THE MORMONITES. -- We learn from the Painesville Gazette, that this infatuated people are again in motion. In their own cant phrase "they are going to inherit the promise of God to Abraham and his seed." Their destination is some indefinite spot on the Missouri river, they say about 1500 miles distant. About eighty of them have recently been ordained and some have gone, others are about going, two and two, part by the western rivers and part by land, to their distant retreat, far away from the cheering voice of civilized man. Those who have disposed of their property go now, and such as have property, are making market for it so eagerly as often to disregard pecuniary interests, and all are to follow with all convenient dispatch. They still persist in their power to work miracles. They say they have often seen them done -- the sick are healed -- the lame walk, devils are cast out; -- and these assertions are made by men heretofore considered rational men, and men of truth. The Gazette expresses the opinion that although the leaders of this sect are great impostors, a great portion of its members are sincere and honest.

(Some of the leaders of this sect, we are told, passed through this place two or three weeks since, on their return to Ohio. We understand, that they have determined to migrate to Jackson county, on the extreme edge of this State; for which purpose they have purchased a sufficiency of land whereupon to locate the whole of the believers of Mormonism. We have some hope that the latter part of the paragraph may be true; as in any other event, we should not rejoice much in the acquisition of so many deluded, insane enthusiasts.
                            MO. REPUB.


Note 1: The above Intelligencer article was reprinted from a notice published by the Daily Missouri Republican on Sept. 6, 1831. The Republican, in turn, took the first part of its article from the Painesville, Ohio Geauga Gazette of June 21, 1831.

Note 2: One of the first mentions of the Mormons in the Missouri press was published in the July 9, 1831 issue of the St. Louis Times. The travels of the Mormon "Missionaries to the Lamanites" to the the western borders of the state in late 1830, appear to have gone unnoticed in the Missouri papers. As late as Dec. 29, 1831, the St. Louis Beacon was mentioning the Mormons without revealing any knowledge that they had been colonizing western Missouri for a year. The LDS presence in Missouri seems to have burst upon the popular perception only after the Saints distributed their first (June, 1832) issue of The Evening and Morning Star, (which was noticed by the Missouri Intelligencer on June 23.

Note 3: A few hints of the Mormons' initial penetration of Missouri, in 1830-31, can be gleaned from newspapers published outside of the state. See, for example, the Dec. 4, 1830 issue of the Wooster Republican Advocate, the Dec. 9, 1830 issue of the Ravenna Ohio Star, the Dec. 18, 1830 issue of the Philadelphia Album, the Jan. 15, 1831 issue of the Marietta American Friend, the June 14, 1831 issue of the Painesville Telegraph, the Aug. 18. 1831 issue of the Philadelphia Sun, the Sept. 7, 1831 issue of the Ontario Phoenix, the Sept. 16, 1831 issue of the Illinois Patriot, the late Sept., 1831 Cincinnatti Gazette, the Sept. 29, 1831 issue of the Hudson Observer, and the Oct. 13, 1831 issue of the Ohio Star.

Mormonism. -- Some days since several Mormonite preachers, in their peregrinations, passed through this & the adjoining counties. In St. Clair not much impression was made. One preached in Lebanon, four miles from us. In Madison County, on the Ridge Prairie, a few miles south of Edwardsville, they were more successful in making impressions. Several families, Methodists, Baptists, and others, were 'almost persuaded.' We believe all have been cured of this singular fanaticism but one family. A Mr. McMahan, a pious and respectable man, and Methodist local preacher, was so bewildered with their new bible, and their power to work miracles, as to follow them to Shoal creek where he got baptized into the Mormon faith, and received from them a commission to preach and work miracles in turn. After one or two ineffectual attempts with his neighbors, he became entirely deranged in which exercise his wife soon joined. Under the notion that they were fighting evil spirits, they commenced a phrenzied attack on their house and furniture. They soon demolished a valuable time-piece, a new high post bedstead, bureau, chairs, &c. and tore off the weather boarding, and broke the windows of the house. The next project was to sacrifice one of their children, but were interrupted by the appearance of some of their neighbors, who were obliged to confine this promising disciple of Mormonism in irons till he became more peaceable. He is now suffered to go at large, though still laboring under mental alienation. His wife is some better.

These sudden and apparently providential effects of Mormon faith, has put a stop to further proselytizing in this quarter. We hope the people hereafter will be satisfied with the bible God has given us, and the religion it reveals, without the addition of the "Book of Mormon."

In a future number we intend to give a sketch of the origin, progress, principles, and consequences of the Mormon faith, that our readers may see to what lengths of infatuation men can go when they leave the "straight and narrow way."     Illinois Pioneer.

---

We received by the last Western mail, from Col. Boggs, (the gentleman nominated by the caucus at Jefferson for Lieut. Governor) a printed circular, issued from the Mormon press in Jackson county and headed "Star Extra," (the name of the paper which is, or was to have been published by that sect) in which he states his acceptance of the nomination at Jefferson, and gives an epitome of his political predilections...


Note: The first article (on the Mormon converts in Illinois) was also reprinted in the June 21, 1832 Painesville Telegraph. The exact date of its appeareance in the Rock Spring Pioneer is not known. The Pioneer was the first religious paper published in Illinois. It was edited and published by the Baptist minister, Dr. John M. Peck. In 1832 or 1833 Rev. Peck printed and distributed one of the very first anti-Mormon pamphlets, however no copy of this work is known to survive today.

"The Morning and Evening Star." -- We received, by the last Western mail, the first number of the paper with the above title, published at Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, by W. W. Phelps & Co. It is not only neatly but even handsomely executed, on a superroyal sheet, to be issued monthly at $1 per annum. This is the Mormon paper. Having heretofore given copious extracts from the prospectus, it is not deemed necessary now to notice, in much detail, the strange doctrine promulgated. These Mormons will have an advantage not enjoyed by other denominations: no one will think it necessary seriously to controvert their creed as found laid down in their Book of Inspiration. We subjoin the following paragraphs from the "Star."

=> As the public seem somewhat astonished, that we, among all the light of this century, should have "sacred records which have slept for ages" to publish, it is our duty to say, that we shall take an extract from The Prophecy of Enoch, for our second or third number. Jude spake of this prophet in the 14th verse of his epistle. There are too many books mentioned and missing in the Bible, for any one to query about more sacred records.

The Star office is situated within 12 miles of the west line of the state of Missouri: -- which at present, is the western limits of the United States, and about 120 miles west of any press in the state. -- In about 39 degrees of North Latitude, and about 17 1/2 degrees of West Longitude; 2 1/2 miles south of Missouri River; 280 miles by land, or 500 by water west of St. Louis; nearly 1200 west of Washington; 1300 from New-York, and more than 1500 from Boston.

Early in May, Capt. Bonaville's Company, (150) under the command of Capt. Walker passed this town, on its way to the Rocky Mountains, to trap and hunt for fur in the vast country of the Black Feet Indians. About the middle of May, Capt. Soublett's Company, (70) passed, for the Rocky Mountains, on the same business. At which time, also, Capt. Wythe of Mass., with a Company of 30, passed for the mouth of Oregon River, to prepare (as it is said) for settling a territory. During the month of May there also passed one Company bound to Santa Fee.

About the 8th or 9th of this month Capt. Blackwell's Company, (60 or 70) passed this place for the Rocky Mountains, in addition.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                                        From the Ohio Atlas

THE  MORMONS.

We have perused a pretty long and probably true account of this singular people, and their location in Mount Zion, contained in a letter published in the Christian Watchman from B. Pixley, and dated Independence, Jackson county, Mo. Oct. 12th, 1832, the very seat of the New Jerusalem. His account of their situation and prospects is not very flattering. About 4 or 500 Mormons, men, women, and children, have collected at Zion. -- Their possessions are small compared with their numbers, being only about four sections of land. Twenty acres is the portion assigned for each family to improve, but they are to hold no property, should they leave the community. Mt. Zion is not elevated, and the settlement resembles "new beginnings" generally in the west. They are represented as already suffering for the necessities of life, and by [squalid] poverty preparing for the reception of their expected Saviour. Their creed appears to have undergone but little change. Originally members of almost every sect, they now cordially unite in destesting all, save Mormons. They all pretend to the gift of miracles, of tongues, of healing the sick, visions, &c. though, like all other modern miracles, often TOLD, but never SEEN. Their Prophet, Smith, is now busy in restoring the present Bible to its primitive purity, and in adding some lost books of great importance. A new Revelation is also forthcoming. Elder [Rigdon], pretty well known in this vicinity as an arch apostate, is now the first, best, and greatest preacher in Mount Zion. The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face. Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee," &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.

They pretend to have discovered where the Ark of the Covenant, Aaron's rod, the pot of Manna, &c., &c. now remain hid. At no distant period, they expect Christ will re-appear to live and reign on the earth a thousand years.

Such are the present Mormons, and such is their New Jerusalem. We believe their society numbers something more than one hundred souls in this county, many of whom intend removing to Mt. Zion in the spring. With Mormonism and its history, in this county, we are not strangers. It was was introduced by a few illiterate disciples of Joseph Smith, in the summer of 1831, a time when religious excitements were the order of the day. A sort of revival enthusiasm pervaded many neighborhoods, and wherever Mormonism obtained a footing, it spread like wild-fire. Scores were awakened, converted, baptized, and endowed with the Holy Spirit in a few hours at a single meeting, in the midst of shoutings, wailings, falings, [contortions], trances, visions, speaking in unknown tongues, and prophesyings, that require the pen of a Trollope to describe. The timid were frightened, the credulous believed, and we were frequently eye witnesses to scenes of strange & unnatural conduct of Mormons professedly under the influence of the Spirit, that staggered the disbelief of the most stable and incredulous. But the storm passed -- a calm followed -- reason triumphed -- and Mormonism waned.

As a curiosity, we have carefully examined the Golden Bible, and pronounce it not even "a cunningly devised fable," Every page bears the impress of its human authorship. Though free from vulgar obscenities, it is an absurd collection of dull, stupid and foolishly improbable stories, which no person, unless under the influence of powerfully excited feelings can mistake for truth and inspiration. -- With its authors, the Book of Mormon cannot survive this generation. The next will remember it, only to smile at the credulity of the present.


Note 1: This article contains a mixture of local information from Lorain county, Ohio and other information derived from the reports of Rev. Benton Pixley of Independence, Missouri, whose first (Oct. 12, 1832) letter on the Mormons was published in the Boston Christian Watchman and Independent Messenger in Nov. 1832. A condensed reprint of the Ohio Atlas article was published in the Newark (Ohio) Advocate of Apr. 13, 1833 and the Indiana Democrat of May 4, 1833. For more Pixley's letter and Ohio news reports supplementing his communication, see the Dayton (Ohio) Journal & Advertiser of Apr. 23, 1833 and the Cincinnati Journal of Dec. 20, 1833.

Note 2: Rev. Pixley wrote at least two other letters which were published in Eastern papers. See the Apr. 6, 1833 and the Dec. 21, 1833 issues of the Boston Christian Register for the texts of these communications on the Mormons.

Note 3: Max Parkin's 1965 dissertation (p. 20) cites a Benton Pixley letter, published in the Missouri Intelligencer of "April 13, 1834." No regular issue of the paper was printed on this date and no Pixley letter has been located in any April issue of the paper. Probably Parkin meant to reference the Intelligencer's April 13, 1833 reprint of the Dec. 6, 1832 Ohio Atlas article, which is not fully a Pixley text.

THE MORMONS. -- We have been requested by a correspondent to publish the annexed letter. It is from a seceding Mormon to his friends in Fulton County, in this State.

                                    Independence, Jackson Co. Mo.
                                    February 25, 1833.
Since I arrived here, I have visited the Mormon meetings, one of which was called the solemn assembly, where the Bishop declared by vision from Joshua [sic, Jos.?] Smith, that they were all under condemnation for not reading the book of Mormon, and thus they must repent or they would be cut off and Zion would be removed somewhere else. He also declared that the seer, Joseph Smith had the keys of the kingdom of heaven and could see the multitudes of the angels, and knew what they were doing there. He also declared that he had the power that Jesus Christ had when he was here in the flesh; that he had the discerning of spirits, so as to discover who were worthy, even to the lowest as well as to the highest; also that no member can bring an accusation against an officer of the church, neither can they bear testimony against an officer of the church; that no member could sell his possessions to any individual whatever, not even to a mormon -- that if he left them or should be turned out for any improper conduct, he must leave all and go out empty; that the elders had power if they lived faithful to the Lord to discern the spirits of the private members, whether they were worthy to remain in the church or not; that they must consecrate all their property in the name of [Partridge] a bishop to to the Lord, or they would all be lost, and must enter into a covenant to that amount, which all that were present did, which property is valued by [Partridge] and two under officers, that he may give in the list and pay taxes for the same.

I have visited many members since I came here, to see their manner of living. Their diet was principally water porridge salted and bread. Provisions are indeed plenty, but they cannot be purchased by those who have no money.

I want you to take a copy of this and send it to be read in every place of public meeting in your vicinity.

All my family here, except one, are shaken from the Mormon faith. I wish you would take some little pains to have this letter or the foregoing facts published.
                            Yours respectfully,
                            SALMON SHERWOOD.
                                    Illinois Jour.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The following is from the "Evening and the Morning Star," the Mormon paper printed at Independence, in this State:

"To The Brethren Abroad.

"As many false reports are in circulation abroad, respecting the disciples of our Savior in the land of Zion, we feel it our duty to correct such as may be injurious to them, and can say, that, in general, the disciples here, enjoy good health, and are as well off as the generality of new settlers. The price of corn, during the past winter, has been about one dollar per barrel, which is equal to twenty cents per bushel: and now, on prompt pay, it is very little higher; not more than twenty five cents. Wheat is from fifty to seventy five cents per bushel. The present crop now on the ground looks very fine, and with the blessings of a merciful Father, an abundance will be raised this season, as very considerable was sown last fall. -- Should the spring be as prosperous according as the winter has been, great quantities of corn will be put into the ground. Bacon is not high, and contracts were offered not long since, of 6 to 7000 lbs. in a lot.

A mild winter and the smiling springs, are among the blessings of the Lord, in this climate, and remind us of his promise to Noah, that, while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease: and where these blessings are improved with industry, (for all that are able in the church of Christ, have to work for their living) we can exclaim like David of old: I have been young, and am now old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- We perceive by a letter from Independence, Missouri, to the editor of the Cincinnati Journal, that difficulties have already begun in the Mormon community, at Mount Zion in that quarter; one of the members having sued the Bishop in a Court of justice, for fifty dollars, which had been sent by plaintiff to said Bishop, from Ohio, "to purchase an inheritance for himself in Zion in these last days." This was certainly a most impious act, but "nevertheless and notwithstanding," the jury found for the plantiff; it appearing that though the good bishop had indeed appropriated the money "to the purchase of an inheritance," yet he had, unthoughtedly no doubt, procured the deed to be drawn in his own name, to his heirs, &c. and no one else in Zion nor out of it. The writer states that on this decision several other members are ready to make similar demands on the good Bishop. Wonder if this is one of the bishop's miracles? It appears from another letter from the same gentleman, (Mr. Pixley, a Baptist clergyman,) that since their settlement at Mount Zion -- or Jerusalem, as they sometimes term it -- four or five hundred of these demented wretches, including men, women, and children have arrived there. Several others are said to be preparing to start there, from Cincinnati, in the course of a few weeks. -- Ohio Courant.


Note: A shorter version of this article was also reprinted in the Apr. 27, 1833 issue of the Zanesville Ohio Republican and an even shorter reprint appeared in the Painesville Telegraph of April 26th.

A late number of the Ohio State Star contains some strange Mormon documents. One of them purports to be a revelation from God to Oliver Cowdery, in which he is informed that Joseph Smith is the head of the Mormon church, and that whatever he writes will be divinely inspired. Oliver too, was to be inspired in whatever he should speak. All others of the brethren who profess to write or speak by inspiration, are declared to be under satanic influence. This revelation probably came from Smith, and was delivered by him to Cowdery. It gives Smith the control of the Mormon Church, and Oliver is next to him in authority. Some time ago Hiram Page and a female appeared, professing to be inspired, and commenced giving out their revelations; but these leaders declared them to be impostors, and soon silenced them. It is said the Mormons have now 200 preachers in the field. Many of that faith are still pressing west, to their 'New Jerusalem,' in Missouri -- where the whole temporal and spiritual concerns of the fraternity are under the despotic direction of one of the creatures of Joseph Smith.

Ninety-eight Mormons, men, women and children, encamped about 1 mile from this town on Wednesday night. They are on their way to "New Jerusalem." -- Sangamo Journal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

At a meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, Missouri, called for the purpose of adopting measures to rid themselves of the set of fanatics called Mormons, held at Independence on the 20th day of July 1833, -- which meeting was composed of gentlemen from every part of the country, there being present between four and five hundred persons: the meeting was organized by calling Colonel Richard Simpson to the chair and appointing Jonas H. Flournoy and Colonel Samuel D. Lucas secretaries. -- It was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to report an address to the public, in relation to the object of this meeting, and the chair named the following gentlemen, to wit: Russel Hicks, Esq., Robert Johnson, Henry Chiles, Esq., Colonel James Hambright, Thomas Hudspeth, Joel F. Chiles, and James M. Hunter. The meeting then adjourned and convened again, when Robert Johnon, the chair man of said committee, submitted for the consideration of the meeting, the following address:

"This meeting, professing to act, not from the excitement of the moment, but under a deep and abiding conviction that the occasion is one that calls for cool deliberation, as well as energetic action, deem it proper to lay before the public an expose of our peculiar situation, in regard to this singular sect of pretended Christians, and a solemn declaration of our unalterable determination to amend it.

"The evil is one that no one could have foreseen, and is therefore unprovided for by the laws, and the delays incident to legislation, would put the mischief beyond remedy.

"But little more than two years ago, some two or three of this people made their appearance on the Upper Missouri, and they now number some twelve hundred souls in this county; and each successive autumn and spring pours forth its swarms among us, with a gradual falling of the character of those who compose them; until it seems that those communities from which they come, were flooding us with the very dregs of their composition. Elevated, as they mostly are, but little above the condition of our blacks either in regard to property or education; they have become a subject of much anxiety on that part, serious and well grounded complaints having been already made of their corrupting influence on our slaves.

"We are daily told, and not by the ignorant alone, but by all classes of them, that we, (the Gentiles,) of this county are to be cut off, and our lands appropriated by them for inheritances. Whether this is to be accomplished by the hand of the destroying angel, the judgments of God, or the arm of power, they are not fully agreed among themselves.

"Some recent remarks in the Evening and Morning Star, their organ in this place, by their tendency to moderate such hopes and repress such desires, show plainly that many of this deluded and infatuated people have been taught to believe that our lands were to be won from us by the sword. From this same Star we learn that for want of more honest or commendable employment, many of their society are now preaching through the states of New York, Ohio, and Illinois, and that their numbers are increased beyond every rational calculation; all of whom are required as soon as convenient, to come up to Zion, which name they have thought proper to confer on our little village. Most of those who have already come, are characterized by the profoundest ignorance, the grossest superstition, and the most abject poverty.

"Indeed, it is a subject of regret by the Star itself, that they have come not only to lay an inheritance, which means some fifteen acres of wild land for each family, but destitute of the means of procuring bread and meat. When we reflect on the extensive field in which the sect is operating, and that there exists in every country a leaven of superstition that embraces with avidity, notions the most extravagant and unheard of, and that whatever can be gleaned by them from the [purlieus] of vice, and the abodes of ignorance, it is to be cast like a waif into our social circle it requires no gift of prophecy to tell that the day is not far distant when the civil government of the country will be in their hands. When the sheriff, the justices, and the county judges will be Mormons, or persons wishing to court their favor from motives of interest or ambition.

"What would be the fate of our lives and property, in the hands of jurors and witnesses, who do not blush to declare, and would not upon occasion hesitate to swear that they have wrought miracles, and have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; have convere with God and His angels, and possess and exercise the gifts of divination and of unknown tongues, and fired with the prospect of obtaining inheritances without money and without price -- may be better imagined than described.

"One of the means resorted to by them, in order to drive us to emigrate, is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in Illinois, to come up, like the rest, to the land of Zion: True, they say this was not intended to invite, but to prevent their emigration; but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension, is but a poor compliment to our understanding. The article alluded to, contained an extract from our laws, and all necessary directions and cautions to be observed by colored brethren, to enable them upon their arrival here, to claim and exercise the rights of citizenship. Contemporaneous with the appearance of this article, was the expectation among the brethren here, that a considerable number of this degraded caste were only awaiting this information before they should set out on their journey. With the corrupting influence of these on our slaves, and the stench both physical and moral, that their introduction would set afloat in our social atmosphere, and the vexation that would attend the civil rule of these fanatics, it would require neither a visit from the destroying angel, nor the judgments of an offended God to render our situation here insupportable. True, it may be said, and truly no doubt, that the fate that has marked the rise and fall of Joanna Southcote and Ann Lee, will also attend the progress of Joe Smith; but this is no opiate to our fears, for when the fabric falls, the rubbish will remain.

"Of their pretended revelations from heaven -- their personal intercourse with God and his angels -- the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands -- and the contemptible gibberish with which they habitually profane the Sabbath, and which they dignify with the appellation of unknown tongues, we have nothing to say; vengeance belongs to God alone. But as to the other matters set forth in this paper, we feel called on by every consideration of self preservation, good society, public morals, and the fair prospects, that if not blasted in the germ, await this young and beautiful county, at once to declare, and we do hereby most solemnly declare: --

"1. -- That no Mormon shall in future move and settle in this county.

"2. -- That those now here, who shall give a definite pledge of their intention within a reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property and close their business without any material sacrifice.

"3. -- That the editor of the Star be required forthwith to close his office, and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and as to all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration, and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken to close the same.

"4. -- That the Mormon leaders here, are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisition.

"5. -- That those who fail to comply with these requisitions, be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and of unknowntongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them.
"Which address being read and considered, was unanimously adopted. And thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the Mormon leaders, and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal, that said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform them that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest considerations of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act, to use such means as shall ensure their full and complete adoption, and that said committee, so far as may be within their power, report to this present meeting. And the following gentlemen were named as said committee: --

"Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Colonel Moses Wilson, Joel F. Chiles, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, Garr Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russell Hicks, Esq., Colonel S. D. Lucas, Thomas Wilson, and James M. Hunter, to whom was added Colonel R. Simpson, Chairman.

"And after an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, and the committee of twelve reported that they had called on Mr. Phelps, the editor of the Star, Edward Partridge, the Bishop of the sect; and Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house; and some others, and they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them, and wished an unreasonable time for consultation, not only with their brethren here, but in Ohio.

"Whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that the Star printing office should be razed to the ground, the type and press secured. Which resolution was, with the utmost order, and the least noise and disturbance possible, forthwith carried into execution, as also some other steps of a similar tendency; but no blood was spilled nor any blows inflicted. The meeting then adjourned till the 23rd instant, to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the Mormons.

"Resolved, that a copy of these proceedings be posted up at the post office in this place, for the information of all concerned; and that the secretaries of this meeting send copies of the same to the principal editors in the eastern and middle states for publication; that the Mormon brethren may know at a distance that the gates of Zion are closed against them -- that their interests will be best promoted by remaining among these who know and appreciate their merits."

RICHARD SIMPSON, Chairman.     

S. D. Lucas,     }
J. H. Flournoy, } Secretaries.


"The citizens' meeting again convened on the 23rd day of July, 1833, which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county, and much more unanimously attended than the meeting on the 20th instant.

"The meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat, when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee, to wit: --

Henry Chiles Esq., Doctor N. K. Olmstead, H. L. Brazile Esq., Zachariah Waller, Samuel Weston Esq., William L. Irwin, Leonidas Oldham, S. C. Owens Esq., George Simpson, Captain Benjamin Majors, James C. Sadler, Colonel William Bowers, Henry Younger, Russell Hicks Esq., Aaron Overton, John Harris and Harmon Gregg, to wait upon the Mormon leaders, who had intimated a wish to have a conference with said committee.

After an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, when the committee reported to the meeting that they had waited on most of the Mormon leaders, consisting of the Bishop, Mr. Partridge; Mr. Phelps, editor of the Star; Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and Messrs. Corrill, Whitmer, and Morley, elders of the church, and that the said committee had entered into an amicable agreement with them which they had reduced to writing, which they submitted: and that the committee have assured Mr. Phelps that whenever he was ready to move, that the amount of all his losses should be paid to him by the citizens. The written agreement is as follows:

Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the Mormon society, in Jackson county, Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23rd day of July, 1833.

It is understood that the undersigned, members of the society, do give their solemn pledges, each for himself, as follows, to wit:

That Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, William McLellin, Edward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock shall remove with their families out of this county, on or before the first day of January next, and that they as well as the two hereinafter named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible: one half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next; to advise and try all means in their power, to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county; and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Corrill and Algernon Sidney Gilbert, are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importation.

The Star is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.

If the said Edward Partridge and W. W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January, as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come, in order to transact and wind up their business.

The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned, to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the Mormon brethren named in the report as having been present.

Which report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting, and thereupon, the meeting adjourned, sine die.

RICHARD SIMPSON, Chairman.     

S. D. Lucas,     }
J. H. Flournoy, } Secretaries.

Note: No copy of this issue of the Fayette Western Monitor has yet been located for transcription. The text was taken from the LDS History of the Church I, pp. 394-402. See also the Columbia, Missouri Intelligencer, of Aug. 10, 1833 for essentially the same report.

MORMONISM!

At a meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, Missouri, called for the purpose of adopting measures to rid themselves of the set of Fanatics called Mormons, held at Independence on the 20th day of July 1833, which meeting was composed of gentlemen from every part of the country, there being present between four and five hundred persons.

The meeting was organized by calling Col. Richard Simpson to the chair and appointing Jonas H. Flournoy & Col. Samuel D. Lucas secretaries. It was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to report an address to the public, in relation to the object of the meeting, and the Chair named the following gentlemen, to wit: Russel Hicks, Esq., Robert Johnston, Henry Chiles, Esq., Col. James Hambright, Thomas Hudspeth, Joel F. Chiles, and James M. Hunter. The meeting then adjourned for a time, and convened again, when Robert Johnston, the chair man of said committee, submitted for the consideration of the meeting, the following

ADDRESS, &c.

This meeting, professing to act, not from the excitement of the moment, but under a deep and abiding conviction that the occasion is one that calls for cool deliberation, as well as energetic action, deem it proper to lay before the public an expose of our peculiar situation, in regard to this singular sect of pretended christians, and a solemn declaration of our unalterable determination to amend it.

The evil is one that no one could have foreseen, and is therefore unprovided for by the laws, and the delays incident to legislation, would put the mischief beyond remedy.

But little more than two years ago, some two or three of this people made their appearance in the Upper Missouri, and they now number some twelve hundred souls in this county; and each successive autumn and spring pours forth its swarm among us, with a gradual falling of the character of those who compose them; until it seems that those communities from which they come, were flooding us with the very dregs of their composition. Elevated as they mostly are, but little above the condition of our blacks either in regard to property or education; they have become a subject of much anxiety on that part, serious and well grounded complaints having been already made of their corrupting influence on our slaves.

We are daily told, and not by the ignorant alone, but by all classes of them, that we, (the Gentiles,) of this county are to be cut off, and our lands appropriated by them for inheritances. Whether this is to be accomplished by the hand of the destroying angel, the judgments of God, or the arm of power, they are not fully agreed among themselves.

Some recent remarks in the "Evening and Morning Star," their organ in this place, by their tendency to moderate such hopes and repress such desires, show plainly that many of this deluded and infatuated people have been taught to believe that our lands were to be won from us by the sword. From this same Star we learn that for want of more honest or commendable employment, many of their society are now preaching through the states of New York, Ohio, and Illinois, and that their numbers are increased beyond every rational calculation; all of whom are required as soon as convenient, to come up to Zion, which name they have thought proper to confer on our little village. Most of those who have already come, are characterized by the profoundest ignorance, the grossest superstition, and the most abject poverty. Indeed, it is a subject of regret by the 'Star' itself, that they have come not only to lay an inheritance, which means some fifteen acres of wild land for each family, but destitute of the means of procuring bread and meat. When we reflect on the extensive field in which the sect is operating, and that there exists in every country a leaven of superstition that embraces with avidity, notions the most extravagant and unheard of, and that whatever can be gleaned by them from the perils of vice, and the abodes of ignorance, it is to be cast like a Waif into our social circle, it requires no gift of prophecy to tell that the day is not far distant when the civil government of the country will be in their hands. When the Sheriff, the Justices, and the County Judges will be Mormons, or persons wishing to court their favor from motives of interest or ambition. What would be the fate of our lives and property, in the hands of jurors and witnesses, who do not blush to declare, and would not upon occasion hesitate to swear that they have wrought miracles, and have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; have convere with God and his angels, and possess and exercise the gift of Divination and of unknown tongues, and fired with the prospect of obtaining inheritances without money and without price, may be better imagined than described.

One of the means resorted to by them, in order to drive us to emigrate, is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in Illinois, to come up, like the rest, to the land of Zion: True, they say this was not intended to invite, but to prevent their emigration; but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension, is but a poor compliment to our understandings. The article alluded to, contained an extract from our laws, and all necessary directions and cautions to be observed by colored brethren, to enable them upon their arrival here, to claim and exercise the rights of citizenship. Contemporaneous with the appearance of this article, was the expectation among the brethren here, that a considerable number of this degraded cast were only awaiting this information before they should set out on their journey. With the corrupting influence of these on our slaves, and the stench both physical and moral, that their introduction would set afloat in our social atmosphere, and the vexation that would attend the civil rule of these fanatics, it would require neither a visit from the destroying angel, nor the judgments of an offended God to render our situation here insupportable. True, it may be said, and truly no doubt, that the fate that has marked the rise and fall of Joanna Southcote and Ann Lee, will also attend the progress of Joe Smith; but this is no opiate to our fears, for when the fabric falls, the rubbish will remain.

Of their pretended revelations from Heaven -- their personal intercourse with God and his Angels -- the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands -- and the contemptible gibberish with which they [habitually] profane the Sabbath, and which they dignify with the appellation of unknown tongues, we have nothing to say, vengeance belongs to God alone. But as to the other matters set forth in this paper, we feel called on by every consideration of self preservation, good society, public morals, and the fair prospects, that if not blasted in the germ, await this young and beautiful county, at once to declare, and we do hereby most solemnly declare,

1. That no Mormon shall in future move and settle in this county.

2. That those now here, who shall give a definite pledge of their intention within a reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property and close their business without any material sacrifice.

3. That the editor of the "Star" be required forthwith to close his office, and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and as to all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration, and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken to close the same.

4. That the Mormon leaders here, are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisition.

5. That those who fail to comply with these requisitions, be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and of unknown tongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them.
Which address being read and considered, was unanimously adopted. And thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the Mormon leaders, and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal, that said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform them that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest considerations of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act, to use such means as shall ensure their full and complete adoption, and that said committee, so far as may be within their power, report to this present meeting. And the following gentlemen were named as said committee; Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Col. Moses Wilson, Joel F. Chiles, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, [Garr] Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russell Hicks, Esq., Col. S. D. Lucas, Thomas Wilson, and James M. Hunter, to whom was added Col. R. Simpson, Chairman.

And after an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, and the committee of twelve reported that they had called on Mr. Phelps, the editor of the Star, Edward Partridge, the bishop of the sect, and Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and some others, and they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them, and wished an unreasonable time for consultation, not only with their brethren here, but in Ohio.

Whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that the Star printing office should be razed to the ground, the type and press secured. Which resolution was, with the utmost order, and the least noise and disturbance possible, forthwith carried into execution, as also some other steps of a similar tendency; but no blood was spilled nor any blows inflicted. The meeting then adjourned till the 23rd inst., to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the Mormons.

The citizens again convened on the 23d day of July, 1833, which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county, and much more unanimousely attended than the meeting on the 20th instant.

The meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat, when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee, to wit:

Henry Chiles, Esq., Dr. N. K. Olmstead, H. L. Brazile, Esq., Zachariah Waller, Samuel Weston Esq., Wm. L. Erwin, Leonides Oldham, S. C. Owens Esq., George Simpson, Capt. Benjamin Majors, James C. Sadler, Col. Willian Bowers, Henry Younger, Russel Hicks Esq., Aaron Overton, John Harris, and Harmon Gregg, to wait upon the Mormon leaders, who had intimated a wish to have conference with said committee. After an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, when the committee reported, to the meeting that they had waited on most of the Mormon leaders, consisting of the Bishop, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Phelps, editor of the "Star," Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and Messrs. Carrol, Whitmer, and Moseley, elders of the church, and that the said committee had entered into an amicible agreement with them, which they had reduced to writing, which they submitted; and that the committee have assured Mr. Phelps that whenever he was ready to move, that the amount of all his losses should be paid to him by the citizens. The written agreement is as follows:

Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the Mormon society in Jackson county Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23d day of July, 1833.

It is understood that the undersigned, members of the society, do give their solemn pledges each for himself, as follows, to wit:

That Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, William McClealand, Edward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, shall remove with their families out of this county, on or before the first day of January next; and that they, as well as the two hereinafter named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible -- one half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next. To advise and try all means in their power to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county; and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Carrol and Algernon Gilbert are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importation.

The "Star" is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.

Which report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting and thereupon the meeting was adjourned sine die.

    RICHARD SIMPSON, Chairman.

S. D. Lucas,      }
J. H. Flournoy, } Secretaries.


Note 1: This article was adapted from a text in the Aug. 2nd issue of the Fayette Western Monitor. Compare the text with the similar articles, "Regulating the Mormonites," published in the Aug. 9, 1833 issue of the St. Louis Missouri Republican and "The Mormons," published in the Jefferson City Republican of Aug. 17th.

Note 2: The following sentences (printed in some other published transcripts) are missing from the "Memorandum of Agreement," as published in the Intelligencer: "If the said Edward Partridge and W. W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January, as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come in order to transact and wind up their business. The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so as long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned; to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the Mormon brethren named in the report as having been present.... Resolved that a copy of these proceedings be posted up at the post office in this place, for the information of all concerned; and that the secretaries of this meeting send copies of the same to the principal editors in the eastern and middle states for publication, that the Mormon brethren may know at a distance that the gates of Zion are closed against them-that their interests will be best promoted by remaining among these who know and appreciate their merits."

THE  MORMONS,

OR NEW-JERUSALEM IN JACKSON COUNTY MISSOURI.
MILLENNIUM!

A meeting of the citizens of Jackson County, to the number of four or five hundred, was held at Independence on the 20th of July 1833. Their avowed object was to take measures to rid themselves of the Mormonites. Col. Richard Simpson was called to the chair and Jonas H. Flournoy and Samuel D. Lucas appointed secretaries. A committee was then appointed to report an address to the public, in relation to the object of the meeting, after having retired for some time they submitted an address, which was unanimously adopted; and in which the conduct and views of the obnoxious sect are exposed. The represent that the Mormonites number some 1200 souls in that county, and that each successive spring and autumn, pours forth its swarms among them, with a gradual falling off in the character of the people, until they have now nearly reached the low condition of the black population. That the citizens have been daily told that they are to be cut off, and their lands appropriated to the Mormons for inheritances; but they are not fully agreed among themselves as to the manner in which this shall be accomplished, whether by the destroying angel, the judgement of God, or the arm of power. The committee express their fears that, should this population continue to increase, they will soon have all the offices of the county in their hands; and that the lives and property of other citizens would be insecure, under the administration of men who are so ignorant and superstitious as to believe that they have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures; hold converse with God and his angels and possess and exercise the gift of divination, and of unknown tongues; and are, withal, so poor as to be unable to procure bread and meat. The committee say, that one of the means resorted to by them, in order to drive us to imigrate, is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in Illinois, to come like the rest to the land of Zion. True, the Mormons say this was not intended to invite but to prevent emigration; but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension, is but a poor [compliment] to our understandings." The invitation alluded to, contained all the necessary directions and cautions to enable the free blacks, on their arrival there, to claim and exercise their right of citizenship. Finally, the committee say --

"Of their pretended revelations from Heaven -- their personal intercourse with God and his Angels -- the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands -- and the contemptible giberish with which they habitually profane the Sabbath, and which they dignify with the appellation of unknown tongues, we have nothing to say. Vengeance belongs to God alone. But as to the other matters set forth in this paper, we feel called on by every consideration of self-preservation, good society, public morals, and the fair prospects, that if not blasted in the germ, await this young and beautiful country, at once to declare, and we do most solemnly declare,

1. That no Mormon in future move and shall settle in this county.

2. That those now there, who shall give a definite pledge of their intention within a reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property and close their business without any material sacrifice.

3. That the editor of the "Star" be required forthwith to close his office, and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and also all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration, and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken to close the same.

4. That the Mormon leaders here, are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisitions.

5. That those who fail to comply with these requisitions, be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and unknown tongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them."

Which address being read and considered was unanimously adopted. And thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the Mormon leaders, and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal that said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest consideration of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act, to use such means as shall insure their full and complete adoption, and that said committee, so far as may be within their power, report to this present meeting. And the following gentlemen were named as said committee: Robert Johnson, James Campbell, Col. Moses Wilson, Joel F. Chiles, Hon. Richard Fristoe, Abner F. Staples, Garr Johnson, Lewis Franklin, Russel Hicks, Esq., Col. S. D. Lucas, Thomas Wilson, and James M. Hunter, to whom was added Col. R. Simpson, chairman.

And after and adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened & the committee of twelve reported that they gad called on Mr. Phelps the editor of the "Star," Edward Partridge, the bishop of the sect, and Mr. Gilbert the keeper of the Lord's storehouse & some others & that they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them, and wished an unreasonable time for consultation, not only with their brethren here, but in Ohio.

Whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting that the "Star" printing office should be razed to the ground, the type and press secured, which resolution was, with the utmost order & decency & the least noise or disturbance possible, forthwith, carried into execution, as also some other steps of a similar tendency; but no blood was spilled nor any blows inflicted. -- The meeting then adjourned till the 23d inst., to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the Mormons.

The citizens again convened on the 23d day of July, 1833, which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county, and much more unanimously attended than the meeting on the 20th instant.

The meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat, when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee, to wit:

Henry Chiles, Esq., Doct. N. K. Olmstead, H. L. Brazile, Esq., Zachariah Waller, Samuel Weston Esq., Wm. L. Irwin, Leonides Oldham, S. C. Owens Esq., George Simpson, Capt. Benjamin Majors, James C. Sadler, Col. Wm. Bowers, Henry Younger, Russel Hicks Esq., Aaron Overton, John Harris, and Harmon Gregg, to wait upon the Mormon leaders, who had intimated a wish to have conference with said committee. After an adjournment of two hours, the meeting again convened, when the committee reported, to the meeting that they had waited on most of the Mormon leaders, consisting of the Bishop, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Phelps, editor of the Star, Mr. Gilbert, the keeper of the Lord's store house, and Messrs. Carrol, Whitmer, Moseley, elders of the church, and that the said committee had entered into an amicable agreement with them, which they had reduced to writing, which they submitted; and that the committee have assured Mr. Phelps that whenever he was ready to move, that the amount of all his losses should be paid to him by the citizens. The written agreement is as follows:

"Memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the Mormon society in Jackson county Missouri, and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county, made the 23d day of July, 1833.

It is understood that the undersigned, members of the society, do give their solemn pledges each for himself, as follows, to wit:

"That Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, Wm. McClelland, Edward [Partridge], Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Peter and John Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, shall remove with their families out of this county, on or before the first day of January next; and that they, as well as the two hereinafter named, use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible -- one half, say, by the first of January next, and all by the first day of April next. To advise and try all means in their power to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county; and as to those now on the road, they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county, but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter, till a new location is agreed on for the society. John Carrol and Algernon Gilbert are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society, so long as necessity shall require; and said Gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand, but is to make no new importation.

The "Star" is not again to be published, nor a press set up by any of the society in this county.

If the said Edward [Partridge] and W. W. Phelps move their families by the first day of January, as aforesaid, that they themselves will be allowed to go and come in order to transact and wind up their business.

The committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so as long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned; to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee, as also those of the Mormon brethren named in the report as having been present."

The report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting and it was then adjourned.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SERIOUS DIFFICULTY: -- There has been within the past few days, a recurrence of the difficulties between the people of Jackson county in this State, and the sect called Mormons. -- It seems, from direct intelligence received at this place from that quarter, that some three or four lives have been lost -- the condition of the Mormons is represented to be truly distressing. We forbear further remark at present.


Notes: (forthcoming)

WAR  WITH  THE  MORMONS!

Extract of a letter to the Editor, dated

                   ARROW ROCK, Mo. Nov 7, 1833.

DEAR SIR -- The steamboat Charleston has just landed from above, bringing important news from Jackson county. The commander, (Gunsallis) says that a reencounter had taken place before his departure, near Independence, between the citizens and the Mormons, wherein several of the former were killed, and others wounded on both sides. That the Mormons mostly retreated to their own lands, and declared their determination to defend themselves; and in that situation, were attacked by a body of citizens, and the result was as above. The village of Independence is said to be in great confusion -- razing the buildings occupied by the Mormons to the ground -- scattering their merchandize in the streets -- preparing arms and ammunition -- drafting men -- and the cries of women and children heard in every quarter. I am also informed that a party of citizens again returned to the conflict; but Capt. Gunsallis says that he received no intelligence of the result on which he could rely; yet he is of opinion that shots were exchanged, and thinks that he heard several discharges of a six pounder in their possession.

There is a passenger on board, who calls himself a Mormon, who confirms the above.

  Yours,           J. JONES.

==> The above unpleasant intelligence is confirmed from other sources. One of the accounts states that, between fifteen and twenty of the citizens were killed, and several of the Mormons. This, we hope, may prove an exaggeration. We learn that the citizens commenced the attack, on the Mormons in the night, disguised, so as to avoid detection. Although we have always viewed these Mormons with abhorrence, we are not prepared to justify such outrageous proceedings on the part of the citizens. The former have rights guaranteed by the constitution and laws of the land, in common with the latter, and should be as like protected in the freedom of conscience, and in the enjiyment of Life, Liberty and Property." We hope the Executive will interpose, & prevent a recurrence of these lawless outrages, and that the perpetrators of them may be brought to condign punishment.

Jackson county is situated at the very extremity of civilization on our western frontier, and the inhabitants have, we believe, the character (whether justly or unjustly we do not know) of being very turbulent lawless. -- The present occurrence is not calculated to remove that impression. These Mormons may be, and probably are, a nuisance to the citizens of that county -- but shedding their blood, razing their dwellings, and destroying their property, without color of law, in the night, and in disguise, is certainly not the proper course to remove it. There may be extenuating circumstances, which have not yet reached us, tending to lessen the turpitude of this transaction. We sincerely hope it may be in our power to state that such is the fact. We shall probably be in possession of authentic particulars before our next publication.

---

FURTHER  PARTICULARS.

Since the above was in type, we have received the Missouri Republican, containing the following letter.

On board Steam Boat Charleston,    
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9.    

MESSERS. EDITORS --
I take this opportunity to give you and your readers a brief sketch of the most flagrant and outrageous violation of the constitution of our country than has taken place since it was framed.

I am a member of the church of Christ, (reproachfully called Mormons or Mormonites) and am directly from Independence, the seat of war and bloodshed in the United States.

On Thursday night, Oct. 31, some forty or fifty of the citizens of Jackson county, Mo. assembled above the Blue, (a river about eight or ten miles west of Independence,) and, in part demolished twelve of the dwelling houses of our people who occupied them at the time. The inmates were obliged to escape to the woods, women and children running in every direction, halloing and screaming; and the men, being taken by surprise in the dead hour of the night, were unprepared to defend themselves if they had been disposed. They took two of our men and beat them with stones and clubs, leaving only a breath of life in them. After this the mob dispersed, it being about three o'clock in the morning.

Friday night, Nov. 1st, the mob broke open the store of Gilbert & Whitney, and scattered their goods through the streets. They demolished Gilbert's brick dwelling house, and broke in the doors and windows of all the dwellings in Independence belonging to our people. Saturday our people left their dwellings, and took their most valuable articles of furniture, clothing, &c., that they might be better prepared for self-defence. Night came on, and the mob came along with it, and commenced their ravages again above the Blue, and after they had fired five or six guns upon our people without effect, our people fired upon them, and one of their number exclaimed, "O my God! I am shot!" The mob then dispersed, taking their wounded companion along with them, who was shot through the thigh.

On Monday last the mob collected again, in the town of Independence, to the number of two or three hundred, well armed; they called it "CALLING OUT THE MILITIA." They undoubtedly thought that the above appellation would sound better than its real and legitimate name, which is MOB, and if they could lessen the magnitude of their crime in the eyes of the community by so doing, -- they, no doubt, would be highly gratified. But this cunning plot to deceive, covers their iniquity no more than the fig leaves covered our first parents in the garden from the piercing eye of Jehovah. At night a part of the number that had collected in town, went above Blue, to drive our people away, and destroy our property; but they were met by a party of our people, and being prepared, they poured a deadly fire upon them. Two or three of their number fell dead on the ground, and a number mortally wounded. Among the former, was Hugh L. Breazeale, Attorney at Law. Tuesday morning, there was a number of the mob missing and could not be accounted for, I was told.

Left Independence and came down the river to Liberty; landing where we stopped to take in freight, & while we were there, (Wednesday 11 o'clock, A. M.) a messenger rode up saying, that he had just came from the seat of war, and that the night before, another battle was fought in which Mr. Hicks, Att'y at Law, fell, having three balls and some buck shot through his body; and about twenty more of the mob, shared a similar fate. Mr. H. was one of the heads of the mob. Report says also that one or two of our men were killed and as many wounded. The cannonading in the engagement was heard on board the boat very distinctly.

I was an eye witness to a part of the above statements; but things were in a state of great confusion and agitation at the time, and should there be an error in the above, I hope to find pardon in the eyes of a candid people. One more item I will notice. At the time Messrs G. & W.'s store was broken open, Mr. G. with a number of others, succeeded in taking the one who first broke open the door, and brought him forthwith before a magistrate to see if something could not be done with him; but the magistrate refused to do anything about it. This was an unwise move of Mr. G.; but on seeing his property destroyed in that barbarous manner, and the agitation of mind which he was necessarily laboring under, he was led to do as he did. After they liberated the man, he took them with a warrant immediately for false imprisonment and put them in prison, viz: Mr. Gilbert, Phelps the printer, and one more; and as near as I can learn the mob was determined never to let them escape from prison alive.

I am one, who went to the Governor with a petition for assistance to obtain our rights, or redress of our wrongs and aggrievances received from the citizens of Jackson county, in July last.

But as the circumstances then were, the Governor said he could do nothing, but advised us to take the regular steps of the law, which, at that time, was our only course, and this we attempted to do; but instead of peace being promoted by it, it increased their rage and led them to commit the horrid crimes named above.

I am satisfied that it is useless to undertake to enforce the laws in that county under the present circumstances, because there is no one to enforce them. Every officer, civil and military, with one or two exceptions, is either directly or indirectly engaged in the mob.

Under these painful circumstances, what remains to be done? Must we be driven from our homes? Must we leave the soil for which we have paid our money? -- Most our women and children be turned out of doors with nothing but the clouded canopy to cover them and the perpetration of the above crimes escape unpunished? Or must we fight our enemies three to one, or lie down and die and our names be blotted out from among men? Let the Executive of our State and nation consider these questions; and if they will answer them in the negative, let them signify it by raising the helping hand. Again, I ask in behalf of my brethren: Will not the Governor or President lend a helping hand in this dreadful extremity? Shall the crisis of the innocent and distressed, salute the ears of the Executive in vain? God forbid! For while the constitution of the United States, which was given by the inspiration of Almighty God through the instrumentality of our fathers, shall stand, I trust that those who are honored with the Executive, will see that the laws are magnified and made honorable. -- Perhaps some of my friends, on reading this letter, will be ready to ask me what I think of my religion now: I have no reply, other than this: Paul said, "He that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Editors throughout the United States, are requested to publish this letter, if they are willing to confer a favour upon those who are journeying through much tribulation

I am, Sirs, though a stranger, your friend and humble servant.
                                        ORSAN HYDE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS, &c.

We have received no additional intelligence from Jackson County, of much importance, since our last. The Missouri Republican has expressed the same views that we have, in regard to the high-handed proceedings, detailed in our last. Indeed, we do not see how they can be viewed in any other light. The Republican says, "It is reported that the Judge of the Circuit, who attempted to interfere, to stop the proceedings, as well as some of the officers, were captured by the mob, and placed in durance, either in jail, or in charge of some of their number, for a good many hours; and the Lieut. Governor, who resides in that county, was driven from it."

The subjoined paragraph, in relation to this affair, is from the Jefferson City paper. It is not stated whether any steps were contemplated to be taken by the Governor on this occasion:

"There has been within the past few days, a recurrence of the difficulties between the people of Jackson county in this State, and the sect called Mormons. -- It seems, from direct intelligence received at this place from that quarter, that some three or four lives have been lost -- the condition of the Mormons is represented to be truly distressing. We forbear further remark at present."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MATTERS AND THINGS.

The people of Jackson and St. Louis counties, or rather factious portions of them, have taken very singular, and we think disreputable grounds, to redress their imaginary grievances. In each of these counties, a portion of their citizens lately, in quite a mobocratical manner, avenged themselves -- the first upon the Mormons, for various grievances alledged -- The other upon the Governor of the State, for granting Mitchel, (a crazy man) a pardon...

The other mob, in Jackson, unfortunately, was not so harmless as that in St. Louis. They killed, as we are informed, some of the real objects of their hatred. But it will, we should presum, require a more caustic remedy than contempt, to appease the offended majesty of the laws in this case. We have heretofore, as well as at the present time, deemed it improper to indulge as freely in remarks on this subject, as the excitement produced would have seemed to warranted, as crimes of the character here alleged -- when there is nothing to extenuate -- are expiated on the gallows.

We are informed through a channel entitled to respect, that a correspondence is now going on between the Governor and the Judge of the Circuit of which Jackson county forms a part, and we have no doubt, in the end, that justice will be administered.

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We make the following extract from an editorial article in the Salt River Journal, on the subject of the extraordinary atomospheic phenomenon of the 13th inst. [report of the famous meteor shower follows].


Notes: (forthcoming)

                         From the Salt River (Mo.) Journal.

THE  MORMONS.

It is with feelings of deepest regret that we learn of a rencounter between a very large number of the citizens of Jackson county, in this State, and the society of people called Mormons. If any of these people have offended against the laws, those laws are open for redress, and to them the injured should look for the reparation of their wrongs. If we have a country of laws, let them be our rule of action; and no circumstance, no occurrences, however aggravated, can justify the first movement of a mob, whose march is most generally, if not always, marked with disorder, cruelty and wantonness. -- We know but little about the Mormonites, and care less, but whatever may have been the amount of their offending, (of which we know nothing and have heard nothing) -- discriminate attack upon their property and persons, was altogether unjustifiable, and highly reprehensive -- for to the courts of justice should every individual repair for the redress of violated right. Even admit, with the great mass of community, that these people are a deluded set of fanatics, still, in this country, even a fanatic has his privilege and the Jew and Gentile -- the Pagan and Mahometan, have an equal right with the Christian, to set down under their own vine, and worship God in their own manner, and if they infringe not on the liberties of others, none dare make them afraid. The right of worshipping, according to the dictates of our own consciences, is one of the noblest principles ingrafted in our constitution -- it is the most holy light that burns on the altar of liberty, or plays around the columns of our free institutions, and death to that voice, and palsy to that hand which shall first be raised to smother it. -- What! has it come to this? Is it true that the fire of persecution has rolled a siroc flame through the calm retreat of our western forest? Has the heathen, the barbarous and savage Indian been driven from the borders of our mighty rivers that their deep waters might be incrimsoned with Christian blood? Has Bigotry, whose breath is pestilence, and whose footsteps are the fore-runner of death, erected on the beautiful and magnificent shore of the Missouri, his standard of fire? The poor and deluded Mormons -- and are their habitations to be laid waste by the hand of desolation, and their food and clothing to be scattered to the winds? Robbed of their little all, are their families to be driven from their possessions, to ask charity of a community that seems eager to destroy them? "I was a hungered and ye gave me no meat; I was naked and ye clothed me not," might falter on many a tongue in a Christian land.

Are the people of Jackson county determined to drive off the Mormons on account of their peculiar religious tenets? Were the worshippers of the moon to settle in this State, no one would have a right to molest them, on account of these tenets. We cannot make laws to restrain the liberty of conscience or freedom of thought. -- You might as well attempt to restrain the march of the winds, as they pass over the unbroken prairies -- and shall a mob do that, which law would shudder at, and from which every principle of freedom would shrink! It is impossible that any palliative circumstances can be given in justification of such a movement -- the mournful experience of the past, and all sense of order forbid it, most imperatively. -- Are the Mormons fanatics? If so, let the consequences of their fanaticism fall upon their own heads. If they break the bounds of the law, the arm of civil power will restrain them; if they do not, what right have others to condemn the motives by which they are actuated? The true balance by which the motives of the human heart are to be ascertained, is upheld by the hand of the Eternal, whose eye pierces the hidden research of all thought and motive -- if these people should be found wanting, be the consequence on themselves. That no man shall break in on the devotions of another, is an acknowledged principal of our government -- a principal which we prize as we do our lives; and to defend which, blood and treasure and life have been expended. The dangers of a mob were told by the groans of Revolutionary France -- when the innocent & the guilty walked together through streets of human blood, and amid the ruin they had drawn upon their country, their families and themselves.

                          W.

---

        From the St. Louis Advocate.
_____

DISTURBANCES IN JACKSON COUNTY.

In presenting to our readers the Governor's letter relative to these disturbances, we cannot withhold the expression of our regret that there should have been any cause for it; or that events subsequent to its date have rendered Executive interference more imperious. As to the causes which may have led to these repeated ruptures between the citizens of Jackson county, we are uninformed; and therefore shall refrain from the expression of our opinion on that part of the subject. But while we refrain from deciding upon the rectitude of any party in these contests, we must be allowed the expression of our decided disapprobation of this manner of settling them by open combat. In every well regulated government the laws are always open for the protection of the citizen, when his rights are violated; and to this idea of taking the execution of them in their own hands, we enter our firm and decided protest. No man or set of men are superior to the laws; and none so low that the virtue of their protection will not reach and shield from the wrongs of oppression This is the [settled] doctrine of every well regulated society [of laws]; and a [contrary one] would be [------ ---] of every [------- -------] good order. And whenever the [ordinary tribunals of] the country are found incompetent to preserve the supremacy of the laws, the peace and harmony of society, and arrest the progress of their [violation], the Executive, as the [constant] guardian of the laws and rights of the citizens, is bound to interpose and check the evil.

Subsequent to the date of this letter we have reports of a battle having been fought between a portion of the [citizens] of Jackson county and the Mormonites, in which several lives have been lost; and if these evils are not immediately checked, we may [expect to] have our ears continually saluted by the most appalling scenes, growing out of these deadly [------s]. They have already assumed a character in [which the worst] passions of our nature are brought into immediate action -- desperation on one side, and a thirsting for revenge, upon the other. That the people who are thus led to outrage everything like good order have [their] imaginary grievances, we do not pretend to doubt; but if they are such [as will not] warrant an interposition of the law in their behalf, they will scarcely justify an open resort to arms in opposition to all laws.

We protest to know nothing of the Mormon creed; we have seen nothing of it; we have read nothing of it; and as the right to judge of creeds belongs to a Power superior to all earthly tribunals, we shall attempt no [comments], but there are certain truths we hold to be incontrovertable in their nature and inviolable in a government of liberty & laws -- that all men have a right to worship their God according to the dictates of their own conscience, unrestrained and unmolested -- that no people have a right to expel any man or set of men from their [com------]. except for crime, and that to be [adjudicated] according to law by the judicial tribunals of the country -- that every attempt to infringe upon these rights is contrary to the spirit & [-----s] of a free government, & should be promptly checked by the eompetent authorities. Then, if these views be correct, the Mormons, however offensive they may be to their neighbors, have rights of worship, and rights of residence, which cannot be [-----ed] with impunity under the laws.

What course the Governor may think proper to adopt in this almost unprecedented emergency. we cannot pretent to predict; but from the whole [-----er] of this letter, we [conceive] he shows a patriotic determination to [maintain] inviolate the supremacy of the laws. The course marked out in his letter was correct, we conceived under the then existing circumstances of the case; but subsequent events [prove] that all judicial interference is [useless]. The magistracy of the county are set at defiance; the authority of the Judge disregarded and the [whole] current of justice checked in the open violation of the laws. Under [such] circumstances, what course is to be persued is a question which naturally suggests itself to every one; and [upon] particularly those who have the guardianship of the laws. We sincerely [hope] that a peaceful remedy will be altogether sufficient to produce the desired effect, -- that the proclamation of the Governor, illustrative of his [views] of his obligations to his country to arrest the evils, will act as a balm to heal the wounded spirits, & check [these] party dissentions; and in concluding our remarks we would frankly [solicit] the citizens of Jackson county to pause and contemplate the precipice upon which they stand, before they determine to persevere in a cause where ruin must inevitably follow.

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GOVERNOR'S  LETTER.

                          CITY OF JEFFERSON,
                          Executive Department, Oct. 19, 1833.

To Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Isaac Morley, John Corrill, A. S. Gilbert, John Whitmer and others:
Your memorial, soliciting my interposition against violence threatened you, and redress for injuries received by a portion of the citizens of Jackson county has been received, and its contents duly considered. I should think myself unworthy the confidence with which I have been honored by my fellow citizens, did I not promptly employ all the means which the constitution and laws have placed at my disposal to avert the calamities with which you are threatened. Ours is a government of laws; to them we owe all obedience; and their faithful administration is the best guarantee for the enjoyment of our rights. No citizen, nor number of citizens, have a right to take the redress of their grievances, whether real or imaginary, into their own hands. Such conduct strikes at the very existence of society, and subverts the foundation on which it is based. Not being willing to persuade myself self that any portion of the citizens of the state of Missouri are so lost to a sense of these truths as to require the exercise of force, in order to ensure a respect for them, after advising with the Attorney General, and exercising my best judgment, I would advise you to make a trial of the efficacy of the laws. The judge of your Circuit is a conservator of the peace; if an affidavit is made before him by any of you, that your lives are threatened, and you believe them in danger, it would be his duty to have the offenders apprehended and bind them to keep the peace. Justices of the Peace in their respective counties, have the same authority, and it is made their duty to exercise it.

Take, then, this course, obtain a warrant, let it be placed in the hands of the proper officer, and the experiment will be tested, whether the laws can be peaceably executed or not. In the event they cannot be, and that fact is officially notified to me, my duty will require me to take such steps as will enforce a "faithful execution" of them.

With regard to the injuries you have sustained by destruction of property, &c., the law is open to redress; I cannot permit myself to doubt that the courts will be open to you, nor that you will find difficulty in procuring legal advocates to sue for damages therein.
   Respectfully, your obedient servant,
        DANIEL DUNKLIN.
 W. W. Phelps, Esq., Independence, Mo.

P. S. Should you deam it of any importance, or that it could in any way be of assistance to you in obtaining justice, or preventing injury, in future, to make the enclosed public, you are authorised to make it [so].
        D. DUNKLIN.


Note: In the introduction to the Governor's letter, the journalist at the Advocate speaks of the "imaginary grievances" of the Jackson county citizens against the crowd of Mormons who had gathered in and around Independence during the past three years. Like many of his liberal associates and counterparts in Missouri throughout the remainder of the 1830s, the writer is unable to comprehend why the citizens reacted to the growing Mormon presence with mob violence. The same might be said for puzzled Gentile onlookers upon the Mormon gathering in Hancock county, Illinois, during the 1840s. Public reaction to the Mormons during their stay in northern Ohio was nearly as exasperated as the backlash in Missouri and Illinois, though it never reached the level of violence evident in the western states. Those who witnessed the Mormon-Gentile interaction from a distance simply could not comprehend the social and political animosities stirred up by the phenomenon of Mormon mass assemblage among unfriendly residents of a settlement or county suddenly inundated by these peculiar religious fanatics. It was only natural that puzzled Gentile onlookers viewing a Mormon gathering from a distance should explain the inevitable social contentions as arising from bigoted religious persecution and "imaginary grievances." While unmitigated religious prejudice and persecution no doubt played some part in the violent conflicts between the gathering Saints and the apprehensive citizens in Missouri and Illinois, it would be a gross oversimplification to attribute those conflicts purely to differences in religious beliefs. The religious beliefs of the early Mormons were made manifest in their overt attempts at establishing a self-seeking theocratic body politic in the midst of Gentiles who generally experienced those saintly attempts as essentially exclusive and menacing to their liberty and livelihood. This conflict in purposes and perceptions ultimately led to violence wherever the Mormons strove to assert their "rights of residence" and establish a latter day theocracy within the domain of an established non-Mormon population.

The Mormons. -- To prevent misrepresentation, and to do justice to a portion of the people of Jackson county, is the great object of this article.

We were in error when we represented that no lives had been lost in the conflict which has given rise to much speculation and apparent commisseration. The Mormons, about seventy in number, cowardly killed two, and wounded two or three others, of seventeen citizens of Jackson county, who visited their settlement, not for the purpose of committing depredations, but to make arrangements and come to some understanding in relation to their covenant to leave the county. After the first fire, which was ineffectual, and which proceeded from the Mormons, the lamented Brazeale, ascended an eminence, and distinctly proclaimed peace. From that eminence, and with these words in his mouth, he was shot! For a moment the conflict was general, but the people of Jackson, discovering their utter want of numbers, fled for safety. Preparations were then made, under the excitement of the moment, for an exterminating conflict; and this preparation was common to both parties. What would have been the result, it is impossible to conjecture. Fortunately for the community, and those concerned, the Lieutenant Governor issued some description of order, or request, which induced the Mormons to ground their arms and leave the county. We understand that a portion of the Militia are ordered by the Governor to stand in readiness, for any emergency, and have heard that the Mormons demanded to be reinstated in their possessions and 'New Jerusalem.' This is undoubtedly their right, and we trust the Governor will award to them ample justice.

The indecencies of which we spoke two weeks ago, were in fact the work of a mob. It gave rise to all the confusion which followed; and was condemned by a large majority of the people of Jackson county. It was to correct this very evil, which induced the seventeen citizens alluded to above, to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and which resulted so disasterously and disgracefully. This is believed to be a full and fair history of the 'war in the west.' It is the truth, as far as we are informed, and from what we have heard, it will so turn out in the testimony which an investigation will necessarily elicit.

A publication made by one 'Orsan Hyde,' is going the rounds, in different versions of the public press. He is represented to us a notorious scoundrel and coward, who fled at the very smell of gun powder. He heard of cannonading, and dreamed of blood shed, and on his honor, and the truth of his faculties, has made representations which are entirely false. It is presumed he is yet running and writing. How far he will go, where he will stop, or at what point the cannonading will cease to trouble him, it is impossible to guess.

One word more: The people of Jackson are represented as being a turbulent, unruly mob; and a riot two years old is [cited] by way of confirmation. That the county contains many men of this description we do not doubt -- so does all counties. But that a large majority are fearless, honest, and independent citizens, we are very sure. The Lieutenant Governor of the State, at the time of his election was, and is yet a citizen of Jackson county. Another gentleman, for several years chief clerk of the House of Representatives, is also a citizen, and we are personally acquainted with several gentlemen, citizens of Jackson county, who who would [do ---or] to any [---le] and whose lives prove them to be above a [mean action].

They have had to endure much. A large portion of the [Seminary] lands was originally located in their county. They settled upon and improved them. When offered for sale, at a minimum of two dollars per acre, they confined a speculator, and prevented him from possessing himself of the fruits of their labor. The whole matter was represented to the legislature; they confirmed the sale! And this is brought up as a proof of their turbulence.

Straightway came the Mormons, headed by a fanatic, who is a disgrace to the creation of God. In their doctrine, they calimed as an inheritance the whole of Jackson county. By fraudulent and false statements, they were gathering together the scum of the earth -- were offering inducements to the free negroes, every where to come up and join them, and had succeeded in alienating many of the Indians who surrounded them. That the people, among whom they had settled, should feel disposed to rid themselves of such a pest, we think is extremely natural; and that they would have fared better, in any other country, we are very much disposed to doubt.

The people of Jackson, though, owe it to themselves to publish the facts. What is here written, apart of our own knowledge, may be false -- we may be the victim of gross imposition. It has been our object to state the whole truth, and lay bare what we feel and believe to be the result of low chicanery and hellish wickedness. We therefore, in this public manner, call upon Messrs. Boggs, Childs, Owens, Hicks, and Flournoy, five highly respectable gentlemen, to come forward and state the case. Be the truth what it may, it cannot be worse, nor half equal to the reports which have overspread the whole country. The vital interest and future prosperity of Jackson county is concerned, and the reputation of the whole state is at stake. Let the truth be published, and we believe that which is blazoned forth as a religious persecution, will seat itself upon the head of an impostor.


Note: A copy of the above issue of the Fayette Western Monitor has not yet been located for transcription. The above text was taken from a reprint which appeared in the Springfield Sangamo Journal of Dec. 7, 1833.

Statement of Rev. Isaac McCoy.

SHAWNEE, Jackson County, Mo.      
November 28, 1833.      

Gentlemen. -- I have resided about a year and a half within the Mormon settlements in this country. I have had many of them employed at divers times to labor for us. I have said little to them upon the subject of their peculiar notions of things, temporal and spiritual and I have scarcely if ever mentioned even their names to one of my correspondents. I should perhaps, remain silent upon this subject, had I not been requested to make some statements of the facts which have occurred in the late disturbances with the Mormons, and that this request had emanated from a source which gives it a claim to a respectful notice.

An impression seems to prevail abroad that the Mormons are here persecuted on account of their peculiar notions of religion. This, I think, is entirely a mistake.

In the efforts that have been made to induce them to leave this county, many have called them fools and fanatics, but I never heard that they had been once interrupted in the performance of their religious services, nor that the slightest injury had been done to either their persons or property on account of their religious opinions and practices.

The Mormons, as I suppose from information, came here so ignorant of laws, regulating intercourse with the Indian tribes, that they expected to pass on into the Indian Territory, procure lands of the Indians, aid them in adopting habits of civilization, and attach them to their party. At the western line of Missouri, they were arrested by the proper authorities of government. Frustrated in this design, they located in this county, and procured land, to a small amount only, for so great a number of persons. The village of Independence was by them termed "Zion" in their public prints, and that was the Nucleus of the New Jerusalem. They have repeated, perhaps, hundreds of times, that this country was theirs, the Almighty had given it to them, and that they would assuredly have entire possession of it in a few years. Reports believed by many to be true, for the correctness of which I cannot vouch, says that they repeatedly declared that if the Almighty should not give it to them by any other miracle, it would be done by their sword -- by blood, &c. However erroneous these reports might have been, such sayings, appeared to the people very near akin to so many remarks which were common among them, and unfortunately for the Mormons, these reports were believed to be true, and the effect upon the public mind was accordingly.

By the steam boat Yellow Stone, the cholera was brought into our neighborhood the past summer. It occasioned alarm but did not spread among the inhabitants. On this occasion, one of them, an intimate acquaintance of mine, appeared to be elated with hopes, that the accomplishment, of their predictions was now at hand; that this plague was for the destruction of the wicked, whilst they, the righteous, would escape. The intimations of a similar feeling on the part of many others were too obvious to pass unnoticed.

But the other citizens thought they discovered that the Mormons needed neither pestilence nor sword to accomplish their purpose of getting entire possession of the country. They were introducing a state of society which would evidently become intolerable to others and would rid the country of all who did not belong to their party.

A few of them are men of education sufficient for the transaction of the ordinary business of the country; the principal portion of them are illiterate, uninformed and superstitious. Some of them were suspected to possess malicious and dishonest dispositions while others appeared to have been gathered from among the shiftless and ignorant more or less of whom are to be found in all countries, who live, as the saying is, from hand to mouth, and whose condition in life could hardly be made worse. Such as have arrived here fancied that they were within the rudiments of an imense city; preachers were in various parts of the United States, portraying to this class of people the glories of their "Zion," and exhorting converts to go up thereto, and emigrants came in rapidly. The citizens became confirmed in the belief that, among others they designed to influence such free blacks as had been proselyted to their faith, and whose condition might be such that they would not be prohibited by the laws of Missouri.

They were filling this new country with a people among whom others could not live. In this Mormons gloried, and on account of it others grumbled. The emigration to this country of others than Mormons, decreased, while those who were here apprehended approaching necessity of removing from society in which their children ought to be brought up and in which they could not be suitably educated. Some had considerable possessions, if they should be compelled to leave the Mormons alone would be the purchasers of their property, and consequently at their own price, as they often boasted, would be the case. Matters had not yet reached this state of things but were rapidly approaching it.

Hitherto, the Mormons had been quiet upon the subject of politics, but it was easily perceived that as matters were progressing, at no distant day they would control all county business. It is reasonable to suppose that this consideration operated to widen the breach between them and their opponents.

Under such inducements as these, a meeting of the citizens was called in Independence, to consult on measures to prevent the maturity of the evils of which the people complained. About this time threats were occasionlly made to throw down houses, &c., their printing office, and their store house in Independence were considered most in danger, but the Mormons were not much intimidated; their store they said was the Lord's store-house, and therefore it could not be injured, and if any one should extend his hand to injure the house in which their Revelations, &c. were printed, his hand would immediately wither.

Many of the more reputable citizens took part in this meeting; ardent spirits were forbidden to the company, and the subjects introduced for consideration were dispassionately discussed. They then proceeded to the Printing Office, and razed it to its foundation to the apparent astonishment of many of them who were looking on at a distance, and they put tar and feathers upon two of their leaders.

A second meeting was held, and a compromise made. The Mormons by a committee, agreed to leave the county, part of them by the 1st of January 1834, and the residue by a given time next spring. Some of them were to remain unmolested, and attend to winding up the business of the society; the damage done to the Mormons' property was to be assessed by disinterested persons, and paid by those who had injured it.

For some weeks the conduct and conversation of the Mormons indicated an intention to comply with the terms of the compromise. But again they became silent upon the subject of removal, and as formerly. appeared to be preparing fields with a view of remaining. Not feeling themselves bound by bonds subscribed by them under their peculiar circumstances, they instituted a law suit for damages which had been done their property, and that suit is yet pending.

While the other citizens little apprehended it, the Mormons procured powder and lead and distributed it among them and also guns. In October, threatenings to throw down houses, to whip their leaders, and to apply tar and feathers increased. The Mormons bid defiance with increasing confidence, and threatened retaliation by shooting. About the last of October matters upon both sides grew more and more alarming every moment. About this time they became strongly suspected of secretly tampering with the neighboring Indians, to induce them to aid in the event of open hostility; for myself, I could not resist the belief that they had sought aid from the Indians though I have not ascertained that legal evidence of the fact could be obtained.

It has been stated to me that on Thursday the 31st October, a conspiracy was formed by several Mormons to kill one of the citizens, and that on the night of the following day a party actually approached the dwelling of their victim, who fortunately was absent.

On the night of the 31st, a party threw off roofs, and otherwise damaged some ten or a dozen Mormon cabins, on the West of Blue River; a Mormon leader presented his gun in defence of either himself or property, he was warned of the dreadful consequences which would follow his shooting, and he forbore; he was taken and flogged; two other leaders were treated in the same manner.

On the night of Nov. 1st, Mormon houses in Independence were assailed with bricks, doors and windows were broken, &c.

This party had scarcely completed their designs for that time, when a considerable company of Mormons, armed, entered and for a while patrolled the village.

On the same night a company of armed Mormons, under command of a leader, with a sword by his side, hailed two men as they were passing the road upon lawful business and ordered them to advance and give the countersign. On enquiring for the authority of the party to detain them, one of them was told that he was a dishonest man, upon which he struck the Mormon captain with his gun; the captain then ordered the men to "fire." The party raised their guns a little, but hesitated; another voice cried out "why don't you shoot." They still disobeyed, but they seized the two men and put them in what the party termed their "guard house," and gurded them till morning, when they were let go without injury.

On the night of the 2nd Nov. a company approached a house, about five miles west of Independence, with a view no doubt of injuring it, and as they approached the Mormons fired on them and wounded a young man severely, though not mortally. The party returned the fire without injury to any; the Mormons fled; the party caught one of them and whipped him; but, as I understood, did no further damage.

On the 3d, both parties appeared to be preparing for battle. Notwithstanding a large majority of the citizens within the Mormon settlement desired to be rid of them, there were many who had not countenanced the demolishing of houses, &c. Some of these now felt it to be their duty to endeavour to prevent the further shedding of blood. They therefore used entreaties and offered to mediate between the parties, and to bear messages of peace from one to the other, if it should be desired. One of my neighbors, who was thus entreating with an active Mormon, was answered that they, the Mormons, had resolved to fight while one of them remained alive. My neighbor then appealed to his professions of religion, and reminded him that the Bible forbade such a course as he said they had resolved upon. The Mormon replied that the Israelites had been authorized by the Bible to drive out the Canaanites, and he pleaded a similar privilege for his society.

A place of rendezvous on the 4th Nov. had been appointed by the citizens six miles West of Independence. I supposed that the object of this meeting was to agree upon further measures. In a consultation early in the morning with one of my neighbors, we concluded that the method most likely to suceed in allaying violent feelings on both sides, and thus preventing the effusion of blood, would be to persuade them to have immediate recourse to the law. I communicated this proposed expedient to an influential neighbor, who accompanied me to the place of rendezvous for the purpose of applying it. The matter was explained to a few gentlemen who had influence with the company, who falling in with the plan, encouraged forbearance on the part of the company.

It was pretty late in the day when I left the company; I then distinctly understood that it had been agreed upon by them, not to interrupt either the persons or the property of the Mormons, on that day, or the following night. They agreed to meet again for consultation on the following day, by which time such as were striving to make peace hoped that prosecutions would be so far in progress as to satisfy all to resign their quarrel to the decisions of the court. From this company I went in quest of Mormons; I found only three or four, those I warned of the imminent danger I feared they were in, and entreated them not to use their arms; that they could not possibly repel the superior numbers which would appear against them. I advised that such of them as desired to remain peaceable, would allow me to carry a message to the other party in their behalf, and I persuaded myself that in that way they would be allowed to remain unmolested. I also stated the conclusions on that day, of the party opposed to them, and my hopes that if the Mormons could be induced to manifest a pacific spirit, the whole difficulty might be disposed of without the further shedding of blood. As the more influential Mormons were embodied, I know not where, I could not get access to them. I therefore desired, that intelligence should be given to them, that they all might understand my desire to mediate, and might hear my advice. Unfortunately, the suspicions of the Mormons that I was insincere, rendered these entreaties unavailing; they now came rather too late. I was engaged in these transactions when I was told that the reports of guns had been heard in a direction which a company of Mormons had gone a few hours before, and that a skirmish had likely occured.

After I had left the party, as stated above, and as they were about dispersing, two lads arrived with intelligence that they had been a while detained by the Mormons on the road, that they were armed, and said that none should pass upon the road, &c. The party mounted their horses, and with disorder equal to the rapidity, hastened to the place. A few Mormons were seen, who fled; they took one and compelled him to promise not to take up arms again, and dismissed him without injury.

The party returned to one of the Mormon houses; several women were seen [hastening] away; they were told by many of the party that they need apprehend no danger from them; [they], the company, agreed to disperse, and [severally?] left for their homes in diverse directions, [some] fifteen or twenty perhaps, loitered a little, [then] suddenly they were attacked on two sides [by] the Mormons, the number of whom is [reported] to have been over 40. The Mormons [took?] possession of the ground on their side; six [there] were wounded, one of whom died on the following day. Two of the other party were killed upon the ground, but who did not belong to either party, another who was there at the [time] was taken prisoner by the Mormons, and [detained?] until the following morning, when he [was] let go without injury.

[It] is stated that on the night after the skirmish, several Mormons resolved upon the death [of three] citizens, whom they particularly [se------ed] as persons whom they supposed exerted [hostile?] influence against them

On the same night a party of Mormons, well armed, and apparently not wanting in courage, left the Western Mormon settlement with the design of uniting with others in an attack upon Independence.

On the following morning my anxieties and those of other peaceable persons in the neighborhood, became very great. I was informed, in a way that I was compelled to believe it to be true, that immediately after the battle of the preceding day, Mormons in their mode of expression, had received a command to "rise," and pursue their enemies and kill them whenever they found them. Two Mormons came to my house early, one to ask advice what he should do, the other to entreat me to use my influence with their opposers to forbear the perpetration of cruelties upon them. I informed him that I was then setting out upon that errand, and that through the course of the day I proposed to return and visit the Mormons upon the same business of peace. I then ascertained that the greater part of the Mormons could not be seen by me, and justly conjectured that they were about to make a dreadful blow, and that they would most likely strike on Independence.

It was early on the day of the 5th, that about 150 Mormons, apparently well organized for battle, approached within a mile of Independence. At that time there were perhaps not more than fifty guns in the Village; during the night some of the Militia had been ordered into service. These were coming together constantly, and it is probable that this apparent accumulation of men in arms, was the occasion of a halt of the Mormons for a short time, when they left the public road and turned into a suitable place for defence in the woods. A message of peace was sent to them, and negitiations commenced which did not terminate before three or four o'clock in the afternoon. In the meantime the number of the Militia had so increased as to be about equal to that of the Mormons. The latter surrendered fifty-three guns, the residue it is supposed they conveyed away during the negotiations.

Had they reached Independence an hour sooner, it must in all human probability, have fallen into their hands; and had they marched straight forward into the village as they approached it, without hesitation, I think they would have succeeded in taking it. It is probable that they designed to kill or drive out all the inhabitants, and to destroy the Village. --

Had they succeeded in their design against Independence all the settlements, extending 14 miles Westward would have been placed at their mercy. Intelligence could not have reached the citizens in time for them to have assembled [men] for resistance, and they could have saved themselves in no other way than by flight. Here I must be allowed to exclaim, what an awful catastrophe have we escaped! and how signal, and how merciful was that providence [which] terminated the alarming doings of this day without the shedding of Blood!

On the following day, Nov. 6th, on my way to Independence, I met a company who urged the necessity of taking possession of such arms [as] they were still in possession of, fearing that [in] the present state of feeling, rash measures would be resorted to. I entreated them to await my return when I would [accompany them], to which request I understood them to agree.

A few miles further I met a much larger company going upon the same business. I had too much reason to [believe] that lives would be lost upon that enterprise, unless [something] could be thrown into the scale to balance the [----] excitement which the friends of the deceased and [some?] others labored under. I therefore proposed to [go] back with them; a few of the more dispassionate [desired] me to do so, whilst others requested me to proceed [to the] village and not to accompany them. I addressed a few respectful remarks to them, and was permitted [to go] with them. I embraced every opportunity of [endeavoring] to allay the excitement of individuals. The company consented to appoint a leader. This gentleman conducted with much propriety thro' the day. He [allowed?] me to propose to the company, that two or three [persons?] only should approach a house in advance of the company, and inform the Mormons that the object of the [men] was not to injure them, but merely to request them to deliver up their guns. The plan was unanimously [accepted], and with a few exceptions, it was adhered to [throughout] the day. They allowed me to be one of [those] to go in advance under these arrangements. The company proceeded until near sundown, when we [severally?] returned to our places; no act of violence was committed upon any person, and no depredation was made [on] any species of their property by this company.

[On] four days following, that is, on the morning of the [10th], a few of the Militia were patrolling the settlements [forwards?] to the Mormons to defend them against [m----- rash] men, and also to quiet the fears of the citizens. [On] the 11th there was a meeting of a few citizens, [and] measures were adopted for lessening the inconveniences of those who were leaving the settlement. A [message] was sent to their leaders, that they would not [be] molested in attending to the disposal of their lands or [their] property; that it was only necessary that the names [of] such as they desired to remain upon this business [should?] be made known, and excepting such as had [become] too obnoxious to the citizens, they would be [com---ed] to the friendship of all. In this way they might [avail?] themselves of the means of aleviating their suffering, in a precipitate removal and much property would [be] sold immediately for its full value. Very few of them [were?] at this time in the neighborhood, though I have [no------] heard that they have disposed of any of their lands. Among the many reports which have been afloat, it [has] been somewhat difficult to come at that which was [correct].

In making out the foregoing statement, I have been influenced by such information as I supposed was correct; [but] it is possible, that in the details, my information in some small matters may have been mistaken, and this is [the] more likely as I have had less opportunity of obtaining information from the Mormons than from their opposers.

The telling of the foregoing tale has been a painful task, one which I could not have performed upon any other considerations than a sense of duty to the public, which [has] been urged by your request; hence you will please to [---st], the high considerations of your obedient servant.

ISAAC MCCOY.

Note 1: The exact date of this letter's publication in the Western Monitor has not yet been determined, but, since it was reprinted in the Dec. 20th issue of the Missouri Republican, the latest possible date for the original print would be Friday, the 20th. Since the letter was mailed from the Shawnee Mission, west of Independence, on or after Nov. 28th, the earliest possible publication date would have been about the beginning of December. Elders P. P. Pratt, N. Knight, and J. Corrill appear to have been responding to Rev. McCoy's published account when they wrote their Dec. 12th handbill (quoted in the Jan. 30, 1834 issue of the Missouri Republican and the Feb. 1, 1834 issue of the Missouri Intelligencer). The Western Monitor of that period was published on Fridays, so probably Friday, Dec. 6, 1833 is the correct date of publication.

Note 2: The Oct., 1966 issue of the Missouri Historical Quarterly, (LXI:1, pp. 63-82) contains a very useful article on Rev. McCoy, by the late Warren A. Jennings, entitled, "Isaac McCoy and the Mormons." This piece reproduces lengthy quotes from McCoy's 1833 journal, along with extracts from more of his obscure holographs, not otherwise easily accessible for consultation.

Note 3: The Fayette Western Monitor is another of those Missouri frontier newspapers whose files are largely missing. The newspaper's articles on the Mormons are known mostly from reprints in other papers.

THE  MORMONS.

As much inquiry is made of us concerning the recent outrages in Jackson county, we have endeavored to collect all the information possible; (in addition to what we have already published.) We understand the Mormons have all left their late places of residence in Jackson county, and are now scattered throughout the country. Many of them have taken refuge in the adjoining counties of Lafayette and Clay, where they have been hospitably received. The inhabitants have raised a considerable sum to relieve their necessities during the approaching inclement season. This is highly honorable to the citizens of those counties.

We have seen no authentic account of the number killed and wounded.

The last Jefferson City paper states that a "correspondence is now going on between the Governor and the Judge of the Circuit of which Jackson county forms a part, and we have no doubt, in the end, that Justice will be administered."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.
______

The Lieut. Governor's account of the late disturbances.
______

                        INDEPENDENCE, Mo., Nov. 26, 1833.

To the Editors of the Missouri Republican.

SIRS -- The object of this communication is to correct some erroneous publications in relation to myself, which I discover are taking the rounds in the public papers, and also to correct other statements in relation to the recent difficulties which have occurred in this county, between the Mormons and their opponents.

It is well known, that I did not, nor could not, approbate the proceedings of that portion of the citizens of this county who have been engaged against this sect of people; and that, in consequence of my forbearing to participate in their measures, my situation has been very unpleasant. I have observed in your paper a statement that the Lieutenant Governor was driven from this county. This statement is entirely untrue. No violence has ever been done me in any respect. I have also understood that a report has by some means got in circulation, that I had assumed the authority to order out the militia, and that I was compelled to do so by the populace: this statement is also without the least foundation in truth. I have observed a statement in the St. Louis Times, which is taken from your paper, above the signature of "Orsan Hyde," in which Mr. Hyde states, that the militia were called out on Monday the 14th inst. and that they participated in the battle which was fought that evening near the boundary line. This statement of Mr. Hyde is absolutely and entirely false. The information of that battle having taken place produced the call of the militia. The battle took place about ten miles above this place, late on Monday evening, and the militia were not paraded until ten o'clock, A. M. on the next day (Tuesday.) The militia were ordered into service by Lieut. Colonel Pitcher, (the Colonel being absent,) for the purpose of suppressing the insurrection. I approved of the course adopted by Col. Pitcher, as the only means of saving bloodshed, and of restoring order. On Tuesday morning, before the whole of the militia that were ordered out had assembled (about one hundred men had paraded,) a messenger arrived in great haste, giving the information that the Mormons, numbering perhaps one hundred and fifty, well armed, were then within a mile, or a mile and a half of town, coming on with a view to attack and destroy the place. Col. Pitcher thought it advisable to march his men to the western edge of our town, and there to await the arrival of the Mormons, and, if possible, to prevent bloodshed, and get those deluded people to disperse and return to their homes. On reaching the western edge of the town, the Col. despatched one of the Mormons, as a messenger to that portion of his brethren then in arms, with this information, that the Militia were raised to quell this insurrection, and that they must come forward, surrender their arms, and return to their homes. This, after considerable consultation back and forth, the Mormons at length complied with. They surrendered their arms & returned to their homes, with the exception of three, who were delivered over to the civil authority as having been engaged on the preceding day in the foregoing battle over Blue. These three were subsequently discharged and returned to their homes. The statement of Mr. Hyde, that the Militia acted as a mob, is altogether false -- no men ever behaved better, nor was any person whatever molested or injured by the Militia. Immediately after the surrender, the Militia returned to town and were dismissed, with the exception of a small guard intended to guard the Mormons. On the next day, or the day afterwards, the Mormons took fright at the threats of the populace, and fled in every direction. Mr. Hyde also states that Mr. Hicks was killed. This is a mistake: Mr. Hicks was not within fifty miles of the place of action; he was in Lafayette County, attending the Circuit Court. It is true, that the dwellings of the Mormons were, to the number perhaps, which Mr. Hyde mentions, torn down by the populace, under cover of the night. The persons engaged in this matter are not known. The information which reached here about 8 o'clock on Monday night, the 4th instant, by an express, giving intelligence of the aforesaid battle, stated that the Mormons, to the number perhaps of sixty, well armed, attacked a party of the citizens, numbering about 20; that he left them fighting, and bore off the body of a small boy, who was shot in the back; that he could not tell the extent of the bloodshed that had taken place. It has turned out, however, that two of the citizens were killed on the ground, and several wounded: the Mormons lost one man killed and several wounded. As it regards the particulars of this aforesaid battle (and which is the only one that has taken place,) I have taken measures to procure a correct statement; as soon as it is obtained, it will be laid before the public. I have written to the Governor & have given him a statement in detail of such matters, connected with this unfortunate occurence, as came under my observation; which he may probably make public. You will oblige me and subserve the cause of truth, by publishing this statement in your paper.      Respectfully,
                            LILIBURN W. BOGGS.


Note 1: Max Parkin's 1965 dissertation (p. 20) cites a Boggs letter, published in the Missouri Intelligencer of "December 14, 1834." No regular issue of the paper was printed on this date and no Boggs letter has been located in any April issue of the paper. Probably Parkin meant to reference the Intelligencer's Dec. 14, 1833 print of the Boggs text; Roger D. Lanius also has trouble locating this item -- he places it in the Missouri Intelligencer of "December 16, 1833," on p. 181 of his 1984 book, Zion's Camp.

Note 2: For an example of how the expulsion of the Mormons was being viewed in the Eastern press at about this time, see "The Mormon War," in the Dec. 19, 1833 issue of the New York Spectator. The writer of this article is cognizant of both Elder Orson Hyde's Nov. 9th report from on board the steam-boat Charleston, and of Rev. Benton Pixley's Nov. 7th letter to the New York Observer. The Spectator writer favors Pixley's report as being the more reliable of the two communications.

THE  MORMONS -- Again.

The public appear to be in a fair way of soon arriving at a correct conclusion in relation to the late Mormon difficulties. The Rev. Isaac M'Coy, (upon whose veracity the most implicit reliance may be placed,) having been requested, has published a very long and circumstantial detail of the origin, progress, and final result of the difficulties between the citizens of Jackson and the above sect,. We cannot possibly find room, at this time, for the whole of it -- We however, make the following extracts,

SHAWNEE, Jackson County,      
Mo. Nov. 28, 1833.      

I have resided about a year and a half within the Mormon settlements in this country. I have had many of them employed at divers times to labor for me. I have said little to them [upon] the subject of their peculiar notions of things, temporal and spiritual and I have scarcely if ever mentioned even their names to one of my correspondents. I should perhaps, remain silent upon this subject, had I not been requested to make some statements of the facts which have occurred in the late disturbances with the Mormons, and that this request has emanated from a source which gives it a claim to a respectful notice.

An impression seems to prevail abroad that the Mormons are here persecuted on account of their peculiar notions of religion. This, I think, is entirely a mistake.

In the efforts that have been made to induce them to leave this county, many have called them fools and fanatics, but I never heard that they had been once interrupted in the performance of their religious services, nor that the slightest injury had been done to either their persons or property on account of their religious opinions and practices.

The Mormons, as I suppose from information, came here so ignorant of laws, regulating intercourse with the Indian tribes, that they expected to pass on into the Indian Territiry, procure lands of the Indians, aid them in adopting habits of civilization, and attach them to their party. At the western line of Missouri, they were arrested by the proper authorities of government. Frustrated in this design, they located in this county, and procured land, to a small amount only, for so great a number of persons. The village of Independence was by them termed "Zion" in their public prints, and that was the Nucleus of the New Jerusalem. They have repeated, perhaps, hundreds of times, that this country was theirs, the Almighty had given it to them, and that they would assuredly have entire possession of it in a few years. Reports believed by many to be true, for the correctness of which I cannot vouch, says that they repeatedly declared that if the [Almighty should not give it to them by any other miracle, it would be done by their sword...] [The Mormons] bid defiance with increasing confidence, and threatened retaliation by shooting. About the last of October matters on both sides grew more and more alarming every moment.

While the other citizens little apprehended it, the Mormons procured powder and lead and distributed it among them and also guns. In October, threatenings to throw down houses, to whip their leaders, and to apply tar and feathers increased. The Mormons... instituted a law suit for damages which had been done their property, and that suit is yet pending.

A few of them are men of education sufficient for the transaction of the ordinary business of the country; the principal portion of them are illiterate, uninformed and superstitious. Some of them were suspected to possess malicious and dishonest dispositions while others appeared to be honest and well disposed. A very large majority of them appeared to have been gathered from among the shiftless and ignorant more or less of whom are to be found in all countries, who live, as the saying is, from hand to mouth, and whose condition in life could hardly be made worse. Such as have arrived here fancied that they were within the rudiments of an imense city; preachers were in various parts of the United States, portraying to this class of people the glories of their "Zion," and exhorting converts to go up thereto, and emigrants came in rapidly. The citizens became confirmed in the belief that, among others they designed to influence such free blacks as had been proselyted to their faith, and whose condition might be such that they would not be prohibited by the laws of Missouri.

They were filling this new country with a people among whom others could not live. In this Mormons gloried, and on account of it others grumbled. The emigration to this country of others than Mormons, decreased, while those who were here apprehended approaching necessity of removing from society in which their children ought to be brought up and in which they could not be suitably educated. Some had considerable possessions, if they should be compelled to leave the Mormons alone would be the purchasers of their property, and consequently at their own price, as they often boasted, would be the case. Matters had not yet reached this state of things but were rapidly approaching it.

Hitherto, the Mormons had been quiet upon the subject of politics, but it was easily perceived that as matters were progressing, at no distant day they would control all county business. It is reasonable to suppose that this consideration operated to widen the breach between them and their opponents.

Under such inducements as these, a meeting of the citizens was called in Independence, to consult on measures to prevent the maturity of the evils of which the people complained. About this time threats were occasionlly made to throw down houses, &c., their printing office, and their store house in Independence were considered most in danger, but the Mormons were not much intimidated; their store they said was the Lord's store-house, and therefore it could not be injured, and if any one should extend his hand to injure the house in which their Revelations, &c. were printed, his hand would immediately wither.

Many of the more reputable citizens took part in this meeting; ardent spirits were forbidden to the company, and the subjects introduced for consideration were dispassionately discussed. They then proceeded to the Printing Office, and razed it to its foundation to the apparent astonishment of many of them who were looking on at a distance, and they put tar and feathers upon two of their leaders.

A second meeting was held, and a compromise made. The Mormons by a committee, agreed to leave the county, part of them by the 1st of January 1834, and the residue by a given time next spring. Some of them were to remain unmolested, and attend to winding up the business of the society; the damage done to the Mormons' property was to be assessed by disinterested persons, and paid by those who had injured it.

For some weeks the conduct and conversation of the Mormons indicated an intention to comply with the terms of the compromise. But again they became silent upon the subject of removal, and as formerly. appeared to be preparing fields with a view of remaining. Not feeling themselves bound by bonds subscribed by them under their peculiar circumstances,

[misplaced text follows] Almighty should not give it to them by any other miracle, it would be done by their sword -- by blood, &c. However erroneous these reports might have been, such sayings, appeared to the people very near akin to so many remarks which were common among them, and unfortunately for the Mormons, these reports were believed to be true, and the effect upon the public mind was accordingly... [missing text]

About this time they became strongly suspected of secretly tampering with the neighboring Indians, to induce them to aid in the event of open hostility; for myself, I could not resist the belief that they had sought aid from the Indians though I have not ascertained that legal evidence of the fact could be obtained. [more missing text]

On the same night a party of Mormons, well armed, and apparently not wanting in courage, left the Western Mormon settlement with the design of uniting with others in an attack upon Independence.

On the following morning my anxieties and those of other peaceable persons in the neighborhood, became very great. I was informed, in a way that I was compelled to believe it to be true, that immediately after the battle of the preceding day, Mormons in their mode of expression, had received a command to "rise," and pursue their enemies and kill them whenever they found them. Two Mormons came to my house early, one to ask advice what he should do, the other to entreat me to use my influence with their opposers to forbear the perpetration of cruelties upon them. I informed him that I was then setting out upon that errand, and that through the course of the day I promised to return and visit [with] the Mormons upon the same business of peace. I then ascertained that the greater part of the Mormons could not be seen by me, and justly conjectured that they were about to make a dreadful blow and they they would most likely strike on Independence.

It was early on this day of Nov. 5th, that about 180 Mormons, apparently well organized for battle, approaching within a mile of Independence, at that time there were perhaps not more than fifty guns in the Village; during the night some of the Militia had been ordered into service. These were coming together constantly, and it is probable that this apparent accumulation of men in arms, was the occasion of a halt of the Mormon for a short time, when they left the public road and turned into a suitable place for defence in the woods. A message of peace was sent to them, & [negotiations] commenced which did not terminate before three or four o'clock in the afternoon. In the meantime the number of the Militia had so increased as to be about equal to that of the Mormons. The latter surrendered fifty three guns, the residue it is supposed they conveyed away during the negotiations.

Had they reached Independence an hour sooner, it must in all human probability, have have fallen into their hands; and had they marched straight forward into the village as they approached it, without hesitation, I think they would have succeeded in taking it. It is probable that they desired to kill or drive out all the inhabitants, and to destroy the Village. Had they succeeded in their design against Independence all the settlements, extending 14 miles Westward would have been placed at their mercy. Intelligence could not have reached the citizens in time for them to have assembled [men] for resistance, and they could have saved themselves in no other way than by flight. Here I must be allowed to exclaim, what an awful catastrophe have we escaped! and how signal, and how merciful was that providence [which] terminated the alarming doings of this day without the shedding of Blood!

ISAAC M'COY.

Note: Rev. McCoy's letter of Nov. 28th was first published in the Fayette Western Monitor, about the 6th of December. From there it was copied into the Dec. 20th issue of the Missouri Republican. The above extracts, as published in the Missouri Intelligencer, are much abbreviated, with some sentences printed out of their proper order.

(reprints article from Dec. 6th issue of the Missouri Republican)

 


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS, &c.

We have received a voluminous handbill, from Liberty, Clay county, signed by several of the Mormon leaders, giving a circumstantial account of the recent difficulties between them and the citizens of Jackson. This handbill can be seen by any person desirous, at this office. We have already published so much, on both sides, that we presume our readers are not desirous of seeing more at present. -- Our former opinions, as heretofore represented, have undergone no change. -- We think the proceedings against the Mormons constitute the greatest outrage of the kind permitted since the foundation of our government. The following is an extract from the concluding part of the above handbill:

"On Tuesday & Wednesday [nights] the 5th and 6th of November, women and children fled in every direction before the merciless mob. One party of about one hundred and fifty women and children fled to the prairie, where they wandered for several days, under the broad canopy of Heaven, with only about six men to protect them, other parties fled towards the Missouri river and took lodging for the night where they could find it. We ought to state the hospitality of one man, Mr. Bennett opened his house, for a night's shelter, to a wandering company of distressed women and children, who were fleeing to the river. During this dispersion of the women and children, parties of the mob were hunting the men, firing upon some, tying up and whipping others, and some they pursued upon horses for several miles. A small branch of the church, located on the Prairie about 15 miles from Independence, say 15 or 20 families, had hoped, from the obscurity of their situation, to escape the vengeance of the mob; but on Sunday the 24 of November, a party of the mob went to them with arms, and presented pistols commanding them to leave in three days, or they would tear down their houses, &c. For the preservation of life and personal effects, the most, if not all of said branch, have left their houses and are now in Clay county, encamped on the bank of the Missouri river. A number of families went into Van Buren county; their whole numbers of men, women and children being upwards of 150. An express has just arrived from that place, this 12th of December, with information, that these families are about to be driven from that county, after building their houses & carting their winter's store of grain, and provisions, 40 or 50 miles. Several families are already fleeing from thence. The contaminating influence of the Jackson county mob, is predominant in this new county of Van Buren; the whole population of which is estimated at about, from thirty to forty families. -- The destruction of crops, household furniture, and clothing is very great; and much of their stock is lost. The main body of the church are now in Clay county, where the people are as kind and accomodating as could reasonably be expected. The continued threats of death to individuals of this church if they make their appearance in Jackson county, prevent the most of them even at this day from returning to that county, to secure personal property, which they were obliged to leave in their flight.

"P. S. After the foregoing was taken to the press we received the distressing intelligence, that four aged families living near the village of Independence, whose penury and infirmities, incident to old age, forbade a speedy removal, were driven from their houses on Monday night the 23 instant, (Dec.) by a party of the mob, who tore down their chimneys, broke in their doors and windows, and hurled large rocks in their houses, by which the life of old Mrs. Miller, in particular was greatly endangered. Mr. Miller, aged sixty-five years, being the youngest man in the four families. Some of these men have toiled and bled in the defence of their country: and old Mr. Jones one of the sufferers, served a lifeguard to Gen. Washington, in the revolution. Well may the soldier of '76 contemplate with horror the scenes that surround him at this day, in Jackson county, where liberty, laws, and equal rights are trodden under foot."

---

==> The last Eastern mail brought the "Evening & the Morning Star," )the Mormon paper,) which has been resuscitated, and is now printed at Kirtland, Ohio. It is edited by O. Cowdery; and this number is principally filled with various articles relating to the unfortunate occurrences in Jackson county. In relation to the destruction of the Mormon printing-office at Independence, it says: -- "The press was broken, the type pied; the book work, furniture, apparatus, property, &c. of the office were principally destroyed and the office thrown down, whereby seven hands were thrown out of employment and three families left destitute of the means of subsistence. The loss of the whole office, including the stoppage of the Evening & Morning Star, a monthly paper, and the Upper Missouri Advertiser, a weekly paper, was about six thousand dollars."


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Upper Missouri Enquirer.
_____

MORMON  DIFFICULTIES.

On Sunday last, the LIBERTY BLUES, commanded by CAPT. DAVID R. ATCHISON, left this place for Independence, Jackson county. This was in compliance with the following order:

                          "LIBERTY, February 19, 1834.
            To Cap. D. R. Atchison.

SIR: -- Upon the appliction to us, by several of the persons called Mormons, who wish to testify before the Grand Jury of Jackson county, on the next term of the Circuit couty of that county; and informing us, that they cannot safely trust their persons in said county, without a guard.

We therefore hand you the inclosed order, from the Commander in Chief of the Militia of this State
                          Yours respectfully,
                          JOHN F. RYLAND,
Judge of the 5th Judicial Cir."



                          "CITY OF JEFFERSON, Feb. 5, 1834.
      To David R. Atchison, Esq.
            Capt. of the 'Liberty Blues."

SIR: -- You will hold yourself and company in readiness to assist the civil authorities in apprehending and bringing to trial the persons offending the laws, during and previous to November last in Jackson County, in conflicts between the "Mormons" and a portion of the other citizens of that county. You will attend the Court in Jackson county next term during trial of these causes, and execute such orders as may be given by the Judge or Circuit Attorney thereof, as well [as] those preparatory to the trials as those during their progress.

It is possible that the Mormon people will, under the protection of this guard, seek the opportunity it will afford them to return in safety to their late homes in Jackson County, should they wish to do so, you will see that they are permitted to take possession peaceably, and protect them in such possession during the trial of these causes, at the end of which, should you not receive further orders, you will discharge your men.

It is hardly necessary to suggest to an officer of your judgememt and discretion the propriety of performing [these] duties in the mildest manner possible. To see a civil court surrounded by a military force, is well calculated to awaken [the] sensibilities of any community; and one so excited as I presume the individuals of Jackson county are, it will be difficult to escape their course and displeasure. Should you not be able to escape these, you will, no doubt, be free from observing them.
                 Respectfully;
      DANIEL DUNKLIN,
                       Com. in Chief.


It seems that the Governor was apprehensive that the citizens of Jackson county were so much exasperated towards the Mormons, that it might be necessary to guard such as might wish to attend the court now in session, for the purpose of presenting such persons to the Grand Jury, as had offended the laws of the land. On Monday morning following, Capt. Atchison marched his company in the town, with a number of Mormons under his protection, and after the short stay of three hours, it was concluded by Judge Ryland, Amos Ree, Circuit Att. and Attorney General Wells, that it was entirely unnecessary to investigate this subject on the part of the State, as the jury were equally concerned in the outrages committed, it was therefore not likely that any bills would be found and consequently no good could possibly result from any further investigation of the subject. -- Capt. Atchison received the following order:

                          "INDEPENDENCE, JACKSON COUNTY,
                                     February 24th 1834.
To David R. Atchison.
Capt. of the 'Liberty Blues.'

SIR: -- Having this moment received a communication from the Attorney general of this state, and the Circuit Attorney of this Judicial Circuit, that they, upon a full consultation with the persons aggrieved, as well as other individuals, have declined perferring bills of indictment to the Grand Jury, at this term, for the outrages committed heretofore upon the Mormons. -- I hasten to inform you, that I have no longer any need of the services of yourself and company as a guard for the State's witness, upon the intended investigation, at this term. You will therefore march your company back to Liberty, Clay County, and there discharge them.

   With high respect and esteem,
      I am your most obedient servant,
                       JOHN F. RYLAND.


We would say to our Jackson friends, that we hope they will not suffer their feelings to be injured with the individuals who composed this company; for although this order of the governor, was obeyed by the Liberty Blues, with promptness and cheerfulness, yet it was only in compliance with their duty as good citizens of the State.


Note: Newspaper reports on the Mormon "difficulties" is Western Missouri died down during most of April and May, 1834. The situation there began to heat up again in June, as word began to spread of Joseph Smith's "Zion's Camp" military expedition coming to "redeem" the "promised land." See, for example, Gov. Dunklin's letter of June 6, 1834, to Col. J. Thornton, as published in the July 26, 1834 issue of Niles Register.

==> The Governor has ordered the restoration of the arms taken from the Mormons, in Nov. last. In his order the Governor states that Col. Pitcher was not authorized to call out the militia on that occasion. and that he had no right to require of the Mormons a surrender of their arms.

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ANOTHER  MORMON  WAR
THREATENED!

By the following letters, written to the Post Master at Independence, Jackson county, Mo. it would seem that the Mormons were making arrangements for the recovery of their "Zion." We do not attach much importance to the news. The good people of Jackson county will be more scared than hurt.

      CHAGRIN, OHIO, April 29, 1834.
To the Post Master at Independence, Mo.

I can tender no better apology for trespassing upon your attention at this time, than simply stating to you the fact that the mormons in this region are organizing an army (as they are pleased to express themselves) "to restore Zion," -- that is, to take by force of arms their former possessions in Jackson county Mo. These facts I have from the mouths of several of them, with whom I am personally acquainted. Some have already set off, and Thursday night is the day set apart for the departure of the grand caravan, with the "Prophet," (Joseph Smith) at the head. -- The order of march is to be in small detachments, singly, in pairs, sixes, &c., least they might excite suspicion. Their place of rendezvous I have not been able to learn. It has been stated to be on this side of the Mississippi. They are armed with every species of implements of destruction, from scalping knife to a double barrelled rifle. Their prophet and elders have so infatuated the minds of the more ignorant that they appear to have lost all sense of propriety, as I have heard some of them express themselves "we are going to fight the Battle of the Lord," and "redeem Zion." Their force has been variously stated from two to six hundred; about one hundred will go from this vicinity (say Kirtland "the rest of the prophets and location of the Temple.") It has been suggested to me (by a dissenter from their faith) but a few minutes since, that they have emmissaries among theneighboring Indians, trying to provoke their ignorant people to join them (the mormons) in this "holy war."

The elders say that the Governor of your state has promised them an armed force of militia to protect them through the state to their former possessions. This is believed by the commonality. What I have written above is no fiction; you are at liberty to use it as occasions may require. -- You can withhold the name of the writer of this from the Mormons unless it becomes necessary to use it -- when, if called on, a more full account of their threats can be furnished. I have been very hasty in drawing up this sketch, and perhaps you may find it difficult to decipher it. It is now late at night, and the mail will pass early in the morning.   Very respectfully,
                          J. M. HENDERSON, P. M.

---

   To the Post Master at Independence.

SIR. -- Although a private citizen I am not an indifferent observer of the signs of the times, and I look upon the present crisis as big with important events, and a time when aspiring men, enemies of our free institutions, are busy in making inroads upon them. In this place, there is a sect called Mormonites, founded here by Martin Harris, and he has recently been here, and they are now soliciting and raising volunteers (young men of this place) to go to Kirtland (or Cortland) Ohio, where, as they say, by an act of Government, they are, on the first of May next to be organized into a regiment, to consist of seven hundred men, to march from thence for Independence to protect the Mormons there -- and they are to be sustained by Government. I constantly read the publications of the day, and have observed no such act. I am induced to believe that there is now and owing to the pressure of the times and the propensity of young men to emigrate, there are hundreds of young men, thoughtless of consequences, who will embark in this expedition.

Sir, these are facts, and I submit them to the public of your section, that if they view them as omens of evil you may be on the alert; and if my views are well timed and in any way conducive to the interest of my fellow men and country, I [am] amply rewarded; if my alarms are groundless I am doubtless satisfied. This is at your disposal.

I am Sir, your obedient servant.
                          HIRAM C. BAKER.


Note: For two contemporary accounts, also from northern Ohio, see the Jan. 31, 1834 issue of the Wayne Sentinel, where a correspendent from Kirtland tells of Mormons "arming themselves with guns... and other implements of warefare," and the May 9, 1834 issue of the Painesville Telegraph, where Editor E. D. Howe says: "The Mormon war in Missouri is about to be renewed. Gen. Joe Smith took up his line of march from this country on Monday last, with a large party of his fanatical followers." As Smith's troops passed through Richmond, Wayne Co., they were noticed in the Indiana Palladium, of May 24th, from which the report was copied into the Washington, D. C. National Intelligencer of May 31st. The editor of the Sangamo Journal spotted the Mormon party as it passed through Springfield, and reported its progress on June 6th -- a report that was reprinted in the Missouri Intelligencer of June 14, 1834.

Liberty, (Mo.) June 11.    

THE MORMONS. -- Our friends at a distance may feel desirous to hear something respecting the "Mormons," so called, and knowing that the larger portion of them are in this county, may look to us to give them the wanted information.

We have heretofore been almost silent on this subject, hoping that the difficulties which occurred in Jackson co., between the citizens and the Mormons, would be soon settled in an amicable way, at least without the shedding of blood; and, in fact, we have felt very little interest in the matter, farther than it affected the general good of the country. But as this thing has arrived at a crisis which is really appealing to the feelings of good men, we feel it a duty to inform our readers of the movements of this people, at the same time we do not wish to be understood as trying to exasperate the minds of the people against this deluded & unfortunate sect.

For the last six or eight weeks, the Mormons have been actively engaged in making preparations to return to Jackson county, "the land of promise," by providing themselves with implements of war, such as guns, pistols, swords, &c. &c. They expect a reinforcement from the State of Ohio, and we are informed that small parties are arriving almost every day. So soon as they all arrive, they intend to call upon the Governor to reinstate them upon their lands in Jackson, and then, if molested, they are determined to protect themselves, sword in hand. We are told they will be able to muster 700 strong.

A gentleman from Jackson informs us that the citizens of that county are no less engaged in making preparation for their reception. On Monday last they held a meeting, for the purpose of electing officers, and Samuel C. Owens, a gentleman known to many citizens of the state, was unanimously elected commander-in-chief of all their forces. Our informant states that they have received a letter from the Governor, advising them to effect a compromise, if possible by purchasing the land of the Mormons, and paying them for injuries which they have sustained. For this purpose ten persons were appointed, invested with full power to settle the whole matter, and will meet the Mormons in this place, on Monday next, for that purpose. Should the Mormons refuse to accede to an honorable and fair adjustment of these difficulties, the Governor will not restore any to that county, but such as hold lands. The following gentlemen compose the above named Committee: Thomas Stayton, sen., Samuel Erwin, Smallwood V. Noland, Smallwood Noland, Robert Rickman, James Campbell, Richard Fristoe, Thomas Jeffries, and John Davis.

We have our fears as to the final issue of this matter, but hope for the best.


Note 1: This article's exact date of publication remains unknown, but was apparently printed on the June 11th date given in its heading. The transcribed text comes from its reprint in the Painesville Telegraph of July 11, 1834, (as compared with reprints in the Missouri Intelligencer of June 21, 1834 and the Connecticut Courant of July 7, 1834).

Note 2: The Liberty Enquirer published many early and important articles on the Missouri Mormons. Since copies of the paper are unusually rare and difficult to locate, its original articles on the Mormons are now known only from their reprints in other papers.

THE MORMONS. -- The last Springfield (Ill.) Journal announces the passage through that place of a company of Mormons, 250 or 300 strong -- composed of able bodied men, with the exception of one woman and a few children. They appeared to be generally armed. They did not state their destination, although frequent enquiries were made upon the subject. One of the leaders claimed to have performed more miracles than are mentioned in the Old and New Testament.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Independence, (Mo.) June 17th, 1834    

Messrs. Kelley & Davis: Having understood that you have received intelligence of the sinking of the ferry boat at Everett's ferry, on the Missouri, last evening, together with a statement of the sufferings of those who happened to be on board, we, a part of those who escaped, have thought proper, for the correct information of yourselves and others, to give a statement of the facts as they actually occurred.

Eight of the citizens of this county, a majority of whom was a part of the committee that waited on the Mormons, in your town, on yesterday, embarked on board of the boat at about nine o'clock, it being perfectly clear, and the moon shining as bright as we ever saw it. Upon our embarking, the boat appeared to be in as good order as we ever saw it -- the false floor was tight and good. After our having left the shore some two hundred yards, in an instant, as it were, the boat was filled with water. We are confident the boat struck nothing. Our impressions at the time were, and still are, that something had been done to the boat to sink her, as it was known that the committee from this county would cross at that point last night. The names of the persons lost are -- James Campbell, William Everett, David Linch, Jefferson Cary, and a Mr. Bradbury -- the two last were the ferrymen.

Those escaping -- Smallwood Noland, Richard Fristoe, Smallwood V. Noland, Samuel C. Owens, Thomas Harrington, and a Mr. Frost -- the last being the third ferryman. Those who escaped, we assure you, suffered much.

Respectfully, your obedient servants,

    Samuel C. Owens,
    S. V. Nolland,
    Thomas Harrington.
Note 1: The transcribed text of this June 18th Enquirer article comes from its reprint in the Daily National Intelligencer of July 9, 1834. The Enquirer's articles on the Mormons in its issue of June 25th were substantially reprinted in the Columbia Missouri Intelligencer of June 28th, updated by additional reprints from the July 2 Enquirer in the Intelligencer'sissue of July 12th.

Note 2: Two very interesting letters from the scene of the "Mormon difficulties" were published in the Kentucky Maysville Eagle in early July and reprinted in the July 23, 1834 issue of the Daily National Intelligencer. The contents of these letters well supplement the Enquirer's reporting from Liberty. The Maysville Eagle articles were quoted by several Eastern papers, including a mid July issue of the Baltimore American, reprinted in the July 30, 1834 issue of the New York Livingston Register.

THE  MORMONS.

The situation of affairs with the Mormons appears to be getting into a worse state than ever. The large & well armed body of that sect, from Ohio, heretofore mentioned, crossed the Mississippi in Pike county, Mo. a few days since, and we presume are now in Jackson county. It also appears, by the annexed article from the Liberty, (Mo.) Enquirer, that the Mormons who had taken refuge in Clay county, have been arming themselves preparatory to joining their brethren from Ohio. A negociation is likewise slated to be in progress for the purchase, by the people of Jackson, of the lands belonging to the Mormons, and for indemnifying them for the injuries heretofore sustained.

The people of Jackson county will now, in all probability, reap the bitter fruits of their lawless acts. The courts of justice in that county being virtually shut against the Mormons, the course now taken by them is perhaps, the only one by which they can hope to obtain redress.

The Governor has proceeded to Jackson county.

                              From the Salt River (Mo.) Journal.

MORMONS. -- A party of the Mormonites, consisting of between two and three hundred men, crossed the Mississippi river, at the town of Louisiana, in this county, during last week, on their way to Jackson county, in this state. The party had with them, between twenty and thirty wagons, no other property, and were entirely disencumbered of their children and females. It was composed chiefly of young and middle aged men, who had the general appearance of possessing considerable personal strength and activity. They were, with few exceptions, well provided with fire arms and accoutrements of war.

We learn from a gentleman who conversed with some of them, that they designed taking possession of the lands belonging to their brethren, in Jackson county, and that they intended resisting any attempts that the citizens might make to expel them from their homes. They avowed their intention of acting entirely upon the defensive; but expressed a firm resolution of claiming the right of their society at all hazzards and of resolutely defending the Holy Land. They were generally from the state of Ohio.

We regard the Mormons as a set of deluded and deceived fanatics, yet they have their rights and privileges, and whilst they exercise these, we can not desire to see them disturbed; on the contrary, we wish them success in resisting every lawless innovation of their rights.

In their case we believe the arm of the law is neutralized and their only hopes of protection, will be in their ability to resist brute force. The only cause of regret is that the citizens of Jackson, have so far forgotten the principles of the duty they owe to the government and themselves, as to have brought about such a state of things. It is doubtful whether in this contest they have the sympathies or even the respect of a large portion of the state.


                              From the Liberty (Mo.) Enquirer.

For the last six or eight weeks, the Mormons have been actively engaged in making preparations to return to Jackson county, 'the land of promise,' by providing themselves with implements of war, such as guns, pistols, swords, &c. &c. They expect a re-inforcement from the State of Ohio, and we are informed that small parties are arriving almost every day. So soon as they all arrive, they intend to call upon the Governor to reinstate them upon their lands in Jackson, and then, if molested, they are determined to protect themselves, sword in hand. We are told they will be able to muster 700 strong.

A gentleman from Jackson informs us that the citizens of that county are no less engaged in making preparation for their reception. On Monday last they held a meeting, for the purpose of electing officers, and Samuel C. Owens, a gentleman known to many citizens of the state, was unanimously elected commander-in-chief of all their forces. Our informant states that they have received a letter from the Governor, advising them to effect a compromise, if possible by purchasing the land of the Mormons, and paying them for injuries which they have sustained. For this purpose ten persons were appointed, invested with full power to settle the whole matter, and will meet the Mormons in this place, on Monday next, for that purpose. Should the Mormons refuse to accede to an honorable and fair adjustment of these difficulties, the Governor will not restore any to that county, but such as hold lands. The following gentlemen compose the above named Committee: Thomas Stayton, sen., Samuel Erwin, Smallwood V. Noland, Smallwood Noland, Robert Rickman, James Campbell, Richard Fristoe, Thomas Jeffries, and John Davis.

We have our fears as to the final issue of this matter, but hope for the best.


Note: For a more complete reprint of the Liberty Enquirer article, see the July 11, 1834 issue of the Painesville Telegraph.

THE  MORMONS.

Considerable interest appears to be excited in regard to the anticipated hostilities between the citizens of Jackson county and the Mormons. By the latest accounts, it does not appear that the Mormons had made any direct movement towards the recovery of their lands and possessions, though they were in readiness to do so. Below will be found the latest news from the belligerents. It is much to be feared, from the disposition manifested by each party, that the next intelligence may be of a very unpleasant character. The meeting held at Liberty, for the purpose of endeavoring to effect a compromise, has proved unsuccessful -- and the committee from Jackson County, on their return, while crossing the Missouri, had several of their number drowned, by the sinking of the boat which the survivors (in their account of the accident, which will be found below) insinuate was the work of the Mormons.

---

                        From the Liberty (Mo.) Enquirer.

THE  MORMONS.

On Monday last, a committee on the part of the citizens of Jackson county, and one in behalf of the Mormon people, met in this place, to take into consideration the subject of compromising the difficulties which occurred in Jackson county last fall. At the suggestion of the Hon. Judge Ryland, the parties met at the court house, and were addressed by him in an impressive and forcible manner, relative to the importance and urgent necessity of bringing their difficulties to an honorable adjustment. He portrayed to them, in lively colors, the destructive and inevitable consequences which would result from an onstinate refusal to bring this disagreeable and truly deplorable state of things to an amicable end. He informed the commitees of the respective parties, that it was not his province as a high judicial officer, to dictate to them the terms upon which they should settle this subject; nevertheless, as a man who felt deeply interested for his country and its laws, and the happiness and well being of his fellow men, he advised them to ponder well what they were about to do; and after enjoining upon them the necessity of regarding the laws of the land, -- he addressed the Mormons, warning them against the danger of suffering themselves to be led by pretenders to the high preogatives of the Prophets of God, to certain destruction. With all the candor of a man who felt the importance of the crisis, he informed them of the real state of feeling that now pervades the greater part of the upper country he supposed that the Mormons might cross the river and defeat the citizens of Jackson in battle -- that it would only be the means of involving them in greater difficulties -- that hundreds would rush from the adjoining counties to revenge the blood of their neighbors, and that they must be expelled in turn -- that the arm of the civil law could do nothing amid the din of arms and the rage of war -- and he hoped they would reflect seriously, before our rich soil should be deluged with the blood of our countrymen.

A meeting was then organized by the citizens of Clay county, for the purpose of appointing a committee to act as mediators, and lend every possible aid to effect a compromise, but without effecting any thing, the people became so much excited, that it was thought most prudent to adjourn.

We are truly sorry to see such a state of things, yet it is a lamentable fact that this matter is about to involve the whole upper country in civil war and bloodshed. We can not (if a compromise is not agreed to before Saturday next) tell how long it will be before we shall have the painful task of recording the awful realities of an extermination war. The crisis has arrived, and it behooves every well-wisher of his country to act with prudence and self possession, and to use every exertion to allay the impending storm.

That our readers may know the result of the above committee, as well as the nature of the propositions made by the citizens of Jackson county, we give the whole of their proceedings in to-day's paper.

We have very little idea that the Mormons will accede to the propositions made by the citizens. We are told that such a hope is hardly entertained by any of the Jackson committee, and we have no doubt but the citizens of Jackson are determined to dispute every inch of ground. The chairman of the committee declared in the court house, in the presence of five or eight hundred persons, appealing to high heaven for the truth of his assertion, that they would dispute every inch of ground, burn every blade of grass, and suffer their bones to bleach on their hills, rather than the Mormons should return to Jackson county.

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PROPOSITIONS  OF  THE  PEOPLE
  OF  JACKSON  TO  THE  MORMONS.

The undersigned Committee, being fully authorized by the people of Jackson County hereby propose, to the Mormons, that they will buy all the land the Mormons own in the county of Jackson, as they existed before the first disturbances between the people of Jackson and the Mormons, and for such as they have made since. They further propose that the valuation of said land and improvements shall be accomplished by three disinterested arbitrators to be chosen and agreed upon by bothparties. They further propose, that should the parties disagree in the choice of arbitrators, then . . . . is to choose them. They further propose, that twelve of the Mormons shall be permitted to go along with the arbitrators to show them their land and improvements while valuing the same, and such other of the Mormons as the arbitrators shall wish to do so to give them information; and the people of Jackson hereby guarantee their entire safety while doing do. They further propose, that when the arbitrators report the value of the land and improvements, as aforesaid, and the people of Jackson will pay the valuation, with one hundred per cent added thereon to the Mormons, within thirty days thereafter. They further propose, that the Mormons are not to make any effort, ever after, to settle either collectively or individually, within the limits of Jackson county. The Mormons are to enter into bond to insure the conveyance of their land in Jackson county, according to the above terms, when the payment shall be made; and the committee will enter into a like bond, with such security as may be deemed sufficient, for the payment of the money according to the above proposition. While the arbitrators are investigating and deciding upon the matters referred to them, the Mormons are not to attempt to enter into Jackson county, or to settle there, except such as are by these propositions permitted to go there. -- They further propose that the people of Jackson will sell their lands, and improvements on public lands, in Jackson county, to Mormons -- the valuation to be obtained in the same manner -- the same per cent in addition to be paid -- and the time the money is to be paid is the same, as above set forth in our propositions to buy -- the Mormons to give good [security] for the payment of the money, and this delegation will give security that the land will be conveyed to the Mormons. They further propose, that all parties are to remain as they are till the payment is made, at which time the people of Jackson will give possession.

SAMUEL C. OWENS,
JOHN DAVIS,
THOMAS JEFFREYS,
RICHARD FRISTOE,
SMALLWOOD NOLAND,
THOMAS HAYTON, sen.,
ROBERT RICKMAN,
JAMES CAMPBELL,
ABRAHAM M'CLELLAN,
S. V. NOLAND.

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ANSWER.

GENTLEMEN: Your proposition for an adjustment of the difficulties between the citizens of Jackson county and the Mormons, is before us; and as explained to you in the court house this day, we are not authorized to say to you that our brethren will submit to your proposals; but we agree to spread general notice, and call a meeting of our people in all, the present week, and lay before you an answer as soon as Saturday or Monday next. We can say for ourselves; and in behalf of our brethren, that peace is what we desire, and what we are disposed to cultivate with all men; and to effect peace, we feel disposed to use all our influence, as far as would be required at our hands, as free born citizens of these United States -- and as fears have been expressed that we designed to commence hostilities against the inhabitants of Jackson county, that we will not and neither have designed, as a people, to commence hostilities against the aforesaid citizens of Jackson county, or any other people.

Our answer shall be handed to Judge Turnham, the chairman of the meeting, even earlier than the time before stated, if possible.

WM. E. M'LELIN,
JOHN CARRILL,
W. W. PHELPS,
A. S. GILBERT,
ISAAC MORLEY. N. B. As we are informed that a large number of our people are on their way, removing into Jackson county, we agree to use our influence immediately to prevent the said company from entering Jackson county, until you shall receive an answer to the propositions [aforementioned].

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DISTRESSING.

                                                INDEPENDENCE, Mo., June 17.

Messrs. Kelly and Davis.

GENTLEMEN: Having understood that you have received intelligence of the sinking of the Ferry Boat at Everett's Ferry, on the Missouri, on last evening, together with a statement of the sufferings of those who escaped, have thought proper, for the correct information of yourselves and others, to give a statement of the facts as they actually occurred.

Eight of the citizens of this county, a majority of whom was a part of the committee that waited on the Mormons in your town, on yesterday, embarked on board of the boat at about nine o'clock, it being perfectly clear, and the moon shining as bright as we ever saw it, upon our embarking, the boat appeared to be in as good order as we ever saw it -- the false floor was tight and good. After our having left the shore some two hundred yards, in an instant, as it were, the boat was filled with water. We are confident that the boat struck nothing. Our impressions at that time were, and still are, that something had been done to the boat to sink her, as it was known that the committee from this county would cross at that point on last night.

The names of the persons lost are, -- James Campbell, Wm. Everett, David Linch, Jefferson Cary, and a Mr. Bradbury -- the two last were the ferrymen.

Those escaping -- Smallwood Noland, Richard Fristoe, Smallwood V. Noland, Samuel C. Owens, Thomas Harrington, and a Mr. Frost -- the last being the third ferryman. Those who escaped, we assure you suffered much.

Respectfully, Your obedient servants.
SAMUEL C. OWENS,
S. V. NOLAND
THOMAS HARRINGTON. N. B. Mr. Bradbury, who was drowned, inquired before he went into the boat, if S. C. Owens and others of the committee from Jackson were among those who intended to cross. When the boat was sinking; said Bradbury called on the passengers in the boat for his ferriage fees, and received them from several of them. Said B. had the sole care of the ferry.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

We have but little information, in addition to that published in our last, respecting the difficulties between the Mormons and the people of Jackson. A letter from Independence, dated the 27th ult. says -- "The Mormons have backed out from the expected fight, but yet say this is "Zion," and that it may not be established for one hundred years to come and think they could not be hired to come to this county."

The following private letter from GOVERNOR DUNKLIN to Col. Thornton, (which we find in the last Missouri Enquirer.) will no doubt be interesting to our readers:

Copy of a letter from DANIEL DUNKLIN,
Governor of the State of Missouri, to
Col. J. Thornton, dated

                                                      CITY OF JEFFERSON, June 6.

DEAR SIR: -- I was pleased at the receipt of your letter, concurred in by Messrs. Rees, Atchinson and Doniphan, on the subject of the Mormon difficulties. I should be gratified indeed if the parties could compromise upon the terms you suggest, or, indeed, upon any other terms satisfactory to themselves. But I should travel out of the line of strict duty, as chief executive officer of the government, were I to take upon myself the task of effecting a compromise between the parties. Had I not supposed it possible, yes, probable, that I should, as executive of the state, have to act, I should, before now, have interfered individually in the way you suggest, or in some other way, in order if possible to effect a compromise. Uncommitted, as I am to either party, I shall feel no embarrassment in doing my duty; though it may be done with the most extreme regret. My duty in the relation which I now stand to the parties, is plain and straight forward. By an official interposition I might embarrass my course, and urge a measure for the purpose of effecting a compromise, and [if] it should fail, and in the end, should I feel it my duty to ACT contrary to the ADVICE I had given, it might be said, that I either advised wrong, or that I was partial to one side or the other, in giving advice that I would not, as an officer. follow. A more clear and indisputable right does not exist, than that of the Mormon people, who were expelled from their homes in Jackson county, to return and live on their lands; and if they cannot be persuaded, as a matter of POLICY, to give up that right, or to qualify it, my course, as the chief executive officer of the state, is a plain one. -- The constitution of the United States declares, "That the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states." Then we cannot interdict any people, who have a political franchise in the United States, from immigrating to this state, nor from choosing what part of the state they will settle in, provided they do not trespass on the property of others. Our state constitution declares that the people's "right to bear arms, in defence of themselves, and of the state, cannot be questioned." Then it is their constitutional right to arm themselves. Indeed, our militia law makes it the duty of every man, not exempted by law, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to arm himself with a musket, rifle, or some firelock, with a certain quantity of ammunition, &c. And again, our constitution says, "that all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences." I am fully persuaded that the eccentricity of the religious opinions and practices of the Mormons, is at the bottom of the outrages committed against them.

They have the right constitutionally guaranteed to them, and it is indefeasible, to Living God, and to call their habitation Zion, the Holy Land, or even Heaven itself. Indeed, there is nothing so absurd or ridiculous, that they have not a right to adopt as their religion, so that in its exercise they do not interfere with the rights of others.

It is not long since an impostor assumed the character of Jesus Christ, and attempted to minister as such; but I never heard of any combination to deprive him of his rights.

I consider it the duty of every good citizen of Jackson and the adjoining counties to exert himself to effect a compromise of these difficulties; and were I assured that I would not have to act in my official capacity in the affair, I would visit the parties in person and exert myself to the utmost to settle it. My first advice would be to the Mormons, to sell out their lands in Jackson county, and to settle somewhere else, where they could live in peace, if they could get a fair price for them, and reasonable damages for injuries received. If this failed, I would try the citizens and advise them to meet and rescind their illegal resolves of last summer, and agree to conform to the laws in every particular, in respect to the Mormons. If both these failed, I would then advise the plan you have suggested, for each party to take separate territory, and confine their members within their respective limits, with the exception of the public right of egress and regress upon the highway. If all these failed, then the simple question of legal right would have to settle it. It is this last that I am afraid I shall have to conform my action to in the end, and hence the necessity of keeping myself in the best situation to do my duty impartially.

Rumor says that both parties are preparing themselves with cannon. That would be illegal: it is not necessary to self-defense, as guaranteed by the constitution, and as there are no artillery companies organized in this state, nor field pieces provided by the public; any preparation of that kind will be considered as without right, and, in the present state of things, would be understood to be with criminal intent. I am told that the people of Jackson county expect assistance from the adjoining counties, to oppose the Mormons in taking or keeping possession of their lands. -- I should regret it extremely if any should be so imprudent as to do so; it would give a different aspect to the affair.

The citizens of Jackson county have a right to arm themselves and parade for military duty in their own county independent of the commander-in-chief; but if citizens march there in arms from other counties, without order from the commander-in-chief, or some one authorized by him, it would produce a very different state of things. Indeed, the Mormons have no right to march to Jackson county in arms, unless by order or permission of the commander-in-chief. -- Men must not "levy war" in taking possession of their rights, any more than others should in opposing them in taking possession.

As you have manifested a deep interest in a peaceable compromise of this important affair, I presume you will not be unwilling to be placed in a situation in which perhaps, you can be more serviceable to these parties. I have therefore taken the liberty of appointing you an aid to the commander-in-chief, and I hope it will be agreeable to you to accept. In this situation you can give your propositions all the influence they would have were they to emanate from the executive, without committing yourself or the commander-in-chief, in the event of failure.

I should be glad if you, or some of the other gentlemen who joined you in your communication, would keep a close correspondence with these parties, and by each mail write to me.

The character of the state has been injured in consequence of this unfortunate affair; and I sincerely hope it may not be disgraced by it in the end.

With high respect, your ob't servant,
                                            DANIEL DUNKLIN.


Note 1: Although Governor Dunklin attempted to defuse the situation in western Missouri, arising from the arrival of Joseph Smith's "Zion's Camp" expeditionary force, it was the evident resolve and preparations for resistance among the western citizens themselves that dissuaded the Mormons from re-occupying Jackson county as a de facto theocratical realm. Neither Dunklin nor other state officials viewing the situation there from a distance could well comprehend the insistence of Smith and his followers, that God had already promised Jackson county to them. Smith's failure to establish his followers in and around Independence naturally called into question the power and validity of his "prophecies" naming that place as the Saints' "city of refuge" in the terrible, pre-millennial conflagration he was then still predicting. As things eventually turned out, the Mormons were persuaded to temporarily relocate their "gathering" miles away, at Far West, in the soon to be created county of Caldwell. Their removal there only postponed the inevitable hostilities between the theocracy and the citizens, however.

Note 2: Elder A. S. Gilbert's June 26, 1834 letter to Gov. Dunklin was later reprinted in the Times and Seasons of Feb. 1, 1846. Gilbert, along with Elders Phelps and Corrill, informed the Governor, "we think it wisdom to defer petitioning for a guard, while there exists a hope of a compromise" (with the citizens of Jackson county). No compromise was effected and no State guard was forthcoming to assist the Mormon returnees. Another letter from the Mormon leadership to Dunklin was penned by Elder W. W. Phelps, from Liberty, on Aug. 1, 1834. In that message Phelps shows a considerable degree of LDS resignation to their hopeless situation with the Jackson county defenders, when he says: "We had calculated to have returned to our own lands and property, in Jackson County in season to harvest our many wheat fields there, but the rage and strength of the mob... have caused a different idea... our people resolved to cease from the idea for a while, of returning to their land and possessions."

From the Liberty (Mo.) Enquirer.                        

THE  MORMONS.

Being a citizen of Clay county, and knowing that there is considerable excitement amongst the people thereof; and also knowing that different reports are arriving almost hourly; and being requested by the Hon. J. F. Ryland, to meet the Mormons under arms, and obtain from the leaders thereof the correctness of the various reports in circulation -- the true intent and meaning of their present movements, and their views generally regarding the difficulties existing between them and the citizens of Jackson county -- I did, in company with the other gentlemen, call upon the said leaders of the Mormons, at their camp, in Clay county; and now give to the people of Clay county their written statement, containing the substance of what passed between us.

CORNELIUS GILLIAM.      

__________

PROPOSITIONS OF THE MORMONS.

Being called upon by the above named gentlemen, at our camp, in Clay county, to ascertain from the leaders of our men, our intentions, views, and designs, in approaching this county in the manner that we have; we therefore, the more cheerfully comply with their request, because we are called upon by gentlemen of good feelings, and who are disposed for peace and an amicable adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people of Jackson county. The reports of our intentions are various, and have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of almost every man. For instance, one report is, that we intend to demolish the printing office in Liberty; another report is, that we intend crossing the Missouri River on Saturday next, and falling upon women and children and slaying them; another is, that our men were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from manufacturing establishments in the East that had closed business; also, that we carried a flag, bearing Peace on one side and war or blood, on the other; and various others too numerous to mention. All of which, a plain declaration of our intentions, from under our own hands, will show are not correct. In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostilities against any man or body of men. It is not our intention to injure any man's person or property, except in defending ourselves. Our flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen, who will be able to describe it. Our men were not taken from any manufacturing establishment. It is our intention to go back upon our lands in Jackson, by order of the Executive of the State, if possible. We have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self-defence, as it is well known to almost every man of the State that we have every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defence, considering the abuse we have suffered in Jackson county. We are anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us, upon honorable and constitutional principles. We are willing for twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by each party, and these men shall say what the possessions of those men are worth who cannot live with us in the county; and they shall have their money in one year; and none of the Mormons shall enter that county to reside until the money is paid. The damages that we have sustained in consequence of being driven away, shall also be left to the above twelve men. Or they may all live in the county, if they choose, and we will never molest them if they will let us alone and permit us to enjoy our rights. We want to live in peace with all men, and equal rights is all we ask. We wish to become permanent citizens of this State, and wish to bear our proportion in support of the Government, and to be protected by its laws. If the above proposals are complied with, we are willing to give security on our part; and we shall want the same of the people of Jackson county for the performance of this agreement. We do not wish to settle down in a body, except where we can purchase the lands with money; for to take possession by conquest or the shedding of blood, is entirely foreign to our feelings. The shedding of blood we shall not be guilty of, until all just and honorable means among men prove insufficient to restore peace. -- Attest:

Joseph Smith, ir. F. G. Williams, Lyman Wight, Roger Orton, Orson Hyde, John S. Carter.

John Lincoln, C. R. Morehead, John Scorce, James H. Long, James Collins.

Clay county, June 21, 1834.

---

              LIBERTY, July 2, 1834.

CHOLERA.

This desolating disease has at length made its appearance in the vicinity of this town. There remains now no doubt of its existence. We are informed by medical gentlemen of this place, that it exists to an alarming degree among the recent Mormon emigration to the upper country, and already has spread its ravages among their resident brethren of this county. It has been, we are informed, but three or four days, since it first broke out among them; and in that short time, so fatal has it generally proved, that out of eighteen cases, thirteen have resulted in death; of most of the surviving five, but little hope is entertained. We have not heard of any cases in this county, except among the Mormons.


Note 1: Although cholera periodically afflicted the settlers is western Missouri, there exist no reports of its having flared up there during 1834, until the arrival of Joseph Smith's "Zion's Camp" soldiers, drawn from Ohio, Michigan, etc. It appears likely that the Mormons contracted this disease while passing through Indiana or Illinois, and that they spread it into Missouri with them upon their arrival there. For a report regarding the unsanitary and disease-inviting practices of Smith's followers during the last days of their march into Missouri, see Chap. XIV of Eber D. Howe's 1834 book, Mormonism Unvailed.

Note 2: An update on the report from Liberty, published in a St. Louis paper on July 15th, provides this additional information on cholera in western Missouri: "The pestilence has appeared at Rushville, Pekin and Dillon's settlement near Pekin. At Rushville, previous to the 8th inst, the following persons had died -- William McCreery, (State Senator) C. V. Putman, Ruel Redfield and child, Mrs. Wethers, James Hagerty, Hugh McCreery, sen., and his wife, Robert Gay, and two children, named Smith. At Pekin, there had been nine deaths, up to last Wednesday. At Dillon's settlement, eight cases and four deaths -- Thomas Dillon, P. M., and his wife and niece, and Mr. Hymer." A July 17th report in the Fayette Monitor adds this information: "In Clay county the Mormon people have suffered severely from Cholera, 23 of their number having died -- those who have escaped have fled in every direction. [A. S.] Gilbert, who is second in command, and said to be the most intelligent man among them is dead; and Jo Smith, the Prophet, has passed Chariton on his return to Ohio. Two citizens of Clay county have also perished, and although the Liberty paper, in print, denies the existence of Cholera, yet there words are written upon the margin of the one last received: 'Cholera plenty here.'"

THE  MORMONS.

The excitement which existed in this country about the time the Mormons from Ohio arrived, has entirely subsided. Manu of them have returned to the east, and the rest are scattered about throughout the country, and are actively engaged in assisting the citizens in saving their crops of wheat, &c. We rather think that the WAR is over! -- Liberty Enquirer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

General Joe Smith, the Mormon Chief, with his followers, have returned to their old headquarters, Geauga county, Ohio. After having dragged his men 800 miles, he now declares, it is said, the only reason of his marching his army to Missouri, was for the purpose of carrying supplies and money to his brethren in that state.


Notes: (forthcoming)

[ARTICLE  ON  CLAY  COUNTY]

... Clay has rich and fertile soil, productive of almost every vegetable congenial with the health, or pleasing to the palate, abounding with good springs, salubrious climate, a first rate home market, inhabitants from Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia; most neighborhoods have good schools. Clay ranks among the first counties in the state for wealth, intelligence, population. Right now Liberty has 500 inhabitants, 9 dry goods stores, several groceries, 1 tanyard, a cotton crading and spinning factory, mechanic shops of almost every description and in its vicinity, 1 stream grist and saw mill, and about three miles from the Missouri River, we are one of the finest tracts of country upon the earth....


Note: The above description might have almost just as well been applied to the adjacent county of Ray, at the end of 1834. By 1836, the Mormon refugees from Jackson county had outgrown their welcome in both Clay and Ray. The northern portion of Ray was partitioned into Caldwell and Daviess that year, with Caldwell set aside as a sort of LDS reservation. The new county lacked the timber, fast flowing streams and access to the Missouri River enjoyed by Clay and the newly reduced Ray. Despite their explicit and implicit agreement to confine their "gathering" to Caldwell, it was only natural that the fast-growing Mormon colony soon expanded into exploiting the natural resources of the adjoining counties.

THE  MORMONS -- Again.

We received, by the last Eastern mail, several copies of a publication, entitled "AN APPEAL," issued from the Mormon press at Kirtland, Ohio, (the present head-quarters of that sect) signed by W. W. Phelps, D. Whitmer, John Whitmer, E. Partridge, J. Corrill, Isaac Morley, P. P. Pratt, L. Wight, R. Knight, T. B. Marsh, S. Carter, Calvin Beebee. The object of this 'appeal' is to enlist the sympathies of the public in their behalf. -- As we have nothing of much importance this week, we give the following extract from the "Appeal," which is merely a small portion of it:

"WHEREAS the church of Christ, recently styled the church of the Latter Day Saints, contumelously called Mormons, or Mormonites," has suffered many privations, afflictions, persecutions and losses on account of the religious belief and faith of its members, which belief and faith are founded in the revealed word of God, as recorded in the holy bible, or the book of Mormon -- the revelations and commandments of our Saviour, Jesus Christ; and whereas the said church, by revelation, commenced removing to the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, where lands were purchased [of] the Government, and where it was calculated to purchase of those who were unwilling to reside with the church as a society, all lands that could be bought, for the purpose of building up a holy city unto God, a New Jerusalem, a place which we were desirous to call Zion, as we believe, a place of refuge from the scourges and plagues, which are so often mentioned in the bible, by the prophets and apostles, that should be poured out upon the earth in the last days; and whereas the inhabitants of Jackson county, Missouri, have leagued and combined against the said church, and have driven the saints from their lands, and took their arms from them, and burned down many of their houses, without any provocation; and whereas we have petitioned the Governor of this State, and the President of the United States, for redress of wrongs, (the law being put to defiance in Jackson county,) and legallypossessed of our lands; and property; and whereas, the said inhabitants of Jackson county, have not only bound themselves to keep us out of that county, but have even armed themselves, "cap a pic," and even with cannon, for war; and whereas our people, residing in the Upper Missouri, have recently armed themselves for military duty and self defence, seeing their arms taken from them by the inhabitants of Jackson county, were purposely kept from them; and whereas a number of the members of the church in the east, have emigrated to this region of country to settle and join their brethren, with arms to answer the military law; which has created some excitement among the inhabitants of the upper counties of this State: whereupon, to show that our object was only the peaceable possession of our rights and property, and to purchase more land in the regions round about, we met a committee from Jackson county for a compromise; and our emigrating brethren met some gentlemen from Clay and other counties to satisfy them that their motives were good, and their object peace, which they did; and whereas the propositions of the Jackson committee could not be accepted on our part, because they proposed to "buy or sell," and to sell our land would amount to a denial of our faith, as that land is the place where the Zion of God shall stand, according to our faith and belief in the revelations of God, and upon which Israel shall be gathered according to the prophets: -- and secondly the propositions were unfair, notwithstanding they offered double price fior our lands, in thirty days, or sell theirs at the same rate, for this plain reason, that the whole large county of Jackson would be as thirty to one, or nearly so, in comparison with the matter in question, and, in supposition, for one thousand dollars, two thousand dollars to our people, was asking for three hundred thousand dollars, the exorbitant sum of six hundred thousand dollars, taking the land rich and poor, in 30 days! with reproachable, vicious, un-American, and unconstitutional proviso, that the committee, on our part, should bind themselves, "that no Mormon should ever settle in Jackson county;" and whereas our committee proposed to the said Jackson committee, (if they would not grant us our rights otherwise) that our people would buy the land of those that were unwilling to live among our people, in that county, and pay them in one year, they allowing the amount of damage we have sustained, in the loss of a printing office, apparatus and book work, houses, property, &c. to come out of the purchase money, but no answer returned; and whereas, to show our honest intentions, and awaken the sympathy of the friends of virtue, humanity and equal rights, it becomes our duty to lay our case before the world, to be weighed in the balances of public opinion:

Now, Therefore, as citizens of the United States, and leading elders in the church of the Latter Day Saints residing in the state of Missouri, in behalf of the church, we, the undersigned, do make this solemn APPEAL to the people and constituted authorities of this nation, and to the ends of the earth, FOR PEACE: that we may have the privilege of enjoying our religious rights and immunities and worship God according to the dictates of our own consciences, as guaranteed to every citizen by the constitutions of the National and State governments. That, although the laws have been broken, and are defied in Jackson county, [we] may be enabled to regain and enjoy our rights and property, agreeable to law in this boasted land of liberty.

Since the disgraceful combination of the inhabitants of Jackson county, has set the law at defiance, and put all hopes of criminal prosecution, against them, in that vicinage, beyond the reach of Judge and Jury, and left us but a distant expectation of civil remuneration, for the great amount of damage we have sustained, necessity compels us to complain to the world. And if our case and calamity are not sufficient to excite the commiseration of the humane, and open the hearts of the generous, and fire the spirits of the patriotic, then has sympathy lost herself in the wilderness, and justice fled from power; then has the dignity of the ermine shrunk at the gigantic front of a mob, and the sacred mantle of freedom been caught up to heaven where the weary are at rest, and the wicked cannot come.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(Governor Dunklin's Message)

... In July 1833, a large portion of the citizens of Jackson county organized themselves and entered into resolutions to expel from that county a religious sect called Mormons, who had become obnoxious to them. In November following they effected their object, not however without the loss of several lives. In the judicial inquiry into these outrages, the civil authorities who had cognizance of them deemed it proper to have a military guard for the purpose of giving protection during the progress of the trials. This was ordered, and the Attorney General was requested to give his attention during the investigation, both of which were performed, but all to no purpose. As yet none have been punished for these outrages, and it is believed that under our present laws conviction for any violence committed upon a Mormon cannot be had in Jackson County. These unfortunate people are now forbidden to take possession of their homes; and the principal part of them, I am informed, are at this time living in an adjoining county, in a great measure, upon the charity of its citizens. It is for you to determine what amendments the laws may require so as to guard against such acts of violence for the future. ...


Note: A full copy of Governor Dunklin's Nov. 18, 1834 "Message to the Missouri Legislature" has yet to be uncovered in the files of the public press of that period. The original text can probably be found in the Archives of the State of Missouri.

Legislative Items.

Mr. Allen, the Speaker pro tempore of the House, having resigned, Mr. [James?] of Cooper, was unanimously elected.

Mr. [Robinson] proposed the petition of certain leading Elders in the church of Latter day Saints, commonly called Mormonites, asking the passage of a law to restore to the members of that church, their lands, possessions, [----- ------ ] and [------ -----] belonging to them, according to [----- ----- -----] of the land, and to [be protected] against further [------], which, together with the [accompanying] documents, was referred to the committee on the Judiciary.


Note: This newspaper clipping is too faded to provide a fully legible transcription.

ANOTHER  MORMON  INVASION.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. }    
May 3d, 1836.    }     

Mr. Editor: -- Letters from Kirtland, Ohio, have been received here by the last mail from persons of undoubted veracity, giving information that the Mormons in that place and its vicinity, to the number of 1500 or 2000, are arming and coming on to the upper Missouri. The letters state that they will not come in a body, but in small detached parties. This information is confirmed by our merchants returning, and other travelers coming from the East, who say that every boat ascending the River contains more or less of them; some 20, and one as high as 205. Those who did not show guns openly had boxes of the size usually made to contain guns. Add to this, that those who are coming, and those who are in the surrounding counties, speak uniformily of another attempt to take Zion, and no doubt can remain but that the peace of this section is again to be disturbed by a military array of ragamuffins, headed by the modern Mohamed. A meeting of the people of this county has been called, to meet on Saturday next, and energetic measures will be adopted to meet the coming storm, and a respectful but earnest request fir the co-operation of the upper counties.

At the last advices from Kirtland, all the County Offices were filled with Latter day saints, and a petition had been forwarded to the Post Master General to reform the post master there and appoint in his place the notorious Oliver Cowdery, who has given his name an infamous notoriety by bearing public and unblushing testimony to the advent of an Angel.

In the soberness and sadness of truth, where is this thing to end. Let others do as they may, the people of Jackson and their friends in the surrounding counties will be found at their post in the hour of trial; and this modern Hero of Revelation and Rags will be taught that the world is not rolling backward either in knowledge or chivalry.   H. C.


Note: The content of this article is known only from reprints, as the extant files of the Far West are not complete. Probably is was published in that paper on May 5, 1836 -- but possibly the date was May 12, 1836.

PUBLIC  MEETING.

A respectable number of our fellow citizens met, being previously notified of the same, at the court house, in the Town of Liberty, June 29th, 1836.

On motion of Doct. Woodson J. Moss, John Bird, was called to the Chair. And, On motion of Col. Wm. T. Wood, John F. Doherty, appointed Secretary:

The object of the meeting was, by request of the Chair, explained in a few appropriate remarks, by Col. Wood; when On motion of Col. Wm. T. Wood, a Committee of nine was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting:

Whereupon the following gentlemen were chosen, viz:

John Thornton, Esq. Peter Rogers, Esq. Andrew Robertson, Esq. James T. V. Thompson, Esq. Col. Wm. T. Wood, Doct. Woodson J. Moss, James M. Hughes, Esq. David R. Atchison, Esq. and A. W Doniphan, Esq. Who retired, and in a short time returned and made through their Chairman, (Col. John Thornton.) the following unanimous report, which was read:

It is apparent, to every reflecting mind, that a crisis has arrived in this county, that requires the deep, cool, dispassionate consideration, and immediate action of every lover of peace, harmony and good order. We cannot conceal from ourselves, the fact that, at this moment, the clouds of civil war are rolling up their fearful masses and hanging over our devoted county, solemn, dark and terrible. This painful state of things has been produced mainly, by the rapid and increasing emigration, of that people, commonly called Mormons, during the last few months. It is known to all, that in November, 1833, these people were expelled from their homes in Jackson county, without money, without property, without the means of subsistence for themselves, their wives and their children; and like Noah's dove without even a resting place for their feet. They came to our county, thus friendless and penniless, seeking (as they said) but a temporary asylum, from the storms of persecution by which they were then buffeted. Their destitute and miserable condition, at that inclement season of the year, excited the deep sympathies of the philanthropic and hospitable citizens of this county; and notwithstanding the thousand reports, that were borne on the wings of the wind, charging them with almost every crime known to the laws of our country: yet our feelings of kindness, and sympathy for human suffering prevailed over every obstacle, and they were received with friendship and treated with toleration, and often with marks of peculiar kindness. They always declared that they looked not upon this county as their home, but as a temporary asylum, and that whenever a respectable portion of the citizens of this county, should request it, they would promptly leave us in peace as they found us. -- That period has now arrived. Duty to ourselves, to our families, and to the best interests of our county, require at our hands, to demand the fulfilment of that pledge. They are charged by those who are opposed to them, with an unfriendly determination to violate that pledge. Their rapid emigration, their large purchases and offers to purchase lands, the remarks of the ignorant and imprudent portion of them, that this country is destined by heaven to be theirs, are received and looked upon, by a large portion of this community, as strong & convincing proofs that they intend to make this county their permanent home, that centre and general rendezvous of their people. -- These are some of the reasons, why these people have become objects of the deepest hatred and detestation to many of our citizens.

They are Eastern men, whose manners, habits, customs and even dialect, are essentially different from our own; they are non-slave holders, and opposed to slavery; which, in this peculiar period, when abolition has reared its deformed and haggard visage in our land, is well calculated to excite deep and abiding prejudices in any community, where slavery is tolerated and practiced. In addition to all this, they are charged, as they have heretofore been, with keeping up a constant communication with the Indian tribes on our frontier, with declaring, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a part of God's chosen people, and are destined, by heaven, to inherit this land, in common with themselves.

We do not vouch for the correctness of these statements; but whether they are true or false, their effect has been the same in exciting our community. In times of greater tranquility, such ridiculous remarks might well be regarded as the offspring of phrenzied fanaticism. But at this time our defenceless situation on the frontier, the bloody disasters of our fellow citizens in Florida and other parts of the south, all tend to make a portion of our citizens regard such sentiments with horror, if not alarm. -- These and many other causes, have combined to raise a prejudice against them; and a feeling of hostility, that the first spark may, and we deeply fear, will ignite into all the horrors and desolations of a civil war: the worst evil that can befall any country. We, therefore, feel it our duty to come forward, as mediators, and use every means in our power, to prevent the occurrence of so great an evil. As the most efficient means to arrest the evil, we urge on the Mormons, to use every means, to put an immediate stop to the emigration of their people, to this county. We earnestly urge them to seek some other abiding place, where the manners, the habits and customs of the people will be more consonant with their own. For this purpose we would advise them to explore the territory of Wisconsin. This country is peculiarly suited to their condition & their wants. It is almost entirely unsettled; they can there procure large bodies of land together, where there are no settlements, and none to interfere with them. It is a territory in which slavery is prohibited, and it is settled entirely with emigrants from the North and East. The religious tenets of this people are so different from the present churches of the age, that they always have and always will, excite deep prejudices against them, in any populous country where they may locate. We therefore, in a spirit of frank and friendly kindness, do advise them to seek a home where they may obtain large and separate bodies of land, and have a community of their own. We further say to them, if they regard their own safety and welfare -- if they regard the welfare of their families, their wives and children, they will ponder with deep and solemn reflection on this friendly admonition. If they have one spark of gratitude, they will not willingly plunge a people into civil war, who held out to them the friendly hand of assistance in that hour of dark distress, when there was few to say, God save them. We can only say to them that if they still persist in the blind course, they have heretofore followed, in flooding the county with their people, that we fear and firmly believe that an immediate civil war is the inevitable consequence. --

We know that there is not one among us, who thirsts for the blood of that people. We do not contend that we have the least right, under the constitution and laws of the country, to expel them by force. But we would indeed be blind, if we did not foresee that the first blow, that is struck at this moment of deep excitement, must and will speedily involve every individual in a war, bearing ruin, woe, and desolation in its course. It matters but little how, where, or by whom the war may begin, when the work of destruction commences, we must all be borne onward by the storm, or crushed beneath its fury. In a civil war when our homes is the theatre, on which it is fought, there can be no neutrals; let our opinions be what they may, we must fight in self-defence. We want nothing, we ask nothing, we would have nothing from this people. We only ask them, for their own safety, and for ours, to take the least of the two evils. Most of them are destitute of land, have but little property, are late emigrants to this country, without relations, friends, or endearing ties, to bind them to this land at the risk of such imminent peril to them and to us. We request them to leave us, when their crops are gathered, their business settled, and they have made every suitable preparation to remove. Those who have 40 acres of land, we are willing, shall remain until they can dispose of it without loss if it should require years. But we urge, most strongly urge, that emigration cease, and cease immediately, as nothing else can or will allay for a moment, the deep excitement that is now unhappily agitating this community. If the Mormons will comply with these friendly requisitions, we will use every exertion, among our own citizens, to arrest this evil before it is forever too late; but if they are disregarded, we can promise neither them or ourselves, a long continuation of the blessings of peace and harmony.

1st. Therefore, be it resolved by this meeting, that they view, with feelings of the deepest regret, the present unhappy situation of our country.

2nd. That it is the fixed and settled conviction of this meeting, that unless the people commonly called Mormons, will agree to stop immediately the emigration of their people to this county, and take measures to remove themselves from it, a civil war is inevitable.

3d. That a committee of ten be appointed, to make known to the leaders of that people, the views of this meeting, and to urge upon them the propriety of acceding to these propositions.

4th. That said committee consist of Andrew Robertson, Michael Arthur, Littleberry Sublet, John Baxter, Jas. M. Hughes, W. J. Moss, John Bird, Peter Rogers, W. T. Wood and J. T. V. Thompson, who shall meet on tomorrow at the house of Mr. Cowen and confer with the Mormons and report to this meeting as soon thereafter as convenient, the reply of the Mormons to these requisitions.

5th. That if the Mormons agree to these propositions we will use every means in our power to allay the excitement among our own citizens and to get them to await the result of these things.

6th. That it is the opinion of this meeting that the recent emigrants among the Mormons should take measures to leave this county immediately as they have no crops on hand and nothing to lose by continuing their journey to some more friendly land.

On motion of Col. Wm. T. Wood, the Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Be it resolved that this meeting adjourn until Saturday next.
                               John Bird, Chair.
    John F. Doherty, Sec.


Note 1: This article is mentioned in the Aug. 18th issue of The Far West, as being the report of a public meeting, called on July 29, 1836 to expel the Mormons from Clay county. The original of this report has not yet been located for transcription -- the above text is from a reprint in the Aug. 1836 issue of the LDS Messenger and Advocate. That same Mormon paper published a reply, penned by Elders Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, jr., Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery and F. G. Williams, dated: "Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, July 25, 1836." Whether or not The Far West printed any of the LDS response is unknown.

Note 2: The June 5, 1881 and Sept. 20, 1897 issue of the Kansas City Journal printed articles in which some of the events recorded in this number of The Far West were summarized or quoted. The first piece was reprinted in the July 1, 1881 issue of the Saints' Herald. The writer of the second piece remarks: "There is an account of a public meeting, held to warn the Mormons that if the do not leave Clay county, 'civil war is inevitable.' Among the reasons given are the following: 'They are Eastern men, whose manners, habits, customs and even dialect are essentially different from our own...'"

          Kirtland, O. July 5th, 1836.

SIR:

Presuming any information relative to the Mormons is in some degree interesting to you I take the liberty to say to you a few words respecting them. I do this at this time, in consequence of having seen within a few days, several Missouri newspapers sent here by the Mormons of your county giving accounts of proceedings had in your part of the country to protect yourselves from the incursions of these savages. In this Township we are completely over run with them, I might say cursed with them for no greater curse could befall any people than to have these fiends in human shape settle among them. In this Township they have less than 2,000 acres of land and yet the control all the elections. They have been trying for the last six months to get the Post Office, but have not as yet succeeded, their conduct becomes more overbearing in proportion as they obtain power, they openly avow that they are at some time to have possession of the wealth of the world which they are to obtain by conquest, and such is the spirit of this delusion that a great part of their numbers are expecting at no distant day immense wealth which they expect to acquire by their exertions in the slaughter of those who do not belong to their number. You will easily perceive that with these feelings and views they can be nothing less than a scourage to this place. This idea of conquering the world is the main spring by which they enlist their followers. -- Their Prophet Jo Smith was yesterday bound over to take his trial for an assault on a respectable citizen. It is now expected that we shall be obliged to arm in defence of our rights and liberities and in defence of our lives. Immense swarms of them are passing through here, and have been for several months on their way to Missouri, they are mostly from the New England States, Upper & Lower Canada. Their general character may be summed up in these words, the indolent, the vicious, and the unprincipled. Great numbers have gone and will go in the course of the summer from this part of the country, being those that have sojourned here for a year or two past, so that the character of your state, must in a few years suffer by this transfer of the worst part of the population of the East to the West, for I candidly believe that the inmates of the Ohio Penitentiary are respectable as a body compared with them. Their plan of operations with regard to your country is different now from what it was two years ago, then they went with arms in their hands, now they go apparently peaceable, their object as I learn from them is to settle in any part of the State, most convenient, but as contiguous to Jackson county as circumstances will permit, they are to avoid giving any suspicion of the course they intend to persue, by adopting this policy they expect in a few years to fill up the counties on the North side of the River, so as to control the elections, and they expect to be able to raise a force sufficient to conquer Jackson county, & redeem "Zion." What may be the feeling of the people in the counties adjoining yours I know not, but one thing is certain, if they suffer them to settle among them and treat them with kindness, they will certainly suffer for it sooner or later.

I understand a letter was read at the "Mormon" meeting last Sunday by the prophet Jo, which was written by some person in this town giving notice to the people of Jackson of the movements of the Mormons here, which letter, or copy was forwarded to this place by one Marsh a Mormon preacher in Missouri with the information that it was written by the Post Master of this place, Mr. Hanson. The prophet after reading the letter proclaimed that Mr. Hanson was accursed that God would curse him, that God should curse him and that he the prophet curst him, and that all the people should say amen, which was immediately responded by his whole congregation of deluded beings. I note this that you may see what Mormonism is in this place, and to shew the propriety of withholding names to any communications from this place respecting them, for although their curses are of no consequences, yet it might not be altogether convenient to have one's houses or barns burnt by them.
                            Yours truly,
                                          O. P. Q.

If yourself or any respectable person in your vicinity should wish a correspondence with this place you can direct a letter to Willoughby, Cayahoga county to O. P. Q. which will be promptly answered and a responsible name given. Such is the atrocious conduct of the Mormons here that public sentiment appears to be taking the proper direction, and I do believe that you could rid your state of them if you could enlighten the People as it respects their character and design. [Suffered] to settle in the upper Mo; you will soon find them a formidable power at the Polls as their votes will all be given the the direction of one man so that there will be no division among them, and they will be sure to use all the power they can get, and get all the Power they can.

      Post Master, Independence Mo.

==> Editors throughout the state will please notice the above letter.


Note 1: This newspaper, edited by Peter H. Burnett, issued its initial prospectus in mid March, 1836. The Far Westwas reportedly printed on the same printing press that the Mormons had originally set up in Independence, in 1832, which in 1834 passed into the hands of the Enquirer. Extant copies of the Liberty Enquirer, the Liberty Western Star, and of the Liberty Far West are very rare: substantial files of these 1830s West Missouri papers apparently no longer exist.

Note 2: The correspondent "OPQ" was reportedly Mr. Hosmer Graham, a resident of northern Ohio, during the 1830s.

From the DuBuque Visitor.

THE  MORMONS -- UNPARALLELED  IMPUDENCE.

Our readers have all no doubt, heard much of a singular sect which sprung up some five or six years since, in the western part of New York and eastern part of Ohio, called Mormons; and of their difficulties with the people of Missouri. It will be recollected, that the citizens of Jackson county, in that state, about a year since, drove them destitute and homeless from their section, for alleged crimes and irregularities. In this situation, the citizens of Clay county gave them temporary shelter, of which the tribe took advantage, and endeavored to make permanent residences among their protectors. -- But the people of Clay are getting tired of their company, and are casting about for ways and means to get rid of them. The "Far West' newspaper, (printed at Liberty in that county,) of the 30th ult. contains the proceedings of a meeting, held in that place on the day previous, for the purpose of inducing the Mormons to remove quietly and thus avert the horrors of a civil war; which they say must inevitably be the consequence of their longer stay. So much for the Mormons -- now for the impudence.

The people who composed the meeting, not content with attending to their own business, and providing for the riddance of their own county, have the audacity to advise the wandering fanatics to seek a home in Wisconsin. After many other complaints against the Mormons, the people of Clay charge them with "keeping up a constant communication with the Indian tribes on their frontier," calculated to induce a savage war, and then advise them to explore Wisconsin for a home? We cry you mercy, gentlemen. What with your runaways and those you manumit on account of infirmity we expect to be abundantly pestered with your negroes. Do not we pray you, make our territory the general receptacle of all your nuisances. Or if, as you would make appear, you are only actuated by a desire for the population of our territory by "a people whose habits, manners, and customs, are consonant to our own," (thank you for the compliment, gentlemen,) we beg you not to take any further trouble on our behalf. Our country is populating very rapidly without the aid of your kind attention, and at any rate, we stand in no particular need of a class of people to rouse the Indians of our frontier to another war.

And gentlemen Mormons, we pray you to be assured, that your "promised land" is not in Wisconsin; and although we are in tolerably northern latitude, we very much fear, should you follow the advice of your friends in Clay, you might find the climate too hot for you.


Notes: (forthcoming)

PUBLIC  MEETING.

At a meeting of the citizens of Ray county Missouri, in the court house atr Richmond on Saturday the 23 July 1836, James Holeman, was called to the chair and Amos Rees, appointed Secretary, when the meeting being organized, the Chair in a few very appropriate remarks explained the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of taking into consideration the Mormon relations with the citizens of Ray county, and to have an expression of the sense and feeling of the people relative to the emigrating Mormons and their location and settlement in Ray county. He denied all intention or inclination to go to violence unless in the last extremity, on the part of the originators of the meeting, but to meet the event of crowds of Mormons and vagabonds settling here and filling up the county, which he deprecated.

Mr. C. R. Morehead also addressed the meeting to the same effect.

After which a communication was handed to the secretary from the committee appointed on the part of the citizens of Clay county to confer with the Mormons &c. and a motion of Thomas C. Burch, Esq. was read by the Secretary, the contenrs of which were that the Mormons had in conjunction with a delegation from the citizens of Clay county gone in search of a location for their people and had fixed on the county North of Ray county from the waters of Shoal creek North to the boundary line of the state, and that the persons who resided in that district of country had no objection to their settlement among them and requesting that the citizens of Ray would throw no obstacle in the way of their settlement there.

John Carroll who was there on the part of the Mormons was then called on by several of the citizens to explain to the people the object and intention of the Mormons in making that location, which he did, and briefly mentioned it to be for the purpose of procuring a resting place from persecution and to procure a home, and that they had no intention of breaking, but of supporting the laws, and pledged himself that they would do so and requested that there might be an expression of the popular mind on the subject of their location there as early as possible.

Whereupon Wiley C. Williams, Esq. moved that a vote be taken now, that the people of Ray county have no objection to the Mormons settling any where out of the limits of Ray county if the people among whom they settle do not object either there or elsewhere. And after a few remarks by several gentlemen in favour of and in opposition to it. It was decided unanimously that there was no objection on the part of the citizens of Ray, so far as they were concerned, to the settlement of the Mormons anywhere out of the limits of Ray county either at that point or any other -- if the people among whom they settle did not object.

On motion of Charles R. Morehead, Esq. it was resolved that this meeting adjourn until Wednesday the 3rd day of August, and that a committee of nine be appointed to draft a preamble and resolutions, and report the same to the next meeting and that the chair proceed to name the committee.

Whereupon the chair named the following [gentlemen to the committee], to wit: Charles R. Morehead, Joseph D. Ewing, Orval H. Scarcy, Jacob Gudgel, Wiley C. Williams, Thomas C. Burch, David Thompson and Thomas Allen, Esq.

The meeting then adjourned until Wednesday the 3rd day of August next.



        WEDNESDAY, 3 August 1836.

The meeting met pursuant to adjournment.

Whereupon the committee by their chairman Charles C. Morehead Esq. reported the following preamble and resolutions, to wit.

The committee appointed on the part of a meeting of the citizens of Ray county assembled in Richmond on the 23d day of July 1836, to confer with the Mormons relative to a proposition made to said meeting on the part of the Mormons to emigrate to a certain territory North of Ray county proper on the waters of Shoal Creek and Grand River, and for other purposes, report that they met a committee of two on the part of the Mormons and received from them a written statement or report which is herewith exhibited, your committee are informed by the report of the committee on the part of the Mormons that, "In consequence of the excitement and feelings of the people of Clay county to that effect, the Mormons have come to the conclusion, and it is now their intention to settle in the Territory North of Ray county and that they desire the consent of the people of Ray so to do; that in the event of their petitioning for a county on Shoal Creek, (which they will do as soon as practicable) they are willing that the settlement on Crooked River, say six or eight miles north of the Ray line shall be attached to Ray county, if they desire it, and that they will abstain from making any settlement in the above stated territory of Crooked river until the matter is decided."

Your committee concur in the opinion of the Mormons and of the people of Clay that the excitement of feeling in Ray is such that the Mormons cannot reasonably be expected to remain among us in peace. Your committee have reasons to believe that a very large majority of their fellow citizens living north of this county, proper, are decidedly opposed to the settlement of the Mormons in the country designated by the Clay county committee, and under these considerations they cannot concur with the committee of Clay county in advising the Mormons to remove to that territory.

Therefore Resolved,

1. That we the citizens of Ray county being its first settlers, and having incurred great expense, and endured much labour and toil in acquiring and opening farms do protest against the settlement amongst us of a community whose residence in our midst we believe will retard the propriety of the county, check future emigration of any other class except the Mormons and disturb the peace of our community.

2. Resolved, That we view with regret and concern the rapid emigration of the Mormons amongst us, and that we will rest satisfied with nothing short of the removal of this people out of the county as soon as practicable.

3. Resolved, That such of the Mormons as own land in this county be permitted to remain a reasonable time to sell their possessions without sacrifice. -- That those of them who have growing crops be permitted to remain until they can gather and dispose of them &c. and that the emigration of their people immediately cease.

4. Resolved, That it is expected of those Mormons who have lately emigrated to this country and have nothing to detain them here, that they will leave the county immediately.

5. Resolved, That a committee of three in each township in Ray county be appointed by this meeting to be called a committee of vigilance, whose duty it shall be to notice whether the foregoing resolutions be carried into effect, and if any three of the committee concur in believing it necessary, to call a meeting of the citizens of the county for further consideration of the matter agitated by this meeting and that they inform the Mormons of the proceedings of this meeting.

6. Resolved, That the emigrating Mormons cannot, must not, nor shall not settle in Ray county, "peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must."

7. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the President, and countersigned by the Secretary and published in the Far West.

Which preamble and resolutions were adopted almost unanimously -- there being but five dissenting votes, in a crowded house.

The following gentlemen were then appointed the committee of vigilance under the 5th resolution, to wit:

For Richmond Township: Thomas Allen, Wiley C. Williams, & Orval H. Searcy.

Crooked River: Joseph Ewing, Samuel Snowden, and Anthoney McCustian.

Fishing River: W. R. Blythe, Thos. Hamilton, & John Dosier.

Marian Township: James McCustain, John Timmerman and Goodwin Creason.

Shoal Creek: John Keeny, Wallis McAfee, & Francis McGuire.

Grand River: Robert P. Peniston, Thomas Edwards and William Bowman.

The business of the meeting being done, it was, on motion adjourned without [delay].
                        JAMES HOLMAN,
                                  Chairman.
AMOS REES,
          Secretary.


Notes: (forthcoming)