The Mormons. -- This sect have in ten years increased from six individuals to nearly twenty thousand. In Hancock, McDonough, and Adams counties, Ill., they have increased rapidly since last fall, several influential families having joined them. They have purchased a tract of land on the Mississippi, at the head of the Des Moines Rapids, comprising about 20,000 acres. They have commenced the publication of a paper called The Times and Seasons. They call the town Nauvoo. They denominate their church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Their twelve apostles have recently gone on a mission to England.

They appear to have mingled much evangelical truth with their daring imposture and extravagant delusion. It is by this amount of truth that many are deluded to join them. -- Their error does not consist so much in the doctrines they teach, for these are taken from the Bible; but in their audacious claim that their book is a revelation from God. Of this they give no proof. They work no miracles; they make no prophecies. They afford none of the evidences which we have required of men bringing revelations from God. Yet many are deluded, and become full believers, without evidence. How important is thorough instruction in the churches, especially in scenes of awakening!


Notes: (forthcoming)

(Published by request.)

THE  MORMONITES.
_____

To the Editor of the New Era:
    Sir: In your paper of the 21st inst. there is an article copied from the Boston Recorder, Headed "Mormon Bible," and signed "Matilda Davidson," which, justice to our society and to the public requires me to answer and I trust that a sense of justice will induce you sir, to give your readers both sides of the question.

I am one of the society who believe the "Book of Mormon," and as such I am assailed in the statement professing to come from Matilda Davidson.

In the first place there is no such book in existence as the "Mormon Bible." The Mormons, as they are vulgarly called, believe in the same Bible that all Cristendom professes to believe in, viz: the common version of the Old and New Testament. The Book of Mormon is not entitled a Bible, except by those who misrepresent it. It is entitled the "Book of Mormon."

The religious sect alluded to in your paper, are there accused of knavery and superstition. Now we are not sensible of being guilty of knavery, and we do not know wherein we are superstitious, but very much desire to know, in order that we may reform. If some good minister or editor will condescend to particulars, and point out our superstitions we will take it as a great kindness, for we are the declared enemies to knavery and superstition.

If a firm belief in the Gospel of a crucified and risen Redeemer, as manifested to all nations, and as recorded in their sacred books, amount to superstition, than we are superstitious. If preaching that system to others and calling them to repentance, is superstition, then we are superstitious. If refusing to fellowship the modern systems of sectarianism which are contrary to the pure doctrines of the Bible, be superstition, then we are superstitious, for we hereby declare our withdrawal from all the mysticism, priestcraft and superstitions, and from all the creeds, doctrines, commandments, traditions & precepts of men, as far as they are contrary to the ancient faith and doctrine of the Saints; and we hereby bear our testimony against them.

We do not believe that God ever instituted more than one religious system under the same dispensation, therefore we do not admit that two different sects can possibly be right. The churches of Jesus Christ, in any age or country, must be all built upon the same faith, the same baptism, the same Lord, the same holy spirit, which would guide them into all truth, and consequently from all error and superstition. The Book of Mormon has never been placed by us in the place of the sacred scriptures, but, as before said, the sacred scriptures stand in their own place, and the Book of Mormon abundantly corroborates and bears testimony of the truth of the Bible. Indeed there is no society, within our knowledge, whose members adhere more closely to the Bible than ours. -- For proof of this we appeal to the multitudes who attend our religious meetings in this city and in all other places.

The piece in your paper states that "Sidney Rigdon was connected in the printing office of Mr. Patterson," (in Pittsburgh) and that "this is a fact well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript (Romance) and to copy it if he chose." This statement is utterly and entirely false. Mr. Rigdon was never connected with the said printing establishment, either directly, or indirectly, and we defy the world to bring proof of any such connection. Now the person or persons who fabricated that falsehood would do well to repent, and become persons of truth and veracity before they express such accute sensibility concerning the religious pretensions of others. The statement that Mr. Rigdon is one of the founders of the said religious sect is also incorrect.

The sect was founded in the state of New York while Mr. Rigdon resided in Ohio, several hundred miles distant. Mr. Rigdon embraced the doctrine through my instrumentality. I first presented the Book of Mormon to him. I stood upon the bank of the stream while he was baptized, and assisted to officiate in his ordination, and I myself was unacquainted with the system until some months after its organization, which was on the sixth of April, 1830, and I embraced it in September following.

The piece further states that "a woman preacher appointed a meeting at New Salem, Ohio, and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the Book of Mormon." Now it is a fact well known, that we have not had a female preacher in our connection, for we do not believe in a female priesthood. It further says that the excitement in New Salem became so great that the inhabitants had a meeting and deputed Doctor Philastus Hurlburt, one of their members, to repair to Spaulding's widow, and obtain from her the original manuscript of the romance, &c. But the statement does not say whether he obtained the manuscript, but still leaves the impression that he did, and that it was compared with the Book of Mormon. Now whoever will read the work got up by said Hurlburt entitled "Mormonism Unveiled," will find that [he there states that] the said manuscript of Spaulding's romance was lost and could no where be found. But the widow is here made to say that it is carefully preserved. Here seems to be some knavery or crooked work; and no wonder, for this said Hurlburt is one of the most notorious rascals in the western country. He was first cut off from our society for an attempt at seduction and crime, and secondly he was laid under bonds in Geauga county, Ohio, for threatening to murder Joseph Smith, Jr., after which he laid a deep design of the Spaulding romance imposition, in which he has been backed by evil and designing men in different parts of the country, and sometimes by those who do not wish to do wrong, but who are ignorant on the subject. Now what but falsehood could be expected from such a person? Now if there is such a manuscript in existence, let it come forward at once, and not be kept in the dark. -- Again, if the public will be patient, they will doubtless find that the piece signed "Matilda Davidson" (Spaulding's widow) is a base fabrication by priest Storrs of Holliston, Mass., in order to save his craft, after losing the deacon of his church, and several of its most pious and intelligent members, who left his society to embrace what they consider to be truth. At any rate, a judge of literary productions, who can swallow that piece of writing as the production of a woman in private life, can be made to believe that the Book of Mormon is a romance. For the one is as much like a romance as the other is like a woman's composition.

The production, signed Matilda Davidson, is evidently the work of a man accustomed to public address, and the Book of Mormon I know to be true, and the Spaulding story, as far as the origin of the Book of Mormon is connected with it, I know to be false.

I now leave the subject with a candid public, with a sincere desire, that those who have been deluded with such vain and foolish lies, may be undeceived.

Editors, who have given publicity to the Spaulding story, will do an act of justice by giving publicity to the foregoing.
                        P. P. PRATT
    N. Y. Nov. 27th, 1839.


Note 1: The New Era was a short-lived newspaper, established to promote the political ambitions of Martin Van Buren. Copies are rare and difficult to find. The text provided above has been compared with a reprint in the January 1840 issue of the Times and Seasons, and was found to be substantially accurate.

Note 2: B. H. Roberts cites this Parley P. Pratt letter as having been published in the New Era, "impression of November 25, 1839" ("The Origin of the Book of Mormon, Part 2," American Historical Magazine, Nov. 1908, p. 570, n. 81). However, since the letter itself is dated "Nov. 27, 1839," the text could not have appeared in the New Era two days prior to Pratt's having written it. The letter evidently appeared in the New Era during the first week of December, 1839. The Republican Watchman reprint text references the Nov. 21st issue of the New Era, while the Times and Seasons version gives the date as the "25th."

Note 3: Apostle Pratt makes productive use of a missprint, (or perhaps inadvertant textual error) in the 1839 statement given by Solomon Spalding's widow -- Pratt says: "Mr. Rigdon was never connected with the said printing establishment, either directly, or indirectly, and we defy the world to bring proof of any such connection." The genesis of this error (which gave Pratt fodder for his rebuttal) is actually a literary conflation of two sentences somehow derived from E. D. Howe's 1834 Mormonism Unvailed: "While they [the Spaldings] lived in Pittsburgh, she [the widow] thinks it [her husband's manuscript] was once taken to the printing office of Patterson & Lambdin." -- and -- "We have been credibly informed that he [Sidney Rigdon] was on terms of intimacy with Lambdin, being seen frequently in his shop. Rigdon resided in Pittsburgh about three years, and during the whole of that time, as he has since frequently asserted, abandoned preaching and all other employment, for the purpose of studying the bible." Thus, second-hand testimony linking Sidney Rigdon to the printer J. Harrison Lambdin, of Pittsburgh, was muddled into a seeming allegation, saying that Rigdon was once somehow connected with a printing business operated by Robert Patterson, Sr., of that same city. The 1839 publication of this misworded allegation also gave Sidney Rigdon something to protest against and to deny in righteous indignation -- which of course he quickly did -- (see the Whig of June 8, 1839). When LDS Apostle John E. Page visited Robert Patterson, Sr. in 1841, Patterson reportedly told him that "Sidney Rigdon was not connected with the office for several years afterwards" -- that is, after the 1816 death of Solomon Spalding. Since Patterson's business was later forced into bankruptcy, and management of its assets divided between himself and J.H. Lambdin, it appears likely that Rigdon's association was entirely with Lambdin, and never with Patterson's end of the business operations (see note 4 below for details).

Note 4: In 1821-25, when Sidney Rigdon actually lived within the bounds of Pittsburgh, one of his more important religious associates was his fellow Campbellite comrade-in-arms, Elder Walter Scott. In 1839 Scott wrote: "That Rigdon was ever connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson or that this gentleman ever possessed a printing office in Pittsburgh, is unknown to me, although I lived there, and also know Mr. Patterson very well, who is a bookseller. But Rigdon was a Baptist minister in Pittsburgh, and I knew him to be perfectly known to Mr. Robert Patterson. Why is not Mr. Patterson's testimony adduced in this case [of the widow's testimony]? He is now in Pittsburgh, and can doubtless throw light upon this part of the narrative." While Robert Patterson, Sr. evidently never himself owned nor operated a "print shop," he did frequently employ the services of his cousin, the Pittsburgh printer, Silas Engles. Engles' printing office was located adjacent to Patterson's publishing office (in his book shop), and so the distinction between the efforts of Patterson the publisher and Engles the printer was always a bit hazy. From 1818-23 Patterson employed the printing press of his ward and employee, J. Harrison Lambdin, to publish his books and pamphlets. Since Lambdin was associated with Patterson (as his legal ward), the distinction between the publishing work of Patterson & Lambdin and the printing work Butler & Lambdin (same Lambdin in both firms) was again rather hazy. Still, Sidney Rigdon could truthfully reply that he was not employed by (nor connected with) Patterson's business operations. In 1841 when Robert Patterson, Sr. was finally asked directly about Sidney Rigdon, he reportedly stated that "Sidney Rigdon was not connected with the office for several years afterwards [that is, after the death of Solomon Spalding in 1816]." In other words, after the break-up of the Patterson-Lambdin publishing business, in 1823, Rigdon evidently had a connection with Lambdin's portion of the remaining business ("the office," as Patterson calls it), but Rigdon did not have a connection with Robert Patterson's portion of the remaining business (which Rigdon rightly identifies as "an agency, in the book and stationery business"). The fact that Rigdon was never a printer himself, nor ever employed by either of the Patterson brothers (Robert & Joseph) of Pittsburgh, does not diminish the evidence showing that he had connections with both of Robert Patterson's printers, (Silas Engles and J. Harrison Lambdin). As an apprentice tanner, and later as a journeyman tanner (or leather currier), living first very near Pittsburgh and then within the city itself, Sidney Rigdon no doubt frequently supplied leather book-bindings to the Patterson brothers' bindary, to the printer Silas Engles, and to Sidney's friend, J. Harrison Lambdin.

MORMONS. -- The Mormons are again collecting and building up a town at a place they call Nauvoo, in Illinois. 300 houses have gone up since October last.

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS LYNCHED. -- The Quincy Whig of the 18th states that the citizons of Tully, Mo., have recently missed several articles, and laid the theft to the Mormons living at Nauvoo, Ill., immediately opposite. At length a number of the citizens of Tully crossed the river, in the vicinity of the Mormon settlements, where, after some searching, they found several of the stolen articles. Shortly after, falling in with a party of three or four Mormons, they were charged with the theft and forcibly taken across the river and severely lynched. One of them escaped, and running to the river, seized a canoe and reached the other shore where he fell exhausted. -- N. Y. Sun.


Notes: (forthcoming)

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- The Corner Stone of the great Mormon Temple (that is to be), Nauvoo; Illinois, was laid on the 6th inst. in presence of seven or eight thousand persons, and the Nauvoo Military Legion, consisting of six hundred and fifty men. The Warsaw (Ill.) World, says: "Mr. Rigdon officiated at the laying of the chief comer stone, and addressed the assembly in a very energetic manner in a speech of about an hour's length. On the whole, the exercises passed off with the utmost order, without accident or the slightest disturbance. Gen. Bennett commanded the Legion, under the direction of the Prophet, and acquitted himself in a truly officer-like manner.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON MIRACLE. -- The St. Louis New Era says a report was in circulation there that the Prophet Smith, and S. Rigdon, lately took a ride together from the city of Nauvoo; that Smith returned without Rigdon, and that, when asked what had become of him, he replied that he had been translated to Heaven.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS  IN  MORE  TROUBLE.

ARREST OF JOE SMITH. -- By letters from the Mormon city, it appears that the "Saints" have become involved in nearly as much difficulty with their new neighbors in Illinois, as they formerly encountered in Missouri, and that excitement against them is increasing very fast. It seems that by authority of a vision lately had by Joe Smith, they have squatted on a large tract of land on the opposite side of the Mississippi; and the proceeding is likely to lead to serious disturbance.

Joe has been arrested by the authorities of Illinois, on the requisition of the Governor of Missouri. Martin Harris, who was one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, but who has been for some time lecturing in Illinois against Mormonism, was found dead a couple of weeks since, having been shot through the head -- doubtless murdered.

A few harmless Mormons, of Lafayette, La., while engaged in worship, at the house of meeting, were attacked by several men and ejected from their building. Every article of furniture, books, &c., were carried out and burnt in the street by the mob. This is the first act of injustice exhibited by Louisianans towards the Mormons, and smacks stringly of persecution.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(From the Rochester Democrat.)

MARTIN  HARRIS,  THE  MORMON.

(view original article from Rochester paper)

THE MORMONS -- ARREST OF JO SMITH. -- By the annexed extract of a private letter from a highly respectable gentleman residing near the Mormon City, (Nauvoo,) it appears that the scenes which a few months since were enacted in Missouri, are in danger of being repeated in Iowa. There is a tract of 120,000 acres of beautiful land lying directly opposite the Mormon settlement on the Mississippi River. This Tract was given to the half breeds of the Sac and Fox nations by the United States, and has been purchased from them by the whites. Proceedings have been had in the Equity Court of Iowa to partition these lands, and Commissioners appointed by the Court to survey and divide them among the lawful claimants. Some months since, the title being then unsettled, Jo Smith received a revelation from God to the effect that the Latter Day Saints should go in and possess this fair land, and enjoy the fruits thereof. -- Accordingly there are said to be now about 2000 of these people residing on said lands, who claim by the highest possible title, -- a title direct from the Creator; and they seem determined to set all human decrees at defiance. In addition to despoiling the lands of much valuable timber, they now forbid the Commissioners and Surveyors, on pain of death, to attempt a survey and partition. The arrest of their leader, it is to be hoped, will prevent the execution of their threat.

Extract of a letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo. -- "The excitement on both sides of the river against the Mormons is increasing very fast. The conduct of Jo Smith and the other leaders, is such as no community of white men can tolerate. It is the entire absence of all moral and religious principle, that renders them so obnoxious to the Gentiles of all denominations, wherever they reside.

"Jo Smith was yesterday arrested, between Nauvoo and Quincy, by the authorities of Illinois, on a requisition from the Governor of Missouri. May justice be meted out to him for his villiany.

"Martin Harris, who was one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and who has been for some time lecturing in Illinois against the Mormons, was found dead last week, having been shot through the head. He was no doubt murdered." -- Jour. of Com.


Note: The Times & Seasons editor copied the above reports from a June, 1841 issue of the New York Journal of Commerce. The Mormon editor says: "The statement with regard to the murder of Martin Harris, is the climax of iniquity, and gives evidence of corruption the most foul, and a heart as black as sin and the devil can make it. It is utterly false." As later reports confirmed, a different Harris had been lecturing in the Nauvoo area. After the reported death of a Mr. "Harris" in that vicinity the rumor was put into circulation that Martin Harris had spoken against the Nauvoo LDS and had been killed.

THE MORMONS. -- The success of the Mormons is one of the most astonishing features of the age, and is beginning to excite a very deep interest in their movements. We find some interesting facts in relation to them in the Journal of Commerce, from which it appears that their numbers reach already one hundred thousand persons, and as many more in Europe. -- Many of them are men of intelligence, who have stood high in the Christian church. Their members are increasing by the addition of men of property, who join their wealth to the common stock. They have acquired so much political importance as to procure of the Legislature of Illinois an act of incorporation, authorizing the Mormons to maintain a standing army of a thousand men. Smith and Rigdon have ordained twelve Apostles, who have been anointed for their work by a sight of the golden plates. They adopt the whole of the Bible, and claim that they have an additional revelation, which was communicated to Joe Smith on the golden plates. This pretended revelation, is said to be -- and there is good reason to believe the report true -- the production of a deceased clergyman, who wrote it as an amusement during hours of sickness, the manuscript of which was stolen from the printer's office. With all the boasted intelligence of the day, people are as ready to follow strange delusions as much as they ever were in the most superstitious periods of the world's history.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS AT NAUVOO, are getting cleverly by the ears -- most of the leading officers have commenced calling each other all the hard names that can be thought of. If one half of the things charged, turn out to be true, it must be that this settlement comprises about as hard a set of rascals as ever walked under the garb of sanctity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The last Warsaw (Ill.) Signal contains the following:

NAUVOO. -- We understand that the very mischief is brewing in Nauvoo, since the threatening of Bennett to expose the villainy of Joe and his satelites. Several of Joe's right hand men, among them, one of the Pratts, G. W. Robinson, and Sidney Rigdon, have left the church and joined Bennett's party.


Notes: (forthcoming)

It is stated in the Sangamo Journal of the 22d ult., that a speech was made by Joe Smith, in front of tbe Mormon Temple at Nauvoo on the previous Thursday, in relation to Bennett, Mr. Pratt, and others, in which he "swore like a pirate, used the most obscene language, and appeared to be greatly excited." Joe is said to be laboring hard to make up the breacb with Rigdon, Pratt, and others, by offering special favors, but without success it would seem, from a Statement in the Warsaw Signal.

Gov. Boggs, who was nearly killed a short time ago by an unknown hand, is fast recovering. He is a candidate for the State Senate, from the districts composed of the counties of Jackson, Van Buren and Bates, and has issued a circular stating that he has not withdrawn and that he is fast recovering -- so fast that he will be able to take his seat if elected.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- We copy the following from the Alton Telegraph of the 23d ult.: --

"It is a fact well ascertained, that Joe Smith has for some days back been laying in a large amount of ammunition at the city of Nauvoo. The avowed object of this preparation for war, on the part of the Mormons, is to defend themselves by force against any legal process calling for the surrender of Joe Smith and the assassin who shot Governor Boggs. They admit that the disclosures of Bennett will result in a requisition on the part of the Governor of Missouri, for the impostor, Joe Smith, together with some of his 'Danites,' and they are thus fortifying themselves to defy the strong arm of the law in its administration of justice."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM -- JOE SMITH. -- The Burlington Hawk-Eye of the 3d says: Joe Smith 'preached' at Nauvoo last Monday to an immense concourse of the 'brethren.' He said in one of his late discourses that Gov. Carlin was afraid that he (Smith) wanted to be Governor, but no fears need be entertained on that point, as he considered himself even now as in a better situation than he would he if be was Governor or President, being Lieut. General for time, and Prophet for eternity, either of which he considered preferable to being Governor or President. He also said if there were any who did not believe in him, 'and,' to use his own expression, 'go to hell and be damned.'

Extraordinary aa it may seem, after the scathing expositions of the utterly profligate conduct of this pretended Prophet, which have been so widely spread, his doctrines are spreading far and wide. Indeed, it appears that they have recently taken fresh hold in that part of Northern Ohio which was the scene of his religious impostures and swindling banking operations prior to the hegira for Missouri.

According to the Cleveland "Plain Dealer," the Mormon Temple at Kirtland has lately been dedicated anew, and the wand of the Prophet has been waking the dry bones in that valley. On Saturday the 29th ult. three of Joe Smith's specially commissioned and faithful followers arrived at the Temple from Nauvoo, and commenced preaching faith and repentance. The Sunday morning following, they commenced baptizing in a branch of the Chagrin River, and continued at intervals for three days -- baptising in it 206 persons, at two shillings a head!

But why should it be surprising that such success should attend the Mormon propagandists? They find ready hearers among those who look for marvels in religion, for physical manifestations of miraculous power, for something out of the beaten track. -- Ignorance is ever cedulous, and from the ignorant, imposture always derives its chiefest support. Hence Mormonism finds favor with a large class who must have some religion or other, and likes that faith best which comes nearest the level of their prejudices and passions. What educated man ever, in good faith, embraced its absurdities!

It does little or no good to spread before the world convincing, damning proofs of the rank wickedness and outrageous conduct of such impostors as Joe Smith. The details given by Gen. Bennet, in his just published expose of the shameful promiscuous indulgences allowed among the Mormons, will undoubtedly have the effect of attracting hither scores of lewd fellows, who will have no difficulty in shamming belief in their doctrines, for the sake of the fine field there afforded for the gratification of their peculiar propensities. Thus may the fires of fanaticism be fed with additional fuel, from the very effort to extinguish them.

The true remedy for these evils ia contained in the one brief glorious sentence -- a sentence which should be inscribed in letters of gold on every portal of the republic -- EDUCATE THE PEOPLE. -- Buff. Com. Adv.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- The editor of the Burlington (Iowa) Advertiser says, that on the 21st. he paid a flying visit to the city of Nauvoo, and he gives a very flattering account of its prosperity. We hold Mormonism in as great contempt as it can possibly be considered by any one, yet we believe in many things they are a very much traduced and injured people. Their honesty and their possession of the social virtues we believe equal to that of the same number of people any where, in the same rank of life. In Missouri, where they were surrounded by enemies anxious to avail themselves of the slightest ground to harass them and force them from the State by the operations of its criminal code, it was found impossible, if we are not misinformed, to convict any one of them during their residence there of any criminal violations of law. Indeed we doubt whether previous to the attempt at their forcible ejectment from the State, there was even a bill of indictment found against any one of them, although no Mormon ever sat upon a grand or petit jury, and the administration of the laws was wholly in the hands of their bitter enemies. The history of the persecutions and sufferings of this people in Missouri, could it be faithfully and truly written, would exhibit a degree of cruelty and fiendish barbarity unsurpassed by that of any previous age. The editor says: -- (N. Y. Cour.)

"Nauvoo is situated at one of the most beautiful points on the river Mississippi, and is improving with a rapidity truly astonishing. Many of the houses are built in fine style, evincing wealth as well as taste. The city is daily receiving accessions to its population from the Eastern States and from Europe -- and it is estimated that it already numbers from 15,000 to 17,000 inhabitants.

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 the history of the world -- but it 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 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 dollars."


Notes: (forthcoming)

PROSPECT OF ANOTHER MORMON WAR. -- The St. Louis New Era of the 16th ult. says: -- "We learn by a gentleman from Warsaw, that a meeting of the citizens of Hancock county to be held at Carthage was called for to-day, to taje into consideration their relations with the Mormons. It is said that a good deal of excitement exists against them, and apprehensions of a serious riot and outbreak were entertained. The people of the section of the State are as heartily tired of the Mormons as ever the citizens of Missouri were, but they have suffered them to obtain so strong a foothold that no power can exist which can deprive them of their position, or induce them to abandon their present resistance."


Notes: (forthcoming)

BENNETT, the late Mormon general and mayor of the holy city of Nauvoo, in disclosing the revelations of the "prophet" Smith, winds up one of his chapters with the following morceau:

"If Jo Smith is not destined for the devil, all I can say is, that the duties of a devil have not been clearly understood!"


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- About 150 Mormons arrived at St. Louis on the 26th ult., from Nauvoo, and left the next day for New Orleans -- probably on their return to England, from whence most of them came, having become disgusted with Joe Smith and his wicked delusions. -- Buffalo Com. Advertiser.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- This superstition has found many converts in our vicinity. Large numbers have been baptized into the Mormon faith and considerable sums of money have been obtained from them. Within a few days several mechanics, men of reputable character, belonging to this city, have taken their families, amounting altogether to twenty or thirty individuals on the route to Nauvoo, having previously disposed of their property here. -- Salem Gazette.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM NAUVOO. -- By accounts received since our last, it appears that Jo and Hiram Smith were actually murdered. After Gov. Ford left, a mob, with faces blackened and disguised, overpowered the guard, broke into the jail, and killed these men by shooting' and stabbing them; and there is no evidence" that the prisoners had any arms, or in any way offered much resistance. They had voluntarily surrendered, on tbe demand of the Governor, and were entitled to a fair and legal trial. On receiving the news of the fall of their prophet, the Mormons did not, as was apprehended, seek to avenge his death, but remained perfectly quiet, and determined to use no violence except in self-defence. It is intimated that Sidney Rigdon will succeed Jo Smith in ofice. He is said to be a shrewd, crafty man, originally from this county, and of great influence with the Mormons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon Anecdotes, No. 1.
_______

At the request of several individuals, we this week commence giving a few brief anecdotes of the sayings and doings of Mormons, illustrative of the astonishing credulity of the people in becoming the dupes of their juggling and necromancy.

Before commencing these, we wish to state, that. whether we have committed unpardonable sin in it or not, we were at work as a hand in the office in Palmyra at the time of its publication and performed some labor in giving the book of Mormon its existence. -- Not however, as none had at that time, with the most distant expectation that the miserable humbug would ever proceed as far as to make one proselyte having the sense of mediocrity. But we were mistaken. It has multiplied converts by the thousands until a large and populous city with a splendid temple, marks the place of their power, and the wonder of their delusions.

We have known hundreds of families broken up, scattered and ruined by their mummeries and blasphemous pretensions, and many sane yet credulous minds forever ruined -- so cunning and well played have been their parts in the great drama of their system. But they were not always successful, although making many and high pretensions to the power of miracles, in healing the sick, and casting out devils, &c.

One of the first anecdotes we recollect of hearing of them, was as follows:

Martin Harris a kind of "fresh water Quaker" so called, (i. e. just no quaker at all,) who paid the cost of printing their bible, was worth some 4000 dollars, sold his farm in Wayne county, and moved off to the "promised land." Some how, his wife managed to retain in her possession, about $1,500 -- much to the annoyance of Martin, Joe, & Co. His wife was a quakeress.

After Martin had been absent some two years, the news came back to his wife, who remained in Wayne county, that he had received the power to work miracles and had absolutely raised a child (from death of course) and could do "many mighty works." -- The news was frequently repeated, until Martin was an object of great veneration among the credulous. Soon also came the man of inspired powers, back to the place of his nativity; with a long beard, plain garments -- and staid and prophet like appearance, awful, and awing all he met.

In the progress of his journey he visited his wife. -- And there affirmed his wonderful power and work. His wife was deaf in one ear, and during his visit one day, she remarked to him: "Martin, if thou hast the power of miracles, thou shouldest cure my deafness." "Oh yes," said Martin, "I can do it instantly if you will believe." "Well," said she, "I will believe -- I do believe."

"Then show thy faith by thy works," said Martin.

"What works?" inquired Mrs. H. "Why, you must give me the $1500, and go to Missouri, with me,"

"Well I will go with you," said she, "if you will heal me, and I will place the papers and cash in the hands of a good lawyer, to be delivered to you as soon as I am cured."

"Oh no," said the prophet, "that will not do -- you must show your faith by your works. I shall only know you believe when you prove it by placing the money in my hands, and going with me to the place of promise. By your refusal to do this you show you have no faith."

"Then you can only cure me at the end of the journey," replied she.

"Just so," said Martin.

"Well then," said Mrs. H. "you may retain your miracles, and return; I will keep my deafness and the cash!

Martin found he could do nothing in his native place and soon returned, consoling himself for the failure, with the assurance, often assumed in such cases, that a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country and among his own kin.


Note 1: The next issue of the Empire State Democrat identifies its source for these "Mormon Anecdotes" as the Freeman. This was the rare and obscure Syracuse NY, Freeman. Which of E. B. Grandin's printers, from the 1830 Palmyra printing office, worked at that newspaper and carried this memory of Martin Harris remains unknown.

Note 2: The Palmyra Wayne Sentinel of Apr. 11, 1834 notices that Martin Harris was then in town, preaching at the school house, from the Book of Daniel.

Death of the Mormon Prophet.

The notorious Joe Smith, and his brother Hyrum, have both come to a violent death at last. Perhaps no individual in our country has ever succeeded in carrying out so reckless, profligate, and vile a system of imposition and vice as this same Joe Smith. Tyranny, licentiousness, discord, and contention with the civil authorities, have marked his progress from the beginning to the end. The immediate cause of his unhappy fate was as follows: -- A number of his followers having become disgusted with his horrid vices, and tired of his tyranny, had established a paper, called the Expositor, at Nauvoo, which boldly exposed some of the shameless vices of the self-styled prophet. For this cause Smith, whose power seemed to be absolute among his followers, caused the press to be seized and publicly destroyed in the streets. So great an outrage, and so direct against the freedom of the press, justly roused the indignation of the whole surrounding population. The civil authority of the State was appealed to, and, after some difficulty, Joe Smith and his brother, and two or three others, were surrendered into the hands of the civil officers, and lodged in the Carthage jail. Gov. Ford, accompanied by an armed posse of some 120 men, took possession of the arms of the Mormon Legion, and stationed a guard of seven soldiers around the jail containing the prisoners. Soon after, it is stated that a company of sixty or seventy armed men, in disguise, rushed upon the guard and entered the jail. On receiving some resistance from the prisoners, they fired upon them, and Joe, while in the act of escaping from the window, fell, pierced by several balls; his brother was shot at the same time, and the bodies of both have been taken back to Nauvoo and buried. Another story says that the rush into the jail was caused by the attempt of some Mormons to force their way through the guard for the purpose of aiding the prisoners to escape. Great excitement prevailed in the surrounding country through fear that the Mormons would retaliate, by taking vengeance on the surrounding villages. And it would seem that equal fear existed among the Mormons lest they should be attacked by the militia, who were hastily assembling at Carthage to resist any attack that might be made by the Mormons. -- Thus has ended one of the most atrocious villains that ever disgraced a civilized community -- and we would to heaven that it ended also the delusion of his followers. But we have very little hope of this; for while human credulity lasts, that credulity will have a leader. The world has no cause to regret that the Mormon Prophet is dead; but we must deeply regret that his death was caused by violent and unlawful means.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                           From the Freeman.

Mormon Anecdotes, No. 2.
_______

It is very common for Mormons in working miracles to practice in the following manner:--

One goes out alone in the garb, and with the appearance of a poor traveler; calls at the house of some country farmer at night, leaving some token by which those who are his confederates may detect his whereabouts. Another one, or more, follows on and stops near by, so that in the morning he may soon reach the abode of the first traveler, to which place he proceeds about breakfast time, coming there just as his predecessor needs him. The first traveler, about day. break, makes his piteous noise as of one in deep distress, alarming the inmates, and calling them around his bed side. For awhile the sick man struggles with disease, and apparently dies in a fit. Just at that moment the second traveler enters -- announces himself a disciple of the Mormons, and declares it is in his power to raise the dead man to life; and putting all aside from the couch of death, commences his necromancy, and soon succeeds in raising the dead to life.

A couple of these impostors went out on an excursion of this kind about two years or more since, and in the course of their travels called at a farm house near Geneseo. The forerunner called on the plain looking farmer, and represented himself as a traveler who was poor, yet on a merciful errand. The farmer was an honest-hearted Methodist, making less show than some, but not less intelligent, christian, or shrewd, than most men. The traveler joined with the family in their devotions, and talked of God and heaven as a christian. No one suspected his hypocrisy.

About 4 oÕclock in the morning the family were awakened by groans proceeding from the lodging room of the stranger. The farmer went into the room and was quite shocked to find his guest suffering apparently in the most intense degree. Many remedies were applied, but of no effect; the sufferer grew worse every hour, until about 7 oÕclock, he appeared to show signs of death. Just at the moment a knocking was heard at the door, and another stranger entered on its being opened.

The family were much frightened, and consequently much gratified with the arrival of any person, although it should be a stranger. He was immediately informed of the case, and introduced into the room; upon entering which he announced himself a mormon priest, and assured the astonished family he could, raise the dying man to life, even should he die -- and, indeed, to convince them of his power, he hoped he would die; which was soon the fact to all appearance. The new comer then ordered all present to stand aside, and not touch the corpse or the bed, but to send for neighbors if they pleased, in order to give full proof of his wonderful work.

Just about that moment it crept into the head of the farmer that a trick was about being played upon them of a blasphemous character, and he quickly resolved to test the same. "Hold," said he, "a moment and do not the miracle until I return." He went out, took an axe from the wood pile, and came in without saying a word -- walked up to the bed side, and addressed the man of miracles as follows:

"You think him really dead?"

"O yes."

"Well, then, I will just cut off his head to make it sure; for if you can raise him to life from death at all, you can do it as well with his head off as on!" and suiting the action to the word, raised the axe as if he would strike; when lo! with a loud shriek, up jumped the dead man, crying, "murder, murder!" at the top of his voice.

Before the proper authorities could he reached, the risen prophet and the prophet bauked put out and fled as from a devouring plague, much to the amusement of the sensible man, who detected his impositions. Since which time no Mormon finds his way into that region to remain long.


Note: Besides its reprint in the Empire State Democrat, this "anecdote" from the Syracuse Freeman was also reproduced in the pages of the Nov. 1844 Millennial Harbinger.

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."


Note: This account in the Reveille, came from Editor M. C. Field; who, in his original report, also mentioned that work on the Temple had ceased for the present, but that "Elder Phelps, now one of the most influential" among the Latter Day Saints, had given notice that it would be immediately recommenced.

AN  HOUR  AT  NAUVOO -- MORMON  EXCITEMENT, &c.

Nauvoo (says one of the editors of the St. Louis Reveille, giving an account of a recent trip he made to the scene of the Mormon troubles,) reposes in a state of quietude and tranquility most remarkable. During some thirty hours that we passed in the "Holy City," we heard but one solitary intemperate expression, and the man who uttered it was instantly checked, and made silent by more prudent spirits around him. Elders Adams and Lyne, accompanied by others, left the city on Tuesday last, their object being to call home the absent Apostles and members of the Council of Seventy. -- Upon the return of these, there will take place a solemn deliberation of the Twelve Apostles, who will appoint a successor to the lost Prophet, and their appointment will then be acted upon, either to be ratified or rejected by the Council of Seventy.

The walls of the Temple are little more than half up to the designated height, and all work ceased upon them during the recent troubles; but, at the public meeting on Monday afternoon, the people were notified by Elder Phelps, now one of the most active and influential men among them, that labor should commence again the next day. He told the men not to neglect their families; to be ebergetic in seeing them provided for first, and then hasten to work upon the Temple. The system upon which the building 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, 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.

The utmost harmony and peace, at least as far as was allowed to appear to the eye of a stranger, prevailed throughout Nauvoo. At Warsaw, and all about the adjoining district, a very different state of things is fully apparent. The people are boiling over with excited feeling.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM NAUVOO. -- We have intelligence from Nauvoo to the 5th last. All was quiet. It appears the reports of the appearance of Joe Smith, and the appointment of his son as prophet, are false, and originated in a desire to injure the Mormons abroad. -- Sidney Rigdon had returned to Nauvoe from Pittsburgh, and preached on the [20th?] inst. In consequence of the death of Samuel Smith, Joe's brother, since the death of the prophet, Sidney Rigdon will be chosen patriarch of the Mormon flock. He is their master spirit and will make a shrewd and energetic leader. There are five widows of the Smith family now living in Nauvoo; the mother of all, and the late wives of Joe, Hyrum, and their two brothers -- Accessions to the Mormon strength continue to be quite large. In Nauvoo the usual activity is apparent, and the temple is steadily going up in its unique form and shape. Its style of architecture is of the pure Mormon order -- St. Louis Organ.


Note: The above item was also reprinted in the Oneida Whig of Sept. 20th, as well as numerous other newspapers.

FROM NAUVOO. -- We have intelligence from Nauvoo to the 5th inst. All was quiet. It appears the reports of the appearance of Joe Smith, and the appointment of his son as Prophet, are false, and originated in a desire to injure the Mormons abroad. Sidney Rigdon had returned to Nauvoo from Pittsburgh, and preached on the 4th inst. In consequence of the death of Samuel Smith, Joe's brother, since the death of the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon will be chosen Patriarch of the Mormon flock. He is their master spirit, and will make a shrewd and energetic leader. -- There are five widows of the Smith family now living in Nauvoo; the mother of all, and the late wives of Joe, Hirum, and their two brothers. Accessions to the Mormon strength continue to be quite large. In Nauvoo the usual activity is apparent, and the Temple is steadily going up in its unique form and shape. Its style of architecture is of the pure Mormon order. -- St. Louis Organ.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM NAUVOO. -- We have intelligence from Nauvoo to the 5th ult. All was quiet. It appears the reports of the appearance of Joe Smith, and the appointment of his son as Prophet, are false, and originated in a desire to injure the Mormons abroad. Sidney Rigdon had returned to Nauvoo from Pittsburgh, and preached on the 4th ult. -- In consequence of the death of Samuel Smith, Joe's brother, since the death of the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon will be chosen Patriarch of the Mormon flock. He is their master spirit, and will make a shrewd and energetic leader. There are five widows of the Smith family now living in Nauvoo; the mother of all, and the late wives of Joe, Hyrum, and their two brothers. Accessions to the Mormon strength continue to be quite large. In Nauvoo the usual activity is apparent, and the Temple is steadily going up in its unique form and shape. Its style of architecture is of the pure Mormon order. -- St. Louis Organ.


Notes: (forthcoming)

TEMPLE  AT  NAUVOO.

The building of the Mormon Temple under all the troubles by which those people have been surrounded, seems to be carried on with a religious enthusiasm which reminds us of olden times, by the energy which controls all the movements towards its completion.

It occupies the highest and most imposing position in Nauvoo and is built of fine limestone. Has 30 pilasters -- six at each end and nine [of a] side -- each surmounted by a capital on which is carved a human face with rays around it and two hands holding trumpets. The Temple is 128 feet by 88 feet; from floor to roof is 65 feet; and from the ground to the top of the spire is 165 feet. -- The baptismal font is in the basement, to be supported by stone oxen. Each floor is estimated to hold 4,000 people, so that 12,000 persons can be accomodated, veing about one-fourth the size of Solomon's Temple. 350 men are zealously at work upon the building, which it is supposed will be finished in a year and a half, probably at a cost of half a million of dollars.

The spiritual concerns of the Mormons are governed by a council of 12, composed of the following persons: -- Brigham Young, the Lion of the Lord; H. C. Kimball, the Herald of Grace; Parley P. Pratt, the Archer of Paradise; Orson Hyde; the Olive Branch of Israel; Willard Richards, the Keeper of the Rolls; John Taylor, the Champion of Right; William Smith, the Patriarchal Jacob's Staff; [Wilford] Woodruff, the Banner of the Gospel; Geo. A. Smith, the Entablature of Truth; Orson Pratt, the Gauge of Philosophy; Jno. E. Page, the Sun Dial; Lyman Wight, the Wild Ram of the Mountain.

The Keeper of the Rolls has chargw of the men at work on the Temple. It is supposed that the Mormon inhabitants of this city are fully 20,000 souls, and of the surrounding country, 10,000 more -- the only property owned in common is the Temple and the Hotel -- they are industrious -- good farmers -- raise wheat plentifully, and are about to engage in manufactures. The whole community may be considered in their peculiar [tenets] as singular and remarkable and in after ages their Temple, like the ruins of Palenque, may strike the beholder with wonder, and history may be unable to explain what race worshiped there. -- N. Y. Sun.


Note: This article, from a early August issue of the New York Sun, appeared in the Sept. 20th edition of the Weekly Argus, but evidently it did not appear in its daily edition.

The End of the World. -- The Journal of Commerce, of the 23d ult., in discoursing upon Miller's prophecy, concludes as follows:

Here we are, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, just as the ante-deluvians were, when Noah entered the Ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. What a set of disappoinied fools those Millerites must be to-day. They have brought their own reason to an end; but that is a small part of the world. But some are not certain but to-morrow is the day. Well, let them wail in their frantic mood until tomorrow night, and even all this week, and if when next Sunday comes, the sun rises as usual, let them quit Millerism and betake themselves to churches where truth is taught. If they have a particle of common sense left, they will not be fooled a third time.

However, this is a free country, and men have a sort of natural right to be fools; though we doubt, whether under the influence of such a delusion, a man has a right to give away his property and reduce his family to poverty, and perhaps to public charity. But patience is generally the best cure for fanaticism. Persecution, or anything which can be tortured into it, is the glory of fanatics. It elevates them at once to the rank of the ancient saints, apostles and prophets.

---

Coming to the Point. -- William Smith, only brother of the late Mormon Prophet, has been preaching; lately in New Bedford. The Bulletin says he concluded one of his discourses in the following emphatic words:

"Brethren, I will say here, for the credit of the audience, that at our last meeting I collected some two dollars, while at the same time the expenses of the hall were six dollars. Now, I wish in all soberness to assure you, my dear friends, of one solemn truth; and that is, that rather than pay all expenses, preach for nothing and fine myself into the bargain, I will see the whole generation damned first!"


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  CITY.

Nauvoo -- Its location; how the Mormons came by it; the dimentions of the city; of the city; houses; all residents are not of the Church; Temple; sculptured pilasters; interior finished; brazen laver; created by [voluntary] labor; the city will never be abandoned by its builders.

Nauvoo -- the city of the latter day saints -- the place where Mormonism is concentrated, is beautifully located on the East side of the Mississippi river, below the first rapids, and therefore accessible to the largest class of steamboats on the "Father of Waters." Its name is derived from two Hebrew words, somewhat distorted, which mean _beautiful rest._

When the Mormons were driven from Missouri, after passing through a series of hardships of a very trying character, the present site of Nauvoo was selected by Sidney Rigdon, for a town. Several land claims were purchased of individuals, and by uniting the different parcels, constituted a Mormon territory. The chartered limits included a plat four miles long, by three in breadth -- all laid out into squares and streets, at right angles, and on a scale of convenience that is honorable to the taste of those who projected the plan. Those who have examined Nauvoo with any degree of care acknowledge that it possesses the elements of the most elegant city of the West.

When first taken possession of by the new owners, there were neither inhabitants nor dwellings; yet in the short period of three years, there were one thousand houses; and now the population is not far from sixteen thousand -- rapidly increasing too, notwithstanding the universal opinion of their enemies, that the spell is broken and the Mormon community will soon be dissolved. In a word, Nauvoo is the largest city in the state of Illinois -- and regarded in all respects, one of the greatest curiosities of that part of the continent. Nauvoo is divided into four wards, and governed by a Mayor, eight Aldermen and sixteen Common Council men -- constituting the city government.

Property is not held in common, as frequently represented; many persons holding real estate in the city are not Mormons, yet their rights and interests are protected with as much care as they would be in Boston or New York. There is not a square in the whole city that has not a building upon it. The squares being about a acre large, the houses have the appearance of being spread over a prodigious extent of surface -- all portions, therefore, not occupied in buildings are cultivated. As the population increases, the gardens will be fewer in number and smaller in their dimensions.

All the Mormons do not reside in the ciiy; if they did, their number would increase the astonishment which already prevails. They extend both up and down the river nearly thirty miles as farmers. Quite a town is also growing up on the Missouri side, opposite Nauvoo. The ground plat of Nauvoo is shaped somewhat like an ox bow. The river embraces two sides of it; while the back ground rises magnificently about a mile from the Mississippi, giving the observer a vast field of vision over the most lovely rural scenery imaginable.

At the summit overlooking the whole landscape for nearly twenty five miles in all directions, stands the Mormon temple, the largest structure in any of the Western states. When completed it is assumed that the entire cost will not very much from four hundred thousand dollars. Nothing can be more original in architecture -- each of its huge pilasters rests upon a block of stone, bearing in relief on its face the profile of a new moon, represented with a nose and mouth, as sometimes seen in almanacs. On the top not far from fifty feet high, is an ideal representation of the rising sun, which is a monstrous prominent stone face, the features of which are colossal and singularly expressive. Still higher are two enormously large hands grasping two trumpets, crossed. These all stand out on the stone boldly.

Their finish is admirable and as complete as any of the best specimens of chiseling on the Girard College at Philadelphia. The interior is to be one vast abasement about 128 feet by 80, simple subdivided by three great veils, or rich crimson drapery, suspended from the ceiling overhead. Neither pews, stools, cushions or chairs are to encumber the holy edifice. In the basement is the font of baptism -- which, when completed according to design, will be a pretty exact imitation of the brazen laver in Solomon's temple.

The tank is perhaps eight feet square, resting on the backs of twelve carved oxen. They are of noble dimensions, with large spreading horns, represented to be standing in water half way up to their knees. The execution of the twelve oxen evinces a degree of ingenuity, skill and perseverance that would redound to the reputation of an artist in any community. When they are finally gilded, as intended, and the laver is made to resemble cast brass, together with the finishing up of the place in which this unique apparatus of the church is lodged -- as a whole, that part of the temple will be one of the most striking artificial curiosities in this country.

When the officiating priests in their long robes of office lead a solemn procession of worshippers through the sombre avenues of the basement story, chanting as they go, the effect must be exceedingly imposing to those who may deplore the infatuation of a whole city of Mormon devotees.

Although estimated to cost so large a sum, the walls of the temple are gradually rising from day to day by the concurrent unceasing labor of voluntary laborers. Every brother gives one day in ten to the undertaking. Thus there are always as many hands employed as can be conveniently on the work at the same time. The architect and different master workmen are constantly at hand to direct the operations. Each day, therefore, ushers in a new set of operatives.

Some fine brick buildings are already raised on the different streets, and stores are continually going up. Even were the Mormons to abandon the city, as it is asserted that they will. somebody will own the property -- and a city it is, and a city it will continue to be, of importance, unconnected with the false religious tenets of its inhabitants. But the Mormons will never leave Nauvoo. Its associations are half wed in their excited imaginations. They would relinquish life as soon as they would voluntarily, en masse. leave their glorious habitation which to them is the gate of heaven. -- Boston Transcript.

FROM THE MORMONS. -- The Grand Jury of Hancock county have found indictments against eight of the murderers of the Smiths, and seven or eight of the Mormons who destroyed the printing press in Nauvoo; thus enforcing the laws against mob violence, whether perpetrated by Mormons or Anti-Mormons.


Note: See also the Adams Sentinel, of Jan. 6, 1845.

THE MORMONS. -- The Warsaw Signal states that most of the friends of Rigdon, who still remain in Nauvoo, have been despoiled of their property, and live in constant fear of their lives. One of these, Elder Marks, a man of wealth, fled from that city last week in the night.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A  Letter  from  Joe  Smith's  Widow.

The New York Sun publishes and vouches for the authenticity of the following Letter from the wife of the Mormon impostor: --

(See original article in NYC paper)

Mormonism and Millerism have, like [a] hundred delusions, had their day. While such mental diseases rage, all remedies are unavailing. But in passing away, they leave a moral which assists in bracing up and steadying Society, for a season, against "thick coming" hallucinations.

"Joe Smith," previous to his becoming a Prophet, was a "Loafer." He resided near the village of Palmyra, spent most of his time in bar-rooms, and seemed only anxious to live along "from hand to mouth," without work. He was then remarkable for nothing in particular, but indolence, and scheming on a small scale. In 1824 or '5, he went a vagabonding off into Western Pennsylvania, where, nobody knows how, he got possession of the manuscript of a half-deranged Clergyman, with which he returned to Palmyra, where he pretended that he was directed in a dream to a particular spot in the woods, to possess himself of an oracular "slate," or, as he called it, a "Golden Bible." -- From this inspired "slate," which he used to place in his hat, he read to the "gaping few" new and strange revelations: and finally, he produced the "Book of Mormon," as the creed and faith of a People of whom he was designed by Providence to be the Prophet and Ruler. The "Book of Mormon" is a copy of the manuscript which Smith obtained near Pittsburgh.

A wealthy Farmer, by the name of Harris, was his first believing convert. Harris mortgaged his Farm to raise the money required for the temporal support of the Prophet, and printing of the "Book of Mormon." The Prophet and his Convert (Smith and Harris) came to Rochester and offered us the honor of being their Printer. (We were in like manner, a year afterwards, asked to print "Morgan's Revelations of Free-Masonry.") But as we were only in the newspaper line, we contented ourselves with reading a chapter of what seemed such wretched and incoherent stupidity, that we wondered how "Joe" had contrived to make the first fool with it. But he went on, making not only fools, but knaves, in America and Europe, for more than twenty years, and until his career was abruptly cut short by men who became themselves violators of the laws they were called to vindicate.


Note 1: The above article has not been previously reproduced by Vogel or other compilers of articles on the Mormons. At the time it was written, the editor of the Albany Evening Journal was still its founder, the famous Whig journalist and politician, Thurlow Weed. Mr. Weed had been publishing the Anti-Masonic Enquirer in Rochester, NY, when Joseph Smith Jr., and Martin Harris approached him concerning the publication of the Book of Mormon. Mr. Weed printed essentially the same information in the Albany Evening Journal on July 31, 1854 and again on May 19, 1858. An amalgam of these Journal accounts of the meeting between Thurlow Weed and Joseph Smith appeared in Weed's 1883 Autobiography of Thurlow Weed and in an 1880 statement he prepared for Ellen E. Dickinson.

Note 2: Weed's account of Joseph Smith, Jr.'s "vagabonding off into western Pennsylvania" in "1824 or 1825" is superficially confirmed by an 1877 report attributed to Smith's own early testimony: "He [Joseph Smith, Jr.] said when he was a lad... he... was permitted to look in the glass [seer crystal]... He was greatly surprised to see... a small stone, a great way off... He said that the stone was... situated... on the South side of Lake Erie, not far from the New York and Pennsylvania line.... This singular circumstance occupied his mind for some years, when he left his father's house, and with his youthful zeal traveled west in search of this luminous stone.... After traveling some one hundred and fifty miles [from a stopping point west of his home] he found himself at... its exact location.... he found the stone... [and then returned to] his long deserted home."

Note 3: In another late recollection, published in 1877, the Genesee Co., NY inn-keeper, Samuel D. Greene stated: "During the time I resided and kept tavern in the large brick house in the north part of Pembroke, Genesee county, New York (twenty-eight miles east of Buffalo and thirteen miles west of Batavia, on the great thoroughfare from Albany to Buffalo), came Joseph Smith to my house, I think, from Vermont. I took him to be about 18 or 19 years old, but he might have been a little older. He seemed to be thoroughly acquainted with the route from Canandaigua to Buffalo.... He carried with him three small black stones, with which, placed in the crown of his hat, and his hat placed before his eyes, he pretended to tell the fortunes of individuals; where lost or stolen property could be found; where early settlers had deposited their money."



Note 4: Dr, John Stafford, a neighbor of the Smith family in Manchester, NY, recalled in 1904 that Joseph's older brother, Alvin, "went out West in search of wealth, but was unsuccessful and in a short time returned." Before 1830 a significant number of Ontario Co. residents had moved west and settled on newly cleared farms in Auburn twp., Geauga Co., Ohio, including George Antisdale, Roger Antisdale and Isaac Butts, who settled there in 1817-18. The Antisdales had occupied the next farm west of the Joseph Smith, Sr. family, in northeastern corner of Farmington township, and some members of the family continued to reside there until late in the 19th century. It is possible that either Alvin, or Joseph (or both) made a trip to Ohio during the 1820s, in cooperation with some of these transplanted former neighbors.

Note 5: Life-long Bainbridge, Ohio resident Charles E. Henry, wrote in 1886 that a local school-teacher, who knew Sidney Rigdon, and who taught school in Bainbridge during the winter of 1826-27, within sight of Rigdon's home, had seen Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon together the following spring -- "and he [Smith] and Rigdon went off together and were gone some months. It was reported that they had gone to Pittsburgh, but whether true or not no one could say. It was generally believed, however, that Smith at least visited Western New York before either returned to Ohio." The teacher's mention of Joseph Smith, Jr. having visited "Pittsburgh" at an early date is complementary to Thurlow Weed's assertion that "the Book of Mormon is a copy of the manuscript which Smith obtained near Pittsburgh." one explanation of the events hazily recounted in these reminiscenses, would be that Smith first encountered Rigdon in Bainbridge, Ohio, and that the two of them traveled to Sidney's old home at Library, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh) to accomplish some errand or retrieve some object necessary in their supposed production of the "Golden Bible."

Note 6: On the subject of Joseph Smith, Jr. having visited with Rigdon, in Ohio, prior to the publication of the Book of Mormon, here is what James Jeffery had to say in 1884: "Forty years ago I was in business in St. Louis.... Sidney Rigdon I knew very well.... Rigdon, in hours of conversation told me a number of times there was in the printing office with which he was connected in Ohio, a manuscript of Rev. Spaulding, tracing the origin of the Indian race from the lost tribes of Israel; that this manuscript was in the office for several years; that he was familiar with it... that he (Rigdon) and Joe Smith used to look over the manuscript and read it over Sundays." Although Rigdon is not known to have been "connected" with a printing office in "Ohio," he did have connections with printers and publishers in Pittsburgh, c. 1823-25, when he worked there as a lether finisher and supplied book-bindings to people like the printer Silas Engles... From Pittsburgh, Rigdon went to Ohio, at the end of 1825. Here then, is the period when Smith and Rigdon could have been in the same place, and especially on "Sundays," when Rigdon would have had a good excuse to travel the short distance from Bainbridge to neighboring Auburn, to preach to the Baptist congregation there (Rigdon then being a Grand River Baptist Assoc. pastor and the church at Auburn, Ohio being a Grand River congregation). Auburn township, Ohio was a place largely settled by pioneers who came from the area around Palmyra, NY, and among whom Joseph Smith, Jr. might have logically found some reason to go "a vagabonding" during the mid-1820s.

Mormonism.

Of all modern delusions none has excited a more general notice than that of Mormonism. From its rise to its downfall it has been agitated by the press and communities, and nothing has transpired, of a public nature, during its progress but that all are acquainted with. Their "golden bible," which has been the instrument on which this base delusion is founded, as has since been ascertained, was written by the Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College and formerly a pastor of the Presbyterian church in the Western Reserve in Ohio. Obliged to resign his charge, obn account of ill health, and being somewhat of an antiquarian, from the discovery of mounds, that are scattered so profusely along the valley of the Mississppi, supposed to be the dwellings of a lost race, and numerous implements which evinced skill in the arts, to beguile the hours of retirement, and give exercise to a lively imagination, he was induced to write an imaginary history of them. It purported to have been left by them, and was entitled the "Manuscript Found." -- This history has, in the hands of its designing promulgator, been made the basis of a sect who now style themselves the "Holy Ones." Strange as it may sem, thousands of fanatics from this and other countries have embraced the doctrine within a few years. Having separated themselves from all other sects, they have been enabled to build one of the most splendid cities in the United States, and their temple, it is said, is not surpassed in magnificence by any in the world.

On that beautiful feature in our government, "religious tolerance," these misguided persons have been allowed all the privileges they could enjoy from our laws; and notwithstanding repeated aggressions on their part, the utmost lenity has been shown them, until quite recently, when the outrages became so numerous and aggravated, that an exasperated community have resolved to extirpate them or perish in the attempt. Serious collisions have already taken place, one of which resulted in the death of their self-styled "prophet." Since this occurrence dissensions have grown up among them, and they have become more troublesome to the surrounding country than before. Matters have reached such a crisis that they have been intimidated by the force of public opinion, and have, for their own safety judiciously concluded to remove in a body to California.

While these steps have been taken the most astounding developments have been made. Just on the eve of their departure it has been ascertained that their leaders have been engaged in the most extensive counterfeiting, and circumstances have come to light that would induce us to believe that murder and crime of every description have been their principal occupation. It is strange that the better portion of them, and those who give evidence of their sincerity, should hold to their dictrines with such tenacity, when they must have been acquainted with some of their rascality that has been carried on in their midst. And still more singular is it that there are persons in every community who yet sympathize with this deluded sect. When shall men learn to spurn the notions of every brainless fanatic who vaunts his own virtues, and who too often proves to be the most consumate scoundrel. Doubtless the whole gang of offenders will be brought to justice, and that too without distinction of persons, and the law of "tolerance" will avail them little in shielding their iniquity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon  Affairs.

We learn that the first expedition of the Saints for the Rocky Mountains, will take up its line of march in about three weeks. This first company will consist of about fifty men, with a sufficient number of teams, drawn by good horses, to convey the farming utensils, provender, &c. they may need. They will load with grain at the last settlement, and push their horses through as fast as possible, until they reach the base of the mountains, which they say they can do by the time the grass is fairly up. Here they will halt and commence farming operations. They will put in a large a crop as possible, and remain until the summer emigrants come up. The object of this expedition is to raise something for the summer emigrants to recruit on, while on their journey.

We learn that on Monday last a very serious row occurred in Nauvoo, between the followers of the Twelve and those of the Wisconsin Prophet.

As our readers are already informed, the new Prophet has made considerable inroads into the church at Nauvoo. Lately he obtained a new revelation in relation to the succession and sent some messengers to the Holy City to read it to the people. This they attempted on Monday last, but were surrounded by a mob who attempted to drive them from the city. Whereupon a row ensued, in which clubs were used freely. The Twelvites gained the victory, and drove their opponents from the ground. We look with anxiety for further particulars.
                                Warsaw Signal, Jan. 28.


Note: "The Wisconsin Prophet" here mentioned was Elder James J. Strang, then holding forth from Burlington, Wisconsin.

THE MORMONS. -- The Nauvoo Eagle says the Mormons' expedition is working its way westward slowly in consequence of the lack of forage for their horses. The men have to work for the farmers along the route, in order to procure the necessary food for horses and cattle. Those still at Nauvoo are making all possible haste in their preparations to join the advance party. The Nauvoo House will be completed in a few days.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE TEMPLE AT NAUVOO. -- We are gratified to learn that there is a prospect of converting the Temple, recently erected at Nauvoo by the Mormons, to a useful and most charitable purpose. A wealthy gentleman from the south arrived here a few days since, en route to purchase the Temple, if it can be bought for a reasonable price. His object, we understand, is to convert the Temple into an asylum for destitute widows and females, and to purchase lands and town lots, and endow it out of the rents of them. The author of this liberal proposition, we understand, is a bachelor, far advanced in life.
                                St. Louis Republican, April 16.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- A Mormon settlement, under the influence of Sidney Rigdon, has been commenced in the vicinity of [Greencastle], in the adjoining county of Franklin. Pa , and some 8 or 9 miles distant from this place. They have purchased a large tract of land from a Mr. McLanahan, for which they paid some $15,000. Upon the tract is a very valuable water power, and we are told they propose erecting extensive manufactories -- among the rest a cotton factory. A considerable number of the faithful have commenced locating upon their new premises. Sidney Rigdon being present and directing their movements. -- Hagerstown (Md.) News.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Interesting from the Mormon Country.

The following extract of a letter from a person within four miles of Nauvoo, under date of May 3, gives some very interesting particulars of the Mormon people, the price of property in and around Nauvoo, &c. which can we relied on as not exaggerated. After speaking of other matters, the writer, without thinking of its appearing in print, goes on in this wise:

"There has been a set of Mormons here that did not care for anything that was good, honest, or honorable. With such inhabitants, it was impossible for a country to thrive. They would steal from each other as soon as from any other person, and that was no uncommon occurrence. But the poor deluded creatures are leaving as fast as possible, and it would make your heart ache to see the misery and distress, that you could not help seeing as they pass by. The women and children drive the stock, and most all are bare-footed. Some of the men have so many spiritual wives, he has quite a train. The poorest amongst them have their two kinds of wives.

When we look at it, it seems hard that they should sacrifice their property and pleasant homes, as many of them have had to at Nauvoo. There are a great many purchasers there now, and they can buy at their own prices. There has been large two story brick houses, that were finished in the best manner, with from four to six acres of the best land, set out with all kinds of fruit and shrubbery, sold for $400. One place, where the house cost $2,000, was sold at this rate. Property will soon be up again. -- There has a company come from Pittsburgh, and bought a large amount of property, and are going into cotton manufacturing. They think they can get sufficient water power by building a large dam and canal at the head of the rapids. They have already commenced the building of two wharves. There was a man here yesterday who came directly from there. He is going to buy property, for he says he has not the least doubt if a man had $1,000 to lay out, he could sell that property before the end of the year, that is, if he made a good selection, for $5.000 or $6,000.

The poor Mormons are obliged to sell, for they must go. Their faith is so strong in the promises of Joe Smith, that there very few who turn apostates to the faith. They are as firm and devoted as the martyrs of old.

The man I speak of was at Mrs. ______'s. She has a nice convenient brick house, and every thing comfortable about her. He told her she was very foolish to go -- that she would have to suffer so much, and he did not believe her children would live to get to the journey's end. -- "Oh," says she, "I must go with the church -- this people can accomplish any thing -- we shall make the wilderness blossom like the rose!"

You can tell very quick when the rich Mormon passes. His wagon is covered with oil cloth, and when he encamps for the night, they pitch their tent, and it looks like an officer's markee on a tented field. They set their table and have every thing for their comfort -- that is, all they could have in their situation. The first company that went on are encamped at the head waters of Grand River. There are at that place, and on the way, ten thousand. They calculate to remain there this year, and some think [they] will never go to California, though Brigham Young has gone over the mountain to select a spot. He is the head Prophet. It is said he had every thing for his comfort. He had eight spiritual wives, and one carnal. The rich men use their first wife well; but the poor ones make slaves of them.

There has a band of desperate fellows congregated in the western part of this territory. Many think they will be a greater curse where they now are, than they have ever been. They are furnished with every kind of fire arms, from the pistol up to the sixteen-shooter rifle, which they can fire almost as quick as thought. They have also several cannon, several heavy loaded wagons with ammunition. They are prepared for a bold stand somewhere, and wherever they locate they will make trouble. There are fears, and I think they are not groundless, from the threats they make, that they are bent upon bloodshed, and that it is the intention of the desperadoes to waylay the Santa Fe traders and Oregon emigrants. Should that be the case, they will never leave one to tell the story."


Note: This first-hand account of the scene in and around Nauvoo, during the late spring of 1846, is not elsewhere reproduced. The report tells of polygamy being clearly evident among the Mormon pioneers leaving Illinois -- this was also the case along their trail westward, despite official denials of the practice from LDS Church leaders for the next six years. The correspondent in Illinois evidently saw that rich Mormon pioneers openly displayed their personal wealth, while some of the poorest members of the group gave up all they had, in simply making arrangements to depart for the west.

Mormon  Affairs.

From the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser.

The threatened blow up of the Mormon Temple did not take place, but the people of Hancock county have held a meeting at Carthage, and made arrangements to commence the diabolical work of driving out the remaining Mormons. From three to five thousand Mormons still remain at Nauvoo, and the Anties invite the surrounding counties to organize, arm and equip for the purpose of driving them out. The Twelve have written back, advising all that cannot come well prepared for the journey to California, to remain at Nauvoo. Farther and serious difficulties are apprehended at Nauvoo.

An extra from the office of the Hancock (Nauvoo) Eagle details the proceedings of the Anti-Mormon Lynchers. The Editor says that "we have packed up the bulk of our printing materials and shall suspend the publication of the paper until order shall have been established in the county.

Many of the Mormons are said to be in great distress, from having been so broken up. They are treated cruelly, and cases are mentioned where some of them have been so scourged that the blood has run down to their heels. The news that armed bands menaced the city of Nauvoo had suspended all business, and the streets were nearly deserted. One of the invading corps, it is said, does not contain a man having any property interest in the county. The new settlers, comprising those only who have recently purchased property in this city and its vicinity, have had a meeting and organized a police force according to law, which is to take to the field immediately in defence of the place a nd for the maintenance of order.

These atrocious persecutions of the Mormons are a disgrace to the age and our country, and efficient measures should be taken to end and punish them.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Bill Smith's  Letter to  the Voree Herald.

I have, since I returned to Nauvoo, for the first time been apprised of an appointment made by Joseph Smith to James J. Strang. On hearing this, I took pains to gather all the evidence that could be adduced to see if there was any foundation at all for the claims of Mr. Strang.

I called in to see sister Emma, to enquire concerning the appointment. Sister Emma says that Joseph received a letter from Mr. Strang -- Hyrum was present, and he called in J. P. Green; at first Joseph thought all was not right, but Hyrum thought otherwise. They talked over matters a while and came to the conclusion that Joseph would write a letter; so Joseph and brother Green went out for that purpose.

Emma also states that her son Joseph saw a woman come into a room in Far West, Mo. and told him this church would go to Voree; the boy was only eight years old. Joseph, his father, was in jail at the time; the boy remembers the vision, &c.

Joseph before he was martyred, when on his way from the temple hill home, saw a vision, and his mother recollects that when he came home he put his hands upon his eyes and prayed that the vision might pass, and that he stated that he heard as it were music in the Heavens, but the notes were low and sad as though they sounded the requiem of martyred prophets.

I remember myself that Joseph said; "My work is almost done; I feel that I shall rule a mighty host, but not in this world; the wolves are on the scent," &c." Joseph bid his wife and mother farewell saying, I am going as a lamb to the slaughter. This was his impression.

And I further state that Joseph did not appoint the twelve as his successor, and I was in the last council with him, and had an opportunity of hearing and knowing his sentiments in regard to these things.

I also heard Joseph say that should the time ever come that Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimbal would lead this church, that they would lead it to hell. This was said in the hearing of sister Emma Smith. The whole Smith family of Joseph stock join in sustaining J. J. Strang.

It is to remembered that, soon after Joseph and Hyrum's death, brother Green died, and he was heard by numerous individuals to say that Joseph had appointed Strang.
                                                            WILLIAM SMITH.
This is to certify that the Smith family do believe in the appointment of J. J. Strang.
William Smith, Patriarch.
Lucy Smith, Mother in Israel.
Arthur Milliken,
Nancy Milliken.
W. J. Salisbury.
Catherine Salisbury.
Sophronia McLerie.
Note: William Smith's letter was first published in the Voree Herald of July, 1846. Emma Hale Smith's name is conspicuously missing from William's Smith family list of Strang supporters.

ANOTHER WESTERN HUMBUG. -- A fresh plate-digger, translator, and prophet, has arisen in the west. Whether he is of the Smith family, the accounts say not, but certainly he is of the Joe Smith genus -- only 'a little more so.' The case is this: a lot of brass plates, bearing marks of antiquity have recently been brought to light in Burlington, Wiskonsan. It appears that a certain man who has for some time past believed himself inspired, had it revealed to him, that by digging under a certain tree he would find a vessel containing plates with inscriptions relating to the aborigines of the country. He accordingly selected three of his neighbors to dig in the appointed place; who, (as they affirm,) after carefully examining the ground, to be sure that it had not been disturubed, dug to the depth of several feet, and found at last the said vessel, which, after being exposed to the air, crumbled to pieces, exposing three plates of brass covered with characters, of the meaning of which they were entirely ignorant, but which the prophet has since translated. The language from the translation purports to be that of a King or Chief describinig the destruction of his whole people and the place where they perished. -- Several persons have been to see the prophet, and many of them after seeing the plates believe them genuine. Whether this will reslove itself into Mormonism, or become a basis of a new sect, is a matter of speculation. -- In either case, it will find adherents. The world is full of dupes, and as it purports to be the work of divine revelation and is backed by the testimony of three honest men, it stands a good chance of being successful. -- N. Y. Sun.


Notes: (forthcoming)