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


Adams County, Illinois

Quincy Whig, Argus, &c.
1840 Articles



The Quincy House, hotel in Quincy Illinois, 1840s


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By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Jan. 4, 1840.         [Vol. 2 - No. 36.


 

      STANZAS.
BY MISS ELIZA K. SNOW.

I look on the ocean,
    And wait by its side.
For the ebb and flow,
    Of the wat'ry tide;
Canst thou govern its motion,
    Or direct its flow,
Thou canst measure the depth
    Of human woe!

Go, view the broad streamlet,
    When its surges lave,
With the furious dash
    Of a troubled wave:
Canst thou calm its billows,
    Or dry its source;
Thou canst stay the rough stream,
    Of misfortune's course!

Go, watch the fierce tempest,
    And list to the sound;
While its withering blast
    Is howling around;
Canst thou still its fury,
    Or its wrath suppress;
Thou canst chain affliction,
    And charm distress!

Go, climb the volcano
    With a childish gaze;
When its crater emits
    A tremendous blaze;
Canst thou quench the lava,
    When its mad streams lave;
Thou canst bind with a spell
    Persecution's wave!

But oh! fellow mortal!
    It is not for thee;
To define the bounds
    Of thy destiny.
Thy days are all numbered --
    They are fleet and few;
Then haste to perform
    "What thy hands find to do."

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Jan. 25, 1840.         [Vol. 2 - No. 39.


 

      [For the Quincy Whig.]
REFLECTIONS  ON  THE
COMMENCEMENT   OF  A  NEW  YEAR.


Within the space we call a year,
Again, has this terraqueous sphere
    its stated journey run:
Onward, with matchless force propell'd,
And still within its circuit held,
    Around the central sun.

Nor has it from its orbit stray'd,
Nor have these laws been disobey'd,
    Since God ordained them first:
Not so, within the mortal world --
Man from his orbit has been hurl'd,
    And sentenced to the dust.

What adverse power has thrust him down?
Or who dispoiled him of his crown? --
    The monster sin alone: --
Tempted, 'tis true, by foreign power,
Yet, to his shame, in evil hour,
    He made the act his own.

But graciously reprieved, his race
Are stillowed to keep their place,
    And people this domain.
The earth, revolving as before,
Till sun and system are no more,
    Its office will retain.

Though faithful to perform its round,
Not all the passengers are found,
    Who last commenced the year:
Thousands, of ev'ry rank and age,
Have made their exit from the stage,
    Before their Judge t'appear.

But how ungrateful, proud and vain,
The multitude who still remain,
    To tread this earthly ground!
Spared and sustained, but still the same --
Unmoved and tho'tless whence the came,
    Or whither they are bound.

And shall we mingle with the mass,
And each successive season pass,
    Regardless of our end?
O let us listen to the wise,
And seek an interest in the skies --
    An everlasting Friend.

Now we begin the year anew,
Let us, with care, the past review.
    Our errors to detect:
Firmly resolved, by heaven's aid,
Wherever the discov'ry's made,
    These errors to correct.

Quincy, Jan. 1st, 1840         E. S.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Feb.29, 1840.         [VoL. 2 - No. 44.


 

MORMONS IN CONGRESS. -- On the 28th, during the morning hour, a memorial was presented by Mr. Young of Illinois from Joseph Smith and others, Mormons, asking for the aid of Congress to redress their grievances, and compensate them for losses incurred, as they state, while in Missouri. After a short discussion, the memorial was laid on the table for the present.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Mar. 7, 1840.         [Vol. 2 - No. 45.



THE  MORMONS.

==> We regret to see by the following communication from Houston, that there is a spirit existing in that section of the country, adverse to the Mormons. We heartily endorse the sentiments of the communication. Whoever attempts to get up an excitement against them, and would seek to re-act the Missouri scenes towards this people in this country, should be looked upon as an enemy of society and good order; and the law, if nothing else will, should compel him to respect the rights of others and what is due to the peace of community.

HOUSTON, Ills. March 2d, 1840.

Mr. Editor, -- The following notice I tore off a door of a school house in this country, yesterday morning, at which a Mormon had an appointment to preach. -- I had hoped that there was not an individual in the section of the country in which I found this notice, base enough, even to think of resorting to such measures as those proposed. But unfortunately there are some. Such persons deserve and must receive the execration and detestation of all lovers of good order.

With the opinions, the religious views of the Mormons, I hold no affinity. But while they demean themselves as honest citizens, they should not be molested. If they transgress, there are courts, let them be punished. I hope you will give it an insertion in your paper, that the attention of the good citizens of Adams county, may be called to the existence of such a spirit, that they may take the necessary steps to effectually prevent the introduction of MOBOCRACY among us.

Yours truly,
                       H. A. CYRUS.



"NOTICE. -- All those who claim the name of Mormon are hereby notified to depart from this neighborhood, and quit teaching the people such false doctrine; or sorrow will be the result immediately. -- There are hundreds who stand ready to assist in ridding this part of the country of such vile trash. If you do not comply with the requisitions of this, other measures will be resorted to soon."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Mar. 14, 1840.         [Vol. 2 - No. 46.


 

==> There is a shameful notice of Mr. Joseph Smith, of the Latter Day Saints in the Rushville Loco Foco paper, referring to his late visit to Washington City. We are at a loss to conceive of the motive of the editor for abusing Mr. Smith, unless it be, that he has understood, Mr. S. has cut loose from the party thralldom of Van Buren, Benton & Co. It is one of the ruling principles of the press of that party, from the Globe downward, to abuse and slander a man, the moment he betrays independence enough to think and judge for himself, without consulting those in high places. In hunting down game of this kind they all -- "Tray, Blanche, Sweetheart, little dog and all," -- set up an universal yelp and seem to be perfectly at home in the delightful amusement of tearing the character to pieces. Thank heaven, their day is passing away with the waning power of Van Buren, and the purification of our public counsels is not the only benefit the morals of the nation will derive from the election of Harrison.


Note: Probably the paper here referred to is the Rushville, Illinois Republican (later called the Political Examiner,) which promoted Democratic interests, before new owners turned it into a Whig paper in 1843. Very few newspapers took notice of Smith's trip to Washington and it is unfortunate that no text of the 1840 Rushville article seems to have survived.


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., May 23, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 4.


 

==> Messrs. Robinson & Smith, publishers of the Mormon publication at Commerce, entitled "Times and Seasons." have issued proposals for publishing a newspaper at the same place, of the super royal size, at the low price of two dollars per annum. Neutral as to politics.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., May 30, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 5.


 

NAUVOO, Hancock Co., Ill.,      
May 7th. 1840.      

To the Editor of the Quincy Whig:
At a General Conference of the Church of Latter Day Saints, held at this place, on the sixth day of April last, the report of the Committee on Judiciary, (in Congress.) to whom was referred the memorial of the Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons, was read, and the following preamble and resolutions were then unanimously adopted:

"Whereas, we learn with deep sorrow, regret and disappointment, that the committee on Judiciary, to whom was referred the memorial, of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called Mormons) complaining of the grievances suffered by them in the State of Missouri, have reported unfavorable to our cause, to Justice and humanity,
Therefore,

Resolved, 1st. That we consider the report of the committee on Judiciary, unconstitutional, and subversive of the rights of a free people; and justly calls for the disapprobation of all the supporters and lovers of good government and republican principles.

Resolved, 2nd. That, the committee state in their report that our memorial aggravate the case of our oppressors, and at the same time say; that they have not examined into the truth or falsehoods of the facts, mentioned in said memorial.

Resolved, 3rd. That the memorial does not aggravate the conduct of our oppressors, as every statement set forth in said memorial was substantiated by indubitable testimony, therefore we consider the statement of the committee in regard to that part: as false and ungenerous.

Resolved, 4th. That, that part of the report, referring to the justice and magnanimity of the State of Missouri for redress; we deem it a great insult to our good sense, better judgment, and intelligence; when, from numerous affidavits which were laid before the committee: Proved that we could only go into the State of Missouri, contrary to the exterminating order of the governor, and consequently at the risk of our lives.

Resolved, 5th. That after repeated appeals to the constituted authorities of the State of Missouri for redress, which were in vain; we fondly hoped that in Congress of the United States, ample justice would have been rendered us: and upon that consideration alone, we pledged ourselves to abide their decision.

Resolved, 6th. That the exterminating order of Governor Boggs, is a direct infraction of the constitution of the United States, and of the State of Missouri; and the committee in refusing to investigate the proceedings of the executive and others of the State of Missouri, and turning a deaf ear, to the cries of widows, orphans, and innocent blood, we deem no less, than seconding the proceedings of that murderous mob, whose deeds are recorded in heaven, and justly calls down upon their heads the righteous judgments of an offended God.

Resolved, 7th. That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to the citizens of the State of Illinois, for their kind, liberal, and generous conduct towards us; and that we call upon them, as well as every patriot in this vast republic, to aid us in all lawful endeavors, to obtain redress for the injuries we have sustained.

Resolved, 8th. That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to the delegation of Illinois, for their bold, manly, noble and independent course they have taken, in presenting our case before the authorities of the nation, amid misrepresentation, contumely and abuse which characterized us in our suffering condition.

Resolved, 9th. That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to Governor Carlin of Illinois, Gov. Lucas of Iowa for their sympathy, aid, and protection. -- And to all other Honorable Gentlemen who have assisted us in our endeavors to obtain redress.

Resolved, 10th. That Joseph Smith jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Elias Higbee, the delegates appointed by this church, to visit the city of Washington to present our sufferings before the authorities of the nation, accept of the thanks of this meeting, for the prompt and efficient manner in which they have discharged their duty and that they be requested in the behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, throughout the world, to continue to use their endeavors to obtain redress for a suffering people; and if all hope of obtaining satisfaction (for the injuries done us,) be entirely blasted, that they then appeal our case to the court of Heaven, believing, that the great Jehovah, who rules over the destiny of nations, and who notices the falling of a sparrow, will undoubtedly redress our wrongs, and ere long avenge us of our adversaries.

It was unanimously resolved, the the foregoing report of the committee be published in the Quincy Whig and Argus.

Yours, &c.
                         ROBT. B. THOMPSON,
                                    Clerk of the Conference.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., June 26, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 9.



THE  MORMONS. --

We are authorized to announce that EBENEZER ROBINSON, of Nauvoo, is a candidate for Representative, at the August election, in Hancock county,




NOTICE

IS hereby given to the citizens if Quincy and the public generally, that I have removed from Quincy and located in Commerce, Hancock county, Ill., where I expect to continue the practice of medicine as usual upon the principles of reason and philosophy, by distibguishing diseases, by an examination of the Urine, and the administration of vegetable medicines.

The citizens of Adams County have my grateful acknowledgment for their patronage -- the past season having attended since the 20th August last, 1557 cases.     F. G. WILLIAMS,   Botanist.


Note: "Botanist," of course, meant "botanical physician" in the slang of the day -- a term slightly more respectable than those of "snake oil salesman" and "root doctor."


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., July 4, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 10.


 

==> Mr. EBENEZER ROBINSON, of Nauvoo, Hancock County, has requested us to state to his friends, that private business compells him to decline running for a seat in the next Legislature from that county.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., July 11, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 11.


 

        (For the Whig.)
    THE JEWS -- PART FIRST.

"But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day: that all these curses shall come upon thee." "And it shall come to pass, that, as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you, to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it. And the Lord will scatter thee among all people, from the end of the earth even unto the other. And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest," &c. -- (Moses.

The prophet spoke: it was Jehovah's word.
Time, reckless of the grand events ordained
To usher in, the dread fulfilment of
The dire prediction -- those unseen events
Which his deep mantling curatin, kept conceal'd
From all, save when the spirit of the living God
With more than mortal vision, rent the veil
Of broad futurity; pursued his course.

While walking in the holy statutes of
The Lord, Jacob's posterity sustained
An elevated dignity, that far
Surpass'd the pride of all the eastern world;
But when apastacy, with all its train
Of deviations from the sacred laws,
Swept from the Jewish nation, that high tone
Of character -- that superhuman stamp --
That strict, unyielding rectitude; they went
From crime to crime, from guilt to guilt, onward.
Progressing, like accumulating waves,
When the small streamlet to a torrent swells,
Until at length, their hands were purple stain'd
In the Messiah's blood: Then, then the curse
Of the eternal God, soon follow'd on!

Beheld them driven, like scattered fragments of
A burning wreck, when borne convulsively
Abroad, upon the rude contending blast!
"Scatter'd and pee;'d" and trodden under foot;
For nearly eighteen hundred years, they've been
A laughing stock, -- a by-word and a hiss,
With all the nations of the earth, where e'er
The Jew has been led captive, and where long
He's groan'd beneath oppression's heavy chain!
               E. K. SNOW.



==> Dr. Nelson will deliver one or more lectures on Mormonism, in Wednesday, July 15th inst. at 10 o'clock, forenoon, in the grove, in the east part of Quincy. Any person wishing to reply will have an opportunity to do so if they see fit. -- Should the weather be unpleasant the lecture will be given in some meeting house in the city.   Quincy, July 6th, 1840.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., July 18, 1840.        [Vol. 3 - No. 12.


 

        (For the Whig.)
    THE JEWS -- PART SECOND.

"Therefore, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, the Lorth liveth which brought up, and which led, the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all the countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land." -- Jeremiah.

Yes, lo! another wide sontrasted scene
The prophets have foretold. A scene of things,
Which busy Time, is hastening to unfold;
With consequences of deep interest,
And pending things of more than mortal worth
To all the long disper'sd of Jacob's line.
    In proof of human imbecility.
How prone, indeed, is weak, short sighted man,
To spread his own impossibilities
In the broad pathway of Omnipotence!
    Behold the Lord has promis'd, and his word
Altho' the heav'ns and earth shall pass away
Will most assuredly be verified.
    The Lord has promis'd, and the self-same pow'r
The selfsame spirit which of old declar'd
The curse unparallel'd that was decreed
Upon that vile, degenerated race;
Foretold, that to the land their fathers once
Possess'd, the scatter'd seed of Israel should
Return. They shall be brought from ev'ry land,
From ev'ry country and from ev'ry isle:
The Lord has said, he "will send hunters" and
They shall be hunted from the hidden holes
Of evr'y rock, and from the inmost caves
Of the deep yawning earth: They shall be brought
In litters and in chariots, on mules,
On horses and upon swift footed beasts;
Ah yes, and they shall be borne homeward too,
"Upon the shoulders of the Gentiles;" back
To old Jerusalem, and shall rebuild
That fav'rite city; which, for centuries
Has been laid waste, and trodden under foot
By a corrupted -- a fast rip'ning race,
Of truth despising Gentiles. 'Tis the word
Of God, recorded in that holy book
Too much extol'd and yet alas! too much
Neglected, and too little understood!
               E. K. SNOW.



GROSS OUTRAGE.

We readily give place below to the proceedings of a public meeting held at Nauvoo, Hancock county. They but briefly allude to the inhuman outrage lately perpetrated by certain persons of Missouri, upon four citizens of the Mormon persuasion, living in Hancock county, in this State. The gentleman, -- a Mr. Miller, late of this county, -- who brought down the proceedings of the meeting, detailed some of the circumstances of the outrage. It seems, or rather, the citizens of Tully, Missouri, allege, that there has been considerable property, such as salt, iron, &c. stolen from that place within the last two weeks -- the Missourians charged the Mormons with the thefts, -- practicing upon their suspicions, several persons of Tully, crossed over the River in the vicinity of the Mormon settlements, below Nauvoo -- after watching the bottom, sure enough, sundry of the missing articles, were found concealed among the underwood. It further appears, from the statement of our informant, that two or three Mormons were in the bottom hunting horses, while this Missouri party were on the hunt for the goods, and coming upon them, as it were, by accident, three of the Mormon horse hunters, together with a very respectable old gentleman, whose gray hairs should have protected him from insult, -- were charged with secreting the goods, made captive, and contrary to their will, forced across the river, and confined in Tully. Here, with their victims in their power, the Missourians proceeded to inflict a severe punishment upon them. -- One was immediately stripped, a halter placed around his neck, and attached to a limb above his head, and so tightly drawn that to prevent choking to death, he was obliged to stand on the tip of his toes; in this situation, with his arms fastened around the tree, to that his bare back was fully exposed, the tormentors swore they would take his life unless he would confess. In vain he urged his innocence, that he had nothing to confess, that he had never committed any theft, &c., they still plied their whips until his back was so dreadfully lacerated, that to save his life, he agreed to confess any thing they would desire. He was taken down from the tree, with scarcely any life in him, and actually confessed whatever his tormentors wished! This was necessary, to give a coloring of justice to the inhuman outrage. Two other of the Mormons were tortured in the same manner, and a similar confession extorted from them. The old gentleman we spoke of above, one of the four abducted, behaved with such resolution, and pointed out to them so clearly their injustice and inhumanity, that after stripping, and fastening him to the tree, and taunting him with epithets of the foulest character, they took him down and finally set him at liberty. One of the victims by some means, succeeded, all cut in pieces as he was to make his escape -- he reached the river closely pursued by his persecutors, where, finding a canoe, he made all haste for this shore; upon arriving at which, he staggered out of the boat and fell exhausted on the beach, seemingly resolved to die, if die he must, upon a soil where the laws were respected. Two other of the victims, by our latest intelligence, were still in the hands of the people of Tully, if death, of which there is some probability, has not put an end to their sufferings.

Mr. Miller, who brought down the proceedings of the meeting, had also sundry important papers, such as a petition, affidavits, &c. detailing a history of the outrages, and communicating the names of several citizens of Tully, who were engaged in the transaction: all of which has been laid before Gov. Carlin. The Governor, with commendable spirit, we learn, has taken hold of the matter, and avows his intention of investigating all the circumstances connected with these outrages -- and to protect the Mormons from future outrage and aggression, to the utmost of his authority. It is also the intention of the Governor, we understand, as soon as the necessary papers can be made out, to demand the authors of the outrage from the Executive of Missouri. Every good citizen, of whatever party or denomination, will sustain the Governor, in vindicating the laws of our State, which have, in this transaction, been shamefully violated.



PUBLIC MEETING AT NAUVOO.

At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, on Monday, July 13th, 1840; Judge Elias Higbee was called to the chair, and R. B. Thompson was appointed Secretary.

On motion the following Gentlemen were appointed a committee to report resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting, to wit:

Isaac Galland, R. B. Thompson, Sidney Rigdon, D. H. Wells. Whereupon; The committee retired and after a short absence, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.

PREAMBLE.

The committee appointed to express the sense of this meeting, in relation to the recent acts of abduction and other deeds of cruelty and inhumanity committed upon our citizens by those of the State of Missouri, beg leave respectfully to report:

That having under consideration the principal matters involve in the discharge of their duty, they have been forced to arrive at the following conclusions:

1st. That the people of Missouri not having sufficiently slacked their thirst for blood and plunder, are now disposed to pursue us with a repetition of the scenes of brutality which marked their whole course of conduct towards us during our unhappy residence among them.

2nd. That, notwithstanding they have already robbed us of our homes, murdered our families, stolen and carried away our property; and their exertions to complete the measure of their infamy as a State, have caused unoffending thousands to be banished from the State, without even the form of a trial, or the slightest evidence of crime.

They are now sending their gangs of murderous banditti, and thieving brigands, to wreak further vengeance and satisfy their insatiable cupidity in the State of Illinois, and that too, before we have even had time to erect shelters for our families.

3d. That for the purpose of giving a semblance of justification to their most unhallowed conduct -

The people of Missouri have again commenced concealing goods within the limits of our settlements, as they before have done in the State of Missouri, in order to raise a charge of stealing against our citizens and under this guise they have within a few days kidnapped and carried away several honest and worthy citizens of this county.

4th. Under these circumstances, the first duty and the only redress which seems to offer itself to our consideration, is an appeal to the Executive of the State of Illinois, for redress and protection from further injuries with a confident assurance that he, unlike the Governor of State of Missouri, will extend the Executive arm to protect unoffending citizens from lawless outrage.

Therefore -- Resolved, firstly, that we view with no ordinary feelings the approaching danger as a necessary consequence, following the lawless and outrageous conduct of the citizens of Missouri, in setting at defiance the laws of this as well as of all other States in this Union, by forcing from their homes, and from the State, civil citizens of Illinois, and taking them into the state of Missouri, without any legal process whatever, and there inflicting upon them base cruelties in order to extort false confessions from them, to give a coloring to their (the Missourians) iniquities and screen themselves from the just indignation of an incensed community.

Resolved 2d. That while we deeply deplore the cause which has brought us together on this occasion, we cannot refrain from expressing our most unqualified disapprobation at the infringement of the laws of this state, as set forth in the above preamble, and strongest indignation at the manner in which the people of Missouri treated those, whom they had thus inhumanly taken from among us.

Resolved 3rd, That inasmuch as we are conscious of our honest and upright intentions and are at all times ready and willing to submit to the requirements of the laws; We claim of the citizens and authorities of this State, protection from such unjust and, before unheard of oppressions.

Resolved 4th, That the forcible abduction of our citizens by those of Missouri, is a violation of the laws, regulating the federal compact, subversive to the rights of freemen, and contrary to our free institutions, and republican principles.

Resolved, 5th, That the cruelties practiced upon our citizens since their abduction, is disgraceful to humanity, the height of injustice and oppression, and would disgrace the annals of the most barbarous nations, in either ancient or modern times, and can only find its parallel in the Auto da Fa of the inquisition in Spain.

Resolved, 6th, That such unconstitutional and unhallowed proceedings on the part of the citizens of Missouri, ought to arouse every patriot to exertions and diligence to put a stop to such procedure, and use all constitutional means to bring the offenders to justice.

Resolved, 7th, That we memorialize the Executive of this State upon the gross outrage which has been committed on our citizens, and pledge ourselves to aid him in such measures as may be considered necessary, to restore our citizens to freedom, and have satisfaction for the wrongs we have suffered.

Resolved, 8th, That the above be published in the Quincy Whig, Quincy Argus, Western World, Burlington Gazette, and Hawkeye and Patriot.
               ELIAS HIGBEE, Chairman,
       R. B. THOMPSON, Sec'ry.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., July 25, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 13.



THE  TULLY  AFFAIR.

As little as we think of the following communications as a composition, we are bound, we suppose, in courtesy to give it a place. If outrages have been committed by any of the citizens of Tully, it is certainly a poor defence of their conduct. It is not a satisfactory reply to any part of what appeared in the last Whig in relation to this matter. So far as this communication refers to the editorial remarks which preceded the proceedings of the meeting at Nauvoo, we care but little about it -- it may go for what it is worth. What we said then, we had authority for, and we believed it due to justice and humanity to say what we did. -- The same information we published, was contained in certain affidavits which were laid before the Governor; and certainly men's oaths should have far more credit than the mere denial of the opposite party. There are many other reasons why this communication will have but little weight with the public; in the first place it was made up altogether of assertions without sufficient proof; in the second place, the communication abounds in general abuse of the whole Mormon denomination, and makes them all responsible for what may hereafter appear to be overt acts of a few; and in the third place, it neither affirms or denies that outrages have or have not been committed by the people of Tully, that men were inhumanly scourged into the confession of crime, that it may hereafter appear they were innocent of. -- If they had suspicions that any of the Mormons had stolen their property, why did they not appeal to the laws of Illinois, to assist them in ferreting out the thieves? Why did the abduct individuals from the State, and assume the punishment of crime, without a form of law or any thing of the kind? Do they believe that the laws of Illinois will justify any one in the commission of crime? Do they believe the citizens of Illinois would harbor or uphold any class of men or Society in their depredations upon their neighbors of Missouri? Certainly they cannot. But this communication charges the crime upon the whole Society. There may be bad men among the Mormons -- and what Society is there not? -- but it does not argue, that because such is the case, that the whole denomination should be condemned.

We received this communication at a late hour, and have not bestowed as much attention upon it, perhaps, as it deserves. It appears to have been drawn up in haste and in a bad spirit. The language is intemperate -- uncandid -- and not such as should emanate from a community that had been unjustly assailed. The Mormons have fortified their statement of the transaction with affidavits, while this communication is made up altogether of assertions and attacks upon a whole community.

We should not, at all events have published this communication as anonymous; but it appears to be endorsed by eighteen names, of, we presume, citizens of Tully, who in a private letter, request its publication.

As this transaction will undergo a legal investigation, all controversy, so far as this journal is concerned, will end here.


For the Quincy Whig.         

Mr. Editor: -- In your paper of the 18th inst., we were much surprised to find a tissue of vile slander and gross falsehoods, against the citizens of Missouri, and more particularly Tully; but, sir, we would not have condescended to notice them, had you not prefaced the proceedings, (we allude to the preamble and resolutions of the Mormons at Nauvoo,) with what we think, and uncalled for editorial article of nearly a column in length, upon the ex parte testimony of one Miller. We know nothing of Mr. Miller, but this we do know, that our citizens have been egregiously misrepresented in the whole article. Of the late Mormon difficulty on the Missouri river, we have nothing to do, suffice it to say, that if the Mormon propensity for stealing, predominated as highly there as it does here, and the Prophet [text uncertain, original damaged] [--- sanctioned their proceedings there ---- ---- as he does here,] they had just cause for their expulsion.

The facts of the case, if we understand them are these. The preamble and resolutions of the citizens of Nauvoo to the contrary notwithstanding, In June last, Messrs. Wilson and Stewart, of this place, had a lot of goods consigned them, and among the articles were three boxes of Cotton Yarn, and eight kegs of Nails, left at the [levee. They found the Nails -----] rolled in the river -- the boxes of yarn, together with a skiff, belonging to Capt. Nelson, were stolen; a short time afterwards a valuable chest of carpenter's tools, belonging to J. M. Strother, were missing; and in close succession 8 barrels of salt and one of sugar, from the warehouse of Capt. White, and also five other lots of carpenter's tools, belonging to different persons, -- the tools amounting in all to some 6 or 700 dollars. During these worse than Scythian irruptions, a warehouse some eight miles above this was rifled of its contents, and the dwellings of Messrs. Brown and Liggen were entered and plundered, and many farmers in our vicinity had horses stolen from them; all of these depredations, and many others, were committed within a month from their first incursion. In this alarming state of affairs, it is not to be wondered that the citizens of Tully, should take some decisive steps to ferret out the thieves. A party was dispatched to scour the bottom opposite our village, and others the islands below, not once suspecting the Mormons, much less to convey the articles and conceal them within their limits, to entrap and kidnap their citizens. No, sir; when we discovered a part of our property, and found those "Persecuted Latter Day Saints," in the immediate neighborhood of the stolen goods, and with many corroborating circumstances to justify us in the belief that they were the perpetrators of the many enormities of which we were suffering. We were shocked to find that men had become so degraded, under the cloak and garb of religion, that they committed burglary, larceny, and God knows how many other crimes, to satiate the christian revenge of their "most holy Prophet."

No, sir, did we believe, when we first found those pinks of christianity, that they would be financed by their Society, believing as we do that there were a few who had imposed themselves upon their Society, and that they would be immediately expelled. Judge then our surprise, when some of our citizens went to Nauvoo, they carried an order from [one] to his wife, to get the stolen goods, which were said to be there by the prisoners; and we heard from them on their return, that they had been prisoners by this most christian people (at whose instigation suit had been commenced against them,) and to hear that the "Holy Prophet" in presence of our citizens, justified those plunderers in their bogus proceedings, and that they would continue it, till they had recompensed themselves for their Missouri difficulties, to the [cost] of $3,000,000. When we first came upon Brown and Boyce, in the bottom, they were near the stolen skiff. Brown was recognized by some of our citizens as being the person who had been in our Town, on the evening when the first goods were stolen; but he denied his being there at any time, and being questioned they said that they had staid at Mr. Mauley's [place] the preceding night, some eight or ten men went some eight or ten miles to Mauley's, and we found that they had not been, This Mauley is a "Latter day saint" and we believe the best man. On coming up with the other man, Allred, the "respectable old gentleman," [text uncertain, original damaged] [---- ---- will,] and Rogers who had a wagon [---- ----- ---ut] a body, and were making directly to the stolen goods, but was admonished by the [Boyce and] Brown on horseback, that there were [some] men in the bottom, they then turned their wagon and were retracing their steps, when we came to them they said that they were after a stick of timber, we asked for their [ax but] they had none, finding they here failed, they then said they were after boards, no body on board the wagon to hold the boards recollect, with these and many such contradictory tales, we were satisfied that they were knowing and accessory to the thefts. Happy for that venerable old man that he lived in the age of "direct communication" for had not that angel in the shape of a boy, warned them to flee, the poor old man's feelings would have been wonderfully [-------ed] at the sight of the Missouri trophies. [Such] as children's inexpressibles, children's [clothes] of all kinds and sizes, together with [some] clothes, and some chests marked (E. A. W.) [and] we believe that the old man had never seen [these], but he knew he was going to haul off stolen property, (at least this is Rogers' statement). Together with the clothes were found a cache of keys, say 20; they are now in the possession of Wm. Ellis of Lima, who was present during the whole day on which they were taken, with other citizens of Ill.

As to the kidnapping and whipping we know nothing of it, being some of the company that were sent to Mauley's, but this we do know by the statements of Brown and Allred, who themselves say they were not whipped. Brown confessed upon the condition that they would not prosecute him, nor did they. He confessed and pointed out where the balance of the stolen property was, a part of which he said had been carried to Nauvoo, and he was detained only till we had gotten the goods; during which time he found means to escape. Allred was released, the other two were tried before an existing court, pled guilty, and held to bail at [$100] each, upon default of which they were committed.

The above, Mr. Editor, is a concise statement of facts, as we recollect them; and would ask any candid man to say, taking all the circumstances together, if they would not have acted as we have done. But this public meeting at Nauvoo, by a people, professing to be Christians, whose whole object seems to be to tolerate and encourage stealing by their sect, and to anathematize all who should in any wise retard their progress, they make themselves particeps [---inis], by concealing the thieves and the stolen property, and recommending their brethren to continue their unhallowed depredations. -- No, Sir, that impostor Smith is a curse to Society, a wolf in sheep's clothing; one that has [----y] "stolen the livery of Heaven to serve the devil in." A man entirely destitute of moral honesty, and one that scruples at nothing to [get] his object; and our citizens that were at Nauvoo do say that he in their trial swore to things that were entirely false, and so it was [written] by his own brethren. If these are good persons, God save us from bad ones.
MANY CITIZENS OF TULLY.
July 21st, 1840.
The Quincy Argus and the Missouri papers [will] please copy.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. ?                       Quincy, Illinois, Sat., July 25, 1840.                       No. ?



HISTORY OF THE MORMONS.

Just received and for sale, a History of the Mormons, containing an accurate account of the late Mormon War, by John Corrill, formerly an Elder of the Mormon Church, and a late member of the Legislature of Missouri, from Caldwell County.   Price 25 cents.
                  W. D. Skillman.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Sept. 12, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 20.


 

THE  MORMONS. -- We learn that the agent or officer despatched by Governor Carlin to the Governor of Missouri, for the purpose of demanding the authors of the outrages committed upon certain Mormon citizens of this State, at Tully, in July last, has returned, and that the demand was successful. The authors of the outrage will be given up, to be dealt with according to our laws.

Immediately upon the return of Gov. Carlin's messenger, two envoys made their appearance in our city, from Gov. Boggs of Missouri, commissioned with powers to demand of Gov. Carlin, Joseph Smith, jr. and Sydney Rigdon, two citizens of this State, -- as runaway criminals from Missouri.

Gov. Carlin and the two Missouri agents held a conference on Sunday last -- yes, on the Sabbath day! -- and the result was, as we learn, that Gov. Carlin is to give up Messrs. Smith and Rigdon, to the Missouri authorities.

So it appears the locofoco Governors of Missouri and Illinois, are carrying out a fine scheme between them. The Governor of Missouri is perfectly willing to give up the Tully rioters, to be tried by our laws, if in return, the Governor of Illinois, will surrender up two citizens of this State, to be sacrificed by a Missouri mob.

We greatly doubt the policy of this step on the part of Gov. Carlin. Most certainly, Smith and Rigdon should not be given up. The Governor well knows the prejudices existing in Missouri against the Society, of which they are prominent members. Should they be given up, and the Governor of Missouri should protect them from a mob, they could never expect justice in a trial under the laws of Missouri. The prejudices against their Society, originating in foul injustice and official persecution, so deeply affect the minds of the people of Upper Missouri, that a trial for crimes alledged against them, would be a mere mockery -- a farce. Their cases are all pre-judged. Even if tried and acquited, the mob would not leave them to go harmless from the State. Under this view of the circumstances, the Governor should have reflected more than two hours before he consented to give up Smith and Rigdon. If he gives them up, he gives them up as victims for a sacrifice, and their families will see them no more.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. ?                       Quincy, Illinois, Sat., September 12, 1840.                       No. ?


 

...Governor Carlin has issued process for the arrest of Joe Smith and S. Rigdon, and their delivery to Missouri Authorities...

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Sept. 26, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 22.


 

==> We thought it turn out a farce. The Missouri authorities have not given up -- nor never will, -- the authors of the outrage upon the Mormons at Tully, in July last.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. ?                       Quincy, Illinois, Sat., September 26, 1840.                       No. ?


 

...The Gov. of Missouri however, soon made a formal demand of the Gov. of Ill. for the surrender to the authorities of, etc. Here they, (the whigs) would if possessed of power hold themselves superior to law, and proceed in such a manner as would lead to serious difficulties between the two States...

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Oct. 3, 1840         [Vol. 3 - No. 23.



GOV.  CARLIN, SMITH  AND  RIGDON.

"The Gov. of Missouri however, soon made a formal demand of the Gov. of Ill. for the surrender to the authorities of, etc. Here they, (the whigs) would if possessed of power hold themselves superior to law, and proceed in such a manner as would lead to serious difficulties between the two States." Argus.

Fudge! We repeat, Smith and Rigdon should not be given up. The law requiring the Governor of our State to deliver up fugitives from justice, is a salutary and wise one, and should not in ordinary circumstances be disregarded, but as these are occasions that authorize the citizens of a State to resent a tyranical and oppressive government, so there are occasions when it is not only the privilege, but the duty of the Governor of the State to refuse to surrender the citizens of his State upon the requisition of the Executive of another, and this we consider as the case of Smith and Rigdon.

The law is made to secure the punishment of the guilty, and not to sacrifice the innocent, and the governor whose paramount duty it is to protect the citizens of his State from lawless violence, whenever he knows that to comply with such requisition he would be delivering the citizens into the hands of a mob as a victim to appease the thirst of the infuriate multitude for blood, without trial and against justice: under such circumstances, we repeat, the Governor is bound by the highest of all human laws, to refuse to comply with the requisition: and will the Argus or Governor Carlin pretend to deny that the present is not a case of this kind.

The history of the Mormon difficulties in Missouri, is of too recent an origin not to be well known to the Governor. A few years since, when they had settled in the Far West, and had gathered around them the comforts and of life, and were beginning to reap the just reward of their industry and enterprise, a mob attempted to drive them from their homes; as peacable citizens, enjoying all the rights guarantied to them by a Republican Constitution, they had a right, and did call on the Governor of Missouri, for protection. Did he, in obedience to the oath which he had taken to support the Constitution of the State, respond to the call as a Governor should? No! and forever will a stain rest upon the name of Lillburn W. Boggs, and the State of Missouri. Mr. Boggs told the Mormons that they must take care of themselves -- in fact denying them the protection of the Constitution under whose broad folds they had taken shelter. Thus denied the protection of the State, they prepared to defend their homes, wives and children. Did Mr. Boggs, as the controversy proceeded, remain a neutral spectator, as his first intimation had given the Mormons to understand? Oh, no! -- when the mob was forced to fly for safety -- like cowards as they were -- then this wise and oath-bound Executive, called out the militia of the State, to aid, in expelling -- or rather, to use one of the expressions of Mr. Boggs -- in "exterminating" the Mormons. Which is as much as to say -- if the Mormons cannot be driven from their homes, their possessions, and all else that they hold dear, peaceably -- why then, kill, murder, burn, destroy, any thing, so the Mormons are "exterminated" from the State! Most just, humane, wise, and patriotic governor Boggs!

Many of them were barbarously butchered, and all shamefully unsettled and cruelly driven from their comfortable firesides at an inclement season of the year, -- those who escaped secret murder, were inhumanly and savagely treated, their females violated, and their property confiscated and plundered, by the barbarous Vandals who were persecuting them even unto death! and to such men and to such people, would Governor Carlin deliver up two of our Mormon citizens for a sacrifice! We oppose this batter and trade in blood, upon higher grounds than the mere forms of law upon which the Argus justifies the Governor. If we believed that Smith and Rigdon had been guilty of criminal acts in Missouri, and could have a fair trial for such acts, under the laws of that State, we should be among the first to advocate the surrender of those gentlemen. It is not the laws of Missouri, of which we complain, it is of the officers who are appointed to execute and carry out those laws. -- Their conduct must be forever reprobated -- it is a lasting disgrace to the State.

The Mormons have resided in our State since they were driven out of Missouri behaving as good citizens, Smith and Rigdon in particular, have resided ever since within the limits of our State, undoubtedly with the full knowledge of the authorities of Missouri, but no demand is made till the citizens of Missouri, pursuing them in their new homes in this State, with the same disregard of law that marked their previous conduct, a call is made upon the governor of that State to deliver them over to our authorities to be tried for violating our laws, then the very vigilant governor of Missouri calls for the apprehension of Smith and Rigdon!

It may be that Gov. Carlin and Boggs have a private understanding -- that a cartel, an exchange of prisoners, may be agreed on between them. If It is so, the Governor is trifling with the lives of our citizens -- with the lives of those whom be is sworn to protect. Reason, justice and humanity, cries out against the proceeding.

We repeat, that compliance on the part of Gov. Carlin, would be to deliver them not to be tried for crime, but to be punished without crime; and that under those circumstances, they had a right to claim protection as citizens of this State"


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Oct. 10, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 24.


 

MORMON CONFERENCE. -- This people held a Conference at Nauvoo on Saturday last which continued three days. It is estimated that there was not far from three thousand in attendance. A gentleman who was present, speaks in the highest terms of the appearance of the immense assemblage, and the good order which prevailed. The mild and humane laws of our State, and the tolerating and liberating principles which abound among our people, are having their just and proper effect upon this people -- their Society is not only increasing in numbers, but individually their condition is greatly improved, surrounded as they are by the gifts of an over-ruling power. We learn, that they are expecting a large accession to their numbers in a short time from England -- one of their preachers, a Mr. Turley, having met with distinguished success in that country.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Oct. 17, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 25.



A GLANCE  AT  THE  MORMONS.

Since the Mormons were expelled from the State of Missouri, they have purchased the town of Commerce, a situation of surpassing beauty, at the head of the lower rapids, on the Illinois shore of the upper Mississippi river. The name of the place they recently changed to Nauvoo, the Hebrew term for Fair or Beautiful. Around this place, as their centre, they are daily gathering from almost every quarter: and several hundred new houses, created within the last few months; attest to the passing traveller the energy, industry, and self-denial with which the community is imbued. They have also obtained possession of extensive lands on the opposite side of the river, in that charming portion of Iowa Territory, known as the 'Half Breed Reservation;' and there, upon the rolling and fertile prairies, they are rapidly selecting their homes and opening their farms. As the traveller now passes through those natural parks and fields of flowers, which the hand of the Creator seems to have originally planted there for the inspection of his own eye, he beholds their cabins dotted down in the most enchanting perspective, either on the borders of the timber, or beside the springs and streams of living water, which are interspersed on every hand.

Nor are they unmindful of their interests abroad, while they are thus accomplishing so much at home. No sect, with equal means, has probably ever suffered and achieved more in so short a time. Their elders have not only been commissioned and sent forth to every part of our own country, but they have left their families and friends behind them, and gone to Europe, and even to the Holy Land, to reveal the wonders of the "new and everlasting covenant;" and to preach "the dispensation of the fulness of times." They doubt not but that they shall be endued, when necessary, with power from on high to proclaim to all the nations of the earth in their own tongues, the wonderful works of God.

The signal success which every where attends their exertions, proves how well their religious system is adapted to give expression to the various forms of enthusiasm that pervade the religious sentiment of the day. Retaining many truths which are held in common by different denominations of Christians and covering their own absurdities with imposing forms and lofty pretensions, their system opens a winning asylum for all the disaffected or dissatisfied of other persuasions, and much that is congenial to almost every shade of erratic or radical religious character. As an illustration of this, it is stated, in the last number of their own journal, called "Times and seasons," that, on a single occasion in England, one of their elders lately baptized, among others, no less than thirteen preachers of one denomination of Christians.

The name of Mormon they disclaim, and affirm that it was given to them by their enemies. They call themselves "The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints," and number, among their chief ecclesiastical dignitaries, a prophet, patriarch, and a train of high priest[s], bishops, and elders. They are understood to disallow the truth and validity of other churches, and to believe that their own ecclesiastical constitution entitles them to expect the enjoyment of all other gifts and blessings of the church in ancient times. They teach that all who are baptized by immersion and under proper authority, are legally entitled to the remission of their sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Among other religious exercises, they meet together to testify, to prophecy, to speak with tongues to interpret, and to relate their visions and revelations, and, in short, to exercise all the gifts of God, as set in order among the ancient churches. They believe that the restoration of Israel to Palestine, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the second advent of the Messiah are near at hand, -- and the dreadful calamities which have recently befallen some of the cities of our land, are set down upon their records as prophetic signs of the second coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of Heaven to open their millennial era.

As to the "Book of Mormon," while they place implicit confidence in its truth, they deny that it is a new Bible, to exclude the old but a historical and religious record, written in ancient times, by a branch of the house of Israel that peopled America, from whom the Indians descended. The metallic plates, on which these records was engraved, lay deposited for many centuries in the earth, until at length, they were discovered and translated by Joseph Smith Jr. and found, not only to corroborate and confirm the truth of holy writ, but also to open the events of ancient America, as far back at least as the flood. -- They believe that this book pours the light of noonday upon the history of a nation, whose mounds and cities, and fortifications, still repose, in grand but melancholy ruins, upon the bosom of the western prairies; and the reason that it is not more generally received is the same that operated to prevent the reception of the Gospel, in the early ages of Christianity.

It was a beautiful morning towards the close of April last, when the writer of the foregoing sketch, accompanied by, a friend, crossed the Mississippi River, from Montrose, to pay a visit to the prophet. As we approached his house, we saw him ride up and alight from his beautiful horse; and handing the bridle to one of his followers in attendance, he waited in front of his gate to receive us. A number of principal men of the place soon collected around, apparently anxious to hear the words which fell from his lips. His bearing towards them was like one who has authority; and the deference which they paid him convinced us that his dominion was deeply seated in the empire of their consciences. To our minds, profound knowledge of human nature had evidently taught him that, of all principles, the most omnipotent is the religious principle, and to govern men of certain classes, it is only necessary to control their religious sentiments.

After he had shown us the fine grounds around his dwelling; he conducted us, at our request, to an upper room, where he drew aside the curtains of a case, and showed us several Egyptian Mummies, which we were told that the church had purchased, at his suggestion, some time before, for a large sum of money.

The embalmed body that stands near the center of the case, said he, is one of the Pharaohs, who sat on the throne of Egypt, and the female figure by it was probably one of the daughters.

It may have been the Princess Thermutis, I replied, "the same that rescued Moses from the waters of the Nile.

It is not improbable, answered the Prophet, but time has not yet allowed fully to examine and decide that point. Do you understand the Hebrew language, said he, raising his hand to the top of the case, and taking down a small Hebrew grammar of Rabbi Seixas.

That language has not altogether escaped my attention, was the reply.

He then walked to a secretary, on the opposite side of the room, and drew out several frames, covered with glass, under which were numerous fragments of Egyptian papyrus, on which, as usual, a great variety of hieroglyphical characters had been imprinted.

These ancient records, said he, throw great light on the subject of Christianity. They have been unrolled and preserved with great labor and care. My time has been hitherto too much taken up to translate the whole of them, but I will show you how I interpret certain parts. There, said he, pointing to a particular character, that is the signature of the patriarch Abraham.

It is indeed a most interesting autograph, I replied, and doubtless the only one extant. What an ornament it would be to have these ancient manuscripts handsomely set, in appropriate frames, and hung up around the walls of the temple which you are about to erect at this place.

Yes, replied the Prophet, and the translation hung up with them.

Thinking this a proper time to propose a few inquiries relative to some of his peculiar tenets, I observed that it was commonly reported of him, that he believed in the personal reign of the Messiah upon earth, during the millennial era.

I believe in no such thing, was his reply. At the opening of that period, I believe that Christ will descend; but will immediately return again to heaven. Some of our elders, he continued, before I have found time to instruct them better, have unadvisedly propagated some such opinions; but I tell my people that it is absurd to suppose that Christ "will jump out of the frying pan into the fire." He is in a good place now, and it is not to be supposed that he will exchange it for a worse one.

Not a little shocked by the emblem employed by the Prophet, we descended from his chamber, and the conversation turned upon his recent visit to Washington, and his talk with the President of the United States. He gave us distinctly to understand that his political views had undergone an entire change; and his description of the reception given him at the executive mansion was any thing but flattering to the distinguished individual who presides over its hospitalities.

Before he had heard the story of our wrongs, said the indignant Prophet, Mr. Van Buren gave us to understand that he could do nothing for the redress of our grievances lest it should interfere with his political prospects in Missouri. He is not as fit said he, as my dog, for the chair of state; for my dog will make an effort to protect his abused and insulted master, while the present chief magistrate will not so much as lift his finger to relieve an oppressed and persecuted community of freemen, whose glory it has been that they were citizens of the United States.

You hold in your hands, I observed, a larger amount of political power, and your society must exert a tremendous influence, for weal or woe, in the coming elections.

Yes, said he, I know it; and our influence, as far as it goes, we intend to use. There are probably not far short of an hundred thousand souls in our society, and the votes to which we are entitled throughout the Union must doubtless be extensively lost to Mr. Van Buren.

Not being disposed in any way to intermeddle in party politics, I made no definite reply; but immediately taking leave we returned to Montrose, abundantly satisfied that the Society over which he presided has assumed a moral and political importance which is but very imperfectly understood. Associated on the religious principle, under a prophet and leader whose mysterious and awful claims to divine inspiration make his voice to believers like the voice of God; trained to sacrifice their individuality; to utter one cry; and to think and act in crowds; with minds that seem to have been struck from the sphere of reason on one subject, and left to wander, like lost stars; amid the dark mazes and winding ways of religious error; these remarkable sectaries must necessarily hold in their hands a fearful balance of political power. In the midst of contending parties, a single hand might turn their influence, with tremendous effect, to which ever side presented the most potent attraction; and should they ever become disposed to exert their influence for evil, which may Heaven prevent, they would surround our institutions with an element of danger more to be dreaded than an armed and hundred eyed police.


Note: The above account of the Mormons at Nauvoo was first published in the New York Sun of July 28, 1840. See also page 24 of Elders Winchester and Adams' 1841 pamphlet.


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Oct. 24, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 26.



From the Times and Seasons.

CIRCULAR  LETTER.
Quarter Master General's Office,
Nauvoo, Illinois, Oct. 2nd, 1840.

To the Commandants of Independent Companies: --

On the 26th ultimo, in obedience to the commands of our worthy Governor, I made the designation, and requisition, on the Ordnance Department, at Washington, for the public arms due this State, from the General Government, for the years, 1838, '39, and '40, directing that said arms be consigned to the care of the Warden of the Penitentiary, at Alton, subject to my orders -- but the vouchers in my possession being insufficient to authorise me to proceed to their distribution, when received, (with the exception of those appertaining to the Companies at Quincy, Chicago, Juliet, and Nauvoo, which will soon be supplied,) you are hereby directed to procure from His Excellency, Thomas Carlin, Commander-in-Chief, to this Department, special official orders, in relation to your respective commands, which will be filled in order of date, until the entire distribution is consummated, -- you will, therefore, please to take notice and govern yourselves accordingly, without further delay. Editors of Newspapers in this State are respectfully requested to publish the foregoing for the information and benefit of the Independent Corps Militaire of Illinois.
              J. C. BENNETT,
Quarter Master General of Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Nov. 7, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 28.


 

==> The following bulletin was issued from this office last Tuesday, and is believed to be correct:

                  TUESDAY, 2 o'clock.

O.  K.

We have Triumphed! The liberal party of this county, have, at this election, nobly sustained their principles, and the cause of the venerable HARRISON, and the Whig banner now floats in triumph in the pure air of Heaven! ADAMS COUNTY IS REDEEMED!, -- The Whigs have nobly fought the battle -- and they have nobly WON it! Our majority will not vary but a trifle from TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTRY-FIVE! Every man done his duty -- every Precinct done its duty, and nought remains for the Whigs but to shake hands over the result, collect their bets, and sympathize their chop-fallen opponents. The number of votes polled is but a little short of that polled in August last. The old fellows and the young fellows were out, and the following is the result of the day's labor... Precinct. Quincy, Harrison. 596 Van Buren 524... Total, 1649 [-] 1394 [=] Whig majority, 255... If other counties in the State have done as well as Adams, the electoral vote is for Harrison by a large majority.



HANCOCK COUNTY -- All hail!

The result in this county is full equal in our expectations. The Harrison electorial ticket has a majority of 750! -- being a gain of over 350 since last August!

(There is something connected with the vote at Nauvoo precinct, which needs explanation. Two hundred Mormon voters were induced to erase the name of A. Lincoln, from the whig electoral ticket, and substitute the name of James H. Ralston, in his stead. Rumor says that the Hon. Richard M. Young, of the U. S. Senate, and the "little giant," Stephen A. Douglass, who wants to go to Congress, were present at this election, and of course their names are freely used in connection with this little petty trick. If these rumors should prove correct, we shall have a column to spare for their benefit hereafter.)



Hancock County....

...Commerce 410 [whig majority] except that Ralston run ahead of the Van Buren ticket some 200... Our majority in this county will be between 7 and 800.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Nov. 14, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 29.


 

             For the Quincy Whig.
     COLUMBIA MY COUNTRY.

I love the land with banner spread
    And waving gloriously --
The country where our fathers bled
    To purchase Liberty.
I love the land where legal lord
    Has never trod soil:
Where humble merit meets reward
    And plenty follows toil.

And when on fancy's wings, I ride
    To other lands, afar;
My thoughts return with conscious pride
    I hail my country's star.
To frigid climes, thro' airy plains
    By fancy's skill, I stray;
Where winter, crown'd with night, maintains
    A lengthen'd rigid sway.

There, human thought, and seas and streams
    Are mutually congeal'd;
And there existence, almost seems
    With nonexistence seal'd.
I visit Grecia's Turkish coasts,
    Long, long in darkness chain'd:
While superstitions sombre ghost
    O'er intellect has reigned!

There female character, unfreed
    From bigotry's control?
Too well attests Mohammed's creed,
    That "woman has no soul!"
I list to music soft and sweet,
    Along Liberia's shore;
Where Afric sand's salute the feet
    Of Afric's sons, once more.

And while beneath the torrid skies
    O'er burning plains I tread;
And see the lofty bamboo rise,
    And broad banana spread.
With thrilling pleasure, oft I gaze,
    Upon the scenery where
The brilliant fire fly torches blaze
    Upon the midnight air.

To Asia's empires, widely spread,
    I decorously resort;
And with impartial def'rence, tread
    Each high, imperial court.
And then, with fairy speed, I fly
    To lands of brighter fame;
And Europe's prouder standards try,
    And Freedom's banner, claim.

But O, I find no country yet,
    Like our Columbia, dear;
And often times, almost forget
    I live an exile here.
                ELIZA K. SNOW.




MORE MORMONS. -- An English paper has the following paragraphs about a new shipment to this country. Its location of Quincy, "on the Mississippi. in Michigan." is amusing, and shows a wonderful precision in the knowledge of transatlantic geography:--

"The New York packet ship North American, Capt. Lowber, sailed on Tuesday week with 19 cabin passengers and 200 in the sterage. the whole of the steerage passengers belong to the sect called "Latter Day Saints," and are bound for Quincy, in the State of Michigan, on the borders of the Mississippi, where a settlement has been provided for them by one of their sect, who has purchased a large tract of land in Michigan. We understand that upwards of 2000 are in treaty to embark early next spring for the same locality. A great portion of those who sailed in the North American; are members of the total abstinence society, and are from Leicestershire and Herefordshire."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



By S. M. Bartlett.]         Quincy, Illinois, Sat., Nov. 21, 1840.         [Vol. 3 - No. 30.



LIBERAL  SENTIMENTS
From the St. Louis Gazette.

"TIMES AND SEASONS." -- We have received from Nauvoo, a monthly paper under this title. This is of Mormon origin and advocates the Mormon cause. The "Mormons, Shakers, and a few other select bands of people seem to be the only honest and disinterested body of men now extant.

We see the Mormons have eleven agents in England. Indeed there can be no doubt that their numbers are rapidly increasing. -- If they respect the laws and walk orderly, as we have no doubt they always intended to do, they can protect themselves. They will be too strong for any marauders in their vicinity who want to pillage their lands and goods; and by now and then arming themselves, in self-defence, with the "sword of the flesh," any consequences which may follow their efforts at resisting the violence of their persecutors, will be looked upon in the same kight that similar acts of self-defence in other men are regarded. In fact they can place themselves in an attitude, which will command respect, and awe away the profligate scroundrels, who have heretofore made them their prey.

Let them obey the laws. If they do this, they should demand -- not toleration -- there is no such thing as toleration in this country -- they should demand their rights. Every man, under our free Constitution, has a (right) to worship God as he pleases. Every man has a right to believe what he pleases. The laws of Missouri did not protect them in the enjoyment of these rights, and they were overpowered -- crushed by the weight of popular fanaticism and official tyranny.

If the laws of Illinois will not protect them, they ought to protect themselves. -- They as men ought to know what in truth their faith teaches -- that there are ten thousand things worse than death. -- Submission to enormous wrong -- consigning their lands to robbery and pillage -- banishment from their homes fire sides and altars -- are each and all worse than death.

[[Omitted from the Whig's reprint of the Gazette article: "The Mormons have had in us a true and steady friend from the beginning. We believe that they are laboring under a monstrous delusion. We believe they might as well worship us as Joe Smith or Sidney Rigdon."]]

Their whole system if faith, is, we believe, in its inception a gross imposture. -- But what of that? So long, as in the language of that true son of freedom -- Thos. Jefferson of glorious and immortal memory -- They neither break my leg nor pick my pocket -- so long as they do not molest me in my belief or meddle with me in my conduct -- I care not what they believe. -- I may have my opinion that certain systems of belief have a better effect upon society than certain other systems. And I may try by persuasion and argument to make others believe as I do. But I can and will take no measures to force my belief upon them.

Let then the Mormons rest, and if they can let them flourish. Let them rest, at least, from the scandalous persecutions, which they underwent in this State persecutions which disgrace and damn all those who were participators in or accessaries to it.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 
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