
![]() 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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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 |