A Narrative of the Anti-Masonic Excitement in the
western part of the state of New-York, during the years
1826, 1827, 1828, and part of 1829. By Henry Brown,
Counsellor at Law: Batavia, New-York. pp. 244: 1829.

(under construction)

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MONEY  DIGGERS.

An opinion prevails among many persons, that immense sums of money were left buried in this country, by the arch-pirate, Captain Kidd....

(under construction)

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  BOOK  OF  GOLD.

The following history of a new religion, founded on a book said to have been found in the manner described below, is taken from the Auburn Free Press.

"Most of our readers have probably heard of the Golden Bible, which it is asserted was found not long since, in some part of Ontario county. Some of the circumstances attending the remarkable discovery of this truly remarkable work, may not be uninteresting to some of our readers, as they serve to show how easily ignorance and superstition are made to support whatever doctrines may be advanced -- no matter how revolting they may appear in the light of reason. An angel appeared to an ignorant man near Palmyra, and directed him to dig at a designated place, with a promise that he would there find a new revelation engraved on plates of metal. The man obeyed the messenger, and on digging, soon discovered an oblong box tightly cemented together. Upon opening this, he found enclosed a bundle of plates similar to gold, about 7 inches long, 6 broad, and all about 6 inches deep, each sheet being of about the thickness of tin. They were united at one edge with 3 silver wires, so that they opened in a manner similar to a book. 'They were engraven in a character unintelligible to the learned men of the United States, to many of whom it is said to have been presented. The same angel afterwards appeared to three individuals, who call themselves Oliver Cowdry, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, and showed them the plates. To Smith was given the power to translate the character, which he was enabled to do by looking through two semi-transparent stones, but as he was ignorant of the art of writing, Cowdry and the others wrote as Smith, the person who was first directed to dig for the plates, interpreted. They say that part of the plates escaped from them in a supernatural manner and are to be again revealed when the events of time shall require them.' The book which these men have pretended to translate from these sheets of gold has been printed, and they are now busily engaged in scattering copies of it throughout the country. They were recently in Painesville, Ohio, on their way to a land of promise, which is before them -- they do not know exactly where -- but somewhere beyond the Mississippi, where they intend establishing a New Jerusalem, into which will be gathered all the descendants of Mannassah.

These men assert that this book 'was written by the prophets of God during the period embracing the time for 600 years before and several hundred after the Christian era. It predicts, we understand, almost all events which have come to pass, such as the American Revolution, &c. and that there should be secret societies, and that men should be led on to destruction as by a rope of flax, said to mean Cable tow. All which they believe is proven by profane history -- thus supporting the authenticity of the new revelation. But why the Deity should predict events, the knowledge of which would be so useful to the human race, merely to hide them in the earth until after their completion, we are not informed.' They also say that the world will shortly -- within fifteen years at most -- come to an end: But by this they only mean, that the incorrigible and perverse unbelievers will be destroyed, while the earth will become the abode only of the true believers.

In Painesville, the three persons named above as the translators of the Bible, (who are looked upon by their followers as prophets,) preached in the Methodist chapel, and then proceeded to Kirkland. At this place is a 'common stock family' under the charge of Elder Rigdon, a Campbellite leader, who, together with nearly one hundred of his followers, were immediately baptized according to the ordinances of the new religion!"


Notes: (forthcoming)

CREDULITY.

The Canandaigua Messenger states that on Thursday evening last, a preacher, who firmly believes in the divine origin of the book of Mormon or Golden Bible, appeared in that place and delivered a discourse in the Town House to an assembly of two or three hundred people. In the course of his remarks, he explicitly avowed his firm belief that the book of Mormon is a revelation from God; that he believed the golden plates on which it is said to have been inscribed in mysterious characters, had been discovered and deciphered by a very ignorant man, through the aid of divine assistance; and that he considered it as of equal authenticity with the Old and New Testament.


Note: The exact date of the above report in the Inquirer remains undetermined. The text is taken from a reprint which appeared the the New York City Working Man's Advocate  of Jan. 8, 1831. The date of the Canandaigua Ontario Messenger has been determined to have been Dec. 29, 1830. This report places at least one of Sidney Rigdon's addresses on the Book of Mormon, in Canandaigua, on Dec. 23, 1830. Possibly Rigdon also gave an earlier lecture there, a day or two before the one reported in the newspaper.

The Mormonites, -- Some unworthy and spotted members, according to the western papers, have crept in like grievous wolves among these silly sheep, in the new fold of Mormon, at Painesville, Ohio. The predominance of their preposterous tenets has already made considerable additions to the soceity. Their location is pleasant -- they have "all things in common" -- and it is not surprising that these inducements should bring together a community of vagrants, lovers of idleness, and haters of "the bitter dropping sweat and sweltry pain" of manual labor.

"Thither continual pilgrims crowded still
  From all the roads of earth that pass thereby;
For, as they chanced to breathe on neighboring hill,
  The freshness of the valley smote their eye,
And drew them ever and anon more nigh" Recently, among the accessions to their numbers, they received a few individuals, who were not only poor in spirit, but in dress; and some men, to the shame-facedness of the sex be it spoken, who entered into the Mormonite communion nearly sans inespressibles, did, with malice aforethought, appropriate a considerable amount of corporeal drapery, and straightaway, like wolves in sheep's clothing, made off, leaving their places desolate and void, with the exception of the cast off garments which remained behind. If the precepts of the new golden Bible which the Mormonites have found do not possess more influence than these specimens of conduct would lead us to believe, we think the sect had better dissolve their encampments, melt up the yellow plates into bars, and sell them the first opportunity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONITES. -- There is a kind of delirium -- a sort of mental hydrophobia prevailing in a portion of the union, which promises to have great inroads upon the quiet of society -- which bears with it, "not peace but the sword" -- separating families -- distracting communities, and urging its fatal influence into christian sects -- & yet, strange to say, not one solitary news paper devoted to the high interest of the last mentioned parties of any name, have ever touched on the subject. We allude to the existence and progress of Mormonism. Every western mail is prolific in records of their fantastic tricks, which they play with impunity before heaven and earth. From the deluded man, in an obscure town in the country, who has related the most preposterous story, as to his original reception of his miraculous faith, and the golden plates which contained the elements of his creed, the mania has already increased to one thousand, to which number continual and daily additions are making. Why is is that religious news papers, managed often by men of high gifts, and lovers of social order, are dumb in this matter? It has increased until its harmless aspect is altogether lost; and is now likely far to exceed the former sway of Southcote or Jemima Wilkeson. -- The Lockport (N. Y.) Balance, a respectable journal, has revently given a concise detail of what it calls with justice "The Golden Bible Imposition," & adds --

"It has no parallel in folly and stupidity from the days of [Johanna] Southcoate to those of Jemima Wilkeson. In its character, or practical operations, it has no redeeming feature. It is with regret, however, that we are obliged to add that it has not proved unsuccessful. There are now probably, 1000 disciples of the Mormon creed! -- 'Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon.' Their prophet Jo. has selected a spot in the state of Ohio, which he calls the promised land! It is in and about the town of Kirtland, Geauga county. Thither the deluded followers of the false prophet are repairing. It is but a few days since, that an entire boat load of them passed this village, principally from the counties of Ontario and Wayne. -- Such as have property, convert it to a common stock, and thus create an inducement which is not overlooked by the idle & vicious. -- Families in some instances, have been divided, and in others, mothers have been obliged to follow their deluded husbands or adopt the disagreeable alternative of parting with them, and their children.

The founder of Mormonism is an ignorant and nearly unlettered man, named Jo Smith. His co-worker in the cause is a pedlar. -- Martin Harris, a respectable farmer, near Palmyra, N. Y. whence Smith emigrated, is the third leacer of the blind. He has recently departed for the land of Promise. A late number of the Palmyra Sentinel says: -- "Several families numbering about fifty souls, took up their line of march from this town last week for the "promised land," among whom is Martin Harris, one of the original believers in the 'Book of Mormon.' -- Mr. Harris was among the early settlers of this town, and has ever borne the character of an honorable and upright man, and an obliging and benevolent neighbor. He had secured to himself by honest industry a respectable fortune -- & he has left a large circle of acquaintances and friends to pity his delusion."


Note: The exact date of the above article has not yet been determined. The text is taken from a reprint in the July 6, 1831 issue of the Steubenville, Ohio Western Herald.

From the A. M. Intelligencer.

MORMONITES.

We have always laid it down as a maxim, "Let superstition alone, and it will do no harm." Keeping this saying in view, we have heretofore foreborne to mention a sect of religious fanatics known by the name of Mormonites. But, as this new sect has been introduced to the attention of the public, through the medium of the contemporary press; and as we are personally acquainted with its history from the commencement, we have concluded to give our readers a brief account of Mormonism.

In the year 1828, one Joseph Smith, of Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, pretended to have found a number of gold plates, from which, by assistance of a pair of spectacles found with the plates, he said he could read certain revelations from God. He said these plates contained what he termed the Book of Mormon; which consisted of several unpublished books of the Holy Scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon; the Book of Nephi; &c &c.

This Jo Smith was a young man, so illiterate that he could not read his own name in print. But, being a person of some natural talents, he could, with his spectacles on read so fluently from his plates, by placing them in his hat and his hat over his eyes, that he succeeded in gulling an honest wealthy farmer of Palmyra, by the name of Martin Harris, into the belief, that these plates contained a revelation from heaven; and Jo Smith was, at least, a prophet, who only was "worthy to open the Book" -- Jo once showed one of the plates, (or said he did, but no one ever pretended to have seen them,) and the result was, that he was deprived, for six months, of the power of reading them.

Finally, after frequent and fervent prayer, Jo's spectacles were restored to sight, and he again permitted to open the book. -- Jo had, during his spiritual blindness, by the assistance of some one, commited several chapters of the New Testament to memory; and, the better to carry on his deception with the deluded Harris, had inquired, and found out the words inserted by the translators; (which are distinguished by Italics, both in the New Testament and the Old.) So, in order to convince Harris that he could read from the plates, Jo deposits them in his hat, applies spectacles, and refers Harris to a chapter in the Bible which he had learned by rote; and which he read from the plates, with surprising accuracy; and what astonished Harris most, was, that Jo should omit all the words in the Bible that were printed in Italic. And, if Harris attempted to correct Jo, he persisted that the plates were right, and the Bible was wrong.

Jo possessed a remarkably retentive memory; and having convinced Harris beyond the shadow of doubt, that he was commissioned by the Almighty, to reveal some hidden mysteries, he commenced translating, and Harris commenced transcribing, as Jo dictated; and; to avoid mistakes, Jo required his amanuensis to read what he had written; and nothing was allowed to pass, until Jo pronounced it correct. It must go as Jo said, -- sense or nonsense.

But before a translation was completed, the Lord informed Jo, (or, at least, so Jo said,) that the work must be published. As Jo was possessed of no funds, the expense, of course, must fall upon Harris; who accordingly made application to the printers in Palmyra. One of them refused to have any thing to do with the concern. The other made a charge, which Harris unfledged zeal could not, at first, encompass with his purse, without too hard a stretch of the strings. But, as he grew in faith his purse-strings became more elastic; and, in 1830, the Book of Mormon was published.*

As is usually the case with new systems, however, absurd, Mormanism found quite a number of deluded followers. -- Jo and Martin, of course, were the principal leaders. Jo, by some relevation from above, as he pretended, was informed that there was a "Promised Land" for him and his disciples [sic], in the West. This information was communicated to the deluded Mormonites, who immediately took up a line of march for New Connecticut, or the Western Reserve, in the State of Ohio. There they found a tract of land which they deemed the "Land of Promise." But some of the wicked owners refused to sell it; and thus the Mormonites were deprived of their "inheritance." They however, occupied what part of it they were able to obtain, living, and sharing all their goods in common.

Many miracles were pretended to be wrought among them. They professed to receive direct communications from Deity. At one time, a young man gave information to his brethren, that he was about to receive a message from heaven; and specified the time and place. At the appointed time, they repaired to the spot designated: and there, they solemnly assert, a letter descended from the skies, and fell into the hands of the young man who was expecting to receive the message; -- the purport of which was, to inform him that he was about to be called to preach Mormonism, and to exhort him to increase his faith. The deluded Mormonites declare their most solemn belief that this letter was written in heaven, by the finger of the Almighty; and the youth who pretends to have received it, says the writing was in a round Italian hand, and the letters were in gold; -- he attempted to copy it: but, as fast as he wrote, the letters disappeared from the original, until it entirely vanished. -- Some of them pretended to have received a "white stone, on which is written a new name, which no man knoweth save him that receiveth it." -- Revelations, ii, 17. Some of them pretend to see stones moving about in the air, and others to hear them rolling about the floor; at such times, they spring and jump about, trying to catch them, -- till some one, more fortunate than the rest, succeeds. But, when one of these stones is caught, no man can see it, "save him that receiveth it."

The Mormonites have among them an African, (or, as Garrison would say, an Africo American,) who fancies he can fly. Caesar, at one time, took it into his head to try his wings: He acco[r]dingly chose the elevated bank of Lake Erie as a starting-place, and, spreading his pinions, he lit on a tree-top, some fifty below, sustaining no other damage than the demolition of his faith in wings without feathers.

The Land of Promise in Ohio, not exactly suiting Martin Harris and Jo Smith, they have lately discovered another Promised Land in the Valley of the Mississippi; whence they, together with most of their followers, some fifty or sixty in number, have departed.

As to their Creed, it is similar to that of the Mahometans: "God is great, and Jo Smith is his Prophet." They pretend to believe the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New; and say the Book of Mormon is but a continuation of God's word. They believe that they are visited by the Holy Ghost; that they are commissioned to cast out devils, and work miracles, -- and report such stories as those above related of them, with the most solemn asseverations of truth.

As most of the Mormonites have immigrated to their new "Land of Promise," in the "far west," it is hoped that we shall hear from them but very seldom; and, as the wilderness [t]o which they are bound, is an ample field for meditation and reflection, our earnest desire is that they may be restored to right reason.

-------------------------
*The Editor of the Hartford Times, last week, classed the Mormonites with the Anti-masons. We therefore mention the fact, that the Antimasonic printer in Palmyra, refused to print the Mormon Bible; and it was printed by the publisher of the Wayne Sentinel, a masonic paper.

The reader is here referred to the Mark Master's degree in Freemasonry. -- We are of the opinion that even Gideon will confess the striking resemblance between Mormonism and Masonry. What say you, Brother Jachin[?]


Note: Parts of the above article appear to have been derived from a report that appeared in the Painesville, Ohio Geauga Gazette, on Feb. 1, 1831. It is likely that the A. M. Intelligencer's article was also reprinted by Thurlow Weed in his Rochester Anti-Masonic Enquirer and in other Anti-Masonic papers, at about the same time -- however, no other reprints have yet been located.

THE  MORMONITES.

The Mormonites, though occupying now less of the public attention then they excited in the earlier stages of their establishment, are still objects of considerable interest. The gross absurdity of their doctrines, and the tenacity with which they cling to them, make it [a] matter of curious speculation, whether knavery or folly is the predominant feeling of their teachers; and the numbers, who have joined their societies furnish conclusive proof that superstition and fanaticism are even yet powerful agents in influencing human affairs. As this sect is still increasing, it is gratifying to know that their habits and customs are peaceable and orderly, and that though bad christians, they are in some places at least good citizens.

The following extracts from a letter, written by an intelligent correspondent, at Liberty, Missouri, will repay perusal: --

This singular people own a large portion of the land in the adjacent county, (Jackson), and have made thereon some neat and comfortable improvements. Their conduct, as citizens, appears to be as unexpectionable as that of any class of our community. They are peaceable, unoffending, industrious, frugal, and honest: always giving a fair price for what they buy, and asking only a similar price for that which they may have to sell. Their little buildings and farms exhibit the most systematic neatness and order, and they appear to be accumulating wealth faster than their neighbors in similar circumstances.

The information I am about to communicate, in relation to the particular tenets which distinguish this singular sect from others, was derived from two discourses, which I heard delivered in this place, during the last winter, by two of their most influential members. They were both possessed of a considerable degree of science and historical information, and advocated their peculiar doctrines with as much zeal and [------uity], as are common in preachers of other denominations. They commenced by saying that they yielded the most implicit ascent to the Old and New Testament, and said that their Book of Mormon was, in fact, but a part of those Scriptures.

To sustain this important position they asserted that, at the confusion of tongues, which occurred at the Tower of Babel, the Deity, by his irresistible [will], dispersed the different nations into [all the] different habitable parts of the [globe?], and that, after they were so dispersed, they remained ignorant of each other, as the art of navigation was not then sufficiently known to afford them the means of intercourse. They contended that in this way alone they could we rationally account for the fact that the New World and all the South Sea Islands were inhabited by human beings when first discovered by Columbus, Cook, and other navigators. They further urged that different revelations of the will of God were necessary for different ages; that the revelation made to Moses on Mount Sinai was sufficient for the generation then existing, but that subsequent revelations were necessary, in the nature of things, for succeeding generations of men; that the revelations which were made after the dispersion of the human race were made concurrently to the people of every continent; that, for instance, when the Angel revealed the birth of Our Saviour to the shepherds in Asia, the same fact was communicated to the people then inhabiting America. -- They referred to the relics of ancient structures which are to be found in many parts of our country to prove the fact that this continent was long since inhabited by a race of men acquainted with many of the arts of civilized life. They said that the pious men of those by-gone days had made records of the revelations of Jehovah as they occurred, some of which were engraved upon gold plates and deposited in the earth, and found by Joseph Smith in 1827, who was favoured with a special inspiration for the purpose of translating the same.

To prove that many of the Books of the Old Testament have been lost, they made quotations from passages referring to books that could not be found in our present translation; and said that their Book of Mormon was one of those books which had been lost in the Old World, but preserved in the New. In their mode of using prophecy, they profess to follow the example of the Apostles, as recorded somewhere in Acts, where they had all things in common, and appointed some individuals to administer in temporal things. During the delivery of their sermons, they frequently came over the phrase, "in these last days." If I understood them correctly, they profess to know more in relation to the particular time, when that date of political and religious amelioration, called the Millennium, shall arrive, than can be learned from the Old and New Testament.

I have merely given you the principal outlines of the creed of this strange people, as the limits of a letter would not contain any thing more. Since their settlement in Jackson county, several of our own citizens have joined them but have subsequently backed out. A suit was, not long since, instituted by an individual to recover the sum of fifty dollars, which he had paid for the purpose of procuring an interest "in Zion in these last days," and the Court, thinking that the recipient of the cash had no interest in Zion of a disposable kind, adjudged the original contract void, for want of consideration, and consequently the plaintiff recovered. It is said, that others intend instituting similar sects. -- As yet, however, they get along better than could be anticipated, from the absurdity of their doctrine.
                           P. H. B.


Note: The exact date of this Courier clipping and the identity of Mr. "P. H. B." of Liberty, Missouri remain unknown.

Regulating  The  Mormonites.

(see the Aug. 9, 1833 Missouri Republican for subject matter)

It must be confessed that the proceedings on the part of the worthy citizens of Jackson city [sic]. Missouri, display a great deal more decision and determination, than regard for the laws or constitrution, or the duties of hospitality. If they were powerful enough to use such effectual means with those who were too weak to make any resistance whatever, they were powerful enough to keep them in order by peaceable and lawful measures.


Note: The Courier's reprint from the Missouri Republican is mainly a paraphrase of the original article.

THE  MORMON  MYSTERY.

We rejoice that the humbug of the Mormon bible is about to be fully exposed. A late number of the Wayne, (Pa.) Sentinel informs us that Dr. P. Hulbert, of Kirtland, O., has been engaged for some time in different parts of the state, in pursuit of facts and information relative to the origin and history of the Book of Mormon. The Sentinel says: -- "Dr. H. has succeeded in accomplishing the object of his mission and an authentic history of the whole affair will shortly be given to the public. The original manuscript of the Book was written some thirty years since by a respectible clergyman, now deceased, whose name we are not permitted to give. It was designed to be published as a romance, but the author died soon after it was written, and hence the plan failed. The pretended religious character of that work has been superadded by some more modern hand -- believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hulbert from the widow of the author of the original manuscript."

---

THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

The Editor of the Pittsburgh Manufacturer, has had a sight of that famous modern humbug, the Book of Mormon. He describes it as a medium octavo of nearly six hundred pages, and the language throughout is in imitation of the old and new testament. The Manufacturer says: -- "Although Joseph Smith signs himself author and proprietor of the work, a man who a few years since lived in this city, and was known to many of our citizens under the appellation of Elder Rigdon, is suspected of being the author. Be this, however, as it may, the following affords a curious specimen of the means that may be successfully used to gull the credulous and the superstitious:

THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

"An account written by the hand of Mormon upon plates taken from the plates of Nephi.

Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the Record of the People of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites-; written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the House of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile, written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of Prophecy and of revelation. Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God, unto the interpretation thereof; sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile; the interpretation thereof by the gift of God; an abridgment taken from the Book of Ether.

Also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to Heaven: which is to shew unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations. And now, if there be fault, it be the mistake of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ. By Joseph Smith, Jr., Author and Proprietor."



Note: Although there may have been a "Sentinel" published in Wayne, Pennsylvania, the editor of the Album has apparantly mistaken it for the NY Wayne Sentinel in the case of the "Mormon Mystery" article. This news item was first published in the Dec. 20, 1833 issue of the latter paper.

TRAGICAL  EVENT.

The following tragical story of a Mormon preacher is given by the editor of the Independent Messenger on the authority of a gentleman from the western part of the state of New York. We shall expect to see it authenticated by the western papers if it be true.

In a town where the delusion had made numerous converts the disciples were summoned to assemble in a wild place, circumjacent to a pond, on the water of which, a gifted elder announced that he should walk and preach. The believers notified their doubting friends, and great things were anticipated. But it seems there were a few wicked Lamanites, who secretly set themselves to make mischief. Choosing their opportunity, just before the appointed day of miracles, they ascertained, by means of a raft, that the pond to be traversed was extremely shallow; a thin sheet of water covering a common swamp mire.-This mire was found to be of a consistency nearly strong enough, except within a small central space, to sustain the weight of a man. They soon discovered a line of plank laid in a particular direction completely across the pond, sunk about four inches under the surface of the water. These were so fastened down, and locked together, and so daubed with mud, as to be quite imperceptible from the neighboring declivities. They resolved on preventing the miracle by sawing the concealed bridge in pieces, just where it crossed the deepest and most dangerous part of the pond. This was done, and left seemingly as they found it.

The expected day arrived, the congregation placed themselves as in an amphitheatre on the surrounding slopes and the preacher appeared at the edge of the water. Presently he raised his stentorian voice and as he paced his invisible bridge with a step apparent unearthly taught and warned the people. All ears were open, and every eye strained from its socket with astonishment. But alas! just as the miracle-worker seemed to have wrought conviction of his divine power in the wondering hearts of the multitude, lo! he stepped upon one of the detached pieces of plank sallied side-ways, and instantly plunged, floundering and sinking in the deep water mire: mingling shrieks, screams and shouts of the spectators, all in a rush of commotion were appalling. The scene was indescribable. Even those who had spoiled the miracle, were filled with horror when they actually saw the unfortunate impostor disappear. They had not dreamed that their trick would cost him more than the fright, discomfort and disgrace of being submersed and afterwards struggling a shore; all along taking it for granted that his plank would enable him to swim, however it might treacherously fail him to walk. But the tale closes with the close of his life and the consequent close of Mormonism in that vicinity. -- He sunk, and long before the confounded assembly were in a condition to afford him relief, perished, a victim to his imposture.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                                         Richmond, (Wayne Co. Indiana,) May 24.

MORMONITES. -- On Monday morning last, a caravan of about two hundred Mormonites, with a long train of wagons, passed through this place, on their way to the "far west." There were but few women among them, and the men were generally, if not all, supplied with fire-arms. A stout, hardy set of looking fellows they were too, and many of them quite intelligent. From their equipments, it has been suspected that they intend joining and defending their brethren in Jackson county, Missouri. They professed to be in search of new lands, whereon to form a settlement, either in Illinois or farther west. We understand they were from the States of Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania, and had assembled at some point on their route hither. -- Palladium


Notes: (forthcoming)

Richmond (Wayne co. Indiana), May 14.    

MORMONITES. -- On Monday morning last, a caravan of about two hundred Mormonites, with a long train of wagons, passed through this place, on their way to the "far west." There were but few women among them, and the men were generally, if not all, supplied with fire-arms. A stout, hardy set of looking fellows they were too, and many of them quite intelligent. From their equipment, it has been suspected that they intend joining and defending their brethren in Jackson county, Missouri. They professed to be in search of new lands, whereon to form a settlement, either in Illinois or farther west. We understand they were from the States of Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania, and had assembled at some point on their route hither. -- Palladium.


Notes: (forthcoming)

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)

MORMONISM -- ITS HISTORY.

A very very interesting article has lately come from the pen of a correspondent of Col. Stone; by which it appears that the origin of Mormonism was from an indivdual named Solomon Spalding, who wrote what is called the Mormon Bible. Spalding was a native of Ashford, (Conn.) and was early distinguished above his school fellows. He received a liberal education, was educated for the ministry, ordained and preached for three years, but for some cause unknown, abandoned the ministry, and finally settled at Cherry Valley, N. York. Failing in trade, he removed to Conneaut, Ohio, built a forge, again failed, was reduced to great poverty, and finally endeavored to turn his education to account, by writing a historical novel, which is the "Manuscript Found," and upon which Mormonism has built its established faith in a new revelation.

The history of the marvellous work commenced with one Lehi, who lived in the reign of Zedekiah, King of Judea, six hundred years before the Christian era. Lehi, being warned by God of the dreadful calamities that were impending over Jerusalem, abandoned his possessions and fled with his family to the wilderness; after wandering about the desert for a considerable time, they arrived upon the border of the Red Sea and embarked on board a vessel. In this they floated about a long time on the ocean, but at last reached America and landed upon the shores of Darien. From the different branches of this family were made to spring the various aboriginal nations of this continent. From time to time they rose to high degrees of civilization; but desolating [wars] arose in turn, by which nations were over-thrown and reduced again to barbarism. In this way the condition of the Indians, at the time of Columbus's discovery, was accounted for; and the ancient mounds, fortifications, temples, and other vestiges of former civilization, found in North and South America, were explained. The government[s] of these nations were represented to be theocratic, like that of the Jews from whom they descended, and their national transactions were consequently regulated by their prophets -- priests, who received their recommands directly from the deity. In order, therefore, that the style of the romance might be suited to the subject, and to the popular notions of the people, the author of The Manuscript Found, adopted that of the Bible -- the old English style of James the First.

When Spalding got this work was ready for the press, his pecuniary matters would not allow him to publish it. -- After his death it fell into the hands of one Sidney Rigdon, who was the first preacher of the Mormon faith. It is believed that Rigdon made Joseph Smith, the present high priest of Mormonism, acquainted with these manuscripts, and he published it in 1830, containing [600] pages, appending thereto the testimony of four witnesses to prove it was of divine origin. It was pretended that Smith had a revelation from the heavens, which told him where the golden plates were deposited, and that he went to the spot and made the great discovery. Certain individuals had been prepared for this great humbug by the marvellous stories of Smith, and the unaccountable fact that an ignoramus like him, who could neither read nor write, should have produced so connected a work as the pretended Mormon Bible -- Thus commenced this great and astonishing humbug.


Note: This article is a paraphrase of the Spalding claims piece published in July by the New York Commercial Advertiser. For a reprint of this 1836 "History of Mormonism" article, see the Aug. 17, 1836 issue of the Pennsylvania Wyoming Republican, and otehr papers. The information set forth by the "correspondent of Col. Stone" generally follows the 1833 testimony of Solomon's brother, John Spalding. However, the mention of "Sidney Rigdon, who was the first preacher of the Mormon faith" adds information beyond that supplied by John Spalding. The "correspondent" probably consulted various pages of E. D. Howe's 1834 book, in order to derive information for his article.

THE MORMONS.

A few days since I witnessed the emigration of 95 families consisting of near 600 souls, gathered from different parts, going to the extreme west of Missouri. They call themselves "Latter Day Saints," commonly called Mormons. This latter name they do not acknowledge, but say it is only a "nick name." The[y] travel in wagons, and make about 18 miles a day, and expect to be 12 weeks upon their journey; they encamp at night and pitch their tents in the form of a hollow square, in which they perform their cooking and other necessary duties, their wagons and horses being ranged on the outside; they also place sentinels at different posts around the camp, as in military encampments.

I made some enquiries of one of their numbers respecting their leader, whether he was an educated man, a man of superior talents. He said that he was of like passions with ourselves, and out of his place no more than any other ordinary man. I asked if he pretended to more sanctity than others of their denomination; he replied no, not so much. And yet he believed that the mantle had fallen on Joe, and that he was gifted with the spirit of prophecy, and could reveal things hidden in the womb of futurity. He informed us that two of their prophets had visited England about a year since, and that they have about 2000 converts there now. If they go on in this way, I think Joe bids fair to rival Mahomat.


Notes: (forthcoming)

BY AUTHORITY

LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES PASSED AT THE SECOND
SESSION OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
_______

{PUBLIC -- No. 56}

An Act to establish vertain post routes and to discontinue others.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following be established as post roads:...

MISSOURI.

From Bailey's landing, on the Mississippi, in Lincoln county, by Troy, Thomas Glover's, Duston's, and Anderson's to Danville.

From Columbia to Mexico.

From Carrolltown to Far West...


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons.

We learn from the Columbia (Boone county) Patriot, that a gentleman of that town has received a letter from Livingston county, stating that some cutting [sic] Daviess county, on the day of election, and, that some companies had been raised in Livingston with a view of going over and assisting in drubbing the Mormons; but that, before they got quite ready to march, they learned the strength of the Mormons, which suggested to their produce and the propriety of remaining at home till they could be assured that reinforcements would join them from other counties, sufficiently great to cope with the combined force of the Mormons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons.

Notices have appeared from time to time in the newspapers, which indicate that Missouri is likely to become the theatre of violence produced by the sect of fanatics denominated Mormons, under the command of their leader and supposed prophet, Jo Smith. In Daviess and Ray counties these people have assembled to the number of five hundred, fully armed and equipped, who set all law at defiance, and threaten with punishment all who may dare to oppose them in their course. The house of a Mr. Black has been surrounded by a party, consisting of about 120 ruffians, who required of him to sign an instrument of writing, of the contents to which he was not aware, under pain of death in case of refusal. So confident are these outlaws of their strength, that they openly declare that they owe no allegiance to the laws, which, as they assert, have failed to protect them, and that it will require, in the words of Wight, one of their number, "the whole State of Missouri to take him." It is only surprising that the constituted authorities of Missouri should suffer the peace of the community to be interrupted with impunity by men of this abandoned character. From the time of the institution of this sect, which is described as being composed, for the most part, of low bred persons, their conduct has been marked with insubordination and violence, and it is not wonderful that the quiet citizens of Missouri should feel a disinclination to have such unruly spirits among them. The whole force which the Mormons can muster, of men thoroughly armed, is said to be from 1000 to 1500, a number that under the command of their leader, whose will is regarded as supreme, will require no small effort to put them down. The report that Jo Smith has agreed to submit himself for trial wants confirmation. --Balt. American.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Eaton, Ohio, September 6.    

MORMONS. -- About 500 of these deluded people passed through our town on Thursday evening last, on their way to Missouri. They had a number of moving wagons that appeared to be well stored with live stock (children) if nothing else. They also drove a great number of fine looking Milch Cows. We see it stated, and have no doubt of its truth, that at the late election in Missouri, Caldwell County that is filled with Mormons, gave the Van Buren candidates for Congress a unanimous vote. Just before the election, Joe Smith, their great leader told them it had been revealed to him from Heaven that they must go to the "whole hog" for the V. B. ticket. -- REgister.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons.

We had hoped, remarks the St. Louis Republican of the 19th ult., that this difficulty was at an end; but more recent intelligence leaves no doubt of the quarrel being of a more serious character than was at first anticipated. Below we give an extract from a letter written by a respectable gentleman of Lexington, and addressed to a citizen of this city. This account of the state of affairs is truly alarming. -- The writer says: "Great excitement prevails the other side of the river against the Mormons -- they are all up in arms and have, we understand this morning, had some fighting, which resulted in the killing of a few of both parties. The citizens of Ray county sent a wagon load of arms and ammunition, to the citizens of Daviess for the purpose of defending themselves. On their way out they were captured by a company of Mormons, and taken to Far West. A committee has this morning arrived from the other side asking for men to assist them in the protection of their property." We learn from the clerk of the steam boat Howard, which came down yesterday, that a report was circulating along the Missouri river that the Mormons had fortified their town (Far West) and were determined to hold out. They were stated to be about one thousand strong and well supplied with arms and ammunition. The following statements from the Boonville Emigrant of the 13th are confirmatory of this report:

MORMON  TROUBLES.          

We have just conversed with General Wilson, of Howard county, who states that on last Saturday he saw a letter dated on the 7th instant. from a committee of gentlemen in Daviess county, calling on them to raise a force and come to their assistance, and aid them in expelling the Mormons from the county: -- That the citizens of Daviess had removed their families, and were making preparations for warlike operation; that the Mormons were in a state of open rebellion against the laws, and war between them and the citizens was inevitable; that the people of Daviess had come to the fixed determination of commencing the attack on Saturday last.

From the best information we can obtain, the Mormons are from 1500 to 2000 fighting men; and it is stated upon good authority, that a large emigrating party of Mormons are now on their way from Canada to join their friends in Missouri, which will increase their force, so as to make them very formidable: if this war should break out, it must become a war of extermination, as the Mormons are desperate, and rendered more so by the fanatical spirit infused into them by that arch-deceiver, Jo Smith, under whose banner they act, and by whose malign influence they are misguided, and ready for any act of desperation. Their disorderly conduct for months past, has so exasperated the people that they can no longer tolerate or permit them to remain among them..

P. S. Since writing the above, we have understood that a gentleman from Ray county has just arrived at Boonville, who brings information, that the inhabitants of Daviess county have postponed warlike operations against the Mormons until Monday; the probable reason for this change of day is on account of the Sabbath day coming next after the first fixed upon. They consider it better that Monday instead of Saturday, as a day more appropriate, expecting to be able to prevail against them better by having the whole week before them.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- ...insurrection on foot in Caldwell and Davies Counties Missouri... General Atchinson with 250 men will proceed there... he has ordered out 400 more men... General Grant of Boone has 300 men, Clark of Howard has 500, Lucas of Jackson 400, Crowther of Cooper 400, General Bolton will also proceed to the insurrection scene...

---

MORMONS. -- ... "We hereby certify that we have learned that a Mr. Nathan Marsh has certified that the people some times called Mormons have ingratiated themselves with the Indians, for the purpose of getting the Indians to commit depredations upon the people of this state, which certificate of Marsh (as represented to us) is utterly false. We have never had any communication with the Indians on any subject; and we, and all the Mormon church, as we believe, entertain the same feelings and fears towards the Indians that are entertained by other citizens of this state, We are friendly to the constitution and laws of this state and of the United States, and wish to see them enforced. JOSEPH SMITH, jr.
SIDNEY RIGDON."

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of September, A. D. 1838.
ELIAS HIGBEE. One of the justices of the county court within and for Caldwell county.
...the real reason for the excitement against the Mormons is to keep them from settling the fertile lands of Caldwell, Carroll and Davies...


Note: Incomplete clipping -- fragmentary texts.