|
[ 2 ]
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Entered according to an act of Congress in the District Court of Missouri.
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[ 3 ]
The general excitement prevailing throughout the community -- the innumerable unfounded and exaggerated
statement, given to the Public of the circumstances that surrounded, and the causes that led to the death of Joseph
Smith, the Mormon Prophet, as well as of his brother Hyrum Smith, added to the fact that an impartial account
could not be reasonably expected, either from the one side or the other of those interested in the tragedy, has
induced the author to undertake the task of detailing the facts as far as they were witnessed or could be obtained
by him from an authentic source. -- Nothing more will be aimed at, than a simple and unvarnished detail of what
actually exists and is susceptible of proof. From those facts every reader must draw his own conclusions. Previous,
however, to entering upon the development of the scenes that surrounded the death of the two Smiths, a brief
account of the "rise and progress" of the Mormon sect is rendered indispensable to a correct understanding of the
whole matter, and may not be without its interest to the reader.
The founders of the Mormon faith, consisting of Joe Smith, his father and brothers, admitted on all hands to be of
all absurdities the most absurd, were originally citizens of the State of New York, and there first commenced
imposing their delusions, and practising their impositions upon the credulous and unsuspecting. While in that State
they did not acquire much strength in numbers, or notoriety as a sect. From thence they removed to Kirtland, in the
State of Ohio, commenced building up their Zion, and finding more favor among the masses in the West than they
had done in New York, their leader and the chief of imposters, Joe Smith the Prophet acquired a fame for either
evil or good, which extended throughout all portions of the Union. Of their conduct while in the State of Ohio, and
the causes which immediately led to their again removing and seeking another place of resort, it is no part of my
design to speak. It is sufficient for me to state, that public opinion rendered it absolutely necessary for
"Joe" to remove.
About this time, the Prophet, as he asserted, was favored with a revelation from the Almighty, in which the western
part of the State of Missouri was designated as the promised land for the chosen people of God, upon which Zion
Was to be built, and they to await the second advent. Selecting a location upon unentered lands in one of the most
fertile and desirable portions of that State, there Joe Smith and his deluded followers took up their abode, and a
second time commenced erecting their Zion. Here they increased for a season with almost unexampled rapidity,
and as their strength increased, the designs of their Prophet became more and more apparent. Emboldened by
success, depredations were committed by them through the injunctions of their Prophets upon the liberty, the
property, and the lives of many of the citizens of Missouri. There,
[ 4 ]
as the sequel will disclose, is the case in our own State, they were so fortified as to be beyond the reach of the law.
And the only alternative on the part of the citizens was submission or extermination. The history of the country
shows that the latter alternative was resorted to, and that under the authority of the then Governor of Missouri, the
Mormons were compelled to flee that State and seek a refuge in some other land. All the circumstances
surrounding the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri, and the reasons offered in justification of their course,
has by the Legislature of that State, been long since spread before the public in the shape of a report, its repetition
here would consequently be alike uninteresting and superfluous. It may not, however, be improper to mention that
the Prophet was subsequently indicted in that State for the crimes of theft, arson, murder and treason. And that
although requisition upon requisition was made by the Executive of Missouri upon the Executive of Illinois for the
delivery of Joe Smith for trial, by the aid of his political as well as monied influence, he was always
successful in escaping, and evading the ends of justice. Of this, however, more hereafter.
The flight of the Mormons from Missouri occurred in the month of November, 1838. Unfortunately for the peace,
quietness, credit and honor of the State, they made Illinois the next theatre of their stupendous frauds and total
violations of every thing like the principles of justice and law. They arrived at Quincy, where they were well received
by the citizens, and every thing done, compatible with the feelings of charity and humanity, to administer to their
wants, and afford them a protection from what was regarded at that time as the unmitigated persecution of their
enemies. Their tale of sufferings and woe, was pictured in the most exaggerated characters that the fertility and
cunning of Joe Smith's imagination could give birth to. The prejudices of the people of Illinois were excited against
their neighbors of their sister State, and sympathy, pity and commiseration was bestowed upon the Mormons with
an unsparing hand, by all sects and classes in community. How they have reciprocated the kindness with which
they were treated, and appreciated the favors extended to them, the sequel will disclose. They were made as
comfortable as it was in the power of the citizens of Quincy to make them, and at that place and in its vicinity they
remained, until the Prophet purchased the present site of their city, Nauvoo, then known by the name of
Commerce. Hither he repaired with all his forces, and aided by another revelation from God, (as the impious
wretch asserted,) proclaimed, not only to his people that surrounded him, but to those in every portion of the land,
that the place where he was then located had been designated by the Most High as the very spot whereon the
Temple of the Lord was to be erected.
When they arrived in the State of Illinois their numbers could not have exceeded two thousand. This conclusion is
drawn from the fact that in August 1840, they polled what was asserted by them to be their full strength -- and
which was generally believed to be such -- four hundred and twenty votes. There were, however, some families
remaining in Adams County who never removed to Nauvoo
[ 5 ]
the story of the “persecutions of the Latter Day Saints” by the Missourians, went forth upon the wings of the
wind, and was industriously circulated wherever Joe or either of his followers could obtain a hearing. Disciples were
ordained and sent abroad by him to proselyte, and their victims, as fast as they were ensnared directed, to remove
forthwith to the "City of the chosen people of God." -- In all these addresses, the burden of their song was
their sufferings and persecutions in Missouri; and the visitations of an indignant and outraged community upon them,
was portrayed in the most gorgeous colors, as the strongest proof that they were peculiarly the favored children of
God, and that for his sake they were required to submit to these trials. The "story of their wrongs," aided by the
"cunningly devised fable" of the manner in which Joe found the golden plates, to say nothing of the novelty of the
religion, or rather blasphemy, he taught; the simplicity of the requisitions made by him as evidences of their
conversion and fitness to be admitted into the Church; the prevailing epidemic of the human mind to grasp at the
marvelous, and seize hold of every new absurdity upon the subject of religion, propagated by either the vicious
and designing, or the ignorant, were well calculated to ensnare the credulous or fanatic, and to facilitate the
designs of the Prophet in building up a sect which he hoped would finally overrun the Union and give him its
control. It is not, therefore, at all to be wondered at, that in the brief period of four years, from a handful of followers
numbering not to exceed two thousand, he has succeeded in drawing together, at Nauvoo, a community of over
fifteen thousand human beings, not only from every section of the Union but from almost all quarters of the globe.
Nor is it to be concealed, that his doctrine was increasing with alarming rapidity in many sections of our country, as
well as throughout the lower and more ignorant classes in Europe.
Shortly after the settlement of the Mormons at Nauvoo, in consequence of the principle inculcated by the Prophet,
that they were to be one in all things, in the disposition of all their suffrages, as well as every thing else,
their numbers daily augmenting, and holding the balance of power in Hancock county, they became the special
favorites of politicians of both sides in their vicinity. Joe seeing the advantage of his position, and correctly
judging that great importance was attached by political aspirants of both parties, to the favor or prejudice with which
he regarded the one side or the other, applied to the Legislature of Illinois, for various incorporations. Among them,
was a charter incorporating Nauvoo into a city, with the privilege of organizing its inhabitants into a military corps,
to be designated the Nauvoo Legion, who were to be exclusively under the control of the authorities of the city of
Nauvoo, and in no way subject to the Militia Laws of the State, save in case of a war or rebellion. They also had the
power of establishing a court of record, to be denominated the Municipal Court of the City of Nauvoo, the presiding
officers of which, were to be the Mayor and Aldermen of said city. This court had also the power given to it, to issue
the writ of habeas corpus, and to determine, under its exercise, all cases that might arise under the
[ 6 ]
ordinances of the city. There were many other powers granted by this charter, which were extraordinary in their
character, oppressive in their operations, and in direct conflict with the spirit and letter of the Constitution. But such
was the desire of both parties in the Legislature to secure the political co-operation of this unprincipled despot and
knave, as well as his followers, that all their charters were passed sub silentio and without undergoing even the
form of a reading before either House. It is true, the charters were regularly referred to the appropriate standing
committees, and that those committees reported favorably to their passage. Yet that furnishes no excuse for the
action of the two Houses, in granting to a religious sect, powers and privileges, which no other denomination of
christians would dare to ask, and which, if they did ask, would most assuredly have had their application neglected.
The culpability of those bestowing these charters, is rendered more inexcusable, from the fact that during that
session, other religious denominations could scarcely procure a single charter, al the hands of the majority, merely
incorporating them into a body capable of holding the real estate upon which their buildings were erected, through
the morbid sensibility that it favored too much, at this democratic period, of a union of Church and state; but Joe
Smith, as the founder and Prophet of the Latter Day Saints, could ask and receive any legislative boon he pleased.
From the hour that the inhabitants of Nauvoo organized under their charter, established their court, marshalled
their Legion into a separate and distinct military corps, from the residue of the militia of the State, and commenced
promulgating through the public press at that place, the ordinances which their Common Council passed, under
the real or assumed powers contained in their charter, the jealousy and well founded fears of the citizens, or at least
many of them, were aroused. They learned that, sooner or later, disasters the most lamentable, would result from
the importance that had been attached to Joe Smith, and the exercise, as well as abuse, of the powers which the
Legislature had clothed him with. The late fatal termination of his, as well as his brother's life, and the
consequences leading to it, show, that those fears were not without reasonable foundation.
The contemplated
limits of this work will not admit of my going into detail, and exposing as minutely as I deem the importance of the
subject demands, the unheard of character of the ordinances passed by the Common Council of Nauvoo, the
powers exercised by the Prophet under them, and the length to which he went in obtaining unlimited control over the
actions, and I may say the minds of his followers. The greatest difficulty I apprehend is, that even in what I
shall develop, and which I have obtained from the most reputable and intelligent of those heretofore connected with the
“Saints” as well as others who know, the reflecting and intelligent portion of the world will look
upon these developments with distrust. And when I reflect that it is in the nineteenth century, that the revolting and
extraordinary scenes have been enacted, which has marked the progress of Joe Smith since his settlement in Illinois, I
ought not to wonder that the statement of the truth would be received by those unacquainted with the facts,
and beyond the
[ 7 ]
limits of personal observation, with distrust, if not with entire disbelief.
The great aim of Joseph Smith was evidently to clothe himself with the most unlimited power, civil, military and
ecclesiastical, over all who became members of his society. And to that end his' whole efforts were put in
requisition, from the day of their organization under their charters, down to the hour of his death. The first step
taken by him, was to satisfy his people that he had received a revelation from God, disclosing his origin as well as
that of his wife, and detailing the events that were to occur, as well as the part he and his descendants were to take,
in their consummation. This he succeeded in, and gave the following as the substance of his revelation. He stated
that Emma his wife, was of Indian descent, in a line from one of the tribes of Israel. That he (Joseph) was a
descendant from Joseph of old through the blood of Ephraim. And that God had appointed and ordained that he,
with his descendants, should rule over all Israel, meaning the Latter Day Saints or Mormons, the Indian tribes and
ultimately the Jews and Gentiles. That the authority with which God had clothed him, being “Jure Divino,”
extended over all mankind, and was paramount and superior to any Human authority. Joe further stated, that God had
revealed to him, that the Indians and Latter Day Saints, under Joe as their King and Ruler, were to conquer the
Gentiles, and that their subjection to this authority was to be obtained by the sword! From this
revelation, he enforced upon them that it was necessary he should be crowned King, and they, believing in the gross
imposition, yielded to his edict. Joe was accordingly CROWNED KING under God, over the immediate house
of Israel. This ceremony was performed in 1842, by a council of fifty in number, denominated the "Ancient or Days." And
thenceforward his authority as such was recognized and obeyed by the church and its authority in all respects and
under all circumstances. The peculiar attributes of his power, Joe insisted, were that he could direct the actions of
the entire House of Israel -- that they were bound to obey his commands, whatever they might be -- and that
finally the whole earth was to become under subjection to him. He further impressed upon the council crowning him,
that God's desire was, as revealed to him, (Joe,) that, for the time being, this was to remain a perfect secret
until God should reveal to the contrary. And accordingly Joe swore them all to present secrecy, under the penalty of
death! It is also a fact, ascertained beyond controversy, that the Indian tribes of Sacs and Foxes, Siouxs and
Pottowattamies, were consulted, and their assent obtained previous to the mock crowning of this unmitigated
Impostor, and that delegations were sent to Nauvoo from each of the above tribes about the time of the ceremony
being performed, by the council of fifty. These delegations of Indians were seen by hundreds and hundreds at
Nauvoo, but the object of their visitation never was ascertained without the pale of the church, until secessions
commenced taking place from the Mormons.
The reader may naturally inquire, how these facts have been ascertained. I state, from the only source possible
to derive information;
[ 8 ]
that is, from those who aided in the ceremony, but who have since returned to their reason and come out from
among the den of wicked and perverse men. It is stated upon the authority of one who was a member of the High
Council of the Church, and first council to the Presidency of the Church, a man in whom all (in no way connected
with Mormonism,) who have conversed with him, have much confidence. I state unhesitatingly, upon the best
authority, that the above facts in regard to the crowning of Joe, the revelation he professed to have received, and
his swearing those entrusted with taking part, to secrecy, under penalty of death, would all have been proved
upon their trial for treason, by at least two witnesses, unless -- as I do not believe -- they had sworn entirely
contrary to what their statements had been, not only to the Council but to the Governor of the State.
All will concede that the power and influence which Joe wielded over the minds, and actions of his followers, must
have been unlimited in the extreme, if, as has been shown, he was able to secure his coronation as King, in this
land of liberty and equal rights, whose citizens acknowledge no other King than He, in whose hands are the
destinies of all nations. Neither can it be denied, such must have been the confidence reposed in him, that no
matter what the requisition made of them, if done under his kingly authority, and as the Prophet of the Lord,
that requisition would be faithfully obeyed. All his actions and conduct since, prove such to be the case. In addition
to the power conferred upon him by this coronation, he occupied the highest military station, that of Lieutenant
General of the Nauvoo Legion. He was also Mayor of the city, (with the exception of one year that H. Bennett filled
that office,) from its organization to the day of his death. He and his Common Council composed the bench that
presided in their Municipal Court, and as Mayor he became the chief presiding officer of that court. He was the
trustee of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and held in his name the title to their real estate, and was the depository
of the funds belonging to the church. In addition to all this, he held the funds of many of his followers, (especially
the foreigners,) who came to Nauvoo with money. This fact I ascertained from a source that admits of no cavil or
doubt. Under our revenue laws, every person, in surrendering to the assessor a list of his or her property, has to
state under oath, if required by the assessor, the amount of cash on hand or the sums loaned out by them. The
assessor, for a previous year, informed me that between thirty and forty thousand dollars were listed by different
persons in Nauvoo, as being by them deposited with Joseph Smith; and that the sums thus reported, were assessed and
taxes collected upon the same. He further stated as his opinion, that not one half the sums put in the
hands of Joe Smith, by the inhabitants of Nauvoo, were ever reported by them to him. Thus it will be seen, that the
church, the military, and the judiciary, as well as the Common Council of Nauvoo, were solely and entirety under
his unlimited control. And the first great step towards making him a Despot, had been acquired by him, the union of
the purse and the sword, and the mingling of the civil and ecclesiastical
[ 9 ]
governments. Nauvoo was, to all intents and purposes, a separate and distinct Government, acknowledging no
superior power to their own, and assuming to themselves the power to make their own laws and administer them
in their own way. The character of their ordinances show this beyond controversy.
They have defined by ordinance what shall constitute slander and what shall be the mode of redress and extent
of the punishment They have abridged the freedom of speech, by declaring by ordinance, that if any person shall
speak disrespectfully of any of the Latter Day Saints, that person shall be liable to prosecution, and upon
conviction, shall be fined in a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, and imprisoned for a time not exceeding
six months. They have provided by ordinance, that no man should be taken without the limits of the City of Nauvoo,
upon any charge or process issuing from any court, cither State or Federal, until that person has first been brought
before the Municipal Court, by writ of habeas corpus, and his guilt or innocence determined there; and that if the
judgment of the court was in favor of the accused, he should be discharged. Under this ordinance Joe Smith, when
arrested upon process issuing from the Courts of this State, as also upon requisition from the Governor of Missouri,
has caused himself to be taken before the Municipal Court of which he was the presiding officer, and
DISCHARGED FROM ARREST! So also, when a process issuing from the Judge of the United States District Court,
for the District of Illinois against Jeremiah Smith, was served, and said Smith taken into custody, "Joe" had his
Mormon namesake taken from the custody of the deputy Marshal, by "habeas corpus," and discharged by the
Municipal Court. They, also, under a clause in their charter giving them the usual power granted to all city
incorporations, “to define and abate nuisances,” passed an ordinance declaring a public newspaper
called the Nauvoo Expositor, a nuisance, and ordered its abatement. Under this ordinance, the civil authorities, aided
by a posse of two hundred strong, repaired to the building, where said press and materials was, and destroyed the
same in the public streets. This press had issued but one number of the Expositor, and its destruction led to the
excitement pervading a portion of our State for the last three weeks, and which resulted in the death of the authors
of this high handed outrage upon THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS. They also prepared a criminal code of their
own, in which the mode of punishment by death was altered from hanging to beheading. This criminal code was
submitted to counsel in no way connected with the Mormons, for their inspection and opinions as to its validity; and
from one of those counsel, in whose possession it had been, I derived the knowledge of its existence. Other
ordinances, equally as obnoxious, and repugnant to the genius and spirit of our republican institutions, have been
passed and put in force by the Prophet and his hirelings j.bui the limits prescribed for this publication will not admit
of my going further into detail. I regret my inability to procure a copy of those ordinances, to attach them to this
publication. But they cannot be procured, and for reasons best known to the Mormons themselves were informed
by Gov. Ford, that he had twice made application to
[ 10 ]
the Common Council of the City of Nauvoo, as the Executive of the State of Illinois, for true copies of all their
ordinances, but that his applications had proven unsuccessful, and his request was not complied with. That they
(the Mormons,) grossly violated the constitution of the State and trampled upon the rights of those who differed
from them, whose persons or property were within the limits of Nauvoo, can admit of no doubt. The following
extract from the second communication made by Gov. Ford to Joe Smith and his Common Council, previous to
their surrender, and dated June 23d, 1844, places this matter beyond controversy. The Governor says:
"I now express to you my opinion, that your conduct in destroying the press, was a very gross outrage upon the
laws and liberties of the people. It may have been full of libels, but this did not authorize you to destroy it. There are
many newspapers in this State which have been wrongfully abusing me for more than a year; and yet such is my
regard for the liberties of the press, and the rights of a free people, in a republican government, that I would shed
the last drop of my blood to protect those presses from any illegal violence. You have violated the constitution in at
least four particulars. You have violated that part of it which, declares that the printing presses shall be free, being
responsible for the abuse thereof, and that the truth may be given in evidence. This article of the constitution
contemplates, that the proprietors of a libelous press, may be sued for private damage, or may be indicted
criminally, and that upon trial, they should have a right to give the truth In evidence. In this case the proprietors have
had no notice of the proceeding. The constitution also provides that the people shall be protected against
unreasonable searches, and seizure of their property; and "that no man shall be deprived of life, liberty or property,
except by the judgment of his peers," (which means a jury trial,) "and the law of the land," which means due
process of law, and notice to the accused. You have also violated the constitution, and your own charter, in this:
your Council, which has no judicial power, and can only pass ordinances of a general nature, are undertaken to
pass judgment as a court, and convict, without jury, a press of being libelous, and a nuisance to the city. The
Council at most, could only define a nuisance by general ordinance. Mid leave it to the courts to determine whether
individuals, or particulars accused, come within such definition. The constitution abhors, and will not tolerate the
union of legislative and judicial power in the same bodies of magistracy, because, as in this case they will first
make a tyrannical law, and then execute it in a tyrannical manner.
You have also assumed to yourselves more power than you are entitled to, in relation to writs of habeas corpus,
under your charter. I know that you have been told by lawyers, for the purpose of gaining your favor, that you have
this power to any extent. In this they have deceived you, for their own base purposes. Your charter supposes that
you may pass ordinances, a breach of which, will result in the imprisonment of the offender. For the purpose of
ensuring more speedy relief to such persons, authority was given
[ 11 ]
to the Municipal court, to issue writs of habeas corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of the city. It was
never supposed by the legislature, nor can the language of your charter be tortured to mean, that a jurisdiction was
intended to be conferred, which would apply to all cases of imprisonment, under the general laws of the State or of
the United States, as well as the city ordinances. It has also been reserved to you to make the discovery, that a
newspaper charged to be scurrilous or libelous, may be legally abated or removed, as a nuisance. In no other
State, County, City, Town or Territory, in the United States, has ever such a thing been thought of before. Such an
act, at this day, would not be tolerated even in England. Just such another act in 1830, hurled the King of France
from his throne and caused the imprisonment of four of his principal ministers for life. No civilized country can
tolerate such conduct, much less can it be tolerated in this free country of the United States."
I have thus far detailed, in as brief a manner as possible, the progress of the Mormons, and their course generally,
with a view to give the reader some idea of the character and conduct of the people of Nauvoo, who bad become a
terror and a scourge to the old citizens of Hancock. I have not spoken of their legion of armed men numbering
from three to four thousand, and who were ready, at a moment's warning, to put any command of the Prophet into
immediate execution. Other publications have made the public acquainted with their strength and organization. I
have not spoken of the repeated acts of violence committed by them for the last eighteen months upon the citizens
of Hancock, as well as their property, and of the utter impotency to bring them to justice by means of the ordinary
process of the law. In another place I will speak of their grievances as in my candid opinion they deserve. I have
now arrived at the immediate cause of the outbreak which has resulted in stigmatizing Illinois a third
time with a resort to popular violence for the redress of private grievances.
As before stated, the office of the Nauvoo Expositor was entered on the tenth day of June, 1844, under an
ordinance of the Common Council, and the press and materials burnt and destroyed. The excuse offered for this
outrage, was, that it was "a nuisance" and that the Legislature had vested the Common Council with the power "to
define and abate, by ordinance," nuisances within their incorporated limits. The press and the materials were the
property of Wilson and William Law, the two Higbee's, Dr. Foster, and probably one or two others. The proprietors
of this press had all been connected with the Mormon Church, and many of them had occupied, under the Prophet,
the most exalted and important stations in the church, as well as in the civil and military departments of their city
government. From motives which, they insisted were of the purest character, they seceded from the Mormons, and
organized themselves into a new and distinct sect. This course, 9nueir part, naturally created a most deadly feud
between them and the Prophet. They denounced him for every thing vile; and charged him with nefarious designs,
upon the property as well as lives of many of our citizens. Their paper was to be the organ through
[ 12 ]
Which the evils of Mormonism were to be exposed; and the depravity of the Prophet as well as most of his
principal men, held up to the public gaze. The Expositor was also an advocate of the unconditional repeal of the
Nauvoo charters, insisting that this was absolutely necessary, to guard against a repetition of outrages upon the old
citizens of the county, which had been previously committed by the Mormons, under a semblance of legal authority
conferred upon them by their city charter. The only number which they had issued, was filled with expositions of
the conduct of "Joe," and many of his followers, and which showed him to be a debauchee of the most abandoned
character, the instigator of the attempt to assassinate Gov. Boggs, and an adept in the commission of almost every
crime of magnitude known to our laws. Such was the character of the press and the objects it had in view, which
prompted the Common Council of Nauvoo to declare, by ordinance, that it was a nuisance, and to direct its
destruction by the City Marshal.
Of the extent of credibility to be attached to the statements and testimony of the seceders, each person must be his
own judge. Candor requires of me the exposition, that in many of the grossest outrages perpetrated by the Prophet,
they were "particeps criminis." Of the benefits resulting from "Joe's" power over the inhabitants of Nauvoo,
they were large recipients. In them, great confidence had been reposed by the mass of the Mormons, as well as the
Prophet himself, as the different high positions which they occupied fully establishes. And that they joined the
Smiths in their crusade against Bennett's exposition of Mormonism, and denunciations of its falsity, admits of no
doubt. They, however, now affirm, that to a great extent, Bennett's statements are entitled to the fullest
credence; and that through apprehensions of their own personal safety, they were forced to testify against
Bennett and in favor of the Prophet. One thing is very evident: in their hatred to those from whom they have seceded,
they are implacable. And no unprejudiced mind can escape the conclusion, that they would leave no means unresorted to,
within their power, to visit vengeance upon the leaders and principal men among the Mormons.
Many of the charges made against the "Latter Day Saints," have 'been preferred by seceders, and their testimony
alone relied upon to sustain them. A great deal of allowance, therefore, should be made in the weight of their
testimony, although I entertain no earthly doubt of the implicit truth of much that they assert concerning those with
whom they have formerly been associated. It is too often the case, that the testimony of those implicated in the
commission of crime, is forced to be resorted to, in order to insure the punishment of the accomplices of the
witnesses. Hence it is not an unfrequent occurrence in our courts of justice, that a pardon is extended to a culprit
upon the condition that he turns State's evidence, and upon his testimony, though probably the most guilty of all
who are accused, the residue are convicted and suffer the penalty, of the law. True it is, that this doubtful
expedient is only resorted to, where other testimony cannot be procured. But when it is resorted
[ 13 ]
to, the public in nine cases out of ten, as well as the courts of justice, repose sufficient confidence in the credibility
of such testimony, as to convict and punish. In the case of the Mormons’ designs, conduct, and outrages, as well as
the extent to which they carry their blasphemy, the public are similarly situated, as in the cases put by me. To a
great extent, we have no means of acquiring information, save by the testimony of those, who turn State's
evidence, or in other words, secede from the church and develop what has transpired in their midst, and in the
execution of which, the witnesses themselves, may have acted a prominent part. Unless, therefore, credibility to a
certain extent is given to the testimony of seceders, the public will forever remain in ignorance of the conduct and
iniquities of Joe Smith, and his principal men. It is due to the seceders here, to remark, that so far as their
statements have come to my knowledge, there is no discrepancy among them. And all seceders with whom I have
conversed, from the year 1842, down to the present day, agree in their account of the enormities and wickedness
of Mormonism as carried out at Nauvoo. These individuals, after the destruction of their press from threats publicly
made in Nauvoo, by the Mormons, against their lives as well as the residue of their property, were compelled with
their families to seek a refuge in other places. They consequently removed, generally into different portions of
Iowa Territory. The press was destroyed on the tenth day of June, A. D. 1844, and a return was made by the
Marshal of Nauvoo, upon the process, by virtue of which its destruction was consummated as follows: “The within
press and type is destroyed and pied according to order, on this tenth day of June, 1844, at about six o'clock, P. M.
J. P. Green, C. M.” I copy this return as evidence furnished by the Mormons themselves, of their obedience
to law, and peaceable disposition! A few days subsequent to its destruction, the above named individuals
proceeded to Carthage, the county seat of Hancock county, entered a complaint and procured a process in the name of the
people, from a Justice of the Peace, against the two Smiths and all others interested in the destruction of the press
for a riot. This process the Constable served upon a portion of those named in the writ, who immediately procured
the panacea for all legal complaints against any member of this exclusive community -- the writ of habeas corpus!!
By virtue of it, they were taken before the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, went through a mock trial, and the worthy
impartial disinterested Judges, rendered the following judgment -- "HONORABLY DISCHARGED!!!" Upon the return
of the officer to Carthage, and his public declaration that he was unable to serve it in consequence, of the
resistance of Joe Smith and his forces, a posse of the citizens was ordered in accordance with the provisions of the
statute, to aid the officer in the discharge of his duty. Two messengers were also dispatched to the Governor by the
citizens of Hancock, informing him of the state of things that existed in Nauvoo,' and calling upon him» as the
Executive of Illinois, to interpose his authority in aid of the execution of the civil process of the State."The Governor
immediately repaired
[ 14 ]
to Carthage, and on his arrival, found a number of citizens assembled and under arms, but awaiting his orders as
commander-in-chief.
The whole of the citizens found under arms, on the arrival of the Governor at Carthage, had
been called out by the constable to act as a posse in securing the arrest of the individuals charged with a riot in the
destruction of the press, and by General Deming, the commanding officer of the 4th Brigade of Militia, in that
section of the county. The order of General Deming was given on the 20th of June, at the request of the civil
authorities, in consequence of its having been satisfactorily ascertained, that threats of a most serious nature, had
been made by the Smiths, the Mormon leaders, against the towns of Carthage and Warsaw; and a well grounded
apprehension, that the force previously obtained by the constables, was wholly inadequate to secure the arrest of
the accused, against the forces of the Nauvoo Legion, then marshalled and under arms, to resist the execution of
the law. It has been currently reported, and to a great extent credited, that the citizens of Hancock county armed
themselves, in the first instance, as a mob, and with the design of attacking the Mormons at all hazards. This
is not true. No citizen of Hancock armed himself and joined any company or posse, until having first been required so to
do by the civil authorities of the county; and it was occupying this position, that they were found by the Executive of
Illinois, on the 21st of June, on his arrival at Carthage; and which induced him to sanction what General Deming
had done, and express himself in terms of approbation, to many of the citizens, at the readiness with which they
obeyed the requisitions of the officers in the vindication of the laws. The number of men thus assembled at
Carthage and Warsaw, did not exceed eight hundred, and at no time, was there to exceed seventeen hundred men
on the ground. The largest number reported by General Deming, was about fifteen hundred; there were a number,
however, who were evidently there “on their own hook” and which would, in my opinion, swell the
number to at least 1700.
In the mean time the Mormons were far from being idle or inactive. Their city was at once placed in a perfect state
of defence. The legion were ordered out and kept under arms. The followers of Joe in the Territories, and other
portions of the State, were required to repair to Nauvoo, with all possible despatch. Ammunition and provisions
were procured from St. Louis and other places, in large quantities. The city was put under martial law, and persons,
as well as property, were forcibly detained, and illegally imprisoned. A strict patrol was kept up throughout the
entire city, and all persons upon whose fidelity to Joe the slightest suspicion rested, were required to take
an oath to obey his commands, and fight in his ranks, and not disclose what had been seen or heard. Orders were also
issued to the Legion, to resist to the last, the arrest of any of the persons named in the process issued by the
Justice at Carthage. Thus making an open and undisguised resistance to the legal process of the country.
After two or three communications passing from the Governor to the authorities at Nauvoo, he finally succeeded,
under a pledge that
[ 15 ]
the accused should receive his protection as the Executive of the State, in prevailing upon Joe, as well as the
residue charged in the writ, to surrender and undergo an examination upon ^e charge of riot. On their arrival at
Carthage, the two Smiths, and the residue, accused of the destruction of the press, waived the examination of
witnesses against them, and entered into recognizances in the sum of five hundred dollars each for their appearance
at the next term of the Circuit Court of Hancock county. By this act they virtually admitted their guilt of
the charge preferred against them. Before, however, they had completed their recognizances, a writ was served
upon Joseph and Hyrum Smith, -- upon a charge of TREASON, and they were remanded to jail to await their trial
on the next day, when the witnesses would all, as was supposed, be in attendance.
On the 25th of June, and alter
the arrest of the Smiths, Gov. Ford, with a view of maintaining peace at Nauvoo, and preventing an outbreak on the
part of the Mormons, or an attack from the citizens upon them, directed Capt. J. W. Singleton, of Brown county, with
his company of sixty men, to repair to Nauvoo, and there remain until further orders. The following is a copy of the
order issued to Capt. Singleton;
Head Quarters, June 25, 1844.
Special Brigade, Order No. 15.
TO CAPTAIN SINGLETON --
You are ordered forthwith to repair with a force of men under your command to Nauvoo, and there
station your forces in an eligible position, there to remain until further ordered. And that you, by such means as
your command may afford, maintain order in said city, and perform such other duties as the circumstances may require.
And that you take command of the police and forces of said city.
By command of the Governor, Thomas Ford,
M. R. DEMING, Gen. 4th Brigade,
5th Division of the Illinois Militia.
O. C. SKINNER, Aid-de-Camp.
This order is approved by me, June 25, 1844.
THOS. FORD, Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
Captain Singleton with his company, immediately repaired to Nauvoo, and remained there until the very evening
upon which the jail at Carthage was attacked and the Smiths killed. During his stay at Nauvoo, Capt. Singleton
maintained the utmost peace and order, and by his decision of character, promptness in action, and the strict
impartiality with which he discharged his duty, won the confidence and respect of all parties interested.
The examination of the two Smiths and others, upon the charge of riot, occurred on the 25th of June. On the 26th,
about the middle of the afternoon, the two Smiths were brought out of jail to answer to the charge of treason
against the State of Illinois. The examination was to have taken place at the court house, before two justices of the
peace. Before, however, "Joe" would consent to leave the jail, he procured a promise from two of his friends, to
walk with him, one on each side of him. In this way he was conducted to the court house, under a guard composed
of the Carthage
[ 16 ]
Greys who formed a hollow square, with Joe and Hyrum in the middle. The appearance of Joe during his progress
to the place of trial, as well as while he was at the court house, was that of a guilty, cowardly culprit. All the
bombast, overbearing conduct, and haughty demeanor, that marked his course while in the midst of his followers,
had entirely left him. His cheeks were blanched with fear; his eyes were constantly fixed upon the multitude that
surrounded him, with a wild vacant stare, as though expecting every moment to be his last; and to me he acted and
appeared as one who regarded his doom as sealed. Hyrum Smith was evidently a man of far more moral and
physical courage than "Joe;" and his bearing throughout, so far as his conduct came under my observation, during
his sojourn at Carthage, warrants this conclusion. The court house was crowded to suffocation, and but a small
portion of those collected, could gain admittance. A few moments after the prisoners were brought in, and order
could be restored, the justices inquired of the prosecution -- if they were ready to proceed with the investigation,
who replied in the affirmative. The prosecution was conducted by O. C. Skinner, Esq., and Judge Emmons, of
Carthage, and Mr. Sharpe, of Warsaw. The defence of the two Smiths, by H. T. Reid, Esq., of Fort Madison, and
James W. Wood, of Burlington, both of Iowa Territory. Upon the counsel for the prosecution manifesting their
readiness to proceed with the investigation, the attorneys of the Smiths remarked that they were not prepared, and
made an application for a continuance, which was granted by the court. The hearing of the investigation was
consequently deferred until the 27th, (next day at 12 o'clock,) and subpoenas for some thirty or forty witnesses
obtained by the counsel of the accused. The Smiths were then remanded to jail under the same armed force, and
in the same manner as they had been brought into court. At the time the investigation was postponed until noon the
next day, it was the design of Gov. Ford to have marched the next morning, by eight o'clock to Nauvoo, with all the
forces encamped either at Carthage or Warsaw. One of the justices before whom the investigation was to have
taken place, and the one who issued the original process upon the complaint against the Smiths for treason, was
R. F. Smith, Esq., of Carthage. This gentleman was the captain of the Carthage Greys, and after the continuance of
the cause, receiving orders from the Governor, as the commander-in-chief, to march to Nauvoo in the morning of
the day set for the examination, he further postponed the day of investigation from Thursday, the 27th, until
Saturday, the 29th inst. This has been made a cause of complaint on the part of one of the counsel for the
deceased. An intelligent public, however, will perceive, that under the circumstances, Captain Smith could not have
done otherwise. And it is worthy of remark and susceptible of the most indubitable proof, that the further
postponement of the cause, was not at the time, as is known, complained of by either of the counsel or the
accused. But, on the contrary, the two Smiths, so far as they gave any expression in regard to the conduct of the
justice, was that of apportion. It gave them further time to consummate an escape, which
[ 17 ]
I will satisfactorily show before I conclude, they and their friends had in contemplation.
During the whole of the day, (the 26th,) as well as the night, previous to the killing of the Smiths, the greatest
excitement prevailed at Carthage. No one could close his ears against the murmurs that ran throughout the entire
community. Little squads could be seen at the taverns, at the tents of the soldiers, and in every part of the town,
evidently holding confidential communications the one with the other, while a spirit of discontent manifestly
pervaded many of these little objections. No one, nor no squad came out and boldly proclaimed their intentions,
the one way or the other. But expressions falling from the lips of numbers, there assembled, could leave no other
impression upon any sane mind, than that they were determined the Smiths should not escape summary
punishment. There were, at Carthage during this day, but very few of the citizens of Warsaw. The wing of the forces
under arms, numbering about five hundred, and comprising the citizens of Warsaw and its vicinity, were
encamped at Warsaw; and by the orders of the commanding officer, the nearest they were to approximate
Carthage, was at Golden’s Point, about midway of the two places. This place they were required to reach by noon,
on the 27th, (the day the Smiths were killed,) in order to join the forces from Carthage, on their contemplated
march to Nauvoo.
The impression left on my mind, as well as on most others there, with whom I conversed, was, that violence was
contemplated towards the Smiths. In a letter I wrote to the Alton Telegraph, dated" the 26th, the following passages
occur: "Notwithstanding the accumulated wrongs and injuries inflicted upon the citizens by the Mormons, there is a
commendable spirit on the part of the former, only to hold the leaders responsible; and the convictions of my mind
are, that before they disband, a desperate effort will be made to visit summary punishment upon the two Smiths,
and possibly one or two others at Nauvoo.” * * * "YOU NEED NOT BE AT ALL SURPRISED, TO HEAR AT ANY
TIME, OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TWO SMITHS BY THE POPULACE." This letter, it will be remembered, was
written at Carthage twenty-eight hours previous to the attack upon the jail. Let us now examine what were the
apprehensions of others. In the Nauvoo Neighbor Extra, of July 2d, 1844, giving an account of the death of the two
Smiths, three statements are to be found: one signed Willard Richards, John Taylor, Samuel H. Smith; another,
H.T. Reid, and a third James W. Woods. In the first statement, the following passage will be found: "In the morning,
(the 25th,) we saw the Governor, and he pledged the faith of the State, that we should be protected. Gen. Smith and
his brother Hyrum, were arrested by a warrant founded upon the oaths of H. O. Norton and Augustine Spencer, for
treason. KNOWING THE THREATS FROM SEVERAL PERSONS, THAT THE TWO SMITHS SHOULD NEVER
LEAVE CARTHAGE ALIVE, WE ALL BEGAN TO BE ALARMED for their personal safety." Here, then, is conclusive
proof from the Mormons themselves, that on the 25th, they knew of threats being made against the Smiths, and
that they were “alarmed for their personal safety.” Mr. Reid, one of the counsel for Smith, in his
[ 18 ]
Statement, says: "On Wednesday afternoon, (26th,) the Governor, in company with one of his friends, visited the
prisoners at the jail, and again assured them that they should be protected from violence; and told them that if the
troops marched the next morning to Nauvoo, as his Excellency then expected, THEY SHOULD BE TAKEN ALONG,
IN ORDER TO INSURE THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY!!" This extract speaks for itself. But, to my mind, it appears
conclusive, that if no threats from a source entitled to credit, had been made against the Smiths, previous to the
afternoon of the 26th, it was wholly superfluous, that the Governor should take them with the main body of the
forces to Nauvoo, “in order to insure their personal safety.” Mr. Wood, in his statement, uses
nearly the same language as his colleague.
Gov. Ford,, in his address to the citizens of Illinois, after the death of the Smiths, does not intimate that he had any
knowledge of the design of any person or persons to attack the Smiths; but he states unequivocally that he was
satisfied of a design on the part of some of the troops, if an opportunity offered to attack Nauvoo. The following is
the passage in the Governor's address, to which I allude: "On the morning of the day the deed was committed, we
had proposed to march the army, under my command, into Nauvoo; I, however, discovered, on the evening before,
that nothing but utter destruction of the city, would satisfy a portion of the troops; and that it we marched into
the city, pretexts would not be wanting for “commencing hostilities.”
The above extracts are given simply for the purpose of showing the state of feeling that existed in the community at
large, at Carthage, and to maintain the position assumed by me, that if the "vox populi" was any criterion to judge
by, an attack upon the Smiths was an inevitable consequence. Less than this, I could not say, in redeeming the
pledge made in the commencement of this publication, to give a full and fair exposition of all the facts attending
the death of the two Imposters.
On the morning of the 27th, (Thursday,) Gov. Ford called a council of the officers of the companies encamped at
Carthage, and which did not include any of the Warsaw soldiers, and submitted to them whether, under the
circumstances that then existed -- the more than probable attack upon Nauvoo if they went there -- it would be
prudent to proceed in the contemplated march. After a good deal of discussion among the officers, a small
majority decided to proceed to Nauvoo. But notwithstanding this result on the part of the majority. Gov. Ford
assumed the responsibility of countermanding his previous order to march to that city, and of disbanding all the
troops except two companies, selected by him to guard the jail, and a company of horse, sixty in number, that was
to act as an escort to him in visiting Nauvoo, for the purpose of addressing the citizens of that place. The troops
were accordingly disbanded, and by noon of that day, most of them were on their return to their respective homes,
especially those from other counties. This step on the part of the Governor, has been deeply censured on all sides.
The troops who were anxious to visit Nauvoo, were displeased in consequence of the disappointment. The
Mormons murmured,
[ 19 ]
because they relied upon these forces (especially the McDonough and Schuyler troops) as their protection. And
many of those not present or knowing the circumstances that surrounded the Governor, have denounced the
measure as an impolitic one; while others less charitable, and from the basest motives, attribute his course to
design, I maintain here, as I have through the medium of the press and in several public speeches, that Gov. Ford
was justified in the course he took. Facts heretofore detailed in this -work^ show conclusively, that the highest state
of excitement, if not exasperation, pervaded the community assembled at Carthage Men called out by the authority
of law to aid in quelling outbreaks and securing the service of legal process against persons charged with the
highest, most revolting crimes, and upon whom the Governor had relied, in maintaining peace, had to some extent
become discontented and determined to avenge, by force, the wrongs they or their fellow-citizens had suffered.
The seceders from the Mormons, were mostly assembled at Carthage, and several of them acting from the belief,
that they were to be murdered by the Mormons, left no opportunity unimproved to influence the public mind to the
highest pitch against them. Information in which the most explicit confidence could be placed, was conveyed to the
Governor, that an outbreak among the troops was contemplated by a portion of them, and that if they were
marched to Nauvoo, an attack upon the inhabitants of that place, was rendered certain. Gen. Deming, the officer in
command of the Brigade, gave his opinion to the Governor, that it would be unsafe to march the forces to Nauvoo,
and that if it was done, he should be unable to control or manage them. Under such circumstances, can it be
doubted; that Gov. Ford pursued the prudent proper course? Had he, in the face of all the warning he had received,
not only from the Brigadier General, but from others, that a portion of the troops would attack Nauvoo, if marched
there, persevered in his order to visit Nauvoo, and a collision between the troops, or a portion of them, and the
Mormons, taken place, in which the lives of hundreds would have been, sacrificed, and the destruction, of much
property ensued, would not the whole people have condemned him for thus blindly leading his forces into danger?
Could it not have been said, with the strictest propriety, that Gov. Ford was properly chargeable with the life of every
citizen lost, inasmuch as he had, in the face of the deliberate opinion of the Brigadier General, as well as the
information of several reputable persons, that an outbreak between the Mormons and the troops was inevitable,
persisted in carrying out an order which would have brought the belligerent parties into immediate conflict? Nay,
more, could it not have been reasonably inferred, that he desired the destruction of the Mormons and their
property, having gone there with a full knowledge that the troops could not be controlled, and that a portion' were
inflexible in their determination to visit summary punishment upon this modem Sodom? To my mind, it appears
most manifest, that the public safety, and the prevention of a disgraceful riot, imperiously called for the
countermanding of his previous order. The marching them, under the circumstances, to Nauvoo, would have have
been
[ 20 ]
just as politic, as to have sent a child into a powder magazine with a lighted torch.
As soon as Governor Ford disbanded the forces at Carthage, he despatched a messenger to Golden's Point, with
an order countermanding his previous order to the Warsaw troops, and directing their return home. Many of them, it
is said, returned, while the greater portion took up their line of march in another direction. -- This, however, is not
stated from personal observation, but given for what it is worth as the current rumor of the day. About noon, on
Thursday, the 27th, Gov. Ford left Carthage for Nauvoo, and arrived there between four and five o'clock with the
escort of horse before mentioned, and some eight or ten others. The Marshal of the city gave notice, that as soon
as the people could be collected together, they would be addressed by the Governor; and in a space of time not
exceeding thirty minutes at most, FIVE THOUSAND PERSONS were congregated.
On the opposite corner of the street from the Nauvoo Mansion, (the public house where the Governor and suite
was stopping,) stood a small one story frame building, not covered in, and with but few of the rafters up. On the top
of this frame, a platform was made of a few rough boards, and from this eminence Gov. Ford addressed the
assembled thousands of Mormons. His speech was evidently every thing else than what they had expected from
him, and its effect upon them, was by no means satisfactory. They had been led to believe (and not without good
cause,). that the Governor or was friendly in the extreme to them, and that so far as his Executive interference
could go, it would be exerted in their behalf. -- This impression, JOE sought to keep up, until within twenty-four
hours of his surrender to the authorities of the law. I make this assertion upon the authority of the Rev. Mr. Dodge,
formerly of Upper Alton, but now a resident of Burlington. He arrived about midnight at Nauvoo, and passed
uninterrupted to the hotel where Joe and his family resided. At the time he went into Nauvoo, he was not aware that
the city was under martial law. The next morning at the table, where were assembled the Prophet and many of his
prominent men and followers, Joe professed to read, a letter he had just received from Gov. Ford, directed to him,
(Joe,) in which the Governor gave him renewed assurances of his being his friend, and determination to sustain
him. I am satisfied, Gov. Ford never wrote the impostor that letter; and that his object in making the statement he
did, in the presence -- of Mr. Dodge, was, to inspire his people with confidence, and give to himself an apparent
influence with the Governor in this melee, which subsequent events show, he did not possess. The Mormons,
however, believed that such a letter was in the hands of their Prophet, and that the Governor would favor them in
their nefarious designs upon the seceders, as well as the other citizens. They were, therefore, but little prepared for
a speech of the character made to them by Gov. Ford. It was firm, decided, unequivocal. He stated to them that
they were the aggressors, and the cause of all the excitement then pervading the community: that their destruction
of the Nauvoo Expositor, the passage of many of their ordinances, the abuse of the exercise of the Habeas
[ 21 ]
Corpus Act, and their resisting the service of process, for violation of of law, were all illegal, arbitrary, and
unjustifiable acts. That their leaders had deceived them in all these things, and warned them against their
repetition. He told them plainly and emphatically, of the excitement and prejudice that existed against them in all
sections of the country, and again warned them against committing any new act of aggression, which would
inevitably result in their extermination, and the probable conflagration of their entire city. -- They were admonished
by the Governor, that such was the prejudice and excitement against them, that if a conflict was provoked between
them, and the citizens, he would be unable to render them, as the Executive of Illinois, any protection; and that and
that candor compelled him to make this statement to them, that they might know precisely the ground they
occupied and must necessarily occupy, if a collision ensued between them and the citizens. The existence of the
Danite Band among them, was also alluded to by Gov. Ford, and the purposes for which it was created, descanted
upon in terms of merited severity. He also read the names of some seven or eight individuals who were seceders
from the Mormons, and who had called upon the Governor for protection from the de^ signs of this murderous
band. They were informed that these seceders had stated, that the destruction of their lives had been determined
upon by the Prophet, and this Danite Band selected as the persons by whom the requisitions of the Prophet were to
be put into execution. Gov. Ford, remarked, that it was not for him to say then, whether he believed these
representations or not. But his object in calling the attention of the Mormons to it, was, to tell them, that if either
of these persons were assassinated privately or publicly, or the property of either of them destroyed, THE
PEOPLE would hold them accountable for the act, and that nothing could prevent, not a thousand but
TEN THOUSAND citizens marching down upon them, and driving the whole of them from the borders of the
State. It was the reiteration of undeniable truths, such as the above, to the Mormons, that Mr. Reid, the counsel
of the impostors, denominates in his “statement of facts” (?) “haranguing the peaceful
citizens of Nauvoo.” Had the same spirit of candor been dealt out to the Mormons, years ago, by those
who have been in the habit of “haranguing” them for political, as well as sinister purposes, all
this excitement would not have existed, and peace and tranquility would have reigned throughout the county of Hancock.
After Gov. Ford had concluded his speech to the Mormons, on the evening of the 27th, at Nauvoo, he immediately, together
with his escort, took up their march on their return to Carthage; and here, for a season, I must leave the Governor,
while the attention of the public is directed to the scene that was enacted at Carthage.
Previous to returning to the attack upon the jail, and the events resulting from that attack, it is important to a correct
understanding of the matter, that the reader should be put in possession of the location of the jail, and the situation
of the prisoners within it. The jail is a large two story stone building, situated on the outskirts of the town of
Carthage, about a quarter of a mile distant from the court house and in the direction of Warsaw, so that a
[ 22 ]
person or body of persons, coming from the direction of Warsaw, could approach the Jail without entering the
densely populated portion of the town, or without being discovered by the citizens in general. A portion of this
building was occupied by the jailor and his family, as their residence; and the residue was finished off into cells for
the security and safe keeping of those committed for crime, within its walls. After the prisoners had a short time
been confined within one of these places of safety, complaint was made to the Governor, by their counsel, that
they wore treated with unnecessary rigor; and an application was made by the council, to the Governor, that their
clients might be permitted to occupy a more comfortable, though far less secure portion of the building. The
Executive accordingly addressed a note to the officer in charge of the prisoners, advising that they be treated
with all the leniency, and be made as comfortable as the security of their persons would warran. They were
consequently permitted to occupy a room in the second story of the building, attached to the apartments occupied
by and intended for the family of the jailor. The windows to this apartment were not barred, but, on the contrary,
entirely open, like the windows of any other dwelling. -- Within this room the prisoners were confined, their safety
being regarded as amply provided for, by the guard which was constantly kept upon duty in and about the jail. Two
of the windows to this room, were up at the time of the attack, and a curtain hung before each of them.
A short time previous to the denouement, as I am credibly informed, the prisoners, as well as the guard, had been
regaling themselves over a bottle of wine furnished by the Prophet, or at his request. But none of them, so far as
my information extended, had partaken to excess. Two companies had been left by Gov. Ford, previous to his
departure in the morning for Nauvoo, as a guard to secure the safe custody of the prisoners, as well as to protect
them in the event of an attempt being made to commit personal violence upon them. One of these companies
were the Carthage Greys, and both were under the immediate command of Gen. Deming, accused (whether justly
or not, I cannot say,) of being a Jack Mormon, and interested directly in their behalf. From these companies, eight
men were alternately detached and stationed as immediate guards at the jail, while the main body were
encamped on the public square, a distance of about eighty or one hundred rods.
At about six o'clock in the afternoon of the 20th of June, a body of men numbering from one hundred to one
hundred and fifty, disguised by having their faces painted different colors, approached the jail from the direction of
Warsaw, and surrounded it. They were armed, eikI the object of their mission not to be misunderstood. A demand
was immediately made upon the guard of eight on duty at the jail, for the delivery of the Smiths, which was
promptly refused. A rush was made for the stair case, by a portion of the populace, and the muskets of the guard
were instantaneously discharged at them: that they did not take effect, I entertain no reasonable doubt, and,
whether intentionally or not, the fair presumption
[ 23 ]
is, (from the best information I can obtain, that the guns were fired over the heads of the assailants. The guards in
attendance were secured, and the stair case easily gained by those seeking the Smiths, and on reaching the door
of the room where the prisoners were confined an indiscriminate firing took place between the assailed and the
assailants. With the confusion and dismay that inevitably existed at the time, it is unreasonable to expect that the
fact, of which party fired first, can with any certainty be ascertained. Five minutes to the very extent, did not
transpire from the first demand upon the guards for the prisoners, until the deed was committed and the assailants
had retreated from the ground. Upon the first discharge of musketry, from those without the room, Hyrum Smith
was instantly killed, and Taylor, the editor of the Nauvoo Neighbor, wounded with at least four bullets. Joseph
Smith, the Prophet, fired his six barrel revolving pistol three times, and one of the balls took effect in the wrist of a
man by the name of Wills, and who was among the assailants, as is generally acknowledged. The Prophet,
immediately after discharging his pistol at those within the jail, retreated to the window and sprung-upon the sill,
with the design, as is believed, of jumping to the ground and attempting an escape. Upon reaching the window and
throwing aside the curtain, and perceiving unexpectedly, a large armed force in disguise at that end of the building,
upon the ground, he exclaimed, "Oh! my God," when a number of muskets were, with the rapidity of thought,
discharged at the unfortunate wretch, five or six of which took effect. He fell head forward to the earth, and was
dead, as I am informed by one who examined him immediately on falling, when he struck the ground. He was
wounded in the breast by five or six different shots, either of which would, in all human probability, have proved
fatal. Hyrum Smith was wounded in the head, one of the balls passing immediately under the eye-ball, another
through the neck, and the residue through his body, Dr. Richards, who was also in the same room with the
deceased, escaped uninjured, by retreating at the first onset behind the door, and against the wall. There were, in
addition to those disguised, as I have been informed, and which information I believe to be correct, about three
hundred others who were not disguised, and who remained a short distance from the jail in ambush, as a reserved
corps, should further assistance prove necessary. It was at first stoutly denied, and by some is persisted in to this
day, that the prisoners were not armed at all. This, however, is a fact reduced to too absolute a certainty to admit of
any controversy. It is admitted by the Mormons themselves, that Joe and Hyrum Smith were both armed with
revolving pistols. Joe had discharged but three of the barrels of his pistol, as was discovered upon examination
after his death. Hyrum's was found upon his person, the barrels all loaded, and of Course unused by him. Whether
Taylor and Richards were armed is not known, and probably never will be. If they were armed, they would not
admit it; but from the fact that their two associates were prepared for an attack with pistols, leaves the inference
irresistible, that they also, had adopted the same precautionary measures. How they obtained ^e arms is of course
unexplained. Inasmuch, however,
[ 24 ]
As their friends had free admission to them during the whole of the time they were in confinement, the legitimate
conclusion is, that they were furnished with weapons of defence by those visiting them. On the next day after the
attack, I met with a man in Warsaw, by the name of Wills, and heretofore referred to, who informed me he was shot
by Joe Smith, in the jail. The wound was not a dangerous one, and my object in alluding to it at all, is only in
corroboration of the statement, that the prisoners were armed and used them either in defence or in making an
attack. This Mr. Wills had formerly been a Mormon preacher, was a seceder from Joe and his impositions, and felt
no very friendly disposition towards the sect, much less to those charged with treason and confined in the jail That
there was no doubt of his having been wounded by the discharge of a pistol, fired by the Prophet; he gave me the
most unqualified assurance. Two other of the citizens of Hancock, were wounded in the conflict, by the firing from
the prisoners, as they maintain, but neither of them dangerously.
So soon as the death of Joseph Smith was ascertained, the assailants withdrew, and returned, as is supposed, to
their respective places of abode. The consternation that pervaded the entire community at Carthage, can better be
imagined than described. When the attack was first made upon the jail, and the quick successive reports of the
rifles heard, the bells of the taverns were rung, and an alarm was raised throughout the town, that the Mormons
had surrounded the jail, and were rescuing the prisoners from the custody of its keeper. Many, crediting the report,
supposed the vengeance of the followers of Joe would, as soon as he was released, be turned upon the citizens,
and that indiscriminate massacre of life, and conflagration of property, would ensue. A few moments, however,
only transpired, before the knowledge of the death of the Smith's disabused the public mind, as to the rumor that
the Mormons had attacked the jail, though it by no means lessened the consternation and fear of the inhabitants in
general. They supposed that as soon as information could be conveyed to Nauvoo, of the death of their two
principal men, and the dangerous wounding of the third, the inhabitants of that city would rush, in a spirit of
revenge, with the malignity of fiends, upon the towns of Carthage and Warsaw, and that, ere the rising of the
morning sun, the "blackness of ashes" would alone mark where they stood, and all of their inhabitants, who should
fall within their grasp, would meet the same fate which had been visited upon the Smiths. A messenger was
immediately despatched to Gov. Ford, to inform him of what had transpired, and to enable him to escape, while the
citizens, with but very few exceptions, were fleeing in every direction, from what they regarded as inevitable
destruction, if they remained. The messenger despatched to the Governor, met him about three miles out of the
city, on his way back to Carthage, who was requested to return with the escort, and the whole made all convenient
haste for the scene of consternation. A despatch, however, was sent to Capt. Singleton, and his company, who
were supposed to have remained in Nauvoo, to inform them of what had occurred, with instructions to march
without delay to Carthage. He was
[ 25 ]
met a short distance out of Nauvoo, and increasing the march of his men, arrived the next morning at Carthage.
The Mormons did not that evening, hear of the catastrophe that had befallen their leaders, nor was the information
imparted to them, until about daylight the next morning. The Governor and his escort, reached Carthage, between
ten and eleven o'clock that evening. What he did, on his arrival, I prefer giving in his own language, as taken from
his address “To the people of the State of Illinois,” under date of June 29th, 1844. In it he says:
“Many of the inhabitants of Carthage had fled with their families; others were prepared to go. I apprehended
danger to the settlements, from the sudden fury and passions of the Mormons; and sanctioned their movements in this
respect. Gen. Deming volunteered to remain with a few troops, to observe the progress of events, to defend property
against small numbers, and with orders to retreat if menaced by a superior force. I decided to proceed immediately
to Quincy, to prepare a force sufficient to suppress disorder, in case it should ensue, for the foregoing transactions,
or from any other cause.” The result was a total abandonment of the town of Carthage, during that night, by
men, women, and children, saving the handful of persons remaining with Gen. Deming, as sentinels. The public records
of the county, were all removed to the neighboring town of Augusta, whither the Governor, as well as most of the
citizens, repaired that evening. In the rapid flight that ensued, the cannon, arms, and ammunition of the citizens,
were all left at Carthage, and the property of those escaping from imaginary danger, left to chance for its
preservation.
Upon the arrival of Captain Singleton's company, at the county seat, their apprehensions were greatly increased by
Gen. Deming's information imparted to them; and they, too, conceiving that “distance lent enchantment to the
view,” proceeded with all convenient haste for their homes in Schuyler county. The captain concluded to repair
at his ease to Quincy, whither he directed his steps, and reported himself to the commander-in-chief.
At Warsaw, a somewhat different state of things existed. I reached there about midnight of the same day upon
which the killing of the Smiths took place. Col. March, of Alton, and myself, left Nauvoo immediately after the
Governor had conclude his speech to the Mormons, and started for Keokuk, by wagon, on the opposite side of the
river, in hopes of reaching the packet Boreas, previous to her departure from that place. The roads being bad, we
did not reach Keokuk until half-past ten o'clock at night, and found the boat gone. We had been there but a few
moments, when I heard the report of a cannon in the direction of Warsaw, and at once supposed it was intended as
a signal of triumph, and that the event had occurred, which I felt convinced, would take place twenty-eight hours
previous to its occurrence. Anxious to earn the facts, and somewhat in hopes that the Boreas might not have left
Warsaw, we procured a skiff and hired a couple of men to row us down the river to that place, a distance of about
five miles. We reached our place of destination about midnight, not without, however, being required to
“stand” several times and report who we were and what was our business, by sentinels placed
[ 26 ]
upon the outskirts of the town, as well as the most commanding point on the banks of the river.; Here, too, I found
consternation and alarm pervading, to some extent, the entire community. The events of the tragic scene at
Carthage, were soon imparted to me. The troops who had marched from Golden's Point, to Carthage, and hack
again, that day, had but a short time previous, returned, were very much fatigued, and were partaking of some
refreshments which had been prepared for them by a portion of the citizens. Those having families, were
congregating the women and children together, on the banks of the Mississippi, with a view of removing them to
the little town of Alexandria, on the opposite side of the river. The Boreas lay on the opposite side, and was
crowded with families destined for Quincy, as a place of refuge, and determined there to remain, until the result
should be known whether Warsaw would be the scene of renewed acts of violence, and their homes laid waste by
the torch of sin infuriated and unrelenting adversary. The ferry boat was soon crowded with women and children,
with what scattering articles of wearing apparel they could collect together in the hurry and excitement of the
moment, accompanied by a few of the male citizens, who were sent along to provide them with such
accommodations as the place of their refuge would afford. Most of the men remained at their posts at Warsaw,
and at once commenced placing their town in as formidable a state of defence, as their numbers, and the quantity
of their fire-arms, would admit of. The streets were patrolled by a vigilant guard: sentinels were placed at every
point of ingress, on the outskirts of the town: the few pieces of cannon, they had, were stationed at those points,
where, it was believed, they would do the most signal service in case of an attack. Several of the merchants had
their goods in wagons, ready for a retreat, in the event of the Mormons attacking them with an overpowering force.
And all that remained there, were kept constantly under arms, anticipating every moment, a visitation from the
Mormons.
I crossed the Mississippi on the ferry boat, containing the families of the citizens, and, at the request of Mr.
Rockwell, of Warsaw, addressed them for a few moments, and endeavored, by detailing to them what transpired at
Nauvoo, the character of the Governor's address to the citizens of that place, the deportment of the Mormons, and
their dejected appearance, to calm their excitement, and impress upon them the convictions of my own mind, that
no attack would be made upon them by the Mormons, but that they would remain as a body in their own city, and
act only on the defensive. On reaching the opposite shore, I embarked on board the Boreas, and arrived at Quincy
the next morning at day light.
When we left Warsaw, great apprehensions were entertained by the citizens there, that Gov. Ford and suite, who
were supposed ti> have encamped, for the night, within a few miles of Nauvoo, as well as Capt. Singleton and his
little band of sixty men, known to b« stationed in the city of Nauvoo, were in imminent danger of personal violence
from the Mormons. It was insisted, on the part of the citizens, that as soon as the news reached the “Holy
City” of the fall of their two great leaders, their followers, led on by
[ 27 ]
some unprincipled and daring desperado, in their midst, would at once take, vengeance by massacring Gov. Ford
and his escort, as also Captain Singleton and his company. A committee, consisting of two of their citizens, Messrs.
Rosevelt and Matthews, were accordingly despatched to Quincy, with instructions to seek the assistance of the
citizens of that place, to rescue the Governor and others, from what was supposed, by some, to be their danger.
Immediately after the boat reached Quincy, the bells of the different churches were at once rang, and in the course
of a few minutes, an immense gathering of the people had convened at the court house. Dr. Ralston was
appointed chairman of the meeting., when Wm. H. Rosevelt, Esq., one of the committee from Warsaw, was called
upon to give a statement of facts to those assembled. Not having heard him, I of course cannot state the substance
of his remarks. It was, however, admitted on all hands, that he was very much excited, and the effect of his effort,
was evidently such as to impress those whom he addressed, with the belief that danger threatened those of our
citizens who were supposed to have encamped cither at Nauvoo or in its vicinity. Acting under such impressions,
about three hundred of the citizens of Quincy, with commendable alacrity, at once prepared to inarch to Warsaw,
and by eight o'clock that morning, embarked on board the Boreas, and proceeded to Warsaw, where they took up
their encampment and remained until the Sunday evening following, when, by the advice of the Governor, they
returned to Adams county. The officers of the three independent companies of Quincy, proved themselves worthy
of the positions they occupied. They had called out their respective companies to maintain, not violate the laws of
the land; and resolved that not a blow should be struck by one of them, save under orders from the commander-in-chief,
or from those under him. Upon arriving at Warsaw, it was ascertained beyond much doubt, that the Governor,
his escort, as well as Captain Singleton's company, were safe, as an express had reached Warsaw from the
Governor, about 2 o'clock the night previous, instructing General Knox to march to Carthage with all convenient
despatch, with all the forces he could raise. Their greatest solicitude was, therefore, removed. While they were
encamped at Carthage, some attempts were made to excite the prejudices of a portion of the Quincy forces, and
prevail upon them to aid in the extermination of the Mormons, at any rate. Those efforts, however, were wholly
unavailing, as they were all determined to do nothing, save under the authority of the law.
The expectations of the public, may possibly, anticipate a disclosure of the names of the persons connected with
the destruction of the Smiths, and the extent to which the citizens, generally, were privy to the affair. To say that
I do not know any who participated in the attack, would not be true. But the circumstances under which I came in
possession of that knowledge, were of that nature, that no inducement on earth, could prompt, or coerce me to
divulge their names. Not can I assert, with any degree of certainty, how far the citizens, generally, are implicated.
My individual opinion is, from information derived from the best sources that the entire community
[ 28 ]
of the whole county, with probably not twenty exceptions, were privy to a determination, on the part of some of their
number, that the Smiths never should leave the Carthage jail alive. At my great object in this publication is, to
impart correct information to the public, I feel constrained from an imperative sense of duty, to give the substance
of a statement, in writing, made to Gov. Ford, by one who was an eye witness, and marched to Warsaw, and the the
perusal of which, the Governor has favored me with. The informant of the Governor showed, by his assertions, that
there was a calm, deliberate and fixed determination, upon the part of those who were smarting under the injuries
inflicted upon them by Joe Smith, to put him and his brother Hyrum out of existence. He states the plan to have
been this: (I shall omit names.) On the morning of the 27th, when the forces were on their march to Golden's Point,
in the expectation of proceeding to Nauvoo in company with the Carthage wing of the army, it was agreed that
twenty men were to be picked from the companies, named in the statement, whose duty it was to have been, to
have proceeded to Carthage and assassinate the Smiths, while the residue of the army, under Gov. Ford, were at
Nauvoo. The informant of the Governor states, that the arrival of the messenger from his Excellency,
countermanding the order of the previous day to march to Nauvoo, and disbanding the forces then at Golden's
Point, or on their way thither, destroyed the original design of the manner in which their wishes were to be
accomplished. The officers formally disbanded their troops, but requested them to remain for a few moments.
They were called to order, when a citizen, (not connected with the troops,) who believed he would be murdered, if
the Smiths were allowed to escape addressed them for a short period, in a manner, at least, not calculated to allay
their prejudices. After he had concluded, a contrariety of opinion existed as to the course that should be pursued, a
portion strenuously insisting that they should return to Warsaw, while the residue as pertinaciously adhered to the
views of the first speaker, and insisted upon prompt action. One speaker declared, (as the Governor's informant
states,) that they had nothing to expect from the Executive, and that they must either take the matter into their own
hands, and avenge their wrongs, or their most implacable enemies would escape. The result of the deliberations
was, that a large proportion of those assembled, advanced on their march, while the smaller portion directed their
steps "homeward bound." When within five miles op thereabouts, of Carthage, a messenger from that place met
the forces, and delivered to one of their number, a letter signed "Carthage Greys." It stated that now was a beautiful
time to do the Work -- that Gov. Ford and his escort had left for Nauvoo, and that the guard understood the matter
perfectly: that their guns would be loaded with blank cartridges, and would be fired over the heads of the assailants
of the jail. It also described the manner in which a portion of the guard at the jail, should be seized and held by
some of the assailants. This informant further says, that when they arrived on the outskirt of the town, they were
met by one of the officers of the Carthage Greys, who, very smilingly, shook hands
[ 29 ]
with some one or two of the forces, and pasted into the rear of them, when an attack was immediately made on the
jail, and the deed accomplished. I give this statement for what it is worth, without pretending to vouch in any way for
its accuracy. The knowledge of its existence was imparted to me unsolicited; and the respectability of the individual
making it to the Executive, vouched for by him to me. If he has stated the facts as they occurred, he has nothing to
fear, and the public have a right to be put in possession of them. If he has concocted the story in whole, or in part,
and thus sought to blast the reputations of some of the most estimable, wealthy, and intelligent citizens of Hancock
county, he deserves, and will, without doubt, receive the execrations of all honorable men. Whether it be true or
false, the public will shortly know, from a judicial investigation which I am informed will take place, and in which
this individual will doubtless be introduced as a witness.
I have hitherto said but little in regard to Gen. Deming. My reason for this is, I had no confidence whatever in him,
from the attempts which I knew he was constantly making while I remained in Carthage, to give this unfortunate
affair a political turn, and to impress upon the minis of his superiors, that the Whigs were the prime movers
throughout the whole of it. And as he had not succeeded in making any body believe his silly, foolish story, he
failed in what I regarded a dishonorable scheme for selfish purposes. Still, I feel no other than a desire to place
him fairly before the public. At the time the attack was made upon the jail, the General was at his dwelling, and
knew nothing of it until all was over. On the arrival of Gov. Ford at Carthage, that night, he consented to remain with
a small force as a guard to the property, and to prevent its destruction by small numbers, that might possibly visit
the place for that purpose. On the morning of the 28th June, the day subsequent to the affray, the General issued
the following order, which was scattered throughout the county:
Head Quarters, June 28th, 1844.
To the Citizens of Carthage and Hancock County:
In pursuance of an order from Gov. Ford, instructing me to the exercise of such discretionary powers, as I may
deem necessary for the preservation of the public safety, and the lives and property of our citizens, I hereby invite
all citizens to remain at their several homes, in Hancock county, and co-operate with me in establishing tranquility
and safety throughout the country. The most efficient means have been put in requisition for concentrating the
military forces, of the neighboring counties at Carthage, and in twelve hours there will be a sufficient force for the
protection of every citizen in the county. I confidently believe, there is no just apprehension of an attack upon any
place, by the Mormon citizens of our county. And I hereby strictly command all citizens of Hancock county, to
abstain from violence towards the Mormon population, under penalty of the severest inflictions of military law; and
in no case, only, on the defence.
[ 30 ]
The corpses of the murdered men, will be forthwith removed to Nauvoo, with an escort from Head Quarters. Given
under my hand, this 28th day of June, 1844, 4 o'clock, A. M."
M. R. DEMING,
Brig. Gen, 4th Brigade and 5th Division.
"It is hoped, the Governor will be at head quarters in a few hours."
After the appearance of the above proclamation, a number assembled at Carthage, and in its vicinity, out were
within a short period disbanded, by direction of the Governor, as the most efficient means to restore confidence
and tranquility throughout the community. In another part of this work, I shall have occasion to recur again to Gen.
Deming.
Gov. Ford reached Quincy on Saturday morning, the 29th of June, I and made it his head quarters, where he has
ever since principally remained. He was much exhausted on his arrival, and apparently was suffering greatly from
chagrin, mortification, and regret, at what had occurred. He immediately issued the following address to the
people of Illinois, and accompanying order to the militia of the State:
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
I desire to make a brief but true statement of the recent disgraceful affair at Carthage, in regard to the Smiths, so
far as circumstances have come to my knowledge. The Smiths, Joseph and Hyrum, have been assassinated in
jail, by whom is not known, but will be ascertained. I pledged myself for their safety, and upon the assurance of that
pledge, they surrendered as prisoners. The Mormons surrendered the public arms in their possession, and the
Nauvoo Legion submitted to the command of Capt. Singleton, of Brown county, deputed for that purpose by me.
All these things were required to satisfy the old citizens of Hancock, that the Mormons were peaceably disposed;
and to allay jealousy and excitement in their minds. It appears, however, that the compliance of the Mormons with
every requisition made upon them, failed of that purpose. The pledge of security to the Smiths, was not given upon
my individual responsibility. Before I gave it, I obtained a pledge of honor by an unanimous vote from the officers
and men under my command, to sustain me in performing it. If the assassination of the Smiths was committed by
any portion of these, they have added treachery to murder, and have done all they could do to disgrace the State,
and sully the public honor.
On the morning of the day the deed was committed, we had proposed to march the army, under my command,
into Nauvoo. I, however, discovered, on the evening before, that nothing but utter destruction of the city, would
satisfy a portion of the troops; and that if we marched into the city, pretexts would not be wanting for commencing
hostilities. The Mormons had done every thing required or which ought to have been required of them. Offensive
operations on our part would have been as unjust and disgraceful as they would have been impolitic, in the
present critical season of the year, the harvest and the crops. For these reasons I decided, in a council of officers,
to disband the army, except three companies,
[ 31 ]
two of which were retained as a guard for the jail. With the other company I marched into Nauvoo to address the
inhabitants there, and tell them, what they might expect, in case they designedly or imprudently provoked a war. I
performed this duty, as I think plainly and emphatically, and then set out to return to Carthage. When I had marched
about three miles, a messenger informed me of the occurrences at Carthage. I hastened on to that place. The
guard; it is said, did their duty but were overpowered. Many of the inhabitants of Carthage had fled with their
families. Others were prepared to go. I apprehended danger to the settlements from the sudden fury and passion
of the Mormons, and sanctioned their movements in this respect.
General Deming volunteered to remain with a few troops, to observe the progress of events, to defend property
against small numbers, and with orders to retreat if menaced by a superior force. I decided to proceed immediately
to Quincy, to prepare a force, sufficient to suppress disorders, in case it should ensue for the foregoing
transactions, or from- any other cause. I have hopes that the Mormons will make no further difficulties. In this I may
be mistaken. The other party may not be satisfied. They may recommence aggression. I am determined to
preserve the peace against all breakers of the same, at all hazards. I think, present circumstances warrant the
precaution, of having competent force at my disposal, in readiness to march at a moment's warning. My position at
Quincy, will enable me to get the earliest intelligence, and to communicate orders with greater celerity. I have
decided to issue the following general orders
Head Quarters,
Quincy, June 29th, 1844.
It is ordered that the commandants of regiments in the counties of Adams, Marquette, Pike, Brown, Schuyler,
Morgan, Scott, Cass, Fulton, and McDonough, and the Regiments composing General Stapp's Brigade, will call
their respective Regiments and Battalions together immediately upon the receipt of this order, and proceed by
voluntary enlistment to enroll as many men as can be armed in their respective regiments. They will make
arrangements for a campaign of twelve days, and will provide themselves with arms, ammunition, and provisions
accordingly, and hold themselves in readiness, immediately to march upon the receipt of further orders. The
independent companies of Riflemen, Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery, in the above named counties, and in the
county of Sangamon, will hold themselves in readiness in like manner.
THOMAS FORD,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
On the 30th, he despatched Captains Hart Fellows and A. Jonas, Esq., to Nauvoo and Warsaw, to ascertain public
sentiment, as far as practicable, as to the probability of an attack from the Mormons, or the citizens, with power to
disband all forces, if necessary, and to have arrested any persons at either place, who, by language or otherwise,
were attempting to excite the people to acts
[ 32 ]
of violence. They returned on the 3d of July, and made a report to the Governor, which was subsequently read at a
public meeting of the citizens of Quincy, wherein they reported every thing quiet at Nauvoo, but a different feeling
existing at Warsaw. Previous to their arrival at Nauvoo, the bodies of Joe and Hyrum Smith had been brought in,
and consigned to the final renting place of all mankind. The burial took place on Saturday evening, the 29th inst., at
about 6 o'clock -- the religious ceremonies being performed at their public stand, while the bodies were deposited
by a few confidential persons, in some unknown spot. Previous to the death of the Smiths, two tombs had been
erected by the direction of Joe, about one mile from the Temple, and in which their bodies were respectively to be
deposited after their decease. But this was not done, and the reason assigned for it, was, that the Missourians had
offered a reward of a thousand dollars for the head of Joe, and they had concealed his burying place, with a view
of preventing his enemies from getting his head. This shallow excuse, doubtless, answered the end that it was
intended for, among the superstitious and ignorant of their own sect. The more reasonable supposition, however,
is, that the concealing of the place where the bodies rest, is for the purpose of hereafter practising some new
scheme of imposition upon the credulity, ignorance and fanaticism of the mass comprising their numbers. The
leaders may also be enabled to make capital out of the following coincidence: The press was destroyed by the
mob in Nauvoo, as is shown by the return of the of officer, at 6 o'clock, P.M.: the Smiths were killed at the same
hour: Gov. Ford addressed them at the same hour, and the burial took place at the same time in the evening. But
whether they do or not, subsequent events show that the hour selected by Joe for destroying the press, was a most
fatal one.
I have now put the public in possession of all the material facts connected with the riot at Nauvoo, the death of its
authors, and the subsequent occurrences up to the 3d of July. I now propose to notice one or two objections made
to the course of the Executive of Illinois, giving his own reasons for that course; also, to recapitulate hastily, the
circumstances relied upon by the citizens of Hancock, in mitigation of the offence they have committed against the
laws of their country, and then relieve the patience of the reader.
The serious causes of complaint made by the public, against Gov. Ford, are, first: having pledged to the Smiths
and others, his faith, as well as that of the State of Illinois, that they should be protected from personal violence, if
they would surrender themselves to be dealt with according to law, that protection should have been extended to
them at all hazards; and secondly, his sending the McDonough and Schuyler troops home, and retaining the
Carthage Greys as a guard over the prisoners, when had already revolted.
In regard to the first proposition,
considered in an abstract point of view, its correctness cannot be questioned. But the facts fairly in regard to this
pledge, are not understood, and have not been laid before the public. Joe Smith and his brother, it will be
recollected,
[ 33 ]
from the 13th day of June, until the night of the 24th of the same month, had been openly resisting the execution of
the laws of the land, backed by a military force of from three to four thousand, and avowing a determination not to
submit, as, all other citizens of the State were required to do, to its process. The charge and the only charge,
preferred against him and his associates, (some fifteen in number,) was for a riot in destroying, the press. And the
process, the execution of which he was resisting, was the one issued upon this complaint. To aid in its
execution, the citizens were first called out as a posse, by the constable, the 4th Brigade, by Gen. Deming, and
the aid of the Executive solicited. And not until several communications had been directed by the Governor to the
Mormons, in which they were given to understand, that unless submission was made, the forces of the State should be
marched down upon them, did they yield. In none of these communications, was any pledge given by the Governor,
that they should be protected from personal violence. It was not, as far as I can ascertain, the excuse made by Joe for
not surrendering, but he occupied a higher ground, that he was beyond the reach of the law, save as administered
by the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo, of which he and his associates in guilt, were the presiding officers;
consequently it cannot, in truth, be urged that this pledge of personal protection, made by the Governor, was the
cause of the surrender. Had Joe Smith and his associates, charged with crime, resisted, upon the ground, that they
would be subjected to personal violence, if they went to Carthage, and expressed a perfect willingness to submit to
the execution of process, provided their personal safety was guaranteed by the Governor, the case would have
been an entirely different one. But, as before asserted, they assumed no such position, and they made a virtue of
necessity, and yielded only, when satisfied that an overpowering force would drive them to submission. Much,
therefore, of the sympathy bestowed upon them, at their death, under the sanction of the pledge of the Governor,
is, in my opinion, undeserved. It was a gratuitous verbal pledge given to the Mormon committee who visited
Carthage, and subsequently repeated to the Smiths, after they reached that place, and not made by them
previously, a condition of such surrender. At the time the pledge was given, it will also be borne in mind, that
it extended only, to the charge preferred against them, that of riot, as no other process was out against them, neither
was any other contemplated, so, far as the Governor knew. Upon that charge, they underwent a hearing, and were
peaceably released, and securely delivered out of the hands of the law, by entering into the required recognizance,
to appear at the next term of the court. The pledge extended to the whole fifteen arrested for the riot, and all of
them returned safely to Nauvoo, after giving bail, except the two Smiths, arrested for treason; and but for that
arrest, they might also have reached their homes in safety. I maintain, therefore, that the pledge did not extend to
their personal safety, upon their surrender, on any other charge, than the one preferred against them for riot, and to
aid in the execution of the process, for which the whole forces in attendance were called out.
[ 34 ]
By some, it has been gravely urged that the Governor, when he found he could not protect them, should have
opened the prison doors, and allowed them to escape. Had he done this, nothing could have prevented his
impeachment and conviction» These men were committed by due course of law, to jail, upon a charge of the most
serious character known to our laws -- TREASON. The punishment, upon conviction, being death, the accused
could not be bailed. And I should like to know, upon what principle of law, or by what process of reasoning, Gov.
Ford, as the Executive of Illinois, could have justified a release of the prisoners. The blow which such a step would
have aimed at the judicial tribunals of the country, would have been fraught with far more danger and degradation,
than the killing of the Smiths, have inflicted disgrace, either upon the Governor or the State. It would have been an
interference of the Executive with the Judicial departments of our State Government, which would have been a far
more flagrant violation of the Constitution, than any of which the Smiths had been guilty, and for the perpetration of
which, they have forfeited their unprofitable lives. The great error, which Gov. Ford committed, was, in giving this
voluntary pledge. The redemption of it, by him, after the arrest for treason, was a contingency placed entirely
beyond his power, although, at the time of giving it, he did not know it.
The second, and more serious objection
made against him, is the placing the Carthage Greys as a guard over the prisoners, and sending the McDonough
and Schuyler troops home, who were supposed to be free from the disaffection and bitterness towards the
Mormons, that all the citizens of Hancock undisguisedly entertained. It has openly been asserted, by some, and
insinuated by others, both Mormon and Anti-Mormon, that Gov. Ford knew the feelings of the Carthage Greys,
towards the Smiths; and as an evidence of this position, the revolt of that company on Tuesday morning, the 25th
inst., when the two Smiths were being introduced, by Gen. Deming, to the populace, is relied upon. It has been
maintained, that the rebellious spirit, exhibited by this company, was towards the Smiths. But such is not the
case. It was directed towards Gen. Deming, as the following facts willfully disclose. A great anxiety had been evinced,
by the forces collected at Carthage, to see Joe Smith, and to gratify that curiosity a general rush was made at the
tavern, and for the room where he was kept. To dispel the crowd and satisfy all, the Governor remarked, that during
the day they should all see him. In obedience to this promise, the troops were drawn up into a line, and Gen.
Deming instructed to pass the Smiths along the line under a guard, so that all could see him. Gen. Deming ordered
the Carthage Greys to occupy such a position, as made them an escort, not a guard, to the two prisoners charged
with treason against their country, and marching down the line, introduced the Smiths, as “General
Joseph Smith on my right, and General Hyrum Smith on my left.” This, the Carthage Greys regarded as a
direct insult, first, in introducing two felons to those who had been called upon to arrest them, and secondly,
on their being made an escort to the felons thus being introduced. They accordingly, upon the command of their
officer, left the
[ 35 ]
position Gen. Deming placed them in. And for this, they were ordered under arrest. As soon as Gen. Deming gave
the order for arrest, Capt. Smith stepped out in front of his men, and enquired "boys, will you stand this?" to which a
united "NO," was responded; then, remarked the Captain, “load with ball cartridges.” By this time,
the Governor, ascertaining the fracas, came forward and explained to the Greys, that it was without his
orders that any introduction had taken place of the Smiths to the soldiers, and that they were, regarded as a guard,
not as an escort. He further remarked, that the order for their arrest should be countermanded, which was done. After
this, on Gen. Deming's passing up and down the line, he was hissed at by the Greys. This is the simple statement of
facts in regard to the “rebellion” of the Carthage Greys, which clearly shows that all the
demonstrations made by them of violence, was towards Gen. Deming, and not towards the Smiths. The conduct of Gen. Deming
in introducing the Smiths, and titling them at that, was reprehensible in the extreme; and showed, on his
part, a species of sycophancy to the Mormons, which is every thing else than creditable to him.
I am free to admit, if the "statement of an eye witness," made to Gov. Ford, be true, (and the substance of which I
have before given,) that the "Carthage Greys" were most improper and unfit persons to be stationed at the jail as a
guard over the Smiths. For that statement shows, that in the killing of the Smiths, the Greys were as deep in the
mud as the assailants were in the mire. But the question for every man to determine is, whether Gov. Ford knew
that they entertained these feelings of hostility. Some other evidence should be introduced to show, on his part, a
“scieuter,” than the revolt of the Greys towards Gen, Deming: that of itself does not, in my opinion,
warrant a conclusion against Gov. Ford. With the exception, then, of this outbreak between the Greys and Gen. Deming,
and the general impression, that all the citizens of Hancock county, of which the Greys were a portion, were of
one mind towards the Mormons, there is nothing that has been disclosed which would have led Gov. Ford to suppose,
that the guard he placed at the jail would prove recreant to their trust, and become accomplices in the destruction
of the prisoners.
The reason given by the Governor, for disbanding the McDonough and Schuyler troops, and sending them home,
is this: They had for several days been upon duty, with but a short supply of provision, and most of them being
farmers, their services were very much required at home. They had grown uneasy, and were anxious to return. And
not having the means (our State Treasury being as empty as a contributing box) to procure provisions for the men,
if detained any longer, and not apprehending an outbreak, if the troops were keep away from Nauvoo, he
concluded to disband them. Thus far they had been provisioned principally by contributions of the citizens. These
are the reasons assigned by the Executive, for not retaining troops from the counties of McDonough and Schuyler,
as a guard to the jail, instead of the Carthage Greys. And from them each reader must draw his own conclusions.
I now propose to explain the situation of the citizens of Hancock
[ 36 ]
county, with the Mormons; to enumerate the trials they have suffered from them. And to place fairly before the
public, me reasons assigned by themselves, for their resort to violence, which has brought upon them the
anathemas of the united press, and the denunciations of the entire public. The death of the two Smiths, has been
alleged, to be a deliberate, cold blood murder, without cause or provocation, and rendered doubly odious from the
fact that they were under the protection of the law. Many have gone still further, and stigmatized it as the foulest of
all mobs we nave ever had in the Union. Far, very far is it from my design to approve in the remotest degree of a
resort, under any circumstances, to mob violence, for the redress of public or private grievances. I am of the
number, who maintain that there is no such thing as a justification for a resort to popular violence. My convictions
are, that a man, or a community, had better, far better smart under the most oppressive grievances, if the law
furnishes to him no redress, than resort to popular outbreak to correct the evil complained of. And I frankly admit
that the greatest danger of a civil war, and the destruction of our Republican institutions, is to be apprehended from
the mob spirit that, for the last twelve or fifteen years, has swept over this entire Union; and the indirect
approbation it has met with from many in the communities where it has raged. Yet, with these convictions firmly
established in my own mind, I shall not be deterred from doing justice to the citizens of Hancock, though, by so doing,
I may subject myself to the unjust imputation of favoring what has been done. I insist, then, from the facts within my
knowledge, that the killing of the Smiths at Carthage, was not fraught with half the odium, of the late riot in
Philadelphia; the killing of Lovejoy at Alton, or the burning of the negro at St. Louis. My time will not admit of it, or I
could demonstrate this proposition beyond successful controversy. The statement of the situation of the people of
Hancock, will bring nearly every unprejudiced mind to the same conclusion.
Since the foundation of the Mormon sect in Western New York, in the year 1830, down to the present time, all
experience has shown that the members of this sect could not, in peace, reside with other citizens. Why this is
so, is a matter easily explained. The founders of the sect, comprising the Prophet, his brothers, and parents, were
unprincipled, depraved and shiftless. Instead of resorting to habits of industry, for their maintenance, they relied
upon imposition as the means of acquiring their daily bread. They consequently professed to be "money finders,"
or "money-diggers;" and Joe was the Magician who, by the aid of a charmed stone, he professed to be in
possession of, that the hidden treasures of the earth were to be found. The following certificates of character,
made by many of the most reputable citizens in Palmyra, and Manchester, New York, sustain most fully, my
assertions concerning Joe Smith, as well as his parents:
Palmyra, December 4, 1833.
"We, the undersigned, have been acquainted with the Smith family for a number of years, while they resided near
this place, and we have no hesitation in saying, that we consider them DESTITUTE
[ 37 ]
OF THAT MORAL CHARACTER, which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community. They were
particularly famous for visionary projects, spent much of their time in digging for hidden treasures. Joseph
Smith, Sr., and his son Joseph, were in particular, considered ENTIRELY DESTITUTE OF MORAL CHARACTER, AND
ADDICTED TO VICIOUS HABITS. And in reference to all, with whom we were acquainted, that have embraced
Mormonism, from this neighborhood, we are compelled to say, were very visionary, and most of them destitute of
moral character, and without influence in this community; and this may account why they were permitted to go on
with their impositions undisturbed.
Geo. N. Williams,
E. S. Townsend,
G. W. Anderson,
H. P. Thayer,
P. Sexton,
D. S. Jackways,
Jas. Quener,
Jesse Townsend,
John Sothington,
Philo Durfee,
Pelatiah West,
Thos. Rogers, Jr.,
Amos Hollister,
H. K. Jerome,
Hiram Payne,
Joel Thayer,
A. Ensworth,
|
Clark Robinson,
Henry P. Alger,
L. Williams,
Levi Thayer,
M. Butterfield,
John Hurburt,
S. Ackley,
Richard D. Clark,
Durfey Chase,
Giles S. Ely,
Henry Jessup
Wm. Parke,
G. A. Hathaway,
G. Beckwith,
P. Grandin,
C. D. Robinson,
Israel F. Chilson,
|
Lemuel Durfee,
C. E. Thayer,
Geo. W. Crosby,
R. S. Williams,
S. P. Seymour,
H. Linnell,
Josiah Rice,
Th. P. Baldwin,
Wells Anderson,
R. W. Smith,
Linus North,
Josiah Francis,
David G. Ely,
Lewis Foster,
L. Hurd,
Asabel Millard.
|
_________
Manchester, N. Y., November 3, 1833.
We, the undersigned, being personally acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sr., with whom the celebrated
Gold Bible, so called, originated, state: That they were not only A LAZY, INSOLENT SET OF MEN, BUT ALSO
INTEMPERATE; AND THEIR WORD WAS NOT TO BE DEPENDED UPON.
Pardon Butts, Warden A. Reed, James Gee, Abel Chase, Joseph Fish, Horace N. Barnes,
Alfred Stafford, Moses C. Smith, Hiram Smith, A. H. Wentworth, Silvester Worden.
_________
The above certificates were procured after the Mormons removed to the State of Ohio, from New York, and with a
view of placing the people on their guard, against men who were known to be of abandoned and dangerous
characters. The reputation of the two Smiths did not improve any in Ohio; and after swindling the public out of a
large amount of money, (as Joe's bankrupt schedule, filed in this State, shows,) they left by the force of public
opinion, and sought a home in the western portion of Missouri Their conduct here, was even worse than it had
been in New York or Ohio. And as Joe increased in strength, his vicious and depraved habits became more
manifest. I have already
[ 38 ]
spoken of his conduct in Missouri, and of his standing indicted, in State, for the crimes of theft, arson, burglary,
murder and treason. These facts must satisfy any reflecting mind, why he has, for the last twenty years, been
unable to reside long in any one place, at peace with the residue of the community. Since their residence in Illinois,
and the disgraceful, humiliating conduct of politicians towards them, they have grown still more overbearing in
their conduct towards those not of their sect, and far more unblushing in their depredations upon society. It is a fact
as notorious as that Joe Smith once lived, that many of the most hardened felons, desperate horse thieves, and
dangerous men, known in this State, have fled to Nauvoo, become members of the sect of Mormons, and been received in
full fellowship, with a church professing to be christian. It is also known that fugitives from justice from
other portions of the Union, have fled to Nauvoo, been received by Joe into the church, and screened from arrest,
when the officers of the law sought them. Witness the case of Jeremiah Smith, indicted in the District of Columbia,
for swindling the Government out of three thousand dollars, who, after diligent search, was traced to Nauvoo, and
when arrested by the Deputy Marshal of this District, was taken from him by Joe, and discharged. Innumerable
other instances might be named, were it deemed necessary. All that is designed by me, is, to show the public the
character of the leaders, as well as many of the members of the church of "Latter Day Saints," that they may form
their own opinion what security an honest community has, when surrounded by a sect of the description of Joe
Smith. This of itself, ought to satisfy an unprejudiced mind, that the situation of the old citizens of Hancock is
every thing else but desirable, or even to be tolerated. It is no part of my design to charge the whole community of
Mormons, with possessing hearts as vicious and depraved, as those the two Smiths are shown to have had. From
personal observation, I am convinced that there are many poor, unfortunate, deluded beings there, who are
naturally honest, and who, under the influence of goo 1 example and upright leaders, would "act well their part" in
society. That class, however, are, generally speaking, of weak intellect, to a great extent uneducated, and easily
made the dupes of the vicious. Their implicit obedience to Joe, in all the requisitions he makes of them, whether
legal or illegal, honest or dishonest, exemplifies, in a striking manner, the truth of the axiom, that "evil
communication corrupts good manners." On the other hand, there are a large number of the most hardened and
abandoned men in the community, who have gone there, assumed the garb of religion, become the confidential
friends of the Prophet, and all for the purpose of acquiring an easy livelihood by dishonest means. Is it not a self-
evident proposition, that any sect, or body of men, confiding in such leaders, and following implicitly their
directions, cannot be otherwise than a scourge to any community, whose daily walk in life is honest and upright?
I have shown, in a previous portion of this work, the character of the ordinances passed by the City Council of
Nauvoo, in which they assumed to themselves legislative, as well as judicial powers.
[ 39 ]
Those ordinances have abridged the "freedom of speech," destroyed the "liberty of the press;" deprived man of his
"liberty and property," without a resort "to the judgment of his peers and the law of the land," and have provided that
no member of their sect, shall undergo a trial for the commission of crime, before any Court, State or Federal,
except the Municipal Court, of the city of Nauvoo. So far, then, from any old citizen of Hancock county, having legal
redress against any Mormon, for the commission of any depredation upon his property, or person, that
inestimable, constitutional remedy was taken from them. To resort to the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, for legal
redress, would be a perfect farce, for the experience of their whole administration of justice, shows that the judges
of that august body, were governed by one fixed undeviating rule, to release a Mormon, charged with crime by any
other court, no matter how evident the guilt of the accused. These things the old citizens have borne long and
patiently, and might have done so still longer, but for the recent outrages visited upon them, by this band of evil
minded persons. Within the last eighteen months, their property has been stolen, time and time again, and the
depredators, through the influence of these bad men, have gone "unwhipped of justice." They have felt safe in the
possession of nothing, unless it was under guards, or lock and key. They have seen a stab made at the reputation
and life of one of their most estimable citizens, by Joe Smith, and which if it had proved successful, would have
incarcerated the citizen for a few months, in the walls of the building where Joe met his death, and ultimately made
him suffer an ignominious death upon the gallows. The facts are these: A gentlemen by the name of Simpson,
from the State of Kentucky, owned a large body of land in Hancock county, which he was anxious to dispose of,
and for that purpose removed to that county. The only emigration to Hancock was Mormons, and to them alone,
could he sell, if he sold at all. This brought him in contact with Joe, who assumed to himself the right to sell
exclusively, to those of his faith, who should migrate to Nauvoo. The person in question underselling Joe, however,
had succeeded in disposing of some tracts of land to Mormons. Joe determined to rid himself of so troublesome a
rival, and adopted this plan: A most atrocious murder was committed, by whom no one knew, and, until the secrets
of that worse than Spanish Inquisition, "the Danite Band," are revealed, no one in all human probability ever will
know. Job Smith, however, entered a complaint before a Mormon Justice of the Peace, against the person who
had been selling lands, to the detriment of Joe's interests, and in his affidavit swore that this person was guilty of
the murder, as he, Joe, had good reason to believe. The individual was arrested, and most fortunately, was able to
show by a combination of circumstances, that with any honest jury would far have outweighed the testimony of all
the Mormons in Nauvoo, that he could not be the murderer. Joe seeing the position he was in, took his own
affidavit from the Justice and destroyed it, and then unsolicited, but with the design of giving himself the
appearance of much honesty, swore before the justice that he believed the very man he himself had accused of
being the murderer,
[ 40 ]
WAS INNOCENT, AND THAT HE HAD NEVER BELIEVED HIM GUILTY. Here, then, to rid himself of a person
whose reputation was without blemish, and whose only offending to his Kingship, was, that he had disposed of his
own property to individuals to whom Joe desired to sell, he had committed the crime of perjury, and unjustly sought
to deprive an innocent man of his life. Where is the safety and protection, for either life or property, when
surrounded by men of the vile and totally depraved characters of these Mormon leaders? And is there no
mitigation for those who, when they appeal but in vain to the laws of their country for redress, fall back upon that
first law of nature, "self-preservation?"
Joe Smith, at the last term of the Hancock Circuit Court, was indicted for the perjury referred to in the above case;
and in any other county than a Mormon one, or before any jury but one selected from the body of his own
followers, would have been convicted.
Another grievance of the old citizens, and which, to some extent, led to the killing of the two Smiths, was this: There
was, in the town of Warsaw, a newspaper published called the "Warsaw Signal." It was published and edited by
Thos. C. Sharpe, Esq., of that place, who had invariably, since his connection with the press, exposed the iniquities
of the prominent Mormons, and warred against their arbitrary exercise, and flagrant abuse of the powers conferred
upon them by the Legislature of Illinois. After the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor, by Joe and Hyrum Smith, the
latter publicly threatened the life of Mr. Sharpe, and offered to any body of men, AS A REWARD, his best
farm, if they would attack and destroy the office and materials of Mr. Sharpe in Warsaw. This was done in the most
public manner, and the reward offered by Hyrum Smith, for the commission of crime, was unrebuked by the entire
community in which he lived. The citizens of Carthage and Warsaw, having ascertained beyond possibility of
doubt, that these threats had been made against both the life and the property of one of their most estimable
citizens; and knowing, from sad experience, the will of the Mormon populace to carry into, execution the designs
of their leaders, very properly entertained the most serious apprehensions for their safety. They accordingly, as one
of the initiatory steps of defence, first called a public meeting at Warsaw, and adopted a preamble and resolutions
expressive of their feelings and of the course they intended to pursue for their protection. Subsequently, a mass
meeting was convened at Carthage on the 13th of June, 1844, at which the body of the most intelligent, influential,
substantial citizens of the county, gave their attendance. At this mass meeting, the preamble and resolutions
adopted at the Warsaw meeting, were read and unanimously adopted. From them we select the following, as
embracing all that is material to inform the reader of the threats made against the life and property of Sharpe:
"And WHEREAS, Hyrum Smith did, in presence of the City Council, and the citizens of Nauvoo, offer a reward for
the destruction of the printing press and the materials of the Warsaw Signal -- a newspaper also opposed to his
interest.
[ 41 ]
And WHEREAS, the liberty of the press is one of the cardinal principles of our government, finally
guaranteed by the several constitutions of the States, as well as the United States,
And WHEREAS, Hyrum Smith has, within the last week, publicly threatened the life of one of our valuable
citizens -- Thos. C. Sharpe, the editor of the Signal; therefore, be it solemnly
Resolved, By the citizens of Warsaw, in public meeting assembled, that we view the recent ordinance of the
city of Nauvoo, and the proceedings thereunder, as an outrage of an alarming character, revolutionary and tyrannical
in its tendency, and, being under color of law, as calculated to subvert and destroy, in the minds of the community,
all reliance on law.
Resolved, That as a community, we feel anxious, when possible, to redress our grievances by legal remedies; but
the time has now arrived, when the law has ceased to be a protection to our lives and property: a mob at Nauvoo,
under a city ordinance, has violated the highest privilege in our government, and to seek redress in the ordinary
mode, would be utterly ineffectual.
Resolved, That the public threat made in the Council of the city, not only to destroy our printing press, but to take the
life of its editor, is sufficient, in connection with the recent outrage, to command the efforts and the services of
every good citizen, to put an immediate stop to the career of the mad Prophet and his demoniac coadjutors. We
must not only defend ourselves from danger, but we must resolutely carry the war into the enemy's camp. We do,
therefore, declare, that we will sustain our press and the editor, at all hazards: that we will take full vengeance --
terrible vengeance, should the lives of any of our citizens be lost in the effort: that we hold ourselves, at all times, in
readiness to co-operate with our fellow-citizens in this State, Missouri and Iowa, to exterminate, utterly exterminate,
the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles."
It was under the state of feeling exhibited in the foregoing proceedings, and which had been published to the
world, that the arrest of the persons took place, connected with the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor. The
apprehension of personal safety, was not confined to Mr. Sharpe, but to many others of the best citizens of the
county. And in the sad event, which subsequently occurred, many who participated in it; acted from the firm
conviction, that if the two Smiths escaped, and returned to Nauvoo, many of the old citizens would have to forfeit
their lives. They consequently acted upon the hypothesis, that either the Smiths would escape, and all who had
taken a prominent part against them, be murdered by the Mormons, or the two Smiths must be put to death. These,
I know, are the impulses under which many acted who were concerned in the massacre, at the jail; and that they
further believed, if these two leaders were out of the way, no other man or set of men, could spring up in the
community at Nauvoo, who would have. control sufficiently over the will of the populace, as to direct them in. the
perpetration of outrages against others, as Joe and Hyrum Smith had done. By many it it has been supposed, that
the Smiths were secured, and if found
[ 42 ]
guilty, would ultimately be put to death, as that is the punishment for treason. I have no idea myself, that the charge
of treason could have been sustained against them. This, the citizens, on the day of the death of the impostors,
began also to fear. They further ascertained, that on that night, an escape of the prisoners was to be consummated;
and to my mind, it appears perfectly plain, they had determined to prevent it. The evidence, relied upon by them,
to show that an escape was intended, is this: During the day, (27th,) Col. Markham, a leading Mormon in Nauvoo,
and a man, which subsequent events have shown to be of the most desperate character, called upon O. C.
Skinner, Esq., of Carthage, the aid-de-camp of Gen. Deming, and requested a permit from him to pass the guard
at the jail, and carry a bundle of clothing to the Smiths. Mr. Skinner instructed the guard to examine the bundle, and
if it contained nothing but clothing, to pass it up to the prisoners. -- Col. Markham went to the jail, and after
subjecting the bundle to inspection, wished to take it up in person to the Messrs. Smiths. This was refused by the
guard, upon the ground, that the order from the "aid-de-camp" was only to pass the bundle to the prisoners, not to
permit Col. Markham to see them. Upon this, Colonel Markham returned to Mr. Skinner, in a violent passion, and
insisted upon taking the bundle in person to the Smiths. Mr. Skinner persisted in his refusal to allow Markham
entrance into the jail, and the bundle, upon examination, proved to be English short clothes, &c. Both of the
Smiths were clad as Americans, with the best of garments. And the question naturally presents itself to every candid
mind, what could the prisoners have wanted with old fashioned English clothing, such as is worn by the peasantry, but
for the purpose of disguise, in effecting an escape. The above facts I had personally from Mr. Skinner. Another fact,
which places the matter beyond dispute, is, that Dr. Taylor, as well as another Mormon, who conducted the bodies
of the Smiths to Nauvoo, informed several persons, and among them, a man by the name of Goodrich, now
residing in Quincy, that they had made arrangements for their escape on the next night following the death of Joe
and Hyrum Smith. This is vouched for to me, in a letter from a gentleman of the highest character and
responsibility, and who could have no motive in deceiving me.
Another proposition here naturally presents itself to the mind, and which I deem worthy of note; that is, what good
reason was there for the persons engaged in, or privy to, the death of the Smiths, for believing if they (the
prisoners) escaped, any of the citizens would be put to death for the part they had taken in causing the arrest of the
Prophet and his brother? The answer to the proposition is furnished by the Mormons themselves, and out of their
own mouths must they stand condemned before an intelligent public. Sidney Rigdon, their candidate for the Vice
Presidency, and one of the most prominent men in their midst, delivered, before the community of Mormons, A
Fourth of July Address. In it, he recurred to what he termed the persecutions of the Saints; and as a warning for the
future, to all those who might array themselves in a hostile attitude towards the Mormons, used the following
[ 43 ]
emphatic and significant language: "We take God and all the holy angels to witness this day, that we warn all men
in the name of Jesus Christ, to come on us no more forever. The man or the set of men, who attempt it does it at
the expense of their lives. And that mob that comes on us to disturb us, it shall be between us and them, a war of
extermination; for we will ==> follow them till the last drop of their blood is spilled, or else they will have to
exterminate us; for we will carry the seat of war to their own houses and their own families, and one party or the
other, shall he utterly destroyed. <== No man shall be at liberty to come into our streets to threaten us with mobs,
for if he does, he shall atone for it before he leaves the place: neither shall he be at liberty to vilify and slander
us, for suffer it we will not in this place. We, therefore, take all men to record this day, as did our fathers. And
we pledge this day, to one another, our fortunes, our lives, and our sacred honors, to be delivered from the persecutions
which we have had to endure, for ages past. Neither will we indulge any man or set of men, in instituting law suits
against us, to cheat us out of our just rights; if they attempt it, we say ==> woe be unto them.” <==
The above declarations, made in sincerity, and propagated by the Mormons throughout the community, as their
rule of action, clearly indicate what would have been their course in the event of the Smiths getting back among the
Mormons. The proceedings commenced against them, for riot, treason, perjury, adultery, fornication, &c. &c., at Carthage,
would have been proclaimed by the accused, in the language of Sidney Rigdon, “vexatious law suits;”
and the "WOE BE UNTO THEM," would have been visited upon the citizens, by the destruction of life, and
the conflagration, of their property. There was no safety to the citizens, if the Smiths escaped,, and there is but little
safety to them now. Not that I apprehend a united outbreak at present, on the part of the Mormons, but from their
threats since the death of the Smiths, the revengeful disposition of such men as O. P. Rockwell and Col. Markham,
their recklessness of character, and the well known participation of the former, in the attempted assassination of
Gov. Boggs, by the direction of Joe Smith, leaves a well grounded assurance, that private assassination, and
concealed destruction of property, will most assuredly ensue, whenever the opportunity presents itself to any of the
"Danite Band."
I cannot better describe the characters of Rockwell and Markham, than by detailing the course they pursued after
the bodies of the Smiths were brought into Nauvoo. I derived this information from a Mr. Jackson, of New Orleans,
who spent four or five days at Nauvoo, after the death of the Smiths, simply to gratify his curiosity. He has no
interest whatever in Illinois, and was here on a journey of recreation. Rockwell took the ground openly that the
murder of the two Smiths was a well digested and systematically arranged plan; that Gov. Ford knew all about it
and promoted it. He furnished as a reason, that the Governor professed to come to Nauvoo to hunt for
counterfeiters and bogus money, but he came there, spent an hour in abusing them on the stump, and left without
making any examination. That the whole
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object of this visit was to be at Nauvoo, out of the way, while the murder was perpetrated at Carthage. And that if
the best General in the Union, had desired to take the lives of the two Smiths, and at the same time conceal his
action or participation in it, he could not have done it more successfully. Mr. Jackson further informed me, that if the
advice and conduct of Rockwell had been listened to and followed, both Warsaw and Carthage would have been
laid waste, in less than twenty-four hours after the killing was known at Nauvoo. Col. Markham aids and abets
Rockwell, in his incendiary design of impressing upon the Mormons the idea, that Gov. Ford was privy to the
murder, by making the following statement, which Gov. Ford has assured me is an unqualified falsehood.
Markham asserts, that on the morning of the day upon which the two Smiths were shot, he went into the jail to see
them, and on his coming out, he was accosted by the citizens around the jail, and in the town, with very abusive
language, and that several told him before midnight of that day, they meant to have his life, as well as that of the
Smiths. That he went to the quarters of Gov. Ford and reported to him the threats that had been made against his
own life, as well as that of the Smiths, and that the only reply the Governor made to him was, “it was the
whiskey that spoke and not the men.” The design of Rockwell and Markham cannot be misapprehended. They are
determined, if possible, so to work upon the minds of some of their populace, as to cause the assassination of
Gov. Ford. This was not only the opinion of Mr. Jackson of New Orleans, but it is that of other gentlemen who have
been there, and watched the workings of these two evil spirits. Another fact which warrants this conclusion, is the
following affidavit, which was made and transmitted to Gov. Ford, and which is similar in import, to threats that
have been made by a number of other Mormons. Taken in connexion with the course and language of O. P.
Rockwell and Col. Markham towards Gov. Ford, it leaves but little doubt as to their wishes, if they can muster the
courage to carry their designs into execution.
State of Illinois,
Hancock county. } ss.
William Waddell, being duly sworn, says: that he has just returned from Knox county: that on his road to Knox
county, he met with a man, who said to him that he was a Mormon and was not ashamed to own it: that Gov. Ford
had acted wrong, and that he was determined on killing him: that they were strong enough to conquer the State,
and that they were determined to do it: that they would burn Carthage, and kill all those who had joined Ford in the
mob. Another man beyond this place, endeavored to get this affiant to join a mob. That on returning, he met two
men armed with pistols and dirks, who stopped this affiant and searched him, by examining his pockets, and
asked him whether he had any intelligence verbal or written, and demanded it: that they would not communicate
what their business was: that afterwards, he met three men on the prairie, who stopped him, and asked him many
questions. They were well armed and stated that Old Ford had caused the Smiths
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and Taylor to be killed, and they were determined to kill him, (Ford.) That these things took place in places where
there was no inhabitants, and further this deponent saith not.
WILLIAM WADDLE.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 29th day of June, A. D. 1844.
O. C. SKINNER, Master in Chancery.
Such is a faint history of the character and designs of the Mormon leaders.
There is one other reason assigned by the press, as well as the public, for stigmatising the death of the Smiths as a
“cowardly, cold blooded murder,” that deserves a passing notice. It is that the deceased could have
been reached and punished by law. Were this supposition correct, the conclusion to be drawn from it would be self-evident.
But it is unfortunately not the case. Every branch of the civil government of Hancock county was under the control of
the Mormons, and a conviction rendered impossible. The only way that indictments were found against Joe Smith at
the last term of the Hancock Circuit Court, for perjury, adultery and fornication, was this: The County
Commissioner's Court, which selects the grand and petit jury, and which is composed of three members, consisted
of one Mormon, a Jack Mormon, and an anti-Mormon, or old citizen. The Jack Mormon growing alarmed at the
increasing outrages committed by the Mormons against all the laws of society, at the term of the County
Commissioner's Court immediately preceding the term of the Circuit Court at which the indictments were found,
joined the County Commissioner who was one of the old citizens, and selected a grand and petit jury, the majority
of whom were from the body of the old citizens. The result was, that the grand jury, according to the testimony
before them, found the bills of indictment against "Joe." Under the practice of the State of Illinois, process would
issue during vacation, returnable to the next term of the Court, or if there was any danger of escape, a capias
would issue instanter. But the defendant would have a right, unless confined in jail, to continue his case until the
next term of the Court. This secured Smith against a trial until this fall. In the meantime the August election comes
off, at which there is to be elected a County Commissioner for Hancock, in the place of the member of the court
who is an anti-Mormon. The Mormons hold a large majority in that county, and the result would be the selection of
another strong Mormon, which would make the Court stand two Mormon and one Jack Mormon. At the September
term of the County Commissioner’s Court, the panel of grand and petit jurors would be selected to serve at the fall
term of the Circuit Court, And the result would show, that both the grand and petit jurors would be nine-tenths
Mormons. Before this grand jury of Mormons, the complaints against the two Smiths, for riot in the destruction of
the press, treason, &c., would go. And no man in his senses can shut his eyes to the fact, that no bills of indictment
would be found against them upon any charge. In this way they were placed entirely beyond the reach of law, as
they must be indicted in the county where the offence was committed, or not at all. This
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the counsel of the Smiths, as well at the prisoners themselves, well knew, and it accounts satisfactorily for the
readiness with which they waived the examination, and entered into recognizance for their appearance at court. The
whole of them knew it was the last of it, and that by Joe having his minions in office as County Commissioners,
Sheriff, Clerk of the Circuit Court, &c. &c., they could and would successfully defeat the ends of
justice. The advantage which all his principal men had, in this respect, will appear most manifest from the
following fact: An individual owed a large amount in the city of St. Louis and failed. Previous to his failing he
transferred a large amount of property to his father, or some other near connexion, and then turned Mormon. The
fraud was so palpable, that the creditors filed a bill in chancery to set aside the conveyances. Testimony was taken
in the cause, and on its hearing, the fraud was made to appear so manifest, that the counsel of the defendants
refused to address the jury. One of the defendants, nothing daunted at the course of his counsel, remarked to
him, “you need have no fears, the jury will stand ten for me, to two against me.” The jury retired
and after a long absence came into court and stated their inability to agree, when they were discharged, and upon
inquiry, as the defendant had anticipated, they stood ten for finding a verdict for the defendants, and two for the
complainants. This was stated to me by one of the most prominent members of the bar in the city of Quincy, who was
engaged in the cause. The reason why the defendants were able to judge so accurately of what would be (heir decision,
even before retiring from the jury box, was, THAT TEN OF THE JURY WERE MORMONS and two of them old
citizens. With a state of things like this, every reasonable man must see and acknowledge, that there was no such thing
in Hancock county as legal redress for any citizen of that county when his opponent was a Mormon. The records of
the court of Hancock show that in any contested case between a Mormon and an anti-Mormon, there is scarcely a
solitary exception, but what the Mormon succeeded. O. C. Skinner, Esq., of Carthage, who has done a great deal of
business for the Mormons, asserts publicly, that it was only necessary to inform a Mormon what he must prove, to
succeed, and the testimony was always forthcoming.
The idea of such a state of things existing in any country, is revolting in the extreme; much more so, however,
when a portion of our own Republican Government is shown to be the theatre of so unjust and oppressive a state of
society. That it does exist, admits of no more doubt than that there is a sect called Mormons. And that the old
citizens of Hancock have, for months and months, been the victims of such oppression, is equally true. Yet, I repeat,
even under such a state of things, it was no justification for the killing of the Smiths; although I do insist, it
goes far in mitigation, and removes a great deal of the odium which, under a different state of things, would have
attached to it.
The public are now in possession of all the material facts leading to, and surrounding the unlawful killing of two as
wickedly depraved men, as ever disgraced the human family. I have endeavored to do justice to all parties, and to
place their situations fairly
[ 47 ]
before the public. The task has been an unpleasant one, assumed with reluctance, and from the pressure of other
engagements having paramount claims upon my tune, but imperfectly, and to myself unsatisfactorily discharged.
Knowing, however, the deep solicitude that would be felt on all hands, to obtain the facts in the case, and judging
from the experience of the past, that greatly exaggerated accounts would go forth as to the unfortunate affair, I felt
a disposition to contribute my feeble aid in correcting the errors into which many had, and still more would fall, by
placing, in as succinct a form as possible, all the facts before the people. This I have done honestly and fearlessly.
Illinois, it is true, has had another foul stain indelibly fastened upon her escutcheon, by this second outbreak of
popular violence. But knowing the facts as I do, of the causes that led to the murder of Lovejoy, as well as that of
the Smiths, candor constrains me to say, that the former was as far more atrocious than the latter, as it is possible
for one species of crime to be greater than another. Would to God, for the honor, the credit, the prosperity of the
State, neither had disgraced its annals.
By some, it may be considered, that I have spoken unnecessarily harsh of the two Smiths, and especially of Joe. I
do not think that I have. The most obnoxious and licentious traits in his character, I have studiously refrained from
alluding to, with a view of excluding from these pages every thing like obscenity; but which, if I had attempted to
speak of, in candor, I should have been compelled to have introduced. My only regret is, that duty has driven me to
speak as plainly as I have. A desire to avoid wounding the feelings of his wife, if no other consideration, has had its
influence upon me in letting him off as easy as possible. Though he has outraged every feeling of decency and
humanity, in the gratification of his beastly propensities, which has caused his wife three different times to
separate from him, (as I am informed;) yet, from a forgiving disposition and the hope of reformation, she was
induced to return to his polluted embrace, and remain steadfast to him unto the end; verifying, by so doing, the
truth of the beautiful expression of the poet, that --
"Like ivy, woman's love will cling,
Too often, round a worthless thing."
His sins, however, should not be visited upon her. She is a female of intelligence, and can do much towards
dispelling the delusion that heretofore has so densely beclouded the minds of the Mormons. In accomplishing this,
she will confer an inestimable blessing upon the community in which she lives, and may prove the means of
preventing an immense deal of bloodshed, and destruction of property. A different course, will attach much of the
odium of her late husband’s character to her own.
In conclusion, I have only to add, that every sentence I have penned, has been under a deep sense of the
responsibility I have assumed to the public. And that whatever may be the judgment they shall pass upon these
pages, there is upon them
"No line which dying, I would wish to blot,"
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