
![]() Vol. XIV. Boston, Mass., February 12, 1845. No. 41.
For the Investigator.
Mr. Editor, -- I return you my sincere thanks for your liberality in offering the use of your columns to any Mormon wishing to reply to any of my communications. In writing against the Mormons, I feel no ill will towards any of them; neither do I fear their abuse. Let them honorably defend their dictrines; prive, also, of I have made any charges unsustainted by evidence; if I have, I will "own up." It is my firm, honest belief, that Mormonism is calculated to uphold the worst vices of our frail nature, and as such, is an incubus on society. My object us, to shpw it in its true colors; and in striving to do so, I shall strictly adhere to what I know to be true, and what can be sustained by a hundred witnesses. |
Vol. 74. Worcester, Ma., May 7, 1845. No. 19.
THE MORMON TROUBLES.
Nauvoo, Illinois, April 16, 1845. |
![]() Vol. ? Portland, Maine, May 10, 1845. No. ?
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![]() Vol. IX. Portland, Maine, July 5, 1845. No. ?
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![]() Vol. ? Portland, Maine, Thursday, July 17, 1845. No. ?
MORMONISM: TROUBLE IN THE HOLY CITY -- Bill Smith is making trouble for the Twelve in Nauvoo and will either quietly compel them to surrender their power and submit to him or else he will throw himself into open rebellion... in consequence of the sickness and death of his wife Smith has been comparatively quiet since his entrance in the city but there are many points in which he has disagreed with the leaders of the church which has led to coldness if not hostility... |
Journal of Music AND MUSICAL VISITOR. Vol. IV. Boston, Mass., July 30, 1845. No. 13.
The Warsaw Signal contains numerous statements of violence in or about Nauvoo. Wm. Backenstos, late sheriff of Hancock, has been ordered to leave the holy city. He is accused of being the correspondent of the Warsaw Signal. Patriarch Bill Smith, of Nauvoo, brother of the prophet, whose wife died about four weeks since, was again married on last Sunday week having been a widower about eighteen days. His bride is about sixteen years of age, and he is thirty-five. The split among the Nauvoo saints is growing wider. Bill Smith heads one party, the twelve disciples the other. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., August 2, 1845. No. 3.
NAUVOO. -- The Warsaw Signal contains numerous statements of violence in or about Nauvoo. Wm. Backenstos, late Sheriff of Hancock has been ordered to leave the holy city. He is accused of being the correspondent of the Warsaw Signal. Patriarch Bill Smith, of Nauvoo, brother of the prophet, whose wife died about four weeks since, was again married on the last Sunday week -- having been widower about eighteen days. His bride is about 16 years of age and he is 35. The split among the Nauvoo saints is growing wider. Bill Smith heads one party, the twelve disciples the other. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., August 9, 1845. No. 4.
Sketch of the Life of Joe Smith The death of a prophet in any country would be considered an epoch in its history, but the death of a prophet in this country, and the 19th century, is a matter of as much surprise, as that we should have had a special prophet at all in a country where every man is free to predict and to prophesy whatever he pleases. The world for centuries has been annoyed by fanatics of every class, and of every grade, and all their mischiefs and delusions have been presented under the mask of religion. Powerful Monarchies have promptly disposed of political fanatics, -- they soon found themselves in a prison or in a hospital; but in matters of faith, in colleges, -- sectarianism and prophesies, the strong arm of the law is seldom lifted against them, and in this country, where all are free to follow any faith, and where new sects and new doctrines always find followers and disciples, no one interferes to check delusion. The violent death of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, under all the circumstances of the case, cannot avoid making a serious impression upon the many thousands of his deluded followers, where they at present reside, and such was his power and popularity, that we look with some interest, to learn the effect which his death will produce, among those who conscientiously believe in his great mission. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., August 16, 1845. No. 5.
Sketch of the Life of Joe Smith The immediate cause of Joe Smith's recent difficulties was the destruction of a press in Nauvoo, to which he was opposed; but he found like Charles the 19th that putting down the liberty of the press was the greatest calamity which could have befallen him. He was compelled to take refuge for safety in the jail, guarded by a body of troops which had been placed there by the Governor of Illinois to protect him; but a band of men, no doubt a party, which considered him a dangerous man to the public safety, broke into the prison and murdered him and his brother. It was a base act under any circumstances, but one that in the course of time must have been expected; he was a man without a redeeming quality, a knave, a hypocrite, and destitute of religion or virtue. It is an old saying, "de mortuis nil nisi Bonum,: -- "of the dead speak nothing but good." The principle it conveys is unsound. It is the fear of what men may say after death, which sometimes makes men careful in life. We have no right, morally, to speak in favor of a man after death, when we could not do so during this life, and it is the exposure of bad men's lives, which operates as a caution to the living. Gen. Bennett, in the work alluded to gives the following description of Nauvoo: -- |
![]() Vol. XX. Windsor, Vt., Wed., Oct. 1, 1845. No. 40. From the St. Louis Republican, Sept. 16. MORE TROUBLE WITH THE MORMONS. Our correspondent at Warsaw sent us by the La Clede, which arrived this morning, the following account of serious outbreaks between the Mormons and their opponents in Hancock county: |
Vol. I. Saco, Maine, Wed., Oct. 8, 1845. No. 36.
THE MORMON WAR. -- An Extra from the Illinois State Register, dated Sunday, Sept. 21st, states that the rout of the Anti-Mormons, by Sheriff Backenstos and his party, was complete, and that the recontre of the 17th, described in the Sheriff's proclamation, struck such terror to the hearts of the mob supporters, in all the surrounding country, that the people all fled from Carthage, Augusta, and other Anti-Mormon towns, and carried their families into the counties of Adams, Marquette, Schuyler, and McDonough, and were beating up for volunteers, in those counties, to recruit their forces, with which to renew the war. It was believed that, having so disgraced themselves by the incendiary mode in which they carried on the war, their success would not be very great. Before this news reached Springfield, Governor Ford had issued a call for five hundred men, to quell the disturbances. No letters have been received at Springfield from any of the Mormon party, since the commencement of the troubles, except one from a very obscure man in Nauvoo, and another from McDonough county, and no newspapers. It was rumored that the mails were stopped, and there was a story afloat that one mail-carrier had been murdered. No messenger had arrived at the Capital, from all that section of the country, until the 21st, when a committee arrived from Mt. Sterling [Boston Atlas. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., October 18, 1845. No. 14.
THE MORMONS. -- Mr. Worrell, who was in command of the guards at Carthage when the Smiths were murdered, has been killed by the Mormons, and a letter from Warsaw, dated Sept. 17th expresses the opinion that a battle must ensue in a few days, and before the state authority can interfer with any adequate force. |
![]() Vol. XX. Windsor, Vt., Wed., Oct. 22, 1845. No. 43.
THE MORMON CIVIL WAR. The latest accounts give no further details of the destruction of property and life in the Mormon war. Up to the 26th ult. Sheriff Backenstos remained at Carthage, fortified in the court-house and surrounded by armed men. The St. Louis Republican of the 29th says: -- |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., October 25, 1845. No. 15.
The Mormons, in reply to a communication from the citizens of Quincy, Ill., declare their intention to emigrate to remote parts next Spring, provided they can obtain necessary means by selling or renting their property, and providing they are allowed to make preparation unmolested by a repetition of those incendiary outrages of which they have recently been the victims. -- Mail. |
![]() Vol. IX. Portland, Maine, November. 1, 1845. No. 29.
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![]() Vol. XX. Windsor, Vt., Wed., Nov. 19, 1845. No. 47. The Mormons. The Mormons have doubtless suffered gross wrong at times; but they have also themselves been very gross wrong-doers. The history of the troubles that they have occasioned is full of instruction and warning. The power of religious imposture -- the perversion and blinding of the moral sense by fanaticism -- the danger of putting into office men who are so strongly partisan as to be influenced in the discharge of official duty by a regard for the votes of law-breakers -- the necessity of an energetic and equal administration of law, so as to make it a reliable protection to life and property and a terror to all evil-doers alike -- are subjects that are urged most impressively upon the public attention by the events alluded to. We collect here a few facts by way of illustration. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., December 20, 1845. No. 23.
NAUVOO. -- The census just taken makes the population of Nauvoo proper to consist of 11,067 souls; without the limits it is supposed there is a third more. About fifteen thousand individuals, it appears from this, are to be banished from Illinois because the Governor is too disregardful of his duty to protect them in their rights. The court sitting at Carthage, we see, has commenced the trial of some of the persons engaged in the recent outbreak. Five of the persons charged with the destruction of the press at Nauvoo have been acquitted. Their plea was -- Instruction from the city council. In the case of Backenstos (the sheriff) a jury was procured, and the trial was expected immediately. |
![]() Vol. IX. Portland, Maine, December 27, 1845. No. 37.
THE MORMONS. -- Mrs. Smith, the widow of the Mormon prophet, has addressed a letter to the New York Sun, declaring that it is not her intention to go to California, or any other remote place, with the Mormons. She says: |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., January 3, 1846. No. 25. A Letter from Joe Smith's Widow. The New York Sun publishes and vouches for the authority of the following letter from the wife of the Mormon impostor... |
Vol. 44. Amherst, N. H., Thursday, January 8, 1846. No. 291.
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AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., January 31, 1846. No. 29.
THE PURCHASE OF NAUVOO. -- The Warsaw Signal says: Two Catholic Priests passed through this place on Monday last, on their way to Nauvoo. Their object was to ascertain the particular nature and amount of property which the Mormons wish to dispose of to their Church and on what terms it can be bought. |
![]() Vol. 8. Boston, Sunday, March 7, 1846. No. 10.
The Mormons. We gather from several articles in the Warsaw Signal and other quarters, that a portion, if not the whole of the Mormons, intend soon to commence their pilgrimage for California From ten to twelve hundred have already crossed the river from Nauvoo, and are encamped on Sugar Creek, Iowa, seven miles distant. Among them were the Twelve, the High Council, all the principal men in the Church, and about one hundred females. -- They were several days and nights in getting across the river. It is said to be the plan of the leaders to send this company forward as a pioneer corps. They are to proceed about five hundred miles Westward, where they are to halt, build a village, and put in a Spring crop. They are to remain there until those who follow in the Spring reach them -- when another pioneer company will start for a point five hundred miles still farther West, where they will stop, build a village and put in a Fall crop. The company remaining behind will in the Spring, move on to this second station and in this manner they hope to accomplish the long journey which is in contemplation. Many of them who now go as pioneers are to return as soon as their crop is in, for their families. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., May 9, 1846. No. 43.
The Nauvoo Eagle of April 17 was much astonished by a letter from Major Warren, announcing that Gov. Ford had determined to disband the troops on the 1st of May, when the time stipulated for the removal of the Mormons is understood to expire. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., May 16, 1846. No. 44.
In Nauvoo, Apr. 24, tranquility was restored; the Mormons had recommenced preparations for removal; strangers were flocking into the city, and property changing hands. |
![]() Vol. 32. Springfield, Mass., Saturday, June 13, 1846. No. 24. From the Nauvoo Eagle, May 22 MORMON AFFAIRS, &c. -- A large majority of the mormons have already left the State, and those who still remain are husbanding their resources and working hard in order to procure an outfit. Most of the farmers have either disposed of their property or left it in the hands of agents. The city is half deserted, the bulk of improved property having been sold and the houses vacated. Hundreds of families are preparing to occupy the former homes of the Mormons, as soon as it becomes apparent that mobs have been suppressed and order predominates over anarchy. We know of many who are but waiting for the restoration of tranquility to move in; and under the better auspices which now begin to shed their influence upon the place, it cannot be doubted that Nauvoo will command a large population and enjoy a permanent prosperity. |
![]() Vol. 32. Springfield, Mass., Saturday, June 27, 1846. No. 26. THE MORMON WAR RENEWED. The Western mail received at Baltimore on tuesday night, brought information of disturbances in Nauvoo. It appears that the regulars (or Anti-Mormons) have determined that every Mormon shall leave that place, and measures have been adopted to drive off such as are not disposed to go. |
![]() Vol. 32. Springfield, Mass., Saturday, July 4, 1846. No. 27.
==> The threatened renewal of hostilities against the Mormons at Nauvoo, has subsided without coming to an open fight. The anti-Mormons who gathered around that place to the number of several hundred, in a menacing attitude, have become frightened at their own valor, and retreated without carrying into execution their purposes. "The war is now over and peace is again restored," says the St. Louis Reveille of the 19th. |
AND CHRISTIAN REPOSITORY. Vol. XVII. Montpelier, Vt., July 4, 1846. No. 51.
LATER FROM NAUVOO. -- Baltimore, Thursday Night. -- The Western mail brings us two days' later intelligence from Nauvoo. The officers of the steamboat Monona arrived at St. Louis on the 17th and reported having passed Nauvoo on the 15th, up to which time there had been no acts of violence committed. Nearly 400 men were stationed in Nauvoo, awaiting the anticipated attack under arms. The new citizens (who are not Mormons) have united to repel the lawless invaders of their homes. |
SPIRITUAL MAGAZINE. Vol. I.] Putney, Vt., July 15, 1846. [No. 5.
==> SECEDING MORMONS. -- We learn from several correspondents that a body of Mormons who have seceded from the adherents of Jo. Smith, with Sidney Rigdon at their head, have lately settled at Greencastle, Pa. Though they refuse to bear the name of Mormons, and call themselves 'the Church of Christ of the latter-day saints,' yet we are told they preach the same doctrines that others called Mormons do. They regard Rigdon as a prophet, and as the visible head of their church. one of our correspondents writes that they have purchased a large farm on Conecocheague Creek, about two miles from the village of Greencastle; that they are about to put up some kind of factory there; and report says they have contracted for the building of 40 houses. They have brought a printing press with them, and publish a paper, as we understand, monthly. They are making furious war on Perfectionism, and are laboring especially to disprove our doctrine of the Second Coming. They have even challenged a public discussion with Perfectionists. |
![]() Vol. ? Winthrop, Maine, Thurs., July 23, 1846. No. ?
Going to Take California: -- The President has determined to sent a regiment of Volunteers around Cape Horn to California. We suppose it will be annexed by force and arms. He can't wait for the Mormons to settle it and then petition Congress to be annexed. Gunpowder is quicker in its operation, and it will blow it right on to us. |
![]() Vol. IX. Boston, Mass., July 25, 1846. No. 103.
THE MORMON CALIFORNIA EXPEDITION. -- The advance company of the Mormons was at Council Bluffs on the 26th ult. the twelve had a train of 1000 wagons with them, and were encamped on the East bank of the Missouri river, in the vicinity of the Bluff. The whole number of teams attached to the Mormon expedition, is about three thousand seven hundred, and it is estimated that each team will average at least three persons, and perhaps four. -- The whole number of souls now on the road may be set down in round numbers at twelve thousand. -- From two to three thousand have disappeared from Nauvoo in various directions. Many have left for Council Bluffs by way of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers -- others have dispersed to parts unknown; and almost eight hundred or less still remain in Illinois. This comprises the entire Mormon population that once flourished in Hancock County. In their palmy days they probably numbered between fifteen and sixteen thousand souls, most of whom are now scattered upon the prairies, bound for the Pacific Slope of the American Continent. The health of the travelling Mormons is good, considering the exposure to which they have been subjected. They are carrying on a small trade in provisions with the settlers in the country, with whom they mingle on the most friendly terms. |
![]() Vol. IX. Boston, Mass., August 3, 1846. No. ?
NAUVOO AND THE MORMONS. -- A messenger from the Mormon camp brings information that Col. Kearney has mustered into the service of the United States five hundred Mormons, who are probably ere this on their march to Santa Fe. -- The accounts from Nauvoo are of a distressing nature. The villains are now destroying property in all directions. The prisoners taken by the new citizens, on account of the alleged riot of Saturday last, seventeen in number, are still in custody. -- Each party holds prisoners as hostages; the Anties have only five; each demand an exchange. |
![]() Vol. IX. Boston, Mass., September 18, 1846. No. ?
By Magnetic Telegraph. -- Reported for the N. Y. Herald.
By accounts received at Baltimore Monday evening, we learn that the excitement in the Mormon region was becoming more intense, and that the Anti-Mormons were flocking towards Nauvoo from both sides of the Mississippi, in great numbers, with the determination of totally expelling or exterminating the followers of the deceased prophet, Joe Smith. |
Vol. I. Concord, N. H., October 23, 1846. No. 5.
==> NEWS FROM NAUVOO. -- By the last advices from Nauvoo, we learn that the Temple had not yet been sold. The Anties having every thing now their own way, of course will act accordingly. The Mormons in the vicinity are represented as being in a most pitable condition. |
![]() Vol. ? Winthrop, Maine, Thurs., Dec. 28, 1848. No. ?
The Mormons in California have laid claim to a large portion of the gold territory, and demand thirty per cent. of the ore taken therefrom. An express has been sent to the Salt Lake settlement, where about 10,000 Mormons are located. There is a rumor that equally rich mines have been discovered in that region. The thirty per cent. demand of the Mormons is expected to lead to trouble. |
![]() No. ? Portland, Maine, Dec. 1, 1849. No. ?
From the Rochester American.
We received yesterday a visit from Martin Harris, formerly of Palmyra, who was concerned with Joe Smith, in originally proclaiming the Mormon faith. He wrote the book of Mormon from Joe Smith's dictation, the latter reading the text from the golden plates by putting his face in a hat. When the volume was written, Harris raised funds for its publication by mortgaging his farm. But he no longer goes with the Mormons, saying they "have got [sic, gone to?] the devil just like other people." He abandoned them fifteen years ago, when they assumed the appellation of "Latter Day Saints," and bore his testimony against them by declaring that "Latter Day Devils" would be a more appropriate designation. |
![]() Vol. 8. Boston, August 24, 1850. No. 10.
The Mormon Colony, Beaver Island. -- We have conversed with a gentleman who has just returned feom a visit to Beaver Island, at the head of Lake Michigan, upon which the Mormon Colony is located, headed by their prophet James Strang. They number about siz hundred and have a farm on the island, which is cultivated by them. They have also engaged to a limited extent in taking white fish and trout, which constitute their chief means of subsistence. the Temple, 100 by 60 feet, is in progress at their settlement; one-sixth of the labor of the colony being required upon it weekly. At present, this labor ois diverted to the building of a printing office, the press and materials for a weekly paper being on the ground. Semi-occasionally, the portion of the Temple which is finished is used as a theatre, Mr. G. J. Adams, one of the leaders, acting as manager. This room is also used as a ball room, where the faithful chase the giddy hours, and also as a place of worship on Sundays. Strang is at present deeply engaged in deciphering the plates found by him, as indicated by a vision, back of Kenosha, some time since. They are of copper, and are engraved with cabalistic characters, supposed to relate the interests of the "church of the latter day," by his followers. He is decribed as a hard-working, industrious man, but most of those on the island are indolent and adverse to labor. (Chicago Ill. Journal, Aug. 3) |
![]() Vol. XVI. Boston, Thursday, July 17, 1851. No. 11. Origin of the Mormon Imposture. The Rochester American publishes the following from a forthcoming work by Mr. Turner, entitled "History of Philip and Gorham's Purchase. " -- Though not entirely new, it is succinct, and communicates some facts, coming within the author's personal knowledge. |
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Vol. XV. Woodstock, Vermont, Thursday, Feb. 26, 1852. No. 50. Mormonism Exposed by an Ex-Mormon. The late high-minded and treasonable proceedings of the Mormons in the territory of Utah, as shown by the official report of the United States officers returned therefrom, however strange and startling they may appear to the uninitiated, form no new development to those who have had an opportunity of scrutinizing and observing them, and their doctrines and practices and designs, but are in perfect keeping with the character of the sect, openly avowed by them to most of their members for some ten years or more. |
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LITERARY MUSEUM. Vol. VI. Boston, Saturday, June 4, 1853. No. 28.
==> William Smith, brother of the Mormon prophet Joe, has some peculiar notions about spiritual wife-ism. He is now before the Circuit Court of Illinois, sitting in Lee County, on a charge of having more wives than the law allows. One of the members of the church has made affidavit that she had been induced to believe that it was necessary for her salvation that she should become his spiritual wife; the result of which was just the same as usually accompanies cases where no spiritualism is claimed. Smith has himself now pending, in the same court, an application for a divorce, on the ground that his wife, while... |
![]() No. ? Portland, Maine, Feb. 6, 1854. No. ?
The Mormons: -- [Brigham Young and Orson Hyde say:] "Remember, that God our heavenly Father was perhaps once a child and mortal like we ourselves, and rose step by step in the scale of progress, in the school of advancement; has moved forward aond overcome until he has arrived at the point where he now is. 'Is this really possible?' Why, my dear friends, how would you like to be governed by a ruler who had not been through all the vicissitudes of life that is common to mortals? ..." |
![]() No. ? Portland, Maine, May 27, 1854. No. ? MORMON POLYGAMY. [Belinda Pratt says:] "...I know these are good and worthy women, and that my husband is a good and worthy man -- one who keeps the commandments of Jesus Christ and presides in his family like an Abraham"... |
![]() Vol. XVIII. Portland, Maine, June 3, 1854. No. 8. Tenets of Mormonism. ... It has been lately revealed by President Brigham that the God of our earth is Adam, who was only another form of the Archangel Michael. And to prove that polygamy has a heavenly sanction, Brigham Young shrewdly says, "when our father Adam came into the garden, he bro't Eve, one of his wives, with him!"... |
![]() Vol. XVIII. Portland, Maine, Feb. 3, 1855. No. 43.
A Mormon ball. -- The Arrow, printed at Omaha, the capital of Nebraska Territory, gives a glowing account of "a Mormon Party" given at Council Bluff. The amusements opened with prayer, by Rev. Mr. Folsom, after which dancing followed! Choice viands and wine were served. The editor seems to have been captivated by the ladies, who, he declares, "presented the greatest array of beauty we have ever seen." We are not surprised, after this, that he adds, "There is a great revival, and many are joining the Mormons." |
Vol. ? Boston, Massachusetts, May 23, 1856. No. ?
Those Four Hundred Mormons. --The Cleveland papers notice the arrival there of the four hundred Mormons who recently arrived from England on the ship Enoch Train, which, it will be remembered, was followed to sea from Liverpool by a distracted father, who succeeded in carrying back on a steam tug a portion of his family. Two daughters who remained with the Mormons are among this party, and are noticed by the Clevelander as beautiful girls. The party was closely watched, one of the faithful being constantly stationed outside each car, to prevent their communication with the worldly-minded. |
Vol. 57 Burlington, Vermont, Aug. 6, 1857. No. 32.
BRIGHAM YOUNG A NEW YORKER. -- Both Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball are New Yorkers. Brigham lived near the line dividing Ontario and Monroe counties, in the town of Victor, at the time he became a Mormon. He had always manifested a proclivity to religious fanaticism, or rather he was a lazy rapscallion, good for nothing except to howl at a camp meeting. He lived in a log shanty, with a dilapidated, patient, suffering wife, surrounded by a host of tow headed children. Occasionally he made up a lot of axe helves and traded them off for sugar and tea; in other fits of industry he would do a day's work in the hay-field for a neighbor, hoe the potatoes in his own little patch, or pound clothes for his wife on a washing day. But his special mission was to go camp meetings and revivals, where he managed to get his daily bread out of the more wealthy brethren, in consideration of the unction with which he shouted "ga-lo-rah!" On such occasions Brigham took no thought of the morrow, but cheerfully putting on his old wool hat, would leave his family without flour in the barrel or wood at the door, and telling his wife that the "Lord would provide," he would put off for a week's absence. |
Vol. ? Bangor, Maine, Nov. 9, 1857. No. ? From the Los Angeles Star. ...I take this opportunity of informing you of the murder of an entire train of emigrants, on their way from Missouri and Arkansas to this State, via Great Salt Lake City; which took place at the Mountain Meadows, which are at or near the Rim of Great Basin... about 130 or 135 men, women and children... attacked about daylight in the morning, by the combined forces of all the various tribes immediately in that section of the country. The majority of them were slain at the first onset... They... sent out a flag of truce, by a little girl, and gave themselves up to the mercy of the savages, who immediately rushed in and slaughtered all of them, with the exception of fifteen infant children, that have since been purchased with much difficulty, by the Mormon interpreters.... |
Vol. ? Bangor, Maine, November 18, 1857. No. ?
The Mormons are destroying the supply wagons for Johnston's Army, and Brigham Young has issued a proclamation defying the troops and the United States Government. "He says that if they desire to remain until spring they may do so, provided they give up arms and ammunition. -- Col Alexander in reply stated to Young that the troops were there by order of the President, and would be disposed of as the Commanding General saw proper. |
Vol. 57 Burlington, Vermont, Dec. 4, 1857. No. 49.
Mormon Fanaticism. -- ...President Filmore's plan, viz., appointing Young Governor, would have been excellent, if Young had been a demagogue, and not a fanatic. But he was the latter, and therefore peace is impossible with him, except on his own terms. Lying and falsehood are sanctified in the eyes of a fanatic, if they aid his purpose. In virtue of being a fanatic, he dispises all law except what his fanatical idea sanctions. No treaty will bind him; no morality will guide him. And when organized into a community, it is for the very purpose of keeping distinct from and living in opposition to all other communities. What can be done? The organization must be annihilated, at all hazards. The nuisance is too horrible to be tolerated.... |
Vol. 57 Burlington, Vermont, Dec. 18, 1857. No. 51.
The Policy of Our Government Towards the Mormons. -- ... Hitherto Young's policy has been to profess obedience to the laws of the United States, and whilst the Government had no official notice of any overt act of rebellion against its authority, its policy has not only been right, wise and prudent, but masterly and energetic. It has not only planned, but carried into execution a peaceful policy which deserves the hearty commendation of the whole United States. And now that the arch fanatic Young has struck the blow which makes him an outlaw and a traitor, we have no doubt that the same prudence, energy and determination will characterize Buchanan's future Mormon policy. Under that policy we confidently expect to see the utter annihilation of that terrible fanaticism which has so long been a curse to our nation.... |
![]() Vol. ? Springfield, Mass., June 12, 1858. No. ? The Peaceful News from Utah. Brigham young and his followers have tempered their valor with discretion, and the president is doubtless correct in announcing to Congress and the country that the Mormon war is over. What the Mormons propose to do -- whether they will retain any degree their hold on Salt Lake City and the other settlements in the territory -- or, deserting all, concentrate elsewhereoutside our present limits; and whether, or not, we are fully and forever rid of them, are all points of public interest. They receive little or no elucidation either in the president's message or Gov. Cumming's dispatches. The governor seems to have been greatly impressed with the ovations in his honor from the Saints, and his dispatches are occupied more with details of these, than with an intelligent statement of the terms of the capitulation of the Mormons, and their and his own future purposes. We gather from the dispatches, in addition to what has been already published, that the people themselves seemed cordially to approve of their leader's course and recognize Gov. Cumming with all the honors and respect due to his authority. Complaints were made that the Indian Agent, Mr. Hart, in that region had incited some of the Indian tribes to acts of hostility against the Mormons, and Gov. Cumming promises to investigate and redress these. He gave notice that people in Salt Lake City, who deemed themselves aggrieved by the government of Brigham Young, or illegally restrained of their liberty among the Mormons, should receive protection from him; and in response 56 men, 33 women and 71 children came forward, and evinced a disposition to be separated from the Mormons and become citizens of the United States. They were mostly English people, some of the late emigrants to Salt Lake. |
Vol. VIII. Lowell, Mass., April 9, 1859. No. 903.
More Knavery -- At the last session of Congress Senator Johnson of Arkansas smuggled into some bill as appropriation of $10,000 for removing from Utah to Arkansas several children of emigrants who had been slain by Indians on the route. Before this grant was passed, arangements had been privately made for removing them at an expense of about $600, but Johnson's Democratic backers at home wanted a job and so the treasury had to "suffer some." Commisioners have been appointed to expend this appropriation and they have already pocketed $2200 as an outfit for the journey. Thus to help the disunion negro democracy of Arkansas pay their electioneering expense the whole nation is taxed $10,000 for the performance of a $600 job that humane persons are willing to do for nothing. |
BANGOR DAILY WHIG & COURIER Vol. XXVI. Bangor, Maine, November 2, 1859. No. 104.
Republicanism in Missouri --
...After declaring that Douglas is playing the part of a decoy duck, for the purpose of betraying the North into the hands of the Southern owners of the party, Mr. B. says.... I am not one of those, however, who deny the existence of Judge Douglas's "great principle." I have known for a long time that there was one of our Territories in which popular sovereignty flourished in all its glory... I refer to the Territory of Utah, where the saints reside, and where they have "formed and regulated their own domestic institutions in their own way," where Brigham Young has enjoyed not only his domestic institutions, but his "peculiar institution," "with none to molest or make him afraid." It is true that the President sent Governors and Judges there as elsewhere in the Territories, but Brigham Young desired to give Douglas's great principle a fair shake, and so he dismissed the Governors and Judges, telling them he would "send them to hell cross lots" if they interfered with popular sovereignty in Utah. He caused Gunnison and his men to be murdered. He destroyed a hundred American citizens at the Mountain Meadow Spring, only sparing children under seven years, who were not supposed at their tender age to have imbibed any prejudice against the domestic institutions of the saints. The perpetrators of these outrages are well known, but under the system of popular savereignty which prevails there, they defy punishment, and hold justice at arm's length... |
Vol. 94. Boston, Mass., November 17, 1859. No. 119.
From Utah.
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Vol. XXXI. Pittsfield, Mass., January 26, 1860. No. 37.
HOW TO CIRCUMVENT THE MORMONS. -- Judge Cradlebaugh, who is on his way home from Utah, by way of California, had a plan for getting the upper hands of the Mormons, which he will lay before the administration. He will urge the extention of the preemption laws over the territory, so as to secure a large Gentile emigration at once, sufficient within a year to out-vote the Mormons. A Gentile Legislature would take from Young the power of marriage and divorce, and secure the supremacy of law. The gentile population in the territory is already large, and five or six thousand more voters would be sufficient to carry Judge Cradlebaugh's plan into effect. It is believed that the Mormons will retire into Mexico, or some island in the Pacific Ocean, as soon as their supremacy in Utah is broken. They are now engaged in a movement of importance, the object of which they keep to themselves. By orders from Young all the Mormon settlements are organizing military companies, which are supplied with arms and ammunition from Salt Lake City. It is now believed that they intend to renew the war with the United States, but the more general supposition os that they forsee that they must eventually leave Utah, and are preparing to take possession of some of northern Mexico. The annual message of Governor Cumming to the Mormon Legislature, treats the Mormon outrages in a very mild and gingerly manner, to the great disgust of the Gentiles. |
![]() Vol. XL. Boston, Mass., January 4, 1871. No. 36.
For the Boston Investigator.
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Vol. ? New Haven, Monday, September 3, 1877. No. ?
The Origin of Mormonism. Remarkable local testimony has been discovered by the Republican sustaining the charge that the religion of Joe Smith and Brigham Young had its origin in a romance written by Rev. Solomon Spaulding of Ohio of half a century or more ago. the story is furnished by Mr. J. A. McKinstry of Longmeadow, a son of the late Dr. McKinstry of Monson, and grandson of Rev. Mr. Spaulding. Mr. McKinstry is employed in the Main street store of Newsdealer Brace. Rev. Mr. Spaulding's widow, who afterward became Mrs. Davison, came east from Ohio to live with her daughter at Monson many years ago, bringing the manuscript of his romance with her. She died some twenty-five years ago, but before her death a plausible young man from Boston came to Monson to see and get the Spaulding writing. It was a time of considerable excitement concerning the Mormons, and he claimed to represent some Christian people who wanted to expose Mormonism, He therefore begged the loan of the manuscript for publication. Much against the wishes of Mrs. Dr. McKinstry, Mrs. Davison consented to let her husband's unpublished romance go. Nothing was ever heard from it again, and the family have always considered that the bland young gentleman was an agent of Brigham Young's to destroy the convicting evidence that Joe Smith's Mormon Bible was of earthly origin. |
Vol. XXIX. Boston, Wednesday, October 24, 1877. No. 43.
THE BOOK OF MORMON.
The death of the late Brigham Young suggests that the real origin of the Mormon imposture ought to be kept fresh in the memory of the people, and especially that the rising generation should know the utter want of foundation for its false and absurd claims. |