Vol. I.                        Voree, (Near Burlington) W. T., January, 1846.                       No. 1.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

LETTER  FROM  JOSEPH SMITH  TO  JAMES J. STRANG.
_______

                                                            NAUVOO, June 18th, 1845 [sic]
My Dear Son: -- Your epistle of May 24th proposing the planting a Stake of Zion in Wisconsin and the gathering of the Saints there, was duly received, and I with most of the brethren whose advice I called in were, of opinion that you was deceived by a spirit not of this world, great but not good. Brother Hyrum however thought otherwise and favored the project, not doubting it was of God. I however determined to return you an unfavorable answer for the present. -- But oh the littleness of man in his best earthly state. Not so the will of the Almighty. God hath ruled it otherwise and a message from the throne of grace directed me as it hath inspired you, and the faith which thou hast in the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel, hath been repaid to thee a thousand fold, and thou shalt be like unto him; but the flock shall find rest with thee, and God shall reveal to thee. his will concerning them.

I have long felt that my present work was almost done and that I should soon be called to rule a mighty host, but something whispers me it will be in the land of spirits where the wicked cease from troubling and the bands of the prisoner fall off. My heart yearns for my little ones, but I know God will be a father to them, and I can claim face to face the fulfillment of promises from him who is a covenant keeping God and who sweareth and performeth and faileth not to the uttermost.

The wolves are upon the scent, and I am waiting to be offered up, if such be the will of God, knowing that though my visage be more marred than that of any it will be unscarred and fair when archangels shall place on my brow the double crown of martyr and King in a heavenly world.

In the midst of darkness and boding danger the spirit of Elijah came upon me, and I went away to inquire of God how the Church should be saved.

I was upon the hill of the Temple. The calm father of waters rolled below changeless and eternal. I beheld a light in the heavens above, and streams of bright light illuminated the firmament varied and beautiful as the rainbow, gentle yet rapid as the fierce lightning.

The Almighty came from his throne of rest. He clothed himself with light as with a garment. He appeared, and moon and stars went out. The earth dissolved in space. I trod on air and was borne on wings of Cherubims. The sweetest strains of heavenly music thrilled in my ear but the notes were low and sad as though they sounded the requiem of martyred Prophets.

I bowed my head to the earth and asked only wisdom and strength for the church. -- The voice of God answered, My servant Joseph, thou hast been faithful over many things and thy reward is glorious, the crown and scepter are thine and they wait thee. But thou hast sinned in some things and thy punishment is very bitter. The whirlwind goeth before and its clouds are dark, but rest followeth and to its days there shall be no end. Study the words of the vision for it tarrieth not.

And now behold, my servant James J. Strang hath come to thee from far for truth when he knew it not and hath not rejected it but had faith in thee, the Shepherd and Stone of Israel, and to him shall the gathering of the people be, for he shall plant a stake of Zion in Wisconsin and I will establish it, and there shall my people have peace and rest, and shall not be moved, for it shall be established on the prairie on White River in the lands of Racine and Walworth, and behold, my servants James and Aaron shall plant it, for I have given them wisdom; and Daniel shall stand in his lot on the hill beside the river looking down on the prairie and shall instruct my people and plead with them face to face.

Behold, my servant James shall lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes of zion; and my servant Aaron shall be his counsellor, for he hath wisdom in the gospel and understandeth the doctrines and erreth not therein.

And I will have a house built unto me there of stone, and there will I show myself to my people by many mighty works, and the name of the city shall be called Voree, which is, being interpreted, garden of peace, for there shall my people have peace and rest and wax fat and pleasant in the presence of their enemies.

But I will again stretch out my arm over the river of waters, and on the banks thereof shall the house of my choice be. But now the city of Voree shall be a strong hold of safety to my people, and they that are faithful and obey me I will there give them great prosperity and such as they have not had before and unto Voree shall be the gathering of my people, and there shall the oppressed flee for safety and none shall hurt or molest them.

And by this shall they know that I have spoken it; the people there and the owners of the land shall show kindness to them, for great calamities are coming on the church and such as have not been; & if they scatter the ungodly of the world shall swallow them up, but if they gather to my city of Voree there will I keep them under the shadow of my wings and the cities from whence my people have been driven shall be purged with a high hand for I will do it, and my people shall be again restored to their possessions; but dark clouds are gathering for the church is not yet wholly purged.

And now I command my servants, the Apostles and Priests and Elders of the vhurch of the Saints, that they communicate and proclaim this my word to all the saints of God in all the world, that they may be gathered unto and round about the city of Voree and be saved from their enemies, for I will have a people to serve me.

And I command my servant Moses Smith, that he go unto the saints with whom he is acquainted and unto many people, and command them in my name to go unto my city of Voree and gain inheritance therein; and he shall have an inheritance therein, for he hath left all for my sake and I will add to him many fold if he is faithful; for he knows the land and can testify to them that it is very good.

So spake the Almighty God of heaven. Thy duty is made plain; and if thou lackest wisdom, ask of God in whose hands I trust thee and he will give thee unsparingly for if evil befall me, thou shalt lead the flock to pleasant pastures.
                                                              God sustain thee,
                                                              JOSEPH SMITH.

JAMES J. STRANG.

The letter was received at Burlington by regular course of mail coming through the distributing office at Chicago and bears the Nauvoo Post mark of June 18, the day following its date.

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REVELATION  GIVEN  TO  JAMES J. STRANG,
SEPT. 1, 1845.

The Angel of the Lord came unto me James, on the first day of September, in the year eighteen hundred and forty-five, and the light shined about him above the brightness of the sun, and he showed unto me the plates of the sealed record, and he gave into my hands the Urim and Thummim. And out of the light came the voice of the Lord saying: -- "My servant James, in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thee, because I have tried thee and found thee faithful. Behold my servant James, I am about to bless thee with a great blessing, which shall be to those that love me an immutable testimony, to those who know me not a stumbling block; but to those who have known me and have turned their hearts from me a rock of offense. Yea, let them beware for shame and destruction walk in their tracks, and their time abideth but not long.

A work shall come forth, and the secrets of the past shalt thou reveal. Yea, by little and little shalt thou reveal it, according to the ability and faithfulness of my church and of my servants whom I have placed above them. Behold the record which was sealed from my servant Joseph, unto thee it is reserved. Take heed that thou count it not a light thing, nor exalt thyself, lest thou be stricken; for by myself I swear that as thou servest me faithfully and comest not short, thou shalt unlock the mysteries thereof which I have kept hid from the world. Yea, as my servants serve me so shalt thou translate unto them.

But in their weakness I have not forgotten them. Go to the place which the angel of the presence shall show thee and there shalt thou dig for the record of my people in whose possessions thou dwellest. Take with thee faithful witnesses, for in evil will the unfaithful speak of thee; but the faithful and true shall know that they are liars and shall not stumble for their words.

Speak thou unto the Elders of my voice, and harken unto my words, for they are true and faithful. Testify, testify unto all the saints. Testify, testify in all the world. He that rejecteth you, him will I reject in the day that I come in my kingdom. Testify, testify unto him who has received my word and turned away. Let him now return unto me, and obey and serve his God, lest he be smitten with a curse, and his children curse him, and his name be blotted out of the Book of Life.

Yea, those to whom I have revealed myself, let them harken unto me now lest they be cast off in the day of my indignation, lest the consuming fire of the day of trial burn them up. Yea, lest the second death make them his prey, and they be cast into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.

Rejoice, ye holy, for the day of your deliverance is near, and the time of your exaltation is at hand. Faithful and true are my words dividing the marrow from the bones and truth from rottenness. He that rejecteth them, will I reject when I come in my Kingdom. And while I was yet in the spirit, the angel of the Lord took me away to the hill in the east of Walworth, against White River in Voree, and there he showed unto me the record, buried under an oak tree, as large as the body of a large man, It was enclosed in an earthen casement, and buried in the ground as deep as to a mans waist; and I beheld it as a man can see a light stone in clear water; for I saw it by Urim and Thummin, and I returned the Urim and Thummin to the angel of the Lord and he departed out of my sight.

On the thirteenth day of September, 1845, we, Aaron Smith, Jirah B. Wheelan, James M. Van Nostrand, and Edward Whitcomb, assembled at the call of James J. Strang, who is by us and many others approved as a Prophet and Seer of God. He proceeded to inform us that it had been revealed to him in a vision that an account of an ancient people was buried in a hill south of White river bridge, near the east line of Walworth County; and leading us to an oak tree about one foot in diameter, told us that we would find it enclosed in a case of rude earthen ware under that tree at the depth of about three feet; requested us to dig it up, and charged us to so examine the ground that we should know we were not imposed upon, and that it had not been buried there since the tree grew. The tree was surrounded by a sward of deeply rooted grass, such as is usually found in the openings, and upon the most critical examination we could not discover any indication that it had ever been cut through or disturbed.

We then dug up the tree, and continued to dig to the depth of about three feet, where we found a case of slightly baked clay containing three plates of brass. On one side of one is a landscape view of the south end of Gardner's prairie and the range of hills where they were dug. On another is a man with a crown on his head and a scepter in his hand, above is an eye before an upright line, below the sun and moon surrounded with twelve stars, at the bottom are twelve large stars from three of which pillars arise, and closely interspersed with them are seventy very small stars. The other four sides are very closely covered with what appear to be alphabetic characters, but in a language of which we have no knowledge.

The case was found imbedded in indurated clay so closely fitting it that it broke in taking out, and the earth below the soil was so hard as to be dug with difficulty even with a pickax. Over the case was found a flat stone about one foot wide each way and three inches thick, which appeared to have undergone the action of fire, and fell in pieces after a few minutes exposure to the air. The digging extended in the clay about eighteen inches, there being two kinds of earth of different color and appearance above it.

We examined as we dug all the way with the utmost care, and we say, with utmost confidence, that no part of the earth through which we dug exhibited any sign or indication that it had been moved or disturbed at any time previous. The roots of the tree stuck down on every side very closely, extending below the case, and closely interwoven with roots from other trees. None of them had been broken or cut away. No clay is found in the country like that of which the case is made.

In fine, we found an alphabetic and pictorial record, carefully cased up, buried deep in the earth, covered with a flat stone, with an oak tree one foot in diameter growing over it, with every evidence that the sense can give that it has lain there as long as that tree has been growing. Strang took no part in the digging, but kept entirely away from before the first blow was struck till after the plates were taken out of the case; and the sole inducement to our digging was our faith in his statement as a Prophet of the Lord that a record would thus and there be found.

AARON SMITH,
JIRAH B. WHEELAN,
J. M. VAN NOSTRAND,
EDWARD WHITCOMB.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Vol. I.                        Voree, (Near Burlington) W. T., February, 1846.                       No. 2.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

BROTHER  THIRTEEN.

Who is brother thirteen? Amasa Lyman. Why do you call him by that bame? Because he is the thirteenth member of the Twelve. What! are there thirteen of the Twelve? There were twelve without him. Well, is he one of them? That is rather uncertain.

Amasa Lyman by some means grew to be considered a counsellor to Joseph. On the death of Joseph, the Twelve were willing to let Rigdon and Lyman set with them but not above them. Rigdon would not do it, but Lyman did. At the October conference 1844, votes were taken on all the Twelve separately by name to sustain them, severally as members of the Twelve, and they were carried unanimously. Times and S. p. 692.

"Moved by Elder H. C. Kimball, that Elder Amasa Lyman stand in his lot. The motion was seconded."

"President Young said by way of explanation that Elder Amasa Lyman is one of the Twelve, just in the same relationship as he sustained to the first Presidency. He is one in our midst and a counsellor with us."

"The motion was then presented and carried unanimously."

Since that time he has been recognized as one of the Twelve, though there were twelve without him. Some suppose he stands in Lyman Wright's [sic] place, but he was unanimously sustained at the same conference, and has not been rejected since. Others think he stands in Wm. Smith's place. But he was also unanimously sustained at the same conference, and it was not till about the time of the October conference 1845 that they prepared to drop him.

By the way who ordained Amasa Lyman and to what office? I can find no evidence that he was ever ordained a counsellor. But suppose he was; ordaining him to one priesthood does not give him another. Who ordained him an Apostle? No one. The conference voted to sustain him in his lot, which was not an Apostleship. Certainly a most singular mode of obtaining the Apostleship, or any other priesthood in this Church.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Vol. I.                        Voree, (Near Burlington) W. T., March, 1846.                       No. 3.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

GOING  INTO  THE  WILDERNESS.

The Apostates have boasted so much of carrying out Joseph's measures that it may not be amiss to give the saints one chapter of his opinions about the Church going to the west.

The Quincy Whig of Sept. 24th 1842, contains the following, which we believe is the first Revelation ever given for this Church to go into the wilderness. Read it, and then read what Joseph says on the subject.

JOE SMITH. -- ... If he will listen to a word from us we would advise him to locate his new Jerusalem, away to the far West, in the Oregon Country, and there to build his temple and govern the Saints in his own way. In that case the advantages would be two-fold: for himself and followers he would procure peace and quietness; for there would be no danger of their molestation in the enjoyment of their peculiar notions in that distant country; -- to the government, the location of himself and followers would be an advantage, because it greatly needs settlers in that region; and doubtless, Government would do something right handsome for Joseph, in the grant of a gift of lands, &c., if he would guarantee the emigration of any number of settlers.


REMARKS. -- So much hypocrisy, so barefaced an attempt at wholesale murder, has not even been contemplated by any other paper in the United States, however servile, mean, debased, or licentious. Locate the Mormons in Oregon, only think of it! After the Society have lost in Missouri some one or two millions of dollars, besides many valuable lives; -- after they have builded a temple in Ohio at a cost of sixty or seventy thousand dollars and after they have commenced a beautiful city at an expense of at least two or three millions of dollars, in Illinois; when their numbers in all parts of the world amount to probably between one and two hundred thousand persons, without the least possible chance under the depreciated state of the currency, and the general stagnation of business, to dispose of any property, but never mind, go to Oregon! -- Take your journey, men, women and children, on horses, mules and asses, for wagons will not pass over the Rocky Mountains [these] many years to come, and a passage round Cape Horn, of twenty thousand miles, would be too long a trip and too expensive; therefore go on horseback and mule back, and those who are fortunate enough to escape famine and flood, will have an excellent chance to fight among the thirty or forty tribes of Indians: and should any get to Oregon, there are from ten to twenty thousand; breeds of all nations; Americans, English, Russians, French, Spanish, New Hollanders, Otaheitans, Chinese, &c., who are every thing but refined society, and they will settle the matter of Mormonism forever, and we, the Editors of the Quincy Whig and all others that believe as we do, will live on the plunder you leave behind, as have our cotemporaries in Missouri.... Sense, feeling, humanity, and kindred consanguinity as members of a great and growing nation, would once have shuddered at the idea of even supposing that men, women, and children, on account of religion of Jesus Christ should be asked to exile themselves from their happy country, [constitutions], rights, and privileges... Yea, strange, [wild, wicked] and outrageous would have been considered a proposition for one or two hundred thousand people to abandon ALL for a wilderness five thousand miles off, [full of] savages. It seems to me that nothing but the heart of a beast, would ever have conceived such a mode of extermination, ruin and death. But this much is certain, as said the Apostle of old: "for I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus our Lord" -- nor willingly from our homes, unless it comes with a thus saith the Lord, though we may meet with Pharaohs, Nebuchadnezzars, Neroes. Boggses and a host of others equally destitute of compassion or mercy. -- {Times & Seasons, Oct. 15, 1842.
                      JOSEPH SMITH, Editor.}

Going to Oregon or going to California we look upon as much the same thing. California probably has the finest climate but Oregon is the most prosperous country and the easiest of access. I hope this may settle the question who is carrying out Joseph's measures, and who are apostates. Let not the Apostates any longer steal the livery of the Prophet to serve the Devil in.

But did not Joseph contrive the California scheme a little before his death? No, nor at any other time. He contrived a scheme for twenty five men without families to take a mission among the Indians and take measures for establishing a stake among them at which they could have the Gospel preached and be taught in the arts of civilization. Quite another thing from taking out thousands of women and children to perish by famine, flood and Indian war. What he did devise would have been accomplished before now but for apostate usurpation, and shall soon be in spite of it.

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HO!  FOR  VOREE.

M. Searls, a messenger from the new Mormon Prophet. James J. Strang, at Voree, Wisconsin, arrived in this city on Friday last, and on Sunday both branches of the Mormons here, the Rigdonites and the Twelveites, disbanded, and all but three individuals acknowledged the power and glory of the new Prophet. The messenger brings the news that Emma Smith, wife of Joseph, and her son, Joseph the Second, acknowledge Strang as the Lord's anointed. One of the Smiths came from Voree, a few days since to Nauvoo, and proclaimed Strang the head of the Church in the Temple, at that place, without molestation. The Saints are flocking to Voree in great numbers; it is to be the gathering place of all this strange people, except the awfully corrupt Twelve and their adherents, now on their way to California, over the Rocky Mountains, or to some other country.

James J. Strang is a lawyer of considerable emmence in the west. We believe he is the person who came out of Missouri with the Mormons at the time of their disturbances, planned the Temple at Nauvoo, and wrote the bulletins of Joe the Prophet. He will doubtless establish the Mormon dominion again at Voree, and, by his intelligence and spirit of enterprise, regenerate this people, casting off the corrupt Twelve and all their followers.

We presume that William Smith, who has been lecturing here, will join with the new Prophet, and Voree will become a second Nauvoo, in all except the wickedness of that place. They declare themselves determined to behave with more respect for the laws of the country; indeed it would seem that those who left the corrupt Twelve and spiritual wife business, as well as the practising of other enormities did it out of principle. However, we must await and see what this new move will amount to. If the Mormons in establishing Voree fully discard all their offensive acts which have heretofore caused them to be outcast and killed, they can get along, but if Strang be not wise and pure, and use judgment in his new position, he will fix himself in a terrible fix, before long. Let him be wise and not take revelations from bad angels, and he may succeed. -- Cin. Dai. Commercial.


Note 1: This news item was obviously written as a "teaser" for the possibility of the Nauvoo Smith family joining Strang's ranks. It was written by John C. Bennett and first appeared in the Feb. 24, 1846 issue of the Cincinnati Daily Commercial.

Note 2: Elder Samuel Searls, a resident of Eaton Co., Michigan, was one of J. J. Strang's first missionaries in Ohio. "One of the Smith... from Voree" was Elder Moses Smith, brother of J. J. Strang's counselor, Aaron Smith. These Wisconsin Smith brothers were not related to the Joseph Smith, Sr. family of Nauvoo.

Note 3: The Cincinnati editor's guess ("that William Smith... will join with the new Prophet") subsequently proved true. Although William did not publicly join Strang's group until the summer of 1846, as early as Mar. 11, 1846 the Hancock Co. journalist, Thomas C. Sharp, was writing: "He [William] did not seem hostile to Strang, it may therefore be that he will yet become the Patriarch of Strang's Church."

Vol.I.                                Voree, W. T., April,1846.                                No. 4.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

Beloved Brethren:

As many inquiries have been made of me by letter and otherwise, what you ought to do in your present perils, especially in regard to disposing of your lands there, and gathering to Voree, I have thought proper to address this public epistle to you all. Where you have doubtful and uncertain titles in your lands it is advisable that to avoid litigation and violence, you sell them at what price they will fetch; and that you prefer to sell on the same terms to the adverse claimant, rather than any other persons because that will leave peace behind you, as well as bring it with you. Where your titles are good, continually offer the lands for sale at prices decidedly moderate until you get a bargain; but don't give away your lands. If you cannot sell at all, rent your lands on the best terms you can; so that they are taken care of and you have means to come to Voree. If you have not the means to come to Voree, but can come part way, take the Mississippi route; seek employ in the mineral country or the Illinois route and seek employ on the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and among farmers till you can gather with your brethren.

But if you cannot, in any honest way, get the means of leaving Hancock county, go to work there like industrious peaceable citizens. Come as soon as you are able; but until then, neither fight nor run. If men put torches to your houses, don't run from them. Non-resistance is a stronger defense than all the artillery on the earth. If your enemies smite you on one cheek, turn to them the other.

In selling lands you may consider good cattle and horses, fit for immediate service, as good as cash at 6 months. All kinds of property is good at its value at Voree, except guns and watches. We are too poor to purchase watches, and too peaceable to need guns, and neither will buy lands of unbelievers, nearly all kinds of personal property you have on hand will bear transportation to this place.
                                                  JAMES J. STRANG.
            Voree, April 1846.

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New  Paper  at  Nauvoo.

We have just got our eyes on the first and second nos. of the 'Hancock Eagle,' a new paper just started at Nauvoo. It professes to be entirely disconnected with the Mormon Church. The profession is doubtless just, but in a very different sense than that intended by the editor. It is most decidedly Brighamite. Its defence of the Mormons, against the spirit of persecution and its addvocacy of the supremacy of the law, is eminently just, but its pretended faith in the moral purity of the company just started into the wilderness we look upon as mere cant and sheer hypocricy. We might attribute this to the unsuspecting credulity of a stranger if there were not false statements in the paper where a stranger cannot be deceived; this for instance: "the Twelve," (the soul of the institution) "having gone; and with them the acting spirit of Mormonism. -- Those who remain behind appear like stray sheep and are to all intents and purposes a one-idea party, inasmuch as their united energies all tend to one point -- the road to California."

We have heard that two conferences had been held in Nauvoo about that time. Will the Hancock Eagle tell us which was the most numerously attended, that which was going to California, alias to the western parts of Lowa, or that which opposed to going? Which are the most numerous in Nauvoo and the county at large, the Brighamites or the primitive Mormons? Is it not true that even the quorum of the Twelve are now divided and a part of them engaged in preaching Strang the prophet and Voree the place of gathering? Moreover was not a letter from Brigham Young read in that grand conference at the Temple, telling the Saints not to follow him but scatter among the Gentiles? We have certainly heard that Brigham and his most prominent associates found it necessary to start before the rest of the Saints, and for that purpose obtained nearly every thing that had been provided for the journey by the poor brethren on the promise of replacing it in due season. And it is very confidently asserted that he did send them a letter at the conference telling them that he could do nothing for them, and they must hire to the Gentiles till they could fit themselves out. -- We would like to know too whether the one-idea [club?], of the Mormons, has not been kept up by threats and violence towards those who dissented till they were too strong to be driven.

Moreover we do not credit all that talk about peace and satisfaction in the camp, because we Primitive Mormons have some among us who came from there and they don't tell that story. -- Does the Hancock Eagle estimate that less than 300 wagons have left the grand caravan.

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Hyde's  Revelation.

Orson Hyde has brought forth a pretended revelation as a last effort to put down the truth and sustain his apostasy, and for the first time since the world began a pretended command of God to a whole people has come forth anonymously. But the mark of authorship was too plain to keep it secret. Hyde has not only acknowledged it in public but we have in our possession a copy, on the back of which he writes that it "is original and given through" him.

We learn by the Book of Doctrine and Covenants that no one shall be appointed to the gift of revelation except it be through Joseph; and this shall be a law unto us that we receive not the teachings of any not thus appointed, as revelations or commandments; and this God gave us that we might not be deceived, that we might know they were not of him, (see 14th p. 2.) -- Hyde was not appointed to this gift by Joseph, and he does not pretend to have been so appointed, and has declared before a congregation of thousands in Nauvoo that no one was, and never would be. These facts speak for themselves.

The revelation itself contains several commands the import of all which is that the Saints shall not investigate doctrine or principle, any more, but gather up all they have and remove westward without delay.

But the document asserts that President "Strang, was before of old ordained to gather the tares of the field and that the angels have chosen him to do it." "But his spirit and ambition shall soon fail him. and he shall be called to judgment." Now if Satan helps Hyde as he says he helps Strang, he makes a most bungling work of it here. This gathering of tares does not take place till the wheat is harvested. -- (D. & C. sec. 4 p. 2.) If Strang is soon to fail and go to judgment, he will stand a slim chance of gathering tares after all the wheat (Saints) is gathered in the garner. Hyde's opinion to the contrary notwithstanding. If God has ordained and the angels chosen him to gather the tares he will be apt to remain till after wheat harvest to do his work. Be careful Brother Orson or he will bind you for the fire. A pretty bundle you would make by yourself.

But Hyde says )and pretends that God said it) "behold James J. Strang hath cursed my people by his own spirit, and not by mine." Now Strang has during his whole ministry pronounced but one curse, and that was expressly upon those who as ministers of the gospel, teach that fornication and adultery are ordinances of God's house. Copies of that curse were then circulated in Nauvoo and produced much excitement and it was in reference to that, that Hyde said James J. Strang hath not cursed my people by my spirit, but by his own. What does he mean? That the men who as ministers of the gospel teach such doctrines are the people of God and that God does not curse them? Yes, that is just what he means.

Having as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ taught such doctrines and used the authority of his priesthood to enforce and sanction it, he was a little startled at the maledictions of God on his own head, and attempts to turn the attention of the people from him by saying that Strang has cursed the people of God.

Well here is the curse. Let the thousands who have in the past 10 months witnessed its workings on its victims judge whether God or man spoke it. "As for those who, as gospel ministers, have assumed to teach such damning soul destroying doctrines (that deceit, fraud, lying, perjury, plundering unbelievers, polygamy, fornication, and adultery are required by the command of God in the upbuilding of his kingdom.) In the name of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, may their bones rot in the living tomb of their flesh; may their flesh generate from its own corruptions a loathsome life for others; may their blood swarm a leprous life of motelike ghastly corruption, feeding on flowing life, generating chilling agues and burning fevers. -- May peace and home be names forgotten to them, and the beauty they have betrayed to infamy; may it be to their eyes a crawling mass of putridity and battening corruption; its delicate hues a sickly light that glares from universal corruption; its auburn tresses the posthumous growth of temples of crawling worms; its fragrant breath the blast of perdition. With desires insatiate may each gratification turn to burning bitterness and glowing shame. --- And I prayed unto God, saying, Oh, God, curse them not, and let me not raise my voice against my fellows! But he said, curse, CURSE, CURSE. I will altogether curse, until they return to me, for they have perverted my law and deceived my servants; unto the destroyer shalt thou deliver them, for their prayer is sin."

If Orson Hyde has been teaching the doctrines mentioned above he can tell why the curses herein mentioned have overtaken him and his fellows in iniquity. The matter rests with them and their God. If he has not taught the doctrine he need not be troubled about the curse. Look out Orson; If we bind up tares we shall be apt to put you into the first bundle...

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                                                    Nauvoo, March 11, 1846.
Brother Strang:

I have perused with becoming interest your several letters sent to my mother and sister Emma; also some of your papers with your remarks on the order of the church, which clearly evinces the true spirit of old Mormonism as far as I can discern the faith and doctrine that I have been advocating for years, and for which, of late my family (mother Smith not excepted) have been disfranchised from the church (as they call it) BY THE TWELVE, and much abused by their infatuated followers, Time would fail me to mention all of the accumulated wrongs they have inflicted upon a poor and helpless family, whose members have mostly fallen by the hand of a ruthless mob and the treachery of false hearted brethren. A few years yet remains to suffer by the falsehoods heaped upon them, and the confiscation of their goods; their rights of church property taken from them, until the bleeding heart of an aged mother wrung with anxiety & disgust sinks with anguish and faints at the thoughts of a recital of the awful tale. Hear it, O ye Latter Day Saints: your Mother in Israel, who oft-times has nursed you at her side, and with her motherly care and teaching comforted your hearts, must now be driven from your midst, penniless -- robbed of her inheritance in the city of Joseph by the cruelty of your rulers.

On yesterday we were told by a committee of two, a Mr. Babbit and a Mr. Haywood, that unless we would acknowledge the Twelve as the heads of the church, Mother Smith could have no inheritance in Nauvoo. This, they said, was the counsel of the church whom THEY represent.

We are branded also with the epithet of apostates by these men, to drive us from the church and trample us under their feet; they assuming the entire control of the church, regardless if religion, of rights and the laws of God; regardless, also, of all our labors in the church for years gone by.

I shall, if the Lord will, visit your place before long, and would be glad to attend your conference had I the means of doing so. You may be assured that we are thankful for every kind word.

My mother and family in general join with me in sending their love to you and all the saints scattered abroad.

We shall all leave this place (Nauvoo) for some more heavenly land -- the Lord knows where, for I believe he will gather the pure in heart and save them from further ruin.

I have not time to write more. I would be glad to hear from you as soon as convenient. Adieu -- mat the God of love and peace direct all your footsteps and bring us at last unto his heavenly kingdom.
                                                    WM. SMITH,
                                                one of the Twelve and Patriarch.


Note: Orson Hyde's Mar. 14, 1846 broadside was evidently printed on the press of the Hancock Eagle. It reads as follows: "In my meditations this morning, the spirit of the Lord came upon me and I was moved to write; and being grieved in my spirit on account of the false pretenses by evil designing persons to gain power and lead away the flock of God. It whispered to me and said: `Evil men ambitious of power, must needs rise among you, and they shall be led by their own self will and not by me; yet they are instruments in my hands and are permitted to try my people, and to collect from among them those who are not the elect, and such as are unworthy of eternal life. Grieve not after them, neither mourn nor be alarmed. My people know my voice and also the voice of my spirit, and a stranger they will not follow. Therefore such as follow strangers are not my people. --- Behold, James J. Strang hath cursed my people by his own spirit and not by mine. Never, at any time, have I appointed that wicked man to lead my people. Neither by my own voice, nor by the voice of my servant, Joseph Smith, neither by the voice of mine angels; but he hath sought to deceive and Satan helpeth him; but before of old was he one that was ordained to gather the tares of the field and mine angels have chosen him to do it because he was a wicked man even as Judas was chosen to destroy his Lord. --- But his spirit and ambition shall soon fail him and then shall he be called to judgment and receive that portion which is his mete. And his treacherous followers who have forsaken the counsel of their brethren and turned from the covenants of their God and have cast asunder the tenderest ties must come and drink from a bitter cup. --- Let no man who putteth his trust in me be troubled about his rights. The worthy shall have their rights and no power can prevent it; for I will given them the hearts of my people, and their voice is my voice even as my voice is the voice of my Father; and what they bind on earth I will bind in heaven; but the unworthy have no rights except these; repentance or condemnation. If they act upon the former, behold they are justified but, if not, they must suffer the consequences of the latter. By this you may know the unworthy among my people; for whomsoever they reject, the same are rejected of me. And woe to such as shall follow him who hath been rejected by my people. If my people sin I will correct and chasten them because I love them; yet I will not reject them. Neither give my kingdom to another people for behold the end draweth nigh. And judgment will I pour out upon your oppressors and upon those who accurse you to hide their own iniquity and their shame and to get power for unholy purposes and not for the building up of my kingdom. --- Let such beware lest they fall by the hand of the destroyer whose arrows are plague and pestilence before their designs are accomplished. Let my Saints gather up with all consistent speed and remove westward, except such as are counselled to tarry, and must needs remain to settle their business, according to the counsel of my servant Joseph Smith in the day that he was with you in the flesh, and also according to the counsel of my servants, the Twelve whom I have chosen, and who have abode in me. Let there be no more disputes or contentions among you about doctrine or principles, neither who shall be greatest but hearken to those things which I have spoken unto you and which have before been given and you shall rest in my kingdom and have glory and honor forever and ever. Yes! Saith the Spirit and the Spirit is truth and the truth abideth forever!"

Vol. I.                                 Voree, W. T., May, 1846.                                 No. 5.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

Camp of Israel -- Twelveites -- Rigdonites and Voree Mormons. -- We stated yesterday that the emigrating Mormons had assumed the cognomen of the "Camp of Israel," which we are informed includes the awful corrupt "Twelve," the "Danites," the "Destroying Angels," and most of the "bogus makers," "thieves," "assassins," "police," and "vulgar herd" of that strange people. From the best information we can obtain, and we have taken some pains, they are as corrupt a set of "land pirates" as ever disgracedthe earth; though they are much to be pitied on acciunt of the suffering women and children. The poverty and actual suffering of these poor creatures are enough to sicken the heart of all feeling persons, while it should satisfy all who have comfortable raiment, and a sufficiency of food, with their condition in life, and learn them "to be therewith content." The people of Illinois have determined that all the Mormons, of every clique shall leave the State. There are now three principal cliques of Mormons -- wst. The "Twelveites," who are moving off somewhere to the west, with the most corrupt, abandoned, licentious, low and grovelling portion of the church, now called the "Camp of Israel," 2. The "Rigdonites," who are locating their "Zion" near Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania. They acknowledge Sidney Rigdon, Esq., as the leader and prophet. They include in their number, it is said, many excellent men and estimable citizens, who left the Twelveites in consequence of their "spiritual wife doctrine" and other abominations. 3d The "Voree Mormons," who acknowledge James J. Strang, Esq., as their prophet and who consider the beautiful "City of Voree" as the El Dorado of their hopes. This portion of the church is evidently the most orderly and law-abiding, and includes most of the talent and virtue of that people. They are rapidly increasing in numbers, and most of the churches out of Nauvoo have declared for "Strang and Voree," and "Voree Wisconsin," is to be the "great Gathering Place" of the sincere and virtuous portion of the "Latter Day Saints." The "Voree Herald" is their reveille on the watch-tower of Zion to wake up the slumbering world. The "Smith family" have given in their adhesion to the new and talented prophet, Strang, and will go up to Wisconsin. They need fear no opposition, nor molestation, so long as they "deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God," but, woe betide them if they do wickedly like their brethren, the Twelveites.

We would advise the prophet Strang, to put down promptly every appearance of evil, and every species of vice and immorality, and he will succeed in congregating a very pleasant community at Voree, which is evidently one of the best manufacturing points in the west, & a place of surpassing beauty. Others than Mormons will evidently locate there, and capitalists will make investments in its hydraulic privileges -- the establishment of mills and manufacturies. The Mormons have generally been opposed and despised in consequence of their vices, not on account of their religion. The people in general do not care for the peculiar faith of any church or community whatever, so long as they are moral and law-abiding; we presume, therefore, that Mr. Strang, and his people, will utterly discard that system of robbery, fraud and corruption, which has proved the ruin and dispersion of the Twelveites. Lwt them avoid politics, theft, bogus making, and oppression, and attend to their religion in a meek and lowly manner, and they may expect peace and prosperity. {Ohio Union.

---

Correspondence.

I had a good visit with sister Emma, mother Smith, and others. I had the best opportunity of trying the Twelveites, that one could wish for, as I had a note on Brigham for borrowed money, also the anointing of William Smith's stand and seats, which he had fixed in his mother's door-yard. I spoke my mind in full, to those who approbated the act, in this wise: they that did the acts, were, or should be, looked upon as below brute creation, and those who approbated such acts were as brute beasts, and no better than those that did the acts. Also while I was there, mother Smith received a notice from the Trustees in trust, that she need not look for any support while she suffered William to stay about her house. I wrote to Br. Babbit that my astonishment had been aroused to a greater heighth than it ever had before, that such an unreasonable hard hearted request could be asked at the hands of mother Smith, a woman of her age, an old lady placed under such circumstances, connected with the Church as she, and now be drove to the necessity (after wading through seas of trouble) to drive from her embrace, and shut the door against her only live son on earth, it was asking too much. I then plead in behalf of the Church, in behalf of mother Smith, in behalf of humanity, and for God's sake, to withdraw the inhuman request, and pay her yearly, a reasonable sum together with a comfortable house, and let the old lady's children eat, drink and sleep, under her roof if she wished. On this subject I closed many mouths, shweing that such acts, was positive evidence that they had lost natural affection, and no act was too mean, too bad, for their leaders to do, to gratify their beastly appetites. I am surprised that I am under the necessity of using such language as I do, to give you the foregoing information; but no other will do.     I. P.

---

Rigdonites. -- We think this party is approaching its end. A friend has sent as an extra from the Messenger giving a most unpromising account of the Conference at Pittsburg; and from what we can learn, the gathering to Green Castle, Rigdon's new Stake, amounts to nothing. The branches which acknowledged Rigdon, generally did so, not because he presented evidence of his appointment, or the works of a Seer, but because he was in fact higher in rank in the Church than were the Twelve. Adopting that rule, when they found the successor of the Prophet they could do no other way than acknowledge him. On Rigdon's account we are very sorry that he did not do the same, but he is now powerless for good or evil. We have sought dilligently to save him but he has refused even to answer a letter.

---

The Camp which left Nauvoo for the west have been very unfortunate. Nearly all their provisions are spoiled, and clothing mildewed, so that it is falling to pieces. They are now dependant upon roots, bark, and an insufficient supply of game, to save them from starvation. This and a few such men as Hosea Stout to be kept in chains will make their fate as hard as their worst enemies could wish. We pity them; and pity the man that don't.


Note: The letter from "I. P." was almost certainly a communication from Isaac Paden, the former presiding elder in the Knoxville LDS branch, located in the center of Knox Co., Illinois. By the first weeks of 1846 Elder Paden and most of his congregation had broken with "The Twelve" and were drifting into the ranks of the Strangites (where Paden became Strang's "presiding high priest over the District of Nauvoo and Southern Illinois). It is altogether likely that Paden helped make the arrangements for Mother Lucy Smith to relocate to Knox Co., where she and her son-in-laws and daughters, (Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Millikin and Mr. & Mrs. McLerie temporarily lived from mid-1846 until the spring of 1847. Paden owned a farm, located between Galesburg and Knoxville and Lucy may have lived there for a while. William Smith joined his mother at Knoxville late in 1846 and was with Lucy during at least part of her residence in Knox. Co. (See William's letters of Dec. 2, 7, 19, and 25, 1846 to J. J. Strang, typescripts in the University of Utah Library's Special Collections). Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Grant, the parents of William's deceased first wife, lived in the northern part of the county, near Walnut Creek, in what became Altona. William may have placed his children under the Grants' care in 1846. Finally, William's nephew, Joseph Smith III, recalled that his uncle was at this time engaged in activities at Galesburg, in the western part of the county, not far from Knoxville.

Vol. I.                                 Voree, W. T., June, 1846.                                 No. 6.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

Opinions of the Smith Family.

                                                            Nauvoo, May 11th 1846.
Dear Brother Hedlock.
  I sit down a few moments to send a line to you, by the hand of Brother Fielding. I have been always on good terms with you, and I hope we ever shall be, but the time has come when all the faithful elders should speak out. I saw your wife the other day poor and broken hearted; she has now gone to Galena to get a living. The Twelve and the brethren here have done all they could to ruin her; and gone off and left her to look out for herself, such is the charity of these men. The Twelve are not the appointed of God, to lead the church. James J. Strang has the appointment, and we have evidence of it. The whole Smith family excepting Hyrum's widow uphold Strang, and say this wilderness move is not of God. Do set the saints in order in England. My love to all the faithful. The family join in these sentiments.
                                                                        WM. SMITH.


                                                              Nauvoo, May 11th 1846.
My Dear Son,
  For so I must call you; as there is little time left me, I will be brief -- The church has passed through much affection, and it pains my heart that it should suffer more. The Twelve (Brighamites) have abused my son William, and trampled upon my children; and have also treated me with contempt. The Lord's hand is in this to save the church; now mark it, these men are not right. God has not sent them to lead this kingdom; I am satisfied that Joseph appointed J. J. Strang. It is verily so. Now, Brother Reuben I exhort you for the love you have for the truth to hear my voice, and warn the Saints concerning these things, and your reward shall be doubled in the heavenly world. This from your mother.
                                                                        LUCY SMITH.
                                                                        Mother in Israel.


This is to certify that we, the undersigned members of the Smith family, fully accord with the sentiments expressed above.

W. J. Salisbury,
Catherine Salisbury,
Arthur Milliken,
Lucy Milliken.

---

==> Our beloved brother Wm. Smith one of the Twelve and the only surviving brother of the martyred Prophet arrived in Voree with Bishop Wm. Marks a few days since. He is in good health and spirits, and is making arrangements to erect a house for his mother on a lot which a gentleman in this place has given him for that purpose. Br. William will be ordained to the office of Patriarch to the whole church under the hands of the first Presidency according to his inheritance and the blessing of his father.

---

==> Brother William Smith is making preparation to remove his mother to Voree. As soon as he can erect a house it is thought some of the Brethren will gi and fetch her up from Nauvoo without charge. Will not the brethren scattered abroad sens in a mere trifle to pay the travelling expenses? If the branches which feel for her sufferings in her declining years would each send one dollar, the necessary sum would soon be raised. -- Remittance for this purpose may be made by mail to Wm. Smith, Voree W. T. or Bishop Wm. Marks, Shabbona's Grove Ills.

---

On the 6th day of April in the year 1846 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, assembled in conference at Voree.

On motion of Elder William Marks it was unanimously Resolved that the Church receive, acknowledge, and uphold James J. Strang as President of this Church, Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator, with our faith and prayers.

Unanimously resolved, that we sustain and uphold Aaron Smith as Counsellor to the first President, by our faith and prayers,

It was unanimously resolved:

1. That we sustain and uphold Elder John E. Page by our faith and prayers and confidence as one of the Twelve.

2. That we cordially and affectionately invite Elder William Smith and Wilford Woodruff to take their places in the Church as members of the Quorum of the Twelve.

3. That Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, John Taylor, Willard Richards, George A. Smith and Lyman Wight be left to the ordinary course of discipline.

Whereas the organization of the Seventies has been involved in general confusion by appointing more than thirty Seventies [sic -- quorums of Seventies?] instead of seven, as the law of God requires, and of more than two hundred Presidents instead of seven, and finally by bringing into the seventies several hundred Elders who are not traveling Elders, and have not done any of the duties of the seventies.

Therefore resolved unanimously that in the opinion of the Conference the first Presidency should and ought to organize seven seventies, according to the law of the Church retaining all Presidents and members who legally hold their places and supplying the places of others.

Resolved unanimously that all persons holding any priesthood in this Church and standing in rebellion against the first Presidency and the regular authorities of the Church, be suspended of all their official function, and all power of their priesthood during the continuance of their rebellion and that all acts done by them by virtue of their several offices or priesthood be void.

Resolved unanimously that this conference solemnly protest, in the name and behalf of the whole Church against the sale of the Temple at Nauvoo and Kirtland.

2. That in our opinion the persons professing to act as trustees in trust at Nauvoo are not legally in office; and that titles to Church property given by them are not good.

---

                                                  Nauvoo, April 12, 1846.
Dear brother Strang,

As the conference held in this place by the Twelve or Brighamites, apostates from the true Church of Christ, is now over, and the last remnants of the bitter cup, with many of their deluded, and no doubt honest souls, are about starting west, some crossing the river daily, shivering with the cold and most starved, yes suffering for want of food and clothing: I thought it would not come amiss to give you a short sketch of the proceedings of the Conference and other matters

The 6th was rainy and the wind blew sharp and cold, consequently orders were given by Orson Hyde for meeting to wait till pleasant weather. -- The 7th was also cold and muddy, and the very elements seemed displeased; no meeting. The 8th a large body gathered on the meeting ground. Mr. Hyde and a Mr. Babbit, appear as the only guns now in the city, Mr. B. is professionally a Lawyer and Minister, known in this city as the established agent and mouth piece of the now fallen and apostate Twelve. They discoursed most of the forenoon in a slanderous, as well as ridiculous manner, concerning Wm. Smith, and the mother of the Prophet, whether it was right to fulfil their promises in deeding to mother Smith a house & lot. It was however decided that the Trustees should act at their discretion, and the subject was left with them to decide, the fear was that William, or the Smith family, would be benefited after her death. In order that they should not, a precaution must be taken, and what will be done remains to be told hereafter. Already their acts bespeak their spirit, and the extent of their wonderful charity they have so loudly professed towards the Smith family. At 3 o'clock P. M. met again, they filled up the afternoon in slandering the Smithites and Strangites. Mr. Hyde with his peculiar style of sophistry beat up for the wilderness all Joseph's measures. Mr. Babbit blows and strikes. A statement was made by Mr. Hyde that I had requested my standing again in the Quorum of the runaway Twelve. This statement I pronounced a falsehood, but it may be proper to state that this is the manner that the Twelve have kept up their wilderness fever, by hints, and winks that Joseph taught them &c., that he is with them on the road, that Emma Smith and her son Joseph, William and mother Smith with all the family were going with them, and would be on the road by and by, "all understood," "don't you understand it." In this way many of the saints have been led off under false pretences, verily believing that my friends were in favor of this wild goose chase but be ye not deceived latter day saints, it is not so. God is not well pleased with this move, neither are his saints.

At the close of conference a blank letter with a bullet in it, was handed to Hyde, then a hurrah was raised against Wm. Smith and the Strangites. Their cursings and their damning threats showed not only the barreness of soul, but their apostate condition from the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Hyde charging it to Wm. Smith, runners are sent in every direction to excite a persecution. Yet I think on the blessed promises of the Savior when we are thus persecuted, for the good book says, "blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against 'you falsely.'" Several brethren have just called into Mother's to see us. Mother is in tears, I am cautioned, my life is threatened, and some have said that I will be a murdered man in on weeks time. The Lord only knows, I am his servant and am ready to be offered, surrounded by false brethren; Joseph and Hyrum were martyred and I am no better than they. My persecutors have the same murderous spirit; they would join a mob, but what is worse, a church to sanction such deeds of death; O shame, where is [thy] blush? Oh, my soul "come not thou into their secret, unto their assembly, mine honor be not thou united." Rumour says again this letter was sent by an insulted husband whose wife had been taught to stray from the path of virtue, and to part from her companion to go to California. Such things are daily occurring; how heart rending to hear the wife, the husband, mourn and sob and the orphans weep, since the proclamation of the Twelve setting all free, the parting of husband and wife, the stealing of children. I think sometimes can it be really possible that a professedly christian people could do such things, but every day experience teaches us that such is the case that it is a part of their faith. And let it be told that at the very time of the endowments in the courts of the Lord, the Twelve had fiddling and dancing going on, What folly! These are common events in Nauvoo, but it is the legitimate fruits of the present [reign]. The swearing, dancing, vanity &c., exhibited by Elders and boys in the street, amply show that the cause of their removal is transgression.

I may inform you that during the Conference our meetings were [well] attended. Preaching by the faithful Elders. Hundreds are turning their courses for your place. It begins to look like old Mormonism again, love and union prevails and a church with a head, a Prophet to lead it can alone have good order, which strictly prevailed amongst us, and I trust all the truly honest will return to the fold of Christ & not follow these wicked rulers into the wilderness: I have not time to speak of my trials, and wrongs inflicted upon me, by the ambitious tyrants, usurpers, but will give it in full on some future occasion. Suffice it to say, that such has been the boasts of those apostates, that they have said, they would destroy the influence of any who would oppose them, by [ruining] their character: It is true they have power with their numerous tongues, and their press to do much injury, but, still I care not for this. Sufficient is coming to light of their unhallowed deeds, to silence every tongue that speaks in their behalf. Ever since Joseph & Hyrum's death the Twelve with their confederates in the Church, have done every thing they could possibly do, against me, and the whole Smith family, my mother and Mrs. Emma not excepted. Cutting off from the Church by private council has been resorted to, and others appointed to act in their place and records being made of the same, without the consent or knowledge of the Smith family. Thus are we trampled under foot; I will now conclude with prayers for your salvation and all the saints. I send you a Revelation in answer to prayer concerning the Twelve, and in answer to a filthy, lying spirit manifested through Orson Hyde, all at your disposal to publish, also some verses of poetry, all of which I would like to see in the Voree Herald, and when I have a more convenient season, I will speak of the treacherous dishonesty the Twelve have practiced upon me in regard to my Patriarchal office, as well as their plans of seduction and the many innocent females they have seduced, these & many other causes of complaint have turned the influence of the Smith family against them and for their usurpation and trampling us under their feet, we will leave the honest in heart to judge between us. It is not for personalities I speak but for the preservation of good morals and the laws of the Church. I also send you the article out of which Orson Hyde made his false statement, all of which I request to be inserted.     My love and friendship to the true saints.     WM. SMITH.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Vol. I.                                 Voree, W. T., July, 1846.                                 No. 7.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

I have since I returned to Nauvoo last, for the first time been apprised of an appointment made by Joseph Smith to James J. Strang. On hearing this, I took pains to gather all the evidence that could be adduced to see if there was any foundation at all for the claims of Mr. Strang.

I called in to see sister Emma, to enquire concerning the appointment. Sister Emma says that Joseph received a letter from Mr. Strang -- Hyrum was present, and he called in J. P. Green; at first Joseph thought all was not right, but Hyrum thought otherwise. They talked over matters a while and came to the conclusion that Joseph would write a letter; so Joseph and brother Green went out for that purpose.

Emma also states that her son Joseph saw a woman come into a room in Far West, Mo. and told him this church would go to Voree; the boy was only eight years old. Joseph, his father, was in jail at the time -- the boy remembers the vision, &c. Joseph before he was martyred, when on his way from the temple hill home, saw a vision, and his mother recollects that when he came home he put his hands upon his eyes and prayed that the vision might pass, and that he stated that he heard as it were music in the Heavens, but the notes were low and sad as though they sounded the requiem of martyred prophets.

I remember myself that Joseph said; "My work is almost done; I feel that I shall rule a mighty host, but not in this world; the wolves are on the scent &c." Joseph bid his wife and mother farewell saying, I am going as a lamb to the slaughter; this was his impression. And I further state that Joseph did not appoint the twelve as his successor, and I was in the last council with him and had an opportunity of hearing and knowing his sentiments in regard to these things.

I also heard Joseph say that should the time ever come that Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimbal would lead this church, that they would lead it to hell. This was said in the hearing of sister Emma Smith. -- The whole Smith family of Joseph stock join in sustaining J. J. Strang.

It is to remembered that, soon after Joseph and Hyrum's death, brother Green died, and he was heard by numerous individuals to say that Joseph had appointed Strang.

                                                    WILLIAM SMITH.

This is to certify that the Smith family do believe in the appointment of J. J. Strang.

William Smith, Patriarch.
Lucy Smith, Mother in Israel.
Arthur Milliken,
Nancy Milliken.
W. J. Salisbury.
Catherine Salisbury.
Sophronia McLerie.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Vol. I.                                 Voree, W. T., August, 1846.                                 No. 8.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

Letter of Lucy Smith Mother in Israel to the Brighamite Trustees, in answer to a proposition from them that she could have her inheritance only on condition that her son William should not be admitted to her house.

                                                                        March 22d, 1846.
Messrs Babbitt, Heywood and Fulmer. -- I received your letter of to-day, by the hand of the black boy, and I may inform you that I cannot describe my feelings when I perused its contents, such proscribed views as you have there advanced shows plainly that I am the agrieved party, wronged as I am out of a home, long promised to me by my son, and since his death the promises were renewed all last Summer and Winter, and the last thing that Brigham said to me was, I should have a home and be provided for, in all my wants, and I think now if he were here he would not do as you have done, but you restruct my conscience, put limits to my afection, threaten me with poverty, if I do not drive my children from my door because the resent insult and abuse, that has been heaped upon them without measyre, but I grieve for them, I am old my feelings are tender! Yet I must not complain. No, although my children have been the Fathers and Founders of the Church, and spent their all in its service, yea have not withheld their lives, but have been sacrificed on the altar of Mobocracy and at the feet of wicked men, have been torn from their widowed Mother. This is not enough but I am called upon to banish from my home the few of my family who are left as my only solace, as you so proudly and wickedly ask me to do, or my support shall be withheld from me, but thank kind Heaven that has implanted in my bosom affection which gold cannot buy, and which bribes cannot break the vords of, affection that binds me to the children of my bosom even eternity itself cannot break, they are interwoven with the finest arteries of my heart, and the love that flows through them is the only principle that enlivens and cheers me in this vale of tears. You would have me forsake my children in order that you may give me a living, but let it not be said that in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a mother has to forfeit all [natural] ties, to cut asunder the cords of affection that bind her to her children, or she shall not have a subsistance. Tell it not to the World, let it not be heard among natures sons of the forest. I think no Christian Spirit could have dictated such cold charity to me or any one who merits other treatment.

A headless body has no life you say, but it may have pockets into which the head when in its place put the means of my subsistence. I do look for help some way. Provide me a house and do as you think best, if I suffer more my God will plead my cause, something must be done for Spring is coming on. As to the head of the Church I am Mother and ask obedience to the Law of God, and all will be right and none that feel as Joseph did will wrong his Mother, his Brother, or his Sisters. What is done I would like to have done immediately. Give me a deed to a house and lot and advance the Quarterly sum. A part of my family have left me today and I expect William to be gone soon and he will go and come as the Lord directs him. I wish to be cultivating a garden soon, I have no means, no food but coarse corn meal and I am old and feeble in health -- Will you call and see me and talk on these affairs[?] As to William he is my son and he has rights. As to the twelve you say they have rights, but who shall decide between them. Are you the judge. The Twelve speak against William, and William speaks in his own defence. You say he slanders them, he says they have slandered him and robbed him of his rights and done other thinfs as well but I shall leave these things to one who is a just God and will measure to all men their just deserts in the day of accounts. As to the merits of my children none are more worthy to have an inheritance in the city of Joseph and you are now living on the labor of their hands. I will not speak of this further, as it excites my tender feelings, to think that any should be so heartless as to consider that after their labors for years in sickness, in persecution, and perils by sea and land, and suffering privations and the loss of all thing[s] to protect the Prophet my son and build up the Lingdom of God, and now they are not worthy of an inheritance. O shame! where is thy blush? Let this be a sufficient rebuke from your Mother in Israel, Amen.                                                             Lucy Mack Smith Mother in Israel.
P. S. -- Can it be possible that I shall be driven to the necessity of calling upon others, or looking to another source for help, God forbid.


Note: For the LDS Church's response to (and its explanation of the circumstances of) Lucy Mack Smith, at Nauvoo in 1846, see the article "Mother Smith" in the Nov. 14, 1849 issue of the Frontier Guardian.

Vol. I.                                 Voree, W. T., September, 1846.                                 No. 9.

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."

KIRTLAND.

A conference was held at Kirtland on the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of August and the Stake at that place reorganized according to the Law of the Lord and the word of his prophets.

The attendance was very general, nearly all the branches in Northern Ohio being represented. President Strang presided -- Lester Brooks was ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Lester Brooks and Moses Smith of the Twelve, and Martin Harris and Hazen Aldrich, High-priests with several Elders were appointed to go to England. A full set of officers of the stake were appointed, and a most perfect state of union produced.

The Saints in Kirtland are in full legal and peaceable possession of the Temple of God in that place. They hold it by legal title. The usurpers have brought a suit against them, and after preparing the cause for trial they withdrew the suit and paid up the cost leaving the true Church in possession of the Temple. Moreover the organization includes nearly every person in Kirtland who held a standing in any of the parties into which the Church has been divided.

The following resolutions were passed.

Resolved unanimously. That we believe Joseph Smith late President of the Church, was a prophet of the most high God, called to be a Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Translator, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and an Elder of the Church. That God spoke to him from Heaven, and gave him Commandments, and ministered to him by his holy Angels, and inspired him, and gave him power to introduce this dispensation and institute this Church according to the will of God.

Resolved unanimously. That we acknowledge the authority of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants as they have been heretofore held in the Church; but in all cases where the various copies disagree, or of doubtful authority, we will acknowledge the true word, as it shall be ascertained to have been originally established.

Resolved unanimously. That we will uphold and sustain by our faith and prayers all the authorities, Priesthoods, Presidencies, Councils and Quorums of this Church according to the Laws of the Church, and the commands of God, as laid down in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.

Resolved (one vote in the negative). That we sustain and uphold with our faith and prayers, and acknowledge in his administration James J. Strang, as First President of this Church, and as the duly appointed successor to Joseph Smith, as Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Translator unto this Church, according to the Law of the Church, and the word of God.

Resolved unanimously. That we will be governed in all things by the Law of God.

Resolved unanimously. That we utterly disclaim the whole system of Poligamy known as the spiritual wife system lately set up in Nauvoo, by the Apostates who claim the authority there, and will neither practice such things nor hold any fellowship with those that teach or practice such things. The High Council consists of:

Hiram L. Rounds,
William Cowdery,
Amos Ranney,
Daniel Bliss,
Roger Plaisted,
James Stray,
Preserved Harris,
James Crompton,
Martin Harris,
William Fuller,
Luman Carter,
John Andrews.

The Presidency consists of Leonard Rich, Amos Babcock and Sylvester B. Stoddard, and Jacob Bump as Bishop.

---

RIGDONISM.

We have for some time contemplated publishing an article reviewing the foundations of Rigdonism but have delayed it from time to time, until it has become needless. Rigdon's cause is lost. His organization is broken up and will never be renewed. There was much of honesty, integrity and talent in his organization, but it was not the true church. It was a fine edifice built on a rotten foundation. As the foundation sunk the superstructure fell in pieces and no man can rebuild it.

Truth cannot be built up on a lie; Rigdon was one of the First Presidency and as such was above the Twelve (D. & C. sec. 3d, p. 12 -- sec. 104 p. 7th) and had a right to preside over the Church and the High Council, in the absence of Joseph Smith or his duly appointed successor (D. & C. sec. 5th, p. 6th). But this does not make him the successor, or give him the First Presidency. The moment he set up that claim he became a usurper. And when he organized a new church, April 6th, 1845, the falsity of his position became too obvious, (see D. & C. sec. 7th, para. 20, 85, p. 3d). The arguments now relied upon in Rigdon's favor by his few remaining followers are about as ridiculous as those relied on by the Brighamites. The chief reliance seem to be on sec. 85 of the D. & C., par. 3d, which says that Sidney Rigdon and F. G. Williams are accounted equal with Joseph in holding the Keys of this last Kingdom, which was introduced April 6th, 1830, not 1845. It is difficult to perceive on what ground any one can imagine this to make Rigdon the First President of the Church. It gives Joseph the keys of the Kingdom, for time and eternity. It gives Rigdon the same at present but with no assurance for the future. It recognizes in Joseph the oracles, the word of God, and leaves Rigdon and Williams to receive the word of God through the administration of Joseph, thus putting them under him instead of making them successor to him. So Rigdon understood the revelation, and so he acted from 1833 to 1844. Unless this be the true construction of the revelation his whole life for 11 years is but a living lie.

We have got now a record of some forty prophecies made by him within 2 years. The time for the fulfilment of a score of them is passed and not one is fulfilled, but we have not thought proper to show him up on them for teo reasons. First the breaking up of his organization renders it unnecessary; second, Rigdon is insane, is a mere monomaniac. The things he has done no man of his talent ever did while in his right mind. There is no mistake about these matters, and no room for any two opinions. He is as certainly now a maniac as he has one spark of honesty or one grain of common sense.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Truth  Shall  Prevail."
Vol. I.                           Voree, W. T., December, 1846.                         No. 12.

THE  FIRST  PRESIDENCY.

Young Joseph Smith, (eldest son of the martyred prophet) has been appointed one of the first presidents of the church, by revelation, in the place of his uncle Hyrum, and William Marks has been appointed his coadjutor, in like manner. The First Presidency now consists of James J. Strang (in place of Joseph Smith martyred), (George J. Adams, (in place of Sidney Rigdon, apostatized), and Joseph Smith, (in place of Hyrum Smith, martyred), William Smith, (the only surviving brother of Joseph and Hyrum), is the Chief Patriarch, and as the Patriarch of the whole church has always held a seat in the councils of the first presidency, as coadjutor, that high prerogative will be freely accorded to him, by virtue of his patriarchate.

---

JOHN  E.  PAGE

We never speak of this man but with reverence and the most profound respect. He is a venerable president of the college of apostles, and has grown gray in the faithful service of the church. No man has done more for the cause than he, and we hope soon to see him again in the field, that his giant intellect and towering eloquence, may be brought to bear against the abominations of the wicked and rebellious of the earth. His name is of itself a tower of strength, and we feel proud to associate with such a noble spirit. We hope the church will soon relieve him from all pecuniary embarrassments as to enable him to take apostolic charge, and execute the prerogatives which pertain to that high ecclesiastical functionary.

---

VOREE

The PSEUDOS have stealthily reported that Voree is to be abandoned for the Big Beaver Island enterprise, or the Indian mission, than which nothing is more untrue. Voree is to be built up as one of the stakes of Zion, according to, and in fulfillment of, revelation; though the seat of the Indian Mission, (Big Beaver Island in Lake Michigan,) is to be THE GREAT CORNER STAKE OF ZION, in accordance with another revelation. The one will not at all interfere with the other. The brethren abroad should be very careful how they give credence to the fabrications of the apostate heretical pseudos, in and out of Voree. Zion's Reveille and the Star in the East, will give the only correct information, and every faithful member of the church should take both papers.

---

INDIAN  MISSION

B. C. Ellsworth, (one of the Twelve), is directed to proceed immediately to the consummation of his instructions. He will find his commission with full powers, at Oswego, N. Y. His services thus far have been most acceptable, and he will be noticed more fully in our next.

---

WILLIAM  SMITH.

The apostates in Nauvoo kept up the story all winter that William Smith, and all the Smith family, would go west with them in the spring; but during all the same period they kept up a continual fire of their small artillery against his moral character.

Apostasy is always alike. The pseudos have the same way of doing business. They are intending to have William, and all the Smiths, though they have kept up a continual crash of scandal on his devoted head for months past.

When President Strang was in Philadelphia, the Brighamites got an article inserted in the Public Ledger, saying that William did not acknowledge Strang as President ir Prophet of the Mormon church. He immediately called on the editor, and had inserted in that paper a letter from William, in which he not only recognizes President Strang, but states distinctly that God has shown to him, by revelation, that James J, Strang is called of him to stand at the head of this dispensation.

Now the pseudos, after scandalizing him till his friends hardly dare defend him, have suddenly put out the boast that William was with them. If he was half as bad as they call him he ought to be.

But for their satisfaction we publish the following: --

                                      "City of Voree, Wisconsin, July 26th, 1846.
"To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
"BELOVED BRETHREN: --

"Inheriting, as I do, the office of patriarch by literal descent from my progenitors, and having been ordained thereunto, by the first presidency. and being thereby fully invested with the patriarchal authority, I deem it necessary at this time to address you a few lines for the confirmation of your faith in the great work of the last days. As to the claims of Brother James J. Strang, as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, I entertain no doubt whatever, as his appointment by my brother Joseph, and his confirmation by angelic administration, is in strict accordance with the law of God by revelation; for so Jehovah hath revealed it unto me, and I therefore, as your spiritual Father, bear witness to you all of the truth of these declarations; and as God has revealed to me his appointment of Brother Strang to said station, and the investing him with all keys and powers of the priesthood, I rejoice that I am able to confirm your faith, for God is now working gloriously for Zion. Come up, brethren, to Voree, the great gathering place appointed of God, here the people will have peace, and our Heavenly Father will here give us great prosperity. The people are remarkably friendly, and treat us with great kindness. Brethren, put your shoulders once more to the wheel, and let us show ourselves approved of God by acts of righteousness.
                                        Your brother,
                                                     WILLIAM SMITH,
                                              Patriarch of the whole church."


William Smith, Patriarch of the church, went to Kirtland last summer, and assisted President Strang efficiently in the re-organization of the church there. He was precluded from attending conference at Voree by severe indisposition. He is now at Knoxville with his mother, waiting for spring, to come to Voree. And that the pseudos may know what his faith is, we will inform them that he has just sent us us a correspondence between himself and an influential Brighamite, IN WHICH HE IS INFORMED OF THE DEATH OF HIS LATE BRIGHAMITE WIFE, and urged to join the emigrating party. His answer given in that letter concludes with these words:

"Candour and truth will prevail, and the honest saints will find it hard to kicj against it. Mormonism is of God, and James J. Strang is his prophet.
                                                  WILLIAM SMITH, Patriarch.

P. S. A letter from Wm. Smith to Gen. Bennett, dated Knoxville, Dec. 19, expresses his cordial co-operation with President Strang, and that he, and all the Smith family would remove to Voree early in the spring.

---

TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA

                                                  Voree, Dec. 29th, 1846.
Beloved Brethren: --

As I am the printer of the Reveille, as well as editor, you will perceive that my time is wholly occupied, and will the more cheerfully excuse me for not writing to you as often as I intended... I do rejoice with exceeding great joy at the glory which is about to illuminate the church... Some of the abominable PSEUDOS have been guilty of the most damnable heresy in inculcating the principles of the detestable "spiritual wife doctrine;" but, thank God, it has been consumed like stubble before the devouring flame. and its base and licentious advocates have been dispersed like chaff before the wind, or dew before the sun. Brothers Strang and Bennett have been sustained by the entire officiary of the church, and all the truly virtuous members, in putting down this vile and abominable doctrine... O, my brethren, live humbly before God, and in peace with all men; and the God of peace will refresh you abundantly.
                                        Your brother,
                                                    JOHN GREENHOW.

P. S. It may not be unprofitable to you, beloved brethren, to state that myself, Brother Bennett, and about 17 others met at the house of the Prophet on Saturday night last, (the 2d Jan.) for the purpose of praising and magnifying our God, whilst engaged in singing and the Prophet on his knees washing feet, there appeared a light, as consuming fire, and it sat upon each of our heads, and while the fire burnt still more increasingly not a hair was singed, and we united in singing, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning," &c.,   J. G.

---

(From the Cincinnati Commercial.)

FROM  THE  WEST.

Mormonism -- The Prophet -- The Pontiff -- Big Beaver Island Enterprise -- &c., &c.

Friend Curtis: -- As I promised to give you an occasional inkling of events in the regions of the north and as the Mormons, with their peculiar isms are attracting considerable attention, I think it would not be amiss to devote a few remarks to the subject. Their present head quarters, as you are aware, is Voree, a little village in Wisconsin where they are congregating in considerable numbers. Those who follow the new prophet are usually denominated "Strangites," and embrace in their number most of the talented. well disposed, honest, law abiding, and devout portion of the church. There are a few of what are called "Brighamite" Mormons, at Voree, who adhere to the emigrating camp, who have recently given some striking proofs of their thieving propensities, to the great annoyance of the citizens. It is supposed they were sent there to bring odium on Strang's adherents. Prophet Strang,(an attorney and Counselor at law by profession) is a small man, about thirty-two or three years of age, light complection, high forehead, intellectual, fluent in speech, of great suavity of manners, companionable, and in a word, what we would call a "first rate clever fellow." His extraordinary governing powers are easily accounted for by the fact that the "Latter Day Saints believe in him." As to whether he is a true or false prophet I will only say "there are various opinions about that." While the Prophet was in the east, last summer, the "Aaronic clique of Pseudo-Mormons." got up a molten calf and established image worship. The calf bawled loudly against the "New and Everlasting Covenant of God," and against "Masonary," "Odd Fellowship," and "all secret associations," whether of God, man, or the devil -- this, however, was soon vetoed by authority. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his Covenant," Psalms, 25-14. Their former Pontiff whom I saw in Nauvoo, in the palmy days of his military glory as "Joab, General in Israel," is with Strang. The Mormons used to call him their "forty-two pounder." He has filled many high and responsible situations with signal ability; and is a man of great prowess and energy of character. Whether he has been restored to the Pontificate, I am not advised; but he is evidently one of the confidential advisors of the Prophet. Adams, who was lecturing in Cincinnati, last spring, is now the editor of the "Star in the East" printed in Boston, and devoted to "Strangite" Mormonism. It is a beautifully gotten up pamphlet, but presumably you have seen it, I will not notice it in detail. It is pretty generally understood that Adams and young Joseph Smith are the right and left bowers of Strangism, but they do not take the ace. William Smith is the chief Patriarch and is a noble fellow. William Marks and John E. Page, William E. McLellin and John Hardy, are numbered with their great men. Mr. Strang's followers now number about fifty thousand, all told. From twelve to fifteen thousand gave in their adhesion in the eastern states last summer. What number they have in Europe I cannot say. They have a new project on foot, which they call the "Indian Mission," it is understood to be the establishment of a mission school, and a large colony or "stake" of their church, on Big Beaver Island," in Lake Michigan. The island is about twenty-four miles long, by eight wide on an average, and is one of the most delightful spots on earth, fertile, salubrious, and picturesque; which an enterprising population could make an earthly paradise. It has one of the best harbors and fisheries in the world -- there this unfortunate people will be free from unjust persecution, oppression, and violence; and can enjoy all the advantages of commerce and agriculture, the arts of civilization and education, the establishment of their peculiar religion and organization, without molestation. We shall look forward with much interest to the result of this new and grand enterprize and in its consummation we wish them success, happiness and prosperity, so long as they act justly towards all men, and no longer. What adds greatly to the beauty of the scenery is a little lake within the island itself, at one end of which the Indian Village was originally located. Kirtland and Voree are to be continued as "stakes," as they call them, but the island is, most unquestionably, to be the seat of power. This is truly a new era big with interesting events -- political, educational, and religious revolutions, (rapid yet bloodless) appear to be the order of the day.   Yours respectfully,
                                                          W. S. O.


Note: For Prophet Strang's relation of the endowment of "consuming fire," see the Aug. 17, 1848 issue of his Gospel Herald.