THE MORMONS' CITY. -- The corner stone of the Temple at Nauvoo, was laid on the 8th inst. Between 8 and 12,000 persons were supposed to be present. The Warsaw World says, that the Nauvoo Legion, 650 strong, commanded by Gen. Bennet, under direction of the Prophet, made a respectable appearance. Mr. Rigdon officiated at the laying of the corner stone, and addressed the assembly in a very energetic manner for an hour. All the proceedings were conducted with great order and judgment.

---

The Nauvoo Gazette says, that the steamer Victor, running between Ottawa and Peoria, Illinois river, got aground about midway of the rapids and stuck fast, where she still remains, the water having fallen several feet since.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

An officer of one of the steamboats that lately arrived at our wharf from above informs us that the Governor of Illinois has, bona fide, become a Mormon. fide, become a Mormon. There had been several hundred Mormons, from New York and England, who had lately made a "descent" upon Nauvoo, and the circumjacent regions, by way of making a settlement there. This colony was beheld with alarm by many of the dispassionate inhabitants in that part of the State. Both the American, and English emigrants of that persuasion, had come there at least as well armed and accoutered for the fight, as for agriculture; not one male among them that knew how to use fire arms, but had his rifle, his pistol, and many others of them their snicker-snee. With the colony from New York, there had been several young women decoyed off from parents and friends, with them by means of promises the most extravagant, and descriptions of country more romantic than ever entered into Arabian tale. The fruits of the earth, even in a state of nature, were as the Garden of Eden before it had been cursed with thorns and thistles; the strawberries there in a state of nature being equal to pomegranates! -- One of these deluded young women, at the sight of this paradise, gave expression to her disappointment that bordered upon despair -- so different was the real scenery from the representation, and so complete, so hopeless as to deliverance, was her captivity. The fact of the Governor's joining this society, was looked upon as no unmeaning "sign of the times" to come. Such is the rumor we have. They are also building an extensive something which they call a temple, but which has much more the appearance of fort.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Gov. Carlin , of Illinois, has revoked the commission of Ass't. Qr. Master, granted to Gen. Benett, the Mormonite, and the arms in the depot at Nauvoo are to be removed.

---

Judge Douglass, before whom Jo Smith was taken by habeas corpus, after his arrest upon the writ issued by Governor Carlin, has decided that the writ was invalid, and consequently Smith was released.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- Within the last ten days, says the Illinois (Ottawa,) Free Trader, between three and four hundred Mormons passed though this place on their way to the Mormon settlement in Hancock county, in this State. On Tuesday last we counted seventeen wagons, occupied with men, women and children, all wending their way towards the settlement of the "Latter Day Saints." We understand they were from western New York, and their appearance was quite respectable, apparently being composed chiefly of farmers.

We notice that a large number from Europe have recently arrived at the same settlement, and that others from different portions of the old and new world are on the way. The settlement is now said to contain between ten and fifteen hundred inhabitants and the town of Nauvoo is represented as being in a flourshing condition. A large temple is being erected, which is to contain a baptismal font, supported by twelve oxen, overlaid with gold, all of the most costly and magnificent structure.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS IN NEW JERSEY. -- The Trenton State Gazette states that the Mormons have two societies in Monmouth county, one at Horner's town and the other at Tom's River. About 100 belong to the former and 70 or 80 to the latter. They have also meetings regularly, once a week at New Egypt, besides occasional meetings at other places.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Warsaw (Illinois) Signal.     

MORMONS VISITORS. -- On last Monday evening Jo. Smith, accompanied by Gen. Bennett, and suite, 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 suite 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 order that they may have the benefit of his example.

But why were 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!


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The last Mormon paper (Times and Seasons) mentions the return to Nauvoo, with one exception, of "the twelve," who went to England about two years ago to discipline that nation. According to the papers before us they were highly successful, and we suppose it is to their agency that we may attribute the numerous reported arrivals of emigrants from that country within the last year. An extract from the journal of one of the twelve, records the conversion of "about thirty in one family and its connections, six of whom were ordained to be fellow laborers in the vinyard."

The Mormons at the recent election voted a ticket of their own for county officers in Hancock county. The Warsaw Signal published the returns by precincts from which we gather that the votes of this sect are not so numerous as many supposed. For county commissioner the vote was for Wilton (anti-Mormon) 861, for Bagby (Mormon) 847. We imagine, however, that almost the entire Mormon vote was cast in Nauvoo, which stood, Wilton 9, Bagby 486. (For congress it was at the same place Stuart 488, Ralston 16.) So that after all the speculation about the pilitical tendency of the Mormons, it does not appear that as yet they are sufficiently numerous to be courted by either party. -- Peoria Register.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THREATENED DISTURBANCE WITH THE MORMONS. -- We learn from the Hawk Eye, that two horses of Messrs. Kilbourne were poisoned. The act is attributed to the Mormons, because it occured whilst Messrs. K. were under examination on a charge of conspiracy against the Mormons. Great excitement was prevailing and serious consequences were apprehended.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Last week a body of Mormons, numbering about seventy individuals, passed through this city on their way to Nauvoo, Illinois, to join their fellow lunatics in that settlement. They were from Glocester, England, and arrived at Quebec in the Collins. They appeared to be quiet, inoffensive people, and possessed of some means. They call themselves the "Latter Day Saints," or Mormons, from having adopted the book of Mormon as a part of divine revelation. They believe in the efficacy of prayer as a means of curing all diseases. One of their children, when at the immigrant sheds, was seized with tooth ache, and two of them, laying their hands on her head, prayed that the Almighty would be pleased to relieve her. -- We do not know whether the deluded creatures had their delusion strengthened or weakened by the result. -- Montreal Herald.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The Gen. Pratte [sic - Pratt?] bro't up yesterday, two hundred and fifty Mormons. They are from England, and are going to Nauvoo, the city of the Latter Day Saints.


Note: The full text of the above report is uncertain -- it is taken from a reprints in various newspapers. The Times and Seasons of Jan. 1, 1842 adds this information: "As the Steam Boat General Pratt, was on her way from New Orleans to St. Louis, on the 15th of Nov. last, while about half way on her passage Mary, the eldest daughter of William and Mary Butterworth, of Macclesfield, Eng. 11 years of age, accidentally fell over board."

MORMONS  AND  MORMONISM.

We are indebted to a pious and intelligent gentleman of this city, for the following description of Mormonism, as it is to be found at Nauvoo, and of Jo Smith, its leader. The intelligent reader will scarcely believe that such humbuggery could be successfully practiced, at this day, upon the most credulous or ignorant of the community, yet it is so in this instance.

______

                                                           NAUVOO, Nov. 4, 1841.
DEAR SIR: -- We were yesterday enjoying the hospitality of Joseph Smith, the leading Prophet of the Latter Day Saints, the Mormons. We are, this morning, on the declivity of Zion's Hill, taking a last look at their city. We stand among heaps of limestone rock, that are fast rising into a temple -- a fac simile of that Temple which was built by Solomon, and trod by the Savior. The devoted Mormons are hammering busily at the work, and giving to it each the tenth of his time; and from thus up, the half, or even the whole, both of time and property. Before us, is the beginning of a great city -- a noble bottom land, already half covered with cabins. Higher up, also, the bluffs and timber are thickly scattered with them, extending back a couple of miles or more. Crowds of people, from England, many of them poor, are pouring in. How they are to support themselves, or be supported, Heaven only knows. It seems as if they must be driven, by sheer necessity, to "spoil the Egyptians;" (i. e. all who are not Mormons about them;) and it is not surprising that their name is in bad odor with their neighbors. The notion that there is a community of property among them, is altogether false; and many must and do suffer. Some few I have met at St. Louis, hastening back to England, "while their money holds out."

The Mormon gathering is a singularly interesting phase of our times. They are, too, say what you will, a singularly interesting people. As a people, I am ready to believe all good of them. Would that there were among them as much of Christian intelligence as of the Christian spirit.

Of their leaders, or rather their chief leader, Joseph Smith, I say nothing by way of private opinion. At your request, however, I give through you, somewhat reluctantly, I confess, an account of my interview with him. As he promptly discovered and revealed to me that I was worthy of no man's confidence, I can certainly betray no confidence in this case, try as I may. The facts, as they lie fresh in my memory, are simply these: Yesterday afternoon, in company with a friend, I entered the house of this strange man, intending to trespass but a few minutes on his hospitalities. I expected to have seen a person of some dignity and reserve, and with at least, an outside of austere piety. The Prophet was asleep, in his rocking chair, when we entered. His wife and children were busy about the room, ironing, &c., and one or two Mormon preachers, lately returned from England, were sitting by the large log fire. After having been introduced, the following talk ensued.

A. "You have the beginning of a great city here, Mr. Smith."

(Here came in the more prominent objects of the city. The expense of the temple, Mr. Smith thought, would be $200,000 or $300,000. The temple is 127 feet side, by 88 feet front; and by its plan, which was kindly shown us, will fall short of some of our public buildings. As yet, only the foundations are laid. Mr. Smith then spoke of the "false" reports current about himself, and "supposed we had heard enough of them?")

A. "You know, sir, persecution sometimes drives "the wise man mad."

Mr. S. (laughing,) "Ah, sir, you must not put me among the wise men; my place is not there. I make no pretensions to piety, either. If you give me credit for any thing, let it be for being a good manager. A good manager I do claim to be."

A. "You have great influence here, Mr. Smith."

Mr. S. "Yes, I have. I bought 900 acres here, a few years ago, and they all have their lands of me. My influence, however, is ecclesiastical only; in civil affairs, I am but a common citizen. To be sure, I am a member of the City Council, and Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion. I can command a thousand men to the field, at any moment, to support the laws. I had hard work to make them turn out and form the 'Legion,' until I shouldered my musket, and entered the ranks myself. Now, they have nearly all provided themselves with a good uniform, poor as they are. By the way, we had a regular 'set to' up here, a day or two since. The City Council ordered a liquor seller to leave the place, when his time was up; and, as he still remained, they directed that his house should be pulled down about his ears. They gave me a hand in the scrape; and I had occasion to knock a man down more than once. They mustered so strong an opposition, that it was either 'knock down,' or 'be knocked down.' We beat him off, at last; and are determined to have no grog shops in or about our grounds."

(The conversation flowed on pleasantly, until my friend, to fill a pause that occurred, referred to my calling as a preacher.)

Mr. S. "Well, I suppose (turning from me) he is one of the craft trained to his creed."

A. "My creed, sir, is the New Testament."

Mr. S. "Then, sir, we shall see truth just alike," for the scripture says, 'They shall see, eye to eye.' All who are true men, must read the bible alike, must they not?"

A. "True, Mr. Smith; and yet I doubt if they will see it precisely alike. If no two blades of grass are precisely alike, for a higher reason, it seems that no two intellects are,"

Mr. S. (getting warm) "There -- I told you so. You don't come here to seek truth. You begin with taking the place of opposition. Now, say what I may, you have but to answer, 'No two men can see alike.'"

A. "Mr. Smith, I said that not that no two men could see alike; but that no two could see, on the whole, precisely alike."

Mr. S. "Does not the scripture say, 'They shall see, eye to eye?'"

A. "Granted, sir; but be good enough to take a case; The words 'all' and 'all things' were brought up as meaning, at one time, universal creation. And again: 'One believeth that he may eat all things,' i. e. any thing, or, as we say, every thing."

Mr. S. "You may explain away the bible, sir, as much as you please. I ask you, have you ever been baptized?"

A. "Yes, sir; I think I have."

Mr. S. "Can you prophesy?"

A. "Well, sir, that depends on the meaning you give the word. I grant that it generally means to foretell; but I believe that it often means, to preach the gospel. In this sense, sir, I can prophesy.

Mr. S. "You lie, sir, and you know it."

A. "It is as easy for me to impugn your motives, Mr. Smith, as for you to impugn mine."

Mr. S. "I tell you, you don't seek to know the truth. You are a hypocrite: I saw it when you first began to speak."

A. "It is plain, Mr. Smith, that we differ in opinion. Now, one man's opinion is as good as another's, until some third party comes in to strike a balance between them."

Mr. S. "I want no third party, sir. You are a fool, sir, to talk as you do. Have I not seen twice the years that you have? (Joseph Smith is 36 years old; the speaker, A., was 10 years younger.) I say, sir, you are no gentleman. I would'nt trust you with my purse across the street."

(Here my friend interposed, saying, "I don't believe, Mr. Smith, that this gentleman came to your house to insult you. He had heard all sorts of accounts of your people, and came simply to see with his own eyes.")

Mr. S. "I have no ill feelings towards the gentleman. He is welcome in my house; but what I see to be the truth, I must speak out; I flatter no man. I tell you, sir, that man is a hypocrite. You'll find him out, if you're long enough with him. I tell you, I would'nt trust him as far as I could see him. What right has he to speak so to me? Am I not the leader of a great people? He, himself, will not blame me for speaking the truth plainly.

(Here kind expressions passed on both sides, and we were rising to go.)

Mr. S. "Don't be going gentlemen. Do take bread and salt with us; our tea is on the table."

We staid, accordingly, and made up around his smoking and well piled table.

I have been carefully, especially towards the close of this talk, to give the words that were used, omitting nothing but conversational by-play, and some of the filling up. The skeleton is complete. So much for this man at his own fireside.       D.


Note: This article was reprinted in several eastern newspapers, including the Dec. 10, 1841 issue of the Pittsburgh Gazette. It is possible that this article's reported interview with Joseph Smith, Jr. so intrigued the editor of that Pittsburgh paper that he made it a point to interview Smith himself, when he later was traveling in the region near Nauvoo. See the Sept. 15, 1843 issue of the PittsburghWeekly Gazette for that subsequent interview.

A FOUL DEED. -- By the steamboat Thames, we learn that Liliburn W. Boggs, late Governor of this State, was most basely shot on the night of the 6th inst. at Independence, in this State. Gov. Boggs' residence was, we believe, in the suburb or edge of the town. The Clerk of the Thames has furnished us with the following statement of the particulars:

Gov. Boggs was shot by an assassin on Friday 6th inst., in the evening, while reading in a room in his own house, in Independence, Mo.

His son, a boy, hearing a report, ran into the room, and found the Governor sitting in his chair, with his jaw fallen down, and his head leant back; and on discovering the injury done his father, gave the alarm.

Foot tracks were found in the garden, below the window, and a pistol picked up, supposed to have been overloaded, and thrown from the hand of the scroundrel who fired it. Three buck shot, of a heavy load, took effect; one going through his mouth, one into the brain, and another probably in or near the brain, all going into the back part of the head and neck.

The Gov. was alive on the morning of the 8th, but no hopes of recovery by his friends, and but slight hopes from his physicians.

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

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

In addition to the foregoing, we have the following from the Governor's brother-in-law, who resides in Independence.

INDEPENDENCE, Jackson Co., Mo.      
May 17th, 1842.      

A. B. Chambers, -- Dear Sir: I hasten to inform you, that my brother-in-law, Gov. L. W. Boggs, was assassinated last night while sitting with his family at home, he was shot in the head by two balls, which entered the brain, and two lodged in the neck, -- is still living, but his life is despaired of. A very fine pistol was picked up under his window, from whence the deed was done. Suspicion does not seem to rest on any person.

---

The following handbill has been issued:

$500  REWARD,

STOP THE MURDERER! -- A reward of $500 is offered for the apprehension and delivery to our County jail, of the individual who assassinated Gov. LILBURN W. BOGGS, on Friday night the 6th Instant.
                                            MANY CITIZENS.
Independence, Mo., May 7, 1842.

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, is reported to have been killed in a recent affray in the vicinity of Nauvoo. We are without particulars.

Notes: (forthcoming)

After the recent dastardly attempt to assassinate Gov. Boggs, Joe Smith appears to have entertained some apprehension for his safety. It was said by the Reporter at that time, that there was a suspicion that the attack on Gov. Boggs gad been made by a Mormon. How far the movements of the Prophet gives sanction to this surmise every one can judge. We find in the "Wasp" the following notice of a guard extablished in Nauvoo:

Major General's Office, Nauvoo Legion,      
May 20, A. D. 1842.      

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

Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo,      
May 20, A. D. 1842.      

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  CHURCH.

There appears to be a very considerable flare up in the church, and it is probable from the rancor of feeling manifested, and the influence of the parties involved in the contest, that the church itself may be shaken to her foundation by this distirbance. When such splits begin in a body held together only as this is, there is no telling where it will stop. The last Warsaw Signal contains the following:

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

One disclosure particularly will prove interesting -- and that is in relation to Boggs's murder. -- Bennett states that A. P. Rockwood [sic] started suddenly from Nauvoo, about two weeks before Boggs's assassination; that he (Bennett) asked Joe where Rockwood had gone; and that Joe replied, that 'he had gone to Missouri to fulfil prophecies!!' He says further, that Rockwood returned to Nauvoo on the very day that the news of Governor Boggs's assassination arrived. Since that, the Prophet has presented said Rockwood with a carriage and horse, or horses; and he has suddenly become very flush of money, and lives in style. These statements we give as we received them. It is said that Bennett has affidavits to prove every fact stated, and will shortly present them to the world. If this be true, there will but little doubt remain, that Joe Smith was the real instigator of Boggs's assassination.


Note 1: The news alleging that Joseph Smith had sent O. P. Rockwell to kill Liliburn W. Boggs, in order to "fulfil prophecy," was first printed in the July 9, 1842 issue of the Warsaw Signal. The St. Louis Missouri Republican printed the above garbled, two paragraph version of the news, giving the erroneous name of "A. P. Rockwood" in re-telling the story from the Signal. This wrong name matter was cleared up somewhat when the St. Louis Bulletin ran the Republican's two garbled paragraphs and appended its own comments. Evidently this clarification appeared in the July 13th issue of the Bulletin, but the item has not yet been located for confirmation. In its number of July 14 issue the Bulletin published John C. Bennett's allegations in much greater detail.

Note 2: The Missouri Republican had intended to publish some of Bennett's expose material, but stated in its issue of the 15th that it had no room for the explosive accusations of the former Mormon leader. By the time that the Republican got around to taking notice of Bennett's allegations its editor preferred quoting Illinois papers rather than citing its competitor, the St. Louis Bulletin.

An article in relation to the Mormons and the disclosures of Gen. Bennett, prepared for this morning's paper, we are compelled to omit for want of room.

Note: This short notice in the flagship Whig paper of the State of Missouri is a most curious one. Obviously the paper's Editor was attempting to explain why some anticipated "disclosures of Gen. Bennett" would not be appearing in his columns. The staff of the Republican probably first planned on publishing some of John C. Bennett's anti-Mormon material, then later backed away from that initial plan -- perhaps because of the ultra sensational nature of Bennett's "disclosures" regarding Joseph Smith and his religion. In Illinois, near the end of a heated poltical campaign to elect a new Governor, the leading Whig paper, the Sangamo Journal, seized upon the anti-Mormon (and thus, somewhat anti-Democratic) Bennett material with a sort of wild glee. In Missouri, where Whig political power was even less a force than in Democratic Illinois, there was no such incentive for the Republican to provide Bennett with a free rhetorical platform. The staff of the Republican were probably relieved when a rival paper in St. Louis, the Native American Bulletin, picked up the Bennett story and publicized his "disclosures," beginning in its issue of July 7, 1842.

TURNING THE TABLES. -- It is said Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, has requested Gov. Carlin to demand of the Governor of this State the arrest and delivery of Gen. Bennet. Joe charges Bennet of being guilty of treason against the State of Illinois.

---

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

It is stated that Gov. Reynolds has demanded Joe Smith and Orin P. Rockwell of the Governor of Illinois, -- Governor Carlin; now the election is over, he can afford to let Joe go.


Notes: (forthcoming)

GOV. CARLIN AND JOE SMITH. -- We received per the Glocous yesterday evening, a communication from Quincy, Ill., dated the 9th inst., which from the lateness of the hour, cannot be [imeried?] entire this morning. -- The substance is about this: Since the election, Governor Carlin has resolved to comply with the requisition of A. P. Rockwell. The Sheriff of Hancock county, elected at the recent election, being a Mormon, the writ was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Adams county. -- The Sheriff repaired to Nauvoo and arrested Smith and Rockwell, when a habeas corpus, was issued by some of the Nauvoo authorities, and the prisoners taken out of the Sheriff's custody and released. The Sheriff had just returned to Quincy and reported the facts. Our informant says that it was [eminently] reported, while he was writing, that Gov. Carlin was then in the act of issuing orders calling out the military to enforce the arrest, and it was expected they would march on the day following to Nauvoo. Our correspondent, however, expresses the confident belief that when the troops reach the city, Joe and his colleague will be among the missing.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH NOT ABSQUATULATED. -- The report that Joe Smith and his accomplice in the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs had gone to England is erroneous. He has been at or about Nauvoo ever since his arrest; for he knew full well that he was safer there than any where else. During this time he has been concealed by day, and now and then seen at night, thinking that after the excitement subsided, he could come forth with impunity. He went up the river on the steamboat Galena, Saturday night 3d. Six officers had caught the scent and were in warm pursuit. Where his destination, none knew; or those who do, are Mormons, and they maintain profound silence. It is supposed that Canada will be his first resting place for the present. His influence is on the wane; his sun has already reached its meridian height, and is now on the decline."


Notes: (forthcoming)