CHAPTER XIV.

Mormon War with the Gentiles

But to return to the grand army. On the second day of their march, they arrived
at New Portage, about 40 miles distant; where about 100 more fell into the ranks.
Herre organized into bands of fourteen men, each band having a captain, baggage
wagon, tents, &c. Just before leaving this place, Smith proposed to his army, that
they should appoint a treasurer to take posession of the funds of each individual,
for the purpose of paying it out as he should think necessities required. The
measure was carried, without a dissenting voice, of course. The Prophet was
nominated and voted in, as Treasurer, no one, of course, doubting his right. After
pocketing the cash of his dupes, the line of march was resumed, and a white flag
raised, bearing upon it the inscription of "PEACE," written in red.
Somewhere on their route a large black snake was discovered near the road, over
five feet in length. This offered a fair opportunity for some of the company to try
their skill at miracles, and Martin Harris took off his shoes and stockings, to "take
up serpents," without being harmed. -- He presented his toes to the head of the
snake, which made no attempt to bite; upon which Martin proclaimed a victory
over serpents; but passing on a few rods further, another
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of much larger dimensions was discovered, and on presenting his bare foot to this
one also, he received a bite in the ankle, which drew blood. This was imputed to
his want of faith and produced much merriment to the company.
A large mound was one day discovered, upon which Gen. Smith ordered an
excavation to be made into it; and about one foot from the top of the ground,
the bones of a human skeleton were found, which were carefully laid out upon a
board, when Smith made a speech, prophesying or declaring that they were the
remains of a celebrated General among the Nephites, mentioning his name and the
battle in which he was slain, some 1500 years ago. This was undoubtedly done
to encourage the troops to deeds of daring, when they should meet the
Missourians in battle array.
On arriving at Salt creek, Illinois, they were joined by Lyman Wight and Hiram
Smith (brother of the prophet,) with a reinforcement of twenty men, which they
had picked up on the way. Here the grand army, which being fully completed,
encamped for the space of three days. -- The whole number was now estimated
at 220 rank and file. During their stay here, the troops were kept under a
constant drill of manual exercise with guns and swords, and their arms put in a
state of repair -- the Prophet became very expert with a sword, and felt himself
equal to his prototype Coriantumr. He had the best sword in the army (probably
a true model of Laban's, if not the identical one itself,) an elegant brace of
pistols, which were purchased on a credit of six months, a rifle, and four horses.
Wight was appointed second in command, or fighting general, who, together with
the prophet, had an armour bearer appointed, selected from among the most
expert tactitions, whose duty it was to be in constant attendance upon their
masters with their arms. The generals then appointed a new captain to each
band, organized two companies of rangers, or sharp
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shooters, to act as scouts or flankers, when they should arrive upon the field of
carnage. After this they dubbed themselves the "army of Zion," and Hiram Smith
was chosen to carry the flag, which he kept unfurled during the remainder of the
march.
The march of the grand army was then resumed for two or three days, when it
was agreed to spend half a day in a sham fight. For this purpose four divisions
were formed, and took positions, and went to work, agreeably to the most
approved forms of Bonaparte, Black Hawk, Coriantumr, or Shiz. After coming to
close quarters, however, all discipline was lost sight of; and each one adopted a
mode agreeable to his taste. Some preferred the real British push with the
bayonet, some the old Kentucky dodging from tree to tree, while others preferred
the Lamanite mode of tomahawking, scalping and ripping open the bowels. The
final result was, that several guns and swords were broken, some of the
combatants wounded, and each one well pleased with his own exploits.
After crossing the Mississippi, spies on horseback were kept constantly on the
look out, several miles in front & rear. The Prophet went in disguise, changing his
dress frequently, riding on the different baggage wagons, and, to all appearance,
expecting every moment to be his last. Near the close of one day, they
approached a prairie, which was 30 miles in extent, without inhabitants. Here an
altercation took place between the two generals, which almost amounted to a
mutiny. The prophet declared it was not safe to stay there over night, as the
enemy would probably be upon them. Gen. Wight totally refused to enter the
prairie, as they would not he able to find water, or to build a fire to cook their
provisions, besides the great fatigue it would cause the troops. Smith said he
would show them how to eat raw pork. Hiram said he knew by the spirit
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that it was dangerous to stay there. The prophet finally exclaimed, "Thus saith
the Lord God -- March on;" this settled the matter -- and they all moved on
about fifteen miles, and thinking themselves out of danger, they encamped beside
a muddy pool, and went through the raw pork operation. Here the controversy
was again renewed between the two generals. Smith said "he knew exactly when
to pray, when to sing, when to talk, and when to laugh, by the Spirit of God --
that God never commanded any one to pray for his enemies." The whole seemed
much dissatisfied, and came nigh breaking out into open mutiny.
The Prophet had, besides his other weapons, a large bull dog, which was
exceedingly cross during the nights, and frequently attempted to bite persons
stirring about. One of the captains, (a High Priest,) one evening, declared to the
Prophet that he would shoot the dog, if he ever attempted to bite him. Smith
replied, that if he continued in the same spirit, and did not repent, the dog would
yet cut the flesh off his bones, and he would not have the power to resist. This
was the commencement of a controversy between the Prophet and his High
Priest, which was not settled till some time after their return to heads-quarters,
in Kirtland, when the former underwent a formal trial on divers serious charges,
before his Priests, honorably acquitted, and the latter made to acknowledge that
he had been possessed of several devils, for many weeks. The dog, however, a
few nights after the controversy commenced, was shot through the leg by a
sentinel, near the Prophet's tent, and died instantly.
When within twelve miles of Liberty, Clay county, Mo. (the head-quarters of the
fanatics in that state,) the "army of Zion" was met by two Gentlemen, who had
been deputed by the citizens of another county, for the purpose of enquiring into
the motive and object of such a hostile and warlike appearance upon their
borders. These gentlemen
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openly warned the military band and their Prophet, to desist from their intended
operations, and leave the settlement of their difficulties with the people of
Jackson county, in other hands -- advised them to he very careful what they did
and said, as the citizens of not only Jackson, but some of the adjacent counties,
were: very much enraged and excited, and were fully determined to resist the
first attempt upon them, by an armed force from other States. A few hours after
this the Prophet brought out a revelation, for the use of his troops, which said,
in substance, that "they had been tried, even as Abraham was tried, and the
offering was accepted by the Lord, and when Abraham received his reward, they
would receive theirs." Upon this, the war was declared to be at an end. A call for
volunteers, however, was made to take up their abode in Clay county, when
about 150 turned out. The next day they marched to Liberty, and each man
received an honorable discharge, under the signature of Gen. Wight. The army
then scattered in different directions, some making their way back from whence
they came, the best way they could, begging their expenses from the inhabitants.
Thee Prophet and his chief men, however, had plenty of money, and travelled as
other gentlemen do. Before leaving Liberty, the Cholera broke out among them,
and carried off thirteen of their number, viz.: John S. Carter, Eber Wilcox, Seth
Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd, Algernon S. Gilbert, Alfred Fisk, Edward Ives,
Noah Johnson, Jesse B. Lawson, Robert McCord, Eber Strong, Jessie Smith
and Betsey Parish. A new revelation was now had, that the brethren could
purchase land and settle in any of the adjacent counties, or "regions round
about."
The particulars of this expedition have been related to us by an eye witness, who
was one of the sharp shooters, and marched the whole distance, full of faith in
the assertions
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of Jo Smith, that "Zion was to be delivered." He came back, well satisfied with
Mormonism, and is esteemed a man of truth and veracity, by his acquaintances.
And now, had we the pen of a Cervantes, we should be strongly tempted to draw
out another volume, as an appendix, from the valorous deeds of our modern
Knight of La Mancha, for we do not believe that in all the history of knight
errantry, whether true or fabulous, an excursion by any set of men, so fraught
with delusion and nonsense, can be found. And, in fact, it came well nigh
loosening the scales from the eyes of most of the dupes to that imposition -- and
the whole camp came near breaking up, after the return of the Prophet to
Kirtland. There was a constant uproar among the brethren, for three or four
weeks, which only terminated in a sham trial of the Prophet; wherein, as near as
we can learn, he was judge, jury and witness; and, as one of the brethren said,
(very imprudently,) a more disgraceful transaction never took place. The Prophet
considered it a trying time with himself, and a point on which his future prospects
turned. He accordingly put in requisition all his powers of speech and tact at
deception, to cover over his transactions, and reclaim his refractory followers. On
one occasion he harangued and belabored them for six hours upon a stretch, and
finally succeeded in restoring order, with the loss of two or three members. It
would seem that the Prophet anticipated trouble, on his return, as he secured a
deed of a valuable farm, just before starting, by the contributions of his followers.
He also took a deed of the ground on which stands a huge stone temple, sixty by
eighty feet; and which is now nearly completed. Possessing himself, personally,
of this edifice, gave such dissatisfaction, that the deed was finally altered, so as
run to him and his successor.
But to return to the Missouri war. On hearing of the
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approach of the prophet and his troops, the people of Jackson county had a
general meeting, organized a military force, and appointed a committee of ten
persons to proceed to Liberty, in order to effect a settlement of their controversy
with the Mormons, They met the Mormon leaders, in a public meeting, when the
following correspondence passed between them; but as the Prophet had not then
arrived, nothing could be accomplished.
"Propositions of the People of Jackson to the Mormons.
"The undersigned committee, being fully authorized by the people
of Jackson county, hereby propose to the Mormons, that they will
buy all the land that the said Mormons own in the county of
Jackson; and also, all the improvements which the said Mormons
had on any public lands in said county of Jackson, as they existed
before the first disturbances between the people of Jackson and
the Mormons, and for such as they have maid since. They further
propose, that the valuation of said land and improvements shall be
ascertained by three disinterested arbitrators, to be chosen and
agreed to by both parties. They further propose, that should the
said parties disagree in the choice of arbitrators, then is to choose
them. They further propose that twelve of the Mormons shall be
permitted to go along with the arbitrators, to show them their land
and improveme nts, while valuing the same, and such other of the
Mormons as the arbitrators shall wish to do so, to give them
information: and the people of Jackson hereby guarantee their
entire safety while doing so. They further propose, that when the
arbitrators report the value of the land and improvements, as
aforesaid, the people of Jackson will pay the valuation, with one
hundred per cent. thereon, to the Mormons within thirty days
thereafter. They further propose that the Mormons are not to
make any effort ever after
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to settle, either collectively or individually, within the limits of
Jackson county. The Mormons are to enter into bonds to insure
the conveyance of their land in Jackson county, according to the
above terms, when the payment shall be made; and the committee
will enter into a like bond, with such security as may be deemed
sufficient, for the payment of the money, according to the above
proposition. While the arbitrators are investigating and deciding the
matter referred to them, the Mormons are not to attempt to enter
Jackson county, or to settle there, except such as are, by the
foregoing proposition permitted to go there. They further propose
that the people of Jackson will sell all their lands, and
improvements on public lands in Jackson county, to the Mormons
-- the valuation to be obtained in the same manner -- the same
per cent. in addition to be paid -- and the time the money is to be
paid is the same as above set forth in our proposition to buy -- the
Mormons to give good security for the payment of the money, and
the undersigned will give good security that the land will be
conveyed to the Mormons. They further propose, that all parties
are to remain as they are till the payment is made, at which time
the people of Jackson will give possession.
Signed: --
SAMUEL C. OWENS, ROBT. RICKMAN,
THOMAS JEFFRIES, JAMES CAMPBELL,
S. NOLAND, ABR'M McCLELLAN,
THOS. HAYTON, Sen. S. S. NOLAN,
JOHN DAVIS, RICHARD FRISTOE."
ANSWER
"Gentlemen: --
"Your proposition for an adjustment of the difficulties between the
citizens of Jackson county, and the Mormons, is before us; and as
explained to you in the court house,
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this day, we are not authorized to say to you that our brethren will
submit to your proposals; but we agree to spread general notice,
and call a meeting of our people in all, the present week, and lay
before you an answer as soon as Saturday or Monday next. We
can say for ourselves, and in behalf of our brethren, that peace is
what we desire, and what we are disposed to cultivate with all
men; and to effect peace, we feel disposed to use all our
influence, as far as would be required at our hands, as free born
citizens of these United States. And as fears have been expressed
that we designed to commence hostilities against the inhabitants
of Jackson county, we hereby pledge ourselves to them, and to
the hospitable citizens of Clay county, that we will not, and
neither have designed, as a people, to commence hostilities
against the aforesaid citizens of Jackson county, or any other
people.
"Our answer shall be handed to Judge Turnham, the Chairman of
the meeting, even earlier than the time before stated, if possible.
W. W. PHELPS,
Wm. E. McLELIN,
ISAAC MORLEY,
A. S. GILBERT,
JOHN CARRILL."
"N. B. As we are informed that a large number of people are on
their way, removing into Jackson county, we agree to use our
influence immediately to prevent the said company from entering
into Jackson county, until you shall receive an answer to the
proposition aforementioned."
About the same time the following correspondence appeared in the Missouri
Enquirer, a paper printed at Liberty, Clay Co., Missouri:
"Being a citizen of Clay county, and knowing that there is
considerable excitement among the people thereof, and also
knowing that different reports are arriving almost hourly,
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and being requested by the Hon. J. F. Ryland to meet the
Mormons under arms, and obtain from the leaders thereof the
correctness of the various reports in circulation -- the true intent
and meaning of their present movements, and their views generally
regarding the difficulties existing between them and the citizens of
Jackson county -- I did, in company with other gentlemen, call
upon the said leaders of the Mormons, at their camps, in Clay
county; and now give to the people of Clay county their written
statement, containing the substance of what passed between us.
CORNELIUS GILLUM"
"Propositions of the Mormons.
"Being called upon by the above named gentlemen, at our camp,
in Clay county, to ascertain from the leaders of our men our
intentions, views and designs, in approaching this country in the
manner that we have: we, herefore, the more cheerfully comply
with their request, because we are called upon by gentlemen of
good feelings, who are disposed for peace, and an amicable
adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people
of Jackson county. The reports of our intentions are various, and
have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of
almost every man. For instance, one report is, that we intend to
demolish the printing office in Liberty; another report is, that we
intend crossing the Missouri River, on Sunday next, and falling upon
women and children, and slaying them; another is, that our men
were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from the
manufacturing establishments in the East that had closed
business; also that we carried a flag, bearing peace on one side,
and war or blood on the other; and various other too numerous to
mention. All of which, a plain declaration of our intentions, from
under our own hands, will show are not correct.
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In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostilities
against any man or body of men. It is not our intention to injure
any man's person or property, except in defending ourselves. Our
flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen, who will be able
to describe it. Our men were not taken from any manufacturing
establishment. It is our intention to go back upon our lands in
Jackson, by order of the Executive of the State, if possible. We
have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self-defence, as
it is well known to almost every man of the State that we have
every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defence,
considering the abuse we have suffered in Jackson county. We are
anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us,
upon honorable and constitutional principles. We are willing for
twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by each party, and
these men shall say what the possessions of those men are worth
who cannot live with us in the county, and they shall have their
money in one year; and none of the Mormons shall enter that
county to reside until the money is paid. The damages that we
have sustained in consequence of being driven away shall also be
left to the above twelve men. Or they may all live in the county,
if they choose, and we will never molest them if they let us alone,
and permit us to enjoy our rights. We wish to live in peace with all
men, and equal rights is all we ask. We wish to become permanent
citizens of this State, and wish to bear our proportion in the
support of the Government, and to be protected by its laws. If the
above proposals are complied with, we are willing to give security
on our part; and we shall want the same of the people of Jackson
county for the performance of this agreement. -- We do not wish
to settle down in a body, except where we can purchase the lands
with money; for to take possession by conquest is entirely foreign
to our feelings. The shedding
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of blood we shall not be guilty of until all honorable means prove
insufficient to restore peace. Attest:
JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.
F. G. WILLIAMS, JOHN LINCOLN,
LYMAN WIGHT, C. R. MOREHEAD,
ROGER ORTON, JOHN SCONCE,
ORSON HYDE, JAMES H. LONG,
JOHN S. CARTER. JAMES COLLINS,"
"Clay County, June 21, 1834."
"Messrs. Kelley & Davis:
Gentlemen: Having understood that a communication from the
Mormons, addressed to the people of Clay county, a copy of which
was also forwarded to us, dated 21st inst. has been left with you
for publication, we have thought proper to give the said
communication a passing notice, especially as it bears the
signatures of Jo. Smith, Jr., F. G. Williams, Lyman Wight, Roger
Orton, Orson Hyde, and John S. Carter. We are unable to sa y
with precision, who of the Mormons hold land in Jackson county,
by any earthly title; but, so far as we can obtain any information
at the Register's office in Lexington, so far as the sales of
Seminary lands, of the 16th sections of the Township School
Lands, inform us, and so far as the Recorder's Office furnishes any
information of lands transferred by deeds recorded, neither of the
above gentlemen Mormons own any lands in Jackson County;
although, throughout their whole communication, they hold out the
idea, that their only wish and desire is to return to their lands in
Jackson. From the above, it would seem that if those who signed
the communication above alluded to, have titles to any lands in
Jackson county, they are titles unknown to the laws of the State,
and of a character not known to common conveyances. -- Why
men, who do not, so far as we can learn, own any lands in
Jackson, should promulgate to the world, that they
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have been expelled from them, appears to us inexplicable; unless,
indeed, it is done with a view to deceive. Why men, living in the
State of Ohio, should there raise an armed force, and march the
distance of 6 or 800 miles, under the pretense of taking possession
of their lands in Jackson, when, in fact, they have no earthly title
to any, that would be to us also inexplicable, had we not the best
possible reasons to know and believe their true intent and purpose.
-- Joseph Smith, Jr., whose name is first to the paper of which
we speak, we confidently believe does not, neither did he ever
own a foot of land in Jackson county. Said Smith, two years or
more ago, was in Jackson county some two or three weeks; since
which time, he has not been, or at least known publicly to have
been, in Jackson county. F. G. Williams, the second signer, we
are informed, on competent authority, has never been a resident
of Jackson county. But, if here at all, his stay was short, (our
informant was, if not yet, a Mormon.) Lyman Wight had been for
some time a resident of this county, but had no title to any land,
as we believe, for the facts above sta ted. Roger Orton is
unknown to any of the citizens of this county, so far as we have
been able to make inquiry, and is unknown to some of the Mormon
faith. Orson Hyde is known, and of famous memory to most of the
people of this county, not by personal acquaintance, for, as we
are informed, he had been but a short time here; but, by his
communications, which appeared in the St, Louis Republican last
November, (with what truth we will not here discuss.) John S.
Carter is unknown to any person in this county, so far as we can
learn.
"Thus it would seem, that the signers of the above paper, or a
majority of them, have no interest whatever in this county, any
further than the Mormon church is concerned; and yet, they avow
to the citizens of Clay, that
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their sole object in arming and marching to this county was, and
is, to take possession of their lands, when in fact they have no
lands to take possession of: that the abuse they received here
last Fall is sufficient to warrant them coming here armed. What
abuse, we ask, did the Prophet Jo, Smith, Jr., receive in this
county last Fall, and he not in the State? None, indeed to his
person. Again, they say that they never intended to get
possession of Zion, (that is Jackson,) by the shedding of blood!
But, in Revelation No. 54, given in Kirtland, Ohio, August, 1831,
near three years since, which we find in a Book of Revelations,
printed by the Mormons, we discover the following in the thirteenth
verse, to wit: 'Wherefore, the land of Zion shall be obtained but by
PURCHASE or by BLOOD, otherwise there is no inheritance for you,'
Thus it would seem, that either the Revelation is false, or the
statement made by Jo. Smith and others to the people of Clay
county is false. -- And we cannot but conclude, that the
statement was got up for the sole purpose of allaying public
excitement against them, and without much regard to their real
object in coming here. The fact is, that an armed force coming
from another State, many, and indeed most of whom have never,
as we are informed and believe, been here before, produces the
strongest conviction to our minds, that the Mormons do not intend
to rely upon the arm of the civil law for protection, and redress of
grievances; but that under the pretence of ge tting back to their
lands in Jackson county, a pretence which, applied to nineteen out
of twenty of them, is false, they intend to redress of themselves
their real as well as imaginary wrongs. We have already offered
them two prices for their lands; they will not sell -- neither will
they buy ours on the same terms. All this pertinacity and
infatuation of theirs, show that they are determined, at all
hazards, and regardless of all consequences, to shake and
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convulse not only Jackson but the surrounding counties, to their
bery center, and to imbrue the while upper Missouri in blood and
carnage. We will here observe, in conclusion, that our proposition
to the Mormons to sell their lands to us on the same terms which
we offer ours to them, must be regarded as a proof of our desire
to do them justice, and thus put a final termination to this
controversy.
"SAMUEL C. OWENS,
"Chairman of Jackson county Committee,
Independence, (MO,) June 23, 1834."
Copy of a Letter from Daniel Dunklin, Governor of the State of Missouri, to Col.
James Thornton, dated
City of Jefferson, June 6, 1834
Dear Sir: I was pleased at the receipt of your letter, concurred in
by Messrs. Ress, Atchison, and Donaphin, on the subject of the
Mormon difficulties. I should be gratified, indeed, if the parties
could compromise on the terms you suggested, or, indeed, upon
any other terms satisfactory to themselves. But I should travel out
of line of my strict duty, as chief executive officer of the
government, were I to take upon myself the task of effecting a
compromise between the parties. Had I not supposed it possible ,
yes, probable, that I should, as Executive of the State, have to
act, I should, before now, have interfered individually, in the way
you suggest, or in some other way, in order, if possible, to effect
a compromise. Uncommitted as I am, to either party, I shall feel no
embarrassment in doing my duty; though it may be done with
extreme regret. My duty in the relation in which I now stand to the
parties, is plain and straight forward. By an official interposition, I
might embarrass my course, and urge a measure for the purpose
of effecting a compromise, and if it should fail, and in the end,
should I find it my duty to act contrary to the
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advice I had given, it might be said, that I either advised wrong,
or acted wrong; or that I was partial to one side or the other, in
giving advice that I would not, as an officer, follow. A more clear
and indisputable right does not exist, than that of the Mormon
people, who were expelled from their homes in Jackson county, to
return and live on their lands, and if they cannot be persuaded as
a matter of policy, to give up that right, or to qualify it, my
course, as chief Executive officer of the State, is a plain one. The
Constitution of the United States declares, -- "That the citizens
of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities
of citizens in the several States." Then we cannot interdict any
people who have a political franchise, in the United States, from
emigrating to this State, nor from choosing what part of the State
they will settle in providing they do not trespass on the property
or rights of others. -- Our State Constitution declares that the
people's 'right to bear arms, in defense of themselves, and of the
State, cannot be questioned.' Then it is their constitutional right
to arm themselves. Indeed, our militia law makes it the duty of
every man, not exempt by law, between the ages of 18 and 45, to
arm himself with a musket, rifle, or some firelock, with a certain
quantity of ammunition, &c. And again, our Constitution says, 'that
all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty
God according to the dictates of their own consciences.' I am fully
persuaded that the eccentricity of the religious opinions and
practices of the Mormons, is at the bottom of the outrages
committed against them.
"They have the right constitutionally guaranteed to them, and it
is in defeasible, to believe and worship Jo Smith, as a man, an
angel, or even as the true and living God, and to call their
habitation Zion, the Holy Land, or even Heaven itself. Indeed,
there is nothing so absurd or ridiculous, that
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they have not a right to adopt as their religion, so that in its
exercise, they do not interfere with the right of others.
"It is not long since an impostor assumed the character of Jesus
Christ, and attempted to minister as such; but I never heard of
any combination to deprive him of his rights.
"I consider it the duty of every good citizen of Jackson and the
adjoining counties, to exert themselves to effect a compromise of
these difficulties, and were I assured that I would not have to act
in my official capacity in the affair, I would visit the parties in
person, and exert myself to the utmost to settle it. My first advice
would be to the Mormons to sell out their lands in Jackson county,
and to settle somewhere else, where they could live in peace, if
they could get a fair price for their lands, and rea sonable damages
for injuries received. If this failed, I would try the citizens and
advise them to rescind their illegal resolves of last summer; and
agree to conform to the laws in every particular, in respect to the
Mormons. If both of these failed, I would then advise the plan you
have suggested, for each party to take separate territory and
confine their members within their respective limits, with the
exception of the right of egress and regress upon the highway. If
all these failed, then the simple question of legal rights would have
to settle it. It is this last that I am afraid I shall have to conform
my action to in the end. And hence the necessity of keeping
myself in the best situation to do my duty impartially.
"Rumor says that each party are preparing themselves with
cannon. -- That would be illegal. It is not necessary for
self-defense, as guaranteed by the Constitution. And as there are
no artillery companies organized in this State, nor field pieces
provided by the public, any preparations of that kind will be
considered as without right; and in the present state of things,
would be understood to be with a
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criminal intent. I am told that the people of Jackson county expect
assistance from the adjoining counties, to oppose the Mormons in
taking or keeping possession of their lands. I should regret it
extremely. if any should be so imprudent as to do so; it would give
a different aspect to the affair.
"The citizens of Jackson county have a right to arm themselves
and parade for military duty in their own county independent of the
commander-in-chief; but if the citizens march there from other
counties, with arms, without orders from the commander-in-chief
or some one authorized by him, it would produce a very different
state of things. Indeed, the Mormons have no right to march to
Jackson county in arms, unless by order or permission of the
commander-in-chief. Men do not "levy war" in taking possession of
their rights, any more than others should in opposing them in
taking possession.
"As you have manifested a deep interest in a peaceable
compromise of this important affair, I presume you will not be
unwilling to be placed in a situation, in which, perhaps, you can be
more serviceable to these parties. I have therefore taken the
liberty of appointing you an Aid to the commander-in-chief, and
hope it will be agreeable to you to accept. In this situation you
can give your propositions all the influence they would have, were
they to emanate from the Executive, without committing yourself
or the commander-in-chief in the event of a failure.
"I would be glad if you or some other gentleman who joined in your
communication, would keep a close correspondence with these
parties, and by each mail, write me.
"The character of the State has been injured in consequence of
this unfortunate affa ir: and I sincerely hope it may not be
disgraced by it in the end.
"With high respect, your
obesient servant,
Signed:
"DANIEL DUNKLIN."
176a
Thus ended the far-famed Mormon war, and thus the difficulties stand at the
present time. It was set on foot, as they constantly held out, by a command of
the Lord, for the sole and express purpose of "redeeming Zion," as the dupes who
marched under the orders of the prophet, firmly believed. They entertained not
the least doubt that they were to have a brush with the people of Jackson
county, and some were sorely disappointed and chagrined, when it was first
announced that no blood was to be spilt; so much so, that one, at least,
manifested a determination not to submit to the decision of the Prophet, and was
only pacified by an exhibition of the revelation to his view. After all, Smith had
the hardihood and affrontry to declare, after his return, that his sole and only
object in marching his troops thither, was to carry money and other supplies to
his brethren, who were in destitute circumstances. But the reasons why the
expedition was so suddenly terminated, may be readily discovered in the
Governor's letter, and the manifestations of the citizens in that part of the
country. Smith and his High Priests supposed that they had nothing to do but to
make a display of their instruments of destruction, and their flag, to restore
peace to the country. All the benefit, therefore, which was derived from his long
march and expenditure of money, was, for the Prophet to get the information that
he had no business there, and that it would be the most prudent course to
"march back again."