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Warsaw, Hancock County, Illinois

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1841 Articles




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Old Newspaper Articles Index


 

Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 36.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Jan. 13, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



To  CORRESPONDENTS. -- We received a communication not long since, under the signature of 'King David,' which, although it would be highly amusing to our readers, we are compelled to decline publishing, for reason that it would be contrary to the principle which we established for conducting this paper -- 'never to suffer ourselves, or others, through our columns, to interfere with the internal polity of the Mormons.' 'Aunt Nelly,' and 'Bets Travers,' may know a great deal about kitchen matters, but we protest against receiving their speculations as authority in state affairs.



The 'Times and Seasons,' of the 1st instant, states that General Bennet had just returned from Springfield, with a law embracing three Charters -- one for the 'City of Nauvoo,' another for the 'Nauvoo Legion,' and a third for the 'University of the City of Nauvoo,' all of which are of the most liberal character. For the many favors already conferred upon them by our State Government, the Mormons express, in the most ardent language, their doubtlessly sincere gratitude.



The St. Louis Gazette, of the 30th ult., says that 200 Mormons arrived at that port the preceeding week. They are principally from Lancastershire and Herford, England, and are mostly members of temperance societies.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 37.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Jan. 20, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



==> A proclamation has been recently issued by the Presidents of the Church of Latter day Saints (Mormons) calling upon all who are converts to the new faith to take up their residence as soon as practicable at or in the vicinity of Nauvoo. This City having recently received a charter of the most liberal character, the Mormons have determined to make it the gathering place of the Saints throughout the earth

Whatever may be thought of the tenets of this sect, it is certainly an imposing spectacle to witness the moral power which in so short a period they have exerted. -- Already, in obedience to this call, have hundreds left their homes in Europe, and thousands are now preparing to leave and take up their residence in a far distant land. And in our own country, from the east, and from the north, and from the south, converts are continually flocking to this new city. What may be the ultimate result it is impossible to divine. But a few years ago the Mormons were regarded as a set of fanatics, deserving only the pity or contempt of mankind; but now that their numbers are concentrating they begin to assume, at least in this state, a political and moral importance possessed by no other denomination.

Believing it to be a subject of interest to our readers we subjoin the following extract from the Proclamation:

Having been instrumental, in the hands of our heavenly Father, in laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, let all those who appreciate the blessings of the gospel, and realize the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven, who have been blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's goods, first prepare for the general gathering; let them dispose of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit, without making too great sacrifices, and remove to our city and county -- establish and build up manufactories in the city, purchase and cultivate farms in the county -- this will secure our permanent inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor. This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on which the gathering can be effected -- let the rich, then, and all who can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation to come on without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in promoting the happiness of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly impressed on the minds of all, and the elders are hereby instructed to proclaim this word in all places, where the saints reside in their public administrations, for this is according to the instruction we have received from the Lord.

The Temple of the Lord is in process of erection here where the Saints will come to worship the God of their fathers, according to the order of his house and the power of the holy priesthood, and will be so constructed as to enable all the functions of the priesthood to be duly exercised, and where instructions from the Most High will be received, and from this place go forth to distant lands.

Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions of our magna charta granted by the Illinois Legislature, at the "City of Nauvoo" and surrounding country, and strive to emulate the action of the ancient covenant fathers, and patriarchs, in those things which are of such vast importance to this and every succeeding generation.

The "Nauvoo Legion," embraces all our military power, and will enable us to perform our military duty by ourselves and thus afford the power, and privilege of avoiding one of the most fruitful sources of strife, oppression, and collision with the world. It will enable us to show our attachment to the state and nation as a people, whenever the public service requires our aid -- thus proving ourselves obedient to the paramount laws of the land, and ready at all times to sustain and execute them.

The "University of the City of Nauvoo," will enable us to teach our children wisdom -- to instruct them in all knowledge, and learning, in the Arts, Sciences and Learned Professions. We hope to make this institution one of the great lights of the world, and by and through it, to diffuse that kind of knowledge which will be of practical utility, and for the public good, and also for private and individual happiness. The Regents of the University will take the general supervision of all matters appertaining to education from common schools up to the highest branches of a most liberal collegiate course. They will establish a regular system of education, and hand over the pupil from teacher to professor, until the regular graduation is consummated, and the education finished. This corporation contains all the powers and prerogatives of any other college or university in this state. The charters for the University and Legion are addenda to the city charter, making the whole perfect and complete.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 39.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Feb. 3, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



THE MORMONS. -- While Col. Benton, in the Senate of the U. States, is endeavoring to procure an appropriation to pay off the troops who served against the Mormons in Missouri, two individuals of that persecuted people have petitioned the House for relief from the outrages committed upon them, and the Mormons generally, by the same troops. The memorial of the Mormons alluded to -- Messers. Elias Higbee and Rob't Thompson -- states that "they have purchased lands of the general government, lying in the State of Missouri, from which they have been driven with force, by the constituted authorities of that State, and prevented occupying the same" (embracing details of the measures employed by the State for that purpose) -- for which they pray Congress to "provide a remedy," -- This petition was laid before the House on the 21st of December, referred to the Committee on the Judicary, and ordered to be printed. We have received a copy of this document from our Representative -- and as it gives authentic details of the transaction to which it refers, is a document of more than general interest. -- San. Journal.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 42.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Feb. 24, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



THE MORMONS . -- The city of Nauvoo was organized on the 3d. inst., when the inaugural address of Mayor General Bennett, was delivered. His Honor appears rather bombastic notwithstanding severe criticisms which he adopts on the verbosity of modern literature. On the whole, however, the address is a creditable production, and appears to maintain throughout a high moral bearing.

As the mormons are our neighbors, it may not be uninteresting to our readers to know what they have been recently doing -- we have therefore, condensed the following from the "Times and Seasons."

The city Council in accordance with the recommendation of the Mayor, have passed an ordinance, prohibiting any person from selling whiskey in a less quantity than one gallon; and any other liquor in less than a quart, unless on the prescription of a duly authorized physician.

The University of Nauvoo has been duly organized by the election of a chancellor and Trustees. James Kelly, A. M. an Alumnus of Trinity College Dublin, has been elected President of the University.

The Nauvoo Legion has been also organized, and officers have been selected. It appears that by a late amendment to the act of incorporation, any citizen of Hancock county may, by voluntarily enrollment, attach himself to the Legion.

The council have passed a vote of thanks to the State Government, for the favors it has conferred, and to the citizens of Quincy, for the protection received, when driven from Missouri.

Messrs. Little, Charles and Leary will accept our thanks for their favors.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 43.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Mar. 3, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Hancock County:

Number 1



(under construction)



Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 44.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Mar. 10, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Hancock County:

Number 2.

(under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 46.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Mar. 24, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Hancock County:

Number 3.

(under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 48.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Apr. 7, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



THE MORMONS. -- The ceremony of laying the comer stone of the Temple at Nauvoo, passed off yesterday (6th) with great parade. The number assembled is variously estimated; we should think however about 7000 or 8000, some say as high as 12,000. The Nauvoo Legion consisting of 650 men, was in attendance, and, considering the short time they have had to prepare, made a very respectable appearance. Mr. Rigdon officiated at the laying of the chief comer stone, and addressed the assembly in a very energetic manner in a speech of about an hour's length. On the whole the exercises passed off with the utmost order, without accident or the slightest disturbance. Gen. Bennett commanded the legion, under the direction of the Prophet, and acquitted himself in a truly officer-like manner. -- We have no time for further comments this week.



SKETCHES  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY.

Warsaw -- A Town, post office, and precinct some four miles below Des Moines Rapids on the Mississippi river, and the most important location for commerce in the county -- was named after the capital of the country and kingdom of Poland, situated on the Vistula river, 300 miles E. of Berlin. The name was chosen in consequence of the strong sympathy extertained by the proprietors at the time of laying off the town, for the oppressed and suffering country, which fell victim to the jealously of the Colossus of Northern Europe, Russia, in 1831...

When the name was proposed, some of the citizens of the county dissented and remonstrated, and were ardent in their advocacy of a purely original designation, asserting that our independence as citizens would be cimpromised by thus copying names from other places. But so strong was the interest for the downtrodden Poles, who were then (1834) flocking into our country as exiles from despotism, that nothing could prevent its expression in the manner indicated above....

Ramus -- This name, now attached to a new town 2 miles W.S.W. of Fountain Green, although not strictly of home manufacture, (for it was not made here,) is nevertheless, so far as its choice and application to place are concerned, one of our own soaring up -- to use a thorough going Sucker expression. Thus: Someyime ;ast summer, shortly after, the establishment of a church of the 'Latter Day Saints,' at this place, and the 'laying off' of the town, Mr. Williams, our county Surveyer, called at the office of the wtiter and said he was in search of a rare name for the town at the Perkin's Settlement. He added that he was anxious to obtain one either of a Hebrew [or] Greek origin, significant of the character of that town -- which was a branch of the Mormon, or Latter Day Saint Settlement at Nauvoo, the great place of gathering for that people in this county and State. After some examination, being unable to select any thing from either of these languages, which entirely suited Mr. W.'s taste -- who remarked, that he had had the name of the town committed to himself -- the Latin word Ramus (signifying a branch) was hit upon as being the best for his purpose. It was accordingly given and has since been applied.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 49.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Apr. 14, 1841.                                   Vol. I.


 

[Calling for a convention to be held in Carthage] The reason of our calling public attention to this matter is, that there are now in the field three candidates, for the office of School Commissioner, two of whom are well qualified for the office but the third has no other qualification to recommend him, than the fact of his being a Mormon -- and it is feared if some such step as is above suggested is not taken, he will be elected.

(Article on local offices -- under construction)




SKETCHES  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY.

NO. V.

Nauvoo: -- In Hebrew, meaning -- I believe -- agreeable, delightful -- intended to convey the idea of delightful dwelling or residence -- it being a choice selection on the father of waters, eight miles above Monte Bello, and now an incorporated city with the above name. This appelation was chosen by some of the leading officers of the denomination of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, and is the great place of gathering for that people in the west. -- The scenery needs no graphic description from the writer to entitle the place to its present name or prove its desirableness as a resting place for those who have fled from suffering in an adjacent State. The name of the first post office near this place was Venus, in allusion to that planet, when ruling as evening star, and of course in the west -- the office being at a western point in our county and state. Afterwards the name of Commerce was applied to the office and place, indicating its eligibility for commercial purposes. Still later it was called Commerce City, with a view to give it note as being well located for that business. Now we have the city of Nauvoo, with a slight removal of post office and an extension of plat on the river. The application of the name will continue while the present owners and their supporters enjoy prosperity, and make no new choice of a residence or avocation.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 50.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Apr. 21, 1841.                                   Vol. I.


 

We clip the following from the St. Louis Republican.

A number of Mormons, from England, on their way to the town of Nauvoo, to join the society, arrived on Wednesday from New Orleans, and left yesterday, in the Goddess of Liberty, for their place of destination. The New Era says:

A report was in circulation to-day, that the Prophet Smith, and S. Rigdon lately took a ride together from the city of Nauvoo, that Smith returned without Rigdon; and that, when asked what had become of him, replied that he had been translated to heaven.

The steamer Goddess of Liberty, with the above Mormons (250 in number) arrived at this place on Friday evening last, and passed on to the City of Nauvoo. We have heard nothing of the report alluded to in the latter paragraph, and are of opinion that the translation has not yet taken place.

(under construction)


Note 1: According to the New Orleans Picayune of Apr. 30, 1841 "The Saint Louis New Era of late date says: 'A report was in circulation to-day that the Prophet Smith and S. Rigdon lately took a ride together from the city of Nauvoo; that Smith returned without Rigdon, and that, when asked what had become of him, he replied that he had been translated to heaven.'" The New Era report must have been printed about the middle of April, and from the columns of that paper was reprinted in the Warsaw Western World of either April 21st or 28th (exact date uncertain).

Note 2: The Nauvoo paper, The Wasp reprinted a similar news item, concerning Smith and Rigdon outside of the city, and Rigdon's purported "translation," in its issue of July 30, 1842: "Joe and his friend Rigdon, recently rode out of Nauvoo into the country, and Joe returned solitary and alone -- Where is Sidney? The prophet informed them, that as they were journeying, it came to pass that two angels met them and took Sidney up to heaven, and that on a certain day he would return again to the promised city." The Wasp's reprint, in turn, evidently came from a spring, 1842 issue of the Connecticut Norwalk Gazette; cf. Washington, D. C. Kendall's Weekly Expositor for June 9, 1842.


 


Published Every Wed. Morning, Near the Foot of Main Street, -- By Sharpe and Gamble.

No. 51.                                   Warsaw,  Illinois,  Apr. 28, 1841.                                   Vol. I.



SKETCHES  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY.

NO. VII.

This County is bounded on the north by the Counties of Henderson and Warren; on the south by the County of Adams; on the east by the Counties of McDonough and Schuyler: and on the west by the Mississippi river, which separates it from the State of Missouri, and the Territory of Iowa. It embraces twenty two Townships, each 6 miles square -- beginning on the S.E. with Township 3 North and 5 West, and ending on the N. W. with Township. 7 North and 8 West. In shape it is nearly a perfect square -- having five tiers one each boundary -- abridged of three only by a magnificent bend in the Father of Waters, which increases the extent of our water communication. The face of the country is mostly level, with some beautiful undulations, and near the streams, a few bold hills. The soil of the County is rich, and well adapted to the purposes of agriculture. As much has been said by superficial observers and thoughtless complainers, of the disproportion of prairie and wet land in Hancock, I shall be justified in attempting to set these in their true light. It is unfortunate for the interests of our County, in these respects, that two or three of our principals roads are located over those small glades, or strips of ground which are calculated to give to the unthinking an unfavorable impression of the character of the soil. Hence the frequent cries of "bogs, mud holes, ponds, crawfish-county, Atlantic ocean, out of sight of land, &c -- these last two are intended to give an idea of the great extent of our prairie. But, I think, a thorough, impartial examination of the subject will wholly remove or greatly diminish the ground of the complaints.

1st. As to the alleged disproportion of prairie in Hancock. Bisect, the county in the centre, north and south, and examine the east half. Start from Pulaski and go through to La Harp; then travel from that place through Carthage to Chili, and while in nineteen out of twenty points of observation, you will see the most delightful and equal proportion of prairie and timber interspersed the one with the other; you will not discover a single point, where a settler could locate himself more than two or three miles from timber in you whole route. Nor is there any wet land in those parts of the county, to be complained of. Thus we can dispose of one-half of Hancock with satisfaction. Run a line due west from the centre of the county to the Mississippi, and what complaint in relation to a deficiency of timber would you find south of the line? Three or four miles is the farthest you can locate from timber in that direction. And even as to the great bug-bear of "all prairie" north west of our centre -- it is questioned whether a single quarter section of land can be found five miles from timber there. Let then the settler take but a small capital only, and, when we considered how rapidly and easily timber can be grown, together with the richness and feasibility of the soil, with suitable exertion by economy in building, with the use of sod fence, and a cheap cookstove to save fuel -- there can be nothing insurmountable or even formidable, in the difficulties to be overcome in such a location -- even the most remote from timber. Then as to the alleged great quantity of wet land, in the County. Any one who shall make a careful estimate and examination by the acre and quarter section will be greatly and agreeable surprised to find how few parcels of land, even large enough for a farm can be reckoned in the County, which are too wet for successful and advantageous cultivation. The truth is, people on long journies, or with heavy loads, at unfavourable season of the year -- particularly in the spring -- themselves and teams worn down by fatigue, when fast in the slough or a ravine, are but poor judges of the thousands of acres of land surrounding their position, and to which they are paying no attention. People in such and indeed more favourable circumstances, will have traveled over miles upon miles of most delightful and valuable soil -- enjoying perhaps the refreshing influences of "kind nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep" at all events insensible of their progress, and the objects that surround them -- when they at length, are impeded by a few yards of marshy ground -- or even by a single slough -- their antipathies are aroused at once and lo! what a terrible road! what a wet worthless country they are traveling through! and having finished the toils of the day, very probably the little point at which they were perplexed, will occupy more space and importance in their memories, than the thirty or forty miles of delightful traveling, which they have measured since they put up for their last night's lodging and repose. Is this philosophical! -- is it reasonable! Above all should the character of a county suffer from such childish folly and injustice? But I am not to be understood to deny, that there is some wet land -- say enough for a half dozen farms of some thousand acres, in Hancock County, And yet, that man, who should deal out wholesale condemnations of the county for this reason, on the same principle, might denounce the whole American Union as sterile and valueless because of a few uninhabitable places in the Allegheny or Rocky Mountains, or the existence of an impassible swamp in Florida. He might with the same propriety, discard the whole navigation of the Ohio or Mississippi because of a few sand-bars -- or that of the Atlantic on account of a few shoals and reefs occupying the millionth part of her ample bosom. The writer while traveling, last October, through the south and west portion of Warren county, and the North and West portion of Hancock, made a somewhat careful comparison of the two counties in those sections, and was totally unable to detect such a difference between them as many have assumed. Indeed it is believed, that nineteen twentieths of this County will challenge comparison with any of the contiguous counties. A word as to the cultivation of our wettest soil and I have done. Two years since I traveled in company with a gentleman of Morgan County across 8 miles of Prairie in this county. After sometime listening to the expression of admiration from that gentleman passed upon the face and soil of the section we had been traveling over, I remarked to the Morgan County friend, that we had some wet Prairie in Hancock. No matter for that, was the prompt reply. "It will all be equally valuable in the end. Indeed some of our wettest land proves to be the most valuable in the end -- as it neither has `seeps' nor washes way. In Morgan County, near my residence, some 15 years ago, there was quite a body of land, which was constantly covered with water, and no one expected then ever to see it good for anything. But it has been drained, ridged, and cultivated since, and is now valuable as any land in that county.' On this the reader is entitled to his reflections.
HISTORICUS.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. II. No. 1.                           Warsaw, Illinois, May 12, 1841.                           Whole No. 53.



THE  NEW  VOLUME.

==> According to a promise made in our last number, we this week issue our paper under a new name.

For a paper so limited in its circulation as ours must necessarily be, we have always considered the title of 'Western World' to be too extensive in its signification. The year having now expired, we consider it a proper time to make the change contemplated, and we have selected the title of "The Warsaw Signal," as being more appropriate and neat, and limited in its meaning to the sphere of its action...

It may not be amiss, on the present occasion, to advert to the policy which it is our intention to pursue. In Politics we have aimed, ans shall still aim, to make it decidedly a Whig paper....

In conclusion, we may be permitted to add, that it shall be, as it has heretofore been, our aim to make the paper generally interesting to all classes of readers -- and ask the favorable indulgence of all.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, May 19, 1841.                           No. 2.



APPOINTMENT.

We have no disposition to complain of the official acts of Judge Douglass, for whom, as a man and an officer, we maintain the highest regard, but there is one act of his which receives our unqualified disapprobation; and we speak advisedly when we say that it is frowned on with indignity by nine-tenths of the substantial citizens of the county -- we speak of the appointment of Gen. BENNETT to be Master in Chancery. Whether from political motives or personal regard, it is certainly an act that has astonished the members of both parties, by its indiscretion. Bennett has but recently become an inhabitant of this state. He came here followed by evil report-he joins a sect and advocates a creed in which no one believes he has any faith -- his true character is not known to our citizens, nor have they any confidence in him -- under such circumstances we believe, and we are not alone in this belief, that Judge Douglass has committed an error in countenancing and encouraging such a man by the gift of a responsible office -- an office involving the rights, and in certain instances the liberties of freemen. We, for one, say, let the citizens of this county remonstrate against the appointment.



The  MORMONS.

We understand that great dissatisfaction exists at Nauvoo, amongst those who have lately arrived from England. It is said that many have determined to leave-and that letters have been sent to England, warning their friends, who had designed to emigrate, of the sad state of things in the City of the Church. Mr. Rigdon, on the contrary, informed us last week, that, in general, the new comers were well satisfied. Be it as it may, it is certain that some have left both the City and the Church -- not believing, on the one hand, in the mission of the Prophet, and on the other, dissatisfied with the temporal government which is exercised over them.

But this is no concern of ours. While on the subject, however, we will notice an accusation which has been made against us -- that of having, for political effect, flattered the Mormons. This is not true. -- We have occasionally noticed their doings, but not with any such design. We believe they have the same rights as other religious bodies possess, and ought to be protected in the just and proper exercise of those rights. We do not believe in persecution for opinion's sake. But whenever they as a people, step beyond the proper sphere of a religious denomination, and become a political body, as many of our citizens are beginning to apprehend will be the case -- then this press stands pledged to take a stand against them. On religious questions it is and shall remain neutral -- but it is bound to oppose the concentration of political power in a religious body, or in the hands of a few individuals.

We say, then, that while ever the inordinate power which the Prophet and the leaders of the Church possess over their people, is confined within its legitimate boundaries, we are content; but when it comes to be exercised or attempted beyond this, we will be ready to take as decided a stand as any one in opposing them.


Note: See the Nauvoo Times and Seasons of June 1, 1841 for the Mormon response to this issue's articles.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, June 2, 1841.                           No. 4.



Highly Important!!
A New Revelation, from Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet,
for the especial benefit of the Editor of the "WARSAW SIGNAL."

In our paper of week before last, we took occasion to express an honest opinion in relation to the Mormons, and some of their leaders -- an opinion which we believe is concurred in by nine-tenths of the community. No sooner, however, had our paper reached Nauvoo, than it caused the following highly important revelation to be forwarded us, from his holiness, the Prophet.

                                                 NAUVOO, Ill., May 26, 1841.
Mr. Sharp, Editor of the Warsaw Signal:

SIR: -- You will discontinue my paper; its contents are calculated to pollute me. And to patronize that filthy sheet, that tissue of lies, that sink of iniquity, is disgraceful to any moral man.     Yours with utter contempt.
                                  JOSEPH SMITH.

P. S. -- Please publish the above in your contemptible paper.
                  J.S.


Now, as one good turn deserves another, we annex below, for the benefit of the aforesaid Prophet, a revelation from our books, in this wise

                              Warsaw, ILL., June 2, 1841.
JOSEPH SMITH, Prophet, &c., &c.

                             To Sharp & Gamble,      DR.

To one year's subscription to Western World, $3.00.

Come, Josey, fork over, and for mercy's sake don't get a revelation that it is not to be paid. For if thou dost, we will send a prophet after thee mightier than thou.



We copy the following from the 'Times and Seasons,' the Mormon paper published in Nauvoo.

                             City of Nauvoo. May 6, 1841.
To the Editors of the Times and Seasons,

Gentlemen:

I wish, through the medium of your paper, to make known, that on Sunday last, I had the honor of receiving a visit from the Hon. Stephen A. Douglass, Justice of the Supreme Court and Judge of the fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, and Cyrus Walker Esq. of Macomb, who expressed great pleasure in visiting our city, and were astonished at the improvements which were made. They were officially introduced to the congregation who had assembled on the meeting ground, by the Mayor; and they severally addressed the assembly. Judge Douglass, expressed his satisfaction of what he had seen and heard respecting our people and took that opportunity of returning thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo, for confering upon him the freedom of the city, stating that he was not aware of rendering us any service, sufficiently important to deserve such marked honor; and likewise spoke in high terms of our location and the improvements we had made, and that our enterprise and industry were highly creditable to us indeed.

Mr. Walker spoke much in favor of the place, the industry of the citizens &c. and hoped they would continue to enjoy all the blessing and privileges of our free and glorious Constitution, and as a patriot and a freeman he was willing at all times to stand boldly in defence of liberty and law.

It must indeed be satisfactory to this community to know, that kind and generous feelings exist in the heart of men of such high reputation and moral and intellectual worth.

Judge Douglass has ever proved himself friendly to this people; and interested himself to obtain for us our several charters, holding at that time the office of Secretary of State. Mr. Walker also ranks high, and has long held a standing at the bar, which few attain, and is considered one of the most able and profound jurists in the state.

The sentiments they expressed on the occasion, were highly honorable to them as American citizens, and as gentlemen.

How different their conduct, from that of the official characters in the state of Missouri, whose minds were prejudiced to such an extent, that instead of mingling in our midst and ascertaining for themselves our character, kept entirely aloof, but were ready at all times to listen to those who had the "poison of adders under their tongues," and who sought our overthrow.

Let every person who may have imbibed sentiments prejudicial to us, imitate the honorable example of our distinguished visitors, (Douglass and Walker) and I believe they will find much less to condemn than they anticipated, and probably a great deal to commend.

What makes the late visit more pleasing, is the fact, that Messrs. Douglass and Walker, have long been held in high estimation as politicians, being champions of the two great parties that exist in the State; but laying aside all party strife, like brothers, citizens, and friends, they mingle with us, mutually disposed to extend to us courtesy, respect and friendship, which I hope, we shall ever be proud to reciprocate.

I am, very respectfully, yours &c.
                                              JOSEPH SMITH.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, June 9, 1841.                           No. 5.



JOE  SMITH  ARRESTED.

It is, doubtless, known to most of our readers that Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, was arrested on Saturday last, in Quincy, on the warrant of Governor Carlin, under the requisition of the Governor of Missouri. He was, however brought up on a habeas corpus before Calvin A. Warren, Master in Chancery for Adams county, and Judge Douglass having arrived in the city just at the time, he ordered the Prophet to be taken to Monmouth, to be examined before him. The Judge arrived in this place on Sunday morning last on his way to Monmouth where the Court is now sitting. We understand that a question has been raised as to the legality of the arrest, and the object of the examination is to decide the point.

The last we heard of the Prophet he was in the custody of the Sheriff of Adams county, and on his way to Monmouth. -- When about seven miles of this place he wrote us a very polite note, and forked over the little change due us for subscription.   Neff sed.



We understand that Governor Carlin has removed General Bennett from the office of Quarter-Master-General of this State. We hope the first step of the new Quarter-Master will be to remove the arms which have been latterly congregated at Nauvoo, to some place of safe keeping. We have not heard who is appointed to fill the vacancy.



READ AND PONDER: -- to those citizens if any there be who apprehend no danger from a Mormon ascendancy in this county, we say, read the following proclamation and ponder well upon it. If the leader and head of the church can exercise such an all-powerful influence over his deluded followers, as to "Instruct" them in their most weighty temporal concerns -- if he can command them to settle where he pleases -- if his will is to be their law, and he their God -- what may -- nay, what WILL -- become of your dearest rights and most valued privileges, when that ascendancy is gained which the following proclamation is intended to effect.

TO  THE  SAINTS  ABROAD.

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said church, feel it their duty to call upon the saints who reside out of this county, to MAKE PREPARATIONS TO COME IN, without delay. This is important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the temple must be raised, the university be built, and other edifices erected which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which can only be done by a concentration of energy and enterprise. LET IT THEREFORE BE UNDERSTOOD, that all the stakes, excepting those in this county, and in Lee county, Iowa, ARE DISCONTINUED, AND THE SAINTS INSTRUCTED TO SETTLE IN THIS COUNTY AS SOON AS CIRCUMSTANCES WILL PERMIT.
                                              JOSEPH SMITH.
    Nauvoo, Hancock co., Ill. May 24, 1841.



THE   MORMONS.

The remarks which we made a few weeks ago, concerning the Mormons have called forth the most violent aspersions, and the most brilliant touches of fancied satire, from some wonderful Mormon wit, through the columns of that talented Journal the "Times and Seasons." We have no disposition to reply; the article is a sufficient commentary of itself, and shows clearly that the Mormons design to make theirs a political church. Else why do they not deny it, when the charge is so directly made? Why is it that Gen. Bennett told us that they disogned always to make their power be felt at the ballot box? Why is it that when a highly respectable citizen remarked that the Mormons would soon have a majority in this county, D. C. Smith, one of the editors of the Times and Seasons, replied that "the county would be safe in their hands?" Why is it that a proclamation is made by the Prophet just at this time calling in all the "saints abroad" to settle in this county? Why is it that the Mormons here, in all former contests, uniformly voted as one man in favor of the candidate of Joe Smith's choice?

Whatever may be thought of their present strength, it is certain, that if not checked in another year, they will have the decided majority in this county. Yes! men who have no minds of their own, but move, act and think at the bidding of one man, are to be our rulers. Now we ask the citizens of Hancock county, are you prepared for this? Are you prepared to see one man control your affairs? Are you prepared to see the important offices of Sheriff and County Commissioners selected by an unparallelled knave, and thus place in his hands the power to select jurymen, who are to sit and try your rights to life, liberty, and property? If it comes to this, that Joe Smith is to control the majority of votes in our county, are we not in effect, the subjects of a despot? -- might we not as well be serfs to the Autocrat of Russia? What need have we of the elective franchise, when a church can rise up in our midst, controlled by the [mind] of one man, to dispense political favors.

Citizens look to this thing! Ask yourselves what means this array of military force which is paraded under the direction of this church. Is an army necessary to propagate religion? Is it necessary to protect their civil rights? Why then this parade? Are they so patriotic as to have no other end than the safety of the state in view? Why these weekly parades? Why all this strictness of discipline? We pause for a reply.




Lee County Whig Convention. -- We understand, that at a whig convention recently assembled in Lee county, Iowa, the Mormon delegates stated that their body commanded 180 votes, and that, if their candidate for the Legislature was not nominated, their whole force would be turned in support of the candidates of the other party. We are sorry -- very sorry -- to add, that a majority of the delegates possessed so little independence, and were so sycophantic, as to bow down to the dictation of these fanatics, and allow them to control the nomination. What better evidence is wanted of the fact, that the Mormons design to make a political church, than is afforded in these proceedings? Has it come to this, that the veriest impostor that ever disgraced the earth, can say to the great political parties -- "Do this!" or "Do that!" -- and it must be done? Has party spirit so degraded the dignity of man, that they must kneel down and pander to the arrogance of knaves, merely because they are united, and thereby hold the balance of power? Must we ask Joe Smith, and his minions, whom we are to nominate for office, and fear to oppose his will, lest his power shall be turned against us? Are we to surrender our elective franchise -- one of the dearest rights which a freeman can possess -- and pray his Holiness, condescendingly to allow us to have one of our party elected, if it but comports with his august and sage intentions? And can it be that we have so little respect for the character of American citizens -- for the purity of our free institutions -- as to [cling] thus blindly to party, when that party can only exist by the will of an infamous blasphemer? Can these things be? -- If so, let us cease to call ourselves free -- throw away, at once, these holy and glorious institutions, which we have not the manliness to preserve from disgrace.

But, what is hoped to be gained by this bowing down to the nod of the Prophet? Nothing more than the mere temporary ascendancy of party -- for defeat will most assuredly follow. Every high-minded and honorable man must be disgusted with the party which can stoop to such conduct.

We sincerely trust that this act of a portion of the leaders does not meet the approval of the body of the Whigs of Lee County. If not, we hope to see them assert there prerogative, and wipe the stigma from the escutcheon of their party.



"The more we reflect on the subject, the more we are satisfied of the baseness of the motives which have induced the Editor (of the Warsaw Signal) to make an attack upon this community: a community that has never done him any harm, but ever treated him with hospitality and kindness."
We copy the above from the "Times and Seasons." It was written in reference to the editor of the Signal, and on reflection, it does make us feel right bad, that we have been so ungrateful to the Mormon brotherhood -- Just think, reader! -- after having been invited to Nauvoo, on the 6th of April, by the Mayor of the city -- and after having gone there, impelled by curiosity, to see all that was to be seen -- after having ridden to the Temple on that great day, in presence of assembled thousands, by the side of the Holy Prophet -- after having an officer ordered to ascort us to the stand when the great orator held forth -- after sitting by his side duringthe discourse, and during the laying of the chief corner stone, meaning the most prominent honors conferred on any stranger -- after being invited in the presence of the congregation to dine with the Prophet -- after dining with him on mince pies and sweet meats -- after proceeding with him in the afternoon (although we tried our hardest to steal off and make for home) -- after again visiting the Temple, and occupying a distinguished place at the laying of the remaining corner-stones -- after supping with the Prophet, and eating heartily of his stall-fed turkey -- after being caressed and having all manner of attentions paid us, in order to bribe us to flattery, and make a great noise over their splendid parade, in our editorials -- and then after disappointing them -- how exceedingly ungrateful must we be, to make an attack upon such "kind" and "hospitable" people! How "infamous" must we be, in daring to say one word that does not meet their approbation!



PUBLIC MEETING.

Pursuant to adjournment, a large and highly respectable meeting convened at the church, consisting of both political parties, for the purpose of completing the unfinished business of last Saturday night's proceedings. It was deemed, by the meeting, expedient, to proceed without reference to the Saturday night's proceedings.

On motion of Wm. H. Roosevelt, Esq. Thos. Gregg was called to the chair, and J. B. Salisbury appointed secretary.

On motion, a committee of three was appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting -- whereupon, Messrs. Roosevelt, Sharp, and Worthen were appointed said committee, and immediately reported the following preamble and resolutions which were [offered?], discussed, and passed separately.

Whereas a religious body calling themselves "Latter Day Saints," otherwise Mormons, have emigrated into this county claiming the protection due to other denominations -- and whereas this said body acknowledges a leader to whose political opinions the utmost deference is paid, and the strictest obedience is given by those composing the body of the church, as is proved by all former political contests in this county and elsewhere. And whereas the head of the church is now making efforts to concentrate a great number of his people in this county, which will give to him the control of a decided majority of votes, within our limits -- and whereas we deem that such a majority, controlled by one man's influence is in effect a despotism -- Therefore,

Resolved -- That in the [sense] of this meeting, there exists serious grounds of apprehension that the leaders of the Mormon body designs, so soon as the numbers of their church constitute a majority of the votes to control the offices of this county.

Resolved -- That those who are opposed to political and military Mormonism, are in duty bound, without regard to party, to stand up resolutely at the present time, in defence of their rights, and in opposition to the concentration of power in the hands of one man.

Resolved -- That we will sustain any suitable candidates for county offices, which a county convention may select, equally from each political party, and who will pledge themselves to oppose the influence of political and military Mormonism.

Resolved -- That we view with regret and displeasure the acts of members of both political parties in the Legislature, in granting to the Mormons extensive charter privileges, both civil and military -- and also, the act of the Governor in permitting the great body of the public arms to be transferred to Nauvoo -- and also, the act of Judge Douglass, in appointing Gen. Bennett to be Master in Chancery.

Resolved -- That we will discountenance by our votes, the conduct of any candidate for office, who will hereafter, by any means, seek the influence of the Mormons, at future elections.

On motion, the following persons were appointed delegates to attend the county convention to be held at Carthage, on Wednesday next, the 9th inst. to nominate suitable persons for county officers: Mark Aldrich, J. C. Davis, Thos. C. Sharpe, A. H. Morthon, J. B. Salisbury, Calvin Cole, and Wm. H. Roosevelt.

On motion, the meeting adjourned.

          TH. GREGG, Ch'm.
J. B. SALISBURY, Sec'y.



A dispatch from the Journal of Commerce under the head, Americans in England, dated London, April 1, 1841, concludes with this paragraph:

"Several Mormonites from your far West are zealously laboring in the provinces here for the purpose of making proselytes to their strange faith. In some parts they have been successful, and several simpletons have been induced to dispose of their property here and set sail for the United States, to join the general body. In some towns the missionaries have been very roughly handled."


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, June 16, 1841.                           No. 6.


 

We neglected in our last to state that the Mormons had nominated Walter Bagby for School Commissioner, and John T. Darnet for County commissioner. -- The former resides at Carthage, the latter at or in the neighborhood of Nauvoo. -- We have heard some persons say that this nomination does away with the necessity of a convention, and that we should acquiesce. We second the motion, with this slight amendment -- that at the election, Joe Smith be delegated to do all our voting.



The Quincy Argus man is just fool enough to think he will be able to make political capital out of the Mormon controversy in this county. The simpleton! -- He don't know his own party, or such a ridiculous idea would not have entered his ------, the place where brains ought to be. He talks about a "dirty sheet!" Why his own party is ashamed of his! A few months ago he had ten subscribers in this place, and now he has but one -- and that one thinks it a bad bargain to pay the postage!



We call attention to the proceedings of a meeting of the representatives of several precincts. held at Carthage, on Wednesday last, which will be found in another column. On account of the short notice which had been given for a convention, but few of the Precincts had time to select delegates. Hence it was thought expedient not to hold a convention at the time specified -- but simply to recommend a day for that purpose at which all the Precincts might be represented.

According to a request contained in the proceedings above alluded to, the County Commissioners' Clerk has politely forwarded us the number of delegates which each Princinct is entitled, which is as follows:

Precincts            No. of del.   No of votes
Bear Creek           2                     20
Montebello           3                     26
Chili                5                     46
Appanosse            5                     51
CampCreek            8                     61
Fountain Green       8                     85
Augusta              8                     81
St. Mary's           10                   104
Green Plains         12                   117
Warsaw               20                   197
La Harpe             20                   202
Carthage             33                   332
Commerce             41                   409
We now ask our fellow citizens to take an interest in this matter. Will each Precinct hold a meeting, and appoint the number of delegates designated in the above list -- good men and true -- who will act -- and act understandingly? We wish to see whether Hancock county has the spirit to resist the religious and military despotism which is attempted to be fastened upon her. We wish to know whether Joe Smith is to be the dispenser of honor and office among us, as he is among his deluded followers,



The St. Louis New Era says that a shock of an earthquake was felt at that place on Friday night last.

It was on the same day that Joe Smith was at La Harpe hurling his anathemas against Missouri. We did not feel the shock on this side.

THE DANITES.

Will our kind friend, the Prophet, or the talented editors of the "Times and Seasons" give us some further information relative to the "Danite Society" of Latter Day Saints? We publish to-day a very interesting account of it, under the head of "Correspondence of the New York Evangelist," and we would be glad to learn something more of its character. Have you one in complete organization now, at Nauvoo? or is it merged in the "Nauvoo Legion?" Please send us a constitution. We would like to publish it.

OUR POSITION -- AGAIN.

We have several times been asked whether we profess to represent the Whig party in the controversy in which we have engaged, relative to the Mormon ascendancy in this county. If by the Whig party is meant certain individuals calling themselves leaders, who make Party their God, and sacrifice everything at her shrine -- or if is meant those kind-hearted and sympathetic gentlemen whose feelings are so deeply touched at the idea of "persecution." as our poor action of self-defense is perversely termed -- or if is meant that class of high-minded politicians whose highest glory is to fawn upon and flatter Joe Smith, and who are ready to toss coppers for the honor of escorting him from place to place -- or if is meant that class of persons who yet think the Mormons may be some political utility in future elections -- we answer, that we do not profess to represent any of these. On the contrary, we profess to represent in this controversy those high-minded and independent citizens of Hancock who dare to think, and fear not to speak their thoughts. We profess to represent those of both political parties, who are not shackled by self-interest, and who have the manliness to stand up for their rights in opposition to the dictates of a political and military Church. We profess to represent that class of our fellow citizens who would save the country and state from the disgrace of being ruled by an ignorant and unprincipled aspirant for power -- from the degradation of submitting to religious despotism in a land of freedom and laws. We profess to represent those, too, who are not willing to wait until they are trodden under foot before they make resistance.

In this controversy, therefore, we act not as politicians -- nor do we believe that those who have proper views of the question will suffer political feeling in the least to sway their conduct. In this neighborhood, party feeling is almost entirely absorbed in the determination to oppose the further progress of political Mormonism. Members of both parties unite cordially in battling with a power which threatens to deprive us of our dearest rights. Let but the independent and unbought citizens throughout the county act with the same determination, and political leaders will soon learn to treat him as he deserves -- namely, as an arrant knave and impostor, who has duped hundreds to follow his foul standard through rebellion and blood, and who now takes advantage of the misery and suffering which he himself has occasioned them, in order to arouse public sympathy in his behalf. -- This is our position.



An Important Query.

Do the People of the State of Illinois know, and do the constituted authorities know, that Mormons who reside in Iowa, cross the river to muster at Nauvoo -- and are supplied with arms and other equipment for that purpose, from the Quarter Master's Department of this State? These things are susceptible of proof.



It is said that Mr. Browning's eloquence, in describing the persecution of the Mormons, on the trial of Joe Smith, at Monmouth, last week, drew tears from the eyes of Judge Douglass.

Query -- Were there any onions about?



THE HABEAS CORPUS. -- We noticed the fact, last week, of the arrest of Joe Smith, under a warrant from the Governor, on a demand made by the Governor of Missouri, and of his having been brought before Judge Douglass, at Monmouth, on a writ of Habeas Corpus. We since learn, that after a hearing of the case he was discharged -- on the grounds of the illegality of the writ.



We learn that the horse-mill of Mr. Davidson Hibbard, two miles below Nauvoo, was destroyed by fire on the night of the [31st] ultimo. It is supposed to be the work of an incendiary.



Precinct Meeting.

The citizens of Warsaw precinct, are requested to meet at the church on Saturday next, inst. at 3 o'clock P.M. for the purpose of electing delegates to the County Convention.



County Convention.

At a meeting of citizens from several of the Precincts of this county, convened at the Court House, in Carthage, on Wednesday the 2d inst., for the purpose of recommending a suitable place and time, for holding a county convention. On motion Joel Catlin, Esq. of Augusta, was called to the Chair, and J. B. Salisbury, of Warsaw, appointed Secretary.

Thos. C. Sharp, Esq., stated the object of the meeting, and offered the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, the call made in the Warsaw Signal of the 2d inst., for a county convention on this day, did not give sufficient time, for the different Precincts to respond, by sending delegates, therefore,

Resolved, That it is not expedient, at this time, to nominate candidates for county officers, to be supported by the independent citizens of Hancock county, at the ensuing August election.

Resolved, That we recommend that a convention be held at Carthage, on the 28th inst., for the purpose of nominating candidates for county offices.

Resolved, That this meeting recommend that the number of delegates from each Precinct, at the said convention, shall be in proportion to the number of votes polled at the last August election, as shown by the return then made.

Resolved, That the Clerk, of the county Commissioner's Court, be requested by the secretary to apportion the number of delegates for each Precinct, from the poll books of the last August election, giving the smallest Precinct 2 delegates, and forward the same to be published in the Warsaw Signal.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, be published in the Warsaw Signal.
                                JOEL CATLIN, Pres't.
    J. B. SALISBURY, Sec't.



Correspondence of the New York Evangelist.

                                                  April 17, 1841.
Before bringing my correspondence to a close, there is one subject of a novel and important kind on which I propose to furnish you several communications. I refer to the.

Mormon War.

A rare document, relating to this subject, has recently fallen into my hands, the substance of which ought to be made known to the public. It was printed by order of the United States Senate, near the close of the recent session, for the use of the members of Congress, but not for general distribution. It was, therefore, with no little difficulty that I succeeded in obtaining a copy; but having obtained one, I feel that I cannot do the public better service, than by rendering them acquainted with its contents. Mormonism is not the farce which some have suppossed. It is a tragedy. It has already proved itself so; and I venture to predict, from a knowledge of the principles inculcated in its authorized documents, that unless it is checked, it will prove far more tragical still. For years, I have been endeavoring to some extent, to improve the public mind with this idea, and not entirely without success. But such is the nature of the document that has fallen into my hands, that it is barely necessary to get the substance of it fairly before the community, to convince all of the facts.

The pamphlet under consideration, is a Document showing the Testimony given before the Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, on the trial of Joseph Smith, jr., and others, for high treason, and other crimes against that State....

(summary & extracts from 1841 pamphlet follow)


From the New York Evangelist, May 1.

Messrs. Editors: -- In accordance with the proposal in my last, I proceed to give you some additional evidence in relation to the.

Mormon War.

Wyatt Cravens, who was in the battle between Capt. Bogart's company and the Mormons, on the 25th of October, 1838, testifies...

(summary & extracts from 1841 pamphlet follow)

... But the time would fail to produce all the witnesses in the case, or even to bring into a view the various points to which they testify. Suffice it to say, that enough is proved against Smith and the other leaders of the Mormons, to hang them a dozen times over, so far as being guilty of capital crimes would do it. They are proved guilty of treason, rebellion, murder, burglary, arson, robbery, larceny, and various other crimes; and as to vices, they are proved liars, swearers, traitors, and almost every thing that can be named. -- They are proved guilty of all this, by such legal evidence as proves any thing in a court of justice; and they are now fugitives from justice, having escaped from prison.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, June 23, 1841.                           No. 7.



THE MORMON QUESTION.

A few weeks ago we took occasion to notice certain matters touching the Mormon fraternity, and their relations to the people of this country and state. This we did in as mild and respectful language as is usual on similar occasions, by the newspaper press generally. This has been construed, by the tender sympathies of some individuals, and by the Mormons themselves, though entirely without reason, into an attack upon them. The fact is, we have made no attest. In making the statements which we then made, we did so, under a conviction, that they were matters of public interest. We stated the rumor, that some of the brethren who had emigrated from a distance, were disatisfied with the condition of affairs at Nauvoo. This is not even denied -- but is continually confirmed by subsequent reports. The Prophet himself has affirmed it. In a sermon preached by him at Montrose, some time since, on the subject of "baptism for the dead," he stated the facts nearly as we have stated them -- adding what he did not want to hear any more of their "whining" about him -- that "if they did not like things here, they might go to the devil."

In the same paper, we noticed in terms of honest indignation, the appointment of Gen. Bennett to the office of Master in Chancery, by Judge Douglass. And we are happy in knowing the fact, that what we said in relation to that appointment, did not express half the indignation felt by all portions of our fellow citizens, at the outrage.

We also stated that there were serious apprehensions in the minds of many, that the Mormons were intending to become a "political body," thus "stepping beyond the proper sphere of a religious denomination" (and this charge was not made by ourselves) adding however, that so far as our Press had any influence, it would at all times, "oppose the concentration of political power in the hands of a religious body," and stood ready to oppose the Mormon church, whenever it, as a church, overstept its legitimate sphere of action. "This was the head and front of our offending."

Well -- what was there in all this, to give offense to honest men? What was there in this, at which a body of men designing to do right -- determined to keep within their legitimate boundaries, and to act and vote, as they should do, and as other men do, and other churches do -- what was there in our remarks, we ask, to offend such men? We ask any candid mind of any party, or of any sect -- and we care not what his sympathies may have been or may be. There was nothing! But no sooner had our paper made its appearance than the whole pack of [howling] curs were let loose upon us --

                    "Tray, Blanche, and Sweet-heart, all."

all -- from the great mastiff of the "first Presidency, down to the little whiffet of the "Times and Seasons," were sent yelling at our heels. No terms of abuse were too bad for us. With the great head of the "first presidency," our paper was a "filthy sheet" -- "a tissue of lies" -- "a sink of iniquity." Our motives, according to the Times and Seasons, were of the "basest kind," and ourself one of the most "contemptible" of beings. Threats of personal violence were showered upon us plentifully, by many of the leaders of the saintly clan.

And why was all this? We ask why? We had been "treated kindly" by the brethren, therefore we had put a padlock upon our lips, lest we might utter something disrespectful of the "Great Regulator!" We had partaken of roast turkey at the table of the Prophet -- therefore, our paper was closed against any thing that might be unpalatable to these people! But did they suppose that by feeding us with turkey, and other good things, they were stopping our mouth against the utterances of honest opinions? By treating us "kindly," did they suppose they are bribing us to a disgraceful and degrading silence -- that they were muzzling the press we had under our control! Evidently so. Well 00 we know not by what criterion they undertook to judge us, of what success they may have had in the same game hereafter.

But do not those things prove -- incontestibly -- that the apprehensions of our fellow citizens, in relation to these people, were well founded? What other testimony is needed? Do they not prove that they were aiming to subjigate the independence of the citizen -- that, as they had brought the devotees of party at their feet they would also subjugate the freedom of the press, as a preliminary to their unholy purposes? What was before a matter of doubt and alarm only has now become certainty. It is with the greatest pain and alarm, that the conviction has been forced upon us. And we ask the independent citizens of this county and this state, to wake up from their slumber. We ask them -- calmly -- dispassionately -- yet earnestly -- to arouse themselves to a sense of their danger -- to repel, while yet they can -- to put down while yet in its incipient stage, the foul and unholy attempt, which is making to enslave them. A power in league with the Prince of Darkness, and not inferior to the Spanish Inquisition, in its capacity for secrecy and intrigue, is at work in the midst of them. Fellow citizens! -- that power must be met -- and it must be repelled!



==> We hope none of our readers will overlook the letter of Professor Anthon, which will be found on the 4th page of today's paper, in reference to the Mormon Bible. It is worthy of an attentive people.



ANTI-MORMON  MEETING.

At an Anti-Mormon meeting of the citizens of Warsaw precinct, Hancock county, Illinois, holden on the 19th of June, 1841, for the purpose of electing delegates to the Anti-Mormon convention, to be held at Carthage, Hancock county, Ill., on the 28th inst., for the purpose of nominating suitable candidates, to be voted for by the Anti-Mormon citizens of Hancock county, at the ensuing election: A. [I.] Chittenden, was appointed Chairman, and W. B. Chipley, Secretary of the meeting. The object of the meeting being stated, on motion, A. M. Worthen, J. B. Salisbury, and W. B. Chipley, were appointed a committee, to report to the meeting the names of suitable delegates, to attend the convention, to be held at Carthage, on the 28th inst.

W. H. Roosevelt then stated to the meeting that he would offer the following resolution in order to call out any opposition that might be felt to the proposed Anti-Mormon Convention.

Resolved, That it is expedient to hold a county convention, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of School and County Commissioners, in opposition to Mormon influence and dictation.

Mr. Roosevelt, addressed the meeting in favor of the resolution, and was followed by J. C. Davis, Esq., who replied to him in opposition to the convention, although as he said, as much as any opposed to the Mormons, and he again was answered by Ths. C. Sharp, in favor of the convention, and of the objects embraced in the resolution.

The question was then put to vote, and the resolution sustained with but one disenting vote.

The nominating committee then reported to the meeting the following gentlemen as delegates, to attend the convention at Carthage, which report was accepted, and the nomination confirmed by the meeting: Wm. H. Roosevelt, Mark Aldrich, T. C. Sharp, A. N. Worthen, J. D. Hollen, R. L. Robertson, A. I. Chittendon, L. Peyton, B. P. Chittendon, Wm. Ayres, T. Gregg, H. Greff, John Scott, C. Cole, J. H. Wood, G. M. Swope, T. B. Reynolds, J. Montagne, and J. B. Salisbury.

On motion of Mr. Roosevelt, Resolved, That the delegates to the convention have power to fill such vacancies as they occur from inability to attend or otherwise.

On motion, Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Warsaw Signal.

On motion the meeting adjourned.
                    A. I. CHITTENDON, Ch'm.
  WM. B. CHIPLEY, Sec'y.



DOCTOR  ANTHON'S  LETTER.

(under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, July 7, 1841.                           No. 9.



                    For the Warsaw Signal.

To all Office-holders and Office-seekers in the State of Illinois, Greeting.

FELLOW  CITIZENS. -- At a drill of the Nauvoo Legion, at Ramus, a Mormon town situated in the western part of Hancock county, General Smith, otherwise the Prophet, stated, in a public speech, that Governor Carlin and suit, and many other respectable citizens of Quincy, together with Judge Douglass, and other officers of the State, were to visit Nauvoo on the 3d July next, to witness their splendid parade. Now we, the Gentiles, lookers on and suffers in the loss of porkers, &c., feeling that your own interests and the honor of the State is concerned in this matter, calmly warn you to keep away from these Mormons. We have long viewed with disgust upon the fawning sycophancy of politicians to this people; but we have been silent. Now, however, that it is officially announced, that the chief functionaries of our State are about to lend countenance to this most corrupt and abominable combination, we feel that, as citizens, it is our privilege, nay, our duty, to speak out. -- Know, therefore, that the politicians, of either party, who will fawn on the Prophet, or permit friends to do so in order to obtain his political influence, will be proscribed by the independent citizens of this and adjoining counties.

Further, it is our opinion that the national compact should be honored, and that Joe Smith should be delivered to the authorities of Missouri in obedience to the demand made on our Executive: -- And we submit the question, whether his excellency, the Governor, had a constitutional right to grant a commission for a responsible office to Joe Smith, when he held the demand of the Governor of Missouri for that individual; and more especially when the said Smith was charged with the capital crime of High Treason?

With great regard, we have the honor to subscribe ourselves orderly privates, in the Gentile Legion of Hancock, Warren, and McDonough counties.

The above communication was intended for our paper of last week, but was unavoidably crowded out. It is not yet too late, however, for those to whom it is addressed to take warning from it.



REMARKS
Of Mr. Lee, before the Mormon meeting at Frankford, Pa. after the close of
a lecture on Mormonism.

Permission having been given for any to address the audience, who may see proper to do so at the close of the lecture, I take the liberty of making a few remarks. In doing so, I intend to be very brief and very plain.

I have charges to bring against the promulgators of the doctrines we have been listening to this evening, which I trust will go far toward opening the eyes of every individual, and cause them to turn with disgust from those lying prophets whom I here plainly and unhesitatingly brand, not only as religious impostors, but as swindlers.

In doing this I shall not attempt to expose the Mormon imposture or to combat the creed by which they are striving to delude and deceive the weak minded and ignorant. It is not my intention to hold up, to scorn the miserable trick of the golden plates found in a potato, or some other field in the State of New York, from which it is pretended their new religion has been derived. I shall have nothing to do with their blasphemous stories and their forged miracles, or with those who are weak enough to be gulled by them, but I wish to ask the attention of this audience, to the worldly, business matters which can be understood by every man, and upon the strength of which I here venture the bold and deliberate charge of swindling.

Joseph Smith, jun. and Mr. Rigdon are the two acknowledged heads, plotters, contrivers, and in short the fathers of this "latter day," Mormon humbug. They are the arch impostors -- the wicked authors of this wicked scheme which the speaker to-night has been laboring to palm off upon this audience. I wish it to be distinctly borne in mind that these two men, Smith and Rigdon, are the avowed and acknowledged fabricators of the scheme of Mormonism. The Speaker to-night, one of the tools, the pliant cat's paw, by which they are attempting to operate upon the community.

I hold in my hand a bank note -- a ten dollar bank note, which as I wish to ask the particular attention of the audience to, I will read.

It reads fairly -- promises largely -- and bears the veritable signatures of the arch impostors themselves, J. Smith, jr. and S. Rigdon.

Now this $10 Mormon note is one of the grossest pieces of fraud in a mere pecuniary point of view -- religion out of the question -- that has ever been perpetrated in this swindling age, a downright, villainous piece of swindling.

In the first place the plate itself from which the worthless trash was printed, has never to this day been paid for -- the engraver, printer, paper maker, and all having been regularly cheated out of their hard earnings by this set of swindling hypocrites.

In the second place, thousands and thousands of the spurious trash was passed off for goods of all kinds, with no other earthly design or intention than that of swindling.

In the West in like manner thousands upon thousands of the trash has been passed off upon the honest farmer and the hard working mechanic.

But a few months ago both these speculating gamblers, these Mormon, latter day saints, who like their tool this evening, busy themselves in running down the religion of others, and slandering better men than they ever can hope to be, were in Philadelphia.

The owner of this note, a gentleman who is now in this room, called upon them -- but they would not be seen. He saw one of their elders who declared that Rigdon had been sick for six weeks in the city, but declared he did not know where he was -- no, he did not know the house or the number, or even the street or part of the city in which his own, suffering, sick brother resided. This monstrous inhumanity on one side or deliberate lying on the other, with the prevarication and falsehood in relation to Smith also, convinced the holder of the note that he could obtain no satisfaction from those, whom if possessed of a particle of honesty would not have been ashamed to show their faces.

That they are swindlers in the rankest sense of the term is evident from the foregoing facts, as well as from the fact that their gambling bank was put into operation in direct, open violation of the laws of Ohio, in which state their swindling shop was located -- that this $10 note is not worth and will not bring two cents, and in short, that for the same or a similar offense the gray-haired and comparatively innocent Dr. Dyott is this very night incarcerated within the walls of the Eastern penitentiary.

Now without any reference to the truth or falsehood of their new religion or the golden plates which they had better convert into coin to pay off their notes -- without regard to this latter day Mormonism, which is as much beneath the dignity of argument as they themselves are beneath contempt. I would ask one question.

I would ask this audience gravely to consider the question, whether any set of men combining together to swindle and defraud the community are to be believed in any scheme of religion, however plausible which they may attempt to get up?

Is it at all likely men of such characters would be selected to promulgate divine truths? are such men entitled to your confidence? are they the kind of men who are even fit to hold the strings of the purse into which they are persuading their poor dupes to pour in their money -- their little all?

Confidence? Rather should they not be scouted from the society through which they are prowling like wolves in sheep's clothing "seeking whom they may devour," scouted from the community which they disgrace. Or rather should not the strong arm of the law be made to punish those hypocritical impostors, whose sole practice, object, and business it is to deceive the weak minded, to cheat the credulous, to rob the unsuspecting, and defraud the public? They should be narrowly watched wherever they go; for men of such characters would no more hesitate to pick your pocket or seize any opportunity of robbing you, than they would to engage in this impious mockery of religion, this gross and wicked imposture.



[heading and initial paragraph of the following article missing in clipping]

... The friendly sympathy so strongly evinced by you at first, was converted into distrust. You found the rights of property violated, where before there was security and peace. Upon the new comers, you thought proper to fasten these charges of crimes and whether true or false, it evidently became one cause of drawing out your prejudices against them. Professing a religion, derived, as they would wish you to believe, from the same sacred book with your own -- the principles and doctrines which it led them to adopt, still farther changed the current of your friendly dispositions. These causes, which if true, were so well calculated to alter your course of conduct, were nevertheless, submitted to with proper forbearance, believing that you might be protected from the one by the strong arm of the law; and in the other, that your opponents were sustained by the happy principles of your Constitutions, which you regard too highly to permit them for one moment to be infringed.

Not satisfied, however, with confining themselves to their Constitutional rights, they were soon found intermixing religion with politics, against which, it is fondly believed, the American people will ever be found raising their voice. Such a union is recognized by no principle under which we are organized as a government. On the contrary the spirit of all our institutions, is eminently opposed to it. You have heard, and the authority is not questioned, that before seeking an asylum among you, this politico-religious union was effectively carried out, and formed one of the great causes which led to their difficulties, and final expulsion from Missouri. You have seen them at the ballot box in your own county, on two different occasions, depositing their votes as one man. You have drawn the inference, and no doubt justly so, that the individual who as Prophet of the Almighty, possessed supreme control over their religious matters, at the same time exercised his holy influence to direct their temporal concerns. -- At his nod the fiat went forth, and his people, religiously devoted to him, politically obeyed the mandate. You have good reason to believe that such despotic authority, so supinely obeyed, might, and no doubt would be carried into every matter of intercourse with the Missouri outcasts. Increasing as they were, hourly in numbers, a power so tyranical, in the hands of a designing man, might, and no doubt would be used to subvert our dearest rights.

You need scarcely be reminded of the cringing sycophancy heretofore manifested by both political parties towards the head of this people, knowing well his vast political importance. As a consequence of this, you have seen your Legislature granting them charters, containing powers nearly, if not quite equal, to their own, without even reading the contents of their enactments. In this enlightened age, so called, men are found willing to frame and bring forward charters, effecting the dearest rights of our citizens, and for the purpose of concealing their dark designs, and fulfilling the pledges given by the politicians to this people, their passage is urged through our legislative halls with race-horse rapidity, under motions to read the bills simply by their titles. In return for the receipt of these high handed favors, votes of thanks have been bandied about, evincing a species of flattery, fulsome to disgust.

Under this state of things the old party landmarks of Whig and Democrat, so far as it relates to this county, are now laid aside. The insignia under which you have honestly fought so many well contested battles are now furled together, and a new banner is spread out, upon which you have inscribed the principles of Anti-Mormonism...

[final paragraphs of the article missing in clipping]



Questions for the "Times and Seasons."

Did Joe Smith state at a parade of the Legion, or a part of it, at Nauvoo, a few weeks since, that some persons complained because he was a military officer -- but that he cared not, for he was General and second in command to the Governor; and those who did not like it might go to h--l?

Did he afterward say, that if they did not stop their blab about him, he would be President of the United States, (God would give him the office if he wanted it,) and then he would show them what a Bonaparte could do?

Did he say that the meanest horse thief in his society, was better than the editor of the Warsaw Signal, or the highest minister of any sectarian church?

Did S. Rigdon afterwards make threats of personal violence on the editor of the Warsaw Signal, whenever he should meet him?

Did Gen. Bennet, on Saturday last, say that he would call the editor of the Signal a liar whenever he met him, for having insinuated that he was not sincere in the faith?

We merely ask these as questions, having however very good authority for saying that they should be answered in the affirmative.



GREAT  PARADE  AT  NAUVOO.

We did not attend the great Mormon display at Nauvoo, on Saturday last, but have some particulars from a gentleman present. There were in attendance according to the general opinion about 3000 persons -- consisting of all sorts and conditions -- ages and sexes -- women, in profusion, some pretty -- some ugly -- some in the faith -- some out of it. Office seekers' friends were there, and seemed highly to enjoy the honor of the mighty prophet's companionship.

The distinguished Senator from Hancock was escorted into the city by a chosen body of men -- some say he entered the city at first privately, but by request went out of town in order that the distinguished honor of an escort might be awarded him. Be it as it may, he was there -- not trimming peach trees, no! but luxuriating in the honor of being allowed to ride in a carriage behind Joe Smith.

The ceremony of the introduction of these two honorable personages was really imposing. The Prophet was seated in his carriage which was standing on a mound to the south of the field. By his side sat the proxy of a distinguished candidate...

[final paragraph of this article missing in clipping]



Mr. William Harris will attend the appointments made for him in this county.

It appears some of the Mormons have made and circulated the report that he is DEAD; but if he was dead, he is resurrected, and yet lives to defend the Truth.
                                                        E. T.

St. Mary's, June 30, 1841.

Mr. Harris will preach in Warsaw next Sunday, the 11th inst.



                                                    15th June, 1841.
Editor of the Warsaw Signal:

Sir -- It is said by Shakespeare of Falstaff, that "he was not only witty himself, but the cause of wit in others;" but I not being witty myself do, nevertheless, very much admire wit and ingenuity in others -- and have been some time balancing in my own mind whether to subscribe for Bennet's N. Y. Herald, or the N. O. Picayune, but the certificate of the great inspired JOE SMITH has determined me at once, that you possess more talent, wit and ingenuity than both. Polluted Joe Smith have you! -- "the man who has out Heroded the fellow that stole the livery of the court of Heaven to serve the Devil in" so far, that the rarity redeems him. Well, nobody but Satan could pollute Joe Smith. You have his certificate that you have polluted him; Ergo, you must be the Devil -- why I am touching my cap instinctively -- How is your Majesty!! I thought you were in Illinois at the elections last fall -- but I did not know that you edited the Signal. Send your paper instantly to _______, and here is the pay; -- pray excuse me, but did you not have some weather last week that made you think of hime.     * * *****

All very good -- but recollect you can't come it over his Satanic Majesty with State Scrip at par, no how you can fix it.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, July 14, 1841.                           No. 10.



THE  MORMONS.

The following narrative was written by the Rev. John A. Clark, now of the city of Philadelphia, a gentleman of unquestionable veracity, in whose statements every confidence may justly be placed. It bears on its face the evidence of sincerity and truth. From it the reader will learn all that is essential to know of the origin of the singular imposture by which Smith and his Mormon aiders and abettors have succeeded in making so many weak and miserable dupes.

The Mormons first located themselves, as a body, in Kirtland, Grange [sic] Co., Ohio. Some difference arose among their leaders on account of certain banking operations which they attempted, and they separated, and a portion of them went to Independence, Jackson Co., Mo. The people in the neighbourhood of that location became unfriendly to them, and drove them away by force, subjecting them to great sufferings and loss of property. They were at last entirely and forcibly expelled from the state of Missouri. They afterwards purchased the town of Commerce, said to be a situation of surpassing beauty, at the head of the lower rapids on the Illinois shore of the Mississippi River. The writer to whom I have already referred, and who has revisited these western Mormons this present summer, remarks: -- "The name of the place where they now reside, they have recently changed to Nauvoo, the Hebrew term for fair or beautiful. Around this place, as their centre, they are daily gathering from almost every quarter; and several hundred new houses, erected within the last few months, attest to the passing traveller the energy, industry, and self-denial with which the community is imbued. They have also obtained possession of extensive lands on the opposite side of the river, in that charming portion of Iowa Territory, known as the 'Half Breed Reservation;' and there upon the rolling and fertile prairies they are rapidly selecting their homes and opening their farms. As the traveller now passes through those natural parks and fields of flowers, which the hand of the Creator seems to have originally planted there for the inspection of his own eye, he beholds their cabins dotted down in the most enchanting perspective, either on the borders of the timber, or beside the springs and streams of living water, which are interspersed on every hand."

The other portion that remain in Ohio, have erected a stone temple in Kirtland, of splendid appearance and singular construction. The first floor is a place of worship, with four pulpits at each end; each pulpit calculated to hold three persons. These pulpits rise behind and above one another, and are designed for different grades of ministers according to their rank in office. These are the two principal settlements of these people, although there are small societies of them found in almost every part of the United States. In some instances not only members but ministers of orthodox churches have been led to leave their own churches, and identify themselves with the Mormons.

It is time that I should acquaint you with some facts that came to my personal knowledge full thirteen years ago, connected with the rise of this imposture.

It was early in the autumn of 1827 that Martin Harris called at my house in Palmyra, one morning about sun-rise. His whole appearance indicted more than usual excitement, and he had scarcely passed the threshold of my dwelling, before he inquired whether he could see me alone, remarking that he had a matter to communicate that he wished to be strictly confidential. Previous to this, I had but very slight acquaintance with Mr. Harris. He had occasionally attended divine service in our church. I had heard him spoken of as a farmer in comfortable circumstances, residing in the country a short distance from the village, and distinguished by certain peculiarities of character. He had been, if I mistake not, at one period, a member of the Methodist Church, and subsequently had identified himself with the Universalists. At this time, however, in his religious views he seemed to be floating upon the sea of uncertainty.

He had evidently quite an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, and possessed a manifest disputatious turn of mind. As I subsequently learned, Mr. Harris had always been a firm believer in dreams, and visions, and supernatural appearances, such as apparitions and ghosts, and therefore was a fit subject for such men as Smith and his colleagues to operate upon. On the occasion just referred to, I invited him to accompany me to my study, where, after having closed the door, he began to draw a package out of his pocket with great and manifest caution. Suddenly, however, he stopped, and wished to know if there was any possibility of our being interrupted or overheard? When answered in the negative, he proceeded to remark, that he reposed great confidence in me as a minister of Jesus Christ, and that what he had now to communicate he wished me to regard as strictly confidential. He said he verily believed that an important epoch had arrived -- that a great flood of light was about to burst upon the world, and that the scene of divine manifestation was to be immediately around us. In explanation of what he meant, he then proceeded to remark that a GOLDEN BIBLE had recently been dug from the earth, where it had been deposited for thousands of years, and that this would be found to contain such disclosures as would settle all religious controversies and speedily bring on the glorious millennium. That this mysterious book, which no human eye of the present generation has yet seen, was in the possession of Joseph Smith, Jr., ordinarily known in the neighbourhood under the more familiar designation of Jo Smith; that there had been a revelation made to him by which he had discovered this sacred deposit, and two transparent stones, through which, as a sort of spectacles, he could read the Bible, although the box or ark that contained it, had not yet been opened; and that by looking through those mysterious stones, he had transcribed from one of the leaves of this book, the characters which Harris had so carefully wrapped in the package which he was drawing from his pocket. The whole thing appeared to me so ludicrous and puerile, that I could not refrain from telling Mr. Harris, that I believed it a mere hoax got up to practice upon his credulity, or an artifice to extort from him money; for I had already, in the course of the conversation, learned that he had advanced some twenty-five dollars to Jo Smith as a sort of premium for sharing with him in the glories and profits of this new revelation. For at this time, his mind seemed to be quite as intent upon the pecuniary advantage that would arise from the possession of the plates of solid gold of which this book was composed, as upon the spiritual light it would diffuse over the world. My intimations to him, in reference to the possible imposition that was being practiced upon him, however, were indignantly repelled. He then went on to relate the particulars in regard to the discovery and possession of this marvellous book. As far as I can now recollect, the following was an outline of the narrative which he then communicated to me, and subsequently to scores of people in the village, from some of whom in my late visit to Palmyra, I have been able to recall several particulars that had quite glided from my memory.

Before I proceed to Martin's narrative, however, I would remark in passing, that Jo Smith, who has since been the chief prophet of the Mormons, and was one of the most prominent ostensible actors in the first scenes of this drama, belonged to a very shiftless family near Palmyra. They lived a sort of vagrant life, and were principally known as money-diggers. Jo from a boy appeared dull and utterly destitute of genius; but his father claimed for him a sort of second sight, a power to look into the depths of the earth, and discover where its precious treasures were hid. Consequently long before the idea of a GOLDEN BIBLE entered their minds, in their excursions for money-digging, which I believe usually occurred in the night, that they might conceal from others the knowledge of the place where they struck upon treasures; Jo used to be usually their guide, putting into a hat a peculiar stone he had through which he looked to decide where they should begin to dig.

According to Martin Harris, it was after one of these night excursions, that Jo, while he lay upon his bed, had a remarkable dream. An angel of God seemed to approach him, clad in celestial splendor. This divine messenger assured him that he, Joseph Smith, was chosen of the Lord to be a prophet of the Most High God, and to bring to light hidden things, that would prove of unspeakable benefit to the world. He then disclosed to him the existence of this golden Bible, and the place where it was deposited -- but at the same time told him that he must follow implicitly the divine direction, or he would draw down upon him the wrath of heaven. This book, which was contained in a chest, or ark, and which consisted of metallic plates covered with characters embossed in gold, he must not presume to look into, under three years. He must first go on a journey into Pennsylvania -- and there among the mountains, he would meet with a very lovely woman, belonging to a highly respectable and pious family, whom he was to take for his wife. As proof that he was sent on this mission by Jehovah, as soon as he saw this designated person, he would be smitten with her beauty, and though he was a stranger to her, and she was far above him in the walks of life, she would at once be willing to marry him and go with him to the ends of the earth. After their marriage he was to return to his former home, and remain quietly there until the birth of his first child. When this child had completed his second year, he might then proceed to the hill beneath which the mysterious chest was deposited, and draw it thence, and publish the truths it contained to the world. Smith awoke from his dream, and according to Harris, started off towards Pennsylvania, not knowing to what point he should go. But the Lord directed him, and gained him favour in the eyes of just such a person as was described to him. He was married and had returned. His first child had been born and was now about six months old. But Jo had not been altogether obedient to the heavenly vision. After his marriage and return from Pennsylvania, he became so awfully impressed with the high destiny that awaited him, that he communicated the secret to his father and family. The money-digging propensity of the old man operated so powerfully, that he insisted upon it that they should go and see if the chest was there -- not with any view to remove it till the appointed time, but merely to satisfy themselves. Accordingly they went forth in the stillness of night with their spades and mattocks to the spot where slumbered this sacred deposit. They had proceeded but a little while in the work of excavation, before the mysterious chest appeared; but lo! instantly it moved and glided along out of their sight. Directed, however, by the clairvoyance of Jo, they again penetrated to the spot where it stood and succeeded in gaining a partial view of its dimensions. But while they were pressing forward to gaze at it, the thunder of the Almighty shook the spot and made the earth to tremble -- a sheet of vivid lightning swept along over the side of the hill, and burnt terribly around the spot where the excavation was going on, and again with a rumbling noise the chest moved off out of their sight. They were all terrified, and fled towards their home. Jo took his course silently along by himself. On his way homeward, being alone, in the woods, the angel of the Lord met him clad in terror and wrath. He spoke in a voice of thunder, and forked lightning shot through the trees and ran along the ground. The terror of the divine messenger's appearance instantly struck Smith to the earth, and he felt his whole frame convulsed with agony, as though he was stamped upon by the iron hoofs of death himself. In language most terrific did the angel upbraid him for his disobedience, and then disappeared. Smith went home trembling and full of terror. Soon, however, his mind became more composed. Another divine communication was made to him, authorizing him to go alone by himself and bring the chest and deposit it secretly under the hearth of his dwelling, but by no means to attempt to look into it. The reason assigned by the angel for this removal, was that some report in relation to the place where this sacred book was deposited had gone forth, and there was danger of its being disturbed. According to Harris, Smith now scrupulously followed the divine directions. He was already in possession of the two transparent stones laid up with the GOLDEN BIBLE, by looking through which he was enabled to read the golden letters on the plates in the box. How he obtained these spectacles without opening the chest, Harris could not tell. But still he had them; and by means of them he could read all the book contained. The book itself was not to be disclosed until Smith's child had reached a certain age. Then it might be published to the world. In the interim, Smith was to prepare the way for the conversion of the world to a new system of faith, by transcribing the characters from the plates and giving translations of the same. This was the substance of Martin Harris' communication to me upon our first interview. He then carefully unfolded a slip of paper, which contained three or four lines of characters, as unlike letters or hieroglyphics of any sort, as well could be produced were one to shut up his eyes and play off the most antic movements with his pen upon paper. The only thing that bore the slightest resemblance to the letter of any language that I had ever seen, was two uprights marked joined by a horizontal line, that might have been taken for the Hebrew character |-|. My ignorance of the characters in which the pretended ancient record was written, was to Martin Harris new proof that Smith's whole account of the divine revelation made to him was entirely to be relied on.

One thing is here to be noticed, that the statements of the originators of this imposture varied, and were modified from time to time according as their plans became more matured. At first it was a gold Bible -- then golden plates engraved -- then metallic plates stereotyped or embossed with golden letters. At one time Harris was to be enriched by the solid gold of these plates, at another they were to be religiously kept to convince the world of the truth of the revelation -- and, then these plates could not be seen by any but three witnesses whom the Lord should choose. How easy it would be, were there any such plates in existence, to produce them, and to show that Mormonism is not a "cunningly devised fable." How far Harris was duped by this imposture, or how far he entered into it as a matter of speculation, I am unable to say. Several gentlemen in Palmyra, who saw and conversed with him frequently, think he was labouring under a sort of monomania, and that he thoroughly believed all that Jo Smith chose to tell him on this subject. He was so much in earnest on the subject, that he immediately started off with some of the manuscripts that Smith furnished him on a journey to New York and Washington to consult some learned men to ascertain the nature of the language in which this record was engraven. After his return, he came to see me again, and told me that among others he had consulted Professor Anthon, of Columbia College, who thought the characters in which the book was written very remarkable, but he could not decide exactly what language they belonged to. Martin had now become a perfect believer. He said he had no more doubt of Smith's divine commission, than of the divine commission of the apostles. The very fact that Smith was an obscure and illiterate man, showed that he must be acting under divine impulses. "God had chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things to confound the mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised -- yea, and things that are not to bring to nought things that are -- that no flesh should glory in his presence." That he was willing to "take of the spoiling of his goods" to sustain Smith in carrying on this work of the Lord; and that he was determined that the book should be published, though it consumed all his worldly substance. It was in vain I endeavoured to expostulate. I was an unbeliever, and could not see afar off. As for him, he must follow the light which the Lord had given him. Whether at this time Smith had those colleagues that certainly afterwards moved unseen the wheels of this machinery, I am unable to say. Even after Cowdery and Rigdon were bending the whole force of their minds to the carrying out of this imposture, Jo Smith continued to be the ostensible prominent actor in the drama. The way that Smith made his transcripts and translations for Harris was the following: Although in the same room, a thick curtain or blanket was suspended between them, and Smith concealed behind the blanket, pretended to look through his spectacles, or transparent stones, and would then write down or repeat what he saw, which, when repeated aloud, was written down by Harris, who sat on the other side of the suspended blanket. Harris was told that it would arouse the most terrible divine displeasure, if he should attempt to draw near the sacred chest, or look at Smith while engaged in the work of decyphering the mysterious characters. This was Harris's own account of the matter to me. What other measures they afterwards took to transcribe or translate from these metallic plates, I cannot say, as I very soon after this removed to another field of labour where I heard no more of this matter till I learned the BOOK OF MORMON was about being published. It was not till after the discovery of the manuscript of Spaulding, of which I shall subsequently give some account, that the actors in this imposture thought of calling the pretended revelation the BOOK OF MORMON. This book, which professed to be a translation of the golden Bible brought to light by Joseph Smith was published in 1830 -- to accomplish which Martin Harris actually mortgaged his farm.



MORMON  PREACHING.

A person (says the Boston Courier of a late date) calling himself "Elder Freeman Nickerson," a preacher of the sect of Mormons, held forth to a large audience in this city on Monday morning. The Daily Mail of the 6th inst. contains a report of his discourse, which is nothing but an outpouring of incoherent dogmatism, fanaticism and cant. Perhaps the prayer which the elder offered, in the course of his remarks, should be excepted from this censure, for that was simple, devotional, and apparently sincere. That the man is a hypocritical Knave, or, if honest, but little removed from an idiot, is manifest from the boastful claims he makes to the power of working miracles. The following conversation took place, as reported in the Mail:

When the elder had finished his rapsody, captain Tylor Parsons, one of the friends of free discussion, rose in the assembly, and said he wished to ask the preacher a question.

The elder replied that he would hear it with pleasure.

Well, said Capt. Parsons, do I understand you to say you can cast out devils -- take deadly poison -- and heal the sick?

All those things, replied the elder, were done in the ancient church --

I don't care anything about the ancient church, interposed the captain, I want to talk about the modern church. You pretend to say that believers can work miracles. I ask you, if you can do these things?

Yes sir! replied the elder, striking his hand upon the desk with great emphasis, I can, sir! I have sir! I have caused the blind to awake; the sick be healed, the lame to walk; and I have seen these miracles performed by others!

Capt. Parsons continued: Let me tell you, sir, that you have come to preach in a city where people do not take everything for granted. You say that believers shall be able to cast out devils; that if they lay hands on the sick they shall be healed; that they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. How, sir, I ask you if you dare eat a piece of prussie acid, half as big as a pea? No, sir, you durst not! Or dare you try to heal the sick? No, sir! If you will try, I will take you this moment to a sick bed. No, sir, I have heard you in quietness and candor, but I repudiate those doctrines; and unless you prove the divine character of your mission, by some direct act, I pronounce you an impudent charlatan!

The elder heard all this very calmly, and then put on his spectacles, and turned to the 6th chapter of Mark, read the passage quoted above.

Yes! said he, when he had finished, "and these signs shall follow them that believe." Captain, do you not deny the word of God?

That has nothing to do with the point at issue, replied the captain. Is there a person here that believes you can call upon a sick woman, and say, "Madam, arise!" and that she will obey you? Or that you can take up a rattlesnake with his teeth in, and not be harmed? Or that you can eat the prussie acid, without having your throat and stomach prepared against it, and not have it hurt you? No, sir! We are not fools, I assure you!

Look here captain, said the Mormon, if you don't believe the Bible, what evidence shall I bring you of these things? You would not believe though one were to rise from the grave. Let the Lord do his work!

Yes, said the captain, triumphantly, you are right there! Let the Lord do his own work, that will be the best way for you! But we don;t want any of your Cape Cod arguments. We want the proof -- the proof, sir! We live in a day of light and reason, sir, and things which were once considered dark and mysterious, are now fully explained. We want the proof, sir!

Look here, captain urged the Mormon, you just wait till I have preached here a little while, and see the salvation of God yourself. And now, my friends, (addressing the assembly) when you go away, I hope you will put a little money in the box at the door to pay expenses!

The audience now began to move out very rapidly. Several persons dropped coppers, buttons, buckles and pieces of tobacco into the contribution box, and one man had the generousity to come up and put a genuine quarter of a dollar on the preacher's desk.

The quick eye of the Mormon caught a glimpse of the silver, "Ah!" exclaimed he, involuntarily, "there's a quarter!" and he, quicker than thought, stowed it away in his capacious pocket.

Some of our readers will remember an old acquaintance in "Elder Freeman Nickerson," he held forth in the court-house here several times last fall, and scenes similar to that described above were witnessed by a large number of our citizens. -- Peoria Register



ANTI-MORMON LECTURES. -- Mr. William Harris, the Anti-Mormon lecturer, visited our place on Sunday last, and gave us four lectures, tending to prove the fallacy and designs of Mormonism. We have but one objection to his course, and that is, he dignifies Mormonism too much, by gravely arguing its absurdity. That it is absurd, we regard to be an axiom; but still these lectures have a very good effect on those who do not view it in the same light. On Monday he proved conclusively, the treasonable and wicked designs of this banditti, from testimony which they cannot deny, being of their own make. So far as we have heard, the labors of this man have been of great utility. We heartly bid him God speed.



TEMPERANCE  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.

People at a distance are apt to imagine the Mormons a very temperate body of men, because the ordinances of their city forbid the sale of ardent spirits, unless under very severe restrictions. But this impression is false. It is true that the Saints do not get drunk at home, but they have only to cross the river to Montrose, and there they can revel to their heart's content, in spiritual luxuries.

Even the Prophet himself, although a seeming devotee of the temperance cause, is a better friend to Bacchus than to any other God; except, perhaps, Plutus. We have heard of three sprees of his in the last ten months. In the first he appeared amongst his followers, and offered to prove the truth of his mission by a miracle -- which was to [climb] a hickory pole sixty feet high, with the bark off, heels upward. The second was on board the steamer Nauvoo, in her excursion to Bloomington last fall. On this occasion his holiness drank whiskey until he found himself on his back, feeling upwards for the ground. So says our informant. The third, was last week. On this occasion it does not appear that Jo. was exactly drunk; but it seemed strange to see the Prophet of the Lord, at the head of a champaigne party, crying lustily, "take away the empty bottles, and bring on the full ones." Verily, our modern Prophet is the very beau ideal of a pious christian! how abstenious! how self-denying! But this is none of our business -- we will not turn preacher, however much the occasion may require it.



We stated some weeks since, that Governor Carlin had removed Gen. Bennett from the office of Quarter Master General of Illinois. The Alton Telegraph corrects us. Bennett was not removed, but having excepted the office of Major General in the Nauvoo Legion, he thereby vacated the office of Quarter Master General.

After making this correction, the Telegraph goes on to give the Governor and Judge Douglass a very severe slap for "courting" and "flattering" the Mormons. Well, if rumor has a thousand tongues, it is evident that they have all been at work in defining the position of the Governor as to the Mormons. Some say that he is very wrothy because of the report that has been recently circulated, that his excellency had turned Mormon; and that he had expressed his determination to convince the world to the contrary. The issuing of the warrant to apprehend Joe Smith, was the commencement of the war which the Governor was about to wage.

Another report, or rather surnise, which we have heard, is, that the arrest of Joe was only designed as apolitical manouvre suggested and managed by our little Judge. It having been ascertained that Smith was to be in Quincy, the Governor was to arrest him on the defective warrant -- a writ of Habeas Corpus was to be issued by the Master in Chancery, and Jusge Douglass to appear just in time to order him to Monmouth to be examined before him. In the meantime, abundant pains was to be taken to convince the Mormons of the Governor's good feeling towards them, and his reluctance to act, even in his official capacity, in arresting the Prophet; and the Judhe was to exhibit as much sympathy towards them that as to make their gratitude and win for him a powerful influence over the body. Of course Joe after a sham trial, was to be discharged. The Governor, in order to operate more fully on heir fears, was to issue a perfect warrant, and manage it so as to arrive in Monmouth just too late to take the Prophet. Then the wire-workers were to apprise them of the Governor's intention to let the warrant rest, at the same time intimating that he would be much displeased, and disappointed if they did not vote the democratic ticket -- giving Smith to understand at the same time that the Governor was an Irishman, and if his blood was once aroused, they might expect no favors. In this way they conceived that the Mormons would be put in the dilemma either to vote the Democratic ticket, or else displease the Governor, who all the time would keep the warrant hanging over the head of the Prophet. Well, this is a strange story, but as we are not able to refute it, we will take neither the negative or affirmative. It is queer, however, that this warrant, which was issued to apprehend Joe, after it was discovered that the one on which he was taken was defective, has not been heard of since. What has become of it, Governor?

One remark on the course of the Telegraph. We have before observed, an article in that paper condemning the Democrats for flattering the Mormons for political effect. This is unfair, unless he condemns the Whigs also -- for politicians of both parties have been equally guilty of the most degrading and contemptible sycophancy. And for one, we are determined to expose men no matter of what party, who will debase themselves by fawning upon such animals.



==> It is amusing to read the wild stories told in the Eastern papers. concerning the doings of the Mormons, and their neighbors. The following specimen we cut from a Philadelphia journal.

THE MORMONS. -- A letter from Nauvoo, states that Joe Smith, the leader of the Mormons, has been arrested by the authority of the governor if Illinois -- that the Mormons had taken possession of a large tract of land without authority, and that the strongest excitement prevailed against them in the immediate neighborhood, and fearful apprehensions are entertained lest a sanguinary struggle should take place. The commissioner sent by the governor to survey the lands had been seized by the Mormons, and both parties labored under much excitement.

Another story going the rounds is that Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the book of Mormon, who has been travelling through the country, lecturing against Mormonism, has been found dead in the prairie, having been shot through the head. This is altogether a mistake. The individual who has been lecturing in the neighborhood, is named William Harris. The report of his death, which was circulated about four weeks ago, has turned out to be all a hoax.

Another story is, that Governor Carlin has turned to be a bona fide Mormon -- having been converted by the bewitching charms of a young Mormon girl. This is the best one yet, be we can't vouch for its truth, as the Quincy Argus denies it.



BAPTISM  FOR  THE  DEAD. -- We neglected to mention, last week, that a revolutionary soldier was baptised, at Nauvoo, on the 4th inst., by one of the Elders, for Gen. Washington; another old soldier was baptised at the same time for Gen. Harrison. The doctrine of the Mormons appears to be, that those who are living must be baptised by one having authority from Joe Smith, or else go to hell but those who are already dead, may be brought out of interment, by a friend or relation receiving the baptismal rites in their behalf. The nation may rejoice, therefore, that the illustrious patriots above named, are now taken from the possession of the Prince of Darkness, and admitted into the fellowship of the Saints!!!



==> Negotiations are now on foot to sell the school section of this township to the Mormons. This tract lies immediately below our town, and if purchased by these people, will become the [site] of a Mormon city. We sincerely hope, this curse will be spared us.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, July 21, 1841.                           No. 11.



                             For the Warsaw Signal.

A  TRANSLATION.

MR. EDITOR. -- Perhaps some of your readers would like to know the proper translation into English of the reformed Egyptian names that the President and High Council of the Mormons, at Nauvoo, have assumed as appropriate to themselves, and taken from the reformed Egyptian vocabulary -- such as Gazelem, Pelagoram, &c. It is presumed that most of your readers are well acquainted with the ancient history and also the history of Joseph and the Israelites living in Egypt a considerable length of time. It is also presumed that your readers are well aware, from history, that the Egyptians allowed a good spirit as creator, but left his creatures to be troubled in various ways, by a host of evil spirits; and that the Egyptians sacrificed to those evil spirits, and paid their greatest adorations to them, to appease them -- and that the Israelites worshipped the great creator, which we term God. Now, Hebrew and the Egyptian language become prevalent in some places, and a new vocabulary had to be made, called the reformed Egyptian. Your readers will also recollect that Jannus and Jambres withstood Moses; and that the Egyptians contended that the objects of their worship were as good as that of the Israelites: and that their Magicians were equal to the Israelite's God. It will be recollected that the Egyptians had in view many evil spirits, and of various grades and degrees, such as we term devils -- but when they saw that the Israelites' God was greater than theirs, because theirs could not keep the Red Sea from closing on their people and drowning them, they wished to have a part of his greatness attached to their idols or evil spirits, and so call them by new names, and [have the] names placed in the new vocabulary; and as they really supposed that the objects of their worship had various grades in office, they gave one the name of Gazelem, which is a reformed Egyptian word, and literally translated into our manner of speech, is, Presiding Great Devil. Pilagoram, is another reformed Egyptian word, and so of all the names that the high council have assumed to themselves -- and also the name Nauvoo. Pilagonoram, a reformed Egyptian word, and handed down according to our manner of speech, signifies Superior Ugly Devil, &c. I need not give all of their names this time; but will merely give the translation of Nauvoo. The word Nauvoo is a compound word, and has several meanings -- one is the meaning of a dwelling place for devils, or where their evil deities delighted to dwell -- it is strictly a reformed Egyptian word; and being handed down according to our manner of speech, signifies, place where Devils delight to dwell, &c.

We leave it to the public, if the President, translator, and high council have not assumed the most appropriate names they possibly could have selected from the reformed Egyptian vocabulary.



A Challenge.

If Joe Smith will bring his golden plates to Carthage, any day within three months from this time, we pledge ourselves to furnish a man. living not six miles from Carthage, to translate every word correctly, slow, and distinctly, so that it can be wrote down while reading the plates; if they are in the reformed Egyptian language. If he refuses we shall believe he has none or that he is afraid of being detected; and that further, if he will bring his plates that are attached to his Mummies, he can have them read correctly, if they are in the reformed Egyptian. The reading and translation to be done before a large congregation, in Carthage, Hancock county. If Smith dare, and will accept of this challenge, he can make it known in the "Times and Seasons" -- but if he refuses we shall take it for granted he durst not -- by     MANY.



==> Jo Smith says, that he is a fool; but that the editor of the Warsaw Signal is a greater one. The first clause is an axiom, but the last is a theorum, requiring the aid of a [lemma] to demonstrate it, which by the by, none but the Mormons believing in modern revelations, can comprehend. -- Well, we'd give a pie, to manipulate Jo's head -- we don't mean to cut it off, Oh no, but only to pass our fingers over his bumps. To be sure, it would be ugly work, but then it would be such a curiosity. We'll bet our editorial hat that it would exhibit a new phenomena in the history of our favorite science.

A MONEY DIGGER, eh? Well, what combination should he possess? loves money? very large coquietiveness -- mean business! very little self esteem -- lives by his wits! very little conceientiousness. A Prophet -- looks into the future! science is out! can't go that figure -- very impudent! No veneration -- imposture! no conscientiousness -- great firmness, and moderate reasoning powers -- successful in controlling a multitide! large perceptive faculties, and combativeness -- bold of speech! little caution or secretiveness, combined with combativeness. But we can't go the rest! must have some new bumps in his head! We give it up.



MORMON  VISITORS

On last Monday evening Jo. Smith, accompanied by Gen. Bennett, and [suit]. appeared in our quiet, non excitable village, producing, by his august presence, quite a sensation -- indeed he appeared to be a perfect curiosity. In his coach we observed a bowie-knife, a rifle, pistols, ammunition, &c. and a courage-raiser in the shape of a decanter, containing some kind of precious beverage -- whether wine, brandy or gin, the deponent sayeth not. -- However, something of the kind was certainly called into requisition in the course of the evening, and early the next day in the Prophet's chamber. Moreover, we understand, that when about half a mile from town, the Prophet and suit halted, and took a regular swigg -- doubtless by way of inspiration. But this is nothing to us, only the people ought to know what the Prophet of the Lord does, in or[der] that they may have the benefit of his example.

But why are they armed? not with the design to kill us? Certainly not -- for they tried to be as friendly as possible; but, as Gen. Bennett observed, to be prepared for the Missourians. This was all very well -- and of course we shall not make a bug-bear of it.

Their business here was to complete the negotiations for the purchase of the School Section. Well, it is done; and the decree has gone forth, for a Mormon City on our immediate borders. We have not heard whether locks have yet ris!



The "Times and Seasons" says that the Baptismal Font in the Temple at Nauvoo, is to be supported by twelve oxen, overlaid with gold.

Query -- Would not a certain harmless, long-eared animal have been a more fitting emblem?



==> The publishers of the Times and Seasons have issued proposals for publishing a weekly newspaper to be called the Nauvoo Ensign and Zarahemla Standard." How military these people are becoming! Every thing they say or do seems to breathe the spirit of military tactics. Their prophet appears, on all great occasions, in his splendid regimental dress, signs his name Lieut. General, and more titles are to be found in the Nauvoo Legion, than any one book on military tactics can produce; and now comes a public journal, the name of which is composed of two military words. Truly fighting must, be a part of the creed of these Saints!



The Genius of Liberty asks, what kind of "resistance" we design to make against the Mormons? We answer that it must be regulated by the nature of their aggressions. If they confine themselves to political aggression, we will confine ourselves to political resistance; and when a set of officers are placed over us, under the direction of the church, we will do as Pat did when his cash gave out -- the best we can.



                              For the Warsaw Signal.

TO  THE  CITIZENS  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY.

FELLOW CITIZENS. -- At a convention held at Carthage some weeks ago, a large and respectablr number of your fellow citizens, of both political parties, united in recommending on your free suffrage, two men for the offices of School and County Commissioner -- in opposition to what they conceive to be a most dangerous and destructive power. It is to this nomination, that I would now call your attention.

These are both offices of responsibility and trust -- offices which should be filled by men qualified to fulfill the duties likely to devolve upon them, and possessing in a great degree, the confidence of their fellow-citizens. In the selection of these gentlemen, by the convention, care was taken to select such men. They have been long amongst you -- have been long personally acquainted with the most of you; -- men whose interests have been long identified with yours; -- and whose characters not a blemish can be found, which would disqualify them for the offices to which they have been nominated.

In selecting men to become candidates for these iffices, care was had to choose them from both political parties -- in order that none should have reason to complain on the score of party preferences, or doubt the sincerity of the convention. One of these men -- RICHARD WILTON, the nominee for School Commissioner, is a firm and unwavering Democrat -- has always lived up to his democratic principles, firmly and fearlessly sustaining them -- and, yet, at the same time, always liberal in his conduct towards others. The other -- ROBERT MILLER, the nominee for County Commissioner, has ever ben a decided Whig -- as unflinching in his adherance to Whig principles -- and as unbending in his advocacy of those measures, which, in his view, were for the general good of the country.

Had both the nominees of that convention been selected from either of the political parties, I admit that you would have had some reason to doubt the sincerity of its members, and the purity of their intentions. You would have been left not without reason for suspecting some secret motive -- some ulterior design. Buch such was not the case. No other motive operated at that convention, then the grand onr contained in its declarations, and which appears in its resolutions and its acts. -- Indeed, there could be no stronger proof of this, than the fact that it was composed of men from every section of the county -- representing every local interest, and bearing in their bosoms every local feeling -- men from both the great political parties (about an equal number from each,) and yet all those party preferences -- and all those local feelings and interests, were laid aside, or swallowed up, in the all-absorbing object for which the convention was called together, that of organizing a phalanx of freemen, to oppose the advances of a ruthless despotism. Yes, fellow-citizens, the delegates of that convention met there with a singleness of purpose -- a unanimity of feeling -- such as is not always to be met with on occasions like this, I know that interested intriguers and wire workers are busy with tales to the contrary of this. Some expect that it is a deep laid scheme of the Whigs; others that it is a deep laid scheme of the Democrats. -- Some, that it is designed to defeat the Whig candidate for Congress; others, that it is designed to defeat the Democratic candidate. One asserts, roundly, that it is entirely a county seat question -- that La Harpe wants the county seat -- that Augusta wants the county seat -- that Warsaw wants the county seat; -- and this is only a hidden scheme to effect one or all of these purposes. Another, with equal assurance, declares that it is only intended to put down certain leading men of this party, or of that party. What motives these very cunning and ingenious wire-pullers have for all these assertions, it is not my province to say -- neither do you need any hint from me, to enable you to arrive at correct conclusions on that point. And they certainly are the most capable of judging how far these disinterested and very patriotic motives could be made to sway their own conduct.

There is another point to which I may be allowed to direct your attention. It is this -- the men nominated by that convention, are men who, besides possessing the confidence of their fellow citizens to an eminent degree, are also responsible men. Their interests are here, identified with your interests -- holding landed and other property among you -- and belonging to that migratory class which is so numerous in many sections of our country. The School Commissioner -- whoever he may be -- will be required to give bonds for the faithful discharge of his duties, in a very large sum. It is all important to your interests, that the bond thus given should be a good one -- one that will render the large fund which will be placed in his hands prefectly secure. The gentleman selected by the convention for that office, can give such a bond. He is possessed of sufficient property, real and personal, to justify him in asking his fellow citizens to lend him their names -- and to justify them in granting them freely. He has strong and binding ties to hold him true to his trust -- a large property -- a rising family -- an extensive relationship -- and an irreproachable reputation.

I ask you, then, fellow-citizens, whether the nomination of these men shall be sustained. Is it not, I ask, greatly to the interest of your country -- in a pecuniary point of view, alone -- that they should be placed by your undivided suffrage, in the offices for which they have been designated, and which they are so well qualified to fill? And, let me ask -- seriously ask you, are there not even higher motives which urge you to give them your support? -- They ask not office, for office's sake. They have embarked with you in a cause which is dear to them, and in the success of which they are as much interested as you are or can be. That cause has your good wishes, also. You are not willing, any more than they, to be made slaves -- mere machines -- to do the vile work of a desperado. You are not willing, any more than they, to be brought to the feet of one, who, by the vilest system of knavery that has ever yet seen the light of heaven, is preparing for your necks a yoke, and for your consciences an iron bondage.

Fellow citizens -- think of these things! Ponder well upon them. They demand your serious and candid investigation. If I am wrong your better judgment will correct me: If I am right, you will agree with me, in the conclusion, THAT THE OCCASION CALLS FOR YOUR UNITED, VIGOROUS, AND DECIDED ACTION.

    Your fellow citizen,       MARCELLUS.



ANTI-MORMON NOMINATIONS:

FOR SCHOOL COMMISSIONER.
RICHARD WILTON.

FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
ROBERT MILLER.



Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, July 28, 1841.                           No. 12.



ANTI-MORMON NOMINATIONS:

FOR SCHOOL COMMISSIONER.
RICHARD WILTON.

FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
ROBERT MILLER.

FELLOW CITIZENS. -- On Monday next you will be called to decide the question which has for some months past been agitated in your midst. On that occasion we sincerely hope that those of you who wish that this county should be ruled by the free, independent, and thinking citizens, and not by a politico-military Church, will give your votes to our worthy fellow citizens, RICHARD WILTON and ROBERT MILLER. If you suffer yourselves to be defeated in this contest, be assured, that you will surrender the county to be governed hereafter by one who has, under the garb of religion, defied the laws of men, and desecrated those of heaven -- A man whom the station of a "money digger," to the leader of a fanatical band, which now numbers thousands. -- A man whose history proves him to be a greater knave, a more consumate impostor, and a more impious blasphemer than any whose acts disgrace the annals of villainy or hypocrisy. Do you, Fellow Citizens, wish such a man to be the dispenser of political favors in your county? Do you wish to see him select your Representatives, your sheriffs, and your commissioners, from amongst his minions? Do you wish the selection of the Grand and Petit Jury to be placed under his direction? Do you wish your own rights and the rights of your fellow citizens to be thus jeopardized, and thus place it in the power of such a knave, to sacrifice all whom he may choose to consider his enemies? If not, now is the time for action -- urgent and energetic action.

Remember that the followers of this man are united -- Remember that on all former occasions they have allowed him to dictate how they should vote -- In Missouri, almost to a man, they surrendered their own political judgment to his; and in our own State, at the two last elections, the same obedience was rendered. Can you trust that such a man, as you know him to be, will be honest and forbearing when he shall have completed the scheme new on foot, to collect within our borders a great body of his people, in order that he may have the sole control of the ballet box? No, you cannot! You know full well, that when this curse does befall you, there will be no security for your rights, only by the arbitrary permission of a man, who has uniformly shown himself utterly unworthy of confidence. But what a humiliating thought! The county of Hancock under the nod of a "Money Digger!" Yes! a Money Digger! Shade of Hudibras! Is the English language capable of any contortion that will portray a more despicable being than the simple words, "Money Digger." Yet, fellow citizens, in the course of human events, even a "Money Digger" is aiming to be your ruler!



DEBATES  ON  MORMONISM.

Mr. Harris, who has been lecturing for some time in this and the neighboring counties against Mormonism, has of late had several encounters with the Mormon brethern in debate. On every occasion thus far the Mormons have been completely used up, and obliged to retreat.

On Wednesday last a debate of this description was held in the neighborhood of Bear Creek, between Mr. Harris and Lyman Wight. The Mormons were so severely handled that they became exceedingly exasperated, and endeavored to confuse Mr. Harris by frequent interruptions. Finally, one of them by the name of Derby, having said something offensive, Mr. Harris very deliberately turned and looked him full in the face, and remarked that he had "before met with this man." He then stated that as he was traveling, a few days previous, through a wood, Derby stopped him and severely abused and threatened him for what he had said in his lectures -- Finally he said, "I carry that about me which puts such fellows as you out of the way," at the same time putting his hand into his pocket as if in the act of drawing a pistol or knife. Mr. Harris said he knew not what would have been the consequence had not a wagon appeared in sight, which caused the Mormon to retire. The effect of this statement on the audience was electric. Such was the degree of excitement produced that the principal men were obliged to interfere to prevent the meeting from breaking up in a row.

On Saturday last we visited Lima, with a view of hearing the discussions between Mr. Harris and a Mormon Elder, by the name of Cox. When we arrived they were disputing about premininaries. The Mormon wanted things just so; Mr. Harris yielded as long as he conceived their demands to be within reason, but finally he determined to yield no further to their requisitions. This led to an adjournment. They, however, retired to another spot, and commenced the debate in good earnest. The Mormon opened in a speech of about an hour's length. Mr. Harris followed, tearing it to atoms. The Mormon again held forth for half an hour -- Mr. Harris replied in a manner that completely demolished not only the arguments of his opponent, but the whole fabric of Mormonism. During his discourse the poor Mormons sat with long faces, and at its conclusion made the melancholy announcement that their speaker had been taken suddenly ill. Indeed he looked sick, poor fellow! But there were no brethren on the ground sufficiently strong in the faith to cure him by a miracle, and, therefore, the meeting adjourned until the next morning. At the time appointed, however, the Mormons appeared not. Brother Cox was still sick, and the fever has become contagious. Thus ends the chapter.



==> We would respectfully request our friends in the different precincts of this county to send in the returns of next Monday's election as soon as possible after the polls are closed. If they are sent in so that we can get them any time on Tuesday, we will publish them in next week's paper.



                           For the Warsaw Signal.

TO THE CITIZENS OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

FELLOW CITIZENS. -- once again I address you on the subject of the "Anti-Mormon Convention."

Monday next -- the second day of August -- is the day set apart by the law, for you to exercise one of the dearest rights of freemen. Being one of the dearest and most sacred rights required under our social compact, I [hold] it also to be a solemn DUTY -- the honest and independent exercise of which, cannot be neglected, without the infliction of a serious self-injury, as well as public wrong. In this view of the case, how necessary it is, that our votes should be given honestly -- fearlessly -- independently -- and above all, for the general good! How necessary, that when we come up to the exercise of that sacred right and duty, we should do so, divested of all prejudice, and of all improper motives and feelings!

In forming our opinion of candidates for office, we should first enquire, in the language of the immortal author of the Declaration of Independence -- "Is he honest? Is he capable? Is he faithful to the Constitution?" I ask you, fellow citizens, to apply these questions in the case of the two candidates presented for your suffrage by the convention above alluded to -- and I ask you to let your answer to these questions, guide you in your votes -- for or against them. Are they honest men? -- is the first of these enquiries. No two men stood higher and fairer in this respect, amongst you. They have been in your midst for years -- and I have yet to find the first man who has ought to say against their character for integrity, and for just and honorable principle. Are they capable men? -- is the next question. Of their capability to fill with honor and [satisfaction], the offices to which you are invited to elevate them, I believe none of their acquaintances will doubt. Are they faithful to the Constitution? They have given the most conclusive evidence to the affirmative of this question. They have ever been good citizens -- obedient to the laws; always regarding their sacred obligations they have been firm, conscientious and consistant in the support of these great principles of the constitution, which are at once bulwarks and safety of our institutions. I am justified, then, in the assertion, fellow-citizens, that all of you who have known RICHARD WILTON and ROBERT MILLER -- the nominees of the Anti-Mormon Convention, for the offices of School Commissioner and County Commissioner, will join with me in believing that they are what you require of your public agents -- "HONEST -- CAPABLE -- AND FAITHFUL TO THE CONSTITUTION."

If they are all this, fellow-citizens, I would next inquire, why they are not justly entitled to your free and independent suffrages? -- Why they ought not to be placed by you in the offices to which they have been named, without a dissentient voice?

And I would here remark, that while there are a thousand objections urged against their election, by what I shall style the Mormon party -- while influences are set to work against them, which have never before been brought against any candidate -- and while means and measures the most unfair and illiberal, and stories the most ridiculous and absurd, are brought to bear against them, in order to defeat them, and UPHOLD THE MORMON POWER -- and that, too, from sources where better things might have been expected -- none -- no, not a single individual of the whole brotherhood of plotters and wire-workers, has yet denied the honesty -- the capability -- or the faithfulness of these men. Fellow-citizens, this fact deserves notice. And I will freely submit it to your free and unbiased judgments, whether it does not furnish one of the STRONGEST ARGUMENTS in their favor. Had you no knowledge of the men, this fact alone, would fully justify you in giving them your support. When I hear and see every prejudice excited that can be brought to bear -- every stratagem used that can be used -- every reason brought forward, but those which ought to influence the public mind, against candidates for office -- it is pretty conclusive proof to my mind, that there is "something rotten in Denmark" -- and that the cause which resorts to such modes of warfare, is at least unworthy of my support.

One of the objections urged against the nominees of the convention, and probably the only one which is really worthy of notice, is, that the convention was useless -- as there was no need of an Anti-Mormon party, or an Anti-Mormon feeling in this county. Those who urge this objection certainly do not regard the party [movements] in this county for the last year and a half, or two years, in the light in which I regard them. I conceive them to have been most deleterious to public morals. Morality -- honor -- honesty -- seem to have been laid aside, by a large number of both parties, in the general rush for Mormon votes, and Mormon influence. Party intrigue, chicanery, wire-pulling, and log-rolling, of the basest and most dishonorable and corrupting character, were freely practiced on all sides, and by men of all parties: -- and the only anxiety that appeared to be manifested, was that the party to which we individually belonged, might succeed, in the dishonorable struggle. I appeal, my fellow-citizens, to have your own "sober second thoughts" -- to your own calm judgment -- if these things are not true. They are too notoriously so, to admit of a denial, or even a qualification. They were so glaringly manifest, that he who ran might read: -- And can we wonder that they had their effect upon those whose favor was thus anxiously sought? They suddenly saw themselves elevated from the position of suppliant refugees -- begging for homes and bread, into a powerful band -- able, from the peculiarity of their situation, and the corrupting power of party spirit, to sway the destinies of the whole county, and probably the state. The infamous blasphemer and despot, who rules them with a rod of iron, suddenly found himself lifted up from the position of an outlaw, seeking shelter from offended Justice, to that of a great political Demi-God -- dispensing favors to this party and to that party, as best suits his august inclinations -- a position of which he had not before dreamed; and we have since seen him, and all his coadjutors, assuming airs which the prince of the Hottentots would be proud to institute. This being the position of affairs, I ask you candidly, fellow citizens, if there is no need of an Anti-Mormon Party in this county? Is it not right and proper to oppose these things? Are we not doing our country a service -- the cause of truth -- and honor -- and honesty -- and FREEDOM -- a service in suppressing these things? And isnot NOW the time? Why wait until the power which is now only beginning to be felt, shall be rivited upon us? Why wait until the whole scheme is fully matured -- until the Demon of Party has made good his alliance with the Demon of Darkness? The important position to which the Prophet has been forced by the violence of party contest, is not goibg to be given up without a struggle. He is not going to come down willingly from his high seat -- and shall we postpone our option, for that purpose, until the time and occasion for successful action is forever lost? Shall we who in our phrenzy brought about a state of affairs which we now sincerely lament, and which we would fain remedy, refuse to attempt that remedy, merely because it does not yet sufficiently gall us? Shall we refuse to assist in severing the chains with which our own folly has bound us, merely because their rust has not yet corroded our souls? Such reasons are not worthy of FREEMEN; and I feel confident that they will not be used or advanced by freemen. Such freemen I humbly fear, cannot long remain free.

Fellow-Citizens -- I have done. You will no doubt rest in this matter honestly -- independently -- and fearlessly -- as becomes you, in the exercise of your dearest right. Upon you, more than upon me, will fall the consequences of the result. Upon you -- upon us all -- will rest the responsibility.

I subscribe myself, your fellow citizen, and a member if the Convention,
                                       MARCELLUS.
July 28, 1841.



To the Editor of the Warsaw Signal.

Dear Sir -- Having been informed that statements were circulating through the south-eastern part of this county, that I had become opposed to the Anti-Mormon Convention, and that in common with some other Democrats, I should vote the Democratic Ticket, I would beg leave thus publicly to give an unqualified denial to the truth of such representations.

From the commencement I have continued to be a firm supporter of Anti-Mormonism, and it matters not to me whether the candidate be Whig or Democrat, I will sustain him to the extent of my limited ability, provided he goes for the principle.

I would further state, from good authority, that the Democrats in this section, with scarcely an exception, will vote the Anti-Mormon Ticket, and I hope that the same spirit will pervade the rest of the county.

I desire and intend to be among the first at the polls to vote for RICHARD WILTON and ROBERT MILLER. May every Whig and Democrat do the same, and remember in making his choice, that the candidate who cannot come out publicly for us in this contest, must be against us.

Trusting that these exciting times require no apology for thus obtruding myself before the public, I remain,
                    Yours, &c.
                                WM. H. ROOSEVELT.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, August 4, 1841.                           No. 13.


 

We understand that the Surveyor, Mr. Williams, has nearly finished laying out the School section, and of course we may soon expect the arrival of some of our destined neighbors. We have not heard what name Joe intends to give to the new city; but we have a first rate one in our mind's eye, which we will suggest, believing it to be highly appropriate. We would call it "MONEY-DIGGERSVILLE" -- quite a mouthful, but still symphonious. Now we think this will be just the thing exactly; because it will forever remain a striking momento of the glorious and dignified origin of our modern race of prophets. Besides this, it is a plain English name -- none of your mysterious cognomens scared up from a heathenish vocabulary, which none but learned men, such as Joe Smith, can understand -- it is something that every man can see through. -- And that is not all, there is no liability to mistake in the meaning, which is not always the case. For instance in the name Nauvoo; Joe, being a learned man, thought it meant beautiful situation, but other Doctors say it means a place "where devils delight to dwell." But that's no matter, for either way it is very appropriate. What do you say, Joe? Money-diggersville! Why there is not another town of that name in the Union, nor in the whole world; and you know rarity is a great charm in this age of improvement.

As to the prospects of this new city, which we shall call Money-Diggersville, (believing that Joe cannot withstand our arguments in favor of the adoption of that name) they are said to be very flattering so far as numbers are concerned. It is said that about seventy wagons, loaded with red hot Mormons, just from the state of New York, are on their way to Nauvoo -- probably they have arrived before this. Rumor says that Joe designs to send a part of these down this way to make a commencement. We intend to mark the day of the first arrival as one important era in the history of our town, and the night on which the first porker disappears as another.



We observe the remark in the Ohio paper that Martin Harris is a good Mormon, but does not believe in Joe Smith. Is it possible, Joe, that you suffer a man who does not believe in [your] divine authority to continue a member of your church? If you suffer such things as this your whole fabric will tumble. Certainly, to believe you a Prophet is a sine quo non for a Mormon; and how is it that you suffer such a heretic as Harris to remain in the bosom of your church? A man who rejects the subliminated quintescense of Mormonism, and yet says he is a Mormon! -- For shame, Joe! Teach your Elders to turn such men out, or else set the Danites after him!

(under construction)


Note 1: The "remark in the Ohio paper," mentioned above, came from the June 30, 1841 issue of the Painesville Telegraph, which said: "Martin Harris... is now, or was two days since, alive and well, at his residence in Kirtland, in this county... As to his present relation to the Mormons -- Martin Harris believes that the work in its commencement was a genuine work of the Lord, but that Smith, having become worldly and proud, has been forsaken of the Lord, and has become a knave and impostor. He expects that the work will be yet revived, through other instrumentalities."

Note 2: The Times and Seasons of July 1, 1841 relates the proceedings of an LDS Conference, held in Kirtland on May 22nd, in which Martin Harris is listed as holding the office of a High Priest. However, the report in the Painesville Telegraph evidently cost Harris his membership (as Thomas Sharp suggested!) and he was not readmitted to the Church until Nov. 7, 1842. See H. Michael Marquardt's " Martin Harris: The Kirtland Years," in Dialogue 35:3 (Fall, 2002) for more on Harris during this period.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, August 11, 1841.                           No. 14.


 

Death of Don Carlos Smith. -- We learn with regret that Don Carlos Smith brother to the Prophet, and one of the editors of the "Times and Seasons," died at Nauvoo, on Saturday morning last, in the 24th year of his age. His death was very sudden. he was buried on Sunday afternoon with military honors -- he having been an officer of the Staff attached to the Nauvoo Legion.



COMMUNICATIONS.

                                                    For the Warsaw Signal.

Mr. Editor -- Perhaps it would be interesting to some of your readers to have a history of the ancient Egyptian Mormons -- of their manners, habits and customs, and form of worship, &c., if so, as time and opportunity presents, I will endeavor to give a short history of them. -- My object now is to give a slight sketch of the Book of Mormon, and the translation of a few words, taken from the reformed Egyptian Dictionary. In the summer of 1830 I had a book put into my hands with a request that I should read it and give my opinion of what I thought of it. On asking what book it was, I was told that it was the book of Mormon. A thought struck me that it could hardly be possible that any man could be so foolish as to have the ancient manuscripts of the Egyptian book of Mormon published, or be to the expense of publishing such a book in this enlightened age of the world, unless it was merely to show the horrid wickedness of the Magicians, or Sorcerers, and the duplicity of the common people in some of the Privinces, in ancient times, in Egypt. I took the book and looked at the title page, and sure enough I saw the book of Mormon, by Joseph Smith, Jun., author, and not only author, but proprietor, also. Well, I gave the book a hasty perusal and found it truly to be a Mormon book, with some alterations and interpolations, so as to suit time and place, with a few more quotations from the Prophets and Apostles than were in the old Egyptian book of Mormon. My opinion then was that Joe thought he would try his skill at writing fictitious nonsense, for I considered the book to be such, and yet do, although I have read it several times since. I consider the quotations taken from the Prophets and Apostles, that are inserted in the book of Mormon, a profanation of so much of our holy bible. But the ancient Mormons of Egypt quoted some of the Jewish writings into their book, and for the special purpose of deception; and I presume that Joe did into his for the same reason, thinking he would make a better living by peddling Mormon books than by money digging. But what is most astonishing in nature, there are men who pretend to think the book of Mormon to be from God, or of divine origin; but how any honest person of half common sense, with one fiftieth part of a grain of reason can possibly believe it to be the word of God I am totally unable to imagine; and any person that understands the reformed Egyptian tongue, or even has but a superficial knowledge of it, must know that the very term or word Mormon, must forever blast its pretentions to any thing like having a divine origin. I will here give you the signification of the word Mormon, and also, book of Mormon, which every person that has read a dictionary of the reformed Egyptian tongue knows to be correct.

Mormon -- A writer of wicked, absurd, fictitious nonsense, for evil purposes, to make sorcerers.

Book of Mormon -- A book of gross, fictitious nonsense, written by Mormon, for Gazelom's diabolical purposes.

Mormons -- Anciently in Egypt -- a set of black-legs, thieves, robbers, and murderers.

Now, how can it be possible any person can call it divine! It is astonishing! I will give the meaning of the word Gadiantan. You will find the word in some of the Mormon writings; and I find some of them do understand the true meaning of the word, but perhaps some do not, and would like to know. Several words in their book of Mormon is not translated right, but of that when we see the plates.

Gadiantan -- A prudent ruler, or governor of a territory or province -- one who expels black-legs, thieves, robbers and murderers, from his province.

Gadiantan -- One who has justice prudently administered to all honest subjects.
                                                   TRANSLATOR.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, August 25, 1841.                           No. 16.



KEOKUK'S  VISIT  TO  NAUVOO.

We understand that one day last week, they had quite a pageant at Nauvoo. The Indian Chief Keokuk, with about fifty of his followers -- warriors, squaws and papooses -- took occasion to pay a special visit to their brother, the Revelator and Prophet, to smoke the pipe of peace with him in his wik-ke-up -- and discourse of the wonders of the New Jerusalem.

The distinguished strangers were received with marked attention. The Nauvoo Legion, -- ever ready to honor the great ones of the earth, who come to pay homage to the Prophet -- escorted them from the landing to the temple, where, in the august presence of the twelve Apostles, and the twelve oxen, these mighty Chiefs held social converse, for the space of half an hour.

They were both dressed in uniform -- the Prophet in the splendid and brilliant uniform of the Nauvoo Legion, which he commands -- and the Chieftan in the less dazzling habiliments of the wilderness -- a dirty blanket and a pair of moccasins.

The Prophet made a speech to the warrior in the presence of the assembled multitude, in which he depicted in glowing colors, and enthusiastic strain the wonders of the Great Temple, the mysteries of the book of Mormon, and the glorious times that they will have together, in these latter days, in the latter day city which they are going to inherit.

All this was perfectly intelligible [sic] to the sage chieftain, who, meanwhile, looked unutterable things. He replied in a very effective speech of twenty minutes, which brought tears to the eyes of a number of gallant soldiers of the Legion, and squaws and papooses in attendance. He said he was surprised at the mighty things which had been accomplished by his brother on this side the big river. As to the New Jerusalem to which they were all going to emigrate, so far as he was concerned, it depended very much whether there would be any government annuities -- and as for the 'milk and honey,' which was to flow over the land, he was not particular -- he should prefer whiskey!

In short, it was quite an imposing and interesting spectacle -- the meeting of those two men -- and when next so remarkable an event takes place, in the language of the historian of John Gilpin:

        'May we be there to see."




It has been officially announced, we understand, that the new Mormon town adjoining us on the 16th Section, is to receive its name from our fellow citizen Calvin A. Warren, Esq. -- and is to be called the City of Warren. Friend Warren, your chance for immortality is now certain. We still think, however, that the name we suggested -- 'Money-Diggersville' -- would be more appropriate, as it is certainly a more euphonious appelation...

(under construction)


Note: The above report of Keokuk's visit of Nauvoo, was paraphrased in the Sept. 21, 1841 issue of the Newark Daily Advertiser.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, September 1, 1841.                           No. 17.


 

Obituary. -- R. B. Thompson, another of the editors of the Times and Seasons, died at Nauvoo, on Friday the 27th, ult., after a short illness. Don Carlos Smith, another of the editors (brother of Jos. Smith,) died about a fortnight before, and this afflicting loss leaves that paper under the entire control of Mr. Ebenezer Robinson, one of its original publishers.

(under construction)


Note: Other articles in this issue, concerning the Mormons at Nauvoo, have not yet been transcribed, due to the temporary misplacment of the original clippings.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, September 8, 1841.                           No. 18.



A  MISTAKE.

The Post-Master at Nauvoo -- Sidney Rigdon, Esq., in notifying us of the discontinuance of one of our subscribers there, says he does so in consequence of our having 'exhausted the subject of Mormonism,' and that he designs seeking elsewhere for such intelligence as he desires. Far from it! Indeed, we are daily becoming more and more convinced, that there is an inexhaustable fund of knavery in it. We beg of him not to become alarmed at our silence -- we have other duties occasionally to perform and cannot devote too much time to that. For some knowledge of the "whereabouts" of the intelligence he seeks, we refer our late patron to the advertising columns of to-day's paper.



WORK  ON  MORMONISM.
_______

MORMONISM
PORTRAYED.


Its errors and absordities exposed
and the spirit and designs
of its authors

MADE  MANIFEST,
______

To which is added an Appendix, containing the Testimony of the most prominent Witnesses, as taken at the Trial of Joe Smith, Jr. and others, for HIGH TREASON against the State of Missouri, before Judge King, of the Fifth Judicial District.

THE above is the title of a Pamphlet of Sixty-four Pages, Imperial Octavo, now in Press at this office, and will be published in a few days. This work is -- as its title indicates -- a complete exposure of the outrageous errors and absurdities of that non-descript in religion, called Mormonism, and of the base and wicked and dangerous designs of its guilty authors; as proven from their own works -- their own principles and professions -- and the history of their own lives and conduct.

Price -- Single copies 25 cents; for one Hundred copies, $20. Address,
                                    SHARP & GAMBLE,
Publishers, Warsaw, Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, September 15, 1841.                           No. 19.



MORMONISM  PORTRAYED;
Its Errors and Absurdities Exposed, &c.,
By Wm. Harris.

The above-named work has just been published, and is now for sale. It is a calm and sober exposition of Mormonism, by one who knows it in all its phases and aspects -- addressed to the reason and judgment and common sense of the reader. No unprejudiced person can rise from a perusal of its pages, without feeling that the religion of these people is just no religion at all -- that it abounds in gross errors and the most ridiculous fooleries -- and that its authors are designing Knaves, ignorant Pretenders, and most infamous Blasphemers. This is hard language, but it is TRUE -- and in relation to such matters, the truth should always be told.   Read -- and then determine.



TOWN NEWS. -- The river is slowly rising -- though still very low. Wheat is still coming in, and the price has risen to 64 cents per bushel. The Mormons have commenced operations on the 16th Section -- and will, no doubt, do wonders. The health of the place is excellent.



DIFFICULTY  AT  MONTROSE.

We understand that on Monday last at Montrose, there was a military training at which the Mormons and citizens united indiscriminately. After the troops were paraded Joe Smith and Gen. Bennett came over from Nauvoo and attempted to inspect them. Upon this Mr. Kilbourn invited the citizens to withdraw from the ranks -- which was accordingly done. The Mormons then insulted them, causing much excitement, and at the time our informant left a row was anticipated.

Now what right, we ask, has Joe Smith to go into Iowa Territory and attempt to order the citizens of that territory as a military officer? Is this not proof positive that he wishes to organize a military church? Else why should he take so much interest in the military improvement of his followers who live out of this State? We see in this thing the essential spirit of Mormonism, which is -- treason to the Government. Joe Smith, in the government of his followers wishes to place his authority above that of the State. He is not content therefore that the laws of Iowa should regulate the parades of the saints; but he a citizen of Illinois must interfere his authority, and threaten violence because his authority is disregarded by those not members of his church.


Note: See the Oct. 1, 1841 issue of the Nauvoo Times and Seasons, for a reply to the above notice of Mr. Kilbourn's actions at Montrose.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, September 22, 1841.                           No. 20.



MORMONISM  AT  MONTROSE.

We have received from Mr. Harris, an account of his recent visit to Montrose Iowa, which we give below, for the information of the public. We ask what is to be thought of a set of men professing to be followers of the meek and lowly Saviour, who would give vent to such vindictive passions? Are they fit for the companionship of civilized beings?

                                            Montrose, I. T., Sept. 3, 1841.

Mr. Editor: -- I deem it proper to make known through the columns of your paper, the treatment I have received from the Mormons of this place. On Wednesday, the 1st inst. I began my Lectures here, having been invited by some of the oldest citizens of the place. Before I commenced, I was insulted by several Mormons, and I had scarcely begun to speak, when a constable appeared, with a capias for me. He was urged by the elders to serve it immediately, and thus prevent me from speaking; but he refused to do so, until I had finished my lecture. After I had done, I was taken before a Mormon justice, to answer a suit in debt, which had been instituted. I obtained a change of venue, and had the cause brought before another justice -- and was, after trial, discharged. It was amusing to see the Mormon sisters, at the time of my arrest, running from every point, to see the prisoner -- clapping their hands and manifesting every species of joy -- and it was equally amusing, to see their downcast countenances, and evident distress, when the decision of the court was announced in my favor.

After this suit had been disposed of, I was taken on four several writs; but in every case was discharged, and my persecutors had the costs to pay. I was held in custody for almost twenty-four hours; but was not in confinement; and having freedom of speech, you may be sure I did not spare the Mormons.

Whilst lecturing in the evening, the Mormons collected around the fence, and kept up a continual howling, cursing and swearing. At the same time they threw several stones and rotten eggs amongst the congregation, none of which, however, did any injury. They made an effigy, by stuffing a pair of breeches with straw and burning it before the congregation, crying, as it was consuming, "thus may old Kilbourn burn" -- yelling at the same time like so many hell-hounds. After this, they procured rotten eggs, and besmeared Mr. Kilbourn's store door, from bottom to top. After my lecture had ended, they came amongst the congregation cursing and swearing, and bantering to fight. Many of them were so drunk, as to be scarcely able to stand, and amongst these I noticed some of the oldest members of the church. The drunkenness was not confined alone to the men, for the sisters were many of them intoxicated; and one woman was so completely beside herself, as to load a pistol to shoot her own husband.

The last night of my lectures, was a perfect scene of confusion, howling, cursing, swearing, giving the lie to every word said, and pelting the door of the house with stones, in all which, they were urged on by the elders. They thought to intimidate me, but I presented them with the spirit and design of Mormonism in all plainness; while the Mormons without were giving a practiced demonstration to all I said.

The Mormons in this place are infinitely worse than any thing I have ever before seen or heard. During the time I have been here, nothing but cursing, bantering to fight, lewdness in expression and action, has been seen or heard from morning to night. 'Tis somewhat appalling to hear their threats, and see them, demon-like grind their teeth upon me; but all this excites no fear, being willing to die for the truth.   Yours, &c.,
                                     WILLIAM HARRIS.

Now, we ask the public, what is to be thought of all the cries which have been heard, of persecution, from this set of fanatics, or knaves? (We know not which to call them.) They complain or persecution, and mob violence! whilst, at the same time, they turn themselves into rowdies, to insult and brow-beat, and attempt, by violence, to shut the mouth of a citizen, whose only offence is that he is laboring to prove their notions of religion false. Let these men no longer talk of Missouri mobs, for their conduct shows that they are but mobbers themselves



MORMON  SWINDLING.

We learn, from various sources, that a species of the worst kind of swindling, is practised by the Mormon leaders, upon those who they have duped in the east to believe their abominable teachings. It is well known that the policy of Joe Smith is, to assemble his followers immediately around him. In order to do this, the elders in the east are instructed to teach the new converts, that it is the will of God they should emigrate to the west. Many however, cannot sell their lands readily, and thus a difficultly is created; to remedy which, scrip has been issued payable in half-breed lands. Agents are sent to the east who buy the land of those who wish to emigrate, and pay for them in this scrip; thus the leaders of this church, exchange their rotten half-breed titles, for the good lands of their eastern dupes. Now it is a well known fact, that no man can have a perfect title to half-breed lands, and the Mormon claim is almost entirely without foundation; yet the infamous leaders of this swindling institution called the Mormon church, are dupong innocent and unsuspecting individuals, to exchange all they have, for their moonshine titles.

Since writing the above, we have seen an editorial notice, in the Philadelphia Saturday Courier, of the doings of a certain Mormon dignitary known in these parts, particularly, as an extensive half-breed land speculator. The Courier states, that this individual is engaged in the very same kind of tricks as we have mentioned above.

One case particularly, is mentioned, of a Mr. Pierce of Chester county, Pa., who has been swindled out of his possessions, by a promise of Nauvoo land in exchange. After Mr. Pierce had parted with his land, worth $6000, it was sold by these Mormon worthies, for $3000, at public auction! We hold it to be the duty of the press throughout the country, to put the people on their guard against the practices of these swindlers.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, September 29, 1841.                           No. 21.



THE  MORMONS.

We are never astonished when we find in the columns of a rank political journal, a statement which the editor knew to be false in every particular, for at the present day, articles and deception appear to be regarded as the most powerful weapons of party warfare. But when we find a paper, avowedly religious in its objects, waging an open war against every species of vice, making a statement to the public, which the editor knows to be notoriously false, we are forced to confess that there are stranger things on this earth than was "ever dreamed of in our philosophy." -- We make this remark in reference to a statement contained in the last "Times and Seasons," wherein it is said, that "perfect harmony and good feeling prevails between us, (the Mormons) and our neighbors, with the exception of two or three individuals, whose names are not worthy of mention." Now, it is surprising how any man can have the effrontery to make such an assertion, in a community where every individual knows it is utterly false. Is it not a notorious fact, that at Montrose, I. T. there exists continual excitement, and the most deadly hatred between the Mormons and citizens? Is it not equally notorious, that in this county a great majority of the old citizens regard the Mormon church as a swindling institution, and the whole scheme of Mormonism as a system of knavery? Is it not true, that the excitement some time since in the neighborhood of Bear Creek, was aroused to such an extent that the people armed themselves on both sides? Is it not true that the old citizens were so indignant at the political aggressions of the Mormons, that in the late election a party was organized in opposition to them, which at the ballot box was triumphant? Yet the veritable organ of this reputable church tells the world there is no excitement here; but perfect amity and good feeling; when he knows, or ought to know that such a class of knaves cannot be congregated in the midst of a civilized community, without engendering excitement.



MORMONISM. -- The Cheltenham (England) Chronicle states that its editor had just seen the wife of a small farmer who sailed with her husband and six children last February from Liverpool. They and about one hundred others, landed at New Orleans, went several hundred miles up the country past St. Louis, and arrived safe at the "promised land," -- the New Jerusalem -- on the 1st of May last; a three weeks' residence was sufficient to let them into the secret, and they arrived safe back in the old country about a fortnight ago.

They had frequent communications while on the banks of the Mississippi with the renowned prophet, Joe Smith, and his brother impostors, who took every means in their power to get hold of our informants' money, by offering to sell them large plots of land, take them into partnership, &c. &c., but the Gloucestershire yeoman was proof against their wiles, and used his little capital in bringing his family back again. What most staggered the faith of the party was that the great prophet, Mr. Joseph Smith, could not show them the "plates of gold" on which it was pretended the book of Mormon was written; Joe evaded the question by saying the angel merely showed them to him, and after he had taken a fair copy, took them back again. -- St. L. Pennant.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, October 6, 1841.                           No. 22.



MORMON  TEMPERANCE.

We have heretofore noticed the humbug professions of the Mormons in relation to Temperance; but we have not stated the exact object they have in view, in making their sanctimonious laws on the subject, in the holy city. It is now apparent that the design never was to suppress the sale of ardent spirits; for Groceries -- otherwise Grig shops -- are as numerous in Nauvoo as ever, -- and not only this, the Prophet, in order to increase the inspiration of his followers, has established -- or allowed to be established -- a grocery in the immediate vicinity of the Temple. It is, therefore, evident, that all their parade and humbug about Temperance, has been made merely as a gull-trap, designed to convey the impression abroad, that they are a very virtuous and self-denying people; and, of course, all the statements made in regard to their wickedness, as mere slander.

We warn people at a distance to pay no regard to the professions of these men -- for they profess one thing, and practice another. Some of the highest officers and leading members of the Church are notorious drunkards; and Smith, himself, as we have said, on a former occasion, is a little more devoted to his bottle than to his God. They enact some most excellent laws --whilst the very makers of them are the first to break through them with impunity. On certain public occasions, they assume the appearance of a very strict morality; but when the public eye is turned, they indulge in beastly excesses. The leaders, being themselves loose in morals, inculcate the most abandoned principles in their followers -- pretending, the while, to have for their teachings the sanction of the Almighty. This, then, is the character of that system of knavery, which is supported by inducing dupes to believe that the abominations of Hell have the sanction of Heaven.



From the Burlington Hawkeye and Patriot.

LATTER-DAY-ISM.

NUMBER  ONE.

Mr. Editor -- It is with extreme reluctance that the undersigned are induced to intrude upon the public, what will probably by many of your readers be considered merely as private grievances; but the indignities and injuries which we have suffered at the hands of the deluded followers of that wretched impostor, Joe Smith, have been so many and frequent, that forbearance long since ceased to be a virtue; and a sense of duty to ourselves and others, impels us to make the following statement -- which may be the means of preventing some individuals from making shipwreck of their fortunes and character, by embracing this miserable scheme of humbug and delusion.

It may be proper here to remark, that we shall state facts -- facts that can be neither gainsayed nor denyed; and if half the truth is told, it will convince the world that "truth is stranger than faction," and will act like the spear of Ithuriel, in exposing in all their deformity, some of the atrocious features of an imposture, a ridiculous and silly as the designs of its authors are dangerous and treasonable.

That there are not some worthy men and good citizens who sincerely believe in the mission of Joe Smith as a Prophet, we should be sorry to believe, but in speaking of a community like this, we speak of them collectively and of the general features of their system.

They have now been in our midst for more than two years; they came among us in a destitute and suffering condition, a condition that called into lively exercise all the benevolent feelings of our natures; we believed that they had been persecuted for their religious sentiments, that a majority of them were honest, and we were disposed to give them an opportunity to live down -- if false -- the evil reports that have followed them, whenever they have been compelled to make a removal. In proof that a kindly disposition has been exercised, we may point to the fact that until very recently not a newspaper in their vicinity has published a harsh remark in reference to them [or] their Prophet. How has the kindness thus extended been requited? they have rung the [charges] on their "persecutions in Missouri" till it no longer possesses the power to bind together the discordant elements of Mormonism, and abuse of the men that have opened their doors to them and ever treated them kindly, has become the order of the day; the events of the past year have forced the conviction upon us, that in relation to their troubles in Missouri, there are "two sides to the story."

Three years since, we could retire at night without that painful feeling of insecurity which now exists; then it was unnecessary to lock our buildings to secure our property from robbers; now, nothing is safe however strongly secured by bolts and bars.

The undersigned having been somewhat in the way of the fulfillment of a pretended revelation relative to the building up a city at Montrose -- which being interpreted into the unknown tongue of Mormonism means 'Zarahemla' -- have been the greatest sufferers by these depredations. No less than thirteen Robberies, amounting in value to more than one thousand dollars, having been committed on our property since the Mormons came here; and though we have offered rewards for the detection of the thieves and the recovery of the property, we have never in a single instance succeeded in accomplishing either; a case in which we made an attempt to ferret out the thieves and were thwarted by the direct interference of Joe Smith will presently be mentioned.

We subjoin an account of the various robberies:

Robbery 1st. -- Store robbed of a general assortment of goods, a Mormon bishop at the time living over head with only a thin floor between.

Robbery 2d. -- Ware house broken open and robbed of one barrel of pork, two barrels sugar, and five kegs lard.

Robbery 3d. -- Smoke house entered by breaking the lock and robbed of 33 hams and 11 shoulders.

Robbery 4th. -- 14 barrels salt stolen from the building where it was stored.

Robbery 5th. -- 1 barrel salt.

Robbery 6th. -- 1 saddle, bridle and martingale stolen from stable.

Robbery 7th. -- 1 wagon wheels stolen from wagon standing in front of the house.

Robbery 8th. -- 3 saddles, bridles, and martingales stolen from stable.

Robbery 9th. -- 60 bushels wheat, in sacks, stolen from Granary.

Robbery 10th. -- Ware house again entered by breaking lock and robbed of 6 boxes glass, 150 pounds bacon, (together with 2 boxes axes belonging to C. Peck, Esq.)

Robbery 11th. -- 6 barrels salt, the salt taken from the barrels and the barrels left.

Robbery 12th. -- 300 to 400 bushels of corn stolen from the crib during the past summer at various times.

Robbery 13th. -- 1 wheel stolen from a chariot standing in the enclosure of the undersigned.

These are the principle robberies to say nothing of petty, every day stealing of trifles which is annoying enough. The character of the articles stolen precludes the idea that they were taken to any considerable distance from Montrose or Nauvoo. The robbery last mentioned must have been from sheer malice, as one wheel of a carriage could be of no benefit to any one.

The premises from which our conclusions are drawn that the greater part of this mischief is done by Mormons are, that in every case of robbery, the silly story is at once raised by them and circulated with the greatest industry that we have secreted our own property for the sake of [making] an excitement against the Mormons; or the robbery is justified and surprise expressed that we don't lose more than we do, because we oppose the swindling schemes of their Prophet. As before stated the stand taken by us to prevent the building up of Montrose by the "Latter days," had rather thwarted their plans and the Prophet himself proclaimed that "he did not care how much was stolen from K----s," thus giving full license to his followers to go on and plunder as much as they pleased, often indeed in his discourses justifying theft, by citing the example of Christ while passing through the corn field; on one occasion said the world owed him a good living and if he could not get it without he would steal it, "and catch me at it" said he, "if you can." This is the doctrine that is taught "not to be caught -- stealing." -- It has for months been the common talk among the understrappers of Joe Smith that we should be driven from the place; the various robberies of which we have given a history show the means by which such a result is to be brought about.

We come now to a circumstance which goes clearly to show the hollow hearted character of the scoundrel prophet and the other leading Mormons, and which convinces us that all their pretended zeal for the destruction of villainy, and the punishment of offenders, is a mere ruse to give persons abroad a favorable opinion of their morals, and is a piece with the farce exhibited in the enactment of a law by the City Council of Nauvoo, that no ardent spirits should be sold within the corporate limits of Nauvo under severe penalties, yet winking at the establishment of a drunkery at the very portals of the Temple, and in full view of the mayor's office. The morning after robbery No. 10, convinced by traces in the sand on the bank of the river that the property stolen had been taken across the river, with a view to obtain of possible a further clue to the robbers, one of the undersigned accompanied by a young man from Ohio, went to one of the leaders of the society (Stephen Markham) at Nauvoo, and solicited his aid in ferreting out the thieves which he appeared quite willing to render; we examined several skiffs along the river bank, and at length came to one belonging to J. C. Annis, an Elder. Markham observed that he believed that James Dunn (a son-in-law of Annis,) was the thief, and added "Old Annis is, in my opinion no better;" pointing to the skiff he continued "if that skiff could speak it would tell you where your goods are." Some further conversation was had, as to the best place of making some discoveries of the [robber], and he (Markham) have the names of James Dunn, an Elder, -- D. B. Smith, a relative to the Prophet Joe, -- O. P. Rockwell, _____ Stevens, -- J. D. Parker, Elder and Capt. Nauvoo Legion, -- H. G. Sherwood, City Marshal and Elder, as being very suspicious characters, at the same time remarking that he did not believe Sherwood would be concerned in committing any of the robberies himself but that he would probably be willing to share the plunder.

The young man that accompanied the writer observed that he formerly knew D. B. Smith in Ohio, and he thought he could gain his confidence, and by stratagem obtain information of the place of concealment of the stolen goods. This by the advice of a magistrate and a legal gentleman he undertook; to gain their confidence he found an easy matter and he soon had an interview with Dunn, Smith and Rockwell, who he avers proposed to him to aid them in robbing the store of the undersigned; to this he assented, and the arrangements were made on their part to commit the robbery and on ours to take them in the act. It is believed that up to this moment Markham was desirious that the guilty should be caught, but he with other leaders, found the matter was going too far, that if we succeeded in catching so many of their elders it would raise an excitement against them, and show the world their true characters; here too was a fine opportunity for the gratification of those vindictive feelings by which it is well known Joe Smith is ever actuated. The Prophet therefore causes the young man to be arrested, orders him to give up every thing he has on his person, cocks and presents his rifle and threatens to shoot -- to use his own language on the occasion -- "quicker than hell can srorch a feather;" the young man was taken before the Mayor's Court consisting of officers of the Nauvoo Legion as follows: -- Major General Bennett, Mayor, &c., Lieut. Gen. Joe Smith, Prophet, seer, revelator, merchant, &c. &c., Col. Fuller of the Legion and another officer of the Legion, the six individuals above named were then called as witnesses, and though they appeared to rejoice at their narrow excape through the firmness of their leaders, they showed a spirit of vindictiveness towards the young man who from a sincere desire that justice might be done, consented to watch their movements: they testifyed that he had counterfeit coin in his possession. On the part of the defence it was proved that the coin was loaned to him by the Magistrate before alluded to, and the writer for the purpose of showing it, to induce them to belkieve that he could supply any quantity and to inspire them with confidence in him, yet with all this testimony going to show his good intentions, that the coin was given to him for a specific purpose, that he was engaged in a laudable endeavor to bring the guilty to justice, this Mormon Court Martial bound him over for his appearance at Court. And where was Stephen Markham the Mormon leader who could in one moment have set the matter in its true light? The moment the young man was arrested he mounted his horse and started for Quincy, and thus avoided giving testimony that would at once have set the young man at liberty.

With this matter, is closely connected the conspiracy as the Mormons please to call it. A young man living with Joe, a relative of the elect lady (Joe's wife) by the name of Lorenzo D. Wassen & O. P. Rockwell complained that the undersigned had conspired, &c., to unlawfully procure an indictment.

The same six witnesses that appeared in the former case, were sworn on the part of the prosecution. The undersigned viewing the whole proceedings with that contempt which they merited, asked the witnesses no questions, and introduced no witnesses themselves, yet with all their efforts, the complaint was unsustained by a shadow of proof; to have done any thing with us under such circumstances, would have been too barefaced even for a Mormon Court Martial, and we were of course immediately discharged. That this malicious prosecution was instigated and set on foot by Joe Smith, it is useless for him to deny; he said previously that he would have us arrested, and afterwards boasted that he had; as for his tool Lorenzo D. Wassen, we have only to say that, he did not even make his appearance in court, it was sufficient for him to please the "money-digger" he had perjured himself for the purpose of injuring one who never saw him or heard of him before.

The evening that these proceedings took place, and during our absence, a valuable horse was poisoned, and the evening subsequently another was posioned; these two horses were standing in a stable with their heads to open windows, three other horses not thus exposed escaped.

Would it be taxing our credulity too much to believe, that a man who could conceive a murderous plot to assassinate a man that opposed his designs, and that has had -- if he has not now -- a "Danite band" to "haul his enemies into the brush" and "Destroying Angels," commissioned to kill their cattle, burn their buildings, poison their wells, and destroy their lives, if necessary to the accomplishment of his infamous designs, would for a moment hesitate to employ desperadoes to commit any or all the acts of outrage with which we have been visited?

Allusion has been made to a pretended revelation which conflicts with the interests of the undersigned and others. Our object being to strip from this impostor the "silver veil" that covers his hideousness, we shall in a future article give a history of the revelation, and the interests with which it conflicts. It may appear to some that our remarks about this bold Blasphemer are harsh in the extreme, but a moment's reflection will convince any one, that he is either what he claims to be, a Prophet of the Lord, or a scoundrel with out one redeeming quality, and capable of doing any deed of darkness.
                                                D. W. & EDW. KILBOURN.
Montrose, Iowa, Sept. 20, 1841.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, October 13, 1841.                           No. 23.



ANOTHER  ROBBERY  AT  MONTROSE.

In our last, we published Messers. Kilbourn's letter, giving an account of thirteen distinct robberies, which have been committed, evidently by the Mormons, upon their premises. We now have to announce the fourteenth, which took place in the early part of last week. The clerk -- if our information is correct -- left the store about 8 o'clock in the evening, and returned about nine, when he found that the store had been broken open, and about $300 worth of goods taken out. -- Now, we ask, in the name of common sense, if there was not concerted action among the Mormons, how could such a robbery have been committed, so early in the evening, in the town of Montrose? -- It is useless to lay it upon individuals; for the circumstances show that there was concert, and the frequency of the robberies, manifests a design to drive the Kilbourns from the place.



THE  AFFAIR  AT  MONTROSE.

In the last 'Times and Seasons' we observe a communication over the signature of 'W. Waterman Phelps,' charging us with deliberate and wilful falsehood, in relation to the military parade at Montrose. The article and its author are too contemptible for serious notice; nevertheless, the mere fact of the Mormons having denied this one charge alone, is equivalent to a plea of guilty, on the many others which we have from time to time made against them. But even in this case, they have been singularly unfortunate, and in the attempt to refute our charges, have confirmed them in every essential particular. We mentioned that Joe Smith and General Bennett attempted to inspect the troops of Iowa Territory. Now the matter turns out, according to the Mormon statement, that Joe did not attempt to inspect the troops; but that he, in conjunction with Gen. Bennett, and some of the staff, (the latter being in military dress,) did go into Iowa. Why, we ask, were any of them in military dress, if they did not go as military officers? And what signifies it, if Joe Smith was dressed as a citizen, and appeared as a mere spectator, of his cats' paws were there as officers? -- Our point is at any rate proved, that Jpe takes so deep as in the military improvement of his followers, as to render the conclusion inevitable, that he is endeavoring to build up a military Church.

We deem it unnecessary to say any thing further in relation to the facts of the case; we rest on the averment, that we were informed that the facts were substantially as we detailed them, the Mormon Regiment, the Nauvoo Legion, and W. Waterman Phelps, to the contrary notwithstanding.

The wonderful discovery made by the man, as to our motives in the controversy with the Mormons, is rather unfortunate; for our private sentiments are known to be opposed to a division of the county unless we could, by such a division, get a county separate from the body of Mormons. If, however, our school section is to be peopled by this worthy clan, we say, let the county remain as it is.



DISAPPOINTMENT.

We expected to have had the company of Judge Douglass, and suite, in our town, on Saturday and Sunday last; but it appears from recent information, that the turkeys of Joe Smith were more eloquent than our solicitations. We take this as a kind of a slight -- not much of an one either -- for when we consider, &c. &c., -- no more at present -- the subject is rather too ticklish for discussion.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, October 20, 1841.                           No. 24.



A  MORMON-- ALL  BUT  THE  FAITH.

We were informed by Calvin A. Warren, Esq., -- in propria persona -- that he was baptised at Nauvoo last week, certain. It is a hard case, when a gentleman in such high standing, consents to become one of Joe's emissaries. So thought we, and so did he -- for like most new Mormons, he lost his pocket-book; but fortunately there was no cash in it.

P. S. All a mistake -- Calvin A. was only baptized in a shower of rain! -- Served him right -- what business had he at Nauvoo?


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, October 27, 1841.                           No. 25.



MESSRS.  KILBOURN'S  LETTER  NO.  II.

We call the attention of the public to the second Letter of the Messrs. Kilbourn, published in another column of to-day's paper. It goes still further to confirm what we have so often stated -- viz: that Mormonism is nothing more than a system of swindling. The facts declared in this letter, have long been notorious in these parts; and those conversant with half-breed titles, have long since understood the game which Galland and his saintly co-adjutors have been playing.

In the course of our experience here, we have heard frequent complaints of the villainies practised by some of the speculators in these half-breed claims, and especially of that particular one, who, by a singular metamorphosis, has recently become one of the leading champions of the Latter Day Zion. We are glad that the Messrs. Kilbourn have taken it in hand to expose the villainy of such men; -- for they not only deserve the reprobation of the virtuous. but to be hooted out of all genteel society. The public weal demands such an exposition, as is now being given, and we should long since have undertaken it, but that the necessary materials were not at our command.

We wish the statements contained in these letters to go abroad; and wherever the species of this new delusion are found let them be met, and the villainy of their leaders exposed. Put every man on his guard, and soon this mother of abominations will be made to hear the command -- 'Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther!' Deprive its 'Prophets,' 'Seers,' and 'Revelators,' of the means of robbing and cheating their fellow citizens, and Mormonism, with all its attendant fooleries and deformities, will soon be among 'the things that were,'



From the Burlington Hawkeye and Patriot.

LATTER-DAY-ISM.

NUMBER  TWO.

It is generally known that a tract of land, containing 110,000 acres, lying in the extreme southern part of our Territory, which from its form, -- bounded as it is on the east by the Mississippi, and on the south and west by the Des Moines river -- may not inaptly be termed the Delta of Iowa, was in 1821 reserved by treaty for the use of the 'Half-Breeds of the Sac and Fox Nation of Indians; they holding it by the same title that other Indian lands are held,' -- i. e. -- possession -- the United States retaining a reversionary interest -- or the right to purchase it. In June, 1831 Congress relinquished to the 'Half-Breeds of the Sac and Fox Nation of Indians,' this reversionary interest, and authorized them to transfer their portion thereof, by sale, devise, or descent.

By an unaccountable oversight, the names of the individuals intended to be benefitted by this reservation of land, were neither introduced into the Treaty or in the act of Congress alluded to, and the term 'half breeds' of the Sac and Fox Nations, was so indefinite, that a wide door was at once opened for the introduction of spurious and doubtful claims, and from forty or fifty in number, they soon increased to one hundred and sixty.

In the summer and fall of 1836, a company of gentlemen from New York, made extensive purchases of Half-Breed shares. On account of the intimate knowledge that Dr. Galland was supposed to have of the 'Half-Breeds,' he was admitted as a member of this company, and was constituted one of their five trustees. The confidence however in his integrity was of short duration, and as a majority of the trustees controlled the affairs of the company, his power to injure them was of short continuance.

In the winter of 1837-8, a law was passed for the partition of the Half-Breed Tract; commissioners were appointed to receive testimony, &c.; -- the succeeding Legislature, however, repealed the law, and left the matter -- if possible -- worse than before. Every attempt that had been made to adjust the title, had not only signally failed, but seemed to increase the difficulties that clustered around it, and the public mind had settled down into the conviction that any further effort of the kind would be entirely fruitless.

The ingenuity of Dr. Galland, however, found in this state of things, a fine field for the exercise of his peculiar talents, -- and in the year [1839], he matured the plan of a stupendous fraud. He wrote to Joe Smith, who was then most righteously imprisoned in Missouri, on charges of High Treason, Burglary, Arson, &c. -- inviting him to purchase his land at Nauvoo (47 acres). Smith, after making his escape, complied, and brought on his half-starved followers, a large number of whom settled on the 'Half-Breed Reserve,' in Iowa. Dr. G. then commenced selling half-breed lands, giving therefor, warentee deeds, which of course, could convey no title while the lands remained undivided. He at first asserted that he was the owner of seven-tenths of the Tract, and finally claimed to be the sole proprietor.

That he might the more successfully carry out the scheme of swindling thus commenced, he attached himself to the Mormon Church! became a confederate of Joe Smith, and in order to dupe persons daily arriving among them, he deeded to Mormon Bishops and Prophets, thousands and tens of thousands of acres of the reservation alluded to, and they are daily deeding by warentee deeds the lands thus acquired, and receiving therefor a valuable consideration.

By a recent judicial decision, it is ascertained that the interest to which this man Galland is entitled, is but a small, undefined, undivided portion of the Half-Breed reservation.

Our object is not so much to draw the portrait of Galland -- for his character is too well known to require an extended notice here -- as to show the connection between him and the swindling leaders of the Mormon Society. With a full knowledge of all the facts here stated, he is sent out with a 'proclamation to the Saints abroad -- Greeting;' signed by Joe Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Hiram Smith -- the two latter of whom the Times and Seasons informs us 'have been appointed by revelation, Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,' -- in which it is said that 'He (Galland,) is the honored instrument the Lord used to prepare a home for us when we were driven from our inheritance, having given him control of vast bodies of land, and prepared his heart to make the use of it, the Lord intended he should.'

Many instances might be mentioned, of individuals at the East, who have exchanged with the 'Agents of the Church,' their valuable possessions, for their worthless land titles; and there are cases of suffering -- of families reduced to beggary -- by these villains, which would cause them, were they other than the heartless wretches they are, to relent, and desist from their cruel purpose.

Do these Prophets share in the plunder? If the reader has thrown the mantle of charity over them thus far, it will require enlarging, to cover a pretended 'revelation' upon matters and things in general, published in their paper of June 1st, in which -- speaking of the Nauvoo Boarding House -- the following passage occurs: -- 'Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock in that house, for I the Lord loveth him for the works he has done, and will forgive all his sins, therefore let him be remembered for an interesr in that from generation to generation.'

When it is known that one of these Prophets acts in the absence of Galland, as his Agent for the sale of these lands, what farther evidence, we ask, is wanted, of the baseness and rascality of himself and his confederates?
                                                  D. W. &. E. KILBOURN.
Montrose, Iowa, Oct. 6, 1841.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, November 24, 1841.                           No. 29.



MORMON  EXCITEMENT.

We understand that on Saturday last, the citizens living in the bottom. immediately below this place, met together, and formally gave notice to the several Mormon families residing in the neighborhood, to leave in a certain number of days, under the penalty of being removed, vi et armis, in case of refusal. The reason assigned by the citizens, for this proceeding, is, that the extent of the depradations upon their property, recently committed, evidently by these people, is insupportable; they have, therefore, no alternative left, but to remove themselves or else remove the depredators.

We clearly perceive, that in case of the refusal of the Mormons to obey the order now made, and of an attempt on the part of the citizens to enforce it, there will be a general explosion, which must ultimately end in the removal of the Mormons or of the old citizens. And, even without this, if the accounts of the systematic mode of plunder pursued by this people, in many parts of this, and the adjoining counties, and of their united efforts to screen the guilty amongst them from punishment, be true, we can anticipate, in any event, no other result. If the Mormons will unite together for the purpose of committing depredations on the property of their neighbors, and if they will screen their guilty from the visitations of the law, we have only to say, that the catastrophy will come; -- it may not now, but sooner or later, it must come.

None can regret the necessity for such an issue more than ourselves. We hope no rash act will be committed, and we therefore, call solemnly upon the citizens, to pause, and give the law at least a fair trial, before ulterior measures are resorted to. Let us be persevering, energetic, and united, in our efforts to ferret out every theft, and to fix the culpability where it belongs. Let us stamp the guilt by evidence that will not only satisfy ourselves, but the whole world; and then ifdernier means must be resorted to, we will have right on our side, and the world will justify us.

P. S. Since the above was in type we have heard an entirely different version of the transaction in the bottom. It appears that a few weeks ago a set of trifling Mormons, without families, located themselves in the bottom, ostensibly with the object of trapping and cutting wood. The farmers in the neighborhood finding that their cattle and hogs disappeared very fast, and having strong circumstantial evidence that these fellows were the thieves, they, on Saturday last, met together and went to their shanties and requested them to leave the neighborhood, but did not use any threats. The mormons agreed to go. This was all right; but it is rather strange how such a wondrous story was ever manufactured.



EXCITEMENT  IN  IOWA.

The rumor recently came to us that the citizens of Iowa, living above Montrose, were about adopting the same course pursued by our citizens below here, in regard to the Mormons. A committee was to wait on the families, and give them notice to quit, and if they do not obey, the neighborhood is pledged to drive them.



"The Iron City and Pittsburgh Weekly Chronicle," is the title of a new paper about to be started in Pittsburgh Pa., edited by J. H. Foster, and W. H. Wgitney the present conductors of the spirited little sheet the Daily Chronicle. It will be neutral in politics.



EXAMINATION  OF  THE  MORMONS.

In the next column will be found a full report of the evidence taken before A. Monroe, Esq., on the examination of certain Mormons accused of stealing a cow from Edson Whitney, Esq. Mr. Whitney was determined to give the law a fair trial; but the public will perceive that he has been foiled, not because he had not evidence sufficient, but because some of the Mormons swore to order, as nearly every one who heard the testimony believe. If in this manner every guilty Mormon culprit is to be shielded, we will not anticipate the consequence.



MORE  MORMONS!!

The way mormons are travelling up stream is a perfect sight. Only 150 of the English breed arrived here yesterday in the Ione, and only one hundred more are expected in the Eliza. Oh, Glory! what shall we do!



                   For the Warsaw Signal.

[------------E]  TESTIMONY.

[Taken --- ---] of the People against A. M. Neibaur, Elias Higbee, John Cahoon, _____ Pitkins, and Harrison Alridge, taken before A. Monroe, Esq., Justice of the Peace at Warsaw, on the 19th inst.

For the Prisoners -- Mr. Johnston, of Quincy.
For the People -- Mr. Roosevelt, of Warsaw.
_______

The Prisoners -- who are all Mormons -- were brought up on a warrant for stealing a cow from Edson Whitney, Esq.

Edson Whitney, sworn on the part of the People.

About the month of April or May last, I lost a cow. She was then heavy with calf; searched for her several days, but could not find her.... [lengthy testiminy not transcribed] ... The testimony here closed. The case was summed up by the Counsel, and the Magistrate discharged the prisoners.

(under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, December 1, 1841.                           No. 30.



THE  NEW  EMIGRANTS.

Consider able excitement was produced in town, by the arrival, last week, of a great body of English Mormons, and much anxiety was manifested by our citizens, to ascertain how they would be disposed of; whether Jo would take them to Nauvoo, in order to lighten them of their loose change, or whether they would be allowed to settle on our School Section. It appears that the first expedient has been adopted, as the major part of them have already taken their departure for the Holy City.

While on a visit to the interior of the county during the week, we were frequently asked our opinion of the new comers. We frankly confess, that, with all our pre-conceived opinions of Mormons, and notwithstanding our frequent expression of belief, that none but knaves or fools could be followers of Jo Smith; yet these English, to our astonishment, are many of them intelligent, well-informed, and apparently very strong in the faith. -- The general appearance of the whole body is far more favorable than the same number of foreign emigrants usually present. How such men could ever become the dupes of the vilest and most palpable imposture that was ever commenced by mankind; or how they could ever be induced to believe in a book that has 'Humbug' stamped on every page, is to us a problem in human nature, most difficult of solution.

A more singular development of the religious principle, was never exhibited to the world; and it presents the interesting question to the mental philosopher, 'What aberration of mind can account for these astonishing results?' For our own part, we believe that the whole posse of sincere Mormons are affected with a mania, engendered by an undue admiration of the new and wonderful. Phrenologically speaking, the organs of veneration, ideality, and marvellousness, have become morbidly excited, by long and ardent exercise, Else how is it that intelligent men, living in a foreign land, possessed of not the most remote external evidence of the truth of Mormonism, except what is derived from the mere dicta of its apostles and propagators, can become not only advocates of its abstract doctrines, but also fanatical followers of, and professed believers in, the inspiration of the arch leader. And not only this, they prove the sincerity of their beliefs, and the ardor of their faith, by sacrificing their property, leaving kindred and friends, severing the cords which have been growing round their hearts from infancy, bidding a final adieu to the land of their birth, to take up their residence among the strangers in a strange land. Nor are all the victims of this credulity the poor and despised, for many of them have handsome capitals. Truly, in contemplation of such facts, we might conclude that the strength of a man's faith in his creed is in proportion to the weakness of the evidence which he possesses of its truth.

(under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, December 8, 1841.                           No. 31.



MORMON  MILITARY  OPERATIONS.

Our [readers] will recollect that we mentioned some time since that there was a grocery in Nauvoo near the Temple, which had, notwithstanding the Temperance laws of the city, been countenanced for some time. Joe recently found out that this grog shop was not a benefit to his cause, and therefore declared it a nuisance. Not being moved according to order he called out the terrible Nauvoo Legion, which with swords, spears, muskets, pistols and banners, marched in solid column, with undaunted hearts, up to Temple Hill, and there made a most valiant assault upon said grog shop, and totally demolished it. This most courageous action of the Nauvoo Legion will undoubtedly entitle it to a high place on the tablet of fame, more especially when it is remembered that this was their first battle, and their enemy was a grog-shop, eight feet long by ten wide. -- Wonderful men!!!



QUEEN  VICTORIA  AND  MORMONISM.

Parley P. Pratt, first apostle of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, has written a long letter to Queen Vic, warning her that a great moral revolution is about to take place in the world. He quotes scripture in abundance to prove that such an event has been prophesied, and then goes on to state circumstances which indicate that those prophesies are about to be fulfilled. Amongst these is the discovery of the famous plates in the western part of New York, but no mention is made of the discoverer. This is a great omission. We think it would have added much to the effect of the letter had the Apostle told the [plain] truth that the discoverer of the plates [was Joe] Smith, a money-digger by profession, [and] a low blackguard by character -- [and would] do any act that the devil could [imagine?].


Note: The Mormon leadership's forceful destruction of the liquor-dispensing grocery near the Nauvoo Temple, (after first having declared it "a nuisance") foreshadows Joseph Smith's method and manner in his subsequent demolition of the Nauvoo Expositor. Presumably the owners and managers of the Expositor were not, however, provided any opportunity to have their operation "moved according to order" before it was destroyed.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, December 15, 1841.                           No. 32.



The Prophet at Home.

A Reverend gentleman, who lately visited Nauvoo, gives, in a communication to the Mo. Republican, the following description of his interview with Jo. Smith.

After some general remarks concerning the Mormons, he continues thus:

(see original article in the Republican)




ENGLISH  MORMONS.

The English who have of late landed at this place are, many of them, already cold in the faith, and, we believe if proper means were taken they would, in a body, renounce Mormonism. These men were honestly deluded, nothing, therefore, is wanted but to open their eyes, and let them see the true character of Mormonism in all its horrid deformity. It seemed to shock them wonderfully when they were told that Joe Smith got drunk, and was in the habit of using profane language; and if their infatuation could be so far overcome as to allow them to see things as they really are, we have no doubt that they would make an industrious, moral and truly worthy class of citizens. But so sure as they become the dupes of the designing knaves at Nauvoo, and agree to succumb to their teachings, so sure they will be pilfered of their all, and become as worthless as the mass of Joe's followers.



==> The last No. of the "Times and Seasons" contains the affidavit of Hyram Smith and of Joe Smith, stating that the Church does not teach the doctrine of theft, and that thieves are not encouraged by them. Now Joe forgets his remarks in Missouri, wherein he said that he did not approve of theft as a general thing, but that the Lord gave unto his people whatever they needed. We think that the Book of Covenants also teaches a similar doctrine. Be it as it may, we believe that Joe's system of policy is calculated to lead to theft. The hundreds who emigrate to Nauvoo are required to devote so much of their labor and property to the Church, that they have not the means of honestly supporting themselves. The consequence is that they must starve or steal. While, then, Joe sucks his followers so effectually, he need not say that he does not encourage theft.



==> An action of Trover has been commenced against Edson Whitney, Esq., for the recovery of damages for detaining the famous cow which he, the said Whitney alleges was stolen from him by some of the Latter Day Saints, and about which so much noise was made in this neighborhood a few weeks since.



Joe Smith's New Peeping Stone. -- We learn from the most indisputable authority that Joe has found a new peeping stone. The circumstances of its discovery are rather curious, and we give them as received. He was walking some evenings ago, with a young lady, (or woman, which ever you please,) when suddenly he darted aside and leaped into a cellar, where he presently cried out 'how came I here?' and 'how shall I get out?' The lady with this seized him and raised him as though he had been a child. Joe then stated the miraculous manner of his being drawn by the power of God into the cellar, and to the very spot where laid the stone, which he says has the remarkable property of enabling him to translate unknown languages, and to discover the place where treasures are hidden.

Look out for miracles soon, Joe no doubt intends to find lots of money before long that for months have been laying by him.


Note: The "Peeping Stone" report is presumed to have been published in the Signal's issue of the 15th or possibly the 8th. The text is taken from a reprint in the Ohio Huron Reflector of Dec. 21, 1841.


 


Vol. 2.                           Warsaw, Illinois, December 29, 1841.                           No. 34.


 

==> Joe Smith, we understand, refuses to pay his taxes. Of course his followers will feel themselves justified in doing likewise.



THE  SCHOOL  SECTION.

We learned last week that the Mormons had determined not to settle the School Section for the present. The reasons for this determination are variously stated -- some say because of the opposition of the people, some say because Joe cannot control his followers when removed from his immediate superintendance, and some that it is because of the impossibility of obtaining a perfect title. We care nothing about the reason, but are highly gratified at the determination; but should be much more gratified if the whole posse would determine to leave the county, and build their Jerusalem elsewhere.

We feel that the Mormon Church is a perfect incubus resting upon us, preventing the proper kind of citizens from coming in, and destroying all enterprise by rendering uncertain the result of every undertaking. We have often stated, and we repeat it, that the natural advantages of Warsaw are unsurpassed by any point on the river above St. Louis, but what can we do, when every capitalist objects to invest his funds here, least he may be compelled to abandon all by the absorbing influence of Mormonism. The point is settled that free men and Mormons cannot live together in peace and harmony, and who wishes to make his homestead where there is a prospect of nothing but bickering and strife. We are glad, therefore, that the Mormons have determined to have nothing to do with our town -- we think it wise in them, and we hope they will not soon change their determinations.


Notes: (forthcoming)


 
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