READINGS  IN  EARLY  MORMON  HISTORY
(Newspapers of Illinois & Indiana)


Adams County, Illinois

Quincy Whig, Argus, &c.
1838 Articles



Town of Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, mid 1850s
view waterfront detail


1838   |   1839   |   1840   |   1841   |   1842   |   1843
1844   |   1845   |   1846   |   1847-9   |   1850-69   |   post 1869




Whig Sep 08  |   Whig Sep 22  |   Whig Sep 29
Whig Oct 06  |   Whig Oct 20  |   Whig Oct 27
Whig Nov 10  |   Whig Nov 17  |   Arg Nov 24
Whig Dec 08  |   Whig Dec 22



Peoria papers   |  Sangamo Journal   |  Misc. Ill. papers   |  Alton Telegraph

Return to: Old Newspaper Articles Index


 


Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Sept. 8, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 19.


 

THE  MORMONS. -- There is like to be a difficulty in Missouri, between these people and the citizens of some of the counties of that State. The Mormons have banded together to the number of something like five hundred fighting men, determined not to be driven from Daviess county, in which they are collected, unless by force. They are parading through the county, threatening the lives of all known to be opposed to them, and compelling the people to sign some kind of a paper, the purport of which is not known. -- In consequence of these, and other high-handed proceedings on the part of the Mormons, the citizens of Daviess and the adjacent counties, have become greatly excited. Public meetings have been held, to take the subject into consideration. --

The Circuit Judge under the circumstances, issued warrants for the apprehension of Jo Smith and Lyman Wright, their leaders. The warrants being placed in the hands of the Sheriff of the county, he repaired to the house of Wright, and there found an armed force of from 80 to 100 men, and was told by said Wright, that he would "not be taken alive." and that "the whole State of Missouri could not take him." The citizens of Ray county also deputed a committee to go to the Mormons and endeavor to prevail upon them to surrender themselves to the civil authority. Wright refused to surrender, but Smith said he would give up, if he could be allowed a trial in Caldwell county, which of course was not agreed to. --

The Western Star, published at Liberty, remarks that the Mormons do indeed present a formidable front. They can muster from 1000 to 1500 fighting men; and of that degraded and ignorant class, who implicitly obey the will of their leaders. They have the utmost confidence in Smith, and believe him to be a Prophet of the Lord -- he can embody them to a man, as exemplified in the late election. The leaders appear to be resolute and determined, as foreseeing a difficulty of the kind, they have brought a large quantity of arms and other munitions of war, to the State with them. Sydney Rigdon, another of their leaders, delivered a fourth of July oration in which he declared they would "carry war and extermination" to all who oppose them in their wild career.

The Star further says, "Suppose then, this modern Mahomet, backed by such a host of bigots and enthusiasts, should take into his head to resist the execution of the laws, would it not verify the statement of Wright, that even the "whole State of Missouri could not take him!"

A large meeting was held at Richmond, in Ray county, at which a committee was appointed to draft a report and resolutions upon the subject. The following is a report of the meeting"

"Upon an examination of the facts and circumstances appearing to and examined by us, consisting of certificates, documents, and other evidence, we are satisfied that there is an armed force now collected and embodied in Daviess county, of about 500 Mormons whose movements are highly insurrectionary and unlawful: -- that they have already committed outrages on individuals who were old and respectable citizens of Daviess county, by taking them in the bosom of their families, and forcing them by threats of immediate violence or death, to sign papers, the particular contents of which are not known to the committee, but which were such as a freeman ought not to sign; -- and that they threaten to make this thing universal throughout the country; and that they are still embodied, and are purchasing and collecting ammunition, and making all preparations for an insurrection, -- or, at least, a great an enormous violation of the laws and the private rights of the citizens of Daviess county. We have also a variety of evidence before us that the leaders of this people are determined not to submit to the law, and that they are entirely revolutionary in their feelings and intentions, and have been so for some considerable time past."

The resolutions are exceedingly temperate; but firm and decided. Nothing is said of mob law, but resolve that the laws of the state are amply sufficient to protect the rights of her citizens -- and that they will aid all in their power, in having them enforced.

From appearances, there is trouble brewing. We should not be surprised, if the difficulty eventuated in much blood being shed. We hope, however, the Mormons will see the evil consequences of their opposition to the laws, and peaceably allow them to take their course.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Sept. 22, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 21.


 

THE  MORMONS. -- "A few days since I witnessed the emigration of 95 families, consisting of near 600 souls, gathered from different parts, going to the extreme west of Missouri. They call themselves "Latter Day Saints," commonly called Mormons. This latter name they do not acknowledge, but say it is only a 'nick name.' They travel in wagons, and make about 15 miles a day, and expect to be 12 weeks upon their journey; they encamp at night and pitch their tents in the form of a hollow square, in which they perform their cooking and other necessary duties, their wagons and horses being ranged on the outside; they also place sentinels at different posts around the camp, as in military encampments.

"I made some inquiries of one of their members respecting their leader, whether he was an educated man, a man of superior talents. He said he was of like passions with ourselves, and out of his place no more than any other ordinary man. I asked if he pretended to more sanctity than others of their denomination; he replied no, not much. And yet he believed that the mantle had fallen on Joe, and that he was gifted with the spirit of prophecy, and could reveal things hidden in the womb of futurity. He informed us that two of their prophets had visited England about a year since, and that they have about 2000 converts there now. If they go on this way, I think Joe bids fair to rival Mahomet." -- (Phila. Focus.)


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Sept. 29, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 22.


 

THE  MORMONS. -- It will be seen by the following article, which we copy from the Western Star, that the Mormon difficulty, is not yet ended, and that the militia have been called into requisition. Between four and five hundred of these people recently passed through Springfield, on their way to Caldwell county, Missouri. Jo Smith will soon be able to verify his boast, "that the whole State of Missouri could not take him," if his deluded followers swarm around him in this manner.

"We desire in the statement we are about to make, to give a true narrative of the causes which have produced the difficulty between the Mormons and the citizens of Daviess county, as well as to give all that has occurred respecting the movements of both parties since the first difficulty took place.

At the election in Daviess county, a citizen objected to a Mormon's voting which brought about angry words -- the Mormon was struck with a club, and in return used the same weapon himself; and before the affair terminated, several on both sides were engaged, and knives freely used. No person was killed, but some were cut and bruised.

The excitement did not terminate with the fight. Shortly afterwards. Joe Smith, Lyman Wright, and other Mormon leaders collected a large force in Caldwell, and went into Daviess county to protect the Mormons residing there. They went armed and equipped for war, but they say their intentions were peace, and if what we hear be true, respecting the paper which they presented to Adam Black, a justice of the peace, for his signature, a very different face has been placed upon the transaction to what B. has sworn to. The paper Smith presented to Black, was to the effect, that, inasmuch as it was anticipated that difficulties would grow out of the fight at the election, between the Mormons and the citizens of Daviess, he (Black,) as a justice of the peace, pledged himself that he would take lawful notice of any unlawful proceedings of either party -- Smith representing to Black, that if he would sign such a paper, he would show it to his own people and to others, and that it would have an effect to prevent difficulties.

We understand that the facts elicited at the trial of Smith and Wright (who gave themselves up. and were heard before the Judge of our Circuit Court last week,) completely stamped the certificate of Black, Comstock, and others, with falsehood. After the trial of Smith and Wright, it was believed that difficulties had ceased, but not so. The people of Daviess county had sent letters and messengers to other counties, in order to raise men to drive all the Mormons out of Daviess, and many from other counties had gone to their aid. The Mormons seeing this, made preparations also. When. seeing the crisis at which things were arriving, the judge of our Circuit, Hon. Austin A. King, directed General D. R. Atchison to raise 1,000 men in his Division, and forthwith march into Daviess, to keep the peace, and prevent bloodshed.

Two hundred men from Clay, under the command of Brig. Gen. Doniphen, Maj. Lightburne, and Capts. Moss, Whitington, and Price, marched out on yesterday and the day before.

We are not apprehensive that any thing serious will take place, though both parties have become much excited. Both sides are to blame, but our opinion is that the Mormons are the aggressors. Until the 4th of July, we heard of no threats being made against them in any quarter. The people had all become reconciled to let them remain where they are, and indeed were disposed to lend them a helping hand. But one Sidney Rigdon, in order to show himself a great man, collected them all together in the town of Far West, on the 4th of July, and there delivered a speech containing the essence of, if not treason itself. This speech was not only published in the newspapers, but handbills were struck for distribution in Caldwell and Daviess counties. We have not the speech now before us, but we recollect amongst other threats, that the author said: "We will not suffer any vexatious law-suits with our people, nor will we suffer any person to come into our streets and abuse them." Now, if this is not a manifestation of a disposition to prevent the force of law, we do not know what is. It is also true, that when the Mormons left this county, they agreed to settle in, and confine themselves to a district of country, which has since been formed into the county of Caldwell; but they have violated that agreement, and are spreading over Daviess, Clinton, Livingston and Carroll. Such a number had settled in Daviess, that the old inhabitants were apprehensive they would be governed soon, by the Revelations of the Prophet, Joe Smith, and hence their anxiety to rid themselves of such an incubus.

So many reports are in circulation relative to battles fought, and men on both sides being killed and captured, that it is hard to get at the truth. We are certain, however, that up to yesterday, no person had been killed. Three men from Ray county were captured by the Mormons, and some 50 guns taken. The men are in confinement, (or rather, are guarded and kept,) in the town of Far West; and it is said the people of Daviess have captured one Mormon.

Gen. Doniphen, in some remarks made to the company which went out from this county said, that the men and arms captured by the Mormons would be demanded, as also the Mormon captive in Daviess. Should the Mormons refuse to give up the men and arms, the worst consequences must follow.

We hope and believe they will not be so blinded as to refuse; but if they should, we can tell them, that "war to the knife" will be waged against them, and they will no longer be suffered to remain in the State. We rely greatly upon the standing and influence of Generals Atchinson and Doniphan, as well as the other gentlemen who have gone out, to bring this matter to a peaceable termination."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Oct. 6, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 23.


 

THE MORMONS. -- The latest information from the Mormons, is of an entirely pacific character. The difficulties have, in a great measure, ceased, as they had given up their arms to the lawful authorities.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Oct. 20, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 25.



THE  MORMONS.

The difficulty with the Mormons, according to the latest intelligence, is again assuming a warlike appearance. The citizens of Carroll county, in conjunction with those of the adjoining counties, not satisfied with the proceedings of the state in relation to these difficulties, had assembled in considerable force, within a mile of the little town of De Witt, a Mormon town in that county, resolved to drive them, vis alarmis, from the county. The Mormons, as resolutely, had made a stand in said town, with the determination to defend themselves to the last, and their numbers were hourly augmenting from other Mormon settlements. The citizens had proposed to pay them back the money for their lands with the addition of ten per cent, interest thereon, and return them their traveling expenses in going to and from the county. To this proposition the Mormons replied that they had been persecuted and driven from place to place, ever since they had been a people -- that they would not be driven any more, and that they were resolved, every one of them, to die in defense of their lands. From a letter published in the Missouri Republican we glean further particulars:

"There are about 100 families in De Witt, and are now encamped with their wagons in town, having just arrived; what number of men they have we could not ascertain, but presume they have considerable assistance from their principal town, Far West, in Caldwell county, about 60 or 70 miles distant; in fact within the last 24 hours their numbers have increased so much that the mob have declined an attack until reinforced from other counties. A messenger has just arrived, who left there at daylight this morning, and reports that the guards were fired on by the Mormons about 1 o'clock last night, (Oct. 7th,) and continued until the time he left but no one had been shot of the mob. Some 20 or 30 from our county have volunteered their assistance. The commanders of the mob are Dr. Austin (Gen.) and Col. Jones. The Mormons are commanded by Hinkle. I don't think I ever saw more resolute and determined men than the Mormons. It was our unanimous opinion that if some force sufficient to suppress them does not interpose immediately, there will be great slaughter, and many valuable lives lost -- some of our first citizens have engaged in it. Our country is under great excitement in consequence of it, and there is no telling where it will end."



It is said, the recent difficulties in Missouri with the Mormons, and which are not yet ended, has already cost that state between fifty and sixty thousand dollars.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Oct. 27, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 26.



From the Missouri Republican.

The  Mormons.
                       Glasgow, October 12, 1838.

DEAR SIR: -- I informed you a few days ago of the then existing difference between the citizens of Carroll and the Mormons residing at DeWit. I now have the pleasure of informing you, that on yesterday I witnessed the departure of every Mormon in Carroll County, Far West, in Caldwell County. The matter at last was settled amicably and the Mormons yielded to the proposition from the citizens that is, that they should be paid for their property and such damages as should be assessed by two men, chosen by each side, from the counties of Howard and Chariton, and upon the arrival of the committee on the ground, both parties took up the line of march and moved off. The citizens of Carroll pledged themselves to assist any county who assisted them, when called on for a similar purpose. There was a company of militia stationed near the place to preserve peace of about 100 men, who after peace was made, declared that they would not let the Mormons pass to Far West -- they said there was no room for them in Caldwell County. We have not heard whether they were intercepted on the way, but presume not, for the Mormons were double their number. However, I am inclined to believe that the adjoining counties to Caldwell, will never be contented until they leave the State. -- Had the Mormons refused to sell on the day the last proposition was made to them, it would have been a serious matter to both parties, for there was but little difference in their forces, and the citizens had come to a determination to make, if possible, a successful attack on the day the compromise was effected.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Nov. 10, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 28.

 

[pg. 1]

Alarming State of Affairs.

The following letter, from a highly respectable individual, has been politely furnushed us by a friend, for publication. -- The statements are confirmed by many verbal reports in the city. We have lately conversed with several intelligent individuals from the vicinity of the Mormon disturbance, and, whilst we have found it difficult to arrive with any certainty at the truth concerning many things, we are well assured that the hostility is more deeply seated than has generally been supposed, and we feel assured that bloodshed and devastation only will terminate the struggle, unless the Mormons remove from the country. Every account from that quarter shows an existing state of agitation in the public mind truly alarming. Every stranger is watching with jealousy, and every man compelled to take sides for or against the Mormons. In truth, there appears to be but little division on the part of the citizens, in their opposition. We are told that the two men who laid out the town of De Witt, and, as a matter of speculation, invited the Mormons to buy lots in it, have been given leave to pass through the country three times, after which they are informed that a return there will be dangerous. They have already removed their goods into another county.

So deep and all-pervading is the opposition to the Mormons, and so many respectable men have engaged in the attempt to expell them, that we feel satisfied the public are not truly informed of the objections which exist against the Mormons or the circumstances which render them so obnoxious. We hope shortly to be able to develope something more of the causes of this unhappy state of affairs than have yet come to the knowledge of the public.


On board the steamboat Astoria,    
Below Jefferson City, 28th Oct.    

Dear Major. -- I hasten to communicate intelligence which I have received a few minutes since (from an unquestionable source) at Jefferson City, viz: -- Colonel Reese of Richmond, Ray county, had arrived with an express to the Governor, to call out the militia to march in defence of Ray and Richmond. The Mormons had devastated Daviess county, burning the county seat, and most of the houses in the county, and were then marching on Richmond to burn and destroy it. Rencontres had taken place, with loss of lives. Colonel Reese had, but a few hours before we landed, returned, and orders were promptly issued by Governor Boggs for 800 mounted men to repair to the scene of war. The troops below arw to rendezvous at Fayette, and march immediately.

The Mormons have been for many days hauling in corn and other supplies to their great depot, Far West. They have been reinforced by many hundreds lately from Ohio and the Canadas, -- refugees and Mormons. Do not believe that these disturbances are "humbugs." There are serious and dangerous difficulties now pending. The writer of this has every opportunity to know these facts, as he was an eye witness in Caldwell, having been out with the troops. Mormonism, emancipation and ablitionism must be driven from our State.

We, the exposed frontier men, have enough to contend with to protect our shamefully exposed frontier, without having to combat the serfe of the eastern degraded and fanatical rabble thrown with the "poor Indians," on our border. Forbearance no longer can be exercised. If the Government will not ptotect us, we will do it ourselves.



YET MORE. -- The Missourian of the 27th, printed at Fayette, gives the following additional information. A company was to be organized in Fayette on the morning of the 27th.

Snowden's, Oct. 25, 1838.   

Col. Jones: Sir. -- News has just reached us here that the Mormons have attacked and cut to pieces Capt. Bogard's company of 50 men, except three or four who have escaped. They say the Mormon force is 300 or 400. Richmond is threatened to-night. If you can spare, I wish you to detail two or three companies of troops, and repair to Richmond with all speed.

                Yours in haste,
                GEO. WOODWARD,
                Aid to Gen. Parks.




Carrolton, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Gentlemen: News of an appalling nature has just reached us. Capt. Bogard, who was ordered with his company to guard the frontier of Ray county, was attacked and cut to pieces by immense numbers. The were overpowered by 300 or 400 Mormons, while they were guarding their own families. But five minutes ago, three reports of a cannon were heard in the direction of Richmond. Firing has been heard in various directions, and there is no doubt but that these infatuated villians have attacked Richmond.

The news of their burning and pillage has already reached you. They have indubitably captured the cannon, and taken many prisoners -- probably killed many. Daviess county is a scene of desolation. Ray is probably so ere this time; and their next movement will be at this place. It is already threatened.

Be up and doing. Bring all the men you can, and let us check them in their course of destruction and devastation. They are moving on with great strides to the climax of anarchy, civil war, and desolation. Wolf and Baker will explain all. I have just received orders, by express, from Gen. Brig. Parks, to raise 150 mounted men. Fifty have volunteered, and the remainder I will obtain in a day or two.

Stir the people up in Howard and Chariton. Send all the braves you can with Wolf, and we can meet and check them in their mad career.
                      Yours in haste,
                          WM. CLAUDE JONES.




      To Congrave Jackson and others.
We have concersed with a gentleman who says that he had held a conversation, in person, with Jo Smith, a few days ago, and that Smith stated that his people were prepared to die in the defence of what they thought to be their rights, that although the Governor might raise and send against them the power of the state; yet, he, nor all the men he could bring, would not drive them from their present homes.

We wonder that his Excellency has not called upon the Grays of this City. They are armed and equipped for service, and would be more efficient than any troops which he could muster, being better disciplined and prepared for an emergency than raw troops can be. But of their preparation and discipline the Governor has had ocular demonstration.

[pg. 2]


THE  MORMONS. -- We give on our first page of this paper, some account of the difficulties with this people. We have, however, seen a later statement. There is no doubt now, but that the Mormons are the aggressors. They are banding together for the purpose of making a desperate resistance; and have in their supposed strength, commenced killing the citizens and burning and destroying their property.

Below will be found an authentic report of the proceedings of the Mormons by three gentlemen who were deputed to investigate the difficulties between them and the citizens. This report, together with the proceedings of a large public meeting of the citizens of Richmond, Ray county, were laid before the governor, and he immediately issued orders for a levy of three thousand militia, to repair to the scene of action, and put a stop to the Mormon outrages. We may, therefore, shortly expect news of war in earnest.

REPORT.

The undersigned having, on Monday morning last, learned that the Mormons had burned Millport, in Daviess county, (in addition to the burning of Stolling's store, in Gallatin, in said county,) and of their having threatened to burn the store in Buncombe Settlement, in this county, and feeling anxiety to know the truth in relation to said reports, left this place, Richmond, on that (Monday) morning, and proceeded to Millport; -- they, however, previously called at Judge Morin's, who lived about one-fourth of a mile from Millport, who informed that all we had learned was substantially true, and that much more had been done by the Mormons than the people of this county had been informed of. He went with us to Millport, where we found all the houses in ashes, except a grocery store house belonging to a Mr. Slade and a house in which Mr. Wilson McKinney had resided. We also found that the house of Robert Peniston, near Millport, burned. The horse-mill belonging to him (Peniston) was taken down -- the stones, bolting chest, &c., lying out some distance from the shed, and the shed yet standing. Mr. Morin informed us that the burning was done on Saturday night last, that on the next day he saw Mormons there, and saw them taking off beds and other things belonging to Wilson McKinney. We also saw some furniture which we understood from Mr. Morin, belonged to Mr. McKinney, standing out in the commons, and which seemed to have been rifled of its contents. Mr. Morin expected, on the day we were there, that the Mormons would be there (at Millport) to move off the remaining property and to burn the balance of the houses. He stated to us that he considered his situation a precarious one. That he had been permitted to stay thus long owing to his having no wagon to move with; but that [he] expected to get wagons that day and he intended moving into Richmond immediately. He said that the county was entirely deserted by the inhabitants, except himself and a few others, besides the Mormons, and he expressed it as his belief that the corn from his house to Diamon would all be gathered and hauled into Diamon by the Mormons, in 18 hours from that time. He also stated to us that he was at Diamon a few days previously, and saw a company of the men (Mormons) come into camp with a drove of cattle amounting to about 100 head, which he supposed to be other citizens'. He also saw a negro man in the possession of a Mormon which he was very certain belonged to William Morgan, a citizen of Daviess county.

Mr. Morin looked upon those Mormons who were then at Diamon, (amounting he supposed, to about 600 men,) as a band of robbers and desperadoes. -- He advised us very strongly to go no further; not to attempt to go to Diamon or Far West; that we would gather nothing by doing so in addition to what we there learned. That the country on the north side of Grand River west of him was certainly deserted, except by the Mormons, and had been for several days; and that the houses were all burned -- or to use his own words, that it was a 'complete waste.' Mr. Morin also informed us that the Mormons had ordered the other citizens out of the county, and that he too had his orders to leave. He appeared very anxious that we should not be seen at his house by any of the Mormons; and that it should not be known that he had given any information or expressed any thing unfavorable towards them, until he got away. We did not visit Gallatin, but understood from Mr. Morin and others whom we met moving into this county, that all the houses in that place were burned, except a shoe-maker's shop belonging to Mr. Runville.

C. R. MOREHEAD,            
WM. THORNTON,            
JACOB GUDGEL.            
Richmond, Mo., Wednesday, Oct. 24.                       




MORMON WAR. -- We give a large portion of our paper to-day to the contents of an extra, issued at the request of the Governor, by the Missouri Watchman, containing the evidence on which he has ordered out the troops. We had several reports from that quarter yesterday. -- The most authentic is, that a skirmish had occurred between the Mormons and citizens near the line of Ray county, in which ten of the citizens were killed and a number taken prisoners. This is but rumor, however, and may or may not be true. There are so many reports it is almost impossible to know what to believe or what to reject. -- Missouri Republican of November 2d.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Nov. 17, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 29.



THE  MORMONS.

We copy the annexed perspicuous statement of the Mormon difficulties, from the St. Louis Evening Gazette, being more full than any we have time to prepare. -- To the Gazette's statement we can only add, that the editor has faithfully embodied the substance of the reports now in circulation in the city. In several instances the statements conflict very much with each other.

Speculation is now busy in the inquiry, what shall be done with the Mormon leaders who have surrendered? What is their offense and to what punishment have they subjected themselves? That the individuals who have been guilty of burning the houses or destroying property, or taking life, are amenable to the law, there can be no doubt, but for these offenses each man must answer for himself -- their leaders, unless shown to have participated, cannot be held responsible in law. It is confidently asserted that the expense of this war to the state, will not fall short of two or three hundred thousand dollars. This must be made from the pockets of the people. It is due to the people, that before the appropriation for this purpose be made, the Legislature should institute a thorough investigation into the cause and history of the whole difficulty, and expose the guilty, be they whomever they may, to the public execration. We know not, although we have watched the matter closely from its commencement up to its termination, who is the most to blame, or upon whom public condemnation should fall, and we presume the mass of our readers are not better informed. As the people must 'pay the piper.' it is due to them that they should know who got up and kept up the dance.
                      Missouri Republican.


THE  MORMON  WAR  ENDED!

The Mormon war has been terminated, by a surrender of the Mormon leaders to the troops under Gen. Atchinson. This happened on Sunday, Oct. 28th. On that day, about three thousand men, being part of the army of 5000, ordered out under Gen. Clark, comprising Gen. Atchinson's division made their appearance before the town of Far West, the county seat of Caldwell county, where the Mormons were entrenched. Upon their approach the Mormons had hoisted a white flag, which was shot down by Capt. Bogard, but was immediately replaced. -- Gen. Atchison then sent in a message, with a view to learn their wishes and intentions, when six of the leaders avowed their willingness to surrender, in the expectation that the Mormons should be unharmed. The surrender was accepted, and the individuals put under guard. -- Their names are Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, George Hinkle, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, and Mr. Knight. The Mormons assembled, at Far West, comprised 700 men under arms. Of this number, a small body of 150, retreated and pushed their way to the northern frontier.

The reports vary as to what happened after the surrender. In fact, our intelligence does not come down clearly to a period, later than the day of the capitulation.

On the day after, Gen. Atchison received the orders of the Governor, which has already been mentioned in this paper, as directing the expulsion or extermination of the Mormons. It is said that, shocked and disgusted with the severity of the command, he retired and went home. After that event, it is stated that several -- some accounts say 40 of the Mormons -- were put to death. One version of the statement is, that the Mormons killed, at this time, were such as had not come into Far West. We need, however, more certain and authentic information, than we now have, on this [head].

Gen. Clark, with the remainder of the troops collected from the counties below Caldwell, was, on the Friday after the surrender, encamped in Ray county, and had not then reached Far West.

It is stated that [at] the time of the surrender, a company of men -- 200 in number -- fell upon a body of the Mormons, in Splawn's settlement, on Shoal Creek, about 20 miles from Far West. The Mormons, it is said, were 30 in number; and the story runs that all but four were put to death. Some of the names of the killed, as reported to us, are David Evans from Ohio, Jacob Fox, from Pennsylvania, Thomas M'Bride and his father, Mr. Daly, M. Merrill and his son-in-law, Mr. White, all from Ohio. The facts about Bogard's fight are that two of his men were killed -- one outright and one died of his wounds. At the same [time] four Mormons fell -- among them the captain of their band. Bogard's company were stationed on the line of Ray Co., to intercept communications between Ray and Caldwell. They had captured 4 Mormons; and to rescue these the attack was made upon them by the Mormons. Bogard's Company is said to have been 40 in number, and the Mormons 70.

As to the Mormon ravages in Daviess County -- the plundering and burning of which so much has been said -- we are informed that, before those hostile operations, the Mormons held a consultation, at which the propriety of the steps afterwards taken, was debated at large. Some of their number were averse to the plan, and nearly one third dissented from it. -- The reasons assigned for these measures, were alleged outrages by their enemies in Carroll and Daviess counties. According to the Mormon statement, the houses and buildings, near DeWitt, in Carroll County, had been destroyed by their enemies, and they themselves expelled from the county and afterwards pursued, on their retreat into Daviess. It was, therefore, as they allege, in retaliation for unprovoked outrages, that they executed their system of violence and terror in the County of Daviess. Evidently, they could not have adopted a more suicidal policy -- allowing their own statements to be wholly true.

We have no time now -- and it would take more apace than we can spare for it -- even with a knowledge of all the facts to enter into a history of the origin and progress of this difficulty. But there is a statement in this connection, which we have heard but recently, and which we sincerely hope is not true. That statement is as follows.

About the 9th or 10th of last month, when about 80 Mormon families had been expelled from Carroll county, and driven into Daviess, a message was sent by them to the State executive, praying for his interposition in their behalf. The reply to that message was, that already the State had been put to a great deal of expense on account of these difficulties, and that he could see no cause to interpose, thus leaving the parties to fight it out!

The disposition of the captured Mormons presents a case of great difficulty. They are generally poor -- at least they have but little money and few means besides their stock and crops to preserve them from starvation. As it is, we suspect, these means are very much abridged. The presence of several thousand troops in their vicinity must have reduced them greatly. The proposition -- so it is given out -- is to remove them from the State. Who will advance the funds wherewith to consummate to such a measure? And where shall they be sent? Their numbers exceed five thousand, men women and children! Are these 5000 people -- without any means and literally beggars -- to be thrust upon the charities of Illinois, Iowa, or Wisconsin?

It is said that the leaders are to be put to trial. We hope there may be a trial, and that the trial will extend to a most thorough, rigid, and impartial examination into the origin and progress of this extraordinary commotion. We hope that a searching operation will be applied to the guilty on all side[s]. It is only in such a way that the government and people of this State can place themselves in a just and dignified attitude before their sister governments and fellow citizens of the Union.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. 4.                 Quincy, Illinois, Sat., November 24, 1838.                 No. 11.



MORMONS.

There are still many conflicting accounts in the presses of the upper Missouri relative to the Mormon war, but it is generally admitted by all, that it closed by the surrender of the Mormon leaders to the troops under Gen, Atchinson, on Sunday, Oct. 28. We publish a letter to the editors of the Missouri Argus dated Oct. 30.


THE  MORMONS.

           Extract from a letter to the editors, dated
                                           "ELK HORN, Oct. 30, 1838.

"On Thursday, the 25th inst., about the dawn of day, a party of Mormons, about two hundred strong, attacked Capt. Bogart's company, consisting of about 40 men, on the line dividing Ray and Caldwell counties. On the approach of the Mormons, the sentry fired and gave the alarm. The former advanced within 45 paces, formed a line, and received orders 'in the name of Lazarus, the Apostles, and Jesus Christ our Lord, to fire;' which was followed by a simultaneous charge, accompanied by demoniac and hideous yells of 'fight for liberty! -- charge, boys -- charge -- kill the d--d rascals,' &c. Bogart, at the head of his gallant band, levelled his gun and echoed the command -- 'Boys, let them have it!' The struggle was short and desperate. The Mormons were armed with one gun, two long pistols, a butcher's knife, &c., and rushed to the charge, in which many of our men came in collision with them and parried their swords, &c., with their guns, and knocked them down. They pursued the charge about 600 yards. Our loss was one killed and three wounded -- two of the latter were left for dead on the ground. The loss of the Mormons was 19 or 20 killed and wounded -- 5 or 6 of the latter are yet living. They took one prisoner, -- carried him to within 3 miles of Far West, where they had him put to death.

"The country is in the highest state of excitement; there are about 2,500 troops within a day's march of Far West. They are pouring in from all quarters, and we expect, in a day or two, that that town will be laid waste. We are looking for the Governor with more troops. I have this moment been informed that the Mormons are making every preparation for a general battle. In the engagement on the 25th they took about $4,500 worth of horses, &c."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, lllinois, Sat., Dec. 8, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 32.



MORMONS.

The following are extracts of letters to the editors of the Missouri Republican, from near the seat of the late Mormon war.

"The expense imposed on the state by these Mormons will be immense. Gen. Clark will not force them away this winter; and to see the amount of suffering imposed on those people, particularly the women and children, would affect the heart of the most inveterate enemy, and must call down upon the heads of Smith and Rigdon a fearful responsibility. These scoundrels, to promote their own aggrandizement, must have each 1200 dollars a year salary, from a poor, industrious set of men, and to enable them to pay this, they urged them to steal and rob from the citizens of Daviess county, and refused to let the people pay their just debts.

"We have Smith, Rigdon and Dr. Avard here, (Richmond) in chains, closely confined under a strong guard, and I hope that they will never get from here until the world are satisfied, for all the crimes they were instrumental in committing. For the last six months, Smith has been reading attentively, the life of Mahomet, and has endeavored to copy after him. Like him he had his flight and his revelations, and he has been heard to say, that the time would shortly come when it would be'Jo Smith or the Sword,' as it was with Mahomet, 'the Koran or the Sword.' It was his design to revolutionize, in politics and religion, the whole world. He is about 33 or 34 years of age, and if his career had not been checked he night have done great mischief. It is said by the most intelligent of the dissenters, who are witnesses against him, that he is deistical, or atheistical in his opinions; so say they of Rigdon, and the whole of the leaders, I think, are strongly [nectured] with infidelity."

"The most important, as well as the most exciting part of what I sit down to write you, is yet untold. A ponderous trunk of papers has been found, among the goods and chattels of the Prophet, the contents of which reveal and lay bare the 'marrow, bone and sinew' of an unprecedented and magnificent scheme of roguery! These papers I have not seen, but universal report alledges that a portion of the Latter Day Saints, headed by the prophet Joseph, have formed themselves into a society of pillage and plunder; that is to say, they have agreed by constitutional provision, individually to plunder and steal such moveables as they can lay their hands upon, which, at designated fixed periods, were to be divided amongst the members, or disbursed for the good and benefit of all concerned. Moreover, it is stated that some of the members of this club are quite proficient in the art of counterfeiting paper and silver. Such as have joined this banditti, call themselves Danites. To the articles of agreement, were annexed the signatures of the members, and by this Gen. Clark was enabled to detect and bring to justice most of them. We brought with us to Richmond, for trial, upwards of fifty of this mystic conspiracy. One or two of them have turned States evidence. A more bold and daring attempt at wholesale robbery, (among christians) is not to be found in the annals of crime; and happy should the lovers of law and civil liberty feel, when they reflect upon the fact, that these vagabonds and rascals are within the guards of justice, there to answer for the outrages of which they have been guilty."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Bartlett & Sullivan]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Dec. 22, 1838.         [Vol. 1 - No. 34.



CORRESPONDENCE.

The Mormon Leaders, are yet in confinement. Some of them are confined in jails, while others are guarded by bands of armed men. In this state will they await their trial, until the second Monday of March, when a court is to be held for the purpose. The distresses of these people, without home or shelter of any kind, is said to be truly heart-rending. A heavy sin lies somewhere -- and between the leaders of this misguided sect and the Missourians, it is difficult to fix the responsibility. A Mr. Orville H. Searcey, is preparing for publication a history of Mormonism from first to last. If it is intended to be an impartial history, some other than a Missourian, could better act the part of an historian. We should not suppose the public felt much interest in a work of the kind -- they have heard enough of the subject of late.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 
Back to top of this page.



Articles Home Page    |    Articles Index    |    History Vault
Oliver's Bookshelf    |    Spalding Library    |    Mormon Classics


last updated: Jan. 1, 2006