A STATE'S SHAME.
This brings me to the close of the story of the Missouri Persecutions.
We have seen a people start out under the direction of the Lord to
build up the City of Zion to his holy name; but because of their
disobedience and failure to observe strictly those conditions upon
which the Lord had promised them success in accomplishing so great a
work, they were driven entirely from that county and state where that
city is to be founded.
We have seen a proud, sovereign state of the great American Union,
with a constitution that guaranteed the largest possible religious and
civil liberty to its citizens, ignore both the spirit and letter of
that constitution. We have seen its officers shamefully violate the
laws passed in pursuance of it; and from the chief executive down enter
into plots to destroy the saints of God, or drive them from the State;
in accomplishing which, they were guilty of the most cruel barbarity.
It is no palliation of their offense to say that the saints had not
strictly kept the commandments of God. Their offenses were against
the laws of God rather than the laws of man; delinquencies that fell
not under the power of the State to correct. So far as the State of
Missouri was concerned, she was not justified in trampling on her own
constitution and laws, and permitting not only her people but the
officers of the State to commit outrages against an innocent people
that would put savages to the blush of shame.
I impeach the State of Missouri before the Bar of Nineteenth Century
Civilization; and affirm that in the five years between 1833 and 1838,
she permitted and became a party to acts of robbery, violence and blood
which are a disgrace to the age and its boasted spirit of progress
and toleration. I charge that Missouri was guilty of crimes the
perpetration of which forbids the claim that in the United States of
America, and in this enlightened century, there has been an abandonment
of the barbarities of past ages.
Before the great Bar of History, I impeach the State of Missouri. In
the years from 1833 to 1838 there were committed within her borders
and against an unoffending, and law-abiding people, acts of shameful
robbery, arson, mob-violence; willful, wanton slaughter of men, women
and children; worst of all, rape upon virtuous wives and maidens; and,
at the last, illegal banishment of some twelve thousand people from
the State. For these crimes, repeatedly committed and numerous, no
offender was ever brought to punishment by the State. On the contrary
the machinery of its government was employed and its officers exerted
themselves to further oppress the innocent sufferers; so that instead
of being a means for their protection, the government was made an
engine for their oppression; and its legislature turning a deaf ear to
the story of their wrongs, made liberal appropriations from the State
treasury to defray the expenses of those who committed the outrages
against them and drove them from the State.
I impeach the State of Missouri before the Bar of American
Constitutions and Institutions; and charge that in the crimes permitted
and by her officers perpetrated against the Latter-day Saints in the
five years between 1833 and 1838, she both deserted and violated
the principles of government upon which the State is founded. By
failing--nay, worse, by refusing at first to protect by the majesty and
righteous execution of her laws, and next by becoming an assailant and
robber of the unoffending Latter-day Saints, she denied to them and
deprived them of the right to property, the right to pursue happiness,
the right to be free the right to worship God after the dictates of
their own consciences. And by denying to them and depriving them of
these rights, Missouri violated the fundamental principles of American
government, and outraged American institutions.
Lastly, I charge Missouri's historians, both those who have written the
history of the counties in which the outrages I have detailed occurred,
as well as the historians of the State at large, with having glazed
over these deeds of infamy. They have either withheld or misrepresented
the facts, and have descended so low as to become apologists for the
State and the officers that could perpetrate and become a party to such
acts of injustice, rapine and murder.
The statements of fact in these pages are irrefutable and easy of
verification. They can neither be successfully denied, gainsaid, nor
explained away; nor can the impeachment of the State of Missouri before
the Bar of History, Civilization or of American Institutions. The
otherwise grand State of Missouri is stained with dishonor; because of
her treatment of the Latter-day Saints on her escutcheon is to be seen
the blotch of innocent blood unavenged.
In undertaking the task of writing this history, the one thought above
all others in my mind has been the desire to present to the youth of
the Latter-day Saints, many of whose fathers passed through these
trying scenes, with a circumstantial account of them that they might
know how much was endured by their fathers for the truth's sake; that
they might learn to prize it, not only for what it is in itself, but
also to prize it to some degree for what it cost the fathers. But
at the close of my task I find myself convinced that it is equally
important that the people of Missouri and of the United States should
have the plain facts presented to them, that they may not unwittingly,
as the general tendency now is, become in a manner parties to the crime
by approving what was done in that period, and thus fall under the
displeasure of God, whose words are equally strong against those who
shed the blood of the saints and the prophets, and those who applaud
such crimes.
APPENDICES.
APPENDIX I.
"MORMONS" IN JACKSON COUNTY.
(_Taken from the "History of Jackson County, Missouri," published by
Union Historical Co., Kansas City, Missouri,_ 1881, _pp._ 250 _to_ 269,
_inclusive._)
A very prominent feature of the early history of Jackson County was
the trouble between the "Mormons" and other citizens during 1831 and
1832, which led to the expulsion of the former from the county during
the latter part of the year 1832. This sect was brought into existence
on the sixth day of April, 1830, near Manchester, New York. The first
society consisted of six persons--Joseph Smith, Sr., Joseph Smith,
Jr., Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Knight. The
three Smiths last mentioned were brothers, and sons of Joseph Smith,
Sr., and Joseph Smith, Jr., was the reputed author of the new faith,
and is the prophet of "Mormon" history. This Smith family came from
Vermont, where Joseph, Jr., was born at Sharon, in Windsor County,
December 23rd, 1805. They are represented by their neighbors, both in
Vermont and New York, to have been a shiftless, worthless family. The
parents are represented as having been dishonest, unreliable, ignorant
and superstitious, and the sons seemed to have inherited all these
peculiarities. A part of the business of the father was that of "water
witch," in which capacity he went about the country with a hazel rod
divining where water could be found by digging wells, by the writhings
of the rod when held in the hands in a peculiar manner.
Young Joseph is reported to have been a wild, reckless boy, dishonest,
untruthful and intemperate. As he grew toward adult age he adopted
his father's profession of "water-witching," and afterwards added to
it the more practical business of digging the wells he thus located.
While in this capacity he discovered a smooth, round stone of peculiar
shape while digging a well for a Mr. Chase near Manchester. This he
adopted as a "peep stone," and pretended that by placing it in his hat
in a peculiar way it had the miraculous power of revealing to him where
lost and stolen articles could be found, and he then added this to his
previous miraculous business of "water-witchery."
During the decade from 1820 to 1830 a great religious revival swept
over the country, and gave rise to the phenomena known as "jerks!" This
excitement raged greatly in western New York and in the neighborhood of
the Smiths. Joseph, Jr., and some of his sisters and brothers became
converted at one of the revivals, but Joseph was greatly vexed in
spirit by the uncertainty as to which of the sects was the right one.
He became a constant reader of the Bible for a time, but subsequently
fell again into his old ways, and later events indicate that he fell
also into some new ones, which have extended the peculiarities of his
nature much beyond the sphere of his personal influence and beyond the
period of his time. He put forth the claim that in September, 1823, God
sent messengers to him to say that he was forgiven for his sins. Again
in 1826, he claimed an angel visited him with the information that in
the Hill Cumorah, not far from Manchester, were hidden certain golden
plates which he was to unearth and translate. These plates were exhumed
in September, 1826, as Joseph represents it, "with a mighty display of
celestial machinery," and were delivered by the angels to him. These
plates were afterwards translated by Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, a
school-master, and one Martin Harris, and published in the early part
of the year 1830 as the "Book of Mormon."
Another account of the origin of the Book of Mormon is that it was
written as a historical romance, to account for the Indians in America,
in 1812, by a Mr. Solomon Spaulding, a retired preacher, and presented
to Mr. Patterson, a bookseller in Pittsburg for publication, together
with a preface representing it to have been taken from plates dug up in
Ohio. Mr. Patterson did not think the enterprise would pay, and hence
did not publish it; but Sidney Rigdon, afterwards quite noted in early
"Mormon" history, was then at work in the office of Mr. Patterson, and
it is suggested that he stole the manuscripts, and had his full share
in bringing "Mormonism" into existence, though he did not appear in
connection with it for some months after the organization of the first
society.
But, however the book may have come, Joseph Smith appears from the
first as prophet, and directed the movements of the new sect by
what he claimed to be divine revelations, and put forth the most
extravagant claims for himself and his prophetic powers. This was a
time particularly favorable for the cultivation of such a superstition.
The religious ideas prevailing at the time of the religious excitement
referred to, embraced the belief in the direct dealings of God with
man, very much after the manner represented in ancient Jewish history,
which made such pretenses as these peculiarly liable to be accepted.
Immediately after the organization of the first society, as above
stated, there was an administration of the sacrament, and the laying on
of hands for the "Gift of the Holy Ghost." Five days afterward, on the
11th of May, Oliver Cowdery preached the first sermon on the new faith,
and before the close of the month, at Colesville, Browne [A] County,
New York, there was what was claimed by the new sect to be miracles
performed. From this the new sect took strong root with the ignorant
and superstitious, and it gained members rapidly, notwithstanding the
prophet was several times arrested for misdemeanors. In August, Paxley
P. Platte [B] and Sidney Rigdon appeared as "Mormons," and soon after
Orson Platte [C] was converted and baptized into the new sect.
[Footnote A: This should be Broome County.]
[Footnote B: Should be Parley P Pratt.]
[Footnote C: Should be Orson Pratt.]
The work of propagandation now became very active and effective. Smith
put forth a revelation that mundane things were about to be brought to
an end, a claim that was likely to strike terror into the hearts of the
ignorant and superstitious, after the strong religious excitement that
had been prevailing, and with the ideas of hell and the future state at
that time current in theology. This was industriously proclaimed by the
preachers, and accompanied with the narration of Smith's miracle, and
the injunction to seek safety in the new Church. Its effect upon the
ignorant and superstitious was very great, and by October, 1830, the
society numbered fifty, and by June, 1831, about two thousand. Rigdon
having taken up his residence near Kirtland, Ohio, had gathered around
him about fifty very fanatical people. In January, 1831, he visited
Smith in New York, and Smith returned with him to Kirtland, and soon
afterward there was a gathering of all the adherents at Kirtland. This
is known in "Mormon" history as the "First Hegira."
The sect, at this time, as at all others, was composed of ignorant,
superstitious and fanatical people prepared by these qualities to
accept anything marvelous that might be told them, or to do anything to
which they might be directed by one imposed upon them as a prophet or
something demanded of them by the Lord.
Such were the character of the people whom Smith attempted to settle
in Jackson County. In June, 1831, Smith put forth a revelation to the
effect that the final gathering place of the saints, which name they
had now assumed, was to be in Missouri. Accordingly he set out with a
few elders for the new land of promise, arriving at Independence in
July. Here he put forth another revelation stating that this was the
land, or as he put it, "the Zion that should never be moved," and that
the whole land was "solemnly dedicated to the Lord and his saints."
They began at once to build and at first erected a log house in Kaw
township about twelve miles from Independence. On the 2nd of August, he
gave out another revelation that the site of the great temple was three
hundred yards west of the court house in Independence, and accordingly
on the 3rd of August the spot was taken possession of by Joseph
Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Oliver Cowdery,
Martin Harris and Joseph Coe, and dedicated with great ceremony, and
followed by an "accession of gifts" from God. The next day, August 4th,
another and larger party arrived from Kirtland, and the first "general
conference" in the Land of Zion was immediately held. During this
conference Smith gave utterance to another revelation, stating that the
whole land should be theirs and should not be obtained "but by purchase
or by blood." The situation, surroundings and leadership of these
people seemed to impress their ignorant and superstitious minds with
the idea that they were a chosen people designed in the purposes of
God, to effect some great reformation in the world, and they seemed to
have imagined that they occupied a similar position to that assigned by
the Bible to the ancient Jews at the time of their escape from Egyptian
bondage and replanting in Canaan. From this extravagance the way to
others was open, easy and natural. In their poverty, the purchase of
the "whole land" by them was manifestly not intended, and hence they
seemed to expect that in some way the Lord would establish them in
the possession of Missouri without that. Assuming this that they were
the holy people of the Lord, that the Lord was the real owner of all
things, and that all his possessions were free to them, they were
not calculated to be respectful of the rights and interest of their
non-"Mormon" neighbors _But though no overt acts of transgression upon
such rights were being committed,_[D] the rapidly gathering members
of the "Mormons," their ignorance, poverty and fanaticism, and the
boastfulness and assurance with which they reiterated their belief in
their destined possession of the country, backed by Smith's significant
revelations and the dishonesty of the methods of the leaders, made the
new sect an object of profound solicitude to the people.
[Footnote D: Italics are mine.--_R._]
In August following the "general conference," Smith and Rigdon returned
to Kirtland, where they established a mill and a bank, the latter being
an irresponsible "wild cat" concern that failed soon after its notes
were well afloat, which failure was attended by another revelation to
Smith, directing him and Rigdon to depart at night for Missouri.
Soon after their arrival at Kirtland in August, W. W. Phelps was
appointed to purchase a press and establish a Church paper in
Independence, to be called the _Evening and Morning Star._ The
prospectus for this paper appeared in February, 1832, and the paper
itself in June following. On the 25th of March, 1832, Smith and Rigdon,
while away from home, were seized by a mob and tarred, feathered and
beaten for attempting to establish communism, and for forgery and
dishonest dealings. In April, 1832, Smith being at Independence,
a council was held and the printing press set up with religious
ceremonies. In June the paper made its appearance and further excited
the apprehensions of the citizens by an article on "Free People of
Color," which was understood by the slave-holding population of
Missouri to mean that the new sect were what was then appropriately
called "abolitionists," and which in the excitement of that time about
slavery, were as obnoxious to slave-holders as though they possessed
the "cloven foot." This was a further cause of apprehension and led
to a reply in a pamphlet entitled, "Beware of False Prophets!" In the
spring of 1833, the "Mormons" numbered fifteen hundred in Jackson
County. They had nearly taken possession of Independence, and were
rapidly extending their settlements. They grew bolder as they grew
stronger, and daily proclaimed to the older settlers that the Lord had
given them the whole land of Missouri; that bloody wars would extirpate
all other sects from the country; that it would be "one gore of blood
from the Mississippi to the border," and that the few who were left
unslain would be the servants of the saints, who would own all the
property in the country.
At the same time they fell into equal extravagance regarding spiritual
things, and declared themselves "kings and priests of the Most High
God," and all other religious sects as reprobates, the creation of the
devil designed to speedy destruction, and that all but themselves were
doomed, cast away Gentiles, worse than the heathen and unfit to live.
They notified all "Gentiles" who were building new houses and opening
new farms that it was needless, that the Lord would never allow them to
enjoy the fruits of their labor and that in a few months the "Gentiles"
would have neither name nor place in Missouri.
At the same time that these extravagances were thus indulged, there
does not appear to have been any more lawlessness among them or by
them than would result from any equal number of low, ignorant people,
so that while their presence was rapidly becoming insufferable, _they
were doing nothing that would warrant their legal expulsion._[E] Still
their numbers constantly increased by accessions from the east and from
time to time large and enthusiastic meetings were held. In addition
to their paper they had established a Church store in Independence,
which was kept by Bishop Partridge. During the spring and summer it
began to be manifest that they would be strong enough at the fall
election to control the election of officers, and the other settlers
could not regard, except with grave apprehension, the filling of the
county offices by members of such a sect. These apprehensions were
intensified by scandalous stories, which about this time began to reach
Missouri about the leaders of the sect in Ohio, and as the feeling
of apprehension increased, there arose a state of restlessness and
friction closely bordering upon open hostility. However, beyond some
mutual petty annoyances, such as throwing stones at houses, breaking
down fences, etc., there was no open action taken until the 20th of
July, when a number of citizens, about four hundred, assembled to take
action on the situation.
[Footnote E: Italics are mine.--_R._]
The following account of this meeting is taken from a report published
in the _Western Monitor,_ at that time published by Weston F. Birch, at
Fayette, Mo.:
"The meeting was organized by calling Colonel Richard Sampson to the
chair, and appointing James H. Flournoy and Colonel Samuel D. Lucas as
secretaries.
"Messrs. Russell Hicks, Esq., Robert Johnson, Henry Childs, Esq.,
Colonel James Hambriglet, Thomas Hudspeth, Joel F. Chiles, and James M.
Hunter, were appointed to draft an address; the meeting then adjourned
and convened again, when the following was presented:
"This meeting, professing to act not from the excitement of the moment,
but under a deep and abiding conviction, that the occasion is one that
calls for cool deliberation, as well as energetic action, deem it
proper to lay before the public an _expose_ of our peculiar situation,
in regard to this singular sect of pretended Christians, and a solemn
declaration of our unalterable determination to amend it.
"The evil is one that no one could have foreseen, and it is therefore
unprovided for by the laws, and the delays of legislation would put the
mischief beyond remedy.
"But little more than two years ago some two or three of these people
made their appearance in the upper Missouri, and they now number some
twelve hundred souls in this county, and each successive autumn and
spring pours forth its swarms among us, with a gradual falling of
the character of those who compose them, until it seems that those
communities from which they come were flooding us with the very dregs
of their composition. Elevated, as they mostly are, but little above
the condition of our blacks, either in regard to property or education,
they have become a subject of much anxiety on that point, serious and
well-grounded complaints having already been made of their corrupting
influence on our slaves.
* * * * * * *
"When we reflect on the extensive field in which the sect is operating,
and that there exists in every country a leaven of superstition that
embraces with avidity notions the most extravagant and unheard-of,
and whatever can be gleaned by them from the purlieus of vice and the
abodes of ignorance, it is to be cast like a waif into our social
circles. It requires no gift of prophecy to tell that the day is not
far distant when the civil government of the county will be in their
hands; when the sheriff, the justices and the county judges will be
'Mormons,' or persons wishing to court their favor from motives of
interest or ambition.
"What would be the fate of our lives and property in the hands of
jurors and witnesses who do not blush to declare, and would not upon
occasion hesitate to swear that they have wrought miracles, and
have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; have
conversed with God and his angels, and possess and exercise the gifts
of divination and of unknown tongues, and fired with the prospect of
obtaining inheritances without money and without price, may be better
imagined than described.
* * * * * * *
"And we do hereby most solemnly declare,
"That no 'Mormon' shall in future move into and settle in this county.
"That those now here shall give a definite pledge of their intention,
within a reasonable time, to move out of the county, shall be allowed
to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their
property and close their business without any material sacrifice.
"That the editor of the _Star_ be required forthwith to close his
office, etc. * * * * * *
"That those who fail to comply with these requisitions be referred to
those of their brethren who have the gift of divination and of unknown
tongues to inform them of the lot that awaits them."
Compliance with these demands being refused, the people assembled, tore
down the printing office, scattering the materials and paper on the
ground, and took Bishop Partridge, and a man named Charles Allen, to
the public square, where they stripped and tarred and feathered them.
Mr. Gilbert, who was now connected with the store, agreed to close it,
and the mob then dispersed until the twenty-third.
On the 23rd of July, this convention of citizens again convened and
a committee was appointed to confer with the "Mormon" leaders. This
committee was met by Messrs. Phelps, Partridge, Gilbert, and Messrs.
Covil, Whitmer and Morley, elders of the sect. Between them an
agreement was made to the effect that Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps,
William McLellin, Edward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter
and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, were to remove from the county
on or before January 1, 1834, and were to use their influence to secure
the removal of all the saints--one-half by January 1st, the other half
by April 1, 1834; John Corril and Algernon Gilbert were to be allowed
to remain as agents to settle up the business of those removing; the
_Star_ was not again to be published nor any other press set up in the
county; Mr. Phelps and Mr. Partridge, if their families removed by
January 1st, were to be allowed to come and go in settling up their
business. The committee of citizens pledged themselves to use their
influence to see that no violence was to be used against the saints
while compliance to the agreement was being observed.
This agreement as reported to the meeting, was unanimously adopted by
the citizens, and the minutes signed by the chairman, Richard Sampson,
and the secretaries, S. D. Lucas, J. H. Flournoy.
In September Orson Hyde and W. W. Phelps were appointed by the
"Mormons" as a delegation to Governor Dunklin, then Governor of
Missouri, and to represent the affairs already recited, and to ask for
protection. They prepared and presented to the Governor, October 8th,
a long memorial setting forth a long list of grievances, wrongs and
intimidations which they had suffered at the hands of the people of
Jackson County. The Attorney-General being absent, Governor Dunklin
declined to take any action until his return, so that it was not until
the 19th of October that they received his decision. The case presented
to him was an _ex parte_ one, and it received a decision which led
the "Mormon" leaders to rely upon his protection. He denied the right
of any citizens to take into their own hands the redress of the
grievances, and recommended the "Mormons" to appeal to the civil courts
by affidavit and legal process for redress of the wrongs complained of,
and promised them a faithful enforcement of the laws.
In pursuance of this action of the Governor, the leaders resolved not
to abide by the agreement made with the people in July. Preparations
for removal from the county were stopped and their leaders engaged
Messrs. Woods, Reese, Doniphan and Atchison to defend them and
prosecute for them in the courts. This aroused the citizens again, and
although the "Mormons" had not so violated the law as to enable the
people to proceed against them by legal process, the prospect, from the
facts already stated, were regarded by the people as so extraordinary
as to warrant extraordinary measures. Their safety, it appeared to
them, depended upon the expulsion of the "Mormons" from the county by
force, and they at once began preparations to that end.
On the 31st day of October, a party of forty or fifty armed men,
without other warrant than their own judgment of the requirements of
the situation, visited a settlement of the "Mormons" on the Big Blue,
destroyed ten houses and whipped a number of men. On the night of
the 1st of November another party visited a settlement about twelve
miles southwest of Independence, where Parley P. Pratt had assembled a
force of about sixty men; here they encamped for the night and put out
guards, two of which, Robert Johnson and a man named Harris, had an
encounter with Pratt, whom one of them knocked down with a musket. They
were then captured by Pratt's party and detained over night. The same
night they were attacked in Independence and houses were stoned, doors
broken down, etc. Part of A. S. Gilbert's house was pulled down and
the doors of the store were broken in and the goods scattered on the
street. A party of "Mormons," summoned from a neighboring settlement,
saved part of the goods and attempted to have a man named Richard
McCarty arrested for participation in the affair, but the Justice of
the Peace applied to, Samuel Weston, refused to issue a warrant for
the purpose. At the same time other "Mormon" settlements were visited
by the people and great consternation was caused thereby among the
women and children, the men having fled, but no injury was done them.
The next day, November 2nd, all the Independence "Mormons," numbering
about thirty families, left town and gathered together for protection.
The same day people made another attack on the Big Blue settlement,
when they unroofed another house. They attacked also another settlement
about six miles from Independence. The next day, November 3rd, Joshua
Lewis, Hiram Page and two other "Mormons" went to Lexington to ask
protection from the circuit court, which was refused; while others
applied to Justice of the Peace Silvers at Independence, with a like
result. A number of persons at this time visited the "Mormons" and
advised them to leave the country, as the people were so incensed
at them that their lives were in danger. This was Sunday, and the
"Mormons" had a rumor among them that a general massacre was impending
for Monday.
When Monday came the citizens collected and took possession of a ferry
belonging to the "Mormons" across the Blue, but they soon abandoned
it and gathered in greater numbers at Wilson's store about one mile
west of it. A party of "Mormons," numbering about thirty, started from
an adjacent settlement to help those on the Blue, but hearing of the
assembly of the citizens at the store, fled through the cornfields and
were pursued by the citizens. Later in the day a party of about thirty
arrived from the settlement on the prairie where Pratt had encountered
the guards a few nights before, and between them and the citizens a
fight occurred, in which Hugh L. Brozeal and Thos. Linville of the
citizens were killed and a "Mormon" named Barber fatally wounded. This
fight created the greatest excitement throughout the county.
The same day Richard McCarty caused Gilbert and Whitney to be arrested
for assaulting him in Independence Saturday night, and for causing his
arrest and attempting to prosecute him afterward. The situation of
affairs now was that no "Mormon" could receive justice from the public
courts any more than a citizen could have received justice in a trial
by "Mormons." The conduct of the "Mormons" had so disrupted public
peace and order that the county was virtually in the hands of a mob.
In this situation Samuel C. Owens, clerk of the county court, advised
Gilbert and Whitney to go to jail as a means of protection, and they,
together with W. E. McLellin and a Mr. Coville and Morley, and one
other "Mormon," took this advice. During the night, Gilbert, Coville
and Morley were taken out for the purpose of an interview with their
fellow "Mormons," but on being returned next morning were fired upon by
a party of six or seven citizens. Coville and Morley ran and escaped,
but Gilbert was retained by the sheriff. The balance of the party were
released next day.
The next day, November 5th, brought still more exciting times, for
rumors from both sides exaggerated the scenes that had transpired;
the citizens gathered to the number of hundreds from all parts of
the county; the "Mormons," too, were rallying, one hundred of them
collecting about a mile west of Independence. There they halted,
waiting to learn the condition of affairs. They were informed that the
militia had been ordered out for their protection and that Colonel
Pitcher was in command. Upon application to this officer the "Mormons"
were told that there was no alternative, they must leave the county
forthwith; and deliver into Col. Pitcher's hands certain ones of their
number to be tried for murder; and to give up their arms. To these
demands the "Mormons" yielded. The arms, about fifty guns of all sorts,
were surrendered; the men present accused of being in the skirmish
the evening before, were given up for trial; and after being kept in
durance for a day and night Col. Pitcher took them into a cornfield
near by and said to them, "Clear out!"
Following this event small parties went over the country warning the
"Mormons" away wherever found, and not unfrequently using violence
to the men when any of them were caught. This was continued by the
infuriated citizens until the "Mormons" had all fled the county. They
attempted to find refuge in adjoining counties, but Clay was the only
one that would receive them.
This was the end of "Mormonism" in Jackson County, but not the end of
the Mormon trouble, for through the influence of their attorneys, and
in the absence of such open violations of law as would have warranted
their legal expulsion from the county, they were able to impress
Governor Dunklin with the idea that they were then the victims of a
ruffianly mob and were being persecuted on account of their religion.
Hence for several years afterward there was a sort of support given
them by the governor, which, though insufficient to reinstate them
in Jackson County, was sufficient to inspire them with the hope, and
caused them to expect and to some extent propose to return. This kept
up the trouble.
Whether the people were justified in so employing violence to rid
themselves of an obnoxious sect, the members of which had not so
violated the law as to warrant their legal expulsion, was shown by the
events of the next few years. The "Mormons" settled finally in Clay,
Carroll, Ray, Caldwell and Daviess counties, where they grew strong and
prosperous, and, as in Jackson County, became correspondingly arrogant
and unbearable. They took political possession of Daviess County, and
there and in Caldwell County began to put in practice the things the
people in Jackson County had apprehended and to prevent which they
expelled them from the county. After making for themselves a record
for treason, arson, burglary, theft, murder, and a long list of other
crimes, they were finally, in 1838, expelled from the State by Governor
Boggs, whom they attempted afterward, on the 6th day of May, 1842, to
assassinate while sitting in his house at Independence.[F]
[Footnote F: For an investigation of this subject see "Rise and Fall of
Nauvoo," by the author of "Missouri Persecutions."]
A quite detailed account of their efforts to get back to Jackson
County, and of the action of Governor Dunklin, and the negotiations
between them and the people of Jackson County, has been furnished in
the following, which, it will be observed, is as favorable to the
"Mormons" as possible:
November 21st, R. W. Wells, attorney-general of Missouri, wrote to
the legal counsel employed by the saints, that he felt warranted in
advising them that in case the "Mormons" expelled from Jackson County
desired to be reinstated, he had no doubt the governor would send them
military aid. He further advised that the "Mormons" might organize into
militia and receive public arms for their own defense. Judge Ryland
also wrote Attorney Amos Reese, stating that the governor had inquired
of him respecting the "outrageous acts of unparalleled violence that
have lately happened in Jackson County;" and wished to know whether the
"Mormons" were willing to take "legal steps against the citizens of
Jackson County."
He further wished to know whether a writ issued by him upon the oath of
Joshua Lewis and Hiram Page had been handed to the sheriff for service;
and if so what was the fate of the writ. This letter was dated November
24, 1833.
In answer to the governor's inquiries Mr. Gilbert wrote that officer on
November 29th, giving the following reasons why an immediate court of
inquiry could not be held. "Our Church is scattered in every direction:
some in Van Buren, (a new county;) a part in this county, (Clay;) and a
part in Lafayette, Ray, etc. Some of our principal witnesses would be
women and children, and while the rage of the mob continues, it would
be impossible to gather them in safety to Independence. And that your
excellency may know of the unabating fury with which the last remnant
of our people remaining in that county are pursued at this time, I
here state that a few families, perhaps fifteen to twenty, who settled
themselves more than two years ago on the prairie, about fifteen miles
from the county seat of Jackson County, had hoped from the obscurity
of their location that they might escape the vengeance of the enemy
through the winter; consequently they remained on their plantations,
receiving occasionally a few individual threats, till last Sunday, when
a mob made their appearance among them; some with pistols cocked and
presented to their breasts, commanding to leave the county in three
days, or they would tear their houses down over their heads, etc." * * *
"An immediate court of inquiry called while our people are thus
situated, would give our enemies a decided advantage in point of
testimony, while they are in possession of their homes, and ours also;
with no enemy in the county to molest or make them afraid."
This letter was read and concurred in by Mr. Reese.
Those people threatened on the 24th, as stated by Mr. Gilbert, fled
into Clay County and encamped on the Missouri.
December 6th, an additional memorial of facts and petition for aid, was
sent to Governor Dunklin, setting forth the facts of their dispersion,
and signed by six of the elders of The Church. A letter accompanied the
petition, informing his excellency of the wish and intention of the
saints to return to their homes, if assured of safety and protection.
On Monday, December 24th, four families living near Independence, whose
age and penury prevented their removal in haste, were driven from their
homes; the chimneys of their houses were thrown down, and the doors and
windows broken in. Two of these men were named Miller and Jones, Mr.
Miller being sixty-five years old, and the youngest of the four.
A court of inquiry was held in Liberty, Clay County, during December,
which resulted in the arrest of Colonel Pitcher for driving the saints,
or "Mormons," from Jackson, for trial by court-martial.
Mr. Gilbert wrote Governor Dunklin from Liberty, Clay County, January
9, 1834, submitting for consideration the idea of the saints making
the endeavor to purchase the property of a number of the most violent
opposers, if such effort would be satisfactory, and help to solve the
question peaceably.
Governor Dunklin replied to the memorials and petitions of the saints
in a friendly manner, avowing his desire and design to enforce
the civil law, and if practicable, to reinstate those unlawfully
dispossessed of their homes. Two clauses in this letter disclose
something in reference to the peculiar animus of the persecution waging
against the "Mormon" population. He wrote: "Your case is certainly a
very emergent one, and the consequences as important to your society
as if the war had been waged against the whole State; yet the public
has no other interest in it, than that the laws be faithfully executed.
Thus far, I presume, the whole community feel a deep interest, for
that which is the case of the 'Mormons' today, may be the case of the
Catholics tomorrow; and after them any other sect that may become
obnoxious to a majority of the people of any section of the State. So
far as a faithful execution of the laws is concerned, the executive is
disposed to do everything consistent with the means furnished him by
the legislature, and I think I may safely say the same of the judiciary.
"As now advised, I am of the opinion that a military guard will be
necessary to protect the State witnesses and officers of the court,
and to assist in the execution of its orders, while sitting in Jackson
County."
An order was sent by the same mail from the governor, directing the
captain of the Liberty Blues, a military organization, to comply with
the requisitions of the circuit attorney, in the progress of the trials
that might ensue. This letter is dated February 4, 1834.
Suits were instituted by Messrs. Phelps and Partridge, in the proper
courts of Jackson County, and a dozen or so of the brethren summoned
by subpoena to attend the sitting of the court of inquiry to be
held. These witnesses were met February 23rd, at Everett's Ferry by
the Liberty Blues, fifty strong, commanded by Captain Atchison, to
guard them into Jackson County. They crossed the river, and encamped
about a mile from it. From reports brought into camp by scouts sent
out, Captain Atchison sent an order to Captain Allen for two hundred
drafted militia, and to Liberty for ammunition. The next day the party
reached Independence, where the witnesses met the district attorney,
Mr. Reese, and the attorney-general, Mr. Wells; and from them it was
ascertained that all prospect for a criminal prosecution was at an end.
Mr. Wells had been instructed by the governor, to investigate, "as far
as possible," the outrages in Jackson; but the determined opposition
presented to the enforcement of the law, by those who had driven the
"Mormons" out, prevented the performance of executive duty. The judge
discharged Captain Atchison and his company of Blues, stating that
their service was not needed and that officer marched out of town, with
the witnesses under guard, to the tune of "Yankee Doodle."
While all this was transpiring time passed on and others were made to
suffer. One old man Lindsay, nearly seventy, had his house thrown down,
his goods, corn and other property piled together and fired, but was
fortunate, after the parties who did it left, to save a part of his
effects through the exertions of a son. Lyman Leonard, one of those
who was compelled to return from Van Buren County was dragged from his
house, beaten and left for dead, but revived and escaped. Joshua Sumner
and Barnet Cole were beaten severely at the same time.
March 31st, 1834, Ira I. Willis went over from Clay County into Jackson
to look for and reclaim a cow that had strayed. While at the house of
Justice Manship, making proof to the ownership of the cow, he was set
upon and cruelly whipped.
April 10th, 1804,[G] a petition was prepared memoralizing the President
of the United States, and stating the facts of the expulsion of the
people from Jackson County; and further setting forth that an impartial
investigation into their several individual wrongs in the county where
those wrongs were committed was impossible; they therefore asked
that the executive power of the United States be exercised in their
protection. This memorial and petition was signed by one hundred and
fourteen of the expelled refugees.
[Footnote G: Doubtless should be 1834.]
In answer to this petition the President by order replied that the
matter of the petition was referred to the War Department, and the
department declined interference, as it did not appear that the
emergency warranting such interference had occurred. This information
was dated May 2nd, 1834, and signed by Lewis Cass. On the same day
Governor Dunklin wrote to Messrs. Phelps and others, that the court of
inquiry, before which Lieut. Col. Pitcher was to answer, had decided
that the demand made by the officer for the surrender of the arms of
the saints on Nov. 5th, 1833, was improper, and an order was sent to
Col. Lucas to return them. This order directed Col. Lucas to deliver to
W. W. Phelps, E. Partridge and others, fifty-two guns and one pistol,
received by Col. Pitcher from the "Mormons," Nov. 5th, 1833.
The result of this order is seen from the following communication
made to Gov. Dunklin, May 7th, 1834: "Since the 24th ult., the mob of
Jackson County have burned our dwellings to the number of over one
hundred and fifty. Our arms were also taken from the depository, (the
jail,) about ten days since and distributed among the mob." * * * * * *
*
The order for the restoration was forwarded to Col. Lucas, at
Independence, May 17th, with a statement that he might return the
arms to either of the three ferries on the Missouri, the line between
Jackson and Clay counties. Of this delivery of the order the governor
was informed by letter dated May 29th. To the letter and order to Col.
Lucas, that officer stated that he would reply by May 22nd, but before
that time he removed to Lexington and did not reply what he would do.
Some time in May the expelled "Mormons" and their friends in Clay
County began the manufacture of weapons, in order to be prepared
for defense if occasion again required it; and in this many of the
influential men of the county encouraged them, in order, as they said,
"to help the 'Mormons' to settle their own difficulties."
In the fall and before the agreement to leave Jackson County had been
made, by the "Mormons" afterward expelled, a number of their brethren
in Ohio, including Joseph Smith, Sylvester Smith, Frederick Williams
and others, not far from one hundred and fifty men in all, had made
arrangements to move into Missouri, with the intent to aid their
followers there in defending themselves, or to share with them the fate
that might await them. Of their intention thus to enter the State as
immigrants, they notified their brethren in Missouri, who by letter
dated April 24th, 1834, informed the governor, asking that their arms
be restored to them and they be reinstated in their homes with the
privilege of maintaining themselves in those homes, when so reinstated,
by force; further asking the governor to give them a guard to escort
them to Jackson County, when their friends from the East arrived. This
letter was signed by A. S. Gilbert and four others.
This company above referred to, left Kirtland May 5th, 1834, and on
June 5th, Mr. Gilbert notified the governor, in accordance with the
opinion of Mr. Reese, district attorney, that the company was nearly to
their journey's end; and again asked for an escort.
In answer to the communications of Mr. Gilbert and others, Governor
Dunklin made answer, dated at Jefferson City, June 6th, 1834, from
which letter, directed to Col. J. Thornton, the following extracts are
taken:
"Dear Sir:--I was pleased at the reception of your letter, concurred
in by Messrs. Reese, Atchison and Doniphan, on the subject of the
Mormon difficulties. * * * A more clear and indisputable right does not
exist, that the Mormon people, who were expelled from their homes in
Jackson County, to return and live on their lands, and if they cannot
be persuaded as a matter of policy to give up that right, or to qualify
it, my course, as the chief executive officer of the State, is a plain
one. The Constitution of the United States declares: 'That the citizens
of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of
citizens in the several States.' Then we cannot interdict any people
who have a political franchise in the United States, from immigrating
to this State, nor from choosing what part of the State they will
settle in, provided they do not trespass on the property or rights of
others. * * * And again, our Constitution says; That all men have a
natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to
the dictates of their own consciences.' I am fully persuaded that the
eccentricity of the religious opinions and practices of the 'Mormons'
is at the bottom of the outrages committed against them. They have the
right constitutionally guaranteed to them, and it is indefeasible,
to believe, and worship Joe Smith as a man, as an angel, or even as
the true and living God, and to call their habitation Zion, the Holy
Land, or even heaven itself. Indeed there is nothing so absurd or
ridiculous, that they have not the right to adopt as their religion,
so that in its exercise they do not interfere with the rights of
others. * * * I consider it the duty of every good citizen of Jackson
and adjoining counties, to exert themselves to effect a compromise of
their difficulties, and were I assured I would not have to act in my
official capacity in the affair, I would visit the parties in person
and exert myself to the utmost to settle it. My first advice would be
to the Mormons to sell out their lands in Jackson County, and to settle
somewhere else, where they could live in peace, if they could get a
fair price for them, and reasonable damages for injuries received.
If this failed I would try the citizens and advise them to meet and
rescind their illegal resolve of last summer; and agree to conform to
the laws in every particular, in respect to the Mormons. If both these
failed, I would then advise the plan you have suggested, for each party
to take separate territory, and confine their numbers within their
respective limits, with the exception of the public right of ingress
and egress upon the public highway. If all these failed then the simple
question of legal right would have to settle it. It is this last that
I am afraid I shall have to conform my action to in the end, and hence
the necessity of keeping myself in the best situation to do my duty
impartially."
To facilitate any effort that might be made to effect a settlement of
the troubles, the governor appointed Col. Thornton as an aid to the
commander-in-chief, and requested him to keep himself and the governor
closely informed of all that was transpiring.
The company emigrating from Ohio, under the charge of Joseph Smith,
were joined at Salt River, Missouri, by a number from Michigan in
charge of Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wright,[H] their united number being
two hundred and five men. These were organized and drilled under Mr.
Wright, who was appointed to the command of the whole force.
[Footnote H: Wight.]
June 9th, 1834, the governor issued a second order for the return of
the arms, directed to Col. Pitcher, Col. Lucas having resigned his
command and left the county. This order to Col. Pitcher required him to
collect the arms, if not in his possession, and return them to Messrs.
Phelps and Partridge and others from whom they were taken.
June 10th, Judge John F. Ryland wrote to Mr. Gilbert from Richmond,
requesting that the "Mormons" be called together at Liberty the
following Monday, the 16th, at which time he would meet them with a
deputation of some of the most respectable citizens of Jackson County
and explain to them his views, stating further that he dreaded the
consequences likely to ensue if he failed in his efforts to secure an
amicable adjustment between the parties. This request was acceded to.
Mr. Gilbert and others notified their brethren of the time and place
of meeting and its object; and on the 16th the meeting was held, the
citizens of Clay County, including the "Mormons," numbering between
eight hundred and a thousand, assembled at the court house, where they
were met by the judge and a deputation from Jackson County. At this
meeting the citizens of Jackson County, through a committee consisting
of Mr. Samuel C. Owens and nine others, submitted propositions
in substance as follows: That they would purchase the lands and
improvements of the "Mormons" at a valuation to be fixed by arbitrators
to be agreed upon by the parties; that when these arbitrators should
have been chosen, twelve of the "Mormons" should be permitted to go
with the arbitrators to point out the lands and improvements to be
valued, the people of the county guaranteeing their safety while so
doing; that when these arbitrators should have fixed said valuation,
the people of Jackson County would pay the same with one hundred per
cent added thereto within thirty days after said report. That upon said
payment so made the "Mormons" should execute deeds for the lands, and
make no effort ever after to settle as a community or as individuals
within the county. Both parties were to enter into bonds to keep the
terms of the agreement when made. A counter proposition was that the
"Mormons" should buy all the lands of the people of Jackson County and
their improvements on the public lands, the valuation to be made in the
same way by arbitrators, and the same addition of one hundred per cent
to such valuation when reported, payment to be made by the "Mormons"
within thirty days after said report of valuation, as in the first
proposition.
After the reading of this proposition, its adoption and enforcement
were warmly urged by Mr. Owens, chairman of the deputation from Jackson
County, and were as warmly met and opposed by Gen. Doniphan. Rev. M.
Riley, of the Baptist church, urged the expulsion of the "Mormons,"
stating that they had "lived long enough in Clay County, and must
either clear out or be cleared out." Mr. Turnham, the moderator of the
meeting, answered this speech, counseling moderation, saying, among
other things, "Let us be Republicans; let us honor our country and not
disgrace it like Jackson County. For God's sake, don't disfranchise
or drive away the 'Mormons.' They are better citizens than many of
the old inhabitants." This expression was endorsed by Gen. Doniphan.
Considerable excitement ensued, during which a quarrel occurred between
some parties outside the door, in which one Calbert stabbed another man
named Wales. Someone shouted into the door of the court room, "A man
stabbed!" which broke up the meeting. Pending the restoration to order,
Messrs. Phelps, McClellan and others consulted together and replied
to the proposition, that they were not authorized to accede to either
of the set of terms submited, but that they would give general notice
and call a meeting of their brethren and make definite answer by the
following Saturday or Monday, and that such answer should be placed in
the hands of Judge Turnham, chairman of the meeting, earlier than the
day named, if possible; assuring Mr. Owens and others that there was no
design to open hostilities on the people of Jackson or other counties.
They further pledged themselves to prevent any of their brethren coming
from the east from entering into Jackson County.
Messrs. Phelps and Gilbert submitted to Mr. Owens and others of the
Jackson committee a reply dated June 21st, 1834, stating that they had
consulted with their brethren, as agreed, and were authorized to state
that the propositions as made to them June 16th, could not be acceded
to. In the same communication they gave the assurance that there was
no intention on the part of themselves or their brethren to invade the
county of Jackson in a hostile manner.
By this uniting, immediate conflict seemed to be averted, and the
Jackson County committee returned home by way of the ferry, where is
now the Wayne City landing. The boat was taken over to them and ten
or twelve men and as many horses went aboard the boat. When about the
middle of the Missouri the boat filled with water and sank; men, horses
and all went down together. George Bradbury, David Lynch and James
Campbell were drowned. S. V. Nolan could not swim, but catching hold
of his horse's tail was hauled safely to the Jackson County shore.
Samuel C. Owens and Thomas Harrington clung to the wreck of the boat
and floated down a mile, and when the boat reached a sandbar Mr. Owens
divested himself of all his clothes except his shirt, left the wreck
and swam safely to the shore. He found a cow path which he followed
to the main road. While traveling the path he found himself terribly
annoyed by the sting of the nettle, but he walked to Independence, a
distance of some four miles. Mr. Harrington hung to the boat and was
drowned. William Everett swam to the Jackson shore and was washed
against a drift and was found there ten days afterwards, one hand fast
hold of a projecting snag. The other men swam back to the Clay County
shore, where they all made it safe except Small-wood Nolan, who clung
to a "sawyer" only a short distance from the shore. The men who made
the shore built a fire and encouraged Nolan to "cling on" till they
could rescue him. He did cling on with the grip of death. When daylight
came and the men went in to take him off his scanty support, they found
that the water was only waist deep and he could have waded to the shore
with ease if he had known it.
It was rumored that the "Mormons" had secretly bored holes in the boat
above the customary water mark, but when loaded would sink to the holes
and then fill with water. But the most reasonable idea was that the
boat did not generally carry such heavy loads, hence the timbers had
become dry and the corking loose, and when the water pressed against it
gave way and the boat filled.
Joseph Smith and his party passed through Richmond, Clay County, June
19th, and encamped between two branches of Fishing River, not far from
their junction. Here they were met by five armed men, who informed
them that sixty men from Ray and seventy from Clay counties were to
meet others from different places and prevent their further progress.
They also learned that two hundred from Jackson County were to cross
the Missouri River at Williams' Ferry, there to meet the forces from
Ray and Clay Counties, at Fishing River ford, and thence to attack
and disperse or destroy them. Their designs, if entertained, were
prevented, for on the night following a severe storm of wind and rain
occurred, which raised the streams, flooded the country and prevented
any hostile movements being made by either party.
Mr. Smith's band moved out on the prairie on the 20th and encamped,
where, on the 21st, they were visited by Col. Sconce and two other
leading men from Ray County, who were anxious to know what were their
intentions. Mr. Smith replied, stating that they had come to assist
their brethren, bringing with them clothing and other supplies to aid
them in being reinstated in their rights; and disclaimed any design to
interfere with, or molest any people. These men returned from their
visit, satisfied of the intentions of Mr. Smith and those with him,
and rode through the neighborhood, using their influence to allay the
excitement.
Cornelius Gillium, sheriff of Clay County, went to the camp of Mr.
Smith and party on June 22nd, and asked for Mr. Smith; and upon
being presented to him, gave them some instructions concerning the
peculiarities of the inhabitants of the county; and advised Mr. Smith
and the rest as to the course that should be pursued by them to secure
the protection of the people. Mr. Smith and those with him resumed
their march to reach Liberty, Clay County, on the 23rd; but were met by
Gen. Atchison and others when within six miles of the town, and were
by them persuaded not to go to Liberty, as the people were too much
incensed against them. The party, therefore turned away to the left
and encamped upon the premises of a member of the fraternity named
Burghardt, on the bank of Rush Creek.
From here a proposition for settlement was agreed to on the part of
the "Mormons," and was by them sent to Mr. S. C. Owens and others, the
committee from Jackson County. This proposition was in substance as
follows:
That if the inhabitants of Jackson County would not permit them to
return to their homes and remain in peace, then twelve disinterested
men were to be chosen, six by each party to the strife, and these
twelve men were to fix the value of the lands of those men resident in
the county who were opposed to the "Mormons," and could not consent to
live in the county with them; that when this valuation was made, the
"Mormons" were to have one year in which to raise the money; that none
of the "Mormons" should enter the county to reside until the money was
paid; that the same twelve men were also to fix the amount of damages
incurred by the "Mormons" in their expulsion, and the amount of damages
so fixed should be taken from the aggregate sum to be paid by the said
"Mormons" for the lands appraised by said arbitrators.
On June 25th, Mr. Smith caused his company to be broken into small
bands, and scattered them among the resident members. He also apprised
Generals Doniphan, Atchison and Thornton of what he had done, informing
them that his company of emigrants would so remain dispersed until
every effort for an adjustment of differences had been made on their
part, "that would in anywise be required of them by disinterested men
of Republican principles."
June 26th, by agreement among the elders of the "Mormons," a letter
was prepared to Governor Dunklin, informing him of their arrival in
Clay County, of their having been met by General Doniphan, of their
present condition and the nature of the negotiations then pending, of
the character of the proposals made by them, and notifying the governor
that if the present effort for peace failed they should do all that
could be required of them by human or divine law to secure peaceably
their homes in Jackson County, their claim to which they would not
abandon. They further notified the governor that within the week one
of their brethren was taken by some citizens from Jackson County, and
forcibly carried from Clay County across the Missouri, and after being
detained in custody for a day and night was threatened and released.
Also, that the houses of a number of their members in Clay County had
been broken into and rifled of guns and arms during the absence of the
men folks, the women being threatened and intimidated. On the same day
they received a rejection of the proposals to Mr. Owens, by the way of
their attorney, Mr. Reese.
While encamped on Rush Creek the cholera broke out among them, and out
of sixty-eight attacked thirteen died, among them John S. Carter, Eber
Wilcox and Algernon S. Gilbert, he who was expelled from Independence.
Mr. Gillium published the result of his visit to the "Mormon" camp,
and the propositions made by them as stated above, in the _Enquirer,_
July 1st, 1834, and the whole country then became acquainted with the
purposes and wishes of these worshipers. We quote from this publication
the following:
"We wish to become permanent citizens of the State, and bear our
proportion in support of the government and to be protected by its
laws. If the above propositions are complied with we are willing to
give security on our part, and we shall want the same of the people of
Jackson County, for the performance of this agreement. We do not wish
to settle down in a body, except where we can purchase the land with
money; for to take possession by conquest or the shedding of blood
is entirely foreign to our feelings. The shedding of blood we shall
not be guilty of, until all just and honorable means among men prove
insufficient to restore peace."
This declaration was signed by Joseph Smith, Jr., F. G. Williams,
then acting president of The Church, Lyman Wright, Roger Orton, Orson
Hyde and John S. Carter, all leading men among the "Mormons." It was
directed to John Lincoln, John Sconce, George R. Morehead, James H.
Long and James Collins. The "Mormons" also appointed a committee
of their number, who drafted an appeal to the people of the United
States, in which they set forth the purposes expressed by them in their
statement to Mr. Gillium. This appeal was published and scattered
abroad, but it is not known what effect it had, other than possibly to
exasperate the feeling in Missouri against them.
The message of the governor of Missouri to the general assembly of
the State, then in session, communicated on November 20th, 1838,
recommended a commission of both houses of the Legislature to inquire
into the "Mormon" difficulties. The house, in committee of the whole on
the state of the Republic, November 22nd, appointed a select committee
of seven to co-operate with such number from the senate as that body
might appoint, to inquire into the "causes of said disturbances, and
the conduct of the military operations in suppressing them, with power
to send for men and papers." The senate, on November 23rd, appointed
Messrs. Turner, Noland and Scott, as their part of said committee, thus
concurring in the action. This committee reported in the senate, on
December 18th, that they had taken the matters submitted to them into
consideration, and decided that they "thought it unwise and injudicious
under all the circumstances of the case to predicate a report from
the papers, documents, etc., purporting to be copies of the evidence
taken before an examining court, held in Richmond, Ray County, for the
purpose of inquiring into the charges alleged against the people called
'Mormons,' growing out of the difficulties between that people and
other citizens of the State."
The reasons given are: The evidence given in that examination was in
a great degree _ex parte,_ and not of a character to afford a "fair
and impartial investigation." The papers had been so certified as
to satisfy the committee of their authenticity. There were still
charges pending against some of the "Mormons" for treason, murder
and other felonies, which charges were to be tried before the courts
in the several counties, where such crimes were charged to have been
committed. Publication of the evidence and papers referred to might
affect seriously the right of trial by a "jury of the vicinage," by
prejudicing public sentiment against the accused. Were the committee
to act and send for papers and persons, it might interfere with the
action of the courts wherein the suits were pending. For this reason
the committee recommended the appointment of a committee, who should,
after the adjournment of the assembly, go into the vicinity of the
scenes of the difficulties, there to make inquiry and make proper
report to the legislature of their inquiry and examination when
concluded. Among other reasons given for such recommendation occur
these: that the "documents, although serviceable in giving direction
to the course of inquiry, are none of them, except the official orders
and correspondence, such as ought to be received as conclusive evidence
of the facts stated." And that it "would not be proper to publish the
official orders and correspondence between the officers in command, and
the executive, without the evidence on which they were founded; and
that evidence is not sufficiently full and satisfactory to authorize
its publication."
The recommendations of the committee were concurred in by the senate,
January 10th, and on the 16th Mr. Turner introduced a bill providing
such inquiry; making it the duty of the commission when appointed to
inquire into the causes of the disturbances. This bill passed after
amendment, and being reported to the house was, on February 4th, 1839,
laid on the table until July 4th, by 48 to 37.
Pending the expiration of the time for which this bill to inquire into
the causes of the disturbance of the peace in the various counties of
Clay, Ray and Daviess, the history of the "Mormons" of the State is
about as follows:
After the removal from Jackson, and the acceptance of the final
decision, nothing further appears of any settlement being attempted in
Jackson County by the expelled party, or their brethren. Joseph Smith
returned to Kirtland, Ohio, with many others, while some concluded to
remain in the, to them, land of Zion; and these settled in and through
the counties above named.
Things did not long remain in a peaceful condition, however, and it
became apparent that there would again be trouble. To avoid this, if
possible, it appears that some of the leading men among the "Mormons"
were sent to Richmond, Ray County, and made inquiry as to whether the
citizens would be willing that they should settle upon the territory
north of and contiguous to the county of Ray, at that time unorganized.
To this no answer was given, and, taking it for granted that no
objections would be offered, many removed, and Mr. James M. Hunt, in
his "Mormon War," written in 1844, declares that: "Here, for some time,
the Prophet concentrated his followers; houses were erected, as if by
magic--improvements were prosecuted with such rapidity as to promise a
flourishing town and country in a very short time. The country round
about was fast being settled, and undergoing improvements--every month
bringing swarms of deluded fanatics, to forward the designs of their
ambitious leaders."
Settlements were made at Far West; one on Grand River, in Daviess,
called Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and one in Carrol County, called DeWitt. At
these places says, Hunt, "members gathered, improving town and country
rapidly." "It is due the 'Mormons,'" further says this writer, "here to
state, that they were an industrious, agricultural people, or at least
that portion of them who located in the country round about in the
'stakes,'" as these settlements were called by them.
Between the year 1834 and the beginning of 1838, these settlements,
outside of Jackson, continued to thrive, disturbed, possibly, by now
and then an outrage or reprisal, such as may occur in newly settled
countries among any class of settlers, for which mutual wrongs,
attempted redresses were sought before mutual courts, as some of the
local minor courts were in the hands of the "Mormons," though the
county and superior ones were held by other citizens; and each party
claimed that injustice was done them by these courts by reason of
partisan bias. The feeling was growing bitter against the "Mormons" on
the part of the citizens, and the feelings of injury and resentment
began to crystallize into provocation and resentment (especially so
with some individuals) on the part of the "Mormons." Joseph Smith
and Sidney Rigdon had settled with their families in the State, and
under their direction the people had been organized and armed, more
or less efficiently, to repel encroachments and protect themselves,
as they stated, from unlawful aggressions. They had been told that
the authority of the legislature and executive could not be brought
to bear for their defense until remedies at the lesser courts failed
them, and then only at the requisition of local civil officers, and had
been advised whether judiciously or otherwise to defend themselves.
There grew up some dissensions among themselves: a few, some of the
prominent men among them, dissented from the rules of the society and
the authority of Messrs. Smith and Rigdon; these were denounced as
apostates, and attempts made to drive them out from the society and
settlements, which resulted in mutual recrimination and the making
public exaggerated accounts of the intentions of the "Mormon" leaders.
Some of the brethren who were fanatical or more unwise than others,
were guilty of a flagrant excess of language calculated to create
suspicion and uneasiness in the minds of those already prejudiced
against them as a people. There were some law-breakers among them who
committed crimes and were not punished; all of which hastened the
impending trouble. These things among themselves, and the constant
manifestation of hostility from many of the citizens, lawless and
irresponsible, and some of note and ability among the most respectable
as well, with occasional depredation upon the "Mormons," resulted in
making further peace very improbable.
In June, 1838, Sidney Rigdon preached a sermon, taking strong ground
against the dissenters and the Missourians. This sermon was construed
as a declaration of war against the apostates and of reprisal against
the citizens. Mr. Hunt states that in this state of things, the
citizens apprehended wrong-doers against them, but having to go before
a "Mormon" justice and jury, they failed and were abused by the
"Mormons" for bringing vexatious suits; and that the Gentiles were not
idle in "setting afloat their grievances, and probably exaggerating
them."
Mr. Rigdon is said to have delivered an oration July 4, 1838, at Far
West, before a gathered multitude, which was called a treasonable
speech. This oration we have carefully read and can now see that the
passages construed as treasonable and dangerous, may have been but the
indignant protest against violence that a possible enthusiast might
unadvisedly use. They are as follows: "And that mob that comes on us
to disturb us, it shall be between us and them a war of extermination;
for we will follow them till the last drop of their blood is spilled,
or they will have to exterminate us, for we will carry the seat of war
to their own houses and their own families, and one party or the other
shall be utterly destroyed. Remember it, then, all men! We will never
be the aggressors--we will infringe on the rights of no people, but
shall stand for our own till death. We claim our own rights, and are
willing that others shall enjoy theirs. No man shall be at liberty to
come into our streets, to threaten us with mobs, for if he does, he
shall atone for it before he leaves the place; neither shall he vilify
or slander any of us, for suffer it we will not in this place. * * *
Neither will we indulge any man or set of men, in instituting vexatious
law-suits against us to cheat us out of our rights; if they attempt it,
we say woe be unto them."
August 1st, at an election in Daviess County, a quarrel ensued between
some citizens and "Mormons." One of the latter was badly stabbed,
and others on both sides wounded. From this occurrence, rumors flew
in every direction. The "Mormons" at Far West were told that several
of their number had been killed, and two hundred of them went into
Daviess County to inquire into it. They found no one killed; but Mr.
Adam Black, a justice of the peace of Daviess County, stated under
oath, before John Wright and Elijah Foley, fellow justices, that Mr.
Smith and others, to the number of one hundred and fifty-four, exacted
from him about August 8, 1838, a written promise to support the
Constitution of the State and the United States; and not to support
a mob nor attach himself to any mob, nor to molest the "Mormons." To
answer to this charge Mr. Smith, L. Wight and others were arrested,
and recognized to appear for trial. Other disturbances followed, and
upon representation of a deputation of citizens from Daviess County,
Major-General Atchison, at the head of a thousand men of the Third
Division of militia, went to the scene of trouble. The major-general
found the citizens and the "Mormons" in hostile array. He dispersed
both parties and reported to the governor, with the further statement
that no further depredations were to be feared from the "Mormons."
Almost simultaneously disturbances occurred in Carroll and Caldwell
counties. The citizens determined to drive the "Mormons" from the
State; the "Mormons" refused to be driven. A number of citizens made
representations to General Atchison, on September 10th, that the
citizens of Daviess had a "Mormon" in custody, as a prisoner, and that
the "Mormons" had Messrs. John Comer, Wm. McHamy and Allen Miller
prisoners, as hostages. Certain of the "Mormons," and other citizens
of Carroll County, petitioned the governor from De Witt, stating the
committal of lawless acts against them, among which was the ordering
them to leave the county, giving them till October 1st, and asking
interference and relief. This was dated September 22, 1838.
From reports filed with the governor, by Generals H. G. Parks, David
R. Atchison and A. W. Doniphan, copies of which accompanied the
messages of the governor to the assembly, it appears that when the
proper authorities appeared on the scene of difficulty, the "Mormons"
gave up, not only the prisoners they had taken in reprisal, but their
arms, and also the men of their number against whom civil proceedings
were pending. General Parks, in a report dated Mill Post, September
25, 1838, states: "Whatever may have been the disposition of the
people called 'Mormons,' before our arrival here, since we have made
our appearance, they have shown no disposition to resist the laws,
or of hostile intention. * * * There has been so much prejudice and
exaggeration concerning this matter, that I find things on my arrival
here, totally different from what I was prepared to expect. When we
arrived here, we found a large body of men from the counties adjoining,
armed, and in the field, for the purpose, as I learned, of assisting
the people of this county against the 'Mormons,' without being called
out by the proper authorities." General Atchison wrote the governor
from Liberty, Missouri, September 17, 1838: "I have no doubt your
excellency has been deceived by the exaggerated statements of designing
or half crazy men. I have found there is no cause of alarm on account
of the 'Mormons;' they are not to be feared; they are much alarmed."
Hostile feeling culminated rapidly. The citizens, in absence of the
militia, gathered their forces together, and, on the night of October
1st, attacked De Witt. A committee of citizens of Chariton County went
into Carroll County, and found De Witt invested by a large force,
the "Mormons" in defense and suing for peace, and wishing for the
interposition of the civil authorities. They reported October 5, 1838.
General Atchison reported October 16th, that the "Mormons" had sold
out in Carroll County and left, and that a portion of their assailants
were on the march to Daviess County with one piece of artillery,
"where, it is thought the same lawless game is to be played over, and
the 'Mormons' driven from that county, and probably from Caldwell."
"Nothing, in my opinion," wrote this general in his report, "but the
strongest measures within the power of the executive will put down this
spirit of mobocracy."
The "Mormons" resisted, and in their turn plundered the store of
Jacob Stollings at Gallatin, removing the goods, burned the store
and other buildings in that place and Millport. The citizens of Ray,
Daviess, Carroll, Jackson, Howard and some other counties gathered,
and apprising the governor that the "Mormons," now growing desperate,
had become the aggressors, the governor, L. W. Boggs, moved thereto by
representations made to him, issued orders to General John B. Clark,
placing him in command of all the force necessary, with instruction
that he was in receipt of information of the most appalling nature,
"which entirely changed the face of things, and places the 'Mormons'
in the attitude of an open and armed defiance of the laws, and of
having made war upon the people of this State * * * The 'Mormons' must
be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the
State, if necessary for the public peace--their outrages are beyond all
description."
In obedience to this order, General Clark, associated with General
Lucas, proceeded to the seat of war, and, without much resistance,
disbanded the armed forces of the "Mormons," demanded and received
their arms, took Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith and fifty
other leading men prisoners for trial upon various charges--high
treason against the State, murder, burglary, arson, robbery and
larceny. These men were examined before Austin A. King, judge of the
Fifth Judicial Circuit in the State of Missouri, at Richmond, beginning
November 12, 1838. At this examination some were discharged for lack
of evidence to hold them, but Joseph Smith, Lyman Wight, Hyrum Smith,
Alexander McRae and Caleb Baldwin were held for trial and committed to
jail in Clay County; some others were recognized for trial and gave
bonds. A further demand was made to the effect that the "Mormons" make
an appropriation to pay their debts and the indemnification for the
damage to citizens done by them. The property said to have been taken
by them was mostly restored upon demand of the officers.
The "Mormons" began leaving at once, and continued to leave until
all were gone, except now and then a recalcitrant member, or one who
had some personal friends among the citizens. Many sold out for what
they could get, and many were compelled to go without selling at all.
Their leaders were taken prisoners, their means of defense, as well as
offense, were taken from them by law, and by the will of the citizens,
enforced by the order of the governor, some twelve thousand people
were driven from the State. The number of killed in this "Mormon" war
is stated by the official report of the general in command in the
following language: "The whole number of the 'Mormons' killed through
the whole difficulty, as far as I can ascertain, are about forty, and
several wounded." This is rather a damaging result against the State,
after the terrible character given the "Mormons" by those opposed to
them, and upon whose reports the governor ordered their suppression.
Messrs. Smith, Rigdon and their comrades, in jail at Liberty, took
change of venue to Boone County, but the officer charged with their
delivery in Boone in his return of the order of removal to Daviess
County states that the prisoners escaped. They afterwards reached
Illinois in safety.
Such in brief is the history of that strange people called "Mormons,"
in Missouri; the events succeeding their departure from the county
of Jackson and settlements in Ray, Clay, Caldwell, Daviess and other
counties, has been hurried over as not properly belonging in our
history of Jackson.
After this expulsion from Missouri, the "Mormons" settled in Illinois,
where in six years, from 1838 to 1844, they increased rapidly and
laid the foundation for a magnificent city. They began the erection
of a stone temple upon a sightly location. Trouble followed them, the
citizens were again aroused. Process was issued for the arrest of
Joseph and Hyrum Smith, on charge of treason; awaiting trial upon which
charge in the jail of Hancock County, Illinois, June 27th, 1844, they
were attacked and killed by a mob. Two years after that, the "Mormons,"
under the leadership of Brigham Young, were expelled from Illinois, and
Utah and polygamy are the outcome.
There is now in Jackson County a body of people calling themselves
Latter-day Saints. They are in fact a branch of the Reorganized
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which church, Joseph
Smith, Jr., the eldest son of Joseph Smith, the putative father of
"Mormonism," is the president. The present headquarters of the church
is at Plano, Kendall County, Illinois; where they have a printing
house, containing engine, press, type and other facilities for carrying
on quite an extensive business. They number some fifteen thousand
members now, dispersed through the United States in over four hundred
congregations, including branches in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago,
St. Louis, Salt Lake City and many other prominent cities; and are
most numerous in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. In many places they have
houses of worship, which they by the engagement and aid of the citizens
have built; one of these buildings is in Independence.
This church, under Mr. Smith's presidency, has kept an active ministry
at work in Utah, endeavoring to disabuse the "Mormons" of that
Territory of the dogma of polygamy, which they assert to be no part of
primitive "Mormonism;" and from the history of the sect during its stay
in Missouri from 1835 to 1838, it would appear that these organizers
are correct; for not a single charge of such dogma being held or taught
appears in the many statements made against them, or in the published
orders and reports of the officers engaged in expelling them from
the State. They, at all events, oppose the tenet, and are directly
antagonizing Utah "Mormonism."
APPENDIX II.
"MORMON" WAR.
(_Taken from the History of Clay County as published in St. Louis by
the National Historical Company,_ 1885.)
In 1832 the "Mormons" under their Prophet Joe Smith came into Jackson
County, where the previous year large tracts of land had been entered
and purchased for their benefit and began to occupy and possess the
land with the intention, as they said, of remaining for all time. "But
their years in that land were few and full of trouble." They were in
constant collision with their Gentile neighbors, who frequently tied
them up and whipped them with cowhides and hickory switches, derided
their religion, boycotted them where they did not openly persecute
them, and at last engaged in a deadly encounter with them, tarred and
feathered their bishops; threw their printing press into the river and
finally drove them from their homes and out of the county.
Affrighted, terror-stricken, many of the "Mormons" took refuge in Clay
County. Every vacant cabin in the south of the county was occupied by
the fugitives. Many of them among the men obtained employment with the
farmers, some of the women engaged as domestics, others taught school.
A few heads of families were able to and did purchase land and homes,
but the majority rented. The Clay County citizens treated them kindly
and administered to their wants and rendered so many favors that to
this day away out in Salt Lake the old "Mormons" hold in grateful
remembrance the residents of the county of 1834-6.
An old citizen of Independence has recently published in the Kansas
City _Journal_ an interesting article on the "Mormon" troubles in
Jackson County. One paragraph of this article reads as follows:
True history, however, must record the fact that the deluded followers
of the so-called prophet Joseph Smith, in their first effort to
organize and establish a religious, socialistic community in Jackson
County, Missouri, were unjustly and outrageously treated by the
original settlers. That is seen in the tragical and pitiful scene which
occurred during the last part of their sojourn in this their promised
inheritance, their Zion and New Jerusalem. With scarcely one exception
the old settlers were the aggressors so far as overt acts of hostility
were concerned. During the last year of their stay, the continued
persecutions to which they were subjected excited the sympathy of many
outside the county, especially of the people of Clay County, who gave
them an asylum and assistance for a year or two after their expulsion.
Indeed, material aid and arms were furnished them by citizens of Clay
County before their expulsion. A wagon with a quantity of guns was
stopped near the south part of Kansas City and seized by parties on the
watch.
The Jackson County people were indignant at the reception given the
"Mormons" by the citizens of Clay County and stigmatized some of
our citizens as Jack "Mormons," a term yet used. On one occasion a
delegation of eleven Jackson County citizens, led by Major S. Owens
and James Campbell came over to Liberty to hold a council with the
Gentile citizens and "Mormons" of Clay County in regard to the lands
from which the "Mormons" had been driven. The title to these lands was
in the hands of the "Mormons," but the Gentiles wished to extinguish it
by purchase, if it could be obtained at their--the Gentiles'--price.
Accordingly, they offered the "Mormons" an insignificant sum for their
lands and farms, many of which were already in possession of certain
citizens of Jackson County, but this offer was refused. The Clay County
people generally endorsed the refusal. Returning home that night in
great ill humor with their neighbors on this side of the river, the
delegation of Jackson County met with a sad misfortune. As they were
crossing the river at Duckins Ferry, about the middle of the river the
boat sank and five of them were drowned. Three of the unfortunate men
were Ilu Job, James Campbell and----Everett. The casualty increased the
indignation already felt against the people of Clay County.
By the year 1838, all or nearly all of the "Mormons" had left Clay
County, and joined the "Mormon" settlement at or near Far West, or
at other points in Caldwell and Daviess counties; and in October of
that year the "'Mormon' War" broke out. Among the troops dispatched to
Far West during that month were some companies of militia from Clay
County, belonging to General Doniphan's brigade, of Major-General D. R.
Atchison's division. Two of these companies were commanded by Corporals
Prior and O. P. Moss.
Of Captain Prior's company Peter Holtzclaw was first lieutenant. He
with twenty-five men from the north part of the county became separated
from the main command and did not leave with it. The detachment marched
across into Ray County and fell in with the Jackson county regiment,
which had refused to march through Clay County owing to the animosity
existing, and had crossed the river at Lexington.
All the Clay County men were in line confronting the breastworks when
the "Mormon" camp at Far West was surrendered, and witnessed all the
proceedings. They saw the white flag pass back and forth from the
"Mormons," and saw the robber, Captain Bogard of the Missourians, fire
on it; saw the cannoneers stand with lighted matches beside their
pieces, having sent word to General Doniphan that they were ready to
fire; saw suddenly a white flag go up; saw the "Mormon" battalion march
out with "General" G. W. Hinkle, brave as a lion, at its head and
form a hollow square and ground arms, and then saw Hinkle ride up to
Doniphan, unbuckle his sword and detach his pistols from their holsters
and pass them over to his captor, who quietly remarked, "Give them to
my adjutant." Then they saw Hinkle dash the tears from his face, and
ride back to his soldiers.
The "Mormons" agreed fully to Doniphan's conditions, that they should
deliver up their arms, surrender their prominent leaders for trial,
and the remainder of them, with their families, leave the State. As
hostages, Joe Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, G. W. Hinkle [A] and
other prominent "Mormons" delivered themselves up to e held for the
faithful performance of the hard conditions.[B]
[Footnote A: Hinkle was not among the hostages that were held for the
faithful performance of his agreement with the mob, nor did those
"hostages" deliver themselves up to the mob; they were betrayed into
the hands of their enemies by Hinkle.--_B. H. R._]
[Footnote B: Colonel Lewis Wood of this county, who was present, states
to the compiler that at a council of the leading militia officers held
the night following the surrender, it was voted by nearly three to one
to put these leaders to death, and their lives were only saved by the
intervention of General Doniphan, who not only urged his authority as
brigadier, but declared he would defend the prisoners with his own
life.--_N. H. C._]
The "Mormon" leaders were taken before a court of inquiry at Richmond,
Judge Austin A. King presiding. He remanded them to Daviess County, to
await the action of the grand jury on a charge of treason against the
State and murder. The Daviess County jail being poor and insecure, the
prisoners were brought to Liberty and confined in the old stone jail
(still standing) for some time. Many citizens of the county remember to
have seen Joe Smith when he was a prisoner in the old Liberty jail.
In due time indictments for various offenses, treason, murder,
resisting legal process, etc., were found against Joe Smith and his
brother Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon, G. W. Hinkle, Caleb Baldwin, P. P. Pratt,
Luman Gibbs, Maurice Phelps, King Follet, Wm. Osburn, Arthur Morrison,
Elias Higbee and others. Sidney Rigdon was released on a writ of habeas
corpus, the others requested a change of venue, and Judge King sent
their cases to Boone County for trial. On the way from Liberty to
Columbia, Joe Smith escaped. It is generally believed the guard was
bribed. P. P. Pratt escaped from Columbia jail; the others were either
tried and acquitted, or the cases against them were dismissed. The
entire proceedings in the cases were disgraceful in the extreme. There
never was a handful of evidence that the accused were guilty of the
crimes with which they were charged. Those who were tried were defended
by General Doniphan and James S. Rollins.--pp. 132-5.
APPENDIX III.
THE "MORMONS."
(_History of Daviess County, by D. L. Kort._)
This sect of professed Christians, whose history is but a burlesque
upon the pure morality of the meek and lowly, but glorious Nazarene,
came to this country in 1836. Their chief settlement was in Far West,
in Caldwell County, where their apostle, Joseph Smith, and all their
chief dignitaries resided. Here in 1838 the corner stone of the temple
was laid, with great ceremony and not a little deception; for Smith
had foretold that the rock, which was of great size, would move at his
command. This it apparently did do, but actually by means of ropes and
pulleys worked through a concealed trench, by men at a distance.
The temple was to occupy a large square in the centre of the town,
and was approached by four main streets, each one hundred feet wide,
and was to exceed in magnificence any edifice in the United States.
The temple was never built, but Far West attained a population of
three thousand inhabitants, and was for some years the county seat of
Caldwell County. Now, however, not one stone is left upon another, and
the farmer's plow turns up their once busy streets and desecrates their
holy ground.
In our own county their chief point was a place still known as
"Diamond," but by the "Mormons" called Adam-ondi-Ahman, which we
believe means "the grave of Adam." This place is the old Dr. Craven's
farm now, owned and occupied by Major McDonald, and lies about three
and a half miles northwest of Gallatin. It is a romantic spot, on the
east bluff, overlooking the valley of Grand River; and to this day,
owing perhaps to fissures in the underlying rock, the observer may
behold the greasy cactus-lined walks of their "garden of Eden; laid
off with almost mathematical precision. Adam's Grave is at the edge of
the garden, and is a small mound of broken limestone, gravel and soil
intermixed. From Diamond to Far West the "Mormons" had a very fair
road, and all along it and interspersed throughout the county were many
settlers of their faith.
A trace of wandering, a track of blood and temple building are the
principal features in the history of this deluded people, deluded by a
film so thin that even sense might see beyond. Taking their rise in the
south of New York they soon migrated to Kirtland, Ohio, then to Jackson
county, Missouri, then to Clay County, then to Daviess and Caldwell,
then to Nauvoo, Illinois, and thence across the plains to Salt Lake,
and even now there are rumors of another removal. In all these places
they began to build a temple, and in all except the first they left the
marks of blood, either their own or shed by them. The "Mormons" have
always claimed that they were peaceable and law-abiding; yes, peaceable
when not resisted in their outrages, law-abiding when obeying the laws
of their prophet.
They have always claimed that they never shed blood only when attacked:
but this is stark falsehood, as, witness the work of their Danite
Destroying Angels, Mountain Meadow Massacre; and even the attacks they
complain of were always induced by their infamous conduct.
The first cardinal principle in the tenets of their religion, as
exemplified among our people, was: "The Lord has given the earth
and the fullness thereof to his saints," the next was, "We are his
saints." Thus armed and equipped and incited by their leaders, they
roamed through the county, took whatever pleased their fancy, carried
it to Diamond and placed it in the "Lord's storehouse." Nothing was
safe, nothing was exempt from their rapacity, and our sturdy pioneers
were justly indignant and panting for revenge. With them the "Mormon"
war meant business, and we find the county court on the sixth of
March, 1839, allowing an account of twenty-one dollars for powder and
lead furnished the county during the "Mormon" war. So great was the
numerical superiority of the "Mormons" that the citizens dared offer
no resistance, but were simply at their mercy. On the 13th of October,
1838, the "Mormon" Legion formed their line of battle in front of the
few houses in Gallatin, and ordered the citizens to leave at once.
From there the legion proceeded to Millport and issued the same order.
That night the citizens fled by the light of their burning homes, the
principal part going to Livingston County. When they burned Gallatin
the "Mormons" robbed the treasury: true, they did not find much money,
but they took what they could lay their hands on. Shortly after this
the State militia, under General Parks, entered the county, and the
people arose en masse to assist him. Diamond, containing perhaps five
hundred souls, surrendered without resistance. About the same time
Smith himself surrendered Far West, and the war was over.
At the April term, 1839, of our circuit court, indictments for treason,
arson, riot, burglary, and a host of other crimes were found against
Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, Alexander McRae,
W. S. Slade, H. H. B. Belt, Eli Bagley, Wm. Aldridge, Alanson Ripley,
Amos Lubbs, Perry Durphery, John Lehomon and many others. Most of them
were released on bail, which they forfeited, but Smith and the rest
of the leaders, being refused bail, took a change of venue to Boone
County, to which place the sheriff was ordered to convey them under
military guard. On the way the prisoners effected their escape, it is
claimed, by bribing their guard.
During the time between the surrender of the "Mormons" and the
finding of the indictments against them, they had been in custody
in Clay County, and a claim of four hundred and eighty dollars for
guarding them in Liberty jail was presented to our county court, but
disallowed. The claimants obtained a temporary writ of mandamus, which
was venued to Caldwell County, and finally passed into oblivion. The
general assembly on the eleventh day of December, 1838, appropriated
two thousand dollars to relieve the suffering in Daviess and Caldwell
caused by this "Mormon" war. This was for the relief of "Mormons" as
well as others, and M. T. Green was appointed relief commissioner for
this county.
APPENDIX IV.
CALDWELL COUNTY.
(_By Crosby Johnson._)
Mormon emigration.--Shortly prior to the organization of the county,
the "Mormons," driven from Jackson County, sent J. Whitmer and others
to select a home in the wilderness. Far West was chosen, which was
approved by The Church authority.
Far West.--The site chosen for Far West was a high, rolling prairie,
visible for a long distance from all directions. The plat of the town
as laid off embraced a square mile, to-wit: Northeast quarter, section
fifteen; northwest quarter, section fourteen; southeast quarter, section
ten; southwest quarter, section eleven. In the center of the town a
large square was left as a site for a temple which it was their design
to erect. The square was approached by four main streets, each a
hundred feet wide. * * * As its population increased, additions to the
town were laid out. At the time of the "Mormon" war the population of
Far West was about two thousand five hundred, and it was the largest
town in the State north of the Missouri.
"Mormon" War.--The "Mormons" as a people were honest, sober and
industrious, but the object of the leaders was to make money and
obtain power. Joe Smith and his brother Hyrum, with The Church funds,
purchased of the government large tracts of land around Far West, which
they did not scruple to sell to their followers at exorbitant prices.
When the leaders set the example of speculating in the devotion of
the people, it is scarcely to be wondered at if the subordinates went
to greater extremes to fill their purses, and if they had but little
respect for their obligations to each other, they had less for the laws
of the State or the rights of their Gentile neighbors. Some of their
daring leaders taught the doctrine that the Lord had given the earth
and the fullness thereof as an inheritance to his people, and they
were his people and had a right at pleasure to take what pleased their
appetite or fancy. At the time of the difficulties in Jackson County,
Joe Smith organized a band of men called the army of Zion, to protect
his people against the attacks of their enemies. Among these were
many who were too lazy to earn a living by the sweat of their brow.
Desperado and vagabond joined his band for the purpose of plundering.
Squads of them strolled about the county threatening the men,
intimidating the women, and appropriating in the name of the prophet
any property which pleased their taste. As the "Mormons" largely
outnumbered the Gentiles, they elected to all offices of honor and
trust persons of their own faith. Smith was careful that the persons
selected should be subservient to the will of himself and his apostles.
The Gentiles declared it was impossible for them to get a fair hearing
before the "Mormon" magistrates and juries; that the trials were
farces: that the leaders taught and the members acted on the principle
that a Gentile had no rights that a "Mormon" was bound to respect, and
that not the merits of the cause, but the creeds of the contestants
determined which way the scales should turn.
Whether these complaints were true or false, they were believed by
many and naturally excited deep indignation against the "Mormons."
Tales of debauchery, theft and murder were told of them, and their
expulsion from the county demanded. These bitter feelings engendered
broils and riots. Crowds of excited fanatics pelted obnoxious Gentiles
on the streets of Far West with clubs and stones. In retaliation armed
Gentiles rode into public meetings where their lawless conduct was
being denounced, seized the speakers and applied the lash until the
blood trickled down their backs. Both sides ceased to resort to legal
methods in the enforcement of their rights.
Amid so much excitement and insubordination the civil authorities were
powerless to enforce the laws and punish offenses.
Finally, in 1838, the disorder became so great and outrages so frequent
that the State authorities felt it their duty to interfere. Governor
Boggs issued a proclamation calling out the militia to aid in restoring
order and enforcing the laws. The generals in command were Generals
John B. Clark, David R. Atchison, A. W. Doniphan. General Doniphan's
brigade removed to Far West. The main body of the army of Zion under
the command of G. M. Hinkle, whom Smith designated as commander in
chief of the "Mormon" forces, was held in reserve to act as emergencies
might require. Smaller forces were thrown forward to guard the
approaches from the south and the east.
Haun's Mill.--On the thirtieth of October an engagement was fought
at Haun's Mill on Shoal Creek, south of Beckenridge. At that point
a "Mormon" outpost entrenched in the mill and a blacksmith shop was
attacked by the Livingston County militia under Captain Comstock.
After a brief struggle the "Mormons" threw down their arms in token
of surrender, but one of the militia men, being savagely wounded, his
comrades were so enraged that their officer was unable to check them
until eighteen of the "Mormons" were killed and a number wounded. Haun,
the proprietor of the mill, was killed and with the rest of the dead
buried in a well that stood near by.
"Mormon" Exodus.--The surrender took place in November. The days were
cold and bleak, but the clamor for the instant removal of the "Mormons"
was so great that the old and young, the sick and feeble, delicate
women and suckling children, almost without food and without clothing
were compelled to abandon their homes and firesides to seek new homes
in a distant State. Valuable farms were sold for a yoke of oxen, an
old wagon or anything that would furnish means of transportation.
Many of the poorer classes were compelled to walk. Before half their
journey was accomplished the chilly blasts of winter howled about them
and added to their general discomfort. The suffering they endured on
this forced march though great, was soon forgotten in the prosperity
of Nauvoo, their new asylum. Their trials and sufferings instead of
dampening the ardor of the Saints, increased it ten fold. "The blood of
the martyrs became the seed of The Church."
The exodus of the "Mormons" reduced the population of the county from
six thousand to less than one thousand; but the deserted farms and
houses offered inducements to emigration that were not despised and new
settlers rapidly filled the places of the departed ones.
Visions.--If that strange people who built Nauvoo and Salt Lake,
who uncomplainingly toiled across the American Desert and made the
wilderness of Utah bloom like a garden, had been permitted to remain
and perfect the work which they had begun here, how different would
have been the history of Far West. Instead of being a farm with
scarcely sufficient ruins to mark the spot where it once stood, there
would have been a rich populous city, along the streets of which would
be pouring the wealth of the world, and instead of an old dilapidated
farm house there would have been magnificent temples, to which devout
Saints from the farthest corners of the world would have made their
yearly pilgrimages. But the bigotry and intolerance of the Saints
toward the Gentiles and especially toward dissenters from the new
revelations of Joe Smith, rendered such a consummation impossible.
APPENDIX V.
"MORMON" DIFFICULTIES.
(_History of Missouri, Union Historical Society,_ 1881.)
In 1832, Joseph smith, the leader of the "Mormons," and the chosen
prophet and apostle, as he claimed, of the Most High, came with many
followers to Jackson County, Missouri, where they located and entered
several thousand acres of land.
The object of his coming so far west--upon the very outskirts of
civilization at that time--was to more securely establish his Church,
and the more effectively to instruct his followers in its peculiar
tenets and practices.
Upon the present town site of Independence the "Mormons" located
their "Zion," and gave it the name of "New Jerusalem." They published
here _The Evening Star,_ and made themselves generally obnoxious
to the Gentiles who were then in a minority, by their denunciatory
articles through their paper, their clannishness and their polygamous
practices.[A]
[Footnote A: Although the work from which the above record is quoted
is quite a pretentious history consisting of 1006 pages, yet it
apparently has no regard for consistency of statement, for while it
is said on page 47, that this Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints--"Mormon") made themselves generally obnoxious by their
polygamous practices, on page 269 the following occurs, speaking of
the difference between the so-called Josephite Church, who now have
a congregation and church building in Independence, Mo., and the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "This church, * * * (i.
e., Josephite Church,) has kept an active ministry at work in Utah,
endeavoring to disabuse the 'Mormons' of that Territory of the dogma
of polygamy, which they assert to be no part of primitive Mormonism;
and from the history of the sect during its stay in Missouri from 1835
to 1838, it would appear that these organizers are correct; for not a
single charge of such dogma being held or taught appears in the many
statements made against them, or in the published orders and reports of
the officers engaged in expelling them from the State."]
Dreading the demoralizing influence of a paper which seemed to be
inspired only with hatred and malice toward them, the Gentiles threw
the press and type into the Missouri River, tarred and feathered one of
their Bishops, and otherwise gave the "Mormons" and their leaders to
understand that they must conduct themselves in an entirely different
manner if they wished to be left alone.
After the destruction of their paper and press, they became furiously
incensed, and sought many opportunities for retaliation. Matters
continued in an uncertain condition until the 31st of October, 1833,
when a deadly conflict occurred near Westport, in which two Gentiles
and one "Mormon" were killed.
On the second of November following the "Mormons" were over-powered and
compelled to lay down their arms and agree to leave the county with
their families by January 1st on the condition that the owner would be
paid for his printing press.
Leaving Jackson County, they crossed the Missouri and located in Clay,
Carroll, Caldwell and other counties, and selected in Caldwell County
a town site, which they called "Far West," and where they entered more
land for their future homes.
Through the influence of their missionaries, who were exerting
themselves in the east and in different portions of Europe, converts
had constantly flocked to their standard, and Far West, and other
"Mormon" settlements, rapidly prospered.
In 1837 they commenced the erection of a magnificent temple but never
finished it. As their settlements increased in numbers they became
bolder in the practices and deeds of lawlessness.
During the summer of 1838, two of their leaders settled in the town
of DeWitt, on the Missouri River, having purchased the land from an
Illinois merchant. DeWitt was in Carroll County, and a good point from
which to forward goods and emigrants to their town--Far West.
Upon its being ascertained that these parties were "Mormon" leaders
the Gentiles called a public meeting, which was addressed by some of
the prominent citizens of the county. Nothing, however, was done at
this meeting, but at a subsequent meeting, which was held a few days
afterward, a committee of citizens was appointed to notify Colonel
Hinkle (one of the "Mormon" leaders at De Witt,) what they intended to
do.
Colonel Hinkle upon being notified by this committee became indignant,
and threatened extermination to all who should attempt to molest him or
the Saints.
In anticipation of trouble, and believing that the Gentiles would
attempt to force them from De Witt, "Mormon" recruits flocked to the
town from every direction, and pitched their tents in and around the
town in great numbers.
The Gentiles, nothing daunted, planned an attack upon this encampment,
to take place on the 21st of September, 1838, and, accordingly, one
hundred and fifty men bivouacked near the town on that day. A conflict
ensued, but nothing serious occurred.
The "Mormons" evacuated their works and fled to some log houses, where
they could the more successfully resist the Gentiles, who had in the
meantime returned to their camp to await reinforcements. Troops from
Howard, Ray and other counties came to their assistance, and increased
their number to five hundred men.
Congreve Jackson was chosen brigadier-general; Ebenezer Price, colonel;
Singleton Vaughn, lieutenant-colonel, and Sashel Woods, major. After
some days of discipline, this brigade prepared for an assault, but
before the attack was commenced Judge James Earickson and William F.
Dunnica, influential citizens of Howard County, asked permission of
General Jackson to let them try and adjust the difficulties without
bloodshed.
It was finally agreed that Judge Earickson should propose to the
"Mormons" that, if they would pay for all the cattle they had killed
belonging to the citizens, and load their wagons during the night and
be ready to move by ten o'clock next morning, and make no further
attempt to settle in Howard County, the citizens would purchase at
first cost their lots in DeWitt, and one or two adjoining tracts of
land.
Colonel Hinkle, the leader of the "Mormons," at first refused all
attempts to settle the difficulties in this way, but finally agreed to
the proposition.
In accordance therewith, the "Mormons," without further delay, loaded,
up their wagons for the town of Far West, in Caldwell County. Whether
the terms of the agreement were ever carried out, on the part of the
citizens, it is not known.
The "Mormons" had doubtless suffered much and in many ways--the result
of their own acts--but their trials and sufferings were not at an end.
In 1838 the discord between the citizens and the "Mormons" became so
great that Governor Boggs issued a proclamation ordering Major-General
David R. Atchison to call the militia of his division to enforce the
laws. He called out a part of the first brigade of the Missouri State
Militia, under the command of General A. W. Doniphan, who proceeded to
the seat of war. General John B. Clark, of Howard County, was placed in
command of the militia.
The "Mormon" forces numbered about 1,000 men, and were led by G. W.
Hinkle. The first engagement occurred at Crooked River, where one
"Mormon" was killed. The principle fight took place at Haun's Mill,
where eighteen "Mormons" were killed and the balance captured, some of
them being killed after they had surrendered. Only one militiaman was
wounded.
In the month of October, 1838, Joe Smith surrendered the town of Far
West to General Doniphan, agreeing to his conditions, viz: That they
should deliver up their arms, surrender their prominent leaders for
trial, and the remainder of the "Mormons" should, with their families,
leave the State. Indictments were found against a number of these
leaders including Joe Smith, who, while being taken to Boone County for
trial, made his escape, and was afterward, in 1844, killed at Carthage,
Illinois, with his brother Hyrum.
End of Project Gutenberg's The Missouri Persecutions, by B. H. Roberts