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)

For the Columbian Star and Christian Index.

SLANDER  REFUTED.

In order to destroy the effect of the report, unanimously adopted, by the Beaver Associationlast year, in reference to the sentiments and errors of Mr. A. Campbell, Mr. C. in the March number of the mis-called Christian Baptist, has judged it necessary to represent the whole as the result of malice and envy. For the accomplishment of his nefarious purposes he has found it necessary to drag Mr. Winter into the controversy -- a man who has not been at the Beaver Association since 1827, and who knew no more of the report of the Association than Mr. C. himself, till it was published in the Minutes. But it was necessary for him to blast reputation, in order to accomplish his purpose of deception and falsehood.

We, the First Baptist Church of the city of Pittsburgh, feel it incumbent upon us for the sake of truth and righteousness, to state to the public, That every particular published by Mr. C. in vol. 7, page 184, of the C. B. * respecting Mr. Winter, is unqualifiedly false, and without even the shadow of truth to sustain him in his slanders. That so far from Mr. W.'s coming to Pittsburgh in the midst of winter, it was in the midst of summer; and he was introduced by Sidney Rigdon to the Church as one whose papers he had examined, and who was worthy of their brotherly regard -- that instead of having a large family of seven or eight children, he had but one -- that instead of being in abject circumstances, he received the assistance or support of no one member of the church -- that he went to housekeeping in about six days after his arrival -- that we can attest he purchased furniture with his own money -- that Sidney Rigdon never became responsible for him for one cent, in any shape, at any time; nor can he produce the testimony of a being on earth to whom he became responsible -- that the said Rigdon never spoke to one of the church to awaken his sympathies in Mr. W.'s behalf -- that Mr. W. needed no sympathy, but was able to supply his own wants, and to preach free of charge to the destitute churches around. That Mr. W. had no hand in causing the division in the church at Pittsburgh, nor did he call the faction, the church; but a large and respectable council called it the church. Nor did Mr. C. labor to defeat it In the Association which sat in this city, for he and his adherents for him labored for two hours to obtain a seat in the Association, and was ultimately refused one. And in short, that every statement made by Mr. C. in reference to Mr. W. is unqualifiedly false.

That in reference to the alleged slanders which Mr. Williams was instigated to publish about him in the "Star," he published what he had received from his, Mr. C.'s father, and from his immediate disciples. What the faction, the dignified name, which Mr. C. has given the church at Pittsburgh, did, and the history connected with the difficulties in the Pittsburgh church, will soon be laid before the public in a pamphlet. In the mean time we remain the friends of truth and righteousness.

Done by order of the First Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, and signed by order of the Church this 27th day of March, 1830.   Wm. H. HART, Clerk.

__________
* The following is the statement to which reference is made. "Some few yean ago a Mr. Winters (I am sorry that I am compelled to mention his name,) said to be a Regular Baptist preacher from England or Wales, was sent or came from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, in the depth of winter, with a large family, in the most abject circumstances. Brother Sidney Rigdon was then Bishop of the Baptist Church in Pittsburg: and, as a Christian Bishop ought to do, he took pity upon his brother Winters; took him into his house, with all his family, say seven or eight children, and sustained them for some weeks, I know not how many; and finally rented, upon his own responsibility, a house for his brother Winters, and stirred up the brethren to minister to his want*. He was also invited into the pulpit and occasionally proclaimed his tenets to the congregation. After he had got warmed and filled he began to make a faction in the church by insinuating that his brother Rigdon was not sound in the faith, (though he had been very sound in charity towards him.) He said that the church had departed from the faith once delivered to the Welsh saints, and was no longer built upon the foundation of John Gill and Andrew Fuller and the Philadelphia Confession.

"By creeping into houses, and leading captive silly women, and some two or three men, he made a faction, amounting, I think, to 12 out of from 80 to 100 members. These Mr. Winters called "the church; and at the next Association which met in this city an effort was made, which I labored to defeat, to make the twelve the church. Thus I became obnoxious to the wrath and resentment of Mr. Winters and his party. They were defeated at that time. Finally, Mr. Winters left the city and went into the bounds of the Beaver Association. Mr. Rigdon also, some two or three years afterwards, left the city, and went out into the countrv bordering on the Mahoning Association. Mr. Winters' party fell for a time under the episcopacy of the celebrated pedestrian Lawrence Greatrake; but he and they not being able long to hold on their way, a young man from Somerset, called Mr. Williams, took them under his episcopacy; and he also, instigated by the same faction, wrote, a letter to the "Columbian Star," setting forth various libels and slanders against me, for which I called him to an account. He I then, and his brother Winters, both joined the Beaver Auociation; and not unfrequenlly since have these gentlemen, especially Mr. Winters, endeavored to sow discord in the neighboring churches. Mr. Winters got into some two or three churches which once belonged to the Mahoning Association, and there played the same game which he played in Pittsburg. One or more of these churches were divided by his instrumentality; and since I left home I learned from the Minutes of the Beaver Association they had joined them. This narrative I know is substantially correct in all its prominent parts, though I write it from my own recollections only. And if pressed, I know I can make it out more fully and circumstantially. But enough is told to show how, and why, this anathema came out in the Minutes of the Beaver Association."


Note 1: The 1830 pamphlet referred to above was probably an updated version of an earlier 12-page booklet: A Brief Statement of the Articles of Faith, and Order of the First Regular Baptist Church, of the City of Pittsburgh: Constituted in A.D. 1812. Published by "The First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh" and printed by "Cramer & Spear, Franklin Head, Wood Street., 1828."

Note 2: Campbell's "Beaver Anathema" editorial appeared in his Christian Baptist of March 1, 1830.

Note 3: The reference to "Mr. Williams... in the 'Star,'" cites a letter by Elder Samuel Williams, published in an unidentified 1828 issue of the Washington, D.C. Columbian Star, ( the precursor of the Star and Index)

Note 4: John Winter apparently became presiding elder (or pastor) at the Bull Creek Baptist Church in late 1823 or early 1824. The congregation was located near the boundry between Buffalo twp. in Butler Co. and Fawn twp. in Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania (about 15 miles northeast of Pittsburgh). The Bull Creek congregation belonged to the Beaver Baptist Association. See Greatrake's 1836 account and Rev. Stanton's 1907 account for further information on Elder John Winter and his activities in the Pittsburgh area during the 1820s.

Note 5: For more early articles from the Philadelphia Columbian Star and Christian Index, consult this unedited text file.

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.

FANATICISM. -- We noticed some time since, the progress of a new religious order in the western part of Ohio, it would seem that good materials are found in that district for such a work. The Painsville (Ohio) Gazette contains the following additional particulars:

The Golden Bible, or the Book of Mormon. The believers in the sacred authenticity of this miserable production, are known by the name of "Mormonites" and their book is commonly called "the book of Mormon." It is asserted by them that their number in this vicinity is four hundred. In a conversation a few days since with a gentleman from Kirtland, well informed, and every way concerned to give us the truth, we are assured, that their numbers in the families in that town were two hundred souls. We doubt not then that their whole number in this county and Cuyahoga is at least four hundred.

They have recently received an additional revelation from the prolific prophet, Smith, which is generally understood to say that Kirtland is within the precincts of the holy land; but by others is said to mean only, that in that town will be a great gathering of mighty multitudes, preparatory to their westward general migration. They are therefore admonished to sell no more of their possessions, but rather purchase, lest there shall not be room for the faithful. The admonition however arrived too late, as they have but fifty acrea left, and the land holders refuse to sell to them.

They profess to receive sensible demonstrations of the presence of the Deity. A few days since, a young man gave information to some of his brethren that he was about to receive a message from heaven. They repaired to the spot designated, and there, as they solemnly assert, a latter descended from the skies and fell into tho hands of the young man. -- The purport was to strengthen his faith and inform him that he would soon be called to the ministry. They declare their solemn belief that this letter was written in heaven by the finger of God. The style of writing was the round Italian, and the letters of gold. The favored youth immediately attempted to copy the communication, but as fast as he wrote, the letters of the original disappeared until it entirely vanished. It is alleged that some of them have received white stones promised in the 2d chapter of the Revelations. Such of them as have "the spirit" will declare that they see a white stone moveing about the upper part of the room, and will jump and spring for it, until one more fortunate than the others catches it, but he alone can see it. Others however profess to hear it roll across th» floor. These two stories, and others of a similar character, are told by them with solemn asseverations of their truth.

Among them is a man of color, a chief man, who is sometimes seized with strange vagaries and odd conceits. The other day he is said to have jumped twenty five feet down a wash bank into a tree top without injury. He sometimes fancies he can fly.

In Chardon, one man has torn away all the partitions of the lower part of a good two story dwelling house. Here a large number live together. The food consisting of meat and vegetables, it is said, is placed on the table in a large pan, which is the whole table furniture. From this every inmate takes a piece of meat and a potatoe in his hand and devours them as he walks about the room. As to matters of apparel, and indeed other things, where any one wants what he has not, he takes it any where in the family where he can find it unoccupied. All things are common.

Our readers will probably smile at the miserable delusion of these ignorant creatures, and we know, indeed, nothing better that can be done in that respect. Let it, however, teach us humility; let it check our disposition to condemn a whole age in other countries, because it produced such visionaries. Ignorance is the same in all ages, though it may not show itself in exactly the same forms; the unballasted and unpiloted boat veers always from a direct course, but its aberrations are in conformity to the currents in which it drifts.


Note: Reprinted from an early February issue of the Philadelphia U. S. Gazette.

A clergyman of Painesville, Ohio, has given, in the Telegraph of that place, a history of the "Mormonites, or proselytes of the Golden Bible." He speaks of them as fanatics and impostors, and gives the following as a specimen of their power to work miracles: --

Another instance of a man in Painesville, who was in the last stage of consumption, was attempted to be healed by Cowdery, one of the leaders. A few days afterwards Mr. Rigdon was heard to say," that he would get well, if there was a God in Heaven!" he has since deceased. But these prophets had the policy to cover their retreat in these things, by saying that they would not recover immediately; the Lord would take his own time; and one of these people a few days ago, when put to the worst upon the subject said that he did not think Cowdery would have attempted to do any miracles, had he have known how things would turn out.


Note: Excerpted from the Feb. 15, 1831 ' issue of the Painesville Telegraph.

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.

MORMONS IN CARROLL COUNTY, MISSOURI. -- ,,, have abandoned lands of that area to prevent effusion of blood. They joined brethern in Caldwell... payment for their property and damages assessed by men from counties of Howard and Charlton....


Note: Incomplete clipping -- fragmentary text.

From the St. Louis Republican, November 1.

Alarming State of Affairs.

The following letter, from a highly respectable individual, has been politely furnushed us by a friend, for publication. The statements are confirmed by many verbal reports in the city. We have lately conversed with several intelligent individuals from the vicinity of the Mormon disturbance, and, whilst we have found it difficult to arrive with any certainty at the truth concerning many things, we are well assured that the hostility is more deeply seated than has generally been supposed, and we feel assured that bloodshed and devastation only will terminate the struggle, unless the Mormons remove from the country. Every account from that quarter shows an existing state of agitation in the public mind truly alarming. Every stranger is watched with jealousy, and every man compelled to take sides for or against the Mormons. In truth, there appears to be but little division, on the part of the citizens, in their opposition. We are told that the two men who laid out the town of De Witt, and, as a matter of speculation, invited the Mormons to buy lots in it, have been given leave to pass through the county three times, after which they are informed that a return there will be dangerous. They have already removed their goods into another county.

So deep and all-pervading is the opposition to the Mormons, and so many respectable men have engaged in the attempt to expel them, that we feel satisfied the public are not truly informed of the objections which exist against the Mormons or the circumstances which render them so obnoxious. We hope shortly to be able to develope something more of the causes of this unhappy state of affairs than have yet come to the knowledge of the public.

On board the Steamer Astoria, |   
Below Jefferson City, 28th Oct. |   

Dear Major, -- I hasten to communicate intelligence which I have received a few minutes since (from an unquestionable source) at Jefferson City, viz: -- Colonel Reese of Richmond, Ray county, had arrived with an express to the Governor, to call out the militia to march in defence of Ray and Richmond. The Mormons had devastated Daviess county, burning the county seat, and most of the houses in the county, and were then marching on Richmond to burn and destroy it. Rencontres had taken place, with loss of lives. Colonel Reese had, but a few hours before we landed, returned, and orders were promptly issued by Governor Boggs for 800 mounted men to repair to the scene of war. The troops below arw to rendezvous at Fayette, and march immediately.

The Mormons have been for many days hauling in corn and other supplies to their great depot, Far West. They have been reinforced by many hundreds lately from Ohio and the Canadas, -- refugees and Mormons. Do not believe that these disturbances are "humbugs." There are serious and dangerous difficulties now pending. The writer of this has every opportunity to know these facts, as he was an eye witness in Caldwell, having been out with the troops. Mormonism, emancipation and ablitionism must be driven from our State.

We, the exposed frontier men, have enough to contend with to protect our shamefully exposed frontier, without having to combat the serfs of the eastern degraded and fanatical rabble thrown with the 'poor Indians,' on our border. Forbearance no longer can be exercised. If the Government will not ptotect us, we will do it ourselves.


YET MORE. -- The Missourian of the 27th, printed at Fayette, gives the following additional information. A company was to be organized in Fayette on the morning of the 27th.

Snowden's, Oct. 25, 1838.   

Col. Jones: Sir. -- News has just reached us here that the Mormons have attacked and cut to pieces Capt. Bogard's company of 50 men, except three or four who have escaped. They say the Mormon force is 300 or 400. Richmond is threatened to-night. If you can spare, I wish you to detail two or three companies of troops, and repair to Richmond with all speed.

                Yours in haste,
                GEO. WOODWARD,
                Aid to Gen. Parks.

---

Carrolton, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Gentlemen: News of an appalling nature has just reached us. Capt. Bogard, who was ordered with his company to guard the frontier of Ray county, was attacked and cut to pieces by immense numbers. The were overpowered by 300 or 400 Mormons, while they were guarding their own families. But five minutes ago, three reports of a cannon were heard in the direction of Richmond. Firing has been heard in various directions, and there is no doubt but that these infatuated villians have attacked Richmond.

The news of their burning and pillafe has already reached you. They have indubitably captured the cannon, and taken many prisoners -- probably killed many. Daviess county is a scene of desolation. Ray is probably so ere this time; and their next movement will be at this place. It is already threatened.

Be up and doing. Bring all the men you can, and let us check them in their course of destruction and devastation. They are moving on with great strides to the climax of anarchy, civil war, and desolation. Wolf and Baker will explain all. I have just received orders, by express, from Gen. Brig. Parks, to raise 150 mounted men. Fifty have volunteered, and the remainder I will obtain in a day or two.

Stir the people up in Howard and Chariton. -- Send all the braves you can with Wolf, and we can meet and check them in their mad career.
                      Yours in haste,
                          WM. CLAUDE JONES.


      To Congrave Jackson and others.
We have concersed with a gentleman who says that he had held a conversation, in person, with Jo Smith, a few days ago, and that Smith stated that his people were prepared to die in the defence of what they thought to be their rights, that although the Governor might raise and send against them the power of the state; yet, he, nor all the men he could bring, would not drive them from their present homes.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon War.

From the St. Louis Republican, Nov. 5.

Just as our paper was ready for the press, yesterday, we received the following letter from Mr. Ryland. To those abroad who may not know Mr. R. we can say that he is the Register of the Land office at Lexington, and a gentleman of the first standing and respectability. The picture which he here gives of the prevailing excitement may be relied upon as strictly accurate. We are glad to find that the account of Capt. Bogard's defeat is not as bad as was represented in former accounts. The letter is post marked the 30th, up to which time, we presume, nothing of importance had occurred.

RICHMOND, Ray County, Mo.           
Oct.29th, 1838.          

To the Editors of the Mo. Republican.
    Gentlemen: I write you from the town of Richmond, in Ray county, in order to give you some information relative to the unprecedented excitement now existing in the Upper Missouri, against this most deluded, wretched, and misguided people, the Mormons.

This band of fanatics commenced, on the 18th instant to burn and ravage the plantations, houses, &c. of the people of Davies county. They have laid waste the whole county, burning store houses, farm houses; destroying the property of the citizens; driving off the hogs and cattle of the inhabitants of that county, taking the plunder to the Mormon hold, Far West, leaving the county of Davies one wide, extended ruin. To-day, I saw and conversed with Major Morin, the senator-elect from Ray, Caldwell, and Davies, and he informed me that the people of Davies were literally ruined. Bands of the Mormons would go out, followed by wagons, and would take live stock and property, sweeping every thing before them, and haul the spoils into Far West. They (the Mormons) have burnt the town of Gallatin, the county seat of Davies. On last Wednesday night, a body of some hundred and fifty or two hundred Mormons attacked a small body of the militia of Ray county, some fifteen miles north of Richmond, under Capt. Bogard; some two or three of Bogard's men were killed, and several wounded. Some four or five Mormons were killed, and many wounded. The Ray men retreated. The alarm has spread through the whole upper counties, and the militia have been called out forthwith.

Last night I was in the camp of the militia from Lafayette, Jackson, and Ray. There was about the number of seven hundred men, and as the people were flooding in from all quarters, I suppose this morning the number exceeded eight hundred. Majors Generals Atchison and Lucas, and Brig. Generals Graham and Nelson were present. The encampment was about one and a half miles from Richmond, on the road leading to Far West.

This morning, at eight o'clock, the army moved off for that point, and will to-night encamp in a short distance of Far West. Brig. Gen. Donephan, with some three hundred men, was to encamp last night near Bogard's battle-ground. Col. Cornelius Gilliam, with the forces from Clinton county, some three hundred strong, or maybe more, was encamped near Far West, say about eight miles off.

From the exasperated feeling manifested plainly by the forces last night, I apprehended the most serious consequences. Every body is excited; the public mind is resolutely bent on putting it beyond the power of the Mormons to again disturb the peace of the citizens, and more especially, their plunderings and burnings. It was rumored that the Mormons were to burm Richmond on last Tuesday night, and the women and children all fled across the river to Lexington. I saw on the bank of the river, in the night, a large number of women and children, without a shelter or food, who had fled, early on Thursday morning, to Lafayette county for safety. It was after sun set on Thursday before I heard of the alarm of the women of Ray, and I immediately hastened to Lexington, and then to the river, to offer shelter, protection, and food to these suffering people. No man, without seeing the objects, can properly estimate my feelings on that night.

You may expect to hear, in three or four days, more news of the most fatal character.

I am your most obed't servant,
                JOHN S. RYLAND.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Missouri Daily Argus of Nov. 8.

The Mormons.

Extract from a letter to the editors, dated

"ELKHORN, Oct. 30, 1838.      

'On Thursday, the 25th instant, about the dawn of day, a party of Mormons, about 200 strong, attacked Capt. Bogart's company, consisting of about 40 men, on the line dividing Ray and Caldwell counties. On the approach of the Mormons, the sentry fired and gave the alarm. The former advanced within 35 paces, formed a line, and received orders 'in the name of Lazarus, the Apostles, and Jesus Christ our Lord, to fire;' which was followed by a simultaneous charge, accompanied by demoniac and hideous yells of 'Fight for liberty! -- charge, boys! -- charge! -- Kill the d--d rascals,' &c. Bogart, at the head of his gallant band, levelled his gun and echoed the command, -- 'Boys, let them have it!' The struggle was short and desperate. The Mormons were armed with one gun, two long pistols, a butcher's knife, and rushed to the charge, in which many of the men came in collision with them and parried their swords, &c., with their guns, and knocked them down. They pursued the charge about 600 yards. Our loss was one killed and three wounded; two of the latter were left for dead on the ground. The loss of the Mormons was 19 or 20 killed and wounded; five or six of the latter are yet living. They took one prisoner, carried him to within three miles of Far West, where they had him put to death.

'The country is in the highest state of excitement; there are about 2500 troops within a day's march of Far West. They are pouring in from all quarters, and we expect, in a day or two, that that town will be laid waste. We are looking for the Governor with more troops. I have this moment been informed that the Mormons are making every preparation for a general battle. In the engagement on the 25th they took about $4,500 worth of horses, &c.'


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon War Ended.

The St. Louis papers of the 8th instant, state that the Mormon war had ended, by the surrender of the leaders of the Mormons. On the 28th ult. about three thousand men. commanded by Gen. Atchison, of Clay County, made their appearance before the town of Far West, the county seat of Caldwell county, where the Mormons were entrenched. Upon their approach the Mormons hoisted a white flag, which was shot down by Capt. Bogard, but was immediately replaced. -- Gen. Atchison then sent in a message, with a view to learn their wishes and intentions, when six of the leaders avowed their willingness to surrender, in the expectation that the Mormons should be unharmed. The surrender was accepted, and the individuals put under guard. Their names are Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, George Hinkle, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, and M[r]. Knight. The Mormons assembled at Far West, comprised 700 men under arms. Of this number, a small body of 150, retreated and pushed their way to the northern frontier.

On the day after, the order of Gov. Boggs, directing the expulsion or extermination of the Mormons, was received by Gen. Atchison, disgusted with such a command, he immediately resigned his office and retired. Subsequent to this, it is reported that a number of the Mormons were set upon and murdered.

From the accounts which are now received, it appears to us that the poor deluded Mormons are more sinned against than sinning in the matter of this war, and that their great error was in settling down on some of the richest lands of the State, and that in the defence of their right to them, against the avarice of others, they were forced to take up arms.


Note: Lengthier versions of this St. Louis Evening Gazette article were published in the May 1, 1838 issue of the Quincy Whig and in the May 1, 1838 issue of the Sangamo Journal. The final sentences of the article were apparently added by a liberal St. Louis editor, quoting a resident from western Missouri; these words were variously paraphrased in a number of different 1838 news reports; see, for example the Oct. 19, 1838 issue of the Illinois State Journal.

Further from the Mormons.

The account of a bloody butchery of thirty two Mormons, on Splawns Creek, is fully confirmed. -- Two children were killed, we presume, by accident. Considerable plunder -- such as beds, hats, &c. were taken from the slaughtered. Not one of the assailants was killed or hurt.

About the time of the surrender, several Mormon houses were burnt in Chariton; and one Mormon who refused to leave, killed.

At Far West, after the surrender, a Mormon had his brains dashed out, by a man who accused the Mormons of burning his house in Davies.

We copy the above paragraphs, says the St. Louis Republican of the 12th inst., from the Gazette of Saturday evening. We are sorry to say, that our own information corroborates the details. For the honor of the state, we could have wished, that such savage enormities had not attended a controversy in itself disgraceful enough. We understand, that the company engaged in the attack at Splawn's creek, was not attached to any division of the army, but was fighting on its own hook. The men were principally from Chariton county, and amongst the number was at least one member of the Legislature. The enemy had approached within eighty yards of the Mormons before they were apprized of their approach. The Mormons had their families with them, and to preserve their lives, the men separated from them and took refuge in a blacksmith's shop. Here they were murdered! It is said, that the Mormons had arms, but it is a little singular that they should have used them so ineffectually as not to have touched one of the assailants. The latter, in some instances, placed their guns between the logs of the house and deliberately fired on the victims within. These reports are founded upon statements of persons engaged in the attack; and bad as they are, not likely to be overcharged.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism.

We perceive by the London papers, that a number of Missionaries from the Mormons went to England lately, in one of the packets, and that they are preaching their doctrines with some considerable success. We copy a notice of this new religion.

"In the village of Palmyra, in the western part of the state of New York, an idiot, said to have been dumb from his birth, suddenly gave out a few years ago, that 'one night' he had a visit from an angel, who told him to arise from his bed and follow him. He did so, and was conducted by his visitor to a remote and retired spot, where lay a large flat stone, having a ring in the middle of it. This stone was about five feet long, three broad and eight or nine inches thick. On arriving at the place in question the angel commanded the idiot whose name was Joe Smith, to take up the stone by the ring. Smith, as well he might, hesitated to comply with such an order, when his companion told him to take it up boldly, for, if he only had 'faith,' God would instantly give him strength to perform the herculean task. Having prayed inwardly for some minutes, Joe took off his coat, and was making preparations for the performance; but the angel reproved him for his want of faith, made him replace his coat upon his shoulders, and said that even 'if the stone weighed ten thousand tons, divine assistance, through saving faith, would enable him to lift it.' Joe became passive in the hands of the Angel, grasped the ring and found to his astonishment, that the stone weighed as nothing in his hands! On removing it, the idiot discovered that it had served as a covering to a box or chest of the same material, under which were deposited 'twelve golden plates or tables' engraven all over with mystical characters. Upon the upper plate lay a pair of spectacles, made of freestone (save the mark,) which the angel commanded Smith to place astride of his nose. On doing so, Joe's 'tongue was loosened,' as he himself states and his intellect instantly became like those of other men. He saw though the freestone, and the engraving on the golden plates became perfectly intelligible to him. The angel then commanded him to associate with himself 'twelve other men,' whom he named as 'Scribes,' and to interpret to them the writing on the plates. When the work was completely written out, they took it to a printer who demanded $500 in advance for his share in the business. Hereupon the conclave, by dint of pawning, borrowing, selling, and 'finding,' raised the stipulated sum. The book was left with the printer, and the authors were desired to call at the end of the month, when the work would be completed. They now went and 'voluntarily made oath before a justice of the peace that they had written from the dictation of Smith, who, until the time of the angel's visit, had been dumb and an idiot from his birth, and that they had seen the twelve golden tables and the stone spectacles,' adding, that 'no one except Smith could see through them.'

At he expiration of the month they returned to the man of types and demanded their books. The disciple of Caxton met them with a long face, and told them that the whole of the first sheet (16 pages) had been thrown down: and that the manuscripts not having been preserved, he had not been able to fulfil his agreements by the stipulated time: but that if they would write it over again, he would of course print it at his own expense. The Prophets were astounded at this intelligence, and as they had kept no copy of their work, despaired of replacing the inspired writings -- hereupon the printer, by way of removing the difficulty, advised them to 'take another look at the golden plates '

The despairing Mormonites took the hint, and returned with sixteen pages of fresh matter, which the printer immediately composed.

On the publication of the book, the printer worked off and published the sixteen original pages, which he pretended to have lost, and which were altogether different from those they had brought him the second time. This created a terrible sensation among the scribes, who were now called upon by the perfidious printer to produce the plates.

Twelve golden tablets, each of the size of a large tea tray, are not very easy to be procured -- but the angel was good enough to step in once more to their aid. The conclave made oath that the angel had taken the tablets to heaven, on the completion of the work; -- the stone spectacles, however, and the stone chest were produced in evidence, and multitudes of persons were found to be noodles enough to believe the absurd story.

The writer of this, travelling in 1830 through the State of New York, fell into company with a drover, whose uncle had been choused out of $8000 by these fellows. Multitudes had joined them, selling all their property and throwing the proceeds into the common stock and they have several establishments, one of which is in the State of Ohio, where they herd together after a most edifying fashion. Of course, chastity is not among the number of their cardinal virtues. They profess a hearty contempt for all 'unbelievers' and are noted for the promptitude with which they consign to 'everlasting fire and brimstone' all not of their own persuasion.

The poor drover above alluded to, not being himself a Mormonite and having anticipated coming in as heir to the 'old feller,' could in nowise keep his temper when speaking of the 'new revelation.' He consigned Mormon, Joe Smith, and all their followers, to perdition after a most unseemly fashion; libelled the angel who had thrown Joe the box and observed that 'the angel was sharp enough however, for he took good care to carry off the gold; he didn't leave that behind him.' 'Now,' continued he, 'that old Succubus of an uncle of mine might have remembered that he had ten years of my labor and that no man is called upon to throw away his life for nothing; but then the old chap hadn't got no more gumption than a backwoodsman's bull, nor no more steadiness than a monkey upon a water cock, so that when they came to him he got clean frightened out of the little wits that he had. The first time I went to New York he took the opportunity to sell his farm and his stock and every thing and didn't leave himself more clothes nor plunder than what you might ram into a pedlar's wallet; so when I returned, I found myself master of the outside of the house, and a ready furnished lodging in the forest, where I might pick and choose among the trees and live squirrel fashion, that is, if so be as I could have climbed and made up my mind to dine every day on hazel nuts and raw corn. I only wish I could have knowed what was a going on; I'd have found a way to return home time enough to clear 'em all out with my cudgel and that in a fashion that would have made them tremble all the days of their lives at sight of a hickory tree.'

The doctrinal book of the Mormonites, by them called 'The Bible,' has with them entirely superseded the Old and New Testaments. A copy of this book arrived lately in London and is now in the possession of a gentleman residing at Brompton. It is a tolerable thick and closely printed octavo volume, and is divided into a number of books, called after the names of their supposed authors; of these the first in the Book Of Mormon, which has given its name to the whole volume. It is a singular fact that in the Greek language, the word Mormon signifies a mischievous fool or idiot. -- The style and language of this new Bible are an awkward imitation of those of the Old Testament. The book abounds in grammatical blunders and Yankeeisms, and is by no means sparing in marvellous relation of cruelty, murder and rapine. -- There is hardly a glimpse of meaning in many passages of it and the whole is put together in a rambling, unconnected manner, which plainly evinces it to the work of a person or persons wholly unaccustomed to literary composition. It is too absurd for criticism and too brutishly depraved and ignorant to allow if its giving amusement to the reader by it's folly.


Notes: See the Boston Columbian Centinel of November 24, 1838 for the same story, published just two days before the American Sentinel printed its copy of the article. The same story was printed in several newspapers of the period -- in the eastern USA and also in southeastern Canada. The original article apparently came from a London newspaper published during the fall of 1838. The story is filled with peculiar mistakes and misrepresentations, bearing all the marks of a "twice-told tale."

Sketch of the Mormons, and their Creed

The Editor of the Boonville (Mo.) Emigrant, gives the following sketches of the Mormons, which we extract from a long article on the subject for the information of our readers.

From all we can learn of the religious sentiments of the Mormons, it appears that they are deluded into belief that they are a chosen people selected by Heaven for the especial purpose of establishing and building up what they called the New Jerusalem or Celestial City; that they are favorites of Heaven, who, in process of time, are to prevail over and subjugate all the kingdoms of the earth; that their religion will be universally adopted to the entire subversion of all other systems; in short, that they are the Alpha and Omega, the first and last, and that all other people must yield to their universal dominion; that their establishment in Missouri is the beginning, the mere nucleus around which thousands are to flock, and from the universal Mormon empire to spread over every part of the world, conquering and to conquer, until all the role, dominion, and power are under their government.

Now, if these be the sentiments of the Mormons, and there is a design on the part of their leaders to carry them out, they cannot be regarded in any other light than a dangerous people, entertaining principles and sentiments subversive to all governments, and at variance with our free institutions.

With the great ignorance prevailing among the mass of the Mormons, the art and cunning practised on their credulity by their leaders, the fanatical spirit which their religious sentiments have a tendency to produce on ignorant minds, under them, under the guidance of skilful commanders the most dangerous and formidable set of disorganizers that ever set up the standard of revolt in any country, and no time should be lost in taking effectual measures to defeat their nefarious schemes. It is now stated that they now number in Missouri 2.000; they have 800 effective men under arms; [with artillery and other munitions of war], and among them are skilful artillery officers from Canada, that their numbers have been increased the present year, 500 or 800, by emigration from Canada and elsewhere. With their present numbers and the acquisitions adding to it continually, with the disposition for mischief manifested in the late outrages committed in Daviess county, it would appear that they are free instruments in the hands of their leaders for the preparation of any act of desperation no matter how enormous. How they are to be disposed of, or what the issue of the present contest with them will be, cannot be foreseen; the militia from several counties are now on their march to the scene of action, and others are preparing to march, several expresses have passed Boonville, on their way to Jefferson City within the last week; the Governor has issued orders for raising troops. Capt. Childs, with about 50 men left here on last Monday, and the rest of the troops from this county will march to-day. It is stated that Gen'l. Clark, of Fayette, has ordered out 1000 men from his division, and in a few days there will probably be 3 or 4000 men, under march to quell the Mormons. It is greatly to be feared that the men who have been so much harassed by the repeated calls made on them, and forced to leave their homes and business a second time, will be so exasperated with the Mormons as to forget that circumspection which should govern soldiers and which is so important and necessary in a manner like the present -- A heavy responsibility will rest on the commanding officers, whose duty it will be to prevent, by all proper means, any outrages on the part of citizen soldiers, or any departure from the rules of civilized warfare, towards a people whose conduct, it is true, does not entitle them to much favor. -- Still we hope never to hear of the reputation of our militia, the safeguard of our liberties, being tarnished by any act not sanctified by the rules of civilized warfare, or repugnant to the dictates of humanity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormonites.

The following is an extract of a letter just received in New York, dated Ray co. Missouri, Nov. 7th:

'Your letter of October 10th arrived at ten o'clock at night, just as we were running bullets, &c. in order to start next morning for Far West, the hot bed of Mormonism. The first day we encamped about twenty-two miles from here and sixteen from Far West. The next morning W____, his ferryman, and myself, joined ourselves to the advanced guard, and continued with them for three or four miles, when the great Major General Lucas stopped to parade the troops and fire big guns.

'Not being anxious to witness this display of military tactics, we pushed on and joined the spies, in order to assist them in taking prisoners, that the Mormons might not know of our approach. After capturing a few, we left the spies, pushed on alone, and captured a few others, most of them at a distance of two miles and a few at six, from our advanced guard.

'We camped that night within a mile of the Great City, and W____ and myself went up to the town on an errand of mercy, viz. to have some of the women and children sent out before an attack was made. While at their breast works, talking with the commander, a division of our troops, about three hundred in number, came running on to make the attack. A young man who was with us galloped back to stop them. We cried out to him not to be in a hurry, and followed on at a slow pace, by which means we probably saved our lives, as we found, after the surrender, that they supposed us spies, and had we followed the haste of our companions we should inevitably have been shot down; as it was, our being there saved a general battle; for the Mormons, supposing the troops to be a mob, would have fought till death. In fact they formed coolly, and took off hats and coats and bound handkerchiefs round their heads like men who had nothing else to do but fight. We counted their troops while at the entrenchments, and made out five hundred men. At the surrender they gave up four hundred and ninety-six guns. Their leaders are all in custody, and will probably be shot; as for the rabble, they are unquestionably more sinned against than sinners, but will have to leave the state.'


Notes: (forthcoming)

Latest and Important from
the Mormon War.

Treaty Concluded -- By the St. Louis Bulletin of the 17th instant, we have accounts, from the Far West up to the 8th. Gen Clark had arrived here with 1300 men, to guard the Mormon prisoners confined in that town, and had sent a despatch to Gen. Lucas, in Jackson county, to return Joe Smith the prophet, and Hiram his brother, also the ringleaders Rigdon, Wright [sic]. Robison and Hunt. Many of the Mormons have escaped from Caldwell county. The rest will not probably be driven out this winter. A Doct. Avord, of the sect, has made some important disclosures.

Among many other things, they had associated themselves into three different societies, called Danites, Gideonites and the Destroying Angels -- composed of about 150 men altogether. The object of the bands was to carry on a regular and systematic course of robbery and murder, and swear out suits against all disclosures from the church, and others under false pretences of debts and claims against them, the proceeds of which were to be placed in a general fund for the use and benefit of the church.

The rumor of the engagement of Oct. 30, in which 30 Mormons were killed, is confirmed. The following is the Treaty concluded with the Mormons by General Lucas:

The following are the stipulations between the parties:

1st. To give up their leaders to be tried and punished.

2d. To make an appropriation of the property of all who had taken up arms, for the payment of the debts, and as indemnity for damage done by them.

3d. That the Mormons should all leave the state and be protected out by the militia; but to remain under protection, until further orders from the commander in chief.

4th. To give up all arms of every discription, to be receipted for.

For the purpose of arranging every thing in a proper and legal way, Gen. Lucas left Col. Williams, aid-de-camp to the Commander in Chief, Col. Burch and Maj. A. Rees of Ray Co., to attend to drawing, writing, &c. with a company of men to execute all orders consistent with the stipulations.

Judge Cameron of Clay county, William Collins, of Jackson, George Woodward of Ray, John Carroll and W. W. Phelps, of Far West, were appointed by General Lucas and Col. Hinkle, the commander of the Mormons, to attend to the adjusting [of] all claims, &c.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons.

The Boonsville Emigrant of the 15th instant observes, 'Just as our paper was going to press, a portion of the Guards returned from the Mormon war, from whom we gathered a few particulars. Our informant states that Joe Smith and other leaders are to be put on trial at Richmond, Ray county, and that forty-seven Mormons are also to be tried at the same place. It is not true that the Mormons are to be sent out of the State forthwith, but are allowed to remain at present, with the distinct understanding that they are not to make another crop in Missouri, but to leave it between this and next summer. The forces are all disbanded and sent home, except one troop of cavalry from Cole county, which will be retained until the Mormon trials are over.

The Circuit Court for Ray county commenced its session on Monday the 11th instant, at which term it is expected the trial of Joe Smith and the other Mormons will come on. These facts may be relied on as true, as we have them [from] persons immediately from the spot on whose statements reliance may be placed.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons.

We perceive, from the proceedings of the Missouri Legislature, that a memorial asking pecuniary aid for the Mormon women and children of Caldwell county, was laid before that body on the 3d inst. 'It appears,' observes the Louisville Journal. 'that the houses of many of the Mormons in that country have been burned down; that about 60 Mormon men, all of them married, have been arrested and imprisioned, 40 killed, and 100 compelled to fly to escape the vengeance of the citizens, and, that 200 women, most of whom have small children, are thus left destitute, with no food to keep them from starvation and no shelter to protect them from the winter storms. We trust that the State, through her Legislature, will promptly do what she can to repair the foul and cruel wrongs perpetrated by her citizens."


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Prisoners.

We learn from the Western Star, of Nov. 20, that the examining trial of the Mormons before judge King, closed at Richmond on the Wednesday previous. That paper says, 'Some twenty five or thirty were discharged, and about thirty five are retained for indictment and trial -- some for treason against the State, some for murder, some as accessories to murder, and some for arson, burglary, robbery and larceny. We are informed the testimony discloses many facts which have not yet been published to the world, but not deeming it proper to make them the subject of newspaper comment before the trials of the accused, we forbear their disclosure. We are not apprized with certainty what steps will be taken for the safe custody of the prisoners, but think it most probable they will be divided and sent to the jails of the most convenient counties having jails. They are at present under the guard of a part of Capt. Bogard's company of militia, Gen. Clark having disbanded all his troops by order of the Governor.

The indictments will be preferred in the counties of Ray and Daviess, but it is thought the venue will be changed from these counties at the instance of the prisoners.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Correspondence of the Journal of Commerce.

                           MISSOURI, Nov. 30.
Our Mormon war from beginning to end has been so disgraceful to our citizens, that I am ashamed to speak of it. There were three Yankees, part of whom you know, who offered their services as spies and took fourteen prisoners, which was more than were taken by the whole army besides on their march out. One of these prisoners was killed after he was brought into camp before our eyes. The Yankee who brought him in reported the matter to the General, but nothing was done about it. Joe Smith and all the leaders will probably be sacrificed.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> NOTICE -- MR. WINCHESTER, of the Latter Day Saints, (Mormons) will preach TOMORROW (Sunday) in a Room in the Second Story of a Building at the corner of Seventh and Callowhill sts., at 10:30 o'clock in the morning; again at 2:30 in the afternoon, and 6:30 in the evening. Mr. O. PRATT will attebd to-morrow, and it is expected he will address the meeting once or twice during the day.

N. B. -- There will be preaching at the above place every Sabbath, at the above mentioned hour.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> NOTICE -- There will be a public address THIS Evening, (Thursday) at the Commissioners' Hall, Southwark, at 7 o'clock, by Mr. WINCHESTER, of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons.)

N. B. -- "Despite not prophesying," -- "Prove all things: Hold fast to that which is good." -- St. Paul.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> NOTICE -- MR. WINCHESTER, of the Latter Day Saints, (Mormons) will Preach TOMORROW (Sunday) in a Room in the second story of a building at the corner of Seventh and Callowhill sts., at 10:30 o'clock in the morning; again at 2:30 in the afternoon, and 6:30 in the evening.

There will be preaching at the above place, every Sabbath at the above mentioned hours

Also there will be preaching every TUESDAY and FRIDAY Evening, at the same place at 7 o'clock.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons.

We have from time to time seen various and contradictory accounts of the conflicts between the Mormons and other portions of the population of Missouri, in which other and worse cruelties than mere shedding of blood are known to have been perpetrated and on both sides. During the late session of the Legislature of Missouri, testimony was taken on the subject, and some debates took place, of which enough was reported in the newspapers to satisfy us that the Mormons, though not guiltless of all offence against public peace and private rights were yet "more sinned against than sinned." The people of this sect are now transferring themselves in considerable numbers into the state of Illinois. In reference to this fact we find the subjoined article in the Peoria Register of May 18.

We unwillingly give currency to any publication which is calculated to detract from the reputation of a considerable portion of the population of any State. But, at the same time, the truth ought to be told -- the wound ought to be probed -- that Public Opinion the only remedy for such popular disorders as the war between the Mormons and the authorities and people of Missouri, may receive a proper direction. We must add, moreover, that the editor of the Peoria Register is personally known to s, and that we should place undoubting confidence in any statement which he would make from his own knowledge. -- National Intel..

From the Peoria Register, May 18.

THE MORMONS -- Our reader will have seen, by accounts we have published from time to time, that numbers of this much-wronged, deeply-injured people have sought Illinois as an asylum from the worse than savage barbarities of the Missourians. We hope their reception here will be such as American citizens owe to American citizens who have been hunted like wild beasts, their lives taken, property pillaged and destroyed, and the survivors compelled to flee by the light of their own burning dwellings.

A dark and bloody page has been recorded in the annals of Missouri, which her citizens, ages hence, will look upon with shame and horror; and the perpetrators of these atrocities, if not divested of all the attributes of men, will be haunted to their dying day by remorse more terrible than the tearing of the vulture at the heart of the fabled Prometheus.

The Mormons were, from all accounts, an orderly, industrious class of citizens -- had large possessions and valuable improvements. Some difficulties existed between them and their neighbors, who made their obnoxious faith a pretext for the gratification of their cupidity and their fiendish passions at the same time. No one can believe the Mormons to have been entirely blameless; and doubtless there was just ground for strong prejudices against them. But from the very first they have been "more sinned against than sinning." We hold no fellowship with their absurd doctrines, and believe Mormonism as arrant an imposture as ever was palmed upon the credulity of men; yet this furnished no excuse for the commission of violence against them, much less the diabolical deeds of which their persecutors have been guilty.

The press should speak out upon this subject in tones of thunder, and hold up the perpetrators of these atrocities to the execration of all good men. This is but another act in the black tragedies which have been carried on for years -- but the climax of guilt to which they have all tended -- by a set of reckless ruffians, who set all law at defiance, and make their own malignant passions the arbiters of justice. This contempt for the constituted authorities of the land is getting alarmingly common, and where these things will end no one can tell, but every thinking person must fear. -- Each new exhibition of the mob spirit is more aggravated than that which preceded it; almost every State in the Union has been disgraced by turbulent and lawless scenes; but Missouri, though not "alone in her shame," has attained a "bad eminence" of crime which time will "point his slow, unmoving finger at."


Note: The Peoria editor, living far from the scenes of the recent "Mormon War," could easily pontificate upon the situation from the comfort of his distant easy chair. Few outsiders who were not actual eye witnesses of the problematic Mormon "gathering" in Caldwell Co., Missouri could fathom what went on there, why and how the Mormons antagonized their Gentile neighbors, or why mobs of local citizens rose up against this ever-increasing sect of emigrants. While the mob spirit of the "border ruffians" is inexcusable, it is understandable. What is less understandable is what goal the top Mormon leaders had in mind, in their not defusing the problem before it reached the stage of widespread violence.