NS No. 11. Warsaw, Illinois, April 24, 1844. Whole 128.
Why Oppose the Mormons?
The Alton Telegraph is making some rather complimentary remarks, in relation to our paper, regrets the course which we pursue in relation to the Mormons, and expresses the opinion, that it is the duty of the press to allay, as far as possible, the excitement against that people. Now Mr. Telegraph, you know but little of the circumstances by which the people of this County are surrounded -- you know nothing of the repeated insults and injuries received by our citizens from the Heads of the Mormon Church -- you know nothing of the manner in which the laws are trampled under foot, and evaded by the Mormons, and thry screened from their just operations behind a set of sham city ordinances -- you know nothing of the baits held out, wherewith the more gullible portion of Joe's followers, are induced to take up their residence in Nauvoo, and then of the manner in which they are fleeced of their all, and reduced to beggary -- you know nothing of the iron rod by which Jo controls his followers; with threats of violence quieting the discontented, and by every species of tyranny restraining the liberty of the tongue and person. -- We say Mr. Telegraph, you can know nothing of these things, or you could not undertake to lecture us, for endeavoring to expose such a gang of outlaws, blacklegs and bloodsuckers.
It is a fact, that can be substantiated by the most unimpeachable testimony, that the discontented spirits in Nauvoo, dare not speak or write one word against the Prophet without risking their lives. And even those who have left the Church will hint of iniquities, which they dare not proclaim.
It can be proven that there are men in Nauvoo, who have publicly said that should Jo Smith command them to commit murder, they should do it without compunction, believing that the command of Smith is the will of Heaven.
It can be proven that some of Smith's principal supporters, and confidential friends, are among the basest seducers, and violators of female virtue -- that Smith himself has aided these villains to accomplish their unholy designs; and unscrupulously averred that he acted from the impulse of Heaven's dictation, while endeavoring to rob virtuous females of their chastity.
It can be proven that one of Joe Smith's bosom friends has been guilty of passing counterfeit money; knowing it to be such, having been detected in the act of brightening it, in order to give it currency.
It can be proven that William W. Phelps, who swore that Smith and his clan were guilty, in Missouri, of deeds black as ever were conceived in the brain of Satan himself, is now the bosom friend, and confidential clerk of the Prophet -- thus proving one of two things; either that Smith has a perjured villan for his most intimate associate, or that he himself has been guilty of acts that would disgrace Nero.
It can be proven that Jo Smith has knocked down a quiet and peaceful citizen of the county because as an officer he was not afraid to do his duty; and then screened himself from just punishment of the law, by a sham trial amongst his minions.
It can be proven, that repeatedly, Smith has been wrested from the officers of the law, and the law set at defiance, its officers insulted and mal-treated by his willing catspaws -- the Municipal Court of Nauvoo.
It can be proven, that Smith swore that he believed a respectable citizen guilty of murder; thus subjecting him to a degrading and insulting investigation; while at the same time, not one particle of evidence could be produced against him -- not even a shadow on which to found a suspicion.
It can be proven, that Smith and his coadjutors have propogated the doctrine, that a man may hace spiritual wives -- thus by a cunning stroke of priest-craft, throwing wide open the door for every species of licentiousness, that can disgrace, or degrade a community.
It can be proven, that many of the leaders in Nauvoo, have spiritual wives, by which means, females have been so debased, as unblushingly to boast of their connection with Mormon Elders, and with pride point to the fathers of their illegitimate offspring.
In addition to these, it is a notorious fact, that, the city council of Nauvoo, acting under the direction of Jo Smith, have at sundry times, passed a set of ordinances intended to screen the inhabitants of Nauvoo, from the operation of the State laws -- requiring all criminal process to be endorsed by Smith, acting as Mayor, before it can be executed in the city -- threatening state officers, (although commanded by a State Warrant,) who go to Nauvoo, to arrest Smith, or any other person, for acts committed in Missouri, with imprisonment for life -- subjecting all persons who visited Nauvoo, either on business, or otherwise to an annoying examination by the police officers of the city, and if their impertenent questions are not answered satisfactorily they are to be taken up as vagrants and vagabonds -- repealing the Marriage License Laws of the State, so far as Nauvoo is concerned, and substituting instead an ordinance of the city, whereby no license for marriage is required -- giving the Municipal Court the power to issue the writ of Habeas Corpus, in all cases whereby the inhabitants of the city, shall be arrested under the Laws of the State.
These are only a part of the flagrant outrages on decency, --- rights of other citizens, committed on Holy brotherhood at Nauvoo. And Mr. Telegraph, with these facts staring in the face, can you blame us for opposition to this unholy clan; even if the opposition does produce excitement? If so, you are to blame for exposing blacklegs, counterfeitors, and thieves.
CHURCH AND STATE. -- In the last Nauvoo Neighbor we find a long list of the names of Elders of the Churches in the different states of the Union; at the conclusion of which, they are instructed in these words, to "preach the truth in righteousness, and present before the people, "General Joseph Smith's views of the powers and policy of the General Government," and seek diligently to get up electors who will go for him for the Presidency," That's it Jo! "Preach the truth in righteousness, and go for Presidency. That is Mormonism disguised. First preach the gospel, and thereby gull the people, and then fleece them of their money, or induce them to elevate me to office." -- That is the sum and substance of all your teachings. Ain't it Joe.
CONSPIRACY IN NAUVOO. -- In the late Neighbor, we find two affidavits charging certain prominent individuals in the Holy City, with being implicated in conspiracy against the Prophet. It will be recollected that the persons against whom the charge was made are those who have lately rendered themselves obvious to his majesty, by their discontent, and independence of the threats of the powers that be. We have no doubt but that those charges are made for the purpose of a legal formula. We trust however, that they will stand their ground, and neither suffer themselves to be cowed by threats or gulled into a compromise of their liberty of speech and action. Let Joe dare to harm one of them, and he will awaken a spirit to which resistance will be useless.
Joe Smith and the Globe.
In the last Neighbor, Jo has a lengthy reply to the remarks of the Globe, on his views "Of the Powers and Policy of the General Government." In the preface he very modestly speaks of himself thus, "I rarely reply to the many remarks, sayings and speculations upon me and my plans, which seem to agitate the world, for like the showers upon the verdure of the earth, they give me vigor, beauty and expansion."
Jo, then goes on to describe the kind of a man, worthy to be elected to the presidency, and as he is an aspirant for that office, it may be regarded as Joe's opinion of himself, "When a man occupies a station in his country, which ought to be sustained with dignity; and which should be filled by a friend and a patriot of the nation, too wise to be cozened by counterfeit principle; too great to blur his fame with sophistry; too proud to stoop to the vanity that is momently wasting the virtue of the Government; and too good to act the hypocrite to accumulate wealth or frustrate the ends and aims of justice."
We have no room for any firther comment on this choice production of Jo's but we cannot refrain from treating our readers to the following choice poetical morceau: --
Hail Columbia, 'free and equal' --
Lo, the saints, the Mormons, bless ye;
Felt thy glory most severely,
When Missouri gave them jesse.
No Jo, we were aware that you were a great statesman, jurist, and General; but we never before knew that you were a poet. This, however, is now settled; and hereafter you will not only rank with Cicero, Burk, Coke, Alexander, Caesar, Hanibal, and Napolean, but your name shall be registered on the tablets of fame, by the side of Homer, Shakespeare, Milton and Byron.
==> By request of many friends, we to-day re-publish "Buckeye's Lament," and Mr. Simpson's statement from the Warsaw Message. The number of the Message containing these articles, was much sought after, and the edition soon exhausted, -- hence the call for their republication.
"SISTER EMMA SMITH," wife of the Prophet, passed down the river on Sunday last, in the steamboat Hibernia. We learn that before she left, she became reconciled to Jo, who last week turned her out of his house.
COUNTERFEITS. --" There is a species of counterfeit, extensively circulated in this community, called Nauvoo Bogus. They are half dollars, dated 1828. They are a pretty good imitation of the genuine coin -- so good, that some of our business men have been imposed upon by them. It is said they are manufactured in the City of the Saints.
For the Signal
Mr. Sharp: --
Sir, -- The following was sent to the office of the Nauvoo Neighbor for publication, in answer to a New Conundrum in said paper; but the unneighborly thing, (forgetting its constant cry of equal rights and equal privileges, did not permit it to appear.
If you will insert it in your useful paper, you will oblige one who loves Liberty in substance, and not in shadow; and who despises all sorts of oppression, but most of all, when it appears in a superstitious and religious form.
Yours most respectfully,
A GENTILE.
AN OLD CONUNDRUM
Why are those biped W(p)helps now in Nauvoo,
So very like the dog turn'd to his spew?
Because Dame Nature's stern imperial will,
Does make a Traitor once, a traitor still.
THE NAUVOO BLOCK AND TACKLE.
Mr. Editor: -- I have frequently noticed in the columns of your paper, articles concerning the doctrine of Spiritual Wives, a part of the Mormon creed. Nothing as yet has come to my view which gave entire satisfaction; and as it is my turn now, just command silence for a few minutes that I may have a hearing.
In the year 1834, at Kirtland Ohio, the aforementioned step in the heavenly stairway was located. Much excitement grew out of this measure; many of the Saints demurred, and more knowing ones readily perceived that it was entirely too liberal in its provisions -- even to be constitutional. In a word, the Saints rejected it; only a few of the more licentious delighting in it. The doctrine was hushed up, as being sent before its time -- for be it known that Mormonism is a system of progression. The next glimpse I obtained of this hellish Spiritual Wife doctrine, was in the year 1836, just on the eve of hostilities in Missouri. The presence of the ebemy furnished subjects for reflection, to the exclusion of the old eye-sore for the second time. But iniquity never lies dormant. -- No sooner did prosperity smile upon the fraternity in Nauvoo, than the secret workings of the same faction were set in motion. Success attends perseverance and success emboldens the culprit. Such seems to be the results in the present instance. But, now is the winter of their discontent made glorious summer by the sudden appearance of the Spirit of Elijah, a kind of compromise act, which serves two purposes, viz: is a cloak to the Spiritual Wife system, and cures the indolent saints of the Spring Fever -- a very prevalent and fatal malady in the latitude of Nauvoo. It is generally known that the Mormons are erecting a Temple, in fulfillment of a revelation which brother Joe delivered to his followers in 1841. It appears that the time allowed for said work has been nearly exhausted, and the work not half completed. -- What are the consequences if no Temple is erected in the alloted time? Friend Joe tells his syncophants that they will be rejected, and their dead with them. This failed in producing the necessary energy. The emergency was great and there was a call for measures adapted to the case. Counsel met -- anxiety seized the public mind and all seemed lost in anticipation. Counsel adjourned -- and the following became the order of the Kingdom: It is the privilege of the saints to be united to their better half in time for eternity; and they can be sealed up to eternal felicity in the celestial kingdom. Of course this was very acceptable, and productive of great joy, particularly among the firm Smithites. The Patriarch of the church is the obly one who officiates in these matters, and he complains of being bothered by applications, but some think difficult questions are more his evil genius than many applications. -- But to the qualifications. Brother S. desires to be united with his wife for eternity, and in order to do the thing correctly, he takes advice from some one entitled to give the same, and to his mortification, he learns that he cannot be benefitted in this way until his tithing is paid on the Temple -- which is every tenth day, and a tenth of all his property. The prize is to great to lose, so the tithing is paid over into the hands of the Trustee in Trust, and brother S. and wife are united for eternity, who depart rejoicing. But there are difficulties in the way. If the man, who is the head of the family, falls from grace, his wife is drawn down by him to the dark caverns of the damned, be she as pure as the angels of light. Why so? Because the commission of the Patriarch says -- 'whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven,' &c. The next thing in order is to provide against the danger of falling from grace, Oh! I can remedy that, says Mr. Patriarch. How? enquires brother S. By sealing you up to eternal felicity in the celestial kingdom, after which, if you do sin, your body will be given up to the buffetings of Satan, that your soul may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Well, Mr. Patriarch, says S., I and my old lady will be down to see you in a day or so. They fulfil their promise, with a view to be sealed up to eternal life; but mark the chagrin and mortification of brother S. when informed by the Patriarch that no one can be sealed up until the Temple is completed and the Priests obtain their anointings. This settles the matter, and marks out the only course to be adopted by the saints -- viz: Complete the Temple. Pay your tithing, and get married for eternity -- finish the Temple, and be sealed up to eternal glory. Just in proportion to the desire of these blessings do we see energy in paying tithings and voluntary services bestowed on that to-be cathedral. -- No wonder the work is delayed, since such is the order. Each male member pays yearly a tithing of 36 1/2 days labor. Three years have been spent on that work, and there is yet sufficient unfinished work laid out to consume another -- making the tithing of each man 146 days' labor. At one dollar per day, the amount paid in that time by each is $146. Now if there is as many members as are boasted of (100,000) and one-fifth are tithers the sum would be $2,920,000. But enough of this for the present. One item more and close. In 1835 a revelation was received, pointing out a system by which to provide for the poor. The means were to come from the rich -- be delivered to the Bishop of the church -- and by him despised in the Lord's Store House -- there to remain until demanded by the needy. It is useless to say that no Store House has ever been built -- notwithstanding many have perished for the want of necessary comforts of life -- and that too in the city of the saints -- where the gift of discernment is prated upon as being in the possession of the wise and good, and where hundreds enjoy all the luxuries they desire. Shame on such a system of things.
AN EXILE.
Buckey's Lamentations for the want
of More Wives.
1.
I once thought I had knowledge great,
But now I find 'tis small;
I once thought I'd Religion too,
But now I find I've none at all --
For I have but One lone wife,
And can obtain no more;
And the doctrine is, I can't be saved,
Unless I've half a score! ....
[see original for remainder]
TO THE EDITOR OF THE WARSAW MESSAGE.
[see original for this text]
IMPORTANT FROM NAUVOO.
Nauvoo, April 12, 1844.
Editor; --
In behalf of a character unstained by crime, and hitherto untarnished by the foul breath of slander, I appeal to you, for the privilege, through the columns of your journal, of expressing my sentiments in relation to certain proceedings that have recently taken place in this far-famed and peaceful City; and of defending myself from the foul and false assertions that have repeatedly been attempted to fasten upon a name I hold most dear and sacred
I speak for myself. Others may bear the lash of the Tyrant to their hearts content: but I am resolved, that no man, whatever may be his pretension, or however lofty his professions, shall trample upon my rights with impunity.
In making this expose and defence, I shall take the liberty to speak plain. My statements shall be simple matters of fact, neither colored with fancy, nor fiction, but clothed in the sable livery of truth -- from which the public may form their own conclusions. I ask no sympathy -- my case needs none: I merely ask that respect to which every man is entitled, who deports himself with propriety.
I have been a resident of Nauvoo for upwards of a year past, and, although differing with the people in matters of faith and doctrine, had supposed myself entitled to the same privileges as other citizens -- the right to think, speak, and act on all subjects, independently -- so far as not to infringe upon the interests of others. This I have studiously endeavored to do; and now make the appeal to the circle of my acquaintances, whether or not my deportment has been exceptionable. I have been notified from various sources that there was no favorable feeling entertained towards me by the Prophet.. I was informed by himself, that I was not his friend. I enquired of him how he knew. He replied, "I am a descerner of spirits!" I took no pains to undeceive him.
On the 7th of last month, it was given out that a public meeting was to be held at the Temple, for the transaction of important business. It was stated in the paper, that the "first Presidency" and the "Twelve" would be present -- urging upon the people a general attendance. Accordingly a crowd of several thousand assembled at an early hour. None knew for what purpose the meeting had been called, and of course, nothing could be done in the absence of authority.
In the course of time, his majesty, Joe, made his appearance; and after rushing through the crowd, whom he treated as so many dogs, he mounted the stand, and stated that the object of the meeting was, to obtain the mind of the people in relation to the enforcing of certain ordinances, the officers having found difficulty in discharging their duties, by the interference of certain individuals, who were eternally grumbling and growling, and whom it was impossible for the Devil himself to please. He then pounced upon some of our prominent and most worthy citizens, in his most approved style, denouncing and damning, by wholesale, Lawyers, Doctors, Merchants, and others, who had had the audacity to question his authority, or the purity of his. motives and intentions. After [slanging] different ones upon the same matters of complaint, he proceeded to inform the people that there were certain Croakers and Spies amongst them, of whom they might well be cautious. He had seen an article in the "New York Tribune," purporting to have been written here, giving an exaggerated account of the state of things in this City. The writer had ventured to express an opinion relative to the professed talents of the great "MORMON PROPHET!" -- that there was a system of duping afloat, based upon his pretended revelations -- that monies collected for the building of the Temple was appropriated to private purposes, &c. This was sufficient to enrage his holiness;, and he roared and bellowed away at a strange rate upon the falsity of the statements -- appealing to his own honesty and virtue, as usual, and to the books and records for proofs of his innocence of the charges in question.
The thought suggested itself to my mind that our Penitentiaries would soon be useless, if criminals were allowed to tell their own story. He then went on to state that he knew all about it -- he had powers of discernment (?) -- and who dare dispute him? After he closed his harangue, knowing that he intended to throw the charge upon me, (although too cowardly to mention names,) I rose up and demanded of him if I was the individual alluded to in his remarks. He gave me no satisfaction. I repeated the inquiry several times. He still refused giving an answer. I then told him, that if he had not heard from me, he should. He then imposed a fine of Ten Dollars upon me. Here my brother R. D. Foster, interposed in my behalf; and he, Joe, threatened to fine him too, if he did not shut up: and the notorious W. W. Phelps, who has the honor of being his chief clerk, ordered me into the halls of the Marshal, remarking afterwards, the fine ought to have been fifty dollars.
This was the "head and front of my offending," and this is a specimen of that freedom which an American Citizen enjoys in Nauvoo.
I leave to the public to make their own comments, pass on to another outrage of a more recent date, upon my rights, by this self-same self-styled Prophet and usurper.
I was in the company of some one hundred or more where Joe was declaiming in the same old tone, against certain individuals. He stated he had rebuked Presidents, Congressmen and judges, and they all took it in kindness, and thanked him for it, considering it evidence of the authenticity and divinity of his mission and profession; but he had to regret that he found more difficulty in governing these certain ones in Nauvoo, than any thing he had ever undertaken. After he got thro' with his "sermon," as he termed it, he proceeded to leave the room. As he was passing out his eye rested upon me -- he bowed very hypocritically, and held out his hand. I refused to speak, or to accept his hand. He immediately became enraged, and demanded why I did not speak. I told him I did not regard him as my friend, and could not respect him as such. He then called me a fool, liar, and other venomous epithets, which I consider unnecessary to repeat, as it would be a waste of time and a disgrace to paper. However, the only specific charge he could adduce against me, was that I had the misfortune to be connected with a dishonest family. I then became excited, and demanded an explanation. In reply he stated he knew of nothing to sustain the charge except that my brother, Dr. Foster, had stolen a Raw Hide, (a riding whip,) on a certain occasion, and he would swear to it on a stack of Bibles Heaven high, and he did not know but some of the same blood ran in my veins. I felt exasperated, but I concluded to let it pass with that contempt which it, and its author so richly merited. During this affair, a certain Col. Markham interfered in behalf of Joe, laid his hands upon me, and told me to remember who I was talking to, and to be careful what I said. I told him to keep his hands off, and we would manage our own affairs, as we were both of age. -- Others, who knew no more than to obey the nod of this modern impostor, surrounded me, with their menaces and contemptible mimicry -- to all of which I replied, I could tell a tale, that would astound you, and make your ears to tingle.
Such is but a faint picture of the state of things in this peaceful City of the Saints, this asylum of rest. If professions were sufficient it might be granted but being cognizant of facts as they transpire, this is all but the case. Other instances of a still more oppressive and aggressive character, could be adduced, wherein the rights of individuals have been invaded, their interests sacrificed, their characters assailed, and the peace of their families destroyed, by the repeated insults and injuries of this Monster in human shape. But enough has been said to make out this case -- let others speak for themselves. For my own part, despite consequences, I will not tamely yield the right to any man to usurp unwarrantable authority over my person and character, and the dictation of his own depraved will. I will speak, and I will be heard in my own defence. I am fully aware of the hazardous position of any one who dares to maintain what he deems his right, in contradistinction to the powers that be -- that no man's blood will be spilt in vain in the contest for right. No, so long as there is justice in Heaven, or revenge on earth so sure shall that same blood be avenged a thousand fold. I have, then nothing to fear from assaults by day, or assassinations by night, if the forfeiture of my life should lead a general investigation , and purification of the iniquities that sing to hundreds and thousands who are not yet entrapped in the snare of the destroyer.
In seeking redress for these our grievances, we are only met by a repetition of insult and injury. Their ordinances are but a mimicry of law, compounded of hypocrisy and absurdity; and their justice is not worthy the name.
But, leaving out the mass, for many of whom I entertain the most sincere regard, I look upon JOE as being the moving cause of all this confusion and folly; having an unparalleled degree of confidence in himself, amounting to barefaced impudence -- and assisted by a cabinet equally rotten and corrupt, who are continually, by night and by day, concocting and plotting schemes for their own aggrandizement, at the expense of the innocent and unsuspecting -- and having such an unbounded influence with the mass of the people, whom, through the aid of his assumed authority and self-made revelations, he wields to his own purposes. These are some of the means by which we are compelled to submit to any insult and injury his head may dictate, or his wicked heart suggest. The public may then judge for themselves as to the complaints we make, and the wretched state of that society whose government is placed in such hands.
I will add no more at present, but simply leave myself in the hands of your readers to judge for themselves, by the inviolable rights, guaranteed to us as American citizens, and by all those various ties that bind up the social compact, to say whether we have not abundant reason for this our complaint; and in view of the foregoing facts, whether we have not equal reasons for this our defence.
Respectfully, &c.,
CHARLES A. FOSTER.
For the Warsaw Signal.
Nauvoo, Ill., April 13, 1844.
Mr. Editor: --
Sir, as Gen. Joseph Smith is before the people as a candidate for the first office within their gift, we think it a privilege we have, (as is the case with every other candidate for so responsible an office) to examine his claims and qualifications for the same.
The readers of the "Nauvoo Neighbor" would suppose, from the articles which appear in that paper, that Joe was one of the greatest statesmen and scholars of the age. We do not know but such in the fact; but if men want evidence in regard to his statesmanship, let them but refer to the manner in which he conducts the affairs of the Holy City, as Mayor, and we think the public will be satisfied at once. I speak from personal knowledge, as I have been a citizen of the City of the Saints for several years past, and here stake my reputation as a writer, that there never was as much tyranny practised in any city or country since the days of Caligula and Nero.
For several months past; there has not been a criminal prosecution within the city, instituted before a Justice of the peace, but what, as soon as the accused was arrested by the constable a writ of Habeas Corpus has been granted by the Municipal Court of said City, and the prisoner arrested from the hands of the officer, and taken before that court for trial. We need hardly state here the prisoner is there disposed of, as it is a notorious fact, that there never has been a case of the kind before the Municipal Court, but what the prisoner has been discharged, and judgment rendered against the prosecution for costs -- no matter what the crime may be -- thus rendering it impossible for any man to be bound over from this place to stand a trial before a jury of his county. Joe himself says he will spill the last drop of blood in his veins before he will go to Carthage among the Carthagenian Mob (as he terms them,) for trial, and advises all his followers to do the same -- saying that they have all power to try every offence committed within the limits of the city, and it is unnecessary for any one to go to the Circuit Court, among a set of Jack Asses (to use his own language, for trial. This is true Statesmanship, in the opinion of Joe's followers.
In relation to Joe Scholarship, we have only to Joe's he is one of the greatest ignoramuses of this age; and has not even had the advantages of a common country schooling, as his time, in early life, was spent in money digging; and in more mature years, occupied principally in lying, blackguarding, swindling, and many other kinds of rascality, too numerous to mention.
All the articles to which Joe's name has appeared of late, as well as his Statesman-like "Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States," were written by the Immaculate William W. Phelps, Esq., the City Attorney for the Holy City, and Private :ecretary to his Holiness Joe, &c., &c., It will be noticed that this Phelps is the man whom Joe charged with having turned traitor, and sworn false, a few years since in Missouri.
We do not know whether Joe's charge against Phelps is true or not. This much however, we do know -- that Phelps did swear that Joe was guilty of some of the most diabolical crimes known to our laws. How is it, Joe? Did he swear false? or are you guilty? More anon.
Yours, &c., SKINIWAY.
The Buckey's First Epistle to Jo.
Friend Jo, I have been told of late
That you had got in your pate
A certain chief, to vent his hate,
Had learned to sing;
And had turn'd out a poet great,
Or some such thing.
Because the "Warsaw Message" came
With tidings from the state of fame,
Like some great herald to proclaim
Your wicked ways.
Your tyranny, your sin and shame,
In these last days.
With Buckey's trumpet sounding clear,
That Democrat and Whig might hear,
And Priest-rid Mormons, who in fear
Bow down to thee;
That there is still one child who dare
And will be free.
That Byckeye child lives in Nauvoo,
And some there are, who know how true
A friend, he ever was to you,
In days that's past,
Till slanders base around you threw,
Fair fame to blast.
Till for himself he's fairly seen
That you were not what you had been,
But that iniquity you'd screen
In every way;
And from fair virtue's path did lean
Vile plans to lay.
Have you forgot the snare you laid
For NANCY, (lovely Buckeye maid?)
With all your priestly arts array'd
Her to seduce
Assisted by that wretched bawd
Who kept the house.
But she, in virtues amour steel'd
Was proof against what you revela'd,
And to your doctrines would not yield
The least belief;
Although the scriptures you did wield
In your relief.
And when you saw, she would detest
Such doctrines, in her noble breast,
And did despise the man, 'tho priest,
who taught them too,
A sallow, yellow, lustful beast,
Poor Jo, like you.
'Twas then you chang'd your lovers sighs
And vengeful hate flash'd in your eyes
When you found out she did despise
You as a man;
You took to circulating lies.
Your usual plan.
Just that you might destroy her fame,
And give to her a ruin'd name,
So that if she should ever proclaim
What you had tried;
Your friends might turn on her the shame
And say she lied.
But Joe, in this you fairly tail'd,
Though you her father's house assail'd
She met you face to face, you quail'd
Before her frown
And like a counterfeit she nail'd
You tightly down --
Although you tried, by priestly power
To make this gentle creature cower
And eat her words, that you might tower
In priestly pride;
But strong in truth, she in that hour
Told you, you lied.
And when you found it would not do,
Then like a coward paltroon, you
Acknowledg'd what she had said was true
Unto her sire;
But then you'd nothing more in view
Then just to try her --
And put on her guard, that she
Might keep her pure and free
From base seducers like to me,
And Joab vile --
For that it was reveal'd to thee
We would beguile.
O Jo! Jo!! thy slanderous tongue
Some burning tears from me have wrung,
And I had thought t' have held my tongue
And nothing said --
If thou had'st but repentance shown
And shut thy head.
But thy repeated slanders vile
Shall not be borne by this child;
Although by nature he is mild,
And well disposed;
Thy sins from continent to isle
Shall be exposed.
Missouri's deeds shall come to light
Though perpetrated in the night.
By hirelings who thought it right
To do thy will --
By cabin conflagration bright
to scalp and kill.
Repent, repent, there still is time --
And add no more dark crime to crime,
But think, how mighty and sublime
Thy calling first --
And in black sackcloth bow thee down
Low in the dust --
And put away far from thy heart,
Each wicked sensual sinful art;
And from the truth no more depart
Long as you live --
But stop and make another start,
And I'll forgive.
If not your dark deeds in Nauvoo,
As well as in Missouri too --
Like Hamlet's ghost shall rise to view,
With old white hat --
Then tremble tyrant, for but few
Will sanction that.
But I must stop this long epistle.
"My pen is worn down to the gristle,"
And ;tis the poet's only missell
In truth's relief --
For, be it known to all, this child
Ain;t yet a chief --
Tho he his lineage can trace
Back to the Bruce and Wallace days,
When they for Liberty did raise
The sword, and broke
(As I tntend in these last days)
A tyrant's yoke.
Note 1: This issue of the Warsaw Signal may have actually been issued on April 25th -- a day later than its nominal publication date.
Note 2: A copy of the poem, "The Buckey's First Epistle to Jo," either appeared on the first page of this issue of the Signal, or on a Signal "slip" dated April 25th -- no copy of the original has yet been located for confirmation of the text.
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