New election of Mayor, and Vice Mayor, of the City of Nauvoo, on the resignation of General Bennett.

On the 17th Instant General John C. Bennett resigned the office of Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and on the 19th General Joseph Smith, the former Vice Mayor, was duly elected to fill the vacancy -- and on the same day General Hyrum Smith was elected Vice Mayor in place of General Joseph Smith elected Mayor.

The following vote of thanks was then unanimously voted to the Ex Mayor, General Bennett, by the City Council; to wit: Resolved by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that this Council tender a vote of thanks to General John C. Bennett, for his great zeal in having good and wholesome laws adopted for the Government of this city; and for the faithful discharge of his duty while Mayor of the same.

Passed May 10th 1842.                                
                   JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.

JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.

---

Major General's Office, Nauvoo Legion,
    City of Nauvoo, Ill., May 20th, 1842.

To the citizens of the City of Nauvoo: --
  I have this day received an order from General Joseph Smith, Mayor of said city, to detail a regular night watch for the city which I have executed by selectung, and placing on duty, the following named persons; to wit: D. B. Huntington, W. D. Huntington, L. N. Scovil, C. Allen, A. P. Rockwood, N. Rogers, S. Roundy, and S. Arnold, who will hereafter be obeyed, and respected, as such, until further orders.

                               JOHN C. BENNETT.
                                    Major General.

Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo,
    Ill., May 20th, 1842.

To the City Warch: --
  You are hereby directed to appear at my office, daily, at 6 o'clock, P. M., to receive orders; and at 6 o'clock, A. M., to make reports; until regularly disbanded by the Major General of the Legion, by my orders.                    JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.

---

WE  WERE  NOT  THE  AGGRESSORS.

After our property had been wrestled from us and the declaration gone forth that we were forthwith to leave the country, we were anxious, as far as possible to recover what had been lost, and had been by treachery and fraud so unexpectedly deprived of. Accordingly, we went peaceable into the settlements to recover our property; but no sooner did we make known our business than we were insulted, decided and calumniated by every epithet and indignity that their degenerated intellects were able to invent. Some were whipped, tarred, feathered and tortured with every cruelty possible. Daily aggressions were now made upon our homes, our firesides; property was clandestinely taken from us in the silent watches of the night, and at the noon-day hour; our families insulted, our hearths desecrated, and our lives periled. This state of things existing, we were again compelled to petition for assistance. We applied to General Atchison, who immediately came to our assistance with a strong military force. He marched to Gallatin, where his troops were stationed several days. At their appearance in the county the mob immediately dispersed, avowing their intention to be peaceable and orderly. But this determination proved to be remarkably short lived. No sooner had General Atchison returned to Clay and disbanded his troops, than plunder, rapine, pillage, and the work of devastation was resumed with renewed vigor, and determination. He was again applied to for assistance. At his re-appearance in the county the mob dispersed as before and again declared their intentions to keep the peace. Gen. Atchison saw their treachery and how futile and vain were his efforts to restore peace; he knew that were he to interfere too strenuously in the affair, that it would plunge the whole state into difficulty, and commotion, and with these considerations he withdrew his troops and left us to defend ourselves against our assailants. Again the mob renewed their aggressions; their force became more formidable and oppressive; daily accessions were made to their numbers and the work of barbarity commenced with redoubled energy. A certain individual by the name of Gilliam, then a representative from the Platt county in the Legislature of his State, backed by his wholly motly crew of "Black spirits and white.
 Blue spirits and grey." now made his appearance upon the stage of action. To follow him through all his acts of plunder, barbarity and cruelty, would be a task too arduous and intricate to be undertaken. They are traced indelibly, with an impress that defies the revolution of time to efface, upon the tablet of many a widowed heart, and upon the memory of many a helpless and unprotected orphan, and to sufficeth us to know that justice, stern and inflexible, will sooner or later overtake him. He was indeed an able competition for the very amiable, patriotic and pious Methodist priest Bogard, who is another demon from the dark and benighted regions of Hades sent to figure upon the earth in human shape and carry on the work of desolation among the children of men. The midnight slumbers of the saints were repeatedly broken by the hostile and appalling yells of these lawless rabbles, and from the quietude of their peaceful homes, they were forced to fly to arms that they might protect their families from death, their homes from plunder, and their hearths from desecration.


Note 1: The above election report does not specify as to how Joseph Smith was "elected" Mayor of Nauvoo -- presumably this with not accomplished through the votes of all the citizens of that city in a popular election.

Note 2: Nauvoo Mayor John C. Bennett's resignation (given here as happening on May 17th) still left him a full member of the LDS Church, and, apparently, an acting Counselor in the LDS First Presidency -- nothing was published in the Nauvoo papers that May to indicate otherwise. Bennett also retained his offices of Commander of the Nauvoo Legion and Master-in-Chancery for Hancock County.

Note 3: Bennett documents his subsequent equitable withdrawal of membership (on May 17th) in a notice in the Sangamo Jourmal of July 8, 1842. On the other hand, the LDS Times and Seasons of June 15, 1842 purported to printed a disfellowshipment of Bennett, dated May 11th, the very day after his seemingly honorable resignation as Mayor. External evidence shows that the disfellowshipping document, as prepared and signed, could not possibly have been finalized as early as the 11th of May. All of this leads the impartial reader to conclude that, up to May 17, 1842 at least, Joseph Smith was prepared to see Bennett quietly resign his offices in Nauvoo and Hancock county and then leave the Mormon ranks without any discord or recriminations. It is very likely that the disfellowshipment of Bennett was not finalized until some time between May 17th and June 15th, but that it was back-dated to May 11, 1842 for Smith's own defensive purposes.

For the Wasp.

To the electors of Hancock county: --


I have been induced, in consequence of the political aspect of affairs in the county, to offer myself as a candidate for the State Senate, at the next August election. This announcement I make independently, without any regard to religious prejudices, local feelings, or sectional distinctions, being opposed to every thing of the kind, and believing them injurious; and highly so, to the interests of the county, both civilly and politically. I offer myself, without consulting any convention or caucuses, and place myself before the electors of this county, free from all obligations arising from preconcerted plans, or party schemes of operation; leaving myself free, if elected, to discharge the duties of the high trust, with direct reference to the entire interests of the county, and to the well being of every part of it.

I hold, that a representative is bound to act, in all cases, in his true character, as a representative of the people, whom he represents. To act as they would act, if they were there themselves, whatever may be his private judgment, in relation to the interests of his constituents; he has nothing to do with that judgment when he finds it in opposition to the will of his constituents. He is bound in all cases of the kind, to suspend his judgment and bow with true loyalty to the will of the sovereign people. It is no part of the duty of a representative to correct the errors of the people; but carry the will of the people into law; and to make it the law of the land. If the people err; they will find it out, by letting them feel the weight of their own error, and then they will apply the proper corrective; and not till then. If they 'put a yoke upon their own necks, that thye are not able to bear,' it is a part of their royal prerogative to take it off.

No man, I conceive, can be the represntative of a large district, and the servant of a faction in the district at the same time. 'He must love one and hate the other, or cleave to one and dispise the other. No man can serve two masters' at the same time.

There are, at present, two candidates for the Senate in this county; each man nominated at a convention of the people, held for this purpose. One at Carthage and the other at Nauvoo. At the latter meeting, I took an active part myself; but circumstances have transpired since, which have determined my course, and was the cause of my placing my name before the people, as a candidate, and in so doing I chose to do it independently without conventionl, or caucus nominations. I am, as the consequrnce of my course would necessarily make me, free from all pledges to any portion of the citizens of this district to the exclusion of others, and wish to remain so, leaving the candidates who are before the public to take the course they deem wisdom.

Fellow-citizens, should you honor me with your suffrage, at the election in August next, and I should be the object of your choice, in the Senate chamber, I will be yourselves as nearly as I can. Your interest shall be my interest, and your rule the will of my action. As far as my abilities will admit, I will look closely to the interest of every part of the county, without partiality, or sectional feelings, in the smallest degree. These are the pledges, and the only ones, which I make, or am willing to make.      

SIDNEY RIGDON.

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Wasp.

MR. EDITOR: --
  Mr. S. Francis, Editor of the 'Sangamo Journal,' in his 562nd number, has seen proper to attack me, some of my friends, and the Nauvoo Institutions, in so unprovoked and ungentlemanly, a manner as to call for a few passing remarks. The following is the article alluded to; to wit:

"LET  HIM  THAT  READETH,  UNDERSTAND!"

"The Editor of the State Register, and other Van Buren presses of this State, are endeavoring to create a sympathy in favor of the Mormons, the European Catholics, and the Van Buren office-holders, who are associated in politics, by charging some of our candidates with laboring to excite a spirit of persecution against them. We have heard one of Gen. Duncan's speeches, and he certainly said nothing about the Mormon or Catholic religion, but did say much, and the public has much to say, about the Van Buren office-holders, forming a coalition with those two churches, which are known, (so far as the Mormons and European Catholics are concerned,) under the dictation of their Pope, and Priests and Prophet. Mr. Van Buren's instructions to our Charge d'Affaires at Naples, to assure the Pope of Rome, that "it would afford him pleasure to extend the protections of the government to his (the Pope's) subjects in the United States," must be understood as an acknowledgment that a foreign potentate may, and does hold the subjects, in this land, by the Constitution and laws of which, every man is declared free and independent, and by which same constitution every citizen is prohibited from receiving any honorable title from, or holding allegiance to any foreign prince or power; and no man, with true American feelings, can regard the person, who would utter so servile a sentiment for the purpose of securing votes in his favor, influenced and controlled by a foreign power, in any other light than as a traitor to his country. The late Acts of the Legislature of New York, passed by a party vote of the Van Burenites, in obedience to the dictation of Bishop Hughes, is another evidence of the disposition of this organized office seeking party, to still further secure the votes of the subjects of His Holiness in this country.

The people have much to say, and will say much also, in relation to the CORRUPT BARGAIN between the leaders of the same party in Illinois, and Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, by which they have formed a league to govern the State. They give him power, and he is to give them votes. It is for exposing this infamous and dangerous plot, that the editor of the State Register is endeavoring to create a sympathy in favor of the Mormons, by a hypocritical attempt to raise the cry of persecution.

And in order to put the public in full possession of what we consider conclusive evidence of the existence of such a nefarious PLOT AND LEAGUE, we have been at considerable trouble to embody and now present them various extracts from the Acts which grant odious and dangerous powers to the Mormons, from the "Times and Seasons," their newspaper, and from the Journals of the Legislature, which Journals clearly show that it was the leaders of the Van Buren party, who smuggled those Acts through the Legislature; --

The 10th section of the Act incorporating the Nauvoo House Association, is in the following words: --

'And whereas Joseph Smith has furnished the said association with the ground whereon to erect said House, it is further declared that the said Smith, and his heirs shall hold by PERPETUAL SUCCESSION a suit of rooms in the said House, to be set apart and conveyed in due form of law.'
              See acts of 1841, page 152.

The only objection the public can have to this provision is the attempt to entail an estate upon the family of this head of the Mormon church; which is a principle odious to freemen, is against the spirit and genius of our government, and if this office seeking party be once fairly established in power through the influence of this coalition, will undoubtedly be followed in its usual accompaniment of an hereditary title, to be held by him and his heirs in like perpetual succession.

The act incorporating the City of Nauvoo, confers upon the Mormons most extraordinary powers, Section 24 of this act provides for the establishment of a University, conferring upon its officers legislative powers, equal to those possessed by the Legislature itself.

Section 25 of the same act provides for the establishment of a military corps of indefinite size, called "Legion," to the officers of which are granted powers both dangerous and offensive. By it, the commissioned military officers are constituted the "LAW MAKING power," with no restriction whatever, except the constitution of the United States and of this State, -- the force of which may be seen from the entire section as follows: --

'The City Council may organize the inhabitants of said city subject to military duty, into a body of independent military men, to be called the 'Nauvoo Legion,' the court martial of which shall be composed of the commissioned officers of said Legion, and constitute the law-making power, with full power and authority to make, ordain, establish, and execute all such laws and ordinances as may be considered necessary for the benefit, government, and regulation of said Legion; Provided, said court martial shall pass no law or act, repugnant to, or inconsistent with, the constitution of the United States or of this State.. The said Legion shall perform the same amount of military duty as is now, or may be hereafter required of the regular militia of the State, and shall be at the disposal of the Mayor in executing the laws and ordinances of the city corporation, and the laws of the State, and at the disposal of the Governor for the public defence, and the execution of the laws of the State or of the United States, and shall be entitled to their proportion of the public arms; and provided also, that said Legion shall be exempt from all other military duty.'


Under the power conferred by this section the Mormons have created the office of Lieutenant General, and have elected Joe Smith to the same, who has actually been commissioned by the Governor as such officer, which makes him the highest military officer in the United States, and when in the service of the United States, he will command all its armies. Gen. WASHINGTON was appointed Lieutenant General after the revolution, but since his resignation the office remained vacant in the army of the United States, and thus Joe Smith is believed to be the only officer of that rank now in this country. He is certainly the superior of all the militia officers of Illinois, and in service will rank above them all. Although some question his right to command Gen. Scott, if called into the service of the United States, yet it is the opinion of experienced military men with whom we have conferred, that there is no doubt upon this point, as no rule is better understood or more clearly settled in our country, than that, when a regular and militia officer are acting together in the United States service, if of the same grade the former takes precedence, but if the militia officer is of superior rank, he is entitled to the command; and thus, as Lieutenant General is higher than Major General, and the latter is the highest office in the army of the United States, there can be no doubt, that when in the service of the United States, Lieutenant General Joseph Smith will command her armies.

Thus it will be seen that the "law-making power" given to this extraordinary military corps, composed as it is chiefly of foreigners, is bad enough. But it is not worse than the omission to require of its officers an oath to support the constitution of the United States, and of this State. -- The 26th section of the same act exempts these privileged Mormons from working on the public roads, and only requires of them three days work in the year upon the streets of their city, while all other citizens may be compelled to work each year five days upon the roads.

Section 27, of the same act is in the following words:

'The city council shall have power to provide for the punishment of offenders by imprisonment in the county or city jail, in all cases, when such offenders shall fail or refuse to pay the fines and forfeitures, which may be recovered against them.' (See Acts of 1841, page 57.)


Here power is given to the Mormons to imprison, for an indefinite and unlimited period, which may be extended to continue during his life, any person who may be unable to unwillingly pay any fine they may choose to impose for any breach, real or imaginary, of any law or ordinance they may choose to enact. And as an example of the danger our citizens are in from this power, being lodged in their hands, we copy from the Times and Seasons, of October 1st, 1841, the first law passed by this extraordinary corporation under their most extraordinary charter. It is entitled: --

'An Ordinance in relation to religious societies.

'Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, that the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Latter-Day Saints, Quakers, Episcopalians, Universalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans, and all other religious sects, and denominations, whatever, shall have free toleration, and equal privileges, in this city, and should any person be guilty of ridiculing, abusing, or otherwise depreciating another, in consequence of his religion, or of disturbing, or interrupting, any religious meeting, within the limits of this city, he shall on conviction thereof before the Mayor, or Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of said Mayor, or Court.

'Sec. 2nd. It is hereby made the duty of all municipal officers to notice, and report to the Mayor, any breach or violation of this or any other ordinance of this city that may come within their knowledge, or of which they may be advised; and any officer aforesaid is hereby fully authorized to arrest all such violators of rule, law, and order either with or without, process.

'Sec. 3d. This ordinance to take effect and be in force, from and after its passage.

Passed, March 1st, 1841
                JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor.
James Sloan, Recorder."


We would enquire, what citizen can be safe in passing through that favored city, if he is liable to a fine of five hundred dollars and imprisonment for six months, (and for life if he cannot pay the fine), for "ridiculing, abusing, or otherwise depreciating" the Mormon or any other religion, especially when it is made the duty of every officer to notice and report it to the Mayor, who is the final judge in the case? and that, too, without the ordinary process of law, which in every other case, and before every other tribunal in the State is considered indispensable to the protection of the liberty and property of citizens?

Enough, we think, has been quoted from these laws, to shew that more power than is safe, proper, or consistent with the liberty and security of our citizens has been conferred upon this Mormon Church, and thus has been consummated that most to be deprecated and justly odious of all unions, that of Church and State -- the Church here being constituted the law making power in four distinct departments, the civil government. the military, the judiciary, and the literary.

Now for the history of the passage of these acts through the Legislature, the how, and the wherefore. These measures were introduced into the Senate by Mr. Little, a whig Senator from Hancock county, who held his seat, (we believe,) by Mormon votes, and, therefore, may have felt bound to present them, whether he voted for them or not.

The first in order, being the bill to incorporate the city of Nauvoo, after being thus introduced was, a motion of Mr. Richardson, read a second time by its title, and on motion of Mr. Little referred to the committee on the judiciary (see Senate Journal, Friday, 27th November, 1840,) and was on the 5th day of December, 1840 (see Senate Journal, page 45,) reported back by Mr. Snyder, from the committee on the judiciary, to whom the same had been referred, with an amendment, which was concurred in, and the bill ordered to be engrossed and read a third time. No vote on this bill appears to have been recorded in the Senate, and the above is all that we can find in its Journal respecting it.

In the House of Representatives on the 10th of December, on motion of Mr. Dodge, this bill was considered, and on motion of Mr. Turney, the rules of the House were dispensed with, and it was read the first and second time by its title, and referred to the committee on the judiciary. (See House Journal, page 100).

On the 12th day of the same month, Mr. Kitchell, from the committee on the Judiciary to whom the same had been referred, reported this bill back to the House without amendment, and it was ordered to a third reading -- when Mr. Oliver moved to dispense with the rules of the House, and that the bill be read a third time by its title, which was agreed to, and the bill was passed. (See House Journal, page 110.)

This the short history of the passage of an act incorporating a city, establishing an university, creating an independent military legion, and authorizing the imprisonment of our citizens, all without recording a vote at any stage in either house, and without reading the bill at all, in the House of Representatives. It will be borne in mind, that Mr. Little, though a whig, was elected by the Mormons, and that every other person who took an active part in smuggling this bill through the legislature, was of the organized Van Buren party; neither must it be forgotten that these persons profess to be opposed to all acts of incorporation, and were on all other occasions very strenuous to have a repealing clause in all such acts, although no such clause was proposed to this act.

The evidence that a corrupt motive influenced certain leaders to effect the passage of this act, does not stop here. We have the report of a speech made by Mr. Hicks, of Jefferson county, before a considerable audience at the court house in which is found the following:

'Mr. Hicks said, he had examined the charters granted to the Mormons -- that he was opposed to all such incorporations, and was about to oppose these, but was persuaded to let them pass by his democratic friends, who assured him that if they could get these bills through, the Mormons would vote for their candidates at the next election, and as he had differed on some other occasions from his democratic friends, which had given offence, he was induced to abandon his opposition to these bills and let them pass.'

It will be seen by the following letter from the Mormon Prophet, which we copy from the Times & Seasons of May 6th, 1841, that Judge Douglass, who is notoriously one of the greatest managers of the party, and who has boasted of having introduced the Van Buren Convention system in this State, has had an efficient agency in procuring the passage of these measures; and if he had no hand in making the bargain, the public have a right to call him to explain how he has ever proved himself friendly to the people, and how and with whom he interested himself to obtain these several charters, holding as he did at the time, the office of Secretary of State; and why did they vote him the freedom of the city?

                       'CITY OF NAUVOO, May 6th, 1841.
To the editors of the Times and Seasons:
Gentlemen, -- I wish through the medium of your paper to make known, that on Sunday last I had the honor of receiving a visit from the Hon. Stephen A. Douglass, Justice of the Supreme Court and Judge of the Fifth Judicial District of the State of Illinois  *  *  *   who addressed the assembly and expressed his satisfaction at what he had seen and heard respecting our people, and took that opportunity of returning thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo, for conferring upon him the freedom of the city, stating that he was not aware of rendering us any services of sufficient importance to deserve such marked honor. Judge Douglass has ever proved himself friendly to this people, and interested himself to obtain for us our several charters, holding at the time the office of Secretary of State.
                    I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.
                        JOSEPH SMITH,'


If an honorable or pure motive induced Judge Douglass to use his official influence with the legislature, let him show how, and with whom he used his influence. He certainly cannot plead ignorance of the outrageous provisions of these "great chartered privileges." But the Judge's connection with, or service to, these Mormons, does not stop here, as appears from the following extract from a General order of Lieut. General Joseph Smith, which was occasioned by a controversy between the Nauvoo legion and the Hancock county militia, in which the Judge takes sides with the Mormons; and as appears from the papers, appointed the Mormon Major General Bennett, Master in Chancery, to protect the Mormons. -- This appears to have given great offence to the citizens of that county. The General order referred to is published in the Times and Seasons of May 15, 1841.

                       'NAUVOO LEGION, Head Quarters Nauvoo }
                       Legion, City of Nauvoo, Ills., May 4, 1842.    }
 *  *  *   As will be seen by the following opinion of Judge Douglass, of the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois, than whom no man stands more deservedly high in the public estimation, as an able and profound jurist, politician and statesman; the officers and privates belonging to the Legion, are exempt from all military duty, not required by the legally constituted authorities thereof, they are therefore expressly inhibited from performing any military service not ordered by the general officers, or directed by the court martial.  *  *  *  '

Here follows the opinion of Judge Douglass, which shows that he prejudged and decided, by volunteering an opinion upon matters of law that were almost certain to come before him for adjudication in his judicial capacity -- besides which he appointed the Mormon Major General Bennett, Master in Chancery, in reference to this particular case. Comment upon a course so extraordinary, unprecedented and abhorrent to all who value the purity and independence of the judiciary, is useless and renders unnecessary any remarks upon the conduct imputed to him by rumor, in relation to his discharging this Joe Smith from arrest by virtue of a State warrant issued upon the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, in which State Joe was indicted for high treason -- and similar conduct in granting anew trial to two Mormons, convicted of larceny by a jury, and the entry of a nolle prosequi by the State's Attorney, another Van Buren disciple.

The general order proceeds: --

'If officers act upon the obsolete laws of the 'little book' which have been repealed tears since, it will be sweet to the taste but 'make the belly bitter,' and should any civil or military officer attempt to enforce the collection of any military fines upon the members of the Legion, excepting when such fines are assessed by the court martial of the Legion, such persons are directed to apply to the Master in Chancery for Hancock county, for an injunction to stay the illegal proceedings.
                        'JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut. General.
                        'JOHN C. BENNETT, Maj. General.'


And he might have added, "Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, Chancellor of the University, master in Chancery for Hancock Circuit Court, and Quarter Master General of Illinois."

This appointment by Judge Douglass of Major General Bennett as master in Chancery, called forth severe strictures upon Bennett and Douglass, from a press located in a neighboring village, as will be seen from an extract from the 'Times and Seasons' of June 15, 1841.

'THE WARSAW SIGNAL.'

'We can hardly find language to express our surprise and disapprobation at the conduct of the editor of the Signal as manifested in that paper of the 19th ult. We have fondly hoped that the sentiments therein expressed would never have dared to be uttered by any individual in this community in which we reside, and we would ask the editor of the Signal, what is the cause of his hostility, of his sudden and unexpected ebulition of feeling, this spirit of opposition and animosity? Whose rights have been disturbed? Gen. Bennett has been appointed Master in Chancery, by Judge Douglass; and Gen. Bennett is a Mormon.'  *  *  *  

Again, Governor Carlin has not been wanting in his contributions to pamper the pride and gratify the ambition of the warlike people. He appointed General Bennett his Quarter Master General, by virtue of which office he has possession of all the arms of the State, and has actually taken most of them to the head quarters of the Nauvoo Legion. And what renders the Governor's servility to this people still more conspicuous and odious, is his having permitted Bennett to continue to hold the office of Quarter Master General of this State, while Major General of the Nauvoo Legion; offices wholly incompatible with each other; -- and that this was the case is evident from two general orders issued by Bennett, one in each of the before mentioned capacities and published in the 'Times and Seasons' of May 15th, 1841. The heading, signatures and some extracts from one bearing date, 4th May, 1841, have already been given; -- the other is as follows:

                       'State of Illinois, City of Nauvoo   }
                       Quarter Master General's Office}
                            May 8th A. D. 1841.

To the Militia of Illinois, etc. etc.  *  *  *  *  *  *

     Signed,             JOHN C. BENNETT,
             Quarter Master General of Illinois.'
In order to exhibit the spirit actuating, and the designs intended by these Mormon allies of the organized Van Buren office-seeking party, we introduce a few extracts from their writings and speeches. The first id from an oration delivered by Sidney Rigdon:

'We take God and all the Holy Angels to witness this day, that we warn all men in the name of Jesus Christ, to come on us no more forever. The man or set of men, who attempt it, does it at the expense of their lives.   *   *   *

No man shall be at liberty to come into our streets, to threaten us with mobs, for if he does, he shall atone for it before he leaves the place; neither shall he be at liberty, to villify and slander any of us, for suffer it we will not; neither will we indulge any man, or set of men, in instituting vexatious law-suits against us, to cheat us out of our just rights; if they attempt it we say woe be unto them. We this day then proclaim ourselves free, with a purpose and a determination, that never can be broken, no never, NO NEVER, NO NEVER.'


In the book of Covenants, page 191, is found the following:

'Wherefore I say unto you, that I have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant, (namely the book of Mormon) even that which was from the beginning, and that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the nations of the earth, shall bow to it; and, if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of power.'


On page 76:

'Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may. Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; and the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is sheathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth, that they that will not hear the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; Wherefore I have called upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised to thrash the nations by the power of my spirit; and their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler, and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me, and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf; and with the fire of my indignation will I preserve them.'


The following is by Parley P. Pratt, one of the Mormon twelve apostles:

'The Government of the United States has been engaged, for upwards of seven years, in gathering the remnant of Joseph (the Indians) to the very place where they will finally build the New Jerusalem; a city of Zion; with the acquisition of the believing gentiles, who will gather with them from all the nations of the earth; and this gathering is clearly predicted in the book of Mormon, and the place appointed, and the time set for its fulfillment; and except the gentiles repent of all their abominations and embrace the same covenant, (the book of Mormon) and come into the same place of gathering, they will soon be destroyed from off the face of the land, as it is written by Isaiah, 'The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish." And I will state as a prophesy, that there will not be an unbelieving gentile on the face of this continent 50 years hence; and if they are not greatly scourged, and in a great measure overthrown in 5 or 10 years from this date, (1838,) then the book of Mormon will have proved itself false.'


William W. Phelps, Post-master, in the county of Caldwell, Mo., makes the following statement on oath in a judicial proceedings.

'Mr. Rigdon arose and made an address to them, in which he spoke of having borne persecutions, and law-suits, and other privations, and did not intend to bear them any longer, that they meant to resist the law, and if a sheriff came after them with writs they would kill him, and if any body opposed them, they would take off their heads." "Joseph Smith, jr. followed Mr. Rigdon, approving his sentiments, and said that was what they intended to do. Mr. Rigdon then commenced making covenants with uplifted hands, one of which was, that if any persons from the surrounding country came into their town, walking about, no odds who he might be, any one of that meeting should kill him, and throw him aside into the brush. Another covenant was, to conceal all things. These measures were carried unanimously in the form of covenants with uplifted hands. Mr. Rigdon then observed, that the kingdom of Heaven had no secrets, that yesterday a man slipped his wind, and was dragged into the hazel brush; and, said he, the man who lisps it shall die.'


We conclude the mass of testimony compiled for the purpose of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt the positions assumed by us, by quoting a proclamation of Lieutenant General Joseph Smith, which is said by some of his Van Buren friends to have been issued by him in consequence of his nomination for Lieutenant Governor, in the Van Buren Convention -- it being a principle with that party for every person, when fairly initiated, to use his utmost exertions to sustain its measures. But we think the evidence of its being in pursuance of a corrupt bargain, sticks out too plainly to impose such an excuse upon the people. But we give the document from the "Times and Seasons," in which it was published:

STATE  GUBERNATORIAL
CONVENTION.
City of Nauvoo, Illinois,
December 20th, A. D. 1841.

To my friends in Illinois: --

The Gubernatorial Convention of the State of Illinois, have nominated Colonel Adam W. Snyder for GOVERNOR, and Colonel John Moore for LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR of the State of Illinois -- election to take place in August next. -- Colonel Moore, like Judge Douglass, and Esq. Warren, was an intimate friend of General Bennett, long before that gentleman became a member of our community; and General Bennett informed us that no men were more efficient in assisting him to procure our Chartered Privileges than were Colonel Snyder and Colonel Moore. -- They are sterling men, and friends of equal rights -- opposed to the oppressor's grasp, and the tyrant's rod. With such men at the head of our State Government we have nothing to fear. In the next canvass we shall be influenced by no PARTY consideration -- and no Carthagenian coalescence or collusion, with our people will be suffered to affect, or operate against General Bennett or any other of our tried friends already semi-officially in the field; so the partizans in this county who expect to divide the friends of humanity and equal rights will find themselves mistaken -- we care not a fig for WHIG or DEMOCRAT: they are both alike to us; but we shall go for our FRIENDS, our Tried Friends, and the Cause of Human Liberty which is the cause of God. We are aware that "Divide and Conquer" is the watch-word with many, but with us it cannot be done -- we love liberty too well -- we have suffered too much to be easily duped -- we have no cat's-paws amongst us. We voted for Gen. Harrison because we LOVED him -- he was a Gallant Officer and a Tried Statesman; but this is no reason why we should always be governed by his FRIENDS -- he is now Dead and all of his friends are not ours. We claim the privileges of freemen, and shall act accordingly. Douglass is a Master Spirit, and his friends and our friends -- we are willing to cast our banner on the air, and fight by his side in the cause of humanity, and equal rights -- the cause of liberty and the law. Snyder, and Moore, are his friends -- they are ours. These men are free from the prejudices and superstitions of the age, and such men we love, and such men will ever receive our support, be their political predilections what they may. Snyder, and Moore, are known to be our friends; their friendship is vouched for by those whom we have tried. We will never be justly charged with the sin of ingratitude -- they have served us, and we will serve them.
               JOSEPH SMITH.
               Lieutenant General of the
                      Nauvoo Legion.'


To every one who has given the foregoing a careful perusal, we would put the question -- Can any candid man, who is not blinded by the desire or hope of getting a office, doubt for an instant that the VAN BUREN PARTY -- by which we mean those who are striving to live upon the public, and fatten upon its resources and the office holders and seekers -- are willing and desirous to connect themselves with any faction, and even willing to sacrifice the dearest rights of their country upon the altar of personal ambition, and private gain, for the purpose of obtaining power, and the emoluments of office? -- Remember how long they clung to the railroad system and the Canal, even after our credit was prostrated, and our resources exhausted, with no other object in view than to continue their partizans in office by securing the foreign votes. These means having failed, they now seek the same and by forming an union with the Mormons, the Catholic powers of Europe, and the nullifers of the South, -- and thus to form a party of discordant elements, whose only bond of union, and common object is, power and spoil. In view of these facts, has not the time come when the PEOPLE -- the honest, the hard working, the tax-paying People -- should take the management of the Government into their own hands, and drive from their posts, and confine to their proper sphere, all those office-holding, office seeking drones, who have been multiplied in the country for the purpose of ruling it, and have sought to trample upon its liberties that they might riot upon its distresses -- and in which unholy designs they have been for the last twelve years successful? 
[Note: John C. Bennett's response to the above lengthy article begins immediately below:]


The foregoing article shows so little regard for truth, and the reasoning is so palpably fallacious, that I consider it useless to multiply many words on the subject, but, as the object and political designs of the writer are so apparent, and the times so portentous, I cannot refrain from a duty which I owe both to myself, and the public.

1st. The 'NAUVOO LEGION.' This military body, possesses, in the County of Hancock, the same corporate powers as appertain to the Invincible Dragoons or the 2nd Division of Illinois Militia,' in the counties of White, Edwards, and Wabash, AND NO OTHERS WHATEVER. I wrote, and procured, the charters for both corporations -- they are both alike. Why does not Mr. Francis attack the Dragoons as well as the Legion? Simply because it would afford him no political capital. They are the two best military bodies in the State, and are dissimilar only in point of numbers. Both charters are perpetual and in both corporations the Court Martial, composed of the commissioned officers, constitutes the 'law-making power' so much dreaded by Mr. Francis. The 'Louisville Legion,' the 'Louisiana Legion,' and the 'Albany (B------ C------), ' are the same kind of corporations, and are to Kentucky, Louisiana, and New York, what the 'Invincible Dragoons' and the 'Nauvoo Legion,' are to Illinois, and nothing more. They are all effective military forces, incorporated for the purpose of more perfect discipline; and who that loves his country would object to that! None. No, not one! But the Court Martial, the 'law making power,' of the Nauvoo Legion us to Mr. Francis, like the Upas tree of death -- he is instantly seized with Hydrophobia, and the spirit of the demoniac shows itself in every paragraph. Who ever heard of a corporation without a ;law making power'! No one on earth, and none ever contemplated such an anomaly -- it would be like a body devoid of the principle of vivification, inoperative and useless.

2nd. The 'CITY OF NAUVOO.' This charter I likewise wrote and procured, without any 'CORRUPT BARGAIN,' or nefarious 'PLOT AND LEAGUE,' as charged by Mr. Francis -- neither did 'Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet,' as he calls him, ever see or converse with, the leaders of either party on this subject, prior to the granting of the charters now under consideration; and I am bold to say, that this city possesses no unusual or extraordinary powers -- certainly none which are not possessed in common by Chicago, Springfield, Quincy, or any other city. Have not all cities the use of a county or city jail? Certainly they have, and Mr. Francis knows it as well as any other man -- for if he is so ignorant as that, he certainly deserves expatriation. Neither is the Mayor the 'final judge,' as Mr. Francis says, for any person may appeal from the decision of the Mayor or any Alderman to the Municipal Court, and from the Municipal to the Circuit Court of Hancock County, and from the Circuit to the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois. So all is safe yet, Mr. Francis. If the city Council of Nauvoo have passed any illegal ordinances, let the party aggrieved apply to the judiciary for redress, and have the ordinances set aside -- there would be no difficulty in such a case whatever. Come, Mr. Francis, if you are a law abiding man, redress the grievances by due course of law, and there will be no barrier interposed. But this, I presume, would not answer your party purposes in the coming election. I repeat it again -- NAUVOO POSSESSES NO UNUSUAL POWERS WHATEVER, and I defy the proof to the contrary.

3d. The 'CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, OF LATTER DAY SAINTS,' or Mormons. This body is incorporated under the general act and not by special grant, and possesses no power or privileges but what is common to all other churches in Illinois.

4th. The 'UNIVERSITY OF THE CITY OF NAUVOO.' This corporation is vested with such plenary powers as appertain to any other college or university in Illinpoi, and such only. Read, Mr. Francis, and 'Let him that readeth, understand.'

5th. SIDNEY RIGDON, Esq. This gentleman speaks for himself, and 'he that hath ears to hear, let him hear' --

'Personally appeared before me, Hiram Kimball an Alderman of the City of Nauvoo, Sidney Rigdon, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that if William W. Phelps ever swore to the statement in the Sangamo Journal of the 10th of June, 1842, he swore for Missouri, and to that which I now declare under oath to be palpably false, and further this deponent saith not.
                          SIDNEY RIGDON.
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 14th day of June, 1842.
            HIRAM KIMBALL, Alderman.'

Mr. Phelps now resides in this city, and can speak for himself.


6th. GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH. As to the election of this gentleman, I alone am responsible. If there is any moral turpitude attached to it, let it be placed upon my head. I organized the military forces of this city, and the circumscent county, like a Roman Legion -- a Legion with Cohorts -- and Joseph Smith was duly elected Lieutenant General, which every military man knows is a reviewing, and not a commanding, officer. George Washington, as Major General, was a fighting and commanding officer; but, as Lieutenant General, he was the chief reviewing officer: so of all others. The peculiar organization of the Nauvoo Legion required that General Smith should be placed in his present situation as the one most appropriate. In relation to his commission there was no option with the Executive -- he was bound to issue the authenticated return of the election: and if General Smith commands all the Armies of the United States by rank, (according to Mr. Francis,) so mote it be; the Legion will then take the right of the [forces], and Illinois will form No. 1, of the General Grand Encampment.

7th. This paragraph I appropriate to my own case. On the 20th day of February, 1839, I was elected and commissioned Brigadier General of the Invincible Dragoons of the 2nd division of Illinois Militia. This office I resigned to Major General John M. Robinson, of White County; and on the 20th day of July, 1840, I was appointed and commissioned Quarter Master General of the State of Illinois, by His Excellency, Thomas Carlin, Governor and Commander-in-Chief; and on the 5th day of February, 1841, I was elected and commissioned Major General of the Nauvoo Legion. When at Governor Carlin's, on official business, he informed me that it was the opinion of his military advisors that I had vacated the office of Quarter Master General by accepting that of Major General, and that he considered himself bound to supply the vacancy, which he accordingly did in the appointment of Colonel J. M. Bassett. I, however, was of a different opinion, and told the Governor that his advisers were neither military men, nor acquainted with military law, or the customs and regulations of the regular army -- that an office in the staff could not be incompatible with one in the line; and that no military men would ever dispute it for a moment; but, in order to satisfy the public mind I addressed a letter to Judge Young on the subject, dated -- July 16th, 1841, requesting him to obtain the professional opinion of General Scott which follows --

'War Office, Aug. 4th, 1841.    

D. Sir:
  I hasten to reply to your lertter of yesterday. You state this case: -- Gen. J. C. Bennett being the Quarter Master General of Illinois (-- it is presumed, with the rank of Brigadier General --) he is elected, in a seperate organization of a portion of the State, a Major General, and commissioned accordingly.

The professional question put to me, is -- Are the two offices incompatible with each other: -- in other words, does the acceptance of the second, vacate the first?

I answer -- not necessarily: -- not unless there be something express to that effect, in the Constitution or laws of Illinois. The first office is in the general staff of the state: -- the second in the line of the militia generally, or in the line of the seperate organization.

For example: -- General Jesup is the Quarter Master General of the U. S. Army, which gives him, from the date of appointment, the rank of Brigadier General, under one act of Congress, and under another, for ten years faithful service, in that rank he was made a Major General by brevet. As Quarter Master General he served as Brigidier General; in all other situations -- that is, out of the Staff, his other commission making him a Major General.

If the law of Illinois does not give the rank of Brigidier or Major General, to the officer appointed Quarter Master General, there is not even the show of incompatibility between the two commissions of Gen. J. C. Bennett in the statement laid before me.

It will be understood, of course, that, as Major General of the Army, I do not presume to have the least possible authority over questions arising in the militia, under the laws of the particular States. I venture merely to give, for what it may be worth, my professional opinion on a point submitted to me,

I have the honor to remain,                   
Sir.
Your ob. Serv.
WINFIELD SCOTT.

Hon. R. M. Young,   U. States Senate.'

The 4th Sec. of 'An Act for the Organization and Government of the Militia of this State' -- Approved, March 2nd, 1833, and now in force, reads as follows --

'Sec. 4. That there shall be one Adjutant General, Quarter Master General, and Pay Master General, to be appointed by the Commander-in-Chief, to rank respectively as Colonels of Cavalry;' etc., etc. So it will be seen that there was not even the 'show' of incompatibility between my two commissions. I would advise Mr. Francis to study military law before he again speaks of the incompatibility of a staff office with an officer of the line. Any military man giving such as opinion should be cashiered for incompetency.

As Quarter Master of the State of Illinois, I issued orders to the Warden of the Penitentiary, who had the custody of the public arms, directing as equitable a distribution as possible, both of those furnished on my designation and requisition and that of General Pearce, my predecessor; neither did I at any time order an undue proportion of the Nauvoo Legion, but positively refused to supply the full draft for which they had given binds to the Executive, on the grounds that other parts of the State had older claims. These claims I ordered to be supplied in order of date, having at the same time a due regard to the limited supply for the General Government. Illinois should have drawn for about eighty thousand troops, (which would have supplied all the demands of the State,) whereas, form official neglect, she has drawn for only about thirty thousand. Let this be regulated by the appropriate deputants military and semi-military, and there will be no lack of public arms -- no complaining that a small draft had swallowed them up -- and no feeling on this subject. There is an abundant supply of arms for the State if the proper legal steps are taken to procure them: and the public weal requires that every independent company in the State should be furnished with its full quota, and this I hope that Colonel Cooley, the successor of Colonel Bennett, will consummate.

As a general officer of the line, I have always been a strict disciplinarian, and I always shall be, knowing as I do that no military force can be made Respectable or Available, either in peace or war, without self-discipline, and due subordination. If it is necessary that a military organization be kept up at all, it should be Effective, Well Drilled, and Always Ready For The Public Service. Such, by indefatigable exertions, is the Nauvoo Legion, the division of my special command as Major General. Illinois should be proud of such a corps: they would do her honor in the tented field, and bear upon the warrior's shield -- victory LIBERTY, and LAW.

As Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and Chancellor of the University, I have discharged my duities to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and shall pass over that matter as of no particular consequence.

The office of Master-in-Chancery for Hancock Circuit Court, has never, in my hands, been prostituted to the subversion of the due course of law in the administration of public justice; nor has any person or party, either in politics or religion, been made the subject of favorism, to the injury of another -- this boon, I presume, will be awarded me by all. Let this suffice, then, in relation to myself.

8th. SIDNEY H. LITTLE, Esq. This gentleman was not elected by or in any way dependant on the Mormons. He was a senator before the Mormons located in Hancock county, and utterly declined to re-election. It is then, to say the least of it, ungentlemany and cruel to impugn his motives. He viewed the charter as every other liberal statesman did before their eyes were jaundiced by the rancor and fury of party strife.

9th. I now close this article by stating that the charters under consideration were not passed on party grounds, for the vote was unanimous in the senate in their favor, and there were only fifteen dissenting members in the house of representatives; GOVERNOR DUNCAN'S friends voting for their passage in both Houses, and in the COUNCIL OF REVISION.

I have done for the present -- will Mr. Francis publish?

Yours respectfully,               
                    JOHN C. BENNETT.

Nauvoo, Ill., June 14, 1842.


Note: An excerpt from this John C. Bennett June 14th letter to the Wasp was published in the Springfield State Register of July 15, 1842 and from there reprinted in the Peoria Democratic Press of July 20, 1842. Both of these Democratic organs heralded the June 14th letter as having been "suppressed" by the editor of the Sangamo Journal, after he began publishing Bennett's series of hostile letters, exposing Joseph Smith, etc., in the columns of the Journal on July 8, 1842.

To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to all the honorable part of community: --

It becomes my duty to lay before the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the public generally, some important facts relative to the conduct and character of Dr. John C. Bennett, who has lately been expelled from the aforesaid church; that the honorable part of community may be aware of his proceedings, and be ready to treat him and regard him as he ought to be regarded; viz., as an impostor and base adulterer.

It is a matter of notoriety that said Dr. J. C. Bennett became favorable to the doctrines taught by the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and located himself in the city of Nauvoo about the month of August, 1840, and soon after joined the church. Soon after it was known that he had become a member of said church, a communication was received at Nauvoo, from a person of respectable character, and residing in the vicinity where Bennett had lived. This letter cautioned us against him, setting forth that he was a very mean man and had a wife and two or three children in McConnelsville, Morgan County, Ohio; but knowing that it is no uncommon thing for good men to be evil spoken against, the above letter was kept quiet, but held in reserve.

He had not been long in Nauvoo before he began to keep company with a young lady, one of our citizens; and she being ignorant of his having a wife living, gave way to his addresses, and became confident, from his behavior towards her, that he intended to marry her; and this he gave her to understand he would do. I, seeing the folly of such an acquaintance, persuaded him to desist; and, on account of his continuing his course, finally threatened to expose him if he did not desist. This, to outward appearance, had the desired effect, and the acquaintance between them was broken off.

But, like one of the most abominable and depraved beings which could possibly exist, he only broke off his publicly wicked actions to sink deeper into iniquity and hypocrisy. When he saw that I would not submit to any such conduct, he went to some of the females in the city, who knew nothing of him but as an honorable man, and began to teach them that promiscuous intercourse between the sexes was a doctrine believed in by the Latter Day Saints, and that there was no harm in it; but this failing, he had recourse to a more influential and desperately wicked course; and that was, to persuade them that myself and others of the authorities of the church not only sanctioned but practiced the same wicked acts; and when asked why I publicly preached so much against it, said that it was because of the prejudice of the public, and that it would cause trouble in my own house. He was well aware of the consequence of such willful and base falsehoods, if they should come to my knowledge; and consequently endeavored to persuade his dupes to keep it a matter of secrecy, persuading them there would be no harm if they should not make it known. This proceeding on his part answered the desired end, - he accomplished his wicked purposes; he seduced an innocent female by his lying, and subjected her character to public disgrace, should it ever be known.

But his depraved heart would not suffer him to stop here. Not being contented with having disgraced one female, he made an attempt upon others; and, by the same plausible tale, overcame them also; evidently not caring whose character was ruined, so that his wicked, lustful appetites might be gratified.

Sometime about the early part of July, 1841, I received a letter from Elder H. Smith and William Law, who were then at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This letter was dated June 15, and contained the particulars of a conversation betwixt them and a respectable gentleman from the neighborhood where Bennett's wife and children resided. He stated to them that it was a fact that Bennett had a wife and children living, and that she had left him because of his ill-treatment towards her. This letter was read to Bennett, which he did not attempt to deny; but candidly acknowledged the fact.

Soon after this information reached our ears Dr. Bennett made an attempt at suicide, by taking poison; but he being discovered before it had taken effect, and the proper antidotes being administered, he again recovered; but he very much resisted when an attempt was made to save him. The public impression was that he was so much ashamed of his base and wicked conduct that he had recourse to the above deed to escape the censures of an indignant community.

It might have been supposed that these circumstances transpiring in the manner they did would have produced a thorough reformation in his conduct; but, alas! like a being totally destitute of common decency and without any government over his passions, he was soon busily engaged in the same wicked career, and continued until a knowledge of the same reached my ears. I immediately charged him with it, and he admitted that it was true; but in order to put a stop to all such proceedings for the future, I publicly proclaimed against it, and had those females noticed to appear before the proper officers that the whole subject might be investigated and thoroughly exposed.

During the course of investigation the foregoing facts were proved by credible witnesses, and were sworn and subscribed to before an alderman of the city, on the 15th ult. The documents containing the evidence are now in my possession,

We also ascertained by the above investigation that others had been led by his conduct to pursue the same adulterous practice, and in order to accomplish their detestable designs made use of the same language insinuated by Bennett, with this difference, that they did not hear me say anything of the kind, but Bennett was one of the heads of the church, and he had informed them that such was the fact, and they credited his testimony.

The public will perceive the aggravating nature of this case, and will see the propriety of this exposure. Had he only been guilty of adultery, that was sufficient to stamp disgrace upon him, because he is a man of better information and has been held high in the estimation of many. But when it is considered that his mind was so intent upon his cruel and abominable deeds, and his own reputation not being sufficient to enable him to do it, he must make use of my name in order to effect his purposes, an enlightened public will not be astonished at the course I have pursued.

In order that it may be distinctly understood that he willfully and knowingly lied in the above insinuations, I will lay before my readers an affidavit taken before an alderman of the city, after I had charged him with these things:--


STATE OF ILLINOIS, }
City of Nauvoo. }

Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an Alderman of said city of Nauvoo, John C. Bennett, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith: that he never was taught anything in the least contrary to the strictest principles of the gospel, or of virtue, or of the laws of God, or man, under any circumstances, or upon any occasion, either directly or indirectly, in word or deed, by Joseph Smith; and that he never knew the said Smith to countenance any improper conduct whatever, either in public or private; and that he never did teach to me in private that an illegal, illicit intercourse with females was, under any circumstances, justifiable, and that I never knew him so to teach others.

JOHN C. BENNETT.

Sworn to and subscribed, before me, this 17th day of May, A. D. 1842.

DANIEL H. WELLS, Alderman.

The following conversation took place in the City Council, and was elicited in consequence of its being reported that the Doctor had stated that I had acted in an indecorous manner, and given countenance to vices practiced by the Doctor and others: --

Dr. John C. Bennett, ex-mayor, was then called upon by the mayor to state if he knew aught against him; when Mr. Bennett replied: 'I know what I am about, and the heads of the church know what they are about. I expect I have no difficulty with the heads of the church. I publicly avow that anyone who has said that I have stated that General Joseph Smith has given me authority to hold illicit intercourse with women is a liar in the face of God; those who have said it are damned liars; they are infernal liars. He never, either in public or private, gave me any such authority or license, and any person who states it is a scoundrel and a liar. I have heard it said that I should become a second Avard by withdrawing from the church, and that I was at variance with the heads and should use an influence against them because I resigned the office of mayor; this is false. I have no difficulty with the heads of the church, and I intend to continue with you, and hope the time may come when I may be restored to full confidence, and fellowship, and my former standing in the church; and that my conduct may be such as to warrant my restoration; and should the time ever come that I may have the opportunity to test my faith, it will then be known whether I am a traitor or a true man.'

Joseph Smith then asked: 'Will you please state definitely whether you know anything against my character either in public or private?'

General Bennett answered: 'I do not; in all my intercourse with General Smith, in public and in private, he has been strictly virtuous.'

WILSON LAW.    N. K. WHITNEY.
HIRAM KIMBALL.    ORSON SPENCER.
BRIGHAM YOUNG.    JOHN TAYLOR.
WILLARD RICHARDS.    JOHN P. GREEN.
HEBER C. KIMBALL.    GUST. HILLS.
W. WOODRUFF.    G. W. HARRIS.
GEORGE A. SMITH.
      JAMES SLOAN, City Recorder. May 19th 1842.

---

After I had done all in my power to persuade him to amend his conduct, and these facts were fully established, (not only by testimony, but by his own concessions,) he having acknowledged that they were true, and seeing no prospects of any satisfaction from his future life, the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from him as a member of the church, by the officers; but on account of his earnestly requesting that we would not publish him to the world, we concluded not to do so at that time, but would let the matter rest until we saw the effect of what we had already done.

It appears evident that as soon as he perceived that he could no longer maintain his standing as a member of the church, nor his respectability as a citizen, he came to the conclusion to leave the place; which he has done, and that very abruptly; and had he done so quietly, and not attempted to deceive the people around him, his case would not have excited the indignation of the citizens, so much as his real conduct has done. In order to make his case look plausible, he has reported, 'that he had withdrawn from the church because we were not worthy of his society;' thus instead of manifesting a spirit of repentance, he has to the last proved himself to be unworthy the confidence or regard of any upright person, by lying, to deceive the innocent, and committing adultery in the most abominable and degraded manner.

We are credibly informed that he has colleagued with some of our former wicked persecutors, the Missourians, and has threatened destruction upon us; but we should naturally suppose that he would be so much ashamed of himself at the injury he had already done to those who never injured, but befriended him in every possible manner, that he could never dare to lift up his head before an enlightened public, with the design either to misrepresent or persecute; but be that as it may, we neither dread him nor his influence; but this much we believe, that unless he is determined to fill up the measure of his iniquity, and bring sudden destruction upon himself from the hand of the Almighty, he will be silent, and never more attempt to injure those concerning whom he has testified upon oath he knows nothing but that which is good and virtuous.

Thus I have laid before the Church of Latter Day Saints, and before the public, the character and conduct of a man who has stood high in the estimation of many; but from the foregoing facts it will be seen that he is not entitled to any credit, but rather to be stamped with indignity and disgrace so far as he may be known. What I have stated I am prepared to prove, having all the documents concerning the matter in my possession, but I think that to say further is unnecessary, as the subject is so plain that no one can mistake the true nature of the case.

          I remain yours, respectfully,
                             JOSEPH SMITH.
Nauvoo, June 23, 1842.                    

---

The following extracts from letters received by gentlemen in this city from their correspondents in relation to Gen. Bennett, will corroborate with the above statements and testimony:

---

URBANA, Ill., June 1842.      

  *   *   *   *  "As to my knowledge of John C. Bennett, I can safely say that he is unworthy of the confidence of all mankind; in my opinion, he is an infamous rascal, and I am well acquainted with him.   *   *   *

---

MONTECELLO, Platt Co., Ill., June 3, 1842.      

  *   *   *   *  "You inquire of me about John Cook Bennett.   *   *   * That without any creditable way of getting a living, and without any apparent income, he handles more money than any common person.

"That he pretended to have had a commission as Surgeon in the United States army, but had not.

"That he had united with persons unknown, and non-resident in that state, to filch money from the unwary, by getting up a plat of a town on a scale of 800 acres, as the capital of Michigan, when it was about to become a state; and thereby procure from thoughtless persons money to locate such a town, and pay in town lots -- without any even remote supposable idea of ever locating such a town.

"That he had in like manner attempted to palm himself upon the Legislature of Ohio, by trying to get a charter for a College in that state, but the Legislature detected him, and recorded him on the journals as an impostor, and Mr. Bailhache, editor of the "Ohio State Journal," published it as far as the paper was read."

---

McCONNELSVILLE, Morgan Co. O.      
March 2, 1841.      

Dear Sir -- By your request I have made inquiries into the history of John Cook Bennett, and am enabled to give you the following facts which may be relied on as correct.

"When a young man his character stood fair, he studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth, of Marietta, Washington county, O. It is believed he has a diploma, and also recommendations from some of the principal Physicians of that place; he started out with fair prospects, and married a daughter of Col. Joseph Barker, near Marietta. Bennett and his wife united with the Methodist Church, and he became a local preacher. It was soon manifest that he was a superficial character, always uneasy, and moved from place to place; at different times lived in Barnesville, Maconnelsville, Malta, Wheeling, Va., Colesville, Pennsylvania and Indiana; it is not presumed that less than twenty towns has been his place of residence at different times; he has the vanity to believe he is the smartest man in the nation; and if he cannot at once be placed at the head of the heap, he soon seeks a situation; he is always ready to fall in with whatever is popular; by the use of his recommendations he has been able to push himself into places and situations entirely beyond his abilities; he has been a prominent personage in and about colleges and universities, but had soon vanished; and the next thing his friends hear of him he is off in some other direction; at one time he was a prominent Campbellite preacher.

"During many years his poor, but confiding wife, followed him from place to place, with no suspicion of his unfaithfulness to her; at length however, he became so bold in his departures, that it was evident to all around that he was a sore offender, and his wife left him under satisfactory evidence of his adulterous connections; nor was this his only fault; he used her bad otherwise. Mrs. Bennett now lives with her father; has two children living, and has buried one or two. Dr. Bennett has three brothers-in-law living in this place, who, if they were disposed, could give all the particulars; but I dislike to urge them; I did apply to one which I thought the most likely, but he seemed reluctant to give it; but referred me to the person who has given me the foregoing; but he not being a connexion [connection], has not been particular in following him in all his peregrinations; but is, no doubt correct, so far as given; -- it has been Dr. Bennett's wish that his wife should get a bill of divorcement, but as yet she has not; nor does my informant know that she contemplates doing so; -- in fine, he is an imposter, and unworthy of the confidence of all good men." * *

Through motives of delicacy, we withhold the names of our informants, and other correspondents; but hold ourselves in readiness, at all times, to substantiate by abundant testimony, all that has been asserted, if required, as the documents are all on hand.

GEORGE MILLER.      

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, GREETING. --

Whereas John Cook Bennett, in the organization of the Nauvoo Lodge, under dispensation, palmed himself upon the fraternity as a regular Mason, in good standing; and satisfactory testimony having been produced before said Lodge, that he, said Bennett, was an expelled Mason, we therefore publish, to all the Masonic world, the above facts, that he, the said Bennett, may not again impose himself upon the fraternity of Masons.

All Editors who are friendly to the fraternity of free and accepted ancient York Masons will please insert the above.

GEORGE MILLER.      
Master of Nauvoo Lodge,      
Under Dispensation.      

---

From the (Ohio) Cross and Journal.

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The denunciation of the Mormons by the Whig "no party" candidate, Joseph Duncan, is perfectly ridiculous and absurd. It shows that the opinions of his Excellency and the Whigs generally in reference to that sect have "underwent" some changes within the last two years. In 1840, the Whigs saw but little danger from the growing power of the Mormons -- they were then considered a poor unfortunate, and persecuted set of people, entitled to the commisseration of the patriot and the philathropist. At that time, the Mormons were regarded as good Whigs, and their votes were considered necessary to secure the State for Harrison and Tyler. Now, because they refuse to vote for the Whig candidate, they are denounced as the veriest outcasts of society, unfit to be tolerated in a civilized community. Verily, the opinions of the Whigs have 'underwent' some change.


Notes: (forthcoming)

To the Editor of the Wasp: --

Sir: Permit me to drop you the following sketch of what passed under my observation, in what may be called, the 'United City of the West.'

LIFE  IN  NAUVOO.

Sunday July 3. -- Joseph Smith delivered one of his interesting and sublime discourses. The congregation, which listened with almost breathless attention, was very large, numbering probably 8 or 10,000. The subject matter was drawn from the prophecies of Daniel which foretold that the God of heaven would set up a kingdom in the last days, &c. It was so satisfactorily done, that it was a pity that the world of great men, sectarians and all, could not have been present to take a few lessons of common sense from Joe's mouth, (as Bennett of the Herald would say) that they might come to undertanding and save themselves, as well as talk about saving the heathen.

In the afternoon Pres't. Hyrum Smith apoke with great effect and power. The way he used up the unwise elders, who cry tidings! tidings, but can not tell what it is, was truly a warning to men of God! -- and when he smelt out the tobacco chewers and whiskey drinkers, it seemed as if the sinners in Zion were afraid!...

---

'There's nothing but roguery in villanous man.'

SHAK.            

The Sangamo Journal that has had a sail out for every breeze, for the Mormon and against them, run off with the first morsel against Doctor Bennett, as a dog would with a stolen bone to gnaw. But hark ye! the same Jack at Jobbing now calls upon Bennett, Rigdon and Robinson to come and make an expose of every thing. O lordey! what a clever fellow Mr. Bennett is now! Butter and honey! O do come and mash Mormonism: Poor fool! do you not see your own ears peer up so J-a-c-k-A-s-s-i-c-a-l-l-y that every body knows how worthless, truthless, and contemptible you are, before you bray! Do get Doctor Bennett to write again for you, and you may be Paddyfied to the decree of A. S. S.


Note: For some further information on the events of Sunday, July 3, 1842, see the correspondence section of John C. Bennett's 1842 book, on pages 44-46.

COL.  HENDERSON  AND  GOV.  DUNCAN.

Col. Henderson was in our city last week and delivered what we should call a first rate political speech. He is a man of first rate talent and a gentleman, and goes it with a perfect rush for retrenchment and reform. He spoke in the highest possible terms of Gov. Duncan, and the way he used up the Locofocos was a caution to sinners.

Gov. Duncan is also a man of the first order. The prejudices of the people where he has travelled, has led him to take a course apparently against the Mormons; but we know Gov. Duncan, and he knows us -- there is no misunderstanding between us. The August election is near at hand and that will show who will be Governor. After the election it will be right with us. Hurrah for the Colonel and Jo.

---

We are authorized to announce the name of WILLIAM SMITH as candidate for the senate of this State, at the ensuing election.

---

LATE  FROM  NAUVOO. -- JOHN C. BENNETT. -- The mail yesterday, brought us the Nauvoo papers, the "Times and Seasons," and "The Wasp." of the 1st inst. In both of these papers, Mr. Joseph Smith has quite a long communication, addressed to the members of the Church and the "honorable part of community," exposing the character and conduct of Mr. John C. Bennett, whil[e] Mayor of the city, commander of the Nauvoo Legion, Master in Chancery for Hancock county, candidate for the legislature, a distinguished leader in the church, &c. &c. By this publication it appears that Bennett has been guilty of seduction, adultery, slander, lying, &c. Bennett it appears, has a wife and two children at McConnelsville, Ohio, from whom he has never been divorced -- that he came to Nauvoo, joined the church, and "put on the livery of Heaven to serve the devil in" -- that he imposed himself upon the young ladiers of that city, as a single man -- and he finally accomplished his object in seducing one of their number -- and instead of being satisfied with the accomplishment of this foul wrong, he made attacks upon the virtue of married women, and overcame them also -- "evidently not caring whose character was ruined, so that his wicked, lustful appetites might be gratified." His conduct was known to the elders, and they reasoned with and threatened him with excommunication; in consequence of this, he attempted to commit suicide, but was frustrated in the design. It was supposed, that shame and thedeard of public exposure, after his recovery from the attempt at suicide, would have produced a thorough reformation in his conduct; but not so; he soon gave a loose reign to his lustful passion, and continued his adulterous practices. During the course of his career of vice and infamy, as Smith states, he sought to teach the credulous females of the church, that "promiscuous intercourse between the sexes, was a doctrine believed in by the latter-day saints; and that there was no harm in it." To make his triumph over their virtue the more easy, he told the women that the heads of the Church, including Smith himself, sanctioned and practiced these vices. In fine, the publication of Mr. Smith, exposes one of the most corrupt knaves and hypocrites, the State affords, and in whatever community, Judge Douglass's Master in Chancery, John C. Bennett, makes his appearance in future, he should be marked and known as a monster, dangerous to the good order and social relations existing in society, and unworthy the least countenance or attention, of any moral or virtous man. He is evidently old in sin and iniquity, and his exposure was due to society at large. Bennett left Nauvoo in a sudden and abrupt manner, and there is no knowing where he will next make his appearance. Whether his locofoco friends will sustain him in this strait in which he is brought, remains to be seen.   Quincy Whig.

We certainly are frank to confess our gratitude to the Quincy Whig for his liberality and apparent humanity. When all men can harmonize and treat vice with contempt or punishment, as it deserves, then we can use the proverb: 'righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.'


Note: If the first news report above sounds strange, coming from the Democrat-supporting Nauvoo paper on the eve of the state-wide election of 1842, there is an even stranger explanation for its appearance there. The Springfield State Register at this time was creating a verbal smoke-screen in its columns, accusing the Nauvoo Mormons of planning to vote for the Whigs in the upcoming election. In fact, Joseph Smith, Jr. had already promised the entire Mormon vote to the Democrats and the Nauvoo Wasp was then joining with the partisans at the Register to obscure this fact from Democrat voters who might have objected to the political deal. The Whig of July 29, 1842 explains the editorial oddity in the pages of the Wasp thusly: "We venture to say, that there are few men in this city who do not believe that the article quoted from the Wasp was instigated by Gen. Adams, with the knowledge of the leaders of the party here, sent to Nauvoo, inserted in the "Wasp." and then single copies sent to the loco foco presses to be used, just as the Register has used the copy sent to that paper -- and which was the only copy received in the place containing Gen. Adams' article. But the scheme is too silly to succeed with any intelligent man. The Register editors express their opinions of the intelligence of their readers by publishing it. It is weak and silly contrivances of men driven to their last extremity." Notice also that Willaim Smith, the editor of the Wasp and brother of Joseph Smith, in this issue announces his candidacy (an eventually succesful one) for the Illiois Senate, thus effectively displacing Sidney Rigdon (who declared in the issue for June 11th) as the Mormon contender for the position in Springfield.

BENNETTIANA;
OR,
THE  MICROSCOPE  WITH  DOUBLE
DIAMOND  LENSES.

The baser the coward the bigger the bluster.

We have read Doctor Bennett's great sine qua non; Russian ukase; and dictatorial egotism. Desperate cases, require desperate doses and so we will give a little of Bennett as he was, and Bennett as he is.

BENNETT AS HE WAS.

J. C. Bennett is the author of the communications signed 'Joab, General in Israel.' Wonder if he was in duress when he made the following:

From the Times and Seasons, September, 1840

Burglary! TREASON!! ARSON!!!
MURDER!!!!

Lt. Col. Smith: --

I feel disposed to address you a few lines in relation to one of the darkest events that ever blackened the history of man in his most savage and barbarous state. The history of the Goths and Vandals, the cruel Arabs, or the Savage Indians, does not contain a parallel -- the heart sickens at the thought, and turns from the contemplation of it with loathing and disgust. In the year of our Lord 1838, it is generally known, (for it came heralded forth from the Grampion hills of the Saints of light, was written by a celestial messenger on the alter of God, and reflected on the heavenly canopy, that all the world might see,) L. W. Boggs, Governor of Missouri, and Prince of midnight assassins and cowardly brigands, issued, in the face of high heaven, exterminating order (which was ratified by the Legislature,) against the Mormon people residing within his jurisdiction -- directing his general officers, first to 'drive them from the state;' second to 'intercept their retreat;' and third to 'exterminate them' with the weapons of war: but the Mormons threw their banners on the air, and under the proudest motto that ever blazed upon a warrior's shield -- Sicut patribus sit Deus nobis; As God was with our fathers, so may he be with us. *    *    *   

Missouri wages war on the entire Mormon church -- the church of Latter Day Saints -- violates their women; shoots down, and scalps, their innocent, defenceless, children; confiscates their property, and throws it to the four winds of heaven -- brings them from affluence to beggary in an hour; and orders them all exterminated, murdered, butchered, by an infuriated, savage, fiendish, diabolical, infernal, Missouri mob of ruthless brigands, or driven from the State -- and declares them outlaws from the common family of man. *    *    *   

All this in land of boasted liberty -- and simply because the Mormons wish, and are determined, to exercise one of our greatest and most dear and sacred constitutional rights -- the liberty of conscience -- the inestimable privilege of worshiping the God of heaven in the way that they believe to be pointed out! Should they be given up into the hands of wicked men and devils in order to enable them to celebrate a kind of Auto-do-fe, by burning them to the stake, or butchering them in the shambles, at Jefferson city, to satiate Missouri's inordinate thirst for blood? No. They will not be given up. Missouri has too long bathed her hands in crimson gore, and drank the blood of the innocent; she must now be checked in her wild and mad career -- she has passed from the balmy state of her political glory to the sear and yellow leaf -- the civilized world now turns from her with horror and ineffible contempt -- and, should it become necessary, (which may God avert,) she must be met -- Missouri must be met, not only by the Mormon people, but by the States -- and all the friends of liberty and equal rights should gird on their armour, and swear by the everliving God that the sword shall not depart from the thigh, nor the buckler from the arm until the contest is ended. *    *    *   

Missouri has hewn down the innocent and defenceless, it is true, but she is entirely destitute of military knowledge or prowess. The Poet truly describes her citizens when he says --

'Their pow'r to hurt, each little creature feels,
Bulls aim their horns, and asses lift their heels;' but the blood of the slain is crying from the ground for condign vengeance, and should she continue to pursue her present murderous policy, the day of righteous retribution and the avenging of blood will not be procrastinated -- for her plains shall be bleached with the bones of the slain, and her rivers flow with blood, before another massacre will be suffered. More anon.

Yours, Respectfully,                       
JOAB,
                        General in Israel.

BENNETT  AS  HE  IS.

From the St. Louis Republican.
(for original text, see the St. Louis Bulletin)

On the evening of the 29th ultimo, twelve of the Danites, dressed in female apparel, approached my boarding house, (Gen. Robinson's,) in Nauvoo, with their carriage wheels wrapped with blankets, and their horses' feet covered with cloths, to prevent noise, about 10 o'clock, for the purpose of conveying me off and assassinating me, and thus prevent disclosures -- but I was so admirably prepared with arms, as were also my friends, that after prowling around the house for some time, they retired.

On Friday, the 1st. inst., I went to Carthage; and on the 5th I had a call from Mr. O. P. Rockwell, the result of which is detailed in the following affidavits, to wit:

STATE OF ILLINOIS,
HANCOCK COUNTY, ] ss.

Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John C. Bennett, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that on the 5th of July, 1842, at the house of Mr. Hamilton, in Carthage, Mr. O. P. Rockwell came to him and desired a private interview, to which deponent replied that if he (Rockwell) had any thing to say, he could speak it out before the gentlemen present. Rockwell said it was a private matter which interested them only -- deponent then went out with him. Rockwell said, "Doctor you do not know your friends, -- I am not your enemy -- and I do not wish you to make of my name in your publications;" deponent replied that he recognized Joe Smith and all his friends, as his personal enemies; to which Rockwell replied "I have been informed by Warner and Davis that you said Smith gave me fifty dollars and a wagon for shooting Boggs and I can and will whip any man that will tell such a cursed lie -- did you say so or not?" After looking at him for a moment or two the deponent said, "I never said so, sir, but I did say, and I now say it to your face, that you left Nauvoo about two months before the attempted assassination of ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri, and returned the day before the report of his assassination reached there; and that two persons, in Nauvoo, told me that you told them that you had been over the upper part of Missouri, and in Boggs' neighborhood,"  to which Rockwell replied, "well I was there; and if I shot Boggs they have got to prove it -- I never done an act in my life that I was ashamed of, and I do not fear to go any where that I have ever been, for I have done nothing criminal." Deponent replied, "certainly they have got to prove it on you if you did shoot him; I know nothing of what you did, as I was not there, I only know the circumstances, and from them I draw my own inferences, and the public will theirs -- and now, sir, if either you, or Joe Smith think you can intimidate me by your threats, you are mistaken in your man, and I wish you to understand distinctly that I am opposed to Joe and his holy host -- I shall tell the truth fearlessly, and regardless of consequences." Rockwell replied, "If you say that Joe Smith gave me fifty dollars and a wagon to shoot Boggs, I can whip you, and will do it in a crowd." Deponent then said -- "why are you harping on what I have not said, I have told you what I have said to your face and in presence of these gentlemen, and you have acknowledged the truth of all I have said, and I shall say it again, and if you wish to fight I am ready for you." The conversation then ceased on that subject. Rockwell told deponent that he had been accused wrongfully of wishing to assassinate him, or of being ordered by Smith to do so; but deponent said, "I believe that Joe ordered you to do it -- I know that orders were sent from him to the Danites for that purpose." Rockwell said that Smith had never given him any such orders, neither was it his intention; and further the deponent saith not.

JOHN C. BENNETT.

Sworn to, and subscribed, this 7th day of July, 1842, before me, at my office in Carthage.

                        SAMUEL MARSHALL, J. P.
{Seal.}

BENNETT  AS  HE  WAS.

How a man can talk with the 'livery of heaven on to serve the devil in.' Hear him again.

From the Times and Seasons, Oct. 1840

'Fudge! We repeat, Smith and Rigdon should not be given up. The law requiring the Governor of our State to deliver up fugitives from justice, is a salutary and wise one, and should not in ordinary circumstances be disregarded, but as there are occasions that authorize the citizens of a State to resent a tyranical and oppressive government, so there are occasions when it is not only the privilege, but the duty of the Governor of the State to refuse to surrender the citizens of his State upon the requisition of the Executive of another, -- and this we consider as the case of Smith and Rigdon.' -- Quincy Whig.

The foregoing article, from the pen of the editor of the Quincy Whig, reflects great credit on the head and heart of the writer. The sentiments it contains are liberal, noble, just -- the offspring of wisdom and understanding. It completely uses up the Uncircumcised Philistines of Missouri, and places the Mormon people just where they have ever taken shelter -- under the broad folds of the Constitution. -- and I, therefore, commend it to the favorable consideration of all the saints of light. The grievances of this people must be redressed, and my hands shall help to do it -- should they have to reach to the highest courts of heaven, dig to the lowest bowels of hell, or encompass the broad expanse of the universe of God, to consummate so desirable a result.

JOAB,
            General in Israel.



From the Times and Seasons, June [sic, Jan] 1, 1840

'Our worthy Governor is certainly disposed to do us ample justice in every respect, and to extend to us every facility for our future happiness and prosperity. Illinois has certainly done her duty, and her whole duty; and now it becomes us to show ourselves upright, honest, just -- worthy of the favors bestowed by noble, generous, and magnanimous statesmen.'

BENNETT  AS  HE  IS.

Extract from the Sangamo.

If Governor Reynolds, of Missouri, will make another demand for Joe Smith alone, disconnected with any other person, -- (for there are thousands of innocent, unoffending, good and holy people among the Mormons, who never ought to suffer, and never shall by my hands, or through my instrumentality -- men, women and children who have suffered more than death for the infamous prophet) -- and if Governor Carlin will place the writ in my hands, I will deliver him up to justice, or die in the attempt, unless restrained by the constituted civil authority. Thousands and tens of thousands are ready to obey the call, and enforce the laws, and the holy Joe shall tremble at the sight of the gathering hosts. Let the watchword pass with the celerity of lightning, and let the citizen-soldier be ready. -- I will lead you on to victory, and lay the rebels low. The Constitution and the laws shall triumph, and misrule , violence, and oppression wither like a blighted flower. Let not an Executive whom he has vilified and abused, as he has Governor Carlin, both in the private circle and public congregation, fear or neglect to do his duty in this case, and deliver up this noted refugee, charged with the blackest crimes known to the laws, who now boldly stalks abroad in our public ways. If Joe is innocent, let him be acquitted; but if he is guilty, let his life atone for it. I regard him as a foul and polluted murderer, and on the forthcoming of his State writ, Joe shall be delivered up.'


Gov. Carlin must have had a great desire to please the Doctor, eh?


'It is true that I had Joe appointed, or elected Lieutenant General, as a mere play thing, knowing that there was no such officer contemplated by the Constitution, but, it answers Joe well enough, as he does not know enough of military matters to tell the difference between a Corporal, and a General, -- so, Lieutenant General is as good as any other ral to Joe.'


'Now Governor, do your duty,' says the imperious doctor -- which amounts to as much as to say, Governor, you have never done your duty, but do it now, and I will forgive you, for your power 'is little nipperkins of milk, compared to my gread aquafortis Jars!' An Irishman would tell the story thus: Tommy, bring me the butcher knife and hammer, our puppy has got his head into the big stone pot, and I can't get it out without cutting it off and breaking the pot.'

From the following it would seem that Bennett has acted as the herald of holiness:


'Well, sister Pratt,' says Joe, 'as you have refused me; it becomes sin, unless sacrifice is offered;" and turning to me he said, 'General, if you are my friend I wish you to procure a lamb, and have it slain, and sprinkle the door posts and the gate with its blood, and take the kidneys and entrails and offer them upon an altar of twelve stones that have not been touched with a hammer, as a burnt offering, and it will save me and my priesthood. Will you do it?' I will, I replied. So I procured the lamb from Captain John T. Barnett, and it was slain by Lieutenant Stephen H. Goddard, and I offered the kidneys and entrails in sacrifice for Joe as he desired.'

Never, since Cain, with his peck of potatoes, operated against Abel's Lamb, has flesh and blood, with a sacradotal Tunis on, officiated with such difnified pomposity as the grear Mayor of Nauvoo; Major General of the Nauvoo Legion; Master-in-Chancery; Doctor of Medicine; and Elder in Israel, even John C. Bennett, Auctor purisime impuritalis! This is the first clue we have that Bennett is a Levite --guess, however, he acted as one of the priests of Baal. Benett says in the Sangamo:

'Now, remember, that if I should be missing, Joe Smith either by himself or his Danite band, will be the murderer. Illinoisians, then let my blood be avenged!'


To save beating up for volunteers, as the General may have another turn of mind, and slope for Texas. would it not be better to have the Doctor stereotyped, ensured, or even embalmed, if it can be done without duress, and not injure him, or jeopardise his future usefulness: under Gynecocracy; and embryo infanticide. Doctor, murder will out.

Speaking of Jo Smith, in his imsanity, or fogmatically, in his Bennettiana, he says,


'I now defy him, and all his holy hosts. I dare him to personal violence. There are eyes that see that he knows not of, and ears to hear that he understands not.'

This reminds us of the time when the Doctor undertook to poison himself to death, but some good Samaritan-like Mormons saved his life; though a wag or two fixed a pile of sand, [as a] monument and fingered on it the following epitaph;

'In memory of Major General John C. Bennett; who died at the seoge of Philter, in the defence of the cause of Venus, July 17, 1841.'

A Psalm of Joab, when Jacob stole his tombstone and his harp:

'O Jacob Morris mercy have.
Now I am dead and in my grave;
While on earth you slandered me;
Now I am dead pray let me be.
If you this tomb stone ever steal.
With me the flames of hell you'll feel.
Bring back my other and my harp;
Cease to increase my mis'ry sharp.' Bennett says:

'Joe's extensive land frauds in Iowa and Illinois. will soon come to light. I will save his Eastern creditors some hundreds of thousands of dollars, by exposing these frauds in the face of open day.'

This is noble: if the Doctor will save enough to pay what he forgot to pay when he acted as bishop of the Campbellite church, and also that he may be wise enough to hold to a sufficient quantity of the needful to save himself the trouble of filling up spurious Diplomas -- whereby he quackifies himself as the chief of quackery, he certainly will do some good.

Now Dr. Bennett has tried to terrify some with his affidavit that Rockwell assassinated Gov. Boggs -- insinuating that he went to fulfil prophecies -- But we think that the Doctor has now taked the burden upon himself -- and that too, to fulfil his own prophecies.

BENNETT  AS  HE  WAS.

From the Times and Seasons, Feb. 1, 1842

I stood on Mount Zion, by the Temple of the Great King, and looked down through the vista of time, and saw people like great water, for they were many -- gathered from all nations under the whole heavens: and I saw mighty chieftains upon noble steeds, and armies of chariots and horsemen, and strong cohorts of footmen, great and terrible, with spears and banners, and the implements of war, forming to the sound of the clarion. And a great shout was heard in the camp of the saints, and a voice, like the sound of a mighty trumpet, saying -- Go and possess your inheritances, and avenge the wrongs of your progenitors-and the battle was set in array, and the armies of the saints moved forward, attended by thunder and hail, and fire and storm, conquering and to conquer. And the armies of the aliens trembled at the voice, like Belshazzar at the handwriting on the wall -- and the hearts of their great warriors, and valiant men, fainted within them, and they fled like grasshoppers, and were consumed like stubble before the devouring flame. The plains were bleached with the bones of the slain, and the rivers flowed with blood. The fierce anger of the Lord returned not until he had done, nor until he had performed the intents of his heart.

                    JOAB,
                  General in Israel.'

Doctor Bennett's abolition principles, were quite warm, as the Times and Seasons of March 15, 1842, will show by reading the correspondence between himself and Charles V. Dyer, M.D., of Chicago.

From the Times and Seasons of March 15, 1842.

'Let the friends of freedom arise and utter their voice, like the voice of ten thousand thunders -- let them take every constitutional means to procure a redress of grievances -- let there be a concerted effort, and the victory is ours. Let the broad banners of freedom be unfurled, and soon the prison doors will be opened, the captive set at liberty, and the oppressed go free. Missouri will then remember the unoffending Mormons in the days of their captivity and bondage -- when murder and rapine were her darling attributes -- why, my heart is filled with indignation, and my blood boils within me, when I contemplate the vast injustice and cruelty which Missouri has meted out to that great philanthropist and devout Christian, General Joseph Smith, and his honest and faithful adherents -- the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons.'

'Now let us make a strong, concerted, and vigorous effort, for UNIVERSAL LIBERTY, to every soul of man -- civil, religious, and political. With high consideration of respect, and esteem, suffer me to subscribe myself --

Yours, Respectfully,
            JOHN C. BENNETT,

Charles V. Dyer, M. D.'


It will be seen by this that Gen. Smith was a great philanthropist as long as Bennett could practice adultery, fornication, and -- we were going to say, (Buggery,) without being exposed. But if the Missourians are willing to harbor an abolitionist as a spy, and let him practice the real amalgamation among the negresses of their State, -- huzza for the Doctor; 'there by hangs a tale.'

But we must hold up, for truly we have never witnessed so mortal a case of black vomit: If Missouri; if Illinois, if the world can swallow such gall and wormwood, from the mouth of Dr. Bennett, and not feel qualmish while gagging it down, then verily the Physician can heal himself.

Such egotism; who made Nauvoo? who granted the Charter? who made the Nauvoo Legion? who made Smith Lieutenant General, for a play thing? who commanded Gov. Carlin to approve all these mighty acts?

I, John C. Bennett, with "all my laurels thick upon me." But alas! the third day came a chilling frost and niped them, and of all my great titles, honors and consequences, although I veto the practice of being tried by court martial save such an one as I shall dictate, I have found that greatness has its inconveniences, and there is nothing left but ME.

To conclude, if the doctor does not find the way of the transgressor hard, then honor has fled, but tell it not in Missouri, publish it not in Ohio, lest the uncircumcised Philistines should strew his ashes to the four winds, that there may not be a trace of so vile a wretch.

---

At a meeting of the citizens of the city of Nauvoo held in said city at the meeting ground, July 22d, 1842.

Orson Spencer, Esq., was called to the chair and Gustavus Hills was appointed clerk.

The meeting was called to order by the chairman who stated the object of the meeting to be to obtain an expression of the public mind in reference to the reports gone abroad, caluminating the character of Pres. Joseph Smith. Gen. Wilson Law then rose and presented the following resolution.

Resolved -- That, having heard that John C. Bennett was circulating many base falsehoods respecting a number of the citizens of Nauvoo, and especially against our worthy and respected Mayor, Joseph Smith, we do hereby manifest to the world that so far as we do hereby manifest to the world that so far as we are acquainted with Joseph Smith we know him to be a good, moral, virtuous, peaceable and patriotic man, and a firm supporter of law, justice and equal rights; that he at all times upholds and keeps inviolate the constitution of this State and of the United States.

A vote was then called and the resolution adopted by a large concourse of citizens, numbering somewhere about a thousand men. Two or three, voted in the negative.

Elder Orson Pratt then rose and spoke at some length in explanation of his negative vote. Pres. Joseph Smith spoke in reply -- Question, to Elder Pratt: -- "Have you personally a knowledge of any immoral act in me?" Answer, by Elder O. Pratt -- 'Personally, I have not.' -- Elder O. Pratt responded at some length. Elder B. Young then spoke in reply, and was followed by Elders Wm. Law, H. C. Kimball and Pres. H. Smith. Several others spoke bearing testimony of the iniquity of those who had calumniated Pres. J. Smith's character.

Meeting adjourned for one hour.

P. M. Meeting assembled pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the chairman.

A petition was then received from a committee appointed by the city council for the reception, approbation, and signatures of the citizens generally petitioning the Governor of Illinois for protection in our peaceable rights, which was read and approved, and signed by,

ORSON SPENCER. ESQ., Chairman.          

GUSTAVUS HILLS, Clerk.

---

As there seems to be some foolish notions that I have been engaged with J. C. Bennett, in the difficulties between him and some of the citizens of this place, I merely say in reply to such idle and vain reports that they are without foundation in truth.

            SIDNEY RIGDON.

---

For the Wasp.

TO  THE  INDEPENDENT  VOTERS  OF  HANCOCK.

Fellow Citizens: --
  Our names having been announced in the Wasp, as candidates for the House of Representatives, permit us to say to you gentlemen, that we decline the honor of the nominations so kindly tendered us by some of our democratic friends, always willing to serve the cause of equal rights. The democratic ticket being full, Mr. Owen and Mr. [William] Smith being the candidates for the House of Representatives, they are democrats good and true, in their hands the people's rights will be safe. It is to the Democratic Standard we call on our friends to rally.
J. B. BACKENSTOS.
Carthage. DAVID GREENLEAF. St. Marys.

---

For the Wasp.

TO  THE  PUBLIC.

At two public meetings of the citizens of Nauvoo, I was unanimously nominated a candidate as Representative to the State Legislature; but, as there are many of the old citizens of this county, who have announced themselves as candidates, I cheerfully withdraw, believing, from their long residence in this county, and consequently more extensive acquaintance with the affairs of the same, that this honor (if it may thus be called) should be confered upon them.
                        ORSON PRATT.
Nauvoo, July 13, 1842.

---

AN  EXTRA,
With Sundries for Doctor Bennett will be issued in a day or two.

Note 1: As John C. Bennett's series of published letters contained lengthy and detailed allegations of there being a belief in, and a secret practice of, polygamy among the top Mormon leadership at Nauvoo, it is remarkable that first regular issue of The Wasp carrying refutations of Bennett's startling avowals in this regard, says absolutely nothing at all about plural marriage, spiritual wives, polygamy. etc. Much of the anti-Bennett material in this issue appears to have been copied over from a July 17, 1842 Wasp Extra, which is not now accessable for transcription -- possibly that previous issue carried some hint of Bennett's allegations regarding Nauvoo polygamy. The Wasp writer provides no details concerning Dr. Bennett's alleged practice of "embryo infanticide" at Nauvoo, but see Wilhelm R. von Wymetal's 1886 Mormon Portraits I, pp. 60-63 for Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt's recollections on this topic. See also Hyrum Smith's affidavit in the Wasp of #073042 and William Law's statement regarding Bennett, in the Wasp of #073042.

Note 2: Apostle Orson Pratt's July 22, 1842 refusal to vote in favor of a resolution proclaiming Joseph Smith "a good, moral, virtuous, peaceable and patriotic man," was indeed a most extraordinary event in Mormon history. Pratt was not alone in his refusal, and it may be presumed that Sidney Rigdon and George W. Robinson also voted against the motion at the July 22nd meeting. The root reason behind Pratt's reluctance to vote in favor of such a proclamation may be found in various published reports from mid-1842, including one in the July 22, 1842 issue of the Sangamo Journal, stating that Pratt had left Nauvoo "on account of the treatment of his wife by [Joseph] Smith, and of the general management of the Church by him... Smith, finding his attempts on Mrs. Pratt were matters of notoriety, went to her husband with a manufactured story that his wife was a base woman, and that the fact was well known to him... Mrs. Pratt... 'told' on the Impostor [Joseph Smith], and was marked by him for destruction. In a public speech in Nauvoo on the 14th, Joe spoke of this lady -- a woman whose reputation had been as fair as virtue could make it until she came in contact with him -- in a manner only befitting the lowest and most degraded vagabond in existence... We do not know what course will be pursued by Mr. Pratt... We trust that he will secure for himself a more honorable position in life, and will come to the rescue of the fame of his lady, and expose the infamous course of the Prophet..." In a letter dated July 17, 1842, President of the Twelve, Brigham Young, wrote to Orson's brother, Apostle Parley P. Pratt, saying: "Br Orson Pratt is in trubble in consequence of his wife, hir feelings are so rought up that he dos not know whether his wife is wrong, or whether Josephs testimony and others are wrong and due Ly and he decived for 12 years or not; he is all but crazy about matters, you may aske what the matter is concirning Sister P[ratt]. -- it is enoph, and doct, J.C. Bennett could tell all about himself & hir -- enoph of that -- we will not let Br. Orson goe away from us he is to good a man to have a woman destroy him."

Note 3: It is no doubt significant that The Wasp says very little of the public exchange of words between Pratt and Smith, except to demonstrate that Pratt was not making accusations against Smith based upon personal knowledge. The implication here is that Pratt was publicly repeating his wife's charges of immoral behavior on the part of Smith, and that Smith was defending his virtue by showing that Pratt was not speaking from an eye-witness position, but was depending upon the testimony of his wife, in order to allege that Smith had attempted to seduce Sarah Pratt into a hopeful polygamous relationship. See the Sangamo Journal of Aug. 5, 1842 for more on Pratt's July 22nd "negative vote" and his public speech relating "attempted outrages upon his wife by the impostor," Joseph Smith, Jr.

BENNETTIANA;
OR,
THE  MICROSCOPE  WITH  DOUBLE
DIAMOND  LENSES.

The baser the coward the bigger the bluster.

[Note: the first page and a half of this Extra contain anti-Bennett copy
re-printed from The Wasp of July 23, 1842].



[Wasp graphic of Gen. Bennett with knight & dragon above]

__________________

MORE  DISCLOSURES.

It is not with a view to excite the passions and prejudices of the people, that the following affidavits are made public, but to disabuse the community, which can not be less than fomented at the perusal of Dr. Bennett's letters and affidavits which have recently shot forth like meteors. Our space is too small to publish the documents referred to, but as there are no lack of presses and men, to give the Doctor a fair hearing, as well as extensive circulation, we shall presume that every body knows his story about the Mormons at Nauvoo, and proceed to rebut, refute, disprove, or expose, as the nature of the case may require.

The Doctor claims among all his et ceteras a little law, but had he reflected once on ex scripta, where he has ten times to gratify his lustful desires, he would exclaim like the old barrister, "John might swallow a cart load of such stuff without obtaining one particle of truth." His affidavits are mere wind for effect. Mr. Bennett knows better than to make such foolish quirks. In facr, until the whole City Council of Nauvoo are impeached, the Doctor must stand before the public as a perjured man -- There let him stand.

Two things are certainly resquisite in witnesses, -- knowledge and character. By this rule, as the Doctor fails himself, we think some of his testimony, when properly cross examined will appear a little more than plumb. Who is Mrs. Shindle? A harlot. What next? References to others, whose knowledge of facts and weight of character, will find a brief -- ex necessitati rei.

The doctor's duress, so gravely sworn to is the climax of his legal sagacity. There is a point at issue in that, which, when the Doctor wakes from his lethargy, will look ike a vexed question, with iron eyes, which may refresh his mind with the consolation that sudden and violebt moves in public, often bring leisure repentance in solitude.

As it regards his third letter, concerning fraud, time alone will determine that. Common law, common sense, and common prudenc, teach us to try men for crimes that they have committed, not for what they may commit.

What he says of the proceedings of the Lodge is nothing; he is an expelled mason. Mr. Rigdon's name goes with his certificate, and settles the matter on that point, and with his daughter. Elder Marks' name is in the city council affidavit; and we might add many other things to show the vanity of the man and the enormity of his crimes, but we forbear, though a word or two more may not be amiss. As to the Danite band, which seems like Hamlet's ghost to haunt the Doctor by night and by day, it must be something more than Mormon, for the City Council testifies that they know of no such band. And in justice to the community, we ought to say, and strangers who are among us daily bear the same evidence, that nothing of any such league, combination or knot of men, is known in Nauvoo.

The certificates of Elders Rigdon, Marks, and Higbee, and Miss Michael, (the Journal's Mitchell) go to show that Doctor Bennett used the names of persons without their consent. These certificates speak for themselves, and leave the doctor before the public as he is, a debaucher, a spoiler of character and virtue, and a living pestilence, walking in darkness to fester in his own infamy.

There is one affidavit that Bennett might easily be put out of the way; and in justice to the community, and the aggravation of the crimes which he has committed, (and to substantiate which, the testimony of respectable persons has been properly authenticated, but which is actually too indelicate for publicity,) we say, and every man who has a wife, or a daughter, or a sister, that he wishes uncontaminated with vice of the slyest but most atrocious men, will say, we will never rest till the law is executed on such a bloody lifed Vampyre.

__________________

AFFIDAVIT  OF  THE  CITY  COUNCIL.

We the undersigned, members of the city council of the City of Nauvoo, testify that John C. Bennett was not under duress at the time he testified before the city council May 19th, 1842 concerning Joseph Smith's innocence, virtue, and pure teaching -- his statements that he has lately made concerning this matter are false, -- there was no excitement at the time, nor was he in anywise threatened menaced or intimidated, his appearance at the city council was voluntary, he asked the privilege of speaking, which was granted, after speaking for some time on the city affairs, Joseph Smith asked him if he knew any thing bad concerning his public, or private character; he then delivered those statements contained in the testimony voluntarily, and of his own free will, and went of his

We do further testify that there is no such thing as a Danite Society in this city nor any combination, other than the Masonic Lodge, of which we have any knowledge.

WILSON LAW     GEO A. SMITH,
JOHN TAYLOR,     GEO W. HARRIS,
W. WOODRUFF,     N. K. WHITNEY,
VINSON KNIGHT,     BRIGHAM, YOUNG,
H. C. KIMBALL,     CHARLES C, RICH,
JOHN P. GREEN,     ORSON SPENCER,
WILLIAM MARKS,
Subscribed, and sworn to, by the persons whose names appear to the foregoing affidavit, this 20th day of July, A. D. 1842; except N. K. Whitney, who subscribed and affirmed to the foregoing this day, before me
                       DANIEL H. WELLS,
Justice of the Peace, within and for Hancock County, Illinois.

Daniel H. Wells, Esq., is an old resident in this place, and is not a Mormon.

AFFIDAVIT  OF  HYRUM  SMITH.

On the seventeenth day of may, 1842, having been made acquainted with some of the conduct of John C. Bennett, which was given in testimony under oath before Alderman G. W. Harris, by several females, who testified that John C. Bennett endeavored to seduce them and accomplished his designs by saying it was right; that it was one of the mysteries of God, which was to be revealed when the people was strong enough in the faith to bear such mysteries -- that it was perfectly right to have illicit intercourse with females, providing no one knew it but themselves, vehemently trying them from day to day, to yield to his passions, bringing witnesses of his own clan to testify that [there] was such revelations and such commandments, and that it was of God; also stating that he would be responsible for their sins, if their was any; and that he would give them medicine to produce abortions, providing they should become pregnant. One of these witnesses, a married woman that he attended upon in his professional capacity, whilst she was sick, stated that he made proposals to her of a similar nature; he told her that he wished her husband was dead, and that if he was dead he would marry her and clear out out with her; he also begged her permission to give him medicine to that effect; he did try to give him medicine, but he would not take it -- on interrogating her what she thought of such teaching, she replied, she was sick at the time, and had to be lifted in and out of her bed like a child. Many other acts as criminal were reported to me at the time. On becoming acquainted with these facts, I was determined to prosecute him, and bring him to justice. -- Some person knowing my determination, having informed him of it, he sent to me Wm. Law and Brigham Young, to request an interview with me and to see if [there] could not be a reconciliation made. I told them I thought there could not be, his crimes were so henious; but told them I was willing to see him; he immediately came to see me; he begged on me to forgive him, this once, and not prosecute him and expose him, he said he was guilty, and did acknowledge the crimes that were alleged against him; he seemed to be sorry that he had committed such acts, and wept much, and desired that it might not be made public, for it would ruin him forever; he wished me to wait; but I was determined to bring him to justice, and declined listening to his entreaties; he then wished me to wait until he could have an interview with the masonic fraternity; he also wanted an interview with Br. Joseph; he wished to know of me, if I would forgive him, and desist from my intentions, if he could obtain their forgiveness; and requested the privilege of an interview immediately. I granted him that privilege as I was acting as master pro. tem. at that time; he also wished an interview first with Br. Joseph; at that time Brother Joseph was crossing the yard from the house to the store and met Dr. Bennett on the way; he reached out his hand to Br. Joseph and said, will you forgive me, weeping at the time; he said Br. Joseph, I am guilty, I acknowledge it, and I beg of you not to expose me, for it will ruin me; Joseph replied, Doctor! why are you using my name to carry on your hellish wickedness? Have I ever taught you that fornication and adultery was right, or poligamy or any such practices? He said you never did. Did I ever teach you any thing that was not virtuous -- that was iniquitous, either in public or private? He said you never did. Did you ever know anything unvirtuous or unrighteous in my conduct or actions at any time, either in public or in private? he said, I did not; are you willing to make oath to this before an Alderman of the city? he said I am willing to do so. Joseph said Dr. go into my office, and write what you can in conscience subscribe your name to, and I will be satisfied -- I will, he said, and went into the office, and I went with him and he requested pen ink and paper of Mr. Clayton, who was acting clerk in that office, and was also secretary pro. tem. for the Nauvoo Lodge U. D. Wm. Clayton gave him paper, pen and ink, and he stood at the desk and wrote the following article which was published in the 11th No. of the Wasp; sworn to and subscribed before Daniel H. Wells, Alderman, 17th day of May, A. D. 1842; he called in Br. Joseph, and read it to him and asked him if that would do, he said it would, he then swore to it as before mentioned; the article was as follows:


    STATE OF ILLINOIS, }
       CITY OF NAUVOO. }
Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an Alderman of said city of Nauvoo, John C. Bennett, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith: that he never was taught any thing in the least cantrary [sic] to the strictest principles of the Gospel, or of virtue, or of the laws of God, or man, under any occasion either directly or indirectly, in word or deed, by Joseph Smith; and that he never knew the said Smith to countenance any improper conduct whatever, either in public or private; and that he never did teach to me in private that an illegal illicit intercourse with females was, under any circumstances, justifiable, and that I never knew him so to teach others.

JOHN C. BENNETT.

Sworn to, and subscribed, before me, this 17th day of May, 1842.

DANIEL H. WELLS,
                     Alderman.

During all this intercourse, I was present with him, and there was no threats used, nor harshness, every thing was as pacific as could be under existing circumstances. I then immediately convened the Masonic lodge, it being about four o'clock P. M. He then came into the lodge and charges of a similar nature were preferred against him. He admitted they were true, in the presence of about sixty in number. He arose and begged the privilege of speaking to the brethren; he acknowledged his wickedness; and begged for the brethren to forgive still longer, and he called God and angels to witness that he never would be guilty of the like crimes again-he would lay his hand on the Bible and sware that he would not be guilty of such crimes. He seemed to be very penitent and wept much; his penitence excited sympathy in the minds of the brethren, and they withdrew the charge for the time being, until he could be heard on other charges which had been preferred against him by members of the Pickaway Lodge, of Ohio, through the communications of the Grand Master, A. Jonas. After this we found him to be an expelled mason, in consequence of his rascally conduct from the Pickaway Lodge, in Ohio; the circumstances and documents were mentioned in the 11th No. of the Wasp, signed by George Miller, Master of Nauvoo Lodge, under dispensation, and reads as follows:

NOTICE.
To all whom it may concern, GREETING.--

Whereas John Cook Bennett, in the organization of the Nauvoo Lodge, under dispensation, palmed himself upon the fraternity as a regular Mason, in good standing; and satisfactory testimony having been produced before said Lodge, that he, said Bennett, was an expelled Mason, we therefore publish to all the Masonic world, the above facts, that he, the said Bennett, may not impose himself upon the fraternity of Masons.

All Editors who are friendly to the fraternity of free and accepted ancient York Masons will please insert the above. GEORGE MILLER.
Master of Nauvoo Lodge,
    Under Dispensation.
Still after all this we found him guilty of similar crimes again, and it was found to our satisfaction that he was conspiring against the peace and safety of the citizens of this state -- after learning these facts we exposed him to the public; he then immediately left the place abruptly; threatening to drink the hearts blood of many citizens of this place. Previous to this last disclosure, the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from him, May 11th, 1842, by the first presidency, six days previous to the time he pretended to withdraw from the church, which you will see published in the Times and Seasons, June 15th, 1842, I was also present at the time when he gave this testimony before the City Council, as printed in the Times and Seasons, July 1st, 1842, on page 841 which reads as follows:

Dr. John C. Bennett, ex-Mayor, was then called upon by the Mayor to state if he knew aught against him; when Mr. Bennett replied: "I know what I am about, and the heads of the church know what they are about I expect. I have no difficulty with the heads of the church. I publicly avow that any one who has said that I have stated that General Joseph Smith has given me authority to hold illicit intercourse with women is a liar in the face of God, those who have said it are damned liars; they are infernal liars. He never, either in public or private, gave me any such authority or license, and any person who states it is a scoundrel and a liar. I have heard it said that I should become a second Avard by withdrawing from the church, and that I was at variance with the heads and should use an influence against them because I resigned the office of Mayor; this is false. I have no difficulty with the heads of the church, and I intend to continue with you, and hope the time may come when I may be restored to full confidence, and fellowship, and my former standing in the church; and that my conduct may be such as to warrant my restoration--and should the time ever come that I may have an opportunity to test my faith it will then be known whether I am a traitor or a true man."

Joseph Smith then asked: "Will you please state definitely whether you know any thing against my character either in public or private?"

Gen. Bennett answered: "I do not; in all my intercourse with Gen. Smith, in public and in private, he has been strictly virtuous.

Aldermen.     WILSON LAW,
N. K. WHITNEY,     JOHN TAYLOR,
HIRAM KIMBALL,     BRIGHAM YOUNG,
ORSON SPENCER,     JOHN P. GREEN,
GUST. HILLS,     H. C. KIMBALL,
G. W. HARRIS.     W. WOODRUFF
Councillors     GEO. A. SMITH.
WILLARD RICHARDS.

JAMES SLOAN Recorder.

May 19th 1842.
I know he was not under duress at the time for his testimony was given free and voluntarily, after requesting the privilege of the council to speak (which was granted him,) on matters pertaining to the city ordinances, while speaking, or before he took his seat, he was requested by the Mayor of the city, Joseph Smith, to state to the council if he knew aught against him; and he replied according to the above.

I also know that he had no private intercourse with Joseph in the preparation room on the 17th day, as he stated in his letter as printed in the Sangamo Journal, for the lodge was convened on that day, and I had the keys of the doors in my possession from 7 o'clock A. M. until 6 o'clock P. M. and it was when the lodge called off for refreshment during recess, that I had the interview with him, at which time he wrote the affidavit and subscribed it in my presence, and I was with him during the whole time from his first coming to me, until he signed it and until the lodge convened again at 4 o'clock.

HYRUM SMITH.

Sworn to, and subscribed, before me July 23, 1842.

GEO. W. HARRIS, Alderman of the city of Nauvoo.

---

AFFIDAVIT OF WM. LAW.

As. John C. Bennett has become our open enemy, and is engaged in circulating falsehoods of the blackest character, I deem it duty to make the following statement of facts:

John C. Bennett states in the Sangamo Journal that the withdrawal of the hand of fellowship by the first Presidency, and the Twelve, was after he had withdrawn from the church. I presume the notice of our withdrawal was not published till after he withdrew, but that does not prove his statement true, for I hereby testify that I signed the article in question several days before he withdrew. I believe it was on the evening of the 11th day of May, some four or five days afterwards I had some conversation with J. C. Bennett and intimated to him that such a thing was concluded upon, which intimation I presume led him to withdraw immediately. I told him we could not bear with his conduct any longer -- that there were many witnesses against him, and that they stated that he gave Joseph Smith as authority for his illicit intercourse with females. J. C. Bennett declared to me before God that Joseph Smith had never taught him such doctrines, and that he never told any one that he (Joseph Smith) had taught any such things, and that any one who said so told base lies; nevertheless, he said he had done wrong, that he would not deny, but he would deny that he had used Joseph Smith's name to accomplish his designs on any one; stating that he had no need of that, for that he could succeed without telling them that Joseph approbated such conduct.

These statements he made to me of his own free will, in a private conversation which we had on the subject; there was no compulsion or threats used on my part; we had always been on good terms, and I regretted exceedingly that he had taken such a course. He plead with me to intercede for him, assuring me that he would turn from his iniquity, and never would be guilty of such crimes again.-He said that if he were exposed it would break his mother's heart-that she was old, and if such things reached her ears it would bring her down with sorrow to the grave. I accordingly went to Joseph Smith and plead with him to spare Bennett from public exposure, on account of his mother. On many occasions I heard him acknowledge his guilt, and beg not to be destroyed in the eyes of the public, and that he would never act so again, "So help him God." From such promises, and oaths, I was induced to bear with him longer than I should have done.

On one occasion I heard him state before the city Council that Joseph Smith had never taught him any unrighteous principles, of any kind, and that if any one says that he ever said that Joseph taught such things they are base liars, or words to that effect. This statement he made voluntarily; he came into the council room about an hour after the council opened, and made the statement, not under duress, but of his own free will, as many witnesses can testify.

On a former occasion he came to me and told me that a friend of his was about to be tried by the High Council, for the crime of adultery, and that he feared his name would be brought into question. -- He entreated me to go to the council and prevent his name from being brought forward, as, said he, "I am not on trial, and I do not want my mother to hear of these things, for she is a good woman."

I would further state that I do know from the amount of evidence which stands against J. C. Bennett, and from his own acknowledgments, that he is a most corrupt, base, and vile man; and that he has published many base falsehoods since we withdrew the hand of fellowship from him.

About the time that John C. Bennett was brought before the Masonic Lodge he came to me and desired that I would go in company with B. Young, to Hyrum Smith, and entreat of him to spare him -- that he wished not to be exposed -- that he wanted to live as a private citizen, and would cease from all his folly, &c. I advised him to go to Texas, and when he returned, if he would behave well we would reinstate him. He said he had no means to take him to Texas, and still insisted on B. Young and myself to intercede for him.

WM. LAW.

Sworn to, and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Hancock, State of Illinois, July 20th 1842.

DANIEL H. WELLS.

  STATE OF ILLINOIS, }
  COUNTY OF HANCOCK. }

I hereby certify that on the 17th day of May last John C. Bennett subscribed and swore to the affidavit over my signature of that date, and published in the Wasp, after writing the same in my presence, in the office where I was employed in taking depositions of witnesses. The door of the room was open and free for all or any person to pass or repass. After signing and being qualified to the affidavit aforesaid, he requested to speak with me at the door; I followed him out-he told me some persons had been lying about him and showed me a writing granting him the privilege to withdraw from the church, and remarked that the matter was perfectly understood between him and the heads of the church; and that he had resigned the Mayor's office and should resign the office he held in the Legion, but as there was a court martial to be held in a few days Joseph Smith desired that he would wait until that was over.

I was in the City Council on the 19th day of May last-I there heard him say what has been published concerning the teachings of Joseph Smith, and of his own course. I afterwards met him in company with Col. Francis M. Higbee, he then stated that he was going to be the candidate, (meaning candidate for the Legislature) and Joseph and Hyrum Smith were going in for him: said "you know it will be better for me not to be bothered with Mayor's office, Legion, Mormon, or any thing else." During all this time if he was under duress, or fear, he must have had a good faculty for concealing it, for he was at liberty to go and come when and where he pleased, so far as I am capable of judging. I know that I saw him in different parts of the city, even after he had made these statements, transacting business as usual, and said he was going to complete some business pertaining to the Mayor's office; and I think did attend to work on the streets.

I was always personally friendly with him, after I became acquainted with him. I never heard him say any thing derogatory to the character of Joseph Smith, until after he had been exposed by said Smith, on the public stand in Nauvoo.

DANIEL H. WELLS

July 22, A. D. 1842.

Sworn to, and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace, in and for the City of Nauvoo, in said county, this 22d day of July, 1842.

GUSTAVUS HILLS, (L. S.)
          J. P. & Alderman.

The whole of these affidavits are given by gentlemen of the first respectability, of unquestionable character, and of known reputation and veracity, and can of course be relied upon; and what light do they represent Bennett in, but that of a pergured wretch, a useless vagabond, and a mean, vascillating, unprincipled villain, and a disgrace to human society; and if their testimonies, and the testimony of the City Council, cannot be relied upon, then indeed are we in a poor case; -- corrupt, fallen, and dishonored, -- But John C. Bennett is not the man to prove us so; we must have different testimony to his, and that of his partners in crime, to convict us of evil.

As John C. Bennett and the Sangamo Journal have called upon several persons, in this city, to come out and make disclosures, relative to the things about which they have been writing; they have responded to the call, and publish the following:

CERTIFICATES.

MR. EDITOR --
  Sir, From a perusal of the St. Louis papers, I find from an article signed J. C. Bennett, stating that all who are friends to Mr. Joseph Smith he considers his enemies. As a matter of course then, I must be one, for I am and have been for a long time the personal friend of Joseph Smith; and I will here say that I have never yet seen or known any thing against him that I should change my mind. It is true many reports have been and are put in circulation by his enemies for political or religious effect, that upon investigation are like the dew before the morning sun, vanish away, because there is no real substance in them.

Could Dr. Bennett expect any man acquainted with all the circumstances, and matters of fact which were developed both here and from abroad, respecting his conduct and character, previous to his leaving this place, for one moment to believe him -- I answer NO! he could not. And all his affidavits, that came from any person entitled to credit, (I say entitled to credit, because some there are who are not entitled to credit, as Dr. Bennett very well knows) are in amount nothing at all, when summed up, and render no person worthy of death or bonds.

F. M. Higbee's knowledge concerning the murder of a prisoner in Missouri, I am authorized to say, by F. M. Higbee that he knows of no such thing -- that no prisoner was ever killed in Missouri, to the best of his knowledge. And I also bear the same testimony, that there never was any prisoner killed there, neither were we ever charged with any such thing, according to the best of my recollection.   ELIAS HIGBEE.
  July 22, 1842.

This is to certify that I do not know of the murder of any prisoner in Missouri, as above alluded to.   F. M. HIGBEE.
  July, 22, 1842.


As there seems to be some foolish notions that I have been engaged with J. C. Bennett, in the difficulties between him and some of the citizens of this place, I merely say in reply to such idle and vain reports that they are without foundation in truth.   SIDNEY RIGDON.


                            Nauvoo, July 25, 1842.
Inasmuch as J. C. Bennett has referred the people to me for testimony against Pres. Joseph Smith, I take this opportunity to state before the public that I know nothing derogatory to his character, either as a christian, or a moral man.

Mr. Bennett made use of my name without my knowledge or consent. PAMELA A. MICHAEL.
Inasmuch as John C. Bennett has called upon me through the Sangamo Journal to come out and confirm the statements which he has made concerning Joseph Smith and others, I take this opportunity of saying to the public, that I know many of his statements to be false, and that I believe them all to be the offspring of a base and corrupt heart, and without the least shadow of truth, and further that he has used my name without my permission. I believe him to be a vile and wicked adulterous man, who pays no regard to the principles of truth or righteousness, and is unworthy the confidence of a just community. I would further state that I know of no Order in the Church which admits of a plurality of wives, and do not believe that Joseph Smith ever taught such a doctrine, and further, that my faith in the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and in Joseph Smith, is unshaken.

WILLIAM MARKS.

  Nauvoo, July 26, 1842.
Mr. Bennett seems to place very much confidence in the veracity, integrity and honor of the above individuals, we hope that he will now believe their testimony.

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THE  SANGAMO  JOURNAL.

There is so much self-importance in some men, that you cannot make them hear or undersrand, unless you hail them with a Speaking Trumpet. They seem destitute of the idea that any body but themselves are entitled to a portion of the globe. The Sangamo Journal says that Mormons ought to be disfranchised, and their charters taken from them. By cutting out and detaching sentences, disorganizing ideas, and disjoining paragraphs, and putting his own construction and interpretations upon them, Patrician Editor makes quite a flourish of trumpets. As he seems to possess such entire confidence in Dr. Bennett's statements, though the Doctor has been priven guilty of purjury, we feel in duty bound to lay before the public a few extracts from his (Bennett's,) pen, for the consideration of the public.

We take it for granted that every one knows the Journal's statement, and proceed with the extracts as follows:

[Extracts follow, reprinting the Bennett response in The Wasp of June 18, 1842.

THE  SANGAMO  JOURNAL  AND  BENNETT.

Invasion! Treason!! Ruin!!! Conspiracy!!!! Blood!!!!! Murder!!!!!!
is booming through the columns of the Sangamo Journal, like

"The sound of the tempest when navies are stranded;
"Or roar of the whirlwind when forests are landed." The Mormons have already possessed themselves of this state, and rule it -- and they will soon govern the United States. Ye gods have mercy on us, for there are about thirty thousand of them, and the states must submit; no two ways about it; no alternative, we must all be Mormons or perish, unless we slope for Texas. To arms! we shall be ruined! overthrown! slung out! our cities and nation will be taken away; we shall be greased and swallowed! gaged down at a single gulph, without time to kick; seventeen millions swept off by thirty thousand! Tis coming to pass: "one shall chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight." O ye frogs of Egypt -- the whole country is overrun and we have only found it out about a week ago!

Up! up! let us beard the lion in his den, and chain the monster in his cage! O! O! O! come! come! come! Missouri help! Ye brave of Illinois, draw near; --
Ye Anti-Mormons rush to the rear. Tis true they have not obtained any privilege but what was granted to them by the Legislature, but we are fearful they will; they have not sent a member to the House of Representatives, or to the Senate, but we are afraid they will. They have broken no law; nor violated the constitution of the State, or of the United States, but we fear they will; -- and now, ye salt of Sangamo, Illinois, Missouri and elsewhere, let us kill them before they have a chance. Blow the bugle in the wilderness, sound an alarm in the cities, to arms! to arms!

This wont do Mr. Editor, why not come out and tell the truth; you have heretofore stated that "the Mormons were a good and a virtuous people; that the State would be greatly benefitted by the rapid increase of so virtuous and intelligent, and enterprising people," now, sir, what has made the change? Have the Mormons become lazy? are they vicious? No! but when you had that "good streak," for the Latter Day Saints, you expected a quid pro quo in votes. Do you think the Mormons any worse than they were in 1840, when you could hardly say enough in their praise? no; but the August election is near and Gov. Duncan is determined to ride into power on the credit of the Mormons -- nolens volens.

Duncan wishes to speculate and make political capital out of the Mormons, and Doctor Bennett is the stock jobber, the singed cat's paw. But glory to the virtue and intelligence of the people, so base and degraded a vagabond cannot escape the merited contempt he deserves. His letters and affidavits parading along the columns of the Journal. remind one of Bonapart's campaign to Russia: fragments of the army are seen fleeing in every direction, to escape an ;ocean of flame,' and a Rusian winter, poverty, famine, and wretchedness -- and so it must be with him. An imposter in masonry; a seducer; a teacher of murder in embryo, and a prejured villian! O wretched man that he is! Who believes him? No body: no; if there be any vain and vile enough to love the treason they despise the traitor! 'You cannot catch old birds with chaff,' though you may flare up with all the circumstance and gravity of an honest man, yet it is possible that the 'sober second thought' of the people may be efficient enough to teach you 'that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,' but a wise man will hear both sides and then judge.

On the 13th of last June, your quandam friend Dr. Bennett, who henceforth may be dubbed the Knight of Philtres, and travel as the Don Quixote of the west, brandished his sword at you with great skill, -- but Oh! how loving, and how benevolent! you can now give him the right hand of fellowship, murder and treason not excepted; cover his spotted character with the mantle of charity; and lend him a pair of goggles to cover his blood-shot eyes, that he may go to Missouri for repentance! Oh! Mr. Francis! Mr. Francis! blessed is the peace maker.

______________


"TALL  OAKS  FROM  LITTLE  ACORNS  GROW."

Doctor Bennett can tell some truth; he says he had Joseph Smith appointed Lieut. Gen. for a play thing, because he did not know the difference between a Corporal or a General, and so one ral was just as good as another for him.

We think the general will show us by his obedience, that he is an apt scholar, and will profit from experience in what he has learnt from the nimble practising Doctor.

There is a little [of] Paul in Joe, -- when he was a child he acted as a child, but now as a man he will act as a man, and teach the Machiavelian Doctor, that pets for playthings turn to prophets with power.

______________

In regard to all these matters, if Bennett alone was concerned we should have considered him altogether beneath our notice, and would have treated his communications with silent contempt; his abominable transactions are too well known in this city for him to obtain ant credence whatever; but as there are many political demagogues who have heralded these things forth to the world for political effect in the coming election, we therefore deem it a duty that we owe to ourselves, and to the public, to disabuse the public mind, and state matters of fact as they are in the above disclosures.

If an ordinance had not been passed in this city prohibiting brothels and disorderly houses, and assessing a fine upon the frequenters of such places, perhaps the Doctor and some of his satellites might have considered this to be a paradise; and yet the 'Zion of God;' we noticed that he squirmed very much at its passage, but as he was always so virtuous a man of course it would not do for him to oppose it; -- we must confess that we have no fellowship with such unfruitful works of darkness; and it is an opposition to this, and other acts of iniquity, that has brought out their "wonderful disclosures." -- In regard to all his witnesses, they are all exploded; but one or two of known ill fame; of course their proceedings or testimony are of no [account] against us, nor would it be of any use if in our favor.

The Doctor has called upon many, as is fully proven, without authority, as their affidavits and testimony demonstrates. As he has failed in this, we would respond to the call of Mr. Bennett, and the Sangamo Journal, for all men to come forward and testify to all that they know; we shrink not from investigation into all our acts, public and private, and are prepared to substantiate truths, and to rebut falsehoods. Delicacy has prevented us from publishing much testimony that has come before us, but if necessity requires, of course it must come out.

And in regard to the proceedings of the Sangamo Journal, we know that the editor of that paper looks upon Bennett as a villian; his own publications show this; and he has condescended to act the hypocrite, and makes a political cat's paw of him; in the present crisis. "Oh shame where is thy blush!"


Note 1: The final page of this Wasp Extra was partly reprinted from the words of John C. Bennett as previously published in The Wasp of June 18th. Also, much of the new material in the Extra was subsequently reprinted in the Times & Seasons issue of Aug. 1, 1842.

Note 2: Except for one brief reference to "poligamy," the writers of the Extra avoid addressing the topic of secret polygamy among the leading Mormons at Nauvoo ("Delicacy has prevented us from publishing much..."). Bennett's previously published allegations of this secretly sanctioned carnal practice among the top Mormons are here turned upon him, and he is made out to be the author of the unholy doctrine of "illicit intercourse with females," which he had reportedly attributed to Joseph Smith, Jr.'s prophetic permissiveness (see Smith's statement in The Wasp of June 25, 1842). Given this inadequate and misleading representation of secret polygamy in the Nauvoo press, Smith and his close associates could obviously deny their connection with any such "illicit intercourse," while, at the same time, promote and partake in just such polygamy within their own guarded ranks. Thus, one of Bennett's most damning accusations against the Mormon leaders was side-stepped almost entirely in the Nauvoo newspapers. Elsewhere in the country, however, the report that Joseph Smith had many concubines at Nauvoo soon became a popular presumption.

BENNETT.

The following from the Missouri Reporter, shows Bennett's decline in the western market. It is reported that Greenbush, N. Y. has to be smutted with his dust, among other unfortunate places.

"THE MORMONS. -- We understand that General Bennett, formerly of the Nauvoo Legion, is now in this city, with the intention of making such disclosures as will show what part Jo Smith, the Mormon Prophet, took in the recent attempt to assassinate ex-Governor Boggs, of this State. Gen. Bennett, Sidney Rigdon, and Gen. Robinson have lately quarreled with Jo Smith, and have since publicly charged him with the perpetration of the grossest frauds and crimes. If the Mormon Prophet has really been guilty of the offences now imputed to him, we sincerely trust that he will meet with condign punishment. We must confess, however, that we place no great confidence in the statements of Bennett, Rigdon & Co. They have been active and prominent men at Nauvoo, and must have been aware of any villainies which may have been practised by the Prophet for a number of years. They have remained silent during all that period, and suffered their leader to impose upon his deluded followers without making known to them how grossly they were deceived. If Bennett had appeared before the public under more favorable circumstances, we might have been induced to give some credit to his pretended disclosures. He has been ruled out of the Church of the Saints, and stripped of his power and office, and it may be that he is now endeavoring to glut his revenge upon the Prophet."

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From the Norwalk (Ct.) Gazette, we take the following extracts of letters to the Editor:

"It is an acknowledged fact here among our best citizens, that there is not a worse clan than this same Mormon clan. Lying, profane swearing, intemperance (for Joe himself is a drunkard) stealing, are among the characteristics of Joe Smith and Sidney Rigdon's Latter Day Saints.

It is true they preach up their morality, honesty and temperance; talk of their black list, on which they publish the names of Mormon villains -- refer you to their book of covenants for their excellent precepts, and pretend to be the salt of the earth and the salvation of the world, while perhaps they have an eye on a valuable horse, or some other fine piece of property, and if they cannot convince you that, that horse belongs to the prophet, perhaps, like the Dutchman's pigs, he may come up missing. This is no fiction.

For many miles around Nauvoo, (for I have traveled the country over,) fine horses, oxen, cows, wearing apparrel from the wash and bedding, have not only been missing, but been recovered from these saints of the last days; but if they succeed in getting into Nauvoo with their plunder before their arrest, the chase may as well be given up first as last, for no trace of property can be found.

Joe and his friend Rigdon, recently rode out of Nauvoo into the country, and Joe returned solitary and alone -- Where is Sidney? The prophet informed them, that as they were journeying, it came to pass that two angels met them and took Sidney up to heaven, and that on a certain day he would return again to the promised city. The time came and Sid, came also, and brought with him the manuscript book of Abraham of old.

I am informed that Joe asserts that the same angels that accompanied Rigdon to heaven, will soon call for him, giving him only time to translate the book of Abraham before he goes. He has called on his followers for seven thousand dollars before the angel calls for him....

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For the Wasp.

In looking over the Sangamo Journal of July 22d, 1842, I find an extract from a piece of mine published some time ago, in the Times and Seasons, calling on the people to search the public dockets, that they might learn of the amount oc crime committed by the Mormons. J. C. Bennett comes out and gives extracts from the dockets of Hancock, Adams, and McDonough counties, according to his statement.

I would just say to the public that some of those rated in Dr. Bennett's extract, never were Mormons, their names are not on the Church Record, and as to the others I believe they were all cut off from the church long ago; you will see the names of some of them published in the Times and Seasons of Dec. 15th, 1840. Does the very pious Doctor think that he can make the world believe that we are responsible for the acts of wicked men like himself whom we have cut off from our society, if so, we are accountable for all the Doctor's doings, his perjuries, his lyings, his fornications, his adulteries and (if reports are true) his murders of many infants. WE will have a black catalog of crimes to answer for, if we have to shoulder all J. C. Bennett's wickedness from [leed] after we cut him off from the Church -- folly! folly! The Doctor thought he had fired a tremendous gun, but it is only a flash in the pan, like all his big doings.

W. LAW.      

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From the St. Louis Gazette.

"We perceive by a letter to the editor of the Bulletin, We perceive by a letter to the editor of the Bulletin, that Gen. Bennett, the great seceder, is about to visit the east for the purpose of publishing a "HISTORY OF THE SAINTS." As he does not state to what part of the east he is going, we suppose he intends visiting Jerusalem, as that is the most likely place to obtain information concerning these "Saints." What a precious set of saints they are from his showing up. He says:

'The letter from Miss Brotherton, details a case of black-hearted villainy precisely similar to those of Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt, wife of Prof. Orson Pratt, and Miss Nancey Rigdon, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, as noticed in the Sangamo Journal, and hundreds of others that might be named -- it speaks for itself.'

We think it does. Oh, the villains! 'and a hundred others,' only think of it. A great deal of money has been made by the sale of documents and papers, pretending to give accounts of the Latter Day Saints. Now unless Gen. B. can give some information to the proper authorities, whereby the deeds of these men can be exposed, we are entirely opposed to the publication of any books on this subject. Our country is flooded with enough of such humbugs. We want no more of them. You can scarcely pass an auction stand or pedler's case without seeing in staring colors -- 'Awful Disclosures,' &c. Now we say again, if they have been guilty of any crimes, and Gen. B. must have been privy to the facts, he can bring them to justice by turning State's evidence."

==> The Gazette is entitled to our thanks for his liberality and patriotic course towards Dr. Bennett, and the Mormons. If editors generally would act thus legally and wise, such catch pennies as Bennett, Harris, and about ninety-nine others, would find their common level in their own infamy.

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G. W. ROBINSON

Having noticed in the Quincy Whig of last week an article written by G. W. Robinson of this place stating that he does not consider himself any longer a member of this church, that the church will not allow him to withdraw; and that certain scandalous attacks have been made against him by the saints; for what he knows not, except it is to make a scape goat of him to carry away their sins -- the sins of whom he has not said. We [would] briefly reply to his remarks.

In the first place we would state that we have no such law or statute prohibiting persons withdrawing from the church; but believe that all men are free and can do as they please, so Mr. Robinson will learn that he is in no bondage in this respect. In regard to the scandalous attacks that have been made against him and others we would state that if telling the truth is scandal we are verily guilty.

Mr. Robinson is not so ignorant of these things as he would represent, and if he would have been content to have let the exposure rest where his delinquencies were practiced, we should not have let the matter gone farther, but as he has made a parade before the public and thrown out certain inuendoes, pertaining to the people in this place, we publish the following; --

I, CARLOS GRANGER, Do hereby Certify, that in the Spring of 1840, I bought a quantity of land of Geo. W. Robinson, and paid him at sundry times Four hundred and Eleven Dollars leaving a residue of $39 unpaid. Having ascertained that said Robinson had sold the same tract of land to sundry persons, and received payment therefor, I tendered him the money remaining due to said Robinson, and demanded a Deed according to the stipulations of the Bond. He refused to take the $39 and comply with the Bond. He has also cut and pillaged a large quantity of timber on the land since he sold it. In fine I believe him to be a dishonest man. I further state that I am not a Mormon, nor ever have been, but am friendly to them.

CARLOS GRANGER.      

CERTIFICATE OF HORACE S. ELDRIDGE.

Having been called upon to state circumstances connected with a contract between Geo. W. Robinson and myself, I now submit such facts as occur to my mind. Somewhere about the month [of] November, 1839, Geo. W. Robinson came to my house, in the vicinity of Indianapolis, in the State of Indiana; I told him I designed moving to Nauvoo -- was desirous to be near the City -- enjoy their privileges of meetings, as well as the comforts of country life. He informed me that he could suit me in a place. A bargain was struck and I paid him over $300 in hand, and was to have possession of the place on my arrival in Nauvoo, and upon my arrival ascertained that he had previously sold the same premises to Mr. Granger, and partly received the pay. Consequently my money was gone, and I had no place, and this was not all, the title bond that he made and gave me was esteemed defective, I was therefore left to do the best I could under the circumstances, either to enter into a suit at law or take up with such terms as he might prescribe. And by my importunities and the influence of my friends, I effected a settlement as I thought greatly to the prejudice of my interest.

HORACE S. ELDRIDGE.      

In regard to his being a scape goat to carry the sins of others, we think that he will do pretty well if he is able to carry his own sins without fainting. We neither want Bennett to sacrifice a lamb, nor do we want a goat to carry our sins into the wilderness, we are ready to atone for our own sins and to answer for our own transgressions. We further hope that all other goats that are in our midst will pack up their sins and walk, but if when they get away they should try to [persuade] the public that they are somebody's else sins and not their own that they are packing, we may give the public information relative to the matter.

The Editor of the Quincy Whig will confer a favor by copying the foregoing.


Note: The Washington, D. C. Kendall's Weekly Expositor for June 9, 1842, published this news item: Translation. -- Two Mormon Priests, Smith and Rigdon, lately rode out together, and only Smith returned. He said Rigdon had been "translated to heaven!" Such is the story. See also the Warsaw Western World of Apr. 21, 1841 for an earlier telling of the same story.

HUMBUG -- Elder Adams, the great High Priest of the popular delusion of Mormonism, who has been holding forth for several weeks past at Boylston Hall, to a promiscuous crowd of men, women and children, of the most promiscuous and motley character, performed on Sunday last in the presence of his congregation, what was called a Miracle. This was done by laying hands on a woman afflicted with the lumbago, and commanding, in the most solemn and impressive manner, that the disease should go out from her, and that [she] "should be clean." What effect this blasphemous and disgusting operation had upon the deluded woman we cannot tell, and it will undoubtedly be a difficult thing for the woman herself to calculate the amount of benefit derived from the speculation. -- Boston Mail.

We think that the greatest "miracle" is that the old fool is not tarred and feathered, and ridden on a rail. -- Dollar Weekly [Bostonian].


JOE SMITH -- Gen. Bennett has published his "exposition" in the Sangamo Journal. He walks into the Prophet in fine style, and makes him out as pretty a specimen of rascality as ever was got up. The Commercial says --

He charges the great Mormon leader especially with the grossest licentiousness, to which "hundreds of single and married females" have fallen victims, and which was not restrained from assailing even the daughter of Sidney Rigdon, but unsuccessfully: and he promises still further revelations of the most atrocious character.

We have no doubt but Smith is [a] stupendous rascal -- and as for Bennett there is no lack of character in setting him down as only not quite so bad. His discoveries of Smith's iniquities cannot have been sudden, and noscitur a sociis may doubtless be applied to him with no injustice.

If the biographer of an imposter is obnoxious to the "noscitur a sociis," what says the Colonel of the author of the "Life of Mathias the Prophet."


Notes:(forthcoming)

Sharp, of the Signal, is slandering and blackguarding the candidates elected in Hancock county, especially Wm. Smith. The blow is aimed at the whole State. Such an outrageous insult upon the character of the leading men of the State councils, is to be deprecated, and regretted -- as it shows a contempt for the sovereign voice of the people. In old times, however, when Cain's offering was rejected, murder was the result.

---

Some of our friends want our opinion as to the course of certain editors who make it their business to vilify and abuse the character of General Joseph Smith and the Church of Latter Day Saints. We have to say that we shall pay little attention to their contemptible trash and envenomed libels. Through inadvertency two or three short vilifications from Boston and New York papers appeared in the last week's Wasp, without comment. In future, we intend to let the rascals and their morbid matter, go to perdition where all ungodliness and iniquity must sooner or later be consigned with its authors.


Notes: (forthcoming)

REMARKS.

We are generally prepared to meet almost any thing in the way of persecution and abuse, but must say for once, that we are forced to read and to give to our readers the above touch, as a finishing stroke of moral depravity, that exceeds all we have ever seen. It is doubtful whether there can be found on record, from the days of Adam down to the notorious nineteenth century, so candid a confession of a wicked man's heart. If we take the meaning of the editor, our citizens were in hopes," that is, all the inhabitants of the State of Illinois, about a half a million we suppose, wishing, or wanted, or expected the Mormons to resist the law of the land as an excuse, for us to have destroyed or expelled them, SANS SOUCI, from the State.

Ye wise, and virtuous, ye Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, yes, all ye professing christians of Illinois; Judges, Generals, and officers from the highest to the lowest, in the state, and the rest of ye editors, too, listen, and give heed to the voice of your leader, your compatriot, your brother American! aye, pay attention this once if never again! If HE (Joseph Smith) HAD RESISTED, WE SHOULD HAVE HAD THE SPORT OF DRIVING HIM AND HIS WORTHY CLAN OUT OF THE STATE en masse. Shades and spirits of the Revolution! is this one of the legatees of liberty? Is this one of the watchmen to conduct an American press, and give tone to public opinion? If so the silence of his brother christians will manifest it; and the silence of the public functionaries will acknowledge it; and the silence of the press will sanction it, -- and the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, will be left to the mercy of God and God only! Aye! while Rhode Island is destroying her own offspring like voracious swine, while mobs are shedding blood and burning houses in Piladelphia, and rioters are taking vengeance on national birth rights in Cincinnati and calamity follows calamity in all the world, Thomas C. Sharp as an aid to Ex-Gov. Boggs who stands at the head of mobocracy and extermination, in these United States, and John C. Bennett, the pimp and file leader of such mean harlots as Martha H. Brotherton and her predecessors from old Jezebel, whom the dogs eat; may flourish with impunity! O virtue! once the white robe of millions of freemen! how art thou alid aside to make sport for the black coats who drive innocent men, women and children from one state to another! O liberty! once the boasted asylum of the oppressed! -- "Where are the charms that sages have seen in thy face?" Where is thy pledge for all nations to come and set under their own vine and fig tree, where there should be none to molest or make afraid? ...

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BENNETT'S LETTERS. -- We have read the fifth and sixth letters of Dr. Bennett, and can only say like the old adage: a fool's bolt is soon shot. The fifth letter is made up of the cogitations of disappointed ambition. That want of candour, virtue, meekness, charity, and temperance, which has hitherto destroyed the Doctor's prospects, wherever he has tarried for the time being, and left his writings, an aching void in the estimation of honest men, runs through this letter like the chill fever and leaves it a pale paced sample of western debility. The sixth letter is what purports to be a copy of a letter from Joseph Smith to Miss Nancy Rigdon, without date, name, or proof, and if it had these, is, upon the whole, more moral than Bennett ever was or will be of himself, -- but we hope the community are not yet quite so far from a common course of Justice and propriety as to take Bennett's word for the truth or or fallacy of the curious thing. Joseph Smith is not the author. -- The fact is, candid people begin to see what Bennett's stuff, with his help meets of harlot's affidavits, bolstered up with bombast and promises of more disclosures, amounts to! It gives Bennett a living and talllers tales. It puts us in mind of a boy, who, when the first snow fell in the fall, took up a pewter quart basin full, and setting on a hot fire, exclaimed, I will soon melt me a hogshead of water; but upon turning round, saw to his surprise, his basin melted, and his snow evaporated! So the Doctor, (last heard of in the State of New York,) will soon find that the same fire that melted his disclosures will melt him, and leave a continual pain to his soul, sharper than the sting of a serpent's tooth!

(under construction)

Note: "...John C. Bennett, the pimp and file leader of such mean harlots as Martha H. Brotherton and her predecessors from old Jezebel..." -- This statement in The Wasp represents the harshest possible charge, by the LDS Church at Nauvoo, against its former, faithful member, Miss Martha H. Brotherton of Lancashire, England. Apostle Smith's editorial statement provides no details as to just how it was that John C. Bennett served as the "pimp" for the newly arrived British convert, prior to the Church officials' offhanded dismissal of her claims (made against top Mormon leaders) just prior to the opening of the spring 1842 General Conference at Nauvoo. Possibly The Wasp's editor was insinuating that Brotherton only became an active prostitute following the publication of her report of the attempted seduction upon her body, carried out by Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Joseph Smith, Jr., in Smith's office at Nauvoo. For an affidavit, by an English acquaintance of Miss Brotherton, defending her virtue and honor, see the letter of Thomas Smethurst in the July 27, 1842 issue of the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle. Nearly a decade later, LDS Elder Thomas Smith continued to refute claims of polygamy among the Mormons, writing in the Church's official newspaper: "...12th LIE: Joseph Smith taught a system of polygamy... 13th LIE: That Joseph Smith tried to seduce Martha Brotherton... Martha Brotherton's sister sent a letter, stating that Martha was a liar; William Clayton did the same. Both are published in the Millennial Star, Vol. 3, pages 73, 74." (LDS Millennial Star, XII -- Jan. 15, 1850 -- pp. 29-31).