M O R M O N I S M.

The Mormonites have found a resting place in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, whence we have received the prospectus of a newspaper from W. W. Phelps, formerly of the Ontario Phenix. We make a few extracts for the singularity of the thing.

(view W. W. Phelps' "Prospectus"

It is painful to see intelligent men carried away with strange conceits. The belief of the book of Mormon is one of the strangest superstitions of the present day. Greater have been, and perhaps now are. The folly of Freemasonry divine, surpasses it in the egregiousness of the imposition practised by or upon the most intelligent and well informed minds. The delusion of the false prophet, and the gift of unknown tongues, and of the St. Simonites in France, seem to be all of the same character with this, now taking up its abode in Jackson County, Missouri. --   N. Y. Whig


Notes: The same set of extracts and comments were also published by the Painesville Telegraph on Apr. 17, 1832.

(From the New Bedford Gazette.)

Money Digging. -- A few days since, three young men on the south side of Martha's Vinyard, were engaged in laboring in a field which was once an orchard, -- two of them ploughing, and the other picking up stones at a distance. As the plough passed over a certain part of the land, the plough share started up two or three pieces of silver coin, which was hastily snatched up by the holder and put in his pocket. His companion, observing him stoop and pick up something, and when the plough went over the spot again, seeing him repeat the movement, he desired to change situations with him. This was done and he too reaped his crop; when each finding that the other was master of the secret, they proposed a manoeavre to get rid of the third person, so that they could divide the spoil without his coming in for a share. They therefore declared it best to leave off work that forenoon, as it was nearly twelve o'clock -- which was readily acquiessed in. What they obstained no one can exactly state -- but it is believed not far from two or three thousand dollars, which had been originally buried in a bag (ascertained by pieces of the cloth adhering to some of the coin) were excavated. This was divided between the two; leaving the man in the field with them, (who was no less a personage than our good friend Jones, well known as the author of Haverhill) to attest the truth of the old adage --

"He who by the plough would thrive,
Must either hold himself or drive."
Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism in the far West. -- The Pioneer printed at Rock Spring, Illinois, under date of April 26th, contains a long account of that modern sect of fanaticks, the Mormonites. Making due allowance for the editor of the Pioneer, for it is evident that he is an alarmist, there is no doubt that Mormonism is rapidly spreading in certain districts. He states that there are now between 2 and 300 Mormon preachers in the field; that so far as they preach from our Bible, their doctrine is sound; that they maintain with great force the truth of their new Bible, (the book of Mormon) they rail against missionaries, and preachers of the gospel who work for pay -- and positively affirm that the present generation will not pass away, before all the human family who do not obey God, will be destroyed, and Mount Zion in America (on the western borders of Missouri,) and Jerusalem in Palestine, are gathering together. The government of the new ecclesiastical combination, is thoroughly despicable. It assumes to control property, personal service, and the mind. Several thousands in Missouri, and Illinois, have already adopted the Mormon creed. In Jackson co., Missouri, there are one thousand. -- Cincinnati Chronicle.


Note 1: Dr. John M. Peck's Rock Spring Pioneer later became the Louisville Western Pioneer and Baptist Standard-Bearer. The issue of April 26, 1833 is not extant, but a series of articles Peck ran on the Mormons that same year may be partly preserved in reprints in other newspapers. One Pioneer article on the Mormons (from May 1832) was preserved in the pages of the Painesville Telegraph; another (from March 1835) may be found reprinted in the Exter, NH, Christian Journal.

Note 2: In an early June, 1839 issue of the Western Pioneer and Baptist Standard-Bearer, Dr. Peck says: "It is evident -- and that we published in 1833, and again in 1835 -- that Solomon Spaulding wrote the main portion of the Book of Mormon as a wild, historical romance; but portions of that book were written by Cowdery, or some of Joe Smith's cronies.... In 1833 we wrote a series of articles, which were published [in] a little tract, at our own expense, and circulated in Illinois to expose the delusions of Mormonism..." This Peck pamphlet -- which evidently predated E. D. Howe's 1834 anti-Mormon book -- has not survived in any known collection of early Mormon related publications. See also Peck's 1852 article on the Mormons.

Key to the Revelation -- The Messrs. Harpers have just published, in a single * mo. of 400 pages, a work upon this deeply interesting portion of the Scriptures. It is from the Rev. Ethan Smith, of Boston, and is embraced in thirty-six Lectures. It comes fortified with commendations from distinguished Clergymen of various denominations, who speak of it as a work of great research, and conveying correct illustrations of the symbolic language of a prophecy. -- Albany Journal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

NEW PAPER. -- Col. David C. Miller, of Batavia, gives notice through the Batavia Times, that "soon after the Election, he intends to issue a Prospectus for publishing a Journal each week, to be devoted to the interests of the producing classes of the citizens of Genesee. It will be addressed to the liberal of all parties. -- To be entitled the 'Genesee Enquirer.'" Col. Miller is an experienced editor, and he is 'rather notoriously known' as one of the producers of the antimasonic excitement.


Note: So far as can be ascertained, David. C. Miller never started such a paper -- though some temporary, electioneering sheets came and went throughout western New York in those days, without leaving many traces.

      From the Albany Journal.

CIVIL  WAR  IN  MISSOURI.

The people of Jackson county are using the torch, the sword, and the musket, against the Mormonites. On the 31st of October, a mob of 50 persons attacked and demolished 12 of the Mormon dwellings, beat the inmates, and drove women and children into the woods. On the 1st of Nov. the war re-commenced, both parties using fire arms. On the 5th, the mob recommence[d] the assault about 300 strong. Several of the assailants were badly wounded and three of them killed. Among the latter was an Attorney named H. L. Breazeale. Subsequently there was another battle, in which several were killed on both sides. One of the Mormon worshippers gives an account of the affair in a St. Louis paper, concluding as follows:

"I am satisfied that it is useless to undertake to enforce the laws in that country under the present circumstances, because there is no one to enforce them. Every officer, civil and military, with one or two exceptions, is either directly or indirectly engaged in the mob.

"Under these painful circumstances, what remains to be done? Must we be driven from our homes? Must we leave the soil for which we have paid our money? Must our women and children be turned out of doors with nothing but the clouded canopy to cover them and the perpetrators of the above crimes escape unpunished? Or must we fight our enemies three to one, or lie down and die and our names be blotted out from among men? Let the Executive of our State and nation consider these questions; and if they will answer them in the negative, let them signify it by raising the helping hand. Again, I ask in behalf of my brethren, will not the Governor or President lend a helping hand in this dreadful extremity? Shall the cries of the innocent and distressed, salute the ears of the Executive in vain? God forbid! For while the constitution of the United States, which was given by the inspiration of Almighty God through the instrumentality of our fathers, shall stand, I trust that those who are honored with the Executive, will see that the laws are magnified and made honorable. Perhaps some of my friends, on reading this letter, will be ready to ask me what I think of my religion now? I have no reply, other than this: Paul said, "He that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Editors throughout the United States, are requested to publish this letter, if they are willing to confer a favour upon those who are journeying through much tribulation.

I am, sirs, though a stranger, your friend and humble servant.     ORSAN HYDE. [sic]


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism Exploded, -- The Book of Mormon, it has been ascertained by Doct. Hurlbert, of Kirtland, Ohio, was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased, designed to be published as a romance. The religious character of the work is supposed to have been superadded by the notorious Rigdon.


Notes: (forthcoming)

      From the Baltimore American.

A particular account of the last Mormon campaign in Missouri, is given in the Western papers. The belligerents seem to have been mutually exasperated, and to have approached very near to a general and bloody battle. The numbers engaged in the contest on both sides are much larger than we had supposed. The Mormons assembled late in June, in Clay county, (Mo.) and were reinforced by parties principally from Ohio, until they mustered from 800 to 1000 men, armed with "guns, tomahawks, knives, and from two to four braces of pistols each." Their design was to cross the river and take possession of Jackson county -- the 'Zion,' as they term it, of their faith. Their leader, the prophet Jo Smith, promised them to "raise again" all who should be slain in fighting the battle for the possession of this Holy Land. The Jackson county people were equally determined to resist the passage of the river, at all hazards. A letter from a person on the spot, published in Maysville, Ky, says that Jackson County raised 900, and Lafayette 400, and that several hundred more were ready to come at a moment's warning. The feeling of the people may be conjectured from the expression of opinion in the letters quoted, that had the Mormons attempted to cross the river, not one of them would have been "left to tell the tale." "No quarter would have been given, and we could have killed most of them before they got across the river."

There were some attempts at negotiation. The Jackson county people offered to buy all the lands of the Mormons at a double price -- which was refused. The invaders professed peaceful intentions and a desire only to take quiet possession of their own lands -- professions which appear to have got a credit.

In the end, however, they desisted from the enterprise, and postponed the crusade for the possession of their "Zion," for fifty or a hundred years. They will take up their intermediate residence somewhere else; and thus the battle, which must have been obstinate and very bloody, was avoided.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ANOTHER  TESTIMONY.

JOURNEYING TO THE PROMISED LAND. -- There has been a very general breaking up of Joe Smith's tribe at Kirtland, some 60 wagon loads having made a move to Missouri in one caravan. Like the journeying Israelites, they pitched their tents at night, depending on the 'heathen' for food. The Mormons will find but little "milk and honey" in Missouri.


Note: This news item refers to the "Kirtland Camp" of Joseph Smith loyalists, who followed their fleeing prophet to Far West, Missouri during the summer of 1838.

From the St. Louis Gazette, Aug. 15.

From a correspondent of the Gazette we obtain the following information with regard to the Mormons, who are settled in the interior of the state:--

"I find a rumor of apprehended disturbances with the Mormons. They, as you know, occupy Caldwell county exclusively. It seems that one of their number was, on the day of election, in Daviess county, and at the polls got embroiled in a difficulty, that ended in his death. It is said that some of the Mormons have been maltreated by their own body, and have spread their complaints into neighboring counties.

It is said, also, that it is difficult to collect debts among them; and that the officers have been put in duress who have endeavored to make collections. It is said, also, that some persons, who have come among them, have been forced to sign obligations in regard to the purchase of lands, the nature of which, however, if the attempt ever has been made, I have not learned.

Whether all or any of these causes have led to the difficulties which are apprehended, I cannot pretend to say. There is no doubt, at any rate, that some alarm and expectation of collision prevails in adjoining counties. Joe Smith, it is said, brags of his force -- setting them at something like 1200 able-bodied men. They polled only 353; but no doubt large additions have been made to their number within a year, who of course are not yet qualified voters.

One fact is, that Joe had taken himself a young girl to wife, and promised his followers that of his lineage there should be a son, who should be to them prophet, priest, and king. Unluckily, however, the priest and king turned out to be a female. But I suppose the faithful will receive her as pythoness and queen, and nursing mother in the church.

The Mormons are in expectation of fresh recruits from the East -- and I observe a statement in the newspapers, that 500 are on their way to the land of Canaan, which they expect to occupy, after turning out the heathen who now cumber the ground there.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The people composing this sect seem to get into trouble wherever they go. Their present location is in Missouri, and in a Western paper we learn the following particulars respecting them:

We learn from a late number of the St. Louis Republican that there exists considerable excitement in the upper part of Missouri, in consequence of the Mormons having again "raised their Ebenezer" in Jackson county. It appears from the proceedings of a public meeting of the citizens, that about eight years since these fanatics were driven from that country, as it is alleged "for improper conduct," and that they took refuge in Clay county, the good people of which looked upon them as the victims of religious persecution, and extended to them hospitality and protection. Experience, however, ere long demonstrated the impracticality of their "dwelling together in unity [sic]" with their benefactors, and they were expelled from Clay county also. A compact was then entered into between the Mormons and the citizens of the upper part of the State, in which it was stipulated that the former should select and settle peaceably upon some tract of uninhabited country, and abstain from and further intrusion into the adjoining counties. -- They did so, and located themselves in what is now known as Caldwell county. -- It appears, however, that they have recently violated the treaty, by buying lands and and making actual settlements in the eastern part of Carroll. Upon this a meeting was held and a committee deputed to request them to leave the country. The Mormons took this in high dudgeon, and returned for an answer language of the most insulting character; whereupon the meeting was again convened, and five persons appointed a Committee of Safety, vested with extraordinary powers. These persons are authorised to "adopt such measures as to them shall seem most expedient for the safety of the citizens of Carroll," and to "raise, by subscription or otherwise, a sufficient sum of money to defray any expense that may accrue" in carrying out the object of the meeting -- which is stated to be the expulsion of "Mormons, abolitionists and other disorderly persons." -- By one of the resolutions adopted, the citizens of the adjoining counties are requested to form corresponding committees, "and hold themselves in readiness to give assistance, if the same should be required." From the foregoing we should judge that the breaking out of another Mormon War is no improbable event.

Later information, contained in a letter from Livingston county (Mo.) says, in substance, that some cutting and stabbing were perpetrated by the Mormons of Davies county on the day of election, and, that some companies have been raised in Livingston with a view of going over and assisting in drubbing the Mormons; but that, before they got quite ready to march, they learned the strength of the Mormons, which suggested to their prudence the propriety of remaining at home till they could be assured that reinforcements would join them from other counties, sufficiently great to cope with the combined force of the Mormons.

The St. Louis Gazette of the 30th ult. says:--

"The steamboat Astoria, from Rialto (Platte county) brings word the Joe Smith (Mormon) had surrendered himself to the civil authorities. This implies some further movements against the Mormons, of which we are not yet advised."


Notes: (forthcoming)

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

       Office of the Missourian, (Fayette, Mo.)
                    October 27,1838.

LATE AND MORE DREADFUL NEWS.

The simultaneous tolling of the bells aroused us from our pillows, last night to hear the rehersal of the most barbarous atrocities. The following letters which were read before the meeting, which speedily assembled in the court house, embody the principal facts, as succinctly, perhaps, as any language which we could substitute -- and we hence submit them without further comment than that the authors are gentlemen of the first respectability. The meeting last night adjourned to meet again at 9 o'clock this morning, for the purpose of organizing, and marching this evening or to-morrow.

SNOWDEN'S, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Col. JONES, Sir -- News has just reached us here that the Mormons have attacked and cut to pieces Capt. Bogard's company of 50 men, except 3 or 4 who had escaped. They say the Mormon force is 3 or 4000 [sic]. Richmond is threatened to-night. If you can spare, I wish you to detail two or three companies of troops, and repair to Richmond will all speed.

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

CARROLTON, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Gentlemen -- News of an appalling nature has just reached us. Capt. Bogard, who was ordered with his company to guard the frontier of Ray county, was attacked and cut to pieces by immense numbers. They were overpowered by 3 or 400 Mormons, while they were guarding their own frontier. But 5 minutes ago, three reports of a cannon were heard in the direction of Richmond.

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

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

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Missouri Daily Argus, Nov. 5.

THE  MORMONS.

                  "ELK HORN, Oct. 30, 1838.
"On Thursday, the 25th instant, about the dawn of day, a party of Mormons, about 200 strong, attacked Capt. Bogart's company, consisting of about 40 men, on the line dividing Ray and Caldwell counties. On the approach of the Mormons, the sentry fired and gave the alarm. The former advanced within 35 paces, formed a line, and received orders 'in the name of Lazarus, the apostles, and Jesus Christ our Lord, to fire,' which was followed by a simultaneous charge, accompanied by demoniac and hideous yells of 'fight for liberty! -- charge, boys! -- charge! -- kill the d--d rascals,' &c. Bogart, at the head of his gallant band, levelled his gun and echoed the command; 'Boys, let them have it!' The struggle was short and desperate. The Mormons were armed with one gun, two long pistols, a butcher's knife, &c., and rushed to the charge, in which many of our men came in collision with them and parried their swords, &c., with their guns, and knocked them down. They pursued the charge about 600 yards. Our loss was one killed and three wounded; two of the latter were left for dead on the ground. The loss of the Mormons was 19 or 20 killed and wounded; five or six of the latter are yet living. They took one prisoner, carried him to within three miles of Far West, where they had him put to death.

"The country is in the highest state of excitement; there are about 2500 troops within a day's march of Far West. They are pouring in from all quarters, and we expect, in a day or two, that that town will be laid waste. We are looking for the Governor with more troops. I have this moment been informed that the Mormons are making every preparation for a general battle. In the engagement on the 25th, they took about $4,500 worth of horses, &c."

From the St. Louis Bulletin of the 6th inst

MORMONS. -- By the steamer Dart, which arrived late last evening, we have the following intelligence from the "Mormon War." The Anti-Mormon party had collected 2500 men in Ray county, and were awaiting the arrival of from 1500 to 2000 more, who are on their way from Howard, Chariton, Boone and Audrian counties, after which it was intended that a general battle should be fought.

One hundred and fifty mounted men left Franklin county, Mo., on the 31st ult. for the seat of the Mormon disturbances. They were preceded by 100 men from Gasconade county. These detachments have been brought into the field, in obedience to the requisitions of the Governor.

THE MORMON WAR ENDED,

We are indebted to the editors of the St. Louis Gazette for a slip dated Thursday evening, Nov. 8, containing the intelligence below. It is a long account, but will be found interesting. We have never been able to clearly understand how the Mormon troubles originated, and are now as much in the dark as ever. -- Buff Adv.

The Mormon war has been terminated by a surrender of the Mormon leaders to the troops under Gen. Atchinson. This happened on Sunday, Oct. 28th. On that day, about three thousand men, being part of the army of 5000, ordered out under Gen. Clark, comprising Gen. Atchinson's division, made their appearance before the town of Far West, the county seat of Caldwell county, where the Mormons were entrenched. Upon their approach the Mormons had hoisted a white flag, which was shot down by Capt. Bogard, but was immediately replaced.

Gen. Atchinson then sent in a message, with a view to learn their intentions, when six of the leaders avowed their willingness to surrender, in the expectation that the Mormons should be unharmed. The surrender was accepted and the individuals put under guard. Their names are Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, George Hinckle, Lyman Wright, Parley P. Pratt, and Mr. Knight. The Mormons assembled at Far West, comprised 700 men under arms. Of this number, a small body of 150 retreated and pursued their way to the northern frontier.

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

(view Oct. 29th John S. Ryland letter)

---

THE MORMON WAR ENDED.

A slip from the office of the St. Louis Gazette, dated Thursday evening Nov. 8, contains the following intelligence.

The Mormon war has been terminated by a surrender of the Mormon leaders to the troops under Gen. Atchinson. This happened on Sunday, Oct. 28th. On that day, about three thousand men, being part of the army of 5000, ordered out under Gen. Clark, comprising Gen. Atchinson's division, made their appearance before the town of Far West, the county seat of Caldwell county, where the Mormons were entrenched. Upon their approach the Mormons had hoisted a white flag, which was shot down by Capt. Bogard, but was immediately replaced.

Gen. Atchinson then sent in a message, with a view to learn their intentions, when six of the leaders avowed their willingness to surrender, in the expectation that the Mormons should be unharmed. The surrender was accepted and the individuals put under guard. Their names are Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, George Hincle, Lyman Wright, Parley P. Pratt, and Mr. Knight. The Mormons assembled at Far West, comprised 700 men under arms. -- Of this number, a small body of 150 retreated and pursued their way to the northern frontier.

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


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the St. Louis Republican of the 12th inst.

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

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

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

We copy the above paragraphs, says the St. Louis Republican of the 12th inst., from the Gazette of Saturday evening. We are sorry to say, that our own information corroborates the details. For the honor of the state, we could have wished, that such savage enormities had not attended a controversy in itself disgraceful enough. -- We understand, that the company engaged in the attack at Splawn's creek, was not attached to any division of the army, but was fighting on its own hook. The men were principally from Chariton county, and amongst the number was at least one member of the Legislature. The enemy had approached within eighty yards of the Mormons before they were apprized of their approach. The Mormons had their families with them, and to preserve their lives, the men separated from them and took refuge in a blacksmith's shop. -- Here they were murdered! It is said, that the Mormons had arms, but it is a little singular that they should have used them so ineffectually as not to have touched one of the assailants. The latter, in some instances, placed their guns between the logs of the house and deliberately fired on the victims within. These reports are founded upon statements of persons engaged in the attack; and bad as they are, not likely to be overcharged. Will the actors in the tragedy be suffered by the Courts of that district, to go unpunished?


Notes: (forthcoming)

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

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

At Far West, after the surrender, a Mormon had his brains dashed out, by a man who accused the Mormons of burning his house in Davies. -- St. Louis Gazette, 10th ult.


Notes: (forthcoming)

We perceive from the proceedings of the Missouri Legislature, that a memorial, asking pecuniary aid from [sic, for?] the Mormon women and children of Caldwell county, was laid before that body on the 3d inst. It appears that the houses of many of the Mormons in that country have been burned down; that about 60 Mormon men, all of them married, have been arrested and imprisobed, 40 killed, and 100 compelled to fly to escape the vengeance of the citizens, and that 200 women, most of whom have small children are thus left destitute, with no food to keep them from starvation and no shelter to protect them from the winter storms.


Notes: (forthcoming)

HOW A MORMON PREACHER TRIED TO WALK ON THE WATER AND HOW HE GOT "SUCKED IN." . -- Some time ago, in a town in western New York, where the Mormon delusion had made numerous converts, the disciples were summoned to assemble in a wild place, circumjacent to a pond, on the water of which the gifted elder anounced that he should walk and preach. The believers notified their doubting friends, and great things were anticipated. But it seems there were a few wicked Lamanites, who secretly set themselves to make mischief. Choosing their opportunity just before the appointed day of miracles, they ascertained by means of a raft, that the pond to be traversed was extremely shallow; a thin sheet of water covering a common swamp mire. This mire was found to be of a consistency nearly strong enough, except within a small central space, to sustain the weight of a man. They soon discovered a line of plank laid in a particular direction completely across the pond, sunk about four inches under the surface of the water. -- These were so fastened down, and locked together, and so daubed with mud, as to be quite imperceptible from the neighboring declivities. They resolved on preventing the miracle by sawing the concealed bridge in pieces, just where it crossed the deepest and most dangerous part of the pond. This was done, and left seemingly as they found it. The expected day arrived, the congregation placed themselves as in an amphitheatre on the surrounding slopes and the preacher appeared at the edge of the water. Presently he raised his stentorian voice and as he paced his invisible bridge with a step apparent unearthly taught and warned the people. All ears were open, and every eye strained from its socket with astonishment. But alas! just as the miracle-worker seemed to have wrought conviction of his divine power in the wondering hearts of the multitude, he stepped upon one of the detached pieces of plank, sallied side-ways, and instantly plunged, floundering and sinking in the watery mire. The mingling shrieks, screams and shouts of the spectators, all in a rush of commotion were appalling. The scene was indescribable. Even those who had spoiled the miracle, were filled with horror when they actually saw the unfortunate impostor disappear. They had not dreamed that their trick would cost him more than the fright, discomfort and disgrace of being submersed and afterwards struggling ashore; all along taking it for granted that his plank would enable him to swim, however it might treacherously fail him to walk. -- But the tale closes with the close of his life and the consequent close of Mormonism in that vicinity. He sunk, and long before the confounded assembly were in a condition to afford him relief, perished, a victim to his imposture. -- N. O. Sun.


Note: Compare this dubious report to the almost identical article previously published in the Philadelphia Saturday Courier of April 19, 1834 and also to the article in the Christian Standard of Sep 29, 1906. The Rev. Robert B. Neal wrote an interesting article on the same topic for his Sword of Laban Leaflets, series two, leaflet no. 17. A somewhat less elaborate, but perhaps more believeable account of related early Mormon activities is given by the Disciples of Christ elder, J. J. Moss, in his 1938 autobiography.

Extract of a letter dated          
                        Western Missouri, Feb. 24.

The Mormons, who lately excited such interest, have left for the State of Illinois in great numbers, and the remainder will follow in the spring. Some of them are such fools as to think that at some future day, and that not very far off, they will return and repossess the New Jerusalem. -- They are selling their lands for a mere song, and have been continually doing so since the fracas. A great many places with good improvements have been sold at a mere trifle over Congress price, and some for even less. There was an attempt made a short time since by six of the tribe to rescue their leader, Jo Smith. They failed however, and five of the number are now in prison. Sydney Rigdon has been bailed in the sum of $4000, and both he and his bail have left the State. -- It is said that all the Mormons upon whose testimony the leaders were committed have gone away. If so, I do not see but Joe is pretty safe from every thing but mob law.

We are enjoying the most beautiful weather that ever was known. For nearly three weeks in January, it did not freeze night or day, and for a week back it has been so warm that we sit in the evening with the doors open and little or no fire. Two years ago I got through the winter with keeping my cattle up only 4 weeks. --   Jour. Com.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS' BIBLE. -- The origin of this work, which it has puzzled so many to account for, being evidently the product of a cultivated mind, yet found in the hands of exceedingly ignorant and illiterate persons, is at length explained. -- It was written in 1812, for amusement, as a historical romance of the lost race, the remains of whose numerous mounds and forts are found on the banks of the Ohio. The author was Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who resided at New Salem, Ohio, and on the appearance of a Mormon preacher there, many of the friends of the deceased clergyman, recollected passages which he had read to them during the time he was engaged in composing it. On inquiry the original manuscript was found among his papers. It also appeared that at one time he had some thoughts in relation to printing the work, and that it remained at a printing office for a long time. Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, as at that time employed in this printing office, and it was no doubt copied by him. -- N. Y. Express.

So much for humbug -- and more coming.


Notes: (forthcoming)