THE MORMONS. -- This sect held a semi-annual conference at Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, on the 3d of October. The large number of 6,000 was present, including elders and preachers. About one hundred were baptized. "The church," says a correspondent of the Peoria Register, "seems to be in a much more prosperous condition than at any former time. Several families have arrived from England. belonging to the church. The sect has been very industrious in building houses and raising provisions.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON IMMIGRANTS. -- The ship Tremont, lately arrived at New Orleans from Liverpool, brought out about one hundred and fifty immigrants for the Mormon settlement of Nauvoo, in Illinois. They are represented as being tidy and wholesome appearing persons, and mostly below middle age.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ST. LOUIS, May 11.      

FOUL DEED. -- The steamer Thames, just from Missouri river, brought us a handbill, offering a reward of $500 for the person who assassinated Lilburn W. Boggs, late Governor of this State, at Independence, on the night of the 6th inst. Gov. Boggs, it is stated, in a written memorandum, was not dead, but mortally wounded.

Since the above was written we received a note from the clerk of the Thames, giving the following particulars:

Gov. Boggs was shot by some villain on Friday, 6th inst. in the evening, while sitting in a room in his house in Independence. His son, a boy, hearing a report, ran into the room, and found the Governor sitting in his chair, with his jaw fallen down, and his head leaning back; on discovering the injury done his father, he gave the alarm. Foot tracks were found in the garden below the window, and a pistol picked up supposed to have been overloaded, and thrown from the hand of the scoundrel who fired it.

Three buck shot, of a heavy load, took effect; one going through his mouth, one into the brain, and another probably in or near the brain, all going into the back part of the neck and head. The Governor was still alive on the morning of the 7th, but no hopes of his recovery by his friends, and but slight hopes from his physicians.

A man was suspected, and the sheriff most probably has possession of him by this time.

The pistol was one of a pair stolen some days previous from a baker in Independence, and the legal authorities have the description of the other. -- New Era.


Note: This same item also appeared in the May 12, 1842 issue of the St. Louis Missouri Republican, without any citation of the New Era.

The St. Louis papers state that Gov. Boggs was still alive on the 15th inst. Several arrests had been made, without any thing being elicited as to the perpetrator of the deed.

---

It was rumored at St. Louis, on the 10th ultimo, that JOE SMITH, the Mormon prophet, had been killed in an affray in the vicinity of Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- Two Mormon Elders, who lately delivered addresses in Cincinnati have furnished the following information in relation to the city of Nauvoo:

"It was commenced by the Mormons, being then a small village of some twenty houses, in November, 1839, and such has been its rapid growth that it now contains a population of 10,000 souls, and the number is rapidly increasing. It is 200 miles above St. Louis, upon the Mississippi river, at the head of the Des Moines rapids. They have two extensive steam saw mills, a large steam flouring mill, a tool factory on a handsome scale, a foundry, and a company of considerable wealth from Straffordshire, England, who are establishing the manufacture of the English China ware. They have many extensive public buildings in the course of construction, besides the famous temple, and there are a very large number of good houses and stores in the progress of construction."


Notes: (forthcoming)

JO SMITH. -- This individual, accompanied by some fifteen or twenty of his subjects, arrived at Springfield, Illinois, on the 31st ultimo, and surrendered himself to the sheriff, upon the warrant issued by the Governor of Illinois, on the requisition of the Executive of Missouri, of being accessory to an attempted assassination of ex-Governor Boggs. After his arrest a writ of habeas corpus was sued out by his counsel, and he was brought before the Circuit Court of the United States. Jo entered into recognizance of $2,000 for his appearance from day to day, when he was discharged from custody. The cause was to come on for hearing on the 4th instant.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JO SMITH. -- This personage, who lately surrendfered himself at Springfield, Illinois, in obedience to the requisition of the Governor of Missouri on a charge of being accessary to the attempted assassination of ex-Governor Boggs, having been brought before Judge Pope on a writ of habeas corpus, has been discharged from custody on the ground that he is not a fugitive from justice, and consequently not the subject of surrender to the authorities of another State.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JO SMITH. -- The Springfield (Ill.) Journal of the 12th instant, says that another requisition will be made upon the Governor of that State for Joseph Smith, under the former indictments, which charge him with robbery, arson. treason, and murder. For this purpose the indictments referred to are to be reinstated. The affidavit under the last requisition was defective; but, in this case. those concerned do not believe that any legal objection against the requisition can be made.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ORIN PORTER ROCKWELL, the Mormon who has been accused of being the person who attempted to assassinate ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri, last summer, was apprehended at St. Louis on the 6th instant and committed to jail. He will now have to stand his trial.


Notes: (forthcoming)

TROUBLES  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.

We learn from the St. Louis Republican that Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, who was indicted a short time ago in some of the upper counties of Missouri for treason and murder, growing out of the Mormon war, has been arrested and placed in jail at Ottawa, Illinois, whither he had fled as soon as he obtained knowledge of a requisition having been made by the authorities of Missouri for his person.

The news of Smith's arrest was brought to St. Louis on the 29th ultimo by the steamboat Osprey, the passengers on which further report, that when the intelligence of his apprehension reached Nauvoo, two hundred horsemen of the Legion started immediately for Ottawa with the intention of liberating him, and that the steamboat Iowa had been chartered at Nauvoo by the Mormons to ascend the Illinois river with one hundred and fifty armed men in order to second the attack of the horsemen on Ottawa. Ottawa is situated up the Illinois, and is distant about three hundred miles from St. Louis.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  CITY  OF  NAUVOO.

Few, we suspect, are aware of the rapid growth and present condition of the city of Nauvoo, the Jerusalem of the Latter Day Saints. Notwithstanding but four years have elapsed since the Mormons first made a settlement there, it is estimated that it already numbers from 16,000 to 17,000 inhabitants; and accessions are daily made to the population from the Eastern States and from Europe. The Burlington (Iowa) Gazette, from which we gather these facts, says:

"It is situated at one of the most beautiful points on the river, and is improving with a rapidity truly astonishing. Many of the houses are built in fine style, evincing wealth as well as taste. The Temple, which is destined to be the most magnificent structure in the West, is progressing rapidly, and will probably be completed in the course of the present and succeeding summer. Its style of architecture is entirely original -- unlike any thing in the world, or in the history of the world -- but is at the same time chaste and elegant. It is said to be the conception of the Prophet, Gen. Smith. It is being built by the voluntary labor of the members of the church, who devote a certain number of days in the year to the work. If the labor and materials were estimated at cash prices it is supposed that the building would cost something like a million of dollars."


Notes: (forthcoming)

"JOE SMITH." -- The sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, has published a long letter, explaining the manner in which he arrested the distinguished personage, and the troubles he subsequently encountered until Smith was discharged by the municipal court of Nauvoo, before which he managed to be taken on a writ of habeas corpus. An application has been made to the Governor of Illinois to cause Smith to be retaken, which was held under consideration at the last accounts.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SPECIAL  MESSAGE.

Nauvoo (Ill.), June 15.          

To the Church in Philadelphia: -- All the members of that branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who are desirous of doing the will of Heaven, and of working out their own salvation, by keeping the laws of the Celestial kingdom, are hereby instructed and counseled to remove from thence without delay, and locate themselves in the city of Nauvoo, where God has a work for them to accomplish.

Done at Nauvoo, this 29th day of May, 1843; agreeable to the instructions of the First Presidency.

By order of the Quorum of the Twelve,
                      BRIGHAM YOUNG,
                                 President of the Quorum.
W. RICHARDS, Clerk.
Times & Seasons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Some of the papers are publishing a statement that eight new cantos of Don Juan by Lord Byron, have been recently discovered at Genoa. We have just as much faith in the truth of this story as we would have in an announcement from Joe Smith that he had discovered eight new books of the Mormon Bible. The story is an absurd offer to gull the public. Byron left no such manuscripts behind him, and if he had, they would have been given to the world long since, as there could have been no reason for suppressing them until this time, and to suppose such things would be lost is preposterous. -- Louisville Journal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON MISSION. -- The Nauvoo "Times and Seasons" contains the recommendatory letters of Joe Smith, appointing G. J. Adams to accompany Elder Hyde on a mission to St. Petersburg, Russia, "to be one of the messengers to introduce the fulness of the glorious gospel of the Son of God to the people of that vast empire." So Russia is not to be in darkness any longer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"JOE SMITH." -- Governor Ford, of Illinois, has addressed a letter to the executive of Missouri, in which he declares, as a reason for declining to order out a detachment of militia to assist in retaking Joe Smith, that the law of the State has been fully executed in the matter. A writ was issued upon the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, and Smith was thereupon arrested, and delivered over to the agent of Missouri appointed to receive him. The agent was subsequently compelled by a writ of habeas corpus to produce Smith before the municipal court of Nauvoo, which after hearing the case, discharged the prophet from arrest.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM  THE  ST.  LOUIS  ERA,  SEPT. 7.

The last Independent [sic] Expositor says: Orin Porter Rockwell, the Mormon confined in our county jail some time since for the attempted assassination of ex-Governor Boggs, was indicted by our last grand jury for escaping from the county jail some weeks since, and sent to Clay county for trial. Owing, however, to some informality in the proceedings, he was remanded to this county again for trial. There was not sufficient proof adduced against him to justify an indictment for shooting ex-Governor Boggs; and the grand jury, therefore, did not indict him for that offense.


Note: The newspaper quoted in the Sept. 7, 1843 issue of the St. Louis New Era was evidently a short-lived Independence newspaper called the Western Expositor or the Missouri Western Expositor.

THE MORMONS. -- At a meeting of the citizens of Hancock county, held at Carthage (Illinois,) on the 6th instant, it was resolved to call in the citizens of the surrounding counties and States, to assist them in delivering up Joe Smith, if the Governor of Illinois refused to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri. The meeting also determined to avenge with blood any assaults made upon the citizens by the Mormons. It was also resolved to refuse to obey the officers elected by the Mormons, who have complete control of the county, being a numerical majority.   Missouri Reporter.


Notes: (forthcoming)

NOT BAD. -- Joe Smith's Kirtland Bank notes have the appropriate vignette of a shepherd shearing his flock.   Pittsburg Age.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The Mormons have recently held a meeting at Nauvoo, at which they resolved that "Joe Smith is not guilty of any charge made against him by the State of Missouri." The city authorities have passed an ordinance directing the imprisonment for life of any person who shall come within the corporate limits of Nauvoo with a legal process for the arrest of Joe Smith, for any offense committed by him in Missouri during the Mormon difficulties. The Prophet Joe has also declared that he considers it his duty, as Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion and militia of Illinois, to enforce said ordinance.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON DIFFICULTIES IN ILLINOIS. -- The Quincy Herald of the 9th instant states that four wagons passed through that place on Tuesday previous, on their way to the State arsenal at Alton, for the purpose of procuring arms to be used against the Mormons. The difficulties and the prospect of an immediate breach between the citizens and the Mormons has been brought to the knowledge of Governor Ford, and he has been earnestly appealed to, to maintain the peace and to protect the innocent. The state of exasperation between the Mormons and citizens is such that we will not be surprised to hear of actual hostilities at any time, quite as violent as formerly existed between them and a portion of our own citizens.   St. Louis Republican.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- A late letter from Sumter county, Alabama, to the editor of the Mobile Register, says that the Mormons are making a somewhat formidable demonstration in the adjoining county of Mississippi. They commenced operations at Pleasant Springs late in the fall, and now number about seventy-five proselytes, some twenty being seceders from the Methodist connexion, and about twenty-six from the Baptist -- the balance from non-professors. They have recently commenced propagating their faith at Brooklyn, only a few miles from our State line, where they will probably meet with a like success.


Notes: (forthcoming)

One hundred and fifty Mormons, from England, arrived at St. Louis on the 23d ultimo. This makes about three hundred that have passed that place within ten days on their way to Nauvoo, the Mormon paradise.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SCHISM AMONG THE MORMONS. -- The last Warsaw (Illinois) Signal states that a rupture has taken place among the Mormons -- a respectable number of the most intelligent members of that body having seceded, under the guidance of William Law, and set up for themselves. It does not appear that the religious views of the seceders have undergone any material change. They profess that Joseph Smith was once a true prophet; but contend that he is now fallen from grace, and no longer worthy to remain at the head of the church. Private information (says the Alton Telegraph of the 18th) confirms the above intelligence in its most essential features.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The increase of Mormons at Nauvoo within a year is six or eight hundred from foreign countries, and three or four hundred from the United States -- principally from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Fifty or sixty missionaries arrived at St. Louis on the 28th ultimo, on their way to preach Mormonism in different parts of the country. It is said the "Prophet" is despatching companies in other directions under similar orders, in order to get rid of a portion of the disaffected of his followers.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONITE CONVENTION. -- There was a meeting at Military Hall, Bowery, (New York city,) on Tuesday night, which was called for the purpose of advancing the claims of Joe Smith, of Nauvoo, the leader of the sect called Mormonites, or "Latter Day Saints," to the Presidency of the United States. The attendance was small, some fifty men, twenty women, and a few boys composing the whole number of those present, and of these a great many left the hall, with every symptom of disgust, long before the proceedings terminated. Two brothers, by the name of Pratt, both originally from New York, but more recently from Missouri, made speeches, strongly denunciatory of Mr. Van Buren, Mr. Clay, the principal characters of the nation, and of Missouri, all of whom were called murderers and robbers, and in comparison with whom, Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, was alone worthy of being entrusted with the government of the country. Twelve delegates were appointed to a convention to be held at Utica on the 23d of next August.


Notes: (forthcoming)

At a meeting of the friends of "Joe Smith," held at Military Hall, in New York, on the 11th instant, Parley Pratt, one of the Prophet's adherents, made a speech in favor of the General, which concluded as follows:

"Who then shall we vote for as our next President? I answer, Gen. Joseph Smith, of Nauvoo, Illinois. He is not a Southern man with Northern principles, nor a Northern man with Southern principles. But he is an independent man with American principles, and he has both knowledge and disposition to govern for the benefit and protection as ALL. And, what is more, he dare do it, even in this age, and this can scarcely be said of many others.

Come, then, O Americans! rally to the Standard of Liberty,
And in your generous indignation trample down
The Tyrant's rod, and the Oppressor's crown,
That your proud Eagle to it's height may soar,
And peace triumphant reign forever more,
          I have spoken."


Notes: (forthcoming)

TROUBLES  IN  ILLINOIS.
________

FROM THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN.

A new aspect is given to the proceedings of Joe Smith and his adherents at Nauvoo, in the destruction of the printing press of the "Nauvoo Expositor." of which we give an account to-day. If the corporate authorities of Nauvoo, of which Joe Smith is the head, can compass their lawless ends by such means as were adopted on this occasion, then similar measures may serve to rid them of all persons who may become obnoxious to them. Neither person nor property can be safe where such a control is exercised by reckless men, , and in the present state of affairs there, it is not improbable that violence will be resorted to, to put down all opposition. If the authorities of Illinois had any respect for themselves -- any regard for the law -- any desire to protect the person and property of citizens from outrage and destruction, they would at once adopt measures to put an end to these arbitrary acts; but we have little hope of seeing this done so long as Joe Smith controls so many thousands of votes, and purchases an immunity from punishment by casting them for the Locofocos.

---

RETRIBUTIVE  JUSTICE

A knot of base men, to further their wicked and malicious designs towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to bolster up the intents of blacklegs and bogus-makers, and advocate the characters of murderers, established a press in this city last week, and issued a paper entitled the Nauvoo Expositor. The prospectus showed an intention to destroy the charter, and the paper was filled with libels and slanderous articles upon the citizens and City Council from one end to the other.

"A burnt child dreads the fire." The Church as a body and individually has suffered till "forbearance has ceased to be a virtue." The cries and pleadings of men, women and children, with the authorities were, "Will you suffer that servile, murderous paper to go on and vilify and slander the innocent inhabitants of this city, and raise another mob to drive and plunder us again as they did in Missouri?" Under these pressing cries and supplications of afflicted innocence, and in the character, dignity, and honor of the corporate powers of the charter, as granted to the city of Springfield, and made and provided as a part of our charter for legislative purposes -- viz.. "to declare what shall be a nuisance and to prevent and remove the same." The City Council of Nauvoo on Monday, the 10th instant, declared the establishment and Expositor a nuisance; and the city marshal, at the head of the police, in the evening, took the press, materials and paper into the street and burned them.

And in the name of freemen, and in the name of God, we beseech all men who have the spirit of honor in them to cease from persecuting us, collectively or individually. Let us enjoy our religion, rights and peace like the rest of mankind. Why start presses to destroy rights and privileges, and bring upon us mobs to plunder and murder? We ask no more than what belongs to us -- the rights of Americans.   Nauvoo Neighbor.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LATEST FROM THE MORMONS. -- By the last accounts from Nauvoo we learn that Joe Smith had issued a proclamation declaring martial law. The greatest excitement prevailed in the neighborhood, and the whole upper country was under arms. The streets of Warsaw were patrolled by armed men, and sanguinary results were anticipated. -- St. Louis Republican.


Notes: (forthcoming)

DEATH  OF  THE  MORMON  PROPHET.
________

The events which led to and succeeded the destruction on the 10th ultimo. of the newspaper press and printing office of the "Nauvoo Expositor," by order of Joe Smith and his Council, together with the declaration of martial law and adoption of other arbitrary measures by the Prophet in connexion with that unlawful act, so incensed a portion of the people of Illinois against the Mormons, and the Mormons against them, that affairs in that quarter have ever since presented an aspect more than usually threatening to the public peace. The latest point of contest appears to have been concerning the arrest of the persons who, by Smith's order, had destroyed the press -- the officers who were sent from Warsaw for that purpose having either been resisted, or Smith insisting on having the prisoners taken before his own Court on writ of habeas corpus, and there discharged, as had been before done in other cases. Such proceedings were not calculated to restore quiet; the excitement increased, threats of violence by both parties followed and each of them prepared for defence -- the faithful Mormons flocking to Nauvoo, their chief city, and their adversaries congregating at Carthage and Warsaw. In the mean time the Governor of the State deemed it necessary to interpose. He despatched a messenger to Smith demanding the surrender of the State arms at Nauvoo, and requiring him and his Council to appear forthright and explain their conduct. After some delay they surrendered themselves on the evening of the 24th ultimo, and were all arrested the next morning for the destruction of the Expositor, and Smith also on a warrant for treason against the State. We know not what occurred on the 26th, but Smith and two of his followers lost their lives the next day, as will be seen by the following, copied from an extra of the Quincy Herald of the 28th:

Other accounts say that the news of Smith's fate had not reached Nauvoo at daylight of the 28th, and hence it was inferred that Governor Ford, who was encamped a few miles back of the city, had intercepted the messengers from Carthage. At Warsaw all was excitement. The women and children were all removed, and an immediate attack was expected from the Mormons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

Some verbal intelligence from Nauvoo a few hours later than we published yesterday. Some of the Mormons from Carthage had reached Nauvoo. bearing with them the dead bodies of Joe Smith and Hiram Smith.

The Mormon story as to the manner and circumstances under which their leader met his death is somewhat different from the one we published from the Quincy Herald. They say that there was no attempt to rescue the prisoners; that, all the guard but ten or a dozen having been dismissed, from fifty to a hundred men, in disguise, suddenly rushed on the jail; that the guard fired on them and wounded three or four of them; that the men in disguise fired into the jail and killed Hiram Smith before the door was opened. Joe Smith had a revolving pistol, and fired it two or three times without effect, but was himself soon killed by the assailants; Richards, his secretary, was not injured. After the assault, the disguised mob retreated, and it was not even known who they were.

The Mormons at Nauvoo were much exasperated, but expressed a determination to keep the peace, and not resort to arms except in self-defence.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  DIFFICULTIES.
________

When the accounts first reached us of the death of the Mormon prophet, they conveyed the impression that he had been killed in a general melee, or fight between the Mormons and the people. But later intelligence renders it evident that he and his brother have fallen victim to that lawless spirit which has brought so much disgrace upon our country. They have been murdered, after they had given themselves up to the constituted authorities. The enormity of this transaction cannot be palliated by the atrocities committed by Smith and his arch-impostures, because he was then in the hands of the constituted authorities, and had a right to protection.

On the 2d instant the Mormons still remained quiet, and did not appear disposed to commit any acts of aggression, while, on the other hand, it is said that their enemies were desirous of pushing them to extremities.

Since the outrage at Carthage, Governor Ford has established his headquarters at Quincy, and expresses a determination to maintain the peace. The following is his conduct of the affair, as contained in an address from him to the people of Illinois:

               HEAD QUARTERS.
               Quincy, June, 29, 1844.

It is ordered that the commandants of regiments in the counties of Adams, Marquette, Pike, Brown, Schuyler, Morgan, Scott, Cass, Fulton and McDonough, and the regiments composing Gen. Stapp's brigade, will call their respective Regiments and Battalions together immediately upon the receipt of this order, and proceed by voluntary enlistment to enrol as many men as can be armed in their respective regiments. They will make arrangements for a campaign of twelve days, and will provide themselves with arms, ammunition, and provisions accordingly, and hold themselves in readiness immediately to march upon the receipt of further orders.

The independent companies of Riflemen, Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery in the above named Counties, and in the County of Sangamon will hold themselves in readiness in like manner.
           THOMAS FORD,
Governor, and Commander in Chief.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH is said to have left in the hands of his wife a document appointing his successor, which she was directed to open on the third day after his death.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  DIFFICULTIES.
________

The St. Louis New Era thinks the Mormon war at an end. All was quiet at Warsaw on the 4th; the troops had been disbanded, and there were no persons under arms. At Quincy the excitement had subsided, and no signs of war or military preparations were to be seen. Gov. Ford was still at that place. What he was doing or what he intended to do, was not known.

The Editor of the Republican, who has been on a visit to Nauvoo, says that the Mormons are deeply wounded at the death of their leader, and look for vengeance in some form, but there was no disposition to make an outbreak. Speaking of Nauvoo, he says:

"They have built up a considerable town in a very brief period. They claim a population in the city of about 15,000, and we suppose they have at least 10,000. The buildings are scattered over a wide space, extending along the river bank five or six miles, and back into the country three and four miles. With the exception of the growth of the city, there are but few other evidences of industry or enterprise among them. They appear to have but few workshops or manufactories of any kind, and a stranger is puzzled to determine how they obtain the means of subsistence. There is at this time a great scarcity of provisions among them, and the surrounding country is but little if any better provided. These difficulties add greatly to the pressure of their condition. Their usual employments in many instances are suspended, and if the excitement continues long there must inevitably be a great amount of individual suffering."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON TEMPLE. -- One of the editors of the St. Louis Reveille, having lately visited Nauvoo, thus speaks of the new Mormon temple:

"The system upon which this temple has been building, is the exaction of labor every tenth day from every man who cannot purchase his exemption from the task with money. It will be, if ever finished, a very imposing looking edifice. It stands in a high and commanding position, a prominent object, riveting the stranger's eye at once; and, upon near inspection, the style of architecture is found to be more than commonly attractive, from its singularity. It is like nothing else; and, unless we may be allowed to designate it as the Mormonic order, it certainly has no name at all. The stone is of excellent quality, quarried in the neighborhood, and very good mechanics have been at work upon it. The massive caps of the columns are already carved from huge blocks, showing a gigantic round human face like the broad full moon. The columns are made to rest upon crescent moons, sculptured on the face of the stone, resting with the horns down, with a profile of eyes, nose, and mouth upon the inner curve. What idea this is meant to convey we could not learn, though the impression is irresistible that the church is built up upon moonshine."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.
________

A writer from the Quincy (Illinois) Whig -- evidently intelligent and well informed -- not justifying, nor palliating, the murder of the Mormon Joe Smith and his associates, but evidently thinking that the reaction in favor of the Mormon tribe is too strong, if not dangerous -- gives the following account of the principles and conduct of these people, which, well-considered, is calculated to subdue somewhat of that sympathy in their favor which the supposition of persecution in all cases naturally excites in the breasts of a just and humane people:

The recent death of Joseph Smith and his brother, by lawless violence, while confined in jail, has been justly reprobated by the public voice, as well in the county of Hancock, where it happened, as in the State of Illinois, generally, and in other parts of the Union. No man, so far as my knowledge extends, has been found to justify that rash and guilty act, however much he might believe that the crimes of the prisoners had deserved punishment at the hands of the law.

But it seems to me that public sentiment, as is often the case, is in danger of re-acting with so much force, as to overbear what, for want of a better term, I shall call public reason. In other words, our feelings have been so much revolted, by this instance of Anti-Mormon violence, that we sympathize with the Mormons alone, we are strongly set against their opponents, we forget the past conduct of the Prophet and his followers, we lose sight of the causes which led to the catastrophe, and the Mormons are becoming in our eyes, a peaceful, law-abiding people, while their dead leaders assume the semblance of innocent and martyred victims. This is by no means an unusual revulsion in public feeling; but it is necessary to a just understanding of a question, which may at no distant day, be of the highest importance to ourselves, that we arrest this current of sympathy -- and calmly examine the actual position of things, before we are hurried away from the ground we have heretofore occupied.

I need not review the history of the Mormons, in this and other States. From the many and conflicting statements published, enough may be gathered to satisfy us of these facts -- that they have every where been troublesome neighbors -- that wherever they have established themselves, they have bred difficulties, where none before existed -- and that, taken as a body of people, especially if collected in strong settlements, they have always manifested a disposition to resist or evade the general laws of the State. Such is the testimony against them in other States, and such is our own experience of them in Illinois.

The causes of this insubordination and turbulence on their part, are neither obscure nor uncertain; they are to be found in their peculiar tenets of faith and principles of government. Other religious sects are as enthusiastic as the Mormons -- as devoted to the worship of the creed of their choice; but they form no distinct, civil or political community; they are all, (however variant from one another in religious opinion,) citizens of a common government, and all recognize the Supreme obligations of the Constitutions, State and Federal, and the laws made in pursuance thereof. Each man looks to those laws as the measure of his duties and his rights, and his prepared to sustain their authority against all who oppose it.

But the Mormons have heretofore proceeded upon a different system. The aim and object of him, who called himself their Prophet, was to collect about him a people, devoted to his will and obedient to all his commands. To this send he pretended to be inspired by God himself, to be favored with frequent revelations, and to announce to his followers, from time to time, the commands of the great Jehovah. To make his influence over them more direct and powerful, they were gathered, as much as possible, into communities, separate and distinct from other citizens; and, if people of a different persuasion have settled among them, they have been too few and weak to make head against the authority of the Prophet. The Mormons thus associated and thus taught, have been the blind, fanatical, unreasoning followers of such an arch impostor. They have fed his luxury with their contributions of money and property. They have pampered his pride and lust of power by their obedience and adulation. And, more than all, they have set up his will as paramount to the laws of the land, and have shown themselves, on more than one occasion, ready to support him by force in his opposition therein. What else, indeed, could be expected? The word of God, say they, is of far greater obligation than the word of man. God speaks by the mouth of Joseph -- Man speaks by human laws. Shall we not therefore, rather obey God, then man?

Time will not permit me to exhibit the many illustrations of what I have stated above, which will readily occur to all who are familiar with the conduct of these people in Hancock county for the last three or four years. It is true, that the grant of powers in the charter of the City of Nauvoo has furnished them with a pretext for some of the usurpations and encroachments of which they have been guilty. But it was but a pretext, and a flimsy one -- it could not and did not deceive the designing men, who used it as a cloak for deliberate tyranny -- it could not have served the purpose of deceiving any community, not enslaved by the debasing influence of superstition. Nor was that city charter necessary for the accomplishment of these purposes. Had that pretext been wanting, others would have been found. The ground work existed in the hearts of the deluded people; it was easy for the hand of their ruler to raise upon it his edifice of fraud, vice, and tyranny.

Who does not know the fact, that one short year since, Joseph Smith, when arrested by the authority of the Governor of this State, upon a demand made by the Governor of Missouri, discharged himself from custody by a mock trial upon habeas corpus before his creatures, the City Council of Nauvoo, he himself being President of that same City Council, as Mayor of the City!

Who does not know that this successful defiance of the laws of the State, and of process emanating from its highest executive authority, is but one instance out of many. Let me enumerate a few of them. The authorities of Nauvoo have assumed and exercised the power --

To establish a recorder's office for the record of deeds, independent of that provided for by the State laws in every country.

To grant marriage licenses, independently of the State laws, requiring them to issue from the Clerk of the County Commissioners Court.

To try cases of slander, and causes of the jurisdiction whereof is vested, exclusively in the Circuit Courts of the State.

To punish by fine and imprisonment persons guilty of speaking words disrespectful of Joseph Smith, and other alleged offenses, which, if cognizable any where, belonged exclusively to the Circuit Courts.

To arrest and annoy peaceable visitors to the city, by vexious confinement and examination, under pretense of regulating its police.

To discharge persons from arrest upon civil or criminal process from any court of the State, by writs of habeas corpus emanating from the City Council.

And they passed an ordinance, prohibiting any civil officer to serve process from the State Courts in Nauvoo, unless it was countersigned by their Mayor, under penalty of fine and imprisonment, which the Governor of the State is forbidden to remit by his pardon!

But not to fatigue your readers with further enumerations, I will proceed briefly to relate the facts which led to the late occurrences in Hancock County; and from one example they may learn all the rest.

Certain seceding Mormons, for reasons satisfactory to themselves, disavowed the authority of their late master a few weeks ago, and set up a newspaper in Nauvoo, which was designed to expose his hypocrisy and vices. The Prophet, in his capacity as Mayor, called together the City Council, and took into consideration this enterprise of the Seceders, and the first number of the paper, which had then been published. It was resolved by the City Council and the Mayor, that the paper was a public nuisance, and ought to be abated; and forthwith a warrant was issued to the City Marshall to take a sufficient force with him, and to destroy the press and type. That officer obeyed his instructions, and on the same day, by force, broke into the office, broke up the press, and scattered

One of the proprietors of the press went immediately to Carthage, the County Seat, and complained on oath against the Mayor, the City Council, the Marshall and others concerned, for a Riot in the destruction of his press. Upon his affidavit, a warrant was issued to a constable, who went to serve it, attended by only one individual. He served it first upon the two Smiths, and afterwards upon the others. The Prophet at first tried threats and intimidation against the constable -- swore great oaths that he would lose the last drop of his blood, rather than go to Carthage -- and finally resorted to the never failing habeas corpus. He issued writs for the other defendants -- some of them (being the City Council) issued a writ for him -- they tried each other, and discharged each other -- and the constable was dismissed by the City Marshall (himself a defendant) with the assurance that, whether they were discharged or not, he should never take them out of that city.

The constable reported to his fellow citizens in other parts of the country, the resistance which he had met with, and called upon them for a force sufficient to enable him to execute the writ. It was known long before that Nauvoo boasted a large force under military organization, which was reported to be well supplied with arms. It was therefore necessary to make serious preparations for the collision. The volunteers of the county were called out, new companies raised and organized; aid was collected from the other counties, arms, ammunition, and provisions were collected, and messengers were despatched to the Governor, to inform him of the state of things and ask his interference. The Mormons, on their part were not idle. Their friends were collected from the settlements into Nauvoo -- the troops were daily paraded and drilled -- guards were stationed about the city, who permitted no one to pass in or out, without leave of the City authorities -- means and munitions of war were procured as fast as possible -- and the whole city was put under strict military regulations, and, as many, say, martial law was proclaimed. Nay, even after the Governor arrived in the country, the U. S. Mail was stopped and sent back some distance, and detained a considerable time, until leave to proceed was given by the Mormon authorities.

Such was the state of affairs, when the Governor arrived in the county. He recognized the propriety of the action of the citizens, and after a short correspondence, demanded of the Prophet and his co-defendants an unconditional surrender of themselves to the constable, who had served the writ. After some shuffling for two or three days, the accused finally came in and gave themselves up on a promise of protection from violence, which the Governor gave them, and which he received an assurance of from the troops. After their surrender upon this charge, which they acknowledged and for which they gave bail, the two Smiths were detained upon the further charge of treason; and the trial being postponed, in order to procure witnesses, they were committed to jail for safe-keeping.

There is no doubt, but that some evil disposed persons were during all this time engaged in stirring up the wrath of the people against the two Smiths, and endeavoring to incite them to violence. But there is reason to believe from the course of events, that such a result might not have taken place, but for one or two unlucky circumstances. The Governor had ordered the troops at Warsaw and Carthage to rendezvous on Thursday, the 27th June, at Golden's Point, and to march upon Nauvoo. His object I do not know, but I presume it was to make a display of force to the Mormons, and to convince them of their incapacity to resist the arms of the State. On the morning of that day, however, apprehending disturbances if he marched so large a force into the city, he ordered all the troops to be disbanded, with the exception of some 200 men, part of whom were in Nauvoo, and a part in Carthage. With one company of these he set out himself for Nauvoo.

Upon the same day, an attempt was detected to convey into the jail a bundle, containing clothes which were evidently intended to disguise the prisoners; and the report became general that a rescue and escape were contemplated. Doubtless the disbanding of the troops was also urged as a proof of the Governor's connivance at it. These were topics well calculated to inflame the minds of men, already strongly excited by the annoyance and tyranny of the Mormon rulers, and the recent expectation of actual hostilities. They produced a most unfortunate effect. A body of armed men marched hastily upon the jail, overpowered the guard and put to death the two Smiths; and, in that act, inflicted a deep wound upon the honor of the State, and wrought a lasting injury to all who were opposed to the Mormon dynasty.


notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- SIDNEY RIGDON, who returned to Nauvoo a few weeks since from Pittsburg, to be the successor of Smith, has been regularly unchurched by the Twelve Apostles. The administration of the affairs of the church for the present is to remain in the hands of the Twelve Apostles.


notes: (forthcoming)

MOVEMENTS  IN  THE  MORMON  COUNTRY.

We have for some days had various reports of warlike movements in the Mormon country, which are thus explained by the St. Louis Republican of the 28th ultimo:

"We learn from the officers and passengers of the steamer Osprey that Governor Ford and his troops have reached Carthage. The purpose of the Governor in ordering out the troops seems to be a determination to bring the murderers of Joe and Hiram Smith to trial. The troops are under the command of General J. J. Hardin, subject, of course, to the direction of the Governor. The reason assigned by the Governor's friends for ordering out the troops in the first instance was a "wolf hunt," advertised by a portion of the people of Hancock county to come off on the 26th and 27th instant. This hunt, it was believed by the Governor, was a pretext to get the people assembled, aroused, and then to make an attack on the Mormons at Nauvoo, or some other Mormon settlement. From all we can learn, we suppose that the wolf hunt was abandoned after the orders of the Governor were issued.

"The Governor was at Carthage. Writs were issued and placed in the hands of the Sheriff, for the arrest of Thomas C. Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal, and for Col. Williams, of the same place, both charged with participating in the murder of the Smiths. The Sheriff came to Warsaw and attempted to arrest Sharp, but he refused to surrender himself, and in this resolution was sustained by the people of Warsaw. The Sheriff returned and reported his inability to arrest him, when three hundred of the troops were ordered to march to Warsaw. The troops had not arrived at Warsaw before the Osprey left, but Sharp and Williams had escaped to the Missouri side of the river, and, we presume, will not be taken."


notes: (forthcoming)

FROM  THE  MORMON  COUNTRY.
________

Governor Ford disbanded his troops at Warsaw last Monday. Sharp and Williams. who fled on his approach, were subsequently arrested. Seventy writs were issued against those concerned in the murder of the Smiths, but most of the accused fled to the Missouri side of the river. All was quiet at Nauvoo and Warsaw at the latest dates. The Governor has been enabled at last to vindicate the laws of Illinois by arresting a portion of the offenders, and we trust all of them will yet be secured and punished. St. Louis Reporter of October 3.

Other papers tell a different story. They say that the subsequent arrest was the result of a compromise or treaty, held with the individuals against whom writs had been issued for the murder of the Smiths, and by which Col. Williams and Mr. Sharpe agreed to surrender if they could be taken to Quincy for their examination. This was agreed to on the part of the Governor. Further, they were to have an escort to protect them while in the custody of the officer. If sufficient evidence was adduced to warrant the judge to commit for trial, the prisoners were to give moderate bail for their appearance at court. If an indictment is then found, they are to have a continuance and a change of venue, &c. This treaty having been concluded, the parties above mentioned gave themselves up and proceeded with the Governor to Quincy, where they were taken before Judge Thomas for examination. When, however, he heard of the arrangement, he refused to have any thing to do with the matter, and at the latest accounts Williams and Sharpe were under no restraint except their own pledges.


notes: (forthcoming)

DISSOLUTION  OF  THE  MORMON  CHURCH.

Through the politeness of a friend, (says the Alton Telegraph,) we have received the manifesto of a portion of the Mormons in regard to the successorship of the impostor, Joe Smith, and declaring the Church to be dissolved on account of its rejection of Rigdon as its divinely appointed leader. The elements of discord and disunion are successfully at work in the community at Nauvoo; and no doubt rests upon our minds but that the total dissolution of the Church will be the inevitable result. Factions may spring up among them, and some unprincipled and ambitious leader seek to seat himself on the throne of power so firmly established by Joe Smith for his own base purposes; but every such attempt will, as heretofore, result in failure. With the fall of the mock "Prophet," fell also the throne of despotism he had erected in this Republic; and the charm that enabled him to delude the populace has, with his death, departed we trust forever.


Note" This article is reprinted from the Alton Telegraph issue of Oct. 5, 1844. It was unusual for the National Intelligencer to reproduce Mormon news items from this Illinois Whig newspaper. The Rigdon "manifesto" referred to was also printed in the Warsaw Signal of Sep. 25, 1844 and the Sangamo Journal of Oct. 10.

THE  MORMONS.

The St. Louis papers say that more trouble is brewing in the Mormon country. The Circuit Court of Hancock county commenced its session on the 21st ultimo, when Williams and Sharp (charged with the murder of the Smiths) went up to stand their trial. Two hundred Mormons appeared at Carthage and stated that they were there by authority of Gov. Ford. There were also between one and two hundred persons present, armed and disguised as Indians, and it was anticipated that they would come in collision, and if so, much murder and bloodshed would ensue. One account says that the Mormons were armed, and another says the contrary. It is probable that most of them were in attendance as witnesses.


notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- By the steamer Boreas a report has come to our city that the Mormons who were encamped near Carthage had retired; that the disguised Indians had also disappeared, and that the Circuit Court was going on quietly with its business. -- St. Louis New Era.


notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The Grand Jury have gone through with their labors at Carthage. We learn that some persons have been indicted for the murder of Joe and Hyrum Smith, and others as accessories. Nine in all were indicted. It will be recollected that all the country tribunals and county offices are in the hands of the Mormons or their tools, and the indictments were found upon the testimony of Mormon witnesses. The persons indicted demanded a prompt trial at the same term, but the State was not ready for trial. -- New Era.


notes: (forthcoming)

UNPLEASANT HUMOR. -- The Warsaw (Illinois) Signal states that Lyman Wright's [sic] party of Mormons, having emigrated to Prairie du Chien, made an attack upon a trading station, ninety miles above that place, for the purpose of robbing it, but were hotly received, and four of the gang killed. The remainder fled, pursued by the exasperated French and Indians, who, coming up to the Mormons, murdered all they could find, we know not how many. The rumor was generally believed at Nauvoo.


notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The Illinois House of Representatives, by a vote of 108 to 4, have referred a bill repealing the Mormon charters to the Judiciary Committee. That is right. It ought never have been granted in the monstrous form in which it was granted. The vote on the question of reference was, we may say, unanimous, the four nays being Mormons. Its passage is not doubted by a like majority.

This action shows plainly enough the folly of any sect leaning upon the arm of a party.

This opposition led on these Mormons, step by step; they gave an extravagant charter to get their votes, that done, and there being no further or immediate need for their help, they are tossed overboard without a passing sympathy or a friendly parting. So it will be with all bodies of men who sacrifice self-respect or duty in the hope of gaining some selfish ends by an unnatural or unholy alliance with any party.

If these Mormons had been dealt rightly with, or the Legislature of Illinois had treated them as they would have done any Christian body, we should have been spared the violence and murders which have occurred in or near the Mormon settlement. Upon the legislators of that State rest the responsibility of this violence and these murders.

The retribution (not yet exhausted) meted out to Illinois, must be seen and understood by her citizens. -- Cincinnati Gazette.


notes: (forthcoming)

A NEW PROPHET FOR NAUVOO. -- When a prophet dies his spirit remains with his tribe, and superintends their operations. JOE SMITH, WHO WAS RECENTLY SHOT, still exercises his superintending care over his flock. One of the distinguished elders of the Mormons says that he has lately had an interview with Joe, who declared his determination to appoint ORSON HYDE HIS SUCCESSOR, according to the provisions in the Book of Convenants. Orson will probably be chosen in conformity to Joe's wish.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(From the St. Louis Republican.)

THE  MORMONS.

A circular, addressed to the whole 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,' informs us that on Sunday, the 5th of October, about five thousand Saints had the inexpressible joy and great gratification to meet, for the first time, in the house of the Lord [in the city of Joseph. From mites and tithing, millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a Temple where the children of the last kingdom, could come together and praise the Lord]...

On the 6th, 7th, and 8th meetings of the General Conference were held; at which, finally, it was resolved unanimously, that this people move en masse to the West...

(under construction)

Note: The above text will be updated after a more legible copy of the article has been transcribed.

THE MORMONS. -- Speaking of the removal of these people, the St. Louis Republican states that the ten or twelve hundred who have already crossed the river from Nauvoo "are encamped on Sugar Creek, Iowa, seven miles distant. Among them are the Twelve, the High Council, all the principal men of the church, and about one hundred females. They were several days and nights in getting across the river. It is the plan of the leaders to send this company forward as a pioneer corps. They are to proceed about five hundred miles westward, where they are to halt, build a village, and put in a spring crop. They are to remain there until those who follow in the spring reach them, when another pioneer company will start for a point five hundred miles still further west, where they will stop, build a village, and put in a fall crop. The company remaining behind will, in the spring, move on to this second station; and in the manner they hope to accomplish the long journey which is in contemplation. Many of those who now go as pioneers are to return, so soon as their crop is in, for their families. There is a spice of romance about this arrangement for their journey -- an apparent indifference to the sufferings which they must undergo -- a confidence in the plans and orders of their church leaders -- which must attract some portion of public sympathy, even though it be undeserved. Their future journeyings will be observed with interest."


Notes: (forthcoming)

LATE  FROM  THE  MORMON  CAMP.
______

The Hancock Eagle of the 10th instant notices the arrival there of Mr. Chamberlain, who left the most distant camp of the Mormons at Council Bluffs on the 26th ultimo, and on his route passed the whole line of Mormon emigrants. He says that the advance company of the Mormons, with whom were the Twelve, had a train of one thousand wagons, and were encamped on the east bank of the Missouri river, in the neighborhood of the Council Bluffs. They were employed in the construction of boats for the purpose of crossing the river.

The second company had encamped temporarily at station No. 2, which has been christened Mount Pisgah. They mustered about three thousand strong, and were recruiting their cattle preparatory to a fresh start. A third company had halted for a singular purpose at Garden Grove, on the head waters of Grand River, where they have put in about two thousand acres of corn for the benefit of the people in general. Between Garden Grove and the Mississippi River Mr. Chamberlain counted over one thousand wagons en route to join the main bodies in advance.

The whole number of teams attached to the Mormon expedition is about three thousand seven hundred, and it is estimated that each team will average at least three persons, and perhaps four. The whole number of souls now on the road may be set down in round numbers at twelve thousand. From two to three thousand have disappeared from Nauvoo in various directions. Many have left for Council Bluffs by the way of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers; others have dispersed to parts unknown; and about eight hundred or less still remain in Illinois.

Mr. Chamberlain reports that previously to his leaving, four United States military officers had arrived at the Mount Pisgah camp for the purpose of enlisting five hundred Mormons for the Santa Fe campaign. They were referred to headquarters at Council Bluffs, for which place they immediately set out. It was supposed that the force would be enrolled without delay. If so, it will furnish Col. Kearney with a regiment of well-disciplined soldiers, who are already prepared to march.

Mr. Chamberlain represents the health of the traveling Mormons as good, considering the exposure to which they have been subjected. They are carrying on a small trade in provisions with the settlers in the country, with whom they mingle on the most friendly terms.


Note: Niles Register ran this same piece in its issue of July 25, 1846.

                From The Baltimore American.

THE  STATE  OF  DESERET.

(many lines cut off -- under contruction)

... [the rise and progress of the Mormons is] one of the most extraordinary phenomena of the times."

Persecution often strengthens a faith, but the Latter-day Saints... do not appear to belong to that class of enthusiasts that give way to hallucinations. The Mormons are a practical people; they are industrious, temperate, orderly. Wherever they plant themselves in the wilderness the aspect of a cultivated region is soon visible....

These people, having been driven from Illinois a few years ago, abandoned their city of Nauvoo suddenly, deserting their abodes, and leaving unfinished a magnificent temple, which, from its gigantic proportions and strange style of architecture, stands as a remarkable characteristic of the place and people.... We had news of them from time to time. They would encamp now and then upon a fertile, well watered, and well-wooded spot, and remain a whole season to raise grain enough to last them on their march futher West....

Recently we hear again from the Mormons, and strange tidings are told us. They have taken possession of the Great Basin, in the region of the Salt and Utah Lakes... They have organized a Territorial Government, elected officers... It is futher designed... to present the new Commonwealth of Deseret as an applicant for admission into our family of States....Their crops looked well, and every thing appeared to be in a flourishing condition.


notes: (forthcoming)

THE RECENT HIGH-HANDED AND LAWLESS ACTS of the inhabitants of Salt Lake City Valley, in arresting and trying citizens from the States upon a charge of participation in the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri and Illinois... the Mormons... [are] very much displeased at the Government stationing troops so near...


notes: (forthcoming)