READINGS  IN  EARLY  MORMON  HISTORY
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Warsaw, Hancock County, Illinois

Western World  (Warsaw Signal)
1840 Articles


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Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 1.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  May 13, 1840.                                   Vol. I.



LATEST  FROM  THE  MORMONS.

It is known that these people, since their dispersion in Missouri, have collected in great numbers in and around Commerce in this state, on the Mississippi river. The name of Commerce, as we have heretofore stated, they have changed to Nauvoo, from the Hebrew or Egyptian, though of the signification of the term we are ignorant. They hold two great conferences every year, -- in the spring and fall; and that appointed for the present spring took place last week, commencing on the 6th, and ending on the 9th of April. We learn that between 2000 and 3000 persons were present, and that considerable accessions were made to the church from the surrounding neighborhood. Our informant states that the number was 74, all received by baptism, and that at the same time thirty of the ablest men were ordained to p[r]each the gospel.

The preachers present were Joseph and Hiram Smith, John Page, Orson Hyde, and two others. Messrs. Page and Hyde, with ten others, (probably chosen elsewhere), were commissioned to go to the Holy Land to preach the gospel to the Jews. They are to meet in Quincy next Sabbath, and from thence take their departure for Palestine.

About 300 houses have been put up in Nauvoo since last October. Some of them are neat frame buildings, but the greater portion are log cabins, designated for temporary habitations merely. The ground assigned to each is generally one acre, though to some there are five acres.

The increase of population by immigration is very great. Our informant states that several families arrive every day. A gentleman living on the road from Quincy to Nauvoo assured him that on some days at least 15 families passed his house, all bound to the latter place . -- Peoria Register.




THE  MORMONS  FOR  HARRISON.

The public have been advised that a deputation from the Mormons in this state, consisting of the prophet Joseph Smith, with Messrs. Rigdon and Higbee, proceeded to Washington early in the winter, for the purpose of presenting a memorial to congress touching their troubles in Missouri, and of obtaining, if possible, the favor of the President therein. Mr. Smith returned about the first of March, without having accomplished anything. On Monday week, (the 6th inst.) the great semi-annual conference of the sect commenced at Nauvoo, and continued four days. On the first day Mr. S. took occasion to give to the assembled multitude, consisting of about 3000 persons, a detailed account of his mission, which was related with great clearness, and heard with deep interest. He said that soon after reaching Washington, he called on Mr. Van Buren, and asked permission to leave with him the memorial with which he had been entrusted, at the same time briefly stating its contents. Mr. Van Buren's manner was very repulsive, and it was only after his (Smith's) urgent request that he consented to receive the paper and to give an answer on the morrow. The next day Smith again called, when Mr. Van Buren cut short the interview by saying, "I can do nothing for you, gentlemen. If I were to, I should go against the whole state of Missouri, and the state would go against me in the next election." Mr. Smith said he was thunderstruck at this avowal. He had always believed Mr. Van Buren to be a high minded statesman, and had uniformly supported him as such; but he now saw that he was only a huckstering politician, who would sacrifice any and every thing to promote his re-election. He left him abruptly, and rejoiced, when without the walls of the palace, that he could once more breathe the air of a freeman.

The effect of this statement has been to turn the Mormons, almost to a man, against Mr. Van Buren, and to make them equally as unanimous for Gen. Harrison. Of the vast multitude who were present at Nauvoo, our informant assures us very few will vote for Mr. V. B. Some of those who have been hitherto the most prejudiced in his favor, declare they will not vote at all, but the others will go generally for the incorruptible farmer of North Bend, the man of stern and inflexible justice -- the poor man's friend --. Peoria Register.




Our Town and County.

Hancock County is bounded on the North by Warren County and the Mississippi river; South by Adams county; East by M'Donough county; and West by the Mississippi river. It contains about 8000 square miles. It was formed from Pike County in 1825, but was not organized as a county for several years afterwards. In 1834, this county gave about 340 votes, and had a population 1700 inhabitants; now, its population is supposed to be from 8 to 9000, and it is slupposed that from 16 to 1800 votes will be given at the next August election. It is steadily and rapidly filling up with enterprising farmers and industrious mechanics. There are in this county several flourishing towns and villages, viz: Warsaw, Carthage, Commerce, Appanoose, La Harpe, Montebello, Augusta, Pulaski, Plymouth, Chili, St. Marys, &c.

Warsaw, the principal business town in the county, is situated on the fractional Section 9, in Township 4 North, Range 9 West, on a beautiful elevation, on the East bank of the Mississippi. It commands a fine view of the river for several miles in each direction, and has one of the best Steam Boat landings on the river. It is about 3 miles below the foot of the Des Moines rapids, is thriving rapidly, and is destined to attain a high rank among the towns of the west. The advantages of its situation are obvious, being opposite the mouth of the Des Moines river, and the point of termination of the Peoria and Warsaw Rail Road. A company of gentlemen, in February, 1839, otained a charter from the Legislature of the State for a rail road around the Des Moines rapids, from Commerce to Warsaw, which is believed will be the most profitable Rail Road stock in the United States. The obstructions to Steam Boat navigation on the rapids are so great that the greatest part of the navigable season Steam Boats cannot ascend or descend with their cargoes with safety, and are under the necessity of lighting over the rapids in keel or flat boats drawn by team power. As the settlements on both sides of the nver above this town increase, for a distance of some 5 or 600 miles above us, and as the resources of the upper country are brought into action, it is reasonable to suppose that trade and navigation on the Upper Mississippi will increase in the same proportion. If so, the importance of the rail road from Warsaw to Commerce, round the rapids, must be evident to every reflecting mind. It is expected that all the stock will be taken and the road commenced before the end of the present year, which, when completed, will add much to the business and prosperity of the towns of Warsaw and Commerce.

Warsaw is considered to be among the best locations, and one of the strongest points, on the Upper Mississippi. It commands the heavy business of this county; a portion of the business from the north part of Adams, a portion of the business from M'Donough and Warren counties, as also of the settlements on the Des Moines river in Missouri and Iowa.

The 16th or school section in this fractional township sold, in the month of August, 1836, for the sum of $17,014 -- the principal being kept on interest at 12 percent, payable half yearly in advance, amounts to two thousand and forty-one dollars yearly, which is believed to be the largest township fund in the state, with the exception of Chicago. The interest on this fund, in connection with our proportion of the State fund, will enable the citizens of our town to keep up a sufficient number of schools to educate all the children of a population of at least four times our present number. In addition thereto, we have a university, endowed with a real estate fund to a considerable amount, which will shortly go into operation, professors being already appointed.

The present popuation of the town is about eight hundred. It has two steam saw mills, one steam merchant flouring mill of the first order, capable of manufacturing 80 to 100 barrels of superfine flour per day, one newspaper and job printing office, 12 stores, 3 hotels, 2 gunsmiths, 3 blacksmiths, 4 coopers, 2 cabinet makers, 1 tannery, 3 tailors, 1 bakery, 2 boot and shoe makers, 2 plasterers, and 2 wagon makers, all of whom employ more or less journeymen; 1 silver smith; 1 tin, copper, and sheet iron manufactory, besides a great number of other mechanics, such as house carpenters and joiners, brick and stone masons, &c., 3 physicians, and the necessary complement of lawyers...


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 10.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  July 15, 1840.                                   Vol. I.



Wholesale Stealing. -- For some time past the inhabitants of this country and of Missouri, on the opposite side of the Mississippi, have been annoyed by petty depredations on their property, such as the loss of various small instruments of agriculture, such as are usually left out of doors, smoke-houses broken open, corn-cribs pilfered, and latterly clothes left out to dry have been taken, so that some families have lost the largest part of their linen; and not long since a Skiff, with several boxes of cotton yarn, was taken from Tully, in Missouri, and a store broken open. Cattle and hogs have also been missed, and horses accustomed to run loose in the prairies, have suddenly disappeared. No clue to these depredations could, for some time, be found, until a few days ago a gentleman of the name of Speece, who resides on a farm about 8 or 9 miles from here, on the bottom below, came suddenly on one of the depots of these stolen goods, on a slough not far from his residence. We understand from those who were down, that there were several piles of plunder of various kinds, such as carpenter's tools, different kinds of clothing, several boxes of glass, 6 barrels of Kenhawa Salt, a quantity of Castings, &c., &c. The boxes of glass and the castings marked C. Henshaw, Winchester, Mo. A part of these goods are now at Mr. Speece's house, some of them having been taken away by claimants from Missouri.

We understand some persons have been taken up who have confessed to the theft, implicating others with them; -- but as we find it very difficult to come at the truth among the multifarious reports in circulation, we think it best for the present to refrain from saying any thing about the supposed depredations. Whenever we are able to gather the true facts of the case, we will lay them before our readers.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 12.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  July 29, 1840.                                   Vol. I.



Shameful Outrage.

It is well known to our readers, that after the Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, as they are usually called, were driven out of the State of Missouri they established their head-quarters at Commerce, in the upper part of this county on the Mississippi river, 18 or 20 miles above this place, where they have built largely, and where most of them reside, though they are scattered through this and the adjoining counties in considerable numbers. They have generally demeaned themselves as quiet, peaceable citizens, and displayed considerable fortitude under their severe trials in the loss of property and friends, and a commendable industry in trying to retrieve their fallen fortunes.

During the last winter and spring various petty thefts were perpetrated in various parts of this county which many persons attributed to the Mormons, they having lately come into the county, and sufering under the odium of similar conduct in Missouri. With what justice these charges were made we know not, and do not know that there is any evidence to substantiate them. We merely state the facts as a matter of history.

Some weeks ago we stated in a late paper, a depot of stolen articles was found 8 or 10 miles below this town, by a gentleman residing near the place. The news of this discovery having gone across the river to Missouri, a number of the inhabitants of Tully, a town in that State about 20 miles below this on the river, came over to seek for goods which they averred had been stolen from them, and found several articles at the said depot, which they claimed and carried off. These Missourians attributed all these thefts to the Mormons, and coming across four of them, who alleged they were hunting horses in the bottom, they forcibly and without warrant, carried them over the river out of this State, and tied three of them up to trees, stripped and beat them in the most shameful and cruel manner. The fourth one was permitted to depart. One of the persons pubished has since made his escape -- what has become of the other two we have not learned. It is said that one of them is so badly injured that he cannot recover.

This is a high-handed and daring violation of the rights and laws of this State, by citizens of another State residing on our borders, and we are extremely gratified to learn that Gov. Carlin is taking prompt and vigorous measures to bring the perpetrators of this daring outrage on our rights and our citizens to condign punishment. A demand has probably before this time been made on the Governor of Missouri for the criminals. Gov. Carlin will deserve the thanks of every citizen of Illinois by pursuing this matter vigorously. The people of Illinois will not thus suffer their territory to be invaded, their citizens carried off and shamefully abused, without seeking and obtaining redress for their grievances. It does not alter the case in the least whether the persons carried off were guilty or not. If guilty, they still had the right of trial by jury, by the laws of the State in which the thefts were committed; and the law holds every man innocent until he is found guilty by a legally constituted jury of his peers. We hope the citizens of Illinois will frown down this base attempt to introduce mob-law into the limits of our State, and insist upon it that the perpetrators of this outrage receive merited punishment. The following are the proceedings of a meeting held at Nauvoo in relation to this subject, which we willingly give place to, and only regret that the proceedings had not been forwarded to us sooner. We would state for the information of those at a distance, that the name of Commerce has been changed, by the Mormons, to Nauvoo.



At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, on Monday, July 13th, 1840; Judge Elias Higbee was called to the chair, and R. B. Thompson was appointed Secretary.

On motion the following Gentlemen were appointed a committee to report resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting, to wit:

Isaac Galland, R. B. Thompson, Sidney Rigdon, D. H. Wells. Whereupon; The committee retired and after a short absence, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.

PREAMBLE.

The committee appointed to express the sense of this meeting, in relation to the recent acts of abduction and other deeds of cruelty and inhumanity committed upon our citizens by those of the State of Missouri, beg leave respectfully to report:

That having under consideration the principal matters involve in the discharge of their duty, they have been forced to arrive at the following conclusions:

1st. That the people of Missouri not having sufficiently slacked their thirst for blood and plunder, are now disposed to pursue us with a repetition of the scenes of brutality which marked their whole course of conduct towards us during our unhappy residence among them.

2nd. That, notwithstanding they have already robbed us of our homes, murdered our families, stolen and carried away our property; and their exertions to complete the measure of their infamy as a State, have caused unoffending thousands to be banished from the State, without even the form of a trial, or the slightest evidence of crime.

They are now sending their gangs of murderousbanditti, and thieving brigands, to wreak further vengeance and satisfy their insatiable cupidity in the State of Illinois, and that too, before we have even had time to erect shelters for our families.

3d. That for the purpose of giving a semblance of justification to their most unhallowed conduct

The people of Missouri have again commenced concealing goods within the limits of our settlements, as they before have done in the State of Missouri, in order to raise a charge of stealing against our citizens and under this guise they have within a few days kidnapped and carried away several honest and worthy citizens of this county.

4th. Under these circumstances, the first duty and the only redress which seems to offer itself to our consideration, is an appeal to the Executive of the State of Illinois, for redress and protection from further injuries with a confident assurance that he, unlike the Governor of State of Missouri, will extend the Executive arm to protect unoffending citizens from lawless outrage.

Therefore -- Resolved, firstly, that we view with no ordinary feelings the approaching danger as a necessary consequence, following the lawless and outrageous conduct of the citizens of Missouri, in setting at defiance the laws of this as well as of all other States in this Union, by forcing from their homes, and from the State, civil citizens of Illinois, and taking them into the state of Missouri, without any legal process whatever, and there inflicting upon them base cruelties in order to extort false confessions from them, to give a coloring to their (the Missourians) iniquities and screen themselves from the just indignation of an incensed community.

Resolved 2d. That while we deeply deplore the cause which has brought us together on this occasion, we cannot refrain from expressing our most unqualified disapprobation at the infringement of the laws of this state, as set forth in the above preamble, and strongest indignation at the manner in which the people of Missouri treated those, whom they had thus inhumanly taken from among us.

Resolved 3d, That inasmuch as we are conscious of our honest and upright intentions and are at all times ready and willing to submit to the requirements of the law, We claim of the citizens and authorities of this State, protection from such unjust and, before unheard of oppressions.

Resolved 4th, That the forcible abduction of our citizens by those of Missouri, is a violation of the laws, regulating the federal compact, subversive to the rights of freemen, and contrary to our free institutions, and republican principles.

Resolved, 5th, That the cruelties practiced upon our citizens since their abduction, is disgraceful to humanity, the height of injustice and oppression, and would disgrace the annals of the most barbarous nations, in either ancient or modern times, and can only find its parallel in the Auto da Fa of the inquisition in Spain.

Resolved, 6th, That such unconstitutional and unhallowed proceedings on the part of the citizens of Missouri, ought to arouse every patriot to exertions and diligence to put a stop to such procedure, and use all constitutional means to bring the offenders to justice.

Resolved, 7th, That we memorialize the Executive of this State upon the gross outrage which has been committed on our citizens, and pledge ourselves to aid him in such measures as may be considered necessary, to restore our citizens to freedom, and have satisfaction for the wrongs we have suffered.

Resolved, 8th, That the above be published in the Quincy Whig, Quincy Argus, Western World, Burlington Gazette, and Hawkeye and Patriot.
               ELIAS HIGBEE, Chairman,
       R. B. THOMPSON, Sec'ry.



                               For the Western World.

They know enough to take care of themselves. --
They will vote as they please.

Mr. EDITOR -- You are aware, doubtless, that the most curious measures and the most unwearied pains have been taken by at least one party in this county to induce the Mormons (or Latter-day Saints) to vote for a certain side. But, Sir, these incessant troublers of the good citizens of Nauvoo have just mistaken their men. -- T speak bluntly, these office-hunters "have had the wrong pig by the ear" -- they have "barked up the wrong tree." -- Our friends at Nauvoo are neither to be slid along by the use of "soft soap," nor bribed by false promises, nor won by fawning sycophancy, nor wheeled into the traces by perpetually annoying them with stories, speeches, trials, and all that sort of Humbuggery. They will do as they please after all. And it is a great credit to the people of Nauvoo that they are as generally uncommitted, free and independent on this subject. They will look at the candidates, asking of each one the good old Jeffersonian questions: "Is he honest? is he capable? is he a friend of the Constitution?" His honesty, capacity, and attachment to the Constitution will do more for our candidates among the Nauvoo people, than all the stories and electioneering of scores of candidates, men and witnesses. Some have said, that the Mormons will go all "one way at any rate. But this is a mistake. They will exercise their own opinions and divide like other men in respect to their candidates. I say let them have their own way. If they will decide the election I hope they will decide the right way, and look back on their own acts with approbation.     A FREEMAN.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 13.                                   Warsaw,  Iillinois,  Aug. 5, 1840.                                   Vol. I.


 

(More on the Tully-Mormon thefts affair)

(under construction)




Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 15.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Aug. 19, 1840.                                   Vol. I.


 

(Still more on the Tully-Mormon thefts affair)

(under construction)




Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 18.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Sept. 9, 1840.                                   Vol. I.



HANCOCK COUNTY. -- From the statement of votes which we publish to-day, it appears that there are only nine counties in the State that poll a larger vote than Hancock, and one (Coles) that polled the same number. From the rapidity with which this county has been settling by the Mormons of late, the vote will be considerably increased in November...



THE MORMONS. -- A keel boat arrived at this city on Sunday last with about thirty of this new sect. -- We understand they belong to a part of 39, who left the vicinity of Preston, England, about two months since, although the company separated at Pittsburgh, they are all destined for the head quarters of the Mormons, at Nauvoo, Illinois. These were all good looking farmers and mechanics; and we are told that another party is on the way from England, destined to the same point.

The sect is rapidly on the increase. -- Their church in England comprises between 2 and 3000 members, mostly in Lancashire; they have also regularly organized societies in Liverpool, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, &c. About 100 Methodist preachers in England have embraced this faith. In this country; there are about 2000 at Nauvoo, Ill. and about 2000 in Lee county, in Iowa, on the opposite side of the Mississippi. They have churches in Quincy, Springfield, Jacksonville, and various other parts of Illinois. -- There is a church of about 100 members at Dayton, Ohio, and they intend to establish one in this city shortly; eight persons were baptized by them, in the river in front of this city, last Sunday, and Monday. With the exception of Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, they have regularly organized churches in every State in the Union; those at Philadelphia and New York comprise each about 300 members; they publish a monthly journal in Manchester, England, and another in Nauvoo, Illinois. -- Cinc. Chronicle.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 19.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Sept. 16, 1840.                                   Vol. I.


 

              For the Western World.

MR. WHITE,
  Sir -- In the Quincy Whig of July 25th, there is a communication, which was copied in your paper of last week, over the signature of "Many Citizens of Tully," which contains mis-statements in relation to the people called Mormons, that deserve at least a passing notice.

Of the bad temper and vindictive tone exhibited in that communication, it is no part of my design to offer any comments. It is simply my object to correct the unfounded imputations that so greatly abound against that people, in the article above referred to, and more especially against their religious teacher, Mr. Smith.

On the 10th of July last, I happened to be at Nauvoo, and I found that much excitement existed among the people there, on account of the kidnapping of several members of the Mormon church, by some Missourians, who were alledged to have taken them from this county into the State of Missouri, without any semblance of right, and in direct violation of all law. -- During the course of the day it was understood that several of the Missourians, who had been engaged in the kidnapping transaction, were upon the Illinois side of the Mississippi. A warrant, upon proper affidavit, was issued for their apprehension, by Daniel H. Wells, Esq., and on the succeeding day three of them were brought before him for examination. Previous to this, I had been requested to assist upon the part of the people, in their examination.

On my way to the place where the trial was to be held, I called at Mr. Rigdon's house, where I found the prisoners, and likewise Joseph Smith, Jr. A conversation, previous to my arrival, had been commenced between the latter and one of the former, in the course of which, Mr. Smith commenced in strong terms upon the conduct of the Missourians towards the Mormons, and especially upon the exterminating order of Gov. Boggs. He spoke of the number of their people that had been murdered, of others that had been confined in prison, and, after a mock trial, condemned to be shot, and of the innumerable outrages and indignities of every species which had been heaped upon them from time to time -- and which were finally consummated by the expulsion of 15000 Mormons from the State of Missouri, and by plundering and depriving them of their property to the amount of $3,000,000. And when they had appealed for a redress of these grievances, a deaf ear was turned to their cries. But, added Mr. Smith, we shall never cease in our endeavors to regain our lost rights, nor stay our hands till fully compensated for the robberies committed upon us.

The language, in the communication above referred to, seems to have been construed into a justification of the Mormons stealing from the Missourians. Such, however, was not the case. But it was used in relation to the attempt which the Mormons had made and which they intended still to make, to obtain a redress of their grievances and a restoration of their lost rights. The "many citizens of Tully" speak of their citizens having been made prisoners by this most Christian people, (as they style the Mormons) and at whose instigation suit had been commenced against them, in such a way, as to induce the belief that the Mormons had prosecuted them with malevolent and unchristianlike feelings. This is altogether variant from the facts of the case: for before the trial commenced I was explicitly informed by Mr. Smith, who has been denounced in terms so coarse and unmeasured by those citizens, that the Mormons had no disposition to have the prisoners in any manner harmed or abridged of their liberty, unless the evidences of their guilt should be such as to render their discharge unwarrantable: and although they were smarting under the sense of the enormous wrong which had been done to them, by the forcible abduction of their brethren -- yet they were disposed to show to the world, that they were governed neither by revenge no malice in their proceedings about to be had in respect to the prisoners.

Accordingly, in summing up the testimony, I stated to the Justice that if he entertained any doubt about the agency of the prisoners in the alledged crime, it was the desire of the people that they should be set at liberty, and permitted to return to their homes unmolested. The Justice, in delivering his opinion, stated that he thought the testimony against one of the prisoners was sufficient to warrant him in holding him to bail. But as it seemed to be the wish of the people that he should be set at large, he would discharge him as well as the others. So much for Mormon persecution.

In the concluding paragraph of the Tully communication, it is alledged that Mr. Smith, in the above trial, "swore to things which were entirely false, and so it was proved by his own brethren." Mr. Smith, upon the examination of the prisoners, was sworn and examined as a witness -- and he was the last one examined, although some others were sworn and called to the stand, but were allowed to retire after it was ascertained from them that they knew nothing more than what had previously been testified to -- and being the last one so examined, it is really singular, that it should have been proven either by his own brethren or any body else that he had given [false testimony].

The [ -------------- ---------- --------] disposing of this [ -------- ----------- ----- ------] certainly a very grave [ -------- ------- --- ----- ] should not have been [ ---- ---- ---- --- ] [perhaps] the best, and that is, by stating that no proof was given or attempted to be given on the above trial which implicated the testimony of Mr. Smith, or which had any tendency to show that he had borne false testimony.

I should not have troubled you with these statements in relation to the above communication, but for the reason that it has given rise to remarks and inquiries which common fairness requires should be fairly met and answered, and those statements, if necessary, could be corroborated by the testimony of many persons. You will, therefore be so good as to give them publicity in your next paper.
                                   S. H. LITTLE.
Carthage, August 7th, 1840.




To the Editor of "Western World":               

                        Quincy, Monday evening Sept. 7.

MR. WHITE -- Having a few leisure moments, I sit down for the purpose of dropping you a line, that you may not be altogether uninformed of what is passing in our city.

Well, then, first: as to the Mormons, you will recollect that just previous to our August election, outrages were committed at Tully, Mo., upon citizens of Nauvoo, Ill., called Mormons; -- and that Gov. Carlin, in obedience to the request of that people, pledged himself to demand of the Governor of Missouri the authors of the outrage. I always believed that Gov. Carlin made use of the Tully affair to influence the August election in this county, and this belief is strengthened from the numerous reports which came into the city immediately after the election. It was discovered that the Mormons of this county (unexpectedly to the Whigs) very generally, took sides with the Governor, and voted the Van Buren ticket. It has not yet transpired, what the Governor did actually do or say to mislead them, but it is generally believed that he caused a report to be circulated among them to the effect that if the Whigs carried this county he would resign, but that if the Locos carried it, he would use his authority to protect them, and punish the authors of the outrage at Tully. This report gained credit from the fact, that a day or two previous to the election, the Governor, as if intending to fulfill his part of the contract, despatched an agent to Missouri, for the purpose of demanding for punishment, of Gov. Boggs, the authors of the outrage aforesaid. This gent was a mere boy -- one who has hardly come to years of discretion -- but who is noted for the noise he makes on election days. The appointment surprised every body -- to think that he would confer so important a trust upon a hair-brained youth of his character was enough to surprise every one -- and has been the cause of much ridicule and laughter among our citizens. Well, on Saturday last, this ambassador extraordinary to Missouri, returned -- and boasted that his mission had been successful, and that the rioters at Tully would be given up. Upon the heels of this -- on Sunday -- two envoys from Missouri appeared in our city, with full power [from] Gov. Boggs, of Missouri, to demand of Gov. Carlin, Joseph Smith Jr., and Sydney Rigdon, of Nauvoo, as runaway criminals from that State. The envoys and the Governor met on Sunday afternoon, in a little bed-room of the Land Office Hotel in this city, for the purpose of talking the matter over.

How well the Executive of our state respects the Sabbath! does he not set a fine example? There is not days enough in the week, but that he must select the Sabbath for the transaction of his official business. The result of the confab has not yet been made public -- whether the Governor will or will not give up Messrs. Smith and Rigdon -- but the belief is general among our citizens, that the mission of Governor Boggs' ambassadors was successful also. Meanwhile, early on Monday last, (this morning) a Mormon left this city for Nauvoo, doubtless with the intention of informing Messrs. Smith and Rigdon of what had transpired here, that they may cross over the Mississippi, and be beyond the jurisdiction of our laws, before the Governor's writ overtakes them. In view of all these circumstances, is there not strong grounds to believe that this Mormon who left the city this morning for Nauvoo, has enjoyed the benefit of an interview with the Governor or some of his individual friends, and that he bears to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon the message -- "Keep out of the way, for, I will send a writ for you," The Governor fears that if he takes decisive means in the matter, the mormon votes and influence will be against Mr. Van Buren in November, and by pursuing this undignified course he will place them under such obligations to his party that they will all vote the Van Buren ticket. Now recollect, I make no charges -- I only draw inferences. You may depend upon it, There is a scheme on foot between those two locofoco Governors of Missouri and Illinois, to deceive the people of Nauvoo. Carlin is none too good to descend to any [work] or device to carry his ends and the goals of his party. But I hope and trust, that the Mormon people can see through [it all]. They must know that Carlin divested of his political consequence, has no power to protect them beyond that of any other respectable citizen. But as a Governor, he is like a sheriff or constable in a smaller community. compelled to execute the laws of the State, and to protect the constitutional rights of every citizen, however humble. I do not believe it would be right in the Governor to give up Smith and Rigdon to the Missouri authorities -- prejudices exist in that State they could not have a fair trial -- and justice would not be done them.

I drop you this rambling letter, in haste, for your own consideration -- do with it as you please.     Yours, &c.
                                  A LOOKER ON.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 24.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,   Oct. 21, 1840.                                   Vol. I.



MORMON CONFERENCE. -- This people held a Conference at Nauvoo, on Saturday last, which continued three days. It is calculated that there was not far from three thousand in attendance. A gentleman who was present, spoke in the highest terms of the appearance of the immense assemblage, and the good order which prevailed. The mild and humane laws of our State, and the tolerating and liberal principles which abound among our people, are having their just and proper effects upon this people. Their society is not only increasing in numbers, but individually their condition is greatly improved, surrounded as they are by the gifts of an ever-ruling power. We learn that they are expecting a large accession to their numbers in a short time from England -- one of their preachers, a Mr. [Studley], having met with distinguished success in that country.

JOHN C. BENNETT, Quarter Master General of Illinois, was baptized at Nauvoo, in the belief of the Latter Day Saints, (Mormon Faith) one day last week. -- Quincy Whig.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 26.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Nov. 4, 1840.                                   Vol. I.


 

MORE MORMONS. -- An English paper has the following paragraphs about a new shipment to this country. Its location of Quincy, "on the Mississippi. in Michigan." is amusing, and shows a wonderful precision in the knowledge of transatlantic geography:--

"The New York packet ship North America, Capt. Lowber, sailed on Tuesday week with 19 cabin passengers and 200 in the sterage. the whole of the steerage passengers belong to the sect called "Latter Day Saints," and are bound for Quincy, in the State of Michigan, on the borders of the Mississippi, where a settlement has been provided for them by one of their sect, who has purchased a large tract of land in Michigan. We understand that upwards of 2000 are in treaty to embark early next spring for the same locality. A great portion of those who sailed in the North America, are members of the total abstinence society, and are from Leicestershire and Herefordshire."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Pub. Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By D. N. White, Editor & Proprietor.
No. 27.                                     Warsaw,  Illinois,  Nov. 11, 1840.                                     Vol. I.



SALUTATORY.

In assuming the editorial charge of the 'Western World,' duties devolve upon us, new and responsible. It is, therefore, with diffidence that we commence that relationship with our readers which we trust may ever prove, to all concerned, a source of unmittigated pleasure and profit. An editor of a public journal is expected to spread a table that shall please the tastes and gratify the appetites of all his patrons; to pamper the prejudices and wink at the fanaticism of every sect and party. To do this, and yet be consistent, is impossible. Hence our aim shall be to please ourselves, pursuing an independent and unyielding course; on the one hand battling with tyranny in all its forms, whether in the trappings of royalty or in the more insidious garb of pretended democracy; and on the other upholding the high and lofty principles of republicanism and equal rights.

As the political campaign, so far as we are concerned, is now ended, we will curtail the amount of political matter which has heretofore appeared in this paper, and devote ourselves more particularly to the diffusion of such information as will tend to promote the interests of the commercial, mechanical, and farming communities; and, above all, to the cultivation of those social and domestic virtues which alone renders home and the fireside endearing.

In politics the character of this paper will remain unchanged. As ever, it will strenuously advocate and maintain principles of the great Whig party; but while in this we pursue our course unflinchingly, we trust we shall never loose sight of the dignity which the American press should ever maintain, nor suffer ourselves to be drawn into the fierce and unfathomed whirlpool of political violence. As chroniclers of the times, we will endeavor faithfully to note the movements of the great political parties; reserving to ourselves the right of approving that which is, in our opinion, beneficial to the prosperity of the country; and condemning that which is detrimental, without regard to the source from which it originates.

In our columns private character shall ever be held sacred; but we will never use our endeavors to elevate to office any man whose moral character we believe to be utterly corrupt and depraved; our doctrine is 'PRINCIPLES AND MEN,' believing that a 'corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit,' and that whenever the people repose confidence in a dishonest man they have no security, other than his own selfishness, that it will not be betrayed. Our motto is 'TRUTH,' and with it nailed to the mast we regard neither the storm nor the wave, but relying upon the intelligence and virtue of the people we fear not nut that they will be our support.

A word to our friends and patrons. We hope that your efforts will be unremitted to increase the subscription and advertising patronage of our paper, for it needs both, in order to give it a permanent footing; and we pledge ourselves that no exertion shall be wanting, on our part, to make our sheet both interesting and instructive.

[Thomas C. Sharp]


Notes: (forthcoming)


 
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