Mormonism unveiled; or, The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, John D. Lee

Front matter

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Preface

I WAS requested by John Doyle Lee, after he had been sentenced to be shot for the part he took in the commission of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, to publish an account of his life and confessions, in order to inform the world how it was that he had acted as he had, and why he was made a scape-goat by the Mormon Church. I accepted the trust, and, in giving publicity to the facts now, for the first time fully brought to light, I am only performing what I believe to be a duty — to him, and to the pubhc.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre stands without a parallel amongst the crimes that stain the pages of American history. It was a crime committed without cause or justification of any kind to relieve it of its fearful character. Over one hundred and twenty men, women and children were surrounded by Indians, and more cruel whites, and kept under constant fire, from hundreds of unerring rifles, for five days and nights, during all of which time, the emigrants were famishing for water. When nearly exhausted from fatigue and thirst, they were approached by white men, with a flag of truce, and induced to surrender their arms, under the most solemn promises of protection. They were then murdered in cold blood, and left nude and mangled upon the plain. All this was done by a band of fanatics, who had no cause of complaint against the emigrants, except that the authorities of the Mormon Church had decided that all the emigrants who were old enough to talk, should die — revenge for alleged insults to Brigham Young, and the booty of the plundered train being the inciting causes of the massacre.

John D. Lee was o?ie, and only one of fifty-eight Mormons, who there carried out the orders of the Mormon Priesthood. He has died for his crimes — shall the others escape?

The entire history of this atrocious crime is given in the confession. How it was done, and why it was the wish of the Mor«

Viii PEE FACE.

mons that it should be done, all is fully stated. As one of the attorneys for John D. Lee, I did all that I could to save his life. My associates were, and are able men and fine lawyers, but fact and fate united to turn the verdict against us. The history of the first and second trials is familiar to most of the American people ; therefore, I will not describe them here, any more than to say, Mormonism prevented conviction at the first trial, and at the second trial Mormonism insured conviction.

After Brigham Young and his worshipers had deserted Lee, and marked him as the victim that should suffer to save the Church from destruction, on account of the crimes it had ordered ; after all chances of escape had vanished, and death was certain as the result of the life-long service he had rendered the Church, the better nature of Lee overcame his superstition and fanaticism, and he gave to me the histor}^ of his life, and his confession of the facts connected with the massacre, and wished me to have the same published. Why he refused to confess at an earlier day, and save his own life by placing the guilt where it of right belonged, is a question which is answered by the statement, that he was still a slave to his Endowment and Danite oaths, and trusted until too late to the promises of protection made to him by Brigham Young. John D. Lee was a fanatic, and as such, believed in the Mormon Church, and aided in carrying out the orders of that Church. I believe it is my duty to publish this work, to show mankind the fruits resulting from obedience to Mormon leaders, and to show that Mormonism was as certainly the cause of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, as it is that fanaticism has been the mother of crime in all ages of the world. I also wish the American people to read the facts, as they are told by a mistaken and fanatical follower of the Mormon doctrines, yet, one who was a brave man, and, according to his ideas and teaching, a good man ; who did not believe he was doing wrong when obeying the commands of the Mormon Priesthood. I wish the American people to read this work, and then say, if they can, what should be the fate of those who caused the crime to be committed. The following pages contain simpl}^ true copies of material, furnished me by John D. Lee, for the purpose of being published ; all of which was written by him while in prison, and after the jury had returned its verdict of guilty.

J have no excuses to offer for publishing the work iust as it

FBEFACE. ix

is. It is what it purports to be, a full history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and also a sketch of the life of John D. Lee, embracing a revelation of the secret history of Mormonism, from its inception down to the death of Lee ; with a correct copy of his confession as given to me for publication. If any feel injured by the facts, I cannot help it. If this publication shall, in any degree, aid in securing the much-needed legislation, demanded by the American citizens of Utah, from the National Government, so that Church criminals, as well as Gentiles, can be convicted in Utah, I shall feel that I have been paid well for all the vexations I have endured in the land of the Saints, where they murder men, women and children for the glory of God, and the upbuilding of His kingdom.

I also believe this publication will be an advantage to the large number of naturally good and honest people, who inhabit Utah, who joined the Church, and moved to Utah, believing it their Christian duty to do so. To that class of people I am indebted for many favors, and wish them future prosperity.

Wm. W, Bishop, Confidential Att'y of John D. Lee.

PiocHE, Nevada, May 17, 1877.

Contents

PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. ... . &

PREFACE . . .7

INTRODUCTORY 16-

Chapter I. A Stormy Beginning

Early Life of Lee — Death of his Mother— Hardships and Trials — Becomes a Mail Carrier in the Wilds of Missouri at an Early Age — Is a Stage Driver — Abandons the business— Reflections upon the condition of the Country. - • 86-

Chapter II. The Industrious Young Man

Remains on his Uncle's Farm — Volunteers in the Black Hawk War — Goes to St. Louis — Engages as Fireman on a Steamer — Cholera Experience — Finds a Friend — Goes to Galena and enters a Store as Clerk — Adventures with the Miners — Anecdote of Ulysses Grant — Lee Marries Agathe Ann Woolsey. ....••• 4:3-

CH AFTER III.

LEE BECOMES A MORMON.

In 1836 Lee first hears the Mormon Doctrine Preached— Embraces the Doctrine of Mormonism — Sells out and Removes his Family to Far West, Mo. — Is Baptized and Joins the Church— Fight at Gallatin, at the Polls— The People Consecrate their Property to God. . . • .60^

Chapter IV. The Saints Are Beset With Trocbles

The Saints Decline to give up their Property to the Church — Troubles Between the Saints and Gentiles — Companies of Armed Men are formed for Drivinjr Out the Mormons— A

CONTENT IS. Xi

Providential Warning — Conflicts between the Saints and Gentiles. . . . , . . .64:

Chapter V. The Mormon War In Missouri

Death of Capt. Patton — Rebuke of the Prophet — Description of the Prophet — Continued Troubles with the Gentiles — Massacre at Haughn's Mill — Miraculous Cure of Isaac Laney, in Answer to Pi-ayer — Cowardice of Col. Hinkle — Surrender of Joseph Smith, the Prophet — The Saints Surrender and are Disarmed — Terms of the Surrender. , , ,74:

Chapter VI. Ike Locates The Garden Op Eden

Account of the Surrender Continued — Lee refuses to Abandon his Faith — Returns to his Home — Finds his House Burned and Property Destroyed — Temple Block — Garden of Eden — Site of the Altar Built by Adam — Sufiering during the Winter — Lee is ordained to the Priesthood — Holy Patriarchal Blessing. ....••. 85-

Chapter VII. The Saints Gather At Nauvoo

Lee returns to Illinois — Goes on a Mission to Preach — Lively Experiences by the way — Is Strengthened of God and Resists Temptation — False Doctrines taught by Brigliam Young, and their Degrading Tendencies — Preaches in Tennessee — Beholds a Vision which is realized — Mission is Successful — Organizes Branch Churches — Returns to Illinois. ....... 96

Chapter VIII. Lee Continues His Missionary Work

Spends the Winter at Home — Foundation of the Temple laid at Nauvoo — Teachings of the Prophet— Lee builds a Home in Nauvoo — Goes on a Mission in 1841 — Resumes his Labors in Tennessee — Makes many Converts — Holds a Series of Discussions. ....... 109

Chapter IX. Mormonism — Its Doctrines And How It Originated

Lee holds a Discussion Avith Parson Hall — Identity of the Ten Tribes of Israel with the American Indians shown — Divine Origin of the Book of Mormon — Lee holds another and final Discussion with Rev. Cantrell— Many Converts are Baptized and added to tlie Church. .... 118

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Chapter X. Lee Casts Out Devils Axd Does Other "wonderful Works

He goes to Jackson County and holds a public Discussion — Wonderful Manifestation of Divine Power — Lee rebukes Evil Spirits and they are still — Casts out Devils from Mark Toung — Returns to Nauvoo — Visits friends — Condition of Zion — Denunciation of Brigliam Young. . * 126

CHAPTER XL

A TENNESSEE PLANTER MAKES IT HOT FOR PARSON LEE.

Lee returns to Tennessee to Preach — Is kindly received — Goes to Nashville — Preaches in the Country — Is assailed by a Mob —Baptizes the Wife of Col. Tucker— The Colonel Hunts him Avith a Loaded Rifle — Escapes from the County to avoid Arrest — Returns to Nauvoo. . , . • 133

Chapter XII. Matters Of Peculiar Interest At Nauvoo

Affairs at Nauvoo — The Nauvoo Legion organized — Building of the Hall of the Seventies — The Devil Enraaed — The Doctrine of Plural or Celestial Marriage first taught — Domestic Troubles among the Saints — Joseph Smith becomes a ( andidate for the Presidency of the U. S. — Lee goes to Kentucky on an Electioneering Tour — The Assassination of the Prophet causes his return to Nauvoo. . . . 144

Chapter XIII. Death Of Joseph Smith— Some Of Brigham Young's Crimes

Assassination of Joseph Smith and his Brother Hyrum — Causes of the Assassination — Successor of the Prophet — Brigham Young Chosen — He Steals the Inheritance of Young Joseph — Lee is appointed to various Offices of Trust and Honor — Assassination of Erwin by orders of Brigham Young — Secret Murders and Robberies by the Saints— Teachings of \ the Church — Arrogance and Oppressions of Brigham Young. , . . . . . . .152

Chapter XIV. Inside View Of Polygamy And The Doctrine Of Sealing

'Celestial Marriage taught and practiced — Lee embraces the Doctrine and takes a number of Wives — Troubles with the \ Gentiles — The Saints prepare to Emigrate — Baptisms, Washings and Anointings in the Temple. , . . 166

CONTENTS. xiii.

Chapter XV. The Saints Move Westward

Reminiscences of the Prophet Joseph — His Fourth of July Toast — Lee removes his Family from Nauvoo — Great Sacrifices of Property by the Saints to get away — Brigham Young blesses Lee — The Saints move through Iowa — Lee restores a Blind Man to Sight! — Settlements established at Garden Grove and Pisgah— Arrival at Council Bluffs — The Missouri Eiver Crossed. ....... ITS

Chapter XVI. Lee Goes On Ak Expedition To Santa Fb

The Saints prepare to go into Winter Quarters — Lee is sent to the Mormon Battalion at Santa Fe to bring back the Soldiers' pay — A Long and Dangerous Journey and safe Return — Follows an Invisible Guide — Miraculous Deliverance from Indians — Safe Arrival — Finds his family suffering. . 182

Chapter XVII. Lee Is Treated Badly By The "brethren.**

In camp — Angry words with Brigham Young — Gives an account of his Trip and Pays over the Money — Contrast, 1847 and 1877 — Opens a Store at Winter Quarters — Is Sealed to.-~^ a number of Wives — Summer Quarters laid out — Life on the Border — Bravery of Lee's Wives — Jealousy of the Brethren — Murmurings of the Saints against Lee — Ingratitude and Heartlessness of Brigham Young. . . 196

Chapter XVIII

LAST CONFESSION AND STATEMENT OF JOHN D. LEB.

Closing events of Lee's Life — Startling Revelations of Crimes - and Church Secrets, implicating Brigham Young and the Mormon Leaders — The Mountain Meadows Massacre, and all the particulars thereof. ..... 213

Chapter XIX

CONFESSION CONTINUED AND CONCLUDED, MARCH 16, 1877, SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO HIS EXECUTION.

More startling Revelations — Going " Over the Rim of the Basin'* — Brigham "goes to God" with his crimes, and is strengthened in a "Vision" — A "bully" Warrior — A model Indian Agent — Brigham preaches a "Red-hot" Sermon — The "Old Boss'' on his travels — Brigham betrays Lee — Tricks of "Dirty Fingered Jake Hamblin" — Some "Blood Atonements" — Some "Holy" men and their deeds — Exploits of.

xiv COXTEXTS.

the "Destroying Angels" — Shocking Barbarities — End of Confession. .... . . • 249

Chapter XX

ARREST OF JOHN D. LEE BY WM. STOKES, DEPUTY U. S. MARSHAL.

JBrighara imagines he is going to be Assassinated — Lively Adventures of the Deputy Marshal — Hunting Lee in his Stronghold — Efforts of his sons to prevent his Arrest — Lee is fonnd concealed in a pen, and is Arrested — A puugent Toast by one of his Daughters — The journey to Beaver City. ........ 293

CHAPTER XXr.

TRLiL OF LEE AT BEAAHER ,CITY, UTAH TERRITORY, SEPTEMBER, 1876.

Depositions of Brigham Yonng, George A. Smith, etc. — Witnesses Manufactured to order — Startling Developments — Determination of the Mormon Leaders to convict Lee. , . 302

CHAPTER XXn.

TRIAL OF LEE CONTINUED.

Testimony of Witnesses— Getting at the bottom facts by a circuitous route — Model Witnesses. . . . = 317

CHAPTER XXIir.

TRIAL OF LEE CONCLUDED.

Conclusion of the Evidence — Conviction and Sentence of Lee —

Additional facts. ....... 86C

CHAPTER XXIV.

NAMES AND PRESENT RESIDENCES

Of the Mountain Meadows Assassins, as given by Lee. . 379

CHAPTER XXV.

EXECUTION OF JOHN D. LEE. ..... 383

INTRODUCTORY.

ONE hundred and twenty men, women, and children were murdered by Mormons and Indians, at the Mountain Meadows, on Friday, September 16, 1857, or thereabouts. The victims were members of a train under command of Captain Fancher, and are generally known as the Arkansas Emigrant Company. At that time Brigham Young was Governor of Utah Territory, and also the head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Acting as Governor of the Territory, he and his followers had, for a series of years, violated the laws of the United States, with insulting impunity, and then were standing in hostile attitude towards the government. Brigham Young had the audacity to declare Utah under martial law, and call out his legions of fanatics to oppose the forces of the United States which had been ordered to Utah to enforce obedience to the Government. As leader and head of the Mormon Church, he had taught his followers to believe that he was an inspired man, and as such, receiving orders and revelations direct from the God of Heaven ; that the time had arrived when Christ was to come to earth and reign a thousand years, and that all who ■did not accept the Book of Mormon, and the teachings of Brigham Young, as God's holy religion, were to suffer death, and the wealth of the unbelievers to become the property of the so-called Saints. He had also taught the doctrine that all who opposed his orders or refused obedience to his commands should <3ie, and if they had been members of the Mormon Church their blood was to be shed in order to save their souls. At that time Brigham Young had the sole control of everything in Utah ; his word was law ; his orders were given under the pretense that they emanated from God, and to disobey his orders was treason to the Church and punishable by death. The Mormon people were willing followers of their designing leader. They believed in polygamy, blood atonement, and the inspiration of the priest-

16 INTBODUCTOBT.

hood. Their intelligence made their fanaticism the more dangerous. No crime was so great that it would not be ordered by Brigham Young, if he believed it would benefit Mormonism, and no order could be given by him but what his deluded followers considered it their bounden duty to unquestioningly obey.

The oaths taken by the Mormons in their various ceremonies bound them under fearful penalties to lay aside all individuality, and become the willing tools of si cruel and treasonable priesthood. Blind obedience to Brigham Young was the test of Christian excellence. Salvation and celestial glory were offered by the Church leaders, and confidently expected by the brethren, as the reward to be received for the most fearful crimes. Brigham Young held the keys of Heaven, so it was said, and so his followers believed, and certain it was he held the life of every man in the Territory of Utah in his hand. Law and justice were unheard of, or at least unknown. The so-called reformation was then at its height. The members of the Church were confessing their sins to each other in public and being rebaptized under promise of certain salvation. Superstition, fanaticism, and satanic influences of every character had changed the dwellers in Utah from American citizens, with reasoning faculties, into blind zealots, anxious to do any act that their so-called Prophet commanded. It was while this condition of affairs existed in Utah that Captain Fancher attempted to cross the Territory, on the way to the pleasant valleys of the Golden State, where the company intended to settle and build homes for themselves and their children.

In support of the charge that Brigham Young favored the shedding of blood as an atonement for sin, I quote the following compilation of extracts which were kindly furnished me by the Salt Lake Tribune^ and as they speak for themselves, comment is useless :

EXTRACTS FROM BRIGHAM YOUNG* S SERMONS.

" I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins.'*

'^ But now I say, in the name of the Lord, that if this people will sin no more, but faithfully live their religion, their sins will be forgiven them without taking life.'*

" Now, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off from the earth, that you consider is strong doctrine ; but it is to save them, not to destroy them."

''All mankind love themselves; and let these principles be

INTB OD UCTOli Y. 17

known by an individual, and he would be glad to have his blood shed. That would be loving themselves even unto eternal exaltation."

" This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help him ; if he wishes salvation, and it is necessary to spill his blood upon the ground in order that he be saved, spill it."

" Any of you who understand the principles of eternity, if you have sinned a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin unto death, would not be satisfied or rest until your blood should be spilled, that you might gain the salvation j^ou desire. This is the way to love mankind."

"It is true the blood of the Son of God was shed for sins through the fall and those committed by men, yet 3'e men can commit sins which it can never remit. As it was in the ancient days, so it is in our da}^ ; and though the principles are taught publicly from this stand, still the people do not understand them ; yet the law is precisely the same."

" I have known a great many men who have left this Church, for whom there is no chance whatever of exaltation ; but if their blood had been spilled, it would have been better for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this principle being in full force, but the time will come when the law of God will be in full force."

''Will you love your brothers and sisters likewise, when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their blood ? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? That is what Jesus Christ meant. He never told a man or woman to love their enemies in their wickedness. He never intended any such thing. "

"I have known scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance in the last resurrection if their lives had been taken and their blood spilled upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almight}'^, but who are now angels to the devil, until our elder brother, Jesus Christ, raises them up, conquers death, hell, and the grave."

/'There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering upon an altar, as in ancient days ; and there are sins that the blood of a lamb, of a calf, or of turtle doves cannot remit, but they must be atoned for by the blood of the man. That is the reason why men talk to you as they do from this stand ; they understand the doctrine, and throw out a few w^ords about it. You have been taught that doctrine, but you do not understand it."

"Now, take a person in this congregation, who has a knowledge of being saved in the kingdom of our God and our Father, and being an exalted one, — who knows and understands the principles of eternal life, and sees the beauty and excellency of 2 the eternities before him, compared with the vain and foolish things of the world ; and suppose he is overtaken with a gross fault, that he has committed a fault which he knows will deprive him of that exaltation which he desires, and that he cannot attain to it without the shedding of blood ; and also knows that by having his blood shed, he will atone for that sin and be saved, and be exalted with the gods, is there a man or woman in this house but what would say, ' Shed my blood, that I may be saved and exalted with the gods?' "

Brigham Young had also written letters to his chief men throughout the Territory, inciting them against the people of the United States. That it may be understood what kind of language he used to his bishops in these circulars, I copy the one sent to Wm. H. Dame, the man who was colonel and commander of the militia in southern Utah, and who afterwards, and while standing upon Mountain Meadows examining the bodies of those that he had directed Haight to slaughter, said: "I would not have given the orders if I had thought there were so many of them." The circular bears date two days before the massacre is charged to have been committed, and the supposition is that it had been delivered to Dame at the time he issued Ms orders for the massacre. It explains itself, and reads as follows :

'' Great Salt Lake City, Sept. 14, 1857. " Colonel William H. Dame^ Paroivcm, Iron Co. :

"Herewith you will receive the Governor's Proclamation, declaring martial law. You will probably not be called out this Fall, but are requested to continue to make ready for a big fight another year. The plan of operations is supposed to be about this: In case the U. S. Government should send out an overpowering force, we intend to desolate the Territory and conceal our families, stock, and all of our effects in the fastnesses of the mountains, where they will be safe, while the men waylay our enemies, attack them from ambush, stampede their animals, take the supply trains, cut ofl' detachments and parties sent to canons for wood or on other service. To lay waste everything that will burn — houses, fences, trees, fields, grass — that they cannot find a particle of anything that will be of use to them, not even sticks to make a fire for to cook their suppers. To waste away our enemies, and lose none. That will be our mode of warfare. Thus you see the necessity of preparing. First secure places in the mountains where they cannot find us, or if they do, where they cannot approach in any force, and then prepare for our families, building some cabins, caclmig flour and grain. Flour should be ground in the latter part of Winter, or

IN Til OD UC TOB Y. 1 9

€arly in the Spring, in order to keep. Sow grain in your fields early as possible this Fall, so that the iiarvest of another year may come off before they have time to get here. Conciliate the Indians, and make them our fast friends. In regard to letting people pass or repass, or travel through the Territory, this applies to all strangers and suspected persons. Yourself and Bro. Isaac €. Haight, in your district, are authorized to give such permits. Examine all such persons strictly before giving them permits to pass, keep things perfectly quiet and let all things be done peacefully, but with firmness, and let there be no excitement. Let the people be united in their feehngs and faith, as well as works, and keep alive the spirit of the reformation ; and what we said m regard to sowing the grain and provisions, we say agam, let there be no waste ; save life always when it is possible— we do not wish to shed a drop of blood if it can be avoided. This <?ourse will give us great influence abroad.

rSio-nedl ^ ' Brigham Young.

[Signed] "Daniel H. Wells.*'

Next, take the proclamation declaring martial law in the Territory, and put these facts together, and no fair-minded person can deny that the massacre was the result of the teachings of Brigham Young, and that the Mormons in church council decided that the emigrants should be killed as they were afterwards killed. I claim that Brigham Young is the real criminal, and that John D. Lee was an instrument in his hands. That Brigham Young used John D. Lee, as the assassin uses the dagger, to strike down his unsuspecting victim ; and as the assassin throws away the dagger, to avoid its bloody blade leading to his detection, so Brigham Young used John D. Lee to do his horrid work ; and when discovery becomes unavoidable, he hurls Lee from him, cuts him away from the Church, and casts him far out into the whirlpool of destruction. The assassin has no further use for his weapon. I also claim that if religious fanaticism can €lear a man^from crime, that John D. Lee was guiltless, for he was one of the most intensely fanatical Mormons that infested Utah in 1857. But I do not claim that the fact of his being a fanatic and blinded believer of Brigham Young's so-called revelations excused him— far from it. In place of excusing him, it added to his crime. Such insanity as that which religious fanaticism breeds, can only, and should only, be treated by the executioner, and there are many thousands in Utah who are afflicted with the disease, that calls for that radical treatment which was administered to Lee. The Mormons around Cedar City, espe-

20 IXTE OD UCTOE Y.

cially, were insane dreamers, and to them the Danites, Destroying Angels and Blood Atoners became objects of ecstatic admiration. The Mormons bad come into existence to combat the doctrines of Protestants and Catholics alike. They were infatuated followers of designing leaders, anxious to earn the martyr's crown by giving up life if necessary to advance the interest of the Mormon Church, or please one of the priesthood.

The Templars and Knights of St. John were no more willing servants of the Cross, in its war with the Crescent, than were the deluded followers of Brigham Young to overthrow all established government, and shed the blood of all who were marked as victims by the false prophet who directed their assassin-like actions. They had no law but the will of Brigham Young. No purpose but what they called the will of God. Their discipline was perfect, and their devotion absolute.

Such was the condition of affairs when the fair plains of Utah were wetted with the blood of over one hundred and twenty human beings, that had been doomed to death by the unanimousvoice of the Satanic crew that claimed to be servants of the ever-living God. Since that time every force has been brought forward which Mormonism could wield to prevent the facts from becoming known. Brigham Young has shielded and rewarded those that he well knew were engaged in the unholy work.

I cannot explain the facts connected with the Mormons and the massacre, in any other way, so fully and clearly, and j-et sa truly, as I can by giving extracts from the speech of Judge Cradlebaugh, which he delivered in Congress, in the year 1863. Judge Cradlebaugh was an educated, honorable gentleman,, whose word no man that ever knew him can honestly dispute. He was speaking about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and calling upon Congress for needed legislation for the Territory of Utah. The entire speech is one that every lover of our institutions should be familiar with, as it most clearly portrays the evils of the Mormon system. I would like to publish the entire speech, but will content myself by giving only a part. In regard to what Mormonism is, he says :