THE MORMON BIBLE. -- The origin of this work which has puzzled many to account for, being evidently the production of a cultivated mind, yet found in the hands of exceedingly ignorant and illiterate persons, is at length explained. It was written in 1812, for amusement as a historical romance of the lost race, the remains of whose numerous mounds and forts are found on the Ohio. The author was Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who resided at New Salem, Ohio; and on the appearance of a Mormon preacher there, many of the friends of the deceased clergyman recollected passages which he had read to them during the time he was engaged in composing it. On inquiry, the original manuscript was found among his papers. It also appeared that at one time he had some thoughts in relation to printing the work, and that it remained at a printing office for a long time. Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at that time employed in this printing office, and it was no doubt copied by him.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM  OUR  AMERICAN  CORRESPONDENT.

NUMBER 6.
_______

NEW BEDFORD, ________ 1843.    

This is a beautiful town; affluence and general wealth seem to have centered here in a much greater ratio than the size of the place would authorize the visitor to expect; and it has all been fished from the ocean by the hardy whalers... Millerism and Mormonism have stirred the lower classes considerably. This year the religious excitement has been unusually intense, the passions of the mass venting themselves in this way, for want of other sources of action...

Having heard many stories of the deeds and sayings of these people when under the influence of their religious monomania, which appeared incredible, I determined to hear for myself; accordingly I sought out their places of meeting.... I attended two Mormon meetings; the first, with the exception of its foolish doctrines, was unexceptionable as a quiet, well conducted meeting. The speakers were remarkable for nothing but their ignorance, and certainly seemed to be well-intentioned. But the second was far different. The hall was filled with the rabble of the place. -- Many women were among them, but were, I was told, of no great respectability. If they had had the slightest pretension to refinement, they never would have listened to the vulgarity, obscenity, and blasphemy, which poured in wordy torrents from the lips of a rough, sinister-looking man who officiated as speaker. He paced the stage in great fury, thrashing his arms about like a windmill, and yelling at the top of his voice by way of emphasis. My disgust overcame my curiosity, and I was obliged to leave, but not without hearing some sentences which were significent to make the ears tingle with indignation. It reminded one of the fierce harangues of the sans culotte Jacobin leaders, when engaged in stirring up the populace to the bloody excesses of the first French revolution. Such men would glory in similar scenes here. They are revolutionists and anarchists. As low as were the audience, I could detect a smile of contempt among them, but the fellow I have no doubt succeeded in fleecing many of their funds...

I do not write this with the design to create a laugh at the expense of sacred topics. Far from it. It is what I saw and heard, only language is incapable of giving you these scenes in all their fanatical absurdity. And such yearly occur in our civilized, intelligent republic, and also in England -- for the most numerous recruits to Mormonism come from England...


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- Joe Smith, the Prophet of this delusion, was shot in Illinois, a few months ago in a lawless, mobocratic manner, and since that event indications have frequently appeared of the dissolution in the body. Its life is short.

MILLERISM. -- or end of the world ism, is nearly dead by its own limitations. Some literally got ready their white muslin ascension robes, sat down and waited for the moment of their upward departure. But it came not! Some of them have gone where they ought to have been sooner, the insane hospital, or to work as rational beings.

What ism will next appear to agitate the public mind and make the multitude stare, we cannot tell. So gullible is the world it cannot possibly wag long without something marvellous and mischievous.


Notes: (forthcoming)

OVERLAND  MAIL.
Fifty-seven days from New York!

The Ship Brooklyn, Capt. A. W. Richardson, was to leave New York the last [of] January for the Sandwich Islands direct, and hence to the coast of California. She will bring 100 emigrants for California and Oregon. The vessel was collecting freight in New York at the date of our correspondent's letter...


Note: For more on the Brooklyn and her California-bound Mormon passengers, see Elder Samuel Brannan's New York Messenger "Extra" of Dec. 13, 1845.

OUR  N. Y.  CORRESPONDENCE.

                                New York, Sept. 12, 1845.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FRIEND.

Dear Sir: -- I am about as miserly of my time as the Mediterrean is of water...

The isms of which I wrote you in my last, such as Millerism, Perfectionism, Mormonism, excite so little public attention as to be practically dead. The latter however has some property at Nauvoo, to protracr its existence a while...

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS FOR OREGON. -- The following curious letter has just been received by Col. Wentworth of Ill., member of Congress.

NAUVOO, Ill., Dec. 17, 1845.      

SIR, -- On the event of an act passing Congress for the erection of those forts on the Oregon route, suggested in the President's Message, we should be pleased if you would exert your influence in our behalf, as we intend to emigrate west of the mountains in the ensuing season. Our facilities are great, and we are enabled to build them at a lower rate than any other people. I have written the Secretary of War on the subject, and shall be pleased by your co-operation -- also, for transportation of the mail.

Yours, &c.,
                             BRIGHAM YOUNG,

President of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints.

---

MARINE INTELLIGENCE.
___________________________

PORT  OF  HONOLULU.
___________________________

ARRIVED.

June 20th -- American ship Brooklyn, Richardson, 136 days from New York.

---

Joseph Smith, jr., Founder of "Church of Latter-Day Saints," (or Mormons) -- Origin -- Book of Mormon -- History -- Creed -- present condition and prospective plans of the Sect -- California, &c,; &c.

The arrival of the "Brooklyn," has brought to our shores a large company of emigrants, on their passage from New York to California. Rumors are afloat and numerous inquiries are made respecting the origin and sentiments of these people, and the desire has been expressed that we should furnish for the readers of the Friend, some information upon this subject. It cannot be expected that an extended account would appear in our columns, but we offer the following summary of information gathered from various sources: --

Joseph Smith Jr. -- This individual is regarded as the founder of this sect, which has styled itself "Church of Latter-Day Saints." He was a native of Vermont, U. S., and in early life removed with his father to Manchester, N. Y. In the year 1823, when he was about 17 years old, "while engaged in meditation, watching and prayer," an angel appeared to him, who announced that the Lord had chosen him as translator of the Book of Mormon, 24 gold plates deposited in a stone box, in Manchester, upon a hill called Cumorah, about three miles from his father's house, and that there they had been deposited about 1400 years. He did not at first obey the command to go and look for the golden plates, but went to his labor as usual. Again the angel appeared, and in obedience to his call he went and by his followers, is believed to have found the plates in a stone box, lying near the surface of the ground. The plates are described as being thin plates of gold six or eight inches square, fastened together by three rings passing through each plate. Our limits will not allow us to state every thing that is reported respecting the plates, but suffice it to remark, Smith allowed them to remain for four years until 1827, when an angel or the Lord delivered the plates over to him, and with them the "Urim and Thummim," or two stones also found in the stone box. By looking through the stones Smith was informed that he could translate the records upon the golden plates, written in the Reformed Egyptian language. The work of translation was undertaken and completed, a person by the name of Oliver Cowdry, acting as Smith's amanuensis. The translation was published in 1828 [sic], under the title of the Book of Mormon. It has passed through three editions in the United States and one in England -- Smith continued to act as the chief mover and head of the sect, until he was killed on the 27th of June, 1844, at Carthage, Hancock County, Illinois. A pamphlet has been published at Nauvoo, Illinois, giving an account of his death, from which we make the following extract. The writer, who professes to have been an eye-witness, thus describes certain miraculous events:

"When President Smith had been set against the curb, and began to recover, Col. Williams ordered four men to shoot him."

"The ruffian, of whom I have spoken, who set him against the curb, now gathered a bowie-knife for the purpose of severing his head from his body. He raised his knife and was in the attitude of striking, when a light so sudden and powerful burst from the heavens upon the bloody scene, (passing its vivid chain between Joseph and his murders,) that they were struck with terrified awe and filled with consternation. This light, in its appearance and potency, baffles all powers of description. The arm of the ruffian, that held the knife, fell powerless; the muskets of the four, who fired, fell to the ground, and they all stood like marble statues, not having power to move a single limb of their bodies. Col. Williams saw the light and was badly frightened; but he did not entirely lose the use of his limbs or speech."

Church of Latter Day Saints -- This is the name of the society founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. It was organized April 6, 1830, at Manchester, N. Y. Six members originally composed the body, viz. Joseph Smith, senior, Hiram Smith, Samuel Smith, (father and brothers of the leader,) Joseph Smith, Jr., Joseph Knight and Oliver Cowdry. This company has continued to multiply and increase until now they claim at least 200,000 members, scattered over the United States, Great Britain and British Colonies, (Canada and Australia.) In 1831 they established themselves in Kirtland, Ohio, and Independence, Missouri. The latter place was called Mt. Zion. Here they laid the corner stone of the "Lord's Temple." On the 23d of July, 1833, the inhabitants of the surrounding country came into hostile collusion with them, when they were compelled to leave the place, some being killed. They retired to Ray county. Wherever they went, from various causes, they came in contact with the civil authorities, and were extremely disliked by persons who were not of their body. So strong became the feeling of opposition in Missouri, that the followers of Smith were compelled to leave the State. They looked around for a spot where they might again rally and concentrate their forces. At length they fastened upon the township of Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois. This is represented as a most beautiful site for a town, situated on the banks of the Mississippi. Nauvoo, is the name given to the place, signifying the beautiful city. It is believed that Nauvoo was first settled by the Mormons, in 1839. From the Legislature of the State of Illinois, they obtained six charters, incorporating, viz: A city, a standing army called the "Nauvoo Legion," a company for building a temple, an immense hotel, a school for the prophets called "Nauvoo University," and a manusactoring company. In 1845, the city of Nauvoo, was supposed to contain 20,000 inhabitants. The Temple is represented as a building of great magnificance, constructed of hewn stone, 180 ft. long, 120 wide, and otherwise well proportioned. The cost has been estimated at $100,000, while some put it much higher.

Belief or Creed. -- The following summary of their articles of belief, we publish upon the authority of Mr. Brannan, who is the leader of the company now bound to California. We would remark in regard to Mr. Brannan, that he is a young man, about 27 years of age, -- a native of Saco, Me. -- a printer by trade -- has resided for nearly three years in the family of Joseph Smith, Jr. -- been the editor of a weekly paper in New York city, called the New York Messenger, and is intending to establish another paper on his arrival in California.

The Church of Latter-day Saints profess to believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; in the Bible, as a divinely inspired book; in the necessity of repentance, reformation, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins: in the gift of the Holy Ghost, (in the fullest meaning of the expression, see 1 Corinthians, c. xii.) in miracles and revelations; in the Lord's Supper; in the Holy Ghost acompanying the laying on of hands upon laymen and priests; and in the washing of feet and the anointing with oil.

The Book of Mormon -- This is believed to be divinely inspired, that it gives a true and authentic account of the Indians of North and South America, the inhabitants of the Sanwich Islands and other Polynesian tribes, or of their ancestors the Jews, from the days of Jeremiah to the 4th and 5th centuries of the Christian era. The title of Mormon is given from the name of the last writer in the book. One of the sect informs us that the book of Mormon stands in the same relation to the western world as the Bible does to the Eastern. We do not learn that their preachers select their texts or topics of remark from the book of Mormon, but from the Bible, only referring to the former as to a well authenticated historical work.

As to other principles of this people upon other subjects -- they profess to advocate civil and religious liberty. During the election of President Polk, all the Mormons in the U. S. are reported to have voted for him, as the representative of the principles of democracy; and they assert that his election turned upon their vote. In regard to slavery, they assert that whoever adopts their views will be opposed to the system, and if he holds slaves, that he will very soon give them up. The principle of total abstinence finds many supporters among them; and as a body they would discountenance the use of intoxicating liquors.

Their present Condition and Prospective plans. -- As has been already stated, they estimate their numbers by hundreds of thousands, very mny of whom have come off from other denominations. This is true of the company on board the "Brooklyn." -- Some have come from the Baptists, others from the Methodists, a few from the Presbyterians, while almost every denomination has its representatives among them. So far as we are able to learn, California is now to be their grand central rendezvous, while the beautiful region around San Francisco Bay is the chosen spot where the latter-day-saints propose to settle. Abating much from the highly colored descriptions which we have always heard respecting that region, it must still be regarded as a most enchanting spot, and the most desirable location for a colony to be found upon the long line of the North and South American sea coast. The natural facilities of the country and bay conspire to render it certain, that many years cannot elapse before flourishing cities and villages will diversigy the scene. The watchword of the Mormons now is "California." The few scores of emigrants on board the "Brooklyn" are but a fraction of the immense numbers already on their way thither. The difficulties in which these people found themselves at Nauvoo, and other parts of the states, have led to the resolution to "break up" and "be off" for California. From various reports, we conclude that about 25,000 have left Nauvoo and other parts of the states for California; while the report has reached us, that a vessel with Mormon emigrants has already left Liverpool, and that others will soon follow, all bound for California.

Whatever views different classes of christians and politicians, may form of the dogmas and tenets of this people; one thing is certain, that this general movement in the four quarters of the globe, and rush for California, opens a new chapter in the colonizing and peopling of a sparsely inhabited and fruitful region of our globe. The influence which their arrival and settlement must have upon the present condition of California, is quite uncertain; but should the tide of emigration continue to flow in, (as it undoubtedly will) California must very soon become a very different country from what it has been, -- civily, socially, morally and religiously. We cannot but hope for a brighter day, and most certainly we are far from taking a dark view of the subject.

Before closing our remarks, we feel ourselves in duty bound to give publicity yo the testimony of Capt. Richardson, master of the "Brooklyn" in regard to the general character of the emigrants as it has been developed during a long voyage round Cape Hirn, Of their general behavior and character, he speaks in the most favorable manner. They have lived in peace together, and uniformly appeared to be quiet and orderly. They are going with the full determination of making a settlement, and have brought ploughs, carts, scythes and all kinds of husbandry implements and tools for ship and house building. They have not lost sight of the means for promoting education and schools. Many of the emigrants coming from New England and the middle states are inclined to transplant some of the noble institutions of their native regions. Capt. R. informs us that during most of the passage they have maintained orderly and well conducted daily religious exercises, which still continue while lying in port.

During the passage of the "Brooklyn" there have occurred 10 deaths, (4 adults and 6 children,) and 2 births. A male child born before doubling the Cape, was called Atlantic, and a female born this side is called Pacific.

This numerous company of emigrants are soon to leave for their new home; may it prove more powerful than the one they have left. So far as their minds may have been led to embrace error, may it be renounced. That we differ upon many essential points of doctrine and practice is clearly manifest, yet our best wishes and prayers go with them. May the fostering smiles of a kind and benignant Providence rest upon them. They are to lay the foundations of society, and institutions, social, civil and religious. O, may they be such that coming generations shall rise up and call them blessed.


==> The following is a list of deaths on board the ship Brooklyn... infant of Joseph Nichols... Mr. Elias Ensign... son of John R. Robbins... son of Mr. Jogn Fowler... Miss Eliza Ensign... son of Mr. John R. Robbins... son of Mr. Charles C. Burr... Edward Miles... daughter of Mr. George K. Winner... Mr. Silas Aldrich... Mrs Laura Goodwin...


==> List of passengers on board the Brooklyn... S. Brannan, Lady and child; Fanny M. Corwin; Robert Smith, Lady and two children... etc. etc...


Note: Parts of the above article from the Honolulu Friend were reprinted in The Californian of Aug. 22, 1846. Brigham Young's letter was reprinted in The Californian of Aug. 29, 1846.

Highly Important News --
Occupation of California by U. S. Naval Forces...

The Collingwood brings us important intelligence to July 24th from Montery... Com. Sloat took possession of Montery on the 7th of July, and hoisted the U. S. flag... Capt. Montgomery, of the Portsmith, took possession of San Francisco on the 9th. The whole of Upper California is now in possession of the Americans

Com. Sloat returns to the U. S. via Panama in the Levant, which ship goes home. Thus far the capture of California seems to have been effected without bloodshed, or resistence. Every thing was quiet at the latest dates, and business not materially deranged. The Mormons would not, it was anticipated, be favorably received either by the Californians or the American settlers...


Notes: (forthcoming)

VESSELS FOR HONOLULU

More Mormons. In the Gloucester, for New Orleans, Mrs. Clark and Messrs. F. Wade, of Boston; M. Cannon, wife and two children; Mrs. D. Bissell and son; Mrs. U. Haskell and son; Mrs. Ham and three children; Mrs. Hovey, Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Chandler, Miss S. Meaning; Messrs. G. B. Wallace and Knowles, of and for Nauvoo, Ill., and thence to California.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Later from California.

The Brooklyn arrived hence Aug. 3d. News had been received from the U. S. to the middle of May. The Californian notices a rumor of the death of Louis Phillippe, which probably arose from the attempt on his life.

The Town of Montery was quiet, and the crops in that vicinity looked promising. The wheat crop was very abundant...

Notes: (forthcoming)

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA.

Californians and New Mexicans attack the Americans -- the Vandalia, aBoston ship, taken -- Indian difficulties -- Mexican Ports Blockaded, &c., &c.

By the arrival of the "Brooklyn," Richardson, 16 days from St. Barbara, and 21 from Monterey, important news has been received from California. A file of the "Californian," from August 21, to September 19, has been received. From its columns and other sources, we present our readers with the following summary of intelligence:

September 26th. The Alcalde of St. Barbara, T. M. Robbins, Esq., received information from Lt. Gillespie, Commander of American Force at Ciudad de los Angeles, that the Californians and New Mexicans has risen against the American forces at that place...

The small force at St. Barbara was making preparations for defence, when the Brooklyn left for Oahu, Sept, 27th... "The Indians," writes a correspondent at Monterey, September 20, "have beseiged Sutters Fort...

Mr. Brannan, leader of the Mormons, has had some difficulty with the company, and has been called to account for strong language which he had employed with reference to any who might withdraw themselves. He is reported to have been bound over to keep the peace...


Note: For more on Elder Brannan's first weeks in San Francisco, see his California Star "Extra" of Jan. 1, 1847.

THE MORMONS. -- There has been, it seems, an irreconcilable split among the Mormons at San Francisco. The little volcano has been rumbling for some time, and has at last broke forth in flame. -- The result of this explosion will be to throw them into different parts of California. In this dissevered state they will undoubtedly do more good than a distinct community. They have habits of industry that can make them extensively useful; they are a plan, laborious, frugal people, and little deserve the opprobium which may be cast upon them.

---

The brig Juanita arrived at Monterey on the 18th November, from San Louis Obispo, and was immediately taken possession of by the Commandant of Monterey.

After St. Barbara had been taken possession of by the Californians, they made prisoners of Messrs. A. B. Thompson, T. B. Park and Thomas Robbins, and conveyed them to the Pueblo de los Angeles.

S. Brannan, the Mormon leader, has established a paper called the California Star, at Yerba Buena. From the first number, (Oct, 24,) we learn.

Santa Ana landed at Vera Cruz from the flag ship Pennsylvania, after a long conference with Commodore Connor; he was well received and immediately proclaimed President by the populace and soldiers...


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- Capt. VonPfister of the Com. Shubrick informs us that previous to his departure, 9,000 Mormons had arrived and were in camp the other side of the California Mountains, awaiting the melting of the snow to proceed to San Francisco. Elder Brannan, with ten others, had left to meet them and conduct them in.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon.

MORMON DOCTRINES. -- The National Intelligencer states that Orson Pratt, one of the Twelve Apostles of the church of "Latter Day Saints," is preaching three times on Sunday and once on Wednesday, every week at Temperance Hall, Washington, to about two hundred people. The Editor of that paper, describing a sermon on one of these occasions says:

It consisted chiefly in giving the history of the rise of Mormonism, the discovery of the Mormon scriptures, and the hopes of the sect for the future, which are very high and enthusiastic. In the exposition of Mormon ideas, doctrines, and practices, there appears no disposition to deny the polygamistic principles and habits that prevail amongst them. In reference to this, as to other points of Mormon doctrine, Elder Pratt refers to his journal, "the Seer," of which the first number has appeared. In this he defends a plurality of wives as a Divine institution, from arguments founded on the practice of three-fourths of mankind now, the customs of the old Jewish patriarchs, and the alleged tacit allowance of Christ. He also claims that polygamy is not proscribed by the Constitution and laws of the United States, but rather guarantied, when held under religious conviction, by that article of the amendments to the Constitution which affirms that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This plurality of wives he styles the "celestial marriage," which, he asserts, is to be a union as well as in eternity as in time. There would seem now to be no further room for doubt about Mormon sentiments on this head; they are not only acknowledged but proclaimed and sought to be universally spread.

---

Polygamy among the Mormons.

There has been a question for some years unsettled, whether the Mormons practiced polygamy, or viewed it as right for a man to have more than one wife. The point is now settled beyond all dispute that they not only believe but practice that doctrine. We would refer our readers to a statement upon this point found in another part of our columns. A similar statement we lately read in the San Francisco Herald, but thinking that after all it might be a mere report of those opposed to the sect, circulated for the purpose of heaping reproach upon those professing to believe in Mormonism, we took occasion recently to satisfy ourselves, in a manner, that left upon our mind not the shadow of a doubt. Several Mormons recently arrived in Honolulu, two of whom called at our office, when we put to them the question direct, "Do mormons believe and practice the doctrine that one man may rightfully marry more than one wife?" They not only did not deny the point, but would feign have convinced us that it was right and scriptural. In many points they claim not to differ from christians generally, but this is a point of fundamental difference, wherein they wage war on every christian church and christian nation.


Note: Mormon missionaries had been active in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) beginning four years after Elder Sam Brannan's brief stop-over there in 1846, but they were mostly ignored by the local press. The LDS Church's 1852 admission of the long-standing existence of polygamy among its membership was not well received by the generally Puritan-descended missionaries and ministers then living in the region in and around Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. Many of the local Oahu converts moved to the Church's new "City of Joseph" colony on the neighboring island of Maui. See former LDS missionary John Hyde's Lecture on Mormonism (first published in the Honolulu Polynesian of Oct. 25, 1856) for some details on these and related matters. In his editorial remarks prefacing the on-line text of Hyde's lecture, Scott G. Kenney says: "Ostensibly on a mission to the Sandwich Islands, John Hyde Jr. arrived at Lahaina, Maui, with Elder Thomas A. Dowell on the Fanny Major on October 5, 1856. But instead of attending the conference of elders there the next day, Hyde sailed for Honolulu, leaving the missionaries guessing about his intentions. On October 20 he delivered a speech in Honolulu that delighted the anti-Mormons, confused the native Saints, and angered the Utah missionaries." The reaction against Mormonism on Oahu continued to be a sharp one and within a few years the Church found it advisable to relocate the center for missionary activities on that island to Laie, as far away from Honolulu as possible.

Utah as it is.

To the Editor of the Polynesian:

It is ignoble to attack the weak and foolish to meddle with the ridiculous. Mormonism, however, is not weak. Between 2000 and 3000 professors of this cruel delusion will have arrived before this date at Salt Lake, as this year's emigration; it is not therefore decreasing. A system that has sufficient pretence of truth to obtain the acquiescence of a hundred thousand men and women of different countries, persuasions, abilities and prejudices, to combine them into one active co-operating body, and from 40,000 to 50,000 persons, who are gathered in one location, knocking at the gate of the Union, demanding admission as a state, is certainly not ridiculous. Its religious pretensions are too arrogant and presumptuous to deserve any thing but contempt; but the attention it has attracted, the abominations it practices, the moral depravity and religious ruin it is consummating in its many devotedly deluded followers, demands more serious consideration.

The Mormons arouse the rest of mankind with adultery, prostitution and corruption -- point to disease and misery as their consequences -- offer a better plan, polygamy, for the salvation of the world, the purification of our morals, the increase of our happiness, and to prepare, say they, for the coming of Jesus Christ. If their plan be effectual, surely it must result in good at home. There, in the paradise begun of Utah, we may expect to find a fair illustration of the workings of this system. Of course in the support of such high pretensions we must find superior evidences of moral purity, domestic happiness, social elevation of women, and consequently a more holy race of children, drinking in, as they pretend, the streams of direct revelation from God through their prophets and apostles. But if we find them more corrupt, men and children less happy, more degraded, and the children more depraved. we must reject the system as false and their claims to divine inspiration as infamous blasphemy.

It becomes, therefore a question of fact. The Mormons, of course, all claim the affirmative. From pulpit and platform, from the highest in authority and oldest in standing to the lowest and youngest in the church, in private council meetings and in public assemblies, in their printed organs and published circulars -- polygamy was furiously and strenuously denied until lately. Orson Pratt, one of their ablest men, and an apostle, called it an "abominable doctrine." John Taylor, another apostle, styled it "indelicate, obscene, and disgusting, such as none but a corrupt and depraved heart could have contrived." * All denied it -- their very pretended revelations oppose it. Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. XIII, p. 7: "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart and shalt cleave unto her and none else; and he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the spirit, and if he repents not shall be cast out." And again, Sec. XIX, p. 4: "Inasmuch as the church has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare we believe that one man should have one wife, and one woman but one husband; except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again." These two extracts from the Book of Commandments have been handed about as a statement of doctrine to rebut the charge of polygamy, when those very men knew that it had been practiced by many since 1843, according to their own tardy acknowledgment, and if they would confess it -- before that date. On the 7th April, 1852, polygamy was publicly avowed, and a pretended revelation of J. Smith's commanding its practice was read and commented upon: since then this principle has formed a part of their public preachings. The whole of the apostles abroad had lied in denying it; positively, deliberately, willfully lied, -- wrote lies, -- published and circulated lies, -- the heads of the church sanctioned and commanded them and claimed for it the approval of that Being who "cannot lie"! What confidence can we place in the statements of such men, or the pretensions of such a system?

The men who for nine years hesitated at no assertion to enforce or cover up their falsehoods, will not be very scrupulous in the means they adopt to-day to conceal what they do not wish told, or deny what another may reveal. Their testimony as to the workings of their polygamy therefore, is inadmissible. A liar of nine years' standing certainly cannot be depended on, notwithstanding all his claims to inspiration, divine authority and a holy priesthood. The testimony for the defence being inadmissible, the contra testimony remains intact; and what is it? That polygamy owes its rise to the lusts of Joseph Smith; that it is subversive of man's happiness; that it is degrading to the women, who feel bitterly their degradation; that it is not productive of peace, but heart-wringings, anguish and despair; that it produces an unruly, swearing, lying, precocious and profligate race of children; that it is not beneficial to the increase of the population nor improving to the physical or mental development of their offspring, and that instead of purifying and elevating man, it is a most depraving curse.

I who have been an eye and ear witness to its practical operation at Salt Lake City, am prepared to substantiate these eight assertions; and may perhaps, at another time, do so at greater length than afforded by the space of a newspaper.

The Mormons demand admission into the Union as a State, claim to have over 70,000 inhabitants in the Territory of Utah, and set that forth as a reason why the right to make their own laws, elect their own officers and regulate their own affairs should be accorded to them. Their census is a monstrous perjured falsehood! Any United States appointed officer who would take the real census list of inhabitants, would find it very little more than the half of their representation. In the Cache Valley district, for an instance, only occupied by a few church herdsmen, they have represented several hundreds of inhabitants. In the Battle Creek district, they have put down many who are dead, many who never even came to America, many who never had an existence and never will have; and in similar manner through most of the other districts. The district reporters deliberately made affidavit and swore that these census returns were correct; knowing as they did, and as many since have privately and boastingly acknowledged, that they were extravagantly and intentionally false! The testimony of such willful perjurers would not be received on the simplest case -- and how can they expect to be believed when speaking of the purity of their morals, the divine authority of their revelations, the divine authority of their prophets and apostles, or the holiness of their lives?

Last Spring I left Salt Lake for these Islands, dissatisfied and unhappy. On recalling to my memory all I had witnessed; what I had seen of tyranny and wrong, corruption and sorrow, vice and crime -- what I had heard of contradictions and inconsistencies in doctrine, ridiculous pretensions miserably supported, outrageous imposture and intolerant bigotry, I determined to forsake this system. My reasons have been repeatedly asked, and by many persons. I have selected, Mr. Editor, your columns as my means of communicating the above brief sketch of some of them, and am sir.

Yours respectfully,                           JON HYDE, Jr.

Honolulu, 14th Oct., 18[56].

__________
* Taylor's discussion at Boulogne, page 8.

---

[Communicated.]

HONOLULU, 16th Oct., 1856.    

Dear Sir: Having learned that you have recently arrived from Utah, and are familiarly acquainted with the state of affairs there, we would respectfully request that you deliver a public Lecture before the people of Honolulu, at such time and place as may suit your convenience. We have been induced to make this request, in part, from the fact that we learn you have [been able] to renounce the doctrines of Mormonism. We shall be glad to learn your reasons for changing your [views] and presume a public statement of these reasons [will] be interesting to the community.

Most respectfully yours,

R. ARMSTRONG,
ASHER B. BATES,
SAM'L C. DAMON,
R. C. WYLLIE,
W. S. TURNER,
J. D. STRONG.

JON HYDE. Esq., &c., &c.
Note 1: English convert John Hyde was "publicly appointed, without any previous intimation, to go on a mission to the Sandwich Isles" at the April 1856 LDS General Conference at Salt Lake City. According to Hyde, "I accepted the appointment... In May, accordingly, I left Salt Lake City for the Sandwich Islands, having been chosen as president over the missionaries destined for that location." Hyde also says: "On the Pacific ocean, in communion with God and my own soul, the darkness of doubt that had blinded my eyes, and the mists of indecision that had paralyzed my energies, left me, and I resolved not only to renounce Mormonism, but also to tell the world freely, fully, and fearlessly, as well my reasons, as my experience. To this end I have labored in the Sandwich Isles, California, and elsewhere... To deter persons from embracing delusion, and to rescue from complete self-sacrifice any who have already embraced it are my only motives for adopting my course."

Note 2: For more of John Hyde's comments on his experience of Hawaii, Mormonism and polygamy, see his 1857 book, Mormonism, Its Leaders and Designs, pp. 13 - 27 and pp. 51-82. For Hyde's excommunication notice, see the Jan. 21, 1857 issue of the Deseret News. See also some related comments by Scott G. Kenney.

Lecture on Mormonism.

On the evening of Monday, 20th inst., we attended a lecture at the Bethel Chapel, by Mr. Jon Hyde, whose communication appeared in our last week's issue. The chapel was crowded. Among the congregation we observed many of the elite of Honolulu. The subject was the lecturer's reasons for leaving the Mormons. Our space forbids more than a very cursory sketch; the most prominent points however were these:

1st. The arrogance and extravagance of their pretensions. He read from the Deseret News several extracts, where Brigham Young claims to have and give revelation at all times, suited to all persons and circumstances, demands implicit obedience, affirms his total irresponsibility to any man or set of men, pronouncing curses on disobedience, and asks God to deal with him only as well as he deals with the people.

2nd. The contradictions between the leading men. He read an extract from the book of Smith's revelations, Section xxii, 1, where it says that all that the elders, on missions, say is scripture; he showed that Orson Pratt had taught many things that Brigham contradicted, and had called damnable doctrine; that Brigham had in places contradicted himself; that O. Hyde, President of the Twelve Apostles, had taught a doctrine called baby-resurrection, opposed and contradicted by all the rest, and yet this was all scripture or else none of it was.

3d. The conduct of the Mormons the best exponent of their principles. A people constantly directed by the Holy Ghost, of course must be expected to possess a very superior amount of holiness and purity. The Mormons say that Utah, independent of religion, is the best place to live in. He said he would not, in this investigation, rely on his own statements, for he might be accused of desire to distract; nor quote the assertions of enemies, for they might be prejudiced; nor from impartial observers, for they might misunderstand; nor from mis-informed friends, for they might mis-state; nor from old dates, for the church might have grown more perfect since then; nor extracted from adverse journals, for they might garble; but in the language of their leading men, of the latest dates, and printed in their own organ.

Were they honest? He read from Brigham Young's sermon, printed in the Deseret News, April 30, wherein he accuses some of the American brethren of stealing cattle from the range on the "other side of Jordan" and beefing them, and bringing the meat and selling it to the ignorant owners of the cattle, and then thanking heaven for "such a God send!" But these, said the lecturer, might be thought to be the notions of the very worst men. He read another extract out of the same sermon, accusing that reported best men, then present at church, (meeting-going, tithe-paying, prayer-saying, church-maintaining, "scripture speaking," saint-named, truth-loving pure men,) with robbing their "brethren in the Lord," by turning cattle into their oats or wheat, and then on being woke up, lieing about it. "But," said Mr. Hyde, "we may be told that these are only the reputedly best men; they have hood-winked the people, but cannot of course, deceive Brigham, and that these were not placed in a position of honor, or trust." He read from a sermon of Brigham Young, published June 25, in the Deseret News, and as the piece is so richly expressive, we copy it verbatim:

"I have proof ready to show that the Bishops have taken in thousands of pounds of tithing which they have never reported to the tithing office. We have documents to prove that Bishops have taken in hundreds of bushels of wheat, and only a small portion of it has come in to the general tithing office; they have stole it to let their friends speculate on. If anyone is doubtful about this, will you not call on me to produce my proof before a proper tribunal." -- B. Young's sermon delivered June 15th, 1856.

These are the best men they can find; grinding down the poor and then robbing the church. "If such be their best men, God help their worst, and doubly help the poor wretches who fall under their clutches." He alluded to the many cases of ox stealing, and the means of replenishing the "church herd," and supplying the tithing office with beef. As to purity, Brigham charges the community with fostering prostitutes, idolaters and drunkards. [Dest. News, June 25:]

As to polygamy, by their own works in the early days of the church it was wholly forbidden, and that too professedly by a God the Mormons claim to be unchangeable. In are book of Smith's revelations it was expressly prohibited (see our last number.) The Section cix stating that "as the church had been accused of the crime of polygamy, we declare our believe that a man shall have one wife," was appended, said the lecturer, after the death of Joseph Smith, of which Sec. cxi treats, after Smith had received his celebrated revelation of 1843 commanding polygamy; so that the compilers of that section intentionally printed a willful lie and palmed it off as a revelation from God -- and in such company, what can we think of the other revelations?

The revelation of 1843 was generally supposed by the Saints as the foundation of polygamy, and that Joe. Smith never practised it till after that revelation was given; but in Par. 21, Emma Smith is commanded to receive not all those who shall be given, but "all those who have been given to my servant Joseph" -- proving that Joseph had taken them before, and as this is the revelation commanding polygamy, Joseph Smith had therefore, by his own admission, taken them before he was commanded, and consequently was an adulterer.

In the Mormon Book, page 118, (3d European edition) it distinctly forbids polygamy -- threatens those who have more than one wife with "a sore curse, even to destruction!" now, said Mr. Hyde, if Joseph Smith was right at the commencement of his ministry he was wrong at the close, or else the Mormon unchangeable God had sadly changed during thirteen years! At Salt Lake the men were not happy or holy; polygamy with the woman was the record of her anguish, and her despair; the children were corrupt and wicked, and J. D. Grant, the third man in the ruling triad, defended their wickedness; called them hickory saplings, such said they could not be bent. He named some instances of a man marrying mother and daughter, and another taking his half sister, and gave some amusing illustrations of the working of polygamy.

The audience was highly attentive and evidently much pleased, as were we, and feel inclined to congratulate Mr. Hyde on his happy escape, and to predict for him much success in the discharge of his new line of duty.

---

To the Editor of the Polynesian:

SIR: -- It appears that your columns have again been used as a medium through which to slander and abuse an innocent and unoffending people, therefore it is hoped you will permit me to say a few words through the same, by way of reply or explanation.

It is not my intention of writing a lengthy article, and I should probably say nothing were it not that same who are entirely ignorant concerning the people of Utah, their doctrines, morals, &c., may perhaps be led to believe the statements made in the piece referred to -- that is, the article by Mr. Hyde which appeared in the 24th number of your paper -- and acting upon their belief, without investigating, may be led to do or say things to the injury of the innocent.

The philanthropic (?) gentleman no doubt fancies to himself that he is doing a great benefit to the public in general, by showing up to the public eye the depravity and corruption of the inhabitants of Utah Territory, and at the same time he would be striking a death blow at the sect whose principles he so strenuously advocated some six months since. He seems to think their religious pretentions are too arrogant and presumptuous to deserve anything but contempt; but the attention it has attracted, the abominations it practices, the moral depravity and religious ruin it is consummating in its many devoted deluded followers demands more serious consideration.

After having his mind enlightened on the subject, it is somewhat strange that a person of his pretensions should condescend to meddle with so contemptible a subject as he now considers Mormonism to be. But we find to our surprise that some men will perform the most servile acts when they are "hard up," or when they wish to work themselves into the good graces of those whom they consider their betters.

What proof has Mr. H. given to substantiate his assertions? Just as much as many others have who have written and spoken against Mormonism -- that is, we have his word for it, which according to his own assertion, is good for nothing. Mr. Hyde has for years been a member of the "Mormon Church," and as a missionary has advocated its principles. Not more than six weeks since he lectured in favor of polygamy, and now he says he did not believe it himself at the time, but that his mind had been doubting for years. He has preached Mormonism and used every exertion possible to make converts, by teaching what he believed to be a "lie." Thus he proves himself to be a liar, hypocrite, and deceiver of his fellow men, trying to lead them into a delusion which would "consummate" their "ruin," and make them as "depraved" as he no doubt was. Is it possible that a man who for years has practiced hypocrisy, who has preached lies, written and circulated lies while defending Mormonism, would be entirely free from falsehood in opposing it? "A liar of __ years standing certainly cannot be depended on;" his "testimony therefore is inadmissable."

Mr. Hyde has "been an eye and ear witness to the practical operations" of polygamy "at Salt Lake City." I too have been an eye and ear witness to its operations, and I think my opportunities for observation were not inferior to those of Mr. H., having been a resident at Salt Lake City for six years; and I speak conscientiously and advisable when I say that the statements of Mr. Hyde are false, and he knowsÊthem to be false.

But in order to give some semblance of truth to his statements, he takes isolated passages from Mormon books, which by misconstruing the real meaning or using a little deception, he hopes to make appear to a prejudiced public as indisputable proofs that Mormonism is all a deception and a humbug.

He quotes from the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. xiii, p. 7, "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else; and he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her, shall deny the faith, and shall not have the spirit, and if he repents not shall be cast out." I hardly knew the gentlemen's object in making this quotation, but he certainly could not have meant to use it as a club against the Mormons, for it is one of their favorite passages, and does not in the least conflict with any of their doctrines -- consequently needs no comment.

The second quotation reads thus: "Inasmuch as this church has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare we believe that one man should have one wife, and one woman but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again." The article setting forth the faith and doctrines of the Mormons from which this was taken was written in the early stages of the Church, at which time Joseph Smith had received no revelation on polygamy. The article did not profess to be a revelation, but was written in order that the world might be rightly informed concerning Mormon doctrines, as they were then, as well as at the present time, reproached with many things which did not exist except in the imagination of their enemies. But let us see how the most objectionable part reads: "we declare we believe that one man should have one wife" -- at least one wife. Do the Mormons deny this at the present time? Far from it. This is one of the most prominent doctrines of the Latter Day Saints, that one man -- that is, every man -- should have at least one wife to insure him an exaltation in the kingdom of God. What is there objectionable in that? Paul says "the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord." But perhaps the gentleman would find fault with that part of the quotation which restricts the woman to one husband, -- if so, it would doubtless be, easily accounted for. But sufficient has already been said in regard to that subject, for as I said before, it is not my design to write a lengthy article, but simply to state the facts as they exist.

Mr. H.'s assertion that certain Apostles had lied, is worthy of the above source from whence it emanated. I am perhaps as well acquainted with those men and their characters as Mr. H., and I presume much better, and I can testify that they are of a different kind of men from what Mr. H. would like to make appear. If they ever denied the practice of polygamy by the Mormons, it was no doubt in consequence of their ignorance of the same.

In regard to the gentleman's statement concerning the census report of Utah, it is too preposterous to require but a passing notice, yet there are doubtless many who are prepared to believe anything bad about the people of Utah, however ridiculous it may be. The people of Utah represent their numbers as being 70,000, but Mr. H. thinks there is but very little more than half that number. Doubtless the people of Utah will feel under much obligation to Mr. John Hyde for expressing his opinion in regard to so weighty a matter. It is singular what different views men take of the same subject. Judge Drummond, a disinterested party, in one of his letters, estimated the population of Utah at 100,000, and I am sure his means for information were as good if not better than Mr. Hyde's.

The gentleman says the testimony of the Mormons "is inadmissible." It would be a very easy matter to bring the testimony of many distinguished individuals who [have spoken] highly of the people of Utah, in regard to their morality, and the peace, contentment and happiness enjoyed by them in "their paradise begun of Utah," as Mr. H. is pleased to term it. And where, let me ask, is there a community on the face of the earth who have shown by experience that they possess such powers of self-government, and such abilities for supplying their own wants under circumstances the most adverse, as the people of Utah.

The Mormons, as a people, have not only been repeatedly driven, and robbed of their all, but their motives have been misrepresented; they have been vilified and slandered both from the pulpit and press, and the public mind has been so prejudiced against them that it has always been with the greatest difficulty they could obtain a hearing. But the day is not far distant when the world will do them justice.

I am Sir, Yours respectfully,                                B. PARTRIDGE.

Honolulu, Oct. 23, 1856.

---

HONOLULU, Oct. 24, 1856.    To the Editor of the Polynesian:

DEAR SIR -- A large number of the residents of Honolulu and vicinity have requested me to deliver another lecture on Mormonism. This is to announce that I will comply with the above request on Monday evening next, at 7 o'clock, at the Bethel Chapel.

Yours truly,                  JON HYDE, JR.

Note 1: The "B. Partridge" LDS apologist who wrote the rebuttal to John Hyde was apparently Edward Partridge, Jr. (1833-1900), who served a mission to the Sandwich islands in 1854-56. He departed Salt Lake City on May 4, 1854 and arrived in Honolulu Dec. 24th, having sailed from San Francisco on Dec. 2, 1854. Partridge was initially assigned to work on the island of Kauai. On October 6, 1857, his missionary service completed, Partridge took passage on the barque Yankee, arriving in San Francisco about three weeks later. By Feb. 7, 1858 Elder Partridge had returned to Salt Lake City.

Note 2: Elder Partridge says, in regard to certain LDS Apostles denying the practice of polygamy among the Mormons (prior to Aug. 1852): "if they ever denied the practice of polygamy by the Mormons, it was no doubt in consequence of their ignorance of the same." The list of those LDS apostles so ignorant of the practice that they denied its existence, apparently included practicing polygamist Orson Pratt (LDS Millennial Star, January 1850) and practicing polygamist John Taylor (July 1851). According to the Feb. 4, 1851 entry in Wilford Woodruff's Journal, Brigham Young that day stated: "I have more wives than one. I have many and I am not ashamed to have it known. Some Deny in the States that we have more wives than one. I never Deny it. I am perfectly willing that the people at Washington Should know that I have more than one wife & they are pure before the Lord and are approved off in his sight. I have been Commanded of God to persue this Course &c..." Parley P. Pratt, in his July 13, 1852 San Francisco broadside "Mormonism! Plurality of Wives!" says: "In regard to Gov. Young's family matters, we never had the curiosity to inform ourselves, although we have been a near neighbor of his for many years. This much we do know, -- that his morality is above all suspicion in the circles where he is known..." So apparently practicing polygamist Apostle Parley P. Pratt is here also demonstrating his "ignorance of the same," in regard to reports saying that Brigham Young had more than one wife.

MORMON DIFFICULTIES. -- From all the various reports and statements published in the California and Atlantic papers, we infer that the common question will be a most difficult one to settle. An officer of the U. S. Army has recently visited Utah, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of things, and he reports that Brigham and other leading persons are determined to resist unto blood, and that U. S. troops will not be allowed to set foot in Utah. They speak decidedly and fanatically. War, then, must come -- most probably it has commenced. From a late California paper we copy the closing paragraphs of Brigham Young's proclamation:

"Therefore, I, Brigham Young, Governor and Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Territiry of Utah, in the name of the people of the United States:

"1st. Forbid all armed forces of every description from coming into the Territory under any pretensions whatever.

"2d. That all the force in said Territory hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice, to repel any and all such invasion.

"3d. Martial law is hereby declared to exist in the Territory on and after the publication of this proclamation; and no person shall be allowed to pass and repass into or from this Territory without a permit from the proper officer.

"Given under my hand seal. at Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah, the 15th day of September. A. D. 1857, and the Independence of the United States the 82d.

"BRIGHAM YOUNG."      

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON SCHISM. -- On our fourth page will be found an article from a Salt Lake paper, stating that David and Alexander Smith, sons of Joe Smith, the founder of Mormonism, have commenced preaching to large congregations, denouncing polygamy. Numerous converts are made, and Brigham finds it necessary to denounce the Smiths openly and in strong terms. There is great excitement among the Saints on the subject. Joseph F. Smith, one of Brigham's apostles and cousin of David and Alexander, is preaching against them and endeavoring to destroy their influence among the people; a great schism is anticipated in the Mormon Church. This rupture has been anticipated for some time, as only a portion of the Mormons believe in polygamy, and the other party strongly oppose it.

Lively Times in Mormonism --
Rebellion in the Camp of the Saints
_____

A war-cloud is hovering over the tabernacle of the Mormons in Salt Lake. Another prophet is risen in Israel. He has just crossed the desert from the East, living, like St, John, we presume, upon locusts and wild honey, and claiming the allegiance of the faithful, has boldly raised the standard of revolt in Salt Lake. It was announced some days ago that William [sic] Alexander and David Hyrum, the younger sons of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, were on their way to Salt Lake City to set up the standard of the reorganized or anti-polygamy church. This branch of the church numbers about 45,000 members, scattered through the States of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. As a class, they are more intelligent and loyal than the Salt Lake Mormons, being composed in a great measure of American citizens. They repudiate alike the doctrine of polygamy and the authority of Brigham Young, but until the completion of the railroad their leaders did not deem it prudent to visit Brigham in his stronghold. In relation to the head of the anti-polygamy branch of the church, the Corinne (Utah) Reporter says:

"A singular interest attaches to the name of David Hyrum. A few months before Joseph's death he stated that 'the man was not born who was to lead this people; but of Emma Smith should be born a son who would succeed in the Presidency after a season of disturbance.' Joseph Smith was killed June 27th, 1844, and the son, named from his father's direction David Gyrum, was born at the Mansion House in Nauvoo, on the 17th of the succeeding November. This prophecy is secretly dear to thousands of Mormons who are weary of the tyranny of Brigham Young and yet hold to their faith in Joseph Smith."

Well, Hyrum and Alexander reached Salt Lake City a few days ago and immediately called upon Brigham Young and announced their intention to organize their church at once, asking permission to defend their faith in the Tabernacle, proposing to argue with the Brighamites from the original Mormon books. Brigham, of course, peremptorily refused. The Reporter says:

"We have but scant report of the interview, but it is said to have been very warm. Brigham was very angry at the presumption and denied them the use of the Tabernacle, sending word at the same time to the Bishops to shut them out of the ward meeting houses. The brothers, at ine point of the conversation, denied that their father ever practiced polygamy, citing their mother's testimony, to which Brigham retorted that their mother 'was a liar and a proven thief,' with much more of the same sort. Be it remembered that the lady thus spoken of is the Electa Cyria, or 'Elect Lady of God,' in Mormon theology, who was the glory of their early history. Like Pope Pagan of the Pilgrim's Progress, Brigham doubtless gnaws his nails in vain rage that he cannot, as in former times, let loose the vengeance of his Nauvoo Legion upon these sectarians and crush the revellion in blood. If his power were now equal to his feeling, we should have repeated the story of the Morrisites, when a high civil functionary of Utah led the Legion in broad day to slaughter men and women who had surrendered themselves prisoners. But nothing more than petty persecutions will be attempted at this late day, and we earnestly hope this young man will succeed in their enterprise. Of their religious principles as opposed to Brighamism we know little, but recognize in them tolerant men, good citizens and loyal subjects of the United States."

This looks like rebellion, indeed. But it is an event that has been predicted for some years. We may look for lively times in Mormonism. -- Territorial Enterprise.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Note: According to the Advertiser of Sept. 11, 1869, "Dr. J. M. Whitney (1835-1927?) and wife" arrived in Honolulu upon the Pacific steamship Idaho "from San Francisco" on September the 6th. Dr. Whitney was presumably a relative of Henry M. Whitney, the paper's editor and publisher. The new doctor in town was the first professionally trained and licensed dentist in the Hawaiian Islands and, after Dr. J. Mott Smith, only the second of that profession in the central Pacific region. The fact that Dr. Whitney was able to set up practice so quickly after his arrival shows that he came to the islands with the intention to remain there for a considerable period of time. Except for the years 1874-76, when he returned to Ohio to earn an advanced degree at Starling Medical College, Dr. Whitney and his wife resided uninterruptedly in Hawaii from 1869 until their respective demises in the late 1920s. It was at Dr. Whitney's house in Punahou (a residential suburb of old Honolulu) that the Oberlin Solomon Spalding manuscript was recovered by James H. Fairchild in 1884

Personal Items.

Brigham Young excommunicates saints for profanity, but stays in the church and swears himself.

Notes: (forthcoming)

A Short History of Mormonism
from an Authentic Source.
______

There existed years ago a Conneticut man, named Solomon Spalding (a relation of the one who invented the wooden nutmegs) a Yankee of true stock. He appears at first as a law student; then a preacher; next a merchant; then a bankrupt; afterwards he became a blacksmith in a small western village; then a land speculator and a county school-master; later still he becomes the owner of an iron foundry; once more a bankrupt; at last a writer and a dreamer.

As might be expected he died a beggar, little thinking that by a singular coincidence one of his productions ("The Manuscript Found") redeemed from oblivion by a few rogues, would prove in their hands a powerful weapon, and be the basis of one of the most anomalous, yet powerful secessions which has ever been experienced by the established church.

We find, under the title of the "Manuscript found," an historical romance of the first settlers of America, endeavoring to show that the American Indians are the descendants of the Jews, or the "Lost Tribes." It gives a detailed account of their journey from Jerusalem, by land and by sea, till they arrived in America, under the command of Nephi and Lehi. They afterwards had quarrels and contentions, and separated into two distinct nations, one of which is denominated Nephites, and the other Lamanites.

Cruel and bloody wars ensued, in which great multitudes were slain. They buried their dead in large heaps, which caused the mounds now so commonly found on the continent of America. Their knowledge in the arts and sciences, and their civilization, are dwelt upon, in order to account for all the remarkable ruins of cities and other curious antiquities, found in various parts of North and South America. Solomon Spalding writes in the biblical style, and commences almost every sentence with, "And it came to pass," -- "Now, it came to pass."

Although some powers of imagination and a degree of scientific information are displayed throughout the whole romance, it remained for several years unnoticed, on the shelves of Messrs. Patterson & Lambdin, printers, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Many years passed, when Lambdin, the printer, having failed, wished "to raise the wind by some book speculation." Looking over the various manuscripts then in his possession, the "Manuscript Found," venerable in its dust, was, upon examination, looked upon as a "gold mine," which would restore to affluence the unfortunate publisher. But death summoned Lambdin away, and put an end to the speculation, as far as his interests were concerned.

Lambdin had intrusted the precious manuscript to his bosom friend, Sidney Rigdon, that he might embellish it and alter it, as he might think expedient.

The publisher now dead, Rigdon allowed this chef d'oeuvre to remain in his desk till, reflecting upon his precarious means, and upon his chances of obtaining a future livelihood, a sudden idea struck him.

Rigdon knew well his countrymen and their avidity for the marvelous; he resolved to give to the world the "Manuscript Found," not as a mere work of imagination, or disquisition as its writer had intended it to be; but as a new code of religion sent down to man, as of yore, on awful Sinai, the tables were given unto Moses.

For some time, Rigdon worked hard, studying the Bible, altering his book, and preaching every Sunday. * * * It was easy for him, from the first planning of his intended imposture, to publicly discuss in the pulpit, many strange points of controversy, which were eventually to become the corner-stones of the structure which he wished to raise.

The novelty of the discussions was greedily received by many, and of course prepared them for that which was coming. Yet, it seems that Rigdon soon perceived the evils which his wild imposture would generate, and he recoiled from his task; not because there remained lurking in his breast some few sparks of honesty, but because he wanted courage; he was a scoundrel, but a timorous one * * * With him, "Mormonism" was a mere money speculation, and he resolved to shelter himself behind some fool, who might bear the whole odium, while he would reap a golden harvest, and quietly retire before the coming of a storm. But as is often the case, he reckoned without his host; for it so happened that, in searching for a tool of this deception, he found in Joe Smith the one not precisely what he had calculated upon. He wanted a compound of rogery and folly as his tool and slave; Smith was a rogue and an unlettered man, but he was what Rigdon was not * * * a man of bold conception, full of courage and mental energy, one of those unprincipled, yet lofty, aspiring beings, who, centuries past, would have succeeded as well as Mahomet, and who has, even in this more enlightened age, accomplished that which is wonderful to contemplate.

When it was too late to retract, Rigdon perceived with dismay, that, instead of acquiring a silly bondsman, he had subjected himself to a superior will; he was now himself a slave, bound by fear and interest, his two great guides through life. Smith consequently became, instead of Rigdon, "the elect of God," and is now * * * [regarded as] a great religious and political leader. But Rigdon is most undoubtedly the Father of Mormonism, and the author of the "Golden Book," with the exception of a few alterations subsequently made by Joe Smith.


Note 1: The above item is a shortened excerpt from the 1843 book by Frederick Marryat, entitled, Monsieur Violet. The article has been slightly changed to reflect the knowledge of a period subsequent to Joseph Smith's 1844 death, and may have been originally published in a newspaper at about that same time. The editors of the Honolulu paper probably copied it from some old article files they had preserved from years past.

Note 2: While his telling of Spalding-Rigdon-Smith story does not appear to be accurate in every small detail, Marryat's reconstruction of Mormon origins corresponds fairly well those of later investigators, such as Robert Patterson, Jr., Clark Braden, James T. Cobb and William H. Whitsitt. Marryat's mention of Spalding working as a blacksmith is interesting bit of information. Evidently Solomon Spalding learned something about ironworking in the years before he set up an iron forge in New Salem, Ohio. Perhaps Marryat here preserves a scrap of biography otherwise lost to history. The information he supplies in regard to J. Harrison Lambdin, the Pittsburgh printer and associate of Sidney Rigdon, is also interesting and may have some grounding in fact -- unfortunately the exact events in that obscure episode of the past are probably not further recoverable at this late date.

Brigham Young spoke a few words of wisdom the other day, to a youthful Chicago enthusiast who called upon him. He said: "Young man, be sure you are through with your search for the kind of partner you want -- be sure you have got the pattern of woman that suits you, before leading her to the altar. Don;t wait until after marriage, as I did, and then keep on sampling.

---

METROPOLITAN  MARKET,
G. WALLER,
Pure Bred Aylesbury Ducks.                  Home Fed Turkeys.
KING STREET, HONOLULU.

---

---

WASHINGTON  MEAT  MARKET!
[   ]             G. WALLER.             [   ]
PROPRIETOR
   NUUANU STREET.

---

Note: Gilbert J. Waller arrived in Honolulu from England on Feb. 13, 1882. A year later he became sole proprietor of the "G. Waller Meat Co." in Honolulu, a business previously operated by his uncle, Mr. G. Waller. In 1889 Gilbert J. Waller was baptized a member of the RLDS Church. He was instrumental in bringing RLDS President Joseph Smih III to Honolulu in 1907 and in arranging a vist between Smith and Mrs. John M. Whitney, in whose Honolulu home the Obefrlin Spalding manuscript had been discovered in 1884.

Sandwich Island Mormonism.
_____

Among the distinguished passengers by the Australasia was a prominent Mormon Bishop from the Sandwich Islands, accompanied by six wives, one of whom is white and the others pure Hawaiians. The venerable old saint may not be married to other than his white consort, but the others are his "Spiritual wives," in the Mormon sense in trust for Brigham. The party left yesterday morning, on the overland train, destined for the Valley of Zion. The Bishop traveled in good style on the boat, taking first-class cabin passage for his white wife and one of his spiritual loves, a young, charming, and voluptuous Hawaiian. The others, young also, were in the steerage, but were occasionally visited by the saintly shepherd who took the best care of his flock. There must be something "crooked" in this hegira of Hawaiian girls to Salt Lake, as the law of the Sanwich Islands imposes severe penalties on any man who takes a Hawaiian woman off the islands for a foreign country. The captains of vessels, knowing the heavy damages they would have to pay if they carried a native girl off, have been very careful to comply with the law. How does it come then, that a Mormon bishop can take away five at a time? Has King David, our festive friend, turned saint, or is he in league with "brother" Brigham? There are about 2000 Mormons on the Sandwich Islands, most of whom are located on the island of Oahu, where they have a splendid settlement at a place called Laie. Their plantation there is a model of perfection, their houses neat and clean. The presiding bishop has a handsome house, built in the European style, as have some of the natives, but the architecture is less pretentious. Most of the natives, however, live in huts peculiar to that people. They have a church at Laie, where the gospel is expounded according to Joseph Smith, and another at Honolulu on the same island. The Sandwich Island Mormons are not practical polygamists on account of monogamic law. But the men believe in the doctrine, while the women, whether Mormon or not, believe in polyandry. Strange to say, the most illiterate white Mormon is able to preach in the Kanaka language after a residence of six months on the islands, while most of the other white missionaries, even the educated ones, never learn to speak it so as to preach. Whatever may be said against the Mormon emissaries, they are not lazy, but nearly all the others, wxcept the Jesuits, are decidely so. Mormonism, next to Catholicism, is the growing religion on the Sandwich Islands. -- San Francisco Chronicle.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Brigham Young Dead.
_____

The Candidates for the Succession as President
-- A Quarrel in the Church Likely --
Litigation and Complications Expected.
_____

SALT LAKE CITY, August 29. -- Brigham Young died at 4 o'clock this afternoon of inflammation of the bowels. He has been sick for about a week. There is no disguising the fact that his death will materially weaken, if not destroy, the Mormon Church. The litigation and complications which must immediately arise from the financial troubles his avarice has entailed upon the Church can hardly be survived. It is conceded on all sides to-night that the successorship to the position of the Presidency will be bitterly contested by the friends of John W. Young and Brigham Young, Jr., the Prophet's sons, Geo. Q. Cannon and John Taylor. The majority of the leading Mormons will oppose the succession of the Church is predicted by the most intelligent and best-posted citizens. The removal of Brigham Toung will be the emancipation of thousands from the rule of the priesthood.

The opposition to the succession of either John W. Young or Brigham Young, Jr., to Presidency of the Church, is outspoken, and in many cases most bitter. John W., who is the only one at all fitted by natural or acquired ability for the position, is financially bankrupt, and has until the last six months been suspected of apostacy. He returned from an Eastern residence last Fall, embarrassed, and imposed heavy losses upon the Prophet, upon whose credit he had been operating. He was made First Counsellor to President Brigham without passing through the subordinate grades of promotion, contrary to the usages of the Church, in order to place him in the line of succession, and since that time has been very active, with Brigham's assistance, in working his way into a position to fill the Prophet's place when the time came. The appointments have been made, and wires laid with that end in view, but there is a strong, outspoken, and rapidly organizing

OPPOSITION  TO  THE  YOUNG  DYNASTY,

Based upon the personal unfitness of the candidates, as well as upon the determination on the part of the Church leaders to rid themselves of the pecuniary embarrassment that Brigham's avarice and selfish management have entailed upon the Church, and to be exempt from the developments the last few months have made of the murders and "blood-atonement" doctrines of the Church, which are claimed to be Brighamisms, and not the legitimate Mormonism. A strong party favor the retention of the succession in abayance, allowing John Taylor, who is President of the Council of Twelve, to act as ex-officio President of the Church. Taylor is not only ambitious, but entirely unscrupulous. He was with Joseph and Hyram Smith at Nauvoo, at the time of their assassination, and was filled with bullets on that occasion. He is not a business man, but in every sense of the word,

A  RELIGIOUS  FANATIC,

With more brains than the Prophet's son. A strong faction favor George Q. Cannon, who has been a great favorite of Brigham's. He is a smooth, cunning, well-spoken man, and popular with the masses. He has been a member of the President's household, and has occupied a position of confidence, which he must in a great measure betray to the weakening of John W. Young's chances, by being a candidate himself. There are many who not only believe but openly express the opinion that the Presidency should be taken from the family of Joseph Smith and this class do not hesitate to apply the words,

"INTRUDER"  AND  "USURPER"

To Brigham Young and declare that the succession shall not pass to his family. The contest will be a bitter one, and whatever difficulty there may be in predicting the result, it is safe to say that the Young dynasty is practically at an end, and that the struggle for power and authority will distract and shake the Church organization to its foundation. The crimination and recrimination that will accompany this contest will be carefully gathered up by the "outsiders" as legitimate traits of a warfare in which they have no other interest than the total annihilation of all the belligerents.


Notes: (forthcoming)

PASSENGERS

Arrivals.

From San Francisco, per Mariposa, July 8 -- ... W. Y. Horner, Miss Sadie Horner, H. Cornwell, A. Haneberg, Rev. W. H. Rice, H. I. Dodge, 19 in steerage...

Note 1: In the obituary of Lewis L. Rice, published in the Honolulu Daily Press of Apr. 15, 1886, the reporter says: "During the summer of 1884 Rev. Wm. Rice of New York, his only son, visited him here, making, as each felt at the time, a final visit." Rev. William Holden Rice (1841-aft. 1901) and his wife Libbie remained with Lewis L. Rice from July 8 through Aug. 15, 1884 on their last visit together. William's visit to Honolulu overlapped that of Oberlin College President James H. Fairchild by six days.

Note 2: Late in 1884, before the news broke on the discovery in Honolulu of a Solomon Spalding manuscript, Rev. William H. Rice (who had returned to his home in Addison, Steuben co., NY) received a letter from his father in Hawaii. According to Arthur B. Deming, William's father "desired to know if Aaron Wright, Henry Lake and D. P. Hurlbut resided in Conneaut." William, in turn, sent a ketter of inquiry "to the postmaster, of Conneaut, O., stating that his father had in his possession the Spaulding manuscript from which the 'Book of Mormon' was made." Deming was then in Conneaut and was able to read William's letter. He responded to William the next day (Dec. 10, 1884), giving him information on D. P. Hurlbut and asking him to "write at once" to his father, since Deming desired "to consult" the contents of the Spalding pages found in Honolulu "as soon as possible." William forwarded Deming's request on to his father, but the elder Rice declined sending the manuscript to Deming. See Dickinson's 1884 book, pg. 265 and Mahaffey's 1902 book pg. 19 for some interesting William H. Rice letters. For more on the 1884 Honolulu discovery and the Rice-Whitney family, see the "Spalding Saga," episode 11.

PASSENGERS.
ARRIVALS.

From San Francisco, per Mariposa, August 8 -- Dr. J. Brodie and bride, Miss C. McIntyre, Rev. J. H. Fairchild, Miss N. J. Malone, Miss M. E. Alexander, Miss C. Rovertson, Dr. R. Kurhn, Mrs. E. J. Nichols, J. Lazarus, J. C. B. Hebbard, Rev. I. Goddell, R. Himmer, Miss Downing, Mrs. M. C. Widdifield, John A. Buck and son, A. H. Smith, S. Selig, Z. K. Meyers, C. S. Mason, Miss M. Champ, Mrs. Mary Leach, E. Wenz, C. B. Godman, Rev. E. C. Oggle and wife, E. Remenjl, I. Luckstone, Miss B. Cornwell, Miss May Wallace, M. Van Hagan, and 34 steerage.


Note 1: The above notice agrees with Dr. James H. Fairchild's own account, saying that he arrived at Honolulu, upon the sailing ship Mariposa, on Aug. 8, 1884. The Aug. 8th issue of the Honolulu Daily Bulletin provided the same list, and added this short notice: "President James H. Fairchild, arrived by the Mariposa."

RECEPTION.

PASSENGERS

From San Francisco, per Mariposa, Feb. 9 -- H. E. Hollister ... J. T. Speight and wife, A. Davis, Mrs. E. Farr and child, Geo. Romney ...

Note: The above arrivals from San Francisco, disembarking in Honolulu on the 9th of February, 1885, appear to be a group of Mormon refugees, fleeing the Federal marshalls then at work arresting Mormon polygamists in Utah. "J. T. Speight" was the alias that LDS Apostle and Second Counselor in the Presidency, Joseph F. Smith, used while on the run from those same law officers. That was apparently also the name he used in his subsequent interviews with Lewis L. Rice in Hawaii.

MORMONS  WANTING  AN  ISLAND.

A Chicago despatch of Jan. 27th says; The statememt has been made at various times that an effort is being made to induce the Mormon Church to purchase one of the largest islands in the Hawaiian group. It transpires that Dr. George A. Rawson, formerly of this city, was sent to Salt Lake to confer with the officials there toward the purchase of an island of one million acres owned by James Campbell. Rawson is now here. He says he was not able to consult with the Mormon Church officials when at Salt Lake, for various reasons, but expects to be able to do so soon and expects to be able to conduct successful negotiations. He says the chief drawback will be the laws of the Kingdom, as they now exist, forbidding polygamy.


Notes: (forthcoming).

PORT Clinton, Ohio, "Lake Shore Bulletin" of the third inst., says that "Dr. George A. Rawson, of Chicago, who is agent for the sale of about 1,000,000 acres of land in the Sandwitch Islands, says he has been in negitiation with the heads of the Mormon Church, and thinks they will buy the land and Move Mormonism there bag and baggage."


Notes: (forthcoming).

A  LITERARY  CURIOSITY.

Homer nods sometimes, and so does Tyrtaeus. The Tribune caught us in the error of cabling as a new poem one which had been published two years before. Now the Tribune publishes in a long telegraphic despatch from Chicago the discovery in Honolulu of that Spaulding manuscript of Mormon interest, of which our Hawaiian correspondent sent us word about a year ago, and which has since formed the basis of long and learned discussions. Indeed we saw lately an examination paper of a theological class in church history, in which it was fully considered. -- New York Independent.


Running across the foregoing paragraph in the last number of the Independent. received here, we applied to Professor W. D. Alexander, Superintendent of the Government Survey Department, as a gentleman likely to be able to give some information upon the subject of so notable a discovery in this quarter as that referred to. Nor were we disappointed, for the Professor, besides verbally telling us "all about it," has kindly loaned us a printed copy of the remarkable document. The title page of the book reads as follows: "The 'Manuscript Found.' or 'Manuscript Story' of the late Rev. Solomon Spaulding; from a Verbatim Copy of the Original now in the Care of Pres. James H. Fairchild, of Oberlin College, Ohio: Including Correspondence Touching the Manuscript and its Preservation and Transmission until it came into the Hands of the Publishers. Lamoni, Iowa: Printed and Published by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1885." The ecclesiastical body bearing the imposing title just quoted is known as the "Joseph Smith" or "Non-Polygamous Mormons." This church, the Utah Mormons and several people presenting claims to the custody of the manuscript, when its discovery was made known, had applied for the original. The Mormon bodie[s] were eager to secure it, because it served to refute the statements of opponents of their systems, to the effect that Spaulding's Manuscript was the basis of the Book of Mormon. It is also, for that reason, to be published, if not already done, by the Salt Lake "Saints." Dr. L. L. Rice, of Honolulu, the venerable retired missionary familiarly known as "Father Rice," has the honor of bringing to the light of day the document, to which so much and varied interest seems to attach. Dr. Rice was formerly an anti-slavery editor in Ohio, and for many years State Printer at Columbus. When President James H. Fairchild, of Oberlin College, was in Honolulu more than a year ago he suggested to Dr. Rice "that he might have valuable anti-slavery documents in his possession, which he would be willing to contribute to the rich collection already in the Oberlin College Library. In pursuance of this suggestion, Mr. Rice began looking over his old pamphlets and papers, and at length came upon an old, worn, and faded manuscript of about one hundred and seventy-five pages, small quarto, purporting to be a history of the migrations and conflicts of the ancient Indian tribes, which occupied the territory now belonging to the States of New York, Ohio and Kentucky." Dr. Rice and President Fairchild examined the document, and decided that it was the long-lost story about which the Mormon controversy had raged for years; also that it bore no resemblance to the Book of Mormon, further than that both profess to set forth the history of lost tribes. In a letter written from here on March 28th, 1885, Dr. Rice says the manuscript had come into his hands in 1839-40, with the effects of the Painesville, Ohio, Telegraph, when he and a partner bought that paper. Thus the manuscript had been in his keeping over forty years, but he had never examined it, nor knew its character, until some six or eight months previous to the date of his letter just mentioned. President Fairchild was, of course, the first applicant in the field for the curiosity, but had a host of competitors immediateky on the discovery being made known in the United States. He succeeded, however, in procuring the original copy for the museum of Oberlin College, Dr. Rice taking pains to make an exact copy to keep for himself. Spaulding's introduction shows what the story purports to be, namely, a translation made by Spaulding of part of a Latin manuscript found in a box, within an artificial cave, near the west bank of Coneaught River. This original document consisted of twenty-eight rolls of parchment, the one of principle interest to Spaulding being a history of the author's life and that part of America which extends along the great lakes and the waters of the Mississippi. The author of the Latin purported to be a person of the family of Fabius, who was born at Rome and receiving a good education there was sent by the Emperor Constantine on a mission to Britain, or "Brittian." as Parson Spaulding writes it. To make a long story short, the ship carrying Fabius was blown out into the ocean, and brought up on the American beach, at the mouth of a vast river, up which she sailed many leagues until a town was reached. The narrative proceeds with a description of the king, laws, customs, etc., of this new country. As to religion, that may be mentioned as being the center of the book's interest, the inhabitants of the new world are found by Fabius to have a theology in some points resembling the systems in vogue in Europe and Asia. A passage scored out in Spaulding's writing represents plural marriages as having been permissible among those primitive Americans. Whether Fabius and his parchment are myths or not, the scratching out of polygamy by Spaulding involves some interesting points that will suggest themselves to any mind. The printed book follows Spaulding's writing to the letter, even the erasures being shown by underlining, and atorcious spelling, together with the frequent underlinings, makes the work a veritable curiosity. Spaulding's authorship and handwriting are clearly proven, but Fabius and his scrolls are another matter.


Note: The "printed copy" of the Oberlin manuscript above referred to was no doubt presented to Prof. Alexander by Lewis L. Rice early in 1886. The RLDS edition of the Spalding story was published on Nov. 1, 1885 and Lewis L. Rice had received his ten complimentary copies by Feb. 21, 1886, when he write a letter to RLDS official William W. Blair, requesting one more copy of the work.

MORMONISM.

EDITOR BULLETIN:-- As you have taken interest enough in the Mormon question to publish an account of the Spaulding Manuscript recently in my possession, it occurs to me that a more specific statement of some points connected with Mormonism and the Mormon Bible, may be of interest to you and your readers; especially as it is alleged, with some evidences of probability, that the Utah Mormons contemplate establishing a large colony of their followers on these Islands, and even of transferring their headquarters here.

The Spaulding Manuscript recently discovered in my possession, and published by the Mormons, in no wise determines the question as to the authorship of the Book of Mormon, or of Spaulding's connection with the latter. It shows conclusively that this writing of Spaulding was not the original of the Book of Mormon -- nothing more in that regard. It gives the Mormons the advantage of calling upon their opponents to produce or prove that any other Spaulding Manuscript ever existed -- and that is the gist of the whole matter. Until lately I have been of the opinion that there was no tangible evidence that any other production of Solomon Spaulding, bearing upon the question, could be shown as having ever existed. But correspondence and discussions growing out of the publication of this document, have shaken my faith in that belief, and indeed produced quite a change of opinion on that subject. I will refer to several items productive of that change of opinion.

Mr. A. B. Deming, of Painesville, Ohio, who has investigated the subject thoroughly, writes to me that he has evidence that Spaulding, after writing the story which has recently come to light, without finishing it, changed his plan, and got up a more elaborate story, which he denominated "Manuscript Found," of which he made two or more copies, and sent one to Pittsburgh for publication -- from whence Sidney Rigdon obtained it -- and on which the historical part of the Book of Mormon was based. (It is to be noted that the title "Manuscript Found," is not given in the manuscript recently in my possession, at all. It was added by the publisher of the copy furnished you by Prof. Alexander.)

Colonel William H. Leffingwell, a well-known teacher in Northern Ohio, says recently, in the St. Louis Republican:

"Long ago in the past, I have forgotten the year, Mr. Spalding wrote a drama called "The Book of Mormon," in a hotel at Conneaut, Ashtabula County, Ohio, where I had been teaching school. I was known through the country as a good grammarian and possessing an accurate knowledge of the English language. My father had been principal of the Meadville school, at Meadville, Penn., for eight years, a position which I subsequently filled on my father retiring to a farm. Mr. Spalding was a lawyer by profession and had taught school. He had never been a reverend, as some accounts give that prefix to his name. He was about 35 years of age when I first fell in with him, was very poor, and sick with consumption, and toward the last nearly lost his voice, so that he could not plead at the bar. He said he wanted to make some money, and wrote the drama, which he handed me for correction. It was full of Bible expressions, and as I had read the Bible from lid to lid I knew the proper phraseology to use. I corrected the grammar, and had to reconstruct and transpose entries to make good English out of it. I was engaged three months, and my notes and pencil marks may be found on every page."

There were no such "notes and pencil marks" on the pages of my manuscript.

James A. Briggs, Esq., a well known and reputable lawyer in Northern Ohio for many years, and for a dozen years past a public officer in New York City, resided at Willoughby, Ohio, four miles from Kirtland, when the Mormons first located at the latter place. In a letter to the New York Tribune, dated Jan. 29, 1886, Mr. Briggs says:--

"In the winter of 1833-34, a self constituted committee, consisting of Judge Allen, Dr. Card, Samuel Wilson, Judge Lapham, W. Corning and myself, met at Mr. Corning's house, in Mentor, now known as the Garfield farm, to investigate Mormonism and the origin of the Mormon Bible. Dr. D.P. Hurlburt, whose name is mentioned in the article in your paper this morning, was employed to look up testimony. He was present with the committee and had Spaulding's original manuscript with him. We compared it, chapter by chapter with the Mormon Bible. It was written in the same style, many of the names were the same, and we came to the conclusion, from all the testimony before us, that the Rev. Sidney Rigdon, the eloquent Mormon preacher, made the Mormon Bible from this manuscript. Of this the committee had no doubt whatever.

About this time Dr. Hurlburt had some trouble with the Mormons at Kirtland, where they had built a temple, and he had the prophet, Joseph Smith, arrested on a warrant of a justice of the peace for assault and battery. He had an examination before two justices in the Old Methodist Church in Painesville. It lasted three days. Judge Benjamin Bissell was the attorney for Smith and I was the attorney for Dr. Hurlburt. The examination produced much interest. Cowdery, Hyde and Pratt, Mormon leaders, were there with "Joe" Smith. I said to Mr. Bissell, let us get from 'The Prophet' his history of the finding of the 'golden plates.' Mr. B. consented and for two days we had the Prophet, 'Joe' Smith, on the witness stand. He swore, that is, under oath, that he found the golden plates buried in the earth in a field in Palmyra, N.Y., and when he found them he was kicked by an unseen foot out of the hole in which they were placed. All present knew that it was a Mormon lie.

Rigdon was a natural orator, and had much native genius. He got the manuscript in Pittsburg at the printing office of Mr. Robert Patterson, the father of the present Mr. Robert Patterson, who has published an interesting history of Mormonism, showing without doubt that the Rev. Sidney Rigdon was the compiler of the Book of Mormon.

In 1879, Dr. Hurlburt was living at Gibsonburgh, Ohio. In a letter to Mr. Patterson, of Pittsburg, he says: 'I gave the manuscript with all my other documents connected with Mormonism to Mr. Howe.' Mr. Rice was the successor of Mr. Howe in The Telegraph, and this accounts for his possession of the 'manuscript found' at this late day in an island in the Pacific Ocean."

This testimony of Mr. Briggs is entirely reliable. I was acqu[a]inted with all the members of the "self-constituted committee" of which he speaks.

The mooted question now is what became of the Manuscript before the Committee, which they "compared chapter by chapter with the Mormon Bible," and found them to correspond so perfectly? Mr. Deming, already referred to, says that Dr. Hurlburt sold it to the Mormons for $400, with which he purchased the farm he occupied at Gibson's burgh, at the time he wrote to Mr. Patterson, as related by Mr. Briggs. My belief is, from the above and other testimony in my possession, that either Hurlburt or Howe sold it to the Mormons, who of course destroyed it, or put it out of the way.

Yours for the truth and the right.
                                  L. L. RICE.
    Honolulu, March 4, 1886.


Note: This important letter, written by Lewis L. Rice shortly before his death, has gone largely unnoticed by those commenting upon what Rice's opinion of the Oberlin Spalding manuscript was. In fact, his conclusions in that regard ripened over time, as he was able to study and digest information which came his way about this matter. Rice's final conclusion is clearly stated in his letter of March 4, 1886. That conclusion neither identifies the Oberlin manuscript as the story by Spalding which some early witnesses identified with the Book of Mormon, nor does it limit Spalding's literary output to a single work of fiction.

DIED.

April 14, 1886, at the residence of his son-in-law, Dr. J. M. Whitney, at Punahou, Mr. L. L. Rice, formerly of Oberlin, Ohio, aged 85 years, 1 month. Funeral at the residence of Dr. Whitney, to-morrow, April 15, at 10 o'clock A. M.

---

We regret to learn of the death of Mr. L. L. Rice, at Punahou, this morning. The funeral will take place to-morrow, 10 A. M., from the residence of Dr. Whitney.


Notes: (forthcoming).

L.  L.  Rice.

He was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1801. As a young man he went to New York City where he learned the printing business warly in this century. While living there he was led to take the total abstinence pledge, and enrolled himself upon that platform, and has done much for the cause of temperance during a long life, the most of which found him identified with the newspapers of Ohio. He went to that State before 1830, and for fifty years was one of her leading citizens. About 1830 he began the publication of an anti-Masonic paper. A few years later he removed to Cleveland where for many years he was the editor and publisher of a paper which was the predecessor of the Cleveland Leader and was dedicated to the agitation of anti-slavery principles.

In 1848 he went to Columbus, the capital of the State, and began the publication of a paper in that city.

For more than twenty-five years he was identified with the public life of Columbus. at first as an editor, then as State printer, and in other positions.

He was well-known and greatly beloved. He had for his friends and associates such men as Garrison, Giddings, Jas. G. Birney, Salmon P. Chase, and men of their stamp.

Father Rice, as he was affectionately called during his residence in Columbus, was a man of strong intellectual power, and was thoroughly consecrated to the highest purposes of life. He was permitted to see the triumph of some of the principles he so vigorously and ardently espoused, and to see the banners of other principles rapidly advancing to victory.

In 1875 he removed to Oberlin, where he resided till 1879, when he came to Honolulu, making his home here with his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Whitney. During the summer of 1884 Rev. Wm. Rice of New York, his only son, visited him here, making, as each felt at the time, a final visit. Father Rice kept his intellectual vigor up to the very last. His very presence, during the years of his stay here, has been felt to be a benediction. Yesterday morning he rose as usual and was about the house and grounds until a few moments after ten. He then went to his room and lay down on his bed for a little rest, before dressing to go out to the lunch at Bethel Church, as he was planning to do. At this time Dr. Gray dropped in for a friendly call, and sat chatting with him some minutes. The Doctor remarked that Father Rice carried on his conversation with all of his usual animation.

About 10:30 o'clock he observed that he must get ready to go down town, but at the suggestion of the Dictor, that there was an abundance of time, he remained quiet. Suddenly and without warning he fell back upon the pillow, gave a single, slight clutch at the region of his heart, and lay still in death. Not a word or cry of pain; "he was not, for God took him." We shall miss the noble form and the saintly face, but every life that touched his, is the richer and fuller for it.
                        W. C. MERRITT.

---

The death of the venerable L. L. Rice recalls his connection with the celebrated (?) Spaulding's "Manuscript Found." The Mormon Church or more properly the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," was founded by Joseph Smith. Smith, it is claimed, discovered some metallic plates buried at Mount Cumorah, on which were engraved the book of Mormon, purporting to be a history of the lost Ten Tribes of Israel, and tracing their wanderings to America. From this account it appears that he American Indian traces his ancestry to Moses, Abraham and Isaac. The Book of Mormon has nothing whatever to do with the faith or creed of the Mormon Church, which derives its inspiration from a work called "Doctrine and Covenants" and subsequent revelations to Brigham Young and others. The Book of Mormon was merely a "starter." An effort was made to prove that the Book of Mormon was either a copy of Spaulding's "Manuscript Found" or was suggested by it. The "Manuscript Found," by a variety of circumstances, came into the possession of Mr. Rice, who subsequently deposited it with President Fairchild of Oberlin College. A copy was furnished to the Josephites, an offshoot of the church, and by them published in Iowa. The discovery and publication of the manuscript, has demonstrated beyond a doubt that it never inspired or suggested the publication of the Book of Mormon.


Note: It appears likely that the writer of the second article above had not taken the trouble to read Lewis L. Rice's letter of Mar. 4, 1886 to the Daily Bulletin. In that letter Mr. Clearly states that the Spalding manuscript so long in his keeping did not bear "the title 'Manuscript Found,'" -- that such a title "is not given in the manuscript recently in my possession, at all." The writer of the Daily Press article apparently derived all his information on the suvject from his reading of the 1885 RLDS edition of the Oberlin Spalding story. As Rice himself states, the "Manuscript Found" title on that publication "was added by the publisher" and the Oberlin manuscript was NOT the Spalding text remembered by several early witnesses as strongly resembling parts of the Book of Mormon.

DIED.

RICE -- April 14, 1886, at the redisence of his son-in-law, Dr. J. M. Whitney, at Punahou, Mr. L. L. Rice, formerly of Oberlin, Ohio, aged 85 years, 1 month.

==> Funeral at the residence of Dr. Whitney, to-day, April 15th, at 10 o'clock a, m.

---

Death of Mr. L. L. Rice.

On Wednesday, at the residence of Dr. J. M. Whitney, Punahou, Mr. L. L. Rice, formerly of Oberkin, Ohio, breathed his last at the ripe age of 85 years and one month. The deceased was the father of Mrs. Dr. Whitney. The funeral takes place this morning at 10 o'clock at the residence of Dr. Whitney.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Late Mr. L. L. Rice.

The funeral of the late Mr. L. L. Rice, father of Mrs. J. M. Whitney, who died on Wednesday, took place yesterday morning at the residence of Dr. Whitney, Punahou. The services were conducted by the Revs. J. A, Cruzan and C. M. Hyde. The addendance of friends was quite large. The remains were interred in the Nuuanu Valley Cemetary.

The deceased was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1801. He went to New York city when quite a young man and learnt thoroughly the printing business. In 1830 he removed to the State of Ohio, and a few years later edited and published a paper at Cleveland. In 1848 he was editor of a paper at Cleveland. In 1848 he was editor of a paper at Columbus in the same State, and for some time State printer. He removed to Oberlin in 1875 and four years later came to Honolulu, where he has since resided with his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Whitney.


Note: The minister who assisted in conducting Lewis L. Rice's funeral was the Rev. Charles M. Hyde, D. D., the President of the North Pacific Missionary Institute in Hawaii and an influential Protestant Minister in Honolulu at the time. According to LDS Apostle Joseph F. Smith's account of June 24, 1885, Rev. Hyde had borrowed Mr. Rice's Spalding manuscript for several days, but had returned the document (probably in May 1885). Elder Smith characterizes Hyde as being the man "by whom I suspect it was copied," and he may have been partly correct. Rev. Hyde read the old Spalding manuscript loaned to him by Mr. Rice, made extracts from its text, and prepared a newspaper article on the subject. Hyde's article was published in the Boston Congregationalist of July 30, 1885. In his letter of May 14, 1885 Lewis L. Rice comments: "Rev. Dr. Hyde, President of the Institution, in this place, for training Native Missionaries for Micronesia, (a very prominent and successful institution), has written an elaborate account of this manuscript, and of Mormonism, and sent it for publication in the Congregationalist, of Boston."

Death  of  Mr. L.  L.  Rice.

Mr. L. L. Rice, father of Mrs. J. M. Whitney, died suddenly on the morning of the 14. The deceased gentleman has resided with his daughter since 1879 and his venerable figure was well known about our streets.

Mr. Rice was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1801. When a young man he became a printer and after following the business some time in New York City, he removed to Ohio in 1830, and remained their for nearly 50 years. While in Ohio he was a prominent figure in the politics of the state, occupying at various times the position of editor and also that of state printer. He was an ardent advocate of total abstinance, which cause he championed with both pen and tongue. He was also, before the war, strongly opposed to slavery and published an Anti-Slavery paper. Sympathy is felt for Dr. and Mrs. Whitney in their bereavement.


Note: This obituary was reprinted by the Mormons in Salt Lake City, in their Deseret Evening News of May 24, 1886.

HON.   L.  L.  RICE.

When Owen, Cromwell's private chaplain, was on what he knew to be his death-bed he dictated a short letter to a friend. The amanuensis had written, "I am yet in the land of the living," when Owen said, "Stop; change that; write, 'I am yet in the land of the dying, but hope soon to be in the land of the living!'"

Lewis L. Rice, after a sojourn of eighty-five years and one month in the land of the dying, quietly, suddenly, passed to the land of the living, on the morning of the 14th of April.

He was a strong man and a good man. Very early in life he began to build his character by faith on the Enduring Rock: and he did not build with "wood, hay and stubble." The "gold, the silver, the precious stones" of vital Christianity went into that building, and the result was a strong, symmetrical, stalwart character, which held him ever faithful to truth, and God, and humanity during the many long years of his active life.

Great questions were coming to the front yonder in America when he stood upon the threshold of manhood. The great temperance movement, under the lead of Dr. Lyman Beecher found in him, a young printer, in the great city of New York, an early convert and a life-long advocate and earnest worker.

He cast his lot in the young State of Ohio when that magnificent Commonwealth was in its infancy, and he had much to do in making its history and shaping its destiny. When he made his home there two great political questions were coming to the front, viz: The anti-Masonic movement, and Slavery. Of an ardent, positive temperment, Mr. Rice threw himself heartily into those historic contests. He published for a time an anti-Masonic paper; and when that issue passed out of politics, as it dis in a short time, he founded in Cleveland an anti-Slavery journal, which still lives, though under another name as the Cleveland Leader. He was one of that spartan band of "original Abolutionists" which counted the names of such immortals as Garrison, Lundy, Tappan, Beriah Green, Oliver Johnson, and others. In his own State of Ohio he counted among his friends and associates such men as Joshua R. Giddings, Salmon P. Chase, and James G. Birney.He was one of the last of this "Old Guard" which endured such odium for principle and fought slavery so heroically, to "fall on sleep." He lived not only to see slavery crushed out, but to see the South which so madly cherished that institution, rejoice over its extinction.

And this strong man was as happy in his death as in his life. Though eighty-five years of age still his bodily strength and mental vigor were excellently preserved. The sunset years of his life were very sweet, serene and joyous. Though in his natural health still he felt that his change was coming. He talked calmly with his loved ones about "going soon." He read the Book much, and talked with God alone very often. That was all; there was no fear of death, no clinging to life -- only a quiet waiting and expectancy.

The day came "And he was not, for Good took him."

And when we stood by his coffin in the presence of the friends who loved him and the throng of acquaintances who revered him, we could find nothing in the Book to read which seemed more appropriate than the forty-fourth chapter of Deuteronomy: Moses the servant of God on the mount, with God!

And never before did Bailey's lines seem so full of truth:

There is no death: what seems so is transition:
This life of mortal breath, is but the suburb of the
    Fields Elysian,
  Whose portals we call Death.
Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON.
_____

JOSEPH  SMITH'S  SISTER  RETELLS
THE  STORY  OF  DISCOVERY.
_____

An Angel Came to Her Brother -- Talked
for Hours -- Golden Record and
Translation.
_____

Kansas City, April 10. -- The Story of Joseph Smith's conversation with the angel Moroni, from which sprang the Mormon Church, was the main feature of today' session of the conference of the latter-Day saints. The story was told by Mrs. Catherine Salisbury, Joseph Smith's sister, and the last survivor of his immediate family. Mrs. Salisbury is 83 years of age, but she claims to recall the time of the wonderful vision as though it were but yesterday. She told how the angel had come to her brother in the night and had stood in a glow of white light midway between the floor and the ceiling of his room and had talked for hours, telling where the golden record was to be found on the hill of Conoran [sic]. And then she told how the plates had been found and after much tribulation on account of mobs of evil men they were translated and how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded.


Note: The above excerpt was reprinted from a lengthier article publisehd in the San Francisco Call of Apr. 11, 1895.