THE MORMONITES. -- We learn from the Painesville Gazette, that this infatuated people are again in motion. In their own cant phrase "they are going to inherit the promise of God to Abraham and his seed." Their destination is some indefinite spot on the Missouri river, they say about 1500 miles distant. About eighty of them have recently been ordained and some have gone, others are about going, two and two, part by the western rivers and part by land, to their distant retreat, far away from the cheering voice of civilized man. Those who have disposed of their property go now, and such as have property, are making market for it so eagerly as often to disregard pecuniary interests, and all are to follow with all convenient dispatch. They still persist in their power to work miracles. They say they have often seen them done -- the sick are healed -- the lame walk, devils are cast out; -- and these assertions are made by men heretofore considered rational men, and men of truth. The Gazette expresses the opinion that although the leaders of this sect are great impostors, a great portion of its members are sincere and honest.

(Some of the leaders of this sect, we are told, passed through this place two or three weeks since, on their return to Ohio. We understand, that they have determined to migrate to Jackson county, on the extreme edge of this State; for which purpose they have purchased a sufficiency of land whereupon to locate the whole of the believers of Mormonism. We have some hope that the latter part of the paragraph may be true; as in any other event, we should not rejoice much in the acquisition of so many deluded, insane enthusiasts.
                            MO. REPUB.


Note 1: The above Intelligencer article was reprinted from a notice published by the Daily Missouri Republican on Sept. 6, 1831. The Republican, in turn, took the first part of its article from the Painesville, Ohio Geauga Gazette of June 21, 1831.

Note 2: One of the first mentions of the Mormons in the Missouri press was published in the July 9, 1831 issue of the St. Louis Times. The travels of the Mormon "Missionaries to the Lamanites" to the the western borders of the state in late 1830, appear to have gone unnoticed in the Missouri papers. As late as Dec. 29, 1831, the St. Louis Beacon was mentioning the Mormons without revealing any knowledge that they had been colonizing western Missouri for a year. The LDS presence in Missouri seems to have burst upon the popular perception only after the Saints distributed their first (June, 1832) issue of The Evening and Morning Star, (which was noticed by the Missouri Intelligencer on June 23.

Note 3: A few hints of the Mormons' initial penetration of Missouri, in 1830-31, can be gleaned from newspapers published outside of the state. See, for example, the Dec. 4, 1830 issue of the Wooster Republican Advocate, the Dec. 9, 1830 issue of the Ravenna Ohio Star, the Dec. 18, 1830 issue of the Philadelphia Album, the Jan. 15, 1831 issue of the Marietta American Friend, the June 14, 1831 issue of the Painesville Telegraph, the Aug. 18. 1831 issue of the Philadelphia Sun, the Sept. 7, 1831 issue of the Ontario Phoenix, the Sept. 16, 1831 issue of the Illinois Patriot, the late Sept., 1831 Cincinnatti Gazette, the Sept. 29, 1831 issue of the Hudson Observer, and the Oct. 13, 1831 issue of the Ohio Star.

Mormonism. -- Some days since several Mormonite preachers, in their peregrinations, passed through this & the adjoining counties. In St. Clair not much impression was made. One preached in Lebanon, four miles from us. In Madison County, on the Ridge Prairie, a few miles south of Edwardsville, they were more successful in making impressions. Several families, Methodists, Baptists, and others, were 'almost persuaded.' We believe all have been cured of this singular fanaticism but one family. A Mr. McMahan, a pious and respectable man, and Methodist local preacher, was so bewildered with their new bible, and their power to work miracles, as to follow them to Shoal creek where he got baptized into the Mormon faith, and received from them a commission to preach and work miracles in turn. After one or two ineffectual attempts with his neighbors, he became entirely deranged in which exercise his wife soon joined. Under the notion that they were fighting evil spirits, they commenced a phrenzied attack on their house and furniture. They soon demolished a valuable time-piece, a new high post bedstead, bureau, chairs, &c. and tore off the weather boarding, and broke the windows of the house. The next project was to sacrifice one of their children, but were interrupted by the appearance of some of their neighbors, who were obliged to confine this promising disciple of Mormonism in irons till he became more peaceable. He is now suffered to go at large, though still laboring under mental alienation. His wife is some better.

These sudden and apparently providential effects of Mormon faith, has put a stop to further proselytizing in this quarter. We hope the people hereafter will be satisfied with the bible God has given us, and the religion it reveals, without the addition of the "Book of Mormon."

In a future number we intend to give a sketch of the origin, progress, principles, and consequences of the Mormon faith, that our readers may see to what lengths of infatuation men can go when they leave the "straight and narrow way."     Illinois Pioneer.

---

We received by the last Western mail, from Col. Boggs, (the gentleman nominated by the caucus at Jefferson for Lieut. Governor) a printed circular, issued from the Mormon press in Jackson county and headed "Star Extra," (the name of the paper which is, or was to have been published by that sect) in which he states his acceptance of the nomination at Jefferson, and gives an epitome of his political predilections...


Note: The first article (on the Mormon converts in Illinois) was also reprinted in the June 21, 1832 Painesville Telegraph. The exact date of its appeareance in the Rock Spring Pioneer is not known. The Pioneer was the first religious paper published in Illinois. It was edited and published by the Baptist minister, Dr. John M. Peck. In 1832 or 1833 Rev. Peck printed and distributed one of the very first anti-Mormon pamphlets, however no copy of this work is known to survive today.

"The Morning and Evening Star." -- We received, by the last Western mail, the first number of the paper with the above title, published at Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, by W. W. Phelps & Co. It is not only neatly but even handsomely executed, on a superroyal sheet, to be issued monthly at $1 per annum. This is the Mormon paper. Having heretofore given copious extracts from the prospectus, it is not deemed necessary now to notice, in much detail, the strange doctrine promulgated. These Mormons will have an advantage not enjoyed by other denominations: no one will think it necessary seriously to controvert their creed as found laid down in their Book of Inspiration. We subjoin the following paragraphs from the "Star."

=> As the public seem somewhat astonished, that we, among all the light of this century, should have "sacred records which have slept for ages" to publish, it is our duty to say, that we shall take an extract from The Prophecy of Enoch, for our second or third number. Jude spake of this prophet in the 14th verse of his epistle. There are too many books mentioned and missing in the Bible, for any one to query about more sacred records.

The Star office is situated within 12 miles of the west line of the state of Missouri: -- which at present, is the western limits of the United States, and about 120 miles west of any press in the state. -- In about 39 degrees of North Latitude, and about 17 1/2 degrees of West Longitude; 2 1/2 miles south of Missouri River; 280 miles by land, or 500 by water west of St. Louis; nearly 1200 west of Washington; 1300 from New-York, and more than 1500 from Boston.

Early in May, Capt. Bonaville's Company, (150) under the command of Capt. Walker passed this town, on its way to the Rocky Mountains, to trap and hunt for fur in the vast country of the Black Feet Indians. About the middle of May, Capt. Soublett's Company, (70) passed, for the Rocky Mountains, on the same business. At which time, also, Capt. Wythe of Mass., with a Company of 30, passed for the mouth of Oregon River, to prepare (as it is said) for settling a territory. During the month of May there also passed one Company bound to Santa Fee.

About the 8th or 9th of this month Capt. Blackwell's Company, (60 or 70) passed this place for the Rocky Mountains, in addition.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                                        From the Ohio Atlas

THE  MORMONS.

We have perused a pretty long and probably true account of this singular people, and their location in Mount Zion, contained in a letter published in the Christian Watchman from B. Pixley, and dated Independence, Jackson county, Mo. Oct. 12th, 1832, the very seat of the New Jerusalem. His account of their situation and prospects is not very flattering. About 4 or 500 Mormons, men, women, and children, have collected at Zion. -- Their possessions are small compared with their numbers, being only about four sections of land. Twenty acres is the portion assigned for each family to improve, but they are to hold no property, should they leave the community. Mt. Zion is not elevated, and the settlement resembles "new beginnings" generally in the west. They are represented as already suffering for the necessities of life, and by [squalid] poverty preparing for the reception of their expected Saviour. Their creed appears to have undergone but little change. Originally members of almost every sect, they now cordially unite in destesting all, save Mormons. They all pretend to the gift of miracles, of tongues, of healing the sick, visions, &c. though, like all other modern miracles, often TOLD, but never SEEN. Their Prophet, Smith, is now busy in restoring the present Bible to its primitive purity, and in adding some lost books of great importance. A new Revelation is also forthcoming. Elder [Rigdon], pretty well known in this vicinity as an arch apostate, is now the first, best, and greatest preacher in Mount Zion. The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face. Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee," &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.

They pretend to have discovered where the Ark of the Covenant, Aaron's rod, the pot of Manna, &c., &c. now remain hid. At no distant period, they expect Christ will re-appear to live and reign on the earth a thousand years.

Such are the present Mormons, and such is their New Jerusalem. We believe their society numbers something more than one hundred souls in this county, many of whom intend removing to Mt. Zion in the spring. With Mormonism and its history, in this county, we are not strangers. It was was introduced by a few illiterate disciples of Joseph Smith, in the summer of 1831, a time when religious excitements were the order of the day. A sort of revival enthusiasm pervaded many neighborhoods, and wherever Mormonism obtained a footing, it spread like wild-fire. Scores were awakened, converted, baptized, and endowed with the Holy Spirit in a few hours at a single meeting, in the midst of shoutings, wailings, falings, [contortions], trances, visions, speaking in unknown tongues, and prophesyings, that require the pen of a Trollope to describe. The timid were frightened, the credulous believed, and we were frequently eye witnesses to scenes of strange & unnatural conduct of Mormons professedly under the influence of the Spirit, that staggered the disbelief of the most stable and incredulous. But the storm passed -- a calm followed -- reason triumphed -- and Mormonism waned.

As a curiosity, we have carefully examined the Golden Bible, and pronounce it not even "a cunningly devised fable," Every page bears the impress of its human authorship. Though free from vulgar obscenities, it is an absurd collection of dull, stupid and foolishly improbable stories, which no person, unless under the influence of powerfully excited feelings can mistake for truth and inspiration. -- With its authors, the Book of Mormon cannot survive this generation. The next will remember it, only to smile at the credulity of the present.


Note 1: This article contains a mixture of local information from Lorain county, Ohio and other information derived from the reports of Rev. Benton Pixley of Independence, Missouri, whose first (Oct. 12, 1832) letter on the Mormons was published in the Boston Christian Watchman and Independent Messenger in Nov. 1832. A condensed reprint of the Ohio Atlas article was published in the Newark (Ohio) Advocate of Apr. 13, 1833 and the Indiana Democrat of May 4, 1833. For more Pixley's letter and Ohio news reports supplementing his communication, see the Dayton (Ohio) Journal & Advertiser of Apr. 23, 1833 and the Cincinnati Journal of Dec. 20, 1833.

Note 2: Rev. Pixley wrote at least two other letters which were published in Eastern papers. See the Apr. 6, 1833 and the Dec. 21, 1833 issues of the Boston Christian Register for the texts of these communications on the Mormons.

Note 3: Max Parkin's 1965 dissertation (p. 20) cites a Benton Pixley letter, published in the Missouri Intelligencer of "April 13, 1834." No regular issue of the paper was printed on this date and no Pixley letter has been located in any April issue of the paper. Probably Parkin meant to reference the Intelligencer's April 13, 1833 reprint of the Dec. 6, 1832 Ohio Atlas article, which is not fully a Pixley text.

THE MORMONS. -- We have been requested by a correspondent to publish the annexed letter. It is from a seceding Mormon to his friends in Fulton County, in this State.

                                    Independence, Jackson Co. Mo.
                                    February 25, 1833.
Since I arrived here, I have visited the Mormon meetings, one of which was called the solemn assembly, where the Bishop declared by vision from Joshua [sic, Jos.?] Smith, that they were all under condemnation for not reading the book of Mormon, and thus they must repent or they would be cut off and Zion would be removed somewhere else. He also declared that the seer, Joseph Smith had the keys of the kingdom of heaven and could see the multitudes of the angels, and knew what they were doing there. He also declared that he had the power that Jesus Christ had when he was here in the flesh; that he had the discerning of spirits, so as to discover who were worthy, even to the lowest as well as to the highest; also that no member can bring an accusation against an officer of the church, neither can they bear testimony against an officer of the church; that no member could sell his possessions to any individual whatever, not even to a mormon -- that if he left them or should be turned out for any improper conduct, he must leave all and go out empty; that the elders had power if they lived faithful to the Lord to discern the spirits of the private members, whether they were worthy to remain in the church or not; that they must consecrate all their property in the name of [Partridge] a bishop to to the Lord, or they would all be lost, and must enter into a covenant to that amount, which all that were present did, which property is valued by [Partridge] and two under officers, that he may give in the list and pay taxes for the same.

I have visited many members since I came here, to see their manner of living. Their diet was principally water porridge salted and bread. Provisions are indeed plenty, but they cannot be purchased by those who have no money.

I want you to take a copy of this and send it to be read in every place of public meeting in your vicinity.

All my family here, except one, are shaken from the Mormon faith. I wish you would take some little pains to have this letter or the foregoing facts published.
                            Yours respectfully,
                            SALMON SHERWOOD.
                                    Illinois Jour.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The following is from the "Evening and the Morning Star," the Mormon paper printed at Independence, in this State:

"To The Brethren Abroad.

"As many false reports are in circulation abroad, respecting the disciples of our Savior in the land of Zion, we feel it our duty to correct such as may be injurious to them, and can say, that, in general, the disciples here, enjoy good health, and are as well off as the generality of new settlers. The price of corn, during the past winter, has been about one dollar per barrel, which is equal to twenty cents per bushel: and now, on prompt pay, it is very little higher; not more than twenty five cents. Wheat is from fifty to seventy five cents per bushel. The present crop now on the ground looks very fine, and with the blessings of a merciful Father, an abundance will be raised this season, as very considerable was sown last fall. -- Should the spring be as prosperous according as the winter has been, great quantities of corn will be put into the ground. Bacon is not high, and contracts were offered not long since, of 6 to 7000 lbs. in a lot.

A mild winter and the smiling springs, are among the blessings of the Lord, in this climate, and remind us of his promise to Noah, that, while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease: and where these blessings are improved with industry, (for all that are able in the church of Christ, have to work for their living) we can exclaim like David of old: I have been young, and am now old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- We perceive by a letter from Independence, Missouri, to the editor of the Cincinnati Journal, that difficulties have already begun in the Mormon community, at Mount Zion in that quarter; one of the members having sued the Bishop in a Court of justice, for fifty dollars, which had been sent by plaintiff to said Bishop, from Ohio, "to purchase an inheritance for himself in Zion in these last days." This was certainly a most impious act, but "nevertheless and notwithstanding," the jury found for the plantiff; it appearing that though the good bishop had indeed appropriated the money "to the purchase of an inheritance," yet he had, unthoughtedly no doubt, procured the deed to be drawn in his own name, to his heirs, &c. and no one else in Zion nor out of it. The writer states that on this decision several other members are ready to make similar demands on the good Bishop. Wonder if this is one of the bishop's miracles? It appears from another letter from the same gentleman, (Mr. Pixley, a Baptist clergyman,) that since their settlement at Mount Zion -- or Jerusalem, as they sometimes term it -- four or five hundred of these demented wretches, including men, women, and children have arrived there. Several others are said to be preparing to start there, from Cincinnati, in the course of a few weeks. -- Ohio Courant.


Note: A shorter version of this article was also reprinted in the Apr. 27, 1833 issue of the Zanesville Ohio Republican and an even shorter reprint appeared in the Painesville Telegraph of April 26th.

A late number of the Ohio State Star contains some strange Mormon documents. One of them purports to be a revelation from God to Oliver Cowdery, in which he is informed that Joseph Smith is the head of the Mormon church, and that whatever he writes will be divinely inspired. Oliver too, was to be inspired in whatever he should speak. All others of the brethren who profess to write or speak by inspiration, are declared to be under satanic influence. This revelation probably came from Smith, and was delivered by him to Cowdery. It gives Smith the control of the Mormon Church, and Oliver is next to him in authority. Some time ago Hiram Page and a female appeared, professing to be inspired, and commenced giving out their revelations; but these leaders declared them to be impostors, and soon silenced them. It is said the Mormons have now 200 preachers in the field. Many of that faith are still pressing west, to their 'New Jerusalem,' in Missouri -- where the whole temporal and spiritual concerns of the fraternity are under the despotic direction of one of the creatures of Joseph Smith.

Ninety-eight Mormons, men, women and children, encamped about 1 mile from this town on Wednesday night. They are on their way to "New Jerusalem." -- Sangamo Journal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

At a meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, Missouri, called for the purpose of adopting measures to rid themselves of the set of fanatics called Mormons, held at Independence on the 20th day of July 1833, -- which meeting was composed of gentlemen from every part of the country, there being present between four and five hundred persons: the meeting was organized by calling Colonel Richard Simpson to the chair and appointing Jonas H. Flournoy and Colonel Samuel D. Lucas secretaries. -- It was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to report an address to the public, in relation to the object of this meeting, and the chair named the following gentlemen, to wit: Russel Hicks, Esq., Robert Johnson, Henry Chiles, Esq., Colonel James Hambright, Thomas Hudspeth, Joel F. Chiles, and James M. Hunter. The meeting then adjourned and convened again, when Robert Johnon, the chair man of said committee, submitted for the consideration of the meeting, the following address:

"This meeting, professing to act, not from the excitement of the moment, but under a deep and abiding conviction that the occasion is one that calls for cool deliberation, as well as energetic action, deem it proper to lay before the public an expose of our peculiar situation, in regard to this singular sect of pretended Christians, and a solemn declaration of our unalterable determination to amend it.

"The evil is one that no one could have foreseen, and is therefore unprovided for by the laws, and the delays incident to legislation, would put the mischief beyond remedy.

"But little more than two years ago, some two or three of this people made their appearance on the Upper Missouri, and they now number some twelve hundred souls in this county; and each successive autumn and spring pours forth its swarms among us, with a gradual falling of the character of those who compose them; until it seems that those communities from which they come, were flooding us with the very dregs of their composition. Elevated, as they mostly are, but little above the condition of our blacks either in regard to property or education; they have become a subject of much anxiety on that part, serious and well grounded complaints having been already made of their corrupting influence on our slaves.

"We are daily told, and not by the ignorant alone, but by all classes of them, that we, (the Gentiles,) of this county are to be cut off, and our lands appropriated by them for inheritances. Whether this is to be accomplished by the hand of the destroying angel, the judgments of God, or the arm of power, they are not fully agreed among themselves.

"Some recent remarks in the Evening and Morning Star, their organ in this place, by their tendency to moderate such hopes and repress such desires, show plainly that many of this deluded and infatuated people have been taught to believe that our lands were to be won from us by the sword. From this same Star we learn that for want of more honest or commendable employment, many of their society are now preaching through the states of New York, Ohio, and Illinois, and that their numbers are increased beyond every rational calculation; all of whom are required as soon as convenient, to come up to Zion, which name they have thought proper to confer on our little village. Most of those who have already come, are characterized by the profoundest ignorance, the grossest superstition, and the most abject poverty.

"Indeed, it is a subject of regret by the Star itself, that they have come not only to lay an inheritance, which means some fifteen acres of wild land for each family, but destitute of the means of procuring bread and meat. When we reflect on the extensive field in which the sect is operating, and that there exists in every country a leaven of superstition that embraces with avidity, notions the most extravagant and unheard of, and that whatever can be gleaned by them from the [purlieus] of vice, and the abodes of ignorance, it is to be cast like a waif into our social circle it requires no gift of prophecy to tell that the day is not far distant when the civil government of the country will be in their hands. When the sheriff, the justices, and the county judges will be Mormons, or persons wishing to court their favor from motives of interest or ambition.

"What would be the fate of our lives and property, in the hands of jurors and witnesses, who do not blush to declare, and would not upon occasion hesitate to swear that they have wrought miracles, and have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; have convere with God and His angels, and possess and exercise the gifts of divination and of unknown tongues, and fired with the prospect of obtaining inheritances without money and without price -- may be better imagined than described.

"One of the means resorted to by them, in order to drive us to emigrate, is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in Illinois, to come up, like the rest, to the land of Zion: True, they say this was not intended to invite, but to prevent their emigration; but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension, is but a poor compliment to our understanding. The article alluded to, contained an extract from our laws, and all necessary directions and cautions to be observed by colored brethren, to enable them upon their arrival here, to claim and exercise the rights of citizenship. Contemporaneous with the appearance of this article, was the expectation among the brethren here, that a considerable number of this degraded caste were only awaiting this information before they should set out on their journey. With the corrupting influence of these on our slaves, and the stench both physical and moral, that their introduction would set afloat in our social atmosphere, and the vexation that would attend the civil rule of these fanatics, it would require neither a visit from the destroying angel, nor the judgments of an offended God to render our situation here insupportable. True, it may be said, and truly no doubt, that the fate that has marked the rise and fall of Joanna Southcote and Ann Lee, will also attend the progress of Joe Smith; but this is no opiate to our fears, for when the fabric falls, the rubbish will remain.

"Of their pretended revelations from heaven -- their personal intercourse with God and his angels -- the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands -- and the contemptible gibberish with which they habitually profane the Sabbath, and which they dignify with the appellation of unknown tongues, we have nothing to say; vengeance belongs to God alone. But as to the other matters set forth in this paper, we feel called on by every consideration of self preservation, good society, public morals, and the fair prospects, that if not blasted in the germ, await this young and beautiful county, at once to declare, and we do hereby most solemnly declare: --

"1. -- That no Mormon shall in future move and settle in this county.

"2. -- That those now here, who shall give a definite pledge of their intention within a reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property and close their business without any material sacrifice.

"3. -- That the editor of the Star be required forthwith to close his office, and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and as to all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration, and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken to close the same.

"4. -- That the Mormon leaders here, are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisition.

"5. -- That those who fail to comply with these requisitions, be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and of unknowntongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them.
"Which address being read and considered, was unanimously adopted. And thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the Mormon leaders, and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal, that said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform them that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest considerations of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act, to use such means as shall ensure their full and complete adoption, and that said committee, so far as may be within their power, report to this present meeting. And the following gentlemen were named as said committee: --

"Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Colonel Moses Wilson, Joel F. Chiles, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, Garr Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russell Hicks, Esq., Colonel S. D. Lucas, Thomas Wilson, and James M. Hunter, to whom was added Colonel R. Simpson, Chairman.

"And after an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, and the committee of twelve reported that they had called on Mr. Phelps, the editor of the Star, Edward Partridge, the Bishop of the sect; and Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house; and some others, and they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them, and wished an unreasonable time for consultation, not only with their brethren here, but in Ohio.

"Whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that the Star printing office should be razed to the ground, the type and press secured. Which resolution was, with the utmost order, and the least noise and disturbance possible, forthwith carried into execution, as also some other steps of a similar tendency; but no blood was spilled nor any blows inflicted. The meeting then adjourned till the 23rd instant, to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the Mormons.

"Resolved, that a copy of these proceedings be posted up at the post office in this place, for the information of all concerned; and that the secretaries of this meeting send copies of the same to the principal editors in the eastern and middle states for publication; that the Mormon brethren may know at a distance that the gates of Zion are closed against them -- that their interests will be best promoted by remaining among these who know and appreciate their merits."

RICHARD SIMPSON, Chairman.     

S. D. Lucas,     }
J. H. Flournoy, } Secretaries.


"The citizens' meeting again convened on the 23rd day of July, 1833, which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county, and much more unanimously attended than the meeting on the 20th instant.

"The meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat, when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee, to wit: --

Henry Chiles Esq., Doctor N. K. Olmstead, H. L. Brazile Esq., Zachariah Waller, Samuel Weston Esq., William L. Irwin, Leonidas Oldham, S. C. Owens Esq., George Simpson, Captain Benjamin Majors, James C. Sadler, Colonel William Bowers, Henry Younger, Russell Hicks Esq., Aaron Overton, John Harris and Harmon Gregg, to wait upon the Mormon leaders, who had intimated a wish to have a conference with said committee.

After an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, when the committee reported to the meeting that they had waited on most of the Mormon leaders, consisting of the Bishop, Mr. Partridge; Mr. Phelps, editor of the Star; Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and Messrs. Corrill, Whitmer, and Morley, elders of the church, and that the said committee had entered into an amicable agreement with them which they had reduced to writing, which they submitted: and that the committee have assured Mr. Phelps that whenever he was ready to move, that the amount of all his losses should be paid to him by the citizens. The written agreement is as follows:

Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the Mormon society, in Jackson county, Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23rd day of July, 1833.

It is understood that the undersigned, members of the society, do give their solemn pledges, each for himself, as follows, to wit:

That Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, William McLellin, Edward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock shall remove with their families out of this county, on or before the first day of January next, and that they as well as the two hereinafter named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible: one half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next; to advise and try all means in their power, to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county; and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Corrill and Algernon Sidney Gilbert, are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importation.

The Star is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.

If the said Edward Partridge and W. W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January, as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come, in order to transact and wind up their business.

The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned, to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the Mormon brethren named in the report as having been present.

Which report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting, and thereupon, the meeting adjourned, sine die.

RICHARD SIMPSON, Chairman.     

S. D. Lucas,     }
J. H. Flournoy, } Secretaries.

Note: No copy of this issue of the Fayette Western Monitor has yet been located for transcription. The text was taken from the LDS History of the Church I, pp. 394-402. See also the Columbia, Missouri Intelligencer, of Aug. 10, 1833 for essentially the same report.

MORMONISM!

At a meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, Missouri, called for the purpose of adopting measures to rid themselves of the set of Fanatics called Mormons, held at Independence on the 20th day of July 1833, which meeting was composed of gentlemen from every part of the country, there being present between four and five hundred persons.

The meeting was organized by calling Col. Richard Simpson to the chair and appointing Jonas H. Flournoy & Col. Samuel D. Lucas secretaries. It was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to report an address to the public, in relation to the object of the meeting, and the Chair named the following gentlemen, to wit: Russel Hicks, Esq., Robert Johnston, Henry Chiles, Esq., Col. James Hambright, Thomas Hudspeth, Joel F. Chiles, and James M. Hunter. The meeting then adjourned for a time, and convened again, when Robert Johnston, the chair man of said committee, submitted for the consideration of the meeting, the following

ADDRESS, &c.

This meeting, professing to act, not from the excitement of the moment, but under a deep and abiding conviction that the occasion is one that calls for cool deliberation, as well as energetic action, deem it proper to lay before the public an expose of our peculiar situation, in regard to this singular sect of pretended christians, and a solemn declaration of our unalterable determination to amend it.

The evil is one that no one could have foreseen, and is therefore unprovided for by the laws, and the delays incident to legislation, would put the mischief beyond remedy.

But little more than two years ago, some two or three of this people made their appearance in the Upper Missouri, and they now number some twelve hundred souls in this county; and each successive autumn and spring pours forth its swarm among us, with a gradual falling of the character of those who compose them; until it seems that those communities from which they come, were flooding us with the very dregs of their composition. Elevated as they mostly are, but little above the condition of our blacks either in regard to property or education; they have become a subject of much anxiety on that part, serious and well grounded complaints having been already made of their corrupting influence on our slaves.

We are daily told, and not by the ignorant alone, but by all classes of them, that we, (the Gentiles,) of this county are to be cut off, and our lands appropriated by them for inheritances. Whether this is to be accomplished by the hand of the destroying angel, the judgments of God, or the arm of power, they are not fully agreed among themselves.

Some recent remarks in the "Evening and Morning Star," their organ in this place, by their tendency to moderate such hopes and repress such desires, show plainly that many of this deluded and infatuated people have been taught to believe that our lands were to be won from us by the sword. From this same Star we learn that for want of more honest or commendable employment, many of their society are now preaching through the states of New York, Ohio, and Illinois, and that their numbers are increased beyond every rational calculation; all of whom are required as soon as convenient, to come up to Zion, which name they have thought proper to confer on our little village. Most of those who have already come, are characterized by the profoundest ignorance, the grossest superstition, and the most abject poverty. Indeed, it is a subject of regret by the 'Star' itself, that they have come not only to lay an inheritance, which means some fifteen acres of wild land for each family, but destitute of the means of procuring bread and meat. When we reflect on the extensive field in which the sect is operating, and that there exists in every country a leaven of superstition that embraces with avidity, notions the most extravagant and unheard of, and that whatever can be gleaned by them from the perils of vice, and the abodes of ignorance, it is to be cast like a Waif into our social circle, it requires no gift of prophecy to tell that the day is not far distant when the civil government of the country will be in their hands. When the Sheriff, the Justices, and the County Judges will be Mormons, or persons wishing to court their favor from motives of interest or ambition. What would be the fate of our lives and property, in the hands of jurors and witnesses, who do not blush to declare, and would not upon occasion hesitate to swear that they have wrought miracles, and have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; have convere with God and his angels, and possess and exercise the gift of Divination and of unknown tongues, and fired with the prospect of obtaining inheritances without money and without price, may be better imagined than described.

One of the means resorted to by them, in order to drive us to emigrate, is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in Illinois, to come up, like the rest, to the land of Zion: True, they say this was not intended to invite, but to prevent their emigration; but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension, is but a poor compliment to our understandings. The article alluded to, contained an extract from our laws, and all necessary directions and cautions to be observed by colored brethren, to enable them upon their arrival here, to claim and exercise the rights of citizenship. Contemporaneous with the appearance of this article, was the expectation among the brethren here, that a considerable number of this degraded cast were only awaiting this information before they should set out on their journey. With the corrupting influence of these on our slaves, and the stench both physical and moral, that their introduction would set afloat in our social atmosphere, and the vexation that would attend the civil rule of these fanatics, it would require neither a visit from the destroying angel, nor the judgments of an offended God to render our situation here insupportable. True, it may be said, and truly no doubt, that the fate that has marked the rise and fall of Joanna Southcote and Ann Lee, will also attend the progress of Joe Smith; but this is no opiate to our fears, for when the fabric falls, the rubbish will remain.

Of their pretended revelations from Heaven -- their personal intercourse with God and his Angels -- the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands -- and the contemptible gibberish with which they [habitually] profane the Sabbath, and which they dignify with the appellation of unknown tongues, we have nothing to say, vengeance belongs to God alone. But as to the other matters set forth in this paper, we feel called on by every consideration of self preservation, good society, public morals, and the fair prospects, that if not blasted in the germ, await this young and beautiful county, at once to declare, and we do hereby most solemnly declare,

1. That no Mormon shall in future move and settle in this county.

2. That those now here, who shall give a definite pledge of their intention within a reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property and close their business without any material sacrifice.

3. That the editor of the "Star" be required forthwith to close his office, and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and as to all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration, and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken to close the same.

4. That the Mormon leaders here, are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisition.

5. That those who fail to comply with these requisitions, be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and of unknown tongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them.
Which address being read and considered, was unanimously adopted. And thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the Mormon leaders, and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal, that said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform them that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest considerations of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act, to use such means as shall ensure their full and complete adoption, and that said committee, so far as may be within their power, report to this present meeting. And the following gentlemen were named as said committee; Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Col. Moses Wilson, Joel F. Chiles, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, [Garr] Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russell Hicks, Esq., Col. S. D. Lucas, Thomas Wilson, and James M. Hunter, to whom was added Col. R. Simpson, Chairman.

And after an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, and the committee of twelve reported that they had called on Mr. Phelps, the editor of the Star, Edward Partridge, the bishop of the sect, and Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and some others, and they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them, and wished an unreasonable time for consultation, not only with their brethren here, but in Ohio.

Whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that the Star printing office should be razed to the ground, the type and press secured. Which resolution was, with the utmost order, and the least noise and disturbance possible, forthwith carried into execution, as also some other steps of a similar tendency; but no blood was spilled nor any blows inflicted. The meeting then adjourned till the 23rd inst., to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the Mormons.

The citizens again convened on the 23d day of July, 1833, which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county, and much more unanimousely attended than the meeting on the 20th instant.

The meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat, when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee, to wit:

Henry Chiles, Esq., Dr. N. K. Olmstead, H. L. Brazile, Esq., Zachariah Waller, Samuel Weston Esq., Wm. L. Erwin, Leonides Oldham, S. C. Owens Esq., George Simpson, Capt. Benjamin Majors, James C. Sadler, Col. Willian Bowers, Henry Younger, Russel Hicks Esq., Aaron Overton, John Harris, and Harmon Gregg, to wait upon the Mormon leaders, who had intimated a wish to have conference with said committee. After an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, when the committee reported, to the meeting that they had waited on most of the Mormon leaders, consisting of the Bishop, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Phelps, editor of the "Star," Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and Messrs. Carrol, Whitmer, and Moseley, elders of the church, and that the said committee had entered into an amicible agreement with them, which they had reduced to writing, which they submitted; and that the committee have assured Mr. Phelps that whenever he was ready to move, that the amount of all his losses should be paid to him by the citizens. The written agreement is as follows:

Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the Mormon society in Jackson county Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23d day of July, 1833.

It is understood that the undersigned, members of the society, do give their solemn pledges each for himself, as follows, to wit:

That Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, William McClealand, Edward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, shall remove with their families out of this county, on or before the first day of January next; and that they, as well as the two hereinafter named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible -- one half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next. To advise and try all means in their power to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county; and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Carrol and Algernon Gilbert are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importation.

The "Star" is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.

Which report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting and thereupon the meeting was adjourned sine die.

    RICHARD SIMPSON, Chairman.

S. D. Lucas,      }
J. H. Flournoy, } Secretaries.


Note 1: This article was adapted from a text in the Aug. 2nd issue of the Fayette Western Monitor. Compare the text with the similar articles, "Regulating the Mormonites," published in the Aug. 9, 1833 issue of the St. Louis Missouri Republican and "The Mormons," published in the Jefferson City Republican of Aug. 17th.

Note 2: The following sentences (printed in some other published transcripts) are missing from the "Memorandum of Agreement," as published in the Intelligencer: "If the said Edward Partridge and W. W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January, as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come in order to transact and wind up their business. The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so as long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned; to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the Mormon brethren named in the report as having been present.... Resolved that a copy of these proceedings be posted up at the post office in this place, for the information of all concerned; and that the secretaries of this meeting send copies of the same to the principal editors in the eastern and middle states for publication, that the Mormon brethren may know at a distance that the gates of Zion are closed against them-that their interests will be best promoted by remaining among these who know and appreciate their merits."

THE  MORMONS,

OR NEW-JERUSALEM IN JACKSON COUNTY MISSOURI.
MILLENNIUM!

A meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, to the number of four or five hundred, was held at Independence on the 20th of July 1833. Their avowed object was to take measures to rid themselves of the Mormonites. Col. Richard Simpson was called to the chair and Jonas H. Flournoy and Samuel D. Lucas appointed secretaries. A committee was then appointed to report an address to the public, in relation to the object of the meeting, after having retired for some time they submitted an address, which was unanimously adopted; and in which the conduct and views of the obnoxious sect are exposed. The represent that the Mormonites number some 1200 souls in that county, and that each successive spring and autumn, pours forth its swarms among them, with a gradual falling off in the character of the people, until they have now nearly reached the low condition of the black population. That the citizens have been daily told that they are to be cut off, and their lands appropriated to the Mormons for inheritances; but they are not fully agreed among themselves as to the manner in which this shall be accomplished, whether by the destroying angel, the judgement of God, or the arm of power. The committee express their fears that, should this population continue to increase, they will soon have all the offices of the county in their hands; and that the lives and property of other citizens would be insecure, under the administration of men who are so ignorant and superstitious as to believe that they have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; hold converse with God and his angels and possess and exercise the gift of divination, and of unknown tongues; and are, withal, so poor as to be unable to procure bread and meat. The committee say, that one of the means resorted to by them, in order to drive us to imigrate, is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in Illinois, to come like the rest to the land of Zion. True, the Mormons say this was not intended to invite but to prevent emigration; but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension, is but a poor [compliment] to our understandings." The invitation alluded to, contained all the necessary directions and cautions to enable the free blacks, on their arrival there, to claim and exercise their right of citizenship. Finally, the committee say --

"Of their pretended revelations from Heaven -- their personal intercourse with God and his Angels -- the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands -- and the contemptible giberish with which they habitually profane the Sabbath, and which they dignify with the appellation of unknown tongues, we have nothing to say. Vengeance belongs to God alone. But as to the other matters set forth in this paper, we feel called on by every consideration of self-preservation, good society, public morals, and the fair prospects, that if not blasted in the germ, await this young and beautiful country, at once to declare, and we do most solemnly declare,

1. That no Mormon in future move and shall settle in this county.

2. That those now there, who shall give a definite pledge of their intention within a reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property and close their business without any material sacrifice.

3. That the editor of the "Star" be required forthwith to close his office, and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and also all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration, and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken to close the same.

4. That the Mormon leaders here, are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisitions.

5. That those who fail to comply with these requisitions, be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and unknown tongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them."

Which address being read and considered was unanimously adopted. And thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the Mormon leaders, and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal that said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest consideration of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act, to use such means as shall insure their full and complete adoption, and that said committee, so far as may be within their power, report to this present meeting. And the following gentlemen were named as said committee: Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Col. Moses Wilson, Joel F. Chiles, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, Garr Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russel Hicks, Esq., Col. S. D. Lucas, Thomas Wilson, and James M. Hunter, to whom was added Col. R. Simpson, chairman.

And after and adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened & the committee of twelve reported that they gad called on Mr. Phelps the editor of the "Star," Edward Partridge, the bishop of the sect, and Mr. Gilbert the keeper of the Lord's storehouse & some others & that they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them, and wished an unreasonable time for consultation, not only with their brethren here, but in Ohio.

Whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting that the "Star" printing office should be razed to the ground, the type and press secured, which resolution was, with the utmost order & decency & the least noise or disturbance possible, forthwith, carried into execution, as also some other steps of a similar tendency; but no blood was spilled nor any blows inflicted. -- The meeting then adjourned till the 23d inst., to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the Mormons.

The citizens again convened on the 23d day of July, 1833, which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county, and much more unanimously attended than the meeting on the 20th instant.

The meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat, when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee, to wit:

Henry Chiles, Esq., Doct. N. K. Olmstead, H. L. Brazile, Esq., Zachariah Waller, Samuel Weston Esq., Wm. L. Irwin, Leonides Oldham, S. C. Owens Esq., George Simpson, Capt. Benjamin Majors, James C. Sadler, Col. Wm. Bowers, Henry Younger, Russel Hicks Esq., Aaron Overton, John Harris, and Harmon Gregg, to wait upon the Mormon leaders, who had intimated a wish to have conference with said committee. After an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, when the committee reported, to the meeting that they had waited on most of the Mormon leaders, consisting of the Bishop, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Phelps, editor of the Star, Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and Messrs. Carrol, Whitmer, Moseley, elders of the church, and that the said committee had entered into an amicable agreement with them, which they had reduced to writing, which they submitted; and that the committee have assured Mr. Phelps that whenever he was ready to move, that the amount of all his losses should be paid to him by the citizens. The written agreement is as follows:

"Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the Mormon society in Jackson county Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23d day of July, 1833.

It is understood that the undersigned, members of the society, do give their solemn pledges each for himself, as follows, to wit:

"That Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, Wm. McClelland, Edward [Partridge], Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, shall remove with their families out of this county, on or before the first day of January next; and that they, as well as the two hereinafter named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible -- one half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next. To advise and try all means in their power to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county; and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Carrol and Algernon Gilbert are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importation.

The "Star" is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.

If the said Edward [Partridge] and W. W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January, as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come in order to transact and wind up their business.

The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so as long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned; to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the Mormon brethren named in the report as having been present."

The report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting and it was then adjourned.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SERIOUS DIFFICULTY: -- There has been within the past few days, a recurrence of the difficulties between the people of Jackson county in this State, and the sect called Mormons. -- It seems, from direct intelligence received at this place from that quarter, that some three or four lives have been lost -- the condition of the Mormons is represented to be truly distressing. We forbear further remark at present.


Notes: (forthcoming)

WAR  WITH  THE  MORMONS!

Extract of a letter to the Editor, dated

                   ARROW ROCK, Mo. Nov 7, 1833.

DEAR SIR -- The steamboat Charleston has just landed from above, bringing important news from Jackson county. The commander, (Gunsallis) says that a reencounter had taken place before his departure, near Independence, between the citizens and the Mormons, wherein several of the former were killed, and others wounded on both sides. That the Mormons mostly retreated to their own lands, and declared their determination to defend themselves; and in that situation, were attacked by a body of citizens, and the result was as above. The village of Independence is said to be in great confusion -- razing the buildings occupied by the Mormons to the ground -- scattering their merchandize in the streets -- preparing arms and ammunition -- drafting men -- and the cries of women and children heard in every quarter. I am also informed that a party of citizens again returned to the conflict; but Capt. Gunsallis says that he received no intelligence of the result on which he could rely; yet he is of opinion that shots were exchanged, and thinks that he heard several discharges of a six pounder in their possession.

There is a passenger on board, who calls himself a Mormon, who confirms the above.

  Yours,           J. JONES.

==> The above unpleasant intelligence is confirmed from other sources. One of the accounts states that, between fifteen and twenty of the citizens were killed, and several of the Mormons. This, we hope, may prove an exaggeration. We learn that the citizens commenced the attack, on the Mormons in the night, disguised, so as to avoid detection. Although we have always viewed these Mormons with abhorrence, we are not prepared to justify such outrageous proceedings on the part of the citizens. The former have rights guaranteed by the constitution and laws of the land, in common with the latter, and should be as like protected in the freedom of conscience, and in the enjiyment of Life, Liberty and Property." We hope the Executive will interpose, & prevent a recurrence of these lawless outrages, and that the perpetrators of them may be brought to condign punishment.

Jackson county is situated at the very extremity of civilization on our western frontier, and the inhabitants have, we believe, the character (whether justly or unjustly we do not know) of being very turbulent lawless. -- The present occurrence is not calculated to remove that impression. These Mormons may be, and probably are, a nuisance to the citizens of that county -- but shedding their blood, razing their dwellings, and destroying their property, without color of law, in the night, and in disguise, is certainly not the proper course to remove it. There may be extenuating circumstances, which have not yet reached us, tending to lessen the turpitude of this transaction. We sincerely hope it may be in our power to state that such is the fact. We shall probably be in possession of authentic particulars before our next publication.

---

FURTHER  PARTICULARS.

Since the above was in type, we have received the Missouri Republican, containing the following letter.

On board Steam Boat Charleston,    
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9.    

MESSERS. EDITORS --
I take this opportunity to give you and your readers a brief sketch of the most flagrant and outrageous violation of the constitution of our country than has taken place since it was framed.

I am a member of the church of Christ, (reproachfully called Mormons or Mormonites) and am directly from Independence, the seat of war and bloodshed in the United States.

On Thursday night, Oct. 31, some forty or fifty of the citizens of Jackson county, Mo. assembled above the Blue, (a river about eight or ten miles west of Independence,) and, in part demolished twelve of the dwelling houses of our people who occupied them at the time. The inmates were obliged to escape to the woods, women and children running in every direction, halloing and screaming; and the men, being taken by surprise in the dead hour of the night, were unprepared to defend themselves if they had been disposed. They took two of our men and beat them with stones and clubs, leaving only a breath of life in them. After this the mob dispersed, it being about three o'clock in the morning.

Friday night, Nov. 1st, the mob broke open the store of Gilbert & Whitney, and scattered their goods through the streets. They demolished Gilbert's brick dwelling house, and broke in the doors and windows of all the dwellings in Independence belonging to our people. Saturday our people left their dwellings, and took their most valuable articles of furniture, clothing, &c., that they might be better prepared for self-defence. Night came on, and the mob came along with it, and commenced their ravages again above the Blue, and after they had fired five or six guns upon our people without effect, our people fired upon them, and one of their number exclaimed, "O my God! I am shot!" The mob then dispersed, taking their wounded companion along with them, who was shot through the thigh.

On Monday last the mob collected again, in the town of Independence, to the number of two or three hundred, well armed; they called it "CALLING OUT THE MILITIA." They undoubtedly thought that the above appellation would sound better than its real and legitimate name, which is MOB, and if they could lessen the magnitude of their crime in the eyes of the community by so doing, -- they, no doubt, would be highly gratified. But this cunning plot to deceive, covers their iniquity no more than the fig leaves covered our first parents in the garden from the piercing eye of Jehovah. At night a part of the number that had collected in town, went above Blue, to drive our people away, and destroy our property; but they were met by a party of our people, and being prepared, they poured a deadly fire upon them. Two or three of their number fell dead on the ground, and a number mortally wounded. Among the former, was Hugh L. Breazeale, Attorney at Law. Tuesday morning, there was a number of the mob missing and could not be accounted for, I was told.

Left Independence and came down the river to Liberty; landing where we stopped to take in freight, & while we were there, (Wednesday 11 o'clock, A. M.) a messenger rode up saying, that he had just came from the seat of war, and that the night before, another battle was fought in which Mr. Hicks, Att'y at Law, fell, having three balls and some buck shot through his body; and about twenty more of the mob, shared a similar fate. Mr. H. was one of the heads of the mob. Report says also that one or two of our men were killed and as many wounded. The cannonading in the engagement was heard on board the boat very distinctly.

I was an eye witness to a part of the above statements; but things were in a state of great confusion and agitation at the time, and should there be an error in the above, I hope to find pardon in the eyes of a candid people. One more item I will notice. At the time Messrs G. & W.'s store was broken open, Mr. G. with a number of others, succeeded in taking the one who first broke open the door, and brought him forthwith before a magistrate to see if something could not be done with him; but the magistrate refused to do anything about it. This was an unwise move of Mr. G.; but on seeing his property destroyed in that barbarous manner, and the agitation of mind which he was necessarily laboring under, he was led to do as he did. After they liberated the man, he took them with a warrant immediately for false imprisonment and put them in prison, viz: Mr. Gilbert, Phelps the printer, and one more; and as near as I can learn the mob was determined never to let them escape from prison alive.

I am one, who went to the Governor with a petition for assistance to obtain our rights, or redress of our wrongs and aggrievances received from the citizens of Jackson county, in July last.

But as the circumstances then were, the Governor said he could do nothing, but advised us to take the regular steps of the law, which, at that time, was our only course, and this we attempted to do; but instead of peace being promoted by it, it increased their rage and led them to commit the horrid crimes named above.

I am satisfied that it is useless to undertake to enforce the laws in that county under the present circumstances, because there is no one to enforce them. Every officer, civil and military, with one or two exceptions, is either directly or indirectly engaged in the mob.

Under these painful circumstances, what remains to be done? Must we be driven from our homes? Must we leave the soil for which we have paid our money? -- Most our women and children be turned out of doors with nothing but the clouded canopy to cover them and the perpetration of the above crimes escape unpunished? Or must we fight our enemies three to one, or lie down and die and our names be blotted out from among men? Let the Executive of our State and nation consider these questions; and if they will answer them in the negative, let them signify it by raising the helping hand. Again, I ask in behalf of my brethren: Will not the Governor or President lend a helping hand in this dreadful extremity? Shall the crisis of the innocent and distressed, salute the ears of the Executive in vain? God forbid! For while the constitution of the United States, which was given by the inspiration of Almighty God through the instrumentality of our fathers, shall stand, I trust that those who are honored with the Executive, will see that the laws are magnified and made honorable. -- Perhaps some of my friends, on reading this letter, will be ready to ask me what I think of my religion now: I have no reply, other than this: Paul said, "He that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Editors throughout the United States, are requested to publish this letter, if they are willing to confer a favour upon those who are journeying through much tribulation

I am, Sirs, though a stranger, your friend and humble servant.
                                        ORSAN HYDE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS, &c.

We have received no additional intelligence from Jackson County, of much importance, since our last. The Missouri Republican has expressed the same views that we have, in regard to the high-handed proceedings, detailed in our last. Indeed, we do not see how they can be viewed in any other light. The Republican says, "It is reported that the Judge of the Circuit, who attempted to interfere, to stop the proceedings, as well as some of the officers, were captured by the mob, and placed in durance, either in jail, or in charge of some of their number, for a good many hours; and the Lieut. Governor, who resides in that county, was driven from it."

The subjoined paragraph, in relation to this affair, is from the Jefferson City paper. It is not stated whether any steps were contemplated to be taken by the Governor on this occasion:

"There has been within the past few days, a recurrence of the difficulties between the people of Jackson county in this State, and the sect called Mormons. -- It seems, from direct intelligence received at this place from that quarter, that some three or four lives have been lost -- the condition of the Mormons is represented to be truly distressing. We forbear further remark at present."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MATTERS AND THINGS.

The people of Jackson and St. Louis counties, or rather factious portions of them, have taken very singular, and we think disreputable grounds, to redress their imaginary grievances. In each of these counties, a portion of their citizens lately, in quite a mobocratical manner, avenged themselves -- the first upon the Mormons, for various grievances alledged -- The other upon the Governor of the State, for granting Mitchel, (a crazy man) a pardon...

The other mob, in Jackson, unfortunately, was not so harmless as that in St. Louis. They killed, as we are informed, some of the real objects of their hatred. But it will, we should presum, require a more caustic remedy than contempt, to appease the offended majesty of the laws in this case. We have heretofore, as well as at the present time, deemed it improper to indulge as freely in remarks on this subject, as the excitement produced would have seemed to warranted, as crimes of the character here alleged -- when there is nothing to extenuate -- are expiated on the gallows.

We are informed through a channel entitled to respect, that a correspondence is now going on between the Governor and the Judge of the Circuit of which Jackson county forms a part, and we have no doubt, in the end, that justice will be administered.

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We make the following extract from an editorial article in the Salt River Journal, on the subject of the extraordinary atomospheic phenomenon of the 13th inst. [report of the famous meteor shower follows].


Notes: (forthcoming)

                         From the Salt River (Mo.) Journal.

THE  MORMONS.

It is with feelings of deepest regret that we learn of a rencounter between a very large number of the citizens of Jackson county, in this State, and the society of people called Mormons. If any of these people have offended against the laws, those laws are open for redress, and to them the injured should look for the reparation of their wrongs. If we have a country of laws, let them be our rule of action; and no circumstance, no occurrences, however aggravated, can justify the first movement of a mob, whose march is most generally, if not always, marked with disorder, cruelty and wantonness. -- We know but little about the Mormonites, and care less, but whatever may have been the amount of their offending, (of which we know nothing and have heard nothing) -- discriminate attack upon their property and persons, was altogether unjustifiable, and highly reprehensive -- for to the courts of justice should every individual repair for the redress of violated right. Even admit, with the great mass of community, that these people are a deluded set of fanatics, still, in this country, even a fanatic has his privilege and the Jew and Gentile -- the Pagan and Mahometan, have an equal right with the Christian, to set down under their own vine, and worship God in their own manner, and if they infringe not on the liberties of others, none dare make them afraid. The right of worshipping, according to the dictates of our own consciences, is one of the noblest principles ingrafted in our constitution -- it is the most holy light that burns on the altar of liberty, or plays around the columns of our free institutions, and death to that voice, and palsy to that hand which shall first be raised to smother it. -- What! has it come to this? Is it true that the fire of persecution has rolled a siroc flame through the calm retreat of our western forest? Has the heathen, the barbarous and savage Indian been driven from the borders of our mighty rivers that their deep waters might be incrimsoned with Christian blood? Has Bigotry, whose breath is pestilence, and whose footsteps are the fore-runner of death, erected on the beautiful and magnificent shore of the Missouri, his standard of fire? The poor and deluded Mormons -- and are their habitations to be laid waste by the hand of desolation, and their food and clothing to be scattered to the winds? Robbed of their little all, are their families to be driven from their possessions, to ask charity of a community that seems eager to destroy them? "I was a hungered and ye gave me no meat; I was naked and ye clothed me not," might falter on many a tongue in a Christian land.

Are the people of Jackson county determined to drive off the Mormons on account of their peculiar religious tenets? Were the worshippers of the moon to settle in this State, no one would have a right to molest them, on account of these tenets. We cannot make laws to restrain the liberty of conscience or freedom of thought. -- You might as well attempt to restrain the march of the winds, as they pass over the unbroken prairies -- and shall a mob do that, which law would shudder at, and from which every principle of freedom would shrink! It is impossible that any palliative circumstances can be given in justification of such a movement -- the mournful experience of the past, and all sense of order forbid it, most imperatively. -- Are the Mormons fanatics? If so, let the consequences of their fanaticism fall upon their own heads. If they break the bounds of the law, the arm of civil power will restrain them; if they do not, what right have others to condemn the motives by which they are actuated? The true balance by which the motives of the human heart are to be ascertained, is upheld by the hand of the Eternal, whose eye pierces the hidden research of all thought and motive -- if these people should be found wanting, be the consequence on themselves. That no man shall break in on the devotions of another, is an acknowledged principal of our government -- a principal which we prize as we do our lives; and to defend which, blood and treasure and life have been expended. The dangers of a mob were told by the groans of Revolutionary France -- when the innocent & the guilty walked together through streets of human blood, and amid the ruin they had drawn upon their country, their families and themselves.

                          W.

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        From the St. Louis Advocate.
_____

DISTURBANCES IN JACKSON COUNTY.

In presenting to our readers the Governor's letter relative to these disturbances, we cannot withhold the expression of our regret that there should have been any cause for it; or that events subsequent to its date have rendered Executive interference more imperious. As to the causes which may have led to these repeated ruptures between the citizens of Jackson county, we are uninformed; and therefore shall refrain from the expression of our opinion on that part of the subject. But while we refrain from deciding upon the rectitude of any party in these contests, we must be allowed the expression of our decided disapprobation of this manner of settling them by open combat. In every well regulated government the laws are always open for the protection of the citizen, when his rights are violated; and to this idea of taking the execution of them in their own hands, we enter our firm and decided protest. No man or set of men are superior to the laws; and none so low that the virtue of their protection will not reach and shield from the wrongs of oppression This is the [settled] doctrine of every well regulated society [of laws]; and a [contrary one] would be [------ ---] of every [------- -------] good order. And whenever the [ordinary tribunals of] the country are found incompetent to preserve the supremacy of the laws, the peace and harmony of society, and arrest the progress of their [violation], the Executive, as the [constant] guardian of the laws and rights of the citizens, is bound to interpose and check the evil.

Subsequent to the date of this letter we have reports of a battle having been fought between a portion of the [citizens] of Jackson county and the Mormonites, in which several lives have been lost; and if these evils are not immediately checked, we may [expect to] have our ears continually saluted by the most appalling scenes, growing out of these deadly [------s]. They have already assumed a character in [which the worst] passions of our nature are brought into immediate action -- desperation on one side, and a thirsting for revenge, upon the other. That the people who are thus led to outrage everything like good order have [their] imaginary grievances, we do not pretend to doubt; but if they are such [as will not] warrant an interposition of the law in their behalf, they will scarcely justify an open resort to arms in opposition to all laws.

We protest to know nothing of the Mormon creed; we have seen nothing of it; we have read nothing of it; and as the right to judge of creeds belongs to a Power superior to all earthly tribunals, we shall attempt no [comments], but there are certain truths we hold to be incontrovertable in their nature and inviolable in a government of liberty & laws -- that all men have a right to worship their God according to the dictates of their own conscience, unrestrained and unmolested -- that no people have a right to expel any man or set of men from their [com------]. except for crime, and that to be [adjudicated] according to law by the judicial tribunals of the country -- that every attempt to infringe upon these rights is contrary to the spirit & [-----s] of a free government, & should be promptly checked by the eompetent authorities. Then, if these views be correct, the Mormons, however offensive they may be to their neighbors, have rights of worship, and rights of residence, which cannot be [-----ed] with impunity under the laws.

What course the Governor may think proper to adopt in this almost unprecedented emergency. we cannot pretent to predict; but from the whole [-----er] of this letter, we [conceive] he shows a patriotic determination to [maintain] inviolate the supremacy of the laws. The course marked out in his letter was correct, we conceived under the then existing circumstances of the case; but subsequent events [prove] that all judicial interference is [useless]. The magistracy of the county are set at defiance; the authority of the Judge disregarded and the [whole] current of justice checked in the open violation of the laws. Under [such] circumstances, what course is to be persued is a question which naturally suggests itself to every one; and [upon] particularly those who have the guardianship of the laws. We sincerely [hope] that a peaceful remedy will be altogether sufficient to produce the desired effect, -- that the proclamation of the Governor, illustrative of his [views] of his obligations to his country to arrest the evils, will act as a balm to heal the wounded spirits, & check [these] party dissentions; and in concluding our remarks we would frankly [solicit] the citizens of Jackson county to pause and contemplate the precipice upon which they stand, before they determine to persevere in a cause where ruin must inevitably follow.

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GOVERNOR'S  LETTER.

                          CITY OF JEFFERSON,
                          Executive Department, Oct. 19, 1833.

To Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Isaac Morley, John Corrill, A. S. Gilbert, John Whitmer and others:
Your memorial, soliciting my interposition against violence threatened you, and redress for injuries received by a portion of the citizens of Jackson county has been received, and its contents duly considered. I should think myself unworthy the confidence with which I have been honored by my fellow citizens, did I not promptly employ all the means which the constitution and laws have placed at my disposal to avert the calamities with which you are threatened. Ours is a government of laws; to them we owe all obedience; and their faithful administration is the best guarantee for the enjoyment of our rights. No citizen, nor number of citizens, have a right to take the redress of their grievances, whether real or imaginary, into their own hands. Such conduct strikes at the very existence of society, and subverts the foundation on which it is based. Not being willing to persuade myself self that any portion of the citizens of the state of Missouri are so lost to a sense of these truths as to require the exercise of force, in order to ensure a respect for them, after advising with the Attorney General, and exercising my best judgment, I would advise you to make a trial of the efficacy of the laws. The judge of your Circuit is a conservator of the peace; if an affidavit is made before him by any of you, that your lives are threatened, and you believe them in danger, it would be his duty to have the offenders apprehended and bind them to keep the peace. Justices of the Peace in their respective counties, have the same authority, and it is made their duty to exercise it.

Take, then, this course, obtain a warrant, let it be placed in the hands of the proper officer, and the experiment will be tested, whether the laws can be peaceably executed or not. In the event they cannot be, and that fact is officially notified to me, my duty will require me to take such steps as will enforce a "faithful execution" of them.

With regard to the injuries you have sustained by destruction of property, &c., the law is open to redress; I cannot permit myself to doubt that the courts will be open to you, nor that you will find difficulty in procuring legal advocates to sue for damages therein.
   Respectfully, your obedient servant,
        DANIEL DUNKLIN.
 W. W. Phelps, Esq., Independence, Mo.

P. S. Should you deam it of any importance, or that it could in any way be of assistance to you in obtaining justice, or preventing injury, in future, to make the enclosed public, you are authorised to make it [so].
        D. DUNKLIN.


Note: In the introduction to the Governor's letter, the journalist at the Advocate speaks of the "imaginary grievances" of the Jackson county citizens against the crowd of Mormons who had gathered in and around Independence during the past three years. Like many of his liberal associates and counterparts in Missouri throughout the remainder of the 1830s, the writer is unable to comprehend why the citizens reacted to the growing Mormon presence with mob violence. The same might be said for puzzled Gentile onlookers upon the Mormon gathering in Hancock county, Illinois, during the 1840s. Public reaction to the Mormons during their stay in northern Ohio was nearly as exasperated as the backlash in Missouri and Illinois, though it never reached the level of violence evident in the western states. Those who witnessed the Mormon-Gentile interaction from a distance simply could not comprehend the social and political animosities stirred up by the phenomenon of Mormon mass assemblage among unfriendly residents of a settlement or county suddenly inundated by these peculiar religious fanatics. It was only natural that puzzled Gentile onlookers viewing a Mormon gathering from a distance should explain the inevitable social contentions as arising from bigoted religious persecution and "imaginary grievances." While unmitigated religious prejudice and persecution no doubt played some part in the violent conflicts between the gathering Saints and the apprehensive citizens in Missouri and Illinois, it would be a gross oversimplification to attribute those conflicts purely to differences in religious beliefs. The religious beliefs of the early Mormons were made manifest in their overt attempts at establishing a self-seeking theocratic body politic in the midst of Gentiles who generally experienced those saintly attempts as essentially exclusive and menacing to their liberty and livelihood. This conflict in purposes and perceptions ultimately led to violence wherever the Mormons strove to assert their "rights of residence" and establish a latter day theocracy within the domain of an established non-Mormon population.

The Mormons. -- To prevent misrepresentation, and to do justice to a portion of the people of Jackson county, is the great object of this article.

We were in error when we represented that no lives had been lost in the conflict which has given rise to much speculation and apparent commisseration. The Mormons, about seventy in number, cowardly killed two, and wounded two or three others, of seventeen citizens of Jackson county, who visited their settlement, not for the purpose of committing depredations, but to make arrangements and come to some understanding in relation to their covenant to leave the county. After the first fire, which was ineffectual, and which proceeded from the Mormons, the lamented Brazeale, ascended an eminence, and distinctly proclaimed peace. From that eminence, and with these words in his mouth, he was shot! For a moment the conflict was general, but the people of Jackson, discovering their utter want of numbers, fled for safety. Preparations were then made, under the excitement of the moment, for an exterminating conflict; and this preparation was common to both parties. What would have been the result, it is impossible to conjecture. Fortunately for the community, and those concerned, the Lieutenant Governor issued some description of order, or request, which induced the Mormons to ground their arms and leave the county. We understand that a portion of the Militia are ordered by the Governor to stand in readiness, for any emergency, and have heard that the Mormons demanded to be reinstated in their possessions and 'New Jerusalem.' This is undoubtedly their right, and we trust the Governor will award to them ample justice.

The indecencies of which we spoke two weeks ago, were in fact the work of a mob. It gave rise to all the confusion which followed; and was condemned by a large majority of the people of Jackson county. It was to correct this very evil, which induced the seventeen citizens alluded to above, to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and which resulted so disasterously and disgracefully. This is believed to be a full and fair history of the 'war in the west.' It is the truth, as far as we are informed, and from what we have heard, it will so turn out in the testimony which an investigation will necessarily elicit.

A publication made by one 'Orsan Hyde,' is going the rounds, in different versions of the public press. He is represented to us a notorious scoundrel and coward, who fled at the very smell of gun powder. He heard of cannonading, and dreamed of blood shed, and on his honor, and the truth of his faculties, has made representations which are entirely false. It is presumed he is yet running and writing. How far he will go, where he will stop, or at what point the cannonading will cease to trouble him, it is impossible to guess.

One word more: The people of Jackson are represented as being a turbulent, unruly mob; and a riot two years old is [cited] by way of confirmation. That the county contains many men of this description we do not doubt -- so does all counties. But that a large majority are fearless, honest, and independent citizens, we are very sure. The Lieutenant Governor of the State, at the time of his election was, and is yet a citizen of Jackson county. Another gentleman, for several years chief clerk of the House of Representatives, is also a citizen, and we are personally acquainted with several gentlemen, citizens of Jackson county, who who would [do ---or] to any [---le] and whose lives prove them to be above a [mean action].

They have had to endure much. A large portion of the [Seminary] lands was originally located in their county. They settled upon and improved them. When offered for sale, at a minimum of two dollars per acre, they confined a speculator, and prevented him from possessing himself of the fruits of their labor. The whole matter was represented to the legislature; they confirmed the sale! And this is brought up as a proof of their turbulence.

Straightway came the Mormons, headed by a fanatic, who is a disgrace to the creation of God. In their doctrine, they calimed as an inheritance the whole of Jackson county. By fraudulent and false statements, they were gathering together the scum of the earth -- were offering inducements to the free negroes, every where to come up and join them, and had succeeded in alienating many of the Indians who surrounded them. That the people, among whom they had settled, should feel disposed to rid themselves of such a pest, we think is extremely natural; and that they would have fared better, in any other country, we are very much disposed to doubt.

The people of Jackson, though, owe it to themselves to publish the facts. What is here written, apart of our own knowledge, may be false -- we may be the victim of gross imposition. It has been our object to state the whole truth, and lay bare what we feel and believe to be the result of low chicanery and hellish wickedness. We therefore, in this public manner, call upon Messrs. Boggs, Childs, Owens, Hicks, and Flournoy, five highly respectable gentlemen, to come forward and state the case. Be the truth what it may, it cannot be worse, nor half equal to the reports which have overspread the whole country. The vital interest and future prosperity of Jackson county is concerned, and the reputation of the whole state is at stake. Let the truth be published, and we believe that which is blazoned forth as a religious persecution, will seat itself upon the head of an impostor.


Note: A copy of the above issue of the Fayette Western Monitor has not yet been located for transcription. The above text was taken from a reprint which appeared in the Springfield Sangamo Journal of Dec. 7, 1833.

Statement of Rev. Isaac McCoy.

SHAWNEE, Jackson County, Mo.      
November 28, 1833.      

Gentlemen. -- I have resided about a year and a half within the Mormon settlements in this country. I have had many of them employed at divers times to labor for us. I have said little to them upon the subject of their peculiar notions of things, temporal and spiritual and I have scarcely if ever mentioned even their names to one of my correspondents. I should perhaps, remain silent upon this subject, had I not been requested to make some statements of the facts which have occurred in the late disturbances with the Mormons, and that this request had emanated from a source which gives it a claim to a respectful notice.

An impression seems to prevail abroad that the Mormons are here persecuted on account of their peculiar notions of religion. This, I think, is entirely a mistake.

In the efforts that have been made to induce them to leave this county, many have called them fools and fanatics, but I never heard that they had been once interrupted in the performance of their religious services, nor that the slightest injury had been done to either their persons or property on account of their religious opinions and practices.

The Mormons, as I suppose from information, came here so ignorant of laws, regulating intercourse with the Indian tribes, that they expected to pass on into the Indian Territory, procure lands of the Indians, aid them in adopting habits of civilization, and attach them to their party. At the western line of Missouri, they were arrested by the proper authorities of government. Frustrated in this design, they located in this county, and procured land, to a small amount only, for so great a number of persons. The village of Independence was by them termed "Zion" in their public prints, and that was the Nucleus of the New Jerusalem. They have repeated, perhaps, hundreds of times, that this country was theirs, the Almighty had given it to them, and that they would assuredly have entire possession of it in a few years. Reports believed by many to be true, for the correctness of which I cannot vouch, says that they repeatedly declared that if the Almighty should not give it to them by any other miracle, it would be done by their sword -- by blood, &c. However erroneous these reports might have been, such sayings, appeared to the people very near akin to so many remarks which were common among them, and unfortunately for the Mormons, these reports were believed to be true, and the effect upon the public mind was accordingly.

By the steam boat Yellow Stone, the cholera was brought into our neighborhood the past summer. It occasioned alarm but did not spread among the inhabitants. On this occasion, one of them, an intimate acquaintance of mine, appeared to be elated with hopes, that the accomplishment, of their predictions was now at hand; that this plague was for the destruction of the wicked, whilst they, the righteous, would escape. The intimations of a similar feeling on the part of many others were too obvious to pass unnoticed.

But the other citizens thought they discovered that the Mormons needed neither pestilence nor sword to accomplish their purpose of getting entire possession of the country. They were introducing a state of society which would evidently become intolerable to others and would rid the country of all who did not belong to their party.

A few of them are men of education sufficient for the transaction of the ordinary business of the country; the principal portion of them are illiterate, uninformed and superstitious. Some of them were suspected to possess malicious and dishonest dispositions while others appeared to have been gathered from among the shiftless and ignorant more or less of whom are to be found in all countries, who live, as the saying is, from hand to mouth, and whose condition in life could hardly be made worse. Such as have arrived here fancied that they were within the rudiments of an imense city; preachers were in various parts of the United States, portraying to this class of people the glories of their "Zion," and exhorting converts to go up thereto, and emigrants came in rapidly. The citizens became confirmed in the belief that, among others they designed to influence such free blacks as had been proselyted to their faith, and whose condition might be such that they would not be prohibited by the laws of Missouri.

They were filling this new country with a people among whom others could not live. In this Mormons gloried, and on account of it others grumbled. The emigration to this country of others than Mormons, decreased, while those who were here apprehended approaching necessity of removing from society in which their children ought to be brought up and in which they could not be suitably educated. Some had considerable possessions, if they should be compelled to leave the Mormons alone would be the purchasers of their property, and consequently at their own price, as they often boasted, would be the case. Matters had not yet reached this state of things but were rapidly approaching it.

Hitherto, the Mormons had been quiet upon the subject of politics, but it was easily perceived that as matters were progressing, at no distant day they would control all county business. It is reasonable to suppose that this consideration operated to widen the breach between them and their opponents.

Under such inducements as these, a meeting of the citizens was called in Independence, to consult on measures to prevent the maturity of the evils of which the people complained. About this time threats were occasionlly made to throw down houses, &c., their printing office, and their store house in Independence were considered most in danger, but the Mormons were not much intimidated; their store they said was the Lord's store-house, and therefore it could not be injured, and if any one should extend his hand to injure the house in which their Revelations, &c. were printed, his hand would immediately wither.

Many of the more reputable citizens took part in this meeting; ardent spirits were forbidden to the company, and the subjects introduced for consideration were dispassionately discussed. They then proceeded to the Printing Office, and razed it to its foundation to the apparent astonishment of many of them who were looking on at a distance, and they put tar and feathers upon two of their leaders.

A second meeting was held, and a compromise made. The Mormons by a committee, agreed to leave the county, part of them by the 1st of January 1834, and the residue by a given time next spring. Some of them were to remain unmolested, and attend to winding up the business of the society; the damage done to the Mormons' property was to be assessed by disinterested persons, and paid by those who had injured it.

For some weeks the conduct and conversation of the Mormons indicated an intention to comply with the terms of the compromise. But again they became silent upon the subject of removal, and as formerly. appeared to be preparing fields with a view of remaining. Not feeling themselves bound by bonds subscribed by them under their peculiar circumstances, they instituted a law suit for damages which had been done their property, and that suit is yet pending.

While the other citizens little apprehended it, the Mormons procured powder and lead and distributed it among them and also guns. In October, threatenings to throw down houses, to whip their leaders, and to apply tar and feathers increased. The Mormons bid defiance with increasing confidence, and threatened retaliation by shooting. About the last of October matters upon both sides grew more and more alarming every moment. About this time they became strongly suspected of secretly tampering with the neighboring Indians, to induce them to aid in the event of open hostility; for myself, I could not resist the belief that they had sought aid from the Indians though I have not ascertained that legal evidence of the fact could be obtained.

It has been stated to me that on Thursday the 31st October, a conspiracy was formed by several Mormons to kill one of the citizens, and that on the night of the following day a party actually approached the dwelling of their victim, who fortunately was absent.

On the night of the 31st, a party threw off roofs, and otherwise damaged some ten or a dozen Mormon cabins, on the West of Blue River; a Mormon leader presented his gun in defence of either himself or property, he was warned of the dreadful consequences which would follow his shooting, and he forbore; he was taken and flogged; two other leaders were treated in the same manner.

On the night of Nov. 1st, Mormon houses in Independence were assailed with bricks, doors and windows were broken, &c.

This party had scarcely completed their designs for that time, when a considerable company of Mormons, armed, entered and for a while patrolled the village.

On the same night a company of armed Mormons, under command of a leader, with a sword by his side, hailed two men as they were passing the road upon lawful business and ordered them to advance and give the countersign. On enquiring for the authority of the party to detain them, one of them was told that he was a dishonest man, upon which he struck the Mormon captain with his gun; the captain then ordered the men to "fire." The party raised their guns a little, but hesitated; another voice cried out "why don't you shoot." They still disobeyed, but they seized the two men and put them in what the party termed their "guard house," and gurded them till morning, when they were let go without injury.

On the night of the 2nd Nov. a company approached a house, about five miles west of Independence, with a view no doubt of injuring it, and as they approached the Mormons fired on them and wounded a young man severely, though not mortally. The party returned the fire without injury to any; the Mormons fled; the party caught one of them and whipped him; but, as I understood, did no further damage.

On the 3d, both parties appeared to be preparing for battle. Notwithstanding a large majority of the citizens within the Mormon settlement desired to be rid of them, there were many who had not countenanced the demolishing of houses, &c. Some of these now felt it to be their duty to endeavour to prevent the further shedding of blood. They therefore used entreaties and offered to mediate between the parties, and to bear messages of peace from one to the other, if it should be desired. One of my neighbors, who was thus entreating with an active Mormon, was answered that they, the Mormons, had resolved to fight while one of them remained alive. My neighbor then appealed to his professions of religion, and reminded him that the Bible forbade such a course as he said they had resolved upon. The Mormon replied that the Israelites had been authorized by the Bible to drive out the Canaanites, and he pleaded a similar privilege for his society.

A place of rendezvous on the 4th Nov. had been appointed by the citizens six miles West of Independence. I supposed that the object of this meeting was to agree upon further measures. In a consultation early in the morning with one of my neighbors, we concluded that the method most likely to suceed in allaying violent feelings on both sides, and thus preventing the effusion of blood, would be to persuade them to have immediate recourse to the law. I communicated this proposed expedient to an influential neighbor, who accompanied me to the place of rendezvous for the purpose of applying it. The matter was explained to a few gentlemen who had influence with the company, who falling in with the plan, encouraged forbearance on the part of the company.

It was pretty late in the day when I left the company; I then distinctly understood that it had been agreed upon by them, not to interrupt either the persons or the property of the Mormons, on that day, or the following night. They agreed to meet again for consultation on the following day, by which time such as were striving to make peace hoped that prosecutions would be so far in progress as to satisfy all to resign their quarrel to the decisions of the court. From this company I went in quest of Mormons; I found only three or four, those I warned of the imminent danger I feared they were in, and entreated them not to use their arms; that they could not possibly repel the superior n