Remembrance of Canada Saints--Correspondence and Petition Relative to
Missouri Affairs.
[Sidenote: Letter to Moses C. Nickerson.]
_November 19_.--I wrote as follows, from Kirtland, to Moses C.
Nickerson, Mount Pleasant, Upper Canada:
_Brother Moses_:--We arrived at this place on the fourth ultimo,
after a fatiguing journey, during which we were blessed with usual
health. We parted with Father and Mother Nickerson at Buffalo, in
good health, and they expressed a degree of satisfaction for the
prosperity and blessings of their journey.
Since our arrival here, Brother Sidney has been afflicted with sore
eyes, which is probably the reason why you have not previously
heard from us, as he was calculating to write you immediately.
But though I expect he will undoubtedly write you soon, as his
eyes are evidently better, yet, lest you should be impatient to
learn something concerning us, I have thought that perhaps a few
lines from me, though there may be a lack of fluency according
to the _literati_ of the age, might be received with a degree of
satisfaction on your part, at least, when you call to mind the near
relation with which we are united by the everlasting ties of the
Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We found our families and the Church in this place well, generally.
Nothing of consequence happened while we were absent, except the
death of one of our brethren--David Johnson--a young man of great
worth as a private citizen among us, the loss of whom we justly
mourn.
We were favored with frequent intelligence from different sections
of our country, respecting the progress of the Gospel, and our
prayers are daily to our Father, that it may greatly spread,
even till all nations shall hear the glorious news and come to a
knowledge of the truth.
We have received letters from our brethren in Missouri of late, but
we cannot tell, from their contents, the probable extent to which
those persons who are desirous to expel them from that country
will carry their unlawful and unrighteous purposes. Our brethren
have applied to the executive of the state, who has promised them
all the {442} assistance that the civil law can give; and in all
probability a suit has been commenced ere this.
We are informed, however, that those persons are very violent, and
threaten immediate extermination upon all those who profess our
doctrine. How far they will be suffered to execute their threats,
we know not, but we trust in the Lord, and leave the event with Him
to govern in his own wise providence.
I shall expect a communication from you on receipt of this, and
hope you will give me information concerning the brethren, their
health, faith, etc., also inform me concerning our friends with
whom we formed acquaintance.
You are aware, no doubt, dear brother, that anxieties inexpressible
crowd themselves continually upon my mind for the Saints, when I
consider the many temptations to which we are subject, from the
cunning and flattery of the great adversary of our souls: and I can
truly say, with much fervency have I called upon the Lord for our
brethren in Canada. And when I call to mind with what readiness
they received the word of truth by the ministry of Brother Sidney
and myself, I am truly under great obligations to humble myself
before Him.
When I contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious
day of the coming of the Son of Man advances, when He shall come
to receive His Saints unto Himself, where they shall dwell in
His presence, and be crowned with glory and immortality; when I
consider that soon the heavens are to be shaken, and the earth
tremble and reel to and fro; and that the heavens are to be
unfolded as a scroll when it is rolled up; and that every mountain
and island are to flee away, I cry out in my heart, What manner of
persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness!
You remember the testimony which I bore in the name of the Lord
Jesus, concerning the great work which He has brought forth in
the last days. You know my manner of communication, how that in
weakness and simplicity, I declared to you what the Lord had
brought forth by the ministering of His holy angels to me for this
generation. I pray that the Lord may enable you to treasure these
things in your mind, for I know that His Spirit will bear testimony
to all who seek diligently after knowledge from Him. I hope you
will search the Scriptures to see whether these things are not
also consistent with those things which the ancient Prophets and
Apostles have written.
I remember Brother Freeman and wife, Ransom also, and Sister Lydia,
and little Charles, with all the brethren and sisters. I entreat
for an interest in all your prayers before the throne of mercy, in
the name of Jesus. I hope the Lord will grant that I may see you
all {443} again, and above all that we may overcome, and sit down
together in the kingdom of our Father.
Your brother, etc.,
Joseph Smith.
[Sidenote; The Prophet's Reflections.]
Nothing of note occurred from the falling of the stars on the 13th,
to this date, November 19th, when my heart is somewhat sorrowful, but
I feel to trust in the Lord, the God of Jacob. I have learned in my
travels that man is treacherous and selfish, but few excepted.
[Sidenote: Sidney Rigdon.]
Brother Sidney is a man whom I love, but he is not capable of that
pure and steadfast love for those who are his benefactors that should
characterize a President of the Church of Christ. This, with some other
little things, such as selfishness and independence of mind, which too
often manifested destroy the confidence of those who would lay down
their lives for him--these are his faults. But notwithstanding these
things, he is a very great and good man; a man of great power of words,
and can gain the friendship of his hearers very quickly. He is a man
whom God will uphold, if he will continue faithful to his calling. O
God, grant that he may, for the Lord's sake. Amen.
[Sidenote: A Prophecy.]
And again, blessed be Brother Sidney: notwithstanding he shall be high
and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass
that Croucheth beneath his burthen, that learneth his master's will by
the stroke of the rod; thus saith the Lord: yet, the Lord will have
mercy on him, and he shall bring forth much fruit, even as the vine of
the choice grape, when her clusters are ripe, before the time of the
gleaning of the vintage; and the Lord shall make his heart merry as
with sweet wine, because of Him who putteth forth His hand, and lifteth
him up out of deep mire, and pointeth him out the way, and guideth
his feet when he stumbles, and humbleth him in his pride. Blessed
are his generations: nevertheless one shall hunt after them as a man
{444} hunteth after an ass that has strayed in the wilderness, and
straightway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. Thus shall the
Lord watch over his generation, that they may be saved. Even so. Amen.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Maxims.]
The man who willeth to do well, we should extol his virtues, and speak
not of his faults behind his back. A man who wilfully turneth away from
his friend without a cause, is not easily forgiven. The kindness of
a man should never be forgotten. That person who never forsaketh his
trust, should ever have the highest place of regard in our hearts, and
our love should never fail, but increase more and more, and this is my
disposition and these my sentiments.
[Sidenote: Frederick G. Williams.]
Brother Frederick G. Williams is one of those men in whom I place the
greatest confidence and trust, for I have found him ever full of love
and brotherly kindness. He is not a man of many words, but is ever
winning, because of his constant mind. He shall ever have place in my
heart, and is ever entitled to my confidence. He is perfectly honest
and upright, and seeks with all his heart to magnify his Presidency in
the Church of Christ, but fails in many instances, in consequence of a
want of confidence in himself. God grant that he may overcome all evil.
Blessed be Brother Frederick, for he shall never want a friend, and his
generation after him shall flourish. The Lord hath appointed him an
inheritance upon the land of Zion: yea, and his head shall blossom, and
he shall be as an olive branch that is bowed down with fruit. Even so.
Amen.
[Sidenote: Attorney-General's Letter to the Exiles' Counsel.]
The following is a copy of a letter from the Attorney-General of
Missouri to the counsel employed by the Church to prosecute the mob in
Jackson county:
City of Jefferson,
November 21, 1833.
_Messrs. Doniphan and Atchison_:
Gentlemen: From conversation I have had with the Governor, I {445}
believe I am warranted in saying to you, and through you to the
Mormons, that if they desire to be replaced in possession of their
property, that is, their houses in Jackson county, an adequate
force will be sent forthwith to effect that object. Perhaps a
direct application had better be made to him for that purpose, if
they wish thus to be re-possessed. The militia have been ordered to
hold themselves in readiness.
If the Mormons will organize themselves into regular companies,
or a regular company of militia, either volunteers or otherwise,
they will, I have no doubt, be supplied with public arms. This
must be upon application therefor. A volunteer company must be
accepted by the Colonel, and that is a matter in _his_ discretion.
Perhaps the best way would be to organize and elect officers as
is done in ordinary cases--_not_ volunteers; you could give them
the necessary directions on these points. If the Colonel should
refuse to order an election of company officers, after they have
reported themselves to him for that purpose, he would, I presume,
be court-martialed, on representation to the Governor of the facts.
As only a certain quantity of public arms can be distributed in
each county, those who first apply will be most likely to receive
them. The less, therefore, that is said upon the subject the better.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
(Signed) R. W. Wells.
[Sidenote: Judge Ryland's Letter to Amos Reese.]
Again, Judge Ryland wrote Amos Reese, Esq., Circuit Attorney, also of
counsel for the exiled Saints, as follows:
New Lexington,
November 24, 1833.
_Dear Sir_:--I have been requested by the Governor, to inform him
about the outrageous acts of unparalleled violence that have lately
happened in Jackson county, and have also been requested to examine
into these outrages, and take steps to punish the guilty and screen
the innocent.
I cannot proceed unless some person shall be willing to make the
proper information before me. I now request you to inform me
whether the "Mormons" are willing to take legal steps against the
citizens of Jackson county; whether they wish to return there or
not; and let me know all the matters connected with this unhappy
affair. It will be necessary for you to see the persons injured,
and be informed of their desires and intentions. The military force
will repair to Jackson county, to aid the execution of any order I
make on this subject. Be particular in your information to me. I am
willing to go any time to {446} Jackson county, for the purpose of
holding a court of inquiry, and binding over to keep the peace such
persons as I shall think ought to be restrained.
It is a disgrace to the state for such acts to happen within its
limits, and the disgrace will attach to our official characters, if
we neglect to take proper means to insure the punishment due such
offenders.
I wish to know whether Joshua Lewis and Hyrum Page handed the writ
to the sheriff of Jackson county, that I made and issued on their
affidavit, against some of the ringleaders of the mob in Jackson
county, dated the sixth of this month.
I will know why he refused to execute the writ, if it ever came to
his hands. Inquire into this subject and let me know. I should be
glad to see you, and agree upon what course to take. After you have
sufficiently informed yourself, come down and see me. As you live
near the scene of these outrages, you are better able to receive
all information necessary, and prepare for future action, than I am.
Write me as soon as you are properly informed, and state when you
can come down and see me on this business. Keep copies of all the
letters you write on this subject.
Your friend,
(Signed) John F. Ryland.
_November 22_.--My brother Don Carlos came to live with me and learn
the art of printing.
[Sidenote: Hyde and Gould Return to Kirtland.]
Elders Orson Hyde and John Gould returned from Missouri to Kirtland on
the 25th, and brought the melancholy intelligence of the mob in Jackson
county persecuting the brethren.
Elder A. S. Gilbert wrote the Governor of Missouri as follows:
(_Confidential_.)
Liberty, Clay County,
November 29, 1833.
Dear Sir:--Yesterday I saw Mr. Doniphan, an attorney of this
place, who informed me that he saw the Attorney-General, Mr.
Wells, in Saline county, last Saturday week, and that Mr. Wells
had acquainted him with your intention of ordering a court of
inquiry to be held in Jackson county, in relation to the late
riotous proceedings in that county. Mr. Doniphan is of opinion,
from the conversation he had with Mr. Wells, that said order will
be suspended till a communication is received from our people, or
their counsel. This is therefore to acquaint your Excellency, that
most of the heads of our Church had an {447} interview yesterday
on the subject of an _immediate_ court of inquiry, to be held in
Jackson county; and by their request to me, I hasten to lay before
your Excellency serious difficulties attending our people on an
_immediate_ court of inquiry being called.
Our Church is at this time scattered in every direction: some in
the new county of Van Buren; a part in this county; and a part
in Lafayette, and Ray. Some of our principal witnesses would be
women and children, and while the rage of the mob continues, it
would be impossible to gather them in safety at Independence. That
your Excellency may know of the unabating fury with which the last
remnant of our people remaining in that county are pursued at this
time, I here state that a few families, perhaps fifteen or twenty,
who settled themselves more than two years ago on the prairie,
about fifteen miles from the county seat of Jackson county, had
hoped from the obscurity of their location that they might escape
the vengeance of the enemy through the winter; consequently
they remained on their plantations, receiving occasionally, a
few individual threats, till last Sunday, when a mob made their
appearance among them; some with pistols cocked, and presented to
their breasts, commanded them to leave the county in three days, or
they would tear their houses down over their heads, etc., etc.
Two expresses arrived here from said neighborhood last Monday
morning, for advice, and counsel advised their speedy removal for
the preservation of life and their personal effects. I suppose
these families will be out of the county of Jackson this week.
In this distressed situation, in behalf of my brethren, I pray
your Excellency to await a further communication, which will soon
follow this, setting forth among other things the importance of our
people being restored to their possessions, that they may have an
equal chance with their enemies in producing important testimony
before the court, which the enemy are now determined to deprive
them of. I trust that your Excellency will perceive the agitation
and consternation that must necessarily prevail among most of our
people at this day, from the unparalleled usage they have received,
and many of them wandering at this time destitute of shelter.
An _immediate_ court of inquiry called while our people are thus
situated, would give our enemies a decided advantage in point of
testimony, while they are in possession of their _own_ homes, and
_ours_ also; with no enemy in the county to molest or make them
afraid.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. Gilbert.
_To his Excellency Daniel Dunklin, Jefferson City, Mo_.
I have seen and read the above letter, and on reflection, I concur
{448} entirely in the opinion therein expressed. I also think
that at the next regular term of the court, an examination of the
criminal matter cannot be gone into, without a guard for the court
and witnesses.
(Signed) Amos Reese.
[Sidenote: Remnants Scattered.]
Those who were threatened by the mob on Sunday, the 24th, fled into
Clay county, and encamped on the banks of the Missouri river. A number
of the families went into Van Buren county: their whole number of men,
women, and children, being upwards of one hundred and fifty.
[Sidenote: New Church Press.]
About the 1st of December, Elder Cowdery and Bishop Whitney arrived
at Kirtland with a new press and type, and on the 4th commenced
distributing the type.
_December 5_.--I wrote to Bishop Partridge, Liberty, Clay county,
Missouri, as follows:
Kirtland, December 5, 1833.
_Dear Brethren_:--We have just received a letter from Brother
Phelps, dated 6th and 7th November, at Liberty, which gives us the
painful intelligence of the rage of the enemy, and your present
unsettled situation. But I must inform you that there is a great
dubiety resting upon our minds, with regard to the true state of
affairs of Zion; for there seems to be some difference in the
statements of Elder Phelps' letter, and that of Elder Hyde's
communication to the editors of the _Missouri Republican_. [1]
Elder Hyde states that "on Monday, the 4th, the mob collected in
Independence, to the number of two or three hundred, well armed;
that a part of their number went above Blue, to drive away our
people, and destroy our property; but they were met by a party of
our people, who, being prepared, poured a deadly fire upon them;
two of their number fell dead on the ground, and a number were
mortally wounded, among the former was Brazeale.
"Tuesday morning there were a number of the mob missing, and could
not be accounted for; and while we were at Liberty landing, on
Wednesday, a messenger rode up, saying that he had just come from
{449} the seat of war, and that the night before, another battle
was fought, in which Mr. Hicks fell, having three balls and some
buck-shot through his body, and about twenty more shared a similar
fate; and also, that one or two of our men were killed, and as many
wounded; and he (Hyde) heard the cannonading distinctly; and also,
stated that the man who broke open the store, took Gilbert, Phelps,
and one more, for false imprisonment, and put them in prison, and
as near as he could learn, never to let them escape alive."
This statement of Elder Hyde is somewhat different from that of
Elder Phelps, who states that "on Friday night the brethren had
mustered about forty or fifty men, armed, and marched into the
village, took one prisoner and fired one gun (through mistake); and
on Saturday the mob fell upon our brethren above Blue, and one of
Manship's sons was mortally wounded. On Monday a regular action was
fought near Christian Whitmer's, under the command of Elder David
Whitmer. We had four wounded; they had five wounded and two killed,
viz.: Linvill and Brazeale. From Friday till Tuesday, our brethren
were under arms, when one hundred and fifty of them came forth,
like Moroni, to battle. On Tuesday morning the mob had collected
to the number of three hundred, and before any blood was shed, we
agreed to go away immediately, and the enemy took our guns."
Elder Phelps also states that "since the above was written (viz.:
on the 6th), another horrid scene has transpired: after our people
surrendered their arms, a party of the mob went above Blue, and
began to whip, and even murder; and the brethren have been driven
into the woods, and are fleeing to the ferry; and also the mob have
hired the ferrymen to carry them across the river (but they made
the brethren pay the ferryage); and it was reported that the mob
had killed two more of the brethren."
It appears, brethren, that the above statements were made mostly
from reports, and there is no certainty of their being correct;
therefore, it is difficult for us to advise, and we can only say,
that the destinies of all people are in the hands of a just God,
and He will do no injustice to any one; and this one thing is
sure, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer
persecution; and before their robes are made white in the blood of
the Lamb, it is to be expected, according to John the Revelator,
they will pass through great tribulation.
I wish, when you receive this letter, that you would collect every
particular, concerning the mob, from the beginning, and send us a
correct statement of facts, as they occurred from time to time,
that we may be enabled to give the public correct information on
the subject, and inform us also of the situation of the brethren,
with respect to their means of sustenance.
{450} I would inform you, that it is not the will of the Lord for
you to sell your lands in Zion, if means can possibly be procured
for your sustenance without. Every exertion should be made to
maintain the cause you have espoused, and to contribute to the
necessities of one another, as much as possible, in this your
great calamity, and remember not to murmur at the dealings of God
with His creatures. You are not as yet brought into as trying
circumstances as were the ancient Prophets and Apostles. Call to
mind a Daniel, the three Hebrew children, Jeremiah, Paul, Stephen,
and many others, too numerous to mention, who were stoned, sawn
asunder, tempted, slain with the sword, and wandered about in
sheep skins and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented,
of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and
in mountains, and hid in dens and caves of the earth; yet they
all obtained a good report through faith; and amidst all their
afflictions they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to receive
persecutions for Christ's sake.
We know not what we shall be called to pass through before Zion
is delivered and established; therefore, we have great need to
live near to God, and always to be in strict obedience to all His
commandments, that we may have a conscience void of offense toward
God and man. It is your privilege to use every lawful means in your
power to seek redress for your grievances from your enemies, and
prosecute them to the extent of the law; but it will be impossible
for us to render you any temporal assistance, as our means are
already exhausted, and we are deeply in debt, and know of no means
whereby we shall be able to extricate ourselves.
The inhabitants of this county threaten our destruction, and we
know not how soon they may be permitted to follow the example of
the Missourians; but our trust is in God, and we are determined,
His grace assisting us, to maintain the cause and hold out faithful
unto the end, that we may be crowned with crowns of celestial
glory, and enter into the rest that is prepared for the children of
God.
We are now distributing the type, and intend to commence setting
today, and issue a paper the last of this week, or beginning of
next. We wrote to Elder Phelps some time since, and also sent by
Elder Hyde, for the list of names of subscribers to the _Star_,
which we have not yet received, and, until we receive it, the most
of the subscribers will be deprived of the paper; and when you
receive this, if you have not sent the list, I wish you to attend
to it immediately, as much inconvenience will follow a delay.
We expect shortly to publish a political paper, weekly, in favor
of the present administration; the influential men of that party
have offered a liberal patronage to us, and we hope to succeed, for
thereby we can {451} show the public the purity of our intention in
supporting the government under which we live.
We learn by Elder Phelps, that the brethren have surrendered their
arms to the Missourians and are fleeing across the river. If that
is the case, it is not meet that they should recommence hostilities
with them; but if not, you should maintain the ground as long as
there is a man left, as the spot of ground upon which you are
located, is the place appointed of the Lord for your inheritance,
and it is right in the sight of God that you contend for it to the
last.
You will recollect that the Lord has said, that Zion should not be
removed out of her place; therefore the land should not be sold,
but be held by the Saints, until the Lord in His wisdom shall open
a way for your return; and until that time, if you can purchase
a tract of land in Clay county for present emergencies, it is
right you should do so, if you can do it, and not sell your land
in Jackson county. It is not safe for us to send you a written
revelation on the subject, but what is stated above is according
to wisdom. I haste to a close to give room for Brother Oliver, and
remain yours in the bonds of the everlasting covenant,
Joseph Smith, Jun.
[Sidenote: Dedication of the New Press.]
_December 6_.--Being prepared to commence our labors in the printing
business, I ask God in the name of Jesus, to establish it for ever,
and cause that His work may speedily go forth to the nations of the
earth, to the accomplishing of His great work in bringing about the
restoration of the house of Israel.
This day, also, the Elders in Missouri sent the following petition
_To his Excellency, Daniel Dunklin, Governor of the State of
Missouri_:
We, the undersigned leading members of the Church of Christ,
vulgarly called "Mormons," would respectfully represent to your
Excellency--in addition to the petition presented to you by
Messrs. Phelps and Hyde, and the affidavit of Messrs. Phelps,
Gilbert, and M'Lellin, after having read also the letters of
the Attorney-General and District Judge of this circuit to Mr.
Reese--that whereas, our society, men, women, and children, after
having been in some cases wounded, scourged, and threatened with
death, have been driven by force of arms from their lands, houses,
and much of their property in Jackson county--most of which lands,
houses, and property, have been possessed by the mob of Jackson
county, or others, and are now {452} unlawfully detained from the
use and possession of our people; that whereas our people have been
driven and scattered into the counties of Clay, Ray, Van Buren,
Lafayette, and others, where, in many cases, they are destitute of
the common necessaries of life, even in this winter season; that
whereas, the guns which were taken from our people, as set forth
in the affidavit, are kept from them; therefore, in behalf of our
society, which is so scattered and suffering, we, your petitioners,
ask aid and assistance of your Excellency, that we may be restored
to our lands, and houses, property, and protected in them by the
militia of the state, if legal, or by a detachment of the United
States Rangers, which might be located at Independence, instead of
at Cantonment Leavenworth, till peace can be restored. This could
be done, probably, by conferring with the President, or perhaps
with Colonel Dodge. Also, we ask that our men may be organized into
companies of Jackson Guards, and be furnished with arms by the
state, to assist in maintaining their rights against the unhallowed
power of the mob of Jackson county.
And then, when arrangements are made to protect us in our persons
and property (which cannot be done without an armed force, nor
would it be prudent to risk our lives there without guards, till we
receive strength from our friends to protect ourselves), we wish a
court of inquiry instituted, to investigate the whole matter of the
mob against the "Mormons:" and we will ever pray.
W. W. Phelps,
John Whitmer,
John Corrill,
Isaac Morley,
Edward Partridge,
A. S. Gilbert.
The following letter accompanied the foregoing petition:
Liberty, December 6, 1833.
_Dear Sir_:--Your Excellency will perceive by the petition, bearing
date with this letter, that we intend to return to Jackson county
as soon as arrangements can be made to protect us after we are
reinstated in our possessions.
We do not wish to go till we know that our lives are not in danger
from a lawless mob. Your Excellency will understand that at this
inclement season it will require time to restore us, and troops to
protect us after we are there, for the threats of the mob have not
ceased.
Your obedient servant,
W. W. Phelps.
_To Daniel Dunklin, Governor of Missouri_.
Footnotes
1. The slight discrepancies which the Prophet notes between the report
of Elder Hyde and the communications of W. W. Phelps lie chiefly from
the inaccuracy of the reports current at that time. It will be seen
that they are not very important, but doubtless on account of the
anxiety of the Prophet and brethren at Kirtland, seemed so at the time,
and at any rate were somewhat confusing.
{453}