History of Reed Peck (1839)
Ty pescr ipt copies are available at var ious U tah and Western libraries. p.1 desires among” the church in Zion. “And now I will show unto y ou a Parable that y ou Quincy Adams Cty Ill may know my w ill concerning the redemption of Zion: A certain nobleman Sept 18th 1839 hase a spot of land very choice; and he said unto his servants, go ye into my vineyard, Dear Friends: Having an opportunity to even upon this very choice piece of land and send by [- -] requires I sit down to give you plant twelve olive trees and set watchm en a sketch of Mormon history. respecting their round about them and build a tower that troubles in Missouri, you have probably one may overlook the land round about to read many articles in the papers, but be a watchman upon the tower, that mine through that channel y ou cannot become olive trees may not be brok en dow n when acquainted even w ith the features of their the enemy shall come to spoil and take unto story The record of the Court is perhaps them [p.6] selves the fruit of my vineyard. the only source in Missouri from which the Now the Servants of the Nobleman went particulars of the transactions in Caldwell and did as their l ord com manded them” But county [- - - -] could be obtained, and they it seems by the parable that the servants after are purposefully kept from the [people] to [- a while, began to murmur and were slothful - -] for a book that [p.2] that as now being and “hearkened not unto the commandment published upon the subject of Morm onism of their lord - and the enemy came by night in Missouri to furnish you with a regular and brok e down the hedge, and the Servants chain of events I send the account entitled of the N oblem an arose, and w ere affrighted “Mormons vis. So Called” which you may and fled and the enemy destroyed their rely on as a correct statement of the works and broke down the olive trees” After difficulties of that people in Jackson county. upbraiding his servants for their That they were there persecuted for their disobedience. “the lord of the vineyard said belief I can never pretend to deny , as they unto one of his Servants, ‘Go and gather were not guilty of cri mes or mi sdem eanors. [p.7] together the residue of my servants that could render them obnoxious to the who are the strength of mine house which people of that county , and if it had been the are my warriors, my young men and they forces of that county only that they would that are of middle age also, among all my have had to contend with, then arms would servants who are the strength of mine house not have been surrendered. Though save those only whom I have appointed to demanded [p.3] by Lieut. Genr. Pitcher at tarry and go ye straightway into the land of the head of the militia They apprehended my vineyard and redeem my vineyard, for it that other counties with the countenance of is mine I have bought it with high authority would oppose them if they money--therefore get ye straightway unto persisted in maintaining their rights and my land; break down the walls of mine their fears were not groundless it being enemi es; throw down their towers, and subsequently ascertained by confession of scatter their watchmen, and inasmuch As Lilburn W. Boggs then Lieut. Governor and they gather together [p.8] against you avenge residing at Independence, Jackson Co. that it me of mine enemies that by and by I may was by his direction that Coln. Pitcher acted come with the r esidue of mine house and in disarming the Mormons This confession possess the land” The lord of the viney ard was made at the close of a protracted and also say s “and this shall be my seal and tedious military trial, ordered by Gov. blessing upon you a faithful and wise Dunklin to break Pitcher, and it w as [started] steward in the midst of mine house a ruler in as the only alternative [p.4] to save him. my Kingdom On the flight of the Mormons from And his Servant went straightway and Jackson the humane citizens of Clay county done all things what soever his lord granted them a home on condition that comm anded him and after many days all when respectably and respectfully notified things were fulfilled” that the community wishd their removal In accordance with the interpretation of they should comply without resistan ce. In this parable Joseph Smith called for the winter followi ng Parley P. Pratt, Lyman volunteers and collected about 210 Wight, and David Whitmer travelled to “Warri ors” [p.9] and marched to Clay Kirtland, Oh io, to devise means with the County under arms, but the cholera on the leaders there for the redemption of Zion. Second day after their arrival dispersed them (Jackson Cty) A Revelation was received and all hopes were destroy ed of “redeeming which says in continuation after Zion” for the present, but to Console the complaining of the “Jarrings and contentions Mormons under this disappointment, Joseph and strifes and lustful [p.5] and covetous Smith, before he returned from the campaign prophesied publicly to them, that connected wit h the bui ldin g of t he “L ord’s “within three years they should march to House”in Kirtland and the “endowment of Jackson County and there shou ld not be a the Elders” I shall briefly notice such as dog to open his mouth against them” In July particularly affected the church both in 1836 the cit izens of Clay county becoming Ohio and Missouri While the Society were dissatisfied with the Mormons for causes too making arrangements to remove from Clay numerous to m ention thou gh noth ing of a county, Joseph Smith H. Smith and O criminal [p.10] nature could be justly urged; Cowdery borrowed some thousands of appointed a committee to inform the church dollars of the church in Ohio giving the that they wished their removal and named lenders orders on their agents in Missouri Wisconsin Territory as the most suitable for land [p.15] in pay ment. a part of which place for them to locate themselves. but the money was sent to Caldwell County and Mormons did not wish to leave Missouri. To invested in land which was immediately sold remove from Clay County was in at a small advance per acre to those holding accordance with their feelings, having for the orders spoken of, but it was soon made some time contemplated a settlement in apparent that the money sent to Missouri some new and uninhabited place that they fell far short of the amount of Orders could enjoy their constitutional privileges as prescribed consequently many persons other societies, but they had fearce arriving in Caldwell county destitute of opposition to their collecting in a body -- means were unable to purchase the homes [p.11] The excitement in Clay and the they anticipated finding having as they adjacent counties favored their design and supposed sent their m oney in advance to through the intercession of John Corrill secure them one These men lik ewise engaged with the concurrence and active influence of in heavy speculations in Banking [p.16] lawyers D. R. A tchison A. W. Doniphan Merchandising and other branches of Amos Rees and a few other gentlemen, leave business--Having the entire confidence of the was granted the Mormons, by common Mormons they procured from them by consent of the surrounding counties to settle loans in Canada and the States enormous in a body a tract of land north of Ray sums of specie, established a bank without a County twenty four miles long and charter issued a large quantity of their paper Eighteen miles wide, which was at the next in payment of debts and purchases of session of the Legislature incorporated a property; bought on credit heavy stocks of county and nam ed “C aldw ell .” In the course goods in Cleaveland Buffalo and N. York, of the fall of 1836 and succeeding winter and being most unskillful persons in the nearly all [p.12] all the Mormons in the state world in managing to pay debts, were finally had collected in Caldwell county) and by compelled to flee to Missouri, leaving their persevering industry < soon> opened creditors minus about 30000, [p.17] extensive farms and it seemed by magic that (independent of what they owed to their the wild prairies over a large tract were brethren) and Thousands of the “Kirtland converted into cultivated fields Persons Safety So ciety Bank” Bills not redeemed A visiting the county remarked , “that no bitter quarrel originated in these transactions other people of the same number could betw een the Smith’s and S. Rigdon on one build a town like Far West and accomplish part and the C owderies Johnson and David as much in the agricultural line in five years Whitm er on the other and each party having as the Mormons had in one” Confidence was their particular friends the church in established (to a certain degree) among all Kirtland became partially divided and their par ties. Merchants did not hesit ate to fu rnish anamosities carried many of them to great individuals of the society w ith large stock of ext rem es, producing confusion and cruel goods on credit so that in 1837 there were oppression when either party could wield six Morm on [p.13] stores in Far West and all the balance of power Very many credible doing very good business--The good conduct persons in the Society [p.18] have assented of the Mormons under the au spices of W . that while the “mony fever raged in Kirtland W. Phelps John Whitm er Edward Partridge the leaders of the church and others were, and John Corrill as leaders had gained them more or less, engaged in purchasing and an honorable character among their circulating “Bogus money or counterfeit immediate neighbors, which with their corn and a good evidence that the report is industry and economy bade fair to make not without foundation is that, each of these caldwell one of the most respectable & contending parties accuses the other of this thriving counties in Upper Misso[uri.] Land crime In the latter part of March 1838 the was entered at One dollar and twenty five Smith families S. Rigdon and many of their cents per acre and nearly every family was in favorites arrived in Far West one of the possession of a farm & the Summ er of 1837 “Stakes of Zion” and found the church in found them actively engaged in cultivating prosperous circumstances--O. Cowdery D the same where w e [p.14] w ill leave them Whitm er an Lyman Johnson had preceeded and glance at some of the Movements of the them which placed [p.19] in Caldwell movements of som e of the M ormons in County all the materials for an explosion Ohio. -- -- The Presidency Viz J. Smith H. Smith Passing over m any shameful transaction and S. Rigdon believing that Caldwell county was too limited for the reception of their faith it is the duty of the Saints to the multitude of converts that would be trample them under their feet He inform ed flocking to Missouri, directed their attention the people that they had a set of men among to Daviess county ly ing immediately north them that had dissented from the church and of Caldw ell, in w hich they with others of were doing all in their pow er to destroy the the Society made numerous claims on presidency, lay ing plans to tak e their li ves congress land selected a site and laid out a &c., accused them of counterfeiting lying city, the third “Stake of Zion” and named it cheating and numerous other crimes and Adam-on-diahman, informing their called on the people to ri se [p. 25] en m asse followers that it w as the place to which and rid the county of Such a nuisance H e < Adam> fled when driven from the said it is the duty of this people to trample garden [p.20] of Eden in Jackson County them into the earth, and if the county and that Far West was the spot where Cain cannot be freed from them any other w ay I killed Abel ” Daviess county then contai ned will assit to trample them dow n or to erect say , 400 fam il ies a gallows on the Square of Far West and Many of the Mormons left Caldwell and hang them up as they did th e gam blers at went into Daviess County and an Vicksburgh and it would be an act at which arrangement was made for all emigrants the angels would smile with approbation from the East to Settle in that place which in Joseph Smith in a Short speech a short time made the Mormons there equal Sanctioned what had been Said by Rigdon in strength with the former citizens About though said he I don’t want the brethren to the first of June part of the platte of the act unlawfully but [p.26] will tell them one small town of Dewitt in Carroll County was thing Judas was a traitor and instead of bargained for and two families by direction hanging himself was hung by Peter, and of the Pr esidency moved to it intending to with this hint the subject was dropped for make it the fourth [p.21] “Stake of Zion” the day having created a great excitement Being settled in a new country with the and prepared the people to execute anything privilege of other citizens the Mormons that should be proposed. were elated with the expectation of soon On the next Tuesday these dissenters as becoming a rich community and under the they were termed were informed that sole dir ecti on of the Prophet they believed preparations were being made to hang them that success would crow n every effort they up and if they did not escape their l ives should make to build themselves up Nearly would be taken before night, and perceiving every person was ready to act in compliance the rage of their enemies they fled to Ray with his will, believing the favor of Heaven County leaving their families and [p.27] depended on strict obedience to and implicit property in the hands of the Mormons The faith in the instructions of the prophet wrath of the presidency and the threats of The people of the surrounding [p.22] haning &c. were undoubtedly a farce acted country were still friendly & harmony to frighten these men from the county that prevailed among the Mormons till the they could not be spies upon their conduct middle of June when the enmity of the two or that they might deprive them of their parties from Kirtland manifested itself to an property and indeed the proceedings of the alarming degree A t this period measures presidency and others engaged in this affair were concerted no doubt by instigation of fully justify the latter conclusion, for the presidency to free the community of the knowing the probable result, Geo W. cow deries, Whitmers, Lyman Johnson and Robinson Son in law of S. Rigdon had prior some others, to effect which a secret meeting to their flight sworn out writs of attachment was called at Far West, by Jared Carter and [p.28] against these men by which he took Dimick B. Huntington two of Smiths possession of all their personal property, greatest courtiers where a proposition was clothing & furniture, much of which was made and supported by some as [p.23] being valuable and no doubt very desirable leaving the best poli cy to Kill these men that they their families to follow to Ray C ounty would not be capable of injuring the church. almost destitute--That the claims by which All their measures were strenuously opposed this property was taken from these men by John Corrill and T. B. March one of the were unjust and perhaps without foundation twelve apostles of the church and in cannot be doubted by any unpr ejudiced consequense nothing could be effected until person acquainted with all parties and the matter w as taken up publicly by the circumstances and no testim ony has ever presidency the Sunday following (June 17th) been adduced to show that the men were in the presense of a large congr egation. S. ever guilty of a crime in Caldwell County Rigdon took his text from the fifth chapter [p.29] Th ese unlaw ful and ty rannical of Mathew “Ye are the Salt of the Earth but measures met with the censure of John if the salt have lost his savour wherewith Corrill W. W. Phelps, John C lemenson shall it be salted, it is henceforth [p.24] good myself and a few others but we w ere soon for nothing but to be cast out and be made sensible that we had excited suspicion, trodden underfoot of men” From this and perhaps endangered ourselves by Scripture he undertook to prove that when venturing to speak unfavourabl y of th ese men embrace the gospel and afterw ards lose transacti ons We found that the events of a few days property ten fold in its vicinity and such and had placed Caldwell County under a such proprietors as will not consecrate the despotic government where even liberty of whole amount of that increase of value for speech was denied to those not willing to the building of the hou se and [p.35] other unite in support of the new order [p.30] church uses should be delivered over to the confidential subjects were appointed to brother of Gideon and be sent bounding conver se with all suspected members and by over the Prairies as the dissenters were a few pretending to be displeased with the days ago antirepublican measures enforced against the In short we found that all matters dissenters were able to learn the feelings of comprising anything not completely subject many, and by reporting to the presidency to the w ill of the presidency were to be drew down thundering anathemas from the managed by the terrible brother of Gideon. pulpit upon those so unwary as to speak All the requirements of the presidency mu st their sentim ents where long tried friendship be complied with, peacably if you will was swallowed up in bigotry and fanaticism forcibly if we must always making the A friend of long standi ng asked me if I brother of Gideon the terror of all that did not think the dissenters were dealt would not heartily join in the Support of harshly by and that the presidency [p.31] did their governm ent and view s wrong in exciting the people against them[?] A few individuals of us [p.36] were ever Saying at the same time that he “blamed after this opposed to the rule of the Joseph &c” I answ ered that the dissenters presidency perceiving that all spiritual and deserved punishment if they were guilty as temporal affairs were under their control represented. Thinking from my answer that and no monarch on earth ever had supreme I had become sati sfied with what had been power over his subjects more than they over done, he acknow ledged that he was only the inhabitants of Caldwell County only endeavouring to learn the true state of my they durst not exercise it to so great a degree feelings, and then to give me an idea of his Their word was law in religious civil and attaachment to the cause, said that if Josep military matters, but the secret springs of Smith Should tell him to cut my throat he their power and influence we did not yet would do it without hesitation I hear understand expressions of this nature from [p.32] several In the latter part of June a y oung man and shuddered at the thought of living in a from Ohio having reported something about community where the nod of one man if J Smith & S Rigdon, w as taken [p.37] by displeased would deprive an individual of constable D. B. Huntington Geo W every privilege and even life if the Robinson and a few others compelled < to consequence had not been feared more by sign a libel &> to Kneel before S. Rigdon him than h is follow ing On the Sunday and ask pardon as the only alternative to succeeding the flight of the di ssenters, S. escape a caini ng from the constable who Rigdon in a public discourse explained satis held his staff over him in an attitude for factorily no doubt to the people the striking until be bent the knee principles of republicanism (After informing For these offences application was made them as an introduction that “some certain for wr its VS J Smi th S. Rigdon D. B. characters in the place had been crying you Huntington Sampson Avard and others but have broken the law--[p.33] y ou have acted they would not permit the clerk of the court contrary to t he pri nci ples of republicanism” to issue them declaring that they would he said that “when a country, or body of never suffer vexatious lawsuits to be people have individuals among them with instituted against them in C aldw ell whom they do not wish to associate and a co unty ------public expression is taken against their [p.38] Some ti me previ ous to t his Secret remaining among them and such individuals meetings had been held in F W est that do not remove it is the principle of excited much curiousity among those that republi canism itself that gives that had not been permitted to attend as it was community a right to expel them forcibly easily discovered that something more than and no law will prevent it” He also said that ordinary was in progress among the male it was not against the principles of members of the church Ignorant of the republi canism for the people to hang the nature of these meetings I attend one about gamblers in Vick ’sburgh as it was a matter in the last of June, and heared a full disclosure which they [p.34] unanimously acted” of its object= Jared Carter Geo W. Soon after the delivery of this speech he Robinson, and Sampson Avard, under the informed the church in an address, that they instructions of their presidency, had formed would soon be called upon to consecrate a secret military Society, called the their property and those who would not “daughter of Zion” and [p.39] were holding comply with the law of consecration should meetings to initiate members The principles be delivered over to the brother of Gideon, taught by Sampson Aar d as spokesman, w ere whom he represented as being a terrible that “as the Lord had raised up a prophet in fellow. We are[,] said he[,] Soon to these last days like unto Moses it Shall be the comm ence building the ‘Lords House’in Far duty of this band to obey him i n al l things, West which will enhance the value of and whatever he requires you shall perform being ready to give up life and property for the officers would call in the strength of the advancement of the Cause When any other counties to enforce the law “What, thing is to be performed no member Shall said he, do we care for other counties or for have the privilege of judging whether it the state or whole United States.” [p.45] The would be right or wrong but Shall engage in independence of the church was to be its accomplishment and trust God for the supported it laws and the behests of the result [p.40] It is not our business or place to presidency enforced by means of this lay al know what is required by God, but he will band of Danites, under command of Jared inform us by means of the prophet and we Carter, the terrible brother of Gideon became must perform If any one of y ou see a the additional title of “Captain Genl of the member of the band in difficulty in the Lords hosts” His subalterns were Maj Genl surrounding country contending for Sampson Avard Brigd Genl C. P.[-] Coln instance with an enemy, you shall extricate Geo W. Robinson also a Lieut Coln Maj. him even if in the wrong if you have to do Secretary of War an Adjutant, Captains of with his adversary as Moses did with the fifties & captains of tens and all these officers Egyptian put him under the Sand and both with the privates were to be under the pack off to Far West and we will take care of administration of [p.46] the presidency of the matter ourselves. No person shall be the church and wholly subject to their suffered to speak evil or disrespectfully of control the presidency Th e secret signs [p.41] and At a meeting for the organisation of the purposes of this society are not to be Danites Sampson Avard presented the revealed on pain of death” &c &c A bout 50 society to the presidency who blessed them persons were initiated into the Society at the and accepted their Services as though they time I was introduced and to sam time the were soon to be enployed in executing some oath was administered to all the novices at great design They also made speeches to the once of which I took advantage by Society in which great military glory and remaining silent and accordingly avoided conquest were represented as awaiting them, taking it victories in which one should chase a I was appointed Adjutant of the band in thousand and two put ten thousand to flight, consequence I suppose of my holding that were portrayed in the most lively manner, office in the 59th Reg Missouri Militia I did the assistance of [p.47] Angels promised and not think it policy to regect the in fine every thing was said to inspire them appointment though I declared to my society with Zeal and courage and to mak e them friends that I would never act in [p.42] the believe that God was soon to “bring to pass office -- All the principles of the Society his act, his strange act” or by them as tended to give the presidency unlimited instruments to perform a marvelous work power over the property , persons and I on the Earth In the fore part of July the might say with propriety lives of the “brother of Gideon” or Jared Carter Capt memebrs of the church as phy sical force was Genl of the Danites having complained to to be resorted to if necessary to accom plish Joseph Smith of some observations made by their designs The blood of my best best Sidney Rigdon in a Sermon, was tried for friend must flow by my own hands if I finding fault with one of the presidency and would be a faithful Danite should the deprived of his station and Elias Higbee was prophet command it Said A McRae in my appointed in his stead hearing “If Joseph should tell me to kill [p.48] Carter’s punishment according Vanburen in his presidential chain I would to the principles of the Danites Should have im [p.43] mediately start and do my best to been death In the evening after the trial I was assassinate him let the consequences be as in company with Maj Genl Sampson Avard they would--Having been taught to believe Dimick B Huntington Capt of the Guard, them selves invincible in the defence of their Elias Higbee the new capt Genl and David cause though the combined power of the W. Patten one of the twelve apostles and world were in array against them, and member of the high counsel of the church < that> the purposes of God w ere to be all of whom had sat with the presidency on accomplished through their instrumentality, the trial. D. B. H untington stated that the wicked destroyed, by force of arms the Joseph declared during the examination that “nations subdued,” and the Kingdom of he should have cut Carters throat on the Christ establ ish ed on t he Earth, they spot if he had been alone when he made the consider themselves accountable only at the complaint [p.49] Huntington also Said that bar of God for their conduct, and on his trial Carter came within a fingers consequently [p.44] acknow legded no law point of losing his head Sampson Avard superior to the “word of the Lord through related at the same time the arrangements the proph et” Do y ou suppose said a Zealous that had been made by the presidency and Danite at a time when the Sheriff of Daviess officers present at the trial respecting the county held a State’s warrant against Joseph dissenters.--Said he, “All the head officers are Smith that the prophet will condescend to to be furnished by the presidency with a list be tried before a judge? I answered that of dissenters both in Ohio and Missouri and Smith would in all probability submit if for example I meet with one of them or Knowing that in case resistence was made who is damning and cursing the presidency, I can cur se them too and if he will drink I show yourself approved you shall never be can get him a bowl for brandy and after a admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven. I will while [p.50] take him by the arm and get stand at the entrance my self and oppose you him one Side in the brush when I will into myself and will Keep you out if I have to his guts in a minute and put him under the take a fisty cuff in doi ng it ” Corri ll replied “I Sod. When an officer had disposed of a may possibly get there fir st dissenter in this way he shall inform the It seems that Joseph wished the church to presidency , and them only with whom it believe that not only all things pertaining to shall remain an inviolable Secret In July the the Society should be subject to his dication law of consecration took effect which in time, but in eternity Salvation should required every person to give up to the [p.56] depend on his ascendant power with bishop all surplus property of every God, as though his prejudices against description, not necessary for their present individuals could be carried into the Court support Sampson Avard the most busy actor of Heaven as a plea against them at t he l ast and sharpest tool of [p.51] the presidency day Under this act the church generally informed John Corrill and My self that “all were passive if not pleased believing it to be persons who attempted to deceive and the Order of God and surrounded as the return property that should be given up presidency were with a soldiery bound by would meet with the fate of Ananias and oath to obey them under all circumstances it Saphira w ho w ere Killed by Peter” was dangerous for a few of us who would Many of the church consecrated land in gladly hav e freed ourselves from a yoke to Jackson Clay and Caldwell Counties, others speak even our sentiments if opposed to the brought forward furniture horses &c, &c, view s of [p.57] the presidency but it all add little to the church fund & I We see them at the head of all the forces conclude fell far short of Satisfying the of Caldwell county and Sole dictators in all presidency for the business of consecration religious matters and a Single example will was immediately followed by the formation Show that civil or political affairs w ere no of four large [p.52] firms and it was required less under their control On Saturday 9th of by the “Word of the Lord” that every August two day s previous to the General member of the church Should become a Election a meeting was called by Sampson partner in Some one of them All the land Avard in the afternoon and Sampson Avard and personal property of each individual informed those present of a neglect of duty were to become property of some one of they had been guilty of in not inquiring of these firms and subject to an individual head the Lord through the prophet what persons The head of each firm was to transact all should be supported as [p.58] candidates at business and no individual could make a the coming election “You may said he elect bargain for himself or control any part of his the identical persons t hat God would choose property after becoming a member of the but defend even if you do they will prove a firm curse to the county because you did not All branches of business were to be inquire as you ought-- carried on by [p.53] these companies, A com mitte w as forthwi th appointed to mercantile mechanical and agricultural and wait on the presidency and the result was an all laborers were bound to work according order for printed tickets to be sent about the to the special directions of their county to each precinct that all may know superintendant for whom to vote Saturday the tickets were Very many were violently opposed to struck off and on the next day Sampson this new church order but after much Avard distributed them [p.59] among a large argument, preaching teaching and explaining collection of Danites from all parts of the by S Avard the excitement was allayed and county, with the accompanying word that all but a few consented to give up their they were according to the w ill of God property and we may say subject themselves which was sufficient to make nearly every to a driv er--John Corrill observed to a person vote that ticket and no other -- person in Far West that he did not “think it It is a matter beyond doubt that some his duty [p.54] to unite with the firm and candidates would have got the votes of three that he had no confidense in the revelation fourths of the people that by this measure that requir e it” Joseph Smith and S Rigdon lost their election and when the poll closed learning that he had made this observation, had not more than 15 or 20 votes in their [strid] him severely for his rebellion in the favor The presidency would not have presence of several persons Smith Said to interfered in this matter had there not been him “if you tell about the streets again that [p.60] candidates in the lists who had the you do not believe this or that revelation I confidence of the people but were not will walk on your neck Sir” at the same time sufficiently ductile to please their fancy or smiting his fists to evince his great rage He Suite their pur poses consequently they talk ed of di ssenters and cit ed us to t he case determined that their election Should be of Judas Saying that Peter told him in a defeated They Spoke and it was done But the conversation [p.55] a few days ago that prett iest part of this affair remains yet to be himself hung Judas for betr ay ing C hrist He told also Said “if you do not act differently and I was in the printing office on Saturday two hours before the meeting was called and and volunteers speedily marched to resist the nearly a half day before the committee went mob in case they commenced hostilities to inquire who Shoul d be candidates and At the same time petitions were sent by Saw the Self Same tickets in the hands of the the presidency to the honorable judge of the compositor [p.61] that was afterwards circuit court a resident of Ray County reported and it was probably in type before praying his interposition in behalf of the the com mittee had their i nterview with the Mormons who were threatened with presidency The ticket was previously made expulsion from Davi ess County , upon out by J Smi th S Rigdon and G. W. which Maj Genl D. R. Atchison was Robinson and sent to the office to be printed instr ucted or ordered to raise an armed early on Saturday and the transactions in the force, proceed to that place and restore order afternoon were no doubt to take off a little and preserve the peace between the two of the glare by making it appear that the parties Genl A tchison raised 500 mounted people consulted them respecting the tick et volunteers [p.67] in C lay and Ray Counties to be voted and not have it understood that and with this force ar ri ved in Daviess they interfered voluntary County on or about the 13th of Sept in time [p.62] In Daviess C ounty the to prevent any acts of hostility by either of Mormons also unanimously took one Side the belligerent parties of the question which occasioned a A part of this company passed through disturbance betw een them and the opposite Far West under command of Brig Genl party at the election which ended in a Doniphan passed through Far West on their skirmish with which clubs stones and dirks way to Davi ess County with orders to cause were used but no person was mortally all parties found under arms, to disband wounded In this the first fight the Mormons immediately All the inhabitants of Caldwell claimed the victory but retired from the were then under arms a part in Far West and pol ls to avoid a farther contest the remainder in Daviess county, but An exaggerated account of a bloody obedient to [p.68] the order they dispersed massacre of some of the Mormons was and repaired to their homes many of them rapidly circulated through Caldwell County hoping it would be the last time ti me they early next [p.63] morning, the warriors should be called from their respective marshalled and by 12 o Clock 150 Danites avocations to support thei r cause by force of with J Smith and S. Rigdon at their head arms were march ing for Daviess county breathing But how vain their hopes when every vengeance against “the mob” for the attack succeeding step taken by their leaders was of made the previous day on their brethren At a nature at the head of their band was of a their approach the in habitant s of Daviess nature to fan the spark of opposition in County not being sufficiently strong to Davi ess till it was kindled to a flame which oppose the Mormons of Caldwell and eventually spread far and wide and involved Daviess Counties then in array agai nst them the Society in one general ruin While the fled from their houses to make the woods Mormons were embodied in Daviess County their covert until the storm should pass or from the 10th to the 13th of [p.69] assistance be procured [p.64] to expel what September they subsisted principally on they term ed a band of invaders The forces cattle, hogs honey &c taken from the from Caldwell county rem ained in Daviess “range” and from plantations belonging to two day s and in the time compelled one the citizens of the County which could not individual to sign an article binding him to fail to imflame the people as far as they keep the peace with the Mormons and became acquainted with the fact Individuals attempted to frighten a justice of the peace of the band informed me of this, further to sign the same but he drew one himself stating that on returning Some of them and signed it which was satisfactory carted into Caldwell County for their Warrants were issued against J Smith L. benefit at home, pork honey and wheat Wight and many others engaged in this affair surreptitiously taken on the campaign They and cause found sufficient to put them under were furnished with a hint of this cheap bonds for their appearance at court [p.65] mode of living by Joseph Smith in a letter Representations of these hostile movements wr itten from F W est [p.70] though it was of the Morm ons were Sent by express to the quite likely that some genius among their neighboring counties which created leaders had invented and adopted the plan considerable exitement and but a short time before the receipt of the letter The citizens elapsed before it was rumoured that the of Daviess are accused by the Mormons of inhabitants of Daviess county were taking property from them in the same determined that the Mormons should be manner from which it would Seem that each expell ed from that county as it would be party was supporting itself by means of impossible to live in peace with them reprisals The citizens of Daviess were reinforced The Mormons had no more than taken in the fore part of September by small breath after their r etu rn from Davi ess parties from some of the adjoining counties County befor e an expr ess arr ived -- from and their threats alarming the Mormons the Dewitt calling for volunteers to Succor the war cry was again [p.66] heard in Caldwell few Mormons that had collected in that place [p.76] in Dewitt they w ould come down [p.71] You will recollect that two upon the mob from Caldwell [like] a families from F West settled in Dewitt about thunderbolt and being compelled to the first of June The citizens of Carroll evacuate the place after all their bravadoes county soon after met and the expression of [the] returned in no enviable humour public feeling was that no Mormormons bringing intelligence that a company of the should be admitted into the county as Dewitt mob < with a cannon> were on a citizens Resolutions were passed and line of march for Daviess County threatning published setting forth the impossibility of to route th e Mormons from that place al so living in amity with a community of On Sunday 14th Oct the day after the Mormons, and a committee appointed to Mormons returned from Dewitt a company inform the two Mormon families in Dewitt of Militia, passed through Far West to tak e of these transactions and request their their stand in Davi ess Co [p.77] to oppose departure from t he C ounty Th is notice the Mobites that w ere marching from being disregarded in a subsequent [p.72] Dewitt On Monday 15th nearly all the male meeting it w as resolved by the citizens to inhabitants of Caldwell County were employ force to effect what m ild measures congregated in Far West by Order of the had not accomplished but they attem pted presidency , armed for war and burning to nothing till a company of Mormons from execute vengeance on their enemies. Joseph Canada took up their abode in Dewitt when Smith addressed them and after capitulating acting on the principles of republicanism as the vexations to which the church had been defined by S Rigdon they determined to eject subject and the per secutions they had them from the county and the Mormons endured in Missouri, informed them of the were soon made sensible that decisive steps answer of the Governor to their petition must be taken in order to sustain themselves [p.78] and in continuation said the law we in opposition to the forces daily collecting have tried long enough, who is so big a fool and the increasing prejudices of the as to cry the law! the law ! when it is always community at large [p.73] The express from administer ed against us and never in our Dewitt informed that the mob had burned favor I do not intend to regard the law one Mormon house and shot at several hereafter as we are made a set of outlaws by individuals, and were increasing their having no protection from it We will take num bers constantly from other counties our affairs into our own hands and manage The Mormons had possession of the for ourselves We have applied to the Gov. town and had ranged their wagons for and he will do nothing for us, the militia of breastwork The presidency with a large the county we have tried and they will do company of volunteers hastened to Dewitt nothing, all are m ob the Governor is m ob and were permitted to enter the tow n [p.79] the militia are mob and the whole without opposition thrugh State is mob They passed in view of th e mob and so We have yielded to the mob in Dewitt with all that followed from Caldwell Co and now they are preparing to strike a blow They had free engress too [p.74] but not in Daviess, but I am determined that we will even an express could return from the town not give another foot and I care not how to Far West The mob knew that people of many com e against us, 10 or 10000 God will other counties w ould hinder them, all send his angels to our deliverance and we necessary assistance to accomplish their can conquer 10000 as easily as 10 The object therefore they did not fear the manner of supplying the army in the strength of other counties Caldwell county expedition to be undertaken was [-] artfully and drawing the Mormons from home bandied in their [duties] as to superseede the under arms was perhaps a part of their necessity of observing to clear himself [p.80] object in letting all pass thinking it would be from unjust imputations That “Some may considered a breach of the laws go from here and report that I taught you to A company of Militia that was stationed steal,” but I distinctly toll y ou all not to steal in Daviess Co. to keep the peace and one when you can get plenty without” and other company were called to Dewitt but closed by relating an anecdote of a dutch being overawed [p.75] by the mob could do man and his potatoes whi ch I w il l speak “A nothing to effect a reconciliation colonel quartered near an old-dutchman, the An Express was dispatched to the owner of a patch of fine potatoes, is offered Governor by the Mormons and they report to pur chase some for his men but was that his Excellency sent word, that as they refused At night when relating the had got themselves into a scrape they might circumstances to the Regiment The Colonel fight their ow n battles said “now don’t let a man of you be caught The Mormons after being hemmed in stealing [p.81] that old dutchmans potatoes Dewit a few days made a treaty and agreed In the morning there was not a potatoe in to leave the County forthwi th and were to the old man’s field” He was followed in his be remunerated for the damage they address by Sidney Rigdon who spoke in a sustained in consequence strain of virulance not describable against a It had been the boast of the Danites that certain Jew in the County that had Said he if an attack was made upon the Mormons “remains at home cryin O don’t! O don’t! you are breaking the law you are bringing ventursome than his fellows ruin on the Society &c. while others are out The sitizens had universally fled leaving on expeditions to other counties doing all in their all at the mer cy of a merciless foe their power to Support the cause While we On the same day a company of 50 men are away that class are at home finding fault called the First [p.87] com pany commanded with our movements and thereby [p.82] by Capt Dunhaw (In camp Cap Black Haw) enacting divisions and disturbances among made their triumphal entry into ‘Diahman the brethren when a perfect union is laden with feather beds, quilts, clothes requisite in order to stand against the enemy Clothes, clock’s, and all varieties of light That all might become one he proposed to furniture < taken from the deserted the meeting that blood should first run in dw ell ings> making the most uncouth the streets of Far West that those traitors appearance I ever beheld and were greeted as among them who had always opposed their they passed with three deafning hurras from doings should be slain and then the the whole camp On the same day Seymour remainder could act in union No answer Brunson Alexander McRae and about 20 being made to this he next proposed that others rode 15 or 20 miles to one of the those persons should be forced to take their branches of Grand River and called on an arms and march with the band on the old gentleman whom they found at home morrow to Daviess [p.83] county and if they with his family and after the custom [p.88] refused they should be pitched on their ary salu tat ions M cRae observ ed that it was a horses with bayonets and placed in front of “dam’d cold day” and introduced the the battle” The latter proposition was company as a par ty of mobites come fr om answered with a hearty Am en from the Carroll county to drive out the Mormons congregation Should these traitors attempt The unsuspicious old man invited them to to leave the county their li ves should be the come in and warm amd or dered dinner as he forfeit and their property confiscated for the could not furnish them with whiskey which use of the army they pretended to be m ost anxious for A fter Monday Evening a company of horse and receiving their dinner and a treat of excellent two companies of footm en were organised honey they departed slyly taking the old consisting of about 300 men and before gentlemans great coat a silk H andk erchief morning the com pany of horse reached some woollen sheets woolen yarn a powder Adam-ondi-Ahman Tuesday morning the horn Gun lock some knives and forks [p.89] two companies of [p.84] footmen were early and many other arti cles as a means I suppose wending their way across the prairies and of informing their host w hom he had arrived in ‘Diahman at Sunset John Corrill entertained The next night A. McRae and a W. W. Phelps John Cleminson R eed Peck small party went to Gallatin and stripped and several other AntiDanites had the honor the best furnished house of all its valuable of being enrolled in one of these companies furniture which they drew to ‘Diahman and and under the bayonet resolutions marched to burned the dwelling to the ground All the Daviess county where we Saw the character property taken from the store in Gallatin or principles of the Danites fully exemplified and from private habitations was deposited On Wednesday 17th Oct in consequence with the bishop of Diahman and afterwards of a heavy snow fall an unusual occurrence distributed among theSsociety The Fur at that season of the year most of the company and those parties were constantly Mormons remained inactive in camp, only a bringing in plunder and reducing the [p.90] sufficient number were out [p.85] to procure dwellings to ashes and for ten days the the necessary supply of hogs cattle honey &c Mormons were employed in this way for the use of the arm y which they took as without opposition, pil laging houses on former occasions from the range and harvesting the corn and collecting the plant ati ons of th e citizen s (Mi ssour ians) horses, cattle and hogs of the frightened In camp Pork beef & honey were citizens making ‘Diahman their place of denominated Bear Buffalo & Sweet oil rendezvous and depository of their ill gotten On Thursday (18) pursuant to an ri ches, fool ishly flattering themselves that arrangement made the evening before by J & no notice would be t ak en of these H Smith and Ly man W ight, D. W. Patten at transacti ons. while a few Some heads among the head of 40 men made a descent on them w ere wondering that men from other Gallatin the county seat of Daviess, burned counties were not flocking in by hundreds the only store in the place and brought the to stop their mad career in the beginning goods to ‘Diahman and consecrated them to The Militia that passed through Far West for the bishop Joseph [p.86] having taught that the [p.91] protection of the peace in Daviess the ancient order of things had returned and had returned home having been informed by the time had arrived for the riches of the the Mormons that their presence was not Genti les to be consecrated to the house of necessary The citizens of Daviess, men Israel (Mormons) There were about 20 men women and children fled through the snow in Gallatin who fled at the approach of Capt in wagons on horseback and on foot after Patten and his company and these were all the plundering & burning was commenced that the Morm ons saw during the campaign as precipitately as though they had been excepting an occasional straggler more invaded by a hostile band of Indians, but with this flood of testimony their calamitous march silently on foot till hailed by the report was not generally credited in other Senti nal w it h. “Who com es th ere[?]” counties until men specially appointed for Capt Patten answered “friends,” Sentinel the purpose had visited Daviess county and “Are you armed[?] Patten: “We are -----“ returned with a confirmation of their Story [p.97] Sentinel. “Then lay dow n y our arm s” [p.92] The pacific disposition Patten to his men “Fire” Some of the manifested by the Mormons on former foremost men attempted to shoot but their occasions, their ready acceptation of pieces “snapped” dishonorable terms of peace in Jackson The sentinel sh ot one of th e “Frien ds” county, their willing compliance with the through the hip and ran into C amp closely requisition of the people in removing from followed by the Mormons Clay county their recent troubles in Dewitt Day had just began to dawn when they where on the dem and of a hostile mob they rushed upon their enemies echoing their w ar again sacrificed their constitutional rights to cry “God and liberty .” A few minutes obtain a peace, all combined to impress the decided the con test in favor of the Mormons community with the beli ef that the The militia soon fled leaving their horses Mormons would never act only upon the and baggage in camp [p.98] One of their principle of Self defence num ber was killed on the ground several The citizens of Daviess had complained wounded and one taken prisoner by the of the Morm ons before but unluckily for Mormons [p.93] themselves could not establish Gideon Carter brother of Jared (6) was anything against them more than was killed in the battle and David W. Patten and known to the public so when they fled in one other of eight that were wounded of the distress their cry was heard at first with as Mormons died the following day Early in much indi fference as the boy’s who cried the morning intelli gence of this battle was “the Wolf! the Wolf!” By Express the received in Far W est and the presidency and Governor was informed of the depredations Lyman Wight rode out to meet the of the Mormons and flight of the inhabitants victorious Mormons and marched at their of Daviess and it Seems he issued an order to head back to town Maj Genl Clark to raise 400 mounted men The prisoner tak en by the [p.99] and reinstate the citizens of Davies in their Mormons was released on their march back homes with instr uctions to follow a certain path Previous to the 25th of Oct a great part which was pointed out to him but being of the Mormons [p.94] residing in Caldwell suspicious of treachery he travelled in it but county had returned home with their a short distance and left it for a Safer way in dividend of plunder the woods Certain m ovements convinced The Mormons continued their system of him that an ambush had been placed to cut spoliation till their returning senses hinted off his return and he no sooner left the path to them the probable consequences when than he discovered a man in the act of they commenced the creation of a small fort shooting To save himself he “bent forward, or Block house in ‘Diahman in preparation ran crooked and dodged behind trees” but for a Seige the cold hearted villain [p.100] (I know him They had captured the cannon brought well) deliberately sent a ball through his hip from Dewitt which they found buried in and left him, thinking perhaps he had gi ven livingston county The people of Richmond him his death wound in Ray county hearing that the Mormons The horses taken in the battle were wer e preparing to attack distributed among the Mormons and [p.95] Richmond removed their w omen receipted for to Coln Hink el In Richmond and children across the river and kept a the first information received of this battle vigilent guard on the roads to Caldwell A was that the whole company of 50 or 60 company of 50 or 60 men was raised and men was massacred and before the report recevd orders from Maj Genl Atchison to was corrected Amos Rees and Wily C. range the north line of the county to Williams were far on their way to the prevent an attack a surprise if an attack was Governor with this intelligence meditated by the Mormons Immediately after the [p.101] battle of On the night of the 24th Oct this Crook ed River nearly all Caldwell County company under command of Capt Bogart were astir removing their families and effects was encamped on C rook ed River 12 miles to Far West as a place of Safety South of Far West and two miles south of On the 29th Oct Genl Doniphan was the line of Caldwell county [p.96] encamped on C rook ed river with 1300 men Information was receiv ed in Far West about and waiting for a reinforcement in or der to midnight that this company had taken some march into Caldwell county prisoners and burned some Mormon houses The Morm on forces had been ordered David W. Patten was immediately placed out by Coln Hinkel consequently the armed at the head of 75 or 100 volunteers and strength of Caldwell was concentrated and proceeded within two miles of the militia or prepar ed to act “mob” as the Mormons called them where On Monday (29th) a party of 150 they left their horses with a Small guard and Mormons or more were Stationed three or four [p.102] miles South of Far West to the people it should be determined w hether intercept any forces that Should attempt to Caldwell would still be governed by march in Th e Mormons believed that the priestcraft and if the party in favor of good army on C rook ed river w as a mob collected order prove to weak he would protect them to attack them without the authority of any from the county if they desired it I found public officer but being satisfied myself that that the innocent had no cause to fear unless they came as the Militia of the state and the Mormons in their blind enthusiasm fearing that Serious consequenses would should provoke the army to an attack which result from the rashness of the Mormons if would [p.108] have undoubtedly ended in an the two parties should meet I volunteered to indiscriminate slaughter as there were then ride out and ascertain if possible what might 10,000 men under arms against them and be expected from the visit of so large an 3000 in the confines of Caldwell county army [p.103] I found it impossible to get wich without a reinforcement would have into the camp un less I went as a prisoner but been Sufficient to subdue 700 Mormons On I learnd from one of the soldier s that they leaving Genl Doniphan directed that some were under command of Genl Doniphan of the principal men of Far West should who gave the Mormons Some Satisfaction meet him the next morning at a certain On the day following John C orrill and point between the army and Mormons to myself were dispatched by the presidency to see what could be done John Corrill W W see Genl Doniphan < with instructions to> Phelps John Gleminson and myself were and “beg like a dog for peace” but the army named by Genl Doniphan and Sey mour by a circuitous route marched to Far West Brunson [p.109] and Genl Hinkel were while we w ere hunting their encampm ent added to the number by Joseph Smith The and when we rode in at Sun Set we beheld next morning we were informed that no them [p.104] draw up a half mile from the steps could be tak en t ow ards a compromi se line of the town A great part of the until the arrival of the order from the Mormons were formed in the Edge to the Governor which was hourly expected (We town fronting the militia, but others of faithfully reported to the presidency all that them were going about with blank faces passed between us and Genl Doniphan J inquir ing w hat shou ld be done A s soon as I Smith said that a compromise must be made alighted from my horse which I had rode on some terms honorable or dishonorabl e) hard I ran down to the Mormon lines and The Order did not arrive till late in the told Joseph Smith if he had any message to afternoon An hour or so before Sun Set Maj send Genl Doniphan I would carry it He Genl Lucas of [p.110] Jackson county expressed a wish for a compromise and got comm ander in chief of all the forces then in down from his horse to let me ride I Caldwell, with 4 or 5 Brig Genls rode up mounted [p.105] but not until I asked him if and delivered us a copy of the order and it was con secrated property as I did not think spoke in favor of a treaty not deeming it it safe to ride a borrowed horse where I expedient to act with the rigor proscribed by might possibly meet the ow ner By the time his excellency the Governor I left the Mormons the militia had retired The first thing required by Genl Lucas from line and were building camp fires and was that Joseph Smith S. Rigdon Geo W. when I rode up to the campsite I was Robinson P. P. Pratt and Ly man W hites, the informed that the Genl would receive no latter being then in Far West though a communications that night I observed to the resident of Daviess should give them selves person addressing me that I [particularly] up as hostages until the following morning wi shed to See Genl Doniphan and if he when if a treaty could not [p.111] be made would take my name on he would confer a they should be delivered again to the special favor which he did reluctantly but Mormons and not a hair of their heads soon returned and [p.106] conducted me to injured for the performance of while the the Genl’s tent After delivering the message officers pledged their honor and the honor intrusted by Joseph I informed the Genl that of the State If these men would not come there were many individuals among the forward the army, 3500 strong was to march Mormons who were as warmly opposed to into Far West and take them the wicked transactions in Daviess County One hour only being given for those men and the oppressive influence by which the to deci de to surrender t hem selves we church is led as any man in his army could [expeditiously] got them together and [....ly] be and that those men w ere now compelled read them the Order of the Governor w hich to Stand in the Mormon rank where in the is here transcribed for your perusal, event of a battle their blood would flow in [p.112] Head Quarters of the Milit[ia] defence of measures to which they had ever City of Jefferson, Oct 27/1838 been adverse Genl Doniphan was apprised of Sir Since the order of the morning to you this fact and Swore that nothing should be directing you to cause four hundr ed done [p.107] to endanger the persons or mounted men to be raised within your property of that class He also said that he division I have received by Amos Rees Esq was determ ined to have a complete and Wily C Willi ams Esq. one of my aids reorganization of Society in the county information of the most appalling character before he returned and by the suffrages of which changes entirely the face of things and places the Mormons in the attitude of an promising to comply with any terms he open and avowed defiance of the laws & of should name even if it were for the whole having made w ar upon the people of this church to leave the state forthwith Genl state Your orders are therefore to hasten Lucas told them that they must go to camp your [p.113] operations and endeavour to with him and bade them forward A s they reach Richmond in Ray county with all closed their heavy colum ns ar ound these possible speed The Mormons must be men the army made the welken ring with treated as enemies and must be exterminated the most terriffic shouts that ever slated the or driven from this state if necessary for the ears of mortals The savage war cry of the public peace Their outrages are beyond all Indians could not compare with their yells description of trium ph as they m arched back to camp If you can increase your force you are [p.119] with five individuals under their authorized to do so to any extent y ou may guardianship and they only in the character think necessary I have just issued orders to of hostages On the same night about 80 or Major Genl W all ock of Marion County to 100 of the Mormons who were engaged in raise 500 men and to march [p.114] them to the Crook ed R iver Batt le bein g suspici ous or the Northern part of Daviess and there unite learning that they woul d in case of a wi th Genl Doniphan of C lay who has been surrender be called to answer as criminals ordered with 500 men to proceed to the for their conduct, took hor se and fled across same point for the purpose of intercepting a part of the Indian Country into the state of the retreat of the Mormons to the North. Illinois Sampson Avard the instrument in They have been directed to communicate the hands of the presidency for carrying into with you by express. you can also effect every measure of oppression in the communicate with them if you find it church. the main [p.120] actor in the necessary, instead therefore of proceeding as organization of the Danites and while there at first directed to reinstate the citizens of was peace their thunder bolt of War, the Davies in their homes you will proceed scourge of every man that would not immediately to Richmond and there [p.115] passively yield to but dared to oppose the operate against the Mormos principles of the new church government Brigd Genl Park ’s of Ray has been also fled leaving the people to extricate ordered to have four hundr ed men of his them selves from the difficulties into which Brigade in readiness to join you at they had plunged by following pernicious Richmond The whole force will be placed counsel and his examples of obedience to the under your command wi ll of the presidency After reading the Order and reporting On Thursday morning the terms of the propositions of the officers John Corrill treaty were handed to Coln Hinkel which observed that very likely the first term of were in substance as follows treaty would be for the Mormons to leave [p.121] Th e Mormons should deliver up the State Joseph answer that he did not care, their leaders to be tried and punished he would be glad to get out of the damnable Those who had taken up arm should state Joesph decided [p.116] that they must make an appropriation of their property to give themselves up. that it w ould not do to pay debts and damages resi st the Militia of the state acting under the The arms should be surrendered and order of the Govern or, H e also said that the receipted for church must comply with whatever the And lastly the Mormons should remove officers required from the State Excepting these five men the Mormons Whether Coln H inkel r ead t hese were ent ir ely ignorant of w hat was passing propositions to the Mormons I am not hourly expecting an attack from the Mob prepared to say but having heard them Militia as they called them and when the conver se upon the subject previous to the stated time had expired for these men to surrender I can but be confident that they surrender themselves, they not having understood [p.122] the terms About nine in arrived on the ground the army was put in the morning the Mormons marched out and motion the alarm [p.117] was raised among formed a hollow square with the militia the Mormons who rushed to their drawn up on three sides and grounded their breastwork and bound up their heads in arms consisting of about 600 stand They han dkerchiefs in expectation of preparation next marched back into Far West and were for a coming fight placed under a close guard for several hours the drums beat, horns blew , men shouted The militia marched through the village and it seemed that nothing could prevent the some of them shouting as they passed the effusion of blood should the Militia come disarmed Mormons “Charge Danites! within reach of the M ormon R ifl es To Charge!” The men w ho surrendered prevent Serious confusion John Corrill and them selves as hostages were detained [p.123] myself hastened forward and informed the as state prisoners under the first article of the officers of the advancing army that the men treaty & taken under guard of the Jackson were close at hand. J Smith first arrived and troops to Independence plead with Genl Lucas for permission [p.118] The remainder of the Mormos were to remain over night with his family confined to Far W est by by a strong guard around the town until the arrival of Maj brethren and the other party would [p.129] Genl Clark with his forces a few day s after very lik ely be apprised of the movements of the surrender the mob Sampson Avard had been interscepted in Under this arrangement the Mormons at his flight at some place in the platt country Hawns Mills numbering 30 or so hoped to and was brought to Far W est about the same be secure but while the troops were time and he the greatest villian in the band encamped before Far West they were furnished a list of such as he considered m ost surprised by a body of men 200 strong from culpable [p.124] and a few of his enemies for livingston and Daviess counties calling which he was set at liberty after testifying them selves militia but were acting without before the court From this list about 50 men Orders On discovery the hostile approach of were selected and taken to Richmond in Ray this party one of the Mormons swung his County for examination and the remaining hand and cried for peace but his cry w as Mormons in Far West were set at liberty answered by a discharge of rifles [p.130] Having been an enemy to Avard in which deprived him only of a finger The consequence of his conduct in the Society he Mormons immediately took shelter in a placed my name in his catalogue and I was Black Smith shop and tried to defend called out as a prisoner but the influence of them selves Their blood thirsty assailants friends procured my release within two would grant no quarter, they rushed up and minutes All the time before and after this I poured in a deadly fire through the crevices [p.125] had my freedom and could go to the window and door of the log building and a camp of the army to Far West or to my total extermination w ould have been the fate home when I pleased of the Mormons had they not in desperation Genl Clark caused Smith and his fellow broke from the shop and fled through a prisoners to be brought from Jackson shower of bullets After the firing had ceased county to Richmond for examination also some of the party entered the shop and Before the Mormons were set at l iberty in despatched [p.131] the wounded and Far West they were compelled to sign a deed searched the dead A boy between 10 and 15 of trust which would if it had been lawful years of age who had sheltered himself under taken from them all their property to pay the bellows and remained unhurt through debts and dam ages The Mormons in the action came forward begging them to ‘Diahman were instruct ed by an express spare his life, but deaf to pleading innocence [p.126] from their brethren in Far West to they deliberately and literally blew out his Surrender which they did when the State brains the rifle being discharged close to his troops appeared before the place head An old gentleman by the name of The citizens of Daviess found after the McBride finding himself pursued in his surrender many of their horses and much of flight and on the point of being overtaken their household furniture in ‘Diahman and turned and gave up his gun and surrendered Far West himself a prisoner [p.132] and then without Bureaus clocks &c were found secreted in the power to resist was cut to pieces with a the brush near Far W est having been placed part of a scythe placed in a handle for a corn there by persons not willing to have them cutter found in their hou ses By permi ssion fr om In this horrid affray 17 Mormons were Genl Clark the agents for the whitm ers, killed, several were wounded and among Cowdery & Johnson [p.127] searched and them w ere one or two women Seven of the recovered most of the property taken from mob were wounded but none mortally the by Geo W Robinson and others the June Of this massacre no notice has been taken before by the authorities though many of the Some horses, wagons an much other principal actors are known to the public property were stolen from the Morm ons by At the close of the examination in some of the militia who were villians Richmond between 20 and 30 of the enough to plunder One Mormon was killed mormons were [p.133] committed for though not instantly by a blow recieved on bailable offences and procuring bail they all the head after being taken prisoner by a absconded not thinking it safe to stand their scouting party near Far W est and many of trials the Mormons were abused in various way s The prisoner taken by the Mormons in before they [p.128] left the State the battle on Crooked River testified in But the most tragical story of the war is court that Lyman Wight called out five men yet untold and after talk ing with them a few moments Soon after the last expedition to Davies, they took the direction which he was the Mormons in a small settlement on the afterwards directed to follow All but one Eastern line of Caldwell County collected at returned and this circumstances awakened Hawns mills and formed something like an his suspi cions T her e is n o doubt respecting alliance with a < small> neighboring this matter the Mormons present settlement of Missourians in which each understood [p.134] it and I heard it talked of party promised to inform the other w hen