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_: