XXVIth  CONGRESS.

... IN SENATE, on Tuesday [Jan. 28, 1840], Mr. Merrick presented a petition from certain Mormons, praying for the interference of Congress to protect them in their rights as citizens, and to obtain for them a redress of grievences which they have suffered from the State of Missouri. It was temporarily laid on the table...  


Notes: (forthcoming)

[article heading and introduction missing]  

                                                 Montrose, Iowa, March 24, 1840
Jo Smith, the Mormon leader and prophet, returned here a day or two since, and joined his followers, the "Latter-day Saints." Yesterday being the Sabbath, (notice having been previously given,) the "Saints," and not a few of the "Gentiles," assembled to hear from the prophet's own mouth "words of wisdom."

I, with other "Gentiles," had the curiosity to see and hear, and as the place appointed for him to hold forth at, was on the opposite side of the river, in a grove, I took passage on board the ferryboat, loaded with "Saints and Gentiles." When we landed, we found a large concourse. The "prophet" was seated, with bishops, elders, &c., on a staging in the center. After engaging in prayer to the Most High, and reading a chapter of sacred writ, he commenced his discourse. He told his people he was their servant; that they had a right to know all the incidents of his journey; he would therefore endeavor to give them a minute account. He did like to preach politics on the Sabbath, but he must free his mind, must tell the whole story.

The object of his visit at Washington, you well know, was to make application to congress for relief, touching their troubles in Missouri. But to the discourse. He said, on his arrival at Washington, he, with two of his elders, (Rigdon and Higbee,) called on Mr. Van Buren at the "White House" with a letter of introduction, and after making known to him the subject of their visit, and soliciting him to help them, Mr. Van Buren replied "Help you! How can I help you? All Missouri would turn against me." But they demanded of Mr. Van Buren a hearing, and he, after listening a few moments to their tale of injured innocence, abruptly left the room. After waiting some time for his return, they were under the necessity of departing, disappointed, and chagrined.

He thought Mr. Van Buren treated them with great disrespect and neglect, and in conversation, among other things, told the president that he (the president) was getting fat. The president replied that he was aware of the fact; that he had to go every few days to the tailor's to get his clothes let out, or purchase a new coat. The "prophet" here added, at the top of his voice, -- "he hoped he would continue to grow fat, and swell, and, before the next election, burst!"


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

This sect have in ten years increased from six individuals to nearly twenty thousand. In Hancock, McDonough, and Adams counties, Ill., they have increased rapidly since last fall, several influential families having joined them. They have purchased a tract of land on the Mississippi, at the head of the Des Moines Rapids, comprising about 20,000 acres. They have commenced the publication of a paper, called The Times and Seasons. They call the town Nauvoo. They denominate their church, the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their twelve apostles have recently gone on a mission to England.

They appear to have mingled much evangelical truth with their daring imposture and extravagant delusion. It is by this amount of truth that many are deluded to join them. Their error does not consist so much in the doctrines they teach, for these are taken from the Bible: but in their audacious claim that their book is a revelation from God. Of this they give no proof. They work no miracles; they make no prophecies. They afford none of the evidences which we have required of men bringing revelations from God. Yet many are deluded, and become full believers, without evidence. How important is thorough instruction in the churches, especially in seasons of awakening!


Note 1: This article was reprinted in the May 9, 1840 issue of the Philadelphia Episcopal Recorder.

Note 2: It seems passing strange that the early Mormons were so often described as holding to orthodox Christian doctrines, except for their claims to modern revelation and gifts of the spirit (which most mainstream churches did not allow for in post-apostolic ages). The very doctrine that most often got the early Mormons into great trouble with their non-Mormon neighbors was the one most often overlooked by outsiders -- the LDS tenet that there was to be a literal gathering of Israel in America, prior to the commencement of the millennial reign of Christ. This doctrine of "the gathering" in the "land of promise" in the "fulness of times" comes directly out of the Book of Mormon and is further delineated in certain early LDS "revelations." Contemporary Christian observers, as well as the editors of most newspapers failed to see this pernicious doctrine "mingled much" with "evangelical truth," an oversight which caused most watchers at a distance to misunderstand Mormon intentions and mis-estimate the Mormons' potential political strength.

The Mormons. -- A correspondent of the Journal of Commerce states that at the recent semi-annual conference of the Mormons, held at their new settlement in Upper Missouri [sic - Illinois?], called Commerce, upwards of eighty individuals were baptized in the new faith. At the conference, the prophet Smith delivered a violent phillippic against President Van Buren, and said the course he had pursued towards himself and his proselytes should lose him 100,000 votes.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A  GLANCE  AT  THE  MORMONS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

Shameful. -- Three Mormons were carried away from Illinois by a party of Missourians a few days since, and severely whipped, on a charge of stealing. The charge was a most flagrant one, but evidently untrue.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon Conference. -- This people held a conference at Nauvoo, Illinois, lately, which continued three days. It is estimated that there were not far from three thousand in attendance. A gentleman who was present, speaks in the highest terms of the appearance of the immense assemblege, and the good order which prevailed. The mild and humane laws of the State, and the tolerating and liberal principles which abound among the people are having their just and proper effect upon this sect. Their Society is not only increasing its numbers, but individually their condition is greatly improved, surrounded as they are by the gifts of an overruling power. They are expecting a large accession to their numbers in a short time from England -- one of their preachers, a Mr. Turley, having met with distinguished success in that country. John C. Bennett, Quarter Master General of Illinois, was baptized at Nauvoo, in the belief of the Latter Day Saints recently.

---

Mormons Arrival from England. -- The packetship North America, which arrived at New-York last week, brought in her steerage 200 passengers, the whole of whom were "Latter Day Saints," or Mormons, bound for the Mormon settlement at Quincy. The Liverpool Chronicle states that upwards of 2000 are in treaty to embark early next spring for the same locality. A great portion of those who sailed in the North America are members of the total abstinence society, and are from Leicestershire and Herefordshire.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                          For the New-Yorker.

THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

One of the greatest literary curiosities of the day, is the much abused 'Book of Mormon.' That a work of the kind should be planned, executed and given to the scrutiny of the world by an illiterate young man of twenty -- that it should gain numerous and devoted partisans, here and in Europe, and that it should agitate a whole State to such a degree that law, justice and humanity were set aside to make a war of extermination on the new sect, seems scarcely credible in the nineteenth century, and under this liberal government; yet such is the fact.

The believers in the Book of Mormon now number well nigh 50,000 souls in America, to say nothing of numerous congregations in Great Britain. They style themselves Latter-Day Saints, as it is a prominent point in their faith that the world is soon to experience a great and final change. -- They believe, and insist upon believing, literally, the Old and New Testament; but they also hold that there are various otherinspired writings, which, in due season, will be brought to light. Some of these (the Book of Mormon for example) are even now appearing, after having been lost for ages. -- They think that in the present generation will be witnessed the final gathering together of all the true followers of Christ into one fold of peace and purity -- in other words, that the Millennium is near. Setting aside the near approach of the Millennium and the Book of Mormon, they resemble in faith and discipline the Methodists, and their meetings are marked by the fervid simplicity that characterizes that body of Christians. It is in believing the Book of Mormon inspired that the chief difference consists; but it must be admitted that this is an important distinction.

This is their own declaration of faith in that point: A young man named Joseph Smith, in the western part of New-York, guided, as he says, by Divine Inspiration, found, in 1830, a kind of stone chest or vault containing a number of thin plates of gold held together by a ring, on which they were all strung, and engraved with unknown characters. The characters the Mormons believe to be the ancient Egyptian, and that Smith was enabled by inspiration to translate them -- in part only, however, for the plates are not entirely given in English. This translation is the Book of Mormon, and so far it is a faint and distant parallel of the Koran. In much the same way Mahomet presented his code of religion to his followers, and on that authority the sceptre-sword of Islamism now sways the richest and widest realms that ever bowed to one faith. But the Mormons have a very different career before them: their faith is opposed to all violence, and, from the nature of their peculiar doctrines, they must soon die of themselves if they are wrong. If the appointed signs that are to announce the approach of the Millennium do not take place immediately, the Latter-Day Saints must, by their own showing, be mistaken, and their faith falls quietly to the ground. So, to persecute them merely for opinion's sake is as useless as it would be unjust and impolitic.

The Book of Mormon purports to be a history of a portion of the Children of Israel, who found their way to this Continent after the first destruction of Jerusalem. It is continued from generation to generation by a succession of prophets, and gives in different books an account of the wars and alliances among the various branches of the Lost Nation. The Golden Book is an abridgment by Mormon, the last of the prophets,of all the works of his predecessors.

The style is a close imitation of the scriptural, and is remarkably free from any allusions that might betray a knowledge of the present political or social state of the world. -- The writer lives in the whole strength of his imagination in the age he portrays. It is difficult to imagine a more difficult literary task than to write what may be termed a continuation of the Scriptures, that should not only avoid all collision with the authentic and sacred word, but even fill up many chasms that now seem to exist, and thus receive and lend confirmation in almost every book.

To establish a plausibly-sustained theory that the aborigines of our Continent are descendants of Israel without committing himself by any assertion or description that could be contradicted, shews a degree of talent and research that in an uneducated youth of twenty is almost a miracle in itself.

A copy of the characters on some of the golden leaves was transmitted to a learned gentleman of this city, who of course was unable to decipher them, but thought they bore a resemblance to the ancient Egyptian character.

If on comparison it appears that these characters are similar to those recently discovered on those ruins in Central America which have attracted so much attention lately, and which are decidedly of Egyptian architecture, it will make a strong point for Smith. It will tend to prove that the plates are genuine, even if it does not establish the truth of his inspiration, or the fidelity of his translation.

In any case our constitution throws its protecting aegis over every religious doctrine. If the Mormons have violated the law, let the law deal with the criminals; but let not a mere opinion, however absurd and delusive it may be, call forth a spirit of persecution. Persecution, harsh daughter of Cruelty and Ignorance, can never find a home in a heart truly republican. Opinion is a household god, and in this land her shrine is inviolate. -- JOSEPHINE.


Note 1: The above article was reprinted in the Feb. 13, 1841 issue of the Burlington Iowa Territorial Gazette.

Note 2: According to the editor of the Times and Seasons, the "Josephine," who signed the above letter was supposed to be the daughter of Gen. Charles W. Sanford (1796-1878).

MORMON CITY OF NAUVOO. -- As this city is in some respects a curiosity, we have watched its proceedings with interest. From the 'Times and Seasons' we learn the following facts in regard to it:

The city Council, have prohibited any person from selling whiskey in a less quantity than one gallon; and any other liquor in less than a quart, unless on the prescription of a physician.

The University of Nauvoo has been duly organized by the election of a Chancellor and Trustees, James Kelley, A. M. an Alumnus of Trinity College Dublin, has been elected President of the University.

The Nauvoo Legion has been also organized, and officers have been elected. The Council have passed a vote of thanks to the State Government, for the favors it had conferred, and to the citizens of Quincy, for the protection received, when driven from Missouri.   St. Louis Gazette.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Correspondence of the New-York Evangelist.

                                                                April 17, 1841.
Before bringing my correspondence to a close, there is one subject of a novel and important kind on which I propose to furnish you several communications. I refer to the.

THE  MORMON  WAR.

A rare document, relating to this subject, has recently fallen into my hands, the substance of which ought to be made known to the public. It was printed by order of the United States Senate, near the close of the recent session, for the use of the members of Congress, but not for general distribution. It was, therefore, with no little difficulty that I succeeded in obtaining a copy; but having obtained one, I feel that I cannot do the public better service, than by rendering them acquainted with its contents. Mormonism is not the farce which some have supposed. It is a tragedy. It has already proved itself so; and I venture to predict, from a knowledge of the principles inculcated in its authorized documents, that unless it is checked, it will prove far more tragical still. For years, I have been endeavoring to some extent, to improve the public mind with this idea, and not entirely without success. But such is the nature of the document that has fallen into my hands, that it is barely necessary to get the substance of it fairly before the community, to convince all of the fact.

The pamphlet under consideration, is a Document showing the Testimony given before the Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, on the trial of Joseph Smith, jr., and others, for high treason, and other crimes against that State. It gives the names of fifty-three individuals charged with the several crimes of high treason against the State....

(summary & extracts from 1841 pamphlet follow)

...thus let the public see on what a foundation Mormonism rests. And let it be continually kept in view that this is Mormon testimony, and not that of oposers, which has been produced on this occasion against Cowdery and Whitmer. And how much credit men of such a character as these two are thus shown to be entitled, I leave for you to judge.


Note 1: An excerpt from the above news report was reprinted in the June 16, 1841 issue of the Illinois Warsaw Signal.

Note 2: Although the U. S. Senate booklet above referred to did indeed contain considerable "Mormon testimony," the LDS leaders of the period were not especially supportive of anything printed in the document. For example, Apostle John E. Page dismissed the pamphlet's contents as dubious testimony, and LDS historians from his time forward have generally been reluctant to quote from the Senate document as a reliable source.

Messrs. Editors: -- In accordance with the proposal in my last, I proceed to give you some additional evidence in relation to the.

Mormon War.

Wyatt Cravens, who was in the battle between Capt. Bogart's company and the Mormons, on the 25th of October, 1838, testifies...

(summary & extracts from 1841 pamphlet follow)

... But the time would fail to produce all the witnesses in the case, or even to bring into a view the various points to which they testify. Suffice it to say, that enough is proved against Smith and the other leaders of the Mormons, to hang them a dozen times over, so far as being guilty of capital crimes would do it. They are proved guilty of treason, rebellion, murder, burglary, arson, robbery, larceny, and various other crimes; and as to vices, they are proved liars, swearers, traitors, and almost every thing that can be named. -- They are proved guilty of all this, by such legal evidence as proves any thing in a court of justice; and they are now fugitives from justice, having escaped from prison. ...


Note: The exact title and full text of this excerpt from the Correspondence section of the New York Evangelist are unknown. The excerpt was taken from the June 16, 1841 issue of the Illinois Warsaw Signal.

THE MORMONS -- ARREST OF JO SMITH. -- By the annexed extract of a private letter from a highly respectable gentleman residing near the Mormon City, (Nauvoo,) it appears that the scenes which a few months since were enacted in Missouri, are in danger of being repeated in Iowa. There is a tract of 120,000 acres of beautiful land lying directly opposite the Mormon settlement on the Mississippi River. This Tract was given to the half breeds of the Sac and Fox nations by the United States, and has been purchased from them by the whites. Proceedings have been had in the Equity Court of Iowa to partition these lands, and Commissioners appointed by the Court to survey and divide them among the lawful claimants. Some months since, the title being then unsettled, Jo Smith received a revelation from God to the effect that the Latter Day Saints should go in and possess this fair land, and enjoy the fruits thereof. -- Accordingly there are said to be now about 2000 of these people residing on said lands, who claim by the highest possible title, -- a title direct from the Creator; and they seem determined to set all human decrees at defiance. In addition to despoiling the lands of much valuable timber, they now forbid the Commissioners and Surveyors, on pain of death, to attempt a survey and partition. The arrest of their leader, it is to be hoped, will prevent the execution of their threat.

Extract of a letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo. -- "The excitement on both sides of the river against the Mormons is increasing very fast. The conduct of Jo Smith and the other leaders, is such as no community of white men can tolerate. It is the entire absence of all moral and religious principle, that renders them so obnoxious to the Gentiles of all denominations, wherever they reside.

Jo Smith was yesterday arrested, between Nauvoo and Quincy, by the authorities of Illinois, on a requisition from the Governor of Missouri. May justice be meted out to him for his villainy.

Martin Harris, who was one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and who has been for some time lecturing in Illinois against the Mormons, was found dead last week, having been shot through the head. He was no doubt murdered.


Note 1: The exact time of the appearance of the above article in the Journal of Commerce remains uncertain, though June 19, 1841 is probably the correct date. The text is derived from a composite of reprints in various papers, all of which were published after June 22.

Note 2: The "Extract of a letter," received from a "highly respectable gentleman residing near the Mormon City," is incorrect in at least one respect -- Martin Harris was not killed in Illinois in 1841. The Painesville Telegraph of June 30, 1841 corrected this erroneous report, though not before the Editor of the Rochester Daily Democrat provided Martin with an untimely obituary in the columns of his paper on June 23, 1841. The entire misunderstanding was finally cleared up by Thomas C. Sharp, Editor of the Warsaw Signal in his issue for July 14, 1841. There Mr. Sharp explains that William Harris (no relation to Martin) had been delivering anti-Mormon lectures in western Illinois, and that a rumor of his demise "turned out to be all a hoax." In some way the name of Martin was mixed into the false story of William's assassination and a doubly fallacious news report ended up being circulated by the Journal of Commerce. Papers like the Boston Traveller enhanced the tale in their retelling of its fanciful events, and as late as Sept., 1841 sheets like the Iowa City Standard were still spreading the exploded rumor. The essence of William Harris' lectures have been preserved in the pages of his 1841 pamphlet, Mormonism Portrayed.

THE MORMONS. -- A letter received at Philadelphia from Nauvoo, states that Joe Smith, the leader of the Mormons, has been arrested by the authority of the Governor of Illinois, -- that the Mormons had taken possession of a large tract of land without authority, and that the strongest excitement prevailed against them in the immediate neighborhood, and fearful apprehensions were entertained lest a sanguinary struggle should take place. The Commissioner sent by the Governor to survey the lands had been seized by the Mormons, and both parties labored under much excitement.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FOR THE WEST. -- The Buffalo Advertiser says that fifteen wagons, filled with agriculturalists untainted with Mormonism, passed through that city on the 24th, bound for Iowa.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- A Galena paper says, "from what we hear and read, we should judge that great excitement prevailed among the other inhabitants of Hancock county and vicinity, in relation to this sect. We should exceedingly regret to see the excitings scenes of Missouri re-enacted in this State, but we consider such as not among the impossibilities. What appears to excite particular aversion or alarm, is the organization of what is called the Nauvoo Legion -- who muster every few days, ' all harnessed for war.' Their neighbors, unskilled in the mysteries of the golden plates, fear they are to be driven out, as were the Hittites, Jebusites, &c., from the land of Canaan of old, and that Smith does not place as much faith in the efficacy of ram's harns, in tearing down the walls of Gentiles, as in the shooting-iron and ball-cartridges. Our belief has been, that the Mormon Legion has been organized for defence, as in case of an attack, as in Missouri."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- The Ottawa (Ill.) Free Trader of the 4th inst. states that within the ten days previous between three and four hundred Mormons passed through that place, on their way to the Mormon settlement in Hancock County. -- The Editor of the Free Trader recently counted, in one day, seventeen wagons filled with men, women and childen, all wending their way towards settlements of the 'Latter-Day Saints.' They hailed from Western New-York, and their appearance was quite respectable. The settlement is now said to contain between ten and fifteen thousand inhabitants, and the city of Nauvoo is represented as being in a flourishing condition. The sect are now engaged in building a large temple, containing a baptismal font supported by twelve oxen overlaid with gold!


Notes: (forthcoming)

It is stated in the Banner and Pioneer that a law has been passed by the authorities of Nauvoo, "with a heavy fine annexed, as a penalty for speaking against the Mormon doctrine." Such a measure, in this land of freedom of speech, must be suicidal to as any dogma or any set of opinions.


Note 1: The exact date of the above article is undetermined; the text is taken from its reprint in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons of Oct. 1, 1841. There the LDS Editor says: "We pronounce the above, a base FALSEHOOD, notwithstanding it came from our good Baptist friends. Comment is useless in this case."

Note 2: The N. Y. Evangelist was a weekly religious paper, published in New York City from 1830 to 1892. In Chapter 23 of his Memoirs, revival preacher Charles G. Finney says: "I must relate the origin of the New York Evangelist. When I first went to the city of New York, and before I went there, the New York Observer, in the hands of Mr. Morse, had gone into the controversy originating in Mr. Nettleton's opposition to the revivals in central New York.... At length, some of the friends of the revivals in New York, assembled and talked the matter over, of establishing a new paper that should deal fairly with those questions... The first editor of the paper was a Mr. Saxton."

==> JOE SMITH, the Mormon Prophet, was in Syracuse last week, on his way hence to Nauvoo from an Eastern visit.

Note: Official Latter Day Saint historical sources shed no light on this reported "eastern visit" by Joseph Smith, Jr. Possibly the sighting of one of Joseph's males relatives, or another high ranking Mormon elder named Smith was the source of this report.

The Paymaster of the Missouri Militia, called out to put down the Mormons, some two years since, was supplied with money some time since and started for Western Missouri, but has not yet arrived there. It is feared that he has taken the 'Saline slope.'


Note: The exact date of this news item is uncertain. Probably it was published in late February. The text was reprinted in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons of March 15, 1842.

MORMONISM AND THE MORMONS: A historical view of the rise and progress of the Latter Day Saints. By Daniel P. Kidder. New York; G. Lane & P. P. Sandford, 200 Mulberry st. 1842.

This is a circumstantial and full account of the men, the books, the doctrines and doings, of this extraordinary sect, commencing with their origin, and tracing them to the present time. When we reflect upon the considerable number to which they have already increased, and the skill of its preachers, in getting hold of ignorant and excitable minds the delusion, otherwise too foolish to waste thought upon, becomes worth examining and exposing. This is ably and efficiently done in the volume before us. This, with the similar work of Prof. Turner, will set the ridiculous pretensions of the sect in the light too glaringly absurd to leave it much power.


Note 1: The above text is taken from its reprint in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons of Sept. 1, 1842. There the LDS Editor says: "Twelve years experience has already given us an assurance that the Lord is with us, and when we read such thrusts as the one before us, from the Evangelist, or the more subtle stab of its contemporary, Daniel P. Kidder, or less noted cut of Prof. Turner; or the canine-like but powerless bite of Mormonism Unveiled, by E. D. Howe; or that unchristian but harmless assault of Leroy D. Sunderland... it shows us that we are blessed when all men speak evil of us falsely for Christ's sake.... We say to all men, read what you please, but if you wish the truth and the fulness of the gospel, read the book of Mormon."

THE MORMON REVELATIONS. -- We watch the further movements of the Mormon expounded, and the Ant-Mormon expounder, with some degree of anxiety, as affording a thorough explanation to the philosophy of fanaticism, whose victims we so frequently find recorded in the history of civilization. This pretty family quarrel between the Mormon chiefs, whether it originated in motives of purity or in pitiable incentives to gain, will carry its salutary effects throughout the controversy. We doubt not that Joe Smith is a shrewd and cunning man, but John C. Bennett is more than a match for him even in these qualities of modern science. There was an almost inconceivable moral courage in a man of our age, who, uneducated in political sciences, could call together a mighty host of uncivilized human beings, and finally adopt the holy privileges of the ancient prophetic race.

The rule of our male Cassandra, our modern Jacob -- a combined prophet and patriarch -- could not last forever. He has degenerated from the religious moralist and priest into the lowest grade of chicanery and vice; he stands before us a swindler of his community, an impious dictator over free will, and now in his most glaring, and even hideous, aspect -- a libertine, unequaled in civilized life -- a Giovanni of some dozens of mistresses, and these acquired under the garb of prophetic zeal. However unworthy may be the instrument of this exposition, he is deserving of thanks, and may be absolved from some taints of immorality by becoming an evidence for the moral commonwealth. The state of these revelations, although not contained in the 'Book of Mormon,' or viewed by the divine inspiration of Joe's stone spectacles, will soon assume the settled principles of truth, and must bear conviction to the misled and ill-treated sect.

Bennett now has blasted the spiritual and temporal Joseph Smith with a charge of horrid crimes; and Joe, in return for these favors, will attempt to blast the temporal and mortal John C. Bennett with a charge of still more horrid gunpowder. Both explosions will make a noise in the world; the moral one from the mouth of fame, the igneous one from the mouth of a pistol. At all events, both combatants appear booked on the calendar of fate -- one for punishment in the next world, the other for a still less agreeable infliction in this small sphere. Up to this time, however, the only murder committed, is that of the 'King's English.'

We firmly trust the punishment of Smith will be heavy in the extreme: his fate should be a warning to those itinerant mongers of religion, who, in every guise and form, infest the community; who steal away the dearest gifts of God, and render desolate firesides by their obscenity and lust. We have now an experiment of the modern philosophy of religious fanaticism; the rise of Mahomet is no longer a problem; his effigy of the nineteenth century has been destroyed. We have long expected this discovery, and now it comes; the wires are withdrawn from the animated puppet, and the excited Fantoceini twist and turn, without harmony or concord. The ruler and the skeptic have passed away; hypocrisy and error can no longer bear the powerful test of sincerity, truth, and morality.

'Error,' observed a scholiast, 'begets a legion of followers,' and the Mormon fanaticism has fulfilled this prediction. It has conquered the Nauvoo Legion, but soon it will exist in name alone; its numbers are fast diminishing. Combination of societies, founded on religious and social basis, will be henceforth regarded with distrust, as weapons of misrule -- instruments placed in the hands of designing oligarchs. Charity, benevolence, sympathy, and pure religion, require no associations to forward their plans; they are the ingredients of every well-formed, cultivated mind.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The building of the Mormon Temple under all the troubles by which those people have been surrounded, seems to be carried on with a religious enthusiasm which reminds us of olden times, by the energy which controls all the movements towards its completion. It occupies the highest and most imposing position in Nauvoo and is built of fine limestone. Has thirty pilasters -- six at each end and nine at each side -- each surmounted by a capital on which is carved a human face with rays around it and two hands holding trumpets. The Temple is 88 feet by 128 feet; from floor to ceiling is 65 feet; and from the ground to the top of the spire is 165 feet. The baptismal font is in the basement, to be supported by stone oxen. Three hundred and fifty men are zealously at work upon the building, which it is supposed will be finished in a year and a half, probably at a cost of half a million of dollars.


Note: The exact date of this article is uncertain. It may have appeared in the Sun in late July.

The exposures which General J. C. Bennett is making of the Mormon humbug in the west, are unique, rich, astonishing, and comical beyond precedent. It seems that there is a systematic course of carnal delight, for the especial behalf of Joe Smith and his favored few.

We think the effect of making these scandalous things public will be to deter people from giving any credence to the Mormon fanatics.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Bennett of the Herald applied to Bennett of Nauvoo for the job of printing his book. The offer was rejected; and since that time Gen. B. and his forth-coming book have been steadily abused. As every body knows, it would be strange if the Herald had taken any other course.


Note: It seems unlikely that James G. Bennett of the New York Herald would have had any desire to publish the accusations of General John C. Bennett "of Nauvoo." Whatever the case may have been, the Herald maintained a sympathetic editorial policy in regard to the Mormons for many months after the book came out. The New York Tribune, on the other hand, published numerous articles in support of the Saints, well into the 1850s.

... [John C. Bennett's book is] nothing more than a collection of all newspaper trash about the Mormons that has been published for the last few years... [most of the book is] too stupid and heavy ever to be read by any body... [the remainder is] too disgusting, not so much from what is told as from the manner of telling it.,, [it is] in every respect a wretched attempt at book making.


Note: The above incomplete text will be updated after a more legible copy of the article is transcribed.

Eastern View in Main-Street, Palmyra.

[graphic not copied]

PALMYRA was organized by the general sessions of Ontario county pursuant to the act of 27th of Jan. 1789; since modified. It comprised two townships of Phelps and Gorham's purchase, being No. 12, in the 2d and 3d ranges. The surface of the town is gently undulating, and the soil of a superior quality. Pop. 3,550.

The village of Palmyra is situated on Mud creek and the Erie canal, 196 miles distant from Albany by the post route, 11 from Lyons, 13 from Canandaigua, and 22 from Rochester. It is a place of considerable business, containing about 250 dwellings, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist church, a bank, 2 newspaper printing offices, a number of mills, &c. The accompanying engraving shows part of Main-street, looking westward.

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon sect, began his public career in and near this village. The following account of Smith and his operations, is derived from authentic sources of information.

Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was horn in Royalton, Vt., and removed to Manchester, Ontario county, N. Y., about the year 1820, at an early age, with his parents, who were in quite humble circumstances. He was occasionally employed in Palmyra as a laborer, and bore the reputation of a lazy and ignorant young man. According to the testimony of respectable individuals in that place, Smith and his father were persons of doubtful moral character, addicted to disreputable habits, and moreover extremely superstitious, believing in the existence of witchcraft. They at one time procured a mineral rod, and dug in various places for money. Smith testified that when digging he had seen the pot or chest containing the treasure, but never was fortunate enough to get it into his hands, He placed a singular looking stone in his hat, and pretended by the light of it to make many wonderful discoveries of gold, silver, and other treasures, deposited in the earth. He commenced his career as the founder of the new sect when about the age of 18 or 19, and appointed a number of meetings in Palmyra, for the purpose of declaring the divine revelations which he said were made to him. He was, however, unable to produce any excitement in the village; but very few had curiosity sufficient to listen to him. Not having the means to print his revelations, he applied to Mr. Crane, of the society of Friends, declaring that he was moved by the spirit to call upon him for assistance. This gentleman bid him to go to work, or the state prison would end his career. Smith had better success with Martin Harris, an industrious and thrifty farmer of Palmyra, who was worth about $10,000, and who became one of his leading disciples. By his assistance, 5,000 copies of the Mormon Bible, (so called,) were published at an expense of about $3,000. It is possible that Harris might have made the advances with the expectation of a profitable speculation, as a great sale was anticipated. This work is a duodecimo volume, containing 590 pages, and is perhaps one of the weakest productions ever attempted to be palmed off as a divine revelation. It is mostly a blind mass of words, interwoven with scriptural language and quotations, without much of a leading plan or design. It is in fact such a production as might be expected from a person of SmithÕs abilities and turn of mind. The following is a copy of the title page:

"THE BOOK OF MORMON: AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY THE HAND OF MORMON, UPON PLATES TAKEN FROM THE PLATES OF NEPHI.

"Wherefore it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites; written to the Lamanites, which are a remnant of the house of Israel and also to the Jew and Gentile, written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of Prophecy and Revelation. Written and sealed up and hid up to the LORD that they may not he destroyed, to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof, sealed by the hand of Moroni and hid up unto the LORD to come forth in due time by the way of the Gentile: the interpretation thereof by the gift of God, an abridgment taken from the book of Ether. Also, which is a Record of the People of Jared, which were scattered at the tune the LORD confounded the language of the people when they were building a tower to get to Heaven, which is to shew unto the remnant of the house of Israel how great things the LORD hath done unto their fathers, and that they may know the covenants of the LORD, and that they are not cast off forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile, that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting Himself unto all nations. And now if there are faults it be the mistake of men, wherefore condemn not the things of God that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ.

"By Joseph Smith, Junior, Author and Proprietor, Palmyra. Printed by E. B. Grandin, for the Author, 1830."

At the close of the book is "the testimony of three witnesses," viz: Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, in which they state unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, that they have seen the plates containing the record, and the engravings upon them, &c. On the last page is contained the testimony of eight witnesses, of which the following is a copy:

"Be it known unto all nations, kindred, tongues, and people, unto whom this book shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jr., the Author and Proprietor of this work, hath shewed unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands, and we also saw the engravings thereof, all of which had the appearance of ancient work and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record, with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and HEFTED, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world that which we have seen and we lie not, God bearing witness of it. Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr., John Whitmer, Hiram Page, Joseph Smith, Senior, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith."

In the preface, Smith states "that the plates of which have been spoken, were found in the township of Manchester, Ontario county, New York."

It is stated by persons in Palmyra, that when he exhibited these plates to his followers, they were done up in a canvas bag, and Smith made the declaration, that if they uncovered them, the Almighty would strike them dead. It is said that no one but Smith could read what was engraved upon them; which he was enabled to do by looking through a peculiar kind of spectacles found buried with the plates.

Soon after the publication of the Mormon Bible, one Parley B. Pratt, a resident of Lorrain county, Ohio, happening to pass through Palmyra, on the canal, hearing of the new religion, called on the prophet and was soon converted. Pratt was intimate with Sidney Rigdon, a very popular preacher of the denomination called "Reformers" or "Disciples." About the time of the arrival of Pratt at Manchester, the Smiths were fitting out an expedition for the western country, under the command of Cowdery, in order to convert the Indians or Lamanites, as they termed them. In October, 1830, this mission, consisting of Cowdery, Pratt, Peterson, and Whitmer, arrived at Mentor, Ohio, the residence of Rigdon, well supplied with the new Bibles. Near this place, in Kirtland, there were a few families belonging to Rigdon's congregation, who having become extremely fanatical, were daily looking for some wonderful event to take place in the world. Seventeen of these persons readily believed in Mormonism, and were all re-immersed, in one night, by Cowdery. By the conversion of Rigdon, soon after, Mormonism received a powerful impetus, and more than one hundred converts were speedily added. Rigdon visited Smith at Palmyra, where he tarried about two months, receiving revelations, preaching, &c. He then returned to Kirtland, Ohio, and was followed a few days after by the prophet Smith and his connections. Thus from a state of almost beggary, the family of Smith were furnished with the "fat of the land" by their disciples, many of whom were wealthy.

A Mormon temple was erected at Kirtland, at an expense of about $50,000. In this building, there was a sacred apartment, a kind of holy of holies, in which none but the priests were allowed to enter. An unsuccessful application was made to the legislature for the charter of a bank. Upon the refusal, they established an unchartered institution, commenced their banking operations, issued their notes, and made extensive loans. The society now rapidly increased in wealth and numbers, of whom many were doubtless drawn thither by mercenary motives. But the bubble at last burst. The bank being an unchartered institution, the debts due were not legally collectable. With the failure of this institution, the society rapidly declined, and Smith was obliged to leave the state to avoid the sheriff. Most of the sect, with their leader, removed to Missouri, where many outrages were perpetrated against them. The Mormons raised an armed force to "drive off the infidels;" but were finally obliged to leave the state.

By the last accounts, they were establishing themselves at Nauvoo, Illinois; and it is said are now in a more flourishing condition than ever, rapidly making converts by means of their itinerant preachers in various sections of our own country and even in England.


Note: The above text was reprinted from pages 580-582 of John W. Barber and Henry Howe's 1841 book, Historical Collections of the State of New York... The text was expanded and changed somewhat in subsequent editions of that book, so the wording found in later versions is not identical with the article in the 1842 Rural Repository.

JOE  SMITH, THE  MORMON  PROPHET.

This Joe Smith must be set down as an extraordinary character, a prophet-hero, as Carlyle might call him. He is one of the great men of this age, and in future history will rank with those who, in one way or another, have stamped their impress strongly on society.

Nothing can be more plebeian, in seeming, than this Joe Smith. Little of dignity is there in his cognomen; but few in this age have done such deeds, and performed such apparent miracles. It is no small thing, in the blaze of this nineteenth century, to give to men a new revelation, found a new religion, establish new forms of worship, to build a city, with new laws, institutions, and orders of architecture, -- to establish ecclesiastical, civil and military jurisdiction, found colleges, send out missionaries, and make proselytes in two hemispheres' yet all this has been done by Joe Smith, and that against every sort of opposition, ridicule and persecution. This sect has its martyrs also; and the spirit in which they were imprisoned and murdered in Missouri, does not appear to have differed much from that which has attended religious persecutions in all ages of the world.

That Joe Smith, the founder of the Mormons, is a man of great talent, a deep thinker, and eloquent speaker, an able writer, and a man of great mental power, no one can doubt who has watched his career. That his followers are deceived, we all believe; but, should the inherent corruptions of Mormonism fail to develop themselves sufficiently to convince its followers of their error, where will the thing end? A great military despotism is growing up in the [far] West, increasing faster in proportion, than the surrounding population, spreading its influence around, and marshaling multitudes under its banners, causing serious alarm to every patriot.

What is the reason that men are so blind that they cannot or will not see the hand of the Lord in His work of the last days!


Note: The exact date of this article is uncertain. The paper was being read in Pittsburgh at the end of July and in Nauvoo on or about the 4th of September.

A Visit to Joe Smith.

(under construction)

 


Note: The above text will be replaced by the text of the full article, once it becomes available for transcription. The news report appears to be a different account than the one appearing in the New York Spectator of Aug. 23, 1843 or the one in the Pittsburgh Gazette of Sept. 15, 1843.

INDIAN  AFFAIRS.

Farther intelligence from the border tribes of Indians, especially the OTTOES, who have recently committed several outrages. Two Indians were sent to Fort Leavenworth for confinement. About the third day of their imprisonment they made a rush on the sentinels. One was shot down and died immediately; the other seized a musket, bounded over the hills, and was heard of no more...

The Mormons, it appears, have been sending missionaries among several of the tribes, but for what purpose is not clearly ascertained, though measures have been taken to have them closely watched and promptly apprehended, if necessary...


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons and their Prophet --
Legislation at Nauvoo -- The Temple.

                                      Near the Temple of Nauvoo, Jan. 10, 1844.

To the Editor of the N. Y. Tribune:
I take my pen to day to give you some account of the Mormons and their Prophet -- about whom much is said abroad, and but little known.

No one. acquainted with this section of the country, since 1837, can realize the extent to which its prosperity has been impeded, by the settlement of the Mormons amongst us, on leaving the scenes of their difficulties in Missouri. That section of country, embracing an extent of fifty miles, having the Des Moines Rapids and the City of Nauvoo for its centre, possesses natural advantages, in my opinion, not equaled by any other of similar extent in the Mississippi Valley. At the date alluded to, this region was rapidly filling up with an enterprising, moral, and intelligent population; now, since the sojourn here of the ragamuffin imitation of Mahomet and his servile followers, an effectual stop has been put to emigration -- excepting, indeed, such as is intended to swell the number of adherents to the fortunes of the Prophet. And it is not unreasonable that it should be so. It is not to be expected that peaceable and inoffensive citizens would desire for their neighbors a set of fanatics, whose fundamental doctrine is, that the Earth and its good things are theirs, and that they will shortly inherit them; many of whom are not willing to await their appointed time, but proceed to take their portion from the Gentiles in advance.

I am far from casting reproach upon the whole body of the Mormon people. There are, doubtless, many exemplary and estimable citizens among them, whose chief aim is to live "righteously, soberly, and godly, in this present world." Their greatest failing is in that they are yielding too implicit obedience to the mandates of a most wicked and corrupt man. But, after an intercourse of six or seven years with numbers of the sect, the unwilling conviction has been forced upon me -- that a large number of them are evil disposed men -- men, who like their leaders, embraced Mormonism for the sake of more effectively preying upon their fellow men.

Of the Prophet himself, none who know him can respect him. They cannot respect him for his sincerity -- for he cannot be sincere; he cannot be the victim of his own delusion. They cannot esteem him for his piety -- for he does not even profess to be pious -- and he is notoriously the greatest blasphemer and railer in the country. They cannot respect him for his talents -- for he has none. He is uneducated and ignorant -- possessing no more of the qualifications for a great Reformer (as he professes to be) than can be found in fifty grog-shop loafers in your city. Let me assure you and your readers, that this man is much more indebted to circumstances for the unenviable position he occupies, than to any ability of his own.

He has obtained a strong ascendancy over a mass of mind -- uneducated and vicious, as it undoubtedly is. For this, as I have said, he is indebted to circumstances -- and by the force of these circumstances alone is he able to maintain it. His own people do not love or respect him. Many are jealous of his power; and only submit to it because their present interest seems to require it. Even SIDNEY RIGDON, (who has been the main pillar of Mormonism, in its earlier days,) I am assured, is only waiting for a favorable opportunity to withdraw.

In Smith centres all power -- spiritual and temporal. He is Prophet, Priest, President (an office in the Church,) General, Mayor of the City, and Landlord!

The organization of the City, under a charter obtained from the Legislature of Illinois, is complete. They have a City Council, whose acts are but the echo of the Prophet's will.

I send you two specimens of their legislation. Both are now in full force in the city.

"An extra Ordinance for the extra case of Joseph Smith and others."

(Preamble: recounting Smith's difficulties with Missouri.)

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, according to the intent and meaning of the Charter for the "benefit and convenience" of Nauvoo, that hereafter, if any person or persons shall come with process, demand or requisition, founded upon the aforesaid Missouri difficulties to arrest said Smith, he or they shall be subject to be arrested by any officer of the city, with or without process, and tried by the Municipal Court upon testimony, and if found guilty, sentenced to imprisonment in the City Prison FOR LIFE, which convict or convicts can only be pardoned by the Governor, with the consent of the Mayor of said City.
    *     *     *     *     *
Passed Dec. 8, 1843.
                        JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
   WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder."

What beautiful legislation! The pardoning power taken from the Governor! -- and life imprisonment under a city ordinance!! Here is another less dangerous one:

"An Ordinance for the Health and Convenience of Travellers and other persons,"

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of Nauvoo, that the Mayor of the City be and is hereby authorized to sell or give spirits, of any quantity, as he in his wisdom shall judge to be for the health, comfort, or convenience of such travellers or other persons as shall visit his house from time to time.
Passed December 12, 1843.
                        JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
   WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder."

The sole intent of this ordinance is to give to the "Mayor of the City" -- Joseph Smith -- who, it will be recollected is a tavern keeper, a monopoly of retailing liquors to "travellers and others," without license!!!

Should the Temple ever be finished, on the plan originally contemplated, it would be the most magnificent building in the West. But it will not be finished! At the rate it has progressed, since its foundation stone was laid, it will require 20 years to complete it -- and a sum of money not far short of half a million of dollars. I have good grounds for the opinion, that large sums, bestowed for that purpose, never have been, or will be, expended on that splendid monument of folly and wickedness.
                 Yours,
                                    'Westward Ho!'


Note: The exact date of publication of the above has not yet been determined. Possibly it appeared in the Tribune at the end of January, 1844. The text is taken from its reprint in the Feb. 21, 1844 issue of the Quincy Whig.

A Visit to Nauvoo,

Having been repeatedly urged to redeem an accidental promise I was so unlucky as to make in my Itinerary of a Journey through Illinois the last season, I will, at this late day, attempt an account of a visit to the city of the "latter-day saints."

On the 20th of August, I left Galesburg, the residence of my sister, in company with my brother-in-law, to take a view of the country lying at the South, between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, in what is called the "Military Tract," to take a look at the Mormon settlement, and visit a part of Iowa. The weather was very fine, the roads excellent, and the country most beautiful. There probably is not in Illinois, not any portion of the world, a more excellent soil, a more healthful climate, or more beautiful landscape, than along the ridge between the two rivers above named. The prairies, generally, are abundant, and the surface is gently and beautifully undulated. There is always change and variety enough to destroy the "endless tedium" which some people have so much apprehended should they ever be so lucky as to travel over what they have erroneously thought to be a flat state.

A leading difficulty, which will in a measure retard the settlement of this section of the State, is, that the title to much of the land is in dispute; some claims by Patents from the General Government, called "soldier's rights," and others by tax titles from the State. In many cases suits at law, subject to the decisions and revisions of courts, are now pending, and others will be likely to arise. Few people are willing to buy into litigation while there is room enough in other places, without it.

The travelling in this section of the State was rendered more interesting to me, by being brought into connexion with many of the earliest settlers, some of whom "squatted" here fifteen or twenty years ago. In their notions and habits of life, these people were to me exceedingly novel and somewhat eccentric; but they all exhibited an honesty, and frankness, and hospitality I could not fail to admire. I tarried the first night with an immigrant from the Emerald Isle, who had taken to himself a fair daughter of Kentucky, with whom he was spending the days of his life in apparent happiness and independence. I need not linger here to describe the domestic arrangements of the household to any great extent, because I do not consider it a fair specimen of home-life in Illinois. I prefer rather to give utterance to an opinion favorable to the settlement of the floating and superfluous population of our large cities and towns in the agricultural sections of the great West. Here was an Irishman, every inch of him an Irishman, and there was no attempt, as there was no power to disguise it. The voice, the look, the wit, all proved it, and his own tongue confessed it as he told us his story, in the most perfect good humor, and with great apparent satisfaction as to the result. He left Ireland some fifteen years ago, and, pennyless, came to this country to seek his fortune. After working at brief intervals in different places, he strolled into Kentucky. Here he earned a little money and, somewhat in the style of Jacob in the service of Laban, won, at length, a wife. Having the offer of a "Soldiers Right," by one of the famed Kentucky riflemen of the last war, he purchased it and then came here to establish a home for himself and wife. He is now the rightful owner of some three hundred acres of excellent land, has comfortable dwelling on the borders of a fine prairie, close under a grove of heavy timber, and lives in the midst of plenty, owing no man a farthing, and dependent only and directly upon God for his blessings.

I could not refrain from contrasting the peaceful and happy condition of the open-hearted Irishman with the herds of his countrymen who clan together in our cities and towns, and along our public works, waiting in the most suppliant dependence for something to do. Nay, even compared with the dependent condition of thousands and tens of thousands of American families, who "live from hand to mouth," in our "factory villages," and in the lanes, cellars, and garrets of our crowded cities, how greatly is he to be envied more than they. I am astonished when I look upon their wretched condition, compelled to work from early dawn till late at eve, often past the midnight hour, for a miserable and precarious subsistence, while their employers revel in affluence from the profits of their tear stained labors, and then reflect that here are millions of acres of the richest soil, on which the foot of man has not yet trod, beautiful even in its desolation, which are sufficient to give abundant support, if not to all the needy of the whole earth, at least, to all the poor of the Anglo-Saxon, Celtic and Gaelic races. Why will the poor cluster in large towns where they are doomed to remain, like Lazarus at the gate of the rich man, begging for a few crumbs to keep soul and body together, while they might make themselves as independent as these men who now fatten upon the sweat of their brow? Why is it that parents can consent to bring up their children amid the pride and folly, the distinctions and temptations, the crime and misery to which their young minds are exposed, while a retreat, decorated in the finest display of nature's drapery, invites them to study, admire and adore the true, the real, the permanent, instead of the false, the artificial, and the ephemeral, and to form their modes of thinking and acting according to innocence, beauty and truth? Will it be replied that many have alliances they cannot break; and others are too poor to be able to grasp the proffered competence? I answer, no power of earth should deter man from duty, from seeking for himself and others the highest state of happiness and freedom which can be attained, that the mind and body may in harmony develop the mighty resources of power, wisdom, goodness, and moral, intellectual and physical enjoyment, of which the bountiful Creator has made him capable. And as to poverty, few men in the possession of health, are disqualified, by honesty and industry to remove to the land of abundance, and secure them a home there. Such need not wait to realize the dreams of the Agrarians, who would pray government to give them land; for such would want government to remove them to it also, and cultivate it for them after they got there! No, let a man once resolve to forego the miserable comforts of a city life in poverty, and all will be made plain. "Where there is a will, there is a way." The troubles, sufferings, and expense of obtaining a comfortable home in the West, has been greatly exaggerated. The only difficulties in the way are the want of the right disposition, and the requisite knowledge. The doleful tales of unenterprising men, who are too lazy to work, and lack the capital necessary to get a living by their wits, who have gone to the West expecting to find doughnuts ready fried, and pigs ready cooked, have been related ever since the Dutch came to Communipaw, or the Yankees undertook to settle on the German Flats; and would make a fair counterpart to the story of Alladdin's wonderful lamp, and might deserve a place in the same series. The means of conveyance are so comfortable, expeditious and cheap, that any man of industry and prudence may, in few weeks, earn enough to remove his family there, and if he is honest he can always find the opportunity to add rapidly to his own means of comfort.

Don't become restive, kind reader, for we are one day's journey towards Nauvoo; and another will car us safely there. I have wandered of choice, not of accident, that we might be prepared to solve questions often proposed -- How can such a man as Joe Smith dupe so many persons, and enlist them in his crude notions and strange habits? To fill up my sheet I may as well show my opinion of the answer, in part, here as any where else.

Joe Smith is not a fool, though he is somewhat of a jockey. He has a clear insight into the grosser principles of human nature; and adapts himself and his theories to a taste and disposition he finds common enough among men -- credulity and self-interest. Assuming much for himself, and promising every thing to his followers, he is able to draw around him a class of men who prefer being led, to being starved. He decries learning, talents, and what men term honesty, and sets up that he and his true followers are superior to all other men, in knowledge of things human and divine; that he is a Prophet, and enjoys direct communication with God, and angels, and is equal almost to Christ himself; and that whoever adopts his theory, and submits to his ordinances, shall be one among them here, and is certain of endless happiness hereafter. In the practical application of his theory, he has separated his followers from the rest of the world, and taught them to regard themselves as distinct from all others in character, interests, and destiny -- and hence in feeling and action they have become exceedingly Ishmaelitic, suspicious, selfish, revengeful, domineering towards all others, but leagued in all the strong powers of combined selfishness. Theirs is the crudest kind of socialism; and as the crudest materials often make strong.... [remainder of page missing]


Notes: (forthcoming)

A Visit to Nauvoo,

(part two)


(under construction)

Notes: (forthcoming)

A Visit to Nauvoo,

(conclusion)

The natural position of Nauvoo is very fine, quite romantic. The Mississippi makes a sweep around to the west, leaving a triangular area of bottom land of about two miles in length, and less than one in the deepest: part, upon which the town is principally built. A bluff of rather steep ascent arises in the rear, in a direct line, nearly north and south. On an elevated point of this bluff stands the Mormon Temple, and back of it several : streets extend towards the prairie. There are some very good buildings in: the lower town. The whole place bears evidence of newness; and when we remember that it is only four years since the "Saints" pitched their tabernacle there, we cease to be surprised at the disorderly state of things. We rather admire the rapidity of its growth.

The opposite side of the Mississippi is very beautiful. A high bluff projects into the river just below Nauvoo, which extends back several miles, then sweeps round to the north, making a sort of Amphitheatre. The bank of the river is fringed with a sparse growth of timber, back of which is an open prairie which ascends, in swelling undulations, till it reaches the high prairie bluff in the rear. At the south the view is shortened by the high lands among which the river meanders in its course to the ocean. Towards the north the eye ranges over an interminable extent of splendid country. On the whole Nauvoo is a beautiful, and admirable location, well fitted to please the imagination of an enthusiastic population. Persons who have never visited the far-famed valley of the Mississippi, and travelled along the borders of the "Father of waters," can have no adequate notions of the grand scenery it presents; and those who travel upon its bosom, pent up in a steamboat, see not half the real "beauty of the land."

The Temple, like much else connected with Mormonism, is original in its style. I should judge it was near 120 feet long, by 80 or 90 wide. The walls are 6 feet thick in the basement, but thinner above. It is to be two stories high, with two tiers of windows. It has in front 6 pilasters, and 9 on either side. The basement rises about 6 feet from the ground, at the top of which the wall recedes so as to form a sort of pedestal on which the pilasters stand. Above the plinth of each pilaster is placed the segment of a globe with a crescent inscribed upon it, with a huge human face in relief, facing down, the back of which recedes imperceptibly into the globular die. Whether this emblem is in any way connected with the worship of Iris, Diana, or the bull Apis, does not appear; and if it has, it seems to signify an elevation above them, for here the crescent is inscribed upon the base, and not upon the minaret and topmont objects as is the case with good Mussulman. What shall be the style of the capital of the pilasters and entablature, I did not learn, as no part of the building was completed.

The basement of the building is partitioned by massive walls of stone into ten or twelve apartments, the largest of which is the centre, and is already fitted up in a very rude manner for some of the rites of Mormon worship. In the centre of the area is placed the great laver, which is a hexagon, represented as being supported upon the backs of twelve white oxen, facing outwards... [remainder of clipping missing]


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON POLITICIANS. --The Mormons recently had a meeting at Gen. Smith's Store, in Nauvoo, to consult upon measures for the furtherance of their designs in the next Presidential election. Several gentlemen addressed the meeting on their grievances, their rights, numbers and political influence. The official proceedings say: "From the statements presented, we have no reason to doubt but that we can bring, independent of any party, from two to five thousand votes, into the field. Several gentlemen were nominated to attend to the Baltimore Convention, to make overtures to that body."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Later From the Mormons.

...we are informed that Joe Smith and his council... were not to be found... although they had agreed to surrender themselves.... A great deal of hostility... had been manifested by the people of Warsaw against the steamer Osprey, on the... charge of rendering assistance to the Mormons.... The Mormon excitement is probably at an end. Joe Smith and the most obnoxious of his co-laborers have fled to Iowa....


Note: The above fragmentary text will be replaced by the full article, once a proper copy becomes available.

Death of Joe Smith the Prophet.

On the 26th of June, this miserable fanatic met with a sudden and awful death at Carthage Illinois. The annexed extract contains the most probable narrative of the circumstances of this melancholy affair. A gentleman who left Nauvoo the day after the murder, informed the editor of the Louisville Journal, that all was then quiet there, the prominent Mormons exhorting their followers to offer no insult or molestation to any one, and in no case offer violence except in strict self-defense. The deepest grief and affliction pervaded the city. There appeared to be no danger of the burning of Warsaw or Carthage.

                                            Steamer Boreas, June 27th, 11 1/2 P. M.
Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, is dead! He was making laudable efforts to avoid or escape from certain unbidden guests, and to this end precipitated himself from a window in the second story of the Carthage jail. During the few seconds of his descent, and immediately thereafter, he received as many as fifteen wounds, many of which were mortal. Yesterday, the 26th, Governor Ford having prevailed upon Joseph Smith and several other Mormons, to resign themselves into the hands of the officers of justice at Carthage to be tried by due process of law, five, and I believe only five, viz: Joseph and Hiram, a Doctor Richards, and two others were incarcerated in the Hancock county jail, and guarded by the Governor's troops, until this morning, when Governor Ford discharged the troops, except sixty already stationed at Nauvoo, and a further reserve of sixty, who to-day accompanied him to Nauvoo, to detect and annihilate the bogus factory, leaving the prisoners in the safe and efficient keeping of seven of the Carthage Grays. Shortly after disbanding the McDonough troops, and the Governor's departure for Nauvoo, a large body of militia, say two hundred, resolved to wait on the prisoners in their room. Here was the beginning of the trouble.

The faithful Grays could not consistently admit visitors to prisoners excused of treason and other felonies. The militia took efficient means to convince the guard of their impotence, and the opposing forces joined issue. At a charge of the militia the Grays fired, evincing a valor not surpassed nor even equaled by the renowned heroes of Thermopylae. Here two hundred men were incompetent to intimidate these valorous seven, who, true to their trust, discharged their pieces with deadly aim. The militia soon ascertained, either by roll-call or particular inspection and inquiry, that none were either killed or wounded, and bethinking themselves that cartridge paper without any ball therein as harmless, the militia formed seven parties of seven men each, and thus arranged, each division seized one of the guard, and thus the valorous seven were overcome, and yet a few militia, say one hundred and fifty, were at leisure to enter and pay their respects to the prisoners. The door was forced, and Joe shot the foremost, named Willis through the wrist. A general melee ensued in which pistols spoke eloquently and forcibly. Five of the militia were wounded, though slightly. Joe Smith, endeavoring to escape, precipitated himself from the window, receiving while between heaven and earth, some half a dozen shots, and five thereafter. Hiram, I am told, and three others were killed within the prison. This tragedy was enacted between 4 and 5 o'clock this afternoon, and I heard the announcement of the courier in Warsaw at 8. The men immediately fell in, shouldered arms, right faced, and made diverse defensive preparations; while women, with children in their arms, throng the levee to cross by moonlight to Missouri, or await the return of the Boreas from Keokuk to Quincy, that they may not be endangered should the desperate Danites attempt to avenge the loss of their defunct head. All is confusion, and Warsaw appears as if besieged.

Friday, 3 1/2 P. M. The Boreas returns to-day from Quincy to Warsaw with nearly 500 armed men, receiving by the way the United States arms at Tully. Warsaw has no news from Carthage or Nauvoo since last evening, except a vague rumor that Governor Ford had left Nauvoo for Carthage. What will be done is yet conjectural. The probability is that Gov. Ford, if not already the subject of Mormon vengeance, will be consulted this evening, and prompt measures adopted consistent with the disposition of the now distressed "Latter Day Saints;" should they continue hostile, their doom is sealed. It is said the Governor, by harangues and private interviews, has done much to undeceive these deluded men. If so, they will no longer constitute a distinct religious sect, but be remembered only as things that were.


Note: Although this letter to the Louisville Journal was reprinted in a number of newspapers at the time, few of the reprints gave its full text, as provided above.

Jo Smith risen from the dead! -- As we had no doubt would be the case, the Mormons believe their defunct prophet to have risen from the dead, and we learn from the St. Louis New Era, that one of the Saints has arrived in that city who says Joe Smith has actually appeared in propria persona to his followers at Carthage and Nauvoo, mounted on a white horse -- about the size of Governor Bouck's old electioneer we believe -- and with a drawn sword in his hand. The fellow says every thing will go on smoothly with the Mormons now. Joe's resurrection will put everything straight. There is no doubt this will all be believed by those miserable fanatics, for nothing else can be too gross for people who have made up their minds to be bamboozled by those they have agreed to look upon as leaders; and on the whole we should think Joe Smith would be quite as good a prophet dead as alive, and rather more respectable, for that matter, for he was very much of a beast before he died. The Locos will, of course, favor the faith in Joe's reappearance, for it is precisely the sort of deception the party lives upon, and the Mormons are numerous enough to make them quite an object with the Democracy. Nearly every mother's son of them voted the Loco Foco ticket at the last election.

---

More Humbuggery. -- The St. Louis New Era says, a Mormon arrived in that city, who reports that Joe Smith has risen from the dead, and has been in Carthage and in Nauvoo -- mounted on a white horse, and with drawn sword in hand. He says that as Joe is thus restored to life every thing will go on prosperously with the Mormons. Thus a few fanatical leaders induce these ignorant, credulous and superstitious fanatics to believe the greatest possible absurdities. There appears to be nothing so unreasonable that it will not be believed by some, if presented by crafty priests or religious teachers, in the form of religious doctrine or tenet.


Note: Gov. Thomas Ford, in chapter 11 of his 1854 History of Illinois, says: "The murder of the Smiths, instead of putting an end to the delusion of the Mormons and dispersing them, as many believed it would, only bound them together closer than ever... Revelations were published that the prophet, in imitation of the Saviour, was to rise again from the dead. Many were looking in gaping wonderm