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Painesville, Geauga County

Painesville Telegraph
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Return to: last issue of 1833



Printed  and  Published  Every  Friday  Morning,  at  Painesville,  Geauga  County,  Ohio.

Vol. V.]                                         Fri., Jan. 3, 1834.                                         [No. 29.



Church & State. -- The News-Letter says that proposals have been issued for publishing a Jackson paper at Kirtland, in this county. From other sources we learn that said paper is to be under the guidance of the Mormon leaders. Magicians and soothsayers may be of some service to the "heir apparent."


Note: The Kirtland Evening and Morning Star began publication at its new location in Ohio in December of 1833. The same LDS printing office issued the Jacksonian Northern Times, beginning about a year later. See article in the Telegraph for Feb. 20, 1835. An initial Prospectus and one or two "extras" of the Times were probably printed at Kirtland in the fall of 1834, in the cause of the "heir apparent" to President Jackson, the "Magician of Kinderhook," Martin Van Buren. The editor of the Painesville Telegraph, apparently heard of the Mormons' plans to issue the Northern Times, months prior to the publication of its first issue. The Mormons' decision to support the Jacksonian party in local and national politics eventually resulted in the establishment of a block-voting group of Democrats in Kirtland township. This northern Ohio outpost of the Jacksonians was a Democrat island in a sea of Western Reserve Federalists, Anti-Masons, and emerging Whigs. When the Northern Times began full publication in 1835 it trades news items with other Democrat-supporting newspapers like the Warren News-Letter and the Painesville Republican. This temporary political alliance between the Mormons and the northern Ohio Democrats influenced the editors of the Jacksonian papers to print generally milder (even supportive) news items and editorial comments regarding the Kirtland Mormons, than appeared in their anti-Jacksonian counterparts. The development of this uneasy partisan alliance helps explain the Painesville Republican's soft handling of the 1837 news of prosecution of Joseph Smith, Jr. on illegal banking and conspiracy to commit murder charges.


 



Printed  and  Published  Every  Friday  Morning,  at  Painesville,  Geauga  County,  Ohio.

Vol. V.]                                         Fri., Jan. 10, 1834.                                         [No. 30.



LIST of Letters remaining in the Post-Office at Painesville, Ohio, the Quarter ending 31st December, 1833.

... P. Hurlbert ...


Note: This letter was probably addressed to "Doctor" P. Hurlbut, who was at this time under arrest in Painesville in the case of an altercation with Joseph Smith, Jr., in Kirtland two weeks before. It is likely that D. P. Hurlbut changed his address for receiving mail from Kirtland to Mentor or to Painesville at the end of Dec. 1833, when he evidently moved out of Kirtland -- until about the end of 1852, (when he returned to live there for a few years).


 



Printed  and  Published  Every  Friday  Morning,  at  Painesville,  Geauga  County,  Ohio.

Vol. V.]                                         Friday, Jan. 24, 1834.                                         [No. 32.



A  SCRAP  OF  MORMONISM.

It will be recollected that an affray recently took place between the Mormon sect and a larger body of the people of Jackson county, Missouri, and that peace was only restored by the removal of the former across the river into another county, by the advice of the Lt. Governor of the state, until the difficulties could undergo a judicial investigation. Soon after the above accounts were received at the head quarters of the Mormon Prophet, in this county, the following document (which they call a revelation,) was printed and privately circulated among the deluded followers of the impostor, Smith. It will be seen that it is made to touch the difficulties in question, and settles them at once. The latter part of it may be better understood, when it is known that some of the people who fled from Jackson county, sold or attempted to sell their lands -- that the "Sidney G." spoken of, is A. S. Gilbert, a merchant among them, who actually sold out his store and goods. The Deity is represented to be speaking throughout. We think the cloven foot is so visible in this document, that some of the deluded will discover it. -- [Editor Telegraph.

Verily, I say unto you, concerning your brethren, who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance; -- I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted in consequence of their transgressions; yet, I will own them, and they shall be mine, in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. Therefore, they must needs be chastened, and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son; for all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, can not be sanctified. Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel, but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.

Verily, I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them; I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy. I have sworn and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass. Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations, and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full.

And in that day, all who are found upon the watch tower, or in other words, all mine Israel shall be saved. And they that have been scattered shall be gathered; and all they who have mourned shall be comforted; and all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned.

Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion;* for all flesh is in mine hands: be still, and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered, they that remain and are pure in heart shall return and come to their inheritance, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy; to build up the waste places of Zion; and all these things, that the prophets might be fulfilled.

And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed, neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed for the work of the gathering of my saints, until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains, or the strength of Zion.

Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting Gospel, should gather together and stand in holy places, and prepare for the revelation which is to come when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together. And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of heaven, or of the fish of the sea, that dwell upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed; and also, that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth. And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts; yea, the enmity of all flesh shall cease from before my face. And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask it shall be given unto him. And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man. And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old, and his life shall be as the age of a tree, and when he dies he shall not sleep (that is to say in the earth), but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious.

Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come he shall reveal all things; things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew; things of the earth by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof; things most precious; things that are above, and things that are beneath; things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven. And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake, yet shall they partake of all this glory.

Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul, and seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience you may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life. When men are called unto mine everlasting Gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth, and the savor of men; they are called to be the savor of men. Therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing, only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion; even many, but not all; they were found transgressors, therefore, they must needs be chastened. He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted.

And now, I will show unto you a parable that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion: a certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants, go ye into my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees; and set watchmen round about them and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower; that mine olive trees may not be broken down, when the enemy shall come to spoil and take unto themselves the fruit of my vineyard.

Now the servants of the nobleman went and did as their Lord commanded them; and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower. And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves, And what need hath my Lord of this tower? and consulted for a long time, saying among themselves, What need hath my Lord of this tower? seeing this is a time of peace! might not this money be given to the exchangers? for there is no need of these things! And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their Lord, and the enemy came by night and broke down the hedge, and the servants of the nobleman arose, and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works and broke down the olive trees.

Now, behold, the nobleman, the Lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why, what is the cause of this great evil! Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you? and after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof, built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower? and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you? and, behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off, and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.

And the Lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants, Go, and gather together the residue of my servants; and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also, among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry; and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I have bought it with money. Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies, throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen; and inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies; that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.

And the servant said unto his Lord, when shall these things be? And he said unto his servant, When I will: go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you; a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house; a ruler in my kingdom.

And his servant went straightway, and done all things whatsoever his Lord commanded him, and after many days all things were fulfilled.

Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation, that the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my words must needs be fulfilled. Therefore, I must gather together my people according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward every man according as his work shall be; while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.

Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed; nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you; observe the commandments which I have given concerning these which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands by money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints; all the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.

Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, be not in haste, and observe to have all things prepared before you. And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto my counsel, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion. There is even now already in store a sufficient, yea, even abundance to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to hearken to my voice. And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers, and are in authority over you, according to the laws of the Constitution of the people which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles, that every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto them, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of Judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge (for men ought always to pray and not faint), which saith, There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man; and there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, avenge me of mine adversary; and he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, though I fear not God, nor regard men, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming, she weary me. Thus will I liken the children of Zion.

Let them importune at the feet of the Judge; and if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the Governor; and if the Governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the President; and if the President heed them not, then will the Lord arise, and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation, and in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off these wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites and unbelievers; even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be opened unto your cries, that I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not come upon them.

What I have said unto you must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; that wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; that I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work; that men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God.

And again, I say unto you, it is contrary to my commandment, and my will, that my servant Sidney G. should sell my store house, which I have appointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies. Let not that which I have appointed be polluted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name; for this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people, in consequence of those things which I have decreed, and are soon to befall the nations.

Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold claim, upon that which I have appointed unto them, though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon; nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell thereon; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom, they shall dwell thereon; they shall build, and another shall not inherit it; they shall plant vineyards, and they shall eat the fruit thereof; Even so. Amen.


* "Zion" is the name given to their lands and possessions in Missouri.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Printed  and  Published  Every  Friday  Morning,  at  Painesville,  Geauga  County,  Ohio.

Vol. V.]                                         Friday, Jan. 31, 1834.                                         [No. 33.



To The Public.

THE undersigned Committee appointed by a public meeting held in Kirtland, Geauga co., Ohio, for the purposes of ascertaining the origin of the Book of MORMON, would say to the Public, that when met as directed by said meeting, it became a subject of deliberation whether the committee without violating the spirit of that instrument which declares that "no human authority can in any case whatever control or interfere with the rights of conscience" could take measures to avert the evils which threaten the Public by the location in this vicinity, of Joseph Smith Jun. otherwise known as the Mormon Prophet -- and who is now, under pretence of Divine Authority, collecting about him an impoverished population, alienated in feeling from other portions of the community, thereby threatening us with an insupportable weight of pauperism. The committee were of opinion that the force of truth ought without delay to be applied to the Book of Mormon, and the character of Joseph Smith, Jun. With this object in view, the Committee employed D. P. Hurlbut to ascertain the real origin of the Book of Mormon, and to examine the validity of Joseph Smith's claims to the character of a Prophet. The result of this enquiry so far as it has proceeded has been partially laid before the public in this vicinity by Mr. Hurlbut -- and the Committee are now making arrangements for the Publication and extensive circulation of a work which will prove the "Book, of Mormon" to be a work of fiction and imagination, and written more than twenty years ago, in Salem, Ashtabula County, Ohio, by Solomon Spalding, Esq., and completely divest Joseph Smith of all claims to the character of an honest man, and place him at an immeasurable distance from the high station which he pretends to occupy.

O. A. CRARY
AMOS DANIELS.
JOHN F. MORSE.
SAMUEL WILSON.
JOSIAH JONES.
WARREN CORNING Jr.
JAMES H. PAINE.
JOS. H. WAKEFIELD.
SYLVESTER CORNWELL.
TIMOTHY D. MARTINDALE.
Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio.






Note 1: The list of subscribers were adult men living in central Geauga county in 1834. The Paine family were pioneer settlers in Geauga county and the Crary family were the first settlers in Kirtland. James H. Paine, Esq. was the grand-nephew of Edward Paine, one of the founder of Painesville. James was also Grandison Newell's attorney in Newell's 1837 legal battles against Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver A. Crary was apparently a brother of Christopher Gore Crary, Jr. (1806-c.1895), author of the 1893 Pioneer and Personal Reminiscences, a book which tells the stories early Geauga county residents (and later anti-Mormons) such as John F. Morse, Orris Clapp, Josiah Jones, Samuel Wilson, Timothy D. Martindale, Thomas Card, Warren Corning, O. A. Crary, Nehemiah Allen, and Grandison Newell. To the names of the subscribers listed at the end of the Jan. 31 notice in the Telegraph might well be added the names of Orris Clapp, Esq. (1770-1847) and Grandison Newell (1786-1874), both of Mentor. While these two men did not prepare the Telegraph notice, they were key members of the "committee" of Geauga county anti-Mormons who supported and financed D. Philastus Hurlbut in his quest to recover and exhibit the surviving writings of Rev. Solomon Spalding. In his April 8, 1885 statement

Note 2: Eber D. Howe recalled, "In 1833 and 34 Grandison Newel  Orrin [sic] Clapp  Nathan [sic] Corning of Mentor and many leading citizens of Kirtland and Geauga Co. employed and defrayed the expenses of Doctor Philastus Hurlbut who had been a Mormon preacher..." Warren H. Corning, Jr., Amos Daniels, and Josiah Jones were all parishioners of Sidney Rigdon's old Mentor "Campbellite" congregation; (for a list of that church's members see Hayden, 1875: p. 194). Jones, seemingly the most active anti-Mormon of these three, probably represented "Judge" Orris Clapp, a prominent local follower of Alexander Campbellite (also father-in-law of Campbell's youngest sister) on the anti-Mormon committee. See Jones' statements regarding the Kirtland Mormons in his 1831 letter and his 1833 letter.

Note 3: Joseph H. Wakefield (1792-1835) was ordained an LDS High Priest on June 3, 1831. He moved to Kirtland in 1833, but soon joined dissident Mormons and ex-Mormons like D. P. Hurlbut and was excommunicated near the end of 1833. Mormon George A. Smith says that Wakefield "headed a mob meeting, and took the lead in, bringing about a persecution against the Saints in Kirtland and the regions round about." Wakefield testified at D. P. Hurlbut's Jan. 1834 pre-trial hearing in Painesville. He died the following year at Willoughby, Ohio under suspicious circumstances. James A. Briggs, in an 1886 article, says: "In the winter of 1833-34, a self constituted committee, consisting of Judge [Nehemiah] Allen, Dr. [George W.] Card, Samuel Wilson, Judge Lapham, W[arren] Corning [Jr.] and myself, met at Mr. Corning's house, in Mentor, now known as the [President] Garfield farm, to investigate Mormonism..." George W. Card was a prominent Willoughby physician and founder of Willoughby Medical College (now Willoughby-Eastlake Technical Center).


 



Printed  and  Published  Every  Friday  Morning,  at  Painesville,  Geauga  County,  Ohio.

Vol. V.]                                           Friday, Feb. 7, 1834.                                           [No. 34.



To The Public.

THE undersigned Committee appointed by a public meeting held in Kirtland, Geauga co., Ohio, for the purposes of ascertaining the origin of the Book of MORMON, would say to the Public, that when met as directed by said meeting, it became a subject of deliberation whether the committee without violating the spirit of that instrument which declares that "no human authority can in any case whatever control or interfere with the rights of conscience" could take measures to avert the evils which threaten the Public by the location in this vicinity, of Joseph Smith Jun. otherwise known as the Mormon Prophet -- and who is now, under pretence of Divine Authority, collecting about him an impoverished population, alienated in feeling from other portions of the community, thereby threatening us with an insupportable weight of pauperism. The committee were of opinion that the force of truth ought without delay to be applied to the Book of Mormon, and the character of Joseph Smith, Jun. With this object in view, the Committee employed D. P. Hurlbut to ascertain the real origin of the Book of Mormon, and to examine the validity of Joseph Smith's claims to the character of a Prophet. The result of this enquiry so far as it has proceeded has been partially laid before the public in this vicinity by Mr. Hurlbut -- and the Committee are now making arrangements for the Publication and extensive circulation of a work which will prove the "Book, of Mormon" to be a work of fiction and imagination, and written more than twenty years ago, in Salem, Ashtabula County, Ohio, by Solomon Spalding, Esq., and completely divest Joseph Smith of all claims to the character of an honest man, and place him at an immeasurable distance from the high station which he pretends to occupy.

O. A. CRARY
AMOS DANIELS.
JOHN F. MORSE.
SAMUEL WILSON.
JOSIAH JONES.
WARREN CORNING Jr.
JAMES H. PAINE.
JOS. H. WAKEFIELD.
SYLVESTER CORNWELL.
TIMOTHY D. MARTINDALE.
Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio.


Note 1: This was the second and last appearance of this notice in the Telegraph. The Anti-Mormon Committee appears to have disbanded at about this time, perhaps due to internal divisions. Joseph H. Wakefield would die at Willoughby a few months later -- perhaps the victim of a murder.

Note 2: Shortly after this notice appeared, D. P. Hurlbut sold his accumulation of anti-Mormon materials for E. D. Howe, editor of the Telegraph, for $50 cash and 400 (or 500?) copies of a book Howe was planning to publish, entitled Mormonism Unvailed.


 



Vol. V.]                                           Friday, May 9, 1834.                                           [No. 47.



The Mormon war in Missouri is about to be renewed. Gen. Joe Smith took up his line of march from this country on Monday last, with a large party of his fanatical followers, for the seat of war. -- This expedition has been a long time in active preparation. Soon after the outrages committed upon the members of the sect last Nov. in Missouri, the prophet here sent forth his general orders, which he pretended was a revelation from God, for all his able bodied men to repair to the scene of difficulty. His preachers were sent forth to all parts of the country among their proselytes, with a printed copy of the revelation in their pockets, reiterating and magnifying all the tales of woe which had befallen the church," in the "promised land." Like Peter the Hermit, in the days of the crusades, they have made every effort to stir up the holy zeal of the "warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also," to the combat. The[y] have been made to believe it was a direct command from the Supreme Being, which could not be disobeyed. For several months past they have been collecting munitions of war for the crusade. Dirks, knives, swords, pistols, guns, powder-horns, &c. &c. have been in good demand in this vicinity. Some have equipped themselves with four or five pistols. The prophet, it is said, has a sword over four feet long. When he is filly equipped for battle, he will probably put on the huge spectacles, (said to be 8 or 10 inches between the glasses) which he pretended to have dug up with his gold bible -- they will no doubt answer the purposes of a spy-glass. Then look out, Missourians. But we apprehend the General will take good care of number one. The whole number which are on the move to "expel the infidels from the holy land," they say is about 300. The day before leaving head-quarters, the prophet harangued his troops in person, informing them that he was ready for martyrdom in attestation of his pretensions and that he expected to be killed; but he had not yet launched his course.

People unacquainted with this delusion will be ready to enquire how they manage their pecuniary affairs in fitting out such expeditions. What they purchase of "the world" their credit is always first offered in payment or part payment. They have a common fund, which can always be increased by saying "the Lord has need of it."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                          Friday, July 11, 1834.                                          [No. 4.



THE  MORMON  WAR.

We learn by the following article and others in other papers corroborating it, that violence and bloodshed may be expected in Missouri between those fanatics the Mormonites and those, almost equally fanatic, who seek to put down their superstitions and delusions by force of arms"

Liberty, (Mo.) June 11.    

THE MORMONS. -- Our friends at a distance may feel desirous to hear something respecting the "Mormons," so called, and knowing that the larger portion of them are in this county, may look to us to give them the wanted information.

We have heretofore been almost silent on this subject, hoping that the difficulties which occurred in Jackson co., between the citizens and the Mormons, would be soon settled in an amicable way, at least without the shedding of blood; and, in fact, we have felt very little interest in the matter, farther than it affected the general good of the country. But as this thing has arrived at a crisis which is really appealing to the feelings of good men, we feel it a duty to inform our readers of the movements of this people, at the same time we do not wish to be understood as trying to exasperate the minds of the people against this deluded & unfortunate sect.

For the last six or eight weeks, the Mormons have been actively engaged in making preparations to return to Jackson county, "the land of promise," by providing themselves with implements of war, such as guns, pistols, swords, &c. &c. They expect a reinforcement from the State of Ohio, and we are informed that small parties are arriving almost every day. So soon as they all arrive, they intend to call upon the Governor to reinstate them upon their lands in Jackson, and then, if molested, they are determined to protect themselves, sword in hand. We are told they will be able to muster 700 strong.

A gentleman from Jackson informs us that the citizens of that county are no less engaged in making preparation for their reception. On Monday last they held a meeting, for the purpose of electing officers, and Samuel C. Owens, a gentleman known to many citizens of the state, was unanimously elected commander-in-chief of all their forces. Our informant states that they have received a letter from the Governor, advising them to effect a compromise, if possible by purchasing the land of the Mormons, and paying them for injuries which they have sustained. For this purpose ten persons were appointed, invested with full power to settle the whole matter, and will meet the Mormons in this place, on Monday next, for that purpose. Should the Mormons refuse to accede to an honorable and fair adjustment of these difficulties, the Governor will not restore any to that county, but such as hold lands. The following gentlemen compose the above named Committee: Thomas Stayton, sen., Samuel Erwin, Smallwood V. Noland, Smallwood Noland, Robert Rickman, James Campbell, Richard Fristoe, Thomas Jeffries, and John Davis.

We have our fears as to the final issue of this matter, but hope for the best.
-- Enquirer.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                          Friday, July 18, 1834.                                          [No. 5.



THE  MORMON  WAR.

We saw an article in the last Chardon Spectator, stating that a letter had been received in that neighborhood from the seat of War in Missouri, giving the intelligence that a battle had taken place between the citizens of Jackson co. and the Mormons, in which the commander-in-chief of the latter (the prophet) had been killed. This we have no doubt is without any foundation. The latest intelligence from that quarter, which is authentic, is the following:

The Missouri Enquirer (printed at Liberty) of the 18th June says, that on the Monday preceding, a Committee on the part of the citizens of Jackson county, and one in behalf of the Mormons, met at Liberty, to take into consideration the subject of compromising the difficulties which occurred in Jackson county last Autumn. No compromise was effected, however, notwithstanding the exertions of the people of Clay county, (in which Liberty is situated,) a committee of whom were appointed to act as mediators. On the contrary, the excitement among the People was such, that the conference was, in consequence of it, obliged to be adjourned. The proposition made by the People of Jackson county to the Mormons, who were driven out of the county last Autumn, and are about to re-enter it with additional numbers, in arms, is, to buy all the lands and improvements of the Mormons, at a valuation by disinterested arbitrators, to which valuation one hundred per cent shall be added, to be paid within 30 days thereafter; the Mormons thereupon to leave the county, and not hereafter attempt to enter it, individually, or collectively. Or, the citizens of Jackson county to sell their lands to the Mormons on exactly reciprocal terms.

To neither of these propositions were the Committee of the Mormons authorized to assent, nor does there appear any probability that either of them will be assented to.

The same paper also states, that the ferry boat, in which a part of the above named committee, were recrossing the River, the same evening on their return, suddenly filled with water and sunk; by which accident three of the Committee and two ferrymen were drowned -- six others narrowly escaped. Those who were in the boat and escaped, impute the sinking of it to an injury it had received from some evil disposed person, who knew that the committee were about to pass over.

It appears that Maj. Gen. Smith had not arrived with his troops, but were hourly expected. After all, we think there will not be any fighting in that quarter. An article in our last, indicated the course that the Governor of that State intended to pursue, which is undoubtedly the only true one, in putting an end to the quarrel. It was said that after every attempt at a compromise had failed, he would reinstate the real owners of lands upon them, and require General Joe, with his army of 500 fanatics, (rag, tag and bob-tail) which he has collected from all parts of the United States for the purpose of carrying the war into Jackson county, forthwith to make a retrograde movement to Ohio. We should presume that the Governor of Missouri would consider himself fully competent to settle all disturbances in his territories without the aid of a self-constituted military armament, acting under a pretended revelation from Jesus Christ.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                          Friday, July 25, 1834.                                          [No. 6.



The Mormon War. -- The latest intelligence is, that 17 persons attached to the crusading army of Gen. Joe Smith had died of Cholera, and that the whole division was on the retreat back to this county. Among those who had died, was the "Keeper of the Lord's Store House," Mr. A. S. Gilbert, formerly a merchant in this county.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                          Friday, Aug. 8, 1834.                                          [No. 8.



THE  MORMON  WAR.

Gen. Joe Smith, with his army of fanatics returned to his old headquarters in this county on Saturday last, after an absence of three months, during the most of which time they have been on the march to and from Missouri. This expedition may be considered as one of the veriest "wild goose chases" to be found upon record. They profess to act at all times by command of the Lord, through the mouth of Smith. By these means several hundred armed men have been dragged nearly 800 miles, in the heat of Summer, for the express purpose of "taking Zion." On their arrival there, they found the governor of the state had made a communication on the subject of their difficulties, in which it was discovered that they would "levy war" even in the taking possession of their rights. They therefore had nothing to do but to march "back again." We understand that a revelation was fitted out to suit the case, which declared that the Lord was satisfied with their sacrifice, as he was with Abraham when he offered up his son Isaac. To get along with this last act of folly, the impostors have evidently been put to their wit's ends. Several of the dupes had declared they would quit the concern if "Joseph did not take Zion." New and contradictory revelations have no doubt settled all doubts. Smith says he had no object in marching his army to Missouri, but to carry supplies of money and clothing to the brethren there!!

No settlement of the difficulties had been effected at the latest accounts. We find the following documents in papers which appear to have originated soon after the arrival of the army.

The following papers, which we find in the Fayette Monitor of July 8th, will be acceptable to all such as desire to understand more particularly the nature of the Western feud:

From the Missouri Enquirer.

Being a citizen of Clay county, and knowing that there is considerable excitement among the people thereof: and also knowing that different reports are arriving almost hourly, and being requested by the Hon. J. F. Ryland to meet the Mormons under arms, and obtain from the leaders thereof the correctness of the various reports in circulation, the true intent and meaning of their present movements, and their views generally regarding the difficulties existing between them and the citizens of Jackson county; I did, in company with the other gentlemen, call upon the said leaders of the Mormons at their camp, in Clay county -- and now give to the people of Clay co. their written statement, containing the substance of what passed between us.

CORNELIUS GILLIAM.  

PROPOSITIONS  OF  THE  MORMONS.

Being called upon by the above named gentlemen, at our camp, in Clay county, to ascertain from the leaders of our men, our intentions, views, and designs, in approaching this county in the manner that we have; we therefore, the more cheerfully comply with their request, because we are called upon by gentlemen of good feelings, and who are disposed for peace and on amicable adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people of Jackson county. The reports of our intentions are various, and have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of almost every man. For instance, one report is, that we intend crossing the Missouri River on saturday next, and falling upon women and children, & slaying them; another is, that our men were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from manufacturing establishments in the East that had closed business; also, that we carried a flag, bearing PEACE on one side and war or blood on the other; and various others too numerous to mention. All of which, a plain declaration of our intentions, from under our own hands, will show are not correct. In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostilities against any man or body of men. It is not our intention to injure any man's person or property, except in defending ourselves. Our flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen, who will be able to describe it. Our men were not taken from any manufacturing establishment. It is our intention to go back upon our lands in Jackson, by order of the Executive of the State, if possible. We have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self defense, as it is well known to almost every man of the State that we have every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defence, considering the abuse we have suffered in Jackson County. We are anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us, upon honorable and constitutional principles. We are willing for 12 disinterested men, six to be chosen by each party, and these men shall say what the possessions of those men are worth who cannot live with us in the county; and they shall have their money in one year; and none of the Mormons shall enter that county to reside until the money is paid. The damages that we have sustained in consequence of being driven away, shall also be left to the above twelve men. Or they may all live in the county, if they choose, and we will never molest them if they will let us alone and permit us to enjoy our rights. We want to live in peace with all men, and equal rights is all we ask. We wish to become permanent citizens of this State, and wish to bear our proportion in support of the Government, and to be protected by its laws. If the above proposals are complied with, we are willing to give security on our part; and we shall want the same of the people of Jackson county for the performance of this agreement. We do not wish to settle down in a body, except where we can purchase the lands with money: for to take possession by conquest or the shedding of blood, is entirely foreign to our feelings. The shedding of blood we shall not be guilty of, until all just and honorable means among men prove insufficient to restore peace. Amen
Joseph Smith, Jr.
F. G. Williams,
Lyman Wight,
Roger Orton,
Orson Hyde,
John S. Carter.
John Lincoln,
C. R. Morehead,
John Scorce,
James H. Long,
James Collins.

Clay County, June 21, 1834.
__________


From the same Paper.

Messrs. Kelly & Davis:
    Gentlemen: Having understood that a communication from the Mormons, addressed to the people of Clay County, a copy of which was also forwarded to us, dated 21st inst. has been left, with you for publication, we have thought proper to give said communication a passing notice, especially as it bears the signatures of Joseph Smith, jr., F. G. Williams, Lyman Wight, Roger Orton, Orson Hyde, and John S. Carter. We are unable to say with precision, who of the Mormons hold land in Jackson county, by any earthly title; but, so far as we can obtain any information from the Register's office at Lexington, so far as the sales of Seminary lands, of the 16th sections Township Schools lands, inform us, and so far as the Recorder's office furnishes any information of lands transferred by deeds recorded, neither of the above gentlemen Mormons own any land in Jackson county; although, throughout their whole communication, they hold out the idea, that their only wish and desire is to return to their lands in Jackson. From the above, it would seem that if those who signed the communication above alluded to, have titles to any lands in Jackson county, they are titles unknown to the laws of the State, and of a character not known to the common conveyances. Why men, who do not, so far as we can learn, own any lands in Jackson, should promulgate to the world that they have been expelled from them, appears to us to be inexplicable; unless, indeed, it is done with a view to deceive. Why men, living in the State of Ohio, should there raise an armed force, and march the distance of 6 or 900 miles, under the pretence of taking possession of their lands in Jackson, when, in fact, they have no earthly title to any, that would be to us also inexplicable, had we not the best possible reasons to know and believe their true intent and purpose. Joseph Smith, jr., whose name is first to the paper of which we speak, we confidently believe, does not, neither did he ever, own a foot of land in Jackson co. Said Smith, two years or more ago, was in Jackson co. some two or three weeks; since which time, he has not been, or at least known publicly to have been, in Jackson co. F. G. Williams, the second signer, we are informed, on competent authority, has never been a resident of Jackson co. But, if here at all, his stay was short, (our informant was, if not yet, a Mormon.) Lyman Wight had been for some time a resident of this county, but had no title to any land, as we believe, from the facts above stated. Roger Orton is unknown to any of the citizens of the county, as far as we have been able to make inquiry, and is unknown to some of the Mormon faith. Orson Hyde is known, and of famous memory to most of the people of this county, not by any personal acquaintance, for, as we are informed, he had been but a short time here; but, by his communications, which appeared in the St. Louis Republican last November, (with what truth [we'll] not here discuss.) John S. Carter is unknown to any person in this county, so far as we can learn.

Thus it would seem, that the signers of the above paper, or a majority of them, have no interest whatever in this county, any further than the Mormon church is concerned; and yet, they avow to the citizens of Clay, that their sole object in arming and marching to this county was, and is, to take possession of their lands, when in fact they have no lands to take possession of; that the abuse they received here last Fall is sufficient to warrant them in coming armed. What abuse, we ask, did the Prophet Jo. Smith, jr., receive in this county last Fall, and he not in the State? None indeed to his person. Again, they say that they never intended to get possession of Zion, (that is Jackson,) by the shedding of blood! But, in Revelation No. 51, given in Kirtland, Ohio, August, 1831, near three years since, which we find in a Book of Revelations, printed by the Mormons, we discover the following in the 13th verse, to wit: "Wherefore, the land of Zion shall be obtained but by PURCHASE or by BLOOD, otherwise there is none inheritance for you." Thus it would seem, that either the Revelation is false, or the statement made by Joseph Smith and others to the people of Clay county is false. And we cannot but conclude, that the statement was got up for the sole purpose of allaying public excitement against them, & without much regard to their real object in coming here. The fact is, that an armed force coming from another State, many, and indeed most of whom have never, as we are informed and believe, been here before, produces the strongest conviction to our minds, that the Mormons do not intend to rely upon the arm of the civil law for protection, and redress of grievances; but that, under the pretence of getting back their lands in Jackson county, a pretence which, applied to 19 out of 20 of them, is false, they intend to redress of themselves their real as well as imaginary wrongs. We have already offered them two prices for their lands; they will not sell; neither will they buy ours on the same terms. All this pertinacity and infatuation of theirs, show that they are determined, at all hazards, and regardless of all consequences, to shake and convulse not only Jackson, but the surrounding counties, to their very centre, and to imbrue the whole upper Missouri in blood and carnage. We will here observe, in conclusion, that our proposition to the Mormons to sell their lands to us on the same terms on which we offer ours to them, must be regarded as a proof of our desire to do them justice, and thus put a final termination to the controversy.

SAM'L  C.  OWENS,  

Chairman of Jackson co. Committee.
Independence, (Mo.) June 23, 1834.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                      Friday, Oct. 10, 1834.                                      [No. 16 (17?)



The Court House question "goes bravely on." On Saturday night last, Sam. Butler and I. O. Paine despatched Elder H. Kingsbury to the mormon camp in Kirtland for the purpose of obtaining a handbill that would call a public meeting to take into consideration "the course pursued by our village editor." We have been unable as yet to find any one to avow himself the author of the handbill, and therefore conclude it must have been procured from the Mormon prophet "by way of revelation." Upon the strength of the notice two meetings were held and attended by from 20 to 30 persons. Butler succeeded in carrying his resolutions against a "village editor," by some half a dozen voices, and Paine let off considerable steam on the occasion. And they are now both satisfied with their exploits, and those present highly edified with the exhibition. We think, therefore, no one can any longer doubt that the court house will come down from Chardon in a very few days since two such notable characters have taken the subject into their special charge. Upon this, we have only to remark by the way, that we have entered upon a new era, when disappointed office seekers call indignation meetings to proscribe editors who will not support them or their friends.

We also learn that at these meetings the county seat question was incidentally brought into view, and resulted in nothing more or less than a determination of some of those present to vote for the court house candidates. We here wish to enquire, just for information, whether the respectable committee which was formerly appointed to take all the necessary steps, call meetings, &c. on the subject, have consigned all their duties to the hands of the above named personages to act as their wisdom should dictate?

We are now more fully convinced of what we suspected last week, that some of the individuals who are the most active in pushing the court house candidates, at this time, have very different objects in view. Will the electors be duped in this way.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                      Friday, Oct. 31, 1834.                                      [No. 19 (20?)



One Gladdon Bishop, a Mormonite preacher, in an account of the fanatic sect, says it commenced in Manchester, Ontario county, New York, in April 1830, with only six members and now numbers 20,000 and 800 preachers, with two printing offices, two stores, and a large stone edifice for a house of worship. These facts, if true, which we doubt, are a sad commentary on the conservative power of human reason against the inroads of the most audacious impostures that ever disgraced the annals of mankind.

The foregoing paragraph we copy from the Times of Friday; but can perceive no greater cause for surprise at the commentary alluded to, upon "the conservative power of human reason," against imposture, than that which might be made upon the "audacious imposture" of Jacksonianism... It is a madness every whit as preposterous as Mormonism, and incomparably more dangerous. The "follow their leader, and fear no harm," hoodwinked and haltered, and then prate about "the conservative power of human reason!!!" -- N. Y. Spec.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                           Painesville, Ohio,  Friday, Nov. 21, 1834.                           [No. 22.



                   For the Telegraph.

THE  TOMATO.

Dr. Bennett, the Professor of Midwifery and the Diseases of Women and Children, Hygeine, and Acclimatement, in the Medical College of Lake Erie, which is the Medical Department of the Willoughby University of Lake Erie, at Chagrin, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in his public introductory lecture recently delivered in that flourishing institution, made the following statement relative to the Solanum Lycopersicum, or, as it is generally called, Tomato, Love Apple, Jerusalem Apple, etc.: to wit: --

1st. That it (the Tomato) is one of the most powerful deobstruents of the Materia Medica, and that in all those affections of the liver, and other organs, where Calomel is indicated, it is probably the most effective, and least harmful remediate agent known to the profession.

2d. That a chemical extract will probably soon be obtained from it which will altogether supercede the use of Calomel in the cure of diseases.

3d. That he has successfully treated serious diarrhoea with this article alone.

4th. That when used as an article of diet, it is almost a sovereign remedy for dyspepsia, or indigestion.

5th. That persons removing from the East, or North, to the West, or South, should, by all means, make use of it as an aliment, as it would, in that event, save them from the danger attendant upon those violent billious attacks to which almost all unacclimated persons are liable.

6th. That the citizens in general should make use of it, either raw, cooked, or in form of a catsup, with their daily food, as it is the most healthy article of the Materia Alimentaria, &c. &c.

Now if these positions are true, it is of the utmost importance that the public should be made acquainted with the facts, and it is with this view that I now make this communication for the press.
MEDICUS.     

N. B. Dr. Bennett stated, likewise, that the free use of the Tomato would make a person much less liable to an attack of Cholera, and that it would in the majority of cases, prevent it.   M.



                   For the Telegraph.

TOMATO.

Dr. Smith, the Professor of Materia Medica in the Medical Department of the Willoughby University of Lake Erie, Chagrin, Ohio, is making a series of experiments upon the Solanum Lycopersicum, or Tomato, for the purpose of ascertaining its medical virtues. This article has long been supposed to contain active curative powers in all those diseases requiring the exhibition of mercury, and if Prof. Smith, in his contemplated expose should be able to establish the fact of its deobstruent action, he will bestow a lasting favor upon the public at large. It has been established beyond all doubt, that it is the most healthy article of common diet now in use -- and it has recently become quite a fashionable article with our best and most accomplished house-wives, and it is hoped that the fashion, being a good one, will not go out of use.
VERITAS.     



MATHIAS THE PROPHET.

Court of Sessions, Nov. 7.     
Present, his Hon., the Recorder, and Aldermen Cornell and Ferris.

Soon after the opening [of] the court, Robert Mathias, falsely denominated the Prophet, whose cause was set down for trial to-day, was ushered into the court room, and was placed near the door of the Grand Jurymen's Chambers. He was clad in a very fine brown cloth cloak, lined throughout with silk, a green cloth frock [a largely illegible description of his clothing follows]... Soon after his introduction into court, the District Attorney rose, and addressing the court stated that he entertained strong and well founded doubts of the [validity] of the indictment against Matthias. That although it was drawn with all possible care and attention to technical rule, and embraced all the facts of the case as presented to the Grand Jury, yet, he believed that it did not and could not embrace those essential attributes of guilt, which in a legal point of view were numerous, to constitute the crime of which he stood charged, and therefore moved the court to take the indictment into consideration, and, if defective, to enter a Nolle prosequi in the case. This motion was resisted by Mr. Western, counsel for the prisoner, who contended for the right of a fair and impartial trial. He stated that he intended to have filed a demurrer against the indictment, and thereby to have its legal validity tested, and then to have it questioned; but in explaining the matter to the prisoner, he positively refused to sanction the proceeding by demurrer, as calculated to implicate him into an acknowledgement of guilt, whereas he contended he was entirely innocent, and had been traduced in his character as to the principles he professed, and the public mind abused and misled on the subject of his belief, and he therefore claimed a right to be tried. To this determination his client, Mr. Western, said he entirely responded, and although he must have the polemic and religious point of Mr. Mathias' defence to be taken care of by himself, yet he must insist on having the matter tried that the guilty and innocent might be known. And it was rendered the more important that such should be the case, inasmuch as Mr. Mathias was to be tried in a sister county for an imputed offence of a much more serious nature, which might involve his life, and the present proceedings might have an important bearing in the trial in Westchester, which was to follow this. The District Attorney, however, wished the court to dwell on the indictment, and read a letter from Mr. Folger, the complainant, who wished all proceedings to be suspended. The court entertained the notice, and will decide on Monday next.


Note: It appears likely that both the "Medicus" and "Veritas" communications were penned by John C. Bennett himself. If so, Bennett must have been a bit chagrined at seeing his announcements relegated to the same news page as published reports regarding the impositions and frauds of the "Prophet Mathias."


 



Vol. VI.]                              Painesville, Ohio, Friday, Nov. 28, 1834.                                [No. 23.



MORMONISM  UNVAILED. --

Just published in this Town, a Book under the above title, containing a history of the Mormon imposition, from its rise to the present time, with many other peculiarities of the sect. 292 pages, 12 mo. For sale at this office, wholesale, and at the Painesville Book-Store.

==> Merchants and Book-Sellers supplied on reasonable terms.
   November, 28th, 1834.


Note: This advertisement ran on the back page of the Telegraph on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12, 1834. Howe did not mention the ad nor its contents elsewhere in his paper and the entire sales promotion program for Mormonism Unvailed appears to have been limited to this small announcement. Howe was reportedly able to fill a number of pre-publication orders by consulting the names previously written down on D. P. Hurlbut's subscription list for the book. So, even though he was obligated to ship 400 or 500 copies to Hurlbut, in Erie Co., Pennsylvania, perhaps Howe was able to recover his publication costs in local sales almost immediately after the book-binding was completed. The book was not widely mentioned in 1834-35; its only known contemporary review was written by Alexander Campbell. Soon after publishing this book Howe retired from the newspaper business. He did not even take the trouble to bind all the pages he had printed, and in 1840 those unused pages were gathered and issued as second edition (under the title of History of Mormonism) by L. L. Rice and P. Winchester, his successors at the Telegraph.

 



Vol. VI.]                                   Friday, Dec. 5, 1834.                                   [No. 24




IMPORTANT LAW QUESTION. -- A trial was last week had before a magistrate in Kirtland township, involving some very intricate points of national as well as military law. A suit was brought against the Mormon prophet, Gen. Jo. Smith, by one of the men composing his military crusade to Missouri last May, to recover pay for his services. Judgment for the plaintiff. The case we learn has been appealed to a higher tribunal, where it will be determined how far individuals are obliged to serve as soldiers, without pay, for an indefinite period, under a pretended revelation from God, without any other consideration than that promised by an impostor in a future state.



MORMONISM  UNVAILED. --

Just published in this Town, a Book under the above title, containing a history of the Mormon imposition, from its rise to the present time, with many other peculiarities of the sect. 292 pages, 12 mo. For sale at this office, wholesale, and at the Painesville Book-Store.

==> Merchants and Book-Sellers supplied on reasonable terms.
   November, 28th, 1834.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                   Friday, Dec. 12, 1834.                                   [No. 25.




MORMONISM  UNVAILED. --

Just published in this Town, a Book under the above title, containing a history of the Mormon imposition, from its rise to the present time, with many other peculiarities of the sect. 292 pages, 12 mo. For sale at this office, wholesale, and at the Painesville Book-Store.

==> Merchants and Book-Sellers supplied on reasonable terms.
   November, 28th, 1834.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                   Friday, Jan. 23, 1835.                                   [No. 31.



To the patrons of the Telegraph:

With this paper, my interest in, and connection with the publication of the TELEGRAPH ceases, probably, forever. The time when this could be done, without a sacrifice of interest or principle has been by me long anticipated with a due proportion of pleasure and regret. The post of an editor and publisher of a newspaper, most certainly must be devoid of every thing pleasing, except to a very few; especially if he professes the will or capacity of thinking or acting for himself: his path is one of thorns and quick-sands, by which he is liable to be overwhelmed by every breeze that is raised by the aspiring partisan, or the malicious and black-hearted demagogue, who are constantly building up to themselves hobbies, with a certainty in their imaginations, that the printer, as a servant of the people, and an advocate of their rights, will aid and assist them in all their projects. We know that we have sadly disappointed the hopes and anticipations of many, who have for years, in consequence, dealt out to us with a steady and untiring hand, their venom and ill will. But in all our trials and difficulties, we have been most generously sustained by an enlightened community, and, where questions have been tested at the ballot-box, by a respectable majority of the freemen of the county.

It is now nearly fourteen years since we commenced the publication of the Telegraph. Since then, our village and county has increased in wealth and population, more than 150 per cent, and the whole country bordering upon the shores of our beautiful Lake, from comparatively a wilderness, has progressed in improvement of every kind, in an unparalleled degree, and promises, at no very remote period, to become the garden of the world.

To our friends, who have been so through every emergency, we tender our grateful acknowledgment, and best wishes for their future welfare; and to our enemies we have nothing to say, except to express a general desire to live in peace with all mankind.

It is expected that the paper will occupy the same ground in politics, and upon all subjects of a general nature, that it has heretofore; and it is confidently anticipated that its conductors, by greater ability, attention and perseverance, will render the publication more worthy the patronage of an enlightened public.
                              E. D. HOWE.


Notes: After retiring as its editor and publisher on Jan. 23, 1835, Eber Dudley Howe apparently still held some financial interest in the Painesville Telegraph, until it was sold to Rice and Winchester, in 1839. He was succeeded as publisher by his brother, who paid him $600 for a controlling interest in the business. In 1835 Eber invested the proceeds of the sale and his savings from a small pension in order to go into partnership with his son-in-law (a Mr. Rogers) in woolen manufacturing and sales in Ohio.

In his 1878 autobiography, Eber D. Howe says: "In January, 1835, my connection with the TELEGRAPH ceased, and the paper went into the hands of a younger brother, Asahel Howe, and was for the next year very ably edited by Doctor M. G. Lewis, an uncle of E. V. Smalley, now of the Cleveland Herald. Since that time I can hardly enumerate the different editors and proprietors who have had the handling of its types. Here are some of them however, viz.: Messrs. Jaques, Hanna, Winchester, Rice, Smythe, Gray, Doolittle, French, Bachelor, Abbott, Bailey, Merrill, Scofield." -- The "Winchester & Rice" he mentions were Lewis L. Rice and Philander Winchester, who purchased the paper in 1839.

Eber's replacement at the Telegraph did not meet with the approval of the Mormons. Sidney Rigdon stated that he knew of "scandalous immoralities about the Howe family of so black a character that they had nothing to lose" in persecuting the Mormons (Quincy Whig, June 8, 1839); and Joseph Smith, Jr. identified "Asahel Howe, one of E. D.'s brothers" as having spent time in prison for "robbing the post office." ("To the Subscribers of the Journal.," Elders' Journal I:4, Aug. 1838). The matter spoken of here was probably Asahel's Howe's December 1828 arrest in Norwalk, Ohio for "purloining money from the U. S. Mails," (see Wayne Sentinel Jan. 9, 1829).


 



Vol. VI.]                                   Friday, Feb. 20, 1835.                                   [No. 35.



Great accession to the Van Buren cause. -- The Mormonites in this county, [as if] weary of the dull monotony of dreams and devotion, of visions and vexation -- of profitless prophecys, and talking in tongues, -- have concluded to turn their attention to political matters. A paper entitled the Northern Times has made its appearance from their press in Kirtland, bearing the name of O. Cowdery, one of their leaders and preachers, as Editor. The editor breaks forth with a flood of words, filling seven columns under his editorial head -- pounces upon the dead carcass of the United States Bank with most Quixotic ferocity -- talks about 'WIGS' -- praises the President -- and says, the nomination of Van Buren "we still add, would meet our mind, and receive our warm support." As the editor professes to have communications with the spirits of the invisible world, and certifies that he has seen an Angel, and "hefted" the golden plates of the Prophet, he will be a political anomaly, if not a dangerous opponent.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                                       Friday, March 27, 1835.                                       [No. 40.



                                              [FOR THE TELEGRAPH.
MUMMIES.

Mr. Editor, -- The history of the ancients is replete with grandeur & curiosity; and who is there so callous, as not to be excited with sufficient curiosity, to traverse with interest, all the dark labyrinths of pagan lore and long gone by usages. History, indeed, calls to mind spirits which have long since been traversing the golden works of the celestial world; but, how much more are we neared to them, when we can commingle with bodies spiritless, who traversed this earth, thousands of years ago, as we now do, possessing the passions and wants, ambition, avarice and superstition like ourselves. Could we but look forward beyond the dark curtain of time and see the mighty changes, which will transpire for thousands of years to come, we should be lost in amazement. The past is wonderful although very incomplete; yet discoveries in the long buried cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii which have been hidden from the world about 1800 years are truly interesting. The habits, manners and customs of those once inhabited cities are plainly inferred from the appearance of the charred dwellings and other edifices for public purposes -- their ampitheaters and temples of Isis, holy utensils and baths, &c. &c.

But the most interesting of all antique subjects, is the opening of the catacombs of Egypt where human bodies are found in a complete state of preservation or nearly so. How, or by what agency these bodies were preserved, or for what object is wholly an enigma. Many have conjectured that the doctrine of the resurrection was embodied in the Egyptian religious faith, and others again suppose that the practice of embalming their dead originated in their abhorrence to decay -- but all is speculation. Curiosity has frequently prompted us to visit and critically examine mummies which were found in the catacombs near Thebes; and to realize that I was viewing one of my own species who had lived like myself and been a member of a community three or four thousand years ago, produced a sensation like that of associating with people of another world.

I received a short description from a friend in Cleveland of four mummies that are now exhibiting in that place which may not be uninteresting to some of your readers.     A GARDNER.

"Dear Sir: I send you a description of four Mummies, now exhibiting in this place. They were found in June, 1832 -- three miles from Thebes, 236 feet deep in a catacomb or vault 94 by 18 feet in the clear. Some stone described by the finder 32 ft. long, 8 high and 5 feet wide, evidently belonging to Mount Lebyon, to which there are strong indications of a rail-road. The stone[s] were put together with cement and exhibited superior workmanship.

Some of the bodies stood in niches of the wall; a row of bodies, however, laid on the bottom 8 feet deep (reversed,) more or less decayed. This statement of the owner is accompanied by good authority.

No. 1. -- 4 feet 11 inches, female -- supposed age 60; arms extended, hands side by side in front; the head indicating motherly goodness. There was found with this person a roll or book, having a little resemblance to birch bark; language unknown. Some linguists however say they can decipher 13-36, in what they term the epitaph; ink black and red; many female figures.

No. 2. -- Height 5 ft. 1 1-2 inch; female; supposed age 40. Arms suspended by the sides; hands brought in contact; head damaged by accident; found with a roll as No. 1, filled with hieroglyphics, rudely executed.

No. 3. -- Height 4ft. 4 1-2. -- Male, very old, say 80; arms crossing on the breast, each hand on its opposite shoulder; had a roll of writing as No. 1 & 2; superior head, it will compare in the region of sentiments with any in our land; passions mild.

No. 4. -- Height 4 ft. 9; female. I am inclined to put her at about 20 or 25, others call her an old woman; arms extended, hands by her side; auburn hair, short as girls at present in their new fashion. Found with her a braid of hair, three strands of the color of that on her head and 18 inches long. The head approximates to the form of the Orang Outang. The occipital and basillar region very large; the head indicating a person of the lowest grade of human beings. Slander, fight, and devotion to the passions were undoubtedly peculiar traits in her character. They were enveloped in linnen saturated with gum. the qualities of which are not well understood. A thousand yards are supposed to be used on each body; 186 thicknesses had been counted on one of them. They are couvered so as to preserve the exact form of the body and limbs. No. 3 and 4; the envelope is mostly stripped off; and on and 2 it is some broken. No. 1, fine linnen; No. 2, coarse; No. 3 , very coarse; No. 4, very fine. The bodies evidently were reduced before winding. The man, No. 3, whose cerebral organization indicates a mind able to guide the destinies of a nation, in enveloped in the poorest and coarsest linnen, while the woman, No. 4, whose head indicates a disposition which may well be represented as the demon of society, was in the most careful manner enveloped in the finest of linnen and with a much greater proportion of gum. Is not this circumstance an indication to us that rank was not according to merit -- that superiority in station did not follow from superiority of mind, but from extraneous circumstances.

It is interesting to observe in these individuals the external indications if disposition which at this day build up and pull down society; that these relics of another and unknown age were once animated with life, and actuated by passions, hopes and fears, as we now are. How pleasing to contemplate that aged man, by rules that will not deceive, in the active exercise of those sentimental powers of the mind from which the hope of immortality springs. In such minds there is light -- in such minds a nation will find prosperity, and society an anchor. But how sad to contemplate the history of that young female (No. 4) -- revenge and hate indignant from upon her brow,

The love of property is not indicated on either of their hands as being in any proportion as strong as with us. Did they not hold property in common? and is not this remark applicable to Indians?

FARMER.


Note: These were the four mummies exhibited by Michael H. Chandler throughout northern Ohio during the first half of 1835. They were purchased by Joseph Smith, Jr. (on or about July 3, 1835) for #2, 400. For complementary articles see also the Cleveland Whig, Mar. 25, 1835 and the LDS Messenger and Advocate, Dec. 1835. "Gardner" (probably a resident of Cleveland), used contemporary phrenological methods to determine what he thought were the personality traits of the four long-dead Egyptians. "Farmer" (apparently a Geauga county resident), merely passed along the former writer's remarks to the Telegraph. Mormons reading this article at the time may have imagined that the male mummy had been a biblical patriarch (such as Abraham, Jacob, or Joseph -- a superior man "able to guide the destinies of a nation") and that the three female mummies had been his plural wives. See also the Telegraph of Sept. 4, 1835


 



Vol. VI.]                               Painesville, Friday, April 3, 1835.                               [No. 41.



Mormonism, strange as it may appear, has found votaries even in New England and in three or four neighboring towns they have regular exercises. The society in South Hadley is partially Perfectionists and partially Mormon, exhortations, dancing & all sorts of strange delusions and vagaries of the brain and contortions of the body being practised. This is the land of freedom and liberty, and we sometimes are disposed to think that the wildest extravagances and grossest absurdities spontaneously come up under its broad banner. No other country on earth can boast of such varied forms of religious sects and such palpable departures from the primitive simplicity and purity of the Gospel, as this country. We would place no restraints upon the conscience of any man. We would not forge chains nor bind fetters around any human mind, but we would gladly see public sentiment frown upon those mental hallucinations which disgrace christian lands, and shun communion with those preposterous forms of worship, which are merely solemn mockeries of Religion!


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                             Painesville, Ohio, Friday, April 17, 1835.                             [No. 43.



Extract of a Letter to the Editor of the Telegraph, dated,
                    KIRTLAND, April 14, 1835.
Mr. Editor: -- It may be a matter of some little curiosity to the public to know that the band of Mormon fanatics, whose head-quarters is in this town, are now publishing a political paper for the special benefit of the office seekers in this county. Since Oct. last they have issued two whole papers, and two extras, mostly filled with the lowest cant, and thread-bare hobbies of the tory prints, culled from the Kitchen Cabinet factory at Washington, down through every grade, to the brain and moon-struck editor himself. But who is the editor of this wonderful print? His name is O. Cowdery, and may be found to a certificate in the Mormon Bible, in which he says he had seen and hefted the wonderful plates from which said bible was manufactured. He has also seen angels, who disclosed to him that the engravings upon the plates, which appeared to be of ancient workmanship, were correctly translated by Joseph Smith, Jun. He was the amanuensis of Smith, the impostor, as he says, in preparing their book of absurdities for the press. At the start of Mormonism he was dubbed an Elder by Smith, and subsequently a High Priest, Apostle, Prophet, &c. Surmounting the editorial head in this non-descript hebdominal, is a cut representing one of the golden plates of Smith, covered with short hand Egyptian, an ink stand, and two pens, which were used by the editor and one Martin Harris alternately. The huge silver spectacles through which Smith interpreted the unknown characters, and Moroni's monkey, it is supposed are in the hands of an engraver, and will shortly be forthcoming to grace the columns of this graceless paper.

When the fooleries of Mormonism were first brought to this town by Smith, Cowdery & Co., their proselytes were commanded to hold the least possible intercourse with "the world" -- to avoid and abstain from all concerns of a public nature. But now they have entered pell mell into the arena of political controversies and strifes, started a Jacksonian paper without the least prospect of support or patronage, and are prating about Church and State, Bank, Democracy, Federalism, &c. &c.

Now, the people of this township who are not governed by the pretended revelations of Jo Smith, think they can fully comprehend the design of these religious impostors. Their object is to acquire political power as fast as they can, without any regard to the means they made use of. They are ready to harness in with any party that is willing to degrade themselves by asking their assistance. They now carry nearly a majority of this township, and every man votes as directed by the prophet and his elders. Previous to the recent township elections here, it was generally understood that the Mormons and Jacksonians had agreed to share the "spoils" equally, in consequence of which the other citizens thought it useless to attend the polls. This brought out an entire Mormon ticket which they calculated to smuggle in, independent of the "democrats" not under the orders of the prophet. This caused the citizens to rally and make an effort, which, by a small majority, saved the township from being governed by revelation for the year to come.



As evidence of the disinterested patriotism of the Jackson-Van Burenites of this county, take the following resolutions, adopted at their Convention, held at Chardon on the 1st inst., the proceedings of which have just been published in that pink of modern democracy, the Mormon Times. These gentlemen, it appears, are not disposed to admit the truth of the assertion of their political leader, that "it is glory enough to have SERVED under such a chief," without the prerequisite share of the "spoils of victory."

"Resolved, That whereas we have been kept out of all participation in county office by our political opponents since the first organization of the Jackson party, we feel it due to ourselves to express our deep and abiding DISAPPROBATION, when the Executive of this State, towards whose election we have contributed, appoints our political opponents to offices in this county."

What an ungrateful Governor! and how presumptuous, how un-democratic, to overlook the claims of these unrewarded veterans, and appoint their political opponents to office! What right had an Executive, elected by Van Buren men, to regard the public good rather than partisan interest, and, in making appointments, place honesty and capacity before political predilections! Such acts of independence by the Governor are as anti-Van Buren as they are honorable and patriotic.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                             Painesville, Ohio, Friday, April 24, 1835.                             [No. 44.



Smith, the Mormon Prophet, was recognized, on Wednesday last, by Justice Miller of this village, for his appearance at the next Court of Common Pleas, to answer to a charge of Assault and Battery committed upon the person of his brother-in-law.

Notes: (forthcoming)


 



Vol. VI.]                             Painesville, Ohio, Friday, June 12, 1835.                             [No. 51.




Important. -- We learn by the Warren News Letter that O. Cowdery has withdrawn from the editorial department of the Northern Times, a Mormon Van Buren paper published in this county, and that F. G. Williams will henceforth act as editor of that invaluable journal. It is thought that the cause of Democracy will not be endangered by this change, as the new encumbant, if he has not, like his predecessor, seen an angel, and "hefted" the golden plates, is at least a faithful follower of the Prophet, by whose inspiration the paper will doubtless still be guided in its political course.


Note: It remains uncertain whether Oliver Cowdery's withdrawl from the editorship of the Kirtland Northern Times was merely a temporary action, or whether F. G. Williams remained the editor when the Warren News Letter again made mention of the Mormon newspaper on Dec. 22nd


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 25.                    Painesville, Ohio, Friday, June 26, 1835.                       Whole No. 719.



Kirtland, June 22, 1835.               

To the Editor of the Painesville Telegraph:

SIR: -- In a late number of your paper the fact was noticed of my being bound over to the Court of Common Pleas, to keep the peace, for an assault upon the person of my brother-in-law; Since my honorable acquittal before said court, last week, there being no evidence to prove the same, I believe you will do me the justice to make the last as public as the former, and oblige.
Your ob't serv't,
        JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.

In compliance with the above polite invitation, we give below the evidence introduced, and the decision of the Court, on the trial of the Prophet, last week. It may be proper to state, in limine, that at the examination had before the justice, in this place, by whom the Prophet was held to bonds, Stoddard, the individual upon whose person the assault was committed, could not be obtained as a witness, as he had, it appears, been suddenly induced to leave the State. He returned a few days since when his presence at court was secured much against his will. Burgess, the witness last examined, whose testimony most favored the accused, was not brought forward at the justice's examination, although present in the place at the time -- a circumstance that induced many to suppose his evidence was manufactured for the occasion. The witnesses introduced were, Stoddard, a brother-in-law, Wm. Smith, a brother and "apostle," Mrs. Smith, the mother, and Burgess, a faithful follower, of the Prophet accused.

COURT  OF  COMMON  PLEAS .
                                Saturday, June 20.

Joseph Smith, Jr., was put upon his trial on a charge of Assault and Battery committed upon the person of Mr. Stoddard. By consent of the parties, the case was submitted to the Court without Jury.

Stoddard examined -- States that Smith had irritated him in a controversy about water -- he had affirmed that there was water in a certain lot, which Smith denied -- as Smith passed towards his house, he followed him, and said, "I don't fear you, or no other man" -- Smith then came up and struck him in the forehead with his flat hand -- the blow knocked him down, when Smith repeated the blow four or five times, very hard -- made him blind -- that Smith afterwards came to him and asked his forgiveness -- was satisfied -- had forgiven him -- would forgive any man who would injure him and ask his forgiveness.

Cross ex. -- Had a cane -- did not attempt to strike him, or threaten.

William Smith examined -- Saw Stoddard come along cursing and swearing -- Joseph went out -- Stoddard said he would whip him, and drew his cane upon Joseph -- Joseph struck him once or twice.

Cross ex. -- Joseph stopped in the yard -- they were close together when he saw them -- cautioned Joseph to stop, that he had done enough.

Mr[s]. Smith, the Prophet's mother -- Saw some of the affrey -- was upstairs -- heard Stoddard talking loud -- called Joseph "a d---d false prophet, and a d---d one thing [and] another." -- saw Joseph slap him -- did not hear Stoddard say he would flog him -- did not see Stoddard attempt to strike him.

Burgess -- Says Stoddard struck at Smith first, and raised his cane in a threatening attitude when down.

The Court, after summing up the testimony, said that as the injured party was satisfied, there would be no cause for further prosecution; that the assault might perhaps be justified on the principle of self-defense. The accused was then acquitted,


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 27.                    Painesville, Ohio, Friday, July 10, 1835.                       Whole No. 721.



Getting into Notice. -- It appears that the Mormonites have hit upon a new plan to excite public attention to their political merits. It is by soliciting a re-publication of the editorial articles that appear in their newspaper, of the different 'democratic' editors with whom they exchange papers. The Cleaveland Whig acknowledges the receipt of the "Mormon Times" of the 4th, directed to that office by mistake, "with a scurrilous editorial article marked, and the [ardent] request, 'Please copy,' written on the margin!"


Note: The "Mormon Times," was of course the Democratic Party-supporting Kirtland Northern Times.


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 32.                          Painesville, Friday, Aug. 14, 1835.                           Whole No. 730.



==> The Mormon Times, after affecting great attachment to the prosperity of the county, and under pretence of its devotion to the removal of the County Seat, securing the obligations of numerous friends of that measure to support it one year as subscribers, is now out in opposition to the removal. With characteristic cupidity, this disgraceful course is taken in the hope of advancing its interests, by exciting a southern feeling in its favor; but the directors of that sheet, with all others who expect to profit by a similar procedure, will be sadly disappointed when they discover, as they must, that there is, in truth, no southern interest on the court house question opposed to the wishes and the interest of the northern townships.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 35.                        Painesville, Fri., Sept. 4, 1835.                           Whole No. 733.



A windfall for the Mormons. -- Jo Smith, the High Priest of this interesting sect, is certainly one of the luckiest vagabonds that has set up business in modern times. In the first place his infamous imposture has taken a most fortunate sheer in its political bearings, for it has adopted Van Burenism and has already established one or more papers for the purpose of advocating at one and the same time, the election of Van Buren for President, and the infallibility of the doctrine promulgated by the "latter day christians" in the newly discovered bible. The association was natural and will give great thrift, we dare say to Joe's theological speculations. Being, as his disciples all are zealous advocates of General Jackson's right to appoint his successor, they will of course be immense favorites at the white house; and we look every day to see some of them announced in the Globe as having been appointed to some lucrative station. Josy himself will probably have a 'foreign mission,' and to speak sober truth, he is about as fit for such an appointment as some of those who have already been thus rewarded for their subserviency to the court favorite

However, Joe's fortune is made, whether he thrives at the seat of Government or not; for the goddess of good luck took a huge straddle out of her path as she was strolling through Ohio, expressly for the purpose of doing something handsome for Joe. She is an arrant slut we know, but it must be confessed that she does a good turn now and then for her friends, and the Mormons have good reason to speak well of her as long as they live; for she lately threw two or three mummies in their way; and having purchased them, Joe forthwith discovered that they were no less personages than Joseph, the son of Jacob, and King Abimelich and his daughter! With these well authenticated antiques the Mormon brethren intend to travel through the country and exhibit bodily evidence of the biblical authenticity of their faith. Mormonism fortified in this way by mummyism will be quite irresistible, and for ought we know not only secure the election of the Baltimore candidates, but establish the Mormon religion in the United States! At all events the mummy speculation is what we call it at the head of this article, a windfall for the Mormons, and may be made available to the Van Buren men in general -- N. Y. Eve. Star.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 36.                       Painesville, Friday, Sept. 11, 1835.                        Whole No. 734.



  ==> The editor of the Warren News-Letter quotes from the Mormon Times, and calls it a "spirited democratic newspaper." The editor doubtless alludes to the spirit of inspiration which is claimed to brood over the paper in question...

... The wonderful Moon story, an account of which we publish to-day, is now generally admitted to be a plausible hoax got up by some ingenious yankee to amuse the public.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 41.                         Painesville, Friday, Oct. 16, 1835.                          Whole No. ?.



LIST of Letters remaining in the Post Office at Painesville, O. the Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1835.

Doctor P. Hurlbut...

Note 1: D. P. and Maria Hurlbut were unable to secure title to a small farm they had attempted to purchase in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Hurlbut couple and their new son moved back to Geauga Co., Ohio and lived in the Painesville and Mentor areas until then end of 1837.

Note 2: At the end of 1837 D. P. Hurlbut was allegedly implicated in the murder of an old Geauga Co, settler and immediately fled town. From Ohio the couple apparently moved to Monroe Michigan, then back across the border into the Toledo area, and finally to Gibsonburg, in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Near the end of 1852 the Rev. D. P. Hurlbut was defrocked by the United Brethren church and he evidently then separated from his wife Maria and went back to Kirtland for several years. By 1860 he was back in Gibsonburg, living with a lady named Diana. Hurlbut eventually reunited with Maria and remained in the Gibsonburg area for the remainder of his life.


 



N. S. Vol. I. No. 46.                       Painesville, Friday, Nov. 20, 1835.                        Whole No. ?.



  Prophet catch Prophet. -- The notorious impostor Matthias has performed a pilgrimage to the temple of the equally notorious Joe Smith, where he held forth his doctrines last week. It appears that the new pretender met with less encouragement than he anticipated from the Latter-Day-ites, and after a two days conference the Prophets parted, each declaring he had miraculously discerned a devil in the other!


Note: Robert Matthews (1788-1841), alias Robert Matthias, (a.k.a. "Joshua the Jewish minister") was a religious fraud who went about the country claiming to be God in the body of the biblical Apostle Matthias. He traveled through Ohio during 1835, stopping at Kirtland to visit with Joseph Smith, Jr. on Nov. 9th of that year. See also the New York Herald for Nov. 12, 1835.

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