Your Memoralists aver that the sheriff had never made any efforts

to serve the writ, and that the said Smith and Wight, so far from

making any resistance, did not know that such a writ had been

issued, until they learned it first by report as above related. In

the meantime the rumor had run over the whole country, that the

"Mormons" were compelling individuals to sign certain instruments

in writing, and that they were resisting the process of the

law. The public mind became much inflamed, and the mob began to

collect from all quarters and in large numbers, with pretensions

of assisting the sheriff to serve the process; and here let it

be observed in passing, that Adam Black had sold the improvement

and pre-emption claim on which he then resided, to the "Mormons,"

received his pay for the same, and that through his instrumentality

the "Mormons" were driven off, and he now retains both their money

and the improvement.

As soon as the above reports reached the ears of the said Smith

and Wight, they determined immediately upon the course they ought

to pursue, which was to submit to the laws. They both surrendered

themselves up to Judge King, underwent a trial, and in the absence

of all sufficient testimony they were discharged. They hoped

that this voluntary submission of theirs to the law, and their

triumphant vindication of the charge, would allay the excitement

of the community. But not so; the long-desired opportunity had

arrived when the oppression and extermination of the "Mormons"

might be made to assume the form of legal proceeding. The mob that

had assembled for the pretended purpose of assisting the officers

in the execution of process, did not disperse upon the acquittal

of Smith and Wight, but continued embodied with the encampments

and forms of a military force, and committing depredations upon

"Mormon" property. The "Mormons" in this extremity {31} called upon

the laws of the land, and the officers of the law, for protection.

After much delay, the militia under Generals Atchison, Doniphan,

and Parks, were sent to their relief. They arrived on the 13th of

September, and encamped between the "Mormons" and the mob.

The above officers made no attempt to disperse the mob, excusing

themselves by saying, "that their own men had sympathies with

the mob." After remaining there for several days, those officers

adopted the following expedient of settling the difficulties--they

mustered the mob, and enrolled them with their own troops, and

then disbanded the whole, with orders to seek their several homes.

The officers went home, excepting Parks, who remained for their

protection, with his men.

The "Mormons" made an agreement with the citizens of Daviess,

to buy out their lands and pre-emption rights, and appointed a

committee to make the purchase, and to go on buying till they had

purchased to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. While

these purchases were going on, the citizens were heard to say, that

as soon as they had sold out to the "Mormons" and received their

pay, they would drive the "Mormons" off, and keep both their lands

and the money.

The mob, when disbanded in Daviess by the generals as aforesaid,

instead of repairing to their homes as commanded, proceeded in

a body to the adjoining county of Carroll, and encamped around

Dewitt, a village built and inhabited by "Mormons;" while thus

encamped around Dewitt, they sent to the county of Jackson, and

procured a cannon. They invested the place so closely, that no

person could leave the town in safety; when they did so, they were

fired upon by the mob. The horses of the "Mormons" were stolen,

and their cattle killed. The citizens of Dewitt, amounting to

about seventy families, were in great extremity, and worn out by

want and sickness. In their extremity they made application to

Governor Boggs for protection and relief; but no protection, no

relief was granted them. When reduced to the last extremity, no

alternative was left them, but to seek protection by flight, and

the abandonment of their homes. Accordingly, on the evening of the

11th of October, 1838, they retreated from Dewitt, and made their

way to the counties of Daviess and Caldwell, leaving many of their

effects in the possession of the mob.

Your Memorialists will not detail the horrors and sufferings of

such a flight, when shared with women and children. They might

detail many. One lady, who had given birth to a child just before

the flight commenced, died on the road and was buried without a

coffin. Many others, sick, worn out, starved, deprived of medical

aid, died upon the road. The remnant of "Mormons" from Dewitt

arrived in Daviess and Caldwell, and found a short relief and

supply of their wants from their friends and brethren there.

{32} After the abandonment of Dewitt, and the flight of the

"Mormons" from Carroll, one Sashiel Woods addressed the mob,

advising them to take their cannon and march to the county of

Daviess, and drive the "Mormons" from that county, and seize upon

their lands and other property, saying that the "Mormons" could

get no benefit of the law, as they had recently seen. They then

commenced their march from Carroll to Daviess, carrying with them

the cannon which they had received from Jackson. On their way they

captured two "Mormons," made them ride on the cannon, and taunted

them as they went along, telling them that they were going to drive

the "Mormons" from Daviess to Caldwell, and from Caldwell to hell;

and that they should find no quarters but at the cannon's mouth.

The mob at this time was reported to number about four hundred

strong.

The "Mormons" in these distresses, in pursuance of the laws of

Missouri, made application to Judge King, the circuit judge of that

circuit, for protection, and for the aid of the officers of the

law to protect them. Judge King, as they have been informed, and

believe, gave an order to Major General David R. Atchison to call

out the militia to protect the "Mormons" against the fury of the

mob. General Atchison thereupon gave orders to Brigadiers Parks

and Doniphan. In pursuance of these orders issued as aforesaid, on

the 18th of October, 1838, General Doniphan arrived at Far West, a

"Mormon" village in the county of Caldwell, with a small company of

militia. After he had been at Far West two days, General Doniphan

disbanded his company, alleging to the "Mormons," as his reason for

so doing, that his company had the same feelings as the mob, and

that he could not rely upon them. In a short time General Parks

arrived at Far West, and also disbanded his company. At this time

the mob was marching from Carroll to Daviess. General Doniphan,

while at Far West, directed the "Mormons" to raise a company to

protect themselves, telling them that one Cornelius Gilliam was

raising a mob to destroy their town, and also advising them to

place out guards to watch the motions of the mob. He also directed

them to raise a company and send them to Daviess, to aid their

brethren there against the mob which was marching down upon them

from Carroll. This the "Mormons" did; they mustered a company of

about sixty men, who proceeded to Diahman. When General Parks

arrived at Far West as aforesaid, and learned that General Doniphan

had disbanded his men he expressed great dissatisfaction. The same

evening on which General Parks disbanded his company as aforesaid,

he proceeded to Diahman, in order to learn what the mob were doing

there, and if possible to protect the "Mormons."

When General Parks had arrived in Daviess, he found that the mob

had commenced its operations there, which was on the 20th of

October, 1838. {33} They commenced by burning the house of a man

[Don Carlos Smith] who had gone to Tennessee on business, and

left his wife at home with two small children. When the house was

burned down, the wife and two small children were left in the snow,

and she had to walk three miles before she could find a shelter,

carrying her two children all that distance, and had to wade Grand

River, which was three feet deep. The mob on the same evening

burned seven other houses, burning and destroying all the property

that they thought proper. The next morning, Colonel Lyman Wight, an

officer in the militia, inquired of General Parks, what was to be

done, as he now saw the course the mob was determined to pursue.

General Parks replied that he (Wight) should take a company of men

and give the mob battle, and that he would be responsible for the

act, saying that they could have no peace with the mob, until they

had given them a scourging.

On the next morning, in obedience to this order, David W. Patten

was despatched with one hundred men under his command to meet the

mob as they were advancing from Carroll, with directions to protect

the citizens, and collect and bring into Far West such of the

"Mormons" as were scattered through the county, and unprotected,

and if the mob interfered, he must fight them. The company under

the command of Patten was the same, in part, that had gone from

Far West by the order of General Doniphan to protect the citizens

of Daviess. As Patten went in the direction of the mob, they fled

before him, leaving their cannon, which Patten took possession of.

The mob dispersed. Patten with his men then returned to Daviess

county. Patten in a few days after returned to Far West. It was

now supposed that the difficulties were at an end. But contrary

to expectation, on the evening of the 23rd of October, messengers

arrived at Far West and informed the citizens that a body of armed

men had made their appearance in the south part of the county, and

that they were burning houses, destroying property, and threatening

the "Mormon" citizens with death, unless they left the county the

next morning by 10 o'clock, or renounced their religion.

About midnight another messenger arrived with news of the like

tenor. Patten collected about sixty men and proceeded to the scene

of the disturbance, to protect if possible the lives and property

of the "Mormon" citizens. On his arrival at the neighborhood where

the first disturbance had commenced, he found that the mob had

gone to another neighborhood to prosecute their acts of plunder

and outrage. He marched a short distance and unexpectedly came

upon the encampment of the mob. The guards of the mob fired upon

him and killed one of his men. Patten then charged the mob, and

after a few fires, the mob dispersed and fled, but Patten was

killed and another of his {34} men. After the fight and dispersion

of the mob, Patten's company returned to Far West. The report of

the proceedings created much excitement. The community was made

to believe that the "Mormons" were in rebellion against the law;

whereas the above facts show they were an injured people, standing

up in the defense of their persons and their property.

At this time the governor of the state issued an order to General

Clark to raise several thousand men and march against the

"Mormons," and drive them from the state, or "exterminate them."

Major-General Lucas and Brigadier-General Wilson collected three or

four thousand men; and with this formidable force, commenced their

march and arrived at Far West. In their rear marched General Clark

with another formidable force.

In the meantime the "Mormons" had not heard of these immense

preparations, and so far from expecting an armed force under the

orders of the state to war against them, were daily expecting a

force from the governor to protect their lives and their property

from the mob.

When this formidable array first made its appearance, intent upon

peace, the "Mormons" sent a white flag several miles to meet them,

to ascertain the reason why an armed force was marching against

them, and what we might expect at their hands. They gave us no

satisfaction, but continued marching towards Far West. Immediately

on their arrival, a man came bearing a white flag from their

camp. He was interrogated about his business; he answered the

interrogations, saying they wanted three persons out of Far West,

before they massacred the rest. Those persons refused to go, and

he returned back to the camp. He was closely followed by General

Doniphan and his whole brigade marching to the city of Far West

in line of battle. The citizens also of Far West formed a line of

battle in full front of Doniphan's army: upon this Doniphan ordered

a halt, and then a retreat. Night closed upon both parties without

any collision.

On the next day, towards evening, the "Mormons" were officially

informed that the governor of the state had sent this immense force

against them to massacre them, or drive them from the state. As

soon as the "Mormons" learned that this order had the sanction of

the governor of the state, they determined to make no resistance;

to submit themselves to the authorities of the state, how

tyrannical and unjust soever the exercise of that authority might

be.

The commanders of the Missouri militia before Far West sent a

messenger into the town, requesting an interview in their camp

with five of the principal citizens among the "Mormons," pledging

their faith for their safe return on the following morning at eight

o'clock. Invited, as they {35} supposed, to propose and receive

terms of peace, and under the pledge of a safe conduct, Lyman

Wight, George W. Robinson, Joseph Smith, Jun., Parley P. Pratt, and

Sidney Rigdon, went towards the camp of the militia. Before they

arrived at the camp, they were surrounded by the whole army; and by

order of General Lucas put under guard, and marched to the camp,

and were told that they were prisoners of war. A court martial was

held that night, and they, without being heard, and in the absence

of all proof, were condemned to be shot next morning.

The execution of this bloody order, was prevented by the manly

protest of General Doniphan. He denounced the act as cold blooded

murder, and withdrew his brigade. This noble stand taken by General

Doniphan, prevented the murder of the prisoners. It is here worthy

of note, that seventeen preachers of the gospel were on this court

martial, and were in favor of the sentence.

The next morning the prisoners were marched under a strong guard

to Independence, in Jackson county, and after being detained there

for a week, they were marched to Richmond, where General Clark then

was with his troops. Here a court of inquiry was held before Judge

King; this continued from the 11th until the 28th of November;

while the five prisoners were kept in chains, and about fifty other

"Mormons," taken at Far West, were penned up in an open, unfinished

court house. In this mock court of inquiry the defendants were

prevented from giving any testimony on their part, by an armed

force at the court house; they were advised by their lawyers not to

bring any [witnesses], as they would be in danger of their lives,

or be driven out of the county; so there was no testimony examined

only against them.

In this inquiry a great many questions were asked relative to

religious opinions. [3] The conclusion of the court of inquiry was

to send the prisoners to jail upon a charge of treason.

They do not deem it necessary to detail their sufferings while in

prison, the horrors of a prison for four long months, in darkness,

in want, alone, and during the cold of winter, can better be

conceived than expressed. In the following April the prisoners were

sent to the county of Daviess for trial: they were then indicted

for treason, and a change of venue was taken to Boone county. The

prisoners were sent to the county of Boone, and while on their way

made their escape, and fled to the state of Illinois.

That they were suffered to escape admits of no doubt. The truth

is, the state of Missouri had become ashamed of their proceedings

against the "Mormons," and as the best means of getting out of the

scrape, gave the prisoners an opportunity to escape. In proof of

this, the prisoners have ever since been living publicly in the

state of Illinois, {36} and the executive of Missouri has made no

demand upon the executive of Illinois. Can it be supposed that

the people of Missouri would thus tamely submit to the commission

of treason by a portion of their citizens, and make no effort

to punish the guilty, when they were thus publicly living in an

adjoining state? Is not this passiveness evidence? They knew the

"Mormons" were innocent, and the citizens of Missouri wrong?

But to return to the operations of General Lucas before Far West:

We need only say that the exterminating order of Governor Boggs was

carried into full effect. After the above-named individuals were

taken prisoners, all the "Mormons" in Far West, about five hundred

in number, surrendered up their arms to the militia without any

resistance. The "Mormons" now fled in every direction--women and

children, through the dead of winter, marked their footsteps with

blood, as they fled from the state of Missouri.

The orders of the governor were, that they should be driven from

the state or destroyed. About fifteen thousand souls, between

the sacking of Far West and spring, abandoned their homes, their

property, their all, hurried by the terrors of their armed

pursuers, in want of every necessary of life, with bleeding hearts

sought refuge in the state of Illinois, where they now reside.

We cannot trespass upon your time by the relation of cases of

individual suffering; they would fill a volume. We forbear for our

regard to humanity, to detail the particulars of the conduct of

the Missouri militia. We could relate instances of house-burnings,

destruction of property, robbings, rapes, and murder, that would

shame humanity. One instance as a sample of many scenes which

they enacted: Two hundred of the militia came suddenly upon some

"Mormon" families emigrating to the state, and then encamped at

Haun's mill in Caldwell county. The "Mormon" men and children took

refuge in an old log house which had been used as a blacksmith's

shop. On seeing the militia approach, the "Mormons" cried for

quarters, but in vain; they were instantly fired upon; eighteen

fell dead; and their murderers, putting the muzzle of their guns

between the logs, fired indiscriminately upon children, upon the

dead and dying. One little boy, whose father (Warren Smith) had

just been shot dead, cried piteously to the militia to spare his

life. The reply was, "Kill him, kill him (with an oath), he is a

son of a damned Mormon." At this they shot his head all open, and

left him dead by the side of his father. About the same time an old

man by the name of McBride, a soldier of the Revolution, came up to

them and begged his life; but they hewed him to pieces with an old

corn cutter. They then loaded themselves with plunder and departed.

Your petitioners have thus given a brief outline of the history

of the {37} "Mormon" persecutions in Missouri--all which they can

prove to be true, if an opportunity be given them. It will be seen

from this their brief statement, that neither the "Mormons" as a

body, nor individuals of that body, have been guilty of any offense

against the laws of Missouri, or of the United States; but their

only offense has been their religious opinion.

The above statement will also show, that the "Mormons" on all

occasions submitted to the law of the land, and yielded to its

authority in every extremity, and at every hazard, at the risk of

life and property. The above statement will illustrate another

truth; that wherever the "Mormons" made any resistance to the mob,

it was in self defense; and for these acts of self defense they

always had the authority and sanction of the officers of the law

for so doing. Yet they, to the number of about fifteen thousand

souls, have been driven from their homes in Missouri. Their

property, to the amount of two millions of dollars, has been taken

from them, or destroyed. Some of them have been murdered, beaten,

bruised, or lamed and have all been driven forth, wandering over

the world without homes, without property.

But the loss of property does not comprise half their sufferings.

They were human beings, possessed of human feelings and human

sympathies. Their agony of soul was the bitterest drop in the cup

of their sorrows.

For these wrongs, the "Mormons" ought to have some redress; yet

how and where shall they seek and obtain it? Your constitution

guarantees to every citizen, even the humblest, the enjoyment of

life, liberty, and property. It promises to all, religious freedom,

the right to all to worship God beneath their own vine and fig

tree, according to the dictates of their conscience. It guarantees

to all the citizens of the several states the right to become

citizens of any one of the states, and to enjoy all the rights and

immunities of the citizens of the state of his adoption. Yet of all

these rights have the "Mormons" been deprived. They have, without

a cause, without a trial, been deprived of life, liberty and

property. They have been persecuted for their religious opinions.

They have been driven from the state of Missouri, at the point of

the bayonet, and prevented from enjoying and exercising the rights

of citizens of the state of Missouri. It is the theory of our laws,

that for the protection of every legal right, there is provided a

legal remedy. What, then, we would respectfully ask, is the remedy

of the "Mormons?" Shall they apply to the legislature of the state

of Missouri for redress? They have done so. They have petitioned,

and these petitions have been treated with silence and contempt.

Shall they apply to the federal courts? They were, at the time of

the injury, citizens of the state of Missouri. Shall they apply

to the court of the state of Missouri? Whom {38} shall they sue?

The order for their destruction, then extermination, was granted

by the executive of the state of Missouri. Is not this a plea of

justification for the loss of individuals, done in pursuance of

that order? If not, before whom shall the "Mormons" institute a

trial? Shall they summon a jury of the individuals who composed the

mob? An appeal to them were in vain. They dare not go to Missouri

to institute a suit; their lives would be in danger.

For ourselves we see no redress, unless it is awarded by the

Congress of the United States. And here we make our appeal as

_American Citizens_, as _Christians_, and as _Men_--believing that

the high sense of justice which exists in your honorable body,

will not allow such oppression to be practiced upon any portion of

the citizens of this vast republic with impunity; but that some

measures which your wisdom may dictate, may be taken, so that the

great body of people who have been thus abused, may have redress

for the wrongs which they have suffered. And to your decision they

look with confidence; hoping it may be such as shall tend to dry up

the tear of the widow and orphan, and again place in situations of

peace, those who have been driven from their homes, and have had to

wade through scenes of sorrow and distress.

And your Memoralists, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

Footnotes:

1. William Law was born September 8th, 1809, and was converted to the

gospel through the preaching of Elder John Taylor and Almon W. Babbitt.

He lived in Canada some twenty-five miles south of Toronto, and was now

leading a company of saints from Canada to Nauvoo.

2. Concerning the antecedent of James Adams nothing can be learned

from our church annals. This is unfortunate, since he was truly a

noble character, and remained until his death (1843) a most faithful

friend of the Prophet's. In a book of Patriarchal blessings, given by

Hyrum Smith, is recorded a blessing upon the head of a James Adams,

who in every way would be such a man as the James Adams mentioned in

the text--I mean as to age, and character indicated in the blessing.

This James Adams of the blessing, and who I am personally convinced was

the Prophet's friend of the text, was the son of Parmenio and Chloe

Adams, born at Limsbury Township, Hartford county, Connecticut, 24th of

January, 1783. He is declared by the Patriarch to be of the tribe of

Judah. The blessing was given the 2nd October, 1841.

3. See Vol. III., page 212.

{39}

CHAPTER III.

The Prophet's Efforts at Washington to Obtain Redress of Grievances for

the Saints--Affidavits on Missouri Affairs.

_Saturday, November 30, 1839_.--Elders Young and George A. Smith went

to Brother Isaac Haight's at Moravia.

_Sunday, December 1, 1839_.--The High Council at Nauvoo met at Oliver

Granger's and voted that Hyrum Smith, George W. Harris, and Oliver

Granger, be a committee to send a petition to the legislature to define

new boundary lines of the city of Nauvoo, and also of Commerce, and

do all other needful acts relative to those cities; that Hyrum Smith

furnish the maps and plats for the alteration, and that Seymour Brunson

circulate the petition for signatures.

Voted that Bishop Edward Partridge publish a piece in the _Times and

Seasons_, informing the brethren in the west, that it is improper to

remove from the west for the purpose of locating in Kirtland, Ohio, and

that those who do thus remove, will be disfellowshiped by the council.

_The Prophet's Letter to Hyrum Smith--Reporting State of Affairs at

Washington_.

Washington City, Corner Missouri And 3rd Sts.

December 5th, 1839.

Dear Brother Hyrum, President, and to the Honorable High Council

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--to whom be

fellowship, love, and the peace of Almighty God extended, and the

prayer of faith forever and ever. Amen.

Your fellow laborers, Joseph Smith, Jun., Elias Higbee, and agents

as well as the servants that are sent by you, to perform one of

the most {40} arduous and responsible duties, and also to labor

in the most honorable cause that ever graced the pages of human

existence, respectfully show by these lines, that we have taken up

our cross thus far, and that we arrived in this city on the morning

of the 28th November, and spent the most of that day in looking up

a boarding house, which we succeeded in finding. We found as cheap

boarding as can be had in this city.

On Friday morning, 29th, we proceeded to the house of the

President. We found a very large and splendid palace, surrounded

with a splendid enclosure, decorated with all the fineries and

elegancies of this world. We went to the door and requested to see

the President, when we were immediately introduced into an upper

apartment, where we met the President, and were introduced into his

parlor, where we presented him with our letters of introduction.

As soon as he had read one of them, he looked upon us with a half

frown, and said, "What can I do? I can do nothing for you! If I do

anything, I shall come in contact with the whole state of Missouri."

But we were not to be intimidated; and demanded a hearing, and

constitutional rights. Before we left him he promised to reconsider

what he had said, and observed that he felt to sympathize with us,

on account of our sufferings.

We have spent the remainder of our time in hunting up the

Representatives in order to get our case brought before the House;

in giving them letters of introduction, etc., and in getting

acquainted. A meeting of the delegation of the state of Illinois

was appointed today, to consult for bringing our case before

Congress. The gentlemen from Illinois are worthy men, and have

treated us with the greatest kindness, and are ready to do all that

is in their power; but you are aware, brethren, that they with us

have all the prejudices, superstition, and bigotry of an ignorant

generation to contend with; nevertheless we believe our case will

be brought before the House, and we will leave the event with God;

He is our Judge, and the Avenger of our wrongs.

For a general thing there is but little solidity and honorable

deportment among those who are sent here to represent the people;

but a great deal of pomposity and show.

We left President Rigdon and others on the road, and received a

letter from them this day. They were, at the date of the letter, on

the 20th of November, near Washington, in Pennsylvania, expecting

to stop a day or two at his brother's on account of his ill health.

He has occasionally a chill yet, but his illness is not dangerous.

We expect him here soon.

We have already commenced forming some very honorable

acquaintances, and have thus far been prospered as much as we had

anticipated, if not more. We have had a pleasing interview with

Judge Young, who {41} proposed to furnish us with expense money.

We can draw on him for funds to publish our book, and we want you

to raise some more money for us, and deposit it in the Branch Bank

in Quincy, to be drawn to the order of Judge Young. Send us the

amount of your deposit, taking a receipt of the same. You need not

be afraid to do this. We think from the proceeds of the sale of

books, we can make it all straight. Do therefore be punctual, as

much depends upon it. We cannot accomplish the things for which

we were sent without some funds. You very well know, brethren, we

were contented to start, trusting in God, with little or nothing.

We have met with but one accident since we started. The lock of

our trunk was broken off, and Brother Lyman Wight's petition is

missing; but we trust there is a copy of it preserved; if there is,

you will please forward it immediately, with the name and affidavit

to it.

For God's sake, brethren, be wide awake, and arm us with all the

power possible, for now is the time or never. We want you should

get all the influential men you can of that section of country, of

Iowa, and of every other quarter, to write letters to the members

of Congress, using their influence in our behalf, and to keep their

minds constantly upon the subject.

Please to forward this to our wives.

Yours in the bonds of the Everlasting Covenant,

Joseph Smith, Jun.,

Elias Higbee.

P. S.--Congress has been in session for four days, and the House

of Representatives is not yet organized, in consequence of some

seats being contested in the New Jersey delegation. They have this

day succeeded in electing John Q. Adams to the chair _pro tem_.;

but whether they will get their Speaker and Clerk chosen is yet

unknown, as there is a great deal of wind blown off on the occasion

on each day. There is such an itching disposition to display their

oratory on the most trivial occasions, and so much etiquette,

bowing and scraping, twisting and turning, to make a display of

their witticism, that it seems to us rather a display of folly and

show, more than substance and gravity, such as becomes a great

nation like ours. (However there are some exceptions).

A warm feeling has been manifested in the discussion of the House

today, and it seems as much confusion as though the nation had

already began to be vexed. We came with one of the Missouri members

from Wheeling to this place, who was drunk but once, and that

however was most of the time; there was but one day but what he

could navigate, and that day he was keeled over, so he could eat no

dinner. The horses ran away with the stage; they ran about three

miles; {42} Brother Joseph climbed out of the stage, got the lines,

and stopped the horses, and also saved the life of a lady and

child. He was highly commended by the whole company for his great

exertions and presence of mind through the whole affair. Elias

Higbee jumped out of the stage at a favorable moment, just before

they stopped, with a view to assist in stopping them, and was but

slightly injured. We were not known to the state company until

after our arrival.

In our interview with the President, he interrogated us wherein

we differed in our religion from the other religions of the day.

Brother Joseph said we differed in mode of baptism, and the gift of

the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We considered that all

other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost,

and we deemed it unnecessary to make many words in preaching the

Gospel to him. Suffice it to say he has got our testimony. We watch

the post office, but have received no letters from our sections of

the country. Write instantly.

Yours with respect,

J. S. Jun.,

E. H.

[Sidenote: Affairs in Iowa.]

_Tuesday, 3_.--High Council of Iowa met at Elijah Fordham's and voted

to come up to the law of tithing, so far as circumstances would permit,

for the benefit of the poor, and that Alanson Ripley remove to Iowa;

and he was ordained Bishop by the Presidency of the Council.

Elder Daniel Avery was instructed to call the Elders together and

organize the Elder's Quorum.

_Saturday, 7_.--The President of the High Council of Iowa proposed the

following questions--Have the brethren a right to exact the payment

of debts which were due them from others, and were consecrated to the

Bishop in the state of Missouri? Six counselors spoke. The President

decided that all such debts ought not to be called for, and that

persons making such demands shall be disfellowshiped by the Church;

which was approved by the Council. Also that all those who sold goods

in Missouri, and were calling for their pay, should be considered as

acting in unrighteousness, and ought to be disfellowshiped; {43} as the

property of the Saints had been confiscated by Missouri.

_Letter of the Prophet and Elias Higbee to the High Council at

Nauvoo--Preliminary Hearing of Grievances_.

Washington City, Corner Of Missouri And 3rd Sts.,

December 7th, 1839.

_To Seymour Brunson and the Honorable High Council of the Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints_:

Your humble servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Elias Higbee, again

address you for the purpose of informing you of our proceedings

here in relation to our business and prospects of success. We deem

it unimportant to say anything in relation to our journey, arrival,

and interview with his Excellency, the President of these United

States; as they were mentioned in a letter lately addressed to

President Hyrum Smith and the High Council. We mentioned in that

letter the appointment of a meeting to be held by the Illinois

delegation, to consult upon the best measures of getting our

business brought before Congress. They met yesterday in one of the

committee rooms of the Capitol. All the delegation were present

except ex-Governor Reynolds--who is now one of the Representatives

in Congress--and on account of whose absence, the meeting was

adjourned until today at eleven o'clock; however the subject was

partially introduced, and Mr. Robinson took a stand against us,

so far as concerned our presenting claims to be liquidated by the

United States.

We took a stand against him, asserting our constitutional rights.

Brother Joseph maintained the ground in argument against him firmly

and respectfully, setting forth the injuries that we have received,

and the appeals that we have made to the judiciary of Missouri,

and also the governor; their refusals from time to time to do

us justice; also the impracticability of doing anything in the

judiciary courts of Missouri--which tribunal Mr. Robinson thought

was the only proper place for our claims; but he finally said it

was his first impression on the subject, not having considered the

matter, but would take it into further consideration.

Judge Young of the Senate made some remarks in our favor, saying

he would get the opinion of some of the prominent members of

the Senate, who were also lawyers, and would report to us the

next meeting. We met this day according to appointment, and very

friendly feelings were manifested on the occasion. Our business was

taken up, and {44} Judge Young stated that he had asked the opinion

of Judge White of Tennessee, of Mr. Wright, and several other

members whose names we do not recollect, but were prominent members

of the Senate. They all declined giving an opinion at present, as

it was a matter that they had not considered sufficiently to decide

upon at this time. The meeting, then, after some deliberations,

decided in our favor, which decision was that a Memorial and

Petition be drawn up in a concise manner, (our Representatives

promising so to do), and Judge Young present them to the Senate,

that they might thereby refer it to the proper committee, with all

the accompanying documents, and order the same to be printed.

We want you to assist us now; and also to forward us your

certificates, that you hold for your lands in Missouri: your claims

to preemption rights, and affidavits to prove that soldiers were

quartered on us and in our houses without our consent, or any

special act of law for that purpose; contrary to the Constitution

of the United States. We think Brother Ripley and others will

recollect the circumstances and facts relative to this matter. You

will also recollect the circumstances of Brother Joseph and others

being refused the privilege of _habeas corpus_ by the authorities

of Missouri.

These facts must be authenticated by affidavits. Let any particular

transaction of the outrages in Missouri that can be sworn to by the

sufferers, or those who were eye-witnesses to the facts, be sent,

specifying the particulars. Have the evidence _bona fide_ to the

point.

The House of Representatives is not organized. Much feeling and

confusion have prevailed in the House for a few days past. The

House succeeded in electing John Q. Adams chairman _pro tem_.

on the 5th instant. They have not yet elected their Speaker or

Clerk. The Senate can do nothing of consequence until the House

is organized; neither can the President's message until then be

received. We design taking a paper and forwarding it to you.

Your brethren in the bonds of the everlasting covenant,

Joseph Smith, Jun.,

Elias Higbee.

[Sidenote: Brigham Young in New York.]

Brother Isaac Haight took Elders Young and George A. Smith to Brother

Joseph Murdock's, Hamilton, Madison county, New York, where Elder Young

preached on Sunday, 8th, and spent the week in preaching, and visiting

the brethren. Elder George A. Smith was confined to his room, sick.

This day, the High Council of Nauvoo issued an Epistle {45} to the

Saints west of Kirtland not to return thither. (See _Times and

Seasons_, page 29). [1]

Elders Hiram Clark, Alexander Wright, and Samuel Mulliner arrived in

Preston from America. Their licenses were mislaid on their journey, and

they had some difficulty in making themselves known.

{46} Some time this month, Brother Hyrum Smith wrote a long Epistle "To

the Saints scattered abroad, Greeting," setting forth his sufferings,

etc., in the State of Missouri, and published the same in the _Times

and Seasons_, on page 20 and onward. [2]

_Sunday, 15_.--President Young preached at Brother Gifford's, in

Waterville.

The High Council at Nauvoo voted that Bishop Knight provide for the

families of Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Orrin Porter

Rockwell, during their absence at Washington.

Elder James Mulholland, my scribe, having died, it was voted that debts

contracted for building his house be settled. Also approved of Brothers

Annis, Bozier, and Edmunds building a water mill adjoining the city.

_Monday 16_.--President Young returned to Hamilton.

_Wednesday, 18_.--Elders Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore Turley

sailed from New York for England.

_Friday, 20_.--President Young went to Eaton, to see his cousins Fitch,

Salmon, and Phinehas Brigham.

{47} For particulars of our proceedings while at Washington, see my

letters and Judge Higbee's to friends at Commerce, or Nauvoo, as the

place is now frequently called.

_Saturday, 21_.--I arrived in Philadelphia, direct from Washington

City, by the railroad, where I spent several days preaching and

visiting from house to house, among the brethren and others.

_Letter of Hyrum Smith to Parley P. Pratt--On Printing the Book of

Mormon in New York_.

Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois,

December 22nd, 1839.

Dear Brother Parley:--In consequence of the absence of my brother

Joseph, your letter has come into my hands, to which I intend to

reply, and give such instructions, and advise you respecting the

matters and things of which you write, as I feel led by the Spirit

of the Lord [to give].

I was truly glad to hear of the prosperity of the churches in and

about the vicinity of New York. Truly these things are pleasing

to the Saints, and I presume to none more so than yourself, who

was the instrument in the hands of God in planting the standard of

truth in those regions, around which so many are now rallying.

You express a desire to have the Book of Mormon, etc., printed

in New York, etc., etc., and have taken some steps towards

accomplishing that object. As respects this matter I would say,

that it is one of great importance, and should be properly

considered. Not only is the city of New York destitute of this

book, but there is truly a famine throughout the Union, and another

large edition is certainly required. But at the same time I cannot

give any encouragement for the publication of the same, other

than at this place, or where it can come out under the immediate

inspection of Joseph and his Counselors, so that no one may be

chargeable with any mistakes that may occur. I want the books we

print here should be a standard to all nations in which they may be

printed, and to all tongues into which the same may be translated.

Again, as this place is appointed a Stake and a place of gathering

for the Saints, I think that every facility should be rendered it,

in order that the Saints may be able to accomplish the great works

which have to be performed in this generation. I should therefore

strongly advise, yea, urge you and all the Elders of Israel, when

they meet with those who have means, and a disposition to forward

this work, to send them to this place, where they may receive

counsel from time to time.

If when Brothers Joseph and Rigdon return, we should deem it

{48} prudent to avail ourselves of the facilities offered in New

York for re-printing the Book of Mormon, it is probable that a

delegation will be sent to accomplish that object. In the meantime

you will be at liberty to go to Europe, for thereunto are you sent.

The above observations will apply to the book of Doctrine and

Covenants, Hymn Book, etc., which publications I long to see

flowing through the land like a stream, imparting knowledge,

intelligence, and joy to all who shall drink at the stream. As to

publishing the Book of Mormon in Europe and other nations, I should

entirely acquiesce to your proposition. I do not know of any more

suitable persons for attending to that business than the Twelve. If

it should be deemed wisdom to have the same published in England

or elsewhere soon, you will be further advised on the subject, and

full powers given you immediately on the return of Joseph, who

is at present in the city of Washington, in company with Elder

Rigdon and Judge Higbee, endeavoring to get the subject of our late

persecutions brought before the councils of the nation.

The families of the Twelve are generally well, but not altogether

so comfortably situated as I could wish, owing to the poverty of

the Church. I think it would be well for those who have means to

spare, to forward the same to their families.

My love to all the brethren. I am your affectionate brother in the

bonds of the covenant,

Hyrum Smith.

Addressed to Elder P. P. Pratt, New York City.

_Monday, 23_.--President Young went to Waterville with Brother Gifford.

About this time Brothers Rockwell and Higbee arrived at Philadelphia

with my carriage from Washington, where they had been some time,

leaving Elder Rigdon there sick, and Dr. Robert E. Foster to take care

of him.

_Wednesday, 25_.--Elders Wright and Mulliner left Preston for Scotland,

and soon commenced preaching and baptising in Paisley and vicinity.

President Young went six miles north of Rome [New York] to see Brother

Blakesly; returned on the 27th to Waterville, and on the 28th went to

Hamilton.

_Saturday, 28_.--Heber John, son of Willard and Jennetta Richards, died

at Preston, England, aged five months and nine days. He had been sick

nine days with the smallpox, and was buried in Elswick Chapel yard.

{49} _Sunday, 29_.--The High Council of Nauvoo voted to print ten

thousand copies of the hymn-books, and an edition of the Book of

Mormon, under the inspection of the First Presidency at Nauvoo, so soon

as means can be obtained.

[Sidenote: The Prophet in New Jersey.]

_Monday, 30_.--About this time I left Philadelphia with Brother Orson

Pratt, and visited a branch of the Church in Monmouth county, New

Jersey, where I spent several days, and returned to Philadelphia.

The High Council of Nauvoo voted that a committee be appointed to

transact the business relating to the request of the brethren at

Washington as follows--Alanson Ripley, in Iowa; Seymour Brunson and

Charles C. Rich, at Quincy; Zenas H. Gurley, at Macomb; and that

President Hyrum Smith, and Bishops Edward Partridge and Vinson Knight

give the committee their instructions.

_Wednesday, January 1, 1840_.--George A. Smith (who had partially

recovered from his illness) and Elder Brigham Young left Hamilton. The

brethren helped them on their way, and gave them considerable clothing.

_Thursday, 2_.--Brother James Gifford brought them to Utica.

As more positive and official testimony was wanted by the authorities

at Washington, many of the brethren made affidavits concerning their

sufferings in, and expulsion from, Missouri, a few of which I will

insert in my history:

_Affidavit of Simeon Carter on his Sufferings in Missouri_.

I, Simeon Carter, certify that I have been a resident of the state

of Missouri for six years and upwards, and that I have suffered

many things by a lawless mob; both myself and my family have been

driven from place to place, and suffered the loss of much property,

and finally were expelled from the state. I further certify, that

I belong to the Church of the Latter-day Saints, commonly called

"Mormons." And I certify that in the year eighteen hundred and

thirty-eight, both I and my people suffered much, by the people of

the state of Missouri. And I further certify, that in this same

year, in the month of November, between the first and sixth, we

were surrounded by a soldiery of the state of {50} Missouri, in the

city of Far West, in Caldwell county, both myself and many of my

"Mormon" brethren, and were compelled by the soldiery--which were

armed with all the implements of war to shed blood--under a public

declaration for our entire extermination, to sign away our all,

our property, personal and real estate, and to leave the state of

Missouri immediately.

I certify that I had at that time one hundred and sixty-two acres

of land, the same which I held the certificate for. I further

certify that I was obliged to give up my duplicates to help me to a

small sum to carry me out of the state. I further certify not.

Simeon Carter.

Territory of Iowa, Lee County.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, a justice of the peace for said

county, this and day of January, 1840.

D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Letter of Hyrum Smith to the Prophet and Judge Higbee_.

Nauvoo. Hancock County, Illinois,

January 3rd, 1840.

_To President Joseph Smith, Jun., and Judge Higbee_:

Dear Brethren:--It is with feelings of no ordinary kind, that I

write you at this time, in answer to the letters with which we were

favored. Your letters were truly interesting, and were read with

great interest by the brethren here, as well as myself.

We were truly glad to hear of your safe arrival in the city of

Washington, your interview with His Excellency the President, and

the steps you have since taken for the furtherance of the object

you have undertaken to accomplish, and for which you have left the

endearments of home, and the society of your friends. The mission

on which you are engaged is certainly an important one, and one

which every Saint of God, as well as everyone whose breast beats

high with those patriotic feelings which purchased our national

freedom, must take a deep interest in. And although there may be

many who do not value your labors--their sectarian prejudices

being greater than their love for truth and the Constitution of

our country; yet there are many who will undoubtedly appreciate

your services, and will feel it a pleasure to assist you all

that they possibly can. Conscious of the righteousness of your

cause--having the prayer of the Saints, (amongst whom are many who

have shared with you the trials, persecutions, and imprisonments

which have been heaped upon the Saints in Missouri), and having

the approval of heaven, I would say, go on, dear brethren, in the

name of the Lord; and while you are pleading the cause of the

widow and the fatherless, may {51} He who has promised to be a

father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow, bless you in

your undertakings, and arm you with sufficient strength for the

herculean task in which you are engaged. Your exertions will be

seconded by the brethren in this region, who are disposed to do all

they possibly can.

I had just got ready to start for Springfield when I received your

letter. I no sooner read it than I abandoned the idea of going

there. I then made exertion to obtain funds for you in this place;

but not being able to get any, and hearing that there were brethren

in Quincy lately from New York, I started off the following day

and succeeded in obtaining from Brother Herringshaw three hundred

dollars, which I deposited with Messrs. Holmes & Co., merchants

in Quincy, subject to the order of Judge Young. The reason why I

deposited it with them was in consequence of the banks not doing

any business and refusing to take deposits, etc. I hope that we

shall be able to raise you some more soon. Brother William Law has

promised to let us have one hundred dollars as soon as he gets a

remittance from the east, which he expects daily.

We have not been able to get much on the city lots since you left;

not more than enough to pay some wages for surveying, and a few

debts. Brother Lyman Wight returned the subscription paper a few

days ago, stating that he had not collected anything since you

left. In consequence of my health, which has been poor, and the

coldness of the weather, I have not been able to attend to it

myself. I hardly think we shall be able to raise the one thousand

dollars for Mr. William White by the time he will expect it. Elder

Granger is yet in Commerce, not being able to move in consequence

of the low stage of water in the Ohio river.

I received a letter lately from Parley P. Pratt, stating that he

was in the City of New York, and had published another edition of

his book, and wanted permission to print an edition of the Book of

Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, with a periodical similar to the

_Times and Seasons_, stating that there were men who had means,

that would assist in these things. He likewise wanted to get the

privilege for the Twelve to print the Book of Mormon in Europe. I

wrote in reply, that if there were any of the brethren disposed

to aid, and had means to spare for such purposes, to send them to

this place, so that not only this place might be benefitted, but

that the books might come out under your immediate inspection. I

am afraid some have been induced to tarry and assist Parley in

these undertakings; and had made arrangements with Elder Granger to

assist in liquidating the New York debts.

I want a letter from you, Brother Joseph, as soon as possible,

giving me all the instructions you think necessary. I feel the

burden in your absence is great. Father expresses a great desire to

go to Kirtland, {52} along with Brother Granger, who has promised

to pay his and mother's expenses; would you think it advisable for

them to go or not?

The High Council met a few days ago, and took your second letter

into consideration, and passed some resolutions on the subject;

appointed committees to get certificates for land, and to get

all other information they could. Some have gone to Quincy, and

others to different places. We shall forward from time to time the

information you desire.

You will receive enclosed in this a number of duplicates for land

from Bishop Partridge and others. The Mississippi is frozen up.

The weather is very cold, and a great quantity of snow is on the

ground, and has been for some time. Your family is in tolerable

good health, excepting one or two having the chills occasionally.

Bishop Knight desires me to inform you, that Brothers Granger and

Haws have driven into Commerce a large number of hogs. They are now

engaged in slaughtering them. I think there will be a good deal of

trade carried on in this line another year.

You may expect to hear from us soon again. I sent you a copy of the

deposit I made in Holmes & Co., which I hope you will receive safe.

I am very affectionately,

Hyrum Smith.

P. S.--We have concluded not to send any duplicates in this letter.

The packages of duplicates will be directed to Judge Higbee,

thinking they will come more safe to his address.

_Friday, 3_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith went from Utica

to Albany, on the railway, and put up at the Railroad House.

_Affidavit of William F. Cahoon--Missouri Wrongs_.

I hereby certify that in the year 1838 I was residing in Daviess

county, Missouri, and while from home I was taken prisoner in Far

West by the militia, and kept under guard for six or eight days, in

which time I was forced to sign a deed of trust, after which I was

permitted to return home to my family in Daviess county, and found

them surrounded by an armed force, with the rest of my neighbors,

who were much frightened. The order from the militia was to leave

the county within ten days, in which time my house was broken open,

and many goods taken out by the militia. We were not permitted to

go from place to place without a pass from the general, and on

leaving the county, I received a pass as follows:

"I permit William F. Cahoon to pass from Daviess to Caldwell

county, {53} and there remain during the winter, and thence to pass

out of the state of Missouri.

"Signed November 10th, 1838.

"Reeves, a Brigadier-General."

During this time both myself and my family suffered much on account

of cold and hunger because we were not permitted to go outside of

the guard to obtain wood and provision; and according to orders of

the militia, in the spring following, I took my family and left the

state with the loss of much property.

William F. Cahoon.

Territory of Iowa, Lee county, subscribed and sworn before

D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Letter of C. Adams to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the

Illinois Legislature_.

Springfield, 4th January, 1840.

Respected Sir.--I had the gratification of the receipt of yours of

the 16th of December, which gave me pleasure to learn that your

prospects were, at that early period, in a measure flattering.

I also saw yours of the 19th December to Mr. Weber. We are now

consulting and feeling the pulsations relative to your case being

brought before the legislature, now in session, by a series

of resolutions, instructing our senators, and requesting our

representatives to urge relief in your case.

What will be done, remains yet uncertain; still it is my strongest

impression, it will be found prudent to get the matter before our

legislature, for their action thereon. I am happy to learn that all

our delegation are friendly to your intended application for relief

in some shape; and it strikes me that the views of the President at

this period may be the best, and perhaps the only way that relief

could at this time be obtained; and in that event, be no injury

to a future application to be restored to all your rights, when

prejudice shall in a measure have subsided and the true state of

the matter be more readily received, even by those whose prejudices

may have closed the avenues to reason and justice in a matter

identified with the odium so commonly attached to the sound of

"Mormons." This odium will naturally wear off when they have time

to learn that "Mormons" are neither anthropophagi or cannibals.

Your friends are generally well.

I am, etc.,

C. Adams.

To Joseph Smith, Jun.

[Sidenote: Law Suits to be Abandoned]

{54} _Saturday, 4_.--The High Council at Montrose voted to utterly discard

the practice of suing brethren at the law, and that such as do it,

shall be disfellowshiped by this branch of the Church; that Abraham O.

Smoot ordain Daniel Avery President of the Elders' Quorum; and that the

sixth instant be devoted to taking affidavits concerning Missouri.

Elder Young found the brethren in Albany; went to Troy, and

Lansingburg, where he heard Elder Phinehas Richards preach.

_Sunday, 5_.--Elder Young preached at Lansingburg, and returned to Troy

and held a meeting with the brethren.

_Monday, 6_.--Elder Young returned to Albany.

_Extract from Elder Orson Pratt's Letter to his wife--Reporting

Movements of the Brethren in the Eastern States_.

January 6th, 1840.

I am well and hearty. After mailing the last letter to you in

Pennsylvania, I went to Philadelphia on Saturday, the 21st of

December; there I found President Joseph Smith, Jun.; he had just

arrived from Washington City, where he had been about three weeks.

Four or five days after, Judge Higbee, with Porter Rockwell, came

to Philadelphia; they are well. I wrote to Parley P. Pratt to

come and see President Smith; he did so, and probably will go to

Washington with him in a few days. I stayed with Brother Smith, in

Philadelphia, about eight days; we then took the railroad and went

some 35 or 40 miles, to a large branch of the Church in Monmouth

county, New Jersey, which numbers ninety members; there I left him

[President Smith] on New Year's day, and came to New York, where I

am at present.

Elder Benjamin Winchester had, when I left Philadelphia, baptized

forty-five in that city, and several more had given in their names

for baptism, and scores believing. I preached in Chester county,

Pennsylvania, about two weeks, and I think I may safely say there

are hundreds believing. The work is prospering throughout all this

region.

Elders Taylor, Woodruff, and Turley sailed for Liverpool, December

18th, while I was in Pennsylvania. None of the rest of the Twelve

have yet arrived. Parley P. Pratt has another book printed, larger

than the Voice of Warning, entitled "The Millennium and other

Poems," and a piece on the "Eternal Duration of Matter." [3]

{55} _Letter from John B. Weber to the Prophet--On Supplementing

the Latter's Effort to Obtain Redreses from Congress_.

Springfield, January 6, 1840.

Gentlemen:--Your letter of the 19th ult. came to hand ten days

after date, immediately after which I called upon many of the

prominent members of the Democratic party, with a view to unite

them in their influence in your behalf; all of whom expressed a

willingness to aid in bringing about justice. But I regret to

inform you that but few have exhibited that energy in the matter

which might reasonably be expected from all lovers of liberty and

advocates of equal rights.

Your energetic friends were first of the opinion that an

effort ought to be made by our legislature to memorialize our

representatives in {56} Congress, to use all honorable means to

accomplish your desires; but after holding a consultation it was

believed that such a course would create a party strife here, and

consequently operate against you in Congress. Therefore it was

agreed that as many as had friends in Congress should write to them

immediately, desiring their aid in your behalf.

If convenient you will please write again. Any information

respecting your mission will be thankfully received, and made known

to your people here.

Very respectfully yours,

John B. Weber.

To the Rev. Joseph Smith and his Associates.

_Affidavit of John M. Burk--Missouri Outrages_.

I hereby certify that General John Clark and his Aid, on their

arrival at Far West in Caldwell county, Missouri, came to my tavern

stand, and without my leave, pitched their marquees in my yard and

did take my wood and hay to furnish the same, and did bring their

horses in also, and without my leave, took hay for them, and did

take possession of my house, and used it for a council house, and

did place a strong guard around it, so as to hinder any person from

going in or out, and I myself was not permitted to go in and out;

for all this I have received no remuneration, and was not even

permitted to pass out of town to water travelers' horses without a

permit. The above took place in the first part of November, 1838.

I also certify that Caleb Baldwin, Lyman Wight, Hyrum Smith, Joseph

Smith, Jun., and Mr. Alexander McRae, in Clay county, Missouri, did

apply for a writ of _habeas corpus_ and did not get it.

John M. Burk.

Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of John Lowry--Ditto_.

I certify that I saw General John Clark and his Aid, on their

arrival at Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri, in the yard of John

M. Burk, and gave orders to their waiters to pitch their marquees

in his yard, and to take of his wood for fire.

I also saw Captain Samuel Bogart, with his men, come near my

dwelling, and did pitch their camp, and took my house logs without

my leave, and did burn them. I also saw him with the horse of

Joseph Smith, Jun., in his possession.

John Lowry.

Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of Jedediah Owen--Ditto_.

To whom it may concern--This is to certify, that on the day

following {57} on which the troops arrived at Far West, that two

men of said troops came to my house, broke open my trunk, and took

therefrom both money and clothing, and also a number of papers,

among which were deeds and notes, and also a number of cooking

utensils, and in consequence of the cruel and inhuman treatment

which I and others have received from those troops, we are reduced

to a state of almost absolute starvation; and Daniel Avery and

myself were appointed as a committee to go out and beg corn and

meal, or anything we might obtain, that would render assistance or

relieve us in our suffering condition.

Jedediah Owen.

Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of T. Alvord--Ditto_.

I removed my family from the state of Michigan to Clay county,

Missouri, in the year 1835, where I lived in peace with the people,

on my own land, eighteen months or more, when the people began to

be excited in consequence of the emigration of our people to that

county. The excitement became so great that I was obliged to sell

my place at half price, and removed to the county of Caldwell,

where I purchased me a farm, and settled my family, and made a good

improvement, and was in a good situation to support my family,

and there lived in peace with the people until the summer and

fall of 1838, when the mob began to rise, and we were obliged to

fly to arms in self defense; but notwithstanding our exertion,

they murdered and massacred many of our people. We applied to the

governor for assistance, and his reply to us was, "If you have got

into a scrape with the mob, you must fight it out yourselves, for

I cannot help you." The mob still increased, until I was obliged

to remove my family to Far West, and there remained, surrounded

with mobs of murderers, until General Clark arrived with his army,

with the governor's exterminating order. Then we were all taken

prisoners; our arms taken away; they then treated with all the

cruelty they were masters of, and took possession of whatever they

pleased, burnt timber, and laid waste town and country.

I heard General Clark say that he would execute the Governor's

order; "but [said he] notwithstanding, I will vary so much as to

give some lenity for the removal of this people, and you must leave

the state immediately, for you need not expect to raise another

crop here." Those who were not taken to prison, were permitted to

return to their homes to make preparations to leave the state.

Finding I had no safety for myself and family in Missouri, I fled

to Illinois for safety.

T. Alvord.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

{58} _Tuesday, January 7_.--Elder Young took stage for Richmond,

Massachusetts.

_Affidavit of William Hawk--Missouri Affairs_.

Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840.

I hereby certify, that some time in the month of October, 1838, an

armed force collected in the county of Carroll, near De Witt, and

in open daylight, drove a man by the name of Humphrey out of his

house, and set fire to it, and burnt it to ashes, and then sent

an express ordering all the "Mormons" to leave the place as soon

as the next day. The next day they sent another express ordering

them to leave in six hours, or they would be massacred upon the

ground. They also fired their guns at different persons traveling

the road near the town. The "Mormons" were at length compelled to

leave their possessions, and all removed to Caldwell, consisting of

seventy and perhaps one hundred families, many of whom were in want

of the sustenance of life, sick, and some died upon the way.

About two weeks after this, another armed force invaded Far West,

took my gun, and compelled me to sign away my property, both real

and personal, and leave the state forthwith.

William Hawk.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn. J. P.

_Affidavit of Timothy B. Clark--Ditto_.

Montrose, Lee County, Iowa Territory, January 7, 1840.

This is to certify that I was at work on my farm on the last of

October, 1838, when an armed company under General Lucas, came and

took myself and my three sons prisoners, and threw down my fences,

and opened my gates, and left them open, and left my crops to be

destroyed, and while I was a prisoner, they declared that they had

made clean work in destroying the crops as they passed through the

country, and they took from me two yoke of oxen, and three horses

and two wagons, and compelled me and my sons to drive them loaded

with produce of my own farm, to supply their army.

I had in possession at the time, four hundred and eighty acres of

land, and rising of a hundred acres improved, with a small orchard

and nursery, the necessary buildings of a farm, etc.; and in

consequence of my imprisonment my fences remained down, and most of

my crops were destroyed; and further this deponent saith not.

Timothy B. Clark.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of Urban V. Stewart--Ditto_.

Montrose, Lee County, Iowa Territory, January 7, 1840.

This is to certify that about the middle of October, I was driven,

by {59} the threats of the Daviess county armed force, to leave my

possessions, consisting of preemption right to a quarter section

of land with thirty acres under improvement, and a good house. I

went to Di-Ahman and remained until about the 1st of November, when

I was driven from there by an armed force under General Wilson. I

then went to Far West. While at Ondi-Ahman the armed force took

from me one cow and calf, and a yoke of oxen, one horse and five

sheep; they also took from me fifteen hogs. While at Far West, they

took two cows belonging to me, and I saw the soldiery killing the

live stock of the inhabitants without leave or remuneration, and

burning building timbers, fences, etc.

Urban V. Stewart.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto_.

Lee County, Iowa Territory.

This day personally appeared before me, D. W. Kilbourn, an

acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John Smith,

and after having been duly sworn, desposeth and saith, "That in

the months of October and November, 1838, I resided in the town

of Adam-ondi-Ahman. Daviess county, Missouri, and whilst being

peaceably engaged in the ordinary vocations of life, that in the

early part of November my house was entered by a body of armed

men painted after the manner or customs of the Indians of North

America, and proceeded to search my house for fire arms, stating

that they understood the Mormons knew how to hide their guns, and

in their search of a bed in which lay an aged, sick female, they

threw [her] to and fro in a very rough manner, without regard to

humanity or decency. Finding no arms, they went off without further

violence.

"Shortly after this above described outrage, there was a number

of armed men, say about twenty, rode into my yard and inquired

for horses which they said they had lost, and stated, under

confirmation of an oath, that they would have the heads of twenty

'Mormons,' if they did not find their horses. These last were

painted in like manner as the first. These transactions took place

when the citizens of the village and its vicinity were engaged in a

peaceable manner in the ordinary pursuits of life."

This deponent further saith, "That the mob took possession of a

store of dry goods belonging to the Church of Latter-day Saints,

over which they placed a guard. I went into the store to get some

articles to distribute to the suffering poor, and the officer

who had the charge of the store ordered me out peremptorily,

stating it was too cold to wait on me, that I must come the next

morning; and returning the next morning, I found the store almost

entirely stripped of its contents. {60} Thereupon we as a Church

were ordered to depart the county and state, under the pains and

penalty of death or a total extermination of our society. Having no

alternative, (having my wagon stolen), I was compelled to abandon

my property, except a few movables which I got off with in the best

way that I could, and on receiving a permit or pass which is hereto

appended. I then proceeded to depart the state.

"'I permit John Smith to remove from Daviess to Caldwell county,

there remain during the winter, or remove out of the state

unmolested.

"'Daviess county, November 9th, 1838.

"R. Wilson, Brigadier-General. By F. G. Cochnu.'

"I accordingly left the state in the month of February following in

a destitute condition."

John Smith.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of Samuel Smith--Ditto_.

Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840.

I do hereby certify, that I, Samuel Smith, made an improvement

and obtained a preemption right upon one hundred and sixty acres

of land in Daviess county, Missouri, in 1837. On the first of

November, 1838, I was compelled to leave the county, by order of

General Wilson, in ten days. They took without my consent, two

horses, which have never been returned, nor remunerated for; also

destroyed my crop of corn, drove off four head of cattle.

Samuel Smith.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Affidavit of Daniel Avery--Ditto_.

Lee County, Iowa Territory, March 5th, 1840. [4]

I, Daniel Avery, do hereby certify that the following

scenes transpired in the state of Missouri to my personal

knowledge--First, in the year 1838, some time in the fall, I was

called on by the martial law of the state of Missouri, to aid and

assist to rescue women and children from the hands of a mob, from

the waters of Grand river, whose husbands and fathers had been

driven off. We found the house invested by the mob, some of whom

were in the house threatening the lives of the women and children,

if they did not leave their property and effects immediately and

follow their husbands and fathers. One family lost a {61} child

while in this situation, for the want of care; the women being

compelled, by these monsters, to provide and cook them food. This

company of the mob was commanded by James Weldin.

I also saw about seventy families driven from De Witt by a mob

commanded by Sashiel Wood. I helped to bury one woman the first

night, who had been confined in childbed a night or two before, and

could not endure the sufferings.

The next scene I saw I was peaceably traveling the road; a man by

the name of Patrick O'Banion was shot dead at my feet. We advanced

a little further, when two men were killed and several wounded.

I afterwards learned that this gang of mobbers was commanded by

Samuel Bogart.

In consequence of being pursued out of the state, by this lawless

mob, I was not an eye witness to the many thousand wicked acts

committed by the Governor's exterminating militia.

Daniel Avery.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

_Wednesday, March 11_.

_Affidavit of James Powell--Ditto_.

Illinois, Adams County, March 11, 1840.

I, James Powell, do certify, that I was a citizen of the state of

Missouri in 1838. I solemnly declare that while I was peaceably

traveling to one of my nearest neighbors, I was assaulted by a

company of men, to the number of five--Autherston Wrathey, John

Gardner, Philomen Ellis, Jesse Clark, and Ariel Sanders. First they

threw a stone and hit me between the shoulders, which very much

disabled me; they then shot at me, but did not hit me. One of them

then struck me with his gun, and broke my skull about six inches--a

part of my brain ran out. I have had fourteen pieces of bone taken

out of my skull. My system is so reduced that I have not done a

day's work since.

I know no reason why they should have done [this act], as I did not

belong to the Mormon Church, neither had I ever heard one preach.

In this situation I was forced to leave the state forthwith. I was

carried three days without having my head dressed. When I arrived

at Huntsville, Doctor Head offered me assistance. I refer to him

for further testimony.

James Powell.

Attest, John Smith.

We certify that the foregoing affidavit of James Powell's is true

and correct, as we stood by and saw it with our eyes. We also heard

them {62} say they would kill the Mormons, if they did not clear

out. We carried the wounded man in our wagon, till he was out of

reach of the mob.

Peter Wimmer,

Susan Wimmer,

Ellen Wimmer.

Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P.

_Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto_.

Illinois, Columbus, Adams County, March 11, 1840.

I, John Smith, certify that I was a resident in the state

of Missouri in 1838, when I was driven from my house, and a

pre-emption right, and forbid to stay in the state, [the mob]

threatening me if I did not go forthwith. I took my family and

pursued my journey one hundred miles. In consequence of cold, snow,

water and ice at the inclement season in which I was driven, I fell

sick, and for four weeks I was unable to travel; during which time

I was threatened daily; yet I was so sick it was considered by many

that I could not live, and was compelled to start when I was not

able to sit up through the day. I landed in Illinois; the long and

fatiguing journey, lying out in the cold, open air, proved too much

for my companion; it threw her into a violent fever, with which she

died. Many others in the company took sick and died with the same

hard fare.

John Smith.

Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P.

_Affidavit of Smith Humphrey--Ditto_.

Illinois, Adams County, March 16, 1840.

I, Smith Humphrey, certify that I was a citizen of Missouri in

eighteen hundred and thirty-eight; and some time in the month of

October, of the same year, I was fallen upon by a mob commanded by

Hyrum Standley. He took my goods out of my house; and said Standley

set fire to my house, and burnt it before my eyes, and ordered me

to leave the place forthwith. I removed from De Witt to Caldwell

county, where I was again assailed by Governor Bogg's exterminating

militia. They took me prisoner, and robbed my wagon of four hundred

dollars in cash, and one thousand dollars' worth of goods, and

drove me out of the state.

Smith Humphrey.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court.

_Affidavit of Henry Root--Ditto_.

Quincy, Illinois, 16th March, 1840.

This is to certify that I, Henry Root, am, and was a citizen

of {63} De Witt, Carroll county, Missouri, at the time of the

persecutions (known by the name of the "Mormon War") commenced and

terminated between the citizens of said state of Missouri and the

Mormons; that in the fall of 1838, in the month of September, a mob

(under no regular authority) headed by William W. Austin, Sen.,

consisting of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men, came

into De Witt and ordered the Mormons to leave that place within

ten days from that time; that if they did not leave, they would be

driven from there by force.

The Mormons did not leave; the appointed time came, and the mob

came, armed and equipped for war. The Mormon citizens petitioned

to the governor of the state, but no relief came. They sent to the

general of the brigade [in that locality], who ordered the militia

to repair to De Witt to disperse the mob. On the arrival of the

militia, Brigadier-General Parks told me the Mormons had better

leave their property and go off, as his men were prejudiced against

them, and he could do them no good, nor relieve them. With that the

Mormons left.

Henry Root.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams county,

Illinois.

_Affidavit of Joseph Clark--Ditto_.

Quincy, Illinois, March 16, 1840.

I, Joseph Clark, certify that I was a citizen of the state of

Missouri in 1838; and when peaceably traveling the highway, I was

shot at twice by Governor Boggs' exterminating militia, commanded

by Major-General John B. Clark.

Joseph Clark.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams County

Illinois.

_Affidavit of Thomas D. Casper--Ditto_.

Quincy, Illinois, March 16th, 1840.

This is to certify that I, Thomas D. Casper, was a resident of

the state of Missouri in the year 1838. I was not a member of the

Church of Mormons or Latter-day Saints; but witnessed the following

acts of distress: As I was on business, I inquired for Perry

Moppin, and learned that he, with Samuel Snowden, Esq., had gone

after Mr. Wilson, a Mormon, and had threatened and sworn to take

his life if he did not tell his name; and they swore they had the

tool to take his life if he had not told them his name.

Further they agreed that the Mormons should leave the country of

Missouri except they would deny the faith, or their religion. And

I {64} heard Anthony McCustian say that he would head a mob in any

case, to prevent the lawyers from attending to any case of their

(the Mormons') grievances; and he was a postmaster. And I saw two

men that said they had been at Haun's mill at the murder; and one

by the name of White, and the other Moppin stated that he had slain

three Mormons. And I, Thomas D. Casper, witnessed other things too

tedious to mention; and solemnly swear, before God and men, that

what is here written is a true statement of facts relative to the

suffering of the Mormons in the state of Missouri.

Thomas D. Casper.

_Affidavit of Jesse W. Johnston--Ditto_.

Quincy, Illinois, March 16, 1840.

I, Jesse W. Johnston, certify that the following circumstances took

place in the State of Missouri, while I was a resident of that

state, viz.: I was taken prisoner by Governor Boggs' exterminating

militia. I saw one man killed belonging to the Mormon Church, and

was forced by them to take corn out of the fields of the Mormon

Church without leave. This was in the fall of 1838.

Jesse W. Johnston.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Adams

County, Illinois.

_Affidavit of Owen Cole--Ditto_.

Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840.

This is to certify that I, Owen Cole, was a resident of Caldwell

county, state of Missouri, and while residing at my dwelling house,

the militia under Governor Boggs, and by his orders, plundered my

house, and shot me through my thigh. My damage sustained by the

militia, by being driven from the state, besides my wound, was five

hundred dollars. The militia men were quartered on the lands of the

people called Mormons, contrary to the laws and Constitution of the

state. I hereby certify this to be a true statement.

Owen Cole.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court.

_Affidavit of Ezekiel Maginn--Ditto_.

Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840.

I, Ezekiel Maginn, certify that I was a citizen of the state of

Missouri in the year 1838, and was an eye witness to the following

facts--First, I saw the militia, called for by Governor Boggs'

exterminating order, enter the house of Lyman Wight, and take from

it a bed and bedding, {65} pillows, and dishes, personally known to

me to be his property.

Ezekiel Maginn.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court, Adams County.

_Affidavit of Addison Green--Ditto_.

Quincy, March 17, 1840.

I, Addison Green, do certify that in the month of October, one

thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, when I was peaceably

walking the highroad in Ray county, state of Missouri, I was

molested and taken prisoner by ten armed men, who took from me

one double-barrel fowling piece and equipage, threatening to blow

out my brains and swore that if I was a Mormon they would hang me

without further ceremony. They had previously been to my lodging

and taken my horse, saddle, and bridle. All was then taken into the

woods about one mile to Bogart's camp.

I was kept a prisoner until the next morning, when I was let go;

but have not obtained any part of my property, which was worth

about one hundred and fifty dollars.

A. Green.

Sworn to before John H. Holton, notary public.

_Affidavit of John P. Greene--Ditto_.

I, John P. Greene, was in company with several of my neighbors

walking the road in peace, when one of our company, a young man, by

name of O'Banion, was shot down at my side, being shot by a company

of mobbers; and soon after this we were fired upon again, and two

more were killed and several others wounded. This was about the

25th day of October, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight,

in the state of Missouri, and I do hereby certify the above to be

true according to the best of my knowledge.

John P. Greene

Sworn to before John H. Holton, notary public.

_Affidavit of Asahel A. Lathrop--Ditto_.

This is to certify that I, Asahel A. Lathrop, was a citizen of the

state of Missouri, at the time the difficulty originated between

the people called Mormons and the [other] inhabitants of the

aforesaid state, and herein give a statement of the transactions

that came under my observation, according to the best of my

recollection.

I settled in Missouri in the summer of 1838, in Caldwell county,

where I purchased land and erected buildings. The said land I now

have a deed of; and in the fall I purchased a claim on what is

called the East Fork of Grand River, together with a large stock of

cattle and {66} horses, sheep and hogs; it being some sixty miles

from the aforesaid county where I first located; and moved on to

the latter place, supposing that I was at peace with all men; but

I found by sad experience that I was surrounded by enemies; for in

the fall of 1838, whilst at home with my family, I was notified by

a man by the name of James Welden, that the people of Livingston

county, had met at the house of one Doctor William P. Thompson,

then living in the attached part of said county, for the purpose of

entering into measures respecting the people called Mormons; and

the same Welden was a member of the same, and also the aforesaid

William P. Thompson was a justice of the peace; and they all

jointly agreed to drive every Mormon from the state; and notified

me that I must leave immediately, or I would be in danger of losing

my life.

All this time some of my family were sick; but after listening to

the entreaties of my wife to flee for safety, I committed them into

the hands of God and left them, it being on Monday morning; and in

a short time after I left, there came some ten or fifteen men to my

house, and took possession of the same, and compelled my wife to

cook for them, and also made free to take such things as they saw

fit; and whilst in this situation, my child died, which I have no

reason to doubt was for the want of care; which, owing to the abuse

she received, and being deprived of rendering that care she would,

had she been otherwise situated. My boy was buried by the mob, my

wife not being able to pay the last respects to her child.

I went from my home into Daviess county and applied to Austin A.

King and General Atchison for advice, as they were acting officers

in the state of Missouri. There were men called out to go and

liberate my family, which I had been absent from some ten or

fifteen days; and on my return I found the remainder of my family

confined to their beds, not being able the one to assist the other,

and my house guarded by an armed force.

I was compelled to remove my family in this situation, on a bed to

a place of safety. This, together with all the trouble, and for

the want of care, was the cause of the death of the residue of

my family, as I have no doubt; which consisted of a wife and two

more children; as they died a few days after their arrival at my

friend's. Such was my situation, that I was obliged to assist in

making their coffins.

I will give the names of some of the men that have driven me from

my house and abused my family; those that I found at my house on

my return were Samuel Law, Calvin Hatfield, Stanley Hatfield, Andy

Hatfield; and those that were leading men were James Welden, Doctor

William P. Thompson, a justice of the peace, and William Cochran,

and many others, the names I do not recollect.

{67} I have also seen men abused in various ways; and that whilst

they were considered prisoners; such as the mob cocking their

guns and swearing that they would shoot, with their guns to their

face, and the officers of the militia, so called, standing by

without uttering a word; and in these councils they have said if a

Missourian should kill a Mormon he should draw a pension, same as a

soldier of the Revolution.

I was also compelled to give up my gun, and the terms were, I was

to leave the aforesaid state of Missouri, or be exterminated. My

property is yet remaining in said state, whilst I am deprived of

the control of the same.

Written this 17th day of March, 1840.

Asahel A. Lathrop.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilburn, J. P., Lee county, Iowa Territory.

_Affidavit of Burr Riggs_.

I, Burr Riggs, of the town of Quincy, and state of Illinois, do

hereby certify that in the year 1836, when moving to the state of

Missouri, with my family and others, we were met in Ray county, in

said state, by a mob of one hundred and fourteen armed men, who

commanded us not to proceed any further, but to return, or they

would take our lives; and the leader stepped forward at the same

time, and cocked his piece. We turned round with our team; and the

mob followed us about six miles and left us.

Some time after this I moved to Caldwell county, in said state, and

purchased about two hundred acres of land, and a village lot, on

which I erected a dwelling house, staked, and commenced improving

my land, and had, at the time I was driven away, about forty acres

of corn, vegetables, etc.; and in the year 1838, in the month

of November, was compelled to leave my house and possessions in

consequence of Governor Boggs' exterminating order, without means

sufficient to bear my expense out of the state.

Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, 17th March, 1840.

Burr Riggs.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Adams

county, Illinois.

_Affidavit of Simons P. Curtis_.

I, Simons P. Curtis, a resident of Quincy, Adams county, Illinois,

certify that in the year 1838, I was a citizen of Caldwell county,

Missouri, residing in the city of Far West. Also that I went in

search of {68} a lost steer; and passing by Captain Bogart's camp,

while he was guarding the city, I saw the hide and feet of said

steer, which I knew to be mine; the flesh of which I suppose they

applied to their own use.

I also certify that Wiley E. Williams, one of the Governor's aids,

who was gunkeeper, caused me to pay thirty-seven and a half cents

to him. I also paid twenty-five cents to a justice of the peace

to qualify me to testify that the gun was mine. The said Wiley E.

Williams is said to be the one that carried the story to Governor

Boggs, which story was the cause of the exterminating order being

issued, as stated by the Governor in said order.

Simons P. Curtis.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court, Adams County,

Illinois.

_Affidavit of Elisha H. Groves_.

I, Elisha H. Groves, of the town of Quincy, and state of Illinois,

upon oath say, that I was a resident of Daviess county, in the

state of Missouri, and that on the 16th day of November, in the

year of our Lord, 1838, Judge Vinson Smith and others came to my

house and ordered myself and family, Levi Taylor, David Osborn and

others, to leave our possessions which we had bought of Government

and paid our money for the same, saying we must within three days

leave the county or they would take our lives, for there was no law

to save us after that time. In consequence of those proceedings,

together with Governor Boggs' exterminating order, we were

compelled to leave the state of Missouri. Furthermore this deponent

saith not.

Given under my hand at Quincy, the 17th day of March, A. D. 1840.

Elisha H. Groves.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court.

_Affidavit of Jacob Foutz_.

Quincy, Illinois, March 17, A. D. 1840.

This is to certify that I was a citizen, resident of Caldwell

county, Missouri, at the time Governor Boggs' exterminating order

was issued; and that I was quartered on by the mob militia, without

my leave or consent at different times, and at one time by William

Mann, Hiram Cumstock, and brother, who professed to be the captain;

also Robert White; and that I was at the murder at Haun's mill,

and was wounded; and that I was driven from the state, to my

inconvenience, and {69} deprived of my freedom, as well as to my

loss of at least four hundred dollars.

Jacob Foutz.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court.

_Affidavit of Frederick G. Williams_.

I do certify that I was a resident of Caldwell county, in the

State of Missouri, in the year of our Lord 1838, and owned land

to a considerable amount, building lots, etc., in the village of

Far West; and in consequence of mobocracy, together with Governor

Boggs' exterminating order, was compelled to leave the state under

great sacrifice of real and personal property, which has reduced

and left myself and family in a state of poverty, with a delicate

state of health, in an advanced stage of life. Furthermore this

deponent saith not.

Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840.

Frederick G. Williams.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Adams county, Illinois.

_Statement of James Sloan_.

James Sloan made affidavit at Quincy, that the officers of the

militia under the exterminating order of Governor Boggs in Missouri

in 1838, took possession, carried off and destroyed a store of

goods, of several hundred dollars' value, belonging to the people

called "Mormons," in Daviess county; that his life was threatened,

his property taken, and he was obliged to flee the state with his

family, greatly to his disadvantage.

_Affidavit of David Shumaker_.

Quincy, Illinois, Adams County, March 18, 1840.

I, Jacob Shumaker, do certify that I went back to the state of

Missouri about the first of October last, with the calculation to

live with my family, but finding it impossible, as the mob, say to

the amount of twenty or thirty of them, surrounded my house, and

whilst they were quarreling about me, what they should do, and in

what way they should dispose of me, I crept out of the back window

and made my escape; and leaving my family to their most scandalous

abuses; my wife and oldest daughter barely escaping from their

unholy designs.

I was thus a second time obliged to leave the state, or remain

at the risk of my life. The former alternative I chose. My loss

sustained by the above-mentioned abuses was not less than three

hundred dollars. A lot of land containing forty acres, for which

I paid four dollars per acre, situated in Caldwell county, was

unjustly and unlawfully taken {70} from me, and is still retained

by some person or persons to me unknown. I hereby certify that the

above is a true statement.

Jacob Shumaker.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods.

_Affidavit of Levi Richards_.

I, Levi Richards, a resident of Quincy, Adams county Illinois,

practitioner of medicine, certify that in the year one thousand

eight hundred and thirty-eight, I was a citizen of Far West,

Caldwell county, Missouri, and that in the fall of said year, I

saw the city invaded by a numerous armed soldiery, who compelled

its inhabitants to surrender, give up their firearms, and submit

to their dictation. They then set a strong guard around the city,

thereby preventing egress or ingress, without special permission.

Then they collected the citizens together upon the public square,

formed around them a strong guard of soldiers, and then at the

mouths of their rifles, compelled them to sign what was termed a

deed of trust, thereby depriving them of all their property and

civil rights.

This occupied several days of most inclement weather, when they

were brought to the same order by General Clark, and I judge some

forty or fifty were made special prisoners by him. At this time he

delivered his speech to the "Mormons," which has been published,

and which is substantially correct. I was compelled by a company

of men armed with rifles, to leave my house, and go to captain

Bogart's camp, (he commanded, as I understood, a part of the guard

which surrounded the city,) upon an indirect charge or insinuation;

was detained a prisoner two days, examined, and liberated. I

then asked the clerk of the company, who had been my keeper, the

following questions, which he readily answered:

Were those men who massacred the "Mormons" at Haun's mill, out

under the Governor's order, or were they mobbers?

A. Mobbers.

Are Captain Cornelius Gilliam and his company out by legal

authority, or are they mobbers?

A. Mobbers.

Where are those mobbers now?

A. They have joined the army.

This company [Gilliam's] at the surrender of Far West were painted

like Indians. The army wore a badge of red (blood). I saw a large

amount of lumber and timber destroyed, and used for fuel by the

soldiers. The destruction of cattle, hogs, etc., seemed to be their

sport, as their camp and the fields testified when they withdrew.

An excellent gun was taken from me, which I have never seen or

heard of since. A {71} gun that was left in my care was taken at

the same time, which I afterwards found with Wiley E. Williams of

Richmond, (reputed one of the Governor's aids,) to obtain which

I had to prove property, affirm before a magistrate and pay said

Williams fifty cents.

I was called to extract lead, dress the wounds, etc., for several

persons (Saints) who were shot in the above siege, two of whom

died. Immediately previous to the above transactions, and for a

long time before, the citizens of Caldwell, and particularly Far

West, were called upon to watch for mobs by day and guard against

them by night, till it became a burden almost intolerable.

Levi Richards.

Sworn to before C. M. Woods. Clerk Circuit Court, Adams county,

Illinois

_Affidavit of Gibson Gates_.

I, Gibson Gates, do hereby certify that I was residing in Jackson

county, Missouri, in the fall of the year, 1833, and had been

for the space of about one year. I was at a meeting one day for

worship, when a man by the name of Masters came to us, stating that

he was sent by the mob to inform us that if we would forsake our

religion, they were willing to be our brethren and fight for us;

"but if not," said he, "our young men are ready, and we can scarce

constrain them from falling upon you and cutting you to pieces."

Soon after this there came a large company of men, armed, to my

place, and with much threatening and profane words, ordered me to

be gone by the next day, or they would kill me and my family; in

consequence of which threatening, we quit our house in the month

of November, leaving most of our effects; suffering very much with

cold, fatigue and hunger, we took [set out] on the prairie, and

went southward twenty miles or more, where we stayed a few weeks.

But still being threatened by the mob, we removed to Clay county,

where we lived in peace until the fall of 1838, when a mob arose

against the people of the Church of Latter-day Saints, when we were

again obliged to leave our home, and seek safety in another place

for a few weeks. When we returned our house had been broken open,

and the lock of a trunk broken open, and the most valuable contents

thereof taken away; the most of our bedding and furniture was

either stolen or destroyed; and we were then ordered to leave the

state.

Gibson Gates.

Sworn to before David W. Kilbourn, J P.

_Affidavit of David Pettigrew_.

This is to certify, that I, David Pettigrew, was a citizen of

Jackson county, Missouri, and owned a good farm, lying on the Blue

river, six miles west of Independence, and lived in peace with the

inhabitants until the summer and fall of 1833, when the inhabitants

began to {72} threaten us with destruction. I was at work in my

field, and a man by the name of Allen, and others with him, came

along and cried out, "Mr. Pettigrew, you are at work as though

you were determined to stay here, but we are determined that you

shall leave the county immediately." I replied that I was a free

born citizen of the United States, and had done harm to no man.

"I therefore claim protection by the law of the land," and that

the law and the Constitution of the land would not suffer them to

commit so horrid a crime. They then replied that "the old law and

Constitution is worn out, and we are about to make a new one."

I was at a meeting where we had met for prayer, and a man by the

name of Masters came and desired an interview with us; he then

stated that he was sent by the mob to inform us, that if we would

forsake our "Mormon" and Prophet religion, and become of their

religion, they, the mob, would be our brothers, and would fight for

us; "but if you will not, we are ready and will drive you from the

county."

A few days after this, a large mob came to my house, commanded by

General Moses Wilson, Hugh Braziel and Lewis Franklin, and broke

down my door, and burst into my house, armed with guns, clubs and

knives; some of them were painted red and black. This was in the

night, and my family was much frightened. They threatened me with

immediate death if I did not leave the place. After much abuse they

left us for the night, but in a few days they returned and drove me

and my family into the street, not suffering us to take anything

with us. I saw that we must go or die; we went south to Van Buren

county, in company with eighty or ninety others. In a short time

after, I returned to my farm and found my house plundered, my grain

and crop, stock, and all my farm and farming tools laid waste and

destroyed; and shortly after my house was burned to ashes.

I called on Esquire Western, of Independence, and inquired of

him if he could inform me what all this mobbing and riot meant,

informing him of the destruction and plundering of my house; to

which he gave me no satisfaction, but insulted me and treated

me roughly. Governor Boggs lived in the county, and I have seen

him passing through among us in our great distress, and gave no

attention to our distresses. He was then Lieutenant-Governor of the

state. On my return to my family in Van Buren county, I was much

abused by a man by the name of Brady; he said he would kill me if I

ever attempted to go to my farm, or if he saw me passing that way

again. I returned to my family, and in a few days after, a company

of men came where we lived and said they would spill my blood if I

did not leave the place immediately. The leaders of this company

were John Cornet, Thomas Langley, and Hezekiah Warden; they lived

in Jackson county.

{73} This was in the cold winter, and our sufferings were great. I

fled across the Missouri river to Clay county, where I lived three

years; in which time I often heard Judge Cameron and others say,

that "you Mormons cannot get your rights in any of the courts of

the upper country;" and I had not the privilege of voting as a free

citizen.

I moved to Caldwell county, bought land and opened a good farm,

and lived in peace until the summer and fall of 1838, when mobs

arose in the counties round about, and I with the rest was obliged

to take up arms in self defense; for the cry was, that mob law

should prevail, if we stood against them, until the army came and

took us all prisoners of war. I with the rest was obliged to sign

a deed of trust at the point of the sword, I with sixty others was

selected out and marched to Richmond, in Ray county, by the command

of General Clark, where they kept us a number of weeks, pretending

to try us as treasoners and murderers. At length I obtained my

liberty, and returned to my family in Caldwell county: and I found

that there was no safety there, for there was no law, but all a

scene of robbing, and plundering, and stealing. They were about to

take me again, and I was obliged to leave my family and flee to

Illinois. In about two months my family arrived, having suffered

much abuse and loss of health and property. Soon after the arrival

of my family my son, a young man, died; and I attribute his death

to the cruel barbarity of the mob of Missouri, he being a prisoner

among them, and having suffered much because of them.

My father was a soldier, and served in the Revolutionary War,

under the great Washington, but I have not had protection on

my own lands; and I have not been permitted to see my farm in

Jackson county, Missouri, in seven years. Soldiers were stationed

or quartered in different parts of Far West; and they treated us

roughly, threatening to shoot us, and making use of anything they

pleased, such as burning house, timber, and rails, and garden

fences, and stealing and plundering what they pleased.

When I was at Richmond, a prisoner before Judge King, we sent for

many witnesses; and when they came, they were taken and cast into

Prison with us, and we were not permitted to have any witnesses.

The day I came out of prison, they compelled me to sign a writing

which was not true or remain in prison.

David Pettigrew.

Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P.

[Sidenote: Comment of the Prophet on the Foregoing Affidavits.]

Thus I have given a few of the multitude of affidavits which might

be given to substantiate the facts of our persecutions and deaths in

Missouri. When the brethren left Missouri, {74} they were poor, having

been plundered of everything valued by mobs. Much of the plundering

was done under the eye of the government officers, according to the

foregoing affidavits; and all by the sanction of the state of Missouri,

as the acts of her legislature testify. [5] The Saints, being so

numerous, were obliged to scatter over the state of Illinois and

different states to get bread and clothing--so that but few accounts

against Missouri could be collected without unreasonable exertions.

About 491 individuals gave in their claims against Missouri, which

I presented to Congress--amounting to about $1,381,044.00; leaving

a multitude more of similar bills hereafter to be presented, which,

if not settled immediately, will ere long amount to a handsome sum,

increasing by compound interest.

Footnotes:

1. This epistle is of interest as showing the spirit of the Church

government at that time, (1839) and the recognition of the rights of

individuals. For these reasons it is quoted here:

_To the Saints scattered abroad, in the region westward from Kirtland,

Ohio_:

Beloved Brethren:--Feeling that it is our duty, as the servants of God,

to instruct the Saints from time to time, in those things which to us

appear to be wise and proper--therefore we freely give you a few words

of advice at this time.

We have hear it rumored abroad, that some at least, and probably many,

are making their calculations to remove back to Kirtland next season.

Now brethren, this being the case, we advise you to abandon such an

idea; yea, we warn you, in the name of the Lord, not to remove back

there, unless you are counseled to do so by the First Presidency, and

the High Council of Nauvoo. We do not wish by this to take your agency

from you; but we feel to be plain, and pointed in our advice for we

wish to do our duty, that your sins may not be found in our skirts.

All persons are entitled to their agency, for God has so ordained

it. He has constituted mankind moral agents, and given them power to

choose good or evil; to seek after that which is good, by pursuing

the pathway of holiness in this life, which brings peace of mind, and

joy in the Holy Ghost here, and a fulness of joy and happiness at His

right hand hereafter; or to pursue an evil course, going on in sin and

rebellion against God, thereby bringing condemnation to their souls in

this world, and an eternal loss in the world to come. Since the God of

heaven has left these things optional with every individual, we do not

wish to deprive them of it. We only wish to act the part of a faithful

watchman, agreeably to the word of the Lord to Ezekiel the prophet,

(Ezekiel 33 chap. 2, 3, 4, 5, verses,) and leave it for others to do as

seemeth them good.

Now for persons to do things, merely because they are advised to do

them, and yet murmur all the time they are doing them, is of no use at

all; they might as well not do them. There are those who profess to be

Saints who are too apt to murmur, and find fault, when any advice is

given, which comes in opposition to their feelings, even when they,

themselves, ask for counsel; much more so when counsel is given unasked

for, which does not agree with their notion of things; but brethren, we

hope for better things from the most of you; we trust that you desire

counsel, from time to time, and that you will cheerfully conform to it,

whenever your receive it from a proper source.

It is very probable, that it may be considered wisdom for some of us,

[i. e. at Nauvoo], and perhaps others, to move back to Kirtland, to

attend to important business there: but notwithstanding that, after

what we have written, should any be so unwise to move back there,

without being first counseled so to do, their conduct will be highly

disapprobated.

Done by order and vote of the First Presidency and High Council for the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Nauvoo, December 8,

1839.

H.G. Sherwood, Clerk

_Times and Seasons_, Vol. 1, p. 29.

2. This communication of Hyrum Smith's adds nothing to his very

elaborate statement of the wrongs suffered by himself and the Saints

in Missouri already published in Volume III, pp. 403-424, except his

testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon; and as he was one of the

Eight Witnesses to the fact of the existence of the Nephite plates

from which the record was translated, the paragraphs relating to that

testimony are give here:

"Having given my testimony to the world of the truth of the Book of

Mormon, the renewal of the everlasting covenant, and the establishment

of the kingdom of heaven, in the last days; and having been brought

into great afflictions and distresses for the same, I thought that it

might be strengthening to my beloved brethren, to give them a short

account of my sufferings, for the truth's sake, and the state of my

mind and feelings, while under circumstances of the most trying and

afflicting nature. * * * * I had been abused and thrust into a dungeon,

and confined for months on account of my faith, and the testimony of

Jesus Christ. However I thank God that I felt a determination to die,

rather than deny then things which my eyes have seen, which my hands

had handled, and which I had borne testimony to, [all in plain allusion

to his testimony to the existence of the plates from which the Book of

Mormon was translated] wherever my lot had been cast; and I can assure

my beloved brethren that I was enabled to bear as strong a testimony,

when nothing but death presented itself, as I ever did I my life. My

confidence in God, was likewise unshaken. I knew that He who suffered

me, along with my brethren, to be thus tried, that He could and that

He would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies; and in His own

due time He did so, for which I desire to bless and praise His holy

name."--_Times and Seasons_, Vol. 1, pp. 20 and 23.

3. This treatise on the "Regeneration and Eternal Duration of Matter,"

was written by Elder Pratt while in Columbia prison, Missouri. He

explains that it "was more calculated to comfort and console myself

and friends when death stared me in the face, than as an argumentative

or philosophical production." This article has for some time been out

of print, yet it has much that is instructive in it. The author states

as a basic principle in his treatise the following: "Matter and spirit

are the two great principles of all existence. Everything animate and

inanimate is composed of one or the other, or both of these eternal

principles. I say eternal, because the elements are as durable as the

quickening power which exists in them. Matter and spirit are of equal

duration; both are self-existent,--they never began to exist, and they

never can be annihilated. * * * * Matter as well as spirit is eternal,

uncreated, self existing. However infinite the variety of its changes,

forms and shapes;--however vast and varying the parts it has to act in

the great theater of the universe;--whatever sphere its several parts

may be destined to fill in the boundless organization of infinite

wisdom, yet it is there, durable at the throne of Jehovah. And eternity

is inscribed in indelible characters on every particle. Revolution may

succeed revolution;--vegetation may bloom and flourish, generation

upon generation may pass away and others still succeed--empires may

fall to ruin, and moulder to the dust and be forgotten--the marble

monuments of antiquity may crumble to atoms and mingle in the common

ruin--the mightiest works of art, with all their glory, may sink in

oblivion and be remembered no more--worlds may startle from their

orbits, and hurling from their spheres, run lawless on each other in

conceivable confusion--element may war with element in awful majesty,

while thunders roll from sky to sky, and arrows of lightning break the

mountains asunder--scatter the rocks like hailstones--set worlds on

fire, and melt the elements with fervent heat, and yet not one grain

can be lost--not one particle can be annihilated. All these revolutions

and convulsions of nature will only serve to refine, purify, and

finally restore and renew the elements upon which they act. And like

the sunshine after a storm, or like gold seven times tried in the fire,

they will shine forth with additional luster as they roll in their

eternal spheres, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God." On

this theory of the indestructibility of matter the author proceeds to

consider the reality of the resurrection from the dead and the future

life of man in a sentient, tangible existence. "The resurrection of

the body is a complete restoration and reorganization of the physical

system of man; * * * * the elements of which his body is composed

are eternal in their duration; * * * * they form the tabernacle--the

everlasting habitation of that spirit which animated them in this life;

* * * * the spirits and bodies of men are of equal importance and

destined to form an eternal and inseparable union with each other."

4. This affidavit, it will be observed, was given some time after the

others of this group, and appears in the Ms. of the Prophet's History

under date of March the 5th, but it is brought forward here, with all

those that follow in this chapter, that it may appear in connection

with the others of its kind.

5. That is to say, the legislature had appropriated two hundred

thousand dollars to meet the expenses of the mob-militia in unlawfully

dispossessing the Saints of their lands and other property, and then

expelling them from the state. While on the other hand, it refused

to give any consideration worthy of the name to the petition of the

Saints for redress of their grievances; and so far was the legislature

from giving the Saints any assurance of re-instatement in the rightful

possession of their lands and other property and maintaining them

in peaceful possession of them, that it finally refused even to

investigate the justice of their claims. Under these circumstances the

Prophet is undoubtedly justified in using the language of the text.

(See Vol. III, chaps. xv, xvi.)

{75}

CHAPTER IV.

Departure of the Prophet from Washington--Labors of Elias Higbee Before

the Senate Judiciary Committee--Report of the Committee.

_Wednesday, 8_.--The High Council at Nauvoo voted to loan all the

moneys possible for the relief of the poor Saints.

[Sidenote: Ministry of Brigham Young and Geo. A. Smith at Richmond, New

York.]

This evening President Young preached at a school house in the south

west part of Richmond, [1] when the people present commenced making

a noise and disturbing the meeting, and when President Young was

reproving them for their disgraceful conduct, some of those present

fired lucifer matches. President Young rebuked them severely, and

taught them better manners, and proposed to send them some Indians from

the West to civilize them.

_Thursday, 9_.--About this time I returned to Philadelphia, where I

continued to preach and visit for a little season.

George A. Smith preached at Richmond this evening. His health is still

very poor, and he is almost blind. President Young also was very

feeble. While they were opening the meeting, some one threw a quantity

of brimstone in the fire, which nearly suffocated them. As soon as the

fumes of brimstone would permit, Brother Smith told them he thought he

should be in no danger of catching the itch in Massachusetts, for the

smell of brimstone indicated that it was thoroughly cured.

_Sunday, 12_.--Elders Young and Smith held a meeting {76} at William

Pierson's, Richmond. After preaching, Elder Smith had a severe shake of

the ague, which lasted some hours. The weather was extremely cold, but

by the kind attention of Mr. Pierson's family, and William Richards,

he was in some measure relieved of his ague before he left Richmond.

President Young wore a cradle bed quilt from Far West to Richmond,

where Rhoda Richards lined Doctor Richard's old worn out plaid cloak

with President Young's quilt, with flannel between, which made him very

comfortable.

_Monday, 13_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore

Turley arrived at Preston, England.

_Tuesday, 14_.--About this time Elder Rigdon and Doctor Foster arrived

at Philadelphia.

[Sidenote: Appointments in the British Mission.]

_Friday, 17_.--A special council was held at the house of Elder

Willard Richards, in Preston, Joseph Fielding, president, Theodore

Turley, scribe. Present, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Hiram Clark,

and Willard Richards. Council decided that Elders Woodruff and Turley

should go to the Staffordshire potteries; Elders Taylor and Fielding,

to Liverpool; Elder Clark, to Manchester, with Elder William Clayton;

and Elder Willard Richards to go where the Spirit directs; that the

Elders of the council communicate with the presidency at Preston once a

month; and Elder Richards write to Brothers Alexander Wright and Samuel

Mulliner in Scotland, and hold no general conference until more of the

Twelve arrive.

Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith went to Canaan, Connecticut,

with Edwin D. Pierson, Elder Smith shaking very severely with the ague

in the evening.

_Saturday, 18_.--Elders Woodruff and Turley started for the Potteries.

_Sunday 19_.--The High Council at Nauvoo voted to donate a city lot to

Brother James Hendrix, who was shot in Missouri; also voted to build

him a house; also donated a house and lot to Father Joseph Knight.

{77} Elder Brigham Young preached at Sheffield mills, where he stayed

till the twenty-sixth.

_Wednesday, 22_.--Elders Fielding and Taylor went to Liverpool and

commenced their mission.

_Saturday, 25_.--About this time I visited the Saints at Brandywine,

where I spent some days, and returned to Philadelphia.

_Monday, 27_.--Brothers Gibson Smith and Peter French conveyed Elders

Brigham Young and George A. Smith to New Haven, where they tarried

until the 31st.

About the last of this month, I left Philadelphia for Washington, in

company with Brothers Rockwell, Higbee, and Doctor Foster, traveling by

railroad, having sold my carriage, and having left Elder Rigdon sick in

Philadelphia.

_Friday, 31_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith took steamboat

from New Haven for New York City. When within eighteen miles of the

city, they took the stage, and arrived at their destination about ten

o'clock at night. When they alighted from the carriage they had no

funds to pay their fare, and Elder Young asked Captain Stone to pay

their bill, fifty cents, which he very readily did; and they found

Elder Parley P. Pratt's house in about five minutes, where they stayed

Saturday, February 1st.

_Sunday, February 2_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith

preached in the Columbia Hall. Elder Young preached every evening

during the week, till Saturday, three times in the Columbia Hall; by

which he injured himself so much, that he was not able to dress himself

for four or five days.

On Monday George A. Smith went to Philadelphia.

_Thursday, 6_.--I had previously preached in Washington, and one of my

sermons I find reported in synopsis, by a member of Congress; which I

will insert entire.

{78} _Mathew S. Davis' Description of the Prophet, and a Report of

his Washington Discourse_.

Washington, 6th February, 1840.

My Dear Mary:--I went last evening to hear "Joe Smith," the

celebrated Mormon, expound his doctrine. I, with several others,

had a desire to understand his tenets as explained by himself. He

is not an educated man: but he is a plain, sensible, strong minded

man. Everything he says, is said in a manner to leave an impression

that he is sincere. There is no levity, no fanaticism, no want

of dignity in his deportment. He is apparently from forty to

forty-five years of age, rather above the middle stature, and what

you ladies would call a very good looking man. In his garb there

are no peculiarities; his dress being that of a plain, unpretending

citizen. He is by profession a farmer, but is evidently well read.