(FOR  THE  TELEGRAPH.)

  Were I in private life I would spare the public this communication. My proceedings in relation to the present Preceptor of Painesville Academy have been straight forward and consistent; and a simple statement of facts will, abundantly, satisfy my friends, and justify my conduct.

I acknowledge that I introduced Mr. Hewitt to the Board of Directors of Painesville Education Society. But I did not introduce him as a Mormon, or a Perfectionist, or an Irvingite... Reports, however, from authentic sources confirmed the rumours respecting Mr. Hewitt being an Irvingite. His visit to the Mormons for the purpose of joining that body were circulated through this village...

Had James H. Paine, Esq. (between whom and myself the utmost cordiality subsists) quoted me the following passage from my communication in the N. Y. Observer, viz: "The Mormons pretend to have the spirit of prophecy, to speak with tongues, and to work miracles:" -- he would, in all probability, have blotted out, and never have suffered to have gone to the Press the following paragraph, which I extract from his communication in the Telegraph -- "This writer, who sends abroad injurious reports of the people with whom he resides, says that the Principal of our school was [a believer in] the Mormon Bible.-- ..."

Let the community rest assured that I have no fellowship with this blasphemy, or with any of its teachers.

FERRIS FITCH.                
Pastor of the                
Congregational Church.             

Painesville, Feb. 23d, 1836.


Notes: (forthcoming)

To the Rev. Ferris Fitch, Pastor of
the Congregational Church: --

Sir: -- A gentleman versed in the science of Phrenology, on a slight survey of your head, declared that your inclinations and propensities did not harmonize with the duties of your station... With my views of hospitality, at that time, I had no motive to deceive you; I did not do it, and in charging it upon me, you have acted uncourageously, ungentlemanly, and done me great injustice.

But I "visited the Mormons for the purpose of uniting with that body." If this was my purpose, why did I not unite with them? You, sir, have already given the public an answer. You have said in your libelous communication in the Observer, that I was dissatisfied with their Bible. Now what makes a Mormon? Belief in the Mormon Bible. -- You admit that I do not believe in it. I am, then, no Mormon. And yet, with a perverseness unaccountable, you continue to charge me of being a Mormon. You visited the Mormons, examined, in your way, their pretensions, and disbelieved their doctrines. I did the same, and you admit that I was dissatisfied. -- Why not give me the full benefit of my dissent from the Mormon faith? Your malignity, though unrelenting, cannot make me into a Mormon against this admission...
                              J. HEWITT.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

The following is extracted from a letter dated Painesville, March 18, 1836, and published in the Ohio Atlas.

"I have been to Kirtland and witnessed the operations of that most deluded set of visionaries, that our land, or any other enlightened land has ever witnessed. You would naturally suppose that the Mormons were the most ignorant, degraded and stupid set of beings on the face of the earth. This is true of some of them; but there are not wanting men of sagacity and information, and some men of strong powers of mind. From what I saw, I should suppose that they were generally real believers in the doctrines of their prophet. They are quite polite and affable with strangers, and ready to unfold the whole system, so far as they know it, until you press them with an argument, and then their wrath rises, or they assume an air of awful superiority, and dogmatically pronounce you blind and ignorant, and in the way to destruction; whereas, "they know the certainty of all these things [whereof] they affirm." They are now studying Hebrew with great zeal, under the instruction of Mr. Seixas. They profess to believe the common bible firmly, but they "have received additional revelations," which contain "the fulness of the Gospel." They all have revelations in proportion to their faith. I was introduced to the Immortal Prophet, Jo Smith, and his renowned [coadjutor] Sidney Rigdon, and a host of the inferior satellites; and could scarcely suppress a laugh during the formality of making acquaintance and shaking hands with the exalted dignitaries, high priests &c., of Mormonism. I have no doubt that Jo Smith's character is an equal compound of impostor and fanatic, and that Rigdon has but a small spice of the lat[t]er, with an extraordinary portion of the former; while the mass of the disciples are men of perverted intellect and disordered piety, with no sound principles of religion, with minds unbalanced and unfurnished, but active and devout; inclined to the mystical and dreary, and ready to believe any extraordinary announcement as a revelation from God. None of them appear to be within reach of argument on the subject of religion. They profess to have the gift of tongues; and one individual, after becoming very much excited in conversation, offered to give me a specimen, and began to close his throat for the purpose. But I shuddered at the proposal to exhibit such blasphemy and mockery of a miraculous gift, and he desisted.

"The Mormons have increased with astonishing rapidity. They say, and they are probably not far from the truth, that their numbers in the United States amount to 45,000.

"Their temple, at Kirtland, is a huge, misshapen edifice, that comes nearer to the Gothic than any other style of architecture. The pattern, like every thing else connected with Mormonism, "was given by direct revelation from Heaven, and given to three individuals separately, so that there could be no doubt on the subject." They assure you, with the utmost confidence, that they shall soon be able to raise the dead, to heal the sick, the deaf, the dumb, and the blind, &c. Indeed, more than one assured me, that they had, themselves, by the laying on of their hands, restored the sick to health. The difficulty with their miracles, and the distinction between all false and true miracles, is, that the former are done in private, with few, if any witnesses, while the latter are wrought in open day, before the whole world, friends and foes. The delusion, however, is one, which, I am inclined to think, is likely to spread rapidly, for a season, especially where there is ignorance, combined with a love of the marvellous, and a mystical, distempered, and extravagant tone of piety.

"Yours, &c. ____ ____."

Notes: (forthcoming)

Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Richmond, (Missouri,) to his friend in Philadelphia, dated July 8, 1836:

"Our town is all commotion to-day. Indian hostilities have commenced on the frontier of our State, about sixty miles from this place...

"The Mormon question is not yet settled in this country, nor will it be, in my opinion, as long as any of them remain here. Meetings are held in the various counties to prevent their introduction here. Their great suit with the Jackson county boys was settled yesterday to the satisfaction of both parties -- the Jackson boys paying them $750 for their expulsion and destruction of property. There are thousands of these wretched beings encamped all over our country. The citizens of Clay, have met, and concluded to let 100 families of them remain in that county. This county (Ray) has done nothing yet."


Notes: (forthcoming)

A new revolution. -- Mormon Money. -- During the past two days an emission of bills from the society of Mormons, has been showered upon us. As far as we can learn there is no property bound for their redemption, no coin in hand to redeem them with, and no responsible individuals whose honor or whose honesty is pledged for their payment. They seem to rest upon a spiritual basis. -- Aside from the violation of the statute rendering them void, and of course the notes given for them, we look upon the whole as a most reprehensible fraud on the public, and cannot conceal our surprise that they should circulate at all. For instance, the large letters engraved on the bills appear, on a casual examination, to read like a Bank bill, and the unsuspecting would in the hurry of business, take them to be as an ordinary Bank bill. But on scrutiny it will be found that previous to the word "Bank" in capitals, the word "anti" in fine letter is inserted, and after the word "Bank," the syllable "ing" is affixed in small letters also, so far as to read in fact, instead of Bank, "Anti-BANKing." We do not object to private or company banking, as a system, provided it is done upon a system and made safe, but we consider this whole affair a deception, and are told by a legal gentleman, that there is still in force a section of the statute affixing a penalty of $1,000 to the issuing or passing unauthorized Bank paper like the present. It is a kind of radicalism that would flourish better in Michigan than Ohio. -- Cleveland Weekly Gazette.


Notes: (forthcoming)

How have the Mighty Fallen!! -- We understand that the Mormon bank, alias the KIRTLAND SAFETY SOCIETY ANTI-BANK-ING CO. suspended specie payments on Saturday last, agreeably to a Revelation of the Mormon Prophet we suppose. We also learn that some particular friends of the concern who have a large amount of the Rags on hand, have become uneasy -- surprising!!


Note: The date on this Telegraph clipping is uncertain. The article's text is taken from its reprint in the Feb. 7, 1837 issue of the Warren Western Reserve Chronicle.

(article on Bank of Monroe and Mr. J. V. Ayer of Buffalo)

(under construction)

Note: The date on this Telegraph clipping is uncertain. The article is referred to in the Feb. 15, 1837 issue of the Cleveland Weekly Gazette. See also the Painesville Republican for Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 for related news items.

MONROE BANK. -- We understand that there was a change of officers of this concern last week, made by "Mr. J. V. Ayers, and other gentlemen," (supposed to be the Mormon speculators from this county.) O. Cowdery, Secretary in the Gold Bible imposition, was chosen a Director and Vice President of the Bank. The public themselves may judge from this fact, as to the permanency of the institution. Is not the Bank controlled by men who are in the habit of borrowing ten dollars for every dollar they have to lend?


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Telegraph.

I perceive by the papers that the Monroe Mormon Bank closed its doors against all demands for specie, after having for its presiding officer about three weeks the wonderful and noted Oliver Cowdery, one of the fathers and translators of the Golden Bible. A sworn statement of the said shaving mill is published in the papers, by which it appears, that it has bills in circulation to the amount of $122, 585 -- and specie on hand, $1, 2008.59. Among various items of value on hand are "Bank furniture, Plates, &c. $4,500." QUERY. Do these last items include the golden plates and silver spectacles through which the medium of which the Vice President of this Bank and his Prophet Smith, manufactured a bible of 500 pages? If so, it may give great satisfaction to some people, as Smith once testified that the said plates were miraculously spirited away from his possession, and buried, he knew not where. The inference is, therefore, that Oliver Cowdery was the agent in making this valuable deposit in the Monroe Bank, after having cabbaged them from his prophet. Will uncle Steal over the way then explain this mystery in his next dun to his subscribers, as he professes to stand god father, or plays second fiddle to Mormonism.       SERVANTES.


Notes: (forthcoming)

List of Letters remaining at the Post Office in Kirtland, O.,
April 1, 1837.

Directors of Kirtland Bank ...
O. Cowdery, 2 ...
Wm. W. Denton ...
Erastus H. Rudd ...
Joseph Smith, Jr. ...
Superintendent of the Mormon Society ...


Notes: (forthcoming)

(under construction -- Editor's comments missing)

TO  SIDNEY  RIGDON - LETTER No. 1.

To SIDNEY RIGDON, at Palmyra, Waterloo, Chenang Point, Pittsburgh, Massachusetts, Maine, or some other place where his business calls him.

Sir: I perceive from your letter, that though your journey, like your moral course, is so serpentine, so crooked that the devil himself might be puzzled to follow you, yet the fear of Sherifs and constables has been a ghost on your track. No wonder. You have committed such incredible wickedness in pretending to direct revelations from Heaven, in aiding Jo Smith in ruining so many deluded but innocent families -- in giving countenance to assassins, and swindling community by means of your rag money, that it is not at all surprising, that the Sherif with the appropriate implements for execution should constantly be present to your imagination, and that you should undergo nightly in your dreams the merited punishment of your atrocious deeds. There is no peace to the wicked. -- You have opened the correspondence with me, and now I must discharge my duty to you and the people whom you and Joe Smith are seeking to enthrall, and betray to ruin. You have become a villain so desperate, a swindler so bold, that you are lost to all good, and advice to you about reformation is idle preaching; but your intended victims may be saved by learning your true character. You came to Mentor in a cloak of religion, pretending to be a Baptist; suddenly you changed to a Campbellite, and lastly to a Mormon. But when you appeared the best men of discretion and observation, plainly saw, that under this cloak you concealed a heart desperately wicked. On embracing Mormonism you became a co-worker with Jo Smith, the Prophet of imposture and evil. You and him have been successful in collecting at Kirtland, some three or four hundred honest but ignorant and credulous people, by basely perverting their religious sentiments, and you subjected them by pretending to act by the authority of the great and good Being whom all the conscientious revere, to a system of tyranny and plunder, that has overwhelmed them in ruin; some are in a state of starvation, some are mad, all in despair. Families you have separated, warm hopes of happiness, blighted; you have put asunder whom God joined together, and when this wide spread desolation among your followers was pressed on your attention, you mocked at their calamities: told those whom your wily arts collected with promises of great spiritual and temporal good, to disperse or starve! In my next I shall examine some other points of your character and conduct.
                          GRANDISON NEWELL.
   Painesville, May 17th, 1837.


Note: No copy of the Telegraph's original text for the above news item has yet been located for transcription. The text was taken from a reprint that appeared in the New York Fredonia Censor of June 7, 1837, wherein the original Telegraph editorial preface is thus summarized: "the Editor thereof premising that he cheerfully complies with the request, 'in order that the public may properly understand what is going on among the Prophets and High priests of the "latter day saints.'"

TO  SIDNEY  RIGDON - LETTER No. 2.

It is an old remark, that a man is known by the company he keeps. Your bosom associate is the imposture, Smith, the impious fabricator of gold bibles -- the blasphemous forger of revelations, with which he swindles ignorant people out of their hard-earned property. His audacity does not stop with the property. Emboldened by success in his wicked schemes, he hesitates not to use his authority as the revelator of the will of Heaven, to incite his followers to remove those who have opposed his treachery and fraud, by assassination. Deluded and frantic by his pretended revelation, that it was the will of God, that I should be destroyed, two of the saints of the latter day, by concert, and under the express direction of their prophet, this high priest of satan, meet in the night, at a little distance from my house, with loaded rifles, and pistols, with a determination to kill me. But as they draw near the spot where the bloody deed was to be performed, they trembled under the awful responsibility of committing murder, a little cool reflection in darkness and silence, broke the spell of the false prophet -- they were restored to their right minds, and are now rejoicing that they were not left to the power of the devil and co-adjutor Smith, to stain their souls with a crime so horrible. While these scenes were planned by the prophet, and promises of great temporal and spiritual good lavished upon these two men, by him, to stimulate them to assassinate me in my own house, in the midst of my family, and in a moment when I was defenceless and suspecting no danger, you was busy in preaching the infallibility of the prophet, and with an impudence and volubility peculiar to yourself, sustaining his ridiculous and heaven-daring pretensions to the power of working miracles. And it requires more charity than a good man is required to possess, to believe, that while you were clamorously holding him forth as a prophet, you did not know that he was exerting his influence over the bewildered followers to procure my death, because I fearlessly exposed to the contempt and indignation of an outraged community, your flagitious plans.

Is it not time for the People to give attention to impostors who preach murder and assassination by pretended revelation from heaven.
                                   GRANDISON NEWELL. 

(BY  REQUEST.)
THE  GOLDEN  BIBLE.

A new Golden Bible was lately discovered,
Which for six thousand years could not be found.
But was lately by hoes spades and shovels uncovered.
The new Golden Bible, the new fangled Bible
The fictitious Bible that lay underground.

The law giving Moses, went up to the mount.
Fire, Earthquakes and darkness encircled him round,
They were written, the heathen were smitten,
But safe was the Bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

But Joshua next in the line of succession.
Fought, conquered, and spread desolation around,
Approved by his God he adorned his profession,
But ne'er saw the bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

King David was set as a brilliant example,
His praises were sung by the ladies' sweet sound.
Performed mighty deeds -- O'er the Philistines trampled,
But ne'er found the Bible that lay under ground
The new Golden Bible, &c.

King Solomon was wiser than any before him.
A house built for God as a star in his crown.
And for his great wisdom, many adore him.
But he ne'er read the Bible, that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

There's Daniel, the captive, whose prophetic vision.
Rose high, and dug deep into darkness profound,
For telling strange things with the utmost precision.
But he spake not of Mormon, that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

Nehemiah, the cup bearer, prayed for his nation,
And was sent to re-build what the heathen pull'd down:
Removed the old rubbish and laid the foundation,
But raised not the Bible, that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

The prophets foretold of the glorious Messiah.
And the shadows and types of that day abound.
But ne'er a word from the prophetic lyre.
About the new Bible, that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

John Baptist, forerunner, repentance came preaching.
And thousands, to hear him, did gather around.
And many were pricked to the heart, by his teaching,
Though he saw not the Bible, that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.


              SECOND  PART.

When Luther [rebelled] [from] Rome's [constitution]
He aimed at Popery, for to [put] it down.
Yet nothing appeared of the late speculation,
Of the new Golden Bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

Next appeared Calvin, in the great reformation.
A man of ability and famed for renown.
And he assisted Luther in his great undertaking,
Yet he saw not the Bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

At length appeared Wesley, a Fletcher, a Coke.
All skilled in the arts that before them were found --
Amidst all their learning they never have spoke.
About the new Bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

At length arose Campbell, from the old Scotish nation,
And with his great learning did many confound:
With all his researches, likewise meditation.
He found not the Bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

Then Smith, that is Joseph, the prophet indeed,
In search of some treasures, at last he has found.
A pair of white glasses, of stone, it is said,
And they saw the Bible that lay under ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

Jo Smith has pretended to new revelation.
While angels and spirits encircled him round.
He professed to translate, by divine inspiration.
The new Golden Bible that he dug from the ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

'Twas through the stone glasses those wonderful stories,
Were read to the people with sacred renown,
In language unknown the mysterious glories.
Unfolded by Mormon just raised from the ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

Jo Smith and S. Rigdon, the chiefs of their people,
While declaring abroad the new Gospel they had found.
Got their bodies well covered with tar and good feathers,
For spreading the Bible they raised from the ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

The Mormons have built them a mighty great tower,
In which they declare many angels abound,
To endow them afresh with apostolic power,
Proved by the new Bible they raised from the ground.
The new Golden Bible, &c.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Much interest and anxiety seemed to be manifested by the good people of Painesville, on Saturday, the 3d of June inst., in consequence of a suit instituted in behalf of the state of Ohio, on complaint of Mr. Grandison Newell against the defendant, charging him with an attempt to take the life of said complainant, by inducing two individuals to lay in wait for said Newell, near his dwelling in order to shoot him: -- which trial was held on the day, at the town-house in this village, before Justice Flint. Below will be found a brief, but we trust, substantially correct account of the trial.

THE STATE OF OHIO.
            vs.
JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
alias, THE PROPHET.

Jas. H. Paine, Counsel for the Prosecution,
B. Bissell, and
Wm. L. Perkins   Defendant's Counsel. 

Mr. Hyde, for the prosecution called. He testified, that some time in January or February last, he was in the Bank, called the Mormon Bank, where others were in conversation: Smith recounting the hardships and privations they had endured, and were still subject to: and that threats had been uttered against the Bank and its officers; that it was possible a suit might be commenced against them; but, said he, I know of no one who would do such a thing, except it is Mr. Newell. Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him: he said destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c. Witness said he had never heard Smith use similar language before. Not long after witness conversed with Smith on the subject, asked him what he meant by using such language; he said he had no intention to hurt Newell, but that the course [followed] by Newell [ ------ ------- --- ] him, that he felt injured, and had spoken rashly an inadvertently in the heat of passion. To the question "does Smith claim to be a Prophet." witness answered, "he does sometimes."

Question -- Do the members of your society feel bound to receive Smith's words as revelation? Answer -- We do when what he reveals is in accordance with the work of God, but feel bound to receive nothing, farther than it agrees with Scripture. --

Question -- Was there ever a revelation made by Smith, which was doubted by you? Ans. Yes, there have been things advanced by Smith which we did not believe. Myself and others have conversed together on the expressions of Smith, made in reference to Newell; we thought we were not bound to receive it as the revealed will of God.

Cross examined -- Witness thinks the meeting at the Bank was in January or February. -- There were a number present with myself, Mr. Parish, Mr. Cahoun and others whose names I do not recollect at this time.

Question -- Who participated with Smith in this conversation about Newell?
Answer -- I heard no one make any reply to what he said.

Ques -- Does the witness think that Smith intended to take the life of Newell?
Ans -- I cannot say that I do; though I felt some alarm, spoke to others of it.

Ques. -- How was the expression of Smith concerning Newell received by you?
Ans. -- We did not receive it as a revelation; we receive nothing as such, except what accords with the Old and New Testaments.

Ques. -- How long have you been acquainted with Smith, and what is your opinion of his character as a man?
Ans -- I have known him for some time and think him to be possessed of much kindness and humanity toward his fellow beings.

Ques. -- Does Mr. Newell come among you frequently, or does he seem to shun your place through fear?
Ans. -- I have seen him at Kirtland once or twice lately, apparently without fear of coming among us.

Direct examination resumed -- All who were present at the conversation in the Bank were both officers of the Society and of the Bank.

Cross examination resumed -- I have conversed with Mr. Newell on the subject of the prosecution of the officers of the Bank and the threats of Smith against him: he inquired of me whether I would support Smith or turn against him; I told him that I hoped truth might ever prevail with me, but there was much prejudice existing among the members of our society against him, in consequence of his heading a mob to disturb us; should not swerve from truth and fairness, even should it go against Smith.

Ques. -- Has there ever been any difficulty between yourself and Smith?
Ans. -- Yes, there has been at times about the printing business and concerning Newell.
 

Solomon W. Denton called -- Witness says that in April or May, 1835, he lived with Smith, and was a member of the society. At that time there was much excitement among the members about Newell, his raising a mob, &c. One afternoon I saw Mr. Davis, who said he wished to speak to me privately: we withdrew to a private room and after consulting together about putting Newell out of the way, I went to Mr. Cowdery's, borrowed a pair of pistols, cleaned, loaded and fired them once, then loaded them again, and as I returned saw Smith, who said he wished to speak with me. We retired to the garden, he said to me I know where you are going and what your business is; that he had seen Davis and told him I would be a good hand to go with him: said this was a great work, and we must be very wise; then spake of Newell; said he had injured the society, and that it was better for one man to suffer than to have the whole community disturbed; that it was the will of Heaven that Newell should be put out of the way, and that he would take the responsibility, for the deed was justifiable in the sight of God, and would be rewarded: but when we had killed him, he wanted his body secreted if possible.

{Here the witness was about to detail the conversation between Davis and Smith, as related to him by Davis, which was objected to by the Counsel of the defendant, and declared inadmissible by the Court.}

The witness then proceeded to say that Smith told him he wished to God the deed had been done, and hoped it would not be given up; that Heaven would reward the doers of a deed so just, &c. After supper, witness met Davis on the east and west road not far from Elijah Smith's house; after some hurried expressions from each on the atrocity of the crime, they separated.

Ques. -- Was Smith held as a prophet by his followers?
Ans. -- He was: I had ever been taught by both Smith and Cowdery to regard him as such.

Cross examined -- I first saw Smith in the state of New York, in the year 1830; did not embrace his religion until I came to Kirtland in 1831. Since then I have been to Missouri; was a member of the society there; returned in 1833 or '34. When I returned to Kirtland I engaged in the printing business carried on by Davis, Rigdon, Cowdery and Smith. -- Smith was sometimes called into the office to reprimand me for not obeying what I considered unjust and tyrannical requirements.

Ques. -- Did you ever use pistols for any other purpose than destroying Newell?
Answer -- Yes, I have used them to guard Smith's house.

Ques. -- Did you never get pistols to waylay Smith?
Ans. -- No, though such has been the report.

Ques. -- Are you a member of the society now?
Ans. -- I am not: I was excommunicated about two months since for lack of faith, non-observance of duties and contempt of the quorum of High Priests. I left Kirtland about five weeks ago; went to Michigan to visit my family.

Ques. -- Had you any conversation with Smith about the Newell affair before you went to Michigan?
Ans. -- I had: he told me he expected to be prosecuted, and that he had heard I would swear against him: he then urged upon me the necessity of favoring him and the society.

Direct examination resumed -- I borrowed the pistols of Mr. Cowdery, in obedience to the command of Smith communicated to me by Davis.
 

Mr. Whitney called. -- He had no remembrance of hearing such conversation as had been related by witnesses to have taken place in the Bank; though he has often heard Newell's name mentioned. He has heard others say and has said himself, that if Newell should attack them at the head of a mob, he should be the first to suffer. Many rumors were afloat, which caused us to expect a mob, and prepare ourselves for defence. I never heard Smith threaten Newell's life.

Ques. -- Does Smith exert much influence over his people?
Ans. -- Considerable: we feel found to follow his directions so far as they agree with the doctrines of the Bible.

Cross examined -- Witness is an officer of the society and present at all their deliberations; has never known anything of a conspiracy against Newell: their Articles of Faith forbid any such thing. Have heard of Denton's borrowing pistols, and at a meeting called to inquire into his conduct, was satisfied by the witnesses then called on, that he had borrowed them.
 

Luke Johnson called -- Has heard Smith and others say, if Newell or any other man should head a mob against him, they ought to be put out of the way, and it would be our duty to do so. There has been much excitement prevailing among us in consequence of the attack on Smith and Rigdon, in Portage co., where they were tarred and feathered, and we have been ordered to arm ourselves for defense, that we might be prepared to resist similar aggressions.

Cross examined -- I believe our only means of safety was to arm ourselves. [Our enemies] have several times [attempted to] frighten or injure [us. A mob once came] near our place and fired cannon, but Smith always told us to hurt none unless they were the aggressors. I believe Smith to be a tender-hearted, humane man.
 

Mr. Parish called. -- Does not recollect distinctly, but thinks he has heard Newell's name mentioned at the Bank: was often there when Smith was present, but has no remembrance of hearing Smith utter any threats against Newell or others.

Cross examined -- Am an officer in the church: have been acquainted with Smith for some time: think him to be of kind and charitable disposition: have often heart him exhort his people to do no violence.
 

Here the Counsel for the prosecution rested, and Sidney Rigdon being called on the part of the defence, testified -- That about two years since he had heard Davis and Denton had conspired against the life of Mr. Newell; that on receiving this information, he went to Smith and stated the case to him, requesting him to see to it. Witness had never had any conversation with either Davis or Denton on the subject: Smith said he had known nothing of the conspiracy until then. Witness together with Smith, was often at the Bank when the prosecution of its officers was spoken of, but never heard Smith make any threats, though we often discussed the question, how far we should suffer, before we offered violence in self-defence.

Cross examined -- The reason he did not go to Davis and Denton himself on hearing of the conspiracy, was because Smith had more influence with them. Davis was never considered strictly subservient to the rules of our society. Denton was excommunicated about two or three months since.

Ques. -- Why did you let them continue in your Church so long after you considered them guilty of such conduct?
Ans. -- We supposed they had desisted from their evil course

Ques. -- Does Smith exert much influence over his followers?
Ans. -- Yes, they regard him as an inspired man, and have regarded him in that light since I became acquainted with them and their religion, which will be eight years the next fall.

Ques. -- Do you believe Joseph Smith, Jr. to be a Prophet?
Ans. -- I do not believe he is such a Prophet as yourself or Mr. Howe. (Laughter).
 

Mr. Cahoun called -- Testimony in substance the same as that of Mr. Rigdon.


Hiram Smith called. -- Witness is a brother of the defendant: went with him to Michigan last February; on their return, they were informed that Denton had said he would take defendant's life, and that he (Denton) would swear the defendant had threatened to destroy Mr. Newell. Witness and his brother on arriving in Kirtland, went to the Bank: there met Denton; spoke to him on the subject. -- Denton declared it was an absolute falsehood: a lie as black as the depths of hell.

Cross examined -- Believes his brother to be a prophet: an inspired man, capable of revealing future events.

Mr. Cahoun recalled by the prosecution. -- Believes Joseph Smith Jr. to be a Prophet: -- believes that he translated the Golden Bible.


Some other witnesses were called, but their testimony was similar to that of the last two or three. The summing up and arguments of the Counsel on both sides, were remarkably clear, able and eloquent; and the whole affair terminated by the Court's requiring Mr. Joseph Smith, Jr. $500 bonds for his appearance at Court. Rigdon, Hyde and Denton each $50 for their appearance as witnesses in the case.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> It will be recollected that the Mormon Prophet was apprehended a short time since, on a charge of inducing two of his followers to destroy the life of Mr. Newell. He was tried by the County Court last Friday, and acquitted

Notes: (forthcoming)

MR. EDITOR. --
  I claimed the protection of the law of the land against designs upon my life, harbored, as I believe, by Joseph Smith, the pretended prophet. Upon the force of the testimony adduced the judges were equally decided, and of course my appeal for and against assassination was lost. The president judge in sustaining his views of the testimony insinuated that my hatred, not my fear, induced the prosecution. I owe it to myself and friends to show, if possible, that the imputation is groundless. I think this will very fully appear from a candid review of the more important parts of the testimony. Denton swore that Smith urged him and Davis to kill me, and enforced the exhortation by appeals to the Bible, and by declaring that it was the will of God. Is Denton entitled to credit? If he is, the charge is established. But admit, a moment, that suspicions attach to Denton, then, is his evidence corroborated by any other witnesses? Sidney Rigdon, however much to be doubted on other occasions, is a credible witness when he gives testimony against the prophet. He said, about two years ago, information came to him from some quarter, but from whom he could not remember, that Davis and Denton entertained designs against my life; that he believed this report, and informed Smith of it; and that afterwards Smith told him that through his influence Davis and Denton had laid aside their purpose. Now the fact that Davis and Denton entertained a purpose to kill me, is proved by Rigdon, a "saint of the latter day," and by the confession of Smith, as sworn by Rigdon. One point sworn to by Denton is thus fully established by the corroborating testimony of Rigdon. The only remaining question on which there is any doubt, is -- did Smith investigate this design? Denton declares that he did. Is Denton's testimony strengthened and supported by circumstances, and by other testimony?

Can any thing be drawn from other parts of the testimony corroborative of Denton, on this point? Look at the relation of the parties. -- Denton was a mere boy in Smith's family, entirely under his control, placing in him implicit confidence as a prophet, and taught a blind obedience to all his commands. If Smith designed to assassinate me, could he have found one better trained to execute his wicked purpose? And is it not most unlikely that this boy would conceive so bold a scheme of murder without being instigated by some higher and more experienced leader? The thing is wholly improbable. It was against the leaders in this imposition that I directed my opposition, not on account of their religion, but because they used a religious cloak to defraud ignorant and honest men, and altogether through the policy of Smith and Rigdon, it assumed on their part a personal controversy with me, and they unquestionably harbored against me an implacable hatred. The scheme of my assassination originated in deep revenge for supposed injuries. Denton and Davis were strangers to me, and they had so little personal interest at the time in Mormonism, and no personal hate to me, that the supposition that the design originated with them does violence to all probability. When we look to the circumstances surrounding Smith and Denton, they all point to Smith as the author. He was the bold forger of the Mormon fraud, and that required a heart so thoroughly depraved, that it is now prepared to sustain it by the commission of the most atrocious crimes.

The closer we examine the subject the more probable Denton's testimony appears. Orson Hyde swore that as late as February last, Smith said in the office of their Bank, that Newell, if he commenced suits for unlawful banking against any of the Mormons, ought to be put where the crows could not find him; that it would be no sin to kill him, and accompanied these declarations by a long lamentation of the wrongs heaped upon their society. Now to a plain man whose mind has not been carried beyond the light of common sense, Hyde's evidence would be a confirmation of Denton's. Denton's testimony was, that Smith in the spring of 1835, advised him to kill me. Now if Smith gave similar advice last February, does not that fact strengthen the statements of Denton. That Smith advised to my assassination in February, is fully established by Hyde, a Mormon witness. For the defence he was credible. If it were clearly established that Smith entertained designs last February, and Denton swore he entertained the same designs two years before; who cannot see that establishing the fact in February renders the testimony of the existence of a similar design two years before quite probable. And yet the corroboration of Hyde was wholly disregarded, and his testimony laid aside as having no weight in the case. The corroboration of Hyde, and the fair inferences from the relation of Denton and Smith to each other, and to the Mormon Society, coming in and of the positive testimony of Denton, left a full conviction on the minds of nine-tenths of the very large assembly attendant on the trial, that Denton told the truth.

The objections against Denton's credibility because he could not relate the precise language that passed between him and Davis when they met, and agreed to abandon the plan of murder, hatched by the prophet, or mark the rail over which they climbed into the lot, were not sufficient to discredit him. -- When the human mind is under a deep and terrific excitement, will it mark all the little incidents that take place? Will not the main subject of the excitement engross the attention to the neglect of all unimportant circumstances? And yet, because Denton could not point out the rail over which he and Davis passed, and could not repeat the exact words of both -- his Honor, the President Judge, cast away his evidence as worthless. To my mind this course was unphilosophical. Nothing could be bro't against Denton's moral character, except that he was so far deluded as to harbor for a moment the black designs of the prophet.

From this view of the subject, I confidently trust that my friends and the public will clearly see that I was in danger from Smith: -- that I had good cause to fear him, and that in denying me the defence of the law, my rights were disregarded, and a precedent set -- full of danger to the community.
                                GRANDISON NEWELL.


Notes: (forthcoming)

...the Mormon Banking Company" [will make a new emission of their banknotes] using old paper and signed by [Dr]. Williams and one Parish, by the redemption of a few dollars of which they expect to get the old emission as well as the new, again into circulation.

Note: The text of this item is uncertain -- it will be replaced with a better transcription, when available.

LIST of Letters remaining in Kirtland Mills Post Office, July 1st, 1837.

Lysander M. Davis
Franklin Cowdery ...
Preserved Harris ...
O. Pratt ...
Rigdon, Smith, and Cowdery, 6 ...
Eliza Snow
Lyman Sherman ...
Smith & Cowdery, 1
Smith & Rigdon, 2
William Smith,
George Smith,
Susan Smith,
Joseph Smith, senior,
Joseph Smith, Jr., 8 ...

Note: This was just after the time Joseph Smith, Jr. was on trial for the attempted murder of Grandison Newell. He fell ill for several days thereafter, so perhaps he was then unable to pick up his mail.

LIST of Letters remaining in the Post Office at Kirtland Mills, January 1, 1838.

Oliver Cowdery - 3 ...
Austin Cowles - 3 ...
W. A. Cowdry ...
M. C. Davis ...
S. Rigdon
Rigsdon, Smith & Cowdery ...
J. Smith, Jun - two

---

JARED Carter is hereby notified that the October Term of the Court of Common Pleas; held in and for the County of Geauga, and State of Ohio; A. D. Eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, John Johnson Junior, and Christopher Quinn, Junior, of the Township of Kirtland, in said County, filed in said Court, a Bill in [ -------- ] against the said Jared Carter. [The] object and prayer of which Bill is to foreclose a Mortgage given by the said Jared Carter, to the said Christopher [Quinn, Jun.], bearing date on the [--------] of October, A. D., Eighteen-hundred and thirty-six, and subject the land to said Mortgage mentioned and [--------ed] to the payment of the sum of six hundred dollars, and the interest [on ----s] from the date of said mortgage, by which said sum the said Jared Carter acknowledges himself indebted to the said Chauncey I. Calkins, in the condition of said Mortgage deed. Said Land is situated in the township of Kirtland, being number nine in the ninth Range of Townships of the Connecticut Western Reserve of the State of Ohio, and is known to being part of Lot Number three, and is bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning [at a] stake in the center of the Road 19 rods and [--] links east of the South West corner of said Lot No. 3; thence North 55 rods and 22 links, thence West 19 rods & 8 links; thence North 40 rods an 15 links to the N. W. corner of said Lot No. 3; thence 89 rods East on the North line of said lot, 61 rods and 22 links; thence South 76 rods and 11 links; thence west 42 rods and 12 links, to the place of beginning, enclosing 25 acres of Land; prayer that the above described Land be sold, and the proceeds thereof applied to the satisfaction of said principal and interest. -- And the said Jared Carter is further notified, that unless he appears and pleads answers, or demurs to the said Bill within sixty days after the next Term of said Court, the said Chauncy I. Calkins at the next term after the expiration of the said sixty days will apply to said court to take the matter of the Bill as confessed and to decree thereon accordingly.
                                     BISSEL & AXTELL.
                                     Solicitor for Compl't.

JOHN F. Boynton and Lyman E, Johnson, are hereby notified that the October Term of the Court of Common Pleas; held in and for the County of Geauga, and State of Ohio; A. D. Eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, John Johnson Junior, and Christopher Quinn, Junior, of the Township of Kirtland, in said County, filed in said Court, a Bill in [ -------y ] against the said John F. Boynton and Lyman E. Johnson; the object and prayer of which Bill is to foreclose a certain Mortgage given by the said John F. Boynton, and Lyman F. Johnson to the said John F. Johnson, Je. & Christopher Quinn Jr. bearing date [on] the fifteenth day of September, A. D. Eighteen hundred and thirty-seven, and to subject the Land in said mortgage mentioned and described, to the payment of the sum of four-hundred and sixty dollars, and the interest [on ---e] it being the amount in the condition of said Mortgage mentioned. Said Land is situate in the Township of Kirtland, No. nine in the ninth Range of Townships, in the Connecticut Western Reserve, in the State of Ohio, and is known as being Lot Number 104 in the village of Kirtland, prayer that the above described Land be sold, and the proceeds thereof applied to the satisfaction of said principal and interest. -- And the said John F. Boynton and Lyman E. Johnson, are further notified, unless they appear and plead, answer, or demur, to the said Bill within sixty days after the next Term of said Court, the said John Johnson, Jun. and Christopher Quinn, Jun. at the next term after the expiration of the said sixty days will apply to said court to take the matter of the Bill as confessed and to decree thereon accordingly.
                                     BISSEL & AXTELL.
                                     Sol. for Compl't.
Painesville, Dec. 29th. 1837.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                     For the Telegraph.

FIRE!

The citizens of Kirtland have twice within a few short months, been visited by the destructive element of Fire; evidently the act of some incendiary, who, reckless of all consequences, deliberately set fire to the Methodist Meeting house on the night of the 22d -- exposing the lives and property of many individuals who live in its immediate vicinity. There is no doubt it was a cool, deliberate act. The ruthless villain took the precaution to cut the well-rope and carry the bucket from the well nearest to the fire, and hide it: the bolt from the pump of another well near by, was also taken, so that had the fire been discovered soon after it was kindled, but a scanty supply of water could have been procured to extinguish it without going a great distance.

The recent heavy rain, that had fallen, together with the remarkable stillness of the night, probably prevented the destruction of any other building. The atmosphere was hardly ruffled with a breeze, and the blaze ascended to a great height while masses of fire and burning shingles, resembling stars of different magnitudes filled the concave of heaven, as far as the eye could reach.

The darkness of midnight, the terrific glare of a tremendous blaze of fire, reflecting light upon the objects that immediately surrounded, together with the appalling thought that it was the work of human hands, who thus jeopardized the lives and property of his fellow being[s], make the countenances of many sad, and their hearts to sink within them.

An attempt was also made on the same evening, and probably by the same person or persons, to fire the stone Temple. A small bundle of straw, a few shavings, and a brand or coal inclosed, was found tied up with a string, and standing upon the seat which runs from the wall slips on the south aisle to the singers slips in the south-east corner. The bundle was evidently introduced through the window, by breaking a pane of glass, & was found in the morning, the lower end resting upon the seat aforesaid, and the upper against the wall and the panel work which separates the slips from the area below. A few straws only were burned which came in immediate contact with the brand; but to all appearance the fire never kindled into a blaze, and happily no damage was done.

A reward of between three and four hundred dollars has already been offered for the apprehension and conviction of the reckless villain.

If suspicion rests upon any one, it is only suspicion, and is no conclusive evidence of guilt. It is hoped that the love of gain, or the compunctions of conscience will yet prevail and the fiend or fiends in human shape, be brought to condign punishment. It is also hoped that our friends abroad, notwithstanding wickedness abounds here, and offences do come, will consider that the majority of our population deeply deplore and deprecate them. We feel a consciousness that we have, and will continue to do our duty to ferret out the offenders, and we claim an entire exemption from all blame, while through us offences do not come.

W. A. COWDERY,             

In behalf of the citizens of Kirtland.
Kirtland, May 26, 1838.


Note: Essentially the same communication from Warren Cowdery was also published in the Painesville Republican of May 31, 1838.

MORMONISM  AT  "FAR  WEST."

A curious document was handed us in pamphlet form, entitled an "Oration delivered by Mr. S. Rigdon, on the 4th July, 1838, at Far West, Caldwell county, Mo."

As the author of the above Oration has figured somewhat conspicuously on the Mormon Theatre in this vicinity, and as the laying of a corner stone for the foundation of a "New Temple" at Far West was connected with it -- we have thought that a few extracts from the document would be amusing to our readers.

After having comments upon our republican institutions, he says it is then "sixty-two years" since God caused the Proclamation of American Independence --

"And it is eight years, two months, and 20 days, since this church of the last day was organized by the revelation of that same Jesus, who is coming to reign before his ancient gloriously; then consisting of six members only.

"During these scenes of persecution a number of the saints have lost their lives, and others are missing, and it is unknown what has become of them; but the presumption is, that they have been secretly murdered.  *  *  *

"But notwithstanding all this violence we can say as did St. Paul to the Corinthians, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. We have until this time, endured this great fight of affliction, & kept the faith  *  *  *

"If the ancient saints had to commend themselves to God, in much patience and in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, by suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth -- so have we.  *  *  *"

After the above mockery and blasphemy, he commences a description of the Temple which they are about to build, which he declares to be for the double purpose of worship and learning. (Page 8.)

"The first floor will be for sacred devotion, and the two others, for the purpose of education. The building to be 110 by 80 feet, with three floors, and not far from 30 feet between the floors; all to be finished according to the best style of such buildings in our country. The entire expense, calculated at not far from $100,000; all when finished, to stand as a monument of the power of union, of effort and concert of action.

"One part of the house shall be set apart for a place of worship, where we shall invoke our God for revelations, when we have gone as far as human learning can carry us, that by revelations, visions &c. we may fill the vacuum still left, after science and philosophy have done all they can do. So that we may have the understanding, and that wisdom which brings salvation, and that knowledge which is unto eternal life. That whether there are wars, or famines, or pestilences, or earthquakes or distress of nations, or whatever may come according to the purposes of our God, that we may know it before hand, and be prepared for it, so that none of these things shall overtake us as a thief in the night, and while we are trying peace and safety, sudden destruction come upon us.  *  *  *

Here follows the climax. --

"Many of us, in times past, were rich, but for Jesus' sake became poor, because he became poor for us; so in like manner, we follow his example & become poor for his sake. And as Moses left Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king, and refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. So do we choose to suffer with the people of God, rather than enjoy the flatteries of the world for a season. It is not because we cannot, if we were so disposed, enjoy both the honors and flatteries of the world, but we have voluntarily offered them in sacrifice, and the riches of the world also, for a more durable substance. -- Our God has promised us a reward of eternal inheritance, the promise is sure, and certain. It is because of this, that we have taken the spoiling of our goods. Our cheeks have been given to the smiters, and our heads to those who have plucked off the hair. We have proved the world with kindness; we have suffered their abuse without cause, with patience, and have endured without resentment, until this day, and still their persecutions and violence does not cease. But from this day and this hour, we will suffer it no more.

We take God and all the holy angels to witness this day, that we warn all men in the name of Jesus Christ, to come on us no more forever, for, from this hour, we will bear it no more, our rights shall no more be trampled on with impunity. The man or the set of men, who attempts it, does it at the expense of their lives. And that mob that comes on us to disturb us; it shall be between us and them a war of extermination, for we will follow them, till the last drop of their blood is spilled! or else they will have to exterminate us: for we will carry the seat of war to their own houses, and their own families, and one party or the other shall be utterly destroyed. -- Remember it then all men!.

We therefore, take all men to record this day, that we proclaim our liberty on this day, as did our fathers. And we pledge this day to one another, our fortunes, our lives, and our sacred honors, to be delivered from the persecutions which we have had to endure, for the last nine years. Neither will we indulge any man, or set of men, in instituting vexatious law suits against us, to cheat us out of our just rights, if they attempt it we say wo be unto them.

We this day then proclaim ourselves free, with a purpose and a determination, that never can be broken, "no never! no never!! NO NEVER"!!!


Note: During this period the Telegraph was owned by Oliver A. Crary and edited by Dr. Storm Rosa. Both were anti-Mormons. A few months later they sold the paper to L. L. Rice and P. Winchester.

THE MORMONS. -- It is an old saying "that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." The persecutions and war of extermination waged on the Mormons by the people and government of Missouri, have justly awakened much sympathy for the followers of Smith and Rigdon. In New Jersey, Mormonism has taken root, and is extending its borders to several neighborhoods. A number of persons have been converted to the Mormon faith, and the zeal of its teachers has been strengthened by former persecutions and is now increased by accessions of converts, We notice that Mr. Green, the Mormon preacher who excited so much feeling in Cincinnati by his recital of the sufferings and attempted extermination of this sect in Missouri, is now in New York city seeking for the contributions in aid of the women and children, who without fault or crime, have been turned houseless and homeless upon the world. Mr. Green is deputed by the society, and seems to be favorably received in New York. -- Cleveland Herald.


Note: Lewis L. Rice was the editor of the newspaper during this period. He formerly edited the Ravenna Western Courier and the Ohio StarRice came into possession of Solomon Spalding's untitled "Roman story" manuscript, earlier in 1839, when he and his partner, Philander Winchester, purchased the Telegraph in Painesville.

THE MORMONS. -- The Peoria Register, published in the vicinity of the great Mormon settlement in Illinois, states that Joe Smith had issued an edict directing his followers to vote against Mr. Van Buren. They will do so, en masse, and in Illinois and Missouri they can poll from two to three thousand votes. -- The Mormons have heretofore voted for the Administration almost to a man, but the earlier reception given to Smith when he called at the White House to ask protection for his followers against the unhuman persecutions of a portion of the people of Missouri converted him from a friend to an enemy. -- Cleve. Her.


Why should they not? The government of the U. States as the locofoco government of Missouri, has utterly refused them the protection to which they are entitled by inherent right, and the constitution and laws of the land. They have been hunted like outlaws, and driven from their purchased possessions at the point of the bayonet -- their women and children have been ravished and butchered before their eyes -- their rights have in every respect been subverted by the people and the authorities of a state -- and yet they have, after the most unremited and earnest appeals, been unable to draw the attention of the government to the subject of their wrongs. Why should they not as one man go for the overthrow of an administration which thus heeds not the calls for redress of an injured community?

We have no faith in the pretended divine mission of Joseph Smith, or the sincerity of Sidney Rigdon; but we believe their followers for the most part are honest and sincere. And we have ever maintained their right to all the protection and consideration which our laws secure to worshippers of any other name.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The Quincy Whig states that Gov. Bogg has agreed comply with the requisition of Gov. Carlin, of Illinois, for the delivery of the persons concerned in the outrages upon certain Mormons, citizens of Illinois, at Tully; and that in like manner Gov. Bogg has demanded, and Gov. Carlin has agreed to deliver up Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon, as runaway criminals from Missouri.

Notes: (forthcoming)

TIMES AND SEASONS. -- Such is the title of a paper published semi-monthly by the Mormons at their new city of Nauvoo, Il. -- To the honor of the people of the State of Illinois be it said, this singular sect are permitted to plant their "stakes" in peace within her borders, and to enjoy that security of life, liberty and property vouchsafe by law to others. The sect is rapidly increasing in Illinois and elsewhere. We copy a singular notice from the last "Times and Seasons." It reads:

"Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page are informed, that the Lord is not well pleased with them for delaying their mission, (Elder John E. Page in particular,) and they are required by the First President to hasten their journey towards their destination."


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons, having held several meetings in Frankfort, recently, again assembled on Wednesday evening last, for the purposes of disseminating their peculiar doctrine and making converts. A very crowded audience was in attendance, who were invited to make any remarks on the subject, if so disposed. On this hint, a Mr. Lee, of that borough, stepped forward and said that he was not prepared or desposed to discuss the merits of their peculiar system; but only to show that the entire concern, as conducted by the present leaders, was of a hypocritical, fraudulent, and swindling character. In proof of this, he exhibited a ten dollar note, signed by Joseph Smith, Jr. at the head of the system of Mormonism; and by S. Rigdon, his associate. According to the statement of Mr. Lee, a very large quantity of that money -- probably $200,000 -- had been forced into circulation, without any means of redemption, and the community consequently swindled out of the whole.

This accusation the Mormon preacher, in a high state of excitement, pronounced to be entirely false, and the note to be a counterfeit. He also insisted that Mr. Lee should not proceed. Finally, the excitement extended to the audience, and amid much clamor and noise, the meeting broke up. The note has since been found to be genuine, by the engravers in Philadelphia, who also say that Smith owes them yet for the plate! -- Kirtland, Ohio, was the place of emission.

One of the leading traits of Mormonism, is a community of property; and it is said a large number of converts have been made in the city and county of Philadelphia, who have thrown all their wealth into the common stock.

We are not aware whether we have or not [done] injustice to the sect, about comparatively little is yet known. If we have, a correction will certainly be made, if advised of it. But if the statements of Mr. Lee should be obtained, the sooner the evil can be eradicated from among us, the better, and we shall not be slow in lending our assistance. --   Germantown (Pa.) Telegraph.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- In the Warsaw "World," of the 7th, we find a brief notice of the ceremonies at the laying of the corner stone of the Temple at Nauvoo, the city of the Mormons, on the 6th. The number assembled was estimated at from 7,000 to 8,000, and some said 12,000. The Nauvoo Legion, consisting of 650 men, was in attendance, and made a very respectable appearance. "Mr. Rigdon officiated at the laying of the chief corner stone, and addressed the assembly in a very energetic manner in a speech of about an hour's length. On the whole, the exercises passed off with the utmost order, without accident or the slightest disturbance. Gen. Bennett commanded the Legion, under the direction of the Prophet."


Notes: (forthcoming)

===> We see an article going the rounds of the papers, stating that Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, is dead. The article is taken from a St. Louis paper of the 18th ult. We have received a number of Joe's paper, the "Times and Seasons," dated the 16th, and nothing is said of it there.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- ARREST OF JO. SMITH.  By the annexed extract of a private letter from a highly respectable gentleman residing near the Mormon city, (Nauvoo) it appears that the scenes which a few months since were enacted in Missouri, are in danger of being repeated in Iowa. There is a tract of 120,000 acres of beautiful land lying directly opposite the Mormon settlement on the Mississippi River. This tract was given to the half breed of the Sac and Fox nations by the United States, and has been purchased from them by the Whites. Proceedings have been had in the Equity Court of Iowa to partition those lands, and Commissioners appointed by the court to survey and divide them among the lawful claimants. Some months since, the title being then unsettled, Jo. Smith received a revelation from God to the effect that the Latter Day Saints should gain and possess this fair land, and enjoy the fruits thereof. Accordingly there are said to be now about 2000 of these people residing on said lands, who claim by the highest possible title, -- a title direct from the Creator; and they seem determined to set [the] human decrees at defiance. In addition to despoiling the lands of much valuable timber, they [have] forbid Commissioners and Surveyors on pain of death, to attempt a survey and partition. The arrest of their leader, it is to be hoped, will prevent the execution of their threats.

Extract of a letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo:

"The excitement on both sides of the river against the Mormons is increasing very fast. The conduct of Jo. Smith and the other leaders, is such as no community of white men can tolerate. It is the entire absence of all moral and religious principle, that render them so obnoxious to the Gentiles of all denominations, wherever they reside.

"Jo Smith was yesterday arrested between Nauvoo and Quincy, by the authorities of Illinois, on a requisition from the Governor of Missouri. May justice be meted out to him for his villainy. -- N. Y. Journal of Commerce.

This is confirmatory of our statement last week, derived from late letters received at Kirtland. We learn later, that Smith had obtained a hearing on a writ of habeas corpus, but the result we have not heard.


"MARTIN HARRIS, who was one of the witnesses to the book of Mormon, and who has been for some time lecturing in Illinois against the Mormons, was found dead last week, having been shot through the head. -- He was no doubt murdered." -- Journal of Commerce.

Statements of the same purport, relative to Martin Harris, we have seen in several papers. The Rochester Democrat has a long article, predicated upon the statement of Harris; death, in which he is eulogized for his honesty, and lamented for the sacrifices which he has made to his credulity, &c. -- This is all very well, and concurs with our own opinion of him. But the best of the affair is, that Martin Harris is a living witness of what shall be said of him after his death. He is now, or was two days since, alive and well, at his residence in Kirtland, in this county. He has not been absent at all this season, unless on a journey to the eastward. As to his present relation to the Mormons -- Martin Harris believes that the work in its commencement was a genuine work of the Lord, but that Smith, having become worldly and proud, has been forsaken of the Lord, and has become a knave and impostor. He expects that the work will be yet revived, through other instrumentalities. This we had sometime since from Harris himself, and it has been repeated to us within the last week by a brother of his.


==> Some twelve or fifteen teams passed through this place last week, loaded with Mormons bound for Nauvoo. They were from Oswego and St. Lawrence counties, N. Y. and appeared to be in circumstances much above the emigrants generally.


Note: Another newspaper provides this reprint of the opening lines of the June 23, 1841 Rochester Daily Democrat Martin Harris obituary mentioned in the above excerpt: "... [Martin Harris'] death was recently announced, in a letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo, the Mormon headquarters. He abandoned the Mormons some time previously, and had been lecturing against them. He was found dead, two or three weeks since, having been shot through the head with a postol. No doubt was entertained of his having been murdered. -- We have ever regarded Mr. Harris as an honest man. We first became acquainted with him a Palmyra, in the spring of 1828, shortly after the plates from which the Book of Mormon is said to have been translated, were found...."

THE MORMONS. -- Eleven of the twelve Mormons who were commissioned by Jo Smith to go over and convert Europe to his humbug, have returned to Nauvoo. The Mormon paper says they have been very successful. The Burlington Hawkeye states that the prophet is spiritualizing to excess. He was 'gloriously drunk' at Montrose recently, according to that paper.

Notes: (forthcoming)

INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  TWO  DISTINGUISHED  MEN. -- The Warsaw Signal of Wednesday 25th ult. has the following account of an interview between Keokuk, Chief of the Sacs and Foxes, and Jo Smith, Prophet and [headman] of the tribe of Mormons.

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

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

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

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

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

There is some [------- ----- ----] poetry, in the above. The last paragraph is fiction, every word of it. We speak from personal knowledge and observation.

About 200 of the Sacs and Fox Indians, with Keokuk and all the principle chiefs, had come down to Montrose, opposite Nauvoo, on a trading excursion. They had purchased horses, beeves, dry goods, &c., of a firm of merchants, giving their notes, to the amount of between 15 and 16 thousand dollars, to be paid when they should make another treaty of cession with the United States.

Joe Smith and a few of his followers, "[stout] men," came over to the Indian encampment and invited them to go over to Nauvoo [the] next day, and see the wonders of the New Jerusalem. They assented, and the next day, about 50 Indians were ferried over, accompanied by a few members of the Nauvoo Legion from the same side of the river, in shabby military dresses, which were any thing but uniform. Smith and a few others, met them at the landing, and they were conducted with much mock pomp to the site of the temple. Here a speech was made to them through interpreters, chiefly about the Indians having sprung from the Jews, as taught in the Mormon Bible. To all which Keokuk and the rest responded solely with their characteristic humph! The ceremonies closed by the Mormons offering to sell them 20 horses, on the same terms they had purchased of the traders across the way. The Indians agreed to this, and the horses were to be delivered the next day at noon. They were not delivered; and thus ended the "interview between two distinguished men."


Notes: (forthcoming)

A REWARD  FOR  JOE  SMITH. -- Gov. Reynolds, of Missouri, has offered a reward of $600 for the apprehension of Orris Porter Rockwell, charged with the crime of feloniously shooting Lilburn W. Boggs, with the intention to kill him, and of Joe Smith, Jr., charged with being accessory, before the fact, to the crime of the said Rockwell, or $300 for either of them.

Gov. Carlin, of Illinois has offered a reward of $400 for the arrest of the same fugitives from justice, or $200 for either of them. A reward of $500 for the prophet, and $500 for his right hand man, is putting a pretty big price on the head of worthless fellows. It is said that Smith and Rockwell were in this vicinity not long since, and the Nauvoo "Times and Seasons" states that the Prophet had concluded to leave the Holy City for a short season, for "his own safety and the safety of his people," -- He promises to return when he shall learn that the storm has fully blown over. -- Cleveland Herald.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Jo Smith, the Mormon Prophet, it is said, has been arrested by the authorities of Illinois. It is also said that ten of the most prominent Mormons have renounced the faith and admit they have been most egregiously gulled.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS. -- In the locofoco Legislature of Illinois, on the 27th of February, the Senate repealed the law creating the Nauvoo Legion Military Corps, and also the charter of the City of Nauvoo. The locos having no longer any use for their support are about depriving them of those privileges which were granted to secure their votes. The vote in favor of repealing the city charter was 12 to 11. The members of the Senate expressed their disgust at Mormonism without reserve, and the probability is Smith will make another push westward before long, as he is not likely to get any further legislative support from the State of Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Died, In Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, July 30th, 1843, Mr. JOHN JOHNSON, aged sixty-five years. Mr. Johnson emigrated from Pomfret, Vt., more than twenty-five years [ago], since which time he has resided in this State, and for the last ten years in this township. He was a man noted for his characteristic precision in all his dealings with others, always cheerful, and at the same time reserved and very exemplary; always ready to alleviate the necessities of the destitute, his generosity never withheld from doing good to his fellows when required, and from an acquaintance with him, all were his friends. He was very devoted and affectionate in his family, and seemed most happy when seated with them around his domestic fireside. In him, the widow and family have truly lost an affectionate and devoted husband and father. -- Editors in Vermont and Illinois will please copy.


Note 1: Mark L. Staker in his 2010 Kirtland history, provides the following comments: "Most of Portage County's Latter-day Saints moved to either Missouri or to Kirtland during the two years following the [March, 1832] attack on Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, drastically reducing membership in the region.... The Johnson family moved to Kirtland and became deeply involved in Kirtland's economy. When the family encountered significant financial troubles in the spring of 1837... John Sr., Lyman, Luke, and probably some of the Johnson women separated themselves from the Latter-day Saint community. William McLellin, who married into the family, and John Boynton, a family friend, both left the Church during those same troubles. John Johnson Sr. died in Kirtland July 30, 1843, still estranged from his former religious community"

Note 2: Martin Harris was evidently the source for a mention of John Johnson, Sr., in the Cleveland Plain Dealer of May 18, 1859, which stated: "The land on which the [Kirtland] Temple is built was donated by John Johnson, a once zealous Mormon. He bolted before his death and became a scoffer at the Latter-Day faith. There are quite a number of backsliders from Mormonism in Kirtland. They joined the peculiar institution under a high press of excitement and back-slid as soon as they had let their steam off." John Johnson's alienation from the Mormons was not a precipitous example of "back-sliding." He remained a close associate of Joseph Smith, Jr. throughout most of the 1830s and evidently only turned to "scoffing" after becoming convinced that his longstanding trust in that latter day leader had been misplaced. Johnson was a witness to his wife's famous 1831 "healing," and to his own purported miraculous healing in 1832, under the hands of David Whitmer. If such an important Mormon as John Johnson turned into "a scoffer at the Latter-Day faith," during the period when Joseph Smith reached his greatest heights of preeminence, then Johnson's abandonment of his previous allegiance to Smith was obviously a significant historical development. Johnson's retention of a good reputation at the time of his demise appears to show that he was not an unprincipled opponent of Smith's gospel.

The Prairies, Nauvoo, Joe Smith, the
Temple, the Mormons, &c.

         Letter from the Editor of the Pittsburgh Gazette, dated

                                  WARSAW, Ill., Aug. 30, 1843.

Nauvoo, as most of your readers probably know, is about 20 miles above this town, on the Mississippi; Warsaw lying at the foot of the Des Moines rapids, and Nauvoo at the head. There are two roads -- one by the river bank and one by the prairie. We took the latter, although it is some four or five miles farther. Nauvoo lies about north of this point, but we first took a due east course in order to get on the prairie, as the bluff which divides the prairie from the river, all through this region, consists of wooded hills and ravines, generally from three to five miles wide. Our road, therefore, for the first five miles was very rough, after which we got out on the open, illimitable prairie, when we altered our course to the north, and stretched away for Nauvoo, over one of the finest roads in the world. I was much surprised, on arriving at the prairie, to witness the great changes that had taken place within three years. Three years before, on a prairie some fifteen miles across, immediately east of Warsaw, scarcely a house was to be seen; now the whole prairie appeared to be settled, presenting the appearance of an old inhabited country, with the exception that not a tree was to be seen. I was informed that twenty-five farms could be counted from one little hillock on this prairie. But our course north soon took us from this settled country, and we travelled over vast prairies, extending in every direction as far as the eye could reach, except on our right, where lay the bluff which intervened between us and the river. Herds of cattle could occasionally be seen dotting the surface of the earth, and it wanted but a small stretch of the imagination to fancy these the primeval lords of the prairie, the fierce buffalo, that a few years ago roamed in solitude and security over those inland oceans. As we approached the "kingdom," as Nauvoo is denominated here, the country began to be settled, while the luxuriant herbage of the prairie was cropped quite short by the herds of cattle belonging to the Mormons. Most of the prairie, near Nauvoo, is fenced with turf. A ditch some two feet deep is dug on each side of the fence, and the turf piled up between, making a very good and durable fence. These fences are broad enough on the top for a foot path. Quite a number of the houses or huts in which the inhabitants on the prairies live, are also made of turf, and covered with clapboards. As this turf is black, as is all the soil on the prairies, these huts present a very somber appearance, and as there is not a tree, and scarcely a hillock to ward off the scorching sun of summer or the cold blast of winter, they present a very bleak and desolate appearance. As we neared the city, about six o'clock in the evening, we passed an immense herd of cows which were being driven into the city from the prairie, to supply the inhabitants with milk. We also passed a large number of wagons loaded with hay, the produce of the natural grass of the prairie. About three miles from the river, we entered the "kingdom of Nauvoo;" it being about four miles long, up and down the river, and three miles broad. The part near the prairie, about a mile and a half from the river, is quite broken up with ravines; nevertheless, it is all laid out in acre lots, and more or less settled. We drove down near the river, and put up at a very respectable tavern, kept by one of the elders -- a temperance house. After ten we walked out past the house of the prophet, who has a very good garden containing about an acre, with a very fine fence around it, painted white, as is also his house, a moderate sized and humble looking frame dwelling. Near the prophet's house, on the other bank of the river, is the site of the "Nauvoo House," building by revelation. The basement is finished. It is built of a good, hard, white-stone. The front on the river is about 140 feet, and is entirely above ground, of cut stone. It has a wing running back about 100 feet. All this work is of the best and most substantial character. When this building is finished, it will be equal to any hotel in the western country. By special revelation, the prophet and his heirs are to have a suite of rooms in this house forever.

The next morning, after breakfast, we paid a visit to the prophet. We were received in a common sitting room, very plainly furnished, where the prophet and the older members of the family had just been breakfasting, and his numerous children and dependents were then sitting at the table. He received us in quite a good humored, friendly manner, asked us to sit down, and said he hoped for a better acquaintance. On the gentleman who accompanied me asking him how he prospered, he replied, "None can get ahead of me, and few can keep behind me," He seemed to think he had said something very witty, for he laughed very heartily. We spent about an hour conversing on various subjects, the prophet himself with amazing volubility, occupying the most of the time, and his whole theme was himself. Let us give whatever turn to the conversation, he would adroitly bring it back to himself. The gentleman who accompanied me is a strong Whig, and as the Mormon vote had been given at the recent election to the Locofoco member of Congress, thereby defeating Cyrus Walker, Esq., Whig, who had defended "Joe" in several law suits with the Missourians, we spoke of politics at first. "Joe" professed to be a strong friend of Mr. Walker, and said he had voted for him, but would not interfere with his people in the matter. He said he had never asked the Lord any thing about politics; if he had done so, the Lord would have told him what to do. "The Lord," said he, "has promised to give us wisdom, and when I lack wisdom I ask the Lord, and he tells me, and if he didn't tell me, I would say he was a liar; that's the way I feel. But I never asked him anything about politics. I am a Whig, and I am a Clay man. I am made of Clay, and I am tending to Clay, and I am going to vote for Henry Clay; that's the way I feel. (A laugh.) But I won't interfere with my people, religiously, to affect their votes, though I might to elect Clay, for he ought to be President. I have sworn by the eternal gods -- it's no harm to swear by the gods, because there is none; if there is only one God, there can't be gods, and it's no harm to swear by nothing. (a laugh) -- I have sworn by the eternal gods that I will never vote for a democrat again; and I intend to swear my children, putting their hands under the thigh, as Abraham swore Isaac, that they will never vote a democratic ticket in all their generations. It is the meanest lowest party in all creation -- There are five-sixths of my people so led away by the euphonious term "democrat," that they will vote the Locofoco ticket. I am a democrat myself. I am a Washington democrat, a Jefferson democrat, a Jackson democrat, and I voted for Harrison, and I am going to vote for Clay. The Locofocos are no democrats, but the meanest, lowest, most tyrannical beings in the world. They opposed me in Missouri, and were going to shoot me for treason, and I had never committed any treason whatever. I never had any thing bigger than a jack-knife about me, and they took me prisoner of war, and had twenty men to guard me. I had nothing to do with fighting. Our men six hundred strong, were in arms under Col. Hinckle. When the Missourians came marching up, Col. Hinckle ordered us to retreat, when I lifted up my hand, and said, 'Boys, I think we won't go yet; we'll stand our ground,' and they stood firm, but Col. Hinckle run like the very devil. For doing this they charge me with treason."

In this manner, the prophet ran off, talking incessantly, Speaking of revelations, he stated that when he was in a "quandary," he asked the Lord for a revelation, and when he could not get it, he "followed the dictates of his own judgment, which were as good as a revelation to him; but he never gave anything to his people as revelation, unless it was a revelation, and the Lord did reveal himself to him." Running on in his voluble style, he said: "The world persecutes me, it has always persecuted me. The people at Carthage in a public meeting lately, said, 'as for Joe, he's a fool, but he's got some smart men about him.' I am glad they give me so much credit. It is not every fool that has sense enough to get smart men about him. The Lord does reveal himself to me. I know it. He revealed himself to me first when I was about fourteen years old, a mere boy. I will tell you about it. There was a reformation among the different religious denominations in the neighborhood where I lived, and I became serious, and was desirous to know what church to join.

While thinking of this matter, I opened the testament promiscuously on these words, in James, "Ask of the Lord who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." -- I just determined I'd ask him. I immediately went out into the woods where my father had a clearing, and went to the stump, where I had stuck my axe when I had quit work, and I kneeled down, and prayed, saying, 'O Lord, what church shall I join?' Directly I saw a light, and then a glorious personage in the light, and then another personage, and the first personage said to the second, 'Behold my beloved son, hear him.' I then, addressed this second person, saying, 'O Lord, what church shall I join?' He replied, 'don't join any of them, they are all corrupt.' The vision then vanished, and when I came to myself, I was sprawling on my back; and it was some time before my strength returned. When I went home and told the people that I had a revelation, and that all the churches were corrupt, they persecuted me, and they have persecuted me ever since. They thought to put me down, but they haven't succeeded, and they can't do it. When I have proved that I am right, and get all the world subdued under me, I think I shall deserve something. My revelations have proved to be true, because they have been delivered before they came to pass, and they came to pass exactly. I had a revelation in Missouri which was fulfilled to the letter. The Missourians had got us all prisoners, and were threatening to kill us. The principal men of us were lying under a log, with a guard standing around us in the night. I fell into a trance. I call it a trance. I heard a voice which said, 'Joseph, fear not; you and all your friends shall be delivered without harm, and shall yet stand upon the hills of Zion.' When I awoke out of the trance, I aroused Elder Rigdon, and said, I have a revelation, we shall all escape. Elder Rigdon shouted, and told it to the next one, and in the morning it was told to my family and all our friends, and they all rejoiced. -- That revelation came to pass, although they were holding a council at the time I had the trance, and had resolved to kill me. They can't harm me. I told my family lately, before I left home for Dixon, that if I was taken up, the Lord would deliver me, didn't I, Emma -- (appealing to his wife, who was standing behind his chair, playing with his hair, and who answered him in the affirmative) -- and when they took me I was passive in their hands, and the Lord compelled them to bring me right to Nauvoo. They couldn't help themselves, although they gnashed their teeth with rage.

Speaking of the temple, which he is erecting, he said, "I don't know how the world will like it, it suits me; I have no book learning; I'm not capacitated to build according to the world, I know nothing about architecture, and all that, but it pleases me; that's the way I feel."

A good deal of conversation of a similar character took place, the prophet occupying nearly the whole time, and talking of himself incessantly. Judging from his conversation, manner, and appearance, I should think him a man of small capacity, smaller acquirements, and a dupe to his own impostures. -- His language is rude and vulgar, and his conduct light and trifling. He is fond of his own jokes and low wit, and laughs immoderately when he thinks he has said a good thing. He is a large fleshy man, with a fine blue eye, large and sensual looking mouth and lips, with an evident predominance of the animal propensities.

It was surprising to see the awe with which his followers approached him with hat in hand, contrasted with the cavalier and heartless style of his treatment of them. A poor man came to the door while I was there, and with evident trepidation addressed the prophet. He wished to obtain some information as to what he had best to do with his family, having just arrived. "Had I better come into the town, and settle on one of the lots, or stay on the prairies?" "If you are going to farm it, you had better stay on the prairie," was the reply of the Prophet. "I wish to buy a piece of land, for which I will pay trade of various kinds to the amount of $500; will you sell some?" "My lands are all good titles, and I must have the money for them," was the reply of the Prophet, as he turned on his heel and left the man to reflect on the christian politeness and courtesy of one whom he esteemed a prophet of the Lord, and to obey whom, he had left early home, and braved the hardships of a western life. It is surprising that the conduct of the pretended prophet does not open the eyes of his poor, deluded followers. "Joe" is profane and vulgar in his conversation, and frequently gets drunk, and yet he is venerated as the favorite of heaven, and his revelations put on a par with divine writ.

After taking our leave of the prophet, we spent some time in viewing the city and temple. The site of Nauvoo is one of the most beautiful on the Mississippi River. The river at this place makes a large bend, forming a semi-circle, within which lies the lower part of the city, running back to the bluff. This semi-circular piece of ground is perfectly level, and lies above high water mark, extending at the widest place about three-fourths of a mile back from the river, and is about a mile and a half in length along the bluff. The bluff rises gradually, and is not very high, and presents most beautiful building sites. -- On the bluff immediately opposite the centre of the semi-circle, and a mile from the river, stands the temple. The site is beautifully chosen, as it is in a central and elevated position, and can be seen from the river, all around the bend, and from every part of the town.

All over the bluff and bottom, are buildings, either erected, or in progress of erection, but no part of the town is compactly built. The whole space is a conglomeration of houses, fences, gardens, corn fields, stables, huts, &c. One looks in vain for anything like a compactly built street. The object seems to have been to scatter as widely as at all convenient, and to cover as much ground as possible. The ground is sold in lots, and every man builds his house, or shantee, or hut, as the case may be, and plants his ground in corn and vegetables for the support of his family. The houses are of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Some, very many, are fine brick dwellings. Others are quite respectable looking frames. Others, again, are shantees, some log, some turf, and some mere sheds of boards. There are very few stores, mechanic shops, or business houses, and no trade going on. There is nothing to export, and no ability to import. Every body seems engaged in putting up houses, taking care of gardens, and getting in hay from the prairies. As crowds of emigrants are flocking in daily, the whole community is employed in providing shelter, and in procuring the barest necessaries for existence. It is hard to estimate the number of the population, it is scattered over so large a space, and several families are frequently crowded into one house. The prophet stated to me, that he estimated their number at 12,000. He said he could muster, in half a day, 3,000 able-bodied men, fit to bear arms, who could whip any five thousand Missourians. It is thought there are at least 25,000 Mormons in the county. They have a majority of the voters, and hold nearly all the county offices.

There must be a great deal of suffering in the winter season, from cold and hunger; and there is a considerable sickness in the community at this time. One sees many pale faces about the streets. As we approached the city, we met a mournful cavalcade conveying a human being to his last resting place. First came a common wagon driven by horses in which was the coffin, a rough looking box, with three men sitting upon it in their shirt sleeves. Behind this came a rough wagon, drawn by oxen, in which was a large family of children, of all ages, a young woman about 18 appearing as chief mourner, her cheeks wet with tears, probably burying her father. No prophet or priest, or elder, or procession of neighbours accompanied the remains to their last resting place.

But I must hasten to some account of the Temple, and then bring this long, and I fear, dry epistle to a close. This modern structure, which is to revive the departed glories of the temple of Jerusalem, and which is as apparently dear to every Mormon heart, as was that venerated house to the devout Jew, is building, as we stated before, on the bluff and is indeed "beautifully situated." It is about 120 feet long by 90 broad. When finished it is to consist of a basement, and two twenty-five feet stories. The basement and one twenty-five feet story is up, and the remainder in process of completion. The basement story is about 12 feet in the clear, the half of which is under ground. It is divided off into various sized rooms running along each side, with a large hall or room in the centre. In this large room stands, the consecrated laver, supported by twelve oxens, carved with great fidelity to the living original. Four of the oxen face the north, four the south, and two each, east and west. They, as well as the laver are composed of wood, and are to be overlaid with gold.

The lever is of oblong shape, some four or five feet deep, and large enough for two priests to officiate at the rite of baptism, for which it is intended, at once. A pump stands by it to supply it with water. Stairs approach it from either side. I walked up and looked in. It contained nothing but a few inches of water. The laver, oxen, and &c., are at present protected from the weather by a temporary roof. What the numerous rooms in this basement are intended for I did not learn. The walls are all exceedingly strong and massive, even the partition walls, generally from two to three feet thick. The basement is lighted by numerous windows, about five feet high, and as many wide, arched over the top. Between these windows are very heavy pilasters, on the top of which rest the basement stones of the less heavy pilasters between the windows of the upper stories. On each of these basement stones is carved a crescent or figure of the new moon, with the profile of a man's face, as seen in old Almanacs. The windows of the upper stories are some fifteen or eighteen feet high arched over the top in a perfect semicircle. The first story above the basement is divided into two apartments, called the outer and inner courts. The walls between these courts are three feet thick, of solid mason work, with two immense doors for passage between them. The outer court is some twenty five feet wide, by ninety feet long -- the inner court is about ninety feet square. These facts about the dimension of the building I obtained from Joe himself. All the work is of good cut stone, almost white, and it will present a fine appearance when finished. How the second twenty five feet story is to be finished, I did not learn. I have been thus particular in my description of this building, as many exaggerated stories are circulated in regard to it. Having thus visited the prophet, and examined the city, and temple, I left for my temporary home at this place, thankful that I had been preserved from such vain and unhappy delusions, which cannot but work temporal and spiritual woe to all concerned in them, unless speedily repented of.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Correspondence of General Joseph Smith
and Hon. John C. Calhoun.

                                NAUVOO, (Ill.) Nov. 4, 1843.
HON. JOHN C. CALHOUN:
DEAR SIR: -- As we understand you are a candidate for the Presidency at the next election; and as the Latter Day Saints -- (sometimes called Mormons; who now constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast Republic -- have been robbed of an immense amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings, by the State of Missouri, and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our national covenants; and as in vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal and honorable means, in her courts, her executive councils, and her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and solicit an immediate, specific, and candid reply to what will be your role of action, relative to us as a people, should fortune favor your ascension to the chief magistracy? -- Most respectfully, sir,
           Your friend, and the friend of peace,
               Good order, and
                 Constitutional rights,
                        JOSEPH SMITH.
In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

---

Hon J. C. Calhoun's Reply.
                        FORT HILL, Dec. 3, 1843.
Sir: -- You ask me what would be my rule of action, relative to the Mormons, or Latter Day Saints; should I be elected President -- to which I answer; that if I should be elected, I would strive to administer the government according to the constitution and the laws of the Union; and that as they make no distinction between citizens, I should make none. -- As far as it depends on the executive department, all should have the full benefit of both, and none should be exempt from their operations.

But, as you refer to the case of Missouri, candor compels me to repeat what I said to you at Washington; that according to my views the case does not come within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, which is one of limited and specific powers.
          With respect, I am &c. &c.
                     J. C. CALHOUN.


Notes: (forthcoming)

PROBABLE MORMON WAR. -- A large meeting was recently held at Carthage, Illinois, growing out of numerous difficulties of late occurrence, between the citizens of Carthage and their neighbors of Nauvoo, at which resolutions were passed, strongly denunciatory of the Mormons and their notorious leader, Smith. The Warsaw Message, remarking upon this state of things, holds the following language:

"We see no use in attempting to disguise the fact that many in our midst contemplate a total extermination of that people; that the thousands of defenceless women and children, aged and infirm, who are congregated at Nauvoo, must be driven out, aye, driven, scattered, like leaves before the autumn blast! But what good citizen, let me ask, what lover of his country and race, but contemplates such an event with horror."


Notes: (forthcoming)

ANOTHER CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY. -- The Times and Seasons, the Mormon newspaper at Nauvoo, announces, in a long article, that Mr. Clay is rather too much of a federalist for the Mormons to vote for, and that Van Buren is still worse for many other reasons; and as the Mormons can vote for neither candidate, Gen. Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, is announced as a candidate for the Presidency.

The General has issued an address to the people of the United States, of which we have a copy, in which he undertakes to point out the way of "the temporal salvation of the Union." The withdrawal of the Mormon vote from the Magician of Kinderhook is quite a serious affair, and may, in the end, lose him Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Trouble among the Mormons.

The greatest excitement prevailed at Nauvoo at our latest accounts, in consequence of the Press of the Nauvoo Expositor, a Mormon paper, but opposed to Jo Smith. Writs were issued at Carthage and officers despatched to arrest the perpetrators of the outrage. The Nauvoo City Council, in the mean time, passed an ordinance declaring that any officer attempting to arrest those engaged in the destruction of the press, should be imprisoned. The rioters were, however, arrested, but were taken from the officers hands on a habeas corpus from the Municipal Court, and "honorably discharged." This greatly exasperated the people, and at a large meeting held at Warsaw, they resolved to arm themselves and exterminate the Mormons, if necessary for their protection.

About 200 persons, including Joe's enemies have left Nauvoo with their moveables, being in fear of their lives. The Mormons are well armed, having in their possession nearly all the arms of the State. Preparations were making throughout the country for the coming contest, and the people concentrating for the purpose of moving an attack on Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

IMPORTANT  INTELLIGENCE:
Violent Death of Joseph & Hyrum Smith.

It appears that Gov. Ford in an official correspondence, informed the authorities of Nauvoo that he should insist on arresting the persons accused of destroying the Expositor Press, and that unless they were delivered up to the civil officers, he should direct the military force under his command to make search for them. The constables having failed to secure the arrest of the accused, Gov. Ford despatched Capt. Gunn with his troops, to demand the public arms at Nauvoo, on the morning of the 214th. Four of the prisoners had surrendered themselves at Carthage the evening before. On his way to Nauvoo, Capt. Dunn met Smith and the others coming out to Carthage. The order for the arms was endorsed by Smith, who returned to Nauvoo to deliver them as requested. At midnight of the same day Smith and his council arrived at Carthage, and was to have been examined the next day. A great crowd collected around the house where Smith was lodged and much excitement prevailed. The Governor requested them to leave, and assured them that they should see Jo in the morning. Accordingly Jo and Hyrum were passed in review in the morning before the troops, who raised such shouts and groans that on reaching his quarters again Jo fainted,

The following intelligence we find in the Cincinnati Gazette. It was brought from St. Louis to Cincinnati by a passenger:

From the St. Louis Evening Gazette Extra.
DEATH  OF  JOE  AND  HIRAM  SMITH.

Friend Flagg -- Enclosed you have a copy of the "Extra" issued at Quincy. We left Nauvoo about day light this morning, (Friday 28th.) all was quiet. The Mormons had not heard of the death of the SMITHS, as Gov. Ford, was what encamped a few miles back, had (as supposed) intercepted the messengers from Carthage.

At Warsaw, all was excitement. The women and children were all removed, and an immediate attack was expected from the Mormons.

We met the "Boreas," just above Quincy, with 300 men armed and equipped for Warsaw, eager for fight.

I send the "Quincy Herald" printed this morning, containing the particulars of Smith's death.
      In haste, yours, &c. J. A. STONE.
On Board Steamboat St. Croix;
Friday Evening, June 28, 1844.

---

From the Quincy Herald, Friday Morning, 8 o'clock.
Death of the Prophet!! -- Joe and Hiram Smith are Dead!!!

The steamboat Boreas just in from Warsaw, brings shocking intelligence from the scene of the Mormon war. The following slip from the office of the Warsaw Signal explains the dreadful tragedy:

"Joe and Hiram Smith are dead -- shot this afternoon. An attack from the Mormons is expected every hour. Will not the surrounding counties rush instantly to our rescue?
  Warsaw, June 27th. 1844.

It seems that the circumstances attending the killing of the Mormon Prophet and his brother Hiram are as follows: On yesterday Gov. Ford left Carthage with about 120 soldiers for the purpose of taking possession of the "Nauvoo Legion" and their arms. They arrived at Nauvoo about noon, and called for the assembling of the Legion.

About 2000 men with arms immediately responded to its call. These troops were put under command of Col. Singleton of Brown county, who accompanied Gov. Ford to Nauvoo,

The Governor finding all quiet left Nauvoo about 5 o'clock P, M. with a company of 60 men for the purpose of encamping about seven miles from the city.

At about the same time that Governor Ford left Nauvoo, the Prophet and his brother were killed at Carthage, under the following circumstances, as near as we can ascertain them:

Joe and Hiram were both confined in the debtor's room of the Carthage jail, awaiting their trial on a charge of treason. The jail was strongly guarded by soldiers and anti-mormons, who had been placed there by the Governor.

A Mormon attempted to rush by the guard for the purpose of forcing his way into the jail. He was opposed by the guard, and fired a pistol at one of the guard, giving him a slight wound.

A general confusion ensued in the crowd around the jail. Joe and his Mormon fellow prisoners it seems had provided themselves with pistols, and commenced firing upon the guard within. He then attempted to escape from the window, when a hundred balls entered his body, and he fell a lifeless corpse.

His brother Hiram shared the same fate. -- Richards, a leading Mormon, was badly wounded. There our intelligence ends -- what took place after this, God only knows. Mormons immediately left for Nauvoo to carry the news of the death of the Prophet. It is feared that the Mormons at Nauvoo will be so exasperated as to exterminate the Governor and his small force.

The Boreas brought down most of the women and children from Warsaw. It is feared their town is in ashes before this.

Our citizens were aroused this morning by the ringing of bells and a call to arms. Our three independent companies are already in marching order. Maj. Flood has ordered out the militia of this regiment, and the steamer Boreas is waiting to convey them to the scene of action.

There is no knowing where this dreadful affair will end. Many have expressed fears that our city is in danger, because most of the Warsaw families have taken refuge here -- And we believe there is no danger, we are too far from the scene of action.

Messengers have just left for Hannibal and the towns below for the purpose of arousing the Missourians. The excitement in our city is intense and the anxiety to hear the fate of Gov. Ford and his men is very great.

---

Later Intelligence.

The following is derived from a person who was at Carthage at the time of the slaughter. It will be seen that it places the affair in a different light.

Jo and Hiram Smith were confined in the debtor's apartment of the Carthage jail, and had been guarded by 50 or 60 soldiers; but all being quiet, the Governor, previous to going to Nauvoo, dismissed all but 8 or 10 of the guard. There was no attempt made by any of the Mormons to rescue the prisoners, nor did Jo or his brother use or have any arms. The mob, consisting of sixty men all disguised rushed in through the guard, and first fired through the door of the jail, wounding Jo, as is supposed, through the leg; whereupon he and his brother rushed for the window, and were in the act of jumping out, when Jo received three balls through his body, and fell out of the window upon the ground, when one of the mob immediately stabbed him two or three times with a sword. Hiram, who fell inside of the building, received twelve or fifteen balls through his body.

Joe's body was taken to Nauvoo. The mormons were exasperated, but were kept in subjection by the leaders, and more particularly by Jo's mother, who seemed to have the most influence.

---

Latest accounts from Nauvoo.

The Mendota left Nauvoo yesterday at 4 o'clock. The Captain says he staid at Nauvoo several hours and talked with a number of the mormons; that whilst there a body of Mormons came in bearing the dead bodies of Joe Smith and Hiram Smith. Mr. Phelps was not killed, but was in Nauvoo when the Mendota left, making a speech to the Mormons, and advising them to peace. No mormons were killed except Joe and Hiram Smith. The Mormons all expressed a determination to keep the peace, and not to resort to arms except in necessary self-defence. They state that at Carthage the Mormons were confined; that about fifty or one hundred men disguised suddenly rushed on the jail house; the guard fired on them and wounded three of them; that the men in disguise fired into the jail and killed Hiram Smith before the door was opened. Joe Smith had a revolving pistol, and fired it two or three times without effect, was himself soon killed by the assailants; that Taylor, the editor of the Nauvoo Neighbor, was in jail, and was shot through the thigh, but not seriously injured; Richards was not injured. After the assault the disguised mob retreated, and it was not even known who they were. The guard consisted of fifty men, left by the Governor, of whom eight were on duty when the attack was made on the jail house.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

St. Louis papers of the 8th have late intelligence from the Mormon Country, and a correspondence between Gov. Ford and the committee of safety of Hancock county. The latter exhibit much bitterness towards the Mormons, and declare that they must leave the country, or the Anti-Mormons will be compelled to do so. They call the Governor to use his power and influence to effect the removal of the mormons.

Gov. Ford not only refuses to comply with the request, but expresses his determination to keep the peace, and reproaches the people of Hancock county with bad faith in the murder of the Smiths.

Dr. Foster, one of the Mormon seceders, who owns a large property at Nauvoo, has been threatened with the veangence of the Mormons should he visit the holy city. He was on board a boat at Nauvoo on the 5th, but dared not land.

It is asserted that the Prophet Smith left behind him a revelation that his eldest son, about twelve years of age, should succeed him as the new ruler. We copy the following from the St. Louis Reveille.

AFFAIRS IN NAUVOO. -- Having visited Nauvoo and its vicinity in person, for the purpose of getting at the true state of affairs among the Mormons and their neighbors, we are enabled to give the latest as well as the most correct intelligence.

Nauvoo reposes in a state of quietude and tranquility most remarkable. During some thirty hours that we passed in the "Holy City," we heard but one solitary intemperate expression, and the man who uttered it, was instantly checked, and made silent by more prudent spirits around him. Elder Adams and Lyne, accompanied by others, left the city on Tuesday last, their object being to call home the absent Apostles and members of the Council of Seventy. Upon the return of these, there will take place a solemn deliberation of the Twelve Apostles, who will appoint a successor to the lost Prophet, and their appointment will then be acted upon, either to be ratified or rejected by the Council of Seventy.

---

Nauvoo.

We have no information of importance from Nauvoo, later than that which we publish in another column. The Mormons are quietly pursuing their usual avocations, though the excitement in the vicinity still continues. The cecceders and citizens of the surrounding counties appear determined to drive them out of the country or exterminate them. It is hoped, however that the decided stant Gov. Ford has taken to preserve the peace and protect the lives and property of the Mormons will affectually prevent any further outbreak.

---

THE MORMONS. -- The Baltimore [District?] of Saturday says:

We learn that a number of Mormons assembled in Baltimore to-day, agreeably to appointment, and have decided, on account of the death of their leader, Joe Smith, to make no movement on the Presidential question. A wise conclusion.


Note: See the July 17, 1844 issue of the Philadelphia Public Ledger for some of the same reporting -- from the St. Louis Review, Reveille, etc.

THE  MORMONS.

It seems that the Mormon difficulties are not entirely removed. The people of Warsaw and Hancock counties continue to make such preparations for exterminating the Mormons, that Gov. Ford has announced in a Proclamation, that the force of the State will be brought to the aid of the Mormons if necessary. He states that the Mormons are quiet and peaceably inclined, and he rebukes their vindictive assailants in a plain, sensible and manly tone.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON WAR. -- The "grand hunt" appointed by the anti-mormons was abandoned after the orders for the assembling of troops were issued, and Gov. Ford is taking advantage of the presence of an armed force to bring the murderers if the Prophet and his brother to justice. Writs have been issued for the arrest of T. C. Shrap, editor of the Warsaw Signal, and Col. Williams of Warsaw, both charged with participating in the murders. -- Sharp and Williams fled to the Missouri side of the river, and escaped. The last accounting from Warsaw states that Governor Ford had issued writs, returnable at Nauvoo, for the apprehension of the whole guard that was placed over the Smiths, and that the greatest alarm existed in the town, persons flying hourly.


Notes: (forthcoming)