Appeal to Washington for Redress--Further Missouri Persecutions
1839-1840
Importuning for Redress
Having appealed in vain to the courts, the governor and the legislature
of Missouri, the Saints now determined to "importune for redress
and redemption at the feet of the President." This course the Lord
commanded them to take. It was his will that the national government
should have the privilege of correcting the wrongs of the Latter-day
Saints, or share in the responsibility of their persecutions, should
they also turn a deaf ear to the appeal of thousands of citizens, who
had been banished from their homes.[1] The Constitution guarantees that
"the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and
immunities of citizens of the several states." This great privilege
had been denied the Latter-day Saints by the officers of the State of
Missouri.
President Sidney Rigdon arrived in Quincy, Illinois, after his release
from prison, in March, 1839, and was at that time very zealous for the
punishment of Missouri for the violation of the constitutional rights
of the Saints while in that state. He devised a plan, on an elaborate
scale, for the impeachment of Missouri before the other states and the
general government. He proposed to have the governors of the several
states present before their respective legislative bodies the matter of
Missouri's abdication of republican government, and at the same time
have presented to the President of the United States and Congress a
petition for redress of the wrongs inflicted upon the Saints. Governor
Carlin of Illinois encouraged him in this desire and promised to aid in
the work. Governor Robert Lucas of Iowa also lent some assistance to
the plan. The latter issued letters of introduction to President Martin
Van Buren and Governor Shannon of Ohio, conveying the information that
President Rigdon expected to visit Washington as the representative of
the "Mormon" people to seek an investigation into the causes for the
expulsion of the Saints from Missouri. However, nothing came of this
rather impractical plan.
The Prophet's Appeal to the People
About this same time (April, 1839) the Prophet made an appeal to the
citizens of the United States in the following language:
"I ask the citizens of this Republic whether such a state of things
is to be suffered to pass unnoticed, and the hearts of widows,
orphans, and patriots to be broken, and their wrongs left without
redress? No! I invoke the genius of our Constitution. I appeal
to the patriotism of Americans to stop this unlawful and unholy
procedure; and pray that God may defend this nation from the
dreadful effects of such outrages.
"Is there no virtue in the body politic? Will not the people rise
up in their majesty, and with that promptitude and zeal which are
so characteristic of them, discountenance such proceedings, by
bringing the offenders to that punishment which they so richly
deserve, and save the nation from that disgrace and ultimate ruin,
which otherwise must inevitably fall upon it?"[2]
A Delegation Appointed to Visit Washington
At a conference of the Church held in Quincy in May, 1839, President
Rigdon was formally appointed to carry the message of grievances
to Washington, and Elder Lyman Wight was appointed to collect the
necessary affidavits from those injured, to be presented at Washington.
President Rigdon made no great effort to get away on this mission, and
as time passed his ardor cooled and his desire to fill his appointment
lessened. At the October Conference, held at Commerce, President Joseph
Smith, who had arrived in Illinois during the summer, and Judge Elias
Higbee were also chosen to go to Washington as well as Sidney Rigdon,
to importune for redress. On the 29th of October, these three delegates
left Commerce in a carriage driven by Orrin Porter Rockwell, with the
intention of laying before Congress the grievances of the Saints while
in Missouri. At Quincy they were joined by Dr. Robert D. Foster who
accompanied them on their way to administer to Sidney Rigdon, who was
ill. At Springfield Judge James Adams took the Prophet to his home and
treated him with every consideration as though he had been his own
son. After an eventful journey the Prophet and Judge Higbee arrived
in Washington, November 28, 1839. They did considerable preaching on
the way and were forced to leave Sidney Rigdon in Ohio because of his
sickness; Orrin P. Rockwell and Dr. Robert D. Foster remained with him.
Interview with the President
The first step taken by the Prophet and Judge Higbee after securing
a boarding place was to call on the President of the United States,
Martin Van Buren. This was the following day, November 29. They
proceeded to the house of the President, which they state they found to
be a very large and splendid palace, decorated with all the fineries
and elegance of this world. After some preliminary arrangements they
were ushered into the presence of Mr. Van Buren. They handed him some
of their letters of introduction which stated the object of their
visit and as soon as the President read one of them, he looked up with
a frown and said: "What can I do? I can do nothing for you! If I do
anything, I shall come in contact with the whole state of Missouri."
The delegates were not to be denied a hearing without some effort, so
they pressed the matter of their case with considerable vigor. The
result was that President Van Buren promised to reconsider what he had
said, and expressed deep sympathy with the Saints on account of their
suffering.
The Petition before Congress
Following the interview with the President the brethren spent some
time hunting up senators and representatives with whom they might
converse and receive a hearing. They found the delegation from Illinois
friendly, and were able to make a number of friends among the honorable
gentlemen in Washington. A meeting was held with the congressional
delegation from Illinois, for the purpose of considering the best
means for getting their business before Congress. Mr. Robinson, of the
delegation, offered some opposition against the Saints presenting any
claims against Missouri to be liquidated by the United States, on the
ground that the Saints should make their appeal to the judiciary of
Missouri and the state officials, where the wrongs were committed. The
Prophet opposed such a stand with great vigor, explaining that every
effort had already been made to get the governor of Missouri and the
courts to consider their claims, but without result. Mr. Robinson then
said this was his first impression of the matter, but he would take
it under consideration. The following day another meeting was held
and it was decided that a petition should be drawn up to be presented
to Congress, and Senator Richard M. Young, of Illinois, promised to
present it in the United States Senate. They were advised that all
facts presented should be authenticated by affidavits, so word was
sent to the Saints in Illinois to prepare immediately such necessary
information as would be required.[3] The petition was duly presented to
the judiciary committee. It covered the outrages against the members
of the Church from the expulsion from Jackson County, in 1833, to the
banishment from the state in 1838-39. The dastardly course of Governor
Boggs in aiding the enemies of the Saints and his exterminating order
received proper consideration. The concluding paragraphs of this
petition are as follows:
"For these wrongs, the 'Mormons' ought to have some redress: yet
how and where shall they seek and obtain it? Your constitution
guarantees to every citizen, even the humblest, the enjoyment of
life, liberty, and property. It promises to all, religious freedom,
the right to all to worship God beneath their own vine and fig
tree, according to the dictates of their conscience. It guarantees
to all the citizens of the several states the right to become
citizens of any one of the states, and to enjoy all the rights and
immunities of the citizens of the state of his adoption. Yet of all
these rights have the 'Mormons' been deprived. They have, without
a cause, without a trial, been deprived of life, liberty and
property. They have been persecuted for their religious opinions.
They have been driven from the state of Missouri, at the point
of the bayonet, and prevented from enjoying and exercising the
rights of citizens of the state of Missouri. It is the theory of
our laws, that for the protection of every legal right, there is
provided a legal remedy. What then, we would respectfully ask, is
the remedy of the 'Mormons'? Shall they apply to the legislature
of the state of Missouri for redress? They have done so. They have
petitioned, and these petitions have been treated with silence and
contempt. Shall they apply to the federal courts? They were, at the
time of the injury, citizens of the state of Missouri. Shall they
apply to the court of the state of Missouri? Whom shall they sue?
The order for their destruction, then extermination, was granted
by the executive of the state of Missouri. Is not this a plea of
justification for the loss of individuals, done in pursuance of
that order? If not, before whom shall the 'Mormons' institute a
trial? Shall they summon a jury of the individuals who composed the
mob? An appeal to them were in vain. They dare not go to Missouri
to institute a suit; their lives would be in danger.
"For ourselves we see no redress, unless it is awarded by the
Congress of the United States. And here we make our appeal as
_American Citizens_, as _Christians_, and as _Men_--believing that
the high sense of justice which exists in your honorable body,
will not allow such oppression to be practiced upon any portion of
the citizens of this vast republic with impunity; but that some
measures which your wisdom may dictate, may be taken, so that the
great body of people who have been thus abused, may have redress
for the wrongs which they have suffered. And to your decision they
look with confidence; hoping it may be such as shall tend to dry up
the tears of the widow and orphan, and again place in situations of
peace, those who have been driven from their homes, and have had to
wade through scenes of sorrow and distress.
"And your Memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray."
The Prophet's Interview with President Van Buren
While the Prophet was waiting for the action of Congress, he visited
several branches of the Church in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other
parts, returning to Washington the fore part of February. During this
time he had another interview with President Martin Van Buren and one
with John C. Calhoun, and he records the following in his journal:
"During my stay I had an interview with Martin Van Buren, the
President, who treated me very insolently, and it was with great
reluctance he listened to our message, which, when he had heard,
he said: 'Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for
you;' and 'If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri.'
His whole course went to show that he was an office-seeker, that
self-aggrandizement was his ruling passion, and that justice and
righteousness were no part of his composition. I found him such a
man as I could not conscientiously support at the head of our noble
Republic. I also had an interview with Mr. John C. Calhoun, whose
conduct towards me very ill became his station. I became satisfied
there was little use for me to tarry, to press the just claims of
the Saints on the consideration of the President and Congress,
and stayed but a few days, taking passage in company with Porter
Rockwell and Dr. Foster on the railroad and stages back to Dayton,
Ohio" (_Documentary History of the Church_, vol. 4:80).
The Action of Congress
Judge Elias Higbee remained in Washington during the time the petition
was before Congress. He met on several occasions with the judiciary
committee, which had the matter in hand. The members from Missouri
offered considerable opposition, as naturally might be supposed, to
the charges made against the officials of that state. They did all in
their power to prevent any consideration of the petition. Many false
statements and charges were made which Judge Higbee was able to refute.
On the 26th of February, he wrote the Prophet as follows: "I am just
informed by General Wall (the chairman of the committee), before whom,
or to whom, our business is referred, that the decision is against us,
or in other words unfavorable, that they believe redress can only be
had in Missouri, the courts and the legislature." On the 4th of March,
1840, President Joseph Smith arrived in Nauvoo. The same day the senate
committee made its report. After setting forth some of the items in the
petition the committee said:
"The petition is drawn up at great length, and sets forth, with
feeling and eloquence, the wrongs of which they complain; justifies
their own conduct, and aggravates that of those whom they call
their persecutors, and concludes by saying they see no redress,
unless it be obtained of the Congress of the United States, to
whom they make their solemn, last appeal, as American citizens, as
Christians, and as men; to which decision they say they will submit.
"The committee have examined the case presented by the petition,
and heard the views urged by their agent, with care and attention;
and after full examination and consideration, unanimously concur in
the opinion--
"That the case presented for their investigation is not such a one
as will justify or authorize any interposition by this government.
"The wrongs complained of are not alleged to be committed by any of
the officers of the United States, or under the authority of its
government in any manner whatever. The allegations in the petition
relate to the acts of its citizens, and inhabitants and authorities
of the State of Missouri, of which state the petitioners were at
the time citizens, or inhabitants.
"The grievances complained of in the petition are alleged to
have been done within the territory of the State of Missouri.
The committee, under these circumstances, have not considered
themselves justified in inquiring into the truth or falsehood
of the facts charged in the petition. If they are true, the
petitioners must seek relief in the courts of judication of
the State of Missouri, or of the United States, which has the
appropriate jurisdiction to administer full and adequate redress
for the wrongs complained of, and doubtless will do so fairly and
impartially; or the petitioners may, if they see proper, apply to
the justice and magnanimity of the State of Missouri--an appeal
which the committee feel justified in believing will never be made
in vain by the injured or oppressed.
"It can never be presumed that a state either wants the power or
lacks the disposition to redress the wrongs of its own citizens,
committed within her own territory, whether they proceed from the
lawless acts of her officers or of any other persons. The committee
therefore report that they recommend the passage of the following
resolution:
"_Resolved_, That the committee on the judiciary be discharged
from further consideration of the memorial in this case; and that
the memorialists have leave to withdraw the papers which accompany
their memorial" (_Documentary History of the Church_, vol. 4:90-2).
Compliance with the Word of the Lord
The Senate, of course, adopted this resolution, and this brought to an
end the appeal of the Latter-day Saints for redress of their wrongs
while in Missouri.[4] The Saints had the satisfaction of knowing they
had complied with the command of the Lord, wherein he instructed
them to appeal for redress, first at the feet of the judge, then the
governor and then the President of the United States. The matter was
now to be left in the hand of the Great Judge who had promised, under
the circumstances as they had developed, to "come forth out of his
hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation" (Doc. and Cov. 101:89).
The Resolutions of the April Conference
At the general conference of the Church held April 6-8, 1840, a set
of resolutions were adopted approving of the labors of the Church
committee who visited Washington, and condemning the action of the
senate in the rejection of the consideration of the wrongs of the
Saints. Some of the items in which the resolutions disagree with
the action of Congress are as follows: The failure to consider the
petition was subversive to the rights of a free people, and justly
called for the disapprobation of all the supporters and lovers of good
government. The judiciary committee stated in their report, "that
our memorial aggravates the case of our oppressors," and at the same
time they said they had "not examined into the truth or falsehood
of the facts mentioned." This was deemed by the petitioners a great
insult to their "good sense, better judgment and intelligence," when
numerous affidavits were laid before the committee to prove that the
Saints could go into the State of Missouri only in opposition to the
exterminating order of the governor, and at the risk of their lives.
Moreover, that exterminating order was before the committee for
consideration, it was a direct infraction of the Constitution of the
United States. The failure of the committee to investigate the actions
of the governor and other officers of Missouri, was "turning a deaf
ear to the cries of widows, orphans, and innocent blood, which had
been shed," and was "no less than seconding the proceedings of that
murderous clan, whose deeds are recorded in heaven, and justly call
down upon their heads the righteous judgments of an offended God." The
thanks of the Saints were extended to Governors Lucas of Iowa, and
Carlin of Illinois, for their sympathy and aid, also to the citizens of
Illinois for their kind, liberal and generous conduct. The delegates
were instructed to continue their endeavors to obtain redress, and the
resolutions closed with the following appeal: "And if all hopes of
obtaining satisfaction for the injuries done us be entirely blasted,
that they (the delegates) then appeal our case to the Court of Heaven,
believing that the Great Jehovah, who rules over the destiny of
nations, and who notices the falling sparrows, will undoubtedly redress
our wrongs, and ere long avenge us of our adversaries."[5]
Return of the Prodigals
At the general conference held in April, 1840, Frederick G. Williams,
who had been excommunicated by the action of the conference of the
Church at Quincy, March 17, 1839, along with Thomas B. Marsh, George
M. Hinkle and others, presented himself on the stand, and humbly
asked forgiveness for his conduct while in Missouri. He expressed his
determination to do the will of the Lord in the future, for he had
a knowledge of the divinity of the work. His case was presented to
the people by President Hyrum Smith, and he was received back into
fellowship by the unanimous vote of the conference. From this time on
he remained true to the Church and his brethren, until his death in
Quincy October 10, 1842.
In the following June William W. Phelps wrote to the Prophet from
Dayton, Ohio, confessing his sins and begging for reinstatement in the
Church. "I am," said he, "as the prodigal son, though I never doubt
or disbelieve the fulness of the Gospel. I have been greatly abused
and humbled, and I blessed the God of Israel when I lately read your
prophetic blessing on my head, as follows: 'The Lord will chasten
him because he taketh honor to himself, and when his soul is greatly
humbled he will forsake the evil. Then shall the light of the Lord
break forth upon him as at noonday and in him shall be no darkness.' I
have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have passed.
So it is, and why I know not. I prayed, and God answered; but what
could I do? Says I, 'I will repent and live and ask my old brethren to
forgive me, and though they chasten me to death, yet I will die with
them, for their God is my God. . . . I have not walked along with my
friends according to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness in the name
of Jesus Christ of all the Saints, for I will do right, God helping
me.'"
The Prophet answered him saying his case had been presented to the
Saints and an expression of their feelings was unanimously given that
he should be received back into the Church.
Death of Bishop Partridge
Bishop Edward Partridge died Wednesday, May 27, 1840, in Nauvoo, in the
forty-sixth year of his age. He was the first bishop of the Church,
having been called to that position by revelation in 1831. He was born
in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, August 27, 1793. His daughter
Harriet Pamela, aged nineteen years, preceded her father to the grave
by eleven days. They were victims of the Missouri persecutions,
and were among those who suffered privations and exposure in the
mobbings and expulsion in the winter of 1838-9. Others who likewise
laid down their lives about this time were John Young, father of
President Brigham Young, Seymour Brunson and James Mulholland, the
Prophet's secretary. Each of these brethren died shortly after the
settlement of the Saints in Illinois. John Young was a veteran of the
Revolution. He had been driven from his home in Missouri and died in
his seventy-seventh year, a martyr to his religion, for his death was
caused by his sufferings in the cruel persecution. Seymour Brunson
died August 10, 1840. He was a man of strong character, and had taken
an active part in the Church almost from the beginning, serving in
various councils. He it was who entered charges against Oliver Cowdery
and David Whitmer at the time of their excommunication. He died in
his forty-first year and was at the time a member of the high council
in the Nauvoo Stake. James Mulholland died in November, 1839, aged
thirty-five years. He was a man of excellent education and was a
faithful elder in the Church.
Death of Patriarch Joseph Smith
Another victim of Missouri persecution was the Patriarch Joseph Smith,
who died in Nauvoo, September 14, 1840. He was the first person who
received the Prophet's testimony after the appearance of the angel,
and was always true to the mission of his son. He moved to Kirtland
in 1831, where he was ordained patriarch and an assistant counselor
to the Prophet in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, December 18,
1833. He served as a member of the first high council in 1834. During
the persecutions in Kirtland, in 1837, he was made a prisoner by the
apostate enemies of the Church, but gained his liberty and made his way
to Far West in 1838. From here he was again driven by enemies under the
exterminating order of the infamous Lilburn W. Boggs. In midwinter he
made his way to Quincy, and later in the spring of 1839, to Commerce,
where he made his home. He was six feet two inches tall, and well
proportioned. His ordinary weight was about two hundred pounds. He was
a very strong, active man, but the exposure he suffered during the
expulsion from Missouri, brought on consumption, from which he died.
His funeral services were held September 15, 1840, Elder Robert B.
Thompson delivering the discourse.
More Trouble from Missouri
The action of Congress and the President of the United States, in
refusing to consider the complaint, had its effect for evil on the
Missourians. Their hatred, great as it was against the Latter-day
Saints, was augmented by the presentation of the petition of the
Saints to the general government. They seemed to chafe under the
exposures to the world of their evil deeds. The action of Congress
also made them bold in their desire to continue their persecutions
of the Saints. If the President of the United States could refuse to
give ear to the appeal of the thousands who had been so wilfully and
maliciously wronged; and if Congress could advise that the proper place
for redress was back in Missouri, and that, too, at the hands of the
very officials who had so wickedly and unconstitutionally expelled,
robbed, and murdered the Saints, what was there for Missourians to
fear? Was not this evidence that the "Mormons," everywhere hated, were
the common prey of their mortal enemies? It is true they had driven the
Saints to the confines of another state, but it was a matter of little
moment to cross that border and drag them back again for further abuse.
Especially so, if they could enter into collusion with the officers of
the other states which they hoped to do, and which they did.
Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Others
On the 7th day of July, 1840, Alanson Brown, Benjamin Boyce, Noah
Rodgers and James Allred, were surrounded by an armed force of mobbers,
in Hancock County, Illinois, who asked them if they were "Mormons."
When they said they were, the mobbers with many vile oaths declared
that they were sworn to kill "all the damned 'Mormons' that they could
find." The brethren were forced across the river to a small town in
Lewis County, Missouri, called Tully, where they were kept under guard
until about eleven o'clock at night. Then Alanson Brown and Benjamin
Boyce were taken out to the woods with ropes around their necks. Boyce
inquired what they intended to do and was answered by the mobbers that
they were going to kill them and "make catfish bait" of them. The two
brethren were then separated. Boyce was stripped and tied to a tree
and whipped with gads until his body was mangled from his shoulders
to his knees. In the meantime Brown had been hung by the neck until
life appeared to be gone, then the ruffians cut him down, revived him,
and returned to Tully with them both. They then placed ropes on the
necks of Allred and Rodgers and took them out to the woods, where they
stripped them of their clothing and made many threats against their
lives. Rodgers was badly beaten, as Boyce had been, but for some reason
the fiends refrained from whipping Allred. These brethren were then
returned to Tully and confined in the same room with the other two
brethren. Brown and Allred were liberated some days later, but Boyce
and Rodgers were confined in irons until the 21st day of August, when,
through the blessings of the Lord, they made their escape.
Memorial to Governor Carlin
A mass meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo was held July 13, 1840, at
which a committee consisting of Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson,
Sidney Rigdon and Daniel H. Wells, drew up resolutions of protest
against the treatment accorded the four men who were kidnapped,
which were adopted. The citizens then memorialized Governor Carlin,
petitioning him to take steps to have released the four men who were
then held prisoners in Missouri, and have punished the perpetrators
of the crime. Daniel H. Wells and George Miller waited upon the
governor and laid the case before him. As they recited the story of
the cruelties, the governor's wife, who was present, was moved to
tears, and the governor promised to take the matter in hand. However,
his friendship for the Saints had greatly cooled and no action was
ever taken by Governor Carlin to release the prisoners, or to bring to
justice the perpetrators of the crime.
Missouri's Requisition for the Prophet
The next move on the part of Missouri was a requisition made on
Governor Carlin of Illinois, by Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, of Missouri,
in September, 1840, for Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight,
Parley P. Pratt, Caleb Baldwin and Alanson Brown, as fugitives from
justice. This came after a silence of nearly two years, and was the
outgrowth of the action taken by Congress. Governor Carlin complied
with this unnatural, illegal and absurd request. When the sheriff came
to serve his papers none of the brethren were found at home. Thus
matters rested until the summer of 1841. On the 4th day of June, 1841,
the Prophet called at the residence of Governor Carlin and had an
interview with him and was treated very kindly. A few hours after his
departure the governor sent the sheriff of Adams County, Thomas King,
with a posse, and an officer from Missouri, to arrest him and deliver
him up to the authorities of Missouri. They found the Prophet about
twenty-eight miles south of Nauvoo. Some of the posse, on discovering
the spirit of the officer from Missouri, returned to their homes in
disgust. The party returned to Quincy where the Prophet obtained a writ
of habeas corpus, and Judge Stephen A. Douglas, who providentially
happened to be in Quincy, promised to give a hearing at Monmouth,
Warren County, the following week. The news of the Prophet's arrest
soon spread and a rescuing party was formed to prevent the Prophet
being carried to Missouri, if that attempt should be made. He returned
to Nauvoo in the custody of the sheriff, whom he entertained at his own
house and waited on him, the sheriff, being sick. June 7, Sheriff King
and the Prophet, accompanied by a number of citizens from Nauvoo, left
for Monmouth, seventy-five miles distant, where the trial commenced on
the 9th, and concluded the following day. Attorney O. H. Browning, of
the defense, made an eloquent plea closing his remarks in the following
words:
"Yes, my eyes have beheld the blood-stained traces of innocent
women and children, in the dreary winter, who had traveled hundreds
of miles barefoot, through frost and snow, to seek a refuge from
their savage pursuers. 'Twas a scene of horror sufficient to enlist
sympathy from an adamantine heart. And shall this unfortunate man,
whom their fury has seen proper to select for sacrifice, be driven
into such a savage land and none dare to enlist in the cause of
justice? If there was no other voice under heaven ever to be heard
in this cause, gladly would I stand alone, and proudly spend my
last breath in defense of an oppressed American citizen."
The Decision of Judge Douglas
Judge Douglas gave the following decision: That the writ, being once
returned to the executive by the sheriff of Hancock County, was dead,
and stood in the same relationship as any other writ which might issue
from the circuit court, and consequently the defendant could not be
held in custody on that writ. On the question whether or not evidence
was admissible, he would not pass, but would take under advisement,
but on the other point, the defendant must be dismissed. Once again
the Prophet Joseph had been freed from the clutches of the inhuman
officials of Missouri.
Notes
1. Doc. and Cov. 101:76-89.
2. _Documentary History of the Church_, vol. 3:332.
3. The Saints' petition to Congress is found on pages 24-38 of the
_Documentary History of the Church_, vol. 4. The affidavits are also
found in the same volume, pages 52-73. These should be carefully
considered.
4. For the reason why the Saints did not accept the advice of the
committee and appeal to the Federal Courts, see article by Elder B.
H. Roberts, in the introduction to the _Documentary History of the
Church_, vol. 4, under the caption "The Appeal of the Church to the
National Government for Redress of Wrongs Suffered in Missouri."
5. The day of retribution came, at least in part, during the Civil War.
For this account see the introduction of _Documentary History of the
Church_, vol. 3, under the caption "Retribution," by B. H. Roberts.