==> The celebrated Mormon preacher and leader, SIDNEY RIGDON, arrived in Quincy, on Saturday last. To show the influence of mob rule in Missouri, the sheriff was obliged to take him from prison, (after he had given bail) under cover of the night, lest the mob would get hold of him, who had sworn to take his life. -- Indeed, he was pursued a long distance by some of them with that intent. His defence before the court of inquiry, is spoken of as a masterly effort.

Illinois, at present, appears to be an asylum for this oppressed people, as they are coming in from all quarters. For several days they have been crossing at this place, bringing with them the wreck of what they could save from their ruthless oppressors. They appear, so far as we have seen, to be a mild, inoffensive people, who could not have given a cause for the persecution they have met with; and the whole proceedings towards this people, by the authorities of Missouri, must stand as a lasting stigma to the State -- and we further hope, from the specimen they have received, of the liberality and justice of loco focoism, when carried out, as it has been by the dominant party in Missouri -- that they have come among us, with more enlightened opinions, in regard to those levelling and destroying doctrines, so characteristic in Missouri, and through the prevalence of which, their own sufferings and persecutions as a people, are a striking example. Heavy, as is the disgrace of Missouri in this business, we are pleased to see such independent and influential papers the Missouri Republican, the little (Ques. when shall we say big?) St. Louis Gazette, and others, standing up boldly in defence of the violated rights of the Mormons. Their counsels, however, bear no weight, against the odious iron rule of Bentonism, Loco Focoism, &c. which now afflict that State.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> We have just returned from rather a queer meeting convened at the court house. From what leaked out on the occasion, it appears that a little knot of politicians. denominated the "Quincy Democratic Association," have been tampering with the Mormons now among us, for purposes which the reader can well imagine. This "Association" at their secret caucus of the Saturday night previous [Feb. 23], among other equally wise and prudent efforts to gain strength to their cause, resolved to bait a hook for this oppressed people, and approach them under the plea of sympathizing in their sufferings, and offering relief conditionally -- all in the name and behalf of the "Quincy Democratic Association!!" Thus, the Mormons must see themselves, that this move of the secret caucus, was purely and entirely selfish -- immaterial how much the great body of our citizens sympathized with this people -- immaterial how much money they contributed, or what efforts they might make in aid of this said people -- it all must be done in the name of the miscalled "Democratic Association," and thus to gain a strength to their cause, which their short-sighted wisdom lead them to believe could be easily effected. How contemptible the object of this knot of third-rate politicians! The best sympathies of our nature were to be called into action -- or benevolence was to be tested -- our purses were to be opened -- but it must only be done through the medium of the "Democratic Association." Was not this a master stroke of policy? The Mormons nor other citizens, (as was doubtless supposed by these sages of a school room) would of course se the point of the hook, which was so thinly baited. But the sequel will show how greatly they were disappointed.

The Committee appointed by the secret caucus, consisting of J. W. Whitney, ("Lord Coke"), I. N. Morris, (editor of the Argus) and one Lindsay, (whose christian name we know not and care less,) of course readily undertook to carry out the objects of the "Association," by waiting upon some of the principal men of the society of Mormons, with the avowed intention of inquiring into their situation and alleviating their sufferings. The Mormons met this overture of the "Ass-ociation" committee in a corresponding degree of courtesy; and a meeting was agreed upon between this people and the "Association," for Wednesday [Feb. 27] night, at Bradley and Hollowbush's school room. -- So far so good -- the committee had commenced swimmingly -- and they dried up their crocodile tears and departed, chuckling as they went, at the prospect of accomplishing the sinister objects of the body of men who sent them on the mission. It was the intention of the movers, to have the meeting secret, composed only of the stranger Mormons, and the self-styled Democrats. But on Wednesday, Mr. Sidney Rigdon, delivered a funeral discourse over the body of one of his people, and after the services were concluded, gave notice that a meeting would be held in the evening of the same day in the court room, for purposes which would be explained at the time; -- thus thwarting the expectation of the "Democrats," in their purpose of having the meeting secret, and compelling them, if they had any intention of assisting the Mormons, to toe the mark at once. Well, evening came -- few, very few, of our citizens had any knowledge of the meeting until dark, when such as had, repaired with all diligence to the Court House. The school room Solons were in a quandary at seeing so many strange faces assembling, who were not of their "kith or kin;" and after some considerable whispering and talking among themselves, one of their number nominated Gen. Leach, (Receiver at the Quincy Land Office, and member of the "Democratic Association,") to the chair, and James D. Morgan, (another member of the same Association,) Secretary. --

After the chairman had called the attention of the meeting, and the members of the secret caucus had become tired of looking at each other, up rose "Lord Coke," with all the "pomp and circumstance" of the learned lord after whom he receives his cognomen, and commenced reading a report, which went on to say that the committee appointed by the "Democratic Association," had performed the duty assigned them, and reported that the Mormons stood in need of assistance. To this report were appended a set of resolutions, having in view a prospective relief of the Mormons, and made up more of "talk than cider." Coke's resolutions were not quite perfect; he should have added, as the last clause: "All this will the 'democratic association' do for the people denominated "latter day saints," provided, this people will claim kindred with us of the 'association,' and agree to sustain such men for office next August, as we may set up for their support." After Lord Coke had safely delivered himself of this point-no-point report, Mr. Sidney Rigdon, rose and read the memorial which his people had presented to the Legislature of Missouri, and other documents, going to show the absence of all law and justice, in the course which the Missouri authorities had pursued towards them, from Gov. Boggs down to the lowest grade of officers. --

Again Lord Coke arose and delivered himself, in a similar strain of his report. -- After he [had] his say, Mr. Rigdon, again took the floor, and in a very eloquent and impressive manner, related the trials, sufferings and persecutions which his people had met with at the hands of the people of Missouri. We saw the tear standing in the eyes of many of his people, while he was recounting their history of woe and sorrow; and, in fact, the gentleman himself was so agitated at different periods of his address, that his feelings would hardly allow him to proceed. We are satisfied that his address will have a lasting and good effect, sustained as it was by the public documents which he produced. We will not attempt to follow him through the account he gave of the cold blooded murder by the mob of Missouri of Mormon men and children, the violation of females, the destroying of property, the burning of houses, &c. &c. It would occupy more time and room than we have to dispose of.

At the conclusion of Mr. Rigdon's address, N. Bushnell, Esq., rose and made an able and appropriate speech -- he declaimed in strong terms against the pitiful intentions of the "Democratic Association," in taking solely upon themselves the care and protection of the Mormons -- he said he never could nor should contribute in aid of this suffering people, as a member of the 'Democratic Association,' but as a citizen of Quincy, he stood ready to contribute for a charitable purpose with charitable intentions purely -- he said that the meeting was unknown to the great mass of the people of Quincy, and that, as his object was solely of a charitable nature, and one in which he wished the citizens of Quincy generally to participate, he would move an adjournment until the next evening, (Thursday.) [Feb. 28]

This proposition of Mr. Bushnell, called up several members of the "Association," in explanation. There was nothing of party, connected with the business -- no, nothing! although the whole affair was secretly hatched at a private political caucus. They all told me the same tale -- and all made a most lame and unsatisfactory explanation. Finally, Mr. Bushnell's motion was put and carried unanimously in the affirmative.

We have been thus explicit for the purpose of exposing the hollow-hearted professions of this designing "Association." They would tamper and trifle with the feelings of the suffering Mormons for the purpose of attaining a political end -- they would embroil that people in a political contest, whereby a feeling of hostility might be engendered which would operate to their prejudice hereafter, if they permanently settled among us. If they wished to bestow charity upon this people, why did they not do so openly and above-board, like honest and benevolent citizens, instead of creeping to their midnight caucuses, and there forming plans and intriguing to entrap for political purposes, this persecuted and suffering people! Do they suppose that their selfish, self-styled "Democratic Association," embodies all the benevolent, the charitable, the humane, of this community? It may be supposed so from their acts. They display so little wisdom, however, in all their acts, that their motives are plainly exhibited -- as plain as though they published them to the world.

We do not blame the Mormons at all in this business of course -- for no blame can in any way attach to them. A deputation was sent to them from a political society, offering relief, and they met and treated it with respect. Whatever might have been the secret objects of this deputation, they were certainly bound to listen to their professions of assistance. Of one thing, however, the Mormons may be assured -- that this "organization" party never move unless for some selfish purpose -- and we do hope, that they will stand aloof, and leave this party to work out its own objects with its own instruments. We do not say this as a partisan, for we would be one of the last to deprive them of a single Constitutional right, (either political or religious;) but we say it as the friend of the oppressed. Their own good sense will doubtless teach them the proper course to take in this matter, and to treat all overtures from either party as an intrusion upon their rights.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

Below we give the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of Quincy, together with the public documents which gave rise to the meeting. We simply, ask the attention of the people to the whole matter which follows, and leave all the facts to have its own weight upon their minds.

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At a meeting of the citizens of Quincy, convened on Wednesday evening, the 27th of Feb. to take into consideration measures for the relief of the Mormons, Gen. Leech was appointed Chairman, and James D. Morgan, Sec'y. A report was made by Mr. Whitney, accompanied with resolutions, making provision for their relief.

Mr. Rigdon made a statement of the wrongs received by the Mormons from a portion of the people of Missouri, and of their present suffering condition.

On motion of Mr. Bushnell, the resolutions were laid upon the table till to-morrow evening.

On motion of Mr. Bushnell the meeting adjourned to meet at this place, to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock.

THURSDAY EVENING, Feb. 28th.
The meeting was called to order by the chairman. On motion of Mr. Morris, a committee of 3 was appointed to take up a collection; Messrs. J. T. Holmes, Whitney and Morris were appointed. The committee subsequently reported that $48.25 had been collected. On motion the amount was paid over to the committee on behalf of the Mormons.

On motion of Mr. Holmes, a committee of 3, consisting of Messers. S. Holmes, Bushnell and Morris, were appointed to draw up subscription papers and circulate them among the citizens, for the purpose of receiving contributions in clothing and provisions. On motion 6 were added to that committee.

On motion of Mr. Holmes, J. D. Morgan was appointed a committee to wait upon the Quincy Grays, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions. Mr. Morgan subsequently reported that twenty dollars had been subscribed by that company.

The following resolutions were then offered by Mr. J. T. Holmes:

Resolved, That we regard the rights of conscience as natural and inalienable, and the most sacred guaranteed by the Constitution of our free government.

Resolved, That we regard the acts of all mobs as flagrant violations of law, and those who compose them, individually responsible both to the laws of God and man, for every depredation committed upon the property, rights, or life of any citizen.

Resolved, that the inhabitants upon the western frontier of the State of Missouri, in their late persecutions of the class of people denominated Mormons, have violated the sacred rights of conscience, and every law of justice and humanity.

Resolved, That the Gov. of Missouri, in refusing protection to this class of people, when pressed upon by a heartless mob, and turning upon them a band of unprincipled militia, with orders encouraging their extermination, has brought a lasting disgrace upon the State over which he presides.

The resolutions were supported in a spirited manner by Mr. J. T. Holmes, and by Mr. Morris and Whitney, when upon motion, they were adopted.

On motion the meeting adjourned.
S. LEECH, Ch'n.
J. D. MORGAN, Sec'y.

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The following memorial, embodying the most of the facts in relation to the outrages, presented to the Missouri Legislature by a committee of the Mormons, praying for an investigation into the circumstances detailed, was read by Mr. Rigdon. -- It will be recollected that this memorial was treated with almost contempt by the Legislature -- they refused to even print it -- and subsequently refused any investigation into the occurrences on the frontier, and at the same time, appropriated $200,000 of the people's money, for paying the militia for services, of which, they, (the people) had no definite knowledge! Two members of the legislature, (Ashby and Gillam) were prominent leaders of the mob, (not the militia) and it may be supposed that they would oppose investigation from the most interested motives.

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To the Honorable Legislature of the State of Missouri, in Senate and House of Representatives convened:

We, the undersigned petitioners, inhabitants of Caldwell County, Missouri, in consequence of the late calamity that has come upon us, taken in connection with former afflictions, feel it a duty we owe to ourselves and our country, to lay our case before your honorable body for consideration.

It is a well-known fact, that a Society of our people commenced settling in Jackson County, Missouri, in the summer of 1831, where they, according to their ability, purchased lands and settled upon them with the intention and expectation of becoming permanent citizens in common with others.

Soon after the settlement began, persecution began, and as the Society increased persecution also increased, until the Society at last was compelled to leave the county. And although an account of these persecutions has been published to the world, yet we feel that it will not be improper to notice a few of the most prominent items in this memorial.

On the 20th of July 1833, a mob convened at Independence, a committee of which called upon a few of the leading men of our church there, and stated to them that the Store, Printing Office, and indeed all other Mechanic shops, must be closed forthwith; and the society leave the county immediately. These propositions were so unexpected, that a certain time was asked for to consider on the subject before an answer should be returned, that being refused, and our men being individually interrogated, each one answered that he could not consent to comply with their propositions. One of the mob replied that he was sorry, for the work of destruction would commence immediately. In a short time, the printing office, which was a two story brick building, was assailed by the mob and soon thrown down, and with it much valuable property destroyed. Next they went to the store for the same purpose, but Mr. Gilbert, one of the owners, agreeing to close it, they abandoned their design. -- Their next move was their dragging of Bishop Partridge from his house and family to the public square, where, surrounded by hundreds, they partially stripped him of his clothes, and tarred and feathered him from head to foot. A man by the name of Allan was also tarred at the same time. This was Saturday, and the mob agreed to meet the following Tuesday, to accomplish their purpose of driving or massacring the Society. Tuesday came, and the mob came also, bearing with them a red flag in token of blood. Some two or three of the principal men of the society offered their lives, if that would appease the wrath of the mob, so that the rest of the society might dwell in peace upon their lands: the answer was, that, unless the society would consent to leave en masse, every man should die for himself. Being in a defenseless situation, to save a general massacre, it was agreed that one half of the society should leave the county by the first of the next January, and the remainder by the first of the following April. A treaty was entered into and ratified, and all things went on smoothly for a while. But some time in October the wrath of the mob began again to be kindled, insomuch, that they shot at some of our people, whipped others, and threw down their houses, and committed many other depredations; indeed the society of saints were harassed for some time both day and night; their houses were brickbatted and broken open, women and children insulted, &c.; the store house of A. S. Gilbert & Co. was broken open, ransacked, and some of the goods strewed in the streets. These abuses, with many others of a very aggravated nature, so stirred up the indignant feelings of our people, that a party of them, say about 30, met a company of the mob of about double their number, when a battle took place, in which some two or three of the mob and one of our people were killed. This raised, as it were, the whole county in arms, and nothing would satisfy them but an immediate surrender of the arms of our people, and they forthwith to leave the county. Fifty-one guns were given up, which have never been returned or paid for to this day. The next day parties of the mob, from 30 to 70, headed by priests, went from house to house, threatening women and children with death, if they were not off before they returned. This so alarmed them, that they fled in different directions; some took shelter in the woods, while others wandered on the prairies till their feet bled. In the mean time the weather being very cold, their sufferings in other respects were very great.

The society made their escape to Clay Co. as fast as they possibly could, where the people received them kindly, and administered to their wants. After the society had left Jackson county, their buildings, amounting to about 200, were either burned or otherwise destroyed; much of their crops, as well as stock, furniture, &c., were also destroyed. The loss of property, added to the trouble and expense of moving, if properly estimated, would make a large sum, for which they have not as yet received any remuneration.

The society remained in Clay county nearly 3 years; when, at the suggestion of the people there, they removed to that section of country known now as Caldwell county. Here the people purchased out most of the former inhabitants, and also entered much of the wild land; many soon owned a number of eighties, each, whilst there was scarcely a man but what secured to himself at least a forty. Here we were permitted to enjoy peace for a season, but as our society increased in numbers, and settlements were made in Daviess and Carroll counties, the mob spirit spread itself again. For months previous to our giving up our arms to General Lucas' army, we heard little else, than rumors of mobs [being] collecting in different places, and threatening our people. -- It is well known that the people of our church who had located themselves at DeWitt, had to give up to a mob and leave the place, notwithstanding the Militia were called out for their protection. From DeWitt the mob went towards Daviess Co., and whilst on their way there, they took two of our men prisoners and made them ride upon the cannon, and told them that they would drive the Mormons from Daviess to Caldwell and from Caldwell to hell; and that they would give them no quarter only at the cannon's mouth.

The threats of the mob induced some of our people to go to Daviess to help to protect their brethren, who had settled at Diahman, on Grand river; the mob soon fled from Daviess County, and after they were dispersed and the cannon taken, during which time no blood was shed, the people from Caldwell returned to their homes in hopes of enjoying peace and quiet; but in this they were disappointed, for a large mob was soon found to be collecting on the Grindstone, from ten to fifteen miles off, under the command of C. Gilliam; a scouting party of which came within about 4 miles of Far West, and drove off stock belonging to our people, in open day light. About this time word came to Far West that a party of the mob had come into Caldwell county to the south east of Far West -- that they were taking horses and cattle, burning houses, and ordering the inhabitants to leave their homes immediately -- and that they had then actually in their possession three men prisoners. This report reached Far West in the evening and was confirmed about midnight. A company of about sixty men went forth under the command of David W. Patten, to disperse the mob, as they supposed. A battle was the result, in which Capt. Patten and two of his men were killed, and others wounded. Bogart, it appears, had but one killed and others wounded. Notwithstanding the unlawful acts committed by Capt. Bogart's men previous to the battle, it is now asserted and claimed that he was regularly ordered out as a militia captain, to preserve the peace along the line of Ray and Caldwell counties. That battle was fought four or five days previous to the arrival of Gen. Lucas and his army. About the time of the battle with Capt. Bogart, a number of our people, who were living near Haun's Mill, on Shoal Creek, about twenty miles below Far West, together with a number of emigrants who had been stopped there in consequence of the excitement, made an agreement with the mob which was about there, that neither party would molest the other, but dwell in peace. Shortly after this agreement was made, a mob party of from two to three hundred, many of whom are supposed to be from Chariton county, some from Daviess, and also those who had agreed to dwell in peace, came upon our people there, whose number in men was about forty, at a time they little expected any such thing, and without any ceremony, notwithstanding they begged for quarters, shot them down as they would tigers or panthers. Some few made their escape by fleeing; eighteen were killed, and a number more severely wounded.

This tragedy was conducted in the most brutal and savage manner. An old man, after the massacre was partially over, threw himself into their hands and begged for quarters, when he was instantly shot down; that not killing him, they took an old corn cutter and literally mangled him to pieces. A lad of ten years of age, after being shot down, also begged to be spared, when one of them placed the muzzle of his gun to his head and blew out his brains. The slaughter of these people not satisfying the mob, they then proceeded to rob and plunder the people. The scene that presented itself after the massacre, to the widows and orphans of the killed, is beyond description. It was truly a time of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation. As yet, we have not heard of any being arrested for these murders, notwithstanding there are men boasting about the country, that they did kill on that occasion more than one Mormon, whereas, all our people who were in the battle with Capt. Patten against Bogart, that can be found, have been arrested, and are now confined in jail to await their trial for murder.

When General Lucas arrived near Far West, and presented the governor's order, we were greatly surprised, yet we felt willing to submit to the authorities of the State. We gave up our arms without reluctance; we were then made prisoners, and confined to the limits of the town for about a week, during which time, the men from the country were not permitted to go to their families, many of whom were in a suffering condition for the want of food and fire wood, the weather being very cold and stormy. Much property was destroyed by the troops in town, during their stay there; such as burning house logs, rails, corncribs, boards &c., the using of corn and hay, the plundering of houses, the killing of cattle, sheep, and hogs, and also the taking of horses not their own, and all this without regard to owners, or asking leave of any one. In the mean time, men were abused, women insulted and ravished by the troops, and all this, while we were kept prisoners. Whilst the town was guarded, we were called together by the order of Gen. Lucas, and a guard placed close around us, and in that situation, were compelled to sign a deed of trust for the purpose of making our individual property all holden, as they said, to pay all the debts of every individual belonging to the church, and also to pay for all damages the old inhabitants of Daviess may have sustained in consequence of the late difficulties in that county.

Gen. Clark was now arrived, and the first important move made by him was the collecting of our men together on the square, and selected out about fifty of them, whom he immediately marched into a house, and confined close; this was done without the aid of the Sheriff, or any legal process. The next day 46 of those taken, were driven like a parcel of menial slaves, off to Richmond, not knowing why they were taken, or what they were taken for. After being confined in Richmond more than two weeks, about one half were liberated; the rest, after another week's confinement, were, most of them, required to appear at Court, and have since been let to bail. Since Gen. Clark withdrew his troops from Far West, parties of armed men have gone through the county, driving off horses, sheep, and cattle, and also plundering houses.

The barbarity of Gen. Lucas' troops ought not to be passed over in silence. -- They shot our cattle and hogs, merely for the sake of destroying them, leaving them for the ravens to eat. They took prisoner an aged man by the name of Tanner, and without any reason for it, he was struck over the head with a gun, which laid his skull bare. Another man by the name of Carey was also taken prisoner by them, and without any provocation had his brains dashed out with a gun; he was laid in a wagon, and there permitted to remain, for the space of 24 hours, during which time no one was permitted to administer to his comfort or consolation, and after he was removed from that situation he lived but a few hours.

The destruction of property, at and about Far West, is very great. Many are stripped bare as it were, and others partially so; indeed, take us as a body at this time, we are a poor and afflicted people, and if we are compelled to leave the State in the spring, many, yes, a large portion of our society, will have to be removed at the expense of the State, as those who otherwise might have helped them, are now debarred that privilege in consequence of the deed of trust we were compelled to sign, which deed so operates upon our real estate, that it will sell for but little or nothing at this time.

We have now made a brief statement of some of the most prominent features of the troubles that have befallen our people since their first settlement in this State, and we believe that these persecutions have come in consequence of our religious faith, and not for any immorality on our part. That instances have been of late, where individuals have trespassed upon the rights of others, and thereby broken the laws of the land, we will not pretend to deny, but yet we do believe, that no crime can be substantiated against any of the people who have a standing in our church, of an earlier date than the difficulties in Daviess County. And when it is considered that the rights of this people have been trampled upon from time to time, with impunity, and abuses heaped upon them almost innumerable, it ought, in some degree, to palliate for any infraction of the law, which may have been made on the part of our people.

The late order of Gov. Boggs, to drive us from this state, or exterminate us, is a thing so novel, unlawful, tyrannical and oppressive, that we have been induced to draw up this memorial and present this statement of our case to your honorable body, praying that a law may be passed, rescinding the order of the Governor to drive us from the State, and also giving us the sanction of the Legislature to inherit our lands in peace; we ask an expression of the Legislature, disapproving the conduct of those who compelled us to sign a deed of trust, and also disapproving of any man or set of men, taking our property in consequence of that deed of trust, and appropriating it to the payment of debts not contracted by us, or for the payment of damages sustained in consequence of trespasses committed by others. We have no common stock, our property is individual property, and we feel unwilling to be bound for other people's debts also.

The arms which were taken from us here, which we understand to be about 630, besides swords and pistols, we care not so much about, as we do the pay for them; only we are bound to do military duty, which we are willing to do, and which we think was sufficiently manifested by the raising of a volunteer company last fall, at Far West, when called upon by Gen. Parks, to raise troops for the frontier. The arms given up by us, we consider were worth between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars, but we understand they have been greatly damaged since taken, and at this time, probably would not bring near their former value. And as they were, both here and in Jackson County, taken by the militia, and consequently by the authority of the State, we therefore ask your honorable body to cause an appropriation to be made by law, whereby we may be paid for them, or otherwise have them returned to us and the damages made good. The losses sustained by our people in leaving Jackson County, are so situated that it is impossible to obtain any compensation for them by law, because those who have sustained them are unable to prove those trespasses upon individuals. That the facts do exist, -- that the buildings, crops, stock, furniture, rails, timber, &c. of the society, have been destroyed in Jackson County, is not doubted by those who are acquainted in this upper country, and since these trespasses cannot be proved upon individuals, we ask your honorable body to consider this case, and if, in your liberality and wisdom, you can conceive it to be proper to make an appropriation by law to these sufferers, many of whom are still pressed down with poverty in consequence of their losses, would be able to pay their debts, and also in some degree be relieved from poverty and woe, whilst the widows heart would be made to rejoice and the orphans tear measurably dried up, and the prayers of a grateful people ascend on high, with thanksgiving and praise, to the author of our existence, for that beneficent act.

In laying our case before your honorable body, we say that we are willing, and ever have been, to conform to the constitution and laws of the United States, and of this State. We ask in common with others, the protection of the laws. We ask for the privilege guaranteed to all free citizens of the United States and of this State to be extended to us, that we may be permitted to settle and live where we please, and worship God according to the dictates of our conscience without molestation. And while we ask for ourselves this privilege we are willing all others should enjoy the same.

We now lay our case at the feet of your legislature, and ask your honorable body to consider it, and do for us, after mature deliberation, that which your wisdom, patriotism, and philanthropy may dictate. And we, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.

EDWARD PARTRIDGE,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
JOHN TAYLOR,
THEODORE TURLEY,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
ISAAC MORLEY,
GEORGE W. HARRIS,
JOHN MURDOCK,
JOHN M. BURK.
A committee appointed by the citizens of Caldwell county to draft this memorial, and sign it in their behalf.

Far West, Caldwell co., Mo., Dec. 10, 1838.

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The following copy of a Military Order issued by the Governor of Missouri. To properly understand this order, it will be borne in mind that a large mob were up in [arms] against the Mormons and were pressing upon [their settlements] with all the malice and hate of bitter opponents -- menacing their lives and destroying their property. In this extremity they sent an express to Gov. Boggs for assistance -- asking him to protect them from the lawless outrages of the mob. What does the reader suppose was the reply of this high-minded Governor to their application for protection? Does he immediately order out a force to suppress the violators of the law and the rights of the citizens of the State, as he was in duty bound, by his Constitutional oath? No. -- This was his answer to the application: --

"If you have got into a scrape with the mob, you must fight it out; I shall have nothing to do with it." Surely this man is a more fit Governor of his party (as he is) than of the State of Missouri. The Mormons finding the Governor averse to assisting them, and that their only hope of safety rested with themselves, they took the Governor's advice and made preparations to defend themselves from the mob. No sooner had they commenced doing this, however, when the war cry was raised against them -- they were robbers and murderers, because they dared to raise their hands in defence of their homes, their firesides, and their lives. -- All kinds of rumors and reports about them, were circulating through the country to their prejudice, and it would seem from the exterminating order below, that Gov. Boggs was also affected with the panic. He ordered out a large army to "exterminate or drive the Mormons from the State." But it is not our intention to review the conduct of the Missouri authorities in this business, further than to place each document, as it comes under our notice, in its true and proper light before the people, leaving all the facts in the case, as we said before, to have their own weight.

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Head Quarters, Militia,          
City of Jefferson,          
Oct. 27, 1838.          

SIR: -- Since the order of the morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Rees, Esq., and Wiley C. Williams, Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which changes the whole face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made open war upon the people of this State. Your orders are therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavor to reach Richmond, in Ray county, with all possible, speed. -- The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State, if necessary, for the public good. Their outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force, you are authorized to do so, to any extent you may think necessary. I have just issued orders to Maj. Gen. Wallock of Marion county, to raise 500 men, and to march them to the northern part of Daviess county and there unite with Gen. Doniphan of Clay, who has been ordered with 500 men, to proceed to the same point for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the Mormons to the North. They have been directed to communicate with you by express. You can also communicate with them if you find it necessary. Instead therefore, of proceeding as at first directed to reinstate the citizens of Daviess in their homes, you will proceed immediately to Richmond and, there operate against the Mormons. Brig. Gen. Parks of Ray, has been ordered to have four hundred men of his brigade in readiness to join you at Richmond. The whole force will be placed under your command.

L. W. BOGGS, Gov. andCommander-in-Chief.

To Gen. Clark.

---

The following is the speech of General Clark, the commander of the militia, delivered to the Mormons at Far West, after they had surrendered themselves prisoners, according to agreement. The General it will be seen, was fully determined to carry out the exterminating order of the Governor.

Gentlemen: -- You whose names are not attached to this list of names will now have the privilege of going to your fields to obtain corn for your families, wood, &c. Those that are now taken, will go from thence to prison -- be tried, and receive the due demerit of their crimes -- but you are now at liberty, all but such as charges may be hereafter preferred against. It now devolves upon you to fulfil the treaty that you have entered into, the leading items of which I now lay before you; the first of these you have already complied with, which is, that you deliver up your leading men to be tried according to law. Second, that you deliver up your arms -- this has been attended to. The third is, that you sign over your properties to defray the expenses of the war -- this you have also done. Another thing yet remains for you to comply with, that is, that you leave the State forthwith, and whatever your feelings concerning this affair -- whatever your innocence, it is nothing to me. Gen. Lucas, who is equal in authority with me, has made this treaty with you. I am determined to see it executed. The orders of the Governor to me, were, that you should be exterminated and not allowed to continue in the State, and had your leaders not been given up and the treaty complied with before this, you and your families would have been destroyed, and your houses in ashes.

There is a discretionary power vested in my hands which I shall try to exercise for a season. I did not say that you shall go now, but you must not think of staying here another season or of putting in crops; for the moment you do, the citizens will be upon you. I am determined to see the Governor's Message fulfilled, but shall not come upon you immediately -- do not think that I shall act as I have done any more -- but if I have to come again, because the treaty which you have made here shall be broken, you need not expect any mercy, but extermination -- for I am determined the Governor's order shall be executed. As for your leaders, do not once think -- do not imagine for a moment -- do not let it enter your mind, that they will be delivered, or that you will see their faces again, for their fate is fixed, their die is cast -- their doom is sealed.

I am sorry, gentlemen, to see so great a number of apparently intelligent men found in the situation that you are; and, oh! that I could invoke the spirit of the unknown God to rest upon you, and deliver you from that awful chain of superstition, and liberate you from those fetters of fanaticism with which you are bound. -- I would advise you to scatter abroad and never again organize with Bishops, Presidents, &c., lest you excite the jealousies of the people, and subject yourselves to the same calamities that have now come upon you. You have always been the aggressors -- you have brought upon yourselves these difficulties by being disaffected, and not being subject to rule -- and my advice is that you become as other citizens, lest by a recurrence of these events you bring upon yourselves irretrievable ruin.

---

The following [genuine] letter which was picked up in the street, a few days since, is quite a curiosity in its way. It purports to be confidential. The signature was almost illegible, from the mud and dirt which had been trampled upon it -- we judge to be Smith -- perhaps a brother of "John Smith of Bear Creek."

Feb. 20, 1839        

Cousin John:
Since I came to town, I have seed most of our demoncratical friends, and talked with um.... "We must get all the strength we can, cause the wiggs are getting thick as blackberrys, and the only way we can get ahead of them, is to do our best to gain the support of the Mormons who are comin over the river from Missoury. There will be two or three hundred voters among them and if we shuffle our cards right we'll get their votes. -- At our next demon-cratical Association, we are gwine to take up the subject, and prepare a bait to catch um, as we have got all our jackalls out feelin among um. -- Therefor, look out and keep dark, and say nothin, lest them confounded Wiggs get wind of it and blow on us. If we get the Mormons to vote with us, we can lick the wiggs next August," --- and much more of the same kind of talk he told me. He said awlso, we must procede with the utmost cawtion in laying the snare for the Mormons, for fear they mout smell the rat... As I shal stay up here a week, till the demon-cratical monuvre about the Mormons comes to a fokus, I will perhaps write you again.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS, OR LATTER DAY SAINTS.

We give in today's paper the details of the recent bloody tragedy acted in Missouri -- the details of a scene of terror and blood unparalleled in the annals of modern, and under the circumstances of the case, in ancient history -- a tragedy of so deep, and fearful, and absorbing interest, that the very life-blood of the heart is chilled at the simple contemplation. We are prompted to ask ourselves if it be really true, that we are living in an enlightened, a humane and civilized age -- in an age and quarter of the world boasting of its progress in every thing good, and great, and honorable, and virtuous, and high-minded -- in a country of which, as American citizens, we could be proud -- whether we are living under a constitution and laws, or have not rather returned to the ruthless times of the stern Atilla -- to the times of the fiery Hun, when the sword and flame ravaged the fair fields of Italy and Europe, and the darkest passions held full revel in all the revolting scenes of unchecked brutality, and unbridled desire?

We have no language sufficiently strong for the expression of our indignation and shame at the recent transaction in a sister state -- and that state Missouri -- a state of which we had long been proud, alike for her men and history, but now so fallen, that we could wish her star stricken out from the bright constellation of the Union. We say we know of no language sufficiently strong for the expression of our shame and abhorrence of her recent conduct. She has written her own character in letters of blood--and stained it by acts of merciless cruelty and brutality that the waters of ages cannot efface. It will be observed that an organized mob aided by many of the civil and military officers of Missouri, with Governor Boggs at their head, have been the prominent actors in this business, incited too, it appears, against the Mormons by political hatred, and by the additional motives of plunder and revenge. They have but too well put in execution their threats of extermination and expulsion, and fully wreaked their vengeance on a body of industrious and enterprising men, who had never wronged, nor wished to wrong them, but on the contrary had ever comported themselves as good and honest citizens, living under the same laws and having the same right with themselves to the sacred immunities of life, liberty, and property.

Proceedings in the town of Quincy for the purpose of affording relief to the people usually denominated "The Latter-day Saints."

At a meeting of the Democratic Association, held on Saturday evening the 23rd ultimo, Mr. Lindsay introduced a resolution setting forth, that the people called "The Latter-day Saints," were many of them in a situation requiring the aid of the citizens of Quincy, and recommending that measures be adopted for their relief; which resolution was adopted, and a committee consisting of eight persons appointed by the chair -- of which committee J. W. Whitney was chairman. The association then adjourned to meet on Wednesday evening then next, after instructing the committee to procure the Congregational meeting-house as a place of meeting, and to invite as many of the people to attend the meeting as should choose to do so, in whose behalf the meeting was to be held, and also all others, citizens of the town. The committee not being able to obtain the meeting-house, procured the court house for that purpose.

Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 1839, 6 o'clock, p. m.

The members of the Democratic Association, and the citizens of Quincy generally, assembled in the court house to take into consideration, the state and condition of the people called "The Latter-day Saints," and organized the meeting by appointing General Leach chairman, and James D. Morgan secretary.

Mr. Whitney from the committee appointed at a former meeting, submitted the following report.

The select committee, to whom the subject was referred of inquiring into and reporting the situation of the persons who have recently arrived here from Missouri, and whether their circumstances are such, as that they would need the aid of the citizens of Quincy and its vicinity, to be guided by what they might deem the principles of an expanded benevolence, have attended to the duties assigned them and have concluded on the following

REPORT:

The first idea that occurred to your committee was to obtain correctly the facts of the case, for without them the committee could come to no conclusions, as to what it might be proper for us to do. Without them, they could form no basis upon which the committee might recommend to this association what would be proper for us to do, or what measures to adopt. The committee, soon after their appointment, sent invitations to Mr. Rigdon, and several others, to meet the committee and give them a statement of the facts, and to disclose their situation. Those individuals accordingly met the committee and entered into a free conversation and disclosure of the facts of their situation, and after some time spent therein, the committee concluded to adjourn and report to this meeting, but not without first requesting those individuals to draw up and send us, in writing, a condensed statement of the facts relative to the subjects in charge of your committee, which those individuals engaged to do, and which the committee request may be taken as part of their report. That statement is herewith lettered A.

The committee believed that our duties at this time, and on this occasion, are all included within the limits of an expanded benevolence and humanity, and which are guided and directed by that charity which never faileth. From the facts already disclosed, independent of the statement furnished to the committee, we feel it our duty to recommend to this association that they adopt the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the strangers recently arrived here from the State of Missouri, known by the name of "The Latter-day Saints," are entitled to our sympathy and kindest regard, and that we recommend to the citizens of Quincy to extend to them all the kindness in their power to bestow, as persons who are in affliction.

Resolved, That a numerous committee be raised, composed of some individuals in every quarter of the town and its vicinity, whose duty it shall be to explain to our misguided fellow-citizens, if any such there be, who are disposed to excite prejudices and circulate unfounded rumors; and particularly to explain to them, that these people have no design to lower the wages of the laboring class, but to procure something to save them from starving.

Resolved, That a standing committee be raised, and be composed of individuals who shall immediately inform Mr. Rigdon and others, as many as they may think proper, of their appointment; and who shall be authorized to obtain information from time to time, and should they be of opinion that any individuals, either from destitution or sickness, or if they find them houseless, that they appeal directly and promptly to the citizens of Quincy to furnish them with the means to relieve all such cases.

Resolved, That the committee last aforesaid, be instructed to use their utmost endeavors to obtain employment for all these people who are able and willing to labor, and also to afford them all needful, suitable, and proper encouragement.

Resolved, That we recommend to all the citizens of Quincy, that in all their intercourse with the strangers, that they use and observe a becoming decorum and delicacy, and be particularly careful not to indulge in any conversation or expressions calculated to wound their feelings, or in any way to reflect upon those, who, by every law of humanity, are entitled to our sympathy and commiseration.

All which is submitted.

J. W. WHITNEY, Ch'n.
Quincy, February 27, 1839

---

[Appendix]
A.
This gentlemen, is a brief outline of the difficulties that we have labored under, in consequence of the repeated persecutions that have been heaped upon us; and as the governor's exterminating order has not been rescinded, we, as a people, were obliged to leave the State, and with it, our lands, corn, wheat, pork &c., that we had provided for ourselves and families, together with our fodder, which we had collected for our cattle, horses, etc., -- those of them that we have been able to preserve from the wreck of that desolation which has spread itself over Daviess and Caldwell counties.

In consequence of our brethren's being obliged to leave the State, and as a sympathy and friendly spirit has been manifested by the citizens of Quincy, numbers of our brethren, glad to obtain an asylum from the hand of persecution, have come to this place.

We cannot but express our feelings of gratitude to the inhabitants of this place for the friendly feelings which have been manifested, and the benevolent hand which has been stretched out to a poor, oppressed, injured, and persecuted people; and as you, gentlemen of the Democratic Association, have felt interested in our welfare, and have desired to be put in possession of a knowledge of our situation, our present wants, and what would be most conducive to our present good, together with what led to those difficulties, we thought that those documents would furnish you with as correct information of our difficulties and what led to them, as any that we are in possession of.

If we should say what our present wants are, it would be beyond all calculations, as we have been robbed of our corn, wheat, horses, cattle, cows, hogs, wearing apparel, houses and homes, and indeed, of all that renders life tolerable. We do not, we cannot expect to be placed in the situation that we once were, nor are we capable, of ourselves, of supplying the many wants of those of our poor brethren who are daily crowding here and looking to us for relief, in consequence of our property as well as theirs being in the hands of a ruthless and desolating mob.

It is impossible to give an exact account of the widows, and those that are entirely destitute, as there are so many coming here daily; but, from enquiry, the probable amount will be something near twenty, besides numbers of other who are able-bodied men, both able and willing to work, to obtain a subsistence, yet owing to their peculiar situation, are destitute of means to supply the immediate wants that the necessities of their families call for. We would not propose, gentlemen, what you shall do, but after making these statements, shall leave it to your own judgment and generosity. To what we think would be the best means to promote our permanent good, we think that to give us employment, rent us farms and allow us the protection and privileges of other citizens, would raise us from a state of dependence, liberate us from the iron grasp of poverty, put us in possession of a competency and deliver us from the ruinous effects of persecution, despotism and tyranny.

Written in behalf of a committee of "The Latter-day Saints."
E. HIGBEE, Pres.
J. P. GREENE, Clerk
To the Quincy Democratic Association.

---

Mr. Rigdon then made a statement of the wrongs received by the Mormons, from a portion of the people of Missouri, and of their present suffering condition.

On motion of Mr. Bushnell, the report and resolutions were laid upon the table, till tomorrow evening.

On motion of Mr. Bushnell, the meeting adjourned to meet at this place on tomorrow evening, at seven o'clock.

---

THURSDAY EVENING, Feb. 28. Met pursuant to adjournment.

The meeting was called to order by the chairman. On motion of Mr. Morris, a committee of three was appointed to take up a collection; Messrs. J. T. Holmes, Whitney, and Morris, was appointed.

The committee subsequently reported that $48.25 cents had been collected. On motion, the amount was paid over to the committee on behalf of the Mormons.

On motion of Mr. Holmes, a committee of three, consisting of S. Holmes, Bushnell, and Morris, were appointed to draw up subscription papers and circulate them among the citizens, for the purpose of receiving contributions in clothing and provisions. On motion, 6 were added to that committee.

On motion of J. T. Holmes, J. D. Morgan was appointed a committee to wait upon the Quincy Greys, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions. Mr. Morgan subsequently reported that twenty dollars had been subscribed by that company.

The following resolutions were then offered by Mr. J. T. Holmes:

Resolved, That we regard the rights of conscience as natural and inalienable, and the most sacred guaranteed by the constitution of our free government.

Resolved, That we regard the acts of all mobs as flagrant violations of law, and those who compose them, individually responsible, both to the laws of God or man for every depredation committed upon the property, rights, or life of any citizen.

Resolved, That the inhabitants upon the western frontier of the state of Missouri in their late persecutions of the class of people denominated Mormons, have violated the sacred rights of conscience, and every law of justice and humanity.

Resolved, That the Governor of Missouri, in refusing protection to this class of people when pressed upon by an heartless mob, and turning upon them a band of unprincipled militia, with orders encouraging their extermination, has brought a lasting disgrace upon the state over which he presides.

The resolutions were supported in a spirited manner by Messrs. Holmes, Morris and Whitney.

On motion the resolutions were adopted.
On motion the meeting then adjourned.

SAM'L. LEACH, Ch'n.
H. D. MORGAN, Secretary.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> It is unnecessary for us to say, that the statement in the last Argus, of Gov. Boggs of Missouri, being a whig or "conservative," is but a weak invention of the editor of that paper. Every one, of the least acquaintance with the ordinary political intelligence of the times, could have told the editor that Gov. Boggs, stands at the very head of his party in Missouri.

The object of the Argus editor in classing the Governor with the Whigs, is to make our party responsible for his conduct in the Mormon difficulties. But the schoolmaster will fail in this effort. Gov. Boggs was nominated by the loco foco party, and was supported and elected as such, as every body knows. And as governor, his conduct has been in strict accordance with the principles of his party. He indirectly encouraged the mob, and should be held responsible for hid acts,

In the Missouri Legislature, on the question which was brought up, for investigating the Mormon difficulties, the loco foco members almost to a man voted against it, while the whig members as unanimously voted for it. The loco foco members defeated the resolution. and therefore suppressed the investigation. Some of their prominent leaders in the Legislature, (Ashby and Gillam) who in fact, commanded portions of the mob, were most strenuous in their opposition to investigation, and succeeded in defeating the resolution. Perhaps the editor of the Argus will attempt to prove that they were also "Conservatives."

---

"MISSOURI -- a state of which we had long been proud, alike for her men and history, but now so fallen, that we could wish her star stricken out from the bright constellation of the Union." -- [Quincy Argus.

Such a dastard sentiment could only come from a worshipper at the shrine of loco focoism. The editor wishes to make all the enlightened and patriotic of the State responsible for the acts of a party. Gov. Boggs, (the loco foco) is identified with the history of the State for several years past, as a member of the legislature, as lieut. Governor, and as Governor, and from first to last, a loco foco of the deepest dye; -- were you not once "proud" of him? No, Sir, do not claim all her citizens with your party -- do not strike her name from the Union, because Gov. Boggs and his party have disgraced the State. --

You know well, that the whig papers thou'out the States were clamorous for an investigation into the Mormon outrages -- the whig members also advocated investigation -- but there was iniquity to be concealed -- some of the loco foco members were leaders of the mob; and they well know if an investigation was set on foot, their conduct would be shown up in a most disgraceful light -- and the loco foco members to shut out the history of the transaction from the world, voted down the proposition for investigation; while Gov. Boggs issued orders to "exterminate" the Mormons from the State. Gov. Boggs and the leaders of the loco foco party are alone responsible for the outrages on the Mormons, and so it should be understood by the world.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                                      COMMERCE, Illinois, April 12, 1839.
Messrs. Editors: --

Enclosed I send you a communication from Governor Lucas of Iowa territory. If you think the publication thereof will in any way promote the cause of justice, by vindicating the slandered reputation of the people called "Mormons," from the ridiculous falsehoods which the malice, cupidity and envy of their murderers in Missouri have endeavored to heap upon them, you are respectfully solicited to publish it in the Argus. The testimony of Governor Lucas as to the good moral character of these people, I think will have its deserved influence upon the people of Illinois, in encouraging our citizens in their humane and benevolent exertions to relieve this distressed people, who are now wandering in our neighborhoods without comfortable food, raiment, or a shelter from the pelting storm.

I am, gentlemen, very respectfully,
        Your obedient servant,

                Isaac Galland.

---

Executive Office, Iowa,      
Burlington, March, 1839.      

Dear Sir: -- On my return to this city, after a few weeks absence in the interior of the territory, I received your letter of the 25th ult., in which you give a short account of the sufferings of the people called Mormons, and ask "whether they could be permitted to purchase lands and settle upon them in the territory of Iowa, and there worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, secure from oppression," &c.

In answer to your inquiry, I would say that I know of no authority that can constitutionally deprive them of this right. They are citizens of the United States, and are entitled to all the rights and privileges of other citizens. The 2nd section of the 4th article of the Constitution of the United States (which all are solemnly bound to support,) declare that "the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states;" this privilege extends in full force to the territories of the United States. The first amendment to this constitution of the U.S. declares that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

The Ordinance of Congress of the 13th July, 1787, for the government of the territory northwest of the river Ohio, secures to the citizens of said territory and the citizens of the states thereafter to be formed therein, certain privileges which were, by the late act of Congress organizing the territory of Iowa, extended to the citizens of this territory. The first fundamental article in that ordinance, which is declared to be forever unalterable, except by common consent, reads as follows, to wit: "No person demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments in said territory." These principles I trust will ever be adhered to in the territory of Iowa. They make no distinction between religious sects. They extend equal privileges and protection to all; each must rest upon its own merits and will prosper in proportion to the purity of its principles, and the fruit of holiness and piety produced thereby.

With regard to the peculiar people mentioned in your letter, I know but little. They had a community in the northern part of Ohio for several years, and I have no recollection of ever having heard in that state of any complaint against them for violating the laws of the country. Their religious opinions I conceive have nothing to do with our political transactions. They are citizens of the United States, and are entitled to the same political rights and legal protection that other citizens are entitled to.

The foregoing are briefly my views on the subject of your inquiries. With sincere respect,
I am your obedient servant,
                              ROBERT LUCAS.


Isaac Galland, Esq., of Commerce, Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE QUINCY ARGUS AN ENEMY OF MISSOURI.

The Missouri (Paris) Sentinel is severe upon our neighbors of the Argus. It will not even allow the claim of that paper to exclusive democracy. We thought, at the time the Argus came out with its foolish speech, "wishing to strike Missouri from the Union," because of the conduct of its Agrarine, loco foco party in that State towards the persecuted Mormons, that it would be sharply rebuked by the press over the River, and our late exchanges from that quarter, fully confirm the supposition. The Missouri Sentinel, by the way, is the bluest of the blue, in support of every thing that even smells of Democracy.

There is no end to the ultraisms of the self-styled democrats of these days. -- They would mob a man for his opinions, or "strike Missouri from the Union." to attain a political purpose. Nothing more could be expected of a party that would break open a flour store in New York, (1837) and distribute its contents among their gang, on the plea that the property of rich Whigs should be shared among the poor democrats. The same men, to carry out their selfish and unlawful purposes, would not hesitate, had they the power, to dissolve the Union in blood, and spread anarchy and confusion throughout our hitherto happy land.

"Strike Missouri from the Union!" --

We can blame the public functionaries of Missouri much, for their conduct towards the Mormons, but we could not bring ourselves to utter a dastard sentiment of that nature! No! never! An editor who could utter such a sentiment, instead of being elected to the office of County Surveyor for Adams county, should be driven from the station he occupies, with the lasting contempt and indignation of that party whose confidence he has betrayed.

We would remark to the "Sentinel," that it was not money from the Mormons that caused the Argus to make the remark alluded to. The suspicion is stronger, that it was made with the intention of catching the votes of the people at the August election, to sustain the waneing power of the loco foco party in this section -- or in other words, by excess of sympathy towards the Mormons, to cheat that people into the support of the Columbus Convention candidates, at the coming election -- one of which, uttered the sentiment alluded to, and is co-editor of the Argus. We perfectly agree with an exchange paper in the remark, that the man who holds such sentiments, as quoted ... [illegible text]
... to come even from those who were trying to full down the fair fabric of our venerable institutions, and ride rough shod over the people with a moneyed corporation, having exclusive privileges.

The above "dastard' sentiment was expressed because the course pursued by the authorities of this State in relation to the Mormon difficulties. It savors so much like the sentiments of certain Whig prints in and about this region, that on first perusing the entire article, of which the above is only an extract, we concluded the "Argus" had laid down the broad banner of Democracy, and hoisted in its stead that of Whiggery. Perhaps the editors of the Argus have some local matter in view which they wish to obtain, and consequently are endeavoring to gain support of the Mormons, who we understand, have made Quincy and the region thereabouts their resting place for a time. Or perhaps, and more than probable, they are governed by pecuniary considerations. -- Sidney Rigdon and some others of the leaders of the Mormons, who no doubt have plenty of money, may have given them a pretty good fee -- and as all lawyers (which we understand they are professionally) are bound to act faithfully to their clients; we say do the best you can under those circumstances, but take care for the future engaging in such an unholy and bad cause. You have not heard all the testimony in the case probably, and may change your sentiments -- wishing to consign one of the States constituting the great confederacy of the Union, to the tomb of oblivion,

The Mormon difficulties have been so often exposed, that we have no disposition even now, to enter into a dispute, as to who were the aggressors, and cause of so much disturbance, and acts of the most flagrant violations of justice. We leave it to those of our friends who live nearest the scene of difficulties, and who are better acquainted with all the circumstances connected with the transaction.

---

The celebrated Mormon leader, Joseph Smith, who has so long been on confinement in the upper part of Missouri, arrived in town on Monday last. He and four of his companions, consisting of Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, Hiram Smith, and Alexander McRae, escaped from the guard which was taking them from Daviess to Boone county for trial. The guard got drunk and fell asleep, on one night of their travel, and the prisoners knowing that they could not expect justice in any courts of upper Missouri, very properly turned their backs upon their persecutors and left them alone in their iniquity. We had supposed from the stories and statements we had read of 'Jo Smith,' (as he is termed in the papers) to find him a very illiterate, uncouth sort of a man; but from a conversation, we acknowledge an agreeable disappointment. In conversation he appears intelligent and candid, and divested of all malicious thought and feeling towards his relentless persecutors. There are five more of the Mormons in confinement in Ray county jail.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Quincy Whig.

         To the Citizens of Quincy.
          (BY  MISS  ELIZA  K.  SNOW.)

Ye Sons and Daughters of Benevolance,
Whose hearts are tun'd to notes of sympathy
Who have put forth your liberal hand to meet
The urgent wants of the oppress'd and poor!
   Ye high-tun'd spirits; who have nobly dar'd
To stem the foaming tide of vile reproach,
And brave the pois'nous, deadly current of
Detraction and fell hate; in rescuing
Oppressed Innocence, from the hard hand
Of the Oppressor:
       In return for this,
Though it perpetuates your City's name
And makes the sound of Quincy, echo sweet
And full of moral meaning to the soul
Of ev'ry true philanthropist; you get
No regal honors, -- No loud triumph of fame
Will blazon forth your deeds, except to throw
A dark'ning shade upon them; thus to aim
A cruel missile at the rescued ones.
No laural branch nor cyprus bough will wave
In graceful dignity about your heads, to tell,
In speechless eloquence what you have done.
No sculpture'd marble monument, will rear
Its head, as if in bold defiance to
The stars, untiring, withering hand of Time,
To teach your names and deeds to passers-by.
    No; we have no insignia of this kind --
No medal of an earthly mould to give;
But yet, we fain would profess you a boon
Of more congenial texture -- one that's wrought
In the fine fibres of the human heart,
Not in that heart where selfishness, and mean,
And low, and sordid feelings sit enthron'd:
And whose dull pulses are like clods confin'd
By the unwieldly chains of Ignorance.
For there are some, who, "privily have crept
Among us unawares" whose hearts are set
On gain, for filthy lucre's sake: -- an while
We say to you BEWARE OF SUCH, lest they
Abuse your liberality -- we say,
Esteem them our misfortune, not our fault;
For tares must grow among the wheat, until,
The time of harvest; therefore, the upright,
Must often suffer an unjust reproach,
    Pure Gratitude, our free-will off'ring, is
The product of an elevated mind:
When the heart beats with sensibility --
Reciprocates each high-born thought, and stoops
Unask'd, to pay its def'rence at the shrine --
The sacred shrine of generosity.
And some, yea many, spirits, such as these,
We have among us; -- Noble minded ones,
Who will not swerve from these unchanging laws --
The steadfast principles of righteousness: --
Whose firm integrity would yet remain
Unmov'd the "mountains skip like rams, and all
The little hills like lambs."
        The Gratitude
Which emanates from spirits such as these;
Is no mean offering -- neither cheaply won --
Ye noble, gen'rous hearted Citizens
Of Quincy!

---

MISSOURI. -- "A State of which we had long been proud, alike for her men and history, but now so FALLEN, that we could WISH HER STAR STRICKEN OUT FROM THE BRIGHT CONSTELLATION OF THE UNION!!"

                       J. J. BRADLEY,
Columbus Convention Candidate for County Surveyor.

---

Messrs. Bartlett & Sullivan: -- Sirs; enclosed is a copy of a letter, written from Liberty Jail, Mo., to Thomas H. Benton, for the purpose of drawing his attention to the all absorbing subject of the difficulties in Missouri, and to forwarn him, that if he wished to save his character; or that of the party in Missouri, to which he belongs, he must no longer remain silent, but step forward like a man of Honor and vindicate the cause of suffering, and bleeding humanity. He has hitherto treated this friendly hint with silent contempt. Only our anchor of hope now, is that the voice of an indignant people, will hurl such Demagogues from power; and place in their stead virtuous men who will impartially administer justice to all.

The whole is at your disposal, do with it as seemeth you good.

Yours, &c.                
L. WIGHT.                

Quincy, May 7, 1839.

---

Liberty, Clay Co. Mo., March 30, 1839.

Col. Thomas H. Benton: -- Dear sir; you will pardon me, for my boldness, in writing to one with whom I have no personal acquaintance. But sir, it is with the best of feelings and pure motives that I address you -- my confidence in you, as a Republican and Statesman has been unbounded. I therefore desire to lay before you a few facts concerning the difficulties which have taken place in Upper Missouri; and by whom those difficulties came. Sir, I would gladly forbear, but my duty prompts me to say that it came by the wicked mis-rule of Democracy. That Democracy which you and I have so dearly loved: yes it commenced, and has been carried on thus far, under the reign of the Democratic Party of which I have heretofore been a strong advocate. The flame commenced in 1832, and has been fanned by enthusiastic demagogues; until they have succeeded in driving at least five or six thousand inhabitants, including eight hundred democrat voters, from the state.

Permit me to say sir, that I have not been a little disappointed, to learn that our Representatives and Senators of the state of Missouri, have remained entirely silent upon a subject of so much importance. A subject sir, which in its very nature is calculated to leave a stain upon the character of this State so blackening and damnable that ages will not be able to "Expunge" it from the records of a Nation whose Constitution guarantees equal rights and privileges to all her citizens. The true character of this war, (if a war we may call it,) has gone forth into the eastern States, where your fame as a Republican and Statesman, is considered by your party first in this great Union, and they sir, will be very anxious to know, why it is, that you are so perfectly silent on this most important subject. Now sir, if you wish to learn the facts as they exist, without exaggeration, and have them proven by as many witnesses as you may desire, I will give it to you by letter from time to time, just as it is. If you should desire a correspondence with me on this subject, you will please direct a letter to me at Quincy, Illinois, as I expect to go to that place myself, or be removed from this prison to the lower part of the State, where my friends will be able to convey the same to me.

I have not written sir, thus plain, to speak diminutively of Democracy, or to injure your political feelings, but to show your Honor, that such proceedings will not only destroy Democracy, but the character of our young and flourishing State. I am sir, with sentiments of high esteem, your very obedient,
LYMAN WIGHT.
Notes: (forthcoming)

[Commerce, Illinois, Wednesday, May 1, 1839.]    

To the Editor of the Argus:

SIR: -- In consequence of so great an influx of strangers arriving in this place daily, owing to their late expulsion from the State of Missouri, there must of necessity be, and we wish to state to the citizens of Quincy and the vicinity, through the medium of your columns, that there are many individuals amongst the number who have already arrived, as well as among those who are now on their way here, who never did belong to our Church, and others who once did, but who, for various reasons, have been expelled from our fellowship. Amongst these there are some who have contracted habits which are at variance with the principles of moral rectitude, (such as swearing, dram-drinking, etc.,) which immoralities the Church of Latter-day Saints is liable to be charged with, owing to our amalgamation [with them] under our late existing circumstances. And as we as a people do not wish to lie under any such imputation, we would also state, that such individuals do not hold a name nor a place amongst us; that we altogether discountenance everything of the kind; that every person belonging to our community, contracting or persisting in such immoral habits, has hitherto been expelled from our society; and that we will hold no communion with all such as we may hereafter be informed of, but will withdraw our fellowship from them.

We wish further to state, that we feel ourselves laid under peculiar obligations to the citizens of this place, for the patriotic feeling which has been manifested, and for the hand of liberality and friendship which has been extended to us in our late difficulties; and should feel sorry to see that philanthropy and benevolence abused by wicked and designing people, who under pretense of poverty and distress, would try to work upon the feelings of the charitable and humane, get into their debt without any prospect or intention of paying, and finally, perhaps, we as a people be charged with dishonesty.

We say that we altogether disapprove of such practices, and we warn the citizens of Quincy against such individuals, who may pretend to belong to our community.

By inserting this in your columns, you, sir, will confer upon us a very peculiar favor.

Written and signed in behalf of the Church of Latter-day Saints, by your very humble servant,
                        JOHN TAYLOR.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                        For the Quincy Whig.
TO A REVOLUTIONARY FATHER.
            (BY MISS ELIZA. K. SNOW.)

Thou aged man: I bless thy hoary head --
      Blest be each veteran in our country's cause:
To you, from persecution's rage, we've fled
      To seek protection of those sacred Laws;
Those Laws, for which our noble fathers fought,
Which in Missouri, have been set at naught!

Methinks your heart must bleed, while often flow
      The crystal tears upon your furrow'd cheek;
To see those Rights, for which you suffer'd so,
      Usurp'd by those, of whom I scorn to speak,
While those, who should be priviledg'd to share,
Those free-born rights; are wandering here and there!

Thrust from our homes, where once we dwelt secure,
      Like wayward pilgrims, to your house we come;
Houseless and homeless -- shelterless and poor --
      Beneath your kindly roof, we find a home;
And find a heart, to Freedom's cause yet true,
Unlike Missouri's lawless, mobbing crew.

Missouri's exiles, own your friendly care;
      And in the season of adversity,
The orphan's bleeding, and the widow's pray'r
      Both morn and night, ascend to God for thee;
That thou mayst live so long as life is dear,
And peace and plenty crown thy closing year.

And when thy days are number'd here below,
      And you shall leave this rugged, nether soil;
May you depart in peace; and may you go,
      Where weary spirits rest, secure from toil:
Go, join thy spirit to that noble band,
Who sav'd our Country from th' oppressor's hand.

---

 

For the Quincy Whig.

MESSRS. EDITORS:

Having said in my last, or in the letter to the editors of the Louisville Journal, that I had, from personal observation a perfect knowledge of the difficulties in Missouri, I now take the liberty through the medium of your paper, of publishing to the world a history of those foul transactions under the head of

MISSOURI-ISM:

Prefacing it with a short history of the first settlement of the eastern emigrants in that State, being careful to state nothing but what is susceptible of proof.

Some time in the month of August, 1831, I arrived in Independence, Jackson county, Mo., for the purpose of finding a home for my family, who arrived there on the 6th of Sept. following. In the course of the season there was 30 or 40 families of my acquaintance landed at the same place. We were well pleased with the country; the soil being deep and very rich and beautifully interspersed with prairie and pleasant groves of timber, thro' which many streams passed in their serpentine course to mingle their waters with Missouri's flood. We purchased land in the neighborhood of Independence, situated near the Western borders of this great Republic.

A more delightful country to the eye of the eastern farmer, (who had been accustomed to a rough and heavy timbered country) never presented itself. Here it was, we anticipated cultivating the fertile soil -- enlarging our farms as our young families increased, pleased with the easy prospect of procuring wealth and supporting our families; we looked forward in fond expectation to the time which to the industrious farmer did not appear distant when we could walk forth from our own mansion houses, to view our pleasant gardens, beautiful fields of ripened grain; or well stored barns and granaries, orchards with their ripening fruit; or vinyards, yielding their pleasant juices, fit to gladden the heart of God and man. We fondly hoped, that here we would be privileged to enjoy the good of our labor; to sit under our own vine, and eat the fruit of our own fields and orchards, and none to molest or make us afraid. But in this we were disappointed.

We continued through the winter season building, fencing, and preparing for putting in crops in the spring. The new country, the mild climate, the sound of the woodman's axe in the forest; the teamster with his mild voice, guiding the horned ox moving the timber from the forest to its destined place. The nimble deer, lightly bounding over the vast plains. -- The flocks of wild turkies, whose voice was heard at the dawning of day. Our wives, who had left their kitchens for tents, and their parlors for log cabins, had become highly pleased with this delightful scene, and to render in ten fold more glorious, raised their voices and sung melodies to the Great Author of all good. -- Our little pratlers were called around the fires of our cabins and there taught the necessity of offering up prayers and thanksgiving to the Author of their existence, who so kindly bestows so many good gifts upon his children. Thence after our scanty meal of boiled corn and beef, we proceeded to our daily labor. At this time there were no mills; but we had some excellent mill-wrights who soon remedied this evil by erecting a mill propelled by horse power, and in the following autumn, the industrious farmer, was able to load his wagon with grain of his own raising, and away to mill, soon returning with a supply of meal and flour, food for himself and family.

Gentle reader, you will conclude, that we were by this time a happy people, and so we were; but oh! how transient is all earthly good. How often in the midst of prosperity, do we find lurking in our midst secret enemies, who wait for a favorable opportunity to mar our peace, and destroy our fairest prospects. Such was our situation in upper Missouri; there was amongst us a set of beings hardly one shade above the aborigines of North America. These too lazy to procure the blessings of nature for themselves, envied the possession of them by those who being raised in a land of industry and christian habits, procured them for themselves.

Such was the character of a large portion of the inhabitants among whom we dwelt. We shall not deny, but what there were some lawyers, doctors and merchants, amongst them who were educated men. -- But the most of these were reported to have swindled the gallows and penitentiaries out of their rights in Kentucky, Tennessee and elsewhere. These very cunningly strove to keep the ignorant herd of almost savages in blindness, that they might more easily rule over them. -- They persuaded them, that if they did not drive the aspiring Yankees from their midst, they would soon be their leaders in office, and being men of education, cheat them out of their lands. Thus they soon excited them to commence hostilities against us. Our numbers were increased to about 1200. They first formed themselves into a band headed by L. W. Boggs, Lt. Gov., Samuel Owens, Col., and others, good loco foco, democro, deviloco, or any thing that you could ask or find a name for, pledging their lives, property and sacred honor (if any they had) to each other to exterminate the Mormons or drive them from the country. They gave us orders to leave. Not believing that a set of beings in this Republic could have the audacity to put such a threat into execution, we paid but little heed to it until about the 20th of July, when they collected in Independence 5 or 600 strong and proceeded to tar and feather Edward Partridge, a man of unblemished character -- a man of manners so amiable, that even the most barbarous savages would have loved, honored and respected him. But these worse than desperadoes, proceeded to divest him of his clothes, in the open street, and besmear him all over with tar, adding feathers to the garb; in this frightful posture, sending him some distance through the streets to his own house; they also tarred and feathered a man by the name of Charles Allen.
L. W.

(To be continued.)

---

(By REQUEST.)
         From the New York Observer.

ORIGIN OF MORMONISM. -- The Book of Mormon, or the "Golden Bible," it would seem, is the Production of the Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, and formerly pastor of a Presbyterian church on the Western Reserve in Ohio. While suffering under disease, to amuse himself and his friends, he wrote an imaginary history of the mysterious race of men who built the ancient mounds and other works of art, which are scattered so profusely over the valley of the Mississippi. His manuscript, falling into the hands of wicked and designing men, has been perverted into the means of building up the new sect of fanatics who are making so much noise in the West. --

The Rev. John Storrs, of Holliston, Mass., learning that the widow of Mr. Spaulding (now Mrs. Davidson, having, since Mr. S.'s death, married a second husband) was still living at Monson, Mass., and could testify to this fact, addressed her a letter, and obtained the following narrative, which we copy from the Boston Recorder of last week.

As this book has excited much attention and has been put by a certain new sect, in the place of the sacred Scriptures, I deem it a duty which I owe to the public, to state what I know touching its origin. -- That its claims to a divine origin are wholly unfounded, needs no proof to a mind unperverted by the grossest delusions. That any sane person should rank it higher than any other merely human composition, is a matter of the greatest astonishment; yet it is received as divine by some who dwell in enlightened New England, and even by those who have sustained the character of devoted Christians. Learning recently, that Mormonism had found its way into a church in Massachusetts, and has impregnated some of its members with its gross delusions, so that excommunication has become necessary, I am determined to delay no longer doing what I can to strip the mask from this monster of sin, and to lay open this pit of abominations.

Rev. Solomon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life, was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for a lively imagination and a great fondness for history. At the time of our marriage, he resided in Cherry Valley, N.Y. From this place we removed to New Salem, Ashtabula county, Ohio; sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated upon Conneaut Creek. Shortly after our removal to this place, his health sunk, and he was laid aside from active labors. In the town of New Salem, there are numerous mounds and forts, supposed by many to be the dilapidated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics arrest the attention of the new settlers and become objects of research for the curious. Numerous implements were found and other articles evincing great skill in the arts. -- Mr. Spaulding being an educated man and passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these developments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement and furnish employment for his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an historical sketch of this long lost race. Their extreme antiquity of course would lead him to write in the most ancient style, and as the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imitated its style as nearly as possible. His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse himself and his neighbors. This was about the year 1812. Hull's surrender at Detroit, occurred near the same time, and I recollect the date well from that circumstance. As he progressed in his narrative, the neighbors would come in from time to time to hear portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among them. It claimed to have been written by one of the lost nation and to have been recovered from the earth, and, assumed the title of "Manuscript Found." The neighbors would often inquire how Mr. S. progressed in decyphering "the manuscript," and when he had sufficient portion prepared he would inform them, and they would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled from his acquaintance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many singular names, which were particularly noticed by the people and could be easily recognized by them. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had a brother, Mr. John Spaulding residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly familiar with this work and repeatedly heard the whole of it read.

From New Salem we removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Here Mr. S. found an acquaintance and friend, in the person of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to Mr. P. who was very much pleased with it, and borrowed it for perusal. He retained it a long time and informed Mr. S. that if he would make out a title page and preface, he would publish it and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. S. refused to do for reasons which I cannot now state. -- Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at this time connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, and to copy it if he chose. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all who were connected with the printing establishment. At length the manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where Mr. S. died in 1816. The manuscript then fell into my hands and was carefully preserved. It has frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. McKenstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and by other friends. After the "Book of Mormon" came out, a copy of it was taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's residence and the place where the "Manuscript Found" was written. A woman preacher appointed a meeting there, and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the "Book of Mormon." The historical part was immediately recognized by all the older inhabitants, as the identical work of Mr. S., in which they had been so deeply interested years before. Mr. John Spaulding was present, who is an eminently pious man, and recognized perfectly the work of his brother. He was amazed and afflicted, that it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose. His grief found vent in a flood of tears, and he arose on the spot, and expressed to the meeting his deep sorrow and regret, that the writings of his sainted brother should be used for a purpose so vile and shocking. The excitement in New Salem became so great, that the inhabitants had a meeting, and deputed Dr. Philastus Hulbert, one of their number to repair to this place and to obtain from me the original manuscript of Mr. Spaulding, for the purpose of comparing it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds and to prevent their friends from embracing an error so delusive. This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlburt brought with him an introduction and request for the manuscript, signed by Messrs. Lake, Aaron Wright and others, with all whom I was acquainted; as they were my neighbors when I resided in New Salem.

I am sure that nothing could grieve my husband more, were he living, than the use which has been made of his work. -- The air of antiquity which was thrown about the composition, doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to the purposes of delusion. Thus an historical romance, with the addition of a few pious expressions and extracts from the sacred Scriptures, has been construed into a new bible and palmed off upon a company of poor deluded fanatics, as divine. I have given the previous brief narration, that this work of deep deception and wickedness may be searched to the foundation, and its author exposed to the contempt and execration he so justly deserves.

MATILDA DAVISON.            

The Rev. Dr. Ely, pastor of the Congregational Church in Monson, and D. R. Austin, principal of the Monson Academy. have given their certificate that Mrs. D. is "a woman of irreproachable character, and an humble Christian, and that her testimony is worthy of implicit confidence."

 

---

To the Editors of the Quincy Whig:

Dear Sirs; it appears there are some persons belonging to the same religious class with myself; who have been assailed in round language for my polite address to Col. Benton; it was said that it would not do for the church to come out thus against the present Administration. Although I have not spoken evil of any administration, save that of Missouri, I ask pardon of those gentlemen, and ask them in future not to charge my sins (if sins you can call them) to other men. I consider that all the freeborn sons of Columbia have the privilege of voting for who they please without being paid for it, or being bound to any society. My friends in the society have labored with me, and many of them have visited me and will not support me in my politics. Hence you will discover that I (as all honest men should do) go on my own credit. Yours &c.
                                    L. WIGHT.


Note 1: The appearance of the 1839 statement from the widow of Solomon Spalding in the Quincy Whig set off an interesting chain reaction of events, culminating in what the LDS leaders felt was proof positive that the widow never made such a statement -- or, if she did, that she never implicated them as criminals in the purloining and plagiarizing of her late husband's writings. The Whig's reprint of the widow's statement came at a time of vulnerability for the Mormon refugees who had recently congregated in western Illinois after being ejected from their former homes in the state of Missouri. Elder David W. Patten had been killed; Elders Thomas B. Marsh, Orson Hyde, W. W. Phelps, William Smith, the Whitmers, the Cowderies, Martin Harris, John Corrill, and others had fallen into apostasy; and the Church was in disarray, being barely held together by the less than cooperative First Counselor (sidney Rigdon) and the new President of the Twelve (Brigham Young). With Joseph Smith, Jr. barely beginning to re-assume control over the shaken Saints, the last thing in the world that the Mormon leaders needed was controversy and scandal regarding the "true" origin of their unique volume of holy writ, the Book of Mormon. The widow's published statement, however, contained some errors and over-generalizations, and upon these inconsistencies Elder Sidney Rigdon fell with an eager venegance in is only substantial denial of the Spalding authorship claims.

Note 2: The most unfortunate misstatement in the widow's 1839 statement is the remark: "Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at this time connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated." It is very doubtful that the widow actually voiced that allegation, as it is actually a literary conflation of two sentences somehow derived from E. D. Howe's 1834 Mormonism Unvailed: "While they [the Spaldings] lived in Pittsburgh, she [the widow] thinks it [her husband's manuscript] was once taken to the printing office of Patterson & Lambdin." -- and -- "We have been credibly informed that he [Sidney Rigdon] was on terms of intimacy with Lambdin, being seen frequently in his shop. Rigdon resided in Pittsburgh about three years, and during the whole of that time, as he has since frequently asserted, abandoned preaching and all other employment, for the purpose of studying the bible." Thus, second-hand testimony linking Sidney Rigdon to the printer J. Harrison Lambdin, of Pittsburgh, was muddled into a seeming allegation, saying that Rigdon was once somehow connected with a printing business operated by Robert Patterson, Sr., of that same city. The 1839 publication of this misworded allegation gave Sidney Rigdon something to protest against and to deny in righteous indignation -- which of course he quickly did: see the Whig of June 8th.

COMMUNICATIONS.

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. -- It will be noticed from the following communication, that there exists a difference of opinion among the leading men of the Mormon faith as to the origin of the difficulties in Missouri, and as to the party, to which the disgraceful scenes enacted there, may be charged. This communication tends to invalidate the statements made by Mr. Wight, in regard to this matter; and we think, with a very little show of reason. We might put some very pertinent questions to the subscribers below, which, were they to answer correctly, would fully sustain the position assumed by Mr. Wight. Who and what is Liliburn W. Boggs, and of what party is he the leader and representative? To what party were those members attached, who so strenuously advocated, in the late session of the legislature of Missouri, an investigation into the Mormon troubles, for the purpose of rendering justice where it was due? To what party were those demagogues attached, who in the same legislature, as strenuously opposed such investigation, and to cap the climax of iniquity, voted away two hundred thousand dollars of the people's money, to pay the militia and mob for their services in carrying out the 'exterminating order' of the Governor? -- And, in fact, the scene of the outrages was laid in the darkest loco foco corner of the State.

If we understand Mr. Wight correctly, he has published nothing as representative of the 'Church' with which he is connected. His communications are his own -- his individual sentiments -- and over his own proper signature. He has charged the outrages committed upon the Mormon people to the demagogues who now rule Missouri with an iron hand, and from all the facts which have as yet come to our knowledge, we consider that his statements cannot be controverted. Although we are not one of those who would like to see Missouri 'struck out of the Union,' as a punishment for the acts of a party, still we wish to see the responsibility of the outrages, rest where they ought, without confounding the innocent with the guilty. -- (EDS. WHIG.)

Commerce, May 17, 1839.                

To the Editors of the Quincy Whig:

GENTLEMEN: Some letters in your paper have appeared over the signature of Lyman Wight, in relation to our affairs with Missouri. We consider it is Mr. Wight's privilege to express his opinion in relation to political or religious matters, and we profess no authority in the case whatever, but we have thought, and do still think, that it is not doing our cause justice to make a political question of it in any manner whatever. We have not at any time thought, there was any political party as such, chargeable with the Missouri barbarities, neither any religious society, as such. They were committed by a mob composed of all parties, regardless of all differences of opinion, either political or religious.

The determined stand in this State, and by the people of Quincy in particular, made against the lawless outrages of the Missouri mobbers, by all parties in politics and religion, have entitled them equally to our thanks and our profoundest regards, and such, gentlemen, we hope they will always receive from us. Favors of this kind ought to be engraven on the rock, to last forever.

We wish to say to the public, through your paper, that we disclaim any intention of making a political question of our difficulties with Missouri, believing that we are not justified in so doing. We ask the aid of all parties, both in politics and religion, to have justice done us and obtain redress of our grievances. We think, gentlemen, in so saying we have the feelings of our people generally, however individuals may differ; and we wish you to consider the letters of Lyman Wight, as the feelings and views of an individual, but not of the society as such. We are satisfied that our people, as a body, disclaim all such sentiments, and feel themselves equally bound to both parties, in this State, as far as kindness is concerned, and good will; and also believe, that all political parties in Missouri are equally guilty.

Should this note meet the public eye through the medium of your paper, it will much oblige your humble servants.

SIDNEY RIGDON,            
JOSEPH SMITH, JR.            
HIRAM SMITH.           

Notes: (forthcoming)

MISSOURI-ISM, NO. II.

As this is entirely a new ism, unknown in the world until within a few years past, it may not be amiss to give some account of its theory before we proceed further to give a detail of the practices of its professors. We must say, however, that our knowledge in this is very limited because of the almost impossibility of the uninitiated getting into its secrets. Christianity with its more than six hundred isms forms no part of their creed. I have myself heard them curse the christian's God and Jesus Christ, with many other appalling imprecations, to harsh for pen to write or tongue express. The virtues of Mahometanism or the learning of Hindoo or Bramanism is not found amongst them. They do not, as the ancient Chaldeans, build temples to the stars; nor with Egypt, worship Osiris and Isis. -- Neither, as we ever learned, do they cause their children to pass thro' the fire to Moloch, as did the ancient Canaanites; it is supposed that some part of the religion of the Scythians, has crept into their creed; by this religion, horses were sacrificed, and every hundredth man, taken in battle. And we know that when they camped at Far West and Diamon in the great "Mormon War," they took all the good horses they could lay their hands on, for what purpose we know not, unless it was to sacrifice to one of their Gods. They at this time fought no battle and therefore had no prisoners taken in battle to offer. -- After they had by stratagem drawn us to their camp, they matched us in under a guard of 50 men and a three pounder; as soon as we were enclosed by the columns of the whole army, at the brandish of the sword of one, we supposed to be their high priest, Mr. L----, there was a shout, such as one, for hideousness, as was never heard.

We observed among them 17 persons who were or had been christian priests, who we suppose had become priests of this new religion for the purpose of assisting in its august ceremonies. In the course of the evening we saw a house sacrificed to the god, Mars. We observed that amongst those that assisted in the ceremonies, there were many with their faces painted after the Indian fashion, and among them was Cornelius C. Gilliam, a man with whom we were acquainted -- a priest of one of the christian isms and a Loco Foco member of the Missouri Senate -- from which circumstances we were led to conclude that Missouri Loco Foco-ism and this new ism were somehow blended. Notwithstanding all their preparations for the great appeasing sacrifice to their god, of the intended human victims, they were prevented by the schism of one (Gen. D.) who it appears was not so far initiated into their religion, as to be willing to see human beings immolated. --

From all that we could learn their principal god was Baccus, the son of Jupiter and Semele, and the god of wine. The reader will recollect that he was worshipped by all the nations of antiquity, the Hebrews only excepted. That his votaries were dressed in skins and ran about the hills and country shouting, and that all their solemnities were attended with disgusting scenes of drunkenness and debauchery. Any person who has visited upper Missouri, where this new religion prevails, will know that this is the true character of its inhabitants. Having said thus much of the new religion, we leave the subject, (hoping that in the next Theological publication it may find a place among the isms of the day) and proceed with our narrative. On the same day that Partridge and Allen were tarred and feathered, they threw down a small brick building, which was occupied as a printing office, and threw the press, types, books, paper, &c. &c. pell-mell into the street. After many menacing threats they dispersed; this was Saturday and they agreed to meet on the next Tuesday.

Tuesday came and the mob came also. They then drew up a paper which was signed by E. Partridge, J. Morley, S. Gilbert, W. W. Phelps. J. Carroll and J. Whitmer, on the part of the Mormons agreeing that they should all leave the country, one half by the first of January the balance the following Spring. Thus we found ourselves, reduced by a lawless mob, (unless it was the law of their religion) to the deplorable necessity, of preparing to leave our so lately peaceful homes. -- Homes which we had purchased with our own money and made with our own hands, for the purpose of supporting our tender women and helpless children. Oh! ye noble hearted sons of America, who pride yourselves in the far famed institutions of our country; do you not blush to see such scenes transpire within our once peaceful borders! Ye, white headed fathers of the Holy Religion of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal God -- will you not raise your solemn warning voice against this worse than heathen cruelty, wickedness and abominations. The scene was now entirely changed; that cheerfulness which so lately characterized the countenance of the new settler now changed into a sober and reflecting melancholy; the enchanting music of our domiciles was changed into mournful ditties. The sound of the woodman's axe or the voice of the teamster was no more heard in the forest. But all was silent preparation for the expected expulsion.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

To the Editors of the Argus.

GENTLEMEN: -- Observing in the last week's Whig, a communication over the names of Messrs. Rigdon and J. and H. Smith, in relation to the letters of Mr. Lyman Wight, which have lately appeared in that paper, and believing that the sentiments therein expressed, are in unison with those entertained by the body, of which we form a part, and feeling desirous to give publicity to the same, we should esteem it a favor if you would give it a place in your columns, and by so doing, you will oblige, Yours, Respectfully,
JOHN P. GREENE,
REYNOLDS CAHOON,
R. B. THOMPSON.

                          Commerce, May 17th, 1839.

To the Editors of the Quincy Whig.
GENTLEMEN. -- Some letters in your paper have appeared over the signature of Lyman Wight, in relation to our affairs with Missouri. We consider that it is Mr. Wight's privilege to express his opinion in relation to political or religious matters, and we profess no authority in the case whatever; but we have thought, and do still think, that it is not doing our cause justice, to make a political question of it in any manner whatever. We have not at any time thought, that there was any political party as such, chargeable with the Missouri barbarities, neither any religious society as such.

They were committed by a mob, composed of all parties, regardless of all differences of opinion, either political or religious.

The determined stand in this state, and by the people of Quincy in particular, made against the lawless outrages of the Missouri mobbers, by all parties in politics and religion, have entitled them equally to our thanks and our profoundest regard; and such, gentlemen, we hope they will always receive from us. Favors of this kind ought to be engraven on the rock to last forever.

We wish to say to the public through your paper, that we disclaim any intention of making a political question of our difficulties with Missouri, believing that we are not justified in so doing. We ask the aid of all parties, both in politics and religion, to have justice done us to obtain redress of our grievances.

We think, gentlemen, in so saying we have the feelings of our people generally, however individuals may differ, and we wish you to consider the letters of Mr. Weight, as the feelings and views of an individual, but not of the society as such. We are satisfied that our people, as a body, disclaim all such sentiments, and feel themselves equally bound to both parties, in this state, as far as kindness is concerned, and good will; and also believe, that all political parties in Missouri are equally guilty. Should this note meet the public eye through the medium of your paper, it will much oblige your humble servants, SIDNEY RIGDON,
JOSEPH SMITH, JR.,
HYRUM SMITH.

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Fellow Citizens and Brethren! Turn not a deaf ear to this cry of the oppressed! The Mormons are outlawed, exiled, robbed; -- they ask of your justice and your charity that you befriend them. They have suffered these outrages from mob violence; they bid you beware, lest licentiousness unreproved bring ruin to your own privileges. Law has been trampled down, and liberty of conscience violated, and all rights of citizenship and brotherhood outraged by the house-burnings, field-wastings, insults, whippings, murders, which they have suffered; and in the name of humanity and of heaven, they pray you to utter the indignant condemnation merited by such crimes.


Notes: (forthcoming)