Chapter XX
IMPORTANT DOCTRINAL ITEMS: SALVATION THROUGH KNOWLEDGE--AGED MEN ON COUNCILS--IMPORTANCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE ETERNITY OF THE MARRIAGE COVENANT--THE NATURE OF MATTER. THE PROPHECY ON THE HEAD OF STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS--THE WORK AMONG The SCANDINAVIANS IN ILLINOIS.
Saturday, May 13, 1843.--I rode to Yelrome, in company with Brothers Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith, and tarried for the night with Father Morley. Brothers Woodruff and Smith slept at Brother Durfee's. Brother Brigham Young went to La Harpe, and Brothers Heber C. Kimball and Orson Pratt to Ramus.
Sunday, 14.--Meeting at Yelrome, where I preached. [The following is a synopsis, reported by Elder Woodruff.]
Salvation Through Knowledge.
It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us; but that we should have a little at a time; then we can comprehend it. President Smith then read the 2nd Epistle of Peter, 1st chapter, 16th to last verses, and dwelt upon the 19th verse with some remarks.
Add to your faith knowledge, &c. The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. This principle can be comprehended by the faithful and diligent; and every one that does not obtain knowledge sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Salvation is nothing more nor less than to triumph over all our enemies and put them under our feet. And when we have power to put all enemies under our feet in this world, and a knowledge to triumph over all evil spirits in the world to come, then we are saved, as in the case {388} of Jesus, who was to reign until He had put all enemies under His feet, and the last enemy was death.[A]
[Footnote A: It is evident from this remark, "the last enemy was death," that the prophet in saying that "salvation is * * * to triumph over all our enemies," does not allude alone, or even chiefly, to personal "enemies;" but to evil inclinations, weaknesses, passions, sickness and death, as well.]
Perhaps there are principles here that few men have thought of. No person can have this salvation except through a tabernacle.
Now, in this world, mankind are naturally selfish, ambitious and striving to excel one above another; yet some are willing to build up others as well as themselves. So in the other world there are a variety of spirits. Some seek to excel. And this was the case with Lucifer when he fell. He sought for things which were unlawful. Hence he was sent down, and it is said he drew many away with him; and the greatness of his punishment is that he shall not have a tabernacle. This is his punishment. So the devil, thinking to thwart the decree of God, by going up and down in the earth, seeking whom he may destroy--any person that he can find that will yield to him, he will bind him, and take possession of the body and reign there, glorying in it mightily, not caring that he had got merely a stolen body; and by-and-by some one having authority will come along and cast him out and restore the tabernacle to its rightful owner. The devil steals a tabernacle because he has not one of his own: but if he steals one, he is always liable to be turned out of doors.
Now, there is some grand secret here, and keys to unlock the subject. Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, &c., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now, wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son, &c.
Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heirs with Him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble {389} and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.
Compare this principle once with Christendom at the present day, and where are they, with all their boasted religion, piety and sacredness while at the same time they are crying out against prophets, apostles, angels, revelations, prophesying and visions, &c. Why, they are just ripening for the damnation of hell. They will be damned, for they reject the most glorious principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and treat with disdain and trample under foot the key that unlocks the heavens and puts in our possession the glories of the celestial world. Yes, I say, such will be damned, with all their professed godliness. Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it, &c.
Elders George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff followed him with a few remarks, and meeting closed for one hour. When we met again, Wilford Woodruff opened meeting and spoke upon revelation and obeying the commandments by building the Nauvoo House, and was followed by George A. Smith upon the same subject. Elder Lorenzo Snow then spoke somewhat at length concerning his mission to England, which was interesting.
After meeting, we rode to Lima, and took supper with Calvin Beebe; and while we were conversing with Brother Joseph and Brother Isaac Morley, Brother Joseph made the following remarks:
The Value of Aged Men in Counsel.
The way to get along in any important matter is to gather unto yourselves wise men, experienced and aged men, to assist in council in all times of trouble. Handsome men are not apt to be wise and strong-minded men; but the strength of a strong-minded man will generally create coarse features, like the rough, strong bough of the oak. You will always discover in the first glance of a man, in the outlines of his features something of his mind.
Excitement has almost become the essence of my life. When that dies away, I feel almost lost. When a man is reined up continually by excitement, he becomes strong and gains power and knowledge; but when he relaxes for a season, he loses much of his power and knowledge. But in all matters, temporal or spiritual, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or in leading an army to battle, victory almost entirely depends upon good order and moderation. In going to battle, move slowly, dress up into line; and though your enemy rush upon you with {390} fury, meet them slowly but firmly. Let not confusion or terror seize upon you, but meet them firmly and strike a heavy blow and conquer.
A man can bear a heavy burden by practice and continuing to increase it. The inhabitants of this continent anciently were so constituted, and were so determined and persevering, either in righteousness or wickedness, that God visited them immediately either with great judgments or blessings. But the present generation, if they were going to battle, if they got any assistance from God, they would have to obtain it by faith.
President Young preached at La Harpe.
Almon W. Babbitt preached all the afternoon, and prevented Elders Kimball and Orson Pratt from giving instructions regarding their mission to Ramus.
The wind blew terribly from the southwest all day.
A naval action took place between the Texan and Mexican fleets at Campeachy.
Edward Brazier, aged 18, was drowned in the Mississippi river, by the upsetting of a skiff. Samuel Kearns was preserved from a similar fate by Captain Dan Jones.
Monday, 15.--Emma having arrived at Yelrome, last night from Quincy, with the carriage, we rode home together. On our way, we stopped a short time at Brother Perry's. Brothers George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff rode in my buggy. I was asked if the horse would stand without tying. I answered, "Yes: but never trust property to the mercy or judgment of a horse."
[The following under this date is from the journal of George A. Smith:]
The Love of the Prophet for George A. Smith.
At noon, stopped at the house of Mr. McMahon, a notorious anti-Mormon, at Green Plains, and waited some time for Mac to come in. Joseph and myself spent this time in conversation on the grass-plot south of the house. Joseph asked my opinion of W. W. Phelps as an editor. I told him that I considered Phelps the sixth part of an editor, and that was the satirist. When it came to the cool direction necessarily intrusted to an editor in the control of public opinion--the soothing of enmity, he was deficient, and would always make more enemies than friends; but for my part, if I were able, I would be willing {391} to pay Phelps for editing a paper, providing no body else should have the privilege of reading it but myself. Joseph laughed heartily--said I had the thing just right. Said he, "Brother Phelps makes such a severe use of language as to make enemies all the time."
At the close of the conversation, Joseph wrapped his arms around me, and squeezed me to his bosom and said, "George A., I love you as I do my own life." I felt so affected, I could hardly speak, but replied, "I hope, Brother Joseph, that my whole life and actions will ever prove my feelings, and the depth of my affection towards you."
A great hailstorm in Gettysburg, Penn. The stones were from six to eight inches in circumference. Much damage done.
[Sidenote: Visit of the Prophet to Ramus.]
Tuesday, 16.--At eleven o'clock, with George Miller, William Clayton, Eliza and Lydia Partridge and J. M. Smith, I started for Carthage, where we tarried about half-an-hour conversing with different individuals, when we started for Ramus; arrived about half-past three, p.m., and stayed at William G. Perkins for the evening; then went to Benjamin F. Johnson's with William Clayton to sleep. Before retiring, I gave Brother and Sister Johnson some instructions on the priesthood; and putting my hand on the knee of William Clayton, I said:
Remarks of the Prophet at Ramus--Lives that are Hid with God in Christ--Importance of the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant.
Your life is hid with Christ in God, and so are many others. Nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent you from inheriting eternal life for you are sealed up by the power of the Priesthood unto eternal life, having taken the step necessary for that purpose.
Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. But those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood, or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgment in the flesh, and the spirit {392} being delivered to the buffetings of Satan until the day of the Lord Jesus.
The way I know in whom to confide--God tells me in whom I may place confidence.
In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood, [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage;] and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom: he cannot have an increase.[B]
[Footnote B: The last paragraph is found in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 131: 1-4.]
The Twelve met in the office to see Mr. Brown, but he did not appear; and they voted that John E. Page be requested to repair immediately to Cincinnati and preach till they arrive.
Wednesday, 17.--Partook of breakfast at Brother Perkins'; after which we took a pleasure ride through Fountain Green.
At ten a.m. preached from 2nd Peter, 1st chapter and showed that knowledge is power; and the man who has the most knowledge has the greatest power.
Items of Doctrine by the Prophet.
Salvation means a man's being placed beyond the power of all his enemies.
The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up into eternal life by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the holy priesthood. It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.[C]
[Footnote C: This paragraph is also included in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 131: 5,6.]
Paul saw the third heavens, and I more. Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles.
In the afternoon attended council, and afterwards rode with Benjamin F. Johnson's family.
In the evening went to hear a Methodist preacher lecture. After he got through, offered some corrections as follows:
Items of Doctrine by the Prophet.
The 7th verse of 2nd chapter of Genesis ought to read--God breathed {393} into Adam his spirit [i. e. Adam's spirit][D] or breath of life; but when the word "rauch" applies to Eve, it should be translated lives.
[Footnote D: Doctrine and Covenants, section 131: 7-8. The interpretation implied in the words in brackets is justified by the following from the Book of Abraham: "And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his spirit (that is, the man's spirit) and put it into him, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul." Chap. v: 7, 8.]
Speaking of eternal duration of matter, I said:
There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cannot see it, but when our bodies are purified, we shall see that it is all matter.
The priest seemed pleased with the correction, and stated his intention to visit Nauvoo.
[Sidenote: New York Conference.]
A conference was held in the Columbia Hall, Grand Street, New York, where fifteen branches, six high priests, thirty-six elders, nineteen priests, sixteen teachers, five deacons, and three hundred and eighty-seven members were represented. Forty-nine have been baptized since last conference; many have removed to Nauvoo; and twenty-eight have been excommunicated. Four elders and one priest were ordained.
Thursday, 18.--We left Macedonia about half past eight a.m., and arrived at Carthage at ten.
[The following brief account of the prophet's visit with Judge Douglas while at Carthage is from the journal of William Clayton, who was present:]
The Great Prophecy on the Head of Stephen A. Douglas.
Dined with Judge Stephen A. Douglas, who is presiding at court. After dinner Judge Douglas requested President Joseph to give him a history of the Missouri persecution, which he did in a very minute manner, for about three hours. He also gave a relation of his journey to Washington city, and his application in behalf of the Saints to Mr. Van Buren, the President of the United States, for redress and Mr. Van Buren's pusillanimous reply, "Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you;" and the cold, unfeeling manner in which he was treated by most of the senators and representatives in relation to the subject, Clay saying, "You had better go to Oregon," and Calhoun shaking his head solemnly, saying, "It's a nice question--a critical question, but it will not do to agitate it."
The judge listened with the greatest attention and spoke warmly in {394} depreciation of the conduct of Governor Boggs and the authorities of Missouri, who had taken part in the extermination, and said that any people that would do as the mobs of Missouri had done ought to be brought to judgment: they ought to be punished.
President Smith, in concluding his remarks, said that if the government, which received into its coffers the money of citizens for its public lands, while its officials are rolling in luxury at the expense of its public treasury, cannot protect such citizens in their lives and property, it is an old granny anyhow; and I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left, for their wickedness in permitting the murder of men, women and children, and the wholesale plunder and extermination of thousands of her citizens to go unpunished, thereby perpetrating a foul and corroding blot upon the fair fame of this great republic, the very thought of which would have caused the high-minded and patriotic framers of the Constitution of the United States to hide their faces with shame. Judge, you will aspire to the presidency of the United States; and if ever you turn your hand against me or the Latter-day Saints, you will feel the weight of the hand of Almighty upon you; and you will live to see and know that I have testified the truth to you; for the conversation of this day will stick to you through life.
He [Judge Douglas] appeared very friendly, and acknowledged the truth and propriety of President Smith's remarks.[E]
[Footnote E: Seenote at end of chapter.]
We then rode home, where we arrived about half-past five p.m., and found my family all well.
Mr. Joseph H. Jackson, who professed to be a Catholic priest, was at my house awaiting my arrival.
At six p.m., I called at my office for Arlington Bennett's letter.
Friday, 19.--I borrowed of Orson Hyde fifty dollars, which I paid to Mr. Eric Rhodes, and which he is either to repay in cash or let me have lumber.
I rode out with Mr. Jackson in the afternoon.
Told Brother Phelps a dream that the history must go ahead before anything else.
Elder George P. Dykes writes:
{395} The Work Among the Scandinavians of Illinois.
One year since, I visited a settlement of Norwegians in La Salle county, Illinois, and baptized five, and ordained one elder, when I left them for about one month; then returned and organized the branch, and called it the La Salle Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and ordained Brother Gudmund Haugaas an elder--a man of strong mind and well skilled in the scriptures. He can preach in Norway, Sweden and Demark, having an understanding of their languages.
I returned to Nauvoo, and in a few days I was appointed by the special conference in August to labor in Illinois. I traveled through eighteen different counties, baptized six in Perry county, and returned home in December.
In January I left again and went to St. Clair county, where I was joined by Brother Henry B. Jacobs, who baptized twelve; and I baptized a German after he left.
I preached in Chester, Sparta and Bellville. From thence returned home, and again visited Ottawa, La Salle county. Spent two weeks, and baptized seven. I found the Church there in good spirits and in the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts.
The La Salle branch now numbers fifty-eight in good standing. Elder Ole Hoier was chosen to preside over them. He is well worthy of the office.
Elder Gudmund Haugaas and Brother J. R. Anderson visited the Norwegian settlement in Lee county, Iowa, in January last. Spent three weeks, baptized ten, ordained one priest, and left them and went home to La Salle county.
From thence Brothers Haugaas and Hoier visited a large body from Norway in Wisconsin Territory, and have laid the foundation of a great work, to all appearance. There are now fifty-seven members of the Church from Norway; and the time is not far distant when the saying of Micah 4:2 will be fulfilled.
NOTE.
The Prophet Joseph's Prediction Respecting Stephen A. Douglas.
The prediction concerning Stephen A. Douglas in this chapter, is one of the most remarkable prophecies either in ancient or modern times. It was impossible for any merely human sagacity to foresee the events predicted. Stephen A. Douglas was a bright, but comparatively an unknown man, nationally, at the time of the interview, May, 1843, and but thirty years of age. It is a matter of history that Stephen A. Douglas did, however, aspire to the presidency of the United States, and was nominated for that office by the Democratic convention held in Charleston, South Carolina, on the 23rd of June 1860.
When in the convention he was declared the regular nominee of the Democratic party, "the whole body rose to its feet, hats were waved in the air, and many tossed {396} aloft; shouts, screams and yells. and every boisterous mode of expressing approbation and unanimity, were resorted to."
When Mr. Douglas aspired to the presidency, no man in the history of American politics had more reason to hope for success. The political party of which he was the recognized leader, in the preceding presidential election had polled one hundred and seventy-four electoral votes as against one hundred and twenty-two cast for the other two parties which opposed it; and a popular vote of 1,838,169 as against 1,215,789 votes for the two parties opposing. It is a matter of history, however, that the Democratic party in the election of 1860 was badly divided: and factions of it put candidate into the field with the following results, Mr. Abraham Lincoln, candidate for the Republican party, was triumphantly elected. He received 72 electoral votes; Mr. Bell 39; and Mr. Douglas 12. "By a plurality count of the popular vote, Mr. Lincoln carried 18 states; Mr. Breckinridge 11; Mr. Bell 3; and Mr. Douglas but one!" Twenty days less than one rear after his nomination by the Charleston convention, while yet in the prime of manhood--forty-eight years of age--Mr. Douglas died at his home in Chicago, a disappointed, not to say heart-broken man.
Let us now search out the cause of his failure. Fourteen years after the interview containing the prophecy recorded in this chapter, and about one year after the prophecy had been published in the Deseret News, Mr. Douglas was called upon to deliver a speech in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. His speech was delivered on the 12th of June, 1857, and published in the Missouri Republican of June 18, 1857. It was a time of excitement throughout the country concerning the Mormon church in Utah. Falsehoods upon the posting winds seemed to have filled the air with the most outrageous calumny. Crimes, the most repulsive--murders, robberies, rebellion and high treason--were falsely charged against its leaders. It was well known that Mr. Douglas had been on terms of intimate friendship with the Prophet Joseph Smith; and was well acquainted with the other Church leaders. He was therefore looked upon as one competent to speak upon the "Mormon question," and was invited to do so in the speech to which reference is here made. Mr. Douglas responded to the request. He grouped the charges against the Mormons, then passing current, in the following manner:
"First, that nine-tenths of the inhabitants are aliens by birth who have refused to become naturalized, or to take the oath of allegiance, or do any other act recognizing the government of the United states as the paramount authority in that territory [Utah];
"Second, that the inhabitants, whether native or alien born, known as Mormons (and they constitute the whole people of the territory) are bound by horrible oaths and terrible penalties, to recognize and maintain the authority of Brigham Young, and the government of which he is head, as paramount to that of the United States, in civil as well as religious affairs; and they will in due time, and under the direction of their leaders, use all the means in their power to subvert the government of the United States, and resist its authority.
"Third, that the Mormon government, with Brigham Young at its head, is now forming alliance with Indian tribes in Utah and adjoining territories--stimulating the Indians to acts of hostility and organizing bands of his own followers under the name of Danites or destroying angels, to prosecute a system of robbery and murders upon American citizens who support the authority of the United States, and denounce the infamous and disgusting practices and institutions of the Mormon government."
Mr. Douglas based his remarks upon these rumors against the saints, in the course of which he said:
{397} "Let us have these facts in an official shape before the president and Congress, and the country will learn that in the performance of the high and solemn duty devolving upon the executive and Congress, there will be no vacillating or hesitating policy. It will be as prompt as the peal that follows the flash--as stern and unyielding as death. Should such a state of things actually exist as we are led to infer from the reports--and such information comes in an official shape--the knife must be applied to this pestiferous, disgusting cancer which is gnawing into the very vitals of the body politic. It must be cut out by the roots. and seared over by the red hot iron of stern, unflinching law. * * * Should all efforts fail to bring them (the Mormons) to a sense of their duty, there is but one remedy left. Repeal the organic law of the territory, on the ground that they are alien enemies and outlaws, unfit to be citizens of a territory, much less ever to become citizens of one of the free and independent states of this confederacy. To protect them further in their treasonable, disgusting and bestial practices would be a disgrace to the country--a disgrace to humanity--a disgrace to civilization, and a disgrace to the spirit of the age. Blot it out of the organized territories of the United States. What then? It will be regulated by the law of 1790, which has exclusive and sole jurisdiction over all the territory not incorporated under any organic or special law. By provisions of this law, all crimes and misdemeanors, committed on its soil can be tried before the legal authorities of any state or territory to which the offenders shall first be brought to trial and punished. Under that law persons have been arrested in Kansas, Nebraska and other territories, prior to their organization as territories, and hanged for their crimes. The law of 1790 has sole and exclusive jurisdiction where no other law of a local character exists, and by repealing the organic law of Utah, you give to the general government of the United States the whole and sole jurisdiction over the territory."
The speech of Mr. Douglas was of great interest and importance to the people or Utah at that juncture. Mr. Douglas had it in his power to do them great good. Because of his personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith and the great body of the Mormon people then in Utah, as well as their leaders (for he had known both leaders and people in Illinois, and those whom he had known in Illinois constituted the great bulk of the people in Utah, when he delivered the Springfield speech), he knew that the reports carried to the East by vicious and corrupt men were not true. He knew that these reports in the main were but a rehash of the old exploded charges made against Joseph Smith and his followers in Missouri; and he knew them to be false by many evidences furnished him by Joseph Smith in the interview of the 18th of May, 1843, and by the Mormon people at sundry times during his association with them at Nauvoo. He had an opportunity to befriend the innocent, to refute the calumny cast upon a virtuous community; to speak a word in behalf of the oppressed; but the demagogue triumphed over the statesman, the politician, over the humanitarian; and to avoid the popular censure which he feared befriending the Mormon people would bring to him, he turned his hand against them with the result that he did not destroy them but scaled his own doom--in fulfillment of the words of the prophet, he felt the weight of the hand of the Almighty upon him.
There is, and can be no question about the prophecy preceding the event. The prophecy was first published in the Desert News of September 24, 1856. It was afterwards published in England in the Millennial Star, February, 1859. The publication in the Deseret News preceding Douglas' Springfield speech, mentioned above, (June, 1857) by about one year, and about four years before Douglas was nominated for the presidency by the Charleston Democratic convention.
Moreover, a lengthy review of Mr. Douglas' speech was published in the editorial columns of the Deseret News in the issue of that paper for September 2nd, 1857, {398} of which the following is the closing paragraph addressed directly to Mr. Douglas:
"In your last paragraph [of the Springfield speech] you say, 'I have thus presented to you plainly and fairly my views of the Utah question;' with at least equal plainness and with far more fairness have your views now been commented upon. And inasmuch as you were well acquainted with Joseph Smith, and this people, also with the character of our maligners, and did know their allegations were false, but must bark with the dogs who were snapping at our heels, to let them know that you were a dog with them; and also that you may have a testimony of the truth of the assertion that you did know Joseph and his people and the character of their enemies (and neither class have changed, only as the saints have grown better and their enemies worse); and also that you may thoroughly understand that you have voluntarily, knowingly and of choice sealed your damnation, and by your own chosen course have closed your chance for the presidential chair, through disobeying the counsel of Joseph which you formerly fought and prospered by following, and that you in common with us, may testify to all the world that Joseph was a true prophet, the following extract from the History of Joseph Smith is again printed for your benefit, and is kindly recommended to your careful perusal and most candid consideration."
Then follows the interview between Joseph Smith and Mr. Douglas as recorded in the journal of William Clayton, as published in the News a year before Mr. Douglas' Springfield speech, and as now given in this chapter of the HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
This News editorial boldly accepted the challenge of Mr. Douglas. He raised his hand against the followers of Joseph Smith, despite the warning of the prophet; and they in the chief organ of the Church, reproduced the prophecy and told Mr. Douglas that he had "sealed his damnation and closed his chance for the presidential chair" through disobeying the counsel of the prophet. The presidential election of 1860, and the death of Mr. Douglas in the prime of life, the year following, tells the rest.
{399}
Chapter XXI
DEFINITION OF THE WORD "MORMON"--DISCOURSE ON MAKING "CALLING" AND "ELECTION" SURE--MISSION TO THE SOCIETY ISLANDS OPENED--CHARACTER SKETCH OF THE PROPHET, "BOSTON BEE"--TRIAL OF BENJAMIN WINCHESTER.
Saturday, May 20, 1843.--Received of Ezra Oakley a certificate of deposit in the Fulton Bank, New York, value five hundred dollars, and gave receipt payable in lands or money ten days from date.
At court room, and adjourned the case of Samuel Fuller.
Corrected and sent to the Times and Seasons the following:
The Prophet's Definition of the Word "Mormon."
Editor of the Times and Seasons:
SIR:--Through the medium of your paper I wish to correct an error among men that profess to be learned, liberal and wise; and I do it the more cheerfully because I hope sober-thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth than be led astray by the vain pretensions of the self-wise.
The error I speak of is the definition of the word "Mormon." It has been stated that this word was derived from the Greek word mormo. This is not the case. There was no Greek or Latin upon the plates from which I, through the grace of the Lord, translated the Book of Mormon. Let the language of the book speak for itself.
On the 523rd page of the fourth edition, it reads: "And now, behold we have written this record according to our knowledge in the characters which are called among us the Reformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech; and if our {400} plates had been sufficiently large, we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in our record. But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; therefore He hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof."
Here, then, the subject is put to silence; for "none other people knoweth our language;" therefore the Lord, and not man, had to interpret, after the people were all dead. And, as Paul said, "The world by wisdom know not God;" so the world by speculation are destitute of revelation; and as God in His superior wisdom has always given His Saints, wherever he had any on the earth, the same spirit, and that spirit, as John says, is the true spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus. I may safely say that the word "Mormon" stands independent of the wisdom and learning of this generation. * * * *
The word Mormon, means literally, more good.
Yours, JOSEPH SMITH.
Mr. Joseph H. Jackson representing himself as being out of employment and destitute of funds, he desired I would employ him and relieve his necessities. I took compassion and employed him as a clerk to sell lands, so as to give him a chance in the world.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Reproof of the People.]
Sunday, 21.--At half-past ten a.m. I arrived at the Temple, and had to press my way through the crowd in the aisles to get to the stand, when I remarked that there were some people who thought it a terrible thing that anybody should exercise a little power. I thought it a pity that anybody should give occasion to have power exercised, and requested the people to keep out of the aisles; for if they did not, I might some time run up and down and hit some of them; and called on two constables to keep the aisles clear.
After singing and prayer, I read 1st chapter of 2nd Epistle of Peter, and preached thereon. [The following synopsis was written by Dr. Willard Richards.]
{401} The Prophet's Discourse from II Peter, First Chapter--Reproof of Self-Righteousness.
I do not know when I shall have the privilege of speaking in a house large enough to convene the people. I find my lungs are failing with continual preaching in the open air to large assemblies.
I do not think there have been many good men on the earth since the days of Adam; but there was one good man and his name was Jesus. Many persons think a prophet must be a great deal better than anybody else. Suppose I would condescend--yes, I will call it condescend, to be a great deal better than any of you, I would be raised up to the highest heaven; and who should I have to accompany me?
I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm yet deals justice to his neighbors and mercifully deals his substance to the poor, than the long, smooth-faced hypocrite.
I do not want you to think that I am very righteous, for I am not. God judges men according to the use they make of the light which He gives them.
"We have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place. We were eye witnesses of his majesty and heard the voice of his excellent glory." And what could be more sure? When He was transfigured on the mount, what could be more sure to them? Divines have been quarreling for ages about the meaning of this.
The Prophet's Characterization of Himself.
I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women--all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty, who will give me dominion over all and every one of them, when their refuge of lies shall fail, and their hiding place shall be destroyed, while these smooth-polished stones with which I come in contact become marred.
There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter, [II Peter i.] which no man can dig out, unless by the light of revelation, and which unlocks the whole chapter as the things that are written are only hints {402} of things which existed in the prophet's mind, which are not written concerning eternal glory.
I am going to take up this subject by virtue of the knowledge of God in me, which I have received from heaven. The opinions of men, so far as I am concerned, are to me as the crackling of thorns under the pot, or the whistling of the wind. I break the ground; I lead the way like Columbus when he was invited to a banquet, where he was assigned the most honorable place at the table, and served with the ceremonials which were observed towards sovereigns. A shallow courtier present, who was meanly jealous of him, abruptly asked him whether he thought that in case he had not discovered the Indies, there were not other men in Spain who would have been capable of the enterprise? Columbus made no reply, but took an egg and invited the company to make it stand on end. They all attempted it, but in vain; whereupon he struck it upon the table so as to break one end, and left it standing on the broken part, illustrating that when he had once shown the way to the new world nothing was easier than to follow it.
Paul ascended into the third heavens, and he could understand the three principal rounds of Jacob's ladder--the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial glories or kingdoms, where Paul saw and heard things which were not lawful for him to utter. I could explain a hundred fold more than I ever have of the glories of the kingdoms manifested to me in the vision, were I permitted, and were the people prepared to receive them.
The Lord deals with this people as a tender parent with a child, communicating light and intelligence and the knowledge of his ways as they can bear it. The inhabitants of the earth are asleep: they know not the day of their visitation. The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear, woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly.
Calling and Election to be Made Sure.
Contend earnestly for the like precious faith with the Apostle Peter, "and add to your faith virtue," knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity; "for if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Another point, after having all these qualifications, he lays this injunction upon the people "to make your calling and election sure." He is emphatic upon this subject--after adding all this virtue, knowledge, &c., "Make your calling and election sure." What is the secret--the starting point? "According {403} as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." How did he obtain all things? Through the knowledge of Him who hath called him. There could not anything be given, pertaining to life and godliness, without knowledge. Woe! woe! woe to Christendom!--especially the divines and priests if this be true.
Salvation is for a man to be saved from all his enemies; for until a man can triumph over death, he is not saved. A knowledge of the priesthood alone will do this.
The spirits in the eternal world are like the spirits in this world. When those have come into this world and received tabernacles, then died and again have risen and received glorified bodies, they will have an ascendency over the spirits who have received no bodies, or kept not their first estate, like the devil. The punishment of the devil was that he should not have a habitation like men. The devil's retaliation is, he comes into this world, binds up men's bodies, and occupies them himself. When the authorities come along, they eject him from a stolen habitation.
The design of the great God in sending us into this world, and organizing us to prepare us for the eternal worlds, I shall keep in my own bosom at present.
We have no claim in our eternal compact, in relation to eternal things, unless our actions and contracts and all things tend to this end. But after all this, you have got to make your calling and election sure. If this injunction would lie largely on those to whom it was spoken, how much more those of the present generation!
1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation. 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, &c., &c., and another to hear the voice declare to you, You have a part and lot in that kingdom.
Judge Adams arrived at my house from Springfield.
[Sidenote: Complaint against Benjamin Winchester.]
Monday, 22.--Called at the office at nine, a.m., having received letters from Sisters Armstrong and Nicholson, of Philadelphia, complaining of the slanderous conduct of Benjamin Winchester; and I directed the Twelve Apostles to act upon the matter.
This morning received a large hickory walking stick having a silver head, with the motto "BEWARE."
Rode out to my farm; dined at Cornelius P. Lott's; {404} then rode to the Lima road, and returned home at half-past seven, p.m.
Wrote the editor of Times and Seasons:
The Prophet on Forming Temperance Societies.
DEAR BROTHER:--In answer to yours of May 4th, concerning the Latter-day Saints' forming a temperance society, we would say, as Paul said--"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers, but contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints;" and as Peter advises, so say we, "Add to your knowledge, temperance." As Paul said he had to become all things to all men, that he might thereby save some, so must the elders of the last days do; and, being sent out to preach the Gospel and warn the world of the judgments to come, we are sure, when they teach as directed by the Spirit, according to the revelations of Jesus Christ, that they will preach the truth and prosper without complaint. Thus we have no new commandment to give, but admonish elders and members to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God, lest they come short of the glory that is reserved for the faithful.
Tuesday, 23--In conversation with Judge Adams and others.
At eight a.m., rode out to visit the sick.
Two p.m. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Willard Richards and others met in the office.
Elder Addison Pratt was ordained a seventy and blessed and set apart to go to the Society Islands, by President Brigham Young, assisted by Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt,--that he should be a swift messenger to the nations of the earth, have power over the elements, and not fear when tempests arise. "Do not be hasty and passionate, but acknowledge goodness in all, where you find it. Hearken ye, they will say, one to another, to this man; and they will carry you and give presents, etc., you shall have power over the ship's course, and shall return again to this land and rejoice with your family, if you are faithful."
{405} Elder Noah Rogers, of the Seventies, was blessed by the same brethren, Elder Kimball being mouth. It was said that he might have power to discern between good and evil, be filled with the power of God, have faith to heal the sick, cast out devils, and cause the lame to walk, and have the heavens opened, and have an appointment from on high, even from God, if he was faithful. "Except thou art willing to be led, thou shalt never lead. Thou shalt return to this place." He was set apart to accompany Brother Addison Pratt to the Pacific Islands.
Elder Benjamin Grouard was ordained a seventy by the same brethren, Orson Hyde mouth. Prayed that the angel of God might watch over him and deliver him from his enemies and the tempests and troubles of the sea, that he might perform the mission with honor to himself, and return in safety.
Elder Knowlton F. Hanks was also set apart to the islands.
Reuben Hedlock, high priest, was blessed and set apart to go to England.
Other Ordinations and Appointments.
Elder John Cairnes was ordained high priest and set apart to accompany Brother Hedlock.
President Young said to Brother Addison Pratt and his associates: We commit the keys of opening the gospel to the Society Islands to you, when all the Twelve said, Aye.
Elder Rogers was appointed president of the mission.
Reuben Hedlock's mission was to preside over the churches in England, over the emigration, and over business in general, by vote of the quorum.
Elder Young said he wanted the funds in Liverpool to pay the passage of those who were expected to be sent for by Brother John Benbow and his wife, on account of moneys lent by him to commence the printing of the Book of Mormon, Millennial Star, Hymn Book, etc., and to send the worthy poor to this country, and let Brother Hedlock use what is necessary for his own convenience; and voted unanimously that the foregoing be carried into execution.
Let the Books of Mormon be sold as fast as they can in England, and the avails be retained by Elder Hedlock till further orders.
{406} Voted that Sister Ann Dawson and her family, William Bradbury with his family, Brother Leech, of Preston, and his family, Brother Anderson, of Stoke-upon-Trent, and all the poor Saints be brought over to this country.
Voted on reading Elder Ward's letters of March 4th and 16th to the First Presidency and Twelve, that the printing in England be stopped, according to previous instructions, and Elders Thomas Ward and Amos Fielding come to this place, and the funds referred to in Elder Ward's letter be expended by Elder Hedlock, as before stated.
[Sidenote: First Contribution to the Nauvoo Museum.]
Wednesday, 24.--Elder Addison Pratt presented the tooth of a whale, coral, bones of an Albatross' wing and skin of a foot, jaw-bone of a porpoise, and tooth of a South Sea seal as the beginning for a museum in Nauvoo.
I bought eleven quarter-sections of land from Judge Adams, and then rode out on the hill.
I find in the Boston Bee of this date a letter; and as it is so remarkable that any editor will publish anything in the columns of his paper concerning me or the Saints but slander, I take pleasure in transcribing the following:
A Character Sketch of the Prophet--His Doctrine of Inspiration.
Sir, in bygone years, and long before I heard of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and indeed before he had existence, I had formed some very curious ideas about the ancient prophets. From reading their history in the Bible, I supposed they must have been men of no ordinary proportions; or, if so, that there was something about them different from other men, by which they might be distinguished at sight. As a matter of course, I thought they must have had gray hairs for a covering to make them appear very dignified, and beards as long as a Jew's; for if they shaved, it would show that they were men; and could I have had the privilege of looking at one, I should have expected to have seen him clad in sheep, goat, bear or wolf skin, wandering about on the mountains like the beasts he had robbed of their garment, lodging in the caves and dens of the earth, and subsisting on the fruits and nuts of the forest,--a being too holy, too sanctified, too exalted by his high {407} calling, to appear in the habitations or among the society of men, unless he had some important message to communicate direct from heaven--some revelation or commandment to promulgate to his fellows; and then he would just come forth and cry out, like the beasts in the wilderness, with so much sacred sanctity, that everybody would know he was a prophet, and if by nothing else, when they saw his nails like birds' claws, and his hairs like eagles' feathers and his hands and face as filthy as a baboon; for it never occurred to me that clean hands, in administering before the Lord, as mentioned in the scripture, meant anything more than a good conscience; and I had never supposed but that a man could worship God just as acceptably all covered with dirt, and filth and slime, as though he had bathed in Siloam every hour, until I heard the Mormon prophet lecturing his people on the subject of neatness and cleanliness, teaching them that all was clean in heaven, and that Jesus was going to make the place of His feet glorious; and if the Mormons did not keep their feet out of the ashes, they could not stand with Him on Mount Zion.
I had no thought before but that dirty people could get to heaven as well as clean ones; and that if the priests ordered sacrifices with polluted hands, the fire would cleanse both the offering and the hands that offered it. I cannot say how much there may be in scripture to contradict my views, neither can I vouch for it that the churches of the day believe any such doctrine; for I never belonged to any of them, but have rather been called an infidel. As to that, I have not altered much. I like consistency, find it where I may.
With all these curious notions I fell into the Mormon settlement, and saw the prophet; but having never heard a Mormon preach, you can imagine me not quite ready to receive all the impressions incident to an interview with such a distinguished personage. But I will give it as I find it, hit or miss the faith or feelings of any one. I have had an interview since my last, and found anything but the truth in the current reports. "The Prophet Joseph" (as he is called among his people) said in a conversation with a gentleman present, that he no more professed to be a prophet than every man must who professes to be a preacher of righteousness or a minister of the new testament.
To be a minister of Jesus, a man must testify of Jesus; and to testify of Jesus, a man must have the spirit of prophecy; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
If a man professes to be a minister of Jesus and has not the spirit of prophecy, he must be a false witness, for he is not in possession of that gift which qualifies him for that office; and the difference between him and the clergy of this generation is, he claims to be in possession of {408} that spirit of prophecy which qualifies him to testify of Jesus and the Gospel of salvation; and the clergy deny that spirit, even the spirit of prophecy, which alone could constitute them true witnesses or testators of the Lord Jesus, and yet claim to be true ministers of salvation.
In this, said he, I am honest, and they are dishonest, and that is the difference between us. Were they true and honest witnesses of Jesus Christ, they would acknowledge they have the testimony of Him, and that is the spirit of prophecy; and every man who possesses that spirit is a prophet.
I, said he, claim no more than what every servant of Christ must possess to qualify him for his office, while the clergy of the 19th century deny that which alone could constitute what they profess to be. He said he did not profess to be a very good man, but acknowledged himself a sinner like other men, or, as all men are, imperfect; and it is necessary for all men to grow into the stature of manhood in the Gospel.
I could not help noticing that he dressed, talked and acted like other men, and in every respect exactly the opposite of what I had conjured up in my imagination a prophet.
The Mormons have not yet completed their great Temple, and have no commodious place of worship; but the apostles and elders preach in private houses on the Sabbath and at other times, though I seldom attended these latter meetings. But when the weather will admit they meet in the grove, or on the rough floor of the basement of the Temple, and then the prophet frequently preaches. On one of these occasions I heard him preach concerning the prodigal son.
After naming his text, the prophet remarked that some one had asked him the meaning of the expression of Jesus--"Among those born of women, there has not arisen a greater than John;" and said he had promised to answer it in public, and he would do it then. It could not have been on account of the miracles John performed, for he did no miracles; but it was--First, because he was trusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. Who was trusted with such a mission before or since? No man. Second, he was trusted and it was required at his hands to baptize the Son of Man. Who ever did that? Who ever had so great a privilege or glory? Who ever led the Son of God into the waters of baptism, beholding the Holy Ghost descend upon him in the sign of a dove? No man. Third, John at that time was the only legal administrator holding the keys of power there was on earth. The keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory had departed from the Jews; and John, the son of Zachariah, by the holy anointing and decree of heaven, held the keys of power at that time.
{409} [Sidenote: Labors of Elder H. Tate.]
Elder H. Tate writes that in Cuba, Illinois, the people were anxious to hear him, when the Rev. John Rigdon, a Campbellite preacher refused to let him preach in the chapel, because Elder Tate was "sent by the authority of Jesus Christ," saying, "That recommend will not do, for the world has condemned it already;" but at Pekin, Elder Tate baptized six in twelve days, and many more were favorable.
[Sidenote: Complaints against the Laws and Dr. Foster.]
Received a long letter from Thomas Rancliff, complaining of William and Wilson Law and Dr. Foster's swindling him, which is another example that people will not obey counsel, although it was so pointedly made known to the people on the 13th of April last.
Thursday, 25.--Sent William Clayton to Carthage to redeem the city lots on the Galland tract, which had been sold for taxes.
Dr. Imbert, Messrs. Chastan and Manlan, missionaries, with seventy Christians were beheaded, and one hundred and eighty strangled in Korea, East Asia.
The town of Tallahassee, Florida, was destroyed by fire.
Friday, 26.--At five p.m. I met in counsel in the upper room, with my brother Hyrum, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Judge James Adams, Bishop Newel K. Whitney and William Law, and gave them their endowments and also instructions in the priesthood on the new and everlasting covenant, &c.
Wrote a letter of instructions to Reuben Hedlock.
Saturday, 27.--In the morning received visitors.
[Sidenote: Benjamin Winchester Investigated.]
At two p.m. I met brother Hyrum, the Twelve, Judge Adams, Bishop Whitney and others, in council to investigate the conduct of Benjamin Winchester, charges having been preferred against him by letter from Sybella Armstrong and others in Philadelphia, Sisters Jarman and Adams. George J. Adams and others gave their testimony, when they disfellowshiped {410} Winchester, and took his license until he made satisfaction to the aggrieved parties.
[Extract from Wilford's Woodruff's journal.]
_Elder Wilford Woodruff's Minutes of the Investigation of Benjamin Winchester_.
A rainy day.
In the afternoon I met in council with the Twelve and First Presidency, when the case of Benjamin Winchester was brought up on trial for improper conduct, slandering the Saints in Philadelphia, for rejecting the counsel of Hyrum, Joseph and the Twelve, and tearing to pieces the Saints instead of building them up.
Hyrum pleaded for mercy, Joseph for justice, and the Twelve decided according to testimony; and in all we had an interesting time. Elder Winchester was refractory and out of order. President Joseph Smith wished the Twelve or president of the quorum to call the house to order.
Several letters were read touching the subject; after which Elder Winchester made a lengthy speech trying to justify himself. Was followed by President Hyrum Smith, who pleaded in behalf of Winchester on the side of mercy.
Elder George J. Adams gave his testimony against Winchester; then Elder Winchester followed Adams, and both spoke several times. Then President Joseph Smith arose and rebuked Elder Winchester in the sharpest manner; said he had a lying spirit and had lied about him, and told him of many of his errors.
After hearing the testimony, Elder Brigham Young, president of the quorum of the Twelve, said he had made up his mind, and his decision was that Elder Winchester should give up his license and cease preaching until he should reform.
President Hyrum Smith said he should not like to have such a decision given without another trial and giving Elder Winchester a chance to get more testimony if he could.
President Brigham Young said he should then prefer to have the case turned over to the high council.
President Joseph Smith said it was not the business of the high council. They could not try him. It belonged to the Twelve, and them alone; for it was concerning matters abroad, and not in Nauvoo. The high council was to try cases that belong to the stake, and the Twelve to regulate the churches and elders abroad in all the world; and Elder Winchester's case comes under the jurisdiction of the Twelve and theirs alone.
{411} President Hyrum Smith urged that the case should be put off until tomorrow. President Joseph Smith said that the case might be put off until tomorrow at ten o'clock, if it would do anybody any good.
President Brigham Young arose and spoke in the majesty of his calling; and among other remarks, said that his mind was made up, and that the remarks of Brother Hyrum or of Brother Joseph had not altered it. As for himself, he would not sit upon the case another day. He considered the course Brother Winchester had taken an insult upon his office and calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ, and he would not bear it. As for the rest of the Twelve, they might do as they pleased. As for himself, he would not submit to it. Benjamin Winchester has despised and rejected the counsel of the Presidency and the Twelve--has said they had no jurisdiction over him in Philadelphia, and to say where he should go, &c. But he and others will find there is power in the Twelve. We know through whom we have received our power and who are our benefactors, and we are thankful for it. Benjamin Winchester has never for the first time received our counsel, but has gone contrary to it. No one is safe in his hands. He calls Hyrum an old granny, and slanders everybody. He says there is a contradiction between Hyrum and the Twelve. There is no contradiction between Hyrum and the Twelve--is there, Brother Hyrum? [Hyrum answered "No."]
After Brigham Young closed, President Joseph Smith said he would give us a little counsel, if we saw fit to accept it. He thought it proper for us to silence Elder Winchester, take his license and have him bring his family to Nauvoo; and if he would not do that, let him go out of the Church.
It was then moved and seconded that Elder Winchester be silenced, and give up his license, and come with his family to Nauvoo. The motion was carried unanimously.
Brother Joseph then addressed the Twelve, and said that in all our counsels, especially while on trial of any one, we should see and observe all things appertaining to the subject, and discern the spirit by which either party was governed. We should be in a situation to understand every spirit and judge righteous judgment and not be asleep. We should keep order and not let the council be imposed upon by unruly conduct. The Saints need not think because I am familiar with them and am playful and cheerful, that I am ignorant of what is going on. Iniquity of any kind cannot be sustained in the Church, and it will not fare well where I am; for I am determined while I do lead the Church, to lead it right.
Brother Joseph further remarked, concerning Elder Adams, that he had given satisfaction to him concerning the thing whereof he was {412} accused. He had confessed all wherein he had done wrong, and had asked for mercy, and he had taken the right course to save himself; that he would now begin anew in the Church.
After much instruction was given from Joseph, the council adjourned.
I then instructed the Twelve to investigate the condition of the whole Philadelphia church while in council.
List of Persons to be Helped to Immigrate to Nauvoo.
Voted that the following persons be assisted to emigrate from England--viz., Mrs. Elizabeth Pixton, Mrs. Sarah Taylor, Jeremiah Taylor, Mrs. Mary Greenhalgh, Mrs. Elizabeth Clayton and two children, Hugh Patrick and family, Mrs. Ann Farrar and three children, Maria Barrows and children, Alice Bailey and two children, William Player's family, Prudence Parr and six children, Rebecca Partington.
A tremendous rain-storm all day, commencing with thunder in the morning.
A petition for the repeal of the parliamentary union, with England--representing four hundred and fifty thousand persons--was sent from Menagh, Ireland.
Sunday, 28.--Cold, rainy day.
[Sidenote: Endowments at Nauvoo.]
At five p.m. I met with brother Hyrum, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Newel K. Whitney, and James Adams, in the upper room to attend to ordinances and counseling. Prayed that James Adams might be delivered from his enemies, and that Orrin P. Rockwell might be delivered from prison, and that the Twelve be prospered in collecting means to build the Nauvoo House.
[Sidenote: Record of the First Twelve in Relations with the Prophet.]
Of the Twelve Apostles chosen in Kirtland, and ordained under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and myself, there have been but two but what have lifted their heel against me--namely Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball.
Monday, 29.--At nine a.m., I met in council with brother Hyrum, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, {413} Willard Richards, Newel K. Whitney, and James Adams.
Singing, and prayer by Elder Brigham Young. Conversation, instruction and teaching concerning the things of God. Had a pleasant interview.
Two p.m., in mayor's court. Tried a case--"The People vs. Thompson," for assault. Fined Thompson three dollars.
Gave instructions to have the account of the Lawrence estate made out.
Judge James Adams gave a deed of eleven quarter sections of land on the prairie to the trustee-in-trust.
Six p.m., the Twelve Apostles met and directed the following to be published in the Times and Seasons.
Special Message to the Saints in Philadelphia.
To the Church in Philadelphia:
All the members of that branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who are desirous of doing the will of heaven and of working out their own salvation by keeping the laws of the celestial kingdom, are hereby instructed and counseled to remove from thence without delay and locate themselves in the city of Nauvoo, where God has a work for them to accomplish.
Done at Nauvoo the 20th day of May, 1843, agreeable to the instructions of the First Presidency.
By order of the quorum of the Twelve, BRIGHAM YOUNG, President of the quorum.
WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk.
Appointments by the Quorum of the Twelve.
Elder James Sloan, to Ireland. Elder Benjamin Brown, accompanied by Elder Jesse W. Crosby, to the province of Nova Scotia. Elder Edwin W. Webb, to Galena. Elder Issac Chase, to the Eastern States, Elder Stephen Abbott and Charles E. Spencer to Wisconsin territory, Elder Issac Thompson to accompany them.
WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk.
Pleasant, but cool after the rain.
Tuesday, 30.--In the office from nine till noon examining {414} Nauvoo stock, and transacting business with the Twelve Apostles, and taking bonds from Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith, of which I insert one as follows:
Form of Bond Executed by Brigham Young et al. to the Prophet.
Know all men by these presents, that we, Brigham Young and John M. Bernhisel, are held and firmly bound unto Joseph Smith, as sole trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the penal sum of two thousand dollars, lawful money of the United States; for the payment of which sum, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, assigns and administrators firmly by these presents.
Dated at Nauvoo, this 30th day of May, 1843.
The condition of the above obligation is such that the above bounden Brigham Young who has been appointed an agent to collect funds for the Nauvoo House Association and for the Temple now building in the city of Nauvoo, shall faithfully pay to the said trustee-in-trust as aforesaid, all moneys that he may collect for either house, then this obligation be null and void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Signed, sealed and delivered the day and year first above written.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, [L. S.] JOHN M. BERNHISEL, [L. S.]
And directed that receipts be also written for the Nauvoo stock as follows:
Form of Receipt for Stock Certificate.
Received May 30th, 1843, of Joseph Smith, Sole Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, three hundred stock certificates of Nauvoo House Association, numbering as follows:
200 numbering 1 to 200 inclusive, dated Feb. 8, 1841, 36 numbering 125 to 160 inclusive, dated Feb. 5, 1841, 36 numbering 376 to 411 inclusive, dated Feb. 10, 1841, 28 numbering 5 to 32 inclusive, dated Feb. 6, 1841,
300 shares value $15,000.
BRIGHAM YOUNG.
{415} Afterwards I superintended the preparation of papers to settle the Lawrence business. My brother Hyrum baptized Jonathan C. Wright and ordained him an elder.
Wednesday, 31.--Called at the office and court room before breakfast and conferred with Dr. Richards on business.
City council met at ten a.m. and gave instructions to a committee to draft an ordinance in relation to the ferry.
Rode out in the afternoon on the prairie with Mr. Houston, the Speaker of the House of Representatives for Missouri, Judge Sylvester Emmons, Lawyer Marr and O. C. Skinner, and William Clayton.
At six p.m. met with the city council, when the ordinance in relation to the ferry passed its second reading.
Signed letters of recommendation to James Brown and Peter Haws to collect funds in Mississippi and Alabama.
Elder Brigham Young moved out of his log cabin into a new brick house, small, but comfortable and convenient.
The steamer Amaranth landed at Nauvoo the Saints who had left Liverpool in the Yorkshire under the care of Elders Thomas Bullock and Richard Rushton, all well; and also some Saints who had left there more recently in the Swanton.
News arrived that General Charles Napier gained a brilliant victory near Hyderabad, after a dreadful combat of three hours. The Belochee army of twenty-two thousand men were completely overthrown by twenty-seven hundred English troops, who sustained a loss of only two hundred and fifty killed and wounded, including eighteen officers.
Four hundred and fifty clergymen have lately seceded from the Church of Scotland, being nearly one-half of the whole number.
{416}
Chapter XXII
FORMS OF CREDENTIALS OF THE TWELVE--CONFERENCE At MANCHESTER, ENGLAND--DEATH OF JUDGE ELIAS HIGBEE--"THE PURPOSE OF GATHERING," A DISCOURSE BY THE PROPHET.
Thursday, June 1, 1843.--Presided in the city council, which passed "An ordinance to establish a ferry across the Mississippi river at the city of Nauvoo."
And also passed "An ordinance respecting mad dogs and other animals."
I addressed the council, and criticized James Sloan's account current charging for room, candles, fuel, etc., etc., as extras. Willard Richards, Newel K. Whitney, and William Clayton [were engaged] all day preparing papers for the settlement of the Lawrence estate.
I gave the following recommend to Elder Brigham Young.
Credentials of Brigham Young.
To all Saints and Honorable Men of the Earth, Greeting:
DEAR BRETHREN AND FRIENDS:--I, Joseph Smith, a servant of the Lord, and trustee-in-trust for the Temple of the Lord at Nauvoo, do hereby certify that the bearer hereof, Brigham Young, an elder and one of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has deposited with me his bond and security, to my full satisfaction, according to the resolution of the conference held in this city on the 6th day of April last.
He, therefore, is recommended to all Saints and honorable people as a legal agent to collect funds for the purpose of building the Nauvoo House and Temple of the Lord. Confident that he will honor this high trust, as well as ardently fulfill his commission as a messenger of peace and salvation, as one of the Lord's noble men, I can fervently say, May {417} the Lord clear his way before him and bless him, and bless those that obey his teaching, wherever there are ears to hear and hearts to feel.
He is the friend of Israel, and worthy to be received and entertained as a man of God; yea, he has, as had the ancient apostles, the good word, even the good word that leadeth unto eternal life.
Wherefore, brethren and friends, while you have the assurance of the integrity, fidelity and ability of this servant of the living God, and trusting that your hearts and energies will he enlivened and deeply engaged in the building of those houses directed by revelation for the salvation of all Saints, and that you will not rest where you are until all things are prepared before you, and you are gathered home with the rest of Israel to meet your God, I feel strong in the belief and have a growing expectation that you will not withhold any means in your power that can be used to accomplish this glorious work.
Finally, as one that greatly desires the salvation of men, let me remind you all to strive with godly zeal for virtue, holiness, and the commandments of the Lord. Be good, be wise, be just, be liberal; and above all, be charitable, always abounding in all good works. And may health, peace and the love of God our Father, and the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord be and abide with you all, is the sincere prayer of your devoted brother and friend in the everlasting Gospel,
JOSEPH SMITH. City of Nauvoo, June 1, 1843.
Similar letters were given to Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith.
Signed a conveyance of Eric Rhodes' bonds to Joseph Smith to William Clayton.
Gave a letter of instruction to George J. Adams, who is to accompany Elder Orson Hyde on his mission to Russia.
Elders Addison Pratt, Benjamin F. Grouard, Knowlton F. Hanks and Noah Rogers started on their mission for the Society Islands at two p.m., on the steamer Sarah Ann, for St. Louis.
The quorum of the Twelve Apostles met in council in my office, to make arrangements to start on their mission to collect funds for the Temple and Nauvoo House.
Friday, 2.--Closed the contract whereby I gave two notes for $1,375, and became half owner of the steamboat {418} Maid of Iowa. Continued in the office with Captain Dan Jones most of the morning, which was very rainy.
In the afternoon rode out in the city to invite several friends to take an excursion on Maid of Iowa tomorrow, and had a long conversation with a Presbyterian minister.
Outrages were committed in Wales on public property, under an organized band called "Rebecca and her daughters."
[Sidenote: An Excursion on the Mississippi.]
Saturday, 3.--This morning, I, with my family and a large company of brethren and sisters, started for Quincy, on a pleasure voyage on the steamboat Maid of Iowa, had a fine band of music in attendance, and arrived there at about one p.m.
The accounts of the Lawrence estate were presented to the probate judge, to which he made objections, when a new account was made out by William Clayton, which we made oath to, when the accounts were accepted by the probate judge.
At five p.m. started on our return, but tied up at Keokuk, at one a.m. on account of a severe storm until daylight, when we started home and were glad to arrive in Nauvoo at seven a.m. of the 4th.
Sunday, 4.--At ten a.m. I engaged in conversation with Mr. De Wolf, a clergyman of the Episcopal order, who was much of a gentleman.
Minutes of a Conference Held at Manchester, England, June 4, 1843.
A conference was commenced in the New Corn Exchange, Manchester, and by adjournment moved into the large room at Hayward's Hotel, Bridge street. The assembly was large, although the weather was unfavorable.
Elder Thomas Ward was president, and William Walker, clerk. President Ward and Elders Hiram Clark and Amos Fielding preached giving excellent teachings on the plan of salvation, and the Lord's Supper. There were present six high priests, fifty-eight elders, sixty-four priests, forty teachers, ten deacons.
{419} The representations of the churches being next called for, the following statements were made:
[Image]
The sacrament was administered in the afternoon.
Monday, 5.--The following persons devoted themselves to the work of the ministry--viz., Osmond Shaw, Thomas Shaw, Samuel Downes, Elders William Speakman and George Eyres.
The following persons were then ordained elders--viz., R. Cowen, T. Pratt, Samuel Downe, John Williams, Peter McCue, Joseph Walker, and Levi Rigg.
Priests: J. Flint, Joseph Smith, J. Nightingale, J. Lee, Thomas Jackson, Samuel Wells, Charles Turner, Christopher Riding, George Robinson.
Teachers: George Hewitt, Thomas Jennings.
Elder Barradale was appointed to preside over Cheltenham {420} branch; Elder Rudd, over the Nottingham circuit; Elder Pritchard, to labor in Derbyshire; Elder Speakman, with Elder Robert Parker, in the Bradford conference; Osmond Shaw, Addingham, Yorkshire; Elder George Eyers, in Lincolnshire and Hull, in connection with Elder Henry Cuerdon and Elder Samuel Downes, in Derbyshire, with Elder Hibbert.
Tuesday, 6.--I rode out to the Prairie Farm.
Earthquake occurred in Java, destroying Nias and burying its inhabitants in the ruins.
The total national debt of Europe is estimated at $10,499,710,000. A century ago the European treasury was comparatively unencumbered.
Wednesday, 7.--Concluded a settlement with J. W. Coolidge. Gave him a deed for city lot.
Visited Elias Higbee, who was very sick.
John Workman and a company of 30 Saints, mostly his own family, arrived from Tennessee.
Thursday, 8.--This morning, about daybreak, Elder Elias Higbee died at his residence near the Temple.[A]
[Footnote A: He was son of Isaac and Sophia Higbee, born 23rd October, 1795, in Galloway, Gloucester county, New Jersey. In 1803, removed with his parents to Clermont county, Ohio. At the age of 22 he married Sarah Ward, and removed to Cincinnati. He received the gospel in the spring of 1832, and in the summer of the same year went to Jackson county, Missouri, where he was baptized, and returned to Cincinnati, and was ordained an elder under the hands of his brother, Isaac Higbee, 20th February, 1833. Arrived in Jackson county with his family in March, and was driven by the mob to Clay county in the fall of 1833; ordained a high priest under the hands of Amasa M. Lyman, by order of the high council in Clay county. 26th March, 1835, started on a mission, preaching the gospel through the states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Arriving at Kirtland, he labored on the Temple until it was finished, and received his endowment therein. In the spring of 1836, returned to his family in Missouri; removed them to Caldwell County, where he was appointed County Judge.
Judge Higbee was also appointed to with the Prophet to Washington to plead the cause of the Saints before congress, and perhaps will be chiefly remembered for his earnest but temperate zeal in their cause; also for the courage and judgment he manifested before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, before which the hearing was had. The case was conducted by Judge Higbee, practically alone. See his reports to the Prophet, Vol. IV, pp. 81-91. His course approved, Ibid. p. 96.]
We copy the following from page 315 of the Law of the Lord--[B]
[Footnote B: The "Law of the Lord" is a manuscript book kept personally by the Prophet, wherein, with other specially valuable documents, he recorded character sketches and the good deeds of the faithful Saints; also the blessings he pronounced upon them. See this Vol., pp. 108, 124-128.]
{421} JUDGE ELIAS HIGBEE.
He has been sick only five days of cholera morbus and inflammation, which produced mortification, and his death was unexpected by all. His loss will be universally lamented, not only by his family, but by a large circle of brethren who have long witnessed his integrity and uprightness, as well as a life of devotedness to the cause of truth. He has endured a great share of persecution and tribulation for the cause of Christ, both during the Missouri troubles and other times. On the 6th day of October, 1840, he was appointed one of the committee to build the Temple in Nauvoo, which office he maintained during his life. In that station he has shown a disposition to do right at all times, and always manifested a great anxiety for the prosperity of the Temple as well as the work at large. He has left a large family to mourn his departure; but he is gone to his rest for a little season, even until the morning of the resurrection, when he will again come forth and strike hands with the faithful, and share the glory of the kingdom of God for ever and ever.
Emma was sick.
In the afternoon, rode out on horseback; called on Willard Richards, who was at work in his garden; asked him who gave him leave to occupy that lot. He answered, "Your honor?" When I replied, "You are perfectly welcome to it, so far as I am concerned;" then continued my journey to the prairie.
Friday, 9.--Rode out to show Mr. Lewis some lots in the city.
Continued most of the day with Emma, who was very sick.
Saturday, 10.--At home. Brothers Livingston and Goodrich, from Peterboro, New Hampshire, visited me about establishing a cotton factory in Nauvoo.
City council met and passed "An ordinance to regulate the rates of toll at the ferry in the city of Nauvoo," which is published in the Neighbor.
Several petitions were presented to repeal the hog law, which were rejected.
{422} The court-martial ordered an arsenal to be built in the city of Nauvoo, for the security of the public arms; and also ordered Brigadier-General Charles C. Rich to organize the 2nd battalion, 1st regiment, 2nd cohort, into a regiment of light infantry, to be the 5th regiment, 2nd cohort.
To show the wickedness and rascality of John C. Bennett and the corrupt conspiracy formed against me in Missouri and Illinois, I insert the following under date of the letter:--
_Letter of Samuel C. Owens to Governor Ford--Informing the Latter of an Indictment Against Joseph Smith_.
INDEPENDENCE, Mo., June 10, 1843.
To His Excellency Governor Ford.
SIR:--For the last three months I have been corresponding with Dr. John C. Bennett relative to one certain Joe Smith, Mormon Prophet, etc., of your state. In several of Dr. Bennett's letters to me, he informs me that my name is known to you. Taking this for granted authorizes me without hesitation to write you full upon a subject that the people of this part of our state feel themselves vitally interested in.
At the last term of the Circuit court of Daviess county, an indictment was found by the grand jury of said county against Joseph Smith for treason against this state. The necessary papers are now on their way to Governor Reynolds, who, on the receipt thereof, I have no doubt, will make a requisition on you for the apprehension and delivery of said Smith to the bearer, Mr. Joseph Reynolds, who goes as a special agent to attend to this business; and I am in hopes that, so soon as the proper papers come to hand, you will take that course that will secure this imposter and have him delivered over to Mr. Reynolds.
Dr. Bennett further writes me that he has made an arrangement with Harmon T. Wilson, of Hancock county (Carthage, seat of justice) in whose hands he wishes the writ that shall be issued by you to be put. From the tenor of his letters I am induced to believe that he has made the same suggestions to you. The only wish of the people of this state is, that this man, Joseph Smith, may be brought to that justice which the magnitude of his crime merits.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
SAM. C. OWENS, [Commander-in-chief of the mob in Jackson county].
{423} A steamship of iron, called the Great Britain, was built at Bristol, England, at a cost of 90,000 pounds. She has six masts, and is 320 feet in length on deck, and is said to be the largest vessel that has been built since the days of Noah.
Sunday, 11.--Ten a.m., meeting at the stand.
The following report is from the journals of Elders Willard Richards and Wilford Woodruff:--
_The Prophet's Discourse--The Purpose of the Gathering of Israel_.
A large assembly of the Saints met at the Temple stand. Hymn by the choir. Prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt, and singing.
President Joseph Smith remarked--"I am a rough stone. The sound of the hammer and chisel was never heard on me until the Lord took me in hand. I desire the learning and wisdom of heaven alone. I have not the least idea, if Christ should come to the earth and preach such rough things as He preached to the Jews, but that this generation would reject Him for being so rough."
He then took for his text the 37th verse of 23rd chapter of Matthew--"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."
This subject was presented to me since I came to the stand. What was the object of gathering the Jews, or the people of God in any age of the world? I can never find much to say in expounding a text. A man never has half so much fuss to unlock a door, if he has a key, as though he had not, and had to cut it open with his jack-knife.
The main object was to build unto the Lord a house whereby He could reveal unto His people the ordinances of His house and the glories of His kingdom, and teach the people the way of salvation; for there are certain ordinances and principles that, when they are taught and practiced, must be done in a place or house built for that purpose.
It was the design of the councils of heaven before the world was, that the principles and laws of the priesthood should be predicated upon the gathering of the people in every age of the world. Jesus did everything to gather the people, and they would not be gathered, and He therefore poured out curses upon them. Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed. All must be saved on the same principles.
{424} It is for the same purpose that God gathers together His people in the last days, to build unto the Lord a house to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings and anointings, etc. One of the ordinances of the house of the Lord is baptism for the dead. God decreed before the foundation of the world that that ordinance should be administered in a font prepared for that purpose in the house of the Lord. "This is only your opinion, sir," says the sectarian. * * * * *
If a man gets a fullness of the priesthood of God, he has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and that was by keeping all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord.
Where there is no change of priesthood, there is no change of ordinances, says Paul, if God has not changed the ordinances and the priesthood. Howl, ye sectarians! If he has, when and where has He revealed it? Have ye turned revelators? Then why deny revelation?
Many men will say, "I will never forsake you, but will stand by you at all times." But the moment you teach them some of the mysteries of the kingdom of God that are retained in the heavens and are to be revealed to the children of men when they are prepared for them, they will be the first to stone you and put you to death. It was this same principle that crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, and will cause the people to kill the prophets in this generation.
Many things are insoluble to the children of men in the last days: for instance, that God should raise the dead, and forgetting that things have been hid from before the foundation of the world, which are to be revealed to babes in the last days.
There are a great many wise men and women too in our midst who are too wise to be taught; therefore they must die in their ignorance, and in the resurrection they will find their mistake. Many seal up the door of heaven by saying, So far God may reveal and I will believe.
All men who become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ will have to receive the fullness of the ordinances of his kingdom; and those who will not receive all the ordinances will come short of the fullness of that glory, if they do not lose the whole.
I will say something about the spirits in prison. There has been much said by modern divines about the words of Jesus (when on the cross) to the thief, saying, "This day shalt thou be with me in paradise." King James' translators make it out to say paradise. But what is paradise? It is a modern word it does not answer at all to the original word that Jesus made use of. Find the original of the word paradise. You may as easily find a needle in a haymow. Here is a chance for battle, ye learned men. There is nothing in the original word in Greek from which this was taken that signifies paradise; but it was--This day {425} thou shalt be with me in the world of spirits: then I will teach you all about it and answer your inquiries. And Peter says he went and preached to the world of spirits (spirits in prison, I Peter, 3rd chap., 19th verse), so that they who would receive it could have it answered by proxy by those who live on the earth, etc.
The doctrine of baptism for the dead is clearly shown in the New Testament; and if the doctrine is not good, then throw the New Testament away; but if it is the word of God, then let the doctrine be acknowledged; and it was the reason why Jesus said unto the Jews, "How oft would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"--that they might attend to the ordinances of baptism for the dead as well as other ordinances of the priesthood, and receive revelations from heaven, and be perfected in the things of the kingdom of God--but they would not. This was the case on the day of Pentecost: those blessings were poured out on the disciples on that occasion. God ordained that He would save the dead, and would do it by gathering His people together.
It always has been when a man was sent of God with the priesthood and he began to preach the fullness of the gospel, that he was thrust out by his friends, who are ready to butcher him if he teach things which they imagine to be wrong; and Jesus was crucified upon this principle.
I will now turn linguist. There are many things in the Bible which do not, as they now stand, accord with the revelations of the Holy Ghost to me.
I will criticize a little further. There has been much said about the word hell, and the sectarian world have preached much about it, describing it to be a burning lake of fire and brimstone. But what is hell? It is another modern term, and is taken from hades. I'll hunt after hades as Pat did for the woodchuck.
Hades, the Greek, or Shaole, the Hebrew: these two significations mean a world of spirits. Hades, Shaole, paradise, spirits in prison, are all one: it is a world of spirits.
The righteous and the wicked all go to the same world of spirits until the resurrection. "I do not think so," says one. If you will go to my house any time, I will take my lexicon and prove it to you.
The great misery of departed spirits in the world of spirits, where they go after death, is to know that they come short of the glory that others enjoy and that they might have enjoyed themselves, and they are their own accusers. "But," says one, "I believe in one universal heaven and hell, where all go, and are all alike, and equally miserable or equally happy."
What! where all are huddled together--the honorable, virtuous, and {426} murderers, and whoremongers, when it is written that they shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body? But St. Paul informs us of three glories and three heavens. He knew a man that was caught up to the third heavens. Now, if the doctrine of the sectarian world, that there is but one heaven, is true, Paul, what do you tell that lie for, and say there are three? Jesus said unto His disciples, "In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come and receive you to myself, that where I am ye may be also."
Any man may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and be happy in that belief, and yet not obey his commandments, and at last be cut down for disobedience to the Lord's righteous requirements.
A man of God should be endowed with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, in order to teach and lead the people of God. The sectarian priests are blind, and they lead the blind, and they will all fall into the ditch together. They build with hay, wood, and stubble, on the old revelations, without the true priesthood or spirit of revelation. If I had time, I would dig into hell, hades, shaole, and tell what exists there.
There is much said about God and the Godhead. The scriptures say there are Gods many and Lords many, but to us there is but one living and true God, and the heaven of heavens could not contain him; for he took the liberty to go into other heavens. The teachers of the day say that thy Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, and they are all in one body and one God. Jesus prayed that those that the Father had given him out of the world might be made one in them, as they were one; [one in spirit, in mind, in purpose]. If I were to testify that the Christian world were wrong on this point, my testimony would be true.
Peter and Stephen testify that they saw the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Any person that had seen the heavens opened knows that there are three personages in the heavens who hold the keys of power, and one presides over all.
If any man attempts to refute what I arm about to say, after I have made it plain, let him beware.
As the Father hath power in Himself, so hath the Son power in Himself, to lay down His life and take it again, so He has a body of His own. The Son doeth what He hath seen the Father do: then the Father hath some day laid down His life and taken it again; so He has a body of His own; each one will be in His own body; and yet the sectarian world believe the body of the Son is identical with the Father's.
Gods have an ascendancy over the angels, who are ministering servants. {427} In the resurrection, some are raised to be angels; others are raised to become Gods.
These things are revealed in the most holy place in a Temple prepared for that purpose. Many of the sects cry out, "Oh, I have the testimony of Jesus; I have the Spirit of God: but away with Joe Smith; he says he is a prophet; but there are to be no prophets or revelators in the last days." Stop, sir: The Revelator says that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; so by your own month you are condemned. But to the text. Why gather the people together in this place? For the same purpose that Jesus wanted to gather the Jews--to receive the ordinances, the blessings, and glories that God has in store for His Saints.
I will now ask this assembly and all the Saints if you will now build this house and receive the ordinances and blessings which God has in store for you; or will you not build unto the Lord this house, and let Him pass by and bestow these blessings upon another people? I pause for a reply.
[Sidenote: Rev. De Wolf Preaches at Nauvoo.]
At half-past two p.m., I introduced to the congregation Mr. De Wolf, a clergyman of the Episcopal church, and requested the attention of the congregation in his behalf. He read the 6th chapter of Hebrews, and then kneeled and prayed, dressed in his black clerical gown, which excited some curiosity among some of the Saints. After the choir sang a hymn, he preached from Hebrews, 6th chapter, 1st and 2nd verses, touching on such principles only that are acknowledged and received by the Church. In his closing remarks he observed--"I may never meet you all again this side of the eternal world; but I will appoint a meeting--i. e. when the Lord Jesus shall descend with his angels to call the dead from their graves, and sit in judgment on all the world."
[Sidenote: Conference at Lima.]
A conference was held at Lima, and the branch reorganized, under the direction of Elder Heber C. Kimball; Isaac Morley, President; Walter Cox and Edwin Whiting, counselors; Gardiner Snow, bishop; Clark Hallet and Henry Dean, counselors; William Woodland, Solomon Hancock, James C. Snow, James Israel, Edmond Durfee, Daniel Stanton, Moses Clawson, {428} Joseph S. Allen, Philip Garner, Henry Ettleman, Reuben Daniels, and Horace Rawson, high council; James C. Snow, clerk of the branch.
During the appointing of the high council, Elder Kimball made some general remarks upon the Word of Wisdom.
[Sidenote: Heber C. Kimball on the Word of Wisdom.]
He commenced by saying that he always despised a penurious principle in any man, and that God despised it also; for he was liberal and did not look at every little thing as we do. He looked at the integrity of the heart of man. He said some would strain, nip and tuck at the Word of Wisdom, and at the same time they would turn away a poor brother from their door when he would ask for a little meal for his breakfast. He compared it to the man that was stretched upon the iron bedstead; if he was too long, they would cut him off; if he was too short, they would stretch him out. And again, he said, it made him, think of the old Indian's tree, which stood so straight that it leaned a little the other way, and the best way was to stand erect.
In the after part of the day he renewed the subject by saying that he did not wish to have any one take any advantage of what he had said, for he spoke in general terms; but said he had always obeyed the Word of Wisdom, and wanted every Saint to observe the same. He said that, when he was in England, he only taught it once or twice in public, and the Saints saw his example and followed it. So likewise when the elders go to preach, if they will observe the Word of Wisdom, all of those will whom they bring into the kingdom; but if they do not, they cannot expect their children will, but they will be just like themselves; for every spirit begets its own. Neither will such elders be able to do much good; for the Holy Ghost will not dwell in them, neither will the Father nor the Son; for they will not dwell where the Holy Ghost will not, and neither of them will dwell in unholy temples. {429} He said that he wanted wise and honorable men to fill responsible offices who were worthy. He then closed his subject by recommending the Saints to observe the counsel of President Morley. He made some very appropriate remarks with regard to the Temple and Nauvoo House.
Elder William Curtis was appointed to go with Elder Aaron M. York to the State of Maine.
{430}
Chapter XXIII
THE PROPHET'S VISIT TO DIXON, LEE CO.--CONDITIONS IN NAUVOO--SALEM ARGUS--SUMMARY OF THE WORLD'S EVENTS FOR THE YEAR 1843, UP TO JUNE--NEWS OF THE IMPENDING ARREST OF THE PROPHET RECEIVED AT NAUVOO--EXPEDITIONS FOR HIS PROTECTION--THE ARREST--TURNING THE TABLES--RETURN TO NAUVOO.
Monday, June 12, 1843.--At the office morning and afternoon, and approved of the resolutions of a court martial of the Nauvoo Legion, passed June 10, 1833, to the effect
That an arsenal be built in the city of Nauvoo, to be located in any part of the city where the lieutenant and major generals may direct, who are also authorized to make or cause to be made, a draft of the same, and also to purchase any piece of land for the aforesaid purposes which they may deem proper.
That Colonel Jonathan Dunham be and is hereby appointed agent for the Legion to superintend the business of the building of the aforesaid arsenal, and that he be allowed one dollar and forty-cents per day for his services while employed in that business, to be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated; that he be armorer of said arsenal, when completed; and that he be allowed such remuneration for said services as may be hereafter fixed by law; also that he be required to give bonds to the amount of five thousand dollars, with approved securities, before entering upon the duties of said office.
{431} That any constable or collector of fines be and is hereby authorized, if he cannot obtain money, to take property in payment of fines, at a fair valuation at his discretion, and make returns thereof to the proper officers, as in other cases.
That Brigadier-General Rich be and is hereby authorized to organize the second battalion, first regiment second cohort, into a regiment of light infantry, to be called "The Escort Regiment of Light Infantry," to take place in the second cohort, according to assignment, on parade days, and do such duties of escort, &c., as may be necessary; and that he organize the first battalion, first regiment, second cohort, into a regiment of artillery.
About forty Saints arrived from Peterboro, New Hampshire.
[Sidenote: Departure of the Prophet for Dixon, Lee Co., Ill.]
Thursday, 13.--I started north with Emma and the children to see her sister, Mrs. Wasson and family, living near Dixon, Lee county, Illinois.
Elder Wilford Woodruff, when going to the prairie with several brethren to fence his five-acre lot, broke the reach of his wagon and it fell into a pile together. The wheel fell on his arm and bruised him considerably; but he was able to mend his wagon and continue his journey. After working hard all day he went to Brother Cheney's house to obtain a drink of water, when an ugly dog bit him through the calf of the leg, which made him very lame.
Wednesday, 14.--Business is progressing. Buildings are going up in every direction, and the citizens manifest a determination that Nauvoo shall be built up. The stones of the Temple begin to rise tier upon tier, and it already presents a stately and noble appearance.
The Mississippi has been rising three or four days, and is now three or four inches above high water mark.
Thursday, 15.--We give the following extract from the Salem Advertiser and Argus, being an extract from a lecture delivered in Salem by Mr. J. B. Newhall:
{432} Synopsis of a Lecture Delivered in Salem, on Nauvoo and the Prophet.
The Nauvoo Temple is a very singular and unique structure. It is one hundred and fifty feet in length, ninety-eight feet wide, and when finished will be one hundred and fifty feet high. It is different from anything in ancient or modern history. Everything about it is on a magnificent scale, and when finished and seen from the opposite side of the river, will present one, if not the most beautiful, chaste and noble specimens of architecture to be found in the world.
We should like to be in possession of a model of this building, both on account of its great notoriety as being connected with the Mormon or Latter-day Saints' religion and also a work of art.
Did our limits here permit, we might give a very minute description of the whole order of architecture. The splendid drawing was executed by Mr. Newhall, while in Nauvoo, from a copy in the archives of that city. We wish he had taken it on a large scale, but he probably did not on account of transportation. We regret exceedingly that we did not have the privilege of a near inspection of the map of the city of Nauvoo, the place which for some time past has created more intense interest, perhaps, than any other city, town or village in the country, if not in the world. But on enquiring for it, we found it had been rolled up and packed away.
He gave a very glowing and interesting account of this city. The location is one of the most beautiful upon earth, situated upon the Mississippi river, rising in an inclined plane till it reaches the height where it overlooks an extensive tract of territory, unrivaled in rich and varying scenery.
His account of the military displays in Nauvoo, where Smith's Legion, as it is called, turns out, is very interesting and exciting. He spoke of the six ladies on horses, with white feathers or plumes waving over black velvet, riding up and down in front of the Legion. This must appear singular, at least to a Yankee.
He has had personal interviews with Joseph; and to sum up his character in a word, he is a jolly fellow, and according to his view, he is one of the last persons on earth whom God would have raised up as a prophet or priest, he is so diametrically opposite to that which he ought to be in order to merit the titles or to act in such offices. Among others he is very sociable, cheerful, kind and obliging, and very hospitable.
We have seen Hyrum Smith, a brother of Joseph's, and heard him preach, and conversed with him about his religion, its origin and progress; and we heard him declare in this city, in public, that what is recorded about the plates is God's solemn truth.
{433} He declared to us in the Masonic Hall, in this city, that the statements are true, and called upon God with uplifted hands as a witness. We think it would be very interesting to the good people of Salem, and in fact to the whole Eastern States, to have the prophet come and make us a visit. We very much doubt whether there is a man on earth who would create so much excitement and deep interest at least for the time being, as the prophet.
The_ Times and Seasons_ of this date has the following:
Calamities of 1843, up to June.
The past year has been distinguished by calamities. In some instances the elements seem to have been commissioned to perform the work of destruction to an awful extent and unprecedented severity.
Three of the greatest calamities that have occurred within a century, happened within the short period of one hundred hours. The terrible fire at Hamburg, which destroyed two thousand houses, and nearly thirty million dollars of property, in the fairest portion of the city, was followed in less than two days by the earthquake at St. Domingo. In this earthquake the towns of Haytien and Santiago, sixty miles apart, were entirely destroyed, and not less than seven thousand five hundred of the inhabitants perished.
On the very next day, while St. Domingo was yet rocking with the shocks of the earthquake, and the ruins of Hamburg were not three days old, a train of cars filled with passengers on the railroad from Paris to Versailles were thrown from the track and set on fire by the engine. Before the passengers, who were locked in, could be removed, seventy of them perished in the flames.
More recently the city of Liverpool has suffered by fire to an extent only surpassed by the fire at Hamburg.
In this country, the cities of Portland, New York, Charleston, and Columbia have suffered severely from the same cause.
At one period of several weeks during the year it was estimated that the loss of steamboats on the western waters averaged one a day. In connection with six of the boats, two hundred lives were lost. If to all this we add the loss of life at sea, which has been unusually great the past year, we must regard it as a year of calamities.
[Sidenote: Another Arrest of the Prophet Threatened.]
Friday, 16.--Judge James Adams wrote by express from Springfield, at ten p.m., that Governor Thomas Ford had told him that he was going to issue a writ for me on the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, and that it would start tomorrow.
{434} I copy the following from the Neighbor.
Prescription Against the Jews.
At the very moment when a spirit of toleration seemed to influence the feelings of society throughout the civilized world, we regret to perceive that the tribunals of the pope are, in June, 1843, reviving at Rome and Ancona, the very worst proscriptions of that fell and sanguinary institute, the Inquisition, as will be seen by a perusal of the following document:
"We, Fra Vincenzo Salina, of the order of Predicatori, Master in Theology, General Inquisitor in Ancona, Singaglia, Jesi, Osino, Cingoli, Macerata, Tolentino, Loreta, Recanati, and other towns and districts, &c.
"It being deemed necessary to revive the full observance of the disciplinary laws relative to the Israelites residing within our jurisdiction, and having hitherto without effect employed prayers and exhortation to obtain obedience to those laws in the Ghetti (Jewries) of Ancona and Sinigaglia, authorized by the despatch of the Sacred and Supreme Inquisition of Rome, dated June 10, 1843, expressly enjoining and commanding the observance of the decrees and pontifical constitutions, especially in respect to Christian nurses and domestic servants, or to the sale of property either in town or country districts, purchased and possessed previously to 1827, as well as subsequently to that period, we decree as follows:
"1. From the interval of two months after the date of this day, all gipsy and Christian domestics, male and female, whether employed by day or by night, must be dismissed from service in the said two Ghetti; and all Jews residing within our jurisdiction are expressly prohibited from employing any Christian nurse, or availing themselves of the services of any Christian in any domestic occupation whatever under pain of being immediately punished according to the pontifical constitutions.
"2. That all Jews who may possess property either in town or country permanent or moveable, or rents or interest, or any right involving shares in funded property, or leased landed property, must, within the term of three months from this day dispose of it by a positive and real, and not by any pretended or fictitious contract. Should this not be done within the time specified, the holy office is to sell the same by auction, on proof of the annual harvest being got in.
"3. That no Hebrew nurses, and still less any Hebrew family, shall inhabit the city, or reside in or remove their property into any town or district where there is no Ghetto (place or residence for Jews); and that such as may actually be there in conformity to the laws must return to their respective Ghetto within the peremptory period of six {435} months, otherwise they will be proceeded against according to the tenor of the law.
"4. That especially in any city where there is a Ghetto, no Hebrew must presume to associate at table with Christians, either in public houses or ordinaries, out of the Ghetto.
"5. That in a city which has a Ghetto, no Hebrew shall sleep out of the Israelite quarter, nor make free to enter into familiar conversation in a Christian house.
"6. That no Hebrew shall take the liberty, under any pretext whatever to induce male Christians, and still less female Christians, to sleep within the boundaries of the Ghetto.
"7. That no Hebrews shall hire Christians, even only by the day, to work in their houses in the Ghetto.
"8. That no Hebrew, either male or female, shall frequent the houses of Christians, or maintain friendly relations with Christian men or women.
"9. That the laws shall remain in force respecting the decorum to be observed by the Hebrews who may absent themselves from their Ghetto to travel in the other parts of the state."
After laying down their monstrous rescripts, which we had hoped even the Romish church would not have attempted to revive, and still less reclothe with authority, and arm with tremendous pains and penalties, the savage order is issued that these intolerant laws shall be read in each of the Jewish synagogues. It is added, "They who violate the above articles will incur some or all of the penalties prescribed in the edicts of the Holy Inquisition."
Saturday, 17.--The Maid of Iowa went to Shokoquon with the Temple hands on a pleasure excursion. While there, the steamer Shokoquon came to port with many citizens from Burlington, when Elder George A. Smith delivered a lecture.
Sunday, 18.--Meeting at the Temple. Elder Eli P. Maginn preached in the forepart of the day, to the edification of the Saints. The sacrament was administered in the afternoon.
[Sidenote: Markham and Clayton Sent to Warn the Prophet.]
Judge Adams' message arrived early in the evening, when my Brother Hyrum sent William Clayton and Stephen Markham as fast as possible to inform me. Markham had two hundred and fifty dollars, and Clayton borrowed two hundred dollars. {436} They left Nauvoo about half-past twelve at night, and proceeded to La Harpe.
Elder Elijah F. Sheets writes that he and Joseph A. Stratton have been preaching in Illinois, Indiana and Pennsylvania since September 4, 1842; have baptized thirty-two, and many more are convinced of the truth of the work; and that they are continuing their labors.
Monday, 19.--The laborers held a meeting in the grove to investigate the price and principles of labor.
[Sidenote: Progress of Markham and Clayton.]
Clayton and Markham arrived at La Harpe at sunrise, tarried about two hours to get a horse shod and take breakfast; started again at seven for Monmouth, where they arrived at three p.m., and put up their horses to feed and rest. They took dinner and slept till seven, when they started again and rode till midnight, when, the horses being tired and weary, they turned them out to feed, and they themselves lay down to sleep about two hours; after which they again resumed their journey and rode one mile north of Hendersonville, where they stopped to feed their horses.
[Sidenote: Markham and Clayton Arrive at Portland.]
Tuesday, 20.--About half-past seven, a.m., Markham and Clayton again started on their journey, and arrived at Andover about ten a.m. They turned out their horses to graze in the woods for about half-an-hour, when they proceeded to Gennesseo, where they arrived at half-past two p.m. They tried to hire a pair of horses to continue their journey, but did not succeed. They left Gennesseo, at six p.m., and traveled to Portland, where they arrived at twelve, put up their horses, and went to bed until four a.m.
The following appears in the Nauvoo Neighbor, and serves to illustrate the benefit of chartered rights in Illinois:
_Projected Industries at Nauvoo Menaced by Portending Legislation_.
SIR:--In obedience to the call made in your paper for information in relation to the affairs of the Agricultural and Manufacturing Association {437} of this city, I give you such facts as I think will be satisfactory.
The first great object of the company was to establish a pottery for the manufacturing of the various kinds of crockery in common use in the country. Persons were deputed to make the necessary search whether suitable materials could be obtained.
The persons who were employed in this service were such as had been employed all their lives in the business. Their report was favorable, having found all the materials of as good a quality as those used in the old world for that purpose, in the immediate vicinity.
Efforts were accordingly made to commence the business with as little delay as possible. An eligible situation was obtained and the work of building commenced.
A stone building of sufficient size was put under construction and progressed with much rapidity. Persons possessing means felt desirous of investing a part of them at least in the business. All was prosperous and all flattering.
A considerable amount of land was obtained for agricultural purposes, it being the wish of the managers to supply all their workmen with all their necessaries as far as could be. Arrangements were making to get stock of the various kinds for this purpose.
The building had progressed nearly to the height of one story, when the electioneering campaign commenced, and it was roundly asserted that if certain persons were elected, all the charters granted by a previous legislature to the citizens of Nauvoo would be repealed.
At first the association supposed that this was merely an electioneering intrigue. But it assumed a formidable appearance, and began to assume the character of a fixed determination to carry the design into execution.
The subsequent acts of the legislature have given but too much evidence that such was the real intention of a very considerable portion of the members of the last legislature, if not a majority of them. This instantly paralyzed the exertions of the company. Many who were about to contribute to the funds of the society paused, not knowing what was best; and in consequence the work stopped.
Not that the company supposed that there was any such power vested in the legislature, either in the constitution or common sense; but they did not know how far a reckless spirit might lead men in the violation of both.
As the matter now stands, those having capital are at a loss whether to invest it in that way or not, lest the same reckless spirit may inevitably carry the proposed design into effect.
The work has not stopped for want of means or materials to carry on the business, as means, materials, and workmen of the first order are {438} all at hand. But where is the safety, while such doctrines are boldly maintained by our legislature?
All the prospects of the company may be blasted at any stage of their business by one single act of men who seem to have no interest in the prosperity of the state or the citizens thereof, apart from their own political preferment.
Pledges can be made, for the sake of preferment, to an ignorant constituency to commit the most flagrant abuses upon the rights of private companies or even individuals, and attempts made with zeal and determination to carry them out to the full extent.
If public confidence be restored, the work can go on mote vigorously than ever.
Respectfully, SIDNEY RIGDON, President of the Company.
[Sidenote: Donations to the Temple.]
Elder John Snider reported the names of various persons in Great Britain and Ireland who donated various small sums between May and December, 1842, as contributions for building the Temple, and paid over nine hundred and seventy-five dollars and four cents. The names of the donors and amounts are recorded in the "Law of the Lord."
[Sidenote: Generosity of Earl Spencer.]
I insert the following as an exception to the general rule:--Earl Spencer keeps all the poor in the parish of Wormleighton, England, and so prevents a poor rate. He allows his laborers nine shillings a week when out of employment, and they pay only a shilling a year as a nominal rent for the house in which they severally reside.
[Sidenote: Meeting of the Prophet with Markham and Clayton.]
Wednesday, 21.--Markham and Clayton left Portland at four a.m., and traveled to within nine miles of Dixon. They changed their course, and went direct to Inlet Grove, where they arrived at half-past twelve, took dinner and fed their horses. Left Inlet at two p.m., and arrived at Wasson's at four p.m., where they learned that I was gone to Dixon in the carriage; and although their horses were {439} tired down, they started for Dixon, but met me about half way.
They returned with me to Wasson's, and were glad to find a resting place, having ridden two hundred and twelve miles in sixty-six hours and had very little rest on the way; the horses were tired,--their backs very sore. I told them not to be alarmed. "I have no fear. I shall not leave here: I shall find friends, and Missourians cannot hurt me, I tell you in the name of Israel's God."
Thursday, 22.--Another meeting of the laborers in the grove near the temple concerning wages.
[Sidenote: Postponement of the Prophet's Appointment at Dixon.]
I had previously given out an appointment to preach this day at Dixon, but on account of the change in circumstances, I wrote to Dixon, telling the people there was a writ out for me, and therefore declined preaching; and I kept myself quiet all day, telling my friends that if I started for home I might be arrested where I had no friends and be kidnapped into Missouri, and thought it best to tarry at Inlet and see the result. Many [at Dixon] were desirous to hear me preach, but were disappointed.
Lawyer Edward Southwick, of Dixon, having heard of the writ being out against me, rode twelve miles to inform me. I thanked him for his kindness, paid him twenty-five dollars and introduced him to my friends, Markham and Clayton, showing that I had received previous information.
Friday, 23.--Judge Adams arrived at Nauvoo from Springfield.
At eight a.m. a company of the brethren gathered to remove the timbers from the Temple to the grove.
I sent William Clayton to Dixon at ten a.m., to try and find out what was going on there. He met Mr. Joseph B. Reynolds, the sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, and Constable Harmon T. Wilson, of Carthage, Illinois, about half way, but they being disguised, they were not known by him; and when at Dixon they represented themselves {440} as Mormon elders who wanted to see the prophet. They hired a man and team to carry them, for they had run their horses almost to death.
[Sidenote: The Arrest at Dixon.]
They arrived at Mr. Wasson's while the family were at dinner, about two p.m. They came to the door and said they were Mormon elders, and wanted to see Brother Joseph. I was in the yard going to the barn when Wilson stepped to the end of the house and saw me. He accosted me in a very uncouth, ungentlemanly manner, when Reynolds stepped up to me, collared me, then both of them presented cocked pistols to my breast, without showing any writ or serving any process. Reynolds cried out, "G-- d-- you, if you stir I'll shoot; G-- d-- if you, stir one inch, I shoot you, be still, or I'll shoot you, by G--." I enquired "What is the meaning of all this?" "I'll show you the meaning, by G--; and if you stir one inch, I'll shoot you, G-- d-- you." I answered, "I am not afraid of your shooting; I am not afraid to die." I then bared my breast and told them to shoot away. "I have endured so much oppression, I am weary of life; and kill me, if you please. I am a strong man, however, and with my own natural weapons could soon level both of you; but if you have any legal process to serve, I am at all times subject to law, and shall not offer resistance." Reynold replied, "G-- d-- you, if you say another word I will shoot you, by G--." I answered, "Shoot away; I am not afraid of your pistols."
[Sidenote: Markham's Courage.]
By this time Stephen Markham walked deliberately towards us. When they saw him coming, they turned their pistols from me to him, and threatened his life if he came any nearer; but he paid no attention to their threats, and continued to advance nearer. They then turned their pistols on me again, jamming them against my side, with their fingers on the triggers, and ordered Markham to stand still or they would shoot me through. As Markham was advancing {441} rapidly towards me, I said, "You are not going to resist the officers, are you, Brother Markham?" He replied, "No, not if they are officers: I know the law too well for that."
They then hurried me off, put me in a wagon without serving any process, and were for hurrying me off without letting me see or bid farewell to my family or friends, or even allowing me time to get my hat or clothes, or even suffer my wife or children to bring them to me. I then said, "Gentlemen, if you have any legal process, I wish to obtain a writ of habeas corpus," and was answered,--"G-- d-- you, you shan't have one." They still continued their punching me on both sides with their pistols.
[Sidenote: Brutality of the Arrest.]
Markham then sprung and seized the horses by the bits, and held them until my wife could bring my hat and coat. Reynolds and Wilson again threatening to shoot Markham, who said, "There is no law on earth that requires a sheriff to take a prisoner without his clothes." Fortunately at this moment I saw a man passing, and said to him, "These men are kidnapping me, and I wish a writ of habeas corpus to deliver myself out of their hands." But as he did not appear to go, I told Markham to go, and he immediately proceeded to Dixon on horseback, where the sheriff also proceeded with me at full speed, without even allowing me to speak to my family or bid them good bye. The officers held their pistols with the muzzles jamming into my side for more than eight miles, and they only desisted on being reproached by Markham for their cowardice in so brutally ill-treating an unarmed, defenseless prisoner. On arriving at the house of Mr. McKennie, the tavern-keeper, I was thrust into a room and guarded there, without being allowed to see anybody; and fresh horses were ordered to be ready in five minutes.
I again stated to Reynolds, "I wish to get counsel," when he answered, "G-- d-- you, you shan't have counsel: one word more, G-- d-- you, and I'll shoot you." {442} "What is the use of this so often?" said I. "I have repeatedly told you to shoot; and I now tell you again to shoot away!" I saw a person passing and shouted to him through the window, "I am falsely imprisoned here, and I want a lawyer." Lawyer Edward Southwick came, and had the door banged in his face, with the old threat of shooting him if he came any nearer.
Another lawyer (Mr. Shepherd G. Patrick) afterwards came and received the same treatment, which began to cause considerable excitement in Dixon.
A Mr. Lucien P. Sanger asked Markham what was the matter, when he told him all, and stated that the sheriff intended to drag me away immediately to Missouri, and prevent my taking out a writ of habeas corpus.
[Sidenote: The Timely Interference of Mr. Dixon.]
Sanger soon made this known to Mr. Dixon, the owner of the house, and his friends, who gathered around the hotel door, and gave Reynolds to understand that if that was their mode of doing business in Missouri, they had another way of doing it in Dixon. They were a law-abiding people and Republicans, and gave Reynolds to understand that he should not take me away without giving me the opportunity of a fair trial, and that I should have justice done me; but that if he persisted in his course, they had a very summary way of dealing with such people.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Appeal to the People of Dixon.]
[Sidenote: Cyrus H. Walker.]
Mr. Reynolds finding further resistance to be useless, allowed Mr. Patrick and Mr. Southwick to come into the room to me, (but Wilson was inside guarding the door, and Reynolds guarded the outside of the door,) when I told them I had been taken prisoner by these men without process; I had been insulted and abused by them. I showed them my flesh, which was black for about eighteen inches in circumference on each side, from their punching me with their pistols; and I wanted them to sue out a writ of habeas corpus, whereupon Reynolds swore he should only wait half-an-hour to give me a chance. A messenger was {443} immediately sent by Mr. Dixon to Mr. Chamberlain, the Master-in-Chancery, who lived six miles distant, and, another message to Cyrus H. Walker, who happened to be near, to have them come down and get out the writ of habeas corpus.
A writ was sued out by Markham before a justice of the peace against Reynolds and Wilson for threatening his life. They were taken into custody by the constable. He sued out another writ for assault and threatening my life, whereupon they were again arrested.
At this time Markham rushed into the room and put a pistol (unobserved) into my pocket, although Reynolds and Wilson had their pistols cocked at the same time and were threatening to shoot him.
About midnight he sued out a writ for a violation of the law in relation to writs of habeas corpus, Wilson having transferred me to the custody of Reynolds, for the purpose of dragging me to Missouri, and thereby avoiding the effect and operation of said writ, contrary to law, which was put over to be heard at ten o'clock tomorrow morning; and I was conducted back to the room and guarded through the night.
[Sidenote: Legion Enlargement.]
The 5th legion, 2nd cohort, Nauvoo Legion, consisting of four companies, organized. Hosea Stout was elected colonel; Theodore Turley, lieutenant-colonel; Jesse D. Hunter, major.
[Sidenote: Clayton's Return to Nauvoo.]
Saturday, 24.--As my favorite horse, Jo. Duncan, was somewhat jaded, with being ridden so hastily by Brother Clayton, I hired a man with his horse and buggy to carry Brother Clayton to Rock Island, where the steamer Amaranth fortunately came in about fifteen minutes, on which he took passage to Nauvoo, to inform my brother Hyrum of what was being done, and request him to send me some assistance forthwith.
About eight, the Master-in-Chancery arrived and issued a writ of habeas corpus returnable before the Hon. John D. Caton, {444} Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit at Ottawa, which was duly served on Reynolds and Wilson.
[Sidenote: Cyrus Walker's Terms for Legal Service.]
Mr. Cyrus Walker, who was out electioneering to become the representative for Congress, told me that he could not find time to be my lawyer unless I could promise him my vote. He being considered the greatest criminal lawyer in that part of Illinois, I determined to secure his aid, and promised him my vote. He afterwards went to Markham and joyfully said, "I am now sure of my election, as Joseph Smith has promised me his vote, and I am going to defend him."
[Sidenote: Turning the Tables on Reynolds and Wilson.]
At ten a.m. another writ was issued--this time from the Circuit Court of Lee county, against Reynolds and Wilson, for private damage and for false imprisonment, claiming ten thousand dollars damages upon the ground that the writ issued by the governor of Illinois was a void writ in law; upon which said writ they were held to bail in ten thousand dollars each, and they had to send to Missouri for bondsmen and were placed in the custody of the sheriff of Lee county.
Reynolds and Wilson felt bad when these last writs were served on them, and began to cool in their conduct a little; after which they also obtained a writ of habeas corpus, for the purpose of being discharged before Judge Caton.
[Sidenote: Arrival at Pawpaw Grove.]
I was conveyed by Reynolds and Wilson, upon the first writ of habeas corpus, towards Ottawa, as far as Pawpaw Grove, thirty-two miles, where I was again abused by Reynolds and Wilson, which was observed by the landlord.
Esquire Walker sent Mr. Campbell, sheriff of Lee county, to my assistance, and he came and slept by me. In the morning certain men wished to see me, but I was not allowed to see them.
The news of my arrival had hastily circulated about the neighborhood; and very early in the morning the largest {445} room in the hotel was filled with citizens, who were anxious to hear me preach and requested me to address them.
Sheriff Reynolds entered the room and said, pointing to me, "I wish you to understand this man is my prisoner, and I want you to disperse: you must not gather around here in this way." Upon which Mr. David Town, an aged gentleman, who was lame and carried a large hickory walking-stick, advanced towards Reynolds, bringing his hickory upon the floor, and said:
[Sidenote: David Town's Effective Speech.]
"You damned infernal puke, we'll learn you to come here and interrupt gentlemen. Sit down there, (pointing to a very low chair,) and sit still. Don't open your head till General Smith gets through talking. If you never learned manners in Missouri, we'll teach you that gentlemen are not to be imposed upon by a nigger-driver. You cannot kidnap men here, if you do in Missouri; and if you attempt it here, there's a committee in this grove that will sit on your case; and, sir, it is the highest tribunal in the United States, as from its decision there is no appeal."
Reynolds, no doubt aware that the person addressing him was the head of a committee who had prevented the settlers on the public domain from being imposed upon by land speculators, sat down in silence while I addressed the assembly for an hour-and-a-half on the subject of marriage, my visitors having requested me to give them my views of the laws of God respecting marriage. My freedom commenced from that hour.
[Sidenote: Departure of Emma Smith from Dixon.]
Immediately after I left Dixon, my wife and children started with my carriage from Inlet Grove for Nauvoo being driven by her nephew, Lorenzo D. Wasson.
The quorum of the Twelve received a letter from Asahel Smith, [the prophet's father's brother, and father of the late Judge Elias Smith] of Nashville, Iowa, requesting them to appoint a conference in that place to settle some difficulties existing there.
{446} [Sidenote: A Masonic Temple for Nauvoo.]
The free and accepted ancient York Masons met at the lodge room, being the anniversary of St. John's Day; then formed a procession in due masonic form in front of the hall, and walked to Main street, where the corner stone for a Masonic Temple was laid by the Worshipful Master, Hyrum Smith. Two masonic hymns were sung, after which they proceeded to the Grove near the Temple, where an oration was delivered by Brother John Taylor. From thence they proceeded to Mr. Warner's, where about two hundred sat down to an excellent dinner. The company broke up early in the afternoon, highly delighted with the day's proceedings.
Sunday, 25.--At Pawpaw Grove it was ascertained that Judge Caton was on a visit to New York, whereupon Reynolds, Wilson, Walker, Southwick, Patrick, Dixon, Stephen Markham and myself, with others, started about eight a.m., and returned to the town of Dixon, arriving about four p.m. when, I was again locked in a room and guarded through the night.
The water has fallen in the Mississippi more than a foot since last Sunday.
[Sidenote: Excitement at Nauvoo.]
At ten a.m., meeting at the Temple. Elder Lyman Wight preached on charity; and in the afternoon, Elder Maginn was preaching, when my brother Hyrum went to the stand and requested the brethren to meet him at the Masonic Hall in thirty minutes.
The brethren immediately went there in such numbers that one fourth of them could not get into the room; so they adjourned to the green and formed a hollow square, when my brother Hyrum informed them that Elder William Clayton had arrived about two, and told him that Joseph H. Reynolds, sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, and Harmon T. Wilson, of Carthage, had come upon me by surprise and arrested me, and related the occurrence as far as known, up to my arrival in Dixon. He wanted a company to go up to my assistance and see that I had {447} my rights. He called for volunteers, when upwards of three hundred volunteered, from whom they selected such as were wanted.
[Sidenote: Relief Expeditions.]
Generals Law and Charles C. Rich started the same evening, with a company of about one hundred and seventy-five men on horseback. Previous to starting, Elder Wilford Woodruff went to the company and donated a barrel of rifle powder, when every man filled his horn or flask.
Wilson Law declared he would not go a step unless he could have money to bear his expenses, upon which Elder Brigham Young said the money should be forthcoming although he did not know at the time where he could raise a dollar. In about thirty minutes he got on the track, and in the course of two hours he had borrowed seven hundred dollars, and put it in the hands of Hyrum Smith and Wilson Law, to defray the expenses of the expedition. About seventy-five on board the Maid of Iowa, with Captain Dan Jones, went up the Illinois river for Peoria, and to examine the steamboats, suspecting I might be a prisoner on board one of them, as they supposed me on the road to Ottawa.
Several of the Pottawatamie Indians called to see the Nauvoo House and Temple. They wanted to talk, but their interpreter could not speak much.
[Sidenote: Writ of Habeas Corpus Secured.]
The writ of habeas corpus [the one first issued and made returnable before Judge Caton at Ottawa] was returned endorsed thereon, "Judge absent," when another writ of habeas corpus was issued at seven a.m. by the Master-in-Chancery, and was worded at Colonel Markham's request, "Returnable before the nearest tribunal in the Fifth Judicial District authorized to hear and determine writs of habeas corpus;" and the sheriff of Lee county served it on them [Reynolds and Wilson] in a few minutes afterwards. I, my lawyers, Markham, Dixon and other friends held a council and arranged to start before nine a.m., to go before Judge Stephen A. Douglas, {448} at Quincy, a distance of about two hundred and sixty miles. I employed Mr. Lucien P. Sanger with the stage coach to convey us on our journey towards Quincy.
After these arrangements were made, I sent Markham with a letter to General Wilson Law, directing him to meet me at Monmouth on Wednesday evening, with sufficient force to prevent my being kidnapped into Missouri, as I well knew that the whole country was swarming with men anxious to carry me there and kill me, without any shadow of law or justice, although they well knew that I had not committed any crime worthy of death or bonds.
Monday, 26.--It was reported that there were state writs in Nauvoo to take Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, and Alexander McRae to Missouri, who armed themselves to prevent being kidnapped.
I copy the following from the Chicago Democrat:
Account of the Prophet's Arrest in the Chicago Democrat.
DEAR SIR:--Our little town has been in an unusual state of excitement for a few days past, originating from the arrest of General Joseph Smith, which took place at the Inlet Grove, while he was on a visit with his family to a sister [an error, his wife's nephew] who resides there. He was arrested on Friday last by an officer from Hancock county, and delivered over to the sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, in compliance with the orders of the governor.
The officers who took him brought him into town in the evening and confined him closely to his room, refusing admission not only to the citizens whose curiosity had drawn them to the spot, but to counsel whom he had requested to have employed.
Our citizens, conceiving it a violation of right that a man should be deprived of that advice and assistance which is accorded to the most degraded and guilty offender in all civilized countries under such circumstances, expressed themselves in such strong and indignant terms, that the officers finally permitted counsel to have access to him.
He applied for the benefit of the habeas corpus; and while the lawyers were busy drawing up the necessary papers, the officers frequently asserted that they would not wait, but would leave for the Mississippi at all hazards.
{449} They were however, induced, by the force of argument, to desist from their intention and wait until morning, when the habeas corpus was served. After which they stated their determination to go to Rock Island and by steamboat from thence to Galena, before Judge Brown. General Smith justly felt fearful that once on a steamboat, he should hardly reach Galena. The distance from this place to Rock Island is the same as from here to Galena.
General Smith, finding this their determination, commenced suit against the sheriff of Missouri for trespass, and held him to bail, which he was unable to procure, which circumstance lowered his tune a little; and thus finally, today, has left for Quincy in search of Judge Young.
The severe treatment of the general, together with his pleasing deportment and equanimity under all his trials, has made him many friends and created almost universal sympathy. Persecution or oppression always helps the cause of the persecuted or oppressed, whether their cause is right or wrong.
In haste, yours, G.
From Dixon we traveled about forty miles, and stayed for the night at a farm house. Markham rode to Genesseo with my letter and stayed all night.
[Sidenote: En route for Quincy.]
Tuesday, 27.--I started with the company, and took dinner at Genesseo. At about two p.m., we resumed our journey. While crossing Fox River, I requested Reynolds to give me the privilege of riding on horseback, which he refused; but, by the intercession of Sheriff Campbell and Mr. Cyrus Walker, Walker took my seat in the stage-coach, and I his in the buggy with Mr. Montgomery, son-in-law and law student of Cyrus Walker. In about two miles we met Peter W. Conover and William L. Cutler, and shook hands with both of them at the same time, and could not refrain from tears at seeing the first of my friends come to meet me, and then said to Mr. Montgomery, "I am not going to Missouri this time. These are my boys."
I next enquired how many were with them, and was answered, there were ten started, but they had sent one with my letter to Wilson Law, and two to Monmouth.
{450} While we were talking, Markham, with Captain Thomas Grover, and the other five brethren, rode up. At the same time, the company who started with me from Dixon rode up. I then said to Reynolds, "Now, Reynolds, I can have the privilege of riding old Joe Duncan," and mounted my favorite horse and the entire company then rode towards a farm house, where we made a halt.
Reynolds and Wilson, who trembled much, then rode up to Conover, who was an old acquaintance of Wilson's; when Conover asked Wilson, "What is the matter with you? Have you got the ague?" Wilson replied, "No."
Reynolds asked, "Is Jem Flack in the crowd?" and was answered, "He is not now, but you will see him tomorrow about this time." "Then," said Reynolds, "I am a dead man; for I know him of old." Conover told him not to be frightened, for he would not be hurt.
Reynolds stood trembling like an aspen-leaf, when Markham walked up to him and shook hands with him. Reynolds said, "Do I meet you as a friend? I expected to be a dead man when I met you again." Markham replied, "We are friends, except in law: That must have its course."
The company moved on to Andover, where the sheriff of Lee county requested lodgings for the night for all the company. I was put up into a room and locked up with Captain Grover. It was reported to me that some of the brethren had been drinking whisky that day in violation of the Word of Wisdom.
[Sidenote: Conover's Account of the First Division of the Expedition to Relieve the Prophet.]
I called the brethren in and investigated the case, and was satisfied that no evil had been done.
Peter W. Conover gave me the following relation of the travels of the brethren from Nauvoo to the place where I met them:--
I started with General Wilson Law, William Law, and about 175 men, on Sunday, the 25th of June, at eight p.m., in the direction of {451} Peoria: traveled part of the night. About one o'clock next morning General Charles C. Rich took 35 of the company and continued towards Peoria. The two Laws, with their company, started up the river road in the direction of Monmouth. We traveled till daylight on Monday morning, crossed Honey Creek, ate a cold breakfast, and fed the horses; then continued on till noon, when a consultation was held, and ten of the best mounted men--viz., Thomas Grover, Peter W. Conover, Zebedee Coltrin, Graham Coltrin, Philemon C. Merrill, Philander Colton, Henry Hoyt, William L. Cutler, Daniel F. Cahoon, and John L. Butler were selected to take the nearest road to Dixon, with instructions to continue until we found you.
We took the middle road between Oquaka and Monmouth, and continued on until Tuesday at two a.m., when we rested for one hour, then passed through Hendersonville on to the prairie, about nine a.m., at which time we met Colonel Stephen Markham with your letter of instructions to General Wilson Law. We read the letter. Philander Colton was sent with the despatch to Wilson Law. We then made a halt at Andover, where the inhabitants refused to sell us food.
Here we held a council, and sent Daniel Cahoon and Henry Hoyt back to Monmouth, with instructions to the brethren to wait there until they got further orders. We then traveled ten miles and obtained some corn at a farm-house. One p.m., left there and traveled on to the prairies until we met you.
Here Conover exchanged with me one of Allen's four-inch barrel six-shooter revolvers for the single shooter which Markham had slipped into my pocket at Dixon.
[Sidenote: Reynolds and Wilson's Design of Kidnapping.]
About eight p.m., Reynolds, Wilson, and the landlord consulted about sending out to raise a company to take me by force, and run with me to the mouth of Rock River on the Mississippi, as there was a company of men ready to kidnap me over the river. Markham overheard the conversation, and notified the sheriff of Lee county, who immediately ordered a guard placed, so that no one might pass in or out of the house during the night.
Markham started at daybreak, and went about twenty miles, passing through Andover at eight a.m.; and about nine he met Captain Thomas Grover and a company of ten men, to whom he delivered my message. Held a {452} council and forwarded it on to General Law by Philander Colton. Markham turned back with the company.
My wife and children arrived in Nauvoo this evening, having burned off one arm of the carriage going home.
Many strangers reported in the city: the watch was doubled in the night.
Wednesday, 28.--We left Andover about eight o'clock; went to a little grove at the head of Elleston Creek, where we stayed an hour to feed our animals. Reynolds said, "Now, we will go from here to the mouth of Rock River and take steamboat to Quincy." Markham said, "No; for we are prepared to travel, and will go by land."
[Sidenote: Reynolds and Wilson Disarmed.]
Wilson and Reynolds both spoke and said, "No, by G--, we won't; we will never go by Nauvoo alive;" and both drew their pistols on Markham, who turned round to Sheriff Campbell, of Lee county, saying, "When these men took Joseph a prisoner, they took his arms from him, even to his pocket-knife. They are now prisoners of yours, and I demand of you to take their arms from them, that is according to law."
They refused to give them up, when the sheriff was told, "If you cannot take the arms from them, there are men enough here, and you can summon a posse to do it; for it is plain to be seen that they are dangerous men."
Reynolds and Wilson then reluctantly gave up their arms to the sheriff. The company then started, taking the middle road towards Nauvoo to within six miles of Monmouth, and stopped at a farmhouse, having traveled about forty miles; got there about sundown, and called for supper and lodging.
[Sidenote: Further Plans of Kidnapping.]
Peter W. Conover laid down at the S.W. corner of the building outside the house. In about ten minutes, Reynolds and Wilson came out of the house with the son of the landlord. They talked for some time, and came to the conclusion to take the carriage horses, go to Monmouth, raise a mob, and come {453} to the farmhouse in the night, seize Joseph, and convey him to the Mississippi River and take him to Missouri, as they had a steamboat in readiness at the mouth of Rock River for that purpose.
After completing their plan of operations, Reynolds, Wilson and the boy separated and went towards the stable. Conover, who had heard the plot unobserved, immediately rose and came to me, and told me what he had just heard.
I consulted with Cyrus Walker, the landlord, and Sheriff Campbell, who took Reynolds and Wilson into his custody, and put them in the upper room, placing a guard of two men at the door, with orders not to allow any man to pass in or out of the house, except the landlord, who, as soon as he was told of the attempt to get his son into difficulty, put a stop to his proceedings at once.
Some anxiety at Nauvoo about so many strangers and suspicious characters being in the city.
The Neighbor of this day has the following:--
Fourth of July Celebration Appointed for Nauvoo.
By the counsel and advice of President Hyrum Smith, Messrs. O. Hyde and G. J. Adams, who have been appointed to go on a mission to Russia, will deliver two addresses on the 4th July, upon the subject of our holy religion, for the benefit and edification not only of our own citizens, but also for strangers who may be pleased to visit our town on that day. The morning's address by Mr. Hyde, at half past ten o'clock; and the afternoon by Mr. Adams, at two o'clock.
From the circumstances under which we are placed, this course is thought far more advisable for all who wish to be considered Saints to assemble for religious worship and collectively offer up our prayers to Almighty God for peace and prosperity to attend us as a people.
The giddy and unthinking will, no doubt, resort to public dinners, festivals, and perhaps to the ball chamber, to spend their time and money to gratify their appetite and vanity; but no true-hearted Saint at this peculiar moment will do it.
At the close of each address a collection will be taken for the especial purpose of assisting to complete Elder Hyde's house, that he may be the sooner liberated to proceed on his important mission to St. Petersburg.
{454} He who has money to spend on that day can spend it more to the glory of God in the above manner than after the custom and practice of the corrupt age in which we live.
It is hoped that the band and choir will favor us on that occasion.
The lectures will be delivered in the Grove near the Temple where seats are provided.
[Sidenote: The Prophet Protects Reynolds Against Flack.]
Thursday, 29.--Continued our journey this morning, leaving Monmouth on our left, and Oquaka five miles on our right; and after passing Monmouth about three miles, William Empy, Gilbert Rolfe, James Flack, and three others met us.
I called Flack to my side and told him not to injure Reynolds, whatever provocation he had previously received from him, as I had pledged myself to protect him, and requested Flack to bury his feelings against Reynolds.
Reynolds then got out of the stage, exchanged seats with one of the horsemen, and Flack and Reynolds rode by themselves about a quarter-of-a-mile, when they again joined the company and rode together. The company continued to Henderson River, and took dinner at a farmhouse owned by Mr. Alanson Hagerman.
While staying at this farmhouse, General Wilson Law, and William Law, and about sixty men came up in several little squads. I walked out several rods to meet the company. William and Wilson Law jumped from their horses, and unitedly hugged and kissed me, when many tears of joy were shed.
I extract from the journal of Albert P. Rockwood, the acting adjutant of the company, some of the movements of the company:--
Rockwood's Account of the Second Division of the Expedition to Relieve the Prophet.
After breakfast at the tavern, on Thursday, 29th, had a few minutes deliberation. It was determined that those who had animals which were able to continue the pursuit, with a reasonable prospect of catching up, should follow at the full speed of their animals. Having heard that the posse had taken a westerly direction, as we believed, designing to cross {455} the Mississippi at Oquaka Ferry, and so through Iowa to Missouri, raised an excitement, and most of us thought we were good for twelve miles an hour.
Several brethren swapped their worn-out animals for fresh ones; others bought; so that, in a few minutes, about two-thirds of the detachment were in swift pursuit.
On arriving near the farmhouse where the posse stayed last night, we learned that they had been gone about two hours. Then General Law said, "Now, boys, comes the tug of war: every man and horse try your best;" and away we went with our blood at fighting heat.
By frequent enquiries we learned that we were gaining upon them. As we approached the river, we quickened our pace, which left some far in the rear.
At a watering-place, about three miles from the river, General Wilson Law and William Law, Elisha Everett, Albert P. Rockwood, and two others took passage in a wagon. Having fresh animals, we left most of the detachment in the rear: yet Brother Follet and from five to ten others were up with us, positively charged with fight.
While in the wagon, Wilson Law remarked, "We must overhaul them before they can get on the ferry-boat to cross the river, and we must take the stand that Joseph should not be taken over the river: therefore prepare yourselves for your best licks; for if Joseph goes into Missouri, they will kill him, and that will break us up, as our property in Nauvoo will become useless or of no value," etc., etc.
During the conversation we emerged from the timber and saw a small village on the bank of the river. We put our animals at their full speed and charged in with drawn swords, our guns and pistols cocked and primed, ready for attack.
Our sudden appearance and hostile movements caused much excitement in the village. General Law forced the contents of a bottle of spirits down his horse. Some of our horses fell to the ground as soon as we halted. All were foaming with sweat and nearly exhausted.
Some of the citizens refused to give us any information. Others declared, "I have done nothing," and expressed their fears and anxieties in various ways. I ran down to the river and down the beach, while William Law ran up, each in search of the ferry-boat, which happened to be on the other side. No tracks or other evidence could be found by us that any persons had passed the river this morning. Wilson Law was at this time making enquiries of the citizens.
Some of the horsemen rode on full speed through the village of Oquaka in search of the Prophet, while others left their exhausted horses standing or lying in the streets, and ran on foot.
As soon as William Law and myself returned to the wagon, we concluded {456} that the posse, knowing that we were near by to rescue, had taken to the woods to secrete themselves or evade us; therefore Brother Follet and such others as they came in were ordered to search the timbers. In a short time a wayfaring man reported he had seen a company passing down the river road below the village, whereupon all hands were ordered to the pursuit, and soon the village was clear of "the destroying angels" (as they called us), and they were left to their own reflections and meditations on the strange scene. My opinion is that we were in the village from thirty to forty minutes, until we were all again on the trail.
Those who were in the rear of our detachment saw the posse who had Joseph traveling down the road. They crossed the prairie and arrived nearly one hour before the advance, who missed the trail about half-a-mile from the village, at the junction of the Monmouth and River Road. On their arrival Joseph sent a messenger back to notify us where he was, who met us about a mile from the place where he was stopping.
[Sidenote: Change of Destination from Quincy to Nauvoo.]
I consulted with my lawyers, and told them that Nauvoo was the nearest place where writs of habeas corpus could be heard and determined. They examined the subject and decided I was correct, when we turned our steps towards Nauvoo, which gladdened my heart at the prospect of soon being in the midst of my friends again. I sent a messenger to inform the citizens of Nauvoo of the glad change; and I requested Conover to ride ahead to Mr. Michael Crane's, on Honey Creek, and call for supper for one hundred men.
After dinner we traveled about fifteen miles. On arriving at Crane's, I jumped out of the buggy, and instead of going through the gate or climbing the fence, walked up and jumped over the fence without touching it. Mr. Crane ran out and embraced me, and bade me welcome.
A flock of turkeys and chickens were killed, and a substantial supper was provided for all; and the company feasted, sang, and had a happy time that night. I showed my sides to Mr. Crane and the company, which still continued black and blue from the bruises I had received from the pistols of Reynolds and Wilson, while riding from Inlet Grove to Dixon eight days ago.
{457} Nauvoo, an Ordinance Concerning Strangers, etc.
To the Recorder of the City of Nauvoo:
We, your petitioners, aldermen of said city, request you to notify the marshal to call a special meeting of the city council, at the mayor's court-room, this afternoon at two o'clock.
GEO. A. SMITH, W. W. PHELPS, GEO. W. HARRIS, Aldermen.
City council accordingly met and passed "An ordinance concerning strangers and contagious diseases, and for other purposes," as follows:--
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Nauvoo, for the peace, benefit, good order, convenience, cleanliness, health and happiness of said city, agreeable to the charter of the same, that the city council, marshal, constables, and city watch are hereby authorized, empowered, and required to require all strangers who shall be entering this city, or are already tarrying, or may hereafter be tarrying in said city, in a civil and respectful manner to give their names, former residence, for what intent they have entered or are tarrying in the city, and answer such other questions as the officer shall deem proper or necessary for the good order, health, or convenience of the said city; and for a failure or refusal on the part of strangers to give the desired information, or for giving false names or information, they shall be subject to the penalty of the "ordinance concerning vagrants and disorderly persons."
Sec. 2. And be it further ordained that the aforesaid authorities of the said city are further authorized and empowered, and required to hail and take all persons found strolling about the city at night, after nine o'clock and before sunrise, and to confine them in ward for trial, according to the aforesaid "Ordinance concerning vagrants and disorderly persons," unless they give a good and satisfactory account of themselves, or offer a reasonable excuse for being thus caught out after nine o'clock.
Sec. 3. And be it further ordained that the aforesaid authorities are further authorized, empowered, and required to require all such persons as they may suspect, to give information whether they have recently had or have been exposed to any contagious disease or diseases from whence they come, under the same penalties as are annexed to the two preceding sections of this ordinance.
Sec. 4. And be it further ordained that the aforesaid authorities are further authorized, empowered, and required to enter all hotels, or houses of public entertainment, and such other habitations as they may judge proper, and require the inmates to give immediate information of {458} all persons residing in said hotel or habitation, and their business, occupation, or movements; and for a failure, non-compliance, or false information, their license shall be a forfeit, if it be a public-house, and they and the transient persons subject to the penalties of the three preceding sections.
Sec. 5. And be it further ordained that if any of the aforesaid officers shall refuse or neglect to do their duty as required by this ordinance, they shall be fined $100, and be broke of office.
They also passed "An ordinance concerning confining or keeping animals in the city of Nauvoo;" also "An ordinance concerning bathing and swimming."
[Sidenote: Announcement of the Arrival of the Prophet at Nauvoo.]
Friday, 30.--A messenger started from my company in the night, and arrived in Nauvoo early in the morning, saying that I and the company would be in the city about noon. Dr. Willard Richards and Wilford Woodruff arranged the seats in the court-room, preparatory to my arrival.
At half-past ten o'clock, the Nauvoo Brass Band and Martial Band started with Emma and my brother Hyrum to meet me; also a train of carriages, containing a number of the principal inhabitants.
At eight a.m., the company with me again started; arrived at the Big Mound about half-past ten, where the brethren decorated the bridles of their horses with the flowers of the prairie, and were met by a number of the citizens. Continued our journey; and at 11:25 a.m., I was gladdened, when opposite my brother Hyrum's farm, about one-and-a-half miles east of the Temple, with seeing the train approaching towards us; and I directed Colonel Rockwood to place my Life Guards in their appropriate position in the procession. I was in a buggy with Mr. Montgomery. Sheriff Reynolds and Wilson, with my three lawyers, Cyrus Walker, Shepherd G. Patrick, and Edward Southwick, were in the stage coach with Lucien P. Sanger, the stage proprietor. Mr. Campbell, the sheriff of Lee county, and a company of about 140 were with me on horseback.
{459} I was a prisoner in the hands of Reynolds, the agent of Missouri, and Wilson, his assistant. They were prisoners in the hands of Sheriff Campbell, who had delivered the whole of us into the hands of Colonel Markham, guarded by my friends, so that none of us could escape.
[Sidenote: The Entrance into Nauvoo.]
When the company from the city came up, I said I thought I would now ride a little easier; got out of the buggy; and, after embracing Emma and my brother Hyrum, who wept tears of joy at my return, as did also most of the great company who surrounded us, (it was a solemn, silent meeting,) I mounted my favorite horse, "Old Charley," when the band struck up "Hail Columbia," and proceeded to march slowly towards the city, Emma riding by my side into town.
The carriages having formed in line, the company with me followed next, and the citizens fell in the rear. As we approached the city, the scene continued to grow more interesting; the streets were generally lined on both sides with the brethren and sisters, whose countenances were joyous and full of satisfaction to see me once more safe.
I was greeted with the cheers of the people and firing of guns and cannon. We were obliged to appoint a number of men to keep the streets open for the procession to pass, and arrived at my house about one o'clock, where my aged mother was at the door to embrace me, with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks, and my children clung around me with feelings of enthusiastic and enraptured pleasure. Little Fred exclaimed, "Pa, the Missourians won't take you away again, will they?" The friends from Dixon gazed with astonishment and rapture to see the enthusiastic attachment of my family and the Saints towards me.
The multitude seemed unwilling to disperse until after I had arisen on the fence and told them, "I am out of the hands of the Missourians again, thank God. I thank you all for your kindness and love to me. I bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I shall address you {460} at the Grove, near the Temple, at four o'clock this afternoon."
When I went to dinner with my family, Reynolds and Wilson were placed at the head of the table, with about 50 of my friends, and were served with the best that the table afforded, by my wife, whom they refused to allow me to see, when they so cruelly arrested and ill-treated me, which contrasted strongly with their treatment to me when I was first arrested by them, and until my friends met me.
{461}
Chapter XXIV
APPLICATION TO THE MUNICIPAL COURT OF NAUVOO FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS--THE PROPHET'S SPEECH AT NAUVOO--PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL COURT--THE PRISONER DISCHARGED FROM CUSTODY.
June 30, 1843 (continued.)--As soon as we arrived in the city, the Municipal Court came together, when I told them, "The writ of habeas corpus granted by the Master in Chancery at Dixon was made returnable to the nearest court having jurisdiction; and you are that court."
A requisition was made on Reynolds to return the writ, who refused, when I signed the following petition:--
The Prophet's Petition to the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, for a Writ of Habeas Corpus.
To the Honorable the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo, Hancock County, and State of Illinois:--
Your petitioner, Joseph Smith, Sen., who has been arrested by and under the name of Joseph Smith, Jun., states on oath that he is now detained as a prisoner, and in the custody of Joseph H. Reynolds, in the said city of Nauvoo and state of Illinois, who claims to be the agent of the state of Missouri, and that your petitioner was arrested by one Harmon T. Wilson, by virtue of what purports to be a warrant issued by his Excellency, Thomas Ford, governor of the state of Illinois, in the county of Lee and state of Illinois, and by said Wilson, your petitioner was delivered into the custody of said Joseph H. Reynolds, at and within the county of Lee, aforesaid; that said supposed warrant so issued by his Excellency, Thomas Ford, governor as aforesaid, and the arrest thereupon and the imprisonment consequent thereupon by said Wilson, and afterwards by said Joseph H. Reynolds, is illegal and in violation of law, and without the authority of law, as he is informed and verily believes, for the following, besides other reasons, to wit--
{462} 1st. The said supposed warrant so issued by the said governor of the state of Illinois as aforesaid does not confer any authority to arrest your petitioner, for that it commands the officers therein named to arrest one Joseph Smith, Jun., whereas the name of your petitioner is Joseph Smith, Sen.; and your petitioner avers that he is not known and reputed by the name of Joseph Smith, Jun.
2nd. The said supposed warrant is defective and void, for that it does not recite that the Joseph Smith, Jun., mentioned therein, has been demanded by the executive of the state of Missouri of the executive of the state of Illinois.
3rd. Said supposed warrant is defective and void, for that it does not state that said Joseph Smith, Jun., therein named, has been indicted, or that any other legal accusation of any offense has been legally preferred, and is as pending against him in the said state of Missouri.
4th. It is defective and void, for that it does not show that any legal foundation was furnished by the executive of the state of Missouri, upon which to issue the same, and your petitioner avers that the same was issued without due authority of law.
5th. Said supposed warrant is in other respects defective and void.
6th. The said Joseph H. Reynolds has no authority to detain your petitioner in custody, for that he is not an officer of the state of Illinois, nor is he legally authorized by the said governor of the state of Illinois, or otherwise, as the agent of the state of Missouri in the state of Illinois, or in any other character and capacity, to imprison your petitioner within the said state of Illinois.
7th. Your petitioner, before the making of the said arrest upon which he is now detained and imprisoned, had been arrested for the same cause and upon a charge for the same offense for which he is now arrested and imprisoned, by virtue of a warrant issued by the governor of the said state of Illinois, upon a requisition of the executive authority of the said state of Missouri, and was discharged from said arrest and imprisonment by judgment of the circuit court of Warren county, at a court holden in the said county of Warren, in or about the month of June, A.D. 1841, in such manner as not to be liable to the said second arrest for the same cause.
8th. Your petitioner is not a fugitive from justice, and has not fled from the justice of the said state of Missouri, and he is not guilty and has not been guilty of treason in or against the state of Missouri.
9th. Your petitioner was not and has not been within the limits of the said state of Missouri for more than four years next before the making of said arrest and imprisonment whereby he is now detained, nor for or during four years before any indictment or other legal accusation was preferred against him.
{463} 10. Your petitioner avers that the said supposed warrant so issued by the said governor of the said state of Illinois, and under color of which your petitioner is now imprisoned, and the document purporting to be an authority to receive the said Joseph Smith, Jr., are wholly defective and insufficient to legally authorize the arrest and imprisonment of your petitioner; copies of which supposed warrant and the supposed authority from the executive of the state of Missouri are hereunto annexed.
Wherefore, your petitioner prays that a writ of habeas corpus may be awarded, directed to the said Joseph H. Reynolds, commanding him that he bring your petitioner forthwith and without delay before this honorable court, together with the causes of his caption and detention, in order that your petitioner may be dealt with according to law; and your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
JOSEPH SMITH, Sen.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of June, A. D., 1843, at the city of Nauvoo, Illinois.
JAMES SLOAN, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo.
Whereupon the court issued the following:--
State of Illinois, City of Nauvoo. ss.
The people of the state of Illinois to the marshal of said city, greeting:--
Whereas application has been made before the Municipal Court of said city that the body of one Joseph Smith, Sen., of the said city of Nauvoo, (who is styled in the warrant by which he is held in custody, Joseph Smith, Jun.,) is in the custody of Joseph H. Reynolds: These are therefore to command the said Joseph H. Reynolds to safely have the body of the said Joseph Smith, Sen., who is styled Joseph Smith, Jun., in his custody detained, as it is said, together with the day and cause of his caption and detention, by whatsoever name the said Joseph Smith, Sen., may be known or called, before the Municipal Court of said city, forthwith, to bide such order as the said court shall make in his behalf; and further, if the said Joseph H. Reynolds, or other person or persons having said Joseph Smith, Sen., of said city of Nauvoo, in custody, shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this writ, you, the marshal of said city, or other person authorized to serve the same, are hereby required to arrest the person or persons so refusing or neglecting to comply as aforesaid, and bring him or them together with the person or persons in his or their custody, forthwith before the Municipal Court aforesaid, to be dealt with according to law: and herein fail not, and bring this writ with you.
{464} Witness, James Sloan, Clerk of the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, this 30th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
[Seal.] JAMES SLOAN, Clerk.
Which was endorsed.
I, Joseph H. Reynolds, the within named, do hereby return this writ, with the body of Joseph Smith, with the following cause of caption and detention, to wit--The within named Joseph Smith was arrested on a warrant issued by the governor of the state of Illinois, by one Harmon T. Wilson, a constable of Hancock county, in the state of Illinois, on the 23rd day of June, A.D., 1843, a copy of which warrant is hereunto annexed, and marked letter A, and delivered over to my custody as directed by said writ. The person of said Smith was, on said 23rd of June, in the county of Lee, and state of Illinois, by the said Wilson, delivered over to my custody; and that I received and detained the said Smith in my custody, by virtue of a certain warrant of attorney issued by the governor of the state of Missouri, a copy of which is hereunto annexed and marked letter B, directing me to receive the said Smith, and convey him to and deliver him to the sheriff of Daviess county, in the state of Missouri: and that the within detention referred to is the same referred to, and none other.
JOSEPH H REYNOLDS.
Nauvoo, June 30, A.D., 1843.
Executive Department, City of Jefferson.
Know ye that I, Thomas Reynolds, governor of the state of Missouri, having full trust and confidence in the integrity and abilities of Joseph H. Reynolds, do hereby constitute and appoint him as the agent of the said state of Missouri, to proceed to the state of Illinois, for the purpose of receiving from the proper authorities of the state one Joseph Smith Jun., charged with treason by him committed against the state of Missouri, and as having fled from justice to the state of Illinois; and I do hereby authorize and direct said Joseph H. Reynolds to convey said Joseph Smith, Jun., from the state of Illinois, and deliver him to the custody of the sheriff of Daviess county, in the state of Missouri.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the great seal of the state of Missouri.
Done at the city of Jefferson, this 13th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
By the Governor, [Seal.] THOS. REYNOLDS. James L. Minor, Secretary of State.
{465} Thomas Ford, governor of the state of Illinois, to all sheriffs and constables of any county of the state, and to Harmon T. Wilson, of the county of Hancock, greeting:--
Whereas it has been made known to me by the executive authority of the state of Missouri, that one Joseph Smith, Jun., stands charged with the crime of treason against the state of Missouri, and alleged that Joseph Smith, Jun., has fled from the justice of the said state of Missouri and taken refuge in the state of Illinois.
Now, therefore, I, Thomas Ford, governor of the state of Illinois, pursuant to the constitution and laws of the United States and of this state, do hereby command you to arrest and apprehend the said Joseph Smith, Jun., if he be found within the limits of the state aforesaid, and cause him to be safely kept and delivered to the custody of Joseph H. Reynolds, Esq., who has been duly constituted the agent of the said state of Missouri to receive the said fugitive from the justice of said state, he paying all fees and charges for the arrest and apprehension of said Joseph Smith, Jun., and make due returns to the executive department of this state, of the manner in which this writ may be executed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the state to be affixed.
Done at the city of Springfield, this 17th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the sixty-seventh.
By the Governor, THOMAS FORD.
THOMAS CAMPBELL, Secretary of State.
Mr. Reynolds refused to submit to the writ, but submitted to the attachment, and I was delivered into the hands of the marshal of the city. I told the court I had an appointment to preach to the people, and requested the privilege from the court, which they granted, and adjourned until eight o'clock tomorrow morning.
At five p.m., I went to the grove and delivered an address to the public.
The following is a brief synopsis, as reported by Dr. Willard Richard and Elder Wilford Woodruff:--
_The Prophet's Speech at Nauvoo--Relation of his Arrest at Dixon. The Right of Habeas Corpus Proceedings Under Nauvoo Charter Claimed_.
The congregation is large. I shall require attention. I discovered what the emotions of the people were on my arrival at this city, and I {466} have come here to say "How do you do?" to all parties; and I do now at this time say to all "How do you do?" I meet you with a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God, and I presume you all feel the same. I am well--I am hearty. I hardly know how to express my feelings. I feel as strong as a giant. I pulled sticks with the men coming along, and I pulled up with one hand the strongest man that could be found. Then two men tried, but they could not pull me up, and I continued to pull, mentally, until I pulled Missouri to Nauvoo. But I will pass from that subject.
There has been great excitement in the country since Joseph H. Reynolds and Harmon T. Wilson took me; but I have been cool and dispassionate through the whole. Thank God, I am now a prisoner in the hands of the municipal court of Nauvoo, and not in the hands of Missourians.
It is not so much my object to tell of my afflictions, trials and troubles as to speak of the writ of habeas corpus, so that the minds of all may be corrected. It has been asserted by the great and wise men, lawyers and others, that our municipal powers and legal tribunals are not to be sanctioned by the authorities of the state; and accordingly they want to make it lawful to drag away innocent men from their families and friends, and have them put to death by ungodly men for their religion!
Relative to our city charter, courts, right of habeas corpus, etc., I wish you to know and publish that we have all power; and if any man from this time forth says anything to the contrary, cast it into his teeth.
There is a secret in this. If there is not power in our charter and courts, then there is not power in the state of Illinois, nor in the congress or constitution of the United States; for the United States gave unto Illinois her constitution or charter, and Illinois gave unto Nauvoo her charters, ceding unto us our vested rights, which she has no right or power to take from us. All the power there was in Illinois she gave to Nauvoo; and any man that says to the contrary is a fool.
The municipal court has all the power to issue and determine writs of habeas corpus within the limits of this city that the legislature can confer. This city has all the power that the state courts have, and was given by the same authority--the legislature.
I want you to hear and learn, O Israel, this day, what is for the happiness and peace of this city and people. If our enemies are determined to oppress us and deprive us of our constitutional rights and privileges as they have done, and if the authorities that are on the earth will not sustain us in our rights, nor give us that protection which the laws and constitution of the United States and of this state guarantee unto us, then we will claim them from a higher power--from heaven--yea, from God Almighty.
{467} I have dragged these men here by my hand, and I will do it again; but I swear I will not deal so mildly with them again, for the time has come when forbearance is no longer a virtue; and if you or I are again taken unlawfully, you are at liberty to give loose to blood and thunder. But be cool, be deliberate, be wise, act with almighty power; and when you pull, do it effectually--make a sweep-stakes for once!
My lot has always been cast among the warmest hearted people. In every time of trouble, friends, even among strangers, have been raised up unto me and assisted me.
The time is come when the vail is torn off from the state of Illinois, and its citizens have delivered me from the state of Missouri. Friends that were raised up unto me would have spilt their life's blood to have torn me from the hands of Reynolds and Wilson, if I had asked them; but I told them no, I would be delivered by the power of God and generalship; and I have brought these men to Nauvoo, and committed them to her from whom I was torn, not as prisoners in chains, but as prisoners of kindness. I have treated them kindly. I have had the privilege of rewarding them good for evil. They took me unlawfully, treated me rigorously, strove to deprive me of my rights, and would have run with me into Missouri to have been murdered, if Providence had not interposed. But now they are in my hands; and I have taken them into my house, set them at the head of my table, and placed before them the best which my house afforded; and they were waited upon by my wife, whom they deprived of seeing me when I was taken.
I have no doubt but I shall be discharged by the municipal court. Were I before any good tribunal, I should be discharged, as the Missouri writs are illegal and good for nothing--they are "without form and void."
But before I will bear this unhallowed persecution any longer--before I will be dragged away again among my enemies for trial, I will spill the last drop of blood in my veins, and will see all my enemies in hell! To bear it any longer would be a sin, and I will not bear it any longer. Shall we bear it any longer? [One universal "No!" ran through all the vast assembly, like a loud peal of thunder.]
I wish the lawyer who says we have no powers in Nauvoo may be choked to death with his own words. Don't employ lawyers, or pay them money for their knowledge, for I have learned that they don't know anything. I know more than they all.
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel. He that believeth in our chartered rights may come here and be saved; and he that does not shall remain in ignorance. If any lawyer shall say there is more power in other places and charters with respect to habeas corpus than in Nauvoo, believe it not. I have converted this candidate for congress [pointing {468} to Cyrus Walker, Esq.,] that the right of habeas corpus is included in our charter. If he continues converted, I will vote for him.
I have been with these lawyers and they have treated me well; but I am here in Nauvoo, and the Missourians too. I got here by a lawful writ of habeas corpus issued by the master in chancery of Lee county, and made returnable to the nearest tribunal in the fifth judicial district having jurisdiction to try and determine such writs: and here is that tribunal, just as it should be.
However indignant you may feel about the high handed oppression which has been raised against me by these men, use not the hand of violence against them, for they could not be prevailed upon to come here till I pledged my honor and my life that a hair of their heads should not be hurt. Will you all support my pledge, and thus preserve my honor? [One universal "Yes!" burst from the assembled thousands.] This is another proof of your attachment to me. I know how ready you are to do right. You have done great things, and manifested your love towards me in flying to my assistance on this occasion. I bless you, in the name of the Lord, with all the blessings of heaven and earth you are capable of enjoying.
I have learned that we have no need to suffer as we have heretofore: we can call others to our aid. I know the Almighty will bless all good men: he will bless you; and the time has come when there will be such a flocking to the standard of liberty as never has been or shall be hereafter. What an era has commenced! Our enemies have prophesied that we would establish our religion by sword. Is it true? No. But if Missouri will not stay her cruel hand in her unhallowed persecutions against us, I restrain you not any longer. I say in the name of Jesus Christ, by the authority of the holy priesthood, I this day turn the key that opens the heavens to restrain you no longer from this time forth. I will lead you to the battle; and if you are not afraid to die, and feel disposed to spill your blood in your own defense, you will not offend me. Be not the aggressor: bear until they strike you on the one cheek; then offer the other, and they will be sure to strike that; then defend yourselves, and God will bear you off, and you shall stand forth clear before his tribunal.
If any citizens of Illinois say we shall not have our rights, treat them as strangers and not friends, and let them go to hell and be damned! Some say they will mob us. Let them mob and be damned! If we have to give up our chartered rights, privileges, and freedom, which our fathers fought, bled, and died for, and which the constitution of the United States and of this state guarantee unto us, we will do it only at the point of the sword and bayonet.
Many lawyers contend for those things which are against the rights {469} of men, and I can only excuse them because of their ignorance. Go forth and advocate the laws and rights of the people, ye lawyers. If not, don't get into my hands, or under the lash of my tongue.
Lawyers say the powers of the Nauvoo charter are dangerous: but I ask, is the constitution of the United States or of this state dangerous? No. Neither are the charters granted to Nauvoo by the legislature of Illinois dangerous, and those who say they are fools. We have not enjoyed unmolested those rights which the constitution of the United States of America and our charters grant.
Missouri and all wicked men raise the hue-and-cry against us, and are not satisfied. Some political aspirants of this state also are raising the hue-and-cry that the powers in the charters granted unto the city of Nauvoo are dangerous; and although the general assembly have conferred them upon our city, yet the whine is raised--"Repeal them--take them away." Like the boy who swapped off his jack-knife, and then cried, "Daddy, daddy, I have sold my jack-knife and got sick of my bargain, and I want to get it back again."
But how are they going to help themselves? Raise mobs? And what can mobocrats do in the midst of Kirkpatrickites? No better than a hunter in the claws of a bear. If mobs come upon you any more here, dung your gardens with them. We don't want any excitement; but after we have done all, we will rise up, Washington-like, and break off the hellish yoke that oppresses us, and we will not be mobbed.
The day before I was taken at Inlet Grove, I rode with my wife through Dixon to visit my friends, and I said to her, "here is a good people." I felt this by the Spirit of God. The next day I was a prisoner in their midst, in the hands of Reynolds, of Missouri, and Wilson, of Carthage. As the latter drove up, he exclaimed, "ha, ha, ha! By G--, we have got the Prophet now!" He gloried much in it, but he is now our prisoner. When they came to take me, they held two cocked pistols to my head, and saluted me with--"G-- d-- you, I'll shoot you! I'll shoot you, G-- d-- you,"--repeating these threats nearly fifty times, from first to last. I asked them what they wanted to shoot me for. They said they would do it, if I made any resistance.
"Oh. very well," I replied; "I have no resistance to make." They then dragged me away, and I asked them by what authority they did these things. They said, "By a writ from the governors of Missouri and Illinois." I then told them I wanted a writ of habeas corpus. Their reply was, "G-- d-- you, you shan't have it," I told a man to go to Dixon, and get me a writ of habeas corpus. Wilson then repeated, "G-- d-- you, you shan't have it: I'll shoot you."
When we arrived at Dixon, I sent for a lawyer, who came; and Reynolds shut the door in his face, and would not let me speak to him, repeating, {470} "G-- d-- you, I'll shoot you." I turned to him, opened my bosom, and told him to "shoot away. I have endured so much persecution and oppression that I am sick of life. Why, then, don't you shoot and have done with it, instead of talking so much about it?"
This somewhat checked his insolence. I then told him that I would have counsel to consult, and eventually I obtained my wish. The lawyers came to me, and I got a writ of habeas corpus for myself, and also a writ against Reynolds and Wilson for unlawful proceedings and cruel treatment towards me. Thanks to the good citizens of Dixon, who nobly took their stand against such unwarrantable and unlawful oppression, my persecutors could not get out of the town that night, although, when they first arrived, they swore I should not remain in Dixon five minutes, and I found they had ordered horses accordingly to proceed to Rock Island. I pledged my honor to my counsel that the Nauvoo city charter conferred jurisdiction to investigate the subject; so we came to Nauvoo, where I am now a prisoner in the custody of a higher tribunal than the circuit court.
The charter says that "the city council shall have power and authority to make, ordain, establish, and execute such ordinances not repugnant to the constitution of the United States, or of this state, as they may deem necessary, for the peace, benefit, and safety of the inhabitants of said city." And also that "the municipal court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of the city council."
The city council have passed an ordinance "that no citizen of this city shall be taken out of this city by any writ, without the privilege of a writ of habeas corpus." There is nothing but what we have power over, except where restricted by the constitution of the United States. "But," says the mob, "What dangerous powers!" Yes--dangerous, because they will protect the innocent and put down mobocrats. The constitution of the United States declares that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be denied. Deny me the writ of habeas corpus, and I will fight with gun, sword, cannon, whirlwind, and thunder, until they are used up like the Kilkenny cats. We have more power than most charters confer, because we have power to go behind the writ and try the merits of the case.
If these powers are dangerous, then the constitution of the United States and of this state are dangerous; but they are not dangerous to good men: they are only so to bad men who are breakers of the laws. So with the laws of the country, and so with the ordinances of Nauvoo: they are dangerous to mobs, but not to good men who wish to keep the laws.
We do not go out of Nauvoo to disturb anybody, or any city, town, {471} or place. Why, then, need they be troubled about us? Let them not meddle with our affairs, but let us alone. After we have been deprived of our rights and privileges of citizenship, driven from town to town, place to place, and state to state, with the sacrifice of our homes and lands, our blood has been shed, many having been murdered, and all this because of our religion--because we worship Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, shall we longer bear these cruelties which have been heaped upon us for the last ten years in the face of heaven, and in open violation of the constitution and law of these United States and of this state? God forbid! I will not bear it. If they take away my rights, I will fight for them manfully and righteously until I am used up. We have done nothing against the rights of others.
You speak of lawyers. I am a lawyer too; but the Almighty God has taught me the principle of law; and the true meaning and intent of the writ of habeas corpus is to defend the innocent and investigate the subject. Go behind the writ and if the form of one that is issued against an innocent man is right, he should [nevertheless] not be dragged to another state, and there be put to death, or be in jeopardy of life and limb, because of prejudice, when he is innocent. The benefits of the constitution and laws are alike for all; and the great Eloheim has given me the privilege of having the benefits of the constitution and the writ of habeas corpus; and I am bold to ask for that privilege this day, and I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, and all that is sacred, that I may have your lives and all your energies to carry out the freedom which is chartered to us. Will you all help me? If so make it manifest by raising the right hand (There was a unanimous response, a perfect sea of hands being elevated). Here is truly a committee of the whole.
When at Dixon, a lawyer came to me as counsel. Reynolds and Wilson said I should not speak to any man, and they would shoot any man who should dare to speak to me. An old, gray-headed man came up and said I should have counsel, and he was not afraid of their pistols.
The people of Dixon were ready to take me from my persecutors, and I could have killed them, notwithstanding their pistols; but I had no disposition to kill any man, though my worst enemy,--not even Boggs. In fact, he would have more hell to live in the reflection of his past crimes than to die. After this, I had lawyers enough, and I obtained a writ for Joseph H. Reynolds and Harmon T. Wilson, for damages, assault and battery, as well as the writ of habeas corpus.
We started for Ottawa, and arrived at Pawpaw Grove, 32 miles, where we stopped for the night. Esquire Walker sent Mr. Campbell, sheriff of Lee county, to my assistance, and he came and slept by me. In the morning, certain men wished to see me, but I was not allowed to {472} see them. The news of my arrival had hastily circulated about the neighborhood, and very early in the morning the largest room in the hotel was filled with citizens, who were anxious to hear me preach, and requested me to address them.
Sheriff Reynolds entered the room and said, pointing to me, "I wish you to understand this man is my prisoner, and I want you should disperse. You must not gather round here in this way." Upon which, an aged gentleman, who was lame and carried a large hickory walking-stick, advanced towards Reynolds, bringing his hickory upon the floor and said, "You damned infernal puke! we'll learn you to come here and interrupt gentlemen. Sit down there [pointing to a very low chair] and sit still. Don't open your head till General Smith gets through talking. If you never learned manners in Missouri, we'll teach you that gentlemen are not to be imposed upon by a nigger-driver. You cannot kidnap men here, if you do in Missouri; and if you attempt it here, there is a committee in this grove that will sit on your case. And, sir, it is the highest tribunal in the United States, as from its decision there is no appeal."
Reynolds, no doubt, aware that the person addressing him was at the head of a committee who had prevented the settlers on the public domain from being imposed upon by land speculators, sat down in silence, while I addressed the assembly for an hour and a half on the subject of marriage, my visitors having requested me to give them my views of the law of God respecting marriage.
My freedom commenced from that hour. We came direct from Pawpaw Grove to Nauvoo, having got our writ directed to the nearest court having authority to try the case, which was the municipal court of this city.
It did my soul good to see your feelings and love manifested towards me. I thank God that I have the honor to lead so virtuous and honest a people--to be your leader and lawyer, as was Moses to the children of Israel. Hosannah! Hosannah! Hosannah! to Almighty God, who has delivered us thus from out of the seven troubles. I commend you to His grace; and may the blessings of heaven rest upon you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
President Smith then introduced Mr. Cyrus Walker to the assembled multitude, and remarked to him: "These are the greatest dupes, as a body of people, that ever lived, or I am not so big a rogue as I am reported to be. I told Mr. Warren that I would not discuss the subject of religion with you. I understand the gospel and you do not. You understand the quackery of law, and I do not." Mr. Walker then addressed the people to the effect that, from what he had seen in the Nauvoo City Charter, it gave the power to try writs of habeas corpus, etc. After which, President Smith continued as follows:--
{473} If the legislature have granted Nauvoo the right of determining cases of habeas corpus, it is no more than they ought to have done, or more than our fathers fought for. Furthermore, if Missouri continues her warfare, and to issue her writs against me and this people unlawfully and unjustly, as she has done, and to take away and trample upon our rights, I swear, in the name of Almighty God, and with uplifted hands to heaven, I will spill my heart's blood in our defense. They shall not take away our rights; and if they don't stop leading me by the nose, I will lead them by the nose; and if they don't let me alone, I will turn up the world--I will make war. When we shake our own bushes, we want to catch our own berries. The lawyers themselves acknowledge that we have all power granted us in our charters that we could ask for--that we had more power than any other court in the state; for all other courts were restricted, while ours was not; and I thank God Almighty for it. I will not be rode down to hell by the Missourians any longer; and it is my privilege to speak in my own defense; and I appeal to your integrity and honor that you will stand by and help me, according to the covenant you have this day made.
While I was speaking, Reynolds and Wilson started for Carthage, in company with Lawyer Davis, of Carthage, threatening to raise the militia and come again and take me out of Nauvoo.
Saturday, July 1.--At eight a.m., the municipal court met in the court-room. Present: William Marks (acting chief justice), Daniel H. Wells, Newel K. Whitney, George W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, and Hiram Kimball, (associate justices,) to investigate the writ of habeas corpus.
The following witnesses were examined--namely: Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, George W. Pitkin, Lyman Wight, and Sidney Rigdon.[A]
[Footnote A: The affidavits here alluded to, since they refer to events that happened in Missouri from 1831 to 1839, were transfered to the Missouri period of the history and will be found in the Appendix of Vol. III, pp. 403 to 466.]
Messrs. Walker, Patrick, Southwick, and Backman (the counsel on my behalf), then respectively addressed the court; and they exhorted the "Mormons" to stand for their rights--stand or fall, sink or swim, live or die. Mr. Mason was counselor for Reynolds.
{474} After which the following order was made:--
Order of the Municipal Court of Nauvoo.
This day came the said Joseph Smith, Sen., in proper person; and the said Joseph H. Reynolds having made return of said writ of habeas corpus, and produced the body of said Smith, in pursuance to the mandate of said writ, and after hearing the evidence in support of said petition, it is ordered and considered by the court that the said Joseph Smith, Sen., be discharged from the said arrest and imprisonment complained of in said petition, and that the said Smith be discharged for want of substance in the warrant upon which he was arrested, as well as upon the merits of said case, and that he go hence without delay.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, at the city of Nauvoo, this second day of July, 1843.
[Seal.] JAMES SLOAN, Clerk.
_A Public Meeting in Relation to the late Arrest of General Joseph Smith_.
Nauvoo, Illinois, July 1st, 1843. At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, held this day in the Assembly Hall, it was
Resolved unanimously--That Messrs. Sanger and Dixon, of the town of Dixon, and the citizens of Dixon, Pawpaw Grove, and Lee county generally, in this state, receive the warmest thanks of this meeting for the firm patriotism, bold and decided stand taken against lawless outrage and the spirit of mobocracy, as manifested in the arrest or capture of General Joseph Smith, while on a visit to his friends in that district of country, by Harmon T. Wilson and Joseph H. Reynolds pretending to act under authority of a writ obtained from the governor of this state, given in consequence of a pretended requisition made on him from the executive of Missouri, for the arrest and delivery of said Joseph Smith unto the authorities of Missouri. In maintaining the legal rights of persons thus arrested, and seeing the laws of Illinois maintained, and the full benefits of them enjoyed by every citizen of said state, they have shown themselves republicans, patriots, and worthy citizens of this state, and have entitled themselves not only to the thanks of this meeting, but to that of all lovers of law and good order. With such citizens as these, Illinois will long enjoy the benefits of good order and the blessings of a free people.
Resolved unanimously--That the foregoing resolution be published in the newspapers.
[Signed.] SIDNEY RIGDON, Moderator. WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk.
{475} A strong wind from the north-west, with thunder and rain in the afternoon.
In consequence of Reynolds and Wilson leaving abruptly last night for Carthage, I sent Colonel Markham to learn what they were doing.
A tremendous shower at Chester, Pennsylvania. Over twenty lives were lost, fifty bridges destroyed, besides many houses and stores. Damage $250,000.
Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Pratt started on their mission to the east, for the purpose of attending conferences at Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, where they will wait until the rest of the Twelve arrive.
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