From the Far West

ANOTHER  MORMON  INVASION.

INDEPENDENCE, MO.      
May 3d, 1836.      

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

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

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


Note: The above letter appears to have been reprinted from the columns of an early May, 1836 issue of the Liberty, Mo. newspaper, The Far West.

Sketches  of  a  Traveller

SHELBYVILLE, ILL., July, 1838.       

... I found him a man of considerable intelligence, and he gave me some facts respecting that singular sect styling themselves Mormonites, of which I was previously hardly aware. Immense crowds of these people had within the last few weeks passed his door on the great road from Terre Haute, all with families and household effects stowed away in little one horse wagons of peculiar construction, and on their journey to Mt. Zion -- the New Jerusalem -- situate in Jackson County, Missouri! Their observance of the sabbath was almost Pharisaically severe -- never permitting themselves to travel upon that day -- the men devoting it to hunting, and the females to washing clothes, and other operations of the camp! It was their custom, likewise, to hold a preachment in every village or settlement, whether men would hear or forbear; this latter must have been the case with something of a majority I think, since no one, whom I have ever met could for the life of him give a subsequent expose of Mormonism

 "I never heard nor could engage
A person yet by prayers, or bribes, or tears,
 To name, define by speech, or write on page,
The doctrines meant precisely by that word. --
  Which surely is exceedingly absurd." They assert that an angelic messenger has recently appeared to Joe Smith, announcing the millenium dawn at hand -- that a glorious city of the faithful -- the New Zerusalem, with streets of gold and gates of pearl, is about to be reared upon Mount Zion, Mo, where the Saviour will descend and establish a kingdom, to which there shall be no end! Ergo, argue these everlasting livers, it befits all good citizens to get to Jackson County, aforesaid, as fast as one-horse wagons will carry them! Large quantities of arms and ammunition have, moreover, been forwarded, so that the item of the "sword being beaten into a plowshare, and spear into pruning hook," seems not of probable fulfilment, according to these worthies. The truth of the case is, they anticipate a brush with the long-haired "pukes," before securing a "devise, release and forever quit claim" to Zion hill -- said pukes having already at sundry times manifested a refractory spirit; and from the following anecdote of my good man of the hut, in "rather a rid'lous manner," I am no voucher for the story: I give it as related, "and" as Ben Johnson says, "what he has possessed me withal, I'll discharge it amply."

One sabbath evening, when the services of the congregation of the Mormonites were over, the Rev. Joe Smith, priest and prophet, announced to his expectant tribe, that on the seceeding sabbath, the baptismal sacrament would take place, at which time an angel would appear upon the opposite bank of the stream -- Next sabbath came, and "great was the company of the people" to witness the miraculous visitation.

The baptism commenced, and was no well nigh concluded. -- "Do our eyes deceive us! can such things be! The prophecy! The angel!" were exclamations, which ran through the multitude, as a fair form robed in a loose white garment, stood suddenly before the assembled multitude, upon the opposite shore, and then disappeared! All was amazement, consternation, awe! But where is Joe Smith? In a few moments Joe Smith was with them, and their faith was confirmed.

Again was a baptism appointed. Again was the angel announced -- a larger congregation assembled -- and yet again did the angel appear. At that moment two powerful men sprang from a thicket -- rushed upon the angelic visitant, and, amid mingling exclamations of horror and execrations of pity, from the spectators, tore away his long white wings, his hair and robe, and plunged him into the stream. By some unaccountable metamorphosis, the angel in a few moments emerged from the river honest Joe Smith, priest of Mormon, finder of the golden plates, etc. and the magi of the enchantment were revealed in the persons of two brawy pukes. Since then -- the story concludes -- not an angel has been seen all about Mount Zion!


Notes: (forthcoming)

Trouble Among the Mormons.

The Cleveland Gazette of the 26 ult. says -- "We hear from a source to be relied on, that the Mormon Society at Kirtland is breaking up. Smith and Rigdon, after prophesying the destruction of the town, left [with] their families in the night, and others of the faithful are following. The Reformers are in possession of the Temple, and have excluded the Smith and Rigdon party. An exposure of the proceedings of the Society is in course of preparation by one Parish, the former Confidential Secretary of the prophet. He has records &c. in his possession."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS  IN  CARROLL  COUNTY. -- Notwithstanding the co-operation of Jo Smith and his followers with the Loco Focos, they do not seem to [so obtain] a very good relationship with the people of Carrol county. A meeting was held at Crrolline, in Carroll county, on the 30th of July, at which James Standley presided, and T. H. Freeman acted as secretary. A preamble and resolutions were presented and accepted. They recite, that David Thomas and Henry Root had encouraged some of the Mormons to settle in the western part of the county, and had sold them lands, &c. Whereupon, a resolution was passed, requesting the Mormons to leave county; and a committee was appointed to wait upon Thomas and Root and communicate to them the sense of the meeting. The meeting thus adjourned until the 7th inst.

On the 7th the meeting met pursuant to adjournment, Thomas Minnis acting as chairman, and T. H. Freeman as secretary. The committee appointed at the previous meeting made a report and the annxed proceedings were had:

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.         

That on the second inst. we acquainted Henry Root (David Thomas being absent) and the other Mormons who have located themselves at De Witt, with the wishes of the citizens of this county, and that they received for answer language of the most insulting character, and were also informed that they (the Mormons) were determined not to leave Carroll county; and that Root said, if the citizens of Carroll county attempted to drive them out of the county, they would apply to the Far West for assistance, and in such case we would have to abide by the consequences. ABBOT HANCOCK.
SAMUEL H. WILLIAMS,
JOHN SMART. August 7, 1838.
  On notice of Doctor William W. Austin, the following named persons were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting, to wit: A. C. Blackwell, Charles G, Merrill, James Standley, Hiram Wilcoxen. John Phillips, L. W. Gilbreath, Stephen Smart, George Hardwick, and E. I. Rea; who retired, and after due consideration, reported the following preamble and resolutions:

WHEREAS the people called Mormons about eight years since, located themselves in Jackson county, and for improper and dishonorable conduct were driven from said county by the citizens thereof. And whereas the citizens of Clay county received them as persons whom they believed were persecuted and did, under such impression, aid and protect them until they found by actual experience, that said Mormons were a class of people amongst whom other denominations could not reside with any degree of satisfaction. And whereas it was distinctly understood, and expressly agreed upon by said Mormons and the other citizens of the upper part of the State of Missouri, that they (the said Mormons) might select a tract of country uninhabited, and locate themselves in peace, but they should not intrude upon the citizens of any of the adjoining counties, agreeably to which contract, the Mormons first settled that tract of country now known as Caldwell county, which met with the approbation of the counties adjoining. And whereas said Mormons have broken the covenant so by them made, and are now settling in Carroll county, contrary to the express wishes of the citizens thereof. And whereas said Mormons and their abettors have threatened to assassinate some of our most valuable citizens:

Therefore be it resolved by this meeting, That there be a committee of safety appointed to consist of five persons, to wit: Doctor William W. Austin. Edmund I. Rea, William Freeman, Hiram Wilcoxen, and Abbot Hancock, whose duty it shall be to correspond with the adjoining counties. and make known our distressed situation, and request aid to remove Mormons and abolitionists, and other disorderly persons, out of the limits of Carroll county.

Resolved That the committee of safety be authorized to adopt such measures as to them shall seem most expedient for the safety of the citizens of Carroll county.

Resolved That the committee of safety be, and they are hereby, authorized to raise, by subscriptions or otherwise a sufficient sum of money to defray any expense that may accure in carrying the foregoing resolutions into effect.

Resolved That the citizens of the adjoining counties be, and they are hereby requested to form corresponding committees, and hold themselves in readiness to give assistance if the same should be required.

Resolved That the editors of the public papers within the State be, and they are hereby requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting.

On motion of Hiram Wilcoxen, the foregoing preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

           THOMAS MINNIS, President.
T. H. Freeman, Secretary.                        

We look upon the above as a complete Loco Foco concern and trust that no whig will be found amongst those engaged in it. Much as we despise the Mormons -- for there is certainly not a more contemptible and degraded class of beings in society -- yet we have no better respect for this lawless procedure. We look upon it as an infraction of all laws and right, as a stain on the American character, and as deserving the reprehension of the press every where. If they have infracted the law, let its severities be inflicted to the utmost; but that one set of men should drive out another on account of their religions, or rather bigoted heresies, ought not to be tolerated in any land, much less in a land boasting of its freedom.


Note: The editors, publishers and patrons of the Republican were almost uniformily Whigs. And, as such, they looked upon the Missouri Mormons' attempts to associate themselves with the ruling Democratic party with utter distain. However, the Missouri Mormons were not very successful in carrying over their Democratic partizan connections from Ohio into the very different social and political envirnoment of frontier Missouri. The Republican's writer speaks of "the co-operation of Jo Smith and his followers with the Loco Focos," but any such "cooperation" between the Democrats (Locofocos) and the Mormons in western Missouri was never especially strong or lasting. As in the case of the Carroll county citizens reacting against the new Mormon colony at DeWitt, quite probably the vast majority of Missourians actively opposing Mormon settlement outside the Caldwell county boundaries were "Locofoco" Democrats.

We cut out the following communication from the Boonslick Democrat. Let the reader bear in mind the fact that these Mormons, most of whom we believe are abolitionists, with this same Joe Smith, who has compelled the officers to swear allegiance to him, are members of the Van Buren Locofoco party, and supported at the last election the whole Locofoco ticket, but two men in Smith's county, having the courage to disobey his commands and vote against his revelations. That "they are unfriendly to our government" is very evident from their conduct on that occasion. Their interests, which are the same with the Locofocos generally, are associated with the abolitionists and Fanny Wright disciples in New York. It is rather a strange spectacle to see members of the same fraternity thus abusing each other, but it is said 'when certain persons disagree the truth is apt to look out.'

M O R M O N S.

In your valuable paper of the 11th inst. I see an account of two meetings held by the citizens of Carroll county, to adopt measures to expell Mormons, abolitionists and disorderly persons from said county of Carroll; yet the citizens of Carroll, in their proceedings, have not said one word respecting the course pursued by Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman White, and their gang, in Daviess county. Said Smith, Rigdon, and their gang, have compelled by force many of the official officers of Daviess county who were not of their clan, to swear allegiance to him, the said Smith; such proceedings may appear strange, but it is actually true. There are also some of these degraded people settled in Carroll county, whom the citizens thereof are determined to drive therefrom; and there is no doubt, when they attempt it, they will be attacked by the citizens of Far West, and that the county of Carroll will be laid waste, unless the adjoining counties will render them aid. And it is to be hoped the citizens of the adjoining counties, when they take into consideration that a large portion of the Mormons are Canadians and unfriendly to our government, and no doubt have been driven from that country for bad conduct, that they will adopt measures to render the citizens of Carrol county assistance, if the same should be required; and if such measures are not adopted there is no doubt that the citizens of Carroll will be treated in the same way that the citizens of Daviess have been.

I hope the citizens will take the above matter into consideration, and have companies ready to march to the assistance of the citizens of Carroll at a moment's notice; and, also, to appoint committees of correspondence to correspond with the committee of safety appointed for Carroll county. And I think, in justice to the citizens of the upper part of Missouri, there ought not to be any more Mormons permitted to cross the Mississippi river until the present difficulties are settled.

                                      A FRIEND TO JUSTICE.

Note: Although the Mormons of this period were indeed "members of the Van Buren Locofoco party," they were much less "associated with the abolitionists," than were many Illinois and Missouri Whigs of this period. While the western Whigs may have now and then disavowed some of the more radical goals of the abolitionists, those same Whigs generally looked upon the institution of salvery with much less toleration than did their "Locofoco" opponents. Thus, the "Mormon War" of 1838 appears to have been much less fueled by the controversy over slavery than was the "Mormon War" of 1834. Probably the Whig editors at the Republican were at this time attempting to head off utter political ruin in Missouri, by disassociating themselves somewhat from the abolitionist Whigs of the free states (such as neighboring Illinois).

[The  Mormons.]

We learn from the Columbia (Boone Co.) Patriot, that a gentleman of that town has received a letter from Livingston county, stating that some cutting and stabbing was perpetrated by the Mormons of Daviess county, on the day of election, and, that some companies had been raised in Livingston with a view of going over and assisting in drubbing the Mormons; but that, before they got quite ready to march, they learned the strength of the Mormons which suggested to their prudence the propriety of remaining at home till they could be assured that reinforcements would join them from other counties, sufficiently great to cope with the combined force of the Mormons
Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON  WAR.

We have every prospect just now of a fearful commotion between that sect of religious fanatics (the Mormons) and the citizens of Daviess and some of the adjoining counties. We give below the remarks of the "Western Star" and the proceedings of a meeting in Ray county. The tone and temper of the resolutions adopted at the meeting in Ray are such as every one will highly approve. Let the law have its full course and then, if there is not power in its officers and mandates to protect the rights of the citizens, let the appeal be made to the last of all remedies -- the right of self-protection! The Mormons are a troublesome and dangerous set of people, and a curse to any community in which they may be located. We have known of them personally; they are generally a low, dirty, ignorant and degraded class, who look upon their leaders with the most explicit confidence, and whose biddings they obey with the most abject servility. Still, bad as they are, they have some cause to complain that our laws have not protected them. The report that Jo Smith had surrendered himself to the civil authorities is not confirmed by the latest accounts from that quarter. The remarks of the "Western Star" are as follows:


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

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

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

The Mormons can raise from 1000 to 1500 fighting men, well armed. They believe Jo Smith to be a prophet of the Lord and that he holds a communion with him. Hence, any statement given to them by said Smith as a Revelation of the Lord, is to be implicitly complied with. He can embody them as one man -- as exemplified in the late election. Suppose then, this modern Mahomet, backed by such a host of armed bigots and enthusiasts, should take it into his head to resist the execution of the laws, would it not verify the statement of Wight, that, even the "whole state of Missouri could not take him!"

---

PUBLIC  MEETING

At a public meeting of the citizens of Ray county, at the court house in Richmond, on the 9th day of August, 1838, the object of which was to take into consideration certain movements of the Mormons in Daviess county; which were reported to be of a highly illegal and dangerour character.

Whereupon, William B. Martin, Esq. was called to the Chair and Amos Rees appointed Secretary.

On motion of Wiley C. Williams, Esq. the evidence in the hands of gentlemen present was requested to be laid before the meeting -- which was done accordingly, and was as follows.


                                            Daviess County, Mo., Aug. 8, 1838.
Know all men by this, that I, Adam Black, of the county aforesaid and acting justice thereof do hereby certify that I have this day been attacked, and my house surrounded by a body of one hundred armed men called Mormons, my life threatened, and I was forced to subscribe to an article which I refused to do, until instant death was threatened me. -- I further certify, that the said body of men threatened the lives of several individuals of this county. -- The above named body of armed men surrounded my house, with guns, swords and pistols and amounted to about one hundred and twenty. Believing this a violation of our laws, the command [of] the militia of this county, is hereby required to call out the militia to disperse said body and maintain the supremacy of the law. The above body of armed men are commanded by Joseph Smith, Jr., and Lyman Wight.
                                            ADAM BLACK, J. P.

N. B. I further certify that the whole number of Mormons embodied is about 500 men. The militia of this county mot amounting to a fraction of that number, the militia of the adjoining counties is therefore earnestly called upon to protect us in our homes, our liberty and our lives.
                                            ADAM BLACK, J. P.


The following certificate was also presented and read:

This is to certify that we the undersigned, visited the Mormon encampment at Lyman Wight's on this evening, and believe from the best information that we can obtain from them that the number embodied amounts to 500 men. This is the 8th of August, 1838, ( Johan A. Williams,
( William Slade. Sworn to and subscribed to before me, a justice of the peace for and in Daviess county.
                                            ADAM BLACK, J. P.


There was also a variety of verbal testimony to the same purport, and shewing preparation for actual fighting, by collecting arms, ammunition, and all other preparatory steps for insurrection.

Orvill H. Searcy then moved that a committee of seven persons be appointed to look into and report to the meeting, the proper course to be taken.

The chair then appointed the following gentlemen as that committee:

Orvill H. Searcy, Wiley C. Williams, Amos Rees, William Hudgent, Charles R. Morehead, Israel R. Hendley, and Joseph Ewing.

The meeting then adjourned until tomorrow morning.

Friday, Aug. 18, 1838.      

The meeting met pursuant to adjournment.

Whereupon, the committee appointed on yesterday, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.

Upon an examination of the facts and circumstances appearing to and examined by us, consisting of certificates, documents, and other evidence, we are satisfied that there is an armed force now collected and embodied in Daviess county, of about 500 Mormons whose movements are highly insurrectionary and unlawful: -- that they have already committed outrages on individuals who were old and respectable citizens of Daviess county, by taking them in the bosom of their families, and forcing them by threats of immediate violence or death, to sign papers, the particular contents of which are not known to this committee, but which were such as a freeman ought not to sign; -- and that they threaten to make this thing universal throughout the country; and that they are still embodied, and are purchasing and collecting ammunition, and making all preparations for an insurrection, -- or, at least, a great and enormous violation of the laws and the private rights of the citizens of Daviess county. We have also a variety of evidence before us that the leaders of this people are determined not to submit to the law, and that they are entirely revolutionary in their feelings and intentions, and have been so for some considerable time past.

1st. Resolved, That we highly disapprove of all improper and unlawful collection of people for any purpose, whatsoever. But that if injuries or injustice is done to any man or body of men, that they shall resort to the laws of the country for redress, which we believe to be amply sufficient for that purpose.

2d. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting all the evidence of the movements of said body of Mormons, should be speedily made known to the judge of this Circuit, and that if he deems the evidence sufficient to authorize his action on the subject, the he take such steps to be apprehended and brought to justice all concerned in the violation of the laws, as may be proper.

3d. Resolved, That we believe that Joseph Smith, Jr. and Lyman Wight, are the leaders of this measure, and that we urge upon judge King, the necessity of his action in his official capacity, to have said Smith and Wight brought to immediate justice.

4th. Resolved, That this meeting deprecate any hasty or improper action on the part of the citizens of this county, and that they will do no act which is not justified by the laws of the land.

5th. Resolved, That a committee of vigilance be appointed on the part of this county whose duty it shall be to collect all the information on the subject of the movements of the Mormons, and inform the citizens of this county thereof -- and that they also give any information which they deem necessary to other counties -- and that they be authorized to call a meeting of the citizens of this county when in their opinion it shall be necessary.

6th. Resolved, That a committee be appointed on the part of the people of this county to visit Daviess and Caldwell counties, and collect all the facts in relation to the difficulties between the Mormons and other citizens of Daviess county, and report to the committee of vigilance of this county.

7th. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the newspaper printed in Liberty; together with the documents herewith returned. On motion of Dr. R. B. Ellid, the committee of vigilance was composed of seven persons to be appointed by the chair. Whereupon, the chair proceeded to appoint the following persons to compose that committee, viz: Robert B. Ellis, Dr. Thomas Allen, Moses F. Rainwater, Chas. R. Morehouse, Wiley D. Williams, Joseph Ewing, and William Hudgens.

On motion the committee to visit Caldwell and Daviess counties under the 6th resolutions, was composed of three persons to be appointed by the chair. -- Whereupon, the chair proceeded to appoint the following persons to compose that committee, viz: -- Thomas Hamilton, Israel R. Hendley, and William Hudgens, Esquires.

On motion, it was agreed that the traveling expenses of the traveling committee be paid by this meeting.

On motion, it was agreed that this meeting adjourn.

                                WILLIAM B. MARTIN, Cha'm.
AMOS REES, Secretary.


Note 1: Caldwell County (named after: Capt. Matthew Caldwell) was organized on December, 26, 1836, with its administrative center at the new Mormon settlement of Far West. The county was created out of Ray County by the Missouri Legislature as a kind of reservation for the troublesome Mormons. It is interesting to read that as early as 1838 residents of neighboring counties were attempting to "repeal the law organizing Caldwell county." At that time the county's population had reached about 5,000 -- only about 100 of whom were non-Mormons.

Note 2: The substance of this meeting was also reprinted in the Sept. 8, 1838 issue of the Jackson Southern Advocate.

MORE MORMON DIFFICULTIES. -- A meeting was held by the people of Saline County on the 21st ult., at which, after expressing the opinion that a present the people of Carroll county do not need their services in expelling the Mormons, they resolve that they are ready and willing, whenever it shall be necessary, to assist in the work of expulsion.

A meeting was also held in Howard county, on the 30th, at which they resolved to assist, if necessary, in opposing the Mormons. A committee of two persons was appointed to go to the scene of difficulty and ascertain what if any aid was necessary. We have no late certain intelligence from that quarter.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The following communication has been on our table several days, but was over looked, the subject however will not be the less interesting on account of the delay.

For the Republican.       

I noticed in the Gazette of Saturday evening last an article headed "THE MORMONS", and ending thus, "Such a breed of incendiaries should be crushed -- if possible, by the strong arm of the law, if not, they should be crushed." To the rest of the article in question, I have no objection. But when sentiments like this one are put forth openly by the public press, it becomes every freeman and every one who desires the protection of law, to raise his voice against it, [lest?] that sentiment but become the ruling principle of action in the community, and we may bid farewell at once to all that makes the civilized differ from the savage state. It is the very essence of mob law -- an epitome of the Legal Library of Judge Lynch.

When an editor in the midst of strong excitement, and under the influence, perhaps, of fear or anger, pens such an article, there is [nothing? to palliate or] excuse his fault. In such a case we feel that "to err is human," and are disposed to make [every] allowance, but when one who is hundred of miles from the scene of action, deliberarely and coolly sits down, in retirement and pens such an article, and sends it forth to the world, we feel that the best interests of society have been wounded -- a vital part has received the blow.

If such a sentiment [as] this is to be coolly received and quietly borne, and acquiessed in by the citizens [of] St. Louis or of Missouri, then indeed, are the days of our State's prosperity numbered. Anarchy and confusion are the inevitable fruits of such doctrines; "might makes right" will then be the only law. It is sincerely to be hoped that now, as Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama are discarding Judge Lynch and punishing his executive officers, Missouri will not permit her borders again to be stained by his footsteps. At least, may we not hope that should any person, under the influence of sudden and strong excitement, be led to violate the law, the voice of cool deliberation, and especially as heard through the press shall condemn it?
   Monday, Sept. 3d.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The latest information from the Mormons is, that Jo Smith had agreed to surrender himself to the civil authorities, but that Lyman Wright [sic] still held out and refused in surrender. We do not learn that any further proceedings have been had on either side, and the prospect now is that the whole will pass over in smoke.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Republican.       

The Gazette of yesterday evening "repeats" that the Mormons "should be crushed," though it cannot be done but by a violation of law. The case now stands just where it did on the appearance of the first articles in the Gazette. It lays down a principle which I consider subversive of all our dearest rights. That principle I feel bound to combat at the same time cherishing the Gazette no feelings but those of perfect kindness.

The Gazette seems disposed to dodge the question, by conveying the impression that I am opposed to a resort to forcible measures, in any case. Nothing that I have said gives the least ground for such an insinuation. I do not doubt; in the least, the propriety of using forcible measures; and, from what I have heart of this affair, I should think they ought to be used very energeticallly. But they should be used lawfully.

The true point at issue is, whether this "brood of incendiaries should be crushed" -- even though the arm of the law is not strong enough to do it. I say no -- unhesitatingly and positively, NO. Let us mend our laws, if they need it, but not break them. Let us "repel force by force," if need be. We break no laws by doing that.... [to say] that the Mormons must be "crushed;" and if it can't be done by law, it must be done in defiance of it. -- This is what I deny.
                                                                     X.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

The committee appointed by the meeting held in this place on Saturday last, and instructed to "repair to the scene of recent difficulties and aggressions" with the Mormons, have just returned from their mission, and we learn from Mr. P. M. Jackson, one of the committee, that things do not [present] a scene so very alarming as has been represented by various reports from that quarter. Some of the leading Mormons have intimated their willingness to submit themselves to the legal authorities; hence we may infer that no serious difficulties will arise.
                       Boonslick Dem.


Notes: (forthcoming)

More Help For the Loco Focos. -- The Terre Haute (In.) Courier says that upwards of sixty wagons passed that place in one day, containing the families of emigrating Mormons, all bound for Missouri.

---

It is said that about 500 Mormons left Preble county, Ohio, on the 31st, for Missouri.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

We had hoped that this difficulty was at an end; but more recent intelligence leaves no doubt of the quarrel being of a more serious character than was at first anticipated. Below we give an extract from a letter written by a respectable gentleman of Lexington, and addressed to a citizen of this city. This account of the state of affairs is truly alarming. The writer says: "Great excitement prevails the other side of the river against the Mormons -- they are all up in arms and have, we understand this morning, had some fighting, which resulted in the killing of a few of both parties. The citizens of Ray county sent a wagon load of arms and ammunition, to the citizens of Daviess for the purpose of defending themselves. On their way out they were captured by a company of Mormons, and taken to Far West. A Committee has this morning arrived from the other side asking for men to assist them in the protection of their property."

We learn from the Clerk of the steam boat Howard, which came down yesterday, that a report was circulating along the Missouri river that the Mormons had fortified their town (Far West) and were determined to hold out. They were stated to be about one thousand strong and well supplied with arms and ammunition. The following statements from the Boonville Emigrant of the 13th are confirmatory of this report:

MORMON  TROUBLES.          

We have just conversed with General Wilson, of Howard county, who states that on last Saturday he saw a letter dated on the 7th instant. from a committee of gentlemen in Davies county, calling on them to raise a force and come to their assistance, and aid them im expelling the Mormons from the county: -- That the citizens of Daviess had removed their families, and were making preparations for warlike operation; that the Mormons were in a state of open rebellion against the laws, and war between them and the citizens was inevitable; that the people of Daviess had come to the fixed determination of commencing the attack on Saturday last.

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

P. S. Since writing the above, we have understood that a gentleman from Ray county has just arrived at Boonville, who brings information, that the inhabitants of Daviess county have postponed warlike operations against the Mormons until Monday; the probable reason for this change of day is on account of the Sabbath day coming next after the first fixed upon. They consider it better that Monday instead of Saturday, as a day more appropriate, expecting to be able to prevail against them better by having the whole week before them.

---

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


Note: The wording of the final, incomplete paragraph above is uncertain -- it was taken from a paraphrased news item, as reprinted in an other paper.

The Mormon Troubles. -- We were politely furnished yesterday with the following extract of a letter to a gentleman in this city. dated

                                                             Lexington, Mo., Sept. 14.
There is nothing of any account by way of news, unless I mention the Mormon difficulty, of which I suppose you receive exaggerated accounts. I returned from an excursion on business into the western part of Ray county, and found all the people in arms. A company of about two hundred and fifty left yesterday under the command of Gen. Atchison, of Liberty. I conversed with him upon the subject, and find he intends, if possible, to prevent the effusion of blood; but the citizens generally are of opinion that there will be a severe battle.

A force from Clay county started two days since; also from Carroll and Davies, fully nent on fight. A company of some twenty men from this county started yesterday. The issue will be known in a few days. One thing is very certain, unless the citizens march to the ground with a very superior force, in case of a battle the Mormons will overpower them. They are in complete order and discipline, and they have every inducement for exertion, as Joe Smith tells them if they are beaten they need not expect a resting place this side of heaven.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  DIFFICULTIES.

We have nothing later from Daviess county than the 14th. At that time the militia from Clay, Saline, Jackson and some other counties were collecting in Daviess and Carroll, but no decisive steps had been taken on either side. We copy below an article from the WESTERN STAR, (published at Liberty, in Clay county,) of the 14th, which shows the origin and progress of the difficulty. We have heard a number of verbal reports, but nothing that can be relied on, so we prefer waiting for more positive intelligence. The remarks of the STAR are as follows:

"We desire in the statement we are about to make to give a true narrative of the causes which have produced the difficulty between the Mormons and the citizens of Daviess county, as well as to give all that has occurred respecting the movements of both parties since the first difficulty took place.

At the election in Daviess county, a citizen objected to a Mormon's voting, which brought about angry words. -- The Mormon was struck with a club, and in return used the same weapon himself, and before the affair terminated, several on both sides were engaged, and knives freely used. No person was killed, but some cut and bruised.

The excitement did not terminate with the fight. Shortly afterwards, Joe Smith, Lyman Wight, and other Mormon leaders, collected a large force in Caldwell, and went into Daviess county to protect the Mormons residing there. They went armed and equipped for war, but they say their intentions were peace; and if what we hear be true, respecting the paper which they presented to Adam Black, a justice of the peace, for his signature, a very different face has been placed upon the transaction to what B. has sworn to. The paper Smith presenetd to Black was to the effect that, inasmuch as it was anticipated that difficulties would grow out of the fight at the election, between the Mormons and the citizens of Daviess, he (Black) as a Justice of the Peace pledged himself that he would take lawful notice of any unlawful proceedings of either party -- Smith representing to Black, that if he would sign such a paper, he would show it to his own people and to others, and that it would have an effect to prevent difficulties.

We understand that the facts elicited at the trial of Smith and Wight (who gave themselves up, and were heard before the Judge of our Circuit Court last week) completely stamped the certificate of Black, Comstock, and others with falsehood. After the trial of Smith and Wight, it was believed that difficulties had ceased, but not so. The people of Daviess county had sent letters and messengers to other counties in order to raise men to drive all the Mormons out of Daviess, and many from other counties had gone to their aid. The Mormons seeing this, made preparations also. When, seeing the crisis at which things were arriving, the Judge of our Circuit, Hon. Austin A. King, directed General D. R. Atchison to raise 1000 men in his Division, and forthwith march them into Daviess, to keep the peace, and prevent bloodshed.

Two hundred men from Clay, under the command of Brig. Gen. Doniphen, Major Lightburne, and Capt's Moss, Whittington, and Price, marched out on yesterday and the day before.

We are not apprehensive that any thing serious will take place, though both parties have become much excited. Both sides are to blame, but our opinion is that the Mormons are the aggressors. Until the 4th of July, we heard of no threat being made against them, in any quarters. The people had all become reconciled to let them remain where they are, and indeed were disposed to lend them a helping hand. But one Sidney Rigdon, in order to show himself off as a great man, collected them all together in the town of Far West, on the 4th July, and there delivered a speech containing the essence of, if not treason itself. This speech was not only published in the newspapers, but handbills were struck for distribution in Caldwell and Daviess counties. We have not the speech now before us, but we recollect amongst other threats, that the author said: "We will not suffer any vexatious law-suits with our people, nor will we suffer any person to come into our streets and abuse them." Now, if this is not a manifestation of a disposition to prevent the force of law, we do not know what is. It is also true, that when the Mormons left this county, they agreed to settle in, and confine themselves to a district of country, which has since been formed into the county of Caldwell; but they have violated that agreement, and are spreading over Daviess, Clinton, Livingston and Carroll. Such a number had settled in Daviess, that the old inhabitants were apprehensive they would be governed soon, by the Revelations of the great Prophet, Joe Smith, and hence their anxiety to rid themselves of such an incubus.

So many reports are in circulation relative to battles fought, and men on both sides being killed and captured, that it is hard to get at the truth. We are certain, however, that up to yesterday, no person had been killed. Three men from Ray county were captured by the Mormons, and some 50 guns taken. The men are in confinement, (or rather, are guarded and kept,) in the town of Far West; and it is said the people of Daviess have captured one Mormon.

Gen. Doniphan, in some remarks made to the company which went out from this county said, that the men and arms captured by the Mormons would be demanded, as also the Mormon captive in Daviess. Should the Mormons refuse to give up the men and arms, the worst consequences must follow.

We hope and believe they will not be so blinded as to refuse; but if they should, we can tell them, that "war to the knife" will be waged against them, and they will no longer be suffered to remain in the State. We rely greatly upon the standing and influence of Generals Atchison and Doniphan, as well as the other gentlemen who have gone out, to bring this matter to a peaceable termination.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS.. -- The latest accounts state that the difficulties are in a fair way of amicable adjustment, without further disturbance.

---

The Governor of this state, in consequence of the difficulties with the Mormons, has ordered troops to be raised and held in readiness in Howard, Marion, and some other counties.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

Information has been received by express from Judge King, who [resides in the Circuit where the difficulty exists that an insurrection is now actually on foot in the counties of Caldwell and Daviess. -- The same information has just been received from Gen. Atchison, who is now at Richmond, with 250 men, and intends proceeding immediately to the scene of difficulty. Gen. A. has ordered out 400 more men from his Division. In consequence of this information, the Governor has, by expresses, ordered Gen'ls Grant of Boone, to have 360 men, Clark of Howard, to have 500 men, Lucas of Jackson, 400 men and Crowther, of Cooper, 400 men, organized and to march immediately to the scene of doifficulty, to suppress the insurrection and restore order to the community. Gen Atchison states that the men now under arms in Daviess and Caldwell, are not less than 2000; the greater part of whom are Mormons, and the balance citizens.

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

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS.

We have no certain intelligence of the movements in the vicinity of the far west. What all the fuss and martial array of troops, their marching and counter marching has amounted to we know not. The western papers received by last mail are silent on the subject. A letter from a gentleman in Randolph county, dated the 21st, contains the following postcript -- Strange and absurd as the ideas are which are here expressed by this Englishman, yet, when we consider the fanaticism which possess[es] these deluded beings, it is not strange that they should entertain such foolish and absurd notions of what the future has in store for them.

"Thirty wagons left my house this morning for Far West, all Canadians and Mormons to join Jo Smith & Co. I had some conversation with an Englishman among them. He says their object is a Kingly Government, and the Angel, spoken of in the 14th chapter of the Revelations, is Jo Smith & Co., with the others the second and third prophets among them. -- They seem confident that all the wicked in Missouri will be cut off and the Mormons will then have peaceable posession."

Since the above was in type we have seen a letter from the vicinity, which says, "There will be no fighting, the Mormons have surrendered their arms."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  WAR.

This war, which has kept a large portion of our citizens in an excitement for the last thirty days, is now at an end in every thing, except payin the piper, which the people have yet to do. The war, it is estimated, will cost the State at least fifty or sixty thousand dollars. We are told that the [whole] was easily arranged by General Atchison, in the following manner: Gen. A. -- who by the way, has the confidence of the Mormons to a very great degree, and is deserving of general respect, with about two hundred select men, in the character of conservators of the peace, repaired to Far West, where he held a conference with the leading Mormons, and was assured by them that every disposition was entertained, on their part, to abide by the laws. They stated their willingness to submit to the judicial decisions of the county. and claimed nothing but the protection of the laws. A full investigation by General A. of the whole matter, satisfied him that the Mormons were the injured party, and that the statements of Justice Black and others, of the Mormons' threats and attempts to force persons to sign a paper, and to swear allegiance to Jo Smith, were entirely false and groundless. General A. easily succeded, after learning the whole facts, in restoring peace and quiet to the county, and in dispersing all the armed forces in the neighborhood.

Connected with this speck of war are some amusing incidents. The Governor, misled, we are disposed to believe, by the representations of those who should have stated the facts, ordered three thousand men to be mustered into service and to repair to the scene of difficulty. On Friday or Saturday week, his Excellency, with two aids and the Adjutant General of the State, Major General Bolton, with his staff, the Brigadier General, with his staff, left Jefferson for the field of action. In all calls for militia soldiers, there is no scarcity of Generals, field and staff officers. The Governor went to Boonville on Saturday. A despatch from General Atchison, conveying intelligence of the [restoration] of order, reached a Mr. English's, about eighteen miles from Jefferson, the same night that the Governor reached Boonville. The messenger, believing it to be his duty to place the despatches in the hands of the Governor, instead of going to Jefferson, set out to overtake him at Boonville. A militia lieutenant, having arrived at Mr. English's the same morning, and having learned that the messenger had been there, and where he had gone, immediately concluded that the messenger was a Mormon Spy, and to testify his zeal, mustered several of his company into immediate service and pursued him. After some hard riding, they succeeded in coming up with the bearer of the despatches, whom they nobly captured. The messenger explained his business, showed his letters, and insisted upon being suffered to proceed to the Governor; the courageous lieutenant, however, told him that his story would not do, he must go back to Jefferson, and threatened to lynch him if he did not go peaceably; the messenger, preferring a longer ride to a lynched back, returned with the party to Jefferson where the heroic lieutenant surrendered him into the hands of the Secretary of State, as a Mormon Spy, lawfully captured by the rules [of] war. The Governor, however, by some other means during Sunday, learned the actual state of affairs and forthwith dismissed the men raised in Cooper, and sent word to those coming from Cole that their service would not be needed. The Governor alone proceeded on to the counties of Caldwell and Daviess.

The above we have from a gentleman just from the upper country, whose veracity may be relied upon.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON  DIFFICULTIES.

We did suppose that this war, alike disgraceful to all partie concerned, was at an end; but the present prospects are otherwise. We learn by a gentleman who came passenger in the steamboat Kansas, on Saturday, that when at the Mormon town above the mouth of Grand river, he saw about two hundred of the Mormons armed and prepared for conflict. -- About eighty wagons, containing a number of families, had just arrived at the village. This passenger states that some of the citizens of the adjoining county had given notice to the Mormons to leave the country, and that if they did not go by Saturday, they would be driven off. The Mormons had refused to go, and were expecting every day an attack from their opponents, whom they represented as about equally strong with themselves. -- It however, was the opinion of our informant, that both parties dreaded a conflict, and he thought it most likely that nothing serious would grow out of the excitement.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON  WAR.

The following intelligence is quite alarming. The letter which we give below was received yesterday by the Saint Peters, which left Glasgow about daylight on Monday morning, the 7th instant. The letter was written about the hour of the boat's leaving. The writer is one of the most respectable citizens of the upper country; his statements may be relied upon.

In addition to the above, we understand that a messenger, bearing despatches to his Excellency Governor Boggs, arrived in the city yesterday. What the contents of the despatches were, or what order his Excellency has taken, we have not learned. We believe that this intestine war will not be settled without a fight, and the quicker they have it, the better for the peace and quiet of the country. If the Governor thinks proper to order troops out again, we suggest that he give the call to the St. Louis Greys. Equipped and drilled as they are, they would be more effective than twice their number of raw militia, besides it would save calling out so many Major Generals, &c.

GLASGOW, Oct. 7th, 1838.       

Gentlemen, -- As one of a Committee of six from the counties of Howard and Chariton, appointed to visit the county of Carroll, where the distirbance exists between the Mormons and the citizens, and to examine into the causes, and to endeavor to effect a reconciliation between the parties, I have thought proper to communicate to you the facts as they exist. The Mormons reside at a town, six miles above the mouth of Grand River, called DeWitt. For the last week some citizens of Carroll, and others from Saline and Chariton counties, to the number of about two hundred persons, have been assembled within one mile of DeWitt, all well armed, and have one piece of artillery, threatening every day to attack the Mormons in DeWitt; in fact, on the 4th there was an attack made and many guns fired from both sides, but only one man wounded of the mob party, as they are called. We were there on yesterday, and endeavored to bring about a reconciliation between the parties; the citizens proposed that if the Mormons would leave the county and not return again, they would pay them back the amount their property cost, with ten per cent interest thereon, and return them the amount of their expenses in coming in and going out of the county. The Mormons replied that ever since they have been a people they have been driven from place to place, and they had determined they should be driven no more, and they had determined, every one of them, to die on the ground. There are about 100 families of Mormons who are there, and are now encamped with their wagons in town, having just arrived; what number of men they have we could not ascertain, but presume they have considerable assistance from their principal town -- Far West -- in Caldwell county, about 60 or 70 miles distant; in fact within the last 24 hours their numbers have increased so much that the mob have declined an attack until reinforced from other counties. A messenger has just arrived, who left there at daylight this morning, and reports that the guards were fired on by the Mormons about 1 o'clock last night, and continued until the time he left; but no one had been shot of the mob. Some 20 or 30 from our county have volunteered their assistance. The commanders of the mob are Dr. Austin (Gen.) and Col. Jones. The Mormons are commanded by Hinkle. I don't think I ever saw more resolute and determined men than the Mormons. It was our unanimous opinion that if some force sufficient to suppress them does not interpose immediately, there will be great slaughter, and many valuable lives lost -- some of our first citizens have engaged in it. Our country is under great excitement in consequence of it, and there is no telling where it will end.
                             Your obedient servant,
                                                 WM. F. DUNNICA.


Notes: (forthcoming)

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON DIFFICULTIES. -- Late yesterday, we recived from our esteemed friend at Glasgow, the following letter in relation to this difficulty, which, for the present, seems to have ended bloodless. The writer will please accept our thanks, for his attention to our wishes. At some suitable occassion we hereafter may express our opinion of the lawless measures which have been pursued by the citizens to the Mormons; at present, we have no time for comment.

GLASGOW, October 12, 1838.     

DEAR SIR: I informed you a few days ago of the then existing difference between the citizens of Carroll and the Mormons residing at Dewitt; I now have the pleasure of informing you, that on yesterday, I witnessed the departure of every Mormon in Carroll County for Far West, in Caldwell County. -- The matter at last was settled amicably, and the Mormons yielded to the proposition from the citizens, that is, that they should be paid for their property and such damages as should be assessed by two men, chosen by each side, from the counties of Howard and Chariton; and upon the arrival of the committee on the ground, both parties took up the line of march and moved off. The citizens of Carroll pledged themselves to assist any county who assisted them, when called on for a similar purpose. There was a company of militia stationed near the place to preserve the peace, of about 100 men, who after peace was made, declared that they would not let the Mormons pass to Far West -- they said there was no room for them in Caldwell County. We have not heard whether they were intercepted on the way, but presume not, for the Mormons were double their number. However, I am inclined to believe that the adjoining counties to Caldwell, will never be contented until they leave the State. Had the Mormons refused to sell on the day the last proposition was made to them, it would have been a serious matter for both parties, for there was but little difference in their forces, and the citizens had come to a determination to make, if possible, a successful attack on the day the compromise was effected.


Notes: (forthcoming)

... There is a report in the city, said to be on the authority of a letter, that the Mormons had burnt the Court House, clerk's office, Post Office, and two stores in the county seat of Daviess county, and that the war between them and the citizens had actually commenced. There is some probability in the report, as we were informed that an effort was making to expel them from the country....

There is said to be a gathering if the belligerents against the Mormons in Daviess county, of near two hundred. It is hoped that the approach of winter will allay the avenging spirit of the persecutors of this deluded people.


Note: The above text fragments were taken from a reprint in another paper. They have not yet been checked against a copy of the Republican to confirm the article date.

MORMON DIFFICULTIES. -- There is said to be a gathering of belligerants against the Mormons in Davis county, of near two hundred. It was hoped that the approach of winter would allay the avenging spirit of persecutors of this deluded people.

Notes: (forthcoming)

ALARMING  STATE  OF  AFFAIRS.

The following letter, from a highly respectible individual, has been politely furnished us by a friend, for publication. The statements are confirmed by many verbal reports in the city. We have lately conversed with several intelligent individuals from the vicinity of the Mormon disturbance, and, whilst we have found it difficult to arrive with any certainty at the truth concerning many things, we are well assured that the hostility is more deeply seated than has generally been supposed, and we feel assured that bloodshed and devastation only will terminate the struggle, unless the Mormons remove from the country. Every account from that quarter shows an existing state of agitation in the public mind truly alarming. Every stranger is watching with jealousy, and every man compelled to take sides for or against the Mormons. In truth, there appears to be but little division on the part of the citizens, in their opposition. We are told that the two men who laid out the town of De Witt, and, as a matter of speculation, invited the Mormons to buy lots in it, have been given leave to pass through the country three times, after which they are informed that a return there will be dangerous. They have already removed their goods into another county.

So deep and all-pervading is the opposition to the Mormons, and so many respectable men have engaged in the attempt to expel them, that we feel satisfied the public are not truly informed of the objections which exist against the Mormons or the circumstances which render them so obnoxious. We hope shortly to be able to develope something more of the causes of this unhappy state of affairs than have yet come to the knowledge of the public.

On board the Steamer Astoria,    
Below Jefferson City, 28th Oct.    

Dear Major. -- I hasten to communicate intelligence which I have received a few minutes since (from an unquestionable source) at Jefferson City, viz: -- Colonel Reese of Richmond, Ray county, had arrived with an express to the Governor, to call out the militia to march in defence of Ray and Richmond. The Mormons had devastated Daviess county, burning the county seat, and most of the houses in the county, and were then marching on Richmond to burn and destroy it. Rencontres had taken place, with loss of lives. Colonel Reese had, but a few hours before we landed, returned, and orders were promptly issued by Governor Boggs for 3000 mounted men to repair to the scene of war. The troops below arw to rendezvous at Fayette, and march immediately.

The Mormons have been for many days hauling in corn and other supplies to their great depot, Far West. They have been reinforced by many hundreds lately from Ohio and the Canadas, -- refugees and Mormons. Do not believe that these disturbances are "humbugs." There are serious and dangerous difficulties now pending. The writer of this has every opportunity to know these facts, as he was an eye witness in Caldwell, having been out with the troops. Mormonism, emancipation and ablitionism must be driven from our State.

We, the exposed frontier men, have enough to contend with to protect our shamefully exposed frontier, without having to combat the serfe of the eastern degraded and fanatical rabble thrown with the "poor Indians," on our border. Forbearance no longer can be exercised. If the Government will not protect us, we will do it ourselves.


YET MORE. -- The Missourian of the 27th, printed at Fayette, gives the following additional information. A company was to be organized in Fayette on the morning of the 27th.

Snowden's, Oct. 25, 1838.   

Col. Jones: Sir, -- News has just reached us here that the Mormons have attacked and cut to pieces Capt. Bogard's company of 50 men, except three or four who have escaped. They say the Mormon force is 300 or 400. Richmond is threatened to-night. If you can spare, I wish you to detail two or three companies of troops, and repair to Richmond with all speed.
Yours in haste,
GEO. WOODWARD,
Aid to Gen. Parks.

---

CARROLTON, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Gentlemen: News of an appalling nature has just reached us. Capt. Bogard, who was ordered with his company to guard the frontier of Ray county, was attacked and cut to pieces by immense numbers. They were overpowered by 3 or 400 Mormons, while they were guarding their own families. But five minutes ago, three reports of a cannon were heard in the direction of Richmond. Firing has been heard in various directions, and there is no doubt but that these infatuated villians have attacked Richmond.

The news of their burning and pillage has already reached you. They have indubitably captured the cannon, and taken many prisoners -- probably killed many. Daviess county is a scene of desolation. Ray is probably so ere this time; and their next movement will be at this place. It is already threatened.

Be up and doing. Bring all the men you can, and let us check them in their course of destruction and devastation. They are moving on with giant strides to the climax of anarchy, civil war, and desolation. Wolf and Baker will explain all. I have just received orders, by express, from Gen. Brig. Parks, to raise 150 mounted men. Fifty have volunteered, and the remainder I will obtain in a day or two.

Stir the people up in Howard and Chariton. Send all the braves you can with Wolf, and we can meet and check them in their mad career.
                                Yours in haste,
                                WM. CLAUDE JONES.

To Congrave Jackson and others.


We have conversed with a gentleman who says that he had held a conversation, in person with Joe Smith, a few days ago, and that Smith stated that his people were prepared to die in defence of what they thought to be their rights, that although the Governor might raise and send against them the power of the State, yet he, and all the men he could bring, would not drive them from their present homes.

We wonder that his Excellency has not called upon the Grays of this City. They are armed and equipped for service, and would be more efficient than any troops which he could muster, being better disciplined and prepared for an emergency than raw troops can be. But of their preparation and discipline the Governor has had ocular demonstration.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON WAR. -- We give a large portion of our paper to-day to the contents of an extra, issued at the request of the Governor, by the Missouri Watchman, containing the evidence on which he has ordered out the troops. We had several reports from that quarter yesterday. The most authentic is, that a skirmish had occurred between the Mormons and citizens near the line of Ray county, in which ten of the citizens were killed and a number taken prisoners. This is but rumor, however, and may or may not be true. There are so many reports it is almost impossible to know what to believe or what to reject

---

                     From the Missouri Watchman of the 29th inst.

We have been requested by the Governor to publish an extra of our paper, giving to the [public], the intelligence which he, on yesterday, received in relation to our Mormon difficulties. We are also informed that a force of three thousand men have been ordered to be raised and to march immediately to the aid of the suffering inhabitants. The outrages of the Mormons are of a character never before witnessed in a civilized country. They have now placed themselves in an attitude of open defiance to the laws of the land. The contents of the letters published below show, that they have driven the inhabitants of Daviess county from their homes, pillaged and burnt their dwellings, driven off their cattle, and have taken the lives of our people. They will now be dealt with as enemies and traitors to the country.

---

MEETING OF THE CITIZENS OF RAY COUNTY.

At a very numerous Public Meeting, held at the Court House, in Richmond, Ray county on Wednesday, the 24th day of October, 1833, for the purpose of taking into consideration the difficulties with the Mormons: --

The object of the meeting having been explained by Thomas C. Bunch, Esq., the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, after reading the report of Charles R. Morehead, William Thornton, and Jacob Gudgel, Esq'rs., which is hereto attached: To Wit:

Resolved, That the report here made by Charles R. Morehead, William Thornton and Jacob Gudgel, Esq'rs., be transmitted by express to the Governor of this State; together with these resolutions:

Resolved, That this meeting have the most implicit confidence in said report, as well from the known veracity of said gentlemen, as from numerous other facts and circumstances in our knowledge corroborating the same.

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when it is the imperious duty of the Executive, by an armed force to quell, the insurrection put on foot by the Mormons; and that to effect the same, the Civil Authorities are wholly inadequate

Resolved, That Wiley C. Williams and Amos Rees, Esq'rs., be requested to visit the Governor and lay before him the proceedings of this meeting and urge upon him the necessity of ordering out, forthwith, an armed force against the Mormons, sufficient to meet the emergency.

Resolved, That we view with the utmost concern the conduct of the Mormons in the counties of Daviess and Livingston and that immediate action is necessary for the protection of our property and houses from this lawless banditti.

Resolved, That heretofore, as citizens desiring to abide by the laws of the land, we have been disposed to see this people called Mormons dealt with for their offences by the civil authorities; but, that in the opinion of this meeting, from their past and present lawless course a resort to the laws will be more than useless, and wholly insufficient to afford the country that protection to which it is entitled.

Resolved, That we appeal to the Governor of this State to give the people of upper Missouri protection from this fearful body of thieves and robbers.

Resolved, That it would, at this time, be inexpedient to rake any offensive step, but that we should, at present, act on the defensive.

Resolved, That all who have in good faith renounced the Mormon religion, should be protected, either those in this county or in Caldwell, during the present excitement.

Resolved, That some men should now be raised to go to the northern border of this county, and guard it from intrusion by the Mormons, to act [entirely] on the defensive for the present, and that Gen. Parks be requested to raise three companies for that purpose, or that they be raised by volunteers.

REPORT. 

The undersigned having, on Monday morning last, learned that the Mormons had burned Millport in Daviess county (in addition to the burning of Stolling's store in Gallatin, in said county,) and of their having threatened to burn the store in Bancombe Settlement in this county, and feeling an anxiety to know the truth in relation to said reports, left this place, Richmond, on that (Monday) morning and proceeded to Milport -- they, however, previously called at Judge Morin's, who lives about one-fourth of a mile from Millport, who informed them that all they had learned was substantially true, and that much more had been done by the Mormons than the people of this county had been informed of. He went with us to Millport, where we found all the houses in ashes, except a grocery store house belonging to a Mr. Slade, and a house in which Mr. Wilson McKinney had resided. We also found the house of Mr. Robert Peniston, near Millport burned. The horse-mill belonging to him (Peniston), was taken down -- the stones, bolting chest, &c., lying out some distance from the shed, and the shed yet standing. Mr. Morin informed us that the burning was done on Saturday night last, that on the next day he saw Mormons there, and saw them taking off beds and other things belonging to Wilson McKinney.

We also saw some furniture which we understood from Mr. Morin, belonged to Mr. McKinney, standing out in the commons, and which seemed to have been rifled of its contents. -- Mr. Morin expected, on the day we were there, that the Mormons would be there (at Millport) to move off the remaining property and to burn the balance of the houses. He stated to us that he considered his situation a precarious one. That he had been permitted to stay thus long owing to his having no wagon to move with; but that he expected to get wagons that day and he intended moving into Richmond immediately. He said that the county was entirely deserted by the inhabitants, except himself and a few others, besides the Mormons, and expressed it as his belief that the corn from his house to Diamon would all be gathered and hauled into Diamon by the Mormons, in 48 hours from that time. He also stated to us that he was at Diamon a few days previously, and saw a company of the men (Mormons) come into camp with a drove of cattle amounting to about 100 head, which he supposed to be other citizens'. He also saw a negro man in the possession of a Mormon which he was very certain belonged to William Morgan, a citizen of Daviess county. Mr. Morin looked upon those Mormons who were then at Diamon, (amounting he supposed, to about 600 men,) as a band of robbers and desperadoes. He advised us very strongly to go no further; not to attempt to go to Diamon or Far West; that we would gather nothing by doing so in addition to what we there learned. That the country on the north side of Grand River west of him was certainly deserted, except by the Mormons, and had been for several days; and that the houses were all burned -- or to use his own words, that it was a "complete waste." Mr. Morin also informed us that the Mormons had ordered the other citizens out of the county, and that he too had his orders to leave. He appeared very anxious that we should not be seen at his house by any of the Mormons; and that it should not be known that he had given any information or expressed any thing unfavorable toward them, until he got away. We did not visit Gallatin, but understood from Mr. Morin and others whom we met moving into this county, that all the houses in that place were burned, except a shoe-maker's shop belonging to Mr. Runville. C. R. MOREHEAD,            
WM. THORNTON,            
JACOB GUDGEL.             Richmond, Mo., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1838.                        

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LETTER  FROM  JUDGE  KING.

Richmond, October 14, 1838.        

DEAR SIR. -- As Mr. Williams will be to see you in reference to our Mormon difficulties, I will be able to say all to you perhaps that can be said. I deem it a duty notwithstanding to give you such information as I have sought and obtained, & is such I assure you may be relied on. Our relations with the Mormons are such that I am perfectly satisfied that the arm of the civil authority is too weak to give peace to the country. Until lately I thought the Mormons were disposed to act on the defensive: but their recent conduct shows that they are the aggressors, and that they intend to take the law into their hands. Of their recent outrages in Daviess, you have probably heard much already. I will give you the general facts, however. On Sunday before they marched to Daviess, Jo Smith made known his views to the people, and declared the time had come when they would avenge their own wrongs, and that all who were not for them, and taken up arms with them, should be considered as against them, that their property should be confiscated, and their lives also forfeited.

With this declaration and much else said by Smith, calculated to excite the people present -- the next day was set [apart] to see who was for them and who against them; and under such severe penalties, that there was some, I learn, who did not turn out; and about 3 or 400 men, with Smith at their head, marched to Daviess. This was on Tuesday; the next day was the snow storm, and on Thursday they commenced their ravages upon the citizens, driving them from their homes and taking their property. Between 80 and 100 men went to Gallatin, pillaged houses and the store of Mr. Stollings and the post-office, and then burnt the houses. They carried off the spoils on horseback and in wagons, and now have them, I understand, in a store house, near their camp. Houses have been robbed of their contents, -- beds, clothing, furniture, &c. and all deposited, as they term it, "a consecration to the Lord." At this time, there is not a citizen in Daviess, except Mormons. Many have been driven without warning, others have been allowed a few hours to start. This stock of citizens have been seized upon, killed [up] and salted by hundreds; from 50 to 100 wagons are now employed in hauling in the corn from the surrounding country. They look for a force against them, and are consequently preparing for a seige -- building block houses, &c. They have lately organized themselves into a band of what they call "Danites," and sworn to support their leading men in all they say or do, right or wrong -- and further, to put to instant death those who will betray them. There is another band of twelve, called the "Destructives," whose duty it is to watch the movements of men and of communities, and to avenge themselves for supposed wrongful movements against them, by privately burning houses and property, and even laying in ashes towns, &c.

I find I am running out my letter too much in detail. I do not deem it necessary to give you a minute detail of all the facts of which I am possessed, but I give you the above in order that you may form some idea of the disposition of these people. The Mormons expect to settle the affair at the point of the sword, and I am well warranted in saying to you that the people in this quarter of the state look to you for that protection which they believe you will afford when you have learned the facts. I do not pretend to advise your course, nor make any suggestions other than what I have stated, that it is utterly useless for the civil authorities to pretend to intercede. The country is in great commotion and I can assure you that either with or without authority, something will shortly have to be done.

I hope you will let me hear from you by the return of Mr. Williams, and if you should come up the country shortly, it will give me pleasure to take the trouble to see you.
                I am very respectfully,
                                 AUSTIN A KING.


Note: the original Oct. 14, 1838 Austin A. King letter, as well as the Oct. 24th 1838 affidavit of Morehead, Thornton, and Gudgel is on file, along with similar original and microfilmed documents in the Missouri State Archives at Jefferson City. Judge Austin's mention of the Danites was one of the first ever to appear in the popular press. These two first-hand descriptions of Mormon depredations in Daviess county have not been published in any readily available book or journal. The files of the Missouri Watchman are incomplete and not easily accessible; it was a weekly paper, published at Jefferson City by Hammond & Cronenbold. It was started on Mar. 29, 1838, a few months before the "Mormon War" began in upper Missouri.

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Lexington, 6 o'clock P. M.        
October 25, 1838.              

GENTLEMEN:-- This letter is sent after you on express by Mr. William Bryant of Ray county. Since you left us this morning, Mr. R. Morehead came here on express for men to assist in repelling a threatened attack upon Richmond tonight. He brought news that the Mormon armed force had attacked Capt Bogart this morning at daylight, and had cut off his whole company of 50 men. Since Mr. Morehead left Richmond, one of the company (Bogart,) had come in and reported that there were ten of his comrades killed, and the remainder were taken prisoners after many of them had been severely wounded. He stated further that Richmond would be sacked and burned by the Mormon Banditti to-night. Nothing can exceed the consternation which this news gave rise to. The women and children are flying from Richmond in every direction. A number of them have repaired to Lexington, amongst whom is Mrs. Rees. We will have sent from this county, since 2 o'clock this evening, about one hundred well-armed and daring men, perhaps the most effective that our county can boast of. They will certainly give them (the Mormons) a warm reception at Richmond, to-night. You will see the necessity of hurrying on to the City of Jefferson and also of imparting correct information to the public as you go along.

My impression is that you had better send one of your number to Howard, Cooper and Boone Counties, in order that volunteers may be getting ready and flocking to the scene of trouble as fast as possible. They must make haste and put a stop to the devastation which is menaced by these infuriated fanatics. And they must go prepared, and with the full determination to exterminate or expel them from the State en masse. Nothing but this can give tranquillity to the public mind and reestablish the supremacy of the law. There must be no further delaying with this question anywhere. The Mormons must leave the State, or we will one and all. And to this complexion it must come at last.

We have great reliance upon your ability, direction and fitness for the task you have undertaken, and have only time to say God speed you.
                               Yours truly,
                                          E. M. RYLAND.

Messrs Amos Rees and W. C. Williams.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON WAR. -- We have nothing further from the scene of difficulty. We learn by the Far West of the 25th instant, that General Atchison had ordered out the militia of Clay to repair to the field of dispute. Such is the influence of Gen. A. with both parties, that we are disposed to hope that his presence, aided by a sufficient force, may restore peace to the country. The western mail brings us nothing. A postscript in the Missourian says:

MARCHING OF THE TROOPS. -- A portion of our edition of Saturday having laid over until this morning (Monday,) we throw out some paragraphs in order to make room for the following synopsis of the progress of affairs since the meeting of Friday night. At the adjourned meeting of Saturday, General Clark read a despatch which he was on the eve of starting to the Governor by express in which he informed the Commander in Chief, that under the extingencies of the occasion, he had so far anticipated his orders as to direct the raising of 600 mounted gunmen from his division, to be organized on yesterday -- and to march this morning. This number was increased by a vote of the meeting to one thousand.

Too much credit cannot be awarded to Mr. P. Wilson, who [brot?] this despatch as far as Marion, where meeting the Governor's express, he returned with the official orders of the Governor in less than 18 hours, 12 hours of which were night work, besides the unusual delays in crossing the Missouri. The distance (going and coming) is about 100 miles.

The orders of the Governor confer the most plenary authority on General Clark to close this wild and fearful strife -- even by extermination if necessary. -- Between two and three thousand men from the divisions of General Wilcocx, Grant and Atchison are to rendezvous at Richmond with all possible celerity, and report themselves to Gen. Clark, who is directed to assume the command. Rumors of still more barbarous atrocity -- butchering and hanging, burning and destroying, continue to multiply with hours, but as they are not official, we forbear their repetition. -- Enough is known to justify all that has been done -- and the Howard regiments, composed exclusively of volunteers, are on the march with as chivalrous a christian leader as ever warred against a Moslem.

---

ALARMING  STATE  OF  AFFAIRS.

The following letter, from a highly respectable individual, has been politely furnished us by a friend for publication. The statements are confirmed by many verbal reports in the city. We have lately conversed with several intelligent individuals from the vicinity of the Mormon disturbance, and, whilst we have found it difficult to arrive with any certainty at the truth concerning many things, we are well assured that the hostility is more deeply seated than has generally been supposed, and we feel assured that bloodshed and devastation only will terminate the struggle, unless the Mormons remove from the country. Every account from that quarter shows an existing state of agitation in the public mind truly alarming. Every stranger is watching with jealousy, and every man compelled to take sides for or against the Mormons. In truth, there appears to be but little division on the part of the citizens, in their opposition. We are told that the two men who laid out the town of De Witt, and, as a matter of speculation, invited the Mormons to buy lots in it, have been given leave to pass through the country three times, after which they are informed that a return there will be dangerous. They have already removed their goods into another county.

So deep and all-pervading is the opposition to the Mormons, and so many respectable men have engaged in the attempt to expell them, that we feel satisfied the public are not truly informed of the objections which exist against the Mormons or the circumstances which render them so obnoxious. We hope shortly to be able to develope something more of the causes of this unhappy state of affairs than have yet come to the knowledge of the public.

ON BOARD THE STEAMER ASTORIA,    
Below Jefferson City, 28th Oct.      

Dear Major, -- I hasten to communicate intelligence which I have received a few minutes since (from an unquestionable source) at Jefferson City, viz: -- Colonel Reese of Richmond, Ray county, had arrived with an express to the Governor, to call out the militia to march in defence of Ray and Richmond. The Mormons had devastated Daviess county, burning the county seat, and most of the houses in the county, and were then marching on Richmond to burn and destroy it. Rencontres had taken place, with loss of lives. Colonel Reese had, but a few hours before we landed, returned, and orders were promptly issued by Governor Boggs for 800 mounted men to repair to the scene of war. The troops below arw to rendezvous at Fayette, and march immediately.

The Mormons have been for many days hauling in corn and other supplies to their great depot, Far West. They have been reinforced by many hundreds lately from Ohio and the Canadas, -- refugees and Mormons. Do not believe that these disturbances are "humbugs." There are serious and dangerous difficulties now pending. The writer of this has every opportunity to know these facts, as he was an eye witness in Caldwell, having been out with the troops. Mormonism, emancipation and ablitionism must be driven from our State.

We, the exposed frontier men, have enough to contend with to protect our shamefully exposed frontier, without having to combat the serfe of the eastern degraded and fanatical rabble thrown with the "poor Indians," on our border. Forbearance no longer can be exercised. If the Government will not protect us, we will do it ourselves.

Snowden's, Oct. 25, 1838.   

Col. Jones: Sir. -- News has just reached us here that the Mormons have attacked and cut to pieces Capt. Bogard's company of 50 men, except three or four who have escaped. They say the Mormon force is 300 or 400. Richmond is threatened to-night. If you can spare, I wish you to detail two or three companies of troops, and repair to Richmond with all speed.

      Yours in haste,
                GEO. WOODWARD,
                      Aid to Gen. Parks.

---

Carrolton, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Gentlemen: News of an appalling nature has just reached us. Capt. Bogard, who was ordered with his company to guard the frontier of Ray county, was attacked and cut to pieces by immense numbers. The were overpowered by 300 or 400 Mormons, while they were guarding their own families. But five minutes ago, three reports of a cannon were heard in the direction of Richmond. Firing has been heard in various directions, and there is no doubt but that these infatuated villians have attacked Richmond.

The news of their burning and pillafe has already reached you. They have indubitably captured the cannon, and taken many prisoners -- probably killed many. Daviess county is a scene of desolation. Ray is probably so ere this time; and their next movement will be at this place. It is already threatened.

Be up and doing. Bring all the men you can, and let us check them in their course of destruction and devastation. They are moving on with great strides to the climax of anarchy, civil war, and desolation. Wolf and Baker will explain all. I have just received orders, by express, from Gen. Brig. Parks, to raise 150 mounted men. Fifty have volunteered, and the remainder I will obtain in a day or two.

Stir the people up in Howard and Chariton. Send all the braves you can with Wolf, and we can meet and check them in their mad career.
                      Yours in haste,
                          WM. CLAUDE JONES.

---

    To Congrave Jackson and others.

We have concersed with a gentleman who says that he had held a conversation, in person, with Jo Smith, a few days ago, and that Smith stated that his people were prepared to die in the defence of what they thought to be their rights, that although the Governor might raise and send against them the power of the state; yet, he, nor all the men he could bring, would not drive them from their present homes.

We wonder that his Excellency has not called upon the Grays of this City. They are armed and equipped for service, and would be more efficient than any troops which he could muster, being better disciplined and prepared for an emergency than raw troops can be. But of their preparation and discipline the Governor has had ocular demonstration.


Note: The first ("Mormon War") article may have only appeared in the Saturday Daily Republican; the remainder of the text was published in the Saturday Weekly Republican.

MORMON  WAR.

Just as our paper was ready for the press yesterday, we received the following letter from Mr. Ryland. To those abroad who do not know Mr. R. we can say that he is the judge of the Circuit Court. The picture which he gives of the prevailing excitement may be relied upon as strictly accurate. We are glad to find that the account of Capt. Bogard's defeat is not as bad as was represented in former accounts. The letter is post marked the 30th, up to which time, we presume, nothing of importance had occurred.

RICHMOND, RAY COUNTY, MO.             
October 29, 1838.         

To the Editors of the Mo. Republican:

GENTLEMEN: I write you from the town of Richmond, in Ray county, in order to give you some information relative to the unprecedented excitement now existing in the upper Missouri, against this most deluded, wretched, and misguided people, the Mormons.

This band of fanatics commenced, on the 18th instant, to burn and ravage the plantations, houses, &c. of the people of Daviess county. They have laid waste the whole county, turning store-houses, farm-houses; destroyed the property of the citizens, driving off the hogs and cattle of the inhabitants of that county, taking the plunder to the Mormon held -- Far West -- leaving the county of Daviess one wide, extended ruin. To-day, I saw and conversed with Major Morin, the senator-elect from Ray, Caldwell, and Daviess, and he informed me that the people of Daviess were literally ruined. Bands of the Mormons would go out, followed by wagons, and would take live stock and property, sweeping every thing before them, and haul the spoils into Far West. They (the Mormons) have burnt the town of Gallatin, the county seat of Daviess. On last Wednesday night, a body of some hundred and fifty or two hundred Mormons attacked a small body of the militia of Ray county, some fifteen miles north of Richmond, under Capt. Bogard, some two or three of Bogard's men were killed, and several wounded. Some four or five Mormons were killed, and many wounded. The Ray men retreated. The alarm has spread through the whole upper counties, and the militia have been called out forthwith.

Last night I was in the camp of the militia from Lafayette, Jackson, and Ray. There was about the number of seven hundred men, and, as the people were flooding in from all quarters, I suppose this morning the number exceeded eight hundred. Majors General Atchison and Lucas, and Brigadiers General Graham and Nelson were present. The encampment was about one and a half miles from Richmond, on the road leading to Far West.

This morning, at eight o'clock, the army moved off for that point, and will to-night encamp in a short distance of Far West. Brigadier General Donophan, with some three hundred men, was to encamp last night near Bogard's battle-ground. Col. Cornelius Gilliam, with the forces from Clinton county, some three hundred strong, or maybe more, was encamped near Far West, say about eight miles off.

From the exasperated feeling manifested plainly by the forces last night, I apprehended the most serious consequences. Every body is excited; the public mind is resolutely bent on putting it beyond the power of the Mormons to again disturb the peace of the citizens, and more especially their plunderings and burnings. It was rumored that the Mormons were to burn Richmond on last Thursday night, and the women and children, all fled across the river to Lexington. I saw on the bank of the river, in the night, a large number of women and children, without a shelter or food, who had fled, early on Thursday morning, to Lafayette county for safety. It was after sunset on Thursday before I heard of the alarm of the women of Ray, and I immediately hastened to Lexington, and then to the river, to offer shelter, protection, and food to those suffering people. No man, without seeing the objects, can properly estimate my feelings on that night.

You may expect to hear, in three or four days, more news of the most fatal character.

               I am your most obedient servant,
                               JOHN B. [sic. F.] RYLAND


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The Steam Boat Dart came in late yesterday evening from Fort Leavenworth. We are indebted to the officers for a copy of the manifest, upon which is the following memorandum. --

"The Anti-Mormon party has collected 2,500 men in Ray county, and were awaiting the arrival of from 1,500 to 2,000 more from Howard, Chariton, Boone and Audrian counties. (who are on their way) after which it was expected that a general battle would be fought."

---

CORRECTION. -- In speaking of Mr. Ryland, to whose attention we were indebted for the letter concerning the Mormon difficulties which appeared in yesterday's paper, we unintentionally committed an error, resulting from the similiarity of the names and the haste with which it was put in type. The letter was from Hon. John F. Ryland, Judge of the Circuit Court, and not from U. S. Register, as stated. -- The correction has been made in the weekly paper.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

We have seen and conversed with several persons from the scene of difficulty, but such is the excitement prevailing, and the difference of views entertained, that we find it wholly impossible to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion concerning the origin or objects of this contest; and probably there is as much truth in the simple statement, that both parties are in fault, as any other that at this time could be made. Of this fact we are well satisfied, the alarm has created much individual suffering on the part of the citizens, and, if the disturbance continues, as the Mormons are disposed, which now seems to be the prevailing expectation, there will be suffering to a very great extent. There is no question but the destruction of property in Daviess county has been great, and the loss of crops and stock will deprive many of their expected winter's subsistence. The Mormon emigration has been large this fall, the [amount] raised by them small. It is believed that, from what they have gathered from the adjoining country, they now might subsist, if suffered to remain where they are until spring, but this will not be tolerated. We confidently look for consequnces of the most fearful character from this cause.

A gentleman from the vicinity gives us the reported statementof the attack upon Capt. Bogard's company. This company was encamped upon a creek bank. In the morning a party of mounted Mormons rode up to the camp within firing distance. The order was then given by the Mormon leader, to his men, to fire on the camp, which was obeyed; almost simultaneous with this order, Bogard's company fired, and then retreated across the creek, every man taking his own direction. One who was taken prisoner by the Mormons , reports, that after he was captured, the leader of the Mormon party interrogated him about his being seen, &c. Upon his replying that the company was there by the order of the major commanding the county forces, the Mormon leader told him he must depart, he pointed to him the way he must go, which led passed seven men arranged some distance apart, each armed with a rifle. As the prisoner passed, the first of these seven levelled his rifle at him and attempted to shoot, but the gun snapped. The prisoner then wheeled off and fled down a deep ravine, by which he made his escape, not, however, until he had received a ball in his side, above the hip, which, it was subsequently thought, would not prove a serious injury.

It is estimated from the militia called out, and the companies of volunteers in service, that there cannot be less than four or five thousand men in the field, a force sufficient, unless the Mormons are greatly underrated, to route them root and branch. We look [for] a termination shortly, when it may be possible to trace the disturbances to its true source. One thing is very certain, the opposition to the Mormons is not because of their religion.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  WAR  AT  AN  END.

The steamboat Pirate arrived at our port last evening from the Missouri. We learn from her passengers that the war with the Mormons, about which so much anxiety has existed, has been brought to a termination, by the surrender of the whole Mormon force to the troops under the command of Major General Clark near Far West. No resistence was offered by them, and Jo. Smith, Rigdon, White, and three or four others of the leaders were detained by the commander of the forces, to await such proceedings as may hereafter be instituted against them. It is reported, but we think it will turn out to be as erroneous as the statements about Capt. Bogard's engagement and defeat, that some seventeen or twenty of the Mormons were killed after they had surrendered themselves prisoners, and that other acts of violence were committed. A few days must bring authentic information upon the subject, and also of the disposition which is to be made of the Mormon leaders. It is also stated that General Atchison, of Clay, had resigned his command, because of some disaffection which he felt towards the Governor's orders.


Notes: (forthcoming)

We copy the annexed perspicuous statement of the Mormon difficulties from the St. Louis Evening Gazette, being more full than any we have time to prepare. To the Gazette's statement we can only add, that the editor has faithfully embodied the substance of the reports now in circulation in the city. In several instances the statements conflict very much with each other.

Speculation is now busy in the inquiry, what shall be done with the Mormon leaders who have surrendered? What is their offence and to what punishment have they subjected themselves? That the individuals who have been guilty of burning the houses or destroying property, or taking life, are amenable to the law, there can be no doubt, but for these offences each man must answer for himself -- their leaders, unless shown to have participated, cannot be held responsible in law. It is confidently asserted that the expense of this war to the state, will not fall short of two or three hundred thousand dollars. This must be made from the pockets of the people. It is due to the people, that before the appropriation for this purpose be made, the Legislature should institute a thorough investigation into the cause and history of the whole difficulty, and expose the guilty, be they whomsoever they may, to the public execration. We know not, although we have watched the matter closely from its commencement up to its termination, who is the most to blame, or upon whom public condemnation should fall, and we presume the mass of our readers are not better informed. As the people must 'pay the piper,' it is due to them that they should know who got up and kept up the dance.

---

THE  MORMON  WAR  ENDED!

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

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

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

Gen. Clark, with the remainder of the troops collected from the Counties below Caldwell, was, on the Friday after the surrender, encamped in Ray county, and had not then reached Far West.

It is stated that, about the time of the surrender, a Company of men -- 200 in number -- fell upon a body of the Mormons, in Splawn's settlement, on Shoal Creek, about 20 miles from Far West. The Mormons, it is said, were 36 in number; and the story runs that all but four were put to death. Some of the names of the killed, as reported to us, are David Evans from Ohio, Jacob Fox, from Pennsylvania, Thomas M'Bride and his father, Mr. Daly, M. Merrill and his son-in-law, Mr. White, all from Ohio.

The facts about Bogard's fight are that two of his men were killed -- one outright and one died of his wounds. At the same four Mormons fell -- among them the captain of their band. Bogard's company were stationed on the line of Ray Co., to intercept communication between Ray and Caldwell. They had captured 4 Mormons; and to rescue these the attack was made upon them by the Mormons. Bogard's Company is said to have been 40 in number, and the Mormons 70.

As to the Mormon ravages in Daviess County -- the plundering and burning of which so much has been said -- we are informed that, before those hostile operations, the Mormons held a consultation, at which the propriety of the steps afterwards taken, was debated at large. Some of their number were averse to the plan, and nearly one third dissented from it. The reasons assigned for these measures, were alleged outrages by their enemies in Carroll and Daviess Counties. According to the Mormon statement, their houses and buildings, near DeWitt, in Carroll County, had been destroyed by their enemies, and they themselves expelled from the County and afterwards pursued, on their retreat into Daviess. It was, therefore, as they allege, in retaliation for previous unprovoked outrages, that they executed their system of violence and terror in the County of Daviess. Evidently, they could not have adopted a more suicidal policy -- allowing their own statements to be wholly true.

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

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

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Western Mail of yesterday, brought us nothing further in relation to the Mormon difficulties. The troops under the command of Col. Grant, we believe from Callaway, were on their way home. The Western papers say nothing of the slaughter, after the surrender, which has been reported here.

---

MESSERS. EDITORS:
  The papers of the day acquaint us with the fact, that the Mormon War -- It should more properly be styled, the war upon the Mormons -- is at an end. I hope it may be so, sut such things have so often been said, that I begin to place but little confidence in them. Yet, as the Mormon "monsters" have surrendered themselves prisoners -- as their followers are illy prepared for resistence, even if they had any disposition to make it -- as the rigors of winter are already upon them -- and as Squire Black, who appears to have been instrumental in getting up all the military proceedings, has probably had his temper appeased -- we may put some faith in it. By this time, we may suppose, too, that the few thousand men who have been called from their homes with such indecent haste, and on such shallow evidence, are on their return, or have already been disbanded. Nothing more remains for the people then, than to provide the means for defraying the expenditures of Squire Black's War -- which, if they be akin to all our modern affairs of this description, will be very apt to set them upon the hunt for the causes which gave rise to it.

Such an investigation, Messrs. Editors, I hold to be due to the people of this State. If they are to be taxed to the amount of very many thousands of dollars, it is but right that they should know what it is for. So far, I venture to say, no well authenticated, or even plausible, history of these disgraceful commotions has been given to the public. The Governor has not done it. Judge King has not done it. No one else who has touched the subject has done it. On the contrary, the Governor's extraordinary and unprecedented orders, have had nothing better than rumors, say-sos, and fabrications for their foundation; and Squire Black has had quite as much to do in raising the storm as Jo Smith. You, gentlemen, know that these positions are borne out by all the circumstances with which we are acquainted; and it therefore devolves upon those who have been parties to it, to vindicate themselves.

An ex parte examination, in which the witnesses may be taken altogether from one side, is not such an investigation as the people of this State demand. The whole truth should be told. The origin of the crusade against the rights of a numerous portion of American citizens -- men who have just asserted their claims to this distinction, by assisting in the choice of their political rulers -- who are represented in the Counsels of the State by at least one of their number, and who, by their united vote, gave a seat to another -- the origin of this argument against them should be told by the victims, as well as those who have triumphed over them. No body is so competent to this investigation as the Legislature, and it is due to that part of the State which has to share in the burden of taxation, that immediate action should be had upon it. If it should be found that the course of the mob -- for in its incipient stage the action of the Anti-Mormons was but the action of a mob -- was justifiable, or even made necessary by the facts of the case then much of the odium which now attaches to [it?] will be removed. Up to this time, however, such justification is wanting, although all our accounts come from individuals who are interested in Blackening the conduct of the Mormons, and in relieving the dark shade in their own side of the picture. It does not appear from any thing which I have seen, having the semblance of truth, that the Mormons offered any resistance to the properly constituted authorities of the county -- civil or military. They did desire to protect themselves, their families and their property, from the licentiousness of a mob; and they did, furthermore retaliate upon some portion of that mob for burning Mormon houses and Mormon property in one county, by doing a similar act of injustice in another. But Squire Black, and those who acted with him, in retaliating the enormities of the Mormons to the Governor, singularly enough, forgot to mention their patriotic band had been before them in scattering their fire-brands. The retailers of the extravagant tale about the attack upon Capt. Bogard's company of men and the death of forty-nine out of fifty of them, the noble Captain alone escaping -- which tale so worked upon the Governor's feelings, as to induce him to order their extermination or expulsion from the State -- forget to mention that the Mormons were incited to it by the capture and detentions of four of their countrymen. It is remarkable too, that they should have made such horrid work amongst Capt. Bogard's men. First, there was the report to which I have already alluded. There it assumed a new phrase -- ten men only were killed, but all the rest were taken prisoners and barbarously executed. Then, only three or four were questionable whether any were killed outright.

I might cite other instances, but these examples are sufficient to show, that, while the mob have had able and unscrupulous apologists for all their acts, the Mormon side of the story is but imperfectly known. Moreover, it is quite certain that the real cause of the hostility to the Mormons, has not yet been developed. An investigation by the Legislature might discover its origin, and the people be better satisfied when paying the heavy expense of the crusade.

I had intended to notice the harsh, unwarrantable and unprecedented order of Gov. Boggs, for the unconditional extermination or expulsion of the Mormons from the state; but the subject has grown upon my hands, and I must defer it. I may return to it, for it ought not to be passed over in silence.
                                     A FREEMAN.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FURTHER FROM THE MORMONS. -- The account of a bloody butchery of thirty two Mormons, on Splawn's Creek, is fully confirmed. Two children were killed, we presume, by accident. Considerable plunder -- such as beds, hats, &c. were taken from the slaughtered. Not one of the assailants was killed or hurt.

About the time of the surrender, several Mormon houses were burnt in Chariton; and one Mormon who refused to leave, killed.

At Far West, after the surrender, a Mormon had his brains dashed out, by a man who accused the Mormons of burning his house in Daviess.

We copy the above paragraph from the Gazette of Saturday evening. We are sorry to say, that our own information corroborates the details. For the honor of the State, we could have wished, that such savage enormities had not attended a controversy in itself disgraceful enough. We understand, that the company engaged in the attack at Splawn's Creek, was not attached to any division of the army, but was fighting on its own hook. The men were principally from Chariton county, and amongst the number was at least one member of the Legislature. The enemy had approached within eighty yards of the Mormons before they were apprized of their approach. The Mormons had their families with them, and to preserve their lives, the men separated from them and took refuge in a blacksmith's shop. Here they were murdered! It is said that the Mormons had arms, but it is a little singular that they should have used them so ineffectually as not to have touched one of the assailants. The latter, in some instances, placed their guns between the logs of the house and deliberately fired on the victims within. These reports are founded upon statements of persons engaged in the attack; and bad as they are, are not likely to be overcharged. Will the actors in the tragedy be suffered, by the courts of that district, to go unpunished?


Notes: (forthcoming)

The "Far West," published at Liberty, Mo., of the 3d instant, announces the return of General Atchison and his staff, from the seat of war, and says -- "the reason of this movement will be made known hereafter."

---

THE LEGISLATURE of this State meets on Monday next. Several of the members from the lower counties are already here, on their way to Jefferson City, and apart of our own delegation leave to-day. We suppose that there will be a general attendance at the opening of the session. The extraordinary position in which the State has been placed, by collisions between a portion of her citizens and another portion entitled to all the privileges of citizenship, but who have been cut off from much of the public sympathy, by the absurdity of their religious and social tenets -- the unusual array of military force, by the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, to put an end to these collisions -- the necessity for immediate provision to defray the expenses of the military establishment -- these considerations alone may well induce the attendance of the members, more promptly, perhaps, than on ordinary occasions. It is impossible to say, at this moment, what may be the expense of embodying, and keeping in the field, so large a number of men as have been ordered into service -- between four and five thousand, we believe. -- Whether the time be long or short during which they may remain in service, it must involve the State in the expenditure of many thousands of dollars. The Treasury, except for some particular appropriations, is exhausted, and provision must be made not only for current expenses, but to meat those which have been brought upon the State by the operations against the Mormons. On this account alone, if for no other, the early presence of the members is particularly desirable....


Notes: (forthcoming)

PROGRESS OF OPERATIONS AGAINST THE MORMONS.

The Western mail yesterday, brought us the "Missouri Watchman," of the 8th, from Jefferson City. -- The details which it gives in regard to the Mormon war, have been in part anticipated, but it is nevertheless throught proper to insert them here. Some portions of them are very curious.

THE  MORMON  WAR.

An express arrived here, on Tues. from Gen Glark to Governor Boggs, which states that the Gen. had arrived at Richmond with 1200 men, from his and Gen. Growther's divisions, who was the only one which had, as yet, reported himself at Head Quarters.

The divisions commanded by Gen's Lucas and Atchinson, amounting to about 2000 men, left Richmond for Far West, on the 29th ult. and attacked it on Tuesday and Wednesday, following, capturing about 4000 Mormons, including five of their principal leaders, viz: Joe Smith, Hinkle, Rigdon, Wight and others. The term[s] of the capitualtion were that such men as could be identified were to be given up, and the rest have to leave the State, paying for the destroyed property of the citizens.

Gen. Lucas, it is stated ordered the prisoners and arms to be taken to Independence, and disbanded his forces, leaving Gen. Parks with his command to march against another town in Daviess, called Diamon. Gen. Clark ordered Gen. Lucas to convey the prisoners and arms to Richmond (that being Head Quarters) where they are to be tried for treason.

It is stated that the Mormons who surrendered to Gen. Lucas as disarmed and guarded in a disorderly manner, and that occasionally one of them is killed.

Gen. Lucas and Atchinson acted without authority from the commanding officer in attacking Far West, as appears by advices received by the Governor from Gen. Clark. On account of some misunderstanding of the Governor's orders by Gen, Lucas or a disposition to disobey, things have gotten somewhat deranged.

Upon receipt of the foregoing particulars, the Governor sent by Express to Gen. Lucas an order to deliver the prisoners and arms to Gen. Clark, who was directed to have them safely secured and strongly guarded, and delivered over to the civil authority.


Notes: (forthcoming)

...We likewise learn that another engagement has taken place in Caldwell County, in which 36 Mormons were killed on the ground, without any loss on the part of our citizens. This report was brought to this office (unofficially) on Wednesday, by a Mr. Herriman; who says the Mormons were attacked by a company of Rangers of about 50 in number, while guarding a mill which they had seized and partially destroyed. The Mormon force is stated to have been about the number killed... The Jeffersonian.


Note: The title and full content of this news item are unknown. The text was taken from an excerpt published in the Sangamo Journal of Nov. 17, 1838.

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

The Far West also says:

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

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

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

From the same paper, we copy the following paragraph:

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

The Western Star remarks:

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

Prentice, of the Louisville Journal, must occasionally crack his jokes upon every body. Here is his fling at our Missouri Militia:

ANTICIPATED CONFLICT. -- It is said, that a company of 20 Missourians espied a big Mormon near the North East corner of Caldwell county on Tuesday last -- They retreated for the time, but intended, as soon as reinforced by 30 or 40 of their companions, to hazard an attack upon him.

Notes: (forthcoming)

                                                RICHMOND, Nov 13, 1838    
Mr. A. B. Chambers: --

  DEAR SIR: -- Yours of the 1st ins. came to hand yesterday, desiring some information on the Mormon war. The delay attending the receipt of your letter, will enable some other person to give you the desired information ere this reaches you. However, should the information in my possession gratify the public it is at your service.

The causes which led to the late disturbances between the Mormons and the citizens of this and the adjoining counties arose out of a state of doings brought about by the Mormons themselves. When they came into this county, they had expended nearly all their means (being mostly poor people) and were obliged to go in debt for provisions and stock. These they bought of our fellow citizens on credit loans apparently as econimical, industrious people. They got indebted to a considerable amount to our county, and others. Until last June things went on pretty smoothly, when it was intimated from the Head Quarters of the Mormons, that they ought not to pay their debts -- that the "Gentiles were bound to support the chosen people of God" and Sidney [Rigdon] proclaimed on fourth July last that they would "suffer no vexatious law-suits to come among them." Under this head they classed all the just debts due by them to others. -- The Courts of Justice in Caldwell county were closed, no debts could be collected. The Justices, Constables, and Juries, Clerks and Sheriffs, refused or neglected to do their duties. The state of things opened the eyes of all who had theretofore been friendly to the Mormons and wished to do them justice. They saw with pain that they were setting up a rule of Church to over-rule the laws of the land, and to set the rights of men at nought. This produced a bad state of feeling, and continued until military force was employed to aid the civil in bringing offenders to justice. In order to make the stubborn or honest part of the Mormons conform in the rule, the band of Danites, the band of Gideon, and the Destroying Bands, were organized by Jo Smith and Rigdon. To intimidate the weak or force the dissenters to compliance, it was a part of their duty to carry out the dictums of Smith and Rigdon into effect, to beat, kill, or destroy all in opposition to them or those who would oppose them by any means they might think proper. Armed and backed by the bands of assassins, Smith and Rigdon exhorted their followers to do those acts of violence in Daviess which has drawn down on them the vengeance of the military power of the State. Under this system, Strollings' store, in Gallatin, Daviess county, was pillaged and burnt; the contents carried to Far West, and lodged in what is called the Bishop's store-house, to be dealt out to the Mormons as the head men directed -- Smith, Rigdon and others exhorting them to persevere, that such things were right and proper, and to make themselves fat from the spils of the Gentiles. Next, they proceeded to carry away stock in Daviess, to take the guns from the [old] citizens, to plunder and burn the houses, having run the women and children off, and, in short to take all they found of any value, and keep as their own.

These things being known to the citizens of Ray and other counties, they held meetings and passed resolutions calling on the Governor for an armed force; but before they could reach us we knew that great injury must occur. We called on Major Generals Atchison and Lucas, of the 3rd and 4th Divisions of Militia for men, and, much to their credit, our call was promptly responded to. They ordered out a military force of about 2,500 men, to rendezvous at this place on Thursday, 25th October. About day light, Capt. Bogard's company of 34 men was attacked by a company of Mormons, about 200, under Capt. Fearnot, as commonly known, but his real name was Patton, a Preacher of Mormonism and one of the Danites. Capt. Bogard was obliged to retreat with the loss of one man killed and one wounded. The Mormons had three killed and several badly wounded, all of which they carried away in the wagon capyured, and took to Far West. There Patton, one of the Bloodiest of the Danites, died of his wounds. The troops under Lucas and Atchison had by this time assembled in such force as to push strong patrols to the northern part of Ray county, until the whole force assembled, which checked the depredations of these villains. The attack on Bogard struck such a panic that the whole population of women and children fled in haste beyond the Missouri, and the citizens of Lexington and vicinity shewed them every mark of hospitality, for which they merit our warmest thanks.

On Monday the 29th Oct. the division of Gen. Lucas and that of Gen. Atchison were in force sufficient to take up the line of march for Far West, and on Tuesday evening the whole army, about 2500 mounted men, took a position on the south of that town, distant about three quarters of a mile, and lay on their arms that night, in full view of the entrenched garrison. So unexpected was this movement, to the Mormons, that a party of 200 mounted men, under Col. Hinkle, was cut off from Far West, and on returning, found themselves intercepted, the army being between them and Far West. By a circuitous route, he however, arrived there, tho' not without being punished by Gen. Doniphan, with a part of his brigade, who arrived too late to cut him off. On the next day (31st Oct.) Gen. Lucas made arrangements to storm the town, if the garrison did not surrender. -- Gen. Atchison returned home, considering himself dismissed by the Governor in appointing Gen. Clark to the command. A flag was sent from the town to our troops, who were formed in line of battle within a quarter of a mile of the town, and Joe Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Hiram Smith, and Robinson (Rigdon's brother-in-law,) [sic] being the leaders, were marched down and delivered to us as hostages, until the treaty of capitylation was complied with. On the next day, November 1, some delay having occurred in the surrender of the Mormons, General Lucas formed his plan of attack, close up to the town, and the garrison of Mormons marched down, with drums beating, formed a hollow square urrounded by our troops, laid down their arms, and remained prisoners of war. In the mean time, the Governor had written to Lucas to exterminate them or drive them from the State, and that General Clark, with 2500 men, was coming on to his aid, who was to take the command. Articles of capitulation were completed and about 550 stand of arms delivered up, besides several taken afterwards. It is to be regretted that the most desperate of the Danites took the opportunity to escape on horseback the night previous, well knowing their fate if taken. Where they are gone, we have not learned, but hope to find them yet. -- Many of them had taken refuge in "Adam ondi Ahman," a strong place in Daviess county, about 25 miles north of Far West. To take this place, General Lucas instantly despatched General Parks, with four companies of his Brigade, and on Saturday evening, 3d November, that place surrendered to his troops without firing a gun, being the last strong hold of Mormonism in Missouri; 120 guns, 20 pistols, 6 swords, and a six pounder iron cannon, were delivered up, the troops remaining prisoners of war. One company was left to guard them, and keep the citizens whom they had formerly injured from retaliating on them -- the remainder of General Park's troops marched back the next day to Far West, where we met General Clark, who took the command. Lucas returned home with the hostages and arms, the former of which are here in this place awaiting their trials; the latter (the arms) have not yet reached us. General Clark, finding little left for him to do, sent [home] a great portion of his men, and collecting all those he could find accused of crimes, returned to this place, where he is now with his staff, engaged in making preparations for the trial of Jo Smith, jr., Rigdon, Wight, Avord, and other leaders, Besides these he has between forty and fifty Mormons of a subordinate class, chiefly Danites, under a strong guard in the Court House. Their trial will commence to-morrow, of the result of which I will advise you.

It is a great pity that the Danites have mostly escaped. Had not the movements of Lucas and Atchisonbeen so prompt, the whole, Jo Smith and all, would have left here, and our object would have been defeated. These things I believe, form a string of events, put together by me, though in a very incoherent manner, with reference only to my memory, for I was spectator to most of them, being out in arms at different times since the 1st September last, nearly eight weeks. I acted as aid to General Parks, who was in the field with me all this period; and I hope such a time I will never witness again. I have been thirty days in the woods, without house or shelter for men or officer -- the ground, our bed; our saddles, our pillows; -- combating and checking the malicious vengeance of a worse than Murrel gang. They are now conquered, their leaders in chaines, and I hope they never will be permitted to disturb this community again. The severest penalties of the law await all whom we can convict.

The expense imposed on the State by these fanatics will be immense. Gen. Clark will not force the Mormons away this winter; and to see the amount of suffering imposed on these people, particularly the women and children, would affect the heart of the most inveterate enemy, and must call down on the heads of Smith and Rigdon a fearful responsibility. These scoundrels, to promote their own aggrandizement, must have each 1200 dollars a year salary, from a poor, industrious set of men, and to enable them to pay this, they urged them to steal and rob from the citizens of Davis county, and refused to let the people pay their just debts.

We have Smith and Rigdon and Dr. Avord here, in chains, closely confined under a strong guard, and I hope they will never get from here until they satisfy the world, by their deaths, for all the crimes they were instrumental in commiting. For the last six months, Smith has been reading attentively, the life of Mahomet, and has endeavored to copy after him. Like him, he had his flight and his revelations, and he has been heard to say, that the time would shortly come when it would be 'Jo Smith or the Sword,' as it was with Mahomet, 'the Koran or the sword.' It was his design to revolutionize this State, then the adjoining States, become President of the United States, and finally revolutionize, in politics and religion, the whole world. He is about 33 or 34 years of age, and if his career had not been checked he might have done great mischief. It is said by the most intelligent of the dissenters, who are witnesses against him, that he is deistical or atheistical in his opinions; so say they of Rigdon, and the whole of the leaders; I think are strongly tinctured with infidelity.


The above letter, received by the last mail, is from a gentleman of Richmond in whom we have implicit confidence. The same mail brought us another, from which we make the following extract:

The most important, as well as the most exciting part of what I set down to write you, is yet untold. A ponderous trunk of papers has been found, among the goods and chattles of the Prophet, the contents of which reveal and lay bare the 'marrow, bone and sinew' of an unprecidented and magnificent scheme of robbery! These papers I have not seen, but universal report alleges, that a portion of the Latter Day Saints, headed by the prophet Joseph, have formed themselves into a society of pillage and plunder: that is to say, they have agreed by constitutional provision, individually to plunder and steal such moveables as they can lay their hands upon, which, at designated fixed periods, were to be divided amongst the members, or disbursed for the good and benefit of all members of this club, are quite proficient in the art of counterfeiting paper and silver. Such as have joined this banditti, call themselves Danites. To the articles of agreement, or constitution, (to which I have alluded) were annexed the signatures of the members, and by this, Gen. Clark was the better enabled to detect and bring to justice the most of them. We bro't with us, to Richmond, for trial, upwards of fifty of this mystic conspiracy. One or two of them have turned State's evidence. A more bold and daring attempt at wholesale robbery, among christians (?) is not to be found in the annals of crime; and happy should the lovers of law and civil liberty feel, when they reflect upon the fact, that these vagabonds and rascals are within the guards of Justice, there to answer for the outrages of which they have been guilty.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MESSAGE
OF THE GOVERNOR TO THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:

... The difficulties which have taken place between the people called Mormons and the citizens of the adjoining counties, have recently assumed a most serious aspect. It was found necessary to call forth a portion of the militia to quiet these disturbances and to restore peace and order to the community. The troops engaged in this service (with the exception of a company or two retained? as a guard over the prisoners) have been discharged.

I have concluded to forbear making any further remarks on this subject at the present time as the matter is now undergoing a judicial investigation. I have directed the General officer who was placed in command of the troops raised for this service, to collect and [embody] all the facts in relation to the commencement, progress and termination of this unfortunate affair and report to me as early as possible, so that the subject may be placed before the legislature. I shall avail myself of the earliest opportunity after receiving his report, to lay the whole subject before you together with all the documents in relation to it in possession of the Executive. ...
                                  LILIBURN W. BOGGS.
City of Jefferson, Nov. 20, 1838.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTERS  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Wednesday, Nov. 21.        

I had intended to give you some remarks to-day on the Message, but it is not yet printed and circulated amongst the members... General Clark is at Richmond, in Ray county, and has with him one company from this and one from Cooper county, guarding the Mormon prisoners. This force, I am told, is necessary, both to protect the Mormons from the assaults of the citizens and to prevent their escape. The prisoners taken by General Lucas and carried to Independence, have been delivered up to General Clark. On Monday week last, Judge King, of the Circuit Court, commenced, as a court of enquiry, an examination into the charges against the Mormon prisoners. When this enquiry is completed, the prisoners will either be dismissed or held for future trial by the Circuit Court. I understand that the Mormons have retained General Doniphan of Clay county, and Mr. Rees of Ray county, as their counsel in this and the future trials. When the enquiries are completed, General Clark will report to the Governor, and [then] the subject will come fully before the Legislature. The report will be looked for with great [-----st] by the community. The costs of the war are [generally?] estimated at from two to four hundred thousand dollars, and the inquiey is on the lips of every one, for what has all this expense been incurred?     Yours,     A. B.

---

To the editors of the Republican.

Richmond, Mo., Nov. 14.        

SIR: -- So much anxiety is manifested for information upon the all engrossing topic of the Mormons, and the attending difficulties, that I have concluded to write out the particulars for publication as soon as circumstances will permit.

Having lived in the society for some years, and preserved copies of all important papers, I think I can do justice to the subject.

Respectfully,        
W. W. PHELPS.       

Note 1: The report from Jefferson City was filed by Mr. A. B. Chambers, Senior Editor of the Republican, on assignment with the State Legislature.

Note 2: Exactly what the former Mormon William W. Phelps intended "for publication" at the end of 1838, remains unknown. Phelps survived the church purges of early 1838 and must have been an eye witness to the increasing despotism of Smith and Rigdon, the rise of the Danites, the Mormons' refusals to be ruled by Missouri law, etc. Unlike ex-Mormon John Corrill, who did publish an exposure of the Mormons soon after this, Mr. Phelps decided not to print his material on the subject. He was eventually reinstated as a mid-level LDS official at Nauvoo. It was probably during 1838-39 that the rumor arose in Missouri (among LDS dissidents?) that the Mormon leadership had purchased Solomon Spalding's "Manuscript Found" from D. P. Hurlbut, a few years before at Kirtland. If Phelps had any knowledge of this rumored secret transaction, he is not known to have reported it, either in private or in the public press.

"The butchery of the Mormons, in Missouri recorded in another column, is disgraceful to the State and to the age." -- Cincinnati Whig.

So it is; but we cannot hear that any step has been taken to bring those concerned in it, to punishment. One of them is figuring very largely in the Legislature, and he, it may well be supposed, is exceedingly desirous that all the particulars of the tragedy should be suppressed.


Note: The "tragedy" above mention was the murder of a number of Mormons at Hawn's Mill, by irregular cavalry, during the 1838 "Mormon War."

LETTERS  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Thursday, Nov. 22.        

... Mr. REDMAN presented a resolution referring to much of the Governor's Message as relates to the Mormon War, to a select committee, and empowering the committee to call upon the Governor for all the communications, orders, proceedings, &c. had in relation thereto...

The SPEAKER suggested that the resolution was out of order, as the Message had already been referred to the committee of the whole. ...

Mr. REDMAN explained. His resolution was different from that offered by Mr. Geyer. He (Mr. R.) was desirous of going to the bottom of the Mormon War -- of digging up the whole ground and bringing out everything. He wanted a thorough investigation....

Mr. Geyer moved, that the resolution be referred to the committee of the whole. Mr. G. stated that he wished it distinctly understood, that he was not hostile to an investigation of the causes and conduct of the Mormon war...

[remainder of the text concerning the "Mormon War" is mostly illegible]


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTERS  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Saturday, Nov. 24.        

I propose to give a view of the light in which the resolution originating in the Senate, proposing an enquiry into the conduct of the Missouri Volunteers at the battle of Ochechobee...

Much complaint has been made of the charges for board here, and, if the House goes into the Mormon war, the Florida war, &c., they are likely to be here until spring. ...


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTERS  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Wednesday, Nov. 28.        

Yesterday I failed to give you the proceedings of the Senate. I now do so. so far as there is any thing of [significance?] in them...

The House adjourned at noon until to-morrow.                                     A. B. C.

P. S. -- General Clark who has had command of the troops sent against the Mormons, arrived in this city yesterday evening. I have not yet seen him or learned the result of the enquiries of the Court held at Richmond. It is said, that the Governor's message and General Clark's report will be sent to the Legislature in the course of two or three days. As soon as it is presented, I will give more information of the causes and conduct of the Mormon war than any thing which has heretofore been presented to the public, and probably will satisfy the curiosity now existing on that subject. I have heard many reports and statements on the subject since I have been here, but I have refrained from giving them, because I preferred waiting for this report.   Yours, A. B. C.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTERS  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Sat., Dec. 1.        

When the House met in the afternoon, Mr. Atchison presented two letters to the House, one from Daviess county to the Governor, and the other drom Caldwell county, directed to Mr. Corrill. Both were upon the subject of the suffering condition of many persons in those counties from the recent dificulties. In Daviess, the houses of many persons have been burned down and their crops destroyed, and they were without furniture, clothing or food. In Caldwell county, about sixty Mormon men are under arrest, and have been detained several weeks -- about forty men of the same society have been killed, and about one hundred have run away, either to avoid the excited feelings of the people or to escape trial by law.

Thus, at least 200 women, nearly every one of whom has a family of small and dependent children, have been left without any one to provide for them, with no means of support, without shelter from the storm, without protection from the cold, or food to satisfy the cravings of appetite. Whilst such is their pitiable condition, many of them dare not, and all fear to appeal to the sympathies of the people by whom they are surrounded. The object of the letters was, to ask the Legislature to interpose, and appropriate a small sum of money for their relief. Mr. Atchison, in presenting the letters, remarked, that he could not speak of his own knowledge of the sufferings in that section, but from what he had heard, he was well satisfied that the wants of the people had not been misrepresented. Without stoppig to inquire who was right or wrong, he would say, that their condition appealed, in the loudest terms, to the compassion and humanity of the Legislature. When he left home the people of the people of Clay were raising a subscription for the relief of some of the people of Caldwell county, but they were not able, however liberal they might be, to furnish the aid which those people stand in pressing need of.

On the motion of Mr. Morehead, the letters were referred to a select committee, consisting of Mssrs. Morehead, Atchison and Coalter, with instructions to report a bill at as early a day as possible.

I will take the liberty to suggest to the humane and philanthropic of St. Louis, to look at the condition of the people of Caldwell and Daviess, and especially of the Mormons in Caldwell. Aside from the question, who is right or who is wrong, and over looking the guilt of the Mormon leaders, can we, or will we, permit the bones of their women and children to bleach the prairies? Will we hear their cries for bread, or know that they are perishing in the storm, and give them no succor or relief? I appeal to my readers in St. Louis, and especially to the ladies, to look at the unhappy condition of these people, and especially of those women and children, and do that on their behalf which humanity dictates. -- Let it not be said, that they have perished by exposure and hunger in our State, and no friendly hand was extended for their relief. Let St. Louis [speak such?] she can and ought, in their behalf.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  PRISONERS. -- We learn from the Western Star, of Nov. 20, that the examining trial of the Mormons, before Judge King closed at Richmond on the Wednesday previous. That paper says "Some twenty-five or thirty were discharged, and about thirty-five are retained for indictment and trial -- some for treason against the State, some for murder, some as accessaries to murder, and some for arson, burglary, robbery and larceny. We are informed the testimony discloses many facts, which have not yet been published to the world, but not deeming it proper to make them the subject of newspaper comment before the trials of the accused, we forbear their disclosure. We are not apprised with certainty what steps will be taken for the safe custody of the prisoners, but think it most probable they will be divided and sent to the jails of the most convenient counties having jails. They are at present under the guard of a part of Capt. Bogard's company of militia, Gen. Clark having disbanded all the troops by order of the Governor.

The indictments will be preferred in the counties Ray and Daviess, but it is thought the venue will be changed from those counties on the instance of the prisoners.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Tuesday, [Dec.] 4.         

This morning, Mr. Morehead, from the select committee to whom was referred the two letters introduced yesterday in relation to the destitution of several families, in Caldwell and Daviess counties, reported a bill for the relief of these families. The bill appropriates the sum of $2,000 for the relief of these persons. It is to be placed in the hands of several gentlemen of the adjoining counties, to be distributed. On the motion of Mr. Young of Callaway, John Thornton of Clay county, was added to the committee of distribution.

Mr. Miller inquired of the chairman of the committee, whether the gentlemen selected as distributors were men who had taken an active part in the difficulties in that section. He was not disposed to place the funds in the hands of men who had been engaged, or whose feelings had become enlisted on either side of the disturbances. He thought that the relief which the State furnished should be extended to all who might be in need of it, without regard to the [sect?] or people to whom they belonged.

Mr. Morhead replied, that the committee had made the selection of persons to distribute the money with a particular view to this matter, that all the gentlemen selected were highly honorable men, who would make the distribution with impartiality, and that they would distribute it without any feelings for, or against the sufferers, because of the societies to which they belonged.

Several attempts were made to add other persons to the committees, but without success.

Mr. Bollinger moved to refer the bill to the Select Committee appointed to investigate the causes of the Mormon disturbances, and that they inquire what property has been lost, and what relief was necessary.

Mr. Emmonds opposed this reference. If the House was disposed to furnish relief, the more speedily it was furnished the better. He thought that no one could desire to delay action upon a subject of this character, where, if relief was to come at all, it should not be delayed. The motion to refer was withdrawn.

A proposition was then made to amend the bill so that it should apply to all suffering families in Caldwell county, whether Mormons, citizens, or otherwise.

Mr. Chiles, of Jackson, considered that, by the treaty with Gen. Lucas, the State was bound to protect the Mormons and their families.

Mr. Corrill (the Mormon member) said that he was present when the Mormons surrendered to Gen. Lucas; that one part of the written stipulation was, that their women and children should be protected; and he thought, by the stiulation of that treaty, the State was bound to furnish this protection; that it was upon the faith of this promise they had surrendered.

Some further desultory remarks occurred, when the bill passed without a dissenting vote. The sum, I think, will be found too small, though it was believed to be sufficient by the committee, who reported the bill. The committee appointed to superintend the distribution are required to perform the duty without charge. I am pleased to see the liberal desposition manifested by the House, in granting the relief so much needed by this suffering people. As was remarked by several members, and emphatically by Mr. Clark of Linn, the House did not pause to inquire who were in the right or who in the wrong; having been satisfied that there was suffering, they at once resolved to lend their aid to relieve. This I look upon as a sample of the true character of the people of Missouri: warm, impetuous and when laboring under excitement rash, but when misery or distress, let it come from whatever cause it may, appeals to their sympathies, they are ever ready and willing to give their aid and relief.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Tuesday, [Dec. 4.]         

CORRECTION. -- I observe in one of my prior letters that you make me say that Mr. Redman introduced the resolutions instituting an inquiry into the conduct and causes of the Mormon difficulties. This I think must be an error of the compositor and not mine. -- The truth is, that the resolutions were introduced by Mr. Geyer, and, whether they be right or wrong, he is bound to stand their god-father. It is true, that Mr. Redman attempted to amend them, but the amendments proposed by him were not adopted. I think it very questionable, whether, after all, there will be much of an investigation in this matter. At present, I hear many persons who seem to be in favor of sending the Investigating Committee to the Mormon country, whilst another portion seem to think that the report of Gen. Clark will be simply sufficient, without any further inquiry. As yet, the report of Gen. Clark, and the Message of the Governor on this subject, has not been communicated, though hourly expected. Upon its receipt, it is probable that some definite course will be adopted by the Committee to whose hands the whole subject has been referred. The House and the Senate have given them power to hire a room, employ a clerk and to sit during the sessions of the House, if they think proper.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTERS  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
December 5.         

Much of the time of the House this morning was taken up in the reading of the Journals, giving the vote upon the election of Bank Directors.

Mr. Geyer, agreeably to notice, introduced a bill proscribing the manner of making partition of lands &c. which was read a first time and ordered to a second reading.

The Governor, by Mr. Bay, his private secretary, transmitted to the House, this morning, a message concerning the Mormon difficulties. The message was read, but as yet I am not a liberty to take a copy of it. The accompanying documents, including the reports of Gen's Clark and Atchison, the evidence upon which the Governor issued his orders, and the correspondence had with him prior thereto -- copies of the orders and copies of so much of the testimony taken before Judge King as has been received -- were also sent to the House. All these documents make a large mass. After the reading of the Governor's messenger, there was considerable discussion about the reading of the accompanying documents, which was at least agreed to. The reading was gone into and had progressed about half way when the House adjourned until to-morrow.

Upon the Mormon difficulty, I still adhere to the original determination, to refrain from giving any opinion as to who was right or wrong, until I see more than I yet have, but to keep my readers fully advised as possible I send you the message of the Governor, and will continue to send you such documents as may enable my readers to form an opinion. Of this fact I am already satisfied there is at present no prospect of much evidence coming before the public which is not more or less colored by the prejudices of the persons giving it; and there are very few, if any, who have been concerned in the difficulties, on either side, but have partaken of prejudice. It is very evident that all concerned have been excited, and, in the midst of the excitement, it is a matter of surprie, that men have not been more [biased] than they have been.

Mr. Asby to-day presented the petition of a number of citizens of Linn, praying the formation of a new county. This, when it comes up, will produce an angry and warm discussion....

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Thursday, Dec. 6, 1838.         

I send you a copy of the Message of the Governor, in relation to the Mormon difficulties, of which I informed you yesterday.


To the honorable the House of Representatives of the State of Missouri:

GENTLEMEN -- In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 22d ultimo, requesting the Governor to communicate to the House"all information in his possession in relation to the recent difficulties between the people called Mormons and a portion of the people of this State, copies of all orders issued by the Executive, calling into service volunteers and militia, and for the government thereof, and for the conduct of the military operations, with copies of all correspondence in relation to said difficulties, and the military operations authorized by the Governor," I have the honor herewith to transmit the information required, including Major General Clark's report, and a portion of the testimony taken upon the examination of the Mormon prisoners before the Hon. Austin A. King Judge of the fifth Judicial Circuit, at Richmond, Ray county. It will be seen from the report of General Clark, that he has made arrangements to procure the residue of the testimony, which, when received, will be transmitted to the House.

As formidable as the insurgents were represented, and as they are now known to have been, still the number of troops ordered into this service may appear large.

In detaching so many, the Executive was actuated solely by a desire to prevent the effusion of blood. It appeared to me every way best to send such a force as would awe them into submission. A smaller number could undoubtedly have conquered and subdued the disaffected, in combat, but many valuable lives would have been lost, and I did not consider that I should truly reflect the wishes and opinions of the people, had I stopped to weigh the expenditure of a few thousand against the best blood of the land.

I received information of the partial interruption of the peace in Dewitt, Carroll county, whilst absent from the seat of Government, but took no order on the subject, knowing that the officer in command in that division was fully authorized under the law, and had ample force to preserve the peace. It will be seen from the report of Major General Atchison, that measures were promptly adopted by him to meet the emergency.

Immediately upon receiving intelligence of the last Mormon outrages, Generals Atchison and Lucas repaired to the scene of difficulty, with a considerable force. Although this movement was not directed by the Executive, and was unknown to him, it was justified by the circumstances, and meets his fullest approbation. Much injustice. I have reason to believe, has been done to this part of the command by the public press, which, it is hoped, a thorough investigation will make manifest to the world. The conduct of Major General Clark has fully justified the high expectations entertained of him by the Executive when he was assigned to this delicate and important command. Among the papers submitted, I am happy to lay before the House a voluntary tribute from the principal men among the Mormons in the humanity and kindness with which he execuited this disagreeable duty and to the good conduct of his troops,

The information herewith transmitted under the call of the House of Representatives, supercedes the necessity of a special communication to both Houses of the Legislature, which it was my intention to have made, as announced in my message at the opening of the session; and it will, it is hoped, be taken as a redemption of that pledge.

The Undersigned, therefore, respectfully requests that the House of Representatives, at such time as they may deem convenient and proper, will cause the communication and documents submitted, to be laid before the Senate for the consideration of that body. I have the honor to be,
      Most respectfully,
           Your ob't Serv't,
                LILIBURN W. BOGGS. I will send you, in a short time, the reports of Generals Clark, Lucas, Wilson, Atchison, and some others. At present I have not time to copy them.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTER  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Dec. 7th. 1838.         

The House adjourned at about one o'clock until to-morrow morning.

In the Senate, the most of the day was taken up in the reading of the documents accompanying the Governor's Message on the Mormon difficulties.

Prior to the reading of these documents, Mr. Thompson moved to take up the bill from the House for the relief of families in the counties of Caldwell and Daviess, which was read a first, second and third time.

Mr. Asby moved to strike out the name of Eli Casey whenever it occurred in the bill, and insert the name of William Martin of Livingston county, which the Senate refused to sustain.

The only opposition manifested to the bill in the Senate, was from Mr. Noland of Jackson county, and his opposition seemed only to extend to the Mormons. I regret to say that there was any opposition from any quarter to the bill, but the regret is much lessened by finding that, like another equally distinguished Senator, he stood "solitary and alone." Mr. Noland represents the Senatorial district in which the first Mormon difficulties occurred, and has, doubtless, partaken deeply of the common prejudices against these unfortunate beings; but I have too high an opinion of the people of Jackson county to believe, for a moment, that they will approve this effort on his part to defeat the charitable intentions of the Legislature. However much the people of Jackson are opposed to the Mormons, they have too high a sense of the claims of humanity, and know too well what is due from one human being to other suffering and distressed portions of that family, to refuse help or relief to them. They have firmness enough to conquer those to whom they are opposed, but too much magnanimity to see these unhappy and miserable beings perish in the snows, and by the inclemency of the season, for the want of subsistence and clothing.

Mr. Noland first moved to lay the bill on the table. Open this, Mr. Grimsley called for the ayes and nays, when no one was found to stand by Mr. Noland's motion but himself.

He next moved to strike out Caldwell county whenever it occurred in the bill. The Mormons, you are aware, are all now in Caldwell county, and the effect of this motion would have been to cut off the Mormons from any relief. I cannot suppose that the mover could have reflected upon this motion before he made it. The best informed admit, that there are now in Caldwell county from one to two hundred Mormon women, with their families, without any thing whatever. General Clark, who is just from that quarter, informed me a few days since, that the extent of suffering could not be concealed by any one who had not witnessed their wretched condition. The husbands of several of them are held as prisoners for trial; between thirty and forty have been killed, and nearly a hundred have run away. Most of their crops, and especially the corn in the common field at Far West, was consumed by the troops sent to those counties. This, together with the fact, that most of them are afraid to [stir] out of their county, for fear of the vengeance of their neighbors, renders their situation one of the most distressing character. The people of Daviess county have also suffered very much and the State should relieve them; but they are not confined to the limits of their county. They have the power to appeal in person to the sympathies of their neighbors, and thus have the advantage of the Mormons; yet it is to this wretched, suffering people that Mr. Noland was unwilling relief should be extended. I trust and believe he did not reflect on the character and effect of his measure. The amendment was rejected by all the Senate, save himself, and the bill then passed without opposition. The bill now only needs the signature of the Governor to become a law.

Mr. Noland's chief argument against the bill was, that there had been no petitions from these people, and he did not think it right to give away the people's money until they were asked for it. Besides, as he had passed through that county, he had seen a number of fine hogs and cattle in Claldwell county, and thought they had enough to live on.

Mr. Gillam replied to Mr. Noland's arguments with great spirit. In relation to petitions, he asked who was there to petition? Was it expected that the women and children would petition? Besides, (said Mr. G.,) no man would dare to circulate a petition there, and bring it here. He even doubted if the gentleman from Jackson would himself venture on such a service in that county. But, if the Senate should wait for petitions, one half of these sufferers might perish in the mean time. Mr. G. said he had served during these difficulties, but he did not now stop to enquire to what class of people these women and children belonged: it was enough for him to know, that they were indistress, and he should go for giving them relief immediately.

I have copied several of the documents accompaning the Governor's Message in relation to the Mormon difficulties, but at present there seems to be a disposition on the part of the Senate, not to suffer any thing to be published until the Committee reports. The Senate to-day concluded the reading of all the documents, except the testimony taken before the court of enquiry -- which they decided to be improper to be read or made public, as it was ex parte, and might have an improper influence. I freely admit the propriety of their course in relation to the evidence, but with due deference to their judgments, I do not see the necessity for prohibiting the publication, in newspapers, of the orders of the Governor -- the testimony which induced him to issue his orders, and the reports of the military officers. These are already public records, and the people have a right to see and know their contents, and their publication, as I conceive, cannot do either side any great injury. The whole of the documents will make alarge volume, and much more than any newspaper can find place for. If they do not prohibit me, I shall send you such parts of it as I think will be of interest. I, however, will wait for their decision before I send any.

I send you a copy of a bill providing for Limited Partnerships, introduced by Mr. Primm some days since. I am at present under the belief that the bill will not pass. The reasons you will learn when it comes up for discussion.   Yours,
                                 A. B. C.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  PRISONERS.

It will be seen by our correspondence, that the examination of the Mormon prisoners, at Richmond, Ray county, and the [sic] resulted in the discharge of some, and the retention of many others, to answer various crimes, from treason down to larceny. The same letter gives us some rumors in regard to the conduct of a portion of the anti-Mormon party, in the purchase of lands at the recent land sales at Lexington, which if true, will have a tendency to excite public sympathy in favor of the Mormons, and create a strong prejudice against their oppressors. Much as we censure the course of the Mormons, there is no act, of which we have any knowledge, which will at all compare with the unrighteousness of those who, it seems, got up this crusade in order to obtain possession of the houses and lands of their victims. We will not, even now, believe that any considerable portion of the anti-Mormon party are obnoxious to the charges brought against them, and hope that it may be found to apply to few of them.

The prisoners are, we learn from Richmond, to be distributed to different jails, and to be guarded by armed men, until the second Monday of March next, when the first court will be held in that district. It seems to us, that the Legislature would save the State much expense by authorizing a special term of the court in some county in which the prisoners are likely to have a fair and speedy trial.

We also learn, that a gentleman of Richmond, who was present at the examination and took down all the testimony, intends to prepare it for publication, together with a history of the rise and progress of Mormonism up to the present time. The gentleman -- Mr. Orville H. Searcy -- is represented to us as entirely competent to the task, and such a history, if fairly and impartially given, will be well received. But we do not think the evidence so taken, or the time of its publication, exactly calculated to advance the ends of justice -- inasmuch as it might greatly prejudice the cause of the prisoners now awaiting their trial. Both houses of the Legislature have interposed their authority to prevent the publication of the same evidence, submitted to them with the Governor's Message, and it ought not to be permitted to find its way to the public in a less authentic shape, or until the trials are over.

---

LETTER  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Saturday, Dec. 8th.        

By a letter received yesterday evening from Richmond, at Ray County, I learn that the Court of Enquiry has terminated its labors, and the following is the result:

MORMONS SENT ON FOR FURTHER TRIAL.

For Treason. -- Joseph Smith, Jr., Hiram Smith, Lyman Wight, Sidney Rigdon, Alexander M'Ray, Caleb Baldwin.

For Murder. -- Parley P. Pratt, Norman Shearer, Darwin Chase, Lyman Gibbs, and Maurice Phillips.

Accessaries before and after the fact of Murder -- Joseph Smith, Jr., Lyman Wight, Sidney Rigdon, and Washington Vams.

For Arson, Burglary, Robbery and Larceny -- George W. Robinson, Alanson Ripley, Washington Vams, Sidney Tanner, Jacob Gates, Jessie D. Hunter, George Grant, Darwin Chase, Thos. Rich, Alexander M'Ray, Caleb Baldwin, John S. Higby, Ebenezer Page, Ebenezer Ribinson, James M. Henderson, David Pellegrue, Edward Partridge, Francis Higbee, George Kimball, Joseph W. Younger, Daniel Corn, James H. Rolling, Samuel Bent, Jonathan Dunham, William Whitman, Joel S. Mills, Clark Hallett, Norman Shearer, and Maurice Phelps.

The result of this enquiry has been what was anticipated, a serious difficulty, it seems to me, will now arise as to the trial of these men. In the counties where the disturbance took place it will be almost impossible to find a jury for the trial, for I presume there is no man who has not formed an opinion of the case. If the prisoners do not change the venue the State cannot change it, and I am well assured that such has been the excitement that no man in the counties of Ray, Carroll, Caldwell and Davies will be in a condition to serve as a juror -- What will be the ultimate result of these prosecutions, I am at a loss to say. This much is very certain: the detention of those thirty-six prisoners under a guard, to be fed and protected during the winter season will be an expense which the State will feel before it is done.

We have many reports here in relation to the conduct of some of the citizens of Daviess and other counties, at the recent Land Sales at Lexington -- It is reported, said to be on the authority of a gentleman direct from Lexington, that at the recent land sales, the lands in Caldwell and Daviess were brought into market, and that some of the citizens who have been the most active in the excitement against the Mormons purchased a number of Mormon tracts of land. Where the Mormons had made settlements and improvements, it is said, these citizens have purchased then for speculation. It is said that the town of "Adamon Diamond," a Mormon town in Daviess, in which there are several houses, -- a very valuable site for a town -- was purchased at these sales for a dollar and a quarter an acre. It is further said, that there is a company formed, embracing a number of persons, for the purpose of speculating in the lands of these people.

I should not have felt authorised to allude to these reports, for I know nothing of the source from whence they came, but for the fact, that the same matter was accidently alluded to yesterday in the Senate. Many other things are said in connection with these sales, but for the present I do not feel authorized to give them. This matter should receive the attention of the committee on this subject, for it may lead to a better understanding of the causes of these disturbances. I look upon it as a matter of the greatest importance, how the committee on this subject may conduct this enquiry. The character of the State and the reputation of every citizen is involved in it, and it is due to all that a full investigation and impartial report should be made.

There is a talk amongst the members, at this time of adjourning for several months, say to the first of June or July, and giving power to the committee to prosecute the investigation in vacation. This is the only method by which it is possible to make a full and thorough examination into the matter.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTER  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

JEFFERSON CITY,        
Dec. [11], 1838.         

This morning the resolution of Mr. Hudspeth, resolving that the two Houses will adjourn from the 15th to 31st inst., to give the committee on the Florida War and the Mormon War, time to make their reports, came up...

Mr. Geyer, who is chairman of the committee on Mormon difficulties on the part of the House, stated that the committee had not as yet determined what range the investigation should take. As yet the committee were engaged in arranging the documents accompanying the Governor's Message, and preparing for the establishment of some system upon which the investigation should be conducted...

Mr. Ashby moved to strike out "instant," and insert "February." He was anxious to see a full investigation of the Mormon affair. He lived in one of the adjoining counties, Linn, and he feared that some persons, and even some members of the Legislature, had taken up improper impressions as to the conduct of the citizens of the counties adjoining Caldwell and Daviess, and he was anxious to see a full investigation made. The only way the reputation of the citizens could be justly dealt by, was by a full investigation, which, he thought, might be made in two weeks.

On motion of Mr. Geyer, the resolution and an attachment offered by Mr. Morin, were laid on the table.


Notes: (forthcoming)

We have to-day given up more space to the debate in the House of Representatives upon the Mormon memorials, than is to our liking; but it could not well be avoided. These sketches from some of the parties concerned are probably the only memorials we shall have of the cruelties inflicted upon and the injustice done to a class of men whose greatest offence seems to have been, that they inhabited fair lands and stood in the way of those who coveted them. We think it certain, now, that no investigation, except it be a one-sided one, will ever be made by the Legislature; for, where the right of petition is refused, and all manner of reproach is visited upon the petitioners, it is not likely that they will be allowed to be heard if a more formal and searching examination were to be ordered.

LETTER  FROM  THE  EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Dec. 19, 1838.         

In the House, nearly the whole of this morning was employed in the discussion of Mormon matters.

Mr. Corrill, the member from Caldwell, presented two memorials: one, from a committee on the Mormons of Daviess county; and the other from a committee on the part of the Mormons of Caldwell county. In the first, they give a history of their wrongs in Daviess county, and pray for the legislature to recind the treaty made by them at Far West, by which they are compelled to leave the State.

The other gives a general history of the treatment they have received in Jackson and other counties, and the property they have lost and surrendered -- and pray, that their property may be restored to them, or that they may be paid for it. They also pray the legislature to set aside the deed of trust which they executed at the surrender at Far West, by which they conveyed their property to trustees, to pay for property destroyed in that and other counties &c. They also pray to have that part of the treaty of Far West which binds them to leave the state rescinded. These memorials are very lengthy, and the last is drawn with much ability. If the legislature permits them to be published I will send you that from Caldwell -- not because I place any particular reliance upon its statement, but because it is the only statement which I have seen from their side.

After presenting and reading the memorials, Mr. Corrill moved to refer them to the joint committee on Mormon difficulties. The charges contained in the petitions against the citizens, and the proposed referance called forth a discussion of considerable length, a sketch of which I send you.

Mr. Ashby was opposed to the reference. He believed the memorial was entirely false, and believed it came from as grand a set of villains, as ever lived, and such as should not be suffered to live in the State.

Mr. Chiles of Jackson, also believed the memorial false, and was unwilling that a document so slanderous to the people, as in part represented, should be treated with any respect. He knew something of these Mormons; he had seen their conduct in Jackson county. The citizens of Jackson had borne with these people as long as they could, and until they had killed some of the best citizens of the county. As far as regarded the conduct of the troops he had no doubt that they had treated the Mormons when in their power with uniform humanity.

Mr. Corrill said, that he had presented the memorial, and he wished to say a few words on the subject. He was not in the habit of addressing an assembly like this, and therefore could not convey his ideas as well as others. but these people, despised and persecuted as they were, were still his constituants, & he was therefore bound to speak on a subject in which they were so deeply interested. With regard to the assertion of the gentleman from Livingston, that the statements in the memorials were entirely false; he would only say that, under the circumstances in which these people were, it could not but be expected that in the excitement of their feelings they would sometimes exaggerate; but this he would say, and he believed he could prove it, that two thirds of the statements of the memorials were true. He admitted that these people had done many wrongs in the county of Daviess, of which he disapproved, and many others also disapproved of their conduct, and he called on the gentleman from Livingston to say whether it was not in his knowledge that many dissenters from the Mormons did highly disapprove of their proceedings in Daviess. In fact, a majority of the Mormons disapproved of these things, and they had given up the ringleaders for trial, and the question now was whether, after giving up the guilty for trial, the innocent should still be punished. Under the order which had issued from the Governor, requiring that these people should be removed from the State or exterminated, they felt that they were regarded as outcasts, and they wished some expression of the opinion of the House, whether they were to be permitted to live at their homes, and enjoy their religion in peace. In Caldwell county were their farms and homes, and if permitted to do so, they would stay there and enjoy them in peace. He himself had been a Mormon, but had now quit them; he belonged to no religion, and professed none, but good will to all men and the performance of his duty; and if this religion would not take him to Heaven, Heaven must do without him. -- He had been in all the Mormon difficulties from the commencement, and had seen much personally of those disturbances; he had himself been active in negotiating between the citizens of Jackson and the Mormons at the time they were driven from Jackson county. He went on to give some of the circumstances attending the late disturbances, to show that a part of the statements of the memorial were true. He said that the Mormons were in wretched condition; they were a miserable and despised sect. He knew that they had done many things wrong, but they had given their criminals up to be tried; many wrongs had been committed upon them by individuals, and nothing had been done with those individuals. Their property had been destroyed, and wrongs committed on their persons, and no redress had been afforded them. He felt bound to make these statements in presenting the memorials, and left it to the wisdom of the House to take such action on the subject as seemed right.

Mr. Clark of Linn was opposed to the reference. He considered the memorials gross slander on the people of the upper section of the State, and was unwilling to countenance such slanders. He would read a letter which had been published in a Nashville paper. After reading the letter, Mr. G. was proceeding to show that he thought the committee on the Mormon difficulty was in fault, in not making their investigation and report, when the chair called him to order, remarking that the action of the committee was not the proper subject of debate at that time.

Mr. Geyer moved to lay the memorial upon the table. He objected to gentlemen discussing the merits of the report of the joint committee upon the Mormon difficulties, until the report was made to the House. It was understood that the committee had reported to the other House, but the gentlemen had no right to allude to the action of the other House. He, therefore, hoped the memorial would be laid upon the table untill that report was before the House.

Mr. Thompson hoped the memorial would be laid on the table. The memorial charged that the citizens -- the mob as the memorial styled them -- had attacked theit town of Far West, and had painted themselves to conceal their faces. Mr. Y. said he was present and knew the occasion of that painting. A fight was expected, and as it was hard to distinguish a Mormon from any other man, some of the citizens painted themselves to be distinguished. The memorial asserts, that they never interferred with the laws of the State. He (Mr. T.) knew, and at the investigation at Richmond it had been declared, by some of the Mormond themselves, that they were going to take the State of Missouri, and that Christmas, the 25th of this month, was fixed for the day of rising. He was anxious to see this whole subject investigated fully.

Mr. Morin hoped the memorial would be laid on the table. When Gen. Lucas' report was read, nothing had been said of exempting his troops from the charge of being guilty of outrage. Gen. Clark's troops had been exempted from these accusations by the Mormons themselves. Some of the troops from Gen. Lucas were his constituents; he knew that they were innocent of these charges, and he trusted a full examination would be made, that their innocence might be shown to the world.

Mr. Young of Lafayette, said that he was not in the campaign, but there were many from his county who were there under the command of Gen. Lucas, and the memorial most grossly misrepresented them, for he knew the men and knew they would not be guilty of such outrages as were charged. An express was sent to Lexington from Ray county, who represented that the Mormons were about to burn Richmond, the county seat of Ray county; that they had already burned the county seat of Daviess county, and another town, and that they were within 12 miles of Richmond. The representative from Ray, (Mr. Morehead) was the bearer of this intelligence, and knows what I state to be true. A portion of the citizens immediately started for Richmond to help defend the town. It was also reported, that the Mormons intended attacking Lexington and to rob the Land Office there of its money, and burn the town. Under these impressions, the citizens went, and he knew that they had behaved as became citizens and soldiers. He was not willing to refer this matter to the Joint committee. He would not stand by and see his constituents slandered by a set of people whom he considered the grandest set of villains on the earth. His constituents had been charged with the grossest crimes, and when such charges were made he would raise his voice against the charges...   [several illegible paragraphs follow]

Mr. Ashby wished to see the investigation made. His constituents of Livingston, had been accused, and he wished the truth to be known. A parcel of dissenting Mormons had come into his county, and had stated, that the Mormon leaders required the members of the church to assemble and take up arms; that the day had arrived when the destroying Angel would appear and burn and destroy all their enemies, and all those who did not take up arms against their oppressors. These men said that they had fled from the society, and they even manifested so much fear of Smith and his party that they hired other men to go and bring their goods away. The reports of the dissenting Mormons led to the battle of Haun's Mill. They reported that the Mormons intended attacking the people on our line, and that they intended burning a town, (the name I did not catch, as the speaker uttered it). We thought it best to attack them first, and we did attack them: we attacked them in the day. The history of the battle shows a great superiority in our favor in the results. What we did was in our own defence, and as we had a right to do. -- They say their men were given up. Let the investigation be made, and if we did not do what we had a right to do, let us suffer the consequences. The character of my constituents demands an investigation.

Mr. Corrill rose to explain. When he was up before, not being accustomed to speaking, he became somewhat confused. In reply to the gentleman from Jackson, he would state what the truth was. Whilst he remained in Caldwell county it was asserted by some of our people that they had been well treated, and since I came here I have seen a paper signed by Smith, and some of our people, exonerating General Clark's command. I had heard several rumors -- one about a woman who had been mistreated, but could not find out that it was true. I had, mydself, a favorable impression of the Jackson troops and so expressed myself to the Governor since I have been here. --There was, however, some things which he had heard. There was the case of Corry, who was struck over the head with a gun. (That was not done by any of the Jackson troops, said Mr. Chiles, across the hall) I don't know, replied Mr. C,; I understood it was -- I might be mistaken. As to the time allowed to give up the prisoners, I was not there when Gen. L. drew up his forces. When I was going into the town that night, I met a young man (Mr. _____) who said Mr. Doniphan would be there at 8 o'clock. He, however, did not come until 10 -- received the order in the afternoon to deliver up the prisoners, and after the demand do not think more than fifteen minutes elapsed from the time we went for them until we returned. Mr. C. said that as he discovered some excitement in the House on account of the memorials, he would ask leave to withdraw them.

Mr. Redman said he would renew the motion.

After some conversation, Mr. Corrill said he would let them remain, and the House might do with them as they pleased...  [several more illegible paragraphs follow]

Mr. Atchinson moved to lay the report upon the table, when he took occasion to make some remarks. These, and the remarks of Mr. Geyer and Mr. Clark, I must defer for present The report and resolutions were laid on the table.

Both Houses adjourned at an early hour, and without doing anything else of much moment...


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE LEGISLATURE. -- At a late hour last evening, we received a letter from Jefferson, giving the proceedings of the 20th, a portion of which day was occupied upon the Mormon difficulty. The two first resolutions reported by the committee were adopted. The third was amended, by authorizing the committee to report to the Governor so soon as all the facts of the case have been collected -- whereupon the Governor is to issue his proclamation for a meeting of the Legislature. The committee on the part of the House is to consist of three members. In this shape the resolutions were passed and sent to the Senate.


Notes: (forthcoming)

LETTERS FROM THE EDITOR.

CITY OF JEFFERSON,        
Dec. 20th, 1838.         

For some days to come it is probable that I shall not be able to send you much of importance, as several members have already left here for their respective homes; and, until the House is full or until the holidays are over; much business will not be done.

In my report of the proceedings of yesterday, on the Mormon difficulties, I informed you that there was a part which I had not time to give.

Mr. Atchison moved to lay the report of the committee on the table. He remarked, that he made this motion to avoid further action until the bill was brought in. He wished to see the provisions of the law investing this committee with power...   [several illegible paragraphs follow]

The discussion was then renewed and continued with considerable warmth.

On one hand, those from the section of the country in which the difficulties occurred, insisted that the investigation should be gone into immediately and prosecuted without delay. The fact that the Mormons were about to leave the State -- the unsettled conditions of that section of the country -- the extent and character of the reports against the citizens, were urged as reasons why the investigation should be prosecuted without delay. Several gentlemen pressed the inquiry whilst the Legislature was in session. -- Mr. Corrill thought that, on behalf of the Mormons, the investigation should be gone into without delay, and especially that there should be an expression of the Legislature upon the constitutionality of the Governor's "extermination order," as it is now called here, and upon the treaty which was made under it, and whether they were bound to obey -- also, that the Legislature would express an opinion upon the deed which the Mormons were compelled to make at the surrender of Far West.

On the other hand, it was contended by several members of the Committee, especially Messrs. Geyer and Bollinger, that it was impossible under existing circumstances, and whilst the Legislature was in session, to prosecute the investigation; that the witnesses and documents could not be had before the committee, without spinning out the session for several months, during all which time the members of the two Houses must wait for this report, at great expense to the state...  [several more illegible paragraphs follow]

From the remarks made this morning, I think it doubtful whether the Legislature will meet to receive the report of the committee. The expense seems to be the great objection. For my part, I cannot well see how justice can be done to the parties interested, unless the Legislature meets after the report is made... the object is to do justice to injured persons, whether Citizens or Mormons...


Notes: (forthcoming)