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INTRODUCTION.
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The following narrative of my experience in Nauvoo, is submitted to the public in hopes that it may call attention
to the character of the iniquities practiced in that city, in the name of religion. I am aware, that such is the
nature of the disclosures made in the following pages -- such the blackness of the record, that it will be difficult
to induce men to believe that such depravity could possibly exist. By what follows, however, it will be perceived that
my motives in going to Nauvoo, were to gain the confidence of the Prophet, that I might discover and disclose to the
world his real designs and the nature of his operations. To do this. I was obliged to practice dissimulation and to
seem to be a fit tool for him to work with. Some may say that such conduct on my part was not excusable; but let such
bethink them that the secret designs and workings of this Heaven daring wretch. could never have been made public only
by such means as I employed. The end, justified the means. Many are the instances on record, In which bands of robbers
or counterfeiters. had so organized themselves that they were enabled to baffle the closest scrutiny of the law, and
in such instances, it has been a common practice, especially in Europe, to employ men to become seeming accomplices,
that they might thus be enabled to disclose the information necessary for a conviction. This was my object, and the
inducement that prompted my action. will be found in what follows.
I tell nothing more than what I have seen and heard in Nauvoo. I have colored nothing, nor set down aught in malice.
Many of my statements can be corroborated by abundance of testimony. I am content however, at present, to give my story
and if contradicted, I can follow it up by proof, such as no reasonable man will doubt,
The question may be asked, how is it possible for so corrupt a man as Joe Smith is represented to be, could ever have
attained so complete control as he unquestionably had, over the minds of the honest portion of his followers? I confess
the question puzzles me. No man, who has never seen the influence of blind fanaticism over the human mind, can imagine
the effect it will produce. There were hundreds of men in Nauvoo, who, I believe, from what I have seen, had Joe Smith
commanded them to commit murder in the name of the Lord, they would have believed that they were doing God's service
in obeying him. I will leave the philosophy of this, for the consideration of moralists; my business is to state facts.
There is one thing peculiar, that will be observed by the attentive reader, and that is that all Joe Smith's commands
whether in public or private were delivered 'in the name of the Lord.' In public, before his people, he spoke 'in the
name of the Lord,' and in his secret councils, if he desired the assassination of his enemy, it was 'the will of the
Lord', that the persecutors of the Church of Jesus Christ, should be put out of the way, and
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then in 'the name of the Lord' he concocted the vilest plans for murder. Thus assassination, robbery and seduction
were carried on by this blasphemous wretch, 'in the name of the Most High.'
The writing of the following pages, was commenced previous to the late disturbances in Hancock County, which resulted
in the death of the two Smiths. I regret that the publication was not made while they were alive. As it is however. I
trust that what is said, will convince the world, that whatever may be thought of the manner of their death,
nevertheless, they richly deserved to die. My experience with the Mormons was but for a short period, yet much
corruption and depravity as I witnessed, I did not before believe existed on the face of the Earth.
N A R R A T I V E.
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Before visiting Nauvoo, I had heard much of this famous city, and the character of its inhabitants. Such was the
contrariety of reports afloat, that it seemed difficult to form any settled opinion concerning the Prophet or his
followers. Where I had been however, the opinion seemed to prevail, that they were a pack of abandoned scoundrels,
leagued together for the basest of purposes.
In passing down the Mississippi in the fall of 1842, I determined to stop In Nauvoo. My object was partly to find
business and partly to gravity curiosity. With the location of the city I was delighted; but as frequent descriptions
have already gone abroad, I will not stop here to expatiate either on its beauties, or the advantages of its position.
At the time I landed, (10th of October, 1842) there was great trouble amongst the saints, in consequence of a demand
having been made by the Governor of Missouri, for the Prophet, for being accessory to the attempted assassination of
Gov. Boggs. My visit to the city at that time, (being a stranger and out of business), induced the people as I
afterwards learned, to believe, that I was a spy from Missour, in quest of evidence against Smith. Many men, who I
have since learned belonged to the Danite Band, visited me at my boarding house and asked all manner of questions in
relation to my business in the city. Deeming these enquiries impertinent, I did not condescend to answer them; but
they did not cease their importunities. At length, being disgusted and indignant at their proceedings, I abruptly cut
their acquaintance. After this, I observed that I was closely watched; but did not know the reason, until informed
by a friend, that the Prophet thought me a spy. I determined then to give no satisfaction, but to pursue a silent
policy.
Some time in November I was helping to haul some goods from the river, that belonged to Messrs. Rollison and Finch.
I was in
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company with Mr. Finch and a man from Keokuk, who was owner of the horses and wagon. We had hauled one load and were
returning for the second. As we crossed the bottom, between the, Temple and the river, a man standing at about eight
rods distance, (it being after dark,) called me by name. I immediately jumped from the wagon, thinking that it was a
man who wished me to get some goods stored that had called me. Finch immediately followed. When I got within about
five feet of the villain as he proved to he extended his arm at full length and said, "damn you, I give you what you
deserve" and fired a pistol. The ball passed my head, and so stunned me, that for a few minutes I scarcely knew what
I was about, but on coming to, I could scarcely see, for my face and eyes were so much burned with powder. Finch, at
the time the shot was fired, was about one rod behind. He seeing me stagger, immediately pursued the fellow, but
soon found that he was no match for him in speed, and gave up the pursuit. Finch and myself agreed to keep this matter
a secret, that we might he able to discover some clue to the assassin. I thought that if we did not mention it, and
heard of it from others, we would be able then to trace the matter to its fountainhead. When however this idea became
hopeless, I mentioned it to my friends, who seemed to understand the object of the maneuver.
Shortly after this I left Nauvoo and went to Carthage to spend the winter. Duringthe winter, I employed my time in
hunting, but I heard frequently, complaints against the thieving Mormons. In the spring I determined to find out
whether Joe Smith was in reality as bad a man as he was represented, and whether he had in reality instigated the
villain who attempted my life in Nauvoo.
I therefore stated to Harmon T. Wilson, Deputy Sheriff, that I intended to visit Nauvoo, and if any man could, I would
find out Joe's plans and measures and at a proper time, if I found him to be as base as represented and as I believed
him to be, disclose all to the world. In forming this resolution, I was actuated by a desire on the one hand, to
revenge myself on him if he were guilty of the attempt on my life, and by at romantic love of adventure on the other.
I possessed every advantage in person and countenance to accomplish my object, as well as a full share of experience
in the ways of the world.
Accordingly in the month of March, I went to Nauvoo, an after staying there a few days, I visited Joe, and gave him
to understand that I had important business with him. He invited me into his private room, and there in the presence
of Eber [sic - Heber?] C. Kimball, I disclosed the nature of my business, and made him believe that I could be of great
service to him. I stated that I was a fugitive from Macon City, Georgia, and wanted protection. This
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seemed to tickle his fancy wonderfully, and throwing off restraint, he saw that I was just the man he wanted, and
referred me to the conduct of Joab unto David. He then said, that he would make any man rich, who would be unto him
as was Joab to David and obey his commands in the name of God, that he might fulfil his prophecies. He then commenced
an argument, to make me believe that this was right and lawful in the sight of God and declared himself a godly man
and a Prophet endowed with power from on high. I then remarked, that as to his religion, I cared nothing about it,
for I did not believe in the supremacy of a God. Here he looked me very steadfastly and significantly in the eye; but
I flinched not. I then told him that I was a desperate man, and could release O. P. Rockwell, who was at that time
confined in prison in Missouri, for his attempt on the life of Gov. Boggs. "Well" said he, "if you will release Porter,
and kill old Boggs, I will give you three thousand dollars." Kimball heard this conversation throughout, but I have
no hope that he could be made to acknowledge its truth, so deeply is he leagued with Joe in his villainy.
Joe, after this offer, made a proposition to give me an outfit to Missouri; and said that he would soon furnish me
with a splendid horse, saddle, bridle and all the necessary accoutrements for the journey. To all this Kimball
assented. The second morning after this, I met Joe again. He told me he had traded a town lot with Elder Grant for
a splendid black horse, and also that he had procured a saddle and bridle for the trip. "Now" said he: "Go and perform
in the name of God, and let the little fellow out of jail for my heart bleeds for him." I took possession that day
of the horse saddle and bridle, and the next day, Joe brought to my boarding house a pair of saddle bags, concealed
under his cloak. This expedition was kept a profound secret. People in general supposed that I had bought the horse
of Joe, and had no idea that there was any understanding between us.
After having this horse in my possession for two or three days, Joe and I took a ride up to Edward Hunter's, where
he borrowed one hundred dollars, and I drew his note for it on demand. Hunter, at this time, was absent. While there,
Mrs. Hunter brought the Bible to Joe, and wished him to explain some passage in the 3d chapt. of Hosea, in relation
to the adulteress. He replied that he would call at another time and translate it for her, for which she thanked him
kindly, After this, I learned that the scripture named by Mrs. Hunter, was one of the proofs of the correctness of
the spiritual wife doctrine, of which, the reader will learn more hereafter.
After conversing a little while, we arose to depart, and Joe gave Mrs. Hunter a very sanctimonious blessing. We then
got on our horses and rode up the hill where we were met by the Holy Patriarch
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Hyrum, on his white horse. He informed Joe, that brother somebody, (I do not recollect the name) was sick, and they
were sent for to lay hands on him, "for he was sick unto death." I rode to thG house of the invalid with them. We
entered the room, and I put on a very grave countenance, while they both laid hands on the sick man, and Hyrum made
a long sanctimonious prayer. As we left the house, Joe pronounced a blessing on it and all that were within. We then
again mounted our horses -- Hyrum went home; and Joe and I took a ride of some five miles on the prairie. All the way
out and back, he pressed me to kill Boggs; and said that he would pay me well for it. Finally, I gave him a strong
hint that I was in for the business -- knowing as I did, that if I hesitated he would suspect me of treachery, and
thus, all my plans in relation to him would be frustrated. I therefore carried on my game by showing a bold front.
All the while, he was urging the killing of Boggs, he insisted that it was the will of God, and in God's name he
offered me a reward for his blood. This was all done with an air of sanctimonious gravity, and with a look of
innocence, that would make one almost believe that the Prophet really thought, that he was acting under the command
of Heaven. I was utterly astonished to see this man concoct the most hellish plans for murder and revenge, and yet,
with pertinacity insist that it was right in the sight of God. And here, (if I may he permitted to pause) lay
the whole secret of Joe Smith's success. He had a singularly unmeaning countenance, that was no index of his real
character -- he had so long practiced duplicity, that there was scarcely a compunctious feeling left in his bosom,
and he had no scruples in regard to the means he should employ, when he had an end to attain; Hence it was, that he
had no hesitancy in prostituting every thing sacred, for the purposes of lust, cupidity, revenge or power.
The next morning after this adventure, I took my departure for Missouri. The weather was very bad, the streams high,
and I suffered very much with the wet and cold. After a journey of eight days I arrived at Independence, where I put
up with a Mr. Knowlton. At this time, the Chavis murderers were arrested, and I saw them in the custody of the sheriff,
while on their way to the jail. While these men were being put into the prison, I entered it for the purpose of seeing
Rockwell, and that I might give a straight account of myself. I found him with a pair of shackles on, and a lion skin
over coat -- looked rather uncouth. There were however, so many in prison at this time, that I had no opportunity to
converse with him. My hope was, that by representing myself as being in the employ of Joe, and convincing him of that
fact, to draw from him a confession that might be useful for the purposes which Harmon T. Wilson and myself had in
view.
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Previous to my leaving Carthage for Nauvoo. I had learned from Harmon T. Wilson, that he was in correspondence with
Mr. Reynolds, sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, in relation to another demand from the Governor of Missouri, for
Joe Smith. An arrangement had been entered into, that a requisition should he made on the return of Mr. Wilson, from
a trip which he contemplated to take to the south, immediately on the opening of navigation. Had I thought at the time
I left Mr. Wilson, of this trip to Missouri, I should have brought a letter from him to Mr. Reynolds, which would
have disclosed to the latter my true character. As matters however were, I found myself placed in a situation where
I could do no good towards the great object I had in view. There was great excitement in Independence, in consequence
of the Chavis murders -- many persons were arriving to join the Oregon emigrating expedition; and every stranger
appeared to be looked on with distrust and suspicion. Mr. Reynolds, was so busily engaged in arresting the Chivis'
murderers, that I could get no opportunity to make his acquaintance, and fix upon a concerted plan of operations in
relation to Smith. Seeing the impossibility of effecting what I desired, and having no idea of attempting what Joe
sent me for, I resolved to return to Nauvoo. Previous to taking my departure however, I wrote to Mr. Wilson, and
directed my letter to "Point Coupee," Louisiana; supposing that it would reach him there, but it appears that he never
received it. Having been in Independence, one week without effecting anything, I set out on my journey, My trip back
was very pleasant -- the roads having become settled and the weather dry. I struck the Mississippi at Churchville,
crossed to Warsaw, and thence journeyed to Nauvoo. On my arrival, I rode to the house of the Prophet, where all seemed
glad to see me, and "sister Emma," Joe's wife, received me very cordially, the Prophet not being at home. Since I have
introduced this lady to the reader, I will mention that although she is acquainted with all the villainous plans and
operations of Joe, yet she should be looked on with pity rather than scorn. I believe she knew no guile until Joe
schooled her to wink at his rascality, and compelled her by threats to aid in carrying out his measures. Indeed, he
has frequently said that it was with the greatest difficulty that he could prevail on Emma, in many cases, to hold her
peace, and not expose him to the world.
In order to amuse myself until the Prophet's return I strolled over the city, and was surprised to find so much
attention paid to me; and that many, especially the women, knew all about my expedition to Missouri. convinced me,
that Joe could not keep his secrets, but I could not know at that time he had so many wives to whom to disclose them.
When night came on, the Prophet returned.
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He seemed glad to see me, and taking me by the hand led me into a private room, and commenced his enquiries about
Porter Rockwell. He fixed his eyes steadily on me, while I gave an account of my stewardship, and suffered me to
proceed about half through without interruption, when he suddenly exclaimed. "Oh! did you kill old Boggs?" No! said
I, he was not at home; and this was the fact, as good luck would have it, and it gave me an exellent excuse. Joe
seemed to regret this very much; but soon returned to Rockwell's case, and prophecied "in the name of the Lord that
he would after passing through the fiery ordeal of the Missouri tribulation, come safely home. He said he knew that
they could prove nothing against him, for he was a true man, and they could not make him own a word of it if we was
guilty. Silence ensued for a few minutes, when Joe suddenly looked me full in the eye, and after gazing steadily for
a few moments said. "Jackson you are the first man that I have ever met that I could not look down." Said I, "do you
like a bold eye?" He replied that he did and then commenced a panegyric on himself. He said that he was a good and
godly man, and that he had never known wrong in his life, for in all his acts, he was guided and protected by the
power of the Holy Ghost -- that the Missourians had tried to kill him, but rifle balls could have no effect on him,
for he had been shot at thirteen times in Missouri, and the balls bounded back as hail from the side of a house; and
for this reason he knew the Holy Ghost was with him, and that he truly was the greatest man on the earth. To this I
replied that it was altogether Unnecessary for him to preach rascality to me, in the name of the Lord, for the more
he did it the less I should think of him. I then related what had occurred to me the previous fall in Nauvoo, giving
him a full account of my being shot at, not letting him know however, that I suspected him or cared anything about it.
My object was to learn from his own lips, by seeming indifference to the matter, whether he in reality had been
black-hearted enough to send a man to perform so dastardly an act. He however pretended perfect innocence, and could
divine no reason why I had been shot at. Here ended our conversation for the evening, and Joe took me up stairs to my
chamber. As he bade me good night, he pronounced the blessing of God on my head, and said that he never loved a
stranger as he did me, and that he had trusted me further for a short acquaintance, than he had ever done any man
before; but said he "you must kill old Boggs and I will build you up in the world."
In order to fathom the depths of Joe's villainy, I was obliged to appease to him as an abandoned wretch and outcast.
When I told him I was a fugitive from justice and had committed the darkest crimes, it seemed to give him the greatest
confidence, and he immediately
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run away with the idea that he could through me fulfil his prophecies, and then on the top of it he would urge me to
carry out his measures "in the name of the Lord."
About three days after my return from Missouri, Joe had his carriage brought out, and invited me to take a ride with
him. I soon found that there was something wrong, and when we reached his Prairie Farm, or in other words the farm of
Apostle Lot, who tills it for him, I learned the secret of his depression. He took me one side and began to talk to
me about his wife, and he told me he thought I had better get another boarding house, (I was then boarding with him)
for he thought that his wife loved me more than she did him. He at the same time cursed William Law, for trying to
seduce his wife, which in my opinion was false. He continued to talk about his wife until my anger got the better of
my prudence, and I then told him, he must stop such conversation to me, and that I would not hear him rail out on so
worthy a woman as I believed Emma to be, and threatened to knock him down if he did not cease. I told him he was a
d--d rascal, and he thought every other man as black-hearted as himself. At the same time I accused him of living in
fornication with other women, and that he especially should hold his peace in regard to Emma. To these aspersions he
made no angry retort, but would not at that time own that he lived in fornication with other women, and said he was
a godly man in every act, but that Emma was jealous of him. He then asked me if I had ever known him to do anything
wrong with the women. I replied that I had not, but that in my opinion any man that was base enough to concoct schemes
for pillage and murder as he had done, would lie with his mother if she would permit him. He then said it was no use
to talk to me. I answered that it was not for I had some experience in the ways of the world. We then re-entered the
carriage and rode to the city. Joe went home, and I went to Snyder's where I had boarded previous to my trip to
Missouri, and took up lodgings.
About two days after this Joe came down the street on horse back. I met him and told him I thought of going south,
and was very sorry I could do nothing for him in Missouri, and made him believe it. He then pressed me to stay, and
enter into the manufacture of bogus, to which I consented, hoping to be able to get a clue to another branch of his
villainy. Shortly after this, he sent $200, to St. Louis for German plate, and went to work in a remote part of the
town to fit up for operation. The details concerning the Bogus operation in the city I will give in a subsequent part
of this narrative.
About the time this Bogus business commenced, H. T. Wilson returned from the South, and in company with him was
Mr. Reynolds
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the agent of Missouri, bearing a requisition from the Governor of that State. When he returned, he heard reports in
circulation that I had actually Joined the Mormons, which so much diminished his confidence in me, that he did not
come to see me, as he promised he would do. At this time, Joe was on a visit to Dixon's Ferry, and Wilson and Reynolds
proceeded hither, reporting as they journeyed that they were Mormon preachers. In the mean time, word of what was on
foot, reached Nauvoo directly from Springfield; from whom I do not know; but at all events, Stephen Markham and William
Clayton were dispatched to Dixon, to warn Joe, or to bring back word of what took place. In a few days Clayton returned,
bringing news that Joe was arrested, and an order immediately issued from Hyrum, for parties to start out to rescue Joe.
One party, I was placed in and was compelled to go to prevent suspicion on myself. It consisted of twenty-five men. --
Our directions were to proceed directly to Dixon and release Joe at all hazards. I acted as pilot, and Doctor Foster
proceeded ahead to reconnoiter. We were all armed with side arms. On the prairie above La Harpe, I led the company
astray purposely that Wilson and Reynolds might get ahead. We all got lost, and wandered about for a day, without
making any progress on our journey. In the mean time, another party that had proceeded directly up the river, met Joe,
Wilson and Reynolds, all in the custody of the Sheriff of Lee County, proceeding Southwards. They escorted Joe to
the City, and would not suffer the officers to take any other direction. This fact we learned and returned to the
City. At Nauvoo, the writ of Habeas Corpus, granted at Dixon, was tried before the Municipal Court, and Joe
released. Wilson and Reynolds then effected their escape from the City: Seeing all hopes of bringing Joe to justice
baffled for the present, I determined to continue my game.
A few days after this, I had a private conversation with Joe, and he again wished that I should go to Missouri to
serve Rockwell. I consented, and he fitted me out with a horse and sulky for my Journey. My directions were to go to
Liberty and get the pistol that Rockwell shot Boggs with -- it being in the hands of a widow woman living in that
town, who Rockwell had deposited it with. Rockwell, feared that, it might be discovered and identified, and produced
in evidence against him; and therefore his wife on her return from Independence, requested Joe to have this instrument
secured.
On the morning of the fourth, I started on my journey. Joe said that it was an excellent day to fool the people with,
for they would think I had gone to celebrate the day at some place in the neighborhood. I crossed the river at
Montrose, from thence I went
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to St. Francisville, and from thence to Monticello. About five miles beyond this town, my horse became so restive
from the biting of the flies, that he commenced running and kicking -- the lines broke, and presently the shafts, and
I saved myself by a timely leap. The horse took a circle on the prairie, and soon came back near the point from whence
he started, when I caught him, and rode back to St. Francisville, where I hired a man to bring in the sulky. I returned
to Nauvoo. I neglected to mention that when starting, Joe told me to sell the horse and sulky, and board until I could
kill Gen. Donethan; but my plan was to get the pistol, and what secrets I could from the old woman at Liberty, and
advise Gen. Donethan of what was going on in relation to him. My luck however, was bad, and my plans failed. On
returning Joe wished me to go to Missouri by water, but wanted me to pledge myself to kill Gen. Donethan. I feigned
sickness, and by this means escaped further importunity.
In the mean time, the Bogus establishment had been moderately fitted up, and Joe suggested the idea of buying Rockwell
out of prison in the fall, or just as soon as he could get enough manufactured to do it. Day after day passed, and I
managed my card so well, that I was enabled to probe still deeper into the secret measures and transactions of this
wretch. He frequently in our walks, which we took nearly every day, pressed me to join the church and marry; and to
induce me to take a wife, he took me to houses where he kent his spiritual wives, and introduced me to them all. On
leaving, he would urge me to take my choice, or at any rate to take two or three spiritual wives if I did not wish to
marry. I was determined however, to form no connection with any woman, that my actions might in all things be perfectly
free, and that they might hold no rod over my head.
As I have mentioned the subject of spiritual wives, I will in this place, give the reader some idea of the system. The
doctrine is called the "spirit of Elijah," and is kept a profound secret from the people at large, and is only
permitted to be known to those, to whom it is given to know the "fullness of the kingdom," in other words, the choice
spirits who surround Joe, and aid in carrying his secret measures. The doctrine is found on the 3d Chapter of Hosea, --
several passages from the writings of Solomon and David, and the passage "whatsoever ye bind on Earth shall be bound
in Heaven." From these scripture passages, (with which I am not sufficiently familiar to quote) aided by revelation
from Joe, as respects their meaning and construction, the doctrine is derived that there is no harm in a man having
more wives than one, provided his extra wives are married to him spiritually. A spiritual wife is a woman, who by
revelation is bound up to a man, in body
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parts and passions, both for this life and for all eternity; whereas the union of a carnal wife and her husband ceases
at death. Whenever the scripture forbids a man from taking to himself more wives than one, Joe made it refer to carnal
and not spiritual wives; and would frequently quote the writings of David and Solomon to prove his position. Having an
explanation of the doctrine, let us see the application. Joe had in his employ certain old women, called "Mothers in
Israel," such as Mrs. Tailor, old Madam Durfee, and old Madam Sessions, in whom the people have great confidence, but
in fact, they are the most depraved hypocrits on Earth. If Joe wishes to make a spiritual wife of a certain young lady,
he would send one of these women to her. The old women, would tell the young lady, that she had had a vision, in which
it was revealed to her that she was to be sealed up to Joe, (or his friend as the case might be) as a spiritual wife,
to be his in time and eternity. This would astonish the young innocent, but scripture would soon be resorted to, to
prove the correctness of the doctrine, and that it was proper in the sight of the Lord. Soon after this Joe would
appear, and tell the lady that the Lord had revealed to him that Mrs. so & so, had had a vision concerning her, and had
been to see her. Not suspecting any collusion the young lady would be astonished, and being strong in the faith, she
could have no doubt but that Joe spoke by authority of God, He would then ply his arguments, and with the utmost
sanctity speak "in the name of the Lord" and say that at such a time, and at such a place it had been revealed to him
that she should be his or his friend's, in time and eternity. If she objected he would quote his scripture and his
revelations, and thus by playing on her superstitious credulity, and artfully at the same time inflaming her passions
he seldom failed of his object. Being once successful, he held the fear of exposure over her as a rod to prevent
rebellion from his allegiance.
When, as happened in the cases of Miss Martha Brotherton and Miss Nancy Rigdon, his overtures were rejected with disdain
and exposure threatened he would set a hundred hell hounds on them, to destroy their reputations. This was a specimen
of the mode and manner of Joe in carrying his vile measures of seduction. To the truth of what I have here said, there
are hundreds who can testify, and I have no doubt would do it, if they could be protected from the revenge of the
hellish clan, which still exists in Nauvoo. The extent to which this abomination was carried may be imagined from the
fact that Joe Smith boasted to me, that he in this manner from the commencement of his career had seduced 400 women.
But to return to the Bogus establishment. The first attempts at Bogus making were rather rough; but in October, Messrs.
Barton and Eaton, came on from Buffalo, having been sent by one of Joe’s
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emissaries, and brought with them a splendid press and all the necessary tools and materials for operation. The press
was put up in the south east room, up stairs, of the house formerly occupied by Joe, being the same room where the
holy order had previously met. The business was then rushed ahead in good earnest, and an excellent specimen of base
coin produced. Soon the city was flooded with this money and a report was put in circulation that Bogus manufactures
were at work in the city. Joe had given out that the room occupied by the press was rented to Messrs. Barton and Eaton,
who were mechanics, and were making drafts for the machinery, of a factory which they contemplated erecting. The press
continued to run until they had manufactured about $350,000. The intention was to keep the press running and purchase
a large amount of stock, but being forced to move it, by a circumstance which I shall presently relate, Joe concluded
to wait until spring when the large emigration which was expected would afford a better chance to operate. About half
of the money manufactured was put in circulation in Hancock county, and the balance sent east, or passed off to
transient persons. All the twelve Apostles except Orson Pratt and Eber C. Kimball, were engaged in this business, and
frequently Visited the room where the press was, and took turns in working it. Hyrum, at the time the press was in
operation had a lame knee and could not get out of the house, but Joe and myself frequently visited him and discussed
measures for raising the wind to purchase more stock. Joe, told me that in Ohio, he, Dr. Boynton, Lyman Wight,
Oliver Cowdry and Hyrum, were engaged with others in a Bogus establishment on Licking Creek, but that their operations
were cut short by the bursting of the Kirtland Bank.
While the press was suspended in its operations, a man by the name of Brown, came to Nauvoo, and sold to Joe a quantity
of counterfeit ten dollar Yates County bills, for twenty dollars per hundred. Joe and Hyrum have been frequently seen
with their hands full of these bills, by many persons in Nauvoo, and by them the whole country was flooded. There is
not a merchant in the city but krows this fact and also that there has been a large quantity of Bogus in circulation.
The first who detected the counterfeit paper money, were Hpldridge, Gilman, & Co., of the New York Store. The large
amount of spurious money afloat, caused a great excitement in the city, and it became a common talk amongst the most
wealthy class, who were not afraid to speak their minds. The agitation of the subject, very much offended His Holiness,
and he to save himself, railed out in his characteristic style, and pronounced all the curses of God on the heads of
these persons. who were in fact the most substantial men in the city: such as the two Laws,
15
Dr. Foster, F. M. Foster, C. L. Higbee and Mr. Cole. These men, he accused of being guilty of all kinds of crime,
especially of counterfeiting. This was all done to kill their influence, and in the hope that by raising the cry
"stop thief," he would turn suspicion from himself.
I have stated above, that the Bogus Press was in operation in Joe's old house. At that time, I had laid my plans to
give word to Harmon T. Wilson and urge him to bring a posse down suddenly on the city and surprise the apostles
at work at the Bogus Press: but about this time, Avery was kidnapped by a party from Missouri aided by some citizens
of Illinois and carried into Missouri. This, Avery, was one of the gang of Mormon horse-thieves, that infest the whole
country. Joe was exceedingly indignant at this summary mode of proceeding, against one of his friends, and arrests were
determined on. Accordingly writs were got out and one man by the name of Elliot, living in Green Plains, was taken
and brought to the city, charged with being a kidnapper. This proceeding aroused the whole country, and a report was
spread in the city, that the Missourians, and the people of Warsaw and Green Plains were coming to rescue Elliott.
Joe, became greatly alarmed and removed the Bogus Press. In consequence of this alarm, the city Council was called,
and raised a city police of 40 horse and 40 footmen in the pay of the city, which was placed under the sole direction
of Joe, and sworn to execute his orders. This police was kept in pay for several days and disbanded to be called out
at any time occasion required.
At this time, I was forced into an adventure which was near ending tragically. Information was obtained by Joe, that
a man by the name of Richardson, who lived about nine miles back of Montrose, Iowa, was going to Missouri, to testify
against Avery, who was shortly to have his trial. He and a boy named Childs, were the material witnesses to prove his
guilt, and Joe determined to secure them. Accordingly, Joe selected several of his Danite Band and placed Capt. Dunham
at the head, and to try me ordered that I should go along. I did not know at the time what was in the wind, and I
consented. The company consisted of Dunham, Cahoon, Hosea Stout and brother, W. Kerns, Scoville Smoot and myself making
seven in all.
We went to the river, and while passing over, the real object of the adventure was disclosed, by the answer of Capt.
Dunham to Hosea Stout, who asked what the Prophet's orders were. Dunham replied that they were to take Richardson and
bring him, to him (Dunham) if they could do it alive; if not, kill him, and bury him in a dark ravine. At the same
time telling Stout to take good care and have it all done correct. He then gave Stout the command
16
and pronounced the blessings of God upon us all, and ordered Stout, that if any man disobeyed or attempted to back out,
that they should not let him turn around, more than once before they shot him, for said he, "dead men tell no tales."
Think's I, this is a terrible scrape I have got into; I am paying too dearly for sights, for I assure the reader that
I felt horrified at the idea of such proceedings; but there was no alternative. I must go and obey or be shot, so I
put on a straight face and determined to go it, but at all hazards to suffer no injury to Richardson or the boy. We
all mounted our horses, leaving Dunham and Cahoon to guard the boat, and rode off at a round gallop. We kept our pace
until we got four miles back of Montrose, where we halted at a house and got drink. This was about 2 o'clock at night.
The man of the house got up and went along with us, to show the way. His name is Hunter, and he is one of the faithful.
We again mounted our horses and rode off rapidly. Little was said during the rest of the journey. When we got within
about 80 rods of the house, the party stopped, and commenced talking very low. Being in the rear I did not hear what
was going on, but on riding up, they raised their voices, and Stout addressed me, saying, that this Richardson was a
member of their band in Missouri. What band? said I. The Danite Band, replied Stout. (This was the first time I had
ever heard the Danite Band spoken of by the Mormons. They had generally called themselves, the "High Police," in the
conversation that I had had with them.) Said he, "this man is a desperate character, and he knows all of us, and
therefore it will not be safe for any of us to go into the house. He don't know you, and therefore you must go in and
we will wait about ten rods off, to be on hand in case of difficulty." I declined going alone, but he spoke fiercely,
"you know my orders." I made no reply for some rods, being on a walk, when some one of the company who were near,
said, "is he going?" I replied, yes. "Amen" they all cried. We rode near the house and stopped. I dismounted, walked
up to the door and knocked. "Come in," cried Richardson. I entered, when his aged mother, who lay in a bed, on the
opposite side of the room, sprung up in haste, and asked me if I was not General Rich. I replied that I was not. Then
said she, "ain't you from Nauvoo." "No", said I. She then said that these men were such a pack of liars, there was no
trusting them. Said I "what is the matter." Again she asked if I was not from Nauvoo. "No" said I. "I never was there.
I am in pursuit of a horse-thief from Burlington." By this time Richardson was partially dressed, and I asked him if
I could stay all night. To which he replied in the affirmative. I then asked him if he would go with me, to put up my
horse. He said "Yes" and drew on his boots, and got a light prepared, While this was going on, the old
17
woman eyed me, very sharply, and said that, this was her son, and that he was going to Missouri in the morning, to
testify against Avery, a horse-thief; and that the reason that she suspected me to be from Nauvoo was, because they
had been looking for some of Joe Smith's Danite Band to prevent him from going, and concluded by saying, "I know him
of old and he must not send his men after my son; if he does I'll have their cursed hearts out." "Yes," said I, "and
I'll help you." We then left the house to feed my horse. When we got a little distance, I told him what I wanted. He
raised a shovel that was standing near the fence, and bade me not come near him. I then drew my pistol and told him to
put down the shovel, or I'd blow his brains out. Here the company came up, and I told Richardson that if he would go
along, he should receive no harm. He finally consented got his horse and mounted him, and I delivered him to the
charge of Karnes. We then had another to take, the boy Childs, (I think that is the name) who lived in the neighborhood.
We made Richardson pilot us, but he pretended not to know exactly where the boy was, and stopped at his neighbors as
the company thought, to enquire, but in reality to give the alarm. After we got the boy, I called Stout to one side
and told him that he had foolishly let Richardson talk with his neighbors and that there would be a plot laid to stop
us. He seemed to think there was no danger, and said if it proved so, Richardson would be the first man shot. I will
here state, that my plan was to release Richardson at Montrose, where I thought I could do it without being suspected
by either party, by raising an alarm; and it being dark, no one would know who did it. I told Stout, however, that I
did not like our situation, for I did not want to be caught kidnapping, as our situation would be very unpleasant. I
would have left the company immediately, had it not been that I could not benefit Richardson without exposing myself;
and all I had was in Nauvoo, and I still desired to keep up appearances with Joe, that when I did expose him, I might
do it to some purpose.
When we got within a half mile of Montrose, Richardson, who had previously by fair promises, induced Karnes to give
up the halter of his horse, which he had held in his hand during most of the journey, put spurs and ran into the town.
At this time the boy was on behind me, and of course I could make but little speed; the others however, started after
Richardson, and I expected to find them all in town. When I arrived at the old Barracks, I was surprised to find Karnes
and Stout alone, sitting on their horses. I asked where the balance of the company was, but they did not know, and
appeared to be waiting for them to come up. I suggested that they had gone on to town, and urged them to follow on
with me. So on we went,
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but on arriving at Peck's store, we were surrounded by about fifteen men, whom Richardson's friends had aroused, and
who were armed with guns and bayonets. They soon took off the lad from behind me, and Richardson pointed to me and
said to one of the gang, "Uncle John, this is the man that drew a pistol on me and said he would shoot, if I did not
drop my shovel." With this, the old fellow, who was very stout, seized the bridle of my horse, and ordered me to turn
around and go back to Carpenter's Tavern, saying that Lynch Law was good enough for me, and that I should have until
sunrise to say my prayers. This made ire feel rather curious, but I determined on a bold push to extricate myself. I
drew my pistol, and pointing it directly at the old fellow's head, said I, "Let go my horse or I'll blow off the cap
piece of your skull." This confounded him so completely, that he loosed his hold and jumped back. With this, I gave
a loud yell, struck my horse with the pistol, and bounded through the men, who stood with fixed bayonets immediately
in front of me. My horse received three bayonet wounds, but I escaped unhurt -- they fired on me, but it being too
dark to see a rod ahead, they shot at random. Stout, in the meantime, escaped in the confusion, and we ran our horses
to the ferry boat, where we found the balance of the company we had lost.
We all boarded the boat, (Karnes being, as we thought, in possession of the people of Montrose,) and rowed for our
lives over to Nauvoo. On arriving there, we found Joe partially dressed, wrapped in his mantle. He had heard the
report of guns on the other side, and had got up at this early hour, which was for him very unusual, to see what had
happened. On landing, we told him our story. I damned the men as a pack of cowards, for having left myself, Stout and
Karnes. On learning that Karnes was still in Montrose, the Prophet raised an alarm, called out the Legion, and gave
orders to pass over the river and release Brother Karnes, who, he said had been kidnapped by the Missourians. The
whole City was thus thrown into confusion, and hundreds rushed to the ever, and crossed over in all manner of crafts.
While this was going on, Karnes was discovered in a canoe paddling across the river above town. All hands went to meet
him, and as he landed they cried out, "Hallelujah! Glory to God! well done Brother Karnes!" &c. Karnes was utterly
confounded at these demonstrations; but kept still. He could not, however, have looked meaner had he been detected in
sheep stealing. So well did Joe manage this affair, that to this day the people of Nauvoo generally believe that
Karnes was in reality kidnapped by the Missourians; and of course, the story told by the people of Montrose, was set
down by Joe's honest dupes to the credit of persecution. Thus
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ended this nefarious plot, which, had it so far succeeded as to have got Richardson to Nauvoo, the order of Joe was
to tie an iron bar to his shoulders, and throw him into the Mississippi for catfish food.
My action in this affair gave Joe the greatest confidence in me, and aided the belief that I was in reality a desperado.
He now threw off all the restraint under which he had previously acted, and seemed no longer to doubt that I would
readily carry any measure of his, no matter how black or damnable. In consequence of my having made so great a conquest
of his confidence by my conduct in this affair, I was admitted into all his secret council. and was confided in so far,
that he disclosed to me every act of his life, that he had occasion to refer to, in conversation. By this means, I
became possessed of facts in relation to the plundering. murdering and counterfeiting operations, in which Joe has been
for years engaged and in which he is aided by accomplices throughout the country. As these things were merely disclosed
to me by Joe, I will not venture at present to mention names; but I believe that if the Government and the people would
raise the means, and enter in a proper spirit into measures to ferret out the villains, I could disclose facts
sufficient to lead to the detection of numbers of a band of scoundrels who infest the whole county, and have their head
quarters at Nauvoo. Yes, this far famed Holy City of Nauvoo has been the hiding place of more stolen goods, horses and
thieves, than any other spot on earth, and there, under the protection of the city ordinance, which forbid, an officer
of Justice to search for persons or property, unless the writ was first endorsed by Joe, and executed by the City
Marshal -- they remained in perfect security.
It is not the country in the immediate vicinity of Nauvoo, that alone suffers from the depredations of these land
pirates, the whole State, and Iowa and Missouri to a great extent, feel the scourge. -- Yes, in Missouri, joe Smith
has his friends and emissaries. But enough of this, my object is to tell what I saw and heard of events passing before
me, and not of what was transpiring at a distance. When, however the time arrives, I will not be silent.
It was shortly after the adventure I have related above, (15th of Jan, 1844) that Joe informed me, in conversation,
that he had been endeavoring for some two months, to get Mrs. William Law for a spiritual wife. He said that he had
used every argument in his power, to convince her of the correctness of his doctrine, but could not succeed. I then
asked him how he dare preach such doctrines to virtuous and well meaning females, in the name of the Lord, and in
relation to the particular course he was pursuing towards Mrs. Law, I remarked that it astonished me, to see him
20
profess so great friendship for Law, while at the time he was endeavoring to destroy his happiness by the seduction
of his wife. To this he replied, that Law was trying to seduce Emma, and he was determined to beat him. I then asked
him if Emma know of his having so many spiritual wives; to which he replied that she did, and was knowing to every
act of his life, and he believed she was the most virtuous woman on earth; and that she even would not be true to him
if she could get a chance; but said he, "I watch her close and mean to, so long as I live." I then asked him if he
could blame Law if he should seduce Emma. He seemed to think that Law would not do such a thing. I then reminded that
he had just said that Law had tried to seduce Emma, in order to justify his own proceedings with Law's wife, but that
now he contradicted himself by expressing so much confidence in Law. To get out of his dilemma, he said that the truth
was, Emma wanted Law for a spiritual husband, and that she urged as a reason that as he had so many spiritual wives,
she thought it but fair that she should at least have one man spiritually sealed up to her, and that she wanted Law,
because he was such a "sweet little man." -- He then tried to persuade me to aid him in his purposes on Mrs. Law, and
said that he would employ any stratagem, in order to accomplish his object, and went on to say, that he and Emma had
both tried to persuade her of the correctness of the doctrine, but that she would not believe it to be of God. I told
him that he must carry his plot himself, for I would have nothing to do with such things; but remarked, that if all
parties were agreed, that he and Law had better swap wives. To which he replied that that was all Emma wanted. The
conversation then turned on other subjects, and Joe boasted of his feats and schemes, and how cunningly he had carried
his measures. He spoke of his spiritual wives particularly, and called them "great captains," in his service to carry
his design, and remarked that through them he could get any stranger's money. I asked him how he would work the matter;
to which he replied, that he had only to tell certain of his spiritual wives, that such a man had been in the Missouri
war, and that he should be put out of the way, and his properly and money consecrated to the use, of the church; then
said he, it is d--d easy for them to got into his good graces, and to mix a white powder with his victuals, and put
him out of the 'way. I then told him that he ought to give me the names of these women, as they might be of great
service to me in carrying his secret measures. He then went on to give me the names of women, who he said would go to
the ends of the earth for him; but I shall not in this place disclose them. My reason for silence on this point is,
that the Governor, to whom I disclosed all the abominations to which I refer in these pages, did not pursue
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the proper policy, but treated my disclosures with contempt. Had he marched to Nauvoo, as was proposed, with an army,
I would have been willing to pledge my life that I could have produced proof, damning proof, of every word I have
said. To disclose names, when the proof was at hand, would have produced its proper effect; but to mention them in
these pages would only defeat the object which I have in view. Besides this, many of Joe's spiritual wives are honest
in their belief of the correctness of the doctrine, and to the world they have untarnished characters; it would not
therefore be generous in me, nor would the world justify it, to disclose the names of such as are misguided and
deceived, but not abandoned, and thus forever blight their reputations. But more of this anon. To return to Joe's
attempts on Mrs. Law. For the purpose of effecting his object he got up a revelation that Law was to be sealed up to
Emma, and that Law's wife was to be his; in other words, there was to be a spiritual swap. Joe had never before
suffered his passion for any woman, to carry him so far as to be willing to sacrifice Emma for its gratification; but
in this case, no doubt, the object was the more prized because of the difficulty of procuring it.
It may be proper here to observe that Law, although one of the principal men of the church, yet he was not one of
those to whom it was given to know "the fullness of the kingdom," although an enthusiastic Mormon, yet he was but
little acquainted with any other than matters particularly pertaining to the church. He had frequently heard of the
spiritual wife doctrine from the Gentiles, but he, not having heard such doctrine taught by Smith, set it down as a
slanderous persecution against the church. When, however, this new revelation was made known to him, his eyes were
opened, and at once, he indignantly rejected the doctrines as not of God, but of the Devil. Such was his vehemence
and indignation, that it became apparent to Joe, that he had presumed too much on Law's faith, and that it would be
idle to attempt to stuff him with the doctrine. There was no alternative, therefore for Joe, but to destroy Law's
influence, and therefore a great bustle was raised and Law cut off from the holy order. This placed Law, who was
particularly sensitive, in an awful dilemma, and so powerfully did the frequent lectures he received, work upon his
nerves, that I entertained serious apprehensions that he would become crazed.
One Sunday morning, Joe and I had a long talk concerning Law, in which he avowed, not for the first time, however,
his determination to put Law out of the way, for he had become dangerous to the church of Jesus Christ, of Latter
Day Saints, and that it was the will of God that he should be removed. He, however, wished to proceed in such a manner
that he would be able to get Law's wife. He then
22
determined on calling out the police, as it was publicly called but Danites in private, which the city council had
given him the sole command of, with power to disband or hold them on duty at his discretion. He determined to keep
forty of them on duty, (twenty at a time) under pay of the city. The reason for this proceeding as given to the people,
was, that he thought it necessary to have a city watch; but the real object as disclosed to me, was, to murder his
enemies. These men were, as Joe told me, sworn to the following oath: "You do, each and every one of you, having
the power of the Holy Ghost conferred upon you by the first Presidency of this Church, swear that you will protect
me and my household, in every measure that I may deem lawful In the sight of God, or that I consider necessary to
the prosperity of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -- Murder and Treason not excepted, so help
you God."
After having given me the substance of the oath, he remarked that he could through these means do the thing up nicely.
Not only was his design to remove William Law, but also William Marks. The spite he had against the latter, arose
from the fact, that he had endeavored to seduce the daughter of Marks, and she had informed her parents who were
very wrathy, and Joe dreaded their influence. For this reason, he said that those individuals, if they were not checked,
would ruin the church. Now said he, "I will work it this way: I will keep twenty on watch under the command of Capt.
Dunham, who will select five to do the work, and these man will both be missing, and then I'll make a great noise
about it, and call it persecutions 'Now,' said he, 'aint' this a d--d good plan to get rid of traitors?' 'But,'
continued he, 'you must keep this from Emma, for she thinks so much of Law, that she won't submit to it.' I replied
that I would. He then said that he intended to keep up this watch until he had rid the city of his enemies, and there
were some in the country whom he also intended should go by the board. He said that the church had already suffered
enough from persecutors, and that he would submit no longer -- men must cease their persecutions, or he would give
them a dose that would stop them. I had listened patiently thus far, to the mad and hellish schemes of this wretch,
when I took a bold and decided stand in opposition to him. I took the part of Law and Marks particularly, for they
were the only ones in immediate danger. Joe accused me of tying his hands, and said that he could do nothing if
opposed. In the meantime, a Mr. Norton, had become by some means, possessed of the facts, gave Law a hint of what was
going on. Emma had also overheard something to arouse her suspicions, and I kept the matter in limbo by hammering
at Joe in private. Soon, the plot became almost visible. The people grumbled
23
greatly at the immense expense of the forty guards which were kept In pay, without any good cause being assigned, and
suspicion was aroused throughout the city, that some underhand work was in contemplation. Wm. and Wilson Law having
heard, by the vague information they had received, that either one of them, or Marks was the Judas whom Joe sought,
armed themselves and went to Joe's house. On seeing them, Joe became desperately alarmed and gave every evidence of
his apprehensions. They had a long conversation, in the course of which Joe made some abusive remark, which so
exasperated Wilson Law, that he drew his pistol, and made Joe swallow his words in a hurry. So great was the excitement,
that it was with difficulty that William Law and Hyrum Smith, could prevent Wilson from firing.
Joe seeing his plans foiled, determined on making capital of the whole affair, by raising the cry of persecution.
Accordingly he called the City Council together, and in order to show the public that there was no ground for the
rumors that had been afloat concerning the plot against Law, be brought all the forty guards up and questioned every
man whether he had ever bound them by a secret oath. Every man appeared perfectly amazed, and not one had ever known
of any such thing, nor did they know anything about the conspiracy against Law and Marks. This is part of Joe's game,
whenever he is accused of secret plots, he calls his men, who are instructed to appear as foolish as possible, to
disprove the accusation. In this instance they endeavored so hard to appear silly, that a sensible man might have
detected the trick; but the faithful were convinced that Joe had been vilely persecuted and slandered, and that there
was no ground whatever for the accusation against him. Joe, after having proved himself innocent by his accomplices,
turned on the old man Norton, and called him all manner of vile names; told him his tongue ought to be pulled out
by the roots, and said he, "D--n you, if you ever give vent to such another rumor, without more cause, I will order
you cut up and fed to the cat-fish." This was in presence of the City Council, and a large number of spectators.
The poor old fellow, who was a true Mormon and an honest man, really Thought that the indignation of Heaven was let
loose upon him, and he looked the very image of penitence and submission After delivering himself of his rage on the
old man, Joe turned to the City Council and declared that he was Law's warmest friend, and so completely did he spread
the deceit on them, that the Laws were induced to keep what had passed between them and Joe to themselves, and to the
world every thing appeared fair. Law did not know that I had any knowledge of what passed, until I gave him a hint of
his danger, and then disclosed what I knew of the affair that had transpired between him and Joe. From that day, we
had a perfect understanding.
24
To prevent an interruption of my narrative, I have omitted an interview that I had with Joe and Hyrum, at the time
the plan to assassinate Law was first concocted.
Previous to Joe having settled upon any particular plan for the removal of Law, he sent for Hyrum to counsel with him.
We all three took a walk down the river bank, and Joe made known to Hyrum that he had told me the whole plot against
Law's life, which appeared to please him; but he opposed Joe's plan of assassination and stated that if Law was cut
off in this manner, it would bring the whole Gentile world down on them. He then suggested what he called a better
plan of operation, which was to win Law's friendship by appearing sorry and apologizing for what had happened and then
invite him to a party, where they could easily put a white powder in his tea. Joe thought a few moments on the plan,
and said that Emma would be in the way, and she would not suffer it. Hyrum met this objection by saying, that he would
get his wife to call off Emma's attention, and then Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Durfee would do up the business, Law would
be taken suddenly ill, they would be called to lay hands on him, and no one would suspect the cause of his death. This
course he deemed much safer than Joe's; because by his plan there would be suspicion and trouble. Joe said he would
take the evening to think on it, soon after we arrived at the Nauvoo House, and Joe went home. Hyrum and myself
proceeded alone to Joe's store. When we arrived there, I proposed to walk back of the store to the river: being
desirous to get something further out of Hyrum. I then asked him some questions about Mrs. Thompson, whether she could
be trusted, &c. I told him that I did not want her acquaintance unless she was one of the secret women. He replied that
I need have no fears of her, for he would trust her with his life. Said he, 'if I were to tell her to put on [my] men's
clothes, and set Law's Mill on fire, she would do it. Oh! my God! she is a captain.' I then remarked, that I had heard
that she was one of his spiritual wives, and now I did not doubt it. Said he, 'who told you,' I replied that the
Prophet told me, not only of her, but of nearly all their secret women, and it was right that he did, for they might
be of service to me in carrying their measures. 'Yes!' said he, 'I have slept between her and my wife.' 'My God',
said I, 'how did you keep them from quarrelling? 'Oh,' said he, 'they are sisters; and that is not all, they are one
in Christ Jesus.' He then went on to give me a history of his feats with his spiritual wives, but for reasons above
mentioned, I will withhold names.
There are women, however, who should be exposed, such as this Mrs. Durfee. Taking her own confession and Joe's stories
as correct, there is not, I believe, such another perfect fiend in human
25
shape on the Earth. A more devout, pious and virtuous being, than she apparently is, cannot be found in any church;
but a more perfect specimen of knavery, villainy and every thing that is detestable in humanity, than she in reality
is, the Union cannot produce. A stranger who visits Nauvoo can form no idea of the corruption practiced in the city.
To him, every thing appears perfectly quiet and harmonious, and he is favorably impressed; and hence, sets down all
that he hears against the Mormons, as originating in religious intolerance. Nay! a man may live for years in this
place, and know but little of its iniquities, so completely does Joe cover up his crime. Many who were disposed to tell
what they knew, were deterred and are still deterred by the fear of the power of Joe and the secret clan about him.
When any thing of a disgraceful character is disclosed, Joe, ever ready to prove a negative, will bring together his
clan and prove himself perfectly innocent; and thus, no matter how vile his conduct in private, the individual who
ventures to disclose it, not only runs the risk of his life, but has but little hope of making the people believe
his story. Joe's conduct with the women of Nauvoo, surpasses every thing in blackness that I have ever heard or read
of. I have from his own mouth, and from the mouth of his victims, statements which I dare not reveal; for the world
will not believe that such corruption could possibly exist. Yet, if protection could be afforded to some of those
females who were the victims of these wretches (the leaders in Nauvoo,) I could, I believe, from their own mouths,
procure confessions that would startle the world. I have visited frequently, those women whom Joe supported for the
gratification of his lust -- I have found them subsisting on the coarsest food, and not daring to utter a word of
complaint, for they feared Joe Smith more than they did their God. I have appealed to the finer feelings of their
nature, and seen them weep as children, when dwelling on the degraded state to which their credulity had reduced them.
Knowing me to be in the confidence of Joe, they hesitated not to unfold their griefs to me, but their neighbors and
acquaintances generally, know nothing of their feelings or their degradation. These remarks apply only to a portion
of the spiritual wives, for there are many who are as corrupt as Joe himself.
From my knowledge of the spiritual wife system I should think that the number of secret women in Nauvoo cannot be much
less than six hundred. There are many married, as well as single women in this number; and so slyly do they carry on
their operations, that the husbands of many have never mistrusted the fact. Occasionally, a matter of this kind was
detected, that opened the eyes of a few persons; and so conspicuous were things made to appear the early part of this
spring, that every man in the city, who was not so blinded by fanaticism as to doubt the evidence of his own senses,
could
26
have seen what damnable iniquity was practiced. In consequence of the discoveries then made by the two Laws, Dr. Foster
and others and the exposure that followed, many of the most intelligent and respectable of the church dissented,
denounced Joe as a fallen prophet, and formed a new society. But to return to my conversation with Hyrum. After giving
me his experience in the spiritual wife system, he urged me to take a few women, and named two or three whom he said
would suit me. I thanked him, and said I had no desire to form any connection with any women in the city, but if I
should change my mind I would give his choice the preference, in part. As we returned to the store, we met Dr. Richards,
and Hyrum said to him that he would prophecy on my head that I would soon come into the church, and become as great a
man as ever Paul was. To this I made but little reply, and left them together. I went down to Joe's house, and on
entering, I found Joe in conversation with Emma, who was weeping bitterly. I asked Joe if he was engaged. He replied
by telling me to walk into his council room, and he would be there presently. I accordingly went in, and found Porter
Rockwell sweeping the room. After I took my seat, Rockwell remarked that there was trouble in the camp. Said I, "yes,
and it appears to be of a serious nature." Presently Joe entered and took his seat beside me. He appeared vexed with
Emma, because she opposed him in his plans against Law. He said she was mad because she could not get Law for a
spiritual husband, and that he would be obliged to turn off [sic - out?] his spiritual wives, that he kept about the
house.
Accordingly, in a few days Joe broke up house keeping and Ebenezer Robinson took the house. Joe and all his family
boarded with him; and thus ten or twelve poor females whom he had duped, and some of whom really thought, that they
had had the Holy Ghost for a bed-fellow, were turned out of house and home to shift for themselves. Joe's reason as
given to the people, for thus breaking up housekeeping, was that he had too much business, and had not time sufficient
to attend to both household concerns and the affairs of the church. But to return to my conversation with Joe in the
council room. He said that he had come to a firm determination that no traitor should live in the city, and that there
were some in the country who he said should go by the board. He named Laws, Doctor & C. A. Foster, Higbee, Kilbourn
of Fort Madison, Fleak of Keokuk, Sharp, Col. Williams, H. T. Wilson and A. Sympson, who, he said, were a pack of
persecuting d--d rascals, and were continually sapping his heart's blood by their influence; and continued he, "I will
prophecy in the name of God that every one of the d--d vipers shall be cut off." "There," said he, "I have said it in
the name of Almighty God, and one by one they
27
shall be missing, and my prophecy fulfilled to the letter. Now don't you oppose me, for you will weaken my arm." I
scarcely knew which to be the most astonished at, the infernal villainy, or the mad presumption of the wretch. He
seemed to think that he could with perfect impunity, rid the country of his enemies. I have no doubt that he could,
so far as law is concerned; but past experience should have taught him to fear the vengeance of an excited multitude.
After giving me this caution, he remarked that if I would strengthen his arm, he would build me up in the world. It
was shortly after this conversation, that I commenced my opposition to him, concerning his plot against Law; this I
did not do however, until I saw his plan of operation was matured. When this was made apparent, I took a bold stand,
and in the presence of his secret council, and of several of his Danites, I denounced the plot, as a foul, cowardly
and damnable piece of villainy. He soon saw that I was not what he had imagined me to be, and as a stepping stone to
the accomplishment of his great object, he laid a plot for my removal. He appeared, if anything, more friendly than
ever, and I began to mistrust treachery; but for some time could get no evidence, until at last some of his women
disclosed that a plot was on foot against me.
In the meantime, I endeavored to talk him out of his plot against Law, and gave Law a few hints of his danger, but not
of a pointed or definite character, for fear that he would be hasty, yet sufficient to put him on his guard. In order
that I might be able to get all the information I desired, concerning the secret designs against me, 'A commenced a
correspondence with Hyrum Smith's daughter, and so completely won her confidence, that she watched every movement and
reported to me her observations. From her, I obtained many valuable items, and amongst the rest, the truth of a certain
rumor that had been afloat in town, concerning Joe's having feigned a revelation, that he should have the wife of
William Smith married to him spiritually. This was in the winter of 1842-'3, while William was in the Legislature and
previous to my last residence in Nauvoo. His wife wrote to him, and told what overtures Joe had made, which greatly
exasperated William, and produced quite a disturbance in the Holy City. When William returned to Nauvoo, he gave the
people's Prophet a grand flogging. Lavina, (Hyrum's daughter) in her conversation with me, declared the above statement
true, and said that that was not the worst. I pressed her to tell me all, and finally she said that about the latter
part of May, 1844, Joe had feigned a revelation to have Mrs. Milligan, his own sister, married to him spiritually. This
was just after William Smith had left Nauvoo to preside over a branch of the church at Philadelphia; Joe and he having
hushed up their differences
28
When this revelation was made know to Mrs. Milligan, she wrote to William, giving an account of Joe's conduct and
said she should go back to the State of Maine and spend the summer. When she received an answer from William, she
accordingly did go. In his answer, William gave Mrs. Milligan a good piece of advice concerning Lavina; and cautioned
her not to let Joe get advantage of her. Previous, however, to this answer arriving, he had a revelation concerning
Lavina, who was at that time living with him and attending on her Grandmother. Lavina went to her aunt, Mrs. Milligan,
for advice, and enquired of her if this was lawful in the sight of God. Mrs. Milligan told her not to submit, and wept
bitterly to think Joe was so base as first to try seduce William's wife, then his own sister, and lastly his niece.
She advised Lavina to leave Joe's house and to shun it as she would a house of ill fame. Accordingly, Lavina did so.
About this time, I had a conversation with Joe, (who, it will be recollected still professed great friendship for me,
doubtlessly for sinster purposes), which turned on the spiritual wife doctrine. Joe had been drinking quite freely,
and I broached the subject of the rumor concerning Mrs. Milligan and Lavina. Joe would not own that he had tried his
own sister, but confessed the whole matter in relation to Lavina; and said that he got Hyrum to consent to it by
giving him one of his spiritual girls, whom Hyrum loved dearly, (a Miss S.) He said that he had lost Lavina by the
foolishness of Clayton but, said he, 'I'll have her yet.' This William Clayton is one of Joe's private clerks and a
ready cat's paw for all manner of base work. He has lived with his wife and wife's sister in common for the last year,
and has children by both of them. This is the man who Joe had set to work to lead his niece into the paths of iniquity,
aiding him by feigned revelations. But this innocent girl had timely warning from her aunt, who admonished her not to
hearken to the foul counsels of her father and uncle, and was thus saved from the pit into which so many had fallen.
In relation to Mrs. Millican, I would observe, that although not personally acquainted with her, I have frequently
heard her spoken of by Joe's spiritual wives, who never failed to eulogize her as a noble and excellent woman. I have
heard some of them say, after my depicting their desperate condition to them, 'Oh that I had taken the advice of Mrs.
Milligan, I might then have been saved from all this infamy to which I am now reduced.' From which it will appear that
Lavina was not the first she had warned.
As before stated, when Joe saw that I was in opposition to his dastardly and black-hearted measures concerning Law,
he began a plot against my life; but having several confidants amongst the women, I kept the windward of him, but
determined to leave the
20
city as soon as I could settle some business that I had on hand. The first plot that I learned of, was to get up a
California expedition, and murder me on the route. I had lived in California, and Joe knew that I had crossed the
prairies. He therefore proposed to send under my direction a company of his Danites to California, to explore the
country and look out a situation for a branch of the church. This thing was talked of for several days, without my
suspecting the object. A certain lady, however, who had heard Joe, Hyrum and Dr. Richards in conversation, came to me
and gave me to understand what was going on; and told me that the plot was to get started, and kill me; and then
return and report that the Indians had shot their pilot, and they were obliged to return. This she declared was the
sole object of the California expedition, and she made me swear that I would never divulge her name. She is a young
lady, and lives yet in Nauvoo, and she is obliged to live there, and I would be very sorry to give her any trouble
while she is yet in bondage. I had good reason to believe this lady's statements, for they came from the purest motives,
and as soon as I refused to go to California, the whole matter dropt, and I heard no more of the expedition.
The next plot which I heard of, was, for Willard Richards to invite me to go with him hunting on the Island. There
several men were to be placed in ambush, who would shoot me, and then Richards to run to the city and cry 'mob,
persecution, Missourians &c.' This plot, was also revealed to me by a young lady, who wished much to serve me. Shortly
after this revelation, Richards met me on the street and proposed a hunting excursion on the Island. I made an evasive
reply, and gave him a significant hint as to his object.
Another plot which was detected in the execution, was this: I slept, at Snyder's, on the ground floor, immediately
under a window One night I was wakened by a kind of nibbling noise like that of the gnawing of a rat. A curtain was
drawn across the window, and the assassin was attempting to cut the putty from the glass, and then draw the curtain
aside that he might make a sure shot. On hearing the noise, I arose gently in bed, and seized my pistol. The villain
however, heard the noise, and fled. The next morning the tracks of his feet were visible, the cutting of the putty
from the glass was also witnessed, and in the haste of the retreat, the fence had been knocked down. These things were
seen by many of Snyder's family, and others, who will substantiate my statement After the last evidences being
presented to me of Joe's intentions on my life, I went several times to see him, but could never find him. He was sick
or absent, or some such excuse was all the satisfaction I could get. O. P. Rockwell had the impudence once to
30
ask me "what my business with the General was." I replied that it was a matter between him and me. My determination
was to beard him in his villainy, and if he gave the slightest provocation to shoot him. Shortly after the last
mentioned attempt on my life I left the Holy City.
As regards Lavina Smith, I should not have mentioned her name, if it were not that William Smith last spring, in
St. Louis, gave me the same statement in regard to Joe's treatment of her, Mrs. Milligan and of his wife, which I
have detailed above. William remarked that Mrs. Milligan had always thwarted Joe, and she always would; and the reason
why Joe had treated him as he had,was because he had always opposed him in his diabolical schemes of assassination.
I believe that William, is too honorable a man, to deny this statement; indeed, at one time, it would have taken but
little provocation to have induced him to have exposed Joe, and all his schemes of villainy.
I have now given a brief sketch of some of the damnable practices carried on, in the name of religion, in Nauvoo;
but to avoid an interruption, I have omitted to narrate several matters that passed before my observation. The world
is generally aware of the fact, that Joe Smith was a candidate for the Presidency. This has excited universal contempt
and merriment; for no one conceived that Joe had any idea of his own success; but he had his even in this, which was
more treasonable and deeper laid than a person unacquainted with him could imagine. His object was simply this:
There was a Mr. Brown, formerly of Rushville, with whom I became acquainted in Nauvoo, soon after my arrival there.
This man has a wonderful genius for invention, and has planned a sub-marine battery and steam fire ship, which, to
all appearance, is capable of great execution. He stated to me, that he had been operating for 21 years, in perfecting
this work, but had not the means to bring the matter before the nation, and that Joe made him a propusition, which
had caused him to remove to Nauvoo. This proposition was, to furnish the means to take him, together with G. A. Adams
and Orson Hyde, to Russia, where the invention would be laid before the Emperor; and as Joe had great faith in its
success, he expected a large sum for the secret, Which Brown and Joe were to divide. This was palmed off on Brown, but
was far from being Joe's real object. His real object, as he disclosed it to me, was this: He would first run for
President, and thus be be able to prove to the Emperor of Russia his strength in the Union. He would then send G. A.
Adams, Orson Hyde, and Brown to Russia, and after the utility of the invention had been fairly proved to the Emperor,
Joe's proposition to him was to be submitted: which was to form a league for the overthrow of the
31
powers that be. Now this may seem too ridiculous for any man to imagine possible; nevertheless, no one acquainted with
the excessive vanity of Joe Smith, will doubt but that he in reality believed that he could form even so preposterous
a union. Joe's idea was, that by the aid of Brown's invention, he could introduce himself to the Emperor, and having
the strongest faith in the efficiency of the new discovery as an instrument of warfare; he imagined, that if His
Majesty could once see the wonderful work, that he would be willing even to take him as a partner in the benefits, for
the sake of its advantages. As wild as this scheme may seem, it is no wilder than many that have characterized
Mormonism from its infancy.
I deem It proper here to mention, that I told Gov. Ford, after his arrival at Carthage, of the substance of what I
have disclosed in these pages; and moreover, that I would pledge myself, if a posse sufficient for protection
were furnished, that I would go to Nauvoo, and show the secret passages and hiding places in the city, and furnish
evidence of the strongest character to substantiate the truth of what I had stated to him in relation to the Bogus
operations, spiritual wife iniquity, plans of assassination, tampering with the Indians, &c. An order was given at
one time, to march the forces to Nauvoo, as I supposed for that purpose, but after the arrival of a certain politician,
things took a turn; the order was countermanded and a portion of the troops were disbanded on the prairie, while on
their march. The world is aware of what resulted from their exasperation in consequence thereof. The limits of these
pages preclude any further remarks on this subject. The following affidavits are from men of unquestionable veracity.
They speak themselves.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
Hancock County. } ss.
Before the undersigned, a Justice of Hancock, and State of Illinois, personally appeared, Harmon T. Wilson. who
being duly sworn, deposeth and says: That in the latter part of the winter, and early in the spring of 1843, he
had several conversations with Joseph H. Jackson, in relation to the taking of Joe Smith on a writ which was
expected from Missouri. Jackson then proposed that he would go to Nauvoo, and gain, if possible, the confidence
of Smith that he might be able to ferret out his villainy, and co-operate with the agent of Missouri and myself,
in arresting Joe and bringing him to justice, to which proposition I assented, and further this deponent sayeth
not. H. T. WILSON
Sworn and subscribed before me this fourteenth day of August, A. D. 1844.
GEO. ROCKWELL. J. P., {L.S.}
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
Hancock County. } ss.
Personally appeared before me, an acting Justice of the Pence, In and for the County of Hancock, Michael Barnes,
Jr., first being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that sometime during the winter
32
or spring of 1843, Joseph H. Jackson, was going to the city of Nauvoo, to ferret out the iniquity of Joe Smith,
that he, (Jackson) believed that Joe Smith had he (Jackson) shot at during the winter, and that he (Jackson), was
determined to have revenge, and further this deponent saith not.
MICHAEL BARNES, JR.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 13th day of August. A. D. 1844,
R. F. SMITH, J. P., (L.S.)
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
Hancock County. } ss.
Benj. A. Gallop, after being duly sworn deposeth and saith: That whilst on business at Nauvoo on the 24th or 25th
of June A. D. 1843; in conversation with J. H. Jackson, I came to the conclusion that he (Jackson) was a spy on
the character and conduct of Joe Smith. the Mormon Prophet for purposes unknown to deponent. And further this
deponent sayeth not.
BENJ. A. GALLOP.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of August, A. D. 1844.
ROBT. F. SMITH, J.P., (L.S.)
Thomas L. Barnes, after being duly sworn deposeth and saith: Some time In December, 1842, I was in Nauvoo on business,
whilst there I fell in company with Mr. Joseph H. Jackson. He informed me that a few evenings previous to that time,
he had been shot at by some person unknown to him; but believed it to be some of Joe Smith's followers. When I
returned home he (Jackson) come with me, and spent the remainder of the winter at my house. While there I frequently
heard Jackson speak of Joe Smith, and his followers, he said be believed Joe Smith as grand a villain as ever lived,
and that he believed he could get into his confidence and thereby expose his iniquities; which he said he was
determined to do.
John Finch, Esq., informed me that he was present and in company with Jackson when he (Jackson) was shot at; and
picked the powder out of his face, that was blown in by the discharge of the pistol. And further this deponent saith
not.
THOMAS L. BARNES.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of August, A. D. 1844.
R. F. SMITH, J. P. (Seal)
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
Hancock County. } ss.
Personally appeared before me, an acting Justice of the peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Alexander Barnes,
and after being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that at different times in the course of the winter and
spring of 1843, Joseph H. Jackson did state to me that he intended to go into Nauvoo, for the purpose of ferreting
out the iniquities that were practiced by Joe Smith and his gang, and that he, J. H. Jackson, believed that Joe
Smith caused the attempt to be made upon his life by shooting him, upon a certain occasion at night in the early
part of that winter, and that he (Jackson) was determined to have revenge, and further this deponent saith not.
ALEXANDER W. BARNES.
Sworn to and subscribed before me. an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, this 13th day of
August, 1844.
R. F. SMITH, J. P. (L. S.)
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