Important Correspondence on Jackson County Affairs, Chiefly between
Leading Officials of the Church in Zion and State Officials of
Missouri. [1]
Algernon Sidney Gilbert's Letter to Governor Dunklin.
Liberty, Clay County, Mo.,
January 9, 1834.
_Dear Sir_:--Since my communication of the 29th of November, and a
petition dated 6th of December last, to which my name was attached,
I am induced to trespass again upon your patience, with further
particulars in relation to the unfortunate faction in Jackson
county, on which subject I should be silent, were it not that I
entertain a hope of suggesting some ideas that may ultimately prove
useful in ameliorating the present suffering conditions of my
brethren, and in some degree restoring peace to both parties.
Being particularly acquainted with the situation of both parties
at this day, my desire is to write impartially; notwithstanding
I feel very sensibly the deep wound that has been inflicted upon
the Church of which I am a member, by the citizens of Jackson
county. The petition to your Excellency, dated the 6th of December
last, was drawn up hastily by Mr. Phelps, and signed by several
of us, just before the closing of the mail; and there is one item
in particular in said petition, that needs some explanation; the
request that "our men may be organized into companies of Jackson
Guards, and furnished with arms by the state," was made at the
instance of disinterested advisers; and also a communication from
the Attorney General to Messrs. Doniphan and Atchison, dated the
21st of November last, gives his views as to the propriety of
organizing into regular companies, etc. The necessity of being
compelled to resort to arms, to regain our possessions in Jackson
county, is by no means agreeable to the feelings of the Church and
would never be thought of but from pure necessity.
In relation to a court of inquiry, serious difficulties continue
to exist, well calculated to preclude the most important testimony
of our Church; {473} and there appears to be no evil which man is
capable of inflicting upon his fellow-man, but what our people are
threatened with at this day by the citizens of Jackson county. This
intimidates a great many, particularly women and children, and
no military guard would diminish their fears so far as to induce
them to attend the court in that county. This, with other serious
difficulties, will give a decided advantage to the offenders, in a
court of inquiry, while they triumph in power, numbers, etc.
The citizens of Jackson county are well aware that they have this
advantage, and the leaders of the faction, if they must submit to
such a court, would gladly hasten it. The Church are anxious for a
thorough investigation into the whole affair, if their testimony
can be taken without so great peril as they have reason to fear.
It is my opinion, from present appearances, that not one-fourth
of the witnesses of our people can be prevailed upon to go into
Jackson county to testify. The influence of the party that compose
that faction is considerable, and this influence operates in some
degree upon the drafted militia, so far as to lessen confidence in
the loyalty of that body; and I am satisfied that the influence of
the Jackson county faction will not be entirely put down while they
have advocates among certain religious sects.
Knowing that your Excellency must be aware of the unequal contest
in which we are engaged, and that the little handful that compose
our Church are not the only sufferers that feel the oppressive
hand of priestly power; with these difficulties existing, and many
others not enumerated, it would be my wish to adopt such measures
as are best calculated to allay the rage of Jackson county, and
restore the injured to their rightful possessions; and to this
end, I would suggest the propriety of purchasing the possessions
of the most violent leaders of the faction; and if they assent
to this proposition, if the holdings of about twenty of the most
influential in that county (which would embrace the very leaders of
the faction), could be obtained, I think the majority would cease
in their persecutions, at least, when a due exercise of executive
counsel and authority was manifested. I suggest this measure
because it is of a pacific nature, well knowing that no legal steps
are calculated to subdue their obduracy, only when pushed with
energy by the highest authorities of the state.
In this proposal, I believe that I should have the concurrence
of my brethren. I therefore give this early intimation of an
intention, on the part of some of the leading men in the Church,
to purchase out some of the principal leaders of the faction, if
funds sufficient can be raised; hoping thereby to regain peaceful
possession of their homes; and in making a trial of this measure
at a future day, we would deem it important, and of great utility,
if we could avail ourselves of counsel and directions {474} from
your Excellency, believing there will be a day, in negotiations for
peace, in which an executive interposition would produce a salutary
effect upon both parties.
In this communication, with honesty of heart, I have endeavored
briefly to touch upon a few interesting points, in plain truth,
believing that I have given no wrong bias on either side, and with
earnest prayers to our great Benefactor, that the chief ruler of
this state may come to a full knowledge of the gross outrages in
Jackson county, I subscribe myself,
Your obedient servant,
Algernon S. Gilbert.
_To his Excellency, Daniel Dunklin, Jefferson City, Missouri_.
Letter of the First Presidency to the Scattered Saints.
_Greeting_:
We, your companions in tribulation, embrace the present opportunity
of sending you this token of our love and good will, assuring you
that our bowels are filled with compassion, and that our prayers
are daily ascending to God in the name of Jesus Christ, in your
behalf.
We have just received intelligence from you, through the medium of
Brother Elliot, of Chagrin, making inquiries concerning the course
which you are to pursue. In addition to the knowledge contained in
the above on this subject, we say, if it is not the duty of the
Governor to call out and keep a standing force in Jackson county
to protect you on your lands (which it appears must be done, as we
understand the mob are determined to massacre you, if the Governor
take you back upon your lands, and leave you unprotected), it will
become your duty to petition the Governor to petition the President
to send a force there to protect you, when you are reinstated.
The Governor proposes to take you back to your lands whenever you
are ready to go (if we understand correctly); but cannot keep up
an army to guard you; and while the hostile feelings of the people
of Jackson county remain unabated, probably you dare not go back
to be left unguarded. Therefore, in your petition to the Governor,
set all these things forth in their proper light, and pray him to
notify the President, of your situation; and also petition the
President yourselves, according to the direction of the Lord. We
have petitioned Governor Dunklin in your behalf, and enclosed in it
a printed revelation, the same as this which we now send you. The
petition was signed by something like sixty brethren, and mailed
for Jefferson city, one week ago: and he will probably receive it
two weeks before you receive this.
We also intend to send a petition and this revelation to the
President forthwith, in your behalf, and then we will act the part
of the poor widow to perfection, if possible, and let our rulers
read their destiny {475} if they do not lend a helping hand. We
exhort you to prosecute and try every lawful means to bring the
mob to justice as fast as circumstances will permit. With regard
to your tarrying in Clay county, we cannot advise, you must be
governed by circumstances; perhaps you will have to hire out, and
take farms to cultivate, to obtain bread until the Lord delivers
you.
We sent you a fifty dollar United States note some time ago; if you
have received it, please acknowledge the receipt of it to us, that
we may be satisfied you received it. We shall do all that is in our
power to assist you in every way we can. We know your situation is
a trying one, but be patient, and murmur not against the Lord, and
you shall see that all these things shall turn to your greatest
good.
Inquire of Elder Marsh, and find out the entire secret of mixing
and compounding lead and antimony, so as to make type metal, and
write us concerning it. Joseph has sent you another fifty dollar
note, making in all one hundred dollars; write us concerning
it. There is a prospect of the eastern churches doing something
handsome towards the deliverance of Zion, in the course of a year,
if Zion is not delivered otherwise.
Though the Lord said this affliction came upon you because of your
sins, polluting your inheritances, etc., yet there is an exception
of some, namely, the heads of Zion; for the Lord said, Your
brethren in Zion begin to repent, and the angels rejoice over them.
You will also see an exception at the top of the second column of
this revelation; therefore, this affliction came upon the Church to
chasten those in transgression, and prepare the hearts of those who
had repented, for an endowment from the Lord.
We shall not be able to send you any more money at present, unless
the Lord puts it into our hands unexpectedly. There is not quite
so much danger of a mob upon us as there has been. The hand of
the Lord has thus far been stretched out to protect us. Doctor
Philastus Hurlburt, an apostate Elder from this Church, has been
to the state of New York, and gathered up all the ridiculous
stories that could be invented, and some affidavits respecting
the character of Joseph and the Smith family; and exhibited them
to numerous congregations in Chagrin, Kirtland, Mentor, and
Painsville; and he has fired the minds of the people with much
indignation against Joseph and the Church.
Hurlburt also made many harsh threats, that he would take the life
of Joseph, if he could not destroy "Mormonism" without. Brother
Joseph took him with a peace warrant, and after three days' trial,
and investigating the merits of our religion, in the town of
Painsville, by able attorneys on both sides, he was bound over to
the county court. Thus his influence was pretty much destroyed, and
since the trial, the {476} spirit of hostility seems to be broken
down in a good degree; but how long it will continue so, we cannot
say.
You purchased your inheritances with money, therefore, behold you
are blessed: you have not purchased your lands by the shedding
of blood, consequently you do not come under the censure of this
commandment which says, "If by blood, lo your enemies are upon
you, and ye shall be driven from city to city;" give yourselves no
uneasiness on this account.
Farewell, in the bonds of the new covenant, and partakers in
tribulation.
(Signed) Orson Hyde,
Clerk of the Presidency of the Church.
Governor Dunklin to the Brethren in Missouri.
City of Jefferson,
February 4, 1834.
_Gentlemen_:--Your communication of the 6th December, was regularly
received, and duly considered; and had I not expected to have
received the evidence brought out on the inquiry ordered into
the military conduct of Colonel Pitcher, in a short time after I
received your petition, I should have replied to it long since.
Last evening I was informed that the further inquiry of the court
was postponed until the 20th inst. Then, before I could hear
anything from this court, the court of civil jurisdiction will
hold its session in Jackson county; consequently, I cannot receive
anything from one, preparatory to arrangements for the other.
I am very sensible indeed of the injuries your people complain
of, and should consider myself very remiss in the discharge of my
duties were I not to do everything in my power consistent with
the legal exercise of them, to afford your society the redress to
which they seem entitled. One of your requests needs no evidence to
support the right to have it granted; it is that your people be put
in possession of their homes, from which they have been expelled.
But what may be the duty of the Executive after that, will depend
upon contingencies.
If, upon inquiry, it is found that your people were wrongfully
dispossessed of their arms by Colonel Pitcher, then an order will
be issued to have them returned; and should your men organize
according to law--which they have a right to do, indeed it is their
duty to do so, unless exempted by religious scruples--and apply
for public arms, the Executive could not distinguish between their
right to have them, and the right of every other description of
people similarly situated.
As to the request for keeping up a military force to protect
your people, and prevent the commission of crimes and injuries,
were I to {477} comply, it would transcend the powers with which
the Executive of this state is clothed. The Federal Constitution
has given to Congress the power to provide for calling forth the
militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection,
or repel invasion; and for these purposes, the President of the
United States is authorized to make the call upon the executive
of the respective states; and the laws of this state empower the
"commander-in-chief, in case of actual or threatened invasion,
insurrection or war, or public danger, or other emergency, to call
forth into actual service, such portion of the militia as he may
deem expedient." These, together with the general provision of our
state constitution that "the Governor shall take care that the laws
are faithfully executed," are all upon this branch of executive
powers. None of these, as I consider, embraces this part of your
request. The words, "or other emergency," in our militia law, seem
quite broad; but the emergency to come within the object of that
provision, should be of a public nature. [2]
Your case is certainly a very emergent one, and the consequences as
important to _your society_, as if the war had been waged against
the whole state, yet, the _public_ has no other interest in it,
than that the laws be faithfully executed; thus far I presume
the whole community feel a deep interest; for that which is the
case of the "_Mormons_" today, may be the case of the _Catholics_
tomorrow, and after them, any other sect that may become obnoxious
to a majority of the people of any section of the state. So far as
a faithful execution of the laws is concerned, the Executive is
disposed to do everything consistent with the means furnished him
by the legislature, and I think I may safely say the same of the
judiciary.
As now advised, I am of the opinion that a military guard will
be necessary to protect the state witnesses and officers of the
court, and to assist in the execution of its orders, while sitting
in Jackson county. By this mail I write to Mr. Reese, enclosing
him an order on the captain of the "Liberty Blues," requiring the
captain to comply with the requisition of the circuit attorney,
in protecting the court and officers, {478} and executing their
precepts and orders during the progress of these trials. Under the
protection of this guard, your people can, if they think proper,
return to their homes in Jackson county, and be protected in them
during the progress of the trial in question, by which time, facts
will be developed upon which I can act more definitely. [3] The
Attorney-General will be required to assist the Circuit Attorney,
if the latter deem necessary.
On the subject of civil injuries, I must refer you to the courts;
such questions rest with them exclusively. The laws are sufficient
to afford a remedy for every injury of this kind; and, whenever you
make out a case entitling you to damages, there can be no doubt
entertained of their ample award. Justice is sometimes slow in its
progress, but is not less sure on that account.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) Daniel Dunklin.
_To Messrs. W. W. Phelps, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, Edward
Partridge, John Corrill and A. S. Gilbert_.
Letter of Algernon S. Gilbert to A. Leonard, Esq., Attorney.
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri,
February 13, 1834.
_A. Leonard, Esq_.:
Dear Sir:--I have received a line from William Pratt, who called on
you a few weeks since, to inquire if your services could be secured
in the prosecution of claims for damages by our Church against the
citizens of Jackson county; and by his letter it appears that you
are willing to engage in our case. So far as I have conversed with
the principal leaders of our Church, they are desirous to secure
your services, which also meets the approbation of our counsel in
this county, viz., Messrs. Reese, Doniphan, Atchison, and Wood.
I write this a few moments before closing the mail, and have not
time to state particulars, as to the extent of the suits, but
believe that four or five suits have been brought by Phelps & Co.,
for the destruction of the printing office, etc., etc., and by
Partridge and others for personal abuse. I understand that at the
next Monday term of the circuit court, petition will be made for
a change of venue in Jackson county, and I suppose no case can be
tried before next June {479} or October term. If it is expedient,
some one of our people will call on you in a few days, and during
the interim, wish you to drop me a line if convenient.
We have this day received a communication of the 4th instant, from
the Governor, in which he states, that he is of opinion that a
military guard will be necessary, to protect the state witnesses
and officers of the court, and to assist in the execution of its
orders, while sitting in Jackson county.
By this mail I write to Mr. Reese, enclosing him an order on the
captain of the "Liberty Blues," requiring the captain to comply
with the requisition of the circuit attorney, in protecting the
court and officers, and executing their precepts and orders during
the progress of these trials.
The foregoing relates to a court of inquiry into criminal matters,
to be held in Jackson county, next Monday week.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Algernon S. Gilbert.
The Brethren in Clay County, Missouri, to Judge Ryland.
Liberty, February 19, 1834.
_To the Hon. John F. Ryland, Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court,
Missouri_:
Sir:--Learning that a court of inquiry is to be held in Jackson
county, at the next regular term of the circuit court for that
county, or that some kind of legal proceeding is to be commenced
for the purpose of obtaining the facts, as far as can be, or
bringing to punishment the guilty in that county,--We, therefore,
pray your honor to avail yourself of every means in your power
to execute the law and make it honorable; and believing that the
testimony of some of the members of our Church will be important,
and deeming it unsafe to risk our persons in that county without
a guard, we request that the order from the Executive, already
transmitted, may be put in force.
Respectfully, etc.,
Edward Partridge,
A. S. Gilbert,
W. W. Phelps,
John Corrill,
John Whitmer.
Another request similar to the above was sent, same date, to Amos
Reese, Circuit Attorney.
Letter of W. W. Phelps _et al_. to Judge Woodward.
Liberty, February 19, 1834.
_George Woodward, Judge Advocate, in the case of the State of
Missouri, versus Colonel Thomas Pitcher_:
Sir:--The undersigned request of you, if it be consistent with
{480} custom and law, an official copy of the proceedings recorded
by you, in the above stated case, for the purpose of preservation,
as an important link in the history of our unfortunate society.
Respectfully,
W. W. Phelps,
Edward Partridge,
Algernon S. Gilbert.
Affidavit of Abigail Leonard.
I, Abigail Leonard, depose and say, that on the night of the 20th
of February, 1834, in the county of Jackson and State of Missouri,
a company of men, about fifty or sixty in number, armed with whips
and guns, came to the house of my husband: among them were John
Young, Mr. Yocum, Mr. Cantrell, Mr. Patterson and Mr. Noland.
Five of the number entered the house; among them was John Young.
They ordered my husband to leave the house, threatening to shoot
him if he did not. He not complying with their desires, one of
the five took a chair and struck him upon the head, knocking him
down, and then dragging him out of the house; I, in the meantime,
begging of them to spare his life, when one of the number called
to the others, telling them to take me into the house, for I would
"_overpower every devil of them_." Three of the company then
approached me, and, presenting their guns, declared with an oath,
if I did not go in, they would blow me through. While this was
happening Mr. Patterson jumped upon my husband with his heels;
my husband then got up, they stripped all his clothes from him
excepting his pantaloons, then five or six attacked him with whips
and gun sticks, and whipped him till he could not stand, and he
fell to the ground. I then went to them, and took their whips from
them; I then called to Mr. Bruce, who lived in the same house with
us, to come out and help me carry my husband into the house. When
carried in he was very much lacerated and bruised, and unable to
lie upon a bed, and also unable to work for a number of months.
Also, at the same time and place, Mr. Josiah Sumner was taken from
the house, and came in very bloody and bruised from whipping.
(Signed) Abigail Leonard.
The following letter from W. W. Phelps reached the hand of the Prophet
at Kirtland at a time when he had received some eastern papers
deploring the success attending upon the preaching of "Mormonism" in
the East. The Prophet introduces the letter of Elder Phelps in his
history in the following language: "Thus, while the press was mourning
the prosperity of the work, and the {481} Saints were rejoicing in the
East, troubles changed and multiplied in the West, as may be seen by
the following letter:"
Letter of Wm. W. Phelps to the Brethren in Kirtland, Detailing the
Farcical Effort of the Officers of Missouri to Enforce the Law.
Clay County, Missouri, Feb. 27, 1834.
_Dear Brethren_--The times are so big with events, and the anxiety
of everybody so great to watch them, that I feel somewhat impressed
to write oftener than I have done, in order to give you more of
the "strange acts" of this region. I have just returned from
Independence, the seat of war in the West. About a dozen of our
brethren, among whom were Bishop Partridge, Elder Corrill and
myself, were subpoenaed in behalf of the state; and on the 23rd of
February, about 12 o'clock, we were on the bank opposite Everett's
Ferry, where we found Captain Atchison's company of "Liberty
Blues"--nearly fifty rank and file--ready to guard us into Jackson
county. The soldiers were well armed with United States muskets,
bayonets fixed, etc., and to me the scene was "passing strange,"
and long to be remembered; the martial law in force to guard the
civil! About twenty-five men crossed over to effect a landing
in safety, and when they came near the warehouse they fired six
or eight guns, though the enemy had not gathered to witness the
landing.
After we were all across, and waiting for the baggage wagon, it was
thought most advisable to encamp in the woods, and the witnesses,
with half the company, marched nearly a mile towards Independence,
to build night fires, as we were without tents, and the weather
cold enough to snow a little. While on the way, the quartermaster
and others, that had gone on ahead to prepare quarters in town,
sent an express back, which was not of the most pacific appearance.
Captain Atchison continued the express to Colonel Allen for the two
hundred drafted militia, and also to Liberty for more ammunition;
and the night passed off in warlike style, with the sentinels
marching silently at a proper distance from the watch fires.
Early in the morning we marched, strongly guarded by the troops,
to the seat of war, and quartered in the blockhouse, formerly the
tavern stand of S. Flournoy; after breakfast we were visited by the
District Attorney, Mr. Reese, and the Attorney-General, Mr. Wells.
From them we learned that all hopes of criminal prosecutions were
at an end. Mr. Wells had been sent by the governor to investigate,
as far as possible, the Jackson outrage; but the bold front of
the mob; bound even unto death (as I have heard), was not to be
penetrated by civil law, or awed by executive influence. Shortly
after, Captain {482} Atchison informed me that he had just received
an order from the judge that his company's service was no longer
wanted in Jackson county; and we were marched out of town to the
tune of Yankee Doodle, in quick time, and soon returned to our camp
without the loss of any lives. This order was issued by the court,
apparently, on account of the speedy gathering of the old mob, or
citizens of Jackson county, and their assuming such a boisterous
and mobocratic appearance. Much credit is due to Captain Atchison
for his gallantry and hospitality, and I think I can say of the
officers and company, that their conduct as soldiers and men, is
highly reputable; so much the more so, knowing as I do, the fatal
results of the trial had the militia come or not come. I can add
that the Captain's safe return refreshed my mind with Xenophon's
safe retreat of the Ten Thousand! Thus ends all hope of "redress,"
even with a guard ordered by the Governor for the protection of the
court and witnesses. [4]
Before a crop is harvested it becomes ripe of itself. The dreadful
deeds now done in Jackson county, with impunity, must bring matters
to a focus shortly. Within two or three weeks past some of the most
savage acts ever witnessed have been committed by these bitter
branches. Old Father Lindsey, whose locks have been whitened by
the blasts of nearly seventy winters, had his house thrown down,
after he was driven from it; his goods, corn, etc., piled together
and fire put to it, but fortunately after the mob retired, his son
extinguished it.
The mob has quit whipping and now beats with clubs. Lyman Leonord,
one of the number that returned from Van Buren county had two
chairs broken to splinters upon him, and was then dragged out of
doors and beat with clubs till he was supposed to be dead, but he
is {483} yet alive. Josiah Sumner and Barnet Cole were severely
beaten at the same time. The mob have commenced burning houses,
stacks, etc.; and we shall not think it out of their power, by any
means, to proceed to murder any of our people that shall try to
live in that county, or perhaps, only go there.
Such scenes as are happening around us are calculated to arouse
feelings and passions in all, and to strengthen the faith and
fortify the hearts of the Saints for great things. Our Savior laid
down His life for our sakes, and shall we, who profess to live by
every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God--shall we, the
servants of the Lord of the vineyard, who are called and chosen
to prune it for the last time--shall we, yea, verily we, who are
enlightened by the wisdom of heaven--shall we fear to do at least
this much for Jesus who has done so much for us? No; we will obey
the voice of the Spirit, that God may overcome the world.
I am a servant, etc.,
W. W. Phelps.
Second Petition to the President of the United States.
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, April 10, 1834.
_To the President of the United States of America_:
We, the undersigned, your petitioners, citizens of the United
States of America, and residents of the county of Clay, in
the state of Missouri, being members of the Church of Christ,
reproachfully called "Mormons," beg leave to refer the President to
our former petition, dated in October last; and also to lay before
him the accompanying hand-bill, dated December 12th, 1833, with
assurances that the said hand-bill exhibits but a faint sketch of
the sufferings of your petitioners and their brethren, up to the
period of its publication.
The said hand-bill shows, that at the time of dispersion a number
of our families fled into the new and unsettled county of Van
Buren; but being unable to procure provisions in that county
through the winter, many of them were compelled to return to their
homes in Jackson county or perish of hunger. But they had no
sooner set foot upon that soil--which a few months before they had
purchased of the United States--than they were again met by the
citizens of Jackson county, and a renewal of savage barbarities was
inflicted upon these families by beating with clubs and sticks,
presenting knives and fire arms, and threatenings of death if
they did not flee from the county. These inhuman assaults upon a
number of these families were repeated at two or three different
times through the past winter, till they were compelled at last to
abandon their possessions in Jackson county, and flee with their
wounded bodies into this county, here to mingle their tears {484}
and unite their supplications, with hundreds of their brethren, to
our Heavenly Father and the chief ruler of our nation.
Between one and two thousand of the people called "Mormons" have
been driven by force of arms from the county of Jackson in this
state since the first of November last, being compelled to leave
their highly cultivated fields--the greater part of their lands
having been bought of the United States--and all this on account
of our belief in direct revelation from God to the children of
men according to the Holy Scriptures. We know that such illegal
violence has not been inflicted upon any sect or community of
people by the citizens of the United States since the Declaration
of Independence.
That this is a religious persecution is notorious throughout our
country; for while the officers of the county, both civil and
military, were accomplices in these unparalleled outrages, engaged
in the destruction of the printing office, dwelling houses, etc.,
yet the records of the judicial tribunals of that county are not
stained by any record of crime committed by our people. Our numbers
being greatly inferior to the enemy were unable to stand in self
defense; and our lives, at this day, are continually threatened by
that infuriated people, so that our personal safety forbids one of
our number going into that county on business.
We beg leave to state that no impartial investigation into this
criminal matter can be made, because the offenders must be tried
in the county where the offense was committed, and the inhabitants
of the county, both magistrates and people, with the exception of
a few, being combined, justice cannot be expected. At this day
your petitioners do not know of a solitary family belonging to our
Church in Jackson county but what has been violently expelled from
that county by the inhabitants thereof.
Your petitioners have not gone into detail with an account of their
individual sufferings from death, and bruised bodies, and the
universal distress which prevails at this day, in a greater or less
degree throughout our community. Not only have those sacred rights
guaranteed to every religious sect been publicly invaded in open
hostility to the spirit and genius of our free government; but such
of their houses as have not been burnt, and their lands and most of
the products of the labor of their hands for the last year, have
been wrested from them by a band of outlaws congregated in Jackson
county, on the western frontiers of the United States, and this
within about thirty miles of the United States military post at
Fort Leavenworth, on the Missouri river.
Your petitioners say that they do not enter into a minute detail
of their sufferings in this petition lest they should weary the
patience of their venerable chief, whose arduous duties they
know are great, and daily accumulating. We only hope to show him
that this is an {485} unprecedented emergency in the history of
our country, that the magistracy thereof is set at defiance,
and justice checked in open violation of its laws; and that we,
your petitioners, who are almost wholly native born citizens of
these United States, of whom we purchased our lands in Jackson
county, Missouri, with intent to cultivate the same as peaceable
citizens, are now forced from them, and are now dwelling in the
counties of Clay, Ray and Lafayette, in the state of Missouri,
without permanent homes, and suffering all the privations which
must necessarily result from such inhuman treatment. Under these
sufferings your petitioners petitioned the governor of this state
in December last, in answer to which they received the following
letter: [5]
* * * * * * * * *
By the foregoing letter from the Governor, the President will
perceive a disposition manifested by him to enforce the laws as far
as means have been furnished him by the legislature of this state.
But the powers vested in the executive of this state appear to be
inadequate for relieving the distresses of your petitioners in
their present emergency. He is willing to send a guard to conduct
our families back to their possessions, but is not authorized to
direct a military force to be stationed any length of time for
the protection of your petitioners. This step would be laying the
foundation for a more fatal tragedy than the first, as our numbers
at present are too small to contend single handed with the mob of
said county; and as the Federal Constitution has given to Congress
the power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the
laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, or repel invasions: and
for these purposes the President of the United States is authorized
to make the call upon the executive of the respective states;
therefore, we, your petitioners, in behalf of our society, which
is so scattered and suffering, most humbly pray that we may be
restored to our lands, houses, and property in Jackson county, and
protected in them by an armed force, till peace can be restored.
And as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Here followed one hundred and fourteen signatures, among whom were:
Edward Partridge, John Corrill, John Whitmer, Isaac Morley, A. S.
Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, etc., etc.
Letter of Algernon S. Gilbert _et al_. to the President
Accompanying Foregoing Petition.
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, April 10, 1834.
_To the President of the United States_:
We, the undersigned, some of the leading members of the Church
of {486} Christ, whose names are subscribed to the accompanying
petition, beg leave to refer the President to the petition and
hand-bill herewith. We are not insensible to the multiplicity
of business and numerous petitions, by which the cares and
perplexities of our chief ruler are daily increased; and it is with
diffidence that we venture to lay before the executive, at this
emergent period, these two documents, wherein is briefly portrayed
the most unparalleled persecution and flagrant outrage of law that
has disgraced the country since the adoption of the Declaration of
Independence, but knowing the independent fortitude, and vigorous
energy for preserving the rights of the citizens of this republic,
which has hitherto marked the course of our chief magistrate, we
are encouraged to hope, that this communication will not pass
unnoticed, but that the President will consider our location on
the extreme western frontier of the United States, exposed to many
ignorant and lawless ruffians, who are already congregated, and
determined to nullify all law that will secure to your petitioners
the peaceable possession of their lands in Jackson county. We again
repeat, that our society are wandering in adjoining counties at
this day, bereft of their houses and lands, and threatened with
death by the aforesaid outlaws of Jackson county.
And lest the President should have been deceived in regard to our
true situation, by the misrepresentations of certain individuals,
who from religious, political, and speculative motives, are
disposed to cover the gross outrages of the mob, we beg leave to
refer him to the Governor of this state, at the same time informing
him that the number of men composing the mob of Jackson county, may
be estimated at from three to five hundred, most of them equipped
with fire-arms.
After noting the statements here made, if it should be the
disposition of the President to grant aid, we most humbly entreat
that _early_ relief may be extended to suffering families, who
are now expelled from their possessions by force of arms. Our
lands in Jackson county, are about thirty miles distant from Fort
Leavenworth, on the Missouri river.
With due respect, we are, sir, your obedient servants,
A. S. Gilbert,
W. W. Phelps,
Edward Partridge.
P. S.--In February last a number of our people were marched under
a guard furnished by the governor of the state, into Jackson
county, for the purpose of prosecuting the mob criminally; but the
Attorney-General of the state, and the District Attorney, knowing
the force and power of the mob, advised us to relinquish all hope
of criminal prosecution to effect anything against that band of
outlaws, and we returned under guard, without the least prospect of
ever obtaining our rights and possessions in Jackson county, by any
other means than a few {487} companies of the United States regular
troops, to guard and assist us till we are safely settled.
A. S. G.
W. W. P.
E. P.
The foregoing letter and petition were forwarded by mail the same day,
April 10th; also the following:
Letter of the Brethren to Governor Dunklin, Asking Him to Write the
President in Connection with Their Petition.
Liberty, Clay County Missouri,
April 10, 1834.
_To His Excellency, Daniel Dunklin, Governor of Missouri_:
Dear Sir:--Notwithstanding you may have become somewhat tired of
receiving communications from us, yet we beg of your Excellency to
pardon us for this, as we have this day forwarded a petition to
the President of the United States, setting forth our distressed
condition, together with your Excellency's views of it, as well
as the limited powers with which you are clothed, to afford that
protection which we need, to enjoy our rights and lands in Jackson
county. A few lines from the Governor of the state, in connection
with our humble entreaties for our possessions and privileges, we
think would be of considerable consequence towards bringing about
the desired result, and would be gratefully acknowledged by us, and
our society, and we may add, by all honorable men.
We therefore, as humble petitioners, ask as a favor of your
Excellency to write to the President of the United States, that he
may assist us, or our society, in obtaining our rights in Jackson
county, and help protect us when there, till we are safe. As in
duty bound, we will ever pray.
(Signed)
W. W. Phelps,
John Whitmer,
A. S. Gilbert,
Edward Partridge,
John Corrill.
Letter of W. W. Phelps to U.S. Senator Benton of Missouri on the
Subject of the Petition to the President.
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri.
April 10, 1834.
Dear Sir:--As our society has just sent a petition and hand-bill
to {488} the President of the United States, setting forth their
distressed condition since expelled from their homes by the Jackson
county mob; and as you may remember that I was about to establish
last summer, previous to the destruction of my office by the mob,
a weekly newspaper, in favor of the present administration, I have
thought best to address this communication to your honor, and
refer you to said petition and hand-bill, and assure you, at the
same time, that my determination is to publish a weekly paper, in
Jackson county, in favor of the present administration as soon as
our society is restored to its legal rights and possessions.
As a people we are bound to support our republican government and
its institutions; and more than all, my press, which was wrested
from me, is now printing a mean opposition paper, by "Kelly and
Davis." Any communication from you will be well received by
Your obedient servant,
W. W. Phelps.
_Hon. Thomas H. Benton_.
Letter from Governor Dunklin to the Brethren, Answering the One
Inviting Him to Write the President on the Subject of the Saints'
Petition.
City of Jefferson,
April 20, 1834.
_To Messrs. W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, John Corrill, John
Whitmer, and A. S. Gilbert_:
Gentlemen:--Yours of the 10th inst., was received yesterday, in
which you request me as executive of this state to join you in an
appeal to the President of the United States for protection in
the enjoyment of your rights in Jackson county. It will readily
occur to you, no doubt, the possibility of your having asked
of the President protection in a way that he, no more than the
executive of this state, can render. If you ask for that which I
may be of opinion he has power to grant, I should have no objection
to join in urging it upon him; but I could no more ask the
President--however willing I am to see your society restored and
protected in their rights--to do that which I may believe he has no
power to do, than I could do such an act myself. If you will send
me a copy of your petition to the President, I will judge of his
right to grant it; and if of opinion he possesses the power, I will
write in favor of its exercise.
I am now in correspondence with the federal government, on the
subject of deposits of munitions of war on our northern and western
borders, and have no doubt but I shall succeed in procuring one,
which will be located, if left to me, (and the Secretary of War
seems willing {489} to be governed by the opinion of the executive
of this state), somewhere near the state line, either in Jackson
or Clay county. The establishment will be an "arsenal," and will
probably be placed under the command of a lieutenant of the army.
This will afford you the best means of military protection, the
nature of your case will admit. Although I can see no direct
impropriety in making the subject of this paragraph public, yet I
should prefer it not to be so considered for the present, as the
erection of an arsenal is only in expectancy.
Permit me to suggest to you, that as you now have greatly the
advantage of your adversaries, in public estimation, there is a
great propriety in retaining that advantage, which you can easily
do by keeping your adversaries in the wrong. The laws, both civil
and military, seem deficient in affording your society proper
protection; nevertheless, public sentiment is a powerful corrector
of error, and you should make it your policy to continue to deserve
it.
With much respect, and great regard,
I am your obedient servant,
Daniel Dunklin.
The Brethren in Missouri to Governor Dunklin, Informing Him That
They Expect the Arrival of Reinforcements from Their Brethren in
the East.
Liberty, Clay County, Mo.,
April 24, 1834.
Dear Sir:--In our last communication of the 10th instant, we
omitted to make inquiry concerning the evidence brought up before
the court of inquiry, in the case of Colonel Pitcher. The court met
pursuant to adjournment, on the 20th of February last, and for some
reason unknown to us, we have not been able to obtain information
concerning the opinion or decision of that court; we hoped that the
testimony would have been transmitted to your Excellency before
this, that an order might be issued for the return of our arms,
of which we have been wrongfully dispossessed, as we believe will
clearly appear to the commander-in-chief, when the evidence is laid
before him.
As suggested in your communication of the 4th of February, we have
concluded to organize according to law, and apply for public arms;
but we feared that such a step, which must be attended with public
ceremonies, might produce some excitement; and we have thus far
delayed any movement of that nature, hoping to regain our arms
from Jackson county, that we might independently equip ourselves,
and be prepared to assist in the maintenance of our constitutional
rights and liberties, as guaranteed to us by our country; and
also to defend our persons and property from a lawless mob, when
it shall {490} please the executive at some future day, to put us
in possession of our homes, from which we have been most wickedly
expelled. We are happy to make an expression of our thanks for the
willingness manifested by the executive to enforce the laws, so
far as he can consistently "with the means furnished him by the
legislature;" and we are firmly persuaded that a future day will
verify to him that whatever aid we may receive from the executive
has not been lavished upon a band of traitors, but upon a people
whose respect and veneration for the laws of our country, and
its pure republican principles are as great as that of any other
society in these United States.
As our Jackson foes and their correspondents are busy in
circulating slanderous and wicked reports concerning our people,
their views, etc., we have deemed it expedient to inform your
Excellency that we have received communications from our friends in
the East, informing us that a number of our brethren, perhaps two
or three hundred, would remove to Jackson county in the course of
the ensuing summer; and we are satisfied that when the Jackson mob
get the intelligence that a large number of our people are about
to remove into that county, they will raise a great hue-and-cry,
and circulate many bugbears through the medium of their favorite
press; but we think your Excellency is well aware that our object
is purely to defend ourselves and possessions against another
outrageous attack from the mob, inasmuch as the executive of this
state cannot keep up a military force "to protect our people in
that county, without transcending his powers." We want, therefore,
the privilege of defending ourselves and the constitution of
our county, while God is willing we should have a being on His
footstool.
We do not know at what time our friends will arrive, but expect
more certain intelligence in a few weeks. Whenever they do arrive,
it would be the wish of our people in this county, to return to our
homes, in company with our friends, under guard; and when once in
legal possession of our homes in Jackson county, we shall endeavor
to take care of them, without further wearying the patience of
our worthy chief magistrate. We will write hereafter, or send an
express. During the intermediate time, we would be glad to hear of
the prospects of recovering our arms.
With due respect, we are, sir, your obedient servants,
(Signed)
A. S. Gilbert,
Edward Partridge,
W. W. Phelps,
John Corrill,
John Whitmer.
P. S. Many of the brethren who are expected here soon, had made
{491} arrangements to emigrate to this state before the outrages of
the mob last fall. We hope the painful emergency of our case will
plead an excuse for our frequent communications.
Letter of Governor Dunklin Replying to the Communication of April
24th from the Brethren in Clay County.
City of Jefferson, May 2, 1834.
_To Messrs. W. W. Phelps and others_:
Gentlemen:--Yours of the 24th ultimo is before me, in reply to
which I can inform you, that becoming impatient at the delay
of the court of inquiry in making their report in the case of
Lieutenant-Colonel Pitcher,--on the 11th ultimo I wrote to General
Thompson for the reasons of such delay; last night I received his
reply, and with it the report of the court of inquiry, from the
tenor of which, I find no difficulty in deciding that the arms your
people were required to surrender on the 5th of last November,
should be returned; and have issued an order to Colonel Lucas to
deliver them to you or your order, which order is here enclosed.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed)
Daniel Dunklin.
Following is the order referred to above:
City of Jefferson, May 2, 1834.
_To Samuel D. Lucas, Col. 33rd Regiment_:
Sir:--The court ordered to inquire into the conduct of
Lieutenant-Colonel Pitcher, in the movement he made on the 5th of
November last, report it as their unanimous opinion that there
was no insurrection on that day, and that Colonel Pitcher was not
authorized to call out his troops on the 5th of November, 1833. It
was then unnecessary to require the Mormons to give up their arms.
Therefore, you will deliver to W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge,
John Corrill, John Whitmer, and A. S. Gilbert, or their order,
the fifty-two guns and one pistol reported by Lieutenant-Colonel
Pitcher to you on the 3rd December last, as having been received
by him from the Mormons on the 5th of the preceding October,
[November].
Respectfully,
Daniel Dunklin,
Commander-in-Chief.
Letter to Governor Dunklin Answering His of April the 20th Wherein
He Cautioned the Saints to Keep Their Enemies in the Wrong.
Liberty, Clay County, May 7, 1834.
Dear Sir:--Your favor of the 20th ultimo, came to hand the 1st
{492} instant, which gives us a gleam of hope that the time will
come when we may experience a partial mitigation of our sufferings.
The salutary advice at the conclusion of your letter is received
with great deference.
Since our last of the 24th ultimo, the mob of Jackson county have
burned our dwellings; as near as we can ascertain, between one
hundred and one hundred and fifty were consumed by fire in about
one week; our arms were also taken from the depository (the jail)
about ten days since, and distributed among the mob. Great efforts
are now making by said mob to stir up the citizens of this county
(Clay) and Lafayette, to similar outrages against us; but we think
they will fail of accomplishing their wicked designs in this
county. We here annex a copy of the petition to the President,
signed by about one hundred and twenty.
With great respect, etc.,
(Signed)
A. S. Gilbert,
W. W. Phelps.
_Daniel Dunklin, Governor of Missouri_:
Letter to Colonel S. D. Lucas Asking about Arms Surrendered at
Independence.
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri,
May 15, 1834.
_Colonel S. D. Lucas_:
Sir:--We have this day received a communication from the Governor
of this state, covering the order herewith, and we hasten to
forward the said order to you by the bearer, Mr. Richardson, who
is instructed to receive your reply. We would further remark that
under existing circumstances, we hope to receive our arms on this
side the river, and we would name a place near one of the ferries
for your convenience: as the arms are few in number, we request
that they may be delivered with as little delay as possible.
Respectfully yours,
(Signed)
A. S. Gilbert,
W. W. Phelps,
John Corrill,
Edward Partridge,
John Whitmer.
P. S.--We will thank you for a written communication, in answer to
this letter, and the accompanying order. [6]
{493}All hope for relief from the general government was destroyed on
receipt of the following communication from the city of Washington:
Reply of the General Government to the Petition of the Saints.
War Department, May 2, 1834.
Gentlemen:--The President has referred to this department the
memorial and letter addressed to him by yourselves and other
citizens of Missouri, requesting his interposition in order to
protect your persons and property.
In answer, I am instructed to inform you, that the offenses of
which you complain, are violations of the laws of the state of
Missouri, and not of the laws of the United States. The powers
of the President under the constitution and laws, to direct the
employment of a military force, in cases where the ordinary civil
authority is found insufficient, extend only to proceedings under
the laws of the United States.
Where an insurrection in any state exists, against the government
thereof, the President is required on the application of such
state, or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be
convened), to call forth such number of the militia, as he may
judge sufficient to suppress such insurrection.
But this state of things does not exist in Missouri, or if it does,
the fact is not shown in the mode pointed out by law. The President
cannot call out a militia force to aid in the execution of the
state laws, until the proper requisition is made upon him by the
constituted authorities.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
(Signed)
Lewis Cass.
_To Messrs. A. S. Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, and
others Liberty, Clay County, Missouri_.
End of Volume I.
Footnotes
1. In order to group the correspondence concerning the troubles in
Jackson county as close to the recital of those events in the text of
the Prophets narrative as may be, several of the communications in this
chapter are taken from the place assigned them by previous editors and
given in this concluding chapter of Volume I.
2. In my judgment, it does seem that under the powers conferred upon
the executive by the provision of the fundamental law of the state--the
constitution--and the militia law he quotes, the governor could have
granted the request of the Saints to be protected in their homes, until
peace was restored. Surely the clause, "or other emergency," in the
section of the law just referred to, was broad enough to justify him
in protecting, by the State militia, twelve hundred citizens of the
United States in their homes until mob-violence had subsided--until
respect for the civil law had been restored, and these citizens allowed
to dwell in safety upon the lands they had purchased from the general
government. Under these provisions he could have "curbed those cruel
devils of their will," without "doing even a little wrong, in order to
do a great right"--without "wresting the law to his authority."
3. It required no great wisdom, however, to forsee that for the
Saints to return to their homes, and then be left there without
protection--left to the mercy of human wretches, in whose veins ran
none of the milk of human kindness--would not be far removed from
suicide, as the mob greatly outnumbered the Saints. To return under
these circumstances would only be laying the foundation for a greater
tragedy than the one already enacted; and the brethren wisely concluded
not to attempt to regain possession of their homes, until some measure
was adopted to protect them when there--until "God or the President
ruled out the mob."
4. Thus ended the only effort that was ever made by the officers of
Missouri to bring to justice these violators of the law. One class of
citizens had conspired against the liberties of another class, and
being the stronger had, without the authority of the law, or shadow of
justification, driven twelve hundred of them from their possessions,
and there was not virtue enough in the executive of the state and
his associates to punish the offenders. The determination of the mob
to resist the law was stronger than the determination of the state
officers to execute it and make it honorable. And yet the constitution
of the state made it the imperative duty of the executive to "take
care that the laws are faithfully executed;" and the laws of the state
empowered the commander-in-chief of the militia (the governor) "in case
of * * * insurrection, or war, or public danger, or other emergency, to
call forth into actual service such portion of the militia as he might
deem expedient." With this power placed in his hands by the laws of the
state, Governor Dunklin permitted mobs to overawe the court of inquiry
he himself had ordered, and allowed them to continue unchecked in their
unhallowed deeds of devastation and violence. And while the mobocrats
triumphed over law and order, the governor's letters to the leading
Elders of the Church contained many pretty, patriotic sentiments, but
he lacked the moral courage to execute the law of the state.
5. The letter here referred to will be found on pages 476-8.
6. The arms were never returned to their owners. Before Lucas received
the Governor's order, forwarded to him by the brethren, he had left
Jackson county, settled in Lexington, Missouri, and resigned his
commission. Subsequently Governor Dunklin issued a second requisition
for the arms, this time directing it to Colonel Pitcher; but between
the issuing of the two orders, the first to Lucas and the second to
Pitcher, the arms were distributed among the mob, and they insolently
boasted that the arms should not be returned notwithstanding the order
of the chief executive of the state.
End of Volume I.
{494}
{495}
INDEX TO VOLUME I.
A
Addresses,--Elders in Zion to churches abroad, 379, _et seq_.
Agreement,--memorandum of, between Jackson county mob and Saints, 394.
Allen, Elder Charles,--abused by mob, 391 and note.
Anthon, Prof. Charles,--acknowledges visit of Martin Harris with
transcript of Nephite Characters, 20.
Apocrypha,--revelation concerning, 331.
Apostates,--Ezra Booth, 215; first, (note) 216; at Hiram, Ohio, 260.
B
Bainbridge, South, Chenango county, N. Y.,--Prophet married at, 17;
Prophet arraigned in court at, 89.
Baptisms,--first in new Dispensation, 42; early at Fayette, 51; number
of previous to organization of Church (note), 76, 77; efforts to
prevent at Colesville, 86. Baptism of Prophet's parents, 79; of Martin
Harris, 79; Orrin Porter Rockwell, 79; desire of some to join Church
without (revelation), 79.
Barber, Andrew,--death of, 431, and (note), 431.
Bend, McIlwaine's,--revelation given at, 203.
Bennett, David,--attacked by mob, 429,
Bentley, Adamson,--(Baptist) (note), 121.
Benton,--swears out warrant against Prophet, 97.
Bishop, Gladden,--president of Church at Westfield, N. Y., 335.
Blue, Big, river in Jackson county,--meeting of Saints on banks of,
336, 337; gathering of mob at ferry of, 429; the battle of, 430, 431
and note.
Boggs, Lieutenant Governor Lilburn W.,--secretly aids Jackson county
mob, 391, 392.
Book of Mormon,--existence of revealed to Joseph Smith, 13; plates
of first seen by Joseph Smith, 16; delivered to the Prophet, 18:
translation of began, 20; Oliver Cowdery assists in, 32, 33; several
of the Witnesses ditto, 49: the Prophet's preface to, 56; copyright of
(note), 58; "author and proprietor of," 58; title page by Moroni, 71;
difficulties attending translation of (note), 75, 76; two copies of Ms.
made (note), 75; counted as a strange thing, 84.
Booth, Ezra,--appointed on mission to Missouri, 178; arrives in Zion,
191; apostatizes at Kirtland, 215, 216, and note.
Boyington, Dr., 97.
Brazeale, Hugh D.,--boast of, 430; death of, 431.
Burch, Attorney,--assists to prosecute Prophet, 92.
C
Cahoon, William F.,--appointed on mission, 332.
Campbell, Alexander,--founder of {496} sect "The Disciples," relations
with Sidney Rigdon (note), 120.
Canada, Upper,--Prophet's journey through, 421.
Charges,--false, against Saints refuted (note), 376, 377.
China,--earthquake in (note), 158.
Cholera,--in United States, 282; ravages of, 301.
Church,--the, reasons for writing history of, 1; time when written,
2; prophecy concerning rise of, 42; instructions how to organize, 61;
government of (revelation), 64, _et seq_.; first Elder of, 40, 61; day
of organization of, 77; commanded to move from New York to Ohio, 139;
at Thompson, breaks covenant (note), 180; in Zion, divided into ten
branches (note), 409.
Churches,--sectarian, all wrong, 6.
Circular,--on building Temple at Kirtland, 349, 350.
Coburn, Emily,--efforts to prevent her joining Church, 87; baptism of,
87.
Coe, Joseph,--accompanies Prophet to Zion, 188.
Cole, Squire,--attempts to anticipate publication of Book of Mormon, 76.
Colesville, Broome county, N. Y., 81; home of Knight family, 47;
Prophet's ministry at, 81, 86; opposition to work at, 86, 87; efforts
to prevent baptism at, 87, 88.
Colesville, branch,--removed to Ohio, 173; settled at Thompson (note),
180; removed to Missouri (note), 181; arrive in Zion, 191; number of
(note), 196.
Colburn, Village, Canada,--Prophet preaches in, 421.
Color, Free People of, 373; article on, 377, _et seq_. and note.
Coltrin, Zebedee,--biography, (note), 322; speaks in tongues in
Kirtland, 323.
Commandments, Book of, number of copies of first edition, 222;
testimony of Elders to, 226 and note; dedicated by prayer, 234; how
esteemed by Church 235, 236 and note; Joseph Smith _et al_. appointed
stewards of, 236 and note; first edition ordered printed, 270.
Conference,--first of Church, 84; date of (note), 84; spiritual
manifestations at, 85; second of Church, 115; results of, 118; third
of Church, 140; fourth of Church, Kirtland, June 3rd, 175; date of,
(note), 175; spiritual manifestations at (note), 176; at Hiram, 219;
special at Kirland, 219 and note; at Hiram, 221, 222 and note; at
Amherst, Lorain county, Ohio, 242, 243 and note; of High Priests and
Elders at Kirtland, 322, 323; in Zion, first on 6th of April, 336; of
High Priests in Kirtland, 342, 352, 354.
Confirmation,--of members, first, 78; Lydia Knight and Emma Smith, 106,
108.
Constitution, article from Mo., 374 and note; secret of mob, 374 and
note.
Copley, Leman, Quaker,--embraces the Gospel, 167 and note; revelation
to 167, _et seq_.
Copley, Daniel, Priest's license taken from, 354.
Corrill, John,--offers himself a ransom for Saints in Jackson county,
294.
Council, A,--appoints committee to purchase land in Kirtland, 335;
in Zion to effect reconciliation with brethren in Kirtland, 335, to
consider standing of Baldwin Welton _et al_., 343; doings of reviewed,
343; of High Priests in Zion, 407.
Counsel employed by Saints, 424, 425.
Covill, James, Baptist minister,--makes covenant, 143: revelation to,
143, _et seq_.; reasons for breaking covenant, revelation on, 145.
Cowdery, Oliver,--biography (note), 32; becomes acquainted {497} with
Smith family, (note), 32; meets David Whitmer at Palmyra (note),
32; becomes scribe to the Prophet, 32; receives divine evidence of
Prophet's inspiration (revelation), 33, 35; desires power to translate,
granted, (revelation), 36; fails, reasons why, (revelation), 37, 38;
receives Aaronic Priesthood, 39; baptized, 41; describes John, the
Baptist's administration (note), 42, 43; desires to become one of
the Three Witnesses, 53; obtains view of plates, 54; Second Elder in
the Church, 41, 61; ordains Prophet Joseph the First Elder of the
Church, 78; revelation to, 80; first public discourse preached by, 81;
baptizes at Colesville, 88; falls into error in commanding Prophet,
105; accepts revelation of Hyrum Page, 110; revelation to, instructing
him to be obedient, 110; appointed to Lamanite mission, (note), 118;
departs on mission, 120; visits Catteraugus tribe, (note), 120; arrives
at Kirtland, 120; public ministry at Kirtland, 124, 125; released as
Church Historian (revelation), 166 and note; reports Lamanite mission
by letter, (note), 182, 183; returns to Kirtland with Prophet, 206;
appointed to carry manuscript of Book of Commandments to Zion, (note),
221, 222, and 229, 234, (note); special messenger of Saints in Zion to
Kirtland, 385; appointed editor of _Saints' Messenger and Advocate_ at
Kirtland, also editor of re-printed _Star_, 409.
Cowin, Horace,--appointed to mission, 332.
Cumorah,--the Hill, 15; description of, (note), 15; Joseph Smith's
first visit to, 16.
D
Davidson, James,--counsel for Prophet, 89; defends Prophet at second
trial, 93.
Deeds, of consecration and stewardship,--forms of, (note), 365, _et
seq_.
Dennison, Dr.,--member of Hiram mob, (note), 264.
Dibble, Philo, miraculously healed (note), 431.
Discourse,--first public in new dispensation, 81.
Dogberry Paper, periodical, attempt to publish Book of Mormon in,
(note), 76.
E
Elders, in Zion,--address of to Church, 277 _et seq_.; of Church,
address to, 280; address of Elders stationed in Zion to Churches
abroad, 373 _et seq_.
Enemies, eyes of, blinded, 109.
Enoch,--prophecy of, 133 _et seq. Epistles, see letters_.
Ewing, Rev. Finis,--opposes Church, (note), 372, 392.
F
Family, The,--at Kirtland, (note), 146.
Farm, French,--purchase of, 335, 336.
Fayette, residence of Whitmers, 49; Prophet moves to, 49; Church
organized at, 76, 77; first public meeting held at, 81; Prophet removes
to, 109.
Fayette,--county seat of Howard county, Mo., (note), 395.
Feet,--ordinance of washing of, 323.
Firms,--Gilbert & Whitney, Ohio, (note), 145; United Zion and Kirtland,
270.
Fitzhugh, Rev. connected with Jackson county mob, 372, 392.
G
Gilbert, Algernon Sidney,--senior member of Gilbert & Whitney, Kirtland
(note), 145; enquires of {498} the Lord concerning duty (revelation),
179; accompanies Prophet to Zion, 188; agrees with mob to close store
in Zion, 391; offers himself as ransom for Saints in Jackson county,
394; committed to Jackson county prison, 432; assaulted by Thomas
Wilson, 432.
Gilbert & Whitney, Messrs., Merchants.--store wrecked, 428.
Gilbert, J. H.,--principal compositor on Book of Mormon, (note), 75.
Gould, John,--accompanies Orson Hyde as special messenger to Zion
(note), 407; dispatched from Zion with petition to governor of
Missouri, 410.
Grandin, Egbert B.,--prints Book of Mormon, 71.
Green, John P.,--speaks in tongues, 296; appointed to preside over
Parkman branch, 342.
H
Hale, Isaac,--of Harmony, Penn., Prophet boards with, 17; embittered
against the Prophet, 108.
Hale, Emma,--time and place of birth, (note), 17; marries Prophet, 17;
baptism of, 88.
Hale, Levi,--baptism of, 88.
Hancock Levi Ward,--biography of, 322.
Harding, Stephen S.,--statement respecting translation of Book of
Mormon, (note), 75.
Harris,--Spy for mob (note), 427;
Harris, Martin.--biography (note), 19; aids Prophet, 19; presents
transcript of Nephite characters to Dr. Mitchell and Prof. Anthon, 20;
asks privilege of showing manuscript to friends, 21; loses manuscript,
21; desires witness that the Prophet has the plates of Book of Mormon,
28; desires to become one of Three Witnesses, 53; failure at first
effort, 54; final success, 55; accompanies Prophet to Zion, 188.
Higbee, Isaac, Sen.,--father of Elias and Isaac Higbee, Jun., (note),
410.
Higbee, Sophia,--mother of Elias and of Isaac Higbee, Jun. (note), 410.
Higbee, Elias,--ordained a High Priest, biography (note), 410.
Higbee, Isaac, Jun.,--ordained High Priest, 410; biography (note), 410.
Higbee, James,--trial of in Kirtland, 355.
Hiram, Township, Portage county, Ohio,--home of Johnson family, 215;
Prophet removes to, 215; mob at, 261.
History of Church,--Prophet's reason for writing, 1; time of writing, 2.
History,--Hayden's of Disciples (note), 158; (note) 215, 261.
Historian and Recorder,--Oliver Cowdery acts as (note), 166; John
Whitmer appointed as (note), 166.
House, of the Lord in Zion, 359, _et seq_.; corner stone of laid in
Kirtland, 400.
Howe, E. D.,--author, "Mormonism Unveiled" (note), 217.
Hubble,--false prophetess, 154, and note.
Hurlburt, "Doctor" Philastus,--ordained Elder, 334; trial of, 353;
appeal of from decision, 354; excommunication, 355; character of
(note), 355.
Hunter, Rev.,--connected with Jackson county mob, 392 and note.
Hyde, Orson,--biography (note), 217; clerk for Gilbert & Whitney, 217;
revelation to, 218; chosen clerk, first presidency, 353; sent from
Kirtland to Zion as special messenger, 407; dispatched from Zion with
petition to governor of Missouri, 410.
J
Jaques, Vienna,--in Kirtland, 342; in Zion, 407, 408.
{499} John, The Baptist,--confers Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith
and Oliver Cowdery, 39; acts under direction of Peter, James, and John,
40.
John, the Apostle,--difference of opinion of Joseph and Oliver
respecting, settled, 35, 36.
Johnson, Lyman E.,--biography (note), 322.
Johnson, Robert,--spy for mob, 427 and note.
Johnson, family (note), 26.
Johnson, Olmstead,--prophecy concerning, 260.
Jolley, William,--baptized, 81.
Jolley, Elizabeth,--baptized, 81.
Jolley, Vincent,--baptize, 81.
Jolley, Julia Ann,--baptism of, 86.
Jolley, Harriet,--baptism of, 86.
Journal,--Prophet's daily, (note) 416, and note, 422, 423.
K
Kavanaugh, Rev.,--connected with mob, 372, 392 and note.
Kennedy, J. H.,--author, "Early Days of Mormonism," (note), 158.
Kimball, Heber Chase,--biography (note), 296; visits Prophet in
Kirtland, 296.
Kirtland, Ohio,--arrival of Lamanite mission at, 120; false spirits in
Church at, 146.
Knight, Newel,--Prophet's labors with, 82; seized by evil spirit, 83;
devil cast out of, 83; visions of, 85; witness of Prophet's trial,
92; perplexes Attorney Seymour, 93; appointed to go to Missouri, 181;
appointed leader of Colesville branch in moving to Zion (note), 181.
Knight, Joseph Sen,.--early acquaintance with the Prophet (note), 47;
goes in search of Prophet's assailants (note), 47; supplies provisions
to the Prophet and Cowdery, 47; desires to know his duty in connection
with new dispensation (revelation), 48; revelation to, 80; baptism of,
88; mob at house of, 88; employs lawyers to defend Prophet, 89.
Knight, Joseph, Jun.,--baptism of, 88.
Knight, Polly, Baptism of, 88; death of in Zion, 199 and note.
Knight, Lydia, wife of Newel,--dream of, 101.
L
Lake, Elder James,--attends council at Kirtland, 389; commanded to
remain in Kirtland, 389.
Lake, a Priest,--license taken from, 333.
Lamanites,--mission to, 118; extent and importance of (note), 183, _et
seq_.
Lands,--purchase of in Ohio, 166.
Letters,--Oliver Cowdery to, Joseph Smith and Church at Kirtland, 182;
Booth's series of (note), 217; Asael Smith to Jacob Town, 286, 287;
Joseph Smith the Prophet, to William W. Phelps, 297, _et seq_.; of
Prophet to Mr. N. E. Seaton for publication, written by commandment
(note), 312, _et seq_.; Joseph Smith to W. W. Phelps, warning for
inhabitants of Zion, 316, 317; of Council of High Priests to Bishop
and Saints in Zion, 317, _et seq_.; First Presidency, to branch in
Thompson, 324; John Murdock, to Thompson branch, 325; Joseph Smith,
Jun., to N. E. Seaton, 326: Joseph Smith, Jun., to ---- Carter,
338, 339; Joseph Smith, Jun., to brethren in Zion, 368-370; First
Presidency, to John Smith at Eugene, 370; First Presidency, to church
at Eugene, 371; N. K. Whitney, to church at Eugene, 371; extracts of,
from Elders to editor of _Star_, {500} 387, 388; Joseph Smith, Jun., to
Vienna Jaques, 407; Frederick G. Williams, to Saints in Zion, 417-419;
Wood, Reese, Doniphan, Atchinson, to Saints in Zion, 425; the Prophet
Joseph, to Moses C. Nickerson, 444-445; R. W. Wells, attorney general
of Missouri, to Messrs. Doniphan and Atchinson, 444; Judge Ryland,
to Amos Reese, Esq., 445; A. S. Gilbert to Governor Dunklin, 446-7;
Amos Reese to Governor Dunklin, 447; Prophet Joseph Smith to Bishop
Partridge, 448, _et seq_.; Prophet Joseph Smith to Edward Partridge,
_et al_., 453, _et seq_.; W. W. Phelps, to Joseph Smith, 457; A. S.
Gilbert, to Governor Dunklin, 472, _et seq_.; First Presidency, to
the scattered Saints, 475, _et seq_.; Governor Dunklin to brethren in
Zion, 476, _et seq_.; A. S. Gilbert, to A. Leonard, Esq., 478; Edward
Partridge, _et al_., to Judge Ryland, 479; W. W. Phelps, _et al_., to
Judge Woodward, 479; W. W. Phelps, to the brethren in Kirtland, 481,
_et seq_.; A. S. Gilbert, _et al_., to the President of the United
States, accompanying second petition to the President, 485-6; W. W.
Phelps, _et al_., to Governor Dunklin, 487; W. W. Phelps to U.S.
Senator Benton, 487; Governor Dunklin, to brethren in Missouri, 488-9;
A, S. Gilbert, _et al_., to Governor Dunklin, 489, 490; Governor
Dunklin, to W. W. Phelps, _et al_., 491; Governor Dunklin to Samuel
D. Lucas, 491; Gilbert and Phelps, to Governor Dunklin, 491-2; A. S.
Gilbert _et al_., to Colonel S. D. Lucas, 492; Lewis Cass, Secretary of
War Department to A. S. Gilbert, _et al_., 493.
Lewis, Joshua,--sent as messenger from Saints in Missouri to Judge
Ryland, 429.
Likens, Rev.,--connected with Jackson county mob, 372 (note), and 382
and note.
Lodi, N. Y.,--Prophet Joseph and Sidney Rigdon preach in, 421.
Lovelady, Rev.,--connected with Jackson county mob, 372, 392 and note.
Lyman, Amasa Mason,--biography (note), 332; appointed on mission, 332.
M
Mack, Lucy,--ancestry of (note), 2.
Marsh, Thomas Baldwin,--biography (note), 117; revelation to, 116,
appointed to go to Missouri with Ezra Thayre, 178; enquires of the
Lord, 186; revelation to, 186, 187.
Mason, Carnot,--member of Hiram mob, (note), 264.
McCarty, Richard, mobber,--breaks into Gilbert & Whitney's store, 428
and note; takes out warrant for Sidney Gilbert, _et al_., 431.
McCoy, Rev. Isaac,--opposes Church, 372, 392 and note.
M'Lellin, William E.,--biography (note), 220; revelation to, 220; tries
to imitate language of revelations, 226.
McMasters, Cyrus, 97.
McWethy, Isaac,--ordained Elder, 327.
Meetings,--public, to be conducted by the Spirit, (note), 163; Elders
instructed in ancient order of, 219.
Mentor, Ohio,--Gospel preached in, 124.
_Messenger and Advocate,--Latter-day Saints_, resolution to publish,
409.
Ministers, Sectarian,--opposition of, 372 and note; connection of with
Jackson county mobbing, 392 and note.
Miracles,--first in new {501} dispensation, 82, 83; in Hiram (note),
215.
Misrepresentation,--published in newspapers, 158.
Mission,--Lamanite, 188; departure of, 120; visit of to Catteraungus
tribe, 120; arrive at Kirtland, 120; arrived at Independence, 182;
report of, 182-185, and notes.
Mitchell, Dr.,--Martin Harris calls upon, 20; visited second time by
Martin Harris (note), 20.
Mob, A,--collects at Knight's residence, Colesville, 88; second
collection of at Knight's, 97; brutality of at Hiram, 261, _et seq_.;
composition of at Hiram, 264, 265 and note; first gathering of at
Independence, 342; manifesto of, 374, _et seq_.; proceedings of on 20th
of July, 1833, 390, _et seq_.; proceedings of July 23rd, 1833, 394;
treaty between, and Saints, 394; action of in Jackson county, 426, _et
seq_.
_Monitor, Western_,--on Mormon troubles in Jackson county, 392, _et
seq_.
Mormonism,--_Western, Monitor_ on, 395, _et seq_.
Morley, Isaac,--appointed on mission to Missouri, 178; arrives in Zion,
191; offers himself a ransom for Saints in Jackson county, 394.
Moroni, Nephite Prophet,--first, visit to Joseph Smith, 11; erroneously
called Nephi (note), 11; description of, 11; second appearing to Joseph
Smith, 13; third visit to Joseph Smith, 14; fourth visit to Joseph
Smith, 14.
Moses,--word of God revealed to, revealed to Joseph Smith, 89, _et seq_.
Mt. Pleasant, Upper Canada,--ministry of Prophet and Sidney Rigdon in,
421, _et seq_.
Murdock, Joseph S.,--birth of, (note), 260; death of (note), 265.
Murdock, Julia,--birth of, 260.
N
Nephite, Record,--see Book of Mormon.
Nickerson, Freeman,--accompanies Prophet Joseph on mission to Canada,
416; biography (note), 416.
Nickerson, Freeman A, son of Freeman Nickerson, receives Prophet and
Sidney Rigdon, 412; accepts the Gospel, 422; ordained an Elder, 423.
O
Ordination,--to Aaronic Priesthood, 38; to Melchisedek Priesthood
(note), 40, _et seq_.; of first Elders of Church, 77, 78; to different
offices of Priesthood, 79; regulated in Zion by council of Priesthood,
407.
P
Page, Hiram,--baptized, 81; received false revelations, 109; renounces
"seer stone," 115; messenger from Saints in Zion to Judge Ryland, 429.
Page, Katharine,--baptized, 81.
Palmyra, Wayne county, N. Y.,--Prophet's family moves to, 2; Book of
Mormon published at 71.
Partridge, Bishop Edward,--biography (note), 128, 129; visits Prophet
at Fayette, 128; revelation to, 131; accompanies Prophet to Zion,
188; violence of mob toward, 390; his own narrative of mob treatment,
390, 391; offers himself as ransom for Saints in Jackson county, 394;
acknowledged head of Church in Zion, 409.
Paul, ----,--enters complaint 355.
Peck, Hezekiah,--baptized, 88.
Perrysburg, N. Y.,--Prophet preaches at, 421.
{502} Persecution, commencement of, against the Prophet, 6; extends to
his family, 19; spirit of at Harmony, 44; reflections of Prophet on,
97; in Missouri (see mob).
Persecutors,--McMaster, 97; Boyington, Dr., 97;--Benton, 97.
Peterson, Richard B.,--baptized, 81.
Peterson, Ziba,--revelation to, 118; appointed to mission to Lamanites,
119; dropped from office, 195.
Petition,--of Missouri Saints to Governor Dunklin, 410, _et seq_.;
second to Governor Dunklin, 451-2; of Saints to President of U.S., 483.
Phelps, William Wine,--arrival in Kirtland, 184; biography (note), 186;
preaches over western boundary of U. S., 190; attacked by mob, 390;
offers himself a ransom for Saints in Jackson county, 394; dispatched
from Zion with petition to Governor of Missouri, 410.
Pitkin, George,--assists Prophet on Journey, 266.
Pixley, Rev.,--agent of missionary society in western Missouri, 372;
opposes the Church, 372, 373 and note.
Poorman, John,--baptism of, 86; defends Prophet against mob, 263.
Pratt, Parley P.,--biography (note), 118, 119; appointed to Lamanite
mission, 118; relations of, to Sidney Ridgon, 121; presents Book of
Mormon to Ridgdon, 122; appointed a mission to Quakers (revelation),
167, (note) 169; reports his mission to Lamanites, 181 and note, 183,
_et seq_.; ministry in Zion (note), 400, 401; assaulted by mob spies,
427 and note.
Pratt, Orson,--biography (note), 127; enquires of the Lord concerning
his duty, 127.
Press,--Purchase of for Church, 217; opposition of, 273; _Star_ taken
by mob, 390 and note; resolutions to establish at Kirtland, 409.
Priesthood,--Aaronic, restored, 49; powers of, 39.
Priesthood, Melchisedek,--restored of (note), 40, 41; power of
Melchisedek manifested, 175, 176; manner of manifestation (note,) 175.
Prophet, Joseph Smith, Jun. (_see Joseph Smith, Jun_.)
Prophets,--school of established (revelation), 310, 311; meeting of,
322; organization of, 334; in Zion (note), 400.
Prophecy,--of earthquake in China (note), 158; on head of Olmstead
Johnson, 260; on war of rebellion.
Prophets, False,--article on, 373, and note.
Q
Quakers,--sect of, character of (note), 167.
R
Reid, John,--counsel for Prophet, 89; defends Prophet in second trial,
93; account of early prosecution of Prophet (note), 94, 95.
Reserve, Western,--history of Disciples on (note), 158.
Revelation,--manner of receiving (note), 173; to Joseph Smith on
lost manuscript, 22; on changes in manuscript, 23; to Joseph Smith,
Sen., 28; to Oliver Cowdery, making known secret thoughts, 33; to
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery concerning John the Revelator, 36; to
Oliver Cowdery granting power to translate 36; to Oliver Cowdery on
the manner of translation, 37; to Hyrum Smith, making known his duty,
45; to Joseph Knight, Sen., making known his duty, 48; to David {503}
Whitmer, calling him to ministry, 49; to John Whitmer, calling him to
ministry, 50; to Peter Whitmer, Jun., making known his calling, 51;
to Three Witnesses, 53; making known calling of the Twelve Apostles,
62; on Church government, 64; to Martin Harris, atonement and "eternal
punishment," 72, _et seq_.; to Church, appointing Prophet, Seer and
Revelator to, 78; on re-baptism, 79; to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith,
Joseph Smith, Sen., Joseph Knight, Sen., on duties of, 80; to Joseph
Smith, Jun., words of God to Moses, 98; to Joseph Smith, Jun. and
Oliver Cowdery, instructions in duties, 101 _et seq_.; to Emma Smith,
103; to Joseph Smith, Jun., Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer, how time
of to be spent, 104; on sacrament, 106, 107; to Oliver Cowdery, but
one man at a time to receive revelations for Church, 110; in presence
of six Elders, 111; to David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jun., and John
Whitmer, defining duties of, 116; to Thomas B. Marsh, calling him
to ministry, 116; to Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson, appointing
mission, 118; to Ezra Thayer and Northrop Sweet, call of to ministry,
126; to Orson Pratt explaining duty of, 128; to Joseph Smith, Jun.,
and Sidney Rigdon making known calling of latter, 129, _et seq_.; to
Edward Partridge, making known duty of, 131; making known prophecy of
Enoch, 133; _et seq_.; to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon commanding
Church to move to Ohio, 139; received at third conference, promising
to give law in Ohio, 140, _et seq_.; to James Coville, making known
duties of, 143; second concerning James Coville, why he broke covenant,
145; to Church at Kirland, instructions to leading Elders at, 147; to
Church at Kirtland in presence of twelve Elders embracing the law of
the Church, 148, _et seq_.; to Elders of Church repudiating revelations
by a woman, 154, _et seq_.; to Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon,
calling Elders to conference, 157; to Church at Kirtland, Zion and
her future, 159, _et seq_.; to Church at Kirtland on spiritual gifts,
163; to Joseph Smith, Jun., appointing John Whitmer historian, 166;
on purchase of lands in Ohio, 166; to Sidney Rigdon and Leman Copley,
appointing mission to Quakers, 167, _et seq_.; to Church explaining
spirit manifestations, 170, _et seq_., and note, 170, and note, 173;
to Edward Partridge, giving directions to settle N. Y. Saints at
Kirtland, 173, 174; to Church appointing Elders to travel two and two
to Missouri, 177, _et seq_.; to Algernon Sidney Gilbert concerning his
calling, 179; to Newel Knight, directing him to move to Missouri, 181;
to William W. Phelps calling him to ministry, 185; to Joseph Smith,
Jun., designating the site of Zion, 189, 190; to Joseph Smith making
known purpose for which Elders were called to Zion, 191, _et seq_.;
to Saints in Zion commanding them to return east, 201; to prophet
and companions concerning the dangers in traveling by water, 203; to
Elders en route to Zion, commanding them to assemble in Zion, 206; to
Saints in Kirtland, concerning Saints in Zion, 207, _et seq_.; prayer
given by, 218; to William E. M'Lellin, 220, 221; Preface to Book
of Commandments, 222, and note; on language of, 225; to Orson Hyde
and others, explaining powers of Priesthood, 227. _et seq_.; called
appendix, 229, _et {504} seq_.; to Joseph SMith and Sidney Ridgon,
directing them to engage in public ministry, 238; to High Priests in
Kirtland, explaining duties in Priesthood, 239, _et seq_.; to Joseph
Smith, Jun., on duties of Elders, 241; explaining 7th chap. 14 v. I
Cor., 242; at Amherst conference, appointing the Elders to ministry,
243; _et seq_.; on different degrees of glory, 245, _et seq_.; to
Joseph Smith, Jun., explaining the Apocalypse, 253, _et seq_.; to
Joseph Smith on Order of Enoch, 255, 256; to Jared Carter, appointing
him to ministry, 257; to Stephen Burnett, appointing him to ministry,
257; to F. G. Williams, appointing him to ministry, 257; to Stephen
Burnett, appointing him to ministry, 257; to F. G. Williams, appointing
him counselor to Prophet, 257. 258; to Church in Zion on Order of
Enoch, 267, _et seq_.; respecting orphans and their claims, 269; on
Priesthood, 287, _et seq_.; explaining wheat and tares, 301; appointing
School of Prophets, called Olive Leaf, 302, _et seq_.; the Word of
Wisdom, 327, _et seq_.; to Joseph Smith, Jun., for encouragement to,
329, _et seq_.; on Apocrypha, 321; directing F. G. Williams to be
received into the United Order, 333; explaining oneness of Father and
Son, 343, _et Seq_.; directing the building of the House of the Lord
at Kirtland, 346; directing Kirtland Temple to be built, 350, 351;
establishing United Order at Kirtland, 352; defining Zion--_The Pure in
Heart_, 400-402; defining duties of Saints respecting laws of the land,
402, 406; to Prophet while in Canada, 420.
Rigdon, Sidney,--biography (note), 120, _et seq_.; Book of Mormon
presented to, 122; relations of to authorship of Book of Mormon (note)
122, _et seq_.; investigates Mormonism, 124; conversion of, 125; visits
Prophet at Fayette, 128; revelation to, 129; appointed to a mission
to Quakers, 167; fulfills mission (note), 169; accompanies Prophet
to Missouri, 188; dedicates land of Zion, 196 and note; appointed to
write description of the land of Zion, 197; removes to Hiram--scribe to
Prophet, 219; assists the Prophet in public ministry in Kirtland and
vicinity, 239, 241; accompanies Prophet on second visit to Missouri,
266; reconciled to Bishop Partridge, 267 and note; preaches at
Independence, 270 and 271; departs from Zion with Prophet for Kirtland,
271; ordained Counselor in First Presidency, 334; presides at a council
at Modina county, Ohio, 342; accompanies Prophet on mission to Canada,
416.
Rigdon, John W.,--son of Sidney, writes biography of father (note),
122, _et seq_.
Riggs, Burr,--trial and excommunication of, 327.
Riggs, Harpin,--ordained Elder, 327.
Rockwell, Orrin Porter,--baptism of, 79.
Rockwell, Peter,--baptism of, 86.
Rockwell, Caroline,--baptism of, 86.
Rockwell, Electa, baptism of, 86.
Rudd, Brother,--meeting at house of, 416.
Rumors,--spread by Jackson mob, 431.
Ryder, Simons,--converted by fulfillment of prophecy (note), 158;
apostasy of, 260 and note.
S
Sacrament,--prayer of consecration of, 69; first administered in
Church, 78; authorizing use of water in, 106.
Saints, New York,--commanded to assemble in Ohio (revelation), 139;
from New York arrive in Ohio, 173; settling of (revelation), 173 and
note; petition of, {505} to Governor of Missouri, 410; renewed activity
of, 424 on Big Blue attacked, 426; on prairie attacked, 427; attack on,
at Independence, 427.
Salisbury, Jenkins,--appointed on mission, 332.
School,--common, 276 and note.
Scott, Rev. Walter,--Reformed Baptist, relations with Sidney Rigdon,
121; opposes the Prophet Joseph, 188.
Scriptures,--lost books of, 132 and note; Prophet Joseph translates
ancient, 170; translation renewed at Hiram, 215 and note; translation
of New testament completed, 324 and note.
Scriptures,--passages of ancient, quoted by Moroni, 12; understanding
of Prophet opened respecting, 43.
Seymour, Attorney,--prosecutes Prophet, 92; Newel Knight's answer to,
92, 93.
Shearer, Rev.,--opposition of, 87.
Silvers, Esq.,--refuses to issue process against mob, 429.
Simpson, Richard,--chairman of mob meeting, 395.
Smith, Joseph, Jun., the Prophet,--birth and ancestry of, 2; attracted
by religious excitement, 2, 3; reflection of on divided Christendom,
3; becomes partial to Methodist, 3; instructed by James, 4; first
prayer, 5; seized by evil power, 5; first vision, 5, 5; relates vision
to sectarian priest, 6; sectarian persecution of, 7, 8; character of
early youth, 9, 10; letter on personal character (note) 10; first
visit of Moroni to, 11; angel's message and instruction, 12; name to
be evil spoken of, 11; repetition of visits and instructions of angel
10, 13, 14; commanded to tell father his vision, 15; first visit to
Cumorah, 16; four annual meetings with Moroni, 16; employed by Josiah
Stoal, 17; story of being a money digger, 17; marriage to Emma Hale,
17; obtains plates of Book of Mormon, 18; charges concerning plates,
18; efforts of enemies to wrest plates of Book of Mormon from, 18;
leaves Manchester for Harmony, Penn., 19; commences translation of
Nephite records, 19; intrusts manuscript of Book of Mormon to Martin
Harris, 21; visits father's family, 21; loses possession of plates and
Urim and Thummim for season, 21; Moroni temporarily returns Urim and
Thummim, 21; revelation to, concerning lost manuscript, 22; design of
enemies in relation to manuscript revealed to, 23; sacred records and
Urim and Thummim restored to, 23; purchases farm of Isaac Hale, 28;
visited by his father and mother, 28; received revelation for Martin
Harris--promise that Three special Witnesses shall see the plates, 28,
_et seq_.; receives Aaronic Priesthood, 39; baptized, 42; assisted by
Joseph Knight, Sen., 47; becomes acquainted with Whitmer family, 48;
removes tot he Whitmer residence, Fayette, Seneca county, 51; with the
Three Witnesses at time of angel's visitation, 54, 55; the first Elder
of the Church, 41, 61; ordains Oliver Cowdery an Elder in the Church,
77; appointed Seer, Translator, and Prophet to the Church (revelation)
78; ministry at Colesville, 88; escapes from mob, 89; arraigned in
court, 89; acquitted, 91; second arrest of, 91; abused by constable,
91; trial at Colesville, 92; acquittal of, 96; copies and arranges
revelations, 104; corrects Cowdery and Whitmer as to doctrine, 104,
105; instructed on administering {506} sacrament (revelation), 106;
removes from Harmony to Fayette, 109; accompanies Elders Rigdon and
Partridge to Kirtland, 145; persuades Saints at Kirtland to give up
common stock concern, 146; receives number of important revelations,
147-170: translates ancient Scripture, 170; leaves Kirtland for
Missouri, 188; meeting with Rev. Walter Scott, Cincinnati, 188; arrives
at Independence, Mo., 188; reflections on state of society in Missouri,
189; dedicates Temple site in Zion, 199; leaves Zion for Kirtland,
202; meets Elders en route for Zion, 205; arrives in Kirtland, 206;
dedicates Book of Commandments by prayer, 234; appointed steward over
commandments, etc. (revelation), 236; public ministry at Shalersville
and Ravenna with Sidney Rigdon (revelation), 241; attends conference
at Amherst, and is ordained president of the High Priesthood, 242, 243
and note; returns from Amherst conference, and receives vision of the
Three glories, 245; mobbed at Hiram, 260, _et seq_.; second visit to
Missouri, 265; arrives second time in Zion, 266; acknowledged in Zion
President of High Priesthood, 267; organized Church with a view to
independence, 269; visits Colesville branch on Big Blue, 269 and note;
gives directions concerning literary affairs and stores in Zion, 270
and note; leaves Zion for Kirtland, 271; poison administered to, 271;
instances of gift of seer-ship, 272 and note; arrival at Kirtland,
272; recommences translation of Scripture, 273; receives first copy
_Evening and Morning Star_, 273; visits Albany, New York and Boston,
295; receives visit from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 295, 296;
receives gift of tongues, 297, reviews state of world close of 1832,
301; writes for the press on same subject, 312; _et seq_.; introduces
ordinance of washing feet, 323; completes translation of New Testament,
324; reflection on mob violence in Jackson county, 393, 400; mission to
Canada, 416, _et seq_.; return to Kirtland from Canada mission, 422.
Smith, Jos., Sen.,--birth, place of residence, marriage to Lucy Mack,
2; encourages Prophet to follow instruction of Moroni, 15; visits his
son Joseph at Harmony, 28; revelation to, 80.
Smith, Hyrum, brother of the Prophet,--birth (note) 44; visits the
Prophet at Harmony and inquires respecting the work, 45; revelations
to, 45, 80; breaks ground for Kirtland Temple, 352.
Smith, Samuel H., brother of the Prophet,--birth (note) 44; conversion
and baptism of, 44; revelation to, 80.
Smith, William,--brother of the Prophet,--biography of (note), 322;
baptism of, 86; speaks in tongues in Kirtland, 323.
Smith, Don C., brother of the Prophet--baptism of, 86.
Smith, Alvin, brother of the Prophet--death of, 2, 16.
Smith, George Albert,--birth and ancestry, 285 and note; baptism of,
285; arrives in Kirtland, 348; labors on Temple, 353.
Smith, Asael, grandfather of the Prophet,--letter from (note), 285, _et
seq_.
Smith, John, uncle to the Prophet,--visit of Joseph Smith, Sen., to
285; arrives in Kirtland, 348.
Smith, Emma,--revelation to, 103; adopts Murdock twins, 260; removes to
Hiram, 266.
Smith, Jerusha,--baptism of, 86.
Smith, Katherine,--baptism of, 86.
{507} Snow, Zerubbabel,--appointed on mission, 332.
_Star, Evening and Morning_,--purchase of press for, 217; prospectus
oc, 259 and note; first issue of, 273; purpose of publication of, 274;
articles from, 273, 275, 276, 277, 280, 282, 283, 377; Extra, 378, 379
and note, 379, 387; press of demolished, 390; resolution to publish at
Kirtland, 409; office of, 277.
_Star_, Ohio,--publishes Ezra Booth's letters, 241.
Stoal, Josiah,--employs the Prophet, 17; testifies at Prophet's trial,
89; daughters of, testify at Prophet's trial, 90.
Store, Wilson's,--gathering of mob at, 430.
Stringham, William and wife,--baptized, 88.
Stringham, Julia,--baptized, 88.
T
Tanner, John,--sends sons to Kirtland to learn will of the Lord, 410;
biography (note), 410.
Tarbill, Squire,--Prophet and Emma Hale married at the house of, 17.
Temple, Kirtland,--corner stones laid, 400.
Temple,--side of in Zion (revelation), 189; dedication of site of, 199;
at Kirtland, preparations to build, 349; circular on Kirtland, 349; in
Zion, 359; first description of, in Zion, 359, _et seq_.
Thayre, Ezra,--appointed on mission to Missouri, 178; revelation to,
186.
Thompson,--church at, 180; difficulties in (note), 180, 181.
Times,--signs of the, 347.
Tongues,--first of first exercised (note), 297; Brigham Young speaks
in, 297 and note; hymn sung in, 409; gift exercised in Canada, 422.
Township,--Kaw, Jackson county, Mo.--Colesville branch settled in, 196;
conference held in, 199.
U
Urim and Thummim,--deposited with Nephite plates, 12 not to be shown
except to chosen witnesses, 13; first seen by Joseph Smith, 16;
delivered to the Prophet, 18.
W
Wait, Truman,--appointed on mission, 332.
Waste,--member of Hiram mob, 262 and note.
Waterford, village of Canada,--Prophet and Sidney Rigdon preach in, 422.
Westfield, Chautauqua county, N. Y.,--meetings at, 417, 419.
Weston, Samuel, Justice of the Peace,--connected with the mob, 376;
liberates Richared McCarty, 428.
Whitmer, David,--birth of, (note), 32; goes to Harmony to take the
Prophet to his father's house, 49; revelation to, 49; desires to become
one of Three Witnesses, 52; behold Nephite records, 54.
Whitmer, John,--birth of, (note), 49; interest in the work, 49;
revelation to, 50; assists Prophet to copy and arrange revelations,
104; appointed Historian of the Church, 166; appointed to accompany
Oliver Cowdery to Zion, 234 and note, 235; offers himself a ransom for
Saints in Jackson county, 394.
Whitmer, Peter, Jun.,--birth (note), 49; interest in work, 49;
revelation to, 51.
Whitmer, Jacob,--baptized, 81.
Whitmer, Mary,--baptized, 81.
Whitmer, Elizabeth Ann,--baptized, 81.
Whitmer, Christian,--baptized, 81.
Whitmer, Annie,--baptized, 81.
Whitmer, Elizabeth,--baptized, 81.
Whitney, Bishop Newel Kimball,--biography (note), 145, 146; {508}
welcomes Prophet and wife to his home at Kirtland, 145; accompanies
Prophet on Second visit to Zion, 265; returns to Kirtland with Prophet,
271; accident by the way, 271; renewal of journey to Kirtland, 272;
accompanies Prophet to Albany, New York and Boston, 295.
Williams, Dr. Frederick G.,--biography (note), 125; joins Lamanite
mission, 125; ordained counselor in First Presidency, 334.
Wisdom, Word of, 327.
Witnesses,--Three promised (revelation), 28, _et seq_.; referred to in
Book of Mormon (note), 52; revelation to, 53; with the Prophet seek
promise of testimony, 54; details connected with testimony of (note),
55; formal testimony of, 56, 57.
Witnesses,--eight testimony of, 57; time and place of receiving
testimony (note), 57.
World,--state of, 281, 301, 388; Prophet's letter on, 312; in April,
1833, 337.
Y
Young, Brigham,--biography (note), 296; visits the Prophet, 295; speaks
in tongues, 297 and note; returns to Kirtland from mission to Canada,
388.
Young, Joseph,--biography (note), 295; visits Prophet, 295.
Z
Zion,--site of revealed, 189; first Sabbath in, 190; first house in,
196; Prophet's description of the land of, 197, 198; first conference
in, 199; first death in, 199 and note; city of and plat, 357 _et seq_.;
reports concerning extensions of, 419.