Mr. Shirley,

The name of Jacob Cochran has doubtless been heard by many of your readers. This man has for about two years past infested the County of York, particularly the towns of Saco, Buxton, Hollis, and Kennebunk. He came making great pretensions to religion, in the guise of a Freewill-Baptist, but has proved a common destroyer to every Society that gave him countenance. With a few wretches like himself he succeeded in making a considerable party, and the most horrid enormities have been practiced among them. He was at length seized and brought to trial before our Supreme Court held at York last week. Fiver seval indictments were found against him by the Grand Jury, all for Adultery, and crimes of a similar nature. He was first tried for Lascivious behaviour, connected with supposed adultery, & though the specifictions were substantiated to the satisfaction of the Court, and to the most of those who heard the trial, yet the Jury after sitting all night could not agree. -- One man of them, being, as is supposed, a Disciple of Cochran's dissented. He was then tried on a secind indictment for adultery. The evidence was full against him, and though denied on oath by the members of his Society, yet almost every person was satisfied. And though Cochran was ably defended by Messrs. Holmes & Wallingford, yet in about one hour the Jury found him guilty. But now comes the winding up of the drama. -- Cochran's bondsmen though holden in the Bonds of 1800 Dols. reposed such confidence in him and were so certain of his acquital, that they had never delivered him up to the Court; and after the case was given to the Jury, he absconded, and has not yet been found. Consequently his sentence was not pronounced. It would probably have been three years inprisonment at hard labour in the State Prison. These facts are stated that the public may have correct information respecting this infamous creature. On some accounts it would be desirable that the minutes of the trial should be published, but it is hoped at least that Printers of Newspapers will state these facts that none in the community may be imposed on again by this fell destroyer.

             Yours, &c.              A. B.

Wells, May 24, 1819

N. B. Cochran is a man under forty years of age, perhaps not more than thirty five, is of a common size, well built, has a light complexion, and rather sandy hair. He dresses decently in dark clothes, and can put on somewhat the manners of a gentleman. This description is given that he may the more easily be known.

---

(We have seen a pamphlet, published by a Baptist minister of regular standing in New Gloucester, giving an account of Cochran and his deluded followers. -- It appears that under the guise of religion they have committed the most indecent and abominable acts of adultery, in every possible shape human depravity could devise. One of their leading tenets was to dissolve the ties of matrimony as suited their convenience -- and a promiscuous sexual intercourse was tolerated, by each male being allowed to take seven wives! It seems Cochran, the High Priest of iniquity, had had nearly half his female followers for wives in the course of his ministration, which has been two years standing. Where has been the vigilance of the civil authority, all this time?)


Note 1: The above text was taken from a reprint in the Newburyport, MA Herald of June 4, 1819. See the Georgetown National Messenger of Oct. 27, 1819 for an account of Cochran's detection, in the company with one of his leading adherents -- a certain Mr. Hill -- and his subsequent apprehension. The Mr. Hill there spoken of was probably a member of the Samuel Hill family of Hollis, Maine. See excerpts and paraphrases from the Oct. 1832 missionary journal entries of Elders Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith, who visited with Mr. Hill and other "Cochranites" during their Mormon mission in that region.

Note 2: Gideon T. Ridlon, in his 1895 book, Saco Valley Settlements, writes: "The Newburyport Herald (May or June, 1819) says: "We have seen a pamphlet, published by a Baptist minister of regular standing in New Gloucester [Maine], giving an account of Cochrane and his deluded followers..." The pamphlet thus described was Ephraim Stinchfield's Cochranism Delineated published at Boston in May by Hews & Goss. A correspondent of the Columbian Centinel responded to the pamphlet in that paper's issue of June 12th: "While I regreat the folly and depravity of human nature, which is therein displayed, I think this little performance calculated to do much good, as it shows to what horrid and destructive lengths people are in danger of being carried, when they renounce reason and common sense, in matters of religion. I hope it will have an extensive circulation in this quarter, and serve as a momento to those who are continually denouncing rational Christianity." -- see also: Joyce Butler's "Cochranism Delineated: A Twentieth-Century Study," in Charles E. Clark, et al., Maine in the Early Republic...(Hanover, NH: 1988).

From the Hallowell Gazette.
______

MONEY  DIGGERS.

In Pittston, about nine miles below Hallowell, on the eastern bank of the Kennebec river, a party of about fourteen men are now engaged in digging for money. This extraordinary enterprize was commenced in 1817, and continued without much interruption for nearly a year, during which time a vast excavation was made 75 feet deep. The enchanted treasure, however, we understand, completely eluded the search. It was afterwards, partially abandoned; but in October last was recommenced with unabated vigor. The leader of the visionary gang is a substantial farmer, an inhabitant of a town not more than twelve miles distant from Hallowell, whose sons hold a reputable rank in society. The old man & his associates maintain an obstinate and mysterious silence upon the subject. As the scene of their labor is a resort for all the mischievous wags in the neighborhood, and of others who come to wonder at the infatuated perseverence of the money diggers, their taciturnity may partly be attributed to the unceasing ridicule which their visitants raise at their expense. It is, however, principally owing to the potent charm which secures this subterranean treasure from those who incautiously divulage the secrets of this mysterious enterprise. It is to be feared that the babling indiscretion of some of the members of this money digging fraternity has already led them a wild goose chase, since if the treasure were even laid open to day light, and the eager expectant had his hand already upon the rusty iron pot which holds the shining metal, and interjection of wonder -- an exclamation of triumph or delight, would sink it again fathoms underground.


Note: According to some other reprints of the Hallowell Gazette article, the original text continues on thusly: "[This substantial farmer] dreamed for three successive nights that much treasure was deposited there by the bucanners who visited the coast in its early settlement. Many of the original partners in the concern are said to have sold out at an advance -- but the few whose faith is yet strong preserve a profound silence, expecting momentarily to seize the treasure, their last shilling being nearly expended. Quere, Did Michael Martin disclose the secret to his Executor, who made his will, so that the treasure buried in Ireland can be discovered. If so, Mississipi, or South Sea Stock never sold better than this would, if exposed in shares, in this enlightened age and country. -- There is almost enough rusting, according to his own account, to fit out Capt. Symmes on his expedition to the interior world."

From the Alfred Star.      

The Court of Common Pleas closed its session in this town on Tuesday evening last. Sixteen verdicts were taken on on the civil list...

... Samuel Junkins was convicted of disturbing a religious society assembled for public worship, and sentenced to pay fine of $20 and costs.

Olive Junkins was convicted of a similar offence, and fined $5 and to pay costs...


Note 1: The 1938 book, The Junkins Family..., explains the above 1824 York Co., Maine court decision thusly: [Samuel] Junkins who became a follower of this sect [the Cochranites] and one of the shining lights, attempted to establish a new organization under his control about 1823 but did not meet with great encouragement. The following notice was posted on the Baptist church: NOTICE -- At a Baptist Meeting House, York, on the Lord's Day next the House will be free for the Sons and Daughters of Zion to wait on the Lord and honor him that hath made them free, also, the Family of Egypt may have another opportunity to come up to Jerusalem to keep the feast in Tabernacles or, if they refuse they must not expect to have any rain of the Spirit on them. Hypocrites, Mongrels and Lepers are desired to withdraw. -- Samuel Junkins, Servant of the Church of Christ in York August 1, 1823."

Note 2: Whether Samuel and Olive Junkins' crime was their Aug. 1, 1823 notice posting, or where they were involved in some more serious offence, the genealogist does not say. At any rate, it appears as though the Junkins couple were then attempting to strengthen and reorganize Jacob Cochran's congregation in York, Maine. Cochran himself was at that time languishing in prison and would have been unable to direct the Junkins' efforts personally. He had served his four year sentence and was no doubt a free man, by the time the Junkins couple were thus fined for operating in his behalf.

DIVINING  ROD.

It would be incredible had not our own observation, (as well as the testimony of others,) proved it, that there can be a single person in this well educated community, who believes in the arrant nonsense, and the impudent jugglery of the Divining Rod. Really, it is enough to make one angry, to be obliged to reason about it. A writer in the "Journal of Science and the Arts," has condescended to use argument, which we republish, not however, without lamenting the necessity of so doing; and hoping that the advancement of rational religion and good learning, may disperse this and other mists, which still envelope the minds of men.   Mass. Jour.

The "Divining Rod" is a forked twig about two feet long of the willow or hazle. The latter is generally preferred. It is used to discover precious stones in the earth, or springs of water. In some of the western states and territories it has acquired the greatest credit, and been most been most extensively used, because in some parts of those region springs are very scarce. The art of divining is there practised by numbers of persons, who often demand a high price for their services, and live by imposing upon the credulity of their neighbors. To use the divining rod, the hands are spread, with the palms upward the thumbs pointing out, when the ends of the forks are grasped by closing the fingers, and the rod is carried along perpendicularly over the ground to be explored. The practitioners pretend that on arriving over water, or a mass of precious ore, the top of the rod will bend over and point at it; and sometimes the incredulous spectator is made to observe that the bark is twisted by the subterraneous attraction, which is represented as too powerful to be resisted by the firmest grasp.

The writer in the Journal of Science mentions an experiment made with a boy, who was supposed to be gifted by nature for a diviner, (for the doctrine is that the necessary qualifications are confined to a few.) Taking his rod, and following the course of a spring near a well, as indicated by an older practitioner, he showed several places where water might be found. The spots were marked by breaking up the turf, and were in a line. The writer then blindfolded the boy, and made him traverse his former path; but the rod was quite insensible as he passed it, and afterwards pointed so irregularly, that as turf was broken at every spot indicated, the field soon presented a singular appearance, which quite discredited the pretended art.

The deception with the divining rod appears to be produced by slight motions of the hands, which it is difficult for a bystander to perceive, and which nothing will teach the person who uses it. The position of the hands is so awkward, that a novice may impose up on himself, as the muscles will often produce the opposite effect in directing the rod from that he would expect. It is well that such cheats should be exposed, and that the impostors who practise them should be detected in their tricks.


Note: See the Sandusky Clarion of Dec. 2, 1826 for a similar reprint from the 1820 vol. of the Journal of Science and the Arts.

The 19th of Feb. [1830] we left Batavia and proceded to Ogden. Eld. Hinckley has had the care of the church in this place. About half the members are of the sentiment of the Free-Will Baptists and wish to join them, while the other half believe with the Christians, and would choose to join that society. Thus they have stood for some years. It was a low time with them, but with the exception of the difference before mentioned, they were in good union. The 20th, we returned to Penfield and Perinton.... The next morning [after the Sabbath] we left Penfield, and tarried in Victor with a Free-Will Baptist, the only one of the order in that town. I left an appointment for the evening of the 24th. On the morning of the 23d, we left for Lyons... The 24th we returned to the appointment in Victor, where we met a small assembly, & enjoyed the presence of the Lord. The next day we arrived at Canandaigua... my home... We tarried through the Sabbath [Feb. 28th]... In the evening I preached in the Poor Asylum, and enjoyed good liberty. The next morning we visited the numerous apartments... The same day [Mar. 1st] we proceeded to Victor... The next day we arrived at Penfield.... The 5th of March, with much regret, we were obliged to leave the place... I preached at Victor... We proceeded to Canandaigua, held a meeting in the evening, and the next day [Mar. 6th] met in the monthly meeting. While some appeared faithful, our souls were pained to see that some of our dear brethren who formerly rejoiced and praised God with us, had nearly given up the discharge of their duty. The next day we assembled for the worship of God, and attended to communion and washing feet... Monday [Mar. 8th] we proceeded to Lyons, Tuesday to an appointment in Galen. The Galen church was in great and afflictive trials, The next evening we arrived at Scriba, where we tarried four days and held six meetings... March 15th we left Scriba for Canandaigua. The 21st, being the Sabbath, I again addressed my brethren... March 22d [Monday] we went to Geneva... Sunday, April [sic - typo error] 28, we tarried in this place and enjoyed two good meetings. After this, we went to Fayette & held one meeting; then went to Lyons, and on Tuesday, the 31st, preached at the Presbyterian meeting house. Here the state of religion was rather low. Wed. I attended a meeting of business. Thurs. [Apr. 2nd] went to and preached in Galen. Friday, [Apr. 3rd] was present at the opening of the Ontario Q. M. in Conquest.... Returning to Canandaigua, I held meetings in Galen and Phelps.

D. MARKS, jr.              

Canandaigua, April 8, 1830.

Note 1: The above clipping furnished courtesy of H. Michael Marquardt. The timeline covered in the 12th installment of Elder Marks' "Journal," corresponds to the narrative found on pages 340-342 of the writer's 1831 Life of David Marks. See the Morning Star of March 7, 1833 for another mention of Marks' March 29, 1830 meeting held at Fayette, in Seneca County. Evidently Marks arrived at the Peter Whitmer, Sr. farm in the evening, on March 28th, and left for nearby Lyons on the afternoon of the 29th (where he spent the last two days of March). On April 2nd he was in Galen and on April 3rd he arrived in Conquest, Cayuga County, in order to attend the Quarterly Meeting of the Ontario area Free-Will Baptists. Such conferences typically terminated after a Sabbath preaching service, so it is likely that Marks spent Sunday, April 4th in Cayuga County, before moving on to Galen on the 5th and to Phelps on the 6th. Assuming Marks spent part of Tuesday, April 6th on the road to Canandaigua, that day's journey would have placed him approximately half-way between Fayette and Manchester (in or near Orleans) on the day the Mormon Church was formally organized. Unfortunately the Free-Will Baptist elder appears to have been unaware of that event -- or, at least he made no mention of where the Mormons' organizational meeting took place.

Note 2: The following numbers on the map below correspond to places visited by Elder Marks in February, March and April of 1830: (1) Ogden, (2) Penfield, (3) Perrinton, (4) Victor, (5) Canandaigua -- his "home base," (6) Lyons, (7) Galen, (8) Scriba -- off the map, north of Conquest, (9) Geneva, (10) Fayette, (11) Conquest, (12) Phelps, (13) Batavia -- off the map, west of Victor.

(view larger version of this map)

(From the Wayne County Republican.)

NEW BIBLE. -- A fellow by the name of Joseph Smith, who resides in the upper part of Susquehanna county, has been, for the last two years we are told, employed in dictating, as he says, by inspiration, a new Bible. He pretended that he had been entrusted by God with a golden bible which had been always hidden from the world. Smith would put his face into a hat in which he had a white stone, and pretend to read from it, while his coadjutor transcribed. The book purports to give an account of the "ten tribes," and strange as it may seem, there are some who have full faith in his divine commission. -- The book, it seems is now published.


Note: The above report was taken from the Bethany, Pennsylvania Wayne County Inquirer (not "Republican") of early May, 1830. The identity of the reporter's informant is not given, but he may have been Martin Harris. The same report was reprinted in Ohio newspapers and may have circulated among some of the future converts to Mormonism, then living in the Kirtland region -- See the Cincinnati Advertiser of June 2, 1830.

THE PROGRESS OF MORMONISM.   The Painesville Ohio Gazette records another case of faithful infatuation, which has occurred among the Mormonites located in that vicinity. It will be remembered says, the newspaper, that when these deluded creatures first made their appearance here they declared themselves immortal. Death, however has paid them no respect other than by frequent visits. In defiance of repeated instances of mortality, they still profess the power of healing, refuse to call medical assistants...

Latest reports are that a few days ago, the wife of a Mr. Murdock, and daughter of Judge Clapp of Mentor, and a believer in Mormonism, died among them in childbirth, for want of professional assistance. The wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith hardly escaped the same fate. She was in labor three days during which time they tried their spells in vain, at last they called in a midwife, and she was delivered of the dead bodies of two fine boys, the mother barely survived.

The same paper says that within the past week. There had arrived at Painesville from the state of New York, some by the lake and others by land, at least 200 Mormonites, they brought with them their household furniture, entire, bag and baggage, roots and herbs, and plants ready for the soil. They passed on to the holy land and are scattered about in the several common stock families, we are told that the wife of Prophet Harris, refuse to be a Mormon, and he has left her among the Gentiles, it was she who purloined several pages of the first revelations, and which, by the direction of the angel, have never been supplied...


Note: Partial text -- the full contents will be posted here after transcribing.

MORMONISM.  It is certainly strange; yet nevertheless true, that this infatuated people, if we may place confidence in the reports of the newspapers, are becoming more numerous, and assuming a more formidable appearance. We had hoped, that in this state the believers in the Book of Mormon would have been entirely extinct, and that no individual, however credulous, could be found so blind to reason and common judgment, as to permit himself to be carried away by the absurdities of the Mormon doctrine. The frailties incident to human nature have in all ages invariably shown themselves, either in remarkable lethergy, or an enthusiastic excitement, unsanctioned by reason or common sense. But the followers of the book of Mormon, if the accounts received be not inconceivably exaggerated, are amongst the most blind and deluded people we have upon record. They believe that their leader is the real Jesus Christ; and that both he and his disciples have infinite powers to work miracles, raise the dead, cleanse lepers -- and they testify that he has cast out many devils -- that the Millennium is nigh, and that Philadelphia is the place where Jesus Christ will meet his disciples and followers. They are now removing to the promised land -- some indefinite spot on the Mississippi -- some have gone and others are disposing of their property, often at an immense pecuniary sacrifice, that they may join their companions gone before. To such an enthusiastic pitch have they raised their imaginations, that the entreaties and persuasive arguments of friends have no weight whatever. Their religious ceremonies and observances are forms of obsceneness and blasphemy, and are conducted in a manner shocking to the sense of rational creatures. In their excesses, unrestrained by the presence of the opposite sex, and in one assembly -- they roll naked on the floor, and exhibit a variety of grotesque and unseemly forms, which humanity would blush to name, It is truly lamentable that such a state of things exists -- yet nevertheless these fanatics are daily receiving new accessions from New-York, Indiana, &c. -- Buck's Co. (Pa.) Int.


Note: The above article confusingly conflates reports regarding the Mormons with another, non-Mormon sect of the times.

MORMONITES.   The Hampshire Gazette says -- A lady from Ohio informs us that many of the Mormonites in Geauga county have started for the promised land in Missouri; some of them passed through the town in which she resides; their language was -- 'We have left Babylon, and are going to Mount Zion.' Among those who have embraced the doctrines of these fanatics are two merchants, and some respectable farmers. One man joined them whose property was estimated at 7,000 dollars. The lady to whom we have alluded found in the Lake steam boat a Mormonite woman on her return to Boston. She said she had made a journey all the way from Boston to Ohio, to investigate the subject of Mormonism, and had satisfied herself that the Mormon bible was a revelation from God, and the leaders true prophets. She stated that others from Boston had become converts to the new system. She believed that the Mormonites could perform miracles. When asked if she had seen any miraculous operations, she replied that she had seen a person who was very sick suddenly restored to health. -- On other subjects she conversed like a sensible, pious woman. She stated that she was a Methodist when she left Boston.


Note: The "Mormonite woman" mentioned above appears to have been Vienna Jacques (1787-1884), who in the summer of 1831 traveled from Boston to Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate Mormonism and who was baptized there on July 12, 1831. In her own way, this lady was the first Mormon missionary to New England -- preparing the path for the subsequent missions of Orson Pratt, Luke E. Johnson, Samuel H. Smith and Orson Hyde. Her possible relationship to Hiram Jackaway (1815-85) of Palmyra has not yet been dertermined.

THE MORMONITES. -- One of this sect lately gave the following history of the origin of his religion: --

"A young man about 23 years of age somewhere in Ontario county, N. Y., was visited by an angel! who informed him three times in one night that by visiting a certain place in that town he would have revealed to him something of importance. The young man was disturbed, but did not obey the summons until the following day, when the angel again visited him. At the place appointed he found in the earth a box which contained a set of thin plates resembling gold, with Arabic characters inscribed on them. The plates were minutely described as being connected with rings in the shape of the letter D, which facilitated the opening and shutting of the book. The young man found in the same place two stones with which he was enabled, by placing them over his eyes and putting his head in a dark corner, to decypher the hieroglyphics on the plates! This was performed to admiration, and now, as the result, we have a book which is the Mormon Bible -- a book second to no other -- without which the holy bible, would be of little use."


Note: This report was also reprinted in the Gardiner, Maine Christian Intelligencer and Eastern Chronicle of Nov. 18th. For the original article, see the Illinois Patriot for September 16, 1831.

Ezra Booth, of Nelson, Portage county, Ohio, who was lately a zealous member of the new sect of fanatics, called Mormonites, which has lately sprung up in the West, but who has now renounced his error, is giving an account in a series of letters published in the Ohio Star, of what he heard and saw, while he remained connected with this society. We give below a part of one of his letters. It may seem strange to some that such miserable delusion can spread in any part of this country; but they who best understand the character of the population in those districts, which are only partially supplied with an educated ministry, will not be much surprised. If greator efforts are not made to diffuse learning and religion in the West, we may expect soon to see the Mormonites, or some other fanatics equally insane, counting their disciples by thousands. -- N. Y. Observer.

..."Being carried away in the spirit" and "I know it to be so by the spirit," are well known phrases, and in common use in the Mormonite church. We will first notice the gift of tongues, exercised by some when carried away in the spirit. These persons were apparently lost to all surrounding circumstances, and wrapt up in the contemplation of things, and in communicating with persons not present. They articulated sounds which but few present professed to understand; and those few, declared them to be the Indian language. A merchant, who had formerly been a member of the Methodist Society, observed, he had formerly traded with the Indians, and he knew it to be their dialect. Being myself present on some of these occasions, a person proffered his services as my interpreter, and translated these sounds, which to me were unintelligible, into the English language. One individual could read any chapter of the Old or New-Testament, in several different languages. This was known to be the case by a person who professed to understand those languages. In the midst of this delirium, they would, at times, fancy themselves addressing a congregation of their red brethren; and mounted upon a stump, or the fence, or from some elevated situation, would harangue their assembly, until they had convinced and converted them. They would then lead them into the water, and baptise them, and pronounce their sins forgiven. In this exercise, some of them actually went into the water; and in the water performed the ceremony used in baptizing. These actors assumed the visage of the savage, and so nearly imitated him, not only in language, but in gestures and actions, that it seemed as if the soul and body were completely metamorphosed into the Indian. No doubt was then entertained but that this was an extraordinary work of the Lord, designed to prepare those young men for the Indian mission; and many who are still leaders of the church, could say, "we know by the spirit that it is the work of the Lord." And now they can say, "we know by the spirit that it was it was the work of the Devil." Most of those who were the principal actors, have since apostatized, and the work is unanimously discarded by the church. The limits, which my want of time to write, as well as your want of patience to read, compel me to prescribe for myself, will allow me only to touch on some of the most prominent parts of this newly-invented, and heterogeneous system.

A new method for obtaining authority to preach the Gospel was introduced into the church. One declared he had received a commission, directly from Heaven, written upon parchment. Another, that it was written upon the palm of his hand, and upon the lid of his Bible, &c. Three witnesses, and they were formerly considered persons of veracity, testified, that they saw the parchment, or something like it, when put into the hands of the candidate. These commissions, when transcribed upon a piece of paper, were read to the church, and the persons who had received them, were ordained to the Elder's office, and sent out into the world to preach. But this also sunk into discredit, and experienced the fate of the former.

Visions, also, were in high credit, and sounded abroad as an infallible testimony in favor of Mormonism. The visionary, at times, imagined he saw the city of New-Jerusalem; unlocked its gate, and entered within the walls; passed through its various apartments, and then returned, locked the gate, and put the key into his pocket. When this tour was finished, he would entertain his admiring friends, with a detailed description of the Heavenly City.

The condition of the ten tribes of Israel since their captivity, unto the present time, has excited considerable anxiety, and given rise to much speculation among the learned. But after all the researches which have been made, the place of their residence has never been satisfactorily ascertained. But these visionaries have discovered their place of residence to be contiguous to the north pole; separated from the rest of the world by impassable mountains of ice and snow. In this sequestered residence, they enjoy the society of Elijah the Prophet, and John the Revelator, and perhaps the three immortalized Nephites. By and by, the mountains of ice and snow are to give way, and open a passage for the return of these tribes, to the land of Palestine.

About this time, the ministration of angels was supposed to be frequent in the church. The Heavenly visitants made their appearance to certain individuals: they seldom made any communication, but presented themselves as spectacles for the beholder to gaze upon, with silent admiration.

Smith is the only one at present, to my knowledge, who pretends to hold converse with the inhabitants of the celestial world. It seems from his statements, that he can have access to them, when and where he pleases. He does not pretend that he sees them with his natural, but with his spiritual eyes; and he says he can see them as well with his eyes shut, as with them open. So also in translating: the subject stands before his eyes in print, but it matters not whether his eyes are open or shut; he can see as well one way as the other.

You have probably read the testimony of the three witnesses appended to the book of Mormon. These witnesses testify, that an angel appeared to them, and presented them the golden plates, and the voice of God declared it to be a Divine Record. To this they frequently testify, in the presence of large congregations. When in Missouri, I had an opportunity to examine a commandment given to these witnesses, previous to their seeing the plates. They were informed that they should see and hear these things by faith, and then they should testify to the world, as though they had seen and heard, as I see a man, and hear his voice: but after all, it amounts simply to this; that by faith or imagination, they saw the plates and the angel, and by faith or imagination, they heard the voice of the Lord.

Smith describes an angel, as having the appearance of "a tall, slim, well-built, handsome man, with a bright pillar upon his head." The Devil once, he says, appeared to him in the same form, excepting upon his head he had a "black pillar," and by this mark, he was able to distinguish him from the former.

It passes for a current fact in the Mormonite church, that there are immense treasures in the earth, especially in those places in the State of New-York, from whence many of the Mormonites emigrated last spring: and when they become sufficiently purified, these treasures are to be poured into the lap of their church, and then, to use their own language, they are to be the richest people in the world. These treasures were discovered several years since, by means of the dark glass, the same with which Smith says he translated most of the Book of Mormon. Several of those persons, together with Smith, who were formerly unsuccessfully engaged in digging and searching for these treasures, now reside in this county, and from themselves I received this information.


Note: The Christian Mirror copied the above report from the New York Observer of November 12, 1831. See the Oct. 27, 1831 issue of L. L. Rice's Ravenna Ohio Star for the original of this particular letter by Ezra Booth.

MORMONISM.

An extract of a letter from a person converted to Mormonism, but who is said to have been formerly a respectable citizen of Boston, is published in one of the papers of that city....

(see article from Boston Courier)

Note: This article, including the Thomas B. Marsh letter from Canandaigua, was also published in the Dec. 1st (semi-weekly) issue of the Argus.

Here are Dunkards, known by wearing the beard, by trine [sic - triune?] immersion, universal salvation, and by receiving all persons of good morals, and who profess belief in Jesus Christ, and agree to obey the rules of the society. They are a harmless people, opposed to war, but in other respects submissive to government.

Here are Quakers, or Friends, distinguished by the drab-colored coat, the broad-brimmed hat, and the plain language of thee and thou, yea and nay. -- They are also noted for industry, good morals, and a refusal to bear arms, or perform military duty.

Here are Halcyons, pleading for three dispensations of religion, as represented by the 'moon,' the 'sun,' and an 'army with banners;' corresponding to the dispensations of Moses, of Jesus Christ, and the superior dispensation of revelation under them. In other respects their tenets do not differ materially from those of the sect who call themselves Christ-ians. At first kneeling down in much water, and having it poured copiously on the head of the candidate, was their mode of baptizing, -- the next was immersion, and finally they now usually dispense with water baptism altogether.

The next are Dependers, as they were formally called, afterwards Disciples, and finally by the name of the Church of Christ. They are a species of Newlights, or Christ-ians, and practice immersion on a profession of faith. In the last particular they are not very strict in examination. A declaration of the candidate that he believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and the Saviour of men, is generally deemed sufficient. Their principle preachers are by the name of Wright.

The Christ-ians, Newlights, or as some call them Schismatics, are the next in order to receive notice. They are the same heterogeneous class as in other parts, disclaiming all sects in religion, disallowing all creeds and confessions of faith, except the Bible in its own language, and yet striving to make proselytes to their opinions. -- In respect to their views of Jesus Christ, much latitude of opinion is allowed and professed, as is the case respecting other doctrines. Some deny all original sin, and maintain that it is possible for children to be so trained up as to need no repentance.

The Lutherans have two small societies, and a pastor. They adhere to the Augsburgh confession of faith, and imagine if children die unbaptized, their case is very doubtful, if even any hope may be indulged of their salvation.

The Covenanters have several societies and preachers in this State, though not in this immediate vicinity. They refuse to use the rights of sufferage, or accept of any office under the national or State governments; because the Christian religion is not recognized by the constitution. To most of them Watts' Psalms is a blasphemous book, and old Rouse's version, a paragon of piety, sound doctrine, and poetical excellence. -- There is not much warm, active piety and religious enterprise in the sect.

The Seceders, another branch of the old Scotch church, has been planted in Indiana. They are known by their demure looks, their opposition to all other sects, and their formality in worship.

The Episcopalians are not numerous, nor can we learn that they have any clergymen in this State. There have been one or two missionaries, who organized two or three congregations.

The Methodists are the most numerous sect, and probably combine as much talent in the ministry, and as much respectability as any other class. Some seccessions [have] taken place among the Reformers, but we do not learn to what extent. But compared with the Presbyterians, they are losing ground.

The Presbyterians are a pious body of people, not very numerous, yet they combine more influence than the more talented and respectable portion of the community. They take the lead in all works of benevolence, such as Bible societies, Sunday schools, the circulation of tracts, the promotion of education, &c.

The Baptists, as has been intimated, are divided into parties, and exhausting their strengths in petty intestine hostilities. These commitions will very likely result in three parties. The Campbellites, and the disciples of Daniel Parker, tho' antipodes in some points of doctrine, show a remarkable coincidence in many things. Both principles are excrescences to the Baptist system, and will slough off in due time. Of the two erroneous schemes, that of Parker is the worst, which, after leaving out his "Two Seeds," is bare faced antinominanism, and tends to subvert the whole scheme of grace. -- Pioneer.


Note: The above list of western sects, as compiled by the Rev. Dr. John M. Peck, includes the major Christian denominations of his day that had members scattered as far west as Peck's field of ministry on the banks of the Mississippi in Illinois. The Halcyons and New Lights he mentions were more typical of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, than of the far western frontier -- so perhaps Peck's definition of "the west" included all the landscape past Cincinnati, or some similar expanse of territory. He oddly neglects to include the Mormons in his list; but perhaps Peck had not been to western Missouri and so had not encountered any by the end of 1831. Within the next two years Peck could not avoid hearing about the new sect in the west, and in 1839 he informed the readers of the newspaper he then edited: "In 1833 we wrote a series of articles, which were published [in] a little tract, at our own expense, and circulated in Illinois to expose the delusions of Mormonism." Peck's "little tract" (a four-page pamphlet, which he entitled: Mormonism, One of the Delusions of Satan, Exposed, and credited to "A Friend of Truth"), must have been one of the very first anti-Mormon publications. For another reprint, see the Ohio Hudson Observer of Jan. 12, 1832

Death of a Mormon Preacher. -- Died in Pomfret, Vt. on Saturday, 7th inst. Jos. H. Bracenbury, "Mormon Preacher." He recently came to this town from Ohio, in company with one or two individuals of the same society. They preached, exhorted, and with great zeal and apparent humility, attempted to propagate their doctrines. Two or three embraced their sentiments so far as to be baptized -- one a Free Will Baptist, and the other a Presbyterian.

In confirmation of their doctrine and divine mission, they professed to have power to heal the sick & raise the dead. It is credibly reported, that they attempted twice without effect to heal Miss Nancy Johnson, made a cripple by falling from a horse. She was not healed for lack of faith; but started for Ohio with the Mormons, to obtain more. The company of Bracenbury attempted also to heal her, and since his decease, to raise him from the dead.


Note: This garbled account should be entirely ignored by the modern reader -- see the NY Wayne Sentinel of Feb. 14, 1832 and appended notes and links, for the correct version of Elder Brackenbury's death.

We understand that two Mormonite preachers have lately entered this State, and are now travelling from place to place, diligently laboring to make proselytes to their detestable and wicked system. In order to put the public on their guard against these impostors, we publish the following extract from a letter written by a gentleman in Windsor, Broome Co. N. Y. to his friend in Boston, dated Aug. 30, 1832. We copy it from the Boston Christian Herald.

It is more difficult to obtain information of this kind than one would think, other than hearsay. The fact that J. Smith, Jr., and others, dug in various places for money, is easily proved; at the great bend or near there, that there was a company digging part of two years could be easily proved; -- but that Smith said that there was money buried there by some Spaniards could not be so easily proved, though it is generally believed; and also that toward the last of the digging there, he sold out shares in the treasure to as many as he could, and when he quit digging, said that the money had sunk down to a great depth. I have seen a hole eight or ten feet deep, on the creek back of Captain Waller’s, where it was said Smith said there was treasure. On Monument Hill near to what is called "The Monument," there is a hole dug 25 or 30 feet deep, where it is said Smith said that two veins of gold crossed each other as large as a barrel. On Mr. Samuel Stowe’s flat, a hole was dug one night and filled again, and Smith was said to be one of the number. I might mention a hole on the back side of the hill over the river against where I live, and other places, if it were necessary; but I forbear.

I called on several persons to gain what information I could. The most I could get was hearsay. -- Among others, I called on Mr. William Devenport, who went out with the Mormons to Ohio -- and has since returned. He says that he bore his own expenses out, but was often importuned by their leader to put his money into the common stock, and was told, that those who did not would be struck dead the moment they arrived on the promised land -- like Ananias and Sapphira. He said that the only object of the leaders was in this, to get the money into their own hands and keep it. He mentioned a widow Peck of Bainbridge, who, he said, paid in $500 and went with them; but could not get a cent on the way to procure something for a sick child. Said that he lived between two and three miles from where they settled in Ohio, and that Smith had a new commandment every few days through the summer, a year ago, and that last summer he thought there was not a fortnight in which he did not have a new commandment. Smith pretended to go into the woods and converse with the Almighty. Mr. Devenport said he had lately received a letter from William Youman’s widow, who went out with the Mormons, and had since left them and got married, stating that a Mr. Rigdon, or a name that sounded like it, their principal preacher under Smith, said lately that the Mormon religion was not true, and in consequence had been silenced by Smith. Enclosed I send you some testimony taken on trial in Colesville. Several offered to testify to what N. Knight had said of Smith’s casting a devil out of him; some thought he had returned and would seem to allude to the unclean spirit mentioned in the Gospels."

The following is the report of the trial forwarded by the writer above, and referred to in the letter:

STATE OF NEW YORK, }   JOEL K. NOBLE,
BROOME COUNTY, ss.  }         Justice.

The people,        }
            vs.          }        Samuel Dickenson,
Joseph Smith, jr. }             Complainant.

The defendant was brought before me by virtue of a warrant on the 30th day of June, A. D. 1830, on a charge "that he, the said Joseph Smith, Jr., had been guilty of a breach of the peace, against the good people of the state of New York, by looking through a certain stone to find hid treasures, &c., within the Statute of Limitation.["]

To the charge, the defendant plead not guilty. At the instance of the people, Joseph A. S. Austin was by me duly sworn, and says "that he had been acquainted with Smith, the prisoner, for several years; that prisoner pretended to look in a certain glass, or stone, and said he could tell where stolen goods were, and could discover mines of gold and silver under ground; made some pretence at telling fortunes, but he, witness, never knew of prisoner’s finding any thing by his pretended art. Once witness asked prisoner to tell him if he, prisoner, could tell any thing by looking in said glass, and wished a candid and true answer. Prisoner told witness frankly, he could not see any thing, and in answer, prisoner likewise observed to witness, any thing you know for a living: says, two years before this present time, he saw prisoner drink a certain quantity of distilled liquor, and was drunk, as he does believe; for he could not stand up, but lay in the woods for some hours.["]

Harriss Stowel, being by me sworn, saith, "he has been acquainted with the prisoner for a number of years past; that prisoner said he could look in a certain stone or glass, and could tell where money and hid treasures were, and could tell where gold and silver mines, and salt springs were; and that Smith, the prisoner, the pretended prophet and money digger, had followed digging for money, for salt, and for gold and silver mines for a number of years; that others, by his instigation, had followed digging; that at one time, witness hid a bag of grain in his barn, told Smith he had lost a bag of grain, and wished prisoner to find it; prisoner looked in his glass in vain, for he could not find it; prisoner, after using all his art for a number of days, offered to give witness’ brother fifty cents (so his brother told witness,) to find where the grain was, and tell him, prisoner, unbeknown to witness, so that Smith, the prisoner, might have the credit of finding the grain."

Cross questions -- says, he has not known the prisoner to look in the glass within the space of two years last past.

Josiah Stowel, being by me sworn, saith, he has been acquainted with Smith, the prisoner, for quite a number of years; that he did pretend to tell, by looking in a stone, or glass, where money and goods and mines were in a manner peculiar to himself; the prisoner had followed digging for money; pretended to find mines, hid treasures, and lost goods, and frequently others would be digging with him; says that about three years since, prisoner was put under arrest by an officer at Bainbridge in Chenango county, for breaking the peace, and that he escaped from the officer and went to Palmyra; and that about two years since, witness was at Palmyra, and saw prisoner; that prisoner told witness, that the Lord had told prisoner that a golden Bible was in a certain hill; that Smith, the prisoner, went in the night, and brought the Bible, (as Smith said;) witness saw a corner of it; it resembled a stone of a greenish caste; should judge it to have been about one foot square and six inches thick; he would not let it be seen by any one; the Lord had commanded him not; it was unknown to Smith, that witness saw a corner of the Bible, so called by Smith; told the witness the leaves were of gold; there were written characters on the leaves; prisoner was commanded to translate the same by the Lord; and from the Bible got from the hill, as aforesaid, the prisoner said he translated the book of Mormon; prisoner put a certain stone into his hat, put his face into the crown, then drew the brim of the hat around his head to prevent light -- he could then see, as prisoner said, and translate the same, the Bible, got from the hill in Palmyra, at the same time under a lock and in a chest; and the prisoner, when looking for money, salt springs, hid treasures, &c., looked in the same manner; did not know that prisoner could find money lost, &c.; and that prisoner told witness after he was arrested in Bainbridge, he would not look for money, &c. any more; told witness he could see into the earth forty or fifty feet," &c.

Newel Knights, sworn, saith, "prisoner could see in a stone as stated by Stowel; that formerly he looked for money, &c., but latterly he had become holy, was a true preacher of the Gospel of Christ, possessed the power of casting out devils; he knew it to be a fact, that he, (Smith, the prisoner,) had cast a devil from him, witness, in manner following, viz. witness was in mind impressed; he and Smith did conclude and knew the devil was in witness; they joined hands, their faith became united, the devil went out of witness; witness knew it to be a fact, for he saw the devil as he departed; Smith did it by the power of God," &c.

A true copy from minutes taken by me on the trial.

JOEL K. NOBLE,  J. Peace.      

Dated, Colesville, Aug. 28, 1832.

STATE OF NEW YORK, }
Broome County,            }
Town of Colesville, ss. }

Personally came before me, Joel K. Noble, justice of the peace of said town of Colesville, Preston T. Wilkins, known by me to be the same person, and being by me duly sworn, saith, that Newel Knights did style himself a prophet of the Lord, and was ordained by Joseph Smith, Jr., the pretended author of the book of Mormon, as the said Newel told him, this deponent, and this deponent understood so by others, that the said Newel was so ordained; that the said Newel told this deponent he knew past, present and future; that in order to ascertain the prophetic ability of the said Newel, the deponent went and took from the father of said Newel, a Mormon Bible, (so called) unbeknown to any one, as this deponent believes, and buried it under his own door-step (witnesses); in the morning the book was found; this deponent went to the aforesaid Newel, told him the mystery that had happened; the said Newel and father told this deponent it did not come from this package of books; they counted them and were certain, as they said; the aforesaid Newel told this deponent that God told him, the said Newel, that he had sent his angel to put the book on the door-step, to convince him, this deponent, of the truth of the Mormon book, as also to warn him to flee from the impending wrath.

PRESTON T. WILKINS.       

Subscribed and sworn before me, this 28th day of August, 1832.
                                           JOEL K. NOBLE, J. P.

A true copy from the original affidavit on file in my office.
                                           JOEL K. NOBLE, J. P.
Colesville, Aug. 28, 1832.

Joseph Smith, jr., was discharged; he had not looked in the glass for two years to find money; &c., -- hence it was outlawed.

Note 1: The original article, as published in the Boston New England Christian Herald of Nov. 7th, included the following introduction: "Our readers are probably acquainted with the origin of this sect and their Bible; and that two of the Mormonite preachers have visited this city, and made a number of proselytes. Joseph Smith, Jr. is the founder; 'a bare-faced imposter, his moral character of the darkest hue, his name a derision, shunned by all decent society, and disowned by his pious father-in-law.' He has associated with himself, characters, though of less intellect, yet equally base and profligate, and for some years have been practising upon the credulity of the weak. Many have been swindled out of their property by these false prophets -- let others take warning. --- We extract the following from a letter written by a gentleman in Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., acquainted with Smith, and entitled to confidence, to his friend in this city, dated August 30, 1832." See also the Boston Zion's Herald of 1835. (Thanks to H. Michael Marquardt for supplying this text and related information).

Note 2: Elder Philo Dibble, in 1882, offered some support for the 1832 report that Sidney Rigdon "said lately that the Mormon religion was not true." Dibble's recollection was that "The word went abroad among the people immediately that Sidney was going to expose "Mormonism.'" For reports on Rigdon's post-Nauvoo denunciations of Mormonism and Joseph Smith, see Orson Hyde's letters of Sept. 12 & 16, 1844, as well as the NYC Prophet of Nov. 16, 1844.

Note 3: For more on Preston T. Wilkins' interaction with the Colesville Mormons, see the comments attached to a transcript of Amasa M. Badger recollections of Mormonism's "First Appearance" in Chenango and Broome counties, New York.

In commenting on the doings of a Baptist Anti-mission association in Illinois, the Editor of the Pioneer exclaims,

"Visionary Institutions." What are these? But perhaps this is the printer's mistake for missionary institutions.

"Ligament of -- "political power!" No, the printer was not mistaken. It is visionary," &c. and being connected with ?"political power," must allude to the score or two of anti-mission preachers, who were candidates for the Legislature, that they might put down Sunday schools and missionary opperations by LAW -- at the head of which was the Father of "Two Seeds." But the people have put their veto upon them."

We will thank brother Peck to give us the facts here insinuated, in plain words, and under his own responsibility. If "anti-mission" preachers have attempted to get into office, avowedly for such a purpose, it is time for us to know it. We at the east do not wish them to deceive the people, by crying out against "church and state," till they have brought the state under the dominion of their own church.

Our "anti-mission" folks at the east -- that is, our Universalists, Deists, and Atheists, for we have no other to speak of -- sometimes show plainly enough that they would like to see their own opinions about missions, and all other religious doings, enforced by law. They sometimes even intimate even in print, that the law ought not to suffer people to meet for religious worship too many days in succession, nor too early in the morning, and that something terrible ought to be done with preachers, who frighten wicked men by telling them that they are "in danger of hell fire." But these things appear only in unguarded expressions, which slip out when their zeal gets the better of their caution. -- In their cooler moments, they seem very anxious to convince us that they never said, or certainly never meant, any such thing. And as for coming out openly, and seeking office for the sake of making such laws, they know better. They know that after such an avowal, in the land of "Yankees," they should never get a vote for any office, except such as they might give for each other, nor an audience to hear them preach. Are the sons of freedom at the West less sharp sighted to discern, or less prompt to resist, the first approaches to ecclesiastical tyranny?

We repeat our request to the Editor of the Pioneer, for a definite statement of the facts to which he has alluded. We have no doubt that the spirit of persecution, in this country, has its principal residence in the breasts of the "anti-mission" part of [the] community, & that [if] they did feel themselves strong enough, they would show that spirit in deeds of blood. We think it desirable, therefore, to watch their movements. -- Vt. Chrn.


Note: Rev. John M. Peck's lament over the anti-mission Baptists having medled in Illinois politics in 1832, was no doubt extended to their subsequent activities in that state. An assembly of these people issued a statement dated, Vandalia, Ill. Jan. 5th, 1836, saying: "The citizens from most of the counties in the state of Illinois, in general meeting, have assembled in the state house of representatives in Vandalia, and having heard a lecture, from Rev. Lawrence Greatrake, on the 'Signs of the Times;' and having organized themselves into a general lobby..." etc., etc. Elder Greatrake (Sidney Rigdon's successor as a Baptist pastor in Pittsburgh) takes Rev. Peck to task several times in the his 1836 pamphlet.

We believe that something from another hand has already appeared in our paper, giving some account of the Mormonites. As two preachers, as they call themselves, of that sect have recently made their appearance in a neighboring town, we feel obligated to the public to make some further remarks in relation to the character of their public communications, and the avowed object of their mission.

We have recently visited the place where two of those preachers (a Mr. Smith, who states that he is a brother to Joseph Smith by whom the plates were found from which the "Mormon Bible" or "Book of Mormon" was translated, and a Mr. Hyde, who is represented as a fluent man) a few weeks since labored to establish their doctrines and obtain proselytes to their system, these being the primary objects of their mission. Our readers will conceive something of theirviews and manner of their addresses, when we inform them that the Mormonites are abundantly the most successful in those places where the notorious Jacob Cochrane had the greatest prosperity. We conclude that the spirit which actuates the Mormonites is akin to that which moved upon Cochrane, although some difference is discernible in the general method of their operations.

The preachers to whom we refer recently visited a neighborhood in an adjacent town, and put up on Saturday evening with the man who furnished us with an account of their proceedings, and of some of the leading views which they labored to maintain in his family and among his neighbors, in whom we can place the utmost confidence. These preachers were accompanied tothis place, and introduced by a man who was much devoted to the cause of Cochranism, during the prevalence of that delusion -- he had been re-baptized, as they termed it, by Cochrane, and again put into the water by one of these Mormonites, who, like their predecessor already named, teaches that the former baptism of Christians is void, because not administered in accordance to the Divine mind. The Mormonites strenuously urge upon all the importance of being baptized in the proper manner, maintaining that the only qualification is a sound faith in the principles of Mormonism. Children eight years old, and upwards, on professing this faith, are admitted to baptism, and are thereby prepared for their departure to the New Jerusalem, upon which we will directly bestow a brief notice.

The man with whom these Mormonites put up, as before mentioned, and his neighbors, set an example that is worthy an imitation by the people in every place. These preachers appointed a meeting on Saturday evening, and on Sunday, both forenoon and afternoon. The people in the vicinity attended the first and second meetings, but on Sunday noon they left the place of worship en masse, excepting one old lady -- thus tactly vociferating that they had no fellowship with these impostors, as we conceive them to be. Of necessity the meeting was dispensed with, and on Monday morning the preachers left the place, discovering the highest symptoms of despondency.

The principal idea these men inculcated at this place, were the necessity of faith in the "Book of Mormon" -- the importance of proper baptism -- of coming into the limits of the faith -- of preparing, and (being in readiness) of going to the promised land -- that is, to Zion, a place which they say has been miraculously discovered in the county of Jackson, and state of Missouri. In this place, they say, about seven hundred men, women and children had convened about a year ago, when they left that country on the mission they are now performing. In this removal, however, these preachers would not have the people be too much in haste. They wish them to pursue the proper course -- to dispose of their property, realize the money for all they own which is not convenient to be removed, for the purpose of turning the same into the "common stock." These views, with others of the same nature, were enforced with great zeal, both in public and private. They declared that great happiness and joys abundant would be realized on coming to this faith --and that no substantial happiness can otherwise be enjoyed.

We have seen an account published which states that some persons have been reduced to want and distress by disposing of their property, and putting the avails in this common stock. We are of the opinion that such will be the effect in all cases. Therefore we would say, as did Franklin -- "Be careful that you do not to pay too dear for the whistle." We would say, in the language of the Saviour, "Take heed that no man deceive you;" and also in that of the apostle Paul: "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."   S. B.


Notes: (forthcoming)

In my last communication I promised an article on Mormonism. And having been somewhat acquainted with its rise, I will first state a few particulars. Some years since, I understood that in Manchester, a town adjacent to Canandaigua, the place of my residence, there was a man named Joseph Smith, who said, that by divine direction he had dug a golden Bible (or metallic plates resembling gold) out of the ground: that on these plates was engraved the history of the ten lost tribes of Israel, of the people and wars that it is manifest from the existing remains of mounds and fortifications have formerly been on this continent. This intelligence awakened some interest, and such was the light in which it was presented, that I was inclined to think favorably. Being aware that the world has ever been ready to reject the truth and to judge a matter before they hear it, I prepared myself to examine the subject with a mind open to conviction, and determined if God had spoken, even though it were from the ground, that I would incline my ear and believe. Passing through Palmyra, and Manchester, where Joseph Smith resided, I made considerable inquiry respecting the character of Smith, and from those who were acquainted with him received the following statements, viz: That he was an obscure, illiterate, awkward, and unpolished youth, aged about 21 years; that previous to his declaration of having found the plates he had made no pretensions to religion, but that he had been in the practice more or less of "telling fortunes" and "digging in the earth for chests of gold," &c. &c.; and that for these practices, he had had the example of his father, Joseph Smith. These things were told me by several persons in different places. His being obscure, illiterate, and unpolished, was to me no argument that God had not spoken to the world by him, but the circumstance of his being a "fortune teller" and "money chest hunter," appeared to me very unfavorable to his high pretensions: for though in old times the Lord spoke by shepherds and fishermen, we never read that he appeared to "fortune tellers," soothsayers, astrologers, or to any persons of this class and spoke to the world by them.

During the time the book of Mormon was in press at Palmyra, I made particular inquiry, and was assured from respectable authority of the following particulars. That none were allowed to see the plates with Smith pretended to have dug up, except twelve chosen witnesses, and eight of these were connexions of two families: that the golden plates were said to be engraved in a language that none but Smith could read -- and that an angel gave him a pair of spectacles which he put in a hat and thus read and translated, while one of the witnesses wrote it down from his mouth. When considerable had been written ready for the press, Mrs. Harris, wife one of the witnesses, thinking her husband was spending his property for nought in the publication of said book, made way with the manuscript. Upon this, Mr. Harris demanded it; but no obtaining it, whipped his wife to induce her to surrender it. On being asked if he thought this right, he said he "whipped her for Christ’s sake."

On the 25th of March, 1830, I preached in Fayette and tarried the night at Mr. Whitmer's, where I had an interview with eight of the witnesses. Among the number were a brother of Joseph Smith and Oliver [P C]owdery, the scribe. They had just received a few copies of the Book of Mormon from the press. I inquired for the original plates, but they said they were "hid up unto the Lord." After some conversation, I remarked to them that they lacked testimony to establish the divine authenticity of their new revelation. They answered that Christ said 'in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word should be established,' and that now I was not required to believe on the testimony of two or three only, but of twelve. To this I replied, that combinations of more than twelve had been frequent to support deception; and further that the Christian dispensation was confirmed by signs and miracles. They answered that twelve apostles were soon to be sent forth, endued with power from on high, to confirm their new revelation by miracles and wonders. They wished me to purchase one of their books, saying, if I read it with candor, and asked God for faith, and still did not believe, it was because I was given up of God. I objected to purchasing lest I might be supporting a deception, and as they were selling the works at $1.75 per copy, when the first cost was but 60 cts per copy, I thought it possible it might be a mere speculation. They said the angel of the Lord told Smith to sell the book for that price, that they might have the temporal profit as well as the spiritual. They then offered to lend me a copy, and accordingly I read 250 pages; but it was the most flat and insipid piece of composition that I ever read. It abounded with uncouth expressions and ungrammatical sentences: and great absurdity and manifest imposture marked its pages. My curiosity was not only satisfied but satiated; and I thought further attention to it would be an inexcusable waste of time. I should have furnished something on the subject for the Star at that time had I considered it worthy of notice. Still I thought it possible that this might gain some converts as most systems, however absurd and incompatible with truth, have their supporters. Soon after I heard that one of the witnesses baptized Smith, and then Smith the witnesses, and that they had gathered a church of thirty members in Fayette. The delusion has now spread, and many, I doubt not, sincere, well meaning persons; have been caught in this snare of Satan. But the greater part that have embraced Mormonism, so far as I have been able to learn, have been expelled members of religious societies, or members with whom were trials.   D. MARKS.


Note 1: See also this correspondent's contemporary remarks regarding Mormonism, as published in his 1831 book, Life of David Marks.

Note 2: An article detailing Elder Marks' travels around the time that he "tarried the night at Mr. Whitmer's," can be found in the April 28, 1830 issue of the Morning Star, accompanied by an area map.

Note 3: In the newspaper article the name "Oliver Powdery" is printed. This is likely a typographical error. At the time, Oliver was signing his name "Oliver H. P. Cowdery," so it appears likely that the printed name should be read as "Oliver H. P. Cowdery" or perhaps "Oliver P. Cowdery."

Note 4: Neither the April 28, 1830 Morning Star, nor Marks' autobiography precisely document which night the traveling elder spent at the Peter Whitmer, Sr. farm. The sequencing of his remarks in the above article suggests that Marks spent the night of March 25th in the Whitmer home -- but it is also possible that he meant to indicate the "eve" of March 25th (which was the night spanning the 24th and the 25th).

The Mormonites. -- Several weeks since, we published a letter from Mr. B. Pixley, residing in Independence, Jackson co. Missouri, the seat of the Mormonites, which they call Mount Zion, and sometimes New Jerusalem. In the last Cincinnati Journal, we find another from Mr. Pixley, dated March 4. The Journal says, that Mr. Pixley is "a clergyman of the Baptist Church, and his statements may be relied upon as certainly correct." On the 1st of March, a member of the Mormon communion sued the Bishop in order to recover certain moneys sent to him, the said Bishop, from Ohio, by the plaintiff, for certain objects, which the plaintiff said had not been fulfilled. It appeared in evidence that the plaintiff had paid fifty dollars to the Bishop "to purchase an inheritance for himself and for the saints of God in Zion in these last days." The Bishop bought the lands in his own name, to his heirs and assigns, but had given no possession to the plaintiff and others, except to occupy some little portion of these grounds, about 20 acres to a family, while they should behave themselves well, but in default to be ejected. The jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff. Thus we see that the famed Mount Zion Mormonites do not agree among themselves. Others will also sue the Bishop. And Mr. Pixley advises those, who are determined to be Mormonites, to keep back at least enough of their property to get a little home of their own, and one year's provision. He says no miracles as pretended, are wrought here. "They are all wrought in Ohio. And in Ohio, it is understood, he supposes, that they are all wrought in Missouri!" -- Chr. Watchman.


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 the plaintiff [to] said Bishop, from Ohio, "to purchase an inheritance for himself and the saints in Zion in these latter days." The jury found for the plaintiff; it appearing that though the bishop had indeed appropriated the money "to the purchase of an inheritance," yet he had procured the deed to be drawn up in his own name, to his heirs, &c. The writer states that on this decision several other members are ready to make demands on the bishop. It appears by 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, 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: The above report was printed with more details in the April 13, 1833 issue of the Washington Daily National Intelligencer.

MORMONISM AND THE SMALL POX. -- There having been several cases of small pox in the village of Jamestown, Chautauque County, a committee of citizens was appointed to take measures to prevent its spreading. In their report the committee state that their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease have been hindered by a sect calling themselves Mormonites, who profess to believe that the disorder will not attack them, neither would they spread it, although they might come in contact with others not protected, even if the [smell] or matter covered them. Notwithstanding their belief, one of the Mormons had been seized with the disease, and it was feared that this sect would be the means of scattering the infection through the country. -- Rochester Daily Advertiser.


Note: The same article was published in the Portland Eastern Argus of May 24, 1833.

Jacksonville, Illinois, June 2. -- The Storm. -- Last Saturday night, many parts of this county was visited by a tremendous storm... A company of Mormons -- between 80 and 100 -- arrived at the east bank of the Illinois, on their way to their New Jaerusalem, in Missouri, the same evening in which the storm commenced, with the intention of crossing and encamping in the timber on the other side. -- The place for their encampment had been judiciously selected -- every necessary preparation made for their removal -- but, by some apparently accidental cause, they did not procure a conveyance across the river that night, and were obliged to stay where they were. It was fortunate that they did so -- almost every tree on the opposite bank had been prostrated by the storm. Looking across the river and seeing the desolation that had been wrought in a single night one of them exclaimed, 'what an awful death we have all escaped.'


Notes: (forthcoming)

Cholera in Missouri -- Head Quarters of Mormonism broken up. -- A correspondent of the Journal of Commerce, in a letter dated Lexington, Missouri, July 25th, states that the Cholera is still marching west, and it had not abated. The temperate and intemperate, careful and careless, good and bad of all classes appeared to be equally subject to the attack.

The same letter states that six hundred or more of the Mormonites who had emigrated to Jackson City in the next county, having rendered themselves obnoxious to the citizens by holding out inducements for free negroes to settle in the county, and urging slaves to be unfaithful, the inhabitants organized themselves for the purpose of breaking up the establishment. The printing press of the Mormonites was torn down, their store and machine shop broken up, the leaders tarred and feathered, and a time set for their departure.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism. -- Six hundred or more of the Mormonites have emigrated within the last two years to Jackson city [sic - county?] in Missouri, and have rendered themselves obnoxious to the citizens by holding out inducements for free negroes to settle in the county, and urging slaves to he unfaithful. Lately the citizens organized themselves for the purpose of breaking up the establishment. The Mormonite printing press was torn down, store and machine shop broken up, the leaders tarred ond feathered and a time set for their departure. What course may be pursued towards the followers is not yet known.

"You have no doubt heard of the Mormonites. A few days since, the people residing in and near their village on the Missouri, became exaspirated at some specimens of their predatory habits, and proceeded in a body to their village, demolished their printing establishment, and the dwelling of their High Priest, and inflicted considerable injury upon the persons and property of the whole brotherhood. The High Priest was tarred and feathered, and paraded through the village in a cart. The personage who professed to enjoy eternal life, gave the lie to his pretentions by dying last Wednesday, while on his way up the river to Independence -- the name of their settlement."

Letter from St. Louis, July 26.            

Note: The second paragraph was evidently copied from an article that appeared in a mid-August issue of the Wilmington State Journal. See the Zanesville Ohio Republican of Aug. 24, 1833 for another reprint.

ONE HONEST MORMON! -- One of the Mormonites has become dissatisfied with his new faith and brethren, and has denounced them all, in a Westfield, (N. Y.) paper, in the words following:

"And now I testify to you before God and these witnesses, that I never had any impressions or exercises different from other times, since I joined the Mormons; that the tongues spoken by me are of my own invention, and, that, as far as my knowledge extends, the whole is a farce, and may my fate be like that of Ananias and Sapphira if I do not speak the truth honestly before God!"


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONITES. Some extraordinary proceedings have lately taken place in Jackson County, in Missouri, in relation to a sect, known by the name of Mormonites. A meeting of four or five hundred citizens was held, for the avowed purpose of driving these persons from that quarter of the country. In an address which was adopted by the meeting, it is stated that the numbers of this sect are increasing, that there is danger of their obtaining the control of all offices in the county, and that the lives and property of others would be unsafe, if placed at the disposal of men so ignorant and superstitious. The address concludes with a declaration that no Mormonite shall in future be permitted to settle in the county; that those now residing there shall have time given them to remove, during which they shall remain unmolested; that the Editor of the Star, (a Mormonite paper) be required forthwith to close his office, and that if the owners of shops refuse to close them, prompt measures shall be taken to compel them to do so; that the Mormon leaders be required to prevent further emigration to the county, and to counsel their brethren to comply with the above requisitions; and that those who shall refuse to comply with them, be referred to such of their brethren as possess the gift of divination, to ascertain the lot that awaits them. A committee was appointed to communicate information of these proceedings to the Mormon leaders, and the meeting was adjorned for two hours, at the expiration of which the committee reported, that they had waited on the Editor of the Star, who declined giving any definite reply until he could consult with his brethren. It was then resolved, that the printing office should be forthwith razed to the ground, which was immediately done by the members of the meeting.

Three days afterwards, the meeting was again assembled, and another committee appointed to hold an immediate conference with the Mormon leaders. In a few hours, this committee reported, that they had made an amicable arrangement with those leaders, who had agreed to leave the county, in consideration of which the committee had engaged on their part to prevent the use of farther violence. This report was unanimously adopted and the meeting was dissolved.

"These proceedings," says a St. Louis editor, "may find some justification in the necessity of the case;" that is, a supposed necessity is to justify proceedings, which seem to belong to the darkest period of the dark age. -- Boston Adv.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Count Leon who has made considerable noise over the country, and who has resided in this county, on the Ohio, for a year and a half past, departed for some part of the "far West" on Sunday last, accompanied by a number of those who followed him from Germany. It will be recollected that the Count effected a split in the Economy Society, a part of whom left their homes, firesides, and friends, to follow this adventurer who has with his large retinue been maintained at their expense, until their funds were exhausted. These honest, but deluded people have at length found him to be an impostor, and dissolved all connexion with him. The story that went the rounds in the newspapers, that the Count, on his arrival in this country, was in possession of 7,000,000 dollars, was altogether without foundation. While at Phillipsburg, he pretended that he had a direct intercourse with Heaven -- that he could change rocks and rubbish into pure gold, with which he intended to build up the "New Jerusalem" in the West. -- (Beaver, Pa., Argus).


Note: See also the Ashtabula Republican of Nov. 16, 1833, where Count Leon is compared to Sidney Rigdon. For more on Count Leon as a modern "John the Baptist" and "Lion of Judah," see Karl J. R. Arndt's 1944 article, "Harmonists and the Mormons."

The Mormonites, who founded a settlement in Jackson County Missouri, which they regard as the land of promise, are such an eye sore to the inhabitants of that region, that they have been ordered to remove from the county with their families


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism. -- The Mormonites have had regular preaching for some weeks past in the upper part of this town, during which time many acquisitions have been made to their church. Some of our most respected citizens, who reside in that part of the town, have embraced their faith, and are active in exerting their influence to extend and advance, as they say, the greatest light that has ever yet dawned upon the mysteries of an awful Eternity. -- Saco Republican.


Note 1: Among the converts the Mormons were making in the Saco area, at this time, were a number of former followers of the "Prophet" Jacob Cochran. -- G. T. Ridlon, on page 281 of his 1895 Saco Valley Settlements, gave a sketchy and inaccurate account of the first Mormon activities in northeastern York County: "The doctrine preached by Smith, Pratt, and Young, in York county, was not of an offensive nature; it was, properly speaking, Millenarianism. The excitement was immense. The inhabitants went twenty miles to hear these earnest missionaries preach. A change from Cochranism was wanted, and this new gospel seemed to be an improvement. Old wine was put into new bottles, and many drank to their fill. At this time polygamy had not been mentioned. No attempt was made to form an organized church; Cochran had preached against such, and Brigham found these disciples averse to any ecclesiastical government, and waited until he had transported his converts to Manchester, N. Y., before enforcing this part of his creed. -- We have not learned how long these Mormon preachers remained here... The house built on the Ira W. Milliken farm, just across the Buxton line, was known as the "Temple," and this was the head-centre of the Mormon crusade."

Note 2: At the end of September, in 1832 Elder Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith visited the Saco area -- it was the terminal point of their eastern mission, and evidently introduced Mormon religion to a population, very few of whom knew anything about. Hyde's journal entries for that period include the following: "28th went on through Wells... went 10 miles to Kensbunkport called Wm. Mitchel and attended a Cochranite meeting, & they said if we had any one had a message from God there was liberty to give it unto the people, and I commenced by prayer but thought I would not tell them about the work then... tarried all night at Mr. Mitchels... -- 29th left Kenabunk and went on to Saco. 10 Miles called a little, but did not have the spirit to teach much. called in Saco in the afternoon on an old gentlemen by the name of Brannan whose daughter, we saw in Boston and he received us kindly... -- 30th obtained the central Hall in the morning gave out an appointment, the people came together at the ringing of the Bell and I had great liberty in preaching to them, dismissed the meeting, and appointed another in the afternoon at 2 o'clk a large [number] came out and filled the hall to overflowing had good liberty in speaking to them upon the covenant and gathering... -- Octo. 2 rainy & verry muddy all day went down to the village during the day called on Mr. Coolbrith whose daughter I baptized in Boston... -- 4th left Biddleford in the afternoon."

Samuel H. Smith's journal entries for the same September and October period include the following: "19th went over from the town of Newton... into the State of Maine -- 24th we stayed a within a mile & a half of the village of York... -- 27th Brother Orson Spake upon the Book & gathering &c... this was in the town of Wells, the State of Maine -- 28th stopped in the village of Kennebunk... & we went to a meeting in the evening & the people were called Cockrinites... -- 29th left Kennebunk & went on to Saco... -- Oct 3rd went into Saco village -- Brother Orson went around the village to get subscribers for the Star... -- 5th came into the town of Wells where we had been... -- 11th went into [Ogunquit]... there had been such delusions in these parts that the people were afraid that every thing was a delusion..."

Note 3: When Elder Edward Partridge passed through Saco, on Sept. 2, 1835, he noted that the Mormon branch there had "about 57 members."

(From the Thomaston Journal.)

MONEY DIGGERS. The traditionary belief that the Buccaniers who infested the coast about 200 years ago secreted large sums in different places is still entertained. Various expeditions have been got up at different times to explore for the hidden treasure, but with uniform bad success. It is supposed to be strictlky watched and guarded by the departed spirits of the departed Pirates or 'auld Nick' himself, and it is only by the most scientific process that it can be subtracted from them. We saw a number of large places excavated on the Island of Monhegan last summer; the recent work of Money Diggers. They several times come so near as to strike the crowbar upon the pot containing the money and make it jingle again, when in an instnat, presto, change, and it was gone to another place. A company of money diggers consisting of two men, a boy, and an old woman, armed with mining [sic - mineral?] rods, crowbars, and the Bible, were employed on Saturday and Sunday nights in digging for money, over on Seavy's point. One of the men was so fortunate Sunday night as to stick his crowbar full chism upon the pot, when, strange to tell, a large rock fell, sent by an invisible and mysterious agency, directly at his feet, and the next instant a huge misshapen ghost stood before him, as he says, at least 20 feet high. -- 'Dad,' said the courageous boy, 'mayd'nt I thow a stone at him?' But the old man silenced the boy, and with blanched lips and chattering teeth addressed the ghost in the name of the Lord Jesus and demanded to know how much he would take for interest in the money; the ghost replied in a very surly tone that he wouldn't sell out and was about to make a semonstration of his power when the money diggers gave way to their fears and fled, closely pursued by more than five hundred ghosts, leaving the Bible on the spot. The old man says next time he'll have a 'clinch for it.' He begins to suspect the ghosts are made of tangible materials.


Note: From various old accounts, it appears that certain gangs of early 19th century money diggers incorporated elements of the Christian religion into their occult rituals, aimed at disabling or defeating the supposed guradian spirits who stood watch over buried treasures. It is not difficult to perceive how a secretive, ritualistic band of treasure seekers might evolve into a miniature cult -- and especially so if the group was gathered about a charismatic leader whom the followers believed was blessed with supernatural powers. One congregation of ostensible Bible-believing Christians who appear to have made just such an occult transition, centered upon their money-digging activities, was the Congregational church members of Middletown, Vermont. Around the year 1800 a number of the members of that church, headed by the dubious Rev. Nathanial Wood, evolved into something like a money-digging, millennial cult. The historian Barnes Frisbie, in relating their story, points out that the top leaders of such occult sects generally are more occupied in promoting the cult's wonderful activities than in doing any real shovel-work themselves --- "the Woods... then commenced using the hazel rod and digging for money, which was in the spring or early in the summer of 1800... the Woods were the ostensible managers. They did not handle the pick and shovel very much in the digging; that part of the work was mostly done by those who were drawn into it by the Woods." Thus, it may be seen that the leader of a fanatical money-digging cult might manage his deluded followers much as he pleased, keeping them busy investing their time and resources in fruitless heavy labor, while he lounges about, only occasionally consulting the direction his enchanted mineral rod, peep-stone or book of holy writ.

THE MORMONITES. -- There is no religion, or rather form of religion -- no creed or system of politics, that will not find its advocates. A friend from the upper part of Oxford County informs us, that one Mormon preacher from Ohio, and another from New Hampshire, reinforced by a pair of preachers from Saco, have been making a great stir somewhere about Lake Umbagog, in the plantation of Letter B, in the vicinity of Lake Umbagog, nearly the whole of a Freewill Baptist Church, numbering thirty persons, with their pastor, have gone over to the Mormonites, and avowed their faith in the book of Mormon. They have all been re-baptised in the waters of the Lake. In Andover, the preachers have had some trouble with the citizens, and were rather unceremoniously dismissed. -- Portland Adv.


Note: The "Mormon preacher from Ohio" has not yet been identified. "Another from New Hampshire" must have been Elder Horace Cowan of Bath, baptized on Sept. 8, 1833 by Lyman E. Johnson, and ordained to the Mormon priesthood that same day. For more information on Mormon missionary activity in Oxford County, see the Christian Mirror of Dec. 19th.The Oxford County Advertiser of Mar. 19, 1893 also featured an article on this subject.

From the Salem Register.    

WAR WITH THE MORMONITES. Some account has already been given of the aggression committed upon the Mormonites, settled in Missouri, by the people of the neighborhood of the settlement. It appears by the statement of Orson Hyde, one of the Mormons, dated at St. Louis, 9th Nov., that further acts of aggression and violence have been committed, and that much blood has been shed, the injured Mormons having defended themselves with great bravery. The N. York Commercial Advertiser says, Mr. Hyde's statement is fully confirmed by other accounts. Mr. Hyde in his narrative says -- that on the night of Oct. 31, 40 or 50 of the citizens of Jackson county, attacked and partly demolished twelve of the dwelling houses of the Mormonites, the inmates being obliged to escape to the woods, Two of the Mormonite men were taken and beaten cruelly with stones and clubs, and left only a breath of life in them. The narrative proveeds:

Friday night, November the 1 -- the mob broke open the store of Gilbert & Whitney, and scattered their goods through the streets. They demolished Mr. Gilbert's brick dwelling house, and broke in the door 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. and gathered together that they might be better prepared for self-defence. Night came on, and the mob came 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 immediately [sic - 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.

Mr. Hyde learnt, after leaving the settlement, that another battle took place the succeeding night in which Mr. Hicks, Attorney at Law, fell, pierced with several balls, and about twenty more of the mob shared a similar fate. Hicks was one of the leaders of the mob. It was also reported that two of the Mormonites were killed, and two wounded. He says it was useless to attempt to enforce the laws at the seat of the war, as every officer, civil and military, with one or two exceptions, was either directly or indirectly engaged in the mob. -- Mr. Hyde closes his statement as follows: --

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? Must 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.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE RECENT STAR SHOWER. -- An acquaintance informs us (says the Germantown Telegraph) that in the yard attached to his house, the stars were at least knee deep! Another mentions that he distinctly saw an exact representation of a sword, and also of a reaping hook! during the exhibition.

---

There has been a further difficulty between the Mormons and the citizens of Jackson county, Missouri, in which several lives were lost. The Mormonites acted on the defensive, it is said.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The account which we published last week, was from the pen of a Mormon. The following is from a letter of the Rev. B. Pixley to the Editors of the N. York Observer. It presents the affair under a somewhat different aspect. Still, it is obvious from both statements, that, so far as it respects acts of violence, the enemies of the Mormonites were the first aggressors. To be sure, the fanaticism, and extravagant pretensions of this sect must be sufficiently provoking to their near neighbors; but the course which has been taken in regard to them, besides its wickedness, is extremely foolish, and well suited to confirm these men in their delusions -- to induce them to think that they suffer for righteousness' sake -- and likewise to awaken the sympathy of the pious and the humane in their behalf. Why will not men learn wisdom from history, and from an examination of their own minds! Will such rough treatment from our fellowmen convert us to their sentiments?

(Rev. Pixley's Nov. 7, 1833 letter follows.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE WAR AGAINST THE MORMONITES. -- We are glad to learn from the following, that the affrays between the Mormonites and other inhabitants of the western part of Missouri have not been so sanguinary as at first represented, and are supposed to be now at an end: --

                                    (From the St. Louis Republican, Nov. 22.)
The Disturbances in Jackson County. -- We are glad to receive more pacific accounts from the county of Jackson, in which such disgraceful broils have recently taken place. We understand that the Mormonites have determined to oppose no further armed resistance to the dominant party, and that they were rapidly leaving the county and their homes, with the intention of forming a community elsewhere. They are determined, however, to prosecute the citizens engaged in hostilities towards them, and for the depredations committed upon their property, and, in this event, those who have disregarded all law may be made to feel its heaviest penalties; both in their persons and fortunes. The Mormonites have undoubtedly adopted the best course which was left to them; and all alarm has subsided in that county.

All our accounts, we are happy to say, concur in one thing, that the original statement as to the number killed, was much exaggerated. The most authentic and latest account which has reached us, puts down the number at 6 -- 2 of the citizens and 4 of the Mormonites, and a good many wounded. This statement was brought by the Steamboat Dove, from Independence, seat of justice of Jackson county. Many reports prevailed even in that quarter as to the extent of the loss of life; and the first rumors may have well gained circulation without any sinister motive in those who gave credence and publicity to them.

We are informed that an authentic statement of all the occurrences which have disgraced that county, may be shortly expected. It was to be made out by some very respectable gentlemen of the county -- who have, from beginning to end, taken no part in the contest -- and in whose veracity every confidence may be placed. Such a statement, is due to the people of Missouri, whose reputation must suffer in the eyes of all good men; and may remove much of the odium which at present attaches to one of the parties engaged in this disreputable contest.


Notes: (forthcoming)

[From the Morning Star.]

Bowdoin, Me. Nov. 20, 1833.       

MORMONISM  IN  ANDOVER, ME.

Some months since, a number of brethren, under my watch and care, removed from this town to Letter B, a town lying on the borders of lake Umbagog. Soon after their removal to that town, God revived his work among them, upwards of 20 were gathered into a church of our denomination, and for a short time they enjoyed the peaceful presence of God. -- At length two Mormon preachers went into the place and proclaimed in their ears another gospel, to which most of them gave heed, By a pressing request from certain brethren, I revently made them a visit. When I arrived there on Saturday at noon; their meeting on the Sabbath being in the neighborhood, I did not appoint a meeting, but attended theirs, to observe their movements and learn their order. It was their communion season. Daniel Bean, their elder, addressed the throne of grace; then stood up to read; after reading three chapters, he proceeded to exhort the children to a consistancy of faith. When this was done, he requested to know if any desired to be baptized. -- A young man arose, and they repaired to the water and baptized him. After they returned to the house, Elder Bean made a short prayer; then the convert knelt down, and Elder Bean laid hands on him, that he might receive the Holy Ghost. In the course of the meeting, one arose and spake in tonhues, desiring a young woman to interpret. Although I heard them speak frequently in tongues, yet no one interpreted. They profess to have the gifts of healing and working miracles, as did the apostles. Elder Bean told me that he expected to go to Missouri where Christ would soon make his second appearance. I heard him speak, read, sing, and pray in tongues, and while he was in his devotions I thought of the expression of scripture concerning the unclean spirits, spoken of by John the revelator. -- When will the devil let the Church of God alone? While in the place I preached three discourses, and endeavored to persuade sinners to be reconciled to God.     NATHANIEL PURINTON.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONITES. -- It appears that the Mormonites have determined to leave the country in Missouri, where they were recently attacked by the people; and have resolved to obtain redress, if possible, through the medium of the Courts of law. The statement of the number of persons killed in the conflict was exaggerated; the number according to the most authentic accounts did not exeeed six.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Dr. P. Hurlburt, of Kirkland, Ohio, who has been engaged for some time in different parts of this state, but chiefly in this neighborhood, on behalf of his fellow-townsmen, in the pursuit of facts and information concerning the origin and design of the Book of Mormon, which, to the surprise of all who know the character of the leaders in the bungling imposition, seems to have gained multitudes of believers in various parts of the country, requests us to say, that he has succeeded in accomplishing the object of his mission and that an authentic history of the whole affair will shortly be given to the public. The original manuscript of the book was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased, whose name we are not permitted to give. It was designed to be published as a romance but the author died soon after it was written and hence the plan failed. The pretended religious character of the work has been added by some more modern hand -- believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlburt from the widow of the author of the original manuscript. -- Palmyra Sent.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A ferry boat at Everett's Ferry, in Independence, on the Missouri, was sunk, about the middle of June, while passiug across the river, and five persons were drowned. The individuals in the boat had been appointed a committee to visit the Mormonites of the vicinity, in order to see if the difficulties could not be settled and peace restored, and it is believed that the boat was sunk by some artful management of some of the Mormon party, as the act of its filling and sinking was performed almost before those in the boat had time to think of danger. Those who escaped drowning, did it with much difficulty.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons. -- From the last Missouri Enquirer we learn, that warlike preparations are making on both sides. The inhabitants of Jackson county, "the promised land," have held a meeting, and elected Samuel C. Jones commander in chief of all their forces. The Governor of the State, it is said, had advised a compromise if possible, by purchasing the land of the Mormons, and paying them for the injuries they have sustained. For this purpose ten persons have been appointed and clothed with full power to settle the whole matter, who were to meet the Mormons at Liberty on Monday the 16th inst. Later intelligence states that the Governor has gone to Jackson co. himself. -- St. Louis Observer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

It must give pain to every orderly citizen, who feels sn honest pride in the fair fame of his native land to observe the discontents, which are ripening into petty civil wars, in different sections of our United States. Do npt those occurrences admonish the wise and good to unite in the best measures to counteract these outbreakings of the worst passions? We give the following extract of a letter, because we believe it to be our duty to be aware of the internal dangers that threaten our national peace: -- Chr. Watchman.

"Bluffdale, Green Co., Illinois, June 20, 1834.            

"Your readers are already apprised of the fact that a church of that order, of twenty five members, exists in this settlement. Recently preachers have visited them and a powerful excitement is in agitation, not only here but throughout all the Mormon ranks. The Prophet professes to have had a revelation from God, requiring the Mormons to go back to their Zion in Jackson co., Missouri, from which they were driven last winter by force of arms. The Mormons are determined to occupy the lands which they have purchased or die in the attempt. One spirit seems to pervade the whole denomination, and they are collecting from the remotest parts of the Union. Blood will flow unless the government of the State gives the Mormons their protection. -- They are cool, determined, say little, and use no gasconding threats of what they will do. To converse with their leading men, and see the spirit that prevails among all the members, is all that is required to convince any one they are men who have made up their minds to die in the last ditch, if necessary. Deluded though they be, they are American citizens, and have a right to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and live upon the soil for which they have honestly paid. The people who drove them off, are making preparations to repel every attempt of theirs to return to their possessions. They are procuring men and arms. It is stated openly in the public papers, that one individual there has procured a cannon at his own expense. Will such a contest speak much in favor of our country?

---

Spread of the Mormon Doctrine. -- We understand that Mormonism has made considerable progress in several parts of Oxford County; and that in the town of Wilton, in this County, several respectable individuals have become converts and have received baptism. -- Hal. Adv.

---

MORMONS -- We learn from the "Enquirer," (Liberty) that the proposed meeting took place in that town on Monday, the 16th ult. between the committee of Jackson county and that of the Mormons. The parties were addressed in the Court House, by the Hon. John F. Ryland, urging an amicable adjustment of differences. A public meeting of the citizens of Liberty was also held, for the purpose of appointing a committee to mediate between the parties, but owing to the great excitement, adjourned without coming to any decision. The Mormon committee on receiving the proposition of the people of Jackson, declared themselves not authorised to enter into treaty, but promised to lay the proposal before their brethren. No adjustment is anticipated by the means now in operation. -- The ferry boat crossing from Liberty to Independence, on which it was supposed the committee from Jackson county would cross after the negotiation, and which did contain part of them, was sunk, it is supposed by design, and five lives lost. The state of things in the upper counties is truly deplorable, and needs the attention of the citizens of the state. -- St. Louis Observer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons. -- We have been informed that a meeting of the Mormons, residents in this county, was held on Sunday the 13th inst. about ten miles from this place; at which they resolved to renounce the doctrines of Mormon for the present, or in other words, to remain silent and neutral until something new shall have been revealed to them from heaven. Numbers of those who sometime since went to Jackson, are daily returning on their way back to the place from whence they started. It is said that the Cholera had broken out in their camp, and that many had died. Some of those returning express themselves dissatisfied with their Prophet, Gen. J. Smith. They say he has failed in all his attempts to cure the Cholera, or to bring the dead to life.


Note: This obscure report from Pike Co., Missouri evidently originated in the pages of a local newspaper (such as the Pike Co. Democrat), and was then perhaps reprinted by some St. Louis paper.

One Gladden Bishop, a Mormonite preacher, in an account of that sect, says it commenced in Manchester, Ontario county, N Y. April 1830, with only six members, and now numbers 20,000, and 800 preachers, with 2 printing offices, 2 stores, and a large stone edifice, for a house of worship.


Note 1: Other reprints credit the above report to the New York Times of Oct. 17, 1834, or to the New York Evening Star, and add these final lines: These facts, if true, which we are a sad commentary on the conservative power of human reason against the inroads of one of the most audacious impostures that ever disgraced the annals of mankind."

Note 2: Francis Gladden Bishop (1809-1878) joined the Mormons in 1832 at Olean, New York and in 1833 served briefly as the President of the LDS branch at Westfield, New York. Elder Bishop was disfellowshiped in 1835 for "teaching false doctrine," but repented and was reinstated in his office. Durng the Nauvoo period Bishop again went into apostasy and formed his own non-polygamous splinter group. The Gladdenites organized themselves in Iowa, relocated to what is now Platte County, Nebraska, and eventually tried to gain a foothold in Utah in 1852-54, but they were easily ejected by Brigham Young's loyalists. Elder Bishop's "account of the fanatic sect" was also given notice in the Nov. 8, 1834 issue of the Monroe Michigan Sentinel, The New York City Times, and other papers of the period.

Gladden Bishop, a Mormonite Preacher, in an account of this fanatical sect, says it commenced in Manchester, Ontario county, N. York, April 1830, with only six members, and now numbers 20,000, and 800 preachers, with two printing offices, two stores, and a large stone edifice, for a house of worship. The facts, if true, which we doubt, are a sad commentary on the conservative power of human reason against the inroads of one of the most audacious impostures that ever disgraced the annals of mankind. -- Cab.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  TOMATO.

Dr. Bennett, the professor of Midwifery and the Diseases of Women and Children, Hygeiene and Acclimatement, in the Medical College of Lake Erie, which is the Medical Department of the Willoughby University of lake Erie, at Chagrin, Cuyahoga co., Ohio, in his public introductory lecture, recently delivered in that flourishing institution, made the following statement relative to the Solamum Lycopersicum, or, as it is generally called, Tomato, Love Apple, Jerusalem Apple, etc., to wit:

1st. That it (the Tomato) is one of the most powerful deobstruents of the Materia Medica, and that, in all those affections of the liver and other organs, where Calomel is indicated, it is probably the most effective and least harmful remedial agent known to the profession...

2d. That a chemical extract will probably soon be obtained from it which will altogether supercede the use of Calomel in the cure of diseases.

3d. That he has successfully treated serious diarrhoea with this article alone.

4th. That when used as an article of diet, it is almost a sovereign remedy for dyspepsia, or indigestion.

5th. That persons removing from the East, or North, to the West, or South, should, by all means, make use of it as an aliment, as it would, in that event, save them from the danger attendant upon those violent billious attacks to which almost all unacclimated persons are liable.

6th. That the citizens in general should make use of it, either raw, cooked, or in form of a catsup, with their daily food, as it is the most healthy article of the Materia Alimentaria, &c. &c.

Now if these positions are true, it is of the utmost importance that the public should be made acquainted with the facts, and it is with this view that I now make this communication for the press.

MEDICUS.           

N. B. Dr. Bennett stated likewise, that the free use of the tomato would make a person much less liable to an attack of Cholera, and that it would, in a majority of cases, prevent it.

Note: "Medicus" was none other than John C. Bennett, future member of the LDS First Presidency, Mayor of Nauvoo, etc. Read a follow-up "tomato" article by this same self-promoter in the Aug. 22, 1835 issue of the Cleveland Herald.

The Mormonites. -- This sect is still in active existence in Ohio. Joe Smith, their leader, has had a stone building erected on the shores of lake Erie; 53 by 78 feet, which he has denominated the "Temple of the Lord." In several places in New England, they are holding forth and making proselytes. -- N. Y. Tran.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Jo Smith, the Mormon prophet, has bought three mummies, and has discovered that they are the bodies of Joseph (the son of Abraham,) and King Abimeleck and his daughter. They are now to gull poor human nature. -- Cum. Pres.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A man named Rigdon, a Mormonite preacher from Ohio has been holding forth at Salem. The editor of the Register heard him, we hope, with profit.


Notes: (forthcoming)

AUTHOR  OF  THE  BOOK  OF  MORMON.

It is agreed on all hands that Smith is too ignorant and stupid to have originated such a book. This his followers readily admit, and glory in it as an evidence that he must have been divinely inspired. But others regard it as a proof of nothing more than that the book was indited by some other man. It is probable that Solomon Spaulding was the original author of the book of Mormon. He was a native of Ashford, Conn. born in 1761 -- was graduated at Dartmouth College, and ordained to the Christian ministry; but afterwards left the ministry, and went into mercantile business in Cherry Valley, N. Y. where he failed in business in 1809; and then removed to Conneaut, Ohio, where he was known to be employed in writing a book, with the avails of which he hoped to pay his debts. His book was entitled "The Manuscript found" -- it was an historical novel, purporting to be a record of the first settlers of America, who were represented as descendants of the Jews. In 1812, Spaulding went with his manuscript to Pittsburgh, Pa. where he soon after died. The vanity of Spaulding had led him to read his writings to several persons, who were surprised, upon reading the book of Mormon, to find the filling up of the very story which had before been read to them in the "Manuscript found." This induced them to send to the widow of Spaulding, who was then living in Massachusetts, to inquire into the fate of his papers. She recollected the "Manuscript found," but could not find it among his papers -- she thought that while her husband was living, the manuscript was taken to the printing office of one Lambdin, in Pittsburgh, but whether it was ever returned, she could not tell. -- Zion's Advocate of April 19th.

Previous to this, there had been residing at Pittsburgh, a man by the name of Sidney Rigdon. He was once pastor of the Baptist church -- then a Campbellite preacher, and then he spent about three years principally in retirement, for the purpose, as he alleged, of studying the Bible. There is little reason to doubt that Rigdon, in connexion with Lambdin, was at this time revising the manuscript of Spaulding, and transforming it into the Book of Mormon. It no doubt received further alterations at the suggestion of Smith and others. The foundation of the whole book was a manuscript novel, by Solomon Spaulding.

Among the early converts to Mormonism, was a Methodist Elder, in Ohio, by the name of Ezra Booth. In company with many others, and in accordance with a vision and prophecy of Smith Mr. Booth emigrated to Missouri, where he become convinced that the whole concern was in imposture; and returning to Ohio, he published in the Ohio Star, a series of letters, exposing the delusion. Mr. Booth says,

'When I embraced Mormonism, I conscientiously believed it to be of God. The impressions of my mind were deep and powerful, and my feelings were excited to a degree to which I had been a stranger. Like a ghost, it haunted me by night and by day, until I was mysteriously hurried, as it were, by a kind of necessity, into the vortex of delusion. At times, I was much elated; but generally, things in prospect were the greatest stimulants to action.'

'On our arrival in the western part of the State of Missouri, the place of our destination, we discovered that prophecy and vision had failed, or rather had proved false. The fact was so notorious, and the evidence so clear, that no one could mistake it -- so much so, that Mr. Rigdon himself said, that "Joseph's vision was a bad thing." This was glossed over apparently, to the satisfaction of most persons present; but not fully to my own. It excited a suspicion that some things were not right, and prepared my mind for the investigation of a variety of circumstances, which occurred during my residence there, and indeed, to review the whole subject, from its commencement to that time. My opportunities for a thorough investigation, were far greater than they could have been, had I remained at home; and therefore, I do not regret that I made the journey, though I sincerely regret the cause of it. Since my return, I have had several interviews with Messrs. Smith, Rigdon and Cowdery, and the various shifts and turns, to which they resorted in order to obviate objections and difficulties, produced in my mind additional evidence, that there was nothing else than a deeply laid plan of craft and deception.'

'The relation in which Smith stands to the church, is that of a Prophet, Seer, Revealer, and Translator; and when he speaks by the Spirit, or says he knows a thing by the communication of the Spirit, it is received as coming directly from the mouth of the Lord. When he says he knows a thing to be so, thus it must stand without controversy. A question is agitated between two Elders of the church -- whether or not a bucket of water will become heavier by putting a living fish in it. Much is said by each of the disputants; when at length, Smith decides it in the negative, by saying, -- "I know by the spirit that it will be no heavier. Any person who chooses, may easily ascertain by actual experiment, whether the Prophet was influenced in this decision, by a true or false spirit.'

To account for the success of this imposture, Mr. B. says,

"This system, to some, carries the face of plausibility and appears under an imposing form. It claims the Bible for its patron, and proffers the restoration of the apostolic church with all the gifts and graces with which the primitive saints were endowed. It is called the fullness of the Gospel of both Jew and Gentile; and is the test by which every man's faith is to be tried. Judgments are denounced against the sinners of this generation; or in other words, all who reject the Book of Mormon, are threatened with eternal damnation."

The Mormonites not only had this addition to the Bible, but for some time after its publication, they were constantly receiving as they said, new commandments from the Lord. When these commandments are at variance with the scriptures, they allege that the scriptures are wrongly translated, and Smith, though ignorant of his mother tongue, and probably not acquainted even with the Greek alphabet, is always ready to set the translation right. Mr. B. adds --

"Every thing in the church is done by commandment: and yet it is said to be done by the voice of the church. For instance, Smith gets a commandment that he shall be the 'head of the church,' or that he 'shall rule the Conference,' or that the Church shall build him an elegant house, and give him 1000 dollars. For this the members of the church must vote, or they will be cast off for rebeling against the commandments of the Lord. In addition to the Book of Mormon, and the commandments, there are revelations which are not written. -- In this department, though Smith is the principal, yet there are others who profess to receive revelations; but after all Smith is to decide whether they come from the Lord or the devil. Some have been so unfortunate as to have their revelations palmed upon the latter. These revelations entirely supercede the Bible, and in fact, the Bible is declared too defective to be trusted, in its present form; and it is designed that it shall undergo a thorough alteration, or as they say, translation. This work is now in operation. The Gospel of St. Matthew has already received the purifying touch, and is prepared for the use of the church. It was intended to have kept this work a profound secret, and strict commandments were given for that purpose; and even the salvation of the church was said to depend upon it. The secret is divulged, but the penalty is not as yet inflicted. -- Their revelations are said to be an addition to the Bible. But instead of being an addition, they destroy its use; for every thing which need be known, whether present, past or future, they can learn from Smith, for he has declared to the church, that he 'knows all things that will take place from this time to the end of the world.' If then, placing the Bible under circumstances which render it entirely useless, is infidelity, Mormonism is infidelity.


Note: This article was reprinted in the Limerick Morning Star, of Dec. 27, 1837.

There is at this time much excitement in Vinalhaven and vicinity on the doctrine of Mormonism, or the religion of Jo. Smith, as it is called. The place was visited last August by two Mormon Preachers, who still remain, disseminating their new religious principles. They have baptized about fifty into the Mormon faith, and are encouraging others to go forward and embrace it. They have, prophesied the destruction of the town and its inhabitants, and are warning them to flee from hence to the far West, which has so frightened those who have joined them, that many have already sold their farms, stock, and every other article, and are getting in readiness to move to the West, to the community of the Mormons.

The following letters have been received in answer to inquiries made by the Postmaster and other persons at Vinalhaven:

KIRTLAND, March 13th, 1838.    

SIR -- Yours of Feb. 20th was put into my hands this morning, by the Post Master of this place, requesting me to state some facts in relation to the subject of your inquiries, which I cheerfully do, as it is a matter of no small moment to those interested. I have been a member of the church of Latter Day Saints almost from its commencement. I enlisted in the Mormon faith, (as it is called,) in all good conscience, about one year before I ever saw Joseph Smith, Jr. -- believing him to be a prophet of God, by whose hand the Lord would gather Israel, and establish his glorious kingdom on the earth, by bringing in that universal Sabbath of rest spoken of by all the Holy Prophets, and so much desired by all the Saints. I have travelled much, and preached much, in many of the United States, as my friend Elder Woodruff will bear me record; (who I learn is the leading man in the Mormon reform in your vicinity) many hundreds, and I think I might safely say thousands of miles we have travelled together in the Southrn States, and western country. When I was successfully proclaiming in the State of Tennessee, brother W. found his way to that country, through the far distant western wilds of Missouri and Arkansas, whither we had journeyed together the season before. Under my hands he received his higher ordination to the ministry -- but enough of this -- give my respects to him; he is a man I highly esteem, and should be pleased to see him upon this subject. if convenient; please show him this letter, and tell him that our apprehensions respecting the wickedness of our leaders have heen more than realizcd, since our last interview before he left for the East. Smith and Rigdon have run away, and indeed most of the Smith family. Joseph Smith, Sen. the Patriarch, was arrested, after Joseph, Jr. and Sidney had absconded, upon a State warrant for a violation of the laws of his country, and would have been convicted, had be not been helped out of a window in the night and made his escape from Justice, as his son the prophet had done before him; and have not either of them been seen in this place since. Two or three days since, after Smith and Rigdon left this town, the Printing Office was set on fire and consumed, with all its contents, consisting of a large quantity of books, papers, book-binding, &c. I say set on fire, because this is the opinion of the public, and that too in fulfilment of Smith's revelation before he left; as I understand that he had prophesied the destruelion of this place by fire; and it is presumed that the midnight incendiary that committed this outrage was one of his faithful disciples, who acted under his direction, that his prophesying might be fulfilled. The printing establishment had belonged to them, but had been sold at Sheriff's sale, by virtue of two executions of $1000 each against said Smith and Rigdon for issuing banking paper or bills contrary to law. It had fallen into hands that would have used it to expose their iniquities which accelerated the doom, and hastened their exit from this place. This town (Kirtland) is called the stake of Zion for the gathering of the Saints, established as they said by revelation, a place of safety and peace. Smith now says that the Saints must flee out, for God will destroy this place for its wickedness; they are fleeing by night, and on the Sabbath, to cheat and defraud their creditors; as their leaders have set the exmple. Smith and Rigdon have obtained their earthly substance by thousands and tens of thousands, penury and want stares them in the face, innocent women and children are suffering, yet they flee at the summons of their prophet. Lots of land in this village that Smith sold to his brethren, the Samts, but lIttle more than one year since for $1000, can now be bought for $50. Their object for gathering them here is obvious, viz: to swindle them out of ther money -- their object in telling them to flee from this place, after assuring them that it was the will of God that they should purchase here and build up this city first, is to gather them and others that have something yet left, to swindle them out of their money -- divisions and disease reign here, society is a wreck. Smith and Rigdon are notorious in this country for their rascality; also in the far West, Missouri, the place of gathering, as we learn by letters from that place, one of the twelve Latter Day Apostles, a friend of mine, says, that Smith and Rigdon acted more like desperadoes, when they were in that place last fall, than like civilized men or christians. The presiding elder of the church in that place, some of the Apostles there as well as here, and most all men of influence have left them to their own destruction. Many are moving away from Zion to the far West, on account of the confusion that prevails among them. Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the book of Mormon, told me and others a few days since, that he never saw the plates with his natural eyes, but in a vision. He also said that Joseph, nor any other man, ever saw them in any other way; which agrees with the revelations, (see book of covenants, new edition, page 171.) On comparing the first and second edition of the book of covenants, which Smith claims to have received by direct revelation from heavan, there is a wide difference; whole sentences altered; language and meamng essentially different, which shows that they have no confidence in themselves. Any man that would add to or diminish from John's revelations, God said, should be cursed; has the Lord given Joseph more liberty than he did his beloved disciple? Harris further stated that Joseph got drunk after he commenced translating, and the spirit of inspiration left him for a week -- no doubt it did if he ever had it -- but the faithful Paul inrorms us that God would choose the base things to bring to nought the things that are mighty. Query -- do they remain base while God is using them? However, drunkenness is a characteristic of the family, if report is true. Be this as it may, two years ago this spring, at the solemn assembly, or enduement; as it was called, held at the Temple, in this stake of Zion, I saw one of Joseph Smith Jr.'s brothers, a high councillor and High Priest, drink wine and prophesy, until he fell down beastly drunk, and vomited. For further information I would refer you to the Zion's Watchman, printed at New York. I have commenced a correspondence with the editor upon this subject. Yours respectfully,

WARREN PARRISH.    

KIRTLAND, March 18th, 1838.    

This may certify that the letter that encloses this, contains matter of fact, as stated by Mr. Parrish. He has been Smith's Secretary and has been in high standing as an official member of the church, and much esteemed by them as a minister of the gospel. Last winter, said Parrish and myself, and some forty others, withdrew from the church, after having witnessed the abominations of Josepb Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon, in lying, cheating, and defrauding; and also having access to their secret councils, we, learned their private sentimentS; and we are now fully convinced that they are infidels, while they are publicly proclaiming christianity; therefore they are base hypocrites, wolves in sheep's clothing, seeking to devour their flocks. I am convinced that they do not believe the Bible, book of Mormon,or the revelations that they profess to have received from Heaven themselves. Rigdon once said in my hearing, that he had rather have one revelation of common sense, than the whole bundle that had been given from old Adam to the present time. Among those that withdrew, are one of the witnesses to the book of Mormon, some of the first Presidents of the church, some of the twelve Apostles, a number of the Presidents of the Society; also some of the seventy, several high councillors, and some High Priests; all men of good standing until they remonstrated against the high-handed wickedness of their leaders, and withdrew from them. Since that time our names are bandied to the four winds as apostates, reprobates, &c. to destroy our influence; but we have raised the warning voice, and intend that the truth shall triumph, and echo, and reach from Maine to Missouri, and from the eastern to the western sea; we have prepared the charges named in these letters, with many olhers of the like nature, against them, and challenged them publicly to meet them, but they dare not; clouds of witnesses would testify to their truth, and they know it too well to venture an investigation. Yes, we have made their ears to tingle, while we have proclaimed their abominations to them, and our testimony shall go forth upon the wings of the wind; and the characters of these desperadoes shall be known, not only upon this continent, but it soon shall reach the distant shores of Europe, and the islands of the sea.; and whether men believe or not, we are determined to discharge our duty, so that those who hereafter submit to be their willing victims, cannot say they were not faithfully warned. Yet there are many (strange as it may appear) who have witnessed many or these things, that still continue to support these men in their iniquities; and I am sorry to say that Jonathan H. Hale and Henry Herryman, my brothers-in-law, are among that number; but so it is. I understand that Hale and Woodruff are the men who first brought the Mormon faith to your Island, that they are warning the people who have joined them to flee to this place, to escape the judgments of God. The same cry has been heard here from morning until evening, since Smith and Rigdon ran away -- flee -- flee -- for God will destroy this city. One year ago last fall, when they were in the midst of their speculation, the word of the Lord was, buy an inheritance in Kirtland, the city of Zion, at any price, for this city must be built up first. But where the carcass is, the Eagles will be gathered together. It has been my lot to be called and chosen one of the twelve Latter Day Apostles. I have held important stations in the church for about five years and have travelled much and preached much in the Eastern States, and built up many churches; and indeed I have baptized hundreds in your own State, and did it in all honesty and good faith; but after becoming acquainted with the above facts, and many others of the like character, I have with the same principles of honesty and good fdith, withdrawn from them.
      Yours,                      JOHN F. BOYNTON.
Witness, LUKE JOHNSON, one of the twelve Apostles.

P. S. If you are disposed, you may cause both of these letters in answer to yours to be published in some newspaper, for the benefit of others. We would be glad to have you do so, and send us some half dozen copies of the same; and if you desire it, we will continue the correspondence.
                          WARREN PARRISH,
                          JOHN F. BOYNTON.

We the undersigned are neighbors of Warren Parrish, and are acquainted. with his moral character; and do most cheerfully say that, as a man of truth and veracity, his character is unimpeachable.
                          LYMAN COWDERY,
                          THOMAS LYON,
                          CHARLES C. WINCHEL,
                          W. Z. [sic - A?] COWDERY,
                          ARIAL HANSON.
P. M. Kirtland, March 17th, 1838.

---

Cleaveland, March 25, 1838.    

Dear Brother, -- I have just received yours, directed to the church under my pastoral charge, and hasten its reply. I am very sorry that you should be tormented with the most foolish and blasphemous system of Mormonism. Of all ancient and modern isms or impostures, it is the most strikingly absurd. It combines within itself all the elements of the most vulgar and heartless depravity, as well as certain dissolution. I knew Jo Smith before he commenced this crusade of Knight errantry. He was then, what he now is, a poor, intemperate, quarrelsome and ignorant fellow; just fit for a tool in the hand of some wicked, designing man to accomplish any nefarious purpose. He would put a certain magical stone into his hat, and then by looking upon it, he could discover gold and silver mines; and succeeded in duping some credulous persons whom he ruined. Soon after this, unquestionably at the instigation of some person equally depraved, but of a sounder head, he wrote his Mormon book, a perfect tissue of the most consummate folly and duplicity. After wandering about from place to place, he fixed upon Kirtland, by divine direction, as the great moral centre of the universe, from which laws were to be given to the world; and where our Saviour was to dwell personally in the latter days. He succeeded in exciting that part of the community given to the miraculous and strange, and whom sober sense and sound reason could not move. In Kirtland they built what they called the splendid Temple, but which in fact is nothing more than a great unsightly stone building, with nothing singular, save the folly of its erection, excepting some hanging curtains in the interior, and some mysterious figures and characters painted on the spiritual wardens' seats; enough to fill the mind of every ignorant beholder, with the emotions of the sublime. A man by the name of Rigdon is associated with Smith in the management of the temporal and spiritual interests of this concern. Rigdon possesses more mind than Smith, and perhaps an equal amount of depravity. They attempted to establish a Bank, and after professing to have a million and a half in specie, they succeeded in throwing into circulation a large amount of money, which, of course, the public have lost. They would fill boxes with sand, and then covered them over with silver, and solemnly protest they were filled with specie. This a gentleman told me, whose authority cannot be questioned. Jo. Smith has been detected, I know not how many times, in fraud -- he has been indicted once for murder -- and how many times more, and how varied the charges, I have never taken the trouble to inquire. Smith is exceedingly quarrelsome -- fights any one against whom he holds a grudge. The minister of the largest congregation in this county, a few months since, merely told Jo. Smith that he believed Mormonism was a most foolish and wicked system; when Smith struck him several times, using the most bitter language. A lady remarked to me not long since, that before the Mormons came, they lived in peace and safety; but now their gardens and orchards were pilfered, and nothing was safe, excepting under lock and key. But their Temple, their farms and property have gone. Smith and Rigdon have both run away and left the country; and others, poor, despised, afflicted, and deceived, are following the example of their leaders; some going one way and some another. But strange as it may appear, some yet adhere to Smith, while others declare him a notorious impostor, and choose other leaders. I would not be understood as saying I do not think it possible that a good person can be deceived, or that they are all like their wretched leaders; but the number of good or even moral, I should think exceedingly small. In this very hasty sketch, I am not conscious of having said one thing too severe; but I am confident that what I have written would be mild if compared with what thousands of the most intelligent citizens in this country would say, if asked to write their views upon this subject. As to their baptism, it is but a part of their blasphemies, for which may God forgive them.   In haste, I am respectfully yours,           LEVI TUCKER.


Note: For additional communications from Warren Parrish, see the Painesville, Ohio Republican of Feb. 15, 1838, as well as the Carthage, Ohio Evangelist of Oct. 1, 1838. Parrish's March, 1838 Zion's Watchman articles have not yet been transcribed, but John C. Bennett's 1842 book reproduces a similar Parrish letter on page 46. For additional information on Apostle Boynton, see Susan Easton Black's on-line article, "John Farnham Boynton."

A letter from the Pastor of the Baptist Church in Cleaveland Ohio, to the Pastor of the Baptist Church in Vinalhaven, Maine. Published ny request of the writer.

Cleaveland, March 25, 1838.    

Dear Brother, -- I have just received yours directed to the church under my pastoral charge, and hasten its reply. I am very sorry that you should be tormented with the most foolish and blasphemous system of Mormonism. Of all ancient and modern "isms" or impostures, it is the most strikingly absurd. It combines within itself all the elements of the most vulgar and heartless depravity, as well as certain dissolution.

I knew Jo Smith before he commenced this crusade of Knight errantry. He was then, what he now is, a poor, intemperate, quarrelsome and ignorant fellow; just fit for a tool in the hand of some wicked and designing man to accomplish any nefarious purpose. He would put a certain magical stone into his hat, and then by looking upon it, he pretended he could discover gold and silver mines, and succeeded in duping some credulous persons whom he ruined. Soon after this, unquestionably at the instigation of some person equally depraved, but of a sounder head, he wrote his Mormon book a perfect tissue of the most consummate folly and duplicity. After wandering about from place to place, he fixed upon Kirtland, by divine direction, as the great moral centre of the universe, from which laws were to be given to the world; and where our Saviour was to dwell personally in the latter day. -- He succeeded in exciting that part of the community given to the miraculous and strange, and whom sober sense and sound reason could not move.

In Kirtland they built what they called the splendid Temple, but which in fact is nothing more than a great unsightly stone building, with nothing singular, save the folly of its erection, excepting some hanging curtains in the interior, and some mysterious figures and characters painted on the spiritual wardens' seats; enough to fill the mind of every ignorant beholder, with the emotions of the sublime!

A man by the name of Rigdon is associated with Smith in the management of the temporal and spiritual interests of this concern. Rigdon possesses more mind than Smith, and perhaps an equal amount of depravity.

They attempted to establish a bank, and after professing to have a million and a half in specie, they succeeded in throwing into circulation a large amount of money, which, of course, the public have lost. They would fill boxes with sand, and then covered them over with silver, and solemnly protest they were filled with specie. This a gentleman told me, whose authority cannot be questioned. Jo Smith has been detected, I know not how many times, in fraud; he has been indicted once for MURDER; and how many times more, and how varied the charges, I have never taken the trouble to inquire.

Smith is exceedingly quarrelsome, and fights any one against whom he holds a grudge. The minister of the largest congregation in this county, a few months since, merely told Jo Smith that he thought Mormonism was a most foolish and wicked system; when Smith struck him several times, using the most bitter language!

A lady remarked to me not long since, that before the Mormons came, they lived in peace and safety; but since, their gardens and orchards were pilfered, and nothing was safe, excepting under lock and key.

But their Temple, their farms and property have gone. Smith and Rigdon have both run away and left the country. And others, poor, despised, afflicted, and deceived, are following the example of their leaders, some one way and some another. But, strange as it may appear, some yet adhere to Smith, while others declare him a notorious impostor, and choose other leaders.

I would not be understood as saying, I do not think it possible that a good person can be deceived, or that they are all like their wretched leaders; but the number of good or even moral, I should think exceedingly small.

In this very hasty sketch, I am not conscious of having said one thing too severe; but I am confident that what I have written would be mild if compared with what thousands of the most intelligent citizens in this country would say, if asked to write their views upon this subject. As to their baptism, it is but a part of their blasphemies, for which may God forgive them.
              In haste, I am respectfully yours,
                              LEVI TUCKER.

We spent a Sabbath with the above writer at the time of our western tour, and consider his character ample pledge for the correctness of his statements. We have thought that our friends in Vinalhaven were giving too much attention to a system so perfectly absurd and ridiculous -- but they can judge better as they witness its effects. We would not esteem any thing unworthy of attention that is capable of ruining the souls of men.

Editor of Advocate    

Note 1: Elder Levi Tucker (1804-1853) was an early pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, serving in that office from 1836 to 1842. He was born in Gilboa, Schoharie, NY, but evidently grew up in neighboring Delaware Co. He graduated from Hamilton College (located at Clinton, Oneida Co., NY) in 1828, and returned to Delaware Co., the following year, to become pastor of the First Baptist Church of the town of Deposit (located on the border with Broome Co., NY). From 1831 to 1835 he was a minister in Philadelphia, but moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1835 and became the Baptist pastor there the next year. He died in Cortland Co., NY. in 1853.

Note 2: Elder Tucker's personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith, Jr. was evidently made c. 1825-1827 in the region around Deposit, NY (which was very near Smith's known whereabouts during that period). Tucker is wrong in saying that Joseph Smith was charged with "murder" in Ohio -- since Smith was only brought to trial as a conspirator or accomplice in the attempted assassination of Grandison Newell.

THE MORMONS, to the number of about 500, with 57 wagons filled with furniture, cattle, &c. &c. have left Geauga County, Ohio, on their way to "the promised land" in Missouri. They pitch their tents in the open fields at night, after the manner of the ancient Israelites. -- Bos. Times


Notes: (forthcoming)

Signs of Trouble. --We learn through the medium of the St. Louis (Mo.) Gazette, that a public meeting was held at Carrollton, Carrol county, Mo., on the 13th ult., to take into consideration the most effectual was easiest way of preventing the people called Mormons from settling in that county. After the appointment of J. Stanly as Chairman, and T. H. Freeman, Secretary, a preamble setting forth the views of the meeting, was adopted, together with resolutions, disapproving of the conduct of David Thompson and Henry Rock in selling land to the Mormons, and entreating them to rescind all contracts made with them, for land or otherwise. They also resolved that the Mormons be and they are hereby requested, to leave the county of Carroll, on or before the 7th day of August next, and if not, by that time, other measures will be adopted.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

The St. Louis papers are reporting on "...various disturbances committed by the Mormons during the late election.... some cutting and stabbing was perpetrated by the Mormons of Davies county..."

A steamboat brings news "that Joe Smith (Mormon) had surrendered himself to the civil authorities. This implies some further movements against the Mormons, of which we are not yet advised."


Note: The above textual fragments will be replaced here with the full article, after a more reliable copy can be located. The Transcript report seems to have been derived from articles in the Sept. 15, 1838 issue of Niles Register.

The following extracts from the Western Star, published in Daviess county, Missouri, reveal the state of things at present existing among the loving Loco Focos in the western counties of the "glorious" Missouri. These were the counties, it will be recollected, which gave such heavy majorities for Benton. The Mormonites, especially, voted for him in a mass, in obedience to a special revelation, to that effect, made to Jo Smith.

MORMONISM. -- From the following proceedings of a public meeting of the citizens of Ray county, our readers will at once perceive the great excitement which prevails in conquence of the conduct of this extraordinary sect. We will not attempt to give the various rumors afloat, of threats and denunciations, as fulminated by Jo Smith and his council. They can be seen in part, in an oration delivered by Sidney Rigdon, on the 4th of July, in which he threatens to "carry war and extermination" to the lives and property of every citizen who may dare to oppose their wild career.

The Mormons are at this time in open rebellion against the laws of the land. Armed men, as will be found from the statement of Mr. Black, are parading through Daviess county, compelling every person in any way disaffected towards them, to sign an instrument of writing dictated by themselves; the purport of which we are unable to find out.

Under circumstances so alarming to the tranquility of this upper country, the circuit Judge of this District was called upon to issue his warrant for the apprehension of the ringleaders, who promptly complied by issuing a warrant against Joseph Smith, Jr. and Lyman Wight. For the purpose of executing this warrant, it was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Daviess county, who repaired to the house of Lyman Wight -- and there found an armed force of from 80 to 100 men, and was told by Wight "that he would not be taken alive -- that the law had never protected him, and he owed them no obedience; that the whole State of Missouri could not take him," &c. Joseph Smith, Jr. professed his willingness to be tried, provided it was done in Caldwell county. Upon these facts being made known, the people of Ray county deputed a committee to Smith and Wight, if possible to prevail upon them to cease their opposition, and peaceably submit to the execution of the laws. That committee, as far as we understand, were unsuccessful in their mission. A second committee was then appointed, from whose proceedings we have not heard one word.

The Mormons can raise from 1,000 to 1,500 fighting men, well armed. They believe Jo Smith to be a prophet of the Lord and that he holds a communion with him. Hence, any statement given to them by said Smith as a Revelation of the Lord, is to be implicitly complied with. He can embody them as one man -- as exemplified in the late election. Suppose then, this modern Mahomet, backed by such a host of armed bigots and enthusiasts, should take it into his head to resist the execution of the laws, would it not verify the statement of Wight, that, even the "whole state of Missouri could not take him?"

At the meeting above referred to, a large multitude was collected, and excitement ran very high. Many affidavits were read to the effect that the deponents had been surrounded in their own houses by armed bodies of Mormons, and forced to subscribe certain papers -- but what the papers were does not appear -- by threats of instant death. At an adjourned meeting held the next day, a series of resolutions was adopted, which although not violent in their tone, have evident reference to the prospect of a speedy and bloody conflict. If the Mormonites should be driven back among the Western Indians, and should infect them with their warlike fanaticism -- and the proneness of the Indians to superstition if well known -- we may presently find a fanatical war ranging on our frontier, far more dangerous and expensive than the war in Florida.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon War. -- The St. Louis Republican of the 19th says:

It seems that there has been one conflict already, in which lives were lost. Reports by the steamboat Howard, say that the people of Saline, Lafayette, Ray and Clay had, in addition to Davies and Lexington, sent out volunteers. Camden, in Ray, was deserted of all its able-bodied men. The Mormons fortified their town, Far West, and were 1500 strong.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon war in Missouri waxes warm, and the excitement there is great and unprecedented. One account coming from Lexington, says that the Mormons and their adversaries are up in arms. The citizens of Ray Co. had sent a wagon load of arms and ammunition to the citizens of Daviess, for the purpose of defending themselves. On their way out they were captured by a company of Mormons and taken to Far West, Committees from the other side had asked for men to assist them in the protection of their property. Far West is the head quarters of the Mormons. They have fortified their town, and are determined to hold out. -- They are stated to be about one thousand strong, and well supplied with arms and ammunition.

The Booneville Emigrant of the 13th Sept. gives the following particulars of the Mormons and the excitement:

"From the best information we can obtain, the Mormons are from 1500 to 2000 fighting men; and it is stated upon good authority that a large emigrating party of Mormons are now on their way from Canada to join their friends in Missouri, which will increase their force, so as to make them very formidble: if this war should break out, it must become a war of extermination, as the Mormons are desperate, and rendered more so, by the fanatical spirit infused into them by that arch deceiver, Jo Smith, under whose banner they act, and by whose malign influence they are misguided, and ready for any act of desperation. Their disorderly conduct for months past, has so exasperated the people that they can no longer tolerate or permit them to remain among them."

Another account, and a well authenticated one says that a committee in Daviess county were calling on the people of Howard county to raise a force and come to their assistance, and aid them in expelling the Mormons from the county -- that the citizens of Daviess had removed their families, and were making preparations for warlike operation: that the Mormons were in a state of open rebellion against the laws, and war between them and the citizens was inevitable; that the people of Daviess had come to the fixed determination of commencing the attack on the 3d Monday of September.

Postscript. -- The following additional news from the seat of the Mormon War was received this morning. By the following letter from the Missouri Jeffersonian of the 14th ult., it appears the Governor of the State has thought it necessary to call out the militia: --

We are authorised to state, that in consequence of the recent indications of Indian difficulties on the frontiers of this State and Arkansas, and the recent civil disturbances in the counties of Daviess and Caldwell, the Governor has ordered three thousand mounted men to be raised and held in readiness to meet either emergency. The people of the frontier counties counties may safely calculate on being protected, as well from enemies within, as from those without our borders, and that no supremacy of the law will be maintained.

---

Mormons bound from the East to the West. -- The last Bangor Mechanic and Farmer says that it learns that a company of about fifty Mormons are soon to start for the land of promise in the West, from Camden in this State. They have comfortable covered wagons and intend to take their provisions and working apparatus along with them, and board themselves on the road. They have expended about three thousand dollars for the outfit, which, perhaps, ought to be taken as an evidence, so far, at least, of their sincerity in the belief of the doctrines of Jo Smith and his book of Mormon. We congratulate Jo Smith and his society upon the acquisition of this new recruit from down east, and we especially congratulate the State of Maine upon their departure from its borders. We wish them nothing worse than a long absence. -- Adv.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(see original article from Missouri paper)

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon Troubles Ended. -- A gentleman who arrived in St. Louis on the 28th ult., direct from Columbia, states that all the volunteer companies were disbanded by the Governor, and had returned to their respective homes. Peace and quietness reigned among the Mormons -- and the general impression in that section of the country was, that the Mormons had been greatly slandered -- "more sinned against than sinning."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Jefferson, (Mo.) Sept. 20.    

The Mormons. -- Information has been received, by express from Judge King, who presides in the circuit where the difficulty exists, that an insurrection is now actually on foot in the counties of Caldwell and Daviess. The same information has just been received from General Atchinson, who is now at Richmond, with 250 men, and intends proceeding immediately to the scene of difficulty. General A. has ordered out 400 more men from his division. In consequence of this information, the Governor has, by express, ordered generals Grant, of Boone, to have 300 men, Clark, of Howard, to have 500 men, Lucas, of Jackson, 400 men, and Crowther, of Cooper, 400 men, organized and to march immediately to the scene of difficulty, to suppress the insurrection and restore order to the community. General Atchinson states, that the men now under arms in Daviess and Caldwell are not less than 2,000, the greater part of whom are Mormons, and the balance citizens.

The Governor has also ordered out the Boonville Guards, to be in readiness, to join him at Boonville on Saturday or Sunday next, and march with him to the scene of operation. The Governor, Adjutent General, and two Aids leave this morning.

Major General Bolton will also repair to the scene of action, with some two hundred volunteers from this county, in two or three days.

The only object of the Commander-in-Chief seems to be to prevent the shedding of blood, and restore order to the community.

The citizens in that quarter may now rest assured that the strong arm of the law will be enforced and themselves protected in their rights.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon War. -- At the latest dates there was a prospect of the revival of the Mormon War, with more than its former degree of vigor.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Further from the Mormons. -- We learn by the Pirate, which arrived at noon today, that, on Tuesday night, the anti-Mormons were still in force near Dewit. The Pirate lay at Greenville, seven miles above Dewit, on Tuesday night. At that time, information had come in, that the Anti-Mormons had given their opponents notice that they must take up their line of march next morning at 8 o'clock. This, the Mormons refused to do. It was reported also that the Anti-Mormons had sent word to the Mormons that, if they would collect their women and children in one house -- that house should not be fired on. As the Pirate passed down on Wednesday morning, by Dewit, a flag was seen flying over the largest houses there. From all appearances, there is reason to believe that a conflict took place on Wednesday. -- St. Louis Gazette, Oct. 12.


Notes: (forthcoming)

St. Louis papers of Nov. 21, are filled with important news relating to the Mormon dislurbances in Missouri. The most authentic news at St. Louis on the 2d was, that a skirmish had occurred between the Mormons and citizens near the line of Ray county, in which ten of the citizens were killed and a number taken prisoners. This is but rumor however, and may or may not be true. There are so many reports, says the St. Louis Republican, it is almost impossible to know what to believe or what to reject.

The citizens of Ray County had a great meeting on the 24th October, and passed Resolutions declaring it to be the duty of the Executive of Missouri to order out, forthwith an armed force against the Mormons, sufficient to meet the emergency.

It seems to be an established fact that the Mormons have destroyed a vast amount of property in Daviess County, -- burning houses and stores and destroying all the property of their opposers that they could lay hands upon. From a report published at Richmond, Mo. by a Committee of citizens it appears that the country on the north side of Grand River and west of it was certainly deserted, except by the Mormons, and hall been for several days; and that the houses were all burned -- the Mormons had ordered the other citizens out of the county. Gallatin had not heen visited, but it was understood that all tbe houses in that place were burned except a shoe-makers shop.

A letter dated Richmond, Oct. 24, written hy a Judge King, says that on the previous Sunday the Mormons marched to Daviess -- Jo Smith made known his views to the people and declared the time had come when they would avenge their own wrongs, and that all who were not for them, and taken up arms with them, should be considered as against them, and their properly should be confiscuted and their lives also be forfeited.

With this declaration and much else said by Smith calculated to excite the people present -- the next day was set to meet and see who was for them and who against them and under such severe penalties that there was none. I leurn who did not turn out; and about 3 or 400 men with Smith at theIr head marched to Daviess. This was on Tuesday; the next was the snow storm, and on Thursday they commenced their ravages upon the cit1zens, driving them from their homes and taking their property. Between 80 and 100 men went to Gallatin, pillaged houses and the Store of Mr. Stolling's and the post office, then burnt the houses. They carried off the spoils on horse-back and in wagons, and now have them, I understand in a storehouse near their camp. Houses have been robbed of their contents, -- beds, clothing, furniture, &c. and all deposited, and they term it "a consecration to the Lord."

General Clark of the western division, has directed the raising of 600 mounted gunmen from his division, to be organized on yesterday -- and to march this morning. This number was increased by a vote of the meeting, to a thousand. Rumors of a still more barbarous atrocity -- butchering and hanging, burning and destroying, continue to multiply with us -- but as they are not official we forbear their repetition. Enough is known to justify all that has been done -- and the Howard regiments, composed exclusively of volunteers, are on the march with as chivalrous a christian leader as ever warred against a Moslem.

A letter from Judge King, dated Richmond, Oct. 23d, after stating the outrages commited in Davess County, says: --

"At this time there is not a citizen in Daviess, except Mormons. Many have been driven without warning, others were allowed a few hours to start. The stock of the citizens have been seized upon, killed and salted by hundreds; from 50 to 100 wagons are now employed in hauling in the corn from the surrounding country. -- They look for a force against them, and consequently are preparing for a seige, building block houses, &c. They have lately organized themselves into a band of what they call "Danites," and sworn to support their leading men in all they say or do, right or wrong; and farther, to put to instant death those who betray them. There is another band of twelve called the "destructives," whose duty it is to watch the movements of men and of communities, and to avenge themselves for supposed wrongful movements against them, by privately burning houses and property, and even laying waste towns, &c.
                  I am, very respectfully,
                                AUSTIN A. KING.

Lexington, 1 p'clock P.M.Oct. 25, 1838.
  Gentlemen. -- This letter is sent after you on express, by Mr. Wm. Bryant of Ray county. Since you left us this morning, Mr. C. R. Morehead came here on express for men to assist in repelling a threatened attack upon Richmond to-night. He brought news that the Mormon armed force had attacked Capt. Bryant this morning at day-light, and had cut off his whole company of 50 men. Since Mr. Morehead left Richmond, one of the company (Bogart) had come in and reported that there were 10 of his comrades killed, and the remainder were taken prisoners; after many of them had been severely wounded. He stated farther that Richmond would be sacked and burned by the Mormon banditti to-night. Nothing can exceed the consternation which this news gave rise to. The women and children are flying from Richmond in every direction. A number of them have repaired to Lexington, amongst whom is Mrs. Rees. We will have sent from this county, since two o'clock this evening, about one hundred well armed and daring men, perhaps the most effective that our county can boast of.

They will certainly give them (the Mormons) a warm reception at Richmond to-night. You will see the necessity of hurrying on to the City of Jefferson, and also of imparting correct information to the public as you go along.


Note: The above article deletes the final portion of E. M. Ryland's letter: "My impression is that you had better send one of your number to Howard, Cooper and Boone counties, in order that volunteers may be getting ready and flocking to the scene of trouble as fast as possible. They must make haste and put a stop to the devastation which is menaced by these infuriated fanatics. And they must go prepared, and with the full determination to exterminate or expel them from the State enmasse. Nothing but this can give tranquillity to the public mind and re-establish the supremacy of the law. There must be no more dallying with this question any where. The Mormons must leave the State, or we will one and all. And to this complexion it must come at last. --- We have great reliance upon your ability, discretion and fitness for the task you have undertaken, and have only time to say God speed you."

The Mormon War has been ended by the surrender of all but 150 who had retreated to the northern frontier. The notorious Jo Smith and several other of the leaders have been taken.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon war has been terminated, by a surrender of the Mormon leaders to the troops under General Atchinson. This happened on Sunday, October 28th. On that day, about three thousand men, being part of the army of 5000, ordered out under Gen. Clark, comprising Gen. Atchinson's division, made their appearance before the town of Far West, the county seat of Caldwell county, where the Mormons were entrenched. Upon their approach the Mormons had hoisted a white flag, which was shot down by Capt. Bogard, but was immediately replaced. Gen. Atchison then sent in a message, with a view to learn their wishes and intentions, when six of the leaders avowed their willingness to surrender, in the expectation that the Mormons should be unharmed. The surrender was accepted, and the individuals put under guard. Their names are Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, George Hinkle, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, and Mr. Knight. The Mormons assembled, at Far West, comprised 700 men under arms. Of this number, a small body of 150, retreated and pursued their way to the northern frontier.

The reports vary as to what happened after the surrender. In fact, our intelligence does not come down clearly to that period, later than the day of the capitulation.

On the day after, Gen. Atchison received the order of the Governor, which has already been mentioned in this paper, as directing the expulsion or extermination of the Mormons. It is said that, shocked and disgusted with the severity of the command, he retired and went home. After that event, it is stated that several -- some accounts say 40 of the Mormons -- were put to death. One version of the statement is, that the Mormons killed, at this time, were such as had not come into Far West. We need, however, more certain and authentic information, than we now have, on this head.

It is stated that, about the time of the surrender, a Company of men -- 200 in number -- fell upon a body of the Mormons, in Splawn's settlement, on Shoal Creek, about 20 miles from Far West. The Mormons, it is stated, were 36 in number; and the story runs that all but four were put to death. Some of the names of the killed, as reported to us, are David Evans from Ohio, Jacob Fox, from Pennsylvania, Thomas M'Bride and his father, Mr. Daly, M. Merrill and his son-in-law, Mr. White, all from Ohio.
As to the Mormon ravages in Daviess County, [about] the plundering and burning of which so much has been said -- we are informed that, before those hostile operations, the Mormons held a consultation, at which the propriety of the steps afterwards taken, was debated at large. Some of their number were averse to the plan, and nearly one third dissented from it. The reasons assigned for these measures, were alleged outrages by their enemies in Carrol and Daviess Counties. According to the Mormon statement, their houses and buildings, near DeWitt, in Carrol County, had been destroyed by their enemies, and they themselves expelled from the County, and afterwards pursued, on their retreat into Daviess. It was, therefore, as they allege, in retaliation for previous unprovoked outrages, that they executed their system of violence and terror in the County of Daviess. Evidently, they could not have adopted a more suicidal policy -- allowing their own statements to be wholly true.

From the St. Louis Republican, 9th inst.

The Steamer St. Peters came in yesterday evening from Jefferson city, She brings nothing further concerning the Mormons

We have no time now -- and it would take more space than we can spare for it -- even with the knowledge of all the facts, to enter into a history of the origin and progress of this difficulty. But there is a statement in this connection, which we have heard but recently, and which we sincerely hope is not true. -- That statement is as follows.

About the 9th or 10th of last month, when about 80 Mormon families had been expelled from Carroll county, and driven into Daviess, a message was sent by them to the State executive, praying for his interposition in their behalf. The reply to that message was, that already the State had been put to a great deal of expense on account of these difficulties, and that he could see no cause to interpose, thus leaving the parties to fight it out!

The disposition of the captured Mormons presents a case of great difficulty. They are generally poor -- at least they have but little money, and few means besides their stock and crops to preserve them from starvation. As it is, we suspect, these means are very much abridged. The presence of several thousand troops in their vicinity must have reduced them greatly. The proposition -- so it is given out -- is to remove them from the State. Who will advance the funds, wherewith to consummate to such a measure? And where shall they be sent? Their numbers exceed five thousand, men women and children! Are these 5000 people -- without any means and literally beggars -- to be thrust upon the charities of Illinois, Iowa, or Wisconsin?

It is said that the leaders are to be put to trial. -- We hope there may be a trial, and that the trial will extend to a most thorough, rigid, and impartial examination into the origin and progress of this extraordinary commotion. We hope that a searching operation will be applied to the guilty on all sides. It is only in such a way that the government and people of this State can place themselves in a just and dignified attitude before their sister governments and fellow citizens of the Union.

THE MORMONS. -- Later. -- It would appear, by the following paragraph, extracted from the St. Louis Bulletin of the 9th inst., that further resistance to the State troops had been made by some of the Mormons.

There are various rumours afloat concerning the surrender of the Mormons, and we are afraid that the disturbances have not terminated so amicably as was reported. We have conversed with a gentleman who arrived yesterday afternoon from Jefferson city, on board the St. Peters, and he states that an express arrived there on Wednesday night, bringing intelligence that a party of Mormons who had fortified themselves in a house were attacked by the volunteers under the command of Gen. Lucas, and thirty-two of them killed -- seven of the volunteers were wounded, and one killed. It is further stated that the Governor had issued orders to Gen. Clark to retain as many of the volunteer companies as was necessary, to keep the Mormon prisoners till the meeting of the Legislature.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons, after doing much mischief in Caldwell and Jo. Davies counties, Missouri, have capitulated with the military forces brought against them, and surrendered up their leaders, Jo. Smith, Rigdon, and others. What can be done with them?


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Western mail, yesterday, brought us some additional particulars in regard to the disturbances in Caldwell county. The Far West, published at Liberty, states that Gen. Clark still remained at the town of Far West, having under his command 1300 men, who were employed in guarding the captured Mormons. The General had despatched an order to Gen. Lucas, commanding him to return Jo and Hiram Smith, Rigdon, Wight, Robinson and Hunt, for trial in Richmond, Ray county. Gen. Lucas was on his way to Jackson county, and, it is said, refused to obey this order. A great many of the Mormons had made their escape from Caldwell county, leaving their families.

The Far West also says:

"Just as our paper was going to press, we received a communication from Gen'l Lucas, giving the stipulations of the treaty made by him and the Mormons. It will be recollected that we stated that General Atchison and his staff returned home, having considered himself virtually ordered from the field by Gov. Boggs; who assigned the command to Gen. Clarke of Howard county. Gen. Lucas was in command of the troops previous to and at the time of the surrender of the Mormons. -- The matter was entirely settled before the arrival of General Clarke. -- What motive could have operated on Gov. Boggs for excluding Gen. Atchison from any command, we do not pretend to know, but this we do know, that he has done himself very little credit, by so illiberal a course of procedure.

Gen. Lucas states that the officers and men under his command conducted themselves in a manner that will ever recommend them to his highest approbation. We are sorry our space and time will not permit us to make any further remarks. The following are the stipulations between the parties: 1st. To give up their leaders to be tried and punished.
2nd. To make an appropriation of the peoperty of all who had taken up arms, for the payment of the debts, and as indemnity for damages done by them.
3d. That the Mormons should all leave the State and be protected out by the militia; but to remain under protection, until further orders from the Commander-in-Chief.
4th. To give up all arms of every discription, to be receipted for. For the purpose of arranging every thing in a proper and legal way, Gen. Lucas left Col. Williams, aid-de-camp to the commander-in-chief, Col. Burch, and Major A. Ries of Ray county, to attend to drawing, writing &c. with a company of men to execute all orders consistent with the stipulations.

Judge Cameron of Clay county, William Collins of Jackson, George Woodward of Ray, John Carroll and W. W. Phelps, of Far West, were appointed by Gen. Lucas and Col. Hinkle, the commander of the Mormons, to attend to the adjusting of all claims, &c."

From the same paper, we copy the following paragraph:

"There will be a dinner given to General Atchison on Monday next at the Liberty Hotel, as a tribute of the high regard and esteem entertained for his personal character, and his meritorious and prudent course in the late difficulties with the Mormons. The citizens of this, and the surrounding counties are respectfully invited."

The Western Star remarks. --

"The course of Gov. Boggs, in superseding Gen. Atchison, we hear much complaint about. Why the Gov. did this we are at a loss to know. So far as we have heard an expression of opinion, the people appear to be satisfied with Mr. A. as a General."

---

The Mormons. -- A letter from Ray County, Missouri, dated Nov. 7th, says, "At the surrender, they (the Mormons) gave up four hundred and ninety-six guns. Their leaders were all in custody, and will probably be shot; as for the rabble, they are unquestionably more sinned against than sinners, but will have to leave the State." If Mormons can be thus hunted like wild beasts, and driven from place to place like outlaws, why cannot Shakers, New Harmony men, or any other social community of peculiar habits and organization? If any person has committed an offence against the laws, he should be tried and condemned by the laws; but to exile a whole community thus, (say nothing of the massacre.) when it is admitted that the mass or rabble among them are "more sinned against than sinning," appears to us a most flagrant violation of the rights of American citizens, and a most dangerous precedent. We trust the Legislature of Missouri, now in session, will probe this affair to the bottom, and redress, as far as practicable, the wrongs Which have been inflicted. -- J. Com.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SAD NEWS FROM THE MORMONS. The account of a bloody butchery of of thirty two Mormons, on Splawn's Creek, is fully confirmed. Two children were killed, we presume, by accident. Considerable plunder -- such as beds, hats, &c. were taken from the slaughtered. Not one of the assailants was killed or hurt. About the time of the surrender, several Mormon houses were burnt in Charlton; and one Mormon who refused to leave, killed. At Far West, after the surrender, a Mormon had his brains dashed out, by a man who accused the Mormons of burning his house in Daviess.

We understand that the company engaged in the attack at Splawn's Creek, was not attached to any division of the army, but was fighting on its own hook. The men were principally from Charlton county, and amongst the number was at least one member of the Legislature. The enemy had approached within eighty yards of the Mormons before they were apprised of their approach. The Mormons had their families with them, and to preserve their lives, the men separated from them and took refuge in a blacksmith's shop. Here they were murdered! It is said that the Mormons had arms, but it is a little singular that they should have used them so ineffectual, as not to have touched one of the assailants. The latter, in some instances, placed their guns between the logs of the house and deliberately fired on the victims within.

The reports are founded upon statements of persons engaged in the attack; and bad as they are, are not likely to be overcharged. Will the actors in the tragedy be suffered, by the Courts of that District, to go unpunished?

---

PROGRESS OF OPERATIONS AGAINST THE MORMONS. -- St. Louis, Nov. 14. The accounts from Far West are to the 8th. Gen. Clark had arrived at the seat of the Mormon war, with 1300 men, to guard the Mormon prisoner[s], and had sent a despatch to Gen. Lucas, in Jackson county, to return Joe Smith (the prophet,) and Hiram (his brother) -- also the ringleaders: Robinson, Hunt, Rigdon, and Wight.

The following are the stipulations between the parties:

1st. To give up their leaders io be tried and punished. 2d. To make an appropriation of the property of all who had taken up arms, for the payment of the debts, and as an indemnity for damages done them. 3d. That the Mormons should all leave the State and be protected out by the militia; but to remain under protection until further orders from the Commander-in-Chief. 4th. To give up all arms of every description, to be receipted for. For the purpose of arranging every thing in a proper and legal way Gen. Lucas left Col. Williams aid-de-camp to the commander-in-chief, Col. Burch and Major A. Reess of Ray co., to attend to drawing writings, &c. with a company of men, to execute all orders consistent With the treaty.

The Journal of Commerce quotes a letter from Ray county, Missouri, dated Nov. 5th, which says: --

"At the surrender, they (the Mormons) gave up four hundred amd ninety-six guns. Their leaders are all in custody, and will probably be shot; as for the rabble, they are unquestionably more sinned against than sinners, but will have to leave the State."

The cool indifferenee of this communication is a happy illustration of the freedom of opinion among us. Here are men confessedly "more Sinned against than sinning;" who are hunted like wild beasts, in a country professing obedience to law, and their leaders delivered up to be shot, as appears from the confident statement of the probable result, without a form of trial, or if a form, the mockery of Lynch law.

LATEST. -- The St. Louis Bulletin, of Nov. 17, publishes some extracts from the Far West, of the 9th, which contain the latest intelligence in relation to the Mormon disturbances. We make the following selections:

We learn from a gentleman just from Far West, that Gen. Clarke still had the Mormon prisoners well guarded in the town of Far West.

A great many of the Mormons have made their escape from Caldwell county, leaving their families. We are not informed whether all the Mormons will be driven from Caldwell county or not, but suppose they will not, this winter at least.

A Doctor Avord, who was high in the favor of their church, has, since the surrender of the Mormons, made some disclosures in relation to the contemplated designs they had against the upper county. Among many other things, they had associated themselves into three different societies: called Danites, Gideonites, and the Destroying Angels! composed of about 150 men, altogether. The object of tbe bands was to carry on a regular and systematic course of robbery and murder, and swear out suits against all dissenters from the church, and others, under false pretences of debts and claims against them, the proceeds of which were to be placed in a general fund for the use and benefit of the church.

We are not in possession of facts sufficient to give all the details of this unholy combination at present. No man doubts but there are among the Mormons many honest and innocent men, who joined them through virtuous and pure motives and wherever these facts can be ascertained by their nctions, they should not be molested."

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- The Booneville Emigrant of the 15th Nov. states that the trial of Joe Smith and forty-seven others of the Mormons was to come on at the Circuit Court of Ray co. which was then in session at Richmond. It is farther stated that it is not true that the Mormons are to be sent out of the State immediately.They are to be permitted to remain for the present, with the distinct understanding that they are not to make another crop in Missouri, but to leave it between this and next summer. The forces which were engaged in the Mormon war, are disbanded and sent home, with the exception of one troop of cavalry, which will be retained until the trials are over.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism. -- A letter has been written to the Rev. Charles G. Finney, by W. Parish, a man who was an amanuensis of Smith, and who from being his dupe, became his detector. He often heard Smith declare, that they had $60,000 in their vaults, and $6,000,000 at their command, when he knew that they had not over $6,000. He believes Smith and Rigdon to be thorough infidels -- and often heard Smith utter the strongest infidel sentiments. He expresses his astonishment that intelligent men could be deceived by him at all. Why was he deceived himself?

The Mormon delusion of course will die away soon, and will never exert an extensive influence. Yet, while it lasts, it will produce irreparable mischiefs with the welfare of individual minds.

Persecution will do no good. The civil rights of this deluded people ought to be preserved, so long as they do not violate the rights of others. -- N.Y. Evang.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the N. Y. Evening Star.

REACTION.

A public meeting is called at St. Louis, Mo., for the relief of the Mormons. A similar meeting was convoked at Quincy, we think it was, in Illinois, some weeks since; at which Rigdon attended, together with a number of other Mormons of less note, whose tale of wrongs, places in a light the most revolting, the persecutors of these unfortunate fanatics. That they have been deeply injured, there scarce remains a reasonable doubt, and that reparation for the injustice done them should be speedily made, admits of no question. Murder, rapine and every other description of oppression has been visited [upon] them by men whose motives are of the vilest character. It appeared from the statement of Rigdon, that under the pretext of carrying out the orders of the governor, black hearted villains perpetrated scenes of violence upon the wives and daughters of the Mormon settlers, the bare mention of which sickens the heart. We were ever of the opinion that the treatment of the Mormons was more severe than circumstances justified, or the exigencies of the case required. The hue and cry got up against them by the public authorities of Missouri, upon the exaggerated statements of interested and evil disposed persons, went far to countenance these outrages, and the sooner the State repairs the wrongs done them, so far as it is in their power to do so, for there is no restitution that can be made for much of the injury they were forced to suffer, the more credit it will be to them.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons have all departed from Missouri, including Joe Smith, the prophet, and pitched their tents at Quincy, Illinois.

Notes: (forthcoming)

'The Mormons. have a religious encampment in the woods of Chester county, Pa.


Notes: (forthcoming)

''The Mormons.'' There was a large meeting in New York on Monday evening last, on the subject of the Mormon persecution. The N. Y. Commercial says that the relation of the sufferings of the Mormons was "of the most harrowing description."


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. It is known that the Mormons, after leaving Missouri, repaired to this State, and remained the last winter in Quincy and its neighborhood, and that during the past summer they purchased a large tract of land at the head of the Des Moines rapids of the Mississippi, on both sides of the river, including the town of Commerce. We have seen a letter from one of the society, written recently to his friend in this county, giving some further particulars which will be found interesting.

The town plat of Commerce was purchased of Dr. Garland [sic - Galland?]. Other purchases were made adjoining, until the quantity amounted to about 900 acres. From Dr. G. was purchased also 20,000 acres in the half breed reservation, lying opposite, and including the town of Montrose, formerly Fort Des Moines. The whole purchase money amounts to 70,000 dollars, a large portion of it on long payment.

The name of Commerce has been changed to Nauvoo, (from the Hebrew or Egyptian,) and the lots all laid off anew into three or more classes. Each lot is a block, and contains (including the ground allotted for streets) one acre. The prices are graded, according to the class of lots -- the first class being about 800 dollars. The friend to whom the letter before us is written is a purchaser of one of these.

Montrose, being an excellent landing opposite Nauvoo, will probably be laid off on the same plan.

Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon and Judge Higbee, have just started for Washington to petition Congress for relief growing out of the Missouri persecutions.

Nauvoo has been chosen by the church at a late conference, as one of the points of gathering for the church in the latter days. The Mormons regard the signs of the times as indicating the speedy approach of the Millenium; and these points are selected as ensigns for the gathering of the society to escape the judgments which will immediately precede that event.

We are told that large accessions have been made to the number of the society during the past fall, embracing many families of great respectability and influence in Adams, Hancock and M'Donough counties. Several branches of the church have been established in those counties, and the society is represented as having never been more prosperous, or as indulging brighter hopes than at present.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- This visionary sect have made a new establishment in Illinois, and it is said that since the persecutions which they encountered in Missouri and for which, as far as the destruction of property is concerned, they are now seeking indemnification from Congress, many influential families have joined them. There can be no justification, or even palliation of the cruel assaults made on this deluded people, and the impolicy of such persecution is now made manifest by the large increase to their numbers. As to the influential families which have joined them, their influence must be that of wealth and not of intelligence; for so flimsy and bare-faced an imposture, as that of Mormonism, could be credited by none but the deplorably ignorant, or sanctioned by none but the designing. -- Presb.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Correspondence of the Journal of Commerce.

Montrose, I. T., Upper Mississippi.    
February 13th, 1840.      

In my letter of Dec. 4th, I was in error in stating that Oliver Granger was a brother of F. Granger, of the State of New York. I was so informed by one of his Mormon brothers -- but have since learnt from him personally, that he is only a distant relative. The Mormons having been driven out from the land of "Zion" in Missouri, have placed a "Stake of Zion" at Commerce, Ill., opposite this place and have commenced building their city there. Already a large number of houses have been erected, and they purpose [sic - propose?] to erect one thousand next season, together with a temple. No doubt large numbers from all parts of the United States will settle at the above named point in the early Spring. I venture to say that Jo Smith exerts a more absolute influence over a greater number of minds, than any other individual in America; many, too, cultivated and intelligent minds, but laboring under a dangerous delusion. Smith has indeed (with the help of his Elders and Council and others better taught than himself,) matured an ingenious system by which to govern the church. His system is not all founded in error, but has so much truth drawn from the doctrines of the Bible, incorporated with it, that it is calculated to deceive the unstable. They are certainly a most zealous people; they send out their preachers into all parts of the United States, and even to Europe. Twelve Elders went from this neighborhood last summer to preach the Mormon faith to the "Gentiles" in Europe. Three of the number were from this place. They embarked at New York. I will give you a few extracts from the revelations purporting to have been given to Jo Smith, and published in their book of Covenants.

"And behold...
[text not transcribed]

The above will suffice as specimens of the numerous revelations contained in the Mormon Book of Covenants.

The doctrine of consecration of property is strictly enjoined upon all who unite with the church; not to be held in common, but placed in the hands of the bishops, whose business it is to manage the temporal affairs of the church. It is surprising to hear men of intelligence (and many such belong to this Church) assert that Jo Smith is a "prophet of the Lord," "one of the greatest prophets that has ever lived," and so on: and with willing hands consecrate their cattle, their houses and lands, to be appropriated they know not how; but ostensibly held to relieve the necessities of the poor.


Note 1: This David W. Kilbourne letter to the Journal of Commerce was also reprinted in other papers, such as the Philadelphia North American of March 14, 1840. In a previous letter to the Journal of Commerce, Mr. Wells had said: "The Mormons, who were driven by mobs from Missouri, and who are now settled in this neighborhood, have some fears that the Missourians, from their movements, have designs against them. We have a large Mormon population here, on each side of the River. She that was Mrs. Morgan, widow of the murdered Morgan, of Free mason memory, is settled here, and is now Mrs. Harris, and a good Mormon. Oliver Granger, a brother of Francis Granger of your state, resides here, and is a leader in the Mormon Church." The editor replied: "A gentleman well acquainted with the Granger family of Canandaigua, says our correspondent on the Upper Mississippi is mistaken in saying that Oliver Granger, a Mormon in that neighborhood, is brother of Francis Granger." -- See The Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce, issues for Jan. 2 and Mar. 12, 1840.

Note 2: The Nauvoo Times and Seasons of Sept. 15, 1841, rendered this verdict, as to the reliability of news reports featured in the New York Journal of Commerce: "Many of our friends and correspondents living at a distance, are anxiously enquiring to know the situation of the church in this place, with regard to our neighbors. We will answer their enquiries in a word; all is peace and prosperity with the church in all this region of country, and the prospects are, by far, more flattering at the present time, than we have ever known them. Perfect harmony and good feeling prevails between us and our neighbors, with the exception of two or three individuals, whose names are not worthy of mention. They have laboured incessantly to create an excitement, but thus far it has proved altogether fruitless, with the exception of the little feeling created abroad, where they are not known, through the medium of the Journal of Commerce, and other low and vulgar public prints, which choose to publish a lie rather than the truth, because it takes better with the community at large: -- and besides, they think to injure thousands of innocent people by so doing; but in this they are mistaken, for we can assure them that the warmer the persecution, the greater the spread of the work, the fiercer the contest the sooner it will be ended, when 'truth will prevail.'"

Correspondence of the Journal of Commerce.

Montrose, Iowa Territory,    
Upper Mississippi, March 2, 1840.      

Having in my last communication given you some account of this place, I had intended in my next to give you some Reminiscences of the departed Blackhawk, whose wik-e-up once stood but a few yards from the spot where I am now writing. But I will postpone this account, for the present, to make place for a greater Lion than Black-Hawk, who is now one of the living occupants of the old war chief's "stamping ground."

The person to whom I allude is Jo Smith, the Mormon leader and Prophet. He returned here a day or two since, and joined his followers, the "Latter day Saints." Yesterday being the Sabbath, (notice having been previously given,) the "Saints" and not a few of the "Gentiles," assembled to hear from the Prophet's own mouth "words of wisdom."

I, with other "Gentiles," had a curiosity to see and hear, and as the place appointed for him to hold forth at, was on the opposite nank of the river, in a grove, I took passage on board the ferry-boat, loaded with "Saints and Gentiles." When we landed, we found a large concourse. The "Prophet" was seated, with Bishops, Elders, &c., on a staging in the centre. After engaging in prayer to the Most High, and reading a chapter of sacred writ, he commenced his discourse. He told his people he was their servant; that they had a right to know all the incidents of his journey; he would therefore endeavor to give them a minute account. He did not like to preach politics on the Sabbath, but he must free his mind, must tell the whole story.

The object of his visit at Washington, you well know, was to make application to Congress for relief, touching their troubles in Missouri. But to the discourse. He said, on his arrival at Washington, he, with two of his elders, (Rigdon and Higbee,) called on Mr. Van Buren at the "White House" with a letter of introduction, and after making known to him the object of their visit, and soliciting him to help them, Mr. Van Buren replied "Help you! How can I help you? All Missouri would turn against me." But they demanded of Mr. Van Buren a hearing, and he, after listening a few moments to their tale of injured innocence, abruptly left the room. After waiting some time for his return, they were under the necessity of departing, disappointed, and chagrined.

He thought Mr. Van Buren treated them with great disrespect and neglect. He said while they were with Mr. Van Buren, a member of Congress waited upon them, and in conversation, among other things, told the President that he (the President) was getting fat. The President replied that he was aware of the fact; that he had to go every few days to the tailor's to get his clothes let out, or purchase a new coat. The "Prophet" here added, at the top of his voice, -- he hoped he would continue to grow fat, and swell, and, before the next election, burst!

He felt at home in the White House, and while there, thought he began to swell a little himself. -- He felt that he had a perfect right there, as much as Van Buren, because it belonged to the people, and he was one of the people.

He spoke of the success attending his preaching in the Eastern cities; that the people en masse in many places were converted to the Mormon faith. -- That the striplings which they had sent from this wilderness to preach to the wise men and priests of the great cities, were accomplishing mighty things for the church, by confounding the learned priests.

On one occasion, he said, six ministers attended a meeting where a little Mormon fellow was preaching, and umdertook to put him down by ridicule; but he stood his ground, and whipped them all out, by fair argument; and the congregation acknowledged en masse that he whipped them all.

Here this spiritual discourse was brought to a close, by a violent shower of rain. After making an appointment to deliver the comclusion, the Prophet dismissed the meeting.

Oh, that this nation better understood the "signs of the times," and would not be so obstinare as to refuse any longer the pitiful sum of a few millions of dollars, demanded of them by this church of "Latter-day Saints," for losses sustained by them during their persecutions in Missouri. Becausem the words have gone forth, that unless their cry is heard by those who govern the nation and have control over her interests; destruction, inevitable destruction, will speedily follow.

Now we do not feel so much alarm for ourselves as for our friends and relatives in New York and other places, -- because the "Prophet," is here, and his followers the "Saints" are here; we therefore stand a good chance to escape from impending danger.

Can it be possible that the knowledge of this fact is hurrying such an unparalleled emigration to Iowa from all parts of the United States?

This is a new string to pull in favor of Iowa. -- Hereafter all who would be safe, must settle in Iowa. The "Prophet" is here, and the "Saints" are here!! ... -- J. Com.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons.-- The Mormons are again collecting and building up a town at a place they call Nauvoo, in Illinois. It is said that since last October 3000 houses have gone up in the town, The persecution of these people by Missouri has led to this, and will finally result in rendering them not only objects of charity but of fair example. -- Logansport (Ia) Herald.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SHAMEFUL: -- Three Mormons were carried away from Illinois by a party of Missourians a few days since and severely whipped on a charges of stealing. The case was a most flagrant one.

Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The Mormon faith seems to be on the increase in Boston and vicinity. They believe among other things that "wickedness will soon be swept from the earth, and that the day of universal righteousness will set in during this generation, when our offices shall become peace, and our exactors righteousness.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS IN LANCASHIRE. -- On Sunday evening last the Radical or Chartist Chappel at Middleton, near Manchester, was crowded to excess when a young man from Manchester, a preacher amongst the Latter-day Saints, delivered a most extraordinary and singular lecture. In the course of his address he said there were upwards of 600 various religious creeds, but all of them except the Latter-Day Saints were in the dark, and not appointed to preach the gospel; he also declared that the preachers of the Latter-Day Saints could take deadly poisons without injury -- they could heal the sick by the touching of hands -- they could also handle serpents, and they would not hurt them -- they could speak and interpret in unknown tongues and that he said, had been done to a great extent that day in the Carpenter's Hall at Manchester, and a surgeon had lately joined their society and given over administring drugs to sick persons; the above he said, were signs that the Latter-Day Saints were right, and all others were wrong. On being questioned he admitted that there were some persons amongst their society who yet took physic when sick; but, he replied, they were not properly converted.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Governor Boggs of Missouri Murdered. -- The Baltimore papers contain extracts from the papers of St. Louis, giving an account of the assassination, while sitting alone in his room, of Lilburn W. Boggs, lately Governor of the State of Missouri. The St. Louis New Era of the 11th says:

"Governor Boggs was shot by some villain, on Friday, 6th, in the evening, while sitting in a room in his own house in Independence. His son, a boy, hearing a report, ran into the room and found the Governor sitting in his chair with his jaw fallen down, and his head leaning back. On discovering the injury done his father, he gave the alarm. Foot tracks were found in the garden below the window, and a pistol picked up supposed to have been overloaded, and thrown from the hand of the scoundrel who fired it. Three buck shot, of a heavy load, took effect; one going through his mouth, one into the brain, and another probably in or near the brain -- all going into the back part of the neck and head. -- The Governor was still alive on the morning of the 7th; but no hopes for his recovery were entertained by his friends, and but slight hopes from his physicians. A man was suspected, and the Sheriff most probably has possession of him by this time. The pistol was one of a pair stolen some days previous from a baker in Independence, and the legal authorities have the description of the other."

A reward of $500 has been offered [by the citizens of Independence] for the apprehension of the murderer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

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


Note: The above item originated as a report in the St. Louis Republican.

The Mormons. It seems to be verified that Joe Smith has actually been arrested, or has surrendered himself into custody. The Springfield (Ill.) Journal, however, suspects that his surrender was not made unyil he was tolerably well assured of a speedy release by habeas corpus or some other trickery.

The same paper contains a formal renunciation of Mormonism, signed by 10 members of the Mormon Church, who declare that they have been "most scandalously imposed upon in matters and things of a divine character." Oliver H. Olney, late preacher of the Mormon doctrines has also renounced all connexion with the "Latter Day Saints," as they call themselves, having been witness to the corruptions and debaucheries of their leaders.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormon  Bible.

The recent appearance of the disciples of Joe Smith among us, makes it a duty to put the community on guard against the delusion of the Mormon sect. The pretended inspiration and revelations of their high priest Joe Smith are too much a matter of history and too ridiculous to require a recital here. Among other strange matters he makes his followers believe that the manuscript of the Golden Bible or Book of Mormon; was discovered by him in Ohio [sic], after having been hid in the earth for many centuries.

The Mormon preacher now in town has handed us one of tracts, from which we make the following extracts: -- Ports. Jour.

"We consider the 'Book of Mormon' a historical and religious record, written in ancient times by a branch of the house of Israel, who peopled America, and from whom the Indians are descended. 'The Book of Mormon' corroborates and confirms the truth of the Scriptures by showing that the same principles were revealed and enjoyed in a country and among a people far remote from the scenes where the jewish bible was written." *  *  *

"The Book of Mormon opens the events of ancient America. It pours a flood of light upon the world on subjects before concealed -- upon the history of a nation whose remnants have long since dwindled to insignificance in midnight darkness, and whose former greatness was lost in oblivion, or only known by the memains of cities, palaces, temples, aqueducts, monuments, towers, fortifications, unintelligible inscriptions, sepulchres and bones. The slumber of ages has now been rolled up. The veil of ibscurity has been removed as it regards the world called new. The ancient events of America now stand revealed in the broad light of history, as far back, at least, as the first peopling of the continent after the flood. This discovery will be hailed among all nations as among the most glorious events of the latter times and as one of the principal means of overwhelming the earth with knowledge."

The true history of this "Book of Mormon" as we have it from undoubted authority, is given below. Who is there after reading it, will not pity the weakness of the deluded creatures who have been led to believe that it is of divine origin -- and will yet detect the wickedness and knavery of the men of better judgment who practice the delusion upon their dupes.

Rev. Solomon Spaulding[,] graduate of Dartmouth College, in about the year 1812 was a resident at New Salem, in Ohio. In the town there are numerous mounds, and forts, supposed by many to be the dilipidated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics arrest the attention of the new settlers and become objects of research for the curious. Numerous implements were found and other artifacts evincing great skill in the arts. Mr. Spaulding being an educated man and passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these developments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement and furnish employment for his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an historical sketch of this long lost race. -- Their extreme antiquity of course would lead him to write in the most ancient style, and as the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imitated its style as nearly as possible. His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse himself and his neighbors. As he progressed in his narrative, the neighbors would come in from time to time to hear portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among them. It claimed to have been written by one of the lost nation, and to have been recovered from the earth, and assumed the title of Manuscript Found. The neighbors would often enquire how Mr. Spaulding progressed in decyphering "the manuscript," and when he had a sufficient portion prepared he would inform them, and they would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled from his acquaintance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many singular names, which were particularly noticed by the people and easily recognized by them. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had a brother Mr. John Spaulding, residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly familiar with this work and repeatedly heard the whole of it read.

From New-Salem he removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Here Mr. Spaulding found an acquaintance in the person of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to Mr. Patterson who was much pleased with it, and borrowed it for perusal. He retained it a long time, and informed Mr. Spaulding that if he would make out a title page and preface, he would publish it and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. Spaulding refused to do for reasons which need not be stated. Sidney Rigdon, who has fogured so largely in the history of the Mormons, as one of the leaders and founders of the sect, was at this time connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript and to copy it. At length the manuscript was returned to its author, and Mr. Spaulding deceased in 1816. The manuscript then fell into the hands of his wife and was carefully preserved. After the "Book of Mormon" came out, a copy of it was taken to New-Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former residence, and the very place where the "Manuscript Found" was written a woman preacher appointed a meeting there, and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the "Book of Mormon." The historical part was immediately recognized by all the older inhabitants, as the identical work of Mr. Spaulding in which they had been so deeply interested years before.

Thus a fanciful romance with the addition of a few pious expressions and extracts from the sacred Scriptures, has been constructed into a new divine revelation! The imposture of Mahomet was practised upon an ignorant people -- and many were compelled to adopt his sentiments by the edge of the sword -- but that such open imposture should be freely countenanced in this enlightened age and community, is most wonderful. The unfortunate individuals who are the dupes of Mormonism are generally innocent harmless persons who have not sagicity enough to prevent themselves from being fleeced by the imposters to whom they give ear.

Gen. Bennett, in a work just published shows that the Mormon sect in morals are similar to the Cochranites, who were well known in this section a few years since. "The shameful promiscuous indulgences allowed among the Mormons," remarks a writer acquainted with the subject, "will undoubtedly have the effect of attracting among them scores of lewd fellows who will have no difficulty in shamming belief in their doctrines, for the sake of the fine field there afforded for the gratification of their peculiar propensities."

The Pennsylvania Inquirer says:

"A gentleman recently from the Mormon region, assures us that many of the victims of Joe Smith, are English farmers, mechanics, and labourers, who, utterly deluded and deceived by the false prophet, confide their money to his keeping, and are not likely to hear anything of it thereafter. Doubtless hundreds who leave England for Nauvoo, are deceived by the plausible fabrications of knavery, and do not discover their error until after they have been plundered of their hard earnings."


Note: The above article unfortunately adds no unique information to the subject matter discussed -- even its mention of the New England Cochranites bearing some resemblance to Mormons is uninformative.

Springfield, Ill. Dec. 31.    

Springfield has been the theatre of quite an excitement to-day, growing out of the appearance of the Mormon Prophet, accompanied by a retinue of some fifteen or twenty of his subjects. Joe surrendered himself to the sheriff of this county, upon the warrant issued by the Governor of Missouri, upon a charge of being accessory before the fact in an attempted assassination of ex-Gov. Boggs. After his arrest a writ of habeas corpus was sued out by his counsel, and he was brought before the Circuit Court of the United States for the district of Illinois. The cause is set down for hearing on Monday next, and Smith entered into recognixance in open court in the sum of two thousand dollars, with approved sureties, for his appearance from day to day. The ground of this application is, that the act of Congress as well as the constitution of the United States, authorizing the surrender of a person in one state to the authorities of another state, charged with crime is founded upon the supposition that the individual sought to be given up has fled from the state where the crime is alleged to have been committed and is then a fugitive from justice in the state where he is arrested. -- That such is not the fact in the case of Joe Smith. That when Gov. Boggs was shot, Smith was in the state of Illinois, and had been for monthes previous, without once being without its limits; consequently he could not have fled from the state of Missouri, where the crime was committed, and that he is without the provisions, both of the act of Congress and the constitution of the United States, authorizing the surrender of a citizen of one state to the Executive of another for trial of an alleged crime.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- The Cleveland, Ohio, Plain Dealer, of the 7th inst. says --

"Mormons without number passed through this city last week on their way to Nauvoo. It appears they purchased a boat here to carry them to Beaver, where they charter a steamboat which carries them direct to the holy city. They were from Massachusetts."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Resignation of a Prophet. -- The Alton (Ill.) Telegraph of the 6th inst., says:

"We learn from good authority that the Prophet has surrendered hos office, and anointed his brother."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Prospect of another Mormon War. -- The St. Louis New Era, of the 16th inst., says:

"We learn by a gentleman from Warsaw, that a meeting of the people of Hancock county to be held at Carthage, was called for to-day, to take into consideration their relations with the Mormons. It is said that a good deal of excitement exists against them, and apprehensions of a serious riot and outbreak were entertained. The people of that section of the State are as heartily tired of the Mormons as ever the citizens of Missouri were, but they have suffered them to obtain so strong a foothold that no power exists which can deprive them of their possessions, or induce them to abandon their present residence."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Anti-Mormon Movements. -- The Iowa Hawk Eye speaks of the Anti Mormon Convention as being very large and as having passed resolutions declaring that if Gov. FORD would not surrender "Jo Smith" on the requisition of the Gov. of Missouri, which he has refused to do from political considerations.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ANTI-MORMON  MEETING.

Another anti-Mormon meeting was held at Green Plains Precinct, near Warsaw, Illinois, on the 10th ult., and the proceedings of the [mass] meeting held at Carthage on the 6th ult. being read, were unanimously approved. The following resolutions were passed at Green Plains Precinct:

"1. Resolved, That the chairman of this meeting together with the Precinct Corresponding Committee, address the Central Committee at Carthage requesting them to draw up an address to the Governor of this State, setting forth the wrongs we have received, and the grievances we labor under, at the hands of the Mormons, and requesting his aid to remedy the evil.

"2. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting a petition should forthwith be put in circulation for the signatures of the citizens of this and the adjoining counties, praying the Governor of this State to withdraw the State Arms from the hands of the Mormons -- deeming it necessary for the security and welfare of the community.

"3. Resolved, That this meeting hold it to be the duty of the anti-Mormon citizens of this Precinct to immediately form themselves into independent companies, that they may be the better prepared to act in cases of emergency."


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> A considerable number of the Mormon emigrants from England, who passed on to Nauvoo last year are now on their way back again. -- Joe Smith turned out to be a prophet not at all to their taste.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A number of the "Times and Seasons," the organ of Prophet Joseph Smith, and published at Nauvoo, under his immediate inspection, having fallen into our hands, gives an appaling view both of the profligacy of the conductors of the imposture, and the rapidity of its progress. The first pages are occupied with the continuation of the history of the prophet, from which we extract the following "Revelation" made in 1830 to Sidney Rigdon, Smith's principal coadjutor:

"Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same to-day as yesterday and forever. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.

"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. I have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a great work. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John -- to prepare the way before me, and before Elijah, which should come and thou knew it not. Thou didst baptise by water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost; but now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptise by water and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old.

And now this calling and commandment give I unto you concerning all men, that as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jr., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nations, crying repentance, saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh.

"And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have spoken. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will asuddenly bcome to my temple. Even so. Amen."

Revolting and blasphemous as this language is, yet in the judgment of the Mormons it establishes the divine call, if not the inspiration of Rigdon. Turning over a few pages, we come to the proceedings of a special meeting of the Latter Day Saints, Oct. 6, 1843, the first and principal business was an accusation preferred by the prophet Smith against this same Rigdon, charging him with mal-practice in the post office; with a correspondence with the Missourians; with possessing a treacherous character, and leaguing with dishonest persons in endeavoring to defraud the innocent! Joseph said, "he desired his salvation, and expressed his willingness he should retain a place among the saints;" but did not wish to retain him as [his Counsellor. These] fanatics of Mormonism from their own showing; and such are most of the inspired reformers of every hue, with which the country abounds. Heaven semd that they all may not only be "Latter Day Saints," but the last Saints of this order, whose presence is permitted to curse the earth.

The same paper contains the minutes of the last General Conference held in England. The rapidity and extent to which this foul delusion has dpread in Great Britain is amazing; even sober and staid Scotland has not escaped...


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Prophet and the Greek Psalter.

We lately heard a story, which, while it may make us mourn over the depravity of human nature, serves to show, among many similar facts, the low artifices and cunning tricks, to which the Mormon Prophet will resort, in order to impose upon the gullibility of his followers. The story is in this wise, and can be substantiated by respectable witnesses.

Some time since, Professor Caswell, late of Kemper College, near St. Louis, an Episcopal Clergyman of reputation, being about to leave this country for England, paid a visit to Smith and the Saints, in order that he might be better able to represent the imposture to the British people. It so happened that the Professor had in his possession a Greek Psalter of great age, one that had been in the family for several hundred years. This book, as a relic of antiquity, was a curiosity to any one -- but to some of the Saints who happened to see it, it was a marvel and wonder. Supposing its origin to have been as ancient, at least, as the Prophet's Egyptian Mummy, and not knowing but the Professor had dug it from the bowels of the same sacred hill in Western New York whence sprung the holy Book of Mormon, they importuned him to allow "brother Joseph" an opportunity of translating it!

The Professor reluctantly assented to the proposal, and accompanied by a number of the anxious brethren, repaired to the residence of the Prophet. The remarkable book was handed him. Joe took it -- examined its old and worn leaves -- and turned over its musty pages. Expectation was now upon tip-toe. The brethren looked at one another -- at the book -- then at the Prophet. It was a most interesting scene!

Presently the spirit of prophecy began to rise within him, and he opened his mouth and spoke. That wonderful power, which enables him to see as far through a mill-stone as could Moses or Elijah of old, had already, in the twinkling of an eye, made those rough and uncouth characters as plain to him as the nose on the face of the Professor. "This Book," said he, "I pronounce to be a Dictionary of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics!"

The brethren present were greatly astonished at this exhibition of their Prophet's power of revealing hidden things. After their exaltation had somewhat subsided, the Professor coolly told them that their Prophet was a base impostor! and that the book before them was but a plain Greek Psalter! -- Joe "stepped out."

Professor Caswell, since his sojourn in England, has published a work entitled "Three Days at Nauvoo," in which this rich scene is represented in an engraving. -- Warsaw (Ill.) Signal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(CORRESPONDENCE.)

Monson, Mass., March 23, 1844.    

Rev. Mr. Cummings -- Dear Sir, -- If any one wishes to see the good which results from the permanent settlement of the gospel ministry, he has only to become acquainted with the ecclesiastical history of this place. In the year 1806, Rev. Alfred Ely, D. D. was ordained Pastor of this church after having preached for them about five months as a candidate. This laborious and faithful servant of Christ is still their Pastor, though in accordance with his own request, a Colleague was ordained lasr August.

Since the ordination of Dr. Ely, this church has been blessed with eleven revivals of religion, some of which were very interesting and powerful; some of the subjects of which are now missionaries of the Cross in different Pagan, Jewish and Mahometan lands. At the time of Dr. Ely's ordination the church consisted of 110 members, only 15 of whom now live. Previously to the settlement of his Colleague, he had received into the church 415 members, 130 of whom he baptized in infancy. Nearly two thirds of those he has admitted were baptized on the faith of their parents; a fact which speaks loudly in favor of Infant Baptism; -- which shows that God is faithful to his covenant of promise, "I will be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee," The whole number Dr. Ely has baptized in the church is 784; five hundred and thirty five of whom were children; a fact which shows that believing parents in this place appreciate in some measure the promises involved in that covenant which God made with the Father of the faithful. Dr. E. has attended 40 ecclesiastical Councils; officiated at 640 funerals; and solemnized 406 marriages. During the thirty years which he has been with this people, he has passed through many severe and trying scenes. From external afflictions he has not been exempted. Two excellent wives and four promising children he has been called to lay in the grave; and it is perhaps owing to the circumstances that he has so often been called to endure heavy trials, that he is himself so peculiarly qualified to sympathize with and impart consolation to those who are visited with affliction. Few men, I think, can be found, who will extend such warm christian sympathy to a fellow creature in trouble, who will enter so deeply and sincerely into the sorrows of another, and share so largely in his greifs, and administer so understandingly, and with such adaptness, those rich consolations which God has provided for the afflicted, as Dr. Ely. Many a heart overwhelmed with sorrow, has been comforted by his appropriate conversation and fervent prayers. He seems always to know just what those need who go to him for sympathy and counsel, and to be always ready to extend it to them. He is a plain, solemn and discriminating preacher, dwells much upon the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, but always giving these doctrines a practical bearing; holding up in a happy manner, the dutirs which grow out of them, and enforcing them upon the minds of his hearers. It requires but little effort to understand and remember what he says, in the pulpit or in private conversation. His ministry has been remarkably blessed to this people. The good effects of his labors are visible in every part of the town. As might be expected under the influence of such a man, this people are a staid people. They have been a remarkably united people. Notwithstanding there are several manufacturing villages in this town, in few towns in this Commonwealth is there a better state of morals than in this,

And this is not the result of an entire absence of counteracting influence. Far from it. The preachers of almost every ism that ever existed whether male or female, have tried their skill in this place" but the great mass of the people have moved along in the good old way, and by their conduct shown their attachment yo the doctrines and practices of the Pilgrim Fathers. Since my remembrance, there have been times when Dr. E. needed all his wisdom and prudence to safely guide his church over the troubled waters upon which they were sailing; and where a man if less experience & caution would hardly have been able to have kept clear of the many rocks and quicksand which lay in their way. But by the help of God he has been enabled to outride the storms and to get the ship into smooth water, before resigning the helm to another. This church is now one of the largest and most influential in this state, is much interested in all the benevolent operations of the day, and doing much to promote the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom in the world. They all from the oldest to the youngest, look up to their senior Pastor, with all that veneration and affection which children have for a parent; and when he dies, they will all follow him to his grave with hearts filled with deep and unaffected grief; sorrowing most of all that they shall hear his voice and see his face no more. And long after the moss shall have grown upon his tomb stone, will his memory be revered and the advantages of the permanent settlement of the gospel ministry be, I trust, even in this place, seen and appreciated by this people.   O**N.


Note: According to John McKinstry, speaking in 1877, "[the story told by Solomon Spalding's widow] has long been familiar to leading men of Monson, and so impressed was the late Rev. Dr. Ely with it that he prepared a considerable account of it years ago." The story given by Spalding's widow was summarized in the public press in 1839, subscribed by "A. Ely, D. D. Pastor Cong. Church, in Monson." As for Dr. Ely's own "considerable account," of Solomon Spalding and the origins of the Book of Mormon -- it evidently did not survive the ravages of time.

We understand that a Mormon Church has been organized in New Haven, -- that several converts have been baptized, -- deacons, and we believe preachers appointed, -- and the Holy Ghost (as they say) has been conferred upon some. Mormonism seems to be the Mohamedanism of the present day, and there are indications, that as the heretics and fanatics of the seventh century fell an easy prey to the "false prophet," so there are signs that the same classes at the present day will fall a prey to the machinations of "Joe Smith," and the "Book of Humbug," as the word mormon literally signifies. -- Ch. Chron.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The deluded followers of Joe Smith continue to pour into Nauvoo. One hundred and fifty converts from England passed through St. Louis, 24th ult., en route for the Mormon city.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The Mormon delusion is still spreading. -- Several converts to the false prophet have of late passed through Boston on the Western Rail Road for Nauvoo. At Albany they were recruited to the number of 120, as we are informed. By special revelation, a large delegation, (as we learn by a brother in the ministry who had it from a Mormon preacher) are about to be dispatched from Nauvoo to the different countries of Europe to convert and gather the Jews to Joseph Smith's Mount Zion. As soonas this work is done, they say the Lord will come. -- Chr. Herald.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Arrest of Joe Smith. -- The Warsaw (Illinois) Signal states that the U.S. Marshall had succeeded in arresting Joe Smith, at Nauvoo, and had proceeded with him down the river. Joe showed fight at first, but afterwards concluded that discretion was the better part of valor. Had Joe persisted, the military would have been called out to enforce the law.

The Alton Telegraph of the 8th inst., has the following:

A deputy marshall of the district of Illinois, proceeded to Nauvoo, a few days since, with a process issued by the Judge of the district court of the U. States, for the arrest of Joe [sic - Jeremiah?] Smith, upon a criminal charge of embezzling money. The deputy marshal succeeded in arresting Smith; when "holy Joe" caused his follower to be taken out of the possession of the United States' Officer, and brought before the municipal dourt of Nauvoo, for an examination under the writ of habeas corpus, issued by that immaculate body.

The Deputy, in a letter, states that the examination was to come off on the next day, and the result was involved in doubt. He farther avowed a fixed determination on his part, fearlessly and faithfully to execute the process of the United States court, regardless of the course of this mock tribunal of justice, whose chief business is the release of all rogues who take shelter at Nauvoo, and are subsequently arrested by any process of law, whether issued from the State or Federal Courts. Should Joe Smith refuse to surrender the accused into the hands of the deputy marshal, Col. Prentiss will repair in person to the scene of the action, with such a force as will insure obedience to the constituted authoriries of the Government.


Note: The Alton Telegraph article (focusing on Jeremiah Smith, and not Joseph Smith) is misquoted several times in the above excerpt.

The  Mormon  Difficulties.

The St. Louis papers of the 18th inst. were hourly looking for an outbreak at Nauvoo. -- The excitement in the neighborhood of Warsaw was hourly increasing, and nearly 2000 persons, armed and equipped, had placed themselves under the control of the Sherift to assist in arresting Joe Smith. The 19th inst., was the day set for a general rendezvous of the forces, and unless the Executive has interfered in the matter, we are afraid it has, ere this resulted in bloodshed.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons. People in the region of Nauvoo are under arms, to a considerable extent, to aid the civil officers who have writs for the capture of Mormons who were engaged in the destruction of a printing office.

Mormon War. -- The Warsaw Signal extra, dated June 21 says: "News has just been received from Carthage that the Governor arrived there in the morning and addressed the people in the course of the day. He takes decided ground against the Mormons, assuring the people that he would take measures to check their lawless course, and to thoroughly investigate all the charges alleged against them, and to bring them to punishment. He addressed a letter to the Mayor and Council of Nauvoo, asking them to send to him two of their most discreet citizens to make such explanations of their recent conduct as they may have to offer, and to come unarmed or he would not receive them. As a means of defence and to the end that Joe Smith may not dictate his own terms; the Governor has ordered out the 4th brigade of the militia, part of the force to be stationed at Carthage, and the balance at Warsaw, and to take such measures for the security of these places as the commanding officers may deem necessary. A message was also despatched by the Governor to Alton, with an order for all the arms in the State Arsenal, to be transported to Warsaw, and used in arming the people."

FROM NAUVOO. -- The latest dates from this place are to the 23d, at which time it apears that Joe Smith instead of fighting had fled to parts unknown, and all was quiet. The Governor had ordered out 10,000 troops. The flight of his Holiness and Council will end the troubles for the present.   P.S. As we go to press, the papers bring tidings that both Joe and Hiram Smith have been shot.


Notes: (forthcoming)

END OF THE MORMON PROPHET. -- The following letter, which we take from the Journal of Commerce, is, for its succinctness, as minute an account of the circumstances of Joe Smith's death, as any that has come to us.

Steamer Boreas, June 25, 11 1/2 P.M.    

Joseph Smith the Mormon prophet is dead! He was making laudable efforts to avoid or escape from certain unbidden guests, and to this end precipitated himself from a window in the second story of the Carthage jail. During the few seconds of his descent, and immediately thereafter, he received as many as fifteen wounds, many of which were mortal. Yesterday, the 26th, Governor Ford having prevailed upon Joseph Smith and several other principal Mormons, to resign themselves into the hands of the officers of justice at Carthage, to be tried by due process of law, five, and I believe only five, viz: Joseph and Hiram Smith, a Doctor Richards, and two others were incarcerated in the Hancock county jail, and guarded by the Governor's troops, until this morning, when Governor Ford discharged the troops, except sixty, who, to-day, accompanied him to Nauvoo, to detect and annihilate the bogus factory, leaving the prisoners in the safe and efficient keeping of seven men of the Carthage Grays. Shortly after disbanding the McDonough troops, and the Governor's departure for Nauvoo, a large body of militia, say two hundred, resolved to wait on the prisoners in their room. Here was the beginning of the trouble.

The faithful Grays could not consistently admit visitors to prisoners excused of treason and other felonies. The militia took efficient means to convince the guard of their impotence, and the opposing forces joined issue. At a charge of the militia, the Grays fired, evincing a valor not surpassed nor even equaled by the renowned heroes of Thermopylae. Here two hundred men were incompetent to intimidate these valorous seven, who true to their trust discharged their pieces with deadly aim. The militia soon ascertained, either by roll-call or particular inspection and inquiry, that none were either killed or wounded, and bethinking themselves that cartridge paper without ball therein is harmless, the militia formed seven parties of seven men each, and thus arranged, each division seized one of the guard, and thus the valorous seven were overcome, and yet a few militia, say one hundred and fifty, were at leisure to enter and pay their respects to the prisoners. The door was forced, and Joe shot the foremost, named Willis, through the wrist. A general melee ensued in which pistols spoke eloquently and forcibly. Five of the militia were wounded, though slightly. Joe Smith, endeavoring to escape, precipitated himself from the window, receiving while between heaven and earth, some half a dozen shots, and five thereafter. Hiram, I am told, and three others were killed within the prison. This tragedy was enacted between the hours of four and five this afternoon, and I heard the announcement of the courier in Warsaw at eight. The men immediately fell in, shouldered arms, right faced, and made divers defensive preparations; while women, with children in their arms, throng the levee to cross by moonlight to Missouri, or await the return of the Boreas from Keokuk to Quincy, that they may not be endangered should the desperate Danites attempt to avenge the loss of their defunct head. All is confusion, and Warsaw appears as if besieged.

Friday, 3 1/2 P.M. The Boreas returned to-day from Quincy to Warsaw with nearly 500 armed men, receiving by the way the United States arms at Tully. Warsaw has no news from Carthage or Nauvoo since last evening, except a vague rumor that Gov. Ford had left Nauvoo for Carthage. -- What will be done is yet conjectural. The probability is that Gov. Ford, if not already the subject of Mormon vengeance, will be consulted this evening, and prompt measures adopted consistent with the disposition of the now distressed "Latter Day Saints;" should they continue hostile, their doom is sealed. It is said the Governor, by harangues and private interviews, has done much to undeceive these deluded men. If so, they will no longer constitute a distinct religious sect, but be remembered only as things that were.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Latest  from  the  Mormon  Country.

It is now asserled in some quarters that the Smiths were murdered by the disaffected Mormon faction, whose press had been burnt and themselves expelled from Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The St. Louis Republican of the 16th inst. states that a man was shot just back of Warsaw, Ill., on Friday previous. The guard stationed there saw three men, supposed to be horse thieves, fired on the men and one fell. He was a Mormon, and they were retreating at the time.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Excitement among the Mormons. -- 'Joe Smith risen from the dead.' -- A Mormon has arrived in St. Louis, who reports that Joe Smith has risen from the dead, and has been seen at Carthage and in Nauvoo, mounted on a white horse, and with a drawn sword in his hand. He says that as Joe is thus restored to life every thing will go on prosperously with the Mormons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- Governor Ford of Illinois has issued a strong proclamation against the preparations said to be in progress to drive the Mormons out of the State. The document is addressed "to the people of Warsaw and Hancock county." He says -- "I am anxious for a pacification of your difficulties. You cannot drive out or exterminate the Mormons. Such an effort would be madness, and would not be permitted by the people of the State. You cannot be sustained in it either by force or law. You are blinding yourselves to your weakness, and keeping an agitation which must fail of the purpose intended, and recoil with terrible energy upon your heads. I exhort you to reconsider your infatuated resolutions. Try your Mormon neighbors again, and if you cannot dwell together in amity, you may at least refrain from injuring each other. From the moderation of the Mormons, under what they conceive to be the deepest injury, you might well hope that if they ever entertained designs inconsistent with your liberty and happiness, that those designs have been abandoned."


Notes: (forthcoming)

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You think him really dead?"

"O yes."

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormon  News.

The Warsaw-Signal keeps apparently a pretty keen eye upon the Mormons at Nauvoo. That paper says that Lyman Wight, one of the leaders of the Mormons, has left Nauvoo for the pine region of the Wisconsin, with about two hundred followers, comprising the most reckless of the Mormon community.

Sidney Rigdon is said to have left for Pittsburgh, and it is added that a large number of the English will soon follow him.

Disensions are said to exist among the Mormon leaders. Mrs. Smith, the widow of Joseph Smith, is accused of witholding the transfer of property belonging to the Church, held in Jo Smith's name. There was a rumor that she had purchased property at Hampton where Law and the seceders reside.

Brigham Young preached a sermon in Nauvoo last Sunday, in which he is said to have avowed the spiritual wife doctrine -- a matter which had been charged upon and denied by them.

The Temple is going ahead with astonishing rapidity, a great portion of the population being employed upon it. The leaders prophesy the reappearance of Joe to consecrate and dedicate it to the Lord, and to hasten this event, the poor fanatics are exerting themselves to the utinost.

Many persons are leaving Nauvoo, and others would leave if they could dispose of their propery. At a meeting of Mormons in the Bear Creek settlement week before last, they resolved to quit the county.

Gen. John C. Bennet passed up the river a few days since, to Hampton. -- St Louis Rep.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Anti-Mormon Movements. -- The Iowa Hawk Eye speaks of the Anti Mormon Convention as being very large and as having passed resolutions declaring that if Gov. FORD would not surrender "Jo Smith" on the requisition of the Gov. of Missouri, which he has refused to do from political considerations.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A few months ago it was generally supposed that the Millerite delusion was at an end.... It seems, however, that the American market is now fully supplied, and the next movement is to be made toward England....

The success of Mormonism in England, it must be confessed, presents strong grounds of encouragement to the Millerite lecturers. If Great Britain has been benefitted by the former delusion, it will probably derive equal advantages from the latter.

The fact is, there are more points of analogy between Millerism and Mormonism than every one is aware of. They agree, for example --

1, In a high form of exclusiveness.

2. They both clamorously appeal to the Scriptures in order to substantiate their dogmas.

3. The prophetic interpretations of both systems have proved false.

Both teach and practice immersion for baptism. The Mormons baptize for the benefit of the dead. The Millerites have not yet taken this step, although they are constantly sumerging persons who have already received Christian baptism, and it matters little under what pretext,

5. Both systems set the common sense of mankind at defiance,

There is, however, one characteristic and very important difference between the systems. The absurdities of Mormonism. i.e. its real doctrines, were never preached as a means of gaining converts. Mormonism sailed, like other pirates, under peaceful colours, and not until its victim was sure, was the death's head flag run up. Consequently honest persons were likely to be led into its schemes unaware. Millerism staked its truths upon the conjectural end of time in 1843...


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- Sidney Rigdon and Elder Hyde arrived in this city on yesterday evening. We learn that Rigdon, who professed to have had a revelation, and returned a few weeks since from Pittsburg, to be the successor of Smith, has been regularly unchurched by the Twelve Apostles. He returns to Pittsburg to establish a paper. His views of Mormonism remain unchanged, although they will not have him to rule over them. The administration of the affairs of the church for the present is to remain in the hands of the Twelve Apostles. St. Louis Repub., Sept. 12


Notes: (forthcoming)

INTERESTING FROM THE MORMONS. -- Sidney Rigdon has been cut off. His trial is published in the Nauvoo Neighbor: --

Trial of Elder Rigdon. -- On Saturday, the 8th inst., Elder Sidney Rigdon was tried for unchristianlike conduct. Fellowship had been previously withdrawn from him by the quorum of the Twelve, and he notified to attend and make his defence on the above day. The oldest bishop of the church, at the head of twelve high priests, according to the doctrines and covenants of said church, acted as the tribunal, while the other quorums in order, and between six and seven thousand members, with the Twelve presiding, patiently investigated the matter for five or six hours. Elder Rigdon and his party held a private meeting in the morning, and sent word to the stand that he should not attend the trial or pay any attention to it.

After the meeting was opened by singing and prayer, Elder Young proceeded to lay the specifications against Elder Rigdon before the church both verbally and written, which plainly exposed a secret plan to divide the church, by false prophecy and false pretences; blessing the church and people while on the stand before them, but secretly cursing the authorities, and the present course of the church, and many other matters derogatory to men of God.

Elder Phelps made a few remarks, and read a revelation concerning Sidney Rigdon, given in 1833, in which it seems he was "to bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that croucheth under his burthen, but would yet rejoice on account of him that putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up out of deep mire," &c.

Elder Kimball continued the testimony, setting his face against Sidney Rigdon's iniquity [sic - impunity?] and false revelations, declaring them par with Gladden Bishop's, adding that Joseph Smith shook him off last fall, but through the mercy of brother Hyrum, the saints agreed to try him a spell longer.

Elder Taylor (the editor of this paper) laid the matter open in a masterly manner, and was listened to with great attention. After a few remarks from some others, Bishop Whitney, in a very candid manner, gave his decision that Elder Sidney Rigdon be cut off from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the twelve high priests sanctioned the decision by a unanimous vote. The congregation, also (excepting some few whom Sidney had ordained to be prophets, priests, and kings among the Gentiles) sanctioned these proceedings by a unanimous vote.

Fellowship was then withdrawn from his followers; especially Samuel James, Jared Carter, Samuel Bennett, Leonard Soby, George Morey, Joseph H. Newton, and John A. Forgeus, were cut off from the church.

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LATEST FROM NAUVOO. -- We have intelligence direct from Nauvoo that Lyman Wight has raised a company of two hundred men, ostensibly for the purpose of emigrating to the pine country; but the general impression amongst those who have a chance of knowing is that the real design is to attack Carthage and Warsaw, -- Warsaw Signal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL IN THE WEST.

It was the dark hour midnight when I landed at Nauvoo; just ten days after the acting of that tragi-comedy, whose closing scene was the murder of the Mormon "Prophget" and his brother. In these circumstances, I confess it was not without some faint misgivings that I entrusted myelf, a lone stranger, to the keeping of an uncouth looking personage who figured at the head of the "City Hotel," close to by the Landing. By him I was conducted to a chamber where were three beds. One was already occupied; the others were being vacated by a motley group conprising two families, who, in their flight from Mormon troubles, were hastening into the boat which I had just left. "Mine host" was not a man to waste words in making foolish apologies. -- Pointing to the now emptied, but unmade beds, and telling me to take my choice, he withdrew.

It so happened that a wandering Mormon, just returned from a reconnoitering tour in the region around Nauvoo, where he had been stealthily gathering up the opinions of the public, came to the city hotel soon after I had retired, and was sent into the same chamber to lodge. Finding a brother Mormon there, whom his coming had rousted from sleep, and not perceiving any one else, he commenced a narrative of his adventures, which lasted rill near morning, unfolding many strange things pertaining to Mormonism which nobody but a "latter day saint" would have been allowed knowingly, to hear, and which conveyed to my mind several new impressions, to which I may advert hereafter. One thing I learned which was of immediate practical use, viz. that while the Mormons were fearing a fresh outbreak of violence from their enemies, their enemies were also fearing a visitation if vengeance from the Mormons. These mutual fears, it was very evident to me, would keep both parties still for the present. With this quietus I dropped asleep.

The morning at length came, and with it a steamer, on the deck of which, directly under my window, I recognised my friend H. E. Esq., of Boston, who was easily persuaded to accompany me on a ramble over this remarkable city. The sun was just above the horizon when we reached the site of the Mormon temple, from the top of which, standing as it does on elevated ground, we had an extensive view. The natural scenery is truly delightful. I doubt whether "Mt. Zion on the sides of the north," was more "beautiuful for the situation." But I am sorry to say that this is the only point of resemblance we could find between Nauvoo and "the city of the great king." -- Every where as far as the eye could reach, frame houses and log houses, brick walls and mud walls, were scattered about and mixed together, without the least apparent order. The temple is of hewn lime-stone, 120 feet by 80, and if ever completed, will present rather an imposing appearance from the river. But the taste of a connoisseur will be greatly offended by a nearer approach. The style of the archotecture, if not entirely original, is borrowed from a darker age, or one of higher antiquity, than was known to any writer on that science whose works are now extant. In the basement we found a rough baptismal font, or cistern, standing on the backs of twelve wooden oxen, painted white. The unfinished tombs of the two Smiths are near the temple. On our way from the landing, we had asked an individual to show us the grave of the prophet, and were informed that no man knew the spot: that God hid him, as he did Moses -- a declaration which he probably supposed the empty tomb would corroborate. But we were so unbelieving as to propound the same question to a couple of foreigners whom we saw at work on the temple, and were told that he was buried in the grave-yard, from which he was to be removed when the tomb was finished. We found nothing more common than such contradictory statements. The population of Nauvoo, according to one man whom we asked, is eighteen thousand; according to another it is only nine. Every version that we got of the late troubles was different from every other. It seemed to me that "truth had fallen in the street."

The breakfast hour having arrived, we repaired to the "Mansion House," the late residence of Joe Smith, which is a decent tavern, and now kept by his widow. It is a two story wooden house, not large, and covered, I think, with red paint -- answering well enough the use for which it was intended, but falling vastly below what we would naturally look for in an edifice, planned and constructed throughout (if the vaticinations of Mr. Smith must be believed, by a special revelation from the Lord; and paid for, too, by the offerings of the people, according to a clause in the same divine revelation. [note: the writer has here confused the Mansion House with the Nauvoo House]

At breakfast we were favored by the company of Mrs. Smith, her four children (the eldest 13 years,) her husband's youngest brother, his mother and aunt with several others who appeared to be boarders. The widow has rather an interesting and inelligant countenance, appeared sad, but not overwhelmed, and after breakfast conversed with us freely for an hour respecting her husband's death and the Nauvoo troubles. In common with all the other Mormons with whom we conversed, she seemed to feel that the citizens were doomed to be slaughtered, and the city possessed by their enemies. -- I enquired of her in what sense and to what extent her husband regarded himself a prophet of the Lord. Her reply was, "Not in the same extravagant sense, nor to the full extent his friends do." In answer to other questions on the same subject, I soon perceived that she she had a much lower estimate of his prophetic character than is commonly entertained among the Mormons. This might have been owing in part to certain domestic infelicities, which are known to have occurred between them, and often to the great discomfort of Mrs. Smith. Only a few months before his death, (I had this on good authority,) he turned his wife out of the house, and kicked her from the door-stone. Such things would naturally have a tendency to sink the prophet in the estimation of any one not entirely callous in body as well as soul. We commended the widow to such consolations as the christian derives from the contemplations of God's wisdom and benevolence even in the afflictions which he sends. To all which she replied in substance, that she should look upon her troubles in a very different loght if she could believe that God had any hand in them.

We also conversed with Dr. Richards, a full-fed, lazy looking man, who was in prison with the Smiths, and received a slight wound when they were shot. He made as loud boasts of his christian forbearance on that occasion, as Richard III ever did of his humility. The resurrection of Joe Smith at the end of three years was confidently spoken of; but my friend E. had the frankness to give it as his opinion, that indolence and poverty, and intestine commotions would disorganize and disperse his infatuated followers before that time. Having seen and heard all that we expected and somerthing more, we hired a colored Mormon to convey us nine miles up the river to the ferry opposite Fort Madison in Iowa, which we crossed, wondering at the strange mixture of honesty and knavery, sincerity and hypocricy, Mormonism and Mammonism which had come to our notice in the city of Nauvoo.

Soon after our arrival at Fort Madison, Dr. Foster, a seceding Mormon, came over with a brace of pistols in his pocket and a long bowie knife, which he affirmed (I know not with how much truth) he had been compelled to draw in effecting his retreat. As he was one that assisted in getting up the "Nauvoo Expositor," whose destruction by order of the Smiths was the cause of their death, his story seemed the more plausible. Some reflections on the present aspect of Mormonism, I reserve for the next number. -- J. S. C.

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THE MORMON TROUBLES. -- The following letter was received yesterday, by a gentleman of this city, from another residing in Illinois, which will show the causes which induced Governor Ford, of that State, to invoke the aid of the militia. -- Phil. Ledger.

Springfield, Sept. 21st, 1844.    

Dear Sir. -- Within the last few days we have been informed of a new movement amongst the people of Hancock, and the adjoining counties to have an annual wolf-hunt, upon which occasion they generally assemble in great numbers to enjoy the sport. This year a military wolf hunt, on a very large scale, is projected, to come off on the 25th and 27th insts., in which a large number of Missourians (report says several thousand) are expected to participate. A grand military ball is to be given on the evening of the 24th, at Warsaw, at which all the leaders are to be present. The Governor having received by express, a full account of the project, immediately ordered the equipment of 2500 militia from the counties this side of the Illinois river, with orders to rendezvous at Rushville by the 24th inst. Large numbers of volunteers have gone from the adjoining counties; about 150 left Tremont yesterday, and about 300 from Morgan county to-day. The volunteer companies from this city will leave in the course of the day and to0morrow. They consist of the City Lancers, Capt. Elkin, armed and equipped as mounted riflemen; the Cadets, Capt. Johnson, and the Springfield Artillery, Capt, Baker, the latter having two brass field pieces; in all about 100 men, well armed, and provisioned for a twelve days' campaign. The expemse to the State will be enormous, considering her limited means. The people of Hancock and the other counties who are opposed to the Mormons have expressed their determination to prevent the murderers of Joe and Hiram Smith from being arrested, and as the courts are now in session in some of those counties, it is more than probable that the Governor may need all the force he has summoned to aid him in the execution of the law.

Sunday, 22nd. -- The Governor and Staff, and the last of the volunteers, have just left for the seat of war. What may be the result none can tell, of course. Many consider the whole thing a farce; others that it may end in difficulty.

Yours, &c.                     J. A. C.

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  IN  SCOTLAND.

This delusion which seems to be waning in our own country has extended itself to Scotland, and is flourishing there. The Glasgow Examiner says there are reported to be in and about Glasgow, 17 churches or associations having 1133 members; of this number the church in Glasgow has more than 400. A man named Cairns, from this country is the author of the movement. Even the death of the prophet, of which the intelligence has just reached them does not appear to stumbled them. "The delegate from Kilbirnie shed tears when they heard of the murder of their beloved prophet, but took it as a testimony that his work was of God." "The delegate from Campsie said, "I must confess that, with us, there were some who scarcely expected the prophet would die. We expected he would live to lead the people on to God, and perhaps become President of America. Still, many of us think that perhaps God will bring him to life again." -- As some consolation, Cairns stated that Smith knew he was about to die, and that fifteen days before his death he had a vault prepared and other preparations made for that event. This the Glasgow saints appeared to swallow eagerly.

By late accounts from Nauvoo it would appear that great confusion and dissention prevail there. The people of the surrounding counties appear still to be meditating their destruction or dispersion, and Gov. Ford, in anticipation of any such events has called out a large body of the militia. -- Cong. Jour.

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MRS. JOE SMITH. -- Grand Design of the Prophet. -- The New Bedford Bulletin says -- A correspondent at Alton after stating that the recent murder of Smith has been followed by a dispersion of his followers, gives the following interesting items: "Mrs. Joe Smith, it is said, has lost all confidence (if she ever had any) in the Mormon faith. She will soon retire to some secure situation, undoubtedly the richest lady in the West. Joe had been amassing money for several years, for the purpose of eventually going to Jerusalem, intending to issue a proclamation calling in the Jews, over whom he was to be head till the return of Christ upon the earth -- which event he believed would take place 45 years from 1844. -- With reference to this expedition he was crowned 'King of Israel' in 1844, by the Council of fifty, denominated the 'Ancient of days.' The fifty were all sworn to secrecy. I had the fact from one who assisted at the coronation -- divulged since Joe's death. This was the prophet's grand design; and had it been generally known, would perhaps, have saved our State from the disgrace and infamy of perpetrating so foul a murder." The fact affords a key to certain movements of the prophet, which are otherwise wholly inexplicable.


Note: A rare and unusual exposure of the LDS secret Council of Fifty at Nauvoo and of their corronation of Joseph Smith, Jr., not only 'King of Israel' but also king of the entire planet. The assertion about Smith's plan to eventually travel in person to Jerusalem seems suspect, however. See also a similar reprint in the Putney Perfectionist of Nov. 2, 1844.

Hearing that a branch of this sect was established in Glasgow, I attended their meeting on Sunday last. It was held in a large room in the Trongate capable of seating about 500 persons. On entering I found but few persons assembled, but the number soon increased until the room was well filled. Nearly every person was in mourning for the prophet. Many of the men were dressed in black clothes, as were some of the women and children, and the rest had their hats and bonnets trimmed with black riband or crepe. As each person entered he was greeted by the brethren, and a general shaking of hands took place, and a smart conversation, in loud tones, was kept up throughout the meeting. At the end of the room was a pulpit hung with black cloth, and in and around it were a few men who were spoken of as the "priests," "elders," and "teachers." In the pulpit was a man named Cairns, from Nauvoo, in the United States, the great centre of the fraud. He was a "smart" looking man, with a countenance expressive of great earnestness. I learned from one of the brethren that this was a sort of "conference morning," to ascertain the state of the Church in the Glasgow Conference. Suddenly a man rose up, and moved that brother Cairns be appointed President for the day, which was put to a show of hands -- both men and women voting -- and decided to be carried. Another person was called to another office, the precise purport of which I could not hear. A prayer was then made, and a hymn sung, after which Cairns stood up and said, "You are met this morning to receive a Report from the churches represented in the Glasgow Conference. We want to understand the exact number and standing of the saints. We want to know what effect the murder of our beloved prophet has had upon saints and upon the world round about. Be brief and to the point, and don't sermonise, but gives us the facts." He then called upon a number of delegates, who reported as follows: Number of Members -- Number of Churches ...

I was amazed at the extent to which this imposture has spread in religious and intelligent Scotland, for the majority of these delegates appeared madly zealous. The numbers given above were stated sometimes to include and at other times to exclude priests, deacons, and teachers; and it was stated that a conference of other "churches" assembled at Edinburgh. The delegate from Kilbirnie said "that the saints at Kilbirnie shed tears of sorrow when they heard of the murder of their beloved prophet, but took it as a testimony that his work was of God." Another delegate said, that "many saints in this place would willingly have taken a bayonet to defend the prophet, and that they were quite ready now to revenge his death." Cairns -- "Oh, God will do that brother." -- The delegate. -- "Yes, but I should think he will use men as his instruments." The delegate from Campsie appeared to stumble in his faith. He said, "I must confess that with us there were those who hardly expected the prophet would die. We didn't believe it at first, for we expected he would live to lead on the people of God, and perhaps to be President of America. But, all I said to them, may be the prophet has done wrong. However, after a little, they became reconciled, and thought it was all right; still many of them think that perhaps God will bring him to life again. Which may God grant. Amen!" The people who composed this Meeting seemed decent and orderly people; and it is only to be regretted that any of our countrymen should be so easily deluded. Towards the close Cairns read a letter, which he said was from a postmaster who lived about 105 miles from Nauvoo, giving an account of Smith's death. It also stated that Smith knew he was about to die, for he called the Church together, and appointed a successor, and fifteen days before his death he gave orders to have a vault finished that had been standing for some time in a half-built state; and he had it nicely white-washed, and gates hung upon it, so that it might be ready for him; and this the Glasgow Latter-day Saints appeared eager enough to swallow.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON DIFFICULTIES -- We understand that the late grand jury of Hancock county, Ill. assembled at Carthage, found indictments, for the murder of Joseph and Hiram Smith, against Sharp, Williams and ten others, making in all twelve indictments. It is believed some curious and probably strange developments of political manoeuvering & management of some of the political managers in Illinois will be made in the course of these trials. We are told that nearly every one indicted has caused subpoenas to be issued for Governor Ford; they boast of what they can prove in justification or extennuation ny the Governor. Time will show how far these expectations are to be realized. -- St. Louis Rep.


Notes: (forthcoming)