The Mormons have deputised twelve of their number (answering, we suppose, to the twelve Apostles,) to go to the Holy Land and preach the Gospel to the Jews. John Page and Orson Hyde are two of the number. The headquarters of the Mormons are now at Commerce, Illinois, on the Mississippi river. Their number is increasing.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THIS  TOO!

The Peoria Register, published in the vicinity of the great Mormon settlement in Illinois, states that Joseph Smith has issued an edict directing his followers to vote against Mr. Van Buren. They will do so, EN MASSE, and in Illinois and Missouri they can poll from two to three thousand votes. The Mormons have heretofore voted for the Administration almost to a man, but the cavalier reception given to Smith when he called at the White House to ask protection for his followers against the inhuman persecutions of a portion of the people of Missouri, converted him from a friend to an enemy.     Clev. Her.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

We republished in the Messenger, a year since, a letter purporting to be from Mrs. Spaulding, tending to show the Mormon Bible (as it is called) to be a forgery. We now, in justice to the Mormons, republish the following papers tending to show that letter to have been a forgery:

To the Editors of the New Era:

SIR: -- In your paper of the 25th inst. there is an article copied from the Boston Recorder, headed "Mormon Bible," and signed "Matilda Davidson," which, justice to our society and to the public requires me to answer, and I trust that a sense of justice will induce you sir, to give your readers both sides of the question.

I am one of the society who believe the "Book of Mormon," and as such I am assailed in the statement professing to come from Matilda Davidson.

The piece in your paper states that "Sidney Rigdon was connected in the printing office of Mr. Patterson," (in Pittsburgh) and that "this is a fact well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated." Here he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript (Romance) and to copy it if he chose." This statement is utterly and entirely false. Mr. Rigdon was never connected with the said printing establishment, either directly, or indirectly, and we defy the world to bring proof of any such connection. Now the person or persons who fabricated that falsehood, would do well to repent, and become persons of truth and veracity before they express such acute sensibility concerning the religious pretensions of others. The statement that Mr. Rigdon is one of the founders of the said religious sect is also incorrect.

The sect was founded in the state of New York while Mr. Rigdon resided in Ohio, several hundred miles distant. Mr. Rigdon embraced the doctrine through my instrumentality. I first presented the Book of Mormon to him. I stood upon the bank of the stream while he was baptized, and assisted to officiate in his ordination, and I myself was unacquainted with the system until some months after its organization, which was on the sixth of April, 1830, and I embraced it in September following.

The piece further states that "a woman preacher appointed a meeting at New Salem, Ohio, and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the Book of Mormon." Now it is a fact well known, that we have not had a female preacher in our connection, for we do not believe in a female priesthood. It further says that the excitement in New Salem became so great that the inhabitants had a meeting and deputed Doctor Philaster Hulburt, one of their members, to repair to Spaulding's widow, and obtain from her the original manuscript of the Romance, &c. But the statement does not say whether he obtained the manuscript, but still leaves the impression that he did, and that it was compared with the Book of Mormon. Now whoever will read the work got up by said Hulburt entitled "Mormonism Unveiled," will find that he there states that the said manuscript of Spaulding's romance was lost and could no where be found. But the widow is here made to say that it is carefully preserved. Here seems to be some knavery or crooked work; and no wonder, for this said Hulburt is one of the most notorious rascals in the western country. He was first cut off from our society for an attempt at seduction and crime, and secondly he was laid under bonds in Geauga county, Ohio, for threatening to murder Joseph Smith, Jr., after which he laid a deep design of the Spaulding romance imposition, in which he has been backed by evil and designing men in different parts of the country, and sometimes by those who do not wish to do wrong, but who are ignorant on the subject. Now what but falsehood could be expected from such a person? Now if there is such a manuscript in existence, let it come forward at once, and not be kept in the dark. Again, if the public will be patient, they will doubtless find that the piece signed "Matilda Davidson" (Spaulding's widow) is a base fabrication by Priest Storrs of Holliston, Mass., in order to save his craft, after losing the deacon of his church, and several of its most pious and intelligent members, who left his society to embrace what they considered to be truth. At any rate, a judge of literary productions, who can swallow that piece of writing as the production of a woman in private life, can be made to believe that the Book of Mormon is a romance. For the one is as much like a romance as the other is like a woman's composition.

The production, signed Matilda Davidson, is evidently the work of a man accustomed to public address, and the Book of Mormon I know to be true, and the Spaulding story, as far as the origin of the Book of Mormon is connected with it, I know to be false.

I now leave the subject with a candid public, with a sincere desire, that those who have been deluded with such vain and foolish lies, may be undeceived.

Editors, who have given publicity to the Spaulding story, will do an act of justice by giving publicity to the foregoing.     P. P. PRATT.
N. Y. Nov. 27, 1839.

---

Copy of a letter written by Mr. John Haven of Holliston, Middlesex co. Massachusetts, to his daughter Elizabeth Haven of Quincy, Adams co., Illinois.

Your brother Jesse passed through Monson, where he saw Mrs. Davidson and her daughter, Mrs. McKinistry, and also Dr. Ely, and spent several hours with them, during which time he asked them the following questions, viz:

Did you, Mrs. Davidson, write a letter to John Storrs, giving an account of the origin of the Book of Mormon? Ans: I did not. Did you sign your name to it? Ans: I did not, neither did I ever see the letter until I saw it in the Boston Recorder: the letter was never brought to me to sign. Ques. What agency had you in having this letter sent to Mr. Storrs? Ans: D. R. Austin came to my house and asked me some questions, took some minutes on paper, and from these minutes wrote that letter. Ques. Is what is written in the letter true? Ans: In the main it is. Ques. Have you read the book of Mormon? Ans. I have read some in it; Ques. Does Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, and the Book of Mormon agree? Ans: I think some few of the names are alike. Ques. Does the manuscript describe an idolatrous or a religious people? Ans: An Idolatrous people. Ques. Where is the manuscript? Ans: Dr. P. Hurlburt came here and took it, said he would get it printed, and let me have onehalf the profits. Ques. Has Dr. P. Hurlburt got the manuscript printed? Ans: I received a letter stating it did not read as they expected, and they should not print it. Ques. How large is Mr. Spaulding's manuscript? Ans: About one third as large as the Book of Mormon. Ques. To Mrs. McKinestry -- how old were you when your father wrote the manuscript? Ans: About five years of age. Ques. Did you ever read the manuscript? Ans: When I was about twelve years old, I used to read it for diversion. Ques. Did the manuscript describe an Idolatrous or a religious people. Ans. An Idolatrous people. Ques. Do the manuscript and the Book of Mormon agree? Ans: I think some of the names agree. Ques. Are you certain that some of the names agree? Ans: I am not. Ques. Have you ever read any in the Book of Mormon? Ans: I have not. Ques. Was your name attached to that letter which was sent to Mr. John Storrs by your order? Ans: No, I never meant that my name should be there.

You see by the above questions and answers, that Mr. Austin, in his great zeal, to destroy the "Latter Day Saints," has asked Mrs. Davidson a few questions, then wrote a letter to Mr. Storrs, in his own language. I do not say that the above questions and answers, were given in the form that I have written them, but these questions were asked, and these answers given. Mrs. Davidson is about seventy years of age, and somewhat broke. This may certify that I am personally acquainted with Mr. Haven, his son and daughter, and I am satisfied they are person of truth. I have also read Mr. Haven's letter to his daughter, which has induced me to copy it for publication, and I further say, the above is a correct copy of Mr. Havens letter.
                                                A. BADLAM.


Note 1: The "republishing" done by the Editor of the Messenger undoubtedly came from the columns of the Mormons' own paper, the Nauvoo Times and Seasons of Jan. 1840. In that publication the LDS journalists provided several lines of copy, which were not copied into the Messenger, including this introduction: In this No. will be seen an article which we copy from the New York "Era," signed P. P. Pratt; it's in contradiction to the foolish simple priest fabricated tale that has been going the rounds, charging Sidney Rigdon with the crime of making the Book of Mormon, out of the romantic writings of one Solomon Spaulding &c. We can mingle our testimony with that of Elder Pratt's, we concur in his statement; we can assure the public that from our own personal knowledge, Elder Pratt has given a plain statement of facts. --- We also subjoin the copy of a letter written by one Mr. Haven from Mass. to his daughter in Quincy, Ill. which shows to a demonstration, that Mrs. Davidson did not write the letter, and that it was written, signed and circulated without her knowledge. Consequently it was got up by priests, upon her credit; the reason for getting it up, we think is obvious, for fair arguments, & every other means had failed to put down the truth, and this was the last resort; this having failed, we think both priests and people will hereafter sit in silence upon this subject...

Note 2: The Cincinnati Western Messenger is the only newspaper, other than Mormon periodicals, that is known to have published the communication from Elder Alexander Badlam, to the Illinois Quincy Whig, and first published in the latter paper on Nov. 16, 1839. It should be noted that Elder Badlam was a high ranking LDS official in Illinois and later a member of the Mormons' secret "Council of Fifty." He undoubtedly chose to publish Jesse Haven's 1839 report in that particular western Illinois newspaper, in order to calm the potential fears of the Mormons then congregating there, regarding published reports stating that Solomon Spalding's widow had written the damning "letter" printed in the Apr. 19, 1839 issue of the Boston Recorder, (accusing LDS leaders of having fabricated the Book of Mormon). Of course the widow did not write the exact text of the "letter;" she never claimed to have reviewed and signed the final draft of the statement, only to approving the notes from which it was developed. As the Boston Recorder's correspondent explained, on June 28, 1841: "It is very true Mrs. Davidson did not write a letter to me... But this she did do... she did sign her name to the original copy as prepared from her statement by Mr. Austin. This he told me last week."

Note 3: It should also be noted here that Jesse Haven, who interviewed Spalding's widow, was a Mormon Elder -- a missionary to England -- who was then operating under the general authority of Apostle Parley P. Pratt, the highest Mormon official in New York and New England. Pratt evidently sent Haven, "under cover," to interview the widow at her home in Monson, Massachusetts. Also, Elder Haven, as a Mormon missionary, functioned under the ultimate direction of Brigham Young, President of the LDS Quorum of Twelve. Haven was a first cousin of Brigham Young and would have obeyed orders given by Young and Pratt without question. The widow's grandson offered this information in 1877: "Rev. Mr. Spaulding's widow... live[ed] with her daughter at Monson many years ago, bringing the manuscript of his romance with her. She died some twenty-five years ago, but before her death a plausible young man from Boston came to Monson to see [her]... he claimed to represent some Christian people who wanted to expose Mormonism... the family have always considered that the bland young gentleman was an agent of Brigham Young's to destroy the convicting evidence that Joe Smith's Mormon Bible was of earthly origin." This 1877 information was published in a reporter's paraphrase and was intermingled with the account of how D. P. Hurlbut had visited with the same widow, also at Monson, six years earlier. However, after the details of the 1839 visit of Elder Haven are extracted from the account of the 1833 visit, and matched with LDS sources, it may be clearly seen that Haven obtained his information under false pretenses (not divulging his Mormon affiliations and connections). Elder Haven and/or Elder Badham, edited the facts obtained during Haven's long interview in such a way so as to provide just a few lines of "evidence," documenting the fact that Spalding's widow did not write the 1839 "letter." This single fact the Mormons advertised far and wide. However, the details of the circumstances and actions by which they obtain that information, they did not widely advertise until the widow was practically on her death-bed. There is no indication that the alibi that Elder Alexander Badham helped provide in 1839 was circulated in the east until its appearance in a 1841 LDS pamphlet, which the aged and "somewhat broke" widow (who died c. 1844) probably never had an opportunity to read nor respond to.

The  Mormons.

We have received a copy of the newspaper printed by this sect, containing the minutes of their semi-annual Conference, held at Nauvoo, Illinois, on the 3d of October. The large number of five thousand was present, including elders and preachers. Nearly one hundred new converts were baptized. The Mormons appear to be in much better condition than at any previous time. They are industrious, frugal and prosperous. Their brethren from England were beginning to arrive among them. -- Cin. Gaz.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Alexandria Gazette.

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 my 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 millenial 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 bad one.


Note: The above reprint terminates well before the end of the original article. See a reprint in the Oct. 17, 1840 issue of the Quincy Whig for the complete text.

THE MORMONS. -- A Mormon newspaper entitled "Times and Seasons," has been started at Nauvoo, Illinois. The first number, according to the Newark Advertiser, gives a history of the 'Rise of the Church,' (the true church, of course,) by which it appears that the Mormons recognize the entire Scriptures, including an "infinite atonement" by the Redeemer. Another article on the "Gospel" interprets the passage giving the Apostles the power of miracles, speaking in unknown tongues, &c., literally, and as applicable at this day. -- The Mormons have a regular Priesthood, "elders," "priests," &c., and "Aaronic" order, &c. It appears that they have numerous societies in various parts, the following being identically mentioned; Philadelphia, 255 members; Brooklyn, Long Island, 19; Monmouth county, New Jersey, 35; Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 84; New York, 110; Hempstead, Long Island, 50; Chester county, Pennsylvania, 135; New Jersey, 116; Oneida, New York, 80.

At a recent meeting in Preston, England, 1800 members were present. Believing that the time for the "gathering" has arrived they have selected several points in the West for the home of the Latter Day Saints. The settlement at Nauvoo is said to be flourishing, and they have put down another "stake" at Ramous, in the same State. The Book of Mormon is one of the inspired supplements to the Scriptures, which, as they aver, were promised.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A Profitable Business. -- The Paymaster General of the Missouri Militia has made [a] report, in which it appears, that what he calls the Mormon War, [cost] the State of Missouri one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. -- Cin. Rep.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON CITY. -- The fugitive Mormons from Missouri, with their brethren in Illinois, have established a city in the latter State. They have named their new place of settlement Nauvoo, and already report a population of three thousand. -- N. Y. Star.


Notes: (forthcoming)

NAUVOO -- JOE SMITH. -- A correspondent of the Cincinnati Chronicle, who recently paid the Mormons a visit, says that

'Nauvoo, the Mormon town, is laid out on a large scale, being two or three miles square, and though the houses are scattered, the whole presents a very fine appearance facing the west, with a gentle ascent back from the river. It contains over 3000 inhabitants, and is increasing. All who live there are of the true faith, and submit entirely to Smith's authority. Many of the farmers in the vicinity, who are not strictly his followers, believe in his divine authority, and some churches of other denominations have been closed. The have a college, publish a paper, and have organized several companies of troops under the name of the Nauvoo Legion, which is authorized by the State Government. They have just commenced building a 'Temple,' which the Missouri people say is nothing but a fort in disguise. We found Joe Smith on horseback, in a shining military suit, reviewing his troops. He is about 35 years of age, with a pale countenance, and is one of those men whose character cannot be read in the face. He seemed shrewd and quick, was polite, and conversed agreeably.'

A letter published in the Journal of Commerce, from the vicinity of Nauvoo, states that much excitement exists on both sides of the Mississippi against the Mormons, which is increasing fast, and that Joe Smith has been arrested by the authorities of Illinois, on a requisition from the Governor of Missouri. Joe is represented as having got into difficulty with the people of Iowa, as he claims a tract of 120,000 acres of land directly opposite the Mormon town on the opposite side of the river, by a direct revelation from God. About 2000 of his followers have taken possession, and set all human titles at defiance.

Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the Golden Bible, and who has been teaching Mormonism for some time past, was found murdered not long since.

The Book of Mormon has been printed in England, and the new sect is rapidly increasing in numbers in the old world. -- Cleve. Her.


Note: The report of Martin's Harris' death turned out to be untrue.

The St. Louis Republican states that the Governor of Illinois has become, bona fide, a Mormon. The conversion was effected by a beautiful girl. Who can blame him?

Notes: (forthcoming)

We have seen it stated in one of the Western papers, that Joe Smith, the Mormon, once paid a visit to Keokuck, the Indian Chief, and attempted to persuade him to embrace the Mormon creed. He told the Indian that Mormonism would prevent the bullets from injuring him, and that he had himself been shot three times, and not hurt. Keokuck then requested Joe to stand sixty paces off, at which distance he would shoot at him three times with his rifle, and if he remained unharmed, the Indian promised to embrace Mormonism. This was rather too much for Joe, and he accordingly backed out, and refused to take him on "those conditions." -- Hartford Times.


Note: In other versions of the "twice-told" tale, the proselytizer is simply a nameless Mormon elder, or even an unnamed Protestant missionary.

THE INDIAN'S OPINION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON. -- An old Indian having attended a Mormon meeting, and heard one of its advocates extol Mormonism, was requested to give his opinion on its merit. He began by detailing the great good which had been done by the Bible, of which God was the author. And, said he, the devil, seing this, determined that he would have a Bible of his own, and accordingly he wrote the book of Mormon; but on examination he felt ashamed of his work, and so he hid it in Ontario county, N. Y. But Jo Smith dug it up, and published it as a revelation from God! -- Manchester (N. H.) Herald.


Note: Oddly enough, the Editor of the Nauvoo Times and Seasons saw fit to reprint this caustic little anecdote in that paper's issue for July 1, 1844 -- the same number that announced the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jr.

MORMONISM. -- When one of the Mormons in the confidence of the leaders at Kirtland, a few years since, under conviction of the sinfulness of deceptions practised there, made a confession in open meeting, the head men, Joseph Smith, Rigdon and others involved in the practices divulged, took a sudden departure. With them went such as would still adhere to them, and these with divers [converts?] added to them from this and other lands have since been building their New Jerusalem or Nauvoo in Missouri [sic - Illinois?]. It is already a place of considerable importance. In the mean time it appears that the party remaining at Kirtland, (which we have supposed to be the more honest portion of the community) have been "strengthening their position." -- Still adhering to the "golden bible" humbug, though discarding its inventors as their leaders, they have proposed to establish a press for themselves. One would think that enough of Mormonism to satisfy reasonable minds is developed in the following proclamation elicited from the authorities at Nauvoo by the movement at Kirtland. It is published in the Mormon paper at Nauvoo -- the 'Times and Seasons,' and is indeed a specimen of the times, to be admired.

"All the saints that dwell in that land are commanded to come away, for this is, 'Thus saith the Lord;' therefore pay out no monies nor properties for houses, nor lands, in that country, for if you do, you will lose them; for the time shall come that you shall not possess them in peace; but shall be scourged with a sore scourge; yet your children may possess them; but not until many years shall pass away; and; as to the organization of that branch of the church, it is not according to the spirit and will of God; and as to the designs of the leading members of that branch relative to the printing press, and the ordaining of Elders, and sending out Elders to beg for the poor, are not according to the will of God; and in these things they shall not prosper, for they have neglected the House of the Lord, the Baptismal Font, in this place, wherein their dead may be redeemed, and the key of knowledge that unfolds the dispensation of the fulness of times may be turned, and the mysteries of God be unfolded, upon which their salvation and the salvation of the world, and the redemption of their dead depends, for 'Thus saith the Lord,' 'there shall not be a General Assembly or a general conference assembled together until the House of the Lord shall be finished, and the Baptismal Font, and if we are not diligent the church shall be rejected, and their dead also,' 'Saith the Lord.' Therefore, dear Brother, any proceedings otherwise than to put forth their hands with their might to do this work, is not according to the will of God, and shall not prosper; therefore tarry, not in any place whatever, but come forth unto this place from all the world, until it is filled up, and polished, and sanctified according to my word, saith the Lord, come ye forth from the ends of the earth, that I may hide you from mine indignation that shall scourge the wicked, and then I will send forth and build up Kirtland, and it shall be polished and refined according to my [word], therefore, your doings and your organizations, and designs in printing, or any of your councils, are not of me, saith the Lord, even so, Amen.

HYRUM SMITH, Patriarch for the whole church.      

Note: See also the Huron Reflector for Dec. 21, 1841.

The Mormons. -- On the 19th ult. 250 Mormons arrived at St. Louis from England, on their way to Nauvoo. Smith and Rigdon are also issuing edicts ordering the Mormons at Kirtland, Ohio to [move] to Nauvoo. They however refuse to do so.

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The St. Louis Republican mentions the arrival of 250 Mormons in that city, from England, by way of New Orleans. They are going to Nauvoo, the city of the Latter Day Saints.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The Warsaw Signal states that troubles are thickening in that region in reference to the Mormons. The inhabitants charge the Mormons with pilfering, and talk of driving them out of the country. We fear there will be trouble before Joe Smith's humbug is exploded. The Mormons are well prepared to fight, and will not be easily dispossessed of the promised land. -- Pittsb. Gazette.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons.

This singular people are growing in number and gifts. We understand that to their old mode of worship practiced by them at Kirtland, dancing and kissing are now admitted. They are building up Nauvoo, their Holy City, rapidly; and accessions to the society from various sections of the United States as well as from Europe, are constantly arriving to occupy the 'Promised Land.' A splendid Temple for worship, and an extensive hotel for the accommodation of 'the brethren,' are now in progress at Nauvoo. One-tenth of the labor of the whole community is devoted to constructing this edifice.

The origin and progress of Mormonism in this country is one of the [marvels] of the age. That it originated in and has been sustained by gross imposition on the credulous, hardly admits of a doubt. The deceptions have in many instances been so glaring, that none but the infatuated could close their eyes against them. The story of the finding of the Golden Bible -- the abstraction of the plates on which the strange characters are said to have been written; the gift of tongues; the new prophecies made from time to time to meet occurring events, or else their total failure of 'coming to pass' -- the abortion of attempted miracles -- were sufficient in the early days of Mormonism to stamp the whole as a humbug of the first water. Persecution, however, took the place of investigation, and as a matter of course the Mormons 'grew and multiplied.' The followers of Joseph Smith were as humble and ready for the sacrifice as the old Christian martyrs, and the story of their wrongs and sufferings for the faith, is similarly soul-harrowing.

The extravagance of the belief and conduct of some of the first converts to Mormonism is hardly credible, though what we shall relate we personally witnessed. At a protracted Mormon meeting, the gift of tongues and prophecy was claimed and taught by the elders. Accordingly these gifts were practiced by the converts. At one time something like half a dozen of both sexes were stretched upon the ground together, struck down by the spirit, as asserted by the Mormon teachers. Suddenly one of the entranced would commence a low, guttural kind of Indian dialect, and the others would join in the conversation in 'unknown tongues,' truly -- neither English, Dutch, French, Indian, or hog-latin! After entertaining themselves and the wandering spectators long enough with 'tongues,' they would start to their feet, and apparently controlled by the spirit, wildly gesticulate; pluck the air as if gathering grapes; feast on nothing; hunt in the 'promised land;' ready, aim, and fire at the game; then return and relate the success in 'unknown tongues!' And the preachers of Mormonism gravely told the people these were the 'signs which should distinguish the saints!' A few weeks after, it was revealed to Jo Smith that all these signs were of the Devil, and presto! they were gone to their reputed father!

Their prophecies were 'off the same piece.' The destruction of the world in three years was repeatedly predicted. One of the elders closed a cheering exhortation to his followers to prepare for the 'Holy Land,' by positively assuring them that ere long the whole country between Ohio and Missouri would be changed into a sea of waters, on which they would be triumphantly borne to the 'promised land of milk and honey!' After patiently waiting some years for the promised flood, the credulous flock started for 'New Jerusalem' with ox teams! The prophet had gone before on foot!

The Mormons now issue a monthly paper at Nauvoo, called 'The Times and Seasons.' From a late number we add a few extracts, to give an idea to some of their of their modern crotchets. -- C. Her.

'The brethren are hereby notified, that our well beloved brother, Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the church, has erected a comfortable office, opposite his dwelling house, where himself together with his scribe and recorder (James Sloan,) will regularly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, during the entire day, or upon any other day, if urgent circumstances require it, to perform the duties of his high and holy calling.

A copy of the blessing can be received immediately after being pronounced, so that the brethren who live at a distance can have it to take with them'

It appears that the Mormons at Kirtland, Ohio, are about establishing a press at that place, and also design establishing themselves there permanently. In reference to this matter, the 'Times and Seasons' publishes the following communication from the 'patriarch of the whole church,'

'All the saints that dwell in the land are commanded to come away, for this is, 'Thus saith the Lord;' therefore pay out no money nor properties for houses nor land, in that country, for if you do, you will lose them; for the time shall come that you shall not possess them in peace, but shall be scourged with a sore scourge; yet your children may possess them, but not until many years shall pass away, and, as to the origination of that branch of the church, it is not according to the spirit and will of God; and as to the designs of the leading members of that branch relative to the printing press, and the ordaining of Elders, and sending out Elders to beg for the poor, are not according to the will of God; and in these things they shall not prosper, for they have neglected the House of the Lord, the Baptismal Font, in this place, wherein their dead may be redeemed, and the key of knowledge that unfolds the dispensation of the fullness of times may be turned, and the mysteries of God be unfolded, upon which their salvation and the salvation of the world, and the redemption of their dead depends, for "Thus saith the Lord," "there shall not be a General Assembly for a general conference assembled together until the House of the Lord shall be finished, and the Baptismal Font, and if we are not diligent the church shall be rejected, and their dead also," "Saith the Lord," therefore, dear Brother, any proceedings otherwise than to put forth their hands with their might to do this work, is not according to the will of God, and shall not prosper; therefore tarry, not in any place whatever, but come forth unto this place from all the world, until it is filled up, and polished, and sanctified according to my word, saith the Lord, come ye forth from the ends of the earth, that I may hide you from mine indignation that shall scourge the wicked, and then I will send forth and build up Kirtland, and it shall be polished and refined according to my work; therefore, your doings and your organizations, and designs in printing, or any of your councils, are not of me, saith the Lord even so, Amen.   HYRUM SMITH, Patriarch for the whole church.

---

Joe Smith's New Peeping Stone. -- We learn from the most indisputable authority that Joe has found a new peeping stone. The circumstances of its discovery are rather curious, and we give them as received. He was walking some evenings ago, with a young lady, (or woman, which ever you please,) when suddenly he darted aside and leaped into a cellar, where he presently cried out 'how came I here?' and 'how shall I get out?' The lady with this seized him and raised him as though he had been a child. Joe then stated the miraculous manner of his being drawn by the power of God into the cellar, and to the very spot where laid the stone, which he says has the remarkable property of enabling him to translate unknown languages, and to discover the place where treasures are hidden.

Look out for miracles soon, Joe no doubt intends to find lots of money before long that for months have been laying by him. -- Warsaw Signal.


Note: The writer of the introductory portion of the first article above was evidently a staff writer or an editor at the Cleveland Herald and Gazette. For a similar, earlier specimen of the same writer's reminiscences regarding the Kirtland Mormons, see the Cleveland article reprinted in the columns of the Huron Reflector on May 14, 1839.

From the Springfield Republic.

OHIO  LUNATIC  ASYLUM.

We have before us a copy of the Annual Report of the Directors and Superintendent of the Ohio Lunatic Asylum. The report is replete with interesting facts... The Superintendent has selected several cases from the recoveries of the last year, and gives a particular account... The most interesting is the following:

"No. 3. This was an interesting case... She was a lady of an amiable disposition, and of retiring modesty; but insanity left no trace of her natural character. The tenderly affectionate mother and devoted wife, became suddenly the furious maniac. During a short absence of her husband a stranger stopped at their residence, and announced himself in the double capacity of Mormon preacher and physician. After administering in the latter capacity, he commenced a harangue of a denunciatory and alarming character, uttering many of the conditional curses detailed in the 28th chapter of Deuteronomy, and denouncing, particularly upon the mother, that contained in the 53d verse. [cannibalistic infanticide] ... The result of this startling message upon a natural timidity. made more sensitive by impaired health, was to produce the greatest distress... Her husband returned to find her in a most deplorable condition, with the mere instinct of affection, struggling against the delusion of insanity... [delusional quotations from patient follow, ending with an account of her eventually recovery]

---

Mormons. -- Joseph Smith, generalisimo of the Nauvoo Legion, has issued a proclamation, ordering the Mormons in that state to vote for the Loco Foco candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that state in August next. This is a new thing under the sun.


Note: No record of the mentioned "Mormon preacher and physician" has been preserved in any other source. Evidently this case of insanity was not attributed to the diabolical machinations of Dr. John C. Bennett, practicing gynecologist and Assistant President of the LDS Church at Nauvoo.

The Pittsburgh American says, that "Joe Smith cannot be denied the attribute of greatness." We have considered the said Jo Smith, High Priest of Mormonism, and self-styled Prophet, as the prince of Loafers. He is a man without education or genius. He has a little low cunning. His only greatness must consist in rascality. He used to live near "these diggins," and some of his "revelations" were very financierish.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A Sign in the Heavens. -- Elder Orson Hyde, a Mormon prophet, is in the Holy Land. A recent letter from him, published in the Millenial Star, England, and copied in the Times and Seasons, details a most wonderful appearance in the heavens! He says:

On my passage from Beyroot to this place (Jaffa) night before last, at one o'clock, as I was meditating on the deck of the vessel as she was beating down against a sultry wind, a very bright glittering sword appeared in the heavens, about six feet in length, with a beautiful hilt, as plain and complete as any cut you ever saw. And what is still more remarkable, an arm with a perfect hand stretched itself out, and took hold on the hilt of the sword. The appearance really made my hair rise, and the flesh, as it were, crawl on my bones. The Arabs made a wonderful outcry at the sight. Oh, Allah! Allah! Allah!* was their exclamation all over the vessel. I mention this because you know there is a commandment of God for me, which says, "Unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the sign of the coming of the Son of Man."


Note: Some students of Mormon history have speculated that Orson Hyde never traveled any closer to the Holy Land than the port of Alexanderia -- that his major purpose in going aceoss the Atlantic, was to locate and obtain a special kind of printing press, suitable for the production of counterfeit bank notes, once it had been shipped back to Nauvoo.

BANKRUPTS IN ILLINOIS. -- Joseph Smith, the chief prophet of the Mormons, Sidney Rigdon, and Hiram Smith, the two last far-famed teachers among the sect, have all applied for the benefit of the bankrupt act.

Joe Smith's debts amount to about $100,000, and among the assets, it is said, there is no trace of the celebrated Golden Bible, nor of any other book whatever.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The World in a Nut Shell.

Col. Pendleton, of Ohio, has introduced into Congress a bill to establish military posts in Oregon Territory... Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, is not dead....


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Bible is said to have been written for amusement in 1812 by Rev. Solomon Spaulding, who then lived at New Salem, Ohio. Sidney Rigdon worked in the office, [and probably] copied the original manuscript.


Note: The year 1842 saw a temporary increase in news items mentioning Solomon Spalding as the originator of the Book of Mormon. Perhaps this was due to the fact that three or four significant books on the Mormons appeared that year. At any rate, by 1842 it had become the accepted "conventional wisdom," that Sidney Rigdon once worked as a printer in the office where Spalding's manuscript was submitted for publication. Rigdon's early connection with the Patterson publishing operations in Pittsburgh was something less substantial than full time employment. That small fact did not deter overzealous reporters and editors from coming up with news items such as the above report, however.

The Mormons. -- The good old city of Salem, (Mass.) that pattern place in the land of steady habits, has been invaded by the Mormons, and strange to say, upwards eighty converts have been made. Meetings are now held frequently and crowds flock to listen to the strange doctrines of the "latter day saints."   Weekly Economist.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SAINTS AND PROPHETS IN TROUBLE. -- The Evening Journal publishes a letter dated Springfiled, Illinois, which represents the Mormon settlement to be subject to the pains and penalties of hard times, notwithstanding all the extraordinary sanctity of its high priests and elders. The following is an extract from the letter:

"You requested me, when I saw you last, at St. Louis, to inform you by letter directed to Philadelphia, whether Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet had applied for the benefit of the Bankrupt Act. I have now before me the applications of the prophet, Joseph Smith, of Sidney Rigdon, and of Hiram Smith, the two last far-famed teachers of these deluded people. The debts of Smith amount to about $100,000. I have hastily calculated it just now, and made it amount to $99,325.27. His assets consist in some notes obtained from individuals for various amounts, in some trifling household furniture, and lots in Nauvoo. I have looked dilligently among the furniture for the golden Bible, but cannot see it named, in fact he has no Bible or book of any description in his inventory. The inventories and schedules of Sidney Rigdon and Hiram Smith are similar to Joseph Smith's except that Hiram has inventoried some children's books, a Bible, and book of Mormon. Sidney Rigdon had inventoried 1 vol. of Gill's body of Divinity, 1 old family Bible, 2 books of Mormon, 1 Hebrew, 2 Greek, and 1 Latin Grammar. These are teachers -- he is the prophet."


Note: Later in 1842, John C. Bennett took Smith to task for bankruptcy fraud, but his allegations in the pages of the Sangamo Journal appear to have raised no questions among the state government auditors at Springfield. An examination of the county real estate records, at the court house in Carthage, Illinois, indicates that Smith transferred some of his most valuable lots in Nauvoo, into the names of his wife and minor children shortly before making out his bankruptcy declaration in 1842. No doubt the Democratic "movers and shakers" in Springfield had more important things to do than examine the finances of their Democrat-voting associates in Nauvoo. William Smith, then a member of the Illinois Legislature, may have lobbied among the Whig representatives to also "look the other way."

==> It seems that there is a tremendous flare-up brewing in the Mormon church. Rigdon, Robinson, and others, Joe Smith's right-hand men, have left him, and talk of setting up gor themselves. It appears too, that they are telling tales out of school, or out of the church, which amounts to the same thing, and pretty startling tales too. The last Warsaw Signal says:

One disclosure particularly will prove interesting -- and that is in relation to Boggs's murder. -- Bennett states that A. P. Rockwood started suddenly from Nauvoo, about two weeks before Boggs's assassination; that he (Bennett) asked Joe where Rockwood had gone; and that Joe replied, that 'he had gone to Missouri to fulfil prophecies!!' He says further, that Rockwood returned to Nauvoo on the very day that the news of Governor Boggs' assassination arrived. Since that, the Prophet has presented said Rockwood with a carriage and horse, or horses; and he has suddenly become very flush of money, and lives in style. These statements we give as we received them. It is said that Bennett has affidavits to prove every fact stated, and will shortly present them to the world. If this be true, there will but little doubt remain, that Joe Smith was the real instigator of Boggs's assassination.


Note: The original Warsaw Signal report gave the name of the would-be assassin as "Mr. Rockwell." As it turns out, O. P. Rockwell and A. P. Rockwood were two entirely different Mormon Elders, both living in Nauvoo at this time.

Trouble among the Mormons. -- The Mormon leaders at Nauvoo have got into a snarl, and some precious revelations touching the prophet Jo. Smith, are promised. The quarrel is between Smith, Rigdon, and Gen. John C. Bennett. The latter has been Commander in Chief of the Nauvoo Legion, and has possessed in an eminent degree, the confidence of Jo Smith. A letter from Bennett published in the last Burlington Hawkeye, shows that the schism is incurable, and that disclosures are forthcoming. Bennett says: --

"The holy Joe fears the consequence of my disclosures, and has threatened to take my life, and has ordered some of his Danite band to effect the murder clandestinely -- but he shall be exposed. If he murders me, others will avenge my blood, and expose him; If I live, I will do it to the entire satisfaction of all. Just suspend your judgment a few days until you see my expose in the "Sangamo Journal" of next week, or the week following, over my own name."
                              Cleve Herald.

Notes: (forthcoming)

==> John C. Bennett, the commander in chief of the Mormon Legion, has quarrelled with Joe Smith, and now threatens to expose Smith's impositions. He says that Smith threatens to kill him.

Notes: (forthcoming)

The World in a Nut Shell.

John Cook Bennett, late general and commander in chief has quarrelled with Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet and is now publishing charges against Smith of all kinds of villainy, particularly of adultery, in which he gives [cases] and names, & gives what he believes is the evidence to prove that Joe sent a Mormon to kill Boggs of Missouri. The details are horrible. Great commotion exists at Nauvoo & it is said several of Joe's right hand men have joined Bennett's party. Bennett promises further developments.

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- Lucifer is enjoying himself among the Mormons. Gen. Bennett has been excommunicated, and is out in the newspapers with an exposition of the enormities practiced by "holy Joe" and his disciples, charging them with all manner of licentiousness. Joe turns upon his accuser, and alleges that he is every thing that is vile and wicked. The probability is, that a gang of moe arrant villains than these same Mormon leaders was never assembled together before.

Their infatuated followers cannot much longer be deluded, so that we may soon expect to hear of the dissolution of that strange and superstitious sect.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE  SMITH  AND  HIS  VILLAINY.

This graceless scamp and imposter, we trust will soon get his deserts. A more monstrous imposition was never practised upon humanity, than Joe Smith's wretched Mormonism, which so deeply infects portions of the western country. One Bennett, a sort of leader or chief "bottle holder" to Joe, has seceded from the concern, and the exposition he makes of Mormonism and its vile practices, should cause a torrent of indignation to come about his head. Bennett says Smith stands indicted for murder, treason, burglary and arson, in Missouri, and he defies the laws and legal constituted authorities to deliver him over for trial. Bennett has published a long list of charges against the Mormon leader, from which we extract the following:

"Joseph Smith, the great Mormon seducer, one who has seduced not only hundreds of single and married females, but more than the great Solomon, attempted to seduce Miss Nancy Rigdon, the eldest single daughter of Sidney Rigdon, to submit to his hellish purposes, and become one of his clandestine wives under the new dispensation. Call upon Miss Rigdon, who repulsed him with commendable firmness, and I will abide her testimony -- call, likewise, upon Gen. George W. Robinson, and Col. F. M. Higbee, to state what they know upon this subject. Gen. Robinson and Col. Higbee, can tell some astounding facts in relation to this matter. Joe approached Miss Rigdon "in the name of the Lord, and by his authority and permission," as he said. Joe attacked Mr. Rigdon, Gen. Robinson, Col. Higbee and myself, In order to destroy the influence of all of us to prevent the exposition of this case. -- But it is all true, and the legal evidence shall be forthcoming. Call upon Miss Martha Brotherton, of Warsaw, and see what she will say as to the base attempt at seduction in her own case. She can tell a tale of woe that would make humanity shudder. Call upon Miss Mitchell, of this city, one of the most chaste and spotless females in the west, and see what she knows as to the PROPHET'S SECRET WIVES. Hundreds of cases can be instanced, and if the Danites do not murder me, you shall hear a tale of pollution and sorrow. Joe's licentiousness is unparalleled in the annals of time. I have the evidence, and it shall come; and no attacks on me to divert the public mind from himself, and his iniquity shall avail him. My purpose is fixed, and the world shall know who the great impostor is. -- Time will not permit my going into further detail in this letter; but an abused and insulted public shall know all about it."

---

MORMONISM  UNVEILED.

Nauvoo. -- We understand that the very mischief is brewing in Nauvoo, since the threatening of Bennett to expose the villainy of Joe and his satellites. Several of Joe's right hand men, among them, one of the Pratts, G. W. Robinson and Sidney Rigdon, have left the church and joined Bennett's party.

One disclosure particularly will prove interesting -- and that is in relation to Boggs's murder. Bennett states that A. P. Rockwood started suddenly from Nauvoo, about two weeks before Bogg's assassination; that he (Bennett) asked Joe where Rockwood had gone; and that Joe replied, that "he had gone to Missouri to fulfil prophecies!!!" He says further, that Rockwood returned to Nauvoo on the very day that the news of Governor Boggs' assassination arrived. Since that, the Prophet has presented said Rockwood with a carriage and horse, or horses; and he has suddenly become very flush of money, and lives in style. These statements we give as we received them. It is said that Bennett has affidavits to prove every fact above stated, and will shortly present them to the world. If this be true, there will but little doubt remain, that Joe Smith was the real instigator of Boggs's assassination.

We have seen Gen. Bennett, who says the above statement is strictly true, with the exception of the name of the assassin; which is O. P. Rockwell, and that Rockwell arrived at Nauvoo the day previous to the arrival of the news of Gov. Bogg's assassination.

An attempt has been made to assassinate Bennett -- after he had threatened to make his exposure, and a day or two before he left Nauvoo a carriage drove up to his residence with its wheels muffled and the horses' hoofs wrapped to prevent noise -- with several Mormons dressed as women, but Bennett was prepared to receive them, and they went off without molesting him.   St. Louis Bull.


Note: The John C. Bennett report, alleging that Joseph Smith had sent O. P. Rockwell to kill Liliburn W. Boggs, in order to "fulfil prophecy," was first printed in the July 9, 1842 issue of the Warsaw Signal. On July 12, 1842 the St. Louis Missouri Republican printed a garbled, two paragraph version of the news, giving the erroneous name of "A. P. Rockwood" in re-telling the story from the Signal. The name matter was cleared up somewhat when the St. Louis Bulletin ran the Republican's two garbled paragraphs and appended its own comments (in the last two paragraphs of the above item). Evidently this clarification appeared in the July 13th issue of the Bulletin, but the item has not yet been located for confirmation. In its number of July 14 issue the Bulletin published John C. Bennett's allegations in much greater detail.

==> Gen. Bennett, late of Nauvoo, has gone [to the] East, to publish a history of Mormonism.

Notes: (forthcoming)

LATE  ELECTIONS.

Illinois -- In this repudiating state the Locos, as usual, have carried the state. The exact majority is not ascertained. The Mormons united with the Locos. Our old friend John Bailhache, former editor of the Ohio State Journal, is elected to the Legislature from Madison county....


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH & CO. -- The St. Louis Republican has intelligence from Nauvoo that Gov. Carlin of Illinois has resolved to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, to deliver up Jo Smith, and A. [sic] P. Rockwell, who it is charged was employed by Smith to assassinate Ex-Gov. Boggs. Smith and Rockwell were arrested, but the prisoners were released on a habeas corpus issued by some of the Mormon authorities at Nauvoo. Further attempts were made to get possession of the prophet and Rockwell, but they could not be [found]. Smith, it was supposed, would go to England. -- Clev. Her.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- After getting the Mormon votes, gov. Carlin of Illinois, on the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, issued a writ for the apprehension of Joe Smith and O. P. Rockwell. to answer to the charge of attempting to assassinate ex-Governor Boggs. They were arrested; and under the pretence of examination at Nauvoo, under a base law granted to Nauvoo by the locos, they escaped and could not be found at our last dates.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Joe Smith and Rockwell have not been found at our latest dates from Nauvoo, the Mormon city.

Notes: (forthcoming)

DECISION ON THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS,
_______

... If every child, under a claim founded upon the supposed rights of conscience, were allowed to carry into effect every decision of its immature judgment, where is this to end? Shall it be allowed under this pretense, to violate the law of God? to repudiate the Christian religion to become a Jew or a Mahomedan? -- Or, retaining the Christian name, shall it be allowed to mingle with the battle-axe community, who make it a matter of conscience to disregard the holy institution of marriage? -- Or, upon this pretense, shall the beloved daughter of a Christian parent, in a moment of delusion, and in the tender years of her minority, be allowed to become one of the secret wives of the Mormon Prophet...


Note: The modern student of Mormonism may find it rather perplexing to notice such very early references to Joseph Smith's polygamy in the public press, on one hand, and then, on the other hand, to encounter large numbers of Reorganized LDS who claim that such "secret wives" were unknown among the Nauvoo Saints, until Brigham Young led them to Utah, and there supposedly concocted Mormon polygamy. Accusations of polygamy among the Mormons and/or their top leaders, were evidently common enough as early as 1835, so as to merit a mention in the Kirtland edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. By 1842, pious writers were lecturing readers in the popular prints, not to let their young daughters be seduced into the harem of Joe Smith in his kingdom on the Mississippi.

Mormonism  Revived.

The Mormon temple, at Kirtland has lately been dedicated anew. On Saturday, the 29th ult., three of Joe Smith's specially commissioned and faithful followers arrived at the temple from Nauvoo, and commenced preaching faith and repentance. The Sunday morning following, they commenced baptizing in a branch of the Chagrin river, and continued at intervals for three days -- baptizing in all two hundred and six persons, at two shillings a head! Old converts were rebaptized, and their sins washed away for the same price as the young ones, making no distinction between old sheep and the lambs of the flock.


Note: The exact date of the above report is unknown. The text is taken from a reprint in the Dec. 16, 1842 issue of the Peoria Register.

Mormonism Revived. -- The Mormon Temple at Kirtland has lately been dedicated anew to God, and the wand of the Prophet has been waking the dry bones in that valley. On Saturday the 19th ult., three of Joe Smith's specially commissioned and faithful followers arrived at the Temple from Nauvoo, and commenced preaching faith and repentance. The Sunday morning following at 8 o'clock, they commenced baptizing in a branch of the Chagrin River, and continued at intervals for three days -- baptizing in all 206 persons, at two shillings a head! Old converts were re-baptized, and their sins washed away, making no distinction between old sheep, and the lambs of the flock.

A strange world, this!   Plain Dealer,


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Liverpool Albion states that the [emigration of] "Mormons, or Latter Day Saints," from that port, is daily increasing. Notwithstanding the rascalities of their apostle, Joe Smith, having been so often denounced and exposed, these well meaning but deluded enthusiasts continue to leave their native country by hundreds, in order to swell the number of his dupes on this side of the Atlantic. The class of persons thus emigrating are represented to be in appearance and worldly circumstances above the run of ordinary steerage passengers. The bulk of them are from the midland counties -- farmers and farmers' servants, with their wives and families. Upwards of 5000 have already emigrated, and an equal number will probably leave before spring. As no better freight is offering, the New Orleans vessels are taking these disciples of the knavish blacksmith, at a very low figure. The Sydney, for instance, only received £ 115 for 180 of the Mormons, while the Henry had agreed to carry 140 for £ 100 -- little more than fifteen shillings a head!


Notes: (forthcoming)

NAUVOO.

A gentleman just arrived from Nauvoo, states that whole families at a time, were continually leaving that place. -- The delusion appeared to be on the decline. Our informant describes the houses as small and mean looking log, board and sod shanties. The Temple is to be large -- should it ever be built; but at present the foundation only is laid. Joe Smith keeps the only store of any consequence, and of course he monopolizes most of the trading profits. The whole matter is a system, as he conceives, of cruel and heartless deception, selecting victims not only in this country, but even more extensively in England. -- Phila. Chronicle.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The ship Henry arrived at New Orleans, on the 20th ult., with a number of Mormons on board from England. An officer and ten men belonging to the U. S. cutter Woodbury, were also on board to preserve order, as some of Joe Smith's followers were charged with munity by the Captain of the Henry. The Picayune in describing them says: --

Like those of their "order," they seem to have endured their share of those privations which have been the parent of riots, "strikes," and chartistism in England; like them they appear to be people of very limited intelligence, and like them easily made the dupes of designing men and the believers of doctrines however absurd, particularly such as give promise of an improvement of their temporal condition.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Nauvoo. -- A gentleman just arrived from Nauvoo, informs the Editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, that whole families at a time, were continually leaving that place. The delusion appeared to be on the decline. Our informant describes the houses as small and mean looking log, board and sod shanties. The Temple is to be large, should it ever be built, but at present the foundation only is laid. Joe Smith keeps the only store of any consequence, and of course he monopolizes most of the trading profits. The whole matter is a system, as he conceives, of cruel and heartless deception selecting victims not only in this country, but even more extensively in England.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROZEN TO DEATH. -- Mr. Alpheus Harmon and his nephew Orsey Harmon, were frozen to death on Thursday, the 17th ult., on the open prairie between Carthage and Nauvoo, Illinois, about seven miles from the latter place. They were travelling across the prairie toards Nauvoo, with an ox team and wagon, and it is supposed they became bewildered in the storm. Mr. Harmon was one of the three hundred preachers commissioned by Joe Smith to preach the Mormon faith.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A Mormon Miracle Knocked in the Head.

One of Joe Smith's holy clan finding that the disclosure of Mormonism by Bennett, had had the the effect of shaking the faith of his followers, determined to set his brain to work to invent a scheme how to recover the lost confidence of his congregation, cost what it might. For this purpose he procured a dove and taught the bird to fly to him, and eat from his ears, in which he placed the grains that served for his daily food. Having, as he thought, sufficiently trained the bird, he gave out that on the next Sabbath after lecturing he would prove by a miracle that he was a Prophet of God. The day came -- the meeting house was crowded; one of Erin's unsophisticated sons had been procured under promise of eternal secrecy to hide himself in the garret, and to let the messenger of peace fly at the word of command. All was arranged -- with a countenance lit up with confidence of success, the Latter Day Saint began his exhortation; pronounced Bennett a scroundrel, a liar and impostor; and to prove his assertions, he with a loud voice, called on Heaven to send down its holy spirit in the form of a dove, as it appeared hovering over our Saviour when baptised in the river Jordan. A dead silence prevailed: -- each eye was fixed with a superstitious awe on the excited prophet, who with extended arms loudly called for the Holy Ghost. Again and again he called, but still no answer was made; at last, fearful that his Hibernian agent in the loft had not heard him, he fairly burst forth, as he frantically clapped his hands and stamped his foot. "Holy Ghost, appear!"

When lo! and behold! the Irishman's red phiz protruded through a crack of the ceiling and addressed the discomfited prophet in this wise:

"Arrah, be Jasus, how can the Holy Ghost be making his appearance? Hasn't the cat ate him?   -- Mills Point Herald.


Note 1: The story of the designing preacher and his trained "holy" dove (untimely eaten by a cat or rat) was an old piece of American folklore appropriated by anti-Mormon writers to typify what they saw as the hoax of Joseph Smith's Mormonism -- no matter whether or not Smith and his saintly associates ever actually engaged in such outrageous conduct. Just such an account appeared in the columns of the Cincinnati Enquirer early in 1843. The Enquirer's dubious report may have been the first time the trained dove story was coupled with an account of the religion of Joseph Smith. The basic premise of the scene was not alien to Mormonism, however. Smith himself described the bird figure in his 1842 publication of the "Book of Abraham" graphics as a the Holy Ghost descending in the form of a dove. And, in a portion of the Book of Mormon supposedly written six centuries before the birth of Christianity, the ancient writer Nephi says "the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove."

Note 2: A person whose identity was "withheld for prudential reasons" in Arthur B. Deming's Naked Truths No. 2 applies the time-worn dove tale to the scene of Smith's pulpit speech at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Two other of Deming's "witnesses," Stephen H. Hart and Mrs. Barber provide similar accounts. The Syracuse Empire State Democrat ran a series of "Mormon Anecdotes," of the same genre, beginning in its issue for July 20, 1844.

In 1842 the statistics of the Methodist Church was as follows: They have 33 Conferences; traveling preachers 4233; local [preachers] 7621; communicants 1,003, 901... Mormonites 19,000; Shakers, Moravians and Swedenborgians from 5 to 6,000 each. -- ... Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, has been arrested on a charge of being accessary to the attempt to kill ex-governor Boggs of Missouri, tried and acquitted -- ...


Notes: (forthcoming)

A false Spirit at Nauvoo. -- In the last number of Joe Smith's Times and Seasons," we find an account of a "false spirit," named Oliver Olney, who was recently tried "by the High Council, and disfellowshipped, because he would not have his writings tested by the word of God; evidently proving that he loves darkness rather than light, because his deeds are evil." Since his expulsion from the Church, he has been engaged in a campaign against Mormonism, and has been one of Bennett's right hand men -- he was also one of the contributors to the columns of the "Sangamo Journal," making, or professing to make, a great expose of the corrupt principles of Mormonism. It appears that this Olney broke into and robbed Joe Smith's store of upwards of one thousand dollars worth of property; he was arrested and openly confessed the whole circumstance of the theft; he, however, excaped from the officers who were carrying him to the county jail. Olney is represented as a large, powerful, athletic man. He was for a long time a member of the Nauvoo church, and always maintained a consistent character. The Times and Seasons has the following remarks respecting him. "Having become loosed from the moorings of eternal truth, and been dashing about on the waves of superstition, fanaticism and uncertainty, he became a fit subject to be duped by the notorious Bennett, and it would seem has been too apt a scholar to his teaching until he has become engulphed in the whirlpool of destruction; and he now stands as a lasting monument of folly and disgrace to those who may be tempted to tread in his footsteps." The Times and Seasons says, all they want in Nauvoo is a prison for rogues or "false spirits."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- In the Illinois Legislature on the 27th ult., the Senate repealed the law creating the Nauvoo military corps. They also repealed the charter of the Mormon city of Nauvoo.


Note: The above report was a false one -- the Nauvoo charters remained in effect until several months after the death of Joseph Smith, Jr.

MORMONISM. -- The Locos of Illinois, having no longer any use for Mormon support, are about depriving their allies of the privileges granted them for and in consideration of that support. A bill to repeal the charter of Nauvoo and disband the Legion has passed the Senate of that State.


Note: This is a false report with some basis in fact. Hancock Co. rep. William Smith (brother of Joseph) and his political allies in the Illinois Legislature derailed the 1843 proposition to amend the Mormon charters. Previously William had posed as a pseudo-Whig, but he and the vast majority of the Nauvooites were block-voting "Locos" (Democrats). The Mormons' Democratic allies in Springfield kept the charters proposal a dead issue until well after the assassination of William's two older brothers in June of 1844.

JOE SMITH -- THE MORMONS. -- The folloeing is the first intelligence we have for some time had, from the Mormon Prophet and his followers. We quote from a letter published in the Cincinnati Gazette, dated at Burlington, Iowa, April 23d.

Jo Smith, the Mormon Prophet, has lately laid out another town, about 3 miles below this, on the Illinois side of the river. He came up last fall in great pomp, with some three or four hundred of his deluded followers, and consecrated the spot. They are now busily engaged erecting improvements; some three hundred new emigrants were landed there yesterday, from variois parts of the world, principally England and Scotland. -- The call the new place "Chocokon," being the Indian name for "Flint Stone." Nauvoo, the great city of "the Latter Day Saints," is about twenty-five miles below this, and is continually receiving large additions to its numbers.


Note: The journal of the notable Mormon, Amasa M. Lyman, says: "The following winter [1842-43] I was engaged by the Prophet to move my family to Shockequon [Shoquoquon/Shockoquon], in Henderson County, where he had bought some property, I repaired to the place where I superintended the surveying of the town site and commenced building. I remained here until the following summer, of 1843, when the Prophet was kidnapped, when I participated in the efforts that resulted in his rescue."

NAUVOO. -- The editor of the Cuyhoga Falls True American says, he conversed with a gentleman a day or two since, who had lately visited the Mormon Prophet, who states that there are now at Nauvoo, congregated from all parts of the world, some 17 or 18,000 souls -- in a miserable, wretched condition, subject to the order of Smith. While hundreds become dissatisfied with the represented "Promised Land," and leave for a better "heritage," their places are filling by fresh converts to a wicked system of delusion. The great temple, estimated to cost half a million of dollars, has advanced about 14 feet in its walls.


Notes: (forthcoming)

About four hundred Mormon men and women with about one hundred children passed down the Ohio river, bound for Nauvoo on the 10th ult., a few days before another party of them not quite so large went down. They were principally from New York and New England.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A gentleman from Peoria reports that Joe Smith passed through that place on Wednesday last, for Springfield. He was in a carriage, in the custody of officers, and they crossed the ferry without stopping in town. The steamboat Maid of