Sidney Ringdon, notorious as one of the Mormon leaders, was indicted for solemnizing marriages without license, and tried at the present term of the Court of Common Pleas of this country. The performance of the marriage ceremony by Ringdon having been proven, on the part of the prosecution, Ringdon produced a license of the Court, which had been granted to him several years ago, as a Minister of the Gospel of that sect usually called Campbellites, but who call themselves Disciples, to continue so long as he remained a Minister in regular standing in that denomination. The prosecution then undertook to prove by proof that he had abandoned that church, and joined the Mormons, and held principles inconsistent with his former faith. It appeared that the society of Disciples kept written minutes of their proceedings, and no church record of his dismissal being offered, the Court rejected the testimony, and a nolle prosequi was entered. -- Ohio Gazette.


Note: The above is a somewhat paraphrased rendering of a news report from the Oct. 30, 1835 issue of the Ohio Chardon Spectator and Geauga Gazette.

MATTHIAS has not joined the Mormons. If they have pretty women among them no doubt he will.

Note: Robert Matthews (1788-1841), alias Robert Matthias, (a.k.a. "Joshua the Jewish minister") was a religious fraud who went about the country claiming to be God in the body of the biblical Apostle Matthias. He traveled through Ohio during 1835, stopping at Kirtland to visit with Joseph Smith, Jr. on Nov. 9th of that year. Apparently word of this visit got back to editor James G. Bennett about the time he inserted this notice in the Herald.

Specimen of Clerical Literature. -- The following is from a "religious" newspaper, called the "Spirit of the Times," published at St. Louis, Missouri, and edited by Elder Lawrence Greatrake. Mr. Greatrake probably speaks from personal experience:

Sham[e] on those "Sabbath-trampling, whiskey-drinking, infidel baptists," who associate with the venerated names of our Nelson and Lovejoy the suggestion that "the cerevral softness of infancy is often found under the locks of mature age; that a big dog has been known to obtain the diploma of D. D., upon his having been taught to articulate proby Aliter; and that editors of religious periodicals are, with exceptions -- like angel's visits, few and far between -- little duckling minds sputtering along in the channels of stupidity, and wallowing and wanoining in the muspuddles of human traditions and human inventions, and flapping their wings in the imaginary salvation of the souls of multitudes through the instrumentality of their twaddle and quackery." Shame and confusion, I say, on those baptists, thus to associate the venerated names of our College and Editorial Western Stars.
Oh! I could freeze them all in tons of ice,
I could impale them on a flash of lightning;
Could pitch them all into Colonel Symmes hole,
And see them bob and dash from side to side,
As boys watch stones in falling down a well,
Oh! I could fill their eyes with aquafortis,
And squirt them full of oil of vitriol.
Oh! I could pound and maul them with a beetle,
As heavy as the Isle of St. Domingo.
Oh! I could stretch them o'er Etna's crater,
And roast them like a mess of Taunton herring.

Note: The editor of the Herald was evidently mistaken, in his referring to Elder Lawrence Greatrake's St. Louis newspaper, under the title, "Spirit of the Times." Greatrake has this to say in his 1836 pamphlet: "Should the Apostle want more similar confirmation, we refer him to our paper, titled, 'Signs of the Times,' published in Mo. up to May 20th, 1836." According to an article in the 1972 Bulletin of the Missouri Historical Society, in 1835 Lawrence Greatrake began publishing a Baptist newspaper in St. Louis, titled Signs of the Times. It appears likely that Greatrake's periodical was somehow affliliated with the paper of the same name, then being published in New York by Elder Gilbert Beebe. See the article "Absolute Predestination" in A Compilation of Editorial Articles Copied from the Signs of the Times, for a sample of that Primitive Baptist writer's theologizing.

THEOLOGICAL. -- The Sun has been very learned for the last few days on Romish transubstantiation and the tenets of the Mormons. The learned pundit of the Sun, whether sober or indicted, knows very little of these matters. I am a Catholic by education, and I know what they think of the mystery of transubstantiation....

As to the Mormons, the Sun is still more ignorant -- Four or five years ago we were the first to reveal to the world, the rise, progress and history of the Mormons, who begun their operations in this state. The story which the Sun tells of their doctrine is mere invention. Rangdon [sic], a parson from Ohio, was the father of the sect. They have a bible of their own which I have frequently perused. Both their bible and their doctrines are full of gross absurdities. It is also absurd to say that an angel visited Smith. Smith who was a pedlar, received all his revelation by dreams. He first dreamed of a set of golden plates, on which were engraved the "Book of Mormon," mentioned somewhere in the Bible. After a great deal of digging -- the pits I have seen -- they reached the plates and transcribed the characters, which were afterwards translated and published at Palmyra, in an octavo volume of 600 pages. -- A farmer who resided there sold his farm in order to pay the expenses of the publication. One of the converts brought the original manuscript to this city and showed it to the late S. L. Melcher, L.L.D., who admired it very much, but could not decipher the hieroglyphics. Afterwards the sect left Ontario county and went to Ohio, thence to Missouri.

If the Sun wants correct information of the the Mormons, it will find it by turning to the Courier & Enquirer in August, 1829 or 30 [sic - 1831?]. In a series of letters dated in western New York, I gave a history of the Mormons, which was extensively published at the time, and has been the foundation of all their notoriety since. No "moon story" can be made out of the ignorant absurd [Mormons]. Neither will they ever become formidable in honesty, which cannot be till he shall have his trial -- be convicted -- serve his time in the penitentiary -- and come out with renewed principles and a clean shirt.


Notes: (forthcoming)

WALKING ON THE WATER. -- Mr. McIntosh has fixed on this afternoon to exhibit his feat of walking on the surface of the water. He intends to place himself in a marine bed, laying under the surface of the water, and propelling it at the rate of four miles an hour. Good in shipwrecks, we would say. Let's go and see him.

Note: At about this same time the first reports of Mormon elders "walking on the water" began to appear in the public press. No well substantiated report of such an incident has yet come to light, however.

THE BANK OF MONROE shall be cut up to-morrow. The little insolent county banks which flood this city with paper rags have reached the end of their reign. -- They cannot intimidate the Herald from telling the truth as they do the Wall street corrupt newspapers.

Note: This Michigan territorial bank was several times in seemingly severe finanacial straits. The Mormons bought it at the beginning of 1837 and Oliver Cowdery was its last managing officer. See the Mar. 16, 1837 issue of the Monroe Times for a concluding report on the Mormon bank's dubious status.

COUNTRY BANKS -- BANK OF MONROE, MICHIGAN. -- On the failure of Rathbun of Buffalo, and the public attention being turned to the country banking currency, we advised all to refuse the notes issued by little banks at a distance, because these institutions were held by speculators, who circulated their notes away from the point of issue, merely to trade and carry on their own schemes, by the credit the community placed in them. Among others, the Bank of Monroe, in Michigan, came to our notice. In reply to our civil inquiries, we find the following insolent statement, published in one of its miserable organs in Buffalo:

BANK OF MONROE,. -- It is with regret that we see an institution, conducted by men of approved upright character, and giving universal satisfaction to the wide community of commercial interests of which it is an efficient aid, so much moved by the attacks of an infamous and licentious paper in New York, as to seriously undertake its defence in the public prints.

At a meeting of the Directors of the Bank of Monroe, Michigan, on the 24th ult., the following facts were made out to answer the libellous [innuendoes] of the New York Herald.

1. The stock of the Bank of Monroe consists of 2,000 shares; 1,600 of which are held by Christmas, Livingston. Prime, and Coster, of New York, and the residue, 400 shares, by respectable citizens of the State of Michigan.

2. $50,000 have been paid in.

3. Less than $100,000 of notes are in circulation, being one third less than is allowed by law. The deposits in this bank range from #30,000 to $80,000.

4. The specie and available funds belonging to the institution are much more than sufficient to meet all its liabilities, come when they may. This bank has never, under its present organization, declined paying specie for its notes when demanded; and we condidently believe it never will.

5. Benjamin Rathbun, or any person connected with him, owed not one dollar to this institution at the time of his failure, and we have no reason to believe it has one bad debt due it.

H. Smith, President, G. B. Harleston, L. Durocher, J. J. Godfroy, B. J. Hathway, Directors.

Lastly. The question, who is George B. Harlston, the present Cashier? the undersigned answer, in their individual capacities -- Mr. Harleston is an estimable, enterprising, and worthy citizen of this place; a man whose business capacities, honesty, honor, and integrity, we, and we believe this community generally have the fullest confidence. And we may add, that he is the proprietor of unembarrassed real property, in this state, which may safely be estimated at from $100,000 to $150,000.

H. Smith, President, J. Godfroy, B. J. Hathway, L. Durocher,

Let us analyze the facts of their answer. First they say Christmas, Livingston. Prime, and Coster, hold 1600 shares out of 2000. Very true, but how do they hold them? Is it not as security for the payment of a certain bond held by them against George B. Harleston? and does not George B. Harleston hold of them an irrevocable Power of Attorney, to vote on the said 1600 shares and elect such President, Directors and Cashier, as he sees fit? And will these officers not be merely subservient to his own views? Will not George B. Harleston control George B. Harleston? Will these officers be men to conduct the business of the institution after the views of Christmas, Livingston. Prime, and Coster? This is an eminent house to hold up to the public as holding the majority of the stock; but who virtually holds the stock? Why George B. Harleston, and Christmas, Livingston. Prime, and Coster have no more voice than Jim Crow in the direction.

Again theysay their circulation is less than $100,000, and specie sufficient to redeem every dollar, come when it may. Dare they permit a committee, sworn to report the true situation of the bank, to have access to their books, and to examine the officers under oath? Daew they say how much circulation they had on the 1st of September? how much specie they had at that time to a dollar, not about how much? and also let them say how much protested paper George B. Harleston, the Cashier, and holder of 1600 shares of stock had there at that time? and also let them say how much paper they had under discount at that time, and how much his private account was overdrawn? When these three items are added together, if the amount does not more than equal the capital paid in, then we may be disposed to give them the support of our paper, but not till then.

But in addition to these points, we find in "Bicknell's Philadelphia Reporter" of yesterday, the following startling paragraph addressed to the editor: --

Extract to the Editor, dated New York, Sept. 10th, 1836.

"Robert T. Bicknell, Esq. -- Dear Sir, -- I have to inform you that the notes of the Bank of Monroe, Michigan, are no longer received by the Brokers in this city, and the Bank is now very generally believed to be broken. Within a few days two or three drafts have been returned by the agent protested."

Such is the Bank of Monroe -- such is the miserable rotten, contemptible concern which has the daring effrontery, by its agents, to call the Herald "a most famous and licentious paper," merely because we choose to protect, as far as in us lies, the public from the schemes of such speculators as Harleston and his four men of straw. The insolence of these rotten little speculators' banks must be met and put down. -- The country is in a dangerous condition. The great mass of the people are cheated, robbed, and plundered out of their property and labor by bank speculators, and when an independent journal dares to be honest, dares to tell the truth, their minions fulminate the anathemas a thousand miles against them. The Wall St. papers and the miserable country papers of both parties, are in league with these corrupt and atrocious institutions which are making money out of the public by every species of trick, treachery and deception. We at least do a cash business -- want no credit, and care no more for a bank than we do for the dirt under our feet. These banks will find, one and all, that we will never shrink from telling the truth of any institution, however powerful or impudent it be.

Can the public circulate for an hour any more bills of the Bank of Monroe? Ought the Secretary of the Treasury to continue the public deposites in an institution which is used merely as an instrument of Harleston, who is a mere loafer recently kicked out of Wall street for cause, driven also out of Newburgh, and now "loafs" in Michigan?


Note 1: Evidently the businessmen and financiers of Buffalo took a special interest in the fortunes of the Bank of Monroe, in distant Michigan. The first newspaper quoted from above has not yet been located, but another, contemporary article on the Bank of Monroe may be found in the Jan. 6, 1837 issue of the Black Rock Advocate.

Note 2: Captain H. Smith was replaced in the office of the Bank's presidency about the end of January, 1837 -- possibly by Joseph Smith's brother, Hyrum Smith. A certain "H. Smith" (not necessarily Captain Smith) resigned his presidency on Feb. 24, 1837. The presidency was probably left vacant between Feb. 24 and March 10 -- at which time "Vice President" Oliver Cowdery issued the institution's last published financial statement. Shortly thereafter the Bank closed its doors permanently.

Note 3: See the Feb. 15, 1837 issue of the Cleveland Weekly Gazette for some comments regarding the Bank of Monroe and the public assurances given, on or about Feb. 2, 1837, by Mr. J. V. Ayer of Buffalo, saying that the Mormons had not taken control of the Monroe financial institution. On Feb. 10, 1837 Joseph Smith, Jr., Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery attended a meeting in Monroe finalizing the Mormon buy-out of the Bank of Monroe. Probably what happened is that Mr. Harleston put up the title to some of his Michigan land, in exchange for the return of his shares from his creditors, Christmas, Livingston. Prime, and Coster. Given the shaky condition of the Bank, Harleston quickly rid himself of these nearly worthless shares, passing them off to the Mormons, in trade for some sort of negotiable paper -- perhaps a quantity of the Mormons' newly-issued Kirtland Safety Society bank-notes. Harleston thus disassociated himself from the failing bank, and raised enough cash to pay for a successful campaign to become the Mayor of Monroe. The Mormons made what use they could of the Bank, for a few weeks, and then abandoned the cleaned-out institution.

BANK OF MONROE, MICHIGAN. -- Will the Secretary of the Treasury please to look into the affairs of this institution? It is not possible that he will permit the public funds any longer to remain in a bank wgich is utterly rotten? Indeed, if the givernment do not look well about them, they will find a large hole made in their surplus, by the winding up of the banks in Michigan and northern Ohio.

---

MICHIGAN BANKS. -- We have a most remarkable development to make of the system of banking in Michigan. It is corrupt and rotten to the core. We request the public to refuse all the notes issued by the banks in Ohio or Michigan. Their system of banking [is] mere speculation and the [worst] that ever existed in any country. It must be pruned to the bottom.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MICHIGAN AND OHIO BANKS. -- In Michigan there are now in operation six or seven banks, besides as many more that were chartered last year and now preparing to come into operation the first opportunity. A bank of $200,000 capital in Michigan, will start with $50,000 paid in, a few thousands in specie, and a beautiful steel-plate, either lined or dotted, displaying Liberty in her petticoats, or Industry in his breeches and short sleeves. This is their stock in trade. They are great patrons of the arts, particularly the art of bank note engraving and humbug.

Frequently bank charters are up for sale to the highest bidder like town lots, or mill sites, or new cities. Last year several banks were sold out, stock and fluke, to speculators in other states -- New York, Albany, or Utica. The purchasers will give the owners $20,000 for a bank, and their first operation of the former after he has got the bank, is to pay himself his $20,000 advance by taking it out of the bank, and then remunerating himself by forcing more paper into circulation, and sending it to a greater distance, so that it can be kept out a long time.

About this time, several more new banks are expected to be started in Ohio and Michigan, but the recent failure of Rathvun of Buffalo, and the development of their mode of doing business, has alarmed the community -- and made even speculators pause. -- About six or seven banks, requiring five millions of capital, have gone and are going into operation in this state. This call requires a large supply of capital, and heightens the difficulty of procuring it to more distant banks. Fifty thousand dollars in the currency of [a] good bank, and ten thousand dollars in specie, will set a going a dozen of these remote Western banks. After one has used it, then it goes beyond the next hill or across the next river, the cashier swimming the stream on horseback, to start another bank. Their notes are then signed -- packed up in bundles of $10,000 each, and sent into New York, to be circulated among the work people and mechanics.

In this way a capital is raised by these speculators. They use it -- they flourish a few years -- the bubble bursts -- the bank breaks -- the speculator takes care [of] himself -- and the principal losers are the credulous public, who took their vile trash, supposing them to be men of honor and integrity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER. -- Joe Smith and Sidney Rigdon, of Mormon notoriety, who decamped from Kirtland (Ohio) in the night, robbing their poor deluded followers of nearly all their possessions, and setting fire to the printing office, against which there were two judgments, are now roving about Texas under fictitious names. -- The public ought to be put on their guard against their principles and their wicked actions. Beware of Parley Pratt, a Mormon, who is preaching in the upper part of this city.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormon  War.

We have received numerous communications in reply to our article in yesterday's paper, in relation to the first acts of aggression practiced in the State of Missouri, during what was called the "Mormon War," and charging the Mormons with being the aggressors, by first taking up arms.

But it must be constantly recollected, that the Mormons in Caldwell county considered themselves, as they really were, the regular State Militia, acting under the command of county officers, and by advice of Generals Doniphan and Parks, for the purpose of putting down a mob. They had never opposed, or thought of opposing, the authorities of the State, or of any county. They had, in every instance, agreed to keep the peace against lawless violence, as citizens, not as Mormons. They were naturally surprised when the State Executive, by whom their officers were commissioned, sent other militia officers to command their surrender. It was not against the State, but for the State, not against the law, but to maintain law, that they had armed. "The Mormon War," of which so much has been said, was then simply and truly an attempt to put down the very mob, against whom the militia of other counties had been called out; and Gov. Boggs might, with equal justice, have arrested any other militia officers, as these officers of the Mormon militia. This two-fold relation of the Mormons -- first, of militia, to preserve order under State authority; and, second, of friends to those whom they were called to defend, must be carefully borne in mind. And now let a few facts be detailed of the surrender to General Lucas.

The first knowledge the Mormons of Far West and Caldwell received that the other militia of the State were called out against them, was the appearance of 3000 armed men, within a half mile of their town. Ignorant of whom these people might be, and of what their purposes were, the Mormons sent out a flag of truce to inquire the cause of their appearance. The answer returned was, that they wanted three individuals named, who were then in Far West, two of which were not members of the church, and that as for the Mormons themselves, they intended to exterminate them, or drive them fromn the State. It was still, however, not stated who they were, nor was any authority shown under which they were acting. In this state of ignorance and uncertainty the Mormons passed the night and the following day, naturally supposing it was another mob, and keeping up a guard therefore against surprisal.

These suspicions were confirmed by the facts, that the party under Gilliam had been seen to join them, and that various Mormons had been taken prisoners, and especially by the cruel murder of Mr. Carey. The next day after the arrival of these troops, Joseph Smith, Jr., Lyman Wight, Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt, Caleb Baldwin and Alexander McRae, were by the deceit and stratagem of Col. George M. Hincle, himself commander of the Mormons, betrayed and made prisoners.

It was at this time that the Mormons first received information of the Governor's order, and immediately held consultation to know what should be done -- They determined at once and without hesitation to follow the rule, they had always as good citizens observed, observed, of obeying the authorities of the State, and resolved to surrender, although but a few hours previous, supposing the men thus collected to be a mob, they had sworn to stand by each other till death, and never yield to lawless force. As soon as it was known that these troops were a body lawfully acting under the executive order, there was but one desire, and that was to give themselves up. Meanwhile a court martial was held in Gen. Lucas’ camp, for the trial of the prisoners already alluded to, who were all condemned to be shot the next morning at 8 o’clock. The execution of this sentence was prevented by the remonstrance of Gen. Doniphon against such cold blooded murder, and by his threats of withdrawing with his troops. Gen. Atchison, it should be stated, had in great indignation withdrawn from the army while at Richmond, as soon as the Governor's exterminating order had been received.

Hinkle’s treachery will be easily understood. Fearing himself a conflict, he had entered into treaty with the officers of the troops, and had promised to deliver up the leading Mormons. This he did as stated in Lyman Wight’s memorial, by fraudulently putting them in the enemies' power, under pretence of holding a conference. The treaty which he entered into, was not fully understood in the other particulars. But the Mormons had but one course, and that was to surrender; this they did on the following morning. They were marched into a hollow square under Major Bronson, Hinkle having withdrawn himself, and there grounding their arms, they yielded themselves prisoners of war. Their subsequent cruel fare and sufferings are too notorious to need comment.


Note: Editor Bennett lifted the bulk of this report directly out of the pages of John P. Greene's 1839 Expulsion of the Mormons, without bothering to mention Greene's Mormon partisanship nor his family relation to the President of the Twelve LDS "Apostles." One cannot help but wonder how carefully Bennett chose to read the LDS First Presidency's message of July 4, 1838, in which no differentiation was made between supposed special Mormon defenders' rights in Daviess and Caldwell counties. Bennett appears to have been purposefully unaware (or uninterested) of the series of events leading up to the Mormon surrender at Far West -- and particularly uninformed as to the 1838 activities of "General" Lyman Wight and his band of Daviess irregulars.

MORMON MEETINGS. -- Nothing daunted or discouraged by the disasterous reverses they have met with, the Mormons have gathered a small band of disciples in this city, and are daily adding to their numbers. They have had several meetings with a view to excite public sympathy, and have collected a considerable amount of money -- not the least important part of the religious ceremonies of all sects and creeds.

The Mormons are determined not to leave a stone unturned to advance their doctrines and extend the number of their followers. They have hired Columbian Hall, in Grand street, where one of their "latter day saints" holds forth every Sunday and Wednesday evening. In the sermon he delivered at this place last Wednesday, he stated that there was no doubt all religions at present existing, except that of the Mormons, were erroneous, and cited Scripture to prove it. He assured his hearers that the day of judgment was close at hand, that vengeance would be inflicted on all sinners, unless they were to flee to cities of refuge. With that view, he said the Mormons had bought lands in the West, and were about to build such cities for sinners.

He also added that during the past summer they had purchased a large tract of land at the head of the Des Moines rapids of the Mississippi, on both sides of the river, including the town of Commerce. -- The town plat of Commerce was purchased of Dr. Galland. Other purchases were made adjoining, until the quantity amounted to about 900 acres. -- From Dr. G. was purchased also 20,000 acres in the half breed reservation, lying opposite, and including the town of Montrose, formerly Fort Des Moines. The whole purchase money amounts to 70,000 dollars, a large portion of it on long payments. The name of Commerce has been changed to Nauvoo, (from the Hebrew or Egyptian,) and the lots all laid off anew into three or more classes. Each lot is a block, and contains (including the ground allotted for streets) one acre. The prices are graded according to the class of lots -- the first class being about 800 dollars. Nauvoo has been chosen by the church at a late conference, as one of the points of gathering for the church in the latter days. Large accessions have been made to the number of the society during the past fall, embracing many families of great respectability and influence in Adams, Hancock and M'Donough counties. Several branches of the church have been established in those counties, and the society is represented as having never been more prosperous, or as indulging brighter hopes than at present.

He further stated that Joe Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Judge Higbee were gone to Washington to induce Congress to give them relief, in relation to the Missouri outrages, and to support them in the peaceable preaching and diffusion of their doctrines. He added that Mormon doctrines were the only true ones; that they had printed books to sell at 25 cents per copy, explaining their principles. And in conclusion, he said, that the sisters would sing a hymn and the brothers take up a collection; at this most of the strangers cleared out and left the brothers and sisters "alone in their glory."


Notes: (forthcoming)

A New Jewish Dispensation -- The Lost Tribes of Israel about
to be hooked -- M. M. Noah, Priest and Prophet.

The success of the Rev. Joe Smith, in discovering, translating and publishing the book of Mormon, and in establishing a new religion in the "far west," has encouraged other charlatans to enter the same field, and to attempt a similar movement at this excitable age of the world.

It seems that M.M. Noah, editor of the "Evening Star," and dealer in old clo' and old jokes, has been preparing for some time to start a new species of religion, and to gather the lost tribes into some secure spot, where he can compel them to pay up a shekel of silver. In 1822 or 23, he made such an attempt; and Grand Island in the Niagara River was the scene of his spiritual outpourings. Finding, however, that the Hebrews were too cunning a race to be caught in that way, he has at last taken a leaf out of the practices of the Mormons, and yesterday he put forth in this city a singular book, which he calls the "Book of Jasher," by way of breaking ground on the great regenerating movement among the Jews -- a movement which has been the object of his whole life to accomplish. Probably the business of old newspapers or old clothes are both in decay, and the publication of this singular book may be looked upon as one of the "manager's last kicks" before the death and burial of the "Evening Star."...


Notes: (forthcoming)

Religious  Intelligence.

PROGRESS OF MORMONISM. -- It is very evident from facts which cannot be controverted, that the Mormon Buble of Joe Smith is making more converts than the Jasher Bible of M.M. Noah. Two hundred Mormons have just arrived from England, on their way to Illinois, to unite with the latter day saints there, and several hundred more are expected to join them in the spring. The work goes on bravely; and should the authorities of Missouri find Joe Smith and Sidney Rigdon guilty of crimes for which they are to be tried, and imprison them for five of seven years, it will not only confirm their followers in what they already believe, but also add hundreds to their numbers. Joe has always asserted that the saints would be persecuted, peeled, scattered, imprisoned, and even put to death; and in the Golden Bible itself is written, "They that love the Lord Jesus Christ, shall suffer persecution." And although Joe Smith has been proved to be an intemperate man and a profane man, and Sidney Rigdon a worldly and passionate monster, yet, "it is known, and indeed it has been revealed, that the work is of God." In the first year of Mormonism, 400 proselytes were made, and nearly 3000 Bibles were sold. On the other hand, the Jasher Bible has had a very limited and slow sale, and has made but eleven converts, and these were old clothes venders.

The truth is, that Smith has made thousands believe that the west is Zion, but Noah cannot persuade the Jews to believe that Grand Island is either Zion or Palestine. The Jews charged our Saviour with being a wine-bibber, and Noah is endeavoring to make raisin wine-bibbers of Christians at the present day. Noah has always had his ambitious mind upon a Judgeship, and as he failed in his efforts to become a Judge of Israel, he is now content to be a Judge of the Court of Sessions. Why is he not appointed?


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARRIVAL OF MORMONS AT QUEBEC. -- The Harmony has arrived at Quebec, from Bristol, with a large number of Mormons on their way to Illinois; they are attended by two of their prophets.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Highly Important from the Far West --
Remarkable Movements of the Lattter Day Saints --
A Crisis Approaching.

We have received from Nauvoo, the modern city of Jehovah, highly important despatches, developing, the movements and purposes of the Mormons, now "staked" as they call it, at Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, and in Iowa, on the opposite side of the Mississippi River.

We have already stated that Joe Smith, the Latter Day prophet, has been arrested by the Governor of Illinois, but that he had procured a habeas corpus, and waited its decision. He has been charged with treason to the State of Missouri, but this is merely a trick of one set of speculators to put down the leading men of another set. Smith and the Mormons have taken possession of some 230,000 acres of fine land on the Missouri -- that is squatted on it, or "put down the stakes" as they call it. This has created excitement among the other sects, and Smith is charged with all sorts of crimes.

We annex the following singular document, revealing the views and purposes of the Mormons, and of their remarkable leader Joe Smith. It will be seen that it bears a strong resemblance to the celebrated "Proclamation" issued by M. M. Noah, from Grand Island, calling the Jews together from all parts of the earth, and attempting to impose a shekel of silver on every head. This Noah has been since placed, as we learn, on the criminal bench of a city called New York -- and we should not be surprised if Joe Smith were made Governor of a new religious territory in the west, that may rival the Arabians one of these days.

The  Revelation,
GIVEN TO JOSEPH SMITH, JR., JAN. 19TH, 1841.

Verily, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offerings and acknowledgments which you have made, for unto this end have I raised you up, that l might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth. Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in answer to them, I say unto you, that you are now called, immediately to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel, and of this stake which I have planted to be a corner stone of Zion, which shall be polished with that refinement which is after the similitude of a palace. This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world to the four corners thereof -- to the honorable President elect, and the high minded Governors of the nation in which you live, and to all the nations of the earth scattered abroad. Let it be written in the spirit of meekness, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be in you at the time of the writing of the same; for it shall be given you by the Holy Ghost to know my will concerning those kings and authorities, even what shall befal them in a time to come. For, behold! l am about to call upon them to give heed to the light and glory of Zion, for the set time has come to favor her.

Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation and with your testimony, fearing them not, for they are as grass, and all their glory as the flower thereof, which soon faileth that they may be left also without excuse and that I may visit them in the day of visitation, upon I shall unveil the face of my covering, to appoint the portion of the oppressor among hypocrites, where there is gnashing of teeth, if they reject my servants and my testimony which I have revealed unto them. And, again I will visit and soften their hearts, many of them, for your good, that ye may find grace in their eyes, that they may come to the light of truth, and the Gentiles to the exaltation or lifting up of Zion. For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye think not of and where shall be the safety of my people? and refuge for those who shall be left of them? Awake! O kings of the earth! Come ye, O! come ye with your gold and your silver, to the help of my people -- to the house of the daughter of Zion.

And again, verily, I say unto you, let my servant Robert B. Thompson help you to write this proclamation, for I am well pleased with him, and that he should be with you, let him, therefore, hearken to your council, and I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, let him be faithful and true in all things from henceforth and he shall be great in mine eyes; but let him remember that his stewardship will I require at his hands.

And again, verily, I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith, for I the Lord loveth him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.

Again, let my servant John C. Bennett, help you in your laboi, in sending my word to the Kings and the people of the earth, and stand by you, even you my servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of affliction, and his reward shall not fail if he receive council, and for his love, he shall be great, for he shall be mine if he does this, saith the Lord. I have seen the work he hath done, which I .acoept, if he continue; and will crown him with blessings and great glory.

And again, I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Lyman Wight, should continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of meekness, confessing me before the world, and I will bear him up as on eagle's wings, and he shall beget glory and honor to himself, and to my name, that when he shall finish his work, I may receive him unto myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this time, and also, my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged servant Joseph Smith, sen., who setteth with Abraham, at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine.

And again, verily, I say unto you, my servant George Miller is without guile, he may be trusted because of the integrity of his heart and for the love which he has to my testimony, I the Lord loveth him. I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a bishoprick, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may receive the consecrations of mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor me. Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant John Snider, and others, build a house unto my name such an one as my servant Joseph shall show unto them, upon the place which he shall show unto them also. And it shall be for a house of boarding, a house that strangers may come from afar to lodge therein -- therefore let it be a good house, worthy of all acceptation, that the weary traveller may find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord, and the corner stone I have appointed for Zion. This house shall he a healthy habitation, if it be built unto my name, and if the governor which shall be appointed unto it, shall not suffer any pollution to come upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lord your God will not dwell therein.

And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, let all my saints from afar, and send ye swift messengers yea chosen messengers, and say unto them, come ye with all your gold, and your silver, and your precious stones, and with all your antiquities, and with all who have knowledge of antiquities, that will come may come, and bring the box tree and the fir tree, and the pine tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth, and with iron, and with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house to my name, for the Most High to dwell therein, for there is not place found on earth, that he may come and restore again that which was lost to you, or, which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood; for a baptismal font there is not upon the earth; but they my saints may be baptised for those who are dead; for this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me. But I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me, and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me. But, behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto me, and if you do not these things at the end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a church with your dead, saith the Lord your God. For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient time to build a house unto me, wherein the ordinance of baptism for the dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from before the foundation of the world. your baptisms for your dead cannot be acceptable unto me, for therein are the keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may receive honor and glory. -- And after this time your baptisms for the dead, by those who are scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord; for it is ordained that in Zion and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead.

And again, verily, l say unto you, how shall your washings be acceptable unto me except ye perform them in a house which you have built to my name? For, for this cause I commanded Moses, that he should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in the wilderness, and to build a house in the land of promise that those ordinances might be revealed, which had been hid from before the world was, therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes, and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion and for the glory, honor, and adornment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name.

and verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people, for I design to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world -- things that pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times; and I will show unto my servant Joseph, all things pertaining to this house, and the priesthood thereof, and the place whereon it shall be built, and ye shall build it on the place where you have contemplated building it, for that is the spot which l have chosen for you to build it. If ye labor with all your mights, I will consecrate that spot, and it shall be made holy; and if my people will hearken to my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed, to lead my people, behold verily, I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place. But if they will not hearken unto my voice, nor unto the voice of those men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute my holy grounds, and my holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words, which I give unto them.

And it shall come to pass, that if you build a house unto my name, and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfill the promises which ye expect at my hands, saith the Lord; for instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgment upon your own heads by your follies, and by all your abominations, which you practiced before me, saith the Lord.

Verily, verily I say unto you, that when I give a commandment unto any of the sons of men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their mights, and with all the have, to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them, and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behoveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings; and the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments, I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third and forth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. Therefore, for this cause have accepted the offerings of those men whom I commanded to build a city and a house unto my name in Jackson county Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God; and I will answer judgment, wrath, indignation, wailing, anguish and gnashing of teeth upon their heads unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord your God. And this I make an ensample unto you, for your consolation, concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith the Lord your God; for I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the Lord.

And again, verily, I say unto you, I command you again to build a house to my name, even in this place that ye may prove yourselves unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality and eternal life.

And now I say unto you as pertaining to my boarding house, which I commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers; let it be built unto my name, and let my name he named upon it and let my servant Joseph and his house have places therein from generation to generation. For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing shall also be put upon the heads of his posterity after him, and as I said unto Abraham, concerning the kindreds of the earth, even so, I say unto my servant Joseph, in thee, and in thy seed, shall the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him, have place in that house from generation to generation for ever and ever, saith the Lord, and let the name of that house be called the Nauvoo House, and let it be a delightful habitation for man, and a resting place for the weary traveller, that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this the corner stone thereof, that he may receive, also, the council from those whom 1 have set to be as plants of renown, and as watchmen upon her walls.

Behold! verily I say unto you, let my servant George Miller, and my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant Peter Hawes, organize themselves, and appoint one of them to be a president over their quorum, for the purpose of building that house.

Verily, I say unto you, if my servant George Miller and my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Hawes, receive any stock into their hands, in moneys or in properties, wherein they receive the real value of moneys, they shall not appropriate any portion of that stock to any other purpose, only in that house, and if they do appropriate any portion of that stock, any where else, only in that house without the consent of the stockholders, and do not repay four fold, they shall be accursed, and shall be removed out of their place, saith the Lord God, for I the Lord am God, and cannot be mocked in any of these things.

Let my servant Vinson Knight lift up his voice long and loud in the midst of the people, to plead the cause of the poor and needy, and let him not fail, neither let his heart faint, and I will accept of his offerings, for they shall not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he shall be mine, saith the Lord. Let his family rejoice and turn away their hearts from affliction, for I have chosen him and anointed him and he shall be honored in the midst of his house, for I will forgive all his sins, saith the Lord, Amen.

Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock in that house for I the Lord loveth him for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his sins, therefore let him be remembered for an interest in that house from generation to generation. Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed among you, and be ordained by my servant William Marks, and be blessed of him to go with my servant Hyrum to accomplish the work that my servant Joseph shall point out to them, and they shall be greatly blessed.

Let my servant William Law pay stock in that house for himself and his seed after him, from generation to generation. If he will do my will, let him not take his family unto the eastern lands, even unto Kirtland, nevertheless I the Lord will build up Kirtland, but I the Lord have a scourge prepared for the inhabitants thereof. Let no man go from this place who has come here assaying to keep my commandments. If they live here, let them live unto me, and if they die, let them die unto me, for they shall rest from all their labors here and shall continue their works. Therefore, let my servant William put his trust in me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. If ye love me, keep my commandments, and the sickness of the land shall redound to your glory.

Let my servant William go and proclaim mine everlasting gospel, with a loud voice, and with great joy as he shall be moved upon by my spirit unto the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and then await patiently and diligently for further instructions at my general conference, saith the Lord. If he will do my will let him from henceforth hearken to the council of my servant Joseph, and with his interest support the cause of the poor, and publish the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabitants of the earth; and if he will do this, I will bless him, with a multiplicity of blessings that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread.

And again, verily, I say unto you, let my servant William be appointed, ordained, and anointed as a counselor unto my servant Joseph, in the room of my servant Hyrum; that my servant Hyrum may take the office of priesthood and patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing also by right, that from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people that whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curseth shall be cursed -- that whatsoever he shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven, and from this time forth appoint unto him, that he maybe prophet and a seer and a revelator unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph, that he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that he shall receive council from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys, whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessings. I crown upon his head, the bishoprick, and blessing, and glory and honor, and priesthood, and gifts of the priesthood, that once were put upon him, that was my servant, Oliver Cowdery; that my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things which l shall shew unto him, that his name may be had in honorable remembrance from generation to generation, for ever and for ever. Let my servant, William Law, also receive the keys by which he may ask and receive blessings; let him be humble before me, and be without guile, and he shall receive my spirit, even the comforter, which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, and shall give him in the very hour, what he shall say, and these signs shall follow him; he shall heal the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would administer unto him deadly poison, and shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel; and he shall mount up as upon eagle's wings and, what if I will that he should raise the dead, let him not withhold his voice. Therefore, let my servant William cry aloud and spare not, with joy and rejoicing, and with hosannas to him that sitteth upon the throne for ever and forever, saith the Lord your God.

Behold! I say unto yon, I have a mission in store for my servant William, and my servant Hyrum, and for them alone, and let my servant Joseph tarry at home. for he is needed; the remainder I will shew unto you hereafter, even so, amen.

And again, verlly, I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve me and be a counsellor unto my servant Joseph, let him arise, and come up and stand in the office of his calling and humble himself before me, and if he will offer unto me an acceptable offering and acknowledgments, and remain with my people, behold I the Lord your Gorl will heal him that he shall be healed and he shall lift up his voice again on the mountains and be a spokesman before my face. Let him come and locate his family in the neighborhood in which my servant Joseph resides, and in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the sound of a trump and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come, let him assist my servant Joseph, and also, let my servant Willlam Law assist my servant Joseph in making a solemn proclamation unto the Kings of the earth, even as I have before said unto you. If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him not move his family unto the eastern lands but let him change their habitation even as I have said. Behold it is not my will that he shall seek to find safety and refugc out of the city which I have appointed unto you, even the city of Nauvoo. Verily I say unto you even now, if he will hearken to my voice it shall be well with him.

_______

The Sermon,

                                                Sunday Morning, May 16, 1841
The indications of the morning promised a beautiful day. At 10 o'clock A. M. a large concourse of the saints assembled on the meeting ground, and were addressed by Pres. Joseph Smith, who spoke at considerable length. He commenced his observations by remarking that the kindness of our Heavenly Father, called for our heartfelt gratitude. He then observed that Satan was generally blamed for the evils which we did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could not be condemned. The devil cannot compel mankind to evil, all was voluntary. Those who resist the spirit of God are liable to be led into temptation, and then the association of heaven is withdrawn from those who refuse to be made partakers of such great glory -- God would not exert any compulsory means and the Devil could not; and such ideas as were entertained by many were absurd. The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but Christ subjected the same in hope -- we are all subject to vanity while we travel through the crooked paths, and difficulties which surround us. Where is the man that is free from vanity? None ever were perfect but Jesus, and why was he perfect? Because he was the son of God, and had the fulness of the Spirit, and greater power than any man. But notwithstanding our vanity, we look forward with hope, (because "we are subjected in hope,") to the time of our deliverance.

He then made some observations on the first principles of the gospel, observing that many of the saints who had come from different States and Nations, had only a very superficial knowledge of these principles, not having heard them fully investigated. He then briefly stated the principles of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, which were believed by some of the religious societies of the day, but the doctrine of laving on of hands for the gift of the holy ghost, was discarded by them.

The speaker then referred them to the 6th chap. of Heb. 1 and 2 verses, "not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, &c. but of the doctrines of baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection and eternal Judgment, &c." The doctrine of eternal judgment was perfectly understood by the apostles, is evident from several passages of Scripture. Peter preached repentance and baptised for the remission of sins to the Jews, who had been led to acts of violence and blood by their leaders, but to the Rulers he said, "I would that through ignorance ye did it, as did also those ye ruled." Repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing (redemption) shall come from the presence of the Lord, for he shall send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you, &c." The time of redemption here had reference to the time, when Christ should come, then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath eternal life. Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out; for Peter speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into heaven, for his sepulchre is with us to this day:" his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection probably all the saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a murderer.

If the ministers of religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of eternal judgment, they would not be found attending the man who had forfeited his life to the injured laws of his country, by shedding innocent blood; for such characters cannot be forgiven until they have paid the last farthing. The prayers of all the ministers in the world could never close the gates of hell against a murderer.

The speaker then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th chapter in Romans, from which it was evident that the election there spoken of was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the seed of Abraham, according to the promise God made to Abraham saying, "In thee and in thy seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." To them belonged the adoption, and the covenants, &c. Paul said, when he saw their unbelief, I wish myself accursed -- according to the flesh -- not according to the spirit.

Why did God say to Pharaoh "for this cause have I raised thee up?" Because Pharaoh was a fit instrument -- a wicked man, and had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature.

The election of the promised seed still continues, and in the last days, they shall have the priesthood restored unto them, and they shall be the "Saviors on Mount Zion" the "ministers of our God," if it were not for the remnant which was left, then might we be as Sodom and as Gomorrah

The whole of the chapter had reference to the priesthood and the house of Israel, and unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was not taught by the apostles

God did elect or predestinate that all those who would be saved, should he saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the gospel; but he passes over no man's sins, but visits them with correction, and if his children will not repent of their sins, he will discard them.

_______

The Proclamation to the Saints Abroad.

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said church, feel it their duty to call upon the saints who reside out of this county, to make preparations to come in, without delay. This is important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the Temple must be raised, the University be built, and other edifices erected, which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which can only be done by a concentration of energy, and enterprise. Let it therefore be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those in this county, and in Lee county Iowa, are discontinued, and the saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances will permit.

                                                JOSEPH SMITH.
City of Nauvoo, Hancock Co. Illinois,
      May 24th, 1841.

_______

Military preparations -- Nauvoo Legion.

                                   HEAD QUARTERS, NAUVOO LEGION, CITY OF
                                   NAUVOO, Illinois, May 23. A. D. 1841.

                                               GENERAL ORDERS.

The lst Company (riflemen) 1st Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Cohort, will be attached to the escort contemplated in the general orders of the 4th inst., for the 3d of July next.

In forming the Legion, the Adjutant will observe the rank of companies as follows, to wit: --

1st Cohort -- the flying artillery first, the lancers next the riflemen next, visiting companies of dragoons next the lancers and cavalry next, the dragoons -- 2d Cohort -- the artillery first, the lancers next, the riflemen next, the light infantry next, and the infantry next -- visiting companies in their appropriate places on the right of the troops of their own grade: the ranking company of the 1st Cohort will be formed on the right of said cohort, -- and the ranking company of the 2d Cohort will be formed on the left of said cohort -- the next on the left of the right, the next on the right of the left and so on to the center. The escort will be formed on the right of the forces.
                                               JOSEPH SMITH, Lieut. General.

John C. Bennett, Maj. General.


It will be seen from these curious and unique documents, that Joe Smith is far superior, as a religious impostor to what Noah was, in all the talent and genius necessary to create a new sect, or institute a fresh religion, or organise a new humbug. -- Joe has some of the energetic characteristics of Mahomet, the Arabian prophet, or Moses, the Jewish prophet. His "Revelation" is his code of thought -- his "Sermon," his practice at home -- his "Proclamation" is carrying Mormons to the West -- and his "General Orders" show that he is determined not to be put down by the Gentiles.

Altogether, the movement of Joe Smith is one of the most remarkable in these latter days. Mixed up with religion, as a basis, he avails himself of all the civilization and improvements of the day -- military and civil. With a band of 2000 men, acting under a religious feeling, what is to prevent Joe from establishing his power in the West, as Mahomet did in Arabia. His arrest and imprisonment will only rouse his followers to a greater phrenzy, as Mahomet's flight from Mecca to Medina did. Wait and see the news from the West.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- The Mormonites are holding meetings and making converts in the upper part of New Castle county, Delaware. It is said that their preachers are eloquent.

---

... a man and a woman... vending an obscene sort of amalgamation periodical, called the "Battle Axe,"... showing the opinions and views of the editor, Theophilus R. Gates... astounding avowals of these new religionists, these latter day saints...

Note: Clipping damaged -- full text not recoverable.

The Battle Axe not Mormons.

Mr. James Gordon Bennett: --
  Sir: --

In your Herald of this morning, the term "Latter Day Saints," is applied to certain persons who are engaged in circulating a publication called "The Battle Axe." You are probably aware that the proper name of the Society of people sometimes called "Mormons," is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

People not well acquainted with the facts in the case, might suppose the "Church of Latter Day Saints" was alluded to in the article above mentioned.

Entertaining principles altogether different from those expressed in the "Battle Axe," the "Church of Latter Day Saints," or "Mormons," do not wish to rest under the imputation which seems to be conveyed in this morning's "Herald."

Will you have the goodness to state that the term "Latter Day Saints," in the article alluded to, was used without the slightest reference to the "Mormons," or "Church of Latter Day Saints," and much oblige.
        Your most obedient servant,
                Lucian R. Foster,
                        257 Pearl street.


Note 1: Elder Lucian Rose Foster was a Mormon missionary assigned to New York. His relationship to Dr. Foster and the other dissenting Mormon Fosters at Nauvoo, three years later, is uncertain.

Note 2: Elder Foster's primary purpose in writing the editor was probably just to get the name of the Mormons before the public, in as many ways as was possible. His objection to the "latter days saints" being associated with the advocates of the Battle Axe was that the periodical openly advocated something like adultery or bigamy. Had the private lives of such LDS Apostles as Brigham Young and Parley P. Pratt then been publicized in detail, the readers of the Herald might have concluded that the top Mormon leaders were just as adulterous and polygamous as any alternative lifestyle championed by the Battle Axe.

The Ruins of Palenque -- from Stephen's
New Work on Central America.

... The ruins, it will be remembered were discovered in 1750. In 1786 the King of Spain ordered Capt. del Rio to explore them. He arrived at the ruins May 5th, 1787. His reports and drawings were deposited in the archives of Guatemala, and never released till 1822.

While the report and drawings of Del Rio slept in the archives of Guatemala, Charles the 4th of Spain, ordered another expedition, at the head of which was placed Captain Dupaix... His expeditions were made in 1805, 1806, and 1807, the last of which was to Palenque... the work of Dupaix was not published until 1834-'5... in Paris... Lord Kingsborough's ponderous tomes, so far as regards Palenque, are a mere reprint of Dupaix...


Note 1: The above extract is but a snippet from a long, illustrated report on Stephens' and Catherwood's exploration of the Mayan ruins. The Herald ran a series of these interesting reports during the summer of 1841. The LDS Times and Seasons of June 5, 1841 contains a reprint from one of these Herald articles, under the prophetic title: "American Antiquities -- More Proofs of the Book of Mormon." At the time the reprint appeared, the Mormon newspaper was being issued under the editorial supervision of a brother of Joseph Smith, jr., and there is every reason to believe that the Mormon prophet approved the publication of the conclusion that the Mayan ruins were artifacts of the once great Nephite civilization.

Note 2: John L. Sorenson says, in his article "The Book of Mormon as a Mesoamerican Record," that Stephens' exploration account first "came into the possession of Church leaders in Nauvoo in 1842," and that it "constituted the first body of information of any substance from which they, together with most people in the English-speaking world, could learn about some of the most spectacular ruins in Mesoamerica." Sorenson also says: "Enthusiastic comments published at Nauvoo showed that the Church's leaders, including Joseph Smith, were immensely stimulated by the new information. Within a few weeks of the first notice, they announced they had just discovered, by reading Stephens's book, that the Nephites' prime homeland must have been in Central, not South, America." For this statement, see the Times and Seasons of Sept. 15, 1842, where the editor states: "Mr. Stephens' great developments of antiquities are made bare to the eyes of all the people by reading the history of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon. They lived about the narrow neck of land, which now embraces Central America, with all the cities that can be found... Who could have dreamed that twelve years would have developed such incontrovertible testimony to the Book of Mormon?" The Mormon newspaper was, at this time, being issued under the direct editorial supervision of Joseph Smith, jr., and it clearly was his pronouncement -- that Mayan ruins were "incontrovertible testimony" of the alleged ancient Nephite civilization.

Note 3: Elder Sorenson's claims are not quite correct -- some of Stephens' accounts of ancient ruins were published as early as 1839 -- the Mormons in America first read copious extracts from Stephens in 1841, not 1842. And one of those extracts, from the July 22, 1841 Herald clearly points out the early reports of such Spanish explorers as Del Rio (published in 1822) and Dupaix (published in 1834). The Del Rio report was widely distributed in the United States, in 1833-34, when it was featured in the pages of the popular Family Magazine. The Mormon elite of 1834 could not have been ignorant of this widespread reprinting. The more intriguing question is, whether or not some of those same leaders had encountered Del Rio's account of the Palenque ruins years before the Book of Mormon was first put through the press. The impending English publication of this antique description of Mayan ruins was announced in the newspapers of western New York in 1822. In 1824 John V. Yates and Joseph W. Moulton published their History of the State of New York and made prominent mention of ancient Mexican civilizations (referencing the 1822 translation of Del Rio), on pp. 73-77. Copies of the Yates and Moulton history were almost certainly sold in and around Palmyra, New York, in the years between 1824 and 1830. Also in 1824, William Bullock published his Six Months Residence and Travels in Mexico in London, in which he described the Del Rio report on page 331. In 1824 Bullock held a grand exhibition of Mexican antiquities at the Egyptian Hall in London's Picadilly; there he displayed 52 different items (many of them precious pieces of pre-Columbian art and writing). The event was reported in the newspapers as far away as New York. In 1825, on pp. 165-70 of Vol. 7 of the Museum of Foreign Literature and Science, an article was featured on the antiquities of Mexico and Egypt, wherein the Del Rio account was cited. Probably there were numerous other summaries and extracts of this information, readily available to curious readers in western New York, well before 1830. Elder Sorenson does not pay much attention to these very early sources in his apologetic writings, however.

Important  from  the  Mormon  Country --
Progress  of  Religious  Enthusiasm.

One of the most important movements of the present mysterious and wonderful century is, that of religious enthusiasm and religious intellect. Whether we look to the east or to the west -- to the south or to the north, this striking feature stands out like a bright meteor from the lofty cliffs and craigs of heaven and eternity.

All the various sects of Christianity are in the midst of an original agitation. The Unitarians, the Methodists, the Catholics, the Presbyterians, all feel the impulses of the age, as if it were a fresh infusion of the Holy Spirit come down from heaven to irradiate the darkness of this world, as the forked lightning bursts forth from the boso, of the black cloud, and flashes a brief existence on the landscape below.

Among the many interesting movements of the day, that of the Mormons in the far west is perhaps the most original and philosophical.

The movement of Joe Smith, in Illinois, has some marks of resemblance to that made on Grand Island, in September, 1825, by Mordecai Manasseh Noah, a full account of which, with his celebrated Proclamation, we shall give in a few days, as a part of the curious religious history of the present age. But although these movements bear a resemblance to one another, particularly in creating a sort of imperium in imperio in the midst of society, yet the authors are very different and distinct personages. Joe Smith, as well as Noah, indicated the possession of that ambition that seeks to originate a new religious movement, combined with the building up of towns, and selling lots; but Joe Smith has shown himself far superior to his holy cotemporary in energy, faith in his own opinions, and practical good sense. If Noah's project has the priority in point of time, Joe's has the merit of being conducted with more talent and vigor. Noah, it seemed, wanted the peculiar force of mind necessary to constitute a true Prophet -- a second Moses -- or a successful Joshua. On the contrary, Joe Smith, throughut his whole history, from his first appearance in Manchester, N. Y., to this day, has exhibited the rare and extraordinary qualifications which characterises one of the great prophets, reformers, or revolutionists of an age.

It is curious, however, to remark how these original beings who, under Heaven, are the reformers of the age, always combine practical purposes with religious enthusiasm. Under the mantel of the religious movement in Grand Island, in 1825, the project of laying out a number of acres into building lots, and selling them at a fair and pious profit for creating a town, was first originated in New York. The same feature has marked the movement of Joe Smith in the Far West -- but Smith, in conquence of a higher order of faith, and yalent, more adapted to the purpose, has succeeded in inducing converts to fall into his views -- while the Hebrews of both hemispheres looked very coldly upon the religious as well as earthly mission of Noah, at Grand Island.

With these remarks we annex the following curious intelligence from the city of Nauvoo, received by yesterday's mails: --

(From the Times and Seasons.)

THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD.

(see the original article for text)


THE MORMONS -- ARREST OF JO SMITH.

(see the original article for text)


Dialogue On Mormonism

(see the original article for text)

Note 1: The above article and extracts were first published in the daily Herald of Aug. 3, before being reproduced in the weekly edition.

Note 2: The modern reader can only imagine what the reaction of M. M. Noah was, upon his reading of Bennett's editorial remarks, comparing him to the Mormon leader. In 1841 Major Noah's view of Joseph Smith was probably about as antipathetic and was Bennett's opinion of Noah. All of which is made even more ironic by the fact that, in 1831, Noah had employed Bennett to go to western New York to write a series of investigative reports, one of which had as its subject the origin and rise of the Mormonites. When Bennett spoke of Mormonism's "first appearance at Manchester," it was with some personal knowledge.

Note 3: James G. Bennett was not the first newspaper editor to recognize the parallels between Joseph Smith's Mormon "gathering of Israel" and Major Noah's proposed gathering of Jews and "Israelite" American Indians at a "New Jerusalem" on Grand Island. In March, 1831 David S. Burnet published, in his Dayton Evangelical Inquirer, this description of Joseph Smith's early money-digging following: "For a long time in the vicinity of Palmyra, there has existed an impression, especially among certain loose classes of society, that treasures of great amount were concealed near the surface of the earth, probably by the Indians, whom they were taught to consider the descendants of the ten lost Israelitish tribes, by the celebrated Jew who a few years since promised to gather Abraham's sons on Grand Island, thus to be made a Paradise."

Highly Important from the Far West --
Progress of the Mormons -- Joe Smith in his Glory. --
The Devil and the Unbelievers at Work -- No go, however.

We have received a mass of intelligence from the Far West -- from the seat of the new Mormon empire, that is to overspread all the prairies one of these days.

The annexed articles are principally from the organs of the anti-Mormons -- but the revilings of an enemy will as clearly show the progress of a new religion, as the blessings of its friends. Joe Smith has as much a right to start a new revelation as the Universalists or the Unitarians -- Judge Noah or Matthias; and his creed seems to have much greater influence on the minds of believers. It seems to be certain that Mormonism is spreading rapidly in the west -- and that, from their peculiar habits, they are prepared to resist aggression, wherever it comes from.

(From the Warsaw Signal, July 21.)

MORMON VISITERS.

(see the original article for text)


BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD.

(see the original article for text)


ANTI-MORMON LECTURES.

(see the original article for text)


TEMPERANCE AMONG THE MORMONS.

(see the original article for text)


THE MORMON SETTLEMENT.

(see the original article for text)


ORIGIN AND HISTORY.

(see the original article for text)

Note: The final sentences of the last reprinted article from the Warsaw Signal, read thusly: "I heard no more of this matter till I learned the Book of Mormon was about being published. It was not till after the discovery of the manuscript of Spaulding, of which I shall subsequently give some account, that the actors in this imposture thought of calling the pretended revelation the Book of Mormon. This book, which professed to be a translation of the golden Bible brought to light by Joseph Smith was published in 1830 -- to accomplish which Martin Harris actually mortgaged his farm."

THE PROPHETS ALL ALIVE. -- All the modern prophets are still alive and kicking -- Joe Smith -- Mathias -- Noah -- and the others.

Note: This is but one of many editorial comments in which Bennett gleefully associates his rival New York editor, Major M. M. Noah, with "prophets" then generally viewed as religious charlatans. Probably Major Noah took some notice of Bennett's continual sarcasm along these lines, and made some replies in his own paper's columns -- if so, Noah's replies to Bennett have yet to be discovered.

A New Religion -- A Female Apostle --
The Millennium Approaching.

The Mormons will not be permitted to monopolize the world of the spirit -- neither will the prophet of Grand Island have every thing his own way, although he may have the old clo'.

A few days ago, a very fine, portly looking, middle aged, female apostle, blessed with a large infusion of the spirit, arrived in this city from Wakefield, with the glorious news that the Millennium is near at hand, and a great revolution of the earth and its inhabitants is at our very doors...

There is no doubt but Mary Bishop is a true believer, an apostle, a prophetess, and a preacher of great ability and eloquence. She will make quite a sensation in these latter days, and will be able to establish a church in New York in a short time, that will beat the Mormons all hollow. She has far more good sense than either Prophet Joe Smith or Judge Noah...


Note: Yet another article in which James G. Bennett mirthfully couples the name of his rival New York editor, Major M. M. Noah, with that of the Mormon prophet. Bennett's reference to the old clo probably refers to the scarlet mantel that Major Noah donned in 1825, when he assumed the lofty position of "Judge of Israel" near Grand Island in western New York.

Highly Important from the Far West --
Progress of the Mormons.

We have just received interesting intelligence from Nauvoo, Illinois, on the Mississippi, the picturesque seat of the new religious empire of the Mormons, Joe Smith, prophet, king, priest, captain and chief cook.

The principal events since our last accounts, are the return of the twelve apostles of the Mormons -- the rapid progress in the temple of God -- the growth of the new holy land -- the piety of Joe Smith -- and the beauty of their women. Ib our opinion Joe Smith is one of the ablest prophets of the age. His practical talents are equal to his prophetic views -- and on this point he has the advantage of Prophet Noah, who fell through at Grand Island. We are in favor of Joe -- we are in favor of all religious movements. About every religious movement, there is something moral, generous, and enthusiastic. -- They all partake, more or less, of the spirit of God -- and we say "good luck to them."

(From the Times and Seasons, August 2.)

THE TWELVE.

(see the original article for text)


WAR! WAR! AND RUMORS OF WAR!

(see the original article for text)


An Address of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

(see the original article for text)

---

Important Religious Movement among the Jews.

We have received from Philadelphia several documents and circulars issued by the pious Jews of that city, developing one of the most important movements among the "ancient people of God" which has been attempted in many centuries.

It is no less than a novel and curious plan "for establishing a religious Union among the Israelites of America." In 1825, Mordecai Manuel Noah attempted to form a union at Grand Island, but his project fell to the ground, on account of want of talent and genius in the projector. That proposed by Noah was a sort of agricultural union on Grand Island, contingencies which were very convenient for smuggling purposes from Canada. Noah mixed with his project some religious features, and assumed the character and power of a prophet, priest and judge, but he did not command many converts.

The present project is altogether different in character... [letter signed by seven promninent Philadelphia Jews follows]

... The Jews in America, as a body, are very ignorant of the Scriptures and of course, of their own religion. That a powerful effect will now be made to regain the heretics, and so keep those who are still with them in the fold, there can be no doubt. The general wish among the Jews in this city, and also in Philadelphia, is that Mr. Noah be not appointed to any office in this business. This, no doubt, arises partly from his Grand Island exhibitions and abortions...


Note 1: The editor of the Herald happily prints these comments, as part of the text of the second article: "We dont know but that ere this, our friend Bennett of the New York Herald has established an express line from this city to New York to give the latest news of the proceedings of the Mormons to his immence number of subscribers, and herald forth to the world the monstrous proceedings of Jo Smith and the Mormons.... To all such magnanimous individuals we would say, come and pay us a visit; and if our friend of the N. Y. Herald is not dead to sensibility and honor, let him come too, and we will give them correct information on the subject."

Note 2: Editor Bennett, who displayed some continuing interest in both the Jews and the Mormons, probably found these words, in the third article, to be of particular interest: "As to the signs of the times, we believe that the gathering of Israel and the second advent of Messiah, with all the great events connected therewith, are near at hand. That it is time for the saints to gather together and prepare for the same. But we disclaim all fellowship with the predictions of the Rev. Mr. Miller, Rev. Joseph Wolff, and others-such as, that the Lord will come in 1840, 1841, 1843, 1847, and so on. We do not believe that he will come until the Jews gather to Palestine and rebuild their city."

Signs in the Heavens -- Religious Agitations --
Jo Smith, M. M. Noah and the Lesser Prophets.

The heavens are full of signs, and the earth is covered with wonders. The intelligence which we are daily receiving from every section of this mighty republic, developing the religious movements of the age, possess a character, a tone, a spirit, a light, a miraculousness, a frequency that indicate the approach of some great and wonderful revelation, or volcanic reuption of the spirit. The Mormons in Illinois, as well as the Unitarians in Boston, are waked up from the inmost recesses of the heart...

All these arise from some great and signal purpose of Divine Providence -- and must in time lead to some remarkable result in morals and society.

Even the very individuals who seem to be the leaders, or instruments of these manifestations, seem to be ignorant of the very important part they play. Neither Jo Smith, nor John Maffit, nor Dr. Channing, nor M. M. Noah, seem to be aware of the great, grand, and glorious result to which their pious labors are tending. It is another curious feature in the religious history of the age, that all these movements originated much abut the same time, with the exception of the remarkable mission of M. M. Noah, which was admirably designed and vegun, but was opened rather a day after the fair.

The following are the records of the first extraordinary religious popular movement, which have marked the present centry: --

(From the Evening Post of September 20, 1825.)

Interesting News.

                                                                Buffalo, 14th Sept., 1825,
                                                                9 o'clock, Wednesday Evening.
All Buffalo is alive for the ceremonies to-morrow. The Jewish Government is revived, under the protection of the American Constitution. Noah is named Governor and Judge of Israel. The Military and Masonic procession will take place in this village, and the ceremonies in St. Paul's Church. The town is filled with Indians -- Red Jacket will be here. {He was then drunk as a piper.} The Grand Standard is to be hoisted at Arrarat to-morrow, and the people are pouring in from all quarters. The documents I will send you by next mail.


                                                                Thursday, Sept. 15th.
Enclosed are the documents which I promised you yesterday.

(see the original Buffalo paper's article for text)

This religious revelation, so well arranged, did not succeed at the time, because it was rather too early in the field, and because the Jews are a stiff-necked people, and want faith. But if Mr. Noah had persisted in his purposes -- exhibited the enthusiasm and devotion of Jo Smith -- of Margaret Bishop -- we have not the slightest doubt but he would become a much better prophet and Judge in Israel, than a political editor, or a Christian Judge. Every great genius in religious movements must possess unbounded faith in himself -- irrepressible enthusiasm in his pursuit -- and great energy in effort. Mr. Noah was too soon discouraged, and accordingly Jo Smith, with less general knowledge, but more moral courage, started on a like plan, a few years afterwards, in Canandaigua, and originated the great Mormon movement, which bids fair to be the most prosperous that ever arose towards the setting of the sun. But there is no reason why the Book of Jashar should not beat the Book of Mormon out of the field, and in the movement recently made in Philadelphia, by a new religious union, among the ancient people of God, we trust that Hebrews of this city will appoint Mr. Noah their delegate, and thus give him an opportunity to overtake the great Mormon prophet, or at least catch up to the apron strings of Margaret Bishop, and hold on fast during the race for immortality...


Note: Bennett's reference to the "Book of Jashar" makes fun of one of Major. M. M. Noah's publishing projects. He was instrumental in having the ancient Book of Jashur printed in America, in English. The book bore little resemblance to the LDS Book of Mormon, but it soon captured the interest of the Mormons and has been kept in print, by Utah publishers, ever since Noah sponsored the publication of its first English edition.

MARCH  OF  MORMONISM.

Intelligence from the city of Nauvoo, out west, showing the march of Mormonism. It appears that the western atmosphere is favorable to Joe Smith and his Disciples...

(Sept.15, 1841 "Church and its Prospects" article
From the Nauvoo Times & Seasons -- under construction)

Notes: (forthcoming)

HIGHLY  IMPORTANT  RELIGIOUS  INTELLIGENCE.

FROM THE FAR WEST -- PROGRESS OF THE MORMON EMPIRE
ON THE BANKS OF THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI.

 

(Oct.12, 1841 "Epistle of the 12" Times & Seasons article-- under construction)

Notes: (forthcoming)

Highly Important from the Mormon Country on the Mississippi
Progress of the Latter Day Saints -- The New Revelation going ahead.

On Sunday we received highly important dispatches from our correspondent, who resides in Nauvoo, the chief city of the Mormons on the Mississippi -- called by the Latter Day Saints the beautiful city of God.

This intelligence is of a most interesting and curious character.

The Mormons, under the guidance of their great prophet and seer, the famous Joe Smith, are organizing a religious empire in the far west that will astonish the world in these latter days. Civil, religious, military, judicial, social, moral, advertising, commercial organization, are all embraced within the compregensiveness of their new system -- or their new revelation fresh from God himself, in their own enthusiastic language. The astonishing mixture of worldly prudence and religious enthusiasm -- of perfect system and wild imagination -- of civilized reason with ancient ideas -- of religious observance and military organization, is without a parallel in the history of nations since the time of Mahomet. The model of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet seems to be the great Jewish legislator, Moses. Both combined religion, political, moral, and social institutions in one mass of legislation and empire. The Saviour of the world and his disciples separated these awful elements of despotism, and gave to religion, a separate, distinct, intellectual, etherial moral impulse of its own, fit to promote happiness here and beattitude hereafter. The corruptions of the church, in the time of Constantine the Great, united all these, under the general name of Councils. This baneful combination produced the awful and despotic Roman Hierarchy, till the majestic genius of Luther, like another apostle Paul, rose up and separated the elements again and re-established the principles of Jesus of Nazareth.

The numerous sects -- the contrariety of opinions -- the corruption of the times, have increased to such a degree, that every now and then the master-spirits in religion are rising up every where, and attempting to unite the same elements that the Roman Empire did -- and to frame an empire that can be controlled by religious opinions alone. Such is the policy of the Right Reverend Bishop Hughes of this city -- and such is the direction which his holiness, Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Latter Day Saints, gives, on their beautiful banks of the Mississippi. This country -- this singularly constituted republic is the field for these isolated and wonderful efforts of religious genius and religious ambition.

The revelation, or the development, or the system of the Mormons, is the most original of the present age. It is far more adapted to the present century -- and to modern civilization, than the Romish system. It combines simplicity -- good sense -- belief in any quantity -- love -- morals -- energy -- industry -- liberty of the press -- moderation -- singleness of purpose -- enthusiasm -- devotion -- temperance -- imagination -- in one vast and massive system of civilization. Their progress corresponds with their principles. In two years, the Holy City of God, Nauvoo, has risen from a few houses, to possess 10,000 souls, besides much cattle, all animated by the same spirit -- believing the same faith -- obeying the same moral rules -- and combined in the same great purpose of regenerating the race of man on earth. They believe that they possess a direct revelation from heaven -- and who can gainsay them? Who can say that [th----- best]? Has not Joe Smith as good a right to be considered the vicegerant of God, as the Pope of Rome?

With these remarks, read the following curious intelligence, shewing the progress of this new religious, moral, and social empire, that must one day, control the whole valley of the Mississippi, from the peaks of the Alleghanies to the pinnacles of the Rocky Mountains.

---

(excerpts from the Nauvoo Times & Seasons follow, including:)

Epistle of the Twelve

D&C Appendix C

---

==> TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. -- I have appointed Willard Richards Recorder for the Temple, who will receive all property devoted to the building of the Temple and enter the same, at the Recorder's office in the lower room of the new store.
                                JOSEPH SMITH, Trustee in Trust.
Nauvoo, Dec. 15th

---

==> HEBREW AND GERMAN A. NEIBAUR. -- Surgeon Dentist, (a German Jew,) will give instruction in the above Languages during the winter season. Residence S. E. Water St. opposite the coopers [in Nauvoo].


Note: It should not be concluded, from reading the above editorial, that James G. Bennett was a convert to Mormonism. Neither did he support the great experiment going on at Nauvoo unconditionally. Editor Bennett was a cultural Catholic who enjoyed occassionally antagonizing officials of his Mother Church with tidbits published in his paper. He was genuinely fascinated with the development of Mormonism in the far west and gave that contemporary subject disproportionate space and position in the columns of the Herald, but not without adding in a journalistic rap across the saintly knuckles now and then. For more on this odd phenomenon see Don C. Seitz's "Mormons and Catholics," which was published as Chapter 4 in his 1928 book, The James Gordon Bennetts.

City  of  Nauvoo.
_______

City of Nauvoo, Ill., Feb. 19, A.D. 1842.    

The Great Mormon Prophet -- A Description of the Mormon Chiefs; Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, &c. -- Curious Particulars.

James Gordon Bennett, Esq.: --

It may not be uninteresting to you to have a few lines from your correspondent in Zion -- the city of the Saints -- the "nucleus of a Western Empire." In this communication I purpose giving you a description of the "First Presidency" of the Mormon hierarchy, which consists of four dignitaries, to wit, a principal Prophet, a Patriarch, and two Councillors.

Joseph Smith, the President of the Church, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, is thirty-six years of age, six feet high in pumps, weighing two hundred and twelve pounds. He is a man of the highest order of talents, and great independence of character, firm in his integrity, and devoted to his religion; in one word he is a man per se, as President Tyler would say. As a public speaker, he is bold, powerful, and convincing -- possessing both the suaviter in modo and the fortiter in re; as a leader, wise and prudent, yet fearless; as a military commander, brave and determined; and as a citizen, worthy, affable, and kind -- bland in his manners, and of noble bearing. His amiable lady, too, the Electa Cyria, is a woman of superior intellect and exemplary piety -- in every respect suited to her situation in society, as the wife of one of the most accomplished and powerful chiefs of the age.

Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch of the Church and brother of Joseph, is forty-two years of age, five feet eleven and a half inches high, weighing one hundred and ninety-three pounds. He, too, is a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and is one of the most circumspect, pious and devout Christians in the world. He is a man of great wisdom and superior excellence, possessing great energy of character, and originality of thought.

Sidney Rigdon, one of the Councillors, and a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, is forty-two years of age, five feet nine and a half inches high, weighing one hundred and sixty-five pounds -- his former weight, until reduced by sickness produced by the Missouri prosecutions, was two hundred and twelve pounds. He is a mighty man in Israel, of varied learning, and extensive and laborious research. -- There is no divine in the West more deeply learned in biblical literature, and the history of the world than he -- an eloquent orator, chaste in his language and conclusive in his reasonings. Any city would be proud of such a man -- by his proclamation thousands on thousands have heard the glad tidings, and obeyed the word of God, but he is now in the "sear and yellow leaf," and his silvery locks fast ripening for the grave.

William Law, the other Councillor, is thirty-two years of age, five feet eight and a half inches high, weighing one hundred and seventy-five pounds. He is a great logician and profound reasoner; of correct business habits and great devotion to the service of God. No man could be better fitted to his station -- wise, discreet, just, prudent: a man of great suavity of manners and amiability of character.

All these men are Boanerges of the Church, thundering in the western forests, and hurling arguments and reasons against the sectaries of the age, like the thunderbolts of Jupiter. Their wives and children present, likewise, a pleasing spectacle of intellect, goodness, hospitality, and kindness seldom witnessed. I think you would be pleased to visit this "city of a day," for certainly it is, as its name signifies -- a beautiful resting place for man.

In my next I will give you an account of some of the Mormon warriors, and other matters connected with that people.     VERITAS.


Note: "Veritas" was evidently James Arlington Bennet, then visiting Nauvoo.

The Mormons -- A Leaf from Joe Smith.

We give in this day's paper, a very curious chapter from the "Book of Abraham," which we find published in the last number of a weekly journal, called the "Times and Seasons," conducted by Joseph Smith the great Mormon Prophet, in the city of Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois.

The prophet says that it was found in the catacombs of Egypt, but he is mistaken in this idea. The article was discovered, we presume by Joseph Smith, the grandfather, near one of the propylons of Medinet Abu, in the "City of the Sun," in upper Egypt the same city which Homer says had one hundred gates. Champollion, Young, Rosselini, and various other antiquarians give notices of the magnificent ruins, in red granite, that are strewn over the banks of the Nile. Be all this as it may, the Prophet of Nauvoo has given the chapter, and it is set down as a revelation among the Mormons.

This Joe Smith is undoubtedly one of the greatest characters of the age. He indicates as much talent, originality, and moral courage as Mahomet, Odin, or any of the great spirits that have hitherto produced the revolutions of past ages. In the present infidel, irreligious, ideal, geological, animal-magnetic age of the world, some such singular prophet as Joe Smith is required to preserve the principle of faith, and to plant some new germs of civilization that may come to maturity in a thousand years. While modern philosophy, which believes in nothing but what you can touch, is overspreading the Atlantic States, Joe Smith is creating a spiritual system, combined also with morals and industry, that may change the destiny of the race. Joe believes himself divinely inspired and worker of miracles. He cures the sick of diseases -- so it is said: -- and although Joe is not aware of the fact, we have been informed by a medical man that his influence over nervous disorders, arises from a powerful magnetic influence -- that Joe is a magnet in a large way, which he calls a power or spirit from heaven. In other respects Joe is a mighty man of God -- possessing large stores of human nature -- great shrewdness, and as he has taken the management of the Mormon newspaper organ, the "Times and Seasons" into his hand, we look for many revelations, and some curious one too, pretty soon.

We certainly want some such prophet to start up, take a big hold of the public mind and stop the torrent of materialism that is hurrying the world into infidelity, immorality, licentiousness, and crime. -- Professor Lyel, Richard Adams Locke, Dr. Brisbane, Master Emmerson, Prophet Brownson, Horace Greely, and all the materialists of the age, ought to take a leaf of common sense out of Joe's book.

[The Times & Seasons cut is accompanied by an excrpt from the Book of Abraham.]

(For text see the original publication in the Times & Seasons

Note: The weekly edition of the Herald, published that same Sunday, also carried the Book of Abraham excerpt, along with this editorial remark: "Joe Smith, in his last "Times and Seasons," gives us another slice of the "Book of Abraham," embracing a synopsis of his geology and astronomy, illustrated with a curious map of the Mormon Solar System. Joe also gives his readers a bit of his auto-biography -- quite rich it is, too."

THE MORMON MOVEMENT. -- Nearly two hundred more Mormons, very respectable looking saints, arrived at New Orleans recently, on their way to Nauvoo, the head quarters of Joe Smith and the Mormons. The prophet is adding to his religious empire every day -- and who can set bounds to it? He is president, priest, and prophet, and whenever he is in a difficulty, he says that he has a direct revelation from heaven, that settles the point at once.


Notes: (forthcoming)

PROGRESS OF MORMONISM IN BOSTON. -- The Rev. Freeman Nickerson, one of the Mormon Apostles, gives the following summary of the progress of the new revelation "down east:" --

I commenced preaching in Boston on the 30th of May last, in Winchester hall, in the forenoon, and in the afternoon took a part in the free discussion, which I followed for several months, when one of the number which was called infidels, began to believe in the truth of the Old and New Testaments, which the world calls Mormonism. The individual was Mr. Abijah Tewkesbury, who opened his shipping office, and seated it, for free preaching. He was the first that was baptized in Boston. Three others were baptized on the 9th of January, 1842. I have held fore and afternoon meetings at 82 Commercial street ever since. There was a branch organized in Boston, numbering thirty, including one elder and three priests, on the 9th of March. The great inquiry after truth still continues. Several are added to the church weekly. I have baptized in Boston and vicinity. Some from Maine, some have gone to sea in vessels, several in Lynn, four in Medfield, and seven in Cape Cod, and all are strong in the faith, and in good standing. I have baptized in all a little rising fifty persons. There are calls for preaching on every side. We have meetings in private houses through the city, nearly every evening. People of all classes come to hear, and it is rare that one goes away dissatisfied. The honest in heart are coming out; and I think will every one join the church. There is likewise a branch organized in Salem. Brother Snow is preaching there. His church has sixty two members, and is increasing every week. There is one elder and one priest. Elder Magin is preaching in Peterboro, Gilson, and vicinity, where there are several branches, numbering about one hundred. -- I understand twenty have been baptized in one day. A branch has been established also, in Northbridge, of upwards of thirty members, and is on the increase; Elder Swett presides.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Post-Office, Nauvoo, Illinois, April 23, 1842.     

Sir, --

A letter has appeared in the New York Herald, giving a description of certain individuals in this city, I take the liberty of addressing this letter to you, that I may answer my part and show my opinion. The subject of this address is General J. C. Bennett. General Bennett is five feet five inches high, one hundred and forty-two pounds' weight, and thirty-seven years of age. He is at once Major-General in the Nauvoo Legion, Quarter-Master-General of the State, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and Master in Chancery for the County of Hancock. He is a Physician of great celebrity, and a successful practitioner; of great versatility of talent; of refined education, and accomplished manners; discharges the duties of his respective offices with honor to himself, and credit to the people. He possesses much decision of character; honorable in his intercourse with his fellows, and a most agreeable companion; possessing much vivacity and animation of spirit, and every way qualified to be a useful citizen, in this or any other city.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
                                                 SIDNEY RIGDON, Post Master.
J. A. Bennett, Esq.


Note: The above extract was copied from John C. Bennett's History of the Saints, p. 40. That book says that the letter was written from "Sidney Rigdon, Esq., Attorney at Law," to "Major-Gen. James Arlington Bennet, LL. D., of Arlington House, L. I." The description of John C. Bennett was made, obviously, prior to his expulsion from the Mormon ranks later in 1842. It is not known whether Rigdon's letter was copied into the pages of the New York Herald.

INTELLIGENCE FROM THE CITY OF GOD. -- We have received some authentic and late intelligence from the "City of God" -- alias "the city of Nauvoo" -- alias the "State of the faithful" -- alias the center of the Mormon empire, now creating by Joe Smith, on the beautiful banks of the Missouri.

The annexed letter will speak for itself. It appears that the new faith is highly prosperous, and that the "Latter-day Saints" are doing a flourishing business in religion, morals, agriculture, mechanics, population, civilization and all the other "ations." The Mormons have practical sense in all worldly affairs. This is the reason that they succeed better than many of the recent sects in religion and philosophy. Joe Smith digs his own potatoes -- large fellow -- ten in a hill, and two small ones for seed. Here is the great secret. When the Fourierites, and all the squash philosophers, can do the same, then they may be permitted to rank among the master-spirits of the age.

CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, April 23, 1842.    

JAMES G. BENNETT, Esq. --
      Sir, --
It is some time since you have heard from your correspondent in Zion. I have refrained from writing with a view of meeting you on the threshhold of your new establishment, which I am assured by a friend from New York will exceed, in point of material and organization, anything of the kind on this continent, or perhaps in the world. The energy, talent, and enterprise of the Bennetts are now becoming a common subject of remark in this quarter, and the Herald, as your subscription list shows, is now getting as common among our people as it is in Philadelphia and New Orleans.

Our City, University and Military Legion, are all chartered by an act of the Legislature of the State of Illinois, and placed on the most liberal footing with the most enlarged privileges. Our University has a Chancellor, viz. Major-General John C. Bennett, who is also Mayor of the city. He is a gentleman of high military talent and profound erudition. There are, if I am not mistaken, twenty-four regents, and most of the chairs are filled with professors of the first talent in the country. This, you will perceive, is going ahead on your own principles.

Three years ago our city contained but about three hundred persons -- it now numbers upwards of seven thousand, and in less than five years will have a population of twenty thousand souls.

The land in the vicinity is an extremely rich undulating prairie, calculated to make the finest farms in the world; the climate is healthy, and the situation a very paradise.

Our legion is composed of about fifteen hundred of as good soldiers as the State or the United States can call into the field, and officered with men who know their duty, and who will, in defence of their country, and their firesides, fight to the hilt; while at the same time, our whole society, in their civil, moral, and religious deportment, under the auspices of Joseph, the great Prophet of the "Latter Day Saints," are as amiable, as kind, as charitable (including the ladies), as the Christian religion is calculated to make mortals here below.

It is astonishing why young farmers, who are compelled to get a scanty laborious living from ground they are compelled constantly to manure, do not sell off to come out to this Garden of Eden -- this Zion of the Lord.
On Zion's shore doth hope and virtue dwell.
Peace to the righteous that no tongue can tell,
Reject the chains that long have kept you bound;
Enter our sanctum Nauvoo's holy ground. There are some honors intended you from this quarter, which I shall advise you of in due time. We know you are our friend; you have proved yourself so, and we should be delighted to have you become one of the faithful. Our people hold you in the highest estimation, and you must know that your humble servant is not in this particular behind the rest.
              Most respectfully yours, &c.
                           CINCINATUS.


Note: In his Aug. 16, 1842 letter to Joseph Smith, Jr., James Arlington Bennett says: "You have nothing to expect from that part of the community who are bigotedly attached to other churches... and what General John C. Bennett is now saying in the papers is nothing more than what was common report before, throughout this whole community, insomuch that I had to contradict it in the Herald under the signature of "Cincinnatus" -- and even requested the Elders of the Mormon Church to do so long ago...." The possible confusion of any modern reader, in attempting to keep the personalities of James Arlington Bennett, John C. Bennett, and James G. Bennett separate in the reading such reports from 1842 is entirely understandable.

==> LATTER-DAY SAINTS OR MORMONS. -- They will hold their meetings at the Tivoli Saloon, corner of Varick and Charlton streets, on Sabbath, May the 8th, 1842. Elder Carter, from the West, will preach at half past ten, a. m. and three, p. m.; and Elder G. H. Adams having returned from England, will preach at half-past seven in the evening, on the subject of Zion. The Public are invited to attend.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS AND MESMERISM. -- Among the distinguished arrivals in this city last week, we have the celebrated Mous. L. de Bonneville, formerly Professor of French in Harvard College, since then Professor of Magnetism all over the country, an now and forever a great teacher and preacher, and a burning, shining light among the Mormons

This gentleman is an extraordinary man -- a perfect enthusiast in his science of Mesmerism -- he has followed it up with such intensity as to discover that Mormonism is the only true religion after all, according to his notions; and that by means of Mesmerism he has discovered the true Mormon mode of revelation, and the way in which Joe Smith receives his communications direct from Heaven....


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons

Arlington House, May 8, 1842.    

DOCTOR BENNETT: --

       Sir: --
It is reported in this city and elsewhere, and generally believed by persons unfriendly to the Mormons, or "Latter Day Saints," that, like the shaking quakers, they hold their property in common stock, and that the men and women connect in promiscuous intercourse without any regard to the holy bonds of matrimony. Now I assure you, sir, that these are slanders put into the mouths of their enemies by the father of lies, the devil, having no foundation in truth.

1st. Property, real and personal, is held by individuals in the same way and with equal security as among all other citizens of this country.

2. There is no people on earth who are more circumspect in their behaviour, nor who hold the matrimonial tie in more sacred reverence than the Mormons or "Latter Day Saints."

3d. They are Christians in the fullest sense of the term, believing in the Old and New Testament as inspired books, revelations delivered on the Eastern Continent, and in the "Book of Mormon" as a collateral corroborative history, embracing an account of the aborigines, and the Ancient Church of Christ, that is said to have been established on this continent, at an early period of the Christian era. -- The Book of Mormon is not received by them as a separate and distinct revelation for the government of the human family, nor does the "Prophet Joseph" claim any other merit but the finding of it where it was deposited, nor does he claim even this, as both the finding and the translation have, it is asserted, have been the work of Divine Providence, from the direction of the holy spirit. Do not all the sects profess to be directed by the holy spirit!

The Quakers, or Friends, are moved, both men and women to speak and act by it...

[illegible lines]

No man can prove the negative. We therefore should not permit our prejudice to condemn what we may not be able to comprehend. We should judge the tree by its fruit.     CINCINNATUS.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CURIOUS AND IMPORTANT FROM THE MORMONS. -- We received very interesting accounts last evening from Nauvoo, the capital of the new Mormon empire.

This singular people are going ahead like steam power, under the Presidency of Joe Smith, who is the Prophet, and General John C. Bennett, who is the master-spirit of the military and civil organization.

We find the following singular piece of honor conferred on myself: --

HONORARY DEGREE. -- Ordered by the Chancellor and Regents of the University of the City of Nauvoo, that the honorary degree of LL. D., be, and the same hereby is conferred on James Gordon Bennett, Esq., Editor of the New-York Herald.

Passed April 22d, A. D., 1842.
                                      JOHN C. BENNETT, Chancellor.
     Wm. Law, Registrar.


Henceforth let every one address us with our appropriate title, LL. D. and no mistake.

The following is a bulletin of the Prophet, relative to the assassination of Gov. Boggs of Missouri.

                    Nauvoo, Ill., May 22, A. D. 1842.
MR. BARTLETT: --
   Dear Sir: -- In your paper (the Quincy Whig,) of the 21st inst., you have done me manifest injustice, in ascribing to me a prediction of the demise of Lilburn W. Boggs, Esq., Ex-Governor of Missouri, by violent hands. Boggs was a candidate for the State Senate, and I presume fell by the hand of a political opponent, with his "hands and face yet dripping with the blood of murder," but he died not through my instrumentality. My hands are clear, and my heart is pure from the blood of all men. I am tired of the misrepresentation, calumny, and detraction heaped upon me by wicked men, and desire and claim only those principles guarantied to all men by the constitution and laws of the United States and of Illinois. Will you do me the justice to publish this communication and oblige.
            Yours, respectfully,
                           JOSEPH SMITH.

We advise Joe Smith to be quiet -- his enemies and slanderers will make him a better prophet than he could hope to be made by any other process. Opposition was the making of Moses -- of Mahomet -- of Napoleon -- of every great master spirit that has appeared in this dirty world below. With General Bennett (he very properly spells his name with two big T's) as his man-of-war and man of peacel he can get along cleverly, and will establish a mighty empire and a great people.   Go ahead Joe.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A  HYMN.

To be sung by "the Latter Day Saints," at Nauvoo, on the anniversary of
American independence -- dedicated to his friend General John C. Bennett M.D.,
Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, &c.,
by JAMES ARLINGTON BENNET, of Arlington House N. Y.

Tune - "HAIL COLUMBIA."

Hail ye Mormons -- chosen band!
Hail ye Saints of our lov'd land!
Who suffered much in freedom's cause.
Who with your blood have seal'd your laws;
And now fierce persecution's gone,
Enjoy the peace your faith hath won.
      Let your religion be your boast,
      Ever mindful what it cost,
      Ever grateful for the prize,
      Let its Altar reach the skies.

Chorus -- Be ye faithful, just and true,
                Brothers, in the great Nauvoo;
                Firm, united without fear,
                Worship in your temple here.

Immortal Masters, rise once more,
"Defend your faith, defend your shore;"
Let Joseph, with the Prophet's wand,
And all the Saints who hold command,
Expel the foes who dare invade
The sanctuary of our dead.
     "While offering peace sincere and just,
     In heaven we place our only trust,
     That truth and justice must prevail,
     And all the schemes of bigots fail.

Chorus -- Be ye faithful, &c.

Sound, O! sound the trump of fame,
Let Jesus with the Mormon name,
Ring through the world with loud applause --
Our legion shall defend our cause.
     "Let every clime to freedom dear,
     Now listen with attentive ear,"
     The Truth through all the world proclaim,
     Ye Elders, in your Savior's name;
     While female voices sing the praise
     Of Jesus in these latter days.

Chorus -- Be ye faithful, &c.

All hail, ye Chiefs who hold command!
Hail, ye Patriarch of our band!
Ye Elders -- faithful Elders, hail!
Ye Elders -- faithful Elders, hail!
Ye seek for Empire over mind,
Ye seek for blessings on mankind.
     A voice from heaven, ye nations hear,
     The end of time is drawing near!
     Delay not, stop not on the way,
     But join our standard while you may.

Chorus -- Be ye faithful, brave, and true.

Variations)   Brothers, in the great Nauvoo,
                    Worship Christ with holy fear,
                    Praise him in his temple here. May 28th, 1842.


Note: The above musical poetry was reprinted in the July 15, 1842 issue of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons.

Highly important from the Mormon Empire. -- Wonderful progress of Joe Smith, the modern Mahomet. -- Spread of the Mormon Faith and a New Religious Revolution at hand.

By the mails last evening we received a variety of letters and papers from Nauvoo, the capital of the new religious revolutionary empire, established by Joe Smith; and also from the other towns in Illinois; exhibiting the extraordinary progress of this most extraordinary people, who call themselves the "Latter-day Saints."

These letters and papers are as follows: -- First: -- A letter from a United States artillery officer, travelling through Nauvoo, who gives a most original glimpse of the Mormon movement there. Second -- An extract from the "Sangamo Journal" of the 3d of June, a newspaper in favor of the whig party, and opposed to the Mormons on account of their locofoco tendency, requiring a view of their military organization. Third -- A law of the Mormon city of Nauvoo, extending toleration towards all religions, even Mahometan, and assuming power to legislate for all with imperial non-cholance. Fourth -- A public meeting of the Mormons in Nauvoo, developing their sentiments and position in the elections in Illinois. Fifth -- A letter to Mrs. Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet -- from a lady in Edwardsville, exhibiting the singular mixture of piety, politics, tact, and shrewdness in those who believe in Mormonism.

All these letters and documents disclose a most extraordinary movement in human affairs. What they mean, we can hardly tell, but is it not time for some great religious revolution, as radical as Luther's to take place in the Christian world?

In the early ages of antiquity, before the dates of the monuments of Egypt, we have distinguished names handed down to us, by tradition. Brama, Veshnu, Confusius, Zoaraster, Isis, Osiris, including Adam, Seth, Noah, Abraham, were the master spirits of a great antiquity throughout the ancient world. In later times we have Moses and the prophets, Peter and Paul, and the apostles of Christ -- and even Mahomet, who acknowledged the truth of Christianity. Each of these movements was a religious revolution, but that which followed the time of Adam, Seth, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ and the apostles, has developed the only true system of morals, of belief, of revelation, of prophecy, of man, of God, of eternity. When the Christian church was overwhelmed with the follies and superstition of Rome, and the thousand quarelling sects of monks and idlers, a fresh spirit arose in the world -- a spark came down from Heaven -- Luther lifted up his voice, and a religious revolution started at his word, and renovated Christianity. But a new age has come -- a fresh, infusion of faith is required -- a strong impulse is rendered necessary.

May not this wonderful Mormon movement be the signal for a new religious revolution? Is not Joe Smith its master spirit and General Bennett its military spirit? The vast progress of the last century, in art and science, through steam and type, has changed the nature of man and society. Is it not necessary, that a new religion and a new faith should come down from Heaven, to carry out and destroy the race, under its present condition?

It is very evident that the Mormons exhibit a remarkable degree of tact, skill, shrewdness, energy and enthusiasm. The particular features of their faith are nothing against their success. Do they believe their new Bible -- their virgin revelation -- their singular creed? If they do so with enthusiasm and practice their shrewd precepts, the other sects will fall before them. This is certain -- this is human nature. In Illinois they have already shown how to acquire power and influence, by holding the balance of power between both parties. They can already dictate to the State of Illinois, and if they persue the same policy in other States, will they not soon dictate to Congress and decide the Presidency? In all matters of public concernment, they act as one man, with one soul, one mind, and one purpose. Their religious and moral principles bind them together firmly. They may be and have been, abused and calumniated -- partly true -- partly false -- but whether true or false, these attacks only increase their popularity and influence. Unlike all other christian sects they adopt at once, all the modern improvements of society, in art or literature, and from their singular religious faith, give the highest enthusiasm to the movement at large. There is nothing odd, or singular, or absurd about them, that they will not cast away, if it interferes with their progress to power.

Verily, verily, we are truly in the "latter days" -- and we should not be surprised to see that the Mormon religion is the real Millenium already commenced. One thing is certain. The Mormons are so constituted that, in these temperance times, they will swallow up all other lukewarm Protestant sects -- and the moral and religious world will be divided between the Pope and the Catholics on one side, and Joe Smith and the Mormons on the other. The oyster is opening, and will soon be equally divided."

(Correspondence of the Herald)

City of Nauvoo, Ill., May 8, 1842.    

The Mormons -- A very Singular People -- Military, Civil, and Literary Organization -- Ambitious Views and Purposes.

J. G. Bennett, L.L.D., --
I address you as doctor, because I am assured that the university of this city has conferred on you the degree of L.L.D.; and this is no small feather in your cap, when we consider the talent and learning possessed by the faculty of this chartered institution, which will, before long, be equal if not superior to any college in this country.

Yesterday was a great day among the Mormons. Their legion, to the number of two thousand men, were paraded by Generals Smith, Bennett, and others, and certainly made a very fine appearance. The evolutions of the troops directed by Major-General Bennett would do honor to any body of armed militia in any of the States, and approximates very closely to our regular forces. What does all this mean? Why this exact discipline of the Mormon corps? Do they intend to conquer Missouri, Illinois, or Mexico? It is true they are part of the militia of the State of Illinois, by the charter of their Legion, but then there are no troops in the States like them in point of enthusiasm and warlike aspect, yea warlike character. Before many years this Legion will be twenty, and perhaps fifty thousand strong, and still augmenting. A fearful host, filled with religious enthusiasm, and led on by ambitious and talented officers, what may not be effected by them? perhaps the subversion of the constitution of the United States, and if this be considered too great a task, foreign conquest will most certainly follow. Mexico will fall into their hands, even if Texas should first take it.

These Mormons are accumulating, like a snow-ball rolling down an inclined plane, which in the end becomes an avalanche. They are also enrolling among their officers some of the first talent in the country, by titles or bribes, it don't matter which. They have appointed your namesake, Capt. Bennett, late of the army of the United States, Inspector General of their Legion, and he is commissioned as such by Gov. Carlin. This gentleman is known to be well skilled in fortification, gunnery, ordinance, castramentation, and military engineering generally, and I am assured that he is now under pay, derived from the tithings of this warlike people. I have seen his plans for fortifying Nauvoo, which are equal to any of Vauban's.

General John C. Bennett, a New England man, is the Prophet's great gun. They call him (though a man of about the stature of Napoleon, the "forty-two pounder." He might have applied his talents in a more honorable cause; but I am assured that he is well paid for the important services he is rendering this people, or I should rather say, rendering the Prophet. This gentleman exhibits the highest degree of field military talent, (field tactics,) united with extensive training. He may yet become dangerous to the States. He was Quartermaster General of the State of Illinois, and at another time a Professor in the Erie University. It will therefore be seen, that nothing but a high price could have secured him to these fanatics. Only a part of their officers, regents, and professors, however, are Mormons, but then they are all united by a common interest, and will act together on main points, to a man. Those who are not Mormons when they come here, very soon become so, from interest or conviction.

The Smiths are not without talent, and are said to be brave as lions. Joseph, the Chief, is a noble-looking fellow, a Mahomet every inch of him. The Postmaster, Sidney Rigdon, is a lawyer, philosopher, and saint. Their other Generals are men of talents, and some of them men of learning. I have no doubt that they are all brave, as they are most unquestionably ambitions, and the tendency of their religious creed is to annihilate all other sects; you may therefore see that the time will come when this gathering host of religious fanatics will make the country shake to its centre. A Western empire is certain. Ecclesiastical history presents no parallel to this people, inasmuch as they are establishing their religion on a learned footing. All the sciences are taught, and to be taught in their colleges, with Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Italian, Spanish, &c. &c. The mathematical sciences, pure and mixed, are now in successful operation, under an extremely able Professor of the name of Pratt, and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, is President of their University.

Now sir, what do you think of Joseph, the modern Mahomet?

I arrived here in cog on the 1st inst., and from the great preparation for the military parade, was induced to stay and see the turnout, which I confess has astonished and filled me with fears for future consequences. The Mormons, it is true, are now peaceable, but the lion is asleep. Take care, and don't rouse him.

The city of Nauvoo contains about ten thousand souls and is rapidly increasing. It is well laid out, and the municipal affairs appear to be well conducted. The adjoining country is a beautiful prairie. -- Who will say that the Mormon Prophet is not among the great spirits of the age?

The Mormons number in Europe and America about one hundred and fifty thousand, and are constantly pouring into Nauvoo and the neighboring country. They are probably in and about this city, and adjacent territories, not far from 30,000 of these warlike fanatics, this place having been settled by them only three years ago.
                    AN OFFICER OF THE U. S. ARTILLERY.

---

(From the Sangamo, (Ill.) Journal.)

Since the attempt upon the life of Governor Boggs, it has been feared that some emissaries might visit Nauvoo for the purpose of retaliating upon the Mormon Prophet; and for that reason, it is rumored, a guard is now provided for the city. The official notices of the establishment of this guard, are given in the "Wasp," which are here copied: --

Mayor General's Office, Nauvoo Legion,    
City of Nauvoo, Ill., May 20th, 1842.    

To the Citizens of the City of Nauvoo: --

I have this day received an order from General Joseph Smith, Mayor of said city, to detail a regular night watch for the city, which I have executed by selecting and placing on duty, the following named persons; to wit: -- D. B. Huntington, W. D. Huntington, L. N. Scovil, C. Allen, A. P. Rockwood, N. Rogers, S. Roundy, and J. Arnold, who will hereafter be obeyed and respected, as such, until further orders.

John C. Bennett, Major General.        
Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo,        
May 20th, A. D. 1842.        

To the City Watch: --
You are hereby directed to appear at my office, daily, at 6 o'clock, P. M., to receive orders; and at 6 o'clock A. M., to make reports; until regularly disbanded by the Mayor General of the Legion, by my order.

Joseph Smith, Mayor.        

From these official notices, it would appear that the Mormons have a government entirely of their own, an army of their own, portions of which are detached on the requisition of the Mayor of Nauvoo, when he pleases to make a requisition upon the commanding officer for their services. This is, indeed, a curious state of things. A Christian sect in Illinois, keeping up a military organization for their own particular purposes! What would be thought if the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, or Episcopalians of this State had separate military organizations, and that their respective legions of troops were in constant practice of military discipline? -- These Mormon troops are said now to amount to 2,000 men, and that they are as well drilled as regular soldiers.

The laws of incorporation under which the Mormons are now enjoying exclusive privileges, have given rise, latterly, to some public discussions. We have now before us a communication from Mount Vernon, Jefferson county, in this State, which possesses much interest. It appears from this communication, that the laws in question were passed by our late locofoco legislature (a legislature, by the bye which professed an utter aversion to monopolies in the shape of incorporations,) for political purposes; that they were passed to secure the Mormon vote. -- There can now be no doubt of the fact, that the proclamation issued by Lieutenant General Smith, to his people, requiring them to vote for Messrs. Snyder and Moore, was the result of the passage of these laws by the locofoco legislature....

LETTER TO MRS. EMMA SMITH, WIFE OF THE PROPHET.

EDWARDSVILLE, Madison Co., Feb. 14, 1842.    

Ever Dear Friend -- I seat myself at this time to address a few lines to you, as it is a long time since I have seen you, or one of the saints; I always loved your company, and I have often thought of you when your affectionate husband was in jail. I wish you to inform me how much he suffered -- how you fared when he was absent -- and whether any one administered to your wants or not? Do not be offended at me for intruding on your patience, for I feel as though you were my sister, and I have been in this State four years without friends and brethren until last October, we moved to Mr. Rich's farm. There is a church here with eight members, and an elder, but I have never heard him give an exhortation since I came here, and we have met him twice a week.

Now sister Emma, I would tell you some of my trials and difficulties but what are mine to yours? -- nothing, no nothing! -- but great will be your reward and eternal your glory. "If light afflictions work out a great and eternal weight of glory?" what will great ones do! I know your mild temper and calm and peaceable disposition; I well recollect your bright eyes, and pleasant countenance; I remember the first visit I ever had with you, but I fear it will be long before I shall have the pleasure of beholding your face again, and of listening to the instructions of your dear husband, the prophet, and of hearing the gracious words of truth and intelligence that flow from his lips; we have nothing to come or gather with the saints with. My husband cares nothing about gathering; he seeks for riches, but not for the glory of God, and the building up of Zion, and therefore he suffers wicked men to deceive and cheat him. I have such an anxious desire to be with the saints that I can sometimes scarcely contain myself, or keep my mind with my body. If I could only persuade my dear husband to go, I would, if I knew that we should be mobbed the day after we arrived. And I must stay here as long as I live, and never gather with the saints! I wish that you would inform me. I have prayed that the Lord would take some of the desire from me, for I have found that it was injuring my constitution.

I have written two letters to father, and two letters to Ama, since we came to Illinois, but have received no answer -- I have sent uncle John Smith a letter, but forgot to mention the county, Madison. Brother Rucks will hand this to you; my respects to Prest's Hyrum and Joseph; how often I hear his name spoken of with contempt. They say here that Joe Duncan is up for Governor; if he is elected, I say that mobs and destruction await the saints if in his power to accomplish it, unless he is a better man than when I worked for him: I washed and ironed for his family, to the amount of six dollars and seventy-five cents, and because we lived in a wretched old house not one cent would he pay me; he gave me the most abusive language that I have ever heard a man utter, without the least provocation; I cannot tell you one tenth part; but I will tell you a little of the commencement; "did you see Joe when he dug out his gold bible out of the old hollow stump? I should like to have seen him peeping in, pity the devil had not kicked him so far in, that he could not get out again; but they have got him fast up in Jackson and I am glad of it, for he has deluded and robbed plenty of innocent men, and that's what makes you so poor: I suppose you have given him up all you had. Did he ever give you anything," he said with a look of contempt. I could bear no longer, I said yes, he gave us a barrel of beef, barrel and all; this so astonished him that he stopped, and I proceded, but cannot write half of what I said to him, in this letter; suffice it to say that I was not at a loss for words, and although they called him governor, he did not appear to me bigger than a skunk, nor of any more importance.

The feelings of my heart I cannot describe, when I heard such language about a man that I have never heard teach any thing but truth and righteousness, for seven long years; but I cannot hear him now; this is not my happy lot. Pray that the Lord will open the hearts of the brethren in this place to assist the poor to gather. O that some of the elders would come this way, is there not some to spare in the city where you live.

I must now close my letter; give my kind love to mother Smith, tell her I have not forgotten her, and that I sympathize with her in her great loss.

I greatly desire to see one of your Hymn books, but have nothing to send you for one. I recommend Br. Jecks to you, as an honest and upright brother, but tell Br. Jos. to feed him with milk and not with strong meat. Peace be with you and all that are saints, and preserve you from all your enemies; when you hear of a good sermon, think of a sincere friend and sister, in the new and everlasting covenant.   MATILDA B. BAILEY.
       Mrs. Emma Smith.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The   Mormons.
_____

James Gordon Bennett, L.L.D.: --

Sir: --

I find it generally understood among my acquaintances and others, that I have received the commission of Major General from Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet. I beg of you, therefore, to permit me to correct this error. Surely any person who is at all acquainted with the constitution and laws of the States and United States, must know that a commission in any military service in this country can come from the Executive alone, either from the Governor of a State or from the President of the United States. Joseph Smith has, therefore, no power to grant commissions in the Nauvoo Legion or in any other portion of the militia of the State of Illinois, as he is only a commissioned officer himself in the service of the State, being Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion.

I am comissioned as Inspector General, with the rank of Major General in the Militia of the State of Illinois, the Nauvoo Legion being a corps of that Militia, organized under a special act of the Legislature of that State. My commission is granted and signed by His Excellency Governor Carlin, and countersigned by the Secretary of State, and is passed under the great seal of the State, as in all such cases.

All my authority, therefore, as well as that of every commissioned officer in the State Militia, is derived from the people of the State of Illinois, subject to the orders and directions of the Commander-in-Chief.

It is true, however, that Major General John C. Bennett, of the Nauvoo Legion, being aware of my having been an officer in the corps of United States Artillery during the late war, and finding that I was somewhat acquainted with Military Engineering, nominated me to the office to which I have been elected. Major General J. C. Bennett was himself Commissary General of the State of Illinois, and in his selecting me to fill the important office which I hold, did it with a view of benefitting the Military service of the State, however short my abilities may fall of his expectation.

I take this opportunity, therefore, of offering to Lieut. General Smith, Major General Bennett, and the other officers composing the Court by which I was elected, my most profound acknowledgements for the high honor conferred on me.

I suppose it will be said that the Mormon Chief has conferred on you the honorary degree of L.L.D., whereas the majority of the Regents of the Nauvoo University, (25 in number) as I am assured, are not Mormons. James Gordon Bennett and James Arlington Benet are the only persons who have had that honor conferred on them by the University. And the learned Chancellor assures me that no others are likely to have it very soon. You and I must, therefore, be held in very high esteem by the Regents and learned Professors of that Institution, which is chartered with large privileges by the State. For which honor, on my part, I return them my most sincere thanks, and assure them that I value the Degree of L.L.D. as highly as though it come from Oxford or Cambridge.

Your correspondent from Nauvoo, signing himself "An Officer of Artillery," might have spared himself the trouble of intimating that the Mormons have me under pay, as no body will believe it. Nor are the "Latter Day Saints" quite so dangerous a people as he attempts to make them. On the contrary, they are extremely peaceable and well disposed, and will only attempt to defend their own rights against mob violence, when the authorities are either unable or refuse to do it.

They are called fanatics by others, but those are greater fanatics, I think, who will not permit them to enjoy their Religion according to the dictates of their own conscience. Religious persecution has existed quite long enough in the world.

JAMES ARLINGTON BENNET.      

Arlington House, June 17, 1842.


Note: See William H. Whitsitt's interesting chapter in his 1891 Sidney Rigdon biography, which he entitled "The Other Two Bennetts."

Important from the Far West -- Sensational Explosion among the Mormons -- Singular Disclosures all around -- Rapid Progress of Joe Smith, the Mormon Mahomet.

This is the greatest country that God ever made or man ever marred. Here politics, piety, finance, philosophy, medicine, religion, and small beer, are constantlyin a state of the most beautiful effervescence, particularly when the thermometer is bordering on 90. Let us take a glass of cool Croton and proceed.

Our accounts from the Mormon religious empire of the Far West, are the most amusing and philosophical that we have received in a long time. On or about the 4th of July, a prodigious explosion took place among the faithful in the City of God, otherwise called Nauvoo, which gives the public a rich glimpse of the progress of the new revelation. Joe Smith the Prophet and General Bennett, one of his apostles, have quarreled, for some cause to us not sufficiently clear, and these two master spirits are now engaged in showing up each other, without stint or mercy. We only desire the public to read the annexed blast and counter-blast -- first the General's letter, then the Prophet's. We suppose there is truth in both papers, but how much, or who is right, we cannot tell. The safest way is to believe both -- and laugh at all.

This is a singular irruption; yet it must not be supposed that the Mormon movement will be retarded by such disclosures. Human nature and past history tells a different tale. In the early progress of Mahomet, similar irruptions among the faithful took place. Such accidents are liable to the first steps of every new religion, new social system, or new empire. These wonderful developments will only increase the believers, and tend to purify their aburdities. Persecution, abuse, developments, only give strength and currency to the genera; movement. Wait and see. What a wicked, funny world we live in!

                   {From the Sangamo Journal}
                                    NAUVOO, (Ills.) June 27, 1842.

To the Editor of the Journal: --

    To the Editor of the Journal:
I was in your city a few days since for the purpose of taking legal advice in relation to the contemplated Bankruptcy of Joseph Smith, the notorious Mormon Prophet and swindler; -- and procuring the commissions for the officers of the line and the new appointees to brevets in the staff of the Nauvoo Legion, for distribution prior to the general parade on the 4th of July next; but had no time to prepare an article for the press, as I was bound to be in Nauvoo on the 36th instant. But I now write you from the Mormon Zion, the city of the Saints, where I am threatened with death by the holy Joe, and his Danite band of murderers, in case I dare make my disclosures in relation to the conduct of that polluted mass of corruption, iniquity and fraud, -- that King of Impostors, -- the holy and immaculate Joe Smith. I shall however, expose him, and if I fall by the ruthless hands of such foul assassins, let my blood be avenged by the friends of God and my country. Remember he has threatened me with Death in propria persona, and if I should be immolated to satiate his hellish malice, let his blood atone for it -- put his "head in a charger," But I fear him not -- he is the most consummate blackguard, and dastardly coward. He is ready at all times to assassinate a man of equal corporeal strength, or to inflict corporal punishment on a man of feeble frame; but he fears his equals, and dreads his superiors. Joe Smith stands indicted for murder, treason, burglary, and arson in Missouri, and he defies the laws and the legally constituted authorities to deliver him over for trial. What a horrible state of society when men fear to execute the laws! -- especially in relation to the most foul impostor that ever disgraced the earth! If Governor Reynolds, of Missouri, will make another demand for Joe Smith alone, disconnected with any other person, -- (for there are thousands of innocent, unoffending, good and holy people among the Mormons, who never ought to suffer, and never shall by my hands, or through my instrumentality -- men, women and children who have suffered more than death for the infamous prophet -- and if Governor Carlin will place the writ in my hands, I will deliver him up to justice, or die in the attempt, unless restrained by the constituted civil authority. Thousands and tens of thousands are ready to obey the call, and enforce the laws, and the holy Joe shall tremble at the sight of the gathering hosts. Let the watchword pass with the celerity of lightning, and let the citizen-soldier be ready. I will lead you on to victory, and lay the rebels low. The Constitution and the laws shall triumph, and misrule, violence, and oppression wither like a blighted flower. Let not an Executive whom he has vilified and abused, as he has Governor Carlin, both in the private circle and public congregation, fear or neglect to do his duty in this case, and deliver up this noted refugee, charged with the blackest crimes known to the laws, who now boldly stalks abroad in our public ways. If Joe is innocent, let him be acquitted; but if he is guilty, let his life atone for it. I regard him as a foul and polluted murderer, and on the forthcoming of his State writ, Joe shall be delivered up.

Now, remember, that if I should be missing, Joe Smith either by himself or his Danite band, will be the murderer. Illinoisians, then let my blood be avenged! They seek my life by day and by night -- look well to the issue! I am in the infamous impostor's city; but I fear him not, neither do I regard his idolatrous god. He believes not in the God of Heaven, and I fear no other.

I now defy him, and all his holy hosts. I dare him to personal violence. There are eyes that see that he knows not of, and ears to hear that he understands not.

Now, Governor, do your duty. And citizens of Illinois, be in readiness to sustain your laws. I furnished the State arms to the Nauvoo Legion on a legal requisition, and on a legal requisition they shall be delivered up. The public arms are in a bad situation, and suffering material injury, and they had better be placed in the hands of more deserving men, for the State is sustaining a great loss. If the Governor wishes them for other troops, they are at his service. I derived the command of the Nauvoo Legion, and as Major General I have it, and am liable to trial only on an order from the Governor, detailing a general Court Martial of General officers from the other divisions of the State -- no brevet officer can affect me.

It is true that I had Joe appointed, or elected Lieutenant General, as a mere play thing, knowing that there was no such officer contemplated by the Constitution, but, it answers Joe well enough, as he does not know enough of military matters to tell the difference between a Corporal, and a General, -- so, Lieutenant General is as good as any otherral to Joe. In his public speeches he says -- "hear your Lieutenant General! the greatest military commander that ever lived since the days of Washington. -- General Scott is a mere pigmy compared to me! I command all the armies of the United States! -- and the Nauvoo Legion was formed to avenge blood in Missouri!!"

Joe is a great man of the kind -- but God will damn the kind -- for, if the devil don't get Joe Smith, there is no use for any devil. But to the damnable iniquity of this base impostor -- and to begin --

1st. On the 17th of May, 1842, I received from the President and Clerk of the Mormon Church, a certificate, of which the following is an exact copy, to wit:--

              May 17, 1842.
"Bro. JAMES SLOAN, -- You will be so good as to permit Gen. Bennett to withdraw his name from the Church Record, if he desires to do so, and this with the best of feelings towards you and General Bennett.
                           JOSEPH SMITH."


"In accordance with the above I have permitted General Bennett to withdraw his membership from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this 17th day of May, 1842, -- the best of feelings subsisting between all parties,
              JAMES SLOAN,
          General Church Clerk and Recorder."

             {From the (Nauvoo) "Wasp," of May 21, 1842.}
New election of Mayor and Vice Mayor, of the City of Nauvoo, on the resignation of General Bennett.

On the 17th Instant General John C. Bennett resigned the office of Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, and on the 19th General Joseph Smith, the former Vice Mayor, was duly elected to fill the vacancy -- and on the same day General Hyrum Smith was elected Vice Mayor in place of General Joseph Smith elected Mayor.

The following vote of thanks was then unanimously voted to the Ex Mayor, General Bennett, by the City Council; to wit: Resolved by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that this Council tender a vote of thanks to General John C. Bennett, for his great zeal in having good and wholesome laws adopted for the Government of this city; and for the faithful discharge of his duty while Mayor of the same.
                        Passed May 10th 1842.
                                                         JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor.
JAMES SLOAN, Recorder.


             {From the (Nauvoo) "Times and Seasons," of June 15, 1842.}
                          NOTICE.
The subscribers, members of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, withdraw the hand of fellowship from General John C. Bennett, as a Christian, he having been labored with from time to time to persuade him to amend his conduct, apparently to no good effect.

JOSEPH SMITH,
HYRUM SMITH,
WM. LAW. The following members of the Quorum of the Twelve concur in the above sentiments:- Brigham Young
Lyman Wight
John E. Page
Wilford Woodruff
Heber C. Kimball
William Smith
John Taylor
George A. Smith
Willard Richards.

We concur in the above sentiments:-
N. K. WHITNEY.
V. KNIGHT.
GEORGE MILLER.
Bishops of the above-mentioned church. NAUVOO, May 11, 1842.


Now it happens that John E. Page was in Pittsburgh, William Smith in Pennsylvania, and Lyman Wight in Tennessee, at the above date; this is the way the Holy Joe does business. On Saturday, the 18th of June, I was excommunicated from this holy sect. Now look at the dates; on the 18th day of June I was excommunicated, and on the 17th of May previous I withdrew from this noble band of brothers. The withdrawal of fellowship was dated back in order to have a pretext for my expulsion, and to destroy my influence before I could do any injury to the Great Prophet, and was presented to Orson Pratt, one of the twelve, for his signature some days after I showed him my official withdrawal, and Mr. Pratt refused to sign it. Mr. Pratt is a gentleman of undoubted veracity and I am willing to abide his testimony. Call upon him. Mr. Editor, what think you of these extraordinary papers? -- What was all this for? I will tell you -- it was to destroy my influence, before I should expose Joe's attempt at seduction. Many of his followers will swear to any thing he desires them to, and think they are doing God's service, even when they know it to be false. And to begin.

2d. Joseph Smith, the great Mormon seducer, one who has seduced not only hundreds of single and married females, but more than the great Solomon, attempted to seduce Miss Nancy Rigdon, the eldest single daughter of Sidney Rigdon, to submit to his hellish purposes, and become one of his clandestine wives under the new dispensation. Call upon Miss Rigdon, who repulsed him with commendable firmness, and I will abide her testimony -- call, likewise, upon Gen. George W. Robinson, and Col. F. M. Higbee, to state what they know upon this subject. Gen. Robinson and Col. Higbee, can tell some astounding facts in relation to this matter. -- Joe approached Miss Rigdon "in the name of the Lord, and by his authority and permission," as he said. Joe attacked Mr. Rigdon, Gen. Robinson, Col. Higbee and myself, in order to destroy the influence of all of us to prevent the exposition of this case. But it is all true, and the legal evidence shall be forthcoming. Call upon Miss Martha Brotherton, of Warsaw, and see what she will say as to the base attempt at seduction in her own case. She can tell a tale of woe that would make humanity shudder. Call upon Miss Mitchell, of this city, one of the most chaste and spotless females in the west, and see what she knows as to the Prophet's Secret Wives. Hundreds of cases can be instanced, and if the Danites do not murder me, you shall hear a tale of pollution and sorrow. Joe's licentiousness is unparalleled in the annals of time. I have the evidence, and it shall come; and no attacks on me to divert the public mind from himself, and his iniquity shall avail him. My purpose is fixed, and the world shall know who the great impostor is. Time will not permit my going into further detail in this letter; but an abused and insulted public shall know all about it.

3d. Joe's extensive land frauds in Iowa and Illinois will soon come to light. I will save his Eastern creditors some hundreds of thousands of dollars, by exposing these frauds in the face of open day -- by the legal records of the country, and oral testimony. All is in readiness.

4th. I will expose his actings and doings in Nauvoo Lodge, U. D. when none but the Mormon brethren were present; -- that he (Joe Smith) and five others, were entered, passed, and raised, before the Lodge was installed by the Grand Master; and that they all passed through a second time afterwards, with the exception of one, who is now abroad; and many other like irregularities, and departures from the ancient landmarks. He has, likewise, established a new lodge of his own, by inspiration, called "Order," in which there many curious things, and relative to which I have much to say hereafter. The following is a part of the obligation -- "I furthermore promise and swear that I will never touch a daughter of Adam, unless she is given me of the Lord," so as to accord with the new dispensation and the "ancient order of things."

5th. The attacks on me in the "Wasp" are all for public effect, and to divert the public eye from Joe's infamous conduct. My affidavit as taken before Squire Wells, and my statements before the City Council, in relation to the holy Joe, were made under Duresse -- my life was threatened unless I submitted to the requisition of Joe. I then preferred the course I took to death, as I knew the public were not apprized of the facts, and I could have been murdered and no person would have been the wiser; but the public are now apprised of the matter, and I am ready and willing to die in exposing this impious man, and the people will avenge my blood. I never feared death, but I chose not to die before I rendered God and the people signal service in bringing to light the hidden things of darkness. But more of this hereafter.

6th. The whole city is now in an uproar in relation to the doctrine of consecration as taught on yesterday -- The people are all required to come forward and consecrate all their property to the Lord by placing it at the Apostle's feet, or in the hands of Joe Smith!!!! There is much floundering on this subject, and what will be the issue God only knows. I will give you some important facts in my next.

7th. The life of Captain Amos Davis, with some others, has been threatened as well as my own; and I hereby put the public on the look-out. I will write you as time permits. In haste,
             Yours respectfully,
             JOHN C. BENNETT.

TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS,
AND TO ALL THE HONORABLE PART OF COMMUNITY.

It becomes my duty to lay before the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the public generally, some important facts relative to the conduct and character of Dr. John C. Bennett, who has lately been expelled from the aforesaid church; that the honorable part of community may be aware of his proceedings, and be ready to treat him and regard him as he ought to be regarded, viz: as an imposter [impostor] and base adulterer.

It is a matter of notoriety that said Dr. J. C. Bennett, became favorable to the doctrines taught by the elders of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and located himself in the city of Nauvoo, about the month of August 1840, and soon after joined the church. Soon after it was known that he had become a member of said church, a communication was received at Nauvoo, from a person of respectable character, and residing in the vicinity where Bennett had lived. This letter cautioned us against him, setting forth that he was a very mean man, and had a wife, and two or three children in McConnelsville, Morgan county, Ohio; but knowing that it is no uncommon thing for good men to be evil spoken against, the above letter was kept quiet, but held in reserve.

He had not been long in Nauvoo before he began to keep company with a young lady, one of our citizens; and she being ignorant of his having a wife living, gave way to his addresses, and became confident, from his behavior towards her, that he intended to marry her; and this he gave her to understand he would do. I, seeing the folly of such an acquaintance, persuaded him to desist; and, on account of his continuing his course, finally threatened to expose him if he did not desist. This, to outward appearance, had the desired effect, and the acquaintance between them was broken off.

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

But his depraved heart would not suffer him to stop here. Not being contented with having disgraced one female, he made an attempt upon others; and, by the same plausible tale, overcame them also; evidently not caring whose character was ruined, so that his wicked, lustful appetites might be gratified.

Sometime about the early part of July 1841, I received a letter from Elder H. Smith and Wm. Law, who were then at Pittsburgh, Penn. This letter was dated June 15th, and contained the particulars of a conversation betwixt them and a respectable gentleman from the neighborhood where Bennett's wife and children resided. He stated to them that it was a fact that Bennett had a wife and children living, and that she had left him because of his ill-treatment towards her. This letter was read to Bennett, which he did not attempt to deny; but candidly acknowledged the fact.

Soon after this information reached our ears, Dr. Bennett made an attempt at suicide, by taking poison; but he being discovered before it had taken effect, and the proper antidotes being administered, he again recovered; but he very much resisted when an attempt was made to save him. The public impression was, that he was so much ashamed of his base and wicked conduct, that he had recourse to the above deed to escape the censures of an indignant community.

It might have been supposed that these circumstances transpiring in the manner they did, would have produced a thorough reformation in his conduct; but, alas! like a being totally destitute of common decency, and without any government over his passions, he was soon busily engaged in the same wicked career, and continued until a knowledge of the same reached my ears. I immediately charged him with it, and he admitted that it was true; but in order to put a stop to all such proceedings for the future, I publicly proclaimed against it, and had those females notified to appear before the proper officers that the whole subject might be investigated and thoroughly exposed.

During the course of investigation, the foregoing facts were proved by credible witnesses, and were sworn and subscribed to before an alderman of the city, on the 15th ult. The documents containing the evidence are now in my possession.

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

The public will perceive the aggravating nature of this case; and will see the propriety of this exposure. Had he only been guilty of adultry [adultery], that was sufficient to stamp disgrace upon him because he is a man of better information, and has been held high in the estimation of many. But when it is considered that his mind was so intent upon his cruel, and abominable deeds, and his own reputation not being sufficient to enable him to do it, he must make use of my name in order to effect his purposes, an enlightened public will not be astonished at the course I have pursued.

In order that it may be distinctly understood that he willfully and knowingly lied, in the above insinuations, I will lay before my readers an affidavit taken before an alderman of the city, after I had charged him with these things:

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

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


The following conversation took place in the City Council, and was elicited in consequence of its being reported that the Doctor had stated that I had acted in an indecorous manner, and given countenance to vices practised by the Doctor, and others:

May 19, 1842
    Dr. John C. Bennett, ex-Mayor, was then called upon by the Mayor to state if he knew aught against him; when Mr. Bennett replied: "I know what I am about, and the heads of the Church know what they are about. I expect I have no difficulty with the heads of the church. I publicly avow that any one who has said that I have stated that General Joseph Smith has given me authority to hold illicit intercourse with women is a liar in the face of God, those who have said it are damned liars; they are infernal liars. He never, either in public or private, gave me any such authority or license, and any person who states it is a scoundrel and a liar. I have heard it said that I should become a second Avard by withdrawing from the church, and that I was at variance with the heads and should use an influence against them because I resigned the office of Mayor; this is false. I have no difficulty with the heads of the church, and I intend to continue with you, and hope the time may come when I may be restored to full confidence, and fellowship, and my former standing in the church; and that my conduct may be such as to warrant my restoration-and should the time ever come that I may have the opportunity to test my faith, it will then be known whether I am a traitor or a true man."

Joseph Smith then asked: "Will you please state definitely whether you know any thing against my character either in public or private?"

Gen. Bennett answered: "I do not; in all my intercourse with Gen. Smith, in public and in private, he has been strictly virtuous. WILSON LAW,
HIRAM KIMBALL,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
WILLARD RICHARDS,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
W. WOODRUFF,
GEORGE A. SMITH,
N. K. WHITNEY,
ORSON SPENCER,
JOHN TAYLOR,
JOHN P. GREEN,
GUST. HILLS,
G. W. HARRIS,                          JAMES SLOAN, City Recorder.
May 19th 1842.


After I had done all in my power to persuade him to amend his conduct, and these facts were fully established, (not only by testimony, but by his own concessions,) he having acknowledged that they were true, and seeing no prospects of any satisfaction from his future life, the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from him as a member of the church, by the officers; but on account of his earnestly requesting that we would not publish him to the world, we concluded not to do so at that time, but would let the matter rest until we saw the effect of what we had already done.

It appears evident, that as soon as he perceived that he could no longer maintain his standing as a member of the church, nor his respectability as a citizen, he came to the conclusion to leave the place; which he has done; and that very abruptly; and had he done so quietly, and not attempted to deceive the people around him, his case would not have excited the indignation of the citizens, so much as his real conduct has done. In order to make his case look plausible, he has reported, "that he had withdrawn from the church because we were not worthy of his society;" thus instead of manifesting a spirit of repentance, he has to the last, proved himself to be unworthy the confidence or regard of any upright person, by lying, to deceive the innocent, and committing adultery in the most abominable and degraded manner.

We are credibly informed that he has colleagued with some of our former wicked persecutors, the Missourians, and has threatened destruction upon us; but we should naturally suppose, that he would be so much ashamed of himself at the injury he has already done to those who never injured, but befriended him in every possible manner, that he could never dare to lift up his head before an enlightened public, with the design either to misrepresent or persecute; but be that as it may, we neither dread him nor his influence; but this much we believe, that unless he is determined to fill up the measure of his iniquity, and bring sudden destruction upon himself from the hand of the Almighty; he will be silent, and never more attempt to injure those concerning whom he has testified upon oath he knows nothing but that which is good and virtuous.

Thus I have laid before the Church of Latter Day Saints, and before the public, the character and conduct of a man who has stood high in the estimation of many; but from the foregoing facts it will be seen that he is not entitled to any credit, but rather to be stamped with indignity and disgrace so far as he may be known. What I have stated I am prepared to prove, having all the documents concerning the matter in my possession, but I think that to say further is unnecessary, as the subject is so plain that no one can mistake the true nature of the case,
                    I remain yours, respectfully,
                                JOSEPH SMITH.
Nauvoo, June 23, 1842.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON EXPLOSION. -- Impartial people who have read the recent Mormon exposures, generally say that Joe Smith the Prophet, comes out the best man of the two. General Bennett, by his own showing, is believed to be no better than he should be. This Bennett is a native of Ohio, and his family was originally from England or Ireland. We (the Bennett of the Herald) belong to the Scottia race of Bennetts, who are decidedly the more superior class in creation -- the real Mormon branch of the Bennetts. This race are generally calm, cool, determined, energetic, steady, cautious, moral, philosophical, enthusiastic, eschewing all vanities of the flesh, and successful either in religion, politics, newspapers, commerce, or phliosophy.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Terrible Troubles in the Mormon Country -- More
Disclosures relative to the alleged Seductions and Adulteries
of Joe Smith and others -- Crimination and Re-crimination.

The fights and quarrels in the Mormon country promise to be much richer than any thing that has occurred here since the days of the Revolutionary war.

We give to-day extracts from the letters of Gen. Bennett, relative to his charges against Joe Smith. To-morrow, we may probably give the additional charges of Joe Smith against Gen. Bennett. The latter has reached St. Louis, and has charged Joe Smith with instigating the man who attempted to kill Gov. Boggs.

The Governor of Missouri has made a requisition on the Governor of Illinois for the surrender of Joe Smith, and a very elegant quarrel is likely to grow out of the affair.

The whole thing is full of philosophy, fun, roguery, religion, truth, falsehood, fanaticism and philosophy. Read the following extracts, put your trust in the Lord, and learn how to restrain your passions: --

(Read original statements in Illinois paper)

Notes: (forthcoming)

Latest Intelligence From the Mormons.
{From the St. Louis Bulletin, July 16.}
{Anti-Mormon.}

Further disclosures of General Bennett -- The Singular Story of Martha H. Brotherton -- Morals of the Mormons -- Prophecy and Petticoats -- Wonders of the New Revelation.

ST. LOUIS, MO., July 15.      

I am about to repair to the East for the purpose of publishing a "HISTORY OF THE SAINTS," or important disclosures in relation to Joe Smith and the Mormons; I shall, however, be in readiness to substantiate my statements relative to the participation of Joe Smith in the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, whenever he is demanded and secured by the Executive of Missouri. The following letter from Miss Brotherton, details a case of black-hearted villainy precisely similar to those of Mrs. Sarah Pratt, wife of Professor Orson Pratt, and Miss Nancy Rigdon, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, Esq., as noticed in the "Sangamo Journal," and hundreds of others that might be named -- it speaks for itself.

Yours, respectfully,
                              JOHN C. BENNETT.

[text reprints Brotherton statement from July 16, 1842 issue of
the Native American Bulletin]

Mormons

The Cause of the Mormon Explosion -- At Bottom a Political Intrigue -- Politicians Greater Rascals than the Mormons -- Joe Smith Defended -- Great Excitement out Far West

The people of this State has been aroused, as with an avalanche, by the publication of certain "awful disclosures" of our neighbor the Journal... [see July 16, 1842  Native American Bulletin]


Note: The Herald reprinted the Martha H. Brotherton statement again in its issue of July 27th.

CIVIL WAR AGAINST THE MORMONS. -- According to all appearances, there will be a civil war in Illinois against the Mormons. A most intense excitement has sprung up on both sides of the Mississippi -- and we should not be surprised if a regular bloody war had already broken out. Joe Smith and the Mormons will fight till the last drop of blood. They have 2000 enthusiasts, equal to the Islams that established the mission of Mahomet in Arabia -- they have all the arms -- big and small -- of the State of Illinois, and they use them in their own defence, but never will give them up. Look out for news from the Far West.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Important from the Far West.

We have received the annexed intelligence from Missouri and Illinois, disclosing more of the character and morals of the great Mormon government.

Joe Smith seems to be in the same predicament in which Mahomet found himself, when the Korcish tribe repudiated his mission, and attacked his person. The present explosion has probably grown out of the jealousies and ambition existing between Cook Bennett, the General, and Joe Smith, the Prophet of the Saints. According to the account of each of the other, both master spirits seem to have been overflowing with love for handsome women and goods and chattles. Probably Bennett thought that Joe was getting more than his share of beauty and booty -- hence the military ardor of the former could not stand the prophetic monopoly and power of the latter.

The particulars which we publish are most extraordinary indeed. A plurality of wives, if we can believe Martha Brotherton, seems to have been gradually forming an article in the Mormon creed. The whole explosion is so mixed up with prophecy, politics, love, ambition, folly, wisdom and fanaticism, that it presents one of the most singular developments of human nature that history has recorded since the age of Mahomet. Read and be wise

Latest Intelligence From the Mormons.
{From the St. Louis Bulletin, July 16.}

[text reprints Brotherton statement from July 16, 1842  Native American Bulletin]


{From the Springfield (Ill.) State Register}

The Causes of the Mormon Explosion -- At Bottom a Political Intrigue -- Polticians Greater Rascals than the Mormons -- Joe Smith Defended -- Great Excitement out Far West.

The people of this State have been aroused, as with an avalanche, by the publication of certain "awful disclosures" of our neighbor the Journal....


Note: The Herald previously printed the Martha H. Brotherton statement in its issue of July 25th.

FROM THE MORMON COUNTRY. -- We have further accounts direct from the modern City of God, Nauvoo, the beautiful.

Joe Smith and the saints are going ahead more rapidly than ever. They care nothing for the disclosures of General Cook Bennett. They claim all the virtues, all the holiness -- all the revelation now afloat. Joe Smith is preaching and prophecying as fast as ever. He and his 12,000 saints celebrated the Fourth of July in grand style. According to the "givings out" many of the angels of Heaven went down in sunbeams to the banks of the Mississippi, and joined in the festivities, as they formerly visited the tents of Anraham on the plains of Mamre. Gabriel, Raphael, and several other "winged spirits" said that the Mississippi is a much finer country than Mesopotamia was -- and that Joe Smith is a mightier man than Abraham.

We have received some further courious accounts, which we shall publish to-morrow.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARRIVAL EXTRAORDINARY. -- The celebrated General John C. Bennett, arrived in this city on Thursday. He is preparing to publish a book, which is to be a full and complete history of the Mormons, public and private -- the secrets of their religion, their mode of life at Nauvoo -- the celebrated prophet Joe Smith's secret system of wives -- their mode of warfare -- tactics -- civil and religious government -- with various other curious and perfectly original matters. It will be one of the richest brochures that ever emanated from the press of any country.

---

THE MORMONS. -- We have some accounts from Nauvoo, stating that Joe Smith is as pure as the virgin snow. The whole Mormon people have held a meeting, and certified to Joe's virtue and purity. We certainly never thought the worse of him, because General Cook Bennett wanted to make him out a true Solomon, or a David at least. Both these antiques were prophets, priests, kings, and particular favorites before the Lord in Gilgal, including their long strings of wives and concubines, Why should not Joe!


Notes: (forthcoming)

Rising in the World.

Since you will buckle fortune on my back.
To bear her burden, whe'er will, or no,
I must have patience to endure the load. We are rising very rapidly in this sinful world. A short time ago, the Corporation of Nauvoo, Illinois, conferred upon us the freedom of the city. How far this freedom extends we know not, but we suppose it embraces a vast number of delicious privileges, according to the Mormon creed... (under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- We have received further intelligence from Nauvoo, and we must say that the Mormons are rising again in our estimation. These papers contain a variety of statements and affidavits, contradicting point blank the allegations made by General Cook Bennett against Jo Smith. They deny that Jo Smith is criminal -- they deny that there is any secret Danite band -- and they make some hard statements against Cook Bennett. Altogether the war gets interesting, but whether Rodrigo kills Cassio, or Cassio, Rodrigo, we can't tell.

We understand also that General Cook Bennett has returned from Connecticut, and is preparing to publish a philosophical history of the Mormons, with a variety of engravings, representing their pious ways. In opposition to Bennett, we find that Mr. Richards, one of the Twelve Apostles, is here to upset Bennett's movements, by publishing a correct account of the Mormons, with a map of the Holy City, and a portrait of the Prophet. A great fight is expected, particularly if the Angel of the Lord should remain neutral.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE DEMAND FOR THE BODY OF JOE SMITH. -- We can hardly believe the truth of the story contained in the following account of this affair from a St. Louis paper. It says, that since the election, Gov. Carlin has resolved to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, and deliver up Joe Smith and A. [sic] P. Rockwell, The Sheriff of Hancock county, elected at the revent election, being a Mormon, the writ was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Adams county. The Sheriff repaired to Nauvoo and arrested Smith and Rockwell, when a was issued by some of the Nauvoo authorities, and the prisoners taken out of the Sheriff's custody and released. The Sheriff had just returned to Quincy and reported the fact. Our informant says, that it was currently reported, while he was writing, that Gov. Carlin was then in the act of issuing orders calling out the military, to enforce the arrest, and it was expected they would march on the day following for Nauvoo. Our correspondent, however, expresses the confident belief that when the troops reach the city, Joe and his colleague will be among the missing.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH AND THE MORMONS. -- Great news is expected every day from Nauvoo. Look out for squalls among the saints and sinners out west.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Late and Important from the Mormon Country.

We have just received a variety of curious, strange and original information from this part of the world. Some of it is political, some financial, some belligerent, some religious and some personal.

Among other items we have the following news, which was written on the outside of a letter received on Saturday, at one of the public offices, from Chicago, Illinois. "A battle has been fought between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons. The extra says, thirty or forty were killed or wounded. The Governor has gone with 200 men."

In connection with this we have the following from the headquarters of Joe Smith, the prophet, and second Mahomet himself:--

HEAD QUARTERS, NAUVOO LEGION,
         CITY OF NAUVOO, Aug. 4th, 1842.
                   GENERAL ORDER. As General John C. Bennett has retired from the service, General James Arlington Bennett, the next ranking officer, is hereby ordered to repair forthwith to the Head Quarters of the Legion and assume the command, accompanied by his chief Aid-de-Camp, General James Gordon Bennett.

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

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

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


In connection with the above, we have also received the following letter from Gen. John C. Bennett, now in this city, inclosing one from the brother of Governor Boggs, of Missouri; we give them both. --


                           New York, Aug. 27th, 1842.
Gen. James Gordon Bennett, L. L. D. --

DEAR SIR:--
      As you have recently been presented with the appointment of, and commissioned as Aid-de-camp to His Imperial Holiness, Joseph Smith, Emperor of the Mormon Empire, with the rnk and title of Brigadier-General, I presume that the perusal of the enclosed letter from Dr. Joseph O. Boggs will not be uninteresting to you. I have replied to the communication, and stand in readiness to obey the mandate of Missouri, to testify in the premises. The Mormon pontiff shall tremble at the sight of gathering hosts, in the days of his captivity, like an aspen leaf in the wilderness.

    Savitque animus ignobile vulgus;
    Jamque faceset saga volant: furor arma ministrat.

"The rude rabble are enraged now the fire-brands and stones are seen to fly about; their fury supplies them with arms."

But the Mormon autocrat should remember the old adage --

    Sape intereunt aliss meditantes necem.

"Those who plot the destruction of others, very often fall themselves the victims."

Though his taugh be as deadly as that if the Bohan Upas, I will tear the ermine of sanctity from the shoulders of His Pontifical Holiness, and dim the glory of his mitred head. It may justly be said of him, as a shawn-bawn once said once said to a stranger in Ireland, in speaking of two persons of the name of Pierce and Damer, (comparing the Mormon Mahomet to Damer,) -- "Damer," said he, "was worser than Pierce, and Pierce was worser than Damer, and Damer himself was worser than the Devil."

In the face of High Heaven he has perpetrated the blackest deeds of felony, and in the curling flames of hell shall he drink the dregs of the culprit's cup

Nothing short of an excision of the cancer of Mormonism will effect a cure of that absorbing delusion, and the strong arm of military power must perform the operation at the edge of the sword, point of the bayonet, and mouth of the cannon.
                         Yours Respectfully,
                                    JOHN C. BENNETT.


Gen. J. C. Bennett: --
      Sir --
I write in behalf of my brother, L. W. Boggs, to say that Gov. Reynolds has demanded Jo Smith and O. P. Rockwell, from the Governor of Illinois. The old indictments against Smith and others, for murder, arson, burglary, &c. were dismissed by the prosecuting attorney two years ago. Affidavits were made by my brother against both, Rockwell as principal, and Jo. Smith as accessory, before the fact. It is to be regretted that you left St. Lpuis before the messenger despatched to Ilinois reached there; you could doubtless have advised him of the best means of securing Smith and Rockwell

We look for the return of the messenger in the course of ten days. If he suceeds in securing the men, it will be necessary for you to come on here immediately. I shall write you again, as soon as it is ascertained that they are within the state. In the mean time, do you endeavor to have all the evidence collected that you think will be required.
                         Yours Respectfully,
                                    JOSEPH O. BOGGS.

With regard to going out to Nauvoo immediately, we shall state our views shortly. In the meantime, we shall see, and hear, and report what reasons Gen John C. Bennett can advance to-night in his discourse that may prevent us from standing by Joe Smith, until, as he says, blood shall flow.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Discussion by General Bennett about Joe Smith
and the Mormons

Last night there was a large assembly at the church, corner of Christie and Delancy streets, to hear General Bennett and Origin Bachelor on the above subject. The principal part of the audience were ladies, most of them young and exceedingly beautiful in face and figure. The debate commenced at quarter-past 7, and ended at a quarter past 10. No one spoke but the above two.

Mr. Bachelor rose and said:-- It is by the request of Gen. Bennett that I appear here, to take part in exposing the impostures of the Mormons -- that dangerous and miserable imposition -- as dangerous as it possibly can be to the country and the government. The general opinion is that Mormonism is a humbug, but that it is so frivolous that no one will be deceived by it, except a few weak-minded persons; and that it will soon pass away. If this were all, it might be left to the clergy to dispose of. But if we show that Mormonism is bloody and treasonous against the United States Government -- a species of American Mohamedanism -- that seeks to overthrow the government of the country and the destruction of all who do not embrace it, by the most diabolical means in the world -- if we show this, it is worthy the serious attention of all. It has no parallel in the annals of history for its diabolical nature. Whenever a member of their church leaves them they go on and slander him or her in the most awful manner. -- They did so with Gen. Bennett -- before he left them he was a sort of God -- he was one of the Trinity pro. tem. and so far he was a God -- one of the three Gods, of which Joe Smith was one. And yet they want to have him assassinated and exterminated, as they want to exterminate all that do not embrace Mormonism; and now try to make him a devil incarnate. Here is a Mormon book called the "Doctrine and Covenants of the Mormons," compiled by Joe Smith, Sydney Rigdon and others, professing to be full of revelations direct from God. And the Mormons believe that hereafter they shall be equal to God and create worlds, This book contains an injunction not to let it go abroad to the world, or to tell its secrets. (He read from page 132, paragraph 7.) You can't buy this book of the Mormons -- they won't let you have it for love or money unless you become a Mormon. -- And they do keep it from the world. It is a book of blood. (He read from page 130, paragraph 11.) -- This shows that Joe Smith aims to purchase the whole United States as soon as possible, or when the Mormons got strong enough they were to shed blood and kill off all the people that did not embrace Mormonism. (He also read from page 142, paragraph 8, and page 237, about getting land in the West by blood, and about fortifying the city of the Mormons, and raising soldiers even in the time of the peace. He also showed Parley P. Pratt's "Voice of Warning," and read from page 185 and 188, relative to the building up of a New Jerusalem in the Western part of this country, and the whole of the Indians becoming Mormons, and every body else to be destroyed by the Indians after they have turned Mormons. He also read the proceedings of the Mormons being expelled from Jackson county, in Missouri, in 1833, because they threatened to cut off all the rest of the people of Jackson county, and take their lands and goods under the direction of God. He also read from a United States document, No. 189, of the 26th Congress, 2d session, relative to the indictment and trial of Joe Smith in Missouri, for treason, arson, burglary, &c.; and from Pratt's pamphlet, page 57, as to how Joe Smith got his guards drunk, and escaped from Missouri to Illinois.) He went on: -- Now they are about to be routed from Illinois, unless they give up Joe Smith, who sent Rockwell up to assassinate Boggs; their Zion is not in Illinois, but there murderers are there, and unless they give them up, they will be cooped up in Nauvoo, and hung altogether. This United States document contains evidence enough to suspend forty Joe Smiths, between Heaven and Earth, like Mahomet's coffin, if the law was permitted to take its course. I now have the pleasure of introducing to you General Bennett, Major General of the Nauvoo Legion.

On this Gen. Bennett rose, smiling, and bowed to the audience, particularly to the ladies, among whom there was a great sensation, and shuffling of feet, and changing of position, to get a sight of one of the Mormon lions.

Gen. Bennett said, -- I discover, in the "Morning Herald" of this day, a military order issued from Nauvoo to General James Arlington Bennett, and General James Gordon Bennett, requiring them to appear forthwith at Nauvoo, and take part in the coming struggle. (Applause and great laughter.) (Here he read the order which we published yesterday.) To this order General James Gordon Bennett says, in his editorial remarks, with a good deal of shrewdness, and inimitable tact: "With regard to going out to Nauvoo immediately, we shall state our views shortly. In the meantime, we shall see, and hear, and report what reasons Gen. John C. Bennett can advance to-night in his discourse that may prevent us from standing by Joe Smith, until, as he says, blood shall flow." Thus it appears that the learned and talented aid de camp, even, is preparing to stand by Joe Smith until blood shall flow, but no longer, and there he is right; because he has too much sense to aid and abet treason followed up by murder. But General James Gordon Bennett says that he shall wait and see what we have to say on this subject. We have no advice to give that gentleman, and he has talent enough to guide him without our assistance. (Great applause.) But I would advise General James Gordon Bennett and General James Arlington Bennett to be most exceedingly cautious how they go out to Nauvoo and neglect their honorable calling to do battle for that arch impostor, the Mahomet of modern times! for, although they may have great talent and skill to lead troops (and the same description of talent that enables a man successfully to conduct a newspaper, will, when properly applied, enable him to conduct an army to battle and victory, with the same success,) I would tell them that I shall be there myself in a short time, with a different and much better body of troops than any that His Holiness the Prophet can bring into the field, and the way that Joe Smith, his troops and all his officers would get whipped, would be a caution to sinners -- (Great laughter.) His Holiness has issued a bull against me. But before I left him the Mormon Pontiff had a special revelation from the Lord that Heaven was well pleased with me. Whereas, if you were to believe Joe now, he knew all along that I was the greatest rascal and most consummate scoundrel on earth. The Mormon creed is this; it is a Trinity. Joe Smith represents God, Hiram Smith is the 1st councillor and represents Jesus Christ; and Sidney Rigdon is the 2d councillor and represents the Holy Ghost pro tem., and yet Joe says I was such a great rascal. And after I became the Holy Ghost in Nauvoo I passed into the secret chamber, and saw all that was done there, and how the wires were pulled, and many things too indelicate to be told to an assembly of ladies.

   *    *    *    *    *    *  

Here he went into a history of the Secret Society of Danites.

Joe Smith wanted me to come to New York and get a new set of plates for the Book of Mormon. I asked him why. He said the Angel of the Lord had hid up all the old plates, and if we could get a new set made in New York, we could say that the Angel of the Lord had revealed them to us, and we could make a good deal of money out of them. (Roars of laughter.)

   *    *    *    *    *    *  

Here he read a long letter from Gen. Robinson to General James Arlington Bennett, about Joe Smith's trying to seduce Nancy Rigdon, Gen. Robinson's wife's sister.

   *    *    *    *    *    *  

Orson Pratt said to Joe. "Sir, you are a liar; and if the Angel of the Lord was to tell me you wasn't, I wouldn't believe him."

They say now that the Mormons never get drunk or swear. They must have changed mightily. For it is notorious that Joe Smith used to get beastly drunk (laughter) and fall down in the sewers of the city. And when he was rebuked he said he only did it to try the faith of the Saints, and show 'em that he could get drunk if he liked, but that it went against him. (Roars of laughter.) So is the case of Miss Rigdon: when he was cornered about trying to seduce her, he said he only did it to see if so and so could be done. (Great applause and laughter.) -- With regard to the secret wife system, I shall make a few remarks to-night, and a few more to-morrow night; but on Friday when there are to be no ladies present, I shall give some most peculiar, extraordinary and startling statements about the secret wife system. You read his attempt on the chastity of Miss Brotherton, in the "Herald." Well, he said he only did that to see if things were so and so. (Laughter.) He told me he was in favor of the secret wife system, and should go it strong, (laughter,) and meant to carry it out in practice to the fullest extent. (laughter.) I shall hereafter tell how these wives (always the best looking and most pure ones,) were set apart by the imposition of hands, and the annointing of bodies with oil, and the various manouvring and handling they underwent on these occasions. Why, Joe offered me $500 or [same in] town lots, if I would get him Nancy Rigdon for a secret wife. And when he was confronted with her, he denied the whole, but when his love-letter to her was shown him, he confessed all; but he said he only wished to ascertain the truth if she was virtuous or not, and he took that way to prove it. (Roars of laughter, even from the ladies.) Now the Congregation of Saints at Nauvoo have pronounced Joe to be as pure as snow, but I'll show by his own love-letter to Nancy Rigdon how pure he was. Here it is:

JOE SMITH'S LOVE LETTER TO NANCY RIGDON.

DEAR MISS RIGDON:--

Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. But we cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know, unless we comply with or keep those we have already received. That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another. God said that thou shalt not kill, -- at another time he said thou shalt utterly destroy. This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted -- by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed. Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire. If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So with Solomon -- first he asked wisdom, and God gave it him, and with it every desire of his heart, even things which might be considered abominable to all who understand the order of heaven only in part, but which, in reality, were right, because God gave and sanctioned by special revelation. A parent may whip a child, and justly too, because he stole an apple; whereas, if the child had asked for the apple, and the parent had given it, the child would have eaten it with a better appetite, there would have been no stripes -- all the pleasures of the apple would have been secured, all the misery of stealing lost. This principle will justly apply to all of God's dealings with his children. Everything that God gives us is lawful and right, and it is proper that we should enjoy his gifts and blessings whenever and wherever he is disposed to bestow; but if we should seize upon those same blessings and enjoyments without law, without revelation, without commandment, those blessings and enjoyments would prove cursings and vexations in the end, and we should have to lie down in sorrow and wailings of everlasting regret. But in obedience there is joy and peace unspotted, unalloyed; and as God has designed our happiness, the happiness of all his creatures, he never has, he never will, institute an ordinance or give a commandment to his people that is not calculated in its nature to promote that happiness which he has designed, and which will not end in the greatest amount of good and glory to those who become the recipients of his law and ordinances. Blessings offered, but rejected, are no longer blessings, but become like the talent hid in the earth by the wicked and slothful servant -- the proffered good returns to the giver; the blessing is bestowed on those who will receive, and occupy; for unto him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundantly, but unto him that hath not, or will not receive, shall be taken away that which he hath, or might have had.

           "'Be wise to-day; 'tis madness to defer,
           Next day the fatal precedent may plead;
           Thus on till wisdom is pushed out of time"

into eternity. Our heavenly father is more liberal in his views, and boundless in his mercies and blessings, than we are ready to believe or receive, and, at the same time, is more terrible to the workers of iniquity, more awful in the executions of his punishments, and more ready to detect every false way than we are apt to suppose him to be; he will be inquired of by his children -- he says ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find; but, if ye will take that which is not your own, or which I have not given you, you shall be rewarded according to your deeds, but no good thing will I withhold from them who walk uprightly before me, and do my will in all things; who will listen to my voice and to the voice of my servant whom I have sent; for I delight in those who seek diligently to know my precepts, and abide by the laws of my kingdom; for all things shall be made known unto them in mine own due time, and in the end they shall have joy."
                 JOS. SMITH.

The time has expired. To-morrow I shall show you something very peculiar in this secret wive[s] system, as far as such peculiar things can be shown to ladies; but Friday I shall show to a congregation of men alone some most startling truths about Joe and his secret wives.

The audience then dispersed, about a quarter past ten, all apparently in high glee, particularly the ladies.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MILITARY MOVEMENTS. -- I have just received the following, by military express, from the Major General:--

Arlington House, August 31, 1842.    

"Sir --
  "As the ranking Major General of the Nauvoo Legion, I have received a General Order to repair immediately to head quarters and assume the command, accompanied by my principal Aid de Camp, Brigadier General James Gordon Bennett.

Now, sir, I shall ever hold myself ready to defend the Mormon people, or any other people with whom I might be associated, against mob violence; but at the same time feel that I am not bound to act against the constituted authorities of the State of Illinois, nor of any other State in the Union, nor would I do it were it for a brother.

I have transmitted the Order to his Excellency Governor Carlin for instructions, while at the same time I shall repair imm,ediately to Nauvoo, and take command of the Legion, where I expect you will accompany me, in conformity with its mandate.

I should desire no better fun than to despatch you with orders, on my horse Cicero, among the whizzing bullets, or blue pills of Galena.
            Most respectfully yours, &c.
                        JAMES ARLINGTON BENNETT,
            Insp. and Major General of the Nauvoo Legion.

Blood and 'ouns, I'll go. It never shall be said that the blood of the Bennetts did not rise to the top. Who knows but I may get one of these glorious bullets in the "calf?" What would Col. Webb say if I disobeyed a military mandate? In the meantime, I highly approve of my superior in command, ascertaining first the constitutionality of the measure, by direct application to Governor Carlin, to see if there be any necessity of a veto. But still, I must prepare. I have no uniform. E'gad, I must advertise for proposals. So here goes:--

WANTED TO PURCHASE. -- A full suit of uniform for an officer of the rank of Brigadier General in the Nauvoo Legion. Also, a fine horse, thirteen hands high, a sword, &c., including a good old bible and prayer book. Nothing like being well provided with all sorts of ammunition.

On the whole, I think there is now a chance of surpassing the glory of Col. Webb, General George P. Morris, and even Governor Dorr himself.

---

THE MORMON DISCUSSION. --
(under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)

                                           Pewter Mug, Sept. 2, 1842.
To BRIG. GEN. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, L. L. D.. --

UNIFORM FOR SALE . -- An elegant and complete uniform of a general Staff Officer, and good as new: will be sold low, as the owner is about to leave the city. Any person desirous of purchasing may address line to Infantry, at Sun office, and the same will be attended to,

I noticed your advertisement in your admirable paper for a uniform, in which to proceed to Nauvoo.

Being about to quit forever the field of Mars, I am satisfied that my mantle can fall on no shoulders more worthy than your own; and with this conviction take the liberty of attracting your attention to my above advertisement.

Negotiate the terms with my agent. "Little Bidelem" fix your own price, for I am confident you will never disgrace that "sword" which have borne in many a bloody field. I am, Dear General.
                 Truly,       DOOR.


Notes: (forthcoming)

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. -- We have intelligence of the rise of a new religion in Illinois, that promises to grow as rapidly as the Mormons. The Prophet James C. Brewster, who has published "one of the Books of Esdras," given him by an angel of the Lord. The place is Springfield. A full account will be given hereafter.


Note: The Dec. 1, 1842 Times & Seasons contains this notice: "We have lately seen a pamphlet, written, and published by James C. Brewster; purporting to be one of the lost books of Esdras; and to be written by the gift and power of God... Brewster is a minor; but has professed for several years to have the gift of seeing and looking through or into a a stone; and has thought that he has discovered money hid in the ground in Kirtland, Ohio. His father and some of our weak brethren who perhaps have had some confidence in the ridiculous stories that are propagated concerning Joseph Smith, about money digging, have assisted him in his foolish plans, for which they were dealt with by the church..."

ANTI-MORMON LECTURE. -- The Secret Wife System at Nauvoo, as described by Gen. J. C. Bennett:

On Friday evening the large church at the corner of Chrystie and Delancy streets, was crowded with one of the most motley assemblages of male bipeds that ever before congregated within its walls, all anxious to hear about the secret wive system as practised at the holy city of Nauvoo.

At half-past 7 o'clock, Mr. Origin Bachelor arose and stated that he had been requested by Gen. Bennett to take part in the discussion, but he should merely make a few remarks for the purpose of showing that sects had sprung up in different ages of the world, professing to be Christian, who had practised the worst features of the Mormon system, for the purpose of showing the probability that something similar may even now exist. Mr. B. then read from Buck's Theological Dictionary extracts sustaining his views.

Gen. J. C. BENNETT then rose, and was greeted with a round of applause. He said he had intended to have proceeded at once with his description of the Seraglio that existed in the city of Nauvoo under the auspices of the holy Pope, Joe Smith, but other matters had occurred to change his purpose. His life was sought by the Mormons, not because he was opposed to their doctrines, but because he knew of certain matters and things connected with the attempted assassination of Ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri. He then spoke of the attempted assassination of himself on the 29th of May, and his being followed from town to town in the west, and continued, "On the 31st of August, the Captain-General of the Danite band, and five more of his band were arrived here, and their secret plans to assassinate me was overheard by some citizens of this place, who will make oath to it. Lest I should be assassinated I will state some of the proofs I have on the subject of the attempted assassination of [Lilburne] W. Boggs, hoping some Missourian may be present to hear them." Gen. Bennett then proceeded to give a portion of the proofs in his possession, pointing out O. P. Rockwell as the assassin, and the Prophet Joseph Smith as an accessary before and after the fact.  *  *  *  "I will give you a history of a few females of the House of Israel, before I go on with the Seraglio. First is the widow Fuller, now Mr. Warren; she is a luscious woman, with a good head, amativeness at eleven, the same size as Joe's.  *  *  *   In 1841, I saw the holy Joe in bed with the widow Fuller, as testified to in the affidavit of Mrs. Shindle, which has been published in the Herald and other papers -- it is very rich -- he attempted Mrs. Shindle, but couldn't come it -- she told him to go over to the widow, it was better picking."

"Miss Matilda Nyman is one of the wild Cyprian saints in the land of Ham; she is tender hearted, affectionate, and kind.  *  *  *   Joe was touched with her infirmaties,  *  *  *   but the waters of the Red Sea can wash clean from all impurity."

"Margaret Nyman, the nymph of the cloistered sisters of consecration, whose is one of the most chaste of the saints, she is chaste in the harem -- she is chaste -- c-h-a-s-e-d, I mean, every where.  *  *  *   The Prophet Joe wished to keep her as a recluse for his own private benefit, but the organ of amativeness was too large, she delighted to live in tall clover.  *  *  *   The following is a part of her examination before the Holy Inquisition: --

Inquisitor. -- Margaret, the Lord has revealed that you have been guilty of illicit intercourse with men; confess, and your fault shall be forgiven; if not, God's curse will fall upon you. Margaret -- I will confess, I am young and once was innocent, but...

Inq. -- Who was the first man deprived you of your virtue? Mar. -- Mr. W____ Inq. -- How came you to yield? Mar. -- He said Joseph approved of it, and I yielded  *  *  *   Inq. -- Any others? Mar. -- Yes Inq. -- Give the next name. Mar. -- You must excuse me. Inq. -- If you do not, you will be cut off from the Church. Mar. -- Mr. B_____. Inq. -- Did he urge the same doctrine? Mar. -- No. Inq. -- How did he accomplish his purpose? Mar. -- We just went at it and asked no questions, for Joseph had approved it. Inq. -- Is there any other? Mar. -- Yes. Inq. -- Name him. Mar. -- It is not necessary, I am under a covenant. Inq. -- You must answer. Joseph directed us to absolve all covenants. Mar. -- I would rather defer it until I can consult the person. Inq. -- Joseph knows all about it, it has been revealed to him by God, and if you do not reveal it, the curse will fall on you; you must tell. Mar. -- It was Joseph. Inq. -- Stand aside, you need not tell that....

The widow Fuller confessed to forty men and beasts, and said she believed Joseph was as pure as the sucking babe.

The widow Miller, amativeness large. (Here followed her examination before the inquisition, similar to the above. She also, was absolved from the covenant, and mentioned the name of Joseph. The Inquisitor said "Stop, -- Joseph is pure and free from sin." "I know," said the widow, "Joseph is pure and free from sin, and only does it to show he is a man as well as a prophet, and to try the faith of the saints.")

The Inquisition. -- The male department consists of the High Council, the President of the Stake of Zion, and twelve priests -- fifteen in all. The female department, of the Lady Emma (Joe's wife) and twelve members of the Relief Society.  *  *  *   This inquisition has power to bind or loose, put up or put down, or destroy any person or thing, from the Lord, and has two hundred Danites to enforce its decrees. Their doctrine is that the Prophet can do no wrong....

The Seraglio. -- The Mormon Seraglio, or female lodge, is composed of three degrees or orders. First the Cyprian Saints; second the Chamber of the Sisters of Charity; third, the Cloistered Consecrated Saints.

The first, the wild Cyprian Saints, as I call them, are such females as are suspected to be of easy virtue by the Sisters of Relief, who have them brought before the Inquisition, unless the Prophet receives them for himself, and are called Cyprian Saints; take the white veil, and are excluded from the Consecratees of the Relief Society, who publish their shame privately, and they become an easy prey to Saints and Gentiles.  *  *  *   They are sought by the Edlers and Priests, whose passions are dark, sensual, devilish.

Second, the Sisters of the Chamber of Charity. This class are females, married or single, who act on the permission of the Prophet, without private marriage. When one of the wild male saints sees a female he fancies, he goes to Joe, and requests him to ask her of the Lord for him, and the answer is always favorable, unless the White Hat Prophet wants her himself, and they are enjoined that it must be kept secret from the Gentiles. They are in favor of the Lord and his Prophet, and all Israel.  *  *  *   The chamber is much larger than the Cyprians; they wear the green veil, and are obedient to the faith as taught by the Prophet. If the Prophet does not wish to monopolize any of them, they are turned over to high priests, elders, &c. ...

Third -- The Consecrates of the cloister -- are set apart to particular individuals by the command of God through his Prophet. They take the black veil and are the most honorable -- the highest order in the harem. When a high priest or scribe conceives a desire for a woman, and she reciprocates, he requires the Prophet to inquire of the Lord if it shall be consummated, which it always is, unless it interfers with the Prophet. They are consecrated by Joe, at the altar, kneeling, who says, "Separately and jointly, before Jesus Christ and the holy priesthood, do you agree to keep this form secret, so that the Gentiles shall not know it, your lives to be the forfeit.  *  *  *   I now consecrate and set you apart as man and wife, and you now agree to love and cherish each other and serve God.  *  *  *   I consecrate you with the holy oil, in the bame of Jesus Christ and his Holy Priesthood."  *  *  *   He pronunces blessings from heaven, and invests them with the blessings of Jacob, -- they rise and embrace, and are covered with a veil, receive an injunction from the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, are parted and leave the cloister.  *  *  *  


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE BENNETT LECTURES. -- We have given portions of two of these affairs, very much against our will, but from a sense of duty, in order to let the community see what disgraceful tirades they are. Have the authorities no power to interfere in this matter, and prevent a repetition of the disgusting statements of Friday night -- and made, too, in a holy place of worship. What, in the name of wonder, are we coming to, if such things are to be tolerated?


Note: Although Editor James G. Bennett occasionally delighted in taking the Mormon side of various issues, he apparently always did so "tongue-in-cheek." His expression of indignation in the above notice probably should not be seen as a pro-LDS statement. Bennett enjoyed pushing and probing the limits of what his readers found acceptable in the public press. Perhaps, in publishing summaries of John C. Bennett's lectures, the incautious editor overstepped his precarious dignity and felt the need to recant the act. No doubt he managed to sell copies of the Herald, no matter whether he came across as the prominent purveyor of indecency or as the dubious defender of social morality.

THE MORMONS. -- No doubt Joe Smith and the Mormons are sad sinners -- yet we must say that we don't believe one half of John Cook Bennett's stories, and those we do believe gives us no great opinion of his morals or talents. We must tell the truth and shame the devil.

---

JOE SMITH. -- A late number of the Quincy Herald represents that Governor Carlin had been fairly whipped out of his attempts to arrest Smith and Rockwell; and adds that the Mormons will not give them up, but fight to the last.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- Cook Bennett is kicking up a row in Boston, and getting into hot water about his very apochraphal disclosures of the doctrines of Joe Smith. In Nauvoo, things look quiet and peaceable -- no trouble -- no fuss -- no revolution. Yesterday we received a variety of documents, letters, and papers, disclosing much news of importance, which we shall give in a day or two.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Late and Important from Nauvoo.

We have received a variety of curious despatches from Nauvoo, the city of the Mormons, giving a full account of the progress of that singular people, under the guidance of Joe Smith, the prophet, and his wife, the very pretty and eloquent Emma Smith.

The attempts that have been recently made to blow up the Mormons, and to carry off their Mahomet, seems to have ended in smoke. The accounts which we give to-day present a very curious exhibition of their progress in the arts of life and civilization. The sun smiles upon them. The letter of Emma Smith, the Prophet's wife, is a most natural and eloquent production:--

                                            City of Nauvoo, Sept. 5, 1842.

Description of Nauvoo -- The Temple -- The Prophet -- Cook Bennett -- Business -- The Ladies of Nauvoo, &c.

James Gordon Bennett --

        Dear Sir:
By perusing your valuable paper I find news from all parts of the world, and as every place of importance in the Union is represented, I think it is strange that among so many aspirants for fame and distinction among the Regents and Faculty of an University who has conferred upon you the honorary degree of L.L.D., none have manifested Cacoethes scribendi to keep you and your readers apprised of the events and occurrences of this new and prosperous city, a city in the wilderness, which by the energy of its founder and its industrious and enterprising citizens, together with the constant rush of emigration, indicates at no distant period, the attainment of the very acme of distinction, notwithstanding the depressed state of finances of our country, the want of a fiscal agent or sub-treasury, and other national measures of relief which some politicians say we want, and others say we do not want. We, glorying in our own potency, march on with firm and measured steps to the goal of earthly happiness, regardless of the clashing and din of political warfare which rages around and about us. By the concentrated efforts of an energetic community, an imposing city is rising in the Western horizon, which soon will vie with your seaboard emporiums, and reflect the glory of the rising Sun from the spires of her Colossal Temples, a monumental record proclaiming to the wise Savans of our National Government, that while they are wrangling in bitter strife for office under the pretence of relieving the people (and do effectually relieve them of the little money, which they have, and which they so much need) here are a class of people dettled promiscuously upon the shores of the upper Mississippi, in the far and uncultivated West, without the benefit of a high tariff or distribution -- without capital -- without credit -- thrown entirely upon their own physical resources, and by their industry and a well directed internal policy, are at this early age of their existence nearly able to dispense with all foreign goods, and be well supplied with all the necessaries and luxuries of Western life, from the labor of their own hands and the products of a rich and fertile soil.

The site of our modern Jerusalem is one of unrivalled beauty. The Mississippi makes a bend here, forming a circle or half moon, upon which the city is being built, in the centre of the half circle -- it is about three quarters of a mile from the shore to the brow of the hill, where the temple is building. The ascent is general and regular from the river to the bluff, presenting a beautiful surface for building and streets. Back of the bluff the surface is gently undulating, with timber near the margin of the river, and extensive prairie in the back ground.

I hope some future day, when you get weary of the turmoil and hustle of the American metropolis, we will find you embarked on the bosom of the majestic Mississippi, directing your course to the city of the Saints, to tarry with them a season -- that this place may receive the benefit of a touch from your glowing pen, for many beauties, indeed, there are in a new and uncultivated country, which can be appreciated by men whose minds are not confined to the morbid sentiment of hoarding up wealth and administering to the vitiated taste of sensuality. The Prophet is again among us, gladdening the hearts of his friends with his presence. On account of some misunderstanding with him and the Governor of Missouri, he deemed it expedient to take a change of venue for a few days, which we all regretted, both Saints and Sinners, fot you must remember that there are sinners here also; although the acknowledgment is a discreditable one here, yet I will confess to you that I am yet a sinner and out of the kingdom after a residence here of six months.

I see that the redoubtable Gen. John C. Bennett has arrived in your city. Does he still sound the clarion to arms, to arms, to put down the Prophet and his mighty hosts? Ah, he is a sorry chap; not much fight, I take it, when there is so much noise before the battle is begun. -- Strange how men can change their opinions so materially in a short time. When the general was here he said Joseph Smith was the greatest philanthropist and the most devout Christian of the age, and was ready to swear to it at any time. The private opinion of one sinner in this place is, that Gen. Bennett, when he was a Saint, was not quite so good as he should have been. In relation to Joseph Smith, I can say that I esteem to be an entertaining and useful citizen -- a warm and devoted friend -- courteous and affable in his intercourse with all -- a bold and high toned declaimer, his speeches being well charged with attic salt and Promethian fire -- his character such a combination of faculties as generally possess the elements of success. In his private character I have never seen anything to condemn, but much to admire, the disclosures of Gen. Bennett to the contrary nothwithstanding.

The public buildings are going up rapidly, the associations for manufacturing and agricultural purposes are flourishing, as also those for benevolent and charitable uses; all present visible evidence of prosperity and success, with one exception, and that the most important of all, the University -- the only evidence of its usefulness that I can find, is the degrees which it has already conferred; perhaps it is on account of the departure of that distinguished scholar, the Chancellor.

The devil was in town last night, and was seen by the police perambulating the streets under suspicious circumstances. They, as good officers, demanded the counter-sign, when he muttered something about wanting to see John C. Bennett, whereupon the officers attempted to arrest him, but he quickly left them in total darkness, leaving a strong stench of brimstone and sulphur behind him. He cannot effect his object now under our new administration.

We have some charming ladies in this city, and when we see them congregated together, clothed in all their loveliness, with their bewitching smiles, casting the darts of Cupid at the unhappy batchelors, we no longer repine for a return to our eastern friends. I dislike to be invidious, but cannot forebear to mention the two Misses J----n's, the Misses A-----d, Miss M-----n, and the intellectual Miss [Snow], whose productions show that her visit to Mount Parnassas was not in vain.

This is generally considered by travellers to be great country for a new one. There is one mooted question here, which remains undecided; that is, whether there is more land on this side of the river than there is on the other side. We have talked of referring the question to Judge Noah's court in your city, when he sets alone on the bench. If you deem this worthy of a place in your columns, more anon.         A GENTILE.

---

WM.  LAW'S  LETTER.      

Jas. Gordon Bennett, Esq.: --

        Dear Sir: --
Permit me to call your attention for a moment from the busy eastern world, to some events which are transpiring in this western portion of our vast republic. Republic! -- yes! -- the mighty God of the universe stretched forth his arm abd made us free. He gave to us a choice land, and from our backs he severed the yoke of bondage. In the day of battle his voice thundered from the heavens -- our fathers heard -- they were like the mighty of old, the terrible were brought to naught, and the chains of tyranny were broken asunder. The cause was a sacred one and was sealed with the blood of thousands. Our religious, our moral, our political and military rights, were involved in the great question, and bravely did the fathers struggle for the future liberty and happiness of the sons. They thought not then of internal strifes to come, of blood, rapine, fire and extermination. They imagined not the Governors would ever drive their own citizens from their States, without indictment or trial by jury, or otherwise; and yet it has been so in Missouri -- a whole religious body, consisting of many thousands, were driven out en masse, by the government. In the mean time having taken away their arms, suffered a ruthless mob to rob them of all they had. And all this, not for any offense against the laws of their country, but that they worshipped God according to the dictates of their own consciences. Did the people at large manifest a just indignation at such an order of things? Did the government department at Washington (when the matter was presented to them) arise and vindicate the laws outraged, and redress the wrongs of their subjects? Did the press, with its seven thunders, peal forth its anathemas upon the heads of Gov. Boggs and his vile coadjutors? Was the voice of pity and compassion raised in behalf of suffering innocence? No! ah, no!

The silence of death reigned throughout the land -- there was none to help. Of all the sons of our patriotic fathers, none were found to deliver a suffering, oppressed, and innocent people. But there was one who heard -- he who rules in the heavens beheld and pitied -- he saw the homeless and the desolate, the widow and the orphan (made such by the base cruelty of Missouri,) wandering across the bleak prairies, their paths stained with blood, which the while oozed from their naked feet, pierced by the sharp prairie stubble.

Their houses and clothing consumed, an exterminating order against them issued by Governor Boggs, and in the hands of the militia to enforce it, they journeyed to reach some other land, where they might dwell in peace. In Illinois they found a place of rest. Three years of toil has given them houses, and many of the comforts of life. Here at last they thought to dwell in safety, but no! Missouri is not yet satisfied with blood, demand after demand is made upon Illinois for a portion of this people upon false pretenses. But a few days since and Ex-Governor Boggs swore that Joseph Smith was accessary to an assault upon his person, with intent to kill, on the night of the 6th of May last, and had fled from the justice of Missouri -- when it can be proved by hundreds that Joseph Smith was in Nauvoo on the 6th of May attending officer drill, and on the 7th reviewed the Nauvoo Legion, in the presence of about twelve thousand persons, some of whom are citizens of Quincy, where Governor Carlin resides, and yet with all these facts before the public, a writ is issued, a band of officers come to Nauvoo to execute it, and a banditti of armed Missourians lay in waiting on the prairie to assist in murdering or carrying Mr. Smith to Missouri, who seeing no safety in going out of the country, claims the right of habaes corpus, under our charter; the writ however is disregarded by the officers, the Governor also disregards it, and our citizens are threatened with the militia of the State. If they do not find and give up Mr. Smith, who, by legal advice, stands a little back till a fair trial can be had.

Under these circumstances, Mrs. Emma Smith writes to the Governor in behalf of her beloved husband, and the citizens at large. I send you a copy of her letter -- it speaks a noble heart, swelling with sentiments of tenderness and grief. Let the affectionate wife and tender mother, in the East, imagine a fond husband driven from her bosom, her little children likely to be made fatherless by the hands of blood, and may be Mrs. Smith will find some warm heart to sympathize with her in this hour of deep affliction.

The whole matter is a religious persecution, an order of things which this Government should not tolerate, should not suffer. Every man of influence should arise and stamp it with indignation; for if such things are approached or winked at, where will they end? No man will be safe in expressing an opinion on any subject whatever, more especially that of religion.

Dear Sir, I trust you will pardon me for intruding upon your time and let me entreat you to use the mighty influence which God has given you, in behalf of innocence oppressed.       Yours respectfully,
                                                Wm. Law.
N. B. -- Ex-Governor Boggs is said to have been shot at, in his own house two hundred and fifty miles from Nauvoo, in Missouri.

IMPORTANT FROM THE MORMONS. -- We have received very curious and important intelligence from Nauvoo. They are contained in a letter from Joe Smith himself, the modern prophet, which is addressed to General James Arlington Bennet, of Arlington House, L. I.; also in a letter addressed by Sidney Rigdon, the postmaster of Nauvoo.

It appears that Joe Smith has not fled from Nauvoo -- he is still in that neighborhood -- but he is hunted and watched by certain persons from Missouri, who intend to catch, carry him off, and spirit him away forever. The prophet is in great tribulation every day, the Lord seems to pay no attention to his prayers.

Sonething very serious may yet grow out of this business in Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From Nauvoo and the Mormons.

We have received the annexed letter for publication, written by his holy scribe and sent by Joe Smith, the prophet of the Mormons, to General J. A. Bennett, of Long Island.

By this pathetic epistle it would seem that Joe is full of tribulation. He has now a capital chance of exercising patience, moral courage, and trust with all his prophetic spirit, and the particular friendship of the Lord, Joe is not able to prophecy at what time he may get rid of his trouble. What has become of the angels who furnished him with the golden plates? Won't they hear his voice -- and put in his hand a flaming sword to frighten away his enemies? The truth is, Joe's wisdom and Joe's prophetic power -- and his consorting with angels, are all very well when there is no opposition -- when satan is lying on his oars -- when that old rascal has no time to trouble the saints. For several years past, Joe has been quietly going ahead in Illinois, on the beautiful banks of the Mississippi, because satan was so busy with the politicians and bankers, that he had no time to look at Joe. At last John Cook Bennett. who is pill-maker for purgatory, reminded satan that Joe Smith was going ahead too fast, and hence the revival of the persecutions against the Mormons.

It won't do any harm. If Joe is a true prophet, he will bruise the old serpent's head and get prosperous again: --


                                                   Nauvoo, September 8, 1842.

Major Gen. Jas. Arlington Bennet, LL. D.
    DEAR SIR: --

I have just received your very consoling letter, dated August 16th, 1842, which is, I think, the first letter you ever addressed to me, in which you speak of the arrival of Dr. Willard Richards, and of his personality very respectfully. In this I rejoice, for I am as warm a friend to Dr. Richards as he possibly can be to me. And in relation to his almost making a "Mormon" of yourself, it puts me in mind of the saying of Paul in his reply to Agrippa, Acts xxvi: 29, "I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." And I will here remark, my dear sir, that "Mormonism" is the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ; of which I myself am not ashamed.

You speak also of Elder Foster, President of the Church in New York, in high terms; and of Dr. Bernhisel, in New York. These men I am acquainted with by information; and it warms my heart to know that you speak well of them, and, as you say, could be willing to associate with them for ever, if you never joined their church or acknowledged their faith. This is a good principle; for when we see virtuous qualities in men, we should always acknowledge them, let their understanding be what it may in relation to creeds and doctrine; for all men are, or ought to be free, possessing unalienable rights, and the high and noble qualifications of the laws of nature and of self-preservation, to think, and act, and say as they please, while they maintain a due respect to the rights and privileges of all other creatures, infringing upon none. This doctrine I do most heartily subscribe to and practice, the testimony of mean men to the contrary notwithstanding. But, sir, I will assure you that my soul soars far above all the mean and groveling dispositions of men that are disposed to abuse me and my character, I therefore shall not dwell upon that subject.

In relation to those men you speak of referred to above, I will only say that there are thousands of such men in this church, who, if a man is found worthy to associate with, will call down the envy of a mean world, because of their high and noble demeanor; and it is with unspeakable delight that I contemplate them as my friends and brethren. I love them with a perfect love; and I hope they love me, and have no reason to doubt that they do.

The next in consideration is John C. Bennett. I was his friend; I am yet his friend, as I feel myself bound to be a friend to all the sons of Adam. Whether they are just or unjust, they have a degree of my compassion and sympathy. If he is my enemy, it is his own fault; and the responsibility rests upon his own head; and instead of arraigning his character before you, suffice it to say that his own conduct, wherever he goes, will be sufficient to recommend him to an enlightened public, whether for a bad man or a good one. Therefore whosoever will associate themselves with him, may be assured that I will not persecute them; but I do not wish their association, and what I have said may suffice on that subject, so far as his character is concerned.

Now, in relation to his book that he may write. I will venture to prophesy that whoever has any hand in the matter, will find themselves in a poor fix in relation to the money matters. And as to my having any fears of the influence that he or any other man or set of men may have against me, or any other man or set of men may have, is the most foreign from my heart, for I never knew what it was, as yet, to fear the face of clay, or the influence of man. My fear, sir, is before God. I fear to offend him, and strive to keep his commandments. I am really glad that you did not join John C. [Bennett] in relation to his book, from the assurances which I have that it will prove a curse to all those who touch it.

[The following paragraph -- in the original -- was not published in the Herald version of this letter: "In relation to the honor that you speak of, both for yourself and James Gordon Bennett, of the Herald, you are both strangers to me; and as John C. Bennett kept all his letters which he received from you entirely to himself, and there was no correspondence between you and me, that I know of, I had no opportunity to share very largely in the getting up of any of those matters. I could not, as I had not sufficient knowledge to enable me to do so. The whole, therefore, was at the instigation of John C. Bennett, and a quiet submission on the part of the rest, out of the best of feelings; but as for myself, it was all done at a time when I was overwhelmed with a great many business cares, as well as the care of all the churches, must be excused, therefore, for any wrongs that may have taken place in relation to this matter; and so far as I obtain a knowledge of that which is right, it shall meet with my hearty approval."

I feel to tender you my most hearty and sincere thanks for every expression of kindness you have tendered towards me or my brethren, and would beg the privilege of obtruding myself a little while upon your patience, in offering a short relation of my circumstances. I am at this time persecuted the worst of any man on the earth, as well as this people, here in this place, and all our sacred rights are trampled under the feet of the mob. I am now hunted as an hart by the mob, under the pretense or shadow of law, to cover their abominable deeds. An unhallowed demand has been made from the Governor of Missouri on oath of Gov. Boggs, that I made an attempt to assassinate him, on the night of the 6th of May, when on that day I was attending the officers drill and answered to my name when the role was called. And on the seventh, it is well known by the thousands that assembled here in Nauvoo, that I was at my post in reviewing the Nauvoo Legion in the presence of twelve thousand people; and the Governor of the State of Illinois, notwithstanding his being> knowen to all these facts, yet he immediately granted a writ, and by an unhallowed usurpation, has taken away our chartered rights, and denied the right of habeas corpus; and has now about thirty of the most blood-thirsty kind of men in this place in search for me, threatening death, and destruction, and extermination upon all the Mormons; and searching my house almost continually from day to day, menacing, and threatening, and intimidating an innocent wife and children; and insulting them in a most diabolical manner, threatening their lives &c, If I am not to be found; with a gang of Missourians with them, saying, they will have me dead or alive, and if alive, they will carry me to Missouri in chains; and when there, they will kill me at all hazards. And all this is backed up and urged on, by the Governor of this State, with all the rage of a demon, putting at defiance the constitution of this State, our chartered rights, and the constitution of the United States; for not as yet, have they done one thing that was in accordance to them. While all the citizens of this city, en masse, have petitioned the Governor with remonstrances, and overtures that would have melted the heart of an adamantine to no effect. And at the same time, if any of us open our mouths to plead our own cause, in the [defiance] of law and justice we are instantly threatened with militia and extermination Great God! when shall the oppressor cease to prey and glut itself upon innocent blood. Where is patriotism? Where is liberty? Where is the boast of this proud, and haughty nation? Oh, humanity! where has thou fled? Hast thou fled for ever.

I now appeal to you, sir, inasmuch as you have subscribed yourself our friend; will you lift your voice and your arm with indignation against such unhallowed oppression? I must say, Sir, that my bosom swells with unutterable anguish when I contemplate the scenes of horror that we have passed through in the State of Missouri; and then look, and behold, and see the storm and cloud gathering ten times blacker, ready to burst upon the heads of this innocent people. ["Would to God that I were able to throw off the yoke." -- in original] Shall we bow down and be slaves? Is there no friends of humanity, in a nation that boasts itself so much? Will not the nation rise up and defend us -- if they will not defend us, will they not grant to lend a voice of indignation against such unhallowed oppression? -- Must the tens of thousands bow down to slavery and degradation? Let the pride of the nation arise and wrench those shackles from the feet of their fellow citizens, and their quiet, and peaceable, and innocent and loyal subjects. But I must forbear, for I cannot express my feelings. The Legion would all willingly die in the defense of their rights; but what would this accomplish? I have kept down their indignation, and kept a quiet submission on all hands, and am determined to do so at all hazards. Our enemies shall not have it to say that we rebel against government or commit treason, however much they may lift their hands in oppression and tyranny, when it comes in the form of government we tamely submit, although it lead us to the slaughter and to beggary; but our blood be upon their garments. And those who look tamely on and boast of patriotism shall not be without their condemnation. And if men are such fools as to let once the precedent be established, and through their prejudices give assent to such abominations, then let the oppressor's hand lie heavily throughout the world, until all flesh shall feel it together, and until they may know that the Almighty takes cognizance of such things; and then shall church rise up against church, and party against party, mob against mob, oppressor against oppressor, army against army, kingdom against kingdom, and people against people, and kindred against kindred. And where, sir, will be your safety or the safety of your children; if my children can be led to the slaughter with impunity by the hand of murderous rebels, will they not lead yours to the slaughter with the same impunity? Ought not, then, this oppression, sir, to be checked in the bud, and to be looked down with just indignation by an enlightened world, before the flame become unextinguishable, and the fire devours the stubble?

But again I say I must forbear, and leave this painful subject. I wish you would write to me in answer to this, and let me know your views. On my part, I am ready to be offered up a sacrifice in that way that can bring to pass the greatest benefit and good to those who must necessarily be interested in this important matter. I would to God that you could know all my feelings on this subject, and the real facts in relation to this people, and their unrelenting persecution. And if any man feels an interest in the welfare of their fellow-beings, and would think of saying or doing anything in this matter, I would suggest the propriety of a committee of wise men being sent to ascertain the justice or injustice of our cause, to get in possession of all the facts, and then make report to an enlightened world whether we, individually or collectively, are deserving such high-handed treatment.

[The following paragraph -- in the original -- was not published in the Herald version of this letter: "In relation to the books that you sent here, John C. Bennett put them into my store, to be sold on commission, saying that, when I was able, the money must be remitted to yourself. Nothing was said about any consecration to the Temple. Another calamity has befallen us. Our post office in this place is exceedingly corrupt. It is with great difficulty that we can get our letters to or from our friends. Our papers that we send to our subscribers are embezzled and burned, or wasted. We get no money from our subscribers, and very little information from abroad; and what little we do get, we get by private means, in consequence of these things: and I am sorry to say, that this robbing of the post office of money was carried on by John C. Bennett; and since he left here, it is carried on by the means of his confederates.

I now subscribe myself your friend, and a patriot and lover of my country, pleading at their feet for protection and deliverance, by the justice of their constitutions.

I add no more. Your most obedient servant,
                                             JOSEPH SMITH.


Note: The colored insertions into the text come from LDS sources, which preserved the whole letter, and not just the edited version published in the New York Herald.

THE MORMONS. -- Dr. Cook Bennett has published, in Boston, his brochure containing the exposures of the Mormons, illustrated with engravings. This book may be classed under the obscene and licentious in the highest degree -- neither can we believe half the filthy things it contains. It utterly disgraces its publisher.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons.

ARLINGTON HOUSE, Oct. 16, 1842.      

GEN. J. G. BENNETT --
    SIR:--
Some time since, I addressed a letter to Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, in answer to a letter of his, introducing to my "kind attention" a friend of his from the Holy City of Nauvoo. In this letter I expressed my regret that the quarrel between him and John C. Bennett should have at all found its way to the public eye, this being the sole cause of placing him in his present awkward situation. I likewise commiserated with him his affliction, and signed myself, at the conclusion of my letter, as his friend, which I really am, and the friend of all, good Mormons, as well as other good men.-Why should I not be Joseph Smith's friend? He has done nothing to injure me, nor do I believe he has done any thing to injure ex-Governor Boggs of Missouri. The Governor, no doubt, under strong feelings, may have thought and believed that Smith, had preconcerted the plan for his assassination; but there is no legal evidence whatever of that fact. None by which an unprejudiced jury would convict any man, yet to send this man into Missouri, under the present requisition, would be an act of great injustice, as his ruin would be certain. How could any man, against whom there is a bitter religious prejudice, escape ruin, being in the circumstances of Smith? Look at the history of past ages -- see the force of fanaticism and bigotry in bringing to the stake some of the best of men; and in all these cases the persecutors had their pretexts, as well as in the case of the Mormon chief. Nothing follows its victim with such deadly aim as religious zeal, and therefore nothing should be so much guarded against by the civil power.

Smith, I conceive, has just as good a right to establish a church, if he can do it, as Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Fox, of even King Henry the Eighth. All these chiefs in religion had their opponents, and their people their persecutors. Henry the Eighth was excommunicated, body and bones, soul and all, buy his Holiness the Pope; still the Church of England has lived, as well as all the other sects. Just so it will be with the Mormons. They may kill one Prophet, and confine in chains half his followers, but another will take his place, and the Mormons will still go ahead.

One of their Elders said to me, when conversing on this subject, that they were like a mustard plant-"If you don't disturb it, the seed will fall and multiply; and if you kick it about, you only give the seed more soil, and it will multiply the more." Undertake to convince them that they are wrong, and that Smith is an impostor, and the answer is, laying the hand on the heart -- "I know in my own soul that it is true, and want no better evidence. I feel happy in my faith, and why should I be disturbed?" Now I cannot see but what this is the sentiment that governs all religiously disposed persons, their object being heaven and happiness, no matter what their church or their creed. They therefore cannot be put down while the constitution of the United States offers them protection, in common with all other sects, and while they believe that their eternal salvation is at stake. From what I know of the people, I fully believe that all the really sincere Mormons would die sooner than abandon their faith and religion.

Gen. J. C. Bennett has stated that, to conquer the Mormon Legion it would require five to one against them, all things taken into consideration, and that they will die to a man sooner than give up their Prophet. Now, is the arrest of this man worth such a sacrifice of life as must necessarily follow an open war with his people? The loss of from one to three thousand lives will no doubt follow in an attempt to accomplish an object not in the end worth a button.

Persecute them, and you are sure to multiply them. This is fully proved since the Missouri persecution, as, since that affair, they have increased one hundred fold.

It is the best policy, both of Missouri and Illinois, to let them alone; for if they are drove farther west they may set up an independent government, under which they can worship the Almighty as may suit their taste. Indeed I would recommend to the Prophet to pull up stakes and take possession of the Oregon territory in his own right, and establish an independent empire. In one hundred years from this time, no nation on earth could conquer such a people. Let not the history of David be forgotten. If the Prophet Joseph would do this, millions would flock to his standard and join his cause. He could then make his own laws by the voice of revelation, and have them executed like the act of one man.

With respect to myself, I would just repeat that I am the Prophet's friend, and the friend of his people, merely from sympathy, as my ram has ever been lifted on the side of the persecuted and oppressed. I have never in my life followed the fat ox, nor bowed for a favor on my own account to mortal man. While I despise the purse-proud man, I am proud to the proud man and humble to the humble, and, where men were contending, have ever thrown myself on the weakest side.

By inserting this communication, it is presumed that no one will hold the Herald responsible for the sentiments it contains; yet I have no doubt that there are thousands of independent liberal minded men in this country who think as I do.

Neither the Mormon Prophet nor his people can add anything to my fortune or reputation. I expect nothing from them-they are a poor and industrious people, and have nothing to give. I am influenced in my conduct towards them by a spirit of benevolence and mercy, and hope the Governor and State of Illinois will act in like manner. It is true I was commissioned in their legion, through the instrumentality of their enemy, General J. C. Bennett, an act entirely of their own, without my agency; but I was as much their friend before as since. The Missouri persecution fixed my attention and commiseration on the people.

It must be recollected, too, that the Mormon Prophet and his people are the most ardent friends and promoters of literature and science. These are elementary principles in their social system, and this, certainly, is contrary to every thing like despotism.

I hope, therefore, and with great deference express that hope that Ex-Governor Boggs will withdraw his demand for the Prophet, and let these poor people rest in peace. Both he and Governor Carlin will feel much more at peace with themselves by quashing the whole proceeding.

Most respectfully, your humble servant,
                                        JAMES ARLINGTON BENNET,
                                        Counselor at Law, &c.



Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Expose,

Dr. J. G. Bennett --
          Sir: --

In Dr. John C. Bennett's new work on Mormonism, he has published two letters to me, one from Sidney Rigdon, Esq., Post Master at Nauvoo, and the other from General Robinson of that city, son-in-law of the Post Master. This communication is first to say, that both these letters have been published without my consent. The letter from General Robinson, came to me in a package of eight letters for General J. C. Bennett, was opened in his presence, and he appeared to claim it as his -- whereas, the letter from Mr. Rigdon I received long before the great Nauvoo explosion, which blew down a most splendid house that I was erecting one night in a Mormon dream. I think, on the whole, the General's book will do the Mormon cause more good than any thing that has as yet appeared on this subject. It makes Mormonism to me so fascinating, that I am sure, if I don't set up on my own hook, I shall join the Prophet's standard before long.
                         Yours, &c. &c.,
                                      James Arlington Bennet.
                   Arlington House, Oct. 29, 1842.


Note: James A. Bennet was reportedly baptized by Brigham Young, on a beach of the Atlantic Ocean, but Bennet later repudiated the event as a sort of joke upon Brigham. According to Elder Lyndon Cook's 1980 book, The Words of Joseph Smith, James A. Bennet's baptism as an LDS came in 1843.

N a u v o o.
(Correspondence of the Herald.)

                                         CITY OF NAUVOO, Oct. 22, 1842.
Affairs among the Mormons -- The Prophet's Cause -- His Disappearance --
Emma Smith -- Business -- Amusements -- Young Ladies of Nauvoo -- Medical.

JAMES GORDON BENNETT, L.L.D.

DEAR SIR: --
      The representatives of two great nations have effected a treaty -- Lord Ashburton has returned to his dear old England -- all is peace -- all is harmony. -- The comity of nations remains unviolated, and the text of Vattel and Puffendorf have, we hope, been strictly adherred to. If, in doing honor to her Majesty's Ambassador, dishonor has been done to our President, we, of the far west, should regret it very much, if we could believe that the actors at the Ashburton dinner were true specimens of American gentlemen, possessed of American feeling. As it is, we can suppress our resentment and be satisfied with the explanation of a wag, who said, the reason the toast to the President was drank sitting was that the company were not able to stand....

The framers of the constitution could not have intended that any charge, made by any vagrant, for any motive, would be sufficient to justify one executive to demand and another to deliver up. They could only have intended that the charge should be made by a responsible person, that he should have good cause for believing what he swore to, that there should be circumstances corroberating and strengthening his allegations, and the fact notoriously known that the person charged had fled from justice.

Now, sir, Joseph Smith is demanded by the Governor of Missouri; that demand is predicated upon an affidavit made by Lilburn W. Boggs, alleging that one, P. O. [sic] Rockwell committed upon him an assault with intent to kill, on the night of the sixth of May last, and that Joseph Smith was accessary before the fact, and that he, Joseph Smith, had fled the justice of said State. Now it is a fact well known to thousands that he was here at home at the time specified in the affidavit and that he has not been to Missouri for two years. He therefore could not have committed any crime against the laws of Missouri, but still he is demanded -- a writ is issued by Gov. Carlin of Illinois for his arrest, and he is now hunted as the tiger hunts his prey. The question is asked by some, "If he is innocent, why not give himself up?" The reply to that is, "That if he were to be taken to Missouri, his life would be in danger from violence, not that the law would condemn him when there -- but that his old bitter enemies would visit upon his head the vengeance due to their own crimes." It is said also by some, "Let him suffer the arrest, and sue out a writ of habeas corpus, and have the writ legally tested." Can he go behind the affidavit, and prove beyond the possibility of a doubt the fallacy of the charge!" The law says, "on a writ of habeas corpus, the legality of the writ only can be inquired into, and not the guilt or innocence of the prisoner." Now these are stern rules, and if there are no exceptions to these rules, then our laws are no better adapted to our circumstances than the ancient laws of the Medes and Persians would be.

Suppose, sir, that Cook Bennett should be rode out of New York on a rail and kicked over the Alleganies, and he should land in the State of Illinois, he would surely want to punish somebody; he then should sit down and make an affidavit, solemnly declaring that Col. Webb of the regular army, did on a certain day, in the county of Hancock, and State of Illinois, with malice prepense, without having the fear of God before his eyes, kill, destroy, and take the life of one Maria Monk, a particular friend of the said Cook Bennett, and that the said Col. Wedd has fled the justice of the State. The affidavit is put into the hands of Cov, Carlin -- he makes a demand upon Gov. Seward for the fugitive from justice -- Gov. Seward issues his warrant -- the Colonel is arrested for the murder of Maria Monk -- the Colonel is a little frightened -- "But ah!" says he, "I will have a writ of habeas corpus -- I will prove an alibi" -- the writ is issued -- the prisoner brought before Judge Kent -- the Judge examines the papers, knits his brows, commands silence, and asks the prisoner what he proposes to do: "I propose," says the Colonel, "to prove an alibi," and calls on a witness. "Stop, stop; silence!" roars out the court; "you can't go behind the record" -- the Colonel is on his beam's end -- he says, "Why, why, may it please the Court, I can prove that on the very day mentioned in the affidavit I was in the State of Delaware, along Naeman's Creek, shooting at Tom Marshall' I was wounded in the leg" -- the court decides the writ is legal and executed according to law, and commands the prisoner removed.

Now, Sir, the case is a hypothetical one, but perfectly analogous to the one of Joseph Smith, and I do say that the doctrine of personal security is all a farce; it only exists in the imagination, as long as such persons as Cook Bennett, Maria Monk, and J. M. Botts, are credited, and the stern inflexible rules of law adhered to in such cases.

The Prophet is absent at present on account of the oppressive arm of Missouri held in terrorum over his head. Mrs. Emma, the highly gifted and accomplished wife of the Prophet, has been very ill, but is now convalescent; her returning health is hailed with unspeakable joy by a very large circle of warm and admiring friends, and he who is in exile must receive the unwelcome tidings with that feeling which can be felt only by a fond and doting husband.

The weather is delightful, the atmosphere pure and bracing; the ladies, Lord bless them, are enjoying the fine southern breeze, some on horseback, others in carriages, laughing and chattering along the street with all the appearance of unqualified happiness. The two Miss I____n's ride very gracefully on horseback, which all would expect who had seen their sylph-like forms and sweet animated countenances. I am told one of them plays elegantly on the piano. I could not do justice to the merits of many of our young ladies if I were to attempt it. The mentioning of the names of some must suffice. The amiable Miss M____s, Miss W_____y, Miss S______s, the Miss R______s, all beautiful, interesting, and intelligent, prospects fair for the candidates for matrimony -- very fair for a new country.

The emigrants are still coming in, and improvements going on with rapid strides. The season has been quite a healthy one. Fevers have been somewhat prevalent, but very few that have proved fatal. -- We have a physician here, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who, to use his own phrase, always straightens them out whenever he is called. It has been maliciously intimated that he must possess magic, which renders him so successful, as he is never known to have any other kind of medicine but calomel and Dover's powders; but I expect that is a libel on his medicine chest.
                                       A GENTILE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

IMPORTANT FROM ILLINOIS -- ARREST OF JOE SMITH THE MORMON. -- We annex the following interesting account of the case of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet: --

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Jan. 4, 184[3].      

DEAR BENNETT: --

As you have no correspondent at this place, and as I am here for a few days, I thought I would let you know what was going on at the capital of Illinois. The Legislature is now in session, and probably will be until the first of March next.

This has been a memorable for the city of the Prairies, on account of the public exhibition of the great lion of the day, the "Holy Prophet, Joe Smith." It will be remembered that the Governor of Missouri last summer demanded of the Governor of Illinois the body of the Prophet, and O. P. Rockwell, as fugitives from the justice of the State of Missouri, whereupon Governor Carlin issued his warrant to arrest the said Joseph Smith and Rockwell; and as you know he prophesied that he should be absent, and it was so; and by some manner of means the aforesaid writ was destroyed, and the matter forgotten, or nearly so -- when, lo! on last Saturday, the 31st of December, 1842, about the time of the "powerful king of the day," a shout was heard -- "they are coming." "Who is coming?" "The Prophet Joe Smith, and his Nauvoo Legion." With this news I joined the crowd and found that a body guard of about forty tall, handsome and athletic men, "armed to the hilt," with bright muskets and brighter bayonets, were slowly and solemnly escorting their chief into the capital of our State. They marched slowly, but steadily , into our city, and took lodgings at one of our principal hotels. After a hearty breakfast he, the Prophet, was escorted to the "American House," (the boarding-house of Gov. Ford,) and requested an interview, for the purpose of being arrested. Governor Ford immediately issued a writ for his arrest, and also for his safe deliverance to the Governor of Missouri.

All were astounded at the course of the Prophet in giving himself up, knowing full well that if the Missourians got hold of him he would be gibbeted. Bystanders began to murmur advice, and almost remonstrated against such a course on the part of "His Hioliness."

He was immediately arrested by the High Sheriff of the county, who was about taking him to prison, when he was re-taken by a writ of habeas corpus, and brought before his Honor Judge Pope, U.S. District Court, now in session, and the Court after some consultation, appointed this day for hearing the counsel for the prisoner.

At an early hour I repaired to the court room for the purpose of securing a seat, and at half after eight o'clock, A.M., I turned my eye towards the door, and I saw a tall, swarthy, keen-eyed, dark-skinned daring looking person enter, wearing a red scarf about his neck, and muffled in a black cloak. This is the body guard, or perhaps the private secretary of the Prophet. He walked solemnly into the Court-room, followed by the "great Prophet of the day," and about twenty others, who, with the utmost solemnity and dignity, came forward and took their seats. Then came the crowd -- men, boys, cripples, rich, poor, religious, irreligious, deacons, class-leaders, parsons, lawyers, politicians, judges, jurors, legislators and ladies -- all to see the great lion of the day. "Which is he?" "Which is Joe Smith?" -- "is it that big man?" "What a sharp nose." "Isn't he a pleasant looking fellow?" says one -- "he is too smiling for a prophet?" The Court is called. How I do envy the Judge -- there is six ladies on his right hand, within the bar, and seven on his left. Miss P. looks beautiful -- Mrs. L., lately married, as charming as ever -- Mrs. M., wife of the President of S. Bank, the same amiable, tender-hearted and lovely creature. Mrs. T. also looking better than common, and the beautiful little Miss R., just in her teens, besides many others.

The prophet is a large portly and fine looking man, six feet without shoes, looks about 40 or 42, and weighs 220 pounds, eyes light blue, approaching to grey -- light brown hair, peaked nose, large head. I think a very little self-esteem, but more of the intellectual than the animal -- dressed in box coat, black, blue dress coat and pants, black silk velvet vest, white cravat, a large gold ring on the finger next to the little one of his left hand, a black cane, and wears a continual smile on his countenance. Many persons came in and spoke to him before the court was in session, to which he merely bowed recognition -- until Judge Douglas walked into the room, when the tall, dark skinned man, in a very dignified manner, arose, made a low bow, and resumed his seat; also did the Prophet and the guard.

"The counsel will proceed in the case of the People vs. J. Smith." J. Lamborn, Esq. opened the cause on the part of the people, and was followed by Mr. Edwards, one of the counsel for the prisoner, who acquitted himself with much credit. He was followed by Mr. Butterfield, the other counsel for the Prophet, who showed up the papers in the cause in the most ridiculous light. The case is put over for decision to-morrow. He will be released under the writ -- and this is the secret of his giving himself up. He is too smart to be caught in the Boggs.

The grounds of discharge is, that Boggs alleges that Smith was only accessary before the fact, and is not a fugitive -- that is, he did not flee the State of Missouri; therefore Missouri can never get his body legally. W.


Note: See the illustration and similar description of Smith (possibly by this same Springfield correspondent -- Benjamin West?) which appeared in the Philadelphia newspaper, Alexander's Express Messenger for July 24, 1844. The July report and description was evidently reprinted in a Boston paper, a few weeks later.