent companies of riflemen, infantry, cavalry,
and artillery in the above-named counties and in the county
of Sangamon will hold themselves in readiness in like man-
ner.
"THOMAS FOBD,
"Governor and Commander in Chief.
"SIGNS OF PEACE!
"Colonel Fellows and Captain Jonas are requested to pro-
ceed by the first boat to Nauvoo and ascertain what is the
752 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
feeling, disposition, and determination of the people there,
in reference to the late disturbances; ascertain whether any
of them propose in any manner to revenge themselves,
whether any threats have been used, and what is proposed
generally to be done by them. They are also requested to
return to Warsaw and make similar inquiries there; ascer-
tain how far false rumors have been put afloat for the pur-
pose of raising forces; what is the purpose of the militia
assembled, whether any attack is intended on Nauvoo. As
certain also whether any persons from Missouri or Iowa
intend to take part in the matter, and in my name forbid any
such interference, without my request, on pain of being
demanded for punishment.
"(Signed) THOMAS FOBD.
"June 80, 1844.
"NAUYOO, July 1, 1844.
"To THE CITY COUNCIL OF NAUVOO;
"Gentlemen: — With this you will receive a copy of instruc-
tions, from Governor Ford to us. You will understand
from thorn what we desire from you in action on your part,
— as the only authorities of your city now known to the
country, of such a character as will pacify the public mind,
and satisfy the Governor of your determination to sustain
the supremacy of the laws, will, we are sure, be gratifying
to him, and as much so to
* 'Yours respectfully,
"A. JONAS.
"At a meeting of the City Council, held in the council room
in the city of Nauvoo, on the first day of July, 1844, having
received instructions from Governor Ford, through the
agency of A. Jonas, Esq., and Colonel Fellows, it was unani-
mously
"Resolved, for the purpose of insuring peace and promot-
ing the welfare of the county of Hancock and surrounding
country, that we will rigidly sustain the laws, and the Gov-
ernor of the State, so long as they and he sustain us in ali
our constitutional rights.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 753
"Resolved, secondly, that to carry the foregoing resolu-
tions into complete effect, that inasmuch as the Governor
has taken from us the public arms, that we solicit of him to
do the same with all the rest of the public arms of the State.
"Resolved, thirdly, to further secure the peace, friend-
ship, and happiness of the people, and allay the excitement
that now exists, we will reprobate private revenge on the
assassinators of General Joseph Smith, and General Hyrum
Smith, by any of the Latter Day Saints. That instead of
'an appeal to arms,' we appeal to the majesty of the law, and
will be content with whatever judgment it shall award; and
should the law fail, we leave the matter with God.
"Resolved, unanimously, that this City Council, pledge
themselves for the city of Nauvoo, that no aggressions by
the citizens of said city shall be made on the citizens of the
surrounding country, but we invite them, as friends and
neighbors to use the Savior's golden rule, and 'do unto
others as they would have others do unto them,' and we will
do likewise.
"Resolved, lastly, that we highly approve of the present
public pacifi6 course of the Governor to allay excitement
and restore peace among the citizens of the country, and
while he does so, and will use his influence to stop all vexa-
tious proceedings in law, until confidence is restored, so that
the citizens of Nauvoo can go to Carthage or any other place
for trial, without exposing themselves to the violence of
assassins, we will uphold him and the law by all honorable
means.
"GEOBGE W. HARRIS, President pro tern.
"WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.
"A. Jonas, Esq., and Col. Fellows: —
"Messrs:— In reply to your communication to the City
Council of the city of Nauvoo, on behalf of his Excellency
Governor Ford, I have been instructed by the council to
communicate the foregoing resolutions, for which I respect-
fully solicit your consideration, and at the same time would
inform you that a public meeting of our citizens will take
754 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
place at the stand east of the temple, at four p. m., and
solicit your attendance.
*'Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
"W. RICHARDS.
"PUBLIC MEETING.
"At a meeting of a large portion of citizens of Nauvoo,
convened at the stand, in the afternoon of July 1, 1844, after
hearing the above instructions and resolutions of the City
Council read, and being addressed by A. Jonas, Esq., and
others, the meeting responded to the same with a hearty
amen! The citizens then passed a vote of thanks to the
Governor's agents for their kindly interference in favor of
peace among the citizens of Hancock County and elsewhere
around us. They also passed a vote of thanks to Messrs.
Wood and Reid, the counsel for the Generals Smith for their
great exertions to have evenhanded justice meted to the
Latter Day Saints: and they also passed a vote of thanks to
Messrs. Chambers and Field, the former one of the editors
of the Missouri Republican, and the latter one of the editors
of the Eeveille of St. Louis, for their honorable course of
coming to Nauvoo for facts, instead of spreading rumors,
concerning the Latter Day Saints. Mr. Chambers made a
very appropriate speech containing innuendoes for the bene-
fit of our citizens, that appeared as the wise man said:
'Like apples of gold in pictures of silver.' They also passed
a vote of thanks to Messrs. Wood and Conyers, mayor and
ex-mayor of Quincy, for their friendly disposition in estab-
lishing peace in this region, and we are happy to say that
all appears to be peace at Nauvoo.
"Headquarters, QUINCT, June 30, 1844.
"Sir:— It is my present opinion that the Mormons will not
commit any further outbreak, and that no further alarm
need be apprehended. I regret to learn that the party in
Hancock who are in favor of violent measures have circu-
lated a thousand false rumors of danger, for the purpose of
getting men together without my authority, hoping that
when assembled they may be ready to join in their violent
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 755
councils; this is a fraud upon the country and must not be
endured.
"I am afraid the people of Hancock are fast depriving
themselves of the sympathy of their fellow citizens, and of
the world. I strictly order and enjoin on you that you per-
mit no attack on Nauvoo, or any of the people without my
authority. I think it would be best to disband your forces,
unless it should be necessary to retain them to suppress vio-
lence on either side, of this you must be the judge at
present.
"I direct that you immediately order all persons from Mis-
souri and Iowa to leave the camp and return to their
respective houses without delay.
"I direct also that you cause all mutinous persons and all
persons who advise tumultuous proceedings to be arrested;
and that you take energetic measures to stop the practice of
spreading false reports put in circulation to inflame the pub-
lic mind.
"(Signed) THOMAS FOBD, Commander in Chief.
"To Brigadier-General Doming, Carthage, Illinois."
The foregoing quotations, beginning with the account
headed, "Awful Assassination," etc., are taken from the
Times and Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 560-567.
In the editorial column of the same issue of that paper a
Paciac pacific and commendable statement was published
Btatement over ^Q signatures of W. W. Phelps, W. Rich-
ards, and John Taylor.1
TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAT SAINTS.
Deeply impressed for the welfare of all, while mourning the great loss
of President Joseph Smith, our "prophet and seer," and President Hyrum
Smith, our "patriarch," we have considered the occasion demanded of
us a word of consolation. As has been the case in all ages, these saints
have fallen martyrs for the truth's sake, and their escape from the per-
secution of a wicked world, in blood to bliss, only strengthens our faith,
and confirms our religion, as pure and holy. We, therefore, as servants
of the Most High God, having the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Book
of Doctrine and Covenants, together with thousands of witnesses for Je-
sus Christ, would beseech the Latter Day Saints in Nauvoo, and else-
where, to hold fast to the faith that has been delivered to them in the last
days, abiding in the perfectlawof the gospel. Be peaceable, quiet citizens,
doing the works of righteousness, and as soon as the "Twelve" and
other authorities can assemble, or a majority of them, the onward course
to the great gathering of Israel, and the final consummation of the dis-
756 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
In September or October, 1844, at the instance of the Gov-
ernor, Murray McConnell, a noted attorney of Jacksonville,
Illinois, was sent into Hancock County to investi-
wiiuams gate. The result of this inquiry was that writs
and others. . _ . . _ ,
were issued by Aaron Johnson, a justice of the
peace at Nauvoo, for the arrest of Levi Williams, Thomas
C. Sharp, Joseph H. Jackson, William Law, Wilson Law,
Robert D.. Foster, and Charles A. Foster. The writs were
duly served on all of them, except Williams. Those served
refused to go to Nauvoo for a hearing, and no attempt was
made to take them there.
At the October term of the Hancock Circuit Court the
grand jury brought in two bills of indictment against nine
persons, one for the murder of Joseph Smith, and
Indictments. , , ,. TT n .., „,,
one for the murder of Hyrum Smith. The names
of those indicted were Levi Williams, Jacob C. Davis, Mark
Aldrich, Thomas C. Sharp, William Voras, John Wills, Wil-
liam N. Grover, Gallaher, and Allen.
The trial of these cases occurred before Hon. Richard M.
Young, judge, and lasted from May 9, 1845, to May 30, when
a verdict of "not guilty," was returned in each case. There
is but little doubt of the guilt of each one of these parties.
The above account is extracted from "The Prophet of Pal-
myra," by Gregg.8
pensation of the fullness of times, will be pointed out; so that the mur-
der of Abel, the assassination of hundreds, the righteous blood of all the
holy prophets, from Abel to Joseph, sprinkled with the best blood of the
Son of God, as the crimson sign of remission, only carries conviction to
the business and bosoms of all flesh, that the cause is just and will con-
tinue; and blessed are -they that hold out faithful to the end, while
apostates, consenting to the shedding of innocent blood, have no forgive-
ness in this world nor in the world to come. Union is peace, brethren,
and eternal life is the greatest gift of God. Rejoice then, that you are
found worthy to live and die for God: men may kill the body, but they
cannot hurt the soul, and wisdom shall be justified of her children:
Amen. W. W. PHELPS.
W. RICHAKDS.
July 1, 1844. JOHN TAYLOH.
* An extract from Judge Young's charge to the jury is significant: —
"That, when the evidence is circumstantial, admiting all to be proven
which the evidence tends to prove, if then the jury can make any suppo-
sition consistent with the facts, by which the murder might have been
committed without the agency of the defendants, it will be their duty to
make that supposition, and find the defendants not guilty.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 757
It is but fair to Governor Ford to give his account of these
governor events. His account also contains some items of
Pom-, account, historical value.
It is as follows:—
"On the 23d or 24th day of June, Joseph Smith, the
Mayor of Nauvoo, together with his brother Hyrum, and all
the members of the council, and all others demanded, came
into Carthage and surrendered themselves prisoners to the
constable, on the charge of riot. They all voluntarily
entered into a recognizance before the justice of the peace
for their appearance at court to answer the charge. And
all of them were discharged from custody, except Joseph
and Hyrum Smith, against whom the magistrate had issued
a new writ, on a complaint for treason. They were immedi-
ately arrested by the constable, on this new charge, and
retained in his custody, to answer it.
"The overt act of treason charged against them consisted
in the alleged levying of war against the State by declaring
martial law in Nauvoo, and in ordering out the legion to
resist the posse comitatus. Their actual guiltiness of the
charge would depend upon circumstances. If their oppo-
nents had been seeking to put the law in force in good faith,
and nothing more, then an array of a military force in open
resistance to the posse comitatus and the militia of the State,
most probably would have amounted to treason. But if
those opponents merely intended to use the process of the
law, the militia of the State, and the posse comitatus, as cats-
paws to compass the possession of their persons for the
purpose of murdering them afterwards, as the sequel demon-
strated the fact to be, it might well be doubted whether they
were guilty of treason.
"Soon after the surrender of the Smiths, at their request
"That, in making up their verdict, they will exclude from their consid-
eration all that was testified by Daniels, Brackenbury, and Miss Graham
(witnesses).
"That, whenever the probability is of a definite and limited nature,
whether in the proportion of one hundred to one, or of one thousand to
one, or any ratio, is immaterial, it cannot be safely made the ground of
conviction; for to act upon it in any case, would be to decide that for
the sake of convicting many criminals the life of an innocent man might
be sacrificed. (Starkie, 508.)"— Gregg, pp. 300, 301.
758 . HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
I dispatched Captain Singleton with his company from
Brown County, to Nauvoo, to guard the town; and I author-
ized him to take command of the legion. He reported to me
afterwards that he called out the legion for inspection, and
that upon two hours' notice two thousand of them assembled^
all of them armed; and this after the public arms had been
taken away from them. So it appears that they have a suf-
ficiency of private arms for any reasonable purpose.
"After the Smiths had been arrested on the new charge of
treason, the justice of the peace postponed the examination,
because neither of the parties were prepared with their wit-
nesses for trial. In the meantime he committed them to the
jail of the county, for greater security.
"In all this matter the justice of the peace and constable,
though humble in office, were acting in a high and independ-
ent capacity, far beyond any legal power in me to control.
I considered that the executive power could only be called in
to assist, and not to dictate or control their action; that in
the humble sphere of their duties they were as independent,
and clothed with as high authority by the law, as the Execu-
tive department; and that my province was, simply, to aid
them with the force of the State. It is true, that so far as I
could prevail on them by advice, I endeavored to do so. The
prisoners were not in military custody, or prisoners of war;
and I could no more legally control these officers than I
could the superior courts of justice.
"Some persons have supposed that I ought to have had
them sent to some more distant and friendly part of the
State for confinement and trial, and that I ought to have
searched them for concealed arms; but these surmises and
suppositions are readily disposed of by the fact that they
were not my prisoners, but were the prisoners of the consta-
ble and jailor, under the direction of the justice of the
peace.
"The jail in which they were confined is a considerable
stone building; containing a residence for the jailer, cells
for the close and secure confinement of prisoners, and one
larger room, not so strong, but more airy and comfortable
than the cells. They were put into the cells by the jailer;
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 759
but upon their remonstrance and request, and by my advice,
they were transferred to the larger room; and there they
remained until the final catastrophe. Neither they nor I
seriously apprehended an attack on the jail through the
guard stationed to protect it. Nor did I apprehend the least
danger on their part to escape; for I was very sure that any
such an attempt would have been the signal of their immedi-
ate death. Indeed if they had escaped, it would have been
fortunate for the purposes of those who were anxious for
the expulsion of the Mormon population; for the great body
of that people would most assuredly have followed their
prophet and principal leaders, as they did in their flight
from Missouri. Since their death, no one has arisen of influ-
ence enough to lead them in a similar manner.
"The force assembled at Carthage amounted to about
twelve or thirteen hundred men; and it was calculated that
four or five hundred more were assembled at Warsaw.
Nearly all that portion resident in Hancock were anxious to
be marched into Nauvoo. This measure was supposed to be
necessary, to search for counterfeit money, and the appa-
ratus to make it; and also to strike a salutary terror into the
Mormon people, by an exhibition of the force of the State;
and thereby prevent future outrages, murders, robberies,,
burnings and the like, apprehended as the effect of Mormon
vengeance, on those who had taken a part against them. On
my part, at one time this arrangement was agreed to. The
morning of the 27th day of June was appointed for the
march; and Golden's point, near the Mississippi River, and
about equidistant from Nauvoo and Warsaw, was selected as
the place of rendezvous. I had determined to prevail on the
justice to bring out his prisoners, and take them along. A
council of officers, however, determined that this would be
highly inexpedient and dangerous; and offered such sub-
stantial reasons for their opinions as induced me to change
my resolution.
"Two or three days' preparations had been made for this
expedition. I observed that some of the people became
more and more excited and inflammatory, the further the
preparations were advanced. Occasional threats came to
760 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
my ears, of destroying the city and murdering or expelling
the inhabitants.
"I had no objection to ease the terrors of the people by
such a display of force; and was most anxious also to
search for the alleged apparatus for .making counterfeit
money; and in fact to inquire into all the charges against
that people, if I could have been assured of my command
against mutiny and insubordination. But I gradually learned
to my entire satisfaction that there was a plan to get the
troops into Nauvoo, and then to begin the war, probably
by some of our own party, or some of the seceding Mor-
mons, taking advantage of the night, to fire on our own
force, and then laying it on the Mormons. I was satisfied
that there were those amongst us fully capable of such an
act; hoping that in the alarm, bustle, and confusion of a
militia camp, the truth could not be discovered, and that it
might lead to the desired collision.
"I had many objections to be made the dupe of any such
or similar artifice. I was openly and boldly opposed to any
attack on the city, unless it should become necessary, to
arrest prisoners legally charged and demanded. Indeed if
anyone will reflect upon the number of women, inoffensive
young persons, and innocent children, which must be con-
tained in such a city, of twelve or fifteen thousand inhabit-
ants, it would seem to me his heart would relent and rebel
against such violent resolutions. Nothing but the most
blinded and obdurate fury could incite a person, even if he
had the power, to the willingness of driving such persons,
bare and houseless, onto the prairies, to starve, suffer, and
even steal, as they must have done for subsistence. No one
who has children of his own, could think of it for a moment.
"Besides this, if we had been ever so much disposed to
commit such an act of wickedness, we evidently had not the
power to do it. I was well assured that the Mormons, at a
short notice, could muster as many as two or three thousand
well-armed men. We had not more than seventeen hundred;
with three pieces of cannon and about twelve hundred stand
of small arms. We had provisions for two days only; and
would be compelled to disband at the end of that time. To
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 7G1
think of beginning a war under such circumstances, was a
plain absurdity. If the Mormons had succeeded in repuls-
ing our attack, as most likely would have been the case, the
country must necessarily be given up to their ravages until
a new force could be assembled, and provisions made for its
subsistence. Or if we should have succeeded in driving
them from their city, they would have scattered over the
country; and being justly incensed at our barbarity, and suf-
fering with privation and hunger, would have spread deso-
lation all over the 'country, without any possibility on our
part, with the force we then had, of preventing it. Again,
they would have had the advantage of being able to subsist
their force in the field, by plundering their enemies.
"All these considerations were duly urged by me upon the
attention of a council of officers convened on the morning of
the 27th of June. I also urged upon the council that such
wanton and unprovoked barbarity on their part would turn
the sympathy of the people in the surrounding counties in
favor of the Mormons; and thereafter, it would be impossi-
ble to raise a volunteer militia force, to protect such a peo-
ple against them. Many of the officers admitted that there
might be danger of collision. But such was the blind fury
prevailing at the time, though not showing itself by much
visible excitement, that a small majority of the council
adhered to the first resolution of marching into Nauvoo;
most of the officers of the Schuyler and McDonough militia,
voting against it, and most of those of the county of Hancock
voting in its favor.
"A very responsible duty now devolved upon me, to de-
termine whether I would, as Commander in Chief, be gov-
erned by the advice of this majority. I had no hesitation in
deciding that I would not; but on the contrary, I ordered
the troops to be disbanded, both at Carthage and Warsaw,
with the exception of three companies, two of which were
retained as a guard to the jail, and the other was retained to
accompany me to Nauvoo.
"The officers insisted much in council upon the necessity
of marching to that place to search for apparatus to make
counterfeit money, and more particularly to terrify the Mor-
762 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
mons from attempting any open or secret measures of venge-
ance against the citizens of the county who had taken a part
against them or their leaders. To ease their terrors OB this
head I proposed to them that I would myself proceed to the
city, accompanied by a small force, make the proposed search,
and deliver an address to the Mormons, and tell them plainly
what degree of excitement and hatred prevailed against them
in the minds of the whole people; and that if any open or
secret violence should be committed on the persons or prop-
erty of those who had taken part against them, that no
one would doubt but that it had been perpetrated by them;
and that it would be the sure and certain means of the de-
struction of their city and the extermination of their people.
"I ordered two companies under the command of Captain
R. P. Smith, of the Carthage Greys, to guard the jail. In
selecting these companies, and particularly the company of
the Carthage Greys, for this service, I have been subjected
to some censure. It has been said that this company had
already been guilty of mutiny and had been ordered to be
arrested, whilst in the encampment at Carthage; and that
they and their officers were the deadly enemies of the pris-
oners. Indeed it would have been difficult to find friands of
the prisoners, under my command, unless I had called in the
Mormons as a guard; and this, I was satisfied, would have
led to the immediate war and the sure death of the prisoners.
"It is true that this company had behaved badly towards
the Brigadier- General in command, on the occasion when the
prisoners were shown along the line of the McDonough
militia. This company had been ordered as a guard. They
were under the belief that the prisoners who were arrested
for a capital offense were shown to the troops in a kind of
triumph, and that they had been called on as a triumphal
escort to grace the procession. They also entertained a very
bad feeling towards the Brigadier-General who commanded
their service on the occasion. The truth is, however, that
this company was never ordered to be arrested; that the
Smiths were not shown to the McDonough troops as a mark
of honor and triumph, but were shown to them at the urgent
request of the troops themselves, to gratify their curiosity
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 763
in beholding persons who had made themselves so notori-
ous in the country.
"When the Carthage Greys ascertained what was the true
motive in showing the prisoners to the troops they were
perfectly satisfied. All due atonement was made on their
part for their conduct to the Brigadier- General, and they
cheerfully returned to their duty.
"Although I knew that this company were the enemies of
the Smiths, yet I had confidence in their loyalty and integ-
rity, because their captain was universally spoken of as a
most respectable citizen and honorable man. The company
itself was an old independent company, well armed, uni-
formed, and drilled; and the members of it were the elite of
the militia of the country. I relied upon this company espe-
cially, because it was an independent company, for a long
time instructed and practiced in military discipline and sub-
ordination. I also had their word and honor, officers and
men, to do their duty according to law. Besides all this the
officers and most of the men resided in Carthage, in the near
vicinity of Nauvoo; and, as I thought, must know that they
would make themselves and their property convenient and
conspicuous marks of Mormon vengeance in case they were
guilty of treachery.
"I had at first intended to select a guard from the county
of McDonough; but the militia of that county were very
much dissatisfied to remain; their crops were suffering at
home; they were in a perfect fever to be discharged; and I
was destitute of provisions to supply them for more than a
few days. They were far from home, where they could not
supply themselves; whilst the Carthage company could
board at their own houses and would be put to little incon-
venience in comparison.
"What gave me greater confidence in the selection of this
company as a prudent measure was that the selection was
first suggested and urged by the Brigadier- General in com-
mand, who was well known to be utterly hostile to all mob-
ocracy and violence towards the prisoners, and who was
openly charged by the violent party with being on the side
of the Mormons. At any rate, I knew that the jail would
764 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
have to be guarded as long as the prisoners were confined;
that an imprisonment for treason might last the whole sum-
mer and the greater part of the autumn, before a trial could
be had in the Circuit Court; that it would be utterly impos-
sible in the circumstances of the country to keep a force
there from a foreign county for so long a time; and that a
time must surely come when the duty of guarding the jail
would necessarily devolve on the citizens of the county.
"It is true, also, that at this time I had not believed or sus-
pected that any attack was to be made upon the prisoners in
jail. It is true that I was aware that a great deal of hatred
existed against them, and that there were those who would
do them an injury if they could. I had heard of some
threats being made, but none of an attack upon the prison-
ers whilst in jail. These threats seemed to be made by
individuals, not acting in concert. They were no more than
the bluster which might have been expected, and furnished
no indication of numbers combining for this or any other
purpose.
"I must here be permitted to say also that frequent
appeals had been made to me to make a clean and thorough
work of the matter by exterminating the Mormons or expel-
ling them from the State. An opinion seemed generally to
prevail that the sanction of Executive authority would legal-
ize the act; and all persons of any influence, authority, or
note who conversed with me on the subject frequently and
repeatedly stated their total unwillingness to act without my
direction, or in any mode except according to law.
"This was a circumstance well calculated to conceal from
me the secret machinations on foot. I had constantly con-
tended against violent measures, and so had the Brigadier-
General in command; and I am convinced that unusual pains
were taken to conceal from both of us the secret measures
resolved upon. It has been said, however, that some person
named Williams, in a public speech at Carthage, called for
volunteers to murder the Smiths, and that I ought to have
had him arrested. Whether such a speech was really made
or not, is yet unknown to me. I have heard the report of it
for the first time within the last few weeks.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 765
"Having ordered the guard, and discharged the residue of
the militia, I immediately departed for Nauvoo, eighteen
miles distant, accompanied by Colonel Buckmaster, Quar-
termaster-General, and Captain Dunn's company of dra-
goons.
"After we had proceeded four miles Colonel Buckmaster
intimated to me a suspicion that an attack would be made on
the jail. He stated the matter as a mere suspicion, arising
from having seen two persons converse together at Carthage
with some air of mystery. I myself entertained no suspicion
of such an attack; at any rate none before the next day, in
the afternoon, because it was notorious that we had departed
from Carthage with the declared intention of being absent
at least two days. I could not believe that any person would
attack the jail whilst we were in Nauvoo, and thereby
expose my life and the lives of my companions to the sudden
vengeance of the Mormons, upon hearing of the death of
their leaders. Nevertheless, acting upon the principle of
providing against mere possibilities, I sent back one of the
company, with a special order to Captain Smith to guard
the jail strictly and at the peril of his life, until my return.
' 'We proceeded on our journey four miles further. By this
time I had convinced myself that no attack would be made
on the jail that day or night. I supposed that a regard for
my safety and the safety of my companions would prevent
an attack until those to be engaged in it could be assured of
our departure from Nauvoo. I still think that this ought to
have appeared to me to be a reasonable supposition.
"I therefore determined at this point to omit making the
search for counterfeit money in Nauvoo, and defer an exami-
nation of all the other abominations charged on that people,
in order to return to Carthage that same night, that I might
be on the ground in person, in time to prevent an attack on
the jail, if any had been meditated. To this end we called a
halt; the baggage wagons were ordered to remain where
they were until towards evening, and then return to Car-
thage.
"Having made these arrangements, we proceeded on our
march and arrived at Nauvoo about four o'clock of the after-
766 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
noon of the 27th day of June. As soon as notice could be
given a crowd of the citizens assembled to hear an address
which I proposed to deliver them. The number present has
been variously estimated from one to five thousand.
"In this address I stated to them how and in what their
functionaries had violated the laws; also the many scandal-
ous reports in circulation against them, and that these re-
ports, whether true or false, were generally believed by the
people. I distinctly stated to them the amount of hatred
and prejudice which prevailed everywhere against them, and
the causes of it, at length.
"I also told them plainly and emphatically that if any
vengeance should be attempted openly or secretly against
the persons or property of the citizens who had taken part
against their leaders, that the public hatred and excitement
was such that thousands would assemble for the total de-
struction of their city and the extermination of their people;
and that no power in the State would be able to prevent it.
During this address some impatience and resentment were
manifested by the Mormons at the recital of the various
reports enumerated concerning them, which they strenuously
and indignantly denied to be true. They claimed to be law-
abiding people, and insisted that as they looked to the law
alone for their protection, so were they careful themselves
to observe its provisions. Upon the conclusion of this ad-
dress I proposed to take a vote on the question, whether
they would strictly observe the laws, even in opposition to
their prophet and leaders. The vote was unanimous in
favor of this proposition.
"A short time before sundown we departed on our return
to Carthage. When we had proceeded two miles we met
two individuals, one of them a Mormon, who informed us
that the Smiths had been assassinated in jail about five or six
o'clock of that day. The intelligence seemed to strike every-
one with a kind of dumbness. As to myself, it was perfectly
astounding, and I anticipated the very worst consequences
from it. The Mormons had been represented to me as a law-
less, infatuated, and fanatical people, not governed by the
ordinary motives which influence the majority of mankind.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 767
If so, most likely an exterminating war would ensue, and the
whole land would be covered with desolation.
"Acting upon this supposition it was my duty to provide
as well as I could for the event. I therefore ordered the two
messengers into custody, and to be returned with us to
Carthage. This was done to get time to make such arrange-
ment as could be made, and to prevent any sudden explosion
of Mormon excitement before they could be written to, by
their friends at Carthage. I also dispatched messengers to
Warsaw to advise the citizens of the event. But the people
there knew all about the matter before my messengers ar-
rived. They, like myself, anticipated a general attack all
over the country. The women and children were removed
across the river and a committee was dispatched that night to
Quincy for assistance. The next morning by daylight the
ringing of all the bells in the city announced a public meet-
ing. The people assembled in great numbers at an early
hour. The Warsaw committee stated to the meeting that a
party of Mormons had attempted to rescue the Smiths out
of jail; that a party of Missourians and others had killed the
prisoners to prevent their escape; that the Governor and his
party were at Nauvoo at the time when intelligence of the
fact was brought there; that they had been attacked by the
Nauvoo Legion, and had retreated to a house, where they
were then closely besieged; that the Governor had sent out
word that he could maintain his position for two days, and
would be certain to be massacred if assistance did not arrive
by the end of that time. It is unnecessary to say that this
entire story was a fabrication. It was of a piece with
the other reports put into circulation by the Anti-Mor-
mon party, to influence the public mind, and call the peo-
ple to their assistance. The effect of it, however, was that
by ten o'clock on the 28th of June, between two and three
hundred men from Quincy, under the command of Major
Flood, embarked on board of a steamboat for Nauvoo, to
assist in raising the siege, as they honestly believed. " — Gov-
ernor Ford's Message of December 23, 1844.
By the foregoing it will be seen that according to Gov-
ernor Ford's opinion the Smiths were not guilty of treason.
768 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Of subsequent events connected with this trouble, Gov-
ernor Ford in this same message wrote as follows:—
"I omit to say anything of the manner of the murder of
the Smiths; or of the persons by whom the murder was com-
subsequent mitted, because several persons are under indict-
ment for their supposed share in the act; and it is
not proper that I should say anything which might possibly
prejudice a fair and impartial trial.
"It has always appeared to me, however, that the persons
who committed the deed ought to be made to answer for
their crime. The honor of the State and the supremacy of the
laws seemed to be compromitted; a trial ought to be insisted
on, exactly as in other cases; and if the accused have all the
matters of defense and justification on their side, which they
claim, they will be able to show them to the court.
"During the latter part of August and first of September
last I observed that the anti-Mormon paper, in Hancock
County, renewed its attacks on the Mormons; every number
of which groaned with charges of larcenies and robberies and
meditated outrages. By this fact, connected with my pre-
vious information, I was certain that the time was approach-
ing when a new attempt was to be made to expel the Mormons.
In a short time afterwards I ascertained that the officers of
the militia in Hancock County had appointed a grand mili-
tary parade at Warsaw to come off on the 26th day of Octo-
ber. Circulars were printed, signed by these officers, and
extensively circulated in Iowa Territory, in the State of Mis-
souri, and in the neighboring counties, inviting the militia
in all those parts to attend the parade, and to come prepared
"or a six days' encampment.
"It was also extensively given out that there was to be a
grand wolf hunt; and that the Mormons and Jack-Mormons,
were the wolves to be hunted. A large number engaged in
getting up this movement openly stated that the object of it
was to make war on the Mormons.
"I could not hesitate as to what duty required. The
State had already been in danger of disgrace by a treacher-
ous and cowardly murder. The Mormons had been peacea-
ble, submissive, and quiet ever since the death of the
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 769
Smiths; and contrary to general expectation, instead of
attempting to avenge themselves, either openly or secretly,
had quietly and patiently submitted to the slow operation of
the laws to redress their grievances.
"They were human beings, and citizens of the State.
They had not been disfranchised by law, and were constitu-
tionally entitled to protection.
"From respect to the prejudices of my fellow citizens I
declined to authorize the legion to be called out, to suppress
disturbances; but immediately issued a call for volunteers
from the State militia.
"The call was answered by four or five hundred men. I
requested General Hard in to take the command. He did- so
with alacrity, thereby exhibiting a patriotic devotion in
maintaining the supremacy of the law, even against the
advice of many of his personal and political friends.
"We marched with as much alacrity as possible and
arrived in Hancock County on the 25th day of October. The
malcontents abandoned their design, and I believe all the
leaders of it fled to Missouri. The Carthage Greys fled
almost in a body; and every one fled who, from his previous
conduct, supposed himself obnoxious as a leader.
"During our presence in the county writs were taken out
against three persons charged with the murder of the
Smiths. They also fled to Missouri. As for myself,
although I was determined from the first, for the honor of
the State, that this murder should be fully inquired into,
and some of the guilty brought to trial, yet I was never
anxious to proceed with the full rigor of the law. I always
insisted that the prosecutions should be limited to a few
individuals, and I was utterly opposed to all such unneces-
sary harshness as would excite sympathy in their favor.
"For this reason I consented to advise the prosecuting
attorney to admit them to bail and to agree to a continuance
of the cause, if desired by the defendants. Upon this
arrangement being made, to which I was also advised by
General Hardin and Colonel Baker, the persons accused sur-
rendered themselves to the sheriff.
"The militia were disbanded next morning and returned
770 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
home, after a campaign of about thirteen days."— Governor
Ford's Message of December 23, 1844, pp. 19, 20.
By the above it will be seen that the officers of militia
were aiders and abettors of the mob; that the murderers
found an asylum in Missouri, and that the Carthage Greys
betrayed their guilt by fleeing at the approach of the militia.
Of the trial Governor Ford states: —
"During the progress of these trials the judge was com-
pelled to permit the courthouse to be filled and surrounded
by armed bands, who attended court to browbeat and over-
awe the administration of justice. The judge himself was
in a duress, and informed me that he did not consider his
life secure any part of the time. The consequence was that
the crowd had everything their own way; the lawyers for
the defense defended their clients by a long and elaborate
attack on the Governor; the armed mob stamped with their
feet and yelled their approbation at every sarcastic and
smart thing that was said; and the judge was not only forced
to hear it, but to lend it a kind of approval. Josiah Lam -
bourn was attorney for the prosecution, and O. H. Brown-
ing, O. C. Skinner, Calvin A. Warren, and William A.
Richardson were for the defense."— Ford's History 6f Illi-
nois, p. 368.
On June 23, 1844, four days before his death, Joseph Smith
wrote a letter to his wife, which is of historical
decfdednn' importance, as it shows he had not then decided
where he should go, and hence had not decided to
go west, though some have since reported that he had.8
» Safety, June 23.
Emma Smith: — Brother Lewis has some money of mine. H. C. Kim-
ball has $1,000 in his hands of mine. Bro. Neff, Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania, $400. You may sell the Quincy property or any property
that belongs to me you can find anything about, for your support and
children and Mother. Do not despair. If God ever opens a door that is
possible for me I will see you again. I do not know where I shall go or
what 1 shall do, but shall if possible endeavor to get to the city of Wash-
ington.
May God Almighty bless you, and the children, and Mother, and all
my friends. My heart bleeds. No more at present. If you conclude to
go to Kirtland, Cincinnati, or any other place, I wish you would con-
trive to inform me this evening. JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S. — If in your power I want you should help Dr. Richards' family.
This letter is in our possession in his own handwriting.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 771
Again he wrote her on the 27th, the very day of his death.
Josephs The letter contains instruction which shows he
loyalty. wag ^ f avor of being submissive to the authorities
of the State. *
On June 27, he wrote Lawyer Browning, of Quincy,
requesting his service on the 29th.*
On the 28th the bodies of the murdered men were brought
Kunerai to Nauvoo, where the funeral services were held,
obsequies. an(j foe were buried from the Mansion House.
4 CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27, 1844, 20 past 8 a. m.
Dear Emma: — The Governor continues his courtesies and permits us
to see our friends. We hear this morning that the Governor will not go
down with his troops to-day (to Nauvoo) as was anticipated last evening;
but if he does come down with his troops you will be protected; and I
want you to tell Bro. Dunham to instruct the people to stay at home and
attend to their own business, and let there be no groups or gathering
together, unless by permission of the Governor they are called together
to receive communications from the Governor, which would please our
people. But let the Governor direct. Bro. Dunham, of course, will obey
the orders of the government officers and render them the assistance
they require. There is no danger of any "exterminating order."
Should there be a mutiny among the troops, (which we do not anticipate
— excitement is abating,) a part will remain loyal and stand for the
defense of the State and our rights. There is one principle which is
eternal— it is the duty of all men to protect their lives and the lives of
their households whenever necessity requires, and no power has a right
to forbid it, should the last extreme arrive; — but I anticipate no such
extreme. But caution is the parent of safety.
JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S. — Dear Emma: — I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I
am justified and have done the best that could be done. Give my love
to the children and all my friends, Mr. Brower and all who inquire after
me; and as for treason, I know that I have not committed any, and they
cannot prove one appearance of anything of the kind, so you need not
have any fears that any harm can happen to us on that score. May God
bless you all. Amen. JOSEPH SMITH.
P. S. — Twenty minutes to ten. — I just learn that the Governor is about
to disband his troops, — all but a guard to protect us and the peace, — and
•jome himself to Nauvoo and deliver a speech to the people. This is
right, as I suppose.
This letter we have. The signature and first postscript in Joseph's
handwriting.
• CARTHAGE JAU,, June 27, 1844.
Lawyer Browning; Sir: — Myself and brother Hyrum are in jail on
;harge of treason, to come up for examination on Saturday morning,
29th inst., and we request your professional services at that time on our
defense, without fail.
Most respectfully, your servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
N. B. — There is no cause of action, for we have not been guilty of any
crime, neither is there any just cause of suspicion against us; but certain
circumstances make your attendance very necessary. J. S.
772 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
Of this sad event we will allow their mother to speak: —
"Their bodies were attended home by only two persons,
save those that went from this place. These were Brother
Willard Richards and a Mr. Hamilton; Brother John Taylor
having been shot in prison, and nearly killed, he could not
be moved until some time afterwards.
"After the corpses were washed and dressed in their burial
clothes, we were allowed to see them. I had for a long time
braced every nerve, roused every energy of my soul, and
called upon God to strengthen me; but when I entered the
room, and saw my murdered sons extended both at once
before my eyes, and heard the sobs and groans of my family,
and the cries of 'Father! Husband! Brothers!' from the
lips of their wives, children, brothers, and sisters, it
was too much. I sank back, crying to the Lord, in the
agony of my soul, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
this family!'
"A voice replied, 'I have taken them to myself, that they
might have rest.'
"Emma was carried back to her room almost in a state of
insensibility.
"Her oldest son approached the corpse, and dropped upon
his knees, and laying his cheek against his father's, and kiss-
ing him, exclaimed, 'Oh, my father, my father!'
"As for myself, I was swallowed up in the depth of my
afflictions; and though my soul was filled with horror past
imagination, yet I was dumb, until I arose again to contem-
plate the spectacle before me. Oh! at that moment how my
mind flew through every scene of sorrow and distress which
we had passed together, in which they had shown the inno-
cence and sympathy which filled their guileless hearts!
"As I looked upon their peaceful, smiling countenances, I
seemed almost to hear them say, — 'Mother, weep not for us,
we have overcome the world by love; we carried to them the
gospel, that their souls might be saved; they slew us for our
testimony, and thus placed us beyond their power; their
ascendancy is for a moment, ours is an eternal triumph.' . . .
"I left the scene and returned to my room, to ponder upon
the calamities of my family. Soon after this, Samuel said,
HISTORY QF THE CHURCH. f 778
'Mother, I have had a dreadful distress in my side ever since
I was chased by the mob, and I think I have received some
injury which is going to make me sick.'
"And indeed he was then not able to sit up, as he had been
broken of his rest, besides being dreadfully fatigued in the
chase, which, joined to the shock occasioned by the death of
his brothers, brought on a disease that never was removed.
"On the following day the funeral rites of the murdered
ones were attended to, in the midst of terror and alarm, for
the mob had made their arrangements to burn the city that
night, but by the diligence of the brethren, they were kept
at bay until they became discouraged, and returned to their
homes.
"In a short time Samuel, who continued unwell, was con-
fined to his bed and, lingering till the 30th of July, his spirit
forsook its earthly tabernacle and went to join his brothers
and the ancient martyrs, in the Paradise of God."— Joseph
Smith the Prophet and His Progenitors, pp. 298, 299.
Sad as this is of itself, the enormity of it is intensified
when we consider that Governor Ford had pledged his own
honor, and the faith of the State of Illinois, that
they should be protected, and that then in a weak
and vacillating way he sacrificed his own honor, and be-
trayed the faith of the people he represented; and that all
concerned in this disgraceful crime went un whipped of jus-
tice. Thus the spirit of murder and anarchy was fostered
and encouraged. This spirit has since borne bitter fruit, not
only in Illinois, but in the nation, where two of our noblest
and most honored Presidents have fallen victims to it.
Thus died Joseph Smith, the Prophet, one of the most
remarkable men of his time, and Hyrum Smith, the Patri-
arch, a great and good man. Joseph's family was left sur-
joseph'g rounded by a hostile -foe; and in consequence of
family. their resistance to usurpation and corruption,
their former friends became their most bitter enemies. They
had to fly from their home, but afterward returned, and made
Nauvoo their permanent abode.
On December 27, 1847, his widow became the wife of Major
774 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Lewis C. Bidamon, with, whom she lived until her death,
which occurred at Nauvoo, April 30, 1879.
Joseph's children were as follows: —
1. A son born at Harmony, Pennsylvania, in July, 1828,
who died at birth.
2 and 3. A pair of twins born early in 1831, at Kirtland,
Ohio, who also died at birth. In place of these they adopted
the motherless twins of Elder John Murdock. One of these
died from exposure, as related on page 243, volume 1, of this
history. The other (Julia) lived to womanhood. She was
first married to Mr. Elisha Dixon, who was killed in a steam-
boat explosion on Red River, Texas. She subsequently
marrried Mr. John Middleton. She died near Nauvoo in
1880.
4. Joseph; born November 6, 1832, at Kirtland, Ohio; who
is now President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints.
5. Frederick G. W. ; born at Kirtland, Ohio, June 20, 1836,
and died at Nauvoo, Illinois, April 13, 1862.
6. Alexander H. ; born at Far West, Missouri, June 2,
1838; who is now Patriarch of the church and Counselor of
the President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints.
7. Don Carlos; born June 13, 1840, at Nauvoo, Illinois,
and died at the same place, August 15, 1841.
8. David H. ; born after his father's death, November 18,
1844, at Nauvoo, Illinois; was for a time Counselor to the
President of the church, but on account of disability is now
inactive.
Hyr urn's family accompanied the Utah faction, and some
°^ n*s sons ^ave oeen an<^ are prominently con-
nected with that body.
As a fitting close to this chapter we quote the testimony of
Lyman Wight, who was intimately acquainted with Joseph
Smith from January, 1831, to the time of his death.
tribguhtt"tohi8 Elder Wight knew the Prophet well, in his private
and public life, in his official and social relations,
and was his companion in bonds when incarcerated in Mis-
souri's dungeon for the gospel's sake. In an address written
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 775
December 17, 1851, the manuscript of which is now before
us, he writes of Joseph Smith as follows: —
"He was greatly beloved and revered by the members of
different churches, as also by all his acquaintances with the
exception of the various denominations. His soundness in
the belief of the doctrine to which he gave heed; his firm,
sound, candid mind, and unshaken disposition to do the will
of heaven as he was instructed, caused him to have many
enemies among the denominations of the day, as also many
in his own society. The greatest difficulty originated from
his not giving up his own faith and believing in that of
others. As many, very many, have grossly mistaken his
character, I, having been acquainted with him for at least
fourteen years previous to his death, take the liberty to say:
That no man can draw any inference of his religion or char-
acter from Salt Lake or Beaver Island. Any person or per-
sons drawing inference of his true charcter, or of the tenets
of his doctrine, from these two histories, would do him great
injustice, and do a great injury to themselves. . . .
•'Joseph Smith, the 'author and proprietor' of the Book
of Mormon, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, was six feet two inches high, of a form
and figure difficult to surpass among the human family. He
was a man possessed of a great share of good humor. As
great a lover of his country as could be found among men.
Often spoke of the government as being the most admirable
on earth. Wept over the mob of Missouri and Philadelphia6
alike. He often wept that mobs should arise under the
glorious institutions of the United States. Always spoke
highly of our chief magistrates and those who administered
the laws."
• Referring doubtless to the uprising In 1838 against the anti-slavery
societies, when Pennsylvania Hall was burned by a mob: or to riots in
1844, when there existed hostilities between Roman Catholics, and
"Native Americans," resulting in the burning of two Catholic churches.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHAPTER 34.
HYRUM SMITH— WILLIAM LAW.
HYRUM SMITH.
HYRUM SMITH was the second son of Patriarch Joseph
Smith, and elder brother of the Prophet. He was born
February 9, 1800, at Tunbridge, Vermont.
The events of his early life were so closely associated
with those of his father and brother that they require no
repetition here.
He was baptized in Seneca Lake, New York, in June, 1829,
and was one of the "eight witnesses" to the Book of Mor-
mon.
He was married November 2, 1826, to Miss Jerusha Bar-
den, by whom he had six children, — two sons and four
daughters:—
Lovina; born September 16, 1827.
Mary; " June 27, 1829.
John; " September 22, 1832.
Hyrum; " April 27, 1834.
Jerusha; " January 13, 1836.
Sarah; " October 2, 1837.
On October 13, 1837, while he was absent in Missouri, his
wife died, leaving five small children.
On November 7, 1837, at a conference held at Far West,
Missouri, when Frederick G. Williams was rejected as Sec-
ond Counselor to the President of the Church, Hyrum
Smith was chosen to succeed him.
In the same year he was married to Miss Mary Fielding,
by whom he had two children; namely: —
Joseph F. ; born November 13, 1838.
Martha; born May 14, 1841.
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 777
He passed through the Missouri trials with unflinching
courage, and was the companion of his brother Joseph and
others during their imprisonment, related in this work.
In 1841 he was called by revelation to succeed his father
as Presiding Patriarch of the church; and William Law was
chosen to succeed him in the First Presidency.
In this same revelation it is said of him, "Blessed is my
servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, loveth him, because
of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that
which is right before me, saith the Lord."
Though by this call he was removed from the presiding
quorum of the church, he practically continued what he had
ever been— the constant companion and counselor of his
brother Joseph. He was devotedly attached to his brother,
never leaving him for more than six months at one time dur-
ing his life.
In the cruel assassination at Carthage he shared his
brother's fate, and was murdered by a mob, on June 27,
1844.
WILLIAM LAW.
Of William Law, who in 1841 was chosen to succeed Hyrum
Smith, we know but little, either of his early history or of
his career after leaving the church. He figured prominently
in church circles for a few years in Nauvoo; then was
involved in difficulties, and was expelled from the church.
He was one of the dissenters in 1844, whose agitations con-
tributed to bringing about the murder of Joseph and Hyrum
Smith.
From Nauvoo he removed to Rock Island, Illinois.
CHAPTER 35.
JOHN TAYLOR -JOHN E. PAGE— WILPORD WOODRUFF— WILL ARD
RICHARDS -GEORGE A. SMITH— LYM AN WIGHT.
IN chapter 25, volume 1, we gave brief sketches of those
who constituted the first quorum of Twelve organized in this
dispensation. To the time of the death of Joseph and Hyrum
Smith there were six changes. Five were expelled from the
quorum; namely: Luke E. Johnson, Lyman S. Johnson,
John F. Boynton, William E. McLellin, and Thomas B.
Marsh, and five were selected to fill their places; namely:
John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Rich-
ards, and George A. Smith. One had been killed; namely:
David W. Patten; and Lyman Wight was chosen in his
place. We give short accounts of their lives and labors, in
the order of their choice.
JOHN TAYLOR.
John Taylor, son of James and Agnes Taylor, was born at
Milnthorpe, Westmoreland County, England, November 1,
1808. He was brought up in the Church of England, until
he was fifteen years old, when he became identified with the
Methodist Church, and soon after became a local preacher.
In 1828 or 1829, he emigrated to America, and resided for
a short time in each of the following places: New York,
Brooklyn, and Albany. He then located at Toronto, Canada,
where he married Miss Leonora Cannon, daughter of Cap-
tain Cannon, of the Isle of Man.
In 1836 Parley P. Pratt visited Toronto, and John Taylor
and his wife received him cordially, investigated his claims,
and were baptized by him. Soon after he was ordained an
elder by Elder Pratt.
When Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Thomas B
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 779
Marsh visited Canada in 1837, Elder Taylor was by them
ordained a high priest.
On July 8, 1838, he, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, and
Willard Richards, were designated by revelation to fill the
places of the two Johnsons, McLellin, and Boynton in the
Quorum of Twelve. He soon after removed to Kirtland,
thence to Missouri.
December 19, 1838, he was ordained an apostle, by Brig-
ham Young and Heber C. Kimball.
He shared in the troubles of the saints in Missouri, and
took an active part in petitioning for redress. In 1839 and
1840 he accompanied his quorum in prosecuting a mission in
England. His labors extended to Scotland and the Isle of
Man.
He returned to America in 1841, and at the October con-
ference of that year was appointed one of a committee to
petition Congress for a redress of wrongs. In November,
1842, he became the editor of the Times and Seasons, and con-
tinued to act in that capacity until the paper was discon-
tinued in February, 1846.
He was voluntarily in Carthage jail when Joseph and Hy-
rum Smith were assassinated, June 27, 1844, and was
severely wounded by four balls, from which he subsequently
recovered.
He was among the members of his quorum who sustained
the measures of Brigham Young in 1844, and shared the for-
tunes of the people who followed him in their western exo-
dus. Having remained in Utah after the pioneers left there
in 1847, he was not present at the reorganization under
Brigham Young which took place at Council Bluffs in De-
cember, 1847.
In October, 1880, he was chosen by the Utah people as
President of their organization, to succeed Brigham Young,
who died August 29, 1877. In this capacity he served the
remainder of his life. He died July 25, 1887, presumably at
Kaysville, Utah. He was at the time in hiding to escape
arrest at the hands of United States officers, as he had some
time before been indicted for polygamy or unlawful cohabi-
tation.
780 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
JOHN E. PAGE.
John E. Page was born February 25, 1799, in Trenton,
Oneida County, New York. When at the age of eighteen he
united with the Methodist Church. He was married July 1,
1831, to Mrs. Betsy Thomson.
He was baptized in Ohio, August 18, 1833, by Emer Har-
ris, brother of Martin Harris; was ordained an elder by Nel-
son Higgins in September of the same year. His wife
died October 1, 1833, leaving one small child, who died
May 1, 1835. He married Lorain Stevens December 26,
1833, by whom he had four sons; viz., Jonathan, Manasseh,
Ephraim, and George.
In the fall of 1835 he removed to Kirtland, Ohio.
In 1836 went on a mission to Canada, and was gone about
seven months, when he returned to Kirtland for his family,
and again "began missionary work in Canada.
In 1838 he left Canada for Missouri with a company of
saints.
During his two years service in Canada he baptized over
six hundred persons.
With his company he arrived at De Witt, Carroll County,
Missouri, in October, 1838. At the time the place was at-
tacked by the mob he shared in the expulsion from that
place and the sufferings incident thereto. As a result of
suffering and privations he lost his wife sometime this year.
He sought refuge in Far West, Missouri, only to share in
the suffering which soon followed in that place.
He had previously, on July 8, 1838, been called to the
apostleship, and on December 19 he was ordained an apostle
at Far West, by Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball.
On December 26, 1838, he was married to Mary Judd, who
still lives and resides at Independence, Missouri. She is
now Mrs. Eaton. By h,er he had eight children; viz.:
Excenia, Celestia Eliza, Orson Eli, Justice Enoch, Celina
Ermina, Mary Emiline, Justin Ether, and Jerome E.
Early in 1839 he started with his family for Illinois, but
on the way he met some members of his quorum returning
to Far West to hold a meeting on the Temple Lot on April
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 781
26. He returned with them and participated in the meeting,
then proceeded to Illinois, and located at Warsaw, Hancock
County.
In April, 1840, he was appointed to accompany Elder
Orson Hyde to Jerusalem, and started to do so; but for some
reason he did not leave America. He and Elder Hyde had
some misunderstanding. Just what the nature of it was we
are not informed.
Because he failed to go confidence in him was to some
extent impaired, and he was not considered in full fellow-
ship. At the April conference of 1842 Elder Page made a
detailed explanation and was restored to full fellowship.
He afterwards did considerable missionary work in the East-
ern States, and his labors were well received, especially in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
In 1844, after the death of President Smith, Elder Page
was one of the three members of his quorum who protested
against the action of the majority of the Twelve and refused
to countenance their proceedings. Of this and the subse-
quent events of his life his widow, now Mrs. William Eaton,
writes under date of September 25, 1896, as follows: —
"In 1845 the Twelve called him from Pittsburg to Nauvoo,
Illinois. He went to work for them, built the Tithing House
across the Mississippi River, on the Iowa side. By this
time he had seen and heard their erroneous teachings and
practice. Publicly to a large crowd, he standing on the
temple steps, proclaimed that he would not stay with them,
and proved by divine books their works were evil.
"In 1846 J. Strang's claims in pamphlet were spread
among the people; he accepted them- started for Wisconsin
to find Strang, who made him one of his apostles. When he
had been there about two years he ascertained Strang had
adopted as his own the evil teachings of the Twelve in the
old church and was practicing them. He [Strang] also had
a secret covenant combination in his church. He in a large
congregation renounced Strang and all his vile teaching and
practice. He did not profess to know Strang was a prophet,
but supposed he was appointed in Joseph's stead, . . . but
found him an arch deceiver, self-appointed. He then worked
782 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
two years to sustain his family, and earn money enough to
get away from Voree, Strang's town.
"In 1851 he lived in De Kalb, Illinois, preaching the gos-
pel on Sunday, laboring with his hands for life's necessities
through the week. He staid there seventeen years.
"In 1863 Granville Hedrick came to see him; ... he went
[to Bloomington], staid four months. He had the asthma
when he went to Bloomington, but Hedrick's papers state he
preached for him [Hedrick] and ordained him a prophet.
Elder Page came home afflicted with a terrible asthma which
had grown worse, and he continued to fail until he died in
his own house, eight miles north of Sycamore, De Kalb
County, Illinois, October 14, 1867. . . .
"Seven days before his death he selected his place of
burial under a big ash tree on a beautiful hill on the north
bank of the Kishwaukee River, which ran through his farm.
His name was with the Hedrickites as an apostle. He said
of them in his last sickness: 'I am disappointed. The
Hedrickites are not doing as I expected when I joined them.'
"I always read the Saints' Herald to him. He said [to] get
Elder John Landers [of the Reorganization] to preach his
funeral sermon, which was done. His knowledge of the
truth of the gospel never failed. He died believing in the
gathering of Israel, the restitution of all things spoken of
by the prophets, and that he should come forth in the first
resurrection.
"MRS. MARY PAGE EATOJT,
"77 years old; Independence, Jackson County, Missouri."
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
He was the son of Aphek Woodruff. He was born at
Farmington (now Avon), Hartford County, Connecticut,
March 1, 1807. He assisted his father in the milling busi-
ness in his youth, and at the age of twenty took charge of a
flouring mill belonging to his aunt; this mill he operated for
five years.
In 1832 he went with his eldest brother, Azmon, to Rich-
land, Oswego County, New York, where they purchased a
farm and sawmill and entered into business.
On December 31, 1833, he was baptized by Elder Zera
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 783
Pulsipher. On January 2, 1834, he was ordained a teacher,
by Elder Pulsipher. In the spring of 1834 he went to Kirt-
land, and accompanied Zion's camp to Missouri.
In the fall of the same year he was ordained a priest in
Clay County, Missouri, and sent on a mission to Arkansas
and Tennessee in company with an elder. In 1835 while on
i his mission he was joined by Elder Warren Parrish, who
ordained Mr. Woodruff an elder, and left him in charge of
the churches. He continued in that mission laboring mostly
in Tennessee, having for companions D. W. Patten, Warren
Parrish, A. O. Smoot, and others; and on May 31, 1836, he
was ordained a seventy by Elders Patten and Parrish. In
the fall of the same year he returned to Ohio.
April 13, 1837, he was married to Miss Phoebe Whitmore
Carter, daughter of Ezra Carter. Soon after he departed on
a mission to the East, especially to Pox Island, where he
accomplished a good work. He continued in this mission,
preaching sometimes on the island and sometimes on the
mainland, until October, 1838, when on the 9th he started
for Missouri with a company of saints numbering fifty-three.
Hearing of the unsettled condition of affairs in Missouri he
stopped for the winter at Rochester, Illinois.
In the spring of 1839 he removed his family to Quincy,
Illinois, and from there accompanied the Twelve to Par West,
to hold the memorable meeting of April 26, 1839. At this
meeting he was ordained an apostle, to which office he had
been called on July 8, 1838. Returning to Illinois he re-
moved his family to Montrose, Iowa, where he left them and
accompanied his quorum on their mission to England.
From this mission he returned to Nauvoo in October, 1841.
In February, 1842, he took charge of the business department
of the Times and Seasons.
Elder Woodruff was an active man, and was busily engaged
in church interests the remainder of the Prophet's life. In
1844 he supported the action of the majority of the Twelve.
He was present at the reorganization under Brigham Young,
at Council Bluffs, in December, 1847, and was an active par-
ticipant. Since then he has shared the fortunes of the Utah
people.
784 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
On April 7, 1889, he was chosen to succeed Elder John
Taylor as president of the Utah organization, in which ca-
pacity he still serves at the advanced age of ninety years.
He is the only man now living who held the office of apostle
in the Quorum of the Twelve at the death of Joseph and
Hyrum Smith.
WILLARD RICHARDS.
Willard Richards was the son of Joseph and Rhoda Rich-
ards. He was born at Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Mas-
sichusetts, June 24, 1804. When at the age of ten years he
moved with his parents to Richmond, in the same State.
Later he was engaged in the practice of medicine near Bos-
ton, and there he became acquainted with the Book of Mor-
mon, and subsequently went to Kirtland, Ohio, in company
with his brother, Dr. Levi Richards.
On December 31, 1836, he was baptized at Kirtland, Ohio,
by Brigham Young; and on March 6, 1837, be was ordained
an elder, by Alva Beeman. He filled a short mission to the
Eastern States.
June 13, 1837, he started in company with Elders Kimball
and Hyde, of the Twelve, for England, where he did faithful
labor for the church, and cared for the interests of the work
in England when the authorities in America could give it but
little attention on account of troubles at home. April 1,
1838, he was ordained a high priest, and appointed counselor
to Joseph Fielding, then president of the mission. On Sep-
tember 24, 1838, he was married to Miss Jennetta Richards,
daughter of the Rev. John Richards.
When the Twelve arrived in England he was ordained on
April 14, 1840, to the office of Apostle, to which he had been
called July 8, 1838.
In 1841 he returned to America, arriving at Nauvoo, Au-
gust 16. At this time and for some time after he was the sec-
retary of the Quorum of the Twelve. He was voluntarily in
jail at Carthage at the time of the cruel assassination, June
27, 1844, but escaped uninjured. Of this thrilling event he
wrote an account entitled "Two Minutes in Jail." 1
1 TWO MINUTES IN JAIL.
Possibly the following events occupied near three minutes, but I thin!<
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. 785
In 1844 he sustained the action of the majority of his quo
rum, and at the reorganization of 1847 under Brigham
only about two, and have penned them for the gratification of many
friends.
CARTHAGE, June 27, 1844.
A shower of musket balls were thrown up the stairway against the
door of the prison in the second story, followed by many rapid footsteps;
while Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Mr. Taylor, and myself, who
were in the front chamber, closed the door of our room against the entry
at the head of the stairs, and placed ourselves against it, there being no
lock on the door and no ketch that was usable. The door is a common
panel, and as soon as we heard the feet at the stairs' head, a ball was
sent through the door, which passed between us, and showed that our
enemies were desperadoes, and we must change our position.
General Joseph Smith, Mr. Taylor, and myself sprang back to the
front part of the room, and General Hyrum Smith retreated two thirds
across the chamber directly in front of and facing the door. A ball was
sent through the door, which hit Hyrum on the side of his nose, when
he fell backwards extended at length without moving his feet. From
the holes in his vest (the day was warm and no one had their coats on
but myself), pantaloons, drawers, and shirt, it appears evident that a ball
must have been thrown from without, through the window, which
entered his back, on the right side, and passing ihrough, lodged against
his watch, which was in his right vest pocket, completely pulverizing
uhe crystal and face, tearing off the hands and mashing the whole body
of the watch, at the same instant the ball from the door entered his nose.
As he struck the floor he exclaimed emphatically, "/'m a dead man.''
Joseph looked towards him, and responded, "O dearl Brother Hyrum!1'
and opening the door frwo or three inches with his left hand, discharged
one barrel of a six shooter (pistol) at random in the entry from whence a
ball grazed Hyrum's breast, and entering his throat, passed into his
head, while other muskets were aimed at him, and some balls hit him.
Joseph continued snapping his revolver, round the casing of the door
into the space as before, three barrels of which missed fire, while Mr.
Taylor with a walking stick stood by his side, and knocked down the
bayonets and muskets, which were constantly discharging through the
doorway, while I stood by him, ready to lend any assistance, with
another stick, but could not come within striking distance, without
going directly before the muzzle of the guns. When the revolver failed,
we had no more firearms, and expecting an immediate rush of the mob,
and the doorway full of muskets — half way in the room, and no hope but
instant death from within, Mr. Taylor rushed into the window, which is
some fifteen or twenty feet from the ground. When his body was nearl}
on a balance, a ball from the door within entered his leg, ana a ball from
without struck his watch, a patent lever, in his vest pocket, near the left
breast, and smashed it in "pie," leaving the hands standing at five
o'clock, sixteen minutes, and twenty-six seconds — the forceof which ball
threw him back on the floor, and he rolled under the bed which stood by
his side, where he lay motionless; the mob from the door continuing to
fire upon him, cutting away a piece of flesh from his left hip as large as
a man's hand, and were hindered only by my knocking down their muz-
zles with a stick; while they continued to reach their guns into the
room, probably left-handed, and aimed their discharge so far around as
almost to reach us in the corner of the room to where we retreated and
dodged, and then I recommenced the attack with my stick again.
Joseph attempted, as the last resort, to leap the same window from
786 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Young he was chosen second counselor to Brigham Young.
This position he retained until his death, which occurred in
Salt Lake City, Utah, March 11, 1854.
GEORGE A. SMITH.
George A. Smith was a son of John Smith (brother of
Patriarch Joseph Smith), and Clarissa (Lyman) Smith. He
was born June 26, 1817, in Potsdam, St. Lawrence County,
New York. After some years of investigation he was bap-
tized September 10, 1832, by Joseph H. Wakefield. In May,
1833, he moved with his parents to Kirtland, Ohio. In 1834
he went with Zion's Camp to Missouri, and returned to Kirt-
land the same year. On March 1, 1835, he was ordained a
seventy, and soon after entered into the missionary field.
In 1838 with his father's family he emigrated to Daviess
County, Missouri. On June 28, 1838, he was chosen and
ordained a member of the High Council at Adam-ondi-
ahman.
In the fall of the same year he was sent in company with
his cousin, Don C. Smith, on a mission to raise means
among their brethren to buy out the mob in Daviess County,
whence Mr. Taylor fell, when two balls pierced him from the door, and
one entered his right breast from without, and he fell outward, exclaim-
ing.'^ £0rd my God!" As his feet went out of the window my head went
in, the balls whistlingall around. He fell on his left side a dead man. At
this instant the cry was raised, "He's leaped the windowl" and the
mob on the stairs and in the entry ran out. I withdrew from the win-
dow, thinking it of no use to leap out on a hundred bayonets, then
around General Smith's body. Not satisfied with this I again reached
my head out of the window and watched some seconds, to see if there
were any signs of life, regardless of my own, determined to see the end
of him I loved.
Being fully satisfied that he was dead, with a hundred men near the
body and more coming round the corner of the jail, and expecting a
return to our room, I rushed towards the prison door, at the head of the
stairs, and through the entry from whence the firing had proceeded, to
learn if the doors into the prison were open. When near the entry, Mr.
Taylor called out, "Take me," I pressed my way till I found all doors
unbarred, returning instantly caught Mr. Taylor under my arm, and
rushed by the stairs into the dungeon, or inner prison, stretched him on
the floor and covered him with a bed in such a manner as not likely to
be perceived, expecting an immediate return of the mob. I said to Mr.
Taylor, "This is a hard case to lay you on the floor,. but if your wounds
are not fatal I want you to live to tell the story." I expected to be shot
the next moment, and stood before the door awaiting the onset.
WILLARD RICHARDS.
— Times and Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 598, 50!).
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 787
according to contract; but the mob began hostilities before
they returned, and though they succeeded in raising consid-
erable means, the contract was not closed. Soon after his
return he removed his father's family to Illinois.
In the spring of 1839 he returned to Par West with the
Twelve; where on April 26, 1839, he was ordained an apostle
by them, and at once assumed his place in the Quorum of
Twelve. With the quorum he went on the mission to Eng-
land, where he labored about one year, returning to Nauvoo,
July 5, 1841.
On the 25th of the same month he was married to Miss
Bathsheba W. Bigler. In 1844 he was in harmony with Brig-
ham Young and his measures, and shared in the exodus. In
1847 he accompanied the pioneers to Salt Lake, but returned,
and was a participant in the reorganization of December,
1847, under Brigham Young, at Council Bluffs. He emi-
grated westward in 1849, and the remainder of his life was
associated with the Utah people. He died September 1,
1875.
LYMAN WIGHT.
He was the sixth son of Levi and Sarah (Corbon) Wight.
He was born May 9, 1796, at Fan-field, Herkimer County,
New York. When sixteen years old he went into the United
States army, then engaged in the war of 1812, as a substi-
tute, and was stationed at Sacket's Harbor, New York. He
served but a short time before he was discharged. The next
year he reenlisted, and served, but we have not ascertained
the length of time.
Returning from the army he removed to Henrietta, near
Rochester, New York. January 5, 1823, he was married to
Miss Harriet Benton, daughter of John and Sarah (Bradley)
Benton, who survived him, and died a few years ago in
Nebraska. She bore to him six children; viz.: Orange L.,
Anna C., Rosina, Lyman L., Levi L., and Loami L.
In 1826 he removed to Warrensville, Ohio, and while there
in May, 1829, he was baptized by Sidney Rigdon into what
was then called the Rigdonite or Campbellite faith; and
while associated with that people joined with Isaac Morley
788 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
Titus Billings, and others in what was called the "Common
Stock Family," holding their property jointly.
On November 14, 1830, he was baptized into the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by Elder P. P. Pratt, and
on the 20th ordained an elder. At the June conference of
1831 he was ordained a high priest, and soon after went to
Missouri in company with Elder John Murdock. His family
followed him to Missouri, arriving at Independence, Septem-
ber 6, 1831. Providing a home for them on Big Blue River,
in Jackson County, he gave his time to the ministry. In
1833 he was among those banished from the county into Clay
County by the mob. Early in 1834 he and Parley P. Pratt
were sent as messengers to Kirtland. Arriving there he as-
sisted in gathering men and means for Zion's Camp. When
the camp moved westward he went with Hyrum Smith
through Michigan and Northern Illinois, joining the camp
soon after crossing the Mississippi River, and was chosen
General of the camp. July 7, 1834, he was ordained a mem-
ber of the High Council of Zion, which position he held until
1837.
He was elected Colonel of the Fifty-ninth Missouri militia,
receiving his commission from Governor L. W. Boggs. On
June 28, 1838, he was chosen counselor to John Smith,
President of the Stake at Adam-ondi-ahman. In October,
1838, he was taken prisoner, and was with the Prophet and
others until their escape in 1839. He was again counselor
to John Smith in the High Council of Iowa.
On April 8, 1841, he was ordained an apostle to succeed
David W. Patten, which position he held to the time of the
martyrdom in 1844. He was a member of the Nauvoo Hous.e
building committee, and in the summer of 1843 he and
Bishop George Miller took charge of an expedition to get
lumber in the Wisconsin pineries for the building of the
temple and Nauvoo House. After the death of President
Smith, Elder Wight took a decided stand against what he
termed the usurpations of Brigham Young, and was one of
the three in the quorum who refused to affiliate with those
who assumed the Presidency of the church. He also
rejected the claims of each ooe who claimed to be the sue-
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 789
cessor of Joseph Smith, and in 1845 led a colony to Western
Texas, where he persistently maintained that the Twelve
and all other officers should have remained in the places
occupied by them until the son of Joseph Smith should take
his father's place. In July, 1855, he wrote Cooper and
Chidester, editors of the Northern Islander, published in
the interests of J. J. Strang on Beaver Island, Michigan.
He states: —
"Now, Mr. Editor, from what I have written you will dis-
cover that what I have done is according to my ordination
and calling, having acted in my own place and stewardship,
and not in the shoes of any other man. If all had done the
same, I think the church would have been in a much higher
state of perfection. There was authority enough left to
have moved the cause of Zion on, if all the authorities of the
church had stepped forward, with the many good instruc-
tions given by Bro. Joseph, and, heart and hand together, it
could have been carried on in perfect good order. Every
man standing in his place according to his calling and ordi-
nation would have made a firm and sound presidency. And
then if one of Joseph's posterity had stepped forth and done
his own work, (and not his father's,) as Joseph's was handed
down from father to son by lineage, (and he finished his
work,) and handed it down by lineage to his posterity, so
should his posterity have done his work which the father
gave him to do on earth. Then, and not till then, shall we
have a happy kingdom."
In the same letter he claims that he with Joseph Smith
laid his hands upon a youth, whom Joseph blessed to be
his successor. An old letter book of Elder Wight's con-
taining this letter is now in our possession, and reads as
follows:—
"Now, Mr. Editor, if you had been present when Joseph
called on me shortly after we came out of jail [Liberty jail,
Missouri, Ed.] to lay hands with him on the head of a youth,
and heard him cry aloud, 'You are my successor when I
depart,' and heard the blessings poured on his head,— I say
had you heard all this, and seen the tears streaming from
his eyes — you would not have been led by blind fanaticism,
790 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
or a zeal without knowledge. . . . While in jail there were
many things spoken by the mouth of our martyred Prophet
and Patriarch, and when I see these things taking place just
as they were spoken, it cheers my heart and that of the
brethren and sisters in this branch also."
Lest anyone should doubt who the youth referred to was,
we here insert an extract from an address of Lyman Wight,
written in December, 1851. We quote from the manuscript:—
"The church mostly went from there [Kirtland, Ohio] to
Missouri, where they commenced another house from which
they were driven to the State of Illinois, where we were
commanded to build a house or temple to the Most High
God. We were to have a sufficient time to build that house,
during which time our baptisms for our dead should be ac-
ceptable in the river. If we did not build within this time
we were to be rejected as a church, we and our dead to-
gether. Both the temple and baptizing went very leisurely,
till the temple was somewhere in building the second story,
when Bro. Joseph from the stand announced the alarming
declaration that baptism for our dead was no longer accepta.
ble in the river. As much to say the time for building the
temple had passed by, and both we and our dead were re-
jected together. Bro. Joseph then called all the councils
together, and chose what he called a grand council of fifty
persons, himself and counselors among the rest, as also the
Twelve. More than once did he exclaim after this organiza-
tion that if he should be taken out of the way the church
would remain organized.
"We remained in a gloomy fearful situation for a short
time when the death of Bro. Joseph took place by the hands
of the mob, . . . showing to us much plainer than language
could tell that the church was rejected if the head was taken
from it.
"The church now stands rejected together with their dead.
The church being rejected now stands alienated from her
God in every sense of the word.
"This being the case, what should now be done? I will
here state the first thing to have been done would have been
to have called the fifties together from the four quarters of
HISTORY OP THE CHURGHV 791
the earth, which contained all the highest authorities of the
church. As you will readily see, that had not the fifty con-
stituted the highest authorities, it would have been a species
of weakness to have ordained all the highest authorities into
that number. The fifties assembled should have called on
all the authorities of the church down to the laymembers
from all the face of the earth, as much as was convenient,
and after having taken sweet counsel together, in prayer and
supplication before God, acknowledged our sins and trans-
gressions which had caused our head to be taken from our
midst; and then have called on young Joseph, and held him
up before the congregation of Israel to take his father's place
in the flesh! Then should he have received intelligence of
our forgiveness of our sins and transgressions, and we had
then went on and finished the temple according to revela-
tions of God, and the words of his servants — then should we
so have done— then should the fifty have sallied forth unto
all the world, and built up according to the pattern which
Bro. Joseph had given; the Twelve to have acted in two
capacities, one in opening the gospel in all the world, and
organizing churches; and then what would have been still
greater, to have counseled in the Grand Council of heaven,
in gathering in the house of Israel and establishing Zion to
be thrown down no more forever. In this way the church
might have moved smoothly on, and onward, until the final
redemption of Zion, and the building of the great tempi s
therein."
Elder Wight died March 30, 1858, near San Antonio.
Texas.
He maintained the views herein expressed unto the end. '
1 As further evidence that Elder Wight previously taught the same,
we quote from Gospel Herald (Strang's organ) published at Voree, Wis-
consin, August 31, 1848: —
"Lyman Wight seems to cherish the idea that is ignorantly held out
by some others, that Joseph, the Prophet's son, will yet come up and
take his father's original place in the church, as the prophet to the
church; whereas there is not one single word in all the Book of Doc-
trine and Covenants to warrant the idea." — Prophetic Controversy, No. 2,
p. 17.
CHAPTER 38.
GEORGE MILLER.
WE have no information enabling us to write of the early
life of Bishop Miller. In January, 1841, he was called by
revelation to succeed Bishop Partridge as Presiding Bishop
of the church, and of him the revelation states: —
"My servant George Miller is without guile; he may be
trusted because of the integrity of his heart; and for the
love he has to my testimony, I, the Lord, love him: I,
therefore, say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of
a bishopric, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that
he may receive the consecrations of mine house, that he may
administer blessings upon the heads of the poor of my peo-
ple, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my servant George,
for he shall honor me."
He was also chosen President of the High Priest's Quo-
rum, to succeed Don C. Smith, and a member of the building
committee of the Nauvoo House. In 1843 he went with
Lyman Wight to the Wisconsin pineries to obtain lumb 3r
for the temple and Nauvoo House.
After the death of Joseph Smith, though not in full accord
with Brigham Young and others, he remained with them,
acting as Bishop and Trustee in Trust, until the exodus in
1846. He then started with them, but could not or did not
agree with Young and others, and this was the cause of
some disturbance on the way, the particulars of which we do
not know. The only charge, however, that we have seen
against him was in the language of Andrew Jensen, of the
Utah Church, author of the "Historical Record": —
"Bishop George Miller was unmanageable; he would not
observe order, and could not be controlled. Finally Presi-
dent Young was compelled to say that he would be disfel-
lowshiped from the camp unless he repented.".
HISTORY OP THE CHURCH. 793
When the camp stopped at Winter Quarters and Kanes-
ville, Bishop Miller with a small following moved on up the
river about one hundred and fifty miles and located for the
winter at the mouth of the Running Water.
In the spring of 1847 he returned to Winter Quarters, but
when it was resolved to send out the pioneers to select a
location in the West, Bishop Miller objected, and soon after
went to Texas and joined with Lyman Wight who was advo-
cating the right of "Young Joseph", to lead the church.
That Lyman Wight had been preaching the claims of Young
Joseph sometime before August, 1848. is evident from an
attack made upon him in the Gospel Herald, (Voree, Wiscon-
sin,) August 31, 1848. An extract from a letter now before
us written by Bishop Miller to J. J. Strang, from Austin,
Texas, June 12, 1849, will be of interest and explain some
of his motives:—
"I was baptized in the summer of 1839, by John Taylor,
then one of the Twelve; and in the summer of 1840 was or-
dained a high priest, under the hands of Bishop Knight,
Hyrum and Joseph Smith; and in January, 1841, I was called
to the Bishopric, and set apart by the First Presidency, and
under the hands of Elder Marks. And at the fall conference
after the death of Don Carlos Smith, I was called and set
apart as President of the Quorum of High Priests, with my
counselors Noah Packard and Amasa Lyman.
"On this wise I now find myself in Texas, an isolated, frail
being. In the spring of 1844 Joseph organized a council of
fifty. I was one of that number. The question arose in
regard to settling those saints in the South, that were mak-
ing lumber in Wisconsin, for building the temple and Nauvoo
House. The decision of the council was had, and Lucian
Woodworth, George Miller, and Lyman Wight appointed to
settle the company and their families, and procure a place
for a stake for the gathering of the saints; whereupon Lu-
cian Woodworth forthwith started to Texas and returned
about the first of May. He negotiated with Samuel Houston
(then President of the Republic of Texas) for a district of
country to colonize the before- mentioned saints upon, which
was to have been ratified at the meeting of the Texan Con-
794 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH.
gress the ensuing fall. On the part of the church we were
to send commissioners or delegates to meet the Texan Con-
gress, clothed with the authority of the church, to complete
the negotiations for the aforesaid purpose. Wood worth,
Brown, Wight, and myself were understood to be the dele-
gates for said purpose. Immediately upon this decision, all
or most of the before-mentioned council were sent on mis-
sions during the presidential canvass. I was sent to Ken-
tucky, and Lyman Wight to Washington City.
"Whilst I was in the vicinity of Harrodsburg, Kentucky,
on the morning of the 28th of June, 1844, Joseph appeared
to me in a dream, and told me of the assassination of him-
self and Hyrum. I returned to Nauvoo. You are aware of
many things that have taken place since in regard to the
church. Lyman Wight took the lumbermen and others and
left, and with them one of my sons. Lucian Woodworth and
myself applied to Brigham Young, President of the Twelve,
in his assumed standing, for the necessary outfit in papers,
etc., to take with us to meet the Texan Congress. He dis-
solved the appointment. I started with the camp, came to
Texas to look after my son. I have preached some and a
few have believed; but I have not baptized any, because of
the distracted state of the minds of believers in regard to the
Presidency, etc. And until recently I have been disposed
to get an inheritance in Missouri, and then stand still and
see the salvation of God."
Subsequently Bishop Miller became identified with James
J. Strang. We know but little of his history since that
time.
INDEX.
Aaronfc priesthood, represented by
Edward Partridge, 150; organiza-
tion of, 519.
Abandonment of De Witt, 209.
Abbott, Lewis, beaten by a mob, 53.
Able, Elijah, in rescue party, 526.
Abraham, records of, 21, 22; Book
of, importance and correctness
of, 569.
Academy branch, Tennessee, 85.
Account, of Haun's Mill massacre,
224-254; by Lyman Wight, 295-
298; by P. P. Pratt, 298-308; of
the exodus from Missouri, 336-
349.
Act, incorporating Nauvoo House
Association, 516-518; incorporat-
ing Agriculture and Manufactur-
ing Association, 519.
Acts of Legislature, 279-283.
Adam-ondi-ahman, location of, 111,
153; Joseph Smith and company
at, 154; conference at, stake or-
ganized at, 156; committee meets
at, 170; Seventies arrive at, 184;
march to, 209; military court at,
267.
Adams, G. J., sails from New York,
515; appointed to Russia. 647.
Addresses, Twelve deliver farewell,
370.
Affidavit, of W. P. Peniston, 171.
172; of Adam Black, 185, 186; or
Joseph Smith, 188-191; of Henry
Root, 200; of M. Curtis, 323; of
James All red, 451-453.
Affidavits, presented to Congress,
423-445; committee appointed to
obtain, 446; concerning Bennett
collected, 613; of L. W. Boggs,
622, 623.
Agent, M. Brayman, appointed, 703.
Agreement, of Adam Black, 170; in
Daviess County, 267, 268.
Agriculture and Manufacturing
Association, 519.
Albany, elders arrive at, 80.
Alderman, appointment of, 514.
Aldrich, Hazen, unites with High
Priests, 99.
Aldrich, Mark, indicted for mur-
der, tried, acquitted, 756.
Alexander, Horace, ordained elder,
209.
Allen, , indicted for murder,
tried, acquitted, 756.
Allred, James, kidnapped, 451;
affidavit of, 451-453; appointed
assistant aid-de-camp, 515; mem-
ber of High Council, 520.
Allred, W. M., visits the jail, 309.
Alvord, T., affidavit of, 426, 427.
Ames, Olive, account of Haun's
Mill massacre, 234-237.
Angel, appears to Joseph Smith,
Sr., 45; appears to F. G.Williams,
45.
Anniversary of church celebrated,
149.
Anointed, called together, 23; offi-
cers of church, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.
Antiquities discovered, 154.
Apology for Hinkle's conduct, 262,
263.
Apostasy, at Kirtland, 102; strives
to rule at Kirtland, 121, 136; of
Marsh and Hyde, 212.
Apostles, part of joint council, 6;
indorse rules of house, 8; attend
a marriage, 15; must agree to or-
dinations, 24; offer amendments
to resolution, 25; represented by
D. W. Patten, 150; engage in po-
litical canvass, 726.
Appanoose, Indian chief, visits
Nauvoo, 541.
Appeal to Governor from Ray
County, 211.
Ardent spirits, use of, discounte-
nanced by High Council, 110.
Argus, (Quincy,) speaks of Missouri
341, 342.
796
INDEX.
Arrest, Smiths go to Iowa to avoid,
740.
Arthur, M., letter of, 268-270.
Articles of agreement of Eirtland
Safety Society, 90-93.
Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum
Smith, 741-751.
Assassins, trial of, 756, 770.
Assembly, indorse rules of house, 8;
arrangement of explained, 11;
solemn, 18.
Atchison, D. R., guards witnesses
to Jackson County, 51; visits the
scene of trouble, 176; orders out
militia to protect the Mormons,
176; sent for, 188; employed as
counselor, 188; meets with Presi-
dency and committee, 192; orders
out militia, 193; reports of, 195-
198; revolts at Governor's order,
217, 218.
Atlas, (Boston,) letter from, 343.
Attica, conference at, 544.
Attorneys for J. Smith, names of,
527.
Australia, missionary sent to, 499.
Authorities, at Kirtland, write to
citizens of Clay County, 66-72;
write to saints in Clay County,
72, 73.
Avard, Sampson, career of, 220-223;
found secreted, 258; a witness,
291, 292, 298; expelled from
church, 359.
Babbitt, A. W., visits saints on
Grand River, 172; to gather
libelous reports, 362; sent to
Springfield, Illinois, 363; on com-
mittee on stakes, 467; president
Eirtland stake, 522; president of
conference, 550.
Babcock, Amos, president of elders
quorum, 523.
Bachelor, Origen, friend of J. 0.
Bennett, 597.
Baldwin, Caleb, committed to jail,
293; in court — remanded to jail,
316; taken from Liberty jail to
Daviess County, 326, 327; tried,
327; indicted, 328; granted change
of venue — escapes, 329; requisi-
tion for arrest of, 467.
Baldwin, Mrs. Caleb, visits the jail,
309, 315.
Baldwin, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Baldwin, Wheeler, on committee on
affidavits, 446.
Ball, Joseph, sent to South America,
544.
Baltimore, missionaries to be sent
to, 541.
Bancroft's account of Haun's Mill
massacre, 233, 234; on Missouri
trouble, 344, 345; on reception by
Illinois, 356.
Banking at Kirtland, 89
Baptism, administered, 25; for the
dead, 552, 600, 602.
Baptismal font, dedication of, 551.
Baptist persecuted, 81.
Barlow, Israel, on locating commit-
tee, 359.
Barlow, J. W., testifies for defense,
292.
Barlow, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Barlow, Watson, in jail — held to
bail, 316.
Barnes, L. D., chosen member of
High Council, 157; chosen clerk
of High Council, 157; mission of
approved, 364; sent to England,
544.
Barnett, J. T., elected to City Coun-
cil, 514.
Barrett, Win., ordained— sent to
Australia, 499; letter from, 499,
500.
Barrows, Ethan, assists to make
boots for prisoners, 309.
Barton, Reuben, recommended for
ordination, 27.
Batavia, (New York,) miracle at,
522.
Baxter, Joseph, appointed commis-
sioner, 78.
Beebe, Calvin, appointed High
Counselor, 119; removes from Far
West, 150.
Beeman, Alva, temporarily on
High Council, 7; chosen president
of elders, 8; ordained president of
elders, 9; applies for counsel, 13;
tempted to doubt, 18; to furnish
list of elders, 21; presents names,
22.
Bennett, James Arlington, writes J.
Smith, 653,654.
Bennett, J. C., writes a series of let-
ters, 460; confesses hypocrisy,
460, 461; on committee of incor-
poration—delegate to Springfield,
468; elected mayor, 514; elected
major general, 514; resigns as
mayor, 579; case of, 584-598; First
Presidency, Twelve, Bishops with-
draw hand of fellowship from,
INDEX.
797
584; Joseph Smith presents case
of, 585-591; George Miller presents
case of, 591, 592; dropped from
Masonic lodge, 592; City Council
on case of, 595; certificate of citi-
zens coucerning, 597, 598; certifi-
cate of ladies concerning, 598;
influence of to be met, 613.
Bennett, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Bennett, Samuel, arrested for riot —
acquitted, 738.
Benson, E. T., on locating commit-
tee, 359.
Bent, Samuel, chosen to High Coun-
cil, 209; member of High Council
at Commerce, 371; on ordination
committee, 447.
Bidamon, Lewis C., marries widow
of Joseph Smith, 773, 774.
Billings, Titus,sustained as Bishop's
counselor, 120; demurs at pro-
ceedings at Far West, 142.
Bingham, Erastus, of committee on
removal, 315.
Biography, of William Law, 777; of
George Miller, 792-794; of John
E. Page, 780-782; of Willard
Richards, 784-786; of George A.
Smith, 786, 787; of Hyrum Smith,
776, 777; of John Taylor, 778, 779;
of Lyman Wight, 787-791; of Wil-
ford Woodruff, 782-784.
Bird, Charles, of committee on re-
moval, 314.
Bird, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Bird, P. R., president of deacons
quorum, 519.
Bishop, Gladden, trial of, 10.
Bishop, of Kirtland and counselors
blessed, 17; and council, must
agree to ordinations, 24; George
Miller appointed, 513.
Bishop's counselor ordained, 6.
Bishop's court tries Oliver Cowdery,
150.
Bishops, organized, 22; receive seal
of blessings, 23; orgarme Aaronic
priesthood, 519; on J. C. Bennett
case, 584.
Bishopric, of Zion and Kirtland in-
dorse rules, 8; hold key to vestry,
9; represented by Edward Part-
ridge, 150.
Black, Adam, sells his farm to Vin-
son Knight, 170; agreement of,
170; enters complaint, 172; affida-
vit of, 185, 186; as a witness, 192;
inflammatory letter of, 212; on the
bench, 267.
Blessings, given, 5, 6; sealed, 20;
patriarchal. 48; of Smith family,
461-466.
Blevin, Mrs., visits the jail, 315.
Blood River branch, Tennessee, 85.
Boats start for pinery, 600.
Bogart, Samuel, asks permission to
raise company, 175; malicious
conduct of, 210; threatens Far
West, 213; sent for witnesses, 292;
dishonorable mention of, 331.
Boggs, L. W-, succeeds Dunklin as
Governor, 111; petitioned to re-
move the saints from the State,
175; orders Lucas to scene of
trouble, 197; malicious conduct
of, 198; orders of, 215, 216, 217;
hardened by mobbing, 219; writes
to Clark, 257; authorizes military
court in Daviess County, 266, 267;
infamy of, 347; makes requisi-
tion, 466; shot, 579, 580; saints
suspected— other enemies, 580; in-
fluence to be met, 613; affidavit
of, 622, 623.
Bond, Ira, chosen president of dea-
cons— ordained, 9.
Book of Abraham, importance and
correctness of, 569.
Boston, elders arrive at, 81; seven-
teen baptized at, 82.
Boulogne-sur-Mer,discussion at, 734.
Bowman, Wm., certifies to Penis-
ton's affidavit, 172; guards pris-
oners, 327, 329.
Boyce, Benjamin, kidnapped, 451.
Boynton, John F., marriage of, 15;
objects to resolution, 31; rejected
as an apostle, 107; restored to
apostleship, 109; sustained as an
apostle, 119; conspires to over-
throw church, 120; not recom-
mended, 150.
Branches must recommend ordina-
tions, 25.
Brassfield, John, guards prisoners,
327, 329.
Brayman, M., appointed special
agent, 703; writes to Joseph
Smith, 707.
Bread and wine administered to
quorums, 18.
Brooks, Justin, writes from Kirt-
land, 638.
Brooks, Lester, counselor to Bab-
bitt, 522.
Brown, Alanson, chosen member of
High Council, 157;. kidnapped,
451; requisition for arrest of, 467.
798
INDEX.
Browning1, O. H., attorney for J.
Smith, 527, his eloquent speech,
529, 530: defends assassins, 770.
Brunson, Seymour, prefers charges
against Cowdery, 150; leads a
company to Daviess County, 176;
assists Smith family, 339; mem-
ber of High Council at Com-
merce, 371.
Buckmaster, Colonel, addresses
Nauvoo Legion, 744.
Buffalo, elders arrive at, 80.
Bump, Jacob, plasters inside of
temple, 5.
Burch, T. C., writes inflammatory'
letter, 211; State's attorney, 290.
Burdick, Thomas, appointed to re-
cord licenses, 28, 82, 83, 99, 103;
elected Bishop of Kirtland, 523; j
to publish Olive Leaf, 551.
Burke, J. M., member of High ;
Council in Iowa, 371; affidavit of,
424, 425.
Burnett, Attorney, visits the jail,
309, 315.
Burr Joyce* account of Haun's
Mill massacre, 224-233.
Burton, William, mission of ap-
proved, 304.
Butler, J. L., in riot at Gallatin,
168; appointed assistant aid-de-
camp, 515.
Butterfleld, Josiah, chosen president
of Seventy, 99; commissioner in
Seventies' camp, 178.
Butterfield, J., counsel for J. Smith,
621.
Cahoon, Larona, married, 14.
Cahoon, Mrs. Reynolds, visits the
jail, 309.
Cahoon, Reynolds, sustained Bish-
op's counselor, 107; arrives at Far j
West, 152; chosen counselor to
John Smith, 156; chosen marshal
of the day, 157; represents saints
on committee, 171; visits the jail,
309; on temple building commit-
tee, 467; appointed assistant aid-
de-camp, 515; attends trial of J.
Smith, 526; testifies in his behalf,
527
Cahoon, William, affidavit of, 424. j
Cahoon, W. F., married, 14.
Caldwell County, settled by saints; j
74, 75; organized, 76; gathering |
. in, 99.
Caldwell militia surrender arms,258.
Calhoun, J. O., interviewed by J.
Smith and others, 402; consulted
by J. Smith, 708; receives letter
from J. Smith, 709; replies, 709;
Joseph Smith replies to, 710-712.
Call, Anson, beaten with hoop pole,
310.
Camron, Elisha, appointed commis-
sioner, 264.
Canada, saints from, settle on
Grand River, 172.
Cannon, found and secured, 211.
Carey, , made prisoner, and
wounded, 223; dies, 257.
Carlin, Governor Thomas, petition
to, 455-457; issues writ on requisi-
tion of Boggs, 467; signs Nauvoo
charter, 468, receives letter from
Emma Smith, 610; contradictory,
610; opinion of, 611; writes to
Emma Smith, 612, 613; term of
expires, 616.
Carrico, Thomas, appointed door-
keeper, 9.
Carter, Angeline, receives patri-
archal blessing, 21.
Carter, Daniel, chosen member of
High Council, 157.
Carter, Gideon, a witness, 192;
killed, 215.
Carter, Jared, sustained as a High
Counselor, 108; elected to High
Council, 150.
Carter, Joanna, receives patriarchal
blessing, 21.
Carter, Luman, teaches vocal mu-
sic, 98.
Carter, Marietta, receives patri-
archal blessing, 21.
Carter, Nancy, receives patriarchal
blessing, 21.
Carter, Simeon, appointed High
Counselor, 119; opposes action of
High Council, 141; accompanies
Joseph Smith, 153; affidavit of,
423, 424.
Casey, Eli, appointed commissioner,
264.
Casper, T. D., affidavit of, 432, 433.
Cass, Lewis, consulted by J. Smith,
708.
Catholic convent burned at Charles-
ton or Charlestown, 81, 349.
Celebration at Far West, 157; at
Nauvoo, 600.
Chalk Level branch, Tennessee, 85.
Change of venue, Richmond to
Columbia, 302.
Charges against David Whitmer,
150; against Oliver Cowdery, 150;
INDEX.
799
not to be heard by conference,
448.
Chariton County sends committee,
192.
Charleston or Charlestown, Catho-
lic convent burned at, 81, 349;
missionaries to be sent to, 541.
Charter, of Nauvoo, 468-475; first
election under, 514.
Charters granted and signed, 468.
Chase, Darwin, committed to jail,
293; released, 301; attends trial of
J. Smith, 526; ordained a seventy,
352, 355.
Chase, Ezra, sent to pineries, 583.
Chase, Stephen, ordained president
of elders quorum, 209, member of
High Council in Iowa, 371.
Chester, (Illinois,) Pratt locates
family at, 639.
Chicago Democrat, publishes his-
torical sketch, 569.
Child blessed in jail, 309.
Chipman, Ezra, testifies for defense,
292.
Church, anniversary celebrated,
149; progress of, 523; publications
for and against, 479-481, 566; Re-
corder elected, 109; rejection of,
558-566.
Churches in England, reports of,
496.
Circumstances, peculiar, 1
Citizens, of Clay County pass reso-
lutions, 57-62; assemble at Mill-
port, 175; give letters to Rigdon
and Green, 364; meeting at Nau-
voo— appoint committee, 453, ac-
tion on kidnapping, 453-455
City Council, (Nauvoo,) meeting of,
752, 753; replies to Jonas and Fel-
lows, 753, 754.
Clark, , frozen to death, 31.
Clark, General J. B., in command,
218; under forced march, 223, ar-
rives at Far West, 264, his speech,
264-266; orders prisoners brought
back, 285, 288; introduced to pris-
oners, 288; searches the law —
writes the Governor, 289; dishon-
orable mention of, 331.
Clark, Hiram, mission of approved,
364, starts for Europe, 370; coun-
selor to T. Ward, 640.
Clark, Joseph, affidavit of, 432.
Claries River branch, Tennessee, 85.
Clark, T. B., affidavit of, 427, 428.
Clark, William, visits the jail, 309.
Clay County, people friendly, 54.
Clay, Henry, receives letter from
J Smith, 712; replies, 712, 713;
Joseph Smith replies to, 713; con-
sulted by J Smith, 708.
Clayton, William, presents Emma
Smith's letter to Governor, 610.
Cleminson, John, clerk of General
Assembly, 140
Clinton County, saints settle in, 112.
duff, David, recommended for or-
dination, 27.
Clyde, G. W., in rescue party, 526.
Coe, Joseph, exhibits mummies, 26-
rejected as a High Counselor, 108;
conspires to overthrow the church,
120.
Cole, Owen, affidavit of, 433, 434.
Collection at dedication of Kirtland
Temple, 46.
Coltrin, Zebedee, unites with High
Priests, 99, counselor to Babbitt,
523.
Columbia, change of venue to, 302;
prisoners taken to, 302-305; escape
from, 306-308.
Comer, J B., taken prisoner, 193.
Commerce, Joseph Smith locatesat,
365; description of, 367; open air
meeting at — sickness at, 370; con-
ference at, 370-372; changed to
Nauvoo, 449.
Commissioners, appointed by Legis-
lature, 264.
Committee, on rules report, 8; ap-
pointed by Clay County, 57;
appointed by saints, 62; report of,
62-65; on appraising town lots,
113; meets at Adam-ondi-ahman,
170; of agreement in Daviess
County, 171; from Ray County
visits Far West, 172; from Chari-
ton, meets Presidency in council,
192; on resolutions appointed, 313;
on removal appointed, 313-315; to
gather libelous reports, 362; on or-
dination appointed, 447; report 31
persons ordained, 448, on incor-
poration appointed, 467; on loca-
tion appointed, 359, 361; on
affidavits, appointment, 446.
Companies leave England, 519.
Company, of saints arrive in Clay
County, 53; sent to disperse mob,
213.
Complaint entered by Black and
Peniston, 172.
Conference, of the "Presidency, 21;
at Newry, Maine, 82; at Kirtland,
84; at Chalk Level, Tennessee, 85;
800
INDEX.
notice of, in Galloway County,
Kentucky, 86; at Portland,
Canada, 103; at Far West, 117,
150; at Kirtland, 106, 107, 109; at
Adam-ondi-ahman, 156; General,
at Quincy, Illinois, 362; at Com-
merce, 370-372; General, on Con-
gressional action, 419-422; General
for 1840, 446-448; not to hear
charges, 448; General, October, ]
1840, 467; at Preston, England, I
496; at Manchester, England, 497;
annual for 1841, 519, 520; at Man-
chester, England, 520; at Kirtland,
Ohio, 522; at Zarahemla, 540, 542;
General, at Nauvoo, 572; special
at Nauvoo, 542, 643, 650, 735; semi-
annual at Nauvoo, 544; at Attica,
New York, 544; at Kirtland, 550;
provides for Olive Leaf, 551; Gen-
eral, of English mission, 649; at
Kirtland — at various places, 649.
Cowdery, Marcellus, fellowship
withdrawn from, 145.
Cowdery, Oliver, elected President
of High Council, 6; studies
with Joseph Smith, 22; discusses
ordinations, 24; to draft rules for
license, 27; clerk pro tern., 30; tes-
timony of, 45; sees vision, 46; Mo-
ses and El ias appear to, 47; locates
in Caldwell County, 76; leaves
Kirtland, 80; sent to Philadelphia,
83; editor and proprietor of Mes-
senger and Advocate, 85; and Co.
dissolved, 99; addresses solemn
assembly, 100, 101; rejected as
clerk, 142; appointed assistant
counselor, 107; appointed clerk of
General Assembly, 117; charges
against and trial of, expelled, 150.
Cowdery, W. A., prefers false
charges, 10.
Cowdery, William, chosen president
of priests, 9.
I Covvles, Austin, counselor to presi-
on temple building committee,
467; appointed assistant aid-de-
camp, 515.
Conflict between a mob and the
saints, 167, 168.
Congress, petition to, 378-396; action j dent of stake, 519.
of conference on, 419-422; affida- ! Crooked River, battle of, 214.
vits presented to, 423-445. [ Crosby, Jonathan, Jr., teaches vo-
Con tract between Hinkle and Lucas, ! cal music, 98.
256. ; Curtis. Meacham, 323.
Coolidge, J. W., arrested for riot, : Curtis, S. P., affidavit of, 437, 438.
acquitted, 738. • Cutler, Alpheus, lays corner stone
Corner stones of' temple laid, 157; of ! of temple, 353,355; member of
Nauvoo temple laid, 519. High Council in Commerce, 371;
Corrill, John, placed in charge of j
temple, 9; starts for Zion, 48; ap- j
pointed to appraise town lots, 113; !
chosen keeper of storehouse, 120; ! Cutler, Louisa, married, 14.
opposes action of High Council, ' Cyprus branch, Tennessee, 85.
141, appointed historian, 149; ex- ! Daley, John, visits the jail, 315.
pelled from church, 359. j Daley, Moses, recommended for or-
Council, in Kirtland, 6; decides to i dination, 27.
locate on Grand River, 154; at i Damages claimed from the Jackson
residence of Lyman Wight, 170; ! County people, 54.
held at Far West, 188; of Twelve i Dancing, members disfellowshiped
at Preston, England, 499. for, 110.
Counoilmen, appointment of, 514. : Daniels, Cyrus, at jail, 316.
Counsel employed by the saints, 188. : Danites condemned, 219-223.
County seat located at Far West, 76. Daviess County, saints settle in,
Court, applied to for authority to ! 111; saints warned to leave, 114.
officiate in marriage ceremonies, ' Davis, Jacob C., indicted for murder,
31; held at Independence, 51; at j tried, acquitted, 756.
Richmond, 290; at Liberty, 316. • Davis, Malcham, baptized, 3.
Covenant, entered into, 13; of peace, j Death of Don C. Smith, 538-540; of
171. Oliver Granger, 543; of R. B.
Covey, Benjamin, visits the jail— Thompson, 544.
presents boots 'to prisoners, 309. • Dedication, Kirtland Temple, 34-
Cowdery, Lyman, visits the jail, > 46; baptismal font in temple.
315. ' 551.
INDEX.
801
Dedicatory service, 34-46; prayer,
38-44; services repeated, 46.
Delegates, start for Washington,
372; their mission, 376; arrive at
Washington, 377; petition Con-
gress, 378-396; letters of, 396-402.
Delegation sent to pineries, 583.
Deming, M. R., writes to Orson
Spencer, 744.
Democratic association adopt reso-
lutions, 340, 341.
Democrats withdraw support, 738.
De Witt, saints settle at, 112; John
E. Page and company arrive at,
184; trouble at, 199-208; citizens
appeal to Governor, 199, 200; fired
on, 200; Joseph Smith arrives at,
202; abandonment of, 209, 210.
Dibble, Philo, locates in Caldwell
County, 76.
Dickson, Joseph, false statement of,
212, 213.
Difficulties, resolution of teachers
concerning, 151.
Disaffection at Nauvoo, 736.
Discussion at Boulogne-sur-Mer,
734.
Dixon, arrest of Joseph Smith at,
656-658.
Doniphan, A. W., introduces bill to
organize Caldwell County, 77;
employed as counsel, 188; report
of, 193-195; issues orders to
Hinkle, 209; receives order from
Boggs, 218; disobeys orders, 257,
261, 262; his reply to Lucas, 262;
advice to prisoners, 293; visits the
jail, 309, 315; defends the prison-
ers, 316; interviewed, 350, 351;
attorney for Rockwell, 580.
Doorkeepers appointed, 9, 22.
Dorothy, Major, visits the jail, 315.
Dort, David, chosen High Coun-
selor, 108; member of High Coun-
cil in Commerce, 371.
Douglas, Hon. S. A., visits Nauvoo,
521; agrees to hear case of J.
Smith, 525, 526; opinion of, 531.
Dryden, J. J., malicious conduct of,
211.
Dunham, Jonathan, engineer in
Seventies' camp, 179; arrested for
riot, acquitted, 738.
Dunklin, Daniel (Governor), dis-
posed to bring mobbers to justice,
51; willing to reinstate saints, 53;
term expires as Governor, 111.
Duty of TweJve exolained, 11.
Eagle Creek branch, Tennessee, 85.
East, condition of church in, 373.
Editorial by Quincy Argus, 341,342.
Education among the saints, 112.
Edwards, B. S., counsel for J.
Smith, 621.
Edwards, William, arrested for riot,
acquitted, 738.
Elders, jealousies among, 2; presi-
dent of, chosen, 8; anointed, 19;
quorum seek information, 20; or-
ganized, 22; receive seal of bless-
ings, 23; begin preaching, 48;
start for Zion, 48; meet in tem-
ple, 98; appointment of, to mis-
sions, 109; represented by Harvey
Green, 150; to leave families pro-
vided for, 448; great success of,
522; quorum president, 209.
Elders Journal, prospectus of, 106-
attached, 121.
Election, at Gallatin, 167; under
new charter, 514.
Elias appears to Joseph Smith and
O. Cowdery, 47.
Emigration from England, 520.
Endowment, counsel concerning,18.
England, first sermons in, 105;
churches in, 496; responds to the
message, 501; companies leaving,
519; emigration from, 520; prog-
ress in, 541; missionary sent to,
544.
English mission, history of, 482; re-
port of, 581; conference of, 649.
Epistle, to Governor, from Ray Co.,
211; Twelve write an, 370; of
Twelve, 548, 552; of Twelve to
Europe, 570, 571.
Epistles, to the church, 323-326; on
baptism for the dead, 600, 602.
Epitome of faith and doctrine, 569.
Escape attempted, 317.
Europe, mission to, approved, 363;
mission of Twelve to, 363; mission
of seventy to, 364.
European mission, 122.
European missionaries and wives
blessed, 368.
Everett, Elisha, president of teach-
ers quorum, 519.
Evert, Howard, visits the jail, 309.
Exodus from Missouri, accounts of,
336-351.
Experience of prisoners, 285-308.
Expositor (Nauvoo), appearance of
737; destruction of, 737; case of
reported to Governor, 738.
Expulsion, of Oliver Cowdery, 1BO;
802
INDEX.
of David Whitmer, 150; ofLyman
E. Johnson, 150; of saints de-
manded, 739.
Families, elders to provide for, 448.
Families of prisoners leave the
State, 317.
Farmers' Hotel, elders take lodging
at, 80.
Farr, Winslow, mission of approved,
364.
Far West, made county seat, 76;
town site entered by Phelps and
Whitmer, 76; temple to be lo-
cated at, 77; description of, 77;
conference at, 117; general assem-
bly at, 117, 140; house to be built
at, 113; authorities of church as-
semble at, 116; celebration at,
113, 157; post office established at,
114; High Council at, 143; confer-
ence at, 150; corner stone of tem-
ple laid at, 157; petition to locate
county seat at, 167; report of
Gallatin trouble reaches, 169;
visited by committee from Ray
County, 172; meeting held at.
172, 173; Seventies' camp arrives
at, 184; Judge arrives at, 191; au-
thorities of, capture smugglers
and firearms, 193; trouble at, 211;
threatened by militia, 223, 255;
prepares for defense, 255; account
of trouble by Wight, 259-261;
committee on resolutions ap-
pointed at, 313; corner stone of
temple laid at, 353.
Feast, at Bishop Whitney's, 5; for
Smith family, 20.
Fellows, Colonel Hart, ordered to
Nauvoo, 751; addresses City
Council, 752-754; receives answer,
753, 754.
Fielding, Joseph, accompanies Kim-
ball to England, 122.
First Presidency, form part of joint
council, 6; indorse rules of house,
8; attend a marriage, 15; meet in
temple, 16; must agree to ordina-
tions, 24; debts of, how con-
tracted, 101; meets committee,
192; answers Thompson's com-
plaint, 366, 367; action of indorsed,
447; necessities provided for, 450;
report of encouraging, 467; proc-
lamation of, 501, 502; William
Law called unto, 512; on J. C.
Bennett case, 584.
Fisher, Edward, member of High
Council in Iowa, 371.
Follett, King, imprisoned, 301; fu-
neral sermon of, 735.
Ford, E. R., appointed agent to re-
ceive J. Smith, 623, 624.
Ford, Governor Thomas, issues war-
rant for arrest of J. Smith, 617,
619; account by, 617, 618; warrant
issued by, 623, 624; issues warrant
for arrest of J. Smith, 664, 665;
requested to call out militia, 702;
declines to call militia, 702-707;
message from, 739; assures protec-
tion, 741, 742; disbands militia —
proceeds to Nauvoo, 743; flight of,
744; statement of, 749-752; sends
McConnell to investigate, 756; his
account of the trouble, 757-770.
Fordham, Elijah, member of High
Council in Iowa, 371.
Foreign mission, first, 103.
Foster, C. A., writ issued for, 750.
Foster, James, chosen president of
Seventy, 99; commissioner -of
Seventies' camp, 178;
Foster, R. D., accompanies dele-
gates to Washington, 376; remains
behind with Rigdon, 377; attends
Rigdon in Washington, visits
Philadelphia, 402; accompanies
J. Smith home, 418; fails to keep
journal, 419; disaffected, 736;
writ issued for, 756.
Fourth of July at Far West, 113.
Fouts, Jacob, affidavit of, 439.
Fowler, Mrs., visits the jail, 315. .
Fox, S., master of steamer, 80.
Freedom, stake appointed at, 468.
Fulmer. David, member of High
Council in Commerce, 371.
Gallaher, , indicted for murder,
tried, acquitted, 756.
Galland, Isaac, befriends the saints,
357; writes to Governor Lucas,
359; land purchased of, 361; bap-
tized, 370; appointed on commit-
tee, 453.
Gallatin, saints settle at, 112; elec-
tion at, 167; conflict at, 167-169;
riot at, 168, 175; report of troubles
at, reaches Far West, 169; saints
leave, for safety, 172.
Gannet, Henry, receives patriarchal
blessing, 21.
Gates, Gibson, affidavit of, 441, 442.
Gathering, to Missouri, 87, 88; in
INDEX.
803
Caldwell County, 99; to be taught,
448.
Gaylord, John, chosen president of
seventy — expelled from the
church, 100.
Gee, G. W., appointed church re-
cqrder, 541.
Gee, Salmon, chosen president of
seventy — dropped from quorum,
100.
General Assembly at Far West, 117,
140.
Geneva stake organized, 468.
Gentiles prevent the saints from
voting — two killed, 175.
Gibbs, Luman, committed to jail,
293.
Gibbs, Miranda, married, 14.
Gifford, Alpheus, officiates in ordi-
nation, 448.
Gillium, Cornelius, appointed com-
missioner, 78; dishonorable men-
tion of, 331; outrageous conduct
of, 347.
Goodson, , accompanies Kimball
to England, 122.
Gorden, Mr. , visits the jail, 315;
imparts information, 316.
Gordon Thomas, chosen member of
High Council, 157.
Gospel, those who die without a
knowledge of, 16.
Governor, petitions sent to, 193; re-
ceives epistle from Ray County,
211.
Grand River, J. Smith and com-
pany visits, 153; lands located on,
154.
Granger, Carlos, Joseph Smith at
house of, 610.
Granger, Oliver, revelation to, 166;
agent at Kirtland, 349, 362: death
of, 543.
Green, A., affidavit of, 434.
Green, Addison, taken prisoner, 213.
Green, Henry, ordained president
of elders quorum, 117.
Green, Harvey, represents elders,
150.
Green, J. P., elected member of
High Council, 6; action to sustain
as High Counselor, deferred, 108;
sustained as High Counselor, 109;
elected to fill vacancy in High
Council, 150; on locating com-
mittee, 359; appointed to preside
in New York, 364; citizens give
letter to, 364; affidavit of, 435;
elected to City Council, 514; at-
tends trial of J. Smith, 526; ar-
rested for riot, acquitted, 738.
Green, M. T., appointed commis-
sioner, 264.
Green, Thomas, counselor to Bab-
cock, 523.
Griffith, Thomas, certificate of, 349.
Grove Creek, lands located on, 155.
Grover, Thomas, elected member of
High Council, 6; elected to High
Council, 115, 119; on committee
to labor with Whitmer and
Phelps, 141; opposes action of
High Council, 142; member of
High Council at Commerce, 371;
appointed assistant aid-de-camp,
515.
Grover, W. N., indicted for murder,
tried, acquitted, 756.
Groves, Elisha H., chosen on High
Council of Zion, 5; appointed on
building committee, 113; ap-
pointed to High Council, 119; re-
moves from Far West, 150;
affidavit of, 438.
Guards become intoxicated, 329, 330.
Gudgel, Jacob, inflammatory letter
of, 212.
Gurley, Z. H., to collect for temple,
520.
Habeas Corpus, writs of, 525, 607,
617, 658, 660, 737, 738.
Hale, J. H., treasurer in seventies'
camp, 179; of committee on re-
moval, 314.
Halsal, Elder, opposes Richards,
483.
Hancock, Levi W., retained as presi-
dent of seventy, 100; represents
the seventies, 150.
Hancock, Solomon, appointed High
Counselor, 119; favors Whitmer
and Phelps, 141.
Harmon, Jonathan, arrested for
riot, acquitted, 738.
Harmon, J. P., arrested for riot, ac-
quitted, 738.
Harris, G. W., treats Prophet and
family with kindness, 137; eleoted
to High Council, 150; member of
High Council in Commerce, 371;
associate justice Municipal Court,
660.
Harris, Martin, assists to settle dif-
ficulty, 2; discusses ordinations,
24; rejected as a High Counselor,
108. '
Harris, Mr., visits the jail, 309.
H aim's Mill, massacre at, 324-254;
804
INDEX.
Burr Joyce1 account of, 224-233;
Bancroft's account of, 233, 234;
Olive Ames' account of, 234-237;
account from History of Caldwell
County, 237-254; J. W. Young's
account of, 244-248; Amanda
Smith's account of, 248-251;
Hyrum Smith's account of, 251,
252; N. K. Knight's account of,
252-254; killed and wounded at,
231, 241, 242.
Hawden, J. W., certificate of, 350.
Hawes, H. M., teaches high school
in temple, 98.
Hawk, William, affidavit of, 427.
Haws, Peter, trustee of Nauvoo
House Association, 516.
Heavens opened, 17.
Hebrew, Bibles, reading of, 14;
grammar taught, 19; language
taught, 19; lecture, 22; studies,
23; translated, 25.
Hebrew school, organized, 4; prog-
ress of, 4, 5, 14, 20.
Hedlock, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Hedlock, Reuben, chosen president
of elders quorum, 120; starts for
England, 370; to preside over
English mission, 648.
Hendricks, James, counselor in
teachers quorum, 519, 520.
Herriman, Henry, chosen president
of seventy, 100; commissioner in
Seventies camp, 178.
Hickman, W. A., in rescue party,
526.-
Hicks, J. A., objected to, 520.
Higbee, Elias, succeeds T. B. Marsh
in High Council, 5; locates in
Caldwell County, 76; appointed
High Counselor, 119; sustains
action of High Council, 141; ap-
pointed historian, 149; accom-
panies Joseph Smith, Jr., 153;.
orders prisoner retaken, 213; op-
poses purchase of land, 356; on
locating committee, 359; ap-
pointed to Washington, 372;
proceeds in company with J.
Smith, 377; presents petition to
Congress, 378; letters of, 396-412,
also 415-418; visits Philadelphia,
402; remains at Washington, 403;
instructed, 446; on temple build-
ing committee, 467; on committee
of redress, 468; appointed assist-
ant aid-de-camp, 515; attends
trial of J. Smith, 526; testifies in
his behalf, 527; death of, 649.
Higbee, P. M., enters complaint
and conspires against J. Smith,
737; expulsion of, 737; obtains
writs for arrest of J. Smith and
others, 737, 738.
Higbee, Isaac, chosen to High
Council, 209.
Higbee, J. S., in rescue party, 526.
Higbees disaffected, 736.
High Council, vacancies filled, 5;
confesses sins, 18; meets in tem-
ple, 98; organized, 108; order of,
108, 109; resolves on a reform,
110; resolves to report unruly chil-
dren to parents, 110; discounte-
nances the use of ardent spirits,
110; and Bishop's Council ap-
pointed committee to appraise
town lots, 113; resolution of on
gathering, 116; on temple build-
ing, 116; at Far West, 143; repre-
sented by John Murdock, 150;
convicts Lyman E. Johnson, 150,
151; organization of at Commerce,
371; organization in Iowa, 371;
business referred to, 372; indorses
delegates to Washington, 372;
appoints Emma Smith to select
hymns, 372; resolves to build
boarding house, 372; resolves to
finish office of President Smith,
372; instructed, 451.
High Council of Kirtland, part of
joint council, 6; indorses rules of
house, 8.
High Council of Zion, part of joint
council, 6; indorses rules of house,
8; relates experiences, 22.
High Councilors, ordained, 7,
blessed and receive endowments,
17; must agree to ordinations, 24.
High Priests, president of chosen,
8; anointed, 19; organized, 22;
receive seal of blessings, 23; meet
in temple, 98; represented by C.
C. Rich, 150; accompany Twelve
to Europe, 364.
High school taught in temple, 98.
Hillman, Mayhew, chosen High
Counselor, 108; chosen member
of High Council, 157.
Hills, Gustavus, associate justice
Municipal Court, 660.
Hinkle, G. M., chosen on High
Council of Zion, 5; locates in
Caldwell County, 76; trustee, 112;
appointed on building committee,
113; appointed High Counselor,
119; on committee to labor with
INDEX
805
Whitmer and Phelps, 140; acts
under orders, 209; ordered to dis-
perse mob, 213; makes secret con-
tract, 256; apology for, 262, 263;
expelled from qhurch, 359.
Hinkle, John M., appointed High
Counselor, 119.
Historians appointed, 149.
Historical sketch published by J.
Wentworth, 569.
History of Caldwell County on the
exodus, 339, 340.
History of English mission by Rich-
ards, 484-495.
Hitchcock, Jesse, chosen on High
Council of Zion, 5; death of, 115.
Hobart, Otis, counselor to Babcock,
523.
Hodgin, Alice, death of, 482.
Hoge, Mr., elected to Congress, 729.
Holman, David, permitted to leave,
267; in jail, held to bail, 316.
Holmes, Milton, mission of ap-
proved, 364.
Holy Spirit, great flow of, 23.
Honey Creek, J. Smith, Jr., and
company visit, 153.
Hopkins, Charles, attends trial of
J. Smith, 526.
House of the Lord, rules to gov-
ern, 8.
Houses burned by mob, 209.
House to be built at Par West, 113.
Howard, Richard, member of High
Council in Iowa, 371.
Hubbard, Charles, mission of ap-
proved, 364.
Hudgens, , writes inflammatory
letter, 211.
Hudson Seminary, teacher hired
from, 4.
Hughes, General, visits the jail,
315.
Humphrey, Smith, affidavit of, 431.
Huntington, Dimick B., assistant
sexton, 149; a witness, 192; ar-
rested for riot, acquitted, 738.
Huntington, William, chairman of
committee on removal, 314; Jr.,
in jail held to bail, 316; member
of High Council in Commerce,
371.
Huntsman, J. W., counselor in
teachers quorum, 519, 520.
Hyde, Orson, dispatched to hire
teacher, 4; usher at a marriage,
15; tp draft rules on license, 27;
locates in Caldwell County, 76; at
Buffalo, enroute to Canada, 80;
sent with petition to Legislature,
83; set apart for English mission,
103; starts for England, 104;
preaches his first sermon in Eng-
land, 105; sustained as an apostle,
107, 119; accompanies Kimball to
Europe, 122; commended, 150;
arrives from England, 167; letter
from, 179; leaves Far West, 211;
testifies against the church, 212;
suspended from office, 363; re-
stored, 368; farewell address of,
370; mission of to Palestine, 446-
449; on ordination committee,
447; starts on his mission, 449;
preparing for Holy Land, 495; in
United States, 497; letter of, 498,
499; sails from New York, 515; to
prosecute his mission, 520; writes
from Germany, 533; from Egypt,
552; visits Jerusalem, prays on
Mount Olives, 552; returns to
Nauvoo, 606; appointed to Russia,
647.
Hymn Book to be published, 372.
Illinois, saints gathered in, 352.
Incorporation, committee appointed
on, 467; Nauvoo House Associa-
tion, 516-518.
Independence, court held at, 51, 52;
ptjaoners arrive at, 286.
Iniquvi* concealed by journals, 283.
Instruction to Tw?lve and others,
SfiS-370.
Intemperance, a monster, 31.
Interest, resolution of teachers con
cerning, 151.
Interests of saints compromised bj
lawyers, 54.
Intoxicants, vending of, 516.
Jackson, J. H., writ issued for, 756.
Jackson, Truman, recommended
for ordination, 27.
Jacobs, Mr., writes book on mar-
riage, 606.
Jail, treatment of prisoners in,
284.
James, Samuel, chosen to the High
Council, 7.
Jasper, Thomas, assists to arrest J.
Smith, 525.
Jennings, , attorney for prose-
cution, 527.
Johnson, Aaron, issues writs for
supposed assassins, 756.
Johnson, John, marriage at residence
806
INDEX.
of, 15; rejected as High Coun-
selor, 108.
Johnson, J. W.t affidavit of, 433.
Johnson, L. C., arrives at Salem, 82.
Johnson, Lyman E., objects to reso-
lution, 31; labors in New Bruns-
wick, 82; holds conference at
Newry, Maine, 82; opposition of,
101; rejected as an apostle, 107;
restored to apostleship, 109; in
Missouri, 110; sustained as an
apostle, 119; not recommended,
150; expulsion of, 150.
Johnson, Luke S., rejected as an
apostle, 107; restored to apostle-
ship, 109; sustained as an apostle,
119; conspires to overthrow the
church, 120; not recommended,
150.
Johnson, Orson, prefers charges
against W Smith, 3; expelled
from the church, 108.
Johnstone, Robert, letter from,
449.
Joint council, in Kirtland, 6, 9; re-
assembles, 8.
Jonas, Capt. A., ordered to Nauvoo,
751; addresses City Council, 752;
receives answer, 753, 754.
Journals conceal iniquity, 283.
Judd, Arza, Jun., testifies for de-
fense, 292.
Kelley, E. L., writes from Paines-
ville, Ohio, 94.
Kellog, Hiram, president of High
Priests quorum, 523.
Keokuk, Indian chief, visits Nau-
voo, 541.
Keys of temple, disposition of, 9.
Kidnapped, Brown, Allred, Boyce,
and Rogers, 451.
Kidnapping, denounced by citizens
meeting, 453-455, by Missourians,
655.
Kimball, H. C., applies for counsel,
and starts on mission, 48; returns
to Kirtland 83; set apart to pre-
side over English mission, 103;
starts for England, 104; preaches
his first sermon in England, 105;
sustained as an apostle, 107, 119;
/n charge of European mission,
122; his account of mission. 122;
and companions arrive at Liver-
pool, 126; and companions arrive
at Preston, KJ7; and companions
labor in England, 127-135; and
companions arrive at Kirtland,
135; commended, 150; arrives
from England, 167; letter from,
179; appointed to visit prisoners,
284; on committee on resolutions,
313; visits prisoners — his unceas-
ing solicitude, 317; carries peti-
tion to Legislature, 323; visits
State officers, 323, 324; visits
Judge King, 326; visits the jail —
arrives at Far West, 327; returns
to Par West, 352; in council at
Preston, 495; sails from Liverpool,
520; arrives at New York, 523;
returns to Nauvoo, 532; in coun-
cil, 541; baptizes for the dead,
552; assists to organize Young
Gentlemens and Ladies' Society,
642.
Kimball, Hiram, associate justice
Municipal Court, 660.
King, A. A., written to, 188; arrivet
at Far West, 191; inflammatory
letter of, 212; presiding judge,
290, 327; commits prisoners, 293;
issues mittimus, 294.
King, Thomas, arrests Joseph
Smith, 525; sickness of, 526.
Kingsbury, Horace, certificate of,
349, 350.
Kingsbury, Joseph, elected High
Counselor, 7; rejected as a High
Counselor, 108.
Kirtland, High Council meets at, 5;
joint council held at, 6, 9; tem-
ple dedicated at, 33; ways and
means to build up, 48; building
up of, 83; conferences at, 84, 106,
107, 109, 522, 550; banking busi-
ness at, 89; solemn assembly con-
venes at, 99; apostasy at, 102, 121,
136; Temple the only one ap-
proved of God, 117; Smith and
Rigdon flee from, 136; seventies
start from, 179; O. Granger agent
at, 349; eastern saints advised to
settle, 363; saints advised not to
return to, 374; stake officers of,
522, 523; work takes new impetus
in, 638.
Kirtland bank note redeemed, 528.
Kirtland Safety Society, prepara-
tion to organize, 83; meetings of,
89; articles of agreement of, 90-93;
J. Smith, Jr., withdraws from, 93.
Kisknosh, Indian chief, visits Nau-
voo, 541.
Knapp, John, counselor to Kellog,
523.
INDEX.
807
ffni»ht, Nathan K., account of
Haun's Mill massacre, 252-254.
Knight, Newel, appointed High
Counselor, 119; member of High
Council in Commerce, 371.
Knight, Vinson, ordained high
priest and Bishop's counselor, 6;
sustained Bishop's counselor, 107;
starts for Missouri, 109; repre-
sents saints on committee, 171; on
locating committee, 361; bishop
of lower ward Commerce, 371;
elected to City Council, 514; ap-
pointed assistant aid-de-camp,
515; attends trial of J. Smith, 526.
Knowlton, , attorney for prose-
cution, 527.
Kreymeyer, C. M., appointed as-
sistant aid-de-camp, 515.
Ladies' Relief Society, organization
and purpose of, 571; certificate of,
on marriage, 598; writes the Gov-
ernor, 615.
Lambourn, Josiah, State's attorney,
621; prosecutes assassins, 770.
Land, sold, 114; offered in Iowa,
356; purchase of approved, 362.
Lane, W. -W., counselor in deacons
quorum, 519.
Laney, Isaac, ordained elder, 209.
Law, studied by Smith and Rigdon,
188.
Law, William, called to First Presi-
dency, 512; appointed aid-de-
camp, 515; on Nauvoo morals,
581; has interview with Prophet,
611; disaffected, 736; writ issued
for, 756; biography of, 777.
Law, Wilson, elected to City Coun-
cil, 514; elected Brigadier-Gen-
eral, 515; has interview with
Prophet, 611; disaffected, 736;
writ issued for, 756.
Lawyers compromise interests of
the saints, 54.
Leaven of iniquity in the church, 2.
Legislative, act creating Caldwell
County, 78; act creating Daviess
County, 78; powers granted to
Springfield, 476^79.
Legislature, makes appropriation
for Caldwell and Daviess Counties,
264; prohibits publication of or-
ders, 264; Mormons get no benefit,
264; appoint commissioners, 264;
petition to, 270-278; acts of, 279-
283; proceedings of, 310, 311;
'Missouri) publishes scurrilous re-
ports, 349; grants charter to Nau-
voo, 468.
Lemon, John, chosen member of
High Council, 157.
Letter, of Presidency complained
of, 9, 10; of W. A. Cowdery un-
true, 10; of W. E. McLellin harsh,
11; to citizens of Clay County, 66-
72; to saints in Clay County, 72.
73; from Warren Parrish, 8G;
from E. L. Kelley, 94; of Robert
Lucas, 95-97; of Joseph Smith,
Jr., 145-148; from Kimball and
Hyde, 179; from D. C. Smith, 179,
180; to Judge King, 188; of S. D.
Lucas, 201; of Woods and Dick-
son, 212, 213; of Boggs to Clark,
257; of M. Arthur, 268-270; of Jo-
seph Smith, 278, 279; of Joseph
Smith to Legislature, 311-313;
from Boston Atlas, 343; from
Bishop Partridge, 357-359; from
Governor Lucas, 359, 360; of P.
P. Pratt, 373; from Robert John-
stone, 449; from Richard Young,
449, 450; from W. W. Phelps, 457,
458; from J. Smith to Phelps,
458-460; of O. Hyde and Page,
498, 499; from William Barrett,
499, 500; from Charles Thompson,
522; from O. Hyde, 533; Emma
Smith writes, 608, 613; Governor
Carlin writes, 612, 615; J. Smith
to J. C. Calhoun, 709, 710-712;
Calhoun to J. Smith, 709, 710; J.
Smith to Henry Clay, 712, 713;
Clay to J. Smith, 712, 713; of
Richards, Taylor, and Smith, 743,
744; of M. R. Deming to O. Spen-
cer, 744; of Joseph Smith, 770,
771.
Lewis, Tarleton, in rescue part}',
526.
Libelous reports, to be gathered,
362.
Liberty Blues guard witnesses, 51.
Liberty, public meeting at, 56;
prisoners arrive at, 309.
Licenses, rules concerning, 27; to
be recorded, 28, 29; to be signed,
29; to be published quarterly, 30;
prepared, 31; recorded, 82, 83, 99,
103.
Lightner, Adam, a witness, 192.
Lima, stake appointed at, 468.
Liquor, resolution on, 113; resolu
tion against selling, 166, 167.
Little, S. H.t attorney for J. Smith,
526, 527.
808
INDEX.
Location, committee appointed on,
359, 301.
Lowell, Susan, marriage of, 15.
Lowry, John, affidavit of, 425.
Lucas, Robert (Governor), certifies
to good character of saints, 95-97;
letter of, 359, 360; gives Rigdon
letters of introduction, 361.
Lucas, S. D., ordered to the scene
of trouble, 197; writes the Gover-
nor, 201; in command, 218; his
acts illegal and unjust, 263, 264;
dishonorable mention of, 331.
Lyman, Amasa, delivered to militia
— sentenced to be shot, 257; to col-
lect for temple, 520; attends trial
of J. Smith, 526: preaches at
Monmouth, 527, 529.
McBride, Reuben, counselor to
Bishop Burdick, 523; power of
attorney given to, 549.
McCord, Doctor, trial of, 152.
McHenry, Henry, appointed com-
missioner, 264.
McHoney, W. L., taken prisoner,
193. •
McKinney, Wilson, certifies to
Peniston affidavit, 172; guards
prisoners, 329.
Mack, Temperance, visits Joseph
Smith, 611.
McLellin, William E., dispatched
to hire teacher, 4; writes harshly,
11: sustained as an apostle, 107,
119; in Missouri, 110; trial of,
152.
McRae, Alexander, locates in Cald-
well County, 76; committed to jail,
293; taken from Liberty jail to Da-
viess County, 326, 327; tried, 327;
indicted, 328, 329; granted change
of venue — escapes, 329; arrives at
Quincy, Illinois, 331.
McRae, Mrs. Alexander, and boys
visit the jail, 309, 315.
McWithy, Isaac, temporarily on
High Council, 7.
Maginn, Ezekiel, affidavit of, 434.
Mail interfered with, 212.
Manchester, England, Millennial
Star published in, 450; conference
at, 497, 520, 649.
Mangee, W. W., appointed commis-
sioner, 78.
Markham, Stephen, of committee
on removal, 315; visits prisoners —
in trouble, 328; counselor to presi-
dent of priests quorum, 519;
arrested for riot, acquitted, 738,
Marks, William, chosen as High
Counselor, 108; appointed Bish-
op's agent, 109; to triumph, 145,
147; revelation to. 166; opposes
purchase of land, 356; president
of High Council at Commerce,
371; elected alderman, 514; presi-
dent of Nauvoo stake, 519; acting
chief justice Municipal Court,
660; speaks of polygamy, 733.
Marriage, right to officiate in cere-
mony of, 31; article on, 596-598;
certificate of citizens concerning.
597, 598; certificate of Ladies'
Relief Society, 598; Jacobs writes
book on, 606.
Marriage certificate, 15.
Married, three couples, 14.
Marsh, T. B., speaks for the Twelve,
9; blessed, 17; preaches in tem-
ple, 46; locates in Caldwell
County, 76; revelation to, 105;
elected president pro tern., 142,
149; starts to Canada, 106; re-
turns from Canada, 106; sustained
as an apostle, 107, 119; in Mis-
souri, 110; appointed moderator
of general assembly, 117, 140;
clerk of conference, 139; receives
the Prophet, 137; president of
High Council, 139; commended,
150; accompanies Joseph Smith,
Jr., 153; editor of Elders1 Journal,
167; apostasy of, 212; Joseph
Smith's remarks concerning, 215:
expelled from church, 359.
Martin, Anderson, appointed com-
missioner, 264.
Martin, Moses, defends the High
Council, 142.
Martin, T. J., malicious conduct of,
211.
Masonic Lodge drops Bennett, 592.
Massacre atHaun's Mill, 224-254.
Mass meeting, on Bennett case, 594,
595; names Joseph Smith for
President, 713.
Mayor, election of, 514.
Meeting, held at Far West, 172, 173;
resolutions passed at, 173; of Nau-
voo City Council, 752, 753.
Members disfellowshipped for danc-
ing, 110.
Message of Governor Ford, 739.
Messenger and Advocate changes
hands, 85; transferred to Smith
and Rigdon, 99.
INDEX.
809
Messengers sent to Atchison and
King, 175.
Miles, Daniel S., recommended for
ordination. 27; chosen president
of seventy, 99; represents the
seventies, 150.
Miles, Ira, attends trial of J. Smith,
526.
Miles, Joel 8., attends trial of J.
Smith, 526; arrests J. Smith, 738.
Military court at Adam-ondi-ah-
man, 267.
Military duty, resolution on, 143.
Militia, organized, 76; regiment of
organized, 114; ordered out, 193;
approaches Far West, 255; plun-
ders Far West, 257, 258; takes
prisoners, 258; organized, Nauvoo
Legion, 514.
Millennial Star, first volume of, 450.
Miller, Allen, taken prisoner, 193.
Miller, George, appointed Bishop,
513; trustee of Nauvoo House As-
sociation, 516; attends trial of J.
Smith, 526; gives instruction on
temple, 542: on J. C. Bennett
case, 591, 592; has interview with
Prophet, 611; goes to Wisconsin,
649; biography of, 792-794.
Miller, H. W.,to collect for temple,
520.
Millet, Artemas, assists to plaster
outside of temple, 5.
Milliken, Arthur, blessing of, 462.
Milliken, Lucy, blessing of, 465.
Milliken, Nathaniel, appointed
doorkeeper, 9.
Millport, citizens assemble at, 175.
Mills purchased by Temple and
Nauvoo House committees, 649.
Miracle at Batavia, New York, 522.
Missionaries, appointment of, 646-
648, 736.
Mission to England, 103.
Missourians, had skulls cracked,
169; the aggressors, 177; great ex-
citement among, 186, 187.
Missouri citizens kidnap saints, 655.
Missouri, gathering to, 87, 88.
Mittimus, of. Judge King, 294, 295;
date of, 323, 324.
Mob, destroys provisions, 52; creates
excitement in Clay pounty, 53;
collecting of, 738.
Monmouth, J. Smith and party ar-
rive at, 526.
Moon, John, brings first company
from England, 450.
Moore, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Morals of Nauvoo, 581, 582.
Morehead, C. R., inflammatory let-
ter of, 212.
I Morey, George, elected to High
Council, 115; on committee to
labor with Whitmer and Phelps
—speaks against Whitmer and
Phelps, 14l, appointed sexton,
149; visits the jail, 315.
Morgan, William, malicious con-
duct of, 210; sheriff, 327.
Morin, Joseph, represents citizens
on committee, 170.
Morin, Judge, travels with J. Smith,
Jr., 154, gives information of
prospective trouble, 167; visits J.
Smith, Jr., 173.
Morley, Isaac, starts for Zion, 48;
appointed to appraise lots, 113;
appointed Bishop's secretary, 116;
sustained as Bishop's counselor,
120; appointed and ordained pa-
triarch, 120, visits the jail, 309,
315; visits J. Smith, 612.
Morrison, , attorney for prose-
cution, 527.
Moses appears to Joseph Smith and
O. Cowdery, 47.
Motto of Church of Jesus Chrisi,
etc., 137, 138.
Mount Hope, stake appointed at,
468.
Mulholland, James, writes history,
367.
Mulliner, Samuel, mission of ap-
proved, 364.
Mummies, exhibition of, 26.
Municipal Court, of Nauvoo tries
Joseph Smith, 660-702, 738; jus-
tices of, 660; petition of J. Smith
to, 660-662; order1 to J. H. Rey-
nolds from, 662, 663; testimony
before, 665-701; witnesses before,
665.
Murdock, John, trustee, 112; chosen
High Counselor, 119; moderator
of conference, 139; speaks for
High Council, 140; sustains ac-
tion of High Council, 141; repre-
sents High Council, 150; mission
of approved, 364; to collect for
temple, 520.
Murphy, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Name of the church, revelation con-
cerning, 151.
Names, of killed and wounded at
Haun's Mill, 231, 241, 242; of
prisoners at Richmond, 290; of
510
INDEX.
those acquitted, 293; of those held
to answer, 293; of those com-
mitted to jail, 293.
Nashville purchased by saints, 368.
Nauvoo, Commerce changed to,
449; progress of, 450; prosperous,
501; General Conference at, 519,
520; Joseph Smith returns to, 526;
Twelve to do church business in,
541; University of, in operation,
541; Indians visit, 541; special
conference at, 542; General Con-
ference at, 572; morals of, 581,
582; City Council on Bennett
case, 595; political situation at,
599; celebration at, 600; rapidly
building, 642; shiploads arrive at,
from England, 642; special con-
ference at, 643; thieves at, 644;
contrasted with other places, 645;
complimented by Governor Ford,
645, 646; special conference at,
650, 735.
Nauvoo House Association, incor-
poration of, 516-518; purchase
mills, 649.
Nauvoo Legion, organization of,
514; officers of, 514, 515; addressed
by Phelps and Buckmaster, 744.
Nauvoo Mansion, bodies arrive at,
745.
Nelson, Abraham, assaulted at
Gallatin, 168.
Nelson's Ferry, J. Smith and com-
pany cross at, 153.
Netherton, John, certifies to Penis-
ton affidavit, 172.
Newberry, James, of committee on
removal, 315; ordained an elder,
329.
Newberry, Mr. , visits the jail,
315.
New Orleans, missionaries to be
sent to, 541.
New Year reflections, 1.
New York, elders arrive at, 81;
mass meeting adopt resolutions,
342.
Nickerson, M. 0., at Buffalo en
route from Canada, 80.
Nickerson, Moses, counselor to
John Smith, 520.
Nickerson, U. C., in rescue party,
526.
Nobles, J. B., mission of, approved,
364.
Norton, H. O., makes oath against
the Smiths, 742.
j O'Banion, wounded, 214; dies, 215.
i Oil consecrated, 17.
' Old Man of Israel against spiritual
wif-ery, 734.
j Olive Leaf, conference provides for
publication of, 551; disapproved
by Hyrum Smith, 551.
Olmstead, Harvey, chosen member
of High Council, 157.
Olney, Oliver, chosen president of
teachers and ordained, 9.
O'Neal, G. W., beats A. Call, 310.
Ordained, presidents of quorums, 9.
Orders of Governor Boggs, 215-217.
Ordinance of washing of feet ad-
ministered, 46.
Ordination, subject of, considered,
24; rule governing, 24, 143; to be
recommended by branches, 25;
committee appointed on, 447.
Ordinations, quorums must agree
to, 21.
Organization of Caldwell Countv,
76.
Orton, A. R., appointed doorkeeper,
9.
Owen, Jedediah, affidavit of, 425,
426.
Packard, Noah, elected to High
Council, 7; sustained as a High
Counselor, 108; objected to, 520.
Page, John E., presides over con-
ference in Canada, 103; called to
the apostleship, 166; and company
arrive at De Witt, 184; ordained
an apostle, 279; returns to Far
West, 352; farewell address of,
370; speaks 'oh mission, of Hyde,
447; is appointed to accompany
Hyde, 448; starts on his mission,
449; preparing for Holy Land,
495; in United States, 497; letter
of, 498, 499; fails to go, 515; ob-
jected to, 520; defense and
restoration of, 572; biography of,
780-782.
Page, Philander, courteous treat-
ment by, 148.
Painting of temple, 27.
Parker, J. D., arrests Joseph Smith,
737.
Parks, General, orders Colonel
Wight to disperse mob, 115; re-
ports of, 198, 200, 202, 203; arrives
in Daviess County, 210; orders
mob dispersed, 210.
Parrish, Warren, usher at a mar-
riage, 15; in ill health, 18; writes
INDEX.
811
from Hickman County, Tennes
see, 86; secretary of Kirtland
Safety Society, 89; opposition of,
101, 102; conspires to overthrow
the church, 120.
Parsons, Thoret, warned to leave,
213; testifies for defense, 292.
Partridge, Edward, starts for Zion,
48; locates in Oaldwell County,
76; appointed to appraise town
lots, 113; appointed treasurer of
temple fund, 116; sustained as
bishop, 119; corrects Hinkle,
140; financial report of, 120; ac-
companies J. Smith, Jr., 153; rep-
resents Bishopric and Aaronic
priesthood, 150; visits the jail,
315; opposes purchase of land,
35G; writes to J. Smith and others,
357-359; bishop of upper ward,
Commerce, 371; death of, 450.
Patriarch, Joseph Smith, Sr., or-
dained, 16; Hyrum Smith re-
ceived as, 512.
Patriarchal blessings given, 5, 16,
17, 21, 22, 48, 462-465.
Patten, D. W., interprets tongues, 45;
preaches in temple, 46; presides
over conference in Tennessee, 85;
opposes Whitmer and Phelps, 141;
sustained as an apostle, 107, 119;
elected president pro tern., 142;
president of High Council, 139;
vindicates action of High Coun-
cil, 142; offers prayer at anniver-
sary, 149; appointed assistant
president, 149;" represents the
apostles, 150; accompanies J.
Smith, Jr., 153; in command at
Crooked River. 214; is wounded,
214; death of, 215; Joseph Smith's
estimate of, 215; successor of,
chosen, 519, 520.
Patten, John, member of High
Council in Iowa, 371; recorder of
baptisms for the dead, 533.
Peck, Hezekiah, counselor to presi-
dent of priests quorum, 519.
Peck, Reed, expelled from the
church, 359.
Peculiar circumstances, 1.
Peniston, W. P., excites the mob,
167; affidavit of, 171, 172; enters
complaint, 172; prosecutor, 192;
malicious conduct of, 210, 211.
Permit to leave, 267.
Perry, Isaac, chosen member of
High Council, 157.
Perry, Stephen, officiates in ordina-
tion, 448; arrested for riot, ac-
quitted, 738.
Persecution, in Clay County, 55; of
Baptists and Quakers, 81; in the
South, 86.
Petition, to Legislature for banking
privileges, 83; denied; sent to
Governor, 193; to Legislature,
270-278; to Supreme Court, 317-
322; to Congress, 378-396; to Gov-
ernor Carlin, 455-457.
Pettigrew, David, member of High
Council in Iowa. 371; affidavit of,
442^445; counselor to John Smith,
520.
Phelps, Judge, addresses Nauvoo
Legion, 744; speaks at the Man-
sion, 745.
Phelps, Morris, committed to jail,
293; taken to Columbia, 302-305;
his escape, 306-308; attends trial
of J. Smith, 526.
Phelps, Mrs. Morris, visits her hus-
band in jail, 306.
Phelps, Richards, and Taylor, state-
ment of, 755.
Phelps, W. W., president of High
Council in Zion, 5; starts for Zion,
48; locates in Caldwell County,
76; appointed to appraise town
lots, 113; chosen assistant presi-
dent of Far West branch, 119;
expelled from the church, 139,
144, 359; in transgression, 140; re-
jected as president, 142; charges
against — protest of, 143; letter
from, 457, 458; clerk of confer-
ence, 550; arrested for riot, ac-
quitted, 738.
Piexotto, Doctor, dismissed, 4.
Pine, Delia F., testifies for defense,
292.
Pine, Joseph, counselor to Kellog,
523.
Pineries, delegation sent to, 583;
boats start for, 600.
Pinkham, Nathan, taken prisoner,
213.
Pitkin, George, mission of.approved,
364; witness before Municipal
Court, 665; testimony of, 690, 691.
Plastering of the temple con-
tracted, 5.
Pogue, John, guards prisoners, 327,
329.
Political situation at Nauvoo, 599.
Politics, dangerous feature of. 730.
Polygamy, Joseph and Hyrum
Smith denounce, 731; John Tay-
INDEX.
lor denounces, 732, 734; William
Marks' statement concerning, 733;
leading men against, 734: Old
Man of Israel condems, 734; P. P.
Pratt disclaims, 735; falsehoods
concerning, 735.
Pope, Judge, issues writ of habeas
corpus, 617; opinion of, 621, 626-
637.
Porter, Malinda, testifies for de-
fense, 292.
Portland, Canada, conference at,
103.
Powell, James, affidavit of, 430.
Pratt, Orson, unpleasant feelings of,
4; objects to resolution, 31; sus-
tained as an apostle, 107, 119;
commended, 150; visits his
brother in jail, 306; returns to
Far West, 352; starts for Europe,
370; in council at Preston, 495;
sails from Liverpool, 520; arrives
at New York, 523: issues work
from New York, 532; in council
— professor in University, 541.
Pratt, P. P., locates in Caldwell
County, 76; labors in Canada, 82;
opposition of, 101; confesses, 102;
sustained as an apostle, 107, 119;
publishes "Voice of Warning,"
110; commended, 150; arrives at
Far West, 152; account of trou-
bles by, 174, 175; delivered to
militia, 256; sentenced to be shot,
257; permitted to see family, 258;
starts for Independence, 259;
Presidential aspirants, consultation,
708.
Preston, England, conference at,
496.
Price, Sterling, sent for prisoners,
288, 296; has charge of prisoners
— permits them to be abused, 290;
dishonorable mention of, 331.
Priests in Kirtland, president of, 9.
Printing office, quorums meet un-
der, 18; burned, 121.
Prior, Rev., Nauvoo and her morals
by, 582.
Prisoners, permitted to see fami-
lies, 258; not subject to court-
martial, 261; order to execute,
262; pray for deliverance, 262; ex-
perience of, 285-308; arrive at In-
dependence, 286; start for — arrive
at Richmond, 288, 296; introduced
to General Clark, 288; put in
chains, 288, 289, 297; names of,
290; released, names of, 293,301;
held to answer, 293; committed to
jail, 293; arrive at Liberty jail,
309; receive visitors, 309, 315; in
court, 316; attempt to escape,
317; taken from Liberty to
Daviess County, 326, 327.
Proclamation of First Presidency,
501, 502.
Progress of the church, 523.
Proposition made to the saints, 55.
Providence, elders arrive at, 81.
Publications for and against the
church, 479-481, 566.
committed to jail, 293; his ac-j Public meeting at Liberty, 56; at
count of trials and travels, 298, Nauvoo, 754.
308; taken to Columbia, 302-305;
• his escape, 306, 308; starts for
Europe, 370; writes from New
York, 373; editor of Millennial
Star, 450; requisition for arrest
of, 466, 467; in council at Preston,
495; remains in Europe, 520; reve-
lation received by, 561, 562; re-
turns from England, 639; appoints
T. Ward his successor — gives ex-
cellent instruction, 640; witness
before Municipal Court, 655; tes-
timony of, 690; against polygamy,
735.
Pulsifer, Zera, chosen president of
seventy, 100; commissioner of
seventies camp, 178.
Quakers persecuted, 81.
Questions on Scripture answered,
138, 139.
Quincy, conference at, 362-364:
stake appointed at, 468.
Quincy Whig publishes Boggs
tragedy, 580.
Quorum of elders, president of, 209.
Quorums, act as doorkeepers, 9; or-
Prayer at dedication of Eirtland !
Temple, 38-44.
Prediction by Asael Smith, 49.
Presidency of High Council holds
keys, 9.
Presidency of seventies reorganized ' Ralston, J. H., attorney for J.
99, 100. Smith, 527.
ganized, 14, 22; meet under print-
ing office, 18; must agree to
ordinations, 21; set in order, 21;
called together, 23; consider reso-
lutions, 24, 28.
INDEX.
813
Ramus, conference at, stake discon-
tinued, 558.
Randall, Alfred, attends trial of J.
Smith, 526.
Rapley, Tunis, married, 14.
Rase, Mr., visits the jail, 309.
Ray County appeals to Governor,
211.
Record, of Abraham, 21, 22; efforts
to locate, 148.
Redfield, D. H., carries petition to
Legislature, 279, 280.
Redfield, Harlow, chosen High
Counselor, 108.
Redfield, H. D., arrested for riot,
acquitted, 738.
Reese, Amos, advice to prisoners,
293.
Reflections on new year, 1.
Reid, H. T., speaks at the Mansion,
745; statement of, 745-749.
Rejection of the church, 558-566.
Report, of General Doniphan, 193-
195; of General Atchison, 195-197,
197, 198; of General Parks, 198,
200, 202, 203; of Congress commit-
tee, 412-415; of English mission,
581.
Requisition, of Governor Boggs,
466, 467; of Governor Reynolds,
623, 664.
Resolutions, to be observed in tern- j
pie, 7; on ordinations, 24; con-
sidered by quorums, 25, 26;
considered by the church, 27; ob-
jected to, 31; passed by citizens
of Clay County, 57-62; adopted
by conference, 84, 85; on Word of
Wisdom, 113; on liquor traffic,
113; to build temple, 116; to
build temple premature, 116; of
High Council on gathering, 116;
of High Council on temple build-
ing, 116; on tea, coffee, tobacco,
and liquor, 120; on ordination, j
143; on military duty, 143; of j
teachers concerning difficulties j
and interest, 151; against selling j
liquor, 166-169; to bring down the !
price of provisions, 167; adopted j
at Far West, 173; to assist in re-
moving, 313, 314; Democratic j
Association adopt, 340, 341; New
York mass meeting adopt, 342.
Revelation, to Thomas B. Marsh, ;
105; concerning the name of the
church, 151; to Marks, Whitney, j
and Granger, 166; spirit of de-
scribed, 368; given, 505; received
by P. P. Pratt, 561, 562.
Reynolds and Wilson, kind treat-
ment of, 702.
Reynolds, Governor Thomas, req-
uisition of, 623, 664; requests
militia called out, 702; is refused,
702-707.
Reynolds, J. H., agent to receive J.
Smith, 649; J. Smith delivered to,
656, 657; ordered to produce the
body of J. Smith, 662, 663; com-
plies, 663, 664.
Richards, Dr. Levi, attends J.
Smith, 104; affidavit of, 440, 441;
arrested for riot, acquitted, 738.
Richards Phineas, chosen High
Counselor, 108.
Richards, Taylor, and Smith write
to Emma Smith and General
Dunham, 743, 744.
Richards, Willard, baptized, 85;
returns from his mission to the
east, 103; set apart for English
mission and starts for England,
104; accompanies Kimball to
England, 122; called to the apos-
tleship, 166; in England, 482-484;
arraigned, 482; his sickness, 483;
he marries, 483; charges preferred
against, 483; writes history of
English mission, 484-495; or-
dained an apostle, 495; sails
from Liverpool, 520; arrives at
New York, 523; arrives at Nau-
voo, 542; requested to publish
paper, 554; accompanies bodies to
Nauvoo, 744; speaks at the Man-
sion, 745; biography of, 784-786.
Richardson, J. C., appointed com-
missioner, 264.
Richardson, W. A., defends assas-
sins, 770.
Rich, 0. C., ordained president of
High Priests Quorum, 117; repre-
sents high priests, 150; member
of High Council at Commerce,
371; elected to City Council, 514:
chosen counselor to president of
stake, 519; attends trial of J.
Smith, 526.
Richmond, prisoners arrive at, 288,
296; chanore of venue from, 302:
depart from, 294, 302.
Rigdon, Mrs. Sidney, visits the
jail, 309, 315.
Rigdon, Sidney, delivers lecture, 3;
ordains High Councilors, 7; or-
dains president of quorums, 9;
814
INDEX.
attends council of Twelve, 9; con-
fesses error, 12, 13; delivers an
address, 15; delivers a discourse',
22; sealing prayer by, 23; dis-
cusses ordination, 24; chairman
pro tern., 30; prayer at dedication
of temple, 45; preaches funeral
sermon of Mary Smith, 49; locates
in Caldwell County, 76; leaves
Kirtland, 80; chairman of Kirt-
land Safety Society, 89; recom-
mended by Robert Lucas, 95-97;
procures an interest in Messenger
and Advocate^; addresses solemn
assembly, 100, 101; starts to
Canada,106; returns from Canada,
106; sustained as counselor to
President, 107, 117; requested to
locate stakes, 109; starts for Mis-
souri, 109; in Missouri, 110; flees
from Kirtland, 136; arrives at Far
West, 148; presides at anniver-
sary, 149; accompanies J. Smith,
Jr., 153; locates land, 154; returns
to Far West, 155; orator, 157;
oration of, 157-165; recommended
for postmaster, 167; to start a
weekly newspaper, 167; starts for
Gallatin, 169; studies law, 183;
delivered to militia, 256; sen-
tenced to be shot, 257; permitted
to see family, 258; starts for Inde-
pendence, 259; committed to jail,
293; at court — admitted to bail,
316; on locating committee, 359;
appointed delegate to Washing-
ton, 363; citizens give letter to,
364; delivers an address, 370;
sickness of, 376, 377, 398, 402;
presents petition to Congress, 378;
visits Philadelphia, 402; appointed
on committee, 453; requisition
for arrest of, 466; elected to City
Council. 5.14; conduct of investi-
gated, 650-652; witness before
Municipal Court, 665; nominated
for Vice President, 726.
Riggs, Burr, expelled from church,
359; affidavit of, 437.
Riot, at Gallatin, 168, 175; writ for,
738; renewal of writ — placed in
hands of Bettisworth, 740.
Ripley, Alanson, accompanies J.
Smith, Jr., 153; appointed to
visit prisoners, 284; on committee
on resolutions, 313; clerk of com-
mittee on removal, 314; visits the
jail, 315, 316; on locating com-
mittee, 361; chosen bishop in
Iowa, 371; ordained bishop, 373;
to see after necessities of the
Presidency, 450; objected to, 520.
Robinson, Ebenezer, clerk of High
Council, 139; statement of, re-
garding records, 148; appointed
clerk, 149; publisher of Times and
Seasons, 373; dissolves partner-
ship with Smith, 468; becomes
editor, 542; requested to give up
Times and Seasons, 554; his con-
duct of paper disapproved, 553-
556; his publishing of books
disapproved— his valedictory, 557.
Robinson, G. W., appointed Secre-
tary, 107; elected Church Re-
corder, 109; appointed Recorder,
149; clerk at celebration, 157; a
witness, 192; delivered to militia,
256; sentenced to be shot, 257;
permitted to see family, 258;
starts for Independence, 259; vis-
its the jail, 315; appointed post-
master at Nauvoo, 449; testifies in
behalf of J. Smith, 527.
Robinson's Grove, land located at,
154.
Rockwell, O. P., accompanies dele-
gates to Washington, 372; remains
with Rigdon, 377; visits Phila-
delphia, 402; remains at Dayton,
Ohio, 418; accused of shooting
Boggs, tried and acquitted, 580;
arrested for assault on Boggs, 600,
607; arrested for riot, acquitted,
738.
Rockwood, A. P., appointed drill
officer, 515.
Rogers, D. W., hymn book pub-
lished by discarded, 372.
| Rolfe, Samuel, appointed door-
keeper, 9; chosen president of
priests quorum, 519.
Root, Henry, affidavit of, 200, 432.
Ross, Charles, buys land, 340.
Roundy, Shadrach, of committee
on removal, 314: appointed assist-
ant aid-de-camp, 515; attends
trial of J. Smith, 526.
Rules to govern the house of the
Lord, 8.
Russell, Isaac, accompanies Kimball
to England, 122; causes trouble,
482.
Russia, missionaries appointed to,
647.
Sac and Fox Indiana visit Nauvoo,
541.
INDEX.
Sacrament administered, 14, 25, 81.
Sagers, Harrison, chosen member of
High Council, 157; sent to West
Indies, 544.
Saints, company of, arrive in Clay
County, 53; appoint committee,
62; settle in Caldwell County, 74,
75; settle in Daviess County, 111;
settle at Gallatin, 112; settle in
Clinton County, 112; settle at De
Witt, 112; warned to leave Da-
viess County, 114; leave Gallatin
for safety, 172; leave the State,
317; gather to Illinois, 352; recep-
tion of, in Illinois, 356, 357; ad-
vised to settle at Kirtland, 363;
Nashville purchased by, 368; ad-
vised not to return to Kirtland,
374; company of, leave Liverpool,
497; expulsion of, demanded, 739.
Salem, elders arrive at, 81; mis-
sionaries to be sent to, 541.
Salisbury, Catharine, blessing of,
464, 465.
Samuels, Mr., visits the jail, 315.
Satan foiled, 3.
Savage, Jehial, to collect for tem-
ple, 520.
Savior, face of, seen, 17.
Sayers, , J. Smith at th,e
house of, 609.
Schenectady, elders arrive at, 80.
School, 4, 5, 6; attended, 19, 22, 23,
26; Hebrew, 20.
Schweich, George, promises record,
148.
Scotland, responds to the message,
501; progress in, 541.
Scott, John, mission of approved,
364.
Seely, William, taken prisoner, 213.
Seixas, Mr., teaches Hebrew, 19;
examines record of Abraham, 21;
has knowledge of many lan-
guages, 21; interviewed by JV
Smith, 22, 24; family removed to
Kirtland, 31.
Senate of Illinois grants charters,
468.
Settlement on Shoal Creek, 76.
Settlements outside of Caldwell
County, 111.
Seventy, division among, 2; part of
joint council, 6; indorse rules of
house, 8; attend a marriage, 15;
receive endowments and bless-
ings, 17; organized and in-
structed, 19, 22; anointed, 20, 21;
second quorum provided for, 21,
22; enjoy great flow of the Spirit,
23; presidents of, must agree to
ordinations, 25; presidents of,
indorse resolutions, 25; presidents
of, express their faith, 25; to look
after calls for preaching, 28; meet
in temple, 98; presidents of, high
priests, 99; presidents of, sus-
tained, 120; represented by Miles
and Hancock, 150; move to Mis-
souri in a body, 178; constitution
and laws of, 178; starts from Kirt-
land, 179; camp arrives at Far
West, 184; arrive at Adam-ondi-
ahman, 184; ordained, 352; ac-
company Twelve to Europe, 364.
Seymour, John S., certificate of,
349.
Shannon, Wilson, letters of Lucas
to, 361.
Sharp, Thomas O., writ issued for,
indicted for murder, tried, ac-
quitted, 756.
Shearer, Daniel, treasurer of com-
mittee on removal, 814.
Shearer, Norman, committed to
jail, 293; released, 301; ordained
a seventy, 352.
Sheriff visits Joseph Smith, Jr., 173,
174.
Sherman, Lyman, unites with the
High Priests, 99; elected to High
Council, 109.
Sherwood, H. G., chosen as High
Counselor, 108; mission of ap-
proved, 364; member of High
Council in Commerce, 371; ap-
pointed clerk for J. Smith, 450;
appointed assistant aid-de-camp,
515; accompanies J. Smith to
Monmouth, 526.
Shoal Creek, settlement on, 76;
church locates on, 82.
Shumaker, Jacob, affidavit of, 439,
440.
Sickness among the saints, 375.
Signal, (Warsaw) slanderous reports
published by, 738.
Signs of peace, 751.
Sisters make veil of temple, 27.
Skinner, O. C., defends assassins,
770.
Sloan, Albert, ordained an elder,
209.
Sloan, James, wife and daughter of
visit the jail, 315; clerk of confer-
ence, 371.
Smith, Agnes M., flees for safety.
210,
816
INDEX.
Smith, A. H., statement of, 564, 565.
Smith, Alvin, seen in vision, 16.
Smith, Amanda, account of Haun's
Mill massacre, 248-251.
Smith, Asael, makes prediction, 49;
chosen as High Counselor, 108;
member of High Council in Iowa,
371.
Smith, C. H., receives patriarchal
blessing, 21.
Smith, Don Carlos, (infant,) death
of, 542.
Smith, Don C., chosen president of
the High Priests, 8; ordained, 9;
anointed and blessed, 18; presi-
dent of High Priests, 20; tries to
preserve order, 23; administers
sacrament, 45; testimony of, 45;
letter from, 179, 180; arrives in
Missouri, 184; in Tennessee, 210;
on committee on resolutions, 313;
visits the jail, 315; president of
high priesthood, 371; publisher of
Times and Seasons, 373; blessing
of, 464; dissolves partnership with
Robinson, 468; elected to City
Council, 514; elected brigadier-
general, 515; death of, 538-540.
Smith, Elias, arrives at Kirtland,
48; commissioner, clerk, and his-
torian in seventies camp, 179;
clerk of committee on removal,
315; mission of approved, 364;
member of High Council in Iowa,
371.
Smith, Emma, sketch of the life of,
339; her flight from Missouri, 339;
entertained by Mr. Oleaveland,
339; to select and publish hymns,
372; writes to Governor Carlin,
608, 613; Carlin's estimate of, 610;
sends for her husband, 611; Rey-
nolds and Wilson entertained by,
702; becomes wife of Major Bida-
mon, 773, 774.
Smith family, record of, 49.
Smith, George A., healed of rheu-
matism, 3; returns to Eirtland,
83; chosen member of High Coun-
cil, 157; visits the jail, 316; or-
dained an apostle, 352, 355;
apostleship of acknowledged, 363;
starts for Europe, 370; in council
at Preston, 495; sails from Liver-
pool, 520; arrives at New York,
523; returns to Nauvoo, 533; in
council, 541; biography of, 786,
787.
Smith, Hyrum, assists tosettlediffi
culty, 2; ordains High Council-
ors, 7; ordains presidents of
quorums, 9; his remarks hurt the
Twelve, 9; assists in endowment
service, 23; member of building
committee, 45; leaves Kirtland,
80; addresses solemn assembly,
100, 101; appointed assistant
counselor, 107; in Missouri, 110;
appointed counselor to the Presi-
dent, 118; starts for Gallatin, 169;
returns to Far West, 155; vice
president of the day, 157; testi-
mony of, 175; account of Haun's
Mill massacre, 251, 252; delivered
into hands of militia, 257; sen-
tenced to be shot, 257; permitted
to see family, 258; starts for Inde-
pendence, 259; committed to jail,
293; in court, remanded to jail,
attempts to escape, 316; taken
from Liberty jail to Daviess
County, 326, 327; tried, 327; in-
dicted, 328, 329; granted change
of venue — escapes, 329; arrives at
Quincy, Illinois, 331; makes state-
ment of damages, 367; blessing of,
462, 463; on committee on stakes,
467; received as Patriarch, 512;
, elected to City Council, 514; dis-
approves conference action, 551;
has interview with the Prophet,
611; witness before municipal
court. 665; testimony of, 665-690;
votes for Hoge — denounces po-
lygamy, 731; arrested for riot,
discharged, 738; goes to Iowa to
avoid arrest, 740; delivers him-
self to Bettisworth, appears before
Justice Smith, arrested for trea-
son, committed to jail, 741; assas-
sination of, 741-751; body arrives
at Nauvoo, 744; funeral obsequies,
745, 772, 773; murderers of tried,
acquitted, 756; family of, 774;
biography of, 776, 777.
Smith, Jerusha, death of, 109.
Smith, Jesse, persecutes his brother,
48.
Smith, John, assists to settle diffi-
culty, 2; returns to Kirtland, 83;
appointed assistant counselor,
107; chosen president of Adam-
ondi-ahman stake, 156; represents
saints on committee, 171; on com-
mittee on resolutions, 313; presi-
dent of High Council in Iowa,
371; affidavit of, 428, 429, 431;
president of branch, 569.
INDEX.
817
Smith, Joseph, Jr., has difficulty
with William, 1; settles difficulty
with William, 2; invited to feast
by Bishop Whitney, 6; ordains
High Councilors, 7; ordains presi-
dents of quorums, 9; lectures, 24;
reads and translates languages,
26; to sign licenses as chairman,
30; testimony of, 45; blesses the
congregation, 45; sees vision, 46;
Moses and Elias appear to, 47; and
Hyrum locate in Caldwell County,
76; returns to Kirtland, 82; con-
demns spirit of speculation, 93;
withdraws from Kirtland Safety
Society, 93; procures an interest
in Messenger and Advocate, 99; ad-
dresses solemn assembly, 100, 101;
sick, 103, 104; starts to Canada,
106; returns from Canada, 106; to
edit Elders' Journal, 106; sustained
as President of the church, 107;
requested to locate stakes, 109;
starts for Missouri, 109; arrives at
Par West, 110; assists in more
fully organizing the church, 110;
sustained as President of the
church, 117; starts for Gallatin,
169; leaves Far West, 120; arrives
at Far West, 137; arrives at Kirt-
land, 120; flees from Kirtland,
136; writes to Kirtland, 145; pre-
sides at anniversary, 149; seeks
location for stake of Zion, 153;
returns to Far West, 155; presi-
dent of the day, 157; visits Adam
Black, 170; visits saints on Grand
River, 172; writ issued for arrest
of, 173; visited by sheriff and
Judge Morin, 173; examines
church records, 187; studies law,
188; affidavit of, 188-191; goes to
Daviess County, 191; trial of,
bound over to court, 192; arrives
at De Witt, 202; his account of
trouble, 202-207; delivered into
hands of militia, 256; sentenced
to be shot, 257; permitted to see
family, 258; starts for Independ-
ence, 259; writes to the church,
278, 279; committed to jail,
293; writes to Legislature, 311-
313; in court — remanded to
jail, 316; petition to Supreme
Court, 317-322; writes epistles to
the church, 323-326; taken from
Liberty jail to Daviess County,
326, 327; tried, 327; indicted, 328;
granted change of venue — escapes,
329; arrives at Quincy, Illinois,
331; relates experience, 330-3.35;
good character of, 349; arrives in
Quincy, 361; on locating commit-
tee, 361; locates at Commerce,
365; makes statement of damages,
describes Commerce, dictates his-
tory, 367; advises building Zara-
hemla, 368; instructs the Twelve,
368-370; selects hymns, 370;
president of the conference, 371;
resolves to go to, and starts for,
Washington, 372; his office to be
finished, 372; writes to his wife,
376; arrives at Washington— an
incident by the way, 377; presents
petition to Congress, 378; letters
of, 396-402; makes a trip to Phila-
delphia, 402; interviews Van
Buren and Calhoun, 402; leaves
Washington, 402; his homeward
journey, 418; proclaims against
Van Buren — arrival at Nauvoo,
419; desires no political influence,
448; speaks of Bishop Partridge,
450; released from selling lots,
450; H. Q. Sherwood, clerk for,
450; instructs High Council, 451;
writes to W. W. Phelps, 458-460;
blessing of, 463; requisition for
arrest of, 466; on committee of
incorporation, 468; appointed
trustee, 513; elected to City
Council — elected lieutenant gen-
eral, 514: visits Governor Car-
lin, 524, 525; arrested, 524, 525;
obtains writ of habeas corpus,
525; his rescue planned — ar-
rives at Nauvoo, 526; goes to
Monmouth, 526; tried before
Judge Douglass, 520-531; redeems
Kirtland bank note, 528; returns
to Nauvoo, 531; in council with
the Twelve — requests them to
take burden of the church, 541;
instructs Indians, 541, 542; gives
power of attorney to McBride,
549; becomes chief editor, 557;
corrects Book of Mormon — pub-
lishes Book of Abraham — writes
historical sketch and epitome,
569; responsible for editorials,
570; baptizes in the river, 572;
writes on temple, 575, 578; elected
Mayor, 579; suspected in Boggs
case — his denial, 580; on J. C.
Bennett case, 584-591; calls on
independent element, 599; ar-
rested on Boggs case, 600, 607;
818
INDEX.
eludes officers — suddenly appears,
^00; writes epistles, 600, 602; re-
'signs editorial charge — appoints
Taylor, 605; disapproves Jacob's
book, 606; obtains writ of habeas
corpus, 607; at Sayers', 609; at
Carlos Granger's, 610; returns
home, 611; in council with
Twelve, 613; rides with Emma —
attends meeting, 614; in company
with Boynton, 615; corresponds
with Governor Oarlin, 616; so-
licits General Ford for warrant,
617; obtains writ of habeas corpus,
617; trial before Judge Pope, and
release of, 618-637; enjoys season
of peace — assists to organize i
Young Gentlemen and Ladies'
Relief Society, 642; again ar-
rested, 649, 656; complains against
Rigdon, 650; receives letter from i
J. A. Bennett, 653; replies, 654;!
obtains writ of habeas corpus, 658,
659; obtains writ against Rey-
nolds and Wilson, 659; taken be-
fore Municipal Court, 660; trial
and discharge, 660-702; kindly
treats his captors, 702; writes to
presidential aspirants, 708; named
for President, 713; his views on j
power and policy of government, j
713-726; formally nominated for!
President, 726; wisdom of the i
move discussed, 726-728; dis-j
claims dictating in politics — i
votes for Walker, 731; denounces!
polygamy, 731; preaches Kingj
Follet sermon, 735; arrest of, 737; }
arrested for riot, discharged, 738;
reports Expositor case to Gov-
ernor, 738; goes to Iowa to avoid
arrest, 740; delivers himself to ;
Bettisworth — appears before Jus-
tice Smith — arrested for treason j
— committed to jail, 741; letters |
of, 770, 771; assassination of, 741- j
751; murderers of tried, acquitted, j
756; family of, 774; tribute to, j
775.
Smith, Joseph, Sr., assists to settle '
difficulty, 2; ordained Patriarch,
16; presides over sisters, 27; angel ;
appears to, 45; bestows patriarchal
blessings, 48; returns to Eirtland,
83, appointed assistant counselor,
107; death of, 461; blesses his
family, 461-466.
Smith, Joseph, (third,) statement
of, 563, 564.
Smith, Lucy, writes tribute of re-
spect, 109; on the Missouri exo-
diis, 336-339; blessing of, 465;
account of arrest by, 656. 657.
Smith, Mary, arrives at Kirtland,
49; death of. 49.
Smith, Mrs. Hyrum, visits the jail,
315.
Smith, Mrs. Joseph, Jr., visits the
jail. 309.
Smith, R. F., justice of the peace —
Captain Carthage Greys — commits
Joseph and Hyrum Smith, 741.
Smith, Samuel, affidavit of, 430.
Smith, Samuel H., sustained as a
High Counselor, 108; appointed
president of council, 109; arrives
at Far West, 137: assists his par-
ents across river, 339; blessing of,
463; loses his wife, 513; elected
alderman, 514; appointed assist-
antaid-de-camp,515; accompanies
his brothers' bodies, 744; death
of, 773.
Smith, Silas, arrives at Kirtland, 49.
Smith, Sylvester, appointed clerk of
school, 4; appointed scribe, 19;
sees a pillar of fire, 20; to draft
rules on license, 27; unites with
high priests, 99.
Smith, William, has difficulty with
Joseph, 1 ; Devil makes attack on,
1; settles difficulty with Joseph,
2; charges preferred against — he
confesses, 3; sustained as an apos-
tle, 107, 119; starts for Missouri,
109; in Missouri, 110; doubtful,
150; suspended from office, 363;
restored, 367; blessing of, 463,
464; to collect for temple, 520;
edits the Wasp, 574; in Legisla-
ture— opposes repeal of Nauvoo
charter, 642.
Smoot, A. O., mission of approved,
364; member of High Council in
Iowa, 371; on committee on affi-
davits, 446.
Snider, John, accompanies Kimball
to England, 122; mission of ap-
proved, 364; appointed assistant
aid-de-camp, 515; trustee of Nau-
voo House Association, 516; agent,
to Europe, 571; blessed for his
mission, 572.
Snow, Erastus, in jail — released,
316; to gather libelous reports,
362; member of High Council in
Iowa, 371.
INDEX.
819
Snow, L. D., mission of approved,
364; counselor to T. Ward, 640.
Snow, Willard, mission of approved,
364; member of High Council in
Iowa, 871.
Snow, William, mission of approved,
364.
Soby, Leonard, to collect for tem-
ple, 520.
Solemn assembly, preparation for,
6; counsel concerning, 18; ar-
rangements made for, 32; con-
venes at Kirtland, 99.
South America, missionary sent to,
544.
Speech of General Clark at Far
West, 264-266.
Spencer, Augustine, makes oath
against Smiths, 742, 746.
Spirit, of speculation, 93; of revela-
tion, 368.
Springfield, legislative powers of,
476-479.
Stake, organized at Adam-ondi-
ahman, 156; appointed at Com-
merce, 371; organization decided
upon, 450; discontinued at Ramus,
558; discontinued at Zarahemla,
569.
Stake of Zion, ordinations in, 24.
Stakes, location of provided for,
109; committee appointed to or-
ganize, 467; appointed, 468.
Stanley, Harvey, married, 14.
Stanton, Daniel, chosen member of
High Council, 157.
Statement, of Joseph Smith on tem-
ple, 563, 564; of A. H. Smith on
temple, 564, 565; of B. Young on
temple, 565, 566; of H. T. Reid,
745-749; of J. W. Woods, 749; of
Governor Ford,749-755; of Phelps,
Richards, and Taylor, 755.
Steamboat race between the Srie
and the Rochester, 81.
Steamer, Charles Townsend, elders
take passage on, 80; Erie, elders
take passage on, 80; John Mason,
elders take passage on, 80.
Stewart, Riley, strikes Dick Weld-
ing, 168.
Stewart, U. V., affidavit of, 428.
Stick of Joseph in the hand of Eph-
raim, 22.
Stoddard, Calvin, Devil makes at-
tack on, 1.
Stoddard, Sophronia, blessing of,
464.
Stone, James, malicious conduct of,
211.
Stout, Hosea, in rescue party, 526.
Strange military tactics, 266.
Success of elders great, 522.
Suits brought against the people of
Jackson County for damages, 54.
Supreme Court, appeal to, 317.
Taropen branch, Tennessee, 85.
Taylor, John, locates in Caldwell
County, 76; discourse of, 102;
called to the apostleship, 166; or-
dained an apostle, 279; chairman
of committee on resolutions, 313;
returns to Far West, 352; farewell
address of, 370; in council at
Preston, 495; sails from Liver-
pool, 520; returns to Nauvoo, 532:
in council, 541; baptizes for the
dead, 552; to present resolution to
Robinson, 555, 556; becomes as-
sistant editor, 557; appointed
editor, 605; against polygamy,
732, 734; arrested for riot— ac-
quitted, 738; biography of, 778,
779.
Teachers, president of, 9; resolu-
tion of, concerning difficulties
and interest, 151.
Temple, keys of, 9; school in, 14;
vail of made, 27; dedicated, 33;
location and description of, 33:
dedication ceremonies of, 33-46;
meeting held in, 46; to be located
at Far West, 77; high priests meet
in, 98; seventies meet in, 98; High
Council meets in, 98; Twelve
meets in, 98; services in, 98; high
school taught in, 98; excavation
made for, 113; corner stones of,
laid, 157; resolution to build, 116;
at Kirtland the only one approved
of God, 117; (Far West) corner
stone laid, 353; (Nauvoo) corner
stone laid, 519; by-laws for pres-
ervation of, 523; satisfactory
progress of, 532; (Nauvoo) instruc
tion on building, 542; (Nauvoo)
baptismal font dedicated — de-
scription of, 551; instruction con-
cerning. 552; unfinished, 558-566;
work upon — anxiety for — special
feature, 571; two articles on, 575-
578; committee purchase mills,
649.
i Temple Lot, Twelve meet on, 352.
j Testimony, of D. C. Smith, 45: of
Joseph Smith, Jr., 45; of Oliver
820
INDEX.
Cowdery, 45; of Hyrum Smith,
175; before Municipal Court, 665-
690.
Thieves, at Nauvoo, denounced by
Joseph and Hyrum Smith, 644.
Thomas, Jesse B., advice of, 738.
Thompson, Charles, letter from,
522.
Thompson, Mr., visits the jail, 309.
Thompson, Mrs., visits the jail,
315.
Thompson, R. B., to gather libelous
reports, 362; complains of Lyman
Wight, 366; appointed on commit-
tee, 453; church clerk, 467; on
committee of incorporation— on
committee of redress, 468; ap-
pointed aid-de-camp, 515; associ-
ated with D. C. Smith, 520; death
of, 544.
Thornton, John, appointed com-
missioner, 264.
Thornton, William, inflammatory
letter of, 212; appointed commis-
sioner, 264.
Threats from different places, 513,
514.
Times and Seasons, first issue of
373; conduct of by Robinson op-
posed, 552-556; revelation con-
cerning, 557; Robinson's valedic-
tory, 557; Smith and Taylor
editors of, 557; Woodruff takes
superintendency of, 557; carries
Joseph Smith's name for presi-
dent, 726.
Tongues, gift of, 18.
Tower Hill named by Joseph
Smith, Jr., 153.
Translating room, first day occu-
pied, 4.
Travels and trials of seventies camp,
180-184.
Treason, Joseph and Hyrum Smith
charged with, 741.
Treatment in jail, 284.
Trial, of Oliver Cowdery, 150; of
David Whitmer, 150; of McLel-
lin and McCord, 152; of Smith
and Wight, 192; of prisoners, 316;
of murderers of Joseph and Hy-
rum Smith, 756, 770.
Troublesome times, accounts of,
339-349.
Trustee, Joseph Smith appointed,
513.
Trustees, Nauvoo House Associa-
tion, 516.
Turley, Theodore, on committee on
resolutions, 313; unceasing solici-
tude of, 317-322; carries petition
to legislature, 323; visits State
officers, 323, 324; mission of ap-
proved, 364; erects first house in
Commerce, 367; starts for Europe,
370; sails with company, 497.
Turner, , introduces a bill pro-
viding for investigation, 310.
Turner, J. B., represents citizens on
committee, 170.
Turnham, Judge, visits the jail,
315; opinion of, 323.
Twelve, division among, 2; and
First Presidency reconcile differ-
ences, 9; mission of, 9; councilor,
9; complain of arrangements in
council, 9; complain of letter
from First Presidency, 9; hurt by
remarks of Hyrum Smith, 9; two
members suspended, 10; false
charges against, 10; prefer
charges against W. A. Cowdery,
11; authority of, next to First
Presidency, 11; President Smith
confesses harshness towards, 11;
subject to none but the Presi-
dency, 12; attend a marriage, 15;
receive endowments and bless-
ings, 17; receive seal of blessings,
23; must agree to ordinations, 24;
offer amendment to resolutions,
25; to look after calls for preach-
ing, 28; meet in temple, 98; re-
turn to Far West, 352-356; meet-
ing of at Far West approved, 363;
mission of to Europe approved,
363; seventies and high priests
accompany to Europe, 364; and
others receive instruction, 368-
370; write an epistle — deliver
farewell addresses — select hymns
— start for Europe, 370; in Great
Britain, 495; council of, at Pres-
ton, 495; arrive at New York, 523;
credit on the work of, 537; to take
burden of church business, 541;
send missionaries, 544; epistle of,
548, 552; disapprove conduct of
Times and Seasons, 552-556; dis-
approve of Robinson publishing
books, 557; important epistle of,
558; write epistle to Europe, 570,
571; write epistle to America,
575; on J. C. Bennett, 584; in
council — instruction to, 613; ap-
point missionaries, 648.
Union of feeling, 7.
INDEX.
821
University of Nauvoo, 514,
Utica, elders arrive at, 80.
Vail of temple made, 27.
Van Buren, Martin, letter of Lucas
to, 361; interviewed by J. Smith,
402; J. Smith proclaims against,
419; written to by J. Smith, 708.
Venable, Samuel, malicious con-
duct of, 211.
Views on power and policy of gov-
ernment by J. Smith, 713-726.
Visions, 16, 17, 18, 20; seen by J.
Smith and O. Cowdery, 46, 47.
Visitors, shown records of Abra-
ham, 22; at Liberty jail, 309, 315.
Vocal music taught by Carter and
Crosby, 98.
"Voice of Warning" published, 110.
Voras, William, indicted for mur-
der, tried, acquitted, 756.
Wales responds to the message, 501.
Walker, Cyrus, visits Nauvoo, 521;
defeated for Congress, 729.
Ward, Thomas, succeeds P. P.
Pratt, 640.
Ware, W. Q., complains against J.
Smith, 738.
Warrants, Governor Ford issues,
623, 624, 664, 665.
Warren, C. A., issues writ of habeas
corpus, 525; attorney for J. Smith,
527; defends assassins, 770.
Washing of feet, ordinance of, ad-
ministered, 46.
AVashington, delegates to, 372, 376;
delegates arrive at, 377; mission-
aries to be sent to, 541.
Wasp, the, published by William
Smith, 574.
Welding, Richard, knocked down,
168.
Wells, D. H., appointed on a com-
mittee, 453; elected alderman,
514; associate justice Municipal
Court, 660; hears case of riot, 738.
Wentworth, Hon. John, requests
historical sketch, 569.
Western Messenger on Missouri trou-
ble, 345-349.
West Indies, missionary sent to,
544.
West, N., visits the jail, 309.
Whigs renew their attack on the
Mormons, 730.
Whitehead, James, true In hour of
trial, 483.
White, Hugh, land purchased of,
361.
Whitlock, Harvey, restored to fel-
lowship, 21.
Whitmer, Christian, death an-
nounced, 5.
Whitmer, David, president of High
Council in Zion, 5; blessed, 17;
opposition of, 101; goes to Kirt-
land, 116; chosen president of Far
West branch, 118; persists in evil
practices, 140; rejected as presi-
dent, 142; protest of, 143; charges
against, trial and expulsion of,
150.
Whitmer family, courteous treat-
ment by, 148.
Whitmer, Jacob, appointed on
building committee, 113.
Whitmer, John, president of high
Council in Zion, 5; locates in Cald-
well County, 76; connection with
Messenger and Advocate ceases, 85:
appointed to appraise town lots,
113; chosen assistant president of
Far West branch, 119; rejected as
president, 142; in transgression,
140; charges against — protest of,
143; expelled from church, 139,
144; refuses to give up records,
148.
Whitmer, Peter, Jr., chosen on
High Council, 5; dies, 115.
Whitney, N. K., makes a feast, 5;
ordains Bishop Knight, 6; sus-
tained as Bishop, 107; and coun-
selors send out an epistle, 109;
revelation to, 166; bishop of Mid-
dle Ward, Commerce, 371; elected
alderman, 514; has interview with
Prophet, 611, 612; associate jus-
tice Municipal Court, 660.
Wight, Lyman, locates in Caldwell
County, 76; elected colonel of
militia, 114; appointed High
Councilor, 119; acted under or-
ders of Gen. Parks, 115; opposes
Whitmer and Phelps, 141; re-
moves from Far West, 150; resi-
dence of, 153; stake organized at
house of, 156; council at residence
of, 170; chosen counselor to John
Smith, 156; represents saints on
committee, 171; writ issued for
the arrest of, 173; musters a force
to meet the mob, 176; attends
council, 188; trial of, bound over
to court, 192; delivered to militia,
256; sentenced to be shot, 257;
822
INDEX
starts for Independence, 259; his
account of Far West trouble,
259-261; committed to jail, 293;
his account of travels and trials,
295-298; in court, remanded to
jail, 316; taken from Liberty jail
to Daviess County, 326, 327; tried,
327; indicted, 328; granted
change of venue, 329; arrives at
Quincy, Illinois, 331; appointed
to receive affidavits, 364; Thomp-
son complains against, 366; speaks
on resurrection, 372; on commit-
tee on affidavits, 446; requisition
for arrest of, 466; on committee
on stakes, 467; trustee of Nauvoo
House Association, 516; chosen
an apostle, 519, 520; to collect for
temple, 520; to present resolution
to Robinson, 555, 556; goes to
Wisconsin, 649; witness before
Municipal Court, 665; testimony
of, 691-696; pays tribute to charac-
ter of Joseph Smith, 774, 775; bi-
ography of, 787-791.
Wightman, Charles, recommended
for ordination, 27.
Wightman, William, recommended
for ordination, 27.
Wight, Mrs. Lyman, and sons visit
the jail, 309; and daughters visit
the jail, 315.
Wight's ferry, city plat selected at,
153.
Wilber, Benjamin, commissioner
in seventies camp, 178.
Willes, Ira J., whipped by the mob,
52.
Williams, Archibald, attorney for
J. Smith, 527.
Williams, F. G., attends council of
Twelve, 9; to sign licenses as
clerk, 30; angel appears to, 45;
opposition of, 101; rejected as
counselor to President, 107, 117,
118; rebaptized, 167; expelled
from church, 359; affidavit of,
439; restored to fellowship, 448.
Williams, F. Q. & Co., firm of,
dissolved, 85.
Williams, John, represents citizens
on committee, 170.
Williams, Levi, writ issued for, in-
dicted for murder, tried, ac-
quitted, 756.
Wills, John, indicted for murder —
tried — acquitted, 756.
Wilson, General, delivers an ad-
dress in Far West, 152.
Wilson, Harmon T., arrests Joseph
Smith, (549, G5G, 657.
Wilson, L. D., member of High
Council in Commerce, 371.
Wilson, Moses, dishonorable men-
tion of, 331.
Wilson, Robert, holds military
court — banishes innocent citizens,
267.
Wimmer, Peter, Susan, and Ellen,
affidavit of, 430, 431.
Winters, Hiram, counselor to
Bishop Burdick, 523.
Witnesses in case of Smith and
Wight, 192; brought in by mili-
tary, 290; for the State, names of
— for defense excluded, 292.
Wood, attorney, prosecutes the
prisoners, his fees denied, 316.
Wood, David, counselor in deacons
quorum, 519, 520.
Wood, Joseph, on ordination com-
mittee, 447.
Woodruff, Wilford, called to the
apostleship, 166; ordained an
apostle, 352, 355; his account of
Twelve at Far West, 353-35G:
farewell address of, 370; in coun-
cil at Preston, 495; sails from
Liverpool, 520; superintends
printing office, 557; biography of,
782-784.
Woods, J. W. speaks at the Man-
sion, 745; statement of, 749.
Woods, Sashiel, false statement of,
212, 213.
Woodworth, Lucien, attends trial
of J. Smith, 526.
Word of Wisdom, resolution on, 113.
Writ, for the arrest of Joseph Smith,
Jr., and Lyman Wight, 173; for
riot, 738, renewal of, 740.
Young, Brigham, superintends tem-
ple painting,27; speaks in tongues,
45; arrives at Salem, Massachu-
setts, 82; holds conference at
Newry, Maine, 82; baptizes Dr.
Richards, 85; returns from his
mission to the east, 103; sustained
as an apostle, 107, 119; leaves
Kirtland, 121; appointed assistant
president, 149; commended, 150;
on committee on resolutions, 313;
visits prisoners, 316; returns to
Far West, 352; farewell address
of — starts for England, 370; in
Preston council, 495; chosen
president of Twelve, 496; sails
INDEX.
823
from Liverpool, 520; arrives at
New York, 523; returns to Nau-
voo, 532; in council, 541; gives
instruction on temple, 542; bap-
tizes for the dead, 552; remarks
of, at St. George, 565, 566; wit-
ness before Municipal Court, 665;
testimony of, 691.
Young Gentlemen and Ladies Re-
lief Society organized — its pur-
pose, 642.
Young, Joseph, accompanies his
brother Brigham, 82; retained as
president of seventy, 100; com-
missioner in seventies camp, 178;
account of Haun's Mill massacre,
244-248.
Young, Lorenzo, assists to plaster
outside of temple, 5.
Young, Richard M., letter from,
449, 450; presides at the trial of
Joseph and Hyrum Smith, 756.
Younger, Joseph, attends trial of J.
Smith, 526.
Zarahemla, building of, advised,
368; conference at, 540, 542, 569:
stake discontinued, and branch
organized, 569.
Zion, High Council of, 5.
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