LETTER OF JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT TO THE PROPHET AND THE N. Y.
"HERALD"--EMMA'S ILLNESS--PLOTS TO ENTRAP THE PROPHET--LEGAL OPINION OF
JUSTIN BUTTERFIELD ON THE MISSOURI PROCEDURE.
_Friday, September 9, 1842_.--At 10 p. m. I received a very interesting
visit from Emma, Amasa Lyman, George A. Smith and Wilson Law.
[Sidenote: Movements of the Prophet in Nauvoo.]
I counseled George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman to stay in Illinois and
preach in the principal cities against mobocracy, and to notify the
Twelve that it was my wish that they should also labor in Illinois.
After a conversation of two hours, I accompanied the brethren and Emma
to my house, remaining there a few minutes to offer a blessing upon
the heads of my sleeping children; then called a few minutes at the
house of my cousin George A. Smith, on my way to my retreat at Edward
Hunter's. John D. Parker accompanied me as guard.
Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Amasa Lyman, George A. Smith, and
Charles C. Rich declared to the city council their intention of
absence for three months or more, and others were appointed to fill
their places during their absence. John P. Greene, Lyman Wight, and
William Law were absent, and their places were filled. The object of
the absence of these brethren was to preach the gospel in different
states, and show up the wickedness and falsehood of the apostate John
C. Bennett.
An ordinance relative to the returns of writs of habeas corpus was
passed by the city council as follows:
{161} _An ordinance relative to the return of wits of Habeas Corpus_.
Sec. 1. Be it, and it is hereby ordained by the city council of
the city of Nauvoo, that the Municipal Court, in issuing writs of
Habeas Corpus, may make the same returnable forthwith.
Sec. 2. This ordinance to take effect, and be in force from, and
after its passage, passed September 9th, 1842.
GEO. W. HARRIS,
President pro tem.
JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.
President Young started on his mission.
_Saturday, 10_.--Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, and Amasa Lyman
started on their mission, and proceeded as far as Lima, where they met
Brigham Young, who was preaching to a congregation. This was the day
for the training of the companies of the Nauvoo Legion; and, lest I
should be observed by the multitude passing and repassing, I kept very
still. After dark, my wife sent a messenger and requested me to return
home, as she thought I would be as safe there as anywhere; and I went
safely home undiscovered.
_Sunday, 11_.--I was at home all day. My letter of the 6th of September
was read to the Saints, at the grove near the temple. The High Priests'
quorum met. Several had gone on missions; others were preparing to go,
but few were present, and the meeting adjourned _sine die_.
Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman
addressed a large assembly in the grove in Lima, in relation to the
slanderous reports of John C. Bennett.
_Monday, 12_.--
_Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball--Reporting their
Movements_.
_To the Editor of the Times and Seasons:_
DEAR BROTHER:--Having commenced our mission yesterday, we held our
first conference at Brother Isaac Morley's. We had a good time. The
brethren here are in good spirits. We ordained nineteen elders,
and baptized twelve. We expect next Saturday and Sunday to hold a
{162} two days' meeting in Quincy, being the 17th and 18th instant;
on the 24th and 25th, at Payson; the 1st and 2nd of October, at
Pleasant Vale; the 8th and 11th October, at Pittsfield; the 15th
and 16th October, at Apple Creek in Green county. From thence we
shall proceed to Jacksonville and Springfield.
If you please, notice the above in your paper for the benefit of
those friends scattered abroad. Yours in the everlasting covenant,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
HEBER C. KIMBALL.
Morley Settlement, September 12, 1842.
I was at home all day in company with Brothers Adams and Rogers, and
counseled Brother Adams to write a letter to the governor. In the
evening, Emma received governor Carlin's letter of the 7th instant.
_Tuesday, 13_.--At home all day. Settled with Edward Hunter.
_Wednesday, 14_.--At home. Mr. Remmick gave me a deed of one half his
landed property in Keokuk, though it will be a long time, if ever,
before it will be of any benefit to me. Had a consultation with Calvin
A. Warren, Esq. In the evening I received the following letter from
General James Arlington Bennett:
_Letter of James Arlington Bennett--Treating Chiefly of John C.
Bennett and his Book_.
ARLINGTON HOUSE, September 1, 1842.
_Lieutenant General Smith:_
DEAR SIR:--Mrs. Smith's letter to Mrs. Bennett, containing a very
lucid account of Dr. John C. Bennett, has been received; and the
only thing concerning him that I regard of importance is that you
found it necessary to expose him. I wish most ardently that you
had let him depart in peace, because the public generally think
no better of either the one party or the other, in consequence of
the pretended exposures with which the newspapers have teemed. But
then, in the long run, you will have the advantage, inasmuch as the
universal notoriety which you are now acquiring will be the means
of adding to Nauvoo three hundred fold.
That you ought to be given up to the tender mercies of Missouri no
{163} man in his senses will allow, as you would be convicted on
the shadow of evidence when the people's passions and prejudices
are so strongly enlisted against you; and, under such a state of
things, how easily it would be to suborn witnesses against you,
who would seal your fate! Add to this, too, the great difficulty
under which an impartial jury, if such could be found, would labor
in their attempt to render an honest verdict, being coerced by
surrounding public prejudice and malice. And yet, as you are now
circumstanced, it will not do to oppose force to force for your
protection, as this in the present case would be treason against
the state, and would ultimately bring to ruin all those concerned.
Your only plan, I think, will be to keep out of the way until this
excitement shall have subsided, as, from all I can understand, even
from the Dr. himself, there is no evidence on which an honest jury
could find a verdict against you; and this opinion I have expressed
to him.
I most ardently wish that you had one hundred thousand _true_ men
at Nauvoo, and that I had the command of them, _times and things
would soon alter_. I hope to see the day, before I die, that such
an army will dictate terms from Nauvoo to the enemies of the Mormon
people. I say this in the most perfect candor, as I have nothing to
gain by the Mormons, nor am I a Mormon in creed; yet I regard them
in as favorable a light (and a little more so,) as I do any other
sect. In fact, I am a philosophical Christian, and wish to see an
entire change in the religious world.
I have been long a Mormon in sympathy alone, and probably can
never be one in any other way; yet I feel that I am a friend of
the people, as I think them honest and sincere in their faith;
and those I know [are] as good and honorable men as any other
professing Christians.
Dr. Bennett has been the means of bringing me before your people,
you will therefore see, for _this act_, I am in honor bound to say,
"_Peace to his manes_." To act otherwise would be ungrateful and
dishonorable, both of which qualities are strangers to my nature:
nevertheless, by leaving him as he is, I can still be your friend;
for be assured that nothing I have seen yet from his pen has in the
least altered my opinion of you. I well know what allowances to
make in such cases.
Dr. Bennett and Bachelor are now delivering lectures in New York
against you and your doctrines and asserted practices at Nauvoo.
Elder Foster told me, this forenoon, that the seats have been
torn to pieces out of his church in Canal-street, and that the
congregation had to move to another place.
I intimated to you, in my last, that Bennett of the _Herald_
was about to publish, conjointly with the Doctor, his Book of
Exposures; but since, have learned that it is about to come out in
Boston. He expects to {164} make a fortune out of it, and I presume
he needs it; but I feel sure that it will make converts to the
Mormon faith. He has borrowed largely from Com. Morris' lascivious
poems.
A general order, signed by Hugh McFall, Adjutant-General, and
authorized by you, has appeared in the _Herald_, ordering me to
repair to Nauvoo, to take command of the Legion, and to bring with
me Brig.-Gen. J. G. Bennett, which states that, if the requisition
be persisted in, blood must be shed. I have assured Bennett of the
_Herald_ that I deem it a _hoax_, but he insists upon it that it is
genuine. My reply to it has appeared to day in that paper. I have
there stated that I have written to Gov. Carlin for instructions.
This is not so: it is only a _rub_.
On the whole, you will only be made a greater prophet and a greater
man--a great _Emperor_, by the affliction and consideration of your
good friends.
My respects, with those of Mrs. B., to your lady.
I am, dear sir, your sincere friend,
JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT.
This letter was placed in the hands of General Hugh McFall, who
immediately wrote a refutation of the clause concerning himself to
Governor Carlin, and also one for the _Wasp_. The general order was not
written by McFall, neither had he a knowledge of its existence until
shown to him in the letter. It was evidently got up by our enemies to
increase excitement and anger, and is barely another addition to the
many slanderous reports put in circulation by evil and designing men.
_Thursday, 15_.--In council with C. A. Warren, Esq. Also counseled
Uncle John Smith and Brother Daniel C. Davis to move immediately to
Keokuk, and help to build up a city.
_Friday, 16_.--At home with Brother Rogers, who was painting my
likeness.
_Saturday, 17_.--I was at home with Brother Rogers, who continued
painting my portrait. Elder William Clayton wrote Governor Carlin a
long letter, showing up the Missouri persecution and my sufferings in
their true colors.
Ship _Sidney_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans with 180 Saints.
{165} _Sunday, 18_.--At home. In the evening, received a visit from my
mother.
_Monday, 19_, and _Tuesday, 20_.--With Brother Rogers, painting at my
house.
_Wednesday, 21_.--In the large room over the store. In the evening had
a visit from Elder John Taylor, who is just recovering from a long and
very severe attack of sickness. I counseled Elder Taylor concerning the
printing office, removing one press to Keokuk, &c.
_Thursday, 22_.--At home, arranging with Remmick concerning moving
printing press to Keokuk, buying paper, &c.
_Friday, 23_.--At home. Visited by Elder Taylor.
Colonel George Miller was elected Brigadier-General of the 1st Cohort,
Nauvoo Legion, to fill the vacancy of General Wilson Law, promoted.
_Saturday, 24_.--The legion was called out for general parade, and
reviewed by General Law. In the evening, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen
Markham was elected Colonel of the 1st Regiment, 1st Cohort, to fill
the place of Colonel George Miller, promoted; and Captain John D.
Parker elected to fill his place; and Captain Thomas Rich to fill the
place of Major Wightman, deceased.
At home. Had a visit from Mr. Joseph Murdock, Sen., and lady concerning
some land, &c., at St. Joseph.
_Sunday, 25_.--At the Grove. Spoke more than two hours, chiefly on the
subject of persecution.
Ship _Medford_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans with 214 Saints.
_Monday, 26_.--The office of Notary Public for the city of Nauvoo was
created by the city council, and James Sloan was elected. A seal for
the Municipal Court was ordered by the council.
_Tuesday, 27_, and _Wednesday, 28_.--At home. Nothing of importance
transpired. 28.--Ship _Henry_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans
with 157 Saints.
_September 28, 1841:_
{166} _A Baptist Excommunication_.
Resolved, that William Seichrist be excluded from the fellowship of
this [the first regular Baptist] church [of the city of Alleghany,
Alleghany county, Pennsylvania,] for embracing and maintaining a
heresy,--to _wit_, doctrines peculiar to a late sect called Mormons
or Latter-day Saints, that miracles can be wrought through the
instrumentality of faith; that special revelations from God are now
given to men; and that godly men are now endowed with the gift of
prophecy, such as to foretell future events. William Benson, Church
Clerk. Deacon John Beck was moderator of the meeting.
_Thursday, 29_.--This day, Emma began to be sick with fever;
consequently I kept in the house with her all day.
_Friday, 30_.--Emma is no better. I was with her all day.
[Sidenote: Temple Committee Affairs.]
_Saturday, October 1_.--This morning I had a very severe pain in my
left side, and was not able to be about. Emma sick as usual. I had
previously sent for the Temple committee to balance their accounts and
ascertain how the Temple business was going on. Some reports had been
circulated that the committee was not making a righteous disposition of
property consecrated for the building of the Temple, and there appeared
to be some dissatisfaction amongst the laborers. After carefully
examining the accounts and enquiring into the manner of the proceedings
of the committee, I expressed myself perfectly satisfied with them and
their works. The books were balanced between the trustee and committee,
and the wages of all agreed upon.
I said to the brethren that I was amenable to the state for the
faithful discharge of my duties as trustee-in-trust, and that the
Temple committee were accountable to me, and to no other authority;
and they must not take notice of any complaints from any source, but
let the complaints be made to me, if any were needed, and I would make
things right. The parties separated perfectly satisfied, and I remarked
that I would have a notice published, stating that I had examined their
accounts and was satisfied, {167} &c. It was also agreed that the
recorder's office should be moved to the Temple, for the convenience
of all. In this day's _Wasp_ I noticed the following letter from Elder
Pratt:
_Letter of Elder Orson Pratt--Denying any Relations with John C.
Bennett_.
CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, September 26, 1842.
_Mr. Editor:_
DEAR SIR:--I noticed in the last week's _Wasp_ a letter from Dr. R.
D. Foster, written from New York city, which states that Dr. John
C. Bennett had declared in said city that he had received a letter
from me and from my wife, and that we were preparing to leave and
expose Mormonism.
I wish through the medium of your paper to say to the public that
said statements are entirely false. We have never at any time
written any letter or letters to Dr. J. C. Bennett, on any subject
whatever. Neither are we "preparing to leave and expose Mormonism,"
but intend to make Nauvoo our residence, and Mormonism our motto.
Respectfully,
ORSON PRATT.
[Sidenote: Reward offered for the Arrest of the Prophet.]
_Sunday, 2_.--About ten o'clock in the forenoon, a messenger arrived
from Quincy, stating that the governor had offered a reward of $200 for
Joseph Smith, Jun., and also $200 for Orrin P. Rockwell. This report
was fully established on receipt of the mail papers. The _Quincy Whig_
also stated that Governor Reynolds has offered a reward, and published
the governor's proclamation offering a reward of $300 for Joseph Smith,
Jun., and $300 for Orrin P. Rockwell. It is not expected that much will
be effected by the rewards.
Emma continued very sick. I was with her all day.
_Monday, 3_.--Emma was a little better. I was with her all day.
_Tuesday, 4_.--Emma is very sick again. I attended with her all the
day, being somewhat poorly myself.
[Sidenote: The illness of Emma Smith.]
_Wednesday, 5_.--My dear Emma was worse. Many fears were entertained
that she would not recover. She was {168} baptized twice in the river,
which evidently did her much good. She grew worse again at night, and
continued very sick indeed. I was unwell, and much troubled on account
of Emma's sickness.
[Sidenote: Rigdon's Reports of Plots.]
Elder Rigdon called Elder William Clayton into his office, and said
he had some matters to make known. He had been at Carthage and
had conversation with Judge Douglas concerning Governor Carlin's
proceedings, &c., and had ascertained that Carlin had intentionally
issued an illegal writ, expecting thereby to draw President Joseph to
Carthage to get acquitted by habeas corpus before Douglas, and having
men there waiting with a legal writ to serve on Joseph as soon as
he was released under the other one, and bear him away to Missouri,
without further ceremony. Elder Rigdon asked what power the governor's
proclamation gave to any man or set of men who might be disposed to
take President Joseph. He was answered, "Just the same power and
authority which a legal warrant gave to an officer."
It is more and more evident that Carlin is determined to have me taken
to Missouri, if he can. But may the Almighty Jehovah shield and defend
me from all their power, and prolong my days in peace, that I may guide
His people in righteousness, until my head is white with old age. Amen.
_Thursday, 6_.--Emma is better; and although it is the day on which she
generally grows worse, yet she appears considerably easier. May the
Lord speedily raise her to the bosom of her family, that the heart of
His servant may be comforted again. Amen. My health is comfortable.
[Sidenote: More Missouri Plots.]
_Friday, 7_.--This morning Elder Elias Higbee states about the same
things as were stated by Elder Rigdon two days ago, and also that he
had been informed that many of the Missourians are coming to unite
with the militia of this state voluntarily, and at their own expense;
so that after the court rises at Carthage, if {169} they don't take me
there, they will come and search the city, &c. It is likely that this
is _only_ report.
Emma is somewhat better. I am cheerful and well.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Removal to Father Taylor's.]
From the situation and appearance of things abroad, I concluded to
leave home for a short season, until there should be some change in the
proceedings of my enemies. Accordingly, at twenty minutes after eight
o'clock in the evening, I started away in company with Brothers John
Taylor, Wilson Law, and John D. Parker, and traveled through the night
and part of next day; and, after a tedious journey, arrived at Father
James Taylor's well and in good spirits.
This day the teachers met in Nauvoo, and organized into a quorum,
by appointing Elisha Averett, president; James Huntsman and Elijah
Averett, counselors; Samuel Eggleston, scribe; and eleven members.
_Monday, 10_.--Elder Taylor returned to Nauvoo and found Emma gaining
slowly. My health and spirits are good.
_Tuesday, 11_.--From the _Times and Seasons_:--
_Announcement Concerning Temple Committee Affairs_.
_To the Saints at Nauvoo and Scattered Abroad:_
This may certify that President Joseph Smith, the trustee-in-trust
for the Temple, called upon the Temple committee on the 1st
instant to present their books and accounts for examination, and
to give account of their work at the temple. After carefully and
attentively examining and comparing their books and accounts, the
trustee expressed himself well satisfied with the proceedings and
labors of the committee, and ordered that this be published in the
_Times and Seasons_, that the Saints may know the facts, and be
thereby encouraged to double their exertions and forward means to
roll on the building of the Temple in Nauvoo. It was also ordered
that the recorder's office be henceforth removed to the committee
house near the Temple. All property and means must therefore be
brought to that place, where it will be recorded in due form.
WILLIAM CLAYTON.
Clerk and Recorder of the Temple.
NAUVOO, October 11, 1842.
_Thursday, 13_.--The brethren arrived from Wisconsin {170} with a raft
of about 90,000 feet of boards and 24,000 cubic feet of timber for the
Temple and Nauvoo House.
_Saturday 15_.--Brother John D. Parker returned to Nauvoo and informed
my friends that I was well.
_Sunday, 16_.--I copy the following from the _New York Herald_:
THE MORMONS.
ARLINGTON HOUSE, October 16, 1841.
_General J. G. Bennett:_
SIR:--Some time since I addressed a letter to Joseph Smith, the
Mormon Prophet, in answer to a letter of his introducing to "my
kind attention," a friend of his from the holy city of Nauvoo.
In this letter I expressed my regret that the quarrel between
him and John C. Bennett should have at all found its way to the
public eye, this being the sole cause of placing him in his
present awkward situation. I likewise commiserated with him in his
affliction, and signed myself at the conclusion of my letter, as
his friend, which I really am, and the friend of all good Mormons,
as well as other good men.
Why should I not be Joseph Smith's friend? He has done nothing
to injure me, nor do I believe he has done anything to injure
ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri. The governor, no doubt, under
strong feelings, may have thought and believed that Smith had
preconcerted the plan for his assassination; but there is no legal
evidence whatever of that fact--none by which an unprejudiced jury
would convict any man; yet to send this man into Missouri, under
the present requisition, would be an act of great injustice, as his
ruin would be certain.
How could any man, against whom there is a bitter religious
prejudice escape ruin, being in the circumstances of Smith? Look at
the history of past ages--see the force of fanaticism and bigotry
in bringing to the stake some of the best of men; and in all these
cases the persecutors had their pretexts, as well as in the case of
the Mormon chief. Nothing follows its victim with such deadly aim
as religious zeal, and therefore nothing should be so much guarded
against by the civil power.
Smith, I conceive, has just as good a right to establish a
church, if he can do it, as Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Fox, or even
King Henry the Eighth. All these chiefs in religion had their
opponents, and their people their persecutors. Henry the Eighth
was excommunicated, body and bones, soul and all, by his holiness,
the Pope; still the church of England has lived as well as all the
other sects.
Just so it will be with the Mormons. They may kill one prophet and
{171} confine in chains half his followers, but another will take
his place, and the Mormons will still go ahead. One of their Elders
said to me, when conversing on this subject, that they were like a
mustard plant,--"If you don't disturb it, the seed will fall and
multiply; and if you kick it about, you only give the seed more
soil, and it will multiply the more."
Undertake to convince them that they are wrong, and that Smith is
an impostor, and the answer is, laying the hand on the heart, "I
know in my own soul that it is true, and want no better evidence: I
feel happy in my faith; and why should I be disturbed?"
Now, I cannot see but what this is the sentiment that governs
all religiously disposed persons, their object being heaven and
happiness, no matter what their church and creed. They, therefore,
cannot be put down while the Constitution of the United States
offers them protection in common with all other sects, and while
they believe that their eternal salvation is at stake. From what
I know of the people, I fully believe that all the real, sincere
Mormons would die sooner than abandon their faith and their
religion.
General John C. Bennett has stated that to conquer the Mormon
Legion it would require five to one against them, all things taken
into consideration, and that they will die to a man sooner than
give up their Prophet.
Now, is the arrest of this man worth such a sacrifice of life as
must necessarily follow an open war with his people? The loss of
from one to three thousand lives will, no doubt, follow in an
attempt to accomplish an object not in the end worth a button.
Persecute them, and you are sure to multiply them. This is fully
proved since the Missouri persecution, as since that affair they
have increased one hundred fold.
It is the best policy, both of Missouri and Illinois, to let them
alone; for if they are drove farther west, they may set up an
independent government, under which they can worship the Almighty
as may suit their taste. Indeed, I would recommend to the Prophet
to pull up stakes and take possession of the Oregon territory in
his own right, and establish an independent empire. In one hundred
years from this time, no nation on earth could conquer such a
people. Let not the history of David be forgotten. If the Prophet
Joseph would do this, millions would flock to his standard and
join his cause. He could then make his own laws by the voice of
revelation, and have them executed like the act of one man.
With respect to myself, I would just repeat that I am the Prophet's
friend, and the friend of his people, merely from sympathy, as
my arm has ever been lifted on the side of the persecuted and
oppressed. I have never in my life followed the fat ox, nor bowed
for a favor on my {172} own account to mortal man. While I despise
the purse-proud man, I am proud to the proud man, and humble to the
humble; and where men were contending, have ever thrown myself on
the weakest side.
By inserting this communication, it is presumed that no one will
hold the _Herald_ responsible for the sentiments it contains;
yet I have no doubt that there are thousands of independent,
liberal-minded men in this country who think as I do. Neither
the Mormon Prophet nor his people can add anything to my fortune
or reputation. I expect nothing from them; they are a poor and
industrious people, and have nothing to give. I am influenced in
my conduct towards them by a spirit of benevolence and mercy,
and hope the governor and state of Illinois will act in the like
manner. It is true I was commissioned in their Legion, through the
instrumentality of their enemy, General John C. Bennett, an act
entirely of their own, without my agency; but I was as much their
friend before as since.
The Missouri persecution fixed my attention and commiseration on
the people. It must be recollected, too, that the Mormon Prophet
and his people are the most ardent friends and promoters of
literature and science. These are elementary principles in their
social system, and this certainly is contrary to everything like
despotism.
I hope, therefore, and with great deference express that hope, that
ex-Governor Boggs will withdraw his demand for the Prophet, and
let those poor people rest in peace. Both he and Governor Carlin
will feel much more at peace with themselves by quashing the whole
proceedings.
Most respectfully,
Your humble servant,
JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT.
Counselor at Law, &c.
By this I discover a spark of liberty burning in the bosom of the
writer. May it continue to burn and burn, till it once more fires the
whole land with its heavenly influence.
_Thursday, 20_.--Early this morning I arrived at home on a visit to my
family. During the day I was visited by several of the brethren, who
rejoiced to see me once more. Emma is still getting better, and is able
to attend to a little business, having this day closed contract and
received pay for a quarter section of land of Brother Job V. Barnum.
{173} _Justin Butterfield's Legal Opinion on the Efforts to Drag
Joseph Smith into Missouri_.
CHICAGO, October 20, 1842.
_Sidney Rigdon, Esq._
DEAR SIR:--In answer to your favors of the 17th instant, Mr. Warren
was correct in the information he gave you of my opinion of the
illegality of the requisition made by the governor of Missouri upon
the governor of this state for the surrender of Joseph Smith, and
that the governor of this state should cause him to be arrested
for the purpose of being surrendered. I had no doubt but the
supreme court of this state would discharge him upon habeas corpus.
Subsequent examination has confirmed me in that opinion.
I understand from your letter, and from the statement of facts
made to me by Mr. Warren, that the requisition of the governor
of Missouri is accompanied by an affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs,
stating in substance that on the 6th day of May last he was shot
while sitting in his house, with intent to kill; and, as he verily
believes, the act was committed by O. P. Rockwell; and that Joseph
Smith was accessory to the crime before its commission; and that
he has _fled_ from justice. That it can be proved that Joseph
Smith was not in the state of Missouri at the time the crime was
committed, but was in this state; that it is untrue that he was
in the state of Missouri at the time of the commission of the
said crime, or has been there at any time since. He could not,
therefore, have _fled_ from that state since the commission of said
crime.
The right on the part of the governor of Missouri to demand Smith,
and the duty on the part of the governor of this state to deliver
him up, if they exist, are given and imposed by that clause of the
Constitution of the United States which declares "that a person
charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who
_shall flee_ from justice and be found in another state, shall, on
demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled,
be delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of
the crimes."
It is unnecessary to refer to the act of Congress in relation to
the delivery up of fugitives from justice, as Congress has just
so much power, and _no more_, than is expressly given by the said
clause in the Constitution. The Constitution is the best exponent
of itself. What persons, then, can be surrendered up by the
governor of one state to the governor of another?
First. He must be a person charged with treason, felony, or other
crime. "It is sufficient if he be _charged_ with the commission of
crime, either by indictment found or by affidavit. Second. He must
be a person who shall flee from justice and be found in another
state."
{174} It is not sufficient to satisfy this branch of the
Constitution, that he should be "charged" with having fled from
justice. Unless he has actually _fled_ from the state where the
offense was committed, to _another state_, the governor of this
state has no jurisdiction over his person, and cannot deliver him
up.
When Mr. Smith is brought up on a habeas corpus, he will have a
right, under the 3rd section of our habeas corpus act, to introduce
testimony, and show that the process upon which he is arrested was
obtained by _false pretense;_ that it is untrue that he fled from
the state of Missouri, to evade being brought to justice there, for
the crime of which he is charged. He will have the right to place
himself upon the platform of the Constitution of the United States,
and say, I am a citizen of the state of Illinois; I have not fled
from the state of Missouri, or from the "justice" of that state, on
account of the commission of the crime with which I am charged. I
am ready to prove that the charge of having fled from that state is
false, and I am not, therefore, subject under the Constitution of
the United States, to be delivered up to that state for trial.
You say, in your letter to me, that you doubt whether on a habeas
corpus the court would have a right to try the question, whether
Smith was in Missouri at the time of the commission of the crime of
which he is charged. To this I answer, that upon a habeas corpus,
the court would be bound to try the question, whether Smith fled
from justice from Missouri to this state. The affidavit of Mr.
Boggs is not conclusive on this point. It may be rebutted. Unless
Smith is a person who has fled from justice, he is not subject to
be delivered up, under the express provisions of our own habeas
corpus act. He has a right to show that the affidavit is false,
and that the order for his arrest was obtained by false pretenses.
Again, the affidavit on its face was not sufficient to authorize
the arrest of Smith. It is evasive and deceptive. It does not show
that he fled from the state of Missouri to evade justice for the
commission of the crime of which he is charged by Governor Boggs.
Robert G. Williams, in the year 1835, was indicted in the state
of Alabama for attempting to incite rebellion and insurrection in
that state. He was demanded by the governor of that state of the
governor of New York, and the requisition stated that he had fled
from justice. The governor of the state of New York (Marcy) took
notice that the said Williams was a citizen of the state of New
York, and had not fled from justice from Alabama, and on _that
ground alone_ refused to surrender him up. This was a stronger
case than that of Smith, as an _indictment had been found_.
Governor Marcy puts his refusal upon the express ground that, by
the Constitution of the United States, the governor {175} of one
state had no right to demand, nor the governor of another state a
right to surrender up, one of his citizens, unless he had fled from
justice; and it was the right and duty of the governor upon whom
the demand was made to inquire into the fact whether he had fled
from justice before he made the surrender.
I have the book containing all the proceedings in this case of
Williams. There are several other cases equal in point, and
they proceed upon the ground that a governor of a state has no
jurisdiction over the body of a citizen to arrest and surrender him
up to a foreign state, unless he is a fugitive from that state,
unless he has fled from the state to evade "justice," or, in other
words, to evade being tried for the offense with which he is
charged.
In a despotic form of government, the sovereign power is the will
of the monarch, who can act in every instance as may suit his
pleasure. But can the governor of one of our states, of his own
mere will, without any authority from the Constitution, or the
legislative power of the state, arrest and deliver up to a foreign
government any person whatever? If he can do this, then is the
liberty of the citizen wholly at his disposal.
The writ of habeas corpus is a suit which every person imprisoned
or unlawfully detained has a right to prosecute for the recovery of
his liberty; and, if he is in custody by process from a competent
power, he is entitled to his discharge when the jurisdiction has
been executed.
The government of this state has no power or jurisdiction over the
person of a citizen of this state to arrest and cause him to be
delivered up and transported to another state, except the power is
expressly given to him by the Constitution of the United States.
And what is that power? It only authorizes the governor of one
state to surrender up a fugitive from justice, to return him back
to the state from whence he has fled.
First. The person to be surrendered up must be a fugitive from the
state to which it is attempted to surrender him.
Second. He must be a fugitive _from justice;_ in other words, he
must have been in the state when and where the crime was committed,
and have fled from the state to evade being apprehended and tried
for that crime.
Third. Unless he is, in fact, such a fugitive from justice, the
governor has no power, by the laws and Constitution, to deliver him
up.
Fourth. If he is charged with being a fugitive from justice, and
the governor cause him to be apprehended on that charge, he has
a right to sue out a habeas corpus; and when brought up on that
writ, he has the undoubted right of showing that the governor has
no constitutional power to deliver him up to another state; that he
has not "fled from {176} justice into this state," and is not such
a person as the Constitution authorizes the governor to deliver up;
and that it would be an excess of jurisdiction on the part of the
governor to deliver him up.
The question to be examined into, upon the return of the habeas
corpus, would be a mere question of locality. The question would
be was Smith in this state, or not, at the time the crime was
committed in Missouri? If he was in this state at that time, then
he could not be a fugitive from justice from Missouri, in the
sense of the Constitution; and the governor would have no power to
deliver him up.
The argument that because Governor Boggs has made affidavit that
Smith has fled from justice, his affidavit is to be taken as
conclusive on that point, and that upon the return of a habeas
corpus, Smith would be precluded from controverting or showing
the falsity of that affidavit, is too absurd to require a serious
answer.
The liberties of the citizens of this state are not held on
quite so feeble a tenure, nor does the Constitution authorize
the governor to transport the citizens of this state upon a mere
"charge" made by a citizen of another state. Such is not the
reading of the Constitution. That instrument only authorizes the
delivery up of such persons, "who shall flee," upon the demand
of the executive authority of the state from which they "fled."
There must have been a "flight" in _fact and in deed_ from the
state where the offense was committed, or the governor has no
jurisdiction to "deliver up."
If the charge of having "fled" is made and the governor acting
in _pais_ [A] is attempting to deliver up upon that charge, the
person attempted to be made the victim has a clear, undoubted,
constitutional right by means of a writ of habeas corpus, to
test its truth before a judicial tribunal of the country; and,
if the charge is proven to be false, the governor is ousted
of his jurisdiction over the person of the prisoner and he is
restored to his liberty before he has undergone the penalty of the
transportation to a foreign country upon the mere charge of an
interested or partial witness.
[Footnote A: A judicial act outside of court and not
recorded.--Century Dictionary.]
The power of the executive of a state to surrender up a citizen to
be transported to a foreign state for trial, is a most tremendous
power, which might be greatly abused, were it not limited by
constitutional checks, and the citizens secured against its
despotic exercise by the writ of habeas corpus.
In the case of Williams, the governor of New York, in his reply to
the governor of Alabama, says, "What occurs daily in the ordinary
course of criminal proceedings, may take place in regard to persons
transported to a distant jurisdiction for trial. It may happen
that an innocent man will be accused; and, if demanded, he must
be delivered {177} up, should your exposition of the Constitution
be sanctioned. Under these circumstances, his condition would be
perilous indeed,--dragged from his home, far removed from friends,
borne down by the weight of imputed guilt, and unable, probably,
to obtain the evidence by which he might vindicate his innocence.
If appearances were against him, he could scarcely hope to escape
unmerited condemnation."
The American colonists regard the exercise of this power as an
act of revolting tyranny, and assigned it in the Declaration of
Independence as one of the prominent causes that impelled them to
a separation from the British Empire. A power which may be thus
oppressively used should be resorted to with the greatest caution.
When its exercise is invoked, it is not sufficient that the case
may apparently come within the letter of the Constitution. It is
the duty of the Executive before yielding a blind obedience to the
letter of the law, to see that the case comes within the spirit and
meaning of the Constitution.
It may be pleasing as well as instructive to look into the
proceedings of the executive of our sister state, and witness that,
by faithfully administering the law in relation to the delivering
up of fugitives from justice, according to its spirit and meaning,
they have saved at least two of the citizens of Illinois from
becoming victims to its abuse. In the year 1839, the governor of
the state of New York was presented with the copy of an indictment
by a grand jury in the city of New York against John and Nathan
Aldrich, for fraud in obtaining goods by false pretenses, and was
requested to make a requisition upon the governor of Illinois to
surrender them up as fugitives from justice.
Now, here was a case which came exactly within the letter of
the law of Congress in relation to fugitives from justice. An
indictment _had been found_ charging them with having _committed a
crime_. But did the governor of New York make the "requisition?"
No; he referred the application to the Hon. John C. Spencer, now
Secretary of War, and one of the most enlightened lawyers of the
age.
_Extract of Mr. Spencer's Opinion upon the Case_.
The constitutional provision under which requisitions may be made
by the governor of one state upon the governor of another was a
substitute for the principle recognized by the law of nations, by
which one sovereign is bound to deliver to another fugitives who
have committed certain offenses. These offenses are of the deepest
grade of criminality, and robbers, murderers and incendiaries,
and those enumerated as proper to be surrendered. Following the
analogy thus suggested, the provisions in our Constitution, it
would seem, should be construed to embrace similar cases only,
except, perhaps, those offenses which arise from an abuse of the
same constitutional provision. That provision {178} must be guarded
with the utmost care, or it will become intolerable. I do not
think the circumstances of the case before me are of such grave
import, or the offense itself of such high grade, as to justify the
requisition desired. The power given by the Constitution ought not
to be cheapened or applied to trifling offenses, or indeed to any
that was not originally contemplated.
For the reasons stated in Mr. Spencer's opinion, the governor of
New York refused to make the requisition upon the governor of
Illinois. The case certainly came within the letter of the law,
but not within the spirit and meaning. So with the affidavit of
Governor Boggs, when he swears that Smith has fled from justice.
It may come within the letter of the Constitution; but does it
come within its spirit and meaning? Does it show that Smith was in
Missouri at the time of the commission of the crime, and that he
fled from that state to evade being brought to justice for that
crime? Or does it refer to the flight of Smith and the Mormons from
Missouri some years since?
I will refer to one more case of a similar nature. Lord Campbell,
formerly attorney-general of England, in a recent debate in
Parliament upon the subject of the Creole, made the following
remarks:
"To show how cautious states should be in making such concessions
one to the other reciprocally, he would mention a case that
occurred when he was attorney-general. A treaty had been agreed
upon between the state of New York and the province of Canada, by
which the government of each agreed reciprocally to deliver up the
citizens or subjects of the other against whom grand juries had
found a bill, and who had sought refuge within the territories of
the other. It happened that a slave had escaped from his master in
New York, and had got to Canada. To facilitate his escape, he rode
a horse of his master's for a part of the way, but turned him back
on reaching the frontier. The authorities of New York well knew
that England would not give up a runaway slave, and that as they
could not claim him under the treaty, they therefore had a bill of
indictment against him, before a New York grand jury for stealing
the horse, though it was clear the _animus furandi_ was wanting.
The grand jury, however, found a true bill against him for the
felony, and he was claimed under the treaty. The governor, under
such circumstances refused to give him up until he had consulted
the government in England. He (Lord Campbell) was consulted, and
gave it as his opinion that the man ought not to be given up, as
the true bill, where no felony had been committed, did not bring
the case within the treaty. The man was not given up, and there
the matter rested. This, he repeated, showed the necessity of the
greatest caution where reciprocal rights of surrender were granted
between states.
It is not to be presumed that the executive of this state would
knowingly, {179} lend his aid in dragging one of our citizens, who
is not a fugitive from justice, into a foreign state for trial. The
governor has undoubtedly been misled by the evasive affidavit which
accompanied the requisition.
I would advise that Mr. Smith procure respectable and sufficient
affidavits to prove beyond all question, that he was in the state
and not in Missouri, at the time the crime with which he is charged
was committed, and upon these affidavits, apply to the governor to
countermand the warrant he has issued for his arrest.
If he should refuse so to do, I am clearly of the opinion that,
upon the above state of facts, the supreme court will discharge him
upon habeas corpus.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
JUSTIN BUTTERFIELD.
The foregoing letter of Mr. Butterfield (United States' attorney for
the district of Illinois,) shows, in a very lucid manner, what our
rights and privileges are, pertaining to the habeas corpus, and accords
with the opinion of every intelligent man,--the opinions of ex-Governor
Boggs, Governor Reynolds, of Missouri, and Governor Carlin, to the
contrary, notwithstanding.
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