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diff --git a/old/60758-0.txt b/old/60758-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 90b5a46..0000000 --- a/old/60758-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,32519 +0,0 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 60758 *** - -HISTORY - -OF THE - -CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST - -OF - -LATTER-DAY SAINTS - -PERIOD I. - -History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. - -BY HIMSELF - -VOLUME VI. - -AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY B. H. ROBERTS - -PUBLISHED BY THE CHURCH. - -SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. - -1912. - -{III} - - - -TABLE OF CONTENTS. - -VOLUME VI. - -INTRODUCTION. - -The Time Period. - -Why the Latter-day Saints were Welcomed to Illinois. - -Nauvoo as a Possible Manufacturing Center. - -Educational Measures at Nauvoo. - -Jealousy of Nauvoo's Promising Greatness. - -The Character of the People of Western Illinois. - -Educational Status of the People of Western Illinois. - -The Political Phase. - -Mischief Arising from False Legal and Political Counsel. - -Subserviency of Politicians and Lawyers. - -The Fate of a Balance of Power Factor in Politics. - -Joseph Smith's Candidacy for the Presidency. - -Missouri as a Factor in the Affairs of Nauvoo. - -Apostate Conspirators at Nauvoo. - -The _Expositor_ Affair. - -The Appeal to the Mob Spirit. - -The Prophet's Nobility in the Hour of Trial. - -Teacher. - -Prophet and Patriarch. - -CHAPTER I. - -AN ESTIMATE OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH AS A RELIGIOUS LEADER--ANTI-MORMON -MEETING AT CARTHAGE--HISTORICAL SKETCH--IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF THE -TWELVE HELD IN BOSTON. - -Minutes of the Manchester Conference. - -"Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet." - -Preamble and Resolutions. - -Historical Sketch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -Important Conference of the Twelve held at Boylston Hall, Boston. - -CHAPTER II. - -MOVEMENTS OF APOSTLES IN THE EAST--THE NAUVOO MANSION--ROCKWELL -ACQUITTED--SPECIAL CONFERENCE AT NAUVOO--DISCOURSE OF THE PROPHET ON -THE DEMISE OF JAMES ADAMS. - -The Drought of 1843. - -Woodruff in a Train Wreck. - -Nauvoo and Joseph Smith. - -The Prophet on Socialism. - -"Nauvoo Mansion." - -"Nauvoo Mansion" made a Hotel. - -Legion Parade and Inspection. - -Letter of Governor Ford to the Prophet. - -Conference in Nova Scotia. - -Porter Rockwell. - -Pacific Island Mission. - -Report from the Pinery. - -Stewardship _vs_. Common Stock. - -Concerning Horse Thieves. - -Meeting of a Special Council. - -Who shall be our next President?. - -The Appointment of a Mission to Russia. - -{IV} Movements of Apostles in the East. - -Pleasure Party and Dinner at the Nauvoo Mansion. - -Anti-Mormonism. - -Elder Reuben Hedlock to the First Presidency. - -The Prophet's Visit with Justin Butterfield. - -Instructions Respecting Plurality of Wives. - -The Prophet's Dissatisfaction with Sidney Rigdon. - -Minutes of a Special Conference. - -The Prophet's Remarks on the Demise of James Adams. - -Pacific Island Mission Embarks. - -CHAPTER III. - -ANCIENT RUINS IN AMERICA, BOOK OF MORMON EVIDENCES--THE PROPHET ON THE -U. S. CONSTITUTION AND THE BIBLE--MISREPRESENTATIONS CORRECTED--LETTER -TO THE U. S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES--THE PROPHET'S ADDRESS TO THE -SAINTS. - -Ancient Ruins--Introduction. - -Letter--H. R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith. - -Letter--Joseph Smith to H. R. Hotchkiss. - -Location of the Mind. - -The Prophet on the Constitution of the United States and the -Bible--Temporal Economies. - -The Prophet's Visit to Macedonia. - -Misrepresentations Corrected. - -Labors of the Apostles in the East. - -Hyrum Smith Appointed on Temple Committee. - -Letter--Joseph L. Heywood to Joseph Smith. - -Letters to Candidates for Presidency of the U. S. Decided upon. - -An Epistle of the Twelve to the Elders and Churches Abroad. - -President Smith's Letter to John C. Calhoun, and other Presidential -Candidates. - -Post Script to Van Buren. - -Work in the British Mission. - -The Prophet's Anxiety Concerning the History of the Church. - -Preliminary Steps to Publishing Nauvoo Edition of Doctrine and -Covenants. - -Communication of President Joseph Smith to the Saints. - -CHAPTER IV. - -CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT AND PRESIDENT JOSEPH -SMITH--RENEWAL OF PETITIONS TO CONGRESS FOR REDRESS OF MISSOURI -GRIEVANCES--PRESIDENT JOSEPH SMITH'S APPEAL TO THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS, -VERMONT--STATUS OF THE NAUVOO LEGION IN ILLINOIS MILITIA. - -Prosperity of the Work in England. - -Letter--James Arlington Bennett to President Joseph Smith. - -Letter--President Joseph {V} Smith to James Arlington Bennett. - -Grammar for the Egyptian Language Suggested. - -Meeting at the Prophet's Home. - -Canal Around the Des Moines Rapids. - -The Prophet's Stand on Chastity and General Morality. - -Letter--Brigham Young in Behalf of the Twelve to Elder John E. Page, -Appointing him to go to Washington. - -Renewal of Petitions to Congress. - -"Memorial." - -Activities in Renewal of Appeals to Congress. - -President Smith's Appeals to his Native State--Vermont. - -Letter: W. L. D. Ewing, State Auditor, to Major John Bills--Legion -Affairs. - -Letter: J. Lamborn, Attorney General of Illinois, on Above. - -Letter: J. N. McDougal to State Auditor. - -CHAPTER V. - -THE AVERY KIDNAPPING--DEFENSIVE PREPARATIONS AGAINST MISSOURI -MOBS--APPEALS TO THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT FOR PROTECTION--NAUVOO LEGION -OFFERED AS UNITED STATES TROOPS. - -Progress of the Work. - -Hyrum Smith meets with an Accident. - -Number of the Prophet's Vexations Lawsuits. - -Chapman's Affidavit in the Avery Case. - -Letter: President Joseph Smith to Governor Ford. - -Public Meeting at Nauvoo. - -Resolutions. - -Provisions for German Meetings. - -Precautionary Steps Against Missouri Invasions. - -Richards and Lewis Affidavit. - -An Order to the City Marshal. - -The City Marshal's Reply. - -Mayor's Order to the Commander of the Nauvoo Legion. - -Special Ordinance in the Prophet's Case, vs. Missouri. - -Petition for Nauvoo to be Placed Under the General Government. - -Public Meeting at Nauvoo. - -Letter of Wilson Law to Joseph Smith. - -Avery Case--a Reminiscence of Missouri Days. - -Affidavit of Sissiou Chase. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford. - -Nauvoo's Police Force Enlarged. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to John Smith. - -Ordinance Enlarging Police Force. - -Ordinance on the Personal Sale of Liquors. - -Public Meeting at Nauvoo--the Aggressions of Missouri. - -Letter: Governor Ford to President Smith. - -Comment of the Prophet on Gov. Ford's attitude. - -A Sudden Illness of the Prophet. - -Comment on Appeal to the General Government for Protection. - -The Trial of John Elliott. - -Legion Aid Applied for. - -Detachment of the Legion Ordered into Service. - -{VI} Affidavit of Willard Richards that Nauvoo was in Danger. - -Legion Ordered into Service--Moves and Counter Moves of Forces. - -Strange Celestial Phenomena of 1860. - -Affidavit of Amos Chase. - -Affidavit of Philander Avery. - -Affidavit of the Hamiltons. - -CHAPTER VI. - -MEMORIAL OF CITY COUNCIL TO CONGRESS ANENT MISSOURI AFFAIRS--ROCKWELL -RETURNS TO NAUVOO--RECITAL OF HIS ADVENTURES--AVERY'S ACQUITTAL BY -MISSOURI'S COURTS--NAUVOO'S POLICE FORCE INCREASED PUBLICATION ON -MORMONISM, PRO ET CON--1843. - -The Prophet for a Clean, Orderly City. - -Memorial of the City Council to Congress. - -An Ordinance. - -Letter: W. W. Phelps to J. White. - -Attitude of Prophet on Mobocracy and Politics. - -A Christmas Serenade. - -Rockwell's Return to Nauvoo. - -Rockwell's Experience in Missouri. - -Release of Daniel Avery. - -A Plan for Women's Subscription to the Temple. - -Prophet's Joy at the Return of Rockwell and Avery. - -Mr. Rockwell--Editorial. - -Affidavit of Orson Hyde. - -Affidavit of Daniel Avery. - -Joseph H. Jackson--Prophet's Interview with. - -Police Force of Nauvoo Increased. - -Address of the Mayor to the Nauvoo Public. - -The Mayor Blesses the Police. - -Letter to Governor Ford. - -_Pro et con_ Mormonism, Publications. - -CHAPTER VII. - -PRESIDENT SMITH'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH JOHN C. CALHOUN--CARTWRIGHT -DROWNING CASE, ENGLAND--CITY GUARDS INCREASED--FEARS OF LAW AND -MARKS--INVESTIGATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL--RESISTANCE OF OFFICERS AT -CARTHAGE--ANTI-MORMON OBJECTIONS TO CITY ORDINANCES--THE PROPHET'S -DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCIS M. HIGBEE--REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF -SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. - -New Years at Mansion. - -Letter: John C. Calhoun to Joseph Smith. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to John C. Calhoun. - -Release of Pugmire and Cartwright from Prison, England. - -{VII} Cartwright--Drowning. - -Difficulty of William Law _et al._ with the Police. - -Reconciliation of the Prophet and William Law. - -Repartee of Joseph and Emma Smith. - -Alarm of William Marks. - -Special Sessions of the City Council. - -Reflections of the Prophet as to Traitors in High Places. - -Disgraceful Affair at Carthage. - -John Smith, Uncle of the Prophet, Ordained a Patriarch. - -Special Sessions of City Council--Complaints of Carthage Citizens -Considered. - -Complaints of F. M. Higbee Against the Prophet. - -Conference in Michigan. - -Threats of Francis M. Higbee. - -Letter: the Twelve Apostles to the Saints at Morley -Settlement--Material Help Asked for. - -Appeal to the State of Maine. - -Francis M. Higbee on Trial--Reconciliation with the Prophet. - -An Ordinance Concerning the Sale of Spirituous Liquors. - -An Ordinance Concerning Witnesses and Jurors' Fees. - -Assault upon Nelson Judd. - -CHAPTER VIII. - -PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON TO QUEEN VICTORIA--THE SEALING -POWERS OF THE PRIESTHOOD--GOVERNOR FORD'S WARNING TO THE PEOPLE OF -HANCOCK COUNTY--APOSTROPHE TO MISSOURI--JOSEPH SMITH NOMINATED FOR -PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES--HIS VIEWS ON THE POWERS AND POLICY OF -THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. - -"Stanzas." - -Discourse: The Sealing Power in the Priesthood. - -Nauvoo Mansion Leased. - -Sale of the Printing Establishment to John Taylor. - -Importance of Elders Keeping Journals. - -The Presidential Election Considered. - -The Prophet on the Campaign. - -Commencement of Prophet's Views on Powers and Policy of U.S. - -Governor Ford's Warning to the People. - -Winchester's Mission to Warsaw. - -Preparation of Rigdon's Appeal to Pennsylvania. - -"Missouri." - -An Appeal to Massachusetts--Phinehas Richards. - -The Prophet's Dream--Troubled Waters Overcome. - -Mormon Improvement. - -The 144,000 Selection Begun. - -Architecture of the Nauvoo Temple. - -Originality of The Prophet's Bank Views. - -Views of the Powers on the Government of the United States--Joseph -Smith. - -{VIII} - -CHAPTER IX - -COMMENTS ON CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED -STATES--TENDERS OF PEACE TO MISSOURI--PRELIMINARY STEPS TO WESTERN -MOVEMENT OF THE CHURCH--JAMES A. BENNETT AND VICE-PRESIDENCY. - -Views of the Prophet on his Candidacy for President of United States. - -Public Meeting. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Joseph L. Heywood. - -Who shall be our Next President?. - -Pacific Inuendo. - -Anti-Mormon Convention at Carthage. - -Delegation from Lyman Wight on Indian Affairs. - -Western Movement for the Church Contemplated. - -The Prophet on the Necessity of Complete Obedience to God. - -Minutes of a Council of the Twelve. - -The Western Exploring Equipment. - -A Prophecy of the Deliverance of the Saints. - -The Case of Botswick's Slander of Hyrum Smith. - -For President, Joseph Smith. - -A Reply Sketched to Cassius M. Clay. - -The High Council to the Saints in Nauvoo. - -Minutes of a Council Meeting. - -Letter: Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennett. - -CHAPTER X. - -URGING THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE--TENDERS OF PEACE TO -MISSOURI--PROPHET'S DISCOURSE ON ELIAS, ELIJAH, MESSIAH--LYMAN WIGHT'S -PROPOSAL OF A SOUTHWEST MOVEMENT FOR THE CHURCH. - -Special Session of the City Council. - -Packard's Memorial to Legislature of Massachusetts. - -Minutes of a General Meeting in the Interest of the Temple. - -Arrival of William Kay and Company of English Saints. - -James A. Bennett Ineligible for Vice-President U. S. - -A Friendly Hint to Missouri. - -St. Louis' Comment on the Prophet's Candidacy. - -Copeland, Tennessee, Considered as Candidate for Vice-President. - -Matter of Wharfage. - -Death of King Follett. - -King Follett's Biography. - -Discourse of the Prophet on. - -Letter: Lyman Wight to the First Presidency. - -Letter: Lyman Wight to President Joseph Smith Suggesting a Southwest -Movement for the Church. - -Special Council Meeting on Wight and Miller Letters. - -{IX} - -CHAPTER XI. - -ORSON PRATT SENT TO WASHINGTON AS AGENT OF NAUVOO--AMOS FIELDING TO -ENGLAND, DITTO--COMMENT ON THE CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR PRESIDENT -OF THE U.S.--CONSPIRACY OF THE LAWS, HIGBEES, FOSTERS ET AL AGAINST -JOSEPH SMITH--THE PROPHET'S MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS--OCCUPATION OF THE -WEST CONTEMPLATED. - -Credentials of Orson Pratt as Agent for the City of Nauvoo. - -Co-operative Store Planned. - -Credentials of Elder Amos Fielding on Departing for England. - -John Wilkie, the Blessing upon him. - -Status of Nauvoo in the Spring of 1844. - -Wind Storm at Nauvoo. - -General Joseph Smith a Candidate for President. - -New Candidate in the Field. - -Origin of Memorial to Congress. - -The Seventies' Hall, Instruction on Rebuilding. - -President Smith's Interview with Mrs. Foster. - -Discourse of President Smith--Conspiracies in Nauvoo. - -Progress on Memorial to Congress. - -The Prophet's Memorial to Congress. - -Ordinance. - -Affidavit of Abiathar B. Williams. - -Affidavit of M. G. Eaton. - -The Robbery at Rollasson's Store in Nauvoo. - -Memorial to the President of the United States. - -Credentials of Orson Hyde. - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE AUTHORITIES OF NAUVOO _vs._ THE HIGBEES ET AL.--DEDICATION OF -THE MASONIC HALL--THE CHURCH CONFERENCE IN APRIL, 1844--ADDRESS OF -PRESIDENT DISNEY RIGDON. - -Comments on the Negro Chism's Case. - -The Higbee Brothers in Trouble. - -Counter Move of the Higbees. - -Conference in New York. - -General Conference Minutes of the Church. - -Opening Address of President Joseph Smith. - -Elder Sidney Rigdon. - -{X} - -CHAPTER XIII. - -CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH, APRIL, 1844, CONTINUED--ADDRESS OF PATRIARCH -HYRUM SMITH--THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. - -Address of Elder Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church--Plans suggested -to secure Means for Completing the Nauvoo Temple. - -CHAPTER XIV. - -GENERAL CONFERENCE FOR APRIL, 1844, (CONCLUDED)--THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT -THE WHOLE LAND OF AMERICA IS ZION--INSTRUCTIONS TO ELDERS SET APART FOR -MISSIONS--A GENERAL CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND. - -President Joseph Smith's Remarks--the whole of America Zion. - -Special Meeting of Elders. - -Address of Brigham Young. - -North and South America Zion. - -Address of Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch. - -Address of Heber C. Kimball. - -Brigham Young's Instruction to the Elders. - -Comment of President Smith on the Conference. - -A General Conference in England. - -CHAPTER XV. - -DIFFICULTIES WITH THE HIGBEES AND FOSTERS, CONFERENCES APPOINTED BY THE -TWELVE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES--INSTRUCTIONS TO REUBEN HEDLOCK, -PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH MISSION--PREPARATIONS FOR ENLARGEMENT OF THE -WORK--FRANCIS M. HIGBEE'S SUIT AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH--THE PROPHET -RELEASED. - -Excommunication of the Laws Fosters, _et al_. - -Violence of the Fosters and Higbees. - -The Foster-Higbee Embroilment. - -Letter: Brigham Young and Willard Richards to Reuben Hedlock. - -Letter: Parley P. Pratt to Joseph Smith, _et al_. - -The Prophet's Petition for Writ of _habeas corpus_. - -Order of the Municipal Court. - -The People of the State of Illinois to the Sheriff of Hancock County. - -{XI} - -CHAPTER XVI. - -ADDRESS OF THE PROPHET--HIS PROPHETIC CALLING AND THE -RESURRECTION--STATUS OF AFFAIRS AT NAUVOO--HYDE'S REPORT FROM -WASHINGTON OF THE WESTERN MOVEMENT--OREGON. - -Theatricals in Nauvoo. - -President Joseph Smith's Address--Defense of his Prophetic Calling. - -Nauvoo and President Smith--_Neighbor_ Editorial. - -Letter: Elder Orson Hyde's Report of Labors in Washington. - -Letter: Orson Hyde's Second Letter from Washington Anent the Western -Movement of the Church. - -Letter: Henry Clay to the Prophet. - -The Prophet's Answer to Clay's Letter. - -Status of Affairs at Nauvoo. - -Withdrawal of William Smith as Candidate from the Legislature. - -Session of Municipal Court--Case of Jeremiah Smith. - -Letter: William Clayton, Describing the Farcical Proceedings of the -Court at Dixon in the Case of Joseph Smith. - -Steamboat Election. - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE STATE PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTION AT NAUVOO--THE STATES -REPRESENTED--SPEECH OF JOHN S. REID, ESQ.--EARLY DAYS WITH THE PROPHET. - -State Convention at Nauvoo. - -Resolutions. - -Synopsis of the Remarks of Hon. John S. Reid. - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -CHARGES AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH BEFORE THE CIRCUIT COURT--HIS VOLUNTARY -APPEARANCE AT COURT--TREATMENT--RETURN TO NAUVOO. - -Court Session at Carthage. - -Letter: George A. Smith to _Times and Seasons_. - -Visit of Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo. - -Address of the Prophet to the Indians. - -Hyrum's Caution to the Prophet on the Freedom of Speaking. - -Letter: Central Campaign Committee to Hugh Clark, Esq. - -Reported Indictment of the Prophet. - -Letter: Willard Richards to Orson Hyde. - -Editorial Comment. - -Conference in Jefferson Co., N. Y. - -Conference, Dresden, Tenn. - -Threat to Kidnap Jeremiah Smith. - -{XII} President Smith Voluntarily Goes to Carthage to Meet Indictments. - -The Return to Nauvoo. - -CHAPTER XIX. - -CASE OF JEREMIAH SMITH BEFORE MUNICIPAL COURT AT NAUVOO--AFFIDAVITS OF -CRIMES OF CHAUNCEY L. HIGBEE--APPEARANCE OF THE "EXPOSITOR." - -Arrest of Jeremiah Smith by U. S. Authority. - -Letter: D. S. Hollister to Joseph Smith. - -Municipal Court--Case of Jeremiah Smith. - -Municipal Court Minutes in the Case of Jeremiah Smith. - -Letter: Joseph Sith to Judge Pope, Introducing Jeremiah Smith. - -Affidavit: H. T. Hugins Anent Threat to Bring Dragoons Against Nauvoo. - -Joel H. Walker to Joseph Smith--Proposes to Join Prophet in Western -Volunteer Movement. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Joel H. Walker. - -Conference at Kalamazoo, Michigan. - -Conference at Glasgow, Scotland. - -Letter: "Horace" to President Joseph Smith--Threatened Invasion of -Nauvoo. - -Letter: Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Mr. Tewkesbury--Seeking to Restore -Latter to Fellowship. - -Prosecution of the Laws and Fosters Discussed. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to I. Daniel Rupp--Book on Religious Sects. - -Prophet's Conversation with Dr. Foster. - -First Number of the _Expositor_. - -Conference at Pleasant Valley Michigan. - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE DESTRUCTION OF THE "NAUVOO EXPOSITOR"--PROCEEDINGS OF THE NAUVOO -CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR. - -_Nauvoo Expositor_ Before Nauvoo City Council. - -Ordinance on Libels. - -Ordinance Concerning Libels and for Other Purposes. - -Synopsis of Proceedings in the City Council Against the _Nauvoo -Expositor_. - -Prospectus of the _Nauvoo Expositor_. - -Proclamation. - -Letter: L. W. Hickock to Joseph Smith--Probability of Indictment of the -Prophet _et al._ at Springfield. - -Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith--Warning the Prophet of Probable -Indictment. - -{XIII} - -CHAPTER XXI. - -PRESIDENT SMITH ARRESTED FOR RIOT IN RELATION TO "EXPOSITOR" -AFFAIR--HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS BEFORE MUNICIPAL COURT--A CALL FROM -ARKANSAS--THE PROPHET'S DREAMS--MASS MEETING AT WARSAW--LETTERS TO -GOVERNOR FORD ON "EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR. - -The People of the State of Illinois to all Constables, Sheriffs and -Coroners of the State. - -The Prophet Asserts his Rights Under the Law. - -The Prophet's Petition for Writ of _habeas corpus_. - -Petition of the Prophet Granted. - -Hearing on the _Expositor_ Affairs Before the Municipal Court at Nauvoo. - -Letter: Washington Tucker to President Smith--Asking that Elders be -Sent to Arkansas. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Washington Tucker, Promising that an Elder -should be Sent. - -Retributive Justice. - -Further Action of Municipal Court on _Expositor_ Case. - -The Prophet's Dreams on Condition of Apostates at Nauvoo. - -Threats of Carthage Mob Against Nauvoo. - -Mass Meeting at Warsaw. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Explaining Action of City -Council in Proceedings in _Expositor_ Affairs. - -Letter: John M. Bernhisel to Governor Ford--Confirming Correctness of -the Prophet's Report of _Expositor_ Affairs. - -Letter: Wakefield to Governor Ford--Anent the _Expositor_ Affair. - -The Prophet's Advice on Giving up Arms. - -Letter: A. Ladd to Joseph Smith. - -CHAPTER XXII. - -DISCOURSE OF THE PROPHET--THE GODHEAD--THE MOB UPRISING--ARREST OF -PRESIDENT SMITH ET AL. OVER THE "EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR BEFORE ESQUIRE WELLS. - -Conference in Michigan. - -Sermon by the Prophet--the Christian Godhead--Plurality of Gods. - -Advice of Judge Thomas on _Expositor_ Affair. - -Inquiry of Delegation from Madison. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Inviting the Governor to Nauvoo. - -Affidavit: Mob Movements. - -Letter: Isaac Morley to Joseph Smith--Mob Threats. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Isaac Morley--Instructions on Resisting Mob. - -Minutes of a Public Meeting at Nauvoo. - -Proclamation. - -Letter: John Smith to Joseph Smith, Accompanying Delegation {XIV} to -the Prophet. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to John Smith--Instructions in Case of Mob -Violence. - -Letter: Hyrum Smith to Brigham Young--Calling Home the Twelve. - -Arrest of the Prophet _et al._ for Destroying the _Expositor_ Press. - -Minutes of the Trial of Joseph Smith _et al._ Before Esquire -Wells--_Expositor_ Affair. - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -RUMORS OF INVASION FROM MISSOURI--THE LEGION ORDERED TO ASSIST THE CITY -MARSHAL--NAUVOO PLACED UNDER MARTIAL LAW--THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS TO THE -LEGION. - -Affidavit of Stephen Markham--Nauvoo to be Attacked. - -Proclamation. - -Order to the Legion. - -Legion Placed at Command of City Marshal. - -Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith--Probable Indictment of the -Prophet at Springfield. - -Charge of Threats Against Foster's Life. - -Declaration of Martial Law. - -Proclamation. - -Affidavit: Truman Gillett--the Treachery of William Law. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins--Congratulating Jeremiah Smith on -his Release. - -Governor Ford's Treatment of the Mob. - -Threats Against the Prophet's Life. - -Affidavit, Canfield and Belknap--Concerning Threats of Invasion from -Missouri. - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -ATTEMPTS TO DRAFT SAINTS INTO MOB SERVICE AGAINST NAUVOO--THREATENED -INVASION FROM MISSOURI--JAMES A. BENNETT URGED TO COME TO NAUVOO. - -Effort to Draft Chester Loveland into Mob Service. - -Roads Leading into Nauvoo Picketed. - -Affidavit: Call, Evans, and Horner--Treatment of Nauvoo Committee by -Levi Williams _et al_. - -Preparations for an Attack. - -Report of Dr Southwick. - -Affidavit: Carlos W. Lyon. - -An Appeal to President Tyler. - -Affidavit: Mont and Cuningham--Attempt to Draft them into Mob Service. - -Affidavit: Allen T. Wait--Attempt to Draft him into Mob Service. - -Affidavit: Isaac Morley _et al_.--Attempt to Draft into Mob Service. - -Affidavit: Hancock, Garner, Lofton--Attempt to Draft them into Mob -Service. - -Affidavit: James Guyman--Threats of Invasion from {XV} Missouri. - -Affidavit: Obediah Bowen--Attempt to Draft him into Service of Mob. - -Affidavit: Alvah Tippetts--Violence of John Williams Upon. - -Reinforcement for Nauvoo from Ramus. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Ballantyne and Slater--Advice on Moving into -Nauvoo. - -Affidavit: Greene and Bernhisel--Threatened Invasion from Missouri. - -Letter: Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennett--Affairs in -Nauvoo--Western Movement. - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE TWELVE CALLED FROM EASTERN MISSION--GOVERNOR FORD AT -CARTHAGE--NAUVOO DELEGATION TO GOVERNOR--THREATS AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST -THE PROPHET'S LIFE--GOVERNOR FORD INVITED TO NAUVOO TO INVESTIGATE -CONDITIONS. - -The Apostles Called Home. - -A Prophecy--No Gun Fired on Part of Saints. - -Letter: Robert D. Foster to John Proctor--Fragment--Instruction as to -Property. - -Hyrum Smith's Fidelity to the Prophet. - -Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and Council of Nauvoo, Asking -Representatives to Meet him at Carthage. - -Joseph H. Jackson at Nauvoo. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Submitting Documents. - -Affidavit: John P. Greene--Joseph H. Jackson Threatens Prophet's Life. - -Affidavit: Joseph Smith--Conspiracy Against Affiant's Life. - -Affidavit: Joseph Jackson--Francis M. Higbee's Threat to Kill the -Prophet. - -Affidavit: Joseph Jackson--Reporting Mob at Pilot Grove. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Inviting the Governor to come to -Nauvoo and investigate Conditions. - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -PREPARATIONS TO DEFEND NAUVOO--MOB MOVEMENTS ON CARTHAGE ROAD--GOVERNOR -FORD'S REVIEW OF HANCOCK COUNTY DIFFICULTIES--JOSEPH SMITH'S ACCOUNT OF -THE SAME DIFFICULTIES--DEFENSE OF HIS OWN AND ASSOCIATES' COURSE. - -Orders from Nauvoo's Entrenchment. - -Affidavit: Edward Robinson--Threats Against Nauvoo. - -Affidavit: James Olive--Mob Movements on the Carthage Road. - -Affidavit: George G. Johnston--Militia Under Governor to Move on Nauvoo. - -Affidavit: Gideon Gibbs--Mob on La Harpe Road. - -Affidavit: Luman H. Calkins--Nauvoo {XVI} Conspiracy Against The -Prophet's Life. - -The Prophet's Life. - -General Orders. - -A Petition to hear the Prophet Speak. - -Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and City Council of the City of Nauvoo. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Defending the Action of the City -Council in the _Expositor_ Affair. - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -GOVERNOR FORD'S WRONG VIEWPOINT--ELDER TAYLOR'S ACCOUNT OF THE -INTERVIEW WITH THE GOVERNOR AT CARTHAGE--CLOSE OF THE PROPHET'S JOURNAL -NARRATIVE OF HIS LIFE. - -Governor Ford's Biased Judgment. - -Elder John Taylor's Account of Interview with Governor Ford at Carthage. - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE PROPHET STARTS FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS--THE COUNSEL OF FALSE -BRETHREN--THE RETURN TO NAUVOO--THE SURRENDER AND ARRIVAL AT CARTHAGE. - -The Warning to Flee to the Rocky Mountains. - -Preparations for the Western Movement. - -Arrival of the Constable's _Posse_. - -Emma's Message to the Prophet. - -Consultation with Rockwell. - -Letter: Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Governor Ford--Consenting to go to -Carthage. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins--Engaging Counsel. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to J. R. Wakefield--Soliciting Latter's Attendance -as Witness. - -The Prophet Returns to Nauvoo. - -Vacillation of Governor Ford. - -Certificate: Captain Anderson--on Retention of People in Nauvoo. - -Letter: Ed. Johnston to Joseph Smith--About Counsel. - -Preparations for Going to Carthage. - -Defendants in the _Expositor_ case. - -Incidents _en route_ for Carthage. - -Meeting with Captain Dunn. - -A Pathetic Prophecy. - -Dunn's Request that the Prophet Return to Nauvoo. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Explaining his Return to Nauvoo. - -Order: Joseph Smith to General Dunham--Complying with Governor Ford's -Demand for State Arms. - -Messengers sent to Carthage. - -Surrender of State Arms. - -The Prophet's Farewell to his Family. - -Looking Back--Sadness. - -Letter: Messrs. Reid and {XVII} Woods to Joseph Smith--Documents for -Defense. - -The Prophet's Arrival at Carthage. - -The Governor Pacifies the Mob. - -The Apostates at Carthage. - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -ARREST OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH ON A CHARGE OF TREASON--FALSE -IMPRISONMENT--ELDER TAYLOR'S PROTEST--FALSE IMPRISONMENT. - -The Governor's Pledge of Protections. - -The Arrest for Treason. - -Writ of Arrest for Treason. - -Governor Ford's Speech to the Prophet. - -The Prophet's Request for an Interview with Governor Ford. - -The Prophet Presented to the Troops. - -Revolt of the Carthage Greys. - -Threats of Apostates to Plunder Nauvoo. - -Letter: the Prophet to Emma Smith--Governor Ford Going to Nauvoo. - -The Prophet's Warning to Rockwell. - -The Prophet's Interview with Militia Officers. - -Law Cannot Reach Them, Powder and Ball must. - -Arraigned on the _Expositor_ Affair. - -Prophet _et al._ Bound Over to Circuit Court. - -The Sureties for the Prophet. - -Another Warrant Sought--Daniel's Kingdom and Treason. - -Illegal Imprisonment of the Smith Brothers. - -Gov. Ford Refuses to Interfere with Illegal Proceedings. - -Elder Taylor's Remonstrance with Gov. Ford. - -Elder Taylor Takes Independent Action. - -In Carthage Jail. - -CHAPTER XXX. - -INTERVIEW IN CARTHAGE PRISON BETWEEN GOVERNOR FORD AND THE -PROPHET--TAYLOR'S REPORT OF THE INTERVIEW--TESTIMONY TO THE EXISTENCE -OF A CARTHAGE CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE PROPHET'S LIFE. - -Messages to the Governor. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Soliciting an Interview. - -Word from Governor Ford. - -Consultation with Counsel. - -Interview with Governor Ford. - -Elder John Taylor's Account of Governor Ford's and President Smith's -Interview. - -Affidavit: Alfred Randall--Threats Against the Prophet's Life in -Carthage. - -Affidavit: Jonathan C. Wright--Conspiracy Against the Prophet's Life at -Carthage. - -Affidavit: Orrin P. Rockwell--Governor Ford in Nauvoo. - -Affidavit: William G. Sterrett--Conduct of Governor Ford {XVIII} and -_posse_ while in Nauvoo. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Judge Thomas--Engaging Thomas as Legal Counsel. - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -THE PROPHET IN CARTHAGE PRISON--THE UNION OF JUDICIAL, EXECUTIVE, AND -MILITARY AUTHORITY IN DEALING WITH THE PRISONERS--THE LAST NIGHT IN -PRISON. - -The Prophet's Anxiety for his own Safety. - -Hyrum as Comforter. - -Status of Prisoners Under the Law. - -Letter: General Miner R. Deming to Joseph Smith--Protection and -Admission to Presence of the Prophet. - -Effect of a False Commitment. - -Threats in the Governor's Presence. - -Conference of Governor Ford and Justice Smith. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Messrs. Woods and Reid--Anent Excitement in -Carthage. - -Joseph and Hyrum Smith Forced from Prison. - -Prisoners before the Court. - -Examination Postponed. - -Brave Patriarch John Smith. - -Pathetic Interview Between the Prophet and "Uncle John." - -Letter: William Clayton to Joseph Smith--Conditions in Nauvoo. - -Militia Council Meeting at Carthage. - -The Last Night in Carthage Prison. - -Conversation with John S. Fullmer. - -Prophecy on the Head of Dan Jones. - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -THE DAY OF THE MARTYRDOM--THREATS--REPEATED WARNINGS OF THE PRISONERS' -DANGER GIVEN TO GOVERNOR FORD--THE CARTHAGE GREYS AS GUARDS. - -Threats of Frank Worrell. - -Governor Ford Warned of Worrell's Threats. - -Jones' Warning to Governor Ford. - -Boasts of the Mob. - -Chauncey L. Higbee to Kill the Prophet. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to Emma Smith--Prophet's Instructions as to -Reception of the Governor. - -Dr. Southwick's Report of the Carthage Meeting. - -Appointment of the Carthage Greys to Guard the Prisoners. - -Wheelock's Remonstrance to Governor Ford. - -Arms Given to the Prisoners. - -Reflections of the Prophet on Exposing Wickedness. - -The Prisoners' Message to Friends in Nauvoo. - -The Prophet's Dream of his Kirtland Farm. - -Testimony of Joseph and Hyrum to the Book of Mormon. - -Letter: Postscript. - -Governor Ford Warned of the Conspiracy Against Prisoners' Lives. - -{XIX} - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -DEPARTURE OF GOVERNOR FORD FOR NAUVOO--THE AFTERNOON IN CARTHAGE -PRISON--THE ASSAULT ON THE PRISON--THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM -SMITH. - -Pass for Willard Richards. - -Letter: Joseph Smith to O. H. Browning--Engaging Browning as Legal -Counsel. - -The Guard's False Alarm over the Nauvoo Legion. - -Markham Forced out of Carthage. - -Anxiety of the Jailor. - -Wine for the Guard. - -The Assault on the Jail. - -The Prisoners' Defense. - -Death of Hyrum Smith. - -The "Handsome Fight" of Joseph Smith and John Taylor. - -Taylor Wounded and Helpless. - -Two Minutes in Jail. - -First Message to Nauvoo. - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -GOVERNOR FORD IN NAUVOO--NEWS OF THE MARTYRDOM MESSAGE TO -NAUVOO--ARRIVAL OF THE BODIES--SORROWFUL SCENES--THE BURIAL. - -Governor Ford in Nauvoo. - -Military Display. - -Departure of the Governor from the Danger Zone. - -The Start from Nauvoo with the Bodies of the Martyrs. - -The Address of Dr. Richards _et al._. - -Preparation of the Bodies for Burial. - -Lying in State. - -The Real Burial. - -Official Statement of the Martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch. - -{XXI} - - - -INTRODUCTION. - -_I. The Time Period._ - -The time-period covered in this sixth volume of the HISTORY OF THE -CHURCH is less than one year. Nine months and twenty-eight days, to be -exact; or from the 1st of September, 1843, to the 29th of June, 1844. -Events within this period are therefore given in elaborate detail. The -general reader and the student of our history will find in this volume -a larger collection of documents, official and otherwise, covering this -period, than will be found elsewhere. - -This volume also closes the first Period of our Church History, -the period marked off by two events: (1) the birth of the Prophet -Joseph Smith; and (2) his martyrdom and that of his brother Hyrum, at -Carthage, Illinois. - -The Journal History of the Prophet, that great source of historical -knowledge concerning the development of the New Dispensation, closes -with his entry of the 22nd of June, 1844. After that, for our knowledge -of the remaining events of the Prophet's life, we are dependent upon -collections of _data_ by the Church historians from public and private -sources, of which collections there are two: the first extends from -the 22nd of June to the 29th of that month, and forms the concluding -chapters of this volume; the second begins also with the 22nd of June, -and extends to the 8th of August, 1844; at which time the Twelve -Apostles were sustained for the time being as the presiding council of -the Church. This second collection of _data_ by the Church historians -will open Volume VII of this History. - -In the present volume we see the Prophet's brave struggle against the -overwhelming odds of his foes--foes within the Church, false brethren; -and foes without the Church--the combination of political and sectarian -enemies fixed in their determination to kill him, destroy Nauvoo, and -expel the Saints from Illinois: for all these things were included in -the program of the anti-Mormons of Illinois, even before the death -of the Prophet was encompassed. Three score and seven years now give -perspective to the stirring events in which the really great drama was -enacted; and from that vantage ground of perspective said events may -be reviewed to the enlightenment of those who seek to know the truth, -{XXII} and the injustice of the things enacted in Illinois during the -closing months of the Prophet Joseph's earthly career. - -_II. Why the Latter-day Saints were Welcomed to Illinois._ - -On the one hand, in the above mentioned struggle, was a people who but -a few years before had been welcomed into Illinois as exiles from a -neighboring state, the victims of a cruel and ignorant intolerance. -They were welcomed, in part, because of the injustice to which they -had been subjected in a neighboring state, and because their physical -sufferings, arising from want of shelter and food in an inclement -season of the year to which they were exposed, was such as to move -adamantine hearts to pity. Also they were welcomed because, as pointed -out in the Introduction to Volume IV of this HISTORY, the state of -Illinois needed augmentation of her population by just such a people -as the Latter-day Saints were--industrious, frugal, skilled mechanics, -successful farmers, experienced men of affairs, men capable of trade -and commerce, enterprising and with a larger proportion of educated -men and women among them than was to be found among the people of -western Illinois in those days. I do not here employ the language of -adulation on the one hand, nor seek to make invidious distinctions upon -the other. Either would be vain, since the well-known and accepted -facts of history would disprove the declarations made if not founded -in truth. The fact is, however, that all that is claimed above for -the Missouri exiled Latter-day Saints is true and well-attested by -their achievements in settling Nauvoo, which in four years rose from -a ware-house or two and a few half tumbledown shacks on the banks of -the river, and called "Commerce," to the dignity of being the first -city in Illinois in population and commercial enterprise, and also gave -promise of developing into a manufacturing center of great importance. -This last item was evidenced in the fact that the founder of Nauvoo, -President Joseph Smith, and the Nauvoo city council appreciated the -possibilities in the water power of the Lower Des Moines Rapids in -the Mississippi, at the head of which the city was located. Reference -to his journal entry for the 23rd of September (this volume, p. 80) -will witness that he suggested that a petition be sent to the national -Congress for the construction of a canal around the rapids to overcome -the obstruction for the free passage of river craft, which the rapids -prevented during the low water period of each year, and thus enhance -the value of the great stream to the inland commerce of the west. [1] -Reference again to President Smith's journal {XXIII} entry for the 8th -of December, 1843 (this volume, p. 103) will disclose the fact that he -gave instruction in the forenoon to his clerk to draw a plan for a dam -in the Mississippi; and that in the afternoon of the same day the city -council met and passed an ordinance authorizing Joseph Smith to "erect -a dam of suitable height to propel mills and machinery from any point -within the limits of said city, and below the Nauvoo House;" also in -connection with this dam to construct a "harbor or basin for steamboats -and other craft;" and to construct docks, wharfs and landings," the -wharfage fees to be "regulated by ordinance of said city (this volume -p. 106). - -_III. Nauvoo as a Possible Manufacturing Center._ - -What further contributed to the promise that Nauvoo would be a great -manufacturing center as well as the center of an immense agricultural -region with a splendid commercial outlet, was the fact that artisans -and tradesmen of the very first order in skill, were rapidly gathering -into the city, not only from the New England and other Eastern states -of our own country, but also from the British Isles. It was inevitable -if let alone that Nauvoo would become the greatest manufacturing -center of Illinois, and among the first of such cities in the United -States. The Prophet did not live to see even a commencement made upon -these large enterprises he had conceived, but subsequently his zealous -followers organized a company to carry them to a successful conclusion -under the title of "The Nauvoo Water Power Company," [2] which began -the construction of the dam on the 29th of April, 1845; but which had -to be abandoned because of the hostilities that soon after increased -and continued until they culminated in the expulsion of the Latter-day -Saints from Illinois. [3] - -{XXIV} In addition to these measures, manufacturing and agricultural -associations were incorporated; also the "Nauvoo House Associations" -for the erection of a hotel, ambitious to be known as the finest -hostelry in the Upper Mississippi country. One of the agricultural -associations, known as the "Big Field Corporation," held six sections, -or three thousand eight hundred and forty acres of land east of Nauvoo; -and the year following the Prophet's death the company harvested about -thirty thousand bushels of corn, nearly the same amount of wheat, -besides an "abundance of oats, barley, buckwheat, potatoes and other -vegetables." [4] - -_IV. Educational Measures at Nauvoo._ - -And not only in material things was the superior character of -Nauvoo's founders and builders proclaimed; but equally broad and -comprehensive were their preparations for an educational system. By -their city charter they were empowered to establish an institution of -learning within the limits of the city for the teaching of the arts -and sciences and learned professions, to be called the "University -of the City of Nauvoo;" also a common school system for the city, -all of which was in course of development even in the early years -of Nauvoo's existence. And in addition to these direct educational -institutions of common schools and projected university, literary -and dramatic associations were organized, as also choral and band -organizations for the cultivation of musical talents and to promote the -pleasure and refinement of society; while the religious zeal of the -community expressed itself in the rapidly rising walls of the splendid -temple--soon to be the most solid and pretentious building in the -state; and in the tireless missionary enterprise of the dominant Church. - -{XXV} _V. Jealousy of Nauvoo's Promising Greatness._ - -Nothing was lacking, then, in the promises of constant and rapid -growth, of prosperity and future greatness of Nauvoo. Small wonder -if the narrow bigotry and jealousy of small-souled men of the time -and vicinity--especially those who were inhabitants of rival towns, -particularly those of Warsaw and Carthage--were envious of Nauvoo's -prosperity and promise of future greatness. Hitherto this element of -jealousy of Nauvoo's prosperity and promise of future greatness has -not been accorded the importance due to it as a contributing cause to -the warfare made upon that city and the Saints. Little doubt, however, -can be entertained, now attention has been called to it, but what as a -contributing cause jealousy of Nauvoo stood next to religious prejudice -and political distrust and hatred. - -A correspondent from Fair Haven, Connecticut, to a gentleman in Nauvoo, -set forth this matter most convincingly. An excerpt of the letter was -published in the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ of August 7th, 1844. It is proper to -say that the writer was not a member of the Mormon Church; "but," as -the editor of the _Neighbor_ describes him, "a citizen of Connecticut, -loving law and liberty and life;" and now the paragraph dealing with -the point under discussion: - - "It is now known here that the lazy speculators of Warsaw, and the - still lazier office drones at Carthage, cared nothing for Joseph - Smith personally, or for his tenets either; but the prosperity - of Nauvoo increasing as it did, beyond any former parallel, even - in the western world, excited in their bosoms envy, hatred and - all ungodliness. This is the true secret of all their barbarous - movements against Mormonism--and they supposed by destroying - the Smiths they should extinguish their religion, disperse the - Mormons--depopulating and desolating Nauvoo." - -Also a correspondent to the _State Register_ published at Springfield, -Illinois, speaking of Thomas C. Sharp, editor of the _Warsaw Signal_ -and the anti-Mormon disturbances in Hancock county said: - - "He [Sharp] is also described as having made himself the 'organ - of a gang of town lot speculators at Warsaw,' who are afraid that - Nauvoo is about to kill off their town and render speculation - abortive." [5] - -Mr. Backenstos in January, 1845, when the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter -was under discussion in the Illinois legislature, referred to this same -subject in a speech on the floor of the house of representatives, in -the course of which he said: - - "Town rivalry had also something to do with this opposition to - Nauvoo. While Warsaw was on the decline, Nauvoo was rapidly - increasing {XXVI} in wealth and population; a plan to bring about - a re-action was soon concocted by the leading men of Warsaw, - who made one pilgrimage after another to Nauvoo, imploring the - Mormon Prophet to aid them in building up a city adjoining the - town of Warsaw, by settling a portion of the Mormon population in - and about Warsaw, and commence the building of a new city. The - bubble soon exploded, and the speculation failed. This gave rise - to dissatisfaction with some who had heretofore been exceedingly - polite to '_Lieutenant General Joseph Smith!_'" [6] - -Thus in every way, to refer back to the point of starting the -discussion of this subdivision, the Latter-day Saints are proven -by their achievements and the foundations they laid for the future -greatness of their city, to be a superior people, and hence a desirable -addition to the population of the then young commonwealth of Illinois. - -_VI. The Character of the People of Western Illinois._ - -On the other hand there was a population in western Illinois, and -perhaps more especially in Hancock county, which had more than its -full share of lawless and desperate men; who, as by a law of social -gravitation, seek the frontiers of civilization. Moreover it is -notorious that the whole upper Mississippi was a rendezvous for -gamblers, counterfeiters, horse thieves, murderers and other criminals -that infested the great river, which gave easy ingress and egress to a -frontier wilderness on the one hand, and to such centers of population -and activity, on the other, as New Orleans, St. Louis, and many minor -places, besides. "I must give some account of the anti-Mormons," -says Governor Ford in his History of Illinois, when referring to the -inhabitants of Hancock county. "I had a good opportunity to know the -settlers of Hancock county," he continues. "I had attended the circuit -courts there as state's attorney, from 1830, when the county was first -organized, up to 1834: and to my certain knowledge the early settlers, -with some honorable exceptions, were in popular languages hard cases" -(page 406). Then for a period of several years to the advent of the -"Mormons" he had no means of knowing the character of the people who -drifted into the country: "But," he adds, "having passed my whole -life on the frontier, on the outer edge of the settlements, I have -frequently seen that a few first settlers would fix the character of a -settlement for good or for bad, for many years after its commencement. -If bad men began the settlement, bad men would be attracted to them, -upon the well known principle that birds of a feather will flock -together. Rogues will find each other out, and so will honest men. -From all which it appears extremely probable, that the later {XXVII} -immigrants were many of them attracted to Hancock by a secret sympathy -between them and the early settlers." - -Indeed the governor suggests that it may have been "the promptings of -a secret instinct," which led the "Mormons" to "discern their fellows" -and induced them to settle in Hancock in preference to other localities -open to them. All which may be regarded as an ingenious thrust at the -Latter-day Saints, but which fails of reaching its mark from the fact -that it was the criminal element chiefly in Hancock county's population -which arrayed itself in antagonism against the Saints, and against -whom they were arrayed in all their conflicts in that county. Whereas, -under the governor's theory, this criminal element among the "old -citizens" and the Saints should have been as hand in glove in their -cooperation of encompassing evil things. But to the contrary; from the -time the "Mormons" appeared on the scenes at Commerce, in 1839, until -they were expelled, they steadfastly and emphatically set their faces -against the evils that cursed that community, and denounced all manner -of evil both as manifested in a few of their own delinquent members, -apostates and camp followers who trailed after the main body of the -Church from Missouri, as well as in others: such as dram-drinking, -swearing, Sabbath-breaking, contracting debts under pretense of poverty -and distress without any prospects or intention of paying, [7] and -especially did they denounce stealing, under any and all pretexts -whatsoever. [8] - -And as it was largely the criminal element among the "old citizens" -that was arrayed against the Saints (with unprincipled politicians -and a few bigoted and jealous religious leaders added), so was it the -conservative and law-abiding portion of the community among whom they -had many friends; and nearly all of whom were at least so far friendly -with the Saints that they could not be induced to oppose them, much -less join in acts of mob violence to the injury of their persons or -property; for which reason this portion of the non-Mormon population -were called by the contemptuous name of "Jack-Mormons," which epithet -was invented by the editor of the Warsaw _Signal,_ Thomas C. Sharp, -who also originated the term "Jack-Mason" when editing an anti-Masonic -paper in western New York. In all probability it was this second name -which suggested the first. - -{XXVIII} _VII. Educational Status of the People of Western Illinois._ - -Education among the masses of Hancock's non-Mormon population was of -the meagrest kind. Even Mr. Gregg, the historian of the county, who -always gives the best report possible of conditions, remarks, when -treating of the county's educational status, that "a new country -and among pioneers, is not the place where prosperous colleges and -seminaries, or even high schools, are actually found. Hence common -schools and, in many instances, very 'common' ones at that, were the -best means of education in Hancock county in early days," But this is -said of the schools of Hancock county; the greater number of the adult -population, 1839-1846, which represent the years when the Saints lived -in the county, had migrated from states where educational opportunities -were even fewer and less advanced than in western Illinois. Even -some of the men prominent in political life in the state were men -of extremely limited education. "Joseph Duncan, elected governor of -Illinois in 1834, and who had served four terms in Congress previous -to his election as governor, had but a limited education," says Gregg. -[9] And of Thomas Carlin, who was the governor of Illinois when the -exiled Saints moved into the state--he had previously held many minor -offices--the same authority says: "He had but a meager education." [10] - -But while the above represents the educational conditions both among -the masses of Hancock county and western Illinois in general, and of -some of the men in public life, it is also true that there were here -and there men in Hancock and surrounding counties of good education and -enlightened culture, such as Stephen A. Douglas, O. H. Browning, Major -Warren, John J. Hardin, General Minor R. Deming, Samuel Marshal, Judge -Jesse B. Thomas, Josiah Lamborn, Governor Ford and others. - -_VIII. The Political Phase._ - -It has already been observed in these volumes (Vol. IV, Introduction) -that in addition to the Latter-day Saints being welcomed into Illinois -on account of their economic value in a newly and sparsely settled -country, as wealth creators through their industry, frugality and skill -in mechanics and husbandry, political parties of Illinois both Whigs -and Democrats vied with each other in heartiness of welcome, each -hoping the profit by the influx of the new population in both state -{XXIX} and national elections. Hence it was possible to obtain for -Nauvoo the exceptional powers that constituted her, under the letter -of her charter, an autonomy within the limits of her boundaries more -akin to a sovereign state than to a municipality within a state and a -county. And such were the powers claimed for her by her founders. [11] -Hence also that catering to the misconception and wrong interpretations -of the chartered powers of Nauvoo by lawyers and politicians seeking -professional and political favors of the people, which encouraged the -belief that the city government was the omnipotent political power -within the city limits; and that her municipal court was not only equal -to, but even superior to the state courts--"for all other courts were -restricted," it was contended, while the municipal court of Nauvoo -was not restricted! Similar claims of absolutism were made respecting -Nauvoo misled by their legal and political advisers, who gave false -counsel instead of true, and who encouraged people in their prejudices -and flattered their vanity rather than corrected their errors by an -appeal to sound judgment and to the law. - -_IX. Mischief Arising from False Legal and Political Counsel._ - -Much mischief arose from this source. It was because of these -misconceptions in respect of the character of their city government -that led to the enactment of those ill advised and unwarranted city -ordinances-- - -That made gold and silver alone legal tender within the city; - -That declared Joseph Smith exempt from arrest on requisitions from -Missouri founded upon the old difficulties in that state, and providing -that persons making an attempt to arrest him might be taken with or -without process, imprisoned for life, and might not be pardoned by the -governor without consent of the mayor; [12] - -That authorized the city council, marshal, constables and city watch -to require all strangers entering the city or already tarrying there -to give their names, former residence and for what intent they were -tarrying in the city, and answer such other questions as the officers -respectively deemed proper to ask; refusal to give the desired -information, or giving false names or information subjected them to the -same penalties as "vagrants and disorderly persons;" - -That further authorized and required the above named officers to {XXX} -"hail and take all persons found strolling about the city at night -after nine o'clock and before sunrise, and to confine them in ward for -trial under the ordinances concerning vagrants and disorderly persons, -unless they could give a good account of themselves for being out -after nine o'clock;" - -That further authorized and required the aforesaid officers to -enter all hotels or houses of public entertainment, and such other -habitations as they may judge proper, and require the inmates to -give immediate information of all persons residing in said hotel or -habitation, and their business, occupation or movements, under penalty -of forfeiture of license, if a public house, and they and the transient -persons subject to the penalties visited upon vagrants for failure -to give the information required, or giving false information; while -the officer who should "refuse or neglect to perform the above duties -should be fined $100, and be broke of his office;" - -That forbade the search and seizure of person or property by foreign -process [_i. e._ other process than that issuing from the city's -authority] within the city of Nauvoo, leading to the widespread belief -that the design of said ordinance was "to hinder the execution of the -statutes of Illinois" within said city; [13] - -That asked the general government to ratify the Nauvoo Charter, and -in addition constitute the city a territorial government, by granting -"all rights, powers, privileges and immunities belonging to territories -and not repugnant to the constitution of the United States," with -power granted to the mayor to call to his aid a sufficient number -of the United States troops, in connection with the Nauvoo Legion, -to repel the invasion of mobs, keep the public peace, protect the -innocent from lawless banditti; the United States officers to obey the -requisition of this ordinance; and the Nauvoo Legion, when in service -quelling mobs and preserving the public peace, to be under the same -regulations, rules and laws of pay as the troops of the United States; -the territorial privileges to continue until the "state of Missouri -restores to those exiled citizens [the Latter-day Saints] the lands, -rights, privileges, property, and damages for all losses" they had -sustained by being banished from that commonwealth; [14] - -And, finally, that asserted the right of the municipal court to arrest -{XXXI} process issued by the state's circuit courts, and even by the -United States courts, by _habeas corpus_ proceedings; and insisted, -not only upon the right to pass judgment upon the sufficiency of writs -under which arrests were made, but upon the right also to go behind the -writs and try the cases upon their merits. - -_X. Subserviency of Politicians and Lawyers._ - -Blame for this political subserviency and misleading political and -legal advice, may not be charged on one party more than another. If -Cyrus Walker, a Whig candidate for congress, assented to the doctrine -as understood by Nauvoo's leading men, that the municipal court of -Nauvoo held the power under _habeas corpus_ procedure to arrest -execution of process of the state courts, as he did, [15] so, too, -did Joseph P. Hoge, Democratic nominee; and even Governor Ford, when -requested to call out the militia to rearrest Joseph Smith after he had -been liberated from the custody of Sheriff Reynolds, agent of Missouri, -under _habeas corpus_ proceedings, took refuge behind the _habeas -corpus_ proceedings of the Municipal Court at Nauvoo. In that case the -court not only inquired into the sufficiency of the writ of requisition -from Missouri, and granted by Governor Ford himself, but also went back -of the writ and tried the case _exparte_ on its merits, and finally -discharged the prisoner, both "for want of substance in the warrant, * -* * as well as upon the merits of the case." [16] When answering the -request of Missouri to rearrest Joseph Smith, Governor Ford, I say, at -least took refuge behind the aforesaid proceedings of the Municipal -Court to the extent of saying, in the face of that procedure, that -"no process, officer or authority of Illinois had been resisted or -interfered with," [17] and therefore refused to call out the militia to -rearrest President Smith. - -It is but fair to Governor Ford, however, to say that in his inaugural -speech of December 8th, 1842, he pointed out what he regarded as -objectionable features in the Nauvoo charter, and recommended its -modification, [18] and later censured the lawyers for misleading the -Nauvoo city authorities in this matter, in the following passage from -a letter to the Mayor and City Council of Nauvoo, under date of June -22nd, 1844. - - You have also assumed to yourselves more power than you are - entitled to in relation to_ habeas corpus_ under your charter. I - know that you have been told by lawyers, for the purpose of gaining - your favor, {XXXII} that you have this power to any extent. In this - they have deceived you for their own base purposes. Your charter - supposes that you may pass ordinances, a breach of which will - result in the imprisonment of the offender. - - For the purpose of giving more speedy relief to such persons - authority was given to the Municipal Court to issue writs of - _habeas corpus_ in all cases arising under the ordinances of the - city. - - It was never supposed by the Legislature, nor can the language of - your charter be tortured to mean that a jurisdiction was intended - to be conferred which would apply to all cases of imprisonment - under the general laws of the state or of the United States, as - well as the city ordinances. - -To which President Smith replied: - - Whatever power we have exercised in the _habeas corpus_ has been - done in accordance with the letter of the Charter and Constitution - as we confidently understood them; and that, too, with the ablest - counsel; but if it be so that we have erred in this thing, let the - Supreme Court correct the evil. We have never gone contrary to - constitutional law, so far as we have been able to learn it. If - lawyers have belied their profession to abuse us the evil be on - their heads. [19] - -_XI. The Fate of a Balance of Power Factor in Politics._ - -Being misled by false legal and political advice was not the only -misfortune of the kind perpetrated upon the Saints, first by the -subserviency of, and then the betrayal by, politicians and lawyers. -The hope of both parties to secure political advantage by the influx -of the now Latter-day Saint population into the state has been already -referred to; as also the efforts of both parties to gain their favor by -granting exceptional favors to them in founding Nauvoo. When, however, -the time for voting came, and the Saints voted according to their -convictions of duty, or as their inclinations prompted, the defeated -party or candidates blamed them for the defeat, and straightway favored -the adoption of an anti-Mormon policy, which found support not only in -the defeated party, but also among those who felt a grievance against -the Saints on other accounts; some because Nauvoo's prosperity and -constantly increasing importance as a center of population and trade -and commerce was rapidly eclipsing all other towns of the state; and -others, over-anxious to retard, if not destroy, a rival system on -account of religious prejudice. When an anti-Mormon party took the -field, pledged itself to repeal the Nauvoo charter, and to drive the -Mormons from the state--as was the pledge of Joseph Duncan, Whig -candidate for Governor of Illinois in 1841, [20] there was really no -other course for the Saints to pursue but to combine solidly for the -defeat of the candidate and {XXXIII} party making such pledges; the -instinct of self-preservation impelled such a course, rather than the -prompting of inclination. - -For a time, as in all such cases, the party receiving the support of -this practically solid Mormon vote could be relied upon to protect -and defend those who had made success possible for them; but at the -first indication that the hold of the favored party upon such vote is -precarious, that there is a possibility that it might go to the other -side, [21] naturally the ardor of their friendship, seldom or never -sincere, cools; and they are as ready to combine for the destruction -of their former allies as others have been. And when in addition to -precariousness of hold upon those who possess the balance of power -there stands up in the back ground of things the possibility that -the balance of power party may become strong enough in the political -subdivision in which they are located to run affairs on their own -account, the likelihood of all parties combining against them becomes -all the more assured. In Illinois the Latter-day Saints ran the entire -political gamut of experience as a "balance of power" factor in the -politics of western Illinois. The final phase of that experience had -been reached when at a mass meeting held at Carthage on the sixth of -September, 1843, it was-- - - _Resolved,_ That as it has been too common for several years past - for politicians of both political parties, not only of this county, - but likewise of the state, to go to Nauvoo and truckle to the heads - of the Mormon clan for their influence, we pledge ourselves that we - will not support any man of either party in the future who shall - thus debase himself. [22] - -Politicians still sought Mormon aid to encompass their own political -ends, but, as Governor Ford later remarked, "they were willing and -anxious for Mormon voters at elections, but they were unwilling to risk -their popularity with the people, by taking part in their favor even -when law and justice, and the Constitution, were all on their side;" -[23] and {XXXIV} so finally all parties turned against them, and they -were at the last, as we shall see in the future volume of this history, -expelled without mercy from the state. - -_XII. Joseph Smith's Candidacy for the Presidency._ - -The mischief that threatened during the Prophet's life time, and -which finally befell the Saints, was clearly foreseen by the Church -leaders; and the desire to escape from the threatening portents of it -prompted the nomination of Joseph Smith for the office of President of -the United States, in the general election of 1844. Of course there -could be no hope seriously entertained that he would be elected; but, -as explained by an editorial in the _Times and Seasons,_ [24] if the -Saints could not succeed in electing their candidate, they would have -the satisfaction of knowing that they had acted conscientiously; they -had used their best judgment, under the circumstances, and if they -had to throw away their votes, it was better to do so upon a worthy -than upon an unworthy individual who might use the weapon they put -into his hand to destroy them. The Prophet himself evidently regarded -his nomination humorously rather than seriously, except that it might -result in withdrawing the Saints from the position of shuttle-cock -between the battle doors of the two old political parties. "I care but -little about the presidential chair," he said on one occasion. "I would -not give half as much for the office of President of the United States -as I would for the one I now hold as Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo -Legion." Again he said: "When I get hold of eastern papers, and see -how popular I am; I am afraid myself that I shall be elected; but if -I should be, I would not say [_i. e._ to the Latter-day Saints] your -cause is just but I can do nothing for you." - -As a further evidence that Joseph Smith did not regard his candidacy -as likely to be successful, he was, at the time of his nomination and -afterwards, pushing vigorously his project of a western movement for -the Church. He had drawn up a memorial and ordinance to the national -congress asking to be authorized by the general government to raise -one hundred thousand armed volunteers to police the intermountain and -Pacific coast west from Oregon to Texas, for the purpose of assuring -Texas her independence, and maintaining the claims of the United -States to Oregon, and affording the whole western population of our -country protection from Indian depredations; and thus contribute to -the rapid settlement and development of that noble extent of country -lying between the Mississippi and the Pacific Ocean. His agents, Orson -Hyde and Orson Pratt, presented the matter to senators {XXXV} and -representatives at Washington, and a number favored the project of the -removal of the Mormons to the west, but generally urged that Joseph -Smith go without seeking special authorization from the government. -Reference to Orson Hyde's report of the procedure among congressmen -and their views upon the subject will be found in his two important -communications to the Prophet from Washington, in chapter XVI of this -volume. Mr. John Wentworth, representative to Congress from northern -Illinois, introduced President Smith's Memorial and Ordinance into -the House on the 25th of May, to be read for the information of the -House; but before the reading was concluded, objection was made, and -as it required unanimous consent to have it read, further reading was -prevented. A vote to suspend the rules in order that Mr. Wentworth -might secure the reading of the memorial stood 79 yeas, and 86 nays, -which vote gives evidence at least of a widespread desire to have the -matter presented to the House. [25] - -_XIII. Missouri as a Factor in the Affairs of Nauvoo._ - -In addition to all the Illinois factors that entered into the complex -situation confronting the Saints at Nauvoo, at the time of the -Prophet's death, and some time previous to his arrest, was the attitude -and course pursued by Missouri with reference to Nauvoo and the Saints. -Disgraced as a state by her own conduct towards the Latter-day Saints, -when they were inhabitants within her borders, her people were all too -willing to co-operate with any party or agency that would continue to -make war upon them. If the state of Illinois which with open arms had -received the people that Missouri exiled from her borders, under such -circumstances of cruelty, could also be brought to drive them from that -state, it would be regarded, in a way, as a vindication of Missouri -and the course she had taken in her treatment of the Saints, since in -effect it would say, that the people of Illinois, no less than the -people of Missouri, found it impossible to tolerate the "Mormons;" -and therefore there must be something fundamentally wrong with them, -rather than with the people of these states. Hence the anti-Mormons of -Hancock and adjoining counties in Illinois, always found support in -whatever of violence or wrong they planned against the Saints. Hence -the constant threats of invasion of mobs from Missouri, emphasized by -occasional kidnapping expeditions into Hancock county, together with -frequent requisitions upon the Illinois authorities for the arrest and -extradition of Joseph Smith on the old charges against him in Missouri. -And these {XXXVI} Missouri threats and outrages were not among the -least of the annoyances and anxieties of the Saints; and they make -clear the necessity that was felt for an efficient militia force at -Nauvoo. Hence the Nauvoo Legion and the lively interest manifested in -its frequent musters and drills, and its thorough equipment; all of -which, but for the constant danger of invasion from Missouri mobs, -and the co-operation with them of like forces in Illinois, would have -been inconsistent with the deportment of a religious community whose -mission was one of peace and good will towards men; and who had been -especially commanded to "renounce war and proclaim peace" (Doc and Cov. -Sec. 98:16); and commanded also to "sue for peace," both to those who -had "smitten" them--the revelation was given after the expulsion from -Jackson county, Missouri--and "to all people;" and "lift up an ensign -of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth" -(Doc. and Cov. sec 105: 38-40). But invasions from Missouri constantly -menacing them, and the danger of mob violence breaking out in Illinois, -justified the organization of the Legion, and the maintenance of its -efficiency by full equipment of arms and frequent drills and musters; -for the right of self-preservation is not abrogated by any divine law -given to the Saints; and duty to protect home and family against the -assaults of the evil-disposed, presses as firmly upon the Saints, as -upon those who have not definitely pledged themselves to a program of -righteousness. - -_XIV. Apostate Conspirators at Nauvoo._ - -One other factor only remains to be mentioned of those that enter into -that combination of forces that resulted in the death of the Prophet -and the Patriarch. That is the conspiracy of apostates within Nauvoo -itself. - -The apostates and their sympathizers were headed by a coterie of -prominent young men: The two Law brothers, William and Wilson; Robert -D. and Charles A. Foster, brothers; Francis M. and Chauncey L. Higbee, -brothers, and unworthy sons of that most faithful man and the Prophet's -devoted friend, Judge Elias Higbee (See Vol. IV pp. 81-100 _passim_); -Sylvester Emmons and Joseph H. Jackson. Of these, William Law was -counselor in the First Presidency, and Wilson Law was a major general, -and commander of one of the cohorts of the Nauvoo Legion, and all were -or had been more or less prominent in the public life of Nauvoo. - -The cause of their apostasy seems to have been the baneful influence -of John C. Bennett's immoralities; for these men were quite generally -associates of his before his flight from Nauvoo. They evidently lost -{XXXVII} the spirit of the gospel, wandered through sin into spiritual -darkness, and seemingly were obsessed by a murderous spirit against the -Prophet who boldly revealed their wickedness and publicly denounced -their conduct; and in retaliation this coterie of apostates entered -into conspiracies to encompass President Smith's death, and that of his -brother Hyrum. They were in communication with the Prophet's enemies in -Missouri, and sought to betray him into their hands. They were among -the chief actors in all schemes of opposition and conspiracies against -him in the closing year of his life, including those plots which -eventuated in the martyrdom of both Prophet and Patriarch at Carthage. - -_XV. The "Expositor" Affair._ - -Such are the chief factors that enter into the combination of events -detailed in this volume of HISTORY and which have a direct relationship -to the martyrdom of the Smith brothers. They existed as combustible -materials awaiting only the spark that would set them aflame to work -death and destruction. - -The spark came. It came in the destruction of the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ -published by the above mentioned coterie of apostates. It was the -intention of the _Expositor,_ as its name would indicate, to make -an _expose_ of alleged conditions in Nauvoo, in the moral, social, -religious and political phase of them. Also to agitate for the -_"unconditional repeal of the Nauvoo Charter."_ This was a challenge -to mortal combat, the issue being the life of the city of Nauvoo; and -after that the question of the existence of the Church in Illinois, -or even within the confines of the United States; for undoubtedly the -city charter once repealed, carrying with it the disorganization of the -Legion, protection for the Saints, as matters stood in 1844, both civil -and military, would be gone. It was a life and death struggle then -that the advent of the _Expositor_ inaugurated. The Saints stood at -such disadvantage in the proposed contest that if the _Expositor_ was -allowed to run its course it would inevitably have won its case against -the city; and against the Church, so far as the latter continuing in -Illinois, and perhaps as far as its continuance in the United States -was concerned. - -The new marriage system, involving the practice, within certain -limitations and under very special conditions, of a plurality of wives, -constituted a ground of appeal to popular prejudices and passions that -would have been absolutely resistless if the paper had been allowed -to proceed. The charter would have been repealed; the city government -destroyed, or at the least modified and placed in the hands of an -apostate or anti-Mormon minority whose administration would have been -intolerable to the large majority of Nauvoo's citizens; and finally the -{XXXVIII} scenes of Missouri would have been re-enacted in an Illinois -setting. - -In the presence of such difficulties, what was to be done? In addition -to declaring the existence of the practice of plural marriage, not yet -announced or publicly taught as a doctrine of the Church, and agitating -for the unqualified repeal of the Nauvoo charter, gross immoralities -were charged against leading citizens which doubtless rendered the -paper grossly libelous. In other cities such an avowed enemy as the -_Expositor_ was, would have been destroyed by a mob. For the people -of Nauvoo to have so proceeded would have been a departure from their -principles of upholding law and order, and would have brought upon -them the people of the surrounding counties, and from Missouri in -overwhelming numbers. Mob violence could not be thought of; and yet the -safety of the community imperatively demanded the suppression of the -_Expositor_ at any cost. - -Under these circumstances the city council met and took under -consideration the _Expositor_ and the necessity of destroying it. As -their charter conferred upon the city the right to remove nuisances, -the city council declared the _Expositor_ press a nuisance and directed -the Mayor to have it destroyed, which he did by giving an order to that -effect, and it was destroyed without riot or tumult. - -The legality of the action of the Mayor and City Council was, of -course, questionable, though some sought to defend it on legal grounds; -but it must be conceded that neither proof nor argument for legality -are convincing. On the grounds of expediency or necessity the action -is more defensible. The existence of the city, the preservation of -the Latter-day Saints until provision could be made for a retreat -from Illinois--which retreat was even then being provided for by the -Prophet in the projected movement of the Church to the west--demanded -the cessation of the publication of the _Expositor_. By proceeding at -least under the forms of law, the city council, though they might be -conscious of the illegality of their action, avoided the necessity of -the people resorting to mob action for self-preservation, and made -it possible for the legality of their course to be determined in the -courts, and the parties injured to recover compensation for the press -and damages by civil process. Meantime the libelous press with its -mission of destruction of the Saints at Nauvoo was silenced; and had -events taken the course which the action of the city council provided, -a respite would have been gained from impending violence, during which -arrangements for the retreat of the Saints from Illinois could have -been completed and a goal of safety won for them. Under a plea, then, -of absolute necessity to self-preservation of a community, and to -achieve the retreat here alluded to, and with the certainty that those -injured in property by the _Expositor's_ destruction would be fully -compensated {XXXIX} in civil action before the courts--the action of -the mayor and city council of Nauvoo is defensible, even if not on the -ground of the legality of their procedure. [26] - -_XVI. The Appeal to the Mob Spirit._ - -Events did not take the course planned for them. The uproar that -followed the destruction of the _Expositor_ press, put all reason at -defiance. At Warsaw a mass meeting was held which issued a statement, -in connection with the resolutions it passed, that "A mob at Nauvoo, -under a city ordinance, has violated the highest privilege in -government; and to seek redress in the ordinary way would be utterly -ineffectual. * * * _Resolved,_ that we hold ourselves at all times -in readiness to co-operate with our fellow citizens in this state, -Missouri, and Iowa, to exterminate, _utterly exterminate_ the wicked -and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles. * * * The -time, in our opinion, has arrived when the adherents of Smith as a body -should be driven from the surrounding settlements into Nauvoo. That the -Prophet and his miscreant adherents should then be demanded at their -hands; and, if not surrendered, a war of extermination should be waged -to the entire destruction, if necessary for our protection, of his -adherents. And we hereby recommend this resolution to the consideration -of the several townships, to the mass convention to be held at -Carthage." - -The Carthage meeting held a few days later embodied the above in their -resolutions, as did other mass meetings held at various places. The -_Warsaw Signal_ in its impression of June 12th, passionately said: [27] - - "We have only to state that this [i. e. The destruction of the - _Expositor_ press] is sufficient! War and extermination is - inevitable! CITIZENS ARISE, ONE and ALL!!! Can you stand by, and - suffer such INFERNAL DEVILS! to ROB men of their property rights, - without avenging them? We have no time to comment: every man will - make his own. LET IT BE MADE WITH POWDER and BALL!!!" - -All the combustible material to which attention is called in this -Introduction was instantly aflame at the destruction of the _Expositor_ -press. Every passion was appealed to, jealousy, envy, cupidity, hatred. -All the lawless elements of the community were practically invited to -{XL} assemble and run riot in lawless violence, and excess of carnage -and destruction of property and life. Nothing but the wholesome fear of -the strength and effectiveness of the Nauvoo Legion at that time held -this lawless element in check. - -It was all in vain that hearings were had before the municipal court of -Nauvoo, on the _Expositor_ matter; in vain that a subsequent hearing -was had before Esquire Wells, then not a Mormon and living outside of -Nauvoo limits; in vain that the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ sought to conciliate -the awakening wrath that was aroused in the community, by pleading -that if the city council had "exceeded the law of the land, a higher -court could regulate the proceedings;" in vain that President Smith -urged Governor Ford to come to Nauvoo to make personal investigation of -conditions and take the necessary steps to prevent riot and war--all -was in vain; preparations were in the making on all sides for an -uprising against Nauvoo and the Saints, and there was nothing left but -to defend the city by placing it under martial law and calling upon the -Legion to resist the threatened assault, which act was made the basis -for the subsequent charge of "treason." - -Then followed in quick succession the demand of the governor for the -Mayor and members of the City Council to come to Carthage and submit to -trial under circumstances that inevitably meant death; the inspiration -of the Prophet to go to the West and all would be well; the crossing -of the Mississippi by the Prophet and a few trusted friends to make -preparations for that journey; the accusation by false friends of -cowardice on the Prophet's part, the flight as of a false shepherd -leaving the flock to be devoured by wolves; the lightning-like retort -of the Prophet--"_If my life is of no value to my friends, it is -of none to myself;"_ the return to Nauvoo; the subsequent going to -Carthage to submit to the demands of the governor of Illinois in every -particular, and the well-known story of Carthage jail--the martyrdom. - -_XVII. The Prophet's Nobility in the hour of Trial._ - -The bearing of the Prophet throughout the closing months with which -this volume deals is admirable. There is no faltering or evidence of -weakness at any point of his conduct. If criticized at all it would be -for over-daring, for over self-confidence, that approached sublimity. -Strong men through wickedness fell away from their discipleship, and -conspired against him; the Prophet reproved them in the gate, and -proclaimed their iniquities in public when hope of reforming them -was gone. He saw mobs forming for the destruction of himself and -Nauvoo and his people; he calmly prepared to meet force with force, -and drilled and prepared his legion for the conflict, entrenched -some of the approaches to the city, and picketed them with guards; -as mayor of the {XLI} city he placed the city under martial law; and -as lieutenant-general he took personal command of the Nauvoo Legion -and stood ready to defend the rights of himself and his people, for -which his revolutionary ancestry had fought in the war for American -independence. He believed gloriously in the right of self-defense, and -resistance to oppression by physical force if necessary. To his uncle -John Smith at Ramus who had asked for counsel in the disturbed state of -things, he wrote ten days before his death: - - "I write these few lines to inform you that we feel determined in - this place not to be dismayed if hell boils over all at once. We - feel to hope for the best, and determined to prepare for the worst, - and we want this to be your motto in common with us: _We will never - ground our arms until we give them up by death._" - -And from Carthage prison, on the morning of the day of his martyrdom, -he wrote to his wife for transmission to his people: - - "There is one principle which is eternal: It is the duty of all men - to protect their lives and the lives of their household, 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._" - -When the jail in Carthage was assailed, and the mob was pouring -murderous volleys into the room occupied by himself and friends, the -Prophet turned prom the prostrate form of his murdered brother to face -death-dealing guns and bravely returned the fire of his assailants, -"bringing his man down every time," and compelling even John Hay, who -but reluctantly accords the Prophet any quality of virtue, to confess -that he "made a handsome fight" in the jail. [28] - -_XVIII. Always the Prophet-Teacher._ - -But what was more wonderful than the manifestation of moral and -physical courage and good generalship during these turbulent months of -his career, was the pursuance of his duties as a teacher of religious -truth--his calling as a Prophet of God. Notwithstanding he was troubled -on every side, he could compose his mind to instruct the {XLII} Church -on such doctrines as the complete salvation of their dead; how to -proceed with the administration of all ordinances given for and in -behalf of the dead; the doctrine of the resurrection and the reality -of spiritual existences; the plurality of Divine Intelligences, or -Gods; the nature of man's spirit; the doctrine of eternal progress for -intelligences who keep the estates through which they are appointed to -pass; the nature and character of the Godhead, and the relationship -of man to God. All these themes and many more he dwelt upon in -public discourse and private interview and written communications. -He lived his life, as I have said elsewhere, _in crescendo,_ it grew -in intensity and volume as he approached its close. Higher and still -higher the inspiration of God directed his thoughts; bolder were -his conceptions, and clearer his expositions of them. So far was he -from being a "fallen prophet" in the closing months of his career, -as apostates charged, that he grew stronger with each passing day; -more impressive in weight of personal character, and charm of manner; -for he preserved amid all the conflicts and trials through which he -passed--until the shadows of impending death began to fall upon him -in Carthage prison--the natural sweetness of his nature, and the -intellectual playfulness characteristic of him from boyhood--_so do not -fallen prophets._ - -* * * * * * * - -Side by side on the banks of the majestic river that half encircles -Nauvoo, the "beautiful," carrying with it also the idea of "rest," -peacefully sleep the brothers, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Prophet and -the Patriarch of the Church in the New Dispensation of the Gospel. -Their lives were interlaced by almost daily associations from childhood -to the last awful scene of martyrdom. It was therefore most fitting -that they should be buried beside each other, on the banks of the -"Father of Waters" in the city they had founded, where they had toiled -and suffered and achieved; where their joys rose to greater heights -and their sorrows sounded greater depths than falls to the lot of but -few men in this world. Undisturbed may their death slumber be until it -shall be ended by the trump of God, calling them forth to a glorious -resurrection. - -* * * * * * * - -_Prophet and Patriarch_ - -In the Temple square at Salt Lake City, where tens of thousands, made -up of people of nearly every nation in the world view them, stand two -bronze statues, life size, on granite bases. They are the statues -of the Brothers Smith, the Prophet and the Patriarch of the New -Dispensation of the Gospel. On the granite basements, respectively, are -bronze tablets on {XLIII} which is engraved the Life Record of these -men, and what is characteristic of each. - -The text of the bronze plate of Hyrum Smith's statue is as follows: - - HYRUM SMITH. - - The Patriarch and a witness of the Book of Mormon. - - An elder brother, and the steadfast friend and counselor of Joseph - Smith, the Prophet. - - Born at Tunbridge, Vermont, February 9th, 1800; suffered martyrdom - with the Prophet at Carthage, Illinois, on the 27th of June, 1844. - - The friendship of the brothers Hyrum and Joseph Smith is foremost - among the few great friendships of the world's history. Their names - will be classed among the martyrs for religion. - - The Book of Mormon--the plates of which Hyrum Smith both saw and - handled; the revelations in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--these, to bring them - forth for the salvation of the world, cost the best blood of the - 19th century. - - "I could pray in my heart that all men were like my brother Hyrum, - who possesses the mildness of a lamb and the integrity of Job, and, - in short, the meekness and humility of Christ. I love him with that - love that is stronger than death."--_Joseph Smith_. - - "If ever there was an exemplary, honest and virtuous man, the - embodiment of all that is noble in the human form, Hyrum Smith was - the representative."--_President John Taylor_. - - As he shared in the labors, so does he share in the honor and glory - of the New Dispensation with his Prophet Brother. - - In life they were not divided; in death they were not separated; in - glory they are one. - -The text on the west side of the base of Joseph Smith's tablet is: - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - The Prophet of the New Dispensation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - our Lord. He was born at Sharon, Vermont, on the 23rd of December, - 1805; and suffered Martyrdom for the word of God and the testimony - of Jesus at Carthage, Illinois, on the 27th of June, 1844. - - HIS VISION OF GOD. - - I saw two Personages whose glory and brightness defy all - description. One of them spake unto me and said: - - "_This is my Beloved Son: hear Him._" - - I asked which of all the sects was right, and which I should join. - I {XLIV} was answered I must join none of them; they were all - wrong; they teach for doctrine the commandments of men; I received - a promise that the fullness of the Gospel would at some future time - be made known to me. - - THE BOOK OF MORMON. - - This book was revealed to him, and he translated it by the gift and - power of God. It is an inspired history of ancient America, and - contains the fullness of the Gospel. It is the American Testament - of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - - THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. - - Joseph Smith received divine authority through the ministration of - angels to teach the Gospel and administer the ordinances thereof. - He established again in the earth the Church of Jesus Christ, - organizing it by the will and commandment of God on the 6th day of - April, 1830. - - He also received commission to gather Israel and establish Zion on - this land of America; to erect temples and perform all ordinances - therein both for the living and the dead; and prepare the way for - the glorious coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to reign on earth. - -The contents of the tablet on the east side of the base of the -Prophet's statue are these gems from his teachings: - - TRUTH GEMS. - - The glory of God is intelligence. - - It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. - - Whatever principles of intelligence we attain unto in this life - will rise with us in the resurrection. - - There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations - of this world upon which all blessings are predicated; and when - we obtain any blessing from God it is by obedience to that law on - which it is predicated. - - This is the work and glory of God: to bring to pass the immortality - and eternal life of man. - - Adam fell that man might be; and men are that they might have joy. - - The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have - an end. Jesus was in the beginning with the Father: man was also in - the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was - not created or made, neither indeed can be. - - The spirit and body is the soul of man; and the resurrection from - the dead is the redemption of the soul. - - It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the - character of God; and to know that man, (as Moses) may converse - with Him as one man converses with another. - -{XLV} This message of the Prophet, and these doctrines of the east -bronze tablet, together with other doctrines taught by him in this -PERIOD I of our CHURCH HISTORY, and to be found scattered through the -six volumes now published of that history, await only the mind of -some God-inspired Spencer to cast them into synthetical form--to be -adequately presented and witnessed--to constitute Mormonism both the -Religion and the Philosophy of modern times--to bring to pass and to -glorify the Golden Age of the long-promised Millennium of Christian -hope. - -Footnotes: - -1. That the general government of the United states has since -constructed such a canal from Keokuk to Montrose, directly opposite -Nauvoo on the west, and at a cost of more than four and a half million -dollars, completing it in 1877 is noted in this volume, p. 80 and -footnote. - -2. See _Nauvoo Neighbor_ for March 5th and March 12th. John E. Page -was president of the company; and in a communication to the _Neighbor_ -(March 12, 1845) urging a vigorous prosecution of the enterprise, he -said: - -"We have commenced active operations for the building of a dam in the -river, as noticed in the _Neighbor_ of last week. * * * - -"Here is the proud and gallant Mississippi, with her rapid current, -tumbling to the broad Atlantic, seeming to say (as she quickens her -pace over the rugged rocks of the lower rapids just opposite to our -beautiful Nauvoo) only improve my shores and banks, ye Saints, as ye -improve my neighboring soil; and I will propel your mills, cotton and -woollen manufactories, by which your laborers can find employ, and your -poor can be clothed and fed." - -3. As the suggestion of Joseph Smith for building the canal around the -Des Moines Rapids by the general government of the United states was -carried out; so also is the water power of the Des Moines Rapids being -utilized for manufacturing and other purposes, first suggested by the -Prophet, but now, of course, in a way and on a larger scale than it -was possible even for men to dream of when the city council of Nauvoo, -in 1843, authorized the construction of a dam to harness this power in -the Mississippi for the service of man. This, however, is now nearly -an accomplished fact through the enterprise of the Keokuk and Hamilton -Water Power Company, which, between Hamilton on the Illinois side, -and Keokuk on the Iowa side of the Mississippi (eight or nine miles -below Nauvoo), has in course of construction a dam which, including -abutments, will be 4,700 feet in length, will stand 32 feet above the -river bed, and be 42 feet wide at its base, built of solid concrete. -In connection with the dam, and incident to it will be wharfage and -a large drydock for the construction and repair of floating craft. -There will be developed and for sale as the result of this enterprise, -200,000 horsepower for the service of St. Louis and other towns of -Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. The dam and power house will be built at a -cost of $22,000,000. - -4. See "History of the Mormon Church," _Americana_ magazine, number for -January, 1911, Ch. LIX; also Elder John Taylor's Journal entry for 5th -of September, 1844. - -5. The _Register_ article is copied into the_ Nauvoo Neighbor_ for -November 13th, 1844. - -6. _Nauvoo Neighbor_, March 12th, 1845. - -7. See John Taylor's communication to the Quincy _Argus_, May 1st, -1839. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, Vol. III, Chapter XXIII. - -8. See Denunciation of Thieves, 1844, by Hyrum Smith; by President -Smith and the formal action of the Apostles quorum, this HISTORY Vol. -IV, Chapter XVII. Also the minutes of the conference held at Nauvoo -April, 1843, this HISTORY, Vol. V, Chapter XVII. - -9. History of Hancock County, p. 158. - -10. Ibid. - -11. See this HISTORY Vol. V, Ch. XXIV and Vol. IV. Introduction pp, 22 -_et seq_. - -12. This ordinance about a month after its enactment was repealed at -the suggestion of President Smith. See this volume pp. 55-6. - -13. This alleged "design" of the ordinance President Smith specifically -denied in the open session of the city council, and to a committee of -lawyers from Carthage, who waited upon the city council to protest -against this ordinance; and the ordinance was amended by a third -section disclaiming such alleged intention, but still retaining the -feature that forced state process to be served through the agency -Nauvoo's city officers. See this vol. pp. 173-4. - -14. This volume pp. 130-132. - -15. This HISTORY Vol. V, pp. 467-8, 472. - -16. This HISTORY, Vol. V. pp. 473-4. - -17. See Ford's letter to Thomas Reynolds, Governor of Missouri, under -date of August 14, 1843. This HISTORY, Vol. V, pp. 553-6. - -18. Ibid p. 200. - -19. This HISTORY, Vol. VI. Ch. XXVI, where both letters will be found -at length. - -20. See Ford's_ History of Illinois_. p. 269; also this HISTORY, Vol -IV, pp. 479-481 and footnotes; Vol. V, p. 490. - -21. Such appeared to be the very great probability in the election of -1843. As will be remembered by the readers of Vol. IV of this HISTORY, -Cyrus Walker, Esq., Whig candidate for Congress, rendered valuable -service in delivering the Prophet from the hands of those bent upon -running him into Missouri for trial on the old complaint against him -in that state. That service could only be obtained in that crisis by -Joseph Smith pledging himself to vote for Walker, which was interpreted -to mean, of course, the Mormon vote; and it was generally conceded that -the Whigs receiving the Mormon vote would be successful. Before the day -of election, however, there had arisen strong reasons for believing -that the arrest of Prophet and the effort to take him to Missouri, as -also Walker's appearance upon the scene to effect his liberation, was -itself a political trick to secure the Mormon vote for the Whig party, -which was thwarted by the Mormons voting, at the last moment, the -Democratic ticket. (See Vol. V, Chapter XXVI). - -22. Ford's History of Illinois, p. 364. - -23. See this volume, pp. 214-217, where the editorial is given _in -extenso_. - -24. See Chapter XI, this volume, where the memorial itself, Hyde's two -letters and the action in the House of Representatives will be found in -full. - -25. See Chapter XXX, _passim_ this volume for a discussion of the -_Expositor_; also Taylor-Colfax Discussion on the "Mormon" Question, -p. 20. Also an editorial from the Nauvoo _Neighbor_, see p. 496, this -volume. - -26. I follow the typing and punctuation from the _Signal_ as given by -the late John Hay, secretary of state, _Atlantic Monthly_ of December, -1869. - -27. This is the late Secretary of State John Hay, in the _Atlantic -Monthly_ for December, 1869; "Joe Smith died bravely, he stood by the -jam of the door and fired four shots, bringing his man down every -time. He shot an Irishman named Wills, who was in the affair from his -congenital love of a brawl, in the arm; Gallaghor, a Southerner from -the Mississippi bottom, in the face; Voorhees, a half-grown hobbledehoy -from Bear Creek, in the shoulder; and another gentleman, whose name I -will not mention, as he in prepared to prove an _alibi_, and besides -stands six feet two in his moccasins." In a later paragraph he refers -to "the handsome fight in the jail." - - - -HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. - -PERIOD I. - -HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH, THE PROPHET. - - - -CHAPTER I. - -AN ESTIMATE OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH AS A RELIGIOUS LEADER--ANTI-MORMON -MEETING AT CARTHAGE--HISTORICAL SKETCH--IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF THE -TWELVE HELD IN BOSTON. - -_Friday, September 1, 1843._--A conference was held in Buffalo, New -York, Elder John P. Greene presiding; Wm. H. Folsom, [1] clerk: 13 -branches, 1 High Priest, 58 {2} Elders, 2 Teachers, 1 Deacon, and 247 -members were represented. - -I attended the meeting of the High Council as a witness in the case of -Cowles [2] vs. George J. Adams. Charges not sustained. - -_Saturday, 2._--I was not well, and therefore adjourned Mayor's Court. - -_Sunday, 3._--I attended council with my brother Hyrum, Newel B. -Whitney, Willard Richards, William Law and William Marks, and gave -instructions to the brethren in relation to things in futurity. - -A tremendous storm at Chester, Penn. The creek rose twenty-three feet -in two hours, and swept away all the bridges, many factories and -houses, and upwards of twenty persons drowned. - -A conference was held at Hayward's Hotel, Manchester, England. - - _Minutes of the Manchester Conference, held 3rd of September, 1843._ - - Charles Miller, President; William Walker, Clerk. Present: 1 - Patriarch, 1 High Priest, 25 Elders, 40 Priests, 21 Teachers, and 4 - Deacons. - - Total number of members represented was as follows: 1,549 members, - including 44 Elders, 99 Priests, 56 Teachers, 22 Deacons. Baptized - since last general conference, 80; cut off, 29; emigrated, 18; - removed, 26; died, 4. - -_Monday, 4._--Attended mayor's court and tried three cases--viz., - -City _versus_ A. Dodge, S. Dodge, and Luther Purtelow. - -The two first I fined five dollars, and the last one dollar and costs. -One, p.m., called and gave licence for {3} a circus performance, which -I attended with my family until five, p.m. - -I copy from the_ New York Sun_ as follows:-- - - "JOE SMITH, THE MORMON PROPHET." [3] - - This Joe Smith must be set down as an extraordinary character, a - prophet-hero, as Carlyle might call him. He is one of the great men - of this age, and in future history will rank with those who, in one - way or another, have stamped their impress strongly on society. - - Nothing can be more plebeian, in seeming, than this Joe Smith. - Little of dignity is there in his cognomen; but few in this age - have done such deeds, and performed such apparent miracles. It - is no small thing, in the blaze of this nineteenth century, to - give to men a new revelation, found a new religion, establish new - forms of worship, to build a city, with new laws, institutions, - and orders of architecture,--to establish ecclesiastic, civil and - military jurisdiction, found colleges, send out missionaries, and - make proselytes in two hemispheres: yet all this has been done by - Joe Smith, and that against every sort of opposition, ridicule - and persecution. This sect has its martyrs also; and the spirit - in which they were imprisoned and murdered in Missouri, does not - appear to have differed much from that which has attended religious - persecutions in all ages of the world. - - That Joe Smith, the founder of the Mormons, is a man of great - talent, a deep thinker, and eloquent speaker, an able writer, and - a man of great mental power, no one can doubt who has watched his - career. That his followers are deceived, we all believe; but, - should the inherent corruptions of Mormonism fail to develop - themselves sufficiently to convince its followers of their error, - where will the thing end? A great military despotism is growing - up in the fertile West, increasing faster in proportion, than - the surrounding population, spreading its influence around, and - marshalling multitudes under its banners, causing serious alarm to - every patriot. - -What is the reason that men are so blind that they cannot or will not -see the hand of the Lord in His work of the last days! - -_Tuesday, 5._--Went to the office at nine, a.m., with Mr. Hamilton, of -Carthage, who had obtained a deed from {4} the sheriff of the county -for lot 2, block 103, in the city of Nauvoo, for taxes, although I had -previously paid them; which is another specimen of the oppression, -injustice, and rascality of Mr. Collector Bagby, who by such foul means -robs me and other Saints, and abuses all who come unfortunately in his -power. - -I requested my clerk to make out a bill of fare for the "Mansion." - -The ship _Metoka_ sailed from Liverpool with a company of Saints on -board. - -_Wednesday, 6.--_I went to the recorder's about half past six, a.m., -and found him in bed. - -Held mayor's court in the case, "City _versus_ Joseph Owen." - -_Anti-Mormon Meeting at Carthage, Seat of Hancock, County Illinois._ [4] - -Meeting convened pursuant to adjournment. The former chairman [5] not -being present. - -Edson Whitney, Esq., was called to the chair, and the meeting being -organized, the following preamble and resolutions were submitted by the -committee, and unanimously adopted:-- - - PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS. - - This meeting having convened for the purpose of taking under - advisement a subject of vital importance not only to this county, - but to all the surrounding counties, regret that we are necessarily - and irresistibly forced to the conclusion that a certain class - of people have obtruded themselves upon us, calling themselves - Mormons, or Latter-day Saints, and under the sacred garb of - Christianity, assumed, as we honestly believe, that they may the - more easily, under such a cloak, perpetrate the most lawless and - diabolical deeds that have ever, in any age of the world, disgraced - the human species. - - In evidence of the above charge, we find them yielding implicit - obedience to the ostensible head and founder of this sect, who - is a pretended prophet of the Lord, and under this Heaven-daring - assumption {5} claiming to set aside, by his vile and blasphemous - lies, all those moral and religious institutions which have been - established by the Bible, and which have in all ages been cherished - by men as the only means of maintaining those social blessings - which are so indispensably necessary for our happiness. - - We believe that such an individual, regardless as he must be of - his obligations to God, and at the same time entertaining the most - absolute contempt for the laws of man, cannot fail to become a - most dangerous character, especially when he shall have been able - to place himself at the head of a numerous horde, either equally - reckless and unprincipled as himself, or else made his pliant tools - by the most absurd credulity that has astonished the world since - its foundation. - - In the opinion of this meeting, a crisis has arrived, when many - of the evils to be expected from a state of things so threatening - have transpired. We feel convinced that circumstances have even now - occurred which prove to us most conclusively that Joseph Smith, the - false Prophet before alluded to, has evinced, in many instances, - a most shameless disregard for all the forms and restraints of - law, by boldly and presumptuously calling in question the acts - of certain officers, who had fearlessly discharged the duties - absolutely imposed upon them by the laws, particularly when they - have come in contact with his own sordid and selfish interests. - - He has been heard to threaten--nay, he _has_ committed violence - upon the person of an officer, because that officer dared honestly - to do his duties according to law. - - He has caused his city council to pass laws contrary to the laws of - the state, and subversive of the rights of citizens of this state. - - Citizens have been arrested, tried and punished for breaches of - those mock laws, from time to time, in such manner, that they have - been compelled to the humiliating necessity of seeking an asylum - elsewhere, in order to escape the tyranny and oppression of this - modern Caligula. - - He has caused the writ of _habeas corpus_ to be issued by the - municipal court of the city of Nauvoo, in a case not provided for - in the charter of this city, and indeed contrary to the letter of - that instrument; and, himself a prisoner, arrested under grave - charges made by a neighboring state, brought before said court, - tried, and acquitted; thereby securing his own rescue from the - custody of the law. - - Citizens from the adjoining counties have been denied the right to - regain property stolen and taken to Nauvoo, even after they have - discovered both the thief and the property; and themselves, under - the most frivolous pretenses, arrested, fined, and other property - rifled from them, to satisfy the mock judgments and costs of his - cormorant officers. - - {6} Persons upon whom stolen property has been found in the city of - Nauvoo, have been brought before this religio-political chief; and - he, in the capacity of mayor of the city, has refused to convict, - where the cases have been most clear and palpable. - - We have had men of the most vicious and abominable habits - imposed upon us to fill our most important county offices, by - his dictum, in order, as we verily believe, that he may the more - certainly control our destinies, and render himself, through the - instrumentality of these base creatures of his ill-directed power, - as absolutely a despot over the citizens of this county as he now - is over the serfs of his own servile clan. - - And, to crown all, he claims to merge all religion, all law, and - both moral and political justice, in the knavish pretension that - he receives fresh from heaven divine instructions in all matters - pertaining to these things; thereby making his own depraved will - the rule by which he would have all men governed. - - He has caused large bodies of his ragamuffin soldiery to arm - themselves, and turn out in pursuit of officers legally authorized - to arrest himself; he being charged with high crimes and - misdemeanors committed in the state of Missouri, and these officers - arrested by the vilest hypocrisy, and placed in duress, that he - might enable himself to march triumphantly into Nauvoo, and bid - defiance to the laws of the land. - - In view of the above grievances, this meeting feel that it is - their bounden duty to resist, by every laudable means, all such - unwarrantable attacks upon their liberties. Therefore-- - - _Resolved,_ 1st. That inasmuch as we honestly believe that the - combination of people calling themselves Mormons, or Latter-day - Saints, have given strong indications, in their recent movements, - that they are unwilling to submit to the ordinary restraints of - law, we are therefore forced to the conclusion that the time is not - far distant when the citizens of this country will be compelled to - assert their rights in some way. - - _Resolved,_ 2nd. That while we would deprecate anything like - lawless violence, without justifiable cause, yet we pledge - ourselves in the most solemn manner to resist all the wrongs which - may be hereafter attempted to be imposed on this community by the - Mormons, to the utmost of our ability,--peaceably, if we can, but - forcibly, if we must. - - _Resolved,_ 3rd. That in the event of our being forced into a - collision with that people, we pledge ourselves that we will stand - by and support each other in every emergency up to the death. - - _Resolved,_ 4th. That we believe that it is also the interest - of our friends in the neighboring counties and also neighboring - states to begin to take a firm and decided stand against the high - pretension and base designs of this latter-day would-be Mahomet. - - {7} _Resolved,_ 5th. That provided we must necessarily, for the - well-being of this community, the protection of our dearest rights, - and the preservation of our excellent institutions, adopt measures - to humble the pride and arrogance of that audacious despot; we - therefore call upon all good and honest men, without distinction of - party or place, to come to the rescue. - - _Resolved,_ 6th. That we pledge ourselves in the most determined - manner that if the authorities of the State of Missouri shall make - another demand for the body of Joseph Smith, and our Governor - shall issue another warrant to stand ready at all times to serve - the officer into whose hands such warrant may come, as a _posse_, - in order that it may not be said of us, in future, that the most - outrageous culprits have been suffered "to go unwhipped of justice." - - _Resolved,_ 7th. That a corresponding committee be appointed to - communicate with the different parts of this county, and also with - other counties; and we would also recommend to all surrounding - counties to appoint like committees for the purpose of a mutual - interchange of views in regard to the subjects embraced in these - proceedings. - - _Resolved,_ 8th. That as it has been too common for several years - past for politicians of both political parties, not only of this - county, but likewise of the state, to go to Nauvoo and truckle - to the heads of the Mormon clan for their influence, we pledge - ourselves that we will not support any man of either party in - future who shall thus debase himself. - - _Resolved,_ 9th. That if the Mormons carry out the threats they - have made in regards to the lives of several of our citizens, we - will, if failing to obtain speedy redress from the laws of the - land, take summary and signal vengeance upon them as a people. - - _Resolved,_ 10th. That when the Government ceases to afford - protection, the citizens of course fall back upon their original - inherent right of self-defense. - - In pursuance of the 7th resolution, the following gentlemen - were appointed to act as a central corresponding committee at - Carthage--namely, Captain Robert F. Smith, Major T. J. Bartlet, - Harmon T. Wilson, Frank A. Worrel, and Walter Bagby. - - On motion of Henry Stevens, it was ordered that committees, - consisting of two persons, be appointed in each election precinct - of this county, for the purpose of communicating with the central - committee at Carthage; and that those two may add to their number - at discretion. - - On motion of Daniel Beaver, it was made the duty of the person - whose name stands first on the list of each committee to act as - chairman; and that all communications from the other committees, or - from any other sources shall be added. - - {8} The following gentlemen were then appointed by the chair as - committees in the several precincts, to wit:-- - - _Green Plains_--Edson Whitney and Levi Williams. - - _Bear Creek_--William White and Andrew Moore. - - _Chili_--Stephen Owen and Arthur Morgan. - - _Augusta_--William D. Abernethy and Alexander Oliver. - - _Saint Mary's_--William Darnell and Daniel Beaver. - - _Fountain Green_--Thomas Geddis and S. H. Tyler. - - _La Harpe_--Jesse Gilmer and Charles Comstock. - - _Camp Creek_--James Graham and Thomas Harris. - - _Appanooce_--John McCanley and John R. Atherton. - - _Montebello_--Samuel Steel and Benjamin B. Gates. - - _Warsaw_--Thomas C. Sharp and Mark Aldrich. - - On motion of Levi Williams, Colonel Root, of McDonough county, was - added to the central corresponding committee of Carthage. - - On motion of Henry Newton, Esq., - - _Resolved,_ That the central committee of correspondence act as a - general committee of supervision; and, in case of a contingency - occurring requiring aid, that they immediately call on the precinct - committees and upon all others favorable to our cause to furnish - such aid as the exigency of the case may require. - - On the motion of Charles C. Stevens, the following supplementary - resolutions were unanimously adopted:-- - - _Resolved,_ That the president of this meeting be requested to - communicate with the Governor of Missouri, and respectfully request - him to make another demand upon the authorities of this state for - the body of Joseph Smith, commonly called the Mormon Prophet; - and in the event of a requisition and an order for his arrest - and delivery to the proper officers of the state of Missouri, we - offer our services to enforce said order, and pledge ourselves to - sustain the supremacy of the laws at all hazards and under all - circumstances. - - _Resolved,_ That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be - forwarded to the publisher of the _Warsaw Message, Quincy Whig,_ - and _Quincy Herald,_ for publication, with a request to them to add - a note, soliciting all editors friendly to our cause in this state, - Missouri, and Iowa Territory, to copy. - - It was then moved and seconded, That this meeting adjourn, subject - to the call of the central corresponding committee. - - Edson Whitney, Chairman. - - W. D. Abernethy, Secretary. - - Editors throughout Illinois, Missouri, Iowa Territory, friendly to - the Anti-Mormon cause, are requested to publish the proceedings, in - today's paper, of a meeting held at Carthage on the 6th instant. - -{9} _Thursday, 7.--_I took home the letter written to Harrisburg -[6] for the Church History, a small fragment of which only has been -preserved, and is as follows:-- - - _Historical Sketch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints._ - - Messrs. Editors,--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - was founded upon direct revelation, as the true Church of God - has ever been, according to the Scriptures (Amos 3:7, and Acts - 1:2); and through the will and blessings of God, I have been an - instrument in his hands, thus far, to move forward the cause of - Zion: therefore, in order to fulfill the solicitations of your - letter of July last, I shall commence with my life. - - [Then follows a brief historical sketch of the Church from the - birth of the Prophet to the settlement of the Saints at Nauvoo, - much in the strain of the _"Wentworth Letter"_ already published in - this HISTORY, (Vol. IV, Ch. XXXI); and for the reason that all the - historical data in this I. Daniel Rupp sketch is contained in the - _Wentworth Letter,_ it is thought unnecessary to reproduce it here, - excepting the closing paragraphs which deal with conditions and - prospects at Nauvoo, on the date at which we have arrived in our - HISTORY, viz. September, 1843.--Editor.] - - Nauvoo, upon every point connected with increase and prosperity - has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of thousands. It now - contains near 3,500 houses, and more than 15,000 inhabitants. - The charter contains, among its important powers, privileges or - immunities, a grant for "The University of Nauvoo," with the same - liberal powers of the city, where all the arts and sciences will - grow with the growth and strengthen the strength of this beloved - city of the Saints of the last days. - - Another very commendatory provision of the charter is that that - portion of the citizens subject to military duty are organized - into a body of independent military men, styled the "Nauvoo - Legion," whose highest officer holds the rank and is commissioned - lieutenant-general. This Legion, like other independent bodies of - troops in this Republican Government, is at the disposal of the - Governor of the state, and President of the United States. There is - also an act of incorporation for an Agricultural and Manufacturing - Association, as well as the Nauvoo House Association. - - Since the organization of this Church, its progress has been rapid, - and its gain in numbers regular. Besides these United States, where - {10} nearly every place of notoriety has heard the glad tidings - of the Gospel of the Son of God, England, Ireland and Scotland - have shared largely in the fullness of the everlasting Gospel, and - thousands have already gathered with their kindred Saints to this - the corner stone of Zion. Missionaries of this Church have gone - to the East Indies, to Australia, Germany, Constantinople, Egypt, - Palestine, the islands of the Pacific, and are now preparing to - open the door in the extensive dominions of Russia. - - There is no correct data by which the exact number of members - composing this now extensive and still extending Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints can be known. Should it be supposed at - 150,000, it might still be short of the truth. - - Believing the Bible to say what it means and mean what it says, - and guided by revelation, according to the ancient order of the - fathers, to whom came what little light we enjoy, and circumscribed - only by the eternal limits of truth, this Church must continue the - even tenor of its way. - -Called at the office, and administered the laying on of hands to Sister -Partington and her two children. - -Dreadful conflagration at Stuhlweissenburg, in Hungary. About six -hundred houses destroyed. - -_Friday, 8.--_My wife being sick, I was at home all day. - -Stephen Markham started for Dixon with the court papers in relation to -the writ of habeas corpus, and as a witness. - -I directed William Clayton to go to Augusta, Iowa, to get a deed signed -by Mr. Moffit for the steamer _Maid of Iowa_. - -Muster day of the first cohort. - -The Twelve held a meeting in Boylston Hall, Boston. Present--Elders -Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, John -E. Page. - -_Saturday, 9.--_My wife a little more comfortable. William Clayton -went to Augusta, got the deed signed by Mr. Moffit and his wife, and -returned in the evening. - -General training of the Nauvoo Legion. - -The quorum of the Twelve met the church in Boston, at Boylston Hall, in -conference. Sixteen branches were represented, containing 878 members. -A great deal of {11} valuable instruction was given by the Twelve, and -the hall, a very large one, was crowded. A number were baptized during -conference, which lasted three days. The minutes of conference I here -insert:-- - - _Important Conference of the Twelve, Held at Boylston Hall, Boston, - September 9, 1843._ - - Present of the Quorum of the Twelve--Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. - Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, John E. Page, - Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith. - - [_Reported by Wilford Woodruff._] - - Conference opened with prayer by Elder George A. Smith. - - After the various branches in the New England States were - represented, Elder P. P. Pratt made a few remarks, of which the - following is a synopsis: - - Some Elders tell us that they have taught the gathering according - to the Scriptures. But it is not sufficient to teach the principle - from the Scriptures alone; for if there was no other guide, the - people would be left in doubt as to whether they should gather to - Jerusalem, Africa, America, or elsewhere. It is right to teach the - gathering according to the Scriptures, although some predictions - of the Prophets are obscure; but we are not left to them alone. - We know and all the Saints ought to know that God has appointed a - place and time of gathering and has raised up a Prophet to bring - it about, of which we are witnesses. Our message is that we are - witnesses of the fulfillment of the predictions of the Prophets. - - We have not to lay down a long, round-about [system] of arguments - and calculations. The specific time and place are pointed out, the - stakes are driven, the foundations of the city and temple are laid, - and a people already gathered. We therefore know where to go; and - to reject the revelations of God, which have pointed out these - things to us, only brings condemnation. If this is not the case, - then our faith is vain, and our works and hopes are vain also. - - We worship a God who can inspire His servants to tell the people - what to do. We have already got the opinions of men enough - concerning the coming of Jesus Christ; but we need the voice of a - Prophet in such a case and we have it. I am willing to risk my all - upon it: and if the Elders understand the principle of gathering, - and teach it correctly, the people will have the correct spirit of - the gathering. - - It is time we come out and declared boldly and definitely what God - had for the people. We want more than opinions--we want your works. - He has said he would send a Prophet to prepare the way. And {12} - let me ask these profound sectarians, why He has not done it? If - the angels found a God in heaven able to give instructions, shield - them from sword and famine, &c., why have we not found Him? Let - the teachers bear the message they are entrusted with; and if the - people wish then for Scripture, tell them that their message is in - fulfillment of prophecy; but let them have the whole message. - - Elder E. P. Maginn said he for one had taught the gathering - according to the Scriptures; but he considered all modern - revelations Scripture as well as those given anciently. - - Elder Brigham Young addressed the meeting on the subject of our - faith. We hear the Elders represent the feeling of the brethren - concerning the gathering. This is right. The Spirit of the Lord - Jesus Christ is a gathering spirit. Its tendency is to gather the - virtuous and good, the honest and meek of the earth, and, in fine, - the Saints of God. The time has come when the Lord is determined - to fulfill his purposes. The people are apt to say that if they - had lived in the days of Jesus Christ they would have received His - work. But judge ye if the people are better now than then. They are - not. When the full, set time was come, the Lord came in the flesh - to do His work, whether the people were prepared or not; and He - would not have come at all, if He had waited till the people were - prepared to receive Him. It was decreed from all eternity that He - should come, and He came. The people were not prepared then, nor - are they any more prepared now. And now the full set time has come - for the Lord God Almighty to set His hand to redeem Israel. We are - not bound to make the people believe, but we are bound to preach - the Gospel; and having done this, our garments are clear. - - The Lord does not require every soul to leave his home as soon as - He believes. Some may be wanted to go to the isles of the sea, and - some to go north, and some south. But He _does_ require them to - hearken to counsel, and follow that course which He points out, - whether to gather or stay to do some other work. - - The Spirit of the Lord and His work are on the alert, and those who - keep up with the work must be on the alert also. The Spirit of the - Lord will leave them who sit down and refuse to obey. When the Lord - says, "Gather yourselves together," why do you ask Him what for? - Had you not rather enjoy the society of Saints than sinners whom - you cannot love? Is it not the principle of the Saints to mingle - together and promote the great cause in which they are engaged? - - Perhaps some of you are ready to ask, "Cannot the Lord save us as - well where we are as to gather together?" Yes, if the Lord says - so. But if He commands us to come out and gather together, He will - not save us by staying at home. Have you not received the Gospel? - Yes. {13} Then do you believe what we say? Have you not received - the Holy Ghost, by receiving the Gospel which we have brought unto - you? Yes, thousands have; and it stands as a testimony that God has - got a Prophet on the earth. You might have been baptized seventy - times seven in any way except the way God had ordained and pointed - out, and you would not have received the Holy Ghost. This also is a - testimony to you. - - Are you engaged with us in this great work? "Yes, certainly," you - answer, "heart and hand." "Can we do any good?" Yes, you can. The - sectarian world send the Bible to the nations of the earth. The - poor among them put sixpence, fifty cents or a dollar into the box - to carry out that object; and can the Latter-day Saints do nothing? - Let them do what God requires. He has required that we should build - a house unto His name, that the ordinances and blessings of His - kingdom may be revealed, and that the Elders may be endowed, go - forth and gather together the blood of Ephraim--the people of God, - from the ends of the earth. - - Can you get an endowment in Boston or anywhere, except where God - appoints? No, only in that place which God has pointed out. Now, - query--Could Moses have obtained the law if he had stayed in - the midst of the children of Israel, instead of going up on to - the mountain? The Lord said, "Go and do so and so; stand before - Pharaoh; pull off thy shoes, for the place is holy." Moses obeyed, - and obtained blessings which he would not have received if he had - been disobedient. - - Has the Lord spoken in these last days, and required us to build - Him a house? Then why query about it? If He has spoken, it is - enough. I do not care whether the people gather or not, if they - don't want to do so. I do not wish to save the people against their - will. I want them to choose whether they will gather and be saved - with the righteous, or remain with the wicked and be damned. I - would like to have all people bow down to the Lord Jesus Christ; - but it is one of the decrees of the Lord that all persons shall act - upon their agency, which was the case even with the angels who fell - from heaven. - - Now, will you help us to build the Nauvoo House and Temple? If so, - you will be blessed: if not, we will build it without you. And if - you don't hearken, you will not have the Spirit of the Lord; for - the Spirit of the Lord is on the move. - - The Apostles tried to gather the people together in their day. - Christ said He would gather the Jews oft as a hen gathereth her - chickens under her wings, but they would not. Neither God nor - angels care whether men hear or forbear: they will carry on their - work; for the full, set time is come for God to set up His kingdom, - and we go about it. We must build a house, and get an endowment, - preach the gospel, {14} warn the people, gather the Saints, build - up Zion, finish our work, and be prepared for the coming of Christ. - - Now, we want to send four missionaries to the Pacific Islands, - and we want a little clothing, and beds, and money to pay their - passage. Can you do something for them? This is not all. We want - you to give all you have to spare towards building the Temple. - We shall be able to build it, if we have to work with a sword in - one hand. But perhaps you are afraid you will not have enough for - yourself, when you get there; yet how easy it is for the Lord to - take it away from you by fire or otherwise! - - Elder Maginn had an ivory cane. I asked him for it, but he declined - making me a present of it. Not long after, he had it stolen from - him in a crowd, and it now does neither of us any good. Perhaps - your purse may slip through your pocket, or you may lose your - property; for the Lord can give and take away. Jacob, with his - faith, obtained all the best cattle his father-in-law had. - - If I had a wife and ten children, I would give all my money to - build the Temple and Nauvoo House, and I would trust in God for - their support. Yet I will be richer for it; for God would prosper - me in business. Men are apt to serve God on Sunday, and neglect Him - all the week. Who blesses you and all the people? God. But do the - people acknowledge the hand of God in all these things? No; they - turn away from Him, and do not acknowledge Him, or realize from - whom their blessings flow. They know not who blesses them. It never - comes into their hearts. So with the farmer. The blessings are - constantly flowing to him, and he considers not whence they come. - - Let me tell you a secret. When the Lord shakes the earth, and every - valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made - low, He will bring gold for brass, silver for iron, brass for wood, - and iron for stones. Then you will have no use for gold, for money - and gods as you now have. You will not care so much about it; but - the Lord will think as much of it then as now. - - But now we want some of the gods of the Gentiles--some of the - gold and silver to build the Temple and Nauvoo House for the - accommodation of the kings, princes and nobles of the earth, when - they come to inquire after the wisdom of Zion, that they may have - a place for their entertainment, and for the weary traveler to be - refreshed. Let us have your gold to take to Nauvoo for this purpose. - - Is there wisdom in Zion? We think so, and the world begins to think - so. Let the world come forward and translate the plates that have - of late come forth, [7] if they have wisdom to do it. The Lord {15} - intends to take away the gods of the Gentiles: He pulleth down and - He buildeth up at His own pleasure. - - Sacrifice your gods for the building up of Zion. Administer of your - substance. Send our missionaries to the islands of the seas. Don't - be afraid of a dollar, or a hundred dollars, or even a thousand - dollars. I would not. I have made a sacrifice of all I possessed - a good many times. I am richer the more I give; for the Lord has - promised and does reward me a hundredfold; and if I sacrifice all - for the cause of God, no good thing will be withheld from me. I - have taken this course to get rich. I have given all I had, and - God has given many blessings in consequence. If I am too bold in - asking, be too bold in giving. I ask, expecting to receive. Put - your shoulders to the wheel with all your might. Give your all, and - become rich by receiving a hundredfold. - - Adjourned until half-past two o'clock, when the meeting was opened - by singing. - - Prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt. Singing. - - Elder Parley P. Pratt said: I have a few remarks to make concerning - the subject spoken of in the forenoon by Elder Brigham Young, who - said we wanted all your gold, silver, and precious things. We not - only want your all as pertaining to gold, silver, &c., but we want - you, your wives and children, and all you have to be engaged in the - work of the Lord. - - I don't know that I can give you a better pattern of what we want - than the case of Joseph in Egypt. Israelites will get all they - can. They are very great to go ahead. The Egyptians believed in - dreams; and by the peculiar gift of interpretation of dreams, - Joseph entered into a great scheme of speculation. He used the gift - of interpretation to become great in the eyes of the Egyptians. He - obtained great political influence, came out with gold ornaments, - and rode in the king's chariot in great splendor. He laid up corn - in great abundance during the seven years of plenty; and when the - famine came, he got all their gold, silver, cattle, land, property, - and, finally their persons. * * * - - God is the origin of power--the Sovereign. He made the people and - the earth, and He has the right to reign. There will be good times - and good government, when the world will acknowledge the God of - heaven as the Lawgiver, and not till then; and if I could live - under His government, I should be thankful, although I am a real - Republican in principle, and would rather live under the voice of - the people than the voice of one man. But it will be for the good - and happiness of man when that government is established, which we - pray for when we say, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth - as it is in heaven;" and until that time arrives we must pray for - it. - - {16} This Joseph in Egypt--the speculator--what a great and good - man he was! I love him, I admire his course, and I believe a little - of his blood is in my veins. But had Joseph been like the religious - world at the present day--had he said he had got religion and done - with the world, he would not have rode the king's horse, worn his - robe, or had to do with gold and silver; and he would have done - no good, built no storehouses, and saved no corn, for fear of - speculation. - - But he acted differently. And there is an ancient prediction - respecting our modern prophet, Joseph--namely, that a prophet and - seer should be raised up, and those who seek to destroy him shall - be confounded. This has proved true. Upwards of thirty law suits - have been brought against the Lord's anointed, and his persecutors - have as often been confounded. He has been raised and supported - according to the prophecy, to do a work on the earth, and the Lord - has been with him. Every weapon formed against him has been broken. - He has overcome all the lawsuits which have been brought against - him, and no accusation has been sustained against him; yet he will - lay a plan to speculate as large as ancient Joseph did; he will - have power to buy up all the rest of the world. - - What Elder Young said is good. We want all he spoke of, and a great - deal more, We do not want it for ourselves, but for you. We want - you to use it; and we have a Prophet who tells how, when and where - to use it. Take your means and unite your exertions in this work. - We want you to take that course which will save you. Build up a - city and temples, and enjoy them, and do as the Lord tells you, and - hearken to counsel. - - We have prophets to tell us what to do, and we should get as much - wisdom as the world. If they want a railroad built, all they have - to do is to open books. The people subscribe stock, a railroad is - soon built, and an income is realized. The Saints ought to be as - well united as the world, and do the things that God has required, - that a great nation may be saved from all nations. - - The old gentleman [Satan] that rules the nations has ruled long - enough; and if I were an infidel, I would like to have the Lord - raise up a Joseph, or a Daniel, or a Mordecai, or an Esther, to - obtain political, temporal, and spiritual power, and cause a change - for the good of the world. Thank heaven, he has begun to raise them - up. He has raised up another Joseph to do the great work of God, - and it will continue on until the saying goes forth that the Lord - has built up Zion. - - The kingdom of God must be established, and it will be. I read that - gold, silver, power, thrones, and dominions will be connected with - the great work of God in the last days. Then let us wake up {17} to - see what God says shall come to pass, and let us enlarge our hearts - and prepare for the great and glorious work. - - Do the Saints here in Boston know that they are identified with - the laying of the foundation, and establishing of a great and - mighty kingdom, which is to include all the great and glorious work - to be fulfilled in the last dispensation and fullness of times? - And I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that whether the Saints - of Boston or any other place, stand for it or rise against it, - numberless millions will celebrate that day when the foundation of - this work was laid. - - Elder George A. Smith said: I am pleased with the many remarks - which have been made this day. You can easily see a similarity - between the two Josephs, and the revelations that are given for the - salvation of the present generation. Joseph in Egypt, a savior of - his father's house and the Egyptians: Joseph [Smith] at this day - holds the keys of salvation not only to the Gentiles, but also to - the house of Israel. - - I do not know but some may have reflections different from my own. - I will, however, show how the Lord deals with mankind. Some may - say, "Who can believe that God who dwells in heaven will condescend - to speak to the people about building Him a house in this day of - religion and science?" - - This may be considered simple in the eyes of many; but the day - was when the salvation or damnation of the whole world hung upon - as small a circumstance. "Noah, by faith, being warned of God of - things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the - saving of his house, by which he condemned the world, and became - heir of the righteous which is by faith." - - Had the editors of this day lived then, I think they would have - said and written more against it than they have against Joseph - Smith and the revelations he has received and published. - - We find God was in the habit of telling men to do many simple - things, even to the giving of a law concerning the protection of - birds' nests. You talk about God condescending to speak of small - things in the last days, but it is only as it was in the days of - Moses; for we read in the Bible how God commanded the children of - Israel, when they found a bird's nest, (Deut. XXII:7) not to take - the dam with the young: "But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, - and take the young to thee." Why? "That it may be well with thee, - and that thou mayst prolong thy days." - - We see from this, that however small and simple the commandments of - God appear to be, they are great in their results. Connecting this - with the law of God to Israel concerning the eating of locusts, - beetles and grasshoppers (Leviticus XI:22). "Even these of them ye - may {18} eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after - his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after - his kind." - - Is this as small business for the Lord to talk about as it is for - Him to command the Saints to build a tavern or boarding house for - visitors who constantly go to Nauvoo, which, when done, will do - much good for the spreading of the work to all nations. What good - could arise from a law of God permitting the eating of beetles and - grasshoppers, I cannot say. - - All the prophecies have aimed at the gathering of the people, and - saving them in the last days. But it is better never to have known - the Master's will than to know it and not perform it; and my advice - is, If you cannot take hold of the work and go through the whole - course, stop and go no further. If you have not courage to go on at - the expense of all things, it is better to turn back. - - We do not want to deceive you. Our traditions have taught us to be - very religious, to wear long faces, never to tell an amusing story, - nor to laugh, &c. This was the case with the long-faced Christians - in Missouri, and they were the first to strike a dagger to our - hearts. It is better for a man to act out what he is than to be a - hypocrite. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father, - is this," says James, "to visit the fatherless and widows in their - affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." - - I do not like that religion which lies in a man's long face, or his - coat or his hat. If I wear a strange hat, it is not because of my - religion: for where the religion of a man is in the shape of a hat - or coat, it is not very extensive anywhere else. - - Some of the Elders want to appear very big, and to be called great - preachers; but whenever I have seen them trying to preach something - large and mysterious, to get a name, I have concluded they have yet - much to learn. I have been eleven years a member of this Church, - and was a believer two years before I entered it; and during - that time I have seen many Elders who like to preach large and - mysterious sermons. - - As many are desirous of hearing mysteries, I will rehearse a short - sermon of mysteries for their edification. Elder Kimball has had a - long standing in the Church. He has preached much, done much good, - brought many souls into the kingdom, had great influence, and is - considered the most successful minister among us. - - Elder Amasa Lyman and myself went into Pike county, Illinois, - to preach where the Elders had preached all the mysteries about - beasts, heads and horns. They wanted us to preach mysteries. We - told them we were not qualified to preach mysteries; but if they - would send for Elder Kimball he would preach them. So they sent - about forty miles {19} for Elder Kimball, and brought him down, they - were so anxious to hear mysteries. - - When he came, he had a large congregation assembled. He arose and - remarked that he understood they had sent for him to come and - preach the mysteries to them. "I am well qualified, and fully - competent to do it, and am happy to have the privilege. I want - the attention of all." When every mind was stretched and eager to - learn these great mysteries he said, "The first mystery I shall - present before you is this, 'Look at Elder Amasa Lyman; he needs - a pair of pantaloons and a new hat. But it appears you do not see - it; consequently I want to open your eyes and reveal to you a - great mystery; for an Elder in the Church has need of a hat and a - pair of breeches as well as yourselves, and _especially_ when the - Saints _know_ he is so much in need of them!'" He preached a few - more mysteries of the same nature, and the result of this sermon - was that Elder Lyman got a pair of pants and a new hat, and Elder - Kimball and myself each a barrel of flour for our families. - - Elder Brigham Young arose and said: I will make an apology for my - remarks in the former part of the day. Some may think I spoke very - plainly; but the object I had in view was to teach you your duty, - as I am aware the people are not made to feel it; and the apology I - have to make is this: I will turn Thomsonian doctor, and give the - composition without cream and sugar,--it matters not whether I get - friends or foes. If this work does not live, I do not want to live; - for it is my life, my joy, my all; and if it sinks, God knows I do - not want to swim. - - I wish you to understand this--that he that gathereth not with - us scattereth, and they have not the Spirit of God. We live in - anticipation of the day when mobs cannot harm us, and they who have - tasted the bitter cup feel to realize this hope. Wake up, ye Elders - of Israel who have sought to build yourselves up, and not the - kingdom of God, and put on your sword. Wake up, ye that have daubed - with untempered mortar! Hearken and hear me; for I say unto you, in - the name of Jesus Christ, that if you do not help us to build the - Temple and the Nauvoo House, you shall not inherit the land of Zion. - - If you do not help to build up Zion and the cause of God, and help - me and my brethren on our way when we want to go on the Lord's - business, you shall not partake of the blessings which are laid - up in store for the Saints. Many Elders seek to build themselves - up, and not the work of the Lord. They will say "Put gold rings on - my fingers; give me what I want;" and they care nothing about the - Temple. This they should not do. I will not allow myself to do so; - and when any one does this, no matter who he may be, even though - he was one {20} of the Twelve, he will not prosper. Those of the - Twelve and others of the Elders who have apostatized, I have known - their hearts and their breathings. I have known their movements - although they thought I did not know much. But I knew all about - them; and when I see men preaching to build themselves up, and not - Zion, I know what it will end in. But you may say you are young. - I don't care if you are. Are you old enough to know what you are - about? If so, preach and labor for the building up of the city of - Zion; concentrate your means and influence there, and not scatter - abroad. Instead of which, some of the Elders appear to be dumb and - lazy, and care for nothing but themselves. - - Now, ye Elders, will you be faithful? If not, you will not be - chosen, for the day of choosing is at the door. Why be afraid of - a sacrifice? I have given my all many times, and am willing to do - it again. I would be glad to hear the Lord say through His servant - Joseph, "Let my servant Brigham give again all that he has," I - would obey it in a moment, if it took the last coat off my back. - - A hymn was sung. - - Elder Kimball arose and said: I get up of necessity to say a few - words. I am unwell, but I feel the importance of this work. I - have been a member of this Church twelve years. I came out of the - Baptist church and joined this with all my heart, as I was seeking - after truth. I have passed through everything but death; in fact - I have been brought into situations even worse than death. It has - been my lot and privilege to sacrifice all I possessed from time to - time; and we have come here to call for help to build the Temple - and Nauvoo House. I have spent thirty dollars to get here, and have - collected fifteen and that with much difficulty. - - We were commanded of the Lord to come: but it seems as though - but few felt interested in it. Here I see four brethren going as - missionaries to the Sandwich Islands, and destitute of means to - help themselves. I could weep for them. I feel interested in this - great work. We are seeking to bring about a work that could never - before be performed. - - When the time is brought about that we are to receive our - inheritances, the more faithful we are, the larger will be our - reward. We have come out to reap, but do we have time to reap new - grain? No; for it takes all our time to try to save that which is - already reaped. - - We have reapers in the field, and we are trying to save the wheat. - We want to get it on the barn floor, so that we may thrash it. - We have come after it to warn you. You think Elder Young put the - flail on rather heavy; but it is nothing to be compared with the - thrashing you will get in Zion, and those who have the hardest - heads will, of {21} course, have to be thrashed the hardest. But - don't be troubled about the chaff when it comes to the barn, for - God will prepare a great winnowing mill which will blow all the - chaff away, and the wheat will be found before the mill: then it - has to go through the smut machine, then ground, then put through - the bolting machine, and many will bolt in going through. I speak - in parables. I compare the Saints to a good cow. When you milk - her clean, she will always have an abundance of milk to give; but - if you only milk her a little, and don't strip her, she will soon - dry up. So with the Saints: if they do but little in building up - Zion, they soon have but little to do with. This was the case in - Cincinnati. - - The night before arriving at Cincinnati, I had a dream while on the - steamboat. I dreamt that I had a wagon with a rack on it, and an - individual with me. We were going to a field of wheat of mine that - had been cut, bound and shocked up, in order to haul into the barn. - When we came to the field, I jumped off the wagon, and got over the - fence to examine it, pulled off the cap sheaf, and behold it was - oats. Pulling the bundles apart, I found there were clusters of - rats. On further examination I found clusters of mice, and the oats - were all eaten up. - - In my dream I was going to haul in wheat, but to my astonishment it - was oats, and they were all eaten up by the rats and mice. - - I thought these rats and mice were the Elders and official members - who had been in and lain on the Church at Cincinnati--lived on the - wheat--eaten it up instead of building up new branches; so that - when the Twelve came along, they could not get anything for the - Temple or Nauvoo House, or hardly a place to stay. The rats had - eaten up the wheat, so we had to go to the world for a home to stay - while we were there. - - We do not profess to be polished stones like Elders Almon W. - Babbitt, George J. Adams, James Blakeslee, and Eli P. Maginn, &c., - &c.; but we are rough stones out of the mountain; and when we roll - through the forest, and knock the bark from the trees, it does not - hurt us, even if we should get a corner knocked off occasionally; - for the more we roll about, and knock the corners off, the better - we are; but if we were polished and smooth when we get the corners - knocked off, it would deface us. - - Joseph Smith never professed to be a dressed, smooth, polished - stone, but to have come rough out of the mountain; and he has - been rolling among the rocks and trees, yet it has not hurt him - at all: but he will be as smooth and polished in the end as any - other stone, while many who were so very polished and smooth in - the beginning get badly defaced and spoiled while they are rolling - about. - - Elder Parley P. Pratt said--Some are going to Zion, and the rest - {22} want to know what they shall do. The Lord, through Jeremiah - (III, 14,15) says, "I will take you one of a city, and two of a - family, and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give you pastors - according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and - understanding." Inasmuch as you hearken to counsel, you will know - what the will of the Lord is concerning you in all things. Meet - often together to worship God and to speak to each other of the - things of God. Gather as soon as you can. Come up to the mountain - of the Lord's house, and there learn of these things, that the - Scriptures may be fulfilled. - - Elder Orson Pratt said--I do not know that I can say anything to - impress the subjects which have been spoken upon more fully upon - your minds than has been done. There are some things, however, I - wish to mention. We have learned from what we have heard this day - that great blessings will be given to the faithful when the Temple - is finished. I will speak of some of the consequences that will - follow, if we do not obey. - - When the Temple is reared, God will manifest Himself in a peculiar - manner. If we are obedient, He has told us He will make manifest - to us things we are ignorant of. He has said He will reveal things - which pertain to this dispensation that have been hidden and kept - secret from the foundation of the world. - - No former age or generation of the world have had the same things - revealed: all other dispensations will be swallowed up in this. He - declares, in His revelations, the consequences of not building the - house unto His name within such a time. The Lord says, If you build - the house in that time, you shall be blessed; but if not, you shall - be rejected as a church with your dead, saith the Lord. So, if that - house is not built, then in vain are all our cares; our faith and - works, our meetings and hopes are vain also; our performances and - acts will be void. - - The servants of God who are faithful and do their duty will get - the blessing; and we are determined to do our duty, and lay these - principles before the Saints, so that they may have the privilege - of contributing. We will turn this responsibility upon the heads of - the Saints; then our garments will be clear, and the Lord is able - and will be willing to endow all the faithful in some other place. - - This Church, in its infancy, was directed to do a certain work, and - the consequences pointed out. The Lord gave a revelation several - years since to the Church to appoint our wise men, and send up - our moneys by them to buy land; if not, we should not have an - inheritance, but our enemies should be upon us. We went through - and told the Saints these things; but did the churches do as God - commanded? No, they did not. But the revelation was fulfilled, and - the enemies of the Saints came upon them, and drove them from their - houses and homes, {23} and finally from the State of Missouri. This was - in consequence of their disobeying the commandments of God through - His servant Joseph. - - Many suppose they must get direct revelation from God for - themselves. Not so. He has a prophet, and he says the Church shall - give heed to the words of the Prophet, as he is to hold the keys of - the kingdom of God in this life and in the world to come. Then it - is of much consequence that you give heed to his word. - - Says one, Suppose we are not satisfied that this is the work of - God? You can ask God if the work is true, and He will give you a - testimony. You can put every confidence in the Book of Mormon and - in Joseph, the Prophet; and if you are not satisfied, go to God. I - doubt in my own mind if men can stand what they will have to pass - through, unless they do get a witness for themselves; and I pray - you to give heed to the words which the Twelve have taught you, and - ask God to help you. - - The conference was adjourned until ten o'clock tomorrow morning. - - _Sunday,_ 10th. Conference met according to adjournment. - - Meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Maginn; after - which Elder Wilford Woodruff addressed the assembly from Amos - III:7--"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his - secret unto his servants the prophets?" According to the testimony - of the Scriptures in all ages of the world, whenever God was about - to bring a judgment upon the world or accomplish any great work, - the first thing he did was to raise up a Prophet, and reveal unto - him the secret, and send him to warn the people, so that they may - be left without excuse. This was the case in the days of Noah and - Lot. God was about to bring judgments upon the people, and he - raised up those Prophets who warned the people of it; yet they gave - no heed to them, but rejected their testimony; and the judgments - came upon the people, so that they were destroyed, while the - Prophets were saved by pursuing the course marked out by the Lord. - - Jesus Christ testified to the Jews of the things that awaited them - as a nation, the fall of Jerusalem, and their dispersion among - the Gentile world; but they did not believe it. Yet the secret of - all these things was revealed to the Prophets and Apostles. They - believed it, and looked for its fulfillment; and it came to pass as - it was predicted, though contrary to the expectation of the Jewish - nation. - - In like manner do we look for the certain fulfillment of those - tremendous events upon the heads of the Gentile world which have - been spoken of and pointed out by all the holy Prophets and - Apostles since the world began, they having spoken as they were - moved upon by the power of God and the gift of the Holy Ghost, - events which more deeply {24} concern the Gentile world than the - overthrow of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jews did the - Jewish nation; for while they stumbled at the stone they were - broken; but when it falls upon the heads of the Gentile world, it - will grind them to powder. - - The full set time is come for the Lord to set His hand to - accomplish these mighty events; and as He has done in other ages, - so has He done now--He has raised up a Prophet, and is revealing - unto him His secrets. Through that Prophet He has brought to light - the fullness of the everlasting Gospel to the present generation, - and is again once more for the last time establishing His Church - upon the foundation of the ancient Apostles and Prophets, which is - revelation, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. - - In the Church is now found judges as at the first, and counselors - as at the beginning; also Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, - and Teachers, with gifts and graces, for the perfecting of the - Saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of - Christ. - - The Lord has raised up His servants, and sent them into the - vineyard to prune it once more for the last time, to preach the - Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to warn the nations, that they may be - left without excuse in the day of their visitation; also to gather - the honest in heart and the meek of the earth, that Zion may be - built up, and the sayings of the Prophets fulfilled. - - One of the secrets that God has revealed unto his Prophet in these - days is the Book of Mormon; and it was a secret to the whole world - until it was revealed unto Joseph Smith, whom God has raised up - as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator unto His people. This record - contains an account of the ancient inhabitants of this continent - and of the cities with which they overspread this land from sea - to sea, the ruins of which still remain as standing monuments of - the arts, science, power, and greatness of their founders. It - also points out the establishing of this our own nation, with the - conditions for its progress, and those predictions contained in - the Book of Mormon--the stick of Joseph in the hand of Ephraim, - will as truly be fulfilled as those contained in the Bible--the - stick and record of Judah; and both these sticks or records contain - prophecies of great import concerning the Gentile nations, and - especially this land and nation, which are not yet fulfilled, but - must shortly come to pass: yea, their fulfillment is nigh, even at - the doors. - - Though the secrets which God is revealing through His servant the - Prophet in these last days may be unpopular and unbelieved in by - the world, yet their unbelief will not make the truth of God of - none effect, any more than it did in the days of Lot and Noah, or - at the fall of Jerusalem. - - When Jesus Christ said there should not be left one stone upon - {25} another in the temple that should not be thrown down, the - Jewish nation did not believe it, neither would they receive such - testimony; but they looked at outward circumstances, and were - ready to say, "Who can prevail against us? What nation like unto - our nation? We have held the giving of the law, the oracles, and - the Urim and Thummim; the lawgiver has never departed from between - our feet; we have held the power of government from generation to - generation; and what nation hath power now to prevail against us?" - - Through this order of reasoning they were blinded, and knew not - the day of their visitation: they understood not the things that - belonged to their peace; they rejected their Lord and King, - contended against the word and testimony, and finally put Him to - death on the cross, with many who followed Him. But this did not - hinder the fulfillment of His predictions concerning that nation. - The words of the Lord had gone forth out of His mouth, and could - not return unto Him void. The things that belonged to their peace - were hid from their eyes, and they were counted unworthy as a - nation. The kingdom was to be rent out of their hands and given to - another; the die was cast, and judgment must come. - - Jerusalem was soon surrounded by the Roman army, led on by the - inspired Titus; and a scene of calamity, judgment, and woe - immediately overspread the inhabitants of that city, which was - devoted to destruction,--such a calamity as never before rested - upon the nation of Israel. Blood flowed through their streets; - tens of thousands fell by the edge of the sword, and thousands by - famine. Women were evil towards the children of their own bosoms - in the straitness of the siege, the spectacle of which shocked the - Roman soldiers as they entered the city. The Jews were crucified in - such numbers by their enemies that they could find no more wood for - crosses, or room for their bodies; and while despair was in every - face, and every heart sinking while suffering under the chastening - hand of God, their enemies rushed upon them in the city to strike - the last fatal blow; and, as their last resort, they rushed for - safety into the temple, which was soon on fire, and they sank in - the midst of the flames with the cry of their sufferings ascending - up on high, accompanied by the smoke of the crackling spires and - towers. - - The remaining population were sold as slaves, and driven like the - dumb ass under his burthen, and scattered, as corn is sifted in - a sieve, throughout the Gentile world. Jerusalem was razed from - its foundations, the ruins of the temple thrown down, and the - foundation thereof ploughed up, that not one stone was left upon - another. Christ said that Jerusalem should be trodden down of the - Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled, which has - been the case to the very letter until the present generation. - - {26} Will not God in like manner as truly and faithfully bring to - pass those great, important and tremendous events upon the heads - of the Gentile world which have been proclaimed by the Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and many other holy Prophets; - also by Christ and the Apostles on the continent of Asia, as well - as by Lehi, Nephi, Alma, Moroni, and others on this continent--all - of whom have proclaimed these things as they were moved upon by the - Spirit of inspiration, the power of God, and the gift of the Holy - Ghost? - - The Apostle says that "No prophecy of the Scripture is of any - private interpretation, for the prophecy came not of old time by - the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by - the Holy Ghost." - - Isaiah's soul seemed to be on fire, and his mind wrapt in the - visions of the Almighty, while he declared, in the name of the - Lord, that it should come to pass in the last days that God should - set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His - people, assemble the outcasts of Israel, gather together the - dispersed of Judah, destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea and make - men go over dry-shod, gather them to Jerusalem on horses, mules, - swift beasts, and in chariots, and rebuild Jerusalem upon her own - heaps; while, at the same time, the destroyer of the Gentiles will - be on his way; and while God was turning the captivity of Israel, - he would put all their curses and afflictions upon the heads of - the Gentiles, their enemies, who had not sought to recover, but to - destroy them, and had trodden them under foot from generation to - generation. - - At the same time the standard should be lifted up, that the honest - in heart, the meek of the earth among the Gentiles, should seek - unto it; and that Zion should be redeemed and be built up a holy - city, that the glory and power of God should rest upon her, and - be seen upon her; that the watchman upon Mount Ephraim might - cry--"Arise ye, and let us go up unto Zion, the city of the Lord - our God;" that the Gentiles might come to her light, and kings - to the brightness of her rising; that the Saints of God may have - a place to flee to and stand in holy places while judgment works - in the earth; that when the sword of God that is bathed in heaven - falls upon Idumea, or the world,--when the Lord pleads with all - flesh by sword and by fire, and the slain of the Lord are many, - the Saints may escape these calamities by fleeing to the places of - refuge, like Lot and Noah. - - Isaiah, in his 24th chapter, gives something of an account of the - calamities and judgments which shall come upon the heads of the - Gentile nations, and this because they have transgressed the laws, - changed the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant. The - Apostle Paul says to his Roman brethren, that if the Gentiles do - not continue in the {27} goodness of God, they, like the house of - Israel, should be cut off. Though Babylon says, "I sit as a queen, - and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow," the Revelator says, - "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death and mourning - and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire, for strong - is the Lord God who judgeth her." - - Jesus communicated the parable of the fig-tree, which in putting - forth its leaves betokens the approach of summer; and so likewise, - when we see the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and in the - heavens and the earth of which He spoke, we might know that His - coming is near--that the generation in which those signs appeared - should not pass away till all should be fulfilled. - - These things are about to come to pass upon the heads of the - present generation, notwithstanding they are not looking for it, - neither do they believe it. Yet their unbelief will not make the - truth of God of none effect. The signs are appearing in the heavens - and on the earth, and all things indicate the fulfillment of the - Prophets. The fig-tree is leafing, summer is nigh, and the Lord has - sent his angels to lay the foundation of this great and important - work. - - Then why should not God reveal His secrets unto His servants the - Prophets, that the Saints might be led in paths of safety, and - escape those evils which are about to engulf a whole generation in - ruin? - - _Monday,_ 11. Conference met at Boylston Hall at nine o'clock, a.m. - Present of the quorum of the Twelve, Elders Brigham Young, Parley - P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, George A. - Smith, Heber C. Kimball, and Orson Hyde. - - Opened with prayer by Elder Page. - - Elder Brigham Young stated the object of the meeting. The first - item of business is the spread of the Gospel of salvation. I want - to state what devolves upon the Twelve. Nine years ago a revelation - was given which was fulfilled in 1835; and when fulfilled, - the Prophet lifted up his head and rejoiced before the Lord. - Previously, the responsibility of spreading the Gospel rested on - him; now it is on the Twelve. This is the relation we hold between - the living and the dead--to direct how you may escape. - - Last winter we were directed to send men to the nations of the - earth. Elder Addison Pratt had been to the Sandwich Islands, and - proffered his services. We have power to ordain them, and call upon - the Church to assist in sending them. Here are four men willing to - go, and we do not wish them to cease trying, unless it be to die - trying. One of them is ill. If he stays, he will die. I would go, - or die trying. - - We call on the churches to fit out these men with necessaries. - Elder Eli P. Maginn and Elder Philip B. Lewis we call on to fit - them out. If {28} Elder Lewis does not, Maginn will do it himself. - This takes the responsibility from us. - - If the Saints will not help, the curse of God will rest upon - them. If the Temple at Nauvoo is not built, we will receive our - endowments, if we have to go into the wilderness and build an altar - of stone. If a man gives his all, it is all God requires. Brother - Kimball has received one dollar since he came to Boston, and - seventeen dollars and a half before, towards building the Temple. A - book is kept of all sums given. This book will also be opened. All - is recorded. I have received twenty-three dollars, and I have spent - about forty-five or fifty dollars. I am rich, and expect to be so - throughout all eternity, with the help of God and my brethren. - I can get home, if I can sell land. Some of the Twelve are more - destitute; but they are the best set of boys you ever saw. - - During the persecution in Missouri, when the mob came against Far - West, Elder Kimball stood near me in one of the companies; and - every time they formed, he rammed down another ball into his old - musket, until he got five balls in. We are a good-feeling set of - men, because of the Spirit which is in us. What produces it? The - impulse of the heart. We should feel the same on the desert of - Arabia, or on the islands of the sea; we feel happy wherever we - are. When we ask for victuals, and get turned away, as we often - have been, we feel just as well. - - The Spirit which is in me prompts me to look forward to something - better. We have a prospect of selling shares of the Nauvoo House, - and of obtaining subscriptions for the Temple, and we feel better. - - Here are twelve men, and I defy all creation to bring a charge of - dishonesty against them. We had to give security for the faithful - performance of our duty as agents for the Nauvoo House and Temple. - This has been heretofore unheard of in the Church. I glory in it. - The financial affairs of the Church rest on our shoulders, and - God is going to whip us into it. When men are in future called to - do like Brigham, I will be one to bind them; this is a precedent. - We are the only legally authorized agents of the Church to manage - affairs, give counsel to emigrants how to dispose of goods, &c. - - Some men come into this Church through designing purposes. Mr. - Cowen, who lives about 30 miles above Nauvoo, wanted Brother - Joseph to make a settlement at Shoquokon. Several of the brethren - went there and preached, and some families moved up with the - intention of settling. Mr. Cowen was all love--a charming fellow, - and calculated to magnetize. He is now in the Eastern country, and - going amongst the brethren. He gives one a kiss, and says he, "I - am not a Mormon, but expect to be: Brother Joseph and myself are - confidential friends. Can't you lend me five hundred dollars? I - have got land, and I will give you {29} a mortgage." At the same - time, he knew quite well that his land was in a perfect swamp, and - that the place was not fit for a settlement. Even the captains of - steamers could with difficulty be persuaded upon to call there, - either on account of goods or passengers. His name is John F. - Cowen, and he stands five feet six inches high. There are others. - - I would ask the Latter-day Saints, Do you know your benefactors? - Do you know the source from whence you derive your knowledge? Take - in the publications and periodicals of the Church. They give you - intelligence of all matters pertaining to this dispensation with - revelations for the guidance of the Church. - - I know that men who go through the world with the truth have - not much influence; but let them come with silk velvet lips and - sophistry, and they will have an influence. It is your privilege - to be discerners of spirits. If you don't know me or the Twelve, - walk with us fifty years, and perhaps you will know us then; and if - such a man as Cowen comes along, will you trust him or me? No power - can hide the heart from the discerning eye. If we are ignorant, - what knowledge have the rest of the people? I sit down with all my - ignorance, and read people's hearts as I see their faces, and they - can't help themselves. - - No one has ever stepped aside but I have known it. I know the - result of their actions, and they cannot help themselves. If you - find out my heart, you are welcome to it. If any of the Twelve take - a wrong path, or a course by themselves, I know the path, and know - the end of it. They are soon in the ditch, crying for help. I sit - down and let others run. I strike with a crooked stick to hit the - whole. - - Now, the Twelve must be helped home, and there must be something - for the Temple and the Nauvoo House. We have got a plot of the city - of Nauvoo for lithographing. If any wish to advance the money to - lithograph, and have a few thousands struck off, they shall be paid - till they are satisfied. There was not wealth enough in New York - and the regions round about. [He here exhibited the map of Nauvoo.] - He concluded with a few remarks relative to the circumstances of - Elder Hyde, who had just returned from his mission to Jerusalem. - - Elder Parley P. Pratt spoke as follows:--In the middle of last - April I arrived at Nauvoo houseless and with a large family. - Brother Joseph said to me, "Brother Parley, stay at home and - build a house." I was behindhand in instructions and information, - while others had been at home learning the great things of God. I - have now come East principally on business, though I always have - a mission, wherever I am. I speak for my brethren: they have an - absolute claim; it belongs to them, and they want it. It is justly - theirs. I ask for nothing for myself. - - Elder Heber C. Kimball said, I suppose you all understand what {30} - Elder Young has said, and I consider his counsel good. He is my - superior and my head in the council of the Twelve. If I go astray, - it will be through ignorance. We must be subject to the powers - that be; and there are no powers but what are ordained of God; - and if we reject their counsel, we shall be damned. Some of our - finest-looking and smartest men have fallen. - - I consider those trees in the forest which have the largest and - highest tops are in the greatest danger: they are blown down; - and there is no way of restoring them but to cut them off. Let - the stump go back, and new sprouts come out. Those who have most - responsibility are in most danger. We must be careful how we treat - God's officers. - - No man ever fell, unless it was through rejecting counsel. I as - well as my brethren see this. My superior knows more than I, - because he is nearer the fountain. To get knowledge, begin at the - foot of the stream, and drink all up till you get to the fountain, - and then you get all the knowledge. - - It is necessary for the people here to obey counsel. God has sent - me forth, through his servants, to take my part in this great work, - and the work is true. I know there are but few in this Church - who will be able to walk in this narrow path. We must keep the - celestial law in the flesh. The more simple we teach, the better - for us. - - It is a wrong idea of Elders whipping sects. Try and win the - people; salt both sheep and shepherd too; get them up so that they - will lick the salt out of your hands. [An infidel here handed money - to Brother Kimball, who prophesied that he would be a Saint and an - Elder, and all his family should be Saints.] Give them good salt, - gain the affections of the shepherd, and the whole flock will come. - Now, we get sheep up to lick; and when the old shepherd of the - sheep comes up to lick salt, the Elders will hit him over the head - with a cane. Their religion is as dear to them as ours to us. Don't - feed too much salt at once, but give a little at a time, or they - are cloyed. - - Elders of Israel, be wise! Give short discourses, as long ones cloy - your hearers, who will say, "A good discourse, but I got tired." - - Never infringe on the right of other people, and never tear down - other people's houses until you have built a better. We are sent - to preach repentance, and let people alone. How do you like to go - into other Churches and hear them abuse us? Do as you would be done - by. Persuade men, and not compel them, unless the time spoken of by - the Savior comes, when the Lord shall say unto His servants "Go out - into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my - house may be filled." (Luke 14 ch., 23-25.) Let men be humble, kind - and affectionate. - -Footnotes: - -1. William H. Folsom named above afterward became prominent as an -architect in Utah. He was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in March, -1815, and died in Salt Lake City, 1901, at the advanced age of 86 -years. When a boy he moved to Buffalo N.Y. with his parents. When in -his twenty fifth year he heard a Mormon Elder preach and was converted -to the gospel and joined the Church. As a consequence of this act he -was ostracized by his people. He took his family and moved to Nauvoo -and established himself as an architect and builder, and assisted in -the construction of the Nauvoo Temple. - -Brother Folsom was expelled from Nauvoo at the time of the general -exodus of the Saints and settled for a time at Keokuk. He subsequently -moved to Council Bluffs, and in 1860 went on to Salt Lake valley. His -ability as an architect and builder was soon required by President -Brigham Young. President Young conceived the general plan of the now -celebrated "Mormon Tabernacle" at Salt Lake City, but William Folsom -took President Young's suggestions and worked out the plans. While -others scouted the idea of the structure, Folsom had faith in it, -and as a consequence he has associated his name inseparably with the -building, that stands as one of the world's centers of interest and -curiosity. He was the architect and superintendent of construction of -the Manti Temple, and was an able assistant in the construction of all -the Temples in Utah. He was the designer of the Salt Lake Theater, -and of many other buildings that are this day admired for their -architectural grace and durability. - -2. This was Austin Cowles, for some time counselor in the Nauvoo stake -of Zion (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, Vol. IV, p. 323) and subsequently a -member of the High Council. The nature of the charges made against -George J. Adams at this time is not known. - -3. This article is much of the complexion of one published many years -later--1882--by Josiah Quincy of Boston, who visited the Prophet about -eight or nine month later, and published an account of his visit, and -his impression of the Prophet his "Figures of the Past," under the -title "Joseph Smith at Nauvoo." - -4. This was an adjourned meeting from one of the same character which -had met at the same place of the 19th of August previous, which after -hearing Anti-Mormon addresses and appointing committees to draft -resolutions against the Mormons, adjourned to meet again on the above -date, 6th of September. (See HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, Vol. IV pp. 537-8). - -5. The former chairman was Major Reuben Groves. (See minutes of the -19th of August, above note.) - -6. This was a Brief Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the -Church prepared for one I. Daniel Rupp, of Harrisburg, Penn. It was -published in 1844, a "History of Religious Denominations," p. 409. - -7. Having reference to certain plates known as the "Kinderhook Plates," -found at Kinderhook, Illinois, April, 1843. See this HISTORY, Vol. V., -pp. 372-378. - -{31} - - - -CHAPTER II. - -MOVEMENTS OF APOSTLES IN THE EAST--THE NAUVOO MANSION--ROCKWELL -ACQUITTED--SPECIAL CONFERENCE AT NAUVOO--DISCOURSE OF THE PROPHET ON -THE DEMISE OF JAMES ADAMS. - -[Sidenote: The Drought of 1843] - -_Sunday, September 10, 1843_.--Cold, and considerable rain. Kindled -a fire in the office for the first time this fall. This is the first -rain of any consequence since the first of June. There have been -occasional--say three or four slight showers, but not enough to wet -the potato hills, and the vegetables in the gardens have generally -stopped growing, on account of the drought. Even corn is seriously -injured,--much of it by a worm in the ear. Early potatoes are scarcely -worth digging. - -_Monday, 11_.--Early in the morning a petition was presented to me, as -Lieut.-General, to devise means to get the public arms of the State for -the Legion; whereupon I appointed William W. Phelps, Henry Miller, and -Hosea Stout a committee to wait on Governor Ford on the subject. - -Election for probate justice; weather cold; people cold. Greenleaf -received most of the votes in Nauvoo--say seven hundred votes. - -Six, p.m., I met with my Brother Hyrum, William Law, Newel K. Whitney, -and Willard Richards in my private room, where we had a season of -prayer for Brother Law's little daughter, who was sick, and Emma, who -was somewhat better. - -_Tuesday, 12.--_Rainy day. - -[Sidenote: Woodruff in a Train Wreck.] - -{32} Elder Woodruff left Boston for Portland by railroad and while -passing through Chester woods, the engine was thrown off the tracks, -and with the baggage cars smashed to pieces. Several of the passenger -cars mounted the ruins, but none of the passengers were injured, except -two very slightly. The engineer, however, was killed instantaneously. -Elder Woodruff, with most of the passengers, remained all night in the -woods, and found it very cold. - -_Wednesday, 13_.--I attended a lecture at the Grove, by Mr. John Finch, -a Socialist, from England, and said a few words in reply. - -The following article appears [this day] in the _Neighbor_, copied from -The New Haven, Conn., _Herald_.-- - - NAUVOO AND JOSEPH SMITH. - - A gentleman of this town, (New Haven, Conn.) of undoubted veracity, - who has lately spent several weeks at Nauvoo and among the Mormons, - informs us that the general impression abroad in regard to that - place and people is very erroneous. During his residence there he - became quite familiar with their manners, principles, and habits, - and says there is not a more industrious, moral, and well-ordered - town in the country. Society is as much diversified there as it is - here, the Mormons constituting about two-thirds of the population, - while all religious sects are as freely tolerated as in any other - part of the State. He was at the late trial and acquittal of - Joseph Smith, and says that the charges against him were of the - most frivolous and unsubstantial nature. He [Joseph Smith] is an - agreeable man in conversation, is respected by those who know - him, and is 'as much sinned against as sinning.' He only claims - the privilege of exercising and enjoying his own religion,--a - privilege which he and his followers cheerfully award to others. - They invite immigrants to come among them, and receive those who - design to enter into the Mormon community with great attention - and kindness. Houses are prepared for their reception, to which - they are conducted on their arrival by a committee appointed for - that purpose, whose next business is to attend to their immediate - wants and see them comfortably situated. Education is by no - means neglected, proper schools and teachers being provided, and - temperance reigns throughout. It has now about 15,000 to 18,000 - inhabitants, and promises to become a place of extensive business, - four or five steamboats stopping there every day. {33} The - gentleman remarked to us that he wished he could speak as well of - his own native town as he could of Nauvoo. This is news to us, as - no doubt it will be to many; but no one who knows him can doubt the - integrity of our informant. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet on Socialism.] - -_Thursday, 14.--_I attended a second lecture on Socialism, by Mr. -Finch; and after he got through, I made a few remarks, alluding -to Sidney Rigdon and Alexander Campbell getting up a community at -Kirtland, and of the big fish there eating up all the little fish. _I -said I did not believe the doctrine._ - -Mr. Finch replied in a few minutes, and said--"I am the voice of one -crying in the wilderness. I am the spiritual Prophet--Mr. Smith the -temporal." - -Elder John Taylor replied to the lecture at some length. - -_Friday, 15._--I put up a sign, - -"Nauvoo Mansion." - -[Sidenote: "Nauvoo Mansion" Made a Hotel.] - -In consequence of my house being constantly crowded with strangers and -other persons wishing to see me, of who had business in the city, I -found myself unable to support as much company free of charge, which I -have done from the foundation of the Church. My house has been a home -and resting-place for thousands, and my family many times obliged to do -without food, after having fed all they had to visitors; and I could -have continued the same liberal course, had it not been for the cruel -and untiring persecution of my relentless enemies. I have been reduced -to the necessity of opening "The Mansion" as a hotel. I have provided -the best table accommodations in the city; and the Mansion, being large -and convenient, renders travelers more comfortable than any other place -on the Upper Mississippi. I have erected a large and commodious brick -stable, and it is capable of accommodating seventy-five horses at one -time, and storing the requisite amount of forage, and is unsurpassed by -any similar establishment in the State. - -There was an officers' drill in Nauvoo. - -{34} Rhoda Ann, daughter of Willard and Jenetta Richards, was born at -fifteen minutes to three, p.m., in Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: Legion Parade and Inspection.] - -_Saturday, 16.--_General parade of the Nauvoo Legion near my farm. -Went in company with my staff to the muster, was met by an escort, and -arrived before the Legion about noon. I was received and saluted with -military honors. The Legion was dismissed at about one, p.m., for two -hours, and I rode home to dinner. I returned about twenty minutes after -three, attended the review, and with my staff inspected the Legion; -after which, I took my post and gave orders. - -After the inspection, I made a speech to the Legion on their increasing -prosperity, and requested the officers to increase the Legion in -numbers. - -I was highly gratified with the officers and soldiers, and I felt -extremely well myself. - -About sundown the Legion was dismissed. I rode home with my staff, -highly delighted with the day's performance, and well paid for my -services. - -_Sunday, 17.--_I was at meeting; and while Elder Almon W. Babbitt was -preaching, I took my post as Mayor outside the assembly to keep order -and set an example to the other officers. - -After preaching, I gave some instructions about order in the -congregation, men among women, and women among men, horses in the -assembly, and men and boys on the stand who do not belong there, &c. - -In the evening Mr. Blodgett, a Unitarian minister, preached. I -was gratified with his sermon in general, but differed in opinion -on some points, on which I freely expressed myself to his great -satisfaction,--_viz._, on persecution making the work spread, like -rooting up a flower garden or kicking back the sun! - -_Monday, 18.--_I received a letter from Governor Ford as follows:-- - - {35} _Letter of Governor Ford to the Prophet._ - - SPRINGFIELD, September 13, 1843. - - DEAR SIR,--In answer to your letter, I have the honor to reply, - that I will consider it my duty to prevent the invasion of this - State, if in my power, by any persons elsewhere for any hostile - purposes whatever. - - From information in my possession, I am of opinion that there is - but little danger of any such invasion. It is altogether more - likely that some other mode of annoyance will be adopted. My - enemies here, I think, are endeavoring to put something of the kind - on foot. - - I am, most respectfully, - - Your obedient servant, - - THOMAS FORD. - -I attended a council at my old house. - -[Sidenote: Conference in Nova Scotia.] - -A conference was held at Preston, Halifax County, Nova Scotia. 1 Elder, -1 Teacher, 1 Deacon, and 14 members were represented. Robert Dixon, -president; J. Jermen, clerk. - -David Greenleaf was elected probate judge for the county of Hancock, by -a majority of 598 votes. - -_Tuesday, 19.--_I directed Brother Phelps to answer the letter recently -received from the Governor, and to enclose a copy of the resolutions -passed at the meeting of the mobocracy at Carthage; which he did. - -Wrote a letter to J. B. Backenstos. - -A portion of the Twelve were present at a general muster of the -independent companies of Boston. Saw a sham battle, in which -thirty-five brass cannon were discharged seven times. One party was -commanded by the Governor of Mass., and the other by the officer next -in rank. - -_Wednesday, 20.--_Visited my farm, accompanied by my Brother Hyrum. - -The _Neighbor_ has the following:-- - - PORTER ROCKWELL. - - A few short months ago, it was heralded through this State that - Porter Rockwell was the individual who attempted to murder - ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri. It was confidently stated that - Joseph Smith {36} was accessory before the fact. The thing was - swallowed as a precious morsel by the enemies of Mormonism. It was - iterated and reiterated by the public journals, and the general - expression of a certain class was that Mr. Smith ought to be hung; - there was no doubt of his guilt; he was one of the most inhuman, - diabolical, dangerous, and malignant persons in the universe; and - when a requisition was made for him by the Governor of Missouri, - it was considered worse than "arson" or "treason" that he should - be acquitted by the legal authorities of this State, under _habeas - corpus;_ and afterwards, when Porter Rockwell was taken, it was - exultingly stated that they had got the scoundrel, and that he - would now receive the due demerit of his crime. How stands the - matter when it is investigated--investigated by a Missouri court? - The following will show:-- - - The last _Independence Expositor_ says:--"Orin Porter Rockwell, - the Mormon confined in our county jail, some time since, for the - attempted assassination of ex-Governor Boggs, was indicted by - our last grand jury for escaping from our county jail some time - since, and sent to Clay county for trial. Owing, however, to some - informality in the proceedings, he was remanded to this county - again for trial. There was not sufficient proof adduced against him - to predicate an indictment for shooting ex-Governor Boggs, and the - grand jury therefore did not indict him for that offense."--[_St. - Louis New Era_.] - - It appears, then, after all the bluster, the hue-and-cry about - Mormon outrages, Mormon intrigue, "blood," "arson," and "murder," - that "there was not sufficient proof adduced against him to - predicate an indictment for shooting ex-Governor Boggs, and the - grand jury therefore did not indict him for that offense." This - speaks for itself: it needs no comment. We are glad, for the sake - of suffering innocence, that Mr. Rockwell stands clear in the eyes - of the law. Thus it seems that after exerting all their malice and - hellish rage to implicate the innocent, they can find no proof - against him. But yet he must be again incarcerated, without proof, - for another hearing. This is Missouri justice. If he was guilty - of breaking jail, why not try and punish him for that before that - court? Where is the necessity of remanding him to another county - for another hearing? It is evident that they wish to immolate him, - and, by offering him as a sacrifice, glut their thirst for innocent - blood. - -[Sidenote: Pacific Island Mission.] - -I answered Governor Ford's letter received on the 18th. Elder Brigham -Young instructed Elder Addison Pratt to go and engage a passage for -himself and Elders Noah Rogers, Knowlton F. Hanks, and B. F. Grouard, -as missionaries to the Pacific Islands, {37} although they had not -one-tenth of the means on hand to pay their passage. - -In the evening, Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, -Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, and John E. Page visited Mr. O. -S. Fowler, the phrenologist, who examined their heads and gave their -phrenological charts. - -_Thursday, 21.--_Made affidavit with Willard Richards and William -Clayton to Auditor of State _v._ Walter Bagby. - -About eleven, a.m., called with my Brother Samuel H. to see about -getting a copy of his blessing, and wished Doctor Richards much joy in -his new daughter. - -About noon, went on board the _Maid of Iowa,_ with William Clayton, -clerk of the boat. - -One, p.m., the thermometer stood at 100 deg. in the shade. - -_Friday, 22.--_The Twelve visited the Navy Yard and Harbor of Boston, -the _Mississippi_ steamship, the ropewalk, the Bunker-hill monument, -the State-house, and the State's prison. In the evening they addressed -the Saints in Boylston Hall. - -Elder Addison Pratt, accompanied by Elder Philip B. Lewis engaged a -passage to the Society Islands at $100 each for himself, Noah Rogers, -Knowlton F. Hanks, and B. F. Grouard. - -_Saturday, 23.--_Elder Stephen Markham returned from Dixon, the trial -of Reynolds and Wilson being postponed till May next. - -[Sidenote: Report from the Pinery.] - -Bishop George Miller returned from the Pinery. He reports the water -in Black River so low that they could not get their raft into the -Mississippi. - -I had an interview with Elder Orson Spencer, from whom I borrowed $75 -for the Temple. - -[Sidenote: Stewardship vs. Common Stock.] - -_Sunday, 24.--_I preached on the stand about one hour on the 2nd -chapter of Acts, designing to show the folly of common stock. In Nauvoo -every {38} one is steward over his own. After preaching, I called -upon the brethren to draw stone for the Temple, and gave notice for a -special conference for the 6th of October next. Adjourned the meeting -about one, p.m., on account of the prospect of rain. Judge McBride and -a lawyer from Missouri were present at the meeting. - -_Monday, 25.--_Wet day. At home. Held a conversation with the Missouri -lawyer. - -_Tuesday, 26--_Held Mayor's Court, and tried the case of "Dana _v._ -Leeches." No cause of action. Called at the store about six, p.m., and -directed the clerk to issue papers in the case of "Medagh _v._ Hovey." - -_Wednesday, 27.--_The _Neighbor_ of this date has the following -editorial:-- - - CONCERNING HORSE THIEVES. - - We find that the _Quincy Whig_ has some very righteous remarks to - make concerning the Mormons, emanating from the purest principles - of patriotism. (?) The editor has had some "_private_ conversation" - with some individual or individuals about certain charges brought - against the Mormons, particularly that of screening horse thieves. - - We think that the _Whig_ has not done itself much credit in - advocating the principles contained in those resolutions. We leave - that, however, for a discerning public to judge. - - Concerning the horse thieves, however, the informant of the _Whig_ - would have shown himself a better friend to society to have given - information to the proper authorities, and had these pests of - society brought to condign punishment. And the editor of that paper - would have proved himself more patriotic by telling us who these - people are that are screened in our midst, than dealing thus in - generals and stabbing in the dark. - - Come, Mr. _Whig_, out with it, and let us know who it is that is - found transgressing. Who knows but that, far fallen as we are, - there yet may be virtue enough left to prosecute a horse thief! - We have tried this more than once, and prosecuted them as far as - Carthage; but no sooner do they arrive in the jail there than we - lose all track of them. The lock of the door is so slippery, that - it lets them all out. We presume, however, that it is on account - of the honesty of the people. (?) We are pleased to find that the - _Whig_ is in the secret! - - Mr. Ivins, of this city, had a horse stolen last week, and we - frequently have occurrences of the kind. Will the editor of that - paper be {39} so kind as to ask his informant who the thieves are, - and where they live, and give us the desired information? and we - shall esteem it a peculiar favor. - -I was at home all day, and gave Brother Phelps the privilege of -occupying the small house near the store. - -[Sidenote: Meeting of a Special Council.] - -_Thursday, 28.--_At half-past eleven, a.m., a council convened over -the store, consisting of myself, my brother Hyrum, Uncle John Smith, -Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Amasa -Lyman, John M. Bernhisel, and Lucien Woodworth; and at seven in the -evening we met in the front upper room of the Mansion, with William Law -and William Marks. By the common consent and unanimous voice of the -council, I was chosen president of the special council. - -The president led in prayer that his days might be prolonged until his -mission on the earth is accomplished, have dominion over his enemies, -all their households be blessed, and all the Church and the world. - -_Friday, 29.--_Elder Brigham Young started from Boston for Nauvoo. The -Twelve were now scattered among the branches in the Eastern States. - -_Saturday, 30.--_Rainy, and strong west wind. - -Elders Young and Woodruff stayed at Elder Forster's, in New York. - -_Sunday, October 1, 1843_.--I copy the following from the _Times and -Seasons_ of this date:-- - - WHO SHALL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT? - - This question we frequently hear asked, and it is a question of no - small importance to the Latter-day Saints. - - We, as a people, have labored and are still laboring under great - injustice from the hands of a neighboring state. The Latter-day - Saints have had their property destroyed, and their houses made - desolate by the hands of the Missourians; murders have been - committed with impunity, and many, in consequence of oppression, - barbarism, and cruelty, have slept the sleep of death. They [the - Saints] have been obliged to flee from their possessions into a - distant land, in the chilling frosts of winter, robbed, spoiled, - desolate, houseless, and homeless, without any just pretext {40} or - shadow of law, without having violated the laws of that state, or - the United States; and have had to wander as exiles in a strange - land, without as yet being able to obtain any redress for their - grievances. - - We have hitherto adopted every legal measure. First, we petitioned - the State of Missouri, but in vain. We have memorialized Congress, - but they have turned a deaf ear to our supplication, and referred - us again to the State and _justice_ of Missouri. Doubtless many of - the members of that honorable body were not sufficiently informed - of the enormity and extent of the crimes of our persecutors, nor - of the indelible stain which our national escutcheon has received - through their inhuman daring. They have been allowed to revel in - blood and luxuriate in the miseries of the oppressed, and no man - has laid it to heart. - - The fact is that gentlemen of respectability and refinement, who - live in a civilized society, find it difficult to believe that - such enormities could be practiced in a Republican government. - But our wrong cannot slumber. Such tyranny and oppression must - not be passed over in silence. Our injuries, though past, are - not forgotten by us; they still rankle in our bosoms, and the - blood of the innocent yet cries for justice; and as American - citizens we have appealed and shall still continue to appeal to - the legally-constituted authorities of the land for redress, in - the hopes that justice, which has long slumbered, may be aroused - in our defense; that the spirit which burned in the bosoms of the - patriots of '76 may fire the souls of their descendants; and though - slow, that their indignation may yet be aroused at the injustice - of the oppressor; and that they may yet mete out justice to our - adversaries, and step forward in the defense of the innocent. - - We shall ask no one to commit themselves on our account. We want no - steps taken but what are legal, constitutional and honorable. But - we are_ American citizens;_ and as American citizens we have rights - in common with all that live under the folds of the "star-spangled - banner." Our rights have been trampled upon by lawless miscreants. - We have been robbed of our liberties by mobocratic influence, and - all those honorable ties that ought to govern and characterize - Columbia's sons have been trampled in the dust. Still we are - _American Citizens;_ and as American citizens we claim the - privilege of being heard in the councils of our nation. We have - been wronged, abused, robbed, and banished; and we seek redress. - Such crimes can not slumber in Republican America. The cause of - common humanity would revolt at it, and Republicanism would hide - its head in disgust. - - We make these remarks for the purpose of drawing the attention - of our brethren to this subject, both at home and abroad, that - we may fix upon the man who will be the most likely to render us - assistance in obtaining redress for our grievances; and not only - give our own votes, but use our influence to obtain others; and if - the voice of suffering innocence {41} will not sufficiently arouse - the rulers of our nation to investigate our case, perhaps a vote - of from fifty to one hundred thousand may rouse them from their - lethargy. - - We shall fix upon the man of our choice, and notify our friends - duly. - -I published the following in the same number of the _Times and -Seasons:_-- - - THE APPOINTMENT OF A MISSION TO RUSSIA. - - To all the Saints and honourable men of the earth to whom the Lord - has given liberally of this world's goods, _greeting_: - - Our worthy Brother, Elder George J. Adams, has been appointed by - the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints at Nauvoo to present to them the importance, as well as - the things connected with his mission to Russia, to introduce the - fullness of the Gospel to the people of that vast empire, and also - to which is attached some of the most important things concerning - the advancement and building up of the kingdom of God in the last - days, which cannot be explained at this time. But as the mission is - attended with much expense, all those who feel disposed to bestow - according as God has blessed them shall receive the blessings of - Israel's God, and tenfold shall be added unto them, as well as the - prayers of the Saints of God. - - With sentiments of high esteem, we subscribe ourselves your friends - and brethren in the now and everlasting covenant, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - HYRUM SMITH. - - Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [1] - -I attended meeting this morning, and adjourned it in consequence of the -cold and rain. The afternoon being more pleasant, the people assembled, -and were addressed by Elders Marks, Charles C. Rich and Bishop Jacob -Foutz. - -Council met in the evening same as on Thursday previous. - -_Monday, 2.--_At home. - -[Sidenote: Movement of Apostles in the East.] - -_Tuesday, 3.--_Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, -George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, and Jedediah M. Grant spent the day -in visiting the Saints in Philadelphia. In the evening they partook of -an oyster supper, on the invitation of Mr. Jeffreys. - -{42} The brethren assembled with their wives, to the number of about -one hundred couple, and dined at the Mansion as an opening to the -house. A very pleasant day, and all things passed off well. - -The following is extracted from the _Neighbor_ of this date. - - PLEASURE PARTY AND DINNER AT THE NAUVOO MANSION. - - General Joseph Smith, the proprietor of said house, provided a - luxurious feast for a pleasure party; and all having partaken of - the luxuries of a well-spread board, the cloth was removed, and a - committee appointed to draft resolutions suitable to the occasion. - They adjourned for a few moments and returned, when Robert D. - Foster was appointed chairman. - - The object of the meeting was then briefly stated by the chairman; - after which a hymn was sung, and prayer by Elder Taylor. The - chairman then arose and made some appropriate remarks for the - occasion, touching upon the rise and progress of the city, - the varied scenes through which the Saints had to pass, the - persecutions and abuses the Prophets had to undergo, &c., &c. After - which he read the following resolutions and toast, which were - unanimously adopted:-- - - Resolved, 1st. That a vote of thanks be presented to General Joseph - Smith and lady, through the medium of the _Nauvoo Neighbor,_ for - the very bountiful feast by them provided, for the accommodation of - this party of more than one hundred couple at their Mansion. - - Resolved, 2nd. General Joseph Smith, whether we view him as a - Prophet at the head of the Church, a General at the head of the - Legion, a Mayor at the head of the City Council, or as a landlord - at the head of his table, if he has equals, he has no superiors. - - Resolved, 3rd. Nauvoo, the great emporium of the West, the center - of all centers, a city of three years' growth, a population of - 15,000 souls congregated from the four quarters of the globe, - embracing the intelligence of all nations, with industry, - frugality, economy, virtue, and brotherly love, unsurpassed by any - age in the world,--a suitable home for the Saints. - - Resolved, 4th. Nauvoo Legion, a well disciplined and faithful band - of invincibles, ready at all times to defend their country with - this motto, "Vive la Republique." - - Resolved, 5th. Nauvoo Charter, like the laws of the Medes and - Persians, an unalterable decree by a patriotic band of wise - legislators for the protection of the innocent. - - Resolved, 6th. Thomas Ford, Governor of Illinois, fearless and {43} - faithful in the discharge of all official duties,--long may he - live, and blessings attend his administration. - - Colonel Francis M. Higbee was then called to the stand, who - addressed the audience in a very spirited and appropriate manner - for the day. - - Professor Orson Spencer was then called, who arose, and in his - usual easy and eloquent manner highly entertained the company for - nearly half-an-hour. - - The next called was Elder John Taylor, who alone was capable of - putting on the top stone of the entertainment. His address was - highly interesting, combining, like a Lacoon, a volume in every - gesture. - - General Smith then arose, and, in a very touching and suitable - manner, tendered his thanks to the company for the encomiums and - honors conferred on him. He recited the many woes through which - he had passed, the persecutions which he had suffered, and the - love he had for the brethren and citizens of Nauvoo. He tendered - his gratitude for the pleasing prospects that surrounded him to - the great Giver of all good. He said he thought that his case was - similar to that of old Job's--that after he had suffered and drank - the very dregs of affliction, the Lord had remembered him in mercy, - and was about to bless him abundantly. - - After he had done, Mrs. Emma Smith presented her thanks, through - the chair, to the company present; after which, a motion was made - and carried, to adjourn, whereupon the company were called to their - feet. Benediction by Elder Taylor, and the party retired with the - most perfect satisfaction and good humor as was ever witnessed on - such occasions. - - ROBERT D. FOSTER, Chairman. - -In the evening Mr. William Backenstos and Clara M. Wasson were married -at the Mansion. I solemnized the marriage in presence of a select party. - -_Wednesday, 4.--_I extract the following from the _Neighbor_ of this -date:-- - - ANTI-MORMONISM. - - With respect to the Carthage meeting, I take upon myself to deny - the charges _in toto,_ and challenge them to the proof. If we - harbor horse-thieves among us, as is basely asserted, let the - man that has lost his horse publish his name and the name of the - villain, or how he knows him to be a Mormon, and where he is - harbored, that we may have something more than vague assertions. - They well know that no such proof can be produced, but that the - charges had their birth in the minds of one or two heartless - scoundrels thirsting for revenge for their late disappointments. - The whole of the charges are a tissue of falsehoods {44} got up - with the idea of intimidating a peaceable body of citizens. But, - sir, we set such designing knaves at defiance and laugh at their - threats, treating them with utter contempt, but ever ready to abide - by the truth. - - JOHN GREENHOW. - -Elder Reuben Hedlock wrote the following letter:-- - - _Elder Reuben Hedlock to the First Presidency._ - - LIVERPOOL, October 4, 1843. - - _To the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, - greeting:--_ - - DEAR AND MUCH ESTEEMED BRETHREN,--I hasten to inform you of my - arrival in Liverpool on the 30th day of September, in company - with Elders John Cairns, James Sloan and wife, James Houston, and - William G. Jermon. We left six of the Twelve in the city of New - York, the 2nd day of September, and came on board of the ship - _Columbus_. Our passage money was five dollars. We had a very hard - passage. We were very much crowded in the steerage. There were 236 - persons--Dutch, Irish, English and Scotch, and as dirty as any I - ever saw. We were not much sick; the weather was cold. Had it been - otherwise, we should have suffered more. A steamer leaves for New - York today, and I thought I would announce to you my arrival by - this opportunity, and such information as I was in possession of up - to this date. There is a ship to sail on the 14th instant, by which - I shall write you again. - - I found Elders Hyrum Clark, Thomas Ward, and Amos Fielding in - Liverpool, and they were well; and as far as I was informed by - them, the Church is in a good state and on the increase; it numbers - somewhere between eight and nine thousand members. There is a great - want of laborers in the vineyard. Many of the first Elders have - left this for Nauvoo, leaving their places vacant. I presented - to the Presidency here your decision relative to the printing. - Elders Ward and Fielding received it, and manifested a desire to - abide by it. Elder Fielding wept when I showed him your decision - concerning him and his coming to Nauvoo by the first ship to see - you face to face. The brethren say here that he has been too hasty - in some things, and has given some an offense; but I do not as yet - know anything derogatory to his character that I could say aught - against him. I shall write you all the particulars as fast as I - come in possession of them. As regards the printing in this land, - we shall stop it after the next number is published. In it we wish - to publish the news from Nauvoo for the benefit of the Saints, and - to announce our arrival in this country. - - Permit me here to give you my opinion as regards the printing in - this land, and I will cheerfully abide your advice notwithstanding. - After we stop the _Star_, we shall have during the shipping season - to advertise {45} and give general information in the emigration - business to the Saints scattered abroad. I think it would be - best to republish the _Times and Seasons_ for the benefit of the - Church. The duties on books are £2-10s. per hundredweight; and - there are now 1,600 _Stars_ circulated here at the present, and - the demands of our publications are on the increase. The duties - would almost reprint the _Times and Seasons,_ and then we could do - our advertising on the last page, if thought advisable. We could - afford it as cheap as the present _Star_, and pay you something for - the privilege of publishing, as well as to pay it to the crown. I - have not yet learned the amount of funds remaining here subject to - your order. I have not had much time as yet to inquire into those - matters, in consequence of the multitude of business in unloading - our freight from shipboard. - - The brethren that came with me wish to say to those whom it may - concern, that they are well, and will in a few days leave for their - fields of labor. - - I shall write to you once a month, no preventing Providence, and - should be glad to have you write to me as often, and give me your - advice and counsel relating to those things you, in your wisdom, - may think beneficial to the Saints and emigration in this land. - - I wish Elder Taylor would forward to me the amount of the number - that will make the volume of the _Times and Seasons_ complete by - the first opportunity. By so doing I can sell the 200 volumes to - advantage. I will try to forward to him what I can obtain for the - _Times and Seasons_ already here. If it should be thought wisdom to - reprint the _Times and Seasons_ here, I wish Brother Taylor would - be particular to send, so that we could obtain them, if possible. - I am informed by Elder Ward that they have not received any - intelligence from you since last February. - - I wish you would write me your mind concerning the printing - immediately on the receipt of this sheet, so that our communication - with the Saints in England may not be stopped long. - - I am, as ever, your humble servant in the bonds of the new and - everlasting covenant, - - REUBEN HEDLOCK. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's visit with Justin Butterfield.] - -I was at the mansion preparing some legal papers.--Justin Butterfield, -Esq., U. S. Attorney for Illinois, arrived this afternoon; and I spent -the rest of the day in riding and chatting with him. - -Council of the quorum [special council, see p. 39] met and adjourned to -Sunday evening; my Brother Hyrum's child being sick. - -{46} The quorum of the Twelve started from Philadelphia for Pittsburgh. - -_Thursday, 5.--_This morning I rode out with Esquire Butterfield to the -farm. - -[Sidenote: Instructions Respecting Plurality of Wives.] - -In the afternoon, rode to the prairie to show some of the brethren -some land. Evening, at home, and walked up and down the streets with -my scribe. Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, -teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives: for, -according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; -for there is never but one on earth at a time on whom the power and its -keys are conferred; _and I have constantly said no man shall have but -one wife at a time, unless the Lord directs otherwise._ - -_Friday, 6.--_I attended special conference; but as few people -were out, in consequence of the weather proving unfavorable, the -organization of the conference was adjourned until to morrow, or the -first pleasant day. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Dissatisfaction with Sidney Rigdon.] - -After giving notice that President Rigdon's case would be considered, -&c., I walked towards home, and gave instructions to my scribe to cause -all the papers relating to my land-claims in the Half Breed Tract in -Iowa, to be placed in the hands of Esquire Butterfield. - -_Saturday, 7.--_I attended conference. - -_Sunday, 8.--_Slight frost last night. Conference convened in the -morning; but, as it rained, adjourned till Monday at ten, a.m. - -Prayer-meeting at my house in the evening. Quorum present; also, in -addition, Sisters Adams, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, my aunt Clarissa Smith, -and my mother. - -My brother Hyrum and his wife were blessed, ordained and anointed. - -The Twelve arrived at Pittsburgh at ten, a.m., and again left by the -steamer _Raritan,_ at eleven, a.m., _en route_ for Nauvoo. - -{47} _Monday, 9.--_Attended conference, and preached a funeral sermon -on the death of General James Adams; a brief synopsis of which, as -reported by Dr. Willard Richards, will be found in the minutes below. - -I here insert the conference minutes. - - MINUTES OF A SPECIAL CONFERENCE. - - _The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Special - Conference, held in the City of Nauvoo, commencing on the 6th of - October, 1843._ - - Friday, October 6, ten o'clock, a.m. - - The weather proving unfavorable, the organization of the Conference - was postponed until the next day at ten o'clock, a.m. - - Saturday, ten o'clock, a.m. - - Conference assembled and proceeded to business. - - President Joseph Smith was called to the chair, and Gustavus Hills - was chosen clerk. - - Singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder Almon W. Babbitt. - - The president stated the items of business to be brought before the - conference to be-- - - 1st. The case and standing of Elder Sidney Rigdon, Counselor in the - First Presidency. - - 2nd. 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, inviting 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 - of counsels since their escape 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 - a document from Justin Butterfield, Esq., which was designed for - the benefit of himself, (President Smith,) 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 - proceed to that place {48} and arrest him there. He stated that, in - consequence of these and other circumstances, and Elder Rigdon's - unprofitableness 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 W. Babbitt suggested the propriety of limiting the - complaints and proofs to circumstances that had transpired since - the last conference. - - President Joseph Smith replied, and showed the legality and - propriety of a thorough investigation, without such limitation. - - Elder Sidney Rigdon pleaded, concerning the document from Justin - Butterfield, Esq., that he received it in answer to some inquiries - which he [Rigdon] had transmitted to him [Butterfield]; that he - [Rigdon] received it at a time when he was sick, and unable to - examine it; did not know that it was designed for the perusal and - benefit of President Joseph Smith; that he had, consequently, - 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 any one; 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. Bennett, 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 letters to John C. Bennett. - - The weather becoming inclement, conference adjourned until Sunday, - ten o'clock, a.m. - - Sunday, 8th, ten o'clock, A.M. - - Conference assembled agreeably to adjournment. - - Singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder William W. Phelps. - - Elder Sidney Rigdon resumed his plea of defense. He related the - circumstances of his reception in the city of 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 W. Babbitt related a conversation he had had with - Esquire Johnson, in which he exonerated Elder Sidney Rigdon - from the {49} charge or suspicion of having had a treacherous - correspondence with ex-Governor Carlin. - - President Joseph Smith arose and explained to the congregation - the supposed treacherous correspondence with ex-Governor Carlin, - and expressed entire lack of confidence in his integrity and - steadfastness, judging from their past intercourse. - - Patriarch Hyrum Smith followed with appropriate and impressive - remarks on the attributes of mercy in God, as that by which He - influences, controls and conquers; and the propriety 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 W. Babbitt and President William Law followed with - remarks in defense of Elder Sidney Rigdon. - - On motion by President William Marks, and seconded by Patriarch - Hyrum Smith, conference voted that Elder Sidney Rigdon be permitted - to retain his station as Counselor in the First Presidency. - - _President Joseph Smith arose and said, "I have thrown him off my - shoulders, and you have again put him on me. You may carry him, but - I will not_." [2] - - Singing. Prayer by Elder William Law. - - Conference adjourned for one hour. - - Three, p.m. - - Conference assembled; but in consequence of the inclemency of the - weather, business was postponed until Monday, ten o'clock, A.M. - - Monday, ten o'clock, a.m. - - Conference assembled, and resumed business. - - Singing by the choir. Prayer by Elder Alpheus Cutler. - - The business pertaining to the Temple was then announced by the - President as next in order. - - Elder Alpheus Cutler, on the part of the Temple Committee, - represented the work of the Temple to be retarded for want of team - work and provisions--also of iron, steel, blasting powder, and - clothing,--giving as his opinion that the walls could easily be - completed next season, if these embarrassments 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 Trustee, that the work may - advance with rapidity. - - {50} 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 astonishment. 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 President Hyrum - Smith, conference voted that we, as a conference 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. - - Conference adjourned for one hour. - - Two o'clock, p.m. - - Conference re-assembled, and listened with profound attention to - an impressive discourse from President Joseph Smith, commemorative - of the decease of James Adams, Esq., late of this city, and an - honorable, worthy, useful and esteemed member of the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - - THE PROPHET'S REMARKS ON THE DEMISE OF JAMES ADAMS. - - All men know that they must die. And it is important that we - should understand the reasons and causes of our exposure to the - vicissitudes of life and of death, and the designs and purposes - of God in our coming into the world, our sufferings here, and our - departure hence. What is the object of our coming into existence, - then dying and falling away, to be here no more? It is but - reasonable to suppose that God would reveal something in reference - to the matter, and it is a subject we ought to study more than - any other. We ought to study it day and night, for the world is - ignorant in reference to their true condition and relation. If - we have any claim on our Heavenly Father for anything, it is for - knowledge on this important subject. Could we read and comprehend - all that has been written from the days of Adam, on the relation of - man to God and angels in a future state, we should know very little - about it. Reading the experience of others, or the revelation - given to _them,_ can never give _us_ a comprehensive view of our - condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can - only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set - forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, - you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was - written on the subject. - - We are only capable of comprehending that certain things exist, - which we may acquire by certain fixed principles. If men would - acquire salvation, they have got to be subject, before they leave - this {51} world, to certain rules and principles, which were fixed - by an unalterable decree before the world was. - - The disappointment of hopes and expectations at the resurrection - would be indescribably dreadful. - - The organization of the spiritual and heavenly worlds, and of - spiritual and heavenly beings, was agreeable to the most perfect - order and harmony: their limits and bounds were fixed irrevocably, - and voluntarily subscribed to in their heavenly estate by - themselves, and were by our first parents subscribed to upon - the earth. Hence the importance of embracing and subscribing to - principles of eternal truth by all men upon the earth that expect - eternal life. - - I assure the Saints that truth, in reference to these matters, - can and may be known through the revelations of God in the way of - His ordinances, and in answer to prayer. The Hebrew Church "came - unto the spirits of just men made perfect, and unto an innumerable - company of angels, unto God the Father of all, and to Jesus Christ, - the Mediator of the new covenant." What did they learn by coming of - the spirits of just men made perfect? Is it written? No. What they - learned has not been and could not have been written. What object - was gained by this communication with the spirits of the just? It - was the established order of the kingdom of God: the keys of power - and knowledge were with them to communicate to the Saints. Hence - the importance of understanding the distinction between the spirits - of the just and angels. - - Spirits can only be revealed in flaming fire or glory. Angels have - advanced further, their light and glory being tabernacled; and - hence they appear in bodily shape. The spirits of just men are made - ministering servants to those who are sealed unto life eternal, and - it is through them that the sealing power comes down. - - Patriarch Adams is now one of the spirits of the just men made - perfect; and, if revealed now, must be revealed in fire; and the - glory could not be endured. Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, - and they thought it was His spirit, and they were afraid to - approach His spirit. Angels have advanced higher in knowledge and - power than spirits. - - Concerning Brother James Adams, it should appear strange that so - good and so great a man was hated. The deceased ought never to - have had an enemy. But so it was. Wherever light shone, it stirred - up darkness. Truth and error, good and evil cannot be reconciled. - Judge Adams had some enemies, but such a man ought not to have had - one. I saw him first at Springfield, when on my way from Missouri - to Washington. He sought me out when a stranger, took me to his - home, encouraged and cheered me, and gave me money. He has been a - most intimate friend. I anointed him to the patriarchal power--to - receive {52} the keys of knowledge and power, by revelation to - himself. He has had revelations concerning his departure, and has - gone to a more important work. When men are prepared, they are - better off to go hence. Brother Adams has gone to open up a more - effectual door for the dead. The spirits of the just are exalted - to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in - their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, - they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, - feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith. - - Flesh and blood cannot go there; but flesh and bones, quickened by - the Spirit of God, can. - - If we would be sober and watch in fasting and prayer, God would - turn away sickness from our midst. - - Hasten the work in the Temple, renew your exertions to forward - all the work of the last days, and walk before the Lord in - soberness and righteousness. Let the Elders and Saints do away with - lightmindedness, and be sober. - - Such is a faint outline of the discourse of President Joseph - Smith, which was delivered with his usual feeling and pathos, and - was listened to with the most profound and eager attention by the - multitude, who hung upon his instructions, anxious to learn and - pursue the path of eternal life. - - After singing by the choir, and prayer by the President, Conference - adjourned _sine die,_ with the benediction of the President. - - JOSEPH SMITH, President. - - GUSTAVUS HILLS, Clerk. - -[Sidenote: Pacific Island Mission Embarks.] - -The missionaries to the Society Islands went on board the ship -_Timoleon_, Captain Plasket, at New Bedford, and got under way. Elder -Philip B. Lewis donated $300 towards their passage and fitout. Elder -Knowlton F. Hanks' health was very poor. - -Footnotes: - -1. The fact that Sidney Rigdon and Wm. Law did not sign this document -as in the First Presidency, should be noted. - -2. This paragraph in Italics appears as footnote in the Ms. History. - -{53} - - - -CHAPTER III. - -ANCIENT RUINS IN AMERICA, BOOK OF MORMON EVIDENCE--THE PROPHET ON THE -U. S. CONSTITUTION AND THE BIBLE--MISREPRESENTATIONS CORRECTED--LETTER -TO THE U. S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES--THE PROPHET'S ADDRESS TO THE -SAINTS. - -_Tuesday, October 10, 1843.--_My brother Hyrum was appointed, by the -voice of the Spirit, one of the Temple Committee, in place of Judge -Elias Higbee, deceased. - -I spent the day in council with J. and O. C. Skinner and the Rhodes' -about the sale of land, and appointed William Clayton to buy the -property. - -_Wednesday, 11--_I was at home this morning. In the afternoon I went -with my brother Hyrum, William Law, and our wives, to Brother John -Benbow's. - -The following is from the _Times and Seasons_:-- - - ANCIENT RUINS--INTRODUCTORY. - - Every day adds fresh testimony to the already accumulated evidence - on the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. At the time that book - was translated, there was very little known about ruined cities - and dilapidated buildings. The general presumption was that no - people possessing more intelligence than our present race of - Indians had ever inhabited this continent; and the accounts given - in the Book of Mormon concerning large cities and civilized - people having inhabited this land were generally disbelieved and - pronounced a humbug. Priest, since then, has thrown some light on - this interesting subject. [Stephens, in his "Incidents of Travels - in Central America," has thrown in a flood of testimony, and from - the following statements it is evident that the Book of Mormon does - not give a more extensive account of large and populous cities than - those discovered demonstrate to be even now in existence.--Ed.] - - _(Article from the Texas Telegraph, October 11.)_ - - We have been informed by a gentleman who has traversed a large - portion of the Indian country of Northern Texas, and the country - {54} lying between Santa Fe and the Pacific, that there are - vestiges of ancient cities and ruined castles or temples on the Rio - Puerco, and on the Colorado of the West. - - He says that on one of the branches of the Rio Puerco, a few days' - travel from Santa Fe, there is an immense pile of ruins that - appear to belong to an ancient temple. Portions of the walls are - still standing, consisting of huge blocks of limestone regularly - hewn and laid in cement. The building occupies an extent of more - than an acre. It is two or three stories high, has no roof, but - contains many rooms, generally of a square form, without windows; - and the lower rooms are so dark and gloomy that they resemble - caverns rather than the apartments of an edifice built for a human - habitation. - - Our informant did not give the style of architecture, but he - believes it could not be erected by Spaniards or Europeans, as the - stones are much worn by the rains, and indicate that the building - has stood many hundred years. From his description, we are induced - to believe that it resembles the ruins of Palenque or Otulum. - - He says there are many similar ruins on the Colorado of the West, - which empties in the Californian sea. In one of the valleys of - the Cordilleras traversed by this river, and about four hundred - miles from its mouth, there is a large temple still standing, its - walls and spires presenting scarcely any traces of dilapidation; - and were it not for the want of a roof, it might still be rendered - habitable. Near it, scattered along the declivity of a mountain, - are the ruins of what must have been once a large city. - - The traces of a large aqueduct, part of which is, however, in the - solid rock, are still visible. Neither the Indians residing in the - vicinity nor the oldest Spanish settlers of the nearest settlements - can give any account of the origin of these buildings. They merely - know that they have stood there from the earliest periods to which - their traditions extend. - - The antiquarian who is desirous to trace the Aztec or the Toltec - races in their migrations from the northern regions of America may - find in their ancient edifices many subjects of curious speculation. - -_Thursday, 12.--_Prayer-meeting in my room. We prayed for William -Marks, who was sick. - -I sent William Clayton to Lathrop, to borrow $50, that I might be able -to redeem $5000 worth of property, which was published to be sold today -at Rhodes'; but Lathrop refused. He also went to Eli Chase's, but was -refused by him. I was grieved that the brethren felt so penurious -in their spirit, although they professed to be guided by the {55} -revelations which the Lord gives through me. On my afterwards giving a -pledge that I would repay the $50 in forty-eight hours, Lathrop lent -the money and enabled me to redeem the land. - -I received the following from H. R. Hotchkiss: - - _Letter--H. R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith._ - - NEW YORK, 27th September, 1843. - - _Rev. Joseph Smith._ - - DEAR SIR,--I see by the newspapers that there has been a meeting - of citizens at Carthage relative to the Mormons, and that several - severe resolutions have been passed condemning the conduct of the - Mormons. Knowing how little I can rely upon public rumor upon such - subjects, I have taken the liberty of applying directly to you for - correct information, and solicit as a particular favor that you - will communicate at your earliest convenience the facts in the case. - - Of course I feel an interest in the prosperity of Nauvoo, and - an interest also in the success of the Mormon enterprise, and a - deep interest in the welfare of your people; and the more so, - certainly, as their pecuniary interest is identified with my own. I - make this frank acknowledgment, because it is always best for men - of sense to talk as they mean. I should, however, be solicitous - for a successful termination of your great enterprise, had I not - one dollar invested in Nauvoo, because the complete triumph of - energetic exertions is always gratifying to all business men. - - Your obedient servant, - - HORACE R. HOTCHKISS. - -I wrote this reply:-- - - _Letter--Joseph Smith to H. R. Hotchkiss._ - - NAUVOO, Ill., Oct. 12, 1843. - - DEAR SIR,--Your letter of the 27th ult. is at hand, soliciting - information concerning the "Carthage resolutions." In answer to - your very candid inquiry and interest relative to our welfare, - brevity will suffice. Unprincipled men and disappointed demagogues, - with here and there an "untamed sucker," composed that disgraceful - and disgracing as well as mobocratic assemblage; and I feel proud - to say that patriots and honest men generally frown upon such - audacious proceedings as beneath the dignity of freemen. It is to - be hoped that public opinion will continue to spurn at such doings, - and leave the actors to fester in their own shame. - - With the smiling prospects around us at present, success seems {56} - certain; and, with the blessings of Jehovah, we shall reap the - reward of virtue and goodness. I go for the good of the world; and - if all honest men would do so, mean men would be scarce. You are at - liberty to use this to counteract falsehoods as you may deem proper. - - Respectfully, I am your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -_Friday, 13.--_First severe frost at Nauvoo this season. Ice on the -water. - -At home; made arrangements to prepare provisions for the workmen in the -pinery. From ten, a.m. to three, p.m., presided in municipal court, on -_habeas corpus_ in favor of Charles Drown, to be delivered from the -custody of Samuel Waterman. The prisoner being sick, adjourned the case -to the 16th. - -In the afternoon, trying a span of grey horses in the carriage. - -Dr. Turner, a phrenologist, came in. I gratified his curiosity for -about an hour by allowing him to examine my head. - -I was engaged settling accounts with D. S. Hollister. - -_Saturday, 14.--_In the morning, at home, having a long [Location of -the mind.] conversation with a physiologist and mesmerizer. I asked -them to prove that the mind of man was seated in one part of the brain -more than another. - -Sat in City Council till one, p.m., which passed "An Ordinance -concerning the inspection of flour," and appointed William E. Horner -inspector of flour for the city of Nauvoo. - -_Sunday, 15.--_Cool, calm, and cloudy. At eleven, a.m., I preached at -the stand east of the Temple. The following synopsis was reported by -Dr. Willard Richards:-- - - _The Prophet on the Constitution of the United States and the - Bible--Temporal Economies._ - - It is one of the first principles of my life, and one that I have - cultivated from my childhood, having been taught it by my father, - to allow every one the liberty of conscience. I am the greatest - advocate of the {57} Constitution of the United States there is - on the earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the - protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights. The only - fault I find with the Constitution is, it is not broad enough to - cover the whole ground. - - Although it provides that all men shall enjoy religious freedom, - yet it does not provide the manner by which that freedom can be - preserved, nor for the punishment of Government officers who refuse - to protect the people in their religious rights, or punish those - mobs, states, or communities who interfere with the rights of the - people on account of their religion. Its sentiments are good, but - it provides no means of enforcing them. It has but this one fault. - Under its provision, a man or a people who are able to protect - themselves can get along well enough; but those who have the - misfortune to be weak or unpopular are left to the merciless rage - of popular fury. - - The Constitution should contain a provision that every officer - of the Government who should neglect or refuse to extend the - protection guaranteed in the Constitution should be subject to - capital punishment; and then the president of the United States - would not say, _"Your cause is just, but I can do nothing for - you,"_ a governor issue exterminating orders, or judges say, "The - men ought to have the protection of law, but it won't please - the mob; the men must die, anyhow, to satisfy the clamor of the - rabble; they must be hung, or Missouri be damned to all eternity." - Executive writs could be issued when they ought to be, and not be - made instruments of cruelty to oppress the innocent, and persecute - men whose religion is unpopular. - - I cannot believe in any of the creeds of the different - denominations, because they all have some things in them I cannot - subscribe to, though all of them have some truth. I want to come - up into the presence of God, and learn all things; but the creeds - set up stakes, and say, "Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further;" - which I cannot subscribe to. - - I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the - original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or - designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors. As it - read, Gen. VI:6, "It repented the Lord that he had made man on the - earth;" also, Num. XXIII:19, "God is not a man, that he should lie, - neither the Son of man, that he should repent;" which I do not - believe. But it ought to read, "It repented _Noah_ that God made - man." This I believe, and then the other quotation stands fair. If - any man will prove to me, by one passage of Holy Writ, one item I - believe to be false, I will renounce and disclaim it as far as I - promulged it. - - The first principles of the Gospel, as I believe, are, faith, - repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, with the promise of - the Holy Ghost. - - {58} Look at Heb. VI:1 for contradictions--"Therefore leaving - the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto - perfection." If a man leaves the principles of the doctrine - of Christ, how can he be saved in the principles? This is a - contradiction. I don't believe it. I will render it as it should - be--"Therefore _not_ leaving the principles of the doctrine - of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the - foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, - of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of - resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." - - It is one thing to see the kingdom of God, and another thing to - enter into it. We must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of - God, and subscribe the articles of adoption to enter therein. - - No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations. - The Holy Ghost is a revelator. - - I prophesy, in the name of the Lord God of Israel, anguish and - wrath and tribulation and the withdrawing of the Spirit of God from - the earth await this generation, until they are visited with utter - desolation. This generation is as corrupt as the generation of the - Jews that crucified Christ; and if He were here to-day, and should - preach the same doctrine He did then, they would put Him to death. - I defy all the world to destroy the work of God; and I prophesy - they never will have power to kill me till my work is accomplished, - and I am ready to die. - - I will now speak a little on the economy of this city. I think - there are too many merchants among you. I would like to see more - wool and raw materials instead of manufactured goods, and the money - be brought here to pay the poor for manufacturing goods. Set our - women to work, and stop their spinning street yarns and talking - about spiritual wives. - - Instead of going abroad to buy goods, lay your money out in - the country, and buy grain, cattle, flax, wool, and work it up - yourselves. - - I proclaim, in the name of the Lord God Almighty, that I will - fellowship nothing in the Church but virtue, integrity, and - uprightness. - - We cannot build up a city on merchandise. I would not run after the - merchants. I would sow a little flax, if I had but a garden spot, - and make clothing of it. - - The temporal economy of this people should be to establish and - encourage manufactures, and not to take usury for their money. I do - not want to bind the poor here to starve. Go out into the country - and into the neighbouring cities, and get food, and gird up your - loins, and be sober. When you get food, return, if you have a mind - to. - - Some say it is better to give to the poor than build the Temple. - The building of the Temple has sustained the poor who were driven - from Missouri, and kept them from starving; and it has been the - best means for this object which could be devised. - - {59} Oh, all ye rich men of the Latter-day Saints from abroad, I - would invite you to bring up some of your money--your gold, your - silver, and your precious things, and give to the Temple. We want - iron, steel, spades, and quarrying and mechanical tools. - - It would be a good plan to get up a forge to manufacture iron, and - bring in raw materials of every variety, and erect manufacturing - establishments of all kinds, and surround the rapids with mills and - machinery. - - I never stole the value of a pin's head, or a picayune in my life; - and when you are hungry don't steal. Come to me, and I will feed - you. - - The secret of masonry is to keep a secret. It is good economy to - entertain strangers--to entertain sectarians. Come up to Nauvoo, ye - sectarian priests of the everlasting Gospel, as they call it, and - you shall have my pulpit all day. - - Woe to ye rich men, who refuse to give to the poor, and then come - and ask me for bread. Away with all your meanness, and be liberal. - We need purging, purifying and cleansing. You that have little - faith in your Elders when you are sick, get some little simple - remedy in the first stages. If you send for a doctor at all, send - in the first stages. - - All ye doctors who are fools, not well read, and do not understand - the human constitution, stop your practice. And all ye lawyers who - have no business, only as you hatch it up, would to God you would - go to work or run away!" - -_Monday, 16.--_At home nearly all day, attending to family concerns. - -Went to municipal court, and adjourned hearing of the case [1] to the -17th. - -_Tuesday, 17.--_Went to municipal court. The prosecutor not appearing, -court ordered that the prisoner be discharged. - -_Wednesday, 18.--_Pleasant and comfortable day. - -Fifteen deaths have occurred during the past week in the city. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Visit to Macedonia.] - -_Thursday, 19.--_Warm and pleasant day. The water has risen about two -feet in the Mississippi, and is still rising. - -About noon, started for Macedonia, in company with Brother William -Clayton. Arrived there about {60} sundown, and I stayed at Brother -Benjamin F. Johnson's for the night. - -_Friday, 20.--_In the evening I gave instructions to Benjamin F. -Johnson and others in relation to the blessings of the everlasting -covenant and the sealings of the Priesthood. - -Elder John P. Greene returned from a Mission to the State of New York, -with about 100 emigrants, some of them from Pennsylvania, who joined -his company on the way. - -Warm, smoky day, with strong wind, very dark evening. - -_Saturday, 21.--_We left Macedonia, and arrived home about two p.m. -Pleasant cool day. - -_Sunday, 22.--_Meeting at the stand. Elder Rigdon preached half-an hour -on "Poor Rich Folks." - -I remained at home all day, and held a prayer-meeting at my house at -two, p.m.; twenty-four persons present. - -[Sidenote: Labors of Apostles in the East.] - -Elders Young, Kimball, and George A. Smith returned from their mission -to the Eastern States, having, in connection with Elders Orson -Pratt and Wilford Woodruff, visited the branches in Kentucky, Ohio, -Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode -Island, New Hampshire, and Maine; held conferences, set in order the -churches collected tithings for the Temple and subscriptions for -the Nauvoo House, baptized many, and stirred up a general system of -gathering among the Saints in the Eastern countries. They have been -absent nearly four months, and have accomplished a good work. I was -very glad to see them, and blessed them in the name of the Lord. Elders -Daniel Spencer and Bradford Elliot also returned from their missions, -and quite a respectable number of Saints came in their company. - -Pleasant, cool day. - -_Monday, 23.--_Those of the Twelve who returned from the East yesterday -visited me through the day, and paid over the means they had received -for the Temple and the {61} Nauvoo House. I immediately gave directions -to send to St. Louis for groceries and different articles necessary for -the Temple and the workmen thereon. - -[Sidenote: Hyrum Smith Appointed on Temple Committee.] - -This morning President Hyrum Smith entered upon the duties of his -office, having previously been appointed by the voice of the Spirit -to supply the place of the late Elias Higbee, deceased, as one of -the Temple Committee. On his arrival at the Temple he was greeted by -a hearty welcome from those engaged on the works, and the universal -feeling is that great good will result from this appointment. - -The day cloudy, with strong east wind. - -_Tuesday, 24.--_William W. Phelps and Colonel Dunham started for -Springfield to see the Governor, and endeavor to obtain from him the -quota of State arms which belong to the Legion. - -Morning warm and pleasant; afternoon wind west by north. At four, a -little rain, accompanied by snow, for the first time this fall. - -_Wednesday, 25.--_Ice one-third of an inch thick on small bodies of -water. Cloudy and cold day. - -In the evening settled the taxes for the Temple and Nauvoo House. - -Eleven deaths in the city reported this week. - -_Friday, 27.--_I was at home and received a visit from Bishop George -Miller and Elder Peter Haws, who have just returned from their trip to -Mississippi and Alabama. - -Many emigrants have arrived in Nauvoo the last few weeks. - -Prayer-meeting at my house in the evening. - -_Saturday, 28.--_Cold east wind. At home all day. - -_Sunday, 29.--_Meeting at the stand, south side of the Temple, from -eleven, a.m. to two, p.m. Elders Brigham Young and John Taylor -preached. Dr. Willard Richards called for a collection of $8, to buy a -new book in which to record history, which sum was made up. - -At nine, a.m., Elders Richards, Miller and Haws {62} ordained William -C. Steffey (who was going to Texas on business,) an Elder. - -Two, p.m., prayer-meeting in my house; twenty-five present. I gave -instructions on the priesthood. - -_Monday, 30.--_At nine, a.m., went to mayor's court, and adjourned it -for one week. - -Twelve, noon, attended a court in the office, when the parties agreed -to leave their difficulty to be settled by the arbitration of Brother -Flagg. - -I received $300 from Brother Spencer, and immediately paid it to Dr. -Robert D. Foster. - -On account of the cold weather, most of the masons have discontinued -the work on the Temple. - -_Tuesday, 31.--_At nine, a.m., Mr. Moore was brought before me for a -breach of city ordinance, which was proved, and I fined him $5. - -I rode out with Hyrum in the carriage to the prairie, returning about -three, p.m. Snow on the ground this morning; cold east wind, and rain -all day. - -_Wednesday, November 1, 1843.--_In the evening there was a -prayer-meeting in the mansion; twenty-nine present. - -_Thursday, 2.--_Sitting in council with Hyrum, Brigham Young, Heber -C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Taylor, William Law, and William -Clayton, at ten, a.m., on the subject of the following letter from -Joseph L. Heywood:-- - - _Letter: Joseph L. Heywood to Joseph Smith._ - - Quincy, October 23, 1843. - - _Gen. Joseph Smith._ - - DEAR SIR,--In a conversation with Colonel Frierson, of this place, - a short time since, he expressed, in very warm terms, feelings of - sympathy for the wrongs yourself and brethren suffered in Missouri, - as well as his sense of the vindictive feelings the authorities of - that State still manifest towards you personally. - - Mr. F. has not yet had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance - with yourself, although he says he had the pleasure of meeting - your lady at her sister's residence on Rock River. Mr. F. has been - written by the Hon. B. Rhett, of S. Carolina, upon the subject of - the _Persecution_: and {63} Mr. F. thinks, of all men, he would - be the best qualified to present a petition in our behalf; and - says, should such an arrangement meet your approbation, he will - use his influence in favor of a petition; and says he knows of - some honorable men in Missouri who, he has no doubt, are anxious - to wipe off the stain that rests upon them, by [making] some just - reparation. - - I submit, by permission of Mr. F., a copy of a letter he has - written to a distinguished citizen of South Carolina, together with - a circular put out confidentially by the friends of Mr. Calhoun, - of S. C., whom with my present feelings I should cheerfully - support for our next President, and who, I have no doubt would be - preferred, by the brethren to Mr. Van Buren. - - If the plan suggested of memorializing Congress should meet your - approbation, please inform me. Colonel Frierson promises his - aid in such an event, and says he would go to Nauvoo and assist - in arranging papers relative to such a step. Please accept my - assurances of love and esteem for yourself and family, and a prayer - that wisdom from on high may direct you in your deliberations. - - I remain your brother in Christ, - - JOS. L. HEYWOOD. - -[Sidenote: Letters to Candidates for Presidency of the U.S. Decided -upon] - -We agreed to write a letter to the five candidates for the Presidency -of the United States, to inquire what their feelings were towards us -as a people, and what their course of action would be in relation to -the cruelty and oppression that we have suffered from the State of -Missouri, if they were elected. - -The Twelve Apostles published the following in the_ Times and -Seasons_:-- - - _An Epistle of the Twelve, to the Elders and Churches Abroad._ - - On our late mission to the Eastern States, we discovered that - the publications at Nauvoo were very little patronised by the - Saints and branches in the various sections of the country where - we passed, while the common newspapers of the day received a - liberal support by those who pretend to "hunger and thirst after - righteousness." We feel justified, therefore, in reprobating such a - course as detrimental to the general good of the whole Church, that - shows a lack of charity in the Elders. - - "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" - - Nauvoo at present is the seat of the First Presidency, the place - of the {64} gathering for all Saints, and the great center of the - world for pure religion, revelation, truth, virtue, knowledge, and - everything else preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man. The - best news, the best people, and the best plan of salvation must be - there. Wherefore, - - Resolved unanimously that the traveling Elders are hereby - instructed to use due diligence in obtaining subscribers for the - _Times and Seasons_ and _Nauvoo Neighbor,_ and forward the pay - by safe hands to the publishers at Nauvoo, that the Saints and - the world may receive "line upon line and precept upon precept, - here a little and there a little," together with such extracts of - translations and revelations as the Presidency of the Church may - direct, for the edification of the whole body of the Church in - righteousness. - - Done in council at Nauvoo, Nov. 2nd, 1843. - - BRIGHAM YOUNG, - - President of the Twelve. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk. - -_Friday, 3rd.--_I continued in council all day. - -Died at sea, Elder Knowlton F. Hanks. The following extract is from a -letter of Addison Pratt, one of the Pacific Islands missionaries:-- - - [Under this date there is inserted in the Prophet's History a long - letter from Elder Addison Pratt of the Pacific Island mission, - describing in great detail the last illness, death and burial at sea - of Elder Knowlton F. Hanks. Elder Hanks died of consumption; and of - the death the Prophet remarks: "Elder Hanks is the first Elder who has - died at sea while on a foreign mission. He was a faithful Elder, cut - off by consumption in the flower of his days."] - -_Saturday, 4.--_Elders Richards and Taylor were with me at the Mansion, -assisting writing letters. - -Wrote to John C. Calhoun as follows:-- - - _President Smith's Letter to John C. Calhoun, and other - Presidential Candidates._ - - _Hon. John C. Calhoun._ - - 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 {65} 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. - -Similar letters were written to Gen. Lewis Cass, Hon. Richard M. -Johnson, Hon. Henry Clay, and President Martin Van Buren. To Mr. Van -Buren's letter I added the following:-- - - _Post Script to Van Buren._ - - Also whether your views or feelings have changed since the subject - matter of this communication was presented you in your then - official capacity at Washington, in the year 1841, and by you - treated with a coldness, indifference, and neglect, bordering on - contempt. - -Elder Wilford Woodruff arrived at Nauvoo with paper for the use of the -printing office. - -_Sunday, 5.--_Rode out with mother and others for her health. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet poisoned.] - -At dinner I was taken suddenly sick; went to the door and vomited all -my dinner, dislocated my jaw, and raised fresh blood, and had many -symptoms of being poisoned. - -In the evening a prayer-meeting in the hall over the store. - -Mr. Cole having kept a school in the hall for some time, the noise -proved a nuisance for the clerks in the history office, and I gave Dr. -W. Richards orders to tell Mr. Cole he must find some other room in -which to teach school, as the room is needed for councils. - -Meeting at the stand. Elder Rigdon preached. - -[Sidenote: Work in the British Mission.] - -Received a letter from Reuben Hedlock, dated Liverpool, October 16. He -informs me there is a great call for {66} preaching, and many Elders -are wanted throughout the British Isles. Much opposition. The Saints -are anxious to have the _Star_ continue its publication, as 1,600 -copies are circulated. - -Also received a letter from Hyrum Clark, giving a partial account of -the business affairs of the emigration and publishing offices. - -_Monday, 6.--_Domestic affairs kept me busy in the morning, and in the -afternoon listened to William W. Phelps giving a relation of his visit -to the governor, which amused me. - -It has been very cool for some days past. - -Elder Erastus Snow arrived with a company from Massachusetts. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Anxiety concerning the History of the Church.] - -_Tuesday, 7.--_Mr. Cole moved the tables back into the hall, when -Richards and Phelps called to report that the noise in the school -disturbed them in the progress of writing the History. I gave orders -that Cole must look out for another place, as the history must continue -and not be disturbed, as there are but few subjects that I have felt a -greater anxiety about than my history, which has been a very difficult -task, on account of the death of my best clerks and the apostasy of -others, and the stealing of records by John Whitmer, Cyrus Smalling and -others. - -[Sidenote: Preliminary Steps to Publish in Nauvoo Edition of Doctrine -and Covenants.] - -The quorum of the Twelve--viz., President Brigham Young, Parley P. -Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, -and Willard Richards, assembled in the mayor's office, and voted to -raise $500 to get paper, &c., to print the _Doctrine and Covenants._ -Also voted that Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, and John Taylor be a -committee to borrow or get the money, and that President Young go along -with them. - -_Wednesday, 8.--_From nine to eleven, a.m., had an interview with -Richards and Phelps, read and heard read part of my history, then -attended to settling some accounts {67} with several individuals. In -the afternoon, I examined a sample of fringe designed for the pulpits -of the Temple; and from two to three, conversed with Phelps, Lewis, -John Butler and others. - -The _Neighbor_ has the following:-- - - _Misrepresentations Corrected._ - - We know that statements made by the Carthage mob in their - resolutions, as published in the late _Warsaw Message,_ were false. - We also felt convinced that the parties themselves were apprized - of that fact, and that it was a thing generally understood by - the public; and therefore we did not trouble ourselves about it. - But having the following testimonies and affidavits sent us for - publication, we insert them for the information of those who may - not have had opportunities of informing themselves relative to this - subject. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS - - LEE COUNTY. ss. - - We the undersigned citizens of the town of Dixon, county of Lee, - State of Illinois, being duly sworn according to law, depose and - say that we have seen the article entitled "Statement of facts - connected with the arrest of Joseph Smith and his discharge - therefrom," published in the _Warsaw Message_ of the date of 15th - of July, A.D. 1843; and have also seen an editorial article in - the same number of said paper, in which it is stated that said - statement of facts was furnished by E. Southwick, one of Mr. - Smith's attorneys in said case; and that we know the fact stated in - that statement--to wit, that Reynolds, for a considerable length - of time immediately after his arrival at Dixon, did peremptorily - refuse to allow Smith a private interview with his counsel; and - that said Reynolds did expressly state that no conversation could - be had with Smith by his attorneys, unless he, Reynolds, was - present at such conversation. - - The length of time which such refusal to allow said private - conversation continued, was, in the belief of these deponents, - at least one hour; and that such private conversation was not - permitted by Reynolds, until after being informed by at least two - of these deponents (Messrs. Dixon and Sanger) that such private - interview must be allowed Mr. Smith, as that was a right he had - guaranteed to him by law. - - JOHN DIXON, J. D. McCOMSAY, - - ISAAC ROBINSON, J. ALBERT HELFENSTEIN, - - L. P. SANGER, S. G. PATRICK, - - E. SOUTHWICK. - - {68} Sworn and subscribed to before me at Dixon, this 29th day of - July, 1843. - - FREDERICK R. DUTCHER, - - Justice of the Peace for Lee County, Ill. - - We, the undersigned, state under oath that we traveled in company - with Joseph H. Reynolds, the agent of the State of Missouri, from - Dixon to Nauvoo, at the time he had Joseph Smith in custody with - the intention of taking him to Missouri, between the 26th of June - last and the 1st instant; and that the Mormons, friends of Mr. - Smith, who met us on said journey, before we arrived at Nauvoo, - conducted themselves, so far as we could perceive and were able - to judge, with the strictest propriety; and to our knowledge made - use of no means of intimidation towards either H. T. Wilson or - said Reynolds; but, on the contrary, several of them, and said - Smith among that number, pledged themselves that said Wilson and - Reynolds should be personally safe; and that said Mormons, none of - them as we could perceive, were armed, so far as was discernible; - and further, that the statement made in the _Old School Democrat_ - of the 12th instant, over the signature of T. H. Reynolds, that - he and said Wilson were disarmed soon after they were arrested on - the trespass suit commenced against them by said Smith, and that - their arms were not returned to them until after the said Smith's - discharge at Nauvoo, was incorrect. And in relation to this, these - deponents say that said Wilson and Reynolds were arrested on said - action of trespass at Dixon, on Saturday morning, the 24th of June - last. That they were not disarmed by the sheriff of Lee county, who - had them in custody, nor by any other person, until the following - day, at Paw-paw Grove, thirty-two miles distant from Dixon; and - that the arms of said Wilson and Reynolds were restored to them by - the said sheriff of Lee county, who had them in custody for default - of bail, at their (Wilson and Reynolds') own request, while on the - journey from Dixon to Nauvoo, before the company had arrived within - at least eighty miles of Nauvoo. - - J. D. McCOMSAY, - - L. P. SANGER, - - E. SOUTHWICK, - - S. G. PATRICK. - - Sworn and subscribed to before me, at Dixon, this 29th day of July, - A.D. 1843. - - FREDERICK R. DUTCHER, - - Justice of the Peace. - - _To the Editor of the Warsaw Message_: - - GENTLEMEN:--It appears from an article in your paper of the 15th of - July under the editorial head, that there is a question of veracity - therein {69} raised, between Mr. H. T Wilson and myself, relative - to the proceedings had after the late arrest by him of Joseph - Smith. Now, in order that the public may no longer be deceived in - the premises, be pleased to publish, together with this note, the - above affidavits, that the charge of falsehood may attach where it - properly belongs. - - Very respectfully yours, - - E. SOUTHWICK. - - Dixon July 29, 1843. - -I wrote to the _Times and Seasons_:-- - - _Communication of President Joseph Smith to the Saints._ - - _Messrs. Taylor and Woodruff_: - - It has been so long since I addressed the Saints through the medium - of the _Times and Seasons,_ that I feel confident that a few words - from my pen, by way of advice, will be well received, as well as a - "waymark" to guide the "faithful" in future. I was sorry to learn, - by your remarks upon the resolutions of the "Twelve" concerning - your papers, which appeared not long since, that many of the Saints - abroad were more apt to patronize the common newspapers of the - day than yours, for the important reason that the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints has the words of eternal life, and - your paper, as it has hitherto done, must continue to publish such - portions of them for the benefit of the Saints and the salvation of - mankind as wisdom shall from time to time direct. - - Freedom is a sweet blessing. Men have a right to take and read what - papers they please; "but do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs - of thistles?" It certainly is no more than just to suppose that - _charity begins at home;_ and if so, what must such as profess to - be Saints think, when they patronize the splendor of Babylon and - leave the virtue of Zion to linger for want of bread? - - Beside which, if virtue is justified rather than vanity, the - best of everything calculated to happify man and dignify society - will--yea, must be in Nauvoo. And as the new commandment given - anciently was _to love one another,_ even so the works of the - Saints at home and abroad will bear its own testimony _whether they - love the brethren_. - - In all the world the _Times and Seasons_ is the only paper that - virtually sustains, according to the forms of Scripture and - prophecy, "Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists," and revelations. And - what shall be said of him that, like the "Levite," passes on the - other side of the way, when we behold men who "have borne the heat - and the burden of the day" struggling against the popular opinions - of a vain world, the burlesque of a giddy throng, the vulgarity of - a self-wise multitude, and the falsehoods of what may justly be - termed the "civilized meanness of the {70} age," and not lending - a helping hand? The 25th chapter of Matthew contains the simple - answer. - - Now, let me say once for all, like the Psalmist of old, "How good - and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." - "As the precious ointment upon the head that ran down upon Aaron's - beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments, as the dew - of Hermon that descended upon the mountains of Zion," is such - unity; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for - evermore!" Unity is power; and when the brethren as one man sustain - the _Times and Seasons,_ they sustain me, by giving a spread to - the revelations, faith, works, history and progress of the Church. - The brethren who conduct the paper have been appointed to that - important station, because they are worthy and well qualified; and - what a blessed sign of a faithful friend to God and man is it to - see the charity of a brother support his brethren, as an evidence - that he means to pass from death into life? - - Many of the articles which appear in the _Times and Seasons_ are - extracts of revelations, translations, or are the united voice of - conferences, which, like "apples of gold in pictures of silver," - are treasures more than meat for the called, chosen and faithful - among the Saints, and should be more than _drink_ to those that - hunger and thirst after righteousness. As Nauvoo is rising in glory - and greatness, so shall I expect to see the _Times and Seasons_ - increase in circulation by the vigilance of the Elders and Saints, - so as to be a herald of truth and a standard of pure and undefiled - religion. Finally, men and brethren, when you support my friends, - you support me. In the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant, - - I am your humble servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -Footnotes: - -1. This was the case of Chas. Drown on _habeas corpus_ referred to -under date of 13th of October. - -{71} - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT AND PRESIDENT JOSEPH -SMITH--RENEWAL OF PETITIONS TO CONGRESS FOR REDRESS OF MISSOURI -GRIEVANCES--PRESIDENT JOSEPH SMITH'S APPEAL TO THE "GREEN MOUNTAIN -BOYS"--VERMONT--STATUS OF THE NAUVOO LEGION IN ILLINOIS MILITIA. - -_Thursday, November, 9, 1843.--_At the office, dictating letters and -signing deeds. - -The missionaries to the Pacific Islands touched at Cape de Verde -Islands, and laid in a supply of fruits of various kinds. - -[Sidenote: Properity of the Work in England.] - -_Saturday, 11.--_A company of Saints arrived from England. The work is -still prospering in that country, poverty and distress are making rapid -strides, and the situation of the laboring classes is getting every day -more deplorable. - -City Council met. Hyrum Smith, president _pro tem._ Albert P. Rockwood -assessor and collector for 1st ward; Daniel Hendricks for 2nd ward; -Jonathan H. Hale, 3rd ward; and Henry G. Sherwood for 4th ward. - -_Sunday, 12.--_Prayer-meeting in the evening, in the south-east room of -my old house. - -Clear, cold. - -_Monday 13.--_Having received a letter from James Arlington Bennett, -Esq., I copy it:-- - - _Letter: James Arlington Bennett to President Joseph Smith._ - - ARLINGTON HOUSE, Oct. 43, 1843. - - DEAR GENERAL:--I am happy to know that you have taken possession - of your new establishment, and presume you will be eminently - successful and happy in it, together with your good lady and family. - - You are no doubt already aware that I have had a most interesting - visit from your most excellent and worthy friend, President B. - Young with whom I have had a glorious frolic in the clear blue - ocean; for {72} most assuredly a frolic it was, without a moment's - reflection or consideration. - - Nothing of this kind would in the least attach me to your person or - cause. I am capable of being a most _undeviating friend_, without - being governed by the smallest religious influence. - - As you have proved yourself to be a philosophical divine, you will - excuse me when I say that we must leave their influence to the - mass. The boldness of your plans and measures, together with their - unparalleled success so far, are calculated to throw a charm over - your whole being, and to point you out as the most extraordinary - man of the present age. - - But my mind is of so mathematical and philosophical a cast, that - the divinity of Moses makes no impression on me, and you will not - be offended when I say that I rate you higher as a legislator than - I do Moses, because we have you present with us for examination, - whereas Moses derives his chief authority from prescription and the - lapse of time. - - I cannot, however, say but you are both right, it being out of the - power of man to prove you wrong. It is no mathematical problem, and - can therefore get no mathematical solution. I say, therefore, Go - a-head: you have my good wishes. You know Mahomet had his "_right - hand man_." - - The celebrated Thomas Brown, at New York, is now engaged in cutting - your head on a beautiful cornelian stone, as your _private seal,_ - which will be set in gold to your order, and sent to you. It will - be a gem, and just what you want. His sister is a member of your - Church. The expense of this seal, set in gold, will be about $40; - and Mr. Brown assures me that if he were not so poor a man, he - would present it to you free. - - You can, however, accept it or not, as he can apply to it another - use. I am myself short for cash; for although I had sometime since - $2,000 paid me by the Harpers, publishers, as the first instalment - on the purchase of my copyright, yet I had got so much behind - during the hard times, that it all went to clear up old scores. I - expect $38,000 more however, in semi-annual payments, from those - gentlemen, within the limits of ten years; a large portion of - which I intend to use in the State of Illinois, in the purchase - and conduct of a large tract of land; and therefore should I be - compelled to announce in this quarter that I have no connection - with the Nauvoo Legion, you will of course remain silent, as I - shall do it in such a way as will make all things right. - - I 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 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 {73} 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 Brothers Young, Richards, Mrs. Emma, and all friends. - - Yours most respectfully, - - JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT. - - P.S.--As the office of inspector-general confers no command on me, - being a mere honorary title,--if, therefore, there is any gentleman - in Nauvoo who would like to fill it in a practical way, I shall - with great pleasure and good-will resign it to him, by receiving - advice from you to that effect. It is an office that should be - filled by some scientific officer. - - J. A. B. - -I insert my reply:-- - - _Letter: President Joseph Smith to James Arlington Bennett._ - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, Nov. 13, 1843. - - DEAR SIR:--Your letter of the 24th ult. has been regularly - received, its contents duly appreciated, and its whole tenor - candidly considered; and, according to my manner of judging all - things in righteousness, I proceed to answer you, and shall leave - you to meditate whether "mathematical problems," founded upon the - truth of revelation, or religion as promulgated by me, or by Moses, - can be solved by rules and principles existing in the systems of - common knowledge. - - How far you are capable of being "a most undeviating friend, - without being governed by the smallest religious influence," will - best be decided by your survivors, as all past experience most - assuredly proves. Without controversy, that friendship which - intelligent beings would accept as sincere must arise from love, - and that love grow out of virtue, which is as much a part of - religion as light is a part of Jehovah. Hence the saying of Jesus, - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life - for his friends." - - You observed, "as I have proven myself to be a philosophical - divine" I must excuse you when you say that we must leave these - _influences_ to the mass. The meaning of "philosophical divine" may - be taken in various ways. If, as the learned world apply the term, - you infer that I have achieved a victory, and been strengthened by - a scientific religion, as practiced by the popular sects of the - age, through the aid of colleges, seminaries, Bible societies, - missionary boards, financial organizations, and gospel money - schemes, then you are wrong. Such a combination of men and means - shows a form of godliness without the power; for is it not written, - "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise." "Beware lest any man spoil - you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the rudiments of the - world, and not after the doctrines of Christ." But if the inference - is that by more love, more light, more virtue, and more truth - {74} from the Lord, I have succeeded as a man of God, then you - reason truly, though the weight of the sentiment is lost, when the - _"influence is left to the mass."_ "Do men gather grapes of thorns, - or figs of thistles?" - - Of course you follow out the figure, and say, the boldness of my - plans and measures, together with their unparalleled success, so - far, are calculated to throw a charm over my whole being, and - to point me out as the most extraordinary man of the present - age! The _boldness of my plans and measures_ can readily be - tested by the touchstone of all schemes, systems, projects, and - adventures--_truth;_ for truth is a matter of fact; and the fact - is, that by the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from - hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in - which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat - the worldly wisdom and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries, - with a new revelation, which (if they would receive the everlasting - Gospel,) would open the eyes of more than eight hundred millions of - people, and make "plain the old paths," wherein if a man walk in - all the ordinances of God blameless, he shall inherit eternal life; - and Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and is to come, has borne me - safely over every snare and plan laid in secret or openly, through - priestly hypocrisy, sectarian prejudice, popular philosophy, - executive power, or law-defying mobocracy, to destroy me. - - If, then, the hand of God in all these things that I have - accomplished towards the salvation of a priest-ridden generation, - in the short space of twelve years, through the boldness of the - plan of preaching the Gospel, and the boldness of the means of - declaring repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and a - reception of the Holy Ghost by laying on of the hands, agreeably to - the authority of the Priesthood, and the still more bold measures - of receiving direct revelation from God, through the Comforter, - as promised, and by which means all holy men from ancient times - till now have spoken and revealed the will of God to men, with - the consequent "success" of the gathering of the Saints, throws - any "charm" around my being, and "points me out as the most - extraordinary man of the age," it demonstrates the fact that truth - is mighty and must prevail, and that one man empowered from Jehovah - has more influence with the children of the kingdom than eight - hundred millions led by the precepts of men. God exalts the humble, - and debases the haughty. - - But let me assure you in the name of Jesus, "who spake as never - man spake," that the "boldness of the plans and measures," as you - term them, but which should be denominated the righteousness of - the cause, the truth of the system, and power of God, which "so - far" has borne me and the Church, (in which I glory in having the - privilege of being a member,) successfully through the storm of - reproach, folly, ignorance, {75} malice, persecution, falsehood, - sacerdotal wrath, newspaper satire, pamphlet libels, and the - combined influence of the powers of earth and hell,--I say these - powers of righteousness and truth are not the decrees or rules - of an ambitious and aspiring Nimrod, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, - Alexander, Mahomet, Bonaparte, or other great sounding heroes that - dazzled forth with a trail of pomp and circumstances for a little - season, like a comet, and then disappeared, leaving a wide waste - where such an existence once was, with only a name; nor where the - glorious results of what you term "boldness of plans and measures," - with the attendant "success," matured by the self-aggrandizing - wisdom of the priests of Baal, the scribes and Pharisees of the - Jews, popes and bishops of Christendom, or pagans of Juggernaut: - nor were they extended by the divisions and subdivisions of a - Luther or Calvin, a Wesley, or even a Campbell, supported by a - galaxy of clergymen and churchmen, of whatever name or nature, - bound apart by cast-iron creeds, and fastened to set stakes by - chain-cable opinions, without revelation. Nor are they the lions of - the land, or the leviathans of the sea, moving among the elements, - as distant chimeras to fatten the fancy of the infidel; but they - are as the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, and will - become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth. [1] * * * * * - - It seems that your mind is of such "a mathematical and - philosophical cast," that the divinity of Moses makes no impression - upon you, and that I will not be offended when you say that you - rate me higher as a legislator than you do Moses, because you have - me present with you for examination; that "Moses derives his chief - authority from prescription and the lapse of time." You cannot, - however, say but we are both right, it being out of the power of - man to prove us wrong. "It is no mathematical problem, and can - therefore get no mathematical solution." - - {76} Now, sir, to cut the matter short, and not dally with your - learned ideas, for fashion's sake you have here given your opinion, - without reserve, that revelation, the knowledge of God, prophetic - vision, the truth of eternity, cannot be solved as a mathematical - problem. The first question then is, What is a mathematical - problem? and the natural answer is, A statement, proposition or - question that can be solved, ascertained, unfolded or demonstrated - by knowledge, facts or figures; for "mathematical" is an adjective - derived from _mathesis_ (Gr.), meaning, in English, learning or - knowledge. "Problem" is derived from _probleme_ (French), or - _problema_ (Italian, or Spanish), and in each language means a - question or proposition, whether true or false. "Solve" is derived - from the Latin verb "_solvo,_" to explain or answer. - - One thing more in order to prove the work as we proceed. It is - necessary to have witnesses, two or three of whose testimonies, - according to the laws or rules of God and man, are sufficient to - establish any one point. - - Now for the question. How much are one and one? Two. How much is - one from two? One. Very well; one question or problem is solved by - figures. Now, let me ask one for facts; Was there ever such a place - on the earth as Egypt? Geography says yes; ancient history says - yes; and the Bible says yes: so three witnesses have solved that - question. Again: Lived there ever such a man as Moses in Egypt? - The same witnesses reply, _Certainly._ And was he a Prophet? The - same witnesses, or a part, have left on record that Moses predicted - in Leviticus that if Israel broke the covenant they had made, the - Lord would scatter them among the nations, till the land enjoyed - her Sabbaths: and, subsequently, these witnesses have testified of - their captivity in Babylon and other places, in fulfillment. But - to make assurance doubly sure, Moses prays that the ground might - open and swallow up Korah and his company for transgression, and - it was so: and he endorses the prophecy of Balaam, which said, Out - of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy - him that remaineth of the city: and Jesus Christ, as Him that "had - dominion," about fifteen hundred years after, in accordance with - this and the prediction of Moses, David, Isaiah, and many others, - came, saying, Moses wrote of me, declaring the dispersion of the - Jews, and the utter destruction of the city; and the Apostles were - his witnesses, unimpeached, especially Jude, who not only endorses - the facts of Moses "divinity," but also the events of Balaam and - Korah, with many others, _as true_. - - Besides these tangible facts, so easily proven and demonstrated - by simple rules and testimony unimpeached, the art (now lost,) of - embalming human bodies, and preserving them in the catacombs of - Egypt, whereby men, women and children, _as mummies,_ after a lapse - of near {77} three thousand five hundred years, come forth among - the living; and although _dead,_ the papyrus which has lived in - their bosoms, unharmed, speaks for them in language like the sound - of an earthquake. _Ecce veritas! Ecce cadaveros!_ Behold the truth! - Behold the mummies! - - Oh, my dear sir, the sunken Tyre and Sidon, the melancholy dust - where the city of Jerusalem once was, and the mourning of the Jews - among the nations, together with such a cloud of witnesses, if you - had been as well acquainted with your God and Bible as with your - purse and pence table, the divinity of Moses would have dispelled - the fog of five thousand years and filled you with light; for - facts, like diamonds, not only cut glass, but they are the most - precious jewels on earth. The spirit of prophecy is the testimony - of Jesus. - - The world at large is ever ready to credit the writings of Homer, - Hesiod, Plutarch, Socrates, Pythagoras, Virgil, Josephus, Mahomet, - and an hundred others; but where, tell me, where, have they left a - line--a simple method of solving the truth of the plan of eternal - life? Says the Savior, "If any man will do his [the Father's] will, - he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I - speak of myself." Here, then, is a method of solving the divinity - of men by the divinity within yourself, that as far exceeds the - calculations of numbers as the sun exceeds a candle. Would to God - that all men understood it and were willing to be governed by it, - that when one had filled the measure of his days, he could exclaim - like Jesus, _Veni mori, et reviviscere_!' - - Your good wishes to go ahead, coupled with Mahomet and a right hand - man, are rather more vain than virtuous. Why, sir, Caesar had his - right hand Brutus, who was his left hand assassin,--not, however, - applying the allusion to you. - - As to the private seal you mention, if sent to me, I shall receive - it with the gratitude of a servant of God, and pray that the donor - may receive a reward in the resurrection of the just. - - 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 seize the opportunity 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, {78} 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 glorious 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 dispensation 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 Melchizedec - Priesthood,--shall I stoop from the sublime authority of Almighty - God, to be handled as a monkey's cat-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 towering - 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 - guardian knot of powers, and I solve mathematical problems of - universities, _with truth--diamond truth; and God is my "right hand - man_." [2] - - And to close, 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 melt away. - - With due consideration and respect, I have the honor to be - - Your most obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - P.S. The court-martial will attend to your case in the Nauvoo - Legion. - - J. S. - -{79}_Tuesday, 14.--_In the evening called at the office with Mr. -Southwick, of Dixon, and had my letter to James Arlington Bennett read. - -_Wednesday, 15.--_Mayor's court in the office. "Erskine _versus_ -Pullen." Nonsuit. - -P.M. At the office. Suggested the idea of preparing a grammar of the -Egyptian language. - -[Sidenote: Grammar for the Egyptian Language Suggested.] - -Prayer-meeting at the old house. I spoke of a petition to Congress, my -letter to Bennett, and intention to write a proclamation to the kings -of the earth. - -_Thursday, 16.--_Held a court--"Averett _versus_ Bostwick." - -At home the remainder of the day. Chilly east wind and foggy. - -_Friday, 17.--_Deeded lot 4, block 135, to Sally Phelps, wife of W. W. -Phelps. - -About ten, a.m., called in the office with Esquire Southwick, of Dixon. - -Thunder, lightning and rain last night. Warm and foggy morning. - -_Saturday, 18.--_Rode out on horseback to the prairie, accompanied by -Mr. Southwick. - -Conference of the church held at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Robert Dixon, -president; Edward Cook, secretary. Two branches were represented, -containing 2 Elders, 1 Teacher, 2 Deacons, and 34 members. - -_Sunday, 19.--_Eleven a.m. to two p.m., prayer-meeting at the old -house, and fasting. - -In the evening, prayer-meeting and breaking of bread, &c. - -[Sidenote: Meeting at the Prophet's Home.] - -_Monday, 20.--_Two gentlemen from Vermont put up at the Mansion. I rode -round with them in the afternoon to show them the improvements in the -city. In the evening, several of the Twelve and others called to visit -me. My family sang hymns, {80} and Elder John Taylor prayed and gave -an address, to which they paid great attention, and seemed very much -interested. - -_Tuesday, 21.--_Council of the Twelve and others at my old house all -day. Dictated to my clerk an appeal to the Green Mountain boys of -Vermont, my native State. - -Also instructed Elders Richards, Hyde, Taylor and Phelps to write a -"Proclamation to the Kings of the Earth." - -_Wednesday, 22.--_Rode out to the prairie with W. Clayton and Lorenzo -D. Wasson, and found Arthur Smith cutting timber on my land without my -consent, which I objected to. - -Prayer-meeting in the evening at the old house. - -Five deaths in the city during the past week. - -[Sidenote: Canal Around the Rapids.] - -_Thursday, 23.--_Met in council in the old house; then walked down to -the river to look at the stream, rocks, &c., about half-past eleven, -a.m. Suggested the idea of petitioning Congress for a grant to make a -canal over the falls, or a dam to turn the water to the city, so that -we might erect mills and other machinery. [3] - -Issued a writ of habeas corpus, on application of John M. Finch. - -_Friday, 24.--_Attended Municipal Court "on habeas corpus, John M. -Finch at suit of Amos Davis." Finch discharged, Davis to pay costs, it -being a vexatious and malicious suit. - -The young men have established a debating society in Nauvoo, to discuss -topics of various descriptions. - -{81} [Sidenote: The Prophet's Stand on Chastity and General Morality.] - -_Saturday, 25.--_Colonel Frierson, United States Surveyor from Quincy, -arrived in Nauvoo. In the evening the High Council sat on the case of -Harrison Sagers, charged with seduction, and having stated that I had -taught it was right. Charge not sustained. I was present with several -of the Twelve, and gave an address tending to do away with every evil, -and exhorting them to practice virtue and holiness before the Lord; -told them that the Church had not received any permission from me to -commit fornication, adultery, or any corrupt action; but my every word -and action has been to the contrary. If a man commit adultery, he -cannot receive the celestial kingdom of God. Even if he is saved in any -kingdom, it cannot be the celestial kingdom. I did think that the many -examples that have been made manifest, such as John C. Bennett's and -others, were sufficient to show the fallacy of such a course of conduct. - -I condemned such actions _in toto,_ and warned the people present -against committing such evils; for it will surely bring a curse upon -any person who commits such deeds. - -After adjournment, held a council, and agreed to meet Mr. Frierson [4] -at the Mansion to morrow morning. - -I received a letter signed by George B. Wallace and six other Elders, -requesting permission for Elder John E. Page to remain in Boston the -ensuing winter. Also a letter from John E. Page, giving his assent to -the petition, to which the Twelve Apostles wrote the following reply:-- - - _Letter: Brigham Young in Behalf of the Twelve to Elder John E. - Page, Appointing him to go to Washington._ - - _Elder John E. Page_: - - BELOVED BROTHER:--Your letter dated at Boston, in connection with - {82} some one hundred and fifty of the brethren, is received, and - we proceed to reply. Your letter is not before us this moment; - consequently you must excuse a reference to dates and names which - have escaped our recollection. But the subject is fresh, and the - letter was read in a council of Presidents Joseph, Hyrum, and the - Twelve, when the word of the Lord came through Joseph the Seer - thus:--"Let my servant John E. Page take his departure _speedily_ - from the city of Boston, and go directly to the city of Washington, - and there labor diligently in proclaiming my Gospel to the - inhabitants thereof: and if he is humble and faithful, lo! I will - be with him, and will give him the hearts of the people, that he - may do them good and build up a church unto my name in that city." - - Now, Brother Page, if you wish to follow counsel and do the will of - the Lord, as we believe you desire to do, call the church at Boston - together, _without delay,_ and read this letter to them, calling - upon them to assist you on your mission, and go thy way speedily - unto the place which is appointed unto you by the voice of the - Lord, and build up a church in the city of Washington; for it is - expedient and absolutely necessary that we have a foothold in that - popular city. Let your words be soft unto the people, but full of - the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost. _Do not challenge the sects - for debate,_ but treat them as brethren and friends; and the God - of heaven will bless you, and we will bless you in the name of the - Lord Jesus, and the people will rise up and bless you, and call you - a sweet messenger of peace. You will pardon us for giving you such - counsel, for we feel to do it in the name of the Lord. - - When you have built a church at Washington so as to warrant the - expense. It will be wisdom for you to send or take your wife to - Washington; so says President Joseph. - - All things go on smoothly here. As to the reports circulated while - we were in Boston, there is nothing of them. Brother Joseph has - commenced living in his new house, and enjoys himself well. He - has raised a sign, entitled "Nauvoo Mansion," and has all the - best company in the city. Many strangers from abroad call on him, - feeling perfect liberty so to do, since he has made his house - public; and it is exerting a blessed influence on the public mind. - - The Temple has been progressing rapidly until the recent frosts. - The walls are now above the windows of the first story, and some of - the circular windows are partly laid. The brethren of the Twelve - have all arrived home, are tolerably well, and their families, - except Sister Hyde, who has been very sick, and is yet, though at - last report rather better. No prospect of any of the Twelve leaving - home this winter {83} that we know of. Elder Snow has arrived with - his company from Boston, generally in good spirits. - - The devil howls some: may be you will hear him as far as Boston, - for there cannot a blackleg be guilty of any crime in Nauvoo, but - somebody will lay it to the servants of God. We shall give the - substance of this communication to your wife same mail. - - We remain your brother in the new and everlasting covenant, in - behalf of the quorum, - - BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. - - W. RICHARDS, Clerk. - -[Sidenote: Renewal of Petitions to Congress.] - -_Sunday, 26.--_I met with Hyrum, the Twelve and others, in council -with Colonel Frierson, at the Mansion, concerning petitioning Congress -for redress of grievances. Read to him the affidavits of Hyrum Smith, -Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Lyman Wight, George W. Pitkin and -Sidney Rigdon, taken before the municipal court on _habeas corpus,_ and -conversed with him thereon. - -At eleven, a.m., Elder Orson Pratt preached in the Assembly Room. - -In the evening, Elder Parley P. Pratt lectured in the Mansion. Rainy, -muddy day. - -_Monday, 27.--_Wet day. Being quite unwell, I stayed at home. - -_Tuesday, 28.--_At home. Colonel Frierson wrote a Memorial to Congress. -[5] - -_Wednesday, 29.--_At home. Clear and cold. Colonel Frierson left for -home, taking with him a copy of the Memorial, to get signers in Quincy. -I here insert a copy of the-- - - {84} MEMORIAL. - - _To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the - United States, in Congress Assembled_. - - The memorial of the undersigned inhabitants of Hancock county, in - the State of Illinois, respectfully showeth-- - - That they belong to the society of Latter-day Saints, commonly - called "Mormons;" that a portion of our people commenced settling - in Jackson county, Missouri, in the summer of 1831, where they - purchased lands and settled upon them with the intention and - expectation of becoming permanent citizens in common with others. - - From a very early period after the settlement began, a very - unfriendly feeling was manifested by the neighboring people; and as - the society increased, this unfriendly spirit also increased, until - it degenerated into a cruel and unrelenting persecution, and the - society was at last compelled to leave the county. An account of - these unprovoked persecutions has been published to the world; yet - we deem it not improper to embody a few of the most prominent items - in the memorial, and lay them before your honorable body. - - On the 20th July, 1833, a mob collected at Independence, a - deputation or committee from which called upon a few members of our - Church there, and stated to them that the store, printing office, - and all mechanic shops belonging to our people must be closed - forthwith, and the society leave the county immediately. - - These conditions were so unexpected and so hard, that a short time - was asked for to consider on the subject before an answer could be - given, which was refused; and when some of our men answered that - they could not consent to comply with such propositions, the work - of destruction commenced. - - The printing office--a valuable two-story brick building, was - destroyed by the mob, and with it much valuable property. They - next went to the store for the same purpose; but one of the owners - thereof agreeing to close it, they abandoned their design. - - A series of outrages was then commenced by the mob upon individual - members of our society. Bishop Partridge was dragged from his house - and family, where he was first partially stripped of his clothes, - and then tarred and feathered from head to foot. Mr. Charles Allen - was also tarred at the same time. - - Three days afterwards the mob assembled in great numbers, bearing a - red flag, and proclaiming that unless the society would leave _en - masse,_ every man of them should be killed. Being in a defenseless - situation, to avoid a general massacre, a treaty was entered into - and ratified, by which it was agreed that one-half of the society - should leave the county by the 1st of January, and the remainder by - the 1st of April following. - - {85} In October, while our people were gathering their crops and - otherwise preparing to fulfill their part of the treaty, the mob - again collected without any provocation, shot at some of our - people, whipped others, threw down their houses, and committed many - other depredations. The members of the society were for some time - harassed both day and night, their houses assailed and broken open, - and their women and children insulted and abused. - - The store-house of A. S. Gilbert and Company was broken open, - ransacked, and some of the goods strewed in the streets. These - repeated assaults so aroused the indignant feelings of our people, - that a small party thereof, on one occasion, when wantonly abused, - resisted the mob. A conflict ensued, in which one of our people and - some two or three of their assailants were killed. - - This unfortunate event raised the whole county in arms, and we were - required forthwith to surrender our arms and leave the county. - Fifty-one guns were given up, which have never been returned or - paid for to this day. - - Parties of the mob, from thirty to seventy in number, then scoured - the county in every direction, threatening and abusing women and - children, until they were forced first to take shelter in the woods - and prairies at a very inclement season of the year, and finally to - make their escape to Clay county, where the people permitted them - to take refuge for a time. - - After the society had left Jackson county, their buildings, - amounting to about two hundred, were either burned or otherwise - destroyed, with a great portion of their crops, as well as - furniture, stock, &c.; for which they have not as yet received any - remuneration. - - The society remained in Clay county nearly three years, when, - in compliance with the demands of the citizens there, it was - determined to remove to that section of country known afterwards as - Caldwell county. - - In order to secure our people from molestation, the members of - the society bought out most of the former inhabitants of what is - now Caldwell county, and also entered much of the wild land then - belonging to the United States in that section of country, fondly - hoping that as we were American citizens, obeying the laws and - assisting to support the government, we would be protected in the - use of homes which we had honestly purchased from the General - Government and fully paid for. - - Here we were permitted to enjoy peace for a season; but as our - society increased in numbers and settlements were made in Daviess - and Carrol counties, unfounded jealousies sprang up among our - neighbors, and the spirit of the mob was soon manifested again. The - people of our Church who had located themselves at De Witt were - compelled by {86} the mob to leave the place, notwithstanding the - militia were called out for their protection. - - From De Witt the mob went to Daviess county, and, while on their - way, took some of our people prisoners, and greatly abused and - mistreated them. Our people had been driven by force from Jackson - county; they had been compelled to leave Clay county, and sell - their lands there, for which they have never been paid: they had - finally settled in Caldwell county, where they had purchased and - paid for nearly all the Government land within its limits, in order - to secure homes where they could live and worship in peace; but - even here they were soon followed by the mob. - - The society remained in Caldwell from 1836 until the fall of 1838, - and during that time had acquired by purchase from the Government, - the settlers, and preemptioners, almost all the lands in the county - of Caldwell, and a portion of those in Daviess and Carrol counties. - - Those counties, when our people first commenced their settlements, - were for the most part wild and uncultivated, and they had - converted them into large and well improved farms, well stocked. - Lands had risen in value, from 10 to 25 dollars per acre, and those - counties were rapidly advancing in cultivation and wealth. - - In August, 1838, a riot commenced, growing out of the attempt of - a member of the society to vote, which resulted in creating great - excitement and many scenes of lawless outrage. A large mob, under - the conduct of Cornelius Gilliam, came into the vicinity of Far - West, drove off our stock, and abused our people. Another party - came into Caldwell county, took away our horses and cattle, burnt - our houses, and ordered the inhabitants to leave their homes - immediately. - - By order of Brigadier-General Doniphan and Colonel Hinkle, a - company of about sixty men, under the command of David W. Patten - went to disperse this mob. A conflict ensued, in which Captain - Patten and two of his men were killed, and others wounded. [6] A - mob party, from two to three hundred in number, many of whom are - supposed to have come from Chariton county, fell on our people, - and, notwithstanding they begged for quarters, shot down and killed - eighteen, as they would so many wild beasts. - - They were finally compelled to flee from those counties; and on the - 11th October, 1838, they sought safety by that means, with their - families, {87} leaving many of their effects behind. That they had - previously applied to the constituted authorities of Missouri for - protection, but in vain. - - The society were pursued by the mob, conflicts 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 us from the State, _or exterminate us_. - - Abandoned and attacked by those to whom we had looked for - _protection,_ we determined to make no further resistance, but - submit to the authorities of the State and yield to our fate, - however hard it might be. Several members of the society were - arrested and imprisoned on a charge of treason against the State: - and the rest, amounting to above 14,000 souls, fled into the other - States, principally into Illinois, where they now reside. - - Your memorialists would further state that they have heretofore - petitioned your honorable body, praying redress for the injuries - set forth in this memorial; but the committee to whom our petition - was referred reported, in substance, that the General Government - had no power in the case, and that we must look for relief to the - courts and the legislature of Missouri. - - In reply, your memorialists would beg leave to state that they - have repeatedly appealed to the authorities of Missouri in vain; - that though they are American citizens, at all times ready to obey - the laws and support the institutions of the country, none of us - would dare enter Missouri for any such purpose, or for any purposes - whatever. - - Our property was seized by the mob or lawlessly confiscated by the - State; and we were forced, at the point of the bayonet, to sign - deeds of trust relinquishing our property. But the exterminating - order of the Governor of Missouri is still in force, and we dare - not return to claim out just rights. The widows and orphans of - those slain, who could legally sign no deeds of trust, dare not - return to claim the inheritance left them by their murdered parents. - - It is true the Constitution of the United States gives to us, in - common with all other native or adopted citizens, the right to - enter and settle in Missouri; but an executive order has been - issued to exterminate us if we enter the State, and a part of the - Constitution becomes a nullity, so far as we are concerned. - - Had any foreign state or power committed a similar outrage upon us - we cannot for a moment doubt that the strong arm of the General - Government would have been stretched out to redress our wrongs; and - we flatter ourselves that the same power will either redress our - grievances or shield us from harm in our efforts to regain our lost - property, which we fairly purchased from the General Government. - - Finally, your memorialists pray your honorable body to take their - {88} wrongs into consideration, receive testimony in the case, and - grant such relief as by the Constitution and laws you may have - power to give. - - And your memorialists will ever pray. - -[Sidenote: Activities in Renewal of Appeals to Congress.] - -Eleven copies were also made for circulation and signatures by Thomas -Bullock, one of my clerks. - -Four, p.m. A meeting of the citizens in the assembly room, [over -President Smith's store] when Brigham Young was chosen chairman of the -meeting, and Willard Richards, clerk. - -The object of the meeting was briefly explained by the clerk, followed -by Judge Phelps, which was to petition Congress for redress of -grievances in relation to the Missouri persecutions. - -Voted that the chairman appoint a committee to get the names of -memorialists in this city. - -The chairman appointed the assessors and collectors in their several -wards. - -Voted that the same committee collect means to purchase paper. -President Sidney Rigdon to go to La Harpe, and Elder Heber C. Kimball -to Ramus, to procure signers. - -The chairman appointed committees to visit other places. - -Joseph Smith, the Mayor, made some remarks, and his Appeal to the Green -Mountain Boys was read by William W. Phelps, as follows:-- - - _President Smith's Appeal to his Native State--Vermont._ - - I was born in Sharon, Vermont, in 1805, where the first quarter of - my life grew with the growth and strengthened with the strength - of that "first-born" State of the "United Thirteen." From the old - "French War" to the final consummation of American Independence, my - fathers, heart to heart, and shoulder to shoulder, with the noble - fathers of our liberty, fought and bled; and with the most of that - venerable band of patriots, they have gone to rest, bequeathing - a glorious country, with all her inherent rights, to millions of - posterity. Like other honest citizens, I not only (when manhood - came,) sought my own peace, prosperity, and happiness, but also - the peace, prosperity, and happiness of my friends; and, with all - the rights and realm before me, {89} and the revelations of Jesus - Christ to guide me into all truth, I had good reasons to enter into - the blessings and privileges of an American citizen, the rights - of a Green Mountain Boy, unmolested, and enjoy life and religion - according to the most virtuous and enlightened customs, rules, and - etiquette of the nineteenth century. But, to the disgrace of the - United States, it is not so. These rights and privileges, together - with a large amount of property, have been wrested from me, and - thousands of my friends, by lawless mobs in Missouri, supported by - executive authority; and the crime of plundering our property, and - the unconstitutional and barbarous act of our expulsion, and even - the inhumanity of murdering men, women, and children, have received - the_ pass-word of "justifiable"_ by legislative enactments; and the - horrid deeds, doleful and disgraceful as they are, have been paid - for by Government. - - In vain have we sought for redress of grievances and a restoration - to our rights in the courts and legislature of Missouri. In vain - have we sought for our rights and the remuneration for our property - in the halls of Congress and at the hands of the President. The - only consolation yet experienced from these highest tribunals and - _mercy-seats_ of our bleeding country _is that our cause is just, - but the Government has no power to redress us_. - - Our arms were forcibly taken from us by those Missouri marauders; - and, in spite of every effort to have them returned, the State of - Missouri still retains them: and the United States militia law, - with this fact before the Government, still compels us to military - duty; and, for a lack of said arms, the law _forces us to pay - fines._ As Shakespeare would say "_thereby hangs a tale._" - - Several hundred thousand dollars' worth of land in Missouri was - purchased at the United States Land Offices in that district of - country and the money, without doubt, has been appropriated to - strengthen the army and navy, or increase the power and glory - of the nation in some other way. And notwithstanding Missouri - has robbed and mobbed me and twelve or fifteen thousand innocent - inhabitants, murdered hundreds, and expelled the residue, at - the point of the bayonet, without law, contrary to the express - language of the Constitution of the United States and every State - in the Union, and contrary to the custom and usage of civilized - nations, and especially one holding up the motto, "_The asylum of - the oppressed._" yet the comfort we receive to raise our wounded - bodies and invigorate our troubled spirits, on account of such - immense sacrifices of life, property, patience, and right, and as - an equivalent for the enormous taxes we are compelled to pay to - support these functionaries in a dignified manner, after we have - petitioned and pleaded with tears, and been showed like a caravan - of foreign animals, for the peculiar gratification of connoiseurs - in humanity, that flare {90} along in public life like lamps upon - lamp-posts, because they are better calculated for the schemes of - the night than for the scenes of the day, is, as President Van - Buren said, _Your cause is just, but Government has no power to - redress you_! - - No wonder, after the Pharisee's prayer, the publican smote his - breast and said, "_Lord be merciful to me a sinner!"_ What must the - manacled nations think of freemen's rights in the land of liberty? - [7] * * * - - Now, therefore, having failed in every attempt to obtain - satisfaction at the tribunals, where all men seek for it, according - to the rules of right, I am compelled to appeal to the honor - and patriotism of my native State--to the clemency and valor - of "Green Mountain Boys;" for throughout the various periods - of the world, whenever a nation, kingdom, state, family, or - individual has received an insult or an injury from a superior - force, (unless satisfaction was made,) it has been the custom - to call in the aid of friends to assist in obtaining redress. - For proof we have only to refer to the recovery of Lot and his - effects by Abraham in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, or to turn - to the relief afforded by France and Holland for the achievement - of the Independence of these United States, without bringing up - the great bulk of historical facts, rules, laws, decrees, and - treaties, and Bible records, by which nations have been governed, - to show that mutual alliance for the general benefit of mankind - to retaliate and repel foreign aggressions. To punish and prevent - home wrongs, when the conservators of justice and the laws have - failed to afford a remedy, are not only common and in the highest - sense justifiable and wise, but they are also poorer expedients to - promote the enjoyment of equal rights, the pursuit of happiness, - the preservation of life, and the benefit of posterity. - - With all these facts before me, and a pure desire to ameliorate the - condition of the poor and unfortunate among men, and, if possible, - to entice all men from evil to good, and with firm reliance that - God will reward the just, I have been stimulated to call upon my - native State for a "union of all honest men," and to appeal to the - valor of the "Green Mountain Boys" by all honorable methods and - means to assist me in obtaining justice from Missouri, not only for - the property she has stolen and confiscated, the murders she has - committed among my friends, and for our expulsion from the State, - but also to humble and chastise or abase her for the disgrace she - has brought upon constitutional liberty until she atones for her - sins. - - I appeal also to the fraternity of brethren who are bound by - kindred ties to assist a brother in distress in all cases where it - can be done according {91} to the rules of order, to extend the - boon of benevolence and protection in avenging the Lord of His - enemies, as if a Solomon, a Hiram, a St. John, or a Washington - raised his hands before a wondering world, and exclaimed, "My life - for his!" Light, liberty, and virtue forever! - - I bring this appeal before my native State, for the solemn reason - that an injury has been done, and crimes have been committed, - which a sovereign State, of the Federal compact, one of the great - family of _"E pluribus unum,"_ refuses to compensate, by consent - of parties, rules of law, customs of nations, or in any other way. - I bring it also because the National Government has fallen short - of affording the necessary relief, as before stated, _for want of - power,_ leaving a large body of her own free citizens, whose wealth - went freely into her treasury for lands, and whose gold and silver - for taxes still fills the pockets of her dignitaries "in ermine and - lace," defrauded, robbed, plundered, ravished, driven, exiled, and - banished from the "Independent Republic of Missouri!" - - And in the appeal let me say, Raise your towers, pile your - monuments to the skies, build your steam frigates, spread - yourselves far and wide, and open the iron eyes of your bulwarks - by sea and land; and let the towering church steeples marshal - the country like the dreadful splendor of an army with bayonets. - But remember the flood of Noah; remember the fate of Sodom and - Gomorrah; remember the dispersion and confusion at the tower of - Babel; remember the destruction of Pharaoh and his hosts; remember - the handwriting upon the wall, _"Mene, mene, tekel upharsin;"_ - remember the angel's visit to Sennacherib, and the one hundred and - eighty-five thousand Assyrians; remember the end of the Jews and - Jerusalem, and remember the Lord Almighty will avenge the blood of - His Saints that now crimsons the skirts of Missouri! Shall wisdom - cry aloud, and her speech not be heard? - - Has the majesty of American liberty sunk into such vile servitude - and oppression, that justice has fled? Have the glory and influence - of a Washington, an Adams, a Jefferson, a Lafayette, and a host - of others, forever departed; and the wrath of a Cain, a Judas, - and a Nero whirled forth in the heraldry of hell, to sprinkle our - garments with blood, and lighten the darkness of midnight with the - blaze of our dwellings? Where is the patriotism of '76? Where is - the virtue of our forefathers? and where is the sacred honor of - freemen! - - Must we, because we believe in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus - Christ, the administration of angels, and the communion of the Holy - Ghost, like the Prophets and Apostles of old,--must we be mobbed - with impunity, be exiled from our habitations and property without - {92} remedy, murdered without mercy, and Government find the - weapons and pay the vagabonds for doing the jobs, and give them the - plunder into the bargain? Must we, because we believe in enjoying - the constitutional privilege and right of worshiping Almighty God - according to the dictates of our own consciences, and because we - believe in repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, the - gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, the resurrection - of the dead, the millennium, the day of judgment, and the Book of - Mormon as the history of the aborigines of this continent,--must - we be expelled from the institutions of our country, the rights of - citizenship and the graves of our friends and brethren, and the - Government lock the gate of humanity and shut the door of redress - against us? If so, farewell freedom! adieu to personal safety! and - let the red hot wrath of an offended God purify the nation of such - sinks of corruption; for that realm is hurrying to ruin where vice - has the power to expel virtue. - - My father, who stood several times in the battles of the American - Revolution, till his companions in arms had been shot dead at - his feet, was forced from his home in Far West, Missouri, by - those civilized--or satanized--savages, in the dreary season of - winter, to seek a shelter in another State; and the vicissitudes - and sufferings consequent to his flight brought his honored grey - head to the grave a few months after. And my youngest brother - also, in the vigor and bloom of youth, from his great exposure and - fatigue in endeavoring to assist his parents on their journey, (I - and my brother Hyrum being in chains, in dungeons, in Missouri, - _where they tried to feed us with--human flesh_) was likewise - so debilitated that he found a premature grave shortly after - my father; and my mother, too, though she yet lingers among - us, from her extreme exposure in that dreadful tragedy, was - filled with rheumatic affections and other diseases, which leave - her no enjoyment of health. She is sinking in grief and pain, - broken-hearted, from Missouri persecution. - - O death! wilt thou not give to every honest man a heated dart to - sting those wretches while they pollute the land? And O Grave! wilt - thou not _open the trap door_ to the pit of ungodly men, that they - may stumble in? - - I appeal to the "Green Mountain Boys" of my native State to rise in - the majesty of virtuous freemen, and by all honorable means help - to bring Missouri to the bar of justice. If there is one whisper - from the spirit of Ethan Allen, or a gleam from the shade of a - General Stark, let it mingle with our sense of honor and fire our - bosoms for the cause of suffering innocence, for the reputation of - our disgraced country, and for the glory of God; and may all the - earth bear me witness, if Missouri--blood-stained Missouri, escapes - the due merit of her {93} crimes--the vengeance she so justly - deserves--that Vermont is a hypocrite, a _coward_ and this nation - the hotbed of political demagogues! - - I make this appeal to the sons of liberty of my native State for - help to frustrate the wicked designs of sinful men. I make it to - hush the violence of mobs. I make it to cope with the unhallowed - influence of wicked men in high places. I make it to resent the - insult and injury made to an innocent, unoffending people, by a - lawless ruffian State. I make it to obtain justice where law is - put at defiance. I make it to wipe off the stain of blood from our - nation's escutcheon. I make it to show presidents, governors, and - rulers prudence. I make it to fill honorable men with discretion. - I make it to teach senators wisdom. I make it to teach judges - justice. I make it to point clergymen to the path of virtue. And - I make it to turn the hearts of this nation to the truth and - realities of pure and undefiled religion, that they may escape the - perdition of ungodly men; and Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is my - Great Counselor. - - Wherefore let the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble, the - poor and the needy, the bond and the free, both black and white, - take heed to their ways, and a leave to the knowledge of God, and - execute justice and judgment upon the earth in righteousness, and - prepare to meet the judge of the quick and the dead, for the hour - of His coming is nigh. - - And I must go on as the herald of grace, - Till the wide-spreading conflict is over. - And burst through the curtains of tyrannic night; - Yes, I must go on to gather our race, - Till the high blazing flame of Jehovah - Illumines the globe as a triumph of right. - - As a friend of equal rights to all men, and a messenger of the - everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have the honor to be, - - Your devoted servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -Sidney Rigdon spoke. - -Parley P. Pratt confessed he was wrong in one thing in Missouri; that -is, he left alive, and left them alive; and asked forgiveness, and -promised never to do so again. - -Parley P. Pratt offered to deliver the President's "Appeal to the Green -Mountain Boys" to all the large towns in New York, if he could have a -copy. - -The President offered a copy and it was voted that {94} Elder Pratt -shall have this mission granted him, and voted in addition that he go -to all the towns in Vermont. - -The Chairman [Brigham Young] spoke. - -The Mayor [President Smith] spoke. Said he rose to make a confession, -that he used all his influence to prevent the brethren from fighting -when mobbed in Missouri. If I did wrong, I will not do so any more. It -was a suggestion of the head. He would never do so again; but when the -mobs come upon you, kill them. I never will restrain you again, but -will go and help you. - -The Chairman [Brigham Young] spoke again; acknowledged his wrong; said -he would never put his hand on Brother Hosea Stout's shoulder again to -hold him back when he was abused. - -John Taylor spoke of Missouri; said he would never submit to such -treatment again. - -Mayor [President Smith] spoke again. If I do not stand with those who -will stand by me in the hour of trouble and danger, without faltering, -I give you leave to shoot me. [8] - -Mayor read a letter in reply to one he wrote to Henry Clay. - -Parley P. Pratt stated that the history of the persecution was put into -the hand of Henry Clay. - -{95} Moved by Joseph Smith, That every man in the meeting who could -wield a pen write an address to his mother country. Carried. - -Mayor read the Memorial to Congress. The State rights doctrines are -what feed mobs. They are a dead carcass--a stink, and they shall ascend -up as a stink offering in the nose of the Almighty. - -They shall be oppressed as they have oppressed us, not by "Mormons," -but by others in power. They shall drink a drink offering, the -bitterest dregs, not from the "Mormons," but from a meaner source than -themselves. God shall curse them. - -Adjourned till next Monday evening, early candle-light. - -At ten, a.m., rode out with Mr. Jackson. At home most all day. - -The "Appeal to the Green Mountain Boys" sent to press. - -Severe frost, so that the ice is on the water in the house. - -W. L. D. Ewing writes to Major John Bills-- - - _Letter: W. L. D. Ewing, State Auditor, Illinois, to Major John - Bills--Legion Affairs._ - - The foregoing opinions constitute my reason for refusing to issue - the warrants in your favor. I am not satisfied myself entirely - of the correctness of the opinions of the Attorney-General. If - you should be dissatisfied with the decision, I would advise you - to raise the question before the Supreme Court, which will be in - session on the 2nd Monday of December. I am the more anxious that - this should be done because I wish to be satisfied whether I was - correct or not in issuing warrants to you in the spring. Be pleased - to advise me on the subject. - - Respectfully, - - W. L. D. EWING, Auditor. - -Enclosing the opinion of the Attorney-General, Josiah Lamborn, as -follows:-- - - _Letter: J. Lamborn, Attorney General of Illinois--Legal Opinion of - Above._ - - SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Nov. 30, 1843. - - I have examined the claim of J. C. Bennett as brigade-inspector of - the Nauvoo Legion, and it is my opinion that the claim should be - disallowed. - - {96} The Legislature, in giving authority for the organization of a - body of "independent military men" at Nauvoo, intended, no doubt, - that all expenses, &c., except "their proportion of public arms," - should be defrayed by the city and its privileged Legion. - - They occupy a novel position, disconnected from the military - communities of the whole State, and in no way subject to the - regular military officers, possessing an exemption even from - subjection to the general military laws, with a law-making power - invested in their own Legion. It is not reasonable to suppose that - the Legislature would confer so many exclusive favors, and yet pay - those who profit by this condition of things as much as is paid to - regular militia officers. - - In the absence of any express provision by law to authorize the - payment of the claim, I can see nothing from which an authority of - the kind could be derived, and therefore advise accordingly. - - J. LAMBORN, Attorney-General. - -And copy of letter from J. N. McDougall to General W. L. D. Ewing:-- - - _Letter: J. N. McDougall to State Auditor._ - - SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Nov. 30, 1843. - - _General W. L. D. Ewing, Auditor, &.c._-- - - I have examined the claim of John Bills, brigade-major of the - Nauvoo Legion, for services under the 53rd section of the militia - law, and have arrived at the conclusion that the Nauvoo Legion - are not to be considered as a part of the regular militia of this - State, and that the general law has no further application to - them than is expressly provided for in the law authorizing their - organization. The law providing for the organization of the Legion - making no provision for the payment of its officers by the State, - it is my opinion that the above claim ought not to be audited. - - The Legion was organized by the City Council, is subject to - their control for the purpose of enforcing their ordinances. It - is entirely independent of the general military law, may have a - different organization, make laws for its own government, and seems - evidently designed to sustain the municipal authorities of Nauvoo. - If there are expenses to be paid, the municipality of which they - form a very important element, must meet them. I am, with great - respect, - - Your obedient servant, - - J. N. McDOUGALL. - -Mr. Ewing reported to Major Bills that the returns made {97} out [for -Mr. Bills], and sent to the State Department, were the best reports by -any brigade-major in the State, and did him great credit: the refusal -to pay him for his services is a mere pretext, as the Nauvoo Charter -requires that the Nauvoo Legion shall perform the same amount of duty -as is now or may hereafter be required of the regular militia of the -State, and shall be at the disposal of the Governor for the public -defense and the execution of the laws of the State, and be entitled to -their proportion of the State arms; and were it not for the prejudice -against us on account of our religion, his claim would have been paid -without a word of complaint. - -Footnotes: - -1. The omitted part of the letter is a paragraph in which are quoted -a number of foreign phrases from Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek, German, -Portuguese and other tongues; which are in no way germane to the -subject discussed, but are a mere pedantic display, doubtless admitted, -in this instance, in a spirit of humor by President Smith, as an -offset to Bennett's assumption of so lofty an intellect--a mind of "so -mathematical and philosophical a cast--that the divinity of Moses," -etc., made no "impression" on him. The display of foreign phrases was -doubtless the work of W. W. Phelps, who had some smattering knowledge -of languages, which he was ever fond of displaying. Unfortunately -similar displays were injected into President Smith's appeal to his -native state--Vermont; and his paper, "Views of the Powers and Policy -of the Government of the United States." These injections were also -doubtless the work of Elder Phelps, who was one of the Prophet's clerks -and amanuenses when the documents named above were prepared. Because -these displays of pedantry mar these documents, and are in no way -germane to the subjects of which they treat, and are not really the -work of President Smith, they are omitted from the papers referred to -as published in this HISTORY, the omission being indicated by ellipses -signs. - -2. Not in the blasphemous sense attributed to him by some anti-Mormon -writers; namely, that God was subordinate to him--his right hand -man (See Riley's "Founder of Mormonism" Ch. X); but in the sense of -the passage near the close of his address to "The Green Mountain -Boys" (this chapter)--"And Jesus Christ, the son of God, is my Great -Counselor"--reverently said. - -3. The General Government finally constructed a canal around the rapids -at a cost of $4,582,000, completing the work in 1877. The canal is -seven and a half miles in length and has in it three locks, overcoming -the obstruction in river navigation which the Des Moines rapids in -early days presented. It is called the Des Moines Rapids Canal. - -4. This Col. Frierson resided at Quincy, was a political representative -of John C. Calhoun, then an active aspirant for the presidency of the -United States. See letter of Joseph L. Heywood, pp. 62, 63. - -5. The reason Col. John Frierson interested himself in this matter -was that Hon. R. B. Rhett a representative in the National Congress -from South Carolina, and a political friend of John C. Calhoun, had -expressed a willingness to present to Congress a memorial for a redress -of grievances suffered by the Saints in Missouri; and of course all -this in the interest of Calhoun as candidate for President. See pp. -62-63; also _Nauvoo Neighbor_ for the 5th June, 1844. - -6. This is an error. Col. Frierson has confounded two incidents--the -"Battle" at Crooked River, and a movement in Daviess county. General -Doniphan gave no orders in respect of the skirmish in which David -Patten lost his life, usually called the "Battle of Crooked River;" but -he and also General Park gave some orders to Col. Wight d Col. Hinkle -in relation to movements of militia in Daviess County against Millport -and Gallatin. (See Vol. III, Ch. XII.) - -7. The omission here indicated is the paragraph of foreign phrases not -germane to the matter as explained in the footnote at page 75. - -8. Relative to the spirit of this meeting in Nauvoo on the 29th -of November, 1843; and also of many of the articles published as -Editorials, and letters that were written about this time to public -men, the reader should be reminded that these leading brethren of the -Church were speaking and writing under a great stress of feeling--under -a sense of outraged justice. Their minds had been refreshed and -their feelings again wrought up by the detailed recital of the acts -of injustice endured in Missouri by the Memorial to congress drawn -up by Colonel Frierson; and under such circumstances it is scarcely -to be expected that strong men will not give expression to the -vehemence they feel. Edmund Burke once said in defense of the rashness -expressed in both speech and action of some of the patriots of the -American Revolution, that "_It is not fair to judge the temper or the -disposition of any man or set of men when they are composed and at -rest from their conduct or there expressions in a state of disturbance -and irritation."_ The justice of Burke's assertion has never been -questioned, and without any wresting whatsoever it may be applied to -the prominent Church leaders on the occasion of this meeting at Nauvoo; -and, moreover, they saw again forming those mobocratic tendencies in -Illinois from which they had suffered in Missouri. - -{98} - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE AVERY KIDNAPPING--DEFENSIVE PREPARATIONS AGAINST MISSOURI -MOBS--APPEALS TO THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT FOR PROTECTION--NAUVOO LEGION -OFFERED AS UNITED STATES TROOPS. - -_Friday, December 1, 1843.--_At home. In the evening, walking out and -administering to the sick. - -At noon, Dr. Willard Richards called on me to get a petition to -Congress for an appropriation to improve the Rapids. - -[Sidenote: Progress of the Work.] - -I continue to receive letters from Elders in the different States, -giving news of the progress of the work. - -Clear and cold day. Some ice floating in the river. - -_Saturday 2.--_Prayer-meeting from one to six p.m., in the assembly -room over the store. Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, -George A. Smith, and Orson Spencer received their endowments and -further instructions in the Priesthood. About thirty-five persons -present. - -A conference was held at Alexander in Genesee county, New York. Ten -branches, containing 44 Elders and 206 members, were represented. Two -High Priests, one Seventy, 21 Elders and one Deacon present. - -[Sidenote: Hyrum Smith Meets with an Accident.] - -_Sunday, 3.--_I arrived at the assembly room [1] about noon: found -all present, except Hyrum and his wife. He had slipped and turned his -knee-joint backward, and sprained the large muscle of his leg, and I -had been ministering unto him. Emma had been unwell during the night. -After the meeting was organized, William W. Phelps {99} read my "Appeal -to the Green Mountain Boys," which was dedicated by prayer after all -had spoken upon it. We also prayed for Nathan Pratt, who was very sick, -Hyrum, and others. I afterwards instructed them in the things of the -Priesthood. - -_Monday, 4.--_At six in the evening, I attended the adjourned meeting -of citizens in the assembly room, which was crowded with a select -congregation. Many could not get admission. There were two Missourians -present. I made some observations at the opening of the meeting, -requested them to be calm and cool, but let the spirit of '76 burn in -their bosoms, and when occasion requires, say little, but act; and when -the mob comes, mow a hole through them. - -My "Appeal to the Green Mountain Boys" was read by W. W. Phelps. - -Elder Parley P. Pratt read his "Appeal to the State of New York." - -[Sidenote: Number of the Prophet's Vexatious Lawsuits] - -My clerk, Willard Richards, read the memorial to Congress, when the -assembly unanimously voted their approbation of the memorial, when -I spoke two-and-a-half hours, relating many circumstances which -transpired in Missouri, not mentioned in the memorial. I have already -had thirty-eight vexatious lawsuits, and have paid Missouri $150,000 -for land. I borrowed $500 of Judge Young in Washington, to pay the -expenses of the party that accompanied me, and had to borrow of others. - -Daniel Avery and his son were kidnapped from the neighborhood of Warsaw -by a company of Missourians, assisted by some anti-Mormons of this -county, and carried into Missouri. [2] - -_Tuesday, 5.--_Six p.m., met the Twelve, also Phelps, Clayton, and -Turley, in council, in the office, on important business. - -{100} Advised the Twelve to raise money to send to Elder Hyde, who is -east, for him to get paper to print the Doctrine and Covenants, and get -new type and metal for stereotyping the same. - -_Wednesday, 6.--_At home and took the following affidavit:-- - - _Chapman's Affidavit in the Avery Case._ - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand - eight hundred and forty-three, came Delmore Chapman before me, - Joseph Smith, mayor of said city; and after being duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that on the nineteenth day of November, 1843, a - man named Richardson came to one of his neighbors living in Bear - Creek precinct, in the county of Hancock, named Philander Avery, - and enticed him to the Mississippi at Warsaw, by false pretenses; - and from thence by a company he was forced over the river and - taken to Monticello jail; and that on the second day of December, - some of the same party and others came to the aforesaid Bear Creek - and kidnapped Daniel Avery, the father of the aforesaid Philander - Avery, and by force of arms hurried him across the said Mississippi - river into the State of Missouri, to aforesaid jail at Monticello, - Lewis county, where your said affiant verily believes they are both - now incarcerated illegally and inhumanly in prison; and further - report says that some of them are to come to Nauvoo next, to kidnap - Nelson Turner; and further your affiant saith not. - - DELMORE CHAPMAN. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this sixth day of December, 1843. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - -Upon which I wrote to his Excellency Thomas Ford:-- - - LETTER--PRESIDENT JOSEPH SMITH TO GOVERNOR FORD. - - NAUVOO, December 6, 1843. - - SIR:--The enclosed affidavit is forwarded to your Excellency for - instructions to know what shall be done in the premises. I shall - act according to the best of my judgment, constitutionally, till I - receive your instructions, and in the meantime shall forward, as - soon as they can be had, all the facts relative to the case as a - suitable person will go {101} immediately to the place and get the - necessary affidavits. Send your instructions by the bearer. - - Respectfully, I have the honor to be, - - Your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - Lieutenant-General of N. L. - - P. S. Shall any portion of the Legion be called out? - - N. B. An express has just reached me that Governor Reynolds will - make another demand for me. I rely on the honor of Illinois, for - no writ can legally issue against me. I have suffered from their - insatiable thirst for my blood long enough, and want the peace of - my family to remain undisturbed. - -_Wednesday, 6_.--Esquire Goodwin and others, not members of the Church, -petitioned the Governor not to help Missouri to persecute the Saints. - -_Thursday, 7.--_At eleven a.m. a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo was -held. The minutes of which I extract from the _Neighbor_ as follows:-- - - PUBLIC MEETING AT NAUVOO. - - At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, held near the Temple, on - the 7th day of December, 1843, Alpheus Cutler was called to the - chair, and Willard Richards appointed secretary; whereupon, after - the object of the meeting was stated, a committee of three--namely, - W. W. Phelps, Reynolds Cahoon, and Hosea Stout, were appointed to - draft a preamble and resolutions expressive of the sentiments of - the people of the city of Nauvoo relative to the repeated unlawful - demands by the State of Missouri for the body of General Joseph - Smith, as well as the common, cruel practice of kidnapping citizens - of Illinois, and forcing them across the Mississippi river, and - then incarcerating them in the dungeons or prisons of Missouri. And - after a few minutes' absence they returned with the following:-- - - RESOLUTIONS. - - Whereas, the State of Missouri, with the Governor at the head, - continues to make demands upon the executive of Illinois for the - body of General Joseph Smith, as we verily believe, to keep up a - system of persecution against the Church of Latter-day Saints, - for the purpose of justifying the said State of Missouri in her - diabolical, unheard of, cruel and unconstitutional warfare against - said Church of Latter-day Saints, and which she has practiced - during the last twelve years, whereby {102} many have been - murdered, mobbed and ravished, and the whole community expelled - from the State: - - And also to heave dust in the eyes of the nation and the world, - while she, as a State, with the Government to back her, continues - to slip over the river to steal the property of the Latter-day - Saints, and kidnap the members of said Church to glut her - vengeance, malice, revenge, and avarice, and to make slaves of the - said captives or murder them: Therefore, - - Resolved unanimously: As we do know that Joseph Smith is not guilty - of any charge made against him by the said State of Missouri, - but is a good, industrious, well-meaning, and worthy citizen of - Illinois, and an officer that does faithfully and impartially - administer the laws of the State, that we as citizens of Illinois, - crave the protection of the Constitution and laws of the country - as an _aegis_ to shield him, the said General Joseph Smith, from - such cruel persecutions, beseeching the Governor of Illinois not - to issue any more writs against the said General Joseph Smith, or - other Latter-day Saints (unless they are guilty), but to let the - Latter-day Saints "breathe awhile like other men," and enjoy the - liberty guaranteed to every honest citizen by the Magna Charta of - our common country. - - Resolved, That as citizens of the State of Illinois, we solicit - the attention of the Governor and officers generally of the State - to take some lawful means and measures to regain the citizens that - have been kidnapped by the Missourians, and to prevent the said - Missourians and government from committing further violence upon - the citizens of Illinois. - - Resolved, as the sense of this meeting, That, according to the true - meaning of the law, those citizens of any section of country who do - not rise up as virtuous freemen (when any portion of inhabitants - congregate or combine to injure, slander, or deprive another - portion of their rights,) and magnify the law, to clear themselves - from such unhallowed attempts to subvert order and law, that they - by their silence make themselves accessories of the crime of such - unlawful assemblage or outrageous individuals. - - Resolved, unanimously, That we solicit the Governor by all - honorable means to grant us peace, for we will have it. - - ALPHEUS CUTLER, Chairman. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Secretary. - -In the afternoon, Lucien Woodworth started with the papers to the -Governor, and the petition from Goodwin and others, and Delmore -Chapman's affidavit. - -[Sidenote: Provision for German Meetings.] - -{103} The German brethren met at the assembly room at six p.m., and -choose Bishop Daniel Garn as their Presiding Elder, and organized to -have preaching in their native language. - -Directed copies of my Appeal to the various authorities of Vermont and -the United States. - -[Sidenote: Precautionary Steps against Missouri Invasion] - -_Friday, 8.--_At eleven a.m. I went to my office and gave instructions -to my clerk for the drawing of a draft of a dam on the Mississippi -river, an directed that the city council be called at four this -afternoon to make preparations for any invasion from Missouri. - -Willard Richards and Philip B. Lewis made an affidavit, which I -insert:-- - - _Richards' and Lewis' Affidavit_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the 8th day of December, 1843, came Willard Richards and Philip - B. Lewis before me, Joseph Smith, Mayor of said city, and after - being duly sworn, depose and say that they have been informed - that two men have been kidnapped recently by the Missourians, in - connection with some of the lawless inhabitants of the county of - Hancock, and that rumors are now afloat that it is the intention of - said lawless persons, in connection with the aforesaid Missourians, - to kidnap some of the citizens of this city; and further your - affiants would state that they are of opinion, to prevent - difficulties of such a vexatious nature, that something should be - done to secure the peace of this city from being disturbed. And - further your affiants say not. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - PHILIP B. LEWIS. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 8th day of December, 1843. - - W. W. PHELPS, Clerk. - -Whereupon I issued the following notification;-- - - _An Order to the City Marshal_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - _To the Marshal of said City, Greeting_:-- - - Whereas complaint has been made to me upon oath, that some persons - have been kidnapped by the Missourians, in connection with {104} - some of the lawless inhabitants of Hancock county, and that - threats have been made that some of the citizens of Nauvoo will be - kidnapped or arrested, and forcibly carried away from said city - without being allowed the benefit of the writ of _habeas corpus_, - according to the ordinance in such case made and provided, you - will therefore take the necessary measures to have the rights of - the citizens of this city held sacred, and the ordinances of said - city duly carried into full force and effect. To which end, should - you judge that the peace and safety of the city require it, you - are further notified to call for a suitable portion of the Nauvoo - Legion to be in complete readiness to compel obedience to the - ordinances of the said city. - - Given under my hand and seal this 8th day of December, 1843. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor, - - W. W. PHELPS, Clerk, M. C. - -In consequence thereof, I received from the City Marshal;-- - - _The City Marshal's Reply_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, December 8, 1843. - - SIR:--Your order to have the ordinances of this city fully carried - into effect will be duly attended to; but in order to so do, it - will be necessary for you as Mayor of the city, to issue orders - to Major General Wilson Law for a suitable portion of the Nauvoo - Legion to be in readiness to _compel obedience_ to said ordinances, - if necessary. - - Respectfully, &c., - - HENRY G. SHERWOOD, City Marshal. - - _To Joseph Smith, Mayor_. - -And I issued:-- - - _Mayor's Order to the Commander of the Nauvoo Legion_. - - "HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, Dec. 8, 1843. - - The Marshal of this city having made a demand of me for a suitable - portion of the Nauvoo Legion to protect the rights of the citizens - and carry the ordinances of said city into full effect, you are - hereby directed and required to hold in readiness such portions of - the said Nauvoo Legion, which you have the honor to command, as may - be necessary to compel obedience to the ordinances of said city and - secure the peace of the citizens, and call them out, if occasion - require, without further notice. - - With due regard, I have the honor to be - - Your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - Lieutenant-General. N. L. - - _Major-General Wilson Law,_ - - Commanding Nauvoo Legion. - -{105} Four p.m., attended City Council, which passed "An extra -ordinance for the extra case of Joseph Smith and others." - - _Special Ordinance in the Prophet's Case, vs. Missouri_. - - Whereas, Joseph Smith has been three times arrested and three - times acquitted upon writs founded upon supposed crimes or charges - preferred by the State of Missouri, which acquittals were made - from investigations upon writs of _habeas corpus_--namely one in - the United States Court for the district of Illinois, one in the - Circuit Court of the State of Illinois, and one in the Municipal - Court of Nauvoo: - - And whereas, a _nolle prosequi_ has once been entered in the courts - of Missouri upon all the cases of Missouri against Joseph Smith and - others: - - And whereas, there appears to be a determined resolution by the - State of Missouri to continue these unjust, illegal, and murderous - demands for the body of General Joseph Smith: - - And whereas, it has become intolerable to be thus continually - harassed and robbed of our money to defray the expenses of these - prosecutions: - - And whereas, according to the Constitution of Illinois, "all men - are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent - and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and - defending life and liberty, and of acquiring, possessing, and - protecting property and reputation, and pursuing their own - happiness:" - - And whereas, it is our bounden duty, by all common means, if - possible, to put a stop to such vexatious lawsuits and save - expense: Therefore-- - - Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of - Nauvoo, according to the intent and meaning of the Charter for the - "benefit and convenience" of Nauvoo, that hereafter, if any person - or persons shall come with process, demand, or requisition, founded - upon the aforesaid Missouri difficulties, to arrest said Joseph - Smith, he or they so offending shall be subject to be arrested by - any officer of the city, with or without process, and tried by the - Municipal Court, upon testimony, and, if found guilty, sentenced to - imprisonment in the city prison for life; which convict or convicts - can only be pardoned by the Governor, with the consent of the Mayor - of said city. - - Section 2. And be it further ordained that the preceding section - shall apply to the case of every and all persons that may be - arrested, demanded, or required upon any charge founded in the - aforesaid Missouri difficulties. - - Section 3. And be it further ordained that the jury that makes the - presentment, in any case above specified, shall not, nor either of - them, {106} act as jurors on the final trial; but the trial shall - be conducted according to the fifth and sixth articles of the - amendment to the Constitution of the United States. - - Passed December 8, 1843. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder. [3] - -The City Council also passed "An ordinance to erect a dam in the -Mississippi river, and for other purposes." - - _Ordinance Providing for the Erection of a Dam in the Mississippi_. - - Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of - Nauvoo, that Joseph Smith and his successors for the term of - perpetual succession are hereby authorized and empowered to erect - a dam, of suitable height to propel mills and machinery, from - any point within the limits of said city and below the Nauvoo - House, and in a proper direction to reach the island this side - of Montrose; but not to interfere with the main channel of the - Mississippi river. - - Section 2. And be it further ordained that the said Joseph Smith - and his successors are further authorized to erect north of the - aforesaid island, a dam, pier, or breakwater to intersect the - sandbar above. - - Section 3. Be it further ordained that said Joseph Smith and - his successors are also authorized and have full liberty to use - the said dam and water for the purpose of propelling mills and - machinery, and shall be governed in their rates of toll and rules - of manufactory by ordinance of said city. - - Section 4. And be it further ordained that the said Joseph Smith - and his successors are further authorized and empowered to use the - space within the limits of the said dam as a harbor or basin for - steamboats and other water craft; and for which purpose they may - construct docks, wharfs, and landings, and receive such fees for - wharfage as may be regulated by ordinance of said city. - - Section 5. And be it further ordained that said Joseph Smith and - his successors are further authorized to build an embankment on the - east side of the aforesaid island, to connect the said dam with the - pier on the north, and to use the top of said dam for a public road - or highway, receiving for compensation from those who cross upon it - such rates as may be allowed by ordinance of said city. - - Passed December 8, 1843. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder. - -[Sidenote: Petition for Nauvoo to Be Placed under the General -Government] - -{107} I suggested to the Council the idea of petitioning Congress to -receive the City of Nauvoo under the protection of the United States -Government, to acknowledge the Nauvoo Legion as U. S. troops, and to -assist in fortifications and other purposes, and that a messenger be -sent to Congress for this purpose at the expense of the city. - -Messrs. John Taylor, Orson Spencer, and Orson Pratt were appointed a -committee to draft a memorial according to my suggestions. - -_Saturday, 9_.--At home. - -Prayer-meeting in the assembly room. - -I copy from the _Neighbor_. - - PUBLIC MEETING AT NAUVOO MAKING AN APPEAL TO THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT - ON SUNDRY LOCAL AFFAIRS. - - At a very large meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, held at the - corner of Main and Water streets, Mr. Heber C. Kimball was elected - chairman, and John M. Bernhisel appointed secretary. Mr. George - A. Smith having made a few observations, Mr. John Taylor read the - preamble and resolutions of a meeting held at the temple, on the - 7th instant; also an ordinance entitled "An extra ordinance for - the extra case of Joseph Smith and others," recently passed by - the City Council of the City of Nauvoo; likewise the fifth and - sixth articles of the amendments of the Constitution of the United - States, and the opinion of the Attorney-General of the State of - Illinois on the subject of the organization of the Nauvoo Legion, - he being of the opinion that said Legion was disconnected from the - military communities of the whole State, and in no way subject to - the regular military officers, possessing an exemption even from - subjection to the general military laws, with a law-making power - vested in their own Legion. - - After some pertinent remarks by Mr. Taylor, General Joseph Smith - briefly addressed the meeting. He dissented entirely from the - opinion of the Attorney-General, and observed that it was stated in - the Charter that the Legion was a part of the Militia of Illinois, - and that his commission declared that he (General Smith) was the - Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion and of the Militia of the - State of Illinois; and as such, it was not only his duty to enforce - the city ordinance, but the laws of the State, when called on by - the Governor. He also stated that he had been informed that the - Chief Magistrate of Missouri had it in {108} contemplation to make - another requisition on the Governor of Illinois for him (Joseph - Smith). - - The meeting then adjourned _sine die_. - - H. C. KIMBALL, Chairman. - - J. M. BERNHISEL, Secretary. - -Received the following;-- - - _Letter of Wilson Law to Joseph Smith Anent the Legion_. - - NAUVOO LEGION, NAUVOO CITY, - - December 9, 1843. - - _Lieutenant-General Joseph Smith_. - - In consequence of the orders I received from you "to hold in - readiness a sufficient portion of the legion, &c.,--to make said - forces efficient," it will be necessary to supply them with - munitions of war, which of course must be done at the expense - of the city. You will therefore please to give orders to the - commandants of cohorts on their application to you on the city - treasury for whatever amount you may think proper on the present - occasion. - - Most respectfully your obedient servant, - - WILSON LAW, - - Major-General, N. L. - -_Sunday, 10.--_Rainy day. I stayed at home. - -A prayer-meeting held this evening in the assembly room. I was not -present. Brigham Young presided. Several sick persons were prayed for. - -[Sidenote: Avery Case--a Reminiscence of Missouri Days.] - -By letter from J. White, deputy sheriff of Clark county, Missouri, -I learn that Mr. Daniel Avery is in Marion county prison, without -trial. The sheriff requests several men to go there as witnesses. It -is evidently a trap to get some more of our people into their power. -When I was in prison in Missouri, my witnesses were arrested before -they got into court to testify, except one, who was kicked out of the -court by an officer, Lieutenant Cook, who damned him, and ordered some -of his company to shoot him. After which, the State's attorney, Birch, -turned to me tauntingly, saying, "Why the hell don't you bring on your -witnesses?" and Judge King laughed at my discomfiture. The Saints have -had enough of Missouri mob justice. - -{109} _Monday, 11._ The following affidavit will show that some of -the citizens of Illinois are so far fallen and so much governed by -mobocratic influence as to assist the Missouri wretches in their -hellish designs:-- - - _Affidavit of Sission Chase--The Avery Case_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss. - - On the 11th day of December, 1843, came Sission A. Chase before me - Aaron Johnson, a Justice of the Peace of said county; and, after - being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that the crime of kidnapping - has been committed in Hancock County; and on the 2nd day of this - present December, 1843, at the house of Schrench Freeman, about - four miles and a half south of Warsaw, in said county, your said - affiant heard a man by the name of John Elliot say that he was - going a shooting turkeys. When asked what he was going to shoot - them with, he showed a brace of pistols and a large hickory cane. - Your affiant observed that he thought he could not kill turkeys - with such weapons; and the said Elliot said that there was a - certain cock he meant to take before night, and they would do for - that. He, the said Elliot, went off, and your affiant did not see - him till Sunday evening the 3rd, when your affiant asked the said - Elliot if he had caught his turkey; and he replied, yes, the one - he was after--a Mormon Elder. Your affiant then asked him who he - was; and he said, Daniel Avery. Your affiant then asked the said - Elliot what had been done with said Avery; and he said we put him - on to a horse, tied his legs, and guarded him to the river, from - whence, about ten o'clock at night, we took him into Clark county, - Missouri, for stealing a horse four years ago, where they would try - him; and if found guilty, they would then take him into another - county, where there was a jail, as there was none in Clark county. - On the 4th day of December, I asked him if they had writs or - authority to take Mr. Avery. He replied, we all had writs. On the - 5th, said Elliot said he expected to get into difficulty on account - of this scrape; but if any Mormon makes any business with me, I - will shoot him. And further your affiant says not. - - SISSION A. CHASE. - - Subscribed and sworn to this 11th day of December, 1843, before me - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Which I sent to the Governor, with this letter:-- - - _Letter--Joseph Smith to Governor Ford_. - - NAUVOO, December 11, 1843. - - SIR:--I herewith forward your Excellency another affidavit on the - subject of the late kidnapping, and shall continue [to do] the same - as they {110} come to hand, expecting your cordial co-operation in - the premises that the laws may be magnified and made honorable, and - our lives held precious, our friends saved from jeopardy, and the - captives freed. - - Respectfully, I have the honor to be - - Your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -[Sidenote: Nauvoo's Police Force Enlarged.] - -Meetings were held and resolutions passed in all the wards of the city, -requesting the city council to raise a company of forty men to act as -police. - -Last night, two ruffians, whose names are unknown, went to the house -of Brother Richard Badham--a farmer living on the prairie, robbed the -house of $4.50, threatened his life, stabbed him in the abdomen, when -part of his caul gushed out. Dr. John M. Bernhisel dressed his wounds -today, and he thinks there is a prospect of his recovering. - -_Tuesday, 12.--_In office at nine a.m., and wrote a letter to my -uncle:-- - - _Letter--Joseph Smith to John Smith--The Latter Appointed a - Patriarch_. - - _President John Smith:--_The petition of a special conference at - Macedonia of last November for your appointment as Patriarch in - the Church has been received, duly considered, and is granted. You - have my best wishes in your behalf, as well as my prayers, that - you may fill so honorable and exalted a station with the dignity, - sobriety, and grace which has hitherto characterized your conduct - and communion with men, as a man of God. - - Respectfully yours, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -At ten, a.m., attended City Council, which passed an ordinance -exempting all church property from city tax. - -In accordance with the petitions from the several wards, the council -passed the following:--"An ordinance for selecting forty policemen and -for other purposes. - - _Ordinance Enlarging Police Force_. - - "Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of - Nauvoo that the Mayor of said city be, and is hereby authorized to - select and have in readiness for every emergency forty policemen, - to be at his {111} disposal in maintaining the peace and dignity of - the citizens, and enforcing the ordinances of the said city, for - ferreting out thieves and bringing them to justice, and to act as - daily and nightly watchmen, and be under the pay of said city." - - Passed December 12, 1843. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - -The Council also passed "An ordinance for the health and convenience of -travelers and other persons." - - _Ordinance on the Personal Sale of Liquors_. - - Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of Nauvoo, that the - Mayor of the city be and is hereby authorized to sell or give - spirits of any quantity as he in his wisdom shall judge to be for - the health and comfort, or convenience of such travelers or other - persons as shall visit his house from time to time. - - Passed December 12, 1843. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder. - -_Wednesday, 13.--_At home. - -I insert an editorial from the _Neighbor_:-- - - PUBLIC MEETING AT NAUVOO--THE AGGRESSIONS OF MISSOURI. - - It will be seen in another column that a public meeting was held - in this place for the purpose of providing some remedy for the - repeated aggressions of the State of Missouri; since which time an - ordinance has been passed by the City Council to carry into effect - that object, and to prevent the citizens of this place from being - any longer imposed upon by the continued illegal proceedings of the - state and citizens of Missouri. - - We think that it is high time that something should be done to - screen ourselves from the continued aggressions of the meddling, - troublesome, bloodthirsty herd; and we know of no means that will - be more efficient and lawful than the one adopted. - - We have done good for evil long enough, in all conscience. We think - that we have fulfilled the Scriptures every whit. They have smitten - us on the one cheek, and we have turned the other, and they have - smitten that also. - - We have also fulfilled the law, and more than fulfilled it. And - for sake of peace, when we knew that we had violated no law, nor - in anywise subjected ourselves to persecutions, we have endured - the wrong patiently, without offering violence or in anywise - injuring the heartless wretches who could be trusted with such a - dishonorable document. {112} Those vagabonds have been suffered to - prowl at large, and boast of their inglorious deeds in our midst; - and no man has injured them, or said, Why do you so? - - The time, however, is now gone by for this mode of proceeding, - and those vagabonds must keep within their own borders and let - peaceable citizens alone, or receive the due merit of their crimes. - We think that this ordinance passed by the City Council is wise, - judicious, and well-timed, and is well calculated to protect - peaceable citizens in their rights, and to prevent those lawless - vagabonds from interfering with the rights of peaceable citizens. - - To those unacquainted with our relationship to Missouri, and the - accumulated wrongs and repeated aggressions that we have received - from the hands of that State, our language may appear harsh and - ill timed; but those who are in possession of those facts know - better. Their merciless, unrelenting, inhuman prosecutions and - persecutions, from the time of our first settlement in that state - until the present, have been wholly and entirely unprovoked and - without the shadow of law. - - Joseph Smith has been suffered to be taken time and again by - them; we say suffered, because he could not be legally and - constitutionally taken, Joseph Smith never committed the crimes of - which he is charged. He is an innocent man. - - But allowing their false, diabolical accusations to be true, what - then? Does it follow that he is continually to be followed for the - same offense? Verily no. The Constitution of the United States - expressly says--"Nor shall any person be subject for the same - offense to be _twice_ put in jeopardy of life or limb." And yet we - find that the State of Missouri has put Joseph Smith in jeopardy - no less than four or five times. He was tried once by a military - tribunal in Missouri, and sentenced to be shot. He was afterwards - tried by a pretended civil (mobocratic) court; and since then he - has been several times apprehended, tried, and acquitted for the - same offense, in this State, by Missouri requisitions. - - Is he still illegally and unconstitutionally to be held in abeyance - by these miscreants? or shall we as freeborn American citizens, - assert our rights, put the law in force upon those lawless, - prowling vagabonds and say that he shall be free? - - Shall we suffer our pockets to be picked through the influence - of these scoundrels eternally, by defending ourselves against - vexatious lawsuits? or shall we take a more summary way, and by - a legal course punish the aggressors, proclaim our freedom, and - shield ourselves under the broad folds of the Constitution? The - latter is the course for us to pursue. - - The ordinance passed by the City Council will secure this object; - {113} and we are glad to find that the opinion of J. Lamborn, - attorney general, and J. N. McDougall, correspond so much with - our own--"That the Nauvoo Legion is an independent military - organization, and is by law expressly required to sustain the - municipal laws of Nauvoo. - - What are we to say about these kidnappers who infest our borders - and carry away our citizens--those infernals in human shape? - - The whole European world has been engaged in a warfare against - those who traffic in human blood. Negotiations have been made, - treaties entered into, and fleets have been sent out, through the - combined efforts of the nations, to put a stop to this inhuman - traffic. But what would those nations think, if they were told the - fact that in America--Republican America, the boasted cradle of - liberty and land of freedom,--that those dealers in human flesh - and blood, negro dealers and drivers, are allowed with impunity to - steal white men, and those sons of liberty can obtain no redress. - - Great God! has it come to this, that freeborn American citizens - must be kidnapped by negro drivers? What are our authorities doing! - Why are not these wretches brought to justice? We have heard - that one or two of the citizens of Illinois have been engaged in - assisting these wretches. We shall try to find out who they are and - their whereabouts and make them known; and then, if they are not - brought to condign punishment, we shall say that justice has fled - from Illinois." - -_Thursday, 14.--_At home. - -Philander Avery arrived in Nauvoo, having made his escape from his -kidnappers in Missouri. - -I received the following milk-and-water letter from Governor Ford:-- - - _Letter--Governor Ford to President Smith_. - - SPRINGFIELD, December 12, 1843. - - _General Joseph Smith_. - - SIR:--I have received your favor of the 6th instant, together with - the proceedings of a public meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, on - the subject of the late kidnapping, by the people of Missouri and - others, of two citizens of this State. - - You request to know if any portion of the Legion shall be called - out. My answer is, No. The Militia cannot be called out, except in - the cases specified by me in my letter to Governor Reynolds, dated - in the month of August last, in which I took the ground that the - Militia can only be called out to repel an invasion, suppress an - insurrection, or on some extreme emergency; and not to suppress, - prevent, or punish individual crimes. I still am of the opinion - that the ground assumed by {114} me on that occasion is the true - one. The prevention and punishment of individual offenses has been - confided by the constitution and laws of this State to the judicial - power, and not to the executive. - - If a citizen of the State has been kidnapped, or if property has - been stolen from this State, and carried to the State of Missouri, - those who have done either are guilty of an indictable offense. But - the constitution and the laws have provided no means whereby either - the person or property taken away can be returned, except by an - appeal to the laws of Missouri. The Governor has no legal right to - demand the return of either. The only power I would have would be - simply this: If any of the guilty persons should be charged with - larceny or kidnapping, by indictment or affidavit, duly certified, - and with having fled to Missouri, then I would have the power, - and it would become my duty to make a demand upon the Governor of - Missouri for the surrender of the fugitives, to be tried by the - courts of this State. I am fully satisfied that in ordinary cases - this is all the power I would possess. It would be simply a power - to be exercised in aid of the judicial power. Any other powers to - be exercised by the Governor would be to make him a dictator and a - despot. It is true that an extraordinary case might arise, in which - the inhabitants of one State might arise in warlike and hostile - array against those of another; in which case a state of war would - exist, and then only could I interfere. - - I would advise your citizens to be strictly peaceable towards the - people of Missouri. You ought to be aware that in every country - individuals are liable to be visited with wrong, which the law - is slow to redress, and _some of which are never redressed in - this world._ This fact, however, has never been held to be a - justification for violence, not warranted by law. - - If any of the people of Nauvoo should invade Missouri for the - purpose of rescuing persons there in jail, the consequence would be - that indictments would be presented against them, and demands made - upon me for their arrest and surrender; which demands I would be - compelled to obey, and thus they would be harassed by interminable - demands and prosecutions; and very likely it would lead to a - species of border warfare, which would be exceedingly annoying to - a peaceable city, and, if you could be placed in the wrong, might - lead to exceedingly unpleasant consequences with reference both to - law and public opinion. - - You inform me that you are informed that Governor Reynolds is about - to make a new demand for you; and you implore my protection from - what you term this renewed persecution. In the month of August - last, I was furnished by your friends with a very large amount of - affidavits and evidence, said to be intended to show cause why - no further writs should be issued against you. As they are very - voluminous, {115} I have not yet read them, and probably never - will, unless a new demand should be made; in which case they will - receive a careful perusal; and you may rest assured that no steps - will be taken by me but such as the constitution and laws may - require. - - I am, very respectfully, &c., - - THOMAS FORD. - -[Sidenote: Comment of the Prophet on Governor Ford's attitude.] - -It appears from this letter, that Governor Ford has never taken pains -to examine the evidences placed in his hands, "and probably never -will," in relation to the Missouri writs; and evidently as little -pains to examine the Constitution of the United States or even reflect -upon the ordinary principles of human rights, to suppose that a State, -after having, by a union of executive, judicial and military powers, -exterminated 15,000 of its innocent inhabitants, who were not even -charged with any crime, robbing them of all they possessed on earth, -murdering scores of men, women and children, and expelling all the -others from the State, among strangers, in mid-winter, destitute of -everything upon the face of the earth that could possibly have a -tendency to make life desirable, should be constitutionally entitled to -demand back from banishment persons who have thus suffered its absolute -decrees of exile, to satiate a yet unsatiated thirst for human blood -and torture. O reason, where art thou fled! O humanity, where hast thou -hidden thyself? Patriots of '76, has your blood been spilt in vain, -that in 1843 the Executive of a great Republican State can coolly say, -"I have not yet read them, and probably never will?" Is liberty only a -name? Is protection of person and property fled from free America? _Let -those answer who can_. - -[Sidenote: A Sudden Illness of the Prophet.] - -_Friday, 15.--_I awoke this morning in good health, but was soon -suddenly seized with a great dryness of the mouth and throat, sickness -of the stomach, and vomited freely. My wife waited on me, assisted by -my scribe, Dr. Willard Richards, and his brother Levi, who administered -to me herbs and mild {116} drinks. I was never prostrated so low, in so -short a time, before; but by evening was considerably revived. - -Very warm for the season. - -_Saturday, 16.--_This morning I felt considerably better; arose at 10, -and sat all day in the City Council, which was held in my house for my -accommodation. - -[Sidenote: Comment on Appeal to the General Government for Protection.] - -The Mayor, Aldermen, and Councilors signed officially the Memorial -to Congress for redress of losses and grievances in Missouri. While -discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the -holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, -that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, -they shall be broken up as a government. [4] * * * - -I informed the Council that it was my wish they should ask the -privilege of calling on Government for the United States troops to -protect us in our privileges, which is not unconstitutional, but lies -in the breast of Congress. - -Heber C. Kimball was duly elected city auctioneer, in place of Charles -Warner, removed. - -The Council passed "An ordinance regulating merchants and grocers;" -also "An ordinance concerning the landing of steamers;" and Jonathan -Dunham was appointed wharf-master for one year. - -{117} Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith were appointed a committee -to wait on Mr. Davidson Hibbard, and solicit from him a block of land, -whereon to erect a city prison. - -After Council, conversed with some of the Twelve, brother Turley and -others, till 8 p.m. Prayer meeting in the evening. - -Warm, foggy, and muddy day. - -_Sunday, 17.--_At home till 4 p.m.; attended prayer meeting at the -assembly room. Samuel Harrison Smith admitted. Returned home at 7. - -River clear of ice as far up as the Stone Tavern. - -Mr. King Follet, one of the constables of Hancock County, started with -ten men this afternoon to arrest John Elliott for kidnapping Daniel -Avery, upon a warrant granted by Aaron Johnson, Esq., J. P. - -_Monday, 18.--_After dinner, Constable Follet returned with John -Elliott, a schoolmaster, when an examination was had before Esq. -Johnson, in the assembly room. Elliott was found guilty of kidnapping -Avery, and bound over in the sum of $3,000 to the Circuit court of -Carthage for trial. I endeavored to have the court reduce those bonds, -as Mr. Elliott was comparatively a stranger in Nauvoo; but did not -succeed. - -During the investigation, testimony appeared to show that Elliott had -threatened my life; and for this I made affidavit and brought him to -trial before Robert D. Foster, J. P., immediately after he had been -bound over by Esq. Johnson. I extract from the proceedings, in part, -from the _Neighbor_:-- - - THE TRIAL OF JOHN ELLIOTT. - - The prisoner was brought forward, and the court said it was his - privilege to plead for a change of venue, by paying the costs; but - as the costs were not forthcoming, the court proceeded. - - Mr. Styles then read the "Act to regulate the apprehension of - offenders and for other purposes," p 219, r. s. The act sets forth - that the use of threatening language is sufficient to criminate - individuals. This we are prepared to prove. - - {118} Sisson Chase sworn. - - The testimony was similar to that before delivered, [in Chase - affidavit see p. 109] with the following additional items:-- - - I did ask him if he had authority. In the morning he said that he - would not care about shooting some of the Mormons. In conversation - with him, he carried the idea that a conspiracy was formed against - Joseph Smith and others, and that some of them would be shot. These - conversations were had at different times. He thought Mr. Smith was - a bad character. He thought they ought to be taken. Question: Who? - Joseph Smith and some others. - - I told him he had been taken, but had been acquitted. He did not - thank the Governor for that. He carried the idea that there was a - conspiracy against his life, and said we have a plan in operation - that will pop him over. - - Mr. Elliott sworn. - - By the Court: Is your residence, Mr. Elliott, in this county? Yes. - - Messrs. Marr and Styles, attorneys, resident in Nauvoo, made some - thrilling remarks pertaining to the outrageous proceedings of - Missouri. The diabolical conduct of those wretches who could be - engaged in destroying and kidnapping their fellowmen was portrayed - in glowing colors. - - Judge Phelps and General Smith then followed on the same subject: - their language was thrillingly eloquent and powerful. If ever - inhumanity and deeds of blood were depicted in their true colors, - it was on that occasion: their thoughts flashed as fire, and they - spake in "words that burned." We never saw the character of General - Smith so clearly developed; for while he abhorred and depicted the - fiendish crime that the culprit stood charged with in its true - colors, he pitied the poor wretch that then stood before him, and - with feelings of commiseration, benevolence, and philanthropy, - withdrew his charge--wished, if it was within the power of the - court, that the culprit might be forgiven,--promised to pay all the - charges, and invited him and those of his friends who came along - with him, to come to his house, and they should be taken care of. - It would be superfluous for us to attempt to give even a faint - outline of the remarks made by the above-named gentlemen. We hope - to have at least a synopsis of their speeches for publication, - which we are sure would be highly interesting to our readers. Upon - the whole, although a painful, yet it was an interesting occasion - and will long be remembered; and unless Mr. Elliott's heart and - those of his friends were made of adamant, it must have made an - indelible impression on their minds, and almost made them hate - themselves. - -I received from Aaron Johnson, Esq., the following demand:-- - - {119} _Legion Aid Applied For_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, December 18, 1843. - - SIR:--I have been informed that a writ issued by me for the body of - Levi Williams, for kidnapping Daniel Avery, will be resisted by an - armed force: Therefore, according to the provision of the Charter, - I wish you to order me a detachment of the Nauvoo Legion--say 100 - men, to enforce the law of the State, and bring the said Williams - to justice. - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Which demand I complied with by writing to Major-General Wilson Law. - - _Detachment of the Legion Ordered into Service_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, Dec. 18, 1843. - - SIR:--You will detach 100 men, under the direction of Aaron - Johnson, a Justice of the Peace, for the purpose of assisting - the constable in executing the law of the State in taking Levi - Williams, who is charged with kidnapping Daniel Avery. - - Yours, - - JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut-Gen., N. L. - - To MAJOR-GEN. WILSON LAW, - - Commanding Nauvoo Legion. - -Gen. Wilson detached Colonel Stephen Markham with 100 men for that -purpose. - -[Sidenote: Rumors of Mob Risings.] - -About 10 p.m., two young men arrived as express, stating that a mob -was collecting at Warsaw, also at Colonel Levi Williams' house; and -messengers had gone to the mob in Missouri to reinforce their number -there. - -Dr. Richards made the following affidavit:-- - - _Affidavit of Willard Richards that Nauvoo was in Danger_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF NAUVOO, - - December 18, 1843. - - Personally appeared Willard Richards before me, Joseph Smith, - Mayor of said city, and upon his oath deposeth and saith that from - information he has received, he verily believes that the peace of - said city is in danger from a mobocratic assemblage at Warsaw, and - a force collected under the command of Colonel Levi Williams in the - lower part of the county, and runners having been sent to Missouri - to excite the Missourians to join the mobbers in this county, for - the purpose of making {120} a descent on said city, or disturbing - its peaceable inhabitants; and further your deponent saith not. - - WILLARD RICHARDS. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th December, 1843. - - W. W. PHELPS, - - Clerk of the Mayor's Court. - -Whereupon I wrote to Major-General Wilson Law:-- - - _Legion Ordered into Service_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, Dec. 18, 1843. - - SIR:--I am credibly informed that a warlike force is collecting at - or near Warsaw, for the purpose of some violent move towards this - city or some of the inhabitants thereof. You will therefore order - out such a portion of the Nauvoo Legion as may be necessary to - repel any such mobocratic or hostile design of the same unlawful - force, and also as may be sufficient to secure the peace of the - citizens, according to law. - - Yours, - - JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut-Gen. N. L. - - MAJOR-GEN. WILSON LAW, - - Commanding Nauvoo Legion. - -I returned home to rest about one o'clock in the morning of the 19th. - -[Sidenote: Moves and Counter Moves of Forces.] - -_Tuesday, 19.--_At home. About 9 a.m., a part of the company who went -with Hosea Stout returned, and stated that they went within two miles -of Colonel Williams', when they were informed that a body of men, armed -with rifles, &c., were collected at his house, and he judged it prudent -to return for weapons and help; also that Brother Chester Loveland told -them that he had seen thirty armed men following Constable King Follett -some miles on his way, when he had Elliott in custody. - -Esq. Johnson immediately wrote to Loveland to have him come to Nauvoo -and make affidavit of the warlike movements of the mob, that he might -send to the Governor. - -I directed my clerks to make copies of the affidavits respecting the -kidnapping of the Averys to send to Governor Ford, that he might be -left without excuse, although he may probably not read them. - -{121} Elder William Martindale writes from Washington, Wayne county, -Iowa:-- - - STRANGE CELESTIAL PHENOMENON--1860. - - A singular phenomenon was seen in this neighborhood. Jesse - Fox, William and Lorenzo Fox, David Bale, James Wilson, and - William Cole, with some others, retired to the house of Solomon - Mendenhall, at which place they stayed a short time. While there - they discovered a ball rising from the east in an oblique line; - and as it ascended it moved towards the west with great rapidity - until it was high in the heavens, leaving a streak of light behind - it, which to the natural eye, had the appearance of being thirty - or forty feet in length. This light remained stationary for about - one minute. Both ends then coming round, formed a figure 8, which - figure also retained its position for the same space of time. It - then was transformed into a figure 6, which also remained for about - a minute. It then was formed into a cipher or 0, which remained for - about three minutes. The figures put together made 1860 in large - figures in the heavens. The phenomenon was indeed singular, and has - been a matter of great speculation with us. - -[Sidenote: Legion Parade] - -At one p.m. I was present when the Legion paraded near the Temple, were -inspected by the officers, and instructed to prepare themselves with -arms and ammunition and to hold themselves in readiness, for a moment's -notice. Brother Henry Boley was shot severely under the arm by the -accidental discharge of his gun. - -Amos S. Chase made the following affidavit:-- - - _Affidavit of Amos Chase_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the 19th day of December, 1843, came Amos S. Chase before me - Joseph Smith, Mayor of said city; and after being duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that on the 18th day of December, 1843, he was - about four miles below Warsaw, in Hancock County, shortly after the - constable arrested John Elliott for being concerned in kidnapping - Daniel Avery, not long since, and saw the men of the neighborhood - gathering with arms to retake the said John Elliott; and when - asked what they would do, if the Governor did not sanction such an - unlawful course, several of them replied, "Damn the Governor! If he - opens his head, we will punch a hole through him! He dare not open - his head! We will serve him the same sauce we will the Mormons." - The said {122} mob then went to Warsaw, where your affiant saw them - with their arms; and further your affiant saith not. - - AMOS S. CHASE, - - Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of December, 1843. - - W. W. PHELPS, Clerk, M. C. - -_Wednesday, 20.--_At home, in good health and spirits, counseling and -attending to business in general. - -The Clerk of the Municipal Court took the following affidavits:-- - - AFFIDAVITS OF PHILANDER AVERY--MISSOURI KIDNAPPING. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the 20th day of December, 1843, personally appeared before - me, Willard Richards, clerk of the Municipal Court of said city - Philander Avery, of Bear Creek precinct, in said county, and after - being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that on the 19th day of - November, 1843, at his house, in the precinct aforesaid, Ebenezer - Richardson, of Lee county, Territory of Iowa, by false pretenses, - persuaded your affiant to accompany said Richardson to the - Mississippi river at Warsaw, where your affiant was seized by one - Joseph C. McCoy, of Clark county, Missouri, in connection with the - said Richardson, and about one dozen of other individuals, whose - names are unknown to your affiant, and by them forced across said - Mississippi River, where they bound your affiant; and Mark Childs - swore that your affiant had stolen said McCoy's horse and colt, and - that his father Daniel Avery had secreted said horse and colt, and - said Richardson threatened your affiant with death or seven years' - imprisonment, in order to persuade him to make false statements, - and testify that his father, Daniel Avery, had stolen said McCoy's - horse and colt, which statements your affiant made, and swore - to the same, while in duress, with a bowie-knife presented to - intimidate. And your affiant further saith that the testimony he - gave concerning his father's guilt, was extorted from him through - fear, while in duress, and said testimony was absolutely false, - and your affiant fully believed that his father is innocent of the - crime of stealing said McCoy's horse and colt; and further your - deponent saith not. - - PHILANDER AVERY. - - [Sidenote: [L. S.]] - - Subscribed and sworn to before me; in testimony whereof I have set - my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Nauvoo aforesaid, - this 20th day of December, A. D. 1843. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo, - - {123} _Affidavit of the Hamiltons_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - COUNTY OF HANCOCK, ss. - - On the 20th day of December, 1843, personally appeared before me - Aaron Johnson, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, - Andrew H. Hamilton, and James B. Hamilton, of Bear Creek precinct, - in said county, and, after being duly sworn, depose and say that - on the evening of the 2nd day of December, 1843, at Vernon Doty's - mill, in said precinct, Colonel Levi Williams, of said Hancock - county, as principal, and his son, John Williams, with William - Middleton, of the county of Clark and State of Missouri, Captain - McCoy, of the said county of Clark and State of Missouri, John Fox - of Green Plains precinct, and about a dozen other men, armed with - pistols, dirks and bowie knives came forcibly upon Daniel Avery at - said Doty's mill, and seized and bound him. The said Avery told - them to stand off. They said they had a writ. He observed, he would - not resist legal authority. They said they would take said Avery to - Warsaw, and there to try him. The said Avery replied, "I understand - you: you will take me to Warsaw, and there pass me over the river - to Missouri." Some of said gang then shouted, "Lay hold of him; - G--d d--n him, lay hold of him: there's no use of parleying;" at - which Colonel Levi Williams, with a large bowie-knife in his hand, - and others, then forced the said Daniel Avery to submit, telling - him (without a writ,) that his life would be taken if he did not - submit. They then tied him with silk handkerchiefs. Colonel Levi - Williams and another person then led the said Daniel Avery away; - and as they passed your affiants within the distance of about four - rods, the said Daniel Avery cried out to one of your said affiants, - "tell my friends where I am gone." Colonel Williams told said Avery - to hold his peace, for it was of no use. William Middleton then got - a horse; and after tying him upon said horse, as sworn to before by - another witness, they then conveyed him to Missouri without an by - another witness, they then conveyed him to Missouri without a writ - or trial, as your affiants verily believe; and further they say not. - - ANDREW M. HAMILTON. - - JAMES B. HAMILTON. - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of December, 1843, before me. - - AARON JOHNSON, J.P. - -Footnotes: - -1. This was the upper room of President Smith's brick store. - -2. This occurred on the 2nd of December. See Avery's Affidavit, Chapter -VI, this volume. - -3. The Ordinance was about a month later repealed at the suggestion of -President Smith. - -4. This prediction doubtless has reference to the party in power; -to the "government" considered as the administration; not to the -"government" considered as the country; but the administration party, -the Democratic Party, which had controlled the destiny of the country -for forty years. It is matter of history that few years later the party -then in power lost control of the national government, followed by the -terrible conflict of the Civil War. The Party against which the above -prediction was made so far lost its influence that it did not again -return to power for a quarter of a century; and when it did return to -power it was with such modified views as to many great questions of -government, that it could scarcely be regarded as the same party except -in name. - -Lest it should be urged that the Whig party was in control of the -government in 1843, I call attention to the fact that while General -Harrison, a Whig, was elected in 1840, he was President only one month, -as he died on the 4th of April, 1841. His whole cabinet, excepting Mr. -Webster, Secretary of State, resigned, and the Vice President became -President. Though elected by the Whigs Mr. Tyler was a Democrat "and -the Whig administration had but a month's actual existence." (See -History of the United States, Morris, pp. 311, 312). - -{124} - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -MEMORIAL OF CITY COUNCIL TO CONGRESS ANENT MISSOURI AFFAIRS--ROCKWELL'S -RETURN TO NAUVOO--RECITAL OF HIS ADVENTURES--AVERY'S ACQUITTAL BY -MISSOURI'S COURTS--NAUVOO'S POLICE FORCE INCREASED--PUBLICATIONS ON -MORMONISM, PRO ET CON--1843. - -_Thursday, December 21, 1843.--_About one o'clock in the morning I was -alarmed by the firing of a gun, got up, and went down to the river -bank to see the guard, and inquire the cause of it. To my surprise, -they had not heard it, although I felt sure it was fired in Montrose. -The morning proved it to be correct, some rowdies in Montrose had been -firing in the night. - -At noon met with the City Council which voted that Councilor Orson -Pratt present the Memorial and Ordinance to Congress. - -Passed "An ordinance to prevent unlawful search or seizure of person or -property by foreign [i.e. outside] process in the city of Nauvoo." - -Heber C. Kimball resigned his office as city auctioneer and Charles -Warner was re-elected. - -John P. Greene was duly elected city marshal, in the room of Henry G. -Sherwood, who expects to leave soon. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet for a Clean, Orderly City.] - -I gave instructions to the marshal and policemen to see that all -carrion is removed out of the city, and all houses kept in order,--to -stop the boys when fighting in the streets, and prevent children from -floating off on the ice, and correct anything out of order, like -fathers; and I offered to build the city jail, if it was left to my -dictation, which the Council authorized me to do. - -{125} I insert the Memorial from the City Council to the Congress of -the United States for redress of grievances and protection from further -persecution, which was signed by them:-- - - MEMORIAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO CONGRESS. - - _"To the Honorable Senators and Representatives of the United - States of America in Congress assembled_, - - We, the undersigned members of the City Council of the City of - Nauvoo, citizens of Hancock County, Illinois, and exiles from - the State of Missouri, being in council assembled, unanimously - and respectfully, for ourselves, and in behalf of many thousands - of other exiles, memorialize the honorable Senators and - Representatives of our nation upon the subject of the unparalleled - persecutions and cruelties inflicted upon us and upon our - constituents by the constituted authorities of the State of - Missouri, and likewise upon the subject of the present unfortunate - circumstances in which we are placed in the land of our exile. As - a history of the Missouri outrages has been extensively published, - both in this country and in Europe, it is deemed unnecessary to - particularize all of the wrongs and grievances inflicted upon us in - this memorial. As there is an abundance of well-attested documents - to which your honorable body can at any time refer, hence we only - embody the following important items for your consideration. - - First:--Your memorialists, as freeborn citizens of this great - republic, relying with the utmost confidence upon the sacred - "articles of the Constitution," by which the several States are - bound together, and considering ourselves entitled to all the - privileges and immunities of free citizens in what State soever we - desired to locate ourselves, commenced a settlement in the county - of Jackson, on the western frontiers of the State of Missouri, in - the summer of 1831. - - There we purchased lands from the Government, erected several - hundred houses, made extensive improvements, and shortly the wild - and lonely prairies and stately forests were converted into well - cultivated and fruitful fields. There we expected to spend our days - in the enjoyment of all the rights and liberties bequeathed to us - by the sufferings and blood of our noble ancestors. But alas! our - expectations were vain. - - Two years had scarcely elapsed before we were unlawfully and - unconstitutionally assaulted by an organized mob, consisting of the - highest officers in the county, both civil and military, who openly - and boldly avowed their determination in a written circular to - drive us from said county. - - As a specimen of their treasonable and cruel designs, your - honorable {126} body are referred to said circular, of which the - following is but a short extract,--namely: "We the undersigned - citizens of Jackson county, believing that an important crisis - is at hand, as regards our civil society, in consequence of a - pretended religious sect of people that have settled and are still - settling in our county, styling themselves Mormons, and intending - as we do to rid our society, 'peaceably if we can, forcibly if - we must;' and believing as we do that the arm of the civil law - does not afford us a guarantee, or at least a sufficient one, - against the evils which are now inflicted upon us, and seem to be - increasing by the said religious sect, deem it expedient and of the - highest importance to form ourselves into a company for the better - and easier accomplishment of our purpose." - - This document was closed in the following words--"We therefore - agree that, after timely warning, and receiving an adequate - compensation for what little property they cannot take with them, - they refuse to leave us in peace, as they found us, we agree to use - such means as may be sufficient to remove them; and to that end we - each pledge to each other our bodily powers, our lives, fortunes, - and sacred honors." - - To this unconstitutional document were attached the names of nearly - every officer in the county, together with the names of hundreds of - others. - - It was by this band of murderers that your memorialists, in the - year 1833, were plundered of their property and robbed of their - peaceable homes. It was by them that their fields were laid waste, - their houses burned, and their men, women, and children, to the - number of about twelve hundred persons, banished as exiles from the - county, while others were cruelly murdered by their hands. - - Second: After our expulsion from Jackson county, we settled in - Clay county, on the opposite side of the Missouri river, where we - purchased lands both from the old settlers and from the [U. S.] - Land Office: but soon we were again violently threatened by mobs, - and obliged to leave our homes, and seek out a new location. - - Third: Our next settlement was in Caldwell county, where we - purchased the most of the land in said county, beside a part of the - lands in Daviess and Carroll counties. These counties were almost - entirely in a wild and uncultivated state; but, by the persevering - industry of our citizens, large and extensive farms were opened in - every direction, well stocked with numerous flocks and herds. We - also commenced settlements in several other counties of the state, - and once more confidently hoped to enjoy the hard-earned fruits of - our labor unmolested. - - But our hopes were soon blasted. The cruel and murderous spirit - which first began to manifest itself in the constituted authorities - and inhabitants of Jackson county, and afterwards in Clay and the - surrounding {127} counties, receiving no check either from the - civil or military power of the state, had in the meantime taken - courage, and boldly and fearlessly spread its contaminating and - treasonable influence into every department of the government - of said state. Lieutenant-Governor Boggs, a resident of Jackson - county, who acted a conspicuous part in our expulsion from said - county, instead of being tried for treason and rebellion against - the Constitution, and suffering the just penalty of his crimes, was - actually elected governor; and placed in the executive chair. - - Thus the inhabitants of the State were greatly encouraged to renew - with redoubled fury, their unlawful attacks upon our defenseless - settlements. Men, women, and children were driven away in every - direction before their merciless persecutors, robbed of their - possessions, their property, their provisions, and their all, cast - forth upon the bleak, snowy prairies, houseless and unprotected. - Many sank down and expired under their accumulated sufferings, - while others, after enduring hunger and the severities of the - season, suffering all but death, arrived in Caldwell county, to - which place they were driven from all the surrounding counties, - only to witness a still more heart-rending scene. - - In vain had we appealed to the constituted authorities of Missouri - for protection and redress of our former grievances. In vain we - now stretched out our hands and appealed as the citizens of this - great republic to the sympathies, to the justice, and magnanimity - of those in power. In vain we implored again and again at the feet - of Governor Boggs, our former persecutor, for aid and protection - against the ravages and murders now inflicted upon our defenseless - and unoffending citizens. The cry of American citizens, already - twice driven and deprived of liberty, could not penetrate their - adamantine hearts. - - The Governor, instead of sending us aid, issued a proclamation for - our extermination and banishment, ordered out the forces of the - State, placed them under the command of General Clark, who, to - execute these exterminating orders, marched several thousand troops - into our settlements in Caldwell county, where, unrestrained by - fear of law or justice, and urged on by the highest authority of - the state, they laid waste our fields of corn, shot down our cattle - and hogs for sport, burned our dwellings, inhumanly butchered - some eighteen or twenty defenseless citizens, dragged from their - hiding-places little children, and placing the muzzles of their - guns to their heads, shot them [such acts being accompanied] with - the most horrid oaths and imprecations. - - An aged hero and patriot of the Revolution, who served under - General Washington, while in the act of pleading for quarter, was - cruelly murdered and hewed in pieces with an old corn cutter; - and in addition to all these savage acts of barbarity, they - forcibly dragged virtuous and {128} inoffensive females from their - dwellings, bound them upon benches used for public worship, where - they in great numbers ravished them in the most brutal manner. - - Some fifty or sixty of the citizens were thrust into prisons and - dungeons, where, bound in chains, they were fed on human flesh, - while their families and some fifteen thousand others were at the - point of the bayonet, forcibly expelled from the State. - - In the meantime, to pay the expenses of these horrid outrages, they - confiscated our property, and robbed us of all our possessions. - - Before our final expulsion, with a faint and lingering hope we - petitioned the State legislature then in session, unwilling to - believe that the virtue and patriotism of the venerable fathers - of the Revolution had fled from the bosoms of their illustrious - descendants--unwilling to believe that American citizens could - appeal in vain for a restoration of liberty cruelly wrested from - them by cruel tyrants. But in the language of our noble ancestors, - "our repeated petitions were only answered by repeated injuries." - - The legislature, instead of hearing the cries of 15,000 - suffering, bleeding, unoffending citizens, sanctioned and sealed - the unconstitutional acts of the governor and his troops, - by appropriating 200,000 dollars to defray the expenses of - exterminating us from the State. No friendly arm was stretched out - to protect us. The last ray of hope for redress in that State was - now entirely extinguished. We saw no other alternative but to bow - down our necks and wear the cruel yoke of oppression, and quietly - and submissively suffer ourselves to be banished as exiles from our - possessions, our property, and our sacred homes, or otherwise see - our wives and children coldly butchered and murdered by tyrants in - power. - - Fourth. Our next permanent settlement was in the land of our - exile, the State of Illinois, in the spring of 1839; but even here - we are not secure from our relentless persecutor, the State of - Missouri. Not satisfied in having drenched her soil in the blood - of innocence, and expelling us from her borders, she pursues her - unfortunate victims into banishment, seizing upon and kidnapping - them in their defenseless moments, dragging them across the - Mississippi river, upon their inhospitable shores, there they are - tortured, whipped, immured in dungeons, and finally hung [as a - means of torture, but not unto death] by the neck without any legal - process what ever. - - We have memorialized the former Executive of this State, Governor - Carlin, upon these lawless outrages committed upon our citizens; - but he rendered us no protection. Missouri, receiving no check in - her murderous career, continues her depredations, again and again - kidnapping {129} our citizens and robbing us of our property; - while others, who fortunately survived the execution of her bloody - edicts, are again and again demanded by the Executive of that - State, on pretense of some crime said to have been committed by - them during the exterminating expedition against our people. - - As an instance, General Joseph Smith, one of your memorialists, - has been three times demanded, tried, and acquitted by the courts - of this State, upon investigation under writs of _habeas corpus_, - once by the United States Court for the District of Illinois, again - by the Circuit Court of the State of Illinois, and lastly by the - Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo, when at the same time a - _nolle prosequi_ had been entered by the courts of Missouri upon - all the cases of that State against Joseph Smith and others. - - Thus the said Joseph Smith has been several times tried for the - same alleged offense, put in jeopardy of life and limb, contrary - to the fifth article of the amendments to the Constitution of the - United States; and thus we have been continually harassed and - robbed of our money to defray the expenses of these vexatious - prosecutions. And what at the present time seems to be still more - alarming, is the hostility manifested by some of the authorities - and citizens of this State [Illinois.] Conventions have been - called, inflammatory speeches made, and many unlawful and - unconstitutional resolutions adopted to deprive us of our rights, - our liberties, and the peaceable enjoyment of our possessions. - - From the present hostile aspect, and from bitter experience in - the State of Missouri, it is greatly feared lest the barbarous - scenes acted in that State will be re-acted in this. If Missouri - goes unpunished, others will be greatly encouraged to follow her - murderous examples. - - The afflictions of your memorialists have already been - overwhelming--too much for humanity, too much for American citizens - to endure without complaint. We have groaned under the iron hand - of tyranny and oppression these many years. We have been robbed of - our property to the amount of two millions of dollars. We have been - hunted as wild beasts of the forest. We have seen our aged fathers - who fought in the Revolution and our innocent children alike - slaughtered by our persecutors; we have seen the fair daughters - of American citizens insulted and abused in the most inhuman - manner; and finally we have seen fifteen thousand souls--men, women - and children, driven by force of arms during the severities of - the winter from their sacred homes and firesides, penniless and - unprotected, to a land of strangers. - - Under all these afflicting circumstances, we imploringly stretch - forth {130} our hands towards the highest councils of our nation, - and humbly appeal to the illustrious Senators and Representatives - of a great and free people for redress and protection. - - Hear, O hear the petitioning voice of many thousands of American - citizens, who now groan in exile on Columbia's free soil! Hear, O - hear the weeping and bitter lamentations of widows and orphans, - whose husbands and fathers have been cruelly martyred in the land - where the proud eagle exulting soars! Let it not be recorded in the - archives of the nations that Columbia's exiles sought protection - and redress at your hands, but sought it in vain. It is in your - power to save us, our wives, and our children from a repetition - of the bloodthirsty scenes of Missouri, and greatly relieve the - fears of a persecuted and injured people, by ordaining for their - protection the following ordinance, namely-- - - AN ORDINANCE - - _For the protection of the people styled the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints, residing on the western borders of the State - of Illinois._ - - PREAMBLE. - - Whereas the State of Missouri at sundry times has - unconstitutionally deprived a certain portion of her citizens - (called "Mormons,") of their rights, property, lands, and even of - their lives: - - And whereas, in the years 1838 and 1839 the said State of Missouri - with impunity did illegally and inhumanly exile and banish for ever - from her limits and jurisdiction all the said citizens (called - "Mormons,") that remained alive. - - And whereas, after being hospitably received by the citizens of - Illinois, the said State of Illinois did grant, enact, and charter - for the benefit and convenience of the said exiled "Mormons" as - follows:-- - -[Here in the original document is inserted the city charter of Nauvoo -already published, Vol. IV, pp 239-249.] - - And whereas, by the 10th article of the Constitution of the - United States as amended--"Art. 10. The powers not delegated to - the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to - the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the - people;" and whereas, according to the fourth article and section - second, "The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all - privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States:" and - whereas, according to the second paragraph of the {131} third - section of said Constitution, "The Congress shall have power to - dispose of and make the needful rules and regulations respecting - territory;" and whereas the said Congress has the power to protect - each state against invasion and insurrection: and whereas most of - the inhabitants of the city of Nauvoo are exiles from the State - of Missouri: and whereas most of the lands owned in the State of - Missouri were purchased from the United States, and patented by - the United States to the amount of more than $200,000 worth: and - whereas the United States are bound to clear the title and protect - it: and whereas the said exiles or expelled "Mormons" have lost in - property and damages about two millions of dollars: and whereas the - said State of Missouri continues her ravages, persecutions, and - plunderings, by kidnapping said exiles from Illinois, and by other - depredations: - - Now, therefore, to show the fatherly care of the United States, - to ratify the said charter, to protect the said exiles from mob - violence, and shield them in their rights:-- - - Section 1. Be it ordained by the Senate and House of - Representatives of the United States of America in Congress - assembled, that all the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities - belonging to Territories, and not repugnant to the Constitution - of the United States, are hereby granted and secured to the - inhabitants of the city of Nauvoo, in addition to the spirit, - letter, meaning, and provisions of the afore-mentioned charter, or - act of incorporation from the State of Illinois, until the State - of Missouri restores to those exiled citizens the lands, rights, - privileges, property, and damage for all losses. - - Section 2. And be it further ordained, in order to effect the - object and further intention of this ordinance, and for the peace, - security, happiness, convenience, benefit, and prosperity of the - said city of Nauvoo, and for the common weal and honor of our - country, that the mayor of Nauvoo be, and he is hereby empowered by - this consent of the President of the United States; whenever the - actual necessity of the case and the public safety shall require - it, to call to his aid a sufficient number of United States forces, - in connection with the Nauvoo Legion, to repel the invasion of - mobs, keep the public peace, and protect the innocent from the - unhallowed ravages of lawless banditti that escape justice on the - western frontier; and also to preserve the power and dignity of the - Union. - - Section 3. And be it further ordained that the officers of the - United States army are hereby required to obey the requisitions of - this ordinance. - - Section 4. And be it further ordained that, for all services - rendered in quelling mobs and preserving the public peace the said - Nauvoo {132} Legion shall be under the same regulations, rules, and - laws of pay as the troops of the United States. - - City of Nauvoo, Illinois, December 21st, 1843. - - Hyrum Smith, Benjamin Warrington, - - John Taylor, Daniel Spencer, - - Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, - - W. W. Phelps, Orson Hyde, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Councilors; - - Orson Spencer, - - Daniel H. Wells, - - Samuel Bennett, - - Geo. A. Smith, - - Geo. W. Harris, - - Aldermen; - - Joseph Smith, Mayor; - - Willard Richards, Recorder; - - John P. Greene, Marshal. [1] - -Two letters came into the post-office from the sheriff of Clark County, -Missouri. From them it appears that that State wishes to continue the -old game of seizing witnesses and making prisoners of them, to cover up -her mobocracy and kidnapping under a legal form. The following answer -was written:-- - - _Letter: W. W. Phelps to J. White, Esq., Anent Avery Affair_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL., Dec. 21, 1843. - - SIR,--Two letters were put into my hands this morning relative - to the witnesses of Mr. Avery's innocence as to being accessory - to horse stealing some four years since. In the first place, Mr. - Avery was abducted from this State without process, contrary to - law. In the second place, the principal for felony by the law of - Missouri should be indicted within three years, &c. Again, the - revised statutes of Missouri have a wise provision in such cases - as Mr. Avery's. If Mr. Avery, therefore, will sue out a commission - according to the law concerning {133} depositions, (R. S., page 219 - to 222,) directed to Alderman Geo. W. Harris, an acting justice - of the peace for the city of Nauvoo, and county of Hancock, the - necessary testimony to establish Mr. Avery's innocence will be - taken according to law, and forwarded to the proper officer in due - time. - - Respectfully, &c.. - - W. W. PHELPS. - - J. WHITE, ESQ., Dep. Sheriff, - - Clark Co., Waterloo, Mo. - - P.S. You will have the politeness to show this to Mr. Avery. - -In the evening I was visited by several strangers, and had considerable -conversation with them. - -_Friday, 22.--_At home at nine o'clock, a.m., reading a magazine to my -children. - -[Sidenote: Attitude of Prophet on Mobocracy and Politics.] - -A little after twelve went into the store-room occupied by Butler -and Lewis, and commenced a conversation with Dr. John F. Charles, to -convince him that mobocracy is not justifiable, and that I did not deal -in politics. - -David Holman, living about two miles from Ramus, went out in the -evening with his family visiting. About ten o'clock he discovered his -house on fire. The neighbors had inquired how long he would be gone. -A man rode to Carthage. A company went up, secured the provisions to -themselves, and fired the house. - -Warm and pleasant weather. - -_Saturday, 23.--_At home, counseling the brethren who called on me, and -attending to my domestic duties, making preparations for a Christmas -dinner party. - -Prayer meeting in the Assembly Room. - -_Sunday, 24.--_At home. Received a visit from Mr. Richardson, one of -the men who assisted in kidnapping Avery. He manifested some repentance -and sorrow for his part in that transaction, and promised to use what -influence he had with the Missourians to have Avery set at liberty. - -[Sidenote: A Christmas Serenade.] - -{134} _Monday, 25.--_This morning, about one o'clock, I was aroused by -an English sister, Lettice Rushton, widow of Richard Rushton, Senior, -(who, ten years ago, lost her sight,) accompanied by three of her sons, -with their wives, and her two daughters, with their husbands, and -several of her neighbors, singing, "Mortals, awake! with angels join," -&c., which caused a thrill of pleasure to run through my soul. All of -my family and boarders arose to hear the serenade, and I felt to thank -my Heavenly Father for their visit, and blessed them in the name of the -Lord. They also visited my brother Hyrum, who was awakened from his -sleep. He arose and went out of doors. He shook hands with and blessed -each one of them in the name of the Lord, and said that he thought -at first that a cohort of angels had come to visit him, it was such -heavenly music to him. - -At home all day. About noon, gave counsel to some brethren who called -on me from Morley Settlement, and told them to keep law on their side, -and they would come out well enough. - -At two o'clock, about fifty couples sat down at my table to dine. While -I was eating, my scribe called, requesting me to solemnize the marriage -of his brother, Dr. Levi Richards, and Sara Griffiths; but as I could -not leave, I referred him to President Brigham Young, who married them. - -[Sidenote: Rockwell's Return to Nauvoo.] - -A large party supped at my house, and spent the evening in music, -dancing, &c., in a most cheerful and friendly manner. During the -festivities, a man with his hair long and falling over his shoulders, -and apparently drunk, came in and acted like a Missourian. I requested -the captain of the police to put him out of doors. A scuffle ensued, -and I had an opportunity to look him full in the face, when, to my -great surprise and joy untold, I discovered it was my long-tried, -warm, but cruelly persecuted friend, Orrin {135} Porter Rockwell, just -arrived from nearly a year's imprisonment, without conviction, in -Missouri. - -The following is his statement of his experience and sufferings by that -people:-- - - _Rockwell's Experience in Missouri_. - - I, Orrin Porter Rockwell, was on my way from New Jersey to Nauvoo; - and while at St. Louis, on the 4th March, 1843, was arrested - by a Mr. Fox, on oath of Elias Parker, who swore I was the O. - P. Rockwell advertised in the papers as having attempted to - assassinate Lilburn W. Boggs, and was taken before a magistrate in - St. Louis. - - I was then put into the St. Louis county jail, and kept two days - with a pair of iron hobbles on my ankles. About midnight, was taken - into the stage coach in charge of Fox, and started for Jefferson - City. There were nine passengers, two of them women. I sat on the - middle seat. One of the men behind me commenced gouging me in the - back. I spoke to him, and told him that it was dark, and I could - not see him, but that he was no gentleman. One of the ladies - whispered to him, and he ceased the operation. - - The next night, the driver, being drunk, ran against a tree, and - broke the king bolt; and not knowing what to do, ironed as I was, - I crawled into the boot, and found an extra bolt, and in the dark - fixed the coach, got it off the tree, and we started on. Soon - after, ran against a bank, and could not move. I was asleep at the - time, but the bustle awake me, when I told them, if they would - take off my irons, I would get off and drive, as the driver was - too drunk to manage the horses. They refused. I, however, got hold - of the lines, and, by the help of other passengers lifting at the - wheels, got it righted, and I drove to the next stand, near the - Osage river. The roads were very bad, and the load heavy; so we got - along slowly. - - There was an officer of the U. S. army in the coach. We were two - days and two nights from St. Louis in reaching Jefferson City, - where I was lodged in the jail two days and two nights. The U. S. - officer went on. - - Started on for Independence, still in charge of Fox. At Boonville, - overtook the U.S. officer. We three were all that were in the coach - all the way from Boonville to Independence. Sheriff Reynolds told - me afterwards that when he looked into the stage he took me for the - guard, and the officer for the prisoner, for he looked like the - guilty one. - - Was about four days going to Independence: arrived there just at - night. A large crowd gathered around, making many remarks. Some - {136} were for hanging me at once. I was then placed in the jail. - In two or three days, underwent a sham trial before a justice of - the peace. The courthouse was crowded, and the men were armed with - hickory clubs. They set on boys from ten to twelve years of age to - kick and punch me, which they did repeatedly. While in court, Fox - was the main witness introduced, and he swore falsely. - - Fox swore that I had stated to him that I had not been in the - county for five years. I informed the court that Fox swore falsely, - in proof thereof that the people of Independence knew that I had - traveled through Independence several times during that time, for - the people were all well aware of my having visited this place, - which fact alone should satisfy them that Fox was swearing for - money, which I afterwards learned that he obtained and divided with - Parker. - - The magistrate committed me to prison for my safe preservation, - as he was afraid the people would kill me; but he could find no - crime against me. This I was told by the officer who conveyed me to - prison. - - I was re-committed to jail, still wearing the iron hobbles, and - was kept in the upper part in the day-time, and in the dungeon at - night, with a little dirty straw for a bed, without any bedding, no - fire, and very cold weather. For eighteen days I was not free from - shaking with cold. I then got permission to buy 1 1/2 bushels of - charcoal, which I put into an old kettle, and kept a little fire. - When that was gone, I could not obtain any more. - - After I was arrested at St. Louis, I was visited by Joseph Wood, an - apostate "Mormon," who professed to be a lawyer. He was accompanied - by Mr. Blanerhasset, who told me that everything I had would be - taken from me, and proposed to take charge, keep, and return to - me any property I might have with me. I let him have a pair of - pistols, a bowie knife, and watch, which he never returned to me. - - After the weather got a little warmer, they furnished me with a few - old newspapers to read. A family lived at the corner of the jail. - The women once in a while used to send out a little negro girl - with a small basket of victuals. She handed up to the grate a big - Missouri whip-stock, with a piece of twine, which I tied to the - pole and drew up the basket, and let it down again. - - I made a pin-hook and tied to the twine, and baited with a chunk of - corn-dodger hard enough to knock a negro down with, and stuck it - out of the grated window and fished for pukes. When passers-by came - along, they would stop and gawk at me awhile, and pass on. - - A preacher who had a family of girls lived on the opposite side of - the street. The girls would watch and laugh at them, and call out - and ask me if I got any bites. I replied, No, but some glorious - nibbles. - - {137} Numbers were put into the jail with me at different - times, and taken out again. One of them, who was charged with a - fraudulent issue of U. S. Treasury notes, was allowed to have his - saddle-bags with him They contained some fire-steels, gun-flints, - and articles of Indian trade. I sawed the irons nearly off with - one of the fire-steels. He got the negro girl to get him a knife, - and I finished cutting the fetters with it. He would frequently - call for a good supper and pay for it, which was allowed him, but - not allowed me. He was very anxious to escape, and urged me to - undertake it with him. He ordered a good supper, and he ate very - heartily. I would not eat, telling him that he could not run if he - ate so much. Nearly dusk, as the jailer came in to get the dishes, - we sprang to the door, and I locked him in, and threw the key into - the garden. In coming down stairs, we met the jailer's wife. I told - her that her husband was unharmed; I had only locked him up. We had - a board fence to climb over, which was about twelve feet high. I - climbed it and ran about twenty rods, when he called me to come and - help him over, which I did. If I had not, I should have escaped. - The pure air had so great an effect upon me, that I gave out and - slacked my pace, The populace of the place came up, and I told them - to run; they would soon catch him; and that I had given out and - could not run. They soon returned with him. I fell into the crowd - and walked back to the jail yard. - - Sheriff J. H. Reynolds laid his hand upon my shoulder, he being the - first to approach me. Asked where the key was. I told him, In the - garden. - - Smallwood Nowlin was the first who proposed to hang me on the spot, - when Reynolds gave me a push towards the crowd, and said, "There he - is, G--d--n him! Do what you damn please with him." Nowlin's son - in-law (by marrying one of his mulatto wenches), a Mexican, stepped - up to me to lay hold of me, when I told him to stand off, or I - would mash his face. He stepped back. - - I then walked up stairs into the jail. Was followed by Reynolds and - others, until the room and stairs were full. Reynolds asked me what - I had cut my irons off with. I went to the saddle-bags and handed - him the knife and fire-steel. While feeling for them, I got hold of - a piece of buckskin that had some three or four pounds of bullets - tied up in it which I intended to use in mashing in the head of any - one that should attempt to put a rope on my neck. A rope was passed - along over the heads of the people into the room to a bald-headed - man. About this time pistols could be heard cocking in every part - of the room, and bowie-knives were produced as if for fight. In a - few minutes the room was clear of all but three or four persons. - - {138} I was then put into the dungeon, my feet ironed together, - my right hand to my left foot, so close that I could not half - straighten myself. The irons, when put on my wrists, were so small - that they would hardly go on, and swelled them; but in eighteen - days I could slip them up and turn them around my arm at the elbow. - I was fed on cold corndodger and meat of the poorest description; - and if I did not eat it all up, it was returned the next time. - - About a month after the court sat, my irons were taken off, and I - was so weak that I had to be led to the court-room by the officer. - I was notified that a bill was found against me for breaking jail, - and that the grand jury had failed to find a bill against me on the - charge of shooting Boggs, as charged in the advertisement offering - a reward for my apprehension. - - I was taken into court, and was asked by the judge if I had any - counsel. I told him I had not. He asked if I had any means to - employ a counsel. I answered that I had none with me that I could - control. He then said, Here are a number of counselors: if I was - acquainted with any of them, I could take my choice. I told him I - would make choice of Mr. Doniphan, who arose and made a speech, - saying he was crowded with business, but that here are plenty of - young lawyers who could plead for me as well as he could. The - judge heard his plea, and then told me he did not consider that a - sufficient excuse, and I could consider Mr. Doniphan my counsel. - - I was then ordered back to jail, and ironed again in the same way. - Mr. Doniphan asked for and obtained a change of venue to Clay - County, which is in another district. - - When the officers came to Independence jail for me, they requested - me to get ready in a hurry, as they feared the mob would kill me. I - told them I wanted to put on a clean shirt, if it cost me my life, - as I had not been permitted to enjoy the luxury of a change of - linen since I had boarded at the expense of Jackson County. While I - was changing my shirt, the officers several times told me to hurry, - or the mob would be on me and kill me. - - When I got ready to start, the officers furnished me a very - hard-trotting horse, with a miserable poor saddle, tied my feet - under the horse with ropes, and my hands behind my back, and - started off at a good round trot, in charge of two officers. In a - short time a strange gentleman fell into our company, who was also - on horseback. It was six miles to the ferry, where we could cross - the Missouri river. When we got there, we saw the boat land on - the opposite side, when several men got off the boat, and took a - course to the woods, through which the road ran. The boat returned. - This stranger asked--"Where are {139} those men going?" and was - answered--"They are going to the woods to hew timber." - - We then crossed, and took our way for Liberty. When we left the - boat, we saw no signs of people, nor heard any sound of axes. - After traveling some two or three miles, the woods became dense - and brushy: we heard the crackling of brush, and the noise of - men traveling through it. The officers and stranger appeared - frightened, and urged speed, keeping close watch. We came to an - opening in the woods, when the noise of crackling of brush ceased. - We traveled safely to Liberty, where this stranger told his friends - that he overheard several men in Independence planning to waylay - me in the thick timber on the Missouri bottom, at the place where - we heard the noises; but his being in company counteracted their - plot. I was then lodged in Liberty jail. In a few days afterwards - I learned that the men who went into the brush told it, that they - went into the woods according to agreement to waylay me; but when - they saw this stranger, it frustrated their plans. - - In about ten days, on pretext of informality in the papers, I was - remanded back to Independence jail. It was rumored that I was again - going to be waylaid, when the two officers from Clay county took me - by a different road, and so I escaped the second time. - - When I was put in Independence jail, I was again ironed hand and - foot, and put in the dungeon, in which condition I remained about - two months. During this time, Joseph H. Reynolds, the sheriff, - told me he was going to arrest Joseph Smith, and they had received - letters from Nauvoo which satisfied them that Joseph Smith had - unlimited confidence in me, that I was capable of toting him in a - carriage or on horseback anywhere that I pleased; and if I would - only tote him out by riding or any other way, so that they could - apprehend him, I might please myself whether I stayed in Illinois - or came back to Missouri; they would protect me, and any pile - that I would name the citizens of Jackson county would donate, - club together, and raise, and that I should never suffer for want - afterwards: "you only deliver Joe Smith into our hands, and name - your pile." I replied--"I will see you all damned first, and then I - won't." - - About the time that Joseph was arrested by Reynolds at Dixon, I - knew that they were after him, and [yet had] no means under heaven - of giving him any information. My anxiety became so intense upon - the subject, knowing their determination to kill him, that my flesh - twitched on my bones. I could not help it; twitch it would. While - undergoing this sensation, I heard a dove alight on the window in - the upper room of the jail, and commence cooing, and then went - off. In a short time, he came back to the window, where a pane was - broken: he crept through between the bars of iron, which were about - two and-a-half inches apart. {140} I saw it fly round the trap-door - several times: it did not alight, but continued cooing until it - crept through the bars again, and flew out through the broken - window. - - I relate this, as it was the only occurrence of the kind that - happened during my long and weary imprisonment; but it proved a - comfort to me: the twitching of my flesh ceased, and I was fully - satisfied from that moment that they would not get Joseph into - Missouri, and that I should regain my freedom. From the best - estimates that can be made, this incident occurred about the time - when Joseph was in the custody of Reynolds. - - In a few days afterwards, Sheriff Reynolds came into the jail and - told me that he had made a failure in the arrest of Joseph. - - After the lawyers had been about two months making out fresh - papers, I was again conveyed to Liberty jail on a miserable horse, - with feet and hands tied as before, but [by] a different road. - - In a few days afterwards, my mother found where I was, and she came - to see me and brought me $100, whereby I was enabled to fee Mr. - Doniphan for his services as counsel. - - The time of trial being continually delayed, I began to be uneasy. - I was handcuffed in the dungeon, which is the basement story of the - prison, and is about nine feet high. I took down the stove-pipe, - pushed my clothes up through the stove-pipe hole, and then crawled - through the hole in the floor, which was made of logs about - fourteen inches thick, into the upper room. The hole was so small - that it scratched my flesh, and made me bleed from many wounds. I - then examined the inside door, and with the bail of the water pail - I unbolted it; but finding I could not get through the outside - door, I returned to my dungeon through the same narrow pass. - - The following night I made another attempt through the same way; - but, failing to get through the outside door, I lay down on the - upper floor, where the boys who were bringing my food next morning - found me. They made an alarm, when five or six men came and again - conveyed me down into the dungeon. It caused quite an excitement. - - My mother, learning that Mr. Doniphan had returned home, went to - him, and prevailed on him to come and speak to me at the dungeon - grate. While he was talking to me, a little boy, the son of a poor - widow, about five or six years old, who had previously been to - see me, finding I had no fire, had run home and brought some fire - and chips to the grate. Mr. Doniphan said--"You little devil you, - what are you doing here with this fire?" He replied, "I am going - to give it to Mr. Rockwell, so that he can warm him." Doniphan - then said--"You little devil you, take this fire and leave;" when - the little urchin replied {141} (looking him in the face)--"Mr. - Doniphan, you go to hell: I am going to give Mr. Rockwell this - fire, so that he can warm him;" and he pushed it through the grate, - gave me the chips, and continued to supply my daily wants of chips - and fire while I continued in the dungeon. - - From Mr. Doniphan I learned that a special term of court was - called, and my trial would come on in about fifteen days. The night - following this visit, some men came to the grates of my dungeon, - and asked if I wanted to get out. I told them, No, as I had been - informed that day that I should have a trial in a fortnight. They - replied--"Honor bright: if you wish to get out, we'll let you out - in a few minutes." I replied that I would rather remain, as my - trial would come on so soon. Next morning one of the men came, put - some money in the cleft of a stick, and put it through the hole to - me. He refused to tell his name; but I knew by his voice that he - was one of the men who came to me in the night. - - The trial came on according to my last notification. I was tried - for breaking Independence jail; and although the law of Missouri - reads that, in order to break jail, a man must break a lock, a - door, or a wall, still Judge King ruled that it was breaking jail - to walk out when the door is open; and under this ruling the jury - brought in a verdict of "five minutes' imprisonment in the county - jail;" but I was kept there four or five hours, during which time - several attempts were made to get up some other charge against me. - - About 8 p.m. on December 13th, General Doniphan took me out and - told me I must take across the country on foot, and not walk on any - traveled road, unless it was during the night, as they would be apt - to follow and again take me, as they did not care on what grounds, - so they could make me trouble. - - I accordingly started, accompanied by my mother, and went to the - house of a widow, where I obtained my first supper in freedom for - more than nine months. We then traveled two miles and obtained $4. - - I then took through the woods to the road, where I heard two men - riding on horseback. I hid behind a shady tree, and overheard one - of them say, "He has not been gone many minutes: we shall soon - overtake him." - - I went round the houses and traveled in the fields by the side of - the road. The moon was in its first quarter, and I traveled during - the night about twenty-five miles. I carried a little food with me, - and next day traveled on the road, and walked past Crooked River to - a Mr. Taylor's, with all the skin off my feet. - - A neighbor offered to take me in for the night, if I would go back - {142} two miles. I did so, found his wife very cross with her - husband, who said, "Stranger, you see my wife is very cross. I have - got some whisky; let's drink: my wife will soon have something to - eat." When supper was eaten, she became good tempered. I stayed in - peace through the night. Next morning I ate breakfast with them, - and gave them fifty cents, when the man brought out a horse, and - sent a little boy with me fourteen miles, which was a very great - relief to my weary feet. - - The next night I stopped near where the Haun's Mill massacre took - place. - - The third day I walked till noon, and then hired a man to carry - me the remainder of the day for seventy-five cents. Stayed at a - house where I was well acquainted; but the people did not recognize - me, and I did not make myself known. Paid fifty cents for supper, - lodging, breakfast, and being sent twelve miles on horseback the - next morning. - - I then continued my journey about thirty miles, where I rested - three days to recruit my feet. I was then carried twenty-five miles - on horseback, and walked the same day twenty-five miles. The day - following I walked forty miles, and then waited another day and - engaged a man to carry me to Montrose, to which place I was three - days in going. I immediately crossed the river to Nauvoo in a small - boat, and came straight to the Mansion. - -[Sidenote: Release of Daniel Avery.] - -Daniel Avery was liberated from his imprisonment in Missouri by -_habeas corpus._ This was, no doubt, on account of our vigilance in -communicating with the Governor, and endeavoring to prosecute the -kidnappers, and continually making public the conduct of Missouri. - -Warm day; rain in the evening. - - A PLAN FOR WOMEN'S SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE TEMPLE. - - _(From the Millennial Star.)_ - - We have much pleasure in publishing and recommending the following - plan to be adopted amongst the sisters of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints in England. We believe that the - completion of the Temple is as near the hearts of the sisters as - to the hearts of the brethren, and that the following proposed - [plan] will be responded to on the part of the English sisters in a - manner that shall reflect honor upon themselves, and be materially - instrumental in forwarding the great work. - - {143} NAUVOO, Dec. 25, 1843. - - _To the Sisters of the Church of Jesus Christ in England, - Greeting_:-- - - DEAR SISTERS:--This is to inform you that we have here entered into - a small weekly subscription for the benefit of the Temple funds. - One thousand have already joined it, while many more are expected, - by which we trust to help forward the great work very much. The - amount is only one cent or a halfpenny per week. - - As Brother Amos Fielding is waiting for this, I cannot enlarge - more than to say that myself and Sister Thompson are engaged in - collecting the same. - - We remain, - - Your affectionate sisters in Christ, - - MARY SMITH, - - M. R. THOMPSON. - - NAUVOO, Dec. 25, 1843. - - The ladies' subscription for the Temple, of one cent per week, is - fully sanctioned by the First Presidency. - - HYRUM SMITH. - - We feel much to encourage this plan, and trust that the sisters in - England will manifest that they will not be behind the sisters in - Nauvoo in this laudable work. One thing in connection with this - work we would mention, and request that it be attended to with the - strictest accuracy; that is, that the name of each individual be - recorded, and the amount which they subscribe, in order that such - names may be transmitted to Nauvoo, where they will have to be - entered in the books of the Lord's House. The sisters or others who - may collect the subscriptions will please to be very particular on - this point. - -[Sidenote: Prophet's Joy at the Return of Rockwell and Avery.] - -_Tuesday, 26.--_At home. I rejoiced that Rockwell had returned from -the clutches of Missouri, and that God had delivered him out of their -hands. Brother Daniel Avery also arrived about dusk this evening; and -the Missourians have no longer the pleasure of exulting over any Mormon -victims for the present; but their blood-thirstiness will not long be -satisfied unless they seek out another victim on whom to glut their -malice and vengeance. - -_Wednesday, 27:--_Cold: a little ice in the river, which has been clear -for some time past. - -{144} I received letters from General Lewis Cass, of Michigan, and Hon. -John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, in answer to mine of Nov. 4. - -Mr. Keith gave a lecture and concert of music in the assembly room this -evening. - - MR. ROCKWELL. - - _(Editorial from the Neighbor.)_ - - The name of this individual is, no doubt, familiar to most of our - readers. He has obtained some celebrity in the world also, not for - his reputed virtue, but for his supposed crimes. - - It will be recollected that he is the person who was basely and - falsely implicated, along with Joseph Smith, as the reputed [would - be] murderer of ex-Governor Boggs, while Mr. Smith was charged with - being accessory before the fact. A vexatious lawsuit was instituted - against Joseph Smith, wherein he was charged with the above-named - crime; and finally, after many attempts of the governor of Missouri - to get him into his power, was acquitted by the United States Court - for the district of Illinois, - - Stories of murder and blood were circulated from Maine to Missouri; - they were iterated and reiterated by the newspapers of the whole - Union, and painted in the most glowing colors that human ingenuity - could invent. Mr. Rockwell was branded as a murderer, and Joseph - Smith as accessory before the fact, without any other evidence - than a story fabricated by some of our generous politicians, - engendered in falsehood by hearts as dark as Erebus for religious - and political effect. - - This demagoguery and political corruption has caused an innocent - man to be immolated in a Missouri dungeon for upwards of eight - months, without the slightest evidence of his guilt, or even the - most remote evidence of crime leading to his committal. He was - taken without process, and committed to jail upon mere supposition, - and finally acquitted without any shadow of proof having been - adduced from beginning to end. This is the way that Missouri treats - free-born American citizens, and they can obtain no redress. - - Mr. Rockwell arrived here on Monday night, and has given us some - of the details of his history since he was first taken in Missouri - to the present time; and we can assure our readers that it will "a - tale unfold" relative to that state, which even many of those who - have been driven therefrom will find it difficult to believe that - there did exist such monsters in human shape. - -_Thursday, 28.--_At home. Elder Orson Hyde returned {145} from Adams -county, having obtained quite a number of signatures to the Memorial to -Congress, and made an affidavit of what he learned in Warsaw concerning -the mob. - - _Affidavit of Orson Hyde--Disclosing Plan to Drive the Saints_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the 28th day of December, 1843, came Orson Hyde before me, - Joseph Smith, mayor of said city; and after being duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that on the 26th instant, as he was passing from - Lima to Nauvoo, through that part of Hancock county where Colonel - Levi Williams resides, he was credibly informed that on Saturday - previous the anti-Mormons held a meeting, drew up an article, and - passed several resolutions, among which were these:--"We will - revere and hold sacred and inviolate the Constitution of the United - States, and also the Constitution of this State. We will visit the - Mormons residing in our vicinity and require them to give up their - guns; and such as do it shall dwell here in peace; but those who - will not do it may have thirteen days to leave in; and if they - are not off in that time, we will drive them." The above is the - substance, but perhaps not the very words. They also swear that the - Mormons shall never raise another crop in that region, &c.; &c., - and further this deponent saith not. - - ORSON HYDE. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me this 28th of December, 1843. - - W. W. PHELPS, Clerk, M. C. - -Daniel Avery having made affidavit of the cruel treatment he had -recently received at the hands of Missourians, I here insert it:-- - - _Affidavit of Daniel Avery--His Treatment in Missouri_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the 28th day of December, 1843, came Daniel Avery before me, - Joseph Smith, mayor of the city aforesaid, and after being duly - sworn, deposeth and saith that on the second day of December, - 1843, he was unlawfully arrested by force and arms, and kidnapped - at Doty's Mill in Bear Creek precinct, Hancock county, and State - aforesaid, by Colonel Levi Williams, his son John Williams, of - Hancock county; John Elliott, a schoolmaster, from four-and-a-half - miles below Warsaw; William Middleton and Joseph McCoy, of Clark - county, Missouri, and four {146} others. Colonel Williams held - his bowie-knife to his breast. Six of the others stood with their - pistols cocked and their fingers upon the triggers, muzzles - presented at his body, ready to fire; and two stood with clubs, and - amidst the most horrid oaths and imprecations, took and bound with - silk handkerchiefs your said affiant, and led him away between two - men, one holding a savage bowie-knife on one side, and the other - a cocked pistol on the other side, (having taken away your said - affiant's weapons while binding him in the mill,) and led your - affiant about a mile. Your affiant refused to walk any further, and - they put him upon a horse, and tied his legs under the horse; and - John Elliott, the aforesaid schoolmaster, led the horse as fast as - he could make his way, through a thicket and by-way to the house of - the aforesaid Colonel Williams. Here the kidnappers ate and drank; - and after they had unbound me, (for they had bound me so tight that - I was in great pain,) I was also suffered to partake. - - They then put me upon the horse again, and bound me, and started - for the river, the said schoolmaster Elliott leading the horse. - When we came near a schoolhouse where there was a meeting, they - came to a halt, sent messengers to the meeting, and in the course - of half an hour they returned with an armed mob, with rifles and - other weapons, sufficient to make the whole company number about - twenty. Being all on horseback, they formed a circle, with your - affiant in the center, who up to that time had acquainted every - man he saw that _they were kidnapping him_, and marched in that - order to a house on a point below Warsaw; and as I was very cold - from being bound, they took me into the house to warm. I now called - for a trial, as I had told them all the way that I never resisted - legal authority. They said they were hunting a magistrate. Said - I, "I understand you; you mean to force me into Missouri." McCoy - returned, and said, "We are ready." It was about midnight. We went - about three hundred yards up the river to a skiff. I refused to - cross as they had promised me a trial. They forced me into a skiff - and bound me, and five men put me across. Their names, so far as - I could ascertain, are William Middleton, William Clark, Joseph - McCoy, John Elliott, and Charles Coolidge. They landed at the - tavern on the south side of the Des Moines, and took me into a back - room, threw down a buffalo robe for my bed; but as my arms were - bound so tight that I could not rest, I complained; told Middleton - that was not the way he was used at my house. They felt at my arms - and exclaimed, "By God, they are not too tight!" I begged to have - one arm liberated, and finally they untied both, and I slept (under - guard) on the buffalo robe before the fire. - - About noon they got ready and started with me, guarded upon a - horse, for McCoy's in Clark county, Missouri, about twelve miles - distant. {147} It being night when we arrived, and I unwell - through fatigue and confinement and the abuses before received, I - went to bed. They had sent runners ahead; and after I had been in - bed awhile, the sheriff came up from Waterloo, the county seat, - a distance of about two miles, to arrest me and take me before - a magistrate that night; but Middleton and McCoy objected, as I - was sick. The sheriff, however, executed his writ, and left me in - their care till morning. It being late before we breakfasted, he - came in the morning and made the second scope of his authority and - took me. He quizzed me the night before, to draw something out for - testimony; but as innocence cannot be affected by truth, he was as - wise at one end of the story as the other. - - At Waterloo I was examined by a magistrate, who committed me upon - the substance of an affidavit made by my son in duress with a - bowie-knife at his breast, and upon a promise that he should be - liberated from Monticello jail, where he was confined after being - kidnapped some three or four weeks previous. My bonds were fixed at - $1000; and as I had no bail in such a strange place, I was started - for Palmyra jail, in Marion county. The deputy sheriff took me to - Musgrove, the sheriff, a distance of ten miles. Here I sued out a - writ of habeas corpus, but the judge remanded me to prison. - - At Monticello my chains were taken off, and I was at liberty in the - midst of a strong guard to view the town. Here a lawyer agreed to - take me and my son through court (as the Missourians say,) for a - horse. Saw my son in the prison; said he was forced at the point of - a bowie-knife to make an affidavit against me; but he knew I was - innocent. - - I tried to be left with him in jail; but no, I was compelled to go - to Palmyra, where I arrived the next evening. The sheriff thrust me - into the dungeon without waiting to eat, warm, or anything else. - The next morning the blacksmith came into the jail and ironed me - to the middle of a great chain that was fast to the floor, where I - remained in the horrid gloom of a Missouri prison two weeks. - - From thence the deputy sheriff started, with me chained upon the - horse in this wise. He then chained my right leg, and then passed - the chain up to my left hand. In this way I traveled nine miles, - when we stopped, and he changed the chain from my hand to the - horse's neck. We arrived at Monticello, and I was chained all night. - - The next day I was conveyed to Waterloo, and delivered into the - custody of the sheriff of Clark county. I was kept under a strong - guard by day, and at night chained to one of the guards or to the - bedpost. - - {148} I was informed that Middleton and McCoy procured an - indictment against me, by giving bonds to the amount of some two - or three hundred dollars, that they would hunt up testimony to - the point for next court, there being nothing against me but the - affidavit of my son before alluded to; and so the grand jury found - a bill. - - Ellison, my lawyer, deceived me, and put over my case for six - months, because, as I suppose, I, being kidnapped, had no fees for - him. I objected to having my trial put off for six months. I did - not fancy the dungeon of Palmyra prison. The court concluded to - let me to bail under bonds of $1000, but this I could not obtain. - Subsequently it was reduced to $500, but all in vain, for I was - unacquainted with the people. - - This was on Saturday, and I was thus left to meditate on the - mischief that may be made out of a little matter by meddlesome men. - - On Monday I sued out a writ of habeas corpus; and after a fair - hearing of the matter, I received the following order:-- - - STATE OF MISSOURI, - - COUNTY OF CLARK. ss. - - December, 25, 1843. - - Ordered by the Clark County Court that Samuel Musgrove, sheriff - of Clark county, discharge Daniel Avery from imprisonment, on an - indictment found against him for the alleged crime of stealing a - mare of Joseph McCoy. - - By order of Court. - - [Sidenote: [L. S.]] - - Witness--Willis Curd, Clerk of said court, and seal of office this - 25th of December, 1843. - - Done at office in Waterloo, date above. - - WILLIS CURD, Clerk. - - HONS. JOHN W. DEWELLIN, - - HENRY SNIVELY, Judges. - - Very early on Tuesday morning your affiant started for Nauvoo and - arrived the same evening about sundown, a distance of nearly twenty - miles so crippled from the iron bondage and hard usage of Missouri, - that he is hardly able to walk. To those who assisted your said - affiant to obtain his release from bondage, he tenders his grateful - acknowledgements; and further your affiant saith not. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 28th day of December, 1843. - - DANIEL AVERY. - - W. W. PHELPS, Clerk, M. C. - -[Sidenote: Joseph H. Jackson--Prophet's Interview with.] - -{149} _Friday, 29.--_At home. In the forenoon, W. W. Phelps called and -gave us a lesson on eloquence, and read my Appeal to the Green Mountain -Boys, and also a New Year's hymn without rhyme. Three p.m., I related -to Dr. Bernhisel and Joseph H. Jackson [2] my commencement in receiving -revelations. Mr. Jackson said he was almost persuaded to be one with -me. I replied, I would that he were not only almost, but altogether. - -At four p.m., I met with the City Council. - -[Sidenote: Police Force of Nauvoo Increased.] - -Having selected forty men to act as city policemen, they met with the -Council, and were sworn into office to support the Constitution of the -United States and the State of Illinois, and obey the ordinances of -this city and the instructions of the Mayor, according to the best of -their ability. - -Names of police called by Captain Jonathan Dunham: - -Jonathan Dunham, High Policeman, Charles C. Rich, 1st Lieutenant, -Hosea Stout, 2nd Lieutenant, Shadrack Roundy, 3rd Lieut., John Pack, -Ensign, Jesse P. Harmon, Orderly Sergt., John D. Lee, 2nd Sergeant, -Daniel Carn, 3rd Sergeant, Josiah Arnold, 4th Sergeant, James Emmett, -1st Corporal, Alexander Mills, 2nd Corporal, Steven H. Goddard, 3rd -Corporal, William Pace, 4th Corporal, Abraham C. Hodge, Pioneer, Levi -W. Hancock, Fifer, Daniel M. Repsher, Fifer, Richard D. Sprague, -Drummer, Samuel Billings, Drummer, {150} Abraham O. Smoot, Dwight -Harding, John Lytle, Simeon A. Dunn, Andrew Lytle, Appleton M. Harmon, -Howard Egan, James Pace, Benjamin Boyce, Francis M. Edwards, Lorenzo -Clark, William H. Edwards, Davies McOlney, Moses M. Sanders, Abram -Palmer, Warren A. Smith, Isaac C. Haight, George W. Clyde, John L. -Butler, Vernon H. Bruce, Elbridge Tufts, Armsted Moffet, Truman R. -Barlow, Azra Adams. - -The Mayor said-- - - _Address of the Mayor to the Nauvoo Police_. - - It is expected that a part will be on duty while others rest. It - might be expected that thieves had crept into the Church for the - purpose of concealing their wickedness under the garb of sanctity. - - It is an abominable thing to set a thief to catch a thief; and I - would look with the utmost contempt upon men who do this as guilty - of a mean or cowardly act. - - Some city councils have taken thieves out of their prisons, and - employed them as policemen, under the old and foolish adage--"Set a - rogue to catch a rogue," which is decidedly wrong, and is corrupt - in policy. - - You will act under the direction of Jonathan Dunham--we will call - him High Policeman. In reality he is the captain of the police: but - as men are apt to be frightened at a military title, we will use s - civil title, as these policemen are all civil officers of the city. - - Captain Dunham is the man to send after a thief. He will not come - back, after following him a mile, to ask if he may shoot him, if - he resists. Some men have strange ears and changeable hearts: they - become transformed from their original purity and integrity, and - become altogether different from what they were. - - If the bloodthirsty hell-hounds of Missouri continue their - persecution, we will be forbearing, until we are compelled to - strike; then do it decently and in good order, and break the yoke - effectually, so that it cannot be mended. The mob have been so - repulsed in their last attempt at kidnapping, they may stand in - fear, at least for a short time. - - We will be in peace with all men, so long as they will mind their - own business and let us alone. Even "Peace with Missouri" shall - be the motto of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - from this {151} time forth, if they will stop their persecution - and oppressive warfare against us. Let them alone, for they stink - in the nostrils of the Almighty: let them alone. Porter Rockwell - has come home clear. A Missouri grand jury could not find a bill - against him even in Jackson county; and that proves me clear of the - charge of being accessory of shooting Lilburn W. Boggs. Many of our - difficulties from the State of Missouri are hurled upon us through - the influence of some of our near neighbors. - - Governor Ford has boasted of being a law-abiding man. A governor - certainly should be law-abiding. It is therefore our best policy to - acquaint the Executive, by affidavits, of every violation of our - rights, so that when the onset comes, he will be obliged by law to - send the militia to our support. Let us keep cool as a cucumber on - a frosty morning. Do not be excited. Say nothing about Missouri's - oppression. "A soft answer turns away wrath but grievous words stir - up anger," therefore we "poor pussy" this generation. - - Keep a strict account of the time you serve as policemen. Have - the ordinances of the city always in your possession, and study - them, sad ferret out all grogshops, gambling-houses, brothels, and - disorderly conduct; and if a transgressor resists, cuff his ears. - If anyone lifts a weapon or presents a pistol at you, take his - life, if need be, to preserve your own; but enforce the ordinances, - and preserve the peace of the city, and take care of your own - lives. Let no horses be taken away out of the city, or anything - else stolen, if you can help it. - - Let Missouri alone. Keep out of her territory. Don't go over there - on any business whatever. Any of this people would be subject to - cruel abuse, if found in that State, in the same manner that Porter - Rockwell has been. He was seized in St. Louis while attending to - his lawful business, picked up and ironed, and thrown in jail - without any form of law, conveyed to Independence in the custody of - a ruffian who swore falsely in the hope of getting a reward, kept - in irons all the way, lodged in Independence jail without even the - form of an inquiry, chained double in a filthy, damp, unventilated - dungeon,--chained hand and foot, so that he could not straighten - for months, till his body was reduced to a mere skeleton, and he - unable to walk when the irons were taken off, and he had to be - led,--half fed on the refuse of what dogs would not eat: his case - presented to a Jackson county grand jury, and not evidence enough - to warrant them in even finding an indictment. After which, the - Missouri court, in the plenitude of their justice, transmitted the - innocent and unindicted man back to the dungeon, without fire, - provisions, or any other comfort,--hoping by this torture, no - doubt, to produce death, or force him to accede to an infamous - proposition, "that whether Jo Smith was guilty or innocent, only - come out against {152} him, you shall have your liberty, and - receive a liberal reward." After months have passed away, without - any shadow of law, the door is opened, and he is told to "slip off - privately, or the people will hang you." Keep out of Missouri, if - you don't want such treatment as this; for the Averys, Rockwell, - and many others have been thankful to get away with their lives. - - If any man attempts to bribe you in any way whatever, or persuade - you to neglect your duty, tell the same to me. Let us have a - reformation. - - There are speculators in this State who are wanting to sell - revolving pistols to us, in order to fight the Missourians, and at - the same time inciting the Missourians to fight us. Don't buy: it - would be better to buy ploughshares and raise corn with them. - - My life is more in danger from some little dough-head of a fool in - this city than from all my numerous and inveterate enemies abroad. - I am exposed to far greater danger from traitors among ourselves - than from enemies without, although my life has been sought for - many years by the civil and military authorities, priests, and - people of Missouri; and if I can escape from the ungrateful - treachery of assassins, I can live as Caesar might have lived, were - it not for a right-hand Brutus. I have had pretended friends betray - me. All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert - all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish - nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have - been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken - us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join - with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood - and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and - bring their united vengeance upon our heads. All the hue-and-cry of - the chief priests and elders against the Savior, could not bring - down the wrath of the Jewish nation upon His head, and thereby - cause the crucifixion of the Son of God, until Judas said unto - them, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, he is the man; hold him fast." - Judas was one of the Twelve Apostles, even their treasurer, and - dipt with their Master in the dish, and through his treachery, the - crucifixion was brought about; and _we have a Judas in our midst_. - - _The Mayor blesses the Police_. - - It shall be said in time to come, Where are our old policemen? Let - us have one of the old policemen, to stand at our window, guard our - interest, and protect our families, and we shall be safe. - - If you will magnify your office, the full confidence of Israel - shall be the blessing that shall be conferred on you in time to - come. - -{153} Counselor Hyrum Smith spoke of the importance of the police -office. - -The Mayor said that if any one offered a bribe to a policeman, the city -will pay that policeman twice the amount offered for the information, -when reported to the Mayor. - -_Friday, 29.--_My clerk made copies of five affidavits made yesterday -by Elder Orson Hyde, Mr. Daniel Avery, and others, and sent the same to -the Governor, with the following letter:-- - - _Letter to Governor Ford--Accompanying Affidavits_. - - NAUVOO, December 30, 1843. - - SIR:--I forward to your Excellency a number of affidavits relative - to the late kidnapping of the Averys, and upon other matters. - When the mob made efforts to resist the laws, Joseph Smith, as - Mayor, gave notice to Major-General Law to hold a portion of the - Nauvoo Legion in readiness; and Aaron Johnson, Esq., called for - some troops to maintain the laws: but I am happy to say, none were - ordered to march, as it was deemed most advisable to let Colonel - Levi Williams and his mob flourish until indictments could be made - at the Circuit Court of Hancock county. - - We shall continue to keep your Excellency informed upon all matters - of moment touching the premises. - -_Saturday, 30.--_At nine, a.m., held Mayor's court. Two boys, Roswell -and Evander White, were brought up for stealing six hens and a rooster. -They were sentenced to pay for the fowls, and to ten days' hard labor -each on the streets. - -In the afternoon, met in the assembly room with the quorum. William Law -and wife were not present. Warm and rainy. - -_Sunday, 31st.--_At home. - -In the afternoon, called with Elder Parley P. Pratt to see his wife. - -At early candle-light, went to prayer-meeting; administered the -sacrament; after which I retired. At midnight, about fifty musicians -and singers sang Phelps' New Year's Hymn under my window. - -{154} Warm and rainy. No ice to be seen. - -The subjoined list shows a few of the publications for and against the -Saints during the year. - - _Pro et con Mormonism, publications for the year 1843_. - - The _Alton Telegraph_ published several very severe articles - against the Church. - - Edward Brotherton published a scurrilous pamphlet at Manchester, - England, entitled "Mormonism--its Rise and Progress, and the - Prophet Joseph Smith." - - The _Richmond Palladium_ published an amusing and favorable article - on "Mormonism." - - The _Boston Bee_ published a series of articles favorable to the - Saints, which had a beneficial effect in putting down prejudice and - misrepresentation. - - A favorable account of a visit to Nauvoo was published by Samuel A. - Prior, Methodist minister. - - The _Morning Star,_ a Freewill Baptist paper, published a long and - bitter article against the Latter-day Saints, entitled "Mormon - Perversion." - - A favorable article, entitled "Nauvoo and Mormonism," was published - by a Traveler. - - The _Quincy Whig_ published several bitter articles against me. - - The _Warsaw Message,_ and subsequently the _Warsaw Signal_, - published a continual tirade of abuse, misrepresentation, and lies - against the Saints. - - The _New Haven_ (Con.) _Herald_ published a favorable account of - the "Mormons" in Nauvoo. - -Footnotes: - -1. There was also a Memorial prepared by the Prophet from the -inhabitants of Hancock county generally to the same effect as the -above, but it was never extensively signed or presented to Congress. - -2. This man afterwards was discovered to be an adventurer and a most -desperate character. Gregg in his Prophet of Palmyra, Chapter XXX, -speaks of him as "an adventurer of fine appearance and gentlemanly -manners, who appeared in the county (Hancock) during the troubles; went -to Nauvoo, and became intimate with Smith and the leaders; afterwards -turned against them--went to Warsaw and issued a pamphlet--claiming to -be an expose of Mormonism and the evil purposes and practices of the -Prophet * * * He was an entire stranger to the county and its people; -no one knew whence he came or what became of him afterwards, when the -excitement was all over. Hence it is just to say, that the equivocal -position in which he stood very justly tended to lessen confidence -of the public in his statements, and his little book made slight -impression. The Mormons charged that he was an adventurer of the worst -class--himself a counterfeiter, etc., and that he quarreled with the -Prophet and the authorities because he was detected and exposed." Gregg -also says that this "Expose was much of the same character as that of -General Bennett's." (Ibid). - -{155} - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -PRESIDENT SMITH'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH JOHN C. CALHOUN--CARTWRIGHT -DROWNING CASE, ENGLAND--CITY GUARDS INCREASED--FEARS OF LAW AND -MARKS--INVESTIGATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL--RESISTANCE OF OFFICERS AT -CARTHAGE--ANTI-MORMON OBJECTIONS TO CITY ORDINANCES--THE PROPHET'S -DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCIS M. HIGBEE--REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF -SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS. - -_Monday, January 1, 1844.--_A cold, blustering rainstorm ushered in the -new year. - -At sunrise, Thomas Miller, James Leach, James Bridges, and John -Frodsham were brought before me by the police, charged with disorderly -conduct. Fined Miller $5: the others were discharged. - -[Sidenote: New Year's at the Mansion.] - -A large party took a new year's supper at my house, and had music and -dancing till morning. I was in my private room with my family, Elder -John Taylor and other friends. - -_Tuesday 2.--_Two p.m., Hyrum Dayton was brought before Mayor's -court for disorderly conduct in resisting and abusing the police: -fined $25 and costs. His son, Lysander Dayton, for the same offense, -was sentenced to ten days' hard labor, on the public streets; and -subsequently, for contempt of court, ten days more. - -Snow one inch deep. - -I here insert Mr. Calhoun's answer to my letter of inquiry, dated -November 4, 1843:-- - - _Letter: John C. Calhoun to Joseph Smith--Defining What Former's - Policy would be Towards the Saints if Elected President_. - - FORT HILL, December 2, 1843. - - SIR:--You ask me what would be my rule of action relative the - Mormons {156} 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 according to the Constitution and the - laws of the union; and that as they make no distinction between - citizens of different religious 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, according to my - views, the case does not come within the jurisdiction of the - Federal Government, which is one of limited and specific powers. - - With respect, I am, &c., &c., - - J. C. CALHOUN. - - Mr. JOSEPH SMITH. - -To which I wrote the following reply:-- - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to John C. Calhoun--The Latter's Policy - Towards the Latter-day Saints, if Elected President of the U. S. - Considered_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, January 2, 1844. - - Sir:--Your reply to my letter of last November, concerning 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, according to the dictates of every person's own conscience, to - say that_ I am surprised_ that a man or men in the highest stations - of public 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. - - To be sure, the first paragraph of your letter appears very - complacent and fair on a white sheet of paper. And who, that is - ambitious for greatness and power, would not have said the same - thing? Your oath binds you to support the Constitution and laws; - and as all creeds and religions are alike tolerated, they must - of course, all be justified or condemned according to merit or - demerit. But why--tell me why are all the principal men held up - for public stations _so cautiously careful_, not to publish to the - world that they will _judge a righteous judgment, law or no law?_ - for laws and opinions, like the vanes of steeples, change with the - wind. - - One Congress passes a law, another repeals it; and one statesman - says that the Constitution means this, and another that; and who - does {157} not know that all may be wrong? the opinion and pledge, - therefore, in the first paragraph of your reply to my question, - like the forced steam from the engine of a steam-boat, makes the - show of a bright cloud at first; but when it comes in contact with - a purer atmosphere, dissolves to common air again. - - Your second paragraph leaves you naked before yourself, like a - likeness in a mirror, when you say, that according to your _view,_ - the Federal Government is "one of limited and specific powers," and - has no jurisdiction in the case of the "Mormons." 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. - - Go on, then, Missouri, after another set of inhabitants (as the - Latter-day Saints did,) have entered some two or three hundred - thousand dollars' worth of land, and made extensive improvements - thereon; go on, then, I say; banish the occupants or owners, or - kill them, as the mobbers did many of the Latter-day Saints, and - take their land and property as spoil; and let the Legislature, - as in the case of the "Mormons," appropriate a couple of hundred - thousand dollars to pay the mob for doing that job; for the - renowned Senator from South Carolina, Mr. J. C. Calhoun, says the - powers of the Federal Government are so _specific and limited that - it has no jurisdiction of the case!_ O ye people who groan under - the oppression of tyrants!--ye exiled Poles, who have felt the iron - hand of Russian grasp!--ye poor and unfortunate among all nations! - come to the asylum of the oppressed; buy ye lands of the General - Government; pay in your money to the treasury to strengthen the - army and the navy; worship God according to the dictates of your - own consciences; pay in your taxes to support the great heads of a - glorious nation: but remember a _"sovereign State"_ is so much more - powerful than the United States, the parent Government, that it - can exile you at pleasure, mob you with impunity, confiscate your - lands and property, have the Legislature sanction it,--yea, even - murder you as an edict of an emperor, _and it does no wrong;_ for - the noble Senator of South Carolina says the power of the federal - Government is _so limited and specific, that it has no jurisdiction - of the case!_ What think ye of _imperium in imperio_? - - Ye spirits of the blessed of all ages, hark! Ye shades of departed - statesmen, listen! Abraham, Moses, Homer, Socrates, Solon, Solomon, - and all that ever thought of right and wrong, look down from - your exaltations if you have any; for it is said, "In the midst - of counselors there _is safety_;" and when you have learned that - fifteen thousand innocent citizens, after having purchased their - lands of the United States {158} and paid for them, were expelled - from a "sovereign State," by order of the Governor, at the point - of the bayonet, their arms taken from them by the same authority, - and their right of migration into said State denied, under pain - of imprisonment, whipping, robbing, mobbing, and even death, and - no justice or recompense allowed; and, from the Legislature with - the Governor at the head, down to the Justice of the Peace, with a - bottle of whisky in one hand and a bowie-knife in the other, hear - them all declare that there is no justice for a "Mormon" in that - State; and judge ye a righteous judgment, and tell me when the - virtue of the States was stolen, where the honor of the General - Government lies hid, and what clothes a senator with wisdom. O - nullifying Carolina! O little tempestuous Rhode Island! Would it - not be well for the great men of the nation to read the fable - of the _partial judge;_ and when part of the free citizens of a - State had been expelled contrary to the Constitution, mobbed, - robbed, plundered, and many murdered, instead of searching into the - course taken with Joanna Southcott, Ann Lee, the French Prophets, - the Quakers of New England, and rebellious negroes in the slave - Slates, to hear both sides and then judge, rather than have the - mortification to say, "Oh, it is _my_ bull that has killed _your_ - ox! That alters the case! I must inquire into it; _and if, and - if_--!" - - If the General Government has no power to reinstate expelled - citizens to their rights, there is a monstrous hypocrite 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! G--d--n old Joe - Smith!" 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 judgment, 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 - distress and woe as independence has blazed through with pleasure - and delight. Where is the strength of Government? Where is the - patriotism of a Washington, a Warren, and Adams? And where is a - spark from the watch-fire 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 - instalment 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 {159} 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 powers not delegated to the United States and the - States belong to the people, and Congress sent to do the people's - business have all power; and shall fifteen thousand citizens groan - in exile? O vain men! will ye not, if ye do not restore them to - their rights and $2,000,000 worth of property, relinquish to - them, (the Latter-day Saints,) as a body, their portion of power - that belongs to them according to the Constitution? Power has its - convenience as well as inconvenience. "The world was not made for - Caesar alone, but for Cassius too." - - I will give you a parable. A certain lord had a vineyard in a - goodly land, which men labored in at their pleasure. A few meek - men also went and purchased with money from some of these chief - men that labored at pleasure a portion of land in the vineyard, - at a very remote part of it, and began to improve it, and to eat - and drink the fruit thereof,--when some vile persons, who regarded - not man, neither feared the lord of the vineyard, rose up suddenly - and robbed these meek men, and drove them from their possessions, - killing many. - - This barbarous act made no small stir among the men in the - vineyard; and all that portion who were attached to that part of - the vineyard where the men were robbed rose up in grand council, - with their chief man, who had firstly ordered the deed to be done, - and made a covenant not to pay for the cruel deed, but to keep the - spoil, and never let those meek men set their feet on that soil - again, neither recompense them for it. - - Now, these meek men, in their distress, wisely sought redress - of those wicked men in every possible manner, and got none. - They then supplicated the chief men, who held the vineyard at - pleasure, and who had the power to sell and defend it, for redress - and redemption; and those men, loving the fame and favor of - the multitude more than the glory of the lord of the vineyard, - answered--"Your cause is just, but we can do nothing for you, - because we have no power." - - Now, when the lord of the vineyard saw that virtue and innocence - were not regarded, and his vineyard occupied by wicked men, he - sent men and took the possession of it to himself, and destroyed - those unfaithful servants, and appointed them their portion among - hypocrites. - - 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 {160} 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 at Pittsburgh," or General Jackson had to send an - armed force to suppress the rebellion of South Carolina. - - To close, I would admonish you, before you let your _"candor - compel"_ you again to write upon a subject great as the salvation - of man, consequential as the life of the Savior, broad as the - principles of eternal truth, and valuable as the jewels of - eternity, to read in the 8th section and 1st article of the - Constitution of the 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 law-makers are unbought by bribes, uncorrupted by patronage, - untempted by gold, unawed by fear, and uncontaminated 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 President - as Executor, is as almighty in its sphere as Jehovah is in his. - - With great respect, I have the honor to be - - Your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - HON. ("MR") J. C. CALHOUN, - - Fort Hill, S. C. - -[Sidenote: Release of Pugmire and Cartwright from Prison, England.] - -Jonathan Pugmire, Senior, and Thomas Cartwright discharged by Judge -Whitehead, at Chester, England. The judge would not allow the costs -of prosecution or witnesses to be paid by the Crown. It was very -evident that the Church of England ministers were at the bottom of the -machinations, and were sorely discomfited at the result. I insert the -statement of the unfortunate occurrence given by Jonathan Pugmire, -Junior:-- - - _Cartwright Drowning--Accident at a Baptism in England_. - - Thomas Cartwright was baptized November 6, 1843, unknown to his - wife, by Elder Jonathan Pugmire, Senior; but she had mistrusted he - {161} had gone to the water, and went to Pugmire's house the same - evening, and inquired where Tom was, (meaning her husband). Mrs. - Pugmire answered she did not know. - - After this, Mrs. Cartwright went out and met them returning from - the waters of baptism, and shouted--"Damn you, I'll dip ye!" and - expressing her determination to have revenge on Pugmire's family, - she used a great deal of very bad language. - - Some of the neighbors (not belonging to the Church) advised her not - to speak too much against the Latter-day Saints, as she might yet - become convinced of the truth of their doctrines and be baptized - herself. She replied, "I hope to God, if ever I am such a fool, - that I'll be drowned in the attempt!" - - A short time afterwards, in consequence of her husband talking - to her about the truths of the Gospel, she consented to go to - Pugmire's house and hear for herself. - - After attending a few times she told her husband she had a dream, - in which she saw it was a fearful thing to fall in the hands of the - living God, and requested to be baptized. - - Mrs. Pugmire talked with her, reminding her of her harsh - expression. She confessed all, and said, "I am very sorry; and as - my conduct is known to all this neighborhood, I do not wish to have - my baptism public, but to have it done privately; and I wish no - female to accompany me to the water but you." - - On the night of her baptism (November 23, 1843), she was conducted - to the water by her husband and Elder Pugmire, witnessed by Mrs. - Pugmire and James Moore. Previous to this time, Elder Pugmire had - baptized eight or ten persons in the same place. - - On arriving at the water, they found the creek had overflowed its - banks, in consequence of a heavy rain which had fallen that day. - Elder Pugmire examined its banks, and concluded he could attend to - the ordinance without going into the regular bed of the creek. - - This was done; but on raising Mrs. Cartwright, and as they were - walking out, they both went under the water. - - It was afterwards discovered that the water had undermined the - bank, and it gave way under their feet. Meantime, Thomas Cartwright - leaped into the creek and seized hold of his wife's petticoat; but - the water carried her off, and left the garment in his hand. - - James Moore got hold of Elder Pugmire by the hair of his head, Mrs. - Pugmire holding Moore's hand, and thus they dragged him out. - - Moore then ran to the village to give the alarm. On his return, he - found Cartwright about one hundred yards from where he leaped in, - {162} with his head above water, holding on to the stump of a tree. - He said he could not have remained in that situation one minute - longer. - - George Knowlen swam the stream and got him out; but his wife was - not found until the day following, when she was found about two - hundred yards from where the accident occurred, standing upon her - feet, with her head above water, the stream having fallen about two - feet. - - On Pugmire reaching home, a Church of England minister had him - arrested and dragged from his family the same evening, and kept in - custody of a constable until a coroner's inquest was held on the - body of the deceased. - - After she was buried, Cartwright was arrested, and both were sent - to Chester jail, to wait their trial before the judge of assize. - They were in confinement six weeks and three days before their - trial came on. - - The judge (Whitehead) remarked to the jury that baptism was an - ordinance of our religion, and that it was a mere accident which - had occurred. He advised the jurymen to be very careful how they - examined the case before them--that it was an ordinance instituted - by God (at that moment the Lord spoke by the voice of thunder, - which shook the court house,) and advised the prisoners to be very - careful in the future to select a proper place for the performance - of that rite. They were then set free. - - During their imprisonment, Pugmire had a vision, in which he was - informed that they would be liberated; and he told Cartwright to be - of good cheer, for they certainly would be acquitted. - -_Wednesday 3_.--At home. - -At noon, met with the City Council. The following is a copy of the -minutes:-- - - _Difficulty of Wm. Law et al. With the Police_. - - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL, Jan. 3, 1834, 2 o'clock. - - Names of members called. All present. - - The mayor directed the marshal to notify William Law and John - Snyder that the council was in session, and informed the council - that William Law had said to his brother Hyrum that the police had - been sworn by him (the Prophet) secretly to put Law out of the way. - [The Prophet said] "I have had no private conversation with any of - the police but the high policeman, Jonathan Dunham, and that was - to request him to have especial care of my personal safety, as I - apprehended attempts to kidnap me by the Missourians." He called - on the policemen to say if they had received any private oath from - him, when they all said, "No." - - Councilor Hyrum Smith said that William Law told him the police - {163} had sworn him (Law) to keep the secret, which was that he was - to be put out of the way in three months. - - The mayor said he wished policemen to understand forever that all - he wanted was that they should execute the ordinances of the city - and his orders according to law. - - Several of the police called for the individual to be named who - made the statement to William Law. - - The mayor said he thought proper that William Law should come and - make his statement to the council on oath. - - The mayor then said to the police, "If you see a man stealing, and - you have told him three times to stand, and warned him that he is - a dead man if he does not stand, and he runs shoot off his legs. - The design of the office of the police is to stop thieving; but an - enemy should not be harmed until he draws weapons upon you." - - William Law came in, and was sworn to tell the whole truth touching - the case before the council. - - William Law said he had been informed that some of the policemen - had had another oath administered besides the one administered to - them publicly: that one of them said there was a Judas in General - Smith's cabinet,--one who stood next to him; and he must be taken - care of, and that he must not be allowed to go into the world, - but must be taken care of; and he was not only a dough-head and a - traitor like Judas, but an assassin like Brutus: that the idea had - been advanced that the scriptures support such a doctrine. - - _Alderman Harris._ Who is the person? and who told you? - - _Law._ I am under obligations _not_ to tell. - - _Alderman Harris._ That is immaterial. You are bound to disclose - the whole truth here by virtue of your oath. - - _Law._ I am afraid to tell. One oath is as good as another. - - The Mayor said he would protect him. He was bound to tell. - - _Law._ Eli Norton told me. - - _Alderman Harris_. Was Eli Norton of the police? - - _Law._ No; but he got his information from Daniel Carn, who is a - policeman. - - The marshal was sent to bring Eli Norton. - - The mayor said to the police--"On conditions I have had no private - conversation with any of you, rise up and change the breech of your - gun upwards," when all arose and changed the positions of their - guns as indicated. - - Counselor Hyrum Smith considered the matter very alarming when - he heard it. He referred to Dr. Sampson Avard's and John Carl's - treachery and false swearing in Missouri, and rehearsed what was - said by the mayor to the police in the former council. - - {164} The mayor said, "The reason why I made the remarks I did - was on account of the reports brought from Missouri jail by O. P. - Rockwell, that my enemies were determined to get me into their - power and take my life, and thereby thought they would accomplish - the overthrow of 'Mormonism.' And to enable them to effect this, - they had secured the services of some of my most confidential - friends, whom I did not suspect, and who were living in Nauvoo, to - deliver me into their hands so that their religious organizations - upon their own principles might stand; for they feared that - 'Mormonism' would destroy their present religious creeds, - organizations, and orthodox systems. They did not design to try me, - but hang me, or take my life anyhow: that they had a man in our - midst who would fix me out, if they could not get me into their - power without." He then referred to his remarks at the previous - council. - - Minutes of last council being called for, were then read. - - Eli Norton sworn. - - _Question by the Mayor_ Did Carn say I had administered a private - oath? - - Norton. No. Did not say much about Law. Did not say you had ever - administered any private oath. Carn never intimated to me that - Law must be put out of the way. Did not call William Law's name, - nor any other name. Did not say the policemen had received a - private oath. Understood Carn to say they had received private - instructions; and if a man could not keep a secret, he was not - worthy of a place in the Church. Did not say the mayor had given - him a private charge. Did not tell where the danger was expected to - come from. Told me there were dough-heads about. Did not say the - dough-heads were in danger, but the mayor was in danger from the - dough-heads. - - _Question by William Law:_ Did you not understand from Brother - Carn that he was suspicious of some person near Joseph being a - dough-head, and that that person was myself? - - _Answer:_ He mentioned a dough-head as being very near Joseph, - and he guessed you was the man; and I thought it might be that - Daniteism was not done with. - - _Mayor:_ Tell what you know that made you so alarmed about Brother - Law. - - _Answer:_ There was no chain to the conversation; but I drew - the inference that Brother Law was the dough-head from Carn's - conversation; but Carn did not name Law. - - _Daniel Carn was sworn:_ Said, "I told Brother Norton that certain - men had been counseled by the Prophet to invest their means in - publishing the new translation of the Bible; and they instead of - obeying that counsel, had used their property for the purpose of - building a {165} steam-mill and raising a hundred acres of hemp; - and the Lord had not blessed them in the business, but sunk their - hemp in the Mississippi river. I told him it was my opinion that - Brother Law was the dough-head referred to. - - I have had no secret conversation whatever with the mayor, and - never received any charge except the one, with the rest of the - police, before the city council. - - The mayor suggested the propriety, since Rockwell and others are - clear, and we have the promise of protection from the governor; and - as the police are now well organized, that they put up their guns - and that the council pass such an order. The Danite system alluded - to by Norton never had any existence. It was a term made use of by - some of the brethren in Far West, and grew out of an expression I - made use of when the brethren were preparing to defend themselves - from the Missouri mob, in reference to the stealing of Macaiah's - images (Judges chapter 18)--If the enemy comes, the Danites will be - after them, meaning the brethren in self-defense. - - The mayor instructed the police to lay up their arms till further - orders. - - At half past four p.m. council adjourned. - -[Sidenote: Reconciliation of the Prophet and Wm. Law.] - -The council spent nearly the whole day in investigating the subject -and examining these two witnesses. The police were all sworn and -cross-examined by William Law and the aldermen, and the result showed -nothing but imagination, having grown out of the surmises of Daniel -Carn; upon which Law became satisfied, shook hands with me, declaring -he did not believe a word of the story, and said he would stand by me -to the death, and called the whole council and the police to witness -his declaration. - -_Thursday 4.--_At home. - -[Sidenote: Repartee of Joseph and Emma Smith] - -I took dinner in the north room, and was remarking to Brother Phelps -what a kind, provident wife I had,--that when I wanted a little bread -and milk, she would load the table with so many good things, it would -destroy my appetite. At this moment Emma came in, while Phelps, in -continuation of the conversation said, "You must do as Bonaparte -did--have a little table, just large enough for the victuals you want -yourself." {166} Mrs. Smith replied, "Mr. Smith is a bigger man than -Bonaparte: he can never eat without his friends." I remarked, "That is -the wisest thing I ever heard you say." - -_Friday 5.--_At home. - -Last night I dreamed I saw two serpents swallowing each other tail -foremost. - -[Sidenote: Alarm of William Marks.] - -Another tempest in a tea-pot, or big fuss about nothing at all. In -consequence of the night being severely cold, some persons built a -fire on the bank of the river, nearly opposite William Marks' house. -He then became afraid, and concluded he must either be the Brutus or -the dough-head, and lay awake all night, thinking the police had built -the fire to kill him by! In the morning he called on me, reported the -circumstances and expressed his fears, when another session of inquiry -was held by the city council at his request, and the police sworn and -questioned. The following is a synopsis of the minutes:-- - - _Special Session of the City Council--Fears of Wm. Law and Marks._ - - [Sidenote: Friday, January 5, 1834, 11 a.m.] - - Names of members called. - - Prayer by O. Spencer. - - Minutes of the last two councils read and approved. - - Object of the council stated by the mayor, similar to the last - council as William Law and William Marks had considered themselves - in danger. When he heard the report he was unwilling to believe - anything about it, from the course the thing took in the last - council; but, for the sake of others, he had called this council. - - As Leonard Soby was going home night before last, he was hailed by - a supposed policeman with a gun, which frightened him. Soby says - that a policeman had told him that Marks and Law must not cross his - tracks; that Warren Smith said at another time that William Marks - and William Law were enemies to Joseph. - - I have never thought even to dream of doing anything against the - peace of the inhabitants of this city. Did not know I had any - enemies in this city: have stayed at home and heard but little: did - not know that there was so much evil surmising among the people. - My long forbearance to my enemies ought to be {167} sufficient - testimony of my peaceful disposition toward all men. It occurred to - my mind that it was not fear, but got up for effect; but I do not - know it. I want the council to investigate this matter. - - _William Marks sworn._ Testified that on Monday evening Brother - Soby came up and said, "Are you aware of the danger you are in?" - Marks replied, "No." - - _Soby:_ "Your life is threatened; a policeman stopped me in the - dark last night as I was going home; I was alarmed. I supposed - the threats were from that policeman, but I was mistaken. Another - policeman, Warren Smith, said last Sunday that Joseph had - enemies--that Law and myself were Joseph's enemies, and if they - came in his way they might be popped over. A fire was kindled in - the street near my house, and I thought I was watched. Francis - Higbee told me, and a man in the east part of the town told me; and - a man came from the other side of the river and told the story to - that man, as he said. Yesterday morning, Hyrum Smith, Wilson Law, - and William Law met in the street, and I told the story as before - related. - - _Mayor._ Did ever anybody tell you I directed you to be watched? - - _William Marks._ No. - - Marshal went for Francis M. Higbee and George W. Crouse. - - _Leonard Soby sworn._ On Sunday, 31st December last, I met Warren - Smith in Crouse's store; asked him if he knew who the Brutus was. - Warren Smith said he believed William Law was one, and Marks - another; they had better not come in his way. Did not say he would - shoot them, or endanger their life in any way. Did not know whether - there were any private instructions, or not. Believed Brother Marks - was in danger. Did not think Marks in any danger from Joseph. - Thought Warren Smith was under a wrong impression with regard to - Marks. Warren Smith said, "He, Marks, had better not cross my path - when I am on duty." I gathered the idea there was something wrong - with Brother Warren Smith. Do not recollect any person present. - - _Mayor._ Did Warren Smith or any other policeman give you to - understand that I had authorized him to believe there was any - difficulty between me and Brother Law or Marks? - - _Soby._ No. He did not think Warren Smith would transcend his - official duties towards Law or Marks. Felt at the time Marks and - Law were in danger. Did not think they were in danger, if they did - out rise up against the authorities. - - Did not say he had any instruction. Said to Mr. Marks, "You have - enemies." My impression was that somebody had been to Joseph to - make a bad impression on his mind. Warren Smith did mention brother - Marks' name, I think. - - {168} Thirty policemen, all who were present, sworn. Testified - that General Smith had never given them any private instruction - concerning the case before the council. - - Warren Smith said Soby asked his opinion who was the Judas. I - said, from rumor, I would suspect William Law. Does not believe he - mentioned Marks' name. My opinion was founded on rumor. Brother - Isaac Hill said Brother Law was in a bad situation--was kicking, - and if he did not mind, he would go over the board. If he had his - property in available means and was away, he would feel better. - Have heard it talked of that Brother Law was not going to stand. He - did not tell what he was kicking at. I understand a Brutus to mean - a treacherous man. - - _George W. Crouse sworn._ Does not recollect any conversation - between Warren Smith and Leonard Soby, at his store, relative - to the case in question. Had a discussion about the duties of - policemen. - - Councilor John Taylor said it was customary in all cities for - policemen to go armed in time of danger. - - Councilor Orson Hyde confirmed Councilor Taylor's observation. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith spoke. Told a story of the old Dutchman and - the ox. Soby makes me think of an old Dutchman that had an ox--the - first animal he ever owned in his life, and he broke him to ride; - then he filled a sack with rocks and laid it on the ox's back, and - got on himself, and told his son to hide by the roadside, and when - he came along, to jump out and hollo boo, as he wanted to know - how well his ox was broke. The son did accordingly. The ox was - frightened, and threw the old man off. "Father," said the son, "I - did as you told me." "Yes," said the old man; "but you made too big - a boo." - - _Francis M. Higbee sworn._ Have received the impression from rumor - that Mr. Law, Mr. Marks and probably one or two others, could - not subscribe to all things in the Church, and there were some - private matters that might make trouble. Don't know of anyone being - in danger. No one told me the police had received any private - instruction. Could not tell who he had received these rumors from. - - William Law spoke. Said he had no personal feeling against Warren - Smith. Some two or three years since, he sued Brother Warren, and - stayed the suit, &c. Was suspicious Warren Smith's feelings might - have risen from that source. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith, Daniel Carn, Warren Smith, Leonard Soby, and - William Marks addressed the council. - - The mayor spoke. Said no one had come to him with tales about - William Marks, to prejudice his mind against him. Was totally - ignorant of it. I said to Brother Dunham,--If any man approach - {169} my house with arms, or attempted to disturb my house, I - wanted the police to take care of that individual, whoever he might - be. I repeat the instruction, and am perfectly astonished that - Brother Law, Marks, or any other man should entertain such an idea - [that they were in danger.] I live above suspicion on this subject - from any source whatever. I never could bring my feelings to take - revenge on my enemies. The City Council did not concoct the idea - of having a police. The several wards petitioned for a police to - protect them against invasion--wanted citizens to pass the streets - at any time of night without molestation; but if the police see a - man breaking in to my house or barn, or anybody's house or barn, - tell him to stand, and inquire his business. I think it possible - that some person has been practicing fraud on Brother Soby and the - police and upon individuals, as the police, according to their - instructions, had laid away their guns. - - Don't guard Brother Marks' house any more. Men must not pervert the - power entrusted to them like ex-Governor Boggs, whose executive - oath required him to protect the Saints in Missouri, but perverted - his power to enforce their extermination from the State. - - Brother Soby does not know that it was a policeman who stopped him. - Brother Marks does not know that the police kindled the fire before - his house. Let the police have canes. Let the citizens pass and - repass at all times of night. - - Councilor Taylor spoke. Thought the conclusion drawn up by Brother - Soby, that Joseph or somebody was going to get revenged by setting - the guard to kill Marks, was the most contemptible that could be - imagined; and if Brother Soby had had the respect for Brother - Joseph he ought to have had, he could not have formed such a - conclusion. - - Mayor referred to Francis Higbee's testimony. Thought Francis - Higbee had better stay at home and hold his tongue, lest rumor turn - upon him and disclose some private matters which he would prefer - kept hid. Did not believe there was any rumor of the kind afloat, - or he could have told some of the names of his informants. Thought - the young men of the city had better withdraw from his society, and - let him stand on his own merits. I by no means consider him the - standard of the city. - - There has been a system of corruption and debauchery, which these - rumors have grown out of; and the individuals who are the authors - of them are those who do not want a police: they want to prowl in - the streets at pleasure without interruption. - - Alderman Orson Spencer spoke, approving the conduct of the police. - - General Wilson Law said. "I am Joseph's friend: he has no better - {170} friend in the world: I am ready to lay down my life for him;" - and upon that the mayor and General Wilson Law shook hands. - - The ordinance concerning the forty policemen read twice. - - The mayor objected to assuming the entire disposal of the police - beyond the definition of the ordinance. - - Alderman George A. Smith said he could sleep with a fire near his - house, if there were some of the police warming themselves by it; - and he believed any honest man could do the same. - - The police received the thanks of the council. - - The cross-examination and speeches are generally omitted. - - Council adjourned at dusk for the want of candles. - -[Sidenote: Reflections of the Prophet as to Traitors in High Places] - -What can be the matter with these men? Is it that the wicked flee -when no man pursueth, that hit pigeons always flutter, that drowning -men catch at straws, or that Presidents Law and Marks are absolutely -traitors to the Church, that my remarks should produce such an -excitement in their minds. Can it be possible that the traitor whom -Porter Rockwell reports to me as being in correspondence with my -Missouri enemies, is one of my quorum? The people in the town were -astonished, almost every man saying to his neighbor, "Is it possible -that Brother Law or Brother Marks is a traitor, and would deliver -Brother Joseph into the hands of his enemies in Missouri?" If not, what -can be the meaning of all this? "The righteous are as bold as a lion." - -A number of gentlemen boarding at my house conversed with me on -national affairs. I sent for Brother Phelps, who came and read my -letter to John C. Calhoun, with which they were highly edified. - -Elder Brigham Young went to La Harpe for the purpose of instructing the -Saints. - -Commenced snowing a little before sunset, and continued all night. - -_Saturday, 6.--_Snow about four inches deep. I rode out with Emma in a -sleigh. - -The Bishops and lesser Priesthood met at Henry W. Miller's hall. - -{171} _Sunday, 7.--_At home in the morning. In the afternoon, rode out -to my farm, and preached in Brother Cornelius P. Lott's house. - -The Twelve Apostles attended meetings and preached in different parts -of the city. - -At six p.m. attended prayer-meeting with the quorum in the assembly -room. Law and Marks absent. - -_Monday, 8.--_At home in the morning. - -At eleven went to my office to investigate a difficulty between John D. -Parker and his wife. After laboring with them about two hours, brought -about a reconciliation. - -I also had an interview with William Law in the streets. - -My uncle, John Smith, from Macedonia, visited me. - -Amos Fielding arrived from Liverpool. - -_Tuesday, 9.--_At home. - -I insert the following from the _Neighbor_, as a specimen of the -respect which the Carthage mob has for law or justice: - - DISGRACEFUL AFFAIR AT CARTHAGE--OFFICERS RESISTED. - - On Tuesday last Horace S. Eldredge, one of our county officers, - went to Carthage for the purpose of arresting Milton Cook, on the - charge of bastardy, and bringing him before R. D. Foster, justice - of the peace of this county, before whom affidavit had been made - to that effect. He found the accused in Bartlett's grocery, - (Carthage,) and arrested him. - - Cook had a gun that he said he had loaded for the purpose, and - would make a hole through the constable if he molested him, and - swore he would not be taken. - - Harmon T. Wilson and others then stepped forward to his assistance, - and said that they had sworn to stand by him, and that he should - not go. He [Eldredge] then returned with his process to the justice - of the peace, and told him what had occurred. - - Mr. R. D. Foster then summoned eleven men to go along with the - constable and assist him in bringing the delinquent. They went out - and drove to the grocery, where they expected to find him; but he - was not there. They then went out for a short time, without making - known their business, when they saw an armed force gathering. - - {172} They shortly afterwards returned to the grocery, and saw him - there where he swore he would not be taken. There was also an armed - force standing in the door, who also swore he should not be taken. - - The officer having the process, Mr. Markham and Mr. Eagle stepped - forward and wished to reason the case with them, the officer at the - same time demanding their assistance. They were met with an armed - force of about twenty, four of whom stood in the doorway, two with - guns and bayonets, and two with pistols. - - The two having the bayonets charged directly at Mr. Markham, and - swore they would run him through, and rushed upon him with their - bayonets. He, however, warded off their blows with his arm, and - the bayonet glanced and struck Mr. John Eagle in the abdomen. The - bayonet went through his clothes, scratched his body, and glanced - off without doing any further injury, other than giving him a - slight cut in the hand. - - Those having the pistols then attempted to shoot, when Mr. Markham - seized the hand of one of them that held the pistol, and prevented - him from firing. The other put his pistol to Mr. Eagle's breast, - and swore he would shoot him. - - The company at that time used all their force, and crowded the - officers and their assistants some distance back, and carried off - and secreted the prisoner. The officer and his company then went to - the tavern to stay all night. - - The next morning, about eight o'clock, the constable and Mr. - Markham went to the grocery and searched, and Bartlett said that he - was gone--that he had taken his horse and gone out of town. - - They then saw a company of men gathered at Harmon T. Wilson's - store, armed with guns, bayonets, pistols, clubs, and other - missiles. Mr. Markham went to the store, where he found the - constable and the prisoner. There were fifty in and about the - store, all armed. - - Mr. Eldredge then told the company present who he was, and demanded - all in the house to assist in taking the prisoner, and then seized - him. As soon as he laid hold of the prisoner, about six or eight - men laid hold of the constable. Mr. Markham assisted the constable. - When Mr. Markham had nearly succeeded in liberating the constable, - a man who was called Dr. Morrison, drew his pistol and shot at - Markham. The ball missed Markham, but came so near Mr. Coltrin's - head, who was one of the assistants, as to graze his forehead. - - As there were only four of the assistants in the store, they were - overpowered by superior numbers, and the prisoner was taken away - from them. - - They saw that it would be impossible to take him without bloodshed, - and consequently returned home. The parties engaged in this affray - {173} swore that, regardless of all law, they would defend the - prisoner, and he should not be taken. - - We have received the above particulars from Mr. Markham, and can - consequently rely upon the correctness of the statement, as he is - one of the parties mentioned. The woman who was _enciente,_ who - made the affidavit, is not in the Church, neither is Mr. Eagle--the - person who was struck with the bayonet. Mr. Eagle has gone to the - governor to make complaint. - - We think that it is high time that prompt measures be taken to put - a stop to such abominable outrages. If officers can be insulted in - this manner and the law violated with impunity, we think that we - shall speedily slide back into the barbarous ages. - - Some of our mobocratic friends who assembled at a mobocratic - meeting some time ago in Carthage, were considerably chagrined at - our terming them mobocrats. We wonder whether they now believe - that they are, or not? If such proceedings as those are cherished, - farewell to our Republican institutions! farewell to law, equity, - and justice! and farewell to all those sacred ties that bind men to - their fellowmen! - - We would here ask where the sheriff was. Why was he not applied to? - We merely ask for information. We don't know that he was present - or applied to. If he was, it certainly was his duty to see the law - magnified. - -_Wednesday 10.--_At home. - -[Sidenote: John Smith, Uncle of the Prophet, Ordained a Patriarch.] - -Ordained Uncle John Smith a patriarch. Enjoyed myself well in an -interview with the brethren and concluded to take a ride part way with -my uncle on his return to Macedonia. - -In consequence of a visit from some gentlemen from Carthage, I called -the City Council together at seven p.m. I copy the minutes:-- - - _Special Session of City Council; Complaints of Carthage Citizens - Considered_. - - January 10, 1844, 7 p.m. - - Names of members called. - - The mayor said:--"Messrs. Backman, Hamilton, and Sherman, lawyers - from Carthage, have called on me and told me that the occasion of - the excitement at Carthage and the resistance to the law, in the - case of the arrest of Cook, was the late ordinance of this council - to prevent unlawful search or seizure of person or property by - foreign {174} process in the city of Nauvoo; that they considered - said ordinance was designed to hinder the execution of the statutes - of Illinois within this city; consequently, they, the old citizens, - felt disposed to stop the execution of processes issuing from the - city precincts. They also raised objections against the process by - Justice Foster for the apprehension of Cook, because it was made - returnable to him alone, whereas they said the statute required it - to be made returnable before himself or some other justice. - - I explained to them the nature and reason of the ordinance--that - was to prevent kidnapping under the pretense of law or process, - and to facilitate the apprehension of thieves, &c., in this city, - by throwing all foreign processes into the hands of the marshal, - who would be most likely to know the hiding-places of fugitives - from justice, who might secrete themselves in our city; and said - that if any wrong impression had gone abroad with regard to the - motives of the council in passing said ordinance, I would call the - council immediately, that they might have the opportunity of giving - any explanation necessary, so that the public might understand the - ordinance in its true light. I have therefore called the council - accordingly. I also referred the lawyers from Carthage to the - statute which requires all processes issued in cases of bastardy - to be returnable alone to the justice issuing the same, which - they doubted until showed them the law, when they looked a little - crest-fallen and foolish." - - After deliberation, an additional section relative to the foregoing - ordinance was read three times, and passed, by way of amendment:-- - - "Section 3. Be it ordained by the city council of the city of - Nauvoo, that nothing in the foregoing ordinance shall be so - construed as to prevent, hinder, or thwart the designs of justice, - or to retard the civil officers of the state or county in the - discharge of their official duties, but to aid and assist them - within the limits of this city. - - "Passed January 10, 1844. - - "JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - "WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder." - - Council adjourned. - -Wrote a letter to Esquire Backman to inform him what the City Council -had done. - -[Sidenote: Complaints of F.M. Higbee against the Prophet.] - -I received a long equivocating letter from Francis M. Higbee, charging -me with having slandered his character and demanding a public trial -before the Church. It contains no denial of the charges which he -accuses me of having spoken against him, but is full of bombast. - -{175} - -_Thursday 11.--_At home. - -Rode out, ten a.m., and returned at half-past one p.m. - -This morning William Jones, who had stayed all night at Wilson's Tavern -in Carthage, was arrested without process by Colonel Levi Williams and -his company, who kept him in custody until noon without rations. - -The Twelve Apostles gave an invitation to the Saints in Nauvoo to cut -and draw for me seventy-five or one hundred cords of wood on the 15th -and 16th instant. - -_Friday 12.--_Thaw: snow nearly gone. - -[Sidenote: Conference in Michigan] - -A conference was held in Brownstown, Main county, Michigan. Elder -Mephibosheth Sirrine, president; and Gehiel Savage, clerk. Nine -branches were represented, containing 6 elders, 9 priests, 7 teachers, -1 deacon, 136 members, and 45 scattered members; one hundred members -having removed from that state to Nauvoo since the conference in July -last. - -_Saturday 13.--_At home in the morning. - -At ten o'clock, attended City Council, where a bill for an ordinance -concerning the recording of deeds in this city was taken under -consideration, and read twice. It elicited much discussion. - -The ten policemen who were not present at the meeting of the City -Council on the 5th instant were sworn in the matter of William Law and -William Marks, and testified they had received no private instructions -whatever from me. - -A discussion took place on the subject of granting licenses for the -sale of spirits. - -I signed resolutions passed at a court martial held this morning. - -Stephen M. Farnsworth was chosen president of the priests' quorum, and -William Carmichael and William Box his counselors. - -_Sunday 14.--_At home all day. - -{176} A prayer-meeting was held at the assembly room. I did not attend. - -Warm and rainy towards evening. - -The Twelve Apostles preached at private houses in various parts of the -city. - -A branch of the Church was organized in New Orleans, with 34 members. -T. B. Jackaway, president, and E. L. Brown, clerk. - -_Monday 15.--_At home. Wrote to Sister Maria L. Campbell, Elmira, N. Y. - -[Sidenote: A Wood Bee] - -At nine, a.m., teams began to arrive with wood, according to the -appointment of the Twelve Apostles, there being about 200 of the -brethren chopping in the woods, and from thirty to forty teams engaged -in drawing the wood to my house. About 100 loads were drawn, and as -many more chopped, and left to be drawn another day. - -[Sidenote: Threats of Francis M. Higbee.] - -At ten, a.m., Dr. Richards called, and told me it was reported that -Francis M. Higbee was going to put me under $10,000 bonds for speaking -against him. - -At the same time, Constable Eldredge summoned me to attend a court as -witness before Esquire Johnson; and I went accordingly, to give my -testimony. - -The Twelve Apostles wrote the following letter:-- - - _Letter: The Twelve Apostles to the Saints at Morley - Settlement--Material Help Asked for_. - - NAUVOO, January 15, 1844. - - _To President Isaac Morley and the Saints at Morley Settlement, the - Twelve send greeting_:-- - - BELOVED BRETHREN--While the work of the Lord is great and sought - out by all them that have pleasure therein, the Lord of the - vineyard has laid special charges upon some of His servants to - execute; and while we are striving by all means to raise funds to - hasten the Temple the approaching spring, we are not unmindful of - the "History of the Church," the "Great Proclamation to the Kings - of the Earth," and the "Memorials to Congress," &c., all of which - are now before the Church, though their {177} progress is retarded - for the want of the necessities of life, in the families of those - who are employed in this business. - - Two or three clerks are necessarily employed, and that continually, - by our Prophet, who cheerfully devote their time--not a _tenth,_ - but the _whole,_ to roll on these desirable objects; but their - hands are palsied and their pens stayed, more or less. Therefore, - with the approbation of our President, we again call on you, as - those who have ever been ready to listen to the wants of the - Church, that you would raise such collections of provisions as you - may have at your disposal, and forward the same _without delay_ to - us, for the special benefit of the clerks of President Smith or the - Church. Asking no more, it is right they should not go hungry or - naked. - - Do you ask what is wanting? We answer, Look to your own households, - and say what it requires to make them comfortable, and you will - know just what is wanting by these men. _Eatables of every kind,_ - and even soap to keep their hands clean, is scarce at Nauvoo, and - it takes many lights to keep the pen in motion these long evenings. - - The President has plenty to do without supporting a number of - clerks, whose business as deeply concerns every other individual in - the Church as himself, although he has done it to a great extent - and with great inconvenience; and we are confident that when you - are made acquainted with the facts, you will be unwilling that - _Joseph_ should _do all, and get all the blessing._ And as you - shall continue your liberality in temporal things, God shall pour - out upon your heads blessings spiritual and temporal; and _now_ is - the time for _action_. - - All is peace at Nauvoo, and the last report from the Carthaginians - was, they were beginning to think it was time to throw down their - arms and attempt a compromise. But the "Mormons" can truly say they - have had no quarrel with them. It has all been between the citizens - and the law, their own officers being the executors thereof; and we - feel disposed to let them fight it out among themselves, while we - live in peace and laugh at their folly. - - With our prayers and blessings, we subscribe ourselves - - Your brethren in Christ Jesus. - - In behalf of the quorum, - - B. YOUNG, President. - - W. RICHARDS, Clerk. - -The Municipal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Francis M. -Higbee, on affidavit of Orson Pratt. - -East wind in forenoon, and some rain. Brisk wind from N.W. in afternoon. - -[Sidenote: Andrews' Appeal to the State of Maine.] - -{178} Benjamin Andrews published in the _Times and Seasons_ "An Appeal -to the people of the State of Maine" setting forth the persecutions, -murders, and robberies committed upon the Saints by the people of the -State of Missouri, and soliciting the assistance of his native State in -procuring redress. - -_Tuesday, 16.--_Cold and windy. - -[Sidenote: Francis M. Higbee on Trial--Reconciliation with Prophet.] - -At ten, a.m., Francis M. Higbee was brought up before the Municipal -Court, on complaint of Orson Pratt, for absenting himself from City -Council without leave, when summoned as a witness, and for slanderous -and abusive language towards one of the members of the Council. - -The court adjourned, and the City Council commenced their session, -continuing till two o'clock, during which time a reconciliation took -place with Francis M. Higbee, who had written a slanderous letter -concerning me, and said many hard things, which he acknowledged; and I -forgave him. I went before the Council and stated that all difficulties -between me and F. M. Higbee were eternally buried, and I was to be his -friend for ever. To which F. M. Higbee replied, "I will be his friend -for ever, and his right-hand man." - -A number of the brethren assembled and chopped up the firewood which -had been hauled to my house yesterday, and piled it up ready for use. - -The following "Ordinance concerning the sale of Spirituous Liquors" was -passed by the City Council: - - _An Ordinance concerning the Sale of Spirituous Liquors_. - - Whereas, the use and sale of distilled and fermented liquors for - all purposes of beverage and drink by persons in health are viewed - by this City Council with unqualified disapprobation: - - Whereas, nevertheless the aforesaid liquors are considered highly - beneficial for medical and mechanical purposes, and may be safely - employed for such uses, under the counsel of discreet persons: - Therefore, - - {179} Sect. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of - Nauvoo, that the Mayor of this city is hereby authorized to sell - said liquors in such quantities as he may deem expedient. - - Sect. 2. Be it further ordained, that other persons not exceeding - one to each ward of the city, may also sell said liquors in like - quantities for medical and mechanical purposes by obtaining a - license of the Mayor of the city. The above ordinance to be in full - force and effect immediately after its passage,--all ordinances to - the contrary notwithstanding. - - Passed January 16, 1844. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - -An ordinance was also passed, authorizing Henry G. Sherwood to make out -a city directory, and to establish an intelligence office in the city. -Also the following ordinance:-- - - _An Ordinance concerning Witnesses and Jurors' Fees_. - - Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, that - hereafter all persons subpoenaed and attending upon courts of trial - as witnesses, or as jurors in civil cases, shall not be compelled - to testify or be held in attendance either as witness or juror, - unless they shall first be tendered the sum of fifty cents per day - for each witness and each juror subpoenaed. - - Passed January 16, 1844. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - -_Wednesday, 17.--_At home settling accounts with various individuals. -Gave deed of a lot to John Lytle. - -The steamer _Shepherdess_ sank near St. Louis, drowning forty -passengers. - -_Thursday, 18.--_At home, and wrote letters to Reuben McBride and -Joseph Coe, Kirtland; Clark Leal, of Fountain Green; and to Justin J. -Butterfield, Esq., Chicago. - -[Sidenote: Assault Upon Nelson Judd.] - -This afternoon a man called on Brother Nelson Judd, and said he wanted -to sell him some wood below Davidson Hibbard's. He went to see the -wood, the man saying he would meet him at the place. When below, -Hibbard's two {180} men came up on horseback, and told him they had -a warrant for him, for taking away Avery's things for Bear Creek. -One shot at him twice and the other snapped at him twice with their -pistols. Judd then coolly said, "Now, 'tis my turn," putting his hand -into his pocket, although he knew he had no pistols: yet the men fled. - -There was a cotillion party at the Mansion this evening. - -_Friday, 19.--_Rode out in the course of the day. In the evening, -gave a lecture on the Constitution of the United States, and on the -candidates for the Presidency. - -Mild weather. Cloudy in the afternoon. - -A meeting was held in the assembly room to devise means for the -founding of another library institution in Nauvoo. - -{181} - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON TO QUEEN VICTORIA--THE SEALING -POWERS OF THE PRIESTHOOD--GOVERNOR FORD'S WARNING TO THE PEOPLE OF -HANCOCK COUNTY--APOSTROPHE TO MISSOURI--JOSEPH SMITH NOMINATED FOR -PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES--HIS VIEWS ON THE POWERS AND POLICY OF -THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. - -_Saturday, January 20th, 1844.--_Held Mayor's Court on the case--"City -of Nauvoo _versus_ Stephen Wilkinson," for breach of ordinance. I -discharged the defendant, he paying costs. - -At six, p.m., prayer-meeting in the assembly room. I was at home. - -The High Council met, but, having no business, adjourned. - - "STANZAS" - - _On the Presentation of the Book of Mormon to Queen Victoria_. - - BY MISS E. R. SNOW. - - Before leaving London, Elder Lorenzo Snow presented to her Majesty - Queen Victoria, and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, through - the politeness of Sir Henry Wheatly, two neatly bound copies of - the Book of Mormon, which had been donated by President Brigham - Young, and left in the care of Elder Snow for that purpose; which - circumstance suggested the following lines:-- - - Of all the monarchs of the earth - That wear the robes of royalty, - She has inherited by birth - The broadest wreath of majesty. - {182} From her wide territorial wing - The sun does not withdraw its light, - While earth's diurnal motions bring - To other nations day and night. - - All earthly thrones are tottering things, - Where lights and shadows intervene; - And regal honor often brings - The scaffold or the guillotine. - - But still her sceptre is approved; - All nations deck the wreath she wears: - Yet, like the youth whom Jesus loved, - One thing is lacking even there. - - But lo! a prize possessing more - Of worth than gems with honor rife-- - A herald of salvation bore - To her the words of endless life. - - That GIFT, however fools deride, - Is worthy of her royal care: - She'd better lay her crown aside - Than spurn the light reflected there. - - Oh would she now her influence bend--, - The influence of royalty, - Messiah's kingdom to extend, - And Zion's "nursing mother" be. - - Thus with the glory of her name - Inscribed on Zion's lofty spire, - She'd win a wreath of endless fame, - To last when other wreaths expire. - - Though over millions called to reign-- - Herself a powerful nation's boast, - 'Twould be her everlasting gain - To serve the King, the Lord of Hosts. - - For there are crowns and thrones on high, - And kingdoms there to be conferred; - There honors wait that never die; - There fame's immortal trump is heard. - - {183} Truth echoes--'tis Jehovah's word; - Let kings and queens and princes hear; - In distant isles the sound is heard; - Ye heavens rejoice! O earth, give ear! - - The time, the time is now at hand - To give a glorious period birth: - The son of God will take command - And rule the nations of the earth. - - Nauvoo, Jan. 20, 1844. - -_Sunday 21.--_Preached at the southeast corner of the temple to several -thousand people, although the weather was somewhat unpleasant. My -subject was the sealing of the hearts of the fathers to the children, -and the hearts of the children to the fathers. - -[The following synopsis was reported by Elder Wilford Woodruff:]-- - - _Discourse: The Sealing Power in the Priesthood_. - - When I consider the surrounding circumstances in which I am placed - this day, standing in the open air with weak lungs, and somewhat - out of health, I feel that I must have the prayers and faith of - my brethren that God may strengthen me and pour out His special - blessing upon me, if you get very much from me this day. - - There are many people assembled here to-day, and throughout the - city, and from various parts of the world, who say that they have - received to a certainty a portion of the knowledge from God, by - revelation, in the way that He has ordained and pointed out. - - I shall take the broad ground, then, that we have received a - portion of knowledge from God by immediate revelation, and from the - same source we can receive all knowledge. - - What shall I talk about to-day? I know what Brother Cahoon wants - me to speak about. He wants me to speak about the coming of Elijah - in the last days. I can see it in his eye. I will speak upon that - subject then. - - The Bible says, "I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the - coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn - the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the - children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a - curse." - - {184} Now, the word _turn_ here should be translated _bind_, or - seal. But what is the object of this important mission? or how is - it to be fulfilled? The keys are to be delivered, the spirit of - Elijah is to come, the Gospel to be established, the Saints of God - gathered, Zion built up, and the Saints to come up as saviors on - Mount Zion. - - But how are they to become saviors on Mount Zion? By building - their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and - receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, - anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in - behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that - they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to - thrones of glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds the - hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the - fathers, which fulfills the mission of Elijah. And I would to God - that this temple was now done, that we might go into it, and go to - work and improve our time, and make use of the seals while they are - on earth. - - The Saints have not too much time to save and redeem their dead, - and gather together their living relatives, that they may be saved - also, before the earth will be smitten, and the consumption decreed - falls upon the world. - - I would advise all the Saints to go to with their might and gather - together all their living relatives to this place, that they may - be sealed and saved, that they may be prepared against the day - that the destroying angel goes forth; and if the whole Church - should go to with all their might to save their dead, seal their - posterity, and gather their living friends, and spend none of their - time in behalf of the world, they would hardly get through before - night would come, when no man can work; and my only trouble at the - present time is concerning ourselves, that the Saints _will be - divided, broken up, and scattered,_ before we get our salvation - secure; for there are so many fools in the world for the devil to - operate upon, it gives him the advantage oftentimes. - - The question is frequently asked "Can we not be saved without - going through with all these ordinances, &c.?" I would answer, - No, not the fullness of salvation. Jesus said, "There are many - mansions in my Father's house, and I will go and prepare a place - for you." _House_ here named should have been translated kingdom; - and any person who is exalted to the highest mansion has to abide a - celestial law, and the whole law too. - - But there has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the - heads of this generation. It has been like splitting hemlock knots - with a corn-dodger for a wedge, and a pumpkin for a beetle. Even - the Saints are slow to understand. - - {185} I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the - Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see - some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, - will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is - contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all. - How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and - receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, - but few are chosen. - -Prayer-meeting in the Assembly Room. - -_Monday, 22.--_Rainy; wind easterly; mud very deep. - -[Sidenote: Nauvoo Mansion Leased.] - -Rented the Nauvoo Mansion and stables to Ebenezer Robinson for one -thousand dollars per annum and board for myself and family and horses, -reserving to myself three rooms in the house. - -Prayer-meeting at President Young's; ten present. - -[Sidenote: Sale of the Printing Establishment to John Taylor] - -_Tuesday. 23.--_Ebenezer Robinson took possession of the Nauvoo -Mansion, to continue it as a public-house. W. W. Phelps, Newel K. -Whitney and Willard Richards valued the printing office and lot at -$1,500; printing apparatus, $950; bindery, $112; foundry, $270; total, -$2,832. I having sold the concern to John Taylor, who in consideration -was to assume the responsibility of the Lawrence estate. - -There was a cotillion party in the evening at the Nauvoo Mansion. The -night was clear and cold. - -The ship _Fanny,_ Captain Patterson, sailed from Liverpool with 210 -Saints on board. - -_Wednesday, 24.--_Called at my office about one o'clock. I think the -appraised valuation of the printing office rather too low. - -Weather very cold. - -The mob party at Carthage, Warsaw, and Green Plains continued their -agitation. - -_Thursday, 25.--_At home. - -Prayer-meeting at Brother Brigham's: eight of the Twelve Apostles -present. Weather extremely cold. - -I approved of the doings of a general court-martial held January 13th. - -{186} _Friday, 26.--_I dictated to my clerk an article on the situation -of the nation, referring to the President's Message, &c. - -Prayer-meeting at Brother Young's: eight of the Twelve Apostles -present. Elder Orson Hyde went to Carthage to preach. Weather clear and -cool. - -_Saturday, 27.--_Weather extremely cold and clear. - -Prayer-meeting in the assembly room. High Council met, but, having no -business, adjourned. - -_Sunday, 28.--_I had some company in the evening from Warsaw. I -conversed with them on politics, religion, &c. Prayer-meeting in the -assembly room. Weather very cold. - -I insert the following from the _Millennial Star_:-- - - _Importance of Elders Keeping Journals, Case of Healing Recorded_. - - MR. EDITOR:--The idea has frequently crossed my mind, that were the - Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ in this age to keep a journal - of their travels and ministry, and record all the healings and - miracles they had witnessed from time to time,--that should their - separate journals be afterwards collected together and published - in a volume, I am inclined to believe that a far greater number of - manifest displays of the power of God would be therein recorded - than is found in the journals of the Elders of the Church of Jesus - Christ in the early ages, at least so far as they are faithfully - handed down to us in the New Testament Scriptures. - - And although, as in days of old, we are frequently branded with the - epithets of "fools, fanatics, religious enthusiasts, dupes, and - vile impostors," yet "what we have felt and seen, with confidence - we tell." - - We have frequently heard from individuals on whose testimony we - can rely with the greatest confidence, of extraordinary displays - of the power of God in the gift of healing; such, for instance, - as the blind receiving their sight, the deaf having their hearing - restored, the lame man being made to "leap as an hart," the dumb - spirit being cast out, and one instance of the dead being restored - to life. - - Another instance of the kind last mentioned, with a heart - overflowing with gratitude, I desire to record. On the afternoon of - yesterday, a child of mine, a girl aged eight years, was sliding - on the rails of the staircase, when on a sudden she turned over, - and fell from top to bottom with a most tremendous crash, falling - on her head, and being completely double when picked up by her - mother,--so much so indeed, that {187} her brother, who heard - the noise, looked out of the kitchen, and seeing something lying - in the passage motionless, concluded that his sister had thrown - some dirty linen over the rails, and took no further notice. Her - mother, on hearing the noise occasioned by her fall, hastened out - of the parlor to the fatal spot, and immediately discovered it - was poor Mary Jane, who lay motionless, speechless, senseless, - yea, lifeless. She instantly took her up in her arms, and when she - beheld her appearance, in an agony she cried out, "My child is - dead! she has fallen and killed herself." - - By this time I had hastened to the horrid scene, where I beheld - my lovely girl stretched on the lap of her disconsolate mother, - without the slightest appearance of life. I immediately examined - her, and found that she breathed not, and that her pulsation - had ceased. Her eyes also were wide open, and quite fixed as in - death, and there appeared to be gathering over them the film of - dissolution. In fact, if it be true that Eutychus (the young man - mentioned in the 20th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, who fell - from an upper story,) was taken up dead, it is equally true that my - daughter was taken up dead, for there was not the slightest vestige - of life apparent. - - At this moment, with heart uplifted to my Heavenly Father, I, in - mighty faith, placed my hands upon her and ejaculated, "Lord, - heal my child!" when in one moment she shewed signs of life, and - attempted to speak. - - I immediately gave her to drink a little cold water, and bathed her - head with the same. She then sat up and vomited considerably, and - she is now so far recovered as this morning to sing a verse of a - hymn and walk about as usual. - - During my presidency over the Liverpool Conference, which is nearly - eighteen months, I have witnessed many cases of healing, but never - any so very striking as the one I have just related. - - If you deem the narrative worthy of a place in your pages of the - _Millennial Star,_ you are quite at liberty to insert it. - - I remain, dear brother, - - Yours sincerely in the Gospel of Jesus, - - GEORGE MITCHELSON. - -[Sidenote: The Presidential Election Considered.] - -_Monday, 29.--_At ten, a.m., the Twelve Apostles, together with Brother -Hyrum and John P. Greene, met at the mayor's office, to take into -consideration the proper course for this people to pursue in relation -to the coming Presidential election. - -The candidates for the office of President of the United States at -present before the people are Martin Van Buren {188} and Henry Clay. -It is morally impossible for this people, in justice to themselves, to -vote for the re-election of President Van Buren--a man who criminally -neglected his duties as chief magistrate in the cold and unblushing -manner which he did, when appealed to for aid in the Missouri -difficulties. His heartless reply burns like a firebrand in the breast -of every true friend of liberty--"_Your cause is just, but I can do -nothing for you_." - -As to Mr. Clay, his sentiments and cool contempt of the people's -rights are manifested in his reply--_"You had better go to Oregon for -redress,"_ which would prohibit any true lover of our constitutional -privileges from supporting him at the ballot-box. - -It was therefore moved by Willard Richards, and voted unanimously-- - -That we will have an independent electoral ticket, and that Joseph -Smith be a candidate for the next Presidency; and that we use all -honorable means in our power to secure his election. - -I said-- - - _The Prophet on the Campaign_. - - If you attempt to accomplish this, you must send every man in - the city who is able to speak in public throughout the land - to electioneer and make stump speeches, advocate the "Mormon" - religion, purity of elections, and call upon the people to stand by - the law and put down mobocracy. David Yearsly must go,--Parley P. - Pratt to New York, Erastus Snow to Vermont, and Sidney Rigdon to - Pennsylvania. - - After the April Conference we will have General Conferences all - over the nation, and I will attend as many as convenient. Tell the - people we have had Whig and Democratic Presidents long enough: - we want a President of the United States. If I ever get into the - presidential chair, I will protect the people in their rights and - liberties. I will not electioneer for myself. Hyrum, Brigham, - Parley and Taylor must go. Clayton must go, or he will apostatize. - The Whigs are striving for a king under the garb of Democracy. - There is oratory enough in the Church to carry me into the - presidential chair the first slide. - -Captain White, of Quincy, was at the Mansion last night, {189} and this -morning drank a toast. * * * "May Nauvoo become the empire seat of -government!" - -[Sidenote: Commencement of the Prophet's Views on Powers and Policy of -U.S.] - -I dictated to Brother Phelps the head of my pamphlet, entitled, "Views -on the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States." - -A Millerite lecturer came into the office with Brother Clayton, about -five, p.m. I had some conversation with him about the definition of the -Greek word Hades, and the Hebrew word Sheol, &c. He lectured in the -evening in the hall. - -Prayer-meeting at Elder Brigham Young's. - -Governor Ford wrote the following expostulatory epistle to the citizens -of Hancock County, through the _Warsaw Signal_:-- - - _Governor Ford's Warning to the People of Hancock County_. - - SPRINGFIELD January 29, 1844. - - DEAR SIR:--I have received the copy of the proceeding and - resolutions of a meeting of the citizens of Hancock County, which - you did me the honor to send me. - - I have observed with regret that occasions have been presented for - disturbing the peace of your county; and if I knew what I could - legally do to apply a corrective, I would be very ready to do it. - But if you are a lawyer, or at all conversant with the law, you - will know that I, as a governor, have no right to interfere in your - difficulties. - - As yet, I believe that there has been nothing like war among you: - and I hope that all of you will have the good sense to see the - necessity of preserving peace. If there is anything wrong in the - Nauvoo charters, or in the mode of administering them, you will see - that nothing short of legislative or judicial power is capable of - enforcing a remedy. - - I myself had the honor of calling the attention of the Legislature - to this subject at the last session; but a large majority of both - political parties in that body either did not see the evil which - you complain of, or, if they did, they repeatedly refused to - correct it. And yet a call is made upon me to do that which all - parties refused to do at the last session. - - I have also been called upon to take away the arms from the - _Mormons,_ to raise the militia to arrest a supposed fugitive, and - in fact to repeal some of the ordinances of the City of Nauvoo. - - Hancock County is justly famed for its intelligence; and I cannot - {190} believe that any of its citizens are so ignorant as not to - know that I have no power to do these things. - - The absurd and preposterous nature of these requests give some - color to the charge that they are made for political effect only. - I hope that this charge is untrue; for, in all candor, it would be - more creditable to those concerned to have their errors attributed - to ignorance than to a disposition to embroil the country in the - horrors of war for the advancement of party ends. - - But if there should be any truth in the charge, (which God forbid.) - I affectionately entreat all the good citizens engaged in it to - lay aside their designs and yield up their ears to the voice of - justice, reason, and humanity. All that I can do at present is to - admonish both parties to beware of carrying matters to extremity. - - Let it come to this--let a state of war ensue, and I will be - compelled to interfere with executive power. In that case also, I - wish, in a friendly, affectionate, and candid manner, to tell the - citizens of Hancock County, _Mormons_ and all, that my interference - will be against those who shall be the first transgressors. - - I am bound by the laws and Constitution to regard you all as - citizens of the State, possessed of equal rights and privileges, - and to cherish the rights of one as dearly as the rights of - another. I can know no distinction among you except that of - assailant and assailed. - - I hope, dear sir, you will do me the favor to publish this letter - in the papers of your county, for the satisfaction of all persons - concerned. - - I am, with the highest respect, - - Your obedient servant, - - THOMAS FORD. - -_Tuesday 30.--_At eleven, a.m., I went into the office with Colonel -Jackson. - -One, p.m., held mayor's court at my office, on the case "City _versus_ -Thomas Coates." Fined the defendant $25 and costs for beating John -Ellison. - -A Millerite preached again in the assembly room, and Elder Rigdon -replied to him. There was a full house. - -Prayer-meeting at Elder Brigham Young's. - -[Sidenote: Winchester's Mission to Warsaw.] - -_Wednesday, 31.--_Eleven, a.m., I called at the office, and told -Benjamin Winchester to go to Warsaw and preach the first principles of -the Gospel, get some lexicons, and return home. - -{191} Prayer-meeting at Elder Brigham Young's in the evening. There -seems to be quite a revival throughout Nauvoo, and an inquiry after the -things of God, by all the quorums and the Church in general. - -[Sidenote: Rigdon's Appeal to Pennsylvania.] - -Sidney Rigdon published a lengthy appeal to the Legislature of the -State of Pennsylvania, setting forth in pathetic style the grievances -he had suffered through the persecution against the Church by the State -of Missouri, which concludes as follows:-- - - _Peroration of Rigdon's Appeal to Pennsylvania_. - - In confidence of the purity and patriotism of the representatives - of the people of his native state, your memorialist comes to your - honorable body, through this his winged messenger, to tell you that - the altar which was erected by the blood of your ancestors to civil - and religious liberty, from whence ascended up the holy incense of - pure patriotism and universal good will to man, into the presence - of Jehovah, a savior of life, is thrown down, and the worshipers - thereat have been driven away, or else they are lying slain at - the place of the altar. He comes to tell your honorable body that - the temple your fathers erected to freedom, whither their sons - assembled to hear her precepts and cherish her doctrines in their - hearts, has been desecrated--its portals closed, so that those who - go up thither are forbidden to enter. - - He comes to tell your honorable body that the blood of the heroes - and patriots of the revolution, who have been slain by wicked hands - for enjoying their religious rights, the boon of Heaven to man, has - cried and is crying in the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, saying, - "Redress, redress our wrongs, O Lord God of the whole earth." - - He comes to tell your honorable body that the dying groans of - infant innocence and the shrieks of insulted and abused females, - and many of them widows of revolutionary patriots, have ascended up - into the ears of Omnipotence, and are registered in the archives - of eternity, to be had in the day of retribution as a testimony - against the whole nation, unless their cries and groans are heard - by the representatives of the people, and ample redress made, as - far as the nation can make it, or else the wrath of the almighty - will come down in fury against the whole nation. - - Under all these circumstances, your memorialist prays to be heard - {192} by your honorable body touching all the matters of his - memorial. And as a memorial will be presented to Congress this - session for redress of our grievances, he prays your honorable body - will instruct the whole delegation of Pennsylvania, in both houses, - to use all their influence in the national councils to have redress - granted. - - And, as in duty bound, your memorialist will ever pray. - - SIDNEY RIGDON. - -Miss E. R. Snow published the following apostrophe to-- - - "MISSOURI." - - What aileth thee, O Missouri! that thy face should gather - blackness? and why are thy features so terribly distorted? - - Rottennesss has seized upon thy vitals, corruption is preying upon - thy inward parts, and the breath of thy lips is full of destructive - contagion. - - What meaneth thy shaking? and why art thou terrified? Thou hast - become like Belshazzar. "_Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin_!" is indeed - written against thee; but it is the work of thine own hand; - the characters upon thy wall are of thine own inscription; and - wherefore dost thou tremble? - - Wouldst thou know the interpretation thereof? Hast thou sought for - a Daniel to declare it unto thee? Verily one greater than a Daniel - was in thy midst; but thou hast butchered the Saints, and hast - hunted the Prophets like Ahab of old. - - Thou has extinguished the light of thy own glory; thou hast plucked - from thy head the crown of honor; thou hast divested thyself of the - robe of respectability; thou hast thrust from thine own bosom the - veins that flowed with virtue and integrity. - - Thou hast violated the laws of our sacred constitution; thou hast - unsheathed the sword against thy dearest national rights, by rising - up against thine own citizens, and moistening thy soil with the - blood of those that legally inherited it. - - When thou hadst torn from helpless innocence its rightful - protectors thou didst pollute the holy sanctuary of female virtue, - and barbarously trampled upon the most sacred gems of domestic - felicity. - - Therefore the daughters of Columbia count thee a reproach, and - blush with indignation at the mention of thy name. - - Thou hast become an ignominious stain on the escutcheon of a noble, - free and independent republic; thou hast become a stink in the - nostrils of the Goddess of Liberty. - - {193} Thou art fallen--thou art fallen beneath the weight of thine - own unhallowed deeds, and thine iniquities are pressing as a heavy - load upon thee. - - But although thy glory has departed--though thou hast gone down - like a star that is set forever, thy memory will not be erased; - thou wilt be had in remembrance even until the Saints of God shall - forget that the way to the celestial kingdom is "through great - tribulation." - - Though thou shouldst be severed from the body of the Union, like a - mortified member--though the lion from the thicket should devour - thee, thy doings will be perpetuated; mention will be made of them - by the generations to come. - - Thou art already associated with Herod, Nero, and the bloody - Inquisition; thy name has become synonymous with oppression, - cruelty, treachery, and murder. - - Thou wilt rank high with the haters of righteousness and the - shedders of innocent blood: the hosts of tyrants are waiting - beneath to meet thee at thy coming. - - O ye wise legislators! ye executives of the nation! ye distributors - of justice! ye advocates of equal rights! arise and redress the - wrongs of an innocent people, and redeem the cause of insulted - liberty. - - Let not the contagious spirit of corruption wither the sacred - wreath that encircles you, and spread a cloud of darkness over the - glory of your star-spangled banner; - - Lest the monarchs of the earth should have you in derision; lest - you should be weighed in the balance with the heathen nations, - and should be found wanting; lest the arm of the Lord should be - revealed in judgment against you; lest an arrow of vengeance - from the almighty should pierce the rotten fabric of a once - sheltering constitution, and your boasted confidence become like - an oak dismembered of its branches, whose shattered trunk is torn - piecemeal by the uprising of the tempest! - - For the cries of the widow and fatherless, the groans of the - oppressed and the prayers of the suffering exile have come up - before the God of Hosts, who brought our pilgrim fathers across the - boisterous ocean, and raised up a Washington to break the yoke of - foreign oppression. - - Morley Settlement, January, 1844. - -_Thursday, February 1.--_At home: weather cold. - -[Sidenote: An Appeal to Massachusetts--Phineas Richards.] - -Phinehas Richards published a thrilling appeal to the inhabitants of -his native state of Massachusetts, to consider the wrongs sustained in -the loss of lives and property, and other damages {194} done to the -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he is a member. - -Elder Reuben Hedlock wrote to President Brigham Young, giving the names -of those who had emigrated at the expense of the office, amounting to -$2,378; which is due from the emigrants. - -_Friday, 2.--_Dr. Willard Richards called and read Phinehas Richards' -appeal to the inhabitants of Massachusetts, for redress of Missouri -grievances. - -Prayer-meeting at Elder Brigham Young's. Weather cold. - -I went into the assembly room, where I found Elders Wilford Woodruff, -Willard Richards, and W. W. Phelps, to whom I related the following -dream, which Elder Willford Woodruff reported: - - _The Prophet's Dream--Troubled Waters Overcome_. - - I was standing on a peninsula, in the midst of a vast body of water - where there appeared to be a large harbor or pier built out for - boats to come to. I was surrounded by my friends, and while looking - at this harbor I saw a steamboat approaching the harbor. There were - bridges on the pier for persons to cross, and there came up a wind - and drove the steamboat under one of the bridges and upset it. - - I ran up to the boat, expecting the persons would all drown; and - wishing to do something to assist them, I put my hand against the - side of the boat, and with one surge I shoved it under the bridge - and righted it up, and then told them to take care of themselves. - But it was not long before I saw them starting out into the channel - or main body of the water again. - - The storms were raging and the waters rough. I said to my friends - that if they did not understand the signs of the times and the - spirit of prophecy, they would be apt to be lost. - - It was but a few moments after when we saw the waves break over the - boat, and she soon foundered and went down with all on board. - - The storm and waters were still very rough; yet I told my friends - around me that I believed I could stem those waves and that storm, - and swim in the waters better than the steamboat did; at any rate I - was determined to try it. But my friends laughed at me, and told me - I could not stand at all, but would be drowned. - - {195} The waters looked clear and beautiful, though exceedingly - rough; and I said I believed I could swim, and I would try it - anyhow. They said I would drown. I said I would have a frolic in - the water first, if I did; and I drove off in the raging waves. - - I had swam but a short distance when a towering wave overwhelmed - me for a time; but I soon found myself on the top of it, and soon - I met the second wave in the same way; and for a while I struggled - hard to live in the midst of the storm and waves, and soon found I - gained upon every wave, and skimmed the torrent better; and I soon - had power to swim with my head out of water: so the waves did not - break over me at all, and I found that I had swam a great distance; - and in looking about, I saw my brother Samuel by my side. - - I asked him how he liked it. He said, "First rate," and I thought - so too. I was soon enabled to swim with my head and shoulders out - of water, and I could swim as fast as any steamboat. - - In a little time it became calm, and I could rush through the - water, and only go in to my loins, and soon I only went in to my - knees, and finally could tread on the top of the water, and went - almost with the speed of an arrow. - - I said to Samuel, See how swift I can go! I thought it was great - sport and pleasure to travel with such speed, and I awoke. - -_Saturday 13.--_Prayer-meeting in the assembly room. - -The High Council met. Did but little business. - -A rather favorable article appears in Niles' _National Register_ of -this date, noticing the correspondence between myself and John C. -Calhoun, a copy of which is contained in the political department of -the same number. - -It also notices the correspondence between myself and James Arlington -Bennett, publishing the same, with some of our city ordinances. The -editor also quotes the following from the _Hawk Eye_:-- - - _Mormon Improvements._ - - Although much complained has been made about the Mormons, we saw - on our late trip evidences of improvement on our prairies which we - consider highly creditable to the Mormons who made them, without - whom we doubt whether they would have been made for many years to - come. All those who have traveled over the large prairie between - Fort Madison, Warsaw and Carthage, remember how dreary it was a few - {196} years since. Now it is studded with houses and good farms. - The English, who understand hedging and ditching far better than - our people, have gone upon that prairie and have enclosed extensive - fields in this manner. Along the old Rock Island tract, which we - traveled seven years ago, and which was then a dreary waste, we - saw a field enclosed with a good sod fence, six miles long and one - wide. We think such enterprise is worthy to be mentioned. As long - as the Mormons are harmless, and do not interfere with the rights - of our people we think they should be treated well. We shall never - convince them that they are a deluded people, as far as their - religious notions are concerned, in any other way. - -[Sidenote: The 144,000 Selection Begun.] - -_Sunday 4.--_I attended prayer-meeting with the quorum in the assembly -room, and made some remarks respecting the hundred and forty-four -thousand mentioned by John the Revelator, showing that the selection of -persons to form that number had already commenced. - -President Brigham Young held a meeting at Brother Chamberlain's, in the -neighborhood north of the city; and Elder Wilford Woodruff, at Thomas -Kingston's, six miles east of the city. - -[Sidenote: City Council] - -_Monday 5.--_The regular session of the Municipal Court was opened in -the Mayor's office. Present, George W. Harris, George A. Smith, and N. -K. Whitney. Adjourned to the Nauvoo Mansion, on account of the severity -of the weather. I presided as Chief Justice. The assessors of the -different wards in the city presented their tax-lists, which occupied -nearly all day. The court remitted the taxes of the widows and of the -poor who were unable to pay. - -[Sidenote: Architecture of the Nauvoo Temple.] - -In the afternoon, Elder William Weeks (whom I had employed as architect -of the Temple,) came in for instruction. I instructed him in relation -to the circular windows designed to light the offices in the dead -work of the arch between stories. He said that round windows in the -broad side of a building were a violation of all the known rules of -architecture, and contended that they should be semicircular--that the -{197} building was too low for round windows. I told him I would have -the circles, if he had to make the Temple ten feet higher than it was -originally calculated; that one light at the centre of each circular -window would be sufficient to light the whole room; that when the whole -building was thus illuminated, the effect would be remarkably grand. "I -wish you to carry out _my_ designs. I have seen in vision the splendid -appearance of that building illuminated, and will have it built -according to the pattern shown me." - -[Sidenote: Originality of Bank Views.] - -Called at my office in the evening, and revised my "Views of the Powers -and Policy of the Government of the United States." I was the first one -who publicly proposed a national bank on the principles set forth in -that pamphlet. - -_Tuesday, 6.--_Very cold day. - -I spent the evening with my brother Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon, and the -Twelve Apostles and their wives, at Elder John Taylor's; took supper, -and had a very pleasant time. - -_Wednesday, 7.--_An exceedingly cold day. In the evening I met with my -brother Hyrum and the Twelve Apostles in my office, at their request, -to devise means to promote the interests of the General Government. -I completed and signed my "Views of the Powers and Policy of the -Government of the United States," which I here insert: - - _Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United - States.--Joseph Smith._ - - Born in a land of liberty, and breathing an air uncorrupted with - the sirocco of barbarous climes, I ever feel a 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 infraction, {198} - of some over-wise statute, have to be incarcerated in dungeon - gloom, or penitentiaries, while the duellist, the debauchee, and - the defaulter for millions, and other criminals, 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 nor less than - the servants of the people, 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 advantages, the - 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 justice, ensure domestic tranquility, - provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and - secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do - ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of - America," meant just what it said without reference to color or - condition, _ad infinitum_. - - The aspirations and expectations of a virtuous people, environed - with so wise, so liberal, so deep, 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 is - entrusted with as much sanctity as the prayers of the Saints are - treated in heaven, that love, confidence, and union, like the sun, - moon, and stars, should bear witness, - - "For ever 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 scheme as destitute of intrinsic merit as a wolf's heart - is of the milk of human kindness. A Frenchman would say, _"Presque - tout aimer richesses 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 {199} an independent nation, which, among many - wise provisions for obedient children under their father's more - rugged hand, had this:--"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 honored its birth, as a - pattern for wise men _to study the convenience 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 countrymen, (the illustrious - Washington,) said in his first inaugural address to Congress--"I - behold 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 interests, so, on - another, that the foundations of our national policy will be laid - in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and - the pre-eminence of free government be exemplified by all the - attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command - the respect of the world." - - Verily, here shine the virtue and wisdom of a statesman in such - lucid rays, that had every succeeding Congress followed the - rich instruction in all their deliberations and enactments, - for the benefit and convenience of the whole community and the - communities of which it is composed, no sound of a rebellion in - South Carolina, no rupture in Rhode Island, no mob in Missouri - expelling her citizens by Executive authority, corruption in - the ballot-boxes, a border warfare between Ohio and Michigan, - hard times and distress, outbreak upon outbreak in the principal - cities, murder, robbery, and defalcation, scarcity of money, and - a thousand other difficulties, would have torn asunder the bonds - of the Union, destroyed the confidence of man with 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 Washington, 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 Italian would - say--"_Buono aviso_." - - {200} The elder Adams, in his inaugural address, give 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 their rulers, - virtue in the people, and prosperity in the Union once crowded 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 country with religious toleration, temporal enjoyment, - and virtuous enterprise; and grandly, 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 presents 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 productions 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 contemplate - 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 greatness, 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 "Bluebard" is to - children, or "Crockford's" Hell of London to meek men. [1] - - When the people are secure and their rights properly respected, - then the four main pillars of prosperity--viz., agriculture, - manufactures, {201} 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 sea coast, the - productions, the timber, the minerals, and the inhabitants are - so diversified, that a pleasing variety accommodates all tastes, - trades, and calculations, it certainly is the highest point of - supervision to protect the whole northern and southern, eastern - and western, centre 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 intercourse 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 well 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 energy the other - salutary provisions in behalf of private and personal rights, and - of the freedom of the press,--so far as intention 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 reciprocation, friendly alliances, wise - legislation, and honorable treaties." - - 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 advantage 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 {202} wholesome laws well - administered. And if we look to the condition of individuals, what - a proud spectacle does it exhibit! On whom has oppression fallen - in any quarter of our Union? Who has been deprived of any right - of person or property?--who restrained from offering his vows in - the mode which he prefers to the Divine Author of his being? It - is well know that all these blessings have been enjoyed in their - fullest extent; and I add, with peculiar satisfaction, that there - has been no example of a capital punishment being inflicted on - any one for the crime of high treason." What a delightful picture - of power, policy, and prosperity! Truly the wise man's proverb is - just--Righteousness exalteth 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 Government, 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 Government under which we live; a Government - adequate to every purpose for which the social compact is formed; - a Government 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 of discord, none - to put at variance one portion of the community with another, a - Government which protects every citizen in 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 country'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 confederation. - 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 woodsman. The soil has been made to teem by the tillage - of our farmers. Our commerce has whitened every ocean. The dominion - of man over physical nature has been extended by the invention of - our artists. Liberty and law have marched hand in hand. All the - purposes of human association have been accomplished as effectively - {203} as under any other Government 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 Jackson, upon - his ascension to the great chair of the chief magistracy, 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 defending; and so long as it is worth - defending, a patriotic militia will cover it with an impenetrable - _aegis_." - - General Jackson's administration may be denominated the _acme_ of - American glory, liberty, and prosperity; for the national debt, - which in 1815, on account of the late war, was $125,000,000, and - being 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, corruption, party spirit, - faction, patronage, perquisites, fame, tangling alliances, - priestcraft, and spiritual wickedness in _high places,_ stuck hands - and revelled in midnight splendor. - - 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 centre 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 inaugural 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 {204} been already realized. But as I sincerely 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 occasion to repeat the assurances I have - heretofore given of my determination to arrest the progress of that - tendency, if it really exists, and restore the Government to its - pristine health and vigor." - - This good man died before he had the opportunity of applying one - balm to ease the pain of our groaning country, and I am willing - the nation should be the judge, whether General Harrison, in his - exalted station, upon the eve of his entrance into the world of - spirits, told the truth, or not, with acting President Tyler's - three years of perplexity, and pseudo-Whig-Democrat reign to heal - the breaches or show the wounds, _secundum artem_. - - Subsequent events, all things considered, Van Buren's downfall, - Harrison's exit, and Tyler's self-sufficient turn to the whole, go - to show-- [2] * * * _certainly there is a God in heaven to reveal - secrets_. - - No honest man can doubt for a moment but the glory of American - liberty is on the wane, and that calamity and confusion will sooner - or later destroy the peace of the people. Speculators will urge - a national bank as a savior of credit and comfort. A hireling - pseudo-priesthood will plausibly push abolition doctrines and - doings and "human rights" into Congress, and into every other place - where conquest smells of fame, or opposition swells to popularity. - Democracy, Whiggery, and cliquery will attract their elements and - foment divisions among the people, to accomplish fancied schemes - and accumulate power, while poverty, driven to despair, like hunger - forcing its way through a wall, will break through the statues of - men to save life, and mend the breach in prison glooms. - - A still higher grade of what the "nobility of nations" call "great - men" will dally with all rights in order to smuggle a fortune at - "one fell swoop," mortgage Texas, possess Oregon, and claim all the - unsettled regions of the world for hunting and trapping; and should - an humble, honest man, red, black, or white, exhibit a better - title, these gentry have only to clothe the judge with richer - ermine, and spangle the lawyer's finger with finer rings, to have - the judgment of his peers and the honor of his lords as a pattern - of honesty, virtue, and humanity, while the motto hangs on his - nation's escutcheon--"_Every man has his price_!" - - Now, O people! people! turn unto the Lord and live, and reform this - nation. Frustrate the designs of wicked men. Reduce Congress at - {205} least two-thirds. Two Senators from a State and two members - to a million of population will do more business 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 officers - 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 Legislatures 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 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 - men 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_." - - 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 him 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 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 his 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 in righteousness, and be respected - as wise and worthy on earth, and as just and holy for heaven, by - Jehovah, 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 - country, would make less distinction among the people; and more - honesty and familiarity in societies would make less hypocrisy - and flattery in all branches of the community; and open, frank, - candid decorum to all men, in this boasted land of liberty, would - beget esteem, {206} 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!"_ Oh, 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 - * * * * 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 Central 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 Central 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 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 case of invasion or rebellion. - - The governor himself may be a mobber; and instead of being - punished, as he should be, for murder or 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 _"an 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 fellowship, 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. - - {207} 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 circumnavigate the globe, draw the - lightning from the clouds, and cope with all the crowned heads of - the world. - - Then why--oh, why will a once flourishing people not arise, - phoenix-like over the cinders of Martin Van Buren's power, and - over the sinking fragments of smoking ruins of other catamount - politicians, and over the windfalls of Benton, Calhoun, Clay, - Wright, and a caravan of other equally unfortunate law doctors, - and cheerfully help to spread a plaster and bind up the _burnt, - bleeding wounds,_ of a sore but blessed country? - - 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 property. The country will - be full of money and confidence when a National Bank of twenty - millions, and a State Bank in every state, with a million or more, - gives 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 - speculating banker or broker. - - The people may have faults, but they should never be trifled with. - I think Mr. Pitt's quotation in the British Parliament of Mr. - Prior's couplet for the husband and wife, to apply to the course - which the King and ministry of England should pursue to the then - colonies of the _now_ United States, might be a genuine rule of - action for some of the _breath-made_ men in high places to use - towards the posterity of this noble, daring people:-- - - "Be to her faults a little blind; - Be to her virtues very kind." - - We have had Democratic Presidents, Whig Presidents, a - pseudo-Democratic-Whig President, and now it is time to have a - _President of the United States;_ and let the people of the whole - Union, like the inflexible Romans, whenever they find a _promise_ - made by a candidate that is not _practiced_ as an officer, hurl the - miserable sycophant from his exaltation, as God did Nebuchadnezzar, - to crop the grass of the field with a beast's heart among the - cattle. - - Mr. Van Buren said, in his inaugural address, that he went in the - Presidential chair the inflexible and uncompromising opponent of - every attempt, on the part of Congress, to abolish slavery in the - District of Columbia, against the wishes of the slave-holding - States, and also with a determination equally decided to resist the - slightest interference with it in the States where it exists. - - Poor little Matty made this rhapsodical sweep with the fact before - his eyes, that the State of New York, his native State, had - abolished {208} slavery without a struggle or a groan. Great God, - how independent! From henceforth slavery is tolerated where it - exists, constitution or no constitution, people or no people, right - or wrong_: Vox Matti! Vox Diaboli!_ And peradventure, his great - "sub-treasury" scheme was a piece of the same mind. But the man and - his measures have such a striking resemblance to the anecdote of - the Welshman and his cart-tongue, that when the Constitution was - so long that it allowed slavery at the capitol of a free people, - it could not be cut off; but when it was so short that it needed - a _sub-treasury_ to save the funds of the nation, it _could be - spliced!_ Oh, granny, granny, what a long tail our puss has got. - [3] * * * But his mighty whisk through the great national fire, for - the presidential chestnuts, _burnt the locks of his glory with the - blaze of his folly_! - - 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 - honorable means to have their prayers granted, and, give liberty - to the captive by paying the Southern gentlemen 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 request, that they might extend the mighty - efforts and enterprise of a free people from the east to the west - sea, and make the wilderness blossom as the rose. And when a - neighboring realm petitioned to join the union of liberty's sons, - 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 a universal peace. Abolish the - cruel custom of prisons (except certain cases), penitentiaries, - 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 the prisons, open the eyes, open - the ears, and open the hearts of all {209} people, to behold and - enjoy freedom--unadulterated 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. - -Footnotes: - -1. Reference is had to Crockford's famous gaming club house at No. 50 -on the west side of St. James St., London. - -2. For Explanation of Ellipses See footnote p. 75 this volume. - -3. For explanation of Ellipses See footnote p. 75 this volume. - -{210} - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -COMMENTS ON CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED -STATES--TENDERS OF PEACE TO MISSOURI--PRELIMINARY STEPS TO WESTERN -MOVEMENT OF THE CHURCH--JAMES A. BENNETT AND VICE PRESIDENCY. - -_Wednesday, February 7, 1844.--_A piece of doggerel appears in the -_Warsaw Message_ of this date, entitled "Buckeye's Lamentations for -the Want of More Wives," evidently the production of Wilson Law, and -breathing a very foul and malicious spirit. - -_Thursday, 8.--_Held Mayor's court, and tried two negroes for -attempting to marry white women: fined one $25, and the other $5. In -the evening there was a political meeting in the assembly room, when -Brother Phelps publicly read for the first time my "Views of the Powers -and Policy of the General Government." I addressed the meeting as -follows:-- - - _Views of the Prophet on His Candidacy for President of United - States_. - - I would not have suffered my name to have been used by my friends - on anywise as President of the United States, or candidate for - that office, if I and my friends could have had the privilege of - enjoying our religious and civil rights as American citizens, - even those rights which the Constitution guarantees unto all her - citizens alike. But this as a people we have been denied from the - beginning. Persecution has rolled upon our heads from time to time, - from portions of the United States, like peals of thunder, because - of our religion; and no portion of the Government as yet has - stepped forward for our relief. And in view of these things, I feel - it to be my right and privilege to obtain what influence and power - I can, lawfully, in the United States, for the {211} protection - of injured innocence; and if I lose my life in a good cause I am - willing to be sacrificed on the altar of virtue, righteousness - and truth, in maintaining the laws and Constitution of the United - States, if need be, for the general good of mankind. - -I was followed by Elders Hyde an Taylor, and a unanimous vote was taken -to maintain my political views. - -_Friday, 9--_Held Mayor's court in my dining-room on the case, -"Nauvoo _versus_ William Withers," for assault. Case withdrawn on my -recommendation. - -This evening a public meeting was held. I extract from the _Neighbor_:-- - - PUBLIC MEETING. - - On Friday, the 9th instant, a public meeting was held in the - assembly room, at which a public address of General Joseph Smith's - to the citizens of the United States was read by Judge Phelps. - The address is certainly an able document, big with meaning and - interest, clearly pointing out the way for the temporal salvation - of this Union, showing what would be our best policy, pointing out - the rocks and quick-sand where the political bark is in danger of - being wrecked, an the way to escape it, and evincing a knowledge - and foresight of our political economy worthy of the writer. - - Appropriate remarks were made by several gentlemen after the - reading of the address. - -_Saturday, 10.--_I instructed the marshal to inform Mr. Cole, who kept -a select school in the assembly room, that I must for the future have -that room for my own use. - -Prayer-meeting in the assembly room. Prayed for Sister Richards and -others, who were sick. - -A conference was held at Tuscaloosa County, Alabama: Elder John -Brown, president; and George W. Stewart, clerk. Three branches were -represented, containing nine elders, two priests, three teachers, three -deacons, and 123 members. - -_Sunday, 11.--_Snow on the ground. Thaw commenced in the afternoon. I -was at home. - -{212} _Monday, 12.--_I sat in the city council, and recommended the -repeal of the ordinances entitled "An extra ordinance for the extra -case of Joseph Smith," "An ordinance to prevent unlawful search or -seizure of persons or property, by foreign [1] process, in the city -of Nauvoo," and "An ordinance regulating the currency;" and they were -repealed accordingly. The Memorial to Congress, passed December 21, -1843, was again read, and signed by the councilors, aldermen, mayor, -recorder, and marshal. - -I instructed Councilor Orson Pratt to call all the Illinois -representatives together, and tell them our sufferings have been such -that we must have that document passed, and we _will_ have it. - -"You must go in for it. Go to John Quincy Adams and ask him to call the -delegates from Massachusetts separate from the Illinois delegation, -and demand the same. Go to Henry Clay and other prominent men. Call -public meetings in the city of Washington. Take the saloon, publish the -admittance so much per ticket, invite the members of both houses to -come and hear you, and roar upon them. You may take all my writings you -think anything of and read to them, &c., and you shall prosper in the -name of God. Amen." - -The recorder presented the report of the attendance of the city -council, from which it appears that I have sat with them eleven -sessions, from the 14th of October, 1843, to the 16th of January, 1844, -inclusive. - -Councilor Orson Pratt nominated George P. Stiles as councilor during -his absence, which was confirmed by the council. - -I burned $81 of city scrip according to ordinance. - -Thawing. Streets very dirty. - -_Tuesday, 13.--_I was at home. Settled with Theodore Turley, and gave -him the deed of a lot. - -Having received an invitation from Brother Joseph L. Heywood to visit -Quincy, I wrote him in reply:-- - - {213} _Letter:--Joseph Smith to Joseph L. Heywood--Anent a visit to - Quincy_. - - NAUVOO, February 13, 1844. - - DEAR BROTHER HEYWOOD,--I sit down at this time to acknowledge the - receipt of, and reciprocate the friendly feelings manifest in - yours of the 7th instant; and, although surrounded by a press of - business, shall take pleasure in spending a few moments to reply. - - I would take the greatest pleasure imaginable in coming down to - Quincy on a visit to see you and all my friends in your city, - would business and circumstances permit; but it would be a matter - of impossibility almost for me to leave home at the present time, - in consequence of a multitude of business which I have daily to - attend to. Moreover, wisdom and prudence seem to forbid my coming, - on account of the bitter feeling which manifests itself in various - places between this and Quincy,--not that I have any apprehensions - for my personal safety; for the same kind hand which hath hitherto - been my shield and support would save me from the power of my - wicked persecutors; but something might grow out of it which would - prompt my adversaries to get out another illegal writ, and would - eventually, probably, cost me some three or four thousand dollars, - as in other cases, and under which I have still to labor to - disadvantage. Under these considerations, therefore, I am compelled - to decline paying you a visit for the present. At the same time, in - connection with Mrs. Smith, I tender my warmest acknowledgement for - the invitation. - - I am pleased to hear of the prosperity of your branch, and hope it - will continue; for, although I never feel to force my doctrine upon - any person; I rejoice to see prejudice give way to truth, and the - traditions of men dispersed by the pure principles of the Gospel of - Jesus Christ. - - I should be please to have the privilege of forming an acquaintance - with your partner, Mr. Kimball, and his lady; and should they ever - come up this way, I hope they will call and see me. - - As respects things in Nauvoo, I have nothing to say but good. - Although the mobocrats of this county breathe out their shame with - a continual foam, and threaten extermination, &c., the citizens - of Nauvoo are at peace; they fear no danger, for the report of - mobs has become so common, that the "Mormons" pay no attention to - it whatever. Each man minds his own business, and all are making - improvements as fast as they can. In fact, things in general seem - prosperous and pleasing; and I never saw a better feeling amongst - the Saints than at the present time. - - My family have been somewhat sick of late, and continue so, - especially my youngest boy. - - {214} Accept, dear sir, the warmest respects of myself and Mrs. - Smith, and please present the same to your lady. In the meantime I - remain your friend and brother, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -President Brigham Young returned from Bear creek settlements, where he -had been preaching for the last few days. - -_Wednesday, 14.--_At home through the day. In the evening the assembly -room was filled by the brethren, when my "Views of the Powers and -Policy of the Government of the United States" was again read. I -afterwards spoke on the same subject at a considerable length. - -_Thursday, 15.--_At home. A beautiful day. - -I insert the following article from the _Times and Seasons_:-- - - WHO SHALL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT? - - This is an inquiry which to us as a people is a matter of the most - paramount importance, and requires our most serious, calm, and - dispassionate reflection. Executive power, when correctly wielded, - is a great blessing to the people of this great commonwealth, and - forms one of the firmest pillars of our confederation. It watches - the interests of the whole community with a fatherly care; it - wisely balances the other legislative powers when over-heated by - party spirit or sectional feeling; it watches with jealous care our - interests and commerce with foreign nations, and gives tone and - efficacy to legislative enactments. - - The President stands at the head of these United States, and is the - mouth-piece of this vast republic. If he be a man of an enlightened - mind and a capacious soul,--if he be a virtuous man, a statesman, - a patriot, and a man of unflinching integrity,--if he possess - the same spirit that fired the souls of our venerable sires, who - founded this great commonwealth, and wishes to promote the good - of the whole republic, he may indeed be made a blessing to the - community. - - But if he prostrates his high and honorable calling to base and - unworthy purposes,--if he make use of the power which the people - have placed in his hands for their interests to gratify his - ambition, for the purpose of self-aggrandizement or pecuniary - interest,--if he meanly pander with demagogues, loses sight of the - interest of the nation, and {215} sacrifice the Union on the altar - of sectional interests or party views, he renders himself unworthy - of the dignified trust reposed in him, debases the nation in the - eyes of the civilized world, and produces misery and confusion at - home. "When the wicked rule, the people mourn." - - There is perhaps no body of people in the United States who - are at the present time more interested about the issue of the - presidential contest than are the Latter-day Saints. And our - situation in regard to the two great political parties is a most - novel one. It is a fact well understood that we have suffered great - injustice from the State of Missouri, that we have petitioned to - the authorities of that state for redress in vain, that we have - also memorialized Congress under the late administration, and have - obtained the heartless reply that "Congress has no power to redress - your grievances." - - After having taken all the legal and constitutional steps that - we can, we are still groaning under accumulated wrongs. Is there - no power anywhere to redress our grievances? Missouri lacks the - disposition and Congress lacks both the disposition and power (?); - and thus fifteen thousand inhabitants of these United States can - with impunity be dispossessed of their property; have their houses - burned, their property confiscated, many of their numbers murdered, - and the remainder driven from their homes and left to wander as - exiles in this boasted land of freedom and equal rights; and after - appealing again and again to the legally-constituted authorities of - our land for redress, we are coolly told by our highest tribunals, - "We can do nothing for you." - - We have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars into the coffers - of Congress for their lands, and they stand virtually pledged to - defend us in our rights, but they have not done it. If a man steals - a dollar from his neighbor, or steals a horse or a hog, he [the - neighbor] can obtain redress; but we have been robbed by wholesale, - the most daring murders have been committed, and we are coolly - told that we can obtain no redress. If a steamboat is set on fire - on our coast by foreigners, even when she is engaged in aiding - and abetting the enemies of that power, it becomes a matter of - national interference and legislation; or if a foreigner, as in the - case of McLeod, is taken on our land and tried for supposed crimes - committed by him against our citizens, his nation interferes, - and it becomes a matter of negotiation and legislation. But our - authorities can calmly look on and see the citizens of a county - butchered with impunity: they can see two counties dispossessed - of their inhabitants, their houses burned, and their property - confiscated; and when the cries of fifteen thousand men women and - children salute their ears, they deliberately tell us that we can - obtain no redress. - - Hear it, therefore, ye mobbers! Proclaim it to all the scoundrels - in {216} the Union! Let a standard be erected around which shall - rally all the renegades of the land: assemble yourselves and rob at - pleasure; murder till you are satiated with blood; drive men, women - and children from their homes: there is no law to protect them, and - Congress has no power to redress their grievances; and the great - father of the Union (the President) has not got an ear to listen to - their complaints. - - What shall we do under this state of things? In the event of either - of the prominent candidates, Van Buren or Clay, obtaining the - presidential chair, we should not be placed in any better situation. - - In speaking of Mr. Clay, his politics are diametrically opposed to - ours. He inclines strongly to the old school of Federalists, and - as a matter of course would not favor our cause, neither could we - conscientiously vote for him. And we have yet stronger objections - to Mr. Van Buren on other grounds. He has sung the old song of - Congress--"Congress has no power to redress your grievances." - - But did the matter rest here, it would not be so bad. He was in - the presidential chair at the time of our former difficulties. We - appealed to him on that occasion, but we appealed in vain, and his - sentiments are yet _unchanged_. - - But all these things are tolerable in comparison to what we have - yet to state. We have been informed from a respectable source that - there is an understanding between Mr. Benton, of Missouri, and Mr. - Van Buren, and a conditional compact entered into, that if Mr. - Benton will use his influence to get Mr. Van Buren elected, Van - Buren when elected, shall use his executive influence to wipe away - the stain from Missouri by a further persecution of the "Mormons," - and wreaking out vengeance on their heads, either by extermination - or by some other summary process. We could scarcely credit the - statement; and we hope yet, for the sake of humanity, that the - suggestion is false: but we have too good reason to believe that we - are correctly informed. - - If, then, this is the case, can we conscientiously vote for a man - of this description, and put the weapons into his hands to cut our - throat with? We cannot. And however much we might wish to sustain - the Democratic nomination, we cannot--we will not vote for Van - Buren. Our interests, our property, our lives, and the lives of our - families are too dear to us to be sacrificed at the shrine of party - spirit and to gratify party feelings. We have been sold once in the - State of Missouri, and our liberties bartered away by political - demagogues, through executive intrigue, and we wish not to be - betrayed again by Benton and Van Buren. - - Under these circumstances, the question again arises, Whom shall - we support? GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH--a man of sterling worth and - integrity and of enlarged views--a man who has raised himself - from {217} the humblest walks in life to stand at the head of a - large, intelligent, respectable, and increasing society, that has - spread not only in this land, but in distant nations,--a man whose - talents and genius are of an exalted nature, and whose experience - has rendered him in every way adequate to the onerous duty. - Honorable, fearless, and energetic, he would administer justice - with an impartial hand, and magnify and dignify the office of Chief - Magistrate of this land; and we feel assured that there is not a - man in the United States more competent for the task. - - One great reason that we have for pursuing our present course is, - that at every election we have been made a political target for - the filthy demagogues in the country to shoot their loathsome - arrows at. And every story has been put into requisition to blast - our fame from the old fabrication of "walk on the water" down to - "the murder of ex-Governor Boggs." The journals have teemed with - this filthy trash, and even men who ought to have more respect - for themselves--men contending for the gubernatorial chair have - made use of terms so degrading, so mean, so humiliating, that a - Billingsgate fisherwoman would have considered herself disgraced - with. We refuse any longer to be thus bedaubed for either party. - We tell all such to let their filth flow in its own legitimate - channel, for we are sick of the loathsome smell. - - Gentlemen, we are not going either to "murder ex-Governor Boggs, - nor a Mormon in this state for not giving us his money," nor are we - going to "walk on the water," "nor drown a woman," nor "defraud the - poor of their property," nor send "destroying angels after General - Bennett to kill him," nor "marry spiritual wives," nor commit any - other outrageous act this election to help any party with. You must - get some other persons to perform these kind offices for you for - the future. We withdraw. - - Under existing circumstances, we have no other alternative; and - if we can accomplish our object, well: if not, we shall have the - satisfaction of knowing that we have acted conscientiously, and - have used our best judgment. And if we have to throw away our - votes, we had better do so upon a worthy rather than upon an - unworthy individual, who might make use of the weapon we put in his - hand to destroy us with. - - Whatever may be the opinions of men in general in regard to Mr. - Smith, we know that he needs only to be known to be admired; and - that it is the principles of honor, integrity, patriotism, and - philanthropy that have elevated him in the minds of his friends; - and the same principles, if seen and known, would beget the esteem - and confidence of all the patriotic and virtuous throughout the - Union. - - Whatever, therefore, be the opinions of other men, our course is - marked out, and our motto henceforth will be--_General Joseph - Smith_. - -{218} _Friday, 16.--_At home. This evening I spent two hours in the -office. Settled with Brother Whitney; gave him deed of several town -lots, and took his receipt in full. - -_Saturday, 17.--_I wrote the following article:-- - - PACIFIC INUENDO. - - The very candid, pacific, and highly creditable _advice_ which - Governor Ford has done himself the honor to address to "the - citizens of Hancock county, Mormons and all," and which appears - in the _Warsaw Signal_ of the 14th instant, is like the balm of - Gilead, well calculated to ease the pain which has troubled the - heads and hearts of the Carthaginians, Warsawvians, and other - over-jealous bodies for _weal and woe_. - - It certainly must be admitted, on all hands, that Governor Ford - has exalted himself as a mediator, patriot, lawyer, governor, - peacemaker, and friend of all, not only to magnify the law and make - it honorable, but also in pointing out the part of peace. - - Such is what the Latter-day Saints have ever sought at the hands of - those in authority; and with an approving conscience clear as the - crystal spring, and with a laudable intention warm as the summer - zephyr, and with a charitable prayer mellow as the morning dew, it - is now our highest consolation to hope that all difficulties will - cease, and give way to reason, sense, peace, and goodwill. - - The Saints, if they will be humble and wise, can now practice what - they preach, and soften by good examples, rather than harden by a - distant course of conduct, the hearts of the people. - - For general information, it may be well to say that there has - never been any cause for alarm as to the Latter-day Saints. The - legislature of Illinois granted a liberal charter for the City of - Nauvoo; and let every honest man in the Union who has any knowledge - of her say whether she has not flourished beyond the most sanguine - anticipations of all. And while they witness her growing glory, - let them solemnly testify whether Nauvoo has willfully injured the - country, county, or a single individual one cent. - - With the strictest scrutiny publish the facts, whether a particle - of law has been evaded or broken: virtue and innocence need no - artificial covering. Political views and party distinctions never - should disturb the harmony of society; and when the whole truth - comes before a virtuous people, we are willing to abide the issue. - - We will here refer to the three last dismissals upon writs - of _habeas corpus,_ of Joseph Smith, when arrested under the - requisitions of Missouri. - - The first, in June, 1841, was tried at Monmouth, before Judge - Douglas, of the fifth judicial circuit: and as no exceptions have - been {219} taken to that decision by the state of Missouri--but - Missouri previously entered a _nolle prosequi_ on all the old - indictments against the Mormons in the difficulties of 1838--it is - taken and granted that decision was just! - - The second, in December, 1842, was tried at Springfield before - Judge Pope in the U. S. District Court; and from that honorable - discharge, as no exceptions from any source have been made to those - proceedings, it follows as a matter of course that that decision - was just! - - And the third, in July, 1843, was tried at the city of Nauvoo, - before the Municipal Court of said city; and as no exceptions to - that discharge have been taken, and as the governor says there is - "evidence on the other side to show that the sheriff of Lee county - _voluntarily_ carried Mr. Reynolds (who had Mr. Smith in custody,) - to the city of Nauvoo without any coercion on the part of any one," - it must be admitted that that decision was just! - - But is any man unconvinced of the justness of these strictures - relative to the two last cases, let the astounding fact go forth, - that _Orrin Porter Rockwell,_ whom Boggs swore was the principal in - his [attempted] assassination, and as accessory to which Mr. Smith - was arrested, has returned home, "clear of sin." In fact, there was - not a witness to get up an indictment against him. - - The Messrs. Averys, who were unlawfully transported out of this - state, have returned to their families in peace; and there seems to - be no ground for contention, no cause for jealousy, and no excuse - for a surmise that any man, woman, or child will suffer the least - inconvenience from General Smith, the charter of Nauvoo, the city - of Nauvoo, or even any of her citizens. - - There is nothing for a bone of contention! Even those ordinances - which appeared to excite the feeling of some people have recently - been repealed; so that if the "intelligent" inhabitants of Hancock - county want peace, want to abide by the Governor's advice, want to - have a character at home, and really mean to follow the Savior's - golden rule, "To do unto others as they would wish others to do - unto them," they will be still now, and let their own works praise - them in the gates of justice and in the eyes of the surrounding - world. Wise men ought to have understanding enough to conquer men - with kindness. - - "A soft answer turneth away wrath," says the wise man; and it - will be greatly to the credit of the Latter-day Saints to show - the love of God, by now kindly treating those who may have, in an - unconscious moment, done wrong; for truly said Jesus, Pray for - thine enemies. - - Humanity towards all, reason and refinement to enforce virtue, and - good for evil are so eminently designed to cure more disorders of - society than an appeal to arms, or even argument untempered with - friendship, {220} and the one thing needful that no vision for the - future, guide-board for the distant, or expositor for the present, - need trouble any one with what he ought to do. - - His own good, his family's good, his neighbor's good, his country's - good, and all good seem to whisper to every person--The governor - has told you what to do. Now do it. - - The constitution expects every man to do his duty; and when he - fails the law urges him; or should he do too much, the same master - rebukes him. - - Should reason, liberty, law, light, and philanthropy now guide the - destinies of Hancock county with as much sincerity as has been - manifested for her notoriety or welfare, there can be no doubt that - peace, prosperity, and happiness will prevail, and that future - generations as well as the present one will call Governor Ford _a - peacemaker._ The Latter-day Saints will, at all events, and profit - by the instruction, and call upon honest men to help them cherish - all the love, all the friendship, all the courtesy, all the kindly - feelings, and all the generosity that ought to characterize clever - people in a clever neighborhood, and leave candid men to judge - which tree exhibits the best fruit--the one with the most clubs and - sticks thrown into its boughs and the grass trodden down under it, - or the one with no sticks in it, some dead limbs, and rank grass - growing under it; for by their signs ye can know their fruit, and - by the fruit ye know the trees. - - Our motto, then, is Peace with all! If we have joy in the love of - God, let us try to give a reason of that joy, which all the world - cannot gainsay or resist. And may be, like as when Paul started - with recommendations to Damascus to persecute the Saints, some one - who has raised his hand against us with letters to men in high - places may see a light at noonday, above the brightness of the sun, - and hear the voice of Jesus saying, "It is hard for thee to kick - against the pricks." - - Intelligence is sometimes the messenger of safety. And, willing to - aid the governor in his laudable endeavors to cultivate peace and - honor the laws, believing that very few of the citizens of Hancock - county will be found in the negative of such a goodly course, and - considering his views a kind of manifesto, or olive leaf, which - shows that there is rest for the soles of the Saints' feet we give - it a place in the _Neighbor,_ wishing it God speed, and saying, - God bless good men and good measures! And as Nauvoo has been, so - it will continue to be, a good city, affording a good market to - a good country; and let those who do not mean to try the way of - transgressors, say "Amen." - -The High Council met and settled several cases of difficulty betwixt -brethren. - -[Sidenote: Anti-Mormon Convention at Carthage.] - -{221} The Anti-Mormons held a convention at Carthage, the object being -to devise ways and means of expelling the Saints from the State. Among -other resolutions was one appointing the 9th of March next as the day -of fasting and prayer, wherein the pious of all orders are requested -to pray to Almighty God that He would speedily bring the false Prophet -Joseph Smith to deep repentance, or that He will make a public example -of him and his leading accomplices. - -The ice broke up in the river. - -_Sunday, 18.--_Beautiful day. Southwest wind. - -A very large assembly of the Saints met at the stand, near the Temple, -when I preached a lengthy discourse. - -Four p.m., went to my office with Hyrum and two gentlemen from St. -Louis. Heard Dr. Richards read my correspondence with Senator Calhoun, -and Phelps read my "Views of the Power and Policy of the General -Government." - -At seven, attended prayer-meeting in the assembly room. - -_Monday, 19.--_At nine a.m. went to my office with Dr. Bernhisel, who -proposed some alterations in my views of the government. Phelps read -the same, and the doctor seemed better pleased with it than before. - - _To the Editor of the Neighbor_:-- - - SIR,--I wish to say to you, as there seems to be a prospect of - peace, that it will be more love-like, more God-like, and man-like, - to say nothing about the _Warsaw Signal_. - - If the editor breathes out that old sulphurous blast, let him go - and besmear his reputation and the reputation of those that uphold - him with soot and dirt, but as for us and all honest men, we will - act well our part, for there the honor lies. - - We will honor the advice of Governor Ford, cultivate peace and - friendship with all, mind our own business, and come off with - flying colors, respected, because, in respecting others, we respect - ourselves. - - Respectfully, I am - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -A conference was held in Halifax, Halifax county, {222} Nova Scotia, -Elder Robert Dickson, president. Two branches were represented, -consisting of thirty members, three elders, one priest, one teacher, -and two deacons. - -The wild geese commenced flying north. - -[Sidenote: Delegation from Lyman Wight on Indian Affairs.] - -_Tuesday, 20.--_At ten a.m. went to my office, where the Twelve -Apostles and some others met in council with Brothers Mitchell Curtis -and Stephen Curtis who left the pinery on Black River, 1st January. -They were sent by Lyman Wight and Bishop Miller to know whether Lyman -should preach to the Indians, the Menominees and Chippeways having -requested it. - -The Chippeways had given Brother Wight some wampum as a token of peace, -and the brethren had given them half a barrel of flour and an ox to -keep the Indians from starving, and Wight had gone through to Green Bay -with them to make a road. - -I told them to tell Brother Wight I had no counsel to give him on -the subject. He is there on his own ground and must act on his own -responsibility, and do what he thinks best in relation to the Indians, -understanding the laws and nature of the subject as well as I can here, -and he shall never be brought into difficulty about it by us. - -[Sidenote: Western Movement for the Church Contemplated] - -I instructed the Twelve Apostles to send out a delegation and -investigate the locations of California and Oregon, and hunt out a good -location, where we can remove to after the temple is completed, and -where we can build a city in a day, and have a government of our own, -get up into the mountains, where the devil cannot dig us out, and live -in a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have a mind to. - -Warm. The ice floating down the river. - -[Sidenote: A Wolf Hunt Called for Hancock Co.] - -A meeting of the citizens of Hancock county was held at the court-house -in Carthage. Passed a resolution that the second Saturday of March be -appointed for a general wolf-hunt, being the same day {223} selected by -the convention of the 17th instant for a day of fasting and prayer for -my destruction. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet on the Necessity of Complete Obedience to God.] - -_Wednesday 21.--_The Rev. Mr. De Wolfe, Episcopalian, lectured in the -assembly room in the evening. I attended and, after the sermon, at his -request, spoke to the people, showing them that to get salvation we -must not only do some things, but everything which God has commanded. -Men may preach and practice everything except those things which God -commands us to do, and will be damned at last. We may tithe mint and -rue, and all manner of herbs, and still not obey the commandments of -God. The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in -just what He tells us to do. It mattereth not whether the principle is -popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if -I stand alone in it. - -My _Pacific Inuendo_, written on the 17th instant, appeared in the -_Neighbor_ of to-day, in connection with Governor Ford's letter of the -29th of January. - -Ice left the west bank of the river, opposite the lower brick house. - -Very warm and pleasant. - -Council of the Twelve met in my office. I insert the minutes:-- - - _Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve_. - - At a meeting of the Twelve, at the mayor's office, Nauvoo, February - 21, 1844, seven o'clock, p.m., Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, - Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, - Willard Richards and four others being present, called by previous - notice, by instruction of President Joseph Smith on the 20th - instant, for the purpose of selecting a company to explore Oregon - and California, and select a site for a new city for the Saints. - - Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley, and David - Fullmer, volunteered to go; and Alphonzo Young, James Emmett, - George D. Watt, and Daniel Spencer were requested to go. - - Voted the above persons to be notified to meet with the council on - Friday evening next, at the assembly room, - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk. - -{224} _Thursday, 22.--_At home. - -Ice continues to run in the river. Very pleasant, cool nights. - -_Friday, 23.--_W. W. Phelps received a letter from John Whitmer in -relation to certain records, and a book containing some of the early -history of the Church which had been written by my clerks, and was -Church property, and which had been fraudulently detained from my -possession by John Whitmer; to which Dr. Richards replied. - -[Sidenote: The Western Exploring Equipment.] - -Met with the Twelve in the assembly room concerning the Oregon and -California Exploring Expedition; Hyrum and Sidney present. I told them -I wanted an exploration of all that mountain country. Perhaps it would -be best to go direct to Santa Fe. "Send twenty-five men: let them -preach the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise -$500, a good horse and mule, a double barrel gun, one-barrel rifle, -and the other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving -pistols, bowie-knife, and a good sabre. Appoint a leader, and let them -beat up for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a -priest. When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God; -when with the savage nations have power to govern, &c. If we don't get -volunteers, wait till after the election." - -George D. Watt said, "Gentlemen, I shall go." Samuel Bent, Joseph A. -Kelting, David Fullmer, James Emmett, Daniel Spencer, Samuel Rolfe, -Daniel Avery, and Samuel W. Richards, volunteered to go. - -_Saturday, 24.--_At home. Had an interview with Brother Phelps at nine -o'clock. - -Seth Palmer, Amos Fielding, Charles Shumway, and John S. Fullmer -volunteered to go to Oregon and California. - -Fifteen hundred copies of my "Views" out of press. - -Very pleasant the past two weeks; the pleasantest February I ever saw. - -{225} President Brigham Young went to Knowlton's settlement on Bear -creek, and preached. - -_Sunday, 25.--_I preached at the temple block. Hyrum also preached. - -[Sidenote: A Prophecy of Deliverance of the Saints] - -Evening, I attended prayer-meeting in the assembly room, We prayed that -"General Joseph Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the United -States," might be spread far and wide, and be the means of opening -the hearts of the people. I gave some important instructions, and -prophesied that within five years we should be out of the power of our -old enemies, whether they were apostates or of the world; and told the -brethren to record it, that when it comes to pass they need not say -they had forgotten the saying. - -Some rain in the evening; cloudy and foggy. - -_Monday, 26.--_At home. A cold wind from the north. Rainy, dull day. - -[Sidenote: The Case of Botswick Slander of Hyrum Smith.] - -In the afternoon, held court at the Mansion. City of Nauvoo _versus_ -Orsimus F. Botswick, on complaint of Hyrum Smith for slanderous -language concerning him and certain females of Nauvoo. Botswick was -fined $50 and costs. Francis M. Higbee, his attorney, gave notice he -should appeal to the municipal court, and then to the circuit court. I -told Higbee what I thought of him for trying to carry such a suit to -Carthage--it was to stir up the mob and bring them upon us. - -Prayer-meeting in the assembly room in the afternoon. My uncle John -Smith and lady were present, were anointed, and received blessings; and -in the evening Father Morley was also blessed. - -Ira S. Miles volunteered to join the mountain exploring expedition. - -_Tuesday, 27,--_At home, Cool and clear. River clear of ice. - -In the afternoon, visited the printing office. - -Mailed my "Views of Powers and Policy," &c., to the {226} President -and cabinet, supreme judges, senators, representatives, principal -newspapers in the United States, (all the German), and many postmasters -and individuals. - -Almon L. Fullmer and Hosea Stout volunteered to go on the Western -Exploring Expedition. - -_Wednesday, 28.--_At home. Rainy day. - -At four, p.m., steamboat _General Brooke_ passed up the river: first -boat this season. No ice in sight. - -In the evening I sent Brother Coolidge to Brother Phelps, to call the -brethren and pray for Brother Coolidge's sick child, as he thought it -could not live till morning. Elder John Taylor and others prayed for -him. - -Dr. Alphonzo Young published an appeal to his native state of -Tennessee, giving a history of our Missouri troubles, and asking the -influence of that state to obtain redress. - -The _Neighbor_ of to-day publishes the following:-- - - FOR PRESIDENT, JOSEPH SMITH. - - Having now raised the name of our General and Prophet to the - head of our columns, it becomes us, as Latter day Saints, to be - prudent and energetic in the cause that we pursue, and not let any - secondary influences control our minds or govern our proceedings. - - The step that we have taken is a bold one, and requires our united - efforts, perseverance, and diligence; but important as it may be, - it is no greater than others have taken, and they have conceived - that they had a right, without molestation, to pursue that course, - and to vote for that man whose election they in their wisdom - thought would be most conducive to the public weal. - - As American citizens, then we presume that all will concede to us - this right; and whatever may be their views respecting the policy - of such a step, they will acknowledge that we act legally, justly, - and constitutionally in pursuing our present course. - - Some have nominated Henry Clay, some Colonel Johnson, others John - C. Calhoun, others Daniel Webster, and others Martin Van Buren. - - Those several committees, unquestionably thought that they had - each of them made the wisest selection in naming the man of their - choice. They selected their several candidates because they - thought they were the wisest, the greatest statesmen, and the - most competent to {227} fill the presidential chair, whilst they - severally thought that the other candidates were incompetent. - - We have governed by the same principles; and if others think they - have made the wisest selection, so do we. If others think they - have nominated the greatest statesman, so do we; and while those - several committees think that none of the nominations made are so - good as their own, we think that the man of our choice is the most - able, the most competent, the best qualified, and would fill the - Presidential chair with greater dignity to the nation; and that his - election would be conducive of more happiness and prosperity at - home and abroad than that of any other man in these United States. - - This is a thing that we, as Latter-day Saints, know; and it now - devolves upon us as an imperative duty to make others acquainted - with the same things, and to use all our influence at home and - abroad for the accomplishment of this object. - - Mr. Smith is not so generally known personally as are several of - the above-named candidates; and although he has been much spoken of - as a man, he has been a great deal calumniated and misrepresented, - and his true character is very little known. - - It is for us to take away this false coloring; and by lecturing, - by publishing, and circulating his works, his political views, his - honor, integrity and virtue, to stop the foul mouth of slander, and - present him before the public in his own colors, that he may be - known, respected, and supported. - -Thomas S. Edwards volunteered to join the exploring expedition to the -Rocky Mountains. - -[Sidenote: A Reply Sketched to Cassius M. Clay.] - -_Thursday, 29.--_Called at my office, and gave Brother Phelps the -_Zanesville Gazette_ of January 31, containing the speech of Cassius -M. Clay, delivered in Scott county, Kentucky, December 30, 1843, on -annexing Texas to the United States; and instructed him to reply to the -same, and gave him the subject matter, and directed the manner I wished -it done; and then rode out with Porter Rockwell. - -The steamer _Ohio_ went up the river. - -Moses Smith and Rufus Beach volunteered to join the Oregon exploring -expedition. - -_Friday, March 1.--_Very frosty night; showery day, west wind. - -Spent the day in counseling. - -{228} Letters from the elders show a rapid progress of the work of the -Lord in different parts of the Union. Elder John E. Page has gone to -Washington for the purpose of proclaiming to the rulers of our nation -the principles of eternal truth. By a letter received from him, we -learn he has been preaching and baptizing in Boston and vicinity. - - _The High Council to the Saints in Nauvoo_. - - _The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints at Nauvoo to the Saints of this [Nauvoo] Stake, greeting_. - - BELOVED BRETHREN,--Realizing as we do, the importance of the work - in which we are engaged, we deem it expedient to lay before you - such matters from time to time as in our opinion will be beneficial - to the Saints, and the spirit in us may seem to require. - - We would remind our brethren, the elders, who have at sundry times - been sent forth as flaming heralds, messengers of the everlasting - Gospel, who proclaim a message of salvation to their fellow-men, - thereby gathering and bringing up to Zion the scattered elect of - God, to be taught more perfectly he principles of salvation; that - whilst their message is abroad we have had our mission to remain - at Nauvoo and to participate with the Saints in the blessing of - poverty, if such it may be called; amid sickness and distress, in - the vexations and turmoils of the unruly and ungodly, for which - no man has paid us, for days, weeks, months, and years; that our - time has been spent in endeavoring to settle difficulties, set in - order the things needful to salvation; in trying to reconcile and - cement the feelings of our brethren to each other in the spirit of - the Gospel; whilst at times, circumstances of a more painful nature - have been presented. - - Individuals have been brought before us charged with high crimes in - violation of the laws of heaven, on whom much patient exertion in - the labors of love have by us been bestowed, to reclaim them from - the error and evil of their doings. - - We regret to have it to say that in some instances our efforts have - been fruitless; for after we have found in them an obstinate and - unyielding spirit to the principles of right, we have (reluctantly) - been compelled to sever them from the Church as withered branches. - - Such persons not unfrequently manifest their wickedness by their - trifling with and bidding defiance to all and every good rule, - regulation and law, set forth for the guidance of all Saints. - - One single trait of their depravity is frequently manifested by - their going to some ignorant elder and getting re-baptized into the - Church, {229} not having first made the least satisfaction (as was - required) to such as they have injured. - - We have to say that baptism in such cases is not valid and cannot - profit. We here continue to say; let such expelled person first be - reconciled to his injured brother, and bring forth fruit mete for - repentance; or, in case of dissatisfaction with our decision, take - an appeal and reverse it, if found wrong. - - Expelled persons not complying with these rules (which are in - accordance with the order of heaven), whom we have been once - necessitated to withdraw fellowship from, cannot be restored in any - illegal way; and we would say that all such clandestine entering - into the Church is climbing up some other way, and that such - persons can only be considered as thieves and robbers. We would - also remind the elders that it is improper for them to re-baptize - any such expelled persons while they remain thus obstinate; and - that it will subject them to censure, and bring them to trial - before a proper tribunal of the Church. - - We therefore hope, for the future, that certain officious, - forward-feeling elders will be more prudent in such cases hereafter. - - We remain yours in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant, - - WILLIAM MARKS, - - CHARLES C. RICH, - - Presidents. - - Samuel Bent, L. Dunbar Wilson, - - David Fullmer, Thomas Grover, - - Newell Knight, Leonard Soby, - - James Allred, Alpheus Cutler, - - George W. Harris, Aaron Johnson, - - William Huntington, Sen., Henry G. Sherwood, - - Counselors. - - Hosea Stout, Clerk. - -The _Times and Seasons_ of March 1st presents my name to the public as -candidate for president of the United States. - -Jonathan Dunham filed his bonds with the recorder, and took the oath of -office as wharf-master of the city of Nauvoo. - -Elder Wilford Woodruff very sick; the 37th anniversary of his birthday. - -_Saturday, 2.--_Ten a.m. held Mayor's court. Reproved Elder S. B. -Stoddard for giving appearance of evil in attempting to be bail for -Orsimus F. Boswick. Brother Stoddard afterwards explained to my -satisfaction. - -{230} President Brigham Young visited Macedonia, accompanied by his -brother, L. D. Young, and preached there on the Sabbath. - -_Sunday, 3.--_Ground covered with snow. Attended prayer-meeting in the -evening. - -_Monday, 4.--_I suggested the name of James Arlington Bennett, of Long -Island, as a candidate for Vice-President. - -At early candle-light, the First Presidency, Twelve Apostles, temple -committee, and others, met in council. - -I insert the minutes. - - _Minutes of a Council Meeting--Twelve and Temple Committee_. - - George Coray came in, and said he was sent by Lyman Wight to get - sheep, &c, to carry to the Pine country, to receipt for them, or - agree to pay lumber. - - President Joseph suggested that it was best to let the Nauvoo House - remain as it is until the temple is completed, as we need the - temple more than anything else. - - Elder Haws said there was some dissatisfaction about being sent - from the Pinery without accounts, &c., and could not have credit on - tithing, and one month at the Pinery is only called fifteen days - here. - - President Joseph told them that they should have their number of - days in full. "We will let the Nauvoo house stand until the temple - is done, and we will put all our forces on the Temple, turn our - lumber towards the Temple, and cover it in this fall, and sell the - remainder to get blasting powder, fuse, rope, steel, &c." - - And when the temple is completed, no man shall pass the threshold - till he has paid five dollars; and every stranger shall pay five - dollars towards liquidating the cash debts on the Temple, and I - will not have the house dirtied. - - Let Woodworth go to the pinery, take the things wanted, and bring - back the lumber, and his wages go on as usual. - - Let a special conference be called on the 6th of April, and all - the elders called home who can come. Let the people of this city - come together on Thursday, at nine o'clock in the morning. After - two or three lectures, we will call on the people to fill up the - boxes with liberal contributions, to procure cash materials for the - temple. - -I instructed a letter to be written to James Arlington {231} Bennett to -consult him on the subject of nominating him for Vice-President. I here -insert the letter:-- - - _Letter--Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennett--The Matter of - Bennett Becoming Candidate for Vice-President of U. S_. - - NAUVOO, March 4, 1844. - - DEAR GENERAL,--Yours of the 1st of February, was duly received, and - produced the most pleasing sensations among your friends here, and - especially with the Prophet, who said, "Tell General Bennett I am - perfectly satisfied with his explanation; and as to _temper,_ I had - not even thought of it." - - You suggest that Brother Joseph's correspondence with Mr. Calhoun - would appear in some degree to contradict the noble sentiments - expressed in that able document to yourself; but if you will notice - that his communication to you was written as an individual, and - that to Mr. Calhoun as the voice of the people he represents, - I think you will discover no discrepancy; but if so, tell me - particulars without delay, and you shall have an explanation. - - I have recently mailed to you General Smith's "Views of the - Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States," which - were drawn forth in consequence of his friends selecting him as - a candidate for the next Presidency, which he very reluctantly - acquiesced in, and it seems would not, only to support a favorite - maxim_--"The people must govern;"_ but having once been prevailed - upon to suffer his name to go abroad as a candidate, it is - desirable to him of course, as to every patriot, that those who - have brought him forward should use all honorable means to sustain - him in the canvass; and if I had not felt disposed to uphold him - before the people, I never would have been the first to urge - his nomination; and during the short space since his name has - been published, his friends have been astonished at the flood of - influence that is rolling through the Western States in his favor, - and in many instances where we might have least expected it. - - I need not assert what the wisest of the wise admit without - argument--that General Smith is the greatest statesman of the - 19th century. Then why should not the nation secure to themselves - his superior talents, that they may rise higher and higher in the - estimation of the crowned heads of the nations and exalt themselves - through his wisdom? - - Your friends here consider your letter about the Governorship of - Illinois just like every man in your quarter, mere sport, child's - sport; for who would stoop to the play of a single State, when the - whole nation was on the board?--a cheaper game! - - General Smith says, if he must be President, Arlington Bennett - must be Vice-President. To this his friends are agreed--agreed in - everything; and in this consists our power: consequently, your - name will {232} appear in our next paper as our candidate for - Vice-President of the United States. You will receive our undivided - support, and we expect the same in return for General Smith for - the Presidency; and we will go it with the rush of a whirlwind, so - peaceful, so gentle, that it will not be felt by the nation till - the battle is won. - - Dear General, if glory, honor, force, and power in righteous - principles are desired by you, now is your time. You are safe in - following the counsel of that man who holds communion with heaven; - and I assure you, if you act well your part, victory's the prize. - - Brother Arlington, look well to "General Smith's Views," and his - letter to Calhoun, and comprehend him fully. Say to the _New York - Herald,_ now is the time for your exaltation; raise your standard - high, sound your trumpet long and loud, support General Smith and - myself at the next election; and when we are exalted, you shall not - be forgotten. - - Hold forth no false shadows to honest men; yet though there is but - one best piece to the fatted calf, yet there are many good slices; - therefore you will not forget the _"Advertiser," "Niles Register," - "Globe,"_ &c., &c. - - Get up an electoral ticket--New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and - any other state within your reach. Open your mouth wide, and God - shall fill it. Cut your quill, and the ink shall flow freely. - - Commence at your own mansion and stay not, only for electioneering - purposes, till by some popular route you reach Nauvoo; and if you - preach Mormonism it will help you. At every stage, tavern, boat and - company, expose the wickedness of Martinism in saying, if he is - elected President, he will annihilate the Mormons, and proclaim the - sycophancy of the candidates generally, and uphold Joseph against - every aspersion and you shall triumph gloriously. - - We have many things to say to you, which we must keep till we see - you face to face. - - All is right at Nauvoo. We are now fitting out a noble company to - explore Oregon and California, and progressing rapidly with the - great Temple, which we expect to roof this season, though there - is yet a chance at the _eleventh hour_ for you to bring in your - thousand, and secure your "penny." - - On the 6th of April is our special conference at Nauvoo. I wish you - could be here on that occasion, but the time is too short. From - that period our Elders will go forth by hundreds or thousands and - search the land, preaching religion and politics; and if God goes - with them, who can withstand their influence? - - My words are the words of your friends here--Come and see us. {233} - Brother Joseph's, Young's, and Bernhisel's respects to you. Mrs. - Richards' kind respects with mine to yourself and love to all yours. - - Most respectfully yours, - - WILLARD RICHARDS. - -The temple committee proposed to establish a powder manufactory. - -Footnotes: - -1. That is, process outside of the city government. - -{234} - - - -CHAPTER X. - -URGING THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE--TENDERS OF PEACE TO -MISSOURI--PROPHET'S DISCOURSE ON ELIAS, ELIJAH, MESSIAH--LYMAN WIGHT'S -PROPOSAL OF A SOUTHWEST MOVEMENT FOR THE CHURCH. - -_Tuesday, March 5, 1844.--_I saw Hyrum Kimball at Bryant's store, and -gave him a lecture on his resisting the ordinances of the city, by -telling the captains of the steamboats they need not pay wharfage, &c. - -Rode out with Emma. - -At two, p.m., met with the City Council. I copy the minutes:-- - - _Special Session of the City Council_. - - March 5, 1844, 2 p.m. - - Names of members called. Quorum present. - - Mayor stated that he had called the council, because that when the - wharf-master called on the steamboats for wharfage, the officers of - the boats declined paying, assigning as a reason that Hyrum Kimball - and -- Morrison had told them that they owned the land, and they - need pay no wharfage to the city; and he called the council to know - their views on the subject, as he had told Hyrum Kimball that he - should see the ordinances executed; and if the boats did not pay, - he should blow them up and all those who upheld them in resisting - the ordinances. Every measure is taken to palsy the hands of the - officers of the city; and I want to know how to remedy the evil, or - whether I shall abandon the ordinances, &c. - - Alderman Harris said that it was the mayor's duty to enforce the - ordinances of the city, and that no man has a right to build a - wharf without leave from the city council. - - Councilor Phelps suggested the propriety of licensing those who - owned wharves to collect a tax for the landing of the boat. - - {235} Alderman Wells concurred. - - Mayor said the land on the water's edge was a street. - - Alderman Wells suggested the propriety of having the street worked - as soon as may be. - - Councilor Phelps said, if Water street extended round the city, - then Kimball had been constructing a nuisance. - - Mayor spoke in explanation, and said that Kimball said, if the city - would make a wharf, he would give up what he had done. - - Councilor Orson Spencer said he wished the mayor to execute the law - of the city. - - Councilor Brigham Young concurred. - - Councilor W. W. Phelps proposed that Water street be worked the - whole length. - - Councilor Taylor said, "I go in for executing the laws of the city." - - Marshal stated that Morrison said he had a bond for a deed to - low-water mark, and the city could not take his personal rights, - and he objected to the boats paying wharfage. - - Councilor Orson Pratt said, if Kimball or Morrison or any one else - has built wharves since that street was laid out, they could get no - damages. - - Councilor Daniel Spencer considered the ordinance passed good, and - it ought to be enforced. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith, believed it was our duty to stand up to the - ordinances. - - Moved by Brigham Young that the city council instruct the Mayor to - order the supervisor to open Water street from Joseph Smith's store - north to the north line of the city. - - Councilor Phelps approved of the motion, that the road might be - cleared from rafts, and the rafts might also pay license. - - Councilor Warrington said the upper stone house was in the street. - - Mayor said that was the greatest nuisance there was in the street. - - Councilor Orson Spencer was in favor [i.e., of the motion to open - Water street.] Motion carried unanimously. - - The governor having refused to issue commissions to the - aldermen-elect of the city, Councilor Whitney inquired who were - aldermen. - - The mayor explained that if the governor refuses to grant a - commission, it does not disqualify the officer elect from acting in - his office; consequently, there is no virtue in the commission, but - the virtue of the office consists in the election. - - Councilor Young thought they were aldermen all the time or none of - the time. - - Mayor said he wanted all the aldermen to be added to the city - council. - - {236} Alderman Wells said he considered the election made the - aldermen, and not the commission. - - Mayor said if he had been elected alderman and filed his bonds, he - would act as councilor and magistrate. - -[Sidenote: Packard's Memorial to Legislature of Massachusetts] - -Noah Packard sent a memorial to the governor, senate, and house of -representatives of Massachusetts, his native state, setting forth in -detail the sufferings of the Saints in Missouri, and their expulsion -from that state. - -_Wednesday, 6--_Went to my office, and thence with Brother Phelps to -Mr. Bryant's, to see him about his uniting with Hiram Kimball and -others to resist the ordinances of the city. - -The _Neighbor_ publishes the name of James Arlington Bennett as -candidate for Vice-President. - -_Thursday, 7.--_A splendid day; wind from the southwest. - - _Minutes of a General Meeting in the Interest of the Temple_. - - [Reported by Elders Willard Richards and Wilford Woodruff.] - - A vast assembly of Saints met at the Temple of the Lord at nine - o'clock a.m., by a special appointment of President Joseph Smith, - for the purpose of advancing the progress of the Temple, &c. - - The Patriarch, Hyrum Smith, was present; also of the Twelve - Apostles, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson - Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and George - A. Smith; also the temple committee and about eight thousand Saints. - - A hymn was sung by the choir; prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt, when - another hymn was sung. - - Patriarch Hyrum Smith took the stand and said, The object of the - meeting is to stir up your minds by way of remembrance. It is - necessary to have a starting-point, which is to build the Temple. - - With the assistance of the sisters, we expect to get the nails and - glass; and with the assistance of the brethren, we expect to do the - rest. I will proclaim in public and in private that the sisters - bought the glass and nails by penny subscription. Choose ye this - day whom ye will serve. - - We shall call upon this vast multitude for a donation to buy powder - and fuse-ropes to blast the rocks in the quarry. We want the - brethren to at least do as much as the sisters. - - {237} We do not intend to finish the Nauvoo House this season, but - to take all the hands and finish the Temple this summer, or the - walls of it, and get the roof on by December, and do off the inside - next winter; and about a year from this spring we will dedicate it. - - We can do anything we undertake. We have power, and we can do great - things. In five years to come the work will progress more than it - has done for ten years past. - - Isaiah said we should perform a marvelous work and a wonder. I - don't wonder he said so, if he saw this vast multitude; and I think - this people is abundantly able to build this temple, and much - depends upon it for our endowments and sealing powers; and many - blessings depend upon it. - - President Joseph Smith then arrived, took the stand, arose, and, - after requesting Orson Pratt to come to the stand and take his - post, said:-- - - I do not know whether the object of the meeting has been told you - or not. I apologize for not coming sooner. - - I have had so much on my mind since I saw you, that I hardly know - where to begin or what to say; but one of the grand objects I had - in view in calling this meeting was to make a few remarks relative - to the laws and ordinances of the city and the building of the - temple. - - The reason I want to speak of the city ordinances is that the - officers have difficulty in administering them. - - We are republicans, and wish to have the people rule; but they must - rule in righteousness. Some would complain with what God Himself - would do. - - The laws or ordinances are enacted by the city council on petition - of the people; and they can all be repealed, if they wish it, and - petition accordingly. - - At all events, the people ought not to complain of the officers; - but if they are not satisfied, they should complain to the - lawmakers by petition. - - I am instructed by the city council to tell this people that if - there is any law passed by us which you dislike, we will repeal - it, for we are your servants. Those who complain of our rights and - charters are wicked and corrupt, and the devil is in them. - - The reason I called up this subject is, we have a gang of simple - fellows here who do not know where their elbows or heads are. - If you preach virtue to them, they will oppose that; or if you - preach a Methodist God to them, they will oppose that; and the - same if you preach anything else; and if there is any case tried - by the authorities of Nauvoo, they want it appealed to Carthage - to the circuit court. Mr. Orsimus F. Bostwick's case had to go to - Carthage. Our lawyers will appeal anything to the circuit court. - - {238} I want the people to speak out and say whether such men - should be tolerated and supported in our midst; and I want to know - if the citizens will sustain me when my hands are raised to heaven - for and in behalf of the people. - - From this time I design to bring such characters who act against - the interests of the city before a committee of the whole; and I - will have the voice of the people, which is republican, and is - likely to be the voice of God; and as long as I have a tongue to - speak, I will expose the iniquity of the lawyers and wicked men. - - I fear not their boiling over nor the boiling over of hell, their - thunders nor the lightning of their forked tongues. - - If these things cannot be put a stop to, I will give such men into - the hands of the Missouri mob. The hands of the officers of the - city falter and are palsied by their conduct. - - There is another person I will speak about. He is a Mormon--a - certain man who lived here before we came here; the two first - letters of his name are Hiram Kimball. When a man is baptized and - becomes a member of the Church, I have a right to talk about him, - and reprove him in public or private, whenever it is necessary, or - he deserves it. - - When the city passed an ordinance to collect wharfage from - steamboats, he goes and tells the captains of the steamboats that - he owned the landing, and that they need not pay wharfage. - - I despise the man who will betray you with a kiss; and I am - determined to use up these men, if they will not stop their - operations. If this is not true, let him come forward and throw off - the imputation. - - When they appeal to Carthage, I will appeal to this people, which - is the highest court. I despise the lawyers who haggle on lawsuits, - and I would rather die a thousand deaths than appeal to Carthage, - - Kimball and Morrison say they own the wharves; but the fact is, - the city owns them, sixty-four feet from high water mark. From the - printing office to the north limits of the city is public ground, - as Water street runs along the beach, and the beach belongs to the - city and not to individuals. - - Another thing: I want to speak about the lawyers of this city. I - have good feelings towards them; nevertheless I will reprove the - lawyers and doctors anyhow. Jesus did, and every prophet has; and - if I am a prophet, I shall do it: at any rate, I shall do it, for I - profess to be a prophet. - - The maritime laws of the United States have ceded up the right to - regulate all tolls, wharfage, &c., to the respective corporations - who have jurisdiction, and not to individuals. - - Our lawyers have read so little that they are ignorant of this: - they {239} have never stuck their noses into a book on maritime law - in their lives, and, as Pope says:-- - - Shallow draughts intoxicate the brain; - Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring. - - Our city lawyers are fools to undertake to practice law when they - know nothing about it. - - I want from this time forth every fool to stay at home and let the - steamboats and captains alone. No vessel could land anywhere, if - subject to individual laws. - - The corporation owns the streets of the city, and has as much right - to tax the boats to make wharves as to tax citizens to make roads. - Let every man in this city stay at home, and let the boat-captains, - peace-officers and everybody alone. - - How are we to keep peace in the city, defend ourselves against - mobs, and keep innocent blood from being shed? By striking a blow - at everything that rises up in disorder. - - I will wage an eternal warfare with those that oppose me while I - am laboring in behalf of the city. I will disgrace every man by - publishing him on the house top, who will not be still and mind his - own business. Let them entirely alone, and they will use themselves - up. - - I was visited by an old gentleman this morning, who told me that - the spirit of mobocracy was about subsiding. A couple of merchants - in this city (I will not tell their names,) have told the country - people not to bring butter, eggs, &c., to Nauvoo for sale; at - least, so the people abroad say. - - Now, if they will not let the people bring their produce, the - people will not buy their goods; and the result will be, the - merchants will get a spirit of mobocracy. - - Another man (I will not call his name,) has been writing to the_ - New York Tribune,_ some of the most disgraceful things possible - to name. He says, in that article, that there are a great many - donations to the Temple which have been appropriated to other - purposes. - - His object evidently was to stigmatize the trustee and excite - prejudice against us abroad. But I pledge myself that whoever has - contributed any old shoes, harness, horses, wagons, or anything - else, if he will come forward, will show that every farthing is on - the book and has been appropriated for the building of the Temple. - - I pledge myself that if he finds the first farthing that we cannot - show where it has been appropriated, I will give him my head for a - football. - - He also states that the Temple cannot be built, it costs so much. - Who does not know that we can put the roof on the building this - season, if we have a mind to? By turning all the means from the - Nauvoo House and doubling our diligence we can do it. - - {240} There are men in our midst who are trying to build up - themselves at our expense, and others who are watching for - iniquity, and will make a man an offender for a word. The best way - for such men is to be still. If I did not love men, I would not - reprove them, but would work in the darkness as they do. - - As to who is the author of the article in the _Tribune,_ read it - and you will see for yourselves. He is not a lawyer; he is nearer - related to a doctor--a small man. (Mr. McNeil inquired if he was - the man.) No; I do not know you: you are a stranger. But I will - rest myself and give way for others. - - President Hyrum Smith arose and made a few remarks. He compared the - lawyers to polliwogs, wigglers, and toads. He said they would dry - up next fall. "Those characters, I presume, were made in gizzard - making time, when it was cheaper to get gizzards than souls; for - if a soul cost $5, a gizzard would cost nothing: like tree toads, - they change color to suit the object they are upon. They ought to - be ferreted out like rats. You could describe them as you would a - hedgehog: they are in every hedge, stinking like the skunk." [1] - - Charles Foster asked if Joseph meant him. - - _Joseph_ said, "I will reply by asking you a question." - - _Foster_: "That is no way." - - _Joseph_. "Yes, that is the way the Quakers do. But Jesus said, - 'Whose image and superscription is this?' Why did you apply the - remarks to yourself? Why did you ask if we meant you?" - - _Foster_. "Then I understand you meant me." - - _Joseph_. "You said it." - - _Foster_. "You shall hear from me." - - _Joseph_. "As Mayor, I fine you $10 for that threat, and for - disturbing the meeting." - - Doctor Foster spoke in palliation of his brother Charles, and asked - Joseph to await, &c. He said, "He has not threatened you." Joseph - said, "He has." Doctor Foster said: "No one has heard him threaten - you," when hundreds cried, "I have!" Doctor Foster continued to - speak when the Mayor called him to order, or, said he, "I will fine - you." - - William W. Phelps then read General Smith's "Views of the Powers - and Policy of the General Government of the United States;" after - which, it was voted, unanimously, with one exception, to uphold - General Smith for the Presidency of the United States. - - {241} An article was also read by W. W. Phelps, entitled, "A Voice - of Innocence from Nauvoo," and all the assembly said "Amen" twice. - - At thirty minutes past twelve, the meeting adjourned till two p.m. - - When the people assembled according to the adjournment, choir sang - a hymn. Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt. Singing. - - President Brigham Young addressed the congregation. He said: I wish - to speak on the duty of lawyers, as they have been spoken of this - morning. They were first among the children of Israel to explain - the laws of Moses to the common people. - - I class myself as a lawyer in Israel. My business is to make peace - among the people; and when any man who calls himself a lawyer takes - a course to break peace instead of making it, he is out of the line - of his duty. A lawyer's duty is to read the law well himself, then - tell the people what it is, and let them act upon it, and keep - peace; and let them receive pay like any laboring man. - - It is desirable for justices of the peace, when men call for writs, - to inquire into the merits of the case, and tell the parties how to - settle it, and thus put down lawsuits. To cure lawing, let us pay - attention to our business. - - When we hear a story, never tell it again, and it will be a perfect - cure. If your brother mistreats you, let him alone; if your enemy - cheats you, let it go; cease to deal with men who abuse you. If all - men had taken the straightforward course that some have, we should - not have such disorderly men in our midst. - - I have no objection to any man coming here, but I will have nothing - to do with men who will abuse me at midnight and at noonday. Our - difficulties and persecutions have always arisen from men right in - our midst. - - It is the lust of individuals to rob us of everything, and to take - advantage of divisions that may arise among us to build themselves - up. I feel that I want every man should stay and lift up holy hands - without dubiety, wrath or doubting. - - To the men who own land here I would say: Do not think you can sell - your lands here, and then go off and spend it somewhere else in - abusing the Mormons. I tell you nay; for know it, ye people, that - Israel is here; and they are the head, and not the tail; and the - people must learn it. All those who have gone from us have gone - from the head to the tail. - - The grand object before us is to build the temple this season. - - We have heard the effects of slander, and we want a cure and balm; - and I carry one with me all the while, and I want all of you to - do the same. I will tell you what it is: it is to mind your own - business, and let others alone, and suffer wrong rather than do - wrong. If any take {242} your property away, let them alone, and - have nothing to do with them. - - A spirit has been manifested to divide the Saints. It was manifest - in the last election. It was said, if they did not look out, the - Saints on the flat would beat the Saints on the hill. - - Great God! how such a thing looks, that the Saints should be afraid - of beating one another in the election, or being beat? I would ask, - who built up this city? Would steamboats have landed here, if the - Saints had not come? Or could you, even the speculators, have sold - your lands for anything here, if the Saints had not come? They - might have sold for a few bear and wolf skins, but not for money. - - If any of you wish to know how to have your bread fall butter-side - up, butter it on both sides, and then it will fall butter-side up. - Oppose this work, and it will roll over you. - - When did this work ever stop since it began? Never. The only thing - the Saints now want to know is--what does the Lord want of us, and - we are ready to do it. - - Well, then, build the Temple of the Lord. Keep the law of God, ye - Saints, and the hypocrite and scoundrel will flee out of your midst - and tremble, for the fire of God will be too hot for them. - - I expect the Saints are so anxious to work, and so ready to do - right, that God has whispered to the Prophet, "Build the Temple, - and let the Nauvoo House alone at present." I would not sue a man, - if he owed me five hundred or a thousand dollars, should he come to - me and say he would not pay me. - - Elder John Taylor remarked that it was said by some discontented - persons that the municipal officers of the city were acting in an - arbitrary manner, which was false. He then went to explain the - principles of Democracy, until it was announced that it would be - desirable to set a contribution on foot immediately to get fuse - rope and blasting powder, as a boat was coming down the river, and - the messenger was waiting to go down to St. Louis. - - Elder Taylor paused awhile for this purpose, and a collection - amounting to about sixty dollars was made. He then continued his - speech: "When society was first organized they found themselves - without legislature, congress, house of lords, or anything of the - kind, every man was lord over his own house. - - Difficulties began to arise, and the people began to contend and - combine together in governments. By-and-by, some two or three - requested that they might return to their original customs, and the - government said they might. This was the situation of this city in - the main, when we asked for a charter. - - Of General Joseph Smith some are afraid, and think it doubtful - about his election; and, like the ostrich, stick their heads under - a bush, {243} and leave their bodies out, so that we can all see - them; and after this it will be a by-word--"That man is an ostrich - who hides his head in this cause." He spoke also on going on with - the temple. - - President Brigham Young said--"Those who have not paid their - property tithing we shall call upon, and take dinner; and we had - rather be saved that trouble, and have them come up and pay. You - will want a blessing in the temple when it is done." - - President Joseph Smith remarked:--In relation to those who give in - property for the temple. We want them to bring it to the proper - source, and to be careful into whose hands it comes, that it may - be entered into the Church books, so that those whose names are - found in the Church books shall have the first claim to receive - their endowments in the temple. I intend to keep the door at the - dedication myself, and not a man shall pass who has not paid his - bonus. - - As to politics, I care but little about the presidential chair. - I would not give half as much for the office of President - of the United States as I would for the one I now hold as - Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. - - We have as good a right to make a political party to gain power to - defend ourselves, as for demagogues to make use of our religion to - get power to destroy us. In other words, as the world has used the - power of government to oppress and persecute us, it is right for us - to use it for the protection of our rights. We will whip the mob by - getting up a candidate for President. - - When I get hold of the Eastern papers, and see how popular I am, - I am afraid myself that I shall be elected; but if I should be, I - would not say, "_Your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you_." - - What I have said in my views in relation to the annexation of Texas - is with some unpopular; the people are opposed to it. Some of the - Anti-Mormons are good fellows. I say it, however, in anticipation - that they will repent. They object to Texas on account of slavery. - Why, it is the very reason she ought to be received, so that we - may watch over them; for, of the two evils, we should reject the - greatest. - - Governor Houston of Texas, says--"if you refuse to receive us - into the United States, we must go to the British Government for - protection." - - This would certainly be bad policy for this nation; the British are - now throughout that whole country, trying to bribe all they can; - and the first thing they would do, if they got possession, would be - to set the negroes and the Indians to fight, and they would use us - up. British officers are now running all over Texas to establish - British influence in that country. - - It will be more honorable for us to receive Texas and set the - negroes {244} free, and use the negroes and Indians against our - foes. Don't let Texas go, lest our mothers and the daughters of the - land should laugh us in the teeth; and if these things are not so, - God never spoke by any Prophet since the world began. - - How much better it is for the nation to bear a little expense than - to have the Indians and British upon us and destroy us all. We - should grasp all the territory we can. I know much that I do not - tell. I have had bribes offered me, but I have rejected them. - - The government will not receive any advice or counsel from me: they - are self-sufficient. But they must go to hell and work out their - own salvation with fear and trembling. - - The South holds the balance of power. By annexing Texas, I can do - away with this evil. As soon as Texas was annexed, I would liberate - the slaves in two or three States, indemnifying their owners, and - send the negroes to Texas, and from Texas to Mexico, where all - colors are alike. And if that was not sufficient, I would call upon - Canada, and annex it. - - Singing by the choir. Prayer by President B. Young. - -[Sidenote: Arrival of Wm. Kay and Company of English Saints.] - -The barque _Fanny_, Captain Patterson, arrived at New Orleans with -210 souls, led by Elder William Kay. They express, [the opinion] in -a letter to the _Millennial Star,_ that no people ever had a more -prosperous voyage than the Lord has favored this company with; and -such a captain and crew, for kindness, could scarcely be met with, -the captain frequently administering from the cabin stores unto the -necessities of all who required it. - -Elder John E. Page published an address to the inhabitants of -Washington. - -_Friday, 8.--_Very heavy rain all night, accompanied by thunder. - -Bishop Miller arrived from the Pinery. - -[Sidenote: Jas. A. Bennett Ineligible for Vice-President of U.S.] - -At ten a.m., my scribe, Willard Richards, called to tell me that James -Arlington Bennett was a native of Ireland, and therefore was not -constitutionally eligible to be the Vice-President. He wanted to know -who should be nominated for Vice-President. I told him to counsel with -others upon that {245} point, when he said he would call a council this -evening. - -At seven p.m., the First Presidency, the Twelve, Bishop Miller, Levi -Richards, W. W. Phelps, and Lucian Woodworth assembled in the Mayor's -office, when W. W. Phelps read the following pacific communication, -which I had previously dictated him to write:-- - - _A Friendly Hint to Missouri_. - - One of the most pleasing scenes that can occur on earth, when a sin - has been committed by one person against another, is, to forgive - that sin; and then according to the sublime and perfect pattern of - the Savior, pray to our Father in heaven to forgive him also. - - Verily, verily, such a friendly rebuke is like the mellow zephyr - of summer's eve--it soothes, it cheers and gladdens the heart - of the humane and the savage. Well might the wise man exclaim, - "A soft answer turneth away wrath; "for men of sense, judgment, - and observation, in all the various periods of time, have been - witnesses, figuratively speaking, that water, not wood, checks the - rage of fire. - - Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called - the children of God." Wherefore if the nation, a single State, - community, or family ought to be grateful for anything, it is peace. - - Peace, lovely child of heaven!--peace like light from the same - great parent, gratifies, animates, and happifies the just and the - unjust, and is the very essence of happiness below, and bliss above. - - He that does not strive with all his powers of body and mind, - with all his influence at home and abroad, and to cause others to - do so too--to seek peace and maintain it for his own benefit and - convenience, and for the honor of his State, nation, and country, - has no claim on the clemency of man; nor should he be entitled to - the friendship of woman or the protection of government. - - He is the canker-worm to gnaw his own vitals; and the vulture to - prey upon his own body; and he is, as to his own prospects and - prosperity in life, a _felo-de-se_ of his own pleasure. - - A community of such beings are not far from hell on earth, and - should be let alone as unfit for the smiles of the free or praise - of the brave. - - But the peacemaker, O give ear to him! for the words of his mouth - and his doctrine drop like the rain, and distil as the dew. They - are like the gentle mist upon the herbs, and as the moderate shower - upon the grass. - - Animation, virtue, love, contentment, philanthropy, benevolence, - compassion, humanity and friendship push life into bliss: and - men, a {246} little below the angels, exercising their powers, - privileges, and knowledge according to the order, rules, and - regulations of revelation, by Jesus Christ, dwell together in - unity; and the sweet odor that is wafted by the breath of joy - and satisfaction from their righteous communion is like the rich - perfume from the consecrated oil that was poured upon the head of - Aaron, or like the luscious fragrance that rises from the field of - Arabian spices. Yea, more, the voice of the peacemaker-- - - It is like the music of the spheres-- - It charms our souls and calms our fears; - It turns the world to Paradise, - And men to pearls of greater price. - - So much to preface this friendly hint to the state of Missouri: - for, notwithstanding some of her private citizens and public - officers have committed violence, robbery, and even murder upon - the rights and persons of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, yet compassion, dignity, and a sense of the principles of - religion among all classes, and honor and benevolence, mingled - with charity by high-minded patriots, lead me to suppose that - there are many worthy people in that state who will use their - influence and energies to bring about a settlement of all those old - difficulties, and use all consistent means to urge the State, for - her honor, prosperity, and good name, to restore every person she - or her citizens have expelled from her limits, to their rights, - and pay them all damage, that the great body of high-minded and - well-disposed Southern and Western gentlemen and ladies--the - real peace-makers or a western world, will go forth--good - Samaritan-like, and pour in the oil and the wine, till all that - can be healed are made whole; and after repentance, they shall be - forgiven; for verily the Scriptures say, "Joy shall be in heaven - over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety-and-nine just - persons that need no repentance." - - Knowing the fallibility of man, considering the awful - responsibility of rejecting the cries of the innocent, confident - in the virtue and patriotism of the noble-minded Western men, - tenacious of their character and standing, too high to stoop to - disgraceful acts, and too proud to tolerate meanness in others; - yea, may, I not say, without boasting that the best blood of the - West, united with the honor of the illustrious fathers of freedom, - will move, as the forest is moved by a mighty wind, to promote - peace and friendship in every part of our wide-spread, lovely - country. - - Filled with a love almost unspeakable, and moved by a desire - pleasant as the dew of heaven, I supplicate not only our Father - above, but also the civil, the enlightened, the intelligent, the - social, and the best inhabitants of Missouri--those that feel bound - by principles of honor, justice, moral greatness, and national - pride, to arise in the character of {247} virtuous freemen from - the disgrace and reproach that might inadvertently blur their good - names, for want of self-preservation. - - Now is the time to brush off the monster that, incubus-like, seems - hanging upon the reputation of the whole State. A little exertion, - and the infamy of the evil will blacken the guilty only, for is it - not written, "The tree is known by its fruit?" - - The voice of reason, the voice of humanity, the voice of the - nation, and the voice of Heaven seem to say to the honest and - virtuous throughout the State of Missouri, wash yourselves, make - you clean, lest your negligence should be taken by the world, from - the mass of facts before it, that you are guilty! - - Let there be one unison of hearts for justice; and when you - reflect around your own firesides, remember that fifteen thousand - once among you, now not, but who are just as much entitled to the - privileges and blessings you enjoy as yourselves, like the widow - before the unjust judge, are fervently praying for their rights. - - When you meditate upon the massacre at Haun's mill, forget not that - the Constitution of your State holds this broad truth to the world, - that none shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, but by - the judgment of his peers or the law of the land. - - And when you assemble together in towns, counties, or districts, - whether to petition your legislature to pay the damage the Saints - have sustained in your State, by reason of oppression and misguided - zeal, or to restore them to their rights according to Republican - principles and benevolent designs, reflect, and make honorable, - or annihilate, such statute law as was in force in your state in - 1838,--_viz._: "If twelve or more persons shall combine to levy war - against any part of the people of this state, or to remove [them] - forcibly out of the state or from their habitations, evidenced by - taking arms and assembling to accomplish such purpose, every person - so offending shall be punished by imprisonment in the Penitentiary - for a period not exceeding five years, or by a fine not exceeding - five thousand dollars and imprisonment in the county jail not - exceeding six months." - - Finally, if honor dignifies an honest people, if virtue exalts - a community, if wisdom guides great men, if principle governs - intelligent beings, if humanity spreads comfort among the needy, - and if religion affords consolation by showing that charity is the - first, best and sweetest token of perfect love, then, O ye good - people of Missouri, like the woman in Scripture who had lost one of - her ten pieces of silver, arise, search diligently till you find - the lost piece, and then make a feast, and call in your friends for - joy. - - With due consideration, I am the friend of all good men, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - NAUVOO, ILL., March 8, 1844. - -[Sidenote: St. Louis Comment on the Prophet's Candidacy.] - -{248} Brother George A. Smith brought the information that Brother -Farnham had just returned from St. Louis, and said the people in that -place were saying, "Things have come to a strange pass. If Joe Smith is -elected President, he will raise the devil with Missouri; and if he is -not elected, he will raise the devil anyhow." - -[Sidenote: Copeland of Tennessee Considered as Candidate for -Vice-President.] - -It was agreed that Colonel Solomon Copeland, living at Paris, Henry -county, Tennessee, should be written to on the subject of the -Vice-Presidency; and that Elder Wilford Woodruff should write the -letter, and invite him to visit us, and see if he would suffer his name -to run for that office. - -_Saturday, 9.--_Met in the City Council, and gave my reasons in favor -of the repeal of the hog law. [The subject was discussed at some -length.] - -Council adjourned for one hour. In the afternoon City Council rejected -the petition to repeal the hog law. - -[Sidenote: Matter of Wharfage.] - -I proposed to license Hiram Kimball and Mr. Morrison, who own the land -opposite to the wharf, to make wharves and collect wharfage; then the -city can dispense with a wharf-master; that Kimball and Morrison pay a -tax for the landing of every boat; and they could tax the boat, or not, -as they liked. - -The Female Relief Society met twice in the assembly room, and -sanctioned "The Voice of Innocence From Nauvoo," and then adjourned -for one week to accommodate others who could not get into the room at -either of the meetings. - -[Sidenote: Death of King Follett.] - -Our worthy brother, King Follett, died this morning occasioned by the -accidental breaking of a rope, and the falling of a bucket of rock upon -him while engaged in walling up a well, and the men above were in the -act of lowering the rock to him. - - {249} KING FOLLETT BIOGRAPHY. - - Elder Follett was one of those who bore the burden, in common with - others of his brethren, in the days when men's faith was put to the - test. He was a native of Vermont and moved many years since into - Cuyahoga county, Ohio. - - There, for the first time, he heard the Gospel preached, united - with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the spring - of 1831, and has been a sharer in the afflictions through which the - Saints have passed from that time until the time of his death. - - He shared in the violence of Missouri persecution, was cast into - prison, and endured many months' imprisonment; and, after long - delay, obtained a trial on the charges preferred against him, and - was honorably discharged, being acquitted of all the crimes with - which a band of wicked persecutors could charge him. - - All the persecutions he endured only tended to strengthen his faith - and confirm his hope; and he died as he had lived, rejoicing in the - hope of future felicity. - - Having united with the Church in the forty-first year of his age, - he filled up the prime of his life in the service of his God, and - went to rest in his fifty-sixth year, being fifty-five years, seven - months, and fourteen days old when he slept the sleep of death. - - So the righteous pass, and so they sleep, until the mandate of Him - for whom they suffer and in whom they trust shall call them forth - to glory, honor, immortality and eternal life. - -_Sunday, 10.--_Frost in the night; beautiful day. South wind. - -Brother King Follett was buried this day with Masonic honors. - -I attended meeting at the stand, and preached on the subject of Elias, -Elijah, and Messiah. [A sketch of which was reported by Elder Wilford -Woodruff, as follows]:-- - - _Discourse of the Prophet.--Elias, Elijah, Messiah_. - - There is a difference between the spirit and office of Elias and - Elijah. It is the spirit of Elias I wish first to speak of; and in - order to come at the subject, I will bring some of the testimony - from the Scripture and give my own. - - In the first place, suffice it to say, I went into the woods to - inquire of {250} the Lord, by prayer, His will concerning me, and I - saw an angel, and he laid his hands upon my head, and ordained me - to a Priest after the order of Aaron, and to hold the keys of this - Priesthood, which office was to preach repentance and baptism for - the remission of sins, and also to baptize. But I was informed that - this office did not extend to the laying on of hands for the giving - of the Holy Ghost; that that office was a greater work, and was to - be given afterward; but that my ordination was a preparatory work, - or a going before, which was the spirit of Elias; for the spirit - of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for the greater, - which was the case with John the Baptist. He came crying through - the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths - straight." And they were informed, if they could receive it, it - was the spirit of Elias; and John was very particular to tell the - people, he was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that - Light. - - He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance and - baptize with water; but it was He that should come after him that - should baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost. - - If he had been an imposter, he might have gone to work beyond his - bounds, and undertook to have performed ordinances which did not - belong to that office and calling, under the spirit of Elias. - - The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation - of God, which is the Priesthood of Elias, or the Priesthood that - Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to - prepare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power of Elias, - it was called the doctrine of Elias, even from the early ages of - the world. - - John's mission was limited to preaching and baptizing: but what - he did was legal; and when Jesus Christ came to any of John's - disciples, He baptized them with fire and the Holy Ghost. - - We find the apostles endowed with greater power than John: their - office was more under the spirit and power of Elijah than Elias. - - In the case of Phillip when he went down to Samaria, when he was - under the spirit of Elias, he baptized both men and women. When - Peter and John heard of it, they went down and laid hands upon - them, and they received the Holy Ghost. This shows the distinction - between the two powers. - - When Paul came to certain disciples, he asked if they had received - the Holy Ghost? They said, No. Who baptized you, then? We were - baptized unto John's baptism. No, you were not baptized unto John's - baptism, or you would have been baptized by John. And so Paul went - and baptized them, for he knew what the true doctrine was, and he - knew that John had not baptized them. And these principles are - {251} strange to me, that men who have read the Scriptures of the - New Testament are so far from it. - - What I want to impress upon your minds is the difference of power - in the different parts of the Priesthood, so that when any man - comes among you, saying, "I have the spirit of Elias," you can know - whether he be true or false; for any man that comes, having the - spirit and power of Elias, he will not transcend his bounds. - - John did not transcend his bounds, but faithfully performed that - part belonging to his office; and every portion of the great - building should be prepared right and assigned to its proper place; - and it is necessary to know who holds the keys of power, and who - does not, or we may be likely to be deceived. - - That person who holds the keys of Elias hath a preparatory work. - But if I spend much more time in conversing about the spirit of - Elias, I shall not have time to do justice to the spirit and power - of Elijah. - - This is the Elias spoken of in the last days, and here is the rock - upon which many split, thinking the time was past in the days of - John and Christ, and no more to be. But the spirit of Elias was - revealed to me, and I know it is true; therefore I speak with - boldness, for I know verily my doctrine is true. - - Now for Elijah. The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that - ye have power to hold the key of the revelation, ordinances, - oracles, powers and endowments of the fullness of the Melchizedek - Priesthood and of the kingdom of God on the earth; and to receive, - obtain, and perform all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of - God, even unto the turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the - children, and the hearts of the children unto the fathers, even - those who are in heaven. - - Malachi says, "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 earth with a curse." - - Now, what I am after is the knowledge of God, and I take my own - course to obtain it. What are we to understand by this in the last - days? - - In the days of Noah, God destroyed the world by a flood, and He - has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days: but before it - should take place, Elijah should first come and turn the hearts of - the fathers to the children, &c. - - Now comes the point. What is this office and work of Elijah? - It is one of the greatest and most important subjects that God - has revealed. He should send Elijah to seal the children to the - fathers, and the fathers to the children. - - Now was this merely confined to the living, to settle difficulties - with {252} families on earth? By no means. It was a far greater - work. Elijah! what would you do if you were here? Would you confine - your work to the living alone? No; I would refer you to the - Scriptures, where the subject is manifest: that is, without us, - they could not be made perfect, nor we without them; the fathers - without the children, nor the children without the fathers. - - I wish you to understand this subject, for it is important; and - if you will receive it, this is the spirit of Elijah, that we - redeem our dead, and connect ourselves with our fathers which - are in heaven, and seal up our dead to come forth in the first - resurrection; and here we want the power of Elijah to seal those - who dwell on earth to those who dwell in heaven. This is the power - of Elijah and the keys of the kingdom of Jehovah. - - Let us suppose a case. Suppose the great God who dwells in heaven - should reveal Himself to Father Cutler here, by the opening - heavens, and tell him, "I offer up a decree that whatsoever you - seal on earth with your decree, I will seal it in heaven; you - have the power then; can it be taken off? No. Then what you seal - on earth, by the keys of Elijah, is sealed in heaven; and this is - the power of Elijah, and this is the difference between the spirit - and power of Elias and Elijah; for while the spirit of Elias is a - forerunner, the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling - and election sure; and the same doctrine, where we are exhorted to - go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance - from dead works, and of laying on of hands, resurrection of the - dead, &c. - - We cannot be perfect without the fathers, &c. We must have - revelation from them, and we can see that the doctrine of - revelation far transcends the doctrine of no revelation; for one - truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in - existence. - - This spirit of Elijah was manifest in the days of the apostles, in - delivering certain ones to the buffetings of Satan, that they might - be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. They were sealed by the - spirit of Elijah unto the damnation of hell until the day of the - Lord, or revelation of Jesus Christ. - - Here is the doctrine of election that the world has quarreled so - much about; but they do not know anything about it. - - The doctrine that the Presbyterians and Methodists have quarreled - so much about--once in grace, always in grace, or falling away - from grace, I will say a word about. They are both wrong. Truth - takes a road between them both, for while the Presbyterian says - "once in grace, you cannot fall;" the Methodist says: "You can have - grace today, fall from it tomorrow, next day have grace again; - and so follow on, changing continually." But the doctrine of the - Scriptures and the {253} spirit of Elijah would show them both - false, and take a road between them both; for, according to the - Scripture, if men have received the good word of God, and tasted - of the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, it - is impossible to renew them again, seeing they have crucified the - Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame; so there is a - possibility of falling away; you could not be renewed again, and - the power of Elijah cannot seal against this sin, for this is a - reserve made in the seals and power of the Priesthood. - - I will make every doctrine plain that I present, and it shall stand - upon a firm basis, and I am at the defiance of the world, for I - will take shelter under the broad cover of the wings of the work in - which I am engaged. It matters not to me if all hell boils over; I - regard it only as I would the crackling of the thorns under a pot. - - A murderer, for instance, one that sheds innocent blood, cannot - have forgiveness. David sought repentance at the hand of God - carefully with tears, for the murder of Uriah; but he could only - get it through hell: he got a promise that his soul should not be - left in hell. - - Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power - of Elijah and the fullness of the Priesthood; and the Priesthood - that he received, and the throne and kingdom of David is to be - taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the - last days, raised up out of his lineage. - - Peter referred to the same subject on the day of Pentecost, but the - multitude did not get the endowment that Peter had; but several - days after, the people asked "What shall we do?" Peter says, "I - would ye had done it ignorantly," speaking of crucifying the Lord, - &c. He did not say to them, "Repent and be baptized, for the - remission of your sins;" but he said, "Repent ye therefore, and be - converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of - refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts iii. - 19.) - - This is the case with murderers. They could not be baptized for the - remission of sins for they had shed innocent blood. - - Again: The doctrine or sealing power of Elijah is as follows:--If - you have power to seal on earth and in heaven, then we should be - wise. The first thing you do, go and seal on earth your sons and - daughters unto yourself, and yourself unto your fathers in eternal - glory. * * * * * * * I will walk through the gate of heaven and - claim what I seal, and those that follow me and my counsel. - - The Lord once told me that what I asked for I should have. I have - been afraid to ask God to kill my enemies, lest some of them - should, peradventure, repent. - - I asked a short time since for the Lord to deliver me out of the - hands of the Governor of Missouri, and if it needs must be to - accomplish it, to {254} take him away; and the next news that came - pouring down from there was, that _Governor Reynolds had shot - himself._ And I would now say, "Beware, O earth, how you fight - against the Saints of God and shed innocent blood; for in the days - of Elijah, his enemies came upon him, and fire was called down from - heaven and destroyed them. - - The spirit of Elias is first, Elijah second, and Messiah last. - Elias is a forerunner to prepare the way, and the spirit and power - of Elijah is to come after, holding the keys of power, building - the Temple to the capstone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek - Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready; - then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all. - - Messiah is above the spirit and power of Elijah, for He made the - world, and was that spiritual rock unto Moses in the wilderness. - Elijah was to come and prepare the way and build up the kingdom - before the coming of the great day of the Lord, although the spirit - of Elias might begin it. - - I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking - the Lord, He gave a sign and said, "In the days of Noah I set a - bow in the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the - bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be - seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the - bow withdrawn, it shall be a token that there shall be famine, - pestilence, and great distress among the nations, and that the - coming of the Messiah is not far distant. - - But I will take the responsibility upon myself to prophesy in - the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come this year, as - Father Miller has prophesied, for we have seen the bow; and I also - prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come in - forty years; and if God ever spoke by my mouth, He will not come in - that length of time. Brethren, when you go home, write this down, - that it may be remembered. - - Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man the precise time that - He would come. Go and read the Scriptures, and you cannot find - anything that specifies the exact hour He would come; and all that - say so are false teachers. - - There are some important things concerning the office of the - Messiah in the organization of the world, which I will speak of - hereafter, May God Almighty bless you and pour out His Spirit upon - you, is the prayer of your unworthy servant. Amen. - -At half-past three p.m., I met with the Twelve, Bishop Miller and the -Temple Committee, in the Nauvoo Mansion. - -{255} The following letter from Lyman Wight and others was read:-- - - _Letter:--Lyman Wight to the First Presidency--Preaching the Gospel - to the Indians and Proposing to Migrate to Texas_. - - BLACK RIVER FALLS, Feb. 15, 1844. - - _To the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve of the Church - of Christ of Latter-day Saints_. - - DEAR BRETHREN,--Through the goodness and mercy of God, the Eternal - Father, and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are - permitted to write and send by a special messenger a concise - account of our lumbering operations, together with the apparent - prospects of the introduction and spread of the Gospel among the - Chippewa and Menomanee Indians, and also the projects of our hearts - in regard to future operations in spreading the Gospel south in - all the extent of America, and the consequences growing out of the - same, all of which we beg leave to submit to your consideration - that we may have your concurrence, or such views as shall be in - accordance with the mind and will of the Lord, and govern ourselves - in accordance therewith. - - Since we have been here lumbering, we have had many difficulties - to encounter; but the main hindrance to our successful operations - was the feeding, clothing, and transporting a great many lazy, - idle men, who have not produced anything by their pretended labor, - and thus eating up all that the diligent and honest could produce - by their unceasing application to labor; and we have not yet got - entirely clear of such persons. - - But under all these mighty clogs and hindrances, we have been able - to accomplish and have in progress, so that we can deliver in - Nauvoo about one million feet of lumber by the last of July next, - which will be a great deal more than what is necessary to build - the Temple and the Nauvoo House. Besides all this, we have made - valuable improvements here,--all the result of much labor done - under trying circumstances. - - We have recently ascertained that the lands from the falls of Black - River to its sources are the property of the Menomanee Indians, - and the general government having urged them to move off the lands - in the vicinity of Green Bay to their own lands. The Indians say - they will, provided the Government will remove all strange Indians - and trespassing white men off their lands; consequently, the agent - and superintendent of Indian Affairs are taking such steps as will - stop all further trespassing on the Indian lands, on the Wisconsin, - Black and Chippewa rivers, under the penalties of the laws relative - to the cases. - - {256} We sent Brothers Miller and Daniels, in company with the - principal chief of the Menomanee Indians, overland to the Wisconsin - river, to ascertain more about the matter. They saw the agent; - found him a gruff, austere man, determined to stop all trespassing - on Indian lands. - - The Indians are willing to sell privileges to individuals for - lumbering and cutting timber, as they have hitherto done; but the - agent is opposed to it. Thus a difficulty arises between themselves. - - Now, as regards the introduction of the Gospel of Christ among the - Indians here, it will require more exertion, to all appearances, to - check the enthusiastic ardor of these our red brethren, until the - full principles of faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shall - be reasoned into their minds, than to urge them on to receive it. - They have great confidence in us. - - The country belonging to these northern Indians is a dreary, cold - region, and to a great extent, cranberry marshes, pine barrens, and - swamps, with a small amount of good lands, scarce of game, and only - valuable in mill privileges and facilities for lumbering purposes. - - As to mineral resources, they have not been fully developed. There - is no doubt as to the abundance of iron ore, but uncertain as to - quality. - - Now, under all these circumstances, a few of us here have - arrived at this conclusion in our minds (such as can undergo all - things,)--that as the Gospel has not been fully opened in all the - South and Southwestern States, as also Texas, Mexico, Brazil, &c., - together with the West Indian Islands, having produced lumber - enough to build the Temple and Nauvoo House,--also having an - influence over the Indians, so as to induce them to sell their - lands to the United States, and go to a climate southwest, (all - according to the policy of the U. S. Government),--and having also - become convinced that the Church at Nauvoo or in the Eastern States - will not build the Nauvoo House according to the commandment, - neither the Temple in a reasonable time, and that we have, so - far as we have made trials, got means in the south,--we have in - our minds to go to the table-lands of Texas, to a point we may - find to be the most eligible, there locate, and let it be a place - of gathering for all the South (they being incumbered with that - unfortunate race of beings, the negroes); and for us to employ our - time and talents in gathering together means to build according to - the commandments of our God, and spread the Gospel to the nations - according to the will of our Heavenly Father. We, therefore, our - beloved brethren, send our worthy Brother Young, with a few of our - thoughts, on paper, that you may take the subject-matter under - consideration, and return us such instructions as may be according - to the mind and will of the Lord our God. - - We have thought it best to sell the mills here, if you think it - expedient. We feel greatly encouraged to spend and be spent in the - cause of Christ, according to the will of our Heavenly Father. - - {257} You will, therefore, after due deliberation, send us, by the - hands of Brother Young, such instructions as may be the result of - your deliberations. - - Holding ourselves ready under all circumstances in life to try to - do all things whatsoever commanded or instructed to do by those - ordained to direct the officers of the Church of Jesus Christ; - subscribing ourselves yours truly, while life shall endure, - - Lyman Wight, - - George Miller, - - Phineas R. Bird, - - Pierce Hawley, - - John Young. - - Select Committee to write expressly the views of the branch of the - Church at Black River Falls. - - Joseph Smith, P. C., - - Brigham Young, P. T., - - Willard Richards, Clerk. - -Also a letter to myself from Lyman Wight and others-- - - _Letter:--Lyman Wight to President Joseph Smith--Suggesting a - Southwest Movement for the Church_. - - BLACK RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN TERRITORY, - - February 15th, 1844. - - _To Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints, and to the Twelve Apostles, greeting:--_ - - Believing a concert of action in all things in this Church - to be highly important, we deem it necessary, under existing - circumstances, to make you acquainted with our views, feelings, and - temporal and spiritual prospects, as they now exist. - - We wrote you last fall a full and complete description of this - country as high as the falls on Black River, without exaggeration, - giving a slight description of the Pinery. - - With the exception of several renegades and false brethren, things - passed smoothly until some time in the month of January, when we - were visited by three different tribes of Lamanites upon the most - friendly terms, receiving us as their counselors, both temporal and - spiritual. - - The names of those tribes are Menomanees, Chippewa, and - Winnebagoes. They informed us that all the land above the falls - belongs to the Menomanee tribe, and that the agents and the - governor, the general {258} agent in the northwest of all the - Indian affairs, had agreed with them to remove all the lumbermen - from Black River, Chippewa, and Lemanware rivers, by their request; - but after a lengthy conversation with them, they felt to treat us - as their friends, and not their enemies. - - We dispatched two messengers--namely, George Miller and Cyrus - Daniels, to go immediately to Wisconsin, where they met with the - agent, who gave them to understand we could get the timber, which - is already cut, at a reasonable rate, and for any future prospect - we will be under the necessity of entering into a contract. - - We calculate the present prospect for lumber betwixt this and the - last of July next will be from eight to twelve hundred thousand - feet, which we deem will be all sufficient to finish the two - houses, which will accomplish the mission on which we started to - this country. - - We, therefore, as a branch and a member of the body of the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose the following - committee--namely, Lyman Wight, George Miller, Pierce Hawley, - Phineas R. Bird and John Young, to correspond with your reverend - council, giving you our views concerning matters and things, and - requesting your counsel on the same. - - This committee views it inexpedient to purchase standing timber on - so rapid and unnavigable a stream for the purpose of making lumber - to gain wealth. - - The Lamanites owning this land, notwithstanding their great anxiety - to receive the Gospel and the Book of Mormon, have a strong desire, - if counseled by us so to do, to go south-west, where game is more - plentiful as their only resource here for a living is the pitiful - annuities and proceeds from their pine timber, which timber is the - only inducement to the Government to purchase their lands. - - This committee is therefore led to take a brief view of the south - and western part of North America, together with the Floridas, - Texas, West India Islands, and the adjacent islands to the Gulf - of Mexico, together with the Lamanites bordering on the United - Territories from Green Bay to the Mexican Gulf, all crying with one - voice, through the medium of their chiefs, Give us an understanding - of your doctrine and principles, for we perceive that your ways are - equal, and your righteousness far exceeds the righteousness of all - the missionaries that we have yet become acquainted with,--that - your conduct with one another is like that of ours, and that all - your feasts and attendant ceremonies are precisely like ours. - - Your servants, the committee, have viewed the Colorado river, with - all its beautiful hills and valleys and fertile soil, with deep - regret, when viewing the countless thousands of inhabitants on - either side thereof, without the knowledge of God or the doctrine - of the Church of Jesus {259} Christ of Latter-day Saints, and say - in their hearts, Would it be expedient to form a mission of those - true and full-blooded Ephraimites, who, from principle, and the - love of the truth, have borne the most extreme burdens, fatigue, - and hunger, to prosecute the mission, to procure lumber sufficient - to build the two houses, to open the door to all the regions which - we have named, which regions have never yet had an opportunity - to hear the Gospel and to be made acquainted with the plan of - salvation? or shall they continue to suffer the fatigues of hunger, - wet and cold, in a rigid, inclement climate, for the pitiful sum - that it shall avail them, after undergoing those hazardous perils? - or shall they, like Timothy and Titus, with Paul, hazard the perils - of the sea and land through the Southern States and West India - Islands, and all the Lamanite world, go forth and proclaim to them - the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and teach them to - build up Zion? - - Are there not thousands of the rich planters who would embrace the - Gospel, and, if they had a place to plant their slaves, give all - the proceeds of their yearly labor, if rightly taught, for building - up the kingdom, being directed by the President of the whole Church - to make the right application? We answer, Yes, we believe they - would. - - Your servants, the committee, are of the opinion that a concerted - and reciprocity of action between the North and the South would - greatly advance the building up of the kingdom. - - The committee is well informed of the Cherokee and the Chocktaw - nations who live between the state of Arkansas and the Colorado - river of the Texans, owning large plantations and thousands of - slaves, and that they are also very desirous to have an interview - with the Elders of this Church, upon the principles of the Book of - Mormon. - - This committee is of the opinion that they can choose soldiers for - this expedition who are as undeviating in the principles of the - doctrine of Christ and the Book of Mormon as the sun in his daily - course, and as indefatigable in their exertions in this cause as - the earth is in its daily revolution. - - This committee views it as a matter of investigation, whether would - the Southerner, with his slaves and abundance of wealth, do better - to take them to some slave-holding point, keep them in lively - exercise according to his former customs and habits turning over - his yearly proceeds into the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust for the - whole Church, or to abolish slavery and settle himself in a climate - uncongenial to his nature and entirely derogatory to his former - occupations in life? - - After having procured the lumber for those two houses, the - committee is of the opinion that the preaching of the Gospel and - raising funds {260} in the south would be a far more speedy way of - accomplishing the work than any other that could be introduced at - the present time. - - We, your servants, therefore, will wait patiently the result - of your council, and submit ourselves to the same with all - cheerfulness, our only object being to advance the cause and - kingdom of God, stand ready to take hold wherever your wise council - may consider it to be of the most advantage. - - This committee view with deep regret the many different teachings - this Church has received concerning the distribution of their - property, such as raising funds for the printing of tracts, - evidences of the Book of Mormon, and pamphlets of various - descriptions, which we consider has not advanced the cause in the - least degree, but has tended directly to sap the foundation of - building the houses. - - We therefore believe that no person embracing the doctrine of the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should give any part or - parcel of the property without a direct counsel, written or oral, - from the First Presidency of the Church. - - Whereas the committee having appointed George Miller and Lyman - Wight to write the views of the committee, each wrote separate and - apart, having laid the same before the committee, the committee - resolved that both productions be sent without alterations. - - We, the committee, conclude by subscribing ourselves your friends - and well-wishers in the Lord, praying a speedy answer from your - worthy council, or the word of the Lord. - - LYMAN WIGHT, - - GEORGE MILLER, - - PHINEAS R. BIRD, - - PIERCE HAWLEY, - - JOHN YOUNG, - - Select Committee to write expressing the views of the branch of the - Church at Black River Falls. - - Joseph Smith, Sen., P. C. - - Brigham Young, P. T. - - William Richards, Clerk. - -The brethren went into council on the subject matter of the letters -during the evening. - -_Monday 11.--_At home till nine; then spent the day in council in the -lodge room over Henry Miller's house. - - _Special Council Meeting on Wight and Miller Letters_. - - Present--Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. - Kimball, Willard Richards, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John - Taylor, {261} George A. Smith, William W. Phelps, John M. - Bernhisel, Lucien Woodworth, George Miller, Alexander Badlam, Peter - Haws, Erastus Snow, Reynolds Cahoon, Amos Fielding, Alpheus Cutler, - Levi Richards, Newel K. Whitney, Lorenzo D. Wasson, and William - Clayton, whom I organized into a special council, to take into - consideration the subject matter contained in the above letters, - and also the best policy for this people to adopt to obtain their - rights from the nation and insure protection for themselves and - children; and to secure a resting place in the mountains, or some - uninhabited region, where we can enjoy the liberty of conscience - guaranteed to us by the Constitution of our country, rendered - doubly sacred by the precious blood of our fathers, and denied to - us by the present authorities, who have smuggled themselves into - power in the States and Nation. - -Footnotes: - -1. Nauvoo was unfortunate in being overrun with pettifogging lawyers -at this time, and it was to these, doubtless, that the disparaging -remarks of both the Prophet and Hyrum, respecting lawyers referred. It -is unfortunate that they did not segregate the pettifoggers from the -worthy men of the profession; than whom no class of citizens, and no -other profession, render more valuable service to the state. - -{262} - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -ORSON PRATT SENT TO WASHINGTON AS AGENT OF NAUVOO--AMOS FIELDING TO -ENGLAND, DITTO--COMMENT ON THE CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR PRESIDENT -OF THE U.S.--CONSPIRACIES OF THE LAWS, HIGBEES, FOSTERS, ET AL. AGAINST -JOSEPH SMITH--THE PROPHET'S MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS==OCCUPATION OF THE -WEST CONTEMPLATED. - -_Tuesday, March 12, 1844.--_At home in the morning. At eleven a.m., I -told Brother Cole I wanted the room over the store for more important -purposes, and wished him to remove the school to Henry Miller's house -immediately; which he did. - -The brethren who were in council with me yesterday assembled there in -the afternoon and evening. - -Gave the following recommend to Elder Orson Pratt. - - _Credentials of Orson Pratt as Agent for the City of Nauvoo_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 12, 1844. - - TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:-- - - We, the mayor and recorder of said city, do hereby certify that - Orson Pratt, Esq., the bearer, a councilor in city council of - said city, is sent as an agent by the authorities of said city or - corporation to transact such business as he may deem expedient and - beneficial for the community which he represents; and as such agent - and gentleman of principle and character, he by us is recommended - to the due consideration of all the executive officers of the - government, both houses of Congress, and gentlemen generally of the - United States. - - In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the - seal of said corporation at the time and place aforesaid. - - [CORPORATION SEAL.] - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor, - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder. - -{263} A dull cloudy day. - -[Sidenote: Co-operative Store Planned.] - -A meeting of the inhabitants of the Tenth ward was held this evening -at the schoolhouse on the hill, in Parley street, to take into -consideration the propriety of establishing a store on the principle of -co-operation or reciprocity. The subject was fully investigated, and -the benefits of such an institution clearly pointed out. - -The plan proposed for carrying out the object of the meeting was by -shares of five dollars each. - -The leading feature of the institution was to give employment to our -own mechanics, by supplying the raw material, and manufacturing all -sorts of domestic goods, and furnishing the necessaries and comforts of -life on the lowest possible terms. - -A committee was appointed to draft a plan for the government of said -institute, to be submitted for adoption or amendment at their next -meeting; after which an adjournment took place till next Tuesday -evening, at half-past: six o'clock, at the same place. - -_Wednesday, 13.--_In special council from nine to twelve a.m. Orson -Hyde, Wilford Woodruff and James Emmett were present, in addition to -those of the preceding day. Willard Richards was appointed historian, -and William Clayton clerk of the council. - -It was decided that Amos Fielding should return to England, when I and -my brother Hyrum gave him the following letter of attorney:-- - - _Credentials of Elder Amos Fielding on Departing for England_. - - "This is to certify that the bearer thereof, our worthy brother - Elder Amos Fielding, hath been appointed by the First Presidency - of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our agent, to - transact such business as may be deemed necessary for the benefit - of said Church, and such as he shall see proper throughout the - island of Great Britain. - - He is hereby authorized to receive moneys for the Temple in Nauvoo, - {264} the poor, or for the Church; and the brethren will be safe - should they deposit money in his hands for any purpose pertaining - to the Church business in this place. - - In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and placed the - corporation seal of City of Nauvoo this 13th day of March, A. D. - 1844. - - [CORPORATION SEAL.] - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - HYRUM SMITH. - - Presiding Elders of the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints. - -_Thursday, 14.--_In special council over the store from nine till one. - -At two, went to see Brother John Wilkie. He had sent to me to come and -see him. He wanted to know what he should do. I told him of the order -of tithing, &c., and he wanted I should come again. - -At four, went to assembly room again. Lucien Woodworth sent on a -mission to Texas. At seven, adjourned to next Tuesday, at nine, a.m. - -_Friday 15.--_Dull, cloudy day, north wind. Frosty night. Spent the day -in council. - -Being in a strait to raise money to assist the hands in the Pine -country, I sent Elders Brigham and Willard Richards to borrow some -money from Mr. Orme, who, it is believed, had a large sum of money -lying idle, but they did not get any. - -I copy from the Law of the Lord:-- - - _John Wilkie. The Blessing of the Prophet upon Him_. - - "This day President Joseph Smith rode over to Brother John Wilkie's - at his special request, to give him some instructions relative to - his duty in regard to tithing and consecration. - - Brother Wilkie has for a long time back been struggling with his - feelings, designing to do right, but laboring under many fears and - prejudices, in consequence of having in some degree given way to - believe the base reports circulated by individuals for the purpose - of injuring the authorities of the Church, and also from various - other causes. His faithful companion has persevered diligently, and - with fervent prayer has called upon God in his behalf, until she - has realized her utmost wishes. - - {265} Brother Wilkie now feels anxious to do right in all things, - and especially to pay his tithing to the full. President Joseph - showed him the principles of consecration and the means whereby - he might realize the fullness of the blessings of the celestial - kingdom; and as an evidence that he desired to do right, he paid - over to the Trustee-in-Trust the sum of three hundred dollars in - gold and silver for the benefit of the Temple, and which is now - recorded on consecration. - - He also signified his intention of paying more as soon as he could - get matters properly arranged. The president then pronounced a - blessing upon him and his companion, that they should have the - blessing of God to attend them in their basket and in their - store--that they should have the blessing of health and salvation - and long life, inasmuch as they would continue to walk in obedience - to the commandments of God. - - May the Lord grant his Spirit and peace to abide upon Brother - Wilkie and his companion through the remainder of their days; may - their hearts expand and become enlarged to receive the fullness of - the blessings of the kingdom of heaven; may they have the light - of eternal truth continually springing up in them like a well of - living water; may they be shielded from the powers of Satan and the - influence of designing men, and their faith increase from day to - day until they shall have power to lay hold on the blessings of God - and the gifts of the Spirit until they are satisfied; and, finally, - may they live to a good old age; and when they have lived while - they desire life, may they die in peace and be received into the - mansions of eternal life, and enjoy a celestial glory forever and - ever! Even so, amen. - -The editors of the _Times and Seasons_ published a short account of -"Our City and the Present Aspect of Affairs," which we insert. - - STATUS OF NAUVOO IN THE SPRING OF 1844. - - Believing that our patrons and friends are pleased to hear of our - prosperity, we feel happy in apprising them of the same, through - the columns of our paper. - - Owing to the scarcity of provision and the pressure in the money - market during the past winter, commercial business has been - somewhat dull; consequently, those who were not previously prepared - have been obliged to employ the principal portion of their time in - obtaining the necessary means for the sustenance of their families: - therefore little improvement has been made. But old Boreas is now - on his receding march, and spring has commenced its return with all - its pleasantness. - - {266} Navigation is open, and steamboats are almost continually - plying up and down our majestic river. They have already brought - several families of emigrants to this place, who have cordially - joined with their friends and brethren in the great work of the - upbuilding of Zion and the rolling forth of the kingdom of God. - - The work of improvement is now actively begun, and in every - direction may be heard the sound of the mason's trowel, the - carpenter's hammer, the teamster's voice, or, in other words, the - hum of industry and the voice of merriment. Indeed, to judge from - the present appearance, a greater amount of improvement will be - done the ensuing summer than in the preceding one. - - Almost every stranger that enters our city is excited with - astonishment that so much has been done in so short a time; but - we flatter ourselves, from the known industry, perseverance, and - diligence of the Saints, that by the return of another winter so - much more will be accomplished, that his astonishment will be - increased to wonder and admiration. - - Quite extensive preparations are being made by the farmers in this - vicinity for the cultivation of land; and should the season prove - favorable, we doubt not that nearly, if not a sufficient amount of - produce will be raised to supply the wants of the city and adjacent - country. - - We are also pleased that we can inform our friends abroad that the - Saints here of late have taken hold of the work on the Temple with - the zeal and energy that in no small degree excites our admiration. - Their united efforts certainly speak to us that it is their - determination that this spacious edifice shall be enclosed, if not - finished, this season. - - And a word we would say to the Saints abroad, which is, that the - Temple is being built in compliance with a special commandment of - God not to a few individuals, but to all. Therefore we sincerely - hope you will contribute of your means as liberally as your - circumstances will allow, that the burden of the work may not rest - upon a few, but proportionately upon all. - - Where is the true-hearted Saint that does not with joy and delight - contemplate the endowment of the servants of God and the blessings - He has promised to His people on condition that they speedily - build the Temple? Certainly you cannot reasonably expect to enjoy - these blessings if you refuse to contribute your share towards its - erection. - - It is a thing of importance, and much depends upon its - accomplishment: therefore we wish to forcibly impress the matter - upon your minds, hoping you will become aroused to a sense or - your duty--that every company of Saints, every Elder that comes - here, and every mail may bring money and other property for this - important work,--which, {267} when completed, will stand, in one - sense of the word, as a firm pillar in Zion, and which will greatly - facilitate the prosperity of the great cause of truth which we all - are actively engaged in. - -_Saturday, 16.--_At home. At one p.m., I sat in council with Willard -Richards, Orrin P. Rockwell, and Bishop George Miller. - -The Female Relief Society had two meetings in the assembly room, as it -would not hold all at once, and sanctioned the "Voice of Innocence from -Nauvoo." - -[Sidenote: Wind Storm at Nauvoo.] - -_Sunday, 17.--_Last night, Nauvoo was visited by a very strong wind -from the west. It blew down a portion of the west wall of the new hall -(28 by 40 feet on the ground,) which the Seventies had commenced on -Bain street, and they had raised for the roof. - -The wind continued very strong all day. In the evening, had a smart -snowstorm, which covered the ground, was succeeded by a frosty night. - -Attended prayer meeting. - -_Monday, 18.--_The frost of last night was so severe as to form ice -inside the houses. - -I stayed at home to recite German with Brother Neibaur. - -_Tuesday, 19.--_Met in council in the assembly room. Elder Samuel Bent, -Uriah Brown, Samuel James, John D. Parker, Orrin P. Rockwell, Sidney -Rigdon, William Marks, and Orson Spencer met in council, in addition to -the former names. - -In the afternoon, heavy, driving rain. Northwest wind. Dull, cold day. - -_Wednesday, 20.--_Severely cold northwest wind, with a snow and hail -storm until ten a.m. Afternoon dull. West wind. - -Spent the morning and afternoon in the assembly room, studying the -languages. - -[Sidenote: Col. Copeland and the Vice-Presidency.] - -{268} Elder Woodruff read me a letter which he had written to Colonel -Solomon Copeland concerning his nomination to be a candidate for the -Vice-President of the United States. - -The _Illinois Springfield Register_ has the following:-- - - GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT. - - It appears by the Nauvoo papers that the Mormon Prophet is actually - a candidate for the presidency. He has sent us his pamphlet, - containing an extract of his principles, from which it appears - that he is up to the hub for a United States bank and a protective - tariff. On these points he is much more explicit than Mr. Clay, - who will not say that he is for a bank, but talks all the time of - restoring a national currency. Nor will Mr. Clay say what kind of a - tariff he is for. He says to the south that he has not sufficiently - examined the present tariff, but thinks very likely it could be - amended. - - General Smith possesses no such fastidious delicacy. He comes right - out in favor of a bank and a tariff, taking the true Whig ground, - and ought to be regarded as the real Whig candidate for President, - until Mr. Clay can so far recover from his shuffling and dodging as - to declare his sentiments like a man. - - At present we can form no opinion of Clay's principles, except as - they are professed by his friends in these parts. - - Clay himself has adopted the notion which was once entertained by - an eminent grammarian, who denied that language was intended as a - means to express one's ideas, but insisted that it was invented on - purpose to aid us in concealing them. - -The_ Iowa Democrat_ publishes the following:-- - - _A New Candidate in the Field_. - - We see from the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ that General Joseph Smith, - the great Mormon Prophet, has become a candidate for the next - presidency. We do not know whether he intends to submit his claims - to the National Convention, or not; but, judging from the language - of his own organ, we conclude that he considers himself a full team - for all of them. - - All that we have to say on this point is, that if superior talent, - genius, and intelligence, combined with virtue, integrity, and - enlarged views, are any guarantee to General Smith's being elected, - we think that he will be a "full team of himself." - - {269} The _Missouri Republican_ believes that it will be death - to Van Buren, and all agree that it must be injurious to the - Democratic ranks, inasmuch as it will throw the Mormon vote out of - the field. - - A traveler, having visited Nauvoo for a few days, wrote to the - _Times and Seasons_-- - - "Mr. Editor,--Before I take my departure, permit me to express my - views relative to the leading men of your city, where I have been - these few days. - - I have been conversant with the great men of the age; and, last of - all I feel that I have met with the greatest, in the presence of - your esteemed Prophet, General Joseph Smith. From many reports, I - had reason to believe him a bigoted religionist, as ignorant of - politics as the savages; but, to my utter astonishment, on the - short acquaintance, I have found him as familiar in the cabinet of - nations as with his Bible and in the knowledge of that book I have - not met with his equal in Europe or America. Although I should beg - leave to differ with him in some items of faith, his nobleness of - soul will not permit him to take offense at me. No, sir; I find him - open, frank, and generous,--as willing others should enjoy their - opinions as to enjoy his own. - - The General appears perfectly at home on every subject, and his - familiarity with many languages affords him ample means to become - informed concerning all nations and principles, which with his - familiar and dignified deportment towards all must secure to his - interest the affections of every intelligent and virtuous man that - may chance to fall in his way, and I am astonished that so little - is known abroad concerning him. - - Van Buren was my favorite, and I was astonished to see General - Smith's name as a competitor; but, since my late acquaintance, Mr. - Van Buren can never re-seat himself in the Presidential chair on my - vote while General Smith is in the field. Forming my opinions alone - of the talents of the two, and from what I have seen, I have no - reason to doubt but General Smith's integrity is equal to any other - individual; and I am satisfied he cannot easily be made the pliant - tool of any political party. I take him to be a man who stands far - aloof from little caucus quibblings and squabblings, while nations, - governments, and realms are wielded in his hand as familiarly as - the top and hoop in the hands of their little masters. - - Free from all bigotry and superstition, he dives into every - subject, and it seems as though the world was not large enough to - satisfy his capacious soul, and from his conversation one might - suppose him as well acquainted with other worlds as this. - - So far as I can discover, General Smith is the nation's man, and - the man who will exalt the nation, if the people will give him the - opportunity; {270} and all parties will find a friend in him so far - as right is concerned. - - General Smith's movements are perfectly anomalous in the estimation - of the public. All other great men have been considered wise in - drawing around them wise men; but I have frequently heard the - General called a fool because he has gathered the wisest of men - to his cabinet, who direct his movements; but this subject is too - ridiculous to dwell upon. Suffice it to say, so far as I have seen, - he has wise men at his side--superlatively wise, and more capable - of managing the affairs of a State than most men now engaged - therein, which I consider much to his credit, though I would by no - means speak diminutively of my old friend. - - From my brief acquaintance, I consider General Smith (independent - of his peculiar religious views, in which by-the-by, I have - discovered neither vanity nor folly,) the_ sine qua non_ of the - age to our nation's prosperity. He has learned the all-important - lesson "to profit by the experience of those who have gone before;" - so that, in short, General Smith begins where other men leave off. - I am aware this will appear a bold assertion to some; but I would - say to such, call, and form your acquaintance, as I have done; then - judge. - - Thus, sir, you have a few leading items of my views of General - Smith, formed from personal acquaintance, which you are at liberty - to dispose of as you think proper. I anticipate the pleasure of - renewing my acquaintance with your citizens at a future day. - - Yours respectfully, - - A TRAVELER. - -A writer in the _Quincy Herald_ reflects very strongly upon the conduct -of the _Quincy Whig, New York Tribune_, and other newspapers, for -publishing slanderous falsehoods against the Saints. - -Ten, p.m., commenced snowing again. - -[Sidenote: Origin of Memorial to Congress.] - -_Thursday, 21.--_A cold snow-storm through the night. - -In council in the assembly room, discussing the propriety of -petitioning Congress for the privilege of raising troops to protect the -making of settlements in the uncivilized portions of our continent. - -Willard Richards was appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to -Congress. - -{271} _Friday, 22.--_Snow on the ground; cold, bleak north wind; cloudy. - -At ten a.m., held Mayor's court, and afterwards read German in the -reading room. - -In the afternoon, met with the Twelve in prayer at President Brigham -Young's house. - -[Sidenote: The Seventies' Hall, Instructions on Rebuilding.] - -I advised the Seventies to pull down the remainder of the walls and -rebuild the Seventies' hall on a permanent basis from the foundation -and not erect for themselves a trap, but build one two stories high, -and strong enough to stand for a generation. - -_Saturday, 23.--_Day warmer. Rode out with Clayton to endeavor to raise -money to furnish the hands in the Pinery with supplies. Visited the -Temple and public works. - -Also called with William Clayton and Alexander Neibaur at Dr. Foster's. -He was gone to Appanoose, and Mrs. Foster was at Mr. Gilman's. - -I here extract from William Clayton's journal:-- - - _President Smith's Interview With Mrs. Foster_. - - We went down there and saw her, [Mrs. Foster]. President Joseph - asked Sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an - immoral or indecent act. She answered, "No." He then explained - his reasons for asking; which were, he had been informed that - Dr. Foster had stated that Joseph made propositions to his wife - calculated to lead her astray from the path of virtue; and then - asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to - her. She answered, "Never." He further asked if he ever preached - anything like the "plurality of wife" doctrine to her other than - what he had preached in public? She said, "No." He asked her if he - ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her, and especially - when he took dinner during the doctor's absence. She said, "No." - After some further conversation on the subject, we left. Mrs. - Gillman was present all the time. President Joseph and Neibaur then - went on foot to the farm. - -_Sunday, 24.--_At ten, a.m., met at the stand near the {272} Temple. -[The following very brief outline of the speeches is from the journal -of Wilford Woodruff]:-- - - _Discourse of President Smith--Conspiracies in Nauvoo_. - - "President Joseph Smith addressed the people. The following is the - substance of what I heard him say:-- - - I have been informed by two gentlemen that a conspiracy is got - up in this place for the purpose of taking the life of President - Joseph Smith, his family, and all the Smith family, and the heads - of the Church. One of the gentlemen will give his name to the - public, and the other wishes it to be hid for the present: they - will both testify to it on oath, and make an affidavit upon it. The - names of the persons revealed at the head of the conspiracy are as - follows:--Chancey L. Higbee, Dr. Robert D. Foster, Mr. Joseph H. - Jackson, William and Wilson Law. And the lies that C. L. Higbee has - hatched up as a foundation to work upon are--he says that I had - men's heads cut off in Missouri, and that I had a sword run through - the hearts of the people that I wanted to kill and put out of the - way. I won't swear out a warrant against them, for I don't fear - any of them: they would not scare off an old setting hen. I intend - to publish all the iniquity that I know of them. If I am guilty, I - am ready to bear it. There is sometimes honor among enemies. I am - willing to do anything for the good of the people. I will give the - name of one of the gentlemen who have divulged the plot: his name - is M. G. Eaton. He will swear to it: he is a bold fellow. Joseph H. - Jackson said a Smith should not be alive in two weeks,--not over - two months anyhow. Concerning the character of these men, I will - say nothing about it now; but if I hear anything more from them on - this subject, I will tell what I know about them. - - _Elder Orson Spencer_ addressed the people as follows:-- - - While listening to President Smith's remarks, I thought of a - figure, i.e., if a physician was going to dissect a body, he would - not be likely to begin at the limbs but cut the head off first. So - the adversary of the Saints has laid a plan to cut off the head - of the Church with the intention of scattering and destroying the - whole body. It was so in the days of Jesus Christ; the enemies of - the truth sought to kill Him, that the body might be destroyed; - which was also the case in the days of Elijah, Daniel, and many of - the ancients. - - I once heard a man say, who was opposed to this work, "That it - might be true, but it gave Joseph Smith power." True, said I; but - if his power be subordinate to the power of God, it is right. If - a man set up a kingdom by the power of God, then let others seek - power from the same source. God sets up kingdoms and pulls down - kingdoms: {273} this makes men mad who will not submit to the - kingdom of God. We all know the result of the power of Moses, who - was the representative of God. - - Judging from what is past, how will it be when God sets up His - kingdom in the last days? Whether there is a conspiracy now, or - not, I don't know; but no doubt there will be, if not now, for it - has always been so. In the days of the Nephites, they had their - Gadianton robbers. I have not any doubt but that the apostates will - join with the other wicked powers to try to put down the power of - God, and I am glad to have the power of the kingdom of God tested; - I care not what sacrifice I am called to make for such a kingdom. - If it is friends, wealth, or even life, at the purchase of such - a kingdom, it is cheap. Did the ancient Apostles, Prophets, or - Saints who died pay too much for that kingdom? They did not. It - is necessary that men be put in possession of the knowledge and - mysteries of the kingdom of God, in order to sin as far as they - wish, that they may go to the highest pitch. How often men lay down - their lives for their country and other purposes. How much better, - then, to die for the cause of Zion! Good and righteous men will - administer justice and rebuke evil. The Church should be cleansed - from bad men, and the Lord will take His own way to cleanse the - Church. - - We should lift up our voice against wickedness of all kinds. But - will the rulers of our land do it? No, they will not; they will - be cowards until there is no man to fight, and then be brave. - When Government will not do it, some man should take the helm of - government that will do it. Will it be called treason, if the God - of heaven should set up a kingdom? May the Lord give you more and - more of His Spirit, light and intelligence, until you are cemented - together in union and love. Amen. - - Elder Sidney Rigdon addressed the meeting. - - President Joseph Smith again arose and said--In relation to the - power over the minds of mankind which I hold, I would say, It is - in consequence of the power of truth in the doctrines which I have - been an instrument in the hands of God of presenting unto them, and - not because of any compulsion on my part. I wish to ask if ever I - got any of it unfairly? If I have not reproved you in the gate? I - ask, Did I ever exercise any compulsion over any man? Did I not - give him the liberty of disbelieving any doctrine I have preached, - if he saw fit? Why do not my enemies strike a blow at the doctrine? - They cannot do it: it is truth, and I defy all men to upset it. I - am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Repent ye of your - sins and prepare the way for the coming of the Son of Man; for the - kingdom of God has come unto you, {274} and henceforth the ax is - laid unto the root of the tree; and every tree that bringeth not - forth good fruit, God Almighty (and not Joe Smith) shall hew it - down and cast it into the fire." - -After meeting, I rode out with Emma. The trees begin to bud forth. - -In the evening, held a conversation with a large company of friends at -my door. - -Elder R. H. Kinnamon writes that during the last 22 months he has -baptized over 100 persons while on a mission in Virginia and North -Carolina, organized two branches in Virginia, and calls are continually -made for preaching in every direction. - -[Sidenote: Progress on Memorial to Congress.] - -_Monday, 25.--_At home in the morning. After dinner rode up to the -upper landing to see the _St. Louis Oak_ steamer. Learned that a -company of emigrants from England were expected soon. Called at my -office on returning, and heard read the draft of a memorial to Congress -which my clerk had been writing, as a committee appointed by the -council on Thursday last, and was pleased with the instrument. - -Millions of wild pigeons flying north, and millions of gnats dancing in -the air. Dull day. At night thunder, lightning and rain. - -_Tuesday, 26.--_Dull day. From nine to twelve, noon, in council; also -from two to five p.m. - -The memorial drawn up by Dr. Richards was read, discussed, and approved -by the general council. - -Started this morning to go to Ramus with Brother Amasa Lyman. Rode as -far as the Temple, and found it so muddy that we turned back. - -Issued a warrant on the complaint of Vernon H. Bruce, against Ianthus -Rolfe, for stealing two stone-cutter's tools. - -I wrote the following:-- - - {275} _The Prophet's Memorial to Congress_. - - _To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the - United States of America, in Congress Assembled_: - - Your memorialist, a tree-born citizen or these United States, - respectfully showeth that from his infancy his soul has been filled - with the most intense and philanthropic interest for the welfare - of his native country; and being fired with an ardor which floods - cannot quench, crowns cannot conquer, nor diplomatic intrigue - corrupt, to see those principles which emanated from the bosoms of - the fathers of seventy-six, and which cost the noblest talents and - richest blood of the nation, maintained inviolate and perpetuated - to future generations; and the proud eagle of American freedom - soar triumphant over every party prejudice and local sinistry, and - spread her golden pinions over every member of the human family, - who shall stretch forth their hands for succor from the lion's - paw or the oppressor's grasp; and firmly trusting in the God of - liberty, that He has designed universal peace and goodwill, union, - and brotherly love to all the great family of man, your memorialist - asks your honorable body to pass the following:-- - - ORDINANCE. - - _An Ordinance for the Protection of the Citizens of the United - States Emigrating to the Territories, and for the Extension of the - Principles of Universal Liberty_. - - PREAMBLE. - - Whereas, many of the citizens of these United States have migrated - and are migrating to Texas, Oregon, and other lands contiguous to - this nation; _and whereas,_ Texas has declared herself free and - independent, without the necessary power to protect her rights - and liberties; _and whereas_ Oregon is without any organized - government, and those who emigrate thither are exposed to - foreign invasion and domestic feuds; _and whereas_ the Oregon, - by geographical location and discovery more rightfully belongs - to these United States than any other general government; _and - whereas_ it is necessary that the emigrants of that newly settling - territory should receive protection; _and whereas_ the Texan - Government has petitioned the United States to be received into our - Union, but yet retains her national existence; _and whereas_ the - United States remember with gratitude the seasonable support they - received in alike situation from a LaFayette_; and whereas_ the - United States desire to see the principles of her free institutions - extended to all men, especially {276} where it can be done without - the loss of blood and treasure to the nation_; and whereas_ there - is an almost boundless extent of territory on the west and south - of these United States, where exists little or no organization - of protective Government; _and whereas_ the lands thus unknown; - unowned, or unoccupied, are among some of the richest and most - fertile of the continent; _and whereas_ many of the inhabitants of - the Union would gladly embrace the opportunity of extending their - researches and acquirements so soon as they can receive protection - in their enterprise, thereby adding strength, durability, and - wealth to the nation; _and whereas_ the red man, the robber, - and the desperado have frequently interrupted such research and - acquisition without justifiable cause; _and whereas_ Joseph Smith - has offered and does hereby offer these United States, to show - his loyalty to our Confederate Union and the Constitution of our - Republic; to prevent quarrel and bloodshed our frontiers; to extend - the arm of deliverance to Texas; to on protect the inhabitants of - Oregon from foreign aggressions and domestic broils; to prevent - the crowned nations from encircling us as a nation on our western - and southern borders, and save the eagle's talon from the lion's - paw; to still the tongue of slander, and show the world that a - Republic can be, and not be ungrateful; to open the vast regions of - the unpeopled west and south to our enlightened and enterprising - yeomanry; to protect them in their researches; to secure them in - their locations, and thus strengthen the Government and enlarge - her borders; to extend her influence; to inspire the nations with - the spirit of freedom and win them to her standard; to promote - intelligence; to cultivate and establish peace among all with - whom we may have intercourse as neighbors; to settle all existing - difficulties among those not organized into an acknowledged - government bordering upon the United States and Territories; to - save the national revenue in the nation's coffers; to supercede - the necessity of a standing army on our western and southern - frontiers; to create and maintain the principles of peace and - suppress mobs, insurrections, and oppression in Oregon and all the - lands bordering upon the United States and not incorporated into - any acknowledged national government; to explore the unexplored - regions of our continent; to open new fields for enterprise to our - citizens, and protect them therein; to search out the antiquities - of the land, and thereby promote the arts and sciences, and general - information; to amalgamate the feelings of all with whom he may - have intercourse on the principles of equity, liberty, justice, - humanity and benevolence; to break down tyranny and oppression - and exalt the standard of universal peace, provided he shall be - protected in those rights and privileges which constitutionally - belong to every citizen of this Republic; therefore, that the said - memorialist may {277} have the privilege, and that no citizen of - the United States shall obstruct, or attempt to obstruct or hinder, - so good, so great, so noble an enterprise to carry out those plans - and principles as set forth in this preamble, and be shielded from - every opposition by evil and designing men. - - Section 1. _Be it ordained by the Senate and House of - Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress - Assembled,_ that Joseph Smith, of the city of Nauvoo, in the State - of Illinois, is hereby authorized and empowered to raise a company - of one hundred thousand armed volunteers in the United States and - Territories, at such times, and places and in such numbers, as he - shall find necessary and convenient for the purposes specified in - the foregoing preamble, and to execute the same. - - Sec. 2. _And be it further ordained_ that if any person or persons - shall hinder or attempt to hinder or molest the said Joseph Smith - from executing his designs in raising said volunteers, and marching - and transporting the same to the borders of the United States and - Territories, he, or they so hindering, molesting, or offending, - shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars - each for every offense, or by hard labor on some public work not - exceeding two years, or both, at the discretion of the nearest - District Court of the United States, where the hindrance or offense - shall be committed, having jurisdiction. - - Sec. 3. _And be it further ordained,_ the more fully to remove - all obstructions and hindrances to the raising, enlisting, and - marching the volunteers as aforesaid, the said Joseph Smith is - hereby constituted a member of the army of these United States, and - is authorized to act as such in the United States and Territories, - and on all lands bordering upon the United States and Territories, - for the purposes specified in the foregoing preamble, provided - said land shall not be within the acknowledged jurisdiction of any - acknowledged national government. - - Sec. 4._ And be it further ordained_ that nothing in this ordinance - shall be so construed by any individual or nation to consider - the volunteers aforesaid as constituting any part of the army - of the United States; neither shall the said Joseph Smith, as a - member of the United States army, disturb the peace of any nation - or government acknowledged as such, break the faith of treaties - between the United States and any other nation, or violate any - known law of nations, thereby endangering the peace of the United - States. - - Sec. 5. _And be it further ordained,_ that the said Joseph Smith - shall confine his operations to those principles of action - specified in the preamble to this ordinance, the perpetuity - of which shall be commensurate with the circumstances and - specifications which have originated it. - - And your memorialist will ever pray, &c. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 26, 1844. - -{278} Dr. Willard Richards wrote to the Saints at Augusta, Lee County, -Iowa, requesting a brief history of the settling of that branch, and -also asking a donation of lumber for his house. - -In the afternoon, Abiathar B. Williams made the following affidavit -before Daniel H. Wells, Esq:-- - - _Affidavit of Abiathar B. Williams, Concerning a Conspiracy against - the Prophet_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, Acting Justice of - the Peace in and for the said county, Abiathar B. Williams, who - being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that on or - about the 15th day of March, A. D., 1844, Joseph H. Jackson came to - my house and requested me to walk with him; which I did. During the - time we were walking, said Joseph H. Jackson said that he was then - coming direct from Mr. Law's; that there was going to be a secret - meeting in the city of Nauvoo, probably tomorrow evening: but, as - it was not decided, he could not say positively as to the time; but - he would inform me in season. The said Joseph H. Jackson said that - Doctor Foster, Chauncey L. Higbee, and the Laws were red hot for a - conspiracy, and he should not be surprised if in two weeks there - should not be one of the Smith family left alive in Nauvoo. After - we arrived at Mr. Loomis', near the Masonic hall, in the city of - Nauvoo, he related some things which he stated that Dr. Foster had - said relative to his family. This he did in the presence of Mr. - Eaton and myself, and strongly solicited myself and Mr. Eaton to - attend the secret meeting and join them in their intentions. The - said Joseph H. Jackson further said that Chauncey Higbee had said - that he, the said Chauncey Higbee, had seen men tied hand and foot, - and run through the heart with a sword, and their heads taken off, - and then buried; and he durst not say a word. This the said Jackson - said in Mr. Loomis' room. And further this deponent saith not. - - A. B. WILLIAMS. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of March, A. D. - 1844. - - [L. S.] - - DANIEL H. WELLS, J. P. - -Also M. G. Eaton made affidavit as follows:-- - - {279} _Affidavit of M. G. Eaton--A conspiracy Against Joseph Smith_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an acting Justice - of the Peace, in and for the said county, M. G. Eaton, who being - duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that on or about - the fifteenth day of March, A. D. 1844, Joseph H. Jackson came to - me several times and requested me to go on the hill with him. I - finally consented went with him to the Keystone Store, in the city - of Nauvoo. Dr. Foster and one of the Higbees (I think Chauncey L. - Higbee) were in the store. The said Joseph H. Jackson, together - with the said R. D. Foster and said Higbee, went into the back room - of the store. They appeared to enter into private council. Soon - after they went into the said room, the said Joseph H. Jackson - invited me into the room where they were sitting. I immediately - complied. - - Soon after I went in, the said Higbee commenced talking about the - spiritual wife system. He said he had no doubt but some of the - Elders had ten or twelve apiece. He said they married them, whether - the females were living or not; and they did it by recording the - marriage in a large book, which book was sealed up after the record - was made, and was not to be opened for a long time,--probably not - till many of the husbands of those who were thus married were dead. - They would then open the book and break the seals in the presence - of those females, and when they saw their names recorded in that - book they would believe that the doctrine was true and they must - submit. He said this book was kept at Mr. Hyrum Smith's. I asked - the Chauncey L Higbee. * * * * * - - [Here follows some expressions too indecent for insertion.] - - The aforesaid R. D. Foster then asked me what I would think, if, - during my absence from home, a carriage should drive up to my - house, a person alight, and the carriage then drive off again; this - person should then go into my house and begin to tell my wife a - great many things against me to prejudice her mind against me, and - use every possible means to do this, and finally would introduce - and preach the spiritual wife doctrine to her, and make an attempt - to seduce her; and further, this person should sit down to dine - with my wife, bless the victuals, &c.; and while they were thus - engaged, I should come home and find them thus associated, this - person should rise up and say, "How do you do?" and bless me in a - very polite manner, &c.; and also if, upon these appearances, I - should feel jealous that something was wrong, and when the person - was {280} gone I would ask my wife what had been the conversation - between her and this person, but she would refuse to tell me; I - then draw a pistol and present it to her head and threaten to shoot - her if she did not tell me all, but she would still refuse: I then - would give her a double-barrelled pistol, and say to her, "Defend - yourself; for if you don't tell me, either you or I would shoot" - she would then faint away through fear and excitement, and when she - came to again, she would begin and tell how this person had been - trying to poison your wife's mind against you, and, by preaching - the spiritual wife system to her, had endeavored to seduce her. I - replied, I should think he was a rascal: but who has had such a - trial as that? The said R. D. Foster answered that he was the man - who had had that trial, and who had been thus abused. - - The said Dr. Foster, Higbee, and Joseph H. Jackson then remarked - that they were about to hold a secret meeting to oppose and try to - put a stop to such things. The said Joseph H. Jackson also said - that if any person undertook to arrest him, he should begin to cut - them. - - The said R. D. Foster further said he was afraid of his life, and - dared not be out at nights. - - The said Higbee said he had not a doubt but there had been men - killed in Missouri who had secrets that they were afraid they would - divulge. He said he was afraid of his life. - - The said Jackson further said he should not be surprised if there - should be a real muss and an insurrection in the city in less - than two months; and that if a disturbance should take place, the - Carthaginians and others would come and help them. - - He mentioned some names of persons who would come from Carthage, - which names I do not remember. The same day, when in Mr. Loomis' - room, I heard the said Jackson say that the Laws were ready to - enter into a secret conspiracy, tooth and nails. - - The said Higbee also said, while at the Keystone Store, that if - ever he was brought before the Mayor's court again, and the Mayor - told him to hold his tongue, he should get up and tell him he had a - right to speak, and should do so; and then if any man attempted to - put him out of court, he would shoot him through. And further this - deponent saith not. - - M. G. EATON. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 27th day of March, A. D., - 1844. - - [L. S.] - - DANIEL H. WELLS, J. P. [1] - -{281} This evening, Dr. Reynolds, of Iowa City, lectured on astronomy -in the assembly room. - -_Thursday, 28.--_Dull day, drizzling rain, cold north-east wind. - -Transferred the trial of Ianthus Rolfe to Aaron Johnson, J. P. - -This afternoon, had the assembly room and office plastered where the -same had been knocked off, &c. - -_Friday, 29.--_Night boisterous: about eight, a.m., hailstorm, -northeast wind, nipping frost; frost, hail, and strong wind all day. - -Spent the day at home. - -[Sidenote: The Robbery at Rollasson's Store in Nauvoo.] - -_Saturday, 30.--_This morning I heard there was some disturbance on the -hill; I rode up and found it reported that a robbery had been committed -at the Keystone Store, kept by Mr. Rollasson, of some $400 or $500, and -some goods, and they were suspicious of a certain black man. I issued a -search-warrant and returned to my office, where I found the black man, --- Chism, with his back lacerated from his shoulders to his hips, with -twenty or more lashes. My clerk, Dr. Richards, kept him secreted, and -called Aaron Johnson, a justice of the peace, who issued a warrant for --- --, a Missourian, who had boarded at my house a few days, and on -testimony fined him $5 and costs for whipping -- Chism. One Easton, a -witness, said he could not testify without implicating himself, and he -was apprehended and held in custody. W. H. J. Marr, Esq., refused to -testify, because he was counsel. - -[Sidenote: Memorial to the President of the United States.] - -I got prepared a memorial to his Excellency John Tyler, {282} the -President of the United States, embodying in it the same sentiments as -are in my Petition to the Senate and House of Representatives of the -United States, dated 26th March, 1844, asking the privilege of raising -100,000 men to extend protection to persons wishing to settle Oregon -and other portions of the territory of the United States, and extend -protection to the people in Texas. - -_Sunday, 31.--_Cold, fine day. - -At home this morning until nine, when I went over to my reading-room, -again heard read and signed my memorial to Congress for the privilege -of raising 100,000 volunteers to protect Texas, Oregon, &c., dated 26th -instant; and also a memorial to the President for the same purpose, if -the other fail. - -Also signed an introductory letter to Elder Orson Hyde, who is going to -carry the memorials [2] to Washington as follows:-- - - {283} _"Credentials of Orson Hyde, Agent to Present the Prophet's - Memorial to Congress_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 30, 1844. - - _To whom it may concern:_ We, the Mayor and Recorder of said city, - do certify that Orson Hyde, Esq. the bearer, a Councilor in the - City Council of said city, is sent as our agent, by the authorities - of said city, to transact such business as he may deem expedient - and beneficial for the party whom he represents; and such agent - and gentleman of principle and character, he by us is recommended - to the due consideration of all the executive officers of the - Government, both houses of Congress, and gentlemen generally of the - United States. - - In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the - seal of said corporation at the time and place aforesaid. - - [CORPORATION SEAL.] - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder. - -About this time, Brother Alexander Mills, one of the police, informed -me that Chauncey L. Higbee drew a pistol on him the night before, and -threatened to shoot him. I instructed him to make complaint to Esquire -Wells, and have him apprehended. - -Footnotes: - -1. In addition to these affidavits the Prophet was apprised by two -young men Denison L. Harris and Robert Scott, the latter living in the -family of William Law, of a secret movement then on foot to take his -life, and the lives of several other leading men in the Church, among -them the Prophet's brother, Hyrum. These young men were invited to -the secret meetings by the conspirators, but before going conferred -with the Prophet, who told them to go, but to take no part in the -proceedings of these wicked men against himself. They carried out -his instructions, and at the risk of their lives attended the secret -meetings three times, and brought to President Smith a report of what -they had witnessed. A full account of this conspiracy written by -Horace Cummings--the narrative being detailed to him by Dennison L. -Harris--was published in the _Contributor,_ for April, 1884. - -2. President Smith's memorial to Congress, of the 26th of March, -asking to be appointed "a member of the army of these United States," -to be authorized "to raise 100,000 armed volunteers" to police the -inter-mountain and Pacific slope west, was presented to the House of -Representatives by Mr. John Wentworth, of Chicago, where the following -occurred with reference to it: - -MORMONS: - -"Mr. Wentworth asked permission to present a memorial from Gen. Joseph -Smith, the head of the Mormons, and required that it might be read by -the clerk for the information of the House. - -"The clerk commenced the reading of the memorial. - -"Before the reading was concluded. - -"Mr. J. R. Ingersoll interposed, and objected a the reception at first, -and still objected. - -"Mr. Weber observed that if memorials of this kind were to be read, he -was entrusted with the presentation of one of a peculiar character, -from certain city of Frederick county, Md. - -"Mr. Wentworth said he would move a suspension of the rules to enable -him to have the paper read; and he wished a inquire of the chair -whether it would be in order for him to assign him reasons for making -such a motion. - -"Mr. Duncan observed, if the gentleman would yield him the floor, he -would move to suspend the rules, to go into committee of the whole on -the Oregon bill. - -"Mr. Wentworth said that, as he had the floor, he would make the -motion. Mr. Wentworth then moved that the rules be suspended, for the -purpose of going into committee of the whole on the Oregon Bill. - -"The Speaker said that the question would be put on suspending the -rules to go into committee of the whole. If that motion prevailed, the -gentleman could move to take up any bill he pleased. - -"Mr. Vance called for the yeas and nays on the question; which were -ordered. - -"Mr. McKay inquired if the House should refuse to go into committee of -the whole, if it could by postponement of the previous orders, take up -the naval appropriation bill which had been reported from the committee -of the whole. - -"The speaker said a motion to that effect would require a vote of -two-thirds. - -"The question was put on suspending the rules and rejected--yeas 79, -nays 86." ("Congressional Globe" for May 25th, 1844. Vol. 13, No. 39, -p. 624.) - -{284} - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE AUTHORITIES OF NAUVOO VS. THE HIGBEES, ET. AL--DEDICATION OF -THE MASONIC HALL--THE CHURCH CONFERENCE OF APRIL, 1844--ADDRESS OF -PRESIDENT SIDNEY RIGDON; DITTO PATRIARCH HYRUM SMITH--HISTORICAL -RESUME, AND BUILDING THE TEMPLE. - -_Monday, April 1, 1844.--_In the court-room in the Mansion, Mr. J. -Easton was brought up as being accessory to whipping Chism, [a negro]. -Referred the case to Alderman Wells. On investigation, it appeared to -the satisfaction of the court that he had been on trial for the same -offense before Robert D. Foster, and acquitted. - -I extract from the _Neighbor_:-- - - _Comment on the Negro Chism's Case_. - - After the court dismissed the case, General Smith fearlessly stated - that he believed that it was a plot on the part of those who were - instrumental in getting up the previous trial to thwart the ends - of justice and screen the prisoner from the condemnation he justly - deserves. Mr. Foster then stated, by way of an apology, that at the - time he issued the warrant he did not know that the prisoner was - under an arrest, or that there was any process out against him. - - We hope, for the honor of such a man as Mr. Foster, that his - statement is true. Mr. Foster, however, called upon one of his - jurors, Mr. Carn, to corroborate what he had said; but, to our - astonishment, be replied that when Mr. Foster summoned him to - appear and act as a juryman, he was not informed what case he was - to act upon, nor did he learn until he entered the office, where he - acted according to the evidence given; but believed then, as well - as now, that it was a sham trial, and a mere mockery of justice. We - state facts as they are, and let the public judge for themselves. - - {285} The statement of the negro was that Messrs. Easton, - Townsend, and Lawyer W. H. J. Marr were the persons engaged in - this diabolical affair. Mr. Gibbs, one of the witnesses against - Townsend, believed the above persons were engaged in it; but as - a negro knows nothing in this state, and Mr. Gibbs could not - positively swear to it, of course we don't know; but we have our - opinion, and so have the public. We don't remember ever having seen - more indignation manifest than was manifested on this occasion, - and the public mind is not satisfied at the turn affairs have - taken. Lynch law will not do in Nauvoo, and those who engage in - it must expect to be visited by the wrath of an indignant people, - not according to the rule of Judge Lynch, but according to law and - equity. - -It was thought best to acquit Easton and leave the case to the Circuit -Court. - -[Sidenote: The Higbee Brothers in Trouble.] - -Francis M. Higbee and Chauncey L. Higbee were brought up before Esquire -Wells for assaulting the police, and acquitted. Chauncey L. Higbee -a lawyer, was brought before Daniel H. Wells Esq., on the charge of -using abusive language to and insulting the city marshal while in the -discharge of his official duty. He was fined ten dollars. - -Also Robert D. Foster, Esq., was taken before Isaac Higbee, J. P., -and fined ten dollars, for a breach of the ordinance pertaining to -gambling, &c. - -We are sorry to find that our lawyers and magistrates should be taking -the lead among gamblers and disorderly persons, and be numbered among -the law-breakers, rather than supporting virtue, law, and the dignity -of the city. - -[Sidenote: Counter move of the Higbees.] - -_Tuesday, 2.--_At home, somewhat unwell, and kept my house this fine -day. John P. Greene, marshal; Andrew Lytle, and John Lytle, policemen, -were arrested by a warrant issued by Robert D. Foster, on complaint -of Francis M. Higbee, for false imprisonment. As the case was going -to trial, the prisoners were taken by John D. Parker, with a writ of_ -habeas corpus_ before the Municipal Court; and tomorrow, at one, p.m., -was fixed for trial. - -{286} _Wednesday, 3.--_At one, p.m., presided in a special session of -the Municipal Court, with Aldermen William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, -Orson Spencer, George W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, George A. Smith, and -Samuel Bennett as Associate-Justices. John P. Greene, Andrew Lytle, and -John Lytle were brought up on _habeas corpus_ having been taken from -the officer who held them on a writ issued by Robert D. Foster, before -whom they had been arraigned on the complaint of Chauncey L. Higbee, -charged with false imprisonment. - -Joel S. Miles, Andrew Lytle, John Lytle, John P. Greene, and Robert D. -Foster were sworn, gave testimony in the case, and the court decided -that Greene and the two Lytles be discharged, and that Chauncey L. -Higbee is a very disorderly person; that this case on _habeas corpus_ -originated in a malicious and vexatious suit, instituted by Chauncey L. -Higbee against the petitioners now discharged; and that said Higbee pay -the costs. - -Warm and cloudy. - -[Sidenote: Conference in New York.] - -A conference was held in the city of New York; Elder William Smith -presiding, and Elder William H. Miles, clerk. Fifteen branches were -represented, containing 566 members, including 3 High Priests, 26 -Elders, 15 Priests, 16 Teachers, and 9 Deacons. - -_Thursday, 14.--_In a general council in the assembly room from nine to -twelve, a.m., and from one to four, p.m. - -I was visited by eleven Indians, who wanted counsel, and had an -impressive interview. - -Elder Orson Hyde was in the council, and left immediately for -Washington. [1] - -{287} A company of Saints arrived on the steamer _St. Croix_. - -Showery day. - -[Sidenote: Dedication Masonic Temple.] - -_Friday, 5.--_Attended the dedication of the Masonic Temple, which -was attended by about 550 members of the Masonic fraternity from -various parts of the world. A procession was formed at Henry Miller's -house, and was accompanied by the Nauvoo Brass Band to the hall. The -dedicatory ceremonies were performed by the Worshipful Master Hyrum -Smith. Elder Erastus Snow delivered an able Masonic address. Dr. -Goforth and I also addressed the assembly. All the visiting Masons were -furnished a dinner at the Masonic Hall at the expense of the Nauvoo -Lodge. The building is admitted to be the most substantial and best -finished Masonic Temple in the Western States. It has been erected -under the direction of Mr. Lucius N. Scovil. - -In consequence of ill health, I deferred preaching the funeral sermon -of King Follett until Sunday. Elder Amasa Lyman addressed a very large -assembly at the stand. - - _General Conference Minutes of the Church, April, 1844_. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Present--President Joseph - Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and William Marks. Of the - Twelve--Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Wilford - Woodruff, John Taylor, and George A. Smith. - - The members of the High Council, an immense number of Elders, an a - very large concourse of people. - - Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith came to the stand at a quarter - past ten o'clock, when the meeting was called to order by Elder - Brigham Young. The choir sang a hymn, after which - - _Opening Address of President Joseph Smith_. - - President Joseph Smith rose to state to the congregation the - nature of the business which would have to come before them. - He stated that it had been expected by some that the little - petty difficulties which have existed would be brought up and - investigated before this conference, but {288} it will not be - the case: these things are of too trivial a nature to occupy the - attention of so large a body. I intend to give you some instruction - on the principles of eternal truth, but will defer it until others - have spoken, in consequence of the weakness of my lungs. The - Elders will give you instruction; and then, if necessary, I will - offer such corrections as may be proper to all up the interstices. - Those who feel desirous of sowing the seeds of discord will be - disappointed on this occasion. It is our purpose to build up and - establish the principles of righteousness, and not to break down - and destroy. The Great Jehovah has ever been with me, and the - wisdom of God will direct me in the seventh hour. I feel in closer - communion and better standing with God than ever I felt before in - my life, and I am glad of this opportunity to appear in your midst. - I thank God for the glorious day that He has given us. In so large - a congregation it is necessary that the greatest order and decorum - be observed. I request this at your hands, and believe that you - will all keep good order. - - Prayer was offered by W. W. Phelps, after which the choir sang a - hymn. - - _Elder Sidney Rigdon_. - - Elder Sidney Rigdon then rose and said: It is with no ordinary - degree of satisfaction I enjoy this privilege this morning. Want - of health and other circumstances have kept me in silence for - nearly the last five years. It can hardly be expected that when - the violence of sickness has used its influence, and the seeds - of disease have so long preyed upon me, that I can rise before - this congregation, only in weakness. I am now come forth from - a bed of sickness, and have enough of strength left to appear - here for the first time in my true character. I have not come - before a conference for the last five years in my true character. - I shall consider this important privilege sacred in my family - history during life. I hardly promise myself lungs to make this - congregation hear me. I shall do the best I can, and the greatest - can do no more. - - The circumstance by which we are now surrounded point out the - principles of my discourse--the history of this Church, which I - have known from its infancy. My text is--"Behold the Church of God - of the last days." I do not know that I can find it in the Bible. - I do not think it necessary to have Paul to make a text for me; - I can make a text for myself. I recollect in the year 1830 I met - the whole Church of Christ in a little old log-house about 20 feet - square, near Waterloo, N.Y., and we began to talk about the kingdom - of God as if we had the world at our command. We talked with great - confidence, and {289} talked big things. Although we were not many - people, we had big feelings. - - We knew fourteen years ago that the Church would become as large - as it is today. We were as big then as we ever shall be. We began - to talk like men in authority and power. We looked upon the men of - the earth as grasshoppers. If we did not see this people, we saw - by vision the Church of God, a thousand times larger. And when men - would say we wanted to upset the Government, although we were not - enough to well man a farm, or meet a woman with a milk-pail, all - the Elders, all the members met in conference in a room twenty feet - square. - - I recollect Elder Phelps being put in jail for reading the Book of - Mormon. He came to see us, and expressed great astonishment, and - left us, apparently pondering in his heart. He afterwards came to - Kirtland, Ohio, and said he was a convert. Many things were taught, - believed, and preached then, which have since come to pass. We knew - the whole world would laugh at us; so we concealed ourselves, and - there was much excitement about our secret meetings, charging us - with designs against the Government, and with laying plans to get - money, &c., which never existed in the hearts of any one else [_i. - e._, but in the hearts of their accusers]. And if we had talked in - public, we should have been ridiculed more than we were. The world, - being entirely ignorant of the testimony of the Prophets, and - without knowledge of what God was about to do, treated all we said - with pretended contempt and much ridicule, and had they heard all - we said, it would have made worse for us. - - We talked about the people coming as doves to the windows; and that - nations should flock unto it; that they should come bending to the - standard of Jesus, saying, "Our fathers have taught falsehoods and - things in which there is no profit," and of whole nations being - born in one day. We talked such big things that men could not bear - them, and they not only ridiculed us for what we did say in public, - but threatened and inflicted much personal abuse; and if they had - heard all we said, their violence would have been insupportable. - God had great things to say for the salvation of the world, which, - if they had been told the public, would have brought persecution - upon us unto death: so we were obliged to retire to our secret - chamber and commune ourselves with God. If we had told the people - what our eyes behold this day, we should not have been believed; - but the rascals would have shed our blood if we had only told them - what we believed. There we sat in secret and beheld the glorious - visions and powers of the kingdom of heaven pass and repass. We had - not a mighty congregation to shelter us. If a mob came upon us, we - had to run and hide ourselves to save our lives. - - {290} The time has now come to tell why we held secret meetings. We - were maturing plans fourteen years ago which we can now tell. Were - we maturing plans to corrupt the world, to destroy the peace of - society? No. Let fourteen years' experience of the Church tell the - story. The Church never would have been here if we had not done as - we did in secret. The cry of "False prophet and imposter!" rolled - upon us. I do not know that anything has taken place in the history - of this Church which we did not then believe. It was written - upon our hearts and never could be taken away. It was indelibly - engraved; no power beneath yonder heavens could obliterate it. This - was the period when God laid the foundation of the Church, and He - laid it firmly, truly, and upon eternal truth. - - If any man says it is not the work of God, I know he lies. Some of - you who know you have a house, how long would it take to make you - reason yourselves into a belief that you have no house where you - now reside with your family? Neither have we any power whereby we - can ever persuade ourselves that this is not the Church of God. We - do not care who sinks or swims, or opposes, but we know here is - the Church of God, and I have authority before God for saying so. - I have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. I - have slept with it,--I have walked with it. The idea has never been - out of my heart for a moment, and I will reap the glory of it when - I leave this world. I defy men and hell and devils to put it out of - my heart. I defy all, and will triumph in spite of them. - - I know God. I have gazed upon the glory of God, the throne, visions - and glories of God, and the visions of eternity in days gone by. - What is a man of God to do, when he sees all the madness, wrath and - follies of our persecutors? He will do as God does--he will sit and - laugh. * * * These were the beginning of good days--shut up in a - room eating nothing but dry johnny-cake and buttermilk. Every man - who had a little farm or clothes, sold them and distributed what he - had among the rest, and did the best he could. I had a little to - eat--little to wear, and yet it was the beginning of good days. - - Some say "I want plenty to eat, plenty to drink, plenty to wear, - and a good house to live in;" and, say they, then I will believe. But - God will not give it until you have proved yourselves unto Him. - - No wonder, then, that we should be joyful today. If the people will - do as they are told, I will tell you what to do. Get the visions - of heaven, and seek not what you shall eat or what you shall - drink, but seek the will of God. Get into the presence of God, and - then you will have johnny-cake and milk-and-water no more. Would - you not be astonished if even now we should tell the glories and - privileges of the Saints of God to you and to the world? We should - be ridiculed; and {291} no wonder we shut it up in secret. If we - were to tell you when Jehovah is looked upon, lo it is beauty, it - is heaven, it is felicity to look upon Jehovah. I should marvel if - it were otherwise. If a man tells you one glory or one message, he - is learning another at the same time. Do not be astonished, then, - if we even yet have secret meetings, asking God for things for your - benefit. - - Do not be afraid. Go back to the commencement of this Church, and - see what was concocted then. There was no evil concocted when - we first held secret meetings, and it is the same now. Has God - forgotten to be gracious, to be merciful to mankind? Did He ever - concoct anything that was devilish for mankind? He could not do it. - I never am afraid of God or man concocting anything to hurt me. - I have faith to detect men, even if they did. I would ask God to - detect them, and hold them fast before they should do it. I am not - afraid of men or devils. I have none of those fears, jealousies, - dreads, forebodings, surmisings, &c. I put my trust in God, and - whatever God does for me is only for my salvation. - - A man is a bad teamster who runs his team in the worst road. What - I have already said is only to prepare the way. [Here five of the - Pottawattomie tribe appeared with their interpreter, and were - assisted to the stand by the President.] I am going to tell of - something that surprised me at the beginning of the Church. I have - handled, heard, seen and known things which I have not yet told. - - After the Church began to grow, it was favored with marvelously - wise men. They had so much wisdom that they could dispute what God - said, and what His servant said. They were opposed to virtue. They - would say they had revelations and visions, and were as certain - that the Lord had given it as I was that the devil had. - - He referred to the children of Israel who were snivelling and - murmuring about their leeks and onions, &c., &c.; and so it is in - these last days; some men are always yelling about what the Church - believes and opposing every good thing. - - I want devils to gratify themselves; and if howling, yelling and - yelping will do you any good, do it till you are all damned. - - If calling us devils, &c., will do you any good, let us have the - whole of it, and you can then go on your way to hell without a - grunt. - - We hear these things ever since the Church existed. They have come - up with us; they have had so much more wisdom, they knew all about - the kingdom before God revealed it, and they know all things before - they were heard; they understand more than God knows. We gather of - all kinds. If we get all nations, we get all wisdom, cunning, and - everything else. - - The sectarians cannot be as wise as we are, for they have only got - {292} man's plans, the devil's plans, and, the best of all, we have - God's plan. - - I do not know whether there are any of these wise men here this - morning or not; I have merely given this as a part of the history - of this Church. I am disposed to give some reasons why salvation - only belongs to the kingdom of God, and to that alone. - - I will endeavor to show why salvation belongs to us more - peculiarly, in contradistinction to all other bodies. Will this be - clear enough? - - I discover one thing: Mankind have labored under one universal - mistake about this--viz., salvation was distinct from government; - _i. e_., that I can build a Church without government, and that - thing have power to save me! - - When God sets up a system of salvation He sets up a system of - government. When I speak of a government, I mean what I say. I mean - a government that shall rule over temporal and spiritual affairs. - - Every man is a government of himself, and infringes upon no - government. A man is not an honorable man, if he is not above all - law and above government. - - I see in our town we have need of government. Some study law only - for the purpose of seeing how many feuds, how many broils they can - kick up, how much they can disturb the peace of the public without - breaking the law, and then say--"I know my rights, and will have - them;" "I did not know it was the marshal, or I would not have done - it." - - He is no gentleman. Gentlemen would not insult a poor man in the - street, but would bow to him, as much as those who appear more - respectable. No marshal or any one else, should pull me up. We - ought to live a great way within the circle of the laws of the land - would live far above all law. - - The law of God is far more righteous than the laws of the land. The - kingdom of God does not interfere with the laws of the land, but - keeps itself by its own laws. (Reported by Elder Thomas Bullock.) - - Elder Rigdon stopped to refresh himself. The choir sang hymn 104. - - Elder John Taylor, being called upon to address the congregation, - said--It gives me pleasure to meet and associate with so large - an assemblage of the Saints. I always feel at home among the - brethren. I consider them the honorable of the earth; and if I can - do anything to conduce to their happiness, or that will in anywise - tend to their edification, I am satisfied. - - I therefore address this congregation with cheerfulness and - pleasure, and if by unfolding any of the principles of truth that I - am in possession {293} of, or laying before you anything pertaining - to the kingdom--if my ideas will enlarge your minds, or produce - beneficial results to any, I shall consider myself on this, as on - all other occasions, amply repaid. - - Many things have been spoken by Elder Rigdon concerning the early - history of this Church. There is no person who has searched the - oracles of eternal truth, but his mind will be touched with the - remarks made by our venerable friend, which unfold the dispensation - of Jehovah, and have a tendency to produce the most thrilling - feelings in the bosoms of many who are this day present, and - to promote our general edification. He traces with pleasure on - the historic page--the rise of nations, kingdoms and empires. - Historians dwell with great minuteness on the heroic deeds, the - chivalrous acts, the dangers and deliverances, the tact, bravery, - and heroism of their chieftains, generals and governments. - - We, as Republicans, look back to the time when this nation was - under the iron rule of Great Britain, and groaned under the power, - tyranny and oppression of that powerful nation. We trace with - delight the name of a Washington, a Jefferson, a LaFayette, and an - Adams, in whose bosoms burned the spark of liberty. These themes - are dwelt upon with delight by our legislators, our governors and - presidents; they are subjects which fire our souls with patriotic - ardor. - - But if these things animate them so much, how much more great, - noble and exalted are the things laid before us! They were engaged - in founding kingdoms and empires that were destined to dissolution - and decay; and although many of them were great, formidable and - powerful, they now exist only in name. Their cloud-capped towers, - their solemn temples, are dissolved, and nothing now remains of - their former magnificence or ancient grandeur but a few dilapidated - buildings and broken columns. A few shattered fragments remain to - tell to this and to other generations the perishable nature of - earthly pomp and worldly glory. - - They were engaged in founding empires and establishing kingdoms - and powers that had in themselves the seeds of destruction, and - were destined to decay. We are laying the foundation of a kingdom - that shall last forever--that shall bloom in time and blossom in - eternity. We are engaged in a greater work than ever occupied the - attention of mortals. We live in a day that prophets and kings - desired to see, but died without the sight. - - When we hear the history of the rise of this kingdom from one who - has been with it from its infancy--from the lips of our venerable - friend who has taken an active part in all the history of the - Church, can we {294} be surprised if he should feel animated, and - that his soul should burn with heavenly zeal? We see in him a man - of God who can contemplate the glories of heaven, the visions of - eternity, and yet who looks forward to the opening glories which - the great Elohim has manifested to him pertaining to righteousness - and peace--a man who now beholds the things roll on which he has - long since beheld in prophetic vision. - - Most men have established themselves in authority by laying - desolate other kingdoms and the destruction of other powers. Their - kingdoms have been founded in blood, and supported in tyranny and - oppression. The greatest chieftains of the earth have obtained - their glory--if glory it can be called--by blood, carnage and ruin. - One nation has been built up at the expense and ruin of another, - and one man has been made at the expense of another; and yet these - great men were called honorable for their inglorious deeds of - rapine. They have slain their thousands, and caused the orphans to - weep and the widows to mourn. - - Men did these things because they could do it--because they had - power to desolate nations, and spread terror and desolation. - They have made themselves immortal as great men. The patriots of - this country had indeed a laudable object in view--a plausible - excuse for the course they took. They stood in defense of their - rights, liberty and freedom. But where are now those principles - of freedom? Where are the laws that protect all men in their - religious opinions? Where the laws that say, "A man shall worship - God according to the dictates of his own conscience?" What say ye, - ye Saints--ye who are exiles in the land of liberty? How came you - here? Can you in this land of equal right return in safety to your - possessions in Missouri? No. You are exiles from thence, and there - is no power, no voice, no arm to redress your grievance. Is this - the gracious boon for which your fathers fought and struggled and - died? Shades of the venerable dead, could you but gaze upon this - scene, and witness tens of thousands of Americans in exile on - Columbia's soil--if pity could touch your bosoms, how you would - mourn for the oppressed! If indignation, how would you curse the - heartless wretches that have so desecrated and polluted the temple - of liberty? "How has the gold become dim, and the fine gold, how - has it changed." Let it not be told among the monarchs of Europe, - lest they laugh and say, "Ha; so would we have it." - - Ye Saints, never let it go abroad that ye are exiles in the land of - liberty, lest ye disgrace your republic in the eyes of the nations - of the earth; but tell it to those who robbed and plundered and - refused to give you your rights. Tell your rulers that all their - deeds of fame are tarnished, and their glory is departed. - - {295} Are we now, indeed, in a land of liberty, of freedom, of - equal rights? Would to God I could answer, Yes. But no, no, I - cannot! They have robbed us, we are stripped of our possessions, - many of our friends are slain, and our government says, "Your cause - is just, but we can do nothing for you." - - Hear it, ye great men, we are here in exile! Here are thousands of - men in bondage in a land of liberty--of freedom! If ye have any - patriotism, shake off your fetters and come and proclaim us free, - and give us our rights. I speak of this government as being one of - the best or governments--as one of the greatest and purest; and - yet, what a melancholy picture! O ye venerable fathers who fought - for your liberty, blush for your children, and mourn, mourn over - your country's shame! We are now talking about a government which - sets herself up as a pattern for the nations of the earth, and yet, - oh, what a picture! If this is the best, the most patriotic, the - most free, what is the situation of the rest? - - Here we speak with national pride of a Washington, a LaFayette, a - Monroe and a Jefferson, who fought for their liberties, achieved - one of the greatest victories ever won; and scarcely has one - generation passed away before fifteen thousand citizens petition - government for redress of their wrongs, and they turn a deaf ear to - their cry. - - Let us compare this with the Church of Christ. Fourteen years - ago a few men assembled in a log cabin; they saw the visions of - heaven, and gazed upon the eternal world; they looked through the - rent vista of futurity, and beheld the glories of eternity; they - were planting those principles which were concocted in the bosom - of Jehovah; they were laying a foundation for the salvation of the - world, and those principles which they then planted have not yet - begun to dwindle; but the fire still burns in their bones; the - principles are planted in different nations and are wafted on every - breeze. - - When I gaze upon this company of men, I see those who are actuated - by patriotic and noble principles, who will stand up in defense - of the oppressed, of whatever country, nation, color or clime. I - see it in their countenances. It is planted by the Spirit of God. - They have received it from the great Elohim, and all the power or - influence of mobs, priestcraft or corrupt men cannot quench it. - It will burn. It is comprehensive as the designs of God, and as - expansive as the universe and reaches to all the world. No matter - whether it was an Indian, a negro, or any other man or set of men - that are oppressed, you would stand forth in their defense. - - I say unto you, continue to cherish those principles. Let them - expand. And if the tree of liberty has been blasted in this - nation--if it has been gnawed by worms, and already blight has - overspread it, we {296} will stand up in defense of our liberties, - and proclaim ourselves free in time and in eternity. - - The choir, by request, sang, "O stop and tell me, Red Man." After - prayer by Elder John P. Greene, the meeting was adjourned for one - hour. - -Footnotes: - -1. The object of his mission was to assist Elders Orson Pratt and John -E. Page in getting President Smith's Memorial, asking to be appointed -"a member of the U. S. Army" and to be authorized to raise one hundred -thousand armed volunteers to police the inter-mountain and Pacific -coast west from Oregon to Texas. - -{297} - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH, APRIL, 1844, CONTINUED--ADDRESS OF PATRIARCH -HYRUM SMITH--THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. - -_Saturday, April 6, 1844, [Conference Report Continued_.] - - The President arrived at the stand at half-past two o'clock, p.m. - The choir sang a hymn; after which prayer by Elder John P. Greene, - when the choir sang another hymn. - - Elder Rigdon resumed his history of the Church. - - A little before five o'clock the assembly was dismissed without - ceremony, until next morning, on the appearance of a shower. The - people had scarcely time to retire before a heavy shower of rain, - wind, thunder and lightning followed. A splendid double rainbow - seen in the heavens. - - _Sunday, 7_.-- - - Very pleasant morning. The President arrived at ten o'clock, the - largest congregation ever seen in Nauvoo having assembled. The - choir sang the hymn, "Ye slumbering nations that have slept." - - President Rigdon offered an affectionate appeal for the prayers of - the Saints on behalf of the sick, and then prayer by Elder George - J. Adams. - - Choir sang the hymn, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning," &c. - - _President Joseph Smith_. - - The Mayor requested the people to keep good order, and observed - to the police, who were round the outskirts of the congregation - to keep order, "Policemen, I want you to exercise your authority; - and don't say you can't do anything for us, for the constitutional - power calls you to keep good order, and God Almighty calls you, and - we command you to do it." - - Elder Sidney Rigdon arose and continued his subject of yesterday. - - Choir sang. Benediction. Intermission. - - {298} - - During the intermission, thirty-five were baptized in the - Mississippi river for the remission of their sins. - - _Address of Elder Hyrum Smith, Patriarch to the Church_. - - _At 2 o'clock p. m._ - - Patriarch Hyrum Smith arrived at the stand, and said he wanted to - say something about the temple. - - "We want 200,000 shingles, as we shall resume the work on the - Temple immediately. All who have not paid their tithing, come - on and do it. We want provisions, money, boards, planks, and - anything that is good; we don't want any more old guns or watches. - I thought some time ago I would get up a small subscription, - so that the sisters might do something. In consequence of some - misunderstanding, it has not gone on as at first. It is a matter of - my own; I do not ask it as a tithing. I give a privilege to any one - to pay a cent a week, or fifty cents a year. I want it by next fall - to buy nails and glass. It is difficult to get money. I know that a - small subscription will bring more than a large one. The poor can - help in this way. I take the responsibility upon myself, and call - again upon the sisters. I call again until I get about $1,000. It - only requires two thousand subscribers. - - I have sent this subscription plan to England and the branches. I - am not to be dictated to by any one except the Prophet and God. I - want you to pay in your subscriptions to me, and it shall always be - said boldly by me, the sisters bought the glass in that house, and - their names shall be written in the Book of the Law of the Lord. It - is not a tax, but a free will offering to procure something which - shall ever be a monument of your works. No member of the Relief - Society got it up. I am the man that did it. They ought not to - infringe upon it. I am not a member of the Female Relief Society! I - am one of the committee of the Lord's House. - - I wish to accomplish something, I wish all the Saints to have an - opportunity to do something. I want the poor with the purse of five - dollars to have a chance. The widow's two mites were more in the - eyes of the Lord than the purse of the rich; and the poor woman - shall have a seat in the house of God--she who pays her two mites - as well as the rich, because it is all she has. I wish to have a - place in that house. I intend to stimulate the brethren. I want to - get the roof on this season. I want to get the windows in, in the - winter, so that we may be able to dedicate the House of the Lord - by this time next year, if nothing more than one room. I will call - upon the brethren to do something. - - I cannot make a comparison between the House of God and anything - now in existence. Great things are to grow out of that house. - There {299} is a great and mighty power to grow out of it. There - is an endowment. Knowledge is power. We want knowledge. We have - frequently difficulties with persons who profess to be Latter-day - Saints. When the sacrament will be administered in the Lord's House - it will do away with a great deal of difficulty that is now in - existence. If we can have a privilege and confess our faults unto - God and one another every Sabbath day, it will do away with these. - * * * You sisters shall have a seat in that house. I will stand on - the top of that pulpit and proclaim to all what the sisters have - done. When you offer up your sacraments every Sabbath, you will - feel well a whole week; you will get a great portion of the Spirit - of God, enough to last you a week--and you will increase. We are - now deprived of the privilege of giving the necessary instruction; - hence we want a house. - - All the money shall be laid out for what you design it. It shall - not be paid for anything else. I am one of the committee. The - committee tells me the quarry is blockaded; it is filled with rock. - The stone cutters are wanting work. Come on with your teams as soon - as conference is over. It is not necessary for me to tell who will - come and do it. I will prophesy that you will do it. There is not - one in the city but what will do right if he knows it, with only - one or two exceptions, and they are not worth notice. God will - take care of them, and if He doesn't, the devil will. I described - them once, and you will always know them while you see them. They - will keep hopping till they hop out of town. Some of them are tree - toads, who climb the trees and are continually croaking. - - We are now the most noble people on the face of the globe, and - we have no occasion to fear tadpoles. We are designated by the - All-seeing Eye to do good, not to stoop to anything low. We are apt - to suffer prejudice to get into our hearts on hearing reports. We - never should allow it--never should pass our judgment until we hear - both sides. - - I will tell a Dutch anecdote: A certain Dutchman had a case brought - before him, and heard one side, and he gave in his decision--"Sure - you have got the case;" and when the other party brought their - witnesses, he said again, "Sure, you have got the case, too." If - you hear of any one in high authority, that he is rather inclined - to apostasy, don't let prejudice arise, but pray for him. God may - feel after him, and he may return. Never speak reproachfully nor - disrespectfully; he is in the hands of God. I am one of those - peacemakers who take a stand above these little things. It has - been intimated we should have investigations this conference. Do - you think I would trouble this conference with it? If I have a - difficulty with a man, I will go and settle it. Let them settle - their difficulties. There is not a man who has had a difficulty - {300} who would trouble this congregation about it. We ask no - favors; we can settle it ourselves. Don't think anything about - persons who are on the eve of apostasy; God is able to take care of - them. Let God judge, do your duty and let men alone. - - Never undertake to destroy men because they do some evil thing. It - is natural for a man to be led, and not driven. Put down iniquity - by good works. Many men speak without any contemplation; if they - had given the matter a little contemplation it would not have been - spoken. We ought to be careful what we say, and take the example of - Jesus, cast over men the mantle of charity, and try to cover their - faults. We are made to enlighten, and not to darken one another; - save men, not destroy them. Do unto others what you would have them - do unto you. It is well enough to root out conspiracy. Do not fear, - but if you are in the right track, having God to guide you, He will - save you; for God will save you, if He has to destroy the wicked so - as by fire. - - I want to put down all false influence. If I thought I should be - saved and any in the congregation be lost, I should not be happy. - For this purpose Jesus effected a resurrection. Our Savior is - competent to save all from death and hell. I can prove it out of - the revelation. I would not serve a God that had not all wisdom and - all power. - - The reason why I feel so good is because I have a big soul. There - are men with small bodies who have got souls like Enoch. We have. - We have gathered our big souls from the ends of the earth. The - Gospel picks the big souls out of all creation, and we will get the - big souls out of all the nations, and we shall have the largest - city in the world. - - We will gather all the big souls out of every nation. As soon as - the Gospel catches hold of noble souls, it brings them all right - up to Zion. There is a thing called guiding star. The Gospel is - similar. We will have a people great enough to be saved. - - Popery could not write what Enoch preached. He told the people that - the Spirit of God took him up into a high mountain, showed him the - distress of the people--the destruction of the world, and he said - his heart swelled wide as eternity. But adherents of Popery could - not receive anything as large as that, and every man-made society - is just like them. Men's souls conform to the society in which they - live, with very few exceptions, and when men come to live with the - Mormons, their souls swell as if they were going to stride the - planets as I stride the Republic of America. I can believe that man - can go from planet to planet--a man gets so high in the mansions - above. - - A certain good sister came to my house and she was troubled because - she heard so many big things. She thought it weakened her faith. - I {301} told her she had too much faith. She believed too much. I - will tell you how you may know whether the thing is true or not. - When any one comes to you with a lie, you feel troubled. God will - trouble you, and will not approbate you in such belief. You had - better get some antidote to get rid of it. Humble yourself before - God, and ask Him for His Spirit and pray to Him to judge it for - you. It is better not to have so much faith, than to have so much - as to believe all the lies. - - Before this conference closes, I want to get all the Elders - together. - - I shall make a proclamation. I want to take the line and ax and - hew you, and make you as straight as possible. I will make you - straight as a stretched line. Every Elder that goes from Nauvoo to - preach the Gospel, if he preaches anything else, we will silence - him through the public print. I want all the Elders to meet and to - understand; and if they preach anything but the pure truth, we will - call them home. - - At a quarter-past three p.m., President Smith having arrived, the - choir sang a hymn. Elder Amasa Lyman offered prayer. - - President Joseph Smith delivered a discourse before twenty thousand - Saints, being the funeral sermon of Elder King Follett. - -[Transcriber's note: page number jumps from 301 to 318 here in the -original. This is a printer's error--there are no missing pages.] - -{318} - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -GENERAL CONFERENCE FOR APRIL, 1844, CONCLUDED--THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT -THE WHOLE LAND OF AMERICA IS ZION--INSTRUCTIONS TO ELDERS SET APART FOR -MISSIONS--A GENERAL CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND. - -_Monday, April 8, 1844.--[Conference Report Continued_.] - - At three-quarters past 9 a.m., President Joseph Smith took his seat - on the stand and requested the choir to sing a hymn. He called upon - Elder Brigham Young to read 1st Corinthians, 15th chapter, as his - own lungs were injured. - - Elder Brigham Young said--to continue the subject of President - Smith's discourse yesterday, I shall commence by reading the 15th - chapter of 1st Corinthians, from an old Bible; and requested W. W. - Phelps to read it. - - Prayer by Elder Brigham Young, after which the choir sang a hymn. - - _President Joseph Smith's Remarks--The Whole of America Zion_. - - President Joseph Smith said:--It is just as impossible, for me to - continue the subject of yesterday as to raise the dead. My lungs - are worn out. There is a time to all things, and I must wait. I - will give it up, and leave the time to those who can make you hear, - and I will continue the subject of my discourse some other time. I - want to make a proclamation to the Elders. I wanted you to stay, - in order that I might make this proclamation. You know very well - that the Lord has led this Church by revelation. I have another - revelation in relation to economy in the Church--a great, grand, - and glorious revelation. I shall not be able to dwell as largely - upon it now as at some other time; but I will give you the first - principles. You know there has been great discussion in relation - to Zion--where it is, and where the gathering of the dispensation - is, and which I am now going to tell you. The prophets have spoken - and written upon it; but I will make a proclamation that will cover - a broader ground._ The whole of America is Zion itself {319} from - north to south, and is described by the Prophets, who declare that - it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, and that - it should be in the center of the land._ When Elders shall take up - and examine the old prophecies in the Bible, they will see it. - - The declaration this morning is, that as soon as the Temple and - baptismal font are prepared, we calculate to give the Elders of - Israel their washings and anointings, and attend to those last - and more impressive ordinances, without which we cannot obtain - celestial thrones. But there must be a holy place prepared for - that purpose. There was a proclamation made during the time that - the foundation of the Temple was laid to that effect, and there - are provisions made until the work is completed, so that men may - receive their endowments and be made kings and priests unto the - Most High God, having nothing to do with temporal things, but their - whole time will be taken up with things pertaining to the house - of God. There must, however, be a place built expressly for that - purpose, and for men to be baptized for their dead. It must be - built in this the central place; for every man who wishes to save - his father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends, must go through - all the ordinances for each one of them separately, the same as for - himself, from baptism to ordination, washings and anointings, and - receive all the keys and powers of the Priesthood, the same as for - himself. - - _I have received instructions from the Lord that from henceforth - wherever the Elders of Israel shall build up churches and branches - unto the Lord throughout the States, there shall be a stake of - Zion. In the great cities, as Boston, New York, &c., there shall - be stakes._ It is a glorious proclamation, and I reserved it to - the last, and designed it to be understood that this work shall - commence after the washings, anointings and endowments have been - performed here. - - The Lord has an established law in relation to the matter: there - must be a particular spot for the salvation of our dead. I verily - believe there will be a place, and hence men who want to save - their dead can come and bring their families, do their work by - being baptized and attending to the other ordinances for their - dead, and then may go back again to live and wait till they go - to receive their reward. I shall leave my brethren to enlarge on - this subject: it is my duty to teach the doctrine. I would teach - it more fully--the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. God is - not willing to let me gratify you; but I must teach the Elders, and - they should teach you. God made Aaron to be the mouth piece for the - children of Israel, [1] and He will make me be god to you in {320} - His stead, and the Elders to be mouth for me; and if you don't like - it, you must lump it. I have been giving Elder Adams instruction in - some principles to speak to you, and if he makes a mistake, I will - get up and correct him. - - Elder G. J. Adams preached a discourse which occupied three hours, - and which could be heard a great distance. - - President Joseph Smith turned over the conference into the hands of - the Twelve. - - Choir sang a hymn. Prayer. - - President Hyrum Smith called the conference to order at twenty-five - minutes to four p.m., and spoke to the assembly one hour and a half. - - He treated upon the subject of Elders preaching abroad. He said - it was a matter of consequence that the Elders of Israel should - know what they were about when they go to preach the Gospel. They - should, like Paul, be ready to give a reason for the hope of their - calling. When they are sent to preach the Gospel, they should - preach the Gospel and nothing else, if they wish to stand approved - themselves. The Elders are sent into the world to preach faith, - repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of - hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost and they should let the - mysteries alone. - - God has commanded you to preach repentance to this generation; and - if this generation will not receive the first principles of the - Gospel and the Book of Mormon, they will receive nothing greater. - Just go and do as you are told and God will bless you. - - It is the power of God that is going to convert the world, and - nothing but the power of God. Every man who knows me knows that I - have taught these principles from the beginning. It is the honest - and pure in heart that will harken to the everlasting covenant. - They are those who are noble and good; they will feed and clothe - you and receive your testimony; and we want the Elders to gather - out the good seed to Nauvoo. The day will come when you will see - the wicked flee when no man pursueth. I want you to be wise as - serpents and harmless as doves. Preach principles that will stand - the test of ages; teach them good precepts and save souls, go forth - as men of God, and you will find friends wherever you go. Drink - deep of the Spirit of Truth and a great and mighty work shall be - wrought in the world; hundreds {321} and tens of thousands shall - flock to the standard and go up to Zion. - - Many other remarks were made by the speaker. - - After which Sidney Rigdon made a few remarks, and concurred in what - Brother Hyrum had said. - - Twelve minutes to six, adjourned to April 9th, at eight o'clock, - a.m. - - _Special Meeting of Elders_. - - _Tuesday, 9.--[Conference Report Continued]._ At 8 a.m., the Elders - assembled at the stand, (President Brigham Young presiding,) and - were addressed by Elder Amasa Lyman; after which: President Brigham - Young said-- - - _Address of Brigham Young_. - - What has been given is correct; the speech and conduct of Elders - one towards another is frequently wrong; one Elder will speak evil - of another; and while you trample others you will sink yourself. - A man has sinking principles; but if his feelings are elevated, - he will build up others and build up himself. Just as sure as one - Elder tries to build himself upon the destruction of another, he - will surely sink himself. - - I would like to sit and hear the brethren teach for a week; but as - business is pressing, we must hurry through. Preach repentance to - this generation. Faith must go before repentance, and of course all - men must follow the course and obey the laws and ordinances for the - remission of sins, so as to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and - then your mission is done. Let a man who goes into the vineyard - build up all he can. If a man preaches anything in error, pray to - God that no man may remember it any more. No Elder will correct - another in public before unbelievers unless he has the sinking - principle. I call all the Elders together to witness that I always - use charity, for it covers a multitude of sins. - - _North and South America Zion_. - - Let us obey the proclamation of Joseph Smith concerning the Elders - going forth into the vineyard to build up the Temple, get their - endowments, and be prepared to go forth and preach the Gospel. You - may build up Zion, and learn to be men, and not children. It was a - perfect sweepstakes when the Prophet called North and South America - Zion. Let us go to and build the Temple with all our might, that we - may build up the kingdom when established and her cords lengthened. - It is a perfect knock-down to the devil's kingdom. There is not - a faithful Elder who cannot, if he is humble and diligent, build - up the Church. There are many men who will give you large sums to - build a {322} Stake of Zion where they live. It proves the words of - the Prophet of the last days. - - The Priesthood is fitted to every capacity in the world. There are - blessings and conditions in that Priesthood that suit every man. - This will suit the condition of thousands, because it is as broad - as the heavens, deep as hell, and wide as eternity. - - I am asked all sorts of questions about making gods and devils, and - organizing the eternal worlds; but we could not get it precisely - into our understandings so as to make them. The God we serve is - the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There is no need of breaking - the law of the land if you keep the law of the Lord. I want a wife - that can take care of my children when I am away, who can pray, - lay on hands, anoint with oil, and baffle the enemy; and this is a - spiritual wife. - - The sweepstakes is a perfect knock-down to the devil. We will - build up churches and establish Zion and her stakes. This is a - fire which, cannot be put out: it has spread far faster than ever - it did before. If you kick us and cuff us, we will turn the world - upside down, and make the cart draw the horse. We want to build the - Temple and have the roof on this fall, in the name of Israel's God. - There are hundreds of Elders who will sell their property to build - up the Temple. Let us pay up our tithing. If there are any men who - have not paid their tithing, they will not get in there. Let the - branches send teams with provisions to work all the year. - - We are acquainted with the views of Gen. Smith, the Democrats and - Whigs and all factions. It is now time to have a President of - the United States. Elders will be sent to preach the Gospel and - electioneer. The government belongs to God. No man can draw the - dividing line between the government of God and the government of - the children of men. You can't touch the Gospel without infringing - upon the common avocations of men. They may have helps and - governments in the Church, but it is all one at last. - - _Address of Hyrum Smith the Patriarch_. - - Patriarch Hyrum Smith said: I never knew a proclamation to be - understood at once. President Brigham Young wished to draw the - attention of the brethren, first to build the Temple and get your - washings, anointings, and endowments; after that to build up - branches throughout the nations. We must do all we can to build up - the Temple, and after that to build churches. The gathering will - continue here until the Temple is so far finished that the Elders - can get their endowments; and after that the gathering will be from - the nations to North and South America, which is the land of Zion. - North and South America, are the symbols of the wings. The {323} - gathering from the old countries will always be to headquarters, - and I have no doubt this conference will do a great deal of good. - - We have every power and principle to teach the people. Say what - God says, and say no more. Never deviate one fraction from what - God tells you. Elder Rigdon's remarks were very correct. Give - out the simple principles. A man never fails who only says what - he knows; and if any man says more, and can't give reasons, he - falls short. Preach the first principles of the Gospel--preach - them over again: you will find that day after day new ideas and - additional light concerning them will be revealed to you. You can - enlarge upon them so as to comprehend them clearly. You will then - be able to make them more plainly understood by those who teach, - so that you will meet with scarcely any honest man but will obey - them, and none who can oppose. Adduce sufficient reason to prove - all things, and you can convert every honest man in the world. The - knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not prevalent in the - world, although it is written in the Holy Book. You can prove it - by the Holy Book they profess to believe in, and your arguments - will be so strong and convincing, that people will hear and obey - it by thousands. The Savior says that to you it is given to know - the mysteries of God, but to the world it is not given. You have - power; you are authorized to put down every foolish thing you hear. - A wise man will put it out of existence as he goes along; for light - cleaveth unto light, knowledge to knowledge, and intelligence to - intelligence. - - We engage in the election the same as in any other principle: you - are to vote for good men, and if you do not do this it is a sin: to - vote for wicked men, it would be sin. Choose the good and refuse - the evil. Men of false principles have preyed upon us like wolves - upon helpless lambs. Damn the rod of tyranny; curse it. Let every - man use his liberties according to the Constitution. Don't fear man - or devil; electioneer with all people, male and female, and exhort - them to do the thing that is right. We want a President of the U. - S., not a party President, but a President of the whole people; - for a party President disfranchises the opposite party. Have a - President who will maintain every man in his rights. - - I wish all of you to do all the good you can. We will try and - convert the nations into one solid union. I despise the principle - that divides the nation into party and faction. I want it to grow - up like a green bay tree. Damn the system of splitting up the - nation into opposite belligerent parties. Whatever are the rights - of men guaranteed by the Constitution of these United States, let - them have them. Then, if we were all in union, no one dare attempt - to put a warlike foot on our soil. I don't like to see the rights - of Americans trampled down. I am opposed to the policy of all such - persons as would allow Great Britain {324} or any other power to - take from us Oregon or any portion of our national territory; and - damn all who attempt it. Lift up your voices like thunder: there is - power and influence enough among us to put in a President. I don't - wonder at the old Carthaginian lawyer being afraid of Joseph Smith - being elected. - - [A unanimous vote was passed by the immense assembly for Joseph - Smith to be the candidate for the next President.] - - _Address of Heber C. Kimball_. - - Elder Heber C. Kimball arose and said--What Brother Hyrum has told - you is God's truth, and will eventually come to pass. As he was - making his observations to the Elders, it made me think of the - first time that I went out into the vineyard to preach. I dwelt on - one subject till it branched like unto a tree that was cultivated, - until the branches shot forth in all directions. Suppose you - had only one seed to plant, and that seed was an acorn, and you - spend your time in cultivating it till it comes forth a great and - mighty tree, branching forth with many branches, and bearing fruit - abundantly after its own kind. So it is with the first principles - of the Gospel, they branch out in all directions, unfolding new - light continually. They are eternal principles. I never preached - anything else but the first principles. When first we went to - England, we preached nothing else, and never even touched on the - gathering, as there was no place of gathering, the Church having - been driven from Jackson County and also from Kirtland, and the - Prophets, Patriarchs, Apostles and Saints were wandering in the - wilderness seeking for a home; but as soon as the people were - baptized and received the Holy Ghost, the most of them had the - spirit of prophecy, and prophesied of coming to this land, as being - the land of Zion; and the time would come that they should come - here. Yet we never taught the doctrine of the gathering or Book of - Doctrine and Covenants. - - If you tell the people to stay, they will gather here stronger - than ever. If you want to cut anything off, you should know how - to restore. You should never cut off the ears of the people until - you are able to make them others. It is no matter what way you - convert them so you do convert them to believe the doctrines of - the very Bible they have always professed to believe. It is no - use attempting to teach them other things until you can make them - believe the principles contained in the Bible which they have been - taught to reverence and believe from their infancy. It teaches the - gathering and all the principles of the Gospel necessary to be - taught to the unbelieving world. This is the thrashing floor, where - the wheat is gathered to be thrashed. There are a great many green - heads, and they of course have to be pelted a little harder. After - the {325} wheat is thrashed, it has to go through the fanning-mill, - and then the screen, and then the smut-mill; then it has to be - ground and to be bolted: but many bolt away and leave. If you get a - cudgeling, don't be mad, for your heads are green. We are going to - arrange a plan for Conferences, and we design to send Elders to all - the different States to get up meetings and protracted meetings, - and electioneer for Joseph to be the next President. - - A great many of the Elders will necessarily have to leave their - families, and the mothers will have to assume the responsibility of - governing and taking care of the children to a much greater extent - than when their husbands were at home. I therefore exhort them to - be humble, faithful, and diligent, seeking to the Lord for wisdom - to rear up their children in righteousness and prepare them to roll - on the work of the Lord when their fathers shall have been worn out - in the ministry. The mothers, therefore, are the persons who will - more or less have to train the children. - - Twenty minutes to 11: A call was made for the volunteers to go - preaching to pass out to the green. A great company moved out and - returned to the right of the stand, and were numbered 244. - - Twenty minutes to 1: Adjourned for one hour. - - Met according to adjournment. The names of the volunteers were - called, and places assigned to each. - - _Brigham Young's Instruction to the Elders_. - - President Brigham Young said: Take care of yourselves, be wise, be - humble, and you will prosper. I curse all who degrade themselves - with corruption and licentiousness, as many have done. Magnify your - calling, keep yourselves pure and innocent, and your path shall be - clear as the horizon. We have all manner of prejudices to contend - with. We thank God for the Gospel, the Book of Mormon, and the - Temple, and sing glory to God; and yet there are characters among - us who from mere covetousness will squeeze a sixpence two inches - long, and we have all their iniquity to bear. - - We have the honor to be the first fruits of this dispensation, - and have to contend with floods of oppression. Go humbly and - prayerfully, trusting and believing in God, and what you desire to - do you will accomplish. Cease not to ask the Father what you shall - do, and He will give you the Spirit. You know not the day of your - visitation. What is asked for in the name of Jesus Christ will be - granted. J. C. Bennett's power fell like the lightning. God was - asked not to let Joe Duncan be governor, and it was so. We asked - the Lord to deliver us from Governor Reynolds, of Missouri; and he - shot himself, and has {326} gone to hell. As for Squire Warren, of - Quincy, it takes two of him to make a shadow. - - The Lord is cutting off the bitterest branches. Look at the - explosion of the big gun on board of the _Princeton_ war-steamer - at Washington. God will deliver His faithful Saints. You will - be innocent, and do a good work: you will come back, and bring - your sheaves with you, rejoicing. Every man has the privilege of - practicing godliness and virtue, and of manifesting himself as - a servant of the Most High God. Doctor Foster lost his money by - gambling, and joined blacklegs. Those men who say there is evil in - the Church are evil themselves. This doctrine is the best for any - man to practice, and will do him good. Ask of God that you may have - wisdom to do all things. If you hear anything of an Elder preaching - false doctrine, ask of God in full faith that it may be taken off - the minds of the people. - - A contribution was taken up for President Joseph Smith, $100 was - raised, and another $100 loaned. - -[Sidenote: Comment of President Smith on the Conference.] - -_Tuesday, April 9th, [Continued]:--_The weather has been beautiful -for the conference; and they have been the greatest, best, and most -glorious five consecutive days ever enjoyed by this generation. Much -good was done. Many spectators were present from Quincy, Alton, Warsaw, -Fort Madison, and other towns. When we consider the immense number -present, and the good order that was preserved, it speaks much in favor -of the morality of the city. - -In the afternoon I rode out with Emma, Dr. Goforth, and others to the -mound. The peach trees look beautiful. - -The Mayor and Marshal received a notification to produce docket and -other papers in case of O. F. Bostwick, before the circuit court at -Carthage; also a similar notification to produce papers in case of Amos -Davis, appealed before Circuit Court. - - _A General Conference in England Beginning April 6th, and - Continuing Until April 9th, 1844_. - - According to previous announcement, the general conference of - the various branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, commenced its sittings in the Music Hall, Liverpool, on the - 6th of April, {327} 1844, Elder Reuben Hedlock, president of the - mission, presiding, and Elder J. S. Cantwell, acting as clerk. - - _Morning Session_. - - After opening meeting by singing and prayer, it was voted - unanimously that Elder Reuben Hedlock preside over the conference - and that Elder J. S. Cantwell, act as clerk. - - The number of officers present at the opening are as follows:--High - Priests, 10; Elders, 23; Priests, 5; Teachers, 3; Deacons, 2. The - representation of the various conferences was then called for:-- - - Manchester Conference represented by Elder Charles Miller, - including the branches of Manchester, Stockport, Ashton, - Duckenfield, Newton Moor, Mottram, Bolton, Edgeworth Moor, - Edgerton, Leith, Chewmoor, Breightmet Fold, Bradshaw, Tottington, - Summerseat, Bury, Haslingden, Royton, Oldham, Rochdale, Eccles, - Pendlebury, Heatons, Ratcliffe, Halfare, Crossmoor, Didsbury, - Middleton, Crompton Fold, Marble Bridge, Ashworth Tops, Vale House. - Comprises 1583 members, 2 High Priests, 41 Elders, 100 Priests, 56 - Teachers, 19 Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 194. - - Liverpool Conference represented by Elder Mitchelson, including - Liverpool, the Isle of Man, Chester, part of Wales, Warrington, - St. Helens, and Graseby. Comprises 596 members, 3 High Priests, 29 - Elders, 39 Priests, 19 Teachers, 11 Deacons. Baptized since last - general conference, 107. - - Preston Conference represented by Elder John Banks, including - Preston, Lancaster, Kendal, Brigsteer Holme, Heskin, Hunter's Hill, - Euxton, Leyland, Southport, and Longton. Comprises 594 members, - 1 High Priest, 16 Elders, 23 Priests, 17 Teachers, 4 Deacons. - Baptized since last general conference, 21. - - London Conference represented by Elder John Cairns, including - London, Newbury, Woolwich, Dover, and Luton. Comprises 324 members, - 1 High Priest, 11 Elders, 21 Priests, 5 Teachers, 5 Deacons. - Baptized since last general conference, 47. - - Macclesfield Conference represented by Elder Galley, including - Macclesfield, Bollington, Middlewich, Northwich, Plumbley, and - Crewe. Comprises 219 members, 1 High Priest, 10 Elders, 22 Priests, - 14 Teachers, 7 Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 15. - - Birmingham Conference represented by Elder Crook, including - Birmingham, Gritsgreen, Oldbury, Wolverhampton, Dudley, - Brittlelane, Bilston, Kidderminster, Leamington, Bloxwich, - Stratford-upon-Avon, Catthorpe, Westbromwich, Penydarren, - Abersychan, Beaufort, Rumny, Tredegar, Merthyr Tydvil, Aberdare. - Comprises 707 members, {328} 38 Elders, 49 Priests, 27 Teachers, 12 - Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 200. - - Wooden Box represented by Elder Robert Crook, including Wooden Box, - Dunstall, Branstone, Barton, and Colebille. Comprises 96 members, - 9 Elders, 10 Priests, 6 Teachers, 5 Deacons. Baptized since last - general conference, 60. - - Staffordshire Conference represented by Elder George Simpson, - including Burslem, Hanley, Stoke-upon-Trent, Newcastle, Baddely - Edge, Bradley Green, Knutton Heath, Longton, Coxbank, Prees, - Tunstall, Leek, Longport, Hassell Green, Allsager's Bank. Comprises - 370 members, 1 High Priest, 29 Elders, 48 Priests, 20 Teachers, 11 - Deacons. - - Edinburgh Conference represented by Elder George P. Waugh, - including Edinburgh, Wemyss, Sterling, and Pathead. Comprises 330 - members, 11 Elders, 16 Priests, 7 Teachers, 3 Deacons. Baptized - since November, 1843, 37. - - Garaway Conference represented by Elder Blakey, including Garaway, - Llanfoist, Buckle, Ewaisharold, Llanthony, and Llanvano. Comprises - 172 members, 4 Elders, 9 Priests, 8 Teachers, 1 Deacon. - - Glasgow Conference represented by Elder James Houston, including - Glasgow, Paisley, Kilbirnie, Bridge of Weir, Thorny Bank and Shaws, - Campsie, Renfrew, Greenock, Ayr, Bonhill, Balfrone, Johnstone, - Airdrie, Irvine, and Calry. Comprises 833 members, 1 High Priest, - 26 Elders, 39 Priests, 30 Teachers, 19 Deacons. - - Sheffield Conference represented by letter, including Sheffield, - Woodhouse, Dennington, and Brampton. Comprises 201 members, 5 - Elders, 9 Priests, 5 Teachers, 3 Deacons. - - Bradford Conference represented by Elder William Speakman, - including Bradford, Idle, Leeds, Doncaster. Comprises 206 members, - 9 Elders, 15 Priests, 8 Teachers, 6 Deacons. Baptized since last - general conference, 44. - - Ireland represented by Elder Sloan, including Hillsborough, - Crawfordsburn, and Melusk. Comprises 52 members, 5 Elders, 1 - Priest, 1 Teacher. - - Lincolnshire Conference represented by letter. Comprises 27 - members, 2 Elders, 2 Priests, 1 Teacher, 1 Deacon. Baptized since - last general conference, 17. - - Worcestershire Conference represented by Elder Thomas Smith, - including Earls Common, Pinvin, Flyford Flavel, Worcester, - Bromsgrove, Randan Woods, Barford, St. John's, and Milton. - Comprises 140 members, 6 Elders, 10 Priests, 3 Teachers, 3 Deacons. - Baptized since last general conference, 28. - - Clitheroe Conference represented by Elder William Snalam, including - {329} Clitheroe, Chatburn, Downham, Waddington, Ribchester, - Chaigley, and Settle. Comprises 299 members, 16 Elders, 22 Priests, - 18 Teachers, 4 Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 14. - - Leicester Conference represented by Elder Thomas Margetts, - including Leicester and Nottingham. Comprises 127 members, 5 - Elders, 10 Priests, 1 Teacher, 2 Deacons. - - Cheltenham Conference represented by letter, consisting of 18 - branches. Comprises 532 members, 17 Elders, 30 Priests, 13 - Teachers, 5 Deacons. Baptized since last General Conference, 90. - - Bath represented by letter, comprising 31 members, 1 Elder, 2 - Priests. - - Wolverton represented by letter. Comprises 8 members, 1 Elder, 2 - Priests. - - Carlisle represented by letter. Comprises 160 members, 8 Elders, 19 - Priests, 8 Teachers, 3 Deacons; and contains four branches. - - Littlemoor represented by letter. Comprises 6 members, 1 Priest. - - Bedfordshire Conference represented by letter, including 12 - branches Comprises 184 members, 14 Elders, 20 Priests, 9 Teachers, - 2 Deacons. - - The number of members and authorities of each conference being - ascertained as nearly as possible, it was determined that the - delegates should represent the condition of each conference, and - what alterations or measures were necessary to be adopted for the - well being of each other. - - Elder Charles Miller having remarked that he had been challenged to - discussion, and had accepted it, it led to some remarks from Elder - Ward as to the very little good effected in general by discussions; - and that it was beneath the servants of God to turn aside from the - path of duty to wrangle and dispute like the people of the world; - and that while the professors of modern religion were in a manner - devouring each other, the path of the Saints ought to be onward in - the proclamation of the principles of truth. - - Elder Hedlock agreed with the remarks of Elder Ward, and stated - that they were in perfect accordance with the advice of the First - Presidency, and that the evil ought to be guarded against as much - as possible. - - [The remaining sessions of the conference were devoted to hearing - reports from the several conferences comprising the mission, - giving instruction relative to ordaining men to the ministry, - and the manner of conducting the ministry of the Church to make - it effective. Among other items of interest was a communication - from the Twelve in Nauvoo making the nomination of Elders Reuben - Hedlock and Thomas Ward to preside over the British Mission, which - nomination was accepted by the conference, and these brethren were - unanimously {330} sustained as the presidency of the mission. The - publication of the _Millennial Star_ had been ordered suspended - by the Twelve, but the conference voted by unanimous acclamation - that this conference request the quorum of the Twelve to permit - the continued publication of that periodical. The minutes of the - conference state that--] - - "Elder Hedlock addressed the assembly on the subject of the - publications, and was desirous of taking the sense of that meeting - on the same. It was true that the quorum of the Twelve had advised - that the publication of the _Millennial Star_ be stopped, and - had given him authority to publish a circular as occasion might - require; but he believed most sincerely that the stoppage of the - _Star_ would have a most injurious tendency. - - "Several having spoken to the same effect, Elder Ward remarked - that, if a publication was to be issued at all, it appeared - trifling with the interest of the cause to change the name, - inasmuch as the office had received the name of the _Millennial - Star_ Office, and many letters came to them with that address." - - [Then followed the action of the conference upon the subject noted - above. Permission must have been given soon afterwards to renew the - publication of the _Star,_ since it missed but one issue, that of - May, 1844.--it was then published monthly. See vols. v and vi.] - -Footnotes: - -1. The scripture alluded to in the text is as follows:--Moses pleaded -to be excused from the appointment to deliver Israel on the plea that -he was not eloquent; whereupon the Lord said: "Is not Aaron the Levite -thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh -forth to meet thee; and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his -heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put in his mouth; * * * And -he shall be the spokesman unto the people: * * * * he shall be to thee -instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Exodus -iv:14-16.) - -Somewhat later this passage occurs: "And the Lord said unto Moses, See, -I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy -prophet" (Exodus vii:1.) - -{331} - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -DIFFICULTIES WITH THE HIGBEES AND FOSTERS--CONFERENCES APPOINTED BY THE -TWELVE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES--INSTRUCTIONS TO REUBEN HEDLOCK, -PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH MISSION--PREPARATIONS FOR ENLARGEMENT OF THE -WORK--FRANCIS M. HIGBEE'S SUIT AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH--THE PROPHET -RELEASED. - -_Wednesday, April 10, 1844.--_The Twelve were in council arranging a -plan for appointing conferences. - -_Thursday, 11.--_In general council in Masonic Hall, morning and -afternoon. Had a very interesting time. The Spirit of the Lord was with -us, and we closed the council with loud shouts of Hosanna! - -_Friday, 12.--_The Twelve met in council. Rode out with Brothers Parker -and Clayton to look at some land. - -A conference was held at Cypry, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Elder -Benjamin L. Clapp, president, and John Brown, clerk. Seven branches -were represented, consisting of 192 members, 12 Elders, 5 Priests, 4 -Teachers, and 2 Deacons, all in good standing. - -_Saturday, 13.--_At 10 a.m. met in City Council. George P. Styles was -appointed City Attorney. I advise that the council take such a course -as would protect the innocent: that in many cases the attorney would -get his pay off the individual employing him; that the appointment -would be a valuable consideration, and for one year a salary of $100 -would be sufficient; perhaps $160 the next year, &c., increasing as -the city increases; and if $100 would not satisfy, we had better have -no attorney. "I would {332} rather give my services as counselor, &c., -than levy a tax the people are not able to pay; and that every man -ought to be willing to help prop the city by bearing a share of the -burden till the city is able to pay a higher salary. My opinion is -that the officers of the city should be satisfied with a very small -compensation for their services. I have never received twenty-five -dollars for my services; [as counselor] but the peace I have enjoyed in -the rights and liberties of the city has been ample compensation." - -I suggested the propriety of inserting a clause in the ordinance to be -made relating to the City Attorney, authorizing him to claim fees of -parties in certain cases, and the small salary satisfy the attorney -in cases where he can get no fees from his client. "I would rather be -docked $100 in my salary than have the $200 given to the City Attorney -by the city." - -I also proposed that the Council take into consideration the payment -of the police; also proposed that a public meeting be called in each -ward to see if they will not, then the council will take the case into -consideration. - -At 1 p.m., the Municipal Court sat in the assembly room, where I asked -Dr. R. D. Foster if he bore my expenses to Washington, or any part -thereof. - -Foster replied he did not. - -I stated that Dr. Goforth had said that he was taken in a secret -council when Foster told him he had paid my expenses. - -Dr. Foster replied he never had a secret interview with Dr. Goforth, -and gave his version of the meeting. - -I then asked him--"Have I ever misused you any way?" - -Foster said--"I do not feel at liberty to answer this question, under -existing circumstances?" - -I again asked him--"Did I ever misuse you?" - -He again replied--"I do not feel at liberty to answer under existing -circumstances." - -I then asked--"Did I ever wrong you in deal, or personally misuse you -in any shape?" - -{333} Foster said, "I do not feel at liberty to answer. I have treated -you Christianly and friendly too, so far as I have had the ability." - -I then asked him to tell me where I had done wrong, and I will ask his -forgiveness; for I want you to prove to this company by your testimony -that I have treated you honorably. - -Foster then said--"I shall testify no further at present." - -I then asked Justice Aaron Johnson--"Did I ever make oath before you -against Simpson?" - -He replied--"Not before the prosecution." - -I then told the whole story. - -Andrew Colton then came up before the Municipal Court on_ habeas -corpus,_ and was discharged on the insufficiency of the papers. - -After which, I preferred the following charge before the High Council -against Dr. Robert D. Foster "for unchristian-like conduct in general, -for abusing my character privily, for throwing out slanderous -insinuations against me, for conspiring against my peace and safety, -for conspiring against my life, for conspiring against the peace of my -family, and for lying." - -A charge was preferred against Harrison Sagers for teaching spiritual -wife doctrine and neglecting his family, which was handed over to the -High Council to act upon. - -At 2 p.m., Elder John Taylor delivered a political discourse. - -About 5 p.m., the _"Maid of Iowa"_ arrived at the Nauvoo House wharf, -filled with passengers from England, led by William Kay. 210 souls -started from Liverpool, and nearly all arrived in good health and -spirits, one smaller company having previously arrived. - -_Sunday, 14.--_Rainy day. No meeting at the stand. I preached on board -the _"Maid of Iowa_." - -Committee of the Council met in the afternoon at my office. - -{334} _Monday, 15.--_At home settling with Dan Jones for steamboat -_"Maid of Iowa."_ She has returned in debt about $1,700. After much -conversation and deliberation, I agreed to buy out Jones, by giving him -property in the city worth $1,231, and assuming the debts. - -I rode out in the afternoon. - -The Twelve Apostles arranged the appointments for the general -conferences in the United States as follows: - - Quincy, Ill.,...............................Sat. and Sun. May 4 and 5 - Princess Grove, Ill.,....................... " " " 11 12 - Ottowa, Ill.,............................... " " " 18 19 - Chicago, Ill.,.............................. " " " 25 26 - Comstock, Kalamazoo county, Mich.,.......... " " June 1 2 - Pleasant Valley, Mich.,..................... " " " 8 9 - Frankland, Oakland county, Mich.,........... " " " 15 16 - Kirtland, Ohio,............................. " " " 22 23 - G.A. Neal's six miles west of Lockport, N.Y.," " " 29 30 - Batavia, N. Y.,............................. " " July 6 7 - Portage, Alleghany county, N. Y.,........... " " " 13 14 - Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y.,............ " " " 20 21 - Oswego, N. Y.,.............................. " " June 29 30 - Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y.,............. " " July 6 7 - London, Caledonia county, N. Y.,............ " " June 15 16 - Northfield, Washington county, ten miles - of Montpelier, at Lyman Houghton's, N.Y., " " " 29 30 - Fairfield, Essex Co, at Elder Tracy's, N. Y.," " July 13 14 - Boston, Mass.,.............................. " " June 29 30 - Salem, " ............................... " " July 6 7 - New Bedford, Mass.,......................... " " " 13 14 - Peterboro, N. H.,........................... " " " 13 14 - Lowell, Mass.,.............................. " " " 27 28 - Scarboro, Maine,............................ " " " 6 7 - Vinal Haven,................................ " " " 13 14 - Westfield, Mass.,........................... " " " 27 28 - Farmington, Mass.,.......................... " " Aug. 3 4 - New Haven, Conn.,........................... " " " 10 11 - Canaan, Conn.,.............................. " " " 17 18 - Norwalk, " ............................... " " " 24 25 - New York City, N.Y.,........................ " " " 17 18 - Philadelphia, Pa.,.......................... " " Aug. 31 Sep.1 - Dresden, Weekly county, Tenn.,.............. " " May 25 26 - {335} - Eagle Creek, Benton county, Tenn.,..........Sat. and Sun. Jun 8 and 9 - Dyer county, C. H.,......................... " " " 22 23 - Rutherford county, C. H., Tenn.,............ " " July 20 21 - Lexington, Henderson county, Tenn.,......... " " Aug. 3 4 - New Albany, Clinton county, Ky.,............ " " June 29 30 - Alquina, Fayette county, Ia.,............... " " " 1 2 - Pleasant Garden, Ia.,....................... " " " 15 16 - Fort Wayne, Ia.,............................ " " " 29 30 - Northfield, Boon county, Ia.,............... " " July 13 14 - Cincinnati, Ohio,........................... " " May 18 19 - Pittsburgh, Pa.,............................ " " June 1 2 - Leechburg, " ............................. " " " 15 16 - Running Water Branch, Noxuble Co., Miss.,... " " " 1 2 - Tuscaloosa, Ala.,........................... " " " 22 23 - Washington City, D. C.,........Sept. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. - -We also publish the names of the Elders who are appointed to the -several states, together with their appointments. Those who are -numbered with the figures 1 and 2 will take the presidency of the -several states to which they are appointed. - - MAINE. - J. Butterfield, 1st Jonathan H. Hale - Elbridge Tufts, 2nd Henry Herriman - S. B. Stoddard John Moon - - NEW HAMPSHIRE. - W. Snow, 1st Harley Morley - Howard Egan, 2nd Israel Barlow - Alvin Cooley David Clough Sen. - John S. Twiss, Calvin Reed - Charles A. Adams, Chilion Mack - Bethuel Miller Isaac Burton - A. D. Boynton. - - MASSACHUSETTS. - Daniel Spencer, 1st George Lloyd - Milton F. Bartlett Orlando D. Hovey - Daniel Loveland Nathaniel Ashby - Joseph J. Woodbury Samuel P. Hoyt - W. H. Woodbury Daniel W. Gardner - John R. Blanchard - - {336} - RHODE ISLAND. - William Seabury, 1st Melvin Wilbur - Thomas McTaggart - - CONNECTICUT. - E. H. Davis, 1st Quartus S. Sparks - - VERMONT. - Erastus Snow, 1st Warren Snow - William Hyde Dominicus Carter - Denman Cornish, Levi W. Hancock - Jeremiah Hatch Alfred Cordon - Martin Titus Charles Snow - William Haight James C. Snow - John D. Chase A. M. Harding - Josiah H. Perry Isaac Houston - Amos Hodges - - NEW YORK. - C. W. Wandell, 1st William Newland - Marcellus Bates, 2nd Allen Wait - Truman Gillett William H. Parshall, - A. A. Farnham C. H. Wheelock - Edmund Ellsworth, Timothy B. Foote - Gregory Bentley George W. Fowler - Homer C. Hoyt Henry L. Cook - Isaac Chase, William W. Dryer - Simeon A. Dunn Elijah Reed - Daniel Shearer Solon Foster - James W. Phippin Hiram Bennett - J. H. Van Natta Chandler Holbrook - Samuel P. Bacon Lyman Hall - Bradford W. Elliott William Felshaw - J. R. G. Phelps Daniel Fisher - Joseph P. Noble D. H. Redfield - John Tanner Martin R. Tanner - Thomas Fuller G. D. Goldsmith - O. M. Duel Charles Thompson - Samuel White B. C. Elsworth - W. R. R. Stowell Archibald Bates - William D. Pratt David Pettigrew - Marcellus McKeown Ellis Eames - Horace S. Eldredge - - {337} - NEW JERSEY. - Ezra T. Benson, 1st John Pack - - PENNSYLVANIA. - D. D. Yearsley, 1st Wm. P. McIntyre - Edson Whipple, 2nd Jacob Zundall - John Duncan Orrin D. Farlin - Stephen Post Henry Mouer - G. W. Crouse G. Chamberlain - Jacob Shoemaker Thomas Hess - Stephen Winchester A. J. Glaefke - Hyrum Nyman Henry Dean - J. M. Cole James Downing - Charles Warner. - - DELAWARE. - John Jones Jonathan O. Duke - Warren Snow Justus Morse - - MARYLAND. - Jacob Hamblin Patrick Norris - Lyman Stoddard. - - VIRGINIA. - B. Winchester, 1st James Park - S. C. Shelton, 2nd A. W. Whitney - Geo. D. Watt, 3rd Pleasant Ewell - Chapman Duncan W. E. Higginbottom - Joseph King John F. Betts - Peter Fife Alfred B. Lambson - Robert Hamilton David Evans - - NORTH CAROLINA. - A. McRae, 1st John Holt - Aaron Razer, 2nd John Houston - Thomas Guymon James Sanderson - George Watt - - SOUTH CAROLINA. - Alonzo LeBaron, 1st Ekells Truly - John M. Emell William Smith - William D. Lyman - - GEORGIA. - Morgan L. Gardner Miles Anderson - Isaac Beebe S. E. Carpenter - - {338} - KENTUCKY. - John D. Lee, 1st D. D. Hunt - D. H. Rogers M. B. Welton - Samuel B. Frost Horace B. Owens - John O. Angus Joseph Holbrook - Charles Spry Hiram W. Mikesell - John H. Reid Garret W. Mikesell - William Watkins - - TENNESSEE. - A. O. Smoot, 1st J. J. Castell - Alphonzo Young, 2nd J. A. Kelting - W. W. Riley J. Hampton - Amos Davis Alfred Bell - L. T. Coon Armstead Moffitt - Jackson Smith D. P. Rainey - W. P. Vance James Holt - H. D. Buys Warren Smith - A. D. Young J. J. Sasnett - Joseph Younger H. B. Jacobs - G. W. Langley John L. Fullmer - G. Penn Joseph Mount - - ALABAMA. - B. L. Clapp, 1st L. D. Butler - G. W. Brandon T. J. Brandon - - MISSISSIPPI. - J. B. Walker Daniel Tyler - Ethan Barrus. - - LOUISIANA. - J. B. Bosworth, 1st John Kelly - H. H. Wilson George Pew - Wm. Nelson Lorenzo Moore - - ARKANSAS. - A. A. Simmons J. A. McIntosh - Darwin Chase Nathaniel Leavitt. - - OHIO. - Lorenzo Snow, 1st William Batson - L. Brooks, 2nd G. C. Riser - Alfred Brown Clark Lewis - J. J. Riser B. W. Wilson - {339} - J. Carroll A. W. Condit - L. O. Littlefield Loren Babbitt - J. M. Powers Elijah Newman - Milo Andrus Milton Stow - John Lovelace Edson Barney - W. H. Folsom Hiram Dayton - John Cooper Jacob Morris - S. Carter Ezra Strong - John Nichols J. M. Emmett - David Jones Allen Tulley - Nathaniel Childs P. H. Young - Jesse Johnson S. P. Hutchins - J. A. Casper J. H. Foster - Joseph Rose Nathan T. Porter - W. Brothers Ezra Vincent - Jared Porter Lysander Dayton - John W. Roberts - - INDIANA. - Amasa Lyman, 1st U. V. Stewart - G. P. Dykes, 2nd Washington Lemon - A. L. Lamoreaux Edward Carlin - Charles Hopkins L. D. Young - F. M. Edwards Wm. Snow - Salmon Warner Nathan Tanner - F. D. Richards Wm. Martindale - S. W. Richards Henry Elliott - John Mackey A. F. Farr - James Newberry John Jones - Abraham Palmer Frederick Ott - John G. Smith - - MICHIGAN. - Charles C. Rich, 1st Wm. Savage - Harvey Green, 2nd David Savage - Thomas Dunn Graham Coltrin - R. C. Sprague Samuel Parker - Joseph Curtis Jeremiah Curtis - Zebedee Coltrin C. W. Hubbard - Reuben W. Strong S. D. Willard - L. N. Kendall Wm. Gribble - - ILLINOIS. - E. H. Groves, 1st Morris Phelps, 2nd - {340} - John Vance S. Mulliner - H. Olmstead, Galena John Gould - H. W. Barnes, do. Zenus R. Gurley - Hiram Mott, Jefferson Hunt - David Candland Jacob L. Burnham - W. A. Duncan D. J. Kershner - Wm. O. Clark N. Leavitt - Almon Bathrick John Laurence - P. H. Buzzard Nathan A. West - Zachariah Hardy Levi Jackman - John Hammond Abel Lamb - G. W. Hickerson Howard Coray - Daniel Allen Stephen Markham - David Judah Levi Stewart - Thomas Dobson James Graham - James Nelson Timothy S. Hoit - David Lewis Duncan McArthur - - MISSOURI. - A. H. Perkins, 1st Wm. Coray - John Lowry, 2nd O. M. Allen - Wm. G. Rule Wm. H. Jordan - - WISCONSIN TERRITORY. - S. H. Briggs - - FREE. - F. Nickerson, 1st A. C. Nickerson L. S. Nickerson - - Those Elders who are numbered in the foregoing list to preside over - the different states will appoint conferences in all places in - their several states where opportunities present, and will attend - all the conferences, or send experienced and able Elders, who will - preach the truth in righteousness, and present before the people - "General Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the General - Government," and seek diligently to get up electors who will go - for him for the Presidency. All the Elders will be faithful in - preaching the Gospel in its simplicity and beauty, in all meekness, - humility, long-suffering and prayerfulness; and the Twelve will - devote the season to traveling, and will attend as many conferences - as possible. - - Elder B. Winchester is instructed to pass through Mississippi, - Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia, to visit - the churches, hold conferences, and preside over them. - - BRIGHAM YOUNG, President - - W. RICHARDS, Clerk of the Quorum of the Twelve. - -{341} _Tuesday, 16.--_Rode out to Brother Greenwood's, but he had not -returned. Five p.m. had a long talk with Chauncey L. Higbee and Esq. -Marr, in front of my house, and read to them Dr. A. B. Williams' and M. -G. Eaton's affidavit before Esq. Wells. - -The Twelve Apostles met in council. - -_Wednesday 17.--_Rode out with Brother Heber C. Kimball and William -Clayton to the steamboat landing. Remainder of the day at home. - -_Thursday, 18.--_Nine a.m. went into general council until noon and -introduced J. W. Coolidge, D. S. Hollister, and added Lyman Wight's -name. - -While at dinner I made mention of the report that Foster, Higbee,_ et -al._ were paying someone's board at my table so as to catch something -against me; so that, if the report is true, they may have something to -carry back. - -Two to five thirty p.m. in council. - -[Sidenote: Excommunication of the Laws, Fosters, _et. al_.] - -At 6 p.m. Brigham Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, George A. -Smith, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, of the Twelve Apostles; -Alpheus Cutler, Samuel Bent, George W. Harris, A. Johnson, William -Marks, of the City Council; Charles C. Rich, Amasa M. Lyman, of the -High Council; William W. Phelps, Newel K. Whitney, John Smith, John M. -Bernhisel, Joseph Fielding, George J. Adams, Erastus Snow, Reynolds -Cahoon, J. W. Coolidge, John Scott, John D. Lee, Levi W. Hancock, S. -Williams, Jos. Young, John P. Greene, John D. Parker, Alexander McRae, -George D. Watt, and William Clayton held a council and unanimously cut -off Robert D. Foster, Wilson Law, William Law and Jane Law, of Nauvoo, -and Howard Smith of Scott county, Illinois, from the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, for unchristian-like conduct; and their -names were published in the_ Times and Seasons_. - -_Friday, 19.--_A company of about eighty Saints arrived. - -In the evening rode to the upper steamboat landing. - -{342} _Saturday, 20.--_Emma started for St. Louis to purchase goods. - -I rode out with Dr. Bernhisel and my boys Frederick and Alexander to -the prairie, which is now very green. - -Elders Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff rode to Lima and spent the -night with Father Morley. - -_Sunday, 21.--_At home; rainy day. A meeting at the Stand. Elder -Erastus Snow preached on "The Law of Nature." - -Elders Young and Woodruff attended a conference and preached to the -Saints in Lima, where twenty-six Elders volunteered to go out preaching. - -Elder Kimball attended a conference at Ramus. - -_Monday, 22.--_All night lightning, thundering, raining, with strong -east wind which continued through the day. - -The river very high; all the mills in the city stopped on account of -the high water. - -This morning a man, who had put up at my house told me he wanted to -see me alone. I went into my room with him, when he told me he was a -prophet of God, that he came from Vermont, and he prophesied that this -Government, was about to be overthrown, and the kingdom which Daniel -speaks of was about to be established somewhere in the West, and he -thought in Illinois. - -My brother William arrived from New Jersey with some forty or fifty -Saints. I spent some time with him in the evening. - -Elders Young and Woodruff started for Nauvoo; but on account of a -tremendous storm of hail and rain, they were glad to take shelter at -Brother William Draper's where they spent the night. - -_Tuesday, 9.--_From 9 to 12 a general meeting of citizens friendly to -my election, was held in the hall, to elect a delegate to go to the -Baltimore Convention, to be held on the first Monday in May. D. S. -Hollister was elected. - -{343} From 3 to 5 p.m. again assembled, and many speeches were made, -&c.; and appointed the second Monday in May to hold a State Convention -at Nauvoo. - -In the evening, visited Agnes, my brother Carlos' widow, and Dr. -Richards, with Hyrum. - -_Wednesday, 24.--_Rode up to the steamboat landing, where we found -Elder J. M. Grant, who introduced me to judge William Richards, of New -Jersey, took him to Brother Winchester's. - -In the evening Brother Ezra Thayer, Dr. Richards, and Dr. Williams -were in my room, and a man who boarded at the Masonic Hall. At their -request, I gave them a history of the Laws' proceedings, in part, in -trying to make a difficulty in my family, &c. - -Gave recommendations to Elders Amasa M. Lyman and D. S. Hollister. - -_Thursday, 25.--_Emma returned from St. Louis. - -A brother who works in the _St. Louis Gazette_ office came up at the -same time, and wanted to know by what principle I got so much power, -how many inhabitants and armed men we had, &c. I told him I obtained -power on the principles of truth and virtue, which would last when I -was dead and gone, &c. - -In general council from 10 till 12, and from 2 to 5, When they -adjourned _sine die_, after appointing a State Convention to meet in -Nauvoo on 17th May. The council then dispersed to go abroad in the -nations. - -Instructed Dr. Richards to make out a writ of_ habeas corpus_ for Mr. -Jeremiah Smith, of Iowa, who was expecting to be arrested by the U. S. -Marshal for getting money which was due him, as he says, at Washington. - -A play on rational amusement was to commence this evening, but a most -tremendous shower of rain and large hail from the southwest commenced -about six p.m. which prevented it. The small creeks rose over four -feet high, overflowed their banks, sweeping away fences, and doing -considerable damage. - -{344} The Mississippi river is higher at this place than ever known by -the oldest inhabitant. - -[Sidenote: Violence of the Fosters and Higbees.] - -_Friday, 26.--_At home. At 10 a.m. the Marshal went up on the hill to -arrest Augustine Spencer for an assault on his brother, Orson Spencer, -in his own house. Robert D. Foster, Charles Foster and Chauncey L. -Higbee came down. Charles Foster drew a pistol pointed towards me, and -threatened to shoot while standing on the steps of my office. I ordered -him to be arrested and the pistol taken from him, when a struggle -ensued, in which Charles Foster, Robert D. Foster and Chauncey L. -Higbee resisted, and I ordered them to be arrested also, and I as the -Mayor ordered the policemen to be called; then went on to try Augustine -Spencer. He was fined $100, and required to give bonds in $100 to keep -the peace for six months. He appealed the case at once to the Municipal -Court. - -Robert D. Foster, Chauncey L. Higbee, and Charles Foster were also -tried for resisting the authorities of the city. - -O. P. Rockwell sworn. Marshal John P. Greene sworn:--Said Dr. Foster -swore by God that he would not assist the Marshal, and swore by God -they would see the Mayor in hell before they would go; and that Charles -Foster drew a pistol and presented at the Mayor, which was being -wrested from him when Dr. Robert D. Foster interfered. Charles Foster -and Chauncey L. Higbee said they would be G--d--d if they would not -shoot the Mayor. They breathed out many hard threatenings and menacing -sayings. They said they would consider themselves the favored of God -for the privilege of shooting or ridding the world of such a tyrant -(referring to the Mayor). - -Joseph W. Coolidge sworn, and confirmed the Marshal's testimony. - -Elbridge Tufts sworn, and confirmed the foregoing statements. - -{345} Robert D. Foster, Charles Foster and Chauncey L. Higbee were each -fined $100. They immediately took an appeal to the Municipal Court. - -I issued a warrant for Robert D. Foster, on complaint of Willard -Richards, for a breach of ordinance, in that Foster said to Richards; -"You," shaking his fist in the doctor's face, "are another d--ned -black-hearted villain! You tried to seduce my wife on the boat, when -she was going to New York and I can prove it; and the oath is out -against you." - -_Saturday, 27.--_A large company of gentlemen from St. Louis and other -places on the river, called at the Mansion. After spending some time, -they returned to the boat, but it was gone, when they again returned to -the Mansion. - -At 9 a.m. the case of Dr. Robert D. Foster came up for trial before the -Municipal Court. I had a conversation with Foster in which he charged -me with many crimes, and said that Daniteism was in Nauvoo; and he used -a great variety of vile and false epithets and charges. - -The court adjourned to Monday, the 29th at 9 a.m. - -Foster agreed to meet me on the second Monday in May, at the Stand, -and have a settlement, and he would publish the result of it in the -Warsaw papers. I told him if he did not agree to be quiet, and not -attempt to raise a mob, I would not meet him; if he would agree to be -quiet, I would be willing to publish the settlement in the _Neighbor_. -But Foster would not agree to be quiet. I then told him I had done my -duty; the skirts of my garments were free from his (Foster's) blood; -I had made the last overtures of peace to him; and then delivered him -into the hands of God, and shook my garments against him as a testimony -thereof. - -I continued in the office some time afterwards in conversation, and -then went into the big room and read in the_ Warsaw Signal_ a vile -article against the Saints. - -{346} Elder Hiram Smith arrived from Liverpool accompanied by one -hundred and fifty immigrating Saints. - -There was a meeting at the Stand at one o'clock, to give instructions -to the Elders going out electioneering. They were addressed by -President Rigdon and William Smith. - -Dr. Richards prosecuted Robert D. Foster for slander, &c. - -_Sunday, 28.--_At home. A beautiful clear day. - -My brother Hyrum preached at the Stand in the morning, and among other -things, said the time will shortly come that when one man makes another -an offender for a word, he shall be cut off from the Church of Jesus -Christ. There were prophets before, but Joseph has the spirit and power -of all the prophets. - -President Brigham Young also spoke very pointedly and very truly about -Dr. Foster and others. Dr. Foster was cursed, and the people cried -"Amen." - -Several persons were baptized in the river at the foot of Main street. - -There was a meeting of the Twelve Apostles, Seventies and others, in -the Seventies' Hall, in the afternoon. - -Prayer meeting in the evening: the brethren prayed for the sick, a -deliverance from our enemies, a favorable termination to lawsuits, &c., -&c. I had been suddenly taken sick, and was therefore unable to attend. - -A conference of Elders assembled at Yelrome, or Morley Settlement, -Lima, Isaac Morley presiding, when a quorum of High Priests was -organized, consisting of thirty-one members. Horace Rawson president, -Philip Gardner and Joseph S. Allen, his counselors, and James C. Snow, -clerk. - -There was a meeting at Wilson Law's, near the sawmill, of those who had -been cut off from the Church, and their dupes. Several affidavits which -they had taken against me and others were read. William Law, Wilson -{347} Law, Austin A. Cowles, John Scott, Sen., Francis M. Higbee, -Robert D. Foster, and Robert Pierce were appointed a committee to visit -the different families in the city, and see who would join the new -church; _i.e._, as they had decided that I was a fallen prophet, &c.; -and they appointed William Law in my place, who chose Austin Cowles and -Wilson Law as his counselors. Robert D. Foster and Francis M. Higbee to -be two of the Twelve Apostles, &c., &c., as report says. - -Elder James Blackeslee preached in the forenoon, bearing a faithful -testimony of the truth of the work and my being a true prophet, and in -the afternoon joined the "Anties." They chose Charles Ivins Bishop. - -A conference was held in Sheffield, England, representing 215 members, -7 Elders, 19 Priests, 5 Teachers, and 3 Deacons. - -_Monday, 29.--_At home; received a visit from L. R. Foster of New York, -who gave me a good pencil case, sent me by Brother Theodore Curtis, -who is now in New York; and the first words I wrote with it were, "God -bless the man!" - -At 11 a.m., Robert D. Foster came up for trial. I transferred the case -to Alderman William Marks. Foster objected to the jurisdiction of the -court, also to an informality in the writ, &c. - -The court decided he had not jurisdiction. Esquire Noble, from Rock -river, assisted the City Attorney. Esquire Patrick was present. - -I called a special session of the City Council at 3:30 p.m., when it -was voted that W. W. Phelps take the place of John Taylor during his -absence this season; also Aaron Johnson in place of Orson Hyde; Phineas -Richards in place of Heber C. Kimball; Edward Hunter in place of Daniel -Spencer; Levi Richards in place of Brigham Young as councilors in the -City Council; and Elias Smith as alderman in place of George A. Smith. - -Lieutenant Williams filed his affidavit _versus_ Major-General {348} -Wilson Law, and he was suspended from office to await his trial before -a court-martial of the Nauvoo Legion for ungentlemanly conduct, &c.; -and he was notified of his command in the Legion being suspended, and -Charles C. Rich was notified to take command, and also notified seven -officers to sit as a court-martial. - -William Law was suspended for trial about the same time. - -Steamer _Mermaid_ touched at Nauvoo House, landing at 5 p.m. for a -short time when going down. - -John P. Greene published the following in the_ Neighbor:_ (Impression -of May 1st.) - - _The Foster-Higbee Embroilment_. - - All is peace at Nauvoo, among the Saints: - - But, Mr. Taylor, I wish you to give the following outrage an - insertion in the _Neighbor_, that the public mind may be disabused, - and the disgrace and shame fall on those who have justly deserved - it and merited the people's rebuke! - - On Friday morning, the 26th inst., I was informed by Mr. Orrin P. - Rockwell that one Mr. Augustine Spencer had committed an assault on - the person of Alderman Orson Spencer, and the Mayor of the city had - sent for Augustine Spencer, and found him in Mr. Marr's law office, - made him a prisoner, and informed him he must go with me to the - Mayor's office, when he said he would not go. - - I then called upon Robert D. Foster, Chauncey L. Higbee, and - Charles A. Foster to assist me in taking said Spencer to the - Mayor's office; but they swore they would not, and used many - threatening oaths and aspersions, saying they would see the Mayor - and the city damned, and then they would not; but soon followed - me and Mr. Augustine Spencer to the office door, when the Mayor - ordered me to arrest these three men for refusing to assist me in - the discharge of my duty; and when attempting to arrest them, they - all resisted, and with horrid imprecations threatened to shoot. - - I called for help, and there not being sufficient, the Mayor laid - hold on the two Fosters at the same time. At that instant Charles - A. Foster drew a double-barrel pistol on Mr. Smith, but it was - instantly wrenched from his hand; and afterwards he declared he - would have shot the Mayor, if we had let his pistol alone, and also - he would thank God for the privilege of ridding the world of a - tyrant! Chauncey L. Higbee responded to Foster's threats, and swore - that he would do it. - - {349} - - However, the three were arrested and brought before the Mayor, - whereupon Orrin P. Rockwell, Joseph Coolidge, John P. Greene and E. - Tufts testified to the amount of the above statements; upon which - evidence the court assessed a fine of one hundred dollars to each - of the above-named aggressors, who appealed to the Municipal Court. - - I wish the public to know who it is that makes insurrections and - disturbs the peace and quiet of the people of the city of Nauvoo; - and in order to do this I need only to tell the world that this - Robert D. Foster is a county magistrate, and the same Robert D. - Foster that was fined for gambling a few weeks since; and that this - Chauncey L. Higbee is a lawyer and notary public of Hancock county, - and the same Chauncey L. Higbee that was fined for insulting the - city officers (the marshal and constable) when in the discharge of - their official duties, a few weeks since. - - "When the wicked rule the people mourn, but righteousness exalteth - any nation"--SOLOMON. - - J. P. GREENE, City Marshal. - - N. B.--We wish it to be distinctly understood that neither of - the three above-named individuals are members of the Church - of Latter-day Saints, but we believe Charles A. Foster is a - Methodist.--J. P. G. - -_Tuesday, 30.--_At home counseling the brethren about many things; -received much company, &c. - -In the afternoon in council with Hiram Clark and Brigham Young, at -Brigham Young's house, on the affairs of the Church in England. - -A complaint was commenced against William and Wilson Law in the Masonic -Lodge, &c. - -Sent notification to two more officers to sit in the court-martial on -the trial of William and Wilson Law. - -The _Osprey_ steamer touched at the Nauvoo House landing in the evening. - -_Wednesday, May 1.--_Heavy rain and wind last night. - -At home counseling the brethren, and rode out a short time in the -afternoon with a gentleman from Quincy. - -Elder Lyman Wight and Bishop George Miller arrived from the Pine -country. - -Mr. Thomas A. Lyne, a tragedian from New York, assisted by George J. -Adams and others, got up a theatrical exhibition in the lower room of -the Masonic Hall, which was fitted {350} up with very tasteful scenery. -They performed "Pizarro," "The Orphan of Geneva," "Douglas," "The Idiot -Witness," "Damon and Pythias," and other plays with marked success. The -Hall was well attended each evening, and the audience expressed their -entire satisfaction and approbation. - -_Thursday, 2.--_Very windy all night, breaking down large trees; a -thunder storm also. - -At home and counseling the brethren. - -Sent William Clayton to Wilson Law to find out why he refused paying -his note, when he brought in some claims as a set-off which Clayton -knew were paid, leaving me no remedy but the glorious uncertainty of -the law. - -At 10 a.m. the _Maid of Iowa_ steamer started for Rock River for a load -of wheat and corn to feed the laborers on the Temple. - -William Clayton and Colonel Stephen Markham started to attend court at -Dixon, on the case of "Joseph Smith vs. Harmon T. Wilson and Joseph H. -Reynolds." - -In the afternoon I rode to the prairie to sell some land, and during my -absence Lucien Woodworth returned from Texas. - -Lieut. Aaron Johnson made the following affidavit; - - NAUVOO, May 2nd, 1844. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK CO., - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss - - Personally appeared before me, John Taylor, Judge-Advocate of the - Nauvoo Legion, Aaron Johnson; and being duly sworn deposes and - says that on or about the 28th day of April, 1844, at the dwelling - house of Wilson Law in Nauvoo aforesaid, Colonel R. D. Foster, - Surgeon-in-Chief, and Brevet Brigadier-General of said Nauvoo - Legion, while talking about General Joseph Smith, said that General - Smith kept a gang of robbers and plunderers about his house for - the purpose of robbing and plundering, and he (Smith) received - half the spoils; also that said General Joseph Smith tried to get - him (Foster) to go and kill Boggs, with many other ungentlemanly - and unofficer-like observations concerning said General Smith and - others. - - AARON JOHNSON, - - 2nd Lieut., 1st Comp., 1st Regiment, 2nd Cohort, Nauvoo Legion. - - Personally appeared, Aaron Johnson, the signer of the above - complaint, {351} and made oath the same was true according to the - best of his knowledge and belief, the day and year above written - before me. - - JOHN TAYLOR, - - Judge-Advocate of the Nauvoo Legion. - -_Friday, 3.--_At home giving advice to brethren who were constantly -calling to ask for counsel. Several thunder showers during the day. - -In general council from 2 to 6, and from 8 to 10 p.m. Lucien Woodworth -gave an account of his mission. - -Wrote a letter to Uncle John Smith, and requested him to attend general -council next Monday. - -The following letter was written: - - _Letter: Brigham Young and Willard Richards to Reuben - Hedlock--Instructions on Immigration Matters_. - - NAUVOO, May 3rd, 1844. - - _Elder Reuben Hedlock_: - - DEAR BROTHER--Your long communication by Elder Kay was received two - weeks last Saturday, also the one by Elder Clark last Saturday, - and we feel to thank you for the care you have taken to write us - so particularly. We are glad to receive such communications, and - wish you to continue the same course as opportunities present. The - brethren have all had good passages (four ships). Elder Clark was - only five weeks and three days to New Orleans. All things safe. - - All things are going on gloriously at Nauvoo. We shall make a - great wake in the nation. Joseph for President. Your family is - well, and friends generally. We have already received several - hundred volunteers to go out electioneering and preaching and more - offering. We go for storming the nation. But we must proceed to - realities. - - The whisperings of the Spirit to us are that you do well to content - yourself awhile longer in old England, and let your wife remain - where she is. We hope the Temple may be completed, say one year - from this spring, when in many respects changes will take place. - Until then, who can do better in England than yourself! But we will - not leave you comfortless; we will send Elders to your assistance. - For three or four months we want all the help we can get in the - United States; after which you may expect help. - - In the meantime you are at liberty to print as many _Stars_, - pamphlets hymn books, tracts, cards, &c., as you can sell; and make - all the money you can in righteousness. Don't reprint everything - you get from Nauvoo. Many things are printed here not best to - circulate in England. Select and write doctrine, and matter, (new) - such as will be {352} useful to the Saints in England and new to - us; so that when we exchange papers all will be edified. God shall - give you wisdom, if you will seek to Him, and you shall prosper in - your printing. - - We also wish you to unfurl your flag on your shipping office, and - send all the Saints you can to New York, or Boston, or Philadelphia - or any other port of the United States, but not at our expense any - longer. We have need of something to sustain us in our labors, and - we want you to go ahead with printing and shipping, and make enough - to support yourself and help us a bit. You will doubtless find it - necessary to employ Brother Ward. Keep all your books straight, so - that we in the end can know every particular. - - Ship everybody to America you can get the money for--Saint and - sinner--a general shipping-office. And we would like to have our - shipping-agent in Liverpool sleep on as good a bed, eat at as - respectable a house, keep as genteel an office, and have his boots - shine as bright, and blacked as often as any other office-keeper. - Yes sir; make you money enough to wear a good broadcloth, and show - the world that you represent gentlemen of worth, character and - respectability. - - We will by-and-by have offices from the rivers to the ends of the - earth, and we will begin at Liverpool from this time and increase - and increase and _increase_ the business of the office as fast as - it can be done in safety, and circumstances will permit. Employ a - runner, if necessary, and show the world you can do a better and - more honorable business than anybody else, and more of it. Don't be - afraid to blow your trumpet. - - We need not say, deal with everybody so that they will want to deal - with you again, and make all the money you honestly can. Send no - more emigrants on emigration books or _Star_ money. Temple orders - for emigrants may be filled on Temple funds. Keep account of all - moneys in their separate departments and favor us with a report - occasionally. - - Sell the Books of Mormon the first opportunity, if it be at a - reduced price, and forward the money by the first safe conveyance - to Brigham Young. - - We will pay your wife as you requested in your letter, as soon as - possible. We wish you to take care of yourself and family, and - withal help us besides; and we have now put you in possession of - means to do it. - - Let nobody know your business but the underwriters. Our wives know - not all our business, neither does any wise man's wife know all - things, for the secret of the Lord is with those that fear Him and - do His business. A hint to the wise is sufficient. But we will - add, if you want us to do anything for your wife, write us, and we - will do it; but {353} keep our business from your wife and from - everybody else. - - We are glad to hear a door is open in France, and sure we have no - objections to your going over and preaching, &c.; but we think - perhaps you will now find as much to do in England as you can - find time to do it in; if not, go by all means. We are in hopes - of sending a special messenger to France in a few days; if so, - very likely he may call on you, and you pass over and give him an - introduction: this would be pleasant for you all. - - Brother Hedlock, a word with you privately. Joseph said, last - conference, that Zion included all North and South America; and - after the Temple was done, and the Elders endowed, they would - spread and build up cities all over the United States; but at - present we are not to teach this doctrine. Nay, hold your tongue. - But by this you can see why it is wisdom for the Saints to get into - the United States--anywhere rather than stay in England to starve. - - The prophet has a charter for a dam from the lower line of the city - to the island opposite Montrose, and from thence to the sand-bar - above in the Mississippi. Could five, six or seven thousand dollars - be raised to commence the dam at the lower extremity, and erect - a building, any machinery might be propelled by water. The value - of a steam-engine would nearly build the dam sufficient for a - cotton-factory, which we much need. Start some capitalists, if you - can: 'tis the greatest speculation in the world: a world of cotton - and woollen goods are wanted here. - - We have proposed to Brother Clark to return to your assistance in - the shipping business soon; also to enter into exchanges of goods - and produce. Which he will do, he has not decided. What will hinder - your doing a good business in shipping this season? Good? Yes, in - competing with the first offices in the city, and by next season - taking the lead, if not this! When the Saints get to New York, - Boston, &c., let them go to work, spread abroad in the land, or - come to Nauvoo, as they and convenient and have means, and when the - season arrives, start again for New Orleans. Write soon after the - receipt of this, and let us know the prospect. - - Tell the Saints, when they arrive in America, to make themselves as - comfortable as they can, and be diligent in business, and not be - over anxious if they cannot come to Nauvoo. They will find Elders - in all the states who will be ready to give them instruction; and - if they can gather something by the way by their industry to assist - themselves with when they arrive here, it will be well for them. - - We have dropped the Nauvoo House until the Temple can be completed, - and the Temple is going on finely. We have had an open winter and a - forward spring. The Twelve are holding general conferences all over - the United States. They will go East soon, and Brother Young {354} - will write to you as soon as he gets the information to tell what - house you can remit the book money to in New York. - - We shall have a State Convention at Nauvoo on the 17th inst.,--an - election. A great many are believing the doctrine. If any of the - brethren wish to go to Texas, we have no particular objection. You - may send a hundred thousand there if you can, in eighteen months, - though we expect before that you will return to receive your - endowments; and then we will consult your interest, with others who - may be going abroad, about taking their families with them. - - The kingdom is organized; and, although as yet no bigger than - a grain of mustard seed, the little plant is in a flourishing - condition, and our prospects brighter than ever. Cousin Lemuel is - very friendly, and cultivating the spirit of peace and union in his - family very extensively. - - William and Wilson Law, Robert D. Foster, Chauncey L. and Francis - Higbee, Father Cowles, &c., have organized a new church. (Laws - and Fosters were first cut off). William Law is Prophet; James - Blakesley and Cowles, Counselors; Higbee and Foster of the Twelve. - Cannot learn all particulars. Charles Ivins, Bishop; old Dr. Green - and old John Scott, his counselors. They are talking of sending a - mission to England, but it will probably be after this when they - come among you. 'Tis the same old story over again--"The doctrine - is right, but Joseph is a fallen prophet." - - Your brethren in the new covenant, - - BRIGHAM YOUNG, - - WILLARD RICHARDS. - -Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote from Richmond, Mass., as follows: - - _Letter: Parley P. Pratt to Joseph Smith et al., Denouncing - Augustine Spencer_. - - _Dear Brother Joseph and Brother Orson Spencer, or whom it may - concern_: - - This is to forewarn you that you have a snake in the grass--a base - traitor and hypocrite in your midst, of whom perhaps you may not be - fully aware. You may think these harsh terms, but I speak from good - evidence and speak the truth. - - Mr. Augustine Spencer, brother to Elder Orson Spencer, has written - a letter from Nauvoo, which is now going the rounds in this - neighborhood, and is fraught with the most infamous slander and - lies concerning Joseph Smith and others, and which is calculated to - embitter the minds of the people who read or hear it. It affirms - that Joseph Smith is in the habit of drinking, swearing, carousing, - dancing all night, &c., {355} and that he keeps six or seven young - females as wives, &c., and many other such like insinuations. - - At the same time he cautions the people to whom he writes to - keep the letter in such a way that a knowledge of its contents - may not reach Nauvoo, as he says he is on intimate terms and - confidential friendship with the "Prophet Joe" and the Mormons, - and that he hopes to get into office by their means. This is his - own acknowledgment of his own baseness, imposition and hypocrisy. - I have not seen the letter myself, but have carefully examined the - testimony of those who have, and I have also seen and witnessed its - baneful effect upon the people here. - - Now, I say to the Saints, Let such a man alone severely; shun him - as they would the pestilence; be not deceived by a smooth tongue - nor flattering words; neither accept of any excuse or apology until - he boldly contradicts and counteracts his lying words abroad; but - rather expose and unmask him in your midst, that he may be known - and consequently become powerless, if he is not already so. I am - well and expect to be in Boston tomorrow. - - I remain, as ever, your friend and brother, in the love of truth, - - P. P. PRATT. - - RICHMOND, MASS., May 3rd, 1844. - -_Saturday, 4.--_Rode out on the prairie to sell some land. The Stone -work for four circular windows finished cutting for the middle story of -the Temple. Elder Wilford Woodruff moved into his new brick house. - -A court-martial was detailed as follows: - - HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION May 4, 1844. - - _To Alanson Ripley, Sergeant-Major, 2nd Cohort, Nauvoo Legion_: - - You are hereby forthwith commanded to notify the following - named officers of the Nauvoo Legion to assemble at the office - of Lieut.-General Joseph Smith, on Friday, the 10th inst., at 9 - o'clock a.m., as members of a court-martial detailed for the trial - of Robert D. Foster, Surgeon-in-Chief and Brevet Brigadier-General - of the Nauvoo Legion, on the complaint of Lieut. Aaron Johnson for - unofficer-like and unbecoming conduct, and hereof fail not, and - make returns of your proceedings to the President of the Court on - the first day of its sitting--_viz_. - - Brig.-Gen. George Miller as President; Brevet Brig.-Gen. Hugh - McFall, Brevet Brig.-General Daniel H. Wells, Brevet Brig.-Gen. - John S. Fullmer, Colonel Jonathan Dunham, Colonel Stephen Markham, - Colonel Hosea Stout, Colonel John Scott, Lieut.-Colonel John D. - Parker, Lieut.-Colonel Jonathan H. Hale, Lieut.-Colonel Theodore - Turley, as members of said court, and Colonel John Taylor as - Judge-Advocate. {356} Also to summons Willard Richards and Aaron - Johnson to appear at the same time and place as witnesses. - - Given under my hand the day and year above written. - - CHARLES C. RICH, - - Major-General N. L., Commanding. - -Dr. Richards wrote a letter, at President Brigham Young's request, to -Reuben Hedlock. - -_Sunday, 5.--_At home. Rainy day. Elder Jedediah M. Grant preached at -the Mansion at 2 p.m. A large company of friends at my house afternoon -and evening, whom I addressed on the true policy of this people in our -intercourse with the national government. - -A conference was held at Marsh Hill, (formerly Froom's Hill) England, -comprising 681 members, 22 Elders, 43 Priests, 15 Teachers, 7 Deacons. - -_Monday, 6.--_Attended general council all day. Elder J. M. Grant was -added to the council. Voted to send Almon W. Babbitt on a mission to -France and Lucien Woodworth to Texas. Sidney Rigdon was nominated as a -candidate for the Vice-Presidency of the United States. - -I had a warrant served on me by John D. Parker, issued by the clerk of -the Circuit Court at Carthage, on the complaint of Francis M. Higbee, -who had laid his damages at $5,000, but for what the writ does not -state. I petitioned the Municipal Court for a writ of _habeas corpus,_ -which I obtained. - -At 6 p.m. I was in conversation with Jeremiah Smith and a number of -gentlemen, in my office on the subject of Emma's correspondence with -Governor Carlin. - -Beautiful day. West wind. - -_Tuesday 7.--_Rode out on the prairie at nine a.m., with some -gentlemen, to sell them some land. A tremendous thunder shower in the -afternoon, with a strong wind and rain, which abated about sunset, and -I stayed at my farm all night. - -Esquire Daniel H. Wells issued a writ of ejectment against all persons -who had bought land of Robert D. {357} Foster on the block east of the -Temple, Foster having given them warranty deeds, but not having paid -for the land himself. - -An opposition printing press arrives at Dr. Foster's. - -The following notice was issued by the Recorder: - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. - - _To the Marshal of the said City, greeting_: - - You are hereby required to notify Phineas Richards, Edward Hunter - and Levi Richards, that they have been elected members of the City - Council of said city; and Elias Smith, that he has been elected - Alderman of said city by said City Council; and the said Councilors - and Alderman and Gustavus Hills are required to appear, receive - their oath of office, and take seats in said Council on Saturday, - the 8th of June, 1844, at 10 o'clock a.m., at the Council Chamber. - By order of the Council. - - Witness my hand and corporation seal this 7th May, 1844. - - [L. S.] - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - -_Thursday, 8.--_Returned home. At 10 a.m. went before the Municipal -Court on the case, "Francis M. Higbee _versus_ Joseph Smith." - - _The Prophet's Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus_. - - MUNICIPAL COURT, CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS. - - Third day, regular term, May 8, 1844. - - Before Alderman N. K. Whitney, acting Chief Justice, and Aldermen - Daniel H. Wells, William Marks, Orson Spencer, George W. Harris, - Gustavus Hills, George A. Smith and Samuel Bennett, Associate - Justices presiding. - - Exparte Joseph Smith Sen., on _habeas corpus_. - - Messrs. Styles and Rigdon, Counsel for Smith. - - This case came before the court upon a return to a writ of _habeas - corpus,_ which was issued by this court on the 6th of May instant, - upon the petition of Joseph Smith, Sen., as follows: - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, Sct. - - _To the Honorable Municipal Court and for the City of Nauvoo_: - - The undersigned, your petitioner, most respectfully represents - that he is an inhabitant of said city. Your petitioner further - represents that he is under arrest in said city, and is now in - the custody of one John D. Parker, deputy sheriff of the county - of Hancock, and state of {358} Illinois; and that the said Parker - holds your petitioner by a writ of _Capias ad respondendum,_ issued - by the clerk of the Circuit Court of the county of Hancock and - state of Illinois, at the instance of one Francis M. Higbee of - said county, requiring your petitioner to answer the said Francis - M. Higbee, "of a plea of the case;" damage, five thousand dollars. - Your petitioner further represents that the proceedings against him - are illegal; that the said warrant of arrest is informal, and not - of that character which the law recognizes as valid; that the said - writ is wanting and deficient in the plea therein contained; that - the charge or complaint which your petitioner is therein required - to answer is not known to the law. - - Your petitioner further avers that the said writ does not disclose - in any way or manner whatever any cause of action; which matter - your petitioner most respectfully submits for your consideration, - together with a copy of the said warrant of arrest which is - hereunto attached. - - Your petitioner further states that this proceeding has been - instituted against him without any just or legal cause; and further - that the said Francis M. Higbee is actuated by no other motive - than a desire to persecute and harass your petitioner for the - base purpose of gratifying feelings of revenge, which, without - any cause, the said Francis M. Higbee has for a long time been - fostering and cherishing. - - Your petitioner further states that he is not guilty of the charge - preferred against him, or of any act against him, by which the said - Francis M. Higbee could have any charge, claim or demand whatever - against your petitioner. - - Your petitioner further states that he verily believes that another - object the said F. M. Higbee had in instituting the proceeding was - and is to throw your petitioner into the hands of his enemies, that - he might the better carry out a conspiracy which has for some time - been brewing against the life of your petitioner. - - Your petitioner further states that the suit which has been - instituted against him has been instituted through malice, private - pique and corruption. - - Your petitioner would therefore most respectfully ask your - honorable body to grant him the benefit of the writ of _habeas - corpus,_ that the whole matter may be thoroughly investigated, and - such order made as the law and justice demand in the premises: and - your petitioner with ever pray. - - JOSEPH SMITH, SEN. - - _Order of the Municipal Court_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, Sct. - - NAUVOO, May 6th, 1844. - - _The people of the State of Illinois, to the Marshal of said city, - greeting_: - - Whereas application has been made before the Municipal Court of - {359} said city, that the body of one Joseph Smith, Senior, of the - said city of Nauvoo, is in the custody of John D. Parker, deputy - sheriff of Hancock county and state aforesaid. - - These are therefore to command the said John D. Parker, of the - county aforesaid, to safely have the body of said Joseph Smith, - Senior, of the city aforesaid, in his custody detained, as it is - said, together with the day and cause of his caption and detention, - by whatsoever name the said Joseph Smith, Senior, may be known - or called, before the Municipal Court of said city forthwith, to - abide such order as the said court shall make in this behalf; and - further, if the said John D. Parker, or other person or persons, - having said Joseph Smith, Senior, of said city of Nauvoo, 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 neglecting to comply as aforesaid, - and bring him or them, together with the person or persons in his - or their custody, forthwith before the Municipal Court aforesaid, - to be dealt with according to law; and herein fail not and bring - this writ with you. - - Witness, Willard Richards, clerk of the Municipal Court at Nauvoo, - this 6th day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight - hundred and forty-four. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Clerk M. C. C. N. - - I hold the within-named Joseph Smith, Senior, under arrest, by - virtue of a _capias ad respondendum_. - - HANCOCK COUNTY COURT. - - To May Term, A. D. 1844. - - Francis M. Higbee _vs_. Joseph Smith - - In case. - - The day of his caption, May 6th, 1844. - - To damage five thousand dollars. - - WM. BACKENSTOS, S. H. C. - - By J. D. PARKER, D. S. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - _The people of the state of Illinois to the Sheriff of said county, - greeting_: - - We command you that you take Joseph Smith, if to be found within - your county, and him safely keep, so that you have his body before - the Circuit Court of said county of Hancock on the first day of - the next term thereof, to be holden at the Courthouse in Carthage - on the third {360} Monday in the month of May instant, to answer - Francis M. Higbee, of a plea of the case; damage, the sum of five - thousand dollars, as he says; and you have then there this writ, - and make due return thereon in what manner you execute the same. - - [Sidenote: [Seal]] - - Witness, J. B. Backenstos, clerk of said Circuit Court at Carthage, - this first day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight - hundred and forty-four. - - J. C. BACKENSTOS, Clerk. - - By D. E. HEAD, Deputy. - - This is a true copy of the original now in the possession of - William B. Backenstos, Sheriff of Hancock county. - - By J. D. PARKER, Deputy. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. Sct. - - _To Mr. Francis M. Higbee_: - - SIR.--You will please to take notice that Joseph Smith, Senior, has - petitioned for a writ of _habeas corpus_ from the Municipal Court - of said city, praying that he may be liberated from the custody - of John D. Parker, deputy sheriff of Hancock county, by whom he - is held in custody on a _capias ad respondendum,_ issued by the - Circuit Court of Hancock county, on the first day of May instant, - to answer Francis M. Higbee on a plea of the case, etc.; which writ - is granted; and you will have the opportunity to appear before the - Municipal Court at 10 o'clock a.m. on the 7th of May instant, at - the Council Chamber in said city, and show cause why said Joseph - Smith, Senior, should not be liberated on said_ habeas corpus_. - - [Sidenote: [Seal]] - - Witness my hand and seal, of court this 5th day of May, 1844. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, CLERK M. C. C. N. - - The case was argued at length by Messrs. George P. Styles and - Sidney Rigdon. After which the court allowed the petitioner and his - counsel to proceed with the case. Whereupon President Joseph Smith, - Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Orrin Porter Rockwell, - Cyrus H. Wheelock, Joel S. Miles, Henry G. Sherwood, Heber C. - Kimball, were permitted to testify proving (1) the very bad and - immoral character of Francis M. Higbee; and (2) the maliciousness - of his prosecution of Joseph Smith. In the course of his testimony - the Prophet said: "The only sin I ever committed was in exercising - sympathy and covering up their [the Higbees', Fosters', Laws' and - Dr. Bennett's] iniquities, on their solemn promise to reform, and - of this I am {361} ashamed, and will never do so again." After - hearing these witnesses the Judge said: "It is considered and - ordained by the court-- - - "1st. That the said Joseph Smith, Senior, be discharged from the - said arrest and imprisonment complained of in said petition, on the - illegality of the writ upon which he was arrested, as well as upon - the writ of the case, and that he go hence without day. - - "2nd. Francis M. Higbee's character having been so fully shown as - infamous, the court is convinced that this suit was instituted - through malice, private pique, and corruption, and ought not to be - countenanced; and it is ordained by the court that the said Francis - M. Higbee pay the costs." - - [Sidenote: [Seal]] - - In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of - said court at the city of Nauvoo, this 8th day of May, 1844. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk. - -I copy the following from the _Neighbor_ of this date: - - _Hurrah for the General!_ The following which we extract from the - _St. Louis Organ,_ shows how the public mind is turning, and what - their feelings are in regard to the Prophet, his views and theirs - also in regard to the Presidency. - - _Forebear awhile--we'll hear a little more._ The matter is now - settled with Messrs. Clay, Tyler and Van Buren. Let Mr. Clay - return at once from his political perambulations in the South, Mr. - Tyler abandon his hopes of re-election by aid of the "immediate - annexation" of Texas, and let Mr. Van Buren be quiet at Kinderhook, - that he may watch the operations of the "sober second thought" of - the people! - - General Joseph Smith, the acknowledged modern Prophet, has got them - all in the rear; and from the common mode of testing the success - of candidates for the Presidency, to wit., by steamboat elections, - he (Smith) will beat all the other aspirants to that office two to - one. We learn from the polls of the steamboat _Osprey_, on her last - trip to this city, that the vote stood for General Joseph Smith, 20 - gents and 5 ladies; Henry Clay, 16 gents and 4 ladies; Van Buren, 7 - gents and 0 ladies. - -Attended theatre in the evening. - -{362} - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -ADDRESS OF THE PROPHET--HIS PROPHETIC CALLING AND THE -RESURRECTION--STATUS OF AFFAIRS AT NAUVOO--HYDE'S REPORTS FROM -WASHINGTON ON THE WESTERN MOVEMENT--OREGON. - -_Thursday, May 9, 1844.--_A court-martial was held in my office for the -trial of Major-General Wilson Law, on a charge of ungentlemanly and -unofficer-like conduct. Present--Generals Hyrum Smith, Charles C. Rich, -Lyman Wight, George Miller and Albert P. Rockwood; Cols. John Scott and -Hosea Stout; Judge-Advocate John Taylor; and Secretary Thomas Bullock. -The charge was sustained and Wilson Law cashiered. - -[Sidenote: Theatricals in Nauvoo.] - -Evening, attended theatre, and saw "Damon and Pythias" and "The Idiot -Witness" performed. - -Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith called upon me this -morning, and said they were ready to start on their mission to attend -the conferences appointed throughout the north of Illinois, Indiana and -Michigan. I blessed them in the name of the Lord, and told them to go, -and they should prosper and always prosper. They left in company with -Elders Jedediah M. Grant and Ezra Thayer. - -_Friday, 10--_Rode out after breakfast to the prairie to sell some land -to some brethren. - -The court-martial was held in the Mayor's office on the charge against -Robert D. Foster, Surgeon-General, for unbecoming and unofficer-like -conduct, &c.; Brigadier-General George Miller presiding. The charges -were sustained. - -{363} A prospectus of the _Nauvoo Expositor_ was distributed among the -people by the apostates. - -The jury of Lee county, Illinois, awarded $40 damages and the -costs against Joseph H. Reynolds and Harmon T. Wilson for illegal -imprisonment and abuse, which I suffered from them last June in that -county. - -_Saturday, 11.--_At 10 a.m. I attended City Council, and stayed till -half-past eleven; but there not being a quorum, adjourned until next -regular session. At 1 p.m. at my office, and had a conversation with -Mr. Lyne on the theatre; and at 6 p.m. attended prayer meeting; John P. -Greene and Sidney Rigdon present. Several showers of rain during the -day. The Nauvoo Legion had a company muster. - -_Sunday, 12.--_At 10 a.m. I preached at the Stand. The following brief -synopsis of my discourse was reported by my clerk, Thomas Bullock: - - _President Joseph Smith's Address--Defense of his Prophetic - Calling--Resurrection of the Dead--Fullness of Ordinances Necessary - Both for the Living and Dead_. - - The Savior has the words of eternal life. Nothing else can profit - us. There is no salvation in believing an evil report against our - neighbor. I advise all to go on to perfection, and search deeper - and deeper into the mysteries of Godliness. A man can do nothing - for himself unless God direct him in the right way; and the - priesthood is for that purpose. - - The last time I spoke on this stand it was on the resurrection of - the dead, when I promised to continue my remarks upon that subject. - I still feel a desire to say something on this subject. Let us this - very day begin anew, and now say, with all our hearts, we will - forsake our sins and be righteous. I shall read the 24th chapter - of Matthew, and give it a literal rendering and reading; and when - it is rightly understood, it will be edifying. [He then read and - translated it from the German]. - - I thought the very oddity of its rendering would be edifying - anyhow--_"And it will preached be, the Gospel of the kingdom, in - the whole world, to a witness over all people: and then will the - end come."_ I will now read it in German [which he did, and many - Germans who were present said he translated it correctly]. - - The Savior said when these tribulations should take place, it - should be committed to a man who should be a witness over the whole - world: {364} the keys of knowledge, power and revelations should be - revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world. - It has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries--new - things--for my hearers. Just at the time when some men think that - I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood--just at that time - I have the greatest right. The Germans are an exalted people. The - old German translators are the most correct--most honest of any of - the translators; and therefore I get testimony to bear me out in - the revelations that I have preached for the last fourteen years. - The old German, Latin, Greek and Hebrew translations all say it is - true: they cannot be impeached, and therefore I am in good company. - - All the testimony is that the Lord in the last days would commit - the keys of the priesthood to a witness over all people. Has the - Gospel of the kingdom commenced in the last days? And will God - take it from the man until He takes him Himself? I have read it - precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ. John - the Revelator saw an angel flying through the midst of heaven, - having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the - earth. - - The scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, - pestilence, great distress, judgments, &c., are ready to be poured - out on the inhabitants of the earth. John saw the angel having - the holy priesthood, who should preach the everlasting Gospel to - all nations. God had an angel--a special messenger--ordained and - prepared for that purpose in the last days. Woe, woe be to that man - or set of men who lift up their hands against God and His witness - in these last days: for they shall deceive almost the very chosen - ones! - - My enemies say that I _have_ been a true prophet. Why, I had rather - be a fallen true prophet than a false prophet. When a man goes - about prophesying, and commands men to obey his teachings, he must - either be a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to - oppose the true prophets and they will prophesy so very near the - truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones. - - The doctrine of eternal judgments belongs to the first principles - of the Gospel, in the last days. In relation to the kingdom of - God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in - opposition to God. Every man who has a calling to minister to the - inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the - Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose that I - was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council. It is the - testimony that I want that I am God's servant, and this people His - people. The ancient prophets declared that in the last days the God - of heaven should set up a kingdom which should never be destroyed, - nor left to other people; and the very time that was calculated on, - this people were struggling to bring it out. He that arms himself - with gun, sword, or pistol, except in the {365} defense of truth, - will sometime be sorry for it. I never carry any weapon with me - bigger than my penknife. When I was dragged before the cannon and - muskets in Missouri, I was unarmed. God will always protect me - until my mission is fulfilled. - - I calculate to be one of the instruments of setting up the kingdom - of Daniel by the word of the Lord, and I intend to lay a foundation - that will revolutionize the whole world. I once offered my life to - the Missouri mob as a sacrifice for my people, and here I am. It - will not be by sword or gun that this kingdom will roll on: the - power of truth is such that all nations will be under the necessity - of obeying the Gospel. The prediction is that army will be against - army: it may be that the Saints will have to beat their ploughs - into swords, for it will not do for men to sit down patiently and - see their children destroyed. - - My text is on the resurrection of the dead, which you will - find in the 14th chapter of John--"In my Father's house are - many mansions." It should be--"In my Father's kingdom are many - kingdoms," in order that ye may be heirs of God and joint-heirs - with me. I do not believe the Methodist doctrine of sending honest - men and noble-minded men to hell, along with the murderer and the - adulterer. They may hurl all their hell and fiery billows upon me, - for they will roll off me as fast as they come on. But I have an - order of things to save the poor fellows at any rate, and get them - saved; for I will send men to preach to them in prison and save - them if I can. - - There are mansions for those who obey a celestial law, and there - are other mansions for those who come short of the law, every man - in his own order. There is baptism, &c., for those to exercise who - are alive, and baptism for the dead who die without the knowledge - of the Gospel. - - I am going on in my progress for eternal life. It is not only - necessary that you should be baptized for your dead, but you will - have to go through all the ordinances for them, the same as you - have gone through to save yourselves. There will be 144,000 saviors - on Mount Zion, and with them an innumerable host that no man can - number. Oh! I beseech you to go forward, go forward and make your - calling and your election sure; and if any man preach any other - Gospel than that which I have preached, he shall be cursed; and - some of you who now hear me shall see it, and know that I testify - the truth concerning them. - - In regard to the law of the priesthood, there should be a place - where all nations shall come up from time to time to receive their - endowments; and the Lord has said this shall be the place for - the baptisms for the dead. Every man that has been baptized and - belongs to the kingdom has a right to be baptized for those who - have gone before; and as soon as the law of the Gospel is obeyed - here by their friends who act as proxy for them, the Lord has - administrators there to set them free. {366} A man may act as proxy - for his own relatives; the ordinances of the Gospel which were laid - out before the foundations of the world have thus been fulfilled by - them, and we may be baptized for those whom we have much friendship - for; but it must first be revealed to the man of God, lest we - should run too far. "As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall - all be made alive;" all shall be raised from the dead. The Lamb of - God hath brought to pass the resurrection, so that all shall rise - from the dead. - - God Almighty Himself dwells in eternal fire; flesh and blood cannot - go there, for all corruption is devoured by the fire. "Our God is a - consuming fire." When our flesh is quickened by the Spirit, there - will be no blood in this tabernacle. Some dwell in higher glory - than others. - - Those who have done wrong always have that wrong gnawing them. - Immortality dwells in everlasting burnings. I will from time to - time reveal to you the subjects that are revealed by the Holy Ghost - to me. All the lies that are now hatched up against me are of the - devil, and the influence of the devil and his servants will be used - against the kingdom of God. The servants of God teach nothing but - principles of eternal life, by their works ye shall know them. A - good man will speak good things and holy principles, and an evil - man evil things. I feel, in the name of the Lord, to rebuke all - such bad principles, liars, &c., and I warn all of you to look out - whom you are going after. I exhort you to give heed to all the - virtue and the teachings which I have given you. All men who are - immortal dwell in everlasting burnings. You cannot go anywhere but - where God can find you out. All men are born to die, and all men - must rise; all must enter eternity. - - In order for you to receive your children to yourselves you must - have a promise--some ordinance; some blessing, in order to ascend - above principalities, or else it may be an angel. They must rise - just as they died; we can there hail our lovely infants with the - same glory--the same loveliness in the celestial glory, where they - all enjoy alike. They differ in stature, in size, the same glorious - spirit gives them the likeness of glory and bloom; the old man - with his silvery hairs will glory in bloom and beauty. No man can - describe it to you--no man can write it. - - When did I ever teach anything wrong from this stand? When was I - ever confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence - and am no more seen. I never told you I was perfect; but there is - no error in the revelations which I have taught. Must I, then, be - thrown away as a thing of naught? - - I enjoin for your consideration--add to your faith virtue, love, - &c. I say, in the name of the Lord, if these things are in you, you - shall be {367} fruitful. I testify that no man has power to reveal - it but myself--things in heaven, in earth and hell; and all shut - your mouths for the future. I commend you all to God, that you may - inherit all things; and may God add His blessing. Amen. - -My brother Hyrum and Elder Lyman Wight also addressed the Saints. - -My brother Hyrum received an anonymous letter, supposed to have been -written by Joseph H. Jackson, threatening his life, and calling upon -him to make his peace with God for he would soon have to die. - -At 3 p.m. I attended prayer meeting in the council room. William Smith -and Almon W. Babbitt were present. The room was full and we all prayed -for deliverance from our enemies and exaltation to such offices as will -enable the servants of God to execute righteousness in the earth. - -I copy the following from the _Times and Seasons_: - - FOR THE NEIGHBOR. - - _Nauvoo and President Smith_. - - Before taking my farewell of your beautiful and growing city, I - avail myself of a few leisure moments in expressing some of my - views and conclusions of the "Prophet Joe" and the Mormons. In the - first place, allow me to say that the Mormons, as a people, have - been most woe fully misrepresented and abused, and, in ninety-nine - instances out of a hundred, by persons who know nothing of their - principles and doctrines. - - Before visiting the place, my mind was very much prejudiced against - the Mormons, from reports which I had listened to in traveling - through the different states; and I presume, if I had never taken - occasion to inform myself of their religion and views, my mind - would have remained in the same condition. There is not a city - within my knowledge that can boast of a more enterprising and - industrious people than Nauvoo. Her citizens are enlightened, and - possess many advantages in the arts and sciences of the day, which - other cities of longer standing cannot boast: in a word, Nauvoo - bids fair to soon outrival any city in the West. - - General Smith is a man who understands the political history of his - country as well as the religious history of the world, as perfectly - as any politician or religionist I have ever met with. He advances - ideas which if carried into effect would greatly benefit the nation - in point of commerce {368} and finance; and while he maintains and - philosophically shows that our country is approaching a fearful - crisis, which, if not arrested, will end in disgrace to the - country, and cause our national banner to hug its mast in disgust - and shame, clearly points out the remedy. - - Shall the liberty which our fathers purchased at so dear a price - be wrenched from the hand of their children? Shall our national - banner, which floated so proudly in the breeze at the Declaration - of Independence, be disgraced and refuse to show its motto? Shall - we, as American citizens, fold our arms and look quietly on, while - the shackles of slavery are being fastened upon our hands, and - while men only seek office for the purpose of exalting themselves - into power? I say, shall we still rush blindly on and hasten on - our own destruction by placing men in power who neither regard the - interests of the people nor the prayers of the oppressed? Every - American citizen will shout at the top of his voice--no! - - Mr. Smith's "Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government" - manifest a Republican spirit, and if carried out, would soon place - the nation in a prosperous condition and brighten the prospects - of those who now toil so incessantly to support the profligate - expenditures and luxurious equipage of the present rulers and - representatives of our nation. - - Joseph Smith is a man who is in every way calculated to make a free - people happy. He is liberal in his sentiments and allows every man - the free expression of his feelings on all subjects; he is sociable - and easy in his manners, is conversant and familiar on all exciting - topics, expresses himself freely and plainly on the different - methods of administering the Government, while he is not ashamed to - let the world know his views and criticize upon his opinions. - - I am, sir, in no way connected with the Mormon Church, but am - disposed to listen to reason in all cases. I have heretofore been a - warm advocate of the measures of the Whig party; but, considering - General Smith's views and sentiments to be worthy the applause of - every citizen of the United States, and especially the yeomanry of - the country, I shall in every instance advocate his principles and - use my utmost influence in his favor. I am, sir, yours in haste, - - AN AMERICAN. - - NAUVOO MANSION, May 12, 1844. - -_Monday 13.--_Heavy thunder showers during the night. At 10 a.m. went -to my office and conversed with several of the brethren. Sold Ellis M. -Sanders one hundred acres of land, received $300 in cash, and his note -for $1,000, and $20 for the Temple. Paid Sisson Chase $298 and {369} -took up a note of Young, Kimball & Taylor, given for money they had -borrowed for me; and gave $10 to Heber C. Kimball. - -At 2 p.m. attended meeting of the general council, at which the -following letter from Orson Hyde was read: - - _Letter: Elder Orson Hyde's Report of Labors in Washington: - President Smith's Memorial for Western Movement Before Congressmen_. - - WASHINGTON, April 25, 1844. - - HONORED SIR:--I take the liberty to transmit through you to - the council of our Church the result of my labors thus far. I - arrived in this place on the 23rd instant, by way of Pittsburgh, - Philadelphia, and New Jersey. - - I found Elder Orson Pratt here, Elder Page having been called home - to Pittsburgh on account of his wife's ill health. Elder Orson - Pratt has been indefatigable in his exertions in prosecuting the - business entrusted to his charge. His business has been before the - Senate, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and the - report of said committee is not yet rendered, which is the cause of - his delay in writing to you. - - Yesterday we conversed with Messrs. Hoge, Hardin, Douglas and - Wentworth; and last evening we spent several hours with the Hon. - Mr. [James] Semple. [1] They all appear deeply interested in the - Oregon question, and received us with every demonstration of - respect that we could desire. Mr. Hoge thought the bill would not - pass, from the fact that there already exists between England and - America a treaty for the joint occupancy of Oregon, and that any - act of our government authorizing an armed force to be raised, - and destined for that country, would be regarded by England as - an infraction of that treaty, and a cause of her commencing - hostilities against us. - - But my reply was: These volunteers are not to be considered any - part or portion of the army of the United States, neither acting - under the direction or authority of the United States; and, said I, - for men to go there and settle in the character of emigrants cannot - be regarded by our government as deviating in the least degree from - her plighted faith, unless she intends to tamely submit to British - monopoly in that country. - - Mr. Hoge said he would present the memorial, if we desired it. I - thanked him for his kind offer, but observed that I was not yet - prepared for the bill to be submitted, but wished to elicit all the - facts relative to the condition of Oregon, and also advise with - many other members relative to the matter; and we could better - determine then how the bill {370} should be introduced. We do not - want it presented and referred to a standing committee, and stuck - away with five or ten cords of petitions, and that be the last of - it; but we want the memorial read, a move made to suspend the rules - of the House, and the bill printed, &c. - - Mr. Wentworth said, "I am for Oregon, any how. You may set me down - on your list, and I will go for you if you will go for Oregon." - - Judge Douglas has been quite ill, but is just recovered; he will - help all he can; Mr. Hardin likewise. But Major Semple says that - he does not believe anything will be done about Texas or Oregon - this session, for it might have a very important effect upon the - presidential election; and politicians are slow to move when such - doubtful and important matters are likely to be effected by it. - He says that there are already two bills before the House for - establishing a territorial government in Oregon, and to protect - the emigrants there; and now, he says, "Were your bill to be - introduced, it might be looked upon that you claimed the sole right - of emigrating to and settling the new country to the exclusion of - others. He was in favor of the Oregon being settled, and he thought - the bills already before the House would extend equal protection to - us; and equal protection to every class of citizens was what the - Government could rightly do, but particular privileges to any one - class they could not rightly do." - - I observed that the bill asks for no exclusive rights. It asks not - for exclusive rights in Oregon, neither do we wish it. Other people - might make a move to Oregon, and no prejudices bar their way, and - their motives would not be misinterpreted. - - But, said I, Missouri knows her guilt; and should we attempt to - march to Oregon without the government throwing a protective shield - over us, Missouri's crimes would lead her first to misinterpret - our intentions, to fan the flame of popular excitement against - us, and scatter the firebrands of a misguided zeal among the - combustible materials of other places, creating a flame too hot - for us to encounter--too desolating for us to indulge the hope of - successfully prosecuting the grand and benevolent enterprise we - have conceived. [2] We have been compelled to {371} relinquish our - rights in Missouri. We have been forcibly driven from our homes, - leaving our property and inheritances as spoil to the oppressor; - and more or less in Illinois we have been subject to the whims - and chimeras of illiberal men, and to threats, to vexatious - prosecutions and lawsuits. - - Our government professes to have no power to help us, or to redress - the wrongs which we have suffered; and we now ask the government - to protect us while raising our volunteers. And when we get into - Oregon we will protect ourselves and all others who wish our - protection. And after subduing a new country, encountering all - its difficulties and hardships, and sustaining the just claims - of our nation to its soil, we believe that the generosity of - our government towards us will be equal to our enterprise and - patriotism; and that they will allow us a grant or territory of - land, which will be both honorable to them and satisfactory to us. - - This, he says, is all very just and reasonable. But still he thinks - that Congress will take no step in relation to Oregon, from the - fact that his resolution requesting the President of the United - States to give notice to the British Government for the abolition - of the treaty of joint occupation was voted down; and while that - treaty is in force, our government dare do nothing in relation to - that country. This resolution was introduced by Mr. Semple to pave - the way for the passage of those bills in relation to a territorial - government in Oregon. - - All our members [Illinois delegation] join in the acknowledgment - that you now have an undoubted right to go to Oregon with all the - emigrants you can raise. They say the existing laws protect you as - much as law can protect you; and should Congress pass an additional - law, it would not prevent wicked men from shooting you down as they - did in Missouri. All the Oregon men in Congress would be glad we - would go to that country and settle it. - - I will now give you my opinion in relation to this matter. It - is made up from the spirit of the times in a hasty manner, - nevertheless I think time will prove it to be correct:--That - Congress will pass no act in relation to Texas or Oregon at - present. She is afraid of England, afraid of Mexico, afraid the - Presidential election will be twisted by it. The members all appear - like unskillful players at checkers--afraid to move, for they see - not which way to move advantageously. All are figuring and play - round the grand and important questions. In the days of our Lord - the people neglected the weightier matters of the law, but tithed - mint, rue, anise and cumin; but I think here in Washington they do - little else than tithe the _mint_. - - A member of Congress is in no enviable situation; if he will - boldly advocate true principles, he loses his influence and - becomes unpopular; {372} and whoever is committed and has lost his - influence has no power to benefit his constituents, so that all go - to figuring and playing around the great points. - - Mr. Semple said that Mr. Smith could not constitutionally be - constituted a member of the army by law; and this, if nothing - else, would prevent its passage. I observed that I would in that - case strike out that clause. Perhaps I took an unwarrantable - responsibility upon myself; but where I get into a straight place I - can do no better than act according to what appears most correct. - - I do not intend the opinion that I have hastily given shall abate - my zeal to drive the matter through, but I have given the opinion - for your benefit that your indulgence of the hope that Congress - will do something for us may not cause you to delay any important - action. - - There is already a government established in Oregon to some extent; - magistrates have been chosen by the people, &c. This is on the - south of the Columbia. North of that river the Hudson Bay Company - occupy. There is some good country in Oregon, but a great deal of - sandy, barren desert. I have seen a gentleman who has been there, - and also in California. - - The most of the settlers in Oregon and Texas are our old enemies, - the mobocrats of Missouri. If, however, the settlement of Oregon - and Texas be determined upon, the sooner the move is made the - better; and I would not advise any delay for the action of our - government, for there is such jealousy of our rising power already, - that government will do nothing to favor us. If the Saints possess - the kingdom I think they will have to take it; and the sooner it is - done the more easily it is accomplished. - - Your superior wisdom must determine whether to go to Oregon, to - Texas, or to remain within these United States, and send forth - the most efficient men to build up churches, and let them remain - the time being; and in the meantime send some wise men among the - Indians, and teach them civilization and religion, to cultivate - the soil, to live in peace with one another and with all men. But - whatever you do, don't be deluded with the hope that government - will foster us and thus delay an action for which the present - perhaps is the most proper time that ever will be. - - Oregon is becoming a popular question: the fever of emigration - begins to rage. If the Mormons become the early majority, others - will not come; if the Mormons do not become the early majority, the - others will not allow us to come. - - Elder Pratt is faithful, useful and true; he has got the run of - matters here very well, and is with me in all my deliberations, - visitings, &c. - - Major Semple goes with us this evening to introduce us to the - President and to view the White House. - - {373} My heart and hand are with you. May heaven bless you and me. - As ever, I am - - ORSON HYDE. - - To the Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -Also the following letter: - - _Letter: Orson Hyde's Second Letter from Washington Anent the - Western Movement of the Church--the Probable Route_. - - WASHINGTON, April 26, 1844. - - DEAR SIR:--Today I trouble you with another communication, which - you will please have the goodness to lay before our council. - - We were last evening introduced to the President at the White - House by the politeness of Major Semple, where we spent an hour - very agreeably. The President is a very plain, homespun, familiar, - farmer-like man. He spoke of our troubles in Missouri, and - regretted that we had met with such treatment. He asked us how we - were getting along in Illinois. I told him that we were contending - with the difficulties of a new country, and laboring under - disadvantageous consequences of being driven from our property and - homes in Missouri. - - We have this day had a long conversation with Judge Douglas. He - is ripe for Oregon and the California. He said he would resign - his seat in Congress if he could command the force that Mr. Smith - could, and would be on the march to the country in a month. - - I learn that the eyes of many aspiring politicians in this place - are upon that country, and that there is so much jealousy between - them that they will probably pass no bill in relation to it. - Now all these politicians rely upon the arm of the government - to protect them there; and if government were to pass an act - establishing a Territorial Government west of the Rocky Mountains - there would be at once a tremendous rush of emigration; but if - government pass no act in relation to it, these men have not - stamina or sufficient confidence in themselves and their own - resources to hazard the enterprise. - - The Northern Whig members are almost to a man against Texas and - Oregon; but should the present administration succeed in annexing - Texas, then all the Whigs would turn around in favor of Oregon; - for if Texas be admitted slavery is extended to the South; then - free states must be added to the West to keep up a balance of power - between the slave and the free states. - - Should Texas be admitted, war with Mexico is looked upon as - inevitable. The Senate have been in secret session on the - ratification of the treaty of annexation; but what they did we - cannot say. General Gaines who was boarding at the same house with - Judge Douglas, was secretly {374} ordered to repair to the Texan - frontier four days ago, and left immediately. I asked Judge Douglas - if that did not speak loud for annexation. He says no. Santa Anna, - being a jealous, hot-headed pate, might be suspicious the treaty - would be ratified by the Senate, and upon mere suspicion might - attempt some hostilities, and Gaines has been ordered there to be - on the alert and ready for action, if necessary. Probably our navy - will in a few days be mostly in the Gulf of Mexico. - - There are many powerful checks upon our government, preventing her - from moving in any of these important matters; and for aught I know - these checks are permitted to prevent our government from extending - her jurisdiction over the territory which God designs to give to - His Saints. Judge Douglas says he would equally as soon go to that - country without an act of Congress as with; "and that in five years - a noble state might be formed; and then if they would not receive - us into the Union, we would have a government of our own." He is - decidedly of the opinion that Congress will pass no act in favor of - any particular man going there; but he says if any man will go and - desires that privilege, and has confidence in his own ability to - perform it, he already has the right, and the sooner he is off the - better for his scheme. - - It is the opinion here among politicians that it will be extremely - difficult to have any bill pass in relation to the encouragement of - emigration to Oregon; but much more difficult to get a bill passed - designating any particular man to go. But all concur in the opinion - that we are authorized already. - - In case of a removal to that country, Nauvoo is the place of - general rendezvous. Our course from thence would be westward - through Iowa bearing a little north until we came to the Missouri - River, leaving the state of Missouri on the left, thence onward, - until we came to the Platte, thence up the north fork of the Platte - to the mouth of the Sweetwater river in longitude 107 degree, 45 - W.; and thence up said Sweetwater river to the South Pass of the - Rocky Mountains, about eleven hundred miles from Nauvoo; and from - said South Pass, in latitude 42 degrees 28 north, to the Umpqua and - Klamet valleys in Oregon, bordering on California, is about six - hundred miles, making the distance from Nauvoo to the best portions - of Oregon one thousand seven hundred miles. - - There is no government established there; and it is so near - California that when a government shall be established there, it - may readily embrace that country likewise. There is much barren - country, rocks and mountains in Oregon; but the valleys are very - fertile. I am persuaded that Congress will pass no act in relation - to that country, from the fact that the resolution requesting - the President to give notice to the British Government for the - discontinuance of the treaty of joint {375} occupation of Oregon - was voted down with a rush; and this notice must be given before - any action can be had unless Congress violates the treaty; at least - so say the politicians here. - - Judge Douglas has given me a map of Oregon, and also a report on an - exploration of the country lying between the Missouri river and the - Rocky Mountains on the line of the Kansas and great Platte rivers, - by Lieut. J. C. Fremont, of the corps of Topographical Engineers. - On receiving it I expressed a wish that Mr. Smith could see it. - Judge Douglas says "It is a public document, and I will frank it - to him." I accepted his offer, and the book will be forthcoming to - you. The people are so eager for it here that they have even stolen - it out of the library. The author is Mr. Benton's son-in-law. [3] - Judge Douglas borrowed it of Mr. Benton. I was not to tell any one - in this city where I got it. The book is a most valuable document - to any one contemplating a journey to Oregon. The directions - which I have given may not be exactly correct, but the book will - tell correctly. Judge Douglas says he can direct Mr. Smith to - several gentlemen in California who will be able to give him any - information on the state of affairs in that country: and when he - returns to Illinois, he will visit Mr. Smith. - - Brother Pratt and myself drafted a bill this morning, and handed - it into the committee on the judiciary from the Senate, asking - an appropriation of two million dollars for the relief of the - sufferers among our people in Missouri in 1836-9, to be deposited - in the hands of the City Council of Nauvoo, and by them dealt out - to the sufferers in proportion to their loss. We intend to tease - them until we either provoke them or get them to do something - for us. I have learned this much--that if we want Congress to do - anything for us in drawing up our memorial, we must not ask what - is right in the matter, but we must ask what kind of a thing will - Congress pass? Will it suit the politics of the majority? Will - it be popular or unpopular? For you might as well drive a musket - ball through a cotton bag, or the Gospel of Christ through the - heart of a priest, case-hardened by sectarianism, bigotry and - superstition, or a camel through the eye of a needle, as to drive - anything through Congress that will operate against the popularity - of politicians. - - I shall probably leave here in a few days, and Brother Pratt will - remain. I go to get money to sustain ourselves with. - - I shall write again soon, and let you know what restrictions, if - any, are laid upon our citizens in relation to passing through the - Indian Territories. I shall communicate everything I think will - benefit. In the meantime, if the council have any instructions to - give us, we shall be happy to receive them here or at Philadelphia. - - John Ross is here; we intend to see him. It is uncertain when - Congress {376} rises. It will be a long pull, in my opinion. As - ever, I am, yours sincerely, - - ORSON HYDE. - - P.S.--Elder Pratt's best respects to the brethren. - -Willard Richards was instructed to answer the above letters, and Elders -Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball were instructed to carry the answers. - -Council adjourned at 6 p.m. - -The steamer _Maid of Iowa_ returned from Rock River with four hundred -bushels of corn, and two hundred bushels of wheat, which had been -purchased for the Temple. At 8 p.m. I went on board with Dr. Willard -Richards, and visited Captain Dan Jones. - -I insert a letter which I received from Henry Clay: - - _Letter: Henry Clay to the Prophet_. - - 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 will 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 myself. That must depend 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 pledge to any particular portion 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. - - It is not inconsistent with this declaration to say that I have - viewed with lively interest the progress of the Latter-day Saints; - that I have sympathized in their sufferings under injustice, as it - appeared to me, which have been inflicted upon them; and I think, - in common with other religious communities, they ought to enjoy the - security and protection of the Constitution and the laws. - - I am, with great respect, your friend and obedient servant, - - H. CLAY. - - To Joseph Smith, Esq. - - _The Prophet's Answer to Clay's Letter_. - - [Under the date of the Journal's entry here being followed, May - 13, {377} 1844, President Smith sent a reply to the above eminent - statesman's letter, taking him severely to task for his evident - desire to be non-committal with reference to the problem presented - by the wrongs which had been inflicted upon the Latter-day Saints - by Missouri. Vexed by remembrance of the cruelty and injustice - endured by the Saints in Missouri and the general indifference - to their suffering among public men, the letter was written in a - caustic and, at times, vehement vein.] - -I instructed Thomas Bullock to take charge of the books of the_ Maid of -Iowa_ and go on board as clerk. - -_Tuesday, 14.--_Rode out about 7 a.m. The _Maid of Iowa_ started for -St. Louis at 8:30 a.m. - -This afternoon, Mr. Reid, my old lawyer [4] gave a lecture on the -stand, relating the history of some of my first persecutions. I spoke -after he closed, and continued my history to the present time, relating -some of the doings of the apostates in Nauvoo. - -At 4 p.m. prayer meeting; few present. Prayed for Elder Woodworth's -daughter, who was sick. Elder Lyman Wight was present. - -_Wednesday, 15.--_At home; much rain through the day; river rising -rapidly. Mr. Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, with Dr. Goforth, called -to see me at the Mansion. - -At 5 p.m. went to my office, and heard my letter to Mr. Clay read. At 7 -p.m. rode to the upper landing with Mr. Adams. - -I insert the following from the _Times and Seasons_: - - STATUS OF AFFAIRS AT NAUVOO. - - We take pleasure in announcing to the Saints abroad that Nauvoo - continues to flourish, and the little one has become a thousand. - Quite a number of splendid houses are being erected, and the Temple - is rapidly progressing, insomuch that there is one universal - expectation that before next winter closes in upon us the cap-stone - will have been raised and the building enclosed. - - The Saints continue to flock together from all parts of the - widespread continent and from the islands of the sea. Three ship's - companies {378} have arrived this spring from England, and are now - rejoicing in the truths of the everlasting Gospel. - - The Prophet is in good health and spirits, and unwearied in his - anxiety and labors to instruct the Saints in the things of God and - the mysteries of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Indeed we may truly - say that those who come to scoff remain to pray. - - Many have come here filled with prejudice and strange - anticipations, but have been convinced that report with her - thousand tongues is false, and have almost invariably left a - testimony behind them. Instead of finding Mr. Smith the cunning, - crafty, and illiterate character that he had been represented - to be, they have found in him the gentleman and scholar--open, - generous, and brave. - - But it is his immediate connections and associates alone that can - appreciate his virtues and his talents. While his face is set as - a flint against iniquity from every quarter, the cries of the - oppressed ever reach his heart, and his hand is ever ready to - alleviate the sufferings of the needy. - - A few heartless villains can always be found who are watching for - his downfall or death; but the Lord has generally caused them to - fall into their own pit, and no weapon formed against him has - prospered. One or two disaffected individuals have made an attempt - to spread dissension; but it is like a tale that is nearly told, - and will soon be forgotten. - - It was first represented as a monster calculated to spread - desolation around; but we are credibly informed by a person who - attended their first meeting, that there was much difficulty - in raising a committee of seven, for there was some objection - to Father--; but as none could be found to fill the vacuum, he - constituted one of the seven _stars_! - - It will be unnecessary for us to say much about those luminaries - of the last days, as they shine forth in their true colors in our - columns this week in the trial of President Smith. But to say - anything by way of warning to the brethren abroad would resemble - the "ocean into tempest tossed, to waft a feather or drown a fly." - "By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns - or figs of thistles?" - - The glad tidings of salvation and the fullness of the Gospel are - fast spreading from city to city and from nation to nation. The - little stone will still increase till the knowledge of God covers - the earth and righteousness and truth extend from pole to pole. - -I copy from the _Neighbor_: - - WITHDRAWAL OF WILLIAM SMITH AS CANDIDATE FOR THE LEGISLATURE. - - _To the Friends and Voters of Hancock County:_ Elder William Smith - (late representative) wishes to say to the friends and voters {379} - of Hancock county, that in consequence of the sickness of his - family, now in the hands of a doctor in the city of Philadelphia, - he relinquishes the idea of offering himself as a candidate for a - seat in the next Legislature of Illinois; but, as a matter of the - highest consideration, would recommend his brother Hyrum Smith as a - suitable and capable person to fill that office and worthy of the - people's confidence and votes. - - We know of no person that would be more qualified to fill his - station than General Hyrum Smith (his, William's, brother). We - are not informed whether the General will accept of the office or - not. If he will, we don't know of any gentleman in Hancock county - who would be more competent. General Smith is a man of sterling - integrity, deep penetration and brilliant talents. He is well - versed in politics and as unchangeable as the everlasting hills. He - is a man of probity and virtue, and an unwavering patriot. - - If General Hyrum Smith will allow his name to be brought forth, we - go it for him; and we know from the confidence and respect that - are entertained for him as a gentleman and a patriot, he will be - elected. What say you, General? - -_Thursday, 16.--_Went to my office at 8 a.m., and heard a letter -written by Elder Willard Richards, in behalf of the council to Elders -Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt at Washington. - -I ordered the Municipal Court to meet at one p.m. and spent the morning -in reading. - - _Session of Municipal Court--Case of Jeremiah Smith_. - - At one p.m. I presided in Municipal Court. The case of Jeremiah - Smith, Sen., who had been arrested by Jones on the charge of - procuring money under false pretenses, came up on _habeas corpus_. - The complainant, T. B. Johnson, by his counsel, Chauncey L. Higbee, - asked for and obtained an adjournment for one week in order to - procure witnesses. The petitioner by his counsel, George P. Stiles, - objected to the plea, supposing the prosecuting party always ready - for a trial. The court decided that it was an important case, and - it was not best to be in haste; and if the prisoner is discharged - on the merits of the case after a full investigation, he goes - free forever. The majority of the court decided to adjourn until - Thursday next. - -I was about home the rest of the day and read in the {380} _Neighbor_ -the report of the trial in the Municipal Court on the 8th inst. - -The following appears in the _Times and Seasons_: - - LETTER: WILLIAM CLAYTON DESCRIBING THE FARCICAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE - COURT AT DIXON IN THE CASE OF JOSEPH SMITH VS. JOSEPH H. REYNOLDS - OF MISSOURI AND HARMON T. WILSON. - - DEAR SIR.--I have just returned from the north part of this state, - where I have been on business for our beloved President Joseph - Smith; and it feels so good to breathe the pure air of liberty and - friendship after spending some three or four days in a swamp, or - rather a slough of religious prejudice and political hypocrisy, - which are equally nauseous and offensive, that I cannot let this - opportunity pass without giving vent to some of my feelings in - regard to what passed while I remained at Dixon, on Rock River. - - My principle business was to appear in the Lee county Circuit Court - as a witness in the case of Joseph Smith, _vs_. Joseph H. Reynolds - and Harmon T. Wilson, for false imprisonment and using unnecessary - force and violence in arresting the plaintiff. - - A plea had been entered in this suit by this counsel for the - defendants, to which the counsel for the plaintiff demurred. The - demurrer was argued on Wednesday morning, the 8th inst., and the - parties finally joined issue on the charge of using unnecessary - force and violence; and the court gave permission, by consent of - the bar, to proceed with the trial, but the counsel not being fully - prepared, it was laid over until the following morning, the 9th - inst. - - On Thursday morning, after the usual preliminaries of opening - court, the above case was called up for trial, and the clerk - ordered to impanel a jury; and here, sir, a scene took place which - ought to make every honest American citizen blush and weep for the - credit and honor of his country and laws. A number of men were - called up, and when questioned as to whether they had previously - expressed opinions in relation to the suit now pending, nearly - the whole answered in the affirmative. The further question was - then put as to whether they had any prejudice against either of - the parties; to which a great majority replied they had against - Smith. They were then questioned as to what their prejudice had - reference--his religious sentiments, or general course of conduct. - The greater part replied, to his religious sentiments; and the - remainder said they were opposed to his general course of conduct. - - {381} About twenty men had to be called upon, one after another, - out of the number the court finally selected twelve as competent - jurors though the majority of these decidedly expressed their - feelings of prejudice against the plaintiff. They were, however, - accepted on the ground that they said they thought they could do - justice to both parties, although some of them expressed a doubt - whether they could do justice or not. - - The jury being sworn, the court, or rather the counsel, proceeded - to examine the witnesses on the part of the plaintiff, which - occupied nearly the whole day. But little of the real matter of - fact could be set before the court on account of their being - confined to the charge of unnecessary force and violence; but this - was proven in the clearest point of light. - - I must refer to the testimony of old Mr. Dixon, whose silvery - locks seem to tell an age of many years. His evidence related to - the circumstance of the Missouri sheriff refusing for a length of - time to give the plaintiff the privilege of_ habeas corpus_, and - threatening to drag him to Missouri in fifteen minutes from the - time they arrived at Dixon. The old gentleman seemed to tremble - with indignation while relating the simple facts as they transpired - at the time; and, like a true lover of his country, appeared proud - of the privilege of telling those men that the citizens of Dixon - would not suffer themselves to be disgraced by permitting them to - drag away a citizen of this state to a foreign state for trial - without the privilege of a trial by _habeas corpus_--a privilege - which is guaranteed to every individual under like circumstances, - and especially when it was understood that he was to be dragged - to Missouri, amongst a people whose hands are yet dripping with - the blood of murdered innocence, and who thirst for the blood of - General Joseph Smith as the howling wolf thirsts for his prey. - Surely such a picture would melt the heart of anything but an - adamantine. There are those, and men too who profess to be the - followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, who can hear such things and - still wish the Missourians had got General Smith to Missouri to - murder him without judge or jury, and surely they are no better - than murderers themselves, and only lack the opportunity to make - them shedders of innocent blood. - - After the evidence was through on the part of the plaintiff, the - witness for the defense was examined, which only occupied a few - minutes. The arguments were then advanced on both sides, during - which time I could not help noticing how apt the respectable - gentleman of the opposite counsel was to sing the song of "old Joe - Smith," &c., which might appear very gentlemanly in his mind, but - to me it seemed as contemptible as the voice of a stupid ass, or - the tongue of slander. - - Finally the case was submitted to the jury, who were charged by the - court, and then ordered to retire and bring in a sealed verdict the - following {382} morning at nine o'clock. Friday morning came and - with it the verdict, and it proved to be in favor of the plaintiff - and against the defendants for forty dollars and costs of suit. - I confess I was astonished when I heard it, and could not help - thinking that prejudice sometimes overrules justice even in the - jury box. I could not help comparing the results of this trial - with one which came off the day previous, wherein a certain person - complained of another for destroying his cow by setting his dogs - on the animal until they worried her. It appeared the cow of the - plaintiff had seen fit to break into the defendant's lot without - asking leave, and the defendant, or rather his men, not liking such - treatment, set the dogs on her and destroyed her. Well, the result - of this trial was a verdict of damages for the plaintiff of thirty - dollars and costs! - - Now, sir, compare the two cases. On the one hand here is a citizen - of the United States near two hundred miles from his home and his - friends; he is on a visit with his family, not dreaming of danger - or difficulty. Two men--or rather wolves in sheep's clothing--for - it is a fact that when Wilson and Reynolds made inquiry for General - Smith at Dixon at the time of the arrest, they said they were - "Mormon Elders," and wanted to see President Smith, &c.--two men, I - say, while he is thus enjoying himself with his family, came upon - him with each a loaded pistol in his hand, and threatened to shoot - him dead if he offered the least resistance, although no resistance - had been offered. They then began to haul him about; and when he - asked them what they wanted with him, and what was their authority, - they replied they were going to take him to Missouri; and jamming - their pistols at his side, swore that was their authority. He - requested them to let him go into the house to bid his family - good-by; but this they positively refused, not even giving him the - privilege to get his hat. They then forced him into the wagon and - placing themselves one on each side, with a loaded pistol pressed - close against his side, and repeatedly striking him with them, - so as to make him lame and sore for two weeks afterwards, they - drove him to Dixon, and ordered horses ready in fifteen minutes - to drag him among his murderers, and otherwise abused, insulted, - threatened, and treated him in the cruelest manner possible, - filling his family with the most excruciating pangs, and rending - the heart of his beloved companion with grief to witness their - ferocious cruelty, not knowing but his life would be sacrificed - before morning; and finally pursued their persecutions until it - cost him from $3,500 to $5,000 expenses; and all this without a - cause; and when he sues for justice against these men he obtains - damages to the amount of forty dollars! - - On the other hand, a man loses a cow which had broke into his - neighbor's lot, and he obtained damages to the amount of thirty - dollars. - - {383} Now, sir, if this is not the effects of prejudice amounting - to oppression, then I am no judge of right and wrong. I am very - much inclined to think that if General Joseph Smith or any of his - friends had treated any citizen of this state or any other state - in the manner he was treated by these men, and they had sued for - damages as he did, the case would have terminated very differently. - However, so it is. - - The idea of a man yielding to such a degree of prejudice as to - render him incapable of executing justice between man and man, - merely from rumor and report, is to me perfectly ridiculous and - contemptible, as well as wicked and unjust. And when a man is all - the day long boasting of the rights and privileges guaranteed to - every citizen of the United States under the Constitution and laws, - and at the same time is so prejudiced against one of the most - peaceable citizens that he does not know whether he can render - him justice in a court of equity, but would rather strengthen the - hands of mobocrats and law-breakers, the inference that one must - naturally draw is that such a man is a consummate scoundrel and - hypocrite, or that he is guilty of the most flagrant violation - of the most sacred constitutional principles embraced in the - fundamental doctrines of this republic. I am happy, sir, to have - evidence daily that no such corrupt prejudice exists in the heart - of General Joseph Smith, nor in the community, so far as I have - been able to discover. - - Now, as to the exceptions these men have taken in regard to General - Smith's religious views or general course of conduct, it matters - not much. His religious views are his inalienable right, and are - nobody's business; and the man who cannot render him justice on - that account is a wilful violator of the laws he professes to - admire; and, sir, I have for more than two years last past been - a close observer of General Smith's general course of conduct, - as well as his private life; and justice to him, to myself, - and the community at large, compels me to say that, in all my - intercourse with men, I never associated with a more honorable, - upright, charitable, benevolent, and law-abiding man than is the - much persecuted General Smith; and, sir, when I hear men speak - reproachfully of him, I never ask for a second evidence of their - corruptness and baseness. General Smith, sir, is a man of God, a - man of truth, and a lover of his country; and never did I hear him - breathe out curses or raillery at any man because he saw fit to - differ in religious matters. Shame on the principle--shame on the - man or set of men who show themselves so degraded and miserably - corrupt. - - The last night of our stay at Dixon, I had the privilege of - speaking on the principles of my religion to a number of - individuals in a kind of argument with two men; and, sir, although - it is near some four years since I have made a practice of - preaching, it felt as sweet as ever. Truth to an honest heart is - sweet, but to a wicked man is like a piercing {384} sword, as was - manifest on that occasion; for although the principles of the - Gospel were laid down so plain and clear that it was impossible to - misunderstand, yet the opposing party repeatedly misconstrued my - language, and even his own admission. - - I cannot persuade myself that the prejudice referred to above is a - general thing. There are many honorable exceptions, and I presume - if the Mormons had signified their intentions of supporting the - Democratic candidate for the presidency at the ensuing election, - instead of nominating an independent candidate of their own choice, - their prejudice would not have been so great at the trial of - Reynolds and Wilson, and perhaps General Smith would have obtained - a judgment somewhat equivalent to the injuries he sustained from - that unholy prosecution. But the Mormon people are too noble-minded - to be bought or biased by fear or favor, and have been too often - deceived by the plausible pretensions of demagogues to put trust in - any but tried friends. General Smith has ever been an undeviating - friend, not only to this community, but to the oppressed of every - name or society, and we consider him as competent and qualified for - the highest office of the United States as any other man, and a - little more so; and a great deal more worthy of it. - - In conclusion, let me say that whatever others may say, I consider, - it an honor to be associated with such a man as General Joseph - Smith, and all true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ; and the - more wicked men despise and misrepresent the principles and conduct - of President Smith, the more I love him and delight in his society; - and this I can do without prejudice or animosity against any man or - set of men. I believe in the broad principle of equal rights and - privileges, so far as religion or politics are concerned; and while - I seek to enjoy my religion according to the knowledge in me, I - will interfere with the rights of no man, nor persecute because my - neighbor does not think as I do. - - A multitude of business compels me to close, and I must forbear. I - have the honor to be your brother in the everlasting covenant. - - WILLIAM CLAYTON. - - NAUVOO, May 16, 1844. - -From the _Neighbor_:-- - - STEAMBOAT ELECTION. - - On the last upward voyage of the _Osprey_ from St. Louis to this - place as usual, the merits of the several candidates for the next - Presidential election were discussed. A vote was taken, and the - following was the {385} state of the polls as handed to us by a - gentleman who came as passenger:-- - - General Joseph Smith, 26 gentlemen, 3 ladies. - - Henry Clay, 6 gentlemen, 2 ladies. - - Van Buren, 2 gentlemen, 0 ladies. - - The ladies are altogether forsaking Van Buren, and the gentlemen - as a matter of course are following after. There is a wonderful - shrinkage Henry Clay, but the General is going it with a rush. - _Hurrah for the General_! - -Footnotes: - -1. This was Illinois' senior Senator at the time. - -2. The reason for this reference to Missouri and of possible difficulty -arising from the Saints going to Oregon without a guarantee of -protection from the general government grew out of the fact that nearly -all the early settlers of the Oregon territory were from Missouri. Even -in this month of May, 1844, Cornelius Gilliam, the inveterate enemy -of the Saints, and who took so prominent a part in the troubles about -Far West, was collecting a large company at Independence, Missouri, -numbering over three hundred persons, to start for Oregon that season; -and all along the Oregon route on the south side of the Platte river, -the road was thronged during the next several years by emigrants, very -many of whom, and for some time the most of whom, were from Missouri_. -(See Western Missouri Expositor,_ May 18 1844. Also Bancroft's _Oregon_ -Vol. I, page 449,_ Passim_). - -3. This was John C. Fremont. - -4. For the part taken by Mr. Reid in defending the Prophet in those -early experiences, See this HISTORY Vol. I, pp. 89-96 and _note_ p. 94 -_et seq_. - -{386} - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE STATE PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTION AT NAUVOO--THE STATES -REPRESENTED--SPEECH OF JOHN S. REID, ESQ.--EARLY DAYS WITH THE PROPHET. - -_Friday, May 17, 1844.--_The State Convention met in the assembly room. -I copy the minutes. - - _State Convention at Nauvoo_. - - Convention met according to appointment, and was organized - by appointing General Uriah Brown to the chair, and Dr. F. - Merryweather secretary. - - Dr. G. W. Goforth presented the following letter, and took his - seat in the convention. Several letters of the same character were - presented by other gentlemen, but we have not room to insert them. - - MUSCOUTAH, ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILL., May 4th, 1844. - - _Mr. G. W. Goforth_: - - Sir,--At various meetings held in this county, where I had the - honor of attending, and the interesting topic of the selection of - a suitable person for the high station of President of the United - States being at this time the most important to Americans, and with - the names that are now before the people, Joseph Smith of Nauvoo - is recognized respectfully as a candidate, declarative in the - principles of Jeffersonianism, or Jefferson democracy, free trade, - and sailor's rights, and the protection of person and property. - - A convention being about to be held in the City of Nauvoo on the - 17th of this month (May), your name has been on every occasion - given as a delegate to said convention, and through me the message - to be imparted you, asking you to represent our expressions in the - case. - - Please say for us, as Americans, that we will support General - Joseph Smith in preference to any other man that has given, or - suffered his name to come before us as a candidate. And at the - great Baltimore Convention, to be held on the 13th of July, our - delegation to said convention be authorized to proclaim for us - submission to the nominee as may be by them brought before the - people, in case of a failure to {387} nominate Joseph Smith (our - choice), and unite approbatively for his support. - - Respectfully, sir, this communication and authority usward is - forwarded you as your voucher at said convention, with our hearty - prayers for the success of him whose special name is given in the - important affairs. - - HENRY B. JACOBS. - - Agent for the friends of General Joseph Smith. - - Mr. Clay's letter to General Joseph Smith was then read by Mr. - Phelps, and also General Joseph Smith's rejoinder, which was - applauded by three cheers. - - It was moved and seconded that the following gentlemen be appointed - a committee to draft resolutions for the adoption of this - convention:-- - - Dr. G. W. Goforth, John Taylor, Wm. W. Phelps, William Smith, and - Lucian R. Foster. - - It was moved and seconded that he correspondence of the Central - Committee for Government Reform of New York be read by W. W. - Phelps, also General Joseph Smith's answer to the same. - - NEW YORK, April 20, 1844. - - _Joseph Smith, Esq_., - - SIR,--The subscribers, the Central Committee of the National - Reform Association, in accordance with a duty prescribed by their - constitution, respectively solicit an expression of your views as - a candidate for public office, on a subject that, as they think, - vitally affects the rights and interests of their constituents. - - We see this singular condition of affairs, and while wealth in - our country is rapidly accumulating, while internal improvements - of every description are fast increasing, and while machinery has - multiplied the power of production to an immense extent, yet with - all these national advantages, the compensation for useful labor is - getting less and less. - - We seek the cause of this anomaly, and we trace it to the monopoly - of the land, which places labor at the mercy of capital. We - therefore desire to abolish the monopoly, not by interfering with - the conventional fights of persons now in possession of the land, - but by arresting the further sale of all lands not yet appropriated - as private property, and by allowing these lands hereafter to be - freely occupied by those who may choose to settle on them. - - We propose that the public lands hereafter shall not be owned, but - occupied only, the occupant having the right to sell or otherwise - dispose of improvements to any one not in possession of other land; - so that, by preventing any individual from becoming possessed of - more than a limited quantity, every one may enjoy the right. - - This measure, we think, would gradually establish an equilibrium - {388} between the agricultural and other useful occupations, that - would ensure to all full employment and fair compensation for their - labor, on the lands now held as private property, and to each - individual on the public lands the right to work for himself on his - own premises, or for another, at his option. - - An answer, as soon as convenient, will much oblige your - fellow-citizens. - - John Windt, Egbert S. Manning, James Maxwell, Lewis Masquerier, - Daniel Witter, Geore H. Evans, Ellis Smalley. - - NAUVOO, ILL., May 16th, 1844. - - _To John Windt, Egbert S. Manning, James Maxwell, Lewis Masquerier, - Daniel Witter, George H. Evans, and Ellis Smalley, Esqrs_. - - GENTLEMEN:-- - - Your communication of April 20th, soliciting my views relative - to the public lands, is before me; and I answer, that as soon as - the greater national evils could be remedied by the consolidated - efforts of a virtuous people and the judicious legislation of wise - men, so that slavery could not occupy one-half of the United States - for speculation, competition, prodigality, and fleshy capital, and - so that enormous salaries, stipends, fees, perquisites, patronage, - and the wages of spiritual wickedness in ermine and lace could not - swallow up forty or fifty millions of public revenue, I would use - all honorable means to bring the wages of mechanics and farmers - up, and salaries of public servants down, increase labor and money - by a judicious tariff, and advise the people--who are only the - sovereigns of the soil--to petition Congress to pass a uniform land - law! that the air, the water, and the land, of the asylum of the - oppressed, might be free to free men! - - With consideration of the highest regard for unadulterated freedom - I have the honor to be your obedient servant. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - After which, the meeting adjourned for one hour. - - It was moved and seconded that the following gentlemen be - constituted a committee to appoint electors for this State:-- - - Dr. G. W. Goforth, L. Robinson, L. N. Scoville, Peter Hawes, and - John S. Reid. - - It was moved and seconded that the following gentlemen be - constituted a central committee of correspondence, having power to - increase their number:-- - - {389} Dr. Willard Richards, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, W. W. Phelps, and - Lucian R. Foster. - - The following delegates from the different states of the Union were - then received by vote:-- - - It was moved, seconded, and carried by acclamation, that General - Joseph Smith, of Illinois, be the choice of this convention for - President of the United States. - - It was moved, seconded, and carried by acclamation, that Sidney - Rigdon, Esq., of Pennsylvania, be the choice of the Convention for - Vice-President of the United States. - - The nine following resolutions were then adopted, the fifth of - which was carried by acclamation. - - _Resolutions_. - - 1._ Resolved,_ that from all the facts and appearances that are now - {391} visible in the United States, we believe that much imbecility - and fraud is practiced by the officers of Government; and that to - remedy these evils it is highly necessary that a virtuous people - should arise in the panoply of their might, and with one heart and - one mind correct these abuses by electing wise and honorable men to - fill the various offices of Government. - - 2. _Resolved,_ that as union is power, the permanency and - continuance of our political institutions depend upon the - correction of the abuses. - - 3. _Resolved,_ that as all political parties of the present day - have degraded themselves by adhering more or less to corrupt - principles and practices, by fomenting discord and division among - the people, being swallowed in the vortex of party spirit and - sectional prejudices, until they have become insensible to the - welfare of the people and the general good of the country; and - knowing that there are good men among all parties, in whose bosoms - burn the fire of pure patriotism, we invite they, by the love of - liberty, by the sacred honor of freemen, by the patriotism of - the illustrious fathers of our freedom, by the glorious love of - country, and by the holy principles of '76, to come over and help - us to reform the Government. - - 4. _Resolved,_ that to redress all wrongs, the government of the - United States, with the President at its head, is as powerful in - its sphere as Jehovah is in His. - - 5. _Resolved,_ that the better to carry out the principles of - liberty and equal rights, Jeffersonian democracy, free trade, and - sailor's rights, and the protection of person and property, we will - support General Joseph Smith, of Illinois, for the President of the - United States at the ensuing election. - - 6._ Resolved,_ that we will support Sidney Rigdon, Esq., of - Pennsylvania, for the Vice-Presidency. - - 7._ Resolved,_ that we will hold a National Convention at Baltimore - on Saturday, the 13th day of July. - - 8. _Resolved,_ that we call upon the honest men of all parties in - each state to send their delegates to said convention. - - 9._ Resolved,_ that all honest editors throughout the United States - are requested to publish the above resolutions. - - 10. _Resolved,_ that those gentlemen who stand at the head of - the list, who have gone to the several states to take charge of - our political interests, be requested to use every exertion to - appoint electors in the several electoral districts of the States - which they represent, and also to send delegates to the Baltimore - Convention. - - 11. _Resolved,_ that Dr. Goforth and John S. Reid, Esq., be - requested to furnish a copy of their speeches for publication. - - {392} 12. _Resolved,_ that the electors be instructed to make stump - speeches in their different districts. - - 13. _Resolved,_ that the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. - Hancock for his patriotic song. - - It was moved and seconded that Orson Hyde, Heber C. Kimball, - David S. Hollister, Orson Pratt, and Lyman Wight represent this - convention at the convention to be held in Baltimore on the 13th of - July next. - - Sidney Rigdon, Esq., then addressed the meeting, and was succeeded - by the following gentlemen:--Gen. Joseph Smith, Dr. G. W. Goforth, - Lyman Wight, W. W. Phelps, John Taylor, Hyrum Smith, and John S. - Reid, Esq. - - It was moved, seconded, and carried, that the thanks of this - meeting be given to the chairman and secretary. - - The Convention was addressed in an eloquent speech by Sidney - Rigdon, Esq., showing the political dishonesty of both Henry Clay - and Martin Van Buren, and stating his views, and the present - condition of the country. - - Dr. Goforth rose and addressed the convention. [Dr. Goforth dealt - chiefly with the past glories of the republic, and the wrongs - suffered by the Latter-day Saints in Missouri]. - - _Synopsis of the Remarks of Hon. John S. Reid_. [2] - - _Mr. Chairman_: - - I cannot leave this subject and do justice to my own feelings and - the character of Gen. Smith, without giving a short history of the - first persecution that came upon him in the counties of Chenango - and Broome, in the State of New York, commenced by that class of - people calling themselves Christians. - - The first acquaintance I had with Gen. Smith was about the year - 1833. He came into my neighborhood, being then about eighteen years - of age, and resided there two years; during which time I became - intimately acquainted with him. I do know that his character was - irreproachable; that he was well known for truth and uprightness; - that he moved in the first circles of the community, and he was - often spoken of as a young man of intelligence and good morals, - and possessing a mind susceptible of the highest intellectual - attainments. - - I early discovered that his mind was constantly in search of truth, - expressing an anxious desire to know the will of God concerning - His children here below, often speaking of those things which - professed Christians believe in. I have often observed to my best - informed friends {393} (those that were free from superstition - and bigotry) that I thought Joseph was predestinated by his God - from all eternity to be an instrument in the hands of the great - Dispenser of all good to do a great work. What it was I knew not. - After living in that neighborhood about three years, enjoying the - good feelings of his acquaintance as a worthy youth, he told his - particular friends that he had had a revelation from God to go to - the west about eighty miles to his father's, in which neighborhood - he should find hid in the earth an old history written on golden - plates, which would give great light and knowledge concerning - the will of God towards His people in this generation, unfolding - the destiny of all nations, kindreds and tongues. He said that - he distinctly heard the voice of him that spake. Joseph Knight, - one of the fathers of your Church, a worthy man, and my intimate - friend, went with him. When I reflect upon our former friendship, - Mr. Chairman, and upon the scenes that he had passed through in - consequence of mal-administration, mobocracy and cruelty, I feel - to lift up my voice to high heaven, and pray God to bless the aged - veteran, and that his silver locks may go down to the grave in - peace, like a shock of corn fully ripe. In a few days his friends - [Joseph Smith's] returned with the glad news that Joseph had - found the plates and had gone down to his father-in-law's for the - purpose of translating them. I believe he remained there until he - finished the translation. After the book was published, he came - to live in the neighborhood of Father Knight's, about four miles - from me, and began to preach the Gospel; and many were pricked in - their hearts, believed, and were baptized in the name of the Lord - Jesus. He soon formed a Church at Colesville; his meetings were - numerously attended, and the eyes of all people were upon him with - astonishment. Oh, Mr. Chairman, the world was turned upside down - at once, and the devil,--always ready to assist and help along in - all difficulties that arise among men--personified in some of the - religionists, began to prick up his ears and jump, and kick and - run about, like Jim Crow, calling for rotten eggs to help in the - wake. You would have thought, sir, that Gog and Magog were let - loose on the young man. He called upon the world's people (as they - are called) but got no help; he then flew about in the sectarian - churches, like lightning, and they immediately came to his aid, - and uniting their efforts, roared against him like the thunders of - Mount Sinai. When those fiery bigots were let loose, they united - in pouring the red hot vials of their wrath upon his head. Their - cry of "False Prophet! False Prophet!" was sounded from village to - village, and every foul epithet that malice and wicked ingenuity - could invent were heaped upon him. Yes, sir; the same spirit that - influenced the Presbyterians of Massachusetts about one hundred and - fifty years ago, in their persecution of the Quakers, when they - first began to preach their doctrines in that state, was fully - manifested by those religious bigots, {394} who were afraid if they - let them alone, their own doctrines would come to naught. What was - the result of the persecution in Massachusetts? Why, sir, warrants - were made out by those churches having authority, and the Quakers - were tried for heresy. But what was the result of those trials. The - sentence of death was passed upon the Quakers for heresy by those - religious fanatics, and three of them were hanged by the neck on - Bloody Hill, in Boston, to make expiation for that unpardonable - crime. "Tell it not in Gath," nor publish it not on the tops of - the mountains in this boasted land of freedom, that the Puritans - of New England, who had fled from the Old World in consequence - of religious intolerance, that they might enjoy the sweets of - liberty, so soon became persecutors themselves, and shed innocent - blood, which still cries aloud from the dust for vengeance upon - their heads. Let shame cover our faces when we mention the name of - freedom in our grand republic. - - O my God! when in one portion of our country blood is flowing from - the crime of worshiping our Creator according to the dictates of - conscience, or as the Spirit directs, and in the other are great - rejoicings in consequence thereof, where, I ask, is the boasted - freedom for which our fathers fought and bled? - - O Thou who holdest the destinies of all things in Thine hands - here below, return these blessings unto us, that we may keep - them as precious jewels till time is no more. But, Mr. Chairman, - I am wandering too far from the subject. I will return to the - persecutions which followed General Smith, when his cheeks - blossomed with the beauty of youth, and his eyes sparkled with - innocence. - - These bigots soon made up a false accusation against him, and had - him arraigned before Joseph Chamberlain, a justice of the peace, a - man who was always ready to deal out justice to all, and a man of - great discernment of mind. - - The case came up about 10 o'clock a.m. I was called upon to defend - the prisoner, the prosecutors employed the best counsel they could - get, and ransacked the town of Bainbridge and county of Chenango - for witnesses that would swear hard enough to convict the prisoner; - but they entirely failed. Yes, sir; let me say to you that not one - blemish nor spot was found against his character. He came from that - trial, notwithstanding the mighty efforts that were made to convict - him of crime by his vigilant persecutors, with his character - unstained by even the appearance of guilt. - - The trial closed about twelve o'clock at night. After a few - moments' deliberation, the court pronounced the words, "Not - guilty," and the prisoner was discharged. But, alas! the devil, not - satisfied with his defeat, stirred up a man not unlike himself, who - was more fit to dwell {395} among the fiends of hell than to belong - to the human family, to go to Colesville and get another writ and - take him to Broome county for another trial. They were sure they - could send that boy to hell or to Texas, they did not care which; - and in half an hour after he was discharged by the court, he was - arrested again, and on the way to Colesville for another trial. - - I was again called upon by his friends to defend him against his - malignant persecutors, and clear him from the false charges they - had preferred against him. I made every reasonable excuse I could, - as I was nearly worn down through fatigue and want of sleep, as I - had been engaged in lawsuits for two days and nearly the whole of - two nights. But I saw the persecution was great against him; and - here let me say, Mr. Chairman, singular as it may seem, while Mr. - Knight was pleading with me to go, a peculiar impression or thought - struck my mind that I must go and defend him, for he was the Lord's - anointed. I did not know what it meant, but thought I must go and - clear the Lord's anointed. I said I would go, and started with as - much faith as the Apostles had when they could remove mountains, - accompanied by Father Knight, who was like the old patriarch that - followed the ark of God to the city of David. - - We rode on till we came to the house of Hezekiah Peck, where a - number of Mormon women were assembled, as I was informed, for the - purpose of praying for the deliverance of the Prophet of the Lord. - The women came out to our wagon, and Mrs. Smith among the rest. - - O my God, sir, what were my feeling when I saw that woman who - had but a few days before given herself, heart and hand, to be - a consort for life, and that so soon her crimson cheeks must be - wet with tears that came streaming from her eyes! Yes, sir; it - seemed that her very heart strings would be broken with grief. My - feelings, sir, were moved with pity and sorrow for the afflicted, - and on the other hand they were wrought up to the highest pitch of - indignation against those fiends of hell who had thus caused the - innocent to suffer. - - The next morning about ten o'clock, the court was organized. The - prisoner was to be tried by three justices of the peace, that his - departure out of the county might be made sure. Neither talents nor - money were wanting to ensure them success. They employed the ablest - lawyer in that county, and introduced twenty witnesses before dark, - but proved nothing. - - They sent out runners and ransacked the hills and vales, grog-shops - and ditches, gathered together a company that looked as if they - had come from hell, and had been whipped by the soot-boy thereof, - which they brought forward to testify one after another, but with - no better success. Although they wrung and twisted into every - shape, in trying {396} to tell something that would criminate the - prisoner, nothing was proven against him whatever. - - Having got through with the examination of their witnesses about - two o'clock in the morning, the case was argued about two hours. - There was not one particle of testimony against the prisoner. No, - sir; he came out like the three children from the fiery furnace, - without the smell of fire upon his garments. - - The court deliberated upon the case for half an hour with closed - doors, and then we were called in. The court arraigned the prisoner - and said--"Mr. Smith, we have had your case under consideration, - examined the testimony, and find nothing to condemn you; and - therefore you are discharged." - - They then proceeded to reprimand him severely--not because anything - derogatory to his character in any shape had been proven against - him by the host of witnesses that had testified during the trial, - but merely to please those fiends in human shape who were engaged - in the unhallowed persecution of an innocent man, sheerly on - account of his religious opinions. - - After they had got through, I arose and said--"This court puts - me in mind of a certain trial held before Felix of old, when the - enemies of Paul arraigned him before that venerable judge for some - alleged crime, and nothing was found in him worthy of death or - bonds. Yet, to please the Jews who were his accusers, he was left - bound, contrary to law, and the court had served Mr. Smith in the - same way, by their unlawful and uncalled for reprimand after his - discharge to please his accusers." - - We got him away that night from the midst of three hundred people - without his receiving any injury; but I am well aware that we were - assisted by some higher power than man; for to look back on the - scene, I cannot tell how we succeeded in getting him away. I take - no glory to myself: it was the Lord's work, and marvelous in our - eyes. - - This, Mr. Chairman, is a true history of the first persecution that - came upon General Smith in his youth among professed Christians, - and in a country heralded to the ends of the earth as a land of - freedom, where all men have the constitutional right to worship as - they please and believe what they please, without molestation, so - long as they do not interfere with the rights and privileges of - others--yes, sir; a persecution got up through the influence of - religious bigotry by as vile a set of men as ever disgraced the - family of man. But their devices against him were brought to naught - by the Overruling Power that controls all things and brings to - naught the counsels of the wicked. - - Mr. Chairman, little did I think that I was defending a boy that - would rise to eminence like this man--a man whom God delights to - honor as a {397} Prophet and leader of His people--one to whom He - has given the keys of heaven and earth, and the power of David, - and said to him, Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in - heaven, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. And - may he live to put his foot upon the neck of his enemies in love - and meekness! I know, sir, that God has made him a leader of many - thousands of people; and may he teach them in meekness and with - that wisdom and judgment that God shall direct. - - I add no more. - - The Convention adjourned _sine die_ - - URIAH BROWN, President, - - F. MERRYWEATHER, Secretary. - -I rode out in the afternoon. - -About 6 p.m., a caucus was held; but, Emma being sick, I could not -attend. At night a large assemblage burned a barrel of tar in the -street. I went out to see what was the matter, and found they were -giving toasts; and as soon as they became aware of my presence; they -carried me on their shoulders twice round the fire, and escorted me to -the Mansion by a band of music. - -Elders Franklin D. Richards and Joseph A. Stratton were ordained High -Priests and set apart to go on a mission to England by Elders Brigham -Young and Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards. - -Footnotes: - -1. It is to be observed that these delegates named from the various -states were now, and for some time past had been, residents of Nauvoo, -Ill. - -2. This was the "former lawyer" who defended the Prophet in his first -prosecution in the State of New York, before local justices of the -peace in Chenango and Broome counties, 1830; See this HISTORY, vol. I, -ch. XX. - -{398} - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -CHARGES AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH BEFORE THE CIRCUIT COURT--HIS VOLUNTARY -APPEARANCES AT COURT--TREATMENT--RETURN TO NAUVOO. - -_Saturday, May 18, 1844.--_At 9 a.m., I went with Heber C. Kimball -to visit President Brigham Young, and afterwards went out to the -regimental training, and also in the afternoon riding on my horse, "Joe -Duncan." - -At 5 p.m., two cannons were fired opposite my old house, and the -regiments were dismissed. - -The high Council cut off from the Church James Blakesley, Francis M. -Higbee, Charles Ivins, and Austin Cowles, for apostasy. - -_Sunday, 19.--_Cloudy morning; rain about noon. I remained at home. -Elder Lyman Wight preached at the stand in the morning. The usual -prayer meeting at 2 p.m. was dispensed with on account of the mud and -rain. - -In the evening I talked to the brethren at my house, Esquire Reid, my -old lawyer, being present, W. W. Phelps read my last letter to Henry -Clay to the company. - -_Monday, 20.--_Emma continued very sick, and I was with her most of the -time. - -At 10 a.m., there was a meeting at the stand for the purpose of -collecting means to enable Elder Lyman Wight to go to Washington. - -[Sidenote: Court Session at Carthage.] - -The Circuit Court commenced its sitting at Carthage, Judge Thomas -presiding. Brother Phelps and many of the brethren went to Carthage. -Phelps returned in the evening with the intelligence that {399} a -summons was supposed to be issued for me to appear on the same case -on which I was set free by_ habeas corpus_ on the 8th inst. [1] The -lawyers agreed to move an abatement. A good influence in favor of the -Saints appears to have prevailed. - -A general court-martial of the Legion was held, Brevet Major General -Hyrum Smith presiding. It was adjourned to the 10th of June next. - -_Tuesday, 21.--_A very pleasant morning. I rode out on horseback to the -prairie, with Porter Rockwell and Mr. Reid. At 7 a.m., Elders Brigham -Young, Heber C. Kimball, Lyman Wight, and about a hundred Elders, left -this city on the steamer _Osprey_ (Captain Anderson) for St. Louis. - -The_ Maid of Iowa_ arrived at 8 a.m., with sixty-two Saints from the -Eastern States on board, all in good health and spirits. The clerk, -Thomas Bullock, reported the fields on each side of the river covered -with water to the depth of upwards of sixteen feet, and all the farms -on the flats of the Mississippi river were submerged, and the river was -still rising eight inches per day. The _Maid of Iowa_ started up the -river for Wapello on the Iowa river at 3 p.m. - -I was at home towards night with Emma, who is somewhat better. I -shoveled dirt out of the ditch, while Wasson stood on the corner of the -fence to watch. An officer arrived having a summons and an attachment -to take me to Carthage, but he could not find me. I rode out in the -evening to see David Yearsley's child, who was sick, and returned home -at 9 p.m. - -I copy from the _Times and Seasons_:-- - - LETTER: GEORGE A. SMITH TO "TIMES AND SEASONS"--CONFERENCE AT - NEWARK, ILLINOIS. - - "NEWARK, KENDALL COUNTY, ILL., May 21, 1844. - - _Editor of the Times and Seasons_:-- - - DEAR SIR,--We arrived at Ottawa on the 17th inst., after driving - {400} four days through the constant rains, and over roads almost - impassable for man or beast. We were soon informed that the - conference was removed twenty miles up Fox River, at the Newark - Branch. - - Notice had been given for a political address to be delivered - in the Court House in the evening by one of the Twelve; several - hundred citizens assembled, and were addressed by Elder G. A. - Smith. The speaker considered General Smith the smartest man in - the United States, and best calculated to fill the presidential - chair, which was applauded by the assembly. His political views as - presented on that occasion seemed to please most of the people. At - the close of the speech the congregation quietly dispersed. Elder - Woodruff continued his journey ten miles, and held a meeting with - the LaSalle Branch of 46 members, mostly emigrants from Norway. - On the 18th we arrived at Newark, and attended the Conference - according to appointment. - - The following is a copy of the minutes, which we forward for - publication:-- - - NEWARK, KENDALL COUNTY, ILL., May 18, 1844. - - Conference convened pursuant to notice. - - There were present two of the quorum of the Twelve, one High - Priest, two Seventies, nine Elders, one Priest, and one Teacher. - - Conference called to order by Elder Woodruff. - - Elder George A. Smith called to the chair. - - Conference opened by singing, and prayer by the president. - - Representation of the several branches was called for, when the - following branches were represented as follows: - - Newark Branch, 35 members, 1 Elder, 1 Teacher; Lasalle Branch, 46 - members, 2 Elders: Ottawa Branch, 16 members, 2 Elders; Bureau - Branch, 15 members, 3 Elders; Pleasant Grove, McHenry County, 19 - members, 2 Elders; Indian Creek Branch, 5 members; Big Vermillion - Branch, 4 members; French Creek Grove Branch, 2 members. Total 133 - members, 10 Elders, and 1 Teacher, - - Canute Petersen, Severt Olson, Zimri H. Baxter, Levi Lightfoot, S. - D. Huffaker, Mades Madison, Vance Jacobs, and Oder Jacobson, were - ordained Priests; Ole Johnson and Peter Maclin ordained Teachers, - under the hands of Elders Wilford Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, and Ezra - Thayer. - - Appropriate remarks were then made by Elders Woodruff and Smith - by way of counsel and instruction to those who had been ordained; - followed by Elder David Savage. - - Adjourned until Sunday morning, 10 o'clock. - - Sunday, 19th. - - Met according to adjournment. - - Opened by singing and prayer by Elder a.m. Wilsey. - - {401} A discourse was then delivered by Elder Wilford Woodruff, in - which he instructed the Elders to be careful to preach the first - principles of the Gospel and doctrines of Christ, and not to spend - their time in warring with the opinions of other men; showed the - importance of revelation, and the necessity of a Prophet of God, - as the head of the Church on earth, being as necessary in order to - exist and advance in knowledge as for a natural body to possess a - head in order to live. He considered we were enjoying the society - of as good a Prophet in this day as any people ever enjoyed in any - age of the world, and believed all good men would think so, if they - were fully acquainted with him and his principles. - - He was followed by Elder Geo. A. Smith, who bore testimony to the - truth of the fullness of the Gospel, counseled the Elders to be - humble, and not get head and shoulders above their brethren, lest - they fall, like the tallest trees of the forest, that are first - swept down by the raging storm. - - Two o'clock, met according to adjournment, when the sacrament - was administered, and many testimonies given from the Elders and - members present concerning the truth of the work they had received. - - Conference was dismissed amid the best of feelings, which - were manifested not only by all the Saints, but by the whole - congregation of citizens that attended. Good order prevailed - through the whole conference. Attention, kindness, and civility, - were manifested by all. - - GEO. A. SMITH, President. - - ASA MANCHESTER, Clerk. - - At the close of the Conference, Elders C. C. Rich, David Fullmer, - Norton Jacobs, and Moses Smith arrived direct from Nauvoo, on their - way to Michigan. - - 20th--We have appointed a political meeting in Newark, this - evening, and one at Joliet tomorrow evening, where we expect to - present to the citizens General Smith's Views of the Powers and - Policy of the Government, and discuss the subject of politics. - - WILFORD WOODRUFF. - - GEO. A. SMITH. - -_Wednesday, 22.--_At home, watching, as the officers from Carthage were -after me. - -[Sidenote: Visit of Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo.] - -At 10 a.m., about 40 Indians of the Sacs and Foxes came up in front of -the Mansion, four or five of them being mounted, among whom was Black -Hawk's brother, Kis-kish-kee, &c. I was obliged to send word I could -not see them at present. They encamped in the Council Chamber afternoon -{402} and night. I was with the police on duty, and saw several -individuals lurking around. - -Very pleasant day. - -President Brigham Young preached to the brethren in St. Louis this -evening. - -_Thursday, 23.--_Emma rather better. Read Hebrew with Neibaur, and -counseled with various friends. - -At 10 a.m., the Municipal Court met, Newel K. Whitney presiding; but -there not being a quorum present, adjourned for one week. - -[Sidenote: Address of the Prophet to the Indians.] - -At one p.m., had a talk with the Sac and Fox Indians in my back -kitchen. They said--"When our fathers first came here, this land was -inhabited by the Spanish; when the Spaniards were driven off, the -French came, and then the English and Americans; and our fathers talked -a great deal with the Big Spirit." They complained that they had been -robbed of their lands by the whites, and cruelly treated. - -I told them I knew they had been wronged, but that we had bought this -land and paid our money for it. I advised them not to sell any more -land, but to cultivate peace with the different tribes and with all -men, as the Great Spirit wanted them to be united and to live in peace. -"The Great Spirit has enabled me to find a book [showing them the Book -of Mormon], which told me about your fathers, and Great Spirit told me, -'You must send to all the tribes that you can, and tell them to live in -peace;' and when any of our people come to see you, I want you to treat -them as we treat you." - -At 3 p.m., the Indians commenced a war dance in front of my old house. -Our people commenced with music and firing cannon. After the dance, -which lasted about two hours, the firing of cannon closed the exercise, -and with our music marched back to the office. Before they commenced -dancing, the Saints took up a collection to get the Indians food. - -{403} A. A. Lathrop came to my clerk, Dr. Richards, and told him an -officer was on his way with an attachment for him, and that the grand -jury had found a bill against me for adultery, on the testimony of -William Law; he had come from Carthage in two hours and thirty minutes -to bring the news. Dr. Richards came to my house and stayed all night. - -Aaron Johnson came from Carthage, and said that Foster had been -swearing that I swore to the complaint on which Simpson was arrested. I -instructed Johnson and Rockwell to go to Carthage in the morning, and -have him indicted for perjury, as I never did swear to the complaint. -The officer was after John D. Parker also, and report says Brigham -Young, Heber C. Kimball and W. Clayton. - -Past nine p.m., I walked a little way with Dr. Richards for exercise. - -[Sidenote: Hyrum's Caution to the Prophet on the Freedom of Speaking.] - -My brother Hyrum called in the evening, and cautioned me against -speaking so freely about my enemies, &c., in such a manner as to make -it actionable. I told him that six months would not roll over his head -before they would swear twelve as palpable lies about him as they had -about me. - -President Brigham Young left St. Louis at noon in the steamboat _Louis -Philippe_. - -_Friday, 24.--_With my family all day. - -Aaron Johnson and Orrin P. Rockwell went to Carthage to get Robert D. -Foster indicted; but they returned again as the grand jury had risen. -Joseph H. Jackson was at Carthage, and had sworn falsely against me. - -At 6 p.m., went to Dr. Bernhisel's room, and had counsel with Brothers -Richards and Phelps. I ordered a meeting of the City Council for -tomorrow, and returned to my family after being absent about one hour. - -The Central Committee wrote a letter to Hugh Clark Esq.:-- - - {404} _Letter: Central Campaign Committee to Hugh Clark, - Esq.,--Presidential Election Matters_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, May 24, 1844. - - SIR.--Having received your address through our mutual friend, Mr. - Edward Doughty, we forward with this per next mail the Nauvoo - _Neighbor_ of the 22nd inst., through which you will learn the - doings of a State Convention held in this place on the 17th; and - this communication has been drawn forth, in a great degree, through - our sympathies for a people who are now being mobbed in the city - of brotherly love (Philadelphia) as we have been for many years - in Missouri; and for what? For our religion, although called by - another name. - - The Mormons and the Catholics are the most obnoxious to the - sectarian world of any people, and are the only two who have not - persecuted each other and others in these the United States, and - the only two who have suffered from the cruel hand of mobocracy - for their religion under the name of foreigners; and to stay this - growing evil, and establish Jeffersonian democracy, free trade - and sailor's rights, and protection of person and property, we - have nominated General Joseph Smith for the next president of - the nation--a man with whom we are thoroughly acquainted, and - have no fear in pledging our lives, our fortunes and our sacred - honor, that, if elected, he will give and secure these inestimable - blessings to every individual and society of men, no matter what - their religious faith. Help us to elect this man, and we will help - you to secure these privileges which belong to you, and break every - yoke. - - You will please to consider yourself a member of the corresponding - committee with us, agreeable to the resolution of the State - Convention, and lay this subject before your people, giving us your - views on receipt hereof, and open such correspondence as wisdom - shall dictate. - - General Smith's prospects are brightening every day. With - sentiments of the highest consideration, we are your obedient - servants, - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - JOHN M. BERNHISEL, - - W. W. PHELPS, - - LUCIAN R. FOSTER, - - Central Committee of Correspondence for the Election of General - Joseph Smith to the Presidency. - - HUGH CLARK, ESQ. Alderman. - - Corner of Fourth and Masters Street, Northern Liberties, - Philadelphia. - -Rainy evening. - -A conference was held at Chicago, Alfred Cordon, president, and James -Burgess, clerk. Eleven Elders were {405} present, and a very favorable -impression was made upon the minds of the people. - -[Sidenote: Reported Indictments of the Prophet.] - -_Saturday, 25.--_At home, keeping out of the way of the expected writs -from Carthage. Towards evening, Edward Hunter and William Marks, of -the grand jury returned from Carthage; also Marshal John P. Greene and -Almon W. Babbitt, who informed me there were two indictments found -against me, one charging me with false swearing on the testimony of -Joseph H. Jackson and Robert D. Foster, and one charging me with -polygamy, or something else, on the testimony of William Law, that I -had told him so! The particulars of which I shall learn hereafter. -There was much false swearing before the grand jury. Francis M. -Higbee swore so hard that I had received stolen property, &c., that -his testimony was rejected. I heard that Joseph H. Jackson had come -into the city. I therefore instructed the officers to arrest him for -threatening to take life, &c. - -I had a long talk with Edward Hunter, my brother Hyrum, Dr. Richards, -William Marks, Almon W. Babbitt, Shadrach Roundy, Edward Romney and -others, and concluded not to keep out of the way of the officers any -longer. - -At 2 p.m. I was in council in my north room, and heard the letters from -Elder O. Hyde read, and instructed Dr. Richards to write an answer, -which he did as follows: - - _Letter:--Willard Richards to Orson Hyde--Answering Hyde's Letter - on Western Movement_. - - NAUVOO, May 26, 1844. - - _Orson Hyde, Esq_.: - - SIR.--Yours of April 30th is received. The council convened this - afternoon, and, after investigation, directed an answer, which must - be brief to correspond with the press of business. - - All the items you refer to had previously received the deliberation - of the council. - - {406} Messrs. Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball will doubtless be in - Washington before you receive this, from whom you will learn all - things relative to Texas, &c. Our great success at present depends - upon our faith in the doctrine of election; and our faith must be - made manifest by our works and every honorable exertion made to - elect Gen. Smith. - - Agricultural pursuits will take care of themselves, regulating - their own operations and the rich also; but the poor we must gather - and take care of, for they are to inherit the kingdom. - - Nauvoo will be a "corner stake of Zion" forever, we most assuredly - expect. Here are the house and the ordinance, extend where else we - may. - - Press the bills through the two houses, if possible. If Congress - will not pass them, let them do as they have a mind with them. If - they will not pass our bills, but will give us "something," they - will give what they please, and it will be at our option to accept - or reject. - - Men who are afraid of "hazarding their influence" in the councilor - political arena are good for nothing. 'Tis the fearless, undaunted - and persevering who will gain the conquest of the forum. - - Sidney Rigdon, Esq., is about to resign the postoffice at Nauvoo, - in favor of Gen. Joseph Smith, the founder of the city. He has the - oldest petitions now on file in the general postoffice for that - station, and has an undoubted claim over every other petitioner, by - being the founder and supporter of the city, and by the voice of - nineteen-twentieths of the people; and every sacred consideration; - and it is the wish of the council that you engage the Illinois - delegation to use their influence to secure the office to General - Smith without fail, and have them ready to act on the arrival of - Mr. Rigdon's resignation, and before too, if expedient. - - We are also writing to Justin Butterfield, Esq., U. S. Attorney - for the district of Illinois, who has kindly offered his services - to secure the post office to the General, he having been here and - seen for himself the situation; and probably his letter to the - department will arrive nearly as soon as this. - - The election on the principle of Jeffersonian democracy, free - trade, and protection of person and property, is gaining ground in - every quarter. All is well in Nauvoo, although some of the Anties - are trying to do us injury; but their efforts are palsied, and they - make very little headway. You remember the Preston motto, "Truth - will prevail!" [2] Therefore we go ahead. - - {407} You have the best wishes of the council and friends here. I - am, sir, most respectfully yours, - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - - By order of the council. - - N. B. Your families and friends were well last information. - -Sidney Rigdon resigned the office of postmaster of Nauvoo, and -recommended me as his successor. - -The _Maid of Iowa_ arrived at five p.m. - -The High Council have directed the following testimony to be published -in the _Neighbor_, I copy it with the editor's remarks, to show the -character of the men who are now seeking to destroy my life and -usefulness, and overthrow the work of the Lord which He has commenced -through my instrumentality: - - [Here follow the affidavits of Margaret J. Nyman, Matilda J. Nyman, - Sarah Miller, and an extract from the testimony of Catherine Warren - before the High Council of the Church to the effect that Chauncey - L. Higbee had brought about their ruin by deceit in representing - that Joseph Smith taught that promiscuous sexual relations were not - sinful when kept secret, and by this misrepresentation he, the said - Chauncey L. Higbee, accomplished his wicked purposes]. - - _Editorial Comment_. - - We have abundance of like testimony on hand which may be - forthcoming if we are compelled; at present the foregoing may - suffice. - - "Why have you not published this before?" We answer--on account of - the humility and entreaties of Higbee at the time; and on account - of the feelings of his parents, who are highly respectable, we - have forborne until now. The character of Chauncey L. Higbee is so - infamous, and his exertions such as to destroy every principle of - righteousness, that forbearance is no longer a virtue. - - After all that this Chauncey L. Higbee has done in wickedly and - maliciously using the name of Joseph Smith to persuade innocent - females to submit to gratify his hellish lusts, and then blast the - character of the most chaste, pure, virtuous and philanthropic man - on earth, he, to screen himself from the law of the land and the - just indignation of an insulted people, and save himself from the - penitentiary, or whatever punishment his unparalleled crimes merit, - has entered into a conspiracy with the Laws and others against - the lives of those who are knowing to his abandoned conduct, thus - hoping to save himself from the disgrace which must follow an - exposure, and wreak his vengeance and gratify his revenge for his - awful disappointment. - -[Sidenote: Conference in Jefferson Co., N.Y.] - -{408} A two days' conference was held in Jefferson county, New York, -at 10 a.m. Present 300 Saints, 150 of whom had embraced the Gospel -since last autumn. Nine branches were represented, containing 289 -members, 16 Elders, 8 Priests and 1 Teacher. An immense concourse of -people assembled to hear the Elders preach. Elder Benjamin Brown was -President, and J. W. Crosby, Clerk. - -[Sidenote: Conference, Dresden, Tenn.] - -A three days' conference was held at Dresden, Weakly county, Tennessee. -Elder A. O. Smoot was chosen president, and D. P. Raney, secretary. A -large congregation assembled, but the proceedings were interrupted by -a mob headed by some of the leading men of the county; yet a candidate -for elector was appointed by my friends. - -_Sunday, 26.--_At 10 a.m. I preached at the Stand. The following -synopsis was reported by Mr. Thos. Bullock, clerk of the steamer, _Maid -of Iowa_. - - _Address of the Prophet--His Testimony Against the Dissenters at - Nauvoo_. - - President Joseph Smith read the 11th Chap. II Corinthians. My - object is to let you know that I am right here on the spot where - I intend to stay. I, like Paul, have been in perils, and oftener - than anyone in this generation. As Paul boasted, I have suffered - more than Paul did. I should be like a fish out of water, if I were - out of persecutions. Perhaps my brethren think it requires all - this to keep me humble. The Lord has constituted me so curiously - that I glory in persecution. I am not nearly so humble as if I - were not persecuted. If oppression will make a wise man mad, much - more a fool. If they want a beardless boy to whip all the world, I - will get on the top of a mountain and crow like a rooster: I shall - always beat them. When facts are proved, truth and innocence will - prevail at last. My enemies are no philosophers: they think that - when they have my spoke under, they will keep me down; but for the - fools, I will hold on and fly over them. - - God is in the still small voice. In all these affidavits, - indictments, it is all of the devil--all corruption. Come on! ye - prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning - mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on the top at - last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only - man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since - the days {409} of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood - by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast - that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran - away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me - yet. You know my daily walk and conversation. I am in the bosom of - a virtuous and good people. How I do love to hear the wolves howl! - When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go. For the last - three years I have a record of all my acts and proceedings, for I - have kept several good, faithful, and efficient clerks in constant - employ: they have accompanied me everywhere, and carefully kept my - history, and they have written down what I have done, where I have - been, and what I have said; therefore my enemies cannot charge me - with any day, time, or place, but what I have written testimony - to prove my actions; and my enemies cannot prove anything against - me. They have got wonderful things in the land of Ham. I think the - grand jury have strained at a gnat and swallowed the camel. - - A man named Simpson says I made an affidavit against him, &c. Mr. - Simpson says I arrested him. I never arrested Mr. Simpson in my - life. He says I made an affidavit against him. I never made an - affidavit against him in my life. I will prove it in court. I will - tell you how it was: Last winter I got ready with my children to - go to the farm to kill hogs. Orrin P. Rockwell was going to drive. - An Englishman came in and wanted a private conversation with me. I - told him I did not want any private conversations. "I demand one - of you!" Such a one I am bound to obey anyhow. Said he--"I want - a warrant against the man who stabbed Brother Badham." He said it - was a man who boarded at Davis'. He said it was Mr. Simpson--it - answered his description. I said I had no jurisdiction out of the - city. He said--"The man must be arrested, or else he will go away." - I told him--"You must go to Squire Wells, Johnson, or Foster." Mr. - Lytle stepped up and said--"I am a policeman." I jumped into my - carriage, and away I went. - - When I came back I met Mr. Jackson. He said--"You did wrong in - arresting Mr. Simpson." I told him I did not do it. I went over - and sat down, and related the circumstances. He turned round and - said--"Mr. Smith, I have nothing against you; I am satisfied." He - went and supped with me. He declared in the presence of witnesses, - that he had nothing against me. I then said--"I will go over to - Esquire Johnson, and testify what the Englishman told me." I told - him not to make out that I believe he is the man, but that I - believe he is innocent. I don't want to swear that he is the man. - Messrs. Coolidge, Rockwell, Hatfield, and Hawes were present. - - Mr. Johnson made one [a complaint] out in due form: and as I sat - down in a bustle the same as I do when one of the clerks brings a - deed for {410} me to sign. Johnson read it. I said--"I can't swear - to that affidavit; I don't believe it; tear up that paper." Mr. - Simpson agreed to come before Badham and make it up. I did not - swear to it [_i. e._ to the complaint.] - - After a while, Dr. Foster and others came in. They called me up - to testify. I told it all the same as I do here. Mr. Simpson rose - up, and asked--"Do you believe now that I am the man who stabbed - Mr. Badham?" I replied--"No sir, I do not now, nor ever did: the - magistrate says I did not swear to it." He considered, and made a - public declaration that he was satisfied with me. - - Aaron Johnson went before the grand jury and swore I did not swear - to it, when Dr. Foster goes and swears that I swore to it, and that - he was in the room when he was not in. Chauncey wanted me to stay - and have a conversation. Dr. Foster asked Aaron Johnson for the - writ and affidavit. He handed them to Dr. Foster, who read them, - and then threw them into the fire. I said--"Doctor, you ought not - to have burned it; it was my paper." Dr. Foster goes to the grand - jury and swears he did not burn only one; but I say he burnt both. - This is a fair sample of the swearing that is going on against me. - - The last discharge was the 40th; now the 41st, 42nd, 43rd; all - through falsehood. Matters of fact are as profitable as the Gospel, - and which I can prove. You will then know who are liars, and who - speak the truth I want to retain your friendship on holy grounds. - - Another indictment has been got up against me. It appears a holy - prophet has arisen up, and he has testified against me; the reason - is, he is so holy. The Lord knows I do not care how many churches - are in the world. As many as believe me, may. If the doctrine that - I preach is true, the tree must be good. I have prophesied things - that have come to pass, and can still. - - Inasmuch as there is a new church, this must be old, and of course - we ought to be set down as orthodox. From henceforth let all the - churches now no longer persecute orthodoxy. I never built upon any - other man's ground. I never told the old Catholic that he was a - fallen true prophet God knows, then, that the charges against me - are false. - - I had not been married scarcely five minutes, and made one - proclamation of the Gospel, before it was reported that I had seven - wives. I mean to live and proclaim the truth as long as I can. - - This new holy prophet [William Law] has gone to Carthage and swore - that I had told him that I was guilty of adultery. This spiritual - wifeism! Why, a man dares not speak or wink, for fear of being - accused of this. - - William Law testified before forty policemen, and the assembly - room full of witnesses, that he testified under oath that he never - had heard or seen or knew anything immoral or criminal against me. - He testified {411} under oath that he was my friend, and not the - "Brutus." There was a cogitation who was the "Brutus." I had not - prophesied against William Law. He swore under oath that he was - satisfied that he was ready to lay down his life for me, and he - swears that I have committed adultery. - - I wish the grand jury would tell me who they are--whether it will - be a curse or blessing to me. I am quite tired of the fools asking - me. - - A man asked me whether the commandment was given that a man may - have seven wives; and now the new prophet has charged me with - adultery. I never had any fuss with these men until that Female - Relief Society brought out the paper against adulterers and - adulteresses. - - Dr. Goforth was invited into the Laws' clique, and Dr. Foster and - the clique were dissatisfied with that document, and they rush - away and leave the Church, and conspire to take away my life; and - because I will not countenance such wickedness, they proclaim that - I have been a true prophet, but that I am now a fallen prophet. - - Jackson has committed murder, robbery, and perjury; and I can prove - it by half-a-dozen witnesses. Jackson got up and said--"By God, he - is innocent," and now swears that I am guilty. He threatened my - life. - - There is another Law, not the prophet, who was cashiered for - dishonesty and robbing the government. Wilson Law also swears that - I told him I was guilty of adultery. Brother Jonathan Dunham can - swear to the contrary. I have been chained. I have rattled chains - before in a dungeon for the truth's sake. I am innocent of all - these charges, and you can bear witness of my innocence, for you - know me yourselves. - - When I love the poor, I ask no favors of the rich. I can go to - the cross--I can lay down my life; but don't forsake me. I want - the friendship of my brethren.--Let us teach the things of Jesus - Christ. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before - a downfall. - - Be meek and lowly, upright and pure; render good for evil. If you - bring on yourselves your own destruction, I will complain. It is - not right for a man to bare down his neck to the oppressor always. - Be humble and patient in all circumstances of life; we shall then - triumph more gloriously. What a thing it is for a man to be accused - of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only - find one. - - I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago; - and I can prove them all perjurers. I labored with these apostates - myself until I was out of all manner of patience; and then I sent - my brother Hyrum, whom they virtually kicked out of doors. - - I then sent Mr. Backenstos, when they declared that they were my - enemies. I told Mr. Backenstos that he might tell the Laws, if they - had any cause against me I would go before the Church, and confess - it {412} to the world. He [Wm. Law] was summoned time and again, - but refused to come. Dr. Bernhisel and Elder Rigdon know that I - speak the truth. I cite you to Captain Dunham, Esquires Johnson and - Wells, Brother Hatfield and others, for the truth of what I have - said. I have said this to let my friends know that I am right. - - As I grow older, my heart grows tenderer for you. I am at all - times willing to give up everything that is wrong, for I wish this - people to have a virtuous leader, I have set your minds at liberty - by letting you know the things of Christ Jesus. When I shrink not - from your defense will you throw me away for a new man who slanders - you? I love you for your reception of me. Have I asked you for your - money? No; you know better. I appeal to the poor. I say, Cursed - be that man or woman who says that I have taken of your money - unjustly. Brother Babbitt will address you. I have nothing in my - heart but good feelings. - -I rode out in the afternoon. On my return, my lawyers, Col. Richardson -and Almon W. Babbitt, called upon me on the subject of the writs which -were out against me. - -[Sidenote: Threat to Kidnap Jeremiah Smith.] - -A man called and informed me that John Eagle and several others -intended to kidnap Jeremiah Smith during the night. I therefore -stationed an extra police in order to protect him. - -President Brigham Young arrived at Cincinnati at 5 p.m. - -[Sidenote: President Smith Voluntarily goes to Carthage to Meet -Indictments.] - -_Monday, 27.--_About 8 a.m., I started on horseback with a few friends, -went by the Temple, and purchased my course towards Carthage, thinking -it best for me to meet my enemies before the Circuit Court, and have -the indictments against me investigated. After I had passed my farm -on the prairie, most of the following brethren joined my company, and -the remainder soon after my arrival in Carthage--viz.: Aaron Johnson, -Dr. Bernhisel, Joseph W. Coolidge, John Hatfield, Orrin P. Rockwell, -Lorenzo Rockwell, William Walker, Harrison Sagers, Hyrum Smith, John -P. Greene, Judge William Richards, Shadrach Roundy, Theodore Turley, -Jedediah M. Grant, John Lytle, Joseph B. Noble, Edward Bonney, Lucien -Woodworth, Cornelius P. Lott, Johathan Dunham, and other friends. - -{413} We arrived at Hamilton's hotel about noon. Charles A. Foster -overtook us three or four miles from the city, and accompanied us to -Carthage. I had considerable conversation with him, and he appeared to -be more mild than previously, and as though he was almost persuaded -that he had been influenced to some extent by false reports. - -Joseph H. Jackson, Francis M. Higbee, and Chauncey L. Higbee were in -Hamilton's hotel when we arrived. Soon after our arrival there, Charles -A. Foster took me into a private room and told me in a friendly manner -that there was a conspiracy against my life. Robert D. Foster told some -of the brethren (with tears in his eyes) that there was evil determined -against me; and that there were some persons who were determined I -should not go out of Carthage alive. Jackson was seen to reload his -pistols, and was heard to swear he would have satisfaction of me and -Hyrum. - -I had a short interview with Judge Thomas, who treated me with the -utmost courtesy. He is a great man and a gentleman. After dinner (at -the second or third table) we retired to our room, when Jackson, who -had been to the Court House, came towards the hotel. Some person told -him Hyrum had arrived, when he immediately turned towards the Court -House again. - -My lawyers, Messrs. Richardson, Babbitt, and Skinner, used all -reasonable exertions to bring forward my trial on the charge of -perjury; but the prosecuting party were not ready,--one Withers, a -material witness (as they asserted in court), being absent. - -My attorneys frequently called on me to report the state of things in -court, and I was ready to go in at a moment's warning, being anxious -for my trial; but the case was deferred till next term. I was left to -give bail to the sheriff at his option. He told me I might go home, -where he would call and take bail at his own convenience. - -We immediately called for our horses; and while they {414} were being -harnessed, Chauncey L. Higbee came to me and wanted me to stay as -a witness in a certain case in which he was employed as attorney. -He urged me considerably, but I told him I did not recollect the -occurrence he referred to particularly enough to testify in the case, -and got him to excuse me. - -[Sidenote: The Return to Nauvoo.] - -At half-past four p.m., we started on our return; but when we had got -as far as Brother George D. Grant's, a heavy shower of rain commenced, -and I went into the house, while most of the brethren went into the -barn until the shower abated. After the storm had subsided, we went -forward, and I, Hyrum, and some others arrived at home about 9 p.m., -and found Emma sick. My carriage, with Joseph B. Noble, arrived a -little after. It was upset on the Temple Hill, but no one was hurt. I -rode on horseback all the way on "Joe Duncan." - -As we left the tavern in Carthage, and passed the Court House, there -were many people about in small groups. Jackson stood on the green with -one or two men some distance off. - -While at Hamilton's, Chauncey L. Higbee offered some insulting language -concerning me to Orrin P. Rockwell, who resented it nobly as a friend -ought to do. Hamilton, seeing it, turned Rockwell out of doors. - -It was afterwards reported to me by James Flack that Robert D. Foster, -Charles A. Foster, Wm. B. Rollinson, and the Higbees were on the hill -when I passed in the morning. They immediately gathered their pistols, -mounted their horses, and were in Carthage before me, excepting Charles -A. Foster. - -Also Mr. Powers was talking with Mr. Davies, a tailor, about my going -to Carthage, and said they would attempt to kill Joseph Smith. Mr. -Davies replied, "O no, I think not." Mr. Powers rejoined, "They will, -by G--; and you know it, by G--." - -Samuel Smith, of Montebello, heard at five this morning, {415} that I -had been taken prisoner to Carthage by a mob. He immediately gathered a -company of twenty-five men for the purpose of assisting me, and arrived -at Carthage about the time I did. - -Footnotes: - -1. Case of Chauncey L. Higbee vs. Joseph Smith, See Ch. XVI. - -2. Referring to the motto that was displayed in the streets of Preston, -England, the arrival of Elders Kimball and Hyde as missionaries to that -city in 1837. See this HISTORY, vol. II, pp. 498-9. - -{416} - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -CASE OF JEREMIAH SMITH BEFORE MUNICIPAL COURT AT NAUVOO--AFFIDAVITS OF -CRIMES OF CHAUNCEY L. HIGBEE--APPEARANCE OF THE "EXPOSITOR." - -_Tuesday, 28.--_At home all day. Rain in the afternoon. The _Maid of -Iowa_ started for the Iowa river at 11 a.m. - -I received a letter from Mr. J. Bronder, dated Philadelphia, May 20th, -expressing his strong desires that I should allow my name to stand as -candidate for the Presidency of the United States, urging many reasons -for his request. - -_Wednesday, 29.--_At home. Rain in the morning. - -[Sidenote: Arrest of Jeremiah Smith, by U.S. Authority.] - -Luther W. Hicock, of Burlington, Iowa, came in and arrested Jeremiah -Smith on a warrant issued by Nathanial Pope, Judge of the U. S. Circuit -Court. During our conversation in the afternoon we learned to our -mutual joy that Jeremiah Smith and I were of one origin. - -Received the following letter: - - _Letter: D. S. Hollister to Joseph Smith--Presidential Election - Matters_. - - BALTIMORE, May 9th, 1844. - - DEAR BROTHER JOSEPH.--From the time of my departure to that of my - arrival here on Saturday last, I was blessed with prosperity. The - feelings manifested by the passengers on the boat to St. Louis were - quite favorable. - - At St. Louis I embarked on board the steamer _Valley Forge_, with - about 125 cabin passengers. I gradually introduced myself to those - whose faces gave indications of honest hearts and intelligent minds. - - On Sunday I was invited to give, in a public discourse, the points - of difference between faith of the Latter-day Saints and other - professors of {417} the Christian religion. There was a Methodist - preacher on board, with whom arrangements were made, to follow - me and blow Mormonism to the four winds. Well, I led off in a - discourse of an hour and a half. After dinner the Methodists tried - to rally their preacher; but he could not be induced to undertake - the fulfillment of his engagements. - - I spent the time in conversing with groups of inquirers, and - giving further information to those who sought it. After tea, the - Methodist priest was, by much persuasion, induced to preach; but, - to the astonishment of all, never once mentioned "Mormonism." - - By-the-by, we had a beautiful specimen of Missouri treatment of the - Saints on board. While I was speaking, I referred to the many false - statements which found their way to the public through the papers. - A case in point was that of Joseph Smith having just discarded his - wife. - - After I had finished speaking, and was standing on the guard of - the boat, a Missourian stepped up to me, asking me if I wished - to be understood that all who said Jo Smith had discarded his - wife were liars. On my answering him in the affirmative, he drew - his bowie knife on me; but some passengers, who had heard him - threaten my life, were watching, and caught him as he was in the - act of striking and I in the act of pitching him overboard; but - they saved him, and I am glad of it. The whole affair turned much - to my advantage. It was an ocular demonstration to the crowd of - Missourians' feeling toward the Church of Christ. - - By this time the way was pretty well paved for introducing national - matters; and from this on to our arrival at Wheeling, the time - was principally occupied on that subject--reading your views on - political economy, &c. - - On arriving at Wheeling, a stranger might have imagined me to be a - man of some consequence, for it was, "Will you take a seat in our - coach?" "Go with us in this stage." "Hold on, and take a seat with - us," says the third. In fact, the Mormon was quite a lion among the - passengers. - - But passing the minutiae, I arrived in the city two days after the - great Whig convention. All is joy and enthusiasm among the Whigs, - while doubt and consternation are manifested among the Democrats. - The convention has been got up at an immense expense; hundreds of - thousands of dollars have been expended. - - The Democratic convention comes off on the 27th inst. In the - meantime I shall do what is in my power for the promotion of the - good cause, and endeavor to be well accoutered for that occasion. - I expect to co-operate with Hyde, Pratt and Page, though as yet I - have not heard from them. - - {418} I shall expect to receive from you the proceedings of the - convention held at Nauvoo on Monday last, together with such - instructions as you deem proper to give. - - D. S. HOLLISTER. - -[Sidenote: Municipal Court--Case of Jeremiah Smith.] - -_Thursday, 30.--_Municipal Court met at 10 a.m., over which I presided -as mayor and chief justice. Present, William Marks, Orson Spencer, -George W. Harris, Gustavus Hills and Samuel Bennett, alderman, -associate justices Jeremiah Smith, Sen., was brought up on _habeas -corpus_ from the custody of T. B. Johnson, the complainant. - -T. B. Johnson being called by the court answered that he did not -acknowledge the jurisdiction of this court; that his writ was only to -keep Smith until he could get another writ for him; that Mr. Hickock -had a writ from Judge Pope, and he considered Mr. Smith his prisoner, -and he attended this court as a matter of courtesy; and if any one -offered resistance, he was instructed by Government to give their -names, &c., and wrote the names of the court, &c. - -Smith's counsel replied to such a subterfuge writ. - -The court thought it due the court to hear the reasons why the -jurisdiction of the court was not regarded. - -T. B. Johnson said he did not come to make a speech; but was instructed -to arrest the man. He intended to make no defense. He was an agent of -the United States. "Your writ of _habeas corpus_ had nothing more to -do with this case than with a man in the moon. I have not been able to -get authority, and did not come to make defense." Read from Charles B. -Penrose's handwriting (so purporting) 33 sec. of Act Sept. 24th, 1789, -Act of Congress. Had agreed to wait the decision of this court, but had -not agreed to abide the decision. - -James A. McCanse was called by the court and asked, "Do you subscribe -to the decision of Mr. Johnson in the matter?" - -McCanse would not decide. Would like counsel. - -{419} T. B. Johnson said he did not ask any favors of the court. He was -a United States agent. - -Councilor Hugins said--"If McCanse surrenders his claim we will not go -into the merits of the case; but if McCanse claims the prisoner, we -will go into the merits." - -Councilor Hugins read a petition of Jeremiah Smith for another writ of -_habeas corpus._ G. P. Stiles, counsel for prisoner, said that Johnson -had given up the prisoner on the first claim. - -T. B. Johnson said he did not surrender his claim; had nothing to say -about it. "Take your own course, gentlemen." - -Stiles said he has given him up on the first writ, and now says he says -nothing about it; and upon this ground we claim a discharge. - -T. B. Johnson said--"We would be defending the writ before Judge Pope. -I come here as an agent of the United States. The prisoner has been -taken out of my hand, I consider illegally. I do not come here to -prosecute or to defend a writ of _habeas corpus._ There is no law for -these proceedings. I know my rights. If this court thinks it right to -discharge the prisoner, let them do it--let them do it. I do not ask -any favors of the court--I ask justice. The laws of Illinois have no -power over the United States laws. Let this court discharge him, and I -shall take another course--I do not say against you as a court. I came -here to arrest Jeremiah Smith." - -Justice Harris asked if he meant to intimidate the court by threats. - -The chief justice remarked that it was the duty of the United States -and Federal Government to treat their subjects and constituents with -all that complacency and good feeling which they wished in return, -and to avoid every threatening aspect, every intimidating and harsh -treatment. He respected the United States laws, but would not yield -up any right ceded to the court. The United States have no right to -trample our laws under their feet. {420} The court is bound by oath to -support the Constitution of the United States, and State of Illinois -and writ of_ habeas corpus._ The Constitution of the United States and -_habeas corpus_ shall not be denied. If the court deny the writ of -_habeas corpus,_ they perjure themselves. The United States have no -right to usurp power to intimidate, and the court would see them all -destroyed before he would perjure himself. We have asked no power. Mr. -Smith asked us to investigate. We were bound to do so. Let the Federal -Government hurl on us their forces, dragoons, &c.; we are not to be -intimidated. The court is clothed with _habeas corpus,_ [power] and -will execute it according to the law. "I understand some law and more -justice, and know as much about the rights of American citizens as any -man." - -T. B. Johnson said--"If I did say anything indecorous to the court, I -take it back." - -Court responded--"All is right." - -Court ordered that the prisoner be discharged, the complainant having -refused to prosecute his claim; and that judgment be entered up _v._ T. -B. Johnson, as agent, for costs of suit. - -Afterwards another petition for another writ of _habeas corpus_ was -presented and the writ issued and tried. I copy the minutes from the -municipal docket: - - _Municipal Court Minutes in the case of Jeremiah Smith_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, Municipal Court. - - _United States, vs. Jeremiah Smith, on Habeas Corpus_. - - May 30th, 1844, came Jeremiah Smith, and upon the reading and - filing the petition for a writ of _habeas corpus_ to be directed - to one Luther W. Hickock to have forthwith before the Municipal - Court the body of the said Jeremiah Smith upon said writ. Said - writ was granted by the court in accordance with the prayer of the - petitioner. - - The writ of _habeas corpus_ was served instanter by the Marshal - in court and petitioner present; which writ with Marshal's return - thereon, is on file in the clerk's office. - - {421} The foregoing petition of said Jeremiah Smith, together - with a certified copy of the warrant, by virtue of which the said - Hickock held the said Jeremiah Smith in custody, are on file in the - clerk's office. - - Present, Joseph Smith, mayor and chief justice; and William Marks, - Orson Spencer, George W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, and Samuel - Bennett, aldermen, associate justices. - - Luther W. Hickock was called by the court to answer in the case, - who said he had a writ from Judge Pope, and should consider Smith - his prisoner until he was compelled to give him up. Wanted an - adjournment. - - The court informed Hickock that Smith was their prisoner. - - H. T. Hugins and George P. Stiles, counsel for Smith, objected to - an adjournment, as there had been two weeks adjournment for the - Government to procure witnesses in another suit which had closed, - arising out of the same case, and which had been abandoned by the - prosecuting party. - - T. B. Johnson appeared before the court and said--"I stand here - as an agent for the Government to act in the case of Smith in - any state where he may be found; and if we are to go into an - investigation on the merits of the case, and go behind the writ, - I must have time to send to Washington for witnesses; and I am - instructed to consult with Justin Butterfield, Esq., Governor - Chambers of Iowa, and Mr. McPherson of St. Louis." - - The marshal, J. P. Greene, presented the prisoner for trial. - - The court ordered the marshal to take charge of the prisoner, and - have him forthcoming from time to time for trial. - - Hickock asked for an adjournment until afternoon. - - Hugins said--"If they want to go into the merits of the case, - we will give them any time; but we propose to dispense with the - merits, and move a discharge on the insufficiency of the papers. - Dr. Hickock has no legal authority to arrest the prisoner," and - read from page 51, Revised Statutes of Illinois, sec. 399. - - T. B. Johnson said he could show the law different, and asked for - one week's adjournment. - - One o'clock p.m., court adjourned until after dinner to hear the - pleas. - - Three o'clock, p.m., court sat, the same as in the morning. - - H. T. Hugins and George P. Stiles, counsel for Smith, read and - filed their plea, moving the court that said Smith be discharged, - and suffered to go at large. - - 1st. Because the person issuing the warrant on which he has been - arrested is unauthorized to issue the same. - - 2nd. Because the process has been issued in a case and under - circumstances where the law does not allow process. - - {422} 3rd. Because the person having custody of said Smith is - unauthorized to execute the warrant under which he is acting, and - is not the person empowered by law to detain him. - - 4th. Because said Smith has been, by and before a competent court, - legally examined and discharged in relation to the subject matter - set forth in said warrant. - - 5th. Because said writ is defective in a substantial form required - by law. - - L. W. Hickock was called, and persisted in considering the - authority under which he acted good and sufficient. - - Counselor Hugins urged the first and second count in his plea, and - read from the Constitution of the United States, Art. 4, 2nd sec, - 2nd part, 3rd count, read Revised Statutes of Illinois, page 51, - sec. 399, and page 324; 4th count, read the certificate of John S. - Dunlap, clerk of the District Court for the county of Des Moines, - Iowa Territory, dated May 21st, 1844, a copy of which is on file in - the clerk's office. - - L. W. Hickock said he had nothing to say; and the case was - submitted. - - DECISION--The court are of opinion, when they take into - consideration their oath to support the Constitution of the United - States, that the certificate of John S. Dunlap, clerk of the - District Court for the county of Des Moines, Territory of Iowa, - is sufficient to authorize the discharge or the prisoner, because - the Constitution says no person shall twice be put in jeopardy - of life for the same offense. The decision of the court is that - the prisoner be discharged on all the points for which plea has - been made in his behalf, and that judgment be entered against the - prosecutor for cost. - -Evening, T. B. Johnson was going to Burlington. Jeremiah Smith swore -out an execution for $77.75. Mr. Johnson acknowledged the fee bill, and -afterwards threatened to bring the dragoons in order to get Jeremiah -Smith. - -Mr. Hickock called for a copy of the proceedings of the Municipal Court. - -I wrote the following letter to Judge Pope:-- - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Judge Pope Introducing Jeremiah Smith_. - - NAUVOO, May 30, 1844. - - SIR,--Permit me to introduce to your particular notice and - confidence as "brethren of the mystic tie," Mr. Jeremiah Smith - of Iowa Territory, and Mr. H. T. Hugins of Burlington, in said - Territory Mr. Smith is a gentleman whose statements can be relied - on, and Mr. Hugins a lawyer, {423} of sound principles, as well - as promising talents; and I always take pleasure in extending the - reputations of honorable men among honorable men, especially when - it appears to me that the benevolence and clemency extended by me - is needed and merited by worthy men. Conscious, too, that your - Honor is liberal and just in your sphere, and will appreciate "the - golden rule," I have only to greet you with my best wishes for your - welfare and happiness. - - Respectfully, I have the honor to be, - - Your humble servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - JUDGE POPE. - -A Presidential election was recently held on board the _Osprey_ and the -result was as follows:-- - - Joseph Smith, 65 gentlemen and 6 ladies. - Henry Clay, 27 " " 3 " - Van Buren, 12 " " 0 " - -_Friday, 31st_.-- - - _Affidavit H. T. Hugins, Anent Threat to Bring Dragoons Against - Nauvoo_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss. - - May 31, 1844. - - Then and there personally appeared before me, Joseph Smith, Mayor - of the City of Nauvoo, the undersigned H. T. Hugins, of Burlington, - Iowa Territory, and made solemn oath that Thomas B. Johnson did, - on the 30th day of May, 1844, declare in his presence that he - intended to bring dragoons and troops of the United States from - Iowa Territory into this city, for the purpose of resisting the - authority and power of the Municipal Court of said city, and that - he should disregard entirely the authority of said court, and - that he deemed the authority of said court of no effect. Deponent - further states that said Johnson, in his said conversation, had - reference to the case of Jeremiah Smith, which had been decided by - said court. - - H. T. HUGINS. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 31st day of May, 1844. - - WM. W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C. - -Upon the foregoing affidavit, I issued a _capias_ to arrest Thomas -B. Johnson for threatening the peace of the city with United States -dragoons. At 10 a.m., called at my {424} office. At 1 p.m., called to -see Sister Richards, who was sick. I administered to her the laying on -of hands, when she felt better. Afternoon I attended general council, -when Brother Emmett made his report. Rode out in the evening to Van -Orden's, and paid him $100. Two or three Indians staid in the hall at -night. - -_Saturday, June 1.--_At home. Some gentle showers. - -At one, p.m., I rode out with Dr. Richards and Orrin P. Rockwell. -Called on Davis at the boat. Paid Manhard $90. Met George J. Adams, and -paid him $50. Then went to John P. Greene's, and paid him and another -brother $200. Called at William Clayton's, while Dr. Richards and Orrin -P. Rockwell called at the doctor's new house. Returned home at 4:30 p.m. - -At 8 p.m., Peter Maughan, John Saunders, and Jacob Peart called at Dr. -Richards' to consult about a coal-bed on Rock River. I suggested it -would be profitable to employ the _Maid of Iowa_ in the business of -carrying the coal, &c; and all approved of this plan. - -President Brigham Young and Elder John E. Page held a conference in -Pittsburg. - -I received the following letter:-- - - _Joel H. Walker to Joseph Smith--Proposes to Join Prophet in - Western Volunteer Movement_. - - BOSTON, May 9th, 1844. - - MY DEAR SIR.--Being so closely confined in the postoffice in this - city, where I have been but a short time, I have not, before this - morning been aware that you had petitioned Congress in relation to - raising a military force to protect our Southern Frontier. - - My purpose in addressing you is to offer my services, either in - military or civil duty, as I am so much confined that my health - must suffer if I remain a great length of time. - - If I can make myself known to you by reputation which I think - possible, I have every confidence, if in your power, you will favor - my wishes. - - At any rate, I hope you will write me at your earliest convenience - upon receipt of this. - - {425} I was born in Peacham, Vermont, October 14th, 1813. My - father is Col. Joel Walker, now of Belvidere, Illinois. Hon. E. - Peck, of Springfield, Illinois, is my brother-in-law. I was in the - mercantile business in Chicago from 1836 to '39, (one of the firm - of King, Walker & Co.,) since which time I have been here, with - the exception of a year; have been in the military since the age - of sixteen, and am considered somewhat proficient, having devoted - much attention to the study of its principles, and an ardent love - for the art. I have received a good academical and mercantile - education; and if there is in your place anything which would be - for our mutual advantage, - - I am yours respectfully, - - JOEL HAMILTON WALKER. - - GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH, Nauvoo. - -I replied as follows: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Joel H. Walker_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 1st 1844. - - SIR.--Yours of May 9th is before me, and according to my custom I - answer off hand. I have not yet ascertained whether Congress will, - by special act, authorize me to protect our beloved country. If it - should, I have not a doubt but your services could be agreeably - used. - - As to what you could do in Nauvoo, I am unable to say. Gentlemen - with a small capital, or a large one, can easily employ it to good - advantage, our city is so rapidly improving. - - Truth, virtue, and honor, combined with energy and industry, pave - the way to exaltation, glory and bliss. - - Respectfully, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - JOEL HAMILTON WALKER, Boston, Mass. - -[Sidenote: Conference at Kalamazoo, Michigan.] - -A conference was held at Kalamazoo, Michigan. Present, Wilford -Woodruff, George A. Smith, of the Twelve, S. Bent, C. C. Rich and B. -Fullmer, of the High Council; also 5 High Priests, 8 Seventies, 14 -Elders, 2 Priests, and 1 Deacon. Elder Wilford Woodruff presided. -Seven branches were represented, containing 126 members, 15 Elders, -4 Priests, 1 Teacher and 2 Deacons. Two Elders were ordained; also 1 -Priest and 1 Teacher. - -A conference was held at Alquina, Fayette Co., {426} Indiana. Elder -Amasa Lyman presided. 5 High Priests, 2 Seventies and 4 Elders present. - -_Sunday, 2.--_At home. Pleasant day. - -[Sidenote: Conference at Glasgow, Scotland.] - -A conference was held in Glasgow, Scotland, representing 1,018 members, -including 1 High Priest, 30 Elders, 46 Priests, 36 Teachers and 20 -Deacons. - -_Monday, 3.--_At home. Received the following letter: - - _Letter: "Horace" to President Joseph Smith--Threatened Invasion of - Nauvoo_. - - BURLINGTON, IOWA, June 2nd, 1844. - - FRIEND SMITH.--I have just received intimation that there is a - project on foot here to visit Nauvoo with a body of from five to - six hundred armed men, for the purpose of liberating Dr. Hickock, - who, it is stated, is confined in your prison. I, as a friend to - your society, consider it my duty to make you aware of the danger - you may be in, that you may be prepared to meet them. I think it - best to keep my name from you, for were it known here that I had - given notice of their proceedings, it would not be safe for me to - remain. Do not think it a humbug, and treat it lightly; but prepare - yourselves for the coming storm. From what I can learn, they intend - going on the next boat. I hope this may reach you in time. - - I am, with respect, your friend, - - HORACE. - -Rode out on the hill about 9 a.m. - -Municipal Court sat. I was not present. The appealed cases of Augustine -Spencer, Chauncey L. Higbee, Charles A. Foster, and Robert D. Foster, -came up; but as they failed to appear, the cases were referred back to -the court below. - -At 5 p.m. I read German with Alexander Neibaur. - -President Brigham Young left Pittsburg, and preached in the evening to -an attentive congregation in Old Britain. - -_Tuesday, 4.--_At home. - -Arthur Morrison and Pulaski Cahoon proposed to give $100 per month for -the use of the _Maid of Iowa._ Made out their own bonds with their own -security; but I would not receive them. - -{427} In the afternoon I went out to my farm, and accidentally broke -the whippletree of my buggy. - -Wrote the following letter to Mr. Tewkesbury, Boston. - - _Letter: Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Mr. Tewkesbury--Seeking to - Restore Latter to Fellowship_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 4th, 1844. - - SIR.--We understand that you have been cut off from the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and feeling an ardent desire - for the salvation of the souls of men, we take pleasure in feeling - after you; and therefore would, in the sincerity of men of God, - advise you to be rebaptized by Elder Nickerson, one of the servants - of God, that you may again receive the sweet influences of the Holy - Ghost, and enjoy the fellowship of the Saints. - - The law of God requires it, and you cannot be too good. Patience - is heavenly, obedience is noble, forgiveness is merciful, and - exaltation is godly; and he that holds out faithful to the end - shall in no wise lose his reward. A good man will endure all things - to honor Christ, and even dispose of the whole world, and all in - it, to save his soul. Grace for grace is a heavenly decree, and - union is power where wisdom guides. - - Respectfully, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - HYRUM SMITH. - -The Municipal Court issued an execution against Francis M. Higbee for -$36.26 1/2 for costs incurred on 8th May last. - -[Sidenote: Prosecution of the Laws and Fosters Discussed.] - -At 6 p.m. I was in council with Elders John Taylor, Hyrum Smith, -Willard Richards, Almon W. Babbitt, Lucien Woodworth, and William -W. Phelps on the propriety of prosecuting the Laws and Fosters for -perjury, slander, &c. Counseled Taylor to go on with the prosecution -in behalf of Maria Lawrence. I concluded to go to Quincy with Taylor, -and give up my bonds of guardianship as administrator of the Lawrence -estate. - -Alpheus Cutler and Reynolds Cahoon are so anxious to get property, they -will all flat out as soon as the Temple is completed and the faith of -the Saints ceases from them, &c. - -{428} At 7 p.m. I walked out with Lucien Woodworth. - -_Wednesday, 5.--_I went to the prairie to show some land, and returned -home towards night. - -At 8 p.m. I walked out with Dr. Richards. The lightning in the north -was most beautiful. About 10 a shower of rain passed over, with -continued distant thunder. There has not been any rain for some days -back. Thermometer stood at 94 1/2 degrees in the shade. Very warm. - -I received a book entitled _"An Original History of the Religious -Denominations at Present Existing in the United States_," [1] and wrote -the following acknowledgment: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to L. Daniel Rupp--Book on Religious Sects_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 5th, 1844. - - DEAR SIR.--He pasa Ek-klesia, &c., together with your note, has - safely reached me, and I feel very thankful for so valuable a - treasure. The design, the propriety, the wisdom of letting every - sect tell its own story, and the elegant manner in which the work - appears, have filled my breast with encomiums upon it, wishing you - God speed. - - Although all is not gold that shines, any more than every religious - creed is sanctioned with the so eternally sure word of prophecy, - satisfying all doubt with "Thus saith the Lord;" yet, "by proving - contraries," truth is made manifest," and a wise man can search out - "old paths, wherein righteous men held communion with Jehovah, and - were exalted through obedience. - - I shall be pleased to furnish further information at a proper time, - and render you such further service as the work and vast extension - of our Church may demand for the benefit of truth, virtue and - holiness. - - Your work will be suitably noticed in our papers for your benefit. - - With great respect, I have the honor to be, - - Your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - L. D. RUPP, ESQ., Lancaster City, Pa. - -_Thursday, 6.--_About 9 a.m. I ordered my carriage for a ride; but it -stood at the door till nearly noon, while I read my letter to Henry -Clay to many strangers, in the {429} bar-room, [2] among whom was one -who advocated the claims of Henry Clay for the presidency. I argued -with him for a long time to show the subject in its true light, and -that no man could honestly vote for a man like Clay, who had violated -his oath, and not acted on constitutional principles. - -About half-past twelve Dimick B. Huntington came and said that Robert -D. Foster felt very bad, and he thought there was a chance for his -return, if he could be reinstated in his office in the Legion, &c., -&c.; and that Foster had all the affidavits of the anti-Mormons under -his control. I told Huntington that if Foster would return, withdraw -all the suits he had commenced, and do right, he should be restored. - -I rode out in the carriage with several persons for an hour or two. At -7 p.m. a heavy shower of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, -and another shower at 9. p.m. - -I issued the following caution to the public: - - Having once notified the public against receiving a certain - currency called "Kirtland Safety Society;" I again caution all - persons against receiving or trading in said paper money, as - all that was issued as genuine was redeemed. After the first - officers who signed said bills retired, a new set of officers - were appointed, and the vault of the institution was broken open - and robbed of several hundred thousand dollars, the signatures - forged upon the said stolen bills, and those bills are being slyly - bartered or had in trade, for the purpose of wilful and malicious - prosecution and collection. - - In the first place the bills are not collectable by law in an - unchartered institution. In the second place, they are spurious, - the signature being a forgery, and every person passing or trading - a bill is guilty of passing counterfeit money, besides the - bare-faced act of swindling. And lastly, he that uses said bills - in any way, as a medium of trade is guilty of fraud, and shows a - wicked and corrupt determination to willfully, maliciously and - feloniously rob the Latter-day Saints; and if the executors of the - laws are as ready to mete out even handed justice to such {430} men - as the Mormons, more indictments will indicate more honesty. Time - will show. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - Nauvoo, June 6, 1844. - -[Sidenote: Prophet's Conversation with Dr. Foster.] - -_Friday, 7.--_Robert D. Foster called professedly to make some -concessions in order to return to the Church. He wanted a private -interview, which I declined. I had some conversation with him in the -hall, in the presence of several gentlemen. I told him I would meet -with him in the presence of friends. I would choose three or four, -and he might choose an equal number, and that I was willing to settle -everything on righteous principles. In the evening a report was -circulated that Foster had said that I would receive him back on any -terms, and give him a hat full of dollars into the bargain. - -I went to the printing office about 2 p.m., and instructed Elder John -Taylor to answer a certain bill or receipt of George W. Harris. - -[Sidenote: First number of the_ Expositor_.] - -The first and only number of the _Nauvoo Expositor_ was published, -edited by Sylvester Emmons. - -In the evening I received an extremely saucy and insulting letter from -Robert D. Foster. Pleasant evening. - -_Saturday, 8.--_From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in City Council; also from -3 to 6:30 p.m. The subject the _Nauvoo Expositor_ was taken under -consideration. An ordinance was passed concerning the City Attorney and -his duties. - -Elder Jedediah M. Grant preached in the Mansion this evening. Thunder -and rain this evening and during the night. - -A ferry-boat came down from Burlington with a pleasure party, and -landed at the Nauvoo House at 2 p.m. - -I sent William Clayton to Carthage to give in some lots for -assessments; and while there Backenstos told him that Walter Bagby had -been gone eight days to Missouri to try to get another writ for me. -Brother Clayton also got {431} news that the Democrats had dropped Van -Buren, and substituted James K. Polk, of Tennessee for president, and -Silas Wright of New York, for vice-president. - -I walked out in the evening with Brother Clayton. - -[Sidenote: Conference at Pleasant Valley, Michigan.] - -A conference was held at Pleasant Valley, Michigan. Present of the -Twelve, Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith. Elder Wilford Woodruff -presided. Six branches were represented, comprising 89 members, 5 -Elders, 2 Priests, 4 Teachers, and 3 Deacons. Five Elders were ordained. - -_Sunday, 9.--_At home. My health not very good, in consequence of my -lungs being impaired by so much public speaking. My brother Hyrum -preached at the Stand. - -At 2 p.m. several passengers of the steamer _Osprey_ from St. Louis and -Quincy arrived, and put up at the Mansion. I helped to carry in their -trunks, and chatted with them in the bar-room. - -There was a meeting at the Mansion at 6 p.m. - -Footnotes: - -1. An article prepared by President Smith, under the title "The -Latter-day Saints," is published in this work. - -2. This was the public sitting room of the Mansion, which, it will be -remembered was used at this time as a hotel. - -{432} - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE DESTRUCTION OF THE "NAUVOO EXPOSITOR"--PROCEEDINGS OF THE NAUVOO -CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR. - -[Sidenote: _Nauvoo Expositor_ before Nauvoo City Council.] - -_Monday, June 10, 1844.--_I was in the City Council from 10 a.m., to -1:20 p.m., and from 2:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. investigating the merits -of the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ and also the conduct of the Laws, Higbees, -Fosters, and others, who have formed a conspiracy for the purpose of -destroying my life, and scattering the Saints or driving them from the -state. - -[Sidenote: Ordinance on Libels.] - -An ordinance was passed concerning libels. The Council passed an -ordinance declaring the_ Nauvoo Expositor_ a nuisance, and also issued -an order to me to abate the said nuisance. I immediately ordered the -Marshal to destroy it without delay, and at the same time issued an -order to Jonathan Dunham, acting Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion, to -assist the Marshal with the Legion, if called upon so to do. - -About 8 p.m., the Marshal returned and reported that he had removed the -press, type, printed paper, and fixtures into the street, and destroyed -them. This was done because of the libelous and slanderous character -of the paper, its avowed intention being to destroy the municipality -and drive the Saints from the city. The _posse_ accompanied by some -hundreds of the citizens, returned with the Marshal to the front of -the Mansion, when I gave them a short address, and told them they had -done right and that not a hair of their heads should be hurt for it; -that they had executed the orders which were given me by {433} the City -Council; that I would never submit to have another libelous publication -established in the city; that I did not care how many papers were -printed in the city, if they would print the truth: but would submit -to no libels or slanders from them. I then blessed them in the name -of the Lord. This speech was loudly greeted by the assembly with -three-times-three cheers. The _posse_ and assembly then dispersed all -in good order. Francis M. Higbee and others made some threats. - -East wind. Very cold and cloudy. - -I here insert the - - _Ordinance Concerning Libels and for Other Purposes_. - - Whereas the Saints in all ages of the world have suffered - persecution and death by wicked and corrupt men under the garb - of a mere holy appearance of religion; and whereas the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, from the moment that its - first truth sprang out of the earth till now, has been persecuted - with death, destruction, and extermination; and, whereas men to - fulfill the Scriptures that a man's enemies are they of his own - household, have turned traitors in the Church, and combined and - leagued with the most corrupt scoundrels and villains that disgrace - the earth unhung, for the Heaven-daring and damnable purpose of - revenge on account of disappointed lust, disappointed projects - of speculation, fraud, and unlawful designs to rob and plunder - mankind with impunity; and, whereas such wicked and corrupt men - have greatly facilitated their unlawful designs, horrid intentions, - and murderous plans by polluting, degrading and converting - the blessings and utility of the press to the sin-smoking and - blood-stained ruin of innocent communities--by publishing lies, - false statements, coloring the truth, slandering men, women, - children, societies, and countries--by polishing the characters - of blacklegs, highwaymen, and murderers as virtuous; and whereas - a horrid, bloody, secret plan, upheld, sanctioned and largely - patronized by men in Nauvoo and out of it, who boast that all they - want for the word _go_, to exterminate or ruin the Latter day - Saints, is for them to do one unlawful act, and the work shall be - done, is now fostered, cherished, and maturing in Nauvoo,--by men, - too, who helped to obtain the very charter they would break, and - some of them drew up and voted for the very ordinances they are - striving to use as a scarecrow to frighten the surrounding country - in rebellion, mobbing, and war; and whereas, while the blood of - {434} our brethren from wells, holes and naked prairies, and the - ravishment of female virtue from Missouri, and the smoke from the - altars of infamy, prostituted by John C. Bennett, and continued in - the full tide of experiment and disgraceful damnation by the very - self-called fragments of a body of degraded men that have got up - a press in Nauvoo to destroy the charter of the city--to destroy - Mormonism, men, women, and children as Missouri did; by force of - arms--by fostering laws that emanate from corruption and betray - with a kiss; wherefore to honor the State of Illinois, and those - patriots who gave the charter, and for the benefit, convenience, - health, and happiness of said city:-- - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of Nauvoo that if any - person or persons shall write or publish in said city any false - statement or libel any of the citizens, for the purpose of exciting - the public mind against the chartered privileges, peace, and good - order of said city, or shall slander (according to the definition - of slander or libel by Blackstone or Kent, or the act in the - statute of Illinois,) any portion of the inhabitants of said city, - or bribe any portion of the citizens of said city for malicious - purposes, or in any manner or form excite the prejudice of the - community against any portion of the citizens of said city, for - evil purposes, he, she, or they shall be deemed disturbers of the - peace; and, upon conviction before the Mayor or Municipal Court, - shall be fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or - imprisoned six months, or both, at the discretion of said Mayor or - court. - - Sec. 2. Be it further ordained that nothing in the foregoing - section shall be so construed as to interfere with the right of any - person to be tried by a jury of his vicinage, with the freedom of - speech or the liberty of the press, according to the most liberal - meaning of the Constitution, the dignity of freemen, the voice of - truth, and the rules of virtue. - - Sec. 3. And be it further ordained that this ordinance shall be in - force from and after its passage. - - Passed June 10th, 1844. - - GEO. W. HARRIS, President, pro tem. - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - -I also insert a brief synopsis of the proceedings of the City Council -of the city of Nauvoo, relative to the destruction of the press and -fixtures of the _Nauvoo Expositor_. - - _Synopsis of Proceedings in the City Council against the Nauvoo - Expositor_. - - CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR SESSION, - - June 8th, 1844. - - In connection with other business as stated in last week's paper, - the {435} Mayor remarked that he believed it generally the case, - that when a man goes to law, he has an unjust cause, and wants to - go before some one who wants business, and that he had very few - cases on his docket; and referring to Councilor Emmons, editor of - the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ suggested the propriety of first purging - the City Council; and, referring to the character of the paper - and proprietors, called up Theodore Turley, a mechanic, who being - sworn, said that the Laws (William and Wilson,) had brought bogus - dies to him to fix. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith inquired what good Foster and his brother and - the Higbees and Laws had ever done. While his brother Joseph was - under arrest from the Missouri persecution, the Laws and Robert - D. Foster would have been ridden on a rail, if he had not stepped - forward to prevent it, on account of their oppressing the poor. - - Mayor said, while he was under arrest by writ from Governor Carlin - William Law sued him for $40 he was owing Law, and it took the last - expense money he had to pay it. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith referred to J. H. Jackson's coming to this - city, &c. Mayor said that William Law had offered Jackson $500 to - kill him. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith continued--Jackson told him he (Jackson) - meant to have his daughter, and threatened him if he made any - resistance. Jackson related to him a dream, that Joseph and Hyrum - were opposed to him, but that he would execute his purposes; that - Jackson had laid a plan with four or five persons to kidnap his - daughter, and threatened to shoot any one that should come near - after he had got her in the skiff; that Jackson was engaged in - trying to make bogus, which was his principal business. Referred - to the revelation read to the High Council of the Church, which - has caused so much talk, about multiplicity of wives; that said - revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which - transpired in former days. That when sick, William Law confessed - to him that he had been guilty of adultery, and was not fit to - live, and had sinned against his own soul, &c., and inquired who - was Judge Emmons? When he came here he had scarce two shirts to his - back; but he had been dandled by the authorities of the city, &c., - and was now editor of the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ and his right hand - man, was Francis M. Higbee, who had confessed to him that he had - had the--! - - Washington Peck sworn, said--"Soon after Joseph H. Jackson came - here, he came to witness to borrow money, which witness loaned him - and Cook some jewelry as security." - - Soon after a man from across the river came after the jewelry. - Jackson had stolen the jewelry from him. - - {436} At another time wanted to get money of witness. Asked witness - if he would do anything dishonorable to get a living. Witness said - he would not. Jackson said witness was a damn fool, for he could - get a living, a deal easier than he was then doing, by making - bogus; and some men high in the Church, are engaged in the business. - - Witness asked if it was Joseph. "No," said Jackson; "I dare not - tell it to Joseph." Witness understood him the Laws are engaged in - it. Jackson said he would be the death of witness, if he ever went - to Joseph, or anyone else, to tell what he had said. - - AFTERNOON.--Ordered by the Council that Sylvester Emmons be - suspended until his case could be investigated, for slandering the - City Council. That the Recorder notify him of his suspension, and - that his case would come up for investigation at the next regular - session of the Council. (The order is in the hands of the Marshal). - - Councilor John Taylor said that Council or Emmons helped to make - the ordinances of the city, and had never lifted his voice against - them in the Council, and was now trying to destroy the ordinances - and the charter. - - Lorenzo Wasson sworn, said Joseph H. Jackson had told witness that - bogus-making was going on in the city; but it was too damned small - business. Wanted witness to help him to procure money, for the - General (Smith) was afraid to go into it; and with $500 he could - get an engraving for bills on the Bank of Missouri, and one on the - State of New York, and could make money. Said many times witness - did not know him. Believed the General had been telling witness - something. "G--d d--n him; if he has, I will kill him; Swore he - would kill any man that should prove a traitor to him," Jackson - said, if he could get a company of men to suit him, he would go - into the frontiers and live by highway robbery; had got sick of the - world. - - Mayor suggested that the Council pass an ordinance to prevent - misrepresentations and libelous publications and conspiracies - against the peace of the city; and, referring to the reports that - Dr. Foster has set afloat, said he had never made any proposals - to Foster to come back to the Church. Foster proposed to come - back; came to Mayor's house, and wanted a private interview. Had - some conversation with Foster in the hall, in presence of several - gentlemen, on the 7th inst. Offered to meet him and have an - interview in presence of friends, three or four, to be selected by - each party; which Foster agreed to, and went to bring his friends - for the interview; and the next notice he had of him was the - following letter:-- - - {437} TO GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH: - - June 7th, 1844. - - SIR,--I have consulted my friends in relation to your proposals of - settlement, and they as well as myself, are of opinion that your - conduct, and that of your unworthy, unprincipled clan, is so base, - that it would be morally wrong, and detract from the dignity of - gentlemen, to hold any conference with you. The repeated insults - and abuses I, as well as my friends, have suffered from your - unlawful course towards us, demands honorable resentment. We are - resolved to make this our motto. - - Nothing on our part has been done to provoke your anger, but have - done all things as become men. You have trampled upon everything - we hold dear and sacred. You have set all law at defiance, and - profaned the name of the Most High to carry out your damnable - purposes; and I have nothing more to fear from you than you have - already threatened; and I, as well as my friends, will stay here - and maintain and magnify the law as long as we stay; and we are - resolved never to leave until we sell or exchange our property that - we have here. - - The proposals made by your agent, Dimick Huntington, as well as - the threats you sent to intimidate me, I disdain and despise as I - do their unhallowed author. The right of my family and my friends - demands at my hand a refusal of all your offers. We are united in - virtue and truth, and we set hell at defiance, and all her agents. - Adieu. - - R. D. FOSTER. - - Mayor continued--And when Foster left his house, he went to a shoe - shop on the hill, and reported that Joseph said to him, if he - would come back he would give him Law's place in the Church, and a - hat-full of specie. - - Lucien Woodworth sworn. Said that the conversation as stated by the - Mayor was correct. Was at the Mansion June 7th, when Dr. Foster - rode up and inquired if General Smith was at home. Dr. Foster - went into the house; witness followed. Dr. Foster was there, the - General, and others, looking at some specimens of penmanship. - Something was said respecting a conversation at that time between - the General and the Doctor, Gen. Smith observed to Foster, if - he had a conversation, he would want others present. The Doctor - said he would have a word with him by himself, and went into the - hall. Witness went to the door that he might see and hear what - was passing. They still continued to talk on the subject of a - conversation that they might have afterwards with others present, - whom Mr. Smith and Foster might choose. Foster left, and went for - those that he said he wanted present, {438} and would return soon - with them. He heard all the conversation. Heard nothing about Gen. - Smith's making any offers to Foster to settle. - - Mayor said he wished it distinctly understood that he knew nothing - about Dimick Huntington going to see Foster. - - Woodworth said he sent Dimick Huntington to Foster, and Joseph knew - nothing about it. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith said Dimick Huntington came to him on the 7th - inst. and said he had had an interview with Dr. Foster, and thought - he was about ready to come back, and a word from him or Joseph - would bring it about. - - Mayor said--"The conduct of such men and such papers are calculated - to destroy the peace of the city, and it is not safe that such - thing should exist, on account of the mob spirit which they tend - to produce." He had made the statements he had, and called the - witnesses to prepare the council to act in the case. - - Emmons was blackguarded out of Philadelphia, and dubbed with - the title of Judge (as he had understood from citizens of - Philadelphia); was poor, and Mayor helped him to cloth for a coat - before he went away last fall, and he (Emmons) labored all winter - to get the postoffice from Mr. Rigdon (as informed). - - Mayor referred to a writing from Dr. Goforth, showing that the - Laws presented the communication from the Female Relief Society in - the_ Nauvoo Neighbor_ to Dr. Goforth, as the bone of contention, - and said if God ever spake by any man, it will not be five years - before this city is in ashes and we in our graves, unless we go to - Oregon, California or some other place, if the city does not put - down everything which tends to mobocracy, and put down murderers, - bogus-makers, and scoundrels. All the sorrow he ever had in his - family in this city has arisen through the influence of William Law. - - Councilor H. Smith spoke in relation to the Laws, Fosters, Higbees, - editor of the _Signal,_ &c., and of the importance of suppressing - that spirit which has driven us from Missouri, &c.; that he would - go in for an effective ordinance. - - Mayor said, at the time Governor Carlin was pursuing him with his - writs, William Law came to his house with a band of Missourians for - the purpose of betraying him. Came to his gate, and was prevented - by Daniel Carn, who was set to watch. Law came within his gate and - called, "Mayor," and the Mayor reproved Law for coming at that time - of night with a company of strangers. - - Daniel Carn sworn. Said that about ten o'clock at night a boat - came up the river with about a dozen men. William Law came to the - gate with them. Witness on guard, stopped them. Law called Joseph - to {439} the door, and wanted an interview. Joseph said--"Brother - Law, you know better than to come here at this hour of the night," - and Law retired. Next morning Law wrote a letter to apologize, - which witness heard read, which was written apparently to screen - himself from the censure of a conspiracy; and the letter betrayed a - conspiracy on the face of it. - - Adjourned at half-past 6 p.m. till Monday, 10th, 10 o'clock a.m. - - Adjourned session, June 10th, 10 o'clock a.m. Alderman Harris - presiding. - - Mayor referred to Dr. Foster, and again read his letter of the 7th - instant (as before quoted). - - Cyrus Hills (a stranger) sworn. Said one day last week, believed - it Wednesday, a gentleman whom witness did not know, came into the - sitting room of the Nauvoo Mansion, and requested the Hon. Mayor - to step aside; he wanted to speak with him. Mayor stepped through - the door into the entry by the foot of the stairs, and the General - (Mayor) asked him what he wished? Foster (as witness learned since - was his name) said he wanted some conversation on some business - witness did not understand at the time. The General refused to go - any farther, and said he would have no conversation in private, - and what should be said should be in public, and told Foster, if - he would choose three or four men, he would meet him with the same - number of men (among whom was his brother Hyrum), and they would - have a cool and calm investigation of the subject; and by his - making a proper satisfaction, things should be honorably adjusted. - Witness judged, from the manner in which Foster expressed himself, - that he agreed to the Mayor's proposals, and would meet him the - same day in the presence of friends. Heard no proposals made by - Major to Foster for settlement. Heard nothing about any offers - of dollars, or money, or any other offer except those mentioned - before. Nothing said about William Law. Was within hearing of the - parties at the time conversation was going on. - - Orrin P. Rockwell sworn. Some day last week saw Dr. Foster ride - up to the Nauvoo Mansion and go in. Witness went in and found the - Mayor and Dr. Foster in conversation. General Smith was naming the - men he would have present, among whom were Hyrum Smith, William - Marks, Lucien Woodworth, and Peter Haws; and Dr. Foster had leave - to call an equal number of his friends, as witness understood, for - the purpose of having an interview on some matters in contention. - - The Doctor's brother was proposed. General said he had no - objection; wanted him present. Dr. Foster started, saying he would - be back shortly. Before Dr. Foster left, the men whom General Smith - had named to be present at the conversation were sent for. - - {440} Cross-examined. Witness went into the house as Mayor and Dr. - Foster were coming out of the bar-room into the hall. Nothing said - by the Mayor to Dr. Foster about his coming back. Made no offer to - Foster about a settlement. - - Mayor said the first thing that occurred to his mind, when - he stepped into the hall with Foster, was that he wanted to - assassinate him. He saw something shining below his vest. Mayor put - his finger on it and said--"What is that?" Foster replied--"It's my - pistol," and immediately took out the pistol, and showed it openly, - and wanted the Mayor to go with him alone. Mayor said he would not - go alone. Mayor never saw the pistol before. Had a hook on its side - to hang on his waist-band. - - Andrew L. Lamoreaux sworn. Said that in 1839 or '40, while - President Joseph Smith, Elder Rigdon, Judge Higbee, Orrin P. - Rockwell, and Dr. Robert D. Foster were on their way to Washington, - called at witness' house in Dayton, Ohio; that the evening was - spent very agreeably, except some dissatisfaction on the part - of certain females with regard to the conduct of Dr. Foster. On - their return from Washington, witness informed President Smith of - Foster's conduct. President Smith said he had frequently reproved - Foster for such conduct, and he had promised to do better, and told - witness to reprove Foster, if he saw anything out of the way. That - evening Foster refused to join the company, and walked through - the town till about 8 o'clock, when he came in and interrupted - President Smith, who was expounding some passages of the Scripture, - and changed the conversation. Soon after the company were invited - to Mr. Brown's at the next door, whither they all repaired. While - at Mr. Brown's, conversation was going on, and the room much - crowded. Dr. Foster and one of the ladies he had paid so much - attention to before took their seats in one corner of the room. - [Here follows statement of such lewdness in speech and conduct - on the part of Foster that it would violate propriety to print - it.] Next morning witness went in while Foster and others were - at breakfast, and related what he had seen. Foster denied it. - President Smith told him not to deny it, for he saw it himself, and - was ashamed of it. Foster confessed it was true, and promised to - reform. - - Peter Haws sworn. Said that he came to Nauvoo before the Laws and - brought considerable property. It was a short time after the Church - had been driven out of Missouri, and had arrived in this place. The - families having been robbed of all in Missouri, were in a starving - condition. By the counsel of the Presidency, witness converted - his funds to feeding the poor, bringing in meat and flour, &c.; - and while thus engaged, drew upon the Laws, who were at that time - engaged in {441} merchandise, to the amount of some six hundred - dollars, which, on account of expenditure for the poor, he was not - able to pay within seventy or eighty dollars, which they pressed - him for as soon as they wanted it, although he offered them good - property at considerable less than the market value, as witness was - obliged to leave the city on Church business for a little season. - William Law threatened and intimidated witness' family during his - absence for the pay. - - Dr. Foster made a public dinner on the 4th of July. Witness was - obliged to be absent, and deposited meat, flour, &c., with William - Law to give to the poor at that dinner, and Law handed it out as - his own private property. Witness carried a load of wheat to Law's - mill to be ground. Law would not grind it only to give a certain - quantity of flour in return by weight. Law used up the flour, - promising from time to time he would refund it. As witness was - about to start on a mission to the south with his valise in his - hand saw Law before his door talking with Hyrum Smith. Called on - Law, and told him he was going away, and his family wanted the - flour. Law promised on the honor of a gentleman and a Saint, that - his family should have the flour when they wanted. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith said he recollected the time and circumstance. - - Hawes said when he returned he found his family must have starved, - if they had not borrowed money to get food somewhere else; could - not get it of Law; and Law was preaching punctuality,_ punctuality, - punctuality,_ as the whole drift of his discourses to the Saints, - and abusing them himself and grinding the poor. - - Mayor said, if he had a City Council who felt as he did, the - establishment (referring to the _Nauvoo Expositor_) would be - declared a nuisance before night; and then he read an editorial - from the _Nauvoo Expositor._ He then asked who ever said a word - against Judge Emmons until he attacked this Council? or even - against Joseph H. Jackson or the Laws, until they came out against - the city? Here is a paper (_Nauvoo Expositor_) that is exciting - our enemies abroad. Joseph H. Jackson has been proved a murderer - before the Council, and he declared the paper a nuisance--a greater - nuisance than a dead carcass. They make it a criminality for a man - to have a wife on the earth while he has one in heaven, according - to the keys of the Holy Priesthood; and he then read a statement - of William Law's from the _Expositor,_ where the truth of God was - transformed into a lie concerning this thing. He then read several - statements of Austin Cowles in the _Expositor_ concerning a private - interview, and said he never had any private conversations with - Austin Cowles on these subjects; that he preached on the stand from - the Bible, showing the order in ancient days. What the opposition - party {442} want is to raise a mob on us and take the spoil from - us, as they did in Missouri. He said it was as much as he could do - to keep his clerk, Thompson, from publishing the proceeding of the - Laws and causing the people to rise up against them. Said he would - rather die tomorrow and have the thing smashed, than live and have - it go on, for it was exciting the spirit of mobocracy among the - people, and bringing death and destruction upon us. - - Peter Hawes recalled a circumstance which he had forgotten to - mention concerning a Mr. Smith who came from England and soon - after died. The children had no one to protect them. There was one - girl sixteen or seventeen years old, and a younger sister. Witness - took these girls into his family out of pity. Wilson Law, then - Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion, was familiar with the oldest - daughter. Witness cautioned the girl. Wilson was soon there again, - and went out in the evening with the girl, who, when charged by the - witness' wife, confessed that Wilson Law had seduced her. Witness - told her he could not keep her. The girl wept, made much ado, and - many promises. Witness told her if she would do right she might - stay; but she did not keep her promise. Wilson came again and she - went out with him. Witness then required her to leave the house. - - Mayor said certain women came to complain to his wife that they had - caught Wilson Law with the girl [in compromising relations] at Mr. - Hawes' in the night. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith proceeded to show the falsehood of Austin - Cowles in the _Expositor,_ in relation to the revelation referred - to. - - Mayor said he had never preached the revelation in private; but - he had public. Had not taught to the anointed in the Church in - private, which statement many present confirmed; that on inquiring - concerning the passage on the resurrection concerning "they neither - marry nor are given in marriage," &c., he received for answer, "Man - in this life must marry in view of eternity, otherwise they must - remain as angels, or be single in heaven," which was the doctrine - of the revelation referred to; and the Mayor spoke at considerable - length in explanation of this principle, and was willing, for - one, to subscribe his name to declare the _Expositor_ and whole - establishment a nuisance. - - Two o'clock p.m. Willard Richards, the clerk of the Council, bore - testimony of the good character and high standing of Mr. Smith and - his family, whose daughter was seduced by Wilson Law, as stated - by the last witness before the morning council; that Mrs. Smith - died near the mouth of the Mississippi, and the father and eldest - daughter died soon after their arrival in this place; and that the - seduction of such a youthful, fatherless and innocent creature, - by such a man in high standing as the Major-General of the Nauvoo - Legion, was one of the darkest, damnedest, and foulest deeds on - record. - - {443} Councilor Hyrum Smith concurred in the remarks made by the - clerk concerning the excellent character of Mr. Smith and his - family. - - Mayor said the Constitution did not authorize the press to publish - libels, and proposed that the Council make some provision for - putting down the _Nauvoo Expositor_. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith called for a prospectus of the _Expositor_. - - Councilor Phelps read article 8, sec. 1, Constitution of Illinois. - - Mayor called for the charter. - - The clerk read the prospectus of the _Nauvoo Expositor_ as follows: - - PROSPECTUS OF THE "NAUVOO EXPOSITOR." - - The _Nauvoo Expositor_ will be issued on Friday of each week, on - an imperial sheet, with a new press and materials of the best - quality, and rendered worthy of the patronage of a discerning and - enlightened public. - - The _Expositor_ will be devoted to a general diffusion of useful - knowledge, and its columns open for the admission of all courteous - communications of a religious, moral, social, literary, or - political character without taking a decided stand in favor of - either of the great political parties in the country. A part of - its columns will be devoted to a few primary objects, which the - publishers deem of vital importance to the public welfare. Their - particular locality gives them a knowledge of the many_ gross - abuses exercised under the "pretended" authorities of the Charter - of the City of Nauvoo,_ by the legislative authorities of said city - and the _insupportable oppression_ of the _Ministerial powers in - carrying out the unjust, illegal and unconstitutional ordinances of - the same._ The publishers therefore deem it a sacred duty they owe - to their country and their fellow-citizens to advocate through the - columns of the _Expositor_ THE UNCONDITIONAL REPEAL OF THE NAUVOO - CITY CHARTER, to restrain and correct the abuses of the UNIT POWER, - to ward off the iron rod which is held over the devoted heads of - the citizens of Nauvoo and the surrounding country, to advocate - unmitigated DISOBEDIENCE TO POLITICAL REVELATIONS, and to censure - and decry gross moral imperfections wherever found, either in the - plebeian, patrician or SELF-CONSTITUTED MONARCH--to advocate the - pure principles of morality, the pure principles of truth, designed - not to destroy, but to strengthen the mainspring of God's moral - government--to advocate and exercise the freedom of speech in - Nauvoo, independent of the ordinances abridging the same--_to give - free toleration to every man's religious sentiment,_ and sustain - ALL in worshiping their God according to the monitions of their - consciences, as guaranteed by the Constitution of our country, and - to oppose with uncompromising hostility any UNION OF CHURCH AND - STATE, or any preliminary step tending to the same--to sustain ALL - _however humble,_ in their equal and constitutional rights, and - oppose the {444} sacrifice of the liberty, the property and the - happiness of the MANY, to the _pride_ and _ambition_ of the FEW; - in a word, to give a full, candid and succinct statement of FACTS - AS THEY REALLY EXIST IN THE CITY OF NAUVOO _fearless of whose - particular case the facts may apply_--being governed by the laws of - editorial courtesy, and the inherent dignity which is inseparable - from honorable minds, at the same time exercising their own - judgment in cases of flagrant abuses of moral delinquencies,--to - use such terms and names as they deem proper, when the object is of - such high importance that the end will justify the means. In this - great and indispensable work, we confidently look to an enlightened - public to aid us in our laudable effort. - - The columns of the _Expositor_ will be open to the discussion - of all matters of public interest, the production of all - correspondents, subject to the decision of the editor alone, who - shall receive or reject at his option. National questions will - be in place, but no preference given to either of the political - parties. The editorial department will contain the political news - of the day, proceedings of Congress, election returns &c. Room will - be given for articles on agriculture, the mechanic arts, commercial - transactions, &c. - - The first number of the _Expositor_ will be issued on Friday, the - 7th day of June, 1844. The publishers bind themselves to issue the - paper weekly for one year, and forward 52 copies to each subscriber - during the year. Orders should be forwarded as soon as possible, - that the publishers may know what number of copies to issue. - - The publishers take pleasure in announcing to the public that - they have engaged the service of Sylvester Emmons, Esq., who will - have entire charge and supervision of the editorial department. - From an acquaintance with the dignity of character and literary - qualifications of this gentleman, they feel assured that the - _Nauvoo Expositor_ must and will sustain a high and honorable - reputation. - - All letters and communications must be addressed to Charles A. - Foster, Nauvoo, Ill., postpaid, in order to insure attention. - - WILLIAM LAW, - - WILSON LAW, - - CHARLES IVINS, - - FRANCIS M. HIGBEE, - - CHAUNCEY L. HIGBEE, - - ROBERT D. FOSTER, - - CHARLES A. FOSTER, - - Publishers. - - Nauvoo, Ill., May 10th, 1844. - - Mayor read the statements of Francis M. Higbee from the - _Expositor,_ {445} and asked--"Is it not treasonable against - all chartered rights and privileges, and against the peace and - happiness of the city?" - - Councilor Hyrum Smith was in favor of declaring the _Expositor_ a - nuisance. - - Councilor Taylor said no city on earth would bear such slander, and - he would not bear it, and was decidedly in favor of active measures. - - Mayor made a statement of what William Law said before the City - Council under oath, that he was a friend to the Mayor, &c.. and - asked if there were any present who recollected his statement, when - scores responded, Yes. - - Councilor Taylor continued--Wilson Law was President of this - Council during the passage of many ordinances, and referred to - the records. "William Law and Emmons were members of the Council, - and Emmons has never objected to any ordinance while in the - Council, but has been more like a cipher, and is now become editor - of a libelous paper, and is trying to destroy our charter and - ordinances." He then read from the Constitution of the United - States on the freedom of the press, and said--"We are willing they - should publish the truth; but it is unlawful to publish libels. The - _Expositor_ is a nuisance, and stinks in the nose of every honest - man." - - Mayor read from Illinois Constitution, article 8, section 22, - touching the responsibility of the press for its constitutional - liberty. - - Councilor Stiles said a nuisance was anything that disturbs the - peace of a community, and read Blackstone on private wrongs, vol. - 2, page 4; and the whole community has to rest under the stigma - of these falsehoods (referring to the_ Expositor_); and if we - can prevent the issuing of any more slanderous communications, - he would go in for it. It is right for this community to show a - proper resentment; and he would go in for suppressing all further - publications of the kind. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith believed the best way was to smash the press - and pi the type. - - Councilor Johnson concurred with the Councilors who had spoken. - - Alderman Bennett referred to the statement of the _Expositor_ - concerning the Municipal Court in the case of Jeremiah Smith as a - libel, and considered the paper a public nuisance. - - Councilor Warrington considered his a peculiar situation, as he - did not belong to any church or any party. Thought it might be - considered rather harsh for the Council to declare the paper a - nuisance, and proposed giving a few days limitation, and assessing - a fine of $3,000 for every libel; and if they would not cease - publishing libels, to declare it a nuisance; and said the statutes - made provisions for a fine of $500. - - Mayor replied that they threatened to shoot him when at Carthage, - and the women and others dare not go to Carthage to prosecute; and - {446} read a libel from the _Expositor_ concerning the imprisonment - of Jeremiah Smith. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith spoke of the _Warsaw Signal,_ and - disapprobated its libelous course. - - Mayor remarked he was sorry to have one dissenting voice in - declaring the _Expositor_ a nuisance. - - Councilor Warrington did not mean to be understood to go against - the proposition; but would not be in haste in declaring a nuisance. - - Councilor Hyrum Smith referred to the mortgages and property of the - proprietors of the_ Expositor,_ and thought there would be little - chance of collecting damages for libels. - - Alderman Elias Smith considered there was but one course to pursue - that the proprietors were out of the reach of the law; that our - course was to put an end to the things at once. Believed by what he - had heard that if the City Council did not do it, others would. - - Councilor Hunter believed it to be a nuisance. Referred to the - opinion of Judge Pope on _habeas corpus,_ and spoke in favor of - the charter, &c. Asked Francis M. Higbee, before the jury, if he - was not the man he saw at Joseph's house making professions of - friendship. Higbee said he was not. (Hundreds know this statement - to be false.) He also asked R. D. Foster if he did not state before - hundreds of people that he believed Joseph to be a Prophet. "No," - said Foster. They were under oath when they said it. (Many hundreds - of people are witness to this perjury). - - Alderman Orson Spencer accorded with the views expressed, that - the _Nauvoo Expositor_ is a nuisance. Did not consider it wise to - give them time to trumpet a thousand lies. Their property could - not pay for it. If we pass only a fine or imprisonment, have we - any confidence that they will desist? None at all. We have found - these men covenant-breakers with God, with their wives, &c. Have we - any hope of their doing better? Their characters have gone before - them. Shall they be suffered to go on, and bring a mob upon us, - and murder our women and children, and burn our beautiful city! - No! I had rather my blood would be spilled at once, and would like - to have the press removed as soon as the ordinance would allow: - and wish the matter might be put into the hands of the Mayor, and - everybody stand by him in the execution of his duties, and hush - every murmur. - - Councilor Levi Richards said he had felt deeply on this subject, - and concurred fully in the view General Smith had expressed of - it this day; thought it unnecessary to repeat what the Council - perfectly understood; considered private interest as nothing in - comparison with the public good. Every time a line was formed in - Far West, he was there--for what? To defend it against just such - scoundrels and influence {447} as the _Nauvoo Expositor_ and its - supporters were directly calculated to bring against us again. - Considered the doings of the Council this day of immense moment, - not to this city alone, but to the whole world; would go in to put - a stop to the thing at once. Let it be thrown out of this city, and - the responsibility of countenancing such a press be taken off our - shoulders and fall on the State, if corrupt enough to sustain it. - - Councilor Phineas Richards said that he had not forgotten the - transaction at Haun's Mill, and that he recollected that his - son George Spencer then lay in the well referred to on the day - previous, without a winding-sheet, shroud or coffin. He said he - could not sit still when he saw the same spirit raging in this - place. He considered the publication of the _Expositor_ as much - murderous at heart as David was before the death of Uriah; was - prepared to take stand; by the Mayor, and whatever he proposes; - would stand by him to the last. The quicker it is stopped the - better. - - Councilor Phelps had investigated the Constitution, Charter, and - laws. The power to declare that office a nuisance is granted to - us in the Springfield Charter, and a resolution declaring it a - nuisance is all that is required. - - John Birney sworn. Said Francis M. Higbee and Wm. Law declared they - had commenced their operations, and would carry them out, law or no - law. - - Stephen Markham sworn. Said that Francis M. Higbee said the - interest of this city is done the moment a hand is laid on their - press. - - Councilor Phelps continued, and referred to Wilson Law in - destroying the character of a child--an orphan child, who had the - charge of another child. - - Warren Smith sworn. Said F. M. Higbee came to him, and proposed - to have him go in as a partner in making bogus money. Higbee said - he would not work for a living; that witness might go in with him - if he would advance fifty dollars; and showed him (witness) a - half-dollar which he said was made in his dies. - - Councilor Phelps continued and he felt deeper this day than ever he - felt before, and wanted to know, by "Yes," if there was any person - who wanted to avenge the blood of that innocent female who had been - seduced by the then Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion, Wilson Law; - when "Yes!" resounded from every quarter of the house. He then - referred to the tea plot at Boston, and asked if anybody's rights - were taken away with that transaction; and are we offering, or have - we offered to take away the rights of anyone these two days? ("No!" - resounded from every quarter.) He then referred also to Law's - grinding the poor during the scarcity of grain, while the poor had - nothing {448} but themselves to grind; and spoke at great length in - support of active measures to put down iniquity, and suppress the - spirit of mobocracy. - - Alderman Harris spoke from the chair, and expressed his feelings - that the press ought to be demolished. - - The following resolution was then read and passed unanimously, with - the exception of Councilor Warrington:-- - - "Resolved, by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, that the - printing-office from whence issues the_ Nauvoo Expositor_ is a - public nuisance and also all of said _Nauvoo Expositors_ which may - be or exist in said establishment; and the Mayor is instructed to - cause said printing establishment and papers to be removed without - delay, in such manner as he shall direct. - - GEORGE W. HARRIS, - - President, _pro tem._ - - W. RICHARDS, Recorder. - - The following order was immediately issued by the Mayor:-- - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss. - - _To the Marshal of said City, greeting_. - - You are here commanded to destroy the printing press from whence - issues the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ and pi the type of said printing - establishment in the street, and burn all the _Expositors_ and - libelous handbills found in said establishment; and if resistance - be offered to your execution of this order by the owners or others, - demolish the house; and if anyone threatens you or the Mayor or the - officers of the city, arrest those who threaten you, and fail not - to execute this order without delay, and make due return hereon. - - By order of the City Council, - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - Marshal's return--"The within-named press and type is destroyed and - pied according to order, on this 10th day of June, 1844, at about 8 - o'clock p.m. - - J. P. GREENE, C. M. - - HEADQUARTERS, NAUVOO LEGION, - - June 10th, 1844. - - _To Jonathan Dunham, acting Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion_. - - You are hereby commanded to hold the Nauvoo Legion in readiness - forthwith to execute the city ordinances, and especially to remove - the printing establishment of the _Nauvoo Expositor;_ and this is - what you are required to do at sight, under the penalty of the - laws, provided the Marshal shall require it and need your services. - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - Lieut-General, Nauvoo Legion. - -{449} _Tuesday 11.--_Spent the forenoon in council with the brethren at -my house. Went to the office and conversed with my brother Hyrum, Dr. -Richards, George G. Adams, and others. - -I issued the following. - - PROCLAMATION. - - By virtue of my office as Mayor of the city of Nauvoo, I do hereby - strictly enjoin it upon the municipal officers and citizens of - said city to use all honorable and lawful means in their power to - assist me in maintaining the public peace and common quiet of said - city. As attempts have already been made to excite the jealousy - and prejudice of the people of the surrounding country, by libels - and slanderous articles upon the citizens and City Council, for - the purpose of destroying the charter of said city, and for the - purpose of raising suspicion, wrath, and indignation among a - certain class of the less honorable portion of mankind, to commit - acts of violence upon the innocent and unsuspecting, in a certain - newspaper called the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ recently established - for such purposes in said city, and which has been destroyed as - a nuisance, according to the provision of the charter. I further - call upon every officer, authority, and citizen to be vigilant in - preventing, by wisdom the promulgation of false statements, libels, - slanders, or any other malicious or evil-designed concern that may - be put in operation to excite and ferment the passions of men to - rebel against the rights and privileges of the city, citizens, or - laws of the land; to be ready to suppress the gathering of mobs; - to repel, by gentle means and noble exertion, every foul scheme of - unprincipled men to disgrace and dishonor the city, or state, or - any of their legally-constituted authorities; and, finally to keep - the peace by being cool, considerate, virtuous, unoffending, manly, - and patriotic, as the true sons of liberty ever have been, and - honorably maintain the precious boon our illustrious fathers won. - - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal - of said corporation at the city of Nauvoo, this 11th day of June, - 1844. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - -I had an interview with Elder G. J. Adams out of doors and then -returned home to dinner. - -At 2 p.m. I went into court. Many people were present. I talked an hour -or two on passing events, the mob {450} party, &c., and told the people -I was ready to fight, if the mob compelled me to, for I would not be in -bondage. I asked the assembly if they would stand by me, and they cried -"Yes" from all quarters. I returned home. - -The Recorder issued a summons for Sylvester Emmons to attend the City -Council on the second Saturday in July, at 10 a.m. to answer charges -then and there to be preferred against him for slandering the City -Council. - -Dr. Richards came to me at my room as I was talking to my brother -Hyrum, Eaton Bonney and others, and read the following letter: - - _Letter: L. W. Hickok to Joseph Smith--Probability of Indictment of - the Prophet et al, at Springfield_. - - SPRINGFIELD, ILL., June 6th, 1844. - - _General Joseph Smith or Dr. Richards_: - - GENTLEMEN.--I arrived at this place on yesterday, safe and sound, - in company with Major Smith, who is in good health, and wishes to - be remembered to you and all his friends. - - I have just learned that T. B. Johnson, the individual who figured - so large at Nauvoo is about to present the case, or his case, - before the grand jury at this place. This is to inform you of the - fact, that you may take the necessary precaution, or do what you - think advisable in the case. From what I can gather, you are all to - be indicted who were present in the case according to the law of - the city of Nauvoo. - - I remain a friend to humanity, "equal rights," and justice to all - mankind. - - L. W. HICKOK. - - P. S.--I have just learned that Elder Wight is in this place, and - shall put this in his hands, thinking that he may act with more - efficiency than the mail. - - I am, &c., - - L. W. H. - -Our communications by mail appear to be cut off, as no part of our -extensive correspondence has come to hand by the U. S. mail for the -last three weeks, and Dr. Hickok seems to be aware of it. Instructed -Dr. Richards to {451} answer Dr. Hickok's letter, and then rode out -with O. P. Rockwell. - -I received the following letter: - - _Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith--Warning the Prophet of - Probable Indictment_. - - SPRINGFIELD, ILL., June 6, 1844. - - DEAR SIR.--I have just received information that T. B. Johnson is - making an effort to procure from the grand jury for the United - States, now in session at this place, an indictment against the - members of your Municipal Court for exercising their legal and - constitutional rights, and discharging their sworn duty in acting - in the matter of Jeremiah Smith's petition for _habeas corpus._ - I could hardly have supposed that he would succeed, had I not - been informed that there is no doubt that he will accomplish his - object. I give you this information that you may be able to act as - circumstances may require. Mr. Smith has not had a hearing, and - will not till tomorrow morning. - - Yours truly, - - H. T. HUGINS. - - GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH, Nauvoo. - -Elders Jedediah M. Grant and George J. Adams preached at my house in -the evening. Cloudy and cool day. - -The captain of the steamer _Osprey_ called this forenoon at the -printing office to see me. I rode with him to his boat, which was -at the upper landing. When I came up, Charles A. Foster called the -passengers to see the meanest man in the world. Mr. Eaton stopped him, -and told the passengers that it was Foster who was the meanest man in -the world. Rollison attempted to draw a pistol, but Eaton silenced him, -and kept them all down. - -David Harvey Redfield reported that last evening, while on the hill, -just before the police arrived, Francis M. Higbee said while speaking -of the printing press of the _Nauvoo Expositor,_ if they lay their -hands upon it or break it, they may date their downfall from that very -hour, and in ten days there will not be a Mormon left in Nauvoo. What -they do, they may expect the same in return. Addison Everett also heard -him. - -{452} Jason R. Luse reported that Ianthus Rolf said, while the press -was burning that before three weeks the Mansion House would be strung -to the ground, and he would help to do it; and Tallman Rolf said the -city would be strung to the ground within ten day. Moses Leonard also -heard him, Joshua Miller being also present. - -Bryant, (merchant of Nauvoo) said before he would see such things, he -would wade to his knees in blood. - -It is reported that runners have gone out in all directions to try to -get up a mob; and the mobbers are selling their houses in Nauvoo and -disposing of their property. - -{453} - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -PRESIDENT SMITH ARRESTED FOR RIOT IN RELATION TO "EXPOSITOR" -AFFAIR--HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS BEFORE MUNICIPAL COURT--A CALL FROM -ARKANSAS--THE PROPHETS'S DREAMS--MASS MEETING AT WARSAW--LETTERS TO -GOVERNOR FORD ON "EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR. - -_Wednesday, June 12, 1844.--_At 10 a.m. in my office. - -At half-past one I was arrested by David Bettisworth on the following -writ: - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - _The People of the State of Illinois to all Constables, Sheriffs - and Coroners of State, Greeting_: - - _Whereas_ complaint hath been made before me, one of the justices - of the peace within and for the county of Hancock aforesaid, upon - the oath of Francis M. Higbee of said county, that Joseph Smith, - Samuel Bennett, John Taylor and William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, - John P. Greene, Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan - Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards, Jonathan Holmes, Jesse P. - Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. Redfield, Porter - Rockwell and Levi Richards, of said county did on the 10th day of - June instant commit a riot at and within the county aforesaid, - wherein they, with force and violence broke into the office of - the _Nauvoo Expositor_, and unlawfully and with force burned and - destroyed the printing press, type and fixtures of the same, being - the property of William Law, Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis M. - Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee, Robert D. Foster, and Charles A. Foster. - - These are therefore to command you forthwith to apprehend the said - Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, - Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene, Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, - Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards, Jonathan - Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. - Redfield, Porter Rockwell and Levi Richards, and bring them before - me or some other justice of the peace, to answer the premises, and - further to be dealt with according to Law. - - {454} Given under my hand and seal at Carthage, in the county - aforesaid, this 11th day of June. A. D. 1844. - - [Seal] - - THOMAS MORRISON, J. P. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet Asserts his Rights Under the Law.] - -After the officer got through reading the writ, I referred him to the -clause in the writ--"Before me or some other justice of the peace or -said county," saying, "We are ready to go to trial before Esquire -Johnson or any justice in Nauvoo, according to the requirements of the -writ;" but Bettisworth swore he would be damned but he would carry -them to Carthage before Morrison, who issued the writ and seemed very -wrathy. I asked him if he intended to break the law, for he knew the -privilege of the prisoners, and they should have it. I called upon all -present to witness that I then offered myself (Hyrum did the same) to -go forthwith before the nearest justice of the peace, and also called -upon them to witness whether the officer broke the law or not. - -I felt so indignant at his abuse in depriving me of the privilege of -the statute of Illinois in going before "some other justice," that -I determined to take out a writ of _habeas corpus,_ and signed the -following petition: - - _The Prophet's Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF NAUVOO. - - _To the Honorable Municipal Court in and for the said City of - Nauvoo_: - - Your petitioner, Joseph Smith, respectfully represents that he is - now under arrest in the said city of Nauvoo. - - That he is in the custody of one David Bettisworth, a constable - in and for said county of Hancock, who holds your petitioner, as - he says by virtue of a warrant issued by one Thomas Morrison, an - acting justice of the peace in and for the said county of Hancock, - and State of Illinois, which warrant was issued upon the affidavits - of one Francis M. Higbee, charging your petitioner with being - guilty of a riot, or of having committed a riot within the county - aforesaid. - - Your petitioner further represents that the warrant of arrest, by - virtue of which the said David Bettisworth has made this arrest, - does not disclose sufficiently clear and explicit the charge they - have preferred. - - Your petitioner further avers that this proceeding against him has - {455} been instituted through malice, private pique and corruption. - - Your petitioner further avers that the design and intention of - the said F. M. Higbee in commencing this prosecution is to commit - and carry out more easily a conspiracy against the life of your - petitioner; and that the said Higbee has publicly declared that - it was his determination to do everything in his power to throw - your petitioner into the hands of his enemies: and that there is - a determination upon the part of said Higbee and his unhallowed - coadjutors to commit an unlawful act, and to set the rights and - privileges of your petitioner at defiance, and bring down upon his - head this corrupt and unhallowed prosecution. - - Your petitioner further avers that he is not guilty of the charge - preferred against him; that he seeks an investigation before an - impartial tribunal, and fears not the result. - - Your petitioner would therefore ask your honorable body to grant - him the benefit of the writ of _habeas corpus,_ that this matter - may be investigated upon legal principles, and that the legal and - constitutional rights of your petitioner may be determined by your - honorable body. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever - pray. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - Subscribed and sworn to this 12th day of June, 1844, before me. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, M. C. C. N. - -Whereupon the clerk issued the following: - - _Petition of the Prophet Granted_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF NAUVOO. - - _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, of the city - aforesaid, is in the custody of one David Bettisworth, constable of - the county of Hancock, and State aforesaid. - - These are therefore to command the said David Bettisworth, - constable as aforesaid, to safely have the body of said Joseph - Smith, of the city aforesaid, in his custody detained, as it is - said, together with the day and cause of his caption and detention, - by whatsoever name the said Joseph Smith may be known or called, - before the Municipal Court of the said city forthwith, to abide - such order as the said court shall make in his behalf. And further, - if the said David Bettisworth, or other person or persons having - said Joseph Smith of said city of Nauvoo 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 {456} so - refusing or neglecting to comply, as aforesaid, and bring him or - them together with the person or persons in his or their custody, - forthwith before the Municipal Court aforesaid, to be dealt with - according to law. And herein fail not, and bring this writ with you. - - Witness, Willard Richards, clerk of the Municipal Court at Nauvoo, - this 12th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight - hundred and forty-four. - - [Seal] - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo. - -At 5 p.m. I appeared before the Municipal Court on the above _habeas -corpus_. The following is a copy of their docket. - - _Hearing on the Expositor affairs Before the Municipal Court of - Nauvoo--Habeas Corpus Proceedings_. - - Special session, June 12th, 1844, 5 o'clock p.m. - - Present--Alderman N. K. Whitney, Orson Spencer, George W. Harris, - Gustavus Hills, Elias Smith, and Samuel Bennett, associate - justices. The Mayor being on trial, George W. Harris was elected - president _pro tem_. - - John P. Greene, Marshal, made his return on the writ of_ habeas - corpus;_ "the body of Joseph Smith in court." - - David Bettisworth made his return on the copy of the warrant which - was attached to the petition as follows:--"I hold the body of - Joseph Smith by virtue of a writ, of which the within is a copy. - David Bettisworth, constable." - - 7th section of Addenda of City Ordinance read by Councilor George - P. Styles. Resolution of City Council June 10th, 1844, declaring - printing establishment of the _Nauvoo Expositor_ a nuisance read. - Mayor's order to the Marshal to execute the same was also read, and - Lieut.-General's order of June 10th, 1844, to Major-General Dunham - to assist the Marshal to destroy said printing establishment. - - Theodore Turley sworn, said that the order of the Marshal was - executed quietly and peaceably. There was no riot or disturbance, - no noise, no exultation; the Marshal endeavored to keep peace and - silence, and the officers did also. The two companies under command - of Dunham and Markham retired in perfect order; no exultation or - shouting. Marched in front of the Mansion, and were dismissed. - - J. R. Wakefield confirmed the statements of Theodore Turley: said - the Marshal stated his authority, and demanded the keys of the - building, which Higbee denied; and Marshal ordered the door to be - forced, and the press was broken, and type pied in the street. - - {457} James Jackson, sworn, confirmed the statements of previous - witnesses; heard no noise on opening the door. Most of the - confusion he heard was Higbee and his company throwing blackguard - language to the posse, which they did not regard: saw the whole - proceedings till they were dismissed; all was done in order. - Higbee's blackguard language was not answered to at all by the - ranks. Heard nothing said about shooting. Heard some one damn the - city authorities. Understood it was Charles Foster. I am a stranger - in this place. - - John Kay, Robert Clift, Augustus A. Farnham, Joseph A. Kelting, - Henry G. Sherwood, Augustus Stafford, Cyrus Canfield, John Gleason - sworn. - - Henry G. Sherwood confirmed the statements of previous witnesses. - Pullin called for Dr. Foster and the officer commanded silence. - Francis M. Higbee's threats have been lavish towards General Smith - and Hyrum for a long time; has threatened injury upon them and the - property of the Smiths. His conspiracies and threats have not been - a little. - - Orrin P. Rockwell sworn. Some three or four weeks ago said Francis - M. Higbee said he would go his death against Joseph and Hyrum - Smith. Francis said, "I know my course is wrong; but if I stop I - shall get hell, and if I go on I shall only get hell;" and would - do what he intended at the risk of his life, and would destroy - the General if possible. Said the Council had ordered the press - destroyed and "who lays his hands on the press it is death to - them." Witness has frequently heard Higbee tell lies about the - General to injure his character. - - John Hughes, Joseph Dalton, William Clayton and James Goff sworn. - John Hughes said, Higbee said, "By God, all I want to live for - is to see this city sunk down to the lowest hell, and by God it - shall!" This was just previous to the Marshal's arriving on the - 10th. William Clayton said two years ago this June Francis M. - Higbee confessed he was concerned with John C. Bennett in his - iniquity, and had a bad disorder: said he knew his character was - ruined. From time to time since that, witness knew Higbee had been - threatening General Smith's character and property. - - Leonard Soby heard Higbee threaten to shoot General Smith at - Rollinson's store, and Higbee said the destinies of this people are - this day sealed in the archives of heaven, and there shall not be - left one stone upon another on that temple. - - John P. McEwan: Higbee said, in reference to Joseph Smith, - "G--d--him, I will shoot him and all that pertains to him; and - before ten suns shall go over our heads, the Temple, Nauvoo House - and Mansion shall all be destroyed, and it will be the total - downfall of this community." - - {458} Cyrus Canfield: Higbee said he would never let things go till - he had accomplished the downfall of General Smith; that he did not - value his life to produce the downfall of General Smith. - - Joseph Dalton: Higbee said, if they laid their hands on the press, - from that hour they might date their downfall; that ten suns should - not roll over their heads till the city was destroyed. - - Court decided that Joseph Smith had acted under proper authority in - destroying the establishment of the _Nauvoo Expositor_ on the 10th - inst.; that his orders were executed in an orderly and judicious - manner, without noise or tumult; that this was a malicious - prosecution on the part of Francis M. Higbee; and that said - Higbee pay the costs of suit, and that Joseph Smith be honorably - discharged from the accusations and of the writ, and go hence - without delay. - -I received the following letter: - - _Letter: Washington Tucker to President Smith--Asking that Elders - be Sent to Arkansas_. - - ELDORADO, UNION COUNTY, ARKANSAS, May 4th, 1844. - - _To General Joseph Smith of Nauvoo, Illinois_: - - REVEREND SIR.--Last winter, while in the State of Mississippi, I - became acquainted with one of your missionaries who was laboring - at the time in that state. Also at the same time, I had an - opportunity of perusing some of your sacred books; and from what I - have been able to learn, as well from reading as from observation, - I am constrained to be very favorably impressed towards the new - doctrine. Although to me it certainly appears quite novel, yet I - cannot do otherwise than believe there is great reality in it; - so much so, indeed, that I am extremely anxious to become better - informed on this all important and truly vital matter. - - And, moreover, I am not the only one in this part who is an ardent - seeker after truth. Indeed, the subject is beginning to produce a - great deal of inquiry and some excitement in this country. Hundreds - who never before heard of the new revelation are opening their eyes - and staring and gaping to know more about it. - - Some few days ago, several emigrants arrived here from Mississippi, - who speak in the highest terms of the Latter-day Saints. Their - report has greatly increased the inquiry and excitement previously - going the rounds in this quarter. I hear a number speak of visiting - Nauvoo, some of taking their families with them, and so remain - there. But it is the general wish of a great many here in Union - county for you to send a minister here immediately to instruct - us and lead us more fully into {459} the light of this wonderful - and new revealed religion, and direct us into the true road to - salvation. - - This is the only subject on which my thoughts dwell both day and - night; for, indeed, during my waking hours nothing diverts my - meditation from this absorbing topic, and while asleep I dream of - nothing else. - - If you please, be so good as to send a laborer among us - immediately; for indeed the harvest is great, and the laborers - but few, or none at all, I have not the least doubt but that a - Latter-day Saint would succeed here as well as the most sanguine - could promise himself. His labors, I am sure, would be crowned - with success, and the salvation of many a precious yet perishing - soul might be rescued from death and prove the rich fruits of the - missionary's toil. - - The principal denominations here are the Methodists, the Baptists - and Campbellites. A great many of the people, however, are - none-professors, the greater majority of whom are quite moral, and - many of them religiously inclined. - - I shall look for a minister from you within two or three months. - When he does come, I will see that he is hospitably received and - entertained. - - Your obedient and humble servant, - - WASHINGTON TUCKER. - -To which I wrote the following reply: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Washington Tucker, Promising that an Elder - Should be Sent_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 12th, 1844. - - SIR.--Your letter, dated May 4th, has reached me, and its contents - duly considered. A multiplicity of business keeps me from writing - as freely to correspondents as I could wish; still my heart is - large enough for all men, and my sensibilities keen enough to have - compassion for every case when justice, mercy, virtue, or humanity - require it. Be pleased to accept my thanks for your very kind - letter; study the Bible, and as many of our books as you can get; - pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, have faith in the - promises made to the fathers, and your mind will be guided to the - truth. An Elder shall be sent as soon as the Twelve can make the - necessary arrangements. - - In the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, - - I am your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - WASHINGTON TUCKER, Eldorado, Arkansas. - -The editor of the _Neighbor_ writes: - - {460} RETRIBUTIVE JUSTICE. - - A knot of base men, to further their wicked and malicious designs - towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to - bolster up the intents of blacklegs and bogus-makers, and advocate - the characters of murderers, established a press in this city - last week, and issued a paper entitled the_ Nauvoo Expositor_. - The prospectus showed an intention to destroy the charter, and - the paper was filled with libels and slanderous articles upon the - citizens and City Council from one end to the other. - - "A burnt child dreads the fire." The Church as a body and - individually has suffered till "forbearance has ceased to be a - virtue." The cries and pleadings of men, women and children, with - the authorities were, "Will you suffer that servile, murderous - paper to go on and vilify and slander the innocent inhabitants of - this city, and raise another mob to drive and plunder us again as - they did in Missouri?" Under these pressing cries and supplications - of afflicted innocence, and in the character, dignity, and honor - of the corporate powers of the charter, as granted to the city of - Springfield, and made and provided as a part of our charter for - legislative purposes--viz., "to declare what shall be a nuisance - and to prevent and remove the same." The City Council of Nauvoo - on Monday, the 10th instant, declared the establishment and - _Expositor_ a nuisance; and the city marshal, at the head of the - police, in the evening, took the press, materials and paper into - the street and burned them. - - And in the name of freemen, and in the name of God, we beseech all - men who have the spirit of honor in them to cease from persecuting - us, collectively or individually. Let us enjoy our religion, - rights and peace like the rest of mankind. Why start presses to - destroy rights and privileges, and bring upon us mobs to plunder - and murder? We ask no more than what belongs to us--the rights of - Americans. - -[Sidenote: Further Account of Municipal Court on _Expositor_ Case.] - -_Thursday, 13_.--At nine a.m. presided in Municipal Court, which sat in -the Seventies' Hall. Present, William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, George -W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, and Elias Smith, associate justices. Hyrum -Smith, John P. Greene, William W. Phelps, Stephen Markham, Harvey D. -Redfield, John Lytle, Dimick B. Huntington, John Taylor, Levi Richards, -Stephen Perry, Jonathan B. Holmes, Jonathan Dunham, Samuel Bennett and -William W. Edwards were arrested on the complaint of Francis M. Higbee, -before Thomas Morrison, J. P., of {461} Carthage, by David Bettisworth, -constable of Hancock county. They petitioned for and obtained a writ -of _habeas corpus._ I sat as chief-justice; William Marks, Newel K. -Whitney, George W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, and Elias Smith as associate -justices. - -Addison Everett and James Jackson gave their testimony under oath, when -they were all honorably discharged from the accusations and arrest, the -court deciding that said Higbee pay the costs; whereupon execution was -issued for the amount. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Dreams on Condition of Apostates in Nauvoo.] - -In the evening I attended meeting in the Seventies' Hall. George J. -Adams preached and I made some observations afterwards, and related a -dream which I had a short time since. I thought I was riding out in -my carriage, and my guardian angel was along with me. We went past -the Temple, and had not gone much further before we espied two large -snakes so fast locked together that neither of them had any power. I -inquired of my guide what I was to understand by that. He answered, -"Those snakes represent Dr. Foster and Chauncey L. Higbee. They are -your enemies and desire to destroy you; but you see they are so fast -locked together that they have no power of themselves to hurt you. I -then thought I was riding up Mulholland street, but my guardian angel -was not along with me. On arriving at the prairie, I was overtaken -and seized by William and Wilson Law and others, saying, "Ah! ah! we -have got you at last! We will secure you and put you in a safe place!" -and, without any ceremony dragged me out of my carriage, tied my hands -behind me, and threw me into a deep, dry pit, where I remained in a -perfectly helpless condition, and they went away. While struggling to -get out, I heard Wilson Law screaming for help hard by. I managed to -unloose myself so as to make a spring, when I caught hold of some grass -which grew at the edge of the pit. - -{462} I looked out of the pit and saw Wilson Law at a little distances -attacked by ferocious wild beasts, and heard him cry out, "Oh! Brother -Joseph, come and save me!" I replied, "I cannot, for you have put me -into this deep pit." On looking out another way, I saw William Law with -outstretched tongue, blue in the face, and the green poison forced out -of his mouth, caused by the coiling of a large snake around his body. -It had also grabbed him by the arm, a little above the elbow, ready to -devour him. He cried out in the intensity of his agony, "Oh, Brother -Joseph, Brother Joseph, come and save me, or I die!" I also replied to -him, "I cannot, William; I would willingly, but you have tied me and -put me in this pit, and I am powerless to help you or liberate myself." -In a short time after my guide came and said aloud, "Joseph, Joseph, -what are you doing there?" I replied, "My enemies fell upon me, bound -me and threw me in." He then took me by the hand, drew me out of the -pit, set me free, and we went away rejoicing. - -[Sidenote: Threat of Carthage Mob against Nauvoo.] - -Two of the brethren arrived this evening from Carthage, and said that -about three hundred mobbers were assembled there, with the avowed -intention of coming against Nauvoo; also that Hamilton was paying a -dollar per bushel for corn to feed their animals. - -The following was published in the _Warsaw Signal_ office. I insert it -as a specimen of the unparalleled corruption and diabolical falsehood -of which the human race has become capable in this generation: - - MASS MEETING AT WARSAW. - - At a mass meeting of the citizens of Hancock county, convened at - Carthage on the 13th day of June, 1844 Mr. Knox was appointed - president, John Doty and Lewis F. Evans, vice-presidents; and - William Y. Head, secretary. - - Henry Stephens, Esq., presented the following resolutions, passed - at a meeting of the citizens of Warsaw, and urged the adoption of - them as the sense of this meeting. - - {463} _Preamble and Resolutions_. - - Whereas information has reached us, about which there can be no - question, that the authorities of Nauvoo did recently pass an - ordinance declaring a printing press and newspaper published by the - opponents of the Prophet a nuisance, and in pursuance thereof did - direct the Marshal of the city and his adherents to enter by force - the building from whence the paper was issued, and violently (if - necessary) to take possession of the press and printing materials, - and thereafter to burn and destroy the same; and whereas, in - pursuance of said ordinance, the Marshal and his adherents, - together with a mob of Mormons, did, after sunset on the evening - of the 10th instant, violently enter said building in a tumultuous - manner, burn and destroy the press and other materials found on the - premises. - - And whereas Hyrum Smith did, in the presence of the City Council - and the citizens of Nauvoo, offer a reward for the destruction - of the printing press and materials of the _Warsaw Signal,_ a - newspaper also opposed to his interests; - - And whereas the liberty of the press is one of the cardinal - principles of our government, firmly guaranteed by the several - constitutions of the states, as well as the United States; - - And whereas, Hyrum Smith has within the last week publicly - threatened the life of one of our valued citizens, Thomas C. Sharp, - the editor of the_ Signal_; - - Therefore, be it solemnly - - Resolved by the citizens of Warsaw in public meeting assembled, - that we view the recent ordinance of the city of Nauvoo, and the - proceedings thereunder as an outrage of an alarming character, - revolutionary and tyrannical in tendency, and being under color - of law as calculated to subvert and destroy in the minds of the - community all reliance on the law. - - Resolved, that as a community we feel anxious, when possible, to - redress our grievances by legal remedies; but the time has now - arrived when the law has ceased to be a protection to our lives and - property. A mob at Nauvoo, under a city ordinance, has violated - the highest privilege in government; and to seek redress in the - ordinary mode would be utterly ineffectual. - - Resolved, that the public threat made in the Council of the city, - not only to destroy our printing-press, but to take the life of - its editor, is sufficient, in connection with the recent outrage, - to command the efforts and the services of every good citizen to - put an immediate stop to the career of the mad prophet and his - demoniac coadjutors. We must not only defend ourselves from danger, - but we must resolutely carry the war into the enemy's camp. We do - therefore declare that we will {464} sustain our press and the - editor at all hazards; that we will take full vengeance, terrible - vengeance, should the lives of any of our citizens be lost in - the effort; that we hold ourselves at all times in readiness to - co-operate with our fellow-citizens in this state, Missouri and - Iowa, to exterminate, utterly exterminate the wicked and abominable - Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles. - - Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed forthwith to notify - all persons in our township suspected of being the tools of the - prophet to leave immediately on pain of instant vengeance. And we - do recommend the inhabitants of the adjacent townships to do the - same, hereby pledging ourselves to render all the assistance they - may require. - - Resolved, that the time, in our opinion, has arrived, when - the adherents of Smith, as a body, should be driven from the - surrounding settlements into Nauvoo. That the prophet and his - miscreant adherents should then he demanded at their hands; - and, if not surrendered, a war of extermination should be waged - to the entire destruction, if necessary for our protection, of - his adherents. And we hereby recommend this resolution to the - consideration of the several townships, to the Mass Convention - to be held at Carthage, hereby pledging ourselves to aid to the - utmost the complete consummation of the object in view, that we may - thereby be utterly relieved of the alarm, anxiety and trouble to - which we are now subjected. - - Resolved that every citizen arm himself to be prepared to sustain - the resolutions herein contained. - - Mr. Roosevelt rose and made a brief but eloquent speech, and called - upon the citizens throughout the country to render efficient aid - in carrying out the spirit of the resolutions. Mr. Roosevelt then - moved a committee of seven be appointed by the chair to draft - resolutions expressive of our action in future. - - Mr. Catlin moved to amend the motion of Mr. Roosevelt, so that the - committee should consist of one from each precinct; which motion, - as amended, was adopted. - - The chair then appointed the following: Col. Levi Williams, Rocky - Run precinct; Joel Catlin, Augusta; Samuel Williams, Carthage; - Elisha Worrell, Chili; Captain Maddison, St. Mary's; John M. - Ferris, Fountain Green; James Rice, Pilot Grove; John Carns, Bear - Creek; C. L. Higbee, Nauvoo; George Robinson, La Harpe; and George - Rockwell, Warsaw, were appointed said committee. - - On motion of Mr. Sympson, Walter Bagby, Esq., was requested to - address the meeting during the absence of the committee. He - spoke long and eloquently upon the course of our grievances, and - expressed his belief that the time was now at hand when we were - individually and collectively called upon to repel the innovations - upon our liberties, and {465} suggested that points be designated - as places of encampment at which to rendezvous our forces, that we - may be ready when called upon for efficient action. - - Dr. Barnes, one of the persons who went with the officers to Nauvoo - for the purpose of arresting the rioters, having just arrived, came - into the meeting and reported the result of their proceedings, - which was, that the persons charged in the writs were duly - arrested, but taken from the officers' hands on a writ of _habeas - corpus_ from the Municipal Court, and discharged, and the following - potent words entered upon the records--_honorably released_. - - On motion of O. C. Skinner, Esq., a vote of thanks was tendered to - Dr. Barnes for volunteering his services in executing said writs. - - Francis M. Higbee was now loudly called for. He stated his personal - knowledge of the Mormons from their earliest history--throughout - their hellish career in Missouri and this state--which has been - characterized by the darkest and most diabolical deeds which have - ever disgraced humanity. - - The committee appointed to draft resolutions brought in the - following report, which, after some considerable discussion, was - unanimously adopted: - - Whereas, the officer charged with the execution of a writ against - Joseph Smith and others, for riot in the county of Hancock, which - said writ said officer has served upon said Smith and others; and - whereas said Smith and others refuse to obey the mandate of said - writ; and whereas in the opinion of this meeting, it is impossible - for said officer so raise a posse of sufficient strength to - execute said writ; and whereas it is the opinion of this meeting - that the riot is still progressing and that violence is meditated - and determined on, it is the opinion of this meeting that the - circumstances of the case require the interposition of executive - power. Therefore, - - Resolved, that a deputation of two discreet men be sent to - Springfield to solicit such interposition. - - 2nd, Resolved, that said deputation be furnished with a certified - copy of the resolution, and be authorized to obtain evidence, by - affidavits and otherwise, in regard to the violence which has - already been committed, and is still further meditated. - - Dr. Evans here arose and expressed his wish that the above - resolutions would not retard our operations, but that we would each - one arm and equip ourselves forthwith. - - The resolutions passed at Warsaw were again read by Dr. Barnes, and - passed by acclamation. - - On motion of A. Sympson, Esq., the suggestion of Mr. Bagby, {466} - appointing places of encampment, was adopted--to wit., Warsaw, - Carthage, Green Plains, Spilman's landing, Chili and La Harpe. - - On motion, O. C. Skinner and Walter Bagby, Esqs., were appointed a - committee to bear the resolutions adopted by this meeting to his - Excellency the Governor, requiring his executive interposition. - - On motion of J. H. Sherman, a central corresponding committee was - appointed. - - Order that J. H. Sherman, H. T. Wilson, Chauncey Robinson, William - S. Freeman, Thomas Morrison, F. M. Higbee, Lyman Prentiss, and - Stephen H. Tyler be said committee, - - On motion of George Rockwell, - - Resolved that constables in the different precincts hold themselves - in readiness to obey the officer in possession of the writs, - whenever called upon, in summoning the posse. - - On motion, the meeting adjourned. - - JOHN KNOX, President. - - JOHN DOTY, - - LEWIS F. EVANS, Vice-Presidents, - - W. Y. HEAD, Secretary. - -_Friday, 14.--_Wrote to Governor Ford as follows: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Explaining Action of City - Council in Proceedings in "Expositor" Affairs_. - - NAUVOO, June 14, 1844. - - _His Excellency Thomas Ford_: - - SIR.--I write you this morning, briefly, to inform you of the facts - relative to the removal of the press and fixtures of the _Nauvoo - Expositor_ as a nuisance. - - The 8th and 10th instant were spent by the City Council of Nauvoo - in receiving testimony concerning the character of the _Expositor_, - and the character and designs of the proprietors. - - In the investigation it appeared evident to the council that - the proprietors were a set of unprincipled, lawless debauchers, - counterfeiters, bogus-makers, gamblers, peace-disturbers, and - that the grand object of said proprietors was to destroy our - constitutional rights and chartered privileges. To overthrow all - good and wholesome regulations in society, to strengthen themselves - against the municipality, to fortify themselves against the Church - of which I am a member, and destroy all our religious rights and - privileges by libels, slanders, falsehoods, perjury, &c., and - sticking at no corruption to accomplish their hellish purposes; - and that said paper of itself was libelous of the deepest dye, and - very {467} injurious as a vehicle of defamation, tending to corrupt - the morals and disturb the peace, tranquility and happiness of the - whole community, and especially that of Nauvoo. - - After a long and patient investigation, of the _Expositor_ and - the character and design of its proprietors, the constitution, - the charter, (see Addenda to Nauvoo Charter from the Springfield - Charter, sec. 7) and all the best authorities on the subject; - (See Chitty's Blackstone Bk. iii:v, and n., &c., &c) the City - Council decided that it was necessary for the "peace, benefit, good - order and regulations" of said city, "and for the protection of - property," and for "the happiness and prosperity of the citizens - of Nauvoo," that said _Expositor_ should be removed, and declaring - said _Expositor_ a nuisance ordered the Mayor to cause them to be - removed without delay; which order was committed to the Marshal - by due process, and by him executed the same day, by removing the - paper, press and fixtures into the streets and burning the same; - all which was done without riot, noise, tumult or confusion, as has - already been proved before the municipality of the city; and the - particulars of the whole transaction may be expected in our next - _Nauvoo Neighbor_. - - I send you this hasty sketch that your Excellency may be aware of - the lying reports that are now being circulated by our enemies - that there has been a "mob at Nauvoo," and "blood and thunder," - and "swearing that two men were killed," &c., &c., as we hear from - abroad, are false--false as Satan himself could invent, and that - nothing has been transacted here but what has been in perfect - accordance with the strictest principles of law and good order on - the part of the authorities of this city; and if your Excellency is - not satisfied, and shall not be satisfied after reading the whole - proceedings which will be forthcoming soon, and shall demand an - investigation of our municipality before Judge Pope, or any legal - tribunal at the Capitol, you have only to write your wishes, and we - will be forthcoming. We will not trouble you to fill a writ or send - an officer for us. - - I remain, as ever, a friend of truth, good order, and your - Excellency's humble servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -The following letters were also written: - - _Letter: John M. Bernhisel to Governor Ford--Confirming Correctness - of the Prophet's Report of "Expositor" Affair_. - - NAUVOO, June 14th, 1844. - - _To His Excellency Governor Ford_: - - SIR.--Though I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with - you, I take the liberty of stating to you that I arrived here from - {468} the city of New York about a year since, where I was engaged - in the practice of medicine for many years; that General Smith's - letter to you of this date has been read in my hearing; that the - statement contained therein in relation to the proceedings of the - municipal authorities for the removal of the press whence issued - a scandalous sheet entitled the _Nauvoo Expositor_ are correct, - having been an eye-and ear-witness of them. - - The whole affair was conducted by the City Marshal and his posse in - the most quiet and orderly manner, without the least noise, riot or - tumult; and when the nuisance was abated, they immediately retired - and were dismissed. - - Having been a boarder in General Smith's family for more than - nine months, and having therefore had abundant opportunities of - contemplating his character and observing his conduct, I have - concluded to give you a few of my "impressions" of him. - - General Joseph Smith is naturally a man of strong mental powers, - and is possessed of much energy and decision of character, great - penetration, and a profound knowledge of human nature. He is a man - of calm judgment, enlarged views, and is eminently distinguished - by his love of justice. He is kind and obliging, generous and - benevolent, sociable and cheerful, and is possessed of a mind of a - contemplative and reactive character. He is honest, frank, fearless - and independent, and as free from dissimulation as any man to be - found. - - But it is in the gentle charities of domestic life, as the tender - and affectionate husband and parent, the warm and sympathizing - friend, that the prominent traits of his character are revealed, - and his heart is felt to be keenly alive to the kindest and softest - emotions of which human nature is susceptible; and I feel assured - that his family and friends formed one of the greatest consolations - to him while the vials of wrath were poured upon his head, while - his footsteps were pursued by malice and envy, and reproach and - slander were strewn in his path, as well as during numerous and - cruel persecutions, and severe and protracted sufferings in chains - and loathsome prisons, for worshiping God according to the dictates - of his own conscience. - - He is a true lover of his country, and a bright and shining example - of integrity and moral excellence in all the relations of life. - As a religious teacher, as well as a man, he is greatly beloved - by this people. It is almost superfluous to add that the numerous - ridiculous and scandalous reports in circulation respecting him - have not the least foundation in truth. - - In haste, I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient - and humble servant, - - JOHN M. BERNHISEL. - - {469} _Letter: Wakefield to Governor Ford--Anent the "Expositor" - Affair_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 14th, 1844. - - _Hon. Governor Ford_: - - Being a stranger in the city of Nauvoo, but fully acquainted with - the facts as stated in Gen. Smith's letter of June 14th, I assert - that they are true in every particular, and that the press, in - the minds of all unprejudiced people, was a nuisance of the worst - character, and that the authorities acted perfectly proper in - destroying it; and in accomplishing the act there was no noise, - tumult or riot. Furthermore, having remained for a few weeks at - General Smith's house, I think it my duty to state that I have seen - nothing in his deportment but what is correct in all his domestic - relations, being a kind husband and an affectionate father; and all - his affairs, both domestic and official, have not only been free - from censure, but praiseworthy, and ought to be imitated by every - one desirous of order and peace. - - Yours, sir, most obediently, - - J. R. WAKEFIELD, M. D. - - _Letter: Sidney Rigdon to Governor Ford--"Expositor" Affair_. - - POST OFFICE, NAUVOO, ILL., June 14 1844. - - _His Excellency, Thomas Ford_: - - DEAR SIR.--I address this letter to your Excellency by the hand of - Mr. Samuel James, in consequence of the difficulties now existing - in this county, difficulties in which I have had no concern; and - fearing as I do, that in the midst of an excitement so great as I - have understood now exists in this county, (I say understood, for - it is by report only that I speak) there may be attempts made to - prejudice your mind to take some measures of a violent character - that may seriously affect the citizens of this place, and injure - innocent and unoffending persons, which I am satisfied would grieve - your Excellency, as well as every other thinking and humane man. - - There have for a length of time difficulties existed between a - number of the citizens of this place, which kept increasing. One - of the parties had recourse to the _Warsaw Signal_ as a medium - through which they communicate their difficulties to the world. - These productions were inflammatory to a high degree, and the party - thus assailed charged the matter as libelous and highly abusive. - To these exposures responses appeared in the papers of this place, - charging the matter as being false and the authors as defamers and - slanderers. - - Things continued thus until a paper was established in this place - called the _Nauvoo Expositor._ The first number of this paper made - its appearance, and it was inflammatory and abusive to an extreme. - This {470} raised the excitement to a degree beyond control, and - threatened serious consequence. - - At this particular juncture all the authorities of the city feeling - a common interest in the peace and quiet of the place, and fearing - the worst consequences must follow if something were not done, the - City Council met and took the matter into consideration, and, after - deliberating on the subject and examining the charter, came to the - conclusion to hazard all the consequences of declaring the press a - nuisance, and accordingly ordered its removal. The city marshal, in - obedience to this order, went and removed the press and destroyed - it. This was done without tumult or disorder. When the press was - destroyed, all returned home, and everything has been perfectly - quiet ever since. - - Within the last three days warrants have been issued from a - justice of the peace in Carthage, calling for the bodies of the - persons who destroyed the press. The officer having the matter in - charge, refuses the persons a hearing before any other justices - of the peace than the one issuing the warrants. With this demand - they refused to comply, as there is a large assembly of persons - assembled at Carthage making threats of violence; and they say, - and I have no doubt they verily believe that by going there their - lives will be in danger; and from the intelligence which I received - last evening from a person in no way connected with the affair, and - one of undoubted veracity, I must think so myself. This gentleman - informs me that he has been in Carthage since Monday last at the - land sales, and he heard threatenings by the persons assembled - there that if they could get into Nauvoo they would murder - indiscriminately, and those who wanted to escape must leave. This - your Excellency would abhor as I do. - - The citizens of this county who do not reside in Nauvoo, and those - of other counties, have indeed no interest of a personal kind at - stake in this matter. There are no persons disturbing them, nor - going to do so; and this great excitement does savor of something - else to me than a regard for the laws. Why not let the parties, as - in all other cases of the kind settle their difficulties as the - laws of the country in such cases have provided. - - Have the citizens of Nauvoo ever interfered with cases of - difficulty existing in other parts of the county, held public - meetings to inflame the public mind in favor of one party, and - prejudice it against the other party? Most assuredly they have not. - Why, then, must the citizens of this place be scourged with such - attempts? - - If the citizens of Hancock want the supremacy of the laws - maintained let these tumultuous assemblies disperse, and let the - civil officers, if resisted, do as in other cases--call for aid - instead of assembling in {471} advance, and then call for persons - to be brought into their midst as prisoners amidst threats and - insults. - - From the confidence I have in your Excellency's superior - intelligence, and sound discretion, I doubt not that your - Excellency will arrive at just conclusions when the matter is - submitted to your consideration, as I understand it is about being. - - I can see no need for executive interference in this case, but - disperse all uncalled for assemblies, and let the laws have their - regular course, which they can have if these assemblies will - disperse. If not, I fear the consequences. - - I send this to your Excellency as confidential, as I wish not to - take any part in the affair, or be known in it. - - With consideration of high regard, I am, dear sir, your - Excellency's most obedient servant, - - SIDNEY RIGDON. - -I read the doings of the City Council to Dr. Wakefield, and gave him a -volume of the _Times and Seasons._ About 4 p.m., I rode out with Dr. -Bernhisel. Pleasant and warm day. Towards night some clouds. - -A Mr. Norton was tried before Esq. Aaron Johnson, J. P., on a charge of -firing Foster's printing office, and acquitted. - -_Saturday, 15.--_At home. Two brethren came from Lima, and said that -Colonel Levi Williams had demanded the arms belonging to the Mormons in -that neighborhood. They wished my advice on the subject. I told them -that when they gave up their arms, to give up their lives with them as -dearly as possible. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Advice on giving up Arms.] - -It is reported that a company of men were constantly training at -Carthage. Mr. John M. Crane, from Warsaw, said that several boxes of -arms had arrived at Warsaw from Quincy. There was some considerable -excitement, but expected they were going to wait the meeting at -Carthage, which was fixed for the middle of next week. - -The _Maid of Iowa_ arrived at half-past two p.m., while I was examining -the painting, "Death on the Pale Horse," by Benjamin West, which has -been exhibiting in my reading room for the last three days. The _Maid_ -had {472} lost her lighter, which was loaded at the time with corn and -lumber, it having broken in two on a snag in the Iowa river. - -This morning Samuel James started for Springfield to carry letters and -papers to Governor Ford concerning the destruction of the _Expositor_ -press. - -About 7 p.m. I rode out with Orrin P. Rockwell. - -I received the following letter: - - _Letter: A. Ladd a Joseph Smith--Wharfage Matter_. - - FORT MADISON, June 15th, 1844. - - _Gen. Joseph Smith_: - - DEAR SIR.--I have been informed that a writ was issued against the - steam ferry, _New Purchase,_ for wharfage, on Tuesday last, but no - such writ has been served or shown to me, and I am anxious to learn - the facts of the case. If it is required, I will pay wharfage with - the greatest of pleasure; but I would dislike to have cost to pay - in addition. I expect to visit this place with my boat at least - once a week during the season. You will confer a favor on me by - informing me in relation to the ordinance, &c. - - It has been rumored that the _New Purchase_ was employed to convey - to Nauvoo an armed force to attack the citizens in connection with - other companies, on account of the late difficulties at your place; - but it is not true. I assure you that the boat will not be employed - in any unlawful enterprise, and I further assure you that there is - no unkind feeling existing in our place against the people of your - place. - - I remain yours with respect, - - A. LADD. - - Captain of the _New Purchase_. - - GEN. JOSEPH SMITH, Nauvoo, Ill. - -{473} - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -DISCOURSE OF THE PROPHET--THE GODHEAD--THE MOB UPRISING--ARREST OF -PRESIDENT SMITH, ET AL. OVER THE "EXPOSITOR" AFFAIR--TRIAL BEFORE -ESQUIRE WELLS. - -[Sidenote: Conference in Michigan.] - -A conference was held at Franklin, Michigan. Present of the Twelve, -Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith; Elder George A. Smith presided. -Nine branches were represented, comprising 170 members, 8 Elders, 5 -Priests, 5 Teachers and 3 Deacons. There were ordained 1 High Priest, -9 Elders, 2 Priests, and 1 Deacon, under the hands of Elders Wilford -Woodruff, George A. Smith and Charles C. Rich. - -_Sunday, June 16, 1844_.--I preached at the stand at 10 a.m. Before -I closed my remarks it rained severely. The following synopsis was -reported by Elder Thomas Bullock, whom I had transferred from the -duties of clerk of the _Maid of Iowa_ to my office. - - SERMON BY THE PROPHET--THE CHRISTIAN GODHEAD--PLURALITY OF GODS. - - _Meeting in the Grove, east of the Temple, June 16, 1844_. - - Prayer by Bishop Newel K. Whitney. - - Choir sang, "Mortals Awake." - - President Joseph Smith read the 3rd chapter of Revelation, and - took for his text 1st chapter, 6th verse--"And hath made us kings - and priests unto God and His Father: to Him be glory and dominion - forever and ever. Amen." - - It is altogether correct in the translation. Now, you know that of - late some malicious and corrupt men have sprung up and apostatized - from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they - declare that the Prophet believes in a plurality of Gods, and, lo - and behold! we have discovered a very great secret, they cry--"The - Prophet says there are many Gods, and this proves that he has - fallen." - - {474} It has been my intention for a long time to take up this - subject and lay it clearly before the people, and show what - my faith is in relation to this interesting matter. I have - contemplated the saying of Jesus (Luke 17th chapter, 26th - verse)--"And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in - the days of the Son of Man." And if it does rain, I'll preach this - doctrine, for the truth shall be preached. - - I will preach on the plurality of Gods. I have selected this text - for that express purpose. I wish to declare I have always and in - all congregations when I have preached on the subject of the Deity, - it has been the plurality of Gods. It has been preached by the - Elders for fifteen years. - - I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ - a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the - Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit, and these three - constitute three distinct personages and three Gods. If this is in - accordance with the New Testament, lo and behold! we have three - Gods anyhow, and they are plural: and who can contradict it? - - Our text says "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His - Father." The Apostles have discovered that there were Gods above, - for Paul says God was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. My - object was to preach the scriptures, and preach the doctrine they - contain, there being a God above, the Father of our Lord Jesus - Christ. I am bold to declare I have taught all the strong doctrines - publicly, and always teach stronger doctrines in public than in - private. - - John was one of the men, and apostles declare they were made kings - and priests unto God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It reads - just so in the Revelation. Hence, the doctrine of a plurality of - Gods is as prominent in the Bible as any other doctrine. It is - all over the face of the Bible. It stands beyond the power of - controversy. A wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. - - Paul says there are Gods many and Lords many. I want to set it - forth in a plain and simple manner; but to us there is but one - God--that is _pertaining to us;_ and he is in all and through all. - But if Joseph Smith says there are Gods many and Lords many, they - cry, "Away with him! Crucify him! crucify him!" - - Mankind verily say that the scriptures are with them. Search the - scriptures, for they testify of things that these apostates would - gravely pronounce blasphemy. Paul, if Joseph Smith is a blasphemer, - you are. I say there are Gods many and Lords many, but to us only - one, and we are to be in subjection to that one, and no man can - limit the bounds or the eternal existence of eternal time. Hath he - beheld the eternal world, and is he authorized to say that there is - only one God? He makes himself a fool if he thinks or says so, and - there is an end of his {475} career or progress in knowledge. He - cannot obtain all knowledge, for he has sealed up the gate to it. - - Some say I do not interpret the scripture the same as they do. They - say it means the heathen's gods. Paul says there are Gods many and - Lords many; and that makes a plurality of Gods, in spite of the - whims of all men. Without a revelation, I am not going to give - them the knowledge of the God of heaven. You know and I testify - that Paul had no allusion to the heathen gods. I have it from God, - and get over it if you can. I have a witness of the Holy Ghost, - and a testimony that Paul had no allusion to the heathen gods in - the text. I will show from the Hebrew Bible that I am correct, and - the first word shows a plurality of Gods; and I want the apostates - and learned men to come here and prove to the contrary, if they - can. An unlearned boy must give you a little Hebrew_. Berosheit - baurau Eloheim ait aushamayeen vehau auraits,_ rendered by King - James' translators, "In the beginning God created the heaven and - the earth." I want to analyze the word _Berosheit. Rosh,_ the - head; _Sheit,_ a grammatical termination, The _Baith_ was not - originally put there when the inspired man wrote it, but it has - been since added by an old Jew. _Baurau_ signifies to bring forth; - _Eloheim_ is from the word _Eloi_, God, in the singular number; and - by adding the word _heim,_ it renders it Gods. It read first, "In - the beginning the head of the Gods brought forth the Gods," or, as - others have translated it, "The head of the Gods called the Gods - together." I want to show a little learning as well as other fools-- - - A little learning is a dangerous thing. - Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring, - There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, - And drinking largely sobers us up again. - - All this confusion among professed translators is for want of - drinking another draught. - - The head God organized the heavens and the earth. I defy all - the world to refute me. In the beginning the heads of the Gods - organized the heavens and the earth. Now the learned priests and - the people rage, and the heathen imagine a vain thing. If we pursue - the Hebrew text further, it reads, _"Berosheit baurau Eloheim ait - aashamayeen vehau auraits"--_"The head one of the Gods said. Let - us make a man in our own image." I once asked a learned Jew, "If - the Hebrew language compels us to render all words ending in _heim_ - in the plural, why not render the first _Eloheim_ plural?" He - replied, "That is the rule with few exceptions; but in this case - it would ruin the Bible." He acknowledged I was right. I came here - to investigate these things precisely as I believe them. Hear and - judge for yourselves; and if you go away satisfied, well and good. - - {476} In the very beginning the Bible shows there is a plurality - of Gods beyond the power of refutation. It is a great subject I am - dwelling on. The word _Eloheim_ ought to be in the plural all the - way through--Gods. The heads of the Gods appointed one God for us; - and when you take [that] view of the subject, it sets one free to - see all the beauty, holiness and perfection of the Gods. All I want - is to get the simple, naked truth, and the whole truth. - - Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy - Ghost are only one God! I say that is a strange God anyhow--three - in one, and one in three! It is a curious organization. "Father, I - pray not for the world, but I pray for them which thou hast given - me." "Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom thou hast - given me, that they may be one as we are." All are to be crammed - into one God, according to sectarianism. It would make the biggest - God in all the world. He would be a wonderfully big God--he would - be a giant or a monster. I want to read the text to you myself--"I - am agreed with the Father and the Father is agreed with me, and - we are agreed as one." The Greek shows that it should be agreed. - "Father, I pray for them which Thou hast given me out of the world, - and not for those alone, but for them also which shall believe - on me through their word, that they all may be agreed, as Thou, - Father, art with me, and I with Thee, that they also may be agreed - with us," and all come to dwell in unity, and in all the glory and - everlasting burnings of the Gods; and then we shall see as we are - seen, and be as our God and He as His Father. I want to reason a - little on this subject. I learned it by translating the papyrus - which is now in my house. I learned a testimony concerning Abraham, - and he reasoned concerning the God of heaven. "In order to do - that," said he, "suppose we have two facts: that supposes another - fact may exist--two men on the earth, one wiser than the other, - would logically show that another who is wiser than the wisest may - exist. Intelligences exist one above another, so that there is no - end to them." - - If Abraham reasoned thus--If Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and - John discovered that God the Father of Jesus Christ had a Father, - you may suppose that He had a Father also. Where was there ever a - son without a father? And where was there ever a father without - first being a son? Whenever did a tree or anything spring into - existence without a progenitor? And everything comes in this way. - Paul says that which is earthly is in the likeness of that which is - heavenly, Hence if Jesus had a Father, can we not believe that _He_ - had a Father also? I despise the idea of being scared to death at - such a doctrine, for the Bible is full of it. - - I want you to pay particular attention to what I am saying. Jesus - {477} said that the Father wrought precisely in the same way as - His Father had done before Him. As the Father had done before. He - laid down His life, and took it up the same as His Father had done - before. He did as He was sent, to lay down His life and take it up - again; and then was committed unto Him the keys, &c. I know it is - good reasoning. - - I have reason to think that the Church is being purged. I saw Satan - fall from heaven, and the way they ran was a caution. All these are - wonders and marvels in our eyes in these last days. So long as men - are under the law of God, they have no fears--they do not scare - themselves. - - I want to stick to my text, to show that when men open their lips - against these truths they do not injure me, but injure themselves. - To the law and to the testimony, for these principles are poured - out all over the scriptures. When things that are of the greatest - importance are passed over by weak-minded men without even a - thought, I want to see truth in all its bearings and hug it to my - bosom. I believe all that God ever revealed, and I never hear of a - man being damned for believing too much; but they are damned for - unbelief. - - They found fault with Jesus Christ because He said He was the Son - of God, and made Himself equal with God. They say of me, like they - did of the apostles of old, that I must be put down. What did Jesus - say? "Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are Gods? If He - called them Gods unto whom the word of God came, and the scriptures - cannot be broken, say ye of Him whom the Father had sanctified and - sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said I am the - Son of God?" It was through Him that they drank of the spiritual - rock. Of course He would take the honor to Himself. Jesus, if they - were called Gods unto whom the word of God came, why should it be - thought blasphemy that I should say I am the son of God? - - Oh, poor, blind apostates! did you never think of this before? - These are the quotations that the apostates take from the - scriptures. They swear that they believe the Bible, the Book of - Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants and then you will get from - them filth, slander, and bogus-makers plenty. One of the apostate - Church official members prophesied that Joseph would never preach - any more, and yet I am now preaching. - - Go and read the vision in the Book of Covenants. There is clearly - illustrated glory upon glory--one glory of the sun, another glory - of the moon, and a glory of the stars; and as one star differeth - from another star in glory, even so do they of the telestial world - differ in glory, and every man who reigns in celestial glory is a - God to his dominions. By the apostates admitting the testimony of - the Doctrine and Covenants, they damn themselves. Paul, what do you - say? They impeached Paul {478} and all went and left him. Paul had - seven churches, and they drove him off from among them; and yet - they cannot do it by me. I rejoice in that. My testimony is good. - - Paul says, "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the - moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from - another star in glory. So is also the resurrection of the dead." - They who obtain a glorious resurrection from the dead, are exalted - far above principalities, powers, thrones, dominions and angels, - and are expressly declared to be heirs of God and joint heirs with - Jesus Christ, all having eternal power. - - The scriptures are a mixture of very strange doctrines to the - Christian world, who are blindly led by the blind. I will refer - to another scripture. "Now," says God, when He visited Moses in - the bush, (Moses was a stammering sort of a boy like me) God said, - "Thou shalt be a God unto the children of Israel." God said, "Thou - shalt be a God unto Aaron, and he shall be thy spokesman." I - believe those Gods that God reveals as Gods to be sons of God, and - all can cry, "Abba, Father!" Sons of God who exalt themselves to - be Gods, even from before the foundation of the world, and are the - only Gods I have a reverence for. - - John said he was a king. "And from Jesus Christ, who is the - faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the - Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and - washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings - and priests unto God, and His Father; to him be glory and dominion - forever and ever Amen." Oh, Thou God who art King of kings and - Lord of lords, the sectarian world, by their actions, declare, "We - cannot believe Thee." - - The old Catholic church traditions are worth more than all you - have said. Here is a principle of logic that most men have no more - sense than to adopt. I will illustrate it by an old apple tree. - Here jumps off a branch and says, I am the true tree, and you - are corrupt. If the whole tree is corrupt, are not its branches - corrupt? If the Catholic religion is a false religion, how can - any true religion come out of it? If the Catholic church is bad, - how can any good thing come out of it? The character of the old - churches have always been slandered by all apostates since the - world began. - - I testify again, as the Lord lives, God never will acknowledge - any traitors or apostates. Any man who will betray the Catholics - will betray you; and if he will betray me, he will betray you. - All men are liars who say they are of the true Church without the - revelations of Jesus Christ and the Priesthood of Melchisedek, - which is after the order of the Son of God. - - It is in the order of heavenly things that God should always send - a {479} new dispensation into the world when men have apostatized - from the truth and lost the priesthood; but when men come out - and build upon other men's foundations, they do it on their own - responsibility, without authority from God; and when the floods - come and the winds blow, their foundations will be found to be - sand, and their whole fabric will crumble to dust. - - Did I build on any other man's foundation? I have got all the truth - which the Christian world possessed, and an independent revelation - in the bargain, and God will bear me off triumphant. I will drop - this subject. I wish I could speak for three or four hours; but it - is not expedient on account of the rain: I would still go on, and - show you proof upon proofs; all the Bible is equal in support of - this doctrine, one part as another. - -[On account of the rain it was impossible for Thomas Bullock to report -any more]. - -[Sidenote: Advice of Judge Thomas on _Expositor_ Affair.] - -Judge Jesse B. Thomas came to Nauvoo, and advised me to go before some -justice of the peace of the county, and have an examination of the -charges specified in the writ from Justice Morrison of Carthage; and if -acquitted or bound over, it would allay all excitement, answer the law -and cut off all legal pretext for a mob, and he would be bound to order -them to keep the peace. - -[Sidenote: Inquiry of Delegation from Madison.] - -Some forty gentlemen from Madison came down on a steamer to inquire -into our difficulties. I met them at the Masonic Hall at 2 p.m., and -gave them the desired information. Dr. Richards, the city recorder, -read the minutes of the council declaring the _Nauvoo Expositor_ a -nuisance. They expressed themselves satisfied. I then went to the -Temple stand and met some thousands of the brethren. I instructed them -to keep cool, and prepare their arms for defense of the city, as it -was reported that a mob was collecting in Carthage and other places. I -exhorted them to be quiet and make no disturbance, and instructed the -brethren to organize into the capacity of a public meeting and send -delegates to all the surrounding towns and villages, to explain the -cause of the disturbance, and show {480} them that all was peace at -Nauvoo, and that there was no cause for any mobs. - -A messenger arrived stating that the clerk of the county court expected -to be driven out of Carthage tomorrow, and the only way to prevent the -shedding of blood was to get the Governor in person to come down with -his staff. - -I wrote to Governor Ford stating the facts as follows: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Inviting the Governor to - Nauvoo_. - - NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 16th, 1844. - - _His Excellency Thomas Ford_: - - SIR.--I am informed from credible sources, as well as from the - proceedings of a public meeting at Carthage, &c., as published - in the _Warsaw Signal_ extra, that an energetic attempt is being - made by some of the citizens of this and the surrounding counties - to drive and exterminate "the Saints" by force of arms; and I - send this information to your Excellency by a special messenger, - Hugh McFall, Adjutant-General, Nauvoo Legion, who will give - all particulars; and I ask at your hands immediate counsel and - protection. - - Judge Thomas has been here and given his advice in the case, which - I shall strictly follow until I hear from your Excellency, and in - all cases shall adhere to the Constitution and laws. - - The Nauvoo Legion is at your service to quell all insurrection and - support the dignity of the common weal. - - I wish, urgently wish your Excellency to come down in person with - your staff and investigate the whole matter without delay, and - cause peace to be restored to the country; and I know not but this - will be the only means of stopping an effusion of blood. - - The information referred to above is before me by affidavit. - - I remain, sir, the friend of peace, and your Excellency's humble - servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -I enclosed a copy of the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: Mob Movements_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK CO., - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - June 16th, 1844. Personally appeared before me Willard Richards, - clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo, Thomas G. - Wilson; and after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and - saith that during the last evening Robert Johnson, of the county - aforesaid, told {481} deponent that fifteen hundred Missourians - would assemble at Warsaw, in said county, on the morning of the - 17th instant; that the arms of the Quincy Greys had been sent up to - Warsaw; that they had five cannon at Warsaw; that said Missourians, - and others who would join them, would proceed to Carthage, and the - Quincy Greys and other companies from Adams county were to meet - the Missourians in Carthage at the time before stated; that from - Carthage they were going round to the branches of the Church of - Latter-day Saints in said county, and inform them that they must - deny Joseph's being a Prophet, and if they did not deny Joseph, - they must leave immediately: and on Thursday next the whole mob - were to proceed to Nauvoo and demand Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and - the City Council of said city, and if Joseph and Hyrum and the City - Council were not given up they would blow up the city, and kill and - exterminate all the inhabitants of said city. - - THOMAS G. WILSON. - - [Seal of Municipal Court.] - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, Willard Richards, clerk. In - testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the - Municipal Court of said city, at the time and place above written. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Clerk of the Municipal Court, City of Nauvoo. - - I have compared the within affidavit with the original, and find it - a true copy. - - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of court at - the city of Nauvoo, this 16th day of June, 1844. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Clerk of the Municipal Court, City of Nauvoo. - -Brother Butler, from Bear Creek, came in and made affidavit before the -Recorder that fifteen hundred Missourians were to cross the Mississippi -to Warsaw the next Morning, on their way to Carthage. - -I received a letter from Father Morley: - - _Letter: Isaac Morley to Joseph Smith--Mob Threats_. - - _President Joseph Smith_: - - SIR.--Believing it to be my duty to inform you of the proceedings - of a wicked clan against the Saints in this place, I improve this - opportunity. On yesterday, George Baker, in company with Joseph - Barber, a Mr. John Banks, Luther Perry and one more, (his name I - have not got) came to my house. Mr. Baker came to my door and said - he had {482} some business, and wished to speak with me. I went - out into my dooryard with him, and he came in company with a Mr. - Banks and others. They informed me they were a committee appointed - to inform me and our people that they had three propositions to - make to us. In the first place, yourself and about seventeen others - had broken the law and good order of society; that we, the Mormon - people, must take up arms and proceed with them for your arrest, or - take our effects and proceed immediately to Nauvoo, otherwise give - up our arms, and remain quiet until the fuss is over. We have until - Monday morning next to make up our minds. We have made up our minds - that we shall not comply with any of these proposals, but stand in - our own defense. We have no signature from the Governor, or any - official officer, to accept of such wicked proposals. - - We are informed that the company must be at Col. Williams' tomorrow - morning at eight o'clock to proceed to Nauvoo. - - I have thought it my duty to inform you of the proceedings here. - - This from your humble servant, - - ISAAC MORLEY. - - June 16th, 1844, - - We certify the above is true. - - GARDNER SNOW, - - EDMUND DURFEE, - - IRA WILLSEY. - -I sent the following answer by Joseph S. Allen: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Isaac Morley--Instructions on Resisting - Mob_. - - HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, NAUVOO. - - LIEUT.-GENERAL'S OFFICE, - - June 16th, 1844 - - _Col. Isaac Morley_: - - SIR.--In reply to yours of this date, you will take special notice - of the movements of the mob party that is stirring up strife and - endeavoring to excite rebellion to the government and destroy the - Saints, and cause all the troops of said Legion in your vicinity to - be in readiness to act at a moment's warning; and if the mob shall - fall upon the Saints by force of arms, defend them at every hazard - unless prudence dictate the retreat of the troops to Nauvoo, in - which case the mob will not disturb your women and children; and if - the mob move towards Nauvoo, either come before them or in their - rear and be ready to co-operate with the main body of the Legion. - Instruct the companies to keep cool, and let all things be done - decently and in order. - - Give information by affidavit before a magistrate and special - messengers {483} to the Governor of what has occurred, and every - illegal proceeding that shall be had on the subject, without delay. - Also notify me of the same, and demand instruction and protection - from the Governor. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - Lieut.-Gen. Nauvoo Legion. - -I insert the minutes of a public meeting: - - _Minutes of a Public Meeting at Nauvoo_. - - A public meeting was held in the city of Nauvoo on Sunday evening, - the 16th inst. - - Mr. John Taylor was unanimously called to the chair, and William - Clayton appointed clerk. - - The chairman stated briefly the object of the meeting, whereupon it - was unanimously - - Resolved, that inasmuch as many false reports are being circulated - through this county by designing characters for the purpose of - bringing persecution upon the peaceable citizens of this city we - will use our endeavors to disabuse the public mind, and present a - true statement of facts before them as speedily as possible. - - Resolved that for the more speedy accomplishment of this object, - this meeting appoint delegates to go to the different precincts - throughout the county to lay a true statement of facts before the - public. - - The following delegates were then appointed; - - To Warsaw precinct, Messrs. Joseph A. Kelting, Hugh McFall and John - T. Barnett. - - Rocky Run precinct, Messrs. Anson Call, E. Horner, Nicholas Boscow - and David Evans. - - Carthage precinct, Messrs. Lewis Robinson, Jeremiah Hatch, Jun.. - and Dr. Robinson. - - Lima precinct, Messrs. William Allen, Elam Luddington, and Charles - Warner. - - La Harpe and Pilot Grove, Messrs. Benjamin Warrington and Hiram - Kimball. - - Spilman's Landing and Appanoose, Messrs. Elijah R. Swackhammer, and - Truman Gillett, Jun. - - St. Mary's and Chili, Messrs. Philander Colton and Averett. - - Fountain Green and Macedonia, Messrs. Moses Claire and Andrew R. - Perkins. - - Augusta and Plymouth, Messrs. Peter Slater, Darwin Chase and John - McIllwrick. - - On motion, meeting adjourned _sine die_. - - JOHN TAYLOR, President, - - WILLIAM CLAYTON, Secretary. - -{484} And I issued the following: - - PROCLAMATION. - - MAYOR'S OFFICE, NAUVOO, June 16th, 1844. - - As there are a number of statements in circulation which have for - their object the injury of the Latter-day Saints, all of which are - false and prompted by black-hearted villains, I therefore deem - it my duty to disabuse the public mind in regard to them, and to - give a plain statement of facts which have taken place in the - city within a few days past, and which have brought upon us the - displeasure of the unprincipled and the uninformed, and seems to - afford an opportunity to our enemies to unite and arouse themselves - to mob. And already they have commenced their hellish operations by - driving a few defenseless "Mormons" from their houses and homes in - the vicinity of Warsaw and Carthage. - - A short time since a press was started in this city which had for - its object the destruction of the institutions of the city, both - civil and religious. Its proprietors are a set of unprincipled - scoundrels, who attempted in every possible way to defame the - character of the most virtuous of our community, and change our - peaceful and prosperous city into a place as evil and polluted - as their own black hearts. To rid the city of a paper so filthy - and pestilential as this became the duty of every good citizen - who loves good order and morality. A complaint was made before - the City Council, and after a full and impartial investigation it - was voted (without one dissenting voice) a public nuisance, and - to be immediately destroyed. The peace and happiness of the place - demanded it, the virtue of our wives and daughters demanded it, and - our consciences demanded it at our hands as conservators of the - public peace. - - That we acted right in this matter we have the assurance of one of - the ablest expounders of the laws of England, namely, Blackstone, - the Constitution of the state of Illinois, and our own chartered - rights. - - If, then, our charter gives us the power to decide what shall be a - nuisance, and cause it to be removed, where is the offense? What - law is violated? If, then, no law has been violated, why this - ridiculous excitement and bandying with lawless ruffians to destroy - the happiness of a people whose religious motto is "Peace and good - will toward all men?" - - Our city is infested with a set of blacklegs, counterfeiters and - debauchers, and that the proprietors of this press were of that - class the minutes of the Municipal Court fully testify, and in - ridding our young and flourishing city of such characters we are - abused by not only villainous demagogues, but by some who from - their station and influence {485} in society, ought rather to raise - than repress the standard of human excellence. - - We have no disturbance nor excitement among us, save what is made - by the thousand-and-one idle rumors afloat in the country. Everyone - is protected in his person and property, and but few cities of a - population of twenty thousand people, in the United States, have - less of dissipation or vice of any kind than the city of Nauvoo. - - Of the correctness of our conduct in this affair, we appeal to - every high court in the state, and to its ordeal we are willing to - appear at any time that his Excellency, Governor Ford, shall please - call us before it. I therefore, in behalf of the Municipal Court of - Nauvoo, warn the lawless not to be precipitate in any interference - in our affairs; for, as sure as there is a God in Israel, we shall - ride triumphant over all oppression. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - -I received a letter from my uncle, John Smith: - - _Letter: John Smith to Joseph Smith--Accompanying Delegation to the - Prophet_. - - MACEDONIA, ILLINOIS, Sunday, June 16th, 1844. - - _President Smith_: - - DEAR SIR.--We send you Brothers Perkins, two faithful brethren, who - will give you all the information which is within our knowledge - of the proceedings of our enemies; and as we have not heard or - received communication from Nauvoo as regards the course we should - pursue, we now ask your counsel, and you will please forward per - Brother Perkins. We should have sought your counsel sooner, only on - account of high water. Please communicate in writing the course we - in this part of the country should pursue. The brethren in these - parts are in good faith, spirits, and health generally, and may be - relied on. - - Respectfully, - - JOHN SMITH. - - GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH. - -_Monday, 17.--_I wrote the following to my uncle, John Smith: - -_Letter: Joseph Smith to John Smith--Instructions in Case of Mob -Violence_. - - NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844. - - _Uncle John_: - - DEAR SIR.--The brethren from Ramus arrived here this morning. We were - glad to see them, and to hear that you were all alive in the midst of - the ragings of an infatuated and blood-thirsty mob. I write {486} these - few lines to inform you that we feel determined in this place not to be - dismayed if hell boils over all at once. We feel to hope for the best, - and determined to prepare for the worst; and we want this to be your - motto in common with us, "That we will never ground our arms until we - give them up by death." Free trade and sailor's rights, protection of - persons and property, wives and families. - - If a mob annoy you, defend yourselves to the very last; and if they - fall upon you with a superior force, and you think you are not able to - compete with them, retreat to Nauvoo. But we hope for better things. - But remember, if your enemies do fall upon you, be sure and take the - best and most efficient measures the emergency of the case may require. - - Remember the front and the rear of your enemies, because if they should - come to Nauvoo to attack it unlawfully and by mob force, a little - annoyance upon the rear with some bold fellows would be a very good - thing to weaken the ranks of an enemy. - - It is impossible to give you correct information what to do beforehand; - but act according to the emergency of the case, but never give up your - arms, but die first. - - The brethren will give you information of the conversation between us. - We have sent to the Governor, and are about to send again, and we want - you to send affidavits and demand the attention of the Governor, and - request protection at his hand, in common with the rest of us that by - our continual wearying we may get him to come and investigate the whole - matter. - - I now conclude with my best wishes, and must refer you to the brethren - for further information. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and Lieut.-General of the Nauvoo Legion. - -My brother Hyrum wrote the following letter to President Brigham Young. - - _Letter: Hyrum Smith to Brigham Young--Calling Home the Twelve_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844. - - _Dear Brother Brigham Young_: - - There has been for several days a great excitement among the - inhabitants in the adjoining counties. Mass meetings are held upon - mass meetings drawing up resolutions to utterly exterminate the - Saints. The excitement has been gotten up by the Laws, Fosters and - the Higbees, and they themselves have left the city and are engaged - in the mob. They have sent their runners into the State of Missouri - to excite them to murder and bloodshed, and the report is that a - great many hundreds {487} of them will come over to take an active - part in murdering the Saints. The excitement is very great indeed. - - It is thought best by myself and others for you to return without - delay, and the rest of the Twelve, and all the Elders that have - gone out from this place, and as many more good, faithful men - as feel disposed to come up with them. Let wisdom be exercised; - and whatever they do, do it without a noise. You know we are not - frightened, but think it best to be well prepared and be ready for - the onset; and if it is extermination, extermination it is, of - course. - - Communicate to the others of the Twelve with as much speed as - possible, with perfect stillness and calmness. A word to the wise - is sufficient; and a little powder, lead and a good rifle can be - packed in your luggage very easy without creating any suspicion. - - There must be no excuses made, for wisdom says that a strict - compliance with our request will be for our safety and welfare. - - In haste, I remain yours in the firm bonds of the new and - everlasting covenant, - - HYRUM SMITH. - - P. S.--Large bodies of armed men, cannon and munitions of war are - coming on from Missouri in steamboats. These facts are communicated - to the Governor and President of the United States, and you will - readily see that we have to prepare for the onset. - - In the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant, I remain yours, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -[Sidenote: Arrest of the Prophet _et. al._ for Destroying the -_Expositor_.] - -This morning [17th of June] I was arrested, together with Samuel -Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene, -Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, Jonathan H. -Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, H. David -Redfield, O. P. Rockwell, and Levi Richards, by Constable Joel S. -Miles, on a writ issued by Daniel H. Wells, on complaint of W. G. Ware, -for a riot on the 10th inst. in destroying the _Nauvoo Expositor_ -press. At 2 p.m. we went before Justice Wells at his house; and after a -long and close examination we were discharged. The following is a copy -of the minutes of this trial. - - {488} _Minutes of the Trial of Joseph Smith et al. Before Esquire - Wells--"Expositor" Affair_. - - FOR THE "NEIGHBOR." - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - COUNTY OF HANCOCK, ss. - - Justice's Court, June 17th, 1844, Daniel H. Wells, Justice of the - Peace, presiding. - - State of Illinois _v._ Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, - William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene, Stephen Perry, - Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, Jonathan H. - Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, H. David - Redfield, Orrin Porter Rockwell and Levi Richards. - - Defendants were brought before the court by Joel S. Miles, - constable of the county aforesaid, by virtue of a warrant issued - by the court on complaint of W. G. Ware, for a "riot committed in - the city of Nauvoo, county aforesaid, on or before the 10th day of - June, 1844, by forcibly entering a brick building in said city, - occupied as a printing office and taking therefrom by force, and - with force of arms, a printing-press, types and paper, together - with other property, belonging to William Law, Wilson Law, Robert - D. Foster, Charles A. Foster, Francis M. Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee - and Charles Ivins, and breaking in pieces and burning the same in - the streets." - - George P. Stiles, Esq., appeared as counsel for the defense, and - Edward Bonny, Esq., for the prosecution. - - W. G. Ware sworn. Said he was present when the City Council passed - an order for the destruction of the press. Went up to the Temple - and heard the Marshal read the order of the Mayor. Did not know how - they got into the building. The press was taken out and destroyed. - - Defendants' counsel objected to witness, stating who voted for the - passage of the bill in the council and read Burns' definition of a - riot, and said there could be no accessory. - - Councilor Bonny read from the statute, page 173, and pleaded there - might be an accessory to a riot. Court decided there might be an - accessory to any crime either before or after the fact. - - Witness knew some who voted for the order in the City Council. - Heard Gen. Dunham give orders for the destruction of the press. - Dunham, Redfield and Richards took an active part in the - destruction of the press. Did not know all the persons. - - Cross-examined: City Council considered the press a nuisance, - and ordered it to be abated. Was present at the execution of the - Mayor's {489} orders. No unnecessary noise. All was done peaceably. - Saw no disorder. Heard no language by the prisoners calculated to - disturb the peace. - - Henry O. Norton sworn. Was at the printing office. Heard Marshal - Greene give orders to open the door. Markham carried out the press - and type. Recollected Dunham. Could not identify any others. No - contention between the marshal and Higbee. Marshal asked Charles - A. Foster for the key, which he refused to give. Heard no threats - concerning the destruction of the press any time. - - O. F. Moesseur sworn. Saw many of the people gather around the - printing office. Went over, back, and over again. Could not - identify any person. Heard no loud talking or noise. - - P. T. Rolfe sworn. Was at work in the printing office last Monday - night. Chauncey Higbee came in and said the Council was about to - destroy the press, and took some papers from the desk. Marshal - Greene came with a company and demanded the key. Foster and Higbee - forbade him. Door was opened by Lytle, as witness thought. The - press and fixtures were destroyed, and some paper and a desk - belonging to Dr. Foster, containing several thousand dollars of - property, four thousand dollars auditor's warrants, and other - valuable papers. - - Cross-examined: Did not know the amount of warrants and papers. - Presumed they were destroyed, Did not know whether they were - destroyed. Was from the office long enough to have them taken out. - Said Greene, Dunham, Markham, Holmes, Perry, Edwards and Harmon - helped to move the press. Never knew anything against Joseph Smith - personally. - - B. Warrington sworn. Was present at the Council when the bill - passed to destroy the press. - - Joseph Smith objected to calling in question the doings of the City - Council, and referred to the proceedings of Congress to show that - all legislative bodies have a right to speak freely on any subject - before them, and that Congress is not responsible for a riot - which might arise on the execution of their order by the Marshal; - that the execution of such order could not be a riot, but a legal - transaction; that the doings of the City Council could only be - called in question by the powers above them, and that a magistrate - had not that power; that the City Council was not arraigned here - for trial, but individuals were arraigned for a riot. If the City - Council had transcended their powers, they were amenable to the - Supreme Court; and that Judge Thomas had decided that an action - could not lie if no riot had been committed. - - Councilor Bonny said, if the act was committed under an ordinance - of the city, they might show it in justification. - - {490} Court decided that the gentlemen arraigned were arraigned in - their individual capacity, and could not be recognized by the court - in their official capacity. - - Witness said that all he heard the prisoners say was said as - councilors. - - Testimony on the prosecution closed. - - Councilor Stiles moved that the prisoners be dismissed for want of - a case being made out. - - Councilor Bonny read the riot act, and pleaded a case had been made - out. - - Motion overruled by the Court. - - Dr. Wakefield, Willard Richards and Edward Wingott sworn. - - Dr. J. R. Wakefield, of New York, said he went on the hill after - the order passed the Council. Saw some portion of the Legion - collected, walking quietly along as though they were walking to the - "Dead March in Saul." There was no noise or tumult. Higbee asked - the Marshal his authority. Marshal stated his authority from the - Mayor for abating the nuisance. Higbee set them all at defiance. - Some twelve men were called out, who went up stairs and opened - the door. Did not know how the door was opened. There was not - more than one thump. Marshal Greene asked one of the officers if - anything was destroyed except what belonged to the press? and the - officer replied, "No." All was done in perfect order--as peaceably - as people move on a Sunday. Was present all the time. All that was - done was done in their official capacity as officers of the city. - - Councilor Bonny objected to the testimony, as it was not before the - Court that there was any city. - - Court decided that any knowledge in possession of the Court was - testimony in the Court. - - E. Wingott, of Boston, concurred in Dr. Wakefield's statements. - Was by the door when it was opened, and knew that nothing more - than a knee was put against it. All was done quietly. Was present - in the City Council when the order passed. Nothing said in Council - except what was said in capacity of councilors and aldermen. Was - by the door all the time when the press and type and things used - in connection with the press were destroyed. There was no other - property taken from the building. - - Cross-examined: Did not know the name of the man who opened the - door. Knew Orrin P. Rockwell. - - Willard Richards read the resolutions of the City Council of the - 10th instant, declaring the press a nuisance, &c., and the Mayor's - order to the Marshal to destroy the press, and the Lieut.-General's - order to Major-General Dunham to assist the Marshal with the - Legion, if needed, {491} to abate the nuisance, and the Marshal's - return that the press and type were destroyed (as published in the - _Neighbor_, June 19). - - Court queried about the destruction of the desk. - - Dr. Wakefield was again called up. Heard Marshal tell the officers - and men to hurt no property, except the press, type and fixtures: - and after the abatement, Marshal inquired if his order had been - obeyed, and the officers said it had. - - E. Wingott called again. Heard Mr. Foster ask Higbee for the key of - the office, and afterward saw him deliver the key to Mr. Higbee. - There was nothing destroyed but what pertained to the press. - - Addison Everett of New York, sworn. Saw the press and type taken - out and burned. Saw no other property burned. Desk might have been - taken away before. Should not have seen it, if it had been. Saw no - desk burned. Does not believe any desk was burned. - - Joel S. Miles sworn. Foster said his docket was not burned. Witness - was sure that Dr. Foster said he had taken other papers out of the - desk. - - W. G. Ware called again. Saw Charles Foster coming from the office - and go into Foster's house with books under his arm. Looked like - account books. Saw nothing but the press and fixtures brought out, - except a chair, and the Marshal ordered it to be carried back. - - E. Wingott recalled. Stood close by the door. Could see all that - was done. Did not believe a desk could be brought out and he not - see it. - - Dr. Wakefield recalled. Joseph Smith and Hyrum were not on the hill - at all that evening. - - Joseph W. Coolidge was discharged by the Court and sworn. Charles - Foster asked Francis Higbee for the key to the office. Higbee - hesitated. Foster said he wanted to get a desk that had some - valuable papers in it. Foster got the key and went in. Did not see - him remove the desk. Might have removed it, and witness not see it. - There was no desk burned. - - The councilors submitted the case without plea, and the court - discharged the prisoners. - -{492} - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -RUMORS OF INVASION FROM MISSOURI--THE LEGION ORDERED TO ASSIST THE CITY -MARSHAL--NAUVOO PLACED UNDER MARTIAL LAW--THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS TO THE -LEGION. - -_Monday, June, 17, 1844, (continued).--_Edward Hunter, Philip B. -Lewis and Major John Bills started with the affidavit of Thomas G. -Wilson and my letter, &c., to take to Governor Ford. I charged Edward -Hunter, under oath, to tell Governor Ford all he knew concerning me, -good or bad, as he has known me for several years; and I said to him, -"Brother Hunter, you have always wished you had been with us from the -commencement. If you will go to Springfield and do this business for -me now in this time of danger, it shall be as though you had been in -Missouri and had always been with us." - -Stephen Markham made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit of Stephen Markham--Nauvoo to be Attacked_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss. - - On the 17th day of June, 1844, came Stephen Markham before me, - Willard Richards, recorder of said city; and after being duly - sworn, deposeth and saith that, from the public papers, especially - the Warsaw papers, and from reports from the various precincts, a - mob may be expected to make an immediate attack upon the citizens - and city of Nauvoo, on account of the gatherings at the various - precincts, and threats to exterminate the Latter-day Saints. - - STEPHEN MARKHAM. - - Sworn and subscribed to before me this 17th day of June, 1844. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Recorder of the city of Nauvoo. - -{493} As soon as the affidavit came to my knowledge, I issued the -following: - - PROCLAMATION. - - NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844. - - _To John P. Greene, Marshal of the City of Nauvoo, &c_.: - - SIR.--Complaint having been made to me on oath that a mob is - collecting at sundry points to make an attack on this city, you - will therefore take such measures as shall be necessary to preserve - the peace of said city according to the provisions of the charter - and the laws of the state; and with the police and the Legion, - see that no violent act is committed. General Dunham is hereby - instructed to act with the Marshal in keeping the peace, according - to law. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - -And also: - - ORDER TO THE LEGION. - - HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, - - NAUVOO, June 17th, 1844. - - _To Major General in Command, Jonathan Dunham_: - - Complaint having been made on oath that a mob is preparing to - make an attack upon this city and citizens of Nauvoo, and having - directed the Marshal to keep the peace, you are hereby commanded to - order the Nauvoo Legion to be in readiness to assist said Marshal - in keeping the peace, and doing whatever may be necessary to - preserve the dignity of the state and city. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut.-General N. L. - -Also: - - LEGION PLACED AT COMMAND OF CITY MARSHAL. - - HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, June 17th, 1844. - - _To Major-General in Command, Jonathan Dunham_: - - You are hereby instructed to execute all orders of the Marshal, - and perform all services with as little noise and confusion as - possible, and take every precaution to prevent groups of citizens, - &c., from gathering on the bank of the river, on the landing of - boats or otherwise, and allay every cause and pretext of excitement - as well as suspicion, and let your operations be efficient and - decided. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut.-Gen. N. L. - -I also issued an order to Col. A. P. Rockwood to call out {494} my -guard and staff immediately to my headquarters; and I also ordered the -Legion to parade tomorrow at 10 a.m. - - HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, - - LIEUT.-GENERAL'S OFFICE - - June 17th, 1844. - - _To Col. A. P. Rockwood_: - - You are hereby commanded to notify my guard and staff to appear at - headquarters without delay, armed and equipped according to law for - military duty and inspection, with powder and ball. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut.-Gen. N. L. - -I advised my brother Hyrum not to mail his letter to President Young at -present. - -I directed my clerk, Thomas Bullock, to remain in the Masonic Hall and -take affidavits of the men who are constantly coming in with news of -the movements of the mob and preserve copies to forward to the Governor. - -I received the following letter: - - _Letter: H. T. Hugins to Joseph Smith--Probable Indictment of the - Prophet at Springfield_. - - BURLINGTON, IOWA TERRITORY, - - June 17th, 1844. - - DEAR SIR.--I write to inform you that Jeremiah Smith arrived here - yesterday in safety and free from arrest. He desires, through me, - to thank you for your kindness and attention to him while at Nauvoo. - - I wrote from Springfield to apprise you that an effort was making - to procure an indictment against the members of your Municipal - Court for the part they acted in trying the _habeas corpus_ - petitions. Through the efforts of myself and Dr. Hickock, that - result was prevented, and T. B. Johnson exposed. The boat is - casting off, and I must close. Dr. Dunlop will write to apprise you - of the William and Wilson Law's proceedings here. You will hear - from me again soon. - - Yours truly, - - H. T. HUGINS. - - GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH, Nauvoo, Ill. - -The mob is still increasing in numbers at Carthage and other places. - -{495} It is reported that William and Wilson Law have laid a plan -to burn the printing office of the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ this night. I -therefore stationed a strong police round the premises and throughout -the city. - -The captain of the steamer _Osprey_ called upon me. - -[Sidenote: Charge of Threats Against Foster's Life.] - -About 11 p.m. a negro came into my office with an open letter, without -any date or name, and said that Dr. Foster gave it to him at Madison -to give Henry O. Norton. In that letter Foster said that Dunham and -Richards swore in my presence that they would kill him (Foster) in two -days, and that there was a man in Madison would swear he had heard them -say so at my house. - -I closed the issuing of orders about 12 at night, ready to retire to -rest. Pleasant weather. - -To refute the lying slanders of the _Warsaw Signal,_ as published in -the proceedings of a meeting held at Carthage an the 13th instant, I -insert the following certificate. [1] - - TO THE PUBLIC. - - We, whose names are undersigned, having seen in the _Warsaw - Signal,_ containing the proceedings of a meeting held at Carthage - on the 13th instant, many statements calculated to arouse the - indignation and wrath of the people against the citizens of Nauvoo, - do certify that Hyrum Smith did not make any threats, nor offer any - reward against the _Signal_ or its editor in the City Council. - - John Taylor, George W. Harris, Aaron Johnson, Phinehas Richards, - William Boles, Thomas Smith, George P. Stiles, Edward Hunter, W. - W. Phelps, Moses F. Clark, Alanson Ripley, Levi Richards, Orson - Spencer, Addison Everett, John P. Greene, Philip B. Lewis. - - NAUVOO, June 17, 1844. - -{496} A _Nauvoo Neighbor_ extra was issued with the following editorial: - - TO THE PUBLIC. - - As a soft breeze on a hot day mellows the air, so does the simple - truth calm the feelings of the irritated; and so we proceed to give - the proceedings of the City Council relating to the removal of the - _Nauvoo Expositor_ as a nuisance. We have been robbed, mobbed and - plundered with impunity some two or three times; and as every heart - is more apt to know its own sorrows, the people of Nauvoo had ample - reason, when such characters as the proprietors and abettors of - the _Nauvoo Expositor_ proved to be before the City Council, to be - alarmed for their safety. - - The men who got up the press were constantly engaged in resisting - the authority or threatening something. If they were fined, an - appeal was taken, but the slander went on; and when the paper came, - the course and the plan to destroy the city was marked out. The - destruction of the city charter and the ruin of the Saints was the - all-commanding topic. - - Our lives, our city, our charter and our characters are just as - sacred, just as dear, and just as good as other people's; and while - no friendly arm has been extended from the demolition of our press - in Jackson county, Missouri, without law, to this present day, the - City Council with all the law of nuisance, from Blackstone down to - the Springfield charter, knowing that if they exceeded the law of - the land a higher court could regulate the proceedings, abated the - _Nauvoo Expositor_. - - The proceedings of the Council show, as sketched out, that there - was cause for alarm. The people, when they reflect, will at once - say that the feelings and rights of men ought to be respected. - All persons otherwise, who, without recourse to justice, mercy or - humanity, come out with inflammatory publications, destructive - resolutions, or more especially extermination, show a want of - feeling a want of respect and a want of religious toleration that - honorable men will deprecate among Americans as they would the - pestilence, famine, or horrors of war. It cannot be that the people - are so lost to virtue as to coolly go to murdering men, women and - children. No; candor and common sense forbid it! - -Dr. Richards and Thomas Bullock sat up all last night writing the -proceedings of the City Council for the press. - -_Tuesday, 18.--_At 8 a.m. the Legion assembled according to orders, and -organized at 9 a.m., under Acting Major-General Jonathan Dunham. The -first cohort under the command of Colonel Stephen Markham, acting {497} -Brigadier-General, and the second cohort under Colonel Hosea Stout, -acting Brigadier-General. - -Just before, I was informed that there were several boxes of arms -landed at the upper stone house, which were secured by the Marshal. -Soon after it was discovered that the arms (40 stand) had been sent by -Henry G. Sherwood, and the Marshal bought them for the city. - -About 1:45 p.m. I proclaimed the city under martial law, and caused the -following orders to be issued from the Mayor's office: - - DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW. - - PROCLAMATION. - - MAYOR'S OFFICE, CITY OF NAUVOO, - - June 18th, 1844. - - _To the Marshal or the City of Nauvoo_: - - From the newspapers around us, and the current reports as brought - in from the surrounding country, I have good reason to fear that a - mob is organizing to come upon this city, and plunder and destroy - said city, as well as murder the citizens; and by virtue of the - authority vested in me as Mayor, and to preserve the city and the - lives of the citizens, I do hereby declare the said city, within - the limits of its incorporation, under martial law. The officers, - therefore, of the Nauvoo Legion, the police as well as all others, - will strictly see that no persons or property pass in or out of the - city without due orders. - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - -About 2 p.m. the Legion was drawn up in the street close by the -Mansion. I stood in full uniform on the top of the frame of a building. - -Judge Phelps read the _Warsaw Signal_ extra of the 17th, wherein all -the "old citizens" were called upon to assist the mob in exterminating -the leaders of the Saints and driving away the people. - -I addressed the Legion for about an hour and a half. - -[The following synopsis of this address was compiled by George A. -Smith, from the verbal reports of Joseph G. Hovey, William G. Sterrett, -Robert Campbell and many others who heard the Prophet on the occasion]: - -{498} - - _The Last Speech of President Smith to the Legion_. - - It is thought by some that our enemies would be satisfied with my - destruction; but I tell you that as soon as they have shed my blood - they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells - a single spark of the spirit of the fullness of the Gospel. The - opposition of these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of - all righteousness. It is not only to destroy me, but every man and - woman who dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to - teach to this generation. - - We have never violated the laws of our country. We have every - right to live under their protection, and are entitled to all the - privileges guaranteed by our state and national constitutions. We - have turned the barren, bleak prairies and swamps of this state - into beautiful towns, farms and cities by our industry; and the - men who seek our destruction and cry thief, treason, riot, &c., - are those who themselves violate the laws, steal and plunder from - their neighbors, and seek to destroy the innocent, heralding forth - lies to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes - by bringing destruction upon this innocent people. I call God, - angels and all men to witness that we are innocent of the charges - which are heralded forth through the public prints against us by - our enemies; and while they assemble together in unlawful mobs to - take away our rights and destroy our lives, they think to shield - themselves under the refuge of lies which they have thus wickedly - fabricated. - - We have forwarded a particular account of all our doings to the - Governor. We are ready to obey his commands, and we expect that - protection at his hands which we know to be our just due. - - We have taken the counsel of Judge Thomas, and have been tried - before a civil magistrate on the charge of riot--not that the law - required it, but because the Judge advised it as a precautionary - measure, to allay all possible pretext for excitement. We were - legally acquitted by Esq. Wells, who is a good judge of law. Had - we been before the Circuit, the Supreme, or any other court of law - in the state or nation, we would have been acquitted, for we have - broken no law. - - Constable Bettisworth came here with a writ requiring us to go - before Mr. Morrison, "or some other justice of the peace of the - county," to answer to the charge of riot. We acknowledged ourselves - his prisoners, and were ready to go before any magistrate in any - precinct in this part of the county, or anywhere else where our - lives could be protected from the mob who have published the - resolutions for our extermination which you have just heard read. - This is a privilege the law guarantees to us, and which the writ - itself allows. He broke the law and refused us this privilege, - declaring that we should go before Morrison {499} in Carthage, and - no one else, when he knew that a numerous mob was collected there - who are publicly pledged to destroy our lives. - - It was under these circumstances that we availed ourselves of the - legal right of the ancient, high, and constitutional privilege of - the writ of_ habeas corpus,_ and were brought before the Municipal - Court of this city and discharged from the illegal detention under - which we were held by Constable Bettisworth. All mob-men, priests, - thieves, and bogus makers, apostates and adulterers, who combine to - destroy this people, now raise the hue and cry throughout the state - that we resist the law, in order to raise a pretext for calling - together thousands more of infuriated mob-men to murder, destroy, - plunder and ravish the innocent. - - We are American citizens. We live upon a soil for the liberties of - which our fathers periled their lives and spilt their blood upon - the battlefield. Those rights so dearly purchased, shall not be - disgracefully trodden under foot by lawless marauders without at - least a noble effort on our part to sustain our liberties. - - Will you all stand by me to the death, and sustain at the peril - of your lives, the laws of our country, and the liberties and - privileges which our fathers have transmitted unto us, sealed with - their sacred blood? ("Aye!" shouted thousands.) He then said, - "It is well. If you had not done it, I would have gone out there - (pointing to the west) and would have raised up a mightier people." - - I call upon all men, from Maine to the Rocky Mountains, and from - Mexico to British America, whose hearts thrill with horror to - behold the rights of freemen trampled under foot, to come to the - deliverance of this people from the hand of oppression, cruelty, - anarchy and misrule to which they have long been made subject. - Come, all ye lovers of liberty, break the oppressor's rod, loose - the iron grasp of mobocracy, and bring to condign punishment all - those who trample under foot the glorious Constitution and the - people's rights. [Drawing his sword, and presenting it to heaven, - he said] I call God and angels to witness that I have unsheathed my - sword with a firm and unalterable determination that this people - shall have their legal rights, and be protected from mob violence, - or my blood shall be spilt upon the ground like water, and my body - consigned to the silent tomb. While I live, I will never tamely - submit to the dominion of cursed mobocracy. I would welcome death - rather than submit to this oppression; and it would be sweet, oh, - sweet, to rest in the grave rather than submit to this oppression, - agitation, annoyance, confusion, and alarm upon alarm, any longer. - - I call upon all friends of truth and liberty to come to our - assistance; and may the thunders of the Almighty and the forked - lightnings of heaven and pestilence, and war and bloodshed come - down on those ungodly {500} men who seek to destroy my life and the - lives of this innocent people. - - I do not regard my own life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice - for this people; for what can our enemies do? Only kill the body, - and their power is then at an end. Stand firm, my friends; never - flinch. Do not seek to save your lives, for he that is afraid to - die for the truth, will lose eternal life. Hold out to the end, - and we shall be resurrected and become like Gods, and reign in - celestial kingdoms, principalities, and eternal dominions, while - this cursed mob will sink to hell, the portion of all those who - shed innocent blood. - - God has tried you. You are a good people; therefore I love you - with all my heart. Greater love hath no man than that he should - lay down his life for his friends. You have stood by me in the - hour of trouble, and I am willing to sacrifice my life for your - preservation. - - May the Lord God of Israel bless you for ever and ever. I say it - in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and in the authority of the Holy - Priesthood, which He hath conferred upon me. - - (The people said "Amen.") - -Hyrum said that the statement of Sharp in the _Warsaw Signal,_ that he -(Hyrum) had threatened to take his life, was false as hell--there was -not a syllable of truth in it. - -About 3:15 p.m., I took the command, and with my staff rode in front of -the Legion, marched up Main Street, and returned to our former parade -ground. The number on parade was very large, considering the number -of Elders who had been sent on missions. After dismissing the Legion -to their several commands, I returned home and gave orders to the -several commanders only to receive official communications through my -aides-de-camp, the proper official channel. I appointed Edward Bonney -one of my aids-de-camp. - -Truman Gillett, Jr., made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: Truman Gillett--the Treachery of William Law_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss. - - June 18th, 1844.--Personally appeared Truman Gillett, Jr., before - me, Willard Richards, recorder of the city of Nauvoo; and after - being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that on or about the first day - of June, 1842, while passing up the Ohio river on the steamboat - _Massachusetts_, {501} deponent overheard two men, one a resident of - Missouri and the other of Ohio, as reported, conversing together - concerning incidents on the Upper Mississippi, when one said to the - other. "If Law could have succeeded in getting an introduction for - us to Joe Smith, damn him, we would have gagged him and nabbed him; - and, damn him, all hell could not have rescued him from our hands." - - The next morning deponent got in conversation with the man before - mentioned from Missouri, who stated that he had been on the Upper - Mississippi on business; that he stopped at Nauvoo on his way down - with some twelve or fourteen other men, who laid a plan to kidnap - Joe Smith; that some of the company queried about getting access - to him, but one of them said he knew they could if he could find - William Law. They called on William Law in the evening to get an - introduction to their great Prophet, and Law went with them to the - gate, where they were stopped by the police; "and it was well for - him that we did not succeed in getting an introduction to him." - - Deponent said, "Did William Law know your business?" And he said - "Yes." Deponent asked, "What have you against Joseph Smith? Did he - ever injure you?" The man replied, "No, but he has others." "Did - you ever see him?" "Yes. I was one who helped to run the Mormons - from Missouri," and related many circumstances concerning the - Missouri mob. - - Deponent said to the man, he was acquainted with William Law; - considered he was an honorable man, and was led to doubt his being - engaged with them in a conspiracy against Joseph Smith. He replied, - "G--d d--n you, it is true, whether you believe it or not," and - repeatedly affirmed it. Deponent did not believe the statements of - the man from Missouri as mentioned above until after hearing the - recent developments before the City Council. - - TRUMAN GILLETT, JR. - - [Seal] - - Sworn and subscribed at the time and place above written, before me. - - WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder C. N. - -At 8 p.m. I wrote the following: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins--Congratulating Jeremiah - Smith on his release_. - - NAUVOO, ILL., June 18th, 1844. - - _H. T. Hugins. Esq_. - - SIR.--I received your communication from Burlington per Captain - Anderson; also Dr. Hickock's from Springfield; and feel grateful - for your favors, and congratulate you and Mr. Smith also. - - The enemy, or mob, is prowling in the southern and eastern part of - {502} the county, and threatening us with extermination; and we ask - the friends of peace and good government everywhere to use their - influence in suppressing the spirit of mobocracy, and sustain us in - our righteous course. - - So far as you can conscientiously speak in our behalf, and lend - your influence in our favor for the public good your favors will be - highly appreciated. - - Please show this to Dr. Hickock and such confidential friends as - you think proper. Also request Mr. Dunlop to direct his letter to - me. - - The bearer, Dr. Wakefield, will give you all particulars. - - In haste, I remain your friend, respectfully, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -I sent the letter by Dr. Wakefield to Burlington. - -[Sidenote: Governor Ford's Treatment of the Mob.] - -Nine messengers arrived from Carthage, and report that the mob had -received intelligence from the Governor, who would take no notice of -them; and they damned the Governor as being as bad as Joe Smith. They -did not care for him, and they were just as willing he would not help -them as if he would. - -There was a body of armed men in Carthage, and a mob meeting at -Fountain Green, which attracted considerable attention. - -[Sidenote: Threat Against the Prophet's Life.] - -Shadrach Roundy, a policeman, reported at 10 p.m., after I had retired, -that a man by the name of Norton had threatened to shoot me. An -examination was immediately had, but no proof was found. - -This evening I appointed Theodore Turley Armorer-General of The Legion. - -I insert the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit, Canfield and Belknap--Concerning Threats of Invasion - from Missouri_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss. - - HANCOCK COUNTY, June 18, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the - peace, Cyrus Canfield and Gilbert Belknap, of Hancock county; and - being duly sworn depose and say that on yesterday, June 17th, 1844, - {503} certain persons--to-wit, Dr. Barnes and Joseph H. Jackson, - having entered into conversation with your deponents, among - other things declared that the Governor of Illinois was as big a - scoundrel as Joseph Smith, and that he is the d--dest scoundrel - that was ever suffered to live; that they did not care for the - Governor, and had rather that the Governor would side with Smith; - that they (the mob) were coming to Nauvoo with a sufficient force - to take Smith; and if the people endeavored to prevent them, they - should kill the people; and that if Smith had left Nauvoo, they - had determined to destroy the Mansion and other buildings. And - your deponents further say that one John Eller declared that he - had lived in Missouri and was at the massacre of the Mormons at - Haun's Mill, that he had killed one Mormon, and that he had left - Missouri on purpose to fight the Mormons, and would hunt a Mormon - as he would a deer. And your deponents further say that they heard - that about one hundred persons had already arrived from Missouri, - and were expecting as many more from that State. And your deponents - further say, that they heard in Carthage that they had already - received a number of guns and ammunition and provisions from St. - Louis, in order to prosecute their attack upon Nauvoo. And, further - your deponents say not. - - CYRUS CANFIELD, - - GILBERT BELKNAP. - - Sworn and subscribed to before me, this eighteenth day of June, - 1844. - - AARON JOHNSON, - - A Justice of the Peace. - -Footnotes: - -1. This was published in the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ impressions of June 19 -1844. - -{504} - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -ATTEMPTS TO DRAFT SAINTS INTO MOB SERVICE AGAINST NAUVOO--THREATENED -INVASION FROM MISSOURI--JAMES A. BENNETT URGED TO COME TO NAUVOO. - -_Wednesday, June 19, 1844.--_The Legion assembled on the parade-ground. -A company of the Legion came in from Green Plains about 11 a.m. I met -them at the front of the Mansion, and an escort came down from the -parade-ground below the Temple and escorted them to the ground. - -At 1 p.m. a company of volunteers arrived from Iowa and were also -escorted to the parade-ground. - -[Sidenote: Effort to Draft Chester Loveland into Mob Service.] - -On Sunday, the 16th, a committee of the mob, headed by James Charles, -a constable of Hancock county, went to the house of Captain Chester -Loveland, who lives four miles southeast of Warsaw, and required him to -call out his company to join the _posse_ of David Bettisworth to go to -Nauvoo and arrest me and the City Council. He peremptorily refused to -comply with their request. The same _posse_ returned on the 17th with -an order, as they stated, from the Governor, which Loveland believed -(and no doubt correctly) to be a forgery, and therefore still refused -to go on any terms. The _posse_ then reported his refusal to Colonel -Williams, who appointed a committee of twelve to lynch, tar and feather -Captain Loveland on the 18th; which committee went that evening and -arrived about midnight. - -Loveland, who had been informed of Williams' order, prepared himself -for defense and kept watch. As soon as they came and he saw their -number, and that they were {505} provided with tar bucket, bag of -feathers and a bundle of withes, in addition to their fire-arms, he -blew out his light and placed himself in a suitable position to defend -the door (which he had fastened) and the window. They went around his -house several times, tried his door, rapped, called him by name, and -consulted together. Some were for breaking the door; others thought -it too dangerous. They knew he must be in there, for they were near -his door when the light was blown out. Finally their courage failed; -and notifying him to leave the country immediately, they took their -departure. During this trying time Loveland did not speak. - -[Sidenote: Roads Leading into Nauvoo Picketed.] - -In the afternoon I gave orders to General Dunham to have a picket-guard -under Col. Markham, posted on all the roads leading out of the city; -also an inner guard, under Major Jesse P. Harmon, posted in all the -streets and alleys in the city, and also on the river bank. I also gave -orders to have all the powder and lead in the city secured, and to see -that all the arms were in use, and that all unclaimed arms be put in -the hands of those who could use them. - -I insert the affidavit of Anson Call, David Evans and William E. Horner: - - _Affidavit: Call, Evans and Horner--Treatment of Nauvoo Committee - by Levi Williams, et al_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss. - - HANCOCK COUNTY, June 19, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, justice of the peace - of said county, Anson Call, David Evans and William E. Horner, of - Hancock county and state aforesaid; and being duly sworn, depose - and say that on Monday, the 17th instant, we started for Rocky Run - precinct, and arrived yesterday. We then went to Col. Williams' of - that place, and there soon assembled twenty or thirty men. We were - informed that Col. Williams had gone to Lima to get the colonel - there to bring on his regiment. We then informed them that we were - delegated on behalf of the people of Nauvoo to transact business - with them. {506} They informed us they had a committee set apart to - do their business, and that one was absent, and the other two would - shortly be here. That while a person was seeking the two men, we - observed to the people that General Smith was willing to be tried - in any state, for any crime of supposed crime that he had ever - committed, except in the state of Missouri. - - One of the persons objected to General Smith being tried by the - Municipal Court in Nauvoo, and declared that nothing else would do - but for him to be taken upon the old writ, and by the same person - who took him in custody before, and tried at the place where the - writ was issued. - - It was then observed that Judge Thomas had advised General Smith - to enter into bonds to be tried before the Circuit Court, and this - would allay all the excited feelings of the people. - - It was then moved by one of their company, and sanctioned by the - people, that a committee should wait on the Judge who gave General - Smith this advice, and give him a coat of tar and feathers; when - one John Elliott, of notoriety, agreed to find the tar and feathers - for that purpose. - - After some further conversation, a man whom they called Lawyer - Stephens came in from Warsaw, and asked where Col. Williams was. - He was told that he had gone to Lima. They then observed to the - lawyer that we were delegates from Nauvoo, when he replied. "We are - expecting delegates, too, at Warsaw;" and he said the people were - talking of introducing them to the Mississippi river; and says he, - "Gentlemen, you can do with your delegates what you think proper." - - A Mr. Crawford, one of the committee, observed that he went against - such proceedings, and advised them as a body to keep cool. They - then told the lawyer the advice that the Judge of the Circuit - Court had given to General Smith, when he said it was unlawful - advice, and it was a second time moved and assented to that a - committee should wait on Judge Thomas and give him a coat of tar - and feathers. The remainder of the committee having come in, they - stated to us that they had written to the Governor to obtain aid - from other counties; and if the Governor did not send them aid, - they were too weak to go themselves now, but were summoning all the - people that would come into the county until they got force enough - to come up and take Joseph Smith with the first warrant, and take - him to the place where the writ was first issued; and nothing less - than that would satisfy the people. - - ANSON CALL, - - DAVID EVANS, - - WM. E. HORNER. - - Sworn and subscribed to this 19th day of June, 1844. - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -{507} From the best information they could learn, there were two -hundred armed men at Rocky Run precinct, two hundred at Warsaw, two -hundred in Missouri, and the whole receiving constant additions. - -At 9 p.m. I was at home. The city all quiet. - -[Sidenote: Preparations for an Attack.] - -_Thursday, 20.--_At daybreak I went with my staff and Major-General -Dunham to the prairie, to view the situation of the ground, and to -devise plans for the defense of the city, and select the proper -locations to meet the mob, and made arrangements for provisions for the -city, instructing my agent to pledge my farms for the purpose. - -[Sidenote: Report of Dr. Southwick.] - -At 10 a.m. Dr. Southwick from Louisiana arrived, and reported that -there was not much excitement in St. Louis; that a cannon had arrived -at Warsaw from Quincy, and that it had been reported to him that there -was great excitement in Upper Missouri. - -At 11, I reviewed the Legion facing the Mansion, and went to parade on -the banks of the river. - -I insert the affidavit of Carlos W. Lyon. - - _Affidavit: Carlos W. Lyon_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss - - On the 20th day of June, 1844, came before me, Willard Richards, - recorder of the city aforesaid, Carlos W. Lyon; and after being - duly sworn, deposeth and saith that while at St. Louis, Mo., on - Monday, the 17th instant, it was a common topic that they were - furnishing arms and ammunition to be sent by steamboat to Warsaw, - Illinois; and said if the people of Warsaw need five hundred men, - to give notice by the steamer _Boreas_, and the men should be sent - from St. Louis to Warsaw; and that your said affiant also saw a - cannon landed from the steamer_ Mermaid_ at Warsaw; and further he - saith not. - - CARLOS W. LYON. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20th day of June, 1844, - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Recorder of the City of Nauvoo. - -{508} Wrote to John Tyler, President of the United States, as follows: - - _An Appeal to President Tyler_. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, June 20th, 1844. - - SIR.--I have just enclosed to the Governor of the State of Illinois - copies of the enclosed affidavits and extra. I am sorry to say - that the State of Missouri, not contented with robbing, driving - and murdering many of the Latter-day Saints, are now joining the - mob of this state for the purpose of the "utter extermination" of - the Mormons, as they have resolved. And now, sir, as President - of the United States, will you render that protection which the - Constitution guarantees in case of "insurrection and rebellion," - and save the innocent and oppressed from such horrid persecution? - - With great respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor. - - JOHN TYLER, President of the U. S., Washington, D. C. - -I here insert affidavits of Hiram B. Mount and John Cunningham: - - _Affidavit: Mount and Cunningham--Attempt to Draft them into the - Mob Service_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice of - the peace in and for the county of Hancock, Hiram B. Mount and John - Cunningham, who being duly sworn, depose and say that George Baker, - John Banks, Joseph Barber, and two others came to your deponents on - Saturday the 15th inst., at Morley Settlement, in said county, and - demanded our arms. We replied that we had none, when they required - of us to go with them to Nauvoo to take Joseph Smith and other - prisoners, and they promised to supply us with arms. Second, if we - would not do so, that we were required to leave our homes and go to - Nauvoo. We must either go against Smith, or take part with him. - - They then told us they intended to go to Nauvoo to take Smith; and - if they could not take him, they would take some of the head men - of Smith's clan, and hold them under bonds of death until Smith - was delivered up to them. And your deponents further say that John - Banks {509} told them if they could not get volunteers enough, they - would get a force that would take him. - - HIRAM B. MOUNT, - - JOHN CUNNINGHAM, (x--his mark). - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - - _Affidavit: Allen T. Wait--Attempt to Draft him into Mob Service_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice - of the peace in and for said county, Allen T. Wait, of Morley - Settlement in said county; and being first duly sworn, deposeth and - saith that on Saturday morning he was at the house of Colonel Levi - Williams, when he told me that I must take up arms and go and fight - against Joseph Smith, or I must leave the place immediately, or - else I must give up my arms and stay at home. - - He also said they would take Smith by law if they could; or if the - Governor would not grant a writ to take him they would take him - anyhow. He also said, if the people would not give Smith up, they - would lay the whole city of Nauvoo in ashes. - - I inquired what they would do with those people of Nauvoo who would - not fight? He said they must make some signal, or else they must - share the same fate--they must all perish, men, women, and children. - - I then left in order to go home, when Captain Harrison P. Crawford - overtook me, and told me if the Governor would not help them they - did not care for the Governor anyhow. He said Governor Ford was an - unconstitutional man; he had issued two illegal writs, and they - were done so on purpose: and any such man ought not to hold any - office whatever; and they intended to proceed against the Mormons - whether they got any authority from the Governor or not. - - ALLAN T. WAIT. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Likewise the affidavit of Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow John Edmiston and -Edmund Durfee. - - {510} _Affidavit: Isaac Morley et al.--Attempt to Draft them into - Mob Service_, - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice - of the peace in and for said county, Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, - John Edmiston and Edmund Durfee, all of Hancock county aforesaid; - and being first duly sworn, depose and say that on Saturday, the - 15th day of June, 1844, at Morley Settlement in said county, - certain persons--to wit., George Baker, farmer, John Banks, Esq., - Luther Perry, constable, Joseph Barber, farmer; and another person - whose name we do not know, called upon your deponent, Isaac - Morley, when John Banks said they waited on him to make three - propositions--namely: first, that we were to take up arms, join - with, and go along with them to Nauvoo to arrest one Joseph Smith - and others, about seventeen in number, living in Nauvoo; second, - to remove our effects to Nauvoo; or third, to give up our arms to - them and remain neutral. And said Isaac Morley was required to - notify all the brethren in the neighborhood, and report to the said - committee, which of these propositions we accepted, by 8 o'clock on - Monday morning following; and that one of the above resolutions was - to be complied with within that time. - - On the same day said Joseph Barber and Luther Perry went to where - your deponent, Edmund Durfee, was at work in a field in the same - neighborhood, and said they had come to notify him that said Durfee - must comply with one of the above propositions; if not that said - Durfee would smell thunder. - - And all your deponents further depose and say that they have - been compelled to leave their homes and flee to Nauvoo for - protection. "For we were afraid to stay there on account of the - mobs threatening to utterly exterminate us," according to a _Warsaw - Signal_ extra of June, 14th, 1844, if we stayed at home; and - further your deponents say not. - - ISAAC MORLEY, - - GARDNER SNOW, - - JOHN EDMISTON, - - EDMUND DUFREE. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Also the affidavit of Solomon Hancock, William Garner, and John G. -Lofton: - - {511} _Affidavit: Hancock, Garner, Lofton--Attempt to Draft them - into Mob Service_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice of - the peace, Solomon Hancock, William Garner and John G. Lofton, who - being first duly sworn, depose and say that on Saturday, the 15th - day of June, 1844, at Morley Settlement in said county, certain - persons,--to wit., John Clark, John Crawford, Jeremiah Bently, and - three others, all farmers, came to your deponents and made three - several propositions to them, to wit: first, that we were to take - up our arms and join with them in going to Nauvoo, to take Joseph - Smith and others prisoners; second, to remove with our effects to - Nauvoo immediately; or, third, to give up our arms to Col. Levi - Williams and remain neutral. - - We were ordered to give in our decision on Monday then next by - 8 o'clock in the morning; and if we would not agree to their - decision, we must abide the consequences. And in consequence of - mobs gathering in the neighborhood, we have been obliged to leave - our homes in order to save our lives, and are come to Nauvoo for - protection. - - Solomon Hancock further deposeth and saith that said John Clark did - on Tuesday, 18th instant, inform your deponent that one of their - party had gone to St. Louis and had obtained three cannon, and were - expecting three companies of volunteers from St. Louis to join them - in going to Nauvoo to exterminate the Mormons; and further your - deponents say not. - - SOLOMON HANCOCK, - - WILLIAM GARNER, - - JOHN G. LOFTON. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON. - -Also the affidavit of James Guyman: - - _Affidavit: James Guyman--Threats of Invasion from Missouri_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice of - the peace in and for said county, James Guyman, of Green Plains - precinct in said county; and being first duly sworn deposeth - and saith that on Saturday morning, the 15th instant, he was at - Rocky Run precinct, {512} when one Captain Wyers, captain of an - "Independent Anti-Mormon Minute Men Company," came to a house where - your deponent was staying. He inquired for a drum. He wanted either - to borrow it or buy it until the affray with the Mormons was over. - - I asked him how he was going to proceed to take Smith. He then said - Missouri had offered to send over two thousand men, to come over to - assist and take him. - - I asked whether it was legal for them to come over here. He replied - when they came over the constables were going to summons them, and - also to summons every man who was in or would come into the county. - - I asked if it was according to law to proceed that way, and he - replied it was, and he went in for the law and democracy. He said - they had sent two men to the Governor to order the militia out in - their favor to help to take those criminals: and if he would not - do just right, they would execute him by taking his head from his - shoulders. - - I replied, "You said you were a democracy man, and went for the - law." I said, "Do you call that democracy or mobocracy?" - - He said if they went that far, and if the Governor ordered the - militia against them instead of in favor of them, he would turn - mob, and the militia would join him, and they would take the - Governor's head from his shoulders. He repeated it two or three - times. - - I enquired if it was law to go and drive those innocent Mormons who - were living in the neighborhood, or tyrannically compel them to do - things not agreeable to their will? He allowed that in this case it - was. - - I asked what he was going to do with these old settlers who would - neither take up arms and fight against Smith nor in favor of him; - when he replied they must fight either for one side or the other, - or they must share the same fate as the Mormons. - - Your deponent further saith that he is not a Mormon, and does not - belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and - further saith not. - - JAMES GUYMAN. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Also the affidavit of Obadiah Bowen: - - _Affidavit: Obadiah Bowen--Attempt to Draft him into Service of - Mob_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, an acting justice - {513} of the peace, in and for said county, Obadiah Bowen, of - Morley Settlement, in said county; and being first duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that on Saturday the 15th instant, John Clark - rode up to where I was at work in Morley Settlement, and said he - was afraid the Mormons would come and destroy their property; - "and," said he, "if I have any destroyed by any person, I shall - make my resort upon the nearest Mormons, and take their property in - place of that which shall be taken away;" wherever he could find - it, so long as it was a Mormon's; and that on Tuesday, the 18th - instant, as I was coming from my house to the road leading to Lima, - a mob was at the forks of the road standing still and consulting - together; I came on the road about twenty rods ahead of them. In a - few moments Colonel Levi Williams, John Clark and five others rode - along the same road after me. - - I heard them talking about shooting the Mormons, when Clark - said, "It is no disgrace to shoot a Mormon, anyhow," when they - all laughed. They overtook me, and Col. Williams asked me where - I lived. I replied in Morley Settlement. He asked me if I was a - Mormon, when Clark laid it was no odds--he is on their part. - - Col. Williams then threatened me, and said I must be sure and be - at his house by nine o'clock in the morning; if not I must either - get out of Morley Settlement, or be served the same sauce as the - Mormons. He gave me to understand that they were going to make a - total destruction of Morley Settlement tomorrow, and I had better - get out of it. - - He then talked about Joseph Smith, when I replied I understood - Joseph Smith had a fair trial and was bound over to the Supreme - Court. He said, "If he is not, we do not care, it is illegally - done;" and he should go ahead. He should gather the troops, and - there would be two thousand men landed tomorrow from Missouri. He - said they were volunteers. They should meet next day at Carthage, - and then go against Joseph Smith and demolish the city of Nauvoo, - for have him at any rate they would. He was in a very great - passion, and let out a great many oaths and [said] other things - that I have not mentioned. - - In consequence of their threats, and to save our lives, we were - obliged to leave our homes in a very stormy night, and had to cross - a dangerous stream that was swollen by the rain, and was unable to - protect myself from great sufferings and hardships, and came to the - city of Nauvoo for protection. - - OBADIAH BOWEN. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Also the affidavit of Alvah Tippitts: - - {514} _Affidavit: Alvah Tippetts--Violence of John Williams Upon_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - CITY OF NAUVOO. June 20th, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the - peace in and for the said county, Alvah Tippetts, of Warsaw, in - Hancock county and state aforesaid; and being first duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that on Wednesday, June 12th, at Green Plains, - one Col. Levi Williams came to your deponent about sunrise, and - ordered me out of the house that very day. - - I replied he was very hasty. He again ordered me out of the house, - and said, if I spoke a word, he would put me out of the house - immediately. - - I then took away part of my goods and left the house accordingly, - because I was afraid to stay there another night. - - The next day I went back after the remainder of my property, and - called at the house of Col. Levi Williams for some things belonging - to me. - - When I arrived there John Williams, the son of said Levi Williams, - aged about twenty-eight years, abused me for placing confidence - in Joseph Smith and the people of Nauvoo. He then took me by the - back of my neck and pushed me away, and said he would not have - such stuff in his house. The second time he pushed me by the neck, - and his foot to my back. He pushed me several times and kicked me. - Again, when in the street, he kept kicking and pushing me, and - abusing me with his tongue. I am sixty-one years old. I did not say - anything to him to cause this abuse; but it was all on account of - my believing that Joseph Smith and the people of Nauvoo would do - nothing but what was according to law. - - ALVAH TIPPETTS. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -[Sidenote: Reinforcement for Nauvoo from Ramus.] - -I had sent orders to Captain Almon W. Babbitt, commander of the company -at Ramus, to come immediately with his company to Nauvoo, and help to -defend the place; and this morning my brother-in-law, William McLeary, -informs my that when the letter was read to the company, Babbitt -refused to come, and said it was a foolish move, and {515} objected -to any of the company coming. The company was marshaled into line, -when Babbitt said, "If any of you go, not one will ever get to Nauvoo -alive," when immediately my Uncle John Smith stepped in front of the -line and said, "Every man that goes at the call of the Prophet shall go -and return safe, and not a hair of his head shall be lost; and I bless -you in the name of the Lord." - -The company immediately threw the command upon Uriah B. Yager, who -accepted of it, and started for Nauvoo, although many of them were -destitute of boots or shoes. The company had not traveled five miles -before they suddenly came upon double their number of the mob, who had -two red flags flying, and who had paraded their company and taken a -position in a wood that commanded the road. The company from Macedonia -opened file about ten feet apart and marched past them within rifle -shot, while the mob fired several guns at them, the balls whizzing past -their heads. They came here at daybreak this morning, and I directed -the quartermaster to furnish those who needed with shoes. - -I wrote the following letter: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Ballantyne and Slater--Advice on moving - into Nauvoo_. - - NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - BROTHERS BALLANTYNE AND SLATER:--On information from you by J. - McIllrick, I would advise that your families remain where they - are and be quiet, as the mob will not be likely to disturb them; - but any amount of wheat or provisions you may have you had better - remove without delay to Nauvoo, as it will be better for you to - bring it here and have your pay than to leave it for the mob to - consume and destroy. - - I remain your brother in Christ Jesus, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - BALLANTYNE AND SLATER, Doyles Mills, near Plymouth, Ill. - -I here insert the affidavit of John P. Greene and John M. Bernhisel: - - {516} _Affidavit: Greene and Bernhisel--Threatened Invasion from - Missouri_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - COUNTY OF HANCOCK, ss. - - CITY OF NAUVOO. - - On the 20th day of June, 1844, personally appeared before me, Aaron - Johnson, a justice of the peace within and for said county, John - P. Greene, marshal of said city, and John M. Bernhisel; and after - being duly sworn, depose and say that a body of citizens, in a - mass meeting convened on the 13th instant at Carthage, resolved to - exterminate the Latter-day Saints of the said city of Nauvoo, and - for that purpose, according to the purport of the _Warsaw Signal_ - extra, dated June 14, 1844, bodies of armed men are coming from - the State of Missouri, and also from the territory of Iowa, and - the cannon and ammunition are being transported from the state - of Missouri to Illinois for the purpose of utterly exterminating - the Latter-day Saints. And your affiants would further state that - these bodies of armed men, cannon, arms, and munitions of war are - transported in steamboats navigating the waters of the United - States, and that the name of one of these boats is the _Die Vernon_. - - JOHN P. GREENE, - - JOHN M. BERNHISEL. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 20th day of June, 1844. - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Dr. Richards wrote the following: - - _Letter: Willard Richards to Jas Arlington Bennett--Affairs in - Nauvoo--Western Movement_. - - MAYOR'S OFFICE, NAUVOO, June 20th, 1844. - - DEAR GENERAL.--Yours of the 14th of April was received at a late - date. A multiplicity of business on account of the peculiar state - of affairs, has prevented a reply till now. Your views about - the nomination of General Smith for the Presidency are correct. - We will gain popularity and external influence. But this is not - all: we mean to elect him, and nothing shall be wanting on our - part to accomplish it; and why? Because we are satisfied, fully - satisfied, that this is the best or only method of saving our free - institutions from a total overthrow. - - You will discover by this day's extra_ Nauvoo Neighbor,_ and - previous papers which I shall forward with this, that we are - already being surrounded by an armed mob; and, if we can believe - a hundredth part of {517} their statements we have no alternative - but to fight or die. All the horrors of Missouri's murders are - crowding thick upon us, and the citizens of this county declare in - mass-meetings, "No peace till the Mormons are utterly exterminated - from the earth." And for what? - - A band of thieves, counterfeiters, bogus-makers, gamblers, - debauchers, murderers, and all that is vile, established a - printing-press in this city for the purpose of carrying on - all their hellish plans and overthrowing every principle of - righteousness; and after publishing one number, called the _Nauvoo - Expositor,_ filled on every column with lies and libel the most - dark and damnable it were possible for men or demons on the earth - or in the shades of Gehenna, calculated to destroy every chartered - right to our peaceful city, and constitutional principles to our - nation, being destitute of every vestige of truth, and without one - redeeming quality, either in the paper or the characters of its - publishers. - - The City Council, on the 10th instant, ordered the press and - fixtures to be abated as a nuisance which order was executed by - the proper authorities without delay, without noise, tumult or - confusion. - - The proprietors immediately evacuated their houses and the city, - and the night following fired one or more of their buildings, just - as they did in Missouri, thinking to raise a hue-and-cry that the - Mormons had done it, and by that means bring a mob on us without - a moment's delay; but our vigilant police discovered the fire and - abated that also. - - Chagrined at their disappointment, and drunk with madness, they - next went to Carthage, the county seat and headquarters of - mobocracy, and swore that Joseph and about seventeen others had - committed a riot, and sent a warrant for their apprehension. They - offered to go before any magistrate in the vicinity and answer to - the charge. The officer would not consent, but would take them to - Carthage. They had threatened their lives at Carthage and did not - consider it safe to go thither, and prayed out a writ of _habeas - corpus_ from the Municipal Court, and were set free. - - This only enraged the mob the more, and another writ was issued - by a county magistrate in the vicinity, not a Mormon, before whom - they were brought, and every exertion made to convict them, but the - magistrate discharged them. - - This does not satisfy them. They are determined to have "Joe - Smith," brought before themselves for trial at the headquarters - of mobocracy swearing that all they want is to get him out of the - city; and they will shoot the "damned rascal." - - Cannon, ammunition and men are passing over the Mississippi from - Missouri to Illinois, and the mob is collected by hundreds at - different points in the county swearing everlasting vengeance; and - when their oaths and writs will end, God knows. - - {518} We have sent messengers to the Governor, but had no returns, - and shall dispatch messages to the President of the United States - next boat. - - If the virtuous part of the community, the state, the nation, - will come to the rescue of innocence and the rights our fathers - bled to purchase, that our peace and happiness may be secured to - us in common with others, it is all we ask; but if they will not, - and the mob goes on, we say a dishonorable life is worse than an - honorable death, and we are ready for the onset; and we call upon - all patriots, far and near, to lend a helping hand to put down the - mob and restore peace. - - If this is not done immediately, and the mob attempt to execute - their threats, you may soon have the opportunity of beholding that - glorious "vision in the west" you have sublimely contemplated in - your letter. - - I write you at this time at the request of the Prophet, and I - invite you to come to our assistance with as many volunteers as you - can bring. And if the mob cannot be dispersed, and the Government - will not espouse our righteous cause, you may soon, very soon, - behold the second birth of our nation's freedom; for live without - the free exercise of thought, and the privilege of worshiping God - according to the dictates of our consciences, we will not! We will - die rather, and go where the wicked cease to trouble. But we firmly - believe there are virtuous men and patriots enough yet left to - sustain those principles which alone are worth living for. Will you - come? - - Here is Oregon. Here is California. Where is your ambition? - Patriotism? Your "separate and independent empire," if you sit - calmly still and see the most virtuous and noble people that ever - trod upon the footstool of Jehovah ground to powder by a miscreant - mob and not stretch forth your potent arm for their defense in all - the majesty of a God? If you do not, your turn may come next; and - where will it cease? - - Let the first blow be struck upon us from this hour, and this field - is open for every honest patriot from the east to the west sea, and - from the river Mississippi to the ends of the earth. - - General, will you stand neutral? Come, and you will know for - yourself. - - I close in haste, with good wishes to yourself and family. - - W. RICHARDS. - - GENERAL J. A. BENNETT, - - Arlington House, N. Y. - -{519} - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE TWELVE CALLED FROM EASTERN MISSION--GOVERNOR FORD AT -CARTHAGE--NAUVOO DELEGATION TO GOVERNOR--THREATS AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST -THE PROPHET'S LIFE--GOVERNOR FORD INVITED TO NAUVOO TO INVESTIGATE -CONDITIONS. - -[Sidenote: The Apostles Called Home.] - -_Thursday, June 20, 1844 [continued].--_I wrote to those of the Twelve -Apostles who are absent on missions to come home immediately, namely, -Brigham Young, Boston; Heber C. Kimball, Washington; Orson Hyde, -Philadelphia; Parley P. Pratt, New York; Orson Pratt, Washington; -Wilford Woodruff, Portage, New York; William Smith, Philadelphia; -George A. Smith, Peterboro; John E. Page, Pittsburgh; and Lyman Wight, -Baltimore. Also to Amasa Lyman, Cincinnati, Ohio, and George Miller, -Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky. I sent the letters by express by -Aaron M. York to the Illinois river, on account of the stoppage of the -mails. - -At 8 p.m. Thomas Bullock came and read to me the affidavits of Isaac -Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston, Edmund Durfee, Solomon Hancock, -Allen T. Waite, James Guyman, Obadiah Bowen, Alvah Tippetts, Hiram -B. Mount, and John Cunningham, with the affiants; and afterward the -affidavits were all sworn to before Aaron Johnson, Esquire. - -Ten p.m. John Pike and Henry Gates went to the quarters of the -Major-General, and informed him they had seen a number of men driving -about three hundred head of cattle in the direction of the mob camp. -The drovers reported themselves as having come from Missouri, and were -about nine miles from Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: A Prophecy--No Gun Fired on Part of Saints.] - -{520} I gave directions to Theodore Turley to commence the manufacture -of artillery. He asked me if he should not rent a building, and set -some men to repairing the small arms which were out of order. I told -him in confidence that there would not be a gun fired on our part -during this fuss. - -I extract the following from a letter from Robert D. Foster dated -"Carthage, June 20th, 1844, to John Proctor, Sen., Nauvoo." - - _Letter: Robert D. Foster to John Proctor--Fragment--Instruction as - to Property_. - - We have a hundred barrels of flour here for the folks, and Nauvoo - has no means to live, only from the country, and that is cut off - sure. There are thousands of armed men ready now and thousands more - coming from Missouri and the country around. Tell John to sleep - in the barn, and take care of fire and robbery, and all my things - there, as I shall be home soon. Tell Amos Davis to keep his eyes - open, as we learn that consecration law will soon commence on him. - This we know, and he had better look out sharp. Let him read this - sheet. Tell Norton Gibbs and all my boys that I should be glad to - see them a minute, but I cannot come. They must be patient and - faithful, and I will be there and reward every man according to his - desert; and I won't forget the perjured villains there either. - -[Sidenote: Hyrum Smith's Fidelity to the Prophet.] - -I advised my brother Hyrum to take his family on the next steamboat and -go to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied, "Joseph, I can't leave you." Whereupon -I said to the company present, "I wish I could get Hyrum out of the -way, so that he may live to avenge my blood, and I will stay with you -and see it out." - -_Friday, 21.--_About 10 a.m. I rode out with my guard up Main Street -past the Major-General's quarters, and reviewed the Legion. I returned -to headquarters about 2:30 p.m., having met Col. Elam L. Freeman and -Mr. Bartlett, who came as express from the Governor who had arrived at -Carthage this morning, and they delivered me the following letter: - - {521} _Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and Council of Nauvoo Asking - Representatives to Meet him at Carthage_. - - HEADQUARTERS CARTHAGE, June 21st, 1844. - - _To the Honorable the Mayor and Common Council of the City of - Nauvoo_: - - GENTLEMEN.--Having heard of the excitement in this part of the - country, and judging that my presence here might be necessary to - preserve the peace and enforce the laws, I arrived at this place - this morning. Both before and since my arrival, complaints of a - grave character have been made to me of certain proceedings of - your honorable body. As chief magistrate, it is my duty to see - that impartial justice shall be done, uninfluenced either by the - excitement here or in your city. - - I think before any decisive measure shall be adopted, that I ought - to hear the allegations and defenses of all parties. By adopting - this course I have some hope that the evils of war may be averted, - and, at any rate, I will be enabled by it to understand the true - merits of the present difficulties, and shape my course with - reference to law and justice. - - For these reasons I have to request that you will send out to me - at this place, one or more well-informed and discreet persons, who - will be capable of laying before me your version of the matter, and - of receiving from me such explanations and resolutions as may be - determined on. - - Col. Elam L. Freeman will present you this note in the character of - a herald from the Governor. You will respect his character as such - and permit him to pass and repass free from molestation. - - Your messengers are assured of protection in person and property, - and will be returned to you in safety. - - I am, gentlemen, with high consideration most respectfully, - - Your obedient servant, - - THOMAS FORD. - - Governor and Commander in Chief. - -[Sidenote: Joseph H. Jackson at Nauvoo.] - -I immediately notified the City Council to meet in session at 4 p.m. -About 11 a.m. a rumor was circulated at General Dunham's headquarters -that Joseph H. Jackson was seen at Davidson Hibberd's. He [Dunham] -ordered out a _posse_ to arrest him, which went accordingly, but -returned without success. - -At 4 p.m. I met with the City Council, when the affidavits of the -following persons were read--namely {522} Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, -John Edmiston, Edward Durfee, Solomon Hancock, William Gardner, John G. -Lofton, Allen T. Waite, James Guyman, Obadiah Bowen, Alvah Tippetts, -Hiram B. Mount, John Cunningham, Cyrus Canfield, Gilbert Belknap, -Anson Call, David Evans, William E. Horner, Stephen Markham, Thomas -G. Wilson, John P. Greene, John M. Bernhisel, Truman Gillett, Jr., -Carlos W. Lyon, and H. T. Hugins; when Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, Councilor -John Taylor, and Dr. Willard Richards were appointed by the council to -return with the express to the Governor at Carthage, and carry said -affidavits with the following letter: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Submitting Documents_. - - NAUVOO, June 21, 1844. - - SIR--The affidavits and handbills herewith connected, are submitted - for your Excellency's consideration. - - Respectfully, I have the honor to be your Excellency's obedient - servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - THOMAS FORD, Governor of Illinois, Carthage. - -Messrs. Taylor and Bernhisel went accordingly, but Dr. Richards tarried -to prepare additional documents. - -The following affidavit was taken: - - _Affidavit: John P. Greene--Joseph H. Jackson,--Threatens Prophet's - Life_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK CO., - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - June 21st, 1844.--Personally appeared John P. Greene before me, - Willard Richards, recorder of said city; and after being duly - sworn, deposeth and saith that on or about the 27th day of May, - 1844, while at Hamilton's tavern, in Carthage, county aforesaid, - in company with Joseph Smith and others, Robert D. Foster called - deponent into a private room, and there and then said, "For God's - sake, don't suffer that man, Joseph Smith, to go out of doors; for - if he steps outside of the door his blood will be spilt;" to which - statement deponent replied he had no such fears; when said Foster - confirmed said statements with considerable emotion, and said he - knew that Smith could not go out of doors, but his blood would be - spilt. - - {523} Deponent asked Foster who would do it. Foster said he would - not tell; but he knew the proud spirit of Jackson, that he would - not be insulted, and that he would kill Joseph Smith if he had to - die on the spot; and there were many others in Carthage who would - assist to do the same thing. Joseph H. Jackson was in the house - below at the time. - - A day or two previous to the above conversation, while at Carthage - aforesaid, deponent heard Joseph H. Jackson say that Joseph Smith - was the damnedest rascal in the world, and he would be damned if - he did not take vengeance on him, if he had to follow him to the - Rocky Mountains; and said Jackson made many more such like threats - against Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. - - JOHN P. GREENE. - - Sworn and subscribed this 21st day of June, 1844, before me, - - [Seal] - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Recorder of the city of Nauvoo. - -And as this affidavit confirms what was told me in Carthage, I made the -following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: Joseph Smith--Conspiracy Against Affiant's Life_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - COUNTY OF HANCOCK. ss. - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 21st, 1844. - - Personally appeared Joseph Smith before me, Willard Richards, - recorder of the City of Nauvoo; and after being duly sworn deposeth - and saith that while at Hamilton's tavern at Carthage, in the - county aforesaid, on or about the 27th day of May, 1844, whither - deponent had gone to transact business in the Circuit Court of the - county aforesaid, Charles A. Foster took deponent into a private - room, and told deponent there was a conspiracy against the life of - deponent, and that deponent had not better go out of doors. If he - did, his blood would be shed. Foster said he was deponent's friend, - and did not want to see bloodshed. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - [Seal] - - Sworn and subscribed this 21st day of June, 1844, before me, - - WILLARD RICHARDS, - - Recorder of the City of Nauvoo. - -I instructed my clerks, Willard Richards, William Clayton, Thomas -Bullock and John McEwan, to prepare all {524} necessary papers and -affidavits ready to be sent to the Governor tomorrow morning. - -Joseph Jackson made the two following affidavits: - - _Affidavit: Joseph Jackson--Francis M. Higbee's Threat to Kill the - Prophet_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss - - On the 21st day of June, 1844, came before me, W. W. Phelps, clerk - of the Mayor's Court, Joseph Jackson: and after being duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that on Tuesday, the 11th instant, he was in - Nauvoo, when Francis M. Higbee, while speaking of the destruction - of the printing press, said he was very sorry, for the proprietors - had set up that press for the destruction of the city, and that he - meant to kill Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith; and he saith no further. - - JOSEPH JACKSON. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 21st day of June, 1844. - - WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C. - - _Affidavit: Joseph Jackson--Reporting Mob at Pilot Grove_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss - - On the 21st day of June, 1844, came before me, W. W. Phelps, clerk - of the Mayor's Court for said city, Joseph Jackson; and after - being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that on the 19th day of June - instant, at his residence near Pilot Grove, in the afternoon, about - twenty-four persons fired about twenty-six guns at him, and that - the balls whistled close by his head. Thus this mob, of which John - McKay was one, fired about one hundred guns, but not all at your - affiant; and that this mob was very noisy, cursing and swearing - that they would kill every damned Mormon; and he says no further. - - JOSEPH JACKSON. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 21st day of June, 1844. - - WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C. - -At 7 p.m. James Emmett went by order of the Sergeant of the Guard at -the Stone House to the Major-General and reported the crew of the _Maid -of Iowa_ for firing five guns contrary to orders, which were, that any -firing of guns was an alarm. - -After the news had reached the city of the Governor's {525} arrival at -Carthage, an express was sent to Keokuk to stop an express which I had -sent to the Governor at Springfield before I had learned of his arrival -at Carthage. - -An officer of the United States army, having arrested a deserter, came -to Nauvoo, and stayed at my house all night. - -Col. Brewer and lady arrived at the Mansion about 9 p.m. Also James W. -Woods, Esq., my attorney from Burlington. - -At 10 p.m., Private -- Minor gave information that as he was passing, -an hour since, about two miles out of the city to his home, he was -fired upon by some unknown person. General Stephen Markham ordered out -a detachment to proceed to the designated place, scour that part of the -country, and see that all was right. - -[_Saturday, June 22.--_] - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Inviting the Governor to - Come to Nauvoo and Investigate Conditions_. - - NAUVOO, Saturday Morning, June 22, 1844. - - _To His Excellent Thomas Ford, Governor_: - - DEAR SIR.--I this morning forward you the remainder of the - affidavits which are ready to present to you, by the hands of a - gentleman who is fully competent to give you information on the - whole subject which has been the cause of the origin of our present - difficulties. I would respectfully recommend the bearer, Col. - Woodworth, as one of my aides, and a man whose testimony can be - relied upon. - - I presume you are already convinced that it would be altogether - unsafe for me or any of the City Council to come to Carthage on - account of the vast excitement which has been got up by false - report and libelous publications. Nothing could afford me a greater - pleasure than a privilege of investigating the whole subject before - your Excellency in person; for I have ever held myself in readiness - to comply with your orders and answer for my proceedings before any - legal tribunal in the state. - - I would hereby respectfully pray your Excellency to come to Nauvoo, - if congenial with your feelings, and give us a privilege of laying - the {526} whole matter before you in its true colors, and where - abundance of testimony can be forthcoming, to prove every point by - disinterested persons--men of character and of worth and notoriety, - strangers--who were here all the time. But I am satisfied your - Excellency does not wish men to expose the lives of the citizens of - this place by requiring them to put themselves into the power of an - infuriated, blood-thirsty mob, a part of whom have already several - times fired upon our people without the least shadow of cause or - provocation. - - I am informed this morning that some gentleman has made affidavit - that he had a private conversation with me, in which I stated that - I had secret correspondence with you, &c. If any person has been - wicked enough to do this, he is a perjured villain; for in the - first place, I do not suffer myself to hold private conversation - with any stranger; and, in the second place, I have never even - intimated anything of the kind as having secret correspondence with - your Excellency. - - Our troubles are invariably brought upon us by falsehoods and - misrepresentations by designing men. We have ever held ourselves - amenable to the law; and, for myself, sir, I am ever ready - to conform to and support the laws and Constitution, even at - the expense of my life. I have never in the least offered any - resistance to law or lawful process, which is a well-known fact to - the general public; all of which circumstances make us the more - anxious to have you come to Nauvoo and investigate the whole matter. - - Now, sir, is it not an easy matter to distinguish between those - who have pledged themselves to exterminate innocent men, women and - children, and those who have only stood in their own defense, and - in defense of their innocent families, and that, too, in accordance - with the Constitution and laws of the country, as required by the - oaths, and as good and law-abiding citizens? - - In regard to the destruction of the press, the truth only needs to - be presented before your Excellency to satisfy you of the justice - of the proceedings. The press was established by a set of men who - had already set themselves at defiance of the law and authorities - of the city, and had threatened the lives of some of its principal - officers, and who also made it no private matter that the press was - established for the express purpose of destroying the city, as will - be shown by the affidavit of Joseph Jackson, and as they stated to - me in their threats. - - Mr. Babbitt informs me that reports are in circulation that we - have taken property which belongs to the Messrs. Law and others. - There has been no property meddled with, to my knowledge, belonging - to any person, except property we have purchased of the rightful - owners. - - Mr. Law turned over some property to a Mr. Hicks, to pay a debt. - This I purchased of Mr. Hicks, and I am responsible to him for - the {527} amount. We have been especially careful to preserve the - property of those who are exciting the public against us, inasmuch - as we know that every means would be used which could be invented - to raise excitement; and we have appointed the police to watch this - property and see that no harm was done to it by any person, as they - had tried to fire their own building and were detected in the act. - The fire was extinguished by the policemen, and no property damaged. - - There have been no prisoners taken in this city, neither any person - held as hostage, only some who are residents of this place, who had - broken the laws. No stranger has been interfered with or detained - in the city under any circumstances. - - In haste, I have the honor to remain, dear sir, your most obedient - servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - Lieut.-Gen. N. L. - -This letter was accompanied by other affidavits, and was sent by Lucien -Woodworth, who was delegated to go in place of Dr. Richards. He started -at noon in company with Squire Woods of Burlington. - -{528} - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -PREPARATIONS TO DEFEND NAUVOO--MOB MOVEMENTS ON CARTHAGE ROAD--GOVERNOR -FORD'S REVIEW OF HANCOCK COUNTY DIFFICULTIES--JOSEPH SMITH'S ACCOUNT OF -THE SAME DIFFICULTIES, DEFENSE OF HIS OWN AND ASSOCIATES' COURSE. - -_Saturday, June 22 [continued].--_Legion met as usual; and after -receiving instructions, were dismissed until 6 p.m., when they met -again. - -[Sidenote: Orders for Nauvoo's Entrenchment.] - -At 7 p.m. I instructed General Dunham to cause the regiment of the 2nd -cohort to turn out tomorrow, and work by turns three or four hours -each, with entrenching tools, and to take the best measures in case of -attack. I also gave orders that a standard be prepared for the nations. - -Almon W. Babbitt arrived from Carthage this morning, having come at the -request of the Governor, who thought it not wisdom to have Richards and -Phelps and others of the City Council go to Carthage. - -Edward Robinson made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: Edward Robinson--Threats Against Nauvoo_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss. - - On the 22nd day or June, 1844, came before me, W. W. Phelps, clerk - of the Mayor's Court, in said city, Dr. Edward Robinson, who, after - being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that while at Carthage, on the - 18th and 19th instant, I heard several persons who had assembled - together for warlike purposes, (having their arms and one cannon - with them) say that they were gathering together for the purpose - of destroying the property of General Joseph Smith, or, as they - said, "Joe Smith," and his followers, and the City Council, with - the exception of {529} one; and finally said they would destroy the - town and exterminate the Latter-day Saints. - - EDWARD ROBINSON. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of June, 1843. - - WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C. - -James Olive made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: James Olive--Mob Movements on the Carthage Road_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the - peace in and for said county, James Olive; who being first duly - sworn, deposeth and saith that on Friday afternoon, the 21st - instant, about 3 o'clock, he was at his own house, about two miles - from Appanoose. In a southeasterly direction, he saw a four-horse - wagon with some men before it, all traveling towards Appanoose. - They went about a quarter of a mile beyond my house; there met a - two horse wagon and a company of men, about fifteen in number. - Both parties then took the road towards the Big Mound. A part of - the men were mounted and a part were on foot. The mounted men were - forward; and after passing my house, they wheeled and rode back to - the footmen who were some little distance behind, and said to them, - "There are some fellows oh the Mound; you had better hurry on, and - we will take those fellows and carry them to Carthage." They used - profane language. I watched them until they got near the Mound, and - saw the guard on the Mound turn and run towards Nauvoo. After that - the company went on to the Mound, and halted near the spot where - the guard had run from. - - On the same evening, about sundown, there was a man by the name - of Milton Hamilton came into my house and told me to arm and - equip myself according to the law and stand in readiness; that - the Governor bad demanded Joseph Smith according to law, and - that he would not come it (meaning that Joseph Smith would not - surrender); that the General had issued orders for the militia to - be in readiness to take said Smith. I asked him what general, and - he observed that he believed it was Col. Williams. I asked him if - it was done by orders of the Governor, and he said that was the - understanding. He told me he acted under the orders of Captain - McAuley; and further saith not. - - JAMES OLIVE. - - [Seal] - - Subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of June, 1844, before me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -{530} Phebe Levett states that she saw Finch, Rollison, Foster, and -Squire McAuley in the company who fired on the guard on the La Harpe -road. - -George G. Johnstone made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: George G. Johnstone--Militia Under Governor to Move on - Nauvoo_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - COUNTY OF HANCOCK. ss - - CITY OF NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the - peace in and for the county of Hancock, George G. Johnstone, living - on Spring Creek in McDonough county; who, being first duly sworn, - deposeth and saith that yesterday, Napoleon Hardin came to your - deponent and said that the Governor had sent orders for the militia - to be called out for today at 4 o'clock p.m., and to start on the - 22nd to Carthage, there to wait until all were ready from the - different counties in the state, and then they should march out - to the prairie. They should stop on the prairie and send a flag - of truce to Nauvoo, and demand the body of General Joseph Smith. - If the people of Nauvoo refused to give him up, then they should - exterminate the whole of them. - - GEORGE G. JOHNSTONE. - - [Seal] Subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of June, 1844, before - me, - - AARON JOHNSON, J. P. - -Gideon Gibbs made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: Gideon Gibbs--Mob on La Harpe Road_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss - - On the 22nd day of June, 1844, came before me, William W. Phelps, - clerk of the Mayor's Court for said city, Gideon Gibbs, and after - being duly sworn deposeth and saith that on the afternoon of the - 21st instant, about a half-mile southeast of the Big Mound on the - La Harpe road, a party of about eight or ten men, in a warlike - attitude, in company with two teams, passed your said affiant, and - one of them said he fired at two men near the Big Mound. Thought he - killed them both and your deponent saith no further. - - GIDEON GIBBS. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 22nd day of - June, 1844. - - WILLIAM W. PHELPS, Clerk M. C. - -{531} Luman H. Calkins made the following affidavit: - - _Affidavit: Luman H. Calkins--Nauvoo Conspiracy Against the - Prophet's Life_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO, ss - - June 22nd, 1844. - - Personally appeared before me, George W. Harris, an alderman acting - in and for the city of Nauvoo, Luman H. Calkins; and being first - duly sworn, deposeth and saith that about seven weeks ago I came on - the steamboat _Ohio_ from St. Louis to Nauvoo, when William Nesbit, - who was on board, entered into conversation with your deponent. - - I asked him if he knew anything about the conspiracy in Nauvoo to - kill Joseph and Hyrum, and all that believed on them. He said he - did. It was intended that they should be killed between then and - the 1st of July. - - I asked him who was at the head of the conspiracy. He replied he - was sworn not to tell who the head one was. I asked him if there - were any in Nauvoo concerned. He replied there was, and named the - two Laws, two Fosters, two Higbees, Charles Ivins, and several - others. I asked if it was to be made a public thing. He replied the - first blow was to be struck in Nauvoo by those who were opposed to - Joseph. I asked how many they could rely on in Nauvoo. He said they - could rely on five hundred, if they could only get arms for them. - - He said as soon as the first blow was struck in Nauvoo, there - were about seven thousand men ready in Missouri to join them to - exterminate all who believed on Joseph Smith. He also told me that - the _Die Vernon,_ when she came on her pleasure-trip to Nauvoo, - that there were none but spies, and who came on purpose to see - the places in order to know how to strike when the time comes to - strike: and he also said "the Reformers" had got spies continually - passing Nauvoo in order to spy out all that took place; that there - was not a thing took place in Nauvoo but what was made known to - them in St. Louis as soon as a steamboat landed. - - I told him I should think he would be afraid to stop here. He said - he should stay in Nauvoo and carry on his butchering as usual, as - if there was nothing taking place; that he had as good a gun as any - man ever put to his face, and that the first shot he should fire - would be to kill Joseph and Hyrum. Said I, "The people will surely - kill you then." He replied he would rush through a thousand people - to wash his hands in Joseph's blood, and especially in Hyrum's, if - he was to be immediately cut into a thousand pieces. He said he - should be willing to die as soon as he had killed them. - - {532} About five weeks since I had another conversation with - William Nesbit, when he confirmed the whole of the foregoing - conversation; and he also said he had made arrangements with Mr. - Bostwick of St. Louis to send him a brace of the best pistols, for - the purpose of being ready when he wanted them. He also said that - he would kill Hyrum any time he could get an opportunity without - being detected. I then asked him if Hyrum could be put in his way - so that no man would mistrust him, would you kill him? He said, "By - God, I would." I asked if he would not be afraid to kill him in - cold blood. He replied, "No, I would not; I would do it in a moment - if I could get an opportunity." - - The day following I left for Galena, and returned on Tuesday, the - 18th instant, and on the 19th I saw William Nesbit in the ranks, - and I cautioned Richard Brazier to keep an eye on Nesbit, for he - had sworn to wash his hands in Joseph's and Hyrum's blood. - - LUMAN H. CALKINS. - - Subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of June, 1844, before me, - - GEORGE W. HARRIS, - - Alderman of the City of Nauvoo. - -At 12, noon, orders were sent to the different guards and pickets to -let persons pass and repass without hailing until further orders. - -I issued the following: - - GENERAL ORDERS. - - MAYOR'S OFFICE AND HEADQUARTERS, OF THE NAUVOO LEGION, - - NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844. - - _To Col. Jonathan Dunham, Acting Major-General Nauvoo Legion_: - - SIR.--You will proceed without delay, with the assistance of the - Nauvoo Legion, to prepare the background [Eastern part] of said - city for defense against an invasion by mobs, cause the Legion to - be furnished with tents, and make your encampment in the vicinity - of your labor. - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and Lieut.-Gen. Nauvoo Legion. - - To COL. JONATHAN DUNHAM, Major-General in command Nauvoo Legion. - -[Sidenote: A Prophecy.] - -At 6 p.m. I prophesied that in the sickly seasons sickness would enter -into the houses of the mob and vex them until they would fain repent in -dust and ashes. They will be smitten with the scab, &c. - -At 7 p.m. I received the following: - - {533} _A Petition to Hear the Prophet Speak_. - - We, the undersigned citizens of Hancock county, respectfully - request General Joseph Smith to preach on tomorrow, and that we - have liberty of seats near enough to the stand to hear, inasmuch as - we have an opportunity to hear him but seldom, and some of us have - not heard him at all. - - Yours respectfully, - - JAMES HAMILTON AND CO., Capt. at the Liberty Branch. - - NATHANIEL CASE, Capt. 7th Co., 4th Reg., 2nd Cohort, N. L. from La - Harpe. - - URIAH H. YAGER AND CO., Captain at the Branch of Macedonia, 2nd - Cohort. - - HIRAM CLARK 1st Lieut. at the Midland Branch Company. - - Z. D. WILSON'S COMPANY. - - ALNA L. TIPPETT'S COMPANY. - - S. HANCOCK, Major of the First Battalion of the 3rd Regiment. - - WARREN SNOW, Captain and Co., 4th Reg. 2nd Cohort of N. Legion. - -At 10 p.m. I received the following letter by the hands of Captain -Yates, who accompanied Elder John Taylor and Dr. John M. Bernhisel on -their return from Carthage: - - _Letter: Governor Ford to Mayor and Council of the City of Nauvoo_. - - HEADQUARTERS CARTHAGE, June 22nd, 1844. - - _To the Mayor and Council of the City of Nauvoo_: - - GENTLEMEN.--After examining carefully all the allegations on the - part of the citizens of the country in Hancock county, and the - defensive matters submitted to me by the committee of your citizens - concerning the existing disturbances, I find that there appears - to be but little contradiction as to important facts, so that it - may be safely assumed that the immediate cause of the existing - excitement is the destruction of the press and _Nauvoo Expositor,_ - and the subsequent refusal of the individuals accused to be - accountable therefore according to the general laws of this state, - and the insisting on your parts to be accountable only before your - own municipal court, and according to the ordinances of your city. - - Many other facts have been asserted on both sides as tending to - increase the excitement; but as they mostly relate merely to - private persons, and committed by individuals, and tend simply to - show the present state of affairs, I will not further notice them - in this communication. - - The material facts to be noticed are that a newspaper called the - _Nauvoo Expositor_ was established in Nauvoo; that this newspaper - was {534} deemed offensive to the people of that city; that the - Common Council, without notice or process to the owners, entered - into a trial and heard statements not under oath, and evidence - which was under oath, in relation to the character, conduct - and designs of the owners and editors of the press; that, upon - hearing such statements and evidence, the Common Council passed - an ordinance or resolution declaring said press and paper to be a - public nuisance, and ordered the same to be abated as such; that a - writ was issued by the Mayor to the Marshal of the city for that - purpose; that a military order was issued at the same time by the - Mayor, who is also Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion, to the - Major-General in command of that Legion, for a force sufficient to - ensure the execution of the writ aforesaid. - - It appears also the press was destroyed in obedience to the - foregoing ordinance and writ, according to a return on the same by - the Marshal in the following words: "The within press and type is - destroyed and pied according to order on this 10th day of June, - 1844, at about six o'clock p.m.--J. P. GREENE, C.M." - - It appears also that the owners of the press obtained from a - justice of the peace at Carthage a warrant against the authors - of this destruction for a riot; that the constable charged with - the execution of this process, arrested some of the persons - accused, who immediately obtained writs of _habeas corpus_ from - the Municipal Court of your city, by virtue of which they were - tried in Nauvoo and discharged from arrest, and that they have ever - since refused to be arrested or to submit to a trial at any other - place or before any other court, except in the city and before the - Municipal Court aforesaid. - - It has also been reported to me that martial law has been declared - in Nauvoo; that persons and property have been and are now forcibly - imprisoned and detained there, and that the Legion has been ordered - under arms to resist any attempt to arrest the persons accused. - I have not particularly inquired into the truth of these latter - reports; for although they may become matters of great importance - in the sequel, they are not necessary to be ascertained and acted - upon at present. - - I now express to you my opinion that your conduct in the - destruction of the press was a very gross outrage upon the laws and - the liberties of the people. It may have been full of libels, but - this did not authorize you to destroy it. - - There are many newspapers in this state which have been wrongfully - abusing me for more than a year, and yet such is my regard for - the liberty of the press and the rights of a free people in a - republican government that I would shed the last drop of my blood - to protect those presses from any illegal violence. You have - violated the Constitution in at least four particulars. You have - violated that part of it which {535} declares that the printing - presses shall be free, being responsible for the abuse thereof, and - that the truth may be given in evidence. - - This article of the Constitution contemplates that the proprietors - of a libelous press may be sued for private damages, or may be - indicted criminally, and that upon trial they should have the right - to give the truth in evidence. In this case the proprietors had no - notice of the proceeding. - - The Constitution also provides that the people shall be protected - against unreasonable searches and seizures of their property and - "That no man shall be deprived of life, liberty or property, except - by the judgment of his peers (which means a jury trial) and the - law of the land," which means due process of law and notice to the - accused. - - You have also violated the Constitution and your own charter in - this: Your Council, which has no judicial powers, and can only pass - ordinances of a general nature, have undertaken to pass judgment as - a court and convict without a jury a press of being libelous and a - nuisance to the city. - - The Council at most could only define a nuisance by general - ordinance, and leave it to the courts to determine whether - individuals or particulars accused came within such definition. - - The Constitution abhors and will not tolerate the union of - legislative and judicial power in the same body of magistracy, - because, as in this case, they will first make a tyrannical law, - and then execute it in a tyrannical manner. - - You have also assumed to yourselves more power than you are - entitled to in relation to writs of _habeas_ under your charter. - I know that you have been told by lawyers, for the purpose of - gaining your favor that you have this power to any extent. In this - they have deceived you for their own base purposes. Your charter - supposes that you may pass ordinances, a breach of which will - result in the imprisonment of the offender. - - For the purpose of insuring more speedy relief to such persons, - authority was given to the Municipal Court to issue writs of_ - habeas corpus_ in all cases arising under the ordinances of the - city. - - It was never supposed by the Legislature, nor can the language of - your charter be tortured to mean that a jurisdiction was intended - to be conferred which would apply to all cases of imprisonment - under the general laws of the state or of the United States, as - well as the city ordinances. - - It has also been reserved to you to make the discovery that a - newspaper charged to be scurrilous and libellous may be legally - abated or removed as a nuisance. In no other state, county, city, - town or territory {536} in the United States has ever such a thing - been thought of before. Such an act at this day would not be - tolerated even in England. Just such another act in 1830 hurled - the king of France from his throne, and caused the imprisonment of - four of his principal ministers for life. No civilized country can - tolerate such conduct, much less can it be tolerated in this free - country of the United States. - - The result of my deliberations on this subject is, that I will - have to require you and all persons in Nauvoo accused or sued to - submit in all cases implicitly to the process of the court, and - to interpose no obstacles to an arrest, either by writ of _habeas - corpus_ or otherwise; and that all of the people of the city of - Nauvoo shall make and continue the most complete submission to the - laws of the state, and the process of the courts and justices of - the peace. - - In the particular case now under consideration, I require any and - all of you who are or shall be accused to submit yourselves to be - arrested by the same constable, by virtue of the same warrant and - be tried before the same magistrate whose authority has heretofore - been resisted. Nothing short of this can vindicate the dignity of - violated law and allay the just excitement of the people. - - I am anxious to preserve the peace. A small indiscretion may bring - on a war. The whole country is now up in arms, and a vast number of - people are ready to take the matter into their own hands. Such a - state of things might force me to call out the militia to prevent - a civil war. And such is the excitement of the country that I fear - the militia, when assembled, would be beyond legal control. - - You are wrong in the first instance, and I can call out no portion - of the militia for your defense until you submit to the law. You - have made it necessary that a _posse_ should be assembled to - execute legal process; and that _posse,_ as fast as it assembles - is in danger of being imbued with the mobocratic spirit. If you, - by refusing to submit, shall make it necessary to call out the - militia, I have great fears that your city will be destroyed, and - your people many of them exterminated. - - You know the excitement of the public mind. Do not tempt it too - far. A very little matter may do a very great injury; and if you - are disposed to continue the causes of excitement and render a - force necessary to coerce submission, I would say that your city - was built, as it were, upon a keg of powder which a very little - spark may explode. - - It is my intention to do all I can to preserve the peace, and - even, if obliged, to call the militia to prosecute the war so - as not to involve the innocent and comprehend all in the same - punishment. But excitement is a matter which grows very fast upon - men when assembled. The {537} affair, I much fear, may assume a - revolutionary character, and the men may disregard the authority of - their officers. - - I tell you plainly that if no such submission is made as I have - indicated. I will be obliged to call out the militia; and if a few - thousand will not be sufficient, many thousands will be. - - I sincerely hope that your people may do nothing which will - make such a proceeding necessary. I hope also that they will be - well-disposed to co-operate with me in allaying the excitement of - the public mind. Immediately discharge such persons as you have - under martial law. Let them go without molestation. Abstain from - all injury to private property. Let people go where they please - without swearing them first to take no part against you. All such - proceedings tend only to inflame the public mind, and raise up ten - men disposed to fight you for every one thus foolishly disabled. - - Your committee assures me that you are sincerely desirous of - preserving the peace; and if so, I hope you will co-operate with me - in everything necessary to allay the excitement in the minds of the - people. - - The following-named persons are reported to me as being detained - against their will by martial law: John A. Hicks, H. O. Norton, A. - J. Higbee, John Eagle, P. J. Rolf, Peter Lemon, and T. J. Rolf. It - will tend greatly to allay excitement if they shall be immediately - discharged and suffered to go without molestation. - - It is also reported here, and generally believed, (but whether true - or not I have not yet learned) that there are many foraging parties - abroad from Nauvoo committing depredations upon the cattle and - property in the vicinity. These acts, if correctly reported, must - absolutely cease immediately, if you expect any person here to have - the power to preserve the peace. - - In case the persons accused should make no resistance to arrest, it - will be against orders to be accompanied by others. If it should - become necessary to have witnesses on the trials, I will see that - such persons shall be duly summoned,_ and I will also guarantee the - safety of all such persons as may thus be brought to this place - from Nauvoo either for trial or as witnesses for the accused_. - - If the individuals accused cannot be found when required by the - constable it will be considered by me as an equivalent to a refusal - to be arrested, and the militia will be ordered accordingly. - - I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your obedient servant, - - THOMAS FORD, - - Governor and Commander-in-Chief. - -To which I wrote the following answer: - - {538} _Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Defending the action - of the City Council in the "Expositor" Affair_. - - NAUVOO, June 22nd, 1844, 12 o'clock p.m. - - _To His Excellency, Thomas Ford_: - - SIR.--Yours of this date is received by Messrs. Taylor and - Bernhisel. A part of the same delegation, Mr. Woodworth, who - was detained yesterday, started for Carthage at 12 noon, this - date, who, we perceive, had not arrived at your last date. Some - documents conveyed by him would tend to counteract some of the - views expressed in your Excellency's communication, and we feel - confident, if all the facts could be before your Excellency, you - would have come to different conclusions. - - Our "insisting to be accountable only before our own Municipal - Court," is totally incorrect. We plead a _habeas corpus_ as a - last resort to save us from being thrown into the power of the - mobocrats, who were then threatening us with death, and it was with - great reluctance we went before the Municipal Court, on account of - the prejudice which might arise in the minds of the unbiased; and - we did not petition for a _habeas corpus_ until we had told the - constable that on our lives we dare not go to Carthage for trial, - and plead with him to go before any county magistrate he pleased in - our vicinity, (which occurrence is common in legal proceedings) and - not a member of our society, so that our lives might be saved from - the threats thus already issued against us. - - The press was declared a nuisance under the authority of the - charter as written in 7th section of Addenda, the same as in the - Springfield charter, so that if the act declaring the press a - nuisance was unconstitutional: we cannot see how it is that the - charter itself is not unconstitutional, and if we have erred in - judgment, it is an official act, and belongs to the Supreme Court - to correct it, and assess damages _versus_ the city to restore - property abated as a nuisance. If we have erred in this thing, we - have done it in good company, for Blackstone on "Wrongs," asserts - the doctrine that scurrilous prints may be abated as nuisances. - - As to martial law, we truly say that we were obliged to call out - the forces to protect our lives; and the Constitution guarantees - to every man that privilege; and our measures were active and - efficient, as the necessity of the case required; but the city is - and has been continually under the special direction of the marshal - all the time. No person, to our knowledge, has been arrested only - for violation of the peace, and those some of our own citizens, - all of whom we believe are now discharged. {539} And if any - property has been taken for public benefit without a compensation, - or against the will of the owner, it has been done without our - knowledge or consent, and when shown shall be corrected, if the - people will permit us to resume our usual labors. - - If we "have committed a gross outrage upon the laws and liberties - of the people," as your Excellency represents, we are ready to - correct that outrage when the testimony is forthcoming. All men are - bound to act in their sphere on their own judgment, and it would - be quite impossible for us to know what your Excellency's judgment - would have been in the case referred to; consequently acted on our - own and according to our best judgment, after having taken able - counsel in the case. If we have erred, we again say we will make - all right if we can have the privilege. - - "The Constitution also provides that the people shall be protected - against all unreasonable search and seizure." True. The doctrine we - believe most fully, and have acted upon it; but we do not believe - it unreasonable to search so far as it is necessary to protect life - and property from destruction. - - We do not believe in the "union of legislative and judicial power," - and we have not so understood the action of the case in question. - - Whatever power we have exercised in the _habeas corpus_ has been - done in accordance with the letter of the charter and Constitution - as we confidently understood them, and that, too, with the ablest - counsel; but if it be so that we have erred in this thing, let the - Supreme Court correct the evil. We have never gone contrary to - constitutional law, so far as we have been able to learn it. If - lawyers have belied their profession to abuse us, the evil be on - their heads. - - You have intimated that no press has been abated as a nuisance in - the United States. We refer your Excellency to Humphrey _versus_ - Press in Ohio, who abated the press by his own arm for libel, and - the courts decided on prosecution no cause of action. And we do - know that it is common for police in Boston, New York, &c., to - destroy scurrilous prints: and we think the loss of character by - libel and the loss of life by mobocratic prints to be a greater - loss than a little property, all of which, life alone excepted, - we have sustained, brought upon us by the most unprincipled - outlaws, gamblers, counterfeiters, and such characters as have - been standing by me, and probably are now standing around your - Excellency--namely, those men who have brought these evils upon us. - - We have no knowledge of men's being sworn to pass our city. And - upon receipt of your last message the Legion was disbanded and the - city left to your Excellency's disposal. - - {540} How it could be possible for us now to be tried - constitutionally by the same magistrate who first issued the writ - at Carthage we cannot see, for the Constitution expressly says - no man shall twice be put in jeopardy of life and limb for the - same offense; and all you refer to, have been, since the issuance - of the_ habeas corpus,_ complied with for the same offense, and - trial before Daniel H. Wells, justice of the peace for Hancock - county, and, after a full investigation, were discharged. But, - notwithstanding this, we would not hesitate to stand another trial - according to your Excellency's wish, were it not that we are - confident out lives would be in danger. We dare not come. Writs, we - are assured, are issued against us in various parts of the country. - For what? To drag us from place to place, from court to court, - across the creeks and prairies, till some bloodthirsty villain - could find his opportunity to shoot us. We dare not come, though - your Excellency promises protection. Yet, at the same time, you - have expressed fears that you could not control the mob, in which - case we are left to the mercy of the merciless. Sir, we dare not - come, for our lives would be in danger, and we are guilty of no - crime. - - You say, "It will be against orders to be accompanied by others, - if we come to trial." This we have been obliged to act upon in - Missouri; and when our witnesses were sent for by the court, (as - your honor promises to do) they were thrust into prison, and we - left without witnesses. Sir, you must not blame us, for "a burnt - child dreads the fire." And although your Excellency might be - well-disposed in the matter, the appearance of the mob forbids our - coming. We dare not do it. - - We have been advised by legal and high-minded gentlemen from - abroad, who came on the boat this evening to lay our grievances - before the Federal Government, as the appearance of things is not - only treasonable against us, but against the state on the part of - Missouri, unless the same has been requested of Governor Ford by - the Federal Government. And we suppose your Excellency is well - aware by this time that the mass-meetings of the county declared - utter extermination of the Mormons, and that the Legion was not - called out until complaints were made to the Mayor, and the - citizens were afraid of their lives, and losing their confidence - in the authorities of the city, and that nothing on the part of - the city authorities had been wanting, legally and judiciously, - to allay excitement and restore peace. We shall leave the city - forthwith to lay the facts before the General Government, and, - as before stated, the city is left open and unprotected; and by - everything that is sacred, we implore your Excellency to cause our - helpless women and children to be protected from mob violence, and - let not the blood of innocence {541} cry to heaven against you. - We again say, if anything wrong has been done on our part, and we - know of nothing, we will make all things right if the Government - will give us the opportunity. Disperse the mob, and secure to us - our constitutional privileges, that our lives may not be endangered - when on trial. - - I remain most respectfully, your Excellency's humble servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - Mayor, and Lieut.-Gen. N. L. - -{542} - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -GOVERNOR FORD'S WRONG VIEWPOINT--ELDER TAYLOR'S ACCOUNT OF THE -INTERVIEW WITH THE GOVERNOR AT CARTHAGE--CLOSE OF THE PROPHET'S JOURNAL -NARRATIVE OF HIS LIFE. - -[Sidenote: Gov. Ford's Biased Judgment.] - -_[Saturday, June 22nd, 1844, continued].--_It appears that the -Governor, on arriving at Carthage, ordered the entire mob into service, -adopted the lies and misrepresentations circulated against us by our -enemies as truth, turned Supreme Court, and decided on the legality -of our municipal ordinances and proceedings, which is the business -of the judiciary alone. He charges us in his letter, based upon most -cursed falsehoods, with violations of law and order, which have never -been thought of by us. He treated our delegates very rudely. My -communications that were read to him were read in the presence of a -large number of our worst enemies, who interrupted the reader at almost -every line with, "That's a damned lie!" and "That's a G--d--d lie!" He -never accorded to them the privilege of saying one word to him only in -the midst of such interruptions as, "You lie like hell!" from a crowd -of persons present. These facts show conclusively that he is under the -influence of the mob spirit, and is designedly intending to place us in -the hands of murderous assassins, and is conniving at our destruction, -or else that he is so ignorant and stupid that he does not understand -the corrupt and diabolical spirits that are around him. - -{543} Elder John Taylor gave the following account of his interview -with the Governor: - - _Elder John Taylor's Account of Interview With Governor Ford at - Carthage_. - - After waiting the Governor's pleasure for some time, we had an - audience--but such an audience! He was surrounded by some of the - vilest and most unprincipled men in creation. Some of them had - an appearance of respectability, but many of them lacked even - that. Wilson, and, I believe, William Law were there, Foster, - Frank and Chauncey Higbee, Mr. Marr, a lawyer from Nauvoo, a - mobocratic merchant from Warsaw, Joseph H. Jackson, a number of his - associates, and the Governor's secretary--in all fifteen or twenty - persons, most of whom were recreant to virtue, honor, integrity - and everything that is considered honorable among men. I can well - remember the feelings of disgust that I had in seeing the Governor - surrounded by such an infamous group, and on being introduced to - men of so questionable a character; and had I been on private - business, I should have turned to depart, and told the Governor - that if he thought proper to associate with such questionable - characters, I should beg leave to be excused; but coming, as we - did, on public business, we could not of course consult our private - feelings. - - We then stated to the Governor that, in accordance with his - request, General Joseph Smith had, in response to his call, sent - us to him as a committee of conference; that we were acquainted - with most of the circumstances that had transpired in and about - Nauvoo lately, and were prepared to give him the information; - that, moreover, we had in our possession testimony and affidavits - confirmatory of what we should say, which had been forwarded to him - by General Joseph Smith; that communications had been forwarded to - his Excellency by Messrs. Hunter, James and others, some of which - had not reached their destination, but of which we had duplicates - with us. We then in brief related an outline of the difficulties, - and the course we had pursued from the commencement of the troubles - up to the present, and, handing him the documents, respectfully - submitted the whole. During our conversation and explanations with - the Governor, we were frequently rudely and impudently contradicted - by the fellows he had around him, and of whom he seemed to take no - notice. - - He opened and read a number of the documents himself, and as he - proceeded he was frequently interrupted by, "That's a lie!" "That's - a G-- d--d lie!" "That's an infernal falsehood!" "That's a blasted - lie!" &c. - - {544} These men evidently winced on an exposure of their acts, and - thus vulgarly, impudently and falsely repudiated them. One of their - number, Mr. Marr, addressed himself several times to me while in - conversation with the Governor. I did not notice him until after a - frequent repetition of his insolence, when I informed him that my - business at that time was with Governor Ford, whereupon I continued - my conversation with his Excellency. - - During the conversation the Governor expressed a desire that Joseph - Smith and all parties concerned in passing or executing the city - law in relation to the press had better come to Carthage; that - however repugnant it might be to our feelings, he thought it would - have a tendency to allay public excitement and prove to the people - what we professed--that we wished to be governed by law. - - We represented to him the course we had taken in relation to this - matter, our willingness to go before another magistrate other - than the Municipal Court, the illegal refusal by the constable, - of our request, our dismissal by the Municipal Court, a legally - constituted tribunal, our subsequent trial before Esq. Wells at the - instance of Judge Thomas (the circuit judge), and our dismissal by - him; that we had fulfilled the law in every particular; that it - was our enemies who were breaking the law, and, having murderous - designs, were only making use of this as a pretext to get us into - their power. - - The Governor stated that the people viewed it differently, and - that, notwithstanding our opinions, he would recommend that the - people should be satisfied. - - We then remarked to him that, should Joseph Smith comply with his - request, it would be extremely unsafe, in the present excited - state of the country, to come without an armed force; that we had - a sufficiency of men, and were competent to defend ourselves, but - that there might be danger of collision should our forces and those - of our enemies be brought in such close proximity. - - He strenuously advised us not to bring any arms, and pledged his - faith as Governor, and the faith of the state, that we should be - protected, and that he would guarantee our perfect safety. - - At the termination of our interview, and previous to our - withdrawal, after a long conversation and the perusal of the - documents which we had brought, the Governor informed us that he - would prepare a written communication for General Joseph Smith, - which he desired us to wait for. We were kept waiting for this - instrument some five or six hours. - - About five o'clock in the afternoon we took our departure with not - the most pleasant feelings. The associations of the Governor, the - spirit that he manifested to compromise with these scoundrels, the - {545} length of time that he had kept us waiting, and his general - deportment, together with the infernal spirit that we saw exhibited - by those whom he admitted to his counsels, made the prospect - anything but promising. - -I had a consultation for a little while with my brother Hyrum, Dr. -Richards, John Taylor and John M. Bernhisel, and determined to go to -Washington and lay the matter before President Tyler. [1] - -About 7 p.m. I requested Reynolds Cahoon and Alpheus Cutler to stand -guard at the Mansion, and not to admit any stranger inside the house. - -At sundown I asked O. P. Rockwell if he would go with me a short -journey, and he replied he would. - -[Abraham C. Hodge says that soon after dusk, Joseph called Hyrum, -Willard Richards, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, A. C. Hodge, John L. -Butler, Alpheus Cutler, William Marks and some others, into his upper -room and said, "Brethren, here is a letter from the Governor which I -wish to have read." After it was read through Joseph remarked, "There -is no mercy--no mercy here." Hyrum said, "No; just as sure as we fall -into their hands we are dead men." Joseph replied, "Yes; what shall we -do, Brother Hyrum?" He replied, "I don't know." All at once Joseph's -countenance brightened up and he said, "The way is open. It is clean -to my mind what to do. All they want is Hyrum and myself; then tell -everybody to go about their business, and not to collect in groups, -but to scatter about. There is no doubt they will come here and search -for us. Let them search; they will not harm you in person or property, -and not even a hair of your head. We will cross the river tonight, and -{546} go away to the West." He made a move to go out of the house to -cross the river. When out of doors he told Butler and Hodge to take the -_Maid of Iowa,_ (in charge of Repsher) get it to the upper landing, -and put his and Hyrum's families and effects upon her; then go down -the Mississippi and up the Ohio river to Portsmouth, where they should -hear from them. He then took Hodge by the hand and said, "Now, Brother -Hodge, let what will come, don't deny the faith, and all will be well."] - -I told Stephen Markham that if I and Hyrum were ever taken again we -should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God. I want Hyrum to -live to avenge my blood, but he is determined not to leave me. [2] - -Footnotes: - -1. "At this juncture the council was interrupted by the withdrawal of -President Smith to give an interview to two gentlemen--one of whom -was a son of John C. Calhoun--who had arrived at the Mansion and were -anxious to meet with the Prophet" (Life of John Taylor, page, 125). -Elder Taylor withdrew at a late hour from the council because of great -weariness. "Shortly after he [Elder Taylor] retired, however, the -Prophet returned, and the informal council meeting was resumed. The -project of laying the case before President Tyler was abandoned. Joseph -had received an inspiration to go west and all would be well" (Ibid). - -2. Here the direct narrative of the Prophet ends; what happened in the -next few days of his life occurred under such circumstances as not to -permit of his dictating an account of it to his secretary or clerks, as -was his custom. - -Concerning the statement in the text about the Prophet's desire to have -Hyrum live, and the purpose of it, Mr. Edward Tullidge, in his _Life -of Joseph the Prophet_, gives a different version of it. He states -it_: "I want Hyrum to live to lead the Church, but he is determined -not to leave me"_ (Tullidge, p. 491). On what authority Mr. Tullidge -makes the change is not known; but there is evidence in addition to his -statement that the Prophet did desire Hyrum Smith to succeed him in the -presidency of the Church, and even "ordained" him to take that place. -At the October conference following the martyrdom of the two brothers, -President Brigham Young said_: "Did Joseph ordain any man to take his -place? He did. Who was it? It was Hyrum. But Hyrum fell a martyr before -Joseph did"_ (_Times and Seasons_ Vol. 5, page 683.) - -{547} - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE PROPHET STARTS FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS--THE COUNSEL OF FALSE -BRETHREN--THE RETURN TO NAUVOO--THE SURRENDER AND ARRIVAL AT CARTHAGE. - -_An account of the arrest, imprisonment and martyrdom of President -Joseph Smith and Patriarch Hyrum Smith in Carthage jail, Hancock -county, Illinois, as collected from the journal kept at the time by -Willard Richards and the statements published by John Taylor, Messrs. -Reid and Woods and John S. Fullmer, and the writings and statements of -Dan Jones, Cyrus H. Wheelock, Stephen Markham and many other persons, -who were personally acquainted with the transactions. [1]_--_By the -Historian_. [2] - -[Sidenote: The Warning to Flee to the Rocky Mountains.] - -_Saturday, June 11, 1844.--_About 9 p.m. Hyrum came out of the Mansion -and gave his hand to Reynolds Cahoon, at the same time saying, "A -company of men are seeking to kill my brother Joseph, and the Lord has -warned him to flee to the Rocky Mountains to save his life. Good-by, -Brother Cahoon, we shall see you again." In a few minutes afterwards -Joseph came from his family. His tears were flowing fast. He held a -handkerchief to his face, and followed after Brother Hyrum without -uttering a word. - -Between 9 and 10 p.m. Joseph, Hyrum and Willard, while waiting on the -banks of the river for the skiff, sent {548} for William W. Phelps, -and instructed him to take their families to Cincinnati by the second -steamboat, arriving at Nauvoo; and when he arrived there to commence -petitioning the President of the United States and Congress for redress -of grievances, and see if they would grant the Church liberty and -equal rights. Joseph then said: "Go to our wives, and tell them what -we have concluded to do, and learn their feelings on the subject; and -tell Emma you will be ready to start by the second steamboat, and she -has sufficient money wherewith to pay the expenses. If you ascertain -by tomorrow morning that there is anything wrong, come over the river -to Montrose, to the house of Captain John Killien, and there you will -learn where we are." - -About midnight, Joseph, Hyrum and Dr. Richards called for Orrin P. -Rockwell at his lodgings, and all went up the river bank until they -found Aaron Johnson's boat, which they got into, and started about 2 a. -m to cross the Mississippi river. Orrin P. Rockwell rowed the skiff, -which was very leaky, so that it kept Joseph, Hyrum and the doctor busy -baling out the water with their boots and shoes to prevent it from -sinking. - -[Sidenote: Preparations for the Western Journey.] - -_Sunday, 23.--_At daybreak arrived on the Iowa side of the river. Sent -Orrin P. Rockwell back to Nauvoo with instructions to return the next -night with horses for Joseph and Hyrum, pass them over the river in the -night secretly, and be ready to start for the Great Basin in the Rocky -Mountains. - -Joseph, Hyrum and Dr. Richards walked up to Captain John Killien's -house, where they arrived at sunrise; but he not being at home, -they went from thence to Brother William Jordan's. About 9 a.m. Dr. -Bernhisel came over the river to visit Joseph; also Reynolds Cahoon, -who made some explanations respecting Governor Ford's letter. - -[Sidenote: Arrival of Constable's _Posse_.] - -Early in the morning a _posse_ arrived in Nauvoo to {549} arrest -Joseph, but as they did not find him, they started back to Carthage -immediately, leaving one man of the name of Yates behind them, who said -to one of the brethren that Governor Ford designed that if Joseph and -Hyrum were not given up, he would send his troops and guard the city -until they were found, if it took three years to do it. - -[Sidenote: Emma's Message to the Prophet.] - -At 1 p.m. Emma sent over Orrin P. Rockwell, requesting him to entreat -of Joseph to come back. Reynolds Cahoon accompanied him with a letter -which Emma had written to the same effect, and she insisted that Cahoon -should persuade Joseph to come back and give himself up. When they went -over they found Joseph, Hyrum and Willard in a room by themselves, -having flour and other provisions on the floor ready for packing. - -Reynolds Cahoon informed Joseph what the troops intended to do, and -urged upon him to give himself up, inasmuch as the Governor had pledged -his faith and the faith of the state to protect him while he underwent -a legal and fair trial. Reynolds Cahoon, Lorenzo D. Wasson and Hiram -Kimball accused Joseph of cowardice for wishing to leave the people, -adding that their property would be destroyed, and they left without -house or home. Like the fable, when the wolves came the shepherd ran -from the flock, and left the sheep to be devoured. To which Joseph -replied, "If my life is of no value to my friends it is of none to -myself." - -[Sidenote: Consultation with Rockwell.] - -Joseph said to Rockwell, "What shall I do?" Rockwell replied, "You are -the oldest and ought to know best; and as you make your bed, I will lie -with you." Joseph then turned to Hyrum, who was talking with Cahoon, -and said, "Brother Hyrum, you are the oldest, what shall we do?" Hyrum -said, "Let us go back and give ourselves up, and see the thing out." -After studying a few moments, Joseph said, "If {550} you go back I will -go with you, but we shall be butchered." Hyrum said, "No, no; let us go -back and put our trust in God, and we shall not be harmed. The Lord is -in it. If we live or have to die, we will be reconciled to our fate." - -After a short pause, Joseph told Cahoon to request Captain Daniel C. -Davis to have his boat ready at half-past five to cross them over the -river. - -Joseph and Hyrum then wrote the following letter: - - _Letter:--Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Governor Ford--Consenting to go - to Carthage_. - - BANK OF THE RIVER MISSISSIPPI, - - Sunday, June 23rd, 1844, 2 p.m. - - _His Excellency Governor Ford_: - - SIR.--I wrote you a long communication at 12 last night, expressive - of my views of your Excellency's communication of yesterday. I - thought your letter rather severe, but one of my friends has just - come to me with an explanation from the captain of your _posse_ - which softened the subject matter of your communication, and gives - us greater assurance of protection, and that your Excellency has - succeeded in bringing in subjection the spirits which surround your - Excellency to some extent. And I declare again the only objection I - ever had or ever made on trial by my country at any time, was what - I have made in my last letter--on account of assassins, and the - reason I have to fear deathly consequences from their hands. - - But from the explanation, I now offer to come to you at Carthage - on the morrow, as early as shall be convenient for your _posse_ to - escort us into headquarters, provided we can have a fair trial, not - be abused nor have my witnesses abused, and have all things done in - due form of law, without partiality, and you may depend on my honor - without the show of a great armed force to produce excitement in - the minds of the timid. - - We will meet your _posse,_ if this letter is satisfactory, (if not, - inform me) at or neat the Mound, at or about two o'clock tomorrow - afternoon, which will be as soon as we can get our witnesses and - prepare for trial. We shall expect to take our witnesses with us, - and not have to wait a subpoena or part at least, so as not to - detain the proceedings, although we may want time for counsel. - - We remain most respectfully, your Excellency's humble servants, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - HYRUM SMITH. - -{551} Also wrote to Horace T. Hugins, Esquire: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to H. T. Hugins--Engaging Counsel_. - - NAUVOO, Sunday, June 23, 1844. - - _H. T. Hugins, Esq_: - - SIR.--I have agreed to meet Governor Ford at Carthage tomorrow to - attend an examination before Justice Morrison, and request your - attendance professionally with the best attorney you can bring. - - I meet the Governor's _posse_ on the Mound at 10 a.m.; in Carthage - at 12 noon. Do not fail me, and oblige, - - Yours respectfully, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - _per_ W. RICHARDS, Clerk. - - P.S.--Dr. J. R. Wakefield I wish as witness, &c. - -And also to Dr. J. Wakefield as follows: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to J. R. Wakefield Soliciting Latter's - Attendance as Witness_. - - NAUVOO, June 23, 1844. - - _Dr. J. R. Wakefield_: - - SIR.--I would respectfully solicit your attendance at court in - Carthage tomorrow at 12 noon, as witness in case "State of Illinois - on complaint of Francis M. Higbee, _versus_ Joseph Smith and - others." Dear sir, do not fail me, and oblige your old friend, - - JOSEPH SMITH, - - _per_ WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk. - - P. S.--Esq. Hugins and co-partner are expected. We meet the - Governor's _posse_ on the Mound at 10 a.m.: at Carthage at 12 noon. - Bearer will give particulars. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet Returns to Nauvoo.] - -About 4 p.m. Joseph, Hyrum, the Doctor and others started back. While -walking towards the river, Joseph fell behind with Orrin P. Rockwell. -The other shouted to come on. Joseph replied, "It is of no use to -hurry, for we are going back to be slaughtered," and continually -expressed himself that he would like to get the people once more -together, and talk to them tonight. Rockwell said if that was his -wish he would get the people together, and he could talk to them by -starlight. - -{552} It was the strong persuasions of Reynolds Cahoon, Lorenzo D. -Wasson and Hiram Kimball, who were carrying out Emma's instructions, -that induced Joseph and Hyrum to start back to Nauvoo. They re-crossed -the river at half-past five. When they arrived at the Mansion in -Nauvoo, Joseph's family surrounded him, and he tarried there all night, -giving up the idea of preaching to the Saints by starlight. - -[Sidenote: Vacillation of Governor Ford.] - -He sent the letter of this date to Governor Ford by Col. Theodore -Turley and Elder Jedediah M. Grant, who carried it to Carthage, where -they arrived about 9 p.m. They gave the letter to Governor Ford, who -first agreed to send a _posse_ to escort General Smith in safety to -Carthage. Immediately afterwards Mr. Skinner came in and made a very -bitter speech to the Governor, in which Wilson Law and Joseph H. -Jackson joined, telling him naught but lies, which caused Elder Grant -to ask if messengers to him were to be insulted in that manner. The -Governor treated them coldly, and rescinded his previous promise, and -refused to send or allow an escort to go with Joseph, as he said it -was an honor not given to any other citizen. He would not allow the -messengers to stay in Carthage through the night, but ordered them -to start at 10 o'clock, and return to Nauvoo with orders for General -Smith to be in Carthage at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning without an -escort; and he threatened that if General Smith did not give himself -up at that time, that Nauvoo would be destroyed and all the men, women -and children that were in it. Messrs. Grant and Turley immediately -started; but on account of their horses being wearied, they did not -arrive in Nauvoo until about four a.m. of the 24th, when they went to -General Smith to report to him the state of excitement in Carthage. He -would not hear one word of the warning, as he was determined to go to -Carthage and give himself up to the Governor. - -{553} At night Joseph conversed with Captain Anderson, who reported -that the mob at Warsaw had stopped his boat, and threatened to fire -into her with his cannon. He gave the following certificate: - - _Certificate: Captain Anderson--on Retention of People in Nauvoo_. - - NAUVOO, June 23rd, 1844. - - This is to certify that on Tuesday morning last, I stated to - General Joseph Smith that the number of passengers leaving that day - might produce the effect on the public mind that they were afraid - of being attacked, and prove injurious; and I further observed, in - order to preserve peace and good order, that it would be better to - use his endeavors to retain those in the city until the excitement - should abate. - - GEORGE C. ANDERSON, - - Captain steamer _Osprey_. - -Joseph received the following letter: - - _Letter: Ed. Johnston to Joseph Smith--About Counsel_. - - Sunday Evening, June 23rd, 1844. - - _General Joseph Smith_: - - SIR.--I have this moment received your favor of this day per the - hands of Mr. Adams. I regret to say, in reply, that I am now - awaiting every moment a boat for St. Louis, whither my business - requires me to go, and which, of course will deter me from acceding - to your request. I have introduced Mr. Adams to a friend who is - entirely competent to do full justice to your cause. - - In great haste, yours respectfully, - - ED. JOHNSTON. - - FORT MADISON, IOWA. - -[Sidenote: Preparations for Going to Carthage.] - -Preparations are making for an early start tomorrow morning for -Carthage. Joseph gave directions to gather some horses for the purpose -of carrying him and his friends to Carthage tomorrow. - -Although the Governor has threatened to send his troops into the city, -none have appeared as yet. - -[Sidenote: Defendants in the _Expositor_ Case.] - -_Monday, 24.--_Francis M. Higbee having sworn out a writ before Thomas -Morrison, a justice of the peace at {554} Carthage on the 11th instant, -against Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Samuel Bennet, John Taylor, William -W. Phelps, John P. Greene, Stephen C. Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, -Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, William W. Edwards, Jonathan Holmes, -Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, David Harvey Redfield, -Orrin P. Rockwell and Levi Richards for riot, in destroying the _Nauvoo -Expositor_ press, the property of William and Wilson Law and others, -on the 10th instant, and Governor Ford having sent word by the _posse_ -that those eighteen persons should be protected by the militia of the -state, they, upon the assurance of that pledge at half-past six a.m. -started for Carthage, Willard Richards, Dan Jones, Henry G. Sherwood, -Alfred Randall, James Davis, Cyrus H. Wheelock, A. C. Hodge and several -other brethren, together with James W. Woods as counsel, accompanying -them. - -[Sidenote: Incidents _en route_ for Carthage.] - -When they arrived at the top of the hill, Joseph sent Rockwell with -a horse for Dr. Southwick, a Southern gentleman who had been staying -some days at the Mansion, and who wished General Joseph Smith to buy -considerable property in Texas; but Ed. Bonny took possession of the -horse, so that Dr. Southwick could not then go. - -Joseph paused when they got to the Temple, and looked with admiration -first on that, and then on the city, and remarked, "This is the -loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little do they -know the trials that await them." As he passed out of the city, he -called on Daniel H. Wells, Esq., who was unwell, and on parting he -said, "Squire Wells, I wish you to cherish my memory, and not think me -the worst man in the world either." - -[Sidenote: Meeting with Captain Dunn.] - -At ten minutes to 10 a.m. they arrived at Albert G. Fellows' farm, four -miles west of Carthage, where they met Captain Dunn with a company -of about sixty mounted militia, on seeing which Joseph said, "Do not -be alarmed, brethren, for they {555} cannot do more to you than the -enemies of truth did to the ancient Saints--they can only kill the -body." The company made a halt, when Joseph, Hyrum and several others -went into Fellows' house with Captain Dunn, who presented an order -from Governor Ford for all the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo -Legion, which Joseph immediately countersigned. - -[Sidenote: A Pathetic Prophecy.] - -Henry G. Sherwood went up to Joseph and said, "Brother Joseph, shall -I return to Nauvoo and regulate about getting the arms and get the -receipts for them?" Joseph inquired if he was under arrest, or expected -to be arrested. Sherwood answered "No," when Joseph directed him to -return ahead of the company, gather the arms and do as well as he could -in all things. Joseph then said to the company who were with him, _"I -am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a summer's -morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all -men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood -shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me 'He -was murdered in cold blood!'"_ He then said to Father Sherwood, "Go, -and God bless you." Sherwood then rode as swiftly as he could to Nauvoo. - -Esquire Woods left the company there, and continued his journey to -Carthage. - -This order for the delivery of the state arms was evidently designed -to drive the citizens of Nauvoo to desperation, so that in the heat of -their indignation they might commit some overt act which the Governor -could construe into treason, and thus have a shadow of excuse for his -mob militia to destroy the Mormons. - -[Sidenote: Dunn's Request that the Prophet Return to Nauvoo:] - -Captain Dunn requested the company to return to Nauvoo to assist in -collecting the arms, and pledged his word as a military man, that -Joseph and his friends should be protected even if it were at the -expense of his own life, {556} and his men responded to the pledge -by three cheers. Captain Dunn, no doubt feared that the order of the -Governor would excite the inhabitants of Nauvoo beyond endurance, and -therefore chose to depend on the well-known integrity of General Smith -than to risk the chances of exciting the feelings of a much-abused -people. At the same time Joseph sent a messenger to the Governor with -the following letter: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Explaining his Return to - Nauvoo_. - - FOUR MILES WEST OF CARTHAGE MOUND, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, - - Monday, 10 o'clock. - - _His Excellency Governor Ford_: - - DEAR SIR.--On my way to Carthage to answer your request this - morning, I here met Captain Dunn, who has here made known to me - your orders to surrender the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo - Legion, which command I shall comply with; and that the same may - be done properly and without trouble to the state, I shall return - with Captain Dunn to Nauvoo, see that the arms are put into his - possession, and shall then return to headquarters in his company, - when I shall most cheerfully submit to any requisition of the - Governor of our state. - - With all due respect to your Excellency, I remain your obedient - servant. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - -He also issued the following order: - - _Order: Joseph Smith to General Dunham--Complying with Governor - Ford's Demand for State Arms_. - - HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, - - Prairie Four Miles West of Carthage, - - June 24th, 1844, 10 o'clock and 10 minutes. - - _To Major-General Jonathan Dunham and all commissioned and - non-commissioned officers and privates of the Nauvoo Legion_: - - You are hereby ordered to comply strictly with the within order of - the Commander-in-Chief, Governor Ford. - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - Lieut.-Gen. Nauvoo Legion. - -{557} And requested that the state arms should be taken to the Masonic -Hall without delay. - -[Sidenote: Messenger Sent to Carthage.] - -Hyrum then said to Abram C. Hodge, "You go on into Carthage and see -what is going on, and hear what is said on this matter." - -Joseph and his company then returned with Captain Dunn, and arrived in -Nauvoo at half-past two p.m. - -When Hodge arrived at Carthage, he met with Rev. Mr. Dodge, who had -some time previously been very kindly treated by Hyrum. He warned -Hodge that as sure as Joseph and Hyrum came to Carthage, they would be -killed. Hodge also saw Hamilton, the innkeeper, who, pointing to the -Carthage Greys, said, "Hodge, there are the boys that will settle you -Mormons." Hodge replied, "We can take as many men as there are there -out of the Nauvoo Legion, and they would not be missed." - -[Sidenote: Surrender of State Arms.] - -When the fact of the order for the state arms was known in Nauvoo, many -of the brethren looked upon it as another preparation for a Missouri -massacre, nevertheless, as Joseph requested that it should be complied -with, they very unwillingly gave up the arms. - -About 6 p.m., when all the states' arms were collected, and the company -were ready to start, Captain Dunn and Quartermaster-General Buckmaster -made a short speech, expressing their gratitude at the peaceable -conduct of the citizens of Nauvoo, and that while they thus conducted -themselves they would protect them. - -It appears that Governor Ford feared that the Nauvoo Legion, although -disbanded, might avenge any outrage that might hereafter be committed -on the persons of their leaders, and so thought he had better disarm -them as he had previously disbanded them; yet the mob was suffered to -retain their portion of the state's arms, even when within a half-day's -march of Nauvoo, and they in a threatening and hostile attitude, while -the Nauvoo Legion had not {558} evinced the least disposition whatever, -except to defend their city in case it should be attacked; and they had -not set a foot outside the limits of the corporation. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Farewell to his Family.] - -Joseph rode down home twice to bid his family farewell. He appeared -solemn and thoughtful, and expressed himself to several individuals -that he expected to be murdered. There appeared no alternative but that -he must either give himself up, or the inhabitants of the city would be -massacred by a lawless mob under sanction of the Governor. - -[Sidenote: Looking Back-Sadness.] - -The company (about fifteen) then started again for Carthage, and when -opposite to the Masonic Hall, Joseph said, "Boys, if I don't come back, -take care of yourselves; I am going like a lamb to the slaughter." -When they passed his farm he took a good look at it, and after they -had passed it, he turned round several times to look again, at which -some of the company made remarks, when Joseph said: "If some of you -had got such a farm and knew you would not see it any more, you would -want to take a good look at it for the last time." When they got to -the edge of the woods near Nauvoo, they met A. C. Hodge returning from -Carthage. He reported to Hyrum what he had heard in Carthage, told him -what his feelings were and said, "Brother Hyrum, you are now clear, and -if it was my duty to counsel you, I would say, do not go another foot, -for they say they will kill you, if you go to Carthage," but as other -persons gathered around, nothing further was said. About this time -Joseph received the following letter: - - _Letter: Messrs. Reid and Woods to Joseph Smith--Documents for - Defense_. - - CARTHAGE, 5 o'clock p.m. - - _General Joseph Smith_: - - DEAR SIR.--In accordance with previous arrangements with Elder - Adams, I am here at your service; and it will be necessary for us - to have, on the examination here before the justice, a certified - copy of the city ordinance for the destruction of the _Expositor_ - press, or a copy {559} which has been published by authority. We - also wish the original order issued by you to the marshal for the - destruction of said press, and such witnesses as may be necessary - to show by whom the press was destroyed, and that the act was not - done in a riotous or tumultuous manner. - - Yours respectfully, - - H. T. REID. - - DEAR SIR.--I concur fully as to the above, and will add, from an - interview with Governor Ford, you can, with the utmost safety, - rely on his protection, and that you will have as impartial an - investigation as could be expected from those opposed to you. The - excitement is much allayed, and your opponents (those who wish to - make capital out of you) do not want you to come to Carthage. Mr. - Johnson has gone east, and that will account for Mr. Reed being - here. - - Respectfully, your obedient servant, - - JAMES W. WOOD. - - CARTHAGE, 24th June, 1844. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Arrival at Carthage.] - -The company arrived at Fellows' house, four miles west of Carthage, -about 9 p.m., where they stopped about half an hour, and partook of -such refreshments as they had brought with them. Captain Dunn and his -company of mounted militia, returning with the state arms from Nauvoo, -joined them here, and escorted them into Carthage, where they arrived -at five minutes before 12 at night, and went to Hamilton's tavern. -While passing the public square many of the troops, especially the -Carthage Greys, made use of the following expressions, which were -re-echoed in the ears of the Governor and hundreds of others, "Where is -the damned prophet?" "Stand away, you McDonough boys, and let us shoot -the damned Mormons." "G--d--you, old Joe, we've got you now." "Clear -the way and let us have a view of Joe Smith, the prophet of God. He has -seen the last of Nauvoo. We'll use him up now, and kill all the damned -Mormons." The rear platoon of the Carthage Greys repeatedly threw their -guns over their heads in a curve, so that the bayonets struck the -ground with the breech of their guns upward, when {560} they would run -back and pick them up, at the same time whooping, yelling, hooting and -cursing like a pack of savages. - -[Sidenote: The Governor Pacifies the Mob.] - -On hearing the above expressions, the Governor put his head out of -the window and very fawningly said, "I know your great anxiety to see -Mr. Smith, which is natural enough, but it is quite too late tonight -for you to have the opportunity; but I assure you, gentlemen, you -shall have that privilege tomorrow morning, as I will cause him to -pass before the troops upon the square, and I now wish you, with this -assurance, quietly and peaceably to return to your quarters." When this -declaration was made, there was a faint "Hurrah for Tom Ford," and they -instantly obeyed his wish. - -[Sidenote: The Apostates at Carthage.] - -There was a company of apostates also quartered at Hamilton's -hotel--namely William and Wilson Law, the Higbees and Fosters, -Augustine Spencer, Henry O. Norton, John A. Hicks, (formerly president -of the Elder's quorum) and others. Hicks stated to C. H. Wheelock -that it was determined to shed the blood of Joseph Smith by not only -himself, but by the Laws, Higbees, Fosters, Joseph H. Jackson, and many -others, whether he was cleared by the law or not. Jackson talked freely -and unreservedly on that subject, as though he were discoursing upon -the most common occurrence of his life. Said he, you will find me a -true prophet in this respect. Wheelock told Ford what Hicks had said, -but he treated it with perfect indifference, and suffered Hicks and his -associates to run at liberty and mature their murderous plans. - -A writ was also issued by Robert F. Smith against Joseph W. Coolidge -on complaint of Chauncey L. Higbee, charging him with the illegal -detention of Charles A. Foster. - -Footnotes: - -1. This is the title of the first _Compilation of Data_ as it appears -in the _Millennial Star,_ Vol. XXIV, p. 332. A _Second Compilation_ was -made by the Church Historian, extending from the 22nd of June to the -8th of August, 1844, at which time the Twelve were accepted for the -time as the Presiding Council of the Church; and the claims of Sidney -Rigdon rejected. - -2. George A. Smith was the Historian from 1854 to 1875. Consequently -this Compilation was made under his supervision. - -{561} - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -ARREST OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH ON A CHARGE OF TREASON--FALSE -IMPRISONMENT--ELDER TAYLOR'S PROTEST--FALSE IMPRISONMENT. - -[Sidenote: The Governor's Pledge of Protection.] - -_Tuesday, June 25, 1844.--_This morning the prisoners voluntarily -surrendered themselves to the constable, Mr. Bettisworth, who held the -writ against them. The Governor was at headquarters in person, and had -pledged his own faith and the faith of the state of Illinois, that the -Smiths and other persons should be protected from personal violence, -and should have a fair and impartial trial, if they would surrender -themselves to be dealt with according to law. During the Governor's -stay in Carthage, he repeatedly expressed to the legal counselors of -the Smiths his determination to protect the prisoners, and to see that -they should have a fair and impartial examination. - -[Sidenote: The Arrest for Treason.] - -At 8 a.m. President Smith had an interview with William G. Flood of -Quincy, U. S. Receiver of Public Moneys. While in conversation with -him, Constable David Bettisworth arrested Joseph for treason against -the state of Illinois, with the following writ, which had been granted -on the oath of Augustine Spencer: - - _Writ of Arrest on the Charge of Treason--Joseph Smith_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - CITY OF NAUVOO. ss - - _The people of the State of Illinois, to all sheriffs, coroners and - constables of said state greeting_: - - Whereas complaint has been made before me, one of the justices of - {562} the peace in and for said county aforesaid, upon the oath of - Augustine Spencer, that Joseph Smith, late of the county aforesaid, - did, on or about the nineteenth day of June. A. D. 1844, at the - county and state aforesaid, commit the crime of treason against the - government and people of the State of Illinois aforesaid. - - These are therefore to command you to take the said Joseph Smith - if he be found in your county, or if he shall have fled, that you - pursue after the said Smith into another county within this state, - and take and safely keep the said Joseph Smith, so that you have - his body forthwith before me to answer the said complaint and be - further dealt with according to law. - - [Seal] - - Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of June, A. D. 1844. - - R. F. SMITH, J. P. - -Hyrum Smith was also arrested at the same time for treason on the same -writ, granted on the affidavit of Henry O. Norton: - - _Writ of Arrest for Treason--Hyrum Smith_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - _The people of the State of Illinois, to all sheriffs, coroners and - constables, greeting_: - - Whereas complaint has been made before me, one of the justices - of the peace, in and for the county of Hancock, upon the oath of - one Henry O. Norton, that one Hyrum Smith, late of the county of - Hancock and state of Illinois, did, on the 19th day of June, 1844, - commit the crime of treason against the government and people of - the state of Illinois aforesaid. - - These are therefore to command you to take the body of the said - Hyrum Smith, if he be found in your county, or if he shall have - fled that you pursue after the said Hyrum Smith into any county - within this state, and take and safely keep the said Hyrum Smith, - so that you have his body forthwith before me, to answer unto the - said complaint, and be further dealt with according to law. - - [Seal] - - Given under my hand and seal, this 24th day of June. 1844. - - R. F. SMITH, J. P. - -[Sidenote: Governor Ford's Speech to the Troops.] - -_8:30 a.m.--_Governor Ford called all the troops and ordered them to -form a hollow square on the public ground near the Court House; and -when formed, he {563} mounted an old table, and addressed them in a -most inflammatory manner, exciting the feelings of indignation against -Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith which were already burning in their -breasts, occasioned by the falsehoods and misrepresentations that were -in circulation, giving his assent and sanction to the rumors that had -gathered them together, and stating that although they were dangerous -men in the community, and guilty of all that they might have alleged -against them, still they were in the hands of the law, which must have -its course. He continued speaking twenty or thirty minutes. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Request for an Interview with Gov. Ford.] - -_9:15 a.m.--_The Governor came in and invited Joseph to walk with -him through the troops. Joseph solicited a few moments, private -conversation with him, which the Governor refused. While refusing, the -Governor looked down at his shoes, as though he was ashamed. They then -walked through the crowd with Brigadier-General Miner R. Deming and Dr. -Richards, to General Deming's quarters. The people appeared quiet until -a company of Carthage Greys flocked around the doors of General Deming -in an uproarious manner, of which notice was sent to the Governor. In -the meantime the Governor had ordered the McDonough troops to be drawn -up in line for Joseph and Hyrum to pass in front of them, they having -requested that they might have a clear view of the Generals Smith. -Joseph had a conversation with the Governor for about ten minutes, when -he again pledged the faith of the state that he and his friends should -be protected from violence. - -Robinson, the postmaster, said, on report of martial law being -proclaimed in Nauvoo, he had stopped the mail and notified the -Postmaster-General of the state of things in Hancock county. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet Presented to the Troops.] - -From the General's quarters Joseph and Hyrum went in front of the -lines, in a hollow square of a company of {564} Carthage Greys. At -seven minutes before ten they arrived in front of the lines, and passed -before the whole, Joseph being on the right of General Deming, and -Hyrum on his left, Elders Richards, Taylor and Phelps following. Joseph -and Hyrum were introduced by the Governor about twenty times along the -line, as General Joseph Smith and General Hyrum Smith, the Governor -walking in front on the left. The Carthage Greys refused to receive -them by that introduction, and some of the officers threw up their -hats drew their swords and said they would introduce themselves to the -damned Mormons in a different style. The Governor mildly entreated them -not to act so rudely, but their excitement increased. The Governor, -however, succeeded in pacifying them by making a speech, and promising -them that they should have "full satisfaction." General Smith and party -returned to their lodgings at five minutes past ten. - -[Sidenote: Revolt of the Carthage Greys.] - -_10:30.--_News reached Joseph at the hotel that the Carthage Greys had -revolted, and were put under guard by General Deming. Joseph told all -his friends to stay in the two rooms occupied by them in the hotel. - -_10:50.--_Quietness was apparently restored among the Carthage Greys. - -_11:15.--_News arrived that the Warsaw troops were near Carthage, and -had come of their own accord. - -Mr. Prentice, U. S. Marshal for Illinois, called to see Joseph. - -[Sidenote: Threats of Apostates to Plunder Nauvoo.] - -_12 minutes before 1.--_Intelligence was given to Joseph that the -Laws, Higbees, Fosters and others, were going to Nauvoo to plunder. To -Governor called at the door with some gentlemen, when Joseph informed -him of what he had heard, and requested him to send a guard to protect -the city of Nauvoo. - -Willard Richards wrote a letter to his wife. - -{565} _1:30 p.m.--_After dinner, Mark Aldrich of Warsaw called to see -Joseph. - -_2:30.--_The Governor communicated that he had ordered Captain -Singleton with a company of men from McDonough county, to march to -Nauvoo to co-operate with the police in keeping the peace; and he would -call out the Legion, if necessary. - -Joseph wrote to Emma as follows: - - _Letter: The Prophet to Emma Smith--Governor Ford Going to Nauvoo_. - - CARTHAGE, June 25th, 1844. - - 2:30 o'clock p.m. - - DEAR EMMA.--I have had an interview with Governor Ford, and he - treats us honorably. Myself and Hyrum have been again arrested for - treason because we called out the Nauvoo Legion; but when the truth - comes out we have nothing to fear. We all feel calm and composed. - - This morning Governor Ford introduced myself and Hyrum to the - militia in a very appropriate manner, as General Joseph Smith and - General Hyrum Smith. There was a little mutiny among the Carthage - Greys, but I think the Governor has and will succeed in enforcing - the laws. I do hope the people of Nauvoo will continue pacific and - prayerful. - - Governor Ford has just concluded to send some of his militia to - Nauvoo to protect the citizens, and I wish that they may be kindly - treated. They will co-operate with the police to keep the peace. - The Governor's orders will be read in the hearing of the police and - officers of the Legion, as I suppose. - - _3 o'clock.--_The Governor has just agreed to march his army to - Nauvoo, and I shall come along with him. The prisoners, all that - can, will be admitted to bail. I am as ever, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - EMMA SMITH. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Warning to Rockwell.] - -Joseph also sent a message to Orrin P. Rockwell not to come to -Carthage, but to stay in Nauvoo, and not to suffer himself to be -delivered into the hands of his enemies, or to be taken a prisoner by -any one. - -It was reported by Israel Barlow that he had heard resolutions of the -Warsaw troops read, to the effect that they would return to Warsaw at 3 -p.m., then go to Golden's Point on Thursday, and thence to Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Interview with Militia Officers.] - -{566} - -Several of the officers of the troops in Carthage, and other gentlemen, -curious to see the Prophet, visited Joseph in his room. General Smith -asked them if there was anything in his appearance that indicated he -was the desperate character his enemies represented him to be; and -he asked them to give him their honest opinion on the subject. The -reply was, "No, sir, your appearance would indicate the very contrary, -General Smith; but we cannot see what is in your heart, neither can we -tell what are your intentions." To which Joseph replied, "Very true, -gentlemen, you cannot see what is in my heart, and you are therefore -unable to judge me or my intentions; but I can see what is in your -hearts, and will tell you what I see. I can see that you thirst for -blood, and nothing but my blood will satisfy you. It is not for -crime of any description that I and my brethren are thus continually -persecuted and harassed by our enemies, but there are other motives, -and some of them I have expressed, so far as relates to myself; and -inasmuch as you and the people thirst for blood, I prophesy, in the -name of the Lord, that you shall witness scenes of blood and sorrow to -your entire satisfaction. Your souls shall be perfectly satiated with -blood, and many of you who are now present shall have an opportunity to -face the cannon's mouth from sources you think not of; and those people -that desire this great evil upon me and my brethren, shall be filled -with regret and sorrow because of the scenes of desolation and distress -that await them. They shall seek for peace, and shall not be able to -find it. Gentlemen, you will find what I have told you to be true." - -[Sidenote: Law Cannot Reach Them--Powder and Ball Must.] - -_12 minutes to 4.--_Report came to Joseph that William and Wilson Law, -Robert D. Foster, Chauncey L. Higbee and Francis M. Higbee had said -_that there was nothing against these men; the law could not reach them -but powder and ball would,_ and they should not go out of Carthage -alive. - -[Sidenote: Arraigned on the _Expositor_ Affair.] - -{567} - -Joseph, Hyrum and thirteen others, were taken before Robert F. Smith, a -justice of the peace residing in Carthage (he being also captain of the -Carthage Greys) on the charge of riot destroying the printing press of -the _Nauvoo Expositor_. - -It is worthy of notice here, that when the defendants went before -Esquire Wells, the prosecution objected, and insisted that they should -be taken before the justice who issued the writ--viz., Thomas Morrison, -and that Governor Ford had also stated in his letter to General Joseph -Smith that he must go before the justice in Carthage who issued the -writ. But when the prosecution had the defendants in their own power -in Carthage, they could then ride over their own objections by taking -them before another justice, who was known to be a greater enemy to -the defendants than Justice Morrison, and moreover, before one who was -not only a justice of the peace, but also the Military commander of a -company of Carthage Greys, who had already been arrested for mutiny. - -Chauncey L. Higbee, one of the prosecutors, moved an adjournment. - -H. T. Reid and James W. Woods on behalf of the defendants, objected -to an adjournment, and said that the court was not authorized to -take recognizance without their acknowledging their guilt, or having -witnesses to prove it, and we admit the press was destroyed by order of -the Mayor, it having been condemned by the City Council as a nuisance. - -They read law to show that justices could not recognize without -admission of guilt, and offered to give bail. - -Mr. Reid stated that the law quoted by the prosecution belonged to -civil, not criminal cases. - -The prosecution insisted to have a commission of the crime acknowledged. - -[Sidenote: Prophet_ et. al_. Bound over to Circuit Court.] - -After a good deal of resistance on the part of the prosecution, court -asked if the parties admitted that there was {568} sufficient cause -to bind over, and the counsel for the defense admitted there was, -and offered to enter into cognizance in the common form, in order to -prevent, if possible, any increase of excitement. - -[Sidenote: The Sureties for the Prophet.] - -_5 p.m.--_Court acknowledged the admission and ordered recognizances, -whereupon Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, John Taylor, William M. Phelps, -John P. Greene, Stephen C. Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan -Dunham, Stephen Markham, Jonathan H. Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John -Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, David Harvey Redfield, and Levi Richards -gave bonds, with John S. Fullmer, Edward Hunter, Dan Jones, John -Benbow, and other unexceptionable sureties, in the sum of $500 for each -of the defendants, total $7,500, for their appearance at the next term -of the Circuit Court for Hancock county. - -It was evident that the magistrate intended to overreach the wealth -of the defendants and their friends, so as to imprison them for want -of bail; but it happened that there was strength to cover the demand, -for some of the brethren went security to the full extent of their -property; and Justice Smith adjourned his court over, and left the -court house without calling on Joseph and Hyrum to answer to the charge -of treason, or even intimating to those prisoners, or their counsel -that they were expected to enter into an examination that night. - -Captain Smith, the only magistrate who could grant subpoenas for -witnesses, disappeared until a late hour, as if purposely to prevent -the appearing of the defendant's witnesses, and in keeping with the -conviction expressed by Joseph's enemies the previous day, that the law -cannot touch them, but that powder and bail will. - -[Sidenote: Another Warrant Sought--Daniel's Kingdom and Treason.] - -_About 6:30 p.m.--_Dan Jones heard Wilson Law, whilst endeavoring to -get another warrant against Joseph Smith for treason, declare that -while he (Mr. Smith) was once preaching from Daniel 2nd chapter, 44th -verse, said that the {569} kingdom referred to was already set up, and -that he was the king over it. He also heard Joseph H. Jackson, and -other leaders of the mob, declare that they had eighteen accusations -against Joseph and as one failed, they would try another to detain him -there, and that they had had so much trouble and hazard, and worked so -hard in getting him to Carthage, that they would not let him get out of -it alive. Jackson pointed to his pistols and said, "The balls are in -there that will decide his case." Jones immediately went up stairs to -Joseph and informed him what he had heard Jackson say. - -_About 7:30 p.m.--_Dr. Levi Richards and most of the brethren, after -they had signed the bonds, left for Nauvoo when Joseph and Hyrum -went into the Governor's room and spoke with him, as Governor Ford -had promised them an interview. After a few moments' conversation, -the Governor left them to order the captain of the guard to give the -brethren some passes. They then went to supper. - -[Sidenote: Illegal Imprisonment of the Smith Brothers.] - -_8 p.m.--_Constable Bettisworth appeared at the lodgings of Joseph and -Hyrum, and insisted that they should go to jail. Joseph demanded a copy -of the mittimus, which was refused. Messrs. Woods and Reid, as counsel, -insisted that the prisoners were entitled to be brought before a -justice of the peace for examination before they could be sent to jail. -The constable, to their surprise, then exhibited the following mittimus: - - _The False Mittimus_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY, ss. - - _The people of the State of Illinois to the keeper of the jail of - said County, Greeting_: - - Whereas Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, of the county aforesaid, have - been arrested upon oath of Augustine Spencer and Henry O. Norton, - for the crime of treason, and have been brought before me as {570} - a justice of the peace in and for the said county, for trial at the - seat of justice thereof, which trial has been necessarily postponed - by reason of the absence of the 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 so remain until - discharged by due course of law. - - [Seal] - - Given under my hand and seal this 25th day of June, A. D. 1843. - - (Signed) - - R. F. SMITH J. P. - -Joseph remonstrated against such bare-faced, illegal, and tyrannical -proceedings, but the constable still insisted that they should go to -jail. Lawyer Woods requested the officer to wait until he could see -Governor Ford, and was told by Bettisworth that he could only wait five -minutes. - -[Sidenote: Governor Ford Refuses to Interfere with Illegal Proceedings.] - -Joseph and Hyrum again remonstrated, and the constable waited until -about nine o'clock, when they heard by Mr. Wood that the Governor did -not think it within the sphere of his duty to interfere, as they were -in the hands of the civil law, and therefore he had not the power to -stay process, of the due course of law, and that he could not interrupt -a civil officer in the discharge of his duty. - -Governor Ford knew this [proceeding] was illegal, (for he had formerly -been an associate-justice of the Supreme Court of the state) and when -he was appealed to by Captain Robert F. Smith to know what he must do, -as he had found his mittimus as a magistrate was illegal, and therefore -that it was a false committal, Governor Ford replied, "You have the -Carthage Greys at your command."_ Captain Smith_ therefore commanded -his "Greys" to execute and carry into effect his illegal mittimus as -a _magistrate,_ thus practically blending the civil and military in -the same person at the same time; and the prisoners were violently and -illegally dragged to jail without any examination whatever, while his -Excellency was in the adjoining room from that from which they {571} -were thus taken. So much for his professions that _the law must be -executed_. - -Thus a justice of the peace acting as a military officer also by virtue -of his commission as such, orders his command to appear under arms -and to incarcerate the prisoners whom he had just before ordered to -commit to jail by_ mittimus without having them brought before him for -examination;_ and the Governor, having been himself at one time a judge -upon the bench, knew and well understood the illegality of the above -proceedings. - -He also well knew that military power and [civil] authority had been -used by one and the same person, and yet he, acting at that time -as Commander-in-Chief, which gave him the supervision over all his -officers, and in fact made him responsible for all their acts and -movements, refused to interfere when requested by the prisoners to -interpose his authority in their behalf against an illegal civil -process, and also refused to countermand the illegal, oppressive and -unofficer-like order of one of his captains. - -Moreover, having taken the oath of office, as Governor of the state -of Illinois, he was by virtue of that oath bound to see the laws -faithfully executed, and not, as in this instance, see them violated -and trodden under foot, and even prompt one of his officers in his -lawless course. Thus he violated his solemn pledges and oath of office. - -[Sidenote: Elder Taylor's Remonstrance with Governor Ford.] - -Elder John Taylor says, "As I was informed of this illegal proceeding, -I went immediately to the Governor and informed him of it; whether he -was apprized of it before or not I do not know, but my opinion is that -he was. I represented to him the character of the parties who had made -oath, the outrageous nature of the charge, the indignity offered to men -in the position which they [the prisoners] occupied, and that he knew -very well that it was a vexatious prosecution, and that they were not -guilty of any such thing." - -The Governor replied that he was very sorry that the {572} thing had -occurred; that he did not believe the charges, but that he thought that -the best thing to be done in the premises was to let the law take its -course. - -"I then reminded him that we had come out there at his instance, not to -satisfy the law, which we had done before, but the prejudices of the -people in relation to the affair of the press; that we had given bonds, -which we could not by law be required to do, to satisfy the people at -his instance, and that it was asking too much to require gentlemen in -their position in life to suffer the degradation of being immured in a -jail at the instance of such worthless scoundrels as those who had made -this affidavit. - -"The Governor replied that it was an unpleasant affair, and looked -hard, but that it was a matter over which he had no control, as -it belonged to the judiciary; that he, as the executive could not -interfere with their proceedings, and that he had no doubt but that -they would be immediately dismissed. - -"I told him that we had looked to him for protection from such insults, -and that I thought we had a right to do so from the solemn promises -he had made to me and Dr. Bernhisel in relation to our coming without -a guard or arms; that we had relied upon his faith and had a right to -expect him to fulfill his engagements, after we had placed ourselves -implicitly under his care, and complied with all his requests, although -extra-judicial. - -"He replied that he would detail a guard, if we required it, and see us -protected, but that he could not interfere with the judiciary. - -"I expressed my dissatisfaction at the course taken, and told him that -if we were to be subject to mob rule, and to be dragged contrary to law -into prison, at the instance of every infernal scoundrel whose oath -could be bought for a dram of whiskey, his protection availed very -little, and we had miscalculated his promises. - -"Seeing there was no prospect of redress from the Governor, I returned -to the room and found the Constable, {573} Bettisworth, very urgent to -hurry Brothers Joseph and Hyrum to prison, whilst the brethren were -remonstrating with him. - -"At the same time a great rabble was gathered in the streets and around -the door, and from the rowdyism manifested, I was afraid there was a -design to murder the prisoners on the way to the jail. - -[Sidenote: Elder Taylor Takes Independent Action.] - -"Without conferring with any person, my next feeling was to procure a -guard, and seeing a man habited as a soldier in the room, I went to -him and said, "I am afraid there is a design against the lives of the -Messrs. Smith, will you go immediately and bring your captain, and if -not convenient, any other captain of a company, and I will pay you well -for your trouble." - -"He said he would, and departed forthwith, and soon returned with his -captain, whose name I have forgotten [1] and introduced him to me. - -"I told him of my fears, and requested him immediately to fetch his -company. He departed forthwith, and arrived at the door with them, just -as the time that the constable was hurrying the brethren downstairs. - -"A number of brethren went along, and one or two strangers, and all of -us safely lodged in prison, remained there during the night." - -As Esquire Woods went to the door he met Captain Dunn, with some -twenty men, they having come to guard the prisoners in jail. Mr. -Woods accompanied Governor Ford to (Captain) Justice Robert F. Smith, -who gave as a cause for issuing the warrant of committal, that the -prisoners were not personally safe at the hotel. Mr. Woods then -requested the Governor to have a company of troops from some other -county detailed to guard the jail. - -[Sidenote: In Carthage Jail.] - -Captain Dunn, with his company, escorted Joseph and {574} Hyrum Smith -from their lodgings, together with Willard Richards, John Taylor, John -P. Greene, Stephen Markham, Dan Jones, John S. Fullmer, Dr. Southwick, -and Lorenzo D. Wasson, to the jail. Markham had a very large hickory -cane, which he called "the rascal-beater." Dan Jones had a smaller -walking-stick, and they walked on either side of Joseph and Hyrum, -keeping off the drunken rabble, who several times broke through the -ranks. - -They were received by the jailer, Mr. George W. Stigall, and put -into the criminal's cell; but he afterwards gave them the debtors' -apartment, where the prisoners and their friends had amusing -conversations on various interesting subjects, which engaged them till -late. Prayer was offered, which made Carthage prison into the gate of -heaven for a while. They laid promiscuously on the floor, where they -all slept from 11:30 until 6 a.m. of the 26th. - -Counselor H. T. Reid, in his published statement, writes as follows: -"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, -are 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 which permits a justice to commit persons charged -with crimes to jail, without examination as to the probability of their -guilt." - -Footnotes: - -1. This was Captain Dunn, of Augusta township, who had been sent to -Nauvoo a few days before to collect the state arms at Nauvoo, and who -afterwards escorted the Prophet and his friends into Carthage. - -{575} - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -INTERVIEW IN CARTHAGE PRISON BETWEEN GOVERNOR FORD AND THE -PROPHET--TAYLOR'S REPORT OF THE INTERVIEW--TESTIMONY TO THE EXISTENCE -OF A CARTHAGE CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE PROPHET'S LIFE. - -_Wednesday, June 26, 1844; 7 a.m.--_Joseph, Hyrum, and the rest of the -brethren, took breakfast with Stigall, and were then removed to the -room upstairs. - -Dr. Southwick went to see the Governor. - -[Sidenote: Messages to the Governor] - -_At 7:30 a.m.,_ Markham, Wasson, and Jones were severally sent by -Joseph with messages to the Governor, but at 8 a.m., got no return. -He also sent word to his counsel that he wanted a change of venue to -Quincy, Adams County. - -_At 8 a.m.,_ Joseph and Hyrum had a conversation with the jailor, Mr. -Stigall, who said a week last Wednesday the mob were calculating to -have made an attack on Nauvoo, and they expected about 9000 persons, -but only about 200 came. They had sent runners to Missouri, and all -around the counties in Illinois. - -_At ten minutes past 8 o'clock a.m._ Joseph wrote to Governor Ford, as -follows and sent it by Mr. Stigall:-- - - _Letter--Joseph Smith to Governor Ford--Soliciting an Interview_. - - CARTHAGE JAIL, June 26, 1844. - - Ten minutes past 8 a.m. - - _His Excellency Governor Ford_: - - SIR.--I would again solicit your excellency for an interview having - been much disappointed the past evening. I hope you will not - deny me this privilege any longer than your public duties shall - absolutely require. - - {576} We have been committed under a false mittimus, and - consequently the proceedings are illegal, and we desire the time - may be hastened when all things shall be made right, and we - relieved from this imprisonment. - - Your servant, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - P. S.--Please send an answer per bearer. - -[Sidenote: Word from Governor Ford.] - -_At 8:30 a.m.,_ Markham and Jones returned, stating that the Governor -said he was taken by surprise last evening, and was very sorry. Was -afraid we would think he had forfeited his word about having an -interview, that the wrath of the people was about to turn on the head -of Jackson, the mob, &c. That the Governor was doing as fast as he -could. - -_Twelve minutes before 9._ Received the following reply on the same -sheet:-- - - "The interview will take place at my earliest leisure to-day. - - "GOVERNOR FORD." - -[Sidenote: Consultation with Counsel] - -_Ten minutes to 9._ Mr. Reid and others arrived at the jail and -investigated the merits of the case, and concluded to take a change -of venue before Justice Greenleaf, of Augusta, Hancock county, and -to send for Dr. James H. Lyon, Col. J. Brewer, Edward Bonney, M. G. -Eaton, Dr. Abiathar Williams, Thomas A. Lyne, George J. Adams, Dr. J. -M. Bernhisel, Daniel H. Wells, Daniel Spencer, Orson Spencer, Dr. J. -R. Wakefield, George P. Stiles, Jonathan Dunham, Albert P. Rockwood, -Captain G. C. Anderson, William Marks, Hiram Kimball, Lorenzo D. -Wasson, and Samuel Searles, as witnesses. - -[Sidenote: Interview with Gov. Ford.] - -_9:27 a.m._ The Governor, in company with Col. Thomas Geddes, arrived -at the jail, when a lengthy conversation was entered into in relation -to our difficulties; and after some preliminary remarks, at the -Governor's request Brother Joseph gave him a general outline of the -state of the country, {577} the tumultuous, mobocratic movements of our -enemies, the precautionary measures used by himself, (Joseph Smith) the -acts of the City Council, the destruction of the press, and the moves -of the mob and ourselves up to that time. - - _The Following Account of this Interview is from the Manuscript - History of the Church in the Historian's Office, and not Hitherto - Published_. - - Joseph Smith stated to them [Governor Ford and Col. Geddes] the - origin of the difficulty, the facts relating to the _Expositor_ - press, the course pursued by the City Council; the legality, as - they thought, of their legislation; the pledges that he had made by - letter and sent by expresses to his Excellency, that he was willing - to satisfy all legal claims in case it should be shown that the - City Council had transcended their legal bounds, etc., and that - the Legion had been called out for the protection of the city, - while it was threatened with immediate hostilities by an infuriated - mob, until his Excellency could afford relief, and not for the - purpose of invasion. (The Governor seemed to be satisfied that this - was the truth, but still he did not interfere in their illegal - imprisonment). Joseph adverted to all the leading causes which - gave rise to the difficulties under consideration in a brief, but - lucid, energetic and impressive manner. The Governor said he was - satisfied it was the truth. General Smith then read copies of the - orders and proceedings of the City Council of Nauvoo, concerning - the destruction of the _Expositor_ press, and of the correspondence - forwarded to his Excellency, in relation thereto; and also informed - him concerning the calling out of the Legion, and the position they - occupied of absolute necessity, not to make war upon, or invade the - rights of any portion of the citizens of the State; but it was the - _last resort,_ and _only_ defense_, in the absence of executive - protection,_ against a large, organized military and mobocratic foe. - - General Smith reminded his Excellency that the question in dispute - [the _Expositor_ case] was a _civil_ matter, and to settle which - needed no resort to arms, and that he was ready at any time, and - had always been ready to answer any charge that might be preferred - against him, either as the Lieutenant General of the Legion, the - Mayor of the City, or as a private individual, in any court of - justice, which was unintimidated by a mob or military array_, and - make all the satisfaction that the law required, if any, etc._ The - Governor said he had not called out this force; [i. e., {578} the - one then gathered at Carthage] but found it assembled in military - array, without his orders, on his arrival at Carthage, and that the - laws _must be enforced,_ but that the prisoners must and should be - protected, and he again pledged his word, and the faith and honor - of the State, that they should be protected. He also stated that he - intended to march his forces (that is, those who had assembled for - mobocratic purposes; and whom he had mustered into his service) to - Nauvoo to gratify_ them,_ and that the prisoners should accompany - them, and then return again to attend the trial before the said - magistrate, which he said had been postponed for the purpose of - making this visit. (John S. Fullmer) Joseph alluded to the coming - of Constable Bettisworth when he gave himself up, also to his offer - to go before_ any other justice of the peace,_ and called upon some - twenty bystanders to witness that he submitted to the writ, but - for fear of his life if he went to Carthage he had preferred to go - before Esq. Daniel H. Wells, a gentleman of high legal attainments, - who is in no way connected with the Mormon Church. - - Joseph also said that he had sent frequent expresses and letters - to the Governor; that Dr. J. R. Wakefield, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel and - Mr. Sidney Rigdon also had written letters to the Governor; that he - had written another letter to the Governor which was sent on the - 15th of June by Mr. James; that he had written again on the 16th of - June, enclosing affidavits, and sent them by Messrs. Edward Hunter, - Phillip B. Lewis and John Bills. He also read Captain Anderson's - certificate of the proceedings of the mob at Warsaw; also his - Proclamation, his orders as Lieutenant General to Major General - Dunham, the proceedings of the City Council of Nauvoo, and copies - of communications forwarded to Springfield; also his letter of the - 21st of June which was sent by Dr. Bernhisel, and Mr. John Taylor, - and his letter of the 22nd, which was sent by Lucien Woodworth and - Squire Woods. - - Marshal John P. Greene explained about giving passes to persons - going in and out of the city, and denied that any arrests had been - made. - - The Governor referred to the trial before Esq. Wells, which did - not satisfy the feelings of the people in and about Carthage. - The Governor admitted that sufficient time had not been allowed - by the posse for the defendants to get ready, or to gather their - witnesses, said it can be very safely admitted that your statements - are true, and was satisfied now that the people of Nauvoo had acted - according to the best of their judgment. - - Mr. Reid said that it was very evident from the excitement created - by Mr. Smith's enemies it would have been unsafe for him to come - to Carthage, for under such circumstances he could not have had an - impartial trial. - - {579} The Governor said he came here to enforce the laws on all - the people whether Mormons or not; and then expressed his feelings - about the destruction of the _Expositor_ press. - - Joseph spoke of his imprisonment in Missouri, and of the shameful - kidnapping of his witnesses, and their being thrust into prison to - prevent them from giving their testimony in his favor. - - Governor Ford spoke of the Constitution. - - Joseph said we were willing to pay for the press, as he did not - want the owners to suffer any loss by it, [i. e. its suppression] - neither did he wish such a libelous paper to be published in - Nauvoo. As for calling out the Nauvoo Legion, if it was intended to - resist the government of the State, it would be treason; but, as - they believed, they were endeavoring to defend themselves, and had - no such intention as to resist the government--it was all right. - -The following report is by Elder John Taylor. [1] - - _Elder John Taylor's Account of Governor Ford's and President - Smith's Interview_. - - _Governor--_General Smith, I believe you have given me a general - outline of the difficulties that have existed in the country, in - the documents forwarded to me by Dr. Bernhisel and Mr. Taylor; - but, unfortunately, there seems to be a discrepancy between - your statements and those of your enemies. It is true that you - are substantiated by evidence and affidavit, but for such an - extraordinary excitement as that which is now in the country, - there must be some cause, and I attribute the last outbreak to - the destruction of the_ Expositor,_ and to your refusal to comply - with the writ issued by Esq. Morrison. The press in the United - States is looked upon as the great bulwark of American freedom, - and its destruction in Nauvoo was represented and looked upon as - a high-handed measure, and manifests to the people a disposition - {580} on your part to suppress the liberty of speech and of the - press; this, with your refusal to comply with the requisition of a - writ, I conceive to be the principal cause of this difficulty, and - you are, moreover, represented to me as turbulent and defiant of - the laws and institutions of your country. - - _Gen. Smith.--_Governor Ford, you, sir, as Governor of this State, - are aware of the prosecutions and persecutions that I have endured. - You know well that our course has been peaceable and law-abiding, - for I have furnished this State, ever since our settlement here, - with sufficient evidence of my pacific intentions, and those of - the people with whom I am associated, by the endurance of every - conceivable indignity and lawless outrage perpetrated upon me - and upon this people since our settlement here, and you yourself - know that I have kept you well posted in relation to all matters - associated with the late difficulties. If you have not got some of - my communications, it has not been my fault. - - Agreeably to your orders, I assembled the Nauvoo Legion for the - protection of Nauvoo and the surrounding country against an armed - band of marauders, and ever since they have been mustered I have - almost daily communicated with you in regard to all the leading - events that have transpired; and whether in the capacity of mayor - of the city; or lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, I have - striven to preserve the peace and administer even-handed justice - to all; but my motives are impugned, my acts are misconstrued, and - I am grossly and wickedly misrepresented. I suppose I am indebted - for my incarceration here to the oath of a worthless man that was - arraigned before me and fined for abusing and maltreating his lame, - helpless brother. - - That I should be charged by you, sir, who know better, of acting - contrary to law, is to me a matter of surprise. Was it the Mormons - or our enemies who first commenced these difficulties? You know - well it was not us; and when this turbulent, outrageous people - commenced their insurrectionary movements, I made you acquainted - with them, officially, and asked your advice, and have followed - strictly your counsel in every particular. - - Who ordered out the Nauvoo Legion? I did, under your direction. - For what purpose? To suppress these insurrectionary movements. It - was at your instance, sir, that I issued a proclamation calling - upon the Nauvoo Legion to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, - to guard against the incursions of mobs, and gave an order to - Jonathan Dunham acting major-general, to that effect. Am I then - to be charged for the acts of others; and because lawlessness and - mobocracy abound, am I when carrying out your instructions, to be - charged with not abiding the {581} law? Why is it that I must be - held accountable for other men's acts? If there is trouble in the - country, neither I nor my people made it, and all that we have ever - done, after much endurance on our part, is to maintain and uphold - the Constitution and institutions of our country, and to protect an - injured, innocent, and persecuted people against misrule and mob - violence. - - Concerning the destruction of the press to which you refer, men may - differ somewhat in their opinions about it; but can it be supposed - that after all the indignities to which we have been subjected - outside, that this people could suffer a set of worthless vagabonds - to come into our city, and right under our own eyes and protection, - vilify and calumniate not only ourselves, but the character of our - wives and daughters, as was impudently and unblushingly done in - that infamous and filthy sheet? There is not a city in the United - States that would have suffered such an indignity for twenty-four - hours. - - Our whole people were indignant, and loudly called upon our city - authorities for redress of their grievances, which, if not attended - to they themselves would have taken the matter into their own - hands, and have summarily punished the audacious wretches, as they - deserved. - - The principles of equal rights that have been instilled into our - bosoms from our cradles, as American citizens, forbid us submitting - to every foul indignity, and succumbing and pandering to wretches - so infamous as these. But, independent of this, the course that we - pursued we considered to be strictly legal; for, notwithstanding - the insult we were anxious to be governed strictly by law, and - therefore convened the City Council; and being desirous in our - deliberations to abide law, summoned legal counsel to be present on - the occasion. - - Upon investigating the matter, we found that our City Charter - gave us power to remove all nuisances; and, furthermore, upon - consulting Blackstone upon what might be considered a nuisance, - that distinguished lawyer, who is considered authority, I believe, - in all our courts, states, among other things, that a libelous and - filthy press may be considered a nuisance, and abated as such. - - Here, then one of the most eminent English barristers, whose works - are considered standard with us, declares that a libelous press - may be considered a nuisance; and our own charter, given us by the - legislature of this State, gives us the power to remove nuisances; - and by ordering that press abated as a nuisance, we conceived that - we were acting strictly in accordance with law. We made that order - in our corporate capacity, and the City Marshal carried it out. It - is possible {582} there may have been some better way, but I must - confess that I could not see it. - - In relation to the writ served upon us, we were willing to abide - the consequences of our own acts, but were unwilling, in answering - a writ of that kind, to submit to illegal exactions sought to be - imposed upon us under the pretense of law, when we knew they were - in open violation of it. - - When that document was presented to me by Mr. Bettisworth, I - offered, in the presence of more than 20 persons, to go to any - other magistrate, either in our city of Appanoose, or any other - place where we should be safe, but we all refused to put ourselves - into the power of a mob. - - What right had that constable to refuse our request? He had none - according to law; for you know, Governor Ford, that the statute - law in Illinois is, that the parties served with the writ shall - go before him who issued it, or some other justice of the peace. - Why, then, should we be dragged to Carthage, where the law does - not compel us to go? Does not this look like many others of our - prosecutions with which you are acquainted? And had we not a right - to expect foul play? - - This very act was a breach of law on his part--an assumption of - power that did not belong to him, and an attempt, at least, to - deprive us of our legal and constitutional rights and privileges. - What could we do under the circumstances different from what we - did do? We sued for, and obtained a writ of _habeas corpus_ from - the Municipal Court, by which we were delivered from the hands of - Constable Bettisworth, and brought before and acquitted by the - Municipal Court. - - After our acquittal, in a conversation with Judge Thomas, although - he considered the acts of the party illegal, he advised, that to - satisfy the people, we had better go before another magistrate who - was not in our Church. - - In accordance with his advice we went before Esq. Wells, with whom - you are well acquainted; both parties were present, witnesses were - called on both sides, the case was fully investigated, and we were - again dismissed. - - And what is this pretended desire to enforce law, and these lying, - base rumors put into circulation for, but to seek, through mob - influence, under pretense of law, to make us submit to requisitions - that are contrary to law, and subversive of every principle of - justice? - - And when you, sir, required us to come out here, we came, not - because it was legal, but because you required it of us, and we - were desirous of showing to you and to all men that we shrunk not - from the most rigid investigation of our acts. - - {583} We certainly did expect other treatment than to be immured - in a jail at the instance of these men, and I think, from your - plighted faith, we had a right to, after disbanding our own forces, - and putting ourselves entirely in your hands; and now, after having - fulfilled my part, sir, as a man and an American citizen, I call - upon you, Governor Ford, and think I have a right to do so, to - deliver us from this place, and rescue us from this outrage that is - sought to be practiced upon us by a set of infamous scoundrels. - - _Gov. Ford--_But you have placed men under arrest, detained men as - prisoners, and given passes to others, some of which I have seen. - - _John P. Greene, City Marshal--_Perhaps I can explain. Since these - difficulties have commenced, you are aware that we have been placed - under very peculiar circumstance, our city has been placed under a - very rigid police guard; in addition to this, frequent guards have - been placed outside the city to prevent any sudden surprise, and - those guards have questioned suspected or suspicious persons as to - their business. - - To strangers, in some instances, passes have been given, to prevent - difficulty in passing those guards. It is some of those passes that - you have seen. No person, sir, has been imprisoned without a legal - cause in our city. - - _Gov.--_Why did you not give a more speedy answer to the _posse_ - that I sent out? - - _Gen. Smith.--_We had matters of importance to consult upon. Your - letter showed anything but an amicable spirit. We have suffered - immensely in Missouri from mobs, in loss of property, imprisonment, - and otherwise. - - It took some time for us to weigh duly these matters. We could not - decide upon the matters of such importance immediately, and your - _posse_ were too hasty in returning. We were consulting for a large - people, and vast interests were at stake. - - We had been outrageously imposed upon, and knew not how far we - could trust anyone; besides, a question necessarily arose, how - shall we come? Your request was that we should come unarmed. It - became a matter of serious importance to decide how far promises - could be trusted, and how far we were safe from mob violence. - - _Geddes--_It certainly did look from all I have heard, from the - general spirit of violence and mobocracy that here prevails, that - it was not safe for you to come unprotected. - - _Gov.--_I think that sufficient time was not allowed by the _posse_ - for you to consult and get ready. They were too hasty; but I - suppose they found themselves bound by their orders. I think, too, - there is a {584} great deal of truth in what you say, and your - reasoning is plausible; yet, I must beg leave to differ from you - in relation to the acts of the City Council. That council in my - opinion, had no right to act in a legislative capacity, and in that - of the judiciary. - - They should have passed a law in relation to the matter, and then - the Municipal Court, upon complaint, could have removed it; but for - the City Council to take upon themselves the law-making and the - execution of the laws, in my opinion, was wrong; besides, these men - ought to have had a hearing before their property was destroyed; to - destroy it without was an infringement of their rights; besides, it - is so contrary to the feelings of the American people to interfere - with the press. - - And furthermore, I cannot but think that it would have been more - judicious for you to have gone with Mr. Bettisworth to Carthage, - notwithstanding the law did not require it. Concerning your being - in jail, I am sorry for that, I wish it had been otherwise. I hope - you will soon be released, but I cannot interfere. - - _Joseph Smith--_Governor Ford, allow me, sir, to bring one thing - to your mind, that you seem to have overlooked. You state that you - think it would have been better for us to have submitted to the - requisition of Constable Bettisworth, and to have gone to Carthage. - - Do you not know, sir, that that writ was served at the instance of - an anti-Mormon mob, who had passed resolutions and published them - to the effect that they would exterminate the Mormon leaders; and - are you not informed that Captain Anderson was not only threatened - when coming to Nauvoo, but had a gun fired at his boat by this - said mob at Warsaw, when coming up to Nauvoo, and that this very - thing was made use of as a means to get us into their hands, and we - could not, without taking an armed force with us, go there without, - according to their published declarations, going into the jaws of - death? - - To have taken a force would only have fanned the excitement, - as they would have stated that we wanted to use intimidation, - therefore we thought it the most judicious to avail ourselves of - the protection of the law. - - _Gov.--_I see, I see. - - _Joseph Smith--_Furthermore, in relation to the press, you say that - you differ with me in opinion; be it so, the thing after all is a - legal difficulty, and the courts I should judge competent to decide - on that matter. - - If our act was illegal, we are willing to meet it; and although - I cannot see the distinction that you draw about the acts of the - City Council, and what difference it could have made in point of - fact, law, or justice, between the City Council's acting together - or separate, or how {585} much more legal it would have been for - the Municipal Court, who were a part of the City Council, to act - separate, instead of with the councilors. - - Yet, if it is deemed that we did a wrong in destroying that press, - we refuse not to pay for it. We are desirous to fulfill the law in - every particular, and are responsible for our acts. - - You say that the parties ought to have had a hearing. Had it been - a civil suit, this of course would have been proper; but there was - a flagrant violation of every principle of right, a nuisance, and - it was abated on the same principle that any nuisance, stench, or - putrified carcass would have been removed. - - Our first step, therefore, was to stop the foul, noisome, filthy - sheet, and then the next, in our opinion, would have been to have - prosecuted the men for a breech of public decency. - - And furthermore, again, let me say, Governor Ford, I shall look - to you for our protection. I believe you are talking of going to - Nauvoo; if you go, sir, I wish to go along. I refuse not to answer - any law, but I do not consider myself safe here. - - _Gov._ I am in hopes that you will be acquitted; but if I go, I - will certainly take you along. I do not, however, apprehend danger. - I think you are perfectly safe, either here or anywhere else. I - cannot, however, interfere with the law. I am placed in peculiar - circumstances and seem to be blamed by all parties. - - _Joseph Smith--_Governor Ford, I ask nothing but what is legal, - I have a right to expect protection at least from you; for, - independent of law, you have pledged your faith, and that of the - State, for my protection, and I wish to go to Nauvoo. - - _Gov.--_And you shall have protection, General Smith. I did not - make this promise without consulting my officers, who all pledged - their honor to its fulfillment. I do not know that I shall go - tomorrow to Nauvoo, but if I do, I will take you along. [2] - -{586} _10:15 a.m.--_The Governor left after saying that the prisoners -were under his protection, and again pledging himself that they should -be protected from violence, and telling them that if the troops marched -the next morning to Nauvoo, as he then expected, they should probably -be taken along, in order to insure their personal safety, with how much -sincerity may be seen by the following affidavits:-- - - _Affidavit--Alfred Randall--Threats against the Prophet's life in - Carthage_. - - TERRITORY OF UTAH, - - GREAT SALT LAKE CITY. ss - - Personally appeared before me, Thomas Bullock, Recorder of Great - Salt Lake County, Alfred Randall, who deposes and says, that about - ten o'clock on the morning of the (26th) twenty sixth day of June, - one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, he was in Carthage, - Hancock county, Illinois, and as the troops, under Governor Thomas - Ford, were in squads around the square, he went up to several - of them, and heard one of the soldiers say: "When I left home I - calculated a see old Joe dead before I returned," when several - others said, "So did I," "So did I," and "I'll be damned if I - don't," was the general reply. - - One fellow then spoke up and said "I shouldn't wonder if there is - some damned Mormon hearing all we have to say." Another who stood - next to Randall, replied, "If I knew there was, I would run him - through with my bayonet." - - In a few minutes Randall went to another crowd of soldiers, and - heard one say, "I guess this will be the last of old Joe." From - there Randall went to Hamilton's Hotel, where Governor Thomas Ford - was standing by the fence side, and heard another soldier tell - Governor Thomas Ford, "The soldiers are determined to see Joe Smith - dead before they leave here." Ford replied, "If you know of any - such thing keep it to yourself." - - In a short time Randall started for his own home, stayed all night, - and arrived in Nauvoo on the twenty-seventh of June, when Governor - {587} Ford was making his notorious speech to the citizens. And - further this deponent saith not. - - ALFRED RANDALL. - - Subscribed and sworn to before me this twelfth day of February, one - thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. - - THOMAS BULLOCK, - - Recorder, Great Salt Lake County. - - _Affidavit--Jonathan C. Wright--Conspiracy against the Prophet's - Life at Carthage_. - - On the 26th day of June, A. D. 1844, near the mansion in the city - of Nauvoo, I fell in company with Col. Enoch C. March and Geo. T. - M. Davis, Esq.. from Alton, Illinois, editor of the_ Telegraph_, - who had just arrived from Carthage, where they said they had been - for some days, in company with Governor Ford and others, in council - upon the subject of the arrest and trial of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, - who were then prisoners in the county jail in Carthage. - - After considerable conversation between myself and them on the - subject of the Mormon religion, and the reasons why I had embraced - that faith, and renounced my former religious discipline--viz, that - of the Methodists, Mr. March asked me what I thought of Joe Smith, - and if I had any hopes of his return to Nauvoo in safety. - - I answered that I knew Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of the - living God, as good and virtuous a man as ever lived upon the - earth; that the Book or Mormon was true as holy writ, and was - brought forth precisely in the way and manner it purported to be, - by the gift and power of the Lord Almighty, and from no other - source; and that the revelations he had received and published were - eternal truth, and heaven and earth would pass away before one - jot or tittle of the same should fail, and all that he pretended - and testified to concerning the ministration of holy angels from - the heavens to him, the Urim and Thummim, the voice of God, his - correspondence with the heavens, was the truth and nothing but the - truth; and that in relation to his return I had no doubt but that - he would be honorably discharged upon his trial by the court, and - would be preserved in safety from the power of his enemies; that he - was in the hands of his God, whom he loved and faithfully served; - and He, who held the destinies of nations in His own hands, would - deliver him from his enemies, as He had done hundreds of times - before. - - Col. March replied, "Mr. Wright, you are mistaken, and I know it; - you do not know what I know; I tell you they will kill Joe Smith - before he leaves Carthage, and I know it, and you never will see - him alive {588} again." Said I, "Enoch, I do not believe it, he is - in the hands of God, and God will deliver him." Says he, "I know - better; when you hear of him again, you will hear he is dead, and I - know it. The people at Carthage wanted permission from the Governor - to kill you all and burn up your city, and Ford (the Governor) - asked me if I thought it was best to suffer it. I replied, "No, - no, for God's sake, Ford, don't suffer it, that will never do, no - never. Just see for a moment, Ford, what that would do; it would - be the means of murdering thousands of innocent men, women and - children, and destroying thousands of dollars' worth of property, - and that would never do, it would not be sanctioned, it would - disgrace the nation. You have now got the principle men here under - your own control, they are all you want, what more do you want? - When they are out of the way the thing is settled, and the people - will be satisfied, and that is the easiest way you can dispose of - it; and Governor Ford concluded upon the whole that was the best - policy, and I know it will be done." - - MAYOR'S OFFICE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - TERRITORY, - - Jan. 13th, A. D. 1855. - - Personally appeared before me, Jedediah M. Grant, Mayor of said - City, Jonathan Calkins Wright, who being duly sworn, deposeth and - saith that the foregoing statement contained in his report of the - conversation between himself and Enoch C. March, in presence of - Geo. T. M. Davis, Esq., on the 26th day of June, 1844, in the city - of Nauvoo, is true to the best of his knowledge and belief; and - further this deponent saith not. - - JONATHAN CALKINS WRIGHT. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 13th day of January, 1855, - in Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. - - J. M. GRANT, - - Mayor of Great Salt Lake City. - - _Affidavit:--Orrin P. Rockwell--Gov. Ford in Nauvoo_. - - Personally appeared before me, Thomas Bullock, County Recorder in - and for Great Salt Lake County, in the Territory of Utah, Orrin P. - Rockwell, who being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith that about - the hour of 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the 27th day of June, - one thousand eight hundred forty-four, a short time only before - Governor Ford addressed the citizens of Nauvoo, he (Ford) and his - suit occupied an upper room in the mansion of Joseph Smith, in the - city of Nauvoo, when he, the said Rockwell, had of necessity to - enter said upper room for his hat, and as he entered the door, all - were sitting silent except one man, who was standing behind a chair - making a speech, and while in the act of dropping his right hand - from an uplifted position, said. "The {589} deed is done before - this time," which were the only words I heard while in the room, - for on seeing me they all hushed in silence. At that time I could - not comprehend the meaning of the words, but in a few hours after - I understood them as referring to the murder of Joseph and Hyrum - Smith in Carthage jail. - - ORRIN P. ROCKWELL, - - Subscribed and sworn to before me, the fourteenth day of April, - 1856. - - THOMAS BULLOCK. - - Recorder of Great Salt Lake County. - - _Affidavit:--Wm. G. Sterrett--Conduct of Gov. Ford and Posse While - in Nauvoo_. - - STATE OF DESERET, GREAT SALT LAKE COUNTY. - - Personally appeared before me, Thomas Bullock, Recorder in and for - Great Salt Lake County, this third day of October, one thousand - eight hundred and fifty, William G. Sterrett, who being first duly - sworn, deposeth and saith that on the twenty-seventh day of June, - one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, in the city of Nauvoo, - county of Hancock, and State of Illinois, I heard Thomas Ford, - Governor of Illinois, address an assembly of several thousand - citizens, gathered around the frame of a building situated at the - corner of Water and Main streets. He reproached the people in - severe terms for the course they had taken in resisting the _posse - comitatus,_ and among other things, "The retribution thereof will - be terrible, and you must make up your minds for it. I hope you - will not make any more trouble, but be a law-abiding people, for if - I have to come again it will be worse for you." - - And your deponent further saith, that about half-past five in the - afternoon the said Governor Thomas Ford and his guard visited the - Temple and the workshops on the Temple block, - - Mr. Alpheus Cutler, one of the building committee of the Temple, - sent me to watch them in and about the Temple. I was close to the - Governor when one of his men called him to look at one of the oxen - of the font in the basement of the Temple, that had part of one - horn broken off. The Governor stepped up to it, and laying his hand - on it remarked, "This is the cow with the crumply horn, that we - read of." One of the staff continued, "That tossed the maiden all - forlorn," and they all had a laugh about it. - - Several of the horns were broken off the oxen by the Governor's - attendants. A man who stood behind me said, "I'll be damned but I - should like to take one of those horns home with me, to show as a - curiosity, but it is a pity to break them off." - - {590} After they had passed round the font, one of them remarked, - "This temple is a curious piece of workmanship, and it was a damned - shame that they did not let Joe Smith finish it, so that we could - have seen what sort of a finish he would have put on it, for it - is altogether a different style of architecture from any building - I have ever seen or read about." Another said, "But he is dead by - this time, and he will never see this temple again." - - I replied, "They cannot kill him until he has finished his work." - The Governor thereupon gave a very significant grin, when one of - his suit who stood next to me said, "Whether he has finished his - work or not by God he will not see this place again, for he's - finished before this time." - - Another of his suit pulled out his watch and said, "Governor, it's - time we were off, we have been here too long already. Whether - you go or not, I'm going to leave, and that damned quick." The - Governor said, "Yes, it's time for us to be going." They then all - left the stone shop, mounted their horses, which were hitched - near the temple, and went out of the city towards Carthage by way - of Mulholland Street, taking with them one of the horns that the - company had knocked off. Further this deponent saith not. - - WM. G. STERRETT. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day and year first above - written. - - THOMAS BULLOCK, - - Great Salt Lake County Recorder. - -While Joseph was writing at the jailor's desk, William Wall stepped up, -wanting to deliver a verbal message to him from his uncle John Smith. -He turned round to speak to Wall, but the guard refused to allow them -any communication. - -At noon Joseph wrote to Judge Thomas as follows: - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Judge Thomas--Engaging Thomas as Legal - Counsel_. - - CARTHAGE JAIL, June 26, 1844. - - _His Hon. Judge Thomas_. - - DEAR SIR,--You will perceive by my date that I am in prison. Myself - and brother Hyrum were arrested yesterday on charge of treason - without bringing us before the magistrate; last evening we were - committed {591} on a mittimus from Justice Robert F. Smith, stating - that we had been before the magistrate, which is _utterly false;_ - but from the appearance of the case at present, we can have no - reasonable prospect of anything but partial decisions of law, and - all the prospect we have of justice being done is to get our case - on _habeas corpus_ before an impartial judge; the excitement and - prejudice is such in this place, testimony is of little avail. - - Therefore, sir, I earnestly request your honor to repair to - Nauvoo without delay, and make yourself at home at my house until - the papers can be in readiness for you to bring us on _habeas - corpus._ Our witnesses are all at Nauvoo, and there you can easily - investigate the whole matter, and I will be responsible to you for - all the trouble and expense. - -Footnotes: - -1. This report of the Prophet's interview with Governor Ford, it is -only proper to say, was not written until a number of years after the -interview took place. (See ms. Statement, Feb. 22, 1847, on Atlantic -Ocean; also in _Taylor's Journal_, kept at Nauvoo, c. f. with "The -Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, opening paragraphs, published in -Tyler's "Mormon Battalion.") The extract above quoted is taken from -"Taylor's Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," written at the request -of George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff "Church Historian," hence no -earlier than 1854-1856, since Geo. A. Smith did not become Historian -until the year first given, and Wilford Woodruff, assistant Historian -in the second. The interview therefore, though given in dialogue form, -can only be Elder Taylor's recollection of it, and could not be a -_verbatum_ report. - -2. Thomas Gregg, author of the History of Hancock County, page 372, -gives the following statement of Col. Thomas Geddes mentioned in the -above interview as the companion of Governor Ford. If true, and it is -quite in keeping with all the circumstances and with both the character -and subsequent actions of the Governor, then it is a very important -statement as showing the double dealing of which Governor Ford was -always suspected in relation to his course with reference to the -difficulties between the citizens of Nauvoo and their enemies. And now -Col. Geddes as reported by Gregg: - -"While the Smiths were in jail, I went to the jail in company with -Governor Ford, and there we conversed with them for some time, -the burden of Smith's talk being that they were only acting in -self-defense, and only wanted to be let alone. After leaving the jail, -and while returning from it, the Governor and I had still further -conversation about the subject matter. After some time the Governor -exclaimed, "O, it's all nonsense; you will have to drive these Mormons -out yet!" I then said: "If we undertake that, Governor, when the proper -time comes, will you interfere?" "No, I will not," said he; then, after -a pause, adding, "until you are through!" - -{592} - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -THE PROPHET IN CARTHAGE PRISON--THE UNION OF JUDICIAL, EXECUTIVE, AND -MILITARY AUTHORITY IN DEALING WITH THE PRISONERS--THE LAST NIGHT IN -PRISON. - -_Wednesday, June 26, 1844.--(Noon)--_Willard Richards made copies of -the orders of Joseph Smith as Mayor to Marshal John P. Greene, and as -Lieut.-General to Major-General Jonathan Dunham. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Anxiety for His own Safety.] - -Joseph remarked, "I have had a good deal of anxiety about my safety -since I left Nauvoo, which I never had before when I was under arrest. -I could not help those feelings, and they have depressed me." Most of -the forenoon was spent by Dan Jones and Col. Stephen Markham in hewing -with a penknife a warped door to get it on the latch, thus preparing to -fortify the place against any attack. - -The Prophet, Patriarch, and their friends took turns preaching to -the guards, several of whom were relieved before their time was out, -because they admitted they were convinced of the innocence of the -prisoners. They frequently admitted they had been imposed upon, and -more than once it was heard, "Let us go home, boys, for I will not -fight any longer against these men." - -[Sidenote: Hyrum as Comforter.] - -During the day Hyrum encouraged Joseph to think that the Lord, for his -Church's sake, would release him from prison. Joseph replied, "Could my -brother, Hyrum but be liberated, it would not matter so much about me. -Poor Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburgh out of the way; were he -to preside he {593} would lead the Church to destruction in less than -five years." - -Dr. Richards was busily engaged writing as dictated by the Prophet, -and Elder Taylor amused him by singing. Joseph related his dream about -William and Wilson Law, also his dream about trying to save a steamboat -in a storm. - -[Sidenote: Status of Prisoners Under the Law.] - -One of the counsel for the prosecution expressed a wish to Esq. Reid, -that the prisoners should be brought out of jail for examination on the -charge of treason. He was answered that the prisoners had already been -committed "until discharged by due course of law," and therefore the -justice and constable had no further control of the prisoners, and that -if the prosecutors wished the prisoners brought out of jail, they might -bring them out on a writ of_ habeas corpus,_ or some other "due course -of law," when we would appear and defend. - -_12:30, noon--_Dr. Bernhisel arrived at the jail. - -Mr. Reid came with the following letter from General Deming. - - _Letter--Gen. Miner R. Deming to Joseph Smith--Protection and - Admission to Presence of the Prophet_. - - _Messrs. Smith,--_I was requested by the governor to order you - such protection as circumstances might require. The guard have - been acting upon the supposition that your protection excluded all - persons but those admitted by a pass. I have caused the officer of - the guard to be correctly instructed of his duties, so that you - need suffer no further inconvenience. - - M. R. DEMING, Brig.-Gen'l. - - Headquarters, - - Carthage, June 26, 1844. - -[Sidenote: Effect of a False Commitment.] - -Counselor Reid said that he had got the magistrate on a pin hook, for -the magistrate had committed them without examination, and had no -further jurisdiction in the case, {594} and he would not agree to a -trial unless (Captain) Justice Smith would consent to go to Nauvoo for -examination, where witnesses could be had. - -Reid said that a week ago, Harmon T. Wilson and another, had concocted -a scheme for a writ to take Joseph, and when he was apprehended, to -take him to Missouri; and Harmon T. Wilson returned from Missouri the -night before the burning of the press. - -_1 p.m.--_Willard Richards wrote to his wife, and sent the letter by -Cyrus C. Canfield. - -[Sidenote: Threats in Governor's Presence.] - -It was common conversation on the camp ground and in the dining-room of -the hotel, in the presence of Governor Ford, "The law is too short for -these men, but they must not be suffered to go at large;" and, "if the -law will not reach them, powder and ball must." - -[Sidenote: Loyalty of Mr. Stigall to His Prisoners.] - -_Half past 2--_Constable Bettisworth came with Alexander Simpson, and -wanted to come in, with an order to the jailor demanding the prisoners; -but as Mr. Stigall, the jailor, 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 the law. - -[Sidenote: Conference of Gov. Ford and Justice Smith.] - -Justice Robert F. Smith then inquired what he must do. Governor Ford -replied, "We have plenty of troops; there are the Carthage Greys under -your command bring them out." Joseph sent Lorenzo D. Wasson to inform -the Governor of what had just taken place, and also to inform his -counsel, Messrs. Reid and Woods. - -_Twenty minutes to 3--_Dr. Bernhisel returned from the Governor, and -said apparently the Governor was doing all he could. - -_3 p.m.--_Wrote to Messrs. Woods and Reid as follows which was carried -by Elder John Taylor. - -{595} - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to Messrs. Woods and Reid--Anent Excitement - in Carthage_. - - CARTHAGE JAIL, June 26, 3 p.m. - - _Messrs. Woods and Reid_. - - SIRs,--Constable Bettisworth called a little while since, and - wanted to come in, the guard would not [allow it]. We have since - learned that he wanted to take us before the magistrate, and we - have since learned that there is some excitement because we did not - go, and we wish to see you without delay. - - We are informed that Dr. Foster has said that they can do nothing - with us, only by powder and ball, as we have done nothing against - the law. - - Yours, - - JOSEPH SMITH. - - Per W. RICHARDS. - -[Sidenote: Joseph and Hyrum Smith Forced from Prison.] - -_Twenty minutes to 4--_Upon the refusal of the jailor to give up the -prisoners, the constable with the company of Carthage Greys, under the -command of Frank Worrell, marched to the jail, and by intimidation -and threats, compelled the jailor, against his will and conviction of -duty, to deliver Joseph and Hyrum to the Constable, who forthwith, and -contrary to their wishes, compulsorily took them. - -Joseph, seeing the mob gathering and assuming a threatening aspect, -concluded it best to go with them then, and putting on his hat, walked -boldly into the midst of a hollow square of the Carthage Greys; yet -evidently expecting to be massacred in the streets before arriving at -the Court House, politely locked arms with the worst mobocrat he could -see, and Hyrum locked arms with Joseph, followed by Dr. Richards, -and escorted by a guard. Elders Taylor, Jones, Markham, and Fullmer -followed, outside the hollow square, and accompanied them to the court -room. - -[Sidenote: Prisoners Before the Court.] - -_4 o'clock.--_Case called by Robert F. Smith, Captain of {596} the -Carthage Greys. The counsel for the prisoners then appeared, and called -for subpoenas for witnesses on the part of the prisoners, and expressed -their wish to go into the examination as soon as the witnesses could be -brought from Nauvoo to Carthage. This was objected to most vehemently -by the opposite counsel. - -_4:25.--_Took copy of order to bring prisoners from jail for trial, as -follows:-- - - _Copy of Order to Bring Prisoners into Court_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - To David Bettisworth, Constable of said county. - - You are hereby commanded to bring the bodies of Joseph Smith and - Hyrum Smith from the jail of said county, forthwith before me at my - office, for an 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. S.] - -_4:30--_Made a copy of the list of witnesses. - -_4:35--_C. L. Higbee, O. C. Skinner, Thos. Sharp, Sylvester Emmons and -Thos. Morrison, appeared as counsel for the State. - -The writ was returned, endorsed, - -"Served on June 25th," which was false. - -Mr. Wood said, they were committed to jail without any examination -whatever. - -Mr. Reid urged a continuance of the case till the witnesses could be -obtained from Nauvoo for the defense. - -_4:45 p.m.--_Mr. Skinner suggested that the court adjourn until 12 -o'clock tomorrow. - -Mr. Wood proposed that the court adjourn until witnesses could be got -together, or until tomorrow at any time, and again adjourn if they are -not ready, without bringing the prisoners into court. - -Mr. Reid hoped no compulsory measures would be made {597} use of by the -prosecution in this enlightened country. - -Mr. Skinner: "If witnesses cannot be had after due diligence by the -defense, a continuance will be granted." - -Court said this writ was served yesterday, (which was not the case, -unless it could be served without the prisoners or their counsel -knowing it). - -[Sidenote: Examination Postponed.] - -On motion of counsel for the prisoners, examination was postponed -till tomorrow at 12 o'clock noon, and subpoenas were granted to get -witnesses from Nauvoo, twenty miles distance, whereupon the prisoners -were remanded to prison with the following mittimus:-- - - _Second Mittimus Remanding Smith Brothers to Prison_. - - STATE OF ILLINOIS, - - HANCOCK COUNTY. ss - - To the keeper of the jail of Hancock County, Illinois, greeting: - - Whereas Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith have been arrested and brought - before me, Robert F. Smith, a justice of the peace in and for said - county, for examination on the charge of treason against the State - of Illinois, and have applied for a continuance, which is granted - until the 27th June, 1844, at 12 o'clock, m. - - These are therefore to command you to receive the said Joseph Smith - and Hyrum Smith into your custody in the jail of the county, there - to remain until they are brought before me for said examination - according to law. - - Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of June, 1844. - - R. F. SMITH, J. P. [L. S.] - -_5:30.--_Returned to jail, and Joseph and Hyrum were thrust into close -confinement. - -[Sidenote: Brave Patriarch John Smith.] - -Patriarch John Smith came from Macedonia to jail to see his nephews -Joseph and Hyrum. The road was thronged with mobbers. Three of them -snapped their guns at him, and he was threatened by many others who -recognized him. The guard at the jail refused him admittance. - -Joseph saw him through the prison window, and said to {598} the guard, -"Let the old gentleman come in, he is my uncle." The guard replied they -did not care who the hell he was uncle to, he should not go in. - -[Sidenote: Pathetic Interview Between the Prophet and "Uncle John."] - -Joseph replied, "You will not hinder so old and infirm a man as he -is from coming in," and then said, "Come in uncle;" on which, after -searching him closely the guard let him pass into the jail, where he -remained about an hour. He asked Joseph if he thought he should again -get out of the hands of his enemies, when he replied, "My brother -Hyrum thinks I shall. I wish you would tell the brethren in Macedonia -that they can see by this, that it has not been safe for me to visit -them; and tell Almon W. Babbitt I want him to come and assist me as an -attorney at my expected trial tomorrow before Captain R. F. Smith." - -Father Smith then left the jail to convey this message to A. W. -Babbitt, who was at Macedonia. - -_6 p.m.--_Copied witnesses' names and mittimus. - -Dr. Bernhisel brought the following:-- - - _The Governor's Suggestions to the Jailor_. - - I would advise the jailor to keep the Messrs. Smith in the room in - which I found them this morning, unless a closer confinement should - be clearly necessary to prevent an escape. - - THOMAS FORD, - - Governor and Commander in-Chief. - - June 26th, 1844. - -_6:15 p.m.--_Received the following letter from William Clayton:-- - - _Letter:--William Clayton to Joseph Smith--Conditions in Nauvoo_. - - NAUVOO, June 26, 1844. - - DEAR PRESIDENT,-- - - I write this line to inform you that Mr. Marsh, who lives down the - river, and of whom you have had corn, pork, etc., has sent word - if you {599} want any bail he is ready for one to any amount; and - further, that he has got some corn left which he wants you to have, - lest the mob get it. (We will endeavor to obtain it.) - - They have already taken two loads, but he has charged them a dollar - a bushel for it. - - The _Amaranth_ has just landed at the foot of Main Street, and - unloaded 200 bbls. flour,--95 for Mr. Kimball, and the balance for - Bryant. - - Captain Singleton, who came at the head of the police this morning, - is sending a request to the Governor to call them home. He says he - finds no difficulties to settle here, but there is plenty to settle - at home. He furthermore says that while the police were at Carthage - they were treated as soldiers, but since they came to Nauvoo they - have been treated as gentlemen. - - The company all got home safe and well last night. - - A messenger is about to start forthwith to Judge Thomas. - - All is peace in Nauvoo. Many threats keep coming that the mob are - determined to attack the city in your absence, but we have no fears. - - With fervency and true friendship, I remain yours eternally, - - WILLIAM CLAYTON. - -This letter was sent from Nauvoo by Joel S. Miles. Joseph instructed -Cahoon to return to Nauvoo with all haste, and fetch a number of -documents for the promised trial. - -_Twenty-five minutes to 7.--_Sent a message to Counselor Woods to get -subpoenas for Samuel James, Edward Hunter, and Philip B. Lewis, with -instructions to bring with them the papers that they carried to the -Governor at Springfield, and which the Governor had not seen, as he had -started for Carthage before they arrived at Springfield. - -_Fifteen minutes to 8.--_Supper. - -[Sidenote: Militia Council meeting at Carthage.] - -_8 p.m.--_Counselors Woods and Reid called with Elder John P. Greene, -and said that the Governor and military officers had held a council -which had been called by the Governor, and they decided that the -Governor, and all the troops should march to Nauvoo at eight o'clock -to-morrow, except one company of about 50 men, in order to gratify -the troops, and return next day, the company {600} of fifty men to -be selected by the Governor from those of the troops whose fidelity -he could most rely on, to guard the prisoners, who should be left in -Carthage jail; and that their trial be deferred until Saturday, the -29th. - -After the consultation, the justice, (Robert F. Smith), who was one of -the officers in command, altered the return of the subpoenas until the -29th. This was done without consulting either the prisoners or their -counsel. - -_About 8:15, p.m.--_Patriarch John Smith met Lawyer Babbitt, and -delivered the message, when Babbitt replied "You are too late, I am -already engaged on the other side." - -_9 p.m.--_Messrs. Woods, Reid, and Greene returned to Hamilton's Hotel. - -_9:15.--_Elder John Taylor prayed. Willard Richards, John Taylor, John -S. Fullmer, Stephen Markham, and Dan Jones stayed with Joseph and Hyrum -in the front room. - -[Sidenote: The Last Night in Carthage Prison.] - -During the evening the Patriarch Hyrum Smith read and commented upon -extracts from the Book of Mormon, on the imprisonments and deliverance -of the servants of God for the Gospel's sake. Joseph bore a powerful -testimony to the guards of the divine authenticity of the Book of -Mormon, restoration of the Gospel, the administration of angels, and -that the kingdom of God was again established upon the earth, for the -sake of which he was then incarcerated in that prison, and not because -he had violated any law of God or man. - -[Sidenote: Conversation with John S. Fullmer.] - -They retired to rest late. Joseph and Hyrum occupied the only bedstead -in the room, while their friends lay side by side on the mattresses on -the floor. Dr. Richards sat up writing until his last candle left him -in the dark. The report of a gun fired close by caused Joseph to arise, -leave the bed, and lay himself on the floor, having Dan Jones on his -left, and John S. Fullmer on his right. {601} Joseph laid out his right -arm, and said to John S. Fullmer, "Lay your head on my arm for a pillow -Brother John;" and when all were quiet they conversed in a low tone -about the prospects of their deliverance. Joseph gave expression to -several presentiments that he had to die, and said "I would like to see -my family again," and "I would to God that I could preach to the Saints -in Nauvoo once more." Fullmer tried to rally his spirits, saying he -thought he would often have that privilege, when Joseph thanked him for -the remarks and good feelings expressed to him. - -[Sidenote: Prophecy on the Head of Dan Jones.] - -Soon after Dr. Richards retired to the bed which Joseph had left, and -when all were apparently fast asleep, Joseph whispered to Dan Jones, -"are you afraid to die?" Dan said, "Has that time come, think you? -Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death would have many -terrors." Joseph replied, "You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the -mission appointed you before you die." - -{602} - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -THE DAY OF MARTYRDOM--THREATS--REPEATED WARNINGS OF THE PRISONERS' -DANGER GIVEN TO GOVERNOR FORD--THE CARTHAGE GREYS AS GUARDS. - -_Thursday, 27, 5 a.m.--_John P. Greene and William W. Phelps called -at the jail, on their way to Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: Threats of Frank Worrell.] - -_5:30 a.m.--_Arose. Joseph requested Dan Jones to descend and inquire -of the guard the cause of the disturbance in the night. Frank Worrell, -the officer of the guard, who was one of the Carthage Greys, in a very -bitter spirit said, "We have had too much trouble to bring Old Joe here -to let him ever escape alive, and unless you want to die with him you -had better leave before sundown; and you are not a damned bit better -than him for taking his part, and you'll see that I can prophesy better -than Old Joe, for neither he nor his brother, nor anyone who will -remain with them will see the sun set today." - -[Sidenote: Governor Ford Warned of Worrell's Threat.] - -Joseph directed Jones to go to Governor Ford and inform him what he -had been told by the officer of the guard. While Jones was going to -Governor Ford's quarters, he saw an assemblage of men, and heard one of -them, who was apparently a leader, making a speech, saying that, "Our -troops will be discharged this morning in obedience to orders, and for -a sham we will leave the town; but when the Governor and the McDonough -troops have left {603} for Nauvoo this afternoon, we will return and -kill those men, if we have to tear the jail down." This sentiment was -applauded by three cheers from the crowd. - -Captain Jones went to the Governor, told him what had occurred in the -night, what the officer of the guard had said, and what he had heard -while coming to see him, and earnestly solicited him to avert the -danger. - -His Excellency replied, "You are unnecessarily alarmed for the safety -of your friends, sir, the people are not that cruel." - -[Sidenote: Jones' Warning to Gov. Ford.] - -Irritated by such a remark, Jones urged the necessity of placing better -men to guard them than professed assassins, and said, "The Messrs. -Smith are American citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your -Excellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; they are -also Master Masons, and as such I demand of you protection of their -lives." - -Governor Ford's face turned pale, and Jones remarked, "If you do not do -this, I have but one more desire, and that is if you leave their lives -in the hands of those men to be sacrificed--" - -"What is that, sir?" he asked in a hurried tone. - -"It is," said Jones, "that the Almighty will preserve my life to a -proper time and place, that I may testify that you have been timely -warned of their danger." - -Jones then returned to the prison, but the guard would not let him -enter. He again returned to the hotel, and found Governor Ford standing -in front of the McDonough troops, who were in line ready to escort him -to Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: Boasts of the Mob.] - -The disbanded mob retired to the rear, shouting loudly that they were -only going a short distance out of town, when they would return and -kill old Joe and Hyrum as soon as the Governor was far enough out of -town. - -Jones called the attention of the Governor to the threats {604} -then made, but the Governor took no notice of them, although it was -impossible for him to avoid hearing them. - -Jones then requested the Governor to give him passports for himself and -friends to pass in and out of the prison, according to his promise made -to the prisoners. He refused to give them, but he told General Deming -to give one to Dr. Willard Richards, Joseph Smith's private secretary. - -[Sidenote: Chauncy L. Higbee's Declared Intention to Kill the Prophet.] - -While obtaining this, Jones' life was threatened, and Chauncey L. -Higbee said to him in the street, "We are determined to kill Joe and -Hyrum, and you had better go away to save yourself." - -At 7 a.m., Joseph, Hyrum, Dr. Richards, Stephen Markham and John S. -Fullmer ate breakfast together. Mr. Crane ate with them, and wanted to -know if the report was true that Joseph fainted three times on Tuesday, -while being exhibited to the troops. He was told it was a false report. - -_8 a.m.--_Cyrus H. Wheelock, at Joseph's request, applied to the -Governor, and obtained the following passes: - - _Cyrus H. Wheelock's Passes_. - - Suffer Mr. C. H. Wheelock to pass in to visit General Joseph Smith - and friends in Carthage jail unmolested. - - THOMAS FORD, - - Governor and Commander-in-Chief. - - June, 27th, 1844. - - Protect Mr. C. H. Wheelock in passing to and from Carthage and - Nauvoo. - - THOMAS FORD, - - Governor and Commander-in-Chief. - - June 27th, 1844. - -While receiving these passes he related to the Governor the numerous -threats he had heard. - -John S. Fullmer went to the Governor to get a pass. - -_8:20 a.m.--_Joseph wrote to Emma as follows: - - {605} _Letter: Joseph Smith to Emma Smith--Prophet's Instruction as - to Reception of the Governor_. - - CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27th, 1844. - - 20 minutes past eight 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 today to Nauvoo, as we anticipated - last evening; but if he does come down with his troops you will be - protected; and I want you to tell Brother 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. - - Brother Dunham of course will obey the orders of the government - officers, and render them the assistance they require. There is no - danger of any extermination 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 the household, 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. Brewer, and all who inquire - after me; and as for treason, I know that I have not committed any, - and they cannot prove anything of the kind, so you need not have - any fears that anything can happen to us on that account. May God - bless you all. Amen. - -_8:30.--_John S. Fullmer returned to jail. - -_9:40 a.m.--_Mr. Woods and Mr. Reid called. They said another -consultation of the officers had taken place, and the former orders -of the Governor for marching to Nauvoo with the whole army were -countermanded. - -[Sidenote: Dr. Southwick's Report of the Carthage Meeting.] - -Dr. Southwick was in the meeting, seeing what was going on. He -afterward told Stephen Markham that the purport of the meeting was to -take into consideration the best way to stop Joseph Smith's career, -as his views on {606} government were widely circulated and took like -wildfire. They said if he did not get into the Presidential chair -this election, he would be sure to the next time; and if Illinois and -Missouri would join together and kill him, they would not be brought to -justice for it. There were delegates in said meeting from every state -in the Union except three. Governor Ford and Captain Smith were also in -the meeting. - -[Sidenote: Appointment of the Carthage Greys to Guard the Prisoners.] - -Captain Dunn and his 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 by Governor Ford to guard the prisoners at the jail; and other -troops composed of the mob whom the Governor had found at Carthage, and -had mustered into the service of the State and who had been promised -"full satisfaction" and that they should be marched to Nauvoo, were -disbanded and discharged in Carthage; yet Governor Ford suffered two or -three hundred armed men to remain encamped about eight miles off on the -Warsaw road, [1] apparently under the control of Col. Levi Williams, -a notoriously sworn enemy to Joseph, and who had on many occasions -threatened the destruction of Nauvoo and the death of Joseph. Moreover -it was the duty of {607} the Governor to dismiss the troops into the -hands of their several officers in order to be marched home and there -disbanded, and not to have disbanded them at a distance from home, -and at a time and place when they were predisposed to acts of lawless -violence, rapine and murder. - -[Sidenote: Wheelock's Remonstrance to Gov. Ford.] - -Cyrus H. Wheelock, states that previous to leaving Carthage he said to -the Governor, "Sir you must be aware by this time that the prisoners -have no fears in relation to any lawful demands made against them, -but you have heard sufficient to justify you in the belief that their -enemies would destroy them if they had them in their power; and now, -sir, I am about to leave for Nauvoo, and I fear for those men; they -are safe as regards the law, but they are not safe from the hands of -traitors, and midnight assassins who thirst for their blood and have -determined to spill it; and under these circumstances I leave with a -heavy heart." - -Ford replied: "I was never in such a dilemma in my life; but your -friends shall be protected, and have a fair trial by the law; in this -_pledge_ I am not alone; I have obtained the _pledge_ of the whole of -the army to sustain me." - -[Sidenote: Arms Given to the Prisoners.] - -After receiving these assurances, Wheelock prepared to visit the -prison. The morning being a little rainy, favored his wearing an -overcoat, in the side pocket of which he was enabled to carry a six -shooter, and he passed the guard unmolested. During his visit in the -prison he slipped the revolver into Joseph's pocket. Joseph examined -it, and asked Wheelock if he had not better retain it for his own -protection. - -This was a providential circumstance, as most other persons had been -very rigidly searched. Joseph then handed the single barrel pistol -which had been given him by John S. Fullmer, to his brother Hyrum, and -said, {608} "You may have use for this." Brother Hyrum observed, "I -hate to use such things or to see them used." "So do I," said Joseph, -"but we may have to, to defend ourselves;" upon this Hyrum took the -pistol. - -Wheelock was intrusted with a verbal request to the commanders of the -Legion to avoid all military display, or any other movement calculated -to produce excitement during the Governor's visit. He was especially -charged to use all the influence he possessed to have the brethren and -friends of Joseph remain perfectly calm and quiet, inasmuch as they -respected the feelings and well-being of the Prophet and Patriarch. - -[Sidenote: Reflections of the Prophet on Exposing Wickedness.] - -Said Joseph, "Our lives have already become jeopardized by revealing -the wicked and bloodthirsty purposes of our enemies; and for the future -we must cease to do so. All we have said about them is truth, but it is -not always wise to relate all the truth. Even Jesus, the Son of God had -to refrain from doing so, and had to restrain His feelings many times -for the safety of Himself and His followers, and had to conceal the -righteous purposes of His heart in relation to many things pertaining -to His Father's kingdom. When still a boy He had all the intelligence -necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, -and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and -divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly -compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and -lacked physical strength even to defend His own person, and was subject -to cold, to hunger and to death. So it is with the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints; we have the revelation of Jesus, and the -knowledge within us is sufficient to organize a righteous government -upon the earth, and to give universal peace to all mankind, if they -would receive it, but we lack the physical strength, as did our Savior -when a child, to defend our principles, and we have of necessity to be -afflicted, persecuted and smitten, and to {609} bear it patiently until -Jacob is of age, then he will take care of himself." - -Wheelock took a list of witnesses' names that were wanted for the -expected trial on Saturday. When the list was read over, a number of -names were stricken out, among whom were Alpheus Cutler and Reynolds -Cahoon, it being deemed by Brother Hyrum unnecessary for them to -attend. Brother Joseph asked why they should not come. Hyrum answered, -"They may be very good men, but they don't know enough to answer a -question properly." Brother Joseph remarked, "That is sufficient -reason." - -[Sidenote: The Prisoner's Messages to Friends in Nauvoo.] - -The prisoners also sent many verbal messages to their families. They -were so numerous that Dr. Richards proposed writing them all down, -fearing Wheelock might forget, but Brother Hyrum fastened his eyes -upon him, and with a look of penetration said, "Brother Wheelock will -remember all that we tell him, and he will never forget the occurrences -of this day." - -Joseph related the following dream which he had last night: - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Dream of his Kirtland Farm] - -"I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out -by myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds -and brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of -culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors, -with the weather-boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the -farm. - -"While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it -might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the -barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me. - -"The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, -stating it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever -possessing it. - -"I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and {610} although I -had not had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, -and according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church. - -"He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and -said it never did belong to me nor to the Church. - -"I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I -had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought -he had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; -but my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not -seem to satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and -threatened me with the destruction of my body. - -"While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a -rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and -began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment -forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn -about up to my ankles in mud. - -"When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching -and screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had -engaged in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus -engaged, the dream or vision ended." - -[Sidenote: Testimony of Joseph and Hyrum to the Book of Mormon.] - -Both Joseph and Hyrum bore a faithful testimony to the Latter-day -work, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and prophesied of -the triumph of the Gospel over all the earth, exhorting the brethren -present to faithfulness and persevering diligence in proclaiming the -Gospel, building up the Temple, and performing all the duties connected -with our holy religion. - -Joseph dictated the following postscript to Emma: - - _Letter: Postscript_. - - _P. S.--20 minutes to 10.--_I just learn that the Governor is - about to disband his troops, all but a guard to protect us and the - peace, and {611} come himself to Nauvoo and deliver a speech to the - people. This is right as I suppose. - -_He afterwards wrote a few lines with his own hand, which were not -copied_. - -The letter was sent by Joel S. Mills and Cyrus H. Wheelock. - -[Sidenote: Gov. Ford Warned of the Conspiracy Against Prisoner's Lives.] - -John P. Greene, (Nauvoo city marshal) told Governor Ford that if he -went to Nauvoo, leaving only the Carthage Greys to guard the jail, -that there was a conspiracy on foot to take the lives of Joseph and -Hyrum Smith during his absence, to which the Governor replied, "Marshal -Greene, you are too enthusiastic." - -Footnotes: - -1. It is the record of the case, however, that Governor Ford did send -an order disbanding the regiment from Warsaw which he had ordered to -rendezvous at Golden's Point for the purpose of marching with the rest -of the Governor's troops into Nauvoo. "The Governor," remarks the -late John Hay, who is the authority for the incident of disbanding -the Warsaw troops--"the Governor, fearing he could not control the -inflammable material he had gathered together, had determined to -scatter it again" (_Atlantic Monthly,_ December, 1869). The courier of -the Governor to the Warsaw troops was Mr. David Matthews, a well-known -citizen of Warsaw. But after receiving the order for disbandment, while -most of the troops returned to their homes, about one hundred and fifty -volunteered to follow several of the militia captains--leaders on their -own responsibility--to Nauvoo; of whom about seventy-five reached that -place and participated in the murder of the Brothers Smith. - -{612} - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -DEPARTURE OF GOVERNOR FORD FOR NAUVOO--THE AFTERNOON IN CARTHAGE -PRISON--THE ASSAULT ON THE PRISON--THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM -SMITH. - -_Thursday, June 27, [continued] 10:30.,--_Governor Ford went to -Nauvoo some time this forenoon, escorted by a portion of his troops, -most friendly to the prisoners, and leaving the known enemies of the -Prophet, ostensibly to guard the jail, having previously disbanded the -remainder. - -Joseph sent a request to the Governor by Dan Jones for a pass for his -private secretary, Dr. Willard Richards. - -_11 a.m.--_John S. Fullmer left the jail for Nauvoo, with a verbal -charge to assist Wheelock in gathering and forwarding witnesses for the -promised trial. - -James W. Woods, Esq., Joseph's principal lawyer, left Carthage for -Nauvoo. - -_11:20 a.m.--_Dan Jones returned with the following pass for Dr. -Richards:-- - - _Pass for Willard Richards_. - - Permit Dr. Richards, the private secretary of Joseph Smith, to be - with him, if he desires it, and to pass and repass the guard. - - THOMAS FORD, - - Commander-in-Chief. - - June 27th, 1844. - -Jones said he could not get one for himself. - -Dan Jones met Almon W. Babbitt in the street, and informed him that -Joseph wanted to see him. - -{613} _11:30.--_A. W. Babbitt arrived at the jail and read a letter -from Oliver Cowdery. - -Joseph, Hyrum, and Dr. Richards tried to get Jones past the guard, but -they persisted in refusing to admit him. - -_12:20 noon.--_Joseph wrote for Lawyer Browning of Quincy to come up on -Saturday as his attorney, as follows:-- - - _Letter: Joseph Smith to O. H. Browning--Engaging Browning as Legal - Counsel_. - - CARTHAGE JAIL, June 27th, 1844. - - _Lawyer Browning_:-- - - SIR.--Myself and brother Hyrum are in jail on charge 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. - - P. S.--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. - -[Sidenote: The Guard's False Alarm Over the Nauvoo Legion.] - -Almon W. Babbitt took the letter and left the jail. He handed it to -Jones, with directions to take it to Quincy forthwith. The guard being -aware of the letter, told the mob that, "old Joe" had sent orders -to raise the Nauvoo Legion to come and rescue him. The mob gathered -around Jones, and demanded the letter; some of them wanted to take it -from him by force, and said that Jones should not get out of Carthage -alive, as a dozen men had started off with their rifles to waylay him -in the woods. Having previously ordered his horse, Jones took advantage -of their disagreement, and started off at full speed. He, by mistake, -took the Warsaw road, and so avoided the men who were lying in wait for -him. When he emerged on the prairie, he saw the Governor and his {614} -posse, whereupon he left the Warsaw road for the Nauvoo road. - -Dr. Southwick called at the jail. Joseph gave him a note to Governor -Ford or General Deming, requesting them to furnish him with a pass. - -_1:15 p.m.--_Joseph, Hyrum, and Willard dined in their room. Taylor and -Markham dined below. - -[Sidenote: Markham Forced out of Carthage.] - -_1:30 p.m.--_Dr. Richards was taken sick, when Joseph said, "Brother -Markham, as you have a pass from the Governor to go in and out of -the jail, go and get the doctor something that he needs to settle -his stomach," and Markham went out for medicine. When he had got -the remedies desired, and was returning to jail, a man by the name -of Stewart called out, "Old man, you have got to leave town in five -minutes." Markham replied, "I shall not do it." A company of Carthage -Greys gathered round him, put him on his horse, and forced him out of -the town at the point of the bayonet. - -_3:15 p.m.--_The guard began to be more severe in their operations, -threatening among themselves, and telling what they would do when the -excitement was over. - -Elder Taylor sang the following:-- - - _The Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief_. - - A poor wayfaring man of grief - Had often crossed me on my way, - Who sued so humbly for relief - That I could never answer, Nay. - - I had not power to ask his name; - Whither he went or whence he came; - Yet there was something in his eye - That won my love, I knew not why. - - Once, when my scanty meal was spread, - He entered--not a word he spake! - Just perishing for want of bread; - I gave him all; he blessed it, brake, - - And ate, but gave me part again; - Mine was an angel's portion then, - For while I fed with eager haste, - The crust was manna to my taste. - - {615} - I spied him where a fountain burst, - Clear from the rock--his strength was gone, - The heedless water mocked his thirst, - He heard it, saw it hurrying on. - - I ran and raised the suff'rer up; - Thrice from the stream he drain'd my cup, - Dipp'd, and returned it running o'er; - I drank and never thirsted more. - - 'Twas night, the floods were out, it blew - A winter hurricane aloof; - I heard his voice, abroad, and flew - To bid him welcome to my roof. - - I warmed, I clothed, I cheered my guest, - I laid him on my couch to rest; - Then made the earth my bed, and seem'd - In Eden's garden while I dream'd. - - Stripp'd, wounded, beaten nigh to death, - I found him by the highway side; - I rous'd his pulse, brought back his breath, - Revived his spirit, and supplied - - Wine, oil, refreshment--he was heal'd; - I had myself a wound conceal'd; - But from that hour forgot the smart, - And peace bound up my broken heart, - - In pris'n I saw him next--condemned - To meet a traitor's doom at morn; - The tide of lying tongues I stemmed. - And honored him 'mid shame and scorn. - - My friendship's utmost zeal to try, - He asked, if I for him would die; - The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill, - But the free spirit cried, "I will!" - - Then in a moment to my view, - The stranger started from disguise: - The tokens in his hands I knew, - The Savior stood before mine eyes. - - He spake--and my poor name he named-- - "Of me thou hast not been asham'd; - These deeds shall thy memorial be; - Fear not thou didst them unto me." - -When he got through, Joseph requested him to sing it again, which he -did. - -Hyrum read extracts from Josephus. - -_4 p.m.--_The guard was again changed, only eight men being stationed -at the jail, whilst the main body of {616} the Carthage Greys were in -camp about a quarter of a mile distant, on the public square. - -_4:15 p.m.--_Joseph commenced conversing with the guard about Joseph H. -Jackson, William and Wilson Law, and others of his persecutors. - -Hyrum and Dr. Richards conversed together until quarter past five. - -_5 p.m.--_Jailor Stigall returned to the jail, and said that Stephen -Markham had been surrounded by a mob, who had driven him out of -Carthage, and he had gone to Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: Anxiety of the Jailor.] - -Stigall suggested that they would be safer in the cell. Joseph said, -"After supper we will go in." Mr. Stigall went out, and Joseph said to -Dr. Richards, "If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The -doctor answered, "Brother Joseph you did not ask me to cross the river -with you--you did not ask me to come to Carthage--you did not ask me to -come to jail with you--and do you think I would forsake you now? But -I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for -treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free." Joseph -said "You cannot." The doctor replied, "I will." - -[Sidenote: Wine for the Guard.] - -Before the jailor came in, his boy brought in some water, and said the -guard wanted some wine. Joseph gave Dr. Richards two dollars to give -the guard; but the guard said one was enough, and would take no more. - -The guard immediately sent for a bottle of wine, pipes, and two small -papers of tobacco; and one of the guards brought them into the jail -soon after the jailor went out. Dr. Richards uncorked the bottle, and -presented a glass to Joseph, who tasted, as also Brother Taylor and -the doctor, and the bottle was then given to the guard, who turned to -go out. When at the top of the stairs some one below called him two or -three times, and he went down. - -[Sidenote: The Assault on the Jail.] - -{617} Immediately there was a little rustling at the outer door of the -jail, and a cry of surrender, and also a discharge of three or four -firearms followed instantly. The doctor glanced an eye by the curtain -of the window, and saw about a hundred armed men around the door. - -It is said that the guard elevated their firelocks, and boisterously -threatening the mob discharged their firearms over their heads. The mob -encircled the building, and some of them rushed by the guard up the -flight of stairs, burst open the door, and began the work of death, -while others fired in through the open windows. - -[Sidenote: The Prisoner's Defense.] - -In the meantime Joseph, Hyrum, and Elder Taylor had their coats off. -Joseph sprang to his coat for his six-shooter, Hyrum for his single -barrel, Taylor for Markham's large hickory cane, and Dr. Richards for -Taylor's cane. All sprang against the door, the balls whistled up the -stairway, and in an instant one came through the door. - -Joseph Smith, John Taylor and Dr. Richards sprang to the left of the -door, and tried to knock aside the guns of the ruffians. - -[Sidenote: Death of Hyrum Smith.] - -Hyrum was retreating back in front of the door and snapped his pistol, -when a ball struck him in the left side of his nose, and he fell on -his back on the floor saying, "I am a dead man!" As he fell on the -floor another ball from the outside entered his left side, and passed -through his body with such force that it completely broke to pieces the -watch he wore in his vest pocket, and at the same instant another ball -from the door grazed his breast, and entered his head by the throat; -subsequently a fourth ball entered his left leg. - -A shower of balls was pouring through all parts of the room, many of -which lodged in the ceiling just above the head of Hyrum. - -[Sidenote: The "Handsome Fight" of Joseph Smith and John Taylor.] - -{618} Joseph reached round the door casing, and discharged his six -shooter into the passage, some barrels missing fire. Continual -discharges of musketry came into the room. Elder Taylor continued -parrying the guns until they had got them about half their length into -the room, when he found that resistance was vain, and he attempted to -jump out of the window, where a ball fired from within struck him on -his left thigh, hitting the bone, and passing through to within half an -inch of the other side. He fell on the window sill, when a ball fired -from the outside struck his watch in his vest pocket, and threw him -back into the room. - -[Sidenote: Taylor Wounded and Helpless.] - -After he fell into the room he was hit by two more balls, one of them -injuring his left wrist considerably, and the other entering at the -side of the bone just below the left knee. He rolled under the bed, -which was at the right of the window in the south-east corner of the -room. - -While he lay under the bed he was fired at several times from the -stairway; one ball struck him on the left hip, which tore the flesh in -a shocking manner, and large quantities of blood were scattered upon -the wall and floor. - -When Hyrum fell, Joseph exclaimed, "Oh dear, brother Hyrum!" and -opening the door a few inches he discharged his six shooter in the -stairway (as stated before), two or three barrels of which missed fire. - -[Sidenote: The Death of the Prophet.] - -Joseph, seeing there was no safety in the room, and no doubt thinking -that it would save the lives of his brethren in the room if he could -get out, turned calmly from the door, dropped his pistol on the floor -and sprang into the window when two balls pierced him from the door, -and one entered his right breast from without, and he fell outward into -the hands of his murderers, exclaiming. "O Lord, my God!" - -[Sidenote: Willard Richard's Remarkable Escape.] - -{619} Dr. Richards' escape was miraculous; he being a very large man, -and in the midst of a shower of balls, yet he stood unscathed, with -the exception of a ball which grazed the tip end of the lower part of -his left ear. His escape fulfilled literally a prophecy which Joseph -made over a year previously, that the time would come that the balls -would fly around him like hail, and he should see his friends fall on -the right and on the left, but that there should not be a hole in his -garment. - -The following is copied from the_ Times and Seasons_:-- - - TWO MINUTES IN JAIL. - - Possibly the following events occupied near three minutes, but I - think 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 catch 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 his - coat on but myself), pantaloons, drawers, and shirt, it appears - evident that a ball must have been thrown from without, through - the window, {620} which entered his back on the right side, and - passing through, lodged against his watch, which was in his right - vest pocket, completely pulverizing the 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, "I am a dead - man." Joseph looked towards him and responded, "Oh, dear brother - Hyrum!" and opening the door two 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 expected 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 nearly on a balance, a - ball from the door within entered his leg, and a ball from without - struck his watch, a patent lever, in his vest pocket near the left - breast, and smashed it into "pie," leaving the hands standing at 5 - o'clock, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, the force of 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 muzzles with a stick; while they continued to reach - their guns into the room, probably left handed, and aimed their - discharge so far round 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. - - Joseph attempted, as the last resort, to leap the same window from - whence Mr. Taylor fell, when two balls pierced him from the door, - and one entered his right breast from without, and he fell outward, - exclaiming, "Oh Lord, my God!" As his feet went out of the window - my head went in, the balls whistling all around. He fell on his - left side a dead man. - - {621} At this instant the cry was raised. "He's leaped the window!" - and the mob on the stairs and in the entry ran out. - - I withdrew from the window, thinking it of no use to leap out on a - hundred bayonets, then around General Joseph 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 until 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. - -While Willard Richards and John Taylor were in the cell, a company -of the mob again rushed up stairs, but finding only the dead body -of Hyrum, they were again descending the stairs, when a loud cry -was heard, "The Mormons are coming!" which caused the whole band of -murderers to flee precipitately to the woods. - -The following communication was written and sent to Nauvoo:-- - - _First Message to Nauvoo_. - - CARTHAGE JAIL, 8:05 o'clock, p.m., June 27th, 1844. - - Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. [1] I am - well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a band of Missourians - {622} from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the - party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The - citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them. I promise - them no! - - W. RICHARDS, - - JOHN TAYLOR. - - N. B.--The citizens promise us protection. Alarm guns have been - fired. - -The above note was addressed to Governor Ford, Gen. Dunham, Col. -Markham, Emma Smith, Nauvoo. - -This letter was given to William and John Barnes, two mobocrats, who -were afraid to go to Nauvoo, fearing that the Mormons would kill them -and lay everything waste about Carthage; they therefore carried it -to Arza Adams, who was sick with the ague and fever, about two and a -half miles north of Carthage. He was afraid to go on the main road; -and after two hours persuasion Mr. Benjamin Leyland consented to -pilot Adams by "a blind road," and about midnight they started, and -arrived in Nauvoo a little after sunrise. They found the news had -arrived before them, for about a dozen men were talking about it at -the Mansion, but not knowing what to believe until Adams handed in the -above official letter. - -Footnotes: - -1. This statement was made at Elder Taylor's request, that he might not -alarm his family he was, however, severely wounded, as the narrative in -the text bears witness. When the note above was being prepared, Elder -Taylor said, "Brother Richards, say I am _slightly_ wounded;" and when -it was brought to him he signed his name as quickly as he could, lest -the tremor of his hand should be noticed and the fears of his family -aroused (_The Life of John Taylor,_ pp. 144-5). - -{623} - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -GOVERNOR FORD IN NAUVOO--NEWS OF THE MARTYRDOM--MESSAGES TO -NAUVOO--ARRIVAL OF THE BODIES--SORROWFUL SCENES--THE BURIAL. - -[Sidenote: Governor Ford in Nauvoo.] - -_Thursday, June 27th (continued).--_In the meantime the Governor was -making to the Saints in Nauvoo one of the most infamous and insulting -speeches that ever fell from the lips of an executive. Among other -things he said, "A great crime has been done by destroying the -_Expositor_ press and placing the city under martial law, and a severe -atonement must be made, so prepare your minds for the emergency. -Another cause of excitement is the fact of your having so many -firearms. The public are afraid that you are going to use them against -government. I know there is a great prejudice against you on account -of your peculiar religion, but you ought to be praying Saints, not -military Saints. Depend upon it, a little more misbehavior from the -citizens, and the torch, which is already lighted, will be applied, and -the city may be reduced to ashes, and extermination would inevitably -follow; and it gives me great pain to think that there is danger of so -many innocent women and children being exterminated. If anything of a -serious character should befall the lives or property of the persons -who are prosecuting your leaders, you will be held responsible." - -[Sidenote: Military Display.] - -The Governor was solicited to stay until morning, but he declined, -and left Nauvoo at about 6:30 p.m.; and in passing up Main Street his -escort performed the sword exercise, giving all the passes, guards, -cuts and thrusts, taking up the entire width of {624} the street, and -making as imposing a show as they could, until they passed Lyon's -store, near the Masonic Hall. This was apparently done to intimidate -the people, as the Governor had remarked in his speech that they need -not expect to set themselves up against such "well disciplined troops." - -Soon after Captain Singleton and his company left for home. - -[Sidenote: Gov. Ford's Interception of Grant ant Bettisworth.] - -When the Governor and his party had proceeded about three miles from -Nauvoo, they met two messengers (George D. Grant and David Bettisworth) -hastening with the sad news to Nauvoo. The Governor took them back to -Grant's house, one and one-half miles east of Carthage, with him in -order to prevent their carrying the news until he and the authorities -had removed the county records and public documents, and until most of -the inhabitants had left Carthage. The Governor then proceeded towards -Carthage, when Grant took another horse and rode into Nauvoo with the -news that night. - - _Second Message to Nauvoo_. - - 12 o'clock at night, 27th June, - - CARTHAGE, HAMILTON'S TAVERN. - - _To Mrs. Emma Smith and Major General Dunham, &c_.: - - 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 attack from Missouri - mobbers. The Governor will render every assistance possible--has - sent out orders for troops. Joseph and Hyrum are dead. 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 {625} 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 TAYLOR, - - SAMUEL H. SMITH. - - Defend yourselves until protection can be furnished necessary. June - 27th, 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. DEMING. - -It was near midnight before Dr. Richards could obtain any help or -refreshment for John Taylor, who was badly wounded, nearly all the -inhabitants of Carthage having fled in terror. - -[Sidenote: Departure of the Governor from the Danger Zone.] - -_Friday, 28.--1 a.m._ The Governor said the matter should be -investigated, and that there was a great responsibility resting upon -him. He also said he would send a messenger with an express for Dr. -Richards, and wrote an order for the citizens of Nauvoo to defend -themselves. - -He then went to the public square, and advised all who were present -to disperse, as he expected the Mormons would be so exasperated that -they would come and burn the town, whereupon the citizens of Carthage -fled in all directions, and the Governor and his _posse_ fled towards -Quincy, and did not consider themselves safe until they had reached -Augusta, eighteen miles distant from Carthage. - -Captain Singleton, of Brown county arrived in Carthage from Nauvoo with -his troops. - -[Sidenote: The Start for Nauvoo with the Bodies of the Martyrs.] - -{626} About 8 a.m. Dr. Richards started for Nauvoo with the bodies of -Joseph and Hyrum on two wagons, accompanied by their brother Samuel -M. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, and a guard of eight soldiers who had been -detached for that purpose by General Deming. The bodies were covered -with bushes to keep them from the hot sun. They were met by a great -assemblage of citizens of Nauvoo, on Mulholland Street, about a mile -east of the Temple, about three p.m. under direction of the city -marshal. - -The City Council, the Lieut.-General's staff, Major. General Jonathan -Dunham and staff, the acting Brigadier-General Hosea Stout and staff, -commanders and officers of the Legion, and several thousands of the -citizens were there amid the most solemn lamentations and wailings that -ever ascended into the ears of the Lord of Hosts to be avenged of their -enemies. - -When the procession arrived, the bodies were both taken into the Nauvoo -Mansion. The scene there cannot be described. - -[Sidenote: The Address of Dr. Richards _et. al_.] - -About eight or ten thousand persons were addressed by Dr. Willard -Richards, William W. Phelps, Esquires Woods and Reid of Iowa, and Col. -Stephen Markham. Dr. Richards admonished the people to keep the peace, -stating that he had pledged his honor, and his life for their good -conduct, when the people with one united voice resolved to trust to the -law for a remedy of such a high-handed assassination, and when that -failed, to call upon God to avenge them of their wrongs. - -O, Americans, weep, for the glory of freedom has departed! - -When the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum arrived at the Mansion, the doors -were closed immediately. The people were told to go quietly home, and -the bodies would be viewed the next morning at eight o'clock. - -{627} - -[Sidenote: Preparation of the Bodies for Burial.] - -Dimick B. Huntington, with the assistance of William Marks and William -D. Huntington, washed the bodies from head to foot. Joseph was shot in -the right breast, also under the heart, in the lower part of his bowels -and the right side, and on the back part of the right hip. One ball had -come out at the right shoulder-blade. Cotton soaked in camphor was put -into each wound, and the bodies laid out with fine plain drawers and -shirt, white neckerchiefs, white cotton stockings and white shrouds. -(Gilbert Goldsmith was doorkeeper at the time). - -After this was done, Emma (who at the time was pregnant) also Mary -(Hyrum's wife) with the children of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch, -were admitted to see the bodies. On first seeing the corpse of her -husband, Emma screamed and fell back, but was caught and supported -by Dimick B. Huntington. She then fell forward to the Prophet's face -and kissed him, calling him by name, and begged him to speak to her -once. Mary, (the Patriarch's wife) manifested calmness and composure -throughout the trying scene, which was affecting in the extreme. -Relatives and particular friends were also permitted to view the -remains during the evening. - -_Saturday 29.--_At 7 a.m. the bodies were put into the coffins which -were covered with black velvet fastened with brass nails. Over the -face of each corpse a lid was hung with brass hinges, under which was -a square of glass to protect the face, and the coffin was lined with -white cambric. The coffins were then each put into a rough pine box. - -[Sidenote: Lying in State.] - -At 8 a.m. the room was thrown open for the Saints to view the bodies of -their martyred Prophet and Patriarch, and it is estimated that over ten -thousand persons visited the remains that day, as there was a perfect -living stream of people entering in at the west door of the Mansion and -out at the north door from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at which hour a request -was made {628} that the Mansion should be cleared, so that the family -could take their farewell look at the remains. - -The coffins were then taken out of the boxes into the little bedroom in -the northeast corner of the Mansion, and there concealed and the doors -locked. Bags of sand were then placed in each end of the boxes, which -were nailed up, and a mock funeral took place, the boxes being put into -a hearse and driven to the graveyard by William D. Huntington, and -there deposited in a grave with the usual ceremonies. - -This was done to prevent enemies of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch -getting possession of the bodies, as they threatened they would do. As -the hearse passed the meeting ground accompanied by a few men, William -W. Phelps was preaching the funeral sermon. - -[Sidenote: The Real Burial.] - -About midnight the coffins containing the bodies were taken from the -Mansion by Dimick B. Huntington, Edward Hunter, William D. Huntington, -William Marks, Jonathan H. Holmes, Gilbert Goldsmith, Alpheus Cutler, -Lorenzo D. Wasson, and Philip B. Lewis, preceded by James Emmett as -guard with his musket. - -They went through the garden, round by the pump, and were conveyed -to the Nauvoo house, which was then built to the first joists of the -basement, and buried in the basement story. - -After the bodies were interred, and the ground smoothed off as it was -before, and chips of wood and stone and other rubbish thrown over, so -as to make it appear like the rest of the ground around the graves, a -most terrific shower of rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning, -occurred, and obliterated all traces of the fact that the earth had -been newly dug. - -The bodies remained in the cellar of the Nauvoo House where they were -buried, until the fall, when they were removed by Dimick B. Huntington, -William D. Huntington, Jonathan H. Holmes, and Gilbert Goldsmith, at -Emma's request, to near the Mansion, and buried side by {629} side, and -the bee house then moved and placed over their graves. - -The deceased children of Joseph were afterwards removed and interred in -the same place. It was found at this time that two of Hyrum's teeth had -fallen into the inside of his mouth, supposed to have been done by a -ball at the time of the martyrdom, but which was not discovered at the -time he was laid out, in consequence of his jaws being tied up. * * * * -* * * - -[It is thought proper that this volume, which brings the HISTORY OF -THE CHURCH to close of its first Period--the administration of its -First President, and, by way of pre-eminence _the_ Prophet of the New -Dispensation of the Gospel, should close with the official statement of -the Martyrdom of the Prophet and the Patriarch. A statement so true, -and conservative, and excellent that now for a long time it has been -published in the "Doctrine and Covenants."] - - MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH SMITH, THE PROPHET, AND HIS BROTHER HYRUM. - - _(From the Doctrine and Covenants)_. - - To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we - announce the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum - Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th - of June, 1844, about 5 o'clock p.m., by an armed mob, painted - black--of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell - calmly, exclaiming,_ "I am a dead man!"_ Joseph leaped from the - window and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaiming, _"O Lord, my - God!"_ They were both shot after they were dead in a brutal manner, - and both received four balls. - - John Taylor and Willard Richards, two of the Twelve, were the only - persons in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage - manner with four balls, but has since recovered; the latter through - the providence of God, escaped, "without even a hole in his robe." - - Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more (save - Jesus only) for the salvation of men in this world, than any {630} - other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years - he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by - the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing - it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting - Gospel which it contained to the four quarters of the earth; has - brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this - Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and - instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many - thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city; and left - a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died - great in the eyes of God and his people, and like most of the - Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his - works with his own blood--and so has his brother Hyrum. In life - they were not divided, and in death they were not separated! - - When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended - requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his - assassination, he said: - - _"I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a - summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense toward God - and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said - of me--he was murdered in cold blood_." - - The same morning after Hyrum had made ready to go--shall it be - said to the slaughter? Yes, for so it was,--he read the following - paragraph near the close of the fifth chapter of Ether, in the Book - of Mormon, and turned down the leaf upon it: - - _"And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that He would - give unto the Gentiles grace that they might have charity. And it - came to pass that the Lord said unto me, if they have not charity, - it mattereth not unto you, thou hast been faithful: wherefore thy - garments are clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou - shall be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which - I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid - farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I - love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ where - all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your - blood_." - - The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force. - - Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old, February, 1844, and Joseph - Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843: and henceforward their - names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader - in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon and this - Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church, cost the best blood - of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation - of a ruined world; and that if the fire can scathe a _green tree_ - for the glory of God, how easy it will burn up the "dry trees" to - purify the vineyard of corruption. {631} They lived for glory, they - died for glory; and glory is their eternal reward. From age to age - shall their names go down to posterity as gems for the sanctified. - - They were innocent of any crime, as they had often been proved - before, and were only confined in the jail by the conspiracy of - traitors and wicked men; and their innocent blood on the floor of - Carthage jail, is a broad seal affixed to "Mormonism" that cannot - be rejected by any court on earth; and their_ innocent blood_ on - the escutcheon of the State of Illinois with the broken faith of - the State, as pledged by the Governor, is a witness to the truth - of the everlasting gospel, that all the world cannot impeach; and - their _innocent blood_ on the banner of liberty, and on the _magna - charta_ of the United States is an ambassador for the religion of - Jesus Christ that will touch the heart of honest men among all - nations; and their_ innocent blood_ with _the innocent blood_ of - all the martyrs under the altar that John saw, will cry unto the - Lord of Hosts, till He avenges that blood on the earth. Amen. - -(END OF PERIOD I.) - -{633} - -INDEX TO VOLUME VI. - -A - -Affidavits of Delmore Chapman, 100; of Richards and Lewis, 103; Sission -Chase, Avery Case, 109; of Willard Richards, Nauvoo in danger, 119; -of Amos Chase, Elliott affair, 121; of Philander Avery, 122; of the -Hamiltons, 123; of Orson Hyde, 145; of Daniel Avery, 145-148; of -Abiathar B. Williams, on conspiracy, 278; of M. G. Eaton on conspiracy, -279-280; of Aaron Johnson, 350; Margaret J. Nyman _et al_. against -Chauncey L. Higbee, 407; H. T. Hugins, Nauvoo threatened, 423; Thomas -G. Wilson, on mob movements, 480-481; of Stephen Markham, Nauvoo to be -attacked, 492; of Truman Gillett, 500; of Canfield & Belknap, 502; Call -_et al_., 505-506; Carlos W. Lyman, 507; Mount and Cunningham, 508; of -Allen T. Wait, 509; Morley _et al_., 510; Solomon Hancock _et al_., -511; James Guyman, 511-512; Obediah Bowen, 512-513; of Alvah Tippetts, -514; Greene & Bernhisel, 516; John P. Greene, Jackson's threats, 522; -of Joseph Smith, on conspiracy, 523; of Joseph Jackson, threats against -the Prophet, 524; of Edward Robinson, threats against Nauvoo, 528; -James Olive, mob movements, 529; George G. Johnstone, move on Nauvoo, -530; Gideon Gibbs, on mob, 530; Luman Calkins, on conspiracy, 531-532; -of Alfred Randall, threats against the Prophet's life, 586; of Jonathan -C. Wright, on conspiracy against Prophet, 587; of O. P. Rockwell on -Ford in Nauvoo, 588; of William G. Sterrett, on Ford in Nauvoo, 589-590. - -Apostles in conference, 11; return of to Nauvoo, 60; epistles of to -Elders and Churches abroad, 63-64; action of on publications, 66; -minutes of council meeting of, 223; instructed to send delegation to -California, 222-224; minutes of meeting of, 230; Appoint conferences in -U.S., 334-335; called home, 519. - -Apostates in Nauvoo, excommunication of, 341; Plans for organization of -new Church, 346-347; collection of at Carthage, 560; reported intention -to plunder, 564. - -Arms, public, for Legion, 31. - -Avery, Daniel, held as prisoner in Missouri, 108; escape of from -Missouri, 143; affidavit of treatment in Missouri, 145. - -Avery, Philander, affidavit of, 122. - -Address of the Mayor to Nauvoo police, 150-152. - -Andrews, Benjamin, appeal of to the state of Maine, 178. - -B - -Bagby, Walter, injustice of to the Prophet, 4. - -Babbitt, Almon W., preaches at Nauvoo, 34; refuses to obey orders, -514-515; engaged as council against the Prophet, 600; visits {634} -Prophet in prison, 612-613. - -Backenstos, W., marriage of to Miss Wasson, 43. - -Badham, Richard, assaulted, 110. - -Bennett, James Arlington, nominated for Vice-President U.S., -231-233-244. - -Bettisworth, Constable David, arrests Prophet for treason, 561-562. - -Botswick, Orsimus F., slanders of, 225. - -C - -Cahoon, Reynolds, urges Prophet to return to Nauvoo, 549, 552. - -Carthage, Anti-Mormon meeting at, 4; and note, 43; disgraceful affair -at, 171-173; complaints of citizens against Nauvoo ordinances, 173-174; -Anti-Mormon convention at, 221; citizens of, call for "wolf-hunt," 222. - -Cartwright, Thomas and wife, baptism of, 160-162. - -Chism, negro, case of, 281, 284. - -Chase, Amos, affidavit of, 121. - -Clay, Henry, letter of to the Prophet, 376; Joseph Smith's answer to, -376-377. - -Clayton, William, attends court at Dixon, 350; report of procedure of -court, 380-384. - -Cole, Mr., school teacher, 65-66. - -Convention, Anti-Mormon, Carthage, 221; presidential at Nauvoo, 386-397. - -Communications, (see letters). - -Conference, minutes of, at Manchester, England, 2; and (note); in -Alexander, New York, 98; Brownstown, Michigan, 175; general at -Liverpool, England, 326-330; of the Twelve, Ralston Hall, Boston, -11-30; special at Nauvoo, 47-52; in New York, 286; general of the -Church, April, 1844, 287-300; Kalamazoo, Michigan, 425; Glasgow, -Scotland, 426; at Cypry, Alabama, 331; list of appointed in U.S., -334-335; presidents of appointed in U.S., 335-340; at Pleasant Vallet, -Michigan, 431. - -Copeland Colonel Solomon, of Tennessee, invited to be candidate for -vice-president, 248. - -Co-operation, plans of for store, 263. - -Court, Municipal, petitioned for trial by Joseph Smith, 357-361, _et -seq_.; case of Jeremiah Smith before, 379, 418-420; minutes of in case -of Jeremiah Smith, 420-423; petition of Prophet before, _Expositor_ -case, 454-456; hearing before, on _Expositor_ case, 456-458; members of -city council before, 460-461. - -Council special at Nauvoo, 39. - -D - -Dayton, Hyrum and Son, before mayor's court, 155. - -Data, compilation of by historians, (note) 547. - -Dunn, Captain, sent to demand state arms from Legion, 554-555. - -Discourses, on sealing powers, 183-184; Elias, Elijah, Messiah, 249, -354; on Conspiracies in Nauvoo, 272-274; on Prophetic Calling and -Fullness of Ordinances for Living and Dead, 363-367; Dissenters at -Nauvoo, 408-412; the Godhead, Plurality of Gods, 473-479. - -Drama in Nauvoo, 349-350. - -Dunham, Jonathan, on mission to Governor Ford, 61; made wharf-master, -229. - -E - -Elliott, John, arrest and trial of, 117-118. - -Election, Presidential, 1844, who shall be candidate for, 187-188; -_Times and Seasons_ editorial on, 214-217. - -{635} Excommunications of apostates, 341. - -_Expositor, Nauvoo_, first and only number of, 430; declared a nuisance -and destroyed, 448; proceedings in city council against, 434-448; -Francis M. Higbee on destruction of, 451-452; comment of _Neighbor_ on, -460. - -F - -_Fanny_, barque, arrives in New Orleans, 244. - -Female Relief Society, Voice of Innocence from, 248. - -Folsom, William H., clerk of New York conference, biography (note) 1. - -Follett, King, death of, 248; biography, 249. - -Ford, Governor Thomas, arrival of at Carthage, and accepts mob -as militia, 542; interview of with Taylor an Bernhisel, 543-545; -perplexity of, 552; pacifies mob, 560; pledges faith of the state for -fair trial of the Smiths, 561; presents Joseph Smith to militia, 564; -refuses to prevent false imprisonment, 570-571; directs Justice R. F. -Smith to use Carthage Greys, 598; holds militia council on visit to -Nauvoo, 599-600; visit of to Nauvoo, 623; intercepts messengers with -news of martyrdom, 624; course of at Carthage, 625; flees from danger -zone, 625. - -Foster, Dr. R. D., misunderstanding of with Prophet, 332-333, 344-345; -seeks private interview with Prophet, 430. - -Fielding, Amos, credentials of, 263. - -Frierson, Colonel, represents John C. Calhoun, 81 (and note); drafts -memorial to Congress in behalf of Saints, 83, _et seq_. (and note.) - -Fullmer, John S., with Prophet in Carthage prison, 600-601. - -G - -Geddes, Col. Thomas, with Governor at interview, Carthage prison, 576; -report of Governor Ford's statement on leaving prison, 585 (and note). - -Greene, John P., returns from New York mission, 60; report of Foster -Higbee embroilment, 348-349. - -Grant, Jedediah M., preaches at mansion, 356. - -Greys, Carthage, boisterous conduct of, 559-560; revolt of, 564; left -as guard to Prophet and Patriarch, 606-607. - -H - -Hanks, Knowlton F., missionary, death of, 64. - -Harris, Dennison, L. reveals conspiracy against Prophet, 280-281 (note). - -Hedlock, Reuben, president of the British mission, 65-66; presides at -conference in England, 327-330. - -Higbee, Francis M., charges Prophet with slander, 174; threatens -Prophet with bonds, 176; before Municipal Court, 178; before Esquire -Wells for assaulting police, 285; before Municipal Court, 357-361. - -Higbee, Chauncey L., before Esq. Wells for assaulting police, 285; -affidavits against, 407. - -Hodge, Abraham C., reports Prophet's determination to go West, 545; -sent on special mission to Carthage, 557. - -Hunter, Edward, sent as special messenger to Governor Ford, 492. - -I - -Indians, Sacs and Foxes, visit of to Nauvoo, 401-402. - -{636} J - -Jackson, Joseph, H., conversation of with Prophet; character of, 149 -(and note); attempt to arrest, 521; threats against Prophets, 569. - -Johnson, Benjamin F., instructions of the Prophet to, 60. - -Judd, Nelson, assault upon, 179-180. - -Journals, importance to elders of keeping, 186. - -Jones, Elder Dan, Prophecy upon head of, 601; with the Prophet in -prison, 601, 621; sent by the Prophet with messenger to Gov. Ford, 602, -604. - -K - -Kay, William, in charge of immigrants from England, 244; arrives with -company at Nauvoo, 333. - -Kimball, Heber C., address of at April conference, 324. - -L - -Legion, Nauvoo, muster of, 34; aid of applied for, 119. - -Law, Wilson, doggerel written by, 210; cashiered from Legion, 362; -seeks to get warrant against the Prophet, 568. - -Law, William, difficulty of with police, 162-165; reconciliation -of with the Prophet, 165; second trouble with police, 166-170; -excommunication of, 341. - -Letters: Governor Ford to the Prophet, 35; Reuben Hedlock to the First -Presidency, 44; H. R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, 55; Heywood to Joseph -Smith, 62; Joseph Smith to the Saints in England, 69-70; James A. -Bennett to Joseph Smith, 71-73; Joseph Smith to Bennett, 73-78; Brigham -Young to John Page, 81-83; Ewing, state auditor, to Major John Bills, -95; Lamborn, attorney-general Ill., Legion affairs, 95; McDougall, to -state auditor on Legion affairs, 96; Joseph Smith to Governor Ford, -100; Wilson Law to Joseph Smith, 108; Joseph Smith, to Governor Ford, -109; Joseph Smith to John Smith, 110; Governor Ford to Joseph Smith, -113; W. W. Phelps to John White, 132; Joseph Smith to Governor Ford, -affidavits, 153; Calhoun to Joseph Smith, 155; J. Smith to Calhoun, -156-160; Twelve Apostles to Saints at Morley, 176-177; Ford to citizens -of Hancock county--warning, 189; Joseph Smith to Haywood--visit to -Quincy, 213; Joseph Smith to editor of _Neighbor_, 221; High Council -to Saints in Nauvoo, 228-229; Willard Richards to James A. Bennett, -231-233; Lyman Wight _et al_., to First Presidency, 255-257; ditto to -President Smith, 257-260; Young and Richards to Hedlock, England, 351; -P. P. Pratt to Joseph Smith _et al_., 354; Charles C. Rich to Alanson -Ripley, 355; Hyde's report to President Smith--Western Movement, -369-376; Henry Clay to Joseph Smith, 376; Prophet's answer to same, -376-377; William Clayton, reporting court procedure at Dixon, 380-384; -George A. Smith to _Times and Seasons_, 399-401; Richards _et al_. to -Central Election Committee, 404; Willard Richards to Orson Hyde--Western -Movement, 405-407; D.S. Hollister to Joseph Smith, election matters, -416-418; Joseph Smith to Judge Pope, 422; Joel H. Walker to Joseph -Smith--Western Movement, 424-425; Joseph Smith's answer, 425; "Horace" -to Joseph Smith, {637} 426; Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Tewkesbury, -427; Joseph Smith to I. Daniel Rupp, 428; Hickok to Joseph Smith, -450; Hugins to Joseph Smith, 451; Washington Tucker to Joseph Smith, -458-459; Prophet's answer to Tucker, 459; Joseph Smith to Governor -Ford--defense to _Expositor_ case, 466; Bernhisel to Governor Ford, -467-468; Wakefield to Governor Ford, 469; Sidney Rigdon to Gov. Ford, -469; Ladd to Joseph Smith, 472; Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford--urges -Governor to come to Nauvoo, 480; Morley to Joseph Smith--mob threats, -481-482; John Smith to the Prophet, 485; the Prophet's answer, 485-486; -Hyrum Smith to Brigham Young--calling home to Twelve, 486-487; Hugins -to Joseph Smith, 494; Joseph Smith to H. F. Hugins, 501; Joseph Smith -to Ballantyne and Slater, 515; Richards to James A. Bennett, 516-518; -Foster to John Procter, 520; Governor Ford to Mayor of Nauvoo, 521; -Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford--urging latter to come to Nauvoo, 525-527; -Gov. Ford to Mayor and City Council of Nauvoo--on _Expositor_ affair, -533-537; Joseph Smith in answer to above, 538-541; Joseph and Hyrum -Smith to Gov. Ford, 550; Joseph Smith to Hugins, 551; Joseph Smith to -J. R. Wakefield, 551; Johnston to Joseph Smith, 553; Joseph Smith to -Gov. Ford, 556; Reid and Woods to Joseph Smith, 558-559; the Prophet to -Emma Smith, 565; Joseph Smith to Gov. Ford, 575; Joseph Smith to Judge -Thomas, 590; Miner R. Deming to Joseph Smith, 593; Joseph Smith to -Messrs. Woods and Reid, 595; William Clayton to Joseph Smith, 598-599; -Joseph Smith to Emma Smith, 605; P. S., 605; Richards, _et al_. to -Saints at Nauvoo--second message announcing martyrdom, 624-625. - -Lytle, Andrew and John, trial of, before Municipal Court, 286. - -Lyne, Thomas A., a tragedian, 349. - -Loveland, Chester, threats of violence against, 504-505. - -M - -_Maid of Iowa_, arrives at Nauvoo with England passengers, 333. - -Markham, Col. Stephen, attends court at Dixon, 350; with the Prophet in -Carthage prison, 592, 614; forced out of Carthage, 614. - -Marks, William, police difficulties of, 166-170. - -Marriage, plural, 46. - -_Metoka_, sailing of, with Saints, 4. - -Mansion, Nauvoo, made a hotel, 33; party and dinner at, 42. - -Mormon, Book of, evidence of in ruins in America, 53-54; presented to -Queen Victoria--poem on, 181-183. - -Miller, Bishop George, returns from mission, 61. - -Mormonism, publications _pro-et-con_. for 1843, 154. - -Mormons, improvements of, 195-196. - -Misrepresentations, corrected, 67. - -Missouri, peace proposals to, 218-220; "Friendly Hint" to, 245-247. - -Mittimus, false, 569; second remanding Smith Brothers to prison, 597. - -Memorial to U.S. Congress, 84, _et seq_; action of meeting on, 88; -officially signed by Mayor and city council, 116; of the city council -to Congress, 125-132; origin of Joseph Smith's Western Memorial, -270; memorial to Congress, Joseph Smith's, 275; before House of -Representative, 282 (note); Joseph Smith's to {638} President John -Tyler, 281-282. - -Meetings, public, at Nauvoo, 101; at Nauvoo--appeal to government on -local affairs, 107; at Nauvoo--aggressions of Missouri, 111-113; mass, -at Warsaw, 462-466; public at Nauvoo--to correct false reports, 483. - -N - -Nauvoo, prosperity of, 9; special session of city council of, 234-236; -status of, 1844, 265-267, destructive wind at, 267; status of at close -of 1843, 377-378; declaration of martial law in, 497. - -New Orleans, branch organized in, 176; _Neighbor, Nauvoo_, on -destruction of _Expositor_, 460, 496. - -O - -Orders to city marshal, 103; reply, 104; Mayor's to Legion, 104; -to Nauvoo Legion, 119; to Wilson Law calling out Legion, 120; to -Major-General to Legion, 493; to A. P. Rockwood to notify guard, 494; -general to Legion, 532; Joseph Smith to General Dunham--surrender of -state arms, 556; to bring prisoners into court, 596. - -Ordinances, special in Prophet's case, 105; for erection of a dam in -Mississippi, 106; enlarging police force, 110; on sale of liquors, -111; to prevent unlawful arrests by "foreign" process, 124; for the -protection of the Church of Latter-day Saints, 130-132; complaint of -Carthage citizens against, 173-174; on sale of liquors, 178-179; on -witnesses and jurors' fees, 179; for protection of U.S. citizens, -asking Congress to pass, 275-277; concerning libels and other purposes, -433-434. - -_Ospray_, election on board of for President of U.S., 384-385; captain -of calls on Joseph Smith, 451. - -Owen, case of in Mayor's court, 4. - -P - -Packard, Noah, Memorial of to Massachusetts, 236. - -Pacific Island, mission to, 71. - -Page, John E., appointed to a mission to Washington, 81. - -Petition to hear the Prophet, 533. - -Phelps, W. W., mission of to Gov. Ford, 61; reads Prophet's Views at -Nauvoo, 211. - -Phenomena, strange, reported, 121. - -Police, names of special, 149-150; difficulty of with William Law, -162-165. - -President, U.S., who shall be our next?, 39. - -Pratt, Addison, on death of Elder Hanks, 64. - -Proclamation to kings, instructions to write, 80; Joseph Smith to keep -order in Nauvoo, 449; of Joseph Smith against false charges, 484-485; -of Joseph Smith to Nauvoo marshal, 493. - -Pratt, Parley, attends conference, Boston, 11; enthusiastic on appeal -to "Green Mountain Boys," 93-94. - -Pratt, Orson, affidavit of against Higbee, 177-178; credentials of, 262. - -Pugmire, Jonathan, Sen., _et al_., released from English prison, 160. - -R - -Rapids, Des Moines, canal around, 80 (and note). - -Rigdon, Sidney, dissatisfaction of Prophet with, 46; appeals to -Pennsylvania, addresses conference, 288-295, _et seq_., nominated for -vice-presidency, U.S., 356. - -{639} Reid, John S., Prophet's lawyer in early experience, 377; address -at Nauvoo, early experience, 392-397. - -Richardson, Mr., repents of part in Avery case, 133. - -Richards, Dr. Levi, marriage of, 134. - -Richards, Phinehas, appeals to Massachusetts, 193. - -Rollasson, Mr., store robbed, 281. - -Rockwell, Orrin Porter, accompanies Prophet in his start for the West, -548-550-551; warned of Prophet to stay at Nauvoo, 565. - -Richards, Willard, with Prophet in Carthage, 613-614; his "Two Minutes" -in jail, 619-621; announces the martyrdom of Patriarch and Prophet, -621-622; conveys bodies of martyrs to Nauvoo, 626; addresses people at -Nauvoo, 626. - -S - -Scott, Robert, reveals conspiracy against Prophet, 280-281 (and note). - -Smith, Joseph, the Prophet, in council with Hyrum _et al_., 2; -description of, _New York Sun_, 3; seeks public arms for Legion, 31; -prayers for sick, 31; _New Haven Herald_ on, 32-33; on Socialism, -32-33; inspects Legion, 34; appoints mission to Russia, 41; on plural -marriage, 46; remarks on the demise of James Adams, 50-52; opinion of -on mesmerism, 56; on Constitution and Bible, 56-59; visits Macedonia, -59; writes to candidates for presidency, 63, 65; poisoned, 65; -dictates appeal to "Green Mountain Boys," 80; address to, 88, _et -seq_., proposes canal around Des Moines Rapids, 80; prophesies against -oppressors, 95; views on standing of Legion, 97; suggests petition to -make Nauvoo U.S. Territory, 107; prediction on Government of U.S., -116 (and note;) gives instructions for order in Nauvoo, 124; receives -Christmas serenade, 134; holds Christmas party at Mansion, 134; -receives letters from Cass and Calhoun, candidates for President, 144; -address of to Nauvoo police, 150-152; comments of on Marks' and Laws' -police fears, 166, 170; discourse of on Priesthood, 183-185; nominated -as candidate for president, 187-188; views of on candidacy, 210; views -on the Powers and Policy of U.S. Government, 189, 197-209; dream of -troubled waters, 194; recommends repeal of "extra" city ordinance, 212; -instruction of to Orson Pratt, 212; instructs Twelve to send delegation -to California, 222; sends views on Government to national officials, -225-226; editorial, _Neighbor_, on candidacy of, 226; sketches reply to -Casius M. Clay, 227; Friendly Hint of to Missouri, 245-247; comments on -candidacy, 268-270, 361, 367-368; interview of with Mrs. Foster, 271; -discourse of on Conspiracies, 272-274; sends memorial to U.S. Congress, -275-277; preaches King Follett's funeral sermon, 301; announces the -whole of America as Zion, 318-320; altercation with Dr. Foster _et -al_., 344; petition of for _habeas corpus_ before Municipal Court in -_Expositor_ case, 357; discourse by on prophetic calling, fullness of -ordinance for living and dead, 363-367; indictment of at Carthage, -405; goes to Carthage to face charges, 412-415; caution "Kirtland -Safety Society" script, 429; interview of with Foster, 430; address of, -current events, 449-450; arrest of by David Bittisworth, 453-454, {640} -dream of on Nauvoo apostates, 461-462; sermon on Godhead--plurality of -Gods, 473-479; interview of with gentlemen from Madison, 479; address -of to Nauvoo Legion, 497-500; takes command of Legion, 500; appeal of -to President Tyler, 508; comment on preparations for defense, 520; -desire of to have Hyrum leave him, 520; determines to go to the West, -545-546 (and note); also 547-548-549-550; is urged to return to Nauvoo, -549-550; decides to return, 550-551; starts for Carthage, "_a lamb to -the slaughter_," 554-556; return of to Nauvoo, 557; final departure -of for Carthage, 558; arrival at Carthage, 559-560; surrender of to -constable, 561; arrested for treason, 561-562; introduced to troops by -Gov. Ford, 563-564; prophecy of to gentlemen at Carthage, 566; before -Justice R. F. Smith, 567-568; committed to Prison on false mittimus, -569-570; interview of with Gov. Ford--Carthage jail, 576-585; anxiety -of for safety, 592; comments on reproofs to the wicked, 608; dream of -struggle with enemy, 609-610; testifies of Book of Mormon to guards, -510; "handsome fights," of, 617-618; death of, 618-621; arrival of body -at Nauvoo, 626; burial of, 628-629; official account of martyrdom of, -629-31. - -Smith, Hyrum, appointed one of Temple committee, 53; begins work, 61; -injures knee joint, 98; slander of, by Botswick, O. F., 225; address of -at April conference, 296-301, 322; remonstrance of with Prophet, 403; -denial of threats against _Warsaw Signal_ and editor, 495, 500; refuses -to leave Prophet, 546; seeks to comfort Prophet in prison, 600-601, -death of, 617; arrival of body at Nauvoo, 626; burial of, 628-629; -official account of martyrdom of, 629-631. - -Smith, Emma, kindness of to husband, 165; message of to Prophet, urging -husband to return to Nauvoo, 549-552. - -Smith, Uncle John, ordained Patriarch, 173; heroism of, 515; comes to -Carthage prison to see the Prophet, 598. - -Smith, William, arrival of at Nauvoo with company of Saints, 342; -withdraws as candidate for legislature, 378. - -Smith, Jeremiah, issues out writ of _habeas corpus_ at Nauvoo, 343; -Threats to kidnap, 412; before Municipal Court, 418-425. - -Snow, Eliza R., Poem to Queen Victoria 181-183; Apostrophe of to -Missouri, 192-193. - -Southwick, Dr., report of on mob movement, 507; reports officers' -meetings to the Prophet, 605-606. - -Spencer, Augustine, assaults his brother, 344. - -Stoddard, reproved by Prophet, 229. - -Styles, George P., appointed city attorney, 331-332. - -Stigall, George W., jailor at Carthage, receives Prophet _et al_., 574; -reports intention to attack Nauvoo, 575. - -T - -Taylor, Elder John, on Socialism, 33; purchases printing office, 185; -appointed delegate to Governor at Carthage; 522; account of interview -with Governor Ford, 543-545; remonstrance of to Governor Ford, 571-573; -report of Governor Ford's and president Smith's interview, 579-585, -sings for President Smith, "A Poor, Wayfaring Man," 614-615; wounded in -Carthage prison, 618. - -Temple, plan for women's subscriptions to, 142; meeting in interest of, -236-244. - -{641} Temple, Masonic, dedicated, 287. - -Thieves, _Neighbor's_ editorial on, 38. - -Thomas, Judge Jesse B., holds court at Carthage, 398; courtesy of to -Prophet, 413; advice of to Prophet, _Expositor_ affair, 479. - -V - -Van Buren, President U.S., letter and postscript to, 65. - -W - -Western Movement proposed, exploration for, 222, 224. - -Wells, Daniel H. justice of the peace, issues writ of ejectment -from Temple block, 356-357; trial of Mayor and City Council before, -_Expositor_ affair, 487-491; call of Prophet upon _en route_ for -Carthage, 554. - -Wheelock, warning of to Governor Ford, 607; leaves pistol with the -prisoners in Carthage prison, 607-608. - -Weeks, William, architect of Nauvoo Temple, difference of with Prophet, -196-197. - -Winchester, Benjamin, sent to preach at Warsaw, 190. - -Wilkie, John, blessed by Prophet, 264. - -Wolfe, Mr. De, lectures at Nauvoo, 223. - -Wight, Lyman, asks Prophet's advice on preaching to Indians, 222; -letters of to First Presidency, 255; to President Smith, 257; views of, -considered in council 260-261. - -Woodruff, Wilford, in railway wreck, 32. - -Y - -Young, Brigham, in conference, Boston, 11-30, _et seq_.; address at -April conference, 321; on whole America as Zion, 321; instructions of -to elders, 325. - -Z - -Zion, the whole of America is, 318-321. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6, by Joseph Smith and B. H. Roberts - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 60758 *** |