MORMON  BLASPHEMY.

In the Mormon periodical, published at Nauvoo, of March 15th, there is a blundering imitation of the history of Abraham, as contained in Gen. 12:10-14, where Abraham requests Sarai to say to the Egyptians that she is his sister, because he feared that it would not go well with him on account of her beauty. Joe Smith represents the Lord as instructing Abraham to tell Sarai to lie to the Egyptians. Thus, charging the infinitely hold God with the authorship of the sin of his creatures!

Book of Abraham, sect. 15.    

Note 1: Rev. Samuel Williams (1802-1887), the editor and publisher of the Baptist Pittsburgh Witness, was a successor in the pastorate once occupied by Sidney Rigdon, in the Pittsburgh First Baptist Church. Williams served as the Pastor there from 1827 to 1859. In May of 1842 Rev. Williams published in Pittsburgh a pamphlet which he titled Mormonism Exposed. Presumably his 1842 anti-Mormon pamphlet was printed on the same press that printed The Witness, starting in June of that year.

Note 2: Although Rev. Williams was an important and unique eye-witness to the rise of Campbellism and Mormonism in western Pennsylvania, he does not appear to have taken much interest in those movements in the columns of his little Baptist newspaper. The above short notice of the "Book of Abraham" was Williams' only known mention of the Mormons in that paper. Presumably The Witness ceased publication about the time of the 1845 Great Pittsburgh Fire and was not resurrected until 1875 when Williams' co-laborer, the Rev. John Winter, revived the paper for a short while.

                                For the Chronicle.

In the year 1829 Joseph Smith, jr., appeared before the Clerk of the United States Court for the Northern District of the State of New York, and on his solemn oath, deposed that he was the author and proprietor of the book of Mormon. This cannot be denied, for it stands recorded in the book itself, in the usual form, on the back of the title page. What are we to think? Here we are presented with a book claiming to be from God, and (what is still more singular) actually pretending to be translated by the Spirit of God; and yet Joseph Smith, jr. swears that he is its author and proprietor! Strange indeed! But let us look at this matter. I ask, then, in what sense can Joseph Smith, jr. be the author and proprietor of this book, if it was written and translated by the Most High? He is not such by virtue of his having written it, for he says that God wrote it! He is not such by virtue of his having translated it, for again he says that God translated it. How then is he the author and proprietor of the book? He cannot certainly be either author or proprietor without destroying the claim of the book to divine inspiration.

But again, it is common sense that Joseph Smith, jr., in deposing that he was the author and proprietor of the book of Mormon, either swore what was true or what was false. If God was the author and translator, then Joseph Smith could not have been the author, and he swore that which was false. If Joseph Smith, Jr., was the author, then God was not the author, and the book is deprived of all claim to divine authority.

The conclusion therefore is irresistible, that either Joseph Smith, Jr. has perjured himself in this matter, or that the book is nothing more than his production, and consequently entitled to that respect among the productions of mortal men which its merits, when correctly ascertained, may warrant. I repeat, if the book is divine, then Joseph Smith has perjured himself, -- if it is not divine, then we have nothing to do with it in religion.

But again, if the book be divine, what are we to think of a man, claiming to be inspired to translate it, securing to himself the exclusive profits of publishing it? Is such conduct in keeping with the character of a prophet, or of God? If the book be not divine, what name shall we give to the crime of palming it off on the world as the word of God?

In conclusion, if this book be from God, why is it that the original is not forthcoming in the same manner and to the same extent as that of our good old-fashioned Bible? Are the writings of Moses less sacred than those of Nephi? Are the words of Jesus and his Apostles less divine than those of Moroni? If the book of Mormon was translated by divine inspiration, as is pretended, why is each successive edition "revised carefully by the translator?" Is it not insulting to the Spirit of the Living God this to charge him with error?
                          A. DISCIPLE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                               For the Chronicle.

TO  A  DISCIPLE.

You wished me to answer you like a man. I will do so. As a man, I think you have made lies your refuge, and under falsehood and a fictitious name, you have hid yourself, and the words of Isaiah 2c: 8, 16, 17, 18v. are fulfilled in your case, as far as you are concerned in the making of lies and the making of lies your refuge, as they are found in Mormonism Unveiled, so doing you prove the divinity of Isaiah's words relative to this present dispensation of the Lord, which is reproachfully called Mormonism, which in fact is nothing more and nothing less, than the commencement of the fullfilment of the word of the Lord in the whole chapter; for the Lord to become the crown of glory and the royal diadem of beauty to his, and giving of "line upon line, and precept upon precept," by revelation as the Lord has promised, read Jeremiah 33c: 6, 7v; according to Isaiah 28c: 22c, there will be mockers; read 2 Peter 3c: 3v, knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, therefore, of necessity there must be mockers and scoffers in this dispensation, as well as in the dispensation of the first advent of Jesus Christ. So also, at this day of the Lord's manifestation to his people, there must be some to scoff and mock, and make lies, and to make their refuge under lies and falsehoods.

Read my reply to Mormonism Exposed, to find the chapter of your Mormonism Unveiled; to which you and many of the professed divines of the day, resort to regale their thirsty religions, which can no longer live on a perverted gospel. By perverting the scriptures, the scriptures are no longer a sufficient resort for you, for this grand reason, you cannot sustain yourself, only by perverting them, and in that we are able to expose you triumphantly. Suppose you get some editor to open his columns for us, and try your hand on the scriptures, and assume your real name, so that when you are exposed, the community may know who it is. My name is before the public in bold relief, and should I be exposed, the public know who it is, "the wicked and the coward will hide, sneak and skulk, but he that loves the truth is as bold as a lion. Truth has nothing to fear, but liars are afraid to own their names, falsehood and lies are their fortress, buckler and shield, in the day of their calamity. If you will mock and associate with scoffers, mock on, and we shall expect to hear and see some more from your Mormonism Unvailed, to which yourself and others, as the immutable testimony of eternal truth, to contradict the influence of bible facts, as they are set forth by the Latter Day Saints. How much better it would be to this community for you to show that the gift of tongues is no longer needed in the church, instead of mocking the Saints relative to that gift. Who do you think is so weak that reads your production, that does not know that you made some unwarrantable assertions, unbecoming a disciple of Christ at least, in saying, "Have these Mormons ever gone among our Indians preaching to them in their respective tongues? Have they ever gone into foreign countries preaching in the language of these countries?" You say "Never!" Who are you, Mr. Disciple, are you some kind of an omnipotent being, having eyes like Jehovah, and see all creation at once, and consequently know what the Mormon Elders are about, and what they do and where they are? It must be so, or else you had no consistent ground in fact for your answer to your own query. Shame on your barefaced folly.     JOHN E. PAGE.

(To be continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle:

Messrs Editors -- Did you ever hear of the Kilkenny cats? Well I’ll tell you a similar one. The Book of Mormon gives an account of a great battle between the Nephites and Samanites [sic] in which every soul on both sides was killed, except only the two generals, Coriantumr and Shiz. As a matter of course, they continued the fight until Shiz fainted and fell, when Coriantumr struck off his head. Afterh this, Shiz rose up, struggled for breath, fell and expired. There’s courage for you. The Irish soldier who ran a mile after his head, which a cannon ball carried away, is no touch to Gen. Shiz.

After this it is no longer matter of surprise that one of the Mormon captains in Missouri, addressing his soldiers, should exort them to haxa [sic] faith enough, if shot down in battle, to rise up and shoot again. Strong faith that! Nor is it matter of surprise that Peter Whitmer’s son-in-law should have been alive, according to Elder Page, two years after his brains were knocked out with a rifle barrel by a Missourian. These Mormons must have as many lives as a cat. Yours, &c.
PICCOOLA
        Captain of Danite Band


Note: Reprinted from the Morning Chronicle of July 11th.

THE FLARE-UP AT NAUVOO. -- Our readers have probably seen notice of the schism which has taken place at Nauvoo, amongst the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons. Dr. John C. Bennett, the Quarter Master General of Illinois, Commander of the Nauvoo Legion, and late Mayor of that city, has been expelled from the Church and from the Masonic Lodge of that place.

The Nauvoo Wasp and the Times and Seasons, the latter being edited by "Joe Smith" himself, contains a long address to the Church of the Mormons in particular, and the rest of the world in general, in which it is stated that Gen. Bennett is "an impostor and a base adulterer."

It gives a history of the General from which it seems that he studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Samuel Hildreth, of Marietta, Ohio, and married a daughter of Col. Joseph Barker, near that place; they both joined the Methodist church, and Bennett became a local preacher, living a different times in Barnesville, M'Connellsville, Malta, Wheeling, Va., Colecville, Pa., and Indiana. His wife eventually left him on account of his ill-treatment, after satisfactory evidence of his infidelity, and, with two surviving children, resides now in Ohio.

In August, 1840, Bennett proceeded to Nauvoo, and joined the Mormons. Soon after Joe Smith received a letter stating that Bennett had a wife and three children at M'Connellsville, Morgan county, Ohio. -- After he had been Nauvoo a short time the paid attention to a young lady, but desisted on Joe Smith's threatening to expose him. Smith's "expose" goes on as follows:

"When he saw that I would not submit to any such conduct, he went to some of the females in the city, who knew nothing of him but as an honorable man, and began to teach them that promiscuous intercourse between the sexes was a doctrine believed in by the Latter-Day Saints, and that there was no harm in it, but this failing, he had recourse to a more influential and desperately wicked course, and that was to persuade them that myself and others of the authorities of the Church, not only sanctioned but practiced the same wicked acts, and when asked why I publicly preached so much against it, said that it was because of the prejudice of the public, and that it would cause trouble in my own house. He was well aware of the consequence of such willful and base falsehoods, if they should come to my knowledge, and consequently endeavored to persuade his dupes to keep it a matter of secrecy, persuading them there would be no harm if they did not make it known. This proceeding on his part answered the desired end; he accomplished his wicked purposes; he seduced an innocent female by his lying, and subjected her character to public disgrace, should it ever be known."

Smith states that he succeeded in seducing several others by the same plausible stories. In July, 1841, Smith received another letter, relative to his wife and family, which was shown to Bennett, who acknowledged the truth of its statements; he shortly afterwards attempted to commit suicide by swallowing a dose of poison, but, by the timely application of the proper antidotes, his life was saved, and he continued to practice his deceptions, until discovered and fully exposed. An investigation was instituted into his conduct and that of the females, alluded to, of which Joe Smith says:

"We also ascertained by the above investigation that others had been led by his conduct to pursue the same adulterous practice, and in order to accomplish their detestable designs made use of the same language insinuated by Bennett, with this difference, that they did not hear me say anything of the kind, but Bennett was one of the heads of the church, and he had informed them that such was the fact and they credited his testimony."

A pretty picture, really, of the morals of Nauvoo, and of the influence of Mormonism upon its votaries! The report of Joe Smith's belief, through a third person, received as gospel!

In justice to Joe Smith, however, we insert Gen. Bennett's own affidavit that his statements relative to Smith's doctrines and practices were false:

Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an alderman of said city of Nauvoo, John C. Bennett, who being duty sworn, according to law, deposeth and saith: that he never was taught anything in the least contrary to the strictest principles of the Gospel, or of virtue, or of the laws of God, or man, under any occasion, either directly or indirectly, in word or deed by Joseph Smith: and that he never knew the said Smith to countenance any improper conduct whatever, either in public or private; and that he never did teach to me in private that an illegal, illicit intercourse with females was, under any circumstances, justifiable, and that I never knew him so to teach others.     JOHN C. BENNETT.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 17th day of May, 1842.
                  DANIEL H. WELLS, Alderman.


This affidavit is substantiated by a mass of testimony, but Gen. Bennett comes out in a St. Louis paper as follows:

                                         NAUVOO, ILL., June 27, 1842.
MR. EDWARDS: -- In your paper of the 23d you alluded to the "Trouble among the Mormons," and expressed a desire or hope that "the schism is incurable," and I assure you that it is really so. The holy Joe fears the consequences of my disclosures, and has threatened to take my life, and has ordered some of his Danite band to effect the murder clandestinely -- but he shall be exposed. If he murders me others will avenge my blood, and expose him; If I live, I will do it to the entire satisfaction of all. Just suspend your judgment for a few days until you see my expose in the "Sangamo Journal" of next week, or the week following, over my own name. In haste.

Yours, respectfully             
              JOHN C. BENNETT.

Note: John C. Bennett's letter of June 27, 1842 was addressed to James G. Edwards, editor of the Burlington, Iowa Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot, in response to a news item mentioning him that had recently appeared in that paper (see its reprint in the Pittsburgh Spirit of Liberty of July 9, 1842). Bennett's response was printed in the Hawk-Eye paper on June 30th and was reprinted in various western newspapers in early July. See, for example, the Sangamo Journal for July 8, 1842. The letter is date-lined "Nauvoo." Bennett apparently wrote this letter while visiting George W. Robinson and postmaster Sidney Rigdon, in that place. Rigdon probably saw that the letter was sent speedily to Burlington, while Bennett just as speedily fled Nauvoo for the last time.

                               For the Chronicle.

TO  A  DISCIPLE.
(Continued.)

Perhaps you think the prejudiced part of the community will sustain you; that may be, but those that regard consistency will not doubt. If there should be thousands on thousands of cases of a miraculous nature manifest of God, what would you want for the evidence of the fact? I answer, you would want the testimony of those that did not know any thing about the matter, or you would not accept it, on the plea that they were Mormons, or were about to become Mormons, so being interested in their own testimony, they were not competent witnesses. Yet at the same time no doubt you would have me and the world, swallow down the testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James and Jude, all at once without choking, who are as much self interested witnesses in their own case and in their own interest as we are, and your little head or heart does not possess good sense enough to successfully dispute it. I suppose you think the force of tradition relative to the scriptures being true, is enough to give you the advantage of me in the case of the nature of valid testimony; with those who are of your own ignorant stamp it may be, but not with the sensible and sound logician and philosopher.

What do you know about the truth of the bible, only by tradition of your fathers, the same as the Mohommedans believe the koran to be true, because of the tradition of their fathers. Hush your clamor and say nothing, and then you will not expose your ignorance and folly. You may ask, how I know the scriptures to be correct? I answer, not for your sake but for the public good, that I know the scriptures to be true, by the revelation of the Holy Ghost; and I know the Book of Mormon to be true, by the same witness, it being the only criterion given in each, to know the truth of either one.

You intimate that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are at issue, relative to the testimony respecting the darkness that covered the earth at the crucifiction of our Lord, I can find no contradiction when seen in right light, but let you handle it with infidel hands, and it would appear to be a contradiction, and if that should be the game you wish to find apparent contradiction by making it appear so by your sophistry and false garbling, I will say to you I am ready for you. I have Mr. C. D. White's book and Mr. Robert Taylor's Diegesis before me, those gentlemen are sceptics to the scriptures, in consequence of its contradicting itself in their view, and if you wish to throw stones at your neighbors you had better fortify your own glass house first for fear you might lose your Bible on the same principle. You would like to destroy the Book of Mormon. Relative to the testimony of the Apostles concerning the darkness, it is simply a historical fact of what they saw at Jerusalem, which no doubt was true, as they beheld it. They were ignorant of what was going on, on this continent. The case of what the servants of the same Lord said on this continent, concerning what happened here, was a statement of a historical fact that happened here in America, the Antipode to Jerusalem, or nearly so.     JOHN E. PAGE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                               For the Chronicle.

MORMONISM -- CONCLUDED.
TO  "A  DISCIPLE."

You [ask] "why the existence of the Nauvoo Legion." Why, Mr. Disciple, (or child,) you ought to ask the Legislature of the State of Illinois that question, its their business, they organized it, (and they are not Mormons.) I suppose, however, it is for the good and safety of our country against our frontier foes and internal mutiny. For the Mormons are true blue to our country, we love good soldiers as well as Washington did, and we detest a coward to all intents and purposes, as much as General Putman did. Our country and her free institutions we love, and the Legislature of Illinois knows it.

You ask again, "why the fortification of the city of Nauvoo?" I know of no fortification of that place, except against the pelting storm of rain and snow. It is true we are building the walls of two most tremendous large buildings, one is called the Temple and the other the Nauvoo house. It may be you have been there, and poor child, you not knowing the difference between the walls of a house and a fort, you might have taken a fright; but never mind that, you will get over it child, as you get older. Hush babe -- don;t cry, grow and be a man, that dare own and speak your name.

Since the above was written, my eye caught a sentence in your article of Friday the first inst., in which you still continue to misrepresent the Book of Mormon. You say the Book of Mormon records it as a fact, that Jesus Christ was born in Jerusalem. I say positively it does not say in Jerusalem, it says "at Jerusalem," the difference is this, in the sense which the two terms in and at conveys -- in would signify definitely within the city of Jerusalem -- at would signify in or near by, and as Bethlehem was near by Jerusalem, in comparison to the distance of America, (where the prophet stood,) from Jerusalem, it was as perfectly correct for the prophet to say "at Jerusalem" as to have said near Jerusalem, as they had some general knowledge of Jerusalem more than of its surrounding villages. You say, "was born in Jerusalem." while the Book of Mormon says, "shall be born at Jerusalem." Your words is in the past tense the other in the future tense, you have changed "shall be" for was, also you have changed at for in. What confidence can an honest community have in such a character as you are, that will treat any matter in the manner you do the Book of Mormon. The old proverb is true, "a liar is not to be believed when he tells the truth." Let it be distinctly understood that the Prophet Alma uttered this prophecy, not far from Guatamalla or Central America, some 82 years before the birth of Christ, "in Bethlehem, of Judea," therefore the language of Alma was in the future tense, but in the words of "A Disciple" it is in the past tense. This put along with his saying, that Ether's genealogy of his fathers reached back nineteen generations beyond Adam, and that with his false quotation said to be Shakespeare's words, long before he was born, clearly shows that "A Disciple" is not an honest man. So on the supposition that the Mormons are going to the Devil, the said misfortune will be that we shall see "A Disciple" there too. Surely I should like better company, even those that dare own their name and stand responsible for their own words without fear.

                  JOHN E. PAGE.

Note 1: This article of July 20, 1842 was Apostle John E. Page's final written contribution to the Pittsburgh newspapers during the summer of that year. Probably by the time this piece appeared in the Morning Chronicle Elder Page had temporarily left his home in Pittsburgh for an alternative base of operations at Philadelphia. It is marginally possible that Page made a quick trip back to Nauvoo, to be of service there in the aftermath of the John C. Bennett defection. The New York Public Library holds the original of a letter sent by Joseph Smith, Jr. to Apostle Page at Pittsburgh, dated July 16, 1842. In that letter Smith says: "You no doubt have heard of Gen'l. Bennett's conduct   we think he cannot do much."

Note 2: Apostle Page's signature appears on a notice dated "Nauvoo, May 11th, 1842," withdrawing "the hand of fellowship from Gen. John C. Bennett." This notice was printed in the Times and Seasons on June 15, 1842; but at the date of the purported signature Page was still living in Pittsburgh. It is more than likely that Page did not return to Illinois during that July-August. At any rate, by August of 1842 Page was in Pennsylvania, from whence he wrote a response letter (on the subject of John C. Bennett's allegations) to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo.

JOE SMITH AN ASSASSIN. -- An article in the last Warsaw Signal, relative to the disclosures of the actions of the Mormons, by Gen. Bennett, has the following respecting the attempted assassination of Gov. L. W. Boggs of Missouri:

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.

I feel, Messrs. Editors, that I am trespassing on your indulgence, and possibly on the patience of your numerous readers, in asking you to insert another article on the subject of Mormonism. An apology would be unnecessary if my fellow citizens were apprised of the diabolical character and dangerous tendency of this infamous imposture. I am glad however to discover, that the benign and ever watchful Governor of the world is dividing the counsels and defeating the machinations of Joseph Smith, Jr., and his ungodly associates, and it would not be surprising if in the end these wicked men were to execute on each other the just punishment due to their multiplied enormities. The Lord grant them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth and the salvation of their souls.

For some time past, through the medium of your paper, Elder John E. Page has been engaged in answering an exposure of Mormonism by the editor of a respectable paper in New York, and at the same time he has occasionally condescended to notice with his characteristic courtesy the humble efforts of "A Disciple." Your paper of the 15th contains a fair specimen of the Elder's style. I would now ask what kind of answer have we been furnished with? Has Elder Page shown that the quotations made by the New York editor from the book of Mormon -- from the Voice of Warning -- from the Doctrine and Covenants, were unfairly made? He has not! Has he in the next place even denied the truth of the more important charges brought against Mormonism by A Disciple? I answer unhesitatingly No! He has attempted to show that some of the works which I made quotations, such as "Mormonism Unveiled," were not to be regarded as good authority, but how far he has succeeded even here I leave others to judge. His attack on the Congressional document is undeserving of notice. In a word, his reply, especially to me, is neither more nor less than one tissue of low blackguardism, sufficiently disgraceful to its author without the addition of a single sentence from any one. For my part, although I lay no claim to the apostolic office -- to having seen the Lord, or to peculiar spiritual gifts, such as tongues and miracles, I would consider myself justly obnoxious to the censures of any moral people, were I so far to forget the ordinary rules of good breeding, as to treat even an enemy as Elder Page has A Disciple.

But to return, I again distinctly charge it upon the Book of Mormon and pledge myself to prove what I say any where and before any tribunal competent to decide in the case, that in recording two plain matters of fact the Book of Mormon flatly contradicts the Bible. The Bible everywhere speaks of the birth of Christ at Bethlehem -- the book of Mormon records, on page 234 of the 3d edition, that he was born at Jerusalem. Now, unless Elder Page can show that Bethlehem and Jerusalem are the same place, the book of Mormon must stand convicted before an enlightened and candid public in this instance, as well as in the following, a falsehood. On pages 51 and 434 of the 3d edition, it is first predicted and afterwards recorded that when Jesus should be crucified, there would be and that there were three days of darkness, -- the New Testament records that there was darkness over the whole land from the 6th to the 9th hour. See Matthew xxvii. 45; Mark xv. 33; Luke xxiii. 44. Until it can be shown that there is no difference between three days and three hours, these books cannot be reconciled. One or the other must be rejected by the reader as fabulous. I prefer the Bible.

In the next place I have shown, beyond all contradiction, that Joseph Smith, Jr., in 1829, did solemnly make oath, in due form of law, that he was the author and proprietor of the Book of Mormon. If he is to be believed, what becomes of the claim of the book to divine authority? It is necessarily destroyed! If the book is from God, it is not for any man to claim its authorship. Who ever pretended to be the author of the Bible? But yet here is a book claiming to be a part of the Bible, and Joseph Smith, Jr., swears that he is the author. How preposterous!

In the third place, I have clearly established it as a fact, that there exists in the Mormon Church a military organization, called the Danite band -- that this band is bound together by the most shocking oaths and imprecations -- that it has its secret signs and watch words, and lastly, that the members of it solemnly covenanted with uplifted hands, at the instance of Sidney Rigdon, to assassinate all deserters from the Mormon faith and throw them to the Turkey Buzzards.

Fourthly. I established it as a fact that Joseph Smith, Jr., is a profane swearer -- a blasphemer against Jesus Christ, and a vile adulterer. I have more on these points if it should be called for. Nancy Rigdon's case alluded to by Gen. Bennett, is only too true.

Again I shewed how to speak with tongues and gave a sample of what was spoken. On this subject I remarked, "have these Mormons ever gone among our Indians preaching to them in their respective tongues? Have they ever gone to foreign countries preaching in the language of those countries? Never! I repeat what I there said -- never! Is it pretended that these tongues what the Mormons speak are those of any living nation or tribe? I have heard it asserted. That they are most emphatically unknown tongues, I have no doubt whatever, but I must have a little better evidence than any yet furnished, before I can believe that they are known tongues. To show, however, conclusively the insincerity of all these pretensions, I refer the reader to page 215 of the book of Doctrines and Covenants of the Mormon church, when a revelation is recorded directing Joseph Smith, Jr., "to study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and people." Here the prophet himself is instructed to become acquainted with "languages and tongues," just like other people, that is, by study."

But in conclusion, Elder Page invites me to a newspaper controversy. Before replying to this invitation I would require to know the reason why this remarkable champion can neither be coaxed nor kicked into a public discussion of Mormonism. He invariably backs out. If he is willing to discuss Mormonism let him express his readiness to go on with the discussion agreed to in the Scotch-hill market-house on the 21st June.     A DISCIPLE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Animal Magnetism on a Spree. -- Dr. R. H. Collyer has prosecuted Le Roy Sunderland and the Phrenologist Fowler for a libel growing out of a controversy as to which was the discoverer of phrenological [hypnotism].


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH EXPOSED. -- The ejected J. C. Bennett is at last out with his promised "exposition" of the great Mormon leader. He charges him with the grossest licentiousness, to which "hundreds of single and married females," have fallen victims, and was not restrained from assailing even the daughter of Sidney Rigdon, but unsuccessfully; and he promises still farther revelations of the most atrocious character. How Mr. Bennet could become acquainted with so many particulars we know not, unless he has himself been a party behind the scenes. We guess that there is very little to choose between the different members of the whole batch. It is just a similar society to the Johannites in England, where one Wroe, the chief prophet, managed to place six virgins in a peculiar predicament in one year. -- N. Y. Tattler.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE TRUTH OF PHRENOLOGY PROVED. -- The last Nauvoo Wasp, a Mormon paper, contains Joe Smith's Phrenological chart, in which the organ of "Amativeness" is set down as "very large -- giving a controlling influence and very liable to perversion." We think the affidavit of Miss Brotherton in another column proves the truth of the science of phrenology conclusively.

---

Another charge of murder it appears from the Western papers, has been made against some of the Mormons. A good deal of feeling exists both among the Mormons and others living in the vicinity. A Mr. Stephenson had offered a reward of $200 for the apprehension of the murders of his brother -- a deed he alleges to have been committed by a couple of members of the Danite Band, who called upon his brother for contributions of money and property to aid in rebuilding the temple at Nauvoo. He, it seems, refused to contribute any thing, and they made a threat that the Stephensons might consider themselves well off if they kept any of their property long. The house of Stephenson was entered and robbed a few days after, but no money was found. A gun was however taken, and concealing themselves behind a fence, the robbers shot Stephenson as he was ploughing. This is all the evidence going to prove that the act was committed by Mormons, and the fact it amounts to very little.

---

Attempted Seduction of a Young Lady
BY  JOE  SMITH,  THE  MORMON  PROPHET.

The following letter is published in the St. Louis Bulletin of the 16th, by Gen. John C. Bennett, having been furnished at his request, by Miss Brotherton, an English lady of good character and fine personal appearance, who joined the Mormons, but afterwards left their church on account of the villainous attempts of the fathers of the Mormon Church to seduce her from the paths of virtue. Bennett says that the letter from Miss Brotherton, details a case of black-hearted villainy precisely similar to those of Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt, wife of Prof. Orson Pratt, and Miss Nancy Rigdon daughter of Sidney Rigdon, Esq., as noticed in the "Sangamo Journal." and hundreds of others that might be named -- it speaks for itself.


Note: The Martha Brotherton affidavit was first scheduled for publication in the St. Louis Missouri Republican of July 15. However, it appeared instead in the St. Louis American Bulletin on the next day. The Brotherton statement was widely reprinted in the days that followed. See, for example, the Alton Telegraph of July 30, 1842 or the Quincy Whig of Aug. 6, 1842 for the full text.

JOE SMITH. -- We insert to-day an affidavit of an Englishman who was acquainted with Miss Martha H. Brotherton, before she left her native land; this is done for the purpose of disproving the assertion of Elder Small, who stated on Sunday last that Miss B. was, to his knowledge, a woman of bad character. This is disproved by the affidavit, and the assertion of Joe Smith's Elder will not be sufficient to overthrow it.

For the Chronicle.
MORMONISM -- CONCLUDED.

Is Elder Page a believer in the Bible? Let the intelligent inquirer read his article in the Chronicle of the 19th inst. and decide. For my part I have all along felt assured that he believes neither the Bible nor the Book of Mormon.

The Mormons, as every one knows, pretend to work miracles, but they refuse to do so before persons who have not been initiated into the mysteries of their superstition, and insist that their word shall be taken in proof that they do actually possess this power. Hence the remark of Elder Page, that while I refuse Mormon testimony, as to Mormon miracles, I would require him and others "to swallow down the testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James and Jude, all at once without choking." This objection comes with a bad grace from a man professing himself the apostle of the Lord, and still worse from one who has "swallowed down without choking" all the absurdities of Nephi and Lehi, Lib and Shiz, Coram and Coon. But I ask did not the Saviour teach "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory?" And again, "If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true?" Did Matthew, Mark, Luke, John testify of themselves, or of their Lord? Did Paul, Peter, James and Jude relate their own miracles, or say any thing in defence of their power to perform them? Was the power of the Saviour and his apostles to perform miracles ever made a question of dispute? What miracle does either Matthew or Mark, Luke or John, Paul or Peter, James or Jude relate as having been performed by themselves? Their course in this respect is marked by modesty. How very different the course of impostors! The one performs miracles and says nothing about it -- the other performs no miracles, but is clamorous in claiming the power to do so. I do not therefore require either the Elder or the world, to believe the miracles of the Saviour and his apostles on their own testimony. Again, why is it, that while the miracles of the servants of God, in all ages, have been public -- performed before friends and foes -- the miracles of the Mormons are invariably huddled up in a corner, where no eye can see them but that of their own deluded votaries? "He that doeth truth cometh in the light."

But our "sensible and sound logician and philosopher" -- Elder Page, asks me, in his own truly inimitable style, "What do you know about the truth of the Bible only by traditions of your fathers, the same as the Mahommedans believe the Koran to be true, because of the tradition of their fathers?" Now, sir, I will take Solomon's advice and "answer a fool according to his folly," what do you know about me? Can you say certainly, that I have not received the same evidence of the truth of the Bible as that which you claim for yourself, namely, "the revelation of the Holy Ghost?" But, sir, Solomon also says "answer not a fool according to his folly." You intimate that I believe the Bible on tradition from my fathers. Now, sir, I am proud in responding to this intimation affirmatively, and shall do all in my power to convey the same tradition to the latest of my descendants. You have, sir, paid me the highest conceivable compliment in this remark, for, sir, nothing would be so gratifying as to know that I have descended from a line of Godly parents, who, like the mother and grandmother of Timothy, have taken pains to teach me the way of the Lord. You would, however, convey the impression that the Bible is sustained only by tradition or special revelation -- that there is no other evidence of its truth than the one or the other of these. Is this a fair statement of the case? Are you willing to appear before this community as denying all the internal and external evidences of the Bible? Is it possible, that a man pretending to be an apostle of the Lord, and to have received direct and special revelations from Heaven, should ask his fellow men to believe the Bible on his bare word, in preference to all the clear and convincing proofs of its truth found on its own blessed pages, and in a thousand other circumstances, facts and arguments? What evidence is it to me of the truth of the Bible -- your declaration, that a revelation to this amount has been made to me by the Holy Ghost? How am I to know that what you tell me is true? You may be deceived yourself or disposed to deceive me. It is easier for me to decide in regard to the truth of the Bible than in regard to the certainty of your having received the revelation in question. I am taught to believe natural facts on corresponding evidence, and supernatural facts on supernatural testimony. What you tell me about your having a special revelation is of the latter class and calls for such evidence as was furnished by the apostles -- the evidence of the miracles. Now, sir, I can believe the Bible on its own evidence, but I cannot believe you without a miracle. I am not required to do so. Until, therefore, you practice a miracle in support of it, I will continue an unbeliever in your special revelation. As for the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith, Jr., has settled the question of its divinity.

Elder Page labors in his concluding article to show, that I have been guilty of misrepresentation, in saying that the Book of Mormon affirms that Jesus was born in Jerusalem. The book says, "shall be born at Jerusalem." The difference is this, I said in -- the book says at. I said was -- the book says "shall be." This is a small game. The expression "shall be born at Jerusalem," is put into the mouth of the Mormon prophet Alma, some time before the birth of Christ. I would ask was it fulfilled? if so, then it is right to speak of it in the past tense, and I do no act of injustice to the book in what I said. But I have used the word in instead of at. The Elder insists that at Jerusalem means any where within a number of miles around Jerusalem -- thus a man asks me, (to give a familiar illustration) where did Bird kill his wife. I answer at Washington, but I mean inPittsburgh; or I am told that I can buy a certain book at Kay's, but I am to understand my informant as directing me to Loomis', or any other store near by. Does not at Jerusalem mean in Jerusalem, the same as at Pittsburgh signifies in Pittsburgh. The apostles use the terms at and in as convertible. See John 5, 9, "There is at Jerusalem." See also Luke 2, 43, "Tarried behind in Jerusalem." Acts 2, 5, "Dwelling at Jerusalem." Luke 24, 18, "A stranger in Jerusalem." Acts 6, 1, "Which was at Jerusalem." Luke 24, 49. "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem." Instances of the same kind are numerous, but the above will suffice to shew, that the Elder's defence is worse than frivolous,
                      A DISCIPLE.

---

For the Chronicle.
Miss Brotherton's Character Sustained.

PITTSBURGH, July 15, 1842.    

Editors of the Chronicle -- Having been told by several individuals that in a discourse delivered against Mormonism by L. O. C. Nicklin, on Sunday, at the Scotch Hill market house, on reading Miss Martha H. Brotherton's affidavit, William Small, a Mormon Elder, declared that "such evidence was given by PROSTITUTES, of whom a number were at Nauvoo," thus making an impression on the minds of the people that the said Martha H. Brotherton was a prostitute. I called upon said Small for his denial or confession of such declaration. In the course of our conversation, he declared he did not believe her testimony as set forth, but neither retracts, denies nor confesses his declaration of such testimony being given by prostitutes.

Being a friend, and one, too particularly acquainted with Miss Brotherton and her friends in England, I hereby declare such an aspersion of her character as becoming of a Mormon. She and her connections stand high in the society in which they moved in England prior to her becoming a Mormon, and when (as her cousin who was present at Nauvoo at the time informed me) in consequence of the base attack upon her virtue as set forth in her affidavit, she was compelled to fly for safety; she had to do so at night under the protection of her father.

My opportunity to become acquainted with her character is as good as is possible to be derived in growing from childhood to adult age together; as neighbors living close together, going to school together, and members of the same Sabbath School, and under these circumstances, with indignation thrust back upon any individual who attempts to injure her character for virtue or truth, his own vile slanders, whether he be Elder Wm. Small of the Mormons, or any other.     THOMAS SMETHURST.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of July, A. D., 1842
        ALEX MILLAR, Alderman.


Note: The July 27th printing of the letter from "A Disciple" marked the end of the acrimonious verbal exchange between LDS Apostle John E. Page and the Campbellite leaders in Pittsburgh. The news items originating with John C. Bennett, as well as subsequent developments at Nauvoo, appear to have forced both Page and his Campbellite foe out of the columns of the Morning Chronicle.

MORE  DISCLOSURES
RELATIVE  TO
The  Seductions,  Adulteries,  &c. &c.
OF
JOE  SMITH,  THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINT.

We publish in our paper of to-day an account of Joe Smith's seductions and attempts to seduce a number of the young female members of his church, his falsifications of the records of the Nauvoo Lodge, &c., &c., from the pen of Gen. John C. Bennett, late a leader in the Mormon Church, supported by affidavits, &c.

We publish this for the purpose of exposing this gang of hypocrites, and preventing them from obtaining converts in this community, as they are making every exertion to obtain a foothold here, and with too much success, we are sorry to be compelled to acknowledge.

How any virtuous female or honest man can join their sink of abominations, after reading these disclosures, is more than we can tell. -- Whatever their motives are, and we have no doubt many join from a conviction of the truth of their religion, the disclosures now published, and those heretofore given to the public, are sufficient to show that Joe Smith has no other motive for the establishment of his "church," but the gratification of his hellish appetites to the utmost, and that natural desire for power, by all mankind.

In publishing his statements in regard to these occurrences, General Bennett says: "It is likely that many of the persons whom I have named in my affidavit, and many others whom I may hereafter name, will flounder, but the truth shall now come and stand in bold relief before the world. Most of the Mormons will swear to any thing that Joe tells them to, and the public must look for it. All. therefore, who remain after these astounding disclosures, must be branded with infamy, as they will undoubtedly be partakers in their adulteries, thefts, robberies, and murders."

The Editor of the Sangamo Journal, in publishing these disclosures states that he has omitted several names, being unwilling to injure the feelings of individuals unnecessarily. -- The names, however, can be seen in the original manuscript by any person who desires to do so, by calling at the office of that paper.

---

THE  DURESSE. -- On the 17th day of May A. D. 1842, Joe Smith requested to see me alone in the preparation room of the Nauvoo Lodge...


MRS. SARAH M. PRATT, wife of Professor Orson Pratt, of the University of the City of Nauvoo: -- Joe Smith stated to me at an early day in the history of that city, that he intended to make that amiable and accomplished lady one of his spiritual wives...


MISS NANCY RIGDON, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, Esq.: -- Joe Smith said to me last summer, "If you will assist me in procuring Nancy as one of my spiritual wives, I will give you five hundred dollars...

Note: The text of the above three statements is available for viewing in the Sangamo Journal of July, 15, 1842.

MRS. MELISSA SCHINDLE, wife of Col. George Schindle. -- I now proceed to give the affidavit of Mrs. Schindle, which is in the following words, to wit: --

State of Illinois |ss.
McDonough County, |

Personally appeared before me, Abraham Fulkerson, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, Melissa Schindle, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that in the fall of 1841, she was staying one night with the widow Fuller, who has recently been married to a Mr. Warren, in the city of Nauvoo, and that Joseph Smith came into the room where she was sleeping about 10 o'clock at night, and after making a few remarks came to her bedside, and asked her if he could have the privilege of sleeping with her. She immediately replied no. He, on the receipt of the above answer told her it was the will of the Lord that he should have illicit intercourse with her, and that he never proceeded to do any thing of that kind with any woman without first having the will of the Lord on the subject; and further he told her that if she would consent to let him have such intercourse with her, she could make his house her home as long as she wished to do so, and that she should never want for anything it was in his power to assist her to -- but she would not consent to it. He then told her that if she would let him sleep with her that night he would give her five dollars -- but she refused all his propositions. He then told her that she must never tell of his propositions to her, for he had ALL influence in that place, and if she told he would ruin her character, and she would be under the necessity of leaving. He then went to an adjoining bed where the Widow ____ was sleeping -- got into bed with her and laid there until about 1 o'clock, when he got up, bid them good night, and left them, and further this deponent saith not.

                                MELISSA (her X mark) SCHINDLE.

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 2d day July, 1842.
                                A. FULKERSON, J. P. (seal).

---

NAUVOO  LODGE,  U. D. -- Irregularities -- False Records -- Unmasonic conduct, &c. &c.

The original records show that Joseph Smith, Job Snyder, Brigham Young, Peter Haws, Willard Richards, and one other, I think Adara Lyman, were initiated, passed and raised, before the installation of the Lodge, and all but one have passed through since, -- Joe by the hands of the Grand Master Jones, and the remainder by other brethren. That record was sealed up, and a new one commenced -- the second was sealed up, and a third commanded, -- and then a new record book procured and such parts copied as they were willing should go out to the Grand Lodge, and such only.

Let the original book be produced and these facts will appear -- I stand pledged that they shall appear. A part of the original record is in my hand writing, as all know; and if they will produce a record that has any of my hand writing in it, (for the new one has nothing but my name), I will show all the facts unless the leaves have been torn out. Mr. Stoddard was suspended for blackballing Mr. Sessions, but it was not put to record. The charge of H. G. Sherwood and Samuel H. Smith, against Robert D. Foster, during the trial of which Foster received such a severe rebuke by Joe, never appeared upon record, and Joe said, as the case was likely to effect his brother Samuel, "I will see the records in hell and burn this house, before it shall be said that a Smith ever failed to accomplish a thing he undertook, or before anything shall be recorded that may ever operate against Samuel -- and if we can't get a charter without that, the Grand Lodge may go to the Devil." Is this not so? I appeal to George W. Robinson, Francis M. Higbee, and Hiram Kimball, all Master Masons. These are only some of the actings and doings of the Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., under the Supervision of Joe and his servile priest, George Miller -- the little creature that does Joe's dirty work. Let the Grand Lodge look to this. Why does not Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., deal with Joe for the attempted seduction of Nancy Rigdon, a Master Mason's daughter, and for the actual seduction of several Master Masons' wives and sisters and daughters! -- Simply because they say Joe is a Prophet, and the Lord's anointed must not be harmed; the Lord will not suffer his anointed to fall! O, tempore! O, mores!

---

I am now going over to Missouri to have Joe taken to justice; and then I am going to New York to publish a book, to be called "The History of the Saints," in which I shall tell most of the actings and doings at Nauvoo for the last two years, of most of their great men, and some of their great women, too; so look out for breakers. We shall have full disclosures if the Danites don't catch me; they are after me like prowling wolves, by Joe's special orders. In haste.
                               Yours respectfully,                                            JOHN C. BENNETT.


Notes: (forthcoming)

BENNETT'S  AFFIDAVIT: -- We know not whether Gen. John C. Bennett is worthy of belief, as he swore, while in Nauvoo, that Joe Smith had never taught him anything contrary to strict morality and virtue; in justice to the General however, we publish his last affidavit, although it and his other publications would, under ordinary circumstances, be excluded from our columns; but when we see a base imposture, under the name of religion, gaining converts even in our own city -- some from our own churches, it is time for the press to speak out, and direct its voice in tones of thunder against the vile hypocrisy, blasphemy, and shocking immorality of these reverend knaves, whose insidious wiles have caused the ruin of many a female, who has joined their church from a mistaken belief in the purity of their religion. The following is Gen. Bennett's last affidavit.

State of Illinois    | ss.
Hancock County, |

Personally appeared before me, S, Marshall, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John C. Bennett, who, being duly sworn, according to law, deposeth and saith -- that the affidavit taken before Esq. Wells on the 17th of May, and the statement before the City Council of Nauvoo, on the 19th, as published in the Wasp of the 25th of June, 1842, are false, and were taken under durrese, as stated in this letter -- that he has seen Joseph Smith in bed with Mrs. ______, Mrs. ______, and that he has seen him in the act of cohabitation with Mrs. ______, and Mrs. ______, all four of whom he seduced by telling him that the Lord had granted the blessing of Jacob, and that there was no sin in it -- that he told him that Bates Noble married him to ____ ______, and that Brigham Young married him to ____ ______, that he had free access to Mrs. ______, Mrs. ______, and Mrs. ______, and various others; whose husbands he had sent off preaching, and not now necessary to mention -- and further this deponent saith not,
                                JOHN C. BENNETT.

Sworn and subscribed, this 2d day July, 1842.
                                SAMUEL MARSHALL, J. P. (seal).

---

ANOTHER! -- Disappearance of Elder Orson Pratt! -- The Warsaw Signal, a paper published near Nauvoo, states that information had been received at Warsaw of the sudden disappearance of Elder Orson Pratt, a prominent Mormon. He left a paper stating that his disappearance was caused by Joe Smith's treatment of his wife, and by some wrong doing in the church. He confirms General Bennett's statement relative to Joe Smith's attemot to seduce Mrs. Pratt. It was supposed by some in Nauvoo, that he had committed suicide and about 500 persons were out on the search for him.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                               For the Chronicle.

TO THE PUBLIC: -- Those that have been conversant with the Daily Sun, will have noticed an attack upon me by L. O. C. Nicklin. This is to say that the answer was forthcoming, and put into the hands of the Daily Sun, with a promise that it should be published in a day or two. I waited more than a week, went to the office and got the promise renewed, waited a few days longer, and called again, but was informed that there was an editorial veto put upon all publications of this kind. Notwithstanding they have published on the opposite side of the question since that date. I would just remind the Editor of the Sun, of a saying of our Lord, that the Sun should shine upon the evil and the good. But evil or good, it has not shone upon me through the medium of that paper. I would advise the Editor to change the name of his paper so as to be consistent.

To Mr. Nicklin I would say, that the course he has pursued with me, and my brethren, reminds me of a saying of Dr. Johnson, when enquired of by a young man. "What do you suppose the world to think of us?" "Why, I suppose," says the Doctor, "that they think me to be a bull-dog, and you a tin kettle tied to my tail!"

---

For the Daily Sun.    

MR. NICKLIN: I discover in the columns of this respectable paper, an article addressed to Mr. Dana, signed L. O. C. Nicklin. I presume the article referred to, is an attack upon me; if you have occasion to speak of me again before the public, please do me the honor of inserting my real name, (as I [am] not ashamed of it,) my name is Charles R. Dana, and I never had occasion to cloak myself under a fictitious name.

You say I made a Mormon attack upon your veracity, it is true I did show your contradictions, and that too agreeably to previous notice, before I knew of any of the notices you refer to, "Tis true we met near the bridge, as a matter of course, as you was going one way and I another, I ask, have I as good a right to show your contradictions, lies and misrepresentations as you have to take the course you have pursued against me? You ask what has been my course with you? I answer, base, base, beneath the character of any person professing (as you do) to be a gentleman and a christian. I ask the question, what would have been my lot were this, suppose I had pursued the same course with you that you have with me? Would I not have got my feet in the stocks? What say you, Mr. Nicklin? You speak of your character having been stabbed. I know it, I know it, Mr. Nicklin; but you have yourself to blame. You ought to have minded your own business. Yes I confess your character has received a wound more deadly (except you repent,) than the one that the beast received, spoken of in 11th Rev.

You say further, that I promised that on next Lord's day, I would bring the passages. I deny it, sir. Mr. Small had the stand at this time, and said something to that effect. So you will please look to him if he has not redeemed his pledge.

You said in the Market that the doctrine of baptism for the remission of sins was not taught in the Book of Mormon. I say it is. Read if you please in the third edition of the Book of Mormon, p. 499, Come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins. Again, p. 565, Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. Also, p. 566, And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling of the commandments; and the fulfilling of the commandments bringeth remission of sins. You say it is well for me that you are not a Mormon, as I might be sent on a voyage of discovery for Martin Harris and Sampson Avard. How are we to understand you, Mr. Nicklin? Do you wish to convey the idea to the public that the Mormons have actually slain those men, and if you were a Mormon you would slay me?

Be it known that Martin Harris is a member of this church, and I saw him last August alive and well in Kirtland, O., and as for Avard I do not know him, but am informed that he also is alive. Now, Mr. Nicklin, for the Lord's sake and for your own soul's sake, and for the sake of suffering humanity, stop your lying slander, and set yourself about the work of repentance. Cease to do evil and do well for I perceive you have learned but a small part of this lesson. And while you boast of yourself as a christian, let us see some of the fruits.

Unless you repent I have reason to expect trouble from such men, for Paul says (2d Timothy, 3d chap.) that in the last days perilous times shall come, because they have a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.     CHARLES R. DANA.


Note 1: Levi Orme Connor Nicklin (1807-aft.1861) was a Campbellite living in Pittsburgh in 1842. He was probably an elder in the Disciples of Christ Church by 1842. His anti-Mormon preaching in Pittsburgh is mentioned in the Morning Chronicle of July 27, 1842. Several notices from Nicklin were published in the Millennial Harbinger between 1845 and 1854, and there he is identified as being anelder; see also Nicklin's letter to Rev. Walter Scott in the July 1, 1841 Evangelist of the True Gospel.

Note 2: Charles Root Dana (1802-1868) became a Mormon in 1838. He apparently served on LDS missions in Pennsylvania in 1842 and again in 1848. By March of 1843 Dana had returned from his work in Pittsburgh and was living in Nauvoo. See the Morning Chronicle of Aug. 3, 1842 for a writer's crude attempt to be humorous at Elder Dana's expense. Extant files for the Pittsburgh Sun during this period are too incomplete to all verification of the report that the paper was printing anti-Mormon articles in 1842.

From the Sangamo Journal, July 22.    

FROM  NAUVOO. -- Two gentlemen, who passed through holy Joe's city on Thursday of last week, state, that soon after their arrival Joe made a speech in front of the Temple. The subject of his speech was -- Bennett -- the Sangamo Journal -- Mrs. Pratt -- and other matters. Joe swore like a pirate, and used the most obscene language. He appeared to be much excited, and it would be an act of charity to suppose that the holy debauchee was drunk as well as mad.

Joe, it is said, anticipates a requisition for his person from the Governor of Missouri. He has the utmost horror of the idea of being given up. Joe thinks that Judge Ford will not give him up if he should be elected Governor.

Joe, it is further said, is laboring to make up the breach with Rigdon, Pratt, and others, by offers of special favor. We trust that in this effort he will not succeed. Joe cannot now harm these men. He will not injure them. He dare not fulfil his threats, and his promises are not to be relied on. -- We again call upon Messrs. Rigdon and Pratt, as they regard virtue, honor, and the reputation of their families, to come out from this Nauvoo 'Babylon, and Mother of Harlots.'

The developments which have been made must sink Joe Smith to the lowest depths of infamy in the eyes of all honest men. He must fall so certain as God punishes vice and rewards virtue.

---

For the Chronicle.    

A DOG  CHASE. -- It is hard to catch a dog with a kettle to his tail. Did you ever try it Elder? How edifying the sight! A poor dog streaking it for bare life! Jing! goes the kettle. Away flies the dog. Jingle, tingle, ingle, ting, ding, ring! Make room! Cruel boys! Now he pauses and bites at the kettle. Away he goes again. See him jump under that old shop. He turns round -- snaps at the kettle -- is struck with a stone -- out he starts. There, there, there he goes! tongue out! Rattle, tattle, attle, ding! Poor dog. Come Bill. O shame boys. Is that your dog, Joe? Stop, boys, stop and let the poor thing be. Alas, poor Dana! Nick'll catch you yet.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE CAUSE OF THE MORMON EXPLOSION.

The Springfield (Illinois) Register attributes the whole of the commotion among the Mormons to a political trick, designed to affect the coming election. It says, after giving at length the motives for this outcry against them:

"The whole history of the political course of the Mormons, in our opinion, is simply this: Smith is a shrewd fellow. He supports the popular side in politics for his own interest. When in Missouri he went for Van Buren, because there the Van Buren party was largely in the majority. In 1840 he saw the tide and wind settling in for Tippecanoe, hence he threw up his hat for Harrison. In 1841 he believed this was a Whig congressional district, and therefore he went for Stuart, 'without a why or wherefore.' In 1842, believing, as almost every body else, that Illinois is decidedly a Democratic State, he cries out lustily, hurrah for Snyder and Moore. Such we candidly believe to be the sole motives of Smith's political changes -- motives that have changed some of the most priminent politicians of the country, and will continue to change others, as long as man is impelled by self interest.

"Regarding this war against the Mormons, at this particular time, as an electioneering scheme, got up by unprincipled political demagogues, we denounce it."


Note: Presumably this news report first appeared in the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle, however, the original article has not yet been located.

ATTEMPT TO  ARREST JOE SMITH. -- An extract from the St. Louis Republican which we find in the Cincinnati Message, gives us the information that Gov. Carlin has at length resolved to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, and deliver up Joe Smith and A. P. Rockwell. As the recently elected Sheriff of Hancock county is a Mormon, the writ was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Adams county, who went to Nauvoo and arrested Smith and Rockwell. The Nauvoo authorities issued a habeas corpus, and the prisoners were taken out of the Sheriff's hands at once and released. The Sheriff returned immediately to Quincy, and reported these facts. It was generally believed that Gov. Carlin would immediately order out the military to march to Nauvoo and enforce the arrest. If they do so, and Joe and his colleague are not among the missing, we may expect "a spec of war" at the chosen city. A few days at farthest will probably give us the result.

We learn since, that the troops proceeded to Nauvoo, and the prophet was not to be found within the precincts of the city. It was thought that Joe had delegated his authority to his brother, and would take a trip to England, or some other part of Europe. It may be possible, however, that he has only concealed himself until preparations can be made to resist the forces of the State, and as Joe is a bold, reckless daring fellow, we should not be surprised to hear that a battle had been fought between the Mormon forces and those of the state of Illinois, within a few days.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LAMBDIN'S PORTRAIT OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. -- We saw on Monday, at the Philo Hall, a portrait by Lambdin of this distinquished statesman; -- it is a beautiful painting and worthy of the genius of the man who executed it. Our readers who have an opportunity to see it, will of course avail themselves of the chance to see the likeness of a man, who stands in a prominent position in the public estimation at the present time.


Note: The painter referred to in this report was James Reid Lambdin (1807-1889), the younger brother of the then deceased Jonathan Harrison Lambdin (1798-1825). James was apparently still living in Pittsburgh in the 1840s. It is not known if he supplied information on his brother's obscure relationship with Sidney Rigdon, in that same town, before 1825.

REPORTED  MORMON BATTLE. -- The Madisonian of yesterday says the following note was written on the outside of a letter received on Saturday from one of the public officers at Chicago, Illinois: -- "A battle has been fought between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons. The extra says thirty or forty were killed or wounded. The Governor has gone down with 200 men." We have received no confirmation of this news by the Western mail of last evening.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon prophet, Joe Smith, has excommunicated Gen. Bennet, (and report says Rigdon also,) who threatens to expose Joe's humbug. -- Rare and rich developments are expected.

Notes: (forthcoming)

MILITARY  MOVEMENTS  OF  THE  MORMON  GENERALS. -- James Gordon Bennett, editor of the Herald, and Brigadier General of the Nauvoo Legion, has been commanded by Major James Arlington Bennett to take up the line of March for Nauvoo, to defend Joe Smith, and his brother saints, from the threatened attacks upon him. The order, it seems, has taken the Brigadier in a state of want of preparation very unofficerlike, and derogatory to his character as a military genius, He has been compelled to advertise for a full suit of uniform suitable to his rank, a fine horse, a sword, an old bible and a prayer book. The General intends to fight the enemy as Mahomet did the opposers of the "true religion," with the Koran in one hand and the sword in the other. It is to be hoped that he will make better use of the latter than Governor Dorr, Let is be like his pen, keen, cutting, and killing.

---

GEN  BENNETT is attempting to make himself a great man by his disclosures of the conduct of his brother saints in Nauvoo. We believe Joe and his Nauvoo followers a pack of scoundrels, but Bennett is the most blasphemous wretch that ever attempted to pass for a saint -- as a specimen her the following:

"The Moron creed is this: it is a Trinity. Joe Smith represents God; Hiram Smith is the 1st councilor, and represents Jesus Christ; and Sydney Rigdon is the 2nd councilor, and represents the Holy Ghost; and when Sydney Rigdon was sick, I was the Holy Ghost pro tem. and yet Joe says I was such a great rascal. And after I became the Holy Ghost in Nauvoo, I passed into the secret chamber, and saw all that was done there, and how the wires were pulled, and many things too indelicate to be told to an assembly of ladies."

---

THE  MORMONS: -- The following letter is published in the N. Y. Herald:

HEAD QUARTERS, NAUVOO LEGION}
CITY OF NAUVOO, Aug. 4, 1842     }

GENERAL ORDER.

As General John C. Bennett has retired from the service, General James Arlington Bennett, the next ranking officer, is hereby ordered to repair forthwith to the Head Quarters of the Legion and assume the command, accompanied by his chief Aid-de-Camp, General James Gordon Bennett.

The requisition from the Executive of Missouri, on the Executive of Illinois, for the person of Lieutenant General (at the instance of their accomplice, Dr. John C. Bennett,) for the attempted assassination of Ex-Gov. Boggs, makes it necessary that the most able and experienced officers should be in the field, for if the demand is persisted in, blood must be shed.

By order of Lt. Gen. JOSEPH SMITH,
              HUGH MCFALL,
              Adjutant General.

This will be conveyed to New York by John Slade, Esq., who is just leaving the city for the East to watch Dr. Bennett's movements.

Bennett can't say what James Arlington Bennett will do in the premises. but General James Gordon Bennett most decidedly won't go.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Developments.

Gen. Bennett's third meeting, in exposure of the rascalities of Joe Smith, took place on Friday last, in the Church at the corner of Crystie and Delancy streets, New York. The subject for the evening (we learn from the Sun) being an account of Joe's amorous propensities, no ladies were admitted, and the audience consisted of some two hundred men and boys -- admitted at the rate of one shilling a head -- all of whom seemed highly edified with the somewhat peculiar narration to which they were permitted to listen. According to the General's account, there is a precious state of morals existing among the leaders of the new sect, and if half of his statements be true, they all tichly merit suspension not from the church merely, but from the gallows. Bennett went on to say that Joe had a band of men called Danites, who were always ready to do his will, that several of them were lurking about New York, now, to assassinate him. Upon this a man in the assembly mounted the rostrum, declared himself to be the captain of the Danites, and expressed a wish to address the audience, but there was immediately a general row, the lights were extinguished and the audience made their way out of the building in the best manner they could.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Joe Smith has had a "call." -- The State Register of the 26th utl. -- the semi official organ of the Mormons in Illinois -- contains the following information, as to the whereabouts of its Master: -- "Joe Smith the Mormon prophet, has recently received an important revelation, which requires him to be in England in a short time. It is rumored that he has already departed for Washington where he is required to perform a great miracle.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> We should like to know what Elder Page has to say for Joe Smith now.


Note: The Morning Post's jibe at LDS Apostle John E. Page may be viewed in the context that the top leader of his religious group, Joseph Smith, Jr., had for several weeks been lambasted in the pages of the local press as a monster and a whoremonger. Page replied to the Morning Post with a letter published in its number of Sep. 17, 1842.

==> Elder Page's defence of Joe Smith will appear to-morrow.

---

Mr. Joseph Arny.

This first convert to Mormonism in this city, has renounced the humbug. He was the first man who stood up in Irwin's Long Room, and will be remembered by many of his friends that he was Baptized by Elder Page in a cold day last winter in the Allegheny river. Since that time he has advocated the doctrines of the Latter Day Saints in Steubenville, Wellsbutgh and Bethany. He visited the Prophet, in company with other converts from this city, and had the [intimate] satisfaction to learn from the mouth of that imposter that Pittsburgh might yet be saved as there was enough of holy men in it to save it.

But since that time he has been convinced that Mormonism is a humbug and that it is impossible to follow the prophet in all his various windings. In consequence of such discovery he publicly renounced Mormonism in the Disciples Church, Wellsburg, Va,. a few weeks ago.


Note: Joseph Arny (or Arney) was the first Mormon convert baptized at Pittsburgh -- the "journeyman baker" mentioned in the Iron City of Feb. 12, 1842. Elder Richard Savery was probably the second male convert in the LDS Pittsburgh branch. For more on Arney's defection from the Mormons see the Iron City of Sep. 17, 1842.

MORMONISM!

MESSERS. EDITORS. -- In looking over your columns of the 15th inst. I found the following words: "We should like to know what Elder Page has to say for Joe Smith now."

It is well known that there are more Joe Smiths than one, and probably there are more Elder Pages than one. I suppose however that the Smith referred to is Mr. Joseph Smith, Jr. the Prophet of the Latter Day Saints, called Mormons; and the Page referred to, my humble self. If I am mistaken, please excuse me.

Respected Sirs: I haste to let you know what I have to say for Mr. Smith.

1st. I have been acquainted with him, politically and religiously, for much of the time of seven years. As a politician I know him to be a sound democrat, according to the true spirit and policy of our illustrious revolutionary fathers of 1776; -- which was this, as I view it: "The greatest amount of Liberty to the greatest number of persons,"

2. As a religious man, I have ever found him to be virtuous, just and upright; firm and steady in the discharge of his duty to his family, his neighbors, the world, and the church of Christ. -- And while he was a prisoner in the dreary prisons of the state of Missouri, he was patient and resigned, though bound in chains and fetters of iron.

As a prophet, I have found him to be all he professes to be thus far. I cannot believe him to be guilty of what he is accused, for the following reasons: 1st. It would be impolite for his own interest; secondly, it would be strictly against the chaste and virtuous principles of the Gospel of Christ, which he so earnestly contends for. Our society of Saints at Nauvoo is made up of emigrants principally from the states, and some from the different populous cities of Europe and the Canadas. We have cut about an average slice with other churches out of the great mass of mankind as they rise; some high, some low, some rich and some poor, some learned and some unlearned, some as Jesus said we should do, we have "gathered of all kinds, both good and bad,"

I think Mr. Smith knows as well as your honors, or myself, that if he should be guilty of those things of which he is accused by his enemies, that the whole church of Latter Day Saints, called Mormons, would forsake him at once and leave him to enjoy the society of his own shame and confusion. But it will take more than mere ipse dixit debauchees, to convict him of such crimes as adultery, fornication, theft, treason, etc. For these things have been charged on him by his enemies, ever since and before he had found one to receive him as a prophet.

The excitement lately got up by J. C. Bennett, is not the first by twenty-nine in twelve years; all an "Expose of Mormonism;" which proves to be the most easy and expeditious means of catching a penny these hard times.

I say I must and will receive Mr. Joseph Smith jr. as a good man, and a prophet, until he is fairly, reasonably and rationally proved to be otherwise. As far as I can understand, by a strict and critical research of the Scriptures, [on] what constitutes a prophet -- by the research of the book of Mormon, and the book of Doctrine and Covenants -- which last mentioned books have come forth to the gaze and scrutiny of this, the nineteenth century, thro' Mr. J. Smith, jr. -- I must say he is a Prophet. If he should ever be found guilty of crime, I shall do by him as I do by David and Solomon of old; I shall disdain the act of crime as much in the character of Joseph Smith as in David and Solomon, and yet as readily retain the word of the Lord, given through Mr. Smith, as through David and Solomon, as long as they appear to be clothed with the same Divine authority, by the participation of the promises, and the fulfilment of prophecy.

Let it be distinctly understood, that the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants is as strict against crimes such as Mr. Smith is accused of, as the New Testament is. If we are wrong in believing in these Books, where is that good Christian Samaritan that will come forward and redeem us by showing us the better way; our places of worship are open, and we are teachable. What missionary society will send a faithful and efficient missionary to Nauvoo, to save the Mormons. Try it.

Lest I tax your clemency too high, I close, sirs; but if you or any of your friends wish to know further particulars of Mr. Smith, such as I can give in truth, I will. I am, with respect, your friend and well wisher.

JOHN E. PAGE.      

Note 1: Apostle John E. Page attended the 1842 spring LDS Conference at Nauvoo, and there must have encountered the allegations and counter-allegations concerning the attempted solicitation of Miss Martha Brotherton as an intended plural wife for Brigham Young, through the active agency of Mormon President Joseph Smith, Jr. When Miss Brotherton's statement, detailing this attempted seduction into spiritual wifery was reprinted in the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle of July 26, 1842, Page remained apparently silent, and was not seen offering any published rebuttal in the columns of the local newspapers. Again, when Miss Brotherton's virtue was subsequently defamed by Elder William Small of the LDS Pittsburgh branch, and then firmly supported in the Morning Chronicle of July 27, 1842 by one of her friends, John E. Page continued his silence. In his response, as printed in the Post, Page appears to reaffirm Elder Small's accusation that factious Latter Day Saint sisters like Miss Brotherton were nothing but "prostitutes" -- or, at least ipse dixit debauchees.

Note 2: Apostle Page's true feelings about Joseph Smith's newly exposed secret polygamy may be revealed in his raising Smith to the same level as kings David and Solomon (both notorious for polygamous relationships) and then excusing him (Smith) of his ostensible sexual sins in the same way that orthodox religionists had long since excused David and Solomon. Page's use of this extraordinary analogy indicates that he probably knew of Smith's polygamy by this date --or, at least had heard such strong rumors to that effect that he could not in good faith ignore such public accusations out of hand.

Correspondence of the Morning Chronicle.

NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 1842.      

GENTLEMEN: You have of course seen a good deal in the newspapers... "General" Bennett, the great Mormon expounder, has been lecturing here, in conjunction with a Mr. "Origen Bachelor," on the enormities of Jo Smith and his harem at Nauvoo. The lectures were altogether the most shameless, obscene and beastly exhibitions ever conceived of. They have been laughed down by unanimous consent; and the only fault I can find with the matter is that "General" Bennett was not treated in a triumphal procession out of town, on a rail. Mormonism is undoubtedly bad enough; but Bennett is unquestionably quite as bad -- and, I am inclined to think, a great deal worse.

There -- I believe that is a little of every thing.     Yours,     P.

---

MORMONISM RENOUNCED. -- We are glad to learn that Mr. Joseph Arney, baker, the first convert to the doctrine of the Latter Day Saints in this city, has made a public renunciation of the faith, within a few days, at the Disciples' Meeting in Wellsburgh, Virginia. He was baptized last winter by Elder Page, took a pilgrimage to Nauvoo with other Pittsburgh Mormons, was much gratified with a sight of the holy temple and an interview with holy JOE, but being unable to keep pace with the revelations of that prophet has left them. We notice this for the information of his numerous friends.


Note: These two articles first appeared in an as yet unlocated issue of the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle. See the Daily Post of Sep. 16, 1842 for more on Joseph Arney.

Another Attempt to Arrest Jo. Smith.

We learn from the Quincy Herald that another attempt has been made to arrest Smith and Rockwell, which, like previous efforts, proved to be an abortion. Writs for their arrest were placed in the hands of Messrs. King and Pitman, and on the same evening, in company with Mr. Ford and five or six others, they started for Nauvoo. Notwithstanding the officers endeavored to keep the whole proceeding secret, the news of their intentions and errand reached Nauvoo before them; and about two hours before they arrived there, Joe Smith had taken his departure.

---

To the Editors of the Morning Post.      

The following extract, from a communication in the 'Post' this morning, from John E. Page, merits a passing notice. He says: "if we (Mormons) are wrong in believing in these Books (of Doctrine and Covenants) where is that good Christian Samaritan that will come forward and redeem us by showing us the better wayl our places of worship are open, and we are teachable." Often has John E. Page used language similar to this in his addresses to the public. But what he intends to convey by it would be difficult to determine. I tested the sincerity of his professions, on this point, some time ago. Good Christian Samaritan, or not, I came forward, and that too, in the most respectful manner, to show them the better way, by publicly discussing scriptural subjects with John E. Page, nut how was I met? -- Why conditions carefully concealed until I came forward were immediately imposed, as indispensible to the enjoyment of even this paltry privilege. What these conditions were, John E. Page can tell full well. Should he neglect, however, to do so, I may trouble you again, not only with the humiliating conditions, but also with some accompanying remarks thereon.

"A fish too small for John E. Page to catch."
Pittsburgh, Sep'r. 17, 1842.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The St. Louis Bulletin, of the 28th ult., says that the last Quincy Herald represents that Gov. Carlin had been fairly whipped out in his attempts to arrest Smith and Rockwell, and adds that the Mormons will not give them up, but [will] fight to the last.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Bennett delivers his lectures in Boston, dressed in the uniform of a Major General of the Nauvoo Legion.

==> The wife of the notorious Morgan, of Anti-Masonic memory, is said to be at Nauvoo, being now the better half of Harris.

Note: The "Harris" here mentioned was George W. Harris, a silversmith from Batavia, NY, turned Mormon, who was a member of the LDS High Council at Nauvoo and later at Kanesville. His wife, Lucinda Morgan Harris, almost certainly became a plural wife of Joseph Smith, Jr., at Far West, Missouri in 1838.

Messrs. Editors: -- I was somewhat surprised after the continued discussion of Mormonism in the Chronicle, you should already, in the infancy of your undertaking, begin to fill the columns of the Post with dry and uninteresting articles from the pen of one of the Mormon Prophets, and from that of an anonymous scribbler probably the same who wrote for the Chronicle.

If it is the intention of this discussion to put down Mormonism, I for one think it is going to have a very different effect; by noticing such a hunbug, you bring it before the people, and bring an otherwise obscure and contemptible alledged religion into public view, and at once destroy the very object of your opposition,

It is not my intention to enter the arena of Mormon discussion, and I leave it to your good sence whether the columns of your paper might not be better and more usefully occupied.
                                    A SUBSCRIBER.


We would inform "A Subscriber" that we have no intention to revive a discussion of Mormonism; the subject is as dry, stale and unprofitable to us as it can possibly be to any of our readers. -- Eds.

Note: Following this declaration by the editor of the Post, and after his printing of another John E. Page letter in the paper on Sep. 26th, the topic of local Latter Day Saintism mostly dissappeared from the columns of the Pittsburgh papers for several months. The Post allowed Apostle Page a brief comment or two in its columns of Dec. 8th, but the paper's editor largely continued to ignore Pittsburgh Mormonism until the first half of 1844, when he commenced printing a series of articles supporting the Solomon Spalding claims for Book of Mormon authorship during.

                                               For the Morning Post.
Mormonism.

Messrs. Editors -- Sirs, in your columns of the 20th inst., I find an anonymous article, written by some person who thinks himself "too small a fish" for me to "catch."

This is to say, Sirs, that a fish too small to bear a name, I do not desire to catch, for all the good fish will have a name, written in the "Lamb's Book of Life," and consequently will be "gathered into vessels," while "the bad will be cast away."

I wish to say to the public, that all and every thing that is required by me, of any gentleman that wishes to discuss with me the subject of my religious faith, is simply this: I wish to know them, by public report, or by letters of commendation, from some society, or gentlemen, of good report, that I may have some warrant; to know the applicant is of respectable character worthy of public attention.

Yea I speak for myself, and the church to which I belong, and say that we would be happier, yes, very happy, indeed, to see any respectable character come to our places of worship, and treat us respectifully, and redeem us from our errors, if error we believe; on this condition; we must have the privilege of having half the say. The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments being the rule of test.   Yours, respectfully,
                                    JOHN E. PAGE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

We reluctantly decline publishing the [reply of a] correspondent to Elder Page. The subject [of religion] is one which our readers take [seriously?] and one of which we believe the public [is] heartily sick.

Note: Thus ended the exchange between LDS Apostle John E. Page and his "little fish" adversary in the pages of the Pittsburgh Daily Morning Post. Page managed to get a final letter printed in the paper's columns on Dec. 8th, and a notice of his debates with William Hick in its issue of Dec. 13th, however.

A KEEN BOY. -- At the late excitement at Nauvoo, a man rode up and enquired of a boy where Joe Smith was, thinking thereby to pump the boy and arrest Smith from the information. The boy replied that the prophet had ascended to heaven on Hyram Smith's White Horse, and he was just preparing a kite to send his dinner to him. The man put spurs to his horse and rode off saying there was no finding out anything by a Mormon. -- Cin. Mic.


Note: This same article from the Cincinnatti paper was also reprinted in the Pittsburgh Daily Morning Post on Oct. 20, 1842.

Mr. Orson Pratt publishes a communication in the Nauvoo Wasp, in which he states that he has not left the Mormons; but makes no mention of Joe Smith's attack on the virtue of his wife. -- Sangamo Journal.


Pratt would deny the statements in regard to those if he could, for it has been every where published, and both he and his wife have been publicly appealed to say if it was not true. His not denying it in his communication to the Wasp, is an admission of its truth. Therefore his saying he is yet with the Mormons, is simply a declaration, that, notwithstanding Joe Smith's attempt on the chastity of his wife, he still recognizes Joe as his prophet, sent by God upon earth for the regeneration of mankind -- and womankind. This is one of the queerest phenomena in the whole circle of animal being. White men may be gratified that they are not negroes; negroes may rejoice that thy are not monkeys; but monkeys may chatter thanks to their stars that they are not Mormons. -- Louisville Journal.


Note: The Louisville Journal had previously published a number of articles on the Mormons, including two original letters written by John C. Bennett. Orson Pratt's rebuttal in the Nauvoo Wasp (against allegations made concerning Joseph Smith's attempt to add his wife to Smith's "harem") carefully avoided addressing the primary point comprising those allegations.

Somebody in St. Louis has written a play called "Mormonism," which is about to be brought out at the theatre. It is a rich subject, and if well handled by author and actors, cannot fail to succeed.

Notes: (forthcoming)

==> A Mormon minister lately preached a sermon in Nauvoo. In supplicating grace he said -- 'Lord have mercy upon all fools and idiots, and particularly upon the members of the Town Council of Nauvoo!'

Notes: (forthcoming)

Governor Reynolds, of Missouri, has offered a reward of six hundred dollars for the apprehension of Orrin Porter Rockwell, charged with the crime of feloniously shooting Gov. Boggs, with the intent 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.


Notes: (forthcoming)

It is rumored that Joe Smith has been arrested, and is now in the hands of the proper officers awaiting his trial.

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon town of Nauvoo is situated on a high promontory overlooking the Rapids of the Mississippi, and is the head-quarters of Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet. A fact not before known, and which accounts for the hostility manifested towards him by Missouri, is, that he is a runaway slave from that state. His town is strongly garrisoned, and almost inaccessible to any assailing party; and he has bid defiance to the surrounding states. It is generally believed in America that it is his intention to free the slaves of the South, and, placing himself at their head, make himself master of the West. He is the head of the great abolitionist party in that country.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Common Law is lex scriptor or lex non scriptor." --
N. Y. Aurora.

Where's JOE SMITH?

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon City. -- The Mormon city of Nauvoo has grown to be quite a considerable place. It stretches along the river bank for more than three miles, and reaches back into the country about the same distance. -- Each house built on an acre lot, which the occupant cultivates; the place was begun in 1839, and such has been its rapid growth that it now contains a population of 10,000 souls and the num ber is rapidly increasing. It is 200 miles above St. Louis, and upon the Mississippi river at the head of the Desmoines rapids. They have two extensive steam saw mills, a large steam flour mill -- a tool factory, on a handsome scale -- a foundry -- and a company of considerable wealth from Stafordshire, England, who are establishing the manufacture of the English China ware. They have many extensive public buildings in the course of construction, besides the famous temple, and there are a very large number of houses and stores in the progress of construction. How a man of Joe Smith's talents could ever gather around him such a confederacy can be explained only by the innate credulity of mankind and the ignorance of a large portion of the people. No scholars read the Mormon Bible without perceiving its glaring mistakes. It is a very ignorant attempt to deceive [those as ignorant as the writer]... -- Saturday Evening Post.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith has not been caught yet -- nor will he be. He's hid in some corner, and is issuing revelations by the dozen.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Bennett, the anti-Mormon lecturer, has got up a work in Boston, exposing his late associates, the Mormons, illustrated with engravings. It is spoken of as a most fishy dish -- one that will only agree with most vitiated and foul appetites.

Note: The book mentioned above was, of course, John C. Bennett's 1842 History of the Saints. The best that might be said about its reception at that time was that it received "mixed reviews."

Mormons Coming!

A Liverpool (England) paper says that the emigration of the Mormons from that port, is daily increasing. Notwithstanding the rascalities of their apostle, Joe Smith, having been so often denounced and exposed, these well meaning but deluded enthusiasts continue to leave their native country by hundreds, in order to swell the number of his dupes on this side of the Atlantic. The class of persons thus emigrating are represented to be in appearance and worldly circumstances above the ordinary run of steerage passengers. The bulk of them are from the midland counties -- farmers and farmers' servants, with their wives and families. Upwards of 5000 have already emigrated and an equal number will probably leave before spring. As no better freight is offering, the New Orleans vessels are taking these disciples of the knavish blacksmith at a very low figure. The Sydney, for instance, only received £ 115 for 180 of the Mormons, while the Henry had agreed to carry 140 for £ 100 -- little more than fifteen shillings a head!


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons Coming!

[100?] Mormons recently left Addison, Vt. for Nauvoo.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism going it with a rush. --

Three Mormon Elders from Nauvoo, have baptised 206 persons (at 25 cts per head!) on a branch of the Chagrin river. They may sometimes feel chagrined at their conduct.

Note: If the report this mass baptism in 1842 can be believed, it must have taken place near Kirtland, Ohio. At about this time the Mormon leadership was pursuing plans to reinvigorate the remnant of Saints still living in that place.

[Jo Smith,] the Mormon Prophet, is said [to be] in New York.

[---------] : Joe is at Nauvoo doing a [miracle?] in his usual way.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism.

We find in the Boston Bulletin, a review of the work recently published by the notorious Bennett, giving a history of the rise and progress of the "Latter Day Saints" from the early days of Joe Smith, to the present time. No confidence can be placed in the assertions of a man, so hardened in villany and hypocrisy, as the author of this book; yet, among the innumerable lies and perversions which, no doubt characterize the work, much truth may be found. The history of Joe Smith is nteresting, as portraying a man ambitious, deceitful, and possessing a degree of cunning, which fits him remarkably well for the task which he has so successfully carried out.

The family of Smiths, consisting of an old man with three or four sons, lived in the Western part of New York; their only employment was "digging for money," which occupation brought them into communion with the departed spirits, which spirits, they supposed, had the 'collecting, safekeeping, and disposing' of the hidden treasures. The experience which Joe acquired in his avocation, soon led him to make the discovery that some people were easily gulled, which discovery suggested to him the idea of distinguishing himself by establishing a new religion. Having a profound knowledge of human nature, he soon succeeded in gaining followers, principally from the ignorant and superstitious.

The discovery of the book of gold is thus related: -- "He repaired to the place of deposit and demanded the book, which was in a stone box, and so near the top of the ground that he could see one end of it, and raising it up took out the book of gold; but fearing some one might discover where he got it, he laid it down to place back the top stone as he found it; and turning round, to his surprise there was no book in sight. He again opened the box, and in it saw the book; and attempted to take it out, but was hindered. He saw in the box, something like a toad, which assumed the appearance of a man and struck him on the side of his head. Not being discouraged at trifles, he again stooped down and strove to take the book, when the spirit struck him again and knocked him three or four rods, and hurt him prodigiously."

The Golden Bible, or Book of Mormon, was first published in 1830, being written much in the style of the old Testament, and giving an account of the departure of the Lost Tribes of Israel from Jerusalem under command of Nephi and Lehi -- their journey by land and sea, till they arrived in America -- their quarrels and contentions until the Nephites were entirely destroyed by the children of Lehi, who afterwards dwindled in unbelief, and became a dark, loathsome, and filthy people -- to wit, the American Indians.

The first Mormon Church consisted of six members; and after a number of converts the prophet received a revelation from Heaven, that the "Saints" should remove to Kirtland, Ohio, and there take up their abode. Many obeyed the command -- selling their possessions, and helping each other to settle in the spot designated. The place was the Head Quarters of the church and the residence of the Prophet until 1838.

The leaders in this community having become deeply involved in debt, by trading and their efforts to erect a Temple, in 1837 the far famed Kirtland Bank was put into operation without a charter. When the notes were first issued, they were current in the vicinity and Smith took advantage of their credit to pay off with them the debts he, and his brethren, had contracted in the neighborhood for land, &c. -- The eastern creditors, however, refused to take them. This led to the expedient of exchanging for notes of other banks. -- Acordingly the elders were sent off thro' the country to barter off Kirtland money, which they did, with great zeal, and continued the operation, until the notes were not worth twelve and a half cents to the dollar. As might have been expected, this institution, after a few months, exploded, involving Smith and his brethren in inextricable difficulties. The consequence was, that he and most of the members of the church, set off in the spring of 1838, for Far West, Mo., being pursued by their creditors, but to no effect, (pps. 135, 136.)

Previous to the breaking up of the company [in Kirtland] [---------] [-------] [a handful?] had emigrated to Missouri, where having become very arrogant, claiming the land as their own by a title durectly from the Lord, and making the most haughty assumptions -- they had so exasperated the citizens, that in several places where they attempted to locate, mobs were raised to drive them from the country. Smith and his associates from Kirtland, brought them to a stand. His Apostles and Elders were instructed to preach that it was the will of the Lord, that all his followers should assemble in Caldwell county, Mo., and possess the kingdom -- that power would be given to them to do so, and that the children of God were not required to go to war at their own expense. It was estimated that the Mormons now numbered in this country, and in Europe, about 40,000. The scenes of depredation which brought on the Missouri war -- a struggle between the Mormons and civil authorities of the state -- are matter of history. The result was their entire expulsion from the state -- and the capture of Smith and several of the ringleaders, who after several months' imprisonment, found means of making their escape to Illinois, whither their comrads had been driven.

The Mormons, as a body, arrived in Illinois in the early part of 1839. At this time they presented a spectacle of destitution and wretchedness, almost unexampled. This, together with their tales of persecution and privation, wrought powerdully upon the sympathies of the citizens, and caused them to be received with the greatest hospitality and kindness. In the winter of 1840 -- they applied to the legislature of this state to charter the City of Nauvoo, which is situated on the Mississippi river at the head of the Lower Rapids -- a site equal in beauty to any on the river. -- They asked also, for other and peculiar chartered privileges, and such was the desire to secure their political favor, that they were granted for the asking. The progress of the church, from this time to May 1842 was rapid; the city of Nauvoo having reached a population of 10,000 in number -- the legion, consisting of 2,000 soldiers, well drilled and disciplined; and the whole Mormon strength, as has been publicly stated, being about 100,000 souls. The Prophet was in frequent communion with Heaven and taught that his Nauvoo was a resting place only, that there was to be a great gathering of all the Saints, to conquer Missouri, and rear the great Temple in Zion, from which they had been driven, and build the new Jerusalem there.

The story of the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, and the several rumors of the arrest of Joe Smith and Rockwell, together with the revolting tales of the prophet's "Amours," &c., are familiar to our readers.

The true origin of the Book of Mormon is this: Solomon Spaulding, of Conneaut, Ohio, during his leisure hours, wrote for his own amusement, a historical romance, which he read in manuscript to several personal friends, who testify to its identity. He came to Pittsburgh in 1812, with the view of getting the book published, and it was left at the office of Mr. Patterson. He was never heard from again, but how Joe Smith got possession of the "manuscript found" remains a mystery.


Note 1: The editor of the Morming Post does not indicate how much of this report was reprinted from the Boston Bulletin. Presumably this entire article was take from some other paper, perhaps from one published in Cincinnatti. The article ends with a direct reference to the Spalding manuscript having been "left at the office of Mr. Patterson" in Pittsburgh; and yet, no subsequent articles in the Morming Post follow up on this important allegation. In fact, the whole matter of the authorship of the Book of Mormon appears to drop out of sight in the Pittsburgh papers, until the Post finally resurrected the Spalding claims in articles it published during the first half of 1844.

Note 2: The dearth of Spalding-related articles in the Pittsburgh papers from the end of 1842 through the first months of 1843 became so severe that LDS Apostle John E. Page was forced to turn to the Philadelphia Saturday Courier of Nov. 26, 1842 in order to cite a recent local report on the Spalding claims, while writing his The Spaulding Story at Pittsburgh during the first half of 1843.

'The Wasp.' published in Nauvoo, has changed its name to the 'Dove of the West.'

Note: This bit of gratuitous sarcasm on the part of the Morning Post editor prefigured the actual demise of Apostle William Smith's acrimonious and contentious paper published at Nauvoo. A few months after the Wasp's nemesis in Hancock county (Tom Sharp's Warsaw Signal newspaper) suspended publication, the LDS editors in Nauvoo became much more "neighborly," replacing William Smith's unloved sheet with the less caustic Nauvoo Neighbor.

Mormonism. -- An English paper states that a Mormon preacher who has been doing a stiff business in the town of Wolverhampton, gave the following description of his conversion to the new faith: He said that he prayed to God for fourteen days without receiving an answer, but just as the fortnight expired, he was struck dead; after which God commanded him to be baptized (by immersion). When he came to life he exclaimed, "Yes, Lord, I'll go! I'll go! even if the water is boiling hot!" Being baptized, he can, he says, work miracles, and speak in unknown tongues; of the latter he often gives specimens, but upon being asked for 'the interpretation thereof,' he declined


Notes: (forthcoming)

A Mormon Mutiny. -- It will be recollected that the late English papers spoke of a party of one hundred and sixty-eight English Mormons being on their way out to this country, with the design of colonizing with Joe Smith at Nauvoo. A letter from the active and intelligent Capt. Taylor, the boarding officer at the Balize, published in the N. O. Picayune, gives the next notice of their whereabouts.

Capt. Taylor, in one of his cruises, on the 14th inst., at the bar of the N. E. Pass, was hailed by Capt. Pierce, of the ship Henry, on board of which the Mormons were. Capt. T. boarded the ship, when he was informed by Capt. P. that the passengers were then and had been, in a state of mutiny, from the time they were three days out from Liverpool. At the request of Capt. Pierce, and on his affidavit, Capt. Taylor made prisoners of the Rev. John Snyder and two others, of whom Pierce pointed out as the ringleaders.

Capt. Taylor took the prisoners ashore with him. They have since been taken up to the city. -- N. Y. Sun.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Morning Post.      

Mormonism.

To the Hon. R. C. Grier:
Doth our law judge ant man before it hear him." -- Paul.

Sir: In the 'Benwick Sentinel" of the 17th of Nov. last, I noticed an article over your signature, addressed to the Hon. Ellis Lewis, on a question relative to the legal right of a clergyman going into another family and teaching doctrines and practising the ordinance of baptism on minors of the family, without the parents' consent, surely the case is a clear one, even the common mind could answer it distinctly. In your address I find a thrust made at the Mormons, unprovoked and uncalled for, in the following words:

"If the prosecutor was right in advising a child to disobey the wishes and instructions of a parent, and re-baptizing her, then the parent was wrong in opposing it; and if so, a jesuit may take a child to the nunnery, or a Mormon to Nauvoo, and I must submit to it with patience. But if I have a right -- and it is my most solemn duty to instruct my child in what I believe to be truth or orthodoxy, the Anabaptist has no more right to interfere with me, than the possessor of the golden plates, or any other apostle of Satan."

Why did you wield your pen unprovoked against the much abused and afflicted Mormons? Answer -- Upon the same principle that a Messiah was crucified, a Stephen stoned, a James slain, a Paul beheaded, a Rogers burned, a Columbus neglected, ridiculed & envied, a Newton counted mad and a Fulton laughed to scorn. In short, it is because you know not what it is.

Be it known to you, Sir, that the Mormons understand the principles of righteousness and propriety too well to meddle with children or servants without their parents' or masters' consent -- on Page 251 of our Book of "Doctrine and Covenants, the Discipline of our Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints," you may find the following sentence:

"It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptised contrary to the will of her husband, neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband.

"All children are bound by law to obey their parents; and to influence them to embrace any religious faith, or be baptised; or leave their parents, without their consent, is unlawful and unjust.

"We believe that all persons who exercise control over their fellow beings and prevent them from embracing the truth, will have to answer that sin."

Book of D. C. Page 255. -- "We do not believe it right to interfer with bound servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them. contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life thereby jeopardizing the lives of men; such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in servitude."

Yours respectfully,               
              JOHN E. PAGE.
Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, called Mormons.     

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism vs. Christian Socialism.

A controversy, which we think will not soon be brought to a close, has been commenced at Temperance Hall, between Elder John E. Page and Mr. Wm. Hick. -- Mr. Page sustains his faith (Mormonism) with his usual ability and ingenuity, and Mr. Hick advocates what he is pleased to call true Christianity. He contends that Christianity as expounded and practiced by church men of the present age, is not Christianity at all. The spirit of true Christianity, according to the peculiar notions of Mr. Hick, dous not recognize [com---ion] in the pursuits of life, as honest, [-----] great goal at which he aims is Socialism, somewhat like that of Owen and [Fourier].

We have not attended any of these debates, and are therefore unprepared to give any thing like a correct report of the sayings and doctrines of these champions of reform, and will not, therefore, attempt it. [But] all who wish to gain a knowledge of the mysterious doctrines of "the Latter Day Saints, called Mormons," and to become acquainted with the creed of the Socialists [should] attend. They will be amused at [that].


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Mr. Hick is to use up Mormonism to crack up Socialism, at Temperance Hall this evening, so he says.

Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Alpheus Harmon, a preacher of Mormonism, and his nephew, Orsey Harman, were frozen to death on the prairie between Carthage and Nauvoo, Ill., on the 17th ult.

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Temple. -- This spacious edifice has been completed. Its cost will be about $200,000! Joe Smith is now erecting another building on a like scale of cost and splender, as a public hotel, to be called the "Nauvoo House." The scathing exposition of his knavish impostures seems to have very little effect upon his success.


Note: Of course the Nauvoo Temple was nowhere near completion at the end of 1842 and still was not entirely finished as late as its abandonment by the Mormons in 1846. Nevertheless, several newspapers carried this same erroneous report. For a more accurate report see the Morning Chronicle of June 14, 1843.

A  REFORMER.

It is said by a daily paper of this city, that Alexander Campbell is out in his Harbinger against Christians joining the societies of Masons and Oddfellows. Thus, after the battle has been fought, and the victory won a half dozen years or more, and scarcely a bleached bone of the vice is to be found upon the field, this redoubtable champion and pioneer of the Millennium, come forwards, brandishing his sword, and threatens slaughter upon the fallen foe. From this specimen of courage, we may expect that ten years after the huge sin of slavery is conquered, without his aid, he will promptly arrive at the field of battle, and prepare for the contest! Brave Reformer!

When John the Harbinger heralded the approach of the kingdom of love, righteousness, and peace, he admonished all classes against their sins. But, what sort of a Millennium will that be, in which, one member of the church lashes the back of another, sells his wife and his children, and robs him of his labor and all his rights? What a Harbinger is he, that has no rebuke for such a sin! What does he contribute toward ushering in the glorious period of universal liberty, love and peace? A "Harbinger" bringing up the rear!


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE  SMITH  SURRENDERED! -- On the 31st ult. this great Mormon rascal surrendered himself voluntarily to the Sheriff, at Springfield, Ill., and immediately took out a writ of habeas corpus, and gave bail in $2,000 for his appearance before the U. S. Circuit Court, on the 4th inst.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, has been discharged from custody, by the U. S. Circuit Court, on the ground that he was not a fugitive from justice, fleeing from the State of Missouri, which was the case contemplated by the Constitution of the United States. We presume this decision is correct -- but, allowing that Joe sent Rockwell from Illinois, to assassinate Governor Boggs, in Missouri,) how is the felon to be punished -- and where?

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons. -- An effort was made in the Illinois Legislature to repeal the charter granted the Mormons of Nauvoo, but it was laid on the table by a vote of 60 yeas to 43 nays. A brother of Smith, the prophet, who is a member of the House made a violent speech against it.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH. -- The Springfield (Ill,) Journal of the 12th inst., says:

"We understand that another requisition will be made upon the Governor of this State for Joseph Smith, under the former indictments, which charge him with robbery, arson, treason, and murder. For this purpose the indictments referred to are to be reinstated. The requisitions will probably include many individuals. The affidavit under the last requisition was manifestly defective, but in this case, those concerned do not believe that any legal objection against the requisition can be made."


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE  SMITH  AT  HOME. -- The Burlington Hawkeye of the 19th says: A friend of ours visited Nauvoo on Monday last. Joe Smith was bragging of his recent release, and the Mormons seemed as fond of him as ever. The story in the eastern papers about the completion of the temple is all a hoax. Our informant, with others, went to some of the cells under the temple, which are separated by walls several feet thick. Some think they are intended as sleeping rooms for the obdurate anti-mormons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons. -- There are 50,000 of them in the United States. How many Millerites are there?

Note 1: The estimation of there being 50,000 Mormons in the United States in 1843 was probably too high. By this time the church's greatest harvest of converts was occurring in Europe.

Note 2: The Post of the following day, the 15th, has no Mormon items, but its "Letters Remaining in the Post Office" list shows that Apostle John E. Page had neglected to pick up two letters addressed to him.

A Mormon Paper -- Our exchange papers are all talking about the Mormons having started a paper in this city. This is an error. They did talk of it, but now, so far from starting a paper here, they contemplate starting themselves, for Nauvoo.


Note: LDS Apostle John E. Page published the first issue of The Gospel Light at Pittsburgh in June 1843. Following that failed experiment he seems to have temporarily moved his operations to Philadelphia. If he published anything in the latter city, no copies have survived. The second number of The Gospel Light published at Pittsburgh appeared in Feb. 1844.

The great Anti-Mormon, J. C. Bennet, is now in Plymouth, where he is about to take unto himself a "better half."

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon City abolished. -- In the Illinois Legislature on the 27th ult., the Senate the law creating the Nauvoo legion military corps. They also repealed the Charter of the Mormon City of Nauvoo. The vote in favor of the latter was 22 to 11. Members of the Senate were very free in their expressions of disgust at Mormonism, and, from appearances, we judge that Smith and his dupes will not be supported any longer by special legislation in their favor.


Note 1: A truncated version of this same erroneous notice appeared in the Washington Niles Register on April 1, 1843 -- a fitting day for the publication of such an "April fool" story. As to repealing the Nauvoo charters -- it was not until 1845 that the Illinois Legislatue finally got around to carrying out its duty in this regard.

Note 2: The Post of the 30th carried no Mormon items, other than a reminder to Apostle John E. Page, that his two letters were still waiting for him at the Post Office.

Gen. Bennett, the great Mormon seceder. is in Plymouth, Mass., where he is about to be married. We can't say we think much of the lady's taste.

Notes: (forthcoming)

More Mormons. -- The Picayune states that on about the 15th inst. three hundred Mormons arrived at that city from Liverpool, in the ship Swanton. They are on their way to Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism. -- The Cincinnati Enquirer says that since the cat [ate] up Jo Smith's Holy Ghost, which used to descend at his bidding in the shape of a tame dove, Mormon miracles are like angels' visits in other parts of this wicked world -- "few and far between."


Note 1: The old account of the devious minster who makes use of a tame dove to impersonate the descent of the "Holy Ghost" upon his shoulders while he is preaching at the pulpit, is a "twice told story." Arthur B. Deming revived the tale, as it had been applied it to Joseph Smith, in his 1888 newspaper, Naked Truths About Mormonism. See Stephen H. Hart's statement, Mrs. Barber's statement and the unattributed statement in "Who Killed the Smiths?." This last account says, "at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, that Jo Smith said the Holy Ghost would come down in the form of a dove, when he called him. Jo called many times. Then a voice from upstairs said the rat had eaten the Holy Ghost."

Note 2: The Cincinnati Enquirer account, alluded to in the above report, may have been the first time the "devious minister and the dove" story was associated with Joseph Smith. The basic notion was not alien to Mormonism however. Smith himself described the bird figure in his 1842 publication of the "Book of Abraham" graphics as a the Holy Ghost descending in the form of a dove. And, in a portion of the Book of Mormon supposedly written six centuries before the birth of Christianity, the ancient writer Nephi says "the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove."

The Mormons have purchased a tract of land just below Burlington on the Mississippi river, containing several sections, and are about to commence a settlement there.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons. -- We understand that upeards of fifty mormons took passage on the steam boat "New World" on Saturday. -- Their destination is the holy city of Nauvoo. They are principally English who have left the "old world" to seek a home in the new, where the civil and religious rights of all are alike respected and tolerated.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON DEMONSTRATION IN MISSOURI. -- The Picayune of the 5th gives an account of the murder of Chaves, the Santa Fe trader, and justifies the brigands on the Arkansas river. A letter in the same paper from Mr. Field, dated St. Louis, April 29, says, "Since the news of Warfield's operations on the Sante Fe trail came in by Weston, the mail contractor has arrived here, reporting the town of Independence beset by Mormons, and residents all in great alarm. The followers of Jo Smith are prowling about outside the city, in great numbers, and their supposed object is the rescue of the man who is there in jail for the attempted assassination of ex-Governor Boggs. There seems every prospect that we shall pass through some exciting scenes on our route upward, and perhaps encounter more dangers than we anticipated."


Notes: (forthcoming)

The following paragraphs were written by Elder Page, and left at our office with the request that we would insert them in our editorial columns, which we accordingly do to oblige the Elder. We are gratified to observe this inclination on the part of Mr. Page, to abandon the absurdities of Mormonism; we always supposed that he was aman of too much sense to be led astray for any length of time by such an impostor as Joe Smith,

Mormonism and Millerism.

There is no doubt but the motive or doctrine of Father Miller concerning the end of the World in 1843, will pass away with the passing year, and thus expose itself to all that live to see one twelve-months from this date, that the great excitement called Millerism is a humbug, in the full sense of the word.

Wonder if Joe Smith or any of his coadjutors are willing to commit themselves as Father Miller has done, on any point Joe Smithism, so that the public may fix on some prominent point of Mormonism, to know when their humbug will explode itself. What say you, Elder Page?


Note: The first paragraph of the above "insertion" echoes the sentiments expressed in the Nauvoo Neighbor, and reprinted in the July 15, 1843 issue of Niles Register. Something similar was said in the Feb. 15, 1843 issue of the Times and Seasons. The wordsing of the second paragraph has a Millerite ring to it and may have been written for a Philadelphia or Pittsburgh Adventist audience. If John E. Page penned an answer to the second paragraph, the Post neglected to publish his response -- and thus the article turned into a journalistic jest at Page's expense.

Mormons -- Nauvoo -- More Humbug. -- Gen. Jo Smith, (the prophet) mayor of Nauvoo, has published a proclamation in the Nauvoo Wasp, addressed to the citizens of the holy city, stating that there exists, up and down the Mississippi, and round about the city of Nauvoo, a band of desperadoes, bound by the oaths of secrecy, under severe penalties, and that he understands some of the members, who were, through falsehood and deceit, drawn into their snares, are, through fear of execution of said penalties on their persons, prevented from divulging their secret plans and depredations; the prophet mayor, therefore, grants and insures protection against all personal violence to each and every citizen of the holy city who freely and voluntarily come forward and truly make known the names of all such abominable characters.


Note: Having admitted that Mormons were associated with and involved in some of the criminal activities in the area of Nauvoo, Joseph Smith unfortunately neglects to state just how high up in the ranks of the LDS membership this criminal involvement has reached. Subsequent accounts would place certain members of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve among the criminals -- as a careful reading of Mormon charges later leveled at Sidney Rigdon, William Law, William Smith, etc., indicate (to say nothing of the non-Mormon accusations against members of that exalted rank). It is troubling for the modern student of Mormon history to consider that average Latter Day Saints, in and around Nauvoo, frequently followed the orders of high ranking Mormon "criminals" like John C. Bennett, without question, and thus became involved in secret dishonesty on a large scale.

The Mormons -and the Anti-masons. -- From late proceedings at the holy city of Nauvoo, it is made evident that there is a kindred feeling between the Anti-masons and Mormons. They both appear to be hostile to secret societies, and both offer rewards and indulgences to such members of these societies as will violate the promises of secrecy made to their brethren. -- The Anti-masonic Committee of this county [Allegheny] have issued an address, denouncing the lodge and calling on the true blue noses to use every effort to put it down, and Gen. Joe Smith, the propjet, Mayor of the city of Nauvoo, has published a proclamation in the Nauvoo Wasp, addressed to the citizens of the holy city, stating that there exists, up and down the Mississippi, and round about the city of Nauvoo, a band of desperadoes, bound by the oaths of secrecy, under severe penalties, and that he understands some of the members, who were, through falsehood and deceit, drawn into their snares, are, through fear of execution of said penalties on their persons, prevented from divulging their secret plans and depredations. The prophet Mayor, therefore, grants and insures protection against all personal violence to each and every citizen of the holy city who freely and voluntarily come forward and truly make known the names of all such abominable characters. The invitation will doubtless be generally responded to by the deluded Nauvooans, and the patriotic call sent forth from the Mormon Church by the Anti-masond of Allegheny, will be warmly approved by their saintly brethren in Nauvoo. The new names applied to the blue noses by Judge Baird -- that of the "Mormon Church party" -- is more appropriate than we at first considered, and will, perhaps, in the course of time, be adopted by them in preference to their old cognomen of Anti-masons.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The Mormons have had great times in Nauvoo. The Times and Seasons says, that the foundation of the Temple was crowded to excess with thousands of "Saints," whose faces beamed with gladness, as they listened to the "Prophet," Joseph Smith; even the walls were covered, and the grounds outside for some distance around the Temple,


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Gen John C. Bennett, the seceeding Mormon, is lecturing at Louisville.

Notes: (forthcoming)

An  Escape.

The St. Louis Republican of May 31st says Jas. Waton, who was arrested a short time since as a participator in stealing the treasury notes from the customs house in N. O., and O. P. Rockwell, the Mormon, who has been committed as the person who attempted to assassinate Gov. Boggs, made their escape about six days ago from the jail at Independence. The jailer visited them and when inside the room, they ran out, locking the door upon him. They had to pass the room where the jailer's wife was, and she gave the alarm. They succeeded in getting but a short distance before they were taken and brought back.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Nauvoo

A writer in the St. Louis Gazette, who lately visited Nauvoo, says he was informed by the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, that Nauvoo contains 16,000 souls. The temple has advanced about 16 or 20 feet above ground, and will take several years to finish it. It is estimated to cost from $300,000 to $400,000. The Nauvoo House, a splendid building intended for a Hotel, is in progress of erection.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet has applied for the benefit of the Bankrupt law, and is not yet discharged! Is he entitled to his "certificate and discharge," if he neglected to put down in his schedule of assets the golden plates of his Bible. The Cleveland Herald says that several of his creditors holding notes of the Kirtland Bank wait seriously a solution to the difficulty.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe  Smith  Nabbed.

The St. Louis Republican of the 30th ult., has the following: "News was bro't last evening by the steamer Osprey, that Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, has been arrested and placed in jail at Ottawa, and further, that when the intelligence reached Nauvoo, 200 horsemen of the legion started immediately for Ottawa, with the intention of liberating him. The steamboat Iowa has also been chartered at Nauvoo by the Mormons, and is at present ascending the Illinois river, with 150 men, to second the attack of the horsemen on Ottawa. Ottawa is situated up the Illinois, and is distant about 300 miles from this city. We believe Smith has been traveling in the Northern part of the State, for the purpose of keeping from the arrest made under the requisition of the Governor of this State, which accounts for his being lodged in jail at Ottawa."


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The Mormon paper called the Nauvoo Neighbor, is out pell-mell on what is called the Miller humbug, and expresses great surprise at the rapid growth of fanaticism in this country. How queerly Joe Smith must have looked while reading it.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith -- Fun in Prospect. -- We learn from the St. Louis Republican of the 23d inst. that Joe Smith was lately indicted in some of the upper counties in Missouri, for treason and murder, growing out of the Mormon war. Immediately thereafter a writ was issued and a messenger despatched to Springfield, Ill., with a requisition from the Governor of Missouri on the Governor of Illinois for the arrest and delivery of Smith. It was intended to keep the whole proceedings a secret, to secure Joe's arrest; but in some way or another the Mormons at Springfield got wind of what was going on, and despatched a messenger to Smith at Nauvoo. Smith has left for parts unknown, or at least keeps himself so concealed that he cannot be arrested. It is reported that Rockwell, who is in jail at Independence for the attempted assassination of Governor Boggs, has signified a willingness to turn State's evidence and reveal the whole plot and actors. If this be true, it probably furnishes an additional motive for Smith to keep out of the clutches of the law


Note: In a letter dated Aug. 14, 1843, Thomas Ford, the Governor of Illinois, summarized the matter in these words: "an indictment was found at a special term of the Davies Circuit Court, Missouri, held on the 5th day of June last, against Smith for treason. Upon this indictment the Governor of Missouri issued a requisition to the Governor of this State, demanding the arrest and delivery of Smith. A writ was thereupon duly issued by me for the apprehension and delivery of Smith as demanded. This writ was put into the hands of an officer of this state to be executed. The officer to whom it was directed immediately arrested Smith, and delivered him to Joseph H. Reynolds, the agent of Missouri, appointed to receive him. The writ has been returned to me as having been fully executed."

The Mormons. -- The last St. Louis New Era says the occurrences which led to the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri, and which were signalized by a savage and brutal vindictiveness on the part of a portion of her citizens, are said to have formed the ground work of the late charges against the prophet. If so, there can be little doubt that Jo Smith will escape from this new attack upon him, and thereby obtain still greater popularity with his followers. In that affair, the Mormons were more sinned against than sinning, and regard for the character of the State should lead them to say as little about it as possible. The indictment is a recent one, procured it is said, sometime last month, and this circumstance induces us to believe that there are other motives than a desire to see justice administered upon Joseph Smith, at the bottom of a proceeding which, if instituted at all, should have been commenced years ago.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The Women of Nauvoo are busily engaged in making ball cartridges.

==> The New York Messenger has a cut of an Ark at the head of his paper. The Phila. Ledger suggests that instead of the "Messenger" it should be called "Noah's Ark."

Note: Major M. M. Noah used the Masonic styled Noah's Ark symbol in the masthead of more than one of his New York newspapers -- apparently it was symbolic of his hopes to ship Jews to western New York by water. In 1843 the Mormons' own "gathering of Israel" was reaping the "harvest of Ephraim" in Europe and bringing the new converts to Nauvoo by ocean ship and river boat.

JOE  SMITH,  THE  MORMON.

The following account of an interview with Joe Smith, containing some curious particulars, is well worth reading. We take it from a communication concerning Iowa and the west in the Pittsburg Christian Advocate.

Nauvoo -- Joe Smith the Mormon --
a Controversy.

After remaining about two weeks in the territory, I took passage from Burlington in a boat laden with lead from the rich mineral region in the northern part of the territory. The river was very high, the wind blew a perfect gale, and the boat being laden with lead, rendered it very dangerous travelling. After proceeding down the river about thirty miles, we landed at Nauvoo where we were compelled to remain from early in the morning until night; this gave us an opportunity to visit Joseph Smith, and examine his establishment. Nauvoo is situated in Illinois, on the east shore of the Mississippi, and occupies a large bend of the river, which sweeps around from the north-east to the south-east, forming one of the most beautiful sites for a town on the Mississippi. I have no certain information in regard to the size of the city, but suppose from the houses scattered in every direction, that it embraces the whole bend, and the hill country beyond for some considerable distance, an area of some six or seven miles. The city is not very compactly built. There are, however, several blocks of buildings where the tenements join, and a number of fine large brick houses and others built of wood and painted white.

I started in company with brother Gaston, of the Ohio Conference, from the upper landing about 8 o'clock, A.M., to see the prophet (or rather the impostor.) We had to travel about two miles through the city before we came to Joe's residence. We were immediately admitted into the audience room by the master of ceremonies, and found his majesty engaged in conversation with the gentleman who had preceded us from the boat. The reader must bear in mind that at Nauvoo, Mr. Smith is prophet, priest and king, and will therefore pardon us if we use terms when speaking of him applicable to the character he claims. He was dressed in military costume, black morocco boots reaching to the knee, laced up at the side and tasseled off with silk, large gold spurs, white pantaloons, a splendid gold brooch, a military coat, with two splendid gold epaulettes, a military cap with three large black ostrich feathers, an elegant sword, and a large diamond ring on his finger. In conversation with strangers he is very affable, full of fun and frolic, and jovial as [can be?], except when talking on religion [when] he is quite dogmatical and [argumentative?] --

When we [joined? with?] those who had landed some time before and requested the privilege of lecturing upon phrenology and mesmerism. Joe said it was all a humbug got up to gull the people and get their money -- he had had his head felt one hundred times, and by some of the best phrenologists in the country. The phrenologist would come and place his hand upon the back of his head and say, "you have a large organ of amativeness," "you love the women." "And so I do," said Joe, "I acknowledge I love the women, and where is the man that don't," raising at the same time a great laugh in which we all joined heartily. I thought of Bennet's account of amours, and I suppose the rest of the company thought of it too, especially when they saw the number of handsome girls and women that were about his establishment. While Joe was conversing, an officer of high rank (I suppose by his uniform,) entered the room. He came in, bowing low as he entered, his cap in his right hand, and the despatches or papers in his left, and stood at my left hand, leaning a little forward, his head inclined to the right, with his [eyes] fixed intently upon his majesty, who was standing about eight feet in front. Without deigning to notice him, his majesty kept the officer standing in that position a long time, on purpose as I supposed, to let use see the perfect subserviency of the people. At length he gave him a nod when he stepped forward and delivered the papers.

Mr. Smith presently changed the conversation to that of a religious character. He said that there had been no Christianity since the days of Constantine until the Latter Day Saints. The church of Rome and the Protestant sects had become corrupt, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot -- yes, corrupt to the very extremity of the toe nail, (suiting the action to the word, and kicking out his foot violently at the same time.) The Methodist Church was not only corrupt as the rest, but they believed in blasphemous contradiction and absurdities. Their discipline reads, "God is a being without body or parts," -- who can understand or tell any thing about such a God; it is not the God of the Bible. And a little farther we read, "Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and Jesus Christ was crucified upon the cross;" and here is the Methodist God without body or parts crucified upon the cross! This he said with quite an air, and raised a laugh among the company at our expense. The company, as supposed, were not sufficiently acquainted with theology to understand these things, and there being an apparent absurdity in the way he had presented the subject, I thought a reply necessary, and had, in addition, to turn the laugh on Joe if possible. I accordingly rose and said: "As Mr. Smith has called the doctrines of the church, to which I had the honor of belonging, in question, I would be glad to reply if I could have the privilege of replying without interruption." "You shall have the privilege, sir," he repeated in a pompous manner, and sat down. I replied in substance as follows:

"Mr. Smith said correctly when he stated, we believed in a God without body or parts, and such is the God of the Bible. He is represented as being a Spirit, a pure spiritual essence, John 4:34, "High as the Heaven and deeper than hell," Job 11, 8. 'Behold the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee." 1 Kings 8, 27. "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven thou art there; if I make my bed in hell behold thou art there." Psalms 139:7, 10. "To whom then will ye liken God, or what likeness will ye compare unto him." Isa. 49, 10. "Do I not fill heaven and earth saith the Lord." Jer. 23:23. "He filleth all in all." Eph. 1:23. Such gentlemen, is the account the Bible gives us of God. But Mr. Smith would have you believe that God has a body and parts; and if a body he must be located. He would have you believe he is a great man, and the Bible says he is as high as the Heavens, and deeper than hell! A great man, reaching from heaven to hell; a tall man that, I think gentlemen (and then the company raised the laugh upon Joe.) Again the Bible says he fills heaven and earth. If that be the case he is a great body, he must necessarily crowd off the earth every body else, and there is no room for Mr. Smith and me. And then the company raised the laugh on poor Joe again, which appeared to irritate him considerably.

I further stated that the Bible taught us, that Jesus Christ possessed two distinct natures, the God-head and the manhood, and quoted Hebrews 2:14, 18. "Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise, took part of the same" -- "for verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on the seed of Abraham," &c. Here some being or character is represented as taking on himself something else; and what is that? The Deity takes the humanity; the God-head associates with itself human nature; not sinful nature as some tell us, but human nature. And that human nature was subject to suffering; he was hungry, thirsty, was weary, slept, was subject to pain, his soul was "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death," &c. Now we believe that it was the human body that was crucified; not the divinity; it was that which he took upon himself that was crucified, not the Divine nature which took the human, as is plainly shown in Hebrews 2:14. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death." The company can clearly see from this explanation of the subject that Mr. Smith has done us injustice, that the doctrine we believe is according to the Scriptures, and neither contradictory nor absurd."

He arose when I had finished, and replied with great warmth. He said I had misconstrued the Scriptures, that the Bible said God had eyes, hands, feet, &c., and what are we to understand[?] [-- that] he has no hands and feet? He [then said] more to the same purport [that I] do not think worth while to trouble [my readers] with. As soon as he [finished, he left] the room, to all appearances considerably vexed. The next I saw of his majesty he was in the yard in front of his house. Looking up the street I saw a company of cavalry in full uniform, coming down, preceded by a fine brass band, tuning their instruments to notes of sweetest melody. An officer of high rank led up a splendid black horse, elegantly equipped; holster, pistols, &c., &c.; the horse appeared to be rather mettlesome at first, the officer at length succeeded in bringing him up to the block, and placing his master's feet in the stirrups, his majesty rode out into the street. Some of the company then led up the horses for Joe's women, four in number and assisted them to mount; his women paraded on his left.

The general then next in command mounted, and his women, three in number, mounted their steeds. Then another officer and his three women. They all marched up and formed in the rear of his majesty and his harem; the gentlemen on the right, and the females on the left. In the meantime the cavalry arrived, bearing three stand of colors, and paraded in file on the side of the street. His majesty and suite then marched forward past the troops, who saluted him in handsome style with swords, colors and music. As soon as he was past the cavalry, they wheeled by platoons and formed in his rear. -- They all then marched out to the parade about three miles distant to review the troops. This was the last I saw of Joe.

Some of the company went out to the parade and reported that as near as they could judge there were about 5000 men under arms.

No doubt many of the readers of the Advocate will marvel at this account. I marvel at it myself. I am perfectly astonished that men and women can be found in this enlightened land that believe all this pageantry, all this show of military glory, is in any way connected with the religion of the meek and lowly Jesus! How unlike the religion of Him who declared his "kingdom is not of this world." How unlike the proceedings of those holy men who said "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal." To see Joseph Smith, with his sword and pistols, with his military hat and three ostrich feathers, like a Mahomedan pacha with three tails, pretending to be a prophet of the Lord, a preacher of righteousness, believed in by thousands, is one of the wonders of the age. But why should we wonder at this, when we see a large portion of Europe, bowing down before crucifixes, counting beads, adorning saints, angels and images. Alas! poor human nature.

In my next, I intend to give an account of Smith's pretended Egyptian mummies and ancient records written on blank paper, which I was permitted to see by paying 20 cents, and to hear interpreted by Smith's mother the prophecies. The Nauvoo temple is unlike any thing else on earth.


Note 1: For contemporary reports of two similar Smith interviews, see the Pittsburgh Gazette issues of Sept. 15, 1843 and June 9, 1845

Note 2: The unidentified Christian Advocate correspondent's observations regarding Joseph Smith's irritation, vexation and argumentative response to non-LDS religious doctrines match well with the conclusions expressed by "a clergyman" visiting Nauvoo, and pubished in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser of Aug. 11, 1842: "from what I heard... Smith makes it a point not to agree with any one in regard to his religious opinions..." See also Peter Cartwright's 1859 report of his contentious interview with Smith, conducted away from Nauvoo in the early 1840s.

STRANGERS  IN  NAUVOO.

Since the arrest and release of Joe Smith, and his return to Nauvoo, the Mormons of that city have passed an ordinance proclaiming "that the city council, marshal, constables and city watch, are authorized and required to require all strangers in Nauvoo to give their names, former residence, for what intent they have entered or are tarrying in the city, and answer such other questions as the officer shall deem proper or necessary; and for a failure or refusal on the part of strangers to give the desired information, they shall be subject to the penalty of the ordinance concerning 'vagrants and disorderly persons,' passed November 13th, 1841. And the aforesaid authorities are further required to hail and take all persons found strolling about the city at night, after nine o'clock, and before sunrise, and confine them for trial, unless they give a good and satisfactory account of themselves, or offer a resonable excuse for being thus caught out after nine o'clock. -- The aforesaid authorities are also required to enter all hotels, or houses of punlic entertainment, and such other habitations as they may judge proper, and require the inmates to give immediate information if all persons residing in said hotel or habitation, and their business occupation or movements; and for a failure, noncompliance or false information, their license shall be forfeited, if it be at a public house, and they and the transient persons subject to the penalties as before mentioned. And it is further ordained, that if any of the aforesaid officers shall refuse or neglect to do their duty as required by this ordinance, they shall be fined one hundred dollars, and be broke of office."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

This Joe Smith must be set down as an extraordinary character, a prophet-hero, as Carlyle might call him. He is one of the great men of this age, and in future history will rank with those, who in one way or another have stamped their impress strongly on society.

Nothing can be more plebeian, in seeming, than this Joe Smith. Little of dignity is there in his cognomen; but few in this age have done such deeds, and performed such apparent miracles. It is no small thing, in the blaze of this nineteenth century, to give to men a new revelation, found a new religion, establish new forms of worship, to build a city, with new laws, institutions, and orders of architecture; to establish ecclesiastical, civil and military jurisdiction; found colleges, send out missionaries, and make proselytes in two hemispheres; yet all this has been done by Joe Smith, and that against every sort of opposition, ridicule and persecution. This sect has its martyrs also; and the spirit in which they were imprisoned and murdered in Missouri, does not appear to have differed much from that which has attended religious persecutions in all ages of the world.

That Joe Smith, the founder of the Mormons, is a man of great talent -- a deep thinker, and eloquent speaker, an able writer, and a man of great mental power, no one can doubt who has watched his career. That his followers are deceived, we all believe; but, should the inherent corruptions of Mormonism fail to develope themselves sufficiently to convince its followers of their error, where will the thing end? A great military despotism is growing up in the far West, increasing faster in proportion, than the surrounding population, spreading its influence around, and marshalling multitudes under its banners, causing serious alarm to every patriot.   N. Y. Sun.


Note: The above quoted paragraphs first appeared in the Sun near the end of July, 1843.

THE FOURTH AT NAUVOO. -- The Burlington (Iowa) Gazette of the 8th instant says:

Many of our citizens spent the fourth among the saints ar Nauvoo. They returned much pleased with the visit. They were escorted by the military from the landing to the Temple, where seats had been reserved for them. Two boats, with five or six hundred passengers, from Warsaw, Quincy and St. Louis, also arrived about the same time, and thus swelled the number of invited quests to a thousand or more. The city itself of course turned out with its thousands, rendering the ceremonies of the day highly interesting. The prophet (General Smith) made a speech to the immense multitude


Notes: (forthcoming)

NAUVOO.

By a travelling correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot. -- We spent a Sunday with the Mormons, at their city of Nauvoo, and attended their service in a grove both morning and evening. The great prophet of these "Latter Day Saints," Joe Smith, addressed the meeting in the morning for about two hours, much of which related to his late arrest and release under a habeas corpus, as an accessory, we believe, in the attempt on the life of ex-Governor Boggs. He then, for the first time in his life as he said, and as for our especial information, ran his parallel of the Mormon faith with other denominations of Christians; and, to hear the conclusion, you could not say but they were good orthodox Baptists, but in some of their forms they run close into Catholicism. He is a bad speaker, and appears to be very imperfectly educated. In the afternoon service, his 'vicegerent,' Mr. Rigdon, addressed the numerous multitude. He took no text, but proceeded at once, in a historical discourse, commencing with the early prophets, and brought us eloquently down to the reign of Charlemagne, and to the Latter Day Saints, as they call themselves. -- He described the different kingdoms that have passed from the earth; corresponding to the image of gold, silver, brass, iron and clay, revealed to the king of Babylon by the prophet Daniel, which was broken to pieces by "a stone cut without hands, and became a great mountain that filled the whole earth." We could not follow him in all his conclusions, as he spoke so rapidly, but inferred that the fulfillment of this prophecy was intended to apply to the Mormons who are to fill the whole earth. After the discourse was concluded, the choir sang a hymn with much sweetness, accompanied with instrumental music; the ceremonies were then concluded by a solemn prayer from one of the saints; at the end of which, he notified the congregation that he had lost a valuable sorrel horse, about sixteen hands high, and requested to be informed if any person present should discover him! The evening was then closed by a public baptism in the Mississippi, of one or two hundred, and some of the disciples were immersed perhaps twenty times, first for themselves, and then for some deceased relative or friend. After leaving the water, they take seats on the shore and are confirmed by another set of priests in waiting; this is repeated as often as they are immersed. In all this ceremony there appeared but little solemnity, and indeed in some cases quite a levity of behavior. The city of Nauvoo contains 12 to 15,000 inhabitants, all Mormons, we believe, and new converts are fast flocking to their standard. They have many missionaries travelling throughout the country and in Europe, and they are now fitting out one for Russia. We believe they have no community of interest, as some suppose, but each man works for his own living; they are compelled to work one day out of ten, however, on the temple, which will be a magnificent building when finished. The dwellings are generally small frames, thrown up in a few days. The people are industrious and sober; no spirituous liquors are allowed in the city, or persons to be out after 9 o'clock at night. We received much kindness from Smith and others, and the day was very agreeably spent.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> The "Latter Day Saints" of Westfield, Mass., are about presenting an elegant whip and two beautiful riding switches to Joe Smith, the famous, or rather infamous, Mormon prophet. None would deny the appropriateness of the gift, if they would send with the whips some one who would make good use of them about Joe's legs and shoulders.

So says our friend Burleigh, but, in our opinion, the man with the whips would have to catch him first. Joe is rather slippery.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Another Mormon War.

By the St. Louis papers received last night, we learn that another serious outbreak is apprehended between the Mormons and the people of Hancock county, Illinois. A meeting had been called by the latter to take measures of some kind for the removal of their Mormon neighbors, of whom they seem to be heartily tired.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"Baptism for the Dead."

The Mormons, taking this expression of Scripture literally, are in the habit of being baptized for their deceased friends.

Notes: (forthcoming)

                                                              For the Chronicle.
"Baptism for the Dead."

Mr. Editor: In your paper of August 29, and also of September 2 [the weekly "Iron City"], I saw an article headed "Baptism for the Dead," with a remark that the Mormons understand this scripture literally, and are in the habit of baptizing for their dead friends.

The passage alluded to I suppose is recorded in 1st Corinthians, 15th chapter and 29th verse.

Will you, Mr. Editor, or some of your clerical friends, inform the public through your valuable paper whether this passage is to be understood literally, figuratively, or spiritually? By so doing you will oblige
                                                  AN INQUIRER AFTER FAITH.
Pittsburgh, Sept. 4, 1843.

Will some of our clerical friends give us a brief answer to the above inquiry?


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH TURNED PUGILIST. -- The Mormon prophet (according to the Jacksonville Illinoian of the 19th ult.,) has been beating, the Collector of Taxes for Hancock County. It seems that Joe had taken offence at the Collector on account of the manner in which he had discharged his duty, in reference to some of the prophet's lots in Nauvoo; and during a recent visit of the Collector to that city, he was attacked and cruelly beaten by Joe in presence of several hundred of the faithful. The opinion very generally prevails in Illinois that Joe will soon be obliged to leave the country. The amount of money now in his hands is supposed to be about large enough for such an occurrence.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON is a greek word. According to the Baptist Register, "Donnegan and other authors of Greek dictionaries define it, 'A bugbear, a hobgoblin, a raw head and bloodybones, a hideous spectre, a frightful mask, something to frighten children.' It is thus used by the Greek author Theocritus, and the Greek author Aristophanes the comic poet. Solomon Spalding, having tried to preach three or four years and failed, then having tried mercantile business and failed, being a classic Greek scholar, and out of all business, wrote for his amusement what he called the the 'Book of Mormon,' i.e., as he understood it, the Book of Spectres. -- After his death, the ignorant Joe Smith and S. Rigdon, coming into possession of the book, and ignoranlly pretending that Mormon was a sacred Jewish name, have used the book for deceptive purposes, as all the world know, and have attempted to clothe the word Mormon with a sacred meaning. Above is the true definition and origin of the word, as well as of the book.

MORMONS, then, the anglicised word, or the derivative as comprehending the people may be defined "Devotees to bugbears, hobgoblins and spectres." -- Seventeen thousand of such devotees, it is said, are now residents in Nauvoo. -- Mer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

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

                                  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.


Note: This letter was written by Pittsburgh Gazette Editor, David Nye Waite, Sr. See Waite's report of a follow-up visit to the same region in the June 9, 1845 issue of the daily Gazette, as well as an account of a roughly contemporary interview with Smith, published in the Pittsburgh Christian Advocate.

==> Joe Smith has a few missionaries, who are now traversing the Western States for the purpose of bringing the faithful into the sanctuary; and when they cannot persuade whole families to join them, they are satisfied with a part. Near Danville, Ill., three of these reverend gentlemen recently induced as many females to leave their obviously better halves and accompany them to the holy precincts of Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- The people in the neighborhood of Carthage, Illinois, are in a high state of excitement against the Mormons, and propose that measures shall be adopted to drive them from the state.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Dangerous Prophet.

The Warsaw (Illinois) Message of the 20th inst. says: -- "We understand that one of our citizens went to Nauvoo on Sunday last, with some slight intention, if he was suited, to turn Saint, and assist in building up the Kingdom. But instead of a blessing from his Holiness the Prophet, he received a caning, and came away with the intention of remaining among the Gentiles, until the manners of the Saints improve."

"P. S. Since writing the above, we learn that the report contained 'more truth than poetry' in it, and that Mr. Bennett the canee above alluded to, applied last evening to Justice Rockwell for a warrant for the arrest of the Prophet. The writ had not been issued at the time our paper went to press."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Elder Orson Hyde.

==> Of the Latter Day Saints Church, late from Syria, Palestine and Egypt, is now in our city. He will preach (If God wills,) in the Temperance Hall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the 18th and 19th insts., at 7 o'clock.

We trust that Elder Hyde will be favored with a full house, as he is, no doubt, in possession of much information which would be a rich treat to our citizens, particularly if he were to speak upon the subject of his late travels in the East, which we hope he may.


Note: Apostle Orson Hyde was only barely "late from Syria, Palestine and Egypt," having returned to Nauvoo in May 1843, from his trip the far corners of the world. His travels in Pennsylvania later that year were in company with his fellow LDS Apostles. According to Howard H. Barron's 1977 Orson Hyde, "On October 3, Orson, along with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, and Jedediah M. Grant, 'spent the day visiting the Saints in Philadelphia... By November 1, all of the apostles had arrived back in Nauvoo except for John E. Page..." Wilford Woodruff appears to have been following a few days behind Orson Hyde in their journey from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. The Apostles departed Philadelphia on Oct. 4th, and it took Woodruff sixteen days to reach Pittsburgh. His journal entry for Oct. 21, 1843 says: 'We arived in Pittsburgh... I called upon several of the Brethren those in Strawbury lane & Br Savory the Presiding [Elder] Wellingford & Taylor was the house whare my goods was left. The whole distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh was 400 miles..." The "Br. Savory" mentioned by Woodruff was Elder Richard H. Savery, Sr. (1813-1865) who was first a high councilor in Sidney Rigdon's splinter-group church and later joined the RLDS in Pennsylvania.

ANTI-MORMON MEETING. -- Another anti-Mormon meeting was held at Green Plains Precinct, near Warsaw, Illinois, on the 19th ult., and the proceedings of the mass meeting held at Carthage on the 6th ult, being read, were unanimously approved. The following resolutions were passed at Green Plains Precinct:

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

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE-NAUVOO LEGION. -- The St. Louis Reporter states that the Nauvoo Legion numbers some four or five thousand men. They are thoroughly disciplined and well acquainted with the use of artillery, &c.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Monsieur Violet.

All the newspapers say that Capt. Maryatt stole the materials with which he made this book... The book is worth reading, not only for the interest of the travel of Monsieur, but as a literary curiosity.

Note: A good deal of Capt. Maryatt's Monsieur Violet first appeared in serialized form in the pages of American newspapers. Alert readers quickly noticed that much of the supposedly original content of this "true life" adventure book had been lifted, almost verbatum, from previous news reports made by other authors. For this reason, the portion of Monsieur Violet dealing with the Solomon Spalding authorship claims should not be taken as original reporting on the part of its ostensible author. Rather, the Book of Mormon expose in Monsieur Violet should be read as simply as rehash of various accounts made by earlier writers.

FROM  NAUVOO.

Nauvoo is getting to be a great place, and the doings of the "Saints of the Latter Days," who constitute a little republic among themselves, are becoming quite as interesting as those of foreign governments and principalities. Prophet Joe possesses more power than many of the crowned heads of Europe, for, while their subjects are always kicking authority, his people are ready to obey all his recommendations, and carry out cheerfully his plans.

We see by a late number of the "Times and Seasons," that the question who shall be President is being agitated in that community, as one of no small importance to them. The editor does not commit himself in favor of either of the prominent candidates... Joe himself may possibly become a candidate, and outstrip them all.


Notes: (forthcoming)