Kirtland, Ohio
Monday, January 13, 1834
Dear Brother Lyman,
Yours of the 3d and post marked the 5th of this month, was received at
this office by Saturday's mail. Not having been favored with a communication
from you since I left your state in October, 1830, I can say, that I am
willing to acknowledge the gratitude which occupied my bosom on the reception
of yours bearing date as above. I was happy to learn of the health of
yourself and family, and I doubt not, but I am remembered with due brotherly
kindness yet by yourself and sister Liza. I was pleased with your principles
as advanced in yours to me, and in reply I may say, that as to the pure
republicanism which was the basis of my political creed while with you, I
have not changed from the same, for the Magna Charta, of equal rights, equal
privileges, is that which shall never be dishonored by me; and my fervent
wish, is that it never may be by any of the name, while this country is
called America, or the sun in yonder firmament continues to shed his light upon
the footstool of God.
My occupation in life is different from what it was when I resided in
your country, and my profession is also different, but so long as we all
are bound to support the constitution and are held amenable to the laws,
it is but just, that we should entertain our own opinions, and exercise
our own privileges in every matter in which we all are so deeply
interested; consequently then, I consider it not only my privilege, but my
duty, to myself and to the name, to ever entertain uncontrolled and
unshackled principle as to the matters of our government, and without
further comment on this point, I will say, that as they were when I was
with you, so they will remain.
Perhaps you may be anxious to ascertain my principles as to particular
forms of government, that is whether a government would not be better
administered by the clergy, or to speak more in the common phrase,
whether a government of Church and State would not be preferable to
ours, or any other? I have observed for some time past, a move toward
that end by a certain sect in our land, which has excited my attention,
and caused me perhaps, to investigate the subject more closely than I
should have done, had it been otherwise. My opinion upon this point is
established, and is simply this, the moment on any one religious sect,
how extant, gains the ascendancy sufficient to hold the administration of
our government, the human heart is so easily corrupted that a spirit of
intolerance would immediately transcend that of justice and equality
that we should be compelled to immediately bid an everlasting adieu to
our hard bought liberty.
You ask me for information relative to the shameful outrage in
Missouri. I forward you a paper with this letter, from which you will
learn every principal matter relating to the same, excepting that I have
been informed that the governor of the state has offered to reinstate my
friends upon their own lands and also has issued his proclamation to
call out three hundred men from the adjoining counties that a court
might be held; but the last has not yet been confirmed, consequently I
wait without putting too much evidence in it, until I learn further
particulars. I may say with propriety, however that one of the most
disgraceful scenes has transpired, that has ever been the painful duty of
any American Citizen to record, or relate since these colonies were
organized into free states. Peaceable inhabitants have been vilely and
inhumanly treated, and one killed; helpless women and children have
been compelled to seek an asylum among strangers, and some to wander
in the open prairies without food, or anything but the open canopy to
shelter them. These unlawful proceedings will, no doubt, be accounted
for (though not made to appear justifiable). When I inform you that
those men were principally emigrants from the Southern States, and
settled in that country before the land came into market, and the
probability is, that few were able to purchase and if they are not the
offscourings of the United States, the society from which they came is
equally to be pitied with themselves.
How this unhappy affair will terminate I am unable to say, but
I am informed that several suits have been commenced
against the heads of the mob. And I have no hesitancy in saying,
that if justice is done, we shall receive a fair compensation for all our
damages sustained, and these miserable outlaws feel the weight of justice
to that efficient degree that they will perhaps be willing to let. I was
pleased with your observations relative to the Book of Mormon. That "if it
is true it will stand, but if not it will fall," is a fact [that?] needs no
casuist to determine the matter. That I have equal claim upon the laws for
protection in my manner of faith and worship, is a fact also, that no scholar
of the constitution will, for the moment deny; and to seek the destruction of
a man because of his religion, is a step too low for any citizens of our
Republic to take. The body may be confined in chains, racked upon the wheel,
or consumed with the fagot, but still Mens Invicta Manet (The Mind
remains unconquered). Hurlbut is now in this country
pedling slanders, but has said nothing about myself as I have learned. If
you were acquainted with his character, as represented to me, you would never
regret that you did not open a communication with him.
I was married one year the 18th of December last, to Miss Elizabeth Ann Whitmer,
formerly of Fayette, Seneca County, NY. I left her in Missouri last summer expecting
to return, soon, but did not. I sent for her last fall but the season was so far
advanced that she did not deem it prudent to come this season; I frequently hear from
her, she is well, and probably will come to this county next spring. How long I may
tarry here is to me uncertain, as I expect, (if life is spared), sooner or later to
remove again to Missouri, as it is by far the most delightful country that I ever saw.
I do not expect to go [for?] years however. Should you visit sister Olive I should be
highly gratified if you could so arrange your business as [to?] visit me also. Father
is about to apply for a pension, and will I think succeed in obtaining it. If he should
not, however, I shall write you to get certificates of his character as a man of truth
&c. [as?] he has not lived in this place but a short time, and is [not?] as well known
as in your place. The family are as well as usual, and pleased to hear from you.
I hope, brother Lyman, that our religious opinions will never be a barrier between
[us?] as brethren, on my part it never will while I am possessed [of?] my natural
intellect. I would be glad to write you more fully [on?] many subjects, and particularly
on that of religion, but [am?] under the necessity of closing abridging my letter for
[want?] of time and room. I was about to publish a part of [your?] letter, the principles
contained in it being of so important a nature, but did not know but it would be an
intrusion, so I shall forbear.
You will please accept my respects and esteem, for yourself and sister Eliza, and write
when convenient.
I am, &c.,
Oliver Cowdery.
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