THE PROPHET CHARGED WITH BEING ACCESSORY TO THE ASSAULT ON EX-GOVERNOR
BOGGS OF MISSOURI--CORRESPONDENCE WITH GOVERNER CARLIN-THE CHARACTER OF
JOHN C. BENNETT-PROPHECY THAT THE SAINTS WOULD BE DRIVEN TO THE ROCKY
MOUNTAINS.
_Sunday Morning, July 17, 1842_.--Attended meeting at the Grove; was
sick and tarried at home the remainder of the day.
_Monday, 18_.--Rode out to Brother Kearns and the farm.
_Tuesday 19_.--Rode with Dr. Foster, Henry Kearns and others to examine
some timber lands, &c.
_Wednesday, 20.--_
_Affidavit of Lilburn W. Boggs, Ex-Governor of Missouri_.
State of Missouri, county of Jackson: This day personally appeared
before me, Samuel Weston, a justice of the peace, within and for
the county of Jackson, the subscriber, Lilburn W. Boggs, who being
duly sworn doth depose and say that on the night of the 6th day of
May, while sitting in his dwelling, in the town of Independence, in
the county of Jackson, he was shot with intent to kill, and that
his life was despaired of for several days, and that he believes
and has good reason to believe from evidence and information now
in his possession, that O. P. Rockwell, a citizen or resident of
the state of Illinois, is the person who shot him on the night
aforesaid, and the said deponent hereby applies to the Governor
of the State of Illinois, to deliver the said O. P. Rockwell to
some person authorized to receive him and convey him to the county
aforesaid, there to be dealt with according to law.
LILBURN W. BOGGS.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 20th day of July, 1842.
SAMUEL WESTON, J. P.
_Affidavit of the City Council anent John C. Bennett_.
We, the undersigned, members of the city council, of the city of
{68} Nauvoo, testify that John C. Bennett was not under duress
at the time he testified before the city council, May 19, 1842,
concerning Joseph Smith's innocence, virtue and pure teaching.
His statements that he has lately made concerning this matter are
false; there was no excitement at the time, nor was he in anywise
threatened, menaced or intimidated. His appearance at the city
council was voluntary; he asked the privilege of speaking, which
was granted. After speaking for some time on the city affairs,
Joseph Smith asked him if he knew anything bad concerning his
public or private character. He then delivered those statements
contained in the testimony voluntarily, and of his own free will,
and went of his own accord, as free as any member of the council.
We further testify that there is no such thing as a Danite Society
in the city, nor any combination, other than the Masonic Lodge of
which we have any knowledge.
WILSON LAW,
JOHN TAYLOR,
WILFORD WOODRUFF,
VINSON KNIGHT,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
JOHN P. GREENE,
WILLIAM MARKS,
GEO. A. SMITH,
GEO. W. HARRIS,
NEWEL K. WHITNEY,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
CHARLES C. RICH,
ORSON SPENCER.
Subscribed and sworn to by the persons whose names appear to the
foregoing affidavit, the 20th day of July, A. D. 1842, except Newel
K. Whitney, who subscribed and affirmed to the foregoing this day
[July 21st] before me.
DANIEL H. WELLS,
Justice of the peace within and for Hancock county, Illinois.
_Friday, 22_.--A special session of the city council was called
at eight o'clock this morning; the Vice-Mayor presiding, when the
following petition was written:
_Petition of the Nauvoo City Council to Governor Carlin_.
_To His Excellency, Thomas Carlin, Governor of the State of
Illinois:_
We, the undersigned citizens of the State of Illinois, having heard
that many reports are in circulation prejudicial to the interest,
happiness, peace, well being and safety of the inhabitants of the
city of Nauvoo and vicinity have thought proper to lay before your
Excellency the following statement:
Whereas, the Latter-day Saints having suffered much in the state
of Missouri, in time past through the hand of oppression, brought
upon them by the falsehoods and misrepresentations of wicked and
designing {69} men, whose hands are yet dripping with the blood of
the innocent, and whose fiendish rage has sent many a patriot to
his long home, leaving in our midst many widows and orphans whose
sorrows and tears even time cannot wipe away:
We would represent to your Excellency that we broke no law,
violated no constitutional rights, nor trampled upon the privileges
of any other people in Missouri; yet we had to suffer banishment,
exile, the confiscation of our properties, and have diseases,
distress and misery entailed upon us and our children, the effects
of which we bear about in our bodies, and are indelibly engraven on
our minds, and we appeal to your Excellency at the present time,
that you will not suffer an occurrence of such heart-rending scenes
to take place under your administration.
Whilst we have been in this state we have behaved as good,
peaceable citizens; we have availed ourselves of no privileges but
what are strictly constitutional, and such as have been guaranteed
by the authority of this state; we have always held ourselves
amenable to the laws of the land; we have not violated any law, nor
taken from any their rights.
Your Excellency must be acquainted with the false statements and
seditious designs of John Cook Bennett, with other political
demagogues, pertaining to us as a people. We presume, sir, that
you are acquainted with the infamous character of that individual,
from certain statements made to us by yourself pertaining to him,
but lest you should not be we forward to you documents pertaining
to the affair, which will fully show the darkness of his character,
and the infamous course that he has taken.
Concerning those statements made by him against Joseph Smith, we
know that they are false. Joseph Smith has our entire confidence;
we know that he has violated no law, nor has he in anywise promoted
sedition or rebellion; nor has he sought the injury of any citizen
of this or any other place. We are perfectly assured that he is
as loyal, patriotic and virtuous a man, as there is in the state
of Illinois, and we appeal to your Excellency, if in three years
acquaintance with him you have seen anything to the contrary?
Inasmuch as this is the case, we your petitioners, knowing that
Joseph Smith could not have justice done him in the state of
Missouri--that he has suffered enough in that state unjustly
already, and that if he goes there it is only to be murdered--pray
your Excellency not to issue a writ for him to be given up to
the authorities of Missouri; but if your Excellency thinks that
he has violated any law, we request that he may be tried by the
authorities of this state, for he shrinks not from investigation.
{70} We furthermore pray that our lives and the lives of our wives
and children may be precious in your sight and that we may have
the privilege of following our avocations, of living on our farms,
and by our own firesides in peace, and that neither said John
C. Bennett, nor any other person may be able to influence your
Excellency, either by intrigue or falsehood, to suffer us as a
people to be injured by mob violence, but if, in the estimation of
your Excellency, we have done wrong, we appeal to the laws of this
state.
Having heard a report that your Excellency had called upon several
companies of militia, to prepare themselves and be in readiness in
case of emergency, we would further ask of your Excellency, that if
the state or country should be in danger, that the Nauvoo Legion
may have the privilege of showing their loyalty in the defense
thereof.
We have the fullest confidence in the honor, justice and integrity
of your Excellency, and feel confident that we have only to present
our case before you to insure protection, believing that the cries
of so many peaceable and patriotic citizens will not be disregarded
by your Excellency.
We therefore ask you as the chief magistrate of this state to grant
us our requests, and we, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Signed by the Vice-Mayor and City Council.
This forenoon I attended a general meeting of the citizens at the
stand; Orson Spencer, Esq., presiding. The object of the meeting was to
correct the public mind relative to false reports put in circulation by
Bennett and others, and General Wilson Law presented the following:
_Resolution of a Nauvoo Mass Meeting_.
_Resolved_, That having heard that John C. Bennett was circulating
many base falsehoods respecting a number of the citizens of Nauvoo,
and especially against our worthy and respected Mayor, Joseph
Smith, we do hereby manifest to the world, that so far as we are
acquainted with Joseph Smith, we know him to be a good, moral,
virtuous, peaceable and patriotic man, and a firm supporter of law,
justice and equal rights; that he at all times upholds and keeps
inviolate the constitution of this state and the United States.
This resolution was adopted unanimously by the numerous assembly.
The assembly came together in the afternoon, and {71} about eight
hundred signed the foregoing petition presented by the city council to
Governor Carlin.
The "Ladies Relief Society" also drew up a petition signed by about
one thousand ladies, speaking in the highest terms of the virtue,
philanthropy and benevolence of Joseph Smith, begging that he might not
be injured, and that they and their families might have the privilege
of enjoying their peaceable rights.
A petition was also drawn up by many citizens in and near Nauvoo, who
were not "Mormons" setting forth the same things. (See affidavits of
Hyrum Smith and William Law _Times and Seasons_, Vol. III, page 870,
&c. Also certificates of Elias Higbee and Francis M. Higbee, _Times and
Seasons_, Vol. III, page 874.) [A]
[Footnote A: The matters of which these affidavits treat are of such
importance in the CHURCH HISTORY, since they establish the villainy of
John C. Bennett and prove the Prophet to be innocent of those things
charged against him by Bennett that it is thought proper to give them
here _in extenso_, as also an extract from an editorial from the _Times
and Seasons_, explaining the long forbearance with this arch-apostate
and traitor.]
_Affidavit of Hyrum Smith_.
On the seventeenth day of May, 1842, having been made acquainted
with some of the conduct of John C. Bennett, which was given in
testimony, under oath before Alderman G. W. Harris, by several
females who testified that John C. Bennett endeavored to seduce
them, and accomplished his designs by saying it was right; that
it was one of the mysteries of God, which was to be revealed when
the people was strong enough in faith to bear such mysteries--that
it was perfectly right to have illicit intercourse with females,
providing no one knew it but themselves, vehemently trying them
from day to day, to yield to his passions, bringing witnesses of
his own clan to testify that there were such revelations and such
commandments, and that they were of God; also stating that he
would be responsible for their sins, if there were any, and that
he would give them medicine to produce abortions, provided they
should become pregnant. One of these witnesses, a married woman
that he attended upon in his professional capacity whilst she was
sick, stated that he made proposals to her of a similar nature; he
told her that he wished her husband was dead, and that if he was
dead, he would marry her and clear out with her; he also begged
her permission to give {72} him [her husband] medicine to that
effect; he did try to give him medicine, but he would not take
it. On interrogating her what she thought of such teaching, she
replied she was sick at the time, and had to be lifted in and out
of her bed like a child. Many other acts as criminal were reported
to me at the time. On becoming acquainted with these facts, I was
determined to prosecute him, and bring him to justice. Some person
knowing my determination, having informed him of it, he sent to me
William Law and Brigham Young, to request an interview with me,
and to see if there could not be a reconciliation made. I told
them I thought there could not be, his crimes were so heinous; but
told them I was willing to see him; he immediately came to see
me; he begged on me to forgive him this once, and not prosecute
him and expose him; he said he was guilty, and did acknowledge
the crimes that were alleged against him; he seemed to be sorry
that he had committed such acts, and wept much and desired that it
might not be made public for it would ruin him forever; he wished
me to wait, but I was determined to bring him to justice, and
declined listening to his entreaties; he then wished me to wait
until he could have an interview with the Masonic fraternity; he
also wanted an interview with Brother Joseph; he wished to know of
me if I would forgive him, and desist from my intentions, if he
could obtain their forgiveness; and requested the privilege of an
interview immediately. I granted him that privilege as I was acting
as master _pro tem_ at that time; he also wished an interview first
with Brother Joseph; at that time Brother Joseph was crossing the
yard from the house to the store, he immediately came to the store
and met Dr. Bennett on the way; he reached out his hand to Brother
Joseph and said, Will you forgive me? weeping at the time; he said,
Brother Joseph, I am guilty, I acknowledge it, and I beg of you
not to expose me, for it will ruin me; Joseph replied, Doctor! why
are you using my name to carry on your hellish wickedness? Have
I ever taught you that fornication and adultery were right, or
polygamy or any such practice? He said, You never did. Did I ever
teach you anything that was not virtuous--that was iniquitous,
either in public or private? He said, You never did. Did you ever
know anything unvirtuous or unrighteous in my conduct or action at
any time, either in public or private? He said, I did not. Are you
willing to make oath to this before an alderman of the city? He
said I am willing to do so. Joseph said, Doctor, go into my office
and write what you can in conscience subscribe your name to, and I
will be satisfied. I will, he said, and went into the office, and I
went with him, and he requested pen, ink and paper of Mr. Clayton,
who was acting clerk in that office, and was also secretary _pro
tem_, for the Nauvoo Lodge, U. D. William Clayton gave him paper,
pen and ink, and he stood at the desk and wrote {73} the following
article which was published in the 11th No. of the _Wasp_; sworn to
and subscribed before Daniel H. Wells, Alderman, 17th day of May,
A. D. 1842. He called in Brother Joseph and read it to him, and
asked him if that would do; he said it would; he then swore to it
as before mentioned, the article was as follows:
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF NAUVOO.
Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an alderman of said
city of Nauvoo, John C. Bennett, who being duly sworn, according
to law, deposeth and saith: that he never was taught anything in
the least contrary to the strictest principles of the Gospel, or of
virtue, or of the laws of God, or man, under any occasion, either
directly or indirectly, in word or deed by Joseph Smith: and that
he never knew the said Smith to countenance any improper conduct
whatever, either in public or private; and that he never did teach
to me in private that an illegal, illicit intercourse with females
was, under any circumstances, justifiable, and that I never knew
him so to teach others.
JOHN C. BENNETT.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 17th day of May, 1842
DANIEL H. WELLS, Alderman.
During all this intercourse I was present with him, and there
was no threats used nor harshness, everything was as pacific as
could be under existing circumstances. I then immediately convened
the Masonic Lodge, it being about 4 o'clock p. m. He then came
into the lodge and charges of a similar nature were preferred
against him. He admitted they were true, in the presence of about
sixty in number. He arose and begged the privilege of speaking
to the brethren; he acknowledged his wickedness; and begged for
the brethren to forgive him still longer, and he called God and
angels to witness that he never would be guilty of the like crimes
again--he would lay his hand on the Bible and swear that he would
not be guilty of such crimes. He seemed to be very penitent and
wept much; his penitence excited sympathy in the minds of the
brethren, and they withdrew the charge for the time being until
he could be heard on other charges which had been preferred
against him by members of the Pickaway Lodge of Ohio, through
the communications of the Grand Master, A. Jones. After this we
found him to be an expelled Mason, in consequence of his rascally
conduct, from the Pickaway Lodge, in Ohio; the circumstances and
documents were mentioned in the 11th number of the _Wasp_, signed
by George Miller, Master of Nauvoo Lodge, under dispensation, and
reads as follows:
{74}
NOTICE.
_To All Whom it May Concern, Greeting_:
Whereas John Cook Bennett, in the organization of the Nauvoo Lodge,
under dispensation, palmed himself upon the fraternity as a regular
Mason in good standing; and satisfactory testimony having been
produced before said Lodge, that he, said Bennett, was an expelled
Mason, we therefore publish to all the Masonic world, the above
facts, that he, the said Bennett may not impose himself upon the
fraterns of Masons.
All editors who are friendly to the fraternity of free and accepted
ancient York Masons will please insert the above.
GEORGE MILLER,
Master of Nauvoo Lodge under dispensation.
Still after all this we found him guilty of similar crimes again,
and it was found to our satisfaction that he was conspiring against
the peace and safety of the citizens of this state--after learning
these facts we exposed him to the public; he then immediately left
the place abruptly; threatening to drink the hearts blood of many
citizens of this place. Previous to this last disclosure, the hand
of fellowship was withdrawn from him, May 11, 1842, by the First
Presidency, six days previous to the time he pretended to withdraw
from the Church, which you will see published in the _Times and
Seasons_, June 15, 1842. I was also present at the time when he
gave this testimony before the city council, as printed in the
_Times and Seasons_, July 1, 1842, on page 841, which reads as
follows:
Dr. John C. Bennett, ex-Mayor, was then called upon by the Mayor
to state if he knew aught against him; when Mr. Bennett replied:
"I know what I am about, and the heads of the Church know what
they are about, I expect. I have no difficulty with the heads of
the Church. I publicly avow that any one who has said that I have
stated that General Joseph Smith has given me authority to hold
illicit intercourse with women, is a liar in the face of God,
those who have said it are damned liars; they are infernal liars.
He never either in public or private gave me any such authority
or license, and any person who states it is a scoundrel and a
liar. I have heard it said that I should become a second Avard by
withdrawing from the Church, and that I was at variance with the
heads and should use an influence against them because I resigned
the office of mayor; this is false. I have no difficulty with
the heads of the Church, and I intend to continue with you, and
hope the time may come when I may be restored to full confidence,
and fellowship, and my former standing in the Church, and that
my conduct may be such as to warrant my restoration--and should
the time ever come that I may {75} have an opportunity to test my
faith, it will then be known whether I am a traitor or a true man."
Joseph Smith then asked: "Will you please state definitely whether
you know anything against my character either in public or private?"
General Bennett answered: "I do not; in all my intercourse with
Gen. Smith, in public and in private, he has been strictly
virtuous."
ALDERMEN.
NEWEL K. WHITNEY,
HIRUM KIMBALL,
ORSON SPENCER,
GUST. HILLS,
G. W. HARRIS,
COUNCILLORS.
WILLARD RICHARDS,
WILSON LAW,
JOHN TAYLOR,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
JOHN P. GREENE,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
WILFORD WOODRUFF,
GEORGE A. SMITH.
JAMES SLOAN, recorder.
May 19th, 1842.
I know he was not under duress at the time, for his testimony was
given free and voluntarily, after requesting the privilege of the
council to speak (which was granted him) on matters pertaining to
the city ordinances, while speaking, or before he took his seat, he
was requested by the mayor of the city, Joseph Smith, to state to
the council if he knew aught against him, and he replied according
to the above.
I also know that he had no private intercourse with Joseph in the
preparation room on the 17th day, as he stated in his letter as
printed in the _Sangamo Journal_, for the lodge was convened on
that day, and I had the keys of the doors in my possession from
7 o'clock a. m. until 6 o'clock p. m., and it was when the lodge
called off for refreshment during recess, that I had the interview
with him, at which time he wrote the affidavit and subscribed it
in my presence, and I was with him during the whole time from his
first coming to me, until he signed it and until the lodge convened
again at 4 o'clock.
HYRUM SMITH.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, July 23, 1842.
GEORGE W. HARRIS,
Alderman of the city of Nauvoo.
_Affidavit of Wm. Law_.
As John C. Bennett has become our open enemy, and is engaged in
circulating falsehoods of the blackest character, I deem it a duty
to make the following statement of facts:
John C. Bennett states in the _Sangamo Journal_ that the withdrawal
of the hand of fellowship by the First Presidency, and the Twelve
was {76} after he had withdrawn from the Church. I presume the
notice of our withdrawal was not published till after he withdrew,
but that does not prove his statement true, for I hereby testify
that I signed the article in question several days before he
withdrew. I believe it was on the evening of the 11th day of May,
some four or five days afterwards I had some conversation with John
C. Bennett and intimated to him that such a thing was concluded
upon, which intimation, I presume led him to withdraw immediately.
I told him we could not bear with his conduct any longer--that
there were many witnesses against him, and that they stated that
he gave Joseph Smith as authority for his illicit intercourse with
females. John C. Bennett declared to me before God that Joseph
Smith had never taught him such doctrines, and that he never told
any one that he (Joseph Smith) had taught any such things, and
that any one who said so told base lies; nevertheless he said he
had done wrong, that he would not deny, but he would deny that he
had used Joseph Smith's name to accomplish his designs on any one;
stating that he had no need of that, for that he could succeed
without telling them that Joseph approbated such conduct.
These statements he made to me of his own free will, in a private
conversation which we had on the subject; there was no compulsion
or threats used on my part; we had always been on good terms,
and I regretted exceedingly that he had taken such a course. He
plead with me to intercede for him, assuring me that he would
turn from his iniquity, and never would be guilty of such crimes
again. He said that if he were exposed it would break his mother's
heart--that she was old, and if such things reached her ears it
would bring her down with sorrow to the grave. I accordingly went
to Joseph Smith and plead with him to spare Bennett from public
exposure, on account of his mother. On many occasions I heard him
acknowledge his guilt, and beg not to be destroyed in the eyes of
the public, and that he would never act so again, so "help him
God." From such promises and oaths I was induced to bear with him
longer than I should have done.
On one occasion I heard him state before the city council that
Joseph Smith had never taught him any unrighteous principles, of
any kind, and that if any one says that he ever said that Joseph
taught such things they are base liars, or words to that effect.
This statement he made voluntarily; he came into the council room
about an hour after the council opened, and made the statement,
not under duress, but of his own free will, as many witnesses can
testify.
On a former occasion he came to me and told me that a friend of
his was about to be tried by the High Council, for the crime
of adultery, and that he feared his name would be brought into
question. He entreated me to go to the council and prevent his name
from being {77} brought forward, as, said he, "I am not on trial,
and I do not want my mother to hear of these things, for she is a
good woman."
I would further state that I do know from the amount of
evidence which stands against John C. Bennett, and from his own
acknowledgments, that he is a most corrupt, base, and vile man; and
that he has published many base falsehoods since we withdrew the
hand of fellowship from him.
About the time that John C. Bennett was brought before the Masonic
Lodge he came to me and desired that I would go in company with
Brigham Young to Hyrum Smith, and entreat of him to spare him--that
he wished not to be exposed--that he wanted to live as a private
citizen, and would cease from all his folly, etc. I advised him to
go to Texas, and when he returned, if he would behave well we would
reinstate him. He said he had no means to take him to Texas, and
still insisted on Brigham Young and myself to intercede for him.
WILLIAM LAW.
Sworn to, and subscribed before me a justice of the peace, within
and for the county of Hancock, state of Illinois, July 20th, 1842.
DANIEL H. WELLS.
_Certificate of Elias and Francis M. Higbee_.
_Mr. Editor_:
Sir, from a perusal of the St. Louis papers, I find from an article
signed J. C. Bennett, stating that all who are friends to Mr.
Joseph Smith he considers his enemies--as a matter of course, then,
I must be one, for I am, and have been for a long time the personal
friend of Joseph Smith; and I will here say that I have never yet
seen or known anything against him that I should change my mind. It
is true many reports have been and are put in circulation by his
enemies for political religious effect, that upon investigation are
like the dew before the morning sun, vanish away, because there is
no real substance in them.
Could Dr. Bennett expect any man acquainted with all the
circumstances, and matters of fact which were developed both here
and from abroad, respecting his conduct and character, previous to
his leaving this place, for one moment to believe him--I answer,
_No!_ he could not. And all his affidavits, that came from any
person entitled to credit, (I say entitled to credit, because some
there are who are not entitled to credit; as Dr. Bennett very well
knows) are in amount nothing at all, when summed up, and render no
person worthy of death or bonds.
Francis M. Higbee's knowledge concerning the murder of a prisoner
in Missouri, I am authorized to say, by Francis M. Higbee that he
{78} knows of no such thing--that no prisoner was ever killed in
Missouri, to the best of his knowledge. And I also bear the same
testimony that there never was any prisoner killed there, neither
were we ever charged with any such thing, according to the best of
my recollection.
ELIAS HIGBEE.
July 22, 1842.
This is to certify that I do not know of the murder of any prisoner
in Missouri, as above alluded to.
FRANCIS M. HIGBEE.
July 22, 1842.
[The following is the excerpt from the _Times and Seasons_ alluded to
in the foot note at page 71:]
_John C. Bennett_.
In the state of Missouri we had our Hinckle, our Avard, Marsh,
McLellin, and others who were the first to flee in time of
danger--the first to tell of things that they never knew, and swear
to things that they never before had heard of. They were more
violent in their persecutions, more relentless and sanguinary in
their proceedings, and sought with greater fury the destruction
and overthrow of the Saints of God who had never injured them, but
whose virtue made them blush for their crimes. All that were there
remember that they were the stoutest and the loudest in proclaiming
against oppression; they protested vehemently against mob and
misrule, but were the first in robbing, spoiling, and plundering
their brethren. Such things we have always expected; we know
that the "net will gather together of every kind, good and bad,"
that "the wheat and tares must grow together until the harvest,"
and that even at the last there will be five foolish as well as
five wise virgins. Daniel, in referring to the last days says,
in speaking concerning the "Holy Covenant," that many shall have
indignation against it, and shall obtain information from those
that forsake the Holy Covenant, "and the robbers of thy people
shall seek to exalt themselves, but they shall fall." This we have
fully proven--we have seen them try to exalt themselves, and we
have seen their fall. He goes on further to state, that "many shall
cleave unto them by flatteries." Such was Dr. Avard, and John C.
Bennett--with the latter we have to do at the present time, and
in many of the foregoing statements and prophecies we shall see
his character and conduct exemplified. He professed the greatest
fidelity, and eternal friendship, yet was he an adder in the path,
and a viper in the bosom. He professed to be virtuous and chaste,
yet did he pierce the heart of the innocent, introduce misery and
infamy into families, reveled in voluptuousness and crime, and
led {79} the youth that he had influence over to tread in his
unhallowed steps; he professed to fear God, yet did he desecrate
His name, and prostitute his authority to the most unhallowed and
diabolical purposes; even to the seduction of the virtuous, and the
defiling of his neighbor's bed. He professed indignation against
Missouri, saying, "My hand shall avenge the blood of the innocent;"
yet now he calls upon Missouri to come out against the Saints, and
he "will lead them on to glory and to victory."
It may asked why it was that we would countenance him so long
after being apprised of his iniquities, and why he was not dealt
with long ago. To this we would answer, that he has been dealt
with from time to time; when he would acknowledge his iniquity,
ask and pray for forgiveness, beg that he might not be exposed,
on account of his mother, and other reasons, saying, he should be
ruined and undone. He frequently wept like a child, and begged
like a culprit for forgiveness, at the same time promising before
God and angels to amend his life, if he could be forgiven. He was
in this way borne with from time to time, until forbearance was
no longer a virtue, and then the First Presidency, the Twelve,
and the Bishops withdrew their fellowship from him, as published
in the 16th number of this paper. The Church afterwards publicly
withdrew their fellowship from him, and his character was published
in the 17th number of this paper; since that time he has published
that the conduct of the Saints was bad--that Joseph Smith and many
others were adulterers, murderers, etc., that there was a secret
band of men that would kill people, etc., called Danites--that
he was in duress when he gave his affidavit, and testified that
Joseph Smith was a virtuous man--that we believed in and practiced
polygamy, [B] that we believed in secret murders, and aimed to
destroy the government, etc., etc. As he has made his statements
very public, and industriously circulated them through the country,
we shall content ourselves with answering his base falsehoods and
misrepresentations, without giving publicity to them, as the public
is generally acquainted with them already. [C]
[Footnote B: A distinction here must be kept in mind between the
"polygamy" charged against the Saints by Bennett and plurality of wives
allowed under certain restrictions by the revelation on the Eternity
of the Marriage Covenant. It was the vicious, promiscuous polygamous
associations charged by Bennett that belief in and practice of by the
Saints is here denied, not the plural relations under the seal and
covenant of the marriage law in the aforesaid revelation. See Bennett's
"History of the Saints," (1842), pp. 217-260.]
[Footnote C: According to Bennett's own statement concerning himself,
he joined the Church for the purpose of exposing the alleged
treasonable designs of the Mormon people against several of the western
states. In his book, entitled "The History of the Saints," (Leland &
Whitney, Boston, 1842), he says:
"I find that it is almost universally the opinion of those who
have heard of me in the eastern part of the United States, that I
united myself to the Mormons from a conviction of the truth of their
doctrines, and that I was, at least for some time, a convert to their
pretended religion. This, however, is a very gross error. I never
believed in them or their doctrines. This is, and indeed was, from
the first, well known to my friends and acquaintances in the western
country, who were well aware of my reasons for connecting myself with
the Prophet; which reasons I will now proceed to state. My attention
had been long turned towards the movements and designs of the Mormons,
with whom I had become pretty well acquainted, years before, in
the state of Ohio; and after the formation of their establishment
at Nauvoo, in 1839, the facts and reports respecting them, which I
continually heard, led me to suspect, and indeed, to believe, that
their leaders had formed, and were preparing to execute, a daring and
colossal scheme of rebellion and usurpation throughout the Northwestern
States of the Union. It was to me evident that temporal, as well as
spiritual, empire was the aim and expectation of the Prophet and his
cabinet. The documents that will hereafter be introduced, will clearly
show the existence of a vast and deep-laid scheme, upon their part, for
conquering the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri,
and erecting upon the ruin of their present governments a despotic
military and religious empire, the head of which, as emperor and pope,
was to be Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Lord, and his ministers
and viceroys, the apostles, high priests, elders, and bishops, of the
Mormon Church. The fruition of this hopeful project would, of course,
have been preceded by plunder, devastation, and bloodshed, and by all
the countless horrors which invariably accompany civil war. American
citizens could not be expected to stand quietly by, and suffer their
governments to be overthrown, their religion subverted, their wives and
children converted into instruments for a despot's lust and ambition,
and their property forcibly appropriated to the use and furtherance of
a base imposture. The Mormons would, of course, meet with resistance
as soon as their intentions became evident; and so great was already
their power, and so rapidly did their numbers increase, that the most
frightful consequences might naturally be expected to ensue, from
an armed collision between them and the citizens who still remained
faithful to the God and the laws of their fathers. These reflections
continually occurred to me, as I observed the proceedings of the
Mormons, and, at length, determined me to make an attempt to detect and
expose the movers and machinery of the plot."
The promised documentary proofs of the alleged scheme to overthrow
government in the states names, and establish on their ruins a
despotic military government, etc., did not appear in the book compiled
by Bennett, nor can his statement be true that he joined the Church
for the purpose of exposing a secret plot on the part of Joseph Smith
and his associated against government in the United States. The most
probable and most charitable view in relation to Bennett's actions
and character is that expressed by the late President John Taylor in
his public discussion with a number of Protestant ministers in France,
1850, who relied on Bennett's "disclosures" concerning Joseph Smith and
the Mormon people for the data of their arguments. Of Bennett, with
whom he was well and intimately acquainted, the late President John
Taylor said:
"Respecting John C. Bennett: I was well acquainted with him. At one
time he was a good man, but fell into adultery, and was cut off from
the Church for his iniquity; and so bad was his conduct, that he was
also expelled from the municipal courts, of which he was a member.
He then went lecturing through the country, and commenced writing
pamphlets for the sake of making money, charging so much for admittance
to his lectures, and selling his slanders. His remarks, however, were
so bad, and his statements so obscene and disgraceful, that respectable
people were disgusted."
Elder Taylor's opponents regarded this as an attack upon Bennett's
character, to which Elder Taylor answered: "Mr Carter * * tells us that
it is not too late to attack John C. Bennett's motives for joining
the Church. Did I ever attack John C. Bennett's motives for joining
the Church? * * * * I stated concerning John C. Bennett, that at one
time he was a good man, but that he fell into iniquity and was cut off
from the Church for adultery, and then commenced his persecutions.
If I had my books here I could have shown an affidavit made before
the city council about the time he was cut off, stating that he knew
nothing evil or bad of Joseph Smith, an affidavit that I heard him
make himself." (Public discussion between Reverends Cleeve, Robinson,
Carter, and Elder John Taylor at Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France, 1850.)]
{80} _Affidavit of Daniel H. Wells Anent John C. Bennett_.
STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF HANCOCK.
I hereby certify that on the 17th day of May last, John C. Bennett
subscribed and swore to the affidavit over my signature of that
date and published in the _Wasp_, after writing the same in my
presence, in the office where I was employed in taking depositions
of witnesses. The door of the room was open and free for all, or
any person to pass or repass. After signing and being qualified to
the affidavit aforesaid, {81} he requested to speak to me at the
door. I followed him out; he told me some persons had been lying
about him, and showed me a writing granting him the privilege
to withdraw from the Church, and remarked that the matter was
perfectly understood between him and the heads of the Church; and
that he had resigned the mayor's office, and should resign the
office he held in the Legion; but as there was a court-martial to
be held in a few days Joseph Smith desired that he would wait until
that was over.
I was in the city council on the 19th day of May last. I there
heard him say what has been published concerning the teachings
of Joseph Smith, and of his own course. I afterwards met him in
company with Colonel Francis M. Higbee. He then stated that he
was going to be the candidate, (meaning the candidate for the
legislature) and Joseph and Hyrum Smith were going in for him.
Said: "You know it will be better for me not to be bothered with
the mayor's office, Legion, 'Mormon,' or anything else."
During all this time, if he was under duress or fear, he must have
a good faculty for concealing it, for he was at liberty to go and
come when and where he pleased, so far as I am capable of judging.
I know that I saw him in different parts of the city even after he
had made these statements, transacting business as usual, and said
he was going to complete some business pertaining to the mayor's
office; and I think did attend to work on the streets.
I was always personally friendly with him, after I became
acquainted {82} with him. I never heard him say anything derogatory
to the character of Joseph Smith, until after he had been exposed
by said Smith, on the public stand in Nauvoo.
DANIEL H. WELLS.
July 22nd, A. D. 1842.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, a justice of the peace, in and
for the city of Nauvoo, in said county, this 22nd day of July, 1842.
GUSTAVUS HILLS, J. P. and Alderman.
[L. S.]
_Times and Seasons Editor's Note_.--"Daniel H. Wells, Esq., is an
old resident in this place, and not a Mormon."
_Sunday, 24_.--This morning at home sick. Attended meeting at the Grove
in the afternoon, and spoke of Brother Miller's having returned with
the good news that Bennett would not be able to accomplish his designs.
_Tuesday, 26_.--Sick this morning. Rode to my farm in the afternoon.
_Wednesday, 27_.--Attended meeting at the Grove and listened to the
electioneering candidates, and spoke at the close of the meeting.
_Letter of Governor Carlin to Joseph Smith, Anent the Foregoing
Resolution and Petition_.
QUINCY, July 27, 1842.
DEAR SIR:--Your communication of the 25th instant, together
with the petitions of the citizens of the city of Nauvoo,
both male and female, were delivered to me last evening by
Brevet-Major-General Wilson Law; also a report of James Sloan,
Esq., Secretary of Nauvoo Legion, of the proceedings of a Court
Martial of Brevet-Major-General had upon charges preferred against
Major-General John C. Bennett; upon which trial the court found the
defendant guilty, and sentenced him to be cashiered; all of which
have been considered.
In reply to your expressed apprehensions of "the possibility of
an attack upon the peaceable inhabitants of the city of Nauvoo
and vicinity, through the intrigues and false representations of
John C. Bennett and others," and your request that I would issue
official orders to you to have the Nauvoo Legion in readiness to
be called out at a moment's warning in defense of the peaceable
citizens, &c., I must say that I cannot conceive of the least
probability, or scarcely possibility, of an attack of violence
upon the citizens of Nauvoo from any quarter whatever, and as
utterly impossible that such attack is contemplated by any {83}
sufficient number of persons to excite the least apprehension of
danger or injury, and whilst I should consider it my imperative
duty to promptly take measures to suppress and repel any invasion,
by violence of the people's rights, I nevertheless think that it is
not in my province to interpose my official authority gratuitously
when no such exigency exists.
From the late exposure, as made by General Bennett it is not
strange that the apprehensions of the citizens of Nauvoo are
excited, but so far as I can learn from the expression of public
opinion, the excitement is confined to the Mormons themselves, and
only extends to the community at large as a matter of curiosity and
wonder.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS CARLIN.
To General Joseph Smith.
Elder W. Woodruff started for St. Louis, to procure printing paper for
the _Times and Seasons_.
_Saturday, 30_.--I wrote to Thomas Carlin, Governor of the state of
Illinois as follows:
_Letter of the Prophet to Governor Carlin--Satisfied with the
Governor's Attitude_.
NAUVOO, July 30, 1842.
ESTEEMED SIR:--Your favor of the 27th instant per Brevet
Major-General Wilson Law is before me. I cannot let this
opportunity pass without tendering to you my warmest thanks for
the friendly treatment my lady as well as those with her received
at your hands during the late visit, and also for the friendly
feelings breathed forth in your letter. Your Excellency may
be assured that they are duly appreciated by me, and shall be
reciprocated.
I am perfectly satisfied with regard to the subject under
consideration, and with your remarks. I shall consider myself and
our citizens secure from harm under the broad canopy of the law
under your administration. We look to you for protection in the
event of any violence being used towards us, knowing that our
innocence with regard to all the accusations in circulation will be
duly evidenced before an enlightened public.
Any service we can do the state at any time will be cheerfully
done, for our ambition is to be serviceable to our country.
With sentiments of respect and esteem, I remain your humble servant,
JOSEPH SMITH.
My wife's nephew, L. D. Wasson, who had gone out on {84} a preaching
mission, wrote us this day from Philadelphia--(see _Times and Seasons_,
Vol. III, pages 891 and 892.)
[Sidenote: Death of Bishop Vinson Knight.]
_Sunday, 31_.--In council with Bishops Miller and Whitney, Brigham
Young, John Taylor, &c., concerning Bishop Vinson Knight's sickness.
Brother Knight has been sick about a week, and this morning he began
to sink very fast until twelve o'clock when death put a period to his
sufferings.
[Sidenote: Requirements of High Priests.]
The High Priests' Quorum met in council, and instructed their clerk
to publish in the _Times and Seasons_ that it is the duty of the High
Priests to have their names enrolled on the records of the quorums when
they arrive at Nauvoo. The members, when they spoke in turns, were
required to state whether they had any hardness with the brethren, kept
the Word of Wisdom, had family prayers, &c.
An earthquake was recently felt in Dublane Cathedral, near Comrie
Scotland.
_Monday, August 1, 1842_.--A most disgraceful riot is reported to have
commenced in Philadelphia, between the colored and white people, which
continued three or four days.
_Wednesday, 3_.--In the city transacting a variety of business in
company with General James Adams, and others. Brigadier-General Wilson
Law elected Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion (by a small majority
over Lyman Wight) in place of John C. Bennett, cashiered.
_Thursday, 4_.--In company with fifteen others learning sword exercise
with Colonel Brewer, and attending to a variety of business.
_Friday, 5_.--Engaged in a variety of business, and at six in the
evening presided in the city council; Councilor Taylor brought forward
a bill to regulate proceedings in the Municipal Court under habeas
corpus--the bill was read the first time, and upon motion for a second
reading it was referred to a select committee, namely Alderman Spencer,
and Councilors Taylor and William Law, to report thereon at the next
sitting of council.
{85} [Sidenote: Prophecy that the Saints Would be Driven to the Rocky
Mountains.]
_Saturday, 6_.--Passed over the river to Montrose, Iowa, in company
with General Adams, Colonel Brewer, and others, and witnessed the
installation of the officers of the Rising Sun Lodge Ancient York
Masons, at Montrose, by General James Adams, Deputy Grand-Master of
Illinois. While the Deputy Grand-Master was engaged in giving the
requisite instructions to the Master-elect, I had a conversation with a
number of brethren in the shade of the building on the subject of our
persecutions in Missouri and the constant annoyance which has followed
us since we were driven from that state. I prophesied that the Saints
would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the
Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be put to death
by our persecutors or lose their lives in consequence of exposure
or disease, and some of you will live to go and assist in making
settlements and build cities and see the Saints become a mighty people
in the midst of the Rocky Mountains. [D]
[Footnote D: It is thought important that the following statement from
a biography of Anson Call, by Edward Tullidge, should be made part of
the history of this prophetic incident, as doubtless the testimony of
Brother Call relates to the same incident as that described in the
Prophet's text of the History, notwithstanding some confusion of dates
that exists in the Call testimony. It will be seen that the Prophet
fixes the date of his prophecy on Saturday, the 6th of August, 1842.
In Whitney's History of Utah, Vol. IV.--(Biographical section of the
history, p. 143), the date on which Call heard the prophecy, is given
as the 8th of August, 1842. While in Tullidge's biography of Call the
date is given as the 14th of July, 1843, evidently an error. There is
no entry in the Prophet's journal for the 8th of August, 1842, and the
entries for the 8th of August, 1843, and the 14th of July, 1843, relate
to matters of quite a different character. Tullidge, in relating Anson
Call's recollection of the incident also says that J. C. Bennett was
present on the occasion, which must also be an error, as the rupture
between Bennett and the Church and its authorities occurred and he had
left Nauvoo previous to the 6th of August, 1842. In the Call statement
as published by Tullidge, the name of Mr. Adams, the Deputy Grand
Master Mason in charge of the ceremonies, is given as George, it should
be James.
_Statement of Anson Call_.
"On the 14th of July, 1843, with quite a number of his brethren, he
crossed the Mississippi river to the town of Montrose, to be present
at the installment of the Masonic Lodge of the "Rising Sun." A block
schoolhouse had been prepared with shade in front, under which was
a barrel of ice water. Judge George [James] Adams was the highest
masonic authority in the state of Illinois, and had been sent there to
organize this lodge. He, Hyrum Smith, and J. C. Bennett, being high
Masons, went into the house to perform some ceremonies which the others
were not entitled to witness. These, including Joseph Smith, remained
under the bowery. Joseph, as he was tasting the cold water, warned the
brethren not to be too free with it. With the tumbler still in his hand
he prophesied that the Saints would yet go to the Rocky Mountains;
and, said he, this water tastes much like that of the crystal streams
that are running from the snow-capped mountains. We will let Mr. Call
describe this prophetic scene: "I had before seen him in a vision, and
now saw while he was talking his countenance change to white; not the
deadly white of a bloodless face, but a living brilliant white. He
seemed absorbed in gazing at something at a great distance, and said:
'I am gazing upon the valleys of those mountains.' This was followed by
a vivid description of the scenery of these mountains, as I have since
become acquainted with it. Pointing to Shadrach Roundy and others,
he said: 'There are some men here who shall do a great work in that
land.' Pointing to me, he said: 'There is Anson, he shall go and shall
assist in building up cities from one end of the country to the other,
and you, rather extending the idea to all those he had spoken of, shall
perform as great a work as has been done by man, so that the nations
of the earth shall be astonished, and many of them will be gathered in
that land and assist in building cities and temples, and Israel shall
be made to rejoice.'
"It is impossible to represent in words this scene which is still vivid
in my mind, of the grandeur of Joseph's appearance, his beautiful
descriptions of this land, and his wonderful prophetic utterances
as they emanated from the glorious inspirations that overshadowed
him. There was a force and power in his exclamations of which the
following is but a faint echo: 'Oh the beauty of those snow-capped
mountains! The cool refreshing streams that are running down through
those mountain gorges!' Then gazing in another direction, as if there
was a change of locality: 'Oh the scenes that this people will pass
through! The dead that will lay between here and there.' Then turning
in another direction as if the scene had again changed: 'Oh the
apostasy that will take place before my brethren reach that land!'
'But,' he continued, 'The priesthood shall prevail over its enemies,
triumph over the devil and be established upon the earth, never more
to be thrown down!' He then charged us with great force and power, to
be faithful to those things that had been and should be committed to
our charge, with the promise of all the blessings that the Priesthood
could bestow. 'Remember these things and treasure them up. Amen.'"
(Tullidge's Histories, Vol. II. History of Northern Utah, and Southern
Idaho.--Biographical Supplement, p. 271 _et seq_.)]
{86} _Sunday, 7_.--At home through the day.
[Sidenote: Arrest of the Prophet on a Requisition of Missouri.]
_Monday, 8_.--This forenoon I was arrested by the deputy sheriff of
Adams county, and two assistants, on a warrant issued by Governor
Carlin, founded on a requisition from Governor Reynolds of Missouri,
upon the affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs, complaining of the said Smith
as "being an accessory before the fact, to an assault with intent to
kill made by one Orrin P. Rockwell on Lilburn W. Boggs," on the night
of the sixth of May, A. D. 1842. Brother Rockwell was arrested at the
same time as principal. {87} There was no evasion of the officers,
though the municipal court issued a writ of habeas corpus according to
the constitution of the state, Article 8, and Section 13. This writ
demanded the bodies of Messrs. Smith and Rockwell to be brought before
the aforesaid court; but these officers refused to do so, and finally
without complying, they left us in the care of the marshal, without the
original writ by which we were arrested, and by which only we could be
retained, and returned to Governor Carlin for further instructions, and
myself and Rockwell went about our business.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Comments on His Arrest.]
I have yet to learn by what rule of right I was arrested to be
transported to Missouri for a trial of the kind stated. "An accessory
to an assault with intent to kill," does not come under the provision
of the _fugitive_ act, when the person charged has not been out of
Illinois, &c. An accessory before the fact to manslaughter is something
of an anomaly. The isolated affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs is no more
than any other man's, and the constitution says, "that no person shall
be liable to be transported out of the state, for an offense committed
within the same." The whole is another Missouri farce. In fact, implied
power, and constructive guilt, as a _dernier resort_, may answer the
purpose of despotic governments, but are beneath the dignity of the
Sons of Liberty, and would be a blot on our judicial escutcheon.
I received a letter from the postoffice, which had been broken open,
and I was grieved at the meanness of its contents.
The city council passed the following "Ordinance regulating the mode of
proceeding in cases of habeas corpus before the municipal court:"
_Ordinance on Habeas Corpus Procedure_.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Nauvoo,
that in all cases where any person or persons, shall at any time
hereafter, be arrested or under arrest in this city, under any writ
or process, and {88} shall be brought before the municipal court of
this city, by virtue of a writ of habeas corpus, the court shall in
every such case have power and authority, and are hereby required
to examine into the origin, validity and legality of the writ of
process, under which such arrest was made, and if it shall appear
to the court, upon sufficient testimony that said writ or process
was illegal, or not legally issued, or did not proceed from proper
authority, then the court shall discharge the prisoner from under
said arrest; but if it shall appear to the court that said writ or
process had issued from proper authority, and was a legal process,
the court shall then proceed and fully hear the merits of the
case, upon which said arrest was made, upon such evidence as may
be produced and sworn before said court, and shall have power to
adjourn the hearing, and also issue process from time to time, in
their discretion, in order to procure the attendance of witnesses,
so that a fair and impartial trial and decision may be obtained in
every such case.
Sec. 2. And be it further ordained that if upon investigation
it shall be proven before the municipal court, that the writ
or process has been issued, either through private pique,
malicious intent, or religious or other persecution, falsehood or
misrepresentation, contrary to the constitution of this state, or
the Constitution of the United States, the said writ or process
shall be quashed and considered of no force or effect, and the
prisoner or prisoners shall be released and discharged therefrom.
Sec. 3. And be it also further ordained that in the absence,
sickness, debility, or other circumstances disqualifying or
preventing the mayor from officiating in his court, as chief
justice of the municipal court, the aldermen present shall appoint
one from amongst them to act as chief justice, or president pro
tempore.
Sec. 4. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and
after its passage.
Passed August 8, 1842.
HYRUM SMITH,
Vice-Mayor and President Pro Tempore.
JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.
A disgraceful and bloody riot occurred in Cincinnati this evening, in
and about the "Sans Souci House."
{89}