The  Mormons.

The last Keokuk Argus says, that a large body of Mormons are encamped on Sugar Creek, in Lee county, Iowa, about eight miles from Nauvoo. Others are constantly crossing over to the encampment. A new prophet, Strang, id creating a schism among them, by trying to prevent them from going. He wishes to induce them to go to Wisconsin. The famous "Twelve" are said to be in the company, and also all against whom there are any writs. The Quincy Whig says, there is a default in the Nauvoo Post Office of about $4,000; Elias Smith, a cousin of the late grand ringleader Joe, claims the funds as his own. A draft from the Department was drawn upon him. He put off the person who presented it with one story and another for some time, but finally told him, that he had need of the money himself; but that the Government need not complain, as it had robbed the Mormons of thousands of dollars in Missouri, and refused to make them compsensation.

---

William Smith, a younger brother of the late leader, is fulminating his proclamations from Cincinnati. In one of them he cuts off the unholy Twelve, because they have been indicted for counterfeiting the coin of the United States; also a Brother Rurley, an elder, because he is in the penitentiary at Alton, awaiting his trial for life.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Voree and the Prophet.

Voree, the present place of gathering of the Mormons, is situated on White River, a branch of the Fox in Wisconsin Territory, thirteen miles north of the Illinois line, 25 miles west of Lake Michigan, and on the line of Racine and Walworth counties. It combines many advantages for the building of a town, and is peculiarly adapted to the present condition of that people, deprived as they are of most of their means. The country around for a great distance consists of large farms, generally well improved, very productive, and in the immediate vicinity of good cash markets, consequently furnishing employ for great numbers of agricultural laborers who have not means to open farms of their own. Men of all trades find a ready market for their wares, as they must in any country too new to be well supplied and prosperous enough to pay. White River furnishes one of the best water powers for milling purposes found any where in the Territory. The improvement thereof and the building necessarily going on this season, will make it a most busy place, and give full employ to every one; and the facilities for business will hereafter give employ to a large population. The principal road through the Territory passes here, and there are four ports on Lake Michigan, each within a day's drive of the place. The flourishing village of Burlington, at which are mills and a large woolen factory, the property of those enterprising citizens, E. Perkins & Son, is but one mile distant.

In point of beauty, the place can hardly be equaled. It is situated on the south end of Gardner's Prairie which consists of dry lime gravel soil, generally rolling, a mile and a half wide, and three miles long, crossed by three large streams and watered by many springs; rising from six to twenty feet above the river and entirely surrounded by hills of moderate ascent, which are covered with timber. It is needless to say that such a place is healthy. If the Mormons shall there conduct themselves properly nothing is wanting to their prosperity and happiness.

The Prophet is thirty-three years old, rather below the middle size, slender constitution, of nervous temperament, enjoys very indifferent health, of mild temper and retiring habits, and apparently honest and earnest in all he says. Phernologically the moral and intellectual faculties predominate most decidedly, in a large head; among the other organs, self esteem is rather large and the organs of the animal passions are quite deficient. Mr. Strang was bred to the law, is entirely self-educated and a man of extensive and general reading. He is now engaged in connection with several leading citizens, in devising an enlarged and liberal system of com. schools for Wisconsin; is a warm advocate of temperance, and more or less connected with most of the benevolent enterprises of the age. In public speaking, his enunciation is tolerably distinct, very rapid and somewhat too loud. He is a close debater, generally mild in criticism, but in invective comes down like an avalanche. -- Both his views and his plans are very comprehensive and look forward to future generations as much as to the present.

He deprecates both the military and the mob spirit; looks upon the organization of military bands in the church as uncalled for, and a most fruitful source of opposition and jealousy, and goes very near as far as the Quakers for non-resistance; looking to peaceful avocations as a better security against molestation, than any armed defence whatever.

It is not his design to gather all the church into one place, but to appoint new places of gathering from time to time, assembling a few thousand at a place so as to secure a full enjoyment of the peculiar rites and ceremonies of his church, and at the same time, avoiding those jealousies which the assembling of the whole church at one place naturally engenders.

He has no connection with those who have recently exercised authority in Nauvoo, but regards them as usurpers. On the death of Joseph Smith, Strang claimed to be his successor by virtue of an appointment from Smith, but was rejected by the principal men in the church with so much promptness that most of the church did not hear of him at all. Poor, sick and friendless, but not discouraged, he sat down quietly to bide his time and prepare for the future. From this time the public scarcely heard of him till the first of January, when he came out with the first number of the "Voree Herald." This placed him antagonist to those in authority in Nauvoo in almost every point, and claiming to exercise authority over them, he immediately followed it up by summoning the principal men among them before him to answer for usurpation. Several among them, including two of the Twelve, responded to the summons, acknowledged his authority and are now preaching Strang the Prophet with great success. His friends estimate that he has now a majority of the church on his side. Teams are crowding to the new place of gathering from every direction, and Voree looks more like an encampment than a town. The Prophet lives in a most unostentatious style, in a room eight feet by twelve; furnished with a stove, table and two chairs. This with a small sleeping apartment, makes the accommodation for him, his amiable wife and two children. Well will it be for his people if they do not make him proud by flattery and adulation.

---

The Mormon Prophet.

We are situated this moment in a very peculiar situation -- a situation that the thoughts of ought, perhaps, to make us feel -- feel, -- well, wonderfully solemn, at least. But, perhaps, we don't realize that we are in the presence of "the prophet, high priest, and seer of the most high God." We don't feel queer, a particle -- we are as calm and cool as a cucumber. Indeed, we are much disposed to [quit] our most august visitor, notwithstanding he gravely and with nonchalance that is certainly beyond our ingenuity to unravel, undertakes to make us believe that he is the prophet of the most high.

James J. Strang, the Mormon prophet, sits beside us. He is a plain spoken man, about five feet nine or ten in height, a very high and uncommonly prominent forehead, light and very fine hair, freckled and somewhat florid complexion, and light hazel eyes, which are rather small and by no means indicative of his great intelligence. He has a great flow of language, and seems never to be at a loss for words to express himself. He is slow, and walks rather sluggishly, dresses very plain, and what would generally be called shabbily. Take him all in all, we must say if we had seen him in a crowd we should not have taken him for a prophet, or even anything above a common man. There is nothing about him to excite attention, and we certainly did not see anything extraordinary in his personal appearance and address. All men know, we suppose, the respect and awe that naturally fills the human breast in the presence of great or distinguished personages -- men known to fame and history. We have felt great embarrassment in the presence of superiors and have no doubt that were we in the presence of Clay, Polk, Webster, Calhoon, Sir Robert Peel or Louis Phillip, instead of James J. Strang, we should feel far from laughing them in the face. But we do feel just that way now, and it is, we think, a very expressive feeling of our opinion of this new Mormon prophet.


Note: The exact dates and the full contents of the two articles article providd above remain undetermined. The text is taken from a reprint published in the April, 1846 issue of the Voree Herald.

From Nauvoo.

The last State Register has a long and well written communication from a gentleman who is spending a week or two at Nauvoo, from which we make a few extracts. The writer takes a calm, and, as we conceive, a correct view of affairs in that region, and comes to the conclusion that at least latterly, the Mormons have been more "sinned against than sinning." We confine our extracts, however, to his mere statement of the present condition of things there, omitting reluctantly, for want of room, his severe but just comments on a recent article in the Quincy Whig, the reckless bloodthirstiness of which is worthy only of such a desperado as Bartlett.

I found, that the fact that the great body of the Mormons were about to leave, had drawn general attention to Hancock county, and Nauvoo was thronged with strangers, having an eye to speculation in real estate. The city contains several hundred good brick houses, with ground plots of an acre or more, many of which are now untenated, and most of which are for sale at very low price, not half their cost. A large amount of property has already changed hands, and it is presumed that, in a few months, the number of the Mormons in Nauvoo, will be less than half the population. The city has been overstocked; and, when the changes which have been going on shall have been completed, the sum total of inhabitants will be at least one third less than it has been. I think it will settle down to 7 or eight thousand. The estimated falling off, within the past month, is about 3000 out of 11,000; but it must be borne in mind, that very few of the new purchasers have as yet, moved in. Several fine farms have been recently sold, and great numbers are offered. An agent gave me a list of near forty, highly improved plantations, which will be disposed of on the lowest kind of terms.

The whole number of Mormons who have left amounted to 4,500, on the [third] of March. Several have gone east to ship via NewYork to California. Many have departed to parts unknoen, and quite a number have left for Wisconsin. Most of the latter are Strangites, and will form a community at Voree. The number in camp, and on their way westward, [falls but little] short of two thousand, and was [daily] augmenting by the addition of stragglers, pushing forward to join main body; which, like all large bodies, will move slowly. This body is led by the Twelve, and nothing but the necessary means has prevented the Mormons from accompanying their leaders, en masse. The universal desire seems to be to get away to a land of peace, but some are too poor to procure an outfir, and others are unable, as yet, to sell their property, at any price. Another company will leave in May, to be followed by another in June, by which time the Temple will be well nigh finished. The completion of this edifice is considered a religious duty, and the Mormons will die in their tracks, sooner than relinquish it before.

The idea of the 'Great Wall,' is abandoned, and a picket fence will be substituted. Strangers have free access to every part of the Temple, which contains nothing but lumber, tools, and old furniture. When in it, near a week ago, I noticed some 20 or 30 men engaged in the manufacture of waggons, and about one hundred at work on the vuilding itself. Several stores had been opened recently by [new] comers, and a majority of the Merchants in Nauvoo, at this time are other than Mormons. A social circle, composed of this class has been formed, and, in a few months Nauvoo will contain a mixed society, and, in this respect, will resemble other large river towns. The Mansion House is still kept by Mrs. Smith, but she leaves it in a few weeks, to give place to a landlord from St. Louis. The Great Nauvoo House is to be completed, and sold to the highest bidder. The Masonic Hall, and various other public buildings, are for sale dog cheap. The Temple will be left in the hands of agents, who will rent out the different halls in it for public meetings, and places of worship for any other denominations. The trustees of the Mormon property offer to furnish any religious sect with buildings in which to worship, free of charge, and the Catholics and Methodists are about organizing congregations. * * *.

I visited the Mormon camp last week, 8 miles west of Montrose; and were it not for the suffering of women and children, the sight would have been an exhilerating one. They number about 400 waggons with a train of 5 pieces of artillery, a printing press, a band of music and the star spangled banner, which they intend planting in California. They have with them most of the munitions of war, that were stored in Nauvoo, together with a kind of ponton train; and will open the way for those who are to come after them. They will stop on this side of the Rocky mountains, and put in a crop, wait to harvest part of it, and then move on to their ultimate destination before winter sets in. It is expected that they will assemble some 30 or forty thousand strong on the plains of California, and save Uncle Sam the trouble of negitiating for that privince. Great numbers are preparing to leave England and the eastern states, for the bay of St. Francisco. Those who have left Hancock county are as true hearted and patriotic a band of Americans as I ever met, and they [scorn] the idea of carrying any other flag than the 'stripes and stars.' 'They may expel us from the land,' observed one of the rank and file, 'but they cannot drive from our hearts the love of country.'

The statistics of the Mormons show upwards of 200,000 members in the United States.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Movements of the Mormons. -- The Mormon Expedition is now encamped about ten miles from Keosauqua, Iowa, and about fifty miles from Nauvoo. From their encampment empty wagons are daily returning to Nauvoo and some persons have returned on foot. The notorious O. P. Rockwell and Jack Redding have returned. On their way being asked why they came back, the said they were after some scalps.

The Mormons have now been encamped at Keosauqua several days. Their men hire themselves out to the farmers in the neighborhood and they seem disposed to remain for some time. There is some mystery in this movement, and much curiosity to know what it means. We suspect the secret lies here. -- When the Twelve arrived at Keosauqua they learned that Bill Smith had returned and was figuring largely in Nauvoo. They also learned that the Strangites had gained considerable strength after they left. They therefore determined to halt and send back empty wagons for more provisions and send back their bullies, Rockwell and Redding, to frighten certain obnoxious persons out of Nauvoo.

In the mean time, a revelation by Orson Hyde, has been published, in which he denounces Strangism in the strongest manner. -- It is evident that Smith and Strang are giving the Twelve much trouble and if accounts from Nauvoo can be credited, will soon contend for the Holy City.

Many of the teams that return from the camp cross over the Island, instead of going to the city. This looks suspicious, for this Island is the theatre of more villainy than the City itself.

There have been a large number of births in the Mormon camp. The children nearly all died or were out to death. They were buried [under] brush heaps near the camp. -- Warsaw Sig., March 25


Notes: (forthcoming)

TEMPLE  TO  LEASE.

The undersigned Trustees of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, propose to lease on favorable terms, for a period of twenty years, “The Temple” in this city for religious or literary purposes.

---

Dedication of the Temple of God in the City of Nauvoo. -- This splendid edifice is now completed and will be dedicated to the Most High God on Friday the last day of May, 1846. Tickets may be had at the Watch House, near the door of the Temple, at One Dollar each.

One object of the above is, to raise funds to enable the workmen who have built the Temple to remove to the west with their families, and all who are disposed to see the Mormons remove in peace and in quietness so soon as circumstances will allow, (which is the ernest wish of every Latter-day Saint) are respectfully invited to attend. We expect some able speakers from above to favor us.

Done by order of the Trustees in Trust.
James Whitehead, clerk.

---

PROSPECTUS.

THE HANCOCK EAGLE.

THE NEW ORDER OF THINGS.

... Our object in commencing the publication at this juncture, is to anticipate the new order of things which will inevitably result from the changes now taking place in the civil, ecclesiastical, and domestic polity of this large city and the country adjacent.

Nauvoo and its immediate suburbs, until recently, contained over 15,000 inhabitants -- the greater part of whom were known as 'Mormons' -- of these, some two or three thousand have already left together with an equal number from the country. A majority of those remaining, will, in due season depart upon their pilgrimage towards the setting sun. The high council is dissolved, and the church organization has been entirely broken up to be reestablished, we opine, in some distant region whose waters flow into the Pacific Ocean. The Twelve with their thousands of followers have abandoned their Temple and their city; with them, goes all that the enemies of Mormonism regard as inimical to the genius of our institutions and the well being of the community at large....


Note: The Voree Strangites were not impressed with the Hancock Eagle's claims of purported neutrality in the mormon/anti-Mormon struggles at Nauvoo. See the April, 1846 issue of the Voree Herald.

[Editorial reaction to a letter from Major Warren, saying that Gov. Ford would soon disband the troops] Should a rigid enforcement of the governor's construction of the Mormon stipulation be carried into effect, the most that can come of it will be either an indiscriminate slaughter of women and children, or the infliction of a burthen upon other countries in the shape of paupers. On the contrary, if the Mormons are permitted to retreat peaceably, with all the despatch they can possibly make, we shall, in due time, be rid of their presence, and save our character for leniency and humanity.

---

The  "Camp  of  Israel"

This is the "title and address," which has been adopted by the company of Mormons now on their way Westward.

A mail carrier arrived here on Monday last from the Camp, and reported the pioneer party, or head of the Column, as having crossed the tributaries of the Chariton river, over 150 miles distant. By this time they are probably on the Banks of the Missouri.

Thus far, everything has gone favorab[ly] with the exception of the breaking down of a few overladen wagons. The party is in good health and spirits -- no dissensions exist; and the Grand Caravan moves on slowly but steadily and peacefully. Their progress has been materially retarded by the want of fodder for their live stock; -- the grass not having fairly started, reduced them to the necessity of laboring for the farmers on the route to supply the deficiency.

They travel in detached companies, from five to ten miles apart and in point of order, resemble a military expedition.

We visited the Camp before it broke up on the opposite side of the River, and, with other strangers, were highly interested in the romantic and exciting display of border enterprise.

It bore the appearance of a moveable town, the wagons and tents being arranged on either side of large streams, and public spaces left for the cattle, as we see in some of our River cities. Tattersals never turned out a lot of such broken down nags as are to be found attached to this expedition.

If they ever reach California, their dependence must be partly upon slow traveling and partly upon miracle -- but chiefly upon the latter.

Our visit was made during the intensely cold weather of February, and notwithstanding the tents were blocked in by snow drifts and their occupants subject to the rigor of a hyperborean tempest, the scene presented a cheerful and animated aspect.

We ventured to express our surprise, that notwithstanding the severity of the weather and their apparent lack of household conveniences that such a manifestation of hilarity should every where prevail. A Mormon philosopher satisfied us on this point by saying that "their good spirits was their chief dependance and pretty much all they had to rely upon for comfort."

He might have stolen this doctrine from Hamlet but at any rate deserves credit for the practice of it.

The bulk of mankind reverse this principle and trust to bodily comforts for the maintainance of cheerfulness.

Like any person who may visit the "Camp of Israel," and is in possession of the common necessities of life, will leave it better satisfied with his condition in life.

If the Mormons do not suffer some before they reach California we are not gifted with the spirit of prophecy.

It is the intention of at least some of the companies that leave this spring to halt in the valley of the Sweet Water River and put in a crop for the subsistence of themselves and others who may follow.


Note: The second article reproduced above may have actually appeared in the April 10th issue of the Eagle. The text is taken from reprints in the April, 1846 issue of the Wisconsin Voree Herald and the May 9, 1846 issue of the Lacon Illinois Gazette.

William Smith is at Nauvoo. He says his object is, to gather his family together, and with such Mormons as will go with him to remove immediately out of the state. -- He intends, if possible, to secure to the church all the real estate which justly belongs to them. -- Sang. Jour.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons.

We have just received the Hancock Eagle of Friday last, in which we find a letter from Maj. Warren, in which he announces to the citizens of Hancock county that "he has been directed by the governor to disband the force under his command, on the first of May, [pro-----]." The Maj. also says that "ot appears to be the understanding of the governor and the state at large that the term stipulated for will expire on that day," "that the removal of the entire Mormon population has been looked forward to as the only event that can restore peace and quiet to that portion of the state;" and that "for the peace of the inhabitants and honor of the state, public expectation must be satisfied."

The editor of the Eagle, although he declares that he is anxious as any one for the speedy removal of the Mormons, protests against the rigid enforcement of this "understanding" of the governor, abd affirms that instead of hastening it will delay their departure. If the horrors of war, he says, are to be let loose on all who cannot get away by the time appointed, it will induce many to stand by their friends, who, but for this, would soon be on their way to the regions washed by the Pacific Ocean. "No earthly exertion," he continues, "appears to be spared to fit out and send off families with all possible dispatch, and the most exorbitant prices are paid for wagons, horses, and oxen, rather than suffer a temporary delay by sending for them elsewhere. In fact, all the energies of man are taxed to provide the means of an immediate removal. We submit it to every stranger who has visited this city, if such is not the fact."

"Now if these preparations are permitted to go on uninterrupted -- if the Mormons are allowed to go off peaceably, as fast as they can collect the means for a subsistence in the wilderness -- but a few weeks will elapse before their numbers here will be reduced so low that the remainder can be dealt with as circumstances may dictate." But should a rigid enforcement of the governor's construction of the Mormon stipulation be carried into effect, the most that can come from it, will be either an indiscriminate slaughter of women and children; or the infliction of a burthen upon other counties in the shape of paupers. On the contrary, if the Mormons are permitted to retreat peaceably, with all the despatch they can possibly make -- we shall, in due time, be rid of their presence, and save our character for leniency and humanity."

The case of the Mormonsm it cannot be disguised, is a hard one. They have built a large city and made a number of fine farms. To be obliged to forsake these even if paid for them, is hard enough; but to be driven from their homes like banditti, the innocent with the guilty, without receiving any remuneration for the property they leave, is a cruelty disgraceful to our state and the age in which we live.

---

Nauvoo.

The holy city of Nauvoo, under the domination of the Prophet and the Twelve, was greatly benighted, the Warsaw Signal and Quincy Whig had convinced us long ago; but it was not until we received the second no. of the Hancock Eagle that we were able to find out more specifically in what respect the city was so greatly behind the enlightenment and civilization of the age. It appears the new editor, on his first advent into the holy city, looked about him, as a civilized and enlightened man naturally would, for one of those indispensible adjuncts of civilization, a grocery, but to his infinite surprise and chagrin, he was unable to find a single one. He next visited the hotels, thinking at least there he might obtain a drop of civilized aqua vitae, but it was "no go," and upon further prosecuting his researches, he actually found that such a thing as a julep, sling, cobler, punch, white eye, or anything whatever in the shape of a phleghm-cutter or anto-fogmatic was not to be purchased within all the boundaries of the holy city. What makes the matter the more remarkable is, that there is not a temperance society in the city, nor is the sale of liquor forbidden by any municipal enactment or regulation. The editor consoles himself, however, by the reflection that, "At the [rate] which a new order of beings are gathering here, it is fair to to presume that this barbarous state of things will not long continue, as it is supposed that the emigrants now concentrating upon Nauvoo, will bring with them a "touch of civilization."


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARREST OF O. P. ROCKWELL. -- O. P. Rockwell was arrested between the hours of 12 and 1 last night by Sheriff Backenstos, assisted by five of the rifle corps, on a writ in which he is charged with the killing of Worrell. He offered no resistance. nor was any attempt made to rescue him this morning, although surrounded by hundreds, and but imperfectly guarded by four or five persons. -- Rockwell was in bed at the time of his arrest, and, on application being made to the house where he lodged, the owner at first refused to give him up. This was met by Backenstos with a threat to force the house unless Rockwell was immediately surrendered. All objections were thereupon withdrawn and the arrest quickly made.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Arrest of O. P. Rockwell. -- The Hancock Eagle of May 1st, says, that O. P Rockwell was arrested between the hours of 12 and 1 last night by Sheriff Backenstos, assisted by five of the rival corps, on a writ in which he is charged with the killing of Worrell. He offered no resistance, nor was any attempt made to rescue him this morning, although surrounded by hundreds, and but imperfectly huarded by four or five persons. Rockwell was in bed at the time of his arrest, and, on application being made to the house where he lodged, the owner at first refused to give him up. This was met by Backenstos with a threat to force the house unless Rockwell was immediately surrendered. All objections were thereupon withdrawn, and the arrest quietly made.

Rockwell, it seems, had returned from the camp, with the mail bag, much to the chagrin of the remaining Mormons. He is, doubtless, a villain of the deepest die, and justice may yet exact its partial penalty in this world.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE TEMPLE IN THE MARKET. -- the deliberations of the great Mormon Council, which was held on Sunday last (on the occasion of the dedication) resulted in the passage of a resolution to sell the Temple, for the purpose of obtaining funds to effect a removal of the poor from the State...


Note: The above article evidently appeared in either the May 8th or the May 15th number of the Eagle. The text is taken from a reprint which credits the notice to a May 13th issue.

MORMON AFFAIRS, &c. -- A large majority of the mormons have already left the State, and those who still remain are husbanding their resources and working hard in order to procure an outfit. Most of the farmers have either disposed of their property or left it in the hands of agents. The city is half deserted, the bulk of improved property having been sold and the houses vacated. Hundreds of families are preparing to occupy the former homes of the Mormons, as soon as it becomes apparent that mobs have been suppressed and order predominates over anarchy. We know of many who are but waiting for the restoration of tranquility to move in; and under the better auspices which now begin to shed their influence upon the place, it cannot be doubted that Nauvoo will command a large population and enjoy a permanent prosperity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

To the Saints of Hancock County.

The following is a late proclamation of Strang, the new Mormon plate finder:

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, 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 also.

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.
                                Voree, April 1846.
                                James J. Strang.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Query, Will honorable men, Officers in the Army, be willing to have this Captain Backenstos thrust into their society, by this appointment, and be compelled to treat him as an equal? -- a person too, who we were informed by a gentleman of Menard County, was so well known in that region that 1,000 respectable persons could there be found, who would make oath that, according to the best of their knowledge and belief, he, (Backenstos) is the most unprincipled rascal in the U. States? Again we ask who recommended this appointment?


Note: The above question was put to the the Army and the public upon the appointment of former Hancock Co. Sheriff, Jacob. B. Backenstos, to the rank of captain in the regular Army, in May of 1846. According to the New York Tribune, a year before, Backenstos had been appointed "by the President to some lucrative office in the Lead Mines." The infamous "Jack-Mormon" thus severed his ties with his LDS allies and seems to have never again re-established that former close contact with them.

KIRTLAND  TEMPLE,
For sale.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints having come to a determination to sell all the church property, offer for sale the TEMPLE situated in Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio.

This splendid edifice will be sold on advantageous terms. For further information concerning it, address the undersigned Trustees of the Church.

ALMON W. BABBITT,      
JOSEPH L. HEYWOOD,      
JOHN S. FULLMER.      

---

Mormon Emigration. -- The Mormons still continue to leave, and the few yet amongst us are busily engaged in preparations for following as speedily as possible. The numbers ferried over the river during the past week falls far short of our previous reports for the same period, which may be ascribed to the fact that but comparatively few remain, and the circumstance of so large a body having rushed over during the war excitement, totally unprepared for a journey.

Many of the latter remain encamped on the opposite side of the river awaiting assistance from their friends to enable them to pursue their journey. Their condition is anything but comfortable. The number of teams reported as having crossed during the week, ending on Wednesday, is fifty-six, but we know not whether this includes either the Nashville or Fort Madison ferries.

The report that a portion of them are returning to the city, is destitute of any foundation whatever. Those who have scraped together enough to leave the State, could not be induced to return, and the unfortunates left behind seem impatient to escape from a position that subjects many of them to inconveniences which must render life a burthen as long as they are compelled to endure their present privations.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(Note: Copied from page 369 of Linn's The Story of the Mormons)

The division of the emigrants and their progress was thus noted in an interview, printed in the Nauvoo Eagle of July 10, with a person who had left Council Bluffs on June 26, coming East. The advance company, including the Twelve, with a train of 1000 wagons, was then encamped on the east bank of the Missouri, the men being busy building boats. The second company, 3000 strong, were at Mt. Pisgah, recruiting their cattle for a new start. The third company had halted at Garden Grove. Between Garden Grove and the Mississippi River the Eagle's informant counted more than 1000 wagons on their way west. He estimated the total number of teams engaged in this movement at about 3700, and the number of persons on the road at 12,000. The Eagle added: --"From 2000 to 3000 have disappeared from Nauvoo in various directions, and about 800 or less still remain in Illinois. This comprises the entire Mormon population that once flourished in Hancock County. In their palmy days they probably numbered 15,000 or 16,000."


Note: The Eagle's report was summarized in the Aug. 22, 1846 issue of Littell's Living Age.

NEW  CITIZENS'  MEETING.

At a meeting of the New Citizens of Nauvoo. held at the Temple, on the evening of August 12th, 1846, William Jones, Esq. was called to the Chair, R. W. McKinney appointed Vice President, and Joseph H. Daugherty, Secretary.

The object of the meeting having been stated by the Chair, that the citizens were called together to listen to the report of several of the New Citizens who went to the neighborhood of Green Plains, in conjunction with Col. Rooseveldt of Warsaw, to try if the Anti-Mormons could not be induced to return peaceably to their homes, and submit to the law as good citizens -- this community promising to prevail on those who had been lynched and kidnapped by the Regulators, not to prosecute them, whenever they should abandon their former objects against the peace and quiet of this city.

The meeting being called to order, the gentlemen, who had waited on the Anti-Mormons for the purpose before stated, severally stated the result of their interview. They stated the utter recklessness and want of courtesy exhibited by that party, precluded all hopes of treating with them. Several addresses were made during the evening in regard to the proper course to pursue in this juncture....

---

PUBLIC  OPINION.

                   From the Peoria Democratic Free Press.

A band of the anti-Mormons in Hancock county denominate themselves "Moses' Fire Insurance Company." Their business is to burn the dwellings, barns and stock-yards of all who object to their lawless proceedings, and who will not join in their plundering expeditions against the New Citizens.

Cannot our state authorities adopt some prompt and effective measures to check the doings of of these ruffians and to free the citizens from the danger to life and property that attend their presence wherever they go. If they are to remain in the state, their proper place of residence should be in the penitentiary at Alton, and we hope the proper steps will be taken to secure to them the public benefits that their conduct merits at as early a day as possible. The accounts of their doings that reach us daily, are truly disgraceful to the state. If we have statutes for the preservation of the lives and property of the citizens, and the dignity of the commonwealth. they should be promptly and rigidly enforced against the Regulators and all others in Nauvoo and its neighborhood who have been acting in a lawless manner.

---

                   From the Nashville (Tenn.) [Carthaginian].

Nauvoo. -- Great riots have occurred at Nauvoo, between the anti-Mormons and the citizens. Some days ago, while a few Mormons were at work in their harvest-fields, they were set upon by some unprincipled anti-Mormon villains, and almost flayed alive with hickory [switches?]. By this flagitious proceeding the good citizens of Nauvoo were much inflamed. They immediately arrested six or seven of these peace-breakers, and a party of about 80 set off in pursuit of the rest.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons in Texas. -- The Houston Telegraph of July 29th says:

"We learn that the Mormons have lately settled near Austin, are erecting a large flouring mill on a small stream about three miles above that city. They will probably form a permanent settlement at that point. The country in the vicinity is well adapted to the culture of wheat, and a large quantity of the grain was formerly raised near Austin; but owing to the want of a flouring mill its cultivation has been abandoned. There is no doubt that a sufficient quantity of wheat could be raised in that section to supply all the settlements on the Colorado; and its is possible that the Mormons, by erecting suitable mills for the manufacture of flour, may give a new stimulus to the culture of this valuable grain, and thus confer a lasting benefit in a country where it was feared their presence would be but the precursor of evil."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Note: From page 17 of David R. Crockett's "The Nauvoo Temple":

The mob gave trouble to many of the non-Mormons remaining in Nauvoo who had been friendly to the Saints. These citizens published a newspaper named the Hancock Eagle. On 5 October 1846, they reported that the Nauvoo Temple had sustained much damage from the mob. "Holes have been cut through the floors, the stone oxen in the basement have been considerably disfigured, horns and ears dislodged, and nearly all torn loose from their standing." Names had been carved in the woodwork of the large assembly room on the main floor.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Temple. -- A writer in the Cincinnati Atlas proposes, by way of a peace offering, that the more wealthy and intelligent inhabitants of Hancock County, unite and purchase the Mormon Temple, at its full value. He then suggests that it can be converted into an institution of learning, as the best means of atoning for the sins committed on both sides. If this cannot be done, he proposes that a subscription of stock be made throughout the State to accomplish the object; the subscribers holding such vested rights as to render permanent and certain the accomplishment of the object proposed -- the diffusion of knowledge. To our mind, a Common School would be a most desirable acquisition in Hancock county. The want of intelligence among the people was the chief cause of the Mormon disturbances.


Notes: (forthcoming)

... It appears the prophet Strang needed a new house, and he determined his followers should build it for him. So he called them together, and told them in consideration that [if] they should erect the house, the Lord had authorised him to promise them an extraordinary endowment. The building was soon completed, and now they apply for their reward. All the Saints were gathered together in the church, the prophet takes them through a variety of ceremonies, such as head washing, feet washing, &c., and concludes by anointing the heads of all with a composition "that had a queer smell." They are then directed to adjourn to another room that was totally dark where they were to receive the endowment, which was to be in the shape of an extraordinary and visible manifestation of the spirit, rendering them at once impregnable thenceforth to all the shafts of Satan. Arrived in the dark room, sure enough, the heads of all shone as if lit up by the brightness of [the] sun, and great was [the] rejoicing of the Saints thereat. But the prophet William, who was present, although staggered a little, mistrusted that "all was not gold that glittered," so he took some of the ointment and submitted it to an examination, and to the discovery! He found that it was a mixture of oil and phosphorus and that hence the whole illuminating operation was a gross cheat! He took the first opportunity to accuse the prophet Strang publicly and before the whole congregation of the imposition, who so far from denying it, coolly acknowledged the corn, and then preached a sermon, justifying the act and maintaining that all the miracles of Christ, Moses, &c., were wrought in the same way -- that is, by natural means. Of course, William could not longer hold fellowship with such a man.


Note 1: The exact date and full content of the above news item remains undetermined. The piece was copied into an early Oct. 1847 issue of the St. Louis New Era, which added the following introduction: "William Smith -- the surviving brother of "Joe" -- has published a manifesto in which he condemns Strang -- another Mormon leader, as an imposter (!) and announces his separation from him. In reference to the jar between these champions of religion and truth, the Ottawa Free Trader tells the dollowing story:" The New Era article was reprinted in the Illinois Carrollton Gazette and the Missouri Whig of Oct. 28, 1847 -- from which the above text was transcribed.

Note 2: When Jame J. Strang did not extend sufficient "patriarchal powers" to his recent convert, William Smith, that brother of Joseph began to go his own way. As the two leaders fell out of fellowship, Strang threatened to expose Williams continuing experiments with secret polygamy and William decided to expose Strang's religious chicanery. In the summer of 1847 Strang began church proceedings against William Smith for adultery, which culminated in William's excommunication in October, 1847. Strang's disfellowshipping of William Smith from the Strangite church, for "gross immorality," was disclosed in the Sept. 15, 1847 issue of the Quincy Whig. Subsequently the Warsaw Signal announced that "Bill has issued a Pronunciamento and a Proclamation to the brethren -- in which he claims to be the true Church himself, and that the new 'Stake of Zion' is to be located at Palestine, Lee Co., Illinois, some where on Rock River. They are published in the Ottawa Free Trader." One of these two publications was an anti-Strang broadside which William had printed in late September, 1847, at Ottawa, Illinois, by the Free Press, entitled: William Smith, Patriarch & Prophet of the Most High God -- Latter Day Saints, Beware of Imposition! In that sheet William proclaimed that "Mr. Strang has knowingly and wilfully lied in the name of the Lord, in promising an endowment to the Saints, and then mixing oil with phosphorous and palming it off upon them as that endowment."

                                                        City of Palestine, Lee Co., Ill.
                                                                March 24th, 1848.

Dear Brethren: -- The short space allotted me in this sheet to write, will not permit me to give the particulars of my present situation, nor paint to you in full the mortification of feeling I have endured or suffered since the death of our Prophet and Patriarch, in beholding the spirit of rivalry and usurpation that has crept into the Church, to the almost entire sacrifice of the principles of our holy religion. To me it is a source of much regret, to think that men who once stood high in the Church, and to all human appearances, had enjoyed much light, would so regardless of their profession and high calling, carry their envious WARFARE into a barren desert, "a land that needs irrigation to produce vegetation," (bearing the evident marks it is a land that God has cursed;) at the hazard of the church and the sacrifice of so many lives, and what is still worse, they persist in the same iniquitous doctrines that have so recently characterized their proceedings in Nauvoo -- hypocrisy, calumny, and destruction, -- and for the very things they teach as being acceptable to God in some, they put down in others, and scarcely a man, of however low degree, and debauch in character that would enlist in the war against William Smith, and the widow of the martyred Prophet, his mother, and the few remaining remnants of a persecuted and afflicted family. But that they have given them, high office and free access to all the privileges of their organization, and the more these have robbed and persecuted us, the more they have been applauded and favored in their midst -- notwithstanding all our labors and zeal to build up the church; and to lay the foundation of this mighty work from the beginning.

A. Babit, one of their agents, and a Brighamite, is now prosecuting a suit against me in Kirtland, in violation of the law, that brother should not go to law with brother, to take from me my last morsel and inheritance in that place. I speak of this to show the saints how different the conduct and practices of these Brighamites are from what they profess...

Although we are aware that every thing that the Wicked One can invent will be hurled at us... neither Brigham Young, nor J. C. Benit, or the Laws or Fosters, or any that have "gone out from us... can take from us that which God has ordained... The works of Joseph and Hiram, and the good old patriarch father, Joseph Smith, must stand for ever immovable as the eternal throne of Jehovah -- and they who meddle with their ordinations, sealings, ordinances, and works, to undo them, will 'run against Jehovah's Buckler' -- God's authority, established upon the earth, and will bring speedy and swift destruction upon themselves. Thus saith the Spirit of the Living God...

---

==> A especial Conference convened at the house of Brother Thomas Tourtillott, on the 10th of January, 1848. On motion of William Smith --

Thomas Tourtillott was appointed Chairman, and John Landers Clerk of said conference.

After prayer by the President, the following resolution was read and adopted:

Resolved, that whereas the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has [suffered much] from the impositions of men professing to be prophets and leaders of the Church, and have led their followers into sin and iniquities of the grosser kind, and have thereby brought the principles of our Holy Religion into disrespect before the world. Therefore

Resolved, that we deem it expedient that some measures be adopted for the speedy relief and redemption of the Saints, and that a statement be made of the principal causes that have led to this evil in the church, and brought so much suffering upon the innocent, whereby many are now scattered to and fro in the [country] like sheep having no shepherd. And whereas, we believe that the Lord has not deprived the people of a [------------ --- -------],

Resolved, that a committee of six men be appointed to write a Proclamation to all the Saints, setting forth the true order of the Church, according to the Law of God.

Whereupon, Thomas Tourtillott, Aaron Hook, Alva Smith, John Landers, William Smith, and Nathaniel Berry, were unanimously chosen said committee.

After mature and sufficient deliberation, the committee reported the following, which was sanctioned by the Conference, and ordered to be printed and circulated among the Saints, for their instruction and deliverance from further ruin by the hands of wicked men.

---

TO  THE  SCATTERED  SAINTS.

BELOVED BRETHREN: -- Having been appointed by a special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to write you, setting forth the true order and the causes of our present troubles, we enter upon the duty devolving upon us, praying that God, who sees and knows the intent of our hearts, to indite [sic] the matter of this Epistle.

Viewing, as we do, the perilous condition that the Church is in, it is with mingled feelings of joy and grief that we take our pen to write [you] and we sincerely hope that the Brethren will not misconstrue our intentions on this subject, for we truly feel anxious that something should be done for the Salvation of the Church, and it is our desire that the spirit of humility, charity and truth should characterize our present undertaking, while we attempt to remove the stumbling blocks that have been placed before the world by those who have not [honored] their profession. While we write, we must say... we most strenuously protest against the doctrine of secret oaths and [covenants] -- and we also view this as among the principal causes that have overthrown our brethren, and for no other cause than to hide the [crimes] they have committed, have they sought their abode in the wilderness. We feel confident that the feelings of hundreds, [of] thousands, of our scattered brethren [will] respond to the sentiment when we say, that this removal to the wilderness must end in the destruction of the lives of most of those who have ventured [into] this uncalled for and hazardous undertaking. The bones of our brethren and sisters must lie bleaching upon the western soils, and for no other cause than that of gratifying their ambitious rulers, by screening them from the just penalties of the law; and we have no need to [tell our] brethren, that the more civilized portion of this land will afford us all the facilities necessary for carrying forth the work of God, without so much peril in parts of the earth where the priesthood is not needed. The time has not come to carry the gospel to the sons of Ephraim, and the plea set up by some that such is the fact, and that God has cursed the gentile nations, we can view in no other point of light than as a pretext to justify these men in their usurpation and wickedness. The fact that the Indians have proven recreant to the promise made by these men, has also proven their prophecy [bad], as we are no gravely told. Since their [---t], starvation and want, they are about to [turn] their gospel to us again. Another [instance] of the hypocrisy of these men -- you will [-------] that notwithstanding all their professions of enmity against the government, they enlisted [500] of their Elders in the war with Mexico. A [-------r] way indeed to carry the gospel to the [seed] of Jacob!...

In investigating the claims of J. J. Strang, the [same] evils, in part, have characterized this man. It is a notorious fact, that in every instance where men have usurped their authority they have made loud boasts of the law, and have pretended to build their favorite schemes and false claims upon the established laws of the church. Yet their works have proven them to be violators of the law. It is the profession they make that in many instances has allured some of our brethren in their nefarious schemes. We cannot admit that Strang has any claims to the leadership of the church; and what evidence there may be that has given this man any notoriety whatever, we consider him a par with his phosphorus deception practised upon the people at Voree. Consequently it proves nothing in has favor, but a deceiver, and the people deceived who follow him; to say anything of his Pontificate, J. C. Bennett, (his, Strang's, right-hand man), Dukes, Lords & Cardinals, the introduction of offices into his church, that did not belong to [the] church of Christ; and however much we may appreciate the zeal and labor of those who cry out for a reform in the church, yet we must deprecate the idea of any departure there may be from the strict rules and laws of the church; we feel ourselves justified in saying that there is no other principle upon which the church can continue to be built up and prosper in the land, but strictly adhering to the order of the church and following out the principles of righteousness as laid down in our books....

Neither can we coincide with the views of some, who in church building are laying their foundations... upon what they call the transgressions of the martyred prophet -- receiving and rejecting a part of his mission -- alleging also that a part of his revelations were from God and a part of them the works of a fallen prophet. That Joseph may have committed errors in his lifetime, we do not pretend to deny. But we are constrained to the belief that he lived and died a Prophet of God -- or we are led to the conclusion that the whole system of Mormonism connected with the Prophet is a humbug from the beginning. We hold that it is the abuses (and not in the use) of the principles of Mormonism, that has brought us into this disrepute before the world. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as other men, and it would be singular indeed if Joseph Smith had committed no offences while he lived to the time of his death! It is true he was slain by his enemies, but we are not authorized to reject the mission of the Prophet during any period of time prior to his death while God upheld and sustained him at the head of his church, and however much men may glory in the death of Joseph Smith, we can only say that such has been the fate of Prophets more or less in all ages...

Joseph is yet alive; we speak figuratively... The works of all those will be brought to nought, who have, by treachery and deceit, sought to destroy the Smith family, the lawful Priesthood of the Church, and more particularly William Smith... we feel it our indispensable duty to state that we believe that this, our Brother William Smith, has been most unrighteously dealt with by those who have usurped the authority of the church. We feel that injustice has been done to this family, and it is a fact that cannot be denied that at the death of Joseph and Hiram Smith, the right of the Patriarchal Priesthood belonged to William Smith, and we also think that here is a point of authority that has been heretofore unnoticed by the Church, but the Brethren cannot help but see that notwithstanding the Twelve had a right to ordain Evangelical ministers in all large branches of the Church, yet this did not give them power to ordain a Patriarch over the whole Church, which authority belonged to the first Presidency, and you will readily see the Twelve had not this power as they were a travelling High Council and not a local Presidency.... the Brethren will also notice that William held equal authority in the quorum of the Twelve at the death of his brothers, and therefore the impropriety of his Brethren assuming the right to ordain him to an office that belonged to him of right and which he had received from a higher power in the Church, which office the Twelve had no control over, consequently had not the power to cut him off from the Church...

The gate into the Church is baptism, and the right to the Presidency of the Church comes by ordination of those having authority in the church, and by the appointment of the church. The Presidency may also be appointed by revelation and acknowledged by the church in his administration, and such is the power and authority invested in this our Brother William Smith...

We hope that the Saints will gather with us and help us to strengthen and build up this stake of Zion -- Palestine the city of our God. [With] sentiments of esteem and high consideration for your future welfare and happiness in the Kingdom of our God, we subscribe ourselves your humble servants and fellow-laborers in the Gospel.   Amen.

T. TOURTILLOTT,
JOHN LANDERS,
ALVA SMITH,
AARON HOOK,
WILLIAM SMITH,
NATH'L BERRY.

Note 1: This was the only copy of Zion's Standard ever published by William Smith during his tenure as "President" of the Mormon church headquartered in Lee Co., Illinois. Smith's next publishing venture was the Aaronic Herald, printed at Covington, Kentucky on the press of his convert, Elder Isaac Sheen.

Note 2: In tone and format, this sheet somewhat resembles a broadside published by William Smith, early in 1846, entitled Minutes of a Conference Held by the Church..., which presented a report of the procedings of a meeting William conducted at Cincinnati, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 1846, as well as the texts of various proclamations and endorsements supportive of William's claims to leadership in the Church. That broadside ends thusly: "I am also authorised to say, from my mother Lucy Smith, the mother of the Prophet Joseph, that the plans of the Twelve, in moving to California, she does not approve of, neither does any of the remnants of the Smith family, and as the representative of that family I now speak, and for proof of this statement, I give below an extract of a letter from Mother Smith, written to me in St. Louis. 'Nauvoo, Octover 28, 1845.... We are no Californians...'"

SALT LAKE AND DEAD SEA. -- A traveler, who had recently visited the Salt Lake, gives the following facts:

'The Lake itself is one of the greatest curiosities I ever met with. The water is about one third salt, yielding that amount on boiling. I bathed in it, and found that I could lay on my back, roll over and over, and even sit up and wash my feet without sinking, such is the strength of the brine; and when I came out I was completely covered with salt, in fine crystals. But the most astonishing thing about it is the fact (as I was informed by the gentleman who was manufacturing salt there at that time,) during the summer season the lake throws on shore abundance of salt, while in the winter season it throws up glauber salts in immense quantities. The reason for this I leave for the scientific to judge, and also what becomes of the enormous amount of fresh water poured into it by 3 or 4 large rivers, Jordan, Bear and Weber, as there is no visible outlet."

Our readers will not fail to see in the account several remarkable points of coincidence with Lake Asphaltities or the Dead Sea; the same density of water, by which heavy bodies are buoyed up by its extreme saltiness, notwithstanding the constant flow into it of fresh water streams, and the absence of any visible outlet.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Rev. Orson Hyde, formerly editor of the Frontier Guardian, was cowhided on yesterday, nearly in front of our office by Mr. Robert Wilson of this place. Slanders which were published in the Guardian against Mr. Wilson whilst Mr. Hyde was editor is the cause assigned for the chastisement. Mr. Ayde has recently been appointed a Judge in Utah Territory. Not being fully advised of all the particulars relative to this affair, we only publish what transpired, and that without comment. -- Weston Reporter.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Nauvoo.

A correspondent of the Madison (Ind.) Courier has been making a pilgrimage to the ruins of what was the stronghold of the "Latter-Day Saints" -- in the time when Joe Smith was the Prophet. We extract the following from his interesting letter: --

The city of the Mormons once had 20,000 inhabitants; there are now but 2,000. One-half of the houses the Mormons left have been removed or pulled down, and the other half are tenantless. Each lot contains an acre. In walking through its deserted streets I started serveral quails, in the midst of the once populous city. -- The mansion of Joe Smith is kept by his wife, once his widow, but now again a wife -- of another and a live man -- as a tavern. Between this mansion and the river are the remains of a famous hotel, which was abandoned after its walls had reached the second story; the walls are of fine pressed brick, with marble door-sills and caps. The Masonic Hall is a fine brick building three stories high. I am told that all the Mormons were Masons. Their lodge was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois. Smith, I am told, initiated some of the "mothers of the church," when the charter was taken from them, and the lodge closed. The front wall and the one next to it, which formed the vestibule, [are] all that is left standing of the achievement of fanaticism called the "temple," which as the inscription on a large stone, worked in the inner wall, informs the visitor, is THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, Built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Commenced April 6, 1841.

A company of French socialists have purchased a portion of the property -- the site and the ruins of the temple included. They number about 400. While I was veiwing the temple they all came out of their boarding-house from dinner. Their foreign aspect and clothing as they grouped about the stones of the temple to smoke their pipes and talk -- probably of la belle France -- made me almost fancy I was viewing a ruin in an older country. One group were gesticulating and laughing over the face of one of the ornaments which decorated each column, which I cannot describe it better than refering the reader to the picture of the full moon, which usually ornaments the cover of a Dutch almanac.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Brigham Young has left Salt Lake with a hundred men, in search of a new settlement for the Mormons. Such is his avowed object, but his real aim is to be out of the way when the new Governor comes. He is said to have taken with him some two or three thousand dollars. Those in Carson Valley had renounced their religion and determined to settle permanently in California. Hundreds will do likewise as soon as they can leave.

---

CAPT. KIDD'S TREASURE FOUND -- Once more. The Mt. Holly (N. J.) Mirror tells an almost incredible story, that some of Capt. Kidd's treasure have been found among the pines, and that the occupants of that region are in a state of intense excitement. A man dreamed for several nights successively that he should find the treasure, the place to be indicated by four iron bars projecting from the earth. He went and found his dream realized. -- Two hundred and forty thousand dollars had been discovered up to Monday night, buried in iron chests, and the people have turned out with their pickaxes in further search for the treasure.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                            From the Mo. Republican.

FROM  THE  PLAINS.

Journey from Salt Lake to Sacramento -- A St, Louis train -- Humboldt River -- The Desert -- Salutary effects of Music on a fatigued ox -- Carsoin River Valley -- Cut offs -- The jurney particularly valuable to young men.

                                              Sacramento, Cal., Aug. 25 '52.
The last grand visision of our journey was from Salt Lake City to Sacramento. Having rested our stock and replenished our provisions, and made another start and moved up the valley of the Salt Lake, which is settled for a distance of fifty miles... When we intersected the direct route, called Sublett's cut off, we found notwithstanding we had gone round by Salt Lake and rested there eight days, we were ahead of most of the trains that started with us at Fort Laramie. We found the Humboldt river low and in its channel, and having plenty of of good grass on the south side most of the way... The road was covered from end to end with droves and teams, for a distance of forty nine miles... I hauled off and let my train go on to Carson river, and was relieved in due time by a fresh team sent back, and got over the same day all safe with all our stock.

We now entered the valley of Carson river, along which we found a few trading posts, and something to eat. The grass was abundant, the water good; the air was pured and bracing, and the mountains beautiful... more anon.   S. M. B.


Note: This lengthy description of the route between the Salt Lake valley and the Carson valley contains nothing especially significant concerning the Mormons. The correspondent's earlier letter, written at Salt Lake City, was not reprinted in the Dixon paper.

What is the Destiny of the Mormons?

We find a letter in the St. Louis Intelligencer, apparently from a very intelligent citizen, dated "Salt Lake City, Sept. 12." which thus replies to this query:

"In point of political feeling, I believe that there is little or no genuine American spirit or sentiment among the Mormons. I am satisfied that a succession of what they regard as gross persecutions and hostilities upon the people of several States, has almost, if not totally, eradicated it from their minds. -- They are undoubtedly suspicious and unfriendly to the great body of the citizens of the United States. Such being their feelings towards the people, it seems but natural to conclude that the same doubts and dislikes extend to the government which that people maintain and control. That unreasonable feelings and sentiments towards the national government prevail in this community to a much greater extent than is generally supposed in the States, is a fact of which I feel perfectly convinced. If these feelings have not yet manifested themselves in open acts of rebellion, it is because they have not sufficient confidence in their strength to justify them in taking so decided a course. I believe that a few years increase in strength, and a propitious occasion, will develop these feelings to the conviction of everybody. I base my opinion not so much upon positive acts or expressions that I have either heard or seen, as upon the general turn and character of their conversation, and information derived from the most credible sources. The conduct of the returning United States' officers, in deserting their post at the time they did, is universally condemned here by all persons with whom I have conversed on the subject. They left at the most critical period, when they stood in no immediate danger of personal violence, and by their presence must have caused such a positive development of the true feelings and intentions of the Mormons towards the government, as would have enabled it to take hold of and crush their treason in the very bud.

What will be the ultimate fate of these strange people? Will they be permitted to remain where they are, and worship after their own peculiar fashion and ideas? Or will they again be driven from this. their last retreat, forced to abandon their possessions, and seek a new home in some distant land? These are questions which time alone can solve. I have formed my own opinions concerning them. Mormon and Gentile can never live together in peace and harmony; one must give place to the other. The Salt Lake Valley, is a point of paramount importance to the emigration and commerce across the continent. Americans will avail themselves of the great facilities and advantages it affords. I firmly believe that in less than ten years hostile collisions will take place between the two classes, the result of which will be that the Mormons will be forced from the Valley. Where will they go? To some province of Mexico. Will they be permitted to remain there? I think not. The progressive spirit and expanding necessities of American democracy will in time claim that territory from both Mexicans and Mormons. -- Where will they then seek an asylum? -- In some country in Asia, or some Islands in the Pacific, where the peculiar features of their religious faith are less repulsive to the feelings and customs of the inhabitants. Such is my theory. It may be right or it may be wrong."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Every body has a hobby, the riding of which in their opinion, would gallop creation to unbounded happiness. Greeley's great medicine is a High Tarriff; Col. Benton's, Railroad to the Pacific. The Mormons find terrestial bliss in a dozen wives, while Mrs. Oakes Smith imagines that all that is necessary is necessary to regenerate the human family, is to allow women to vote and work at the blacksmith's business. Great country, this; well, it is.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS. -- Yesterday, there arrived, via New Orleans, about 330 persons, Mormons, on their way to Salt Lake, chiefly from England. We learn from Mr. Wheelock, late Presiding Elder of the church in this city, and just returned from England, that there are six more ships on their way chiefly freighted with members of this church and their families. He estimates the number expected by those ships at from 2500 to 3000. He is advised of the arrival of a ship at the Balize with about 300 persons from Denmark. Arrangements are making for the transportation from Europe, next year, of about ten thousand. The growth of this body is one of the most singular novelities of the day. -- Mo. Rep. 21st.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism in this County.

Wm. Smith, brother of the Mormon Prophet, Joe, is before the Circuit Court of Illinois, sitting in Lee County, on a charge of having more wives than the law allows. One of the female members of the church has made affidavit that she had been induced to believe that it was necessary for her salvation that she should become his spiritual wife. Smith has himself now pending in the same court, an application for a divorce, on the ground that his wife, while at Nauvoo, was initiated into the mysteries of, and, as he says, "took seven degrees" in spiritual wifery. So that it seems, according to his ideas of the doctrines of that particular branch of the church militant, what is sauce for the goose is not "sauce for the gander."


Note 1: The exact wording of the above news item remains undetermined. The article was copied into a Chicago paper and from that source, into the columns of several other newspapers. The above text is derived from the reprint in the Gettysburg Star and Banner of April 29, 1853.

Note 2: William Smith moved his family to Lee County, Illinois (roughly half way between Nauvoo and Chicago) in late 1848 or early 1849 and remained in the area until 1854. In 1850 Roxie Ann Grant Smith (aunt of LDS President Heber J. Grant) brought suit in Lee County, Iowa against her husband, William Smith, for "adultery, fornication, bastardy, and rape." The "adultery" and "bastardy" were evidently the result of William having taken Mrs. Rosa A. Hook as one of his "plurals," without recourse to Illinois marriage procedures. Rosa A. (short for Rosanna or Rose-Ann) first gave a statement useful to Roxie Ann's divorce case -- then, perhaps after receiving some strong persuasion, she provided William a second certificate, voiding the charges she had made against him in the first statement. William Smith retaliated against Roxie Ann (who was then living in Knox Co., Illinois with her parents' family and William's two children) by bringing his own divorce suit against the lady, whom he accused of being an initiate in 'seven degrees' in spiritual wifery," or, in other words, a Nauvoo Cyprian.

Note 3: The couple's divorce became final in 1853; the next year most of the charges against Smith were dropped, but he was required to post a $1,000 bond on the rape charge. Smith fled Lee County and made his way to Saint Louis. There he was arrested (see Apr. 26, 1853 Missouri Republican) brought back to Dixon in Lee County, and there incarcerated for several weeks (see May 4, 1854 issue of the Telegraph). See also the Apr. 27, 1854 issue of the St. Louis Intelligencer and contemporary issues of the St. Louis Daily Evening News and the Missouri Belleville Tribune for more information on Smith's April, 1854 arrest in Missouri. Whether or not William actually committed "highway robbery" in Hancock County (where Nauvoo is located), as charged, remains unknown, but he very likely passed through that place, while a fugitive on his way west.

(For the Dixon Telegraph.)

SLANDER  REFUTED.

                                                      SHELBURN, Lee Co., Ill., April 19th, '53.
Mr. Editor --

Dear Sir: -- Remember the Golden Rule, "as ye would that others should do unto you do ye even so unto them." -- JESUS.

In looking over one of the last numbers of the Telegraph, we notice an article under the caption of "Mormonism in this County," reflecting somewhat upon the character and profession of Mr. William Smith the Mormon prophet, and from our intimate acquaintance with Mr. Smith for the last five years, we feel that it is due to him to say to the public that the prosecution referred to in the Telegraph, is a malicious prosecution, and wholly got up by the enemies of Mr. Smith, and for no other purpose, as we believe, but to injure him and his profession as a preacher of the Gospel and a leader of the Mormon Church. The young female, Mr. Editor, that you speak of by the by, is not a member of Mr. Smith's Church, having for a long time since seceded from the faith, and from the statements that are now made by the girl, which we have from reliable sources,we learn the facts that the real author of her troubles is a young man that was in the employ of the family, with whom she resided all 'last summer.' She also states that she was induced to swear against Mr. Smith through the influence of bribery, flattery, promises, &c., and suffice to say, that we have heardworse stories told before this day of our Lord, &c., about Mormons and Mormon religion than is even hinted at in the Telegraph about Mr. William Smith, not one word of which was true. as possibly some may yet find the sequel will prove in regard to the slander that is now being propagated in the present case against Mr. Smith, be this as it may, having received a certificate from the young lady, in question, written by her own hand, containing certain statements calculated, as we think, to rather exonerate Mr. Smith from any blame in this matter. We submit the subject to a candid and observing public without further comment. With this request, Mr. Editor, that you do us the favour of giving this reply, with the certificate annexed, a place in your valuable and interesting paper, and by so doing you will much oblige your friends and fellow citizens; and also confer a favour upon the injured party, that no doubt will in all coming time, be properly appreciated and long remembered.

                  Aaron Hook,
                  Jotham T. Barrett.

The following is the young lady's certificate:

                               Newark, Wisconsin, March 29th, 1853.

"I sincerely and honestly clear William Smith from all the charges made in my affidavit made before Squire Dutcher." ROSA A. HOOK

Witness, Samuel Wright.

This to certify that the foregoing certificate is a true copy of the original.

Aaron Hook.
Jotham T. Barrett.
Isaac Cramer.

Editors please copy the above. A. H.

---

==> The foregoing communication, it will be perceived, was elicited by an article of ours published some three weeks ago; in which we briefly stated facts connected with some proceedings then pending in our Circuit Court.

We had no desire to originate a controversy on the subject; and would not now refer to it, or publish the communication, were it not for the fact that a copy of it has already appeared in one of the Chicago papers; and as we are, in it, accused of slandering an individual, we wish to give him the benefit of a reply.

In order still more to do him perfect justice, we give below a copy of a letter from Mr. Smith to a member of his church in Prairieville, Wisconsin; the original of which was read in evidence in the Circuit Court of this county, on the trial of his application for divorce:

---

                                    Palestine, July 18th, 1851.
Sister ______

As to sister C_____'s case, on which you ask my council, I am only permitted to say she stands on dangerous ground; and as Brother W____d is appointed of the Lord to hold the keys of this dispensation with me, it is not my province to interfere with any of his wives. Sister C____ belongs to Brother W_____, and her salvation turns upon the view which he may take of her course of conduct towards him. If she turns a somerset and refuses to be reconciled to him she is lost -- worlds without end. If she attends the Lodge it is because he is her head and through him she receives her Priesthood. I exceedingly fear that Sister C_____ is plucking out her own eyes. If she bear upon him until he drops her she is lost forever. She will lose her priesthood and consequently not only her membership in the Lodge, but her membership in the church also. Hear the mind of the Lord in such cases:

"Behold verily this is the mind of the Lord concerning those females who have received the priesthood by being sealed to my servants William Smith and Joseph W_____d; and have been washed and anointed and ordained under their hands having been received into the priestess lodge -- having taken the covenant thereof; if they, or either of them, shall fall, or altogether turn therefrom, she or they shall be excluded therefrom and from my church also; and shall not come forth in the resurrection of the just. * * * Therefore I Jesus Christ, who am your Father and God, say unto you if your wives be treacherous and sin against you and repent not, I will reveal it unto you. Therefore confide in me, and I will be your God and ye shall be my servants -- Amen."

Now brother W____ has intended until lately to make Sister C____ one of his Queens, but it is doubtful in my mind whether he ever told her so or not; he seldom tells when he intends to exalt those whom he desires exalting until he does so; but I know that he holds Sister C____ in high estimation. I would advise her to seek a reconciliation. If she would write to him a letter acknowledging her error, he is very lenient and will forgive her. If she don't do something I fear she is gone. May God give her grace to overcome. You will see, Sister, by the revelation I send you, that she will be excluded from the Lodge unless she stands to her leader. You will read this to her, in all due respect.

      Yours truly,
                            WILLIAM SMITH.


Note 1: For more on William Smith's "Spokesman" and fellow polygamist, Elder Joseph Wood, see the Telegraph of Mar. 9, 1854 and William Smith's letter of Dec. 25, 1851.

Note 2: Aaron Hook, Jr. joined the Mormons in about 1842. He married Matilda Spencer a year later and both of their names appear on the 1843 Nauvoo "Scroll Petition." In 1845-46 Elder Hook evidently joined the Strangites -- or, at least he was associated with Strangite missionaries Samuel Shaw and Moses Smith, when the latter missionary preached the first Strangite sermon in Nauvoo. Although Aaron and his brother John eventually separated themselves from William Smith's church, Aaron's wife and one of his daughters joined the RLDS branch at Amboy, Illinois, in 1859. A report in the Apr. 27, 1854 issue of the St. Louis Daily Intelligencer tells of two "twin sisters, of comparatively tender age," one of which William seduced and the other he raped. These girls were evidently Rhoda and Rosanna (Rosa Ann) Hook, the nieces of William Smith's Counselor in the First Presidency, Elder Aaron Hook, of Lee Co., Illinois. The 1850 federal census for Illinois lists them as living in the household of Aaron's brother John, just south of what is now the town of Amboy. The young ladies are listed along with their grandmother, Mrs. Rhoda Hook, the widow of Aaron Hook, Sr. Possibly their parents died, along with their grandfather, during the mid-1840s in frontier Illinois. The twins were about fifteen years of age when William began his "spiritual wifery" dalliance with the two girls. What Rosa meant when she said "I sincerely and honestly clear William Smith from all the charges" is any body's guess. Certainly she did not say "the charges" were erroneous -- more likely she was simply saying I sincerely and honestly forgive William Smith..."

Note 3: Frank E. Stevens, in his 1914 History of Lee County, Illinois says: "Aaron Hook who had gone to Nauvoo and who had been ordained an elder, returned [to Lee Co.]... William Smith... came over to Lee county from Nauvoo about this time [1847-48] and a very considerable Mormon following was obtained in Lee county... This William Smith... was arrested here for bigamy, released and then he left the county." Although Stevens does not specifically say that William's "bigamy" occurred with female members of the Hook family, according to Elder Isaac Sheen, William was known to make woman-swapping offers to his highest ranking adherents. Sheen says: "he [William] told me that he had a right to raise up posterity from other men's wives... and that they would thereby be exalted to a high degree of glory in eternity." Rosa Hook's 1853 testimony has a similar ring to it: "she had been induced to believe that it was necessary for her salvation that she should become his [William's] spiritual wife."

MORMONISM AGAIN. -- We are obliged once more to refer to this subject inasmuch as the article we first published has been extensively coppied [sic] and has thus elicited some communications which require notice. A gentleman writes us from Cincinnati, an article in defence of Mrs. Smith, William Smith's wife; and insists we publish it, as an act of justice to her. We suggest to our correspondent, that by our statement of what Smith alleged against her in his application for a divorce, we by no means asserted its truth; and that the result of her application in Knox County for the same purpose, if favorable to her, will be a very complete vindication of her character. As this will probably be soon determined, it will perhaps be better that we should await that decision.


Note: The "gentleman... from Cincinnati" was probably William Smith's former Counselor in the First Presidency, Elder Isaac Sheen. Although Sheen went through an acrimonious break with William Smith in 1850, he evidently retained some sympathy for Smith's abused wife, Roxie Ann Grant Smith. See Sheen's letter in the May 22, 1850 issue of the Cincinnati Daily Commercial for further details on William Smith's sordid wife-swapping intentions.

==> A large number of Mormons lately passed through Oskaloosa, on their way to the Salt Lake -- they are of all ages, from the infant to the gray-haired sire. -- Their teams are of oxen, and are in the proportion of one team for every twelve persons.

---

LIST OF LETTERS remaining at the Post Office, in Dixon, for the quarter ending July 1st, 1853....

S

... Smith, Wm. ...

Note: Evidently Elder William Smith, brother of Joseph, decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and "skipped bail" in Lee Co., Illinois not long after the April 9, 1853 publication of his professed innocence in the "adultery, fornication, bastardy, and rape" indictment. He thus missed picking up his mail at the local post office during May, June and July. However, William was safely back in Dixon by Mar. 9, 1854, and perhaps he was able to catch up on his lapsed correspondence then. For an interesting account of his adventures between these two dates, see the Apr. 27, 1854 issue of the St. Louis Daily Intelligencer.

ROW  WITH  THE  MORMONS.

SIX OF THEM SHOT.
MUCH EXCITEMENT AT BEAVER ISLAND.

News was received in the city yesterday, that there has been a desperate row between the Gentiles (the name given to the inhabitants near Beaver Island,) and the Mormons on Beaver Island. Some twelve or fourteen of the latter went to the main land to subpoena two witnesses. They were told to leave there quiet [sic -quick?], or they would never reach their island alive. They immediately jumped into their boats, and were fired upon, and six of them very badly wounded. The Gentiles chased them into the Lake, and the Mormons took protection on a vessel which was lying there becalmed. The Mormons were well armed but did not fire a gun; and it seemed that the assault was altogether unprovoked. There may be some good cause for it, however, as it is said the Mormons are very troublesome, stealing everything they can put their hands upon. Only a short time ago, Strang the leader, went to Grand Traverse, purchased $180 worth of goods, &c., and paid for them in counterfeit money. Chase was given to him and the goods again obtained. Chic. Adv.

---

Jas. J. Strang, the Mormon of Beaver Island, has a long article in the New York Tribune, detailing the religious persecutions he has suffered. This same Strang sometime ago, promised that there should be a descent of the Holy Ghost and Fire upon his followers. He took his dupes into a dark room, in the night, and laid his hands upon their heads, anointing them at the same time with some preparation of phosphorus, and sure enough there was an illumination!

---

Brigham Young is terribly afraid of Indians. To judge from the extraordinary preparations he makes, one would suppose there were legions of Indians encircling Utah. It is worth a thought however, whether the new company he is raising is not as much to prevent any inconvenient interference from the Government at Washington, as from the tenants of an adjacent woods. His high preparations are very suggestive.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                                  From the Cotton Plant.

Utah.

While the people of the East are recovering from the excitement of office seeking. and engaging in their ordinary pursuits... the community of Latter day Saints, about the Great Salt Lake, live on increasing and prospering by themselves, with their peculiar religious, matrimonial, and civil institutions, only caring to be left alone. The organs of Mormonism in the capital of Utah proclaim that all is well, and the toast drinkers promulgate the sentiments of the community, in favor of the non-intervention of the Federal Government in their affairs.

Governor Brigham Young, the head of the Church, is the head of the State, and wields the military power of the community, with vigor and efficiency. The military organization is kept up, the troops are upon duty, and the Indians are held in check by the forces of the territory, without authority or consultation of the officials at Washington.

Were these things progressing by the action of people uninfluenced by religious sentiment, or were that religious sentiment at all compatible with the creeds of the mass of the people of the United States, the growth and strength of such a community, might be a subject of congratulation. They would in time, and that too before long, cultivate and civilize a region, which would be the stopping place for travel and transport across the continent. The country would be the reliance, and furnish the resources for all military operations against the Indian tribes of the West, and with proper management the effect might be, in some degree, beneficial to the Indians themselves.

But for the first time since the United States were independent, we have in this territory of Utah, a union of Church and State, tacitly acknowledged too, by the Federal Government. Brigham Young, and his establishment, male and female, rule by the consent and appointment of the President of the United States, and the numbers and strength of the population are on the increase. How long would the quasi-obedience to Federal authority continue, provided interest or fancy, upon the part of the spiritual leaders advise them to throw it off? From the experience of communities, near which the Mormons have been located, previous to their last swarming to Utah, we doubt whether had they the strength, they would continue it now, and we think it highly probable, that an attempt upon the part of the President to displace Governor Young, would be met by positive and armed opposition. If such an event should take place, the Federal authority would be mocked and disregarded in the heart of territory peculiarly its own -- and from the distance of the route, the nature of the country, and the character of the people with whom the forces of the United States would have to contend, it would be exceedingly difficult and expensive to sustain that authority by military power.

In the mean while all Christian emigration over the plains passes Utah, and is spread over California and Oregon. The true believe