[p. 1] Quincy Adams Cty Ill
Sept 18th 1839
Dear Friends: Having an opportunity to send by [- -] requires I sit down to give you a sketch of Mormon history. respecting their troubles in Missouri, you have probably read many articles in the papers, but through that channel you cannot become acquainted even with the features of their story The record of the Court is perhaps the only source in Missouri from which the particulars of the transactions in Caldwell county [- - - -] could be obtained, and they are purposefully kept from the [people] to [- - -] for a book that [p. 2] that as now being published upon the subject of Mormonism in Missouri to furnish you with a regular chain of events I send the account entitled "Mormons vis. So Called" which you may rely on as a correct statement of the difficulties of that people in Jackson county. That they were there persecuted for their belief I can never pretend to deny, as they were not guilty of crimes or misdemeanors. that could render them obnoxious to the people of that county, and if it had been the forces of that county only that they would have had to contend with, then arms would not have been surrendered. Though demanded [p. 3] by Lieut. Genr. Pitcher at the head of the militia They apprehended that other counties with the countenance of high authority would oppose them if they persisted in maintaining their rights and their fears were not groundless it being subsequently ascertained by confession of Lilburn W. Boggs then Lieut. Governor and residing at Independence, Jackson Co. that it was by his direction that Coln. Pitcher acted in disarming the Mormons This confession was made at the close of a protracted and tedious military trial, ordered by Gov. Dunklin to break Pitcher, and it was [started] as the only alternative [p. 4] to save him.
On the flight of the Mormons from Jackson the humane citizens of Clay county granted them a home on condition that when respectably and respectfully notified that the community wishd their removal they should comply without resistance. In the winter following Parley P. Pratt, Lyman Wight, and David Whitmer travelled to Kirtland, Ohio, to devise means with the leaders there for the redemption of Zion. (Jackson Cty) A Revelation was received which says in continuation after complaining of the "Jarrings and contentions and strifes and lustful [p. 5] and covetous desires among" the church in Zion. "And now I will show unto you a Parable that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion: A certain nobleman hase a spot of land very choice; and he said unto his servants, go ye into my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land and plant twelve olive trees and set watchmen round about them and build a tower that one may overlook the land round about to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take unto them [p. 6] selves the fruit of my vineyard. Now the Servants of the Nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them" But it seems by the parable that the servants after a while, began to murmur and were slothful and "hearkened not unto the commandment of their lord - and the enemy came by night and broke down the hedge, and the Servants of the Nobleman arose, and were affrighted and fled and the enemy destroyed their works and broke down the olive trees" After upbraiding his servants for their disobedience. "the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his Servants, 'Go and gather [p. 7] together the residue of my servants who are the strength of mine house which are my warriors, my young men and they that are of middle age also, among all my servants who are the strength of mine house save those only whom I have appointed to tarry and go ye straightway into the land of my vineyard and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine I have bought it with money--therefore get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their towers, and scatter their watchmen, and inasmuch As they gather together [p. 8] against you avenge me of mine enemies that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land" The lord of the vineyard also says "and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house a ruler in my Kingdom
And his Servant went straightway and done all things what soever his lord commanded him and after many days all things were fulfilled"
In accordance with the interpretation of this parable Joseph Smith called for volunteers and collected about 210 "Warriors" [p. 9] and marched to Clay County under arms, but the cholera on the Second day after their arrival dispersed them and all hopes were destroyed of "redeeming Zion" for the present, but to Console the Mormons under this disappointment, Joseph Smith, before he returned from the campaign prophesied publicly to them, that "within three years they should march to Jackson County and there should not be a dog to open his mouth against them" In July 1836 the citizens of Clay county becoming dissatisfied with the Mormons for causes too numerous to mention though nothing of a criminal [p. 10] nature could be justly urged; appointed a committee to inform the church that they wished their removal and named Wisconsin Territory as the most suitable place for them to locate themselves. but the Mormons did not wish to leave Missouri. To remove from Clay County was in accordance with their feelings, having for some time contemplated a settlement in some new and uninhabited place that they could enjoy their constitutional privileges as other societies, but they had fearce opposition to their collecting in a body --
[p. 11] The excitement in Clay and the adjacent counties favored
their design and through the intercession of John Corrill with the concurrence and active
influence of lawyers D. R. Atchison A. W. Doniphan Amos Rees and a few other gentlemen,
leave was granted the Mormons, by common consent of the surrounding counties to settle in a
body a tract of land north of Ray County twenty four miles long and Eighteen miles wide, which
was at the next session of the Legislature incorporated a county and named "Caldwell." In the
course of the fall of 1836 and succeeding winter nearly all [p. 12] all
the Mormons in the state had collected in Caldwell county) and by persevering industry
Passing over many shameful transaction connected with the building of the "Lord's House"in
Kirtland and the "endowment of the Elders" I shall briefly notice such as particularly affected the
church both in Ohio and Missouri While the Society were making arrangements to remove from
Clay county, Joseph Smith H. Smith and O Cowdery borrowed some thousands of dollars of the
church in Ohio giving the lenders orders on their agents in Missouri for land [p. 15] in payment. a part of which money was sent to Caldwell County
and invested in land which was immediately sold at a small advance per acre to those holding
the orders spoken of, but it was soon made apparent that the money sent to Missouri fell far
short of the amount of Orders prescribed consequently many persons arriving in Caldwell county
destitute of means were unable to purchase the homes they anticipated finding having as they
supposed sent their money in advance to secure them one These men likewise engaged in
heavy speculations in Banking [p. 16] Merchandising and
other branches of business--Having the entire confidence of the Mormons they procured from
them by loans in Canada and the States enormous sums of specie, established a bank without a
charter issued a large quantity of their paper in payment of debts and purchases of property;
bought on credit heavy stocks of goods in Cleaveland Buffalo and N. York, and being most
unskillful persons in the world in managing to pay debts, were finally compelled to flee to
Missouri, leaving their creditors minus about 30000, [p. 17]
(independent of what they owed to their brethren) and Thousands of the "Kirtland Safety
Society Bank" Bills not redeemed A bitter quarrel originated in these transactions between
the Smith's and S. Rigdon on one part and the Cowderies Johnson and David Whitmer on the
other and each party having their particular friends the church in Kirtland became partially
divided and their anamosities carried many of them to great extremes, producing confusion and
cruel oppression when either party could wield the balance of power Very many credible persons
in the Society [p. 18] have assented that while the "mony fever raged
in Kirtland the leaders of the church and others were, more or less, engaged in purchasing and
circulating "Bogus money or counterfeit corn and a good evidence that the report is not without
foundation is that, each of these contending parties accuses the other of this crime In the latter
part of March 1838 the Smith families S. Rigdon and many of their favorites arrived in Far West
one of the "Stakes of Zion" and found the church in prosperous circumstances--O. Cowdery D
Whitmer an Lyman Johnson had preceeded them which placed [p.
19] in Caldwell County all the materials for an explosion
The Presidency Viz J. Smith H. Smith and S. Rigdon believing that Caldwell county was too
limited for the reception of the multitude of converts that would be flocking to Missouri,
directed their attention to Daviess county lying immediately north of Caldwell, in which they
with others of the Society made numerous claims on congress land selected a site and laid out a
city, the third "Stake of Zion" and named it Adam-on-diahman, informing their followers that it
was the place to which
Many of the Mormons left Caldwell and went into Daviess County and an arrangement was
made for all emigrants from the East to Settle in that place which in a short time made the
Mormons there equal in strength with the former citizens About the first of June part of the
platte of the small town of Dewitt in Carroll County was bargained for and two families by
direction of the Presidency moved to it intending to make it the fourth [p.
21] "Stake of Zion"
Being settled in a new country with the privilege of other citizens the Mormons were elated with
the expectation of soon becoming a rich community and under the sole direction of the Prophet
they believed that success would crown every effort they should make to build themselves up
Nearly every person was ready to act in compliance with his will, believing the favor of Heaven
depended on strict obedience to and implicit faith in the instructions of the prophet
The people of the surrounding [p. 22] country were still friendly &
harmony prevailed among the Mormons till the middle of June when the enmity of the two
parties from Kirtland manifested itself to an alarming degree At this period measures were
concerted no doubt by instigation of the presidency to free the community of the cowderies,
Whitmers, Lyman Johnson and some others, to effect which a secret meeting was called at Far
West, by Jared Carter and Dimick B. Huntington two of Smiths greatest courtiers where a
proposition was made and supported by some as [p. 23] being the
best policy to Kill these men that they would not be capable of injuring the church. All their
measures were strenuously opposed by John Corrill and T. B. March one of the twelve apostles
of the church and in consequense nothing could be effected until the matter was taken up
publicly by the presidency the Sunday following (June 17th) in the presense of a large
congregation. S. Rigdon took his text from the fifth chapter of Mathew "Ye are the Salt of the
Earth but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted, it is henceforth [p. 24] good for nothing but to be cast out and be trodden underfoot of
men" From this Scripture he undertook to prove that when men embrace the gospel and
afterwards lose their faith it is the duty of the Saints to trample them under their feet He
informed the people that they had a set of men among them that had dissented from the church
and were doing all in their power to destroy the presidency, laying plans to take their lives &c.,
accused them of counterfeiting lying cheating and numerous other crimes and called on the
people to rise [p. 25] en masse and rid the county of Such a nuisance
He said it is the duty of this people to trample them into the earth, and if the county cannot be
freed from them any other way I will assit to trample them down or to erect a gallows on the
Square of Far West and hang them up as they did the gamblers at Vicksburgh and it would be an
act at which the angels would smile with approbation
Joseph Smith in a Short speech Sanctioned what had been Said by Rigdon though said he I don't
want the brethren to act unlawfully but [p. 26] will tell them one
thing Judas was a traitor and instead of hanging himself was hung by Peter, and with this hint the
subject was dropped for the day having created a great excitement and prepared the people to
execute anything that should be proposed.
On the next Tuesday these dissenters as they were termed were informed that preparations were
being made to hang them up and if they did not escape their lives would be taken before night,
and perceiving the rage of their enemies they fled to Ray County leaving their families and [p. 27] property in the hands of the Mormons The wrath of the presidency
and the threats of haning &c. were undoubtedly a farce acted to frighten these men from the
county that they could not be spies upon their conduct or that they might deprive them of their
property and indeed the proceedings of the presidency and others engaged in this affair fully
justify the latter conclusion, for knowing the probable result, Geo W. Robinson Son in law of S.
Rigdon had prior to their flight sworn out writs of attachment [p. 28]
against these men by which he took possession of all their personal property, clothing &
furniture, much of which was valuable and no doubt very desirable leaving their families
to follow to Ray County almost destitute--That the claims by which this property was taken from
these men were unjust and perhaps without foundation cannot be doubted by any unprejudiced
person acquainted with all parties and circumstances and no testimony has ever been adduced to
show that the men were ever guilty of a crime in Caldwell County
[p. 29] These unlawful and tyrannical measures met with the
censure of John Corrill W. W. Phelps, John Clemenson myself and a few others but we were
soon made sensible that we had excited suspicion, and perhaps endangered ourselves by
venturing to speak unfavourably of these transactions
We found that the events of a few days had placed Caldwell County under a despotic
government where even liberty of speech was denied to those not willing to unite in support of
the new order [p. 30] confidential subjects were appointed to
converse with all suspected members and by pretending to be displeased with the antirepublican
measures enforced against the dissenters were able to learn the feelings of many, and by
reporting to the presidency drew down thundering anathemas from the pulpit upon those so
unwary as to speak their sentiments where long tried friendship was swallowed up in bigotry and
fanaticism
A friend of long standing asked me if I did not think the dissenters were dealt harshly by and that
the presidency [p. 31] did wrong in exciting the people against
them[?]
Saying at the same time that he "blamed Joseph &c" I answered that the dissenters deserved
punishment if they were guilty as represented. Thinking from my answer that I had become
satisfied with what had been done, he acknowledged that he was only endeavouring to learn the
true state of my feelings, and then to give me an idea of his attaachment to the cause, said that if
Josep Smith Should tell him to cut my throat he would do it without hesitation I hear expressions
of this nature from [p. 32] several and shuddered at the thought of
living in a community where the nod of one man if displeased would deprive an individual of
every privilege and even life if the consequence had not been feared more by him than his
following On the Sunday succeeding the flight of the dissenters, S. Rigdon in a public discourse
explained satis factorily no doubt to the people the principles of republicanism (After
informing them as an introduction that "some certain characters in the place had been crying you
have broken the law--[p. 33] you have acted contrary to the
principles of republicanism" he said that "when a country, or body of people have individuals
among them with whom they do not wish to associate and a public expression is taken against
their remaining among them and such individuals do not remove it is the principle of
republicanism itself that gives that community a right to expel them forcibly and no law will
prevent it" He also said that it was not against the principles of republicanism for the people to
hang the gamblers in Vick'sburgh as it was a matter in which they [p.
34] unanimously acted"
Soon after the delivery of this speech he informed the church in an address, that they would soon
be called upon to consecrate their property and those who would not comply with the law of
consecration should be delivered over to the brother of Gideon, whom he represented as being a
terrible fellow. We are[,] said he[,] Soon to commence building the 'Lords House'in Far West
which will enhance the value of property ten fold in its vicinity and such and such proprietors as
will not consecrate the whole amount of that increase of value for the building of the house and
[p. 35] other church uses should be delivered over to the brother of
Gideon and be sent bounding over the Prairies as the dissenters were a few days ago
In short we found that all matters comprising anything not completely subject to the will of the
presidency were to be managed by the terrible brother of Gideon. All the requirements of the
presidency must be complied with, peacably if you will forcibly if we must always making the
brother of Gideon the terror of all that would not heartily join in the Support of their government
and views
A few individuals of us [p. 36] were ever after this opposed to the
rule of the presidency perceiving that all spiritual and temporal affairs were under their control
and no monarch on earth ever had supreme power over his subjects more than they over the
inhabitants of Caldwell County only they durst not exercise it to so great a degree Their word
was law in religious civil and military matters, but the secret springs of their power and
influence we did not yet understand
In the latter part of June a young man from Ohio having reported something about J Smith & S
Rigdon, was taken [p. 37] by constable D. B. Huntington Geo W
Robinson and a few others compelled
For these offences application was made for writs VS J Smith S. Rigdon D. B. Huntington
Sampson Avard and others but they would not permit the clerk of the court to issue them
declaring that they would never suffer vexatious lawsuits to be instituted against them in
Caldwell county---------------------
[p. 38] Some time previous to this Secret meetings had been held in
F West that excited much curiousity among those that had not been permitted to attend as it was
easily discovered that something more than ordinary was in progress among the male members
of the church Ignorant of the nature of these meetings I attend one about the last of June, and
heared a full disclosure of its object=Jared Carter Geo W. Robinson, and Sampson Avard, under
the instructions of their presidency, had formed a secret military Society, called the "daughter of
Zion" and [p. 39] were holding meetings to initiate members The
principles taught by Sampson Aard as spokesman, were that "as the Lord had raised up a prophet
in these last days like unto Moses it Shall be the duty of this band to obey him in all things, and
whatever he requires you shall perform being ready to give up life and property for the
advancement of the Cause When any thing is to be performed no member Shall have the
privilege of judging whether it would be right or wrong but Shall engage in its accomplishment
and trust God for the result [p. 40] It is not our business or place to
know what is required by God, but he will inform us by means of the prophet and we must
perform If any one of you see a member of the band in difficulty in the surrounding country
contending for instance with an enemy, you shall extricate him even if in the wrong if you have
to do with his adversary as Moses did with the Egyptian put him under the Sand and both pack
off to Far West and we will take care of the matter ourselves. No person shall be suffered to
speak evil or disrespectfully of the presidency The secret signs [p.
41] and purposes of this society are not to be revealed on pain of death" &c &c About 50
persons were initiated into the Society at the time I was introduced and to sam time the oath was
administered to all the novices at once of which I took advantage by remaining silent and
accordingly avoided taking it
I was appointed Adjutant of the band in consequence I suppose of my holding that office in the
59th Reg Missouri Militia I did not think it policy to regect the appointment though I declared to
my
At a meeting for the organisation of the Danites Sampson Avard presented the society to the
presidency who blessed them and accepted their Services as though they were soon to be
enployed in executing some great design They also made speeches to the Society in which great
military glory and conquest were represented as awaiting them, victories in which one should
chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight, were portrayed in the most lively manner,
the assistance of [p. 47] Angels promised and in fine every thing was
said to inspire them with Zeal and courage and to make them believe that God was soon to
"bring to pass his act, his strange act" or by them as instruments to perform a marvelous work on
the Earth In the fore part of July the "brother of Gideon" or Jared Carter Capt Genl of the
Danites having complained to Joseph Smith of some observations made by Sidney Rigdon in a
Sermon, was tried for finding fault with one of the presidency and deprived of his station and
Elias Higbee was appointed in his stead
[p. 48] Carter's punishment according to the principles of the
Danites Should have been death In the evening after the trial I was in company with Maj
Genl Sampson Avard Dimick B Huntington Capt of the Guard, Elias Higbee the new capt Genl
and David W. Patten one of the twelve apostles and member of the high counsel of the church
all of whom had sat with the presidency on the trial. D. B. Huntington stated that Joseph
declared during the examination that he should have cut Carters throat on the spot if he had been
alone when he made the complaint [p. 49] Huntington also Said that
on his trial Carter came within a fingers point of losing his head Sampson Avard related at the
same time the arrangements that had been made by the presidency and officers present at the
trial respecting the dissenters.--Said he, "All the head officers are to be furnished by the
presidency with a list of dissenters both in Ohio and Missouri and if for example I meet with one
of them or who is damning and cursing the presidency, I can curse them too and if he will drink I
can get him a bowl for brandy and after a while [p. 50] take him by
the arm and get him one Side in the brush when I will into his guts in a minute and put him
under the Sod. When an officer had disposed of a dissenter in this way he shall inform the
presidency, and them only with whom it shall remain an inviolable Secret In July the law of
consecration took effect which required every person to give up to the bishop all surplus
property of every description, not necessary for their present support Sampson Avard the most
busy actor and sharpest tool of [p. 51] the presidency informed John
Corrill and My self that "all persons who attempted to deceive and return property that should be
given up would meet with the fate of Ananias and Saphira who were Killed by Peter"
Many of the church consecrated land in Jackson Clay and Caldwell Counties, others brought
forward furniture horses &c, &c, but it all add little to the church fund & I conclude fell far short
of Satisfying the presidency for the business of consecration was immediately followed by the
formation of four large [p. 52] firms and it was required by the
"Word of the Lord" that every member of the church Should become a partner in Some one of
them All the land and personal property of each individual were to become property of some one
of these firms and subject to an individual head The head of each firm was to transact all
business and no individual could make a bargain for himself or control any part of his property
after becoming a member of the firm
All branches of business were to be carried on by [p. 53] these
companies, mercantile mechanical and agricultural and all laborers were bound to work
according to the special directions of their superintendant
Very many were violently opposed to this new church order but after much argument,
preaching teaching and explaining by S Avard the excitement was allayed and all
but a few consented to give up their property and we may say subject themselves to a
driver--John Corrill observed to a person in Far West that he did not "think it his duty
[p. 54] to unite with the firm and that he had no confidense in the
revelation that require it" Joseph Smith and S Rigdon learning that he had made this
observation, [strid] him severely for his rebellion in the presence of several persons Smith Said
to him "if you tell about the streets again that you do not believe this or that revelation I will
walk on your neck Sir" at the same time smiting his fists to evince his great rage He talked of
dissenters and cited us to the case of Judas Saying that Peter told him in a conversation [p. 55] a few days ago that himself hung Judas for betraying Christ He also
Said "if you do not act differently and show yourself approved you shall never be admitted into
the Kingdom of Heaven. I will stand at the entrance myself and oppose you myself and will
Keep you out if I have to take a fisty cuff in doing it" Corrill replied "I may possibly get there
first
It seems that Joseph wished the church to believe that not only all things pertaining to the
Society should be subject to his dication in time, but in eternity Salvation should [p. 56] depend on his ascendant power with God, as though his prejudices
against individuals could be carried into the Court of Heaven as a plea against them at the last
day Under this act the church generally were passive if not pleased believing it to be the Order of
God and surrounded as the presidency were with a soldiery bound by oath to obey them under all
circumstances it was dangerous for a few of us who would gladly have freed ourselves from a
yoke to speak even our sentiments if opposed to the views of [p. 57]
the presidency
We see them at the head of all the forces of Caldwell county and Sole dictators in all religious
matters and a Single example will Show that civil or political affairs were no less under their
control On Saturday 9th of August two days previous to the General Election a meeting was
called
A committe was forthwith appointed to wait on the presidency and the result was an order for
printed tickets to be sent about the county to each precinct that all may know for whom to vote
Saturday the tickets were struck off and on the next day Sampson Avard distributed them [p. 59] among a large collection of Danites from all parts of the county,
with the accompanying word that they were according to the will of God which was sufficient to
make nearly every person vote that ticket and no other --
It is a matter beyond doubt that some candidates would have got the votes of three fourths of the
people that by this measure lost their election and when the poll closed had not more than 15 or
20 votes in their favor The presidency would not have interfered in this matter had there not
been [p. 60] candidates in the lists who had the confidence of the
people but were not sufficiently ductile to please their fancy or Suite their purposes consequently
they determined that their election Should be defeated They Spoke and it was done But the
prettiest part of this affair remains yet to be told
I was in the printing office on Saturday two hours before the meeting was called and nearly a
half day before the committee went to inquire who Should be candidates and Saw the Self Same
tickets in the hands of the compositor [p. 61] that was afterwards
reported and it was probably in type before the committee had their interview with the
presidency The ticket was previously made out by J Smith S Rigdon and G. W. Robinson and
sent to the office to be printed early on Saturday and the transactions in the afternoon were no
doubt to take off a little of the glare by making it appear that the people consulted them
respecting the ticket to be voted and not have it understood that they interfered voluntary
[p. 62] In Daviess County the Mormons also unanimously took one
Side of the question which occasioned a disturbance between them and the opposite party at the
election which ended in a skirmish
An exaggerated account of a bloody massacre of some of the Mormons was rapidly circulated
through Caldwell County early next [p. 63] morning, the warriors
marshalled and by 12 o Clock 150 Danites with J Smith and S. Rigdon at their head were
marching for Daviess county breathing vengeance against "the mob" for the attack made the
previous day on their brethren At their approach the inhabitants
The citizens of Daviess were reinforced in the fore part of September by small parties from some
of the adjoining counties and their threats alarming the Mormons the war cry was again [p. 66] heard in Caldwell and volunteers speedily marched to resist the
mob in case they commenced hostilities
At the same time petitions were sent by the presidency to the honorable judge of the circuit court
a resident of Ray County praying his interposition in behalf of the Mormons who were
threatened with expulsion from Daviess County, upon which Maj Genl D. R. Atchison was
instructed or ordered to raise an armed force, proceed to that place and restore order and
preserve the peace between the two parties Genl Atchison raised 500 mounted volunteers [p. 67] in Clay and Ray Counties and with this force arrived in Daviess
County on or about the 13th of Sept in time to prevent any acts of hostility by either of the
belligerent parties
A part of this company
But how vain their hopes when every succeeding step taken by their leaders
The Mormons had no more than taken breath after their return from Daviess County before an
express arrived -- from Dewitt calling for volunteers to Succor the few Mormons that had
collected in that place
[p. 71] You will recollect that two families from F West settled in
Dewitt about the first of June The citizens of Carroll county soon after met and the expression of
public feeling was that no Mormormons should be admitted into the county as citizens
Resolutions were passed and published setting forth the impossibility of living in amity with a
community of Mormons, and a committee appointed to inform the two Mormon families in
Dewitt of these transactions and request their departure from the County This notice being
disregarded in a subsequent [p. 72] meeting it was resolved by the
citizens to employ force to effect what mild measures had not accomplished but they attempted
nothing till a company of Mormons from Canada took up their abode in Dewitt when acting on
the principles of republicanism as defined by S Rigdon they determined to eject them
from the county and the Mormons were soon made sensible that decisive steps must be taken in
order to sustain themselves in opposition to the forces daily collecting and the increasing
prejudices of the community at large [p. 73] The express from
Dewitt informed that the mob had burned one Mormon house and shot at several individuals,
and were increasing their numbers constantly from other counties
The Mormons had possession of the town and had ranged their wagons for breastwork The
presidency with a large company of volunteers hastened to Dewitt and were permitted to enter
the town without opposition thrugh
They passed in view of the mob and so with all that followed from Caldwell Co They had free
engress too [p. 74] but not even an express could return from the
town to Far West The mob knew that people of other counties would hinder them, all necessary
assistance to accomplish their object therefore they did not fear the strength of
A company of Militia that was stationed in Daviess Co. to keep the peace and one other
company were called to Dewitt but being overawed [p. 75] by the
mob could do nothing to effect a reconciliation
An Express was dispatched to the Governor by the Mormons and they report that his Excellency
sent word, that as they had got themselves into a scrape they might fight their own battles
The Mormons after being hemmed in Dewit a few days made a treaty and agreed to leave the
County forthwith and were to be remunerated for the damage they sustained in consequence
It had been the boast of the Danites that if an attack was made upon the Mormons [p. 76] in Dewitt they would come down upon the mob from Caldwell
[like] a thunderbolt and being compelled to evacuate the place after all their bravadoes [the]
returned in no enviable humour bringing intelligence that a company of the Dewitt mob
On Sunday 14th Oct the day after the Mormons returned from Dewitt a company of Militia,
passed through Far West to take their stand in Daviess Co [p. 77] to
oppose the Mobites that were marching from Dewitt On Monday 15th nearly all the male
inhabitants of Caldwell County were congregated in Far West by Order of the presidency, armed
for war and burning to execute vengeance on their enemies. Joseph Smith addressed them and
after capitulating the vexations to which the church had been subject and the persecutions they
had endured in Missouri, informed them of the answer of the Governor to their petition [p. 78] and in continuation said the law we have tried long enough, who is
so big a fool as to cry the law! the law! when it is always administered against us and never in
our favor I do not intend to regard the law hereafter as we are made a set of outlaws by having
no protection from it We will take our affairs into our own hands and manage for ourselves We
have applied to the Gov. and he will do nothing for us, the militia of the county we have tried
and they will do nothing, all are mob the Governor is mob [p. 79]
the militia are mob and the whole State is mob
We have yielded to the mob in Dewitt and now they are preparing to strike a blow in Daviess,
but I am determined that we will not give another foot and I care not how many come against us,
10 or 10000 God will send his angels to our deliverance and we can conquer 10000 as easily as
10 The manner of supplying the army in the expedition to be undertaken was [-] artfully bandied
in their [duties] as to superseede the necessity of observing to clear himself [p. 80] from unjust imputations That "Some may go from here and report
that I taught you to steal," but I distinctly toll you all not to steal when you can get plenty
without" and closed by relating an anecdote of a dutch man and his potatoes which I will speak
"A colonel quartered near an old-dutchman, the owner of a patch of fine potatoes, is offered to
purchase some for his men but was refused At night when relating the circumstances to the
Regiment The Colonel said "now don't let a man of you be caught stealing [p. 81] that old dutchmans potatoes In the morning there was not a potatoe
in the old man's field" He was followed in his address by Sidney Rigdon who spoke in a strain of
virulance not describable against a certain Jew in the County that had Said he "remains at home
cryin O don't! O don't! you are breaking the law you are bringing ruin on the Society &c. while
others are out on expeditions to other counties doing all in their power to Support the cause
While we are away that class are at home finding fault with our movements and thereby [p. 82] enacting divisions and disturbances among the brethren when a
perfect union is requisite in order to stand against the enemy That all might become one he
proposed to the meeting that blood should first run in the streets of Far West that those traitors
among them who had always opposed their doings should be slain and then the remainder could
act in union No answer being made to this he next proposed that those persons should be forced
to take their arms and march with the band on the morrow to Daviess [p.
83] county and if they refused they should be pitched on their horses with bayonets and
placed in front of the battle" The latter proposition was answered with a hearty Amen
from the congregation Should these traitors attempt to leave the county their lives should be the
forfeit and their property confiscated for the use of the army
Monday Evening a company of horse and two companies of footmen were organised consisting
of about 300 men and before morning the company of horse reached Adam-ondi-Ahman
Tuesday morning the two companies of [p. 84] footmen were early
wending their way across the prairies and arrived in 'Diahman at Sunset John Corrill W. W.
Phelps John Cleminson Reed Peck and several other AntiDanites had the honor of being
enrolled in one of these companies and under the bayonet resolutions marched to
Daviess county where we Saw the character or principles of the Danites fully exemplified
On Wednesday 17th Oct in consequence of a heavy snow fall an unusual occurrence at that
season of the year most of the Mormons remained inactive in camp, only a sufficient number
were out [p. 85] to procure the necessary supply of hogs cattle honey
&c for the use of the army which they took as on former occasions from the range and
plantations of the citizens (Missourians)
In camp Pork beef & honey were denominated Bear Buffalo & Sweet oil
On Thursday (18) pursuant to an arrangement made the evening before by J & H Smith and
Lyman Wight, D. W. Patten at the head of 40 men made a descent on Gallatin the county seat of
Daviess, burned the only store in the place and brought the goods to 'Diahman and consecrated
them to the bishop Joseph [p. 86] having taught that the ancient
order of things had returned and the time had arrived for the riches of the Gentiles to be
consecrated to the house of Israel (Mormons) There were about 20 men in Gallatin who fled at
the approach of Capt Patten and his company and these were all that the Mormons saw during
the campaign excepting an occasional straggler more ventursome than his fellows
The sitizens had universally fled leaving their all at the mercy of a merciless foe
On the same day a company of 50 men called the First [p. 87]
company commanded by Capt Dunhaw (In camp Cap Black Haw) made their triumphal
entry into 'Diahman laden with feather beds, quilts, clothes Clothes, clock's, and all varieties
of light furniture
[p. 92] The pacific disposition manifested by the Mormons on
former occasions, their ready acceptation of dishonorable terms of peace in Jackson county, their
willing compliance with the requisition of the people in removing from Clay county their recent
troubles in Dewitt where on the demand of a hostile mob they again sacrificed their
constitutional rights to obtain a peace, all combined to impress the community with the belief
that the Mormons would never act only upon the principle of Self defence
The citizens of Daviess had complained of the Mormons before but unluckily for [p. 93] themselves could not establish anything against them more than
was known to the public so when they fled in distress their cry was heard at first with as much
indifference as the boy's who cried "the Wolf! the Wolf!" By Express the Governor was informed
of the depredations of the Mormons and flight of the inhabitants of Daviess and it Seems he
issued an order to Maj Genl Clark to raise 400 mounted men and reinstate the citizens of Davies
in their homes
Previous to the 25th of Oct a great part of the Mormons [p. 94]
residing in Caldwell county had returned home with their dividend of plunder
The Mormons continued their system of spoliation till their returning senses hinted to them the
probable consequences when they commenced the creation of a small fort or Block house in
'Diahman in preparation for a Seige
They had captured the cannon brought from Dewitt which they found buried in
livingston county The people of Richmond in Ray county hearing that the Mormons were
preparing to attack
[p. 95] Richmond removed their women and children across the
river and kept a vigilent guard on the roads to Caldwell A company of 50 or 60 men was raised
and recevd orders from Maj Genl Atchison to range the north line of the county to prevent
On the night of the 24th Oct this company under command of Capt Bogart was encamped on
Crooked River 12 miles South of Far West and two miles south of the line of Caldwell county
[p. 96] Information was received in Far West about midnight that
this company had taken some prisoners and burned some Mormon houses
David W. Patten was immediately placed at the head of 75 or 100 volunteers and proceeded
within two miles of the militia or "mob" as the Mormons called them where they left their horses
with a Small guard and march silently on foot till hailed by the Sentinal with. "Who comes
there[?]"
Capt Patten answered "friends," Sentinel "Are you armed[?] Patten: "We are -----" [p. 97] Sentinel. "Then lay down your arms" Patten to his men "Fire" Some
of the foremost men attempted to shoot but their pieces "snapped"
The sentinel shot one of the "Friends" through the hip and ran into Camp closely followed by the
Mormons
Day had just began to dawn when they rushed upon their enemies echoing their war cry "God
and liberty." A few minutes decided the contest in favor of the Mormons The militia soon fled
leaving their horses and baggage in camp [p. 98] One of their
number was killed on the ground several wounded and one taken prisoner by the Mormons
Gideon Carter brother of Jared (6) was killed in the battle and David W. Patten and one other of
eight that were wounded of the Mormons died the following day Early in the morning
intelligence of this battle was received in Far West and the presidency and Lyman Wight rode
out to meet the victorious Mormons and marched at their head back to town
The prisoner taken by the [p. 99] Mormons was released on their
march back with instructions to follow a certain path which was pointed out to him but being
suspicious of treachery he travelled in it but a short distance and left it for a Safer way in the
woods Certain movements convinced him that an ambush had been placed to cut off his return
and he no sooner left the path than he discovered a man in the act of shooting To save himself he
"bent forward, ran crooked and dodged behind trees" but the cold hearted villain [p. 100] (I know him well) deliberately sent a ball through his hip and left
him, thinking perhaps he had given him his death wound
The horses taken in the battle were distributed among the Mormons and receipted for to Coln
Hinkel In Richmond the first information received of this battle was that the whole company of
50 or 60 men was massacred and before the report was corrected Amos Rees and Wily C.
Williams were far on their way to the Governor with this intelligence
Immediately after the [p. 101] battle of Crooked River nearly all
Caldwell County were astir removing their families and effects to Far West as a place of Safety
On the 29th Oct Genl Doniphan was encamped on Crooked river with 1300 men and waiting for
a reinforcement in order to march into Caldwell county
The Mormon forces had been ordered out by Coln Hinkel consequently the armed strength of
Caldwell was concentrated and prepared to act
On Monday (29th) a party of 150 Mormons or more were Stationed three or four [p. 102] miles South of Far West to intercept any forces that Should
attempt to march in The Mormons believed that the army on Crooked river was a mob collected
to attack them without the authority of any public officer but being satisfied myself that they
came as the Militia of the state and fearing that Serious consequenses would result from the
rashness of the Mormons if the two parties should meet I volunteered to ride out and ascertain if
possible what might be expected from the visit of so large an army [p.
103] I found it impossible to get into the camp unless I went as a prisoner but I learnd
from one of the soldiers that they were under command of Genl Doniphan who gave the
Mormons Some Satisfaction On the day following John Corrill and myself were dispatched by
the presidency to see Genl Doniphan
The first thing required by Genl Lucas was that Joseph Smith S. Rigdon Geo W. Robinson P. P.
Pratt and Lyman Whites, the latter being then in Far West though a resident of Daviess should
give themselves up as hostages until the following morning when if a treaty could not [p. 111] be made they should be delivered again to the Mormons and not a
hair of their heads injured for the performance of while the officers pledged their honor and the
honor of the State If these men would not come forward the army, 3500 strong was to march into
Far West and take them
One hour only being given for those men to decide to surrender themselves we [expeditiously]
got them together and [....ly] read them the Order of the Governor which is here transcribed for
your perusal,
[p. 112] Head Quarters of the Milit[ia]
City of Jefferson, Oct 27/1838
Sir Since the order of the morning to you directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be
raised within your division I have received by Amos Rees Esq and Wily C Williams Esq. one of
my aids information of the most appalling character which changes entirely the face of things
and places the Mormons in the attitude of an open and avowed defiance of the laws & of having
made war upon the people of this state Your orders are therefore to hasten your [p. 113] operations and endeavour to reach Richmond in Ray county with
all possible speed The Mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven
from this state if necessary for the public peace Their outrages are beyond all description
If you can increase your force you are authorized to do so to any extent you may think necessary
I have just issued orders to Major Genl Wallock of Marion County to raise 500 men and to
march [p. 114] them to the Northern part of Daviess and there unite
with Genl Doniphan of Clay who has been ordered with 500 men to proceed to the same point
for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the Mormons to the North. They have been directed
to communicate with you by express. you can also communicate with them if you find it
necessary, instead therefore of proceeding as at first directed to reinstate the citizens of Davies
in their homes you will proceed immediately to Richmond and there [p.
115] operate against the Mormos
Brigd Genl Park's of Ray has been ordered to have four hundred men of his Brigade in readiness
to join you at Richmond The whole force will be placed under your command
After reading the Order and reporting the propositions of the officers John Corrill observed that
very likely the first term of treaty would be for the Mormons to leave the State Joseph answer
that he did not care, he would be glad to get out of the damnable state Joesph decided [p. 116] that they must give themselves up. that it would not do to resist
the Militia of the state acting under the order of the Governor, He also said that the church must
comply with whatever the officers required
Excepting these five men the Mormons were entirely ignorant of what was passing hourly
expecting an attack from the Mob Militia as they called them and when the stated time had
expired for these men to surrender themselves, they not having arrived on the ground the army
was put in motion the alarm [p. 117] was raised among the
Mormons who rushed to their breastwork and bound up their heads in handkerchiefs in
the drums beat, horns blew, men shouted and it seemed that nothing could prevent the effusion
of blood should the Militia come within reach of the Mormon Rifles To prevent Serious
confusion John Corrill and myself hastened forward and informed the officers of the advancing
army that the men were close at hand. J Smith first arrived and plead with Genl Lucas for
permission [p. 118] to remain over night with his family promising
to comply with any terms he should name even if it were for the whole church to leave the state
forthwith Genl Lucas told them that they must go to camp with him and bade them forward As
they closed their heavy columns around these men the army made the welken ring with the most
terriffic shouts that ever slated the ears of mortals The savage war cry of the Indians could not
compare with their yells of triumph as they marched back to camp [p. 119] with five individuals under their guardianship and they only in the
character of hostages On the same night about 80 or 100 of the Mormons who were engaged in
the Crooked River Battle being suspicious or learning that they would in case of a surrender be
called to answer as criminals for their conduct, took horse and fled across a part of the Indian
Country into the state of Illinois Sampson Avard the instrument in the hands of the presidency
for carrying into effect every measure of oppression in the church. the main [p. 120] actor in the organization of the Danites and while there was peace
their thunder bolt of War, the scourge of every man that would not passively yield to but dared to
oppose the principles of the new church government also fled leaving the people to extricate
themselves from the difficulties into which they had plunged by following pernicious counsel
and his examples of obedience to the will of the presidency
On Thursday morning the terms of treaty were handed to Coln Hinkel which were in substance
as follows
[p. 121] The Mormons should deliver up their leaders to be tried and
punished
Those who had taken up arm should make an appropriation of their property to pay debts and
damages
The arms should be surrendered and receipted for
And lastly the Mormons should remove from the State
Whether Coln Hinkel read these propositions to the Mormons I am not prepared to say but
having heard them converse upon the subject previous to the surrender I can but be confident
that they understood [p. 122] the terms About nine in the morning
the Mormons marched out and formed a hollow square with the militia drawn up on three sides
and grounded their arms consisting of about 600 stand They next marched back into Far West
and were placed under a close guard for several hours The militia marched through the village
some of them shouting as they passed the disarmed Mormons "Charge Danites! Charge!" The
men who surrendered themselves as hostages were detained [p. 123]
as state prisoners under the first article of the treaty & taken under guard of the Jackson troops to
Independence
The remainder of the Mormos were confined to Far West by by a strong guard around the town
until the arrival of Maj Genl Clark with his forces a few days after the surrender
Sampson Avard had been interscepted in his flight at some place in the platt country and was
brought to Far West about the same time and he the greatest villian in the band furnished a list of
such as he considered most culpable [p. 124] and a few of his
enemies for which he was set at liberty after testifying before the court From this list about 50
men were selected and taken to Richmond in Ray County for examination and the remaining
Mormons in Far West were set at liberty
Having been an enemy to Avard in consequence of his conduct in the Society he placed my
name in his catalogue and I was called out as a prisoner but the influence of friends procured my
release within two minutes All the time before and after this I [p.
125] had my freedom and could go to the camp of the army to Far West or to my home
when I pleased
Genl Clark caused Smith and his fellow prisoners to be brought from Jackson county to
Richmond for examination also Before the Mormons were set at liberty in Far West they were
compelled to sign a deed of trust which would if it had been lawful taken from them all their
property to pay debts and damages The Mormons in 'Diahman were instructed by an express
[p. 126] from their brethren in Far West to Surrender which they did
when the State troops appeared before the place
The citizens of Daviess found after the surrender many of their horses and much of their
household furniture in 'Diahman and Far West
Bureaus clocks &c were found secreted in the brush near Far West having been placed there by
persons not willing to have them found in their houses By permission from Genl Clark the
agents for the whitmers, Cowdery & Johnson [p. 127] searched and
recovered most of the property taken from the by Geo W Robinson and others the June before
Some horses, wagons an much other property were stolen from the Mormons by some of the
militia who were villians enough to plunder One Mormon was killed though not instantly by a
blow recieved on the head after being taken prisoner by a scouting party near Far West and many
of the Mormons were abused in various ways before they [p. 128]
left the State
But the most tragical story of the war is yet untold
Soon after the last expedition to Davies, the Mormons in a small settlement on the Eastern line
of Caldwell County collected at Hawns mills and formed something like an alliance with a
<small> neighboring settlement of Missourians in which each party promised to inform
the other when any danger threatened them as the Mormons there would know the intentions of
their brethren and the other party would [p. 129] very likely be
apprised of the movements of the mob
Under this arrangement the Mormons at Hawns Mills numbering 30 or so hoped to be secure but
while the troops were encamped before Far West they were surprised by a body of men 200
strong from livingston and Daviess counties calling themselves militia but were acting without
Orders On discovery the hostile approach of this party one of the Mormons swung his hand and
cried for peace but his cry was answered by a discharge of rifles [p.
130] which deprived him only of a finger The Mormons immediately took shelter in a
Black Smith shop and tried to defend themselves Their blood thirsty assailants would grant no
quarter, they rushed up and poured in a deadly fire through the crevices window and door of the
log building and a total extermination would have been the fate of the Mormons had they not in
desperation broke from the shop and fled through a shower of bullets After the firing had ceased
some of the party entered the shop and despatched [p. 131] the
wounded and searched the dead A boy between 10 and 15 years of age who had sheltered
himself under the bellows and remained unhurt through the action came forward begging them
to spare his life, but deaf to pleading innocence they deliberately and literally blew out his brains
the rifle being discharged close to his head An old gentleman by the name of McBride finding
himself pursued in his flight and on the point of being overtaken turned and gave up his gun and
surrendered himself a prisoner [p. 132] and then without the power
to resist was cut to pieces with a part of a scythe placed in a handle for a corn cutter
In this horrid affray 17 Mormons were killed, several were wounded and among them were one
or two women Seven of the mob were wounded but none mortally
Of this massacre no notice has been taken by the authorities though many of the principal actors
are known to the public
At the close of the examination in Richmond between 20 and 30 of the mormons were [p. 133] committed for bailable offences and procuring bail they all
absconded not thinking it safe to stand their trials
The prisoner taken by the Mormons in the battle on Crooked River testified in court that Lyman
Wight called out five men and after talking with them a few moments they took the direction
which he was afterwards directed to follow All but one returned and this circumstances
awakened his suspicions There is no doubt respecting this matter the Mormons present
understood [p. 134] it and I heard it talked of
As soon as the weather would admit after the surrender the Mormons commenced removing
from the state generously aiding each other and contributing profusely for the assistance of the
poor.
Being compelled as a people to leave their county and their homes within a stated time great
quantities of property were thrown into market simultaneously [p.
136] opening a field for speculaters who now reap the advantages of labor done by the
banished Mormons In April the prisoners confined in Liberty were taken before the
Grand Jury of Davies County and indicted, but choosing to be tried at a distance from Daviess
Columbia in Boone county was selected by them as the place of trial William Bowman a very
conspicuous character and actor among the Mobites and four others of kindred spirits were
appointed to Guard the prisoners to Columbia On [p. 137] the way
the prisoners bribed their guard and safely found their way to Illinois. The guard returned and
reported that the prisoners made them all drunk and escaped in the night The public would have
trusted Bowman with the prisoners as readily perhaps as any other person he being a bitter
enemy of the Mormons and the leader of a party that had only six days previous ranged through
Caldwell county threatning the mormons with destruction if they were not off in a week
Two of the prisoners confined [p. 138] in Richmond were liberated
for want od testimony to indict them P. P. Pratt and two others were taken to Columbia from
whence P. P. Pratt and one of the two made their escape on the 4th of July last The other is still
in Jail Of all that were taken of the Mormons two only remain prisoners in Missouri and I am
safe in saying that they are the least guilty One of them is guilty of standing guard over the
Mormon horses while the company marched to attack Bogart on Crooked River
The other is guilt of executing [p. 139] plans laid by S. Rigdon to
make the traitors as he termed them servicable in defending the cause in Far West
You may here ask in conclusion of the story how Joseph Smith retains the confidence of his
followers and even bind them more closely to the cause when the ultimate of all his plan has
been a total failure He tells them as an excuse for being in the hands of his enemies after the
delivery of so many brave speeches "that he was betrayed" The very men who risked their lives
at his request [p. 140] to open a communication with the army are
now branded as traitors When no others would venture we we stepped forward and were
instrumental in saving the lives of hundreds perhaps by bringing about a treaty Propositions were
made to us and we faithfully reported the same to the presidency and they undestood the whole
matter, still Joseph pretends to the church that he was betrayed by us as christ was by Judas
You may ask how he can expect to support his church as a man of God when [p. 141] facts are exhibited to the world in their true light You may ask
how the church can proclaim their innocence to the world with the hope of being believed after
having been engaged in the devastation of a part of Davies County & numerous acts of
oppression in Caldwell If the character of a few among the Mormons who were opposed to their
acts of violence and their genral course in Caldwell can be blackened they may assert their title
to the character of christs with the fear of contradiction The few whom I have [p. 142] infrequently mentioned as being as being opposed in principle to
their conduct were the chief witnesses summoned in the examination an the Mormons are
exerting themselves to make the great public believe that their testimony is false To cast a shade
over our character in the eye of the world for the purpose perhaps of weakening our testimony
which in time will be made public they accuse us of treachery, perjury and cowardice In behalf
of the innocent part of the community I informed Genl Doniphan [p.
143] that there were many individuals among the Mormons who were as warmly opposed
to the wicked transactions in Davies and the oppressive influence by which the church is led as
any man in his army could be If the order of the Governor had been in hand and an immediate
attack intended would not thus have averted the blow If it would have been believed the
Mormons certainly would have been pleased if I had told him that they were all opposed to
robbing and oppressions
[p. 144] I intended to take a course that would save the greatest
number from misery whether guilty or innocent knowing that the guilty had been made so by
placing too much confidence in the divine authority of their leaders, believing that God would
shield them from harm and prevent the consequences that would naturally flow from their
conduct - I did them a service but still the sacrifice of my character is necessary to support one
of more importance I have been informed that the army were [p.
145] generally acquainted with the course pursued by John Corrill myself and some
others for six months preceding the war - therefore no one can accuse us of cowardice for we
knew that our innocence among men
We were anxious for a compromise not that we feared for ourselves but other men would have
suffered death who had been as we were -- women and children would suffer, and we all had
relatives whose lives would have been in jeopardy [p. 146] if the
Mormons resisted the authorities
Though the order of the Governor and terms of treaty were unconstitutional and oppressive yet
can it be asked why we were unwilling to step into the Mormon ranks and fight when it would
have been in support of measures to which we had ever been avers and life would have been the
forfeit
There are many circumstances connected with what is here related but wishing to confine myself
to such as I was parti [p. 147] cularly acquainted with or have the
most undoubted testimony of their being facts I have ommitted them, and before this passes
from my hands I think it just to present you with the testimony I have for believing all that is
here stated to be truth
"A Secret meeting was called at Far West" I was informed of thet ransactions of this meeting the
next morning by John Corrill T. B. March
Sidney Rigdon took his text I was present and heard his speech and indeed [p. 148] I heard all the speeches from which I have made quotations in this
sketch delivered by Joseph Sidney or Avard------
-----
A young man was compelled to sign a libel". I saw him in custody and heard the particulars of
the transaction from Geo W Robinson and D. B. Huntington-----
They would not permit the clerk
The clerk, John Cleminson, informed the Judge of this fact in open court
Secret society under the instruction of the presidency. I was so [p.
149] informed by G. W. Robinson
I will walk on your necks
I was present and heard all
Peter told him that himself
I did not hear Peter say it
The ticket was made out by &c
I was informed so by the printer if it was not so it is a mistake of the printer
They were furnished with a hint
I read the letter before it was sent
Pursuant to an arrangement &c.
W. W. Phelps heard them make the arrangement and swear to it in court. I also heard
Wight speak of it the day by
[p. 150] Made their triumphal entry
I saw them come in
McRae observed dam' cold day
I heard the particulars of the expedition from McRae and Brunson.
The next night McRae went to G
One of the company with him related the particulars to me next morning I also saw the furniture.
McRae messed with me in Dickson on the same campaign (He is now out preaching to
enlighten the benighted world-------
Reducing many dwellings to ashes
An acquaintance inform [p. 151] ed me that in one days ride
through Davies he counted 30 houses that had been burned Some of the Mormons engaged in
this affair said it was a revelation from Joseph that every house in the county should be burned
excepting those in Diahman. DB Huntington informed me that Brunson & McRae were burning
Mormon houses and laying it to the mob I was in Diahman from Tuesday to Saturday Morning
and saw and heard much that is not here written------society friends that I would never act in [p.
42] the office -- All the principles of the Society tended to give the presidency unlimited
power over the property, persons and I might say with propriety lives of the memebrs of the
church as physical force was to be resorted to if necessary to accomplish their designs The blood
of my best best friend must flow by my own hands if I would be a faithful Danite should the
prophet command it Said A McRae in my hearing "If Joseph should tell me to kill Vanburen in
his presidential chain I would im [p. 43] mediately start and do my
best to assassinate him let the consequences be as they would--Having been taught to believe
themselves invincible in the defence of their cause though the combined power of the world
were in array against them, and by Sampson Avard in the afternoon and Sampson Avard informed those
present of a neglect of duty they had been guilty of in not inquiring of the Lord through the
prophet what persons should be supported as [p. 58] candidates at
the coming election "You may said he elect the identical persons that God would choose but
defend even if you do they will prove a curse to the county because you did not
inquire as you ought--
with which clubs stones and dirks were
used but no person was mortally wounded In this the first fight the Mormons claimed the victory
but retired from the polls to avoid a farther contest
of Daviess
County not being sufficiently strong to oppose the Mormons of Caldwell and Daviess
Counties then in array against them fled from their houses to make the woods their covert until
the storm should pass or assistance be procured [p. 64] to expel what
they termed a band of invaders The forces from Caldwell county remained in Daviess two days
and in the time compelled one individual to sign an article binding him to keep the peace with
the Mormons and attempted to frighten a justice of the peace to sign the same but he drew one
himself and signed it which was satisfactory Warrants were issued against J Smith L. Wight and
many others engaged in this affair and cause found sufficient to put them under bonds for their
appearance at court [p. 65] Representations of these hostile
movements of the Mormons were Sent by express to the neighboring counties which created
considerable exitement and but a short time elapsed before it was rumoured that the inhabitants
of Daviess county were determined that the Mormons should be expelled from that county as it
would be impossible to live in peace with them
passed through Far West under command of Brig Genl
Doniphan passed through Far West on their way to Daviess County with orders to cause all
parties found under arms, to disband immediately All the inhabitants of Caldwell were then
under arms a part in Far West and the remainder in Daviess county, but obedient to [p. 68] the order they dispersed and repaired to their homes many of them
hoping it would be the last time time they should be called from their respective avocations to
support their cause by force of arms
was of a
nature at the head of their band was of a nature to fan the spark of opposition in
Daviess till it was kindled to a flame which eventually spread far and wide and involved the
Society in one general ruin While the Mormons were embodied in Daviess County from the 10th
to the 13th of [p. 69] September they subsisted principally on cattle,
hogs honey &c taken from the "range" and from plantations belonging to the citizens of the
County which could not fail to imflame the people as far as they became acquainted with the
fact Individuals of the band informed me of this, further stating that on returning Some of them
carted into Caldwell County for their benefit at home, pork honey and wheat surreptitiously
taken on the campaign They were furnished with a hint of this cheap mode of living by Joseph
Smith in a letter written from F West [p. 70] though it was quite
likely that some genius among their leaders had invented and adopted the plan before the receipt
of the letter The citizens of Daviess are accused by the Mormons of taking property from them
in the same manner from which it would Seem that each party was supporting itself by means of
reprisals
other
counties Caldwell county and drawing the Mormons from home under arms was
perhaps a part of their object in letting all pass thinking it would be considered a breach of the
laws
an attack a surprise if an attack was meditated by the Mormons
and "beg like a
dog for peace" but the army by a circuitous route marched to Far West while we were hunting
their encampment and when we rode in at Sun Set we beheld them [p.
104] draw up a half mile from the line of the town A great part of the Mormons were
formed in the Edge to the town fronting the militia, but others of them were going about with
blank faces inquiring what should be done As soon as I alighted from my horse which I had rode
hard I ran down to the Mormon lines and told Joseph Smith if he had any message to send Genl
Doniphan I would carry it He expressed a wish for a compromise and got down from his horse to
let me ride I mounted [p. 105] but not until I asked him if it was
consecrated property as I did not think it safe to ride a borrowed horse where I might
possibly meet the owner By the time I left the Mormons the militia had retired from line and
were building camp fires and when I rode up to the campsite I was informed that the Genl would
receive no communications that night I observed to the person addressing me that I [particularly]
wished to See Genl Doniphan and if he would take my name on he would confer a special favor
which he did reluctantly but soon returned and [p. 106] conducted
me to the Genl's tent After delivering the message intrusted by Joseph I informed the Genl that
there were many individuals among the Mormons who were as warmly opposed to the wicked
transactions in Daviess County and the oppressive influence by which the church is led as any
man in his army could be and that those men were now compelled to Stand in the Mormon rank
where in the event of a battle their blood would flow in defence of measures to which they had
ever been adverse Genl Doniphan was apprised of this fact and Swore that nothing should be
done [p. 107] to endanger the persons or property of that class He
also said that he was determined to have a complete reorganization of Society in the county
before he returned and by the suffrages of the people it should be determined whether Caldwell
would still be governed by priestcraft and if the party in favor of good order prove to weak he
would protect them from the county if they desired it I found that the innocent had no cause to
fear unless the Mormons in their blind enthusiasm should provoke the army to an attack which
would [p. 108] have undoubtedly ended in an indiscriminate
slaughter as there were then 10,000 men under arms against them and 3000 in the confines of
Caldwell county wich without a reinforcement would have been Sufficient to subdue 700
Mormons On leaving Genl Doniphan directed that some of the principal men of Far West should
meet him the next morning at a certain point between the army and Mormons to see what could
be done John Corrill W W Phelps John Gleminson and myself were named by Genl Doniphan
and Seymour Brunson [p. 109] and Genl Hinkel were added to the
number by Joseph Smith The next morning we were informed that no steps could be taken
towards a compromise until the arrival of the order from the Governor which was hourly
expected (We faithfully reported to the presidency all that passed between us and Genl
Doniphan J Smith said that a compromise must be made on some terms honorable or
dishonorable) The Order did not arrive till late in the afternoon An hour or so before Sun Set
Maj Genl Lucas of [p. 110] Jackson county commander in chief of
all the forces then in Caldwell, with 4 or 5 Brig Genls rode up and delivered us a copy of the
order and spoke in favor of a treaty not deeming it expedient to act with the rigor proscribed by
his excellency the Governor
expectation of preparation for a coming fight
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