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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mormon Menace + The Confessions of John Doyle Lee, Danite + +Author: John Doyle Lee + Alfred Henry Lewis + +Release Date: November 17, 2007 [EBook #23519] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORMON MENACE *** + + + + +Etext produced by Bret Blakeslee + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE MORMON MENACE + </h1> + <h2> + BEING THE CONFESSION OF JOHN DOYLE LEE - DANITE + </h2> + <h3> + AN OFFICIAL ASSASSIN OF THE MORMON CHURCH UNDER THE LATE BRIGHAM YOUNG + </h3> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION By ALFRED HENRY LEWIS + </h2> + <h4> + New York: Home Protection Publishing Co. + </h4> + <h3> + 1905 + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION By ALFRED HENRY LEWIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_4_0003"> THE MORMON MENACE OR, THE CONFESSIONS OF + JOHN DOYLE LEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I - THE STORMY YOUTH OF LEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II - LEE BEGINS A CAREER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III - LEE BECOMES A MORMON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV - THE SAINTS BESET WITH TROUBLES + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V - THE MORMON WAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI - LEE LOCATES THE GARDEN OF EDEN + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII - THE SAINTS GATHER AT NAUVOO + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII - LEE AS A MISSIONARY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX - MORMONISM AND ITS ORIGIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X - LEE CASTS OUT DEVILS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI - HOT FOR LEE IN TENNESSEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII - OF PECULIAR INTEREST IN NAUVOO + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII - DEATH OF JOSEPH SMITH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV - THE DOCTRINE OF SEALING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV - THE SAINTS TURN WESTWARD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI - LEE GOES TO SANTA FE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII - LEE IS TREATED BADLY BY THE + BRETHREN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII - THE DANITE AND HIS DUTY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX - THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX - THE MUSTER OF THE DANITES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI - THE BLOOD FEAST OF THE DANITES + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII - THE DANITE CHIEF REPORTS TO + BRIGHAM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII - LEE NEARS THE END </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_APPE"> APPENDIX I - BLOOD ATONEMENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_APPE2"> APPENDIX II - THE STORY OF LEE'S ARREST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_APPE3"> APPENDIX III - DEATH OF JOHN DOYLE LEE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_TOC" id="linklink2H_TOC"> </a> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_INTR" id="linklink2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <h3> + THE MORMON PURPOSE + </h3> + <p> + Almost a half century ago, being in 1857, John Doyle Lee, a chief among + that red brotherhood, the Danites, was ordered by Brigham Young and the + leading counselors of the Mormon Church to take his men and murder a party + of emigrants then on their way through Utah to California. The Mormon + orders were to "kill all who can talk," and, in their carrying out, Lee + and his Danites, with certain Indians whom he had recruited in the name of + scalps and pillage, slaughtered over one hundred and twenty men, women, + and children, and left their stripped bodies to the elements and the + wolves. This wholesale murder was given the title of "The Mountain Meadows + Massacre." Twenty years later, in 1877, the belated justice of this + Government seated Lee on his coffin, and shot him to death for his crimes. + </p> + <p> + In those long prison weeks which fell in between his arrest and execution, + Lee wrote his life, giving among other matters the story of the Church of + Mormon from its inception, when Joseph Smith pretended, with the aid of + Urim and Thummim, to translate the golden plates, down to those murders + for which he, Lee, was executed. Lee's confessions, so to call them, were + published within a few months following his death. The disclosures were + such that the Mormon Church became alarmed; the book might mean its + downfall. In the name of Mormon safety Brigham Young, by money and other + agencies, succeeded in the book's suppression. What copies had been sold + were, as much as might be, bought up and destroyed, together with the + plates and forms from which they had been printed. + </p> + <p> + In the destruction of this literature, so perilous to Mormons, at least + two volumes escaped. These have been placed in my hands by certain + patriotic influences, and are here reprinted as The Mormon Menace. Much + that was shocking and atrocious has been eliminated in the editing, as + unfit for modest ears and eyes. What remains, however, will give a + sufficient picture of the Mormon Church in its hateful attitude towards + all that is moral or republican among our people. A black kitten makes a + black cat; what the Mormon Church was under President Young it is under + President Smith, and will be with their dark successors. + </p> + <p> + The purpose of the present publication of Lee's story is to warn American + men, and more particularly American women, of the Mormon viper still + coiled upon the national hearth. To-day, as in the days of Lee, the Mormon + missionary is abroad in the world. He is in your midst; he makes his + converts among your neighbors; within the month, on one detected occasion, + he stood at the portals of your public schools and gave his insidious + pamphlets, preaching Mormonism, into the hands of your children. + </p> + <p> + More, the Mormon Church has, in addition to its religious, its political + side, and teaches not only immorality, but treason. On a far-away 5th of + November a certain darksome Guy Fawkes and his confederates, all with a + genius for explosives, planned to blow up the British Government by + blowing up its parliament, and went some distance towards carrying out + their plot. The Mormon Church of Latter-day Saints, with headquarters in + Salt Lake City, is employed upon a present and somewhat similar conspiracy + against this Government, with Senator Smoot as the advance guard or agent + thereof in the halls of our national legislature. + </p> + <p> + As this is written, a Senate inquiry into this conspiracy wags slowly yet + searchingly forward. Stripped of formality of phrase and reset in easier + English, the question which the Senate Committee is trying to solve is + this: Is the Mormon Church in conspiracy against the Government, with + Senator Smoot's seat as a first fruit of that conspiracy? As corollary + comes the second query: To which does Senator Smoot give primary + allegiance, the Church or the nation? + </p> + <p> + By every sign and signal smoke of evidence the conspiracy charged exists, + with President Smith of the Mormon Church its chief architect and + expositor. Smoot takes his seat in the upper house of Congress with a + first purpose of carrying forth, so far as lies within his hands, the + plans of the conspirators. What is the purpose of the conspirators? To + protect themselves and their fellow Mormons in the criminal practice of + polygamy, and prevent their prosecution as bigamists by the Utah courts. + </p> + <p> + The inquiry has already uncovered Mormonism in many of its evil details, + and retold most, if not all, of those stories of pious charlatanism and + religious crime which, during seventy-five years of its existence, make up + the annals of the Mormon Church. As a first proposal it was explained in + evidence before the committee that in no sort had the Mormon Church abated + or abandoned polygamy as either a tenet or a practice. Indeed, the present + conspiracy aims to produce conditions in Utah under which polygamy may + flourish safe from the ax of law. In the old days, when Brigham Young + ruled, the Mormons were safe with sundry thousands of desert miles between + the law and them. Then they feared nothing save strife within the Church, + and that would be no mighty peril. Brigham Young would put it down with + the Danites. He had his Destroying Angels, himself at their head, and when + a man rebelled he was murdered. + </p> + <p> + Mormonism is not, when a first fanaticism has subsided, a religion that + would address the popular taste. It is a religion of gloom, of bitterness, + of fear, of iron hand to punish the recalcitrant. It demands slavish + submission on the part of every man. It insists upon abjection, + self-effacement, a surrender of individuality on the part of every woman. + The man is to work and obey; the woman is to submit and bear children; all + are to be for the Church, of the Church, by the Church, hoping nothing, + fearing nothing, knowing nothing beyond the will of the Church. The money + price of Mormonism is a tithe of the member's income - the Church takes a + tenth. The member may pay in money or in kind; he may sell and pay his + tenth in dollars, or he may bring to the tithing yard his butter, or eggs, + or hay, or wheat, or whatever he shall raise as the harvest of his labors. + </p> + <p> + In the old time the President of the Church was the temporal as well as + spiritual head. No one might doubt his "revelations" or dispute his + commands without being visited with punishment which ran from a fine to + the death penalty. When outsiders invaded their regions the Mormons, by + command of Brigham Young, struck them down, as in the Mountain Meadows + murders. This was in the day when the arm of national power was too short + to reach them. Now, when it can reach them, the Church conspires where + before it assassinated, and strives to do by chicane what it aforetime did + by shedding blood. And all to defend itself in the practice of polygamy! + </p> + <p> + One would ask why the Mormons set such extravagant store by that doctrine + of many wives. This is the great reason: It serves to mark the Church + members and separate and set them apart from Gentile influences. Mormonism + is the sort of religion that children would renounce, and converts, when + their heat had cooled, abandon. The women would leave it on grounds of + jealousy and sentiment; the men would quit in a spirit of independence and + a want of superstitious belief in the Prophet's "revelations." Polygamy + prevents this. It shuts the door of Gentile sympathy against the Mormon. + The Mormon women are beings disgraced among the Gentiles; they must defend + their good repute. The children of polygamous marriages must defend + polygamy to defend their own legitimacy. The practice, which doubtless had + its beginning solely to produce as rapidly as might be a Church strength, + now acts as a bar to the member's escape; wherefore the President, his two + counselors, the twelve apostles and others at the head of Mormon affairs, + insist upon it as a best, if not an only, Church protection. Without + polygamy the Mormon membership would dwindle until Mormonism had utterly + died out. The Mormon heads think so, and preserve polygamy as a means of + preserving the Church. + </p> + <p> + What the Mormon leaders think and feel and say on this keynote question of + polygamy, however much they may seek to hide their sentiments behind a + mask of lies, may be found in former utterances from the Church pulpit, + made before the shadow of the law had fallen across it. + </p> + <p> + President Heber C. Kimball, in a discourse delivered in the Tabernacle, + November 9, 1856 (Deseret News, volume 6, page 291), said: "I have no wife + or child that has any right to rebel against me. If they violate my laws + and rebel against me, they will get into trouble just as quickly as though + they transgressed the counsels and teachings of Brother Brigham. Does it + give a woman a right to sin against me because she is my wife? No; but it + is her duty to do my will as I do the will of my Father and my God. It is + the duty of a woman to be obedient to her husband, and unless she is I + would not give a damn for all her queenly right and authority, nor for her + either, if she will quarrel and lie about the work of God and the + principles of plurality. A disregard of plain and correct teachings is the + reason why so many are dead and damned, and twice plucked up by the roots, + and I would as soon baptize the devil as some of you." + </p> + <p> + October 6, 1855 (volume 5, page 274), Kimball said: "If you oppose any of + the works of God you will cultivate a spirit of apostasy. If you oppose + what is called the spiritual wife doctrine, the patriarchal order, which + is of God, that course will corrode you with apostasy, and you will go + overboard. The principle of plurality of wives never will be done away, + although some sisters have had revelations that when this time passes + away, and they go through the vale, every woman will have a husband to + herself. I wish more of our young men would take to themselves wives of + the daughters of Zion, and not wait for us old men to take them all. Go + ahead upon the right principle, young gentlemen, and God bless you for + ever and ever, and make you fruitful, that we may fill the mountains and + then the earth with righteous inhabitants." + </p> + <p> + President Heber C. Kimball, in a lengthy discourse delivered in the + Tabernacle on the 4th day of April, 1857, took occasion to say: "I would + not be afraid to promise a man who is sixty years of age, if he will take + the counsel of Brother Brigham and his brethren, that he will renew his + youth. I have noticed that a man who has but one wife, and is inclined to + that doctrine, soon begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into + plurality looks fresh, young, and sprightly. Why is this? Because God + loves that man, and because he honors his work and word. Some of you may + not believe this - I not only believe it, but I also know it. For a man of + God to be confined to one woman is a small business; it is as much as we + can do to keep up under the burdens we have to carry, and I do not know + what we should do if we only had one woman apiece." + </p> + <p> + President Heber C. Kimball used the following language in a discourse, + instructing a band of missionaries about to start on their mission: "I say + to those who are elected to go on missions, Go, if you never return, and + commit what you have into the hands of God - your wives, your children, + your brethren, and your property. Let truth and righteousness be your + motto, and don't go into the world for anything else but to preach the + gospel, build up the Kingdom of God, and gather the sheep into the fold. + You are sent out as shepherds to gather the sheep together; and remember + that they are not your sheep; they belong to Him that sends you. Then + don't make a choice of any of those sheep; don't make selections before + they are brought home and put into the fold. You understand that! Amen." + </p> + <p> + When the Edmunds law was passed, and punishment and confiscation and exile + became the order, even dullwits among Mormons knew that the day of terror + and bloodshed as a system of Church defense was over with and done. Then + the Mormons made mendacity take the place of murder, and went about to do + by indirection what before they had approached direct. Prophet Woodruff + was conveniently given a "revelation" to the effect that polygamy might be + abandoned. They none the less kept the Mormon mind in leash for its + revival. The men were still taught subjection; the women were still told + that wifehood and motherhood were their two great stepping-stones in + crossing to the heavenly shore, missing which they would be swept away. + Meanwhile, and in secret, those same heads of the Church - Smith, the + President, Cluff, the head of the Mormon College, Tanner, chief of the + Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association - took unto themselves plural + wives by way of setting an example and to keep the practical fires of + polygamy alive. + </p> + <p> + True, these criminals ran risks, and took what President Smith in his + recent testimony, when telling of his own quintette of helpmeets, called + "the chances of the law." To lower these risks, and diminish them to a + point where in truth they would be no risks, the Mormon Church, under the + lead of its bigamous President several years rearward, became a political + machine. It looked over the future, considered its own black needs as an + outlaw, and saw that its first step towards security should be the making + of Utah into a State. As a territory the hand of the Federal power rested + heavily upon it; the Edmunds law could be enforced whenever there dwelt a + will in Washington so to do. Once a State, Utah would slip from beneath + the pressure of that iron statute. The Mormons would at the worst face + nothing more rigorous than the State's own laws against bigamy, enforced + by judges and juries and sheriffs of their own selection, and jails + whereof they themselves would weld the bars and hew the stones and forge + the keys. + </p> + <p> + With that, every Mormon effort of lying promise and pretense of purity + were put forward to bring statehood about. What Gentiles were then in Utah + exerted themselves to a similar end, and made compacts, and went, as it + were, bail for Mormon good behavior. In the end Utah was made a State; the + Mormons breathed the freer as ones who had escaped that Edmunds statute + which was like a sword of Damocles above their polygamous heads. To be + sure, as a State Utah had her laws against plural marriages, and provided + a punishment for the bigamist; the general government would consent to + nothing less as the price of that statehood prayed for. But the Mormon + criminals, the Smiths, the Lymans, the Tanners, and the Cluffs, were not + afraid. They had gotten the reins of power into their own fingers, and + made sure of their careful ability to drive ahead without an upset. + </p> + <p> + The Mormon Church, now when Utah was a State, went into politics more + openly and deeply than before. Practically there are three parties in Utah + - Republicans and Democrats and Mormons. The Gentiles are Democrats or + Republicans; the Mormons are never anything but Mormons, voting on this + side or on that, for one man or another, as the Mormon interest dictates + and the Mormon President and the apostles direct. Every Mormon who has a + vote occupies a double position; he is a Mormon in religion and a Mormon + in political faith. In that way every office is filled with a Mormon, or + with a Gentile who can be blind to Mormon iniquities. To-day a bigamist in + Utah has no more to fear from the law than has a gambling-house keeper in + the city of New York. + </p> + <p> + That Mormon conspiracy, whereof Smoot in the Senate is one expression, was + not made yesterday. It had its birth in the year of the Edmunds law and + its drastic enforcement. In that day, black for Mormons, it was resolved + to secure such foothold, such representation in the Congress at + Washington, that, holding a balance of power in the Senate or House, or + both, the Congressional Democrats or Republicans would grant the Mormons + safety for their pet tenet of polygamy as the price of Mormon support. The + Mormons in carrying out these plans decided upon an invasion and, wherever + possible, the political conquest of other States. They already owned Utah; + they would bring - politically - beneath their thumb as many more as they + might. With this thought they planted colonies in Nevada, in Colorado, in + Idaho, in Wyoming, in Montana, in Oregon, in Arizona. As a refuge for + polygamists, should the unexpected happen and a storm of law befall, they + also planted colonies over the Mexico line in Chihuahua and Sonora. + </p> + <p> + Before going to the latter move they talked with Diaz; and that astute + dictator said "Yes," with emphasis. Diaz welcomed the Mormons; they might + be as polygamous as they pleased. He wanted citizens; and he was not blind + to those beauties of enterprise and courage and hardihood that are the + heritage of the Anglo- Dane. He bade the Mormons come to Mexico and make a + bulwark of themselves between him and his American neighbors north of the + Rio Grande. The Mormons hated the Americans; Diaz could trust them. The + Mormons went to Mexico; there they are to-day in many a rich community, as + freely polygamous as in the most wide-flung hour of Brigham Young. Diaz + smiles as he reviews those prodigal crops of corn and cattle and children + which they raise. They make his empire richer in men and money - + commodities of which Mexico has sorely felt the want. + </p> + <p> + Once when a Methodist clergyman went to Diaz, remonstrated against that + polygamy which he permitted, and spoke of immoralities, Diaz snapped his + fingers. + </p> + <p> + "Do you see their children?" cried Diaz. "Well, I think more of their + children than of your arguments." + </p> + <p> + From this Mexican nursery the Mormon President can, when he will, order an + emigration into Nevada or any of those other States I've mentioned, to + support the Church where it is weakest. Moreover, as related, the + settlements in Mexico offer a haven of retreat should any tempest of + prosecution beat upon the Utah polygamists through some slip of policy or + accidental Gentile strength. + </p> + <p> + In Nevada, in Colorado, in Oregon, in Idaho, in every one of those States + wherein the Church has planted the standards of Mormonism, the Mormon, as + fast as he may, is making himself a power in politics. He is never a + Democrat, never a Republican, always a Mormon. What sparks of independent + political action broke into brief, albeit fiery, life a few years ago were + fairly beaten out when Thatcher and Roberts were punished for daring to + act outside the Mormon command. + </p> + <p> + Now, pretend what they will, assert what lie they choose, the Mormon + President holds the Mormon vote, in whatever State it abides, in the + hollow of his hand. He can, and does, place it to this or that party's + support, according as he makes his bargain. He will use it to elect + legislators and Congressmen in those States. He will employ it to select + the Senators whom those States send to Washington. And when they are + there, as Smoot is there, for the safeguarding of polygamy and what other + crimes Mormonism may find it convenient to rest upon from time to time, + those Senators and Representatives will act by the Mormon President's + orders. "When the lion's hide is too short," said the Greek, "I piece it + out with foxes." And the Mormons, in a day when the Danites have gone with + those who called them into bloody being, and murder as a Churchly argument + is no longer safe, profit by the Grecian's wisdom. + </p> + <p> + But the darkest side of Mormonism is seen when one considers the stamp of + moral and mental degradation it sets upon those men and women who comprise + what one might term the peasantry of the Church. Woman is, as the effect + of Mormonism, peculiarly made to retrograde. Instead of being uplifted she + is beaten down. She must not think; she must not feel; she must not know; + she must not love. Her only safety lies in being blind and deaf and dull + and senseless to every better sentiment of womanhood. She is to divide a + husband with one or two or ten or twenty; she is not to be a wife, but the + fraction of a wife. The moment she looks upon herself as anything other + than a bearer of children she is lost. Should she rebel - and in her + helplessness she does not know how to enter upon practical revolt - she + becomes an outcast; a creature of no shelter, no food, no friend, no home. + Woman is the basis or, if you will, the source and fountain of a race; + woman is a race's inspiration. And what shall a race be, what shall its + children be, with so lowered and befouled an origin? + </p> + <p> + At the hearing before the Senate Committee President Smith, stroking his + long white beard in the manner of the patriarchs, made no secret of his + five wives, and seemed to court the Gentile condemnation. This hardihood + was of deliberate plan on the part of President Smith. He was inviting + what he would call "persecution." He did not fear actual prosecution in + the Utah courts; as to the Federal forums, those tribunals were powerless + against him now that Utah was a State. Being safe in the flesh, President + Smith would bring upon himself and Mormonism the whole fury of the press. + It would serve to quiet schism and bicker within the Mormon Church. An + opposition or a "persecution" would act as a pressure to bring Mormons + together. That pressure would squeeze out the last drop of political + independence among Mormons, which to the extent that it existed might + interfere with his disposal of the compact Mormon vote. In short, an + attack upon himself and upon Mormonism by the Gentiles would tighten the + hold of President Smith, close-herd the Mormons, and leave them ready + politically to be driven hither and yon as seemed most profitable for + Church purposes. + </p> + <p> + Gray, wise, crafty, sly, soft, one who carries mendacity to the heights of + art, President Smith gives in all he says and does and looks the color of + truth to this explanation of his frankness. He would not prodigiously care + if Smoot were cast into outer Senate darkness. It would not be an evil + past a remedy. He could send Smoot back; and send him back again. + Meanwhile, he might lift up the cry of the Church persecuted; that of + itself would stiffen the Mormon line of battle and multiply recruits. + </p> + <p> + President Smith looks forward to a time when one Senate vote will be + decisive. He cannot prophesy the day; but by the light of what has been, + he knows that it must dawn. About a decade ago the Democrats took the + Senate from the Republicans by one vote - Senator Peffer's. In Garfield's + day the Senate, before Conkling stepped down and out, was in even balance + with a tie. What was, will be; and President Smith intends, when that + moment arrives and the Senate is in poise between the parties, to have at + least one Utah vote, and as many more as he may, to be a stock in trade + wherewith to traffic security for his Church of Mormon and its crimes. + Given a balance of power in the Senate - and it might easily come within + his hands - President Smith could enforce such liberal terms for Mormonism + as to privilege it in its sins and prevent chance of punishment. + </p> + <p> + There be those who, for a Mormon or a personal political reason, will find + fault with this work and its now appearance in print; they will argue that + some motive of politics underlies the publication. It is fair to state + that in so arguing they will be right. The motive is three-ply - made up + of a purpose to withstand the Mormon Church as a political force, limit + its spread as a so-called religion, and buckler the mothers and daughters + and sisters of the country against an enemy whose advances are aimed + peculiarly at them. The morals of a people are in the custody of its + women; and, against Mormonism - that sleepless menace to American morality + - these confessions of Lee the Danite are set in types to become a weapon + in their hands. It was the womanhood of the nation that compelled the + present Senate investigation of Smoot and what Mormon influences and + conspiracies produced him as their representative; and it is for a defense + of womanhood and its purity that this book is made. The battle will not be + wholly won with Smoot's eviction from his Senate seat; indeed, the going + of Smoot will be only an incident. The war should continue until all of + Mormonism and what it stands for is destroyed; for then, and not before, + may wifehood or womanhood write itself safe between the oceans. Congress + must not alone cleanse itself of Smoot; it must go forward to methods that + shall save the politics of the country from a least of Mormon + interference, and the aroused womanhood of the land should compel Congress + to this work. He who would hold his house above his head must mind + repairs, and the word is quite as true when spoken of a country. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Henry Lewis. New York City, + </p> + <p> + December 15, 1904. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_4_0003" id="linklink2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MORMON MENACE OR, THE CONFESSIONS OF JOHN DOYLE LEE + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0001" id="linklink2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I - THE STORMY YOUTH OF LEE + </h2> + <p> + In justice to myself, my numerous family, and the public in general, I + consider it my duty to write a history of my life. I shall content myself + with giving facts, and let the readers draw their own conclusion + therefrom. By the world at large I am called a criminal, and have been + sentenced to be shot for deeds committed by myself and others nearly + twenty years ago. I have acted my religion, nothing more. I have obeyed + the orders of the Church. I have acted as I was commanded to do by my + superiors. My sins, if any, are the result of doing what I was commanded + to do by those who were my superiors in authority in the Church of Jesus + Christ of Latter-day Saints. + </p> + <p> + My birthday was the 6th day of September, A.D. 1812. I was born in the + town of Kaskaskia, Randolph County, Illinois. My father, Ralph Lee, was + born in the State of Virginia. He was of the family of Lees of + Revolutionary fame. He served his time as an apprentice and learned the + carpenter's trade in the city of Baltimore. My mother was born in + Nashville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of John Doyle, who for many + years held the position of Indian Agent over the roving tribes of Indians + in southeastern Illinois. He served in the War of the Revolution, and was + wounded in one of the many battles in which he took part with the sons of + liberty against the English oppressors. + </p> + <p> + At the time of my birth my father was considered one of the leading men of + that section of country; he was a master workman, sober and attentive to + business, prompt and punctual to his engagements. He contracted largely + and carried on a heavy business; he erected a magnificent mansion, for + that age and country, on his land adjoining the town of Kaskaskia. + </p> + <p> + This tract of land was the property of my mother when she married my + father. My grandfather Doyle was a wealthy man. He died in 1809 at + Kaskaskia, Illinois, and left his whole fortune to my mother and her + sister Charlotte, by will. They being his only children, he divided the + property equally between them. + </p> + <p> + My father and mother were both Catholics, were raised in that faith; I was + christened in that Church. When about one year old, my mother being sick, + I was sent to a French nurse, a negro woman. At this time my sister Eliza + was eleven years old, but young as she was she had to care for my mother + and do all the work of the household. To add to the misfortune, my father + began to drink heavily and was soon very dissipated; drinking and gambling + were his daily occupation. The interest and care of his family were no + longer a duty with him; he was seldom present to cheer and comfort his + lonely, afflicted wife. + </p> + <p> + The house was one mile from town, and we had no neighbors nearer than + that. The neglect and indifference on the part of my father towards my + afflicted mother served to increase her anguish and sorrow, until death + came to her relief. My mother's death left us miserable indeed; we were + (my sister and I) thrown upon the wide world, helpless, and, I might say, + without father or mother. My father when free from the effects of + intoxicating drink was a kind-hearted, generous, noble man, but from that + time forward he was a slave to drink - seldom sober. + </p> + <p> + My aunt Charlotte was a spit-fire; she was married to a man by the name of + James Conner, a Kentuckian by birth. They lived ten miles north of us. My + sister went to live with her aunt, but the treatment she received was so + brutal that the citizens complained to the county commissioners, and she + was taken away from her aunt and bound out to Dr. Fisher, with whose + family she lived until she became of age. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the doctor moved to the city of Vandalia, Illinois. I + remained with my nurse until I was eight years of age, when I was taken to + my aunt Charlotte's to be educated. I had been in a family which talked + French so long that I had nearly lost all knowledge of my mother tongue. + The children at school called me Gumbo, and teased me so much that I + became disgusted with the French language and tried to forget it - which + has been a disadvantage to me since that time. + </p> + <p> + My aunt was rich in her own right. My uncle Conner was poor; he drank and + gambled and wasted her fortune; she in return give him blixen all the + time. The more she scolded, the worse he acted, until they would fight + like cats and dogs. Between them I was treated worse than an African + slave. I lived in the family eight years, and can safely say I got a + whipping every day I was there. + </p> + <p> + My aunt was more like a savage than a civilized woman. In her anger she + generally took her revenge upon those around her who were the least to + blame. She would strike with anything she could obtain with which to work + an injury. I have been knocked down and beaten by her until I was + senseless, scores of times, and carry many scars on my person, the result + of harsh usage by her. + </p> + <p> + When I was sixteen years old I concluded to leave my aunt's house - I + cannot call it home; my friends advised me to do so. I walked one night to + Kaskaskia; went to Robert Morrison and told him my story. He was a mail + contractor. He clothed me comfortably, and sent me over the Mississippi + River into Missouri, to carry the mail from St. Genevieve to Pinckney, on + the north side of the Missouri River, via Potosie, a distance of one + hundred and twenty-seven miles. It was a weekly mail. I was to receive + seven dollars a month for my services. This was in December, 1828. It was + a severe winter; snow unusually deep and roads bad. I was often until two + o'clock at night in reaching my stations. In the following spring I came + near losing my life on several occasions when swimming the streams, which + were then generally over their banks. The Meramec was the worst stream I + had to cross, but I escaped danger, and gave satisfaction to my employer. + </p> + <p> + All I know of my father, after I was eight years of age, is that he went + to Texas in the year 1820, and I have never heard of him since. What his + fate was I never knew. When my mother died my uncle and aunt Conner took + all the property - a large tract of land, several slaves, household and + kitchen furniture, and all; and, as I had no guardian, I never received + any portion of the property. The slaves were set free by an act of the + Legislature; the land was sold for taxes, and was hardly worth redeeming + when I came of age; so I sold my interest in all the land that had + belonged to my mother, and made a quit-claim deed of it to Sidney Breeze, + a lawyer of Kaskaskia, in consideration of two hundred dollars. I was born + on the point of land lying between and above the mouth of the Okaw or + Kaskaskia River and the Mississippi River, in what is known as the Great + American Bottom - the particular point I refer to was then called + Zeal-no-waw, the Island of Nuts. It was nineteen miles from the point of + the bluffs to the mouth of the Okaw River; ten miles wide up at the bluffs + and tapering to a point where the rivers united. Large bands of wild + horses - French ponies, called "punt" horses - were to be found any day + feeding on the ever green and nutritious grasses and vegetation. Cattle + and hogs were also running wild in great numbers; every kind of game, + large and small, could be had with little exertion. The streams were full + of fish; the forests contained many varieties of timber; nuts, berries, + and wild fruits of every description, found in the temperate zone could be + had in their season. + </p> + <p> + Near by was the Reservation of the Kaskaskia Indians, Louis DuQuoin was + chief of the tribe. He had a frame house painted in bright colors, but he + never would farm any, game being so plentiful he had no need to labor. + Nearly all the settlers were French, and not very anxious for education or + improvement of any kind. I was quite a lad before I ever saw a wagon, + carriage, set of harness, or a ring, a staple, or set of bows to an ox + yoke. The first wagon I ever saw was brought into that country by a Yankee + peddler; his outfit created as great an excitement in the settlement as + the first locomotive did in Utah; the people flocked in from every quarter + to see the Yankee wagon. + </p> + <p> + Everything in use in that country was of the most simple and primitive + construction. There were no sawmills or gristmills in that region; sawed + lumber was not in the country. The wagons were two-wheeled carts made + entirely of wood - not a particle of iron about them; the hubs were of + white elm, spokes of white oak or hickory, the felloes of black walnut, as + it was soft and would bear rounding. The felloes were made six inches + thick, and were strongly doweled together with seasoned hardwood pins; the + linch pin was of hickory or ash; the thills were wood; in fact all of it + was wood. The harness consisted of a corn husk collar, hames cut from an + ash tree root, or from an oak; tugs were rawhide; the lines also were + rawhide; a hackamore or halter was used in place of a bridle; one horse + was lashed between the thills by rawhide straps and pins in the thills for + a hold-back; when two horses were used, the second horse was fastened + ahead of the first by straps fastened on to the thills of the cart. Oxen + were yoked as follows: A square stick of timber of sufficient length was + taken and hollowed out at the ends to fit on the neck of the ox, close up + to the horns, and this was fastened by rawhide straps to the horns. + </p> + <p> + The people were of necessity self-sustaining, for they were forced to + depend upon their own resources for everything they used. Clothing was + made of home manufactured cloth or the skins of wild animals. Imported + articles were procured at heavy cost, and but few found their way to our + settlements. Steamboats and railroads were then unthought of, by us at + least, and the navigation of the Mississippi was carried on in small boats + that could be drawn up along the river bank by means of oars, spikes, + poles, and hooks. The articles most in demand were axes, hoes, cotton + cards, hatchels for cleaning flax, hemp and cotton, spinning wheels, + knives, and ammunition, guns, and bar shears for plows. In exchange for + such goods the people traded beef, hides, furs, tallow, beeswax, and + honey. Money was not needed or used by anyone - everything was trade and + barter. + </p> + <p> + The people were generous and brave. Their pleasures and pastimes were + those usual in frontier settlements. They were hardy, and well versed in + woodcraft. They aided each other, and were all in all a noble class of + people, possessing many virtues and few faults. The girls were educated by + their mothers to work, and had to work. It was then a disgrace for a young + woman not to know how to take the raw material - the flax and cotton - + and, unaided, manufacture her own clothing. It is a lamentable fact that + such is no longer the case. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0002" id="linklink2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II - LEE BEGINS A CAREER + </h2> + <p> + I formed a liking for Emily Conner. Emily was an orphan, and lived about + four years at my aunt Charlotte's after her mother died, and until her + father married again. She had a consoling word for me at all times when I + was in trouble. From being friends, we became lovers and were engaged to + be married, when my circumstances would permit. That winter I went to a + school for three months. + </p> + <p> + Early in the spring the Indian war known as the Black Hawk war broke out, + and volunteers were called for. I enrolled myself at the first call, in + the company of Capt. Jacob Feaman, of Kaskaskia. The company was ordered + to rendezvous at Fort Armstrong, Rock Island, where the troops were + reorganized, and Capt. Feaman was promoted to colonel, and James Conner + became captain of the company. I served until the end of the war, and was + engaged in many skirmishes, and lastly was at the battle of Bad Axe, which + I think took place on the 4th day of August, A. D. 1831, but am not + certain as to the date. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers were allowed to go home about the 1st of September, 1831. Our + company got to Kaskaskia, and were discharged, I think, on the 1st of + September, 1831. I got back with a broken-down horse and worn-out + clothing, and without money. I concluded to seek a more genial clime, one + where I could more rapidly better my financial condition. I went to see + and talk with Emily, the friend of my childhood, and the girl that taught + me first to love. I informed her of my intentions. We pledged mutual and + lasting fidelity to each other, and I bid her farewell and went to St. + Louis to seek employment. + </p> + <p> + When I landed on the wharf at St. Louis I met a negro by the name of + Barton, who had formerly been a slave to my mother. He informed me that he + was a fireman on the steamboat Warrior, running the upper Mississippi, + between St. Louis, Missouri, and Galena, Illinois. I told him I wanted + work. He said he could get me a berth on the Warrior as fireman, at + twenty-five dollars a month; but he considered the work more than I could + endure, as it was a hard, hot boat to fire on. I insisted on making the + effort, and was employed as fireman on the Warrior at twenty-five dollars + per month. I found the work very hard. The first two or three times that I + was on watch I feared I would be forced to give it up; but my spirit bore + me up, and I managed to do my work until we reached the lower rapids near + Keokuk. At this place the Warrior transferred its freight, in light boats, + over the rapids to the Henry Clay, a steamer belonging to the same line. + </p> + <p> + The Henry Clay then lay at Commerce, now known as Nauvoo. I was detailed + with two others to take a skiff with four passengers over the rapids. The + passengers were Mrs. Bogges and her mother, and a lady whose name I have + forgotten, and Mr. Bogges. The distance to the Henry Clay from where the + Warrior lay was twelve miles. A large portion of the cargo of the Warrior + belonged to the firm of Bogges & Co. When we had gone nearly halfway + over the rapids my two assistants got drunk and could no longer assist me; + they lay down in the skiff and went to sleep. Night was fast approaching, + and there was no chance for sleep or refreshment, until we could reach + Commerce or the Henry Clay. The whole labor fell on me, to take that skiff + and its load of passengers to the steamer. Much of the distance I had to + wade in the water and push the skiff, as was most convenient. I had on a + pair of new calfskin boots when we started, but they were cut off my feet + by the rocks in the river long before we reached the end of the journey. + </p> + <p> + After a deal of hardship I succeeded in getting my passengers to the + steamer just as it became dark. I was wet, cold, hungry, and nearly + exhausted. I sat down by the engine in my wet clothing and soon fell + asleep, without bedding or food. I slept from exhaustion until near + midnight, when I was seized with fearful crampings, accompanied by a cold + and deathlike numbness. I tried to rise up, but could not. I thought my + time had come, and that I would perish without aid or assistance. + </p> + <p> + When all hope had left me I heard a footstep approaching, and a man came + and bent over me and asked if I was ill. I recognized the voice as that of + Mr. Bogges. I said I was in the agonies of death, and a stranger without a + friend on the boat. He felt my pulse, and hastened away, saying as he left + me: + </p> + <p> + "Do not despair, young man, you are not without friends. I will return at + once." + </p> + <p> + He soon returned, bringing a lantern and a bottle of cholera medicine, and + gave me a large dose of the medicine; then he brought the captain and + others to me. I was soon comfortably placed in bed, and from that time I + had every attention paid me, and all the medical care that was necessary. + Mr. Bogges told me that he had supposed I was one of the regular crew of + the Henry Clay, and was among friends; that his wife had noticed that I + appeared to be a stranger, and had seen me when I sat down by the engine + alone; that after they retired his wife was restless and insisted on his + getting up and finding me; this was the occasion of his assistance coming + as it did. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bogges had contracted for freighting his goods to Galena, where he + resided; and had provided for the passage of himself, wife, and + mother-in-law. They would go by land from Commerce, as he dreaded the + passage of the upper rapids in time of low water, as it then was. + </p> + <p> + After finishing the loading of the steamer I began to fire up to get ready + for a start. While so engaged, Mr. Bogges came to me, and offered to + employ me. He asked me then what wages I was getting. I told him + twenty-five dollars. + </p> + <p> + "I will give you fifty dollars," said he. + </p> + <p> + We reached Galena in safety, and health. Now a new life commenced. Mr. + Bogges introduced me to John D. Mulligan, his partner. I at once commenced + my duties as bar-tender at the store. The business was such that I found + it more than play. Many a time I did not get rest or sleep for forty-eight + hours at a time. I have frequently taken in one hundred dollars in twenty- + four hours for drinks, at five cents a drink. I paid attention to + business, making the interest of my employers my interest. On account of + my faithful services I was permitted to prepare hot lunches during the + night, to sell to gamblers. What I made was my own. In this way I made + from fifty to one hundred dollars a month extra. + </p> + <p> + One day while I was absent from the store a French half-breed, by the name + of Shaunce got on a drunken spree and cleared out the store and saloon. + Hearing the disturbance I ran to the store. I entered by the back door and + went behind the counter. As I did so Shaunce ran to the counter and + grabbed a large number of tumblers, and threw them about the house, + breaking them all. + </p> + <p> + "Shaunce, you must either behave, or go out of the house," I said. + </p> + <p> + He jumped over the counter, caught me by the throat, and shoved me back + against the counter, saying: + </p> + <p> + "You little dog, how dare you insult me!" + </p> + <p> + There was no time to swap knives. I must either receive a beating or do + something to prevent it. I remembered the advice that my uncle Conner had + given me about fighting. + </p> + <p> + "John, if you ever get in a fight with a man that overmatches you, take + one of his hands in both of yours, and let him strike as he may, but get + one of his fingers in your mouth and then bite it, and hold on until he + gives up," he had said. + </p> + <p> + Acting on this advice, I succeeded in getting one of Shaunce's thumbs in + my mouth. I held to it until I dislocated the thumb joint, when he yelled: + </p> + <p> + "Take him off!" + </p> + <p> + This little affair made a quiet man of Shaunce, and my employers were more + pleased with me than ever before. They made me a present of fifty dollars + for what I had done. + </p> + <p> + While with Bogges & Co. I made money, and was saving of what I earned. + I did not gamble. I took good care of myself, and, having the respect of + every person, I admit I was quite vain and proud. I was accused by the + gamblers of being stingy with my money. So I thought I would do as others + did, and commenced to give money to others as a stake to gamble with on + shares. Soon I began to play. I won and lost, but did not play to any + great extent. Mr. Bogges took me to task for gambling. He also showed me + many of the tricks of the gamblers, and I promised him to quit the + practice as soon as I got married. + </p> + <p> + In the early part of 1832 I received an affectionate letter from my Emily, + desiring me to return to her, and settle down before I had acquired a + desire for a rambling life. I then had five hundred dollars in money and + two suits of broadcloth clothing. I was anxious to see Emily, so I settled + up with Bogges & Co. and started for home. Emily was then living at + her sister's house in Prairie de Roache; her brother-in-law, Thomas Blay, + kept the tavern there. I boarded with them about two weeks, during which + time I played cards with the Frenchman, and dealt "vantune," or + twenty-one, for them to bet at. I was lucky, but I lived fast, and spent + my money freely, and soon found that half of it was gone. + </p> + <p> + Emily was dissatisfied with my conduct. I proposed immediate marriage; + Emily proposed to wait until the next fall, during which time we were to + prepare for housekeeping. She wished to see if I would reform, for she had + serious doubts about the propriety of marrying a gambler. She asked me to + quit gambling, and if I had made that promise all would have been well, + but I was stubborn and proud and refused to make any promise. I thought it + was beneath my dignity. I really intended to never gamble after my + wedding, but I would not tell her so; my vanity overruled my judgment. I + said that if she had not confidence enough in me to take me as I was, + without requiring me to give such a promise, I would never see her again + until I came to ask her to my wedding. + </p> + <p> + This was cruel, and deeply wounded Emily; she burst into tears and turned + from me. I never saw her again until I went to ask her to attend my + wedding. I went up into the country and stopped with my cousins. While + there I met the bride of my youth; she was the daughter of Joseph Woolsey + and Abigail, his wife. I attended church, went to parties and picnics, and + fell in love with Agathe Ann, the eldest girl. The old folks were op- + posed to my marrying their daughter, but after suffering the tortures and + overcoming the obstacles usual in such cases, I obtained the consent of + the girl's parents, and was married to Agathe Ann Woolsey on the 24th day + of July, A. D. 1833. + </p> + <p> + The expenses of the wedding ended all my money, and I was ready to start + the world new and fresh. I had about fifty dollars to procure things to + keep house on, but it was soon gone; yet it procured, about all we then + thought we needed. I commenced housekeeping near my wife's father's, and + had good success in all that I undertook. I made money, or rather I + obtained considerable property, and was soon comfortably fixed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0003" id="linklink2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III - LEE BECOMES A MORMON + </h2> + <p> + After I moved to Luck Creek I was a fortunate man and accumulated property + very fast. I look back to those days with pleasure. I had a large house + and I gave permission to all sorts of people to come there and preach. + Methodists, Baptists, Campbellites, and Mormons all preached there when + they desired to do so. + </p> + <p> + In 1837 a man by the name of King, from Indiana, passed by, or came to my + place, on his way to Missouri to join the Mormons. He had been a New + Light, or Campbellite preacher. I invited him to stay at my place until + the next spring. I gave him provisions for his family, and he consented to + and did stay with me some time. + </p> + <p> + Soon after that there was a Methodist meeting at my house. After the + Methodist services were through I invited King to speak. He talked about + half an hour on the first principles of the gospel as taught by Christ and + his apostles, denouncing all other doctrines as spurious. This put an end + to other denominations preaching in my house. + </p> + <p> + That was the first sermon I ever heard concerning Mormonism. The winter + before, two elders, Durphy and Peter Dustan, stayed a few days with + Hanford Stewart, a cousin of Levi Stewart, the bishop of Kanab. They + preached in the neighborhood, but I did not attend or hear them preach. My + wife and her mother went to hear them, and were much pleased with their + doctrine. I was not a member of any Church, and considered the religion of + the day as merely the opinions of men who preached for hire and worldly + gain. I believed in God and in Christ, but I did not see any denomination + that taught the apostolic doctrine as set forth in the New Testament. I + read in the New Testament where the apostle Paul recommended his people to + prove all things, then hold fast to that which is good; also that he + taught that though an angel from heaven should preach any other gospel + than this which ye have received, let him be accursed. This forbid me + believing any doctrine that differed from that taught by Christ and his + apostles. I wanted to belong to the true Church, or none. + </p> + <p> + When King began to preach at my house I noticed that every other + denomination opposed him. I was surprised at this. I could not see how he + could injure them if they were right. I had been brought up as a strict + Catholic. I was taught to look upon all sects, except the Catholic, with + disfavor, and my opinion was that the Mormons and all others were + apostates from the true Church; that the Mormon Church was made up of the + off-scourings of hell, or of apostates from the true Church. I then had + not the most distant idea that the Mormons believed in the Old and New + Testaments. I was astonished to hear King prove his religion from the + Scriptures. I reflected. I determined, as every honest man should do, to + fairly investigate his doctrines, and to do so with a prayerful heart. + </p> + <p> + The more I studied the question, the more interested I became. I talked of + the doctrine to nearly every man I met. The excitement soon became + general, and King was invited to preach in many places. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Levi Stewart, one of my near neighbors, became interested + in this religion, and went to Far West, Missouri, to investigate the + question of Mormonism at headquarters. He joined the Church there, and + when he returned he brought with him the Book of Mormon and a monthly + periodical called the Elder's Journal. + </p> + <p> + By this time my anxiety was very great, and I determined to fathom the + question to the bottom. My frequent conversations with Elder King served + to carry me on to a conviction that the dispensation of the fullness of + time would soon usher in upon the world. If such was the case I wished to + know it; for the salvation of my never-dying soul was of far more + importance to me than all other earthly considerations. I regarded the + heavenly boon of eternal life as a treasure of great price. I left off my + frivolity and commenced to lead a moral life. I began trying to lay up + treasure in heaven, in my Father's rich storehouse, and wished to become + an heir of righteousness, to inherit in common with the faithful children + the rich legacy of our Father's Kingdom. + </p> + <p> + During that year our child, Elizabeth Adaline, died of scarlet fever. The + night she lay a corpse I finished reading the Book of Mormon. I never + closed my eyes in sleep from the time I commenced until I finished the + book. I read it after asking God to give me knowledge to know if it was + genuine and of Divine authority. By careful examination I found that it + was in strict accord with the Bible and the gospel therein contained; that + it purported to have been given to another people, who then lived on this + continent, as the Old and New Testaments had been given to the Israelites + in Asia. I also found many passages in the Bible in support of the + forthcoming of such a work, preparatory to the gathering of the remnant of + the House of Israel, and the opening glory of the Latter-day work, and the + setting up of the Kingdom of God upon the earth for the reception of the + Son of Man, and the millennial reign of Christ upon the earth a thousand + years; all of which, to me, was of great moment. My whole soul was + absorbed in these things. + </p> + <p> + My neighbor Stewart, who had just returned from Missouri, brought the most + cheering and thrilling accounts of the power and manifestations of the + Holy Spirit working with that people; that the spiritual gifts of the true + believers in Christ were enjoyed by all who lived faithfully and sought + them; that there was no deception about it; that everyone had a testimony + for himself, and was not dependent upon another; that they had the gift of + tongues, the interpretation of those tongues, the power of healing the + sick by the laying on of hands, prophesying, casting out devils and evil + spirits. All of which he declared, with words of soberness, to be true. + </p> + <p> + Stewart had been my playmate and my companion in former years. His word + had great influence on me, and strengthened my conviction that the Book of + Mormon was true - that it was a star opening the dispensation of the + fullness of time. I believed the Book of Mormon was true, and, if so, + everything but my soul's salvation was a matter of secondary consideration + to me. I had a small fortune, a nice home, kind neighbors, and numerous + friends, but nothing could shake the determination I then formed to break + up, sell out, and leave Illinois and go to the Saints at Far West, + Missouri. + </p> + <p> + My friends used every known argument to change my determination, but these + words came into my mind, "First seek the righteousness of the Kingdom of + God, then all things necessary will be added unto you "; and again, "What + would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" or, + "What could a man gain in exchange for his soul?" I was here brought to + the test, and my action was to decide on which I placed the most value - + my earthly possessions and enjoyments or my reward in future, the + salvation of my never-dying soul. I took up my cross and chose the latter. + I sold out and moved to Far West. I took leave of my friends and made my + way to where the Saints had gathered in Zion. Our journey was one full of + events interesting to us, but not of sufficient importance to relate to + the public. While on the journey I sold most of my cattle on time to an + old man, a friend of Stewart's - took his notes, and let him keep them, + which, as the sequel shows, was fortunate for me. + </p> + <p> + We arrived at Far West, the then headquarters of the Mormon Church, about + the 4th day of June, 1838. The country around there for some fifteen or + twenty miles, each way, was settled by Mormons. I do not think any others + lived within that distance. The Mormons who had been driven from Jackson, + Ray, and Clay counties, in 1833, settled in Caldwell and Daviess counties. + </p> + <p> + The night after our arrival at Far West there was a meeting to be held + there. Stewart said to me: + </p> + <p> + "Let us go up and hear them speak with new tongues and interpret the same, + and enjoy the gifts of the gospel generally, for this is to be a prayer + and testimony meeting." + </p> + <p> + "I want no signs," I said. "I believe the gospel they preach on principle + and reason, not upon signs - its consistency is all I ask. All I want are + natural, logical, and reasonable arguments, to make up my mind from." + </p> + <p> + The Sunday after, I attended church in Far West Hall. The hall was crowded + with people, so much so that I, with others, could not gain admittance to + the building. I obtained standing room in one of the windows. I saw a man + enter the house without uncovering his head. The Prophet ordered the + Brother of Gideon to put that man out, for his presumption in daring to + enter and stand in the house of God without uncovering his head. This + looked to me like drawing the lines pretty snug and close; however, I knew + but little of the etiquette of high life, and much less about that of the + Kingdom of Heaven. I looked upon Joseph Smith as a prophet of God - as one + who held the keys of this last dispensation, and I hardly knew what to + think about the violent manner in which the man was treated who had + entered the house of God without taking his hat off. But this did not + lessen my faith; it served to confirm it. I was fearful that I might in + some way unintentionally offend the great and good man who stood as God's + prophet on the earth to point out the way of salvation. + </p> + <p> + We remained at the house of Elder Joseph Hunt, in Far West, several days. + He was then a strong Mormon, and was afterwards first captain in the + Mormon Battalion. He, as an elder in the Church, was a preacher of the + gospel; all of his family were firm in the faith. + </p> + <p> + Elder Hunt preached to me the necessity of humility and a strict obedience + to the gospel requirements through the servants of God. He informed me + that the apostles and elders were our true teachers, and it was our duty + to hear, learn, and obey; that the spirit of God was very fine and + delicate, and was easily grieved and driven from us: that the more humble + we were, the more of the Holy Spirit we would enjoy. + </p> + <p> + After staying in Far West about a week we moved about twenty miles, and + settled on a stream called Marrowbone, at a place called afterwards + Ambrosia. Sunday, June 17, 1838, I attended meeting. Samuel H. Smith, a + brother of the Prophet, and Elder Daniel Cathcart preached. After meeting + I and my wife were baptized by Elder Cathcart, in Ambrosia, on Shady Grove + Creek, in Daviess County, Missouri. I was now a member of the Church, and + expected to live in strict obedience to the requirements of the holy + priesthood that ruled, governed, and controlled it. I must do this in + order to advance in the scale of intelligence unto thrones, kingdoms, + principalities, and powers, and through faithfulness and fidelity to the + cause receive eternal increase in the mansions that would be prepared for + me in my Father's kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Neighbor Stewart and myself each selected a place on the same stream, and + near where his three brothers, Riley, Jackson, and Urban, lived. On my + location there was a spring of pure, cold water; also a small lake fed by + springs. This lake was full of fish, such as perch, bass, pickerel, + mullet, and catfish. It was surrounded by a grove of heavy timber, mostly + hickory and oak. We could have fish sufficient for use every day in the + year if we desired. + </p> + <p> + My home on Ambrosia Creek reminded me of the one I had left on Luck Creek, + Illinois; but it was on more rolling land, and much healthier than the + Illinois home had proven to us. I knew I could soon replace, by labor, all + the comfort I had abandoned when I started to seek my salvation. I felt + that I had greatly benefitted my condition by seeking first the Kingdom of + Heaven and its righteousness; all else, I felt, would be added unto me. + But still I knew I must be frugal, industrious, and use much care. I + improved my farm as rapidly as I could, and was soon so fixed that we were + very comfortably established. + </p> + <p> + Meetings were held three times a week; also prayer and testimony meetings + - at the latter sacrament was administered. In these meetings, as well as + in everything I was called upon to do, I tried hard to give satisfaction. + I was a devout follower from the first. Whatever duty was assigned me I + tried to discharge with a willing heart and ready hand. This disposition, + on my part, coupled with my views of duty, my promptness and punctuality, + soon brought me to the notice of the leading men of the Church. + </p> + <p> + The motives of the people who composed my neighborhood were pure; they + were all sincere in their devotions, and tried to square their actions + through life by the golden rule - "Do unto others as you would they should + do unto you." The word of a Mormon was then good for all it was pledged to + or for. I was proud to associate with such an honorable people. + </p> + <p> + Twenty miles northeast of my home was the settlement of Adam-on- Diamond. + It was on the east bank of Grand River, near the Three Forks. Lyman White, + one of the twelve apostles, was president of that Stake of Zion. In July, + 1838, Levi Stewart and myself concluded to visit the settlement of + Adam-on-Diamond. We remained over night at the house of Judge Mourning. He + was a Democrat. He told us that at the approaching election the Whigs were + going to cast their votes, at the outside precincts, early in the day, and + then rush in force to the town of Gallatin, the county seat of Daviess + County, and prevent the Mormons from voting. The Judge requested us to + inform our people of the facts in the case, and for us to see that the + Mormons went to the polls in force, prepared to resist and overcome all + violence that might be offered. He said the Whigs had no right to deprive + the Mormons of their right of suffrage, who had a right to cast their + votes as free and independent Americans. + </p> + <p> + The two political parties were about equally divided in Daviess County. + The Mormons held the balance of power, and could turn the scale whichever + way they desired. I had heard of Judge Mourning as a sharp political + worker, and I then thought he was trying to carry out an electioneering + job for his party. + </p> + <p> + We visited our friends at Adam-on-Diamond, and returned home. While on + this trip I formed the acquaintance of Solomon McBrier, and purchased some + cattle from him. He wished to sell me quite a number, but as I did not + want to be involved in debt I refused to take them. I had a perfect horror + of debt, for I knew that when a man was in debt he was in nearly every + respect a slave, and that if I got in debt it would worry me and keep my + mind from that quiet repose so necessary for contemplating the beauties of + nature and communing with the Spirit regarding holy subjects. + </p> + <p> + Just before the election of August, 1838, a general notice was given for + all the brethren of Daviess County to meet at Adam-on- Diamond. Every man + obeyed the call. At that meeting the males over eighteen years of age were + organized into a military body, according to the law of the Priesthood, + and called The Host of Israel. The first rank was a captain with ten men + under him; next was a captain of fifty - that is, he had five companies of + ten; next, the captain of a hundred, or of ten captains and companies of + ten. The entire male membership of the Mormon Church was then organized in + the same way. + </p> + <p> + This, as I was informed, was the first organization of the military force + of the Church. It was so organized by command of God, as revealed through + the Lord's prophet, Joseph Smith. God commanded Joseph Smith to place the + Host of Israel in a situation for defense against the enemies of God and + the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. + </p> + <p> + At the same Conference another organization was formed - it was called the + Danites. The members of this order were placed under the most sacred + obligations that language could invent. They were sworn to stand by and + sustain each other; to sustain, protect, defend, and obey the leaders of + the Church, under any and all circumstances unto death; and to disobey the + orders of the leaders of the Church, or divulge the name of a Danite to an + outsider, or to make public any of the secrets of the order of Danites, + was to be punished with death. And I can say of a truth, many have paid + the penalty for failing to keep their covenants. + </p> + <p> + They had signs and tokens for use and protection. The token of recognition + was such that it could be readily understood, and it served as a token of + distress by which they could know each other from their enemies, although + they were entire strangers to each other. When the sign was given it must + be responded to and obeyed, even at the risk or certainty of death. The + Danite that would refuse to respect the token, and comply with all its + requirements, was stamped with dishonor, infamy, shame, disgrace, and his + fate for cowardice and treachery was death. + </p> + <p> + This sign or token of distress is made by placing the right hand on the + right side of the face, with the points of the fingers upward, shoving the + hand upward until the ear is snug between the thumb and forefinger. I here + pause, and ask myself the question: + </p> + <p> + "Am I justified in making the above statement?" + </p> + <p> + Those who think I am not should wait until they read the whole story. It + is my purpose and intention to free my mind and bring to light some of the + secret workings of the Priesthood. + </p> + <p> + To return to the election at Gallatin: The brethren all attended the + election. All things seemed to pass off quietly, until some of the Mormons + went up to the polls to vote. I was then lying on the grass with McBrier + and a number of others. + </p> + <p> + As the Mormons were going to the polls a drunken brute by the name of + Richard Weldorp stepped up to a little Mormon preacher by the name of + Brown and said: + </p> + <p> + "Are you a Mormon preacher?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I am." + </p> + <p> + "Do you Mormons believe in healing the sick by laying on of hands, + speaking in tongues, and casting out devils?" + </p> + <p> + "We do," said Brown. + </p> + <p> + Weldon then said, "You are a liar. Joseph Smith is an impostor." + </p> + <p> + With this, he attacked Brown, and beat him severely. Brown did not resent + it, but tried to reason with him; but without effect. + </p> + <p> + At this time a Mormon by the name of Hyrum Nelson attempted to pull Weldon + off Brown, when he was struck by half a dozen men on the head, shoulders, + and face. He was soon forced to the ground. Just then Riley Stewart struck + Weldon across the back of the head with a billet of oak lumber and broke + his skull. Weldon fell on me, and appeared lifeless. The blood flowed + freely from the wound. Immediately the fight became general. + </p> + <p> + Gallatin was a new town, with about ten houses, three of which were + saloons. The town was on the bank of Grand River, and heavy timber came + near the town, which stood in a little arm of the prairie. Close to the + polls there was a lot of oak timber which had been brought there to be + riven into shakes or shingles, leaving the heart, taken from each + shingle-block, lying there on the ground. These hearts were three square, + four feet long, weighed about seven pounds, and made a very dangerous, yet + handy weapon; and when used by an enraged man they were truly a class of + instrument to be dreaded. + </p> + <p> + When Stewart fell the Mormons sprang to the pile of oak hearts, and each + man, taking one for use, rushed into the crowd. The Mormons were yelling: + </p> + <p> + "Save him!" and the settlers yelled: + </p> + <p> + "Kill him!" + </p> + <p> + The sign of distress was given by the Danites, and all rushed forward, + determined to save Stewart, or die with him. One of the mob stabbed + Stewart in the shoulder. He rose and ran, trying to escape, but was again + surrounded and attacked by a large number of foes. + </p> + <p> + The Danite sign of distress was again given by John L. Butler, one of the + captains of the Host of Israel. Butler was a brave, true man, and a leader + that it was a pleasure to follow where duty called. Seeing the sign, I + sprang to my feet and armed myself with one of the oak sticks. I did this + because I was a Danite, and my oaths that I had taken required immediate + action on my part in support of the one giving the sign. I ran into the + crowd. + </p> + <p> + As I reached it I saw Nelson fighting for life. He was surrounded by a + large number who were seeking to murder him; but he had a loaded whip, the + lash wrapped around his hand, using the handle, which was loaded with + several pounds of lead, as a weapon of defense. He was using it with + effect, for he had men piled around him in all shapes. + </p> + <p> + As I approached a man sprang to his feet. He had just been knocked down by + Nelson. As the man was rising Nelson gave him a blow across the loins with + the handle of his whip, which had the effect of straightening out the + villain on the grass and rendered him an inoffensive spectator during the + remainder of the play. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Butler was then a stranger to me, and until I saw him give the + Danite sign of distress I believed him to be one of the Missouri ruffians + who were our enemies. In this contest I came near committing a serious + mistake. I had raised my club to strike a man, when a Missourian rushed at + him and struck him with a loaded whip, and called him a cursed Mormon. The + man then gave the sign, and I knew how to act. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Butler was attacked from all sides, but being a powerful man he used + his oak club with effect and knocked a man down at each blow that he + struck, and each man that felt the weight of his weapon was out of the + fight for that day at least. Many of those that he came in contact with + had to be carried from the field for surgical aid. In the battle, which + was spirited, but short in duration, nine men had their skulls broken, and + many others were seriously injured in other ways. The severe treatment of + the mob by the Danites soon ended the battle. + </p> + <p> + Three hundred men were present at this difficulty, only thirty of whom + were Mormons, and only eight Mormons took part in the fight. I was an + entire stranger to all who were engaged in the affray, except Stewart, but + I had seen the sign, and, like Samson when loaning against the pillar, I + felt the power of God nerve my arm for the fray. It helps a man a great + deal in a fight to know that God is on his side. + </p> + <p> + After the violence had ceased Capt. Butler called the Mormons to him, and + as he stood on a pile of building timber he made a speech to the brethren. + He said that his ancestors had served in the War of the Revolution to + establish a free and independent government - one in which all men had + equal rights and privileges; that he professed to be half white and free + born, and claimed a right to enjoy his constitutional privileges, and + would have his rights as a citizen, if he had to fight for them; that as + to his religion, it was a matter between his God and himself, and no man's + business; that he would vote, and would die before he would be driven from + the polls. + </p> + <p> + Several of the Gentile leaders then requested us to lay down our clubs and + go and vote. This Capt. Butler refused, saying: + </p> + <p> + "We will not molest anyone who lets us alone, but we will not risk + ourselves again in that crowd without our clubs." + </p> + <p> + The result was the Mormons all voted. It is surprising what a few resolute + men can do when united. + </p> + <p> + It may be well for purposes of explanation to refer back to the + celebration of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, 1838, + at Far West. That day Joseph Smith made known to the people the substance + of a Revelation he had received from God. It was to the effect that all + the Saints throughout the land were required to sell their possessions, + gather all their money together, and send an agent to buy up all the land + in the region round about Far West, and get a patent for the land from the + Government, then deed it over to the Church; then every man should come up + there to the land of their promised inheritance and consecrate what he had + to the Lord. + </p> + <p> + In return the Prophet would set apart a tract of land for each Saint - the + amount to correspond with the number of the Saint's family - and this land + should be for each Saint an everlasting inheritance. In this way the + people could, in time, redeem Zion (Jackson County) without the shedding + of blood. It was also revealed that unless this was done, in accordance + with God's demand, as required by Him in the Revelation then given to the + people through his Prophet, Joseph Smith, the Saints would be driven from + State to State, from city to city, from one abiding place to another, + until the members would die and waste away, leaving but a remnant of the + Saints to return and receive their inheritance in Zion (Jackson County) in + the last days. + </p> + <p> + Sidney Rigdon was then the mouthpiece of Joseph Smith, as Aaron was of + Moses in olden times. Rigdon told the Saints that day that if they did not + come up as true Saints and consecrate their property to the Lord, by + laying it down at the feet of the apostles, they would in a short time be + compelled to consecrate and yield it up to the Gentiles; that if the + Saints would be united as one man, in this consecration of their entire + wealth to the God of Heaven, by giving it up to the control of the + Apostolic Priesthood, then there would be no further danger to the Saints; + they would no more be driven from their homes on account of their faith + and holy works, for the Lord had revealed to Joseph Smith that He would + then fight the battles of His children, and save them from all their + enemies; that the Mormon people would never be accepted as the children of + God unless they were united as one man, in temporal as well as spiritual + affairs, for Jesus had said unless ye are one, ye are not Mine; that + oneness must exist to make the Saints the accepted children of God; that + if the Saints would yield obedience to the commands of the Lord all would + be well, for the Lord had confirmed these promises by a Revelation which + He had given to Joseph Smith, in which it was said: + </p> + <p> + "I, the Lord, will fight the battles of my people, and if your enemies + shall come up against you, spare them, and if they shall come up against + you again, then shall ye spare them also; oven unto the third time shall + ye spare them; but if they come up against you the fourth time, I, the + Lord, will deliver them into your hands, to do with them as seemeth good + unto you; but if you then spare them it shall be accounted unto you for + righteousness." + </p> + <p> + The words of the apostle, and the promises of God, as then revealed to me, + made a deep impression on my mind, as it did upon all who heard the same. + We that had given up all else for the sake of the gospel felt willing to + do anything on earth that it was possible to do to obtain the protection + of God, and have and receive His smile of approbation. Those who, like me, + had full faith in the teachings of God, as revealed by Joseph Smith, His + Prophet, were willing to comply with every order, and to obey every wish + of the Priesthood. + </p> + <p> + The majority of the people, however, felt like Ananias and Sapphira - they + dare not trust all to God and His Prophet. They felt that their money was + as safe in their own possession as it was when held by the Church + authorities. A vote of the people was had to determine - the question + whether they would consecrate their wealth to the Church, or not. The vote + was taken and was unanimous for the consecration. I soon found out that + the people had voted as I have often known them to do in Mormon meetings + since then; they vote to please the Priesthood, then act to suit + themselves. I never thought that was right or honest; men should vote + their sentiments, but they do not at all times do so. I have been the + victim of such hypocrites. + </p> + <p> + The vote, as I said, was taken. It was done by a show of hands, but not a + show of hearts. By the readiness with which all hands went up in favor of + consecration it was declared that the people were of a truth God's + children, and, as such, would be protected by Him. The Prophet and all his + Priesthood were jubilant, and could hardly contain themselves; they were + so happy to see the people such dutiful Saints. + </p> + <p> + Sidney Rigdon on that day delivered an oration, in which he said the + Mormons were, as a people, loyal to the Government, obedient to the laws, + and as such they were entitled to the protection of the Government in + common with all other denominations, and were justified in claiming as + full protection, in their religious matters, as the people of any other + sect; that the Mormons had suffered from mob rule and violence, but would + no longer submit to the mob or unjust treatment that had so long followed + them. Now and forevermore would they meet force with force. + </p> + <p> + "We have been driven from Kirkland," said he; "from Jackson County, the + true Zion; and now we will maintain our rights, defend our homes, our + wives and children, and our property from mob rule and violence. If the + Saints are again attacked, we will carry on a war of extermination against + our enemies, even to their homes and firesides, until we despoil those who + have despoiled us, and give no quarter until our enemies are wasted away. + We will unfurl to the breeze the flag of our nation, and under that banner + of freedom we will maintain our rights, or die in the attempt." + </p> + <p> + At the end of each sentence Rigdon was loudly cheered; and when he closed + his oration I believed the Mormons could successfully resist the world. + But this feeling of confidence faded away as soon as a second thought + entered my mind. I then feared that the days of liberty for our people had + been numbered. First, I feared the people would not give up all their + worldly possessions, to be disposed of by and at the will and pleasure of + three men. In the second place, I doubted the people being so fully + regenerated as to entitle them to the full and unconditional support and + favor of God that had been promised through the Revelation to Joseph + Smith, in favor of the Latter-day Saints. I knew that God was able and + willing to do all He had promised, but I feared that the people still + loved worldly pleasures so well that God's mercy would be rejected by + them, and all would be lost. + </p> + <p> + About three days after the proclamation of Rigdon had been made there was + a storm of rain, during which the thunder and lightnings were constant and + terrible. The liberty pole in the town was struck by lightning and + shivered to atoms. This evidence from the God of nature also convinced me + that the Mormon people's liberties, in that section of the country, were + not to be of long duration. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0004" id="linklink2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV - THE SAINTS BESET WITH TROUBLES + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Saints did not consecrate their possessions as they had +so recently voted they would do; they began to reflect, and the +final determination was that they could manage their worldly +effects better than any one of the apostles; in fact, better than +the Prophet and the Priesthood combined. Individual Saints +entered large tracts of land in their own names, and thereby +secured all of the most desirable land round about Far West. +These landed proprietors became the worst kind of extortionists, +and forced the poor Saints to pay them large advances for every +acre of land that was settled, and nothing could be called free +from the control of the money power of the rich and headstrong +Mormons who had defied the revelations and wishes of God. +</pre> + <p> + So things went from bad to worse, until the August election at Gallatin + referred to. The troubles of that day brought the Church and Saints to a + standstill; business was paralyzed; alarm seized the stoutest hearts, and + dismay was visible in every countenance. The Prophet issued an order to + gather all the people at Far West and Adam-on-Diamond, under the + leadership of Col. Lyman White, for the purpose of protecting the people + from mob violence, and to save their property from lawless thieves who + were roaming the country in armed bands. + </p> + <p> + The Gentiles and Mormons hastened to the executive of the State. The + Gentiles asked for a military force to protect the settlers from Mormon + violence. The Mormons requested, an investigating committee to inquire + into the whole subject and suggest means necessary for future safety to + each party. Also they demanded military protection from the mobs and + outlaws that infested the country. + </p> + <p> + The Governor sent troops to keep order. They were stationed about midway + between Far West and Adam-on-Diamond. A committee was also appointed and + sent to Gallatin to inquire into the recent disturbances. This committee + had full power to send for witnesses, make arrests of persons accused of + crime, and generally to do all things necessary for a full and complete + investigation of the entire affair. + </p> + <p> + Many arrests were made at the request of the committee. The persons so + arrested were taken before Justice Black, of Daviess County, and examined; + witnesses were examined for both parties, and much hard and false swearing + was done on both sides. After a long and fruitless examination the + committee adjourned, leaving the military to look after matters until + something would turn up to change the feeling of danger then existing. It + was thought by the committee that all would soon become quiet and peace + would be restored. + </p> + <p> + The Gentiles of the country were dissatisfied with the action of the + committee and in no way disposed to accept peace on any terms; they + determined that, come what would, the Mormons should be driven from the + State of Missouri. Letters were written by the Gentiles around Far West to + all parts of the State, and elsewhere, giving the most fearful accounts of + Mormon atrocities. Some of the writers said it was useless to send less + than three or four men for each Mormon, because the Mormons felt sure of + heaven if they fell fighting, hence they did not fear death; that they + fought with the desperation of devils. + </p> + <p> + Such reports spread like wildfire throughout northern Missouri, and thence + all over the States of the Mississippi Valley, and resulted in creating a + feeling of the most intense hatred in the breasts of all the Gentiles + against the Mormons. Companies of volunteers were raised and armed in + every town throughout northern Missouri, and commenced concentrating in + the vicinity of the Mormon settlements. The troops sent by the Governor to + guard the settlers and preserve order soon took part with the mob, and all + show for legal protection was gone, so far as Mormons were concerned. I + had built a cabin in the valley of Adam-on-Diamond, at the point where the + Prophet said Adam blessed his posterity after being driven from the Garden + of Eden. + </p> + <p> + The condition of the country being such that we could not labor on our + farms, I concluded to go and hunt for wild honey. Several of my neighbors + were to join me in my bee hunt, and we started with our teams, and + traveled northeasterly until we reached the heavy timber at the three + forks of Grand River. We camped on the middle fork of Grand River, and had + fine success in securing honey. + </p> + <p> + We had been out at camp only two or three days when we discovered signs of + armed men rushing through the country. On the 3d of October, 1838, we saw + a large number of men that we knew were enemies to the Mormons on their + way, as we supposed, to attack our people at the settlements. I concluded + to go and meet them, and find out for certain what they were really + intending to do. I was forced to act with caution, for, if they discovered + that we were Mormons, our lives would be taken by the desperate men + composing the mob who called themselves State volunteers. I took my gun + and carrying a bucket on my arm started out to meet the people and learn + their intentions. I met them just after they had broken camp on Sunday + morning. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I saw them I was certain they were out hunting for Mormons. I + concluded to pass myself off as an outsider, the better to learn their + history. My plan worked admirably. I stood my ground until a company of + eighteen men rode up to me, and said: + </p> + <p> + "You move early." + </p> + <p> + "Not so early, gentlemen; I am not moving any sooner than you are. What + are you all doing in this part of the country, armed to the teeth as you + are? Are you hunting for Indians?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said they, "but we wish to know where you are from, and what you are + doing." + </p> + <p> + "I am from Illinois; there are four of us who have come out here to look + up a good location to settle. We stopped on Marrowbone, and did think of + staying there, until the settlers and Mormons got into a row at Gallatin, + on election day. After that we concluded to strike out and see what this + country looked like. I am now going to cut a bee tree that I found + yesterday evening, and I brought my gun along so that if I met an old buck + I could secure some venison to eat with my honeycomb." + </p> + <p> + As I got through they all huddled around me and commenced to relate the + horrors of Mormonism. They advised me to have nothing to do with the + Mormons, for said they: + </p> + <p> + "As old Joe Smith votes, so will every Mormon in the country vote, and + when they get into a fight they are just the same way; they stick + together. When you attack one of the crew you bring every one of them + after you like a nest of hornets." + </p> + <p> + To this I replied that I had heard a little of the fuss at Gallatin, but + did not suppose I had got the right of the story, and would be glad if + they would tell me just how it was. I should like to learn the facts from + an eyewitness. Several of the men spoke up and said they were there and + saw it all. They then told the story, and did the Mormons more justice + than I expected from them. + </p> + <p> + They said, among other things, that there was a large rawboned man there + who spoke in tongues, and that when the fight commenced he cried: + </p> + <p> + "Charge, Danites!" + </p> + <p> + They then said the Mormons must leave the country. + </p> + <p> + "If we do not make them do so now, they will be so strong in a few years + they will rule the country as they please. Another band of men will come + along soon; and they will then go through the Mormon settlements and burn + up every house, and lynch every Mormon they find. The militia has been + sent to keep order in Daviess County, but will soon be gone, and the work + of destroying the Mormons begin." + </p> + <p> + "If they have done as you say they have, pay them in their own coin," I + said. + </p> + <p> + The company then passed on, and I returned with a heavy heart to my + friends. I advised making an immediate start for home, and in a few + minutes we were on our way. + </p> + <p> + While coming up from home we had found four bee trees, that we left + standing, intending to cut them down and get the honey as we went back. + When we got on the prairie, which was about eight miles across, the men + with me wanted to go and get the honey. I was fearful that the people I + had met in the morning would attack the settlements, and I wanted to go + directly home and let trees and honey alone. + </p> + <p> + While we were talking the matter over a single blackbird came to us, + apparently in great distress. It flew around each one of us, and would + alight on the head of each one of our horses, and especially on my horses' + heads, and it even came and alighted on my hat, and would squeak as though + it was in pain, and turn its feathers up, and acted as if it wished to + warn us of danger. Then it flew off towards the settlements where I wished + to go. + </p> + <p> + All admitted that these were strange actions for a bird, but they still + insisted on going to cut the bee trees. I was persuaded to go with them. + We had gone a quarter of a mile further when the blackbird returned to us + and went through the same performance as before, and again flew off toward + the settlement. + </p> + <p> + This was to me a warning to go home at once; that there was danger there + to my family. I then proposed that we all join in prayer. We did so, and I + prayed to the Author of our existence, and asked that if it was His will + for us to go home at once, and if the blackbird had been sent as a warning + messenger, to let it return again, and I would follow it. We then traveled + on some two miles, when the messenger returned the third time and + appeared, if possible, more determined than before to turn us towards + home. I turned my team and started, as straight as I could go, for + Adam-on-Diamond. + </p> + <p> + As we passed over the prairie we saw the smoke rising from many farms and + houses in the vicinity of where we had left our bee trees. This smoke + showed us that our enemies were at work, and that had we kept on in the + course we were first intending to travel we would have fallen into the + hands of the lawless and lost our lives. + </p> + <p> + Before we got home the news of the attack upon the settlements had reached + there. It was also reported, and we afterwards learned that the report was + true, that many of the Mormon settlers had been tied to trees and whipped + with hickory withes, some of them being horribly mangled by the mob. This + conduct on the part of the Gentiles roused every Mormon to action, and the + excitement was very great. + </p> + <p> + Joseph the Prophet was then sent for. Col. White called together every man + and boy that could carry arms. When the forces were assembled Col. White + made a war speech. As he spoke he stood by his fine brown horse. There was + a bearskin on his saddle. He had a red handkerchief around his head, + regular Indian fashion, with the knot in front; he stood bareheaded, in + his shirt sleeves, with collar open, showing his naked breast. He held a + large cutlass in his right hand. His manner of address struck terror to + his enemies, while it charged his brethren with enthusiastic zeal and + forced them to believe they were invincible and bullet-proof. We were + about three hundred and seventy-five strong. I stood near Col. White while + he was speaking, and I judge of its effect upon others by the way it + affected me. + </p> + <p> + While our Colonel was in the midst of his speech the aid-de-camp of the + militia colonel came up with a dispatch to Col. White, to the effect that + the militia had become mutinous and could no longer be controlled, but + were going to join the mob; that the colonel would disband his forces, and + would then go and report to the Governor the true condition of the + country; that Col. White must take and make use of all the means in his + power to protect the people from the mob, for the Government officers were + powerless to aid him. + </p> + <p> + The aid did not deliver his message, for as he rode up close to where Col. + White was standing speaking to his men, he stopped and listened a short + time; then he wheeled his horse and rode back to the militia camp and + reported that Col. White had fifteen thousand men under arms, in battle + array, and would be upon their camp in less than two hours; that he was + then making a speech to the army, and that it was the most exciting speech + he had ever listened to in his life; that he meant war, and of the most + fearful kind, and the only safety for their forces was in instant retreat. + The soldiers broke camp and left in haste. I cannot say that the colonel + commanding the militia was alarmed, or that he fled through fear of being + overcome; but it suited him to leave, for he was anxious to prevent a + collision between his troops and the men under Col. White. + </p> + <p> + Joseph, when informed of the danger of the settlers from mob violence, + sent Maj. Seymour Brunson, of Far West, with fifty men to protect the + settlers who lived on the two forks of the Grand River. Col. White kept + his men in readiness for action. A strong guard was posted round the + settlement; a point was agreed upon to which place all were to hasten in + case of alarm. This point of meeting was east of the town, under the + bluffs, on the main road leading from Mill Port to Adam-on-Diamond. + </p> + <p> + This road ran between the fields and bluff. We expected to be attacked + every hour. A few nights afterwards the alarm was given, and every man + rushed to the field. When I reached the command I found everything in + confusion. The officer in command tried to throw two companies across the + road, but the firing was heavy and constant from the opposing forces, who + had selected a strong point for the purpose of attack and defense. The + flash of the rifles and the ringing reports that echoed through the hills + at each discharge of the guns added to the confusion, and soon forced the + Mormons to take up their position in the fence corners and elsewhere, so + they could be in a measure protected from the bullets of the enemy. Soon + there was order in our ranks, and we were prepared to dislodge our + opponents or die in the attempt, when two men came at the full speed of + their horses, shouting: + </p> + <p> + "Peace! peace! Cease firing, it is our friends." + </p> + <p> + Chapman Duncan, the adjutant of Col. White, was the one who shouted peace. + We were then informed that the men we had taken for a part of the Gentile + mob were no other than the command of Maj. Brunson, who had been out on + Three Forks to defend the settlers, and that he had been ordered back to + the main body of the Hosts of Israel. They had intended to stop at Mill + Port, but finding it deserted they concluded to alarm the troops at Adam- + on-Diamond, so as to learn whether they would fight or not. I admit that I + was much pleased to learn that danger was over and we were facing friends + and not enemies; yet I was mad to think men would impose upon us in that + way. The experiment was a dangerous one, and likely to be very serious in + its consequences. The other men with me were equally wroth at the insult + offered by those who had been so foolish as to question our bravery. + </p> + <p> + The withdrawal of the State militia was the signal for the Gentiles to + give vent to the worst of their inclinations. The Mormons, at command of + the Prophet, at once abandoned their homes, taking what could be carried + with them, and hastened to either Far West or Adam-on-Diamond for + protection and safety. Some few refused to obey orders, and they + afterwards paid the penalty for disobedience by giving up their lives to + the savage Gentiles who attacked and well-nigh exterminated them. + </p> + <p> + Armed men roamed in bands all over Caldwell, Carroll, and Daviess + counties; both Mormons and Gentiles were under arms, doing injury to each + other when occasion offered. The burning of houses, farms, and stacks of + grain was generally indulged in by each party. Lawlessness prevailed, and + pillage was the rule. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet Joseph said it was a civil war, and that by the rules of war + each party was justified in spoiling his enemy. This opened the door, and + men of former quiet became perfect demons in their efforts to spoil and + waste away the enemies of the Church. I then found that men are creatures + of circumstances, and that the occasion calls forth the men needed for + each enterprise. + </p> + <p> + I also soon saw that it was the natural inclination of men to convert to + their own use that which others possessed. What perplexed me most was to + see how religion had not the power to subdue that passion in man, but at + the first moment when the restrictions of the Church were withdrawn the + most devout in our community acted like natural-born thieves. + </p> + <p> + Being young, stout, and having plenty of property, I fitted myself out in + first-class style. I had good horses and plenty of the best of arms. I + joined in the general patrol duty, and took part in daily raids made under + either Maj. Brunson or Capt. Alexander McRay. I saw much of what was being + done by both parties. I also made several raids under Capt. Jonathan + Dunham, alias Black Hawk. I remember one incident that was amusing at the + time, as it enabled us to determine what part of our forces would fight on + the field and face the enemy, and also those who preferred to fight with + their mouths. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning, while Maj. Brunson's men were marching along, + shivering in the cold - for it was a dark, cloudy morning late in October, + 1838 - we saw a company of horsemen some three miles away. We concluded + they were Missourians, and made for them at full speed. They halted and + appeared willing to fight. When our command got within three hundred yards + of them many of our pulpit braves found out all at once that they must + stop and dismount to fix their saddles or for some other reason. The + remainder of us rode on until within one hundred and fifty yards of the + other force, and were drawn up in line of battle. Maj. Brunson rode + forward and hailed them, saying, + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" + </p> + <p> + "Capt. McRay," was the reply. "Who are you?" + </p> + <p> + "Maj. Brunson." + </p> + <p> + They met and shook hands. Seeing this the pulpit braves rushed up in great + haste and took their places in the ranks, and lamented because we did not + have an enemy to overcome. + </p> + <p> + So it is through life - a coward is generally a liar; those men were + cowards, and lied when they pretended they would like to fight. All + cowards are liars, but many liars are brave men. + </p> + <p> + While I was engaged with the Mormon troops in ranging over the country, + the men that I was with took a large amount of loose property, but did not + while I was with them burn any houses or murder any men. Yet we took what + property we could find, especially provisions, fat cattle, arms, and + ammunition. But still many houses were burned and much damage was done by + the Mormons, and they captured a howitzer and many guns from the Gentiles. + Frequent attacks were also made upon the Mormon settlements. + </p> + <p> + The Mormons made an attack on Gallatin one night, and carried off much + plunder. I was not there with them, but I talked often with others and + learned all the facts about it. The town was burned down, and everything + of value, including the goods in two stores, carried off by the Mormons. I + often escaped being present with the troops by loaning my horses and arms + to others who liked that kind of work better than I did. Unless I had + adopted that course I could never have escaped from being with the Hosts + of Israel, for I was one of the regular Host, and could not avoid going + when ordered, unless I furnished a substitute, which sometimes was + accepted, but not always. + </p> + <p> + Once a company went from Adam-on-Diamond and burned the house and + buildings belonging to my friend McBrier. Every article of movable + property was taken by the troops; he was utterly ruined. This man was an + honorable man, but mere good character, and properly, had no effect on + those who were working to build up the Kingdom of God. + </p> + <p> + The Mormons brought in every article that could be used, and much that was + of no use or value was hauled to Adam-on-Diamond. Such acts had the effect + of arousing every Gentile in the three counties of Caldwell, Carroll, and + Daviess, as well as to bring swarms of armed Gentiles from other + localities. + </p> + <p> + Brother Lyman White, with three hundred men, was called to defend Far + West. I went with his command. The night White reached Far West the battle + of Crooked River was fought. Capt. David Patton, alias Fear Not, one of + the twelve apostles, had been sent out by the Prophet with fifty men to + attack a body of Missourians who were camping on the Crooked River. Capt. + Patton's men were nearly all, if not every one of them, Danites. The + attack was made just before daylight in the morning. Fear Not wore a white + blanket overcoat, and led the attacking party. He was a brave, impulsive + man. He rushed into the thickest of the fight, regardless of danger - + really seeking it to show his men that God would shield him from all harm. + But he counted without just reason upon being invincible, for a ball soon + entered his body, passing through his hips. The wound was fatal; but he + kept on his feet and led his men some time before yielding to the effects + of the wound. + </p> + <p> + The Gentiles said afterwards that Capt. Patton told his men to charge in + the name of Lazarus: + </p> + <p> + "Charge, Danites, charge!" + </p> + <p> + As soon as he uttered the command which distinguished him they gave the + Danite captain a commission with powder and ball, and sent him on to + preach to the spirits. + </p> + <p> + In this battle several men were killed and wounded on both sides. I do not + remember all of the names of the Danites that were killed, but I do + remember that a man by the name of Banion was killed, and one by the name + of Holbrook wounded. I knew a man by the name of Tarwater, on the Gentile + side, that was cut up fearfully. He was taken prisoner. The Danites routed + the Gentiles, who fled in every direction. The night being dark, Holbrook + and another Danite met and had a hand-to-hand fight, in which they cut + each other fearfully with their swords before they discovered that they + were friends. + </p> + <p> + After the Gentiles retreated the Mormons started for Far West, taking + Tarwater along as a prisoner. After traveling several miles they halted in + a grove of timber and released Tarwater, telling him he was free to go + home. He started off, and when he was some forty yards from the Mormons + Parley P. Pratt, then one of the twelve apostles, stepped to a tree, laid + his gun up by the side of the tree, took deliberate aim, and shot + Tarwater. He fell and lay still. The Mormons went on and left him lying + where he fell. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0005" id="linklink2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V - THE MORMON WAR + </h2> + <p> + After 1844 it was my habit to keep a journal, in which I wrote at length + all that I considered worthy of remembering. Most of my journals, written + up to 1860, were called for by Brigham, under the plea that he wished the + Church historian to write up the Mormon history, and wanted my journals to + aid him in making the history perfect. As these journals contained many + things not intended for the public eye concerning the Mormon leaders and + all I knew of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and what led to it, they were + never returned to me. + </p> + <p> + To proceed: I was at Far West when the Danites returned. They brought + Capt. Patton with them. He died that night, and his death spread a mantle + of gloom over the entire community. It robbed many of their fond hope that + they were invincible. If Fear Not could be killed, who then might claim + immunity from the missiles of death hurled by Gentile weapons? + </p> + <p> + Up to this time I firmly believed what the Prophet and his apostles had + said on that subject. I had considered that I was bullet-proof, that no + Gentile ball could ever harm me or any Saint, and I believed that a Danite + could not be killed by Gentile hands. I thought that one Danite would + chase a thousand Gentiles, and two could put ten thousand to flight. + </p> + <p> + Alas! my dream of security was over. One of our mighty men had fallen, and + by Gentile hands. My amazement at the fact was equal to my sorrow for the + death of the great warrior apostle. I had considered that all the battles + between Danites and Gentiles would end like the election fight at + Gallatin, and the only ones to be injured would be the Gentiles. + </p> + <p> + We had been promised and taught by the Prophet and his Priesthood that + henceforth God would fight our battles, and I looked as a consequence for + a bloodless victory on the side of the Lord, and that nothing but + disobedience to the teachings of the Priesthood could render a Mormon + subject to injury from Gentile forces. I believed as our leaders taught + us, that all our sufferings and persecutions were brought upon us by the + all-wise God of Heaven as chastisement to bring us together in unity of + faith and strict obedience to the requirements of the Gospel; and the + feeling was general that all our sufferings were the result of individual + sin, and not the fault of our leaders and spiritual guides. + </p> + <p> + We, as members of the Church, had no right to question any act of our + superiors; to do so wounded the Spirit of God, and would lead to our own + loss and confusion. Still, I was thunderstruck to hear Joseph the Apostle + say at the funeral of Capt. Patton that the Mormons fell by the missiles + of death the same as other men. He also said that the Lord was angry with + the people, for they had been unbelieving and faithless; they had denied + the Lord the use of their earthly treasures, and placed their affections + upon worldly things more than upon heavenly things; that to expect God's + favor we must blindly trust him; that if the Mormons would wholly trust in + God the windows of heaven would be opened and a shower of blessings sent + upon the people; that all the people could contain of blessings would be + given as a reward for obedience to the will of God as made known to + mankind through the Prophet of the ever-living God; that the Mormons, if + faithful, obedient, and true followers of the advice of their leaders, + would soon enjoy all the wealth of the earth; that God would consecrate + the riches of the Gentiles to the Saints. + </p> + <p> + This and much more he said to induce the people to obey the will of the + Priesthood. I believed all he said, for he supported it by quotations from + Scripture, and if I believed the Bible, as I did most implicitly, I could + not help believing in Joseph, the prophet of God in these last days, + Joseph declared that he was called of God and given power and authority + from heaven to do God's will; that he had received the keys of the holy + Priesthood from the apostles Peter, James, and John, and had been + dedicated, set apart, and anointed as the prophet, seer, and revelator, + and sent to open the dispensation of the fullness of time, according to + the words of the apostles; that he was charged with the restoration of the + House of Israel, and to gather the Saints from the four corners of the + earth to the land of promise, Zion, the Holy Land (Jackson County), and to + the setting up of the Kingdom of God preparatory to the second coming of + Christ in the last days. Every Mormon, true to his faith, believed as + fully in Joseph and his holy character as he did that God existed. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet Joseph was a most extraordinary man; he was rather large in + stature, some six feet two inches in height, well built, though a little + stoop-shouldered, with prominent and well- developed features, a Roman + nose, light chestnut hair, upper lip full and rather protruding, chin + broad and square, and an eagle eye, and on the whole had something in his + manner and appearance that was bewitching and winning; his countenance was + that of a plain, honest man, full of benevolence and philanthropy and void + of deceit or hypocrisy. He was resolute and firm of purpose, strong as + most men in physical power, and all who saw were forced to admire him, as + he then looked and existed. In the sports of the day, such as wrestling, + he was over the average. Very few of the Saints had the strength needed to + throw the Prophet in a fair tussle. In every gathering he was a welcome + guest, and always added to the amusement of the people, instead of + dampening their ardor. + </p> + <p> + During the time that we were camping at Adam-on-Diamond, waiting to see + what would be the result of the quarrel between our Church and the + Gentiles, one Sunday morning (it had rained heavily the night before and + the air was cold) the men were shivering over a few firebrands, feeling + out of sorts and quite cast down. The Prophet came up while the brethren + were moping around and caught first one and then another and shook them + up, and said: + </p> + <p> + "Get out of here, and wrestle; jump, run, do anything but mope around; + warm yourselves up; this inactivity will not do for soldiers." + </p> + <p> + The words of the Prophet put life and energy into the men. A ring was soon + formed, according to the custom of the people. The Prophet stepped into + the ring, ready for a tussle with any comer. Several went into the ring to + try their strength, but each one was thrown by the Prophet, until he had + thrown several of the stoutest of the men present. Then he stepped out of + the ring and took a man by the arm and led him in to take his place, and + so it continued - the men who were thrown retiring in favor of the + successful one. A man would keep the ring so long as he threw his + adversary. + </p> + <p> + The style of wrestling varied with the desires of the parties. The Eastern + men, or Yankees, used square hold, or collar and elbow; those from the + Middle States side hold, and the Southern and Western men used breeches + hold and old Indian hug or back hold. If a man was hurt he stood it + without a murmur; it was considered cowardly and childish to whine when + thrown or hurt in the fall. + </p> + <p> + While the sport was at its height Sidney Rigdon, the mouthpiece of the + Prophet, rushed into the ring, sword in hand, and said that he would not + suffer a lot of men to break the Sabbath day in that manner. For a moment + all were silent. Then one of the brethren, with more presence of mind than + the others, said to the Prophet: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Joseph, we want you to clear us from blame, for we formed the + ring by your request. You told us to wrestle, and now Brother Rigdon is + bringing us to account for it." + </p> + <p> + The Prophet walked into the ring and said, as he made a motion with his + hand: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Sidney, you had better get out of here and let the boys alone; + they are amusing themselves according to my orders. You are an old man. + You go and get ready for meeting and let the boys alone." Just then + catching Rigdon off his guard, as quick as a flash he knocked the sword + from Rigdon's hand, then caught him by the shoulder, and said: "Now, old + man, you must go out, or I will throw you down." + </p> + <p> + Rigdon was as large a man as the Prophet, but not so tall. The prospect of + a tussle between the Prophet and the mouthpiece of the Prophet was fun for + all but Rigdon, who pulled back like a crawfish; but the resistance was + useless, the Prophet dragged him from the ring, bareheaded, and tore + Rigdon's fine pulpit coat from the collar to the waist; then he turned to + the men and said: + </p> + <p> + "Go in, boys, and have your fun. You shall never have it to say that I got + you into any trouble that I did not get you out of." + </p> + <p> + Rigdon complained about the loss of his hat and the tearing of his coat. + The Prophet said to him: + </p> + <p> + "You were out of your place. Always keep your place and you will not + suffer: but you got a little out of your place and you have suffered for + it. You have no one to blame but yourself." + </p> + <p> + After that Rigdon never countermanded the orders of the Prophet, to my + knowledge; he knew who was boss. + </p> + <p> + An order had been issued by the Church authorities commanding all the + members of the Mormon Church to leave their farms and take such property + as they could remove and go to one of the two fortified camps - that is + Far West or Adam-on-Diamond. A large majority of the settlers obeyed, and + the two camps were soon full of people who had deserted home again for the + sake of the gospel. + </p> + <p> + There was a settlement on Log Creek, between three and five miles east + from Far West. It was quite a rich settlement. A man named Haughn had just + completed a good flouring mill on the creek. The morning after the battle + of Crooked River Haughn came to Far West to consult with the Prophet + concerning the policy of the removal of the settlers on Log Creek to the + fortified camps. + </p> + <p> + Col. White and myself were standing by when the Prophet said to him: + </p> + <p> + "Move in, by all means, if you wish to save your lives." + </p> + <p> + Haughn replied that if the settlers left their homes all of their property + would be lost, and the Gentiles would burn their houses and other + buildings. The Prophet said: + </p> + <p> + "You had much better lose your property than your lives; one can be + replaced, the other cannot be restored; but there is no need of your + losing either if you will only do as you are commanded." + </p> + <p> + Haughn said that he considered the best plan was for all of the settlers + to move into and around the mill, and use the blacksmith's shop and other + buildings as a fort in case of attack; in this way he thought they would + be perfectly safe. + </p> + <p> + "You are at liberty to do so if you think best," said the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + Haughn then departed, well satisfied that he had carried his point. The + Prophet turned to Col. White and said: + </p> + <p> + "That man did not come for counsel, but to induce me to tell him to do as + he pleased; which I did. Had I commanded them to move in and leave their + property they would have called me a tyrant. I wish they were here for + their own safety. I am confident that we will soon learn that they have + been butchered in a fearful manner." + </p> + <p> + At this time the Missourians had determined to exterminate the whole of + the Mormon people. Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued orders to that effect. + I think Gen. Clark was the officer in command of all the Gentile forces. + Gen. Atchison and Col. Doniphan each commanded a division of from three to + four thousand men, and they soon besieged Far West. The Mormons fortified + the town as well as they could, and took special care to fortify and build + shields and breastworks, to prevent the cavalry from charging into the + town. The Gentile forces were mostly camped on Log Creek, between Far West + and Haughn's Mill, about a mile from Far West, and about half a mile south + of our outer breastworks. + </p> + <p> + Our scouts and pickets guards were driven in and forced to join the main + ranks for safety. The Mormon troops were placed in position by the + officers, so as to guard every point. We all had a large supply of + bullets, with the patching sewed on the balls to facilitate the loading of + our guns, which were muzzle loaders. The Mormon force was about eight + hundred strong, poorly armed; many of the men had no guns; some had + single-barrel pistols and a few homemade swords. These were our implements + of war. + </p> + <p> + So situated, we were still anxious to meet the enemy, and demanded to be + led out against our foes. Our men were confident that God was going to + deliver the enemy into our hands, and so we had no fears. I was one of the + advance force, and as I lay behind some timber, with my cap-box open, and + bullets lying on the ground by my side, I never had a doubt of being able + to defeat the Gentile army. + </p> + <p> + The troops lay and watched each other several days, then the Gentiles made + two efforts to force their way into the town by stratagem; but seeing our + forces in order they did not come within range of our guns. The Mormons + stood in the ranks, and prayed for the chance of getting a shot; but all + to no effect. The same evening we learned of the massacre at Haughn's + Mill. The description of this massacre was such as to freeze the blood of + each Saint, and force us to swear that revenge should come some day. + </p> + <p> + The massacre was reported about as follows to us at Far West. When the + Gentile mob attacked the Mormons at the mill the Mormons took shelter in + the blacksmith shop and other buildings. The mob took advantage of the + banks of the creek and the timber, and very nearly surrounded the shop, + which was built of logs, and served as a slaughterhouse instead of a + shelter or protection. + </p> + <p> + The mob, while protected as they were, shot down the Mormons at their + leisure. They killed eighteen and wounded as many more; in fact, they + killed and wounded everyone who did not run away during the fight and take + refuge in the woods. After shooting down all that could be seen, the mob + entered the blacksmith shop and there found a young lad who had secreted + himself under the bellows. One of the men said: + </p> + <p> + "Don't shoot; it is but a small boy." + </p> + <p> + "It is best to hive them when we can," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, they shot the little fellow. + </p> + <p> + There was an old man in the settlement by the name of McBride, who had + been a soldier in the Revolutionary War; he was killed by being hacked to + pieces with a corncutter while begging for his life. The dead and wounded + were thrown into a well together. Several of the wounded were afterwards + taken out of the well by the force that went from Far West, and recovered + from their wounds. So great was the hatred of the mob that they saved + none, but killed all who fell into their hands at that time. I received my + information of the massacre from David Lewis, Tarleton Lewis, William + Laney, and Isaac Laney; they were Kentuckians, and were also in the fight, + but escaped death. + </p> + <p> + Isaac Laney was shot seven times, the seven shots leaving thirteen ball + holes in his person; five of the shots were nearly in the center of the + chest; one entered under the right arm, passed through the body and came + out under the left arm; yet, strange as it appears, he kept his feet, and + ran some three hundred yards to a cabin, where a woman raised a loose + plank of the cabin floor and he lay down while she replaced the boards. + </p> + <p> + The mob left, and in about two hours Laney was taken from under the cabin + floor nearly lifeless. He was then washed, anointed with oil, the elders + praying for his recovery, according to the order of the Holy Priesthood, + and he was promised, through prayer and faith in God, speedy restoration. + The pain at once left him, and for two weeks he felt no pain at all. He + then took cold, and the wound in his hips pained him for some two hours, + when the elders repeated their prayers and again anointed him, which had + the effect desired. The pain left him, and never returned. I heard Laney + declare this to be a fact, and he bore his testimony in the presence of + many of the Saints. I saw him four weeks after the massacre and examined + his person. I saw the wounds, then healed. I felt of them with my own + hands, and I saw the shirt and examined it, that he had on when he was + shot, and it was cut in shreds. Many balls had cut his clothing that had + not touched his person. + </p> + <p> + The massacre at Haughn's Mill was the result of the brethren's refusal to + obey the wishes of the Prophet. All the brethren so considered it. It made + a deep and lasting impression on my mind, for I had heard the Prophet give + the counsel to the brethren to come into the town. They had refused, and + the result was a lesson to all that there was no safety except in obeying + the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + Col. George M. Hinkle had command of the troops at Far West, under the + Prophet Joseph. He was from Kentucky, and considered a fair-weather Saint. + When danger came he was certain to be on the strong side. He was a fine + speaker, and had great influence with the Saints. Previous to the attack + on Far West Col. Hinkle had come to an understanding with the Gentile + commanders that in case the danger grew great they could depend on him as + a friend and one through whom they could negotiate and learn the situation + of affairs in the camp of the Saints. When our scouts were first driven in + Col. Hinkle was out with them, and when they were closely pursued he + turned his coat wrong side out and wore it so. + </p> + <p> + This was a peculiar move, but at the time it did not cause much comment + among his men; but they reported it to the Prophet, and he at once became + suspicious of the Colonel. The Prophet, being a man of thought and cool + reflection, kept this information within a small circle, as it was a bad + time to ventilate an act of that kind. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet concluded to make use of the knowledge he had gained of + Hinkle's character, and employ him to negotiate between the two parties. I + do not believe that Joseph had the least idea that he, with his little + handful of men, could stand off the army that had come up against him. I + know that now, but at the time I was full of religious zeal and felt that + the Mormon Hosts of Israel were invincible. Joseph wished to use Hinkle to + learn the designs of the Gentiles, so that he could prepare for the worst. + Col. Hinkle was therefore sent by Joseph to have an interview with the + Gentiles. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel returned and reported to Joseph the terms proposed by the + Gentile officers. The terms offered were as follows: Joseph and the + leading men of the Church, Rigdon, Lyman White, P. P. Pratt, Phelps, and + others, were to give themselves up without delay; the remainder of the men + were to surrender themselves and their arms by ten o'clock the following + day, the understanding being that all would be tried for treason against + the Government, and for other offenses. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet took advantage of this information, and had every man that was + in imminent danger leave the camp for a place of safety. The most of those + in peril went to Illinois. They left at once, and were safe from all + pursuit before the surrender took place, as they traveled north and + avoided the settlements. + </p> + <p> + When the brethren had left for Illinois, as just stated, Joseph called his + remaining troops together and told them they were a good lot of fellows, + but they were not perfect enough to withstand so large an army as the one + now before them; that they had stood by him, and were willing to die for + and with him, for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven; that he wished them + to be comforted, for God had accepted their offering; that he intended to, + and was going to offer himself up as a sacrifice, to save their lives and + to save the Church. He wished them to be of good cheer, and pray for him, + and to pray that he and the brethren that went with him might be delivered + from their enemies. He then blessed his people in the name of the Lord. + After that he and the leading men, six in number, went direct to the camp + of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + They were led by a Judas, Col. G. M. Hinkle. I stood upon the breastworks + and watched them go into the camp of the enemy. I heard the yells of + triumph of the troops as Joseph and his companions approached. It was with + great difficulty that the officers could restrain the mob from shooting + them down as they entered. A strong guard was then placed over them to + protect them from mob violence. + </p> + <p> + The next morning a court-martial was held, at which Joseph and his six + companions who had surrendered with him were sentenced to be shot. The + execution was to take place at eight o'clock the next morning. When the + sentence of the court-martial was announced to them, Col. Lyman White + said: + </p> + <p> + "Shoot and be damned!" + </p> + <p> + Gen. Atchison and Col. Doniphan arrived with their divisions the same day, + soon after the court-martial had been held. Col. Doniphan, in particular, + remonstrated against the decision. He said it was nothing more nor less + than cold-blooded murder, and that every name signed to the decision was + signed in blood, and he would withdraw his troops and have nothing to do + in the matter if the men were to be shot. Gen. Atchison sustained Col. + Doniphan, and said the wiser policy would be, inasmuch as they had + surrendered themselves as prisoners, to place them in the Richmond jail + and let them take the due course of the law; let them be tried by the + civil authorities of the land. In this way justice could be reached and + parties punished according to law, and thus save the honor of the troops + and the nation. This timely interposition on the part of Col. Doniphan and + Gen. Atchison changed the course and prevented the hasty action of an + infuriated mob calling itself a court, and composed of men who were the + bitter enemies of Joseph and his followers. + </p> + <p> + The next day a writing desk was prepared, with two secretaries or clerks; + it was placed in the middle of the hollow square formed by the troops. The + Mormons were marched in double file across the center of the square, where + the officers and men who had remained in Far West surrendered themselves + and their arms to Gen. Clark, Commander-in-Chief of the Missouri militia, + then in arms against the Saints at Far West. I was among the number that + then surrendered. I laid down a good Kentucky rifle, two good horse + pistols, and a sword. + </p> + <p> + After stacking our arms we were marched in single file between a double + file of the militia, who stood in a line from the secretary's desk + extending nearly across the square, ready to receive us, with fixed + bayonets. As each man came up he stepped to the desk and signed his name + to an instrument recapitulating the conditions of the treaty, which were + substantially as follows: We were to give a deed to all our real estate, + and to give a bill of sale of our personal property, to pay the expenses + of the war that had been inaugurated against us; also a committee of + twelve should be appointed, one for Far West and one for Adam- on-Diamond, + who were to be the sole judges of what would be necessary to remove each + family out of the State. All of the Mormons were to leave Missouri by the + 1st of April, A. D. 1839. The rest of the property of the Mormons was to + be taken by the Missouri troops to pay the expenses of the war. When the + committee had examined into affairs and made the assignment of property + that the Mormons were to retain, a pass would be given by the committee to + each person as an evidence that he had gone through an investigation both + as to his conduct and property. The prisoners at Far West were to be + retained and not allowed to return home until the committee had reported + and given the certificate that all charges had been met and satisfied. I + remained a prisoner for nine days, awaiting the action of the committee. + </p> + <p> + While such prisoner I witnessed many scenes of inhumanity even more + degrading than mere brutality itself. The mob of the militia was mostly + composed of men who had been neighbors of the Mormons. This mob rifled the + city, took what they wished, and committed many cruel and shameful deeds. + These barbarous acts were done because they said the Mormons had stolen + their goods and chattels, and while they pretended to search for stolen + property they ravished women and committed other crimes at will. + </p> + <p> + One day, while we were standing by a log fire trying to keep warm, a man + came up and, recognizing Brother Riley Stewart, said: + </p> + <p> + "I saw you knock Dick Weldon down at Gallatin." + </p> + <p> + With this he sprang and caught at an ax that had been stuck in a log. + While trying to get the ax out, as it stuck fast in the log, Stewart ran. + The man succeeded in getting the ax loose; he then threw it with all his + force at Stewart. Fortunately the ax struck him only a glancing blow on + the head, not killing him, but giving him a severe wound. + </p> + <p> + The night after he was wounded Stewart broke through the guard and escaped + to his wife's people in Carroll County, fifty miles south of Far West. As + soon as the citizens heard that Stewart had arrived they notified his + wife's brothers and father that an armed mob intended to take him out and + whip him severely, and then tar and feather him. His friends warned him of + the fact, and he attempted to make his escape, but the mob was on the + watch. They caught him, and, holding two pistols at his head, forced him + to take off his coat, kneel down, and receive fifty lashes. These were + given him with such force that they cut through his linen shirt. After + this whipping he returned to Far West and took his chances with the rest + of us. + </p> + <p> + One day a soldier of the mob walked up to a house near where I was + standing. The house was occupied by an old widow woman. The soldier + noticed a cow in the little shed near the house. He said that he thought + it was a Danite cow; that he wanted to have the honor of killing a Danite, + or something that belonged to a Danite. The old widow came to the door of + her cabin and begged him to spare her cow, saying it was her only + dependence for milk, that she had no meat, and if her cow was killed she + must suffer. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said he, "you can eat the cow for a change." + </p> + <p> + He then shot the cow dead, and stood there and tantalized the old woman + while she cried over her loss. + </p> + <p> + While we were standing in line, waiting our turn to sign the treaty, a + large company of men, painted like Indians, rode up and surrounded us. + They were a part of the men who were in the fight at the town of Gallatin + on the day of election. They abused us in every way they could with words. + This treatment was hard to bear, but we were powerless to protect + ourselves in any way. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0006" id="linklink2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI - LEE LOCATES THE GARDEN OF EDEN + </h2> + <p> + Among other matters I had a fine gray mare that attracted the attention of + many of the mob. I was allowed to take her to water while closely guarded + by armed men. One day as I took her to water I was spoken to by several, + who said they were sorry for a man like me, who appeared to be honest and + peaceably disposed; that they knew that I and many honest men were deluded + by Joseph Smith, the impostor. But they thanked God he would delude no + more people; that he would certainly be shot; that I had better quit my + delusion and settle down by the officer in command, who was then talking + to me, in Carroll County, and make a home for my family; that I would + never have peace or quiet while I remained with the Mormons. I heard him + through. Then I said: + </p> + <p> + "No man has deceived me. I am not deceived by Joseph Smith, or any other + man. If I am deceived it is the Bible that has deceived me. I believe that + Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and I have the Bible as my authority in + part for this belief. And I do not believe that Joseph Smith will be shot, + as you seem to think. He has not finished his work yet." + </p> + <p> + As I finished my remarks the officer became enraged, and said: + </p> + <p> + "That is the way with all you Mormons. You might as well try to move a + mountain as to turn a Mormon from his delusion. Blow the brains out of + this fool!" + </p> + <p> + In an instant several guns were leveled on me. I imagined I felt the + bullets piercing my body. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers would certainly have shot me down if the officer had not + immediately countermanded his order, by saying: + </p> + <p> + "Hold on, boys, he is not worth five charges of ammunition." + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," I said, "I am your prisoner, unarmed and helpless, and I + demand your protection. But if you consider there is any honor in treating + a man and an American prisoner in this way, you may do it." + </p> + <p> + As we returned to camp the man said: + </p> + <p> + "We will make it hot for the Mormons yet before we are done with them, and + if you have not got enough of them now, you will have, and you will + remember my words when it is too late to serve you." + </p> + <p> + "I may," said I; "when I do I will own up like a little man. But until I + am so convinced I will never turn my coat." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he, "you are not so bad, after all. I like a firm man." + </p> + <p> + The Mormons were locked in the public schoolhouses and kept without + rations being issued to them. The grain fields and gardens that belonged + to the Mormons were thrown open to the stock and wasted. Our cattle and + other stock were shot down for sport and left for the wolves and birds of + prey to devour. We were closely guarded, and not allowed to go from our + quarters without an escort. We were nearly starved for several days, until + I obtained permission to go out and bring in some of the cattle that the + soldiers had killed for sport. The weather was cold and the snow deep, so + the meat was good. I also got permission to gather in some vegetables, and + from that time, while we remained prisoners, the men had plenty to eat, + yet often it was of a poor quality. While a prisoner I learned that the + loud and self- conceited men were of little account when danger stared + them in the face. + </p> + <p> + Arrangements had been made to carry the treaty into effect. It was found + necessary to send Gen. Wilson with five hundred men to Adam-on-Diamond to + compel the surrender and the signing of the treaty, as had been done at + Far West, and the people of that place were to be treated just as we had + been. I was recommended to Gen. Wilson by the officer who had ordered his + men to blow my brains out, as a suitable man for a guide to + Adam-on-Diamond. He said that I was as stubborn as a mule, but still there + was something about me he respected; that he believed I was honest, and + certainly no coward. Gen. Wilson said: + </p> + <p> + "Young man, do you live at Adam-on-Diamond?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say that I do; but I did once, and I have a wife and child there + that I would like to see; but as to a home, I have none left." + </p> + <p> + "Where did you live before you came here?" + </p> + <p> + "In Illinois," I answered. + </p> + <p> + "You will soon see your wife and child. I shall start in the morning with + my division for Adam-on-Diamond. You are at liberty to select two of your + comrades and go with me as guide to pilot us there. Be ready for an early + start and report to my adjutant." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir, I will do as you request," said I. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I selected two good men. Brother Levi Stewart was one, + but I have forgotten who the other man was. The day was cold and stormy, a + hard north wind blowing, and the snow falling rapidly. It was an open + country for thirteen miles, with eighteen inches of snow on the ground. We + kept our horses to the lope until we reached Shady Grove timber, thirteen + miles from Far West. There we camped for the night by the side of Brother + Waldo Littlefield's farm. The fence was burned for camp-fires, and his + fields of grain were fed to the horses, or rather the animals were turned + loose in the fields. After camp was struck I went to Gen. Wilson and said: + </p> + <p> + "General, I have come to beg a favor of you. I ask you in the name of + humanity to let me go on to Adam-on-Diamond to-day. I have a wife and + helpless babe there. I am informed that our house was burned, and she is + out in this storm without shelter. You are halfway there; the snow is + deep, and you can follow our trail" - it had then slackened up, or was + snowing but little - "in the morning; there is but one road to the + settlement." + </p> + <p> + He looked at me for a moment, and then said: + </p> + <p> + "Young man, your request shall be granted; I admire your resolution." He + then turned to his aid, who stood trembling in the snow, and said, "Write + Mr. Lee and his two comrades a pass, saying that they have gone through an + examination at Far West, and were found innocent." + </p> + <p> + After receiving my pass I thanked the General for his humane act, and with + my friends made the journey, through the snow, to Adam- on-Diamond. As we + neared home the sun shone out brightly. When I got in sight of where my + house had been I saw my wife sitting by a log fire in the open air, with + her babe in her arms. Some soldiers had cut a large hickory tree for + firewood for her, and built her a shelter with some boards I had had + dressed to weather-board a house, so she was in a measure comfortable. She + had been weeping, as she had been informed that I was a prisoner at Far + West, and would be shot, and that she need not look for me, for she would + never see me again. + </p> + <p> + When I rode up she was nearly frantic with delight, and as soon as I + reached her side she threw herself into my arms and then her + self-possession gave way and she wept bitterly; but she soon recovered + herself and gave me an account of her troubles during my absence. + </p> + <p> + The next evening Gen. Wilson and his command arrived and camped near my + little shanty. I started at once to report to Gen. Wilson. On my way to + him I passed my friend McBrier, who had trusted me for some cattle. I + still owed him for them. I told him why I had been unable to pay him, and + wished him to take the cattle back, as I still had all of them except one + cow that had died of the murrain; that it was an honest debt, and I wished + to pay it. I asked him to go to my shanty with me, and said he could take + what cattle were left and a black mare that was worth seventy-five + dollars, and an eight-day clock that was worth twenty-five dollars, for my + note. + </p> + <p> + "I have not got your note," said he. + </p> + <p> + "Who has it?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "I do not know; I supposed you had it." + </p> + <p> + "I never saw it since I gave it to you." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he, "my house was burned, and all my property either burned + or taken from me, and your note was in the house when it was burned." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said I, "it matters not with me. If you will take the property and + give me a' receipt against the note, so that it cannot be collected the + second time, I will settle the debt." He then said: + </p> + <p> + "I thought you were in the party that burned the house, and had taken your + note, but I am now satisfied to the contrary, and that you are an innocent + man. All I ask is for you to renew the note. The property of the Mormons + will be held to pay their debts and the expenses of the war, and I will + get my pay in that way. You just renew the note, and that will settle all + between us." + </p> + <p> + McBrier introduced me to a number of the soldiers as an honest Mormon. + This worked well in my favor, and pleased me much, for it satisfied me + more than ever that honesty was the best policy. I had done nothing that I + considered wrong. I did not have to run and hide, or screen any act of + mine from the public gaze. + </p> + <p> + My wife had been treated well personally during my absence; no insults had + been offered to her, and I was well pleased with that. I was treated with + respect by Gen. Wilson and his men. True, I was associated with the people + that had incurred the displeasure of the authorities, and my neighbors + were then receiving fearful punishment for all they had done. The + punishment, however, was in a great part owing to the fault of the people. + When the Gentiles found any of their property they became very abusive. + </p> + <p> + Every house in Adam-on-Diamond was searched by the troops for Gentile + property. They succeeded in finding very much of the Gentile property that + had been captured by the Saints in the various raids they made through the + country. Bedding of every kind and in large quantities was found and + reclaimed by the owners. Even spinning wheels, soap barrels and other + articles were recovered. Each house where property was found was certain + to receive a Missouri blessing, that is to say, the torch, from the + troops. + </p> + <p> + The men who had been most active in gathering plunder had fled to + Illinois, to escape the vengeance of the mob, leaving their families to + suffer for their deeds. By the terms of the treaty all the Mormons were to + leave Daviess County within fifteen days, but they were allowed to stay + through the winter in Caldwell County; but all had to depart from Missouri + before the first day of the next April. There were but a few families that + met with the kind treatment that mine did. The majority of the people were + censured and persecuted as much as they were able to stand and live. + </p> + <p> + In justice to the Prophet Joseph I cannot say that I ever heard him teach + or even encourage men to steal little things. He told the people to wait + until the proper time came to take their rights. + </p> + <p> + "Then," said he, "take the whole State of Missouri like men." + </p> + <p> + When the people at Adam-on-Diamond had signed the treaty and complied with + the stipulations, the committee of twelve commenced their duties. When it + came my turn to receive the property necessary to take me out of the State + I was told to fit myself out comfortably. I told them that I had a wife + and one child; that I had two good wagons, one a heavy one-horse wagon, + with thills, and that I had a large mare which was equal to a common span; + that the mare and wagon would do me. I wanted some bedding and our + clothing, and some other traps of little value. I had a good milk cow that + I wished to give to a friend who had lost all his cattle. His wife had + died a short time before, leaving a little babe that must have milk. I + told them they could take the rest of my property and do with it as they + did with that of the brethren. I was worth then in property, at a fair + valuation, four thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + The officers were astonished at me, and said they did not, wish to oppress + a man who acted fairly. They told me to take my large wagon and two of my + best horses, and all the outfit that I wanted. I thanked them for their + kindness. I was permitted to give the cow to my friend, and I had the + privilege of taking such articles as I wished. I fitted up with just what + would take me to Illinois, and left the remainder as a spoil for the + enemies of the Church. I did not regret the loss of my property; I gave it + up as the price of my religious freedom. + </p> + <p> + Before I speak of other things I will say a few words of the country we + were then in. Adam-on-Diamond was at the point where Adam came and settled + and blest his posterity after being driven from the Garden of Eden. This + was revealed to the people through Joseph the Prophet. The Temple Block in + Jackson County, Missouri, stands on the identical spot where once stood + the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden they + traveled in a northwesterly course until they came to a valley on the east + side of Grand River. There they tarried for several years, and engaged in + tilling the soil. On the east of the valley there is a low range of hills. + Standing on the summit of the bluffs a person has a full view of the + beautiful valley that lies below, dotted here and there with groves of + timber. On the top of this range of hills Adam erected an altar of stone, + on which he offered sacrifice unto the Lord. There was in our time (1838) + a pile of stone there, which the Prophet said was a portion of the altar + on which Adam offered sacrifice. Although these stones had been exposed to + the elements for many generations, still the traces remained to show the + dimensions and design of the altar. After Adam had offered his sacrifice + he went up the valley some two miles, where he blessed his posterity and + called the place the Valley of Adam-on-Diamond, which, in the reformed + Egyptian language, signifies Adam's Consecrated Land. It is said to be + seventy-five miles, in a direct course, from the Garden of Eden to + Adam-on-Diamond. Those ancient relics and sacred spots of earth are held + holy by the greater portion of the Latter-day Saints. These things, and + much more concerning the early days, were revealed to the Prophet Joseph. + </p> + <p> + On the 20th day of November, 1838, I took leave of my home and the sacred + ground of Adam-on-Diamond and started as a banished man to seek a home in + Illinois. We went to my farm on Shady Grove Creek, and stayed over night. + We found everything as we had left it, nothing having been interfered + with. I killed a large hog and dressed it to carry with us to cat on the + journey. The snow was fully twenty inches deep, weather very cold, and, + taken all in all, it was a disagreeable and unpleasant trip. + </p> + <p> + We went to the settlement on Log Creek and stopped with the family of + Robert Bidwell. He had plenty of property. This man had good teams, and + had reaped where he had not sown, gathered where he had not strewn. He was + engaged in removing families of his helpless brethren to Quincy, Illinois, + who had not teams to move themselves, but who had a little money that he + was after, and he got all they had. For some reason unexplained to me he + had been permitted to keep all of his property; none of it was taken by + the troops. + </p> + <p> + While at Bidwell's I bought a crib of corn, about two hundred bushels, for + a pocketknife. I built a stable for my mare, a crib for the com, and + hauled wood enough to do the family the rest of the winter. I also + attended to Bidwell's stock and worked all the time for him. They had five + children, which made considerable work for the women folks; my wife worked + for them all the time. + </p> + <p> + During this time we had nothing but corn to eat. The hog I killed at my + farm was diseased, and I had to throw the meat away. Notwithstanding our + constant work for Bidwell's family, they never gave us a drop of milk or a + meal of victuals while we remained there. Mrs. Bidwell fed six gallons of + milk to their hogs each day. I offered to feed the hogs corn for milk, so + we could have milk to eat with our boiled corn, but she refused the offer, + saying they had all the corn they needed. They did have provisions of + every kind in abundance, but not a particle of food could we obtain from + them. + </p> + <p> + Prayer meetings were frequently held at their house. They had plenty of + tallow, but Mrs. Bidwell would not allow a candle to be burned in the + house unless some other person furnished it. One night at prayer meeting I + chanced to speak upon the subject of covetousness, and quoted the twelfth + chapter of Paul to the Corinthians, where he speaks of members of the + Church of Christ being united. I was feeling bad to see so much of the + covetousness of the world in some of the members of the Church, and I + talked plainly upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Mrs. Bidwell came into our room and said that my remarks + at the meeting the evening before were directed at her, and she wanted me + to understand that if I did not like my treatment there she desired us to + go where we would fare better. This inhuman and unwelcome language did not + sit well on an empty stomach, and was more than I could bear. I burst into + tears. Yet I pitied the ungrateful woman. As soon as I could control my + feelings I said: + </p> + <p> + "Sister Bidwell, I will take you at your word. I will leave your house as + soon as I can get my things into my wagon, but before I leave you I wish + to say a few words for you to ponder on when we are gone. In the first + place, you and I profess to be members of the same Church; for the sake of + our faith my family has been broken up and driven from a comfortable home + in this inclement season of the year. We came here seeking shelter from + the stormy blasts of winter, until the severity of the weather was past, + when we intended to leave this State. You have been more fortunate than + your brethren and sisters who lived in Daviess County. You are allowed to + live in your own house, but we are homeless wanderers. Now you drive us + from the shelter of your roof for a trivial offense, if offense it was. + But I assure you that you are only angry because my words were the truth. + Woe unto you who are angry and offended at the truth. As you do unto + others, so will your Heavenly Father do unto you. Inasmuch as you have + done this unchristian act, you will yet be houseless and homeless - you + will be one day dependent upon those that you now drive from your door." + </p> + <p> + At first she mocked me, but soon her tune changed and she commenced to + cry. She then begged me not to get angry with what a woman said. I told + her I could not undo what I had said - that I should start at once for + Quincy, Illinois. + </p> + <p> + We left the house of that stingy and selfish family, intending to go + direct to Illinois. We traveled until we arrived at the house of a man by + the name of Morris; they had a much smaller house than Bidwell's, but they + would not listen to our continuing our journey during the severe cold + weather. We accepted their invitation, and stayed there about two weeks. + This family possessed the true Christian spirit, and treated us while + there as kindly as if we had been their own children. + </p> + <p> + While staying with Brother Morris I attended several meetings at Far West. + Old Father Smith, the father of the Prophet, led the meetings. He also + directed the exodus of the Saints from Missouri to Illinois. + </p> + <p> + Thomas B. Marsh was at that time President of the twelve apostles, and I + think Brigham Young was second and Orson Hyde the third on the roll. The + great opposition to our people and Church caused the two pillars, Marsh + and Hyde, to become weak-kneed and turn over to the enemy. Col. G. M. + Hinkle, Dr. Averard, Judge W. W. Phelps, and others of the "tall" men of + the Church followed suit. I remember going with Brother Levi Stewart to + some of those fallen angels (in the days of our prosperity they had looked + like angels to me) to inquire what to do and what was to be the future + conduct of our people. G. M. Hinkle said that it was his opinion our + leaders, the Prophet Joseph and those with him in prison, would be either + hanged or imprisoned for life - that the members of the Church would + scatter to the four winds, and never gather again in this dispensation. + </p> + <p> + We then went to Joseph's father and asked him for counsel. He told us that + the Saints would gather again in Illinois. We asked him at what point, and + he said: + </p> + <p> + "I do not know yet, but the further north we go the fewer poisonous + serpents we will find." + </p> + <p> + He then advised us to attend private meetings and be set apart to the + ministry. Public meetings could not be held by the terms of the treaty. We + did attend private meetings, and I was ordained in the Quorum of + Seventies, under the hands of Joseph Young and Levi Hancock. Stewart was + ordained to the lesser Priesthood, which gave him authority to preach and + baptize, but not to confirm. + </p> + <p> + The office that I held gave me authority to preach, baptize, and confirm + by the laying on of hands, for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and to + ordain and set apart Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, and to ordain + a Seventy or High Priest, as the office of a Seventy belongs to the + Melchisedek Priesthood; yet a Seventy or High Priest is generally ordained + and set apart by the presidents of the several quorums. + </p> + <p> + After we were ordained we attended a private feast and blessing meeting, + at which my wife and I got our Patriarchal Blessing, under the hands of + Isaac Morley, Patriarch. This office properly belongs to those that are + ordained and set apart to that calling, to bless the fatherless and the + widow especially; but he can bless others who ask it and pay one dollar + for the blessing. Often the widow and the poor are blessed free, but this + is at the option of the Patriarch. My Patriarchal Blessing was in the + following form: + </p> + <p> + "Brother John Doyle Lee: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and by virtue + and authority of the Holy Priesthood, in me vested, I lay my hands upon + thy head, and confer upon thee a Patriarchal or Father's Blessing. Thou + art of Ephriam, through the loins of Joseph, that was sold into Egypt. And + inasmuch as thou hast obeyed the requirements of the gospel of salvation, + thy sins are forgiven thee. Thy name is written in the Lamb's Book of + Life, never more to be blotted out. Thou art lawful heir to all the + blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the new and everlasting + covenant. Thou shalt travel until thou art satisfied with seeing. + Thousands shall hear the everlasting gospel proclaimed from thy lips. + Kings and princes shall acknowledge thee to be their father in the new and + everlasting covenant. Thou shalt have a numerous posterity, who shall rise + up and bless thee. Thou shalt have houses and habitations, flocks, fields, + and herds. Thy table shall be strewed with the rich luxuries of the earth, + to feed thy numerous family and friends who shall come unto thee. Thou + shalt be a counselor in Israel, and many shall come unto thee for + instruction. Thou shalt have power over thine enemies. They that oppose + thee shall yet come bending unto thee. Thou shalt sit under thine own vine + and fig tree, where none shall molest or make thee afraid. Thou shalt be a + blessing to thy family and to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day + Saints. Thou shalt understand the hidden things of the Kingdom of Heaven. + The spirit of inspiration shall be a light in thy path and a guide to thy + mind. Thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, and + no power shall hinder, except the shedding of innocent blood, or + consenting thereto. I seal thee up to eternal life. In the name of the + Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen, and Amen." + </p> + <p> + To a true believer in the faith of the Latter-day Saints a blessing of + this kind, from under the hand of a Patriarch, was then, and is now, next + to a boon of eternal life. A Patriarch is a man highly favored of God, + possesses the gift of discerning spirits, and can read the present and + future destiny of men. Patriarchal blessings strengthen, stimulate and + encourage true Saints to press on to perfection while passing through this + world of sorrows, cares and disappointments. + </p> + <p> + Having been ordained and blessed, my next step was to arm myself with the + Armor of Righteousness, and in my weakness pray for strength to face a + frowning world. I had put my hands to the plow and I was determined that, + with God's help, I would never turn back to the sinful elements of the + world, the flesh, and the devil. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0007" id="linklink2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII - THE SAINTS GATHER AT NAUVOO + </h2> + <p> + About the middle of February, 1839, I started back for Fayette County, + Illinois, with my family, in company with Brother Levi Stewart and Riley + Helm, two of my old Illinois neighbors. While traveling through Missouri + we were kindly treated by most of the people; many of them requested us to + stop and settle down by them. I refused to do so, for I knew there was no + safety for a true Saint in that State at that time. + </p> + <p> + When we crossed the Mississippi River at Quincy, and touched Illinois + soil, I felt like a new man, and a free American citizen again. At this + place I found many of the Saints who had preceded us camped along the + river. Some had obtained employment; all appeared happy in the faith and + strong in the determination to build up the Kingdom. Here I parted with + Riley Helm, as his team had given out and he could go no farther. I gave + him twenty-five cents in money - all that I had in the world - and twelve + pounds of nails, to buy food with until he could get aid from some other + quarter. I had laid in enough provisions at Brother Morris' to last me + until I could reach my old home again. I started from Quincy by way of Mr. + Vanleven's, the man I sold my cattle to, taking his note, when going to + join the Saints. + </p> + <p> + Without meeting with any remarkable adventures, I arrived at Mr. + Vanleven's house and was kindly received by him. He had the money ready + for me, and paid me in full all he owed on the cattle. I now saw that some + honesty yet remained in the world. I took two hundred dollars and left the + rest of it with my friend and banker, so that it would be safe in case I + met another storm of oppression. I then went to Vandalia, Illinois, and + put up with my wife's sister's husband, Hickerson. He was in good + circumstances. I left my wife with her sister, after laying in a supply of + provisions for her and our child. I then commenced preparing for a + mission. I did not know where I was to go, but I felt it my duty to go + forth and give my testimony to the truth of the gospel as revealed by + Joseph, the prophet of the everlasting God. Brother Stewart was to go with + me, he having made arrangements for the comfort of his family during his + absence. + </p> + <p> + The time I started on my first mission was about the 1st of April, 1839. I + bade adieu to my little family and started forth, an illiterate, + inexperienced man, without purse or scrip. I could hardly quote a passage + of Scripture, yet I went forth to say to the world that I was a minister + of the gospel, bearing a message from on High, with the authority to call + upon all men to repent, be baptized for the remission of their sins, and + receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. I had never attempted + to preach a discourse in my life. I expected trials, and I had them to + undergo many times. + </p> + <p> + Brother Stewart and myself started forth on foot, with our valises on our + backs. We walked about thirty miles the first day, and as night was + approaching we called at a house for lodging. They had been having a log + rolling there that day, and quite a number of people were around the + house. We asked for lodging and refreshments. + </p> + <p> + Our request was carried back to the supper-room to the man of the house, + and we stood at the gate awaiting the reply. Presently the man came out + and said that no Mormon preacher could stay in his house; and if we wished + to save our scalps we had better be making tracks lively. + </p> + <p> + Brother Stewart took him at his word, and started off at a double quick. I + followed, but more slowly. We made no reply to that man's remarks. A mile + further on we again called for lodging. + </p> + <p> + The man could not keep us, as he was poor, and his family sick; but he + directed us to a house half a mile from the traveled road, where he said a + man lived that was an infidel, but would not turn a hungry man from his + door. + </p> + <p> + We went to the house and asked for entertainment. The man said he never + turned a man from his door hungry, but would as soon entertain horse + thieves as Mormon preachers; that he looked upon all Mormons as thieves, + robbers, and scoundrels. There was determination in his voice as he + addressed us in this manner. He held his rifle in his hand while speaking. + Then he said: + </p> + <p> + "Walk in, gentlemen. I never turn the hungry away." He addressed his wife, + a very pretty, unassuming lady, and said, "Get these men some supper, for + I suppose they feel pretty lank." + </p> + <p> + There was a good supper soon on the table; but I could not eat. Brother + Stewart ate his supper, and soon was enjoying himself talking to the + family. He was a great talker; liked to hear himself talk. They requested + me to eat, but I thanked them, and said rest would do me more good than + eating. I soon retired, but did not sleep. I was humiliated; my proud + spirit was broken and humbled; the rough words used toward me bad stricken + me to the heart. At daylight we were on our way again. + </p> + <p> + About ten o'clock we arrived at a little town, and went to the public pump + to get a drink. While there a woman came to the pump and asked us if we + were Mormon preachers. We told her we were, but had never preached yet. + She invited us to her house, saying she owned the hotel; that she was a + widow; that she would inform the people of the town we were there, and as + it was the Sabbath we could preach in her house, for she wished to hear + the strange doctrine. We consented to remain, and went home with her and + had something to eat. + </p> + <p> + At 11 o'clock, a. m., I made my debut to quite an attentive audience. I + both quoted and made Scripture. I had been fasting and praying until I had + become as humble as a child. My whole mind and soul were swallowed up in + the gospel. My most earnest desire was to impart to others the knowledge + that I had of the truths of the gospel. + </p> + <p> + When I began to speak I felt an electric thrill through my whole system. I + hardly knew what I said, but the people said I spoke from inspiration; + none of the audience noticed my mistakes in quoting Scripture. + </p> + <p> + After dinner my companion, Stewart, proposed to travel on, and, I agreeing + with him, we left the town, although the people wished us to stay and + preach again. I had but little confidence in myself, and concluded to + preach but seldom, until I got over my timidity or man-fearing feeling + that most beginners are subject to. But I have now been a public speaker + for thirty-five years, and I have not yet entirely gotten over that + feeling. + </p> + <p> + We started for Cincinnati, and traveled two days and a half without food. + My boots hurt my feet and our progress was quite slow. The third night we + applied to a tavern keeper for lodging and food. He said we were welcome + to stay in his house free, but he must have pay for what we eat. + </p> + <p> + We sat in the hall all night, for we were much reduced by hunger and + fatigue. That was a miserable night indeed. I reflected the matter over + and over again, scrutinized it up one side and down the other. I could not + see why a servant of God should receive such treatment - that if I was in + the right faith, doing the will of God, He would open up the way before + me, and not allow me to perish under the sore trials then surrounding me. + I had seriously considered the propriety of walking back to where the kind + landlady gave us our last meal, but was soon comforted, for these words + came into my mind: + </p> + <p> + "He that putteth his hands to the plow, and then looketh back, is not fit + for the Kingdom of Heaven;" "If ye were of the world, then the world would + love its own, but because I have chosen you out of the world, the world + persecuteth you;" "Ye, and all who live godly in Christ Jesus, shall + suffer persecution, while evil men and seducers wax worse and worse, + deceiving and being deceived." + </p> + <p> + The Son of God Himself, when He entered upon the duties of His mission, + was led into the wilderness, where He was tempted forty days and nights, + and when He was hungry and asked for bread He was told, substantially, + that if His mission was of God that God would feed Him, that if hungry He + could turn the stones to bread and eat. I remembered that similar sayings + had been thrown into our teeth. These thoughts passed through my frame + like electricity - or to use the language of one of the old prophets, it + was like fire shut up in my bones; I felt renewed and refreshed from head + to foot, and determined to trust in the Arm that could not be broken; to + conquer and subdue the passions of my nature, and by the help of God to + try and bring them in subjection to the will of the Spirit, and not of the + flesh, which is carnal, sensual, and devilish. I determined that there + should be no lack on my part. + </p> + <p> + Daylight came at last, and we renewed our journey. I put a double guard + over those evil passions that were sown thickly in my sinful nature. The + passion most dreaded by me was the lust of the flesh; that I knew to be + the worst enemy to my salvation, and I determined to master it, I have + walked along in silence for hours, with my heart lifted up to God in + prayer, pleading with Him to give me power over my passions and sinful + desires, that I might conquer and drive from my mind those besetting sins + that were continually warring with the Spirit, which, if cherished or + suffered to remain, would wound and grieve the Spirit and drive it away. + It is written, "My Spirit will not dwell in an unholy temple." Jesus said + to His followers that their bodies were the temples of the Living God; + that if they who had charge of those temples, or bodies, allowed them to + become unholy, He would destroy that body; while to those who guarded + their temples, and kept them pure and holy, He and His Father would come + and take up their abode and dwell with them as a constant companion + forever, even unto the end, guiding them in all truth and showing them + things past, present, and to come. From day to day I kept my mind in a + constant strain upon this subject. Notwithstanding, the tempter was ever + on the alert, and contested every inch of ground with me. + </p> + <p> + Often, while I was in the most solemn reflections, the tempter would place + before me some lovely female, possessing all the allurements of her sex, + to draw my mind from the contemplation of holy things. For a moment + humanity would claim the victory; but quick as thought I would banish the + vision from my mind and plead with God for strength and power to resist + the temptations that were besetting me and enable me to cast aside the + love of sinful pleasures. The words of the Apostle Paul were appropriate + for me at that and in future time, when he declared that he died daily to + crucify the deeds of the flesh. So it was with me. I was convinced that I + could not serve two masters, God and Mammon. When I tried to please the + one I was certain to displease the other. I found that I must give myself + up wholly to God and His ministry and conduct myself as a man of God, if I + would be worthy of the name of a messenger of salvation. I must have the + Spirit of God accompany my words and carry conviction to the honest in + heart. In this way I grew in grace from day to day, and I have never seen + the hour that I regretted taking up my cross and giving up all other + things to follow and obey Christ, my Redeemer and Friend. I do most + sincerely regret that I ever suffered myself to be captivated by the wiles + of the devil, contrary to my better judgment. + </p> + <p> + Brigham teaches that the will and acts of the people must all be dictated + by him, and delights in hearing the apostles and elders declare to the + people that he, Brigham, is God. He claims that the people are answerable + to him as to their God, that they must obey his every beck and call. It + matters not what he commands or requests the people to do, it is their + duty to hear and obey. To disobey the will of Brigham is a sin against the + Holy Ghost, and an unpardonable sin to be wiped out only by blood + atonement. I must now resume my narrative, but I will hereafter speak of + Brigham more at length. + </p> + <p> + We left the Fasting Hotel, as I called it, and traveled to Hamilton, Ohio, + then a neat little town. As we arrived in the center of the town I felt + impressed to call at a restaurant, kept by a foreigner. It was then noon. + This was the first house we had called at since morning. + </p> + <p> + As we entered the proprietor requested us to unstrap our valises and sit + down and rest, saying we looked very tired. He asked where we were from, + and where we were going. We answered all his questions. He then offered us + refreshments; we informed him that we had no money, and had eaten nothing + for three days. He said it made no difference to him; that if we had no + money we were more welcome than if we had plenty of it. We ate a hearty + meal, and he gave us a drink of cider. He then filled our knapsacks with + buns, cheese, sausages, and other things, after which he bid us godspeed. + </p> + <p> + We traveled on with hearts full of gratitude to God, the bountiful Giver + Who had opened the heart of the stranger that had just supplied our wants, + and we felt grateful to and blessed the man for his generous actions. + While passing through Cincinnati we were offered refreshments by a lady + that kept an inn. We crossed the Ohio River at Cincinnati, and stopped + over night at a hotel on the Kentucky side of the river. We then traveled + through Kentucky and into Overton and Jackson counties, Tennessee. I now + bear testimony, though many years have passed since then, that from the + moment I renewed my covenant to deny myself to all unrighteousness and + live the life of a man devoted to God's work on earth, I have never felt + that I was alone, or without a Friend powerful to aid, direct, and shield + me at all times and during all troubles. + </p> + <p> + While in Tennessee I stopped with my friend Levi Stewart at the houses of + his relatives in Overton and Jackson counties, and preached several times. + My friend Stewart was blessed with a large bump of self-esteem. He + imagined that he could convert all of his relatives at once; that all he + had to do was to present the gospel, and they would gladly embrace it. He + appeared to forget that a prophet was not without honor, save in his own + country and among his own kinfolk. + </p> + <p> + Brother Stewart, though I was his superior in the Priesthood, if not in + experience and ability, looked upon me as a cipher, fit for nothing. The + rough treatment and slights that I received from him were more than + humiliating to a man of fine feelings and a spirit such as I possessed. I + said nothing to him, but I poured out my soul in secret prayer to my + Heavenly Father, asking Him to open the door for my deliverance, so that + my proud spirit, which was bound down, might soar in a free element. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday we attended a Baptist meeting. We sat facing the preacher, but + at the far side of the house. My mind was absorbed in meditating upon my + future labors. Gradually I lost consciousness of my surroundings, and my + whole being seemed in another locality. I was in a trance, and saw future + events. What I then saw was to me a reality, and I will describe it as + such. I traveled in a strange land and among a people that I had never + seen. I was kindly received by the people, and all my wants were supplied + without my having to ask for charity. I traveled on, going over a + mountainous country. I crossed a clear, handsome river, and was kindly + received by the family of the owner of the ferry at that river. I stayed + with this family for some days. I then recrossed the river and called at a + house, where I asked for a drink of water, which was given me. I held + quite a conversation with two young women. They informed me that there was + no minister in the neighborhood; also that their father had gone in + pursuit of a Mormon preacher who had passed that way a few days before. A + few days passed, and I saw myself in the midst of a congregation, to whom + I was preaching. I also baptized a large number and organized a + flourishing branch of the Church, and was in charge of that people. I was + very popular with, and almost worshiped by, my congregation. I saw all + this, and much more, when my vision closed. My mind gradually changed + back, and I found myself sitting in the meetinghouse, where I had been + just forty minutes before. + </p> + <p> + This was an open-day vision, in which the curtains of heaven were raised + and held aside from futurity to allow me to look into the things which + were to come. A feeling of heavenly rapture filled my being, so much so + that, like the apostle who was caught up into the third heaven, I did not + know whether I was in the body or out of it during my vision. I saw things + that it would be unlawful for men to utter. While the vision lasted my + soul was lighted up as if illuminated with the candle of God. When the + vision closed the hallowed influence gradually withdrew, yet leaving + sufficient of its glorious effect upon my soul to justify me in feeling + and knowing that I was then chosen of God as a servant in His earthly + kingdom; and I was also made to know, by my sensations, that my vision was + real, and would soon be verified in every particular. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the church services we returned to our lodgings. Brother + Stewart asked me if I was sick. I said: + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not sick, but I feel serious; yet I am comfortable." + </p> + <p> + That evening, after I had given some time to secret prayer, I retired to + rest. Very soon afterwards the vision returned, though somewhat varied. I + was in the midst of a strange people, to whom I was propounding the + gospel. They received it with honest hearts, and looked upon me as a + messenger of salvation. I visited from house to house, surrounded by + friends and kindred spirits with whom I had once been familiar in another + state of existence. I was in the spirit, and communing with the host of + spirits that surrounded me; they encouraged me to return to the body and + continue to act the part that my Master had assigned me. No person, except + those who have entered by pureness of heart into constant communion with + God, can ever enter into the joyous host with whom I then, and in after + life, held intercourse. + </p> + <p> + When I came to myself in the morning I determined to travel until the end + of time to find the people and country that God had shown me in my vision; + and I made my arrangements to start forth again, knowing that God now went + with me. I started off after having a talk with Brother Stewart. He tried + to dissuade me from going, saying I had little experience, not sufficient + to warrant my traveling alone; that we had better remain together where we + were for a season, for we had a home there, and could study and inform + ourselves more thoroughly before starting out among strangers. I told him + that in and of my own strength I was but a weak vessel; but my trust was + in God, and unless He would bless my labors I could not accomplish much. + That I was God's servant, engaged in His work, therefore I looked to Him + for strength and grace sufficient to sustain me in my day of trial. That I + trusted in the arm of God alone, and not in one of flesh. I started off in + a southwesterly course, over the Cumberland Mountains, and went about + seventy miles through a heavily timbered country. I found many species of + wild fruit in abundance along the way. + </p> + <p> + Springs of pure, cold water were quite common. I passed many little farms + and orchards of cultivated fruit, such as cherries, peaches, pears, and + apples. As I proceeded the country became familiar to me, so much so that + I soon knew I was on the very ground I had seen in my vision in the + Baptist church. I saw the place where I had held my first meeting, and my + joy was great to behold with my eyes what I had seen through a glass + darkly. I turned aside from the road, and beneath the spreading branches + of the forest trees I lifted my heart with gratitude to God for what He + had done for me. I then went to the house where I had seen the multitude + assembled when I was preaching. + </p> + <p> + There I saw the two young women that I had beheld in my vision. They + appeared to me as though I had known them from infancy, they so perfectly + accorded with those whom I had seen while God permitted me to peer into + futurity. Yes, I saw the women, but their father was gone from home. I + asked for a drink of water, and it was handed to me, as I had seen it done + in my vision. I asked them if there had ever been any Mormon preachers in + that country. They said there had not been any there. The young women were + modest and genteel in behavior. I passed on to the Cumberland River, was + set over the river by the ferryman, and lodged in his house. + </p> + <p> + So far all was as God had shown me; but I was still at the outer edge of + my familiar scenery. I stayed about a week with the ferryman. His name was + Vanleven, a relative of my friend and banker in Illinois. I made myself + useful while there. I attended the ferry and did such work as I could see + needed attending to. I also read and preached Mormon doctrines to the + family. + </p> + <p> + On the fifth day after reaching the ferry I saw five men approaching. I + instantly recognized one of them as the man I had seen in my vision - the + man that took me to his house to preach. My heart leaped for joy, for God + had sent him in answer to the prayers I had offered up, asking that the + man should be sent for me. I crossed the men over and back again, and + although I talked considerably to the man about what was uppermost in my + mind, he said nothing about my going home with him. I was much + disappointed. I retired for secret prayer, and asked God, in the name of + His Son, Jesus Christ, to aid me, and to send the man whom I had seen in + my vision back for me. Before I left my knees I had evidence that my + prayer was answered. + </p> + <p> + The next morning at daylight I informed my friends that I must depart in + search of my field of labor. They asked me to stay until breakfast, but I + refused. One of the negroes put me over the river, and directed me how to + cross the mountains on the trail that was much shorter than the wagon + road. I stopped in a little cove and ate a number of fine, ripe cherries. + I then went on until I reached what to me was enchanted ground. I met the + two sisters at the gate, and asked them if their father was at home. + </p> + <p> + "No, he is not at home," said the ladies, "he has gone to the ferry to + find a Mormon preacher, and see if he can get him to come here and preach + in this neighborhood." + </p> + <p> + They then said I must have met him on the road. I told them that I had + come over the mountain trail, and said I was probably the man he had gone + for. They replied: + </p> + <p> + "Our father said that if you came this way, to have you stop and stay here + until his return, and to tell you that you are welcome to preach at our + house at any time." + </p> + <p> + This was on Friday. I took out my pencil and wrote a notice that I would + preach at that place on the following Sunday, at 10 o'clock, a. m. I + handed it to the girls. They agreed to have the appointment circulated. I + passed on and preached at a place twelve miles from there, and returned in + time for my appointment. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived within sight of the place of meeting I was filled with + doubt and anxiety. I trembled all over, for I saw that a vast concourse of + people had come to hear an inexperienced man preach the gospel. I went + into the grove and again prayed for strength and assistance from my Father + in Heaven, to enable me to speak His truth aright. I felt strengthened and + comforted. As I arose from prayer these words came into my mind: + </p> + <p> + "Truth is mighty and will prevail." + </p> + <p> + Thereafter I waited until the hour arrived for preaching; then I + approached the place where I had once been in a vision. + </p> + <p> + This meeting place was in a valley, near a cold, pure spring; on either + side was a high, elevated country; in the center of this valley there + stood a large blacksmith and wagon shop, surrounded with a bower of + brushwood to protect the audience from the sun. This bower, in which I was + to preach, would seat one thousand people. + </p> + <p> + In the center of the bower they had erected a framework or raised platform + for a pulpit. I took my place and preached for one hour and a half. My + tongue was like the pen of a ready writer. I scarcely knew what I was + saying. I then opened the doors of the Church for the admission of + members. Five persons joined the Church, and I appointed another meeting + for that night. I again preached, when two more joined the Church. + </p> + <p> + The next day I baptized the seven new members. I then arranged to hold + meetings at that place three times a week. I visited around the country, + seeking to convert sinners. The first converts were leading people in that + county. + </p> + <p> + Elisha Sanders and his wife and daughter were the first to receive the + gospel. Sanders was a farmer; he had a large flour mill, owned a woodyard, + and was engaged in boat building on the Cumberland River. Caroline C. + Sanders had volunteered to publish the appointment of my first meeting, + which I left with the daughters of Mr. Smith. I labored at this place two + months, and baptized twenty-eight persons, mostly the heads of families. I + then organized them into a branch of the Church. + </p> + <p> + Brother Sanders fitted up a room very handsomely for me, in which I could + retire for study, rest, and secret prayer. I was made to feel at home + there, and knew that God had answered my prayers. I had the knowledge that + God's Spirit accompanied my words, carrying conviction to the hearts of + sinful hearers, and giving me souls as seals to my ministry. + </p> + <p> + Brother Stewart soon preached himself out in his relatives' neighborhood. + He heard of my success, and came to me. He said that the people where he + had been preaching were an unbelieving set. I introduced him to the + members of my congregation, and had him preach with me a few times, which + gratified him very much. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday we were to administer the ordinance of baptism. Several + candidates were in attendance. Brother Stewart was quite anxious to + baptize the people. I was willing to humor him. So I said: + </p> + <p> + "My friends, Brother Stewart, a priest of the New Dispensation, will + administer the ordinance of baptism." + </p> + <p> + The people stood still; none would come forward for him to baptize them. + They said they would not be baptized until I would baptize them myself. I + told them I would act if they desired it. So I baptized the people, and + Brother Stewart was much offended with them. He had not yet learned that + he that exalteth himself shall be cast down, and he that humbleth himself + shall be exalted. I then called on the people for a contribution, to get + some clothing for Brother Stewart. I had concluded to have him return + home, and wished to reclothe him before he started, for he was then in + need of it. The contribution was more liberal than I expected. + </p> + <p> + After Brother Stewart departed I stayed there some three weeks. Then I + made up my mind to go home and visit my family. Brother Sanders invited me + to go to Gainsborough with him, whore he presented me with a nice supply + of clothing. Sister Sanders presented me with a fine horse, saddle, and + bridle, and twelve dollars in money. The congregation gave me fifty + dollars, and I had from them an outfit worth over three hundred dollars. I + at first refused to accept the horse, but Sister Sanders appeared so + grieved at this that I finally took it. I left my congregation in charge + of Elder Julien Moses, and started for my family about the 1st of October, + 1839. I promised to call on my flock the next spring, or send a suitable + minister to wait upon them. + </p> + <p> + When I reached Vandalia I found my family well. God had raised up friends + for them in my absence. The Saints were then gathering at Commerce, that + is to say Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. I visited my sister's family + that fall; they then lived about one hundred miles north of Vandalia. I + preached often through Central Illinois, and that fall I baptized all of + my wife's family, except her father. He held out and refused the gospel + until he was on his deathbed; then he demanded baptism, but being in a + country place he died ere an elder could be procured to baptize him. By + the rules of our Church a person can be baptized for the dead, and later + he was saved to eternal life by the baptism of one of his children for the + salvation of his soul. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0008" id="linklink2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII - LEE AS A MISSIONARY + </h2> + <p> + Shortly after my return to Illinois I built a house for my family. During + the winter I entered into a trading and trafficking business with G. W. + Hickerson. We would go over the country and buy up chickens, butter, + feathers, beeswax, and coon skins, and haul them to St. Louis, and carry + back calicoes and other goods in payment for the articles first purchased. + We made some money that way. + </p> + <p> + While carrying on this trade I drew the remainder of my money from my + friend, Vanleven, and began my preparations for joining the Saints. About + the middle of April, 1840, I succeeded in securing a good outfit, and with + my old friend Stewart again joined the Saints at Nauvoo. I felt it to be + God's will that I must obey the orders of the Prophet, hence my return to + the society of the brethren. + </p> + <p> + Joseph and his two counselors, his brother Hyrum and Sidney Rigdon had + been released from jail in Richmond, Missouri, and were again at the head + of the Church and directing the energies of the brethren. It was the + policy of Joseph to hold the city lots in Nauvoo at a high price, so as to + draw money from the rich, but not so high as to prevent the poor from + obtaining homes. The poor who lost all their property in following the + Church were presented with a lot free in the center of the city. The + Prophet told them not to sell their lots for less than eight hundred to + one thousand dollars, but to sell for that when offered; then they could + take a cheaper lot in the outskirts of the city and have money left to fix + up comfortably. + </p> + <p> + All classes, Jews and Gentiles, were allowed to settle there, one man's + money being as good as another's. No restrictions were placed on the + people; they had the right to trade with anyone that suited them. All + classes attended meetings, dances, theaters, and other gatherings, and + were permitted to eat and drink together. The outsiders were invited to + join in all of our amusements. Ball was a favorite sport with the men, and + the Prophet frequently took a hand in the game. He appeared to treat all + men alike, and never condemned a man until he had given him a fair trial + to show what was in him. + </p> + <p> + Among the first things was the laying of the foundation of the Temple. + When this was done each man was required to do one day's work in every ten + days, in quarrying rock or doing other work for the structure. A company + was sent up the Mississippi River to the Pineries to get out lumber for + the Temple and other public buildings. The money for city lots went into + the Church treasury to purchase materials for the Temple which could not + be supplied by the Saints' own labor. + </p> + <p> + At the conference in April, 1840, the Prophet delivered a lengthy address + upon the history and condition of the Saints. He reminded the brethren + that all had suffered alike for the sake of the gospel. The rich and the + poor had been brought to a common level by persecution; many of the + brethren owed debts that they had been forced to contract in order to get + out of Missouri alive. He considered it unchristianlike for the brethren + to demand the payment of such debts; he did not wish to screen anyone from + the just payment of his debts, but he did think that it would be for the + glory of the Kingdom if the people, of their own will, freely forgave each + other all their existing indebtedness, one to the other, renew their + covenants with Almighty God and with each other, refrain from evil, and + live their religion. By this means God's Holy Spirit would support and + bless the people. + </p> + <p> + The people were then asked if they were in favor of thus bringing about + the year of jubilee. All that felt so inclined were asked to make it known + by raising their hands; every hand in the audience was raised. The Prophet + declared all debts of the Saints, to and from each other, forgiven and + wiped out. He then gave the following words of advice to the people: + </p> + <p> + "I wish you all to know that because you were justified in taking property + from your enemies, while engaged in war in Missouri, which was needed to + support you, there is now a different condition of things. We are no + longer at war, and you must stop stealing. When the right time comes we + will go in force and take the whole State of Missouri. It belongs to us as + our inheritance; but I want no more petty stealing. A man that will steal + petty articles from his enemies will, when occasion offers, steal from his + brethren too. Now I command you, that you who have stolen must steal no + more. I ask all the brethren to renew their covenants, and start anew to + live their religion. If you will do this, I will forgive you your past + sins." + </p> + <p> + The vote was taken on this proposition, and resulted in the unanimous + decision of the people to act as requested by the Prophet. He then + continued, saying that he never professed to be a perfect man. + </p> + <p> + "I have my failings and passions to contend with the same as has the + greatest stranger to God. I am tempted the same as you are, my brethren. I + am not infallible. All men are subject to temptation, but they are not + justified in yielding to their passions and sinful natures. There is a + constant warfare between the two natures of man. This is the warfare of + the Saints. It is written that the Lord would have a tried people - a + people that would be tried as gold is tried by the fire, even seven times + tried and purified from the dross of unrighteousness. The chances of all + men for salvation are equal. True, some have greater capacity than others, + yet the chances for improving our minds and subduing our passions by + denying ourselves to all unrighteousness and cultivating the principles of + purity are the same; they are within the reach of every man; all have + their free agency; all can lay hold of the promises of eternal life, if + they will only be faithful and comply with God's will and obey the + Priesthood in these last days. Never betray anyone, for God hates a + traitor, and so do I. Stand by each other; never desert a friend, + especially in the hour of trouble. Remember that our reward consists in + doing good acts, and not in long prayers like the Scribes and Pharisees of + old, who prayed to be seen of men. Never mind what men think of you, if + your hearts are right before God. It is written, 'Do unto others as you + would that others should do unto you.' The first commandment is, 'Thou + shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, and strength.' The + second commandment is, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' Upon + these two hang all the law and the prophets." + </p> + <p> + To more deeply impress these truths upon the minds of his people the + Prophet gave them an account of the man who fell among thieves and was + relieved by the stranger; and he also taught us from the Scriptures, as + well as by the revelations that he had received from God, that it is + humane acts and deeds of kindness, justice and words of truth, that are + accounted to man for righteousness; that prayers, made to be heard by men, + and hypocritical groans are displeasing to God. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet talked to us plainly, and fully instructed us in our duty and + gave the long-faced hypocrites such a lecture that much good was done. I + had at that time learned to dread a religious fanatic, and I was pleased + to hear the Prophet lay down the law to them. A fanatic is always + dangerous, but a religious fanatic is to be dreaded by all men - there is + no reason in one of them. I cannot understand how men will blindly follow + fanatical teachers. I always demanded a reason for my belief, and hoped I + never would become a victim of fanaticism. + </p> + <p> + During the summer of 1840 I built a house and such other buildings as I + required on my lot on Warsaw street, and was again able to say I had a + home. The brethren were formed into military companies that year in + Nauvoo. Col. A. P. Rockwood was drillmaster. Brother Rockwood was then a + captain, but was afterwards promoted to be colonel of the Host of Israel. + I was then fourth corporal of the company. The people were regularly + drilled and taught military tactics, so that they would be ready to act + when the time came for returning to Jackson County, the land of our + inheritance. Most of my wife's relatives came to Nauvoo that year, and + settled near my house. + </p> + <p> + In 1841 I was sent on a mission through Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. + I also visited portions of Arkansas. I traveled in company, on that + mission, with Elder Franklin Edwards. I was then timid about speaking in + towns or cities. I felt that I had not a sufficient experience to justify + me in doing so. + </p> + <p> + My comrade had less experience than I had, and the worst of it was he + would not study to improve his mind, or permit me to study in quiet. He + was negligent, and did not pay sufficient attention to secret prayer, to + obtain that nearness to God that is so necessary for a minister to have if + he expects his works to be blessed with Divine favor. I told him he must + do better, or go home. He promised to do better; also agreed that he would + do the begging for food and lodging, and I might do the preaching. I + accepted the offer, and in this way we got along well and pleasantly for + some time. + </p> + <p> + At the crossing of the Forkadeer River we stayed over night with the + ferryman, and were well entertained. When we left the ferry the old + gentleman told us we would be in a settlement of Methodist people that + evening, and they were set in their notions and hated Mormons as badly as + the Church of England hated Methodists, and if we got food or shelter + among them he would be mistaken. He told us to begin to ask for lodging at + least an hour before sundown, or we would not get it. + </p> + <p> + In the after-part of the day we remembered the advice of the morning and + stopped at every house. The houses were about half a mile apart. We were + refused at every house. The night came on dark and stormy, the rain fell + in torrents, while heavy peals of thunder and bright flashes of lightning + were constant, or seemed so to me. The timber was very heavy, making the + night darker than it would otherwise have been. The road was badly cut up + from heavy freight teams passing over it, and the holes were full of + water. We fell into many holes of mud and water, and were well soaked. + </p> + <p> + About ten o'clock we called at the house of a Methodist class leader, and + asked for lodging and food. He asked who we were. We told him that we were + Mormon preachers. As soon as he heard the name Mormon he became enraged, + and said no Mormon could stay in his house. We started on. Soon afterwards + we heard him making efforts to set his dogs on us. The dogs came running + and barking, as a pack of hounds always do. + </p> + <p> + Brother Edwards was much frightened; but I told him not to be scared, I + would protect him. So when the dogs came near us I commenced to clap my + hands and shouted as though the fox was just ahead of us; this caused the + dogs to rush on and leave us in safety. In this way we escaped injury from + the pack of ten or more dogs that the Methodist had put on our trail. + </p> + <p> + At the next house we were again refused shelter and food. I asked for + permission to sit under the porch until the rain stopped. + </p> + <p> + "No," said the man, "if you were not Mormons I would gladly entertain you, + but as you are Mormons I dare not permit you to stop around me." + </p> + <p> + This made twenty-one houses that we had called at and asked for lodging, + and at each place we had been refused, simply because we were Mormons. + </p> + <p> + About midnight my partner grew very sick of his contract to do the begging + and resolved to die before he would ask for aid from such people again. I + told him I would have both food and lodging at the next place we stopped. + He said it was useless to make the attempt, and I confess that the + numerous refusals we had met with were calculated to dishearten many a + person; but I had faith in God. I had never yet gone to Him in a humble + and penitent manner without receiving strength to support me, nor had He + ever sent me empty-handed from Him. My trust was in God, and I advanced to + the next house, confident that I would not ask in vain. + </p> + <p> + As we approached the house we discovered that the negroes were having a + dance. I asked where their master was; they pointed out the house to me. + We walked to the house and up on the porch. The door was standing open; a + candle was burning, and near the fire a woman was sitting holding a sick + child on her lap. The man was also sitting near the fire. Our footsteps + attracted their attention; our appearance was not inviting as we stood + there wet, muddy, and tired. I spoke in a loud voice, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Sir, I beseech you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to entertain us as + servants of the living God. We are ministers of the gospel, we travel + without purse or scrip; we preach without hire, and are now without money; + we are wet, weary, and hungry; we want refreshment, rest, and shelter." + </p> + <p> + The man sprang to his feet, but did not say a word. His wife said: + </p> + <p> + "Tell them to come in." + </p> + <p> + "We will do you no harm; we are friends, not enemies," I said. + </p> + <p> + We were invited in. Servants were called, a good fire was made and a warm + supper placed before us. After eating we were shown to a good bed. We + slept until near ten o'clock in the morning. When we did awaken our + clothes were clean and dry, and breakfast was ready and waiting for us. In + fact, we were as well treated as it was possible to ask. + </p> + <p> + This family had lately come from the State of Virginia, intending to try + that climate for a year, and then, if they liked it, purchase land and + stay there permanently. After breakfast the gentleman said: + </p> + <p> + "You had a severe time of it among the Christians yesterday and last + night. As you are ministers, sent out to convert sinners, you cannot do + better than to preach to these Christians, and seek to convert them." + </p> + <p> + He offered to send word all over the settlement and notify the people, if + we would stay and preach that night. We accepted his offer, and remained, + thus securing the rest that we so much needed, thanking God for still + remembering and caring for us, His servants. + </p> + <p> + Agreeably to arrangements, we preached in the Methodist meeting- house to + a very attentive audience upon the first principles of the gospel. We + alluded to the treatment of Christ and His followers by the Pharisees and + Sadducees, the religious sects of those days, and said that we preached + the same gospel, and fared but little better. This meeting-house had been + built conjointly by Methodists and Universalists. Members from both + persuasions were present. Our neighbor who had fed and cared for us leaned + to the latter faith. + </p> + <p> + At the close of our remarks the class leader who had set the hounds on our + track was the first to the stand to invite us home with him. I told him + that the claims of those who did not set their dogs on us, after they had + turned us from their doors hungry, were first with me - that his claims + were an after consideration. He said it was his negro boys that sent the + hounds after us; he would not be bluffed. He said that one of us must go + with him - that if I would not go Brother Frank must go. I told him that + Elder Edwards could use his own pleasure, but I would hold a meeting that + night with our Universalist brethren; and thus we parted. + </p> + <p> + Elder Edwards went to spend the night with the class leader, while I + attended a meeting with the friends who had invited me home with them. I + had a good time. Of their own accord they made up a collection of a few + dollars as a token of their regard for me. I was to meet Elder Edwards at + the house of my friend who took us in at midnight from the storm, an hour + before sun; but he did not put in an appearance for an hour after. When he + got within talking distance I saw by his features that he had been roughly + dealt with. His first words were: + </p> + <p> + "He is the wickedest old man that I ever met with, and, if he don't + repent, God will curse him." + </p> + <p> + That was enough, and I began to laugh. I conceived what he had to + encounter the long night before. He said: + </p> + <p> + "If the Lord will forgive me for going this time, I will never go again + unless you are along." I said to him: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Frank, experience teaches a dear school, yet fools will not learn + at any other. I knew what treatment you would receive, and refused to go. + If you had been a wise man you would have taken the hint and kept away + from him." + </p> + <p> + We made our way through to Overton County, Tennessee. Here I advised my + friend Edwards to return to Nauvoo, and gave him money to pay his fare on + a steamer, for he was not cut out for a preacher. + </p> + <p> + At Carlisle, the county seat of Overton County, I met with a young man, an + elder, by the name of Dwight Webster. Though but little experienced, yet + he was a man of steady habits and an agreeable companion. We held a number + of meetings in this part of the country. Brother Webster and I baptized + several persons, and made a true friend of a wealthy merchant, named + Armstrong, who welcomed us to his house and placed us under his + protection. He also owned a large establishment in Louisville, Kentucky. + He was an infidel, though an honorable gentleman. His wife Nancy, and her + sister Sarah, were both baptized. + </p> + <p> + While here I received a letter from Brother James Pace, one of my near + neighbors in Nauvoo, requesting me to visit his brother, William Pace, and + his relatives in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Elder A. O. Smoot and Dr. + David Lewis succeeded us in this county, and in Jackson County, Tennessee, + and added many to those whom we had already baptized. + </p> + <p> + Brother Webster and I made our way through to Stone River, preaching by + the way, as opportunity occurred. Here I handed my letter of introduction + to William Pace, brother of my neighbor, James Pace, who received us + kindly and procured us the liberty of holding forth in the Campbellite + chapel. + </p> + <p> + Here we were informed that the Campbellite preachers were heavy on debate; + that none of the other sects could stand before them, and that no one dare + meet them in public or private discussion. I replied that my trust was in + God, that the message I had to bear was from Heaven; that if it would not + bear the scrutiny of man I did not want to stand by it; but if it was of + God He would not suffer His servants to be confounded. + </p> + <p> + "Truth is mighty and will prevail; Error cannot stand before Truth. If + these men can overthrow the gospel which I preach, the sooner they do it + the better for me. I do not wish to deceive anyone, or to deceive myself. + If anyone can point out an error in the gospel which I preach, I am + willing to drop that error, and exchange it for truth." + </p> + <p> + The hour came, and Brother Webster and I both spoke. We spoke on the first + principles of the Gospel of Christ, as taught by the Saviour and His + apostles. + </p> + <p> + Before sitting down I extended the courtesy of the pulpit to any gentleman + that wished to reply or offer any remarks either for or against what we + had set forth. Parson Hall, the presiding Campbellite minister, was on his + feet in a moment and denounced us as impostors. He said we were holding + forth a theory that was fulfilled in Christ; that the canon of Scripture + being full, these spiritual gifts that were spoken of in the New Testament + were done away with, being no longer necessary. As for the story of the + "Golden Bible" (Book of Mormon), that was absurd in the extreme, as there + were to be no other books or revelations granted. He quoted the + Revelations of St. John in his support, where they read: + </p> + <p> + "He that addeth to, or diminisheth from the words of the prophecies and + this Book, shall have the plagues herein written added to his torment," or + words to that effect. I followed him in the discussion, and quoted John + where it reads: + </p> + <p> + "He that speaketh not according to the law and the testimony hath no light + in him." I said that my authority and testimony were from the Bible, the + book of the law of the Lord, which all Christian believers hold as a + sacred rule of their faith and practice. + </p> + <p> + To that authority I hoped my worthy friend would not object. I illustrated + my position by further quotations from the criptures, and when our meeting + was over the people flocked around Brother Webster and myself in a mass, + to shake hands with us and invite us to their houses - the Methodists, + Baptists, and Presbyterians especially. + </p> + <p> + The planters in this county were mostly wealthy, and prided themselves on + being hospitable and kind to strangers, especially to ministers of the + gospel. We went from house to house and preached two and three times a + week. We saw that the seed had already been sown in honest hearts, and we + were near to them. + </p> + <p> + Knowing the danger of being lifted up by self-approbation, I determined to + be on my guard, attend to secret prayer, and to reading and keeping + diaries. When at our friend Pace's house Brother Webster and I would + frequently resort to a lonely grove to attend to prayer and read to + ourselves. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0009" id="linklink2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX - MORMONISM AND ITS ORIGIN + </h2> + <p> + Only a short time after the events narrated it was arranged that Parson + Hall and myself should hold another discussion in the Campbellite chapel. + Parson Hall did not want to meet me in discussion, but he must do so or + lose his flock, as all the people had become interested in the subject of + Mormonism. We met at the appointed time, and chose two umpires to act as + moderators of the meeting. The subject to be discussed was: + </p> + <p> + "Are apostles, prophets, and teachers, together with the spiritual gifts + spoken of and recorded by the Apostle Mark in his 16th chapter, necessary + to the Church now as they were then?" + </p> + <p> + In his closing speech Parson Hall became very abusive and denounced the + Mormons to the lowest regions of darkness, and called the Prophet Joseph a + vile impostor. I replied to him and closed the discussion. It had been + agreed that the Old and New Testaments should be the only authorities to + be quoted by us. The umpires refused to decide as to which one of us had + the best of the discussion. They said it rested with the people to decide + for themselves. It was evident, however, that the people were with me. The + principal topic of conversation was about this strange Mormon doctrine. + </p> + <p> + Parson Hall's flock was by no means satisfied with his course. He said the + Mormon doctrine was the strongest Bible doctrine he had ever heard of, and + he feared the consequences of a further discussion. But this would not + satisfy the people, who wanted to hear and learn more of it; so another + discussion was agreed upon, in which Parsons Curlee and Nichols were to + assist Parson Hall, and prompt him. The subject was: + </p> + <p> + "Is the Book of Mormon of Divine origin, and has it come forth in direct + fulfillment of prophecy? And was Joseph Smith inspired of God?" + </p> + <p> + We selected three judges; the hall was thronged. I felt the responsibility + of my situation, but I put my trust in God to give me light and utterance + to the convincing of the honest and pure in heart. The discussion lasted + many hours. I showed conclusively, both from the Old and New Testaments, + that, in accordance with Scripture and prophecy, the ten tribes of Israel + had been broken up and scattered upon the face of the earth. That sure and + indisputable evidence had been found and produced by which it was certain + that the North American Indians were descendants from the ten tribes of + Israel. I showed this from many customs and rites prevalent among the + Indians, and there could be no doubt, in any rational mind, that these + tribes had sprung from the remnants of the scattered ten tribes of Israel. + The prophecies of the Old and New Testaments, the traditions and history + of the Indians so far as known, their solemn religious rites and + observances, were conclusive evidence of this fact. + </p> + <p> + And God has repeatedly promised that, in His own good time, these tribes + of Israel, this chosen people, should be again gathered together; that a + new and further revelation should be given them and to the whole world, + and that under this new dispensation Zion should be rebuilt, and the glory + of God fill the whole earth as the waters cover the mighty deep. It should + be as a sealed book unto them, which men deliver to one that is learned, + saying, "Read this book," and he saith, "I cannot, for it is a sealed + book." It is strange that a people once so favored of God, strengthened by + His arm and counseled by His prophets and inspired men, should have + wandered and become lost to all sense of duty to God! But so it was, + until, as the prophet says, the Book that should come unto them spoke to + them out of the ground - out of the dust of the earth; as a "familiar + spirit, even out of the dust of the earth." + </p> + <p> + The Book that was to contain the Divine revelation of God was to come + forth, written upon plates, in a language unknown to men. But a man + unlearned, not by his own power, but by the power of God, by means of the + Urim and Thummim, was to translate it into our language. And this record, + in due time, came according to God's will. It was found deposited in the + side of a mountain, or hill, called Cumorrah, written in the reformed + Egyptian language, in Ontario County, in the State of New York. It was + deposited in a stone box, put together with cement, air-tight. The soil + about the box was worn away, until a corner of the box was visible. It was + found by the Prophet Joseph, then an illiterate lad, or young man, who had + been chosen of God as His instrument for making the same known to men. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet Joseph was a young man of moral character, belonging to no + sect, but an earnest inquirer after truth. He was not permitted to remove + the box for a period of two years after he found it. The angel of God that + had the records in charge would not permit him to touch them. In + attempting to do so, on one occasion, his strength was paralyzed, and the + angel appeared before him and told him how that record contained the + gospel of God and an historical account of the God of Joseph in this land; + that through their transgressions the records were taken away from the + people and hid in the earth, to come forth at the appointed time, when the + Lord should set His heart, the second time, to recover the remnant of His + people, scattered throughout all nations; that the remnant of His people + should be united with the stick of Judah, in the hands of Ephraim, and + they should become one stick in the hands of the Lord. This is the Bible, + which is the stick of Judah, that contained the gospel and the records of + the House of Israel, till the Messiah came. The angel further informed + Joseph that when the ten tribes of Israel were scattered one branch went + to the north; that prior to the birth of Jesus Christ the other branch + left Jerusalem, taking the records with them, of which the Book of Mormon + is a part. The branch of the ten tribes which went north doubtless have a + record with them. + </p> + <p> + When these plates containing the Book of Mormon and God's will, as therein + revealed, were removed from Ontario County, New York, they were taken to + Professor Anthon, of New York City, for translation. He replied that he + could not translate them, that they were written in "a sealed language, + unknown to the present age." This was just as the Prophet Isaiah said it + should be. + </p> + <p> + Do any of the present denominations counsel with the Lord? No, they deny + Revelation, and seek to hide their ways from Him. Upon all such He + pronounces woe. I do not wish to be considered as casting aspersions on + any other sect. It is not my purpose to do so. The love that I have for + truth and the salvation of the human family may cause me to offend, but if + I do so it is because of my exceeding zeal to do good. Remember that the + reproof of a friend is better than the smite of an enemy. Jesus said, "Woe + unto you that are angry and offended because of the truth." + </p> + <p> + It is not policy on your part to be offended on account of the truth. If + your systems will not stand the scrutiny of men, how can they stand the + test of the great Judge of both the living and the dead? I place a greater + value upon the salvation of my soul than I do upon all earthly + considerations. + </p> + <p> + After my second discussion I began to baptize some of the leading members + of the Campbellite Church. Among the first to be baptized were John + Thompson and wife. Brother Thompson was sheriff of Rutherford County, and + an influential man. Among others who were baptized were Wm. Pace and wife. + Mrs. Pace was a sister of Parson Nichols, who assisted Parson Hall in his + last discussion with me. Major D. M. Jarratt and wife, Mrs. Caroline + Ghiliam, Major Miles Anderson, and others were also baptized and received + into the Church. + </p> + <p> + My friend Webster, after being with me about a month, returned to visit + and strengthen the branches of the Church established in Smith, Jackson, + and Overton counties. I continued my labors on Stone River and Creple + Creek about six months. During the most of this time I availed myself of + the opportunity of studying grammar and other English branches. During my + stay I lectured three times a week, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sunday + afternoons. + </p> + <p> + Sabbath forenoon I attended the meetings of other denominations. During + this time I held four public discussions in addition to those I had with + Parson Hall. I held two discussions with the Rev. James Trott, who for + fifteen years had been a missionary to the Cherokee Nation. I held a + closing debate in that settlement with the Rev. Mr. Cantrall, of the + Campbellite faith. He came from a distance, at the request of friends, to + endeavor to save the flock. + </p> + <p> + After consultation with Parson Hall and other members of the flock they + refused to submit to moderators or judges; neither were they willing to be + confined to the Old and New Testaments for authority to disprove the + doctrine that I defended. Their proposition was that Mr. Cantrall should + speak first, bringing out any argument he chose; when he finished I was to + conclude the debate, and the people were to judge for themselves who had + the best of the argument. + </p> + <p> + My friends would not consent to this arrangement, but I told the + opposition they might have it their own way. If the Rev. Cantrall wished + to condescend to the platform of a blackguard, in a case of necessity I + would meet him there, though I preferred honorable debate to slander and + ridicule. This statement I made to the assembly prior to the gentleman's + mounting the stand, with Parsons Hill, Crulee, Trott, and Nichols as + prompters. + </p> + <p> + They had provided themselves with a roll of pamphlets and newspapers, + containing many of the low, cunning, lying stories about the Prophet + Joseph walking on the water, being a money digger, an impostor, and a + thousand such tales. Mr. Cantrall read and emphasized each story, as his + prompters handed them to him. He occupied two hours and a half in this + manner, and about half an hour in trying to point out discrepancies in the + Book of Mormon. + </p> + <p> + He spoke of the absurdities of the boat that the Nephites built in which + to cross the ocean, from Asia to America, and said that it was built + tight, excepting a little hole on top for air, and that it would shoot + through the water like a fish, and ridiculed such an absurdity. He defied + me to point to any such inconsistencies in the Holy Bible. He said the + Bible was a book of common sense, written by men inspired of God. It was + full of good works and pure characters, nothing like the impostor Joseph. + He challenged me again to point to a single instance in the Bible which + would compare with the stories in the Book of Mormon. The idea of apostles + and prophets and supernatural gifts in the Church, as in the days of + Christ, was absurd. He said the History of Nephi was absurd and a + burlesque upon common sense; that he hoped none of the people would be led + away by such nonsense and folly. I sat facing him during all his long + harangue of abuse and ridicule. + </p> + <p> + When it was my turn to speak I asked the reverend gentleman to occupy my + seat. I did not want more than thirty minutes to reply. I said to the + assembly that a sense of duty to the truth, and the cause I had espoused, + alone prompted me to make any reply to the long tirade of abuse and + sarcasm they had been listening to. The gentleman and his prompters had + gathered quite an angry-looking cloud of pamphlets and newspaper slang and + abuse, without quoting a single passage of Scripture to disprove my + position, or in support of their own. But on the contrary, he had become + an accuser of the brethren, speaking evil of things he knew not. The + spirit of persecution, hatred, and malice is not the spirit of the meek + and lowly Saviour. The gentleman tells you that the day of perfection has + arrived, that Satan is bound in the gospel chain, that we have no need of + spiritual manifestations, that this is the reign of Christ. Now, I will + say that if this is the millennial reign of Christ, and the devil is bound + in the gospel chain, I pity the inhabitants of the earth when he gets + loose again. After reading the description of the millennial reign, as it + shall be, as described by the Prophet Isaiah, can anyone be so stupid as + to believe that we are now living in that holy day? Shame on him who would + deceive and tamper with the souls of men! The gentleman who told you this, + doesn't believe it. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman has challenged me to produce anything from the Bible + equaling in strangeness the building of a boat like a fish, in which the + Nephites crossed the ocean from Asia to America. I call his attention to + the first chapter of the Book of Jonah. Here a very strange craft was used + for three days and nights, in which to send a missionary to Nineveh. This + craft was constructed after the manner of the boat spoken of in the Book + of Mormon. If the prophet was correct in the description of his craft, he + too scooted through the water in the same way that the Nephites did in + their boat. The Book of Mormon is nothing more or less than a book + containing the history of a portion of the House of Israel, who left + Jerusalem about the time of the reign of Zedekiah, King of Judah, and + crossed the ocean to America; containing also the gospel which was + preached to them on this continent, which is the same gospel as that + preached by' Christ and His Apostles at Jerusalem. The Bible and the Book + of Mormon both contain a history of the different branches of the House of + Israel, and each contains the gospel of Christ as it was preached unto + them, the different branches of the house of Israel, and to all nations. + Both testify of each other, and point with exactness to the dispensation + of the fullness of time. The Book of Mormon does not contain a new gospel; + it is the same gospel as that preached by Christ. It is a mysterious book, + just what the prophet said it should be, "a marvelous work, a wonder." But + my friend says that it is too mysterious, too wonderful, for human + credence, and challenges me to point out anything told in the Bible that + seems inconsistent with reason or experience. Now, which is the more + reasonable, that Nephi built a boat after the pattern mentioned in the + Mormon Bible, being directed by God how to build it, and then crossed the + ocean to this continent, or that Jonah was in the whale's belly for three + days and three nights, and then made a safe landing? Or would it sound any + better if Nephi had said that when he and his company came to the great + waters, the Lord had prepared whales, two or more, to receive them and + their outfit, and set them over on this side? + </p> + <p> + Nothing is impossible with God. If He saw fit to send Jonah on his mission + in a whale's belly, I have no fault to find with Him for so doing. He has + the right to do His own will and pleasure; and if He instructed Nephi how + to fashion his boat, or Noah to build an ark against the deluge, or caused + Balaam's ass to speak and rebuke the madness of his master, or Moses to + lead the children of Israel through the Red Sea, without any boat at all, + or the walls of Jericho to fall to the ground, and the people to become + paralyzed through the tooting of rams' horns, or empowered Joshua to + command the sun to stand still while he slaughtered his enemies, is any of + these things more wonderful than the other? + </p> + <p> + Now one of these instances that I have selected from the Bible, if found + in the Book of Mormon, would be sufficient to stamp it with absurdity and + everlasting contempt, according to the gentlemen who oppose me; but when + found in the Bible the story assumes another phase entirely. It is as the + Saviour said of the Pharisees, "Ye strain at a gnat and swallow a camel." + My opponent strains at a gnat, when found in the Book of Mormon, but if + camels are discovered in the Bible he swallows them by the herd. I cannot + see why a big story, told in the Bible, should be believed any more + readily than one found in the Book of Mormon. + </p> + <p> + It is not my purpose to find discrepancies in the characters of the + ancient prophets or inspired writers, but my opponent has challenged me to + produce from the Bible a character of such disrepute as that of Joseph, + the Mormon Prophet. Now I will say that of the characters I shall mention + we have only their own history or account of what they did. Their enemies + and contemporaries have long since passed away. But if their enemies could + speak worse of them than they have of themselves, decency would blush to + read their story. I will refer to only a few instances. + </p> + <p> + Moses, the meek, as he is called, murdered an Egyptian that strove with an + Israelite, and had to run away from his country for the offense. He was + afterwards sent by God to bring the Israelites out of bondage. Noah was a + preacher of righteousness. He built the ark, and was saved through the + deluge. His name has been handed down from posterity to posterity, in + honorable remembrance, as one who feared God and worked righteousness. But + we find him soon after the Flood getting drunk, exposing his nakedness, + and cursing a portion of his own posterity. Lot, whose family was the only + God-fearing family in Sodom and Gomorrah, rescued by the angel of God from + the judgments that overwhelmed those cities, when only a short distance + from Sodom became drunk and debauched his daughters. Think of the conduct + of David with Uriah's wife - and David was, we are told, a man after God's + own heart. Also Judah, Judge in Israel. Peter cursed and swore and denied + his Master. The enemies of Christ said He was a gluttonous man and a wine + bibber, a friend of the publicans and sinners; that after the people at + the marriage feast were well drunken, He turned water into wine that they + might have more to drink; that in the cornfield He plucked the cars of + corn and ate them; that He saw an ass hitched, and without leave took it + and rode into Jerusalem; that He went into the Temple and overset the + tables of the money changers and took cords and whaled them out, telling + them they had made His Father's house a den of thieves. I am aware that + all Christians justify the acts of Christ, because He was the Son of God. + But the people at that time did not believe Him to be the Son of God, any + more than the gentleman believes that Joseph is the prophet of God. I have + alluded to these instances merely in answer to the challenge imposed upon + me by my opponent. + </p> + <p> + Few seem to comprehend that man, in and of himself, is frail, weak, needy, + and dependent, although the Creator placed within his reach, as a free + agent, good and evil, and instilled in the heart of every rational being a + degree of light that makes us sensitive to, and teaches us right from, + wrong. As the Saviour says: + </p> + <p> + "There is a light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." + </p> + <p> + My argument as I relate it here has been abbreviated very much, lest I + tire my readers. I had scarcely closed speaking before my reverend + opponents were making for the door. They would have nothing more to do + with the Mormons. Some were honest enough, however, to acknowledge that + Mormonism had stood the test; that it could not be disproved from the + Bible, and sooner or later all other creeds would have to give way to it, + or deny the Bible, for the more it was investigated the more popular it + would become, as it would expose the many weak points and inconsistencies + of the different denominations. Others denounced it as an imposition, and + warned their adherents to have nothing to do with it. This kind of talk + from the pulpit served to give Mormonism a new impetus. I soon baptized + many converts, and organized branches in that and adjoining counties of + over one hundred members. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0010" id="linklink2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X - LEE CASTS OUT DEVILS + </h2> + <p> + After holding the discussion mentioned, Brother Young, of Jackson County, + Tennessee, wished me to go with him and join in a discussion with a couple + of Campbellite preachers. At first I declined, as the distance was nearly + one hundred miles, and my labors in the ministry where I was were + pressing. I had more calls to preach than I could fill. However, I finally + consented to go and attend the discussion. On our arrival at the place + agreed upon I learned that all necessary arrangements had been made. The + subject was: + </p> + <p> + "Is the Book of Mormon of Divine authenticity, and has it come forth in + direct fulfillment of prophecy found in the Old and New Testaments; and is + Joseph Smith Divinely inspired and called of God?" + </p> + <p> + There was a large concourse of people assembled. The discussion lasted two + days. At the close of the debate the judge decided that the Mormons + brought forth the strongest reasonings and Scriptural arguments, and that + the other side had the best of the Mormons in sarcasm and abuse. + </p> + <p> + When I was about to leave, Brother Young exchanged horses with me, he + keeping my pony, and giving me a fine blooded black mare. I was then built + up, so far as a good outfit for traveling was concerned. Brother Young + traveled with me as far as Indian Creek, Putnam County, twenty-five miles + southeast, as report said that a couple of Mormons had been there. We + concluded to visit the place and learn the facts. + </p> + <p> + This was about the 1st of March. It was Saturday when we arrived there. We + rode at once to the Methodist chapel. Here we found several hundred people + assembled - the most distressed and horrified worshipers my eyes had ever + beheld. Their countenances and actions evinced an inward torture of agony. + Some of them were lying in a swoon, apparently lifeless; others were + barking like dogs; still singing, praying, and speaking in tongues - their + eyes red and distorted with excitement. + </p> + <p> + The chapel was situated in a yard surrounded with trees. I was so overcome + with amazement and surprise that I forgot I was on horseback. The first I + remember was that a man had led my horse inside the gate and was pulling + me off, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Come, get down, you are a Mormon preacher; we are having fine times." + </p> + <p> + Presently a chair was set for me by some rational person, and I leaned my + head upon my hands and commenced praying. I was a stranger, both to the + people and to their religious exercises. I was puzzled, not knowing what + to do. + </p> + <p> + There was a young woman, about eighteen years of age, of handsome form and + features, in her stocking feet, her beautiful black hair hanging down over + her shoulders in a confused mass. She was preaching what she called + Mormonism, and warning the multitude to repent and be baptized, and escape + the wrath of God. In front of her stood a young Methodist minister, to + whom she directed her remarks. + </p> + <p> + He smiled at her. + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden she changed her tack, and belted him right and left for making + light of what she said. + </p> + <p> + The next moment she confronted me, and shouted: + </p> + <p> + "You are a preacher of the true Church, and I love you!" + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, she sprang at me with open arms. I stretched forth my hand + and rebuked the evil spirit that was in her, and commanded it to depart in + the name of the Lord Jesus, by virtue of the holy Priesthood in me vested. + At this rebuke she quailed, and turned away from me like a whipped child, + left the crowd, and went home, ashamed of her conduct. This gave me + confidence in God, and in Him I put my trust still more than I had ever + done before. + </p> + <p> + It was now about sunset, and we had had no refreshments since morning. I + arose and informed the multitude that we would preach at that place on the + morrow at ten o'clock. A merchant by the name of Marshbanks invited us + home with him, some of the leading men accompanying us. + </p> + <p> + They informed us that a couple of men, brothers, from west Tennessee, + named William and Alfred Young, formerly members of the Baptist Church, + had joined the Mormons, and had been there and preached; that they enjoyed + spiritual gifts as the apostles anciently did, and had baptized the people + into that faith, and ordained John Young, who was Receiver of the Land + Office there, a preacher; that he had been an intelligent, well-educated + man, but was now a fanatic; that their leading men were ruined and + business prostrated, and all through that impostor, Joe Smith. They said + he ought to be hanged before he did any more harm; that their settlement + was being ruined and all business stopped; that if anyone would give John + Young, or Mark Young, his father, who was formerly a Methodist class + leader, his hand, or let either of them breathe in his face, he could not + resist them, but would come under the influence and join them. I told them + that I had been a member of this Church for a number of years and had + never seen or heard of anything of this kind. + </p> + <p> + The next morning about daybreak those two fanatics, the Youngs, were at + Marshbanks' house. They said they had had a glorious time through the + night, and had made a number of converts. I began to reason with them from + the Scriptures, but as soon as I came in contact with their folly they + began to whistle and dance, and jumped on their horses and left. + </p> + <p> + Some time after, on our way to the chapel, my friend Marshbanks indulged + in a great deal of abuse of the Prophet Joseph. He told me that I could + not be heard among the fanatics at the chapel, and had better return to + his house and hold a meeting there. I said to him: + </p> + <p> + "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I will preach there to- day, and + not a dog will raise his voice against me; you shall bear witness to it." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. I will go with you and try to keep order," he replied. + </p> + <p> + As we entered the chapel, the same scene of confusion prevailed that we + observed the day before. Some were stretched on the floor, frothing at the + mouth, apparently in the agonies of death. Others were prophesying, + talking in tongues, singing, shouting, and praying. I walked into the + pulpit as a man having authority, and said: + </p> + <p> + "In the name of Jesus Christ, and by virtue and authority of the holy + Priesthood invested in me, I command these evil spirits that are + tormenting you, to be still, while I lay before you the words of life and + salvation." + </p> + <p> + As I spoke every eye was turned upon me, and silence reigned; the evil + spirits were subdued and made powerless. + </p> + <p> + There were two Presbyterian ministers present who asked leave to take + notes of my sermon, which I freely granted, telling them they were at + liberty to correct me if, in anything, I spoke not according to the Law + and Testimony of Christ. I preached a plain sermon on the first principles + of the gospel of Christ, as taught by the apostles. I showed them that the + house of God was a house of order, and not confusion; that the Spirit of + God brings peace, joy, light, and complete harmony. + </p> + <p> + Before I dismissed the meeting I asked my Presbyterian friends if they + wished to reply to me. They said they did not; that they were much pleased + with my remarks, which were Scriptural and reasonable. + </p> + <p> + Now I concluded to return to the branch at Rutherford County and continue + my labors there. A delegation came to me from the assembly and said: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lee, your discourse has turned us upside down. You have convinced + many of us that we are going astray. Do not, for mercy's sake, leave us in + this situation. We are persuaded that many are honest-hearted and will + obey the truth." I replied: + </p> + <p> + "My mission is to preach the truth, to call erring children to + repentance." + </p> + <p> + With that I appointed a meeting, and preached that evening at the house of + David Young, a brother of Mark Young, the Methodist class leader, to a + large body of inquiring minds. + </p> + <p> + The following day I preached by the side of a clear running brook. After + the preaching many demanded to be baptized. I went down into the water and + baptized twenty-eight persons, among whom were two well educated young + men. One was a nephew of Gov. Carlin, of Illinois; the other was Brother + McCullough, now a bishop at Alpine City, Utah. + </p> + <p> + Elder Samuel B. Frost had been laboring in DeKalb County, east Tennessee, + where he baptized about thirty converts. As he was on his return to + Nauvoo, I asked him to tarry with me a few days, and assist me, as Brother + Young had returned home. Those of the people who had been under the power + of the spirit of darkness had become alarmed, and dared not trust + themselves away from us. We fasted and prayed three days and three nights, + pleading with the Father, in the name of the Son, to give us power over + those evil spirits. + </p> + <p> + And here I will say that up to the time of my witnessing what I have + narrated I was skeptical on the subject of our power over evil spirits. I + had heard of such manifestations, but had never seen them with my own + eyes. My experience here impressed me with the fact that we could attain + such power, and showed me the stern necessity of living near to God; for + man, in and of himself, is nothing but a tool for the tempter to work + with. + </p> + <p> + As I said, the people dared not trust themselves away from us. Once we + were in a large room at Mark Young's house. I was sitting by a desk + writing in my diary. Adolphus Young, the chairman of the delegation which + had waited on me and requested me to remain with them and set them right, + was walking to and fro across the room. As he came near me I noticed that + his countenance changed, and as he turned he cast a fearful glance at me. + I kept my eyes upon him as he walked away from me. When near the center of + the room he wilted down and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "O God, have mercy on me!" + </p> + <p> + Without a word spoken, Elder Frost and I sprang to him. Laying my hands + upon him I commanded the evil spirits, by virtue of the holy Priesthood, + and in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of him. + </p> + <p> + As I spoke these words I felt as if a thousand darts had penetrated my + mouth, throat, and breast. My blood ran cold in my veins; my pulse stopped + beating; in a word, I was terror- stricken. I saw a legion of evil spirits + in the vision of my mind. And what was still more, they had fastened their + fangs in me. I was about to give up the contest, when another influence + came to my relief, and said to my spirit: + </p> + <p> + "Why yield to the powers of darkness? You hold the keys over evil spirits. + They are subject to your bidding in the name of Jesus, through faith." + </p> + <p> + This last comforting assurance relieved my fears, strengthened my faith, + and gave me power to overcome the evil spirits. I was only a minute or two + in this situation, but during that time I endured more agony, torture, and + pain than I ever did before or since. The man was restored, and bore + witness to the power of God in his deliverance, and was to the day of his + death an honorable, good citizen. + </p> + <p> + During my stay here I added to this branch of the Church until it was more + than fifty members strong. My friend, Elder Frost, agreed to wait in + Overton County until I could revisit the branch in Rutherford County and + set things in order there. Then I was to accompany him home to our + families in Nauvoo, the City of Joseph. I ordained Brother William Pace in + the office of the lesser Priesthood, to take charge of the Saints there. + We also ordained Brother Adolphus Young to preside over the branch at + Indian Creek, Putnam County. + </p> + <p> + After calling on Brother Young. I joined my friend, Elder Frost, and drove + to Nauvoo for him six jacks and jennets to exchange for land, that on his + coming he might have a place to dwell. We had a pleasant journey to + Nauvoo, as the weather was fine. On arriving in the city I met my family, + all in good health. I traded some of my stock with Hyrum Smith, the + Prophet's brother, for land. + </p> + <p> + It was now June, 1842. In the summer and fall I built me a two- story + brick house on Warsaw street, and made my family comfortable. I enclosed + my ground and fixed things snug and nice. I then took a tour down through + Illinois. H. B. Jacobs accompanied me as a fellow companion on the way. + Jacobs was bragging about his wife, what a true, virtuous, lovely woman + she was. He almost worshiped her. Little did he think that in his absence + she was sealed to the Prophet Joseph. + </p> + <p> + We raised up a branch of the Church in Clinton County. Among others whom + we baptized, were the Free sisters, Louisa and Emeline; also the Nelsons. + Emeline Free was afterward sealed to Brigham, and her sister Louisa to + myself. + </p> + <p> + In Randolph County, the home of my youthful days, I baptized my cousin + Eliza Conners, with whom I had been raised. I also baptized Esther Hall, + the sister of my old friend Samuel Hall, with whom I lived when I was + first married. I was kindly received in my own county. Few, however, cared + to investigate the principles of Mormonism, as the most of them were + Catholics. + </p> + <p> + In all my travels I was agent for our paper, the Nauvoo Neighbor, and + collected means, tithings, and donations for the building of the Temple. I + returned home by steamboat. + </p> + <p> + Through the winter Joseph selected forty men for a city guard, from the + old tried Danite veterans of the cause. I was the seventh man chosen. + These men were to be the life guard of the Prophet and Patriarch and of + the twelve apostles. My station as a guard was at the Prophet's mansion. + After his death my post was changed to the residence of Brigham, he being + the acknowledged successor of the Prophet. From the time I was appointed + until we started across the plains, when at home I stood guard every + night; and much of the time in the open air, one-half of the night at a + time, in rain, hail, snow, wind, and cold. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0011" id="linklink2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI - HOT FOR LEE IN TENNESSEE + </h2> + <p> + During the winter of 1841 a letter was sent I the Prophet from the leading + men and members of the branch church on Stone River, Tennessee, and Creple + Creek, Rutherford County, Tennessee, desiring him to send me back to labor + in that country, as it was a wide field for preaching. They stated that I + had so ingratiated myself among the people that no other man could command + the same influence and respect among them. + </p> + <p> + This was enough. In the latter part of February I took leave of my family + and entered upon my mission. To refuse to comply with the call of the + Prophet is a bad omen. One so doing is looked upon with distrust, renders + himself unpopular, and is considered a man not to be depended upon. + </p> + <p> + At the time I started the river was blocked with ice. I traveled on foot, + without purse or scrip, like the apostles of old, carrying out the motto + of the Church, the bee of the desert, "Leave the hive empty-handed and + return laden." In this way I, as well as many other elders, brought in + money - thousands of dollars yearly - to the Church; and I might say + hundreds of thousands, as the people among whom I traveled were mostly + wealthy, and when they received the love of the truth their purses as well + as their hearts were opened, and they would pour out their treasures into + the lap of the bishop. All were taught that a liberal man deviseth liberal + things, and by his liberality shall he live, and that he that soweth + liberally shall reap bountifully. + </p> + <p> + As I passed along my way I strengthened the brethren of the various + branches, reminding them of their duties, especially of the necessity of + building the Temple. That duty was more important than all others, for in + that alone, when completed, they could attain to the highest exaltation of + the Priesthood, with all the spiritual gifts that belong thereunto. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at my old home, the place of my childhood days, I there + found Elder John Twist, who was waiting my coming. We stayed in that + neighborhood a few days, and then started on. My uncle was going our way + with a wagon for about one hundred miles, and we accompanied him. I passed + through Kaskaskia, where I was born, but did not preach there, for my + uncle was in a hurry to reach the point of his destination in Jackson + County, where he was establishing a woodyard on the Mississippi River. + Here we intended to take steamer for Nashville, but no steamer would + receive us on board at the landing, as it was a bad one for boats. + </p> + <p> + While staying at that place we preached to the people, and made our home + with Mr. V. Hutcheson, and his sister Sarah, where we were treated very + kindly. Finally a flatboat came in sight. We hailed it and went aboard. We + were soon on good terms with the captain and crew, and went with them to + Memphis, Tennessee. At this place the captain of the flatboat sold out his + cargo, and then offered to pay our fare on a steamer from Memphis to + Nashville. While we were in Memphis Gen. William Henry Harrison, then a + candidate for President, arrived, and a great political meeting of the + Whig party was held in the open air. + </p> + <p> + After my friend Wm. Springer, the captain of the flatboat, had sold his + cargo and received his money, he invited Brother Twist and myself to go + with him to a saloon. There were quite a number of men in the saloon, + fiddling, eating, drinking, and otherwise enjoying themselves. Capt. + Springer was not used to drinking. He soon got mellow, felt rich, and + commenced throwing his money around in a careless manner. + </p> + <p> + The saloon keeper was a man with an eye to business, and became + particularly interested in friend Springer. He treated him often and + insisted on his drinking. I tried to get Springer to his boat, and took + him by the arm and started off with him, when one of the crowd told me not + to be so officious, that the man knew his own business and was capable of + attending to it. I said nothing in reply, but I sent Brother Twist in + haste to the boat with word for the crew to come at once before Springer + was robbed of his money. They came, but not any too soon for his benefit, + as a row had commenced, with the design of going through him while it was + on. + </p> + <p> + When the crew came I started for the boat with Springer, the crew keeping + back the crowd of drunken robbers. By acting in this way we saved him and + his money too. Brother Twist and myself refused all kinds of drinks that + night. We were therefore sober and in condition to protect the man who had + favored us and been our friend. Next morning Springer wished to reward us, + but we refused to let him do so. I told him we had done nothing but our + duty. + </p> + <p> + We parted with him and his crew, and took passage in a new steamer that + was owned in Nashville, and making its first trip from Nashville to New + Orleans. The boat got into a race with the Eclypse, another fast boat. The + captain was a fine man. The crew were all negroes. One of the firemen on + our boat took sick, and was unable to do his work. I saw that the Eclypse + was crowding us closely. I threw off my coat and took the negro's place as + fireman. There was a barrel of resin near by; I broke the head with an ax + and piled the resin on the fire. This had its effect, and our boat soon + left the Eclypse far in the rear. The steamers parted at the mouth of the + Ohio. The captain was so well pleased with my work that he gave Elder + Twist and myself a free passage. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Nashville. Elder Twist became homesick, and returned to + Nauvoo. I gave him ten dollars to pay his way home. I was thus left alone + once more. I found the branch at Nashville in a healthy condition, and + much pleased to have me with them. I visited the branch in Putnam County, + and preached to them, advising all to go to Nauvoo. I added several new + members to the Church. By the next spring that entire branch had gone to + Nauvoo. + </p> + <p> + The branch on Stone River also went to Nauvoo soon after I returned home. + A delegation, headed by Capt. John H. Redd, invited me to preach in the + settlement where Capt. Redd lived. They said I could not preach publicly, + for my life would be in danger, as many of the citizens were hostile to + the Mormons and had run one man out of the neighborhood for practicing + Mormonism, and that Randolph Alexander had been run off for preaching + Mormonism. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Redd was formerly a sea captain; he was a native of South Carolina. + I told the delegation I would preach if they gave general publicity to my + appointment. They were startled at the proposal, and said my life would + not be safe if I undertook to preach in public. I told them to trust that + to God. + </p> + <p> + They returned home and gave general notice of when and where I would + preach. At the appointed time I started for the place of meeting, which + was twenty miles from Murfreesborough. I was met by a guard of ten men, + headed by Capt. Redd, who came to meet and protect me. + </p> + <p> + The next day I preached to a large number of people. I spoke two hours to + them, upon the subject of our free institutions and the constitutional + rights of American citizens. I told them who I was and what I was; that I + was a free American citizen; that I claimed the right of free speech as a + free man; that I held myself open for investigation; that if the people + wished me to set forth the tenets of our faith I would do so, otherwise I + would leave; that if they did not desire to hear the truth they could make + it manifest and I would quit their country. The vote was unanimous for me + to tarry and preach to them. I preached there twice. + </p> + <p> + My first sermon was upon the apostasy of the Churches of the day and the + necessity of a purer gospel, proving what I said by the Scriptures. I + followed with the origin and authenticity of the Book of Mormon. I was + induced to continue my sermons. I stayed there to do my Master's will. + </p> + <p> + After the fourth sermon I commenced to baptize members. The first one that + I baptized at that place was Parson John Holt, of the Christian faith. + Then I baptized seven of the members of his Church; then Capt. Redd and + his family. This unexpected success of the gospel created great excitement + in that section of country. + </p> + <p> + About ten miles from where I preached lived two men, formerly lieutenants + in the militia company of Capt. Bogardus, of Missouri infamy and disgrace. + These men had strayed into this section of the country, and were employed + by two wealthy farmers as overseers. + </p> + <p> + They circulated fearful stories about the Mormons in Missouri, and + gathered up a mob of about twenty-five men and came with them, determined + to tar and feather me if I preached again. Word reached the settlement of + what was intended. The people flocked to me and asked what they should do. + I told them to wait and let me manage the affair. + </p> + <p> + The next day, Sunday, while I was preaching one of the ruffians by the + name of Dickey made his appearance with ten men. He informed me of his + design, and said that I must quit preaching and leave for other parts of + the country. + </p> + <p> + "Not just yet," said I. + </p> + <p> + At this he and his men made a rush for me. As they started, the sisters + next to the stand formed a circle around me. While thus surrounded I + continued my sermon. I refuted the absurd stories of Dickey and his crew. + I then told the people what had been done at Far West by Lieut. Dickey and + the members of Capt. Bogardus' company. The mob tore down my stand, but + could not get at me because of the sisters. Then they retired to consult. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Redd appointed a meeting to be held at his place that afternoon, and + he told the people that he did not want any person to come into his yard + unless he came intending to behave; that if any violence was used there + someone would get hurt. I preached at his house that afternoon. A fearful + storm raged during most of the time, but this was fortunate, for it kept + the mob away. + </p> + <p> + While I was preaching a drunken man interrupted me and called me a liar. + Capt. Redd was sitting near me with two large pistols, which he called his + peacemakers. The insult was no more than out of the fellow's mouth when + Capt. Redd caught him by the neck and rushed him from the house into the + rain. The coward begged hard for himself, but he was forced to go out and + sit under a porch during the rest of the sermon. Capt. Redd was a + kind-hearted, generous man, but would not stand abuse. + </p> + <p> + The next Sunday was a cloudy day, so the meeting was held within doors. + Dickey had by this time raised his mob to fifty men, and made every + arrangement to give me a warm reception. Two ruffians who were intoxicated + had been selected to start the disturbance, or "open the ball," as they + called it. I had just commenced speaking when one of these men began to + swear and use indecent language, and made a rush for me with his fist + drawn. I made a Masonic sign of distress, when, to my relief and yet to my + surprise, a planter pushed to my aid. He was the man who employed Dickey. + He took the drunken men and led them out of the crowd, and then sat by me + during the rest of my sermon, thus giving me full protection. That man was + a stranger to me, but he was a good man and a true Mason. His action put + an end to mob rule at that place. After the meeting I baptized ten + converts. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards I was sent for by Col. Tucker to come a distance of thirty + miles. I attended, and delivered three lectures, which were well received + by all, the Colonel in particular. He was a wealthy Virginian, and he + pressed me warmly to make his house my home. His wife and family were very + favorably impressed. They were of the Presbyterian order, and two of Mrs. + Tucker's brothers were ministers of that faith. I remained a few days, and + made an appointment to preach on the following Saturday and Sunday. Before + leaving I let the Colonel's lady have books on our faith, and then went to + fill some appointments that I had made at Capt. Redd's. At the appointed + time I returned to preach, as I had promised, on Buckskin River. + </p> + <p> + Within half a mile of Col. Tucker's house was a Methodist chapel. At this + place lived a New Light preacher, an old man, who invited me to stop with + him. He informed me that Col. Tucker had become bitter against the Mormons + because his wife believed in them; and that she wanted to be baptized. She + had left word with him, requesting me not to leave without baptizing her. + </p> + <p> + This was something I wished to avoid, so to prevent trouble I concluded + not to go to Col. Tucker's at all. I filled my appointments, and returned + to my Christian friend's house for refreshments, intending to make my way + over the mountains that night, and thus avoid meeting Mrs. Tucker. + </p> + <p> + This, however, was not to be. I had just finished supper, and stepped to + the door to start back when I met Mrs. Tucker. She upbraided me for not + calling to see her. I said that it was contrary to the rules of our faith + for an elder to interfere in any man's family against the wish or will of + the husband or parents; that she must keep quiet and the Lord would take + the will for the deed. The more I tried to reconcile her, the more + determined she grew to be baptized. + </p> + <p> + While I was talking with her a young man came to us and reported that Col. + Tucker had ambushed himself, with a double-barreled shotgun, near the + place of baptizing, swearing vengeance against the man that attempted to + baptize his wife. I tried to persuade her to return, but in vain. She said + to me: + </p> + <p> + "You have declared that your mission is from Heaven, that you are a + servant of God; and I believe it. Now I demand baptism at your hands. If + you are a servant of God, don't shrink from your duty." + </p> + <p> + I looked at her for a moment, and said: "Sister, if you have faith enough + to be baptized under these circumstances, I have faith enough to try it." + </p> + <p> + Some personal friends who lived in the little village accompanied us to + the water, a short distance above the usual place of baptizing, and were + present during the performance of the ordinance. They advised her to + return home immediately, with her two servants, and never let on that + anything had happened. + </p> + <p> + For myself, I started for the house of my friend, carrying my boots in my + hand. It was now dark. As I got to the top of a high fence and cast my + eyes about me, I luckily saw a man with a double-barreled shotgun in his + hands, or what I supposed was such. He was within ten steps of me, or + nearer. I recognized Col. Tucker. + </p> + <p> + Having heard of his threats, I was induced not to tempt him too far. I + placed my hands on the fence and leaped over it, alighting on the other + side, near a cross fence which separated the garden from a field of corn. + As quick as thought I got among the corn, which was at full height. I was + within twenty feet of Tucker and could hear all that was said. I heard him + rave, and demand with oaths what my friends, who came up, were doing + there. Had they been baptizing his wife? I recognized the voice of the + parson's lady with whom I was stopping. She had the wet clothes of Mrs. + Tucker. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me," said Tucker, "if my wife has been baptized, or I will blow your + brains out." The reply was: "She has been baptized." + </p> + <p> + "Where is that infernal Mormon preacher?" demanded the Colonel; "I will + put a load of shot through him." + </p> + <p> + "He is in that cornfield," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel raved the more. Finally some of his friends persuaded him to + return home, and not disgrace himself. He pretended to do so, but it was + only a feint to get me out. + </p> + <p> + After waiting until all was quiet I returned to the house of my friend, + and passing through the door went out on the porch. I sat down and was + slipping off my socks, to put on dry ones, when I heard a rustling in the + room behind me. The next moment Col. Tucker had his gun leveled on me, but + it flashed in the pan. He then whirled up the butt of it to fell me to the + earth. + </p> + <p> + Seeing my danger I sprang and caught him around the waist, with one of his + arms in my grasp, which left him only one arm loose. + </p> + <p> + "I have you now where I want you," he cried. + </p> + <p> + He was a strong, muscular man, and, no doubt, supposed I would be no match + for him. I ordered a young man who stood near to take his gun. I then + gripped him with an iron hug, and sent him back into the room. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman with whom I was stopping ordered him out of the house + unless he would behave himself. He said he had invited me to his house, + and felt it his duty to protect me. The Colonel replied that he would go + if he could; he never knew before that when he was in the hands of a + Mormon he was in a bear's clutches. I said: + </p> + <p> + "I will take you out if it will accommodate you." + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, I stepped out on the porch with him. I saw that he was + willing to go. This gave me new courage. + </p> + <p> + "Let me go, or I will blow your brains out when I get loose," he said. + </p> + <p> + "There is one condition on which I will let you go, which is that you will + go home and be quiet and trouble me no more," I replied. + </p> + <p> + "I will settle with you for all this," was his answer. + </p> + <p> + It was in the month of July, and very warm. I had hugged him closely, and + he was growing weak. As I was in the act of dashing him to the ground he + begged of me, saying that if I would set him loose he would go and trouble + me no more. I let him fall to the ground, handed him his gun, and let him + live. When he got a little distance away he began threatening me, and said + he would be revenged. When all had quieted down I retired to rest in the + upper story of my friend's house. + </p> + <p> + About one o'clock in the morning I was awakened by a voice which I + recognized as the voice of Mrs. Tucker. She informed me that her husband + was bent on my destruction, and he and ten men were then waylaying my + road, and advised me not to start in that direction. Her husband had + accused her of wetting the loads in his gun to save my life; but she told + me to be of good cheer and put my trust in God, and that she had not + regretted the steps she had taken. I thanked her for her kindness, and + begged her to return home and not see me any more; that I was in the hands + of God, and He would protect me and deliver me safe; that her visits would + only make her husband more enraged at her. + </p> + <p> + At four o'clock I awoke, dressed myself, and ordered the servant to saddle + my horse. As the servant hitched my horse to the post Tucker and several + men appeared upon the ground. Tucker told the servant that he would shoot + him in two if he saddled my horse. I spoke to Tucker, saluting him with + the time of day. His reply was: + </p> + <p> + "I have got you now." + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he ordered his nephew to bring Esquire Walls immediately. + </p> + <p> + After washing, I took my seat on the porch, and got out my Bible to read. + Tucker stood about ten steps from me to guard me and my horse. + </p> + <p> + While this was the situation my old friend, the New Light preacher with + whom I was lodging, had a fine horse saddled and hitched on the south side + of the cornfield. He advised me in a whisper to pass down through the + cornfield while I could do so without being detected, take the horse, and + thus get out of the county before a warrant had been issued for my arrest. + </p> + <p> + Deliverance was very tempting, yet I did not like the name of running away + from trouble. It would convey the impression of fear, if not of guilt. So + I chose to face the music and abide the consequences. A little after + sunrise I saw Justice Walls coming, and some men with him. At this my + heart leaped for joy. Among so many I was satisfied all were not against + me, as some of them had attended lectures and were favorably impressed. + </p> + <p> + After a short interview with Col. Tucker, Justice Walls informed me that + Col. Tucker demanded from him a warrant for my arrest for having baptized + his wife without his consent. I asked Col. Tucker if he ever forbid me to + baptize his wife; whether he had not invited me to his house and asked me + to stop there when I returned. I told him I had not seen him, after this + conversation, until his wife was baptized; that I had not urged her to be + baptized - she had come to me and demanded to be baptized. I told the + Justice that I had violated no law of Tennessee. The law allows a wife + much greater privileges than being baptized without the consent of her + husband; she could sell one-third of his real estate, and her deed would + be good. The Justice said I was right, and told the Colonel it would be + useless to issue a warrant without lawful cause. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel then demanded a warrant for my arrest on the charge of assault + and battery. He said I had abused his person, and that he was sore and + scarcely able to walk. The Justice told the Colonel that it seemed to him + that he was the one who made the assault; for he snapped a loaded gun at + me and attempted to take my life, while what I had done was in + self-defense. He told Col. Tucker he would talk with him again. He then + beckoned me to follow him, and I did so. We went into a room by ourselves, + when he said to me, + </p> + <p> + "Parson Lee, you have warm friends here. I have been much interested in + your lectures. I believe you to be honest and firm in your faith, and will + do all I can for your benefit. Col. Tucker is a desperate man when + aroused. As a matter of policy, to humor him, I will give him a writ; but + I will manage to delay the time, so as to enable you to get out of the + county. I will send for my law books, with instructions to delay in + getting them here, and will argue with the Colonel that I must have my + books to examine the law. It is only four miles to the county line, where + you will be all right. Take the trail over the mountain, and they will not + know which way you have gone. When you get into your own county, remember + me on election day. This county and Rutherford County send three members + to the Legislature. I am a candidate, and the vote of your friends in + these counties will secure my election. When I send for my books appear + and bid us good-by, as though you were not afraid of any man. Col. Tucker + has promised that he will use no violence if I give him a writ." + </p> + <p> + The Justice then gave me a token of the Brotherhood, and walked out to + confer with Col. Tucker. He sent his nephew back for his books, + instructing him in whispers to delay in getting them, so as to give me + time to get out of the county before an officer could overtake me. + </p> + <p> + After the boy started, the Justice told the Colonel to keep cool and he + would soon have a writ for me. I went into the dining-room and sat down to + breakfast, and ate a little as a blind. Then taking up my saddlebags, I + bade them all good-by. I walked to my horse, that stood hitched where the + servant had left him. + </p> + <p> + As I left the house Justice Walls followed me as though he was much + surprised, and said: + </p> + <p> + "Parson Lee, I hope you will tarry until this matter can be settled + amicably." + </p> + <p> + Again I told him that I had violated no law; that my ministerial + engagements compelled me to leave, and I should have done so before had + not this unpleasant affair detained me; that I chose to serve God rather + than fear the ire of man. + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, I placed my saddle upon my horse. Col. Tucker leveled his gun + on me, and said: + </p> + <p> + "I knew you would run." + </p> + <p> + At this I turned and eyed him and told him to put up his gun; that I had + borne all I intended to from him; that if he attempted violence he would + never trouble another man. At the same time the Justice exhorted him to be + careful, saying that he had made himself liable already. I mounted my + horse and turned to the Colonel and told him he might guard that woodpile + until the day of judgment, for all I cared. He again raised his gun, but + was prevented by the by-standers from shooting. I rode off leisurely, and + when about seventy-five yards away I stopped and watered my horse. Tucker + again drew his gun on me, and I expected him to shoot every moment, but I + dared not show fear. + </p> + <p> + My road lay along the mountain for two miles. When I passed a house I + would walk my horse, and sing and seem to be wholly unconcerned; but when + I was out of sight I put my horse on the keen jump, and was soon out of + Marshall County. Finding an out- of-the-way place, with good blue grass + and plenty of shade, I swung down from my horse and returned thanks to my + Father in heaven for my deliverance. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon I arrived at the house of Capt. Redd, where, when in that + county, I generally made my home. The brethren all came to welcome me + back, and I related to them my experience and deliverance. A short time + after this James K. Polk and Col. Jones, both candidates for the office of + Governor of Tennessee, and the candidates for the Legislature, including + my friend Walls, met at Murfreesborough and held a political meeting. + Walls gave me the sequel of what happened with Col. Tucker. + </p> + <p> + When Justice Walls' nephew went for the law books he permitted his horse + to run away, and it was nearly ruined in the brush and grapevines. Col. + Tucker did not blame the Justice at all, but rather sympathized with him + in his misfortune. Mrs. Tucker to the end remained firm in her faith. + </p> + <p> + The kindness of Justice Walls in my hour of peril was not forgotten. I + spoke of it in all my meetings, and to my friends in private. And to this + act of justice and humanity he owed his election, as he was elected by a + majority of only five votes. + </p> + <p> + Next I visited the branch on Stone River and made arrangements to return + to my family at Nauvoo, the City of Joseph. The two branches now numbered + about sixty members. I organized a branch west of Murfreesborough, and + ordained Brother John Holt to the office of Elder. I baptized a young girl + at Readysville, by the name of Sarah C. Williams, of rich parentage. I + lectured at Murfreesborough for ten days, and about the beginning of + October, 1843, I took the steamer at Nashville for my home in Nauvoo, + arriving there on the 14th of October. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0012" id="linklink2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII - OF PECULIAR INTEREST IN NAUVOO + </h2> + <p> + Upon my return home I found my family well. Work on the Temple was + progressing finely, every effort being made to push it ahead. About this + time a man named Bennett came on a visit to the Prophet, and soon after + joined the Church. At that time he wielded quite an influence in + government affairs. He grew in the graces of the Prophet and became his + right-hand man. He endeavored in connection with Stephen A. Douglass to + obtain a charter for the city of Nauvoo. + </p> + <p> + Bennett organized the Nauvoo Legion, and was elected Major General. + Through his influence, backed by Douglass, arms were obtained for the + Legion from the government. A Free Mason's lodge, and the privileges of + Masonry, were extended to the Legion. Judge Cleveland, of Springfield, was + very friendly, and frequently visited the Prophet. A fine Masonic lodge + was built in Nauvoo, and many were admitted as members. The Prophet Joseph + and Hyrum Smith held high positions in the brotherhood. + </p> + <p> + The institution flourished during our stay in Nauvoo, and was frequently + visited by the Grand Worshipful Master from Springfield; lectures were + given and a library established. I was librarian of the order. I was also + Wharf Master of the city, and held the position of Major in the Nauvoo + Legion; also, I commanded the escort in the Fifth Infantry. I was made the + general clerk and reader for the Seventies, and issued the laws to that + body. I held the office of a Seventy, and was collector of the delinquent + military tax. + </p> + <p> + The same fall I was appointed on a committee, with Brigham as counselor, + to build a hall for the Seventies, the upper story to be used for the + Priesthood and the Council of Fifty. Previous to my being appointed on the + committee two committees had been named, but accomplished nothing. We + commenced without a dollar. My plan was to build it by shares, of the + value of five dollars each. + </p> + <p> + Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, told me that he would give the Patriarchal + Blessing to any that labored on the foundation of the building. The + Seventies numbered about four hundred and ninety men. I was to create the + material. That is, when I could get a contract to take lumber from the + river, as rafts would land at the city, I would take common laboring men, + and the portion of the lumber that we got for our pay we piled up for the + building. In this way we got all the lumber needed. The bricks we made + ourselves, and boated the wood to burn them and our lime from the island. + </p> + <p> + In the month of March, 1844, we had the building up on the west side + nearly two stories high. One day when the wall was built up nine feet high + and forty-five feet long, and was, of course, green, a tornado blew the + wall down, breaking columns and joists below, doing a damage of several + thousand dollars. I was inclined to be down in the lip, but Brigham + laughed at me, and said it was the best omen in the world; it showed that + the devil was mad, knowing that the Seventy would receive the blessings of + God in that house; since they were to be special witnesses to the nations + of the earth, they would make his kingdom quake and tremble. Brigham + reminded me that when Noah was building the ark he was mobbed three times; + but he persevered, and finally his tormentors said: + </p> + <p> + "Let the old fool alone, and see what he will accomplish." + </p> + <p> + "Just so with you," concluded Brigham. "Double your diligence and put her + up again. If you do not you will lose many a blessing." + </p> + <p> + After that I went to work with as many men as could labor to advantage. We + threw the wall down flat, and commenced a new one, another brick thicker + than the former. I borrowed fifty thousand brick, and made them and + returned them when the weather was fine. By the 1st of May we had the Hall + closed in. + </p> + <p> + During the winter Joseph the Prophet set a man by the name of Sidney Hay + Jacobs to select from the Old Bible such scriptures as pertained to + polygamy, or celestial marriage, with instructions to write it in pamphlet + form. This he did as a feeler among the people, to pave the way for + celestial marriage. Like all other novelties, it met with opposition, + though a few favored it. + </p> + <p> + The excitement among the people became so great that the subject was laid + before the Prophet. No one was more opposed to it than was his brother + Hyrum, who condemned it as from beneath. Joseph saw that it would break up + the Church should he sanction it, so he denounced the pamphlet through the + Wasp, a newspaper published at Nauvoo, as a bundle of nonsense and trash. + He said that if he had known its contents he would never have permitted it + to be published. + </p> + <p> + At the same time other leading men were advocating it on their own + responsibility. The advocacy of polygamy by these leaders pleased the + Prophet Joseph, albeit for policy's sake he pretended otherwise. Joseph + said on the stand that, should he reveal the will of God concerning them, + they - pointing to President W. Marks, P. P. Pratt, and others - would + shed his blood. In this way he worked upon the feelings and minds of the + people, until they feared that the anger of the Lord would be kindled + against them, and they insisted upon knowing the will of Heaven concerning + plural wives. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet Joseph anxiously desired polygamy, but he dared not proclaim + it, so it was taught confidentially to such as were strong enough in the + faith to take the forward step. About the same time the doctrine of + "sealing" for an eternal state was introduced. Also the Saints were given + to understand that their marriage relations with each other were not + valid, and that those who had solemnized the rites of matrimony had no + authority of God to do so. The true priesthood had been taken from the + earth with the death of the apostles and inspired men of God. Since then + people were married to each other only by their own covenants, and if + their marriage had not been productive of blessings and peace, and they + felt it oppressive to remain together, they were at liberty to make a new + choice, as much as if they had not been married. The Prophet taught that + it was a sin for people to live together and beget children in alienation + from each other. There should exist an affinity between the sexes, not a + lustful one, as the latter can never cement the love and affection that + should exist between man and wife. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps I should mention that Orson Hyde and W. W. Phelps turned against + Joseph in Missouri, and forsook him in time of peril and danger and + testified against him in the courts. After the troubles were over, and + Joseph was again in place in the midst of the Saints, they both wished to + be restored to fellowship and standing in the Church, confessing their + faults. Joseph laid the case before the Church, and said that if God could + forgive them he ought to, and would do so, and give them another chance. + With tears he moved that we forgive and receive them back into fellowship. + He then sent Elder Hyde to the land of Palestine, to dedicate that land + for the gathering of the Jews. Also Hyde's wife, with his consent, was + sealed to Joseph for an eternal state. Brigham's wife was likewise sealed + to Joseph. Shortly before the death of Joseph Brigham told me that + Joseph's time on earth was short, and that the Lord allowed him privileges + that we could not have. + </p> + <p> + There was trouble between Joseph and Brother Law, his second counselor, on + account of Law's wife. Law said that the Prophet purposed making her his + wife, and she so reported to her husband. Law loved his wife and was + devoted to her, as she was an amiable and handsome woman, and he did not + feel like giving her up to another man. He exposed the Prophet, and from + that time became his enemy. + </p> + <p> + His brother, Wilson Law, sided with him. They were Canadians, and wealthy + and influential men. They, in connection with Foster and Higbee, who were + on the wane in the faith, established a paper at Nauvoo, called the + Expositor. They set the Prophet up without mercy. They soon got after + Brigham for trying to influence Martha Brotherton to be sealed to Joseph. + Her father found it out and helped to expose them, which made it rather + hot for them. The next move of the Prophet and his friends was to get the + City Council to pass an ordinance declaring the Expositor to be a + nuisance, unless the proprietors would close it up. + </p> + <p> + When I moved to Nauvoo I had one wife and one child. Soon after I got + there I was appointed as the Seventh Danite. I had superiors in office, + and was sworn to secrecy, to obey the orders of my superiors, and not let + my left hand know what my right hand did. It was my duty to do as I was + ordered, and not to ask questions. I was instructed in the secrets of the + Priesthood, and taught that it was my duty, and the duty of all men, to + obey the leaders of the Church, and that no one could commit sin so long + as he acted as directed by his Church superiors. + </p> + <p> + One day the Danite Chief came to me and said that I must take two more + Danites whom he named and watch the house of a widow woman named Clawson. + I was informed that a man went there nearly every night about ten o'clock, + and left about daylight. I was to station myself and my men near the + house, and when the man came out knock him down and mutilate him; it would + not be inquired into if we killed him. + </p> + <p> + It was my duty to report unusual orders that I received from my superiors + to the Prophet, Joseph Smith, or in his absence, Hyrum. I went to the + house of the Prophet to report, but he was not at home. I then called for + Hyrum, and he gave me an interview. I told him the orders I had received + from the Chief, and asked him if I should obey or not. He said to me: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Lee, you have acted wisely in listening to the voice of the + Spirit. It was the influence of God's Spirit that sent you here. You would + have been guilty of a great crime if you had obeyed your Chief's orders." + </p> + <p> + Hyrum then told me that the man I was ordered to attack had been sealed to + Mrs. Clawson, and their marriage was a most holy one; that it was in + accordance with a revelation which the Prophet had recently received + direct from God. He explained to me fully the doctrines of polygamy, + wherein it was permitted, and why it was right. I was greatly interested + in the doctrine. It accorded exactly with my views of the Scripture, and I + at once accepted and believed in the doctrine as taught by the revelations + received by Joseph the Prophet. As a matter of course I did not carry out + the orders of the Chief. I had him instructed in his duty, and Mrs. + Clawson's husband was never bothered by the Danites. A few months after, I + was sealed to my second wife. I was sealed to her by Brigham, then one of + the twelve. + </p> + <p> + In less than one year after I first learned the will of God concerning + marriage among the Saints, as made known by Him in a revelation to Joseph, + I was the husband of nine wives. I took my wives in the following order: + First, Agathe Ann Woolsey; second, Nancy Berry; third, Louisa Free; + fourth, Sarah C. Williams; fifth, old Mrs. Woolsey (she was the mother of + Agathe Ann and Rachel A. - I married her for her soul's sake, for her + salvation in the eternal state); sixth, Rachel A. Woolsey (I was sealed to + her at the same time that I was to her mother); seventh, Andora Woolsey (a + sister of Rachel); eighth, Polly Ann Workman; ninth, Martha Berry; tenth, + Delithea Morris. + </p> + <p> + In 1847, while at Council Bluffs, Brigham sealed me to three women in one + night, viz., eleventh, Nancy Armstrong (she was what we called a widow, + that is, she had left her first husband in Tennessee, in order to be with + the Mormon people); twelfth, Polly V. Young; thirteenth, Louisa Young + (these two were sisters). Next, I was sealed to my fourteenth wife, + Emeline Vaughn. In 1851 I was sealed to my fifteenth wife, Mary Lear + Groves. In 1856 I was sealed to my sixteenth wife, Mary Ann Williams. In + 1858 Brigham gave me my seventeenth wife, Emma Batchelder. I was sealed to + her while a member of the Territorial Legislature. In 1859 I was sealed to + my eighteenth wife, Teressa Morse. I was sealed to her by order of + Brigham. Amasa Lyman officiated at the ceremony. The last wife I got was + Ann Gordges. Brigham gave her to me, and I was sealed to her in Salt Lake + by Heber C. Kimball. She was my nineteenth, but, as I was married to old + Mrs. Woolsey only for her soul's sake, and she was near sixty years old + when I married her, I never considered her really as a wife. After 1861 I + never asked Brigham for another wife. By my eighteen real wives I have + been the father of sixty-four children. Ten of my children are dead and + fifty-four are living. + </p> + <p> + To return to Nauvoo: The Prophet Joseph had written a letter to Martin Van + Buren, wishing to know his views in regard to the grievances and wrongs of + the Mormon people, and what would be his action should he be elected + President. He replied that he believed their cause was just, and Congress + had no right to interfere; that it was a State matter, and must be left to + the Executive. + </p> + <p> + The Prophet addressed another letter to Wm. H. Harrison, on the same + subject. His answer was but little more satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + Joseph then drew up a statement of his own, of the power and policy of the + Government. A convention was called, and the Prophet nominated as a + candidate for the Presidency. He set forth his views in the Nauvoo + Neighbor, formerly the Wasp. He stated that if the people would elect him + President it would be the salvation of the nation; otherwise, the Union + would soon be severed. The two political parties would continue to + influence the people until it would end in civil war, in which all nations + would take part, and this nation be broken up. At this convention the + elders were assigned missions to different States. I was sent to stump the + State of Kentucky, with ten elders to assist me. + </p> + <p> + "You had better shut up the Seventies' Hall and obey the last call of the + Prophet," Brigham said to me. + </p> + <p> + Things looked squally before I left, with little prospect of growing + better. I left Nauvoo on the 4th of May, 1844, with greater reluctance + than I had on any previous mission. It was hard enough to preach the + gospel without purse or scrip; but it was as nothing compared to offering + the Prophet Joseph to the people as a candidate for the highest gift of + the nation. I would a thousand times rather have been shut up in jail than + to have taken the trip, but I dared not refuse. + </p> + <p> + About one hundred of us took the steamer Ospray for St. Louis. Our mission + was understood by all the passengers on board. I was not long kept waiting + before the subject was brought up. I had made up my mind to banish fear + and overcome timidity. I made the people believe that I felt highly + honored by my mission to electioneer for a prophet of God. It was a + privilege few men enjoyed in these days. I endeavored to make myself + agreeable by mixing with the passengers on the steamer. I told them that + the Prophet would lead both candidates from the start. + </p> + <p> + There was a large crowd on the boat, and an election was proposed. Judges + and clerks were appointed and a vote taken. The Prophet received a + majority of seventy-five, out of one hundred and twenty-five votes polled. + This created a tremendous laugh, and we kept it up till we got to St. + Louis. Here the most of us took the steamer Mermaid. + </p> + <p> + The change of steamers afforded me a new field of labor. I met a brother + of Gen. Atchison, one of the commanders of the militia that served against + the Church at Far West. He became interested in me, and when we parted at + Smithland he invited me to go home with him and preach in his + neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + My destination being Frankfort, I could not accept his invitation. I + started for Lexington, by way of Georgetown, lecturing as I went. I + finally got to the capital, put up at a hotel, and endeavored to hire the + State House to speak in, but found it engaged. + </p> + <p> + My funds were low, and my hotel hill was four dollars per day. After three + days' trial I hired the Court House. The people said that no Mormon had + ever been able to get a hearing, though several had attempted to do so. + </p> + <p> + When evening came I had to light up the house and ring the bell. Elder + Frost assisted me. Soon the hall was filled with juveniles, from ten to + fifteen years of age. I understood the trick. The people supposed I would + leave, but to their surprise I arose and said I was glad to see the young + ones out in such numbers; that I knew they had good parents, or they would + not be there; that if they would take seats and be quiet we would sing + them our Mormon songs. + </p> + <p> + Elder Frost was a charming singer. We sang two or three songs. Our + juvenile hearers seemed delighted. I then knelt down and prayed. By this + time the hall was crowded with grown men, and I begged them not to crowd + out my little friends. I then spoke an hour and a half upon the + constitutional rights of American citizens. I spoke of the character of + the Southern people; how they were noted for their generous treatment of + strangers; but I feared from the treatment I had received, I had missed my + way in Kentucky. My sires were of Southern birth; my father was a relative + of the Revolutionary Lee, of Virginia; my uncle was from Lexington, + Kentucky, I had come a stranger into their midst, but I felt confident the + right of speech would be extended to us, who were ministers of the gospel, + dependent upon the generosity of the people for food and raiment. Nor did + we preach for hire. If they wished, we would remain there and lecture, and + if it met the approbation of the people they could have the gospel + preached to them without money and without price. + </p> + <p> + The first man that spoke up was a saddler. He said he was a poor man, but + we were welcome to his house, giving the street and number. About twenty + more responded in like manner, among them the most wealthy men of the + county. We went home with a rich farmer, and continued our labors, having + more calls than we could fill. + </p> + <p> + We were sent for by a rich planter who lived about twenty miles away. I + was anxious to extend our labors as much as was advisable. On our way to + the planter's we found it difficult to obtain dinner. The orthodox people + did not like to associate with Mormons. I finally asked them to direct me + to where some infidel or gambler lived. They wanted to know what on earth + I wanted of such. I replied: + </p> + <p> + "To get something to eat. Infidels and gamblers are too liberal- minded to + turn a stranger away from their door. The Saviour ate with publicans and + sinners - for the very reason that we do, for the Scribes and Pharisees + would not feed Him." + </p> + <p> + They pointed us to the next house, where we were kindly received and + entertained. The gentleman informed us that he belonged to no Church, but + had an interest in a church, and said we were welcome to preach there. He + made an appointment for us to preach. + </p> + <p> + We preached, and were received with kindness. I soon began to baptize, and + calls came in from every side, when one day the papers brought us the news + of the assassination of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum. + </p> + <p> + We returned immediately to Frankfort, as I expected the elders there, to + learn what to do. We all retired to Maple Grove, on the Kentucky River, + and kneeled in prayer and asked the Lord to show us whether or not these + reports were true. I was the mouth-in- prayer, but received nothing + definite in answer to my prayer. I told the elders to follow their own + impressions, and if they wished to do so to return to Nauvoo. Each of them + made his way back. I spent the evening with a Mr. Snow. He claimed to be a + cousin of Brother Erastus Snow, and was favorable to us. We spent the + evening talking over the reported deed. + </p> + <p> + The next morning about ten o'clock my mind was drawn out in prayer. I felt + as though the solemnity of eternity was resting with me. A heavenly, + hallowed influence fell upon me, and continued to increase until I was + electrified from head to foot. I saw a large personage enter the door and + stand before me. His apparel was as white as the driven snow and his + countenance as bright as the noonday sun. I felt paralyzed, and was + speechless and motionless. He remained with me but a moment, then receded + through the door. + </p> + <p> + This bright being's influence drew me from my chair and led me south about + three hundred yards, into a plot of clover and blue grass, and under a + persimmon tree, which afforded a pleasant shade. I fell prostrate upon my + face. While here I saw Joseph the Prophet and Hyrum the Patriarch, and the + wounds by which they had been assassinated. + </p> + <p> + This personage spoke to me in a soft, low voice, and said that the Prophet + and Patriarch had scaled their testimony with their blood. Our mission was + like that of the apostles, and our garments were clear of the blood of the + nation; I should return to Nauvoo and wait until power was granted us from + on High; as the mantle of priesthood fell upon the Apostle Peter, so + should it rest with the twelve apostles of the Church for the present. + Thus the vision closed, and I gradually returned to my native element. + </p> + <p> + Rising up I looked at my watch and saw that I had been there an hour and a + quarter. Returning to the house my friend Snow asked me if I was ill. I + replied in the negative. He said I was very pale, and that he saw my + countenance change while I sat in my chair; that when I went out of doors + it was as though every drop of blood had left me, or been changed. I then + told him that the reports in the papers were true, and the two Saints, the + Prophet and the Patriarch, were no more. I asked him to take me to the + landing; I wished to get the evening packet, as my labors were done in + that country. He importuned so hard that I told him what I had seen. + </p> + <p> + He saddled a horse for me and one for himself, and we started, in company + with several others, for the landing. When we were about to embark on the + steamer Mr. Steele, a brother of the captain, introduced me to the + captain. About eight persons demanded baptism; I could not stop, but + advised them to come to Nauvoo. Among them was my friend Snow. I had a + cabin passage free. When I reached Nauvoo I found excitement at highest + point. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0013" id="linklink2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII - DEATH OF JOSEPH SMITH + </h2> + <p> + Joseph the Prophet and Hyrum, his brother, were assassinated on the 24th + day of June, 1844, at Carthage, about twenty miles from Nauvoo, while + under the pledged faith of Governor Ford, of Illinois. Governor Ford had + promised them protection if they would stand trial and submit to the + judgment of the court. By his orders the Nauvoo Grays were to guard the + jail while the prisoners awaited trial. The mob was headed by Williams and + Sharp, editors of the Nauvoo Signal. When they approached the jail the + guard made no resistance, but fell back. + </p> + <p> + Brother Stephen Markham, who had been to visit the prisoners an hour or so + before they were killed, gave Joseph an Allen revolver. A part of the mob + rushed upstairs, to the inner door of the prison and burst it open. + Brother Richards parried the bayonets with his heavy cane. Joseph reached + out his hand and fired his six shots at the crowd, and wounded several + mortally. Hyrum, who was trying to brace against the door, received a shot + in the face near the nose. + </p> + <p> + "I am a dead man," he cried, and fell. + </p> + <p> + Brother John Taylor received a shot, but fortunately it struck his watch, + which saved his life. These four were in the prison. Brother Taylor, + however, received another shot and fell. Joseph left the door, and sprang + through the window, crying: + </p> + <p> + "O Lord, my God, is there no help for the widow's son!" + </p> + <p> + He fell pierced with several balls. The crowd then left the door and ran + around to the windows. + </p> + <p> + Brother Richards covered Brother Taylor with a straw bed. Several shots + were fired at the bed, some of which cut his leg. Richards looked from the + window on the scene, and several balls passed through his clothing, but he + received no injury. + </p> + <p> + After Joseph fell he was set up against the well-curb and shot again. A + man named Boggs rolled up his sleeves, and with a knife attempted to cut + off his head. At this instant a flash of light encircled the Prophet, and + the man who was advancing to cut off his head fell back. They were + frightened, and fled. + </p> + <p> + Governor Ford was terror-stricken, as it endangered his life, he being + without a guard, and at the mercy of the Mormons, had they chosen to take + advantage of him while he was in Nauvoo. Governor Ford promised that he + would see the murderers prosecuted. He gave the Mormons a company of + troops to bring their dead friends to Nauvoo. + </p> + <p> + The dead were placed in rough oak boxes and brought to the city. There + were lamentation and mourning among the people. Joseph was a man dearly + loved by the Saints, and blessed with direct revelation from God, and was + an honorable, generous, high-minded man. + </p> + <p> + The remains of the Prophet and his brother were laid in a sepulcher made + of stone. The oak boards which had enclosed them were sawed in pieces and + distributed among their friends, many of whom had canes made of the + pieces, with locks of the hair of the Prophet set in the top of them, and + those canes are kept as sacred relics to this day. But I must go back and + speak of the cause of their arrest. + </p> + <p> + While I was in Kentucky the printing press of Higbee & Foster was + declared a nuisance, and ordered destroyed. The owners refused to comply + with the decision of the City Council, and the Mayor directed that the + press and type be destroyed, which was done. The owner of the grocery + where the press was, employed John Eagle, a professional bully, and others + to defend it. As the Danites entered, or attempted to enter, Eagle stood + in the door and knocked three of them down. As the third fell the Prophet + struck Eagle under the ear and brought him sprawling to the ground. He + then crossed Eagle's hands and ordered them tied, saying that he could not + see his men knocked down while in the line of their duty without + protecting them. + </p> + <p> + This raised the ire of Higbee, Foster, and others, and they got out writs + for the arrest of Joseph, and laid their grievances before the Governor. + Joseph, knowing the consequences of such a move, concluded to leave for + the Rocky Mountains and lay out a country where the Saints would not be + molested. He crossed over into Iowa with a few faithful friends. These + friends begged him to return and stand his trial; saying that the Lord had + always delivered him, and would again. He told them that if he returned he + would be killed, but if he went away he would save his life and the Church + would not be hurt; that he would look out a new country for them. The + Governor had advised him to do this. + </p> + <p> + Those old grannies then accused him of cowardice, and told him that Christ + had said he would never leave his brethren in trouble. He then asked them + if his Emma wished him to return. They answered: + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + Joseph then said it was all light before him, and darkness behind him, but + he would return, though he felt as a sheep led to the slaughter. + </p> + <p> + The following day he crossed the river into Illinois. He kissed his + mother, and told her that his time had come, and that he must seal his + testimony with his blood. He advised his brother Hyrum not to go with him, + saying that he would be a comfort to the Church when he, the Prophet, was + no more. Hyrum said: + </p> + <p> + "No, my brother; I have been with you in life, and will be with you in + death!" + </p> + <p> + The Prophet then called Brother Dunham and had some private talk with him, + and then started for the jail at Carthage. Dunham said that the Prophet + requested him to take his Danites and ambush them in a grove near + Carthage, and watch the movements of the crowd; but Dunham dared not go + contrary to the orders of the Governor. + </p> + <p> + About this time the settlements on Bear Creek and at Great Plains had a + difficulty with the Gentiles, and the settlements were broken up and the + settlers driven to Nauvoo. The Mormons sought redress under the law. The + sheriff tried to suppress the riot by a posse, but since he could not get + a posse from the Gentiles, he was obliged to summon them from the Mormons. + This made him unpopular, endangered his life, and rendered him powerless. + </p> + <p> + Governor Ford sought to bring to justice those who had assaulted the + Prophet and Hyrum, but public opinion was against him, and the mass of the + people objecting, nothing was done. Certain leaders in the horrid deed + were members of the Legislature, and though the disturbance was partially + quelled, still the feeling of enmity continued to exist until the final + breaking up of the Church. + </p> + <p> + Before proceeding further, we must learn who was to be the successor of + the Prophet and lead the Church. It had been understood among the Saints + that young Joseph was to succeed his father. Joseph the Prophet had + bestowed that right upon him by ordination, but he was too young at that + time to fill the office and discharge its solemn duties. Someone must fill + the place until he had grown to more mature age. + </p> + <p> + Sidney Rigdon set up his claim, he being the second counselor to the + Prophet. Rigdon had a few backers. A man by the name of Strong, who had + been writing for the Prophet, put up his claim to the office, by forging + an appointment from Joseph. Time passed on until the whole twelve had + returned from their missions, and a conference was held, at which the + several claimants came forward with their demands. + </p> + <p> + Sidney Rigdon was the first who appeared upon the stand. He had been + rather in the background for some time previous to the death of the + Prophet. He made but a weak claim. Strong did not file any. + </p> + <p> + Just then Brigham arose and roared like a young lion, imitating the style + and voice of Joseph the Prophet. Many of the brethren declared that they + saw the mantle of Joseph fall upon him. I myself saw and heard a strong + resemblance to the Prophet in him, and felt that he was the man to lead us + until Joseph's legal successor should grow up to manhood. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Brigham got the reins of government in his hands he swore that + he would never suffer an officer to serve a writ on or arrest him, as they + had Joseph; that he would send them the dark and gloomy road over which no + traveler ever returned. He wished me to remove near to him, as I was one + of the Danites assigned to guard him. I had a good brick house and lot, + all in fine order, on Warsaw street. He told me to let him have my + property on Warsaw street and he would buy me a house on the flat, nearer + his own. I did so, and he bought out Brother Frost, and sent him on a + mission to Kentucky, where I had been laboring. He had a nice little frame + house. I moved into it and had it finished on the inside and made + comfortable. + </p> + <p> + Brigham at that time was living in a log house, but was preparing to build + a brick house. I renewed my labors on the Hall of the Seventies, and + finished it in grand style. It was then dedicated, and the different + quorums had picnic parties in it, beginning with the first quorum, + consisting of seventy-seven men to each quorum. Brigham said this hall + would be a building creditable to London. He called upon me to organize + the young men into quorums of Seventy, and keep the records for them. He + appointed me General Clerk and Recorder of the Seventies, and through me + were to be issued the licenses of the quorums. This was to be a + compensation for my services. + </p> + <p> + Joseph Young was the senior president over all the quorums. My burdens + increased daily. I was offered the position of senior president, I to + select my six counselors and my Quorum of Seventy, but I declined, as I + did not want the responsibility. I held then all the offices I could fill. + Having finished the hall, I was offered, or rather given a mission, to + build Joseph Young, the head president of the Seventies, a neat brick + dwelling. Calling upon the Seventies to assist me, I soon mustered what + help was necessary, and made brick enough to build me a large dwelling + house. Including my other buildings, it was ninety feet front, two and a + half stories, high, with a good cellar. By the middle of July, 1845, I had + both houses, the one for Joseph Young and the one for myself, finished, + ready for painting. + </p> + <p> + During the winter of 1844-5 a man by the name of Stanley took up a school, + teaching the use of the broadsword. At the expiration of his term I opened + three schools, of fifty scholars each, in the same exercise. I gave + thirteen lessons in each school, receiving two dollars from each scholar. + This made me six hundred dollars. I received twenty-five cents for each + license that I issued. With these means I purchased paints and oils to + finish my dwelling house. I became popular among the Saints, and many of + them donated labor and materials for my dwelling house. I had a handsome + enclosure, with fine orchard, well of water, house finished and grained + from top to bottom, and everything in finest order. I was young, strong, + and athletic. I could drive ahead and work all day and stand guard half + the night, through all kinds of weather. + </p> + <p> + My pay for doing the latter was the trust reposed in me. To guard the + President and leading men of the Church was considered a mighty thing, and + would not have been exchanged by those holding that office for ten dollars + a night. It was considered that this would qualify ones performing the + duty for any position of honor or worth. + </p> + <p> + In 1845 I was present when two young men named Hodges were tried for + murdering an old man and his wife. The Hodges said that Brigham had sent + them to rob the old people of their money, of which they were supposed to + have a large amount. When they went to the house they found the inmates + ready for them, and one of them was wounded. Thinking then that they would + be detected, they killed the old people. + </p> + <p> + One of the party became alarmed and reported on the two Hodges boys. Their + older brother, Erwin Hodges, said that Brigham had gotten his brothers + into this scrape, and must get them out of it; that if he did not do so + his (Brigham's) blood would atone for it. + </p> + <p> + That evening, as Erwin was returning home, a little after dark, he was met + by two Danites who had been waiting for him to come along. After some + little conversation, as Erwin was turning he was struck on the head with a + club, and then stabbed four times over the heart. The Danites left, + supposing him to be dead. He was, however, only stunned, and the bleeding + revived him. He crawled about one hundred and fifty yards, and fell near + Brigham's gate. He called for water, and for Brigham to lay his hands upon + him. + </p> + <p> + Some persons asked him who had done the deed. He replied that they were + his friends, and expired without finishing the sentence. A neighbor came + running to my house, knowing that Brigham was there, as he often came + there to keep away from suspicious persons. I started home with Brigham, + and while on the way remarked that it was a shocking affair. He replied + that it was not worse for Hodges to be killed than it would have been for + him (Brigham) to have had his blood shed. This answer recalled the threat + that Erwin had made during the day, at the trial of his brothers. + </p> + <p> + Those men who had turned away from the Church were the most bitter enemies + to Brigham, and sought every opportunity to entrap him. They tried to + ensnare him, and find an occasion to arrest him with a warrant. This + caused Brigham to lie hidden as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime his Destroying Angels were diligently on the watch, and + every suspicious man was closely tracked up, and no strategy neglected to + find out his business. If they suspected that any man wanted to serve a + writ on Brigham they never let that man escape. Sometimes they would treat + him with great kindness, and in that way decoy him to some out-of-the-way + place, and there "save" him, as it was called. The Danites were not only + on the track of officers, but all suspected characters who might come to + spy out what was going on. I knew of many men who were put out of the way. + </p> + <p> + If any Danite was caught in a scrape, it was the duty of the rest to unite + and swear him out. It was shown that the Gentiles had no right to + administer an oath. The Danites might swear a house full of lies to save + one of the brethren. + </p> + <p> + Whatever the Danites were ordered to do, they were to do and ask no + questions. Whether it was right or wrong mattered not to them, they were + responsible only to their leaders, amenable only to God. I was one among + them, into the secret of all they did; and they looked for me to speak a + good word for them with Brigham, as they were ambitious to please him and + obtain his blessing. The captain of the Danites never asked me to do + anything he knew I was averse to doing. Under Brigham, Hosea Stout was + Chief. + </p> + <p> + The Danites buried a man in a lot near the Masonic Hall. They got him + tight and some were joking with him while others digged his grave. They + asked him to go with them into a field of corn, saying it was fully grown. + They told him they had a jug of whisky cached out there. They led him to + his grave, and told him if he would get down into it, hand up the jug, he + should have the first drink. As he bent over to get down, Roswell Stevens + struck him on the back of the head and dropped him. They tightened a cord + around his neck to shut off his wind, and then covered him up and set the + hill of corn back on his grave to cover any tracks that might lead to + discovery. + </p> + <p> + Another man they took in a boat, about two o'clock at night, for a ride. + When out in the channel of the river the Danite who sat behind him struck + him upon the head and stunned him. They tied a rope around his neck and a + stone to the other end of the rope, and sent him to the bottom of the + Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + There was a man whose name I have forgotten, who was a great annoyance to + the Saints at Nauvoo. He generally brought a party with him when he came + to the city, and would threaten them with the law; but he always managed + to get away safely. They (the Saints) finally concluded to entrust his + case to Howard Egan, a Danite who was thought to be long-headed. He took a + party of Destroying Angels and went to La Harp, a town near the residence + of this man, and watched for an opportunity when he would pass along. They + "saved" him, and buried him in a washout at night. A short time afterwards + a thunder storm washed the earth away and exposed the remains. + </p> + <p> + The Danites also made an attempt to kill an old man and his son over on + Bear River. Ebenezer Richardson, an old tried Danite had charge of this + mission. Four Danites went to the residence of the old folks. Two of them + asked for lodgings and refreshments. The old gentleman told them he was + not prepared to entertain them, and directed them to a neighbor who lived + a mile away. They insisted upon stopping, and said they were weary and + would lie down upon their blankets. The old man was suspicious of them and + utterly refused to keep them. + </p> + <p> + They then went away and counseled over the matter, and concluded to wait + until the family were asleep, then burst in the door before they could + have time to resist. The old man and his son, being sure that the Danites + had come for the purpose of "saving" them, were waiting their return. Each + of them had a gun. + </p> + <p> + Brother Richardson and his party waited until about midnight, when they + slipped carefully to the house and listened. All was still. Then + Richardson and another burst in the door. As the Danites were in the act + of entering the house the old man and his son fired. Richardson's arm was + broken below the elbow; another Danite received a slight wound. The + reception was overhot and they backed water, glad to get away. Richardson + later wore a cloak to conceal his broken arm. + </p> + <p> + These matters were kept a profound secret. I was in Brigham's office about + this time. His brother Joseph and quite a number of the others were + present, when Brigham raised his hand and said: + </p> + <p> + "I swear by the eternal Heavens, and all good Mormons will do the same, + that I have unsheathed my sword, and will never return it until the blood + of the Prophet Joseph, and Hyrum, and those who were slain in Missouri, is + avenged. This whole nation is guilty of shedding their blood, by assenting + to the deed and holding its peace. Now," said he, "betray me, any who dare + do so!" + </p> + <p> + Everyone who passed through his endowments in the Temple was placed under + the most sacred obligations to avenge the blood of the Prophet, whenever + opportunity offered, and teach their children to do the same. + </p> + <p> + Once I heard Mother Smith, the mother of Joseph the Prophet, plead with + Brigham, with tears, not to rob young Joseph, her grandchild, of his + birthright, which his father, the Prophet, bestowed upon him previous to + his death. Young Joseph should have succeeded his father as the leader of + the Church; it was his right in the line of the Priesthood. + </p> + <p> + "I know it," replied Brigham; "don't worry or take any trouble, Mother + Smith; by so doing you are only laying the knife to the throat of the + child. If it be known that he is the rightful successor of his father the + enemies of the Priesthood will seek his life. He is too young to lead his + people now, but when he arrives at mature age he shall have his place. No + one shall rob him of it." + </p> + <p> + Brigham sought to establish himself as the leader of the Church. Many + years, however, passed away before he dared assume or claim to be the + rightful successor of Joseph, the Seer, Prophet, and Revelator to the + Church. When the time arrived, according to Brigham's own words, for + Joseph to receive his own, Joseph came, but Brigham received him not. He + said that Joseph lacked the true spirit. Joseph's mother had married a + Gentile lawyer, and had infused the Gentile spirit into him. Joseph denied + the doctrine of celestial marriage. + </p> + <p> + Brigham barred young Joseph from preaching in the Tabernacle, and raised a + storm against him. He took Joseph's cousin, George A. Smith, as his first + counselor. This he did as a matter of policy to prevent George A. from + using his influence in favor of Joseph as the leader of the people, which + he otherwise would have done. He also ordained John Smith, the son of + Hyrum the Patriarch, to the office of Patriarch, and his brother, Joseph + F. Smith, to the office of one of the twelve apostles, thus securing their + influence, telling them also that had young Joseph been willing to act in + harmony with them, the heads of the Church, he could have had his place, + but that he was too much of a Gentile to lead this people. Brigham said he + had hopes that David, a brother of young Joseph, when he became older, + might occupy the place of his father, but Joseph never would. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0014" id="linklink2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV - THE DOCTRINE OF SEALING + </h2> + <p> + In the winter of 1845 meetings were held all over the city of Nauvoo, and + the spirit of Elijah was taught in the different families as a foundation + to the order of celestial marriage, as well as the law of adoption. Many + families entered into covenants with each other - the man to stand by his + wife and the woman to cleave unto her husband, and the children to be + adopted to the parents. I was one of those who entered into covenants to + stand by my family, to cleave to them through time and eternity. I have + kept my obligations sacred and inviolate to this day. + </p> + <p> + Others refused to enter into these obligations, but separated from each + other, dividing their substance, and mutually dissolving their former + relations on friendly terms. Some agreed to exchange wives by virtue and + authority of the holy Priesthood. One of Brigham's brothers, Lorenzo + Young, now a bishop, made an exchange of wives with Brother Decker. + </p> + <p> + All people are aliens to the commonwealth of Israel until adopted into the + Kingdom by baptism, and their children born unto them before the baptism + of the parents must be adopted to the parents, and become heirs to the + Kingdom only through the law of adoption. The children that are born to + parents after the baptism of the parents are legal heirs to the Kingdom. + </p> + <p> + This doctrine extends further. All persons must be adopted by some of the + leading men of the Church. In this, however, they have the right of + choice, thus forming the links of the chain of Priesthood back to the + father, Adam, and to the second coming of the Messiah. Time will not allow + me to enter into the full details of this subject. + </p> + <p> + The ordinance of celestial marriage was practiced by men and women who had + covenanted to live together, and plural marriages are stepping-stones to + celestial exaltation. Without plural marriage a man cannot attain to the + fullness of the holy Priesthood and be made equal to our Saviour. Without + it he can only attain to the position of the angels, who are servants and + messengers to those who attain to the Godhead. These inducements cause + every true believer to exert himself to attain that exalted position - + both men and women. In many cases the women do the "sparking," through the + assistance of the first wife. + </p> + <p> + My second wife, Nancy Bean, was the daughter of a wealthy farmer who lived + near Quincy, Illinois. She saw me on a mission and heard me preach at her + father's house. She came to Nauvoo and stayed at my house three months, + and grew in favor and was sealed to me in the winter of 1845. My third and + fourth wives were sealed to me soon afterward in my own house. My third + wife, Louisa, was then a young lady, gentle and beautiful, and we never + had an angry word while she lived with me. She and her sister Emeline were + both under promise to be sealed to me. + </p> + <p> + One day Brigham saw Emeline and fell in love with her. He asked me to + resign my claims in his favor, which I did, though it caused a struggle in + my mind to do so, for I loved her dearly. I made known to Emeline + Brigham's wish, and went to her father's house and used my influence with + her to induce her to become a member of Brigham's family. The two girls + did not want to separate from each other; however, they both met at my + house at an appointed time, and Emeline was sealed to Brigham, and Louisa + was sealed to me. Brother Amasa Lyman officiated at the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + At the same time Sarah C. Williams, the girl that I baptized in Tennessee + when but a child, at the house of Brother William Pace, and who later came + to Nauvoo, stood up and claimed a place in my family. She is yet with me + and is the mother of twelve children. She has been a kind wife, mother, + and companion. + </p> + <p> + By Louisa I had one son born, who died at the age of twelve. She only + lived with me one year after her babe was born. She then told me that her + parents were not satisfied to have a daughter sealed to the one highest in + authority and the other below her. Their teasing caused us to separate, + not as enemies, however. Our friendship was never broken. + </p> + <p> + After we got to Salt Lake she offered to come back to me, but Brigham + would not consent. Her sister became a favorite with Brigham, and remained + so until he met Sister Folsom, who captivated him to such a degree that he + neglected Emeline, and she died broken-hearted. + </p> + <p> + Plural marriages at first were not made public; they had to be kept still. + A young man did not know when he was talking to a single woman. As far as + Brigham was concerned, he had no wives at his house, except his first + wife, or the one that he said was his first wife. Many a night have I gone + with him, arm in arm, and guarded him while he spent an hour or two with + his young brides, then guarded him home, and guarded his house until one + o'clock, when I was relieved. He used to meet his beloved Emeline at my + house. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1845 Rachel Andora was sealed to me - the woman who has + stood by me in all my troubles. A truer woman was never born. She has been + to me as true as I have been to Brigham, and always tried to make my will + her pleasure. I raised her in my family from five years of age. She was a + sister of my first wife. Her mother, Abigail Sheffer, was sealed to me for + an eternal state. The old lady has long since passed away, and entered + into endless rest and joy. + </p> + <p> + But to resume the narrative of events at Nauvoo. In the year 1845 the + building of the Temple was progressing. Through the summer trouble was + brewing among the Saints, both in Illinois and Iowa. Many of my friends + from Tennessee, and some from Kentucky, joined us during the summer and + fall, as well as numbers from other places. An effort was made to complete + the Nauvoo House, if possible, but finding the storm approaching too fast + the work on the House was abandoned and all hands put to work on the + Temple. We were anxious to complete the Temple, in order that we might + receive our promised blessings in it before we commenced our pilgrimage + across the plains in search of a home, we knew not where. + </p> + <p> + Our time was limited, and our Gentile friends who surrounded us, and whose + ire had been aroused to the highest pitch, were not likely to allow us to + remain longer than the appointed space. The killing of the Prophet Joseph + and Hyrum had led to other acts of violence, and many Mormons whose houses + were burned and property destroyed, and who had come to Nauvoo for + protection and shelter, retaliated by driving in Gentile stock from the + range to subsist upon. No doubt the stock of many an innocent Gentile was + driven away, and this served to brew trouble. Thus things went from bad to + worse while the saints remained at Nauvoo. + </p> + <p> + Much of the trouble that came upon the Church was brought down through the + folly of the Saints. A company was organized called the "Whittlers." They + had long knives, and when a stranger came to town they would gather around + him and whittle, none of them saying a word, no matter what question was + asked. They would watch any stranger, gathering close to him, until they + ran him out of town. + </p> + <p> + During the fall of 1845 companies were formed to make wagons for the + contemplated move, as many of the Saints were poor and had neither wagons + nor teams. Teams - with Gentile horses loose on the range - were more + easily obtained than wagons. People traded off their lots and personal + property for outfits. Many of the wagons had wooden hoops in place of + tires, though iron and everything else was at the lowest price. Common + labor was only twenty-five cents per day, but money was hard to get. + </p> + <p> + About the 1st of December, 1845, we commenced filling up the Temple rooms + for giving endowments. I assisted in putting up the stoves, curtains, and + other things. It was about fifteen days before we got everything ready. I + must mention that when the doctrine of baptizing for the dead was first + introduced the families met together, down by the riverside, and one of + their number, of the order of the Melchisedek Priesthood, officiated. They + were baptized in behalf of all the dead friends they could remember, the + men for men, and the women for women. But when the fount was ready in the + Temple, which rested on the twelve carved oxen, they went and were + baptized in it, after the same order, except that a clerk must make a + record of it, and two witnesses must be present, and the name of the + person baptized and for whom he or she was baptized, and the date of + baptism, together with the name of the officiating elder and those of the + clerk and witnesses must be entered in the record. All who are baptized + must also be confirmed. Men and women alike pass through the same + ceremony, and the fact is entered in the record kept for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + This is done for all who have died without the knowledge of the gospel. As + Jesus, while His body lay in the tomb, preached to the spirits in the + spirit world the doctrine of his gospel to all who had died before hearing + it since the days of Noah, so through baptism for the dead can our + friends, and those who have gone before us, be made partakers of this new + and last gospel sent to us, and receive its blessings and eternal reward. + </p> + <p> + No person, however, is allowed the privilege of this baptismal fount, or + his washings or anointings, unless he has paid his tithings and has a + certificate to that effect. In many cases, also, where men require it, + just debts must be settled before one is permitted to be baptized, washed, + or anointed. + </p> + <p> + In the Endowment a list is made out the day previous, of those who are to + take their endowments. Every person is required to wash himself clean, + from head to foot. Also to prepare and bring a good supply of food, of the + best quality, for themselves and those who labor in the house of the Lord. + About twenty-five persons are required in the different departments to + attend to the washing, anointing, blessing, ordaining, and sealing. From + twenty-five to fifty persons are passed through in twenty-four hours. I + was among the first to receive my washings and anointings, and even + received my second anointing, which made me an equal of the Priesthood, + with right and authority to build up the Kingdom in all the earth and + power to fill any vacancy that might occur. I have officiated in all the + different branches, from the highest to the lowest. + </p> + <p> + There were about forty men who attained to that rank in the Priesthood, + including the twelve apostles and Brigham, and to them was intrusted the + keeping of the records. I was the head clerk; Brother Richards was my + assistant clerk. My office was in room number one, of Brigham's + apartments. I kept a record of the sealings, anointings, marriages, and + adoptions. + </p> + <p> + Also, I was the second son adopted of Brigham. I should have been his + first adopted son, being the first who proposed it to him, but, ever ready + to give preference to those in authority, I placed Brother Rockwood's name + first on the list. I had also had my children adopted to me in the Temple. + Brigham had his children adopted to himself, and we were the only ones, to + my knowledge, that had our children so adopted in the Temple of Nauvoo. + </p> + <p> + Officers were on the alert to arrest Brigham. He often hid in the + different apartments of the Temple. One day about sunset an officer, + knowing that he was in the Temple, waited for him to come out. Brigham's + carriage was standing at the door. + </p> + <p> + Brigham threw his cloak around Brother Miller, who resembled Brigham in + build and stature, and sent him to the carriage with Grant, his driver. As + they got to the carnage Grant said to Miller: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Young, are you ready to go?" As he spoke to him, the officer + said: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Young, I have a writ for you. I want you to go with me to Carthage, + twenty miles distant." + </p> + <p> + "Shall I take my carriage?" Miller rejoined. + </p> + <p> + "You may, if you choose, and I will pay the bill," the officer answered. + </p> + <p> + Grant then drove Miller to Carthage, and the marshal took him to the hotel + and supplied him with refreshments. After supper an apostate Mormon called + to see him. When he beheld Miller he said to the marshal: + </p> + <p> + "By heavens! you are sold this time. That is not Brigham; that is Miller." + </p> + <p> + The marshal was a deal nettled, and, turning, he said to Miller: + </p> + <p> + "I am much obliged to you." + </p> + <p> + "You are quite welcome. I hope you will pay my bill as you agreed to do." + </p> + <p> + "Why did you deceive me?" + </p> + <p> + "I did not," replied Miller; "you deceived yourself. I said nothing to + deceive you." + </p> + <p> + "All right," replied the marshal, "I will settle your bill, and you may + return in the morning, if you choose." + </p> + <p> + This gave Brigham to understand that it was time for him to get away; many + such tricks would not be wholesome. + </p> + <p> + In the Temple I took three wives - Martha Berry, Polly Ann Workman, and + Delithea Morris, and had my family sealed to me over the altar in the + Temple, and six of them received their second anointings - that is, the + first six wives did, but the last three there was not time to attend to. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of February, 1846, Brigham and a small company crossed the + Mississippi River, on the ice, into Iowa, and formed an encampment on a + stream called Sugar Creek. I crossed, with two wagons, with the first + company. Brigham did this in order to elude the officers, and aimed to + wait there until all who could fit themselves out should join him. Such as + were in danger of being arrested were helped away first. + </p> + <p> + Our Danites crossed over to guard Brigham. Those who were not liable to be + arrested remained behind and sent their teams forward. I took one of + Brigham's wives, Emeline, in the first of the wagons, with Louisa, her + sister, as far as Rainsville. All of Brigham's wives, except the first, + were taken by the brethren, as he did not at that time have the teams or + the means to convey his family across the plains, but was dependent on the + brethren for help, though he had used every means in his power to raise an + outfit. + </p> + <p> + Brigham called a council of the leading men. Among them was Brother Joseph + L. Heywood and myself. Heywood was a merchant at Quincy, Illinois, doing a + fair business before he joined the Mormon Church, and was considered an + honorable man. When the Mormons were driven from Missouri many had + occasion to bless him for his kindness to them in their hour of trouble. + </p> + <p> + At the council, after some conversation upon our present move, Brigham + proposed to appoint a committee of men, against whom no charges could be + brought, to return to Nauvoo and attend to selling the property of the + Saints, and see to fitting out the people and starting them forward. He + proposed that I, with Brothers Babbitt, Heywood, and Fulmer be that + committee. Brother Heywood was asked to turn over his whole stock of goods + to fit out Brigham and the apostles for their journey. + </p> + <p> + This to Brother Heywood was a stunner. He replied that he was indebted to + honorable men in the East for the most of his goods, and that he did not + dare defraud them; that he had been taught from childhood to deal + honorably with all men. He was told by Brigham that he might take the + money to pay his Eastern creditors from the sales of the Mormon property + at Nauvoo. This Brother Heywood thought a doubtful method, as the property + of the deserted city would not be very valuable. + </p> + <p> + Brigham then said that this was a case of emergency, and they must have + the goods; that Brother Heywood could write to his creditors and tell them + that, owing to the trouble among the people, business had fallen off, and + he was not able to pay them then, but would in the future. Brigham told + him if he failed to raise money from the sale of city property, as soon as + the Church was established he (Brigham) would raise the money for him to + satisfy his creditors, and this would give him more influence than ever + among the outside world. They finally persuaded Brother Heywood to turn + over his goods. + </p> + <p> + For my services to the leading men I never received a dollar. I have + managed, however, to maintain my family in good style, to pay my tithing + and live independently of help from the Church. I was called a shrewd + trader, a keen financier, and had plenty. I always had money on hand. + These were considered by Brigham noble traits in my character. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0015" id="linklink2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV - THE SAINTS TURN WESTWARD + </h2> + <p> + Only a few words in regard to the Prophet Joseph. He was tried twenty-one + times for different offenses, and acquitted each time. Once when he was + visiting in Peoria he was captured by four men from Missouri, who started + with him in a wagon to take him to that State. Two sat beside him with + cocked pistols, punching him in the side occasionally, and telling him + that if he opened his mouth they would blow his brains out. He was not + arrested by any process of law, but they were trying to kidnap him. + Brother Markham, an old friend of Joseph, ran ahead to the town of Peoria, + employed a lawyer, got out a writ of habeas corpus, and had him set at + liberty. + </p> + <p> + When the news reached Nauvoo the Saints were in the wildest state of + excitement. The Mormon steamer was crowded with Danites, and sent full + steam ahead to Peoria to rescue the Prophet. When the Danites arrived they + found him at liberty. This was in 1843. + </p> + <p> + The same winter Joseph organized what was called the "Council of Fifty." + This was a confidential organition. A man by the name of Jackson belonged + to it, though he did not belong to the Church. This Council was designated + as a law-making department, but no records were kept of its doings, or if + kept, were burned at the close of each meeting. Whenever anything of + importance was on foot this Council was called to deliberate upon it. The + Council was named the "Living Constitution." Joseph said that no + legislature could enact laws that would meet every case or attain the ends + of justice in all respects. + </p> + <p> + As a man, Joseph tried to be a law-abiding citizen, but he had to manage + those who were constantly doing something to bring trouble upon + themselves. He often reproved them and some he dis- fellowshipped. But + being of a forgiving disposition, when they came back to him and begged + forgiveness his humane heart could not refuse them. He was often basely + imposed upon. + </p> + <p> + Joseph's sympathies were quick. Once I was standing with him, watching a + couple of men who were crossing the river in a canoe. The river was full + of ice, running swiftly. As they neared the shore the canoe upset, + throwing them into the river. One of them got on a cake of ice, but the + other made several attempts before he could do so. Joseph sent a runner to + them with a bottle of whisky, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Those poor boys must be nearly frozen." + </p> + <p> + Joseph also had a sharp tongue. On one occasion, the 4th of July, 1843, at + a celebration, a number of toasts had been offered when someone said: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Joseph, suppose you give us a toast." + </p> + <p> + Raising his glass, with water in it in the place of spirits, he said: + </p> + <p> + "Here is wishing that all the mobocrats of the nineteenth century were in + the middle of the sea, in a stone canoe, with an iron paddle; that a shark + might swallow the canoe, and the shark be thrust into the nethermost pit + of hell, the door locked, the key lost, and a blind man hunting for it." + </p> + <p> + To return to our expedition across the plains. The snow lay about eight + inches deep when the first company crossed the river. The plan was this: + We must leave Nauvoo, whether ready or not. All covenanted to help each + other, until every one was away that wanted to go. The teams and wagons + sent to help others away were to return as soon as a suitable place was + found at which to make a settlement, and leave the poor, or rather those + who had no teams to go on with. I was unwilling to start with a part of my + family, leaving the rest behind, and thought that now was the time to get + them out before worse trouble commenced. I went into Brigham's tent and + told him what I thought of the matter, and that I could fit up teams in a + few days and bring them all away. He replied that he had been thinking of + the same thing. Said he: + </p> + <p> + "Go; I will give you five days in which to sell out and cross the river + again, and bring me one hundred dollars in gold." + </p> + <p> + My first wife was still at Nauvoo. I had the confidence of my family, as I + never undertook anything that I did not carry out. I started back on foot + and crossed the river on the ice. I fell in with acquaintances about La + Harpe, who were in trouble over a number of wagons and teams which they + had purchased in the State. The devil was to pay generally. Some of the + Gentiles who had lost cattle laid it to the Mormons in Nauvoo, and were + determined to take cattle from the Mormons until they got even. I had a + brick house and lot on Parley street that I sold for three hundred dollars + in teams. I told the purchaser that I would take seven wagons and teams, + and before I went to sleep that night I had my entire outfit of teams. + </p> + <p> + For my large house, costing eight thousand dollars (in Salt Lake City it + would have been worth fifty thousand dollars), I was offered eight hundred + dollars. My fanaticism would not allow me to take so meager a sum for it. + I locked it up, selling only one stove out of it, for which I received + eight yards of cloth. The building, with its twenty-seven rooms, I turned + over to the committee, to be sold to help the poor away. The committee + afterwards parted with the house for twelve dollars and fifty cents. + </p> + <p> + One day I was sitting with my family, telling them that I ought to get + five hundred dollars in some way, but the Lord had opened no way by which + I could get it, and I had but five days to get out of Nauvoo. In an + adjoining room was an old gentleman and his daughter who rented the room + of me. They were from Pennsylvania, and the old gentleman was wealthy. The + daughter stepped into her father's room, and soon returned, saying that he + wished to see me. I went into his room. He gave me a seat and said: + </p> + <p> + "You did me a kindness that I have not repaid. Do you remember meeting me, + when coming from the Temple? I had been there with my wife and only child + to get my washings and anointings. I was not admitted, because I was a + stranger, and no one to vouch for me. I was returning with a heavy heart, + when I met you. You returned with me and used your influence, vouched for + us and procured our admittance. I obtained our endowments. I had a cancer + on my breast at that time that was considered incurable. From the hour I + received my endowments it has never pained me and is healing up. I am + thankful I have it in my power to do you a little favor in return." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he lifted the lid of a box and counted out five hundred dollars + in gold coin, saying that if it would help me I was welcome to it. I + offered him a team, but he said he had money enough to buy his outfit and + support him while he lived, and that he felt grateful for an opportunity + of returning my favor. This was to me an unexpected blessing from an + honest heart. I wept with joyful gratitude; I had the means that I desired + in my hands. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I received my teams and wagons. All had to be fitted up + for the journey. My family went to work making tents and articles needful + for the journey. I sent my wagons to the Mormon wagonshop and told the men + to work night and day, and put them in order within three days, and I + would give them fifty dollars in gold, which was five dollars for a day + and night's work, quite a difference from fifty cents, the usual price. + They went to work in earnest, and as fast as a wagon was rolled out + finished I had it loaded. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Brother Babbitt was urging me to cross the river, as there + was an officer in town looking for me. On the third day I started one of + my ox teams across the river on the ice, and came near losing the whole + outfit, by its breaking through. I crossed no more teams that way. I got a + large wood boat, with twenty-five men to help me, and cut through the ice + across the river, so that the boat could be towed over. On the fourth day + I had all of my effects at the riverside. + </p> + <p> + The day before, when I crossed the team that broke through the ice, I met + the officer, to whom I was unknown, at the riverside looking for me. He + purposed to arrest me on the charge of having more wives than one. I told + him I had seen Mr. Lee crossing the river the day before, and that one of + his oxen broke through; I added that it was a pity Mr. Lee had not broken + through also. I stepped into a saloon with the officer and we took a drink + together. I then went with him into the wagonshop, and, stepping ahead of + him and tipping the wink to the men there, said: + </p> + <p> + "Have any of you seen Mr. Lee to-day? Here is an officer looking for him." + </p> + <p> + They replied that he had crossed the river the day before. This satisfied + the officer, and he went away. I bought oils and paints for my wagons, and + five gallons of whisky with which to treat the boys who had helped me over + the river. + </p> + <p> + As we left the river a heavy storm came up. It was so dark I could see + nothing. I had four mule teams, and let them follow the road. We halted + about a mile beyond the town of Montrose, and a man who lived there, named + Hickenlooper, took us in and attended to the animals. I went to sleep and + did not wake until ten o'clock the next morning. This man had all the + supplies we needed, - flour, bacon, etc., - and I purchased my store of + supplies from him. I learned that the company had moved on, and was camped + at a place called Richardson Point, forty-five miles from Montrose. + </p> + <p> + Before reaching the encampment I was met by Brigham, H. C. Kimball, and + Dr. William Richards in their carriages, who bade me welcome. After we + reached camp a council was held, and I reported my success, and gave ah + account of my mission. When I had finished Brigham asked me if I had + brought him the hundred dollars. I replied that I had, and handed it to + him. He counted it, and then said: + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do with it?" + </p> + <p> + "Feed and help the poor," I replied. + </p> + <p> + Brigham then prophesied, saying I should be blessed, and means come unto + me from an unexpected source; that in time of need friends would be sent + to my assistance. + </p> + <p> + The roads were in bad condition, and we lay quiet a few days, during which + time I painted and numbered my wagons. Myself, Geo. S. Clark, Levi + Stewart, and another man were appointed hunters, as there was much game in + the country we had to pass through - turkey, deer, and some elk. + </p> + <p> + From here we traveled to the Raccoon Fork of Grand River, about + seventy-five miles. At the three forks of the Grand River we came to a + halt. In fact, the rain had made the country impassable, and our + provisions were running short. Here we found some wild hogs, and the men + killed several. Brigham said they were some of our hogs that had become + scattered when we were driven out of Missouri. This was license for us to + kill anything we could find. + </p> + <p> + While we lay here two men came to our camp, named Allen Miller and Mr. + Clancy. They were traders to the Potowatomie Indians. Allen Miller later + married one of my wives. They informed me that we could get everything we + needed fifty miles from there, near Grand River. We unloaded seventeen + wagons and selected such articles as we could spare. I was appointed + Commissary, to do the purchasing for the companies. This was in April, + 1846. + </p> + <p> + We started with the seventeen wagons, and drove to Miller's and made that + place headquarters, as he had provisions in abundance. The grass was like + a meadow. I had some horses and harness to exchange for oxen and cows. + When we had turned out our stock for the day at Miller's Mr. Clancy + invited me home with him. + </p> + <p> + On entering his house I found his partner, Patrick Dorsey, an Irishman, + sick. Mr. Dorsey had been tormented with a pain in his eyes, insomuch that + he had rested neither day nor night, and was losing his sight. I asked him + if he was a Catholic. He answered that he was. I knew their faith, as I + was raised a Catholic and once believed in their doctrines. I asked him if + he wished me to pray for him. He inquired if I was a minister, to which I + replied that I was. + </p> + <p> + "Do pray with me, for I am in great distress," he then said. + </p> + <p> + With that I laid my hands upon his head, and asked the Father, in the name + of the Son, and by virtue of the holy Priesthood in me vested, to stay his + sufferings and heal him. The pain left him instantly. He took his hat and + walked with me to Miller's house. They were astonished to see him without + pain, and asked him what I had done for him. He answered: + </p> + <p> + "I was in distress; a stranger laid hands upon my head and prayed and made + me whole; but who he is, or whence he came, I know not. But this I know, + that I was almost blind, and now I see; I was sick, but am well." + </p> + <p> + This occurrence created an excitement in the settlement, and nothing would + do but I must preach the next evening. + </p> + <p> + During the day I made several trades. Evening came, and I preached at my + friend Miller's. When I had closed my sermon they made me up a purse of + five dollars, and offered to load one of our wagons with provisions. + </p> + <p> + We remained about a week and did finely in trading. On Sunday a large + attendance, for a new country, turned out to hear me preach. I was weary + and did not feel like preaching. However, I talked about an hour and a + half. At the close of the service they made up ten dollars for me, and Mr. + Scott, a wealthy farmer, said that if I would drive my wagons to his + establishment he would fill them with flour, bacon, and potatoes. I had + the use of my friend Miller's store to warehouse our traps, as I had more + than we could take away. The people were anxious for me to remain and take + up a farm, make my home with them, and preach and build up a church. I + told them I was bound for the Rocky Mountains. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Dorsey, he offered me all he had, and wanted to know what to do + to be saved. He gave me a history of his life. He told me that he led a + company of men from Carroll County, Missouri, when we were driven from the + State. I reflected a little, and gave him a list of city property at + Nauvoo that I would turn over to him at one-fourth its value for what + property he would turn out to me. He said he had twelve yoke of oxen and + twenty-five cows, besides other stock; four bee stands, three wagons, six + to eight hundred dollars' worth of bacon, flour, meal, soap, powder, lead, + blankets, thirty rifles, guns, knives, tobacco, calicos, spades, hoes, + plows, and harrows; also twelve feather beds, and all of his improvements. + He said he only wanted his carriage and a span of black horses to take + himself, wife, and partner to Nauvoo. And all the above property he would + turn over to me, and I might give him deeds to property in Nauvoo. + </p> + <p> + Brigham commenced making a settlement at the place where he was camped. He + called the place Garden Grove. We returned to camp, laden with all that + our teams could haul, besides the three wagons I had from Dorsey. There + was a deal that we could not move away. I took a forty-gallon cask of + honey and a quantity of whisky and brandy from Dorsey. The bee stands, + improvements, and farming utensils I turned over for the use of what + settlers remained behind at Garden Grove. I also made arrangements for the + labor needed by the company that was left, so that they might be planting + crops and raising supplies while building houses to live in. + </p> + <p> + All the borrowed teams were returned to Nauvoo to bring others forward, + while those who had teams of their own pushed on and made another + settlement called Pisgah, and then went forward to Council Bluffs - + afterwards called Kanesville, in honor of Col. Thomas L. Kane. From this + point I took a cargo of traps, consisting of feather beds, fine + counterpanes, quilts, and such goods, and went down to Missouri, with a + number of wagons, to obtain supplies, together with beef cattle and cows. + </p> + <p> + During my absence a call was made on the Mormons for five hundred men to + go to Mexico and defend the American flag. Col. Ethan Allen and Thos. L. + Kane began to raise the required number of men. An express was sent to + Pisgah and Garden Grove asking them to furnish their number. The ranks + were nearly full before I reached camp. Upon my arrival Dr. Richards said + to me: + </p> + <p> + "I am glad you have returned. We want you for one of the captains." + </p> + <p> + "All right," I answered. + </p> + <p> + Brigham called me and said he could not spare me; that there were men + enough to fill the bill without me. The battalion was filled, and Col. + Allen, a United States officer, marched with them to Fort Leavenworth, + Kansas. + </p> + <p> + From Council Bluffs I returned to Missouri, to buy a drove of cattle for + Brigham, Dr. Richards, and others, they having received money from + England. I loaded twenty wagons with provisions and articles for trade and + exchange. I exchanged horses for oxen, as the latter were low and the + former high in price. About the middle of August I returned with over five + hundred head of cattle. + </p> + <p> + While I was gone the camp moved across the Missouri River, to a place + called Cutler's Park. The cattle swam the river, but the provision train + was still on the Iowa side. Grant and some of Brigham's men, teamsters and + waiters, crossed back for a couple of loads of provisions for Brigham. + Without saying a word to me they took from my train their supply of + provisions. + </p> + <p> + When I heard of it I was ruffled, as this train was in my charge and I was + responsible for it. I went to Grant, who seemed to be the leader, and told + him he had not acted the gentleman in interfering with what did not belong + to him. We had warm words, and had not others interfered would have come + to blows. He justified himself by saying that Brigham sent him. I told him + I did not care who sent him - there was a right way and a wrong way of + doing things. The feeling grew bitter between us, and he accused me of + doing wrongful acts in my office. + </p> + <p> + Finally Brigham called us together in the presence of the twelve apostles, + and we made our statements. My accusers said what they had to say, and + then I replied. When Brigham had heard our statements he scolded my + accusers sharply, and approved of what I had done. He then said that we + must not have ill-feeling, and directed us to shake hands and be friends. + I was the first that arose to comply. We shook hands; still, though we + agreed to drop the matter, the old spirit lingered, even after we had + crossed the plains. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0016" id="linklink2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI - LEE GOES TO SANTA FE + </h2> + <p> + We got into camp the next day. After striking camp I noticed that a tire + was gone from one of the wagons. A few days afterwards the mother of my + first wife went down to a stream near by and caught a number of fine fish; + on her way back to the camp she found the missing tire. It had rolled + nearly three hundred yards from the road, and was lying where it stopped. + </p> + <p> + The people began cutting hay and stacking it, so as to be prepared for + feeding our stock during the winter. + </p> + <p> + One night, in the latter part of September, I dreamed that Lieut. James + Pace, of Company E, Mormon Battalion, then on its way to New Mexico, stood + at my tent door, and said Col. Allen, commanding the Mormon battalion, was + dead. I saw him plainly in my dream; after he gave the information he + started back to his camp, and later a man, who always kept his back + towards me, went from our encampment with him. I saw him and his + companion, and all they did on their way back to Santa Fe, their dangers + from the Indians, and all that took place. From first to last in my vision + the comrade of Pace kept his back my way. Pace's companion, as affairs + turned out, was myself. + </p> + <p> + The next evening I went, as was usual, with Brigham and Dr. Willard + Richardson, the Church historian, to attend a Council at Heber C Kimball's + camp. After the meeting was over and we were going back to our tents I + said to Brigham: + </p> + <p> + "We will find Lieut. Pace at my tent when we get there." + </p> + <p> + "How do you know that?" said he. I then told him my dream, and we walked + on. + </p> + <p> + When we got in sight of the tent there stood Lieut. James Pace, just as I + had seen him in my dream. This did not surprise me, for I knew he would + come. Brigham said: + </p> + <p> + "What on earth has brought you back?" He replied: + </p> + <p> + "Col. Allen is dead. The battalion is without a commander, and I have + returned by order of the officers to report to you, and ask you who shall + now lead us." + </p> + <p> + "Why did you not elect one of your captains?" said Brigham. + </p> + <p> + "The officers prefer to let Col. Smith, of the United States army, lead + us, if you will consent to it. But some of our men object, so I came for + orders from you." + </p> + <p> + The matter was taken under advisement by Brigham until next morning. In + the morning he came to me in my tent and said: + </p> + <p> + "John, how would you like to go back with Brother Pace and get the + remittances of the soldiers?" I said: + </p> + <p> + "My family is large, I have no houses for them; they are without + provisions, and I have no means to shelter them from the winter storms. I + have not hay cut to feed my stock through the winter. I must attend to + keeping my stock in order or I will have nothing left to take me and my + family over the plains next spring. But," said I, "there is no one more + willing to sacrifice himself and his own interests for the benefit of the + Church than I am." + </p> + <p> + Brigham waited and heard me through; then he said: + </p> + <p> + "Thus sayeth the Lord. You shall go, my son. Prosperity shall attend you + during your absence, and you shall return in safety; not a hair of your + head shall be hurt." + </p> + <p> + "It is enough to know your will; I will go. But who will take care of my + family in my absence?" + </p> + <p> + "I will see to your family, and attend to all you are interested in during + your absence," said Brigham. + </p> + <p> + At that, I was satisfied, and proceeded to carry out Brigham's will. I had + cut considerable hay in company with the brethren, but as it had to be + divided, I felt sure I would not have much to my share, especially after I + had divided with the lazy poor. I never went much on this copartnership + system of labor. There are always a number who will not work, and yet they + are always present when there is a division to be made of the proceeds of + the labor. + </p> + <p> + Joseph the Prophet classed the poor into three divisions. He said: + </p> + <p> + "There are three kinds of poor. The Lord's poor, the devil's poor, and the + poor devils." I never objected to share with the Lord's poor, but when it + came to dividing with the devil's poor and the poor devils, it was more + than I desired; it took away the profits. + </p> + <p> + My outfit for the intended journey to Santa Fe consisted of a snug light + wagon, a span of good mules, a spyglass, and such guns and traps as a man + needs on the plains. I also took Dr. Willard's dog with me to watch while + I was asleep. I was ordered to keep my business secret from everyone, for + fear of being robbed on my return home. I was not allowed to even tell my + wives where I was going, or how long I would be gone. I went to St. + Joseph, Missouri, and put up at John Green's, and stayed while fitting out + for the trip. + </p> + <p> + While there I met Luke Johnson, one of the witnesses to the Book of + Mormon. I had a curiosity to talk with him concerning the same. We took a + walk on the river bank. I asked him if the statement he had signed as to + seeing the angel and the plates was true, and whether he did see the + plates from which the Book of Mormon was printed or translated. He + declared it to be true. I then said: + </p> + <p> + "How is it you have left the Church? If the angel appeared to you, and you + saw the plates, how can you live out of the Church? I understand that you + were one of the twelve apostles at the first organization of the Church?" + </p> + <p> + "I was of the twelve," said he; "I have not denied the truth of the Book + of Mormon. I and several others were overtaken in a fault at Kirtland, + Ohio - Wm. Smith, Oliver Cowdrey, one or two others, and myself. We were + brought up for the offense before the Church authorities. Sidney Rigdon + and Wm. Smith were excused, and the matter hushed up. But Cowdrey and + myself were proceeded against and our choice given us between making a + public confession or being dropped from the Church. I refused to make the + public confession unless Rigdon and Smith did the same. The authorities + said that that would not do, for Rigdon was counselor to the Prophet, and + Wm. Smith the brother of the Prophet, and also one of the twelve; but that + if Cowdrey and I confessed, it would be a cloak for the other two. I + considered this unjust and unfair. I left the Church for that reason. But + I have reflected much since that time, and have come to the conclusion + that each man is accountable for his own sins; also that the course I have + been pursuing injures me alone, and I intend to visit the Saints and again + ask to be admitted into the Church. Rigdon has gone to destruction, and + Wm. Smith is not much better off to-day than I am." + </p> + <p> + This conversation was a comfort to me. + </p> + <p> + We went to Fort Leavenworth, where we learned that Col. Smith had taken + command of the battalion and marched away with it. Lieut. Pace got another + good horse here, and what oats and provisions we needed. We then struck + out after the command. + </p> + <p> + We overtook the battalion on the Arkansas River about fifty miles below + Bent's Fort. Our brethren were rejoiced to see us. Many had grievances to + relate, and all had much to tell and inquire about. That morning they had + buried one of the battalion named Phelps. The men said his death was + caused by arsenic which the doctor had forced him to take. They claimed + that Colonel Smith was a tyrant - that he was not the man that Col. Allen + had been. The command was on the march when we came up with it. There was + a fifty-mile desert before us, and little water on the route. + </p> + <p> + Col. Allen had allowed the men to pray with and for each other when sick + and had not compelled them to take medicine when they did not want it. But + Col. Smith deprived them of their religious rights and made them obey the + doctor's orders at all times. The doctor examined the sick every morning + and made them take medicine. When they refused to take it they were + compelled to walk; if unable to walk and keep up with the others they were + tied to the wagons like animals. The doctor was called "Death"; he was + known to all by that name. + </p> + <p> + While traveling along, Capt. Hunt, of Company A, introduced Col. Smith to + me. I invited them to ride in my wagon. They got in, and I soon brought up + the subject of the treatment of the troops adopted by Col. Allen, and + spoke of its good influence over them. I said the men loved Col. Allen, + and would have died for him, because he respected their religious rights. + I said they were volunteers, and not regular troops; that they were not + used to military discipline, and felt that they were oppressed. They had + lost confidence in their officers. I referred to the ill- treatment of the + men, and talked freely. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Hunt got angry and jumped from the wagon. He said that I talked like + an insane man rather than a man of sense. The Colonel said that he was + willing to give up the command to the choice of the battalion. I said he + had better keep it until we arrived at Santa Fe, but for his own sake to + ease up on the boys. + </p> + <p> + That evening Capt. Hunt sent a delegation to inform me that I was inciting + the command to mutiny, and must stop or he would have me under arrest. I + asked where he was going to find his men to put me under guard - that he + could not locate them in that command, and if he doubted my word he had + better try. The Captain knew I was right, and the matter ended. I told the + Colonel I would encourage the men to obedience until we reached Santa Fe. + The troops were better treated after that. + </p> + <p> + On the march water was scarce; I saw a man offer sixteen dollars for a + coffeepot of water on the desert. I walked most of the time, and let the + sick ride in my wagon. When we reached the Spanish settlements we got + water, pepper, onions, corn, sheep, goats, and other articles of food. + </p> + <p> + We reached Santa Fe in the midst of a snow storm. All the Mormons were + pleased to find that honest Missourian, Col. Doniphan, in command at that + place. He had a humane nature. The sick and disabled men of the battalion + were sent to a Spanish town called Taos, under charge of Capt. Brant, for + care and rest. + </p> + <p> + Soon after reaching Santa Fe Col. Philip St. John Cook took command of the + battalion. The soldiers were paid off, and Howard Egan, who had + accompanied me, was given one-half the checks and money donated by the + soldiers for Brigham and Heber C. Kimball, and the remainder was given to + me to carry back to winter quarters. I remained in camp ten days to + recruit my mules, because I could not purchase any there. The army had + taken everything. + </p> + <p> + Lieut. Gully desired to return with me, and it was necessary to obtain + permission for him to resign before he could do so. I went to the + commander, stated the situation to him, and asked that Lieut. Gully be + permitted to resign. The commander granted my request. The Lieutenant had + been acting Commissary of Subsistence, and had to make up his papers + before he could start. I waited until he was ready to go with me. I also + took Russell Stevens with me, as he had been discharged on account of ill + health. + </p> + <p> + While thus waiting I was troubled with Egan, for he got drunk every day, + and I feared he would be robbed. I had Stevens watch him most of the time. + By closely guarding him I kept him and the money safe. Col. Doniphan said + I should have a guard to protect us through the Indian country, but + animals could not be procured. I took the necessary trouble and got as + good a team as I could to start back with. With the consent of the + commander I bought a large mule, which after much trouble was able to work + with one of my own. + </p> + <p> + While we were in camp at Santa Fe the doctor was robbed. His trunk was + stolen, carried out of camp, and broken open. Two gold watches and some + money were taken from it. Two mules were also stolen the same night. I + knew nothing of this, nor who did it, until long afterwards. After we had + started for home, Stevens suddenly brought in the mules. He brought them + to camp and said they were his. Stevens and Egan robbed the doctor, but + they never acknowledged it to me. + </p> + <p> + About the 11th of October, 1846, we started for home over a wilderness + twelve hundred miles wide, every foot of it infested with Indians. We + camped in the mountains at Gold Springs, where little particles of gold + can be seen on the bottom of the streams. Egan and Stevens did not join us + until we were fifty miles from Santa Fe. They had the doctor's mules and a + Spanish horse with them when they came up. + </p> + <p> + When we had traveled ninety miles I discovered that my mules were failing. + The little flesh that was on them was soft and would not last, for we had + not fed them any grain. It is difficult to recruit mules on the desert + grass, for it is very short generally, and the immense herds of buffalo + ranging over the country keep the grass short. At the last Spanish town we + passed through I sent Egan to buy a span of mules. That night Egan and + Stevens came to camp with two miserable little beasts. I said: + </p> + <p> + "What on earth have you brought those poor brutes for?" + </p> + <p> + "We cabbaged them; it was the best we could do," said Egan. + </p> + <p> + Then I told him that I was on a mission of duty, and trusted in God, and I + would not permit him to bring stolen animals to the camp. I sent him back + with the mules at once. + </p> + <p> + "My trust is in God, and not in the devil. We shall go on, while you take + back the mules, and leave them where you got them." + </p> + <p> + At Moro Station, on the Las Animas, the last camp we would find until we + reached the eastern edge of the plains, we found a large, fat mule that + belonged to the Government. Lieut. Gully gave the station keeper, a young + man, a receipt for the mule, and we took it with us, as we were, in one + sense, in Government employ. We were carrying a mail, and on general + business for the Government. This was a fine, gentle mule. I called her + Friendship. When the other animals grew weak I fastened the doubletree to + the axle, and thus Friendship alone hauled the wagon fully three hundred + miles. + </p> + <p> + At the Cimmaron Springs we met a company of traders from St. Louis, with a + train of thirty-eight wagons. One of their wagons was loaded with + pitch-pine wood for cooking purposes. It was raining, and a regular plains + storm was coming on. These storms are sometimes tremendously destructive. + A train had been overtaken at this same place the year before, and nearly + all of the animals perished. I counted one hundred and ninety skeletons of + mules that had died in that storm. Many of the men also died. The storm + took place ten days earlier in the season than did the one which then + threatened us. + </p> + <p> + We were invited to his camp by the captain; the others went, but I stayed + in my wagon to write up an account of the trip, which I was obliged to + keep by order of Brigham. Capt. Smith came to my wagon and gave me a drink + of fine brandy. He invited us to take supper and breakfast with him, which + we did. He asked me if I was not afraid to travel with so small a company, + and said the Indians were on the warpath, committing depredations all + along the road; that he had a large train, yet did not consider himself + safe. I answered: + </p> + <p> + "My trust is in God, not in numbers." + </p> + <p> + This led to a conversation on religious subjects. When I told him who I + was, and stated my belief to him, he was much interested in the Mormon + doctrine. At supper he gave us everything to eat that could be desired. + The Captain put up a large tent over my wagon to protect it from the storm + and wind. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the storm was over and we made an early start. The + Captain gave me a cheese, a sack of butter crackers, sardines, and many + other matters which were of value to us on our journey over the plains. He + also gave me his name, age, and place of residence in St. Louis, writing + it in a little blank book which he presented me. He then gave me five + dollars in gold, shook hands, and said: + </p> + <p> + "Remember me in coming days," and we parted. + </p> + <p> + At the Cimmaron crossing of the Arkansas River we met several companies of + Missouri troops. They informed us that Capt. Mann, with three companies, + had been attacked by a body of Southern Pawnee and Cheyenne Indians; that + the troops were defeated and lost seven killed, with a number wounded; + that three of the men had come for help; that Capt. Mann had lost all of + his animals except the three that the messengers escaped with; that the + men only had a small supply of ammunition, and shot it all away before + they retreated. Reinforcements had gone to their assistance and would + bring in the command. + </p> + <p> + They insisted that we stop with them, saying it was madness to attempt to + go on. I told them that my trust was in God, my business urgent, and we + could not stop. We went forward twelve miles, when we met the troops + bringing in the wounded and the remnant of the men who had been engaged + with Capt. Mann in the late Indian fight; they also insisted that we + return with them. They said there were eight hundred mounted Indians not + more than two miles back, following up the rearguard, and that we would be + massacred unless we returned with them. I admit that the prospect looked + dark. Still I felt impressed to push on. + </p> + <p> + Along this river, while it runs in nearly a level country and with no + timber within a hundred miles, there are many washes and gullies that + sometimes run out perhaps a mile from the river. Often these washes, which + are quite deep, caused the road to twist round them, thus forcing one to + travel a couple of miles to gain two hundred yards in distance. It was + near one of these washes that we met the last of the troops. + </p> + <p> + We stopped at the point where the road turned back to the river. My + comrades were in doubt what to do. I felt that the danger was great. While + debating the matter in my mind, my dream that I had the night when I saw + Lieut. Pace at my tent door came fresh before me. I saw the whole + situation. + </p> + <p> + While studying upon this matter I heard a voice - an audible voice - say: + </p> + <p> + "John, leave the road and follow me," + </p> + <p> + The voice appeared to be about twenty feet in front of me, and the same + distance from the earth. I was startled, for no human being was there who + could have spoken thus to me. I said to Lieut. Gully: + </p> + <p> + "Did you hear that voice?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said he. + </p> + <p> + "What shall we do?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "You are intrusted with this mission; follow your impressions and all will + be right," he said. + </p> + <p> + From that moment I felt an invisible power which led me out upon the + plains, away from roads or trails. + </p> + <p> + We went about half a mile, when we came to a low basin, which entirely hid + us from the road. This basin contained about one acre of ground, and was + covered with good grass. I felt impelled to stop there, and did so. It was + then about 1 o'clock, p. m. + </p> + <p> + Soon after halting we saw a cloud of dust made by a large herd of + buffaloes running from the river where they had gone for water and had + been frightened by Indians. We did not see the Indians, for we were + protected by our position. We stayed there and let our animals eat grass + for about one hour and a half. We then drove on, following my invisible + guide, in an easterly direction, over a country entirely strange to me. We + traveled until after dark, when we came to a wash which my spirit guide + directed me to follow to the river. I did so, and came to the very spot + where the Indians had attacked Capt. Mann that morning. Fragments of the + train lay scattered over the plain. + </p> + <p> + Our mules were frightened at the smell of the blood. We watered our + animals, and filled our canteens. The night was still and the least noise + echoed and re-echoed through the river canyons, until it made the place + more than fearful for people in our situation. We traveled until near + midnight, when we turned out our animals, tied the dog to the wagon + tongue, to give us a guard, and then lay down and slept until daylight. + </p> + <p> + We never camped near watering places, nor near the trail. Our reasons for + camping away from water, and at least half a mile from the trail, were to + avoid the Indians. We never had a fire at night. + </p> + <p> + The next day we found a fat young mule, with all its harness on. It had + been frightened during the battle and broken way from the command. It was + fully forty miles from the battleground. I was in need of fresh animals, + for mine were nearly worn out. The finding of this mule gave me renewed + confidence in God, and strengthened my belief that He was leading us. + </p> + <p> + The next day we moved in the same direction. The heavy rains had made the + grass good. Buffalo were constantly in sight. We followed our course three + days, when we struck the trail at a stream called Walnut Creek. + </p> + <p> + Here we found an Indian encampment; the Indians were on a buffalo hunt. We + crossed the creek and camped, concluding to cook our supper and let our + animals eat and rest. It was no use trying to escape from the Indians; + they had seen us and could capture us if they wished to do so. I felt that + the best plan was to appear easy and without fear. + </p> + <p> + Soon after camping, a band of over fifty warriors surrounded us. I offered + to shake hands, but they refused. I offered them pins and needles and some + calico that I had purchased to trade with the Spaniards. They took my + proffered gifts and dashed them on the ground. I began to feel that, + although we had been delivered from former dangers, our time had come. I + remarked to Lieut. Gully, who was a true and faithful man: + </p> + <p> + "Pray in your heart to God, and ask Him to turn away the ire of these + people. They have been abused by white men and soldiers. They think we are + of that class, and only friendly because we are in their power; if they + knew who we are, and that we have been sent to preach the gospel to them, + and teach them its truths through the Book of Mormon, they would die + sooner than see us hurt." + </p> + <p> + An elderly Indian turned to a noble young buck. They talked some time, and + would occasionally point to me. Then they dismounted and came nearer us. + The old man raised his voice and talked in a loud tone and rapid manner to + his men for five or ten minutes. The young buck then spoke to me in + English, much to our surprise. He said: + </p> + <p> + "Young man, this is my father. He is Hard Robe, the war chief of the Osage + Indians. I have been educated in the East. We came here with the intention + of scalping you all. This tribe has been abused by what my father calls + the palefaces, though he wishes to be friendly with them. When a small + part of this nation comes in contact with a larger force of palefaces, + they are shot and abused; but when the Indians have the advantage, the + palefaces want to be friends. We thought you were of that class, but now + my father is satisfied you are good men. I have read the Book of Mormon to + him and to our tribe. I got the book from a preacher who was in the + Cherokee Nation. My father wishes me to say to you that you shall not be + hurt. If you need dried buffalo meat you can have all you want. Do not be + afraid, we will not harm you, but you must remain here until morning, + otherwise you might fall in with some of my father's braves, who, not + knowing who you are, would attack you. If you stay until morning I shall + go with you until you are out of danger." + </p> + <p> + To this I replied that we must go on; that we had letters from the Mormon + Battalion to their friends at home, and must go at once. The young man + told the chief what I said. The chief replied through the young warrior: + </p> + <p> + "If you cannot stay, I will send word to the other chiefs not to hurt you. + They may not see you, as they are away from the trail, but I will send + runners to tell them to let you pass in peace." + </p> + <p> + We thanked him, and I told him I was raised among the Delawares and + Cherokees; that when a child I used to play with them before they were + removed to this country, and was still their friend. + </p> + <p> + The chief then asked if we wanted any dried meat. I told him no, that I + preferred fresh meat. I saw a buffalo near by, and asked them to kill it, + and bring me some of the meat. One of the Indians rode for the buffalo at + full speed of his pony. The well- trained beast stopped when near the + buffalo, and the Indian shot it down; then he jumped from his saddle and + cut out a piece of the hump, and returned with it before we were ready to + start. I gave the Indians what trinkets we had and started on again. It + was now after sunset. + </p> + <p> + Here was another manifestation of Almighty God. I felt so grateful for our + deliverance that I could not restrain my tears of gratitude. I care not + what people may call me. I know there is a just God, and a Rewarder of + those who diligently seek Him. I know that my Redeemer liveth and I shall + see Him for myself and not for another. Though the day of my execution be + now at hand - four days only are given me to continue this story of my + life - my trust is in that Arm that cannot be broken. Though men may err, + and cruelly betray each other unto death, nevertheless the hope of my + calling in Christ Jesus, my Lord, is the same with me. I shall rest in + peace. However, I must not destroy the thread of my narrative. I must + continue, to the end that my story live when I am no more. + </p> + <p> + The next day two Indians came to us, but they could not talk English, and + we could not speak their tongue, so we had no conversation. I am certain + from the actions of the two Indians that the old chief had kept his word + with us and notified his tribe to let us go in safety. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the Pawnee Fork, a tributary of the Arkansas, we found Capt. + Bullard's train of thirty wagons. They lay by all day searching for eight + mules that had been stampeded by the Indians, although picketed and + closely guarded. The company could not find a trace of them. + </p> + <p> + The men were a rough, boisterous set, and, while our animals were weary, I + concluded that it was best to go further before camping. It was raining, + but that made traveling better, for the country was sandy. + </p> + <p> + We camped that night at Ash Creek. We now felt that we were over the worst + of our dangers, but we still had enough of trials before us to keep the + expedition from becoming a pleasure trip. + </p> + <p> + Next morning our riding animals were unable to travel. They refused to go + on. I went to God in prayer and laid our case before Him, and asked that + He open up the path for our deliverance. That night I dreamed that I was + exceedingly hungry and had little to eat, when several ears of large, + solid corn were handed me by an angel, who said: + </p> + <p> + "This will meet your needs until you are where there is plenty." + </p> + <p> + The ears of corn were of different colors; one ear was jet black, but + perfectly sound; one was red, and one was yellow. I was much pleased with + the corn and felt there was not much danger of suffering now. The next + morning our animals still looked bad; only two of our riding animals could + raise a trot. Lieut. Gully said that unless God soon sent us some fresh + animals we would have to give up. + </p> + <p> + "We will not give up," said I. "God has protected us thus far and we will + trust in Him - in the eleventh hour of our trouble He will aid us. We will + find help to-day." + </p> + <p> + "I hope so," said he. "Have you been dreaming again?" + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I related my dream about the corn, and said that I thought the + ears of corn meant mules. + </p> + <p> + After prayer (we always kneeled in prayer, night and morning) we started + on our way. The mules could hardly travel. + </p> + <p> + We had gone about six miles when we saw fresh tracks made by shod animals, + that appeared to be dragging long ropes and pins. The tracks were + following the trail and going in the same direction that we were + traveling. We had a long down grade before us. The plain was dotted here + and there with herds of buffalo. I halted and with my spyglass took a + careful survey of the country. My efforts were rewarded by the sight of + mules feeding among the buffalo. + </p> + <p> + We went on until we arrived as close to them as we could go without + leaving the trail. We called a halt, turned our mules loose, then spread + out the oilcloth that I used to feed the mules on, and scattered a little + of the grain we had left on the cloth. The strange mules saw it, and came + running to get a feed of grain. We got hold of the ropes that were on the + necks of four of the mules and tied them together. + </p> + <p> + There was a black mare mule that was quite shy, but I finally caught the + rope that was on her neck. The mule at that came at me with her ears + turned back and mouth open. She caught me by the arm and bit me severely, + then turned and ran away. Lieut. Gully said: + </p> + <p> + "Let her go, she will kill some of us." + </p> + <p> + "No, we will not let her go," said I. + </p> + <p> + Again I caught her, and she made for me again, but I caught the rope near + the end where it was fastened to an iron pin, and struck her a blow with + the pin, which knocked her down. I then placed my knee on her neck, and + caught her by the nose with my hands. I held her in this way until a + bridle was put on her, after which we were able to manage her easily. I + hitched this wild mule to the wagon by the side of Friendship. We now had + fresh riding animals, and turned our jaded ones loose, and drove them + before us. + </p> + <p> + At Kane Creek we lost the mule that I got from the soldiers in Santa Fe. + It drank more of the alkali water than was good for it; we left it on the + plains and went our way. We saw so many fresh Indian signs that we knew we + had no time to stay and doctor sick mules. A few nights later I saw a + large body of Indians among the cedars on a mountain, not far off, but our + lucky star was guiding us, for soon we met three hundred soldiers, with + whom we camped that night. The force was so strong that the Indians did + not attack us. Next day we met soldiers frequently, and every few hours + thereafter we encountered troops until we reached Fort Leavenworth. + </p> + <p> + It was storming hard when we got to St. Joseph, Missouri. We put up at a + hotel, but before our animals were in a stable Eagan was gone. I could not + find him that night, albeit we searched for him diligently. I was afraid + he would be robbed; but he happened to meet honest men, as drunkards will, + who put him in bed, and kept him and his money in safety until morning. + After leaving St. Joseph, where we had purchased a lot of supplies, we + started for winter quarters; we had to go through six feet of snow the + whole distance. + </p> + <p> + We reached our friends. I had two hundred dollars, of which the soldiers + had made me a present. I took three of the mules we had found on the way, + and divided the others between my companions. We reached winter quarters, + now called Florence, on the 15th day of December, 1846. The snow was deep, + and my family, all living in tents, were in a suffering condition. But I + must report to Brigham, then attend to my family. My family received me as + they always did, with open arms and thankful hearts. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0017" id="linklink2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII - LEE IS TREATED BADLY BY THE BRETHREN + </h2> + <p> + With me I had brought home about all that my team could haul of supplies, + clothing, and groceries, which soon made my family comfortable. I had met + Brigham and shaken hands with him, but had not made my report or delivered + the money to him. The next morning Brigham called to see me, and notified + me that the Council would meet at nine o'clock at Dr. Richards', and for + me to be there and make my report. He appeared ashamed of the manner in + which my family had been treated. + </p> + <p> + "Brother Brigham, how does this compare with your promises to me, when I + trusted all to you?" I said. + </p> + <p> + "Brother John," Brigham replied, "I am ashamed of the conduct of this + people. Do not blame me, Brother John, for I have done the best I could." + Then putting his hand on my shoulder, he said: "Don't feel bad about it. + You will live through, and the day will come when we can look back and see + what we have endured for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. Lord bless you, + Brother John." + </p> + <p> + Allow me to jump from 1847 to 1877, just thirty years. I have remained + faithful to the end. I was adopted by Brigham, and was to seek his + interests here, and in return he was to seek my salvation; I, being an + heir of his family, was to share his blessings in common with his other + heirs. True to my pledges, I have done his bidding. I have let him direct + my energies in all things. And the time has come for me to receive my + reward. An offering must be made; I must hew the wood and build the altar; + then, as did Abraham of old with his son Isaac, I must be laid upon the + altar as a sacrifice. I must meet my fate without murmuring or + complaining; I must submit, true to the end. If I endure firm to the end, + I will receive the martyr's crown. + </p> + <p> + After my return, my first duty was to build comfortable houses for my + family. Soon afterwards I was sent to St. Joseph to cash the checks and + purchase goods to supply the wants of the people. I was directed to + purchase a lot of salt and potatoes from a Frenchman at Trading Point. I + did so, and bought three hundred dollars' worth on credit, and sent it + back to the settlement. I had to borrow the money from Mrs. Armstrong to + pay the three hundred dollars. But she was afterwards sealed to me, and it + was then all in the family. I never asked Brigham for it, and he never + offered to pay it. + </p> + <p> + On that trip to St. Joseph I bought fifteen hundred dollars' worth of + goods, such as were needed at the settlement. I advanced seven hundred + dollars of my own money; the remainder was from the money sent home by the + Mormon Battalion. I took the goods back and we opened a store at winter + quarters. Brother Rockwood acted as chief clerk and salesman. We sold the + goods at a great advance. What cost us seven cents in St. Joseph we sold + at sixty- five cents. Everything was sold at a similar profit. I kept the + stock up during the winter and did a good business. One drawback was this: + many of the families of the men who were in the Mormon Battalion had no + money, and we were obliged to let them have goods on credit. I had to + stand the loss myself, for few of the men ever paid a dollar due me when + they returned. + </p> + <p> + Andrew Little was in the battalion, and at the request of Brigham I let + his family have two hundred and fifty-eight dollars' worth of goods. + Brigham said I should have my money when Little returned, but I never got + any of it. Little was also an adopted son of Brigham, and did about as he + pleased. James Pace, Thomas Woolsey, and a few others of the soldiers paid + me when they returned for what I had advanced their families, but the + majority never paid. + </p> + <p> + When I returned from Santa Fe I found David Young, his wife, and two + daughters lying sick and helpless - really in want. I took care of them + and supplied them with food and such articles as they required until the + death of the father, mother, and one son, which took place in a short time + - a few months after my return home. I had baptized this family in Putnam + County, Tennessee, and felt an interest in them. The two girls were sealed + to me while we stayed at winter quarters, and became members of my family. + They are both living. By them I have had three sons and three daughters. + They were sealed to me in 1847. I was also sealed to Nancy Armstrong the + same evening that I took the Young girls to wife. A few evenings + afterwards I was sealed to Emeline Woolsey. She was my thirteenth wife. + </p> + <p> + Nancy Armstrong's maiden name was Gibbons. She was the wife of a wealthy + merchant by the name of Armstrong, who owned a large establishment in + Louisville, and another in Carlisle, Kentucky, at which places he did + business as wholesale and retail dealer in dry goods. I became acquainted + with the family at Carlisle, while preaching there. + </p> + <p> + The people of Carlisle were bitter enemies of the Mormon Church, and a mob + threatened to tar and feather me one night, when Armstrong took me home + with him and protected me. He was not a believer in any religion, but I + always considered him a high- minded, honorable man. I afterwards often + stopped at the house. + </p> + <p> + His wife and sister Sarah were believers in the Mormon faith, but as Mr. + Armstrong was not, I advised his wife not to become a member of the + Church, and refused to baptize her until her husband would consent to it. + Elder Smoot afterwards baptized Sarah Gibbons and Nancy Armstrong. + </p> + <p> + Brother Smoot had taken his wife with him on the mission, and she laid the + plan to get Sarah to go to Nauvoo. A wagon was sent to take Sarah Gibbons' + goods to Nauvoo, and in it Mrs. Armstrong sent her valuable clothing and + jewelry, amounting to more than two thousand dollars. She intended to join + the Saints at the first chance. + </p> + <p> + Within a few months after Sarah had gone Mrs. Armstrong got the consent of + her husband to pay a visit to her sister and the Church at Nauvoo; he + fitted her up in fine style, sending two serving maids to wait on her. + </p> + <p> + Soon after she left home the friends of Armstrong advised him to stop his + slaves at St. Louis, if he wanted to keep them, for his wife would never + return to him. Armstrong stopped the slaves, and his wife went on to + Nauvoo, where she stayed until the Saints left that place after the death + of the Prophet. Elder Smoot had planned to get Mrs. Armstrong to Nauvoo, + so he could be sealed to her and get her property. Sarah Gibbons was + sealed to Elder Smoot, but Mrs. Armstrong would not consent to take him as + her husband; but she lived in the family until she got disgusted with + Smoot's treatment of her sister. She loaned him nearly all her money and + he never paid it back; he wanted the rest, but she refused to let him have + it; he then declined to take her with him across the plains. She told her + griefs to my wife Rachel, and Rachel brought about the marriage between + her and myself. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Armstrong told Rachel that I was the first man on earth to bring the + gospel to her, and she had always had a great regard for me, but I + appeared to treat her coldly. Rachel told her that I always spoke kindly + of her, and the reason I had not been more friendly was because I thought + she wanted to become a member of Brother Smoot's family; that she had + heard me speak of her in terms of praise many times. + </p> + <p> + Finally she came to my house and I asked her, in the presence of my wives, + to become a member of my family. My wives advised me to be sealed to her, + and, as the matter was agreeable all round, I was. Brigham sealed her and + the Young girls to me. She was a true, affectionate woman. My whole family + respected her. She was forty-eight years of age when she was sealed to me, + and remained a true wife until her death. + </p> + <p> + In matters of this kind I tried to act from principle and not from + passion. Yet I do not pretend to say that all such acts wore directed by + principle, for I know they were not. I am not blind to my own faults. I + have been a proud man, and in my younger days I thought I was perfection. + In those days, too, I expected perfection in all women. I know now that I + was foolish in looking for that in anybody. I have, for slight offenses, + turned away good-meaning young women who had been sealed to me; refused to + hear their excuses, and sent them away heartbroken. + </p> + <p> + In this I did wrong. I have regretted the same in sorrow many years. Two + of the young women so used still keep warm hearts for me, notwithstanding + my conduct toward them. They were young and in the prime of life when I + sent them from me. They have since married again, and are the mothers of + families. They frequently send letters to comfort me in my troubles and + afflictions, but their kind remembrances serve only to add to my + self-reproach for my cruel treatment of them in past years. I banished + them from me for lesser offenses than I myself had been guilty of. + </p> + <p> + Should my story ever fall into the hands of Emeline Woolsey or Polly Ann + Workman, I wish them to know that, with my last breath, I asked God to + pardon me for the wrong I did them, when I drove them from me - poor young + girls as they were. + </p> + <p> + Brigham built a gristmill during the winter, and ground meal for the + people, charging a toll for all that the mill ground. In the spring I was + ordered to go out and preach, and raise thirty-three wagons with the mules + and harness to draw them. I succeeded in getting thirty of the teams. + Brigham told me to go again, that he had asked for thirty-three teams, not + for thirty. I went again, and preached so that I soon had the other teams. + I then turned the whole outfit over to Brigham, so he could send his + pioneers to look up a new home for the Saints. I offered to go with the + company, but Brigham said: + </p> + <p> + "I cannot spare you; I can spare others better than you." + </p> + <p> + Brigham directed me to take my family and a company and go and raise corn + for the people. He said: + </p> + <p> + "I want you to take a company, with your family, and go up the river and + open up a farm, and raise grain and vegetables to feed the needy and the + soldiers' families. We cannot depend on hauling our substance from + Missouri, to feed the many that we have on our hands. I want so much grain + raised that all will be supplied next winter, for we must feed our animals + grain if we wish to cross the plains next spring. There is an old military + fort about eighteen miles above here, where the land was once farmed, and + that land is in good condition for farming now. We will leave Father + Morley in charge of the various settlements. Brother Heber C. Kimball will + send some of his boys and make another farm this side of there." Then + turning to Father Morley, he said: "I want John to take charge of the + farming interests and the settlement at my place, and you must counsel and + advise with him from time to time. I want you and all the brethren to + understand that the land nearest the settlement is to be divided between + John and his wives, for they are workers. The others are to go further for + their land." + </p> + <p> + At this I said that such an arrangement would not give satisfaction to the + people; there were several of his adopted sons already jealous of me, and + I feared the consequences, and preferred to have the land divided more + equally. + </p> + <p> + "Who is jealous of you?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + Then I named several persons to him. In reply he said, naming a man, that + he would work all day under the shade of a tree. Another could work all + day in a half-bushel. Then he said: + </p> + <p> + "Such men will do but little; let them go to some outside place for their + land. I want those who will work to have the best land. Let each family + have an acre near the settlement for a garden and truck patch. And now, + Father Morley, I want you to see that John and his family have all the + cleared land they can tend, for I know they will raise a good crop, and + when it is raised we can all share with him. I want a company to follow + Brother John, about the 1st of May, when the grass is good, made up of men + that can fit themselves out comfortably. My brother, John Young, will lead + them, and Jedde Grant will be their captain." Then he turned to me and + said: "Brother John, I want you to fit my brother John out. If he needs + oxen, let him have them, and I will pay them back; see that he gets a good + outfit. When he leaves here Father Morley will take charge of the Church. + I want the brethren to do as Brother John tells them; he carries a good + in- fluence wherever he goes; no evil reports follow him from his field of + labor; all respect him, and that is evidence to me that he carries himself + straight." + </p> + <p> + Now, I settled up my business at the winter quarters. Brigham was indebted + to the firm two hundred and eighty-five dollars; he had not the money to + settle the account, and he was just starting to look out a resting place + for the Saints. His first adopted son, Brother Rockwood, our salesman, + could not spare a dollar, so the loss of that money fell on me. I told + Brigham he was welcome to the two hundred and eighty-five dollars. Before + he left for the new land of promise he said to me: + </p> + <p> + "My son John, what shall I do for you?" + </p> + <p> + "Select me an inheritance when you find the resting-place," said I. + </p> + <p> + "I will remember you. May Heaven bless you. I bless you. Be a good boy. + Keep an account of how each man under your charge occupies his time, while + I am gone." + </p> + <p> + Brigham then said I was to have half the improvements that were made, and + half the crop that was raised by the company I fitted out with teams, + seeds, and provisions. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer company started April 1st, 1847. We moved to our new location, + and called it Summer Quarters. We threw up a fort to protect us from the + Indians, as they were troublesome. We then laid out our land. I found that + if I obeyed orders it would require all the cleared land for my family, so + I set off three acres to each family - there were thirty-seven families - + for gardens, and took the balance. + </p> + <p> + Although I had given each family three times as much land, for a garden + and truck patch, as Brigham ordered, the people found a great deal of + fault with me. Mrs. Armstrong had some money left, and she told me to take + it and send for supplies and seed corn. I did take it, and sent four teams + to Missouri for corn and provisions, and then set all hands at work + building the fort and putting the land in order for the crop. + </p> + <p> + About the beginning of May thirty-eight warriors of the Oto tribe came to + our camp. They were in full paint, and on the warpath. They came in on the + yell, and at full speed. It was just daylight; I was laying the foundation + of a house when they came to me. I threw logs against them as if I did not + see them, but most of the brethren kept out of sight. + </p> + <p> + The Indians began to build a fire in my garden, and one raised his gun to + shoot one of my oxen which the boys were driving up. The majority of the + Indians formed a half circle, holding their bows fully strung, and + commenced a war dance. We had been told not to shoot Indians, but to take + sticks and whale them when they commenced any depredations. As the Indian + took the leather casing from his gun so that he could shoot, I rushed them + with a heavy club, with the intention of knocking down as many as I could. + I could speak their language some, and I told them I would kill them all + if they shot my ox. They saw that I meant what I said. Then the two chiefs + held out their hands, and yelled to the warrior not to shoot. He lowered + his gun and returned to the crowd, but he was very angry. The other + Indians seemed amazed, and stood as if paralyzed. Old man Knight followed + me with a club, and stood by me all the time. Joseph Busby said: + </p> + <p> + "Hold on, Brother Lee, they outnumber us." + </p> + <p> + "For all that," said I, "there are not Indians enough in their nation to + make me stand by and see them shoot down my oxen before my eyes." + </p> + <p> + Busby then ran into the house to load my gun, but he was so frightened he + could not get the powder in it, and my wife Rachel loaded it for him. I + looked around to see how things were, and saw seven of my wives standing + with guns in their hands, ready to shoot if I was attacked. I succeeded in + driving the Indians from the settlement. + </p> + <p> + Some time after the Indians had gone away an old chief returned and + brought an ax that he said one of his bucks had stolen. I gave him a + little ammunition and bread, and he left me as a friend. + </p> + <p> + My firm stand saved the settlement at that time and secured it from + molestation in the future. The Indians never bothered us at Summer + Quarters again. In the fall they made us a friendly visit, and called me a + Sioux. + </p> + <p> + Near our settlement there was an abundance of wild game - deer, turkey, + prairie chickens, ducks, geese, brant, and squirrels - which gave us much + of our food during our stay. We worked diligently and raised a great crop + of corn and vegetables. We built comfortable houses, and made the floors + and roofs of basswood, which was plenty near by, and worked easily. + </p> + <p> + In July the people were all sick. The fever and ague were fairly a + contagion. Other diseases were not uncommon. In August and September + seventeen of our people died. During these months we had hardly a + sufficient number of well people to attend to the sick. The most of my + family were very sick. My little son, Heber John, the child of my first + wife, Agathe Ann, died; also David Young, Sr., the father of my two wives, + Polly and Louisa; also their brother, David Young, Jr. I lay at the point + of death for some time. I was in a trance nearly one hour and a half. + </p> + <p> + While in this condition my wives Rachel and Nancy stood over me like + guardian angels, and prayed for me. My spirit left the body and I was + taken into another sphere, where I saw myriads of people - many of whom I + was acquainted with and had known on earth. The atmosphere that they dwelt + in was pure and hallowed. Pain and sorrow were unknown. All was joy and + peace. Each spirit was blest with all the pleasure its ability enabled it + to comprehend and enjoy. They had full knowledge of earthly doings and + also of the sphere where they were so blest. The glory of God shone upon + them, the power of Heaven over-shadowed them all, and was to them a shield + from temptations and dangers. I was anxious to remain, but the spirits + told me I must return to the body and remain in it until my appointed time + for death - that my work on earth was not yet finished. I obeyed, but did + so with reluctance, and once more entered the body, then apparently + lifeless upon the bed of sickness. + </p> + <p> + After taking possession of the body again I lay some time in deep thought, + contemplating the majesty of God's works. I then spoke to my faithful + nurses, and told them of what I had done, heard, and witnessed. I + recovered from my sickness, but my life was for some time a misery to me. + I longed to join that angelic host I had so lately visited in their + mansions of glory and pleasure, where I knew I was to go when I escaped + from this body of earthly material. + </p> + <p> + This feeling of anxiety to go to my eternal rest was strengthened by the + bitter, malignant actions of men who acted like demons toward me and mine. + Every species of intrigue and meanness was resorted to by several of the + brethren to injure and torment me. They were jealous of me and anxious to + provoke me to violence. Everything that envy and hatred could suggest was + tried to break up and scatter my family. Finally they reported to Father + Morley that nothing but a change of rulers in the settlement would bring + peace. + </p> + <p> + Father Morley came, with several elders, and called a meeting, at which he + heard all the parties state their grievances against me. He then told them + they had brought nothing against me that reflected upon me as presiding + officer; that I had acted well and for the best interest of the entire + people; that all the trouble arose from the wrong acts of the people. + </p> + <p> + One of the brethren, C. Kennedy, proposed a change. He wanted a High + Priest to preside instead of a Seventy. I was tired of my position and + consented to the change. A man by the name of Fuller was selected by + Kennedy to rule over the people. Father Morley put the question to a vote + of the people, and said that all who wished a change of rulers should hold + up their hands. Only two hands were raised. Then he said that all who + wished me to remain in charge should raise their hands, when every person + present but two voted that I should still be the ruler at Summer Quarters. + </p> + <p> + Father Morley called upon the two brethren who had voted for a change to + get up and tell what they had against me. They could give no good reason + for wanting a change. They said they had never lived by a better neighbor + or kinder man than I was, but that I was too kind. I let the people run + over me; and they voted for a change believing it would tend to unite the + people and satisfy those who had been raising a fuss and finding fault. + </p> + <p> + Father Morley told them it was wrong to vote against a good man for such + reasons. He talked to the people on the principles of their religion for + some time, and advised them to forsake their evil ways, for they were + going in a road that led to hell. This ended my troubles for a time, but I + soon found that my enemies had only let go their hold to spit on their + hands and get a better one. + </p> + <p> + They asked to be allowed to organize a Danite force for the protection of + the settlement. This was to be entirely apart from me. I granted their + request. It was next decided to build an estray pound. A meeting was + called and it was agreed that each man should build fence in proportion to + the amount of stock he owned, and that the public corral should be used + for the estray pound. But no stock was to be put into the pound until all + the fencing was done and the gates set up. I at once completed my fencing, + but the grumblers had no time to work; they were too busy finding fault. + The whole thing was a subterfuge, and was meant to bother me. There was no + need of a pound, as our cattle were herded in daytime and corralled at + night. But I submitted, for I knew I could live by their laws as well as + they. + </p> + <p> + One evening, as my cattle were being driven up for the night, one of the + oxen broke through a brush fence and got into a patch of corn. The + herdsman ran him out in a moment. Instead of holding the herder + responsible for the damage, or coming to me to make a complaint and demand + pay for the wrong, they took my ox out of the corral, and, contrary to the + vote of the people, tied him up in Wm. Pace's private corral. I was the + only man who had made his fence, as ordered by the meeting. I did not know + that they had my ox tied up (for work had not been done to justify putting + any stock in the pound). + </p> + <p> + Next morning I sent one of my boys to yoke up my oxen; he returned and + informed me that one of my oxen was missing. I soon found the ox, and + demanded its release. I was told I must pay twenty dollars before I could + have the ox, and pay it in money. I saw this was done to worry me, and + sent word that I would pay in any kind of property I had. + </p> + <p> + They refused everything but money or butter. I had neither to spare, and + they well knew it. I was still weak from my recent sickness, but I walked + over and had a talk with Wm. Pace and tried to reason with him, but to no + purpose. I told him he ought to take pay for damage done by stock in the + kind of property that the stock had injured, but no, I must pay money or + butter, or lose my ox. I reflected a moment and concluded that forbearance + had ceased to be a virtue; that unless I defended my rights I would soon + be without anything worth protecting. I then walked into the yard, untied + the ox, and told my boy to drive him home. Pace stood by the gate with a + large cane, but made no resistance; in fact, he was not a bad man, but was + being misled by evil company. + </p> + <p> + Kennedy, Busby, Dunn, and others were a little way off. They saw me, and + came running up. Kennedy was the bully of the camp, and the leader of + those against me. He came up and said: + </p> + <p> + "If I had been here you would not have turned that ox out. I would have + switched you if you had tried it." + </p> + <p> + "Kennedy," I said, "I have lost property enough without your oppressing me + any more." + </p> + <p> + He shoved his fist under my nose. I parried his blow, and told him that he + would do well to keep at a proper distance from me. He again made a pass + at me. I then threw down my hat and said: + </p> + <p> + "If you attempt that again you must take what follows." + </p> + <p> + He came at me the third time, and as he did so I aimed to spoil his face, + but he dropped his head as I struck; the blow took effect on his eyebrow, + and badly sprained my thumb. We were on a little knoll, full of stumps of + small trees that had been cut down. Kennedy caught hold of me and + commenced shoving me back. + </p> + <p> + I knew that my strength would not last long. I did not wish to risk having + a tussle among the stumps, so I backed towards the cleared ground. I + fastened my left hand in his long black hair to steady myself, and as I + reached the flat ground I suddenly leaped back, breaking his hold by + tearing my shirt. I then jerked him forward at an angle of forty-five + degrees, and planted my fist in his face; stepping back, and drawing him + after me, I kept feeding him in the face with my fist, the blood spurting + over me. + </p> + <p> + The crowd saw their bully getting the worst of it, and ran in to help him. + Brother Teeples caught me around the arms, to prevent me striking any + more. My Rachel, who was standing by, called to her brother, James + Woolsey, and he came and took hold of Kennedy and separated us. I was + sorry that this fight took place, for I had severely punished the bully, + and his face was badly bruised. + </p> + <p> + This suited the people; I had shown violence, and now they could lay a + charge against me that they thought would stand. I was cited to appear + before the High Council, and be dealt with according to the rules of the + Church, for a breach of the peace and for unchristian conduct. + </p> + <p> + The whole people were not against me, only a few; but there were enough of + them to keep up a constant broil. They began consecrating my property to + their own use; killed my cattle, and ate them, and stole everything that + was loose. They stole wheat from my graneries, had it ground, and ate it, + and bragged about it. + </p> + <p> + Kennedy, by the evil influences he commanded, induced my young wife, + Emeline, to leave me and go to his house, and she went with his family to + the winter quarters. That was the reason that I turned her away and + refused to take her back. She repented, and wished to come back, but I + would not receive her. + </p> + <p> + Similar influences were brought to bear on all of my family, but without + success. Such treatment was not calculated to bind me to such a people, + whose only aim appeared to be to deprive me of every comfort and enjoyment + that made life endurable. I was in great trouble; in place of friends I + had found enemies. There was a struggle in my mind to decide what I should + do. I looked upon those of my family that remained true and shared my + persecutions, and knew that if I left the Church I could not keep or live + with them; that if I left I must part with all but my first wife and her + children, and to do so was worse than death. I did not know what to do. I + finally appeared before the High Council to meet my accusers, who had + formed a combination to destroy me. I had few friends to defend me, and + they were in a measure powerless. They dared not speak their mind in my + behalf. + </p> + <p> + Father Morley was true to the last, although he was becoming unpopular on + account of having so long supported me. Lieut. Gully was another true + friend of mine; he said he would never turn against me until I had done + something wrong, even if Brigham should desire him to do so. This lost him + his influence in the Council. + </p> + <p> + The most willful and damnable lies were brought up against me. Many things + which had been said and done in moments of amusement and jocularity were + remembered, as though I had said and done those things for wicked + purposes. Everything that could be discovered or invented to injure me was + laid to my charge. All who were against me had a full chance to talk. + </p> + <p> + Brother Johnson, who was there, but not as a member of the Council, was + called upon to fill a vacancy occasioned by the absence of some member. He + made a speech to the Council, and showed where I had acted well; he then + voted for my acquittal. Brother Cummings, who had been a member of the + Council when I was first tried in the summer, and who then took my part, + now thought he would make himself popular with the people, so he + volunteered his evidence and bore false witness against me. This man's + action was wrong and uncharitable. I had been more than a brother to him + in the past; I had supplied his family with food when they would have + suffered but for the help I gave them. + </p> + <p> + The result of the trial was that I was ordered to confess I had been in + fault; that I was alone to blame, and must ask the people to forgive me. + If I refused I was to be cut off from the Church. + </p> + <p> + To a man in my situation it was equivalent to death to be cut off from the + Church; my wives would be taken from me, my property consecrated to the + Church, and I turned adrift, broken and disgraced, and liable to suffer + death at the hand of any brother Danite who wished to take my life to save + my soul. I replied that in justice to myself I could not make such + confession, but, if nothing else would do, I would say as the Council + commended me to say - that is, I would make the confession. I was told + that this would not do; that no whipping of the devil around a stump would + do them; my confession must be full and unconditional. + </p> + <p> + What the result would have been I cannot say, for just then a messenger + returned, saying that Brigham was near at hand, on his return with the + pioneers who had gone out with him to look for a resting place for the + Saints. This stopped proceedings. + </p> + <p> + The majority of the people rushed forth to meet Brigham. I returned home, + conscious of my innocence and willing that the people should have the + first show to talk to Brigham and give him their side of the case. I did + this so that I might see how much he could be stuffed. + </p> + <p> + The people told their story and misrepresented me in every way; they told + Brigham how I had divided the land, and said that I and Father Morley both + declared that he had ordered me and my family to take the cleared land. + </p> + <p> + Brigham sided against me. + </p> + <p> + After that there was nothing left undone by many of the people to irritate + or injure me or my family. + </p> + <p> + My property was stolen, my fences broken down, and everything that vile + men could imagine or work up by studying deviltry was done to make life a + burden to me. I had raised over seven thousand bushels of corn, and + everyone had a good crop. I had a large lot filled up in the husk, and I + let my cattle run to it so as to keep them fat during the winter, that I + might drive them over the plains in the spring. My enemies took advantage + of my position, and drove my cattle from my own corn pile and put them + into the estray pound. I offered to put all the corn I had into their + hands as security, until I could have a meeting called to examine into the + charge. I wanted my cows at home, for we needed the milk. I had a large + family, and many little children that would suffer without milk. Half the + men in the settlement offered to go my security, but to no purpose. I sent + Lieut. Gully to Brigham with a statement of the case, but he paid no + attention to it. Gully was well acquainted with Brigham, and a fine man + too. He insisted on giving Brigham the story in full, and demanded that he + should go in person and see to the matter. But Brigham was immovable. + </p> + <p> + Things stood this way until Emeline, one of Brigham's wives, took the + matter to heart, and begged him to look into the affair. She asked him to + bring her to my house, to visit her sister Louisa, then one of my wives. + He came, but said little of the trouble, and soon left. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards I wrote Brigham a kind letter, and invited him to come + to my house and eat a turkey dinner with me. I sent this by Brother + Stewart. He met Brigham on his way to my house and gave him my letter. I + did not expect he would come to see me, but he was there. He treated me + most kindly. When supper time came he said to one of my wives: + </p> + <p> + "Sister, I have come for a bowl of good milk, but skim the cream off." + </p> + <p> + "We have no milk," she replied. + </p> + <p> + "How is that?" said he. "I thought Brother John always had milk." I then + told him that the Danites had my cows in the pound. + </p> + <p> + "What on earth are they doing with your cows?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + Then I told him the whole story in a few words. He scarcely waited to hear + me, but called to his carriage driver, Grant, and said: + </p> + <p> + "Come, George, I will go and see about this matter." + </p> + <p> + He soon returned, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Your cows will presently be here." + </p> + <p> + Brigham then asked me where my turkey was. I told him Kennedy had robbed + me of all my turkeys, but perhaps I could borrow one from him. I then sent + Brother Gully to ask Kennedy to loan me a couple of fat turkey's; that I + had Brigham at my house and wanted them for his supper. He sent word that + Brigham was welcome to all the turkeys he wanted, at his house. I then + told Brigham I would go hunting and get him a nice one for dinner the next + day. I went out that night with Gully and hunted some time, but the snow + was a foot deep or more, and a crust had frozen, so that it was difficult + hunting. At last we found a large flock of turkeys at roost in the tall + Cottonwood timber. I shot two by starlight; one fell in the river, and we + lost it, but the other fell dead at the roots of the tree. This was a + large and fat turkey. I considered that it would do, and we returned home + with it. We had been gone only a little over an hour. + </p> + <p> + Brigham stayed at my house. We sat by the fire and talked until midnight. + I unbosomed myself to him. I told him of my ill treatment, and asked if I + had failed in any respect to perform the duties of the mission he gave me + before starting with the pioneers across the plains. I told him of the + great crop we had raised; that we had it in abundance to feed the poor and + for every purpose; so much, in fact, that there was no sale for it. He + said: + </p> + <p> + "You have done well, and you shall be blessed for it." + </p> + <p> + To this I replied that I hoped my blessings would be different from those + I had been receiving. He replied: + </p> + <p> + "Jesus has said, In this world you shall have tribulation, but in Me you + shall have peace - that is, if you bear these things patiently, without + murmuring." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0018" id="linklink2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII - THE DANITE AND HIS DUTY + </h2> + <p> + While my mind is running in that direction let me tell of certain of the + doings of the Danites. These stories I relate will illustrate the purpose + and uses of the Danite in the work of the Mormon Church, and show how the + sword of Gideon was wielded in cases smaller than the affair at Mountain + Meadows, still to be written down. What follows are instances of thousands + of like kind. + </p> + <p> + In the fall of 1859 two young men on their way to California stopped at + the Santa Clara fort to recruit their jaded animals. Expecting that while + doing so they might be so fortunate as to meet with a train of people + going to the same place, and have company to San Bernardino, the young men + stayed at the fort over two months. Hamblin, one of the Danites, assured + them that they could go alone through the country with perfect safety. At + the same time he had his plans laid to take their lives as soon as they + started. This was by direction of the Mormon leaders. The Indians around + the fort wanted to kill the men at once, but Hamblin objected, and told + the Indians to wait until the men got out in the desert. + </p> + <p> + At last these young men started from the fort. Hamblin told the Indians + that the right time had come, and wanted the Indians to ambush themselves + at a point agreed on near the desert, where the men could be safely + killed. The Indians obeyed Hamblin's orders, and as the men approached the + place of ambush fired upon them, killing one of the men. The other + returned the fire, and shot one of Hamblin's pet Indians through the hand; + this Indian's name was Queets, which means left-handed. By wounding this + Indian he managed to escape, with the loss of the pack animals, + provisions, and the riding animal of his partner, who lay dead upon the + desert. The survivor stayed with Mr. Judd for a few days, when a company + of emigrants came that way, and, departing with them, he succeeded in + making his escape from the death that Hamblin still planned for him. + </p> + <p> + One day, this was in 1857, an emigrant train was passing through the + Mormon settlements. Hamblin, the Danite at Santa Clara, made arrangements + with Nephi Johnson, who was to act as their guide, how and where to + relieve this company of the large herd of stock that belonged to the + train. They had a number of horses and cattle, more than five hundred head + in all. Several Indian interpreters were sent ahead of the train. One of + these was Ira Hatch, a Danite. They were ordered by Hamblin to prepare the + Indians for a raid upon the stock. + </p> + <p> + About 10 o'clock, a. m., just after the train had crossed the Muddy, and + was a few miles beyond it on the desert, at the time and place settled on + by Hamblin, over one hundred Indians made a dash on the train and drove + off all the stock to the Muddy. + </p> + <p> + The emigrants fired at the Indians, but Nephi Johnson their guide, rushed + out and told them that if they valued their own lives they must not fire + again, for if they did he could not protect them from the cruelty of the + savages - that the Indians would return and massacre them. + </p> + <p> + The acting of Johnson and the other Danites who were with him was so good + that after a consultation the emigrants decided to follow his advice. The + conclusion was that, as Johnson was friendly with the Indians, and could + talk their language, he should go and see the Indians and try and get the + stock back. + </p> + <p> + The emigrants waited in the desert, and Johnson went to the Indians, or + pretended to do so. After a few hours he returned, and reported that the + Indians were hostile, and threatened to attack the train at once; that he + was afraid he could not prevent it, and the only chance for the emigrants + lay in their instant departure; that while the emigrants were gaining a + place of safety he would, at the risk of his life, make an effort to keep + the Indians back and pacify them. Also that he would report to Hamblin as + soon as possible, and raise a force of men at the fort and get back the + stock, if it could be done, and write to the company, giving an account of + his success. They were to get his letter at San Bernardino, and if he + recovered the stock the emigrants could send back a party to receive it + and drive it to California. + </p> + <p> + Under the circumstances the company adopted his plan, and he left them on + the desert, with all their stock gone; but the danger was over, for the + stock was what Hamblin and Johnson had been working for. + </p> + <p> + Johnson returned and ordered the Indians to drive the stock to the Clara. + The Indians acted like good Mormons, and obeyed orders. Hamblin gave them + a few head of cattle for their services in aiding him to capture the + drove. The remainder of the cattle and horses Hamblin took charge of for + the benefit of the Mission. As the cattle became fat enough for beef, they + were sold or butchered for the use of the settlers. Some were traded to + nearby settlements for sheep and other articles. + </p> + <p> + In the winter of 1857-8 John Weston, a Danite, took an Irishman who had + been stopping with him as his guest on a hunt, and when he got him to the + brush and timber four miles west of Cedar City he cut his throat and left + the body unburied. He had received orders to kill the man, because Brother + Haight considered him a spy. + </p> + <p> + Near the same time Philip Klingensmith, a Danite, laid in ambush to kill + Robert Keyes (now a resident of Beaver City, Utah Territory), while Keyes + was irrigating his field. Klingensmith decided to kill Keyes because Keyes + refused to give testimony when requested to do so by Klingensmith, who was + then a bishop of the Church. When Keyes came within a few feet of his + hiding place Klingensmith raised his gun and took aim at Keyes' heart; but + the cap burst without exploding the powder, and Keyes escaped. + </p> + <p> + After the Mountain Meadows massacre Haight reported that I was the big + captain who had planned, led, and executed it; that the honor of such a + deed for avenging of the blood of the Prophets would lead to honor, + immortality, and eternal life in the Kingdom of God. In this way it became + a settled fact that I was the leader in that affair. Year by year the + story has gained ground and strength, until I am now held responsible, and + am to die, to save the Church. + </p> + <p> + As I have stated in other places in my writings, the people in Utah who + professed the Mormon religion were at and for some time before the + Mountain Meadows massacre full of wildfire and zeal, anxious to do + something to build up the Kingdom of God on earth and waste the enemies of + the Mormon religion. At that time it was a common thing for small bands of + people on their way from California to pass through Cedar City. Many of + these people were killed. When a Gentile came into a town he was looked + upon with suspicion, and most of the people considered every stranger a + spy from the United States army. The killing of Gentiles was a means of + grace and a virtuous deed. I remember an affair that took place at the old + distillery in Cedar City, just before the massacre. + </p> + <p> + Three men came to Cedar City one evening; they were poor, and much worn by + their long journey. They were on their way to California. The authorities + believed they were dangerous men; that they were spies from Johnston's + army; and ordered the Danites to devise a plan to put them out of the way + decently and in order. + </p> + <p> + That the will of God might be done, these men were coaxed to go to the old + distillery and take a drink. They went in company with Danites John M. + Higbee, John Weston, James Haslem, and Wm. C. Stewart, and another man, + whose name I have forgotten. The party drank considerable, and when the + emigrants got under the influence of the whisky the brethren attacked them + and knocked the brains out of two with the kingbolt of a wagon. The third + man was powerful and muscular; he fought valiantly for his life, but after + a struggle he was overcome and killed. They were buried near Cedar City. + </p> + <p> + Some time in the fall of 1857, not long after the Mountain Meadows + massacre, it was decided by the authorities at Salt Lake City that Lieut. + Tobin must be killed. Tobin had left a train in Salt Lake, joined the + Church there, and afterwards married a daughter of Brother Charles C. + Rich, one of the twelve apostles. Tobin was a smart man, and soon after + his marriage he was sent to England on a mission. + </p> + <p> + While preaching in England, it was reported that he had committed + adultery, and he was ordered home. On his arrival in Salt Lake he was cut + off from the Church, and his wife taken from him by order of Brigham. He + made several efforts to get out of the Territory. + </p> + <p> + Finally he joined a company and left Salt Lake, intending to go to + California. After he had been gone a few days the Destroying Angels were + put on his trail, with orders to kill him before they returned. + </p> + <p> + Two desperate Danites were selected, who knew nothing but to obey orders: + Joel White and John Willis were the Danites. They started on the trail, + determined to kill Tobin when they found him. + </p> + <p> + White and Willis overtook the company that Tobin was traveling with at a + point near the crossing of the Magottsey. They found where he was + sleeping, and, going to him as he lay on the ground rolled up in his + blanket, they shot him several times. Although thinking him dead, they + concluded to shoot him once more to make certain that he would not escape, + so they put a pistol against his eye and fired; the ball put out his eye, + but did not kill him. The Angels made their escape and returned to Salt + Lake City, and reported that their orders were obeyed. Severely wounded as + he was, Tobin recovered, and was, when I last heard from him, in the Union + army. + </p> + <p> + At Parowan, in 1855 or 1856, there was a man by the name of Robert + Gillespie. He was a member of the Church, had one wife, and owned a fine + property. Gillespie wanted to be sealed to his sister-in-law, but for some + reason his request was denied. He had known of others obtaining wives by + committing adultery and then being sealed to avoid scandal. So he tried + it, and went to Apostle Smith, and again asked to be sealed to the woman. + But Brother Smith refused to seal him or let him be sealed, giving as his + reason for refusing, that Gillespie had exercised the rights of sealing + without first obtaining orders to do so. A warrant was issued and + Gillespie was arrested and placed under guard; he was also sued in the + Probate Court, before James Lewis, Probate Judge, and a heavy judgment + rendered against him, and all of his property was sold to pay the fine and + costs. The money was put into the Church fund and Gillespie was broken up. + </p> + <p> + The fate of old man Braffett, of Parowan, was a peculiar one, and, as it + afterwards led me into trouble, I will give the story briefly. Old man + Braffett lived at Parowan, and in the fall of 1855 a man by the name of + Woodward came to Braffett's house and stopped to recruit his teams before + crossing the deserts. Woodward had two wives. He had lived in Nauvoo, and + while there had been architect for the Nauvoo House. While Woodward and + his family were stopping with Braffett, one of his wives concluded that + she would be damned if she went to live in California, - leaving the land + of the Saints, - and she asked to be divorced from Woodward and sealed to + Braffett. + </p> + <p> + At first Braffett refused to take her, but she was a likely woman. She + made love to the old man in earnest. Mrs. Braffett made a fuss about it. + The authorities were informed of Braffett's transgressions, and he was + arrested and taken before the Probate Judge and tried for the sin. He made + a bill of sale of some of his property to me, for which I paid him before + his trial. + </p> + <p> + After hearing the case, the Probate Judge fined him one thousand dollars, + and ordered him to be imprisoned until fine and costs were paid. Ezra + Curtis, the then marshal at Parowan, took all of Braffett's property that + could be found and sold it for the purpose of paying the fine; but the + large amount of property which was taken was sold for a small sum, for the + brethren will not bid much for property taken from one who has broken his + covenants. + </p> + <p> + Being unable to pay the fine, the old man was ordered to be taken to Salt + Lake City, to be imprisoned in the prison there. I was selected to take + him to Salt Lake. I took the old man there, and, after many days spent in + working with Brigham, I succeeded in securing a pardon for him. + </p> + <p> + Braffett was put to work at Salt Lake by Brigham. He dared not return home + at that time. His property was gone, and he was ruined. The part I took to + befriend the old man made several of the brethren at Parowan angry with + me, and they swore they would have revenge against me for interfering + where I was not interested. + </p> + <p> + After Braffett's pardon I stayed in Salt Lake some time, and when I + started home there were quite a number of people along. All the teams were + heavily loaded; the roads were bad, and our teams weak. We all had to walk + much of the time. After we had passed the Severe River the road was very + bad. My team was the best in the whole company, and I frequently let some + of the women who were in the party ride in my wagon. + </p> + <p> + One evening, just about dark, I was asked by a young woman named Alexander + to let her ride, as she was very tired walking. I had her get into the + wagon with my wife Rachel, and she rode there until we camped for the + night. I got into the wagon after dark and drove the team. We had ridden + in this way an hour or so, when Rachel said she was going to ride a while + in the next wagon, which was driven by son-in-law Dalton. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Rachel got out of the wagon a couple of my enemies rode by. I + spoke to them, and they rode on. As soon as these men reached the camp + they reported that I had been taking privileges with Sister Alexander. I + was told to consider myself under arrest, and that when we reached Parowan + I would be tried by the Council for violating my covenants. I was + surprised and grieved at the charge, for I was innocent, and the young + woman was a virtuous woman. As God is soon to judge me, I declare that I + never knew of her committing any sin. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Parowan there was a meeting called by the Priesthood to + try me. This Council was composed of the President of that Stake of Zion + and his two Counselors, the High Council, and the leading men of Parowan. + It was a general meeting of the authorities, Church and civil. + </p> + <p> + The meeting was held in a chamber that was used for a prayer circle. It + was called a circle room, because the people met there to hold prayer in a + circle, which was done in this way: All the brethren would kneel in a + circle around the room, near enough to each other for their arms to touch, + so that the influence would be more powerful. + </p> + <p> + When the meeting was called to order, all the lights were put out; and I + was taken into the darkened room and placed on trial. I could not see my + hand before my face. The charge was stated to me and I was ordered to + confess my guilt. I told them I was innocent; that I had committed no + crime - in fact, had not thought of wrong. I told the truth, just as it + was. I was then ordered to stand one side. + </p> + <p> + The young woman was then brought into the room, and as she came in a + pistol was placed to my head and I was told to keep silent. She was + questioned and threatened at length, but not all the threats they could + use would induce her to tell a falsehood. She insisted that I was entirely + innocent. + </p> + <p> + Next her father, an old man, was introduced and questioned. He told the + Council that he had diligently inquired into the matter, and believed I + was innocent. Neither the young woman nor her father knew who was in the + room. All they knew was that they were being examined before the secret + tribunal of Utah, and that a false oath in that place would insure their + death. + </p> + <p> + When the evidence had been received, and the witnesses retired, the + candles were again lighted. Then speeches were made by most of the men + present, and every one but two spoke in favor of my conviction. Without + taking a vote, the meeting adjourned, or rather left that place and went + somewhere else to consult. I was left in the dark, the house locked and + guards placed around the building. I was told that my fate would soon be + decided, and I would then be informed. I knew so well the manner of + dealing in such cases that I expected to be killed in the dark, but for + some reason it was not done. + </p> + <p> + Next morning some food was brought to me, but I was still kept a prisoner + and refused the liberty of consulting with friends or any of my family. + Late that day I looked out of the window of the chamber where I was + confined, and saw a man by the name of John Steel. He was first Counselor + to the President of that Stake of Zion. I called to him and asked him to + secure my freedom. After stating the case to him, he promised to see what + could be done for me, and went away. + </p> + <p> + Through his exertions I was released. I was told to go home and hold + myself subject to orders - that my case was not yet decided. I went home, + but for months I expected death every day; for it is the usual course of + the authorities to send an Angel after men who are charged with or + suspected of having violated their covenants. + </p> + <p> + Nothing further was done about the case, but it was held over me as a + means of forcing me to live in accordance with the wishes of the + Priesthood and to prevent me from again interfering with the Church + authorities when they saw fit to destroy a man, as they destroyed old man + Braffett; and it did have the effect of making me more careful. + </p> + <p> + In 1854 (I think that was the year) there was a young man, a Gentile, + working in Parowan. He was quiet and orderly, but was courting some of the + girls. He was notified to quit, and let the girls alone, but he still kept + going to see them. This was contrary to orders. No Gentile is allowed to + keep company with or visit any Mormon girl or woman. + </p> + <p> + The authorities decided to have the young man killed, so they called two + of Bishop Dames' Destroying Angels, Barney Carter and old man Gould, and + told them to take that young Gentile "over the rim of the basin." That was + a term used by the Danites when they killed a person. The Destroying + Angels made some excuse to induce the young man to go with them on an + excursion, and when they got close to Shirts' mill, near Harmony, they + killed him and left his body in the brush. + </p> + <p> + The Indians found the body, and reported the facts to me soon afterwards. + I was not at home that night, but Carter and Gould went to my house and + stayed there all night. Rachel asked them where they had been. They told + her they had been on a mission to take a young man, a Gentile, over the + rim of the basin, and Carter showed her his sword, which was bloody, and + said he used it to help the Gentile over the edge. Rachel knew what they + meant when they spoke of sending him "over the rim of the basin." It was + at that time a common thing to see Danites going out of Cedar City and + Harmony, with suspected Gentiles, to send them "over the rim of the + basin," and the Gentiles were always sent. + </p> + <p> + This practice was supported by the people, and everything of that kind was + done by orders from the Council, or by orders from some of the Priesthood. + When a Danite or a Destroying Angel was placed on a man's track, that man + died, certain, unless some providential act saved him, as in Tobin's case. + </p> + <p> + The Mormons believe in blood atonement. It is taught by the leaders, and + believed by the people, that the Priesthood are inspired and cannot give a + wrong order. It is the belief of all that I ever heard talk of these + things - and I have been with the Church since the dark days in Jackson + County - that the authority that orders is the only responsible party and + the Danite who does the killing only an instrument, and commits no wrong. + In other words, if Brigham or any of his apostles, or any of the + Priesthood, gives an order to a Danite, the act is the act of the one + giving the order, and the Danite doing the act only an instrument of the + person commanding - just as much an instrument as the knife used to cut + the throat of the victim. This being the belief of all good Mormons, it is + easily understood why the orders of the Priesthood are so blindly obeyed + by the people. + </p> + <p> + In 1857 there was an emigrant, a Gentile, who worked a number of months + for Captain Jacob Huffine, at Parowan. This man wanted his pay; it was not + convenient to pay him; he insisted on being paid, but not getting his + wages, determined to leave. He started for the settlement at Summit, about + seven miles from Parowan. The Indians were sent for and ordered to + overtake and kill the man. They did so, and shot him full of arrows. The + man called to the Indians and told them he was a Mormon and that they must + not kill him. The Indians replied by saying: + </p> + <p> + "We know you; you are no Mormon, you are a Mericat." + </p> + <p> + They beat his head with rocks, and cut his throat, and then went back to + Parowan and reported what they had done. + </p> + <p> + Brother Lancy had formed the acquaintance of the family of Aden while on a + mission to Tennessee, and was saved by Mr. Aden from a mob that threatened + his death because he was a Mormon preacher. When Fancher's train reached + Parowan, Brother Laney met young Aden and recognized him as the son of the + man who had saved his life. Aden told him he was hungry, and that he and + his comrades had been unable to purchase supplies from the Mormons ever + since they left Salt Lake City. + </p> + <p> + Brother Laney took young Aden to his house, gave him his supper, and let + him sleep there that night. The next day Laney was accused by leading men + of being unfaithful to his obligations. They said he had supported the + enemies of the Church and given aid and comfort to one whose hands were + still red with the blood of the Prophet. A few nights after that the + Destroying Angels, doing the bidding of Bishop Dame, were ordered to kill + Brother Laney to save him from his sins, he having violated his endowment + oath and furnished food to a man who had been declared an outlaw by the + Mormon Church. + </p> + <p> + The Angels were commanded by Barney Carter, a son-in-law of Bishop Dame. + The Angels called Laney out of the house, saying that Bishop Dame wished + to see him. As Laney passed through the gate into the street he was struck + across the back of the head with a club by Barney Carter. His skull was + fractured and for many months Laney lay at the point of death, and his + mind still shows the effect of the injury he then received, for his brain + has never quite settled since. I have frequently talked with Laney. He is + still strong in the Mormon faith, and believes that Dame had the right to + have him killed. Punishment by death is the penalty for refusing to obey + the orders of the Priesthood. About this time the Church was in the throes + of a "reformation." + </p> + <p> + One of the objects of the reformation was to place the Priesthood in + possession of every secret act and crime that had been committed by a + member of the Church. These secrets were obtained in this way: a meeting + would be called; some Church leader would make a speech, defining the + duties that the people owed the Priesthood, and instructing the people why + it was necessary that the Priesthood should control the acts of the + people; it was preached that to keep back any fact from the knowledge of + the Priesthood was an unpardonable sin. + </p> + <p> + After one or more such discourses the people were called upon by name, + commanded to rise from their seats, and standing in the midst of the + congregation publicly confess their sins. If the confession was not full + and complete, it was made the duty of the members of the Church, or any + one of them who knew that the party confessing had committed a crime which + he or he had not divulged, to then make public the same. + </p> + <p> + Unless the party then confessed, a charge was preferred against him or her + for a violation of covenants, and either full confession and repentance + immediately followed, or the sinful member was slain for the remission of + sins - it being taught by the leaders, and believed by the people, that + the right thing to do when a sinner did not repent and obey the Council, + was to take the life of the offending party and thus save his or her + everlasting soul. This was called Blood Atonement. The members who fully + confessed their sins were again admitted into the Church and rebaptized, + taking new covenants to obey any and all orders of the Priesthood and + refuse all manner of assistance, friendship, or communication with those + who failed of strict obedience to the authorities of the Church. The most + deadly sin among the people was adultery, and many men were killed by the + Danites for that crime. + </p> + <p> + Brother Rosmos Anderson was a Danish man who had come to Utah with his + family to receive the benefits arising from an association with the + Latter-day Saints. He had married a widow lady somewhat older than + himself; and she had a daughter who was fully grown. The girl was anxious + to be sealed to her stepfather. Anderson was equally anxious to take her + for a second wife, but Bishop Klingensmith had set his eye on her, and + desired her for himself. + </p> + <p> + At one of the meetings Anderson and his stepdaughter confessed they had + committed adultery, believing that if they did so that Brigham would allow + them to marry when he learned the facts. Their confession being full, they + were rebaptized and received into full membership. They were then placed + under covenant that if they again committed adultery Anderson should + suffer death. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this a charge was laid against Anderson before the Council, + accusing him of adultery with his stepdaughter. This Council was composed + of Bishop Klingensmith and his two counselors; it was the Bishop's + Council. The Council voted that Anderson must die for violating his + covenants. Bishop Klingensmith went to Anderson and told him the judgment + was that he must die by having his throat cut, so that the running of his + blood would atone for his sins. + </p> + <p> + Anderson, being a firm believer in the doctrine of Blood Atonement and the + teachings of the Mormon Church, made no protest, but asked half a day to + prepare for death. His request was granted. His wife was ordered to + prepare a suit of clean clothing, in which to have her husband buried, and + informed that he was to be killed for his sins, she being directed to tell + those who inquired after her husband that he had gone to California. + </p> + <p> + Bishop Klingensmith and Danite James Haslem dug a grave in a field near + Cedar City, and that night, about twelve o'clock, went to Anderson's house + and told him to make ready to obey the Council. Anderson got up, dressed + himself, bid his family good- by, and without remonstrance accompanied + those he believed were carrying out the will of Almighty God. They went to + the place where the grave was prepared, Anderson kneeling by the side of + the grave and praying. Bishop Klingensmith then cut Anderson's throat and + held him so that his blood ran into the grave. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was dead they dressed him in his clean clothes, threw him + into the grave and buried him. They then carried his bloody clothing back + to his family, and gave them to his wife to wash, when she was again + instructed to say that her husband was in California. She obeyed their + orders. + </p> + <p> + No move of that kind was made in Cedar City unless by order of the Council + or of the High Council. Anderson was killed just before the Mountain + Meadows massacre. The killing of Anderson was a religious duty and a just + act. It was justified by the people, for they were bound by the same + covenants, and the least word of objection to thus treating the man who + had broken his covenant would have brought the same fate upon the person + wicked enough to raise his voice against the Church authorities. + </p> + <p> + Brigham knew that I was not a man who liked to take life. I was well known + as one that stood high in the confidence of Brigham, and was close-mouthed + and reliable. I knew of many men being killed in Nauvoo by the Danites. It + was then the rule that all the enemies of the Prophet Joseph should be + killed, and I know of many a man who was quietly put out of the way by the + orders of Joseph and his apostles while the Church was there. It has + always been a well understood doctrine of the Church that it is right and + praiseworthy to kill every person who speaks evil of the Prophet. This + doctrine was strictly lived up to in Utah, until the Gentiles arrived in + such numbers that it became unsafe to follow the practice; but the + doctrine is believed, and no year passes without one or more of those who + have spoken evil of Brigham being killed, in a secret manner. Springfield, + Utah, was one of the Church hotbeds, and more men were killed there, in + proportion to population, than in any other part of Utah. In that + settlement it was certain death to say a word against the authorities, + high or low. + </p> + <p> + Brother Warren Snow was bishop of the Church at Manti, San Pete County, + Utah. He had several wives, but there was a fair young woman in the town + that Snow wanted for a wife. He made love to her with all his powers, went + to parties where she was, visited her at her home, and proposed to make + her his wife. She thanked him for the honor offered, but told him she was + engaged to a young man, a member of the Church, and consequently could not + marry the old priest. + </p> + <p> + This was no sufficient reason to Brother Snow. He told her it was the will + of God that she should marry him, and she must do so; that the young man + could be got rid of - sent on a mission or dealt with in some way so as to + release her from her engagement; that, in fact, a promise made to the + young man was not binding when she was informed that it was contrary to + the wishes of the authorities. + </p> + <p> + The girl continued obstinate. + </p> + <p> + The "teachers" of the town visited her and advised her to marry Bishop + Snow. Her parents, under the orders of the Counselors of the Bishop, also + insisted that their daughter marry the old man. + </p> + <p> + She still refused. + </p> + <p> + Then the authorities called on the young man and directed him to give up + the girl. This he steadfastly declined to do. He was promised Church + preferment, celestial rewards, and everything that could be thought of - + all to no purpose. He said he would die before he would surrender his + intended wife. + </p> + <p> + This resistance of authority by the young people made Bishop Snow more + anxious than ever to marry the girl. The young man was ordered on a + mission to some distant locality. But the mission was refused. + </p> + <p> + It was then determined that the rebellious young man should be forced by + harsh treatment to respect the advice and orders of the Priesthood. His + fate was left to Bishop Snow. + </p> + <p> + It was decided to call a meeting of the people who lived true to counsel, + to be held in the schoolhouse in Manti, at which the young man should be + present, and dealt with according to Snow's will. The meeting was called. + The young man was there, and was again requested to surrender the young + woman to Snow, but he refused. + </p> + <p> + The lights were then put out. An attack was made on the young man. He was + tied down with his back to a bench, when Bishop Snow took a bowie knife + and slashed and mutilated him. They left the young man weltering in his + blood. During the night he succeeded in releasing himself from his + confinement, and dragged himself to some haystacks, where he lay until the + next day, when he was discovered by friends. The young man has been an + idiot or quiet lunatic ever since. + </p> + <p> + Bishop Snow took soon occasion to get up another meeting at the + schoolhouse, so as to have the people of Manti and the young woman that he + wanted to marry attend the meeting. When all had assembled the old man + talked to the people about their duty to the Church, their obligation to + obey counsel and the dangers of refusal; and called attention to the case + of the young man. The young woman was sealed to Bishop Snow. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0019" id="linklink2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX - THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS + </h2> + <p> + My time I find is getting short. To continue as I have the story of the + little details and what befell as we crossed the plains for the promised + land of Utah would need more days than I have left me. I will go then + direct to the story of the Mountain Meadows troubles for which I am to + die, as I desire that the facts as they occurred should be known. As a + duty to myself, I purpose to give a statement of all I know in that + affair. I did not act alone; I had many to assist me at Mountain Meadows. + </p> + <p> + Those who were connected with the massacre, and took part in the + transaction, were moved by a religious duty. All were acting under the + orders and by command of their Church leaders. The immediate orders for + the killing of the emigrants came from those in authority at Cedar City. I + and those with me moved by virtue of positive orders from Brother Haight + and his associates. + </p> + <p> + Before I started on my mission to the Mountain Meadows I was told by + Brother Haight that his orders to me were the result of full consultation + with Bishop Dame and all in authority. The massacre was decided on by the + head men of the Church. + </p> + <p> + To approach this subject properly I must step backward several years. + After the destruction of Nauvoo, when the Mormons were driven from the + State of Illinois, I shared the fate of my brethren, and partook of the + hardships and trials that befell them from that day until the time of the + settlement of Salt Lake City, in the then wilderness. After reaching Salt + Lake I stayed but a short time, when I went to live at Cottonwood, where + the mines were afterwards discovered by General Connor and his men during + the late war. I was just getting fixed to live there, when I was ordered + to go into the interior and aid in forming new settlements and in opening + up the country. I had no wish or desire, save to know and do the will of + Brigham, since I had become his adopted son. I believed that Brigham spoke + by direction of the God of Heaven, and I would have suffered death rather + than disobey any request of his. + </p> + <p> + At the command of Brigham, I took one hundred and twenty-one men, went in + a southern direction from Salt Lake City, and laid out and built up + Parowan. George A. Smith was the leader and chief man in authority in that + settlement. I acted under him as historian and clerk of the Iron County + Mission, until January, 1851. I went with Brigham, acted as a + committeeman, and located Provo, St. George, Fillmore, Parowan, and other + towns, and managed the location of many of the settlements in southern + Utah. + </p> + <p> + In 1852 I moved to Harmony, and built up that settlement. I remained there + until the Indians declared war against the whites and drove the settlers + into Cedar City and Parowan, for protection, in the year 1853. I removed + my then numerous family to Cedar City, where I was appointed Captain of + the Danites, and commander of Cedar City. + </p> + <p> + After I had commanded at Cedar City about one year I was ordered to return + to Harmony and build the Harmony Fort. This order, like all other orders, + came from Brigham. When I returned to Harmony and commenced building the + fort, the orders were given by Brigham for the reorganization of the + Danites at Cedar City. The old men were requested to resign and younger + men were appointed in their places. + </p> + <p> + About the 7th of September, 1857, I went to Cedar City from my home in + Harmony, by order of Brother Haight. I did not know what he wanted of me, + but he had ordered me to visit him, and I obeyed. If I remember correctly, + it was on Sunday evening that I went there. + </p> + <p> + When I got to Cedar City I met Haight on the public square of the town. + Haight was then President of that Stake of Zion, and the highest man in + the Mormon Priesthood, and next to Bishop Dame in southern Utah, and in + the command of the Iron District. The word and command of Haight were the + law in Cedar City at that time, and to disobey his orders was death; be + they right or wrong, no Saint was to question them; it was obedience or + death. + </p> + <p> + When I met Haight I asked him what he wanted with me. He said he must have + a long talk with me on private and particular business. We took blankets + and went over to the old Iron Works, and lay there that night, so that we + could talk in safety. + </p> + <p> + After we got to the Iron Works Haight told me about the train of + emigrants. He said that the emigrants were a rough and abusive set of men. + That they had, while traveling through Utah, been abusive to the Mormons. + That they had insulted many of the Mormon women. That the abuses heaped + upon the people by the emigrants during their trip from Provo to Cedar + City had been constant and shameful; that they had burned fences and + destroyed growing crops; that they had poisoned the water, so that all + people and stock that drank of the water became sick, and many had died + from the effects of the poison. That these vile Gentiles publicly + proclaimed that they had the very pistol with which the Prophet Joseph was + murdered, and had threatened to kill Brigham and all of the apostles. + That, when in Cedar City, they said they would hang Brigham by the neck + until he was dead, before snow fell in the Territory. They also said that + Johnston was coming with his army from the East, and they were going to + return from California with soldiers, as soon as possible, and desolate + the land and kill every Mormon man, woman, and child they could find in + Utah. That they violated the ordinances of the town of Cedar, and had, by + armed force, resisted the officers who tried to arrest them for violating + the law. That after leaving Cedar City the emigrants camped in the + company, or cooperative field just below Cedar City, and burned the + fencing, leaving the crops open to the herds of stock. Also that they had + given poisoned meat to the Corn Creek tribe of Indians, which had killed + several of them, and that they and their Chief, Konosh, were on the trail + of the emigrants, and would soon attack them. These things, and much more + of like kind, Haight told me as we lay in the dark at the old Iron Works. + </p> + <p> + Brother Haight said that unless something was done to prevent it the + emigrants would rob every one of the outlying settlements in the south, + and that the whole Mormon people were liable to be butchered by the troops + the emigrants would bring back with them from California. I was then told + that the Council had held a meeting that day, to consider the matter, and + it had been decided by the authorities to arm the Indians, give them + provisions and ammunition, and send them after the emigrants. The Indians + were to give them a brush, and if they killed part or all of them, so much + the better. + </p> + <p> + "Brother Haight, who is your authority?" I said. + </p> + <p> + "It is the will of all in authority," he replied. "The emigrants have no + pass to go through the country, and they are to be killed as common + enemies, for the country is at war now. No man has a right to go through + this country without a written pass." + </p> + <p> + We lay and talked much of the night, and during that time Haight gave me + instructions as to what to do, and how to proceed in the affair. He said + he had consulted with Bishop Dame, and everyone had agreed to let the + Indians use up the whole train if they could. Haight then continued: + </p> + <p> + "I expect you to carry out your orders." + </p> + <p> + Then I knew I must obey, or die. I had no wish to disobey, for my + superiors in the Church are the mouthpieces of Heaven, and it is an act of + godliness to obey any and all orders given by them, without asking + questions. + </p> + <p> + My orders were to go home to Harmony and see Carl Shirts, my son- in-law, + an Indian interpreter, and send him to the Indians in the south, to notify + them that the Mormons and Indians were at war with the "Mericats" (as the + Indians called all whites that were not Mormons), and bring the southern + Indians up and have them join with those from the north, so their force + would be sufficient to make a successful attack on the emigrants. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that Haight would send Nephi Johnson, another Indian + interpreter, to stir up what other Indians he could find, so that we might + have a large enough force to give the emigrants a good hush. In conclusion + Haight said to me: + </p> + <p> + "These are the orders that have been agreed upon by the Council, and it is + in accordance with the feelings of the entire people. Some of the Indians + are now on the warpath, and all of them must be sent out; all must go, so + as to make the thing a success." + </p> + <p> + It was then intended that the Indians should kill the emigrants, and make + it an Indian massacre, and not have any whites interfere with them. No + whites were to be known in the matter; it was to be done by the Indians, + so that it could be laid to them, if questions were asked. We agreed upon + the whole thing, how each should act, and left the Iron Works, and went to + Haight's house and got breakfast. After breakfast I made ready to start, + and Haight said to me: + </p> + <p> + "Go, Brother Lee, and see that the instructions of those in authority are + obeyed; and as you are dutiful in this, so shall your reward be in the + Kingdom of God, for God will bless those who willingly obey counsel, and + make all things fit for the people in these last days." + </p> + <p> + At this time the Mormons were at war with the United States, and the + orders to the Mormons were to kill and waste away our enemies, but lose + none of our own people These emigrants were from the section of country + most hostile to our people, and it was the will of every true Mormon that + the enemies of the Church should be killed as fast as possible, and + inasmuch as this lot had men among them that had helped kill the Prophets + in the Carthage jail, the killing of them would be keeping our oaths and + avenging the blood of the Prophets. I will give my talk with Brother + George A. Smith. + </p> + <p> + In the latter part of the month of August, 1857, about ten days before the + people of Capt. Fancher, who met their doom at Mountain Meadows, arrived + at that place, Gen. George A. Smith called on me at one of my homes in + Washington City, Washington County, Utah Territory, and wished me to take + him round by Fort Clara, via Pinto Settlements, to Hamilton Fort and Cedar + City. He said: + </p> + <p> + "I have been sent down here by Brigham, to instruct the brethren of the + different settlements not to sell any of their grain to our enemies. And + to tell them not to feed it to their animals, for it will all be needed by + ourselves. I am also to instruct the brethren to prepare for a big fight, + for the enemy is coming in force to attempt our destruction. But + Johnston's army will not be allowed to approach our settlements from the + east. God is on our side, and will fight our battles for us, and deliver + our enemies into our hands. Brigham has received revelations from God, + giving him the right and the power to call down the curse of God on all + our enemies who attempt to invade our Territory. Our greatest danger lies + in the people of California - a class of reckless miners who are strangers + to God and His righteousness. They are likely to come upon us from the + south and destroy the small settlements. But we will try and outwit them + before we suffer much damage. The people of the United States who oppose + our Church are a mob, from the President down, and as such it is + impossible for their armies to prevail against the Saints who have + gathered here in the mountains." + </p> + <p> + Gen. Smith held high rank as a military leader. He was one of the twelve + apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and an + inspired man. His orders were sacred commands, which it was my duty to + obey, without question or hesitation. + </p> + <p> + The day we left Fort Clara, then the headquarters of the Indian + missionaries under the presidency of Jacob Hamblin, we stopped to noon at + the Clara River. While there the Indians gathered around us in numbers, + and were saucy and impudent. Their chiefs asked me where I was going and + whom I had with me. I told them that he was a big captain. + </p> + <p> + "Is he a Mericat captain?" + </p> + <p> + "No," I said, "he is a Mormon." + </p> + <p> + The Indians then demanded to know more. They wanted to have a talk. The + General told me to tell the Indians that the Mormons were their friends, + and that the Americans were their enemies, and the enemies of the Mormons, + too; that he wanted the Indians to remain the fast friends of the Mormons, + for the Mormons were all friends to the Indians; that the Americans had a + large army just east of the mountains, and intended to come over the + mountains into Utah and kill all the Mormons and Indians in Utah + Territory; that the Indians must get ready and remain ready for war + against the Americans, keep friendly with the Mormons and do what the + Mormons told them to do - that this was the will of the Great Spirit; that + if the Indians were true to the Mormons and helped them against their + enemies, the Mormons would keep them from want and sickness and give them + guns and ammunition to hunt and kill game with, and also help the Indians + against their enemies when they went into war. + </p> + <p> + This talk pleased the Indians, and they agreed to all that I asked them to + do. I saw that Gen. Smith was nervous and fearful of the Indians, + notwithstanding their promises of friendship. To relieve him of his + anxiety I hitched up and started on our way as soon as I could do so + without rousing the suspicions of the Indians. We had ridden along about a + mile or so when Gen. Smith said: + </p> + <p> + "Those are savage fellows. I think they would make it lively for an + emigrant train if one should come this way." Then the General fell to a + deep study for some time, when he said: "Suppose an emigrant train should + come along through this southern country, making threats against our + people and bragging of the part they took in killing our Prophets, what do + you think the brethren would do with them? Would they be permitted to go + their way, or would the brethren pitch into them and give them a good + drubbing?" I reflected a few moments, and then said: + </p> + <p> + "You know the brethren are now under the influence of the late + reformation, and red-hot for the gospel. The brethren believe the + Government wishes to destroy them. Any train of emigrants that may come + through here will be attacked and destroyed. I am particularly sure they + will be wiped out if they have been making threats against our people. + Unless emigrants have a pass from Brigham, they will never get safely + through this country." + </p> + <p> + My reply pleased him, and he laughed heartily, and then said: + </p> + <p> + "Do you believe the brethren would make it lively for such a train?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir," I replied, "I know they will, unless protected by a pass, and + I wish to tell you, and you must inform Brigham, that if he wants + emigrants to pass without being molested he must send orders to that + effect to Bishop Dame or Brother Haight, so that they can give passes to + the emigrants; their passes will insure safety, but nothing else will, + except the positive orders of Brigham, as the people are bitter against + the Gentiles, full of religious zeal, and anxious to avenge the blood of + the Prophets." + </p> + <p> + The only reply he made was to the effect that on his way down from Salt + Lake he had had a long talk with Haight on the same subject, and that + Haight had assured him, and given him to understand, that emigrants who + came along without a pass from Brigham could not escape from the + Territory. We then rode along in silence for some distance, when he again + turned to me and said: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Lee, I am satisfied that the brethren are under the holy + influence, and I believe they will do just as you say they will with the + wicked emigrants that come through the country, making threats and abusing + our people." + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I repeated my views to him, but at much greater length. I went + into a statement of the wrongs of our people, and told him that the people + were under the blaze of the reformation, full of wildfire, and that to + shed the blood of those who would dare speak against the Mormon Church or + its leaders would be doing the will of God, and the people would do it as + cheerfully as they would any other duty. That the Apostle Paul was not + more sincere than was every Mormon who lived in southern Utah. My words + served to cheer up the General; he was delighted, and said: + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to hear so good an account of our people. God will bless them + for all they do to build up His Kingdom in the last days." + </p> + <p> + On my way from Cedar City to my home in Harmony I came up with a band of + Indians under Moquetas and Big Bill, two Cedar City chiefs; they were in + their paint, and fully equipped for battle. They halted when I came up and + said they had had a big talk with Haight, Higbee, and Klingensmith, and + got orders from them to follow up the emigrants and kill them all, and + take their property as a spoil. + </p> + <p> + These Indians wanted me to go with them and command their forces. I told + them I could not go with them that evening; that I had orders from Haight, + the Big Captain, to send other Indians on the warpath to help them kill + the emigrants, and must attend to that first; that I wanted them to go + where the emigrants were and camp until the other Indians joined them; + that I would meet them the next day and lead them. This satisfied them, + but they wanted me to send my little Indian boy, Clem, with them. After + some time I consented to let Clem go with them, while I returned home. + </p> + <p> + When I got home I told Carl Shirts what the orders were that Haight had + sent to him. Carl being naturally cowardly was not willing to go, but I + told him the orders must be obeyed. He started that night, or early next + morning, to stir up the Indians of the south, and lead them against the + emigrants. The emigrants were then camped at Mountain Meadows. + </p> + <p> + The Indians did not obey my instructions. They met, several hundred + strong, at the Meadows, and attacked the emigrants Tuesday morning, just + before daylight, and at the first fire killed seven and wounded sixteen of + the emigrants. The latter fought bravely, and repulsed the Indians, + killing many of them and breaking the knees of two chiefs, who afterwards + died. + </p> + <p> + The news of the battle was carried over the country by Indian runners, and + the excitement was great in all the small settlements. I was notified of + what had taken place early Tuesday morning, by an Indian who came to my + house and gave me a full account of what had been done. + </p> + <p> + The Indian said it was the wish of the Indians that I lead them, and I + must go back with him to the camp. I started at once, and taking the + Indian trail over the mountain I reached the camp by going twelve miles. + To go round by the wagon road would have been between forty and fifty + miles. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the camp I found the Indians in a frenzy of excitement. + They said they had been told that they could kill the emigrants without + danger to themselves, but they had lost numbers of their bucks, and others + were wounded, and unless they could kill all the "Mericats," as they + called them, they would declare war against the Mormons and kill everyone + in the settlements. I did as well as I could under the circumstances. My + talk served to increase their excitement. I told them I would go south and + meet their friends, and hurry them up to help them. + </p> + <p> + At first the Indians would not consent, but they finally said I might go + and meet their friends. I then got on my horse and left the Meadows and + went south. I had traveled about sixteen miles when I met Carl Shirts with + one hundred Indians and a number of Mormons from the southern settlements. + They were going to the scene of conflict. How they learned of the + emigrants being at the Meadows I never knew, but they did know it, and + were coming armed, and determined to obey orders. + </p> + <p> + Among those that I remember to have met there were Brothers Samuel Knight, + Oscar Hamblin, William Young, Carl Shirts, Harrison Pearce, James Pearce, + John W. Clark, William Slade, Sr., James Matthews, Dudley Leavitt, William + Hawley, William Slade, Jr., George W. Adair, and John Hawley. + </p> + <p> + The Mormons camped that night with me, but most of the Indians rushed on + to their friends at the camp on the Meadows. I reported to the brethren + what had taken place at the Meadows, but none were surprised in the least. + I spent much of the night in prayer. I wrestled with God for wisdom to + guide me. + </p> + <p> + In the morning we agreed to go on to Mountain Meadows and camp there, and + then send a messenger to Haight. We knew that the original plan had been + for the Indians to do the work, and the Mormons to do nothing beyond plan + for and encourage them. Now we saw the Indians could not do the work, and + we were in a fix. I did not then know that a messenger had been sent to + Brigham for instructions. Haight had not mentioned it to me; James Haslem, + a Danite, was sent to Brigham. + </p> + <p> + We went to the Meadows and camped at the springs, about half a mile from + the emigrant camp. There were a larger number of Indian there - fully + three hundred, and I think as many as four hundred of them. The two chiefs + who had been shot were in a bad way. The Indians had killed a number of + the emigrants' horses, and about sixty or seventy head of cattle were + lying dead on the Meadows, which the Indians had killed for spite and + revenge. + </p> + <p> + Our company butchered a small beef for dinner, and after eating a hearty + meal we held a council and decided to send a messenger to Brother Haight. + The messenger started for Cedar City, from our camp on the Meadows, about + 2 o'clock, p. m. We stayed on the field, and I tried to quiet and pacify + the Indians, by telling them that I had sent to Haight, the Big Captain, + for orders, and when he sent his order I would know what to do. This + appeared to satisfy the Indians, for said they: + </p> + <p> + "The Big Captain will send you word to kill the Mericats." + </p> + <p> + Along toward evening the Indians again attacked the emigrants. This was + Wednesday. I heard the report of their guns, and the screams of the women + and children in the corral. I ran with Brothers William Young and John + Mangum, to where the Indians were. While on the way to them they fired a + volley, and three balls from their guns cut my clothing. One ball went + through my hat and plowed through my hair. Another ball went through my + shirt and leaded my shoulder, another cut my clothes across my bowels. I + thought this was rather warm work, but I kept on until I reached the place + where the Indians were in force. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0020" id="linklink2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX - THE MUSTER OF THE DANITES + </h2> + <p> + On Thursday, about noon, several Danites joined us from Cedar City. I + cannot remember the order in which the brethren came to the Meadows, but I + do recollect that at this time and in this company were Brothers Joel + White, William C. Stewart, Benjamin Arthur, Alexander Wilden, Charles + Hopkins, and James Tate. These men said little, but everyone seemed to + know what he was there for. As our messenger had gone for further orders, + we moved camp about four hundred yards further up the valley on to a hill, + where we made a camp as long as we stayed there. + </p> + <p> + The emigrants' wagons were corralled after the Indians made the first + attack. On the day following our arrival the emigrants drew their wagons + closer together and chained the wheels one to the other. While they were + doing this there was no shooting going on. Their camp was about one + hundred yards above and north of the spring. They generally got water from + the spring at night. + </p> + <p> + Thursday morning I saw two men start from the corral with buckets, and run + to the spring and fill them with water, and go back again. The bullets + flew around them thick and fast, but they got into their corral in safety. + </p> + <p> + The Indians made a determined attack on the train on Thursday morning + about daylight. At this attack the Clara Indians had one buck killed and + three wounded. This so enraged them that they left for home, driving a + number of cattle with them. During the day I said to Brother John Mangum: + </p> + <p> + "I will cross the valley and go up on the other side, on the hills to the + west of the corral, and take a look at the situation." + </p> + <p> + As I was crossing the valley I was observed by the emigrants, and as soon + as they saw that I was a white man they ran up a white flag in the middle + of their corral or camp. They then sent two little boys from the camp to + talk to me, but I could not talk to them at that time, for I did not know + what orders Brother Haight would send to me, and until I had his orders I + would not know how to act. I hid, to keep away from the children. They + came to the place where they had last seen me and hunted all around for + me, but being unable to find me they turned and went back to the camp in + safety. It is false what has been told about little girls being dressed in + white and sent out to me. There was nothing of the kind done. I stayed on + the west side of the valley for about two hours, looking down into the + emigrant camp. + </p> + <p> + While I was standing on the hill looking into the corral I saw two men + leave the corral and go outside to cut wood; the Indians and Mormons kept + up a busy fire all the time, but the two paid no attention to danger, and + stuck to their work until they had it done; then they went back to camp. + The men acted so bravely that it was impossible to keep from respecting + them. After staying there and looking down into the camp awhile I returned + to my company. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday evening Higbee, Chief of the Iron Danites, and Klingensmith, + Bishop of Cedar City, came to our camp with two or three wagons and a + number of Danites all well armed. I can remember the following as a + portion of those who came to take part in the work of death which was so + soon to follow, viz.: Brothers John M. Higbee, Chief of the Iron Danites, + and also first Counselor to Brother Haight; Philip Klingensmith, Bishop of + Cedar City; Ira Allen, of the High Council; Robert Wiley, of the High + Council; Richard Harrison, of Pinto, also a member of the High Council; + Samuel McMurdy, one of the Counselors of Klingensmith; Charles Hopkins, of + the Counselors of Cedar City; Samuel Pollock; Daniel McFarland, a + son-in-law of Haight; John Ure, of the City Council; George Hunter, of the + City Council; Samuel Jukes; Nephi Johnson, with a number of Indians under + his command; Irvin Jacobs; John Jacobs; E. Curtis, a Captain of Ten; + Thomas Cartwright, of the City and High councils; William Bateman, who + afterwards carried the flag of truce into the emigrant camp; Anthony + Stratton; A. Loveridge; Joseph Clews; Jabez Durfey; Columbus Freeman. + There were others whose name have slipped me. I know that our total force + was fifty-four Danites and three hundred Indians. As soon as these + gathered around the camp I demanded of Brother Higbee what orders he had + brought. I then told all that had happened at the Meadows, so that every + person might understand the situation. Brother Higbee reported as follows: + </p> + <p> + "It is the orders that the emigrants be put out of the way. President + Haight has counseled with Bishop Dame, and has orders from him to put the + emigrants to death; none who is old enough to talk is to be spared." + </p> + <p> + Brother Higbee then said substantially that the emigrants had come through + the country as our enemies, and as the enemies of the Church of Jesus + Christ of Latter-day Saints. That they had no pass from anyone in + authority permitting them to leave the Territory. That none but friends + were permitted to leave the Territory, and as these were our sworn enemies + they must be killed. That they were nothing but a portion of Johnston's + army. That if they were allowed to go on to California they would raise + the war cloud in the West and bring destruction upon all the settlements + in Utah. That the only safety for the people was in the utter destruction + of the whole rascally lot. + </p> + <p> + The Danites then in Council now knelt down in a prayer circle and prayed, + invoking the Spirit of God to direct them how to act in the matter. After + prayer Brother Higbee said: + </p> + <p> + "Here are the orders," and handed me a paper from Haight. + </p> + <p> + The paper read in substance that we were to decoy the emigrants from their + position and kill all that could talk. This order was in writing. Brother + Higbee handed it to me and I read it. The orders were that the emigrants + should be decoyed from their stronghold, and exterminated, and no one left + to tell the tale. Then the authorities could say it was done by Indians. + Haight told me the next day that he got his orders from Bishop Dame. + </p> + <p> + After the Council I retired and bowed in prayer before God. Brother + Hopkins, a man in whom I had great confidence, came to me from the + Council, saying that he believed it was right, for the brethren and the + Priesthood were united in the thing. At the solicitation of Brother + Hopkins I returned with him to the Council. When I got back the Council + again prayed for aid. The Council formed a prayer circle, and kneeling + down, so that elbow touched elbow, the Danites prayed for Divine + instructions. After prayer Brother Higbee said: + </p> + <p> + "I have the evidence of God's approval of our mission. It is God's will + that we carry out our instructions to the letter." He then said to me: + "Brother Lee, I am ordered by President Haight to inform you that you + shall receive a crown of celestial glory for your faithfulness, and your + eternal joy shall be complete." I was much shaken by this promise. + </p> + <p> + The meeting was then addressed by me. I spoke in about this language: + </p> + <p> + "Brethren, we have been sent to perform a duty. It is a duty that we owe + God and our Church and people. The orders are that the emigrants must die. + Our leaders speak with inspired tongues, and their words come from the God + of Heaven. We have no right to question what they have commanded us to do; + it is our duty to obey. On Wednesday night two of the emigrants got out of + camp and started back to Cedar City for assistance to withstand the Indian + attacks; they had reached Richards' Springs when they met Brothers William + C. Stewart, Joel White, and Benjamin Arthur, three of our Danite brethren + from Cedar City. The men stated their business to the brethren, and as + their horses were drinking at the spring Brothers Stewart, feeling for the + glory of God and the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God on earth, shot and + killed one of the emigrants, a young man by the name of Aden. When Aden + fell from his horse Brother Joel White shot and wounded the other Gentile; + but he got away, and returned to his camp and reported that the Mormons + were helping the Indians in all they were doing. Now the emigrants will + report these facts in California if we let them go. We must kill them all, + and our orders are to get them out by stratagem if no other thing can be + done to put them in our power." + </p> + <p> + The plan of action had been agreed upon, and it was this: The emigrants + were to be decoyed from their stronghold under a promise of protection. + Brother Bateman was to carry a flag of truce and demand a parley, and then + I was to go and arrange the terms of surrender. I was to demand that all + the children who were so young they could not talk should be put into a + wagon, and the wounded were likewise to be put into another. Then the arms + and ammunition of the emigrants must be put into a third; I agreeing that + the Mormons would protect the emigrants from the Indians and conduct them + to Cedar City in safety, where they would be safe until an opportunity + came for sending them to California. + </p> + <p> + It was understood that when I had made the treaty the wagons would start + for Hamblin's Ranch with the arms, the wounded, and the children. The + women were to march out on foot and follow the wagons in single file; the + men were to follow the women, they also to march in single file. + </p> + <p> + Brother Higbee was to stand with his Danites about two hundred yards from + the camp, double file, open order, with about twenty feet space between + the files so that the wagons could pass between them. The drivers were to + whip along, and not stop. The women were not to stop, but to follow the + wagons. The Danites were to halt the men for a few minutes, until the + women were some distance ahead and among the cedars, where the Indians + were in ambush. Then the march was to be resumed, the troops to form in + single file, each Danite to walk by an emigrant, and on the right-hand + side of his man, the Danite to carry his gun on his left arm, ready for + instant use. The march was to continue until the wagons had passed beyond + the ambush of the Indians, and the women were in their midst. Brother + Higbee was then to give the order: + </p> + <p> + "Do Your Duty to God!" + </p> + <p> + At this the Danites were to shoot down the men; the Indians were to kill + the women and larger children, and the drivers of the wagons and I were to + kill the wounded and sick men that were in the wagons. Two men were to be + placed on horses near by, to overtake and kill any of the emigrants that + might escape the first assault. The Indians were to kill the women and + large children, as we desired to make certain that no Mormon would be + guilty of shedding innocent blood - if it should happen that innocent + blood was in the company that were to die. Our leading men all said, + however, there was no innocent blood in the whole company. + </p> + <p> + The Council broke up a little after daylight on Friday morning. All the + horses, except two for the men detailed to overtake those who might + escape, and one for Brother McFarland to ride, so that he could carry + orders from one part of the field to another, were turned out on the + range. Then breakfast was eaten, and the brethren prepared for the work in + hand. + </p> + <p> + The Mormons were then at war with the United States, and we believed all + Gentiles should be killed as a war measure, to the end that the Mormons, + as God's chosen people, hold and inhabit the earth and rule and govern the + globe. + </p> + <p> + Soon after breakfast Brother Higbee ordered the two Indian interpreters, + Carl Shirts, and Nephi Johnson to inform the Indians of the plan of + operations, and place them in ambush, so that they could not be seen by + the emigrants until the work of judgment should commence. This was done in + order to make the emigrants believe that we had sent the Indians away. The + orders were obeyed, and in five minutes not an Indian could be seen on the + Meadows. They secreted themselves and lay still as logs of wood, until the + order was given them to rush out and kill the women. + </p> + <p> + Brother Higbee called the people to order and directed me to explain the + plan to them. I did so, explaining how every person was expected to act + during the whole performance. Brother Higbee then gave the order for his + men to advance. They marched to the spot agreed upon, and halted there. + Brother William Bateman was then selected to carry a flag of truce to the + emigrants and demand their surrender; I was to go and make the treaty + after someone had replied to our flag of truce. The emigrants had kept a + white flag flying in their camp ever since they saw me cross the valley. + </p> + <p> + Brother Bateman took a white flag and started for the emigrant camp. When + he got about halfway to the corral he was met by one of the emigrants. The + two talked some time, but I never knew what was said between them. + </p> + <p> + Brother Bateman returned to the command and said that the emigrants would + accept our terms, and surrender as we required them to do. I then started + for the corral to negotiate the treaty and superintend the business. I was + to make certain and get the arms and ammunition into the wagons. Also to + put the children and the sick and wounded in the wagons, as agreed upon in + Council. Brother Higbee said to me: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Lee, we expect you to faithfully carry out the instructions that + have been given you by our Council." + </p> + <p> + Two Danites, Samuel McMurdy and Samuel Knight, were then ordered to take + their teams and follow me into the corral to haul off the children and + arms. The troops formed in two lines, as had been planned, and were + standing in that way, with arms at rest, when I left them. I walked ahead + of the wagons to the corral. When I reached it I met Mr. Hamilton, one of + the emigrant leaders on the outside of their camp. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0021" id="linklink2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI - THE BLOOD FEAST OF THE DANITES + </h2> + <p> + It was then noon, or a little after. I found the emigrants strongly + fortified; their wagons were chained to each other in a circle. In the + center was a rifle-pit, large enough to hold the entire company. This had + served to shield them from the constant fire which had been poured into + them from both sides of the valley and a rocky range that served as a + breastwork for their assailants. + </p> + <p> + The valley at this point is not more than five hundred yards wide, and the + emigrants had their camp near the center of the valley. On the east and + west there is a low range of rugged, rocky mountains; it afforded a + splendid place for the protection of the Indians and Danites, leaving them + in comparative safety while they fired upon the emigrants. The valley at + this place runs nearly due north and south. + </p> + <p> + When I entered the corral I found the emigrants engaged in burying two men + of note among them, who had died but a short time before from the effect + of wounds received from the Indians at the time of the first attack on + Tuesday morning. They wrapped the bodies in buffalo robes, and buried them + in a grave inside the corral. I was told by some of the men that seven men + had been killed and seventeen wounded in the first attack made by the + Indians, and that three of the wounded men had since died, making ten of + their number killed during the siege. + </p> + <p> + As I entered the fortifications men, women, and children gathered around + me in wild consternation. Some felt that the time of their happy + deliverance had come, while others, though in deep distress, and all in + tears, looked upon me with doubt, distrust, and terror. I told the people + they must put their arms into the wagon, so as not to arouse the animosity + of the Indians. I ordered the children and wounded, some clothing, and the + arms to be put into the wagons. Their guns were mostly Kentucky rifles of + the muzzle-loading style. Their ammunition was about all gone - I do not + think there were twenty rounds left in their whole camp. If the emigrants + had had a good supply of ammunition they never would have surrendered, and + I do not think we could have captured them without great loss, for they + were brave men, very resolute and determined. + </p> + <p> + Just as the wagons were loaded Brother McFarland came riding into the + corral and said that Brother Higbee had ordered haste to be made, as he + was afraid the Indians would return and renew the attack before he could + get the emigrants to a place of safety. I hurried the people, and started + the wagons off towards Cedar City. As we went out of the corral I ordered + the wagons to turn to the left, so as to leave the Danites on the right. + </p> + <p> + Brother McFarland rode before the women and led them out to the Danites, + where they still stood in open order as I had left them. The women and + larger children were walking ahead, as directed, the men following them. + The foremost man was about fifty yards behind the last woman. + </p> + <p> + The women and children were hurried on by the Danites. When the men came + up they cheered the Danites. Brother Higbee then gave orders for his men + to form in single file and take each his place at the right hand of an + emigrant. I saw that much, then our wagons passed out of sight of the + troops, over the hill. + </p> + <p> + It was my duty, with the two drivers, to kill the sick and wounded who + were in the wagons, and do so when we heard the guns. I was walking + between the wagons; the horses were going at a fast walk, and we were + fully a half mile from Brother Higbee and his men when we heard the + firing. As we heard the guns I ordered a halt and we proceeded to do our + part. I here pause and ask myself the question: Am I not a traitor to my + people, to my friends and comrades who were with me on that holy day when + the work of the Church was carried on in God's name? + </p> + <p> + Heretofore I have said that the small children were put into the wagons; + that was wrong, for one little child, about six months old, was carried in + its father's arms. It was killed by the same bullet that entered its + father's breast. It was shot through the head. I was told by Brother + Haight afterwards that the child was killed by accident. I saw it lying + dead when I returned to the place of judgment. + </p> + <p> + When we had got out of sight, as I said before, and just as we were coming + into the main road, I heard a volley of guns at the place where I knew the + Danites and emigrants to be. Our teams were then going at a brisk walk. I + first heard one gun; then a volley followed. + </p> + <p> + Brothers McMurdy and Knight stopped their teams at once, for they were to + help kill the sick and wounded who were in the wagons, and do it as soon + as they heard the guns of the Danites. Brother McMurdy was in front; his + wagon was mostly loaded with the arms and small children. Brothers McMurdy + and Knight got out of their wagons; each one had a rifle. Brother McMurdy + went up to Brother Knight's wagon, where the sick and wounded were, and + raising his rifle to his shoulder, said: + </p> + <p> + "O Lord, my God, receive their spirits; it is for Thy Kingdom I do this." + </p> + <p> + He then shot a man who was lying with his head on another man's breast; + the ball killed both men. + </p> + <p> + Then I went up to the wagon to do my part of the killing. I drew my pistol + and cocked it, but it went off prematurely, and shot Brother McMurdy + across the thigh, my pistol ball cutting his buckskin trousers. Brother + McMurdy turned to me and said: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Lee, keep cool. Keep cool, there is no reason for being excited." + </p> + <p> + Brother Knight then shot a man with his rifle; he shot the man in the + head. He also brained a boy that was about fourteen years old. The boy + came running up to our wagons, and Brother Knight struck him on the head + with the butt end of his gun and crushed his skull. + </p> + <p> + By this time many Indians had reached our wagons, and the rest of the sick + and wounded were killed almost instantly. I saw an Indian from Cedar City, + called Joe, run up to the wagon and catch a man by the hair, raise his + head up and look into his face; the man shut his eyes, and Joe shot him in + the head. The Indians then examined the wounded in the wagons, and all of + the bodies, to see if any were alive, and any that showed signs of life + was shot through the head. + </p> + <p> + Just after the wounded were killed I saw a girl, some ten or eleven years + old, running towards us from the place where the Danites had attacked the + main body of emigrants; she was covered with blood. An Indian shot her + before she got within sixty yards of us. + </p> + <p> + After all were dead I ordered Brother Knight to drive one side and throw + out the dead bodies. He did so, and threw them out of his wagon at a place + about one hundred yards from the road, and then came back to where I was + standing. I then told Brothers Knight and McMurdy to take the children + that were saved alive (sixteen was the number), and drive to Hamblin's + ranch. They did as I ordered them to do. + </p> + <p> + Before the wagons started Nephi Johnson came up in company with the + Indians that were under his command, and Carl Shirts I think came up too. + I then considered Carl Shirts a coward, and afterwards made him suffer for + being a coward. Several Danites joined me, but I cannot tell their names, + as I have forgotten who they were. + </p> + <p> + After the wagons with the children had started for Hamblin's ranch, I + turned and walked back to where the brethren were. While returning to the + brethren I passed the bodies of several women. In one place I saw six or + seven bodies near each other; they were stripped naked. I walked along the + line where the emigrants had been killed, and saw many bodies dead and + naked on the field. I saw ten children; they had been killed close to each + other; they were from ten to sixteen years of age. The bodies of the women + and children were scattered about the ground for quite a distance. Then I + came to where the men were killed. I do not know how many were killed, but + I thought then that there were fifteen women, ten children, and forty men + killed, but the statement of others with whom I have since talked about + the massacre makes me believe there were fully one hundred and ten + justified that day on the Mountain Meadows. The ten who had died in the + corral, and young Aden killed by Brother Stewart at Richards' Springs, + would make the total number one hundred and twenty-one. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the place where the dead men lay, I was told how the orders + had been obeyed. Brother Higbee said: + </p> + <p> + "The boys have acted admirably; they took good aim; and all of the + Gentiles but three fell at the first fire." + </p> + <p> + Brother Higbee said that three or four got away some distance, but the men + on horses soon overtook them and cut their throats. He said the Indians + did their part of the work well, that it did not take over a minute to + finish up when they got fairly started. Three of the emigrants did get + away, but the Indians were put on their trail and overtook and killed them + before they reached the settlements in California. I found Brothers + Higbee, Klingensmith, and most of the brethren standing where the largest + number of the dead men lay. Brother Higbee said: + </p> + <p> + "We must now examine the bodies for valuables." + </p> + <p> + The bodies were searched by Brothers Higbee, Klingensmith, and Stewart. + The search resulted in a little money and a few watches, but there was not + much money. + </p> + <p> + After the dead were searched the brethren were called up, and Brothers + Higbee and Klingensmith, as well as myself, made speeches, and ordered the + Danites to keep the matter a secret from the entire world. They were not + to tell their wives, or most intimate friends, and we pledged ourselves to + keep everything relating to the affair hidden during life. We also took + the most binding oaths to stand by each other, and to always insist that + the massacre was committed by Indians alone. This was the advice of + Brigham. + </p> + <p> + The men were ordered to camp on the field for that night, but Brothers + Higbee and Klingensmith went with me to Hamblin's ranch, where we got + something to eat, and stayed all night. I was nearly dead for rest and + sleep, as I had rested but little since the Saturday night before. I took + my saddle blanket and spread it on the ground after I had eaten my supper, + and, using my saddle for a pillow, slept soundly until next morning. I was + awakened by loud talking between Brother Haight and Bishop Dame. + </p> + <p> + They were much excited, and were quarreling with each other. I arose at + once, but was unable to hear what they were quarreling about, for they + cooled down as they saw that others were paying attention to them. I soon + learned that Bishop Dame, Judge Lewis of Parowan, and Brother Haight, with + several others, had arrived at the Hamblin ranch in the night, but I do + not know what time they got there. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast we went back in a body to the Meadows, to hide the dead + and take care of the property that was left there. When we reached the + Meadows we rode up to that part of the field where the women were lying + dead. The bodies of men, women, and children had been stripped naked. + Knowing that Brothers Dame and Haight had quarreled at Hamblin's that + morning, I wanted to know how they would act in sight of the dead. I was + interested to know what Bishop Dame had to say, so I held close to them, + without appearing to be watching them. + </p> + <p> + Bishop Dame was silent for some time. He looked over the field, and was + quite pale, and looked uneasy and frightened. I thought then that he was + just finding out the difference between giving and executing orders for + wholesale killing. He spoke to Brother Haight, and said: + </p> + <p> + "I must report this matter to the authorities." + </p> + <p> + "How will you report it?" asked Brother Haight. + </p> + <p> + "I will report it as it is." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I suppose so, and implicate yourself with the rest?" said Brother + Haight. + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Bishop Dame. "I will not implicate myself, for I had nothing + to do with it." + </p> + <p> + "That will not do," said Brother Haight, "for you know better. You ordered + it done, and I will not be lied on." + </p> + <p> + Bishop Dame was much excited; he knew Brother Haight to be a man of + determination, and one who would not stand any foolishness. As soon as + Bishop Dame could collect himself, he said: + </p> + <p> + "I did not think there were so many of them!" + </p> + <p> + At this I felt that it was time for me to chip in, so I said: + </p> + <p> + "Brethren, what is the trouble between you? It will not do for our chief + men to disagree." + </p> + <p> + Brother Haight stepped to my side, a little in front of me, and facing + Bishop Dame. He was very angry, and said: + </p> + <p> + "The trouble is just this: Bishop Dame counseled the thing, and now he + wants to back out. He cannot do it. He must not try to do it. He has got + to stand to what he did, like a man." + </p> + <p> + Bishop Dame was cowed; he did not make any denial again, but said: + </p> + <p> + "Isaac, I did not know there were so many of them." + </p> + <p> + "That makes no difference," said Brother Haight. + </p> + <p> + It was now time to stop the fuss, for many of the young Danites were + coming around. So I said: + </p> + <p> + "Brethren, this is no place to discuss such a matter. You will agree when + you get where you can be quiet, and talk it over." + </p> + <p> + "There is no more to say; he has got to stand by it," said Brother Haight. + </p> + <p> + We went along the field, and passed by where the brethren were at work + covering up the bodies. They piled the dead bodies in heaps, and threw + dirt over them. The bodies were only lightly covered, for the ground was + hard, and the brethren did not have proper tools to dig with. I suppose + the first rain washed the bodies out again, but I never went back to + examine whether it did or not. + </p> + <p> + We went along the field to where the corral and camp had been, and the + wagons were standing. We found that the Indians had carried off the wagon + covers, clothing, and provisions, and had emptied the feathers out of the + feather-beds, and carried off all the ticks. + </p> + <p> + After the dead were covered up or buried (it was not much of a burial) the + brethren were called together, and a Council was held at the emigrant + camp. All the leading men made speeches; Bishop Dame, President Haight, + Bishop Klingensmith, Brothers Higbee, Hopkins, and myself. The speeches + were first: Thanks to God for delivering our enemies into our hands; next, + thanking the brethren for their zeal in God's cause; and lastly, the + necessity of saying that the Indians did it alone, and the Mormons had + nothing to do with it. + </p> + <p> + Most of the speeches were in the shape of exhortations and commands to + keep the whole matter secret from everyone but Brigham. It was voted + unanimously that any Danite who should divulge the secret, or tell who + were present, or do anything that might lead to discovery, should suffer + death. The brethren all took a solemn oath, binding themselves under the + most dreadful and awful penalties, to keep the whole a secret from every + human being, as long as they should live. No man was to know the facts. + The brethren were sworn not to talk of it among themselves, and each was + to kill any who proved a traitor to the Church or to the people in this + matter. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that Brigham should be informed of the business by someone + selected by the Church Council, after the brethren had returned home. It + was also voted to turn all the property over to Klingensmith, as bishop of + the Church at Cedar City, and he was to take care of the property for the + benefit of the Church, until Brigham gave further orders what to do with + it. Bishop Dame then blest the brethren and we prepared to go to our + homes. I took my little Indian boy, Clem, up on the horse behind me, and + started home. I crossed the mountains and returned the same way I had + come. + </p> + <p> + When I got within two miles of Harmony I overtook a body of about forty + Indians, on their way home from the massacre. They had a large amount of + bloody clothing, and were driving several head of cattle that they had + taken from the emigrants. The Indians were glad to see me, and said I was + their captain, and that they were going to Harmony with me as my men. + </p> + <p> + It was the orders from the Church authorities to do everything we could to + pacify the Indians and make them the fast friends of the Mormons, so I + concluded to humor them. I started on and they marched after me until we + reached the fort at Harmony. We went into the fort and marched round + inside, after which they halted and gave their whoop of victory, which + means much the same with them as cheers do with the whites. I then ordered + the Indians fed; my family gave them bread and melons, which they ate, and + then they left me and went to their tribe. + </p> + <p> + From that day to this it has been the understanding with all concerned in + that massacre that the man who divulged the secret should die; he was to + be killed, wherever found, for treason to the brethren who killed the + emigrants, and for his treason to the Church. No man was at liberty to + tell his wife, or anyone else; nor were the brethren permitted to talk of + it even among themselves. Such were the orders and instructions from + Brigham down to the lowest in authority. The orders to lay it to the + Indians were just as positive. This was the counsel of all in authority, + and for years it was faithfully observed. + </p> + <p> + The children that were saved were taken to Cedar City and other + settlements and put out among different families. I did not have anything + to do with the property captured from the emigrants, or the cattle, until + three months after the massacre, and then I took charge of the cattle, + being ordered to do so by Brigham. There were eighteen wagons in all at + the emigrant camp. They were wooden axles but one, and that was a light + iron axle; it had been hauled by four mules. There were over five hundred + head of cattle, but I never got the half of them. The Indians killed a + number at the time of the massacre, and drove others to their tribes when + they went home from Mountain Meadows. Bishop Klingensmith put the Church + brand on fifty head or more of the best of the cattle. + </p> + <p> + The Indians got about twenty head of horses and mules. Brother Samuel + Knight got a large sorrel mare; Brother Haight got a span of average + American mules; Brother Joel White got a fine mare; Brother Higbee got a + good large mule; Bishop Klingensmith got a span of mules. Brothers Haight, + Higbee, and Allen each took a wagon. The people took what they wanted, and + had divided and used up over half the property before I was put in charge. + </p> + <p> + The first time I heard that a messenger had been sent to Brigham for + instructions as to what should be done with the emigrants was three or + four days after I returned home from the Meadows. Then I heard of it from + Brother Haight, when he came to my house and had a talk with me. He said: + </p> + <p> + "We are all in a muddle. Brother Haslem has returned from Salt Lake City, + with orders from Brigham to let the emigrants pass in safety." In this + conversation Brother Haight also said: "I sent an order to Brother Higbee + to save the emigrants, after I had sent the orders for killing them all, + but for some reason the message did not reach him. I understand that the + messenger did not go to the Meadows at all." I at once saw that we were in + a bad fix, and I asked Brother Haight what was to be done. + </p> + <p> + Brother Haight told me it was the orders of the Council that I should go + to Salt Lake City and lay the matter before Brigham. I asked if he was not + going to write a report of it, as he was the right man to do it; for he + was in supreme command of the Danites in that section of the country, and + next to Bishop Dame in command of the district. He refused to write a + report, saying: + </p> + <p> + "You can report it better than I could write it. You are like a member of + Brigham's family, and can talk to him privately and confidentially. Do + this, Brother Lee, and you shall receive a celestial reward for it, and + the time will come when all who acted with us will be glad for the part + they have taken, for the time is near at hand when the Saints are to enjoy + the riches of the earth. And all who deny the faith and doctrines of the + Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shall be slain - the sword of + vengeance shall shed their blood; their wealth shall be given as a spoil + to our people." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0022" id="linklink2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII - THE DANITE CHIEF REPORTS TO BRIGHAM + </h2> + <p> + Accordingly, I went to Salt Lake City to report. I started about a week or + ten days after the massacre, and was on the way about ten days. When I + arrived in the city I went to Brigham's house and gave him a full, + detailed statement of the whole affair. He asked me if I had brought a + letter from Brother Haight, with his report of the affair. I said: + </p> + <p> + "No, Brother Haight wished me to make a verbal report of it, as I was an + eye-witness. Brother McMurdy, Brother Knight, and myself killed the + wounded men in the wagons, with the assistance of the Indians. We killed + six wounded men." + </p> + <p> + Brigham asked me many questions, and I told him every particular - + everything I knew. I described everything very fully. Brigham then said: + </p> + <p> + "Isaac [referring to Haight] has sent me word that if they had killed + every man, woman, and child in the outfit there would not have been a drop + of innocent blood shed by the brethren; for they were a set of murderers, + robbers, and thieves." + </p> + <p> + While I was talking with him some men came into his house to see him, and + he requested me to keep quiet until they left. I did as he directed. As + soon as the men went out I continued my recital. I gave him the names of + every man that had been present at the massacre. I told him who killed + various ones. In fact, I gave him all the information there was to give. + When I had finished talking, he said: + </p> + <p> + "This is the most unfortunate affair that ever befell the Church. I am + afraid of treachery among the brethren that were there. If anyone tells + this thing so that it becomes public, it will work us great injury. I want + you to understand now, that you are never to tell this again, not even to + Heber C. Kimball. It must be kept a secret among ourselves. When you get + home I want you to sit down and write a long letter, and give me an + account of the affair, charging it to the Indians. You sign the letter as + Farmer to the Indians, and direct it to me as Indian Agent. I can make use + of such a letter to keep off damaging and troublesome inquiries." He then + said: "If only men had been killed, I would not have cared so much. I + suppose the men were a bad set, but it is hard to kill women and children + for the sins of the men. I must have time to reflect upon it." + </p> + <p> + Brigham then told me to withdraw and call next day, and he would give me + an answer. I said to him: + </p> + <p> + "Brother Brigham, the people all felt, and I know that I believed, I was + obeying orders, and acting for the good of the Church, and in strict + conformity with the oaths that we have taken to avenge the blood of the + Prophets. You must either sustain the Danites in what they have done, or + release us from the oaths and obligations we have taken." The only reply + he made was: + </p> + <p> + "Go now; come in the morning, and I will give you an answer." I went to + see him again in the morning. When I went in he seemed quite cheerful. He + said: + </p> + <p> + "I have made that matter a subject of prayer. I went right to God with it. + I have evidence from God that He has ruled it all for good, and the action + was a righteous one. The brethren acted from pure motives. The only + trouble is they acted prematurely; they were a little ahead of time. I + sustain you and the brethren in what was done. All I fear is treachery on + the part of someone who took a hand with you, but we will look to that." + </p> + <p> + Then I was again cautioned and commanded to keep the whole thing a sacred + secret, and again told to write the report as Indian Farmer, laying the + blame on the Indians. That ended our interview, and I left him and started + for my home at Harmony. When I reported my interview to Brother Haight, + and give him Brig- ham's answer, he was well pleased; he said I had done + well. I remember a circumstance that Brother Haight then related about + Brother Dan McFarland. He said: + </p> + <p> + "Dan will make a great warrior." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you think so?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," returned he, "Dan came to me and said, 'You must get me another + knife, because the one I have has no good stuff in it, for the edge turned + when I cut a fellow's throat at the Meadows. I caught one of the devils + that was trying to get away, and when I cut his throat it took all the + edge off my knife.' I tell you that boy will make a warrior." + </p> + <p> + Next I wrote the letter to Brigham and laid the massacre to the Indians. + It was as follows: + </p> + <p> + Harmony, Washington Co., U. T., November 20th, 1857. To His Excellency, + Gov. B. Young: + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir: My report under date May 11th, 1857, relative to the Indians + over whom I have charge as farmer, showed a friendly relation between them + and the whites, which doubtless would have continued to increase had not + the white men been the first agressors, as was the case with Capt. + Fancher's company of emigrants, passing through to California about the + middle of September last. When they were on Corn Creek, fifteen miles + south of Fillimore City, Millard County, the company poisoned the meat of + an ox, which they gave the Pah Vant Indians to eat, causing four of them + to die immediately, besides poisoning a number more. The company also + poisoned the water where they encamped, killing the cattle of the + settlers. This unguided policy, planned in wickedness by this company, + raised the wrath of the Indians, which soon spread through the southern + tribes, firing them for revenge till blood ran in their path, and as the + wrong, according to their tradition, was a national one, any portion of + the white nation was liable to atone for that offense. About the 22d of + September, Capt. Fancher and company fell victims to the Indians, near + Mountain Meadows; their cattle and horses were shot down in every + direction, their wagons and property mostly committed to the flames. Had + they been the only ones that suffered we would have less cause of + complaint. But the next company passing through had many of their men shot + down near Beaver City, and had it not been for the interposition of the + citizens at that place the whole company would have been mas- sacred by + the enraged Pah Vants. From this place they were protected by military + force, by order of Bishop Dame, who also provided the company with + interpreters, to help them through to the Los Vaagus. On the Muddy some + three to five hundred Indians again attacked the company, and drove off + several hundred head of cattle, telling the company that if they fired a + single gun they would kill every soul. The interpreters tried to regain + the stock, or a portion of it, by presents, but in vain. The Indians told + them to mind their own business, or their lives would not be safe. Since + that occurrence no company has been able to pass without carrying along + some of our interpreters to explain matters to the Indians. + </p> + <p> + Friendly feelings yet remain between the natives and settlers and I have + no hesitancy in saying that it will increase so long as we treat them + kindly, and deal honestly with them. I have been blest in my labors the + last year. Much grain has been raised for the Indians. I herewith furnish + you the account of Bishop Dame, of Parowan, for cattle, wagons, etc. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Furnished for the benefit of the Chief Owanup (ss.), +for Two yoke of oxen, $100 each, one wagon and chain $75. +Total.....................................................$275.00 +Two cows $30 each, for labor $80...........................140.00 + ————— + $415.00 +P. K. Smith, Cedar City, Iron County: +For two yoke cattle $100 each, and Mo. 2 Weekses Band.....$200.00 +One cow $35, do one wagon $80, total.......................115.00 + ————— +Total.....................................................$315.00 +Jacob Hamblin's account for the benefit of Talse Gobbeth Band, +Santa Clara, Washington Co. (ss.): Two yoke of cattle, +$100 each, do one wagon, two chains, $100, total..........$300.00 +Two cows $35 each, total....................................70.00 + ————— +Total.....................................................$370.00 +Henry Barney's account for the benefit of Tennquiches Band, +Harmony (ss.): For two yoke cattle $100...................$200.00 +Do one wagon $100, do one plow $40, total..................140.00 +Do four cows at $35 each, total............................140.00 +For labor in helping to secure crops, etc...................40.00 + ————— +Total.....................................................$520.00 +For my services the last six months, and for provisions, +clothing, etc........... $600.00 + ————— +Sum total...............................................$2,220.00 +</pre> + <p> + From the above report you will see that the wants of the natives have + increased with their experience and practice in the art of agriculture. + With sentiments of high consideration. + </p> + <p> + I am your humble servant, + </p> + <p> + John Doyle Lee, Gov. B. Young. Farmer to Pah Utes Indians. + </p> + <p> + Having signed, I forwarded that letter, and thought I had managed the + affair nicely. I put in this expense account of two thousand two hundred + and twenty dollars just to show off, and help Brigham to something from + the Government. It was the way his Indian farmers all did. I never gave + the Indians one of the articles named in the letter. No one of the men + mentioned had furnished anything to the Indians, but I did it this way for + safety. Brigham never spent a dollar on the Indians while he was Indian + Agent. The only money he ever spent on the Indians was when we were at war + with them. Then they cost us some money, but not much. + </p> + <p> + Brigham, knowing that I wrote this letter solely for the protection of the + brethren, used it in making up his report to the Government. I obeyed his + orders in this, as I did at the Mountain Meadows. I acted conscientiously, + and have nothing to blame myself for. + </p> + <p> + The following winter I was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention + that met in Salt Lake City to form a constitution preparatory to the + application of Utah for admission into the Union. I attended during the + entire session, and was often in company with Brigham at his house and + elsewhere, and he treated me with kindness and consideration. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the session of the Convention I was directed by Brigham to + assume charge of the cattle and other property captured from the + emigrants, and take care of it for the Indians. When I got home I gathered + up about two hundred head of cattle and put my brand on them, and gave + them to the Indians as they needed them, or rather when they demanded + them. I did that until all of the emigrant cattle were gone. + </p> + <p> + The taking care of that property was unfortunate, for afterward when the + Indians wanted beef they thought they owned everything with my brand on. + So much so, that I quit branding my stock. I preferred leaving them + unbranded, for everything with my brand on would be taken by the Indians. + I know it has been reported that the emigrants were very rich. That is a + mistake. Their only wealth was in cattle and teams. The people were + comfortably dressed in Kentucky jeans and lindsey, but they had no fine + clothing that I ever saw. They had but few watches. + </p> + <p> + While in Cedar City Brigham preached one night. In his sermon, when + speaking of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, he said: + </p> + <p> + "Do you know who those people were that were killed on the Mountain + Meadows? I will tell you who those people were. They were fathers, + mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, and children of those + who killed the Saints and drove them from Missouri, and afterwards + murdered our Prophets in Carthage jail. And yet after all this, I am told + there are some of the brethren who are willing to swear against those who + were engaged in that affair. I hope there is no truth in this report. I + hope there is no such person here, under the sound of my voice. But if + there is, I will tell him my opinion of him, and the fact so far as his + fate is concerned. Unless he repent at once of that unholy intention, and + keep the secret, he will die a dog's death, and go to hell. I must not + hear of any treachery among my people." + </p> + <p> + These words of Brigham gave great comfort. They insured our safety and + took away our fears. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0023" id="linklink2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII - LEE NEARS THE END + </h2> + <p> + Many people think that Brigham cut me off from the Church and refused to + recognize me following the massacre. I will relate a circumstance that + took place ten years after the facts were known by him. + </p> + <p> + In 1867 or 1868 I met Brigham and suite at Parowan, seventy miles from + Washington, the place where a part of my family resided. Brother James + Pace was with me. The Prophet said that he wanted uncle Jim Pace to go + with me and prepare dinner for him, and to go by my herd and take several + fat kids along and have a good dinner for him by the time he got there. + </p> + <p> + Brigham's will was our pleasure. We rode night and day, and felt thankful + that we were worthy the honor of serving the prophet of the Living God. + The time designated for dinner was one o'clock. The company arrived at + eleven o'clock, two hours ahead of time. The Prophet drove to Bishop + Covington's house, in the block where I lived; he halted about five + minutes there, instead of driving direct to my house according to previous + arrangement. Then he turned his carriage around and got out with Amelia, + his beloved, and went into the Bishop's house, leaving his suite standing + in the street. Brigham felt his dignity trampled on because I was not + present to the minute to receive him with an escort, and welcome and do + homage to him upon entering the town. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I learned of his arrival I hastened to make apologies. The + Prophet heard my excuses, and said that his family and brethren, all + except himself and Amelia, could go to my house to dinner; that he would + not eat until about two o'clock. He then whispered to me and said: + </p> + <p> + "Cut me a chunk off the breast of the turkey, and a piece off the loin of + one of the fat kids, and put some rich gravy over it, and I will eat it at + 2 p. m." + </p> + <p> + At two o'clock I again made his will my pleasure, and carried his dinner + to him as requested, when he did me the honor of eating it. The rest of + the company went to my house and took dinner. Among my guests that day + were Bishop Hunter, Brothers John Taylor, W. Woodruff, several of the + Prophet's sons and daughters, and many others. + </p> + <p> + At dinner Brother Smith and others of the twelve apostles laughed about + the anger of Brigham, and said that if the Old Boss had not got miffed + they would have lost the pleasure of eating the fat turkey. The party + enjoyed themselves that day, and had many a laugh over the Prophet's anger + robbing him of an excellent dinner. + </p> + <p> + At that time part of my family was at Washington, but I also had quite a + family living at Harmony, where several of my wives were staying. The next + morning the Prophet asked me if I was going to Harmony that night. I told + him that I did intend going. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you would go," said he, "and prepare dinner for us." + </p> + <p> + Brigham then gave me full instructions as to what to prepare for dinner, + and how he wanted his meat cooked, and said the company would be at my + house in Harmony the next day at 1 o'clock, p. m. I at once proceeded to + obey his instructions. I rode to Harmony through a rain storm, and I + confess I was proud of my position. I esteemed it a great honor to have + the privilege of entertaining the prophet of the Lord. + </p> + <p> + My entire family in Harmony were up all night, cooking and making ready to + feed and serve the Lord's anointed and his followers. I killed beeves, + sheep, goats, turkeys, geese, ducks, and chickens, all of which were + prepared according to instructions, and eaten by Brigham and his party + next day. + </p> + <p> + Prompt to time, the Prophet and his suite and an escort on horseback came + into the Fort. There were seventy-three carriages, besides the Danite + escort. I entertained the entire party, giving them dinner, supper, and + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + In 1858 Brigham called upon me to locate a company of cotton growers, of + which Brother Joseph Ham was captain. This company was sent out by Brigham + and the leading men of Salt Lake City, to test the growing of cotton on + the Santa Clara and Rio Virgin bottoms. In obedience to counsel, I located + the company at the mouth of the Santa Clara River, about four miles south + of where St. George now stands. + </p> + <p> + In 1859 or 1860, the first trip that Brigham took from Salt Lake City to + southern Utah, he went by way of Pinto, Mountain Meadows, Santa Clara, and + Washington. I was at Washington, building a gristmill, some two miles west + of the town, when he came along. I was sitting on a rock about thirty + steps from the road. His carriage was in the lead, as was usual with him + when traveling. When he came opposite where I was sitting he halted and + called me to his carriage, and bid me get in. I did so. He seemed glad to + see me, and asked where I lived. I told him I lived in the same block with + Bishop Covington, and that he would pass my door in going to the Bishop's. + I then thought he would put up with the Bishop, and not with a private + person. + </p> + <p> + In crossing the creek, on the way into town, the sand was heavy. I was + about to jump out and walk. He objected, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Sit still. You are of more value than horseflesh yet." + </p> + <p> + When we neared my residence, he said: + </p> + <p> + "Is this where you live, John?" + </p> + <p> + "It is. That is where the Bishop lives." The old man made no reply, but + continued on. Then he said: + </p> + <p> + "You have a nice place here. I have a notion to stop with you." + </p> + <p> + "You are always welcome to my house," I replied. + </p> + <p> + Then he said to the company, which consisted, I think, of seventy-three + carriages: + </p> + <p> + "Some of you had better scatter round among the brethren." + </p> + <p> + About half the company did so. The rest, with the Prophet, stayed at my + house. The next day the whole company went on to Tokerville, twenty miles + from my residence. I went with them to that place. In the evening all went + to St. George, and held a two days' meeting. At the close of the meeting + the Prophet called me to the stand, and said: + </p> + <p> + "John, I will be in New Harmony on Wednesday next. I want you to notify + the Saints, and have a bowery built, and prepare for my reception." + </p> + <p> + Brother Imday was President of that place, and was at the meeting. I + traveled all night, and reported the orders of the Prophet to the people. + Great preparations were made for his reception. A committee of + arrangements was appointed, with a committee to wait on his Honor. Also an + escort of fifteen Danites was selected to accompany this committee. They + went out fifteen miles, where they met the Prophet and his followers and + made a report of our proceedings. He thanked them, and said: + </p> + <p> + "I am going to stop with Brother John D.," as he often called me. "John, I + am going to stop with you." + </p> + <p> + "You know you are always welcome," I said. Brigham drove to the center of + the town and halted; then he said: + </p> + <p> + "John, where do you live?" I pointed across the field about half a mile. + </p> + <p> + It being his will, we went to my house, sixteen carriages going with us. + Quite a number of Brigham's company had gone by Kanab, to Cedar City, to + hold meetings in what settlements they would pass through. The + arrangements of the committee were treated with indifference by Brigham + and his party. All the company but one carriage went to my house; that one + stopped at Brother James Pace's. During their stay at my house all were + friendly. Brigham asked me to go with them to Cedar City, which I did. + </p> + <p> + In 1870, some time in the fall, I went from Parowan by way of Panguich, up + the Severe River with Brigham, on a trip to the Pareah country. On this + trip I was appointed a road commissioner, with ten men to go ahead, view + out and prepare the road for Brigham and his company to travel over. While + at Upper Kanab I had a private interview with him, concerning my future. + Brigham said he thought I had met with opposition and hardships enough to + entitle me to have rest the balance of my life; that I had best leave + Harmony, and settle in some good place farther south; build up a home and + gather strength around me. After a while we would cross over into Arizona + Territory, near the San Francisco Mountains, and there establish the order + of Enoch, or United Order. We were to take a portable steam sawmill and + cut lumber with which to build up the southern settlements, and I was to + run the mill in connection with Bishop Stewart. This I consider an + additional honor shown me by the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + From Upper Kanab I was sent across the mountains to Lower Kanab, to Bishop + Stewart's, to have him carry supplies for the Prophet and company. I had + to travel sixty miles without a trail, but I was glad of a chance to + perform any duty that would please the Prophet. I again met the company, + and went with the party to Tokerville, where I closed arrangements with + Brigham about the sawmill. All was understood and agreed upon, and we + parted in a very friendly manner. About two weeks after leaving Brigham + and party at Tokerville, I was notified that I had been suspended from the + Church because of the Mountain Meadows affair. + </p> + <p> + The following spring I visited the Prophet at St. George, and asked him + why they had thus dealt with me, without allowing me a chance to speak for + myself; why they had waited seventeen years and then cut me off; why I was + not cut off at once, if what I had done was evil? + </p> + <p> + "I never knew the facts until lately," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Brother Brigham, you know I told the whole story to you a short time + after it happened." + </p> + <p> + The reply he made was this: + </p> + <p> + "Be a man, and not a baby. I am your friend, and not your enemy. You shall + have a rehearing. Go up to the office and see Brother Erastus Snow, and + arrange the time for the hearing." + </p> + <p> + We arranged the time of meeting. It was agreed that all parties interested + were to be notified of the meeting, and required to be in St. George on + the following Wednesday, at 2 p. m. All parties agreed to this, and after + talking over the whole thing I again parted with Brigham in a very + friendly manner. I went to Washington and stayed with my family there. The + next morning I started for Harmony, to visit my family at that place, and + make arrangements for the rehearing that was to me of the greatest + consequence. I then considered that if I was cut off from the Church I + might better be dead; that out of the Church I could find no joys worth + living for. + </p> + <p> + Soon after I left Washington Erastus Snow, one of the twelve apostles, + arrived at my house and asked for me. My family told him I had gone to + Harmony to arrange for the new hearing and trial before the Church + authorities. He appeared to be much disappointed at not meeting me, and + told my family that Brigham had reconsidered the matter, and there would + be no rehearing or investigation; that the order cutting me off from the + Church would stand; that he would send a letter to me which would explain + the matter, and the letter would reach Harmony about as soon as I did. On + the next Tuesday night an anonymous letter was left at my house by one of + the sons of Erastus Snow, with orders to hand it to me. The letter read as + follows: + </p> + <p> + John Doyle Lee, of Washington: + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir: If you consult your own interest, and that of those that would + be your friends, you will not press an investigation at this time, as it + will only serve to implicate ones who would otherwise be your friends, and + cause them to suffer with, or inform upon you. Our advice is to make + yourself scarce, and keep out of the way. + </p> + <p> + There was no signature, but I knew it came from Apostle Snow, written by + orders of Brigham. When I read the letter I saw that I had nothing to hope + from the Church, and my grief was as great as I could bear. To add to my + troubles, Brigham sent word to my wives that they were divorced from me + and could leave me, if they wished to do so. This was the hardest blow I + ever received in my life, for I loved my wives. As the result of Brigham's + advice eleven of my wives deserted me, and have never lived with me since + that time. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards I was arrested (on or about the 9th of November, 1874) and + taken to Fort Cameron, in Beaver County, Utah Territory, and placed in + prison there. A few days after my arrest I was visited in prison by + Brothers George A. Smith, Orson Hyde, Erastus Snow, A. F. McDonald, and + many other leaders of the Church. They each and all told me to stand to my + integrity, and all would come right in the end. + </p> + <p> + At this time the Prophet was stopping with Bishop Murdock, in Beaver City. + My wife Rachel went under cloud of night to see him and have a talk about + my case. He received her with kindness, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Sister Rachel, are you standing by Brother John?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I am," was her reply. + </p> + <p> + "That is right," said he. "God bless you for it. Tell Brother John to + stand to his integrity to the end, and not a hair of his head shall be + harmed." + </p> + <p> + What is there more? I wait within the reach of death. There is no help for + the widow's son. Still, all is for the best. + </p> + <p> + Camp Cameron, March 23rd, 1877. + </p> + <p> + Morning clear, still and pleasant. The guard, George Tracy, informs me + that Col. Nelson and Judge Howard have gone. Since my confinement here I + have reflected much over my sentence, and as the time of my execution has + come, I feel composed. I hope to meet the bullets with manly courage. I + declare my innocence. I have done nothing wrong. I have a reward in + Heaven, and my conscience does not accuse me. This to me is a consolation. + I place more value upon it than I would upon an eulogy without merit. If + my work be finished on earth, I ask God in Heaven, in the name of His Son + Jesus Christ, to receive my spirit, and allow me to meet my loved ones who + have gone behind the veil. The bride of my youth and her faithful mother; + my devoted friend and companion, N. A.; my dearly beloved children, with + whom I parted in sorrow, but shall meet in joy - I bid you farewell. Be + true to each other. Live faithful before God, that we may meet in the + mansions that God has prepared for His servants. Remember the last words + of your most true friend on earth, and let them sink into your aching + hearts. I leave my blessing with you. Farewell. John Doyle Lee + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_APPE" id="linklink2H_APPE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX I - BLOOD ATONEMENT + </h2> + <p> + As exhibiting the Mormon position on the doctrine of "Blood Atonement," + the following extracts are taken from the sermons and preachings of the + Prophet Brigham Young: + </p> + <p> + "I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously + slain in order to atone for their sins." + </p> + <p> + "Now, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off from the + earth, that you consider is strong doctrine; but it is to save them, not + to destroy them." + </p> + <p> + "All mankind love themselves; and let these principles be known by an + individual, and he would be glad to have his blood shed. That would be + loving themselves even unto eternal exaltation." + </p> + <p> + "This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help him; if + he wishes salvation, and it is necessary to spill his blood upon the + ground in order that he be saved, spill it." + </p> + <p> + "Any of you who understand the principles of eternity - if you have sinned + a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin unto death - would + not be satisfied or rest until your blood should be spilled, that you + might gain the salvation you desire. This is the way to love mankind." + </p> + <p> + "It is true the blood of the Son of God was shed for sins through the fall + and those committed by men, yet ye men can commit sins which it can never + remit. As it was in the ancient days, so it is in our day; and though the + principles are taught publicly from this stand, still the people do not + understand them; yet the law is precisely the same." + </p> + <p> + "I have known a great many men who have left this Church, for whom there + is no chance whatever of exaltation; but if their blood had been spilled, + it would have been better for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the + nations forbid this principle being in full force, but the time will come + when the law of God will be in full force." + </p> + <p> + "Will you love your brothers and sisters likewise, when they have + committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their + blood? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? + That is what Jesus Christ meant. He never told a man to love his enemies + in their wickedness. He never intended any such thing." + </p> + <p> + "I have known scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been + a chance in the last resurrection if their lives had been taken and their + blood spilled upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almighty, but + who are now angels to the devil, until our elder brother, Jesus Christ, + raises them up, and conquers death, hell, and the grave." + </p> + <p> + "There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering upon an altar, as in + ancient days; and there are sins that the blood of a lamb, of a calf, or + of turtle doves cannot remit, but they must be atoned for by the blood of + the man. That is the reason why men talk to you as they do from this + stand; they understand the doctrine, and throw out a few words about it. + You have been taught that doctrine, but you do not understand it." + </p> + <p> + "Now, take a person in this congregation, who has a knowledge of being + saved in the kingdom of our God and our Father, and being an exalted one, + - who knows and understands the principles of eternal life, and sees the + beauty and excellency of the eternities before him, compared with the vain + and foolish things of the world; and suppose he is overtaken with a gross + fault - that he has committed a fault which he knows will deprive him of + that exaltation which he desires; and that he cannot attain to it without + the shedding of his blood; and also knows that by having his blood shed, + he will atone for that sin and be saved, and be exalted with the gods, is + there a man or woman in this house but what would say, 'Shed my blood, + that I may be saved and exalted with the gods'?" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_APPE2" id="linklink2H_APPE2"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX II - THE STORY OF LEE'S ARREST + </h2> + <p> + United States Marshal's Office, Beaver City, Utah, April 1st, 1877. + </p> + <p> + My Dear Sir: As requested, I send you the facts of the arrest of John + Doyle Lee, from the time the warrants were placed in my hands until I + arrested him and brought him to Beaver City. I tell it in my own way, and + you can use it as you see proper. + </p> + <p> + About the 1st of October, 1874, warrants were placed in my hands for the + arrest of Lee, Haight, Higbee, Stewart, Wilden, Adair, Klingensmith, and + Jukes (the warrant for the arrest of Dame not being placed in my hands at + that time). I received instructions from General George R. Maxwell, United + States Marshal for the District of Utah, that Lee was the most important + one of all those indicted, and that he wanted him arrested first, if + possible, but that it was a dangerous undertaking, for he was satisfied by + what he could learn that Lee would never be taken alive. He wanted me to + take him alive, if possible, but not at too great a risk; that he did not + want to give me any plan of operations or particular instructions how to + act, as he believed I knew more about that kind of business than he did, + and that he did not wish to give any officer under him any plans when he + was sure, as he was in this case, that it would be laying a plan to have + one of his own officers killed. I took the case in hand, thinking at that + time that I would have to go to Lee's place on the Colorado River. I was + arranging for that trip. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th day of October, 1874, I started south from Beaver City, to + summon jurors for the November term of the District Court for the Second + Judicial District of Utah Territory, to be held at Beaver City. I also + intended to procure a guide, if I could do so, and go to the Colorado + River to make the arrest. When I reached Parowan I learned that it was + currently reported that Lee had come from the Colorado River, and was then + in the southern counties of Utah. He was supposed to be at Harmony, + because it was known that he had some accounts due him there, which he was + then probably collecting, in the shape of provisions, to take back with + him to the river. I at once started again, on my way south, determined to + arrest him at Harmony, and to do so alone, for I did not know where + reliable aid could be had. I considered there was no time to lose, and + that I was taking no more chances in attempting the arrest alone than I + would be taking if I found him at the Colorado River, at his stronghold, + even if backed by a strong force. + </p> + <p> + On my way I met Thomas Winn. I told him what I was intending to do. I told + him I was going to arrest Lee. Winn said he considered it madness, as it + was reported that several of Lee's sons were with him, and all armed. He + volunteered to go with me and take even chances. + </p> + <p> + We finally decided that he should go to Iron City and get help, as there + were then several men there that we could depend on. He was to get these + men and be at Harmony by daylight on the morning of the 30th of October. I + was to go to Harmony and get there soon after dark the night of the 29th + of October, and make the arrest, if I thought I could do so and get away + in safety under the cover of night. If not, I was to find out where he + was, and wait for assistance. + </p> + <p> + When I got to Hamilton's Fort, eight miles south of Cedar City, I learned + that Lee had left Harmony and gone back to the Colorado River, by the way + of Toquerville, and was then several days ahead of me. I then sent a boy + out on the Iron City road to stop Winn and send him back. I proceeded on + my way and summoned my jurors. I could hear nothing of Lee in the southern + country. On my way back I stopped at Thomas Winn's house, and got him to + go over on the Severe River, to see if Lee had not gone by the way of + Panguitch, and stopped there to lay in more supplies. + </p> + <p> + Winn started on the 5th day of November, and took Franklin R. Fish with + him. They pretended to be looking for stock. They were to report to me at + Parowan, on the night of the 7th of November. I returned to Beaver City, + and made my returns. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of November 7th I started for Parowan to meet my men, Winn + and Fish. That same day Brigham Young went from Beaver to Parowan. He + passed me near the Buck Horn Springs. I have no doubt but that he thought + I was there to assassinate him, for he had four of his best fighting + Danites with him as a guard. They were armed with Henry rifles, and as + they came up to me the Danites rode between me and their beloved Prophet's + carriage; but they had no reason for alarm. Brigham Young was not the man + that I was after at that time. I met Winn and Fish at Red Creek. As they + were coming out of Little Creek Canyon Winn remarked: + </p> + <p> + "Your man is there!" + </p> + <p> + As the men had found that Lee had made everything ready for a start, we + rode on to Parowan, where I arranged my plan of action. Fish was to go + back over the mountains to Panguitch that night, with instructions to come + out and meet us, in case Lee should start away from Panguitch. I was to + start back toward Beaver City until I had passed Red Creek settlement, and + then go up Little Creek Canyon. The others, Thomas Winn, Thomas LaFever, + Samuel G. Rodgers and David Evans, were to go into the mountains in + different places, and all to meet near Thompson's Mill on Little Creek. We + followed this plan, and met at the mill. We then went over the mountains + towards Panguitch. + </p> + <p> + The snow on the way would average fully two feet in depth, and the night + was very cold. We stopped at a place about three miles from Panguitch for + the night. I sent David Evans into Panguitch to see Fish, and find out if + all was right. Long before daylight we saddled our horses and started on, + for the night was bitter cold. We had no blankets with us, and dared not + build a fire, for fear it would alarm Lee and notify him that we were + there. We reached the place where Evans was to meet us sometime before + daylight; he was not there. We waited until after the sun was up, but + still Evans did not come. Then thinking that my plans had been found out + in some way, and that my two men, Fish and Evans, were captured, and more + than likely Blood Atoned, I concluded to act quickly and effectually. + </p> + <p> + We mounted our horses and dashed into the town at full speed. We found + Evans, and learned that Fish had not been able to locate Lee, but knew + that he was in town. I then ordered my men to go to different parts of the + town, and keep a good lookout, and not to let any wagon go out of town + until they had searched the wagon. I inquired of the citizens about Lee, + but could learn nothing from them about him. Some said they never knew + him, others that they never heard of such a man, had not even heard the + name. + </p> + <p> + The citizens soon came crowding around in disagreeable numbers. I saw I + must resort to strategy, or I and my friends were in danger; so in order + to disperse the crowd, I took out my book and pencil and took down the + names of those around me. I then summoned them to assist me in finding and + arresting Lee. They each and all had some excuse, but I refused to excuse + any of them and ordered them to go and get their arms and come back and + aid me. This worked well, for in less than five minutes there was not a + Mormon to be seen on the streets of Panguitch. About this time I rode near + Thomas Winn, when he said: + </p> + <p> + "I believe I have Lee spotted. I asked a little boy where Lee's wife + lived, and he showed me the house." + </p> + <p> + This was something to work on. I rode around to the house that Winn + pointed out to me. As I turned the street corner I saw a woman looking + into a log pen, and when she saw me she turned back towards the house, + then turned and walked back to the pen, and appeared to be talking to + someone in the pen. She seemed to be very much excited. I rode by the + house and around the lot, and while doing so I saw a little girl go out + and look into the pen for a little while; she then took up a handful of + Straw and went buck into the house. I, like Winn, was then satisfied that + Lee was in that pen. I then told Winn to keep the place in sight, but not + appear to be watching it, while I was getting ready to search for Lee. I + soon afterwards met Samuel Lee. I took down his name and ordered him to + assist me in searching for and arresting John D. Lee. + </p> + <p> + "John D. Lee is my father, sir," said he. + </p> + <p> + At that I told him it made no difference to me if he was his grandmother, + that I was going to search the house and wanted him with me. He said he + was going down to the threshing machine to see his brother Al, and started + off. I drew my revolver and told him to stop. He walked right along, + looking back over his shoulder at me all the time. I then spurred my horse + and went in front of him. He said: + </p> + <p> + "You can shoot and be hanged. I am not heeled, but I am going down to see + my brother Al." + </p> + <p> + While we were talking, Alma Lee came up and asked what was up. Sam said: + </p> + <p> + "This is the officer come to arrest father." + </p> + <p> + "Is that all! I thought there was a dog fight." + </p> + <p> + He then took Sam one side and talked to him for a time. Sam soon came back + and said he was ready to go with me. I then dismounted and had Winn do the + same. I first went into the house, where I found several women. I searched + the house thoroughly, but found no one in it that I wanted. I then said to + Sam: + </p> + <p> + "We will go over to the other house." + </p> + <p> + "All right, come on," said Sam, and started out ahead of me. + </p> + <p> + When I got into the yard I stopped, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Hold on; here is a corral out here, let us examine that." + </p> + <p> + At this Sam came to a standstill, and was very much excited. I was then + certain that my man was there. I had to urge Sam considerably to get him + to go up to the corral with me. Henry Darrow, one of Lee's sons-in-law, + followed us. I took a circle around the corral, and then walked up to the + log pen. This pen was about seven feet wide, nine feet long, and four feet + high in the clear. There was a hole close to the ground, just about large + enough for a man to crawl through. I first went to this hole and looked + through into the pen, but I could see nothing but some loose straw in the + back end of the pen. I then discovered a little hole between the top logs, + near the back end, where the straw covering was off. I went to this hole + and put my eye down to it, and then I saw one side of Lee's face, as he + lay on his right side; his face was partly covered with loose straw. I + waited a few seconds, until Winn came near enough for him to hear me + without my speaking over a whisper. I then said: + </p> + <p> + "There is someone in that pen." + </p> + <p> + "I guess not," said Darrow. + </p> + <p> + "I am certain there is a person in there." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if there is, it is likely one of the children," said Darrow. + </p> + <p> + By this time Winn was in position and holding his Henry rifle ready for + instant use. Winn and myself were alone. All my other men were in other + parts of the town. Just then I saw Fish coming. I then said: + </p> + <p> + "Lee, come out and surrender yourself. I have come to arrest you." + </p> + <p> + He did not move. I looked around to see if any of my men were coming. I + saw Fish sitting on his horse in front of the door, his gun in his hand. I + motioned my hand for him to come to me, but he remained still and kept + watch of the house, as if he was going to shoot, or expected danger from + that quarter. His action surprised me, for he was a brave man, and quick + to obey orders. I then looked at the house to see what was attracting his + attention, and I soon saw there was enough there to claim his full time. I + saw two guns pointed through the logs of the side of the house and aimed + directly at me, and Fish was watching the people who held those guns. That + looked like business. I instantly drew two pistols from my overcoat + pocket, taking one in each hand. I put one pistol through the crack in the + roof of the pen, with the muzzle within eighteen inches of Lee's head. I + then said to Winn: + </p> + <p> + "You go in there and disarm Lee, and I promise you that if a single straw + moves, I will blow his head off, for my pistol is not a foot from his + head." + </p> + <p> + Winn was going into the pen. Darrow then commenced to beg me not to shoot. + Lee also spoke and said: + </p> + <p> + "Hold on, boys, don't shoot, I will come out." + </p> + <p> + He then commenced to turn over to get out of the pen, at the same time + putting his pistol (which he had all the time held in his hand and lying + across his breast) into the scabbard. I said to Winn: + </p> + <p> + "Stand back and look out, for there is danger from the house." + </p> + <p> + Darrow continued to beg us not to shoot. I told Darrow that I would not + hurt a hair of Lee's head if he surrendered peaceably, but that I was not + going to die like a dog, nor would I permit Lee to get away alive. Lee + came out of the pen, and after straightening up, he asked very coolly: + </p> + <p> + "Well, boys, what do you want of me?" + </p> + <p> + "I have a warrant for your arrest, and must take you to Beaver with me," I + said, + </p> + <p> + Lee then asked me to show him the pistol that I put through the pen and + pointed at his head. He said: + </p> + <p> + "It was the queerest-looking pistol that I ever saw. It looked like a + man's hand with the fingers cut off short." + </p> + <p> + It was a dragoon pistol, with the barrel cut off short. He laughed when he + saw it, and was not at all excited. We then went to the house. The women + seemed wild, some of them crying and all unreasonable in their language. + Lee told his family to be quiet, and did all that he could to pacify them. + I sent and bought some wine, and took a pitcher of the liquid into the + house to the women. They all took a drink. When I got to one of his + daughters, who was crying bitterly, she took the glass and said: + </p> + <p> + "Here is hoping that father will get away from you." + </p> + <p> + "Drink hearty, miss," I said. + </p> + <p> + By the time all the family had taken a drink a large number of people had + gathered around the house. I think fully one hundred and fifty Mormons + were there. I turned to one of my men and told him to find some place + where we could get something to eat. Lee heard me, and apologized for not + thinking to ask us to have something to eat before that time. + </p> + <p> + "But," said he, "the women folks have been making so much fuss that I have + thought of nothing." + </p> + <p> + Lee then ordered breakfast for us all. His sons gathered around him and + told him that if he did not want to go to Beaver, to say so, and they + would see that he didn't go. Lee then took me one side and told me what + his friends proposed, and wanted to know what answer he should give them. + I thought he did this to see if there was any chance to frighten me. I + told him to tell the boys to turn themselves loose; that I knew I had no + friends in that place, except those who came with me, but we were well + armed, and when trouble commenced we would shoot those nearest to us, and + make sure of them, and then keep it lively while we lasted. Lee said he + did not want anything of that kind to happen, and would see that the boys + behaved themselves. + </p> + <p> + We started from Panguitch soon after breakfast. We put two of our animals + in the team, making a four-horse team. Darrow drove. Lee and Rachel, one + of his wives, and two of my men rode in the wagon. It was about 11 a. m., + on Monday, the 7th day of November, 1874, when we left Panguitch with Lee + as a prisoner. We reached Fremont Springs that night at 11 o'clock, and + camped there until daylight. The roads were so bad that we had been twelve + hours in making thirty miles. The night was dark and cold, and having no + blankets with us we could not sleep. + </p> + <p> + We left Fremont Springs at daylight, and reached Beaver about 10 o'clock, + a. m., November 10th, 1874. We had been twenty-four hours without food. + Lee and Rachel had fared better, for they had a lunch with them. When we + reached Beaver the people were thunderstruck to know that Lee had been + arrested. After the arrest Lee was in my custody the greater portion of + the time that he was in prison. He never gave any trouble to me or his + guards. He never tried to escape, but at all times assisted the guards to + carry out the instructions received from the officers. + </p> + <p> + I remain your most obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + William Stokes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_APPE3" id="linklink2H_APPE3"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX III - DEATH OF JOHN DOYLE LEE + </h2> + <p> + John Doyle Lee was executed on Mountain Meadows, Washington County, Utah + Territory, at the scene of the massacre, on the 23d day of March, 1877. On + Wednesday preceding the day fixed upon for the execution the guard having + Lee in charge started from Beaver City, where Lee had been imprisoned, for + Mountain Meadows, where it had been decided to carry the sentence into + execution. The authorities had received information that an attempt to + rescue Lee would be made by his sons, and precautions were taken to + prevent the success of any such attempt. The place of execution was kept a + secret, and a strong guard procured. Lee was cheerful and seemed to have + but little dread of death. + </p> + <p> + The party reached Mountain Meadows about 10 o'clock Friday morning, and + after the camp had been arranged Lee pointed out the various places of + interest connected with the massacre, and recapitulated the horrors of + that event. A more dreary scene than the present appearance of Mountain + Meadows cannot be imagined. The curse of God has fallen upon it and + scorched and withered the luxuriant grass and herbage that covered the + ground twenty years ago. The Meadows have been transformed from a fertile + valley into an arid and barren plain, and the Mormons assert that the + ghosts of the murdered emigrants meet nightly at the scene of their + slaughter and re-enact in pantomime the horrors of their taking off. + </p> + <p> + As the party came to a halt at the scene of the massacre sentinels were + posted on the surrounding hills, to prevent a surprise, and preparations + for the execution were at once begun. The wagons were placed in a line + near the monument, and over the wheels of one of them army blankets were + drawn to serve as a screen or ambush for the firing party. The purpose of + this concealment was to prevent the men composing the firing party from + being seen by anyone, there being a reasonable fear that some of Lee's + relatives or friends might hereafter wreak vengeance upon his + executioners. The rough pine boards for the coffin were next unloaded from + a wagon, and the carpenters began to nail them together. Meanwhile Lee sat + some distance away. + </p> + <p> + At 10.35, the arrangements having been completed, Marshal Nelson read the + sentence of the Court, and at its conclusion turned to Lee and said: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lee, if you have anything to say before the sentence of the Court is + carried into effect, you may now do so." + </p> + <p> + "I wish to speak to that man," said Lee, pointing to the photographer, who + was adjusting his camera near by. "Come over here," said Lee, beckoning + with his hand. + </p> + <p> + "In a moment, Mr. Lee," replied Mr. Fennemore. + </p> + <p> + "I want to ask a favor of you," said Lee. "I want you to furnish my three + faithful wives each a copy," meaning the photograph about to be taken. + "Send them to Rachel A., Sarah C., and Emma B." Lee then repeated the + names of his three wives carefully, saying to the artist, who had + approached him: "Please forward them - you will do this?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fennemore responded affirmatively. + </p> + <p> + Lee then seemed to pose himself involuntarily, and the picture was taken. + He then arose from his coffin, where he had been seated, and, looking + calmly at the soldiers and spectators, said in an even tone of voice: + </p> + <p> + "I am on the brink of eternity; the solemnities of eternity rest upon my + mind. I have made out - or have endeavored to do so - a manuscript, + abridging the history of my life. This is to be published. In it I have + given my views and feelings with regard to these things. I feel resigned + to my fate. I feel as a summer morn. I have done nothing wrong; my + conscience is clear before God and man. I am ready to meet my Redeemer and + those that have gone before me, behind the veil. I am not an infidel. I + have not denied God and His mercies. I am a believer in these things. Most + I regret is parting with my family; many of them are unprotected and will + be left fatherless." Here he hesitated. "When I speak of these things they + touch a chord within me. I declare my innocence of anything wrong. I am + only a victim - a victim must be had. I do not fear to die; I trust in + God; Death has no terror. No mercy have I asked. I do not fear eternity. I + am a believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is my last word - it is + so. I believe in the gospel that was taught in its purity in former days. + I regret leaving my family; they are near and dear to me. These are things + which touch me - those poor orphaned children! I ask the Lord, my God, if + my labors be done, to receive my spirit." + </p> + <p> + Lee was informed that his hour had come. He looked at the small group of + spectators, exchanged a few words with Marshal Nelson, saying: + </p> + <p> + "I ask one favor of the guards - center my heart." + </p> + <p> + The Marshal then bound a handkerchief over Lee's eyes, but his hands were + allowed to remain free. Lee straightened himself up, faced the firing + party as he sat on his coffin, clasped his hands over his head, and + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "Remember! The balls through my heart!" + </p> + <p> + The Marshal gave the order to the guards, Fire! As the word "fire!" rang + out on the morning air a report was heard and Lee fell back, dead. There + was not a cry, not a moan. + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <pre> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mormon Menace, by +John Doyle Lee and Alfred Henry Lewis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORMON MENACE *** + +***** This file should be named 23519-h.htm or 23519-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/1/23519/ + + +Etext produced by Bret Blakeslee + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mormon Menace + The Confessions of John Doyle Lee, Danite + +Author: John Doyle Lee + Alfred Henry Lewis + +Release Date: November 17, 2007 [EBook #23519] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORMON MENACE *** + + + + +Produced by Bret Blakeslee + + + + + +THE MORMON MENACE + +BEING THE CONFESSION OF JOHN DOYLE LEE - DANITE + +AN OFFICIAL ASSASSIN OF THE MORMON CHURCH +UNDER THE LATE BRIGHAM YOUNG + +INTRODUCTION By +ALFRED HENRY LEWIS + +WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS + +New York +Home Protection Publishing Co. +156 Fifth Avenue + +Copyright, 1905, by +A. B. NICHOLS + +All Rights Reserved + +electrotyped and printed by +the Herald Company of Binghamtom + + + +CONTENTS (pages not numbered in text version) + +INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v + +CHAPTER I - THE STORMY YOUTH OF LEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 + +CHAPTER II - LEE BEGINS A CAREER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 + +CHAPTER III - LEE BECOMES A MORMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 + +CHAPTER IV - THE SAINTS BESET WITH TROUBLES. . . . . . . . . 29 + +CHAPTER V - THE MORMON WAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 + +CHAPTER VI - LEE LOCATES THE GARDEN OF EDEN. . . . . . . . . 45 + +CHAPTER VII - THE SAINTS GATHER AT NAUVOO. . . . . . . . . . 52 + +CHAPTER VIII - LEE AS A MISSIONARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 + +CHAPTER IX - MORMONISM AND ITS ORIGIN. . . . . . . . . . . . 67 + +CHAPTER X - LEE CASTS OUT DEVILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 + +CHAPTER XI - HOT FOR LEE IN TENNESSEE. . . . . . . . . . . . 78 + +CHAPTER XII - OF PECULIAR INTEREST IN NAUVOO . . . . . . . . 86 + +CHAPTER XIII - DEATH OF JOSEPH SMITH . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 + +CHAPTER XIV - THE DOCTRINE OF SEALING. . . . . . . . . . . . 99 + +CHAPTER XV - THE SAINTS TURN WESTWARD. . . . . . . . . . . .104 + +CHAPTER XVI - LEE GOES TO SANTA FE . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 + +CHAPTER XVII - LEE IS TREATED BADLY BY THE BRETHREN. . . . .119 + +CHAPTER XVIII - THE DANITE AND HIS DUTY. . . . . . . . . . .129 + +CHAPTER XIX - THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 + +CHAPTER XX - THE MUSTER OF THE DANITES . . . . . . . . . . .146 + +CHAPTER XXI - THE BLOOD FEAST OF THE DANITES . . . . . . . .151 + +CHAPTER XXII - THE DANITE CHIEF REPORTS TO BRIGHAM . . . . .157 + +CHAPTER XXIII - LEE NEARS THE END. . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 + +APPENDIX I - BLOOD ATONEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166 + +APPENDIX II - THE STORY OF LEE'S ARREST. . . . . . . . . . .168 + +APPENDIX III - DEATH OF JOHN DOYLE LEE . . . . . . . . . . .173 + + + +ILLUSTRATIONS (not included in text version) + + +The Mountain Meadows ii + +The Danite 36 + +The Mormon Preacher 60 + +The Blood Atonement 138 + +John Doyle Lee 150 + + + +INTRODUCTION + +THE MORMON PURPOSE + +Almost a half century ago, being in 1857, John Doyle Lee, a chief +among that red brotherhood, the Danites, was ordered by Brigham +Young and the leading counselors of the Mormon Church to take his +men and murder a party of emigrants then on their way through +Utah to California. The Mormon orders were to "kill all who can +talk," and, in their carrying out, Lee and his Danites, with +certain Indians whom he had recruited in the name of scalps and +pillage, slaughtered over one hundred and twenty men, women, and +children, and left their stripped bodies to the elements and the +wolves. This wholesale murder was given the title of "The +Mountain Meadows Massacre." Twenty years later, in 1877, the +belated justice of this Government seated Lee on his coffin, and +shot him to death for his crimes. + +In those long prison weeks which fell in between his arrest and +execution, Lee wrote his life, giving among other matters the +story of the Church of Mormon from its inception, when Joseph +Smith pretended, with the aid of Urim and Thummim, to translate +the golden plates, down to those murders for which he, Lee, was +executed. Lee's confessions, so to call them, were published +within a few months following his death. The disclosures were +such that the Mormon Church became alarmed; the book might mean +its downfall. In the name of Mormon safety Brigham Young, by +money and other agencies, succeeded in the book's suppression. +What copies had been sold were, as much as might be, bought up +and destroyed, together with the plates and forms from which they +had been printed. + +In the destruction of this literature, so perilous to Mormons, at +least two volumes escaped. These have been placed in my hands by +certain patriotic influences, and are here reprinted as The +Mormon Menace. Much that was shocking and atrocious has been +eliminated in the editing, as unfit for modest ears and eyes. +What remains, however, will give a sufficient picture of the +Mormon Church in its hateful attitude towards all that is moral +or republican among our people. A black kitten makes a black cat; +what the Mormon Church was under President Young it is under +President Smith, and will be with their dark successors. + +The purpose of the present publication of Lee's story is to warn +American men, and more particularly American women, of the Mormon +viper still coiled upon the national hearth. To-day, as in the +days of Lee, the Mormon missionary is abroad in the world. He is +in your midst; he makes his converts among your neighbors; +within the month, on one detected occasion, he stood at the +portals of your public schools and gave his insidious pamphlets, +preaching Mormonism, into the hands of your children. + +More, the Mormon Church has, in addition to its religious, its +political side, and teaches not only immorality, but treason. On +a far-away 5th of November a certain darksome Guy Fawkes and his +confederates, all with a genius for explosives, planned to blow +up the British Government by blowing up its parliament, and went +some distance towards carrying out their plot. The Mormon Church +of Latter-day Saints, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, is +employed upon a present and somewhat similar conspiracy against +this Government, with Senator Smoot as the advance guard or agent +thereof in the halls of our national legislature. + +As this is written, a Senate inquiry into this conspiracy wags +slowly yet searchingly forward. Stripped of formality of phrase +and reset in easier English, the question which the Senate +Committee is trying to solve is this: Is the Mormon Church in +conspiracy against the Government, with Senator Smoot's seat as a +first fruit of that conspiracy? As corollary comes the second +query: To which does Senator Smoot give primary allegiance, the +Church or the nation? + +By every sign and signal smoke of evidence the conspiracy charged +exists, with President Smith of the Mormon Church its chief +architect and expositor. Smoot takes his seat in the upper house +of Congress with a first purpose of carrying forth, so far as +lies within his hands, the plans of the conspirators. What is the +purpose of the conspirators? To protect themselves and their +fellow Mormons in the criminal practice of polygamy, and prevent +their prosecution as bigamists by the Utah courts. + +The inquiry has already uncovered Mormonism in many of its evil +details, and retold most, if not all, of those stories of pious +charlatanism and religious crime which, during seventy-five years +of its existence, make up the annals of the Mormon Church. As a +first proposal it was explained in evidence before the committee +that in no sort had the Mormon Church abated or abandoned +polygamy as either a tenet or a practice. Indeed, the present +conspiracy aims to produce conditions in Utah under which +polygamy may flourish safe from the ax of law. In the old days, +when Brigham Young ruled, the Mormons were safe with sundry +thousands of desert miles between the law and them. Then they +feared nothing save strife within the Church, and that would be +no mighty peril. Brigham Young would put it down with the +Danites. He had his Destroying Angels, himself at their head, and +when a man rebelled he was murdered. + +Mormonism is not, when a first fanaticism has subsided, a +religion that would address the popular taste. It is a religion +of gloom, of bitterness, of fear, of iron hand to punish the +recalcitrant. It demands slavish submission on the part of every +man. It insists upon abjection, self-effacement, a surrender of +individuality on the part of every woman. The man is to work and +obey; the woman is to submit and bear children; all are to be for +the Church, of the Church, by the Church, hoping nothing, fearing +nothing, knowing nothing beyond the will of the Church. The money +price of Mormonism is a tithe of the member's income - the Church +takes a tenth. The member may pay in money or in kind; he may +sell and pay his tenth in dollars, or he may bring to the tithing +yard his butter, or eggs, or hay, or wheat, or whatever he shall +raise as the harvest of his labors. + +In the old time the President of the Church was the temporal as +well as spiritual head. No one might doubt his "revelations" or +dispute his commands without being visited with punishment which +ran from a fine to the death penalty. When outsiders invaded +their regions the Mormons, by command of Brigham Young, struck +them down, as in the Mountain Meadows murders. This was in the +day when the arm of national power was too short to reach them. +Now, when it can reach them, the Church conspires where before it +assassinated, and strives to do by chicane what it aforetime did +by shedding blood. And all to defend itself in the practice of +polygamy! + +One would ask why the Mormons set such extravagant store by that +doctrine of many wives. This is the great reason: It serves to +mark the Church members and separate and set them apart from +Gentile influences. Mormonism is the sort of religion that +children would renounce, and converts, when their heat had +cooled, abandon. The women would leave it on grounds of jealousy +and sentiment; the men would quit in a spirit of independence and +a want of superstitious belief in the Prophet's "revelations." +Polygamy prevents this. It shuts the door of Gentile sympathy +against the Mormon. The Mormon women are beings disgraced among +the Gentiles; they must defend their good repute. The children of +polygamous marriages must defend polygamy to defend their own +legitimacy. The practice, which doubtless had its beginning +solely to produce as rapidly as might be a Church strength, now +acts as a bar to the member's escape; wherefore the President, +his two counselors, the twelve apostles and others at the head of +Mormon affairs, insist upon it as a best, if not an only, Church +protection. Without polygamy the Mormon membership would dwindle +until Mormonism had utterly died out. The Mormon heads think so, +and preserve polygamy as a means of preserving the Church. + +What the Mormon leaders think and feel and say on this keynote +question of polygamy, however much they may seek to hide their +sentiments behind a mask of lies, may be found in former +utterances from the Church pulpit, made before the shadow of the +law had fallen across it. + +President Heber C. Kimball, in a discourse delivered in the +Tabernacle, November 9, 1856 (Deseret News, volume 6, page 291), +said: "I have no wife or child that has any right to rebel +against me. If they violate my laws and rebel against me, they +will get into trouble just as quickly as though they transgressed +the counsels and teachings of Brother Brigham. Does it give a +woman a right to sin against me because she is my wife? No; but +it is her duty to do my will as I do the will of my Father and my +God. It is the duty of a woman to be obedient to her husband, and +unless she is I would not give a damn for all her queenly right +and authority, nor for her either, if she will quarrel and lie +about the work of God and the principles of plurality. A +disregard of plain and correct teachings is the reason why so +many are dead and damned, and twice plucked up by the roots, and +I would as soon baptize the devil as some of you." + +October 6, 1855 (volume 5, page 274), Kimball said: "If you +oppose any of the works of God you will cultivate a spirit of +apostasy. If you oppose what is called the spiritual wife +doctrine, the patriarchal order, which is of God, that course +will corrode you with apostasy, and you will go overboard. The +principle of plurality of wives never will be done away, although +some sisters have had revelations that when this time passes +away, and they go through the vale, every woman will have a +husband to herself. I wish more of our young men would take to +themselves wives of the daughters of Zion, and not wait for us +old men to take them all. Go ahead upon the right principle, +young gentlemen, and God bless you for ever and ever, and make +you fruitful, that we may fill the mountains and then the earth +with righteous inhabitants." + +President Heber C. Kimball, in a lengthy discourse delivered in +the Tabernacle on the 4th day of April, 1857, took occasion to +say: "I would not be afraid to promise a man who is sixty years +of age, if he will take the counsel of Brother Brigham and his +brethren, that he will renew his youth. I have noticed that a man +who has but one wife, and is inclined to that doctrine, soon +begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into plurality +looks fresh, young, and sprightly. Why is this? Because God loves +that man, and because he honors his work and word. Some of you +may not believe this - I not only believe it, but I also know it. +For a man of God to be confined to one woman is a small business; +it is as much as we can do to keep up under the burdens we have +to carry, and I do not know what we should do if we only had one +woman apiece." + +President Heber C. Kimball used the following language in a +discourse, instructing a band of missionaries about to start on +their mission: "I say to those who are elected to go on missions, +Go, if you never return, and commit what you have into the hands +of God - your wives, your children, your brethren, and your +property. Let truth and righteousness be your motto, and don't go +into the world for anything else but to preach the gospel, build +up the Kingdom of God, and gather the sheep into the fold. You +are sent out as shepherds to gather the sheep together; and +remember that they are not your sheep; they belong to Him that +sends you. Then don't make a choice of any of those sheep; don't +make selections before they are brought home and put into the +fold. You understand that! Amen." + +When the Edmunds law was passed, and punishment and confiscation +and exile became the order, even dullwits among Mormons knew that +the day of terror and bloodshed as a system of Church defense was +over with and done. Then the Mormons made mendacity take the +place of murder, and went about to do by indirection what before +they had approached direct. Prophet Woodruff was conveniently +given a "revelation" to the effect that polygamy might be +abandoned. They none the less kept the Mormon mind in leash for +its revival. The men were still taught subjection; the women were +still told that wifehood and motherhood were their two great +stepping-stones in crossing to the heavenly shore, missing which +they would be swept away. Meanwhile, and in secret, those same +heads of the Church - Smith, the President, Cluff, the head of +the Mormon College, Tanner, chief of the Young Men's Mutual +Improvement Association - took unto themselves plural wives by +way of setting an example and to keep the practical fires of +polygamy alive. + +True, these criminals ran risks, and took what President Smith in +his recent testimony, when telling of his own quintette of +helpmeets, called "the chances of the law." To lower these risks, +and diminish them to a point where in truth they would be no +risks, the Mormon Church, under the lead of its bigamous +President several years rearward, became a political machine. It +looked over the future, considered its own black needs as an +outlaw, and saw that its first step towards security should be +the making of Utah into a State. As a territory the hand of the +Federal power rested heavily upon it; the Edmunds law could be +enforced whenever there dwelt a will in Washington so to do. Once +a State, Utah would slip from beneath the pressure of that iron +statute. The Mormons would at the worst face nothing more +rigorous than the State's own laws against bigamy, enforced by +judges and juries and sheriffs of their own selection, and jails +whereof they themselves would weld the bars and hew the stones +and forge the keys. + +With that, every Mormon effort of lying promise and pretense of +purity were put forward to bring statehood about. What Gentiles +were then in Utah exerted themselves to a similar end, and made +compacts, and went, as it were, bail for Mormon good behavior. In +the end Utah was made a State; the Mormons breathed the freer as +ones who had escaped that Edmunds statute which was like a sword +of Damocles above their polygamous heads. To be sure, as a State +Utah had her laws against plural marriages, and provided a +punishment for the bigamist; the general government would consent +to nothing less as the price of that statehood prayed for. But +the Mormon criminals, the Smiths, the Lymans, the Tanners, and +the Cluffs, were not afraid. They had gotten the reins of power +into their own fingers, and made sure of their careful ability to +drive ahead without an upset. + +The Mormon Church, now when Utah was a State, went into politics +more openly and deeply than before. Practically there are three +parties in Utah - Republicans and Democrats and Mormons. The +Gentiles are Democrats or Republicans; the Mormons are never +anything but Mormons, voting on this side or on that, for one man +or another, as the Mormon interest dictates and the Mormon +President and the apostles direct. Every Mormon who has a vote +occupies a double position; he is a Mormon in religion and a +Mormon in political faith. In that way every office is filled +with a Mormon, or with a Gentile who can be blind to Mormon +iniquities. To-day a bigamist in Utah has no more to fear from +the law than has a gambling-house keeper in the city of New York. + +That Mormon conspiracy, whereof Smoot in the Senate is one +expression, was not made yesterday. It had its birth in the year +of the Edmunds law and its drastic enforcement. In that day, +black for Mormons, it was resolved to secure such foothold, such +representation in the Congress at Washington, that, holding a +balance of power in the Senate or House, or both, the Congressional +Democrats or Republicans would grant the Mormons safety for their +pet tenet of polygamy as the price of Mormon support. The Mormons +in carrying out these plans decided upon an invasion and, +wherever possible, the political conquest of other States. They +already owned Utah; they would bring - politically - beneath +their thumb as many more as they might. With this thought they +planted colonies in Nevada, in Colorado, in Idaho, in Wyoming, in +Montana, in Oregon, in Arizona. As a refuge for polygamists, +should the unexpected happen and a storm of law befall, they also +planted colonies over the Mexico line in Chihuahua and Sonora. + +Before going to the latter move they talked with Diaz; and that +astute dictator said "Yes," with emphasis. Diaz welcomed the +Mormons; they might be as polygamous as they pleased. He wanted +citizens; and he was not blind to those beauties of enterprise +and courage and hardihood that are the heritage of the Anglo- +Dane. He bade the Mormons come to Mexico and make a bulwark of +themselves between him and his American neighbors north of the +Rio Grande. The Mormons hated the Americans; Diaz could trust +them. The Mormons went to Mexico; there they are to-day in many a +rich community, as freely polygamous as in the most wide-flung +hour of Brigham Young. Diaz smiles as he reviews those prodigal +crops of corn and cattle and children which they raise. They make +his empire richer in men and money - commodities of which Mexico +has sorely felt the want. + +Once when a Methodist clergyman went to Diaz, remonstrated against +that polygamy which he permitted, and spoke of immoralities, Diaz +snapped his fingers. + +"Do you see their children?" cried Diaz. "Well, I think more of +their children than of your arguments." + +From this Mexican nursery the Mormon President can, when he will, +order an emigration into Nevada or any of those other States I've +mentioned, to support the Church where it is weakest. Moreover, +as related, the settlements in Mexico offer a haven of retreat +should any tempest of prosecution beat upon the Utah polygamists +through some slip of policy or accidental Gentile strength. + +In Nevada, in Colorado, in Oregon, in Idaho, in every one of +those States wherein the Church has planted the standards of +Mormonism, the Mormon, as fast as he may, is making himself a +power in politics. He is never a Democrat, never a Republican, +always a Mormon. What sparks of independent political action +broke into brief, albeit fiery, life a few years ago were fairly +beaten out when Thatcher and Roberts were punished for daring to +act outside the Mormon command. + +Now, pretend what they will, assert what lie they choose, the +Mormon President holds the Mormon vote, in whatever State it +abides, in the hollow of his hand. He can, and does, place it to +this or that party's support, according as he makes his bargain. +He will use it to elect legislators and Congressmen in those +States. He will employ it to select the Senators whom those +States send to Washington. And when they are there, as Smoot is +there, for the safeguarding of polygamy and what other crimes +Mormonism may find it convenient to rest upon from time to time, +those Senators and Representatives will act by the Mormon +President's orders. "When the lion's hide is too short," said the +Greek, "I piece it out with foxes." And the Mormons, in a day +when the Danites have gone with those who called them into bloody +being, and murder as a Churchly argument is no longer safe, +profit by the Grecian's wisdom. + +But the darkest side of Mormonism is seen when one considers the +stamp of moral and mental degradation it sets upon those men and +women who comprise what one might term the peasantry of the +Church. Woman is, as the effect of Mormonism, peculiarly made to +retrograde. Instead of being uplifted she is beaten down. She +must not think; she must not feel; she must not know; she must +not love. Her only safety lies in being blind and deaf and dull +and senseless to every better sentiment of womanhood. She is to +divide a husband with one or two or ten or twenty; she is not to +be a wife, but the fraction of a wife. The moment she looks upon +herself as anything other than a bearer of children she is lost. +Should she rebel - and in her helplessness she does not know how +to enter upon practical revolt - she becomes an outcast; a +creature of no shelter, no food, no friend, no home. Woman is the +basis or, if you will, the source and fountain of a race; woman +is a race's inspiration. And what shall a race be, what shall its +children be, with so lowered and befouled an origin? + +At the hearing before the Senate Committee President Smith, +stroking his long white beard in the manner of the patriarchs, +made no secret of his five wives, and seemed to court the Gentile +condemnation. This hardihood was of deliberate plan on the part +of President Smith. He was inviting what he would call "persecution." +He did not fear actual prosecution in the Utah courts; as to the +Federal forums, those tribunals were powerless against him now +that Utah was a State. Being safe in the flesh, President Smith +would bring upon himself and Mormonism the whole fury of the +press. It would serve to quiet schism and bicker within the +Mormon Church. An opposition or a "persecution" would act as a +pressure to bring Mormons together. That pressure would squeeze +out the last drop of political independence among Mormons, which +to the extent that it existed might interfere with his disposal +of the compact Mormon vote. In short, an attack upon himself and +upon Mormonism by the Gentiles would tighten the hold of +President Smith, close-herd the Mormons, and leave them ready +politically to be driven hither and yon as seemed most profitable +for Church purposes. + +Gray, wise, crafty, sly, soft, one who carries mendacity to the +heights of art, President Smith gives in all he says and does and +looks the color of truth to this explanation of his frankness. He +would not prodigiously care if Smoot were cast into outer Senate +darkness. It would not be an evil past a remedy. He could send +Smoot back; and send him back again. Meanwhile, he might lift up +the cry of the Church persecuted; that of itself would stiffen +the Mormon line of battle and multiply recruits. + +President Smith looks forward to a time when one Senate vote will +be decisive. He cannot prophesy the day; but by the light of what +has been, he knows that it must dawn. About a decade ago the +Democrats took the Senate from the Republicans by one vote - +Senator Peffer's. In Garfield's day the Senate, before Conkling +stepped down and out, was in even balance with a tie. What was, +will be; and President Smith intends, when that moment arrives +and the Senate is in poise between the parties, to have at least +one Utah vote, and as many more as he may, to be a stock in trade +wherewith to traffic security for his Church of Mormon and its +crimes. Given a balance of power in the Senate - and it might +easily come within his hands - President Smith could enforce such +liberal terms for Mormonism as to privilege it in its sins and +prevent chance of punishment. + +There be those who, for a Mormon or a personal political reason, +will find fault with this work and its now appearance in print; +they will argue that some motive of politics underlies the +publication. It is fair to state that in so arguing they will be +right. The motive is three-ply - made up of a purpose to +withstand the Mormon Church as a political force, limit its +spread as a so-called religion, and buckler the mothers and +daughters and sisters of the country against an enemy whose +advances are aimed peculiarly at them. The morals of a people are +in the custody of its women; and, against Mormonism - that +sleepless menace to American morality - these confessions of Lee +the Danite are set in types to become a weapon in their hands. It +was the womanhood of the nation that compelled the present Senate +investigation of Smoot and what Mormon influences and conspiracies +produced him as their representative; and it is for a defense of +womanhood and its purity that this book is made. The battle will +not be wholly won with Smoot's eviction from his Senate seat; +indeed, the going of Smoot will be only an incident. The war +should continue until all of Mormonism and what it stands for is +destroyed; for then, and not before, may wifehood or womanhood +write itself safe between the oceans. Congress must not alone +cleanse itself of Smoot; it must go forward to methods that shall +save the politics of the country from a least of Mormon interference, +and the aroused womanhood of the land should compel Congress to +this work. He who would hold his house above his head must mind +repairs, and the word is quite as true when spoken of a country. + +Alfred Henry Lewis. New York City, + +December 15, 1904. + + + +THE MORMON MENACE OR, THE CONFESSIONS OF JOHN DOYLE LEE + + + +CHAPTER I - THE STORMY YOUTH OF LEE + +In justice to myself, my numerous family, and the public in +general, I consider it my duty to write a history of my life. I +shall content myself with giving facts, and let the readers draw +their own conclusion therefrom. By the world at large I am called +a criminal, and have been sentenced to be shot for deeds +committed by myself and others nearly twenty years ago. I have +acted my religion, nothing more. I have obeyed the orders of the +Church. I have acted as I was commanded to do by my superiors. My +sins, if any, are the result of doing what I was commanded to do +by those who were my superiors in authority in the Church of +Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. + +My birthday was the 6th day of September, A.D. 1812. I was born +in the town of Kaskaskia, Randolph County, Illinois. My father, +Ralph Lee, was born in the State of Virginia. He was of the +family of Lees of Revolutionary fame. He served his time as an +apprentice and learned the carpenter's trade in the city of +Baltimore. My mother was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She was +the daughter of John Doyle, who for many years held the position +of Indian Agent over the roving tribes of Indians in southeastern +Illinois. He served in the War of the Revolution, and was wounded +in one of the many battles in which he took part with the sons of +liberty against the English oppressors. + +At the time of my birth my father was considered one of the +leading men of that section of country; he was a master workman, +sober and attentive to business, prompt and punctual to his +engagements. He contracted largely and carried on a heavy +business; he erected a magnificent mansion, for that age and +country, on his land adjoining the town of Kaskaskia. + +This tract of land was the property of my mother when she married +my father. My grandfather Doyle was a wealthy man. He died in +1809 at Kaskaskia, Illinois, and left his whole fortune to my +mother and her sister Charlotte, by will. They being his only +children, he divided the property equally between them. + +My father and mother were both Catholics, were raised in that +faith; I was christened in that Church. When about one year old, +my mother being sick, I was sent to a French nurse, a negro +woman. At this time my sister Eliza was eleven years old, but +young as she was she had to care for my mother and do all the +work of the household. To add to the misfortune, my father began +to drink heavily and was soon very dissipated; drinking and +gambling were his daily occupation. The interest and care of his +family were no longer a duty with him; he was seldom present to +cheer and comfort his lonely, afflicted wife. + +The house was one mile from town, and we had no neighbors nearer +than that. The neglect and indifference on the part of my father +towards my afflicted mother served to increase her anguish and +sorrow, until death came to her relief. My mother's death left us +miserable indeed; we were (my sister and I) thrown upon the wide +world, helpless, and, I might say, without father or mother. My +father when free from the effects of intoxicating drink was a +kind-hearted, generous, noble man, but from that time forward he +was a slave to drink - seldom sober. + +My aunt Charlotte was a spit-fire; she was married to a man by +the name of James Conner, a Kentuckian by birth. They lived ten +miles north of us. My sister went to live with her aunt, but the +treatment she received was so brutal that the citizens complained +to the county commissioners, and she was taken away from her aunt +and bound out to Dr. Fisher, with whose family she lived until +she became of age. + +In the meantime the doctor moved to the city of Vandalia, +Illinois. I remained with my nurse until I was eight years of +age, when I was taken to my aunt Charlotte's to be educated. I +had been in a family which talked French so long that I had +nearly lost all knowledge of my mother tongue. The children at +school called me Gumbo, and teased me so much that I became +disgusted with the French language and tried to forget it - which +has been a disadvantage to me since that time. + +My aunt was rich in her own right. My uncle Conner was poor; he +drank and gambled and wasted her fortune; she in return give him +blixen all the time. The more she scolded, the worse he acted, +until they would fight like cats and dogs. Between them I was +treated worse than an African slave. I lived in the family eight +years, and can safely say I got a whipping every day I was there. + +My aunt was more like a savage than a civilized woman. In her +anger she generally took her revenge upon those around her who +were the least to blame. She would strike with anything she could +obtain with which to work an injury. I have been knocked down and +beaten by her until I was senseless, scores of times, and carry +many scars on my person, the result of harsh usage by her. + +When I was sixteen years old I concluded to leave my aunt's house +- I cannot call it home; my friends advised me to do so. I walked +one night to Kaskaskia; went to Robert Morrison and told him my +story. He was a mail contractor. He clothed me comfortably, and +sent me over the Mississippi River into Missouri, to carry the +mail from St. Genevieve to Pinckney, on the north side of the +Missouri River, via Potosie, a distance of one hundred and +twenty-seven miles. It was a weekly mail. I was to receive seven +dollars a month for my services. This was in December, 1828. It +was a severe winter; snow unusually deep and roads bad. I was +often until two o'clock at night in reaching my stations. In the +following spring I came near losing my life on several occasions +when swimming the streams, which were then generally over their +banks. The Meramec was the worst stream I had to cross, but I +escaped danger, and gave satisfaction to my employer. + +All I know of my father, after I was eight years of age, is that +he went to Texas in the year 1820, and I have never heard of him +since. What his fate was I never knew. When my mother died my +uncle and aunt Conner took all the property - a large tract of +land, several slaves, household and kitchen furniture, and all; +and, as I had no guardian, I never received any portion of the +property. The slaves were set free by an act of the Legislature; +the land was sold for taxes, and was hardly worth redeeming when +I came of age; so I sold my interest in all the land that had +belonged to my mother, and made a quit-claim deed of it to Sidney +Breeze, a lawyer of Kaskaskia, in consideration of two hundred +dollars. I was born on the point of land lying between and above +the mouth of the Okaw or Kaskaskia River and the Mississippi +River, in what is known as the Great American Bottom - the +particular point I refer to was then called Zeal-no-waw, the +Island of Nuts. It was nineteen miles from the point of the +bluffs to the mouth of the Okaw River; ten miles wide up at the +bluffs and tapering to a point where the rivers united. Large +bands of wild horses - French ponies, called "punt" horses - were +to be found any day feeding on the ever green and nutritious +grasses and vegetation. Cattle and hogs were also running wild in +great numbers; every kind of game, large and small, could be had +with little exertion. The streams were full of fish; the forests +contained many varieties of timber; nuts, berries, and wild +fruits of every description, found in the temperate zone could be +had in their season. + +Near by was the Reservation of the Kaskaskia Indians, Louis +DuQuoin was chief of the tribe. He had a frame house painted in +bright colors, but he never would farm any, game being so +plentiful he had no need to labor. Nearly all the settlers were +French, and not very anxious for education or improvement of any +kind. I was quite a lad before I ever saw a wagon, carriage, set +of harness, or a ring, a staple, or set of bows to an ox yoke. +The first wagon I ever saw was brought into that country by a +Yankee peddler; his outfit created as great an excitement in the +settlement as the first locomotive did in Utah; the people +flocked in from every quarter to see the Yankee wagon. + +Everything in use in that country was of the most simple and +primitive construction. There were no sawmills or gristmills in +that region; sawed lumber was not in the country. The wagons were +two-wheeled carts made entirely of wood - not a particle of iron +about them; the hubs were of white elm, spokes of white oak or +hickory, the felloes of black walnut, as it was soft and would +bear rounding. The felloes were made six inches thick, and were +strongly doweled together with seasoned hardwood pins; the linch +pin was of hickory or ash; the thills were wood; in fact all of +it was wood. The harness consisted of a corn husk collar, hames +cut from an ash tree root, or from an oak; tugs were rawhide; +the lines also were rawhide; a hackamore or halter was used in +place of a bridle; one horse was lashed between the thills by +rawhide straps and pins in the thills for a hold-back; when two +horses were used, the second horse was fastened ahead of the +first by straps fastened on to the thills of the cart. Oxen were +yoked as follows: A square stick of timber of sufficient length +was taken and hollowed out at the ends to fit on the neck of the +ox, close up to the horns, and this was fastened by rawhide +straps to the horns. + +The people were of necessity self-sustaining, for they were +forced to depend upon their own resources for everything they +used. Clothing was made of home manufactured cloth or the skins +of wild animals. Imported articles were procured at heavy cost, +and but few found their way to our settlements. Steamboats and +railroads were then unthought of, by us at least, and the +navigation of the Mississippi was carried on in small boats that +could be drawn up along the river bank by means of oars, spikes, +poles, and hooks. The articles most in demand were axes, hoes, +cotton cards, hatchels for cleaning flax, hemp and cotton, +spinning wheels, knives, and ammunition, guns, and bar shears for +plows. In exchange for such goods the people traded beef, hides, +furs, tallow, beeswax, and honey. Money was not needed or used by +anyone - everything was trade and barter. + +The people were generous and brave. Their pleasures and pastimes +were those usual in frontier settlements. They were hardy, and +well versed in woodcraft. They aided each other, and were all in +all a noble class of people, possessing many virtues and few +faults. The girls were educated by their mothers to work, and had +to work. It was then a disgrace for a young woman not to know how +to take the raw material - the flax and cotton - and, unaided, +manufacture her own clothing. It is a lamentable fact that such +is no longer the case. + + + +CHAPTER II - LEE BEGINS A CAREER + +I formed a liking for Emily Conner. Emily was an orphan, and +lived about four years at my aunt Charlotte's after her mother +died, and until her father married again. She had a consoling +word for me at all times when I was in trouble. From being +friends, we became lovers and were engaged to be married, when my +circumstances would permit. That winter I went to a school for +three months. + +Early in the spring the Indian war known as the Black Hawk war +broke out, and volunteers were called for. I enrolled myself at +the first call, in the company of Capt. Jacob Feaman, of +Kaskaskia. The company was ordered to rendezvous at Fort +Armstrong, Rock Island, where the troops were reorganized, and +Capt. Feaman was promoted to colonel, and James Conner became +captain of the company. I served until the end of the war, and +was engaged in many skirmishes, and lastly was at the battle of +Bad Axe, which I think took place on the 4th day of August, A. D. +1831, but am not certain as to the date. + +The soldiers were allowed to go home about the 1st of September, +1831. Our company got to Kaskaskia, and were discharged, I think, +on the 1st of September, 1831. I got back with a broken-down +horse and worn-out clothing, and without money. I concluded to +seek a more genial clime, one where I could more rapidly better +my financial condition. I went to see and talk with Emily, the +friend of my childhood, and the girl that taught me first to +love. I informed her of my intentions. We pledged mutual and +lasting fidelity to each other, and I bid her farewell and went +to St. Louis to seek employment. + +When I landed on the wharf at St. Louis I met a negro by the name +of Barton, who had formerly been a slave to my mother. He +informed me that he was a fireman on the steamboat Warrior, +running the upper Mississippi, between St. Louis, Missouri, and +Galena, Illinois. I told him I wanted work. He said he could get +me a berth on the Warrior as fireman, at twenty-five dollars a +month; but he considered the work more than I could endure, as it +was a hard, hot boat to fire on. I insisted on making the effort, +and was employed as fireman on the Warrior at twenty-five dollars +per month. I found the work very hard. The first two or three +times that I was on watch I feared I would be forced to give it +up; but my spirit bore me up, and I managed to do my work until +we reached the lower rapids near Keokuk. At this place the +Warrior transferred its freight, in light boats, over the rapids +to the Henry Clay, a steamer belonging to the same line. + +The Henry Clay then lay at Commerce, now known as Nauvoo. I was +detailed with two others to take a skiff with four passengers +over the rapids. The passengers were Mrs. Bogges and her mother, +and a lady whose name I have forgotten, and Mr. Bogges. The +distance to the Henry Clay from where the Warrior lay was twelve +miles. A large portion of the cargo of the Warrior belonged to +the firm of Bogges & Co. When we had gone nearly halfway over the +rapids my two assistants got drunk and could no longer assist me; +they lay down in the skiff and went to sleep. Night was fast +approaching, and there was no chance for sleep or refreshment, +until we could reach Commerce or the Henry Clay. The whole labor +fell on me, to take that skiff and its load of passengers to the +steamer. Much of the distance I had to wade in the water and push +the skiff, as was most convenient. I had on a pair of new +calfskin boots when we started, but they were cut off my feet by +the rocks in the river long before we reached the end of the +journey. + +After a deal of hardship I succeeded in getting my passengers to +the steamer just as it became dark. I was wet, cold, hungry, and +nearly exhausted. I sat down by the engine in my wet clothing and +soon fell asleep, without bedding or food. I slept from +exhaustion until near midnight, when I was seized with fearful +crampings, accompanied by a cold and deathlike numbness. I tried +to rise up, but could not. I thought my time had come, and that I +would perish without aid or assistance. + +When all hope had left me I heard a footstep approaching, and a +man came and bent over me and asked if I was ill. I recognized +the voice as that of Mr. Bogges. I said I was in the agonies of +death, and a stranger without a friend on the boat. He felt my +pulse, and hastened away, saying as he left me: + +"Do not despair, young man, you are not without friends. I will +return at once." + +He soon returned, bringing a lantern and a bottle of cholera +medicine, and gave me a large dose of the medicine; then he +brought the captain and others to me. I was soon comfortably +placed in bed, and from that time I had every attention paid me, +and all the medical care that was necessary. Mr. Bogges told me +that he had supposed I was one of the regular crew of the Henry +Clay, and was among friends; that his wife had noticed that I +appeared to be a stranger, and had seen me when I sat down by the +engine alone; that after they retired his wife was restless and +insisted on his getting up and finding me; this was the occasion +of his assistance coming as it did. + +Mr. Bogges had contracted for freighting his goods to Galena, +where he resided; and had provided for the passage of himself, +wife, and mother-in-law. They would go by land from Commerce, as +he dreaded the passage of the upper rapids in time of low water, +as it then was. + +After finishing the loading of the steamer I began to fire up to +get ready for a start. While so engaged, Mr. Bogges came to me, +and offered to employ me. He asked me then what wages I was +getting. I told him twenty-five dollars. + +"I will give you fifty dollars," said he. + +We reached Galena in safety, and health. Now a new life +commenced. Mr. Bogges introduced me to John D. Mulligan, his +partner. I at once commenced my duties as bar-tender at the +store. The business was such that I found it more than play. Many +a time I did not get rest or sleep for forty-eight hours at a +time. I have frequently taken in one hundred dollars in twenty- +four hours for drinks, at five cents a drink. I paid attention to +business, making the interest of my employers my interest. On +account of my faithful services I was permitted to prepare hot +lunches during the night, to sell to gamblers. What I made was my +own. In this way I made from fifty to one hundred dollars a month +extra. + +One day while I was absent from the store a French half-breed, by +the name of Shaunce got on a drunken spree and cleared out the +store and saloon. Hearing the disturbance I ran to the store. I +entered by the back door and went behind the counter. As I did so +Shaunce ran to the counter and grabbed a large number of +tumblers, and threw them about the house, breaking them all. + +"Shaunce, you must either behave, or go out of the house," I +said. + +He jumped over the counter, caught me by the throat, and shoved +me back against the counter, saying: + +"You little dog, how dare you insult me!" + +There was no time to swap knives. I must either receive a beating +or do something to prevent it. I remembered the advice that my +uncle Conner had given me about fighting. + +"John, if you ever get in a fight with a man that overmatches +you, take one of his hands in both of yours, and let him strike +as he may, but get one of his fingers in your mouth and then bite +it, and hold on until he gives up," he had said. + +Acting on this advice, I succeeded in getting one of Shaunce's +thumbs in my mouth. I held to it until I dislocated the thumb +joint, when he yelled: + +"Take him off!" + +This little affair made a quiet man of Shaunce, and my employers +were more pleased with me than ever before. They made me a +present of fifty dollars for what I had done. + +While with Bogges & Co. I made money, and was saving of what I +earned. I did not gamble. I took good care of myself, and, having +the respect of every person, I admit I was quite vain and proud. +I was accused by the gamblers of being stingy with my money. So I +thought I would do as others did, and commenced to give money to +others as a stake to gamble with on shares. Soon I began to play. +I won and lost, but did not play to any great extent. Mr. Bogges +took me to task for gambling. He also showed me many of the +tricks of the gamblers, and I promised him to quit the practice +as soon as I got married. + +In the early part of 1832 I received an affectionate letter from +my Emily, desiring me to return to her, and settle down before I +had acquired a desire for a rambling life. I then had five +hundred dollars in money and two suits of broadcloth clothing. I +was anxious to see Emily, so I settled up with Bogges & Co. and +started for home. Emily was then living at her sister's house in +Prairie de Roache; her brother-in-law, Thomas Blay, kept the +tavern there. I boarded with them about two weeks, during which +time I played cards with the Frenchman, and dealt "vantune," or +twenty-one, for them to bet at. I was lucky, but I lived fast, +and spent my money freely, and soon found that half of it was +gone. + +Emily was dissatisfied with my conduct. I proposed immediate +marriage; Emily proposed to wait until the next fall, during +which time we were to prepare for housekeeping. She wished to see +if I would reform, for she had serious doubts about the propriety +of marrying a gambler. She asked me to quit gambling, and if I +had made that promise all would have been well, but I was +stubborn and proud and refused to make any promise. I thought it +was beneath my dignity. I really intended to never gamble after +my wedding, but I would not tell her so; my vanity overruled my +judgment. I said that if she had not confidence enough in me to +take me as I was, without requiring me to give such a promise, I +would never see her again until I came to ask her to my wedding. + +This was cruel, and deeply wounded Emily; she burst into tears +and turned from me. I never saw her again until I went to ask her +to attend my wedding. I went up into the country and stopped with +my cousins. While there I met the bride of my youth; she was the +daughter of Joseph Woolsey and Abigail, his wife. I attended +church, went to parties and picnics, and fell in love with Agathe +Ann, the eldest girl. The old folks were op- posed to my marrying +their daughter, but after suffering the tortures and overcoming +the obstacles usual in such cases, I obtained the consent of the +girl's parents, and was married to Agathe Ann Woolsey on the 24th +day of July, A. D. 1833. + +The expenses of the wedding ended all my money, and I was ready +to start the world new and fresh. I had about fifty dollars to +procure things to keep house on, but it was soon gone; yet it +procured, about all we then thought we needed. I commenced +housekeeping near my wife's father's, and had good success in all +that I undertook. I made money, or rather I obtained considerable +property, and was soon comfortably fixed. + + + +CHAPTER III - LEE BECOMES A MORMON + +After I moved to Luck Creek I was a fortunate man and accumulated +property very fast. I look back to those days with pleasure. I +had a large house and I gave permission to all sorts of people to +come there and preach. Methodists, Baptists, Campbellites, and +Mormons all preached there when they desired to do so. + +In 1837 a man by the name of King, from Indiana, passed by, or +came to my place, on his way to Missouri to join the Mormons. He +had been a New Light, or Campbellite preacher. I invited him to +stay at my place until the next spring. I gave him provisions for +his family, and he consented to and did stay with me some time. + +Soon after that there was a Methodist meeting at my house. After +the Methodist services were through I invited King to speak. He +talked about half an hour on the first principles of the gospel +as taught by Christ and his apostles, denouncing all other +doctrines as spurious. This put an end to other denominations +preaching in my house. + +That was the first sermon I ever heard concerning Mormonism. The +winter before, two elders, Durphy and Peter Dustan, stayed a few +days with Hanford Stewart, a cousin of Levi Stewart, the bishop +of Kanab. They preached in the neighborhood, but I did not attend +or hear them preach. My wife and her mother went to hear them, +and were much pleased with their doctrine. I was not a member of +any Church, and considered the religion of the day as merely the +opinions of men who preached for hire and worldly gain. I +believed in God and in Christ, but I did not see any denomination +that taught the apostolic doctrine as set forth in the New +Testament. I read in the New Testament where the apostle Paul +recommended his people to prove all things, then hold fast to +that which is good; also that he taught that though an angel from +heaven should preach any other gospel than this which ye have +received, let him be accursed. This forbid me believing any +doctrine that differed from that taught by Christ and his +apostles. I wanted to belong to the true Church, or none. + +When King began to preach at my house I noticed that every other +denomination opposed him. I was surprised at this. I could not +see how he could injure them if they were right. I had been +brought up as a strict Catholic. I was taught to look upon all +sects, except the Catholic, with disfavor, and my opinion was +that the Mormons and all others were apostates from the true +Church; that the Mormon Church was made up of the off-scourings +of hell, or of apostates from the true Church. I then had not the +most distant idea that the Mormons believed in the Old and New +Testaments. I was astonished to hear King prove his religion from +the Scriptures. I reflected. I determined, as every honest man +should do, to fairly investigate his doctrines, and to do so with +a prayerful heart. + +The more I studied the question, the more interested I became. I +talked of the doctrine to nearly every man I met. The excitement +soon became general, and King was invited to preach in many +places. + +In the meantime Levi Stewart, one of my near neighbors, became +interested in this religion, and went to Far West, Missouri, to +investigate the question of Mormonism at headquarters. He joined +the Church there, and when he returned he brought with him the +Book of Mormon and a monthly periodical called the Elder's +Journal. + +By this time my anxiety was very great, and I determined to +fathom the question to the bottom. My frequent conversations with +Elder King served to carry me on to a conviction that the +dispensation of the fullness of time would soon usher in upon the +world. If such was the case I wished to know it; for the +salvation of my never-dying soul was of far more importance to me +than all other earthly considerations. I regarded the heavenly +boon of eternal life as a treasure of great price. I left off my +frivolity and commenced to lead a moral life. I began trying to +lay up treasure in heaven, in my Father's rich storehouse, and +wished to become an heir of righteousness, to inherit in common +with the faithful children the rich legacy of our Father's +Kingdom. + +During that year our child, Elizabeth Adaline, died of scarlet +fever. The night she lay a corpse I finished reading the Book of +Mormon. I never closed my eyes in sleep from the time I commenced +until I finished the book. I read it after asking God to give me +knowledge to know if it was genuine and of Divine authority. By +careful examination I found that it was in strict accord with the +Bible and the gospel therein contained; that it purported to have +been given to another people, who then lived on this continent, +as the Old and New Testaments had been given to the Israelites in +Asia. I also found many passages in the Bible in support of the +forthcoming of such a work, preparatory to the gathering of the +remnant of the House of Israel, and the opening glory of the +Latter-day work, and the setting up of the Kingdom of God upon +the earth for the reception of the Son of Man, and the millennial +reign of Christ upon the earth a thousand years; all of which, to +me, was of great moment. My whole soul was absorbed in these +things. + +My neighbor Stewart, who had just returned from Missouri, brought +the most cheering and thrilling accounts of the power and +manifestations of the Holy Spirit working with that people; that +the spiritual gifts of the true believers in Christ were enjoyed +by all who lived faithfully and sought them; that there was no +deception about it; that everyone had a testimony for himself, +and was not dependent upon another; that they had the gift of +tongues, the interpretation of those tongues, the power of +healing the sick by the laying on of hands, prophesying, casting +out devils and evil spirits. All of which he declared, with words +of soberness, to be true. + +Stewart had been my playmate and my companion in former years. +His word had great influence on me, and strengthened my +conviction that the Book of Mormon was true - that it was a star +opening the dispensation of the fullness of time. I believed the +Book of Mormon was true, and, if so, everything but my soul's +salvation was a matter of secondary consideration to me. I had a +small fortune, a nice home, kind neighbors, and numerous friends, +but nothing could shake the determination I then formed to break +up, sell out, and leave Illinois and go to the Saints at Far +West, Missouri. + +My friends used every known argument to change my determination, +but these words came into my mind, "First seek the righteousness +of the Kingdom of God, then all things necessary will be added +unto you "; and again, "What would it profit a man to gain the +whole world and lose his own soul?" or, "What could a man gain in +exchange for his soul?" I was here brought to the test, and my +action was to decide on which I placed the most value - my +earthly possessions and enjoyments or my reward in future, the +salvation of my never-dying soul. I took up my cross and chose +the latter. I sold out and moved to Far West. I took leave of my +friends and made my way to where the Saints had gathered in Zion. +Our journey was one full of events interesting to us, but not of +sufficient importance to relate to the public. While on the +journey I sold most of my cattle on time to an old man, a friend +of Stewart's - took his notes, and let him keep them, which, as +the sequel shows, was fortunate for me. + +We arrived at Far West, the then headquarters of the Mormon +Church, about the 4th day of June, 1838. The country around there +for some fifteen or twenty miles, each way, was settled by +Mormons. I do not think any others lived within that distance. +The Mormons who had been driven from Jackson, Ray, and Clay +counties, in 1833, settled in Caldwell and Daviess counties. + +The night after our arrival at Far West there was a meeting to be +held there. Stewart said to me: + +"Let us go up and hear them speak with new tongues and interpret +the same, and enjoy the gifts of the gospel generally, for this +is to be a prayer and testimony meeting." + +"I want no signs," I said. "I believe the gospel they preach on +principle and reason, not upon signs - its consistency is all I +ask. All I want are natural, logical, and reasonable arguments, +to make up my mind from." + +The Sunday after, I attended church in Far West Hall. The hall +was crowded with people, so much so that I, with others, could +not gain admittance to the building. I obtained standing room in +one of the windows. I saw a man enter the house without +uncovering his head. The Prophet ordered the Brother of Gideon to +put that man out, for his presumption in daring to enter and +stand in the house of God without uncovering his head. This +looked to me like drawing the lines pretty snug and close; +however, I knew but little of the etiquette of high life, and +much less about that of the Kingdom of Heaven. I looked upon +Joseph Smith as a prophet of God - as one who held the keys of +this last dispensation, and I hardly knew what to think about the +violent manner in which the man was treated who had entered the +house of God without taking his hat off. But this did not lessen +my faith; it served to confirm it. I was fearful that I might in +some way unintentionally offend the great and good man who stood +as God's prophet on the earth to point out the way of salvation. + +We remained at the house of Elder Joseph Hunt, in Far West, +several days. He was then a strong Mormon, and was afterwards +first captain in the Mormon Battalion. He, as an elder in the +Church, was a preacher of the gospel; all of his family were firm +in the faith. + +Elder Hunt preached to me the necessity of humility and a strict +obedience to the gospel requirements through the servants of God. +He informed me that the apostles and elders were our true +teachers, and it was our duty to hear, learn, and obey; that the +spirit of God was very fine and delicate, and was easily grieved +and driven from us: that the more humble we were, the more of the +Holy Spirit we would enjoy. + +After staying in Far West about a week we moved about twenty +miles, and settled on a stream called Marrowbone, at a place +called afterwards Ambrosia. Sunday, June 17, 1838, I attended +meeting. Samuel H. Smith, a brother of the Prophet, and Elder +Daniel Cathcart preached. After meeting I and my wife were +baptized by Elder Cathcart, in Ambrosia, on Shady Grove Creek, in +Daviess County, Missouri. I was now a member of the Church, and +expected to live in strict obedience to the requirements of the +holy priesthood that ruled, governed, and controlled it. I must +do this in order to advance in the scale of intelligence unto +thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, and through +faithfulness and fidelity to the cause receive eternal increase +in the mansions that would be prepared for me in my Father's +kingdom. + +Neighbor Stewart and myself each selected a place on the same +stream, and near where his three brothers, Riley, Jackson, and +Urban, lived. On my location there was a spring of pure, cold +water; also a small lake fed by springs. This lake was full of +fish, such as perch, bass, pickerel, mullet, and catfish. It was +surrounded by a grove of heavy timber, mostly hickory and oak. We +could have fish sufficient for use every day in the year if we +desired. + +My home on Ambrosia Creek reminded me of the one I had left on +Luck Creek, Illinois; but it was on more rolling land, and much +healthier than the Illinois home had proven to us. I knew I could +soon replace, by labor, all the comfort I had abandoned when I +started to seek my salvation. I felt that I had greatly +benefitted my condition by seeking first the Kingdom of Heaven +and its righteousness; all else, I felt, would be added unto me. +But still I knew I must be frugal, industrious, and use much +care. I improved my farm as rapidly as I could, and was soon so +fixed that we were very comfortably established. + +Meetings were held three times a week; also prayer and testimony +meetings - at the latter sacrament was administered. In these +meetings, as well as in everything I was called upon to do, I +tried hard to give satisfaction. I was a devout follower from the +first. Whatever duty was assigned me I tried to discharge with a +willing heart and ready hand. This disposition, on my part, +coupled with my views of duty, my promptness and punctuality, +soon brought me to the notice of the leading men of the Church. + +The motives of the people who composed my neighborhood were pure; +they were all sincere in their devotions, and tried to square +their actions through life by the golden rule - "Do unto others +as you would they should do unto you." The word of a Mormon was +then good for all it was pledged to or for. I was proud to +associate with such an honorable people. + +Twenty miles northeast of my home was the settlement of Adam-on- +Diamond. It was on the east bank of Grand River, near the Three +Forks. Lyman White, one of the twelve apostles, was president of +that Stake of Zion. In July, 1838, Levi Stewart and myself +concluded to visit the settlement of Adam-on-Diamond. We remained +over night at the house of Judge Mourning. He was a Democrat. He +told us that at the approaching election the Whigs were going to +cast their votes, at the outside precincts, early in the day, and +then rush in force to the town of Gallatin, the county seat of +Daviess County, and prevent the Mormons from voting. The Judge +requested us to inform our people of the facts in the case, and +for us to see that the Mormons went to the polls in force, +prepared to resist and overcome all violence that might be +offered. He said the Whigs had no right to deprive the Mormons of +their right of suffrage, who had a right to cast their votes as +free and independent Americans. + +The two political parties were about equally divided in Daviess +County. The Mormons held the balance of power, and could turn the +scale whichever way they desired. I had heard of Judge Mourning +as a sharp political worker, and I then thought he was trying to +carry out an electioneering job for his party. + +We visited our friends at Adam-on-Diamond, and returned home. +While on this trip I formed the acquaintance of Solomon McBrier, +and purchased some cattle from him. He wished to sell me quite a +number, but as I did not want to be involved in debt I refused to +take them. I had a perfect horror of debt, for I knew that when a +man was in debt he was in nearly every respect a slave, and that +if I got in debt it would worry me and keep my mind from that +quiet repose so necessary for contemplating the beauties of +nature and communing with the Spirit regarding holy subjects. + +Just before the election of August, 1838, a general notice was +given for all the brethren of Daviess County to meet at Adam-on- +Diamond. Every man obeyed the call. At that meeting the males +over eighteen years of age were organized into a military body, +according to the law of the Priesthood, and called The Host of +Israel. The first rank was a captain with ten men under him; next +was a captain of fifty - that is, he had five companies of ten; +next, the captain of a hundred, or of ten captains and companies +of ten. The entire male membership of the Mormon Church was then +organized in the same way. + +This, as I was informed, was the first organization of the +military force of the Church. It was so organized by command of +God, as revealed through the Lord's prophet, Joseph Smith. God +commanded Joseph Smith to place the Host of Israel in a situation +for defense against the enemies of God and the Church of Jesus +Christ of Latter-day Saints. + +At the same Conference another organization was formed - it was +called the Danites. The members of this order were placed under +the most sacred obligations that language could invent. They were +sworn to stand by and sustain each other; to sustain, protect, +defend, and obey the leaders of the Church, under any and all +circumstances unto death; and to disobey the orders of the +leaders of the Church, or divulge the name of a Danite to an +outsider, or to make public any of the secrets of the order of +Danites, was to be punished with death. And I can say of a truth, +many have paid the penalty for failing to keep their covenants. + +They had signs and tokens for use and protection. The token of +recognition was such that it could be readily understood, and it +served as a token of distress by which they could know each other +from their enemies, although they were entire strangers to each +other. When the sign was given it must be responded to and +obeyed, even at the risk or certainty of death. The Danite that +would refuse to respect the token, and comply with all its +requirements, was stamped with dishonor, infamy, shame, disgrace, +and his fate for cowardice and treachery was death. + +This sign or token of distress is made by placing the right hand +on the right side of the face, with the points of the fingers +upward, shoving the hand upward until the ear is snug between the +thumb and forefinger. I here pause, and ask myself the question: + +"Am I justified in making the above statement?" + +Those who think I am not should wait until they read the whole +story. It is my purpose and intention to free my mind and bring +to light some of the secret workings of the Priesthood. + +To return to the election at Gallatin: The brethren all attended +the election. All things seemed to pass off quietly, until some +of the Mormons went up to the polls to vote. I was then lying on +the grass with McBrier and a number of others. + +As the Mormons were going to the polls a drunken brute by the +name of Richard Weldorp stepped up to a little Mormon preacher by +the name of Brown and said: + +"Are you a Mormon preacher?" + +"Yes, sir, I am." + +"Do you Mormons believe in healing the sick by laying on of +hands, speaking in tongues, and casting out devils?" + +"We do," said Brown. + +Weldon then said, "You are a liar. Joseph Smith is an impostor." + +With this, he attacked Brown, and beat him severely. Brown did +not resent it, but tried to reason with him; but without effect. + +At this time a Mormon by the name of Hyrum Nelson attempted to +pull Weldon off Brown, when he was struck by half a dozen men on +the head, shoulders, and face. He was soon forced to the ground. +Just then Riley Stewart struck Weldon across the back of the head +with a billet of oak lumber and broke his skull. Weldon fell on +me, and appeared lifeless. The blood flowed freely from the +wound. Immediately the fight became general. + +Gallatin was a new town, with about ten houses, three of which +were saloons. The town was on the bank of Grand River, and heavy +timber came near the town, which stood in a little arm of the +prairie. Close to the polls there was a lot of oak timber which +had been brought there to be riven into shakes or shingles, +leaving the heart, taken from each shingle-block, lying there on +the ground. These hearts were three square, four feet long, +weighed about seven pounds, and made a very dangerous, yet handy +weapon; and when used by an enraged man they were truly a class +of instrument to be dreaded. + +When Stewart fell the Mormons sprang to the pile of oak hearts, +and each man, taking one for use, rushed into the crowd. The +Mormons were yelling: + +"Save him!" and the settlers yelled: + +"Kill him!" + +The sign of distress was given by the Danites, and all rushed +forward, determined to save Stewart, or die with him. One of the +mob stabbed Stewart in the shoulder. He rose and ran, trying to +escape, but was again surrounded and attacked by a large number +of foes. + +The Danite sign of distress was again given by John L. Butler, +one of the captains of the Host of Israel. Butler was a brave, +true man, and a leader that it was a pleasure to follow where +duty called. Seeing the sign, I sprang to my feet and armed +myself with one of the oak sticks. I did this because I was a +Danite, and my oaths that I had taken required immediate action +on my part in support of the one giving the sign. I ran into the +crowd. + +As I reached it I saw Nelson fighting for life. He was surrounded +by a large number who were seeking to murder him; but he had a +loaded whip, the lash wrapped around his hand, using the handle, +which was loaded with several pounds of lead, as a weapon of +defense. He was using it with effect, for he had men piled around +him in all shapes. + +As I approached a man sprang to his feet. He had just been +knocked down by Nelson. As the man was rising Nelson gave him a +blow across the loins with the handle of his whip, which had the +effect of straightening out the villain on the grass and rendered +him an inoffensive spectator during the remainder of the play. + +Capt. Butler was then a stranger to me, and until I saw him give +the Danite sign of distress I believed him to be one of the +Missouri ruffians who were our enemies. In this contest I came +near committing a serious mistake. I had raised my club to strike +a man, when a Missourian rushed at him and struck him with a +loaded whip, and called him a cursed Mormon. The man then gave +the sign, and I knew how to act. + +Capt. Butler was attacked from all sides, but being a powerful +man he used his oak club with effect and knocked a man down at +each blow that he struck, and each man that felt the weight of +his weapon was out of the fight for that day at least. Many of +those that he came in contact with had to be carried from the +field for surgical aid. In the battle, which was spirited, but +short in duration, nine men had their skulls broken, and many +others were seriously injured in other ways. The severe treatment +of the mob by the Danites soon ended the battle. + +Three hundred men were present at this difficulty, only thirty of +whom were Mormons, and only eight Mormons took part in the fight. +I was an entire stranger to all who were engaged in the affray, +except Stewart, but I had seen the sign, and, like Samson when +loaning against the pillar, I felt the power of God nerve my arm +for the fray. It helps a man a great deal in a fight to know that +God is on his side. + +After the violence had ceased Capt. Butler called the Mormons to +him, and as he stood on a pile of building timber he made a +speech to the brethren. He said that his ancestors had served in +the War of the Revolution to establish a free and independent +government - one in which all men had equal rights and privileges; +that he professed to be half white and free born, and claimed a +right to enjoy his constitutional privileges, and would have his +rights as a citizen, if he had to fight for them; that as to his +religion, it was a matter between his God and himself, and no +man's business; that he would vote, and would die before he would +be driven from the polls. + +Several of the Gentile leaders then requested us to lay down our +clubs and go and vote. This Capt. Butler refused, saying: + +"We will not molest anyone who lets us alone, but we will not +risk ourselves again in that crowd without our clubs." + +The result was the Mormons all voted. It is surprising what a few +resolute men can do when united. + +It may be well for purposes of explanation to refer back to the +celebration of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of +July, 1838, at Far West. That day Joseph Smith made known to the +people the substance of a Revelation he had received from God. It +was to the effect that all the Saints throughout the land were +required to sell their possessions, gather all their money +together, and send an agent to buy up all the land in the region +round about Far West, and get a patent for the land from the +Government, then deed it over to the Church; then every man +should come up there to the land of their promised inheritance +and consecrate what he had to the Lord. + +In return the Prophet would set apart a tract of land for each +Saint - the amount to correspond with the number of the Saint's +family - and this land should be for each Saint an everlasting +inheritance. In this way the people could, in time, redeem Zion +(Jackson County) without the shedding of blood. It was also +revealed that unless this was done, in accordance with God's +demand, as required by Him in the Revelation then given to the +people through his Prophet, Joseph Smith, the Saints would be +driven from State to State, from city to city, from one abiding +place to another, until the members would die and waste away, +leaving but a remnant of the Saints to return and receive their +inheritance in Zion (Jackson County) in the last days. + +Sidney Rigdon was then the mouthpiece of Joseph Smith, as Aaron +was of Moses in olden times. Rigdon told the Saints that day that +if they did not come up as true Saints and consecrate their +property to the Lord, by laying it down at the feet of the +apostles, they would in a short time be compelled to consecrate +and yield it up to the Gentiles; that if the Saints would be +united as one man, in this consecration of their entire wealth to +the God of Heaven, by giving it up to the control of the +Apostolic Priesthood, then there would be no further danger to +the Saints; they would no more be driven from their homes on +account of their faith and holy works, for the Lord had revealed +to Joseph Smith that He would then fight the battles of His +children, and save them from all their enemies; that the Mormon +people would never be accepted as the children of God unless they +were united as one man, in temporal as well as spiritual affairs, +for Jesus had said unless ye are one, ye are not Mine; that +oneness must exist to make the Saints the accepted children of +God; that if the Saints would yield obedience to the commands of +the Lord all would be well, for the Lord had confirmed these +promises by a Revelation which He had given to Joseph Smith, in +which it was said: + +"I, the Lord, will fight the battles of my people, and if your +enemies shall come up against you, spare them, and if they shall +come up against you again, then shall ye spare them also; oven +unto the third time shall ye spare them; but if they come up +against you the fourth time, I, the Lord, will deliver them into +your hands, to do with them as seemeth good unto you; but if you +then spare them it shall be accounted unto you for righteousness." + +The words of the apostle, and the promises of God, as then +revealed to me, made a deep impression on my mind, as it did upon +all who heard the same. We that had given up all else for the +sake of the gospel felt willing to do anything on earth that it +was possible to do to obtain the protection of God, and have and +receive His smile of approbation. Those who, like me, had full +faith in the teachings of God, as revealed by Joseph Smith, His +Prophet, were willing to comply with every order, and to obey +every wish of the Priesthood. + +The majority of the people, however, felt like Ananias and +Sapphira - they dare not trust all to God and His Prophet. They +felt that their money was as safe in their own possession as it +was when held by the Church authorities. A vote of the people was +had to determine - the question whether they would consecrate +their wealth to the Church, or not. The vote was taken and was +unanimous for the consecration. I soon found out that the people +had voted as I have often known them to do in Mormon meetings +since then; they vote to please the Priesthood, then act to suit +themselves. I never thought that was right or honest; men should +vote their sentiments, but they do not at all times do so. I have +been the victim of such hypocrites. + +The vote, as I said, was taken. It was done by a show of hands, +but not a show of hearts. By the readiness with which all hands +went up in favor of consecration it was declared that the people +were of a truth God's children, and, as such, would be protected +by Him. The Prophet and all his Priesthood were jubilant, and +could hardly contain themselves; they were so happy to see the +people such dutiful Saints. + +Sidney Rigdon on that day delivered an oration, in which he said +the Mormons were, as a people, loyal to the Government, obedient +to the laws, and as such they were entitled to the protection of +the Government in common with all other denominations, and were +justified in claiming as full protection, in their religious +matters, as the people of any other sect; that the Mormons had +suffered from mob rule and violence, but would no longer submit +to the mob or unjust treatment that had so long followed them. +Now and forevermore would they meet force with force. + +"We have been driven from Kirkland," said he; "from Jackson +County, the true Zion; and now we will maintain our rights, +defend our homes, our wives and children, and our property from +mob rule and violence. If the Saints are again attacked, we will +carry on a war of extermination against our enemies, even to +their homes and firesides, until we despoil those who have +despoiled us, and give no quarter until our enemies are wasted +away. We will unfurl to the breeze the flag of our nation, and +under that banner of freedom we will maintain our rights, or die +in the attempt." + +At the end of each sentence Rigdon was loudly cheered; and when +he closed his oration I believed the Mormons could successfully +resist the world. But this feeling of confidence faded away as +soon as a second thought entered my mind. I then feared that the +days of liberty for our people had been numbered. First, I feared +the people would not give up all their worldly possessions, to be +disposed of by and at the will and pleasure of three men. In the +second place, I doubted the people being so fully regenerated as +to entitle them to the full and unconditional support and favor +of God that had been promised through the Revelation to Joseph +Smith, in favor of the Latter-day Saints. I knew that God was +able and willing to do all He had promised, but I feared that the +people still loved worldly pleasures so well that God's mercy +would be rejected by them, and all would be lost. + +About three days after the proclamation of Rigdon had been made +there was a storm of rain, during which the thunder and +lightnings were constant and terrible. The liberty pole in the +town was struck by lightning and shivered to atoms. This evidence +from the God of nature also convinced me that the Mormon people's +liberties, in that section of the country, were not to be of long +duration. + + + +CHAPTER IV - THE SAINTS BESET WITH TROUBLES + + The Saints did not consecrate their possessions as they had +so recently voted they would do; they began to reflect, and the +final determination was that they could manage their worldly +effects better than any one of the apostles; in fact, better than +the Prophet and the Priesthood combined. Individual Saints +entered large tracts of land in their own names, and thereby +secured all of the most desirable land round about Far West. +These landed proprietors became the worst kind of extortionists, +and forced the poor Saints to pay them large advances for every +acre of land that was settled, and nothing could be called free +from the control of the money power of the rich and headstrong +Mormons who had defied the revelations and wishes of God. + +So things went from bad to worse, until the August election at +Gallatin referred to. The troubles of that day brought the Church +and Saints to a standstill; business was paralyzed; alarm seized +the stoutest hearts, and dismay was visible in every countenance. +The Prophet issued an order to gather all the people at Far West +and Adam-on-Diamond, under the leadership of Col. Lyman White, +for the purpose of protecting the people from mob violence, and +to save their property from lawless thieves who were roaming the +country in armed bands. + +The Gentiles and Mormons hastened to the executive of the State. +The Gentiles asked for a military force to protect the settlers +from Mormon violence. The Mormons requested, an investigating +committee to inquire into the whole subject and suggest means +necessary for future safety to each party. Also they demanded +military protection from the mobs and outlaws that infested the +country. + +The Governor sent troops to keep order. They were stationed about +midway between Far West and Adam-on-Diamond. A committee was also +appointed and sent to Gallatin to inquire into the recent +disturbances. This committee had full power to send for +witnesses, make arrests of persons accused of crime, and +generally to do all things necessary for a full and complete +investigation of the entire affair. + +Many arrests were made at the request of the committee. The +persons so arrested were taken before Justice Black, of Daviess +County, and examined; witnesses were examined for both parties, +and much hard and false swearing was done on both sides. After a +long and fruitless examination the committee adjourned, leaving +the military to look after matters until something would turn up +to change the feeling of danger then existing. It was thought by +the committee that all would soon become quiet and peace would be +restored. + +The Gentiles of the country were dissatisfied with the action of +the committee and in no way disposed to accept peace on any +terms; they determined that, come what would, the Mormons should +be driven from the State of Missouri. Letters were written by the +Gentiles around Far West to all parts of the State, and +elsewhere, giving the most fearful accounts of Mormon atrocities. +Some of the writers said it was useless to send less than three +or four men for each Mormon, because the Mormons felt sure of +heaven if they fell fighting, hence they did not fear death; that +they fought with the desperation of devils. + +Such reports spread like wildfire throughout northern Missouri, +and thence all over the States of the Mississippi Valley, and +resulted in creating a feeling of the most intense hatred in the +breasts of all the Gentiles against the Mormons. Companies of +volunteers were raised and armed in every town throughout +northern Missouri, and commenced concentrating in the vicinity of +the Mormon settlements. The troops sent by the Governor to guard +the settlers and preserve order soon took part with the mob, and +all show for legal protection was gone, so far as Mormons were +concerned. I had built a cabin in the valley of Adam-on-Diamond, +at the point where the Prophet said Adam blessed his posterity +after being driven from the Garden of Eden. + +The condition of the country being such that we could not labor +on our farms, I concluded to go and hunt for wild honey. Several +of my neighbors were to join me in my bee hunt, and we started +with our teams, and traveled northeasterly until we reached the +heavy timber at the three forks of Grand River. We camped on the +middle fork of Grand River, and had fine success in securing +honey. + +We had been out at camp only two or three days when we discovered +signs of armed men rushing through the country. On the 3d of +October, 1838, we saw a large number of men that we knew were +enemies to the Mormons on their way, as we supposed, to attack +our people at the settlements. I concluded to go and meet them, +and find out for certain what they were really intending to do. I +was forced to act with caution, for, if they discovered that we +were Mormons, our lives would be taken by the desperate men +composing the mob who called themselves State volunteers. I took +my gun and carrying a bucket on my arm started out to meet the +people and learn their intentions. I met them just after they had +broken camp on Sunday morning. + +As soon as I saw them I was certain they were out hunting for +Mormons. I concluded to pass myself off as an outsider, the +better to learn their history. My plan worked admirably. I stood +my ground until a company of eighteen men rode up to me, and +said: + +"You move early." + +"Not so early, gentlemen; I am not moving any sooner than you +are. What are you all doing in this part of the country, armed to +the teeth as you are? Are you hunting for Indians?" + +"No," said they, "but we wish to know where you are from, and +what you are doing." + +"I am from Illinois; there are four of us who have come out here +to look up a good location to settle. We stopped on Marrowbone, +and did think of staying there, until the settlers and Mormons +got into a row at Gallatin, on election day. After that we +concluded to strike out and see what this country looked like. I +am now going to cut a bee tree that I found yesterday evening, +and I brought my gun along so that if I met an old buck I could +secure some venison to eat with my honeycomb." + +As I got through they all huddled around me and commenced to +relate the horrors of Mormonism. They advised me to have nothing +to do with the Mormons, for said they: + +"As old Joe Smith votes, so will every Mormon in the country +vote, and when they get into a fight they are just the same way; +they stick together. When you attack one of the crew you bring +every one of them after you like a nest of hornets." + +To this I replied that I had heard a little of the fuss at +Gallatin, but did not suppose I had got the right of the story, +and would be glad if they would tell me just how it was. I should +like to learn the facts from an eyewitness. Several of the men +spoke up and said they were there and saw it all. They then told +the story, and did the Mormons more justice than I expected from +them. + +They said, among other things, that there was a large rawboned +man there who spoke in tongues, and that when the fight commenced +he cried: + +"Charge, Danites!" + +They then said the Mormons must leave the country. + +"If we do not make them do so now, they will be so strong in a +few years they will rule the country as they please. Another band +of men will come along soon; and they will then go through the +Mormon settlements and burn up every house, and lynch every +Mormon they find. The militia has been sent to keep order in +Daviess County, but will soon be gone, and the work of destroying +the Mormons begin." + +"If they have done as you say they have, pay them in their own +coin," I said. + +The company then passed on, and I returned with a heavy heart to +my friends. I advised making an immediate start for home, and in +a few minutes we were on our way. + +While coming up from home we had found four bee trees, that we +left standing, intending to cut them down and get the honey as we +went back. When we got on the prairie, which was about eight +miles across, the men with me wanted to go and get the honey. I +was fearful that the people I had met in the morning would attack +the settlements, and I wanted to go directly home and let trees +and honey alone. + +While we were talking the matter over a single blackbird came to +us, apparently in great distress. It flew around each one of us, +and would alight on the head of each one of our horses, and +especially on my horses' heads, and it even came and alighted on +my hat, and would squeak as though it was in pain, and turn its +feathers up, and acted as if it wished to warn us of danger. Then +it flew off towards the settlements where I wished to go. + +All admitted that these were strange actions for a bird, but they +still insisted on going to cut the bee trees. I was persuaded to +go with them. We had gone a quarter of a mile further when the +blackbird returned to us and went through the same performance as +before, and again flew off toward the settlement. + +This was to me a warning to go home at once; that there was +danger there to my family. I then proposed that we all join in +prayer. We did so, and I prayed to the Author of our existence, +and asked that if it was His will for us to go home at once, and +if the blackbird had been sent as a warning messenger, to let it +return again, and I would follow it. We then traveled on some two +miles, when the messenger returned the third time and appeared, +if possible, more determined than before to turn us towards home. +I turned my team and started, as straight as I could go, for +Adam-on-Diamond. + +As we passed over the prairie we saw the smoke rising from many +farms and houses in the vicinity of where we had left our bee +trees. This smoke showed us that our enemies were at work, and +that had we kept on in the course we were first intending to +travel we would have fallen into the hands of the lawless and +lost our lives. + +Before we got home the news of the attack upon the settlements +had reached there. It was also reported, and we afterwards +learned that the report was true, that many of the Mormon +settlers had been tied to trees and whipped with hickory withes, +some of them being horribly mangled by the mob. This conduct on +the part of the Gentiles roused every Mormon to action, and the +excitement was very great. + +Joseph the Prophet was then sent for. Col. White called together +every man and boy that could carry arms. When the forces were +assembled Col. White made a war speech. As he spoke he stood by +his fine brown horse. There was a bearskin on his saddle. He had +a red handkerchief around his head, regular Indian fashion, with +the knot in front; he stood bareheaded, in his shirt sleeves, +with collar open, showing his naked breast. He held a large +cutlass in his right hand. His manner of address struck terror to +his enemies, while it charged his brethren with enthusiastic zeal +and forced them to believe they were invincible and bullet-proof. +We were about three hundred and seventy-five strong. I stood near +Col. White while he was speaking, and I judge of its effect upon +others by the way it affected me. + +While our Colonel was in the midst of his speech the aid-de-camp +of the militia colonel came up with a dispatch to Col. White, to +the effect that the militia had become mutinous and could no +longer be controlled, but were going to join the mob; that the +colonel would disband his forces, and would then go and report to +the Governor the true condition of the country; that Col. White +must take and make use of all the means in his power to protect +the people from the mob, for the Government officers were +powerless to aid him. + +The aid did not deliver his message, for as he rode up close to +where Col. White was standing speaking to his men, he stopped and +listened a short time; then he wheeled his horse and rode back to +the militia camp and reported that Col. White had fifteen +thousand men under arms, in battle array, and would be upon their +camp in less than two hours; that he was then making a speech to +the army, and that it was the most exciting speech he had ever +listened to in his life; that he meant war, and of the most +fearful kind, and the only safety for their forces was in instant +retreat. The soldiers broke camp and left in haste. I cannot say +that the colonel commanding the militia was alarmed, or that he +fled through fear of being overcome; but it suited him to leave, +for he was anxious to prevent a collision between his troops and +the men under Col. White. + +Joseph, when informed of the danger of the settlers from mob +violence, sent Maj. Seymour Brunson, of Far West, with fifty men +to protect the settlers who lived on the two forks of the Grand +River. Col. White kept his men in readiness for action. A strong +guard was posted round the settlement; a point was agreed upon to +which place all were to hasten in case of alarm. This point of +meeting was east of the town, under the bluffs, on the main road +leading from Mill Port to Adam-on-Diamond. + +This road ran between the fields and bluff. We expected to be +attacked every hour. A few nights afterwards the alarm was given, +and every man rushed to the field. When I reached the command I +found everything in confusion. The officer in command tried to +throw two companies across the road, but the firing was heavy and +constant from the opposing forces, who had selected a strong +point for the purpose of attack and defense. The flash of the +rifles and the ringing reports that echoed through the hills at +each discharge of the guns added to the confusion, and soon +forced the Mormons to take up their position in the fence corners +and elsewhere, so they could be in a measure protected from the +bullets of the enemy. Soon there was order in our ranks, and we +were prepared to dislodge our opponents or die in the attempt, +when two men came at the full speed of their horses, shouting: + +"Peace! peace! Cease firing, it is our friends." + +Chapman Duncan, the adjutant of Col. White, was the one who +shouted peace. We were then informed that the men we had taken +for a part of the Gentile mob were no other than the command of +Maj. Brunson, who had been out on Three Forks to defend the +settlers, and that he had been ordered back to the main body of +the Hosts of Israel. They had intended to stop at Mill Port, but +finding it deserted they concluded to alarm the troops at Adam- +on-Diamond, so as to learn whether they would fight or not. I +admit that I was much pleased to learn that danger was over and +we were facing friends and not enemies; yet I was mad to think +men would impose upon us in that way. The experiment was a +dangerous one, and likely to be very serious in its consequences. +The other men with me were equally wroth at the insult offered by +those who had been so foolish as to question our bravery. + +The withdrawal of the State militia was the signal for the +Gentiles to give vent to the worst of their inclinations. The +Mormons, at command of the Prophet, at once abandoned their +homes, taking what could be carried with them, and hastened to +either Far West or Adam-on-Diamond for protection and safety. +Some few refused to obey orders, and they afterwards paid the +penalty for disobedience by giving up their lives to the savage +Gentiles who attacked and well-nigh exterminated them. + +Armed men roamed in bands all over Caldwell, Carroll, and Daviess +counties; both Mormons and Gentiles were under arms, doing injury +to each other when occasion offered. The burning of houses, +farms, and stacks of grain was generally indulged in by each +party. Lawlessness prevailed, and pillage was the rule. + +The Prophet Joseph said it was a civil war, and that by the rules +of war each party was justified in spoiling his enemy. This +opened the door, and men of former quiet became perfect demons in +their efforts to spoil and waste away the enemies of the Church. +I then found that men are creatures of circumstances, and that +the occasion calls forth the men needed for each enterprise. + +I also soon saw that it was the natural inclination of men to +convert to their own use that which others possessed. What +perplexed me most was to see how religion had not the power to +subdue that passion in man, but at the first moment when the +restrictions of the Church were withdrawn the most devout in our +community acted like natural-born thieves. + +Being young, stout, and having plenty of property, I fitted +myself out in first-class style. I had good horses and plenty of +the best of arms. I joined in the general patrol duty, and took +part in daily raids made under either Maj. Brunson or Capt. +Alexander McRay. I saw much of what was being done by both +parties. I also made several raids under Capt. Jonathan Dunham, +alias Black Hawk. I remember one incident that was amusing at the +time, as it enabled us to determine what part of our forces would +fight on the field and face the enemy, and also those who +preferred to fight with their mouths. + +Early in the morning, while Maj. Brunson's men were marching +along, shivering in the cold - for it was a dark, cloudy morning +late in October, 1838 - we saw a company of horsemen some three +miles away. We concluded they were Missourians, and made for them +at full speed. They halted and appeared willing to fight. When +our command got within three hundred yards of them many of our +pulpit braves found out all at once that they must stop and +dismount to fix their saddles or for some other reason. The +remainder of us rode on until within one hundred and fifty yards +of the other force, and were drawn up in line of battle. Maj. +Brunson rode forward and hailed them, saying, + +"Who are you?" + +"Capt. McRay," was the reply. "Who are you?" + +"Maj. Brunson." + +They met and shook hands. Seeing this the pulpit braves rushed up +in great haste and took their places in the ranks, and lamented +because we did not have an enemy to overcome. + +So it is through life - a coward is generally a liar; those men +were cowards, and lied when they pretended they would like to +fight. All cowards are liars, but many liars are brave men. + +While I was engaged with the Mormon troops in ranging over the +country, the men that I was with took a large amount of loose +property, but did not while I was with them burn any houses or +murder any men. Yet we took what property we could find, +especially provisions, fat cattle, arms, and ammunition. But +still many houses were burned and much damage was done by the +Mormons, and they captured a howitzer and many guns from the +Gentiles. Frequent attacks were also made upon the Mormon +settlements. + +The Mormons made an attack on Gallatin one night, and carried off +much plunder. I was not there with them, but I talked often with +others and learned all the facts about it. The town was burned +down, and everything of value, including the goods in two stores, +carried off by the Mormons. I often escaped being present with +the troops by loaning my horses and arms to others who liked that +kind of work better than I did. Unless I had adopted that course +I could never have escaped from being with the Hosts of Israel, +for I was one of the regular Host, and could not avoid going when +ordered, unless I furnished a substitute, which sometimes was +accepted, but not always. + +Once a company went from Adam-on-Diamond and burned the house and +buildings belonging to my friend McBrier. Every article of +movable property was taken by the troops; he was utterly ruined. +This man was an honorable man, but mere good character, and +properly, had no effect on those who were working to build up the +Kingdom of God. + +The Mormons brought in every article that could be used, and much +that was of no use or value was hauled to Adam-on-Diamond. Such +acts had the effect of arousing every Gentile in the three +counties of Caldwell, Carroll, and Daviess, as well as to bring +swarms of armed Gentiles from other localities. + +Brother Lyman White, with three hundred men, was called to defend +Far West. I went with his command. The night White reached Far +West the battle of Crooked River was fought. Capt. David Patton, +alias Fear Not, one of the twelve apostles, had been sent out by +the Prophet with fifty men to attack a body of Missourians who +were camping on the Crooked River. Capt. Patton's men were nearly +all, if not every one of them, Danites. The attack was made just +before daylight in the morning. Fear Not wore a white blanket +overcoat, and led the attacking party. He was a brave, impulsive +man. He rushed into the thickest of the fight, regardless of +danger - really seeking it to show his men that God would shield +him from all harm. But he counted without just reason upon being +invincible, for a ball soon entered his body, passing through his +hips. The wound was fatal; but he kept on his feet and led his +men some time before yielding to the effects of the wound. + +The Gentiles said afterwards that Capt. Patton told his men to +charge in the name of Lazarus: + +"Charge, Danites, charge!" + +As soon as he uttered the command which distinguished him they +gave the Danite captain a commission with powder and ball, and +sent him on to preach to the spirits. + +In this battle several men were killed and wounded on both sides. +I do not remember all of the names of the Danites that were +killed, but I do remember that a man by the name of Banion was +killed, and one by the name of Holbrook wounded. I knew a man by +the name of Tarwater, on the Gentile side, that was cut up +fearfully. He was taken prisoner. The Danites routed the +Gentiles, who fled in every direction. The night being dark, +Holbrook and another Danite met and had a hand-to-hand fight, in +which they cut each other fearfully with their swords before they +discovered that they were friends. + +After the Gentiles retreated the Mormons started for Far West, +taking Tarwater along as a prisoner. After traveling several +miles they halted in a grove of timber and released Tarwater, +telling him he was free to go home. He started off, and when he +was some forty yards from the Mormons Parley P. Pratt, then one +of the twelve apostles, stepped to a tree, laid his gun up by the +side of the tree, took deliberate aim, and shot Tarwater. He fell +and lay still. The Mormons went on and left him lying where he +fell. + + + +CHAPTER V - THE MORMON WAR + +After 1844 it was my habit to keep a journal, in which I wrote at +length all that I considered worthy of remembering. Most of my +journals, written up to 1860, were called for by Brigham, under +the plea that he wished the Church historian to write up the +Mormon history, and wanted my journals to aid him in making the +history perfect. As these journals contained many things not +intended for the public eye concerning the Mormon leaders and all +I knew of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and what led to it, they +were never returned to me. + +To proceed: I was at Far West when the Danites returned. They +brought Capt. Patton with them. He died that night, and his death +spread a mantle of gloom over the entire community. It robbed +many of their fond hope that they were invincible. If Fear Not +could be killed, who then might claim immunity from the missiles +of death hurled by Gentile weapons? + +Up to this time I firmly believed what the Prophet and his +apostles had said on that subject. I had considered that I was +bullet-proof, that no Gentile ball could ever harm me or any +Saint, and I believed that a Danite could not be killed by +Gentile hands. I thought that one Danite would chase a thousand +Gentiles, and two could put ten thousand to flight. + +Alas! my dream of security was over. One of our mighty men had +fallen, and by Gentile hands. My amazement at the fact was equal +to my sorrow for the death of the great warrior apostle. I had +considered that all the battles between Danites and Gentiles +would end like the election fight at Gallatin, and the only ones +to be injured would be the Gentiles. + +We had been promised and taught by the Prophet and his Priesthood +that henceforth God would fight our battles, and I looked as a +consequence for a bloodless victory on the side of the Lord, and +that nothing but disobedience to the teachings of the Priesthood +could render a Mormon subject to injury from Gentile forces. I +believed as our leaders taught us, that all our sufferings and +persecutions were brought upon us by the all-wise God of Heaven +as chastisement to bring us together in unity of faith and strict +obedience to the requirements of the Gospel; and the feeling was +general that all our sufferings were the result of individual +sin, and not the fault of our leaders and spiritual guides. + +We, as members of the Church, had no right to question any act of +our superiors; to do so wounded the Spirit of God, and would lead +to our own loss and confusion. Still, I was thunderstruck to hear +Joseph the Apostle say at the funeral of Capt. Patton that the +Mormons fell by the missiles of death the same as other men. He +also said that the Lord was angry with the people, for they had +been unbelieving and faithless; they had denied the Lord the use +of their earthly treasures, and placed their affections upon +worldly things more than upon heavenly things; that to expect +God's favor we must blindly trust him; that if the Mormons would +wholly trust in God the windows of heaven would be opened and a +shower of blessings sent upon the people; that all the people +could contain of blessings would be given as a reward for +obedience to the will of God as made known to mankind through the +Prophet of the ever-living God; that the Mormons, if faithful, +obedient, and true followers of the advice of their leaders, +would soon enjoy all the wealth of the earth; that God would +consecrate the riches of the Gentiles to the Saints. + +This and much more he said to induce the people to obey the will +of the Priesthood. I believed all he said, for he supported it by +quotations from Scripture, and if I believed the Bible, as I did +most implicitly, I could not help believing in Joseph, the +prophet of God in these last days, Joseph declared that he was +called of God and given power and authority from heaven to do +God's will; that he had received the keys of the holy Priesthood +from the apostles Peter, James, and John, and had been dedicated, +set apart, and anointed as the prophet, seer, and revelator, and +sent to open the dispensation of the fullness of time, according +to the words of the apostles; that he was charged with the +restoration of the House of Israel, and to gather the Saints from +the four corners of the earth to the land of promise, Zion, the +Holy Land (Jackson County), and to the setting up of the Kingdom +of God preparatory to the second coming of Christ in the last +days. Every Mormon, true to his faith, believed as fully in +Joseph and his holy character as he did that God existed. + +The Prophet Joseph was a most extraordinary man; he was rather +large in stature, some six feet two inches in height, well built, +though a little stoop-shouldered, with prominent and well- +developed features, a Roman nose, light chestnut hair, upper lip +full and rather protruding, chin broad and square, and an eagle +eye, and on the whole had something in his manner and appearance +that was bewitching and winning; his countenance was that of a +plain, honest man, full of benevolence and philanthropy and void +of deceit or hypocrisy. He was resolute and firm of purpose, +strong as most men in physical power, and all who saw were forced +to admire him, as he then looked and existed. In the sports of +the day, such as wrestling, he was over the average. Very few of +the Saints had the strength needed to throw the Prophet in a fair +tussle. In every gathering he was a welcome guest, and always +added to the amusement of the people, instead of dampening their +ardor. + +During the time that we were camping at Adam-on-Diamond, waiting +to see what would be the result of the quarrel between our Church +and the Gentiles, one Sunday morning (it had rained heavily the +night before and the air was cold) the men were shivering over a +few firebrands, feeling out of sorts and quite cast down. The +Prophet came up while the brethren were moping around and caught +first one and then another and shook them up, and said: + +"Get out of here, and wrestle; jump, run, do anything but mope +around; warm yourselves up; this inactivity will not do for +soldiers." + +The words of the Prophet put life and energy into the men. A ring +was soon formed, according to the custom of the people. The +Prophet stepped into the ring, ready for a tussle with any comer. +Several went into the ring to try their strength, but each one +was thrown by the Prophet, until he had thrown several of the +stoutest of the men present. Then he stepped out of the ring and +took a man by the arm and led him in to take his place, and so it +continued - the men who were thrown retiring in favor of the +successful one. A man would keep the ring so long as he threw his +adversary. + +The style of wrestling varied with the desires of the parties. +The Eastern men, or Yankees, used square hold, or collar and +elbow; those from the Middle States side hold, and the Southern +and Western men used breeches hold and old Indian hug or back +hold. If a man was hurt he stood it without a murmur; it was +considered cowardly and childish to whine when thrown or hurt in +the fall. + +While the sport was at its height Sidney Rigdon, the mouthpiece +of the Prophet, rushed into the ring, sword in hand, and said +that he would not suffer a lot of men to break the Sabbath day in +that manner. For a moment all were silent. Then one of the +brethren, with more presence of mind than the others, said to the +Prophet: + +"Brother Joseph, we want you to clear us from blame, for we +formed the ring by your request. You told us to wrestle, and now +Brother Rigdon is bringing us to account for it." + +The Prophet walked into the ring and said, as he made a motion +with his hand: + +"Brother Sidney, you had better get out of here and let the boys +alone; they are amusing themselves according to my orders. You +are an old man. You go and get ready for meeting and let the boys +alone." Just then catching Rigdon off his guard, as quick as a +flash he knocked the sword from Rigdon's hand, then caught him by +the shoulder, and said: "Now, old man, you must go out, or I will +throw you down." + +Rigdon was as large a man as the Prophet, but not so tall. The +prospect of a tussle between the Prophet and the mouthpiece of +the Prophet was fun for all but Rigdon, who pulled back like a +crawfish; but the resistance was useless, the Prophet dragged him +from the ring, bareheaded, and tore Rigdon's fine pulpit coat +from the collar to the waist; then he turned to the men and said: + +"Go in, boys, and have your fun. You shall never have it to say +that I got you into any trouble that I did not get you out of." + +Rigdon complained about the loss of his hat and the tearing of +his coat. The Prophet said to him: + +"You were out of your place. Always keep your place and you will +not suffer: but you got a little out of your place and you have +suffered for it. You have no one to blame but yourself." + +After that Rigdon never countermanded the orders of the Prophet, +to my knowledge; he knew who was boss. + +An order had been issued by the Church authorities commanding all +the members of the Mormon Church to leave their farms and take +such property as they could remove and go to one of the two +fortified camps - that is Far West or Adam-on-Diamond. A large +majority of the settlers obeyed, and the two camps were soon full +of people who had deserted home again for the sake of the gospel. + +There was a settlement on Log Creek, between three and five miles +east from Far West. It was quite a rich settlement. A man named +Haughn had just completed a good flouring mill on the creek. The +morning after the battle of Crooked River Haughn came to Far West +to consult with the Prophet concerning the policy of the removal +of the settlers on Log Creek to the fortified camps. + +Col. White and myself were standing by when the Prophet said to +him: + +"Move in, by all means, if you wish to save your lives." + +Haughn replied that if the settlers left their homes all of their +property would be lost, and the Gentiles would burn their houses +and other buildings. The Prophet said: + +"You had much better lose your property than your lives; one can +be replaced, the other cannot be restored; but there is no need +of your losing either if you will only do as you are commanded." + +Haughn said that he considered the best plan was for all of the +settlers to move into and around the mill, and use the blacksmith's +shop and other buildings as a fort in case of attack; in this way +he thought they would be perfectly safe. + +"You are at liberty to do so if you think best," said the +Prophet. + +Haughn then departed, well satisfied that he had carried his +point. The Prophet turned to Col. White and said: + +"That man did not come for counsel, but to induce me to tell him +to do as he pleased; which I did. Had I commanded them to move in +and leave their property they would have called me a tyrant. I +wish they were here for their own safety. I am confident that we +will soon learn that they have been butchered in a fearful +manner." + +At this time the Missourians had determined to exterminate the +whole of the Mormon people. Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued +orders to that effect. I think Gen. Clark was the officer in +command of all the Gentile forces. Gen. Atchison and Col. +Doniphan each commanded a division of from three to four thousand +men, and they soon besieged Far West. The Mormons fortified the +town as well as they could, and took special care to fortify and +build shields and breastworks, to prevent the cavalry from +charging into the town. The Gentile forces were mostly camped on +Log Creek, between Far West and Haughn's Mill, about a mile from +Far West, and about half a mile south of our outer breastworks. + +Our scouts and pickets guards were driven in and forced to join +the main ranks for safety. The Mormon troops were placed in +position by the officers, so as to guard every point. We all had +a large supply of bullets, with the patching sewed on the balls +to facilitate the loading of our guns, which were muzzle loaders. +The Mormon force was about eight hundred strong, poorly armed; +many of the men had no guns; some had single-barrel pistols and a +few homemade swords. These were our implements of war. + +So situated, we were still anxious to meet the enemy, and +demanded to be led out against our foes. Our men were confident +that God was going to deliver the enemy into our hands, and so we +had no fears. I was one of the advance force, and as I lay behind +some timber, with my cap-box open, and bullets lying on the +ground by my side, I never had a doubt of being able to defeat +the Gentile army. + +The troops lay and watched each other several days, then the +Gentiles made two efforts to force their way into the town by +stratagem; but seeing our forces in order they did not come +within range of our guns. The Mormons stood in the ranks, and +prayed for the chance of getting a shot; but all to no effect. +The same evening we learned of the massacre at Haughn's Mill. The +description of this massacre was such as to freeze the blood of +each Saint, and force us to swear that revenge should come some +day. + +The massacre was reported about as follows to us at Far West. +When the Gentile mob attacked the Mormons at the mill the Mormons +took shelter in the blacksmith shop and other buildings. The mob +took advantage of the banks of the creek and the timber, and very +nearly surrounded the shop, which was built of logs, and served +as a slaughterhouse instead of a shelter or protection. + +The mob, while protected as they were, shot down the Mormons at +their leisure. They killed eighteen and wounded as many more; in +fact, they killed and wounded everyone who did not run away +during the fight and take refuge in the woods. After shooting +down all that could be seen, the mob entered the blacksmith shop +and there found a young lad who had secreted himself under the +bellows. One of the men said: + +"Don't shoot; it is but a small boy." + +"It is best to hive them when we can," was the reply. + +Thus saying, they shot the little fellow. + +There was an old man in the settlement by the name of McBride, +who had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War; he was killed by +being hacked to pieces with a corncutter while begging for his +life. The dead and wounded were thrown into a well together. +Several of the wounded were afterwards taken out of the well by +the force that went from Far West, and recovered from their +wounds. So great was the hatred of the mob that they saved none, +but killed all who fell into their hands at that time. I received +my information of the massacre from David Lewis, Tarleton Lewis, +William Laney, and Isaac Laney; they were Kentuckians, and were +also in the fight, but escaped death. + +Isaac Laney was shot seven times, the seven shots leaving +thirteen ball holes in his person; five of the shots were nearly +in the center of the chest; one entered under the right arm, +passed through the body and came out under the left arm; yet, +strange as it appears, he kept his feet, and ran some three +hundred yards to a cabin, where a woman raised a loose plank of +the cabin floor and he lay down while she replaced the boards. + +The mob left, and in about two hours Laney was taken from under +the cabin floor nearly lifeless. He was then washed, anointed +with oil, the elders praying for his recovery, according to the +order of the Holy Priesthood, and he was promised, through prayer +and faith in God, speedy restoration. The pain at once left him, +and for two weeks he felt no pain at all. He then took cold, and +the wound in his hips pained him for some two hours, when the +elders repeated their prayers and again anointed him, which had +the effect desired. The pain left him, and never returned. I +heard Laney declare this to be a fact, and he bore his testimony +in the presence of many of the Saints. I saw him four weeks after +the massacre and examined his person. I saw the wounds, then +healed. I felt of them with my own hands, and I saw the shirt and +examined it, that he had on when he was shot, and it was cut in +shreds. Many balls had cut his clothing that had not touched his +person. + +The massacre at Haughn's Mill was the result of the brethren's +refusal to obey the wishes of the Prophet. All the brethren so +considered it. It made a deep and lasting impression on my mind, +for I had heard the Prophet give the counsel to the brethren to +come into the town. They had refused, and the result was a lesson +to all that there was no safety except in obeying the Prophet. + +Col. George M. Hinkle had command of the troops at Far West, +under the Prophet Joseph. He was from Kentucky, and considered a +fair-weather Saint. When danger came he was certain to be on the +strong side. He was a fine speaker, and had great influence with +the Saints. Previous to the attack on Far West Col. Hinkle had +come to an understanding with the Gentile commanders that in case +the danger grew great they could depend on him as a friend and +one through whom they could negotiate and learn the situation of +affairs in the camp of the Saints. When our scouts were first +driven in Col. Hinkle was out with them, and when they were +closely pursued he turned his coat wrong side out and wore it so. + +This was a peculiar move, but at the time it did not cause much +comment among his men; but they reported it to the Prophet, and +he at once became suspicious of the Colonel. The Prophet, being a +man of thought and cool reflection, kept this information within +a small circle, as it was a bad time to ventilate an act of that +kind. + +The Prophet concluded to make use of the knowledge he had gained +of Hinkle's character, and employ him to negotiate between the +two parties. I do not believe that Joseph had the least idea that +he, with his little handful of men, could stand off the army that +had come up against him. I know that now, but at the time I was +full of religious zeal and felt that the Mormon Hosts of Israel +were invincible. Joseph wished to use Hinkle to learn the designs +of the Gentiles, so that he could prepare for the worst. Col. +Hinkle was therefore sent by Joseph to have an interview with the +Gentiles. + +The Colonel returned and reported to Joseph the terms proposed by +the Gentile officers. The terms offered were as follows: Joseph +and the leading men of the Church, Rigdon, Lyman White, P. P. +Pratt, Phelps, and others, were to give themselves up without +delay; the remainder of the men were to surrender themselves and +their arms by ten o'clock the following day, the understanding +being that all would be tried for treason against the Government, +and for other offenses. + +The Prophet took advantage of this information, and had every man +that was in imminent danger leave the camp for a place of safety. +The most of those in peril went to Illinois. They left at once, +and were safe from all pursuit before the surrender took place, +as they traveled north and avoided the settlements. + +When the brethren had left for Illinois, as just stated, Joseph +called his remaining troops together and told them they were a +good lot of fellows, but they were not perfect enough to +withstand so large an army as the one now before them; that they +had stood by him, and were willing to die for and with him, for +the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven; that he wished them to be +comforted, for God had accepted their offering; that he intended +to, and was going to offer himself up as a sacrifice, to save +their lives and to save the Church. He wished them to be of good +cheer, and pray for him, and to pray that he and the brethren +that went with him might be delivered from their enemies. He then +blessed his people in the name of the Lord. After that he and the +leading men, six in number, went direct to the camp of the enemy. + +They were led by a Judas, Col. G. M. Hinkle. I stood upon the +breastworks and watched them go into the camp of the enemy. I +heard the yells of triumph of the troops as Joseph and his +companions approached. It was with great difficulty that the +officers could restrain the mob from shooting them down as they +entered. A strong guard was then placed over them to protect them +from mob violence. + +The next morning a court-martial was held, at which Joseph and +his six companions who had surrendered with him were sentenced to +be shot. The execution was to take place at eight o'clock the +next morning. When the sentence of the court-martial was +announced to them, Col. Lyman White said: + +"Shoot and be damned!" + +Gen. Atchison and Col. Doniphan arrived with their divisions the +same day, soon after the court-martial had been held. Col. +Doniphan, in particular, remonstrated against the decision. He +said it was nothing more nor less than cold-blooded murder, and +that every name signed to the decision was signed in blood, and +he would withdraw his troops and have nothing to do in the matter +if the men were to be shot. Gen. Atchison sustained Col. +Doniphan, and said the wiser policy would be, inasmuch as they +had surrendered themselves as prisoners, to place them in the +Richmond jail and let them take the due course of the law; let +them be tried by the civil authorities of the land. In this way +justice could be reached and parties punished according to law, +and thus save the honor of the troops and the nation. This timely +interposition on the part of Col. Doniphan and Gen. Atchison +changed the course and prevented the hasty action of an +infuriated mob calling itself a court, and composed of men who +were the bitter enemies of Joseph and his followers. + +The next day a writing desk was prepared, with two secretaries or +clerks; it was placed in the middle of the hollow square formed +by the troops. The Mormons were marched in double file across the +center of the square, where the officers and men who had remained +in Far West surrendered themselves and their arms to Gen. Clark, +Commander-in-Chief of the Missouri militia, then in arms against +the Saints at Far West. I was among the number that then +surrendered. I laid down a good Kentucky rifle, two good horse +pistols, and a sword. + +After stacking our arms we were marched in single file between a +double file of the militia, who stood in a line from the +secretary's desk extending nearly across the square, ready to +receive us, with fixed bayonets. As each man came up he stepped +to the desk and signed his name to an instrument recapitulating +the conditions of the treaty, which were substantially as +follows: We were to give a deed to all our real estate, and to +give a bill of sale of our personal property, to pay the expenses +of the war that had been inaugurated against us; also a committee +of twelve should be appointed, one for Far West and one for Adam- +on-Diamond, who were to be the sole judges of what would be +necessary to remove each family out of the State. All of the +Mormons were to leave Missouri by the 1st of April, A. D. 1839. +The rest of the property of the Mormons was to be taken by the +Missouri troops to pay the expenses of the war. When the +committee had examined into affairs and made the assignment of +property that the Mormons were to retain, a pass would be given +by the committee to each person as an evidence that he had gone +through an investigation both as to his conduct and property. The +prisoners at Far West were to be retained and not allowed to +return home until the committee had reported and given the +certificate that all charges had been met and satisfied. I +remained a prisoner for nine days, awaiting the action of the +committee. + +While such prisoner I witnessed many scenes of inhumanity even +more degrading than mere brutality itself. The mob of the militia +was mostly composed of men who had been neighbors of the Mormons. +This mob rifled the city, took what they wished, and committed +many cruel and shameful deeds. These barbarous acts were done +because they said the Mormons had stolen their goods and +chattels, and while they pretended to search for stolen property +they ravished women and committed other crimes at will. + +One day, while we were standing by a log fire trying to keep +warm, a man came up and, recognizing Brother Riley Stewart, said: + +"I saw you knock Dick Weldon down at Gallatin." + +With this he sprang and caught at an ax that had been stuck in a +log. While trying to get the ax out, as it stuck fast in the log, +Stewart ran. The man succeeded in getting the ax loose; he then +threw it with all his force at Stewart. Fortunately the ax struck +him only a glancing blow on the head, not killing him, but giving +him a severe wound. + +The night after he was wounded Stewart broke through the guard +and escaped to his wife's people in Carroll County, fifty miles +south of Far West. As soon as the citizens heard that Stewart had +arrived they notified his wife's brothers and father that an +armed mob intended to take him out and whip him severely, and +then tar and feather him. His friends warned him of the fact, and +he attempted to make his escape, but the mob was on the watch. +They caught him, and, holding two pistols at his head, forced him +to take off his coat, kneel down, and receive fifty lashes. These +were given him with such force that they cut through his linen +shirt. After this whipping he returned to Far West and took his +chances with the rest of us. + +One day a soldier of the mob walked up to a house near where I +was standing. The house was occupied by an old widow woman. The +soldier noticed a cow in the little shed near the house. He said +that he thought it was a Danite cow; that he wanted to have the +honor of killing a Danite, or something that belonged to a +Danite. The old widow came to the door of her cabin and begged +him to spare her cow, saying it was her only dependence for milk, +that she had no meat, and if her cow was killed she must suffer. + +"Well, then," said he, "you can eat the cow for a change." + +He then shot the cow dead, and stood there and tantalized the old +woman while she cried over her loss. + +While we were standing in line, waiting our turn to sign the +treaty, a large company of men, painted like Indians, rode up and +surrounded us. They were a part of the men who were in the fight +at the town of Gallatin on the day of election. They abused us in +every way they could with words. This treatment was hard to bear, +but we were powerless to protect ourselves in any way. + + + +CHAPTER VI - LEE LOCATES THE GARDEN OF EDEN + +Among other matters I had a fine gray mare that attracted the +attention of many of the mob. I was allowed to take her to water +while closely guarded by armed men. One day as I took her to +water I was spoken to by several, who said they were sorry for a +man like me, who appeared to be honest and peaceably disposed; +that they knew that I and many honest men were deluded by Joseph +Smith, the impostor. But they thanked God he would delude no more +people; that he would certainly be shot; that I had better quit +my delusion and settle down by the officer in command, who was +then talking to me, in Carroll County, and make a home for my +family; that I would never have peace or quiet while I remained +with the Mormons. I heard him through. Then I said: + +"No man has deceived me. I am not deceived by Joseph Smith, or +any other man. If I am deceived it is the Bible that has deceived +me. I believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and I have +the Bible as my authority in part for this belief. And I do not +believe that Joseph Smith will be shot, as you seem to think. He +has not finished his work yet." + +As I finished my remarks the officer became enraged, and said: + +"That is the way with all you Mormons. You might as well try to +move a mountain as to turn a Mormon from his delusion. Blow the +brains out of this fool!" + +In an instant several guns were leveled on me. I imagined I felt +the bullets piercing my body. + +The soldiers would certainly have shot me down if the officer had +not immediately countermanded his order, by saying: + +"Hold on, boys, he is not worth five charges of ammunition." + +"Gentlemen," I said, "I am your prisoner, unarmed and helpless, +and I demand your protection. But if you consider there is any +honor in treating a man and an American prisoner in this way, you +may do it." + +As we returned to camp the man said: + +"We will make it hot for the Mormons yet before we are done with +them, and if you have not got enough of them now, you will have, +and you will remember my words when it is too late to serve you." + +"I may," said I; "when I do I will own up like a little man. But +until I am so convinced I will never turn my coat." + +"Well," said he, "you are not so bad, after all. I like a firm +man." + +The Mormons were locked in the public schoolhouses and kept +without rations being issued to them. The grain fields and +gardens that belonged to the Mormons were thrown open to the +stock and wasted. Our cattle and other stock were shot down for +sport and left for the wolves and birds of prey to devour. We +were closely guarded, and not allowed to go from our quarters +without an escort. We were nearly starved for several days, until +I obtained permission to go out and bring in some of the cattle +that the soldiers had killed for sport. The weather was cold and +the snow deep, so the meat was good. I also got permission to +gather in some vegetables, and from that time, while we remained +prisoners, the men had plenty to eat, yet often it was of a poor +quality. While a prisoner I learned that the loud and self- +conceited men were of little account when danger stared them in +the face. + +Arrangements had been made to carry the treaty into effect. It +was found necessary to send Gen. Wilson with five hundred men to +Adam-on-Diamond to compel the surrender and the signing of the +treaty, as had been done at Far West, and the people of that +place were to be treated just as we had been. I was recommended +to Gen. Wilson by the officer who had ordered his men to blow my +brains out, as a suitable man for a guide to Adam-on-Diamond. He +said that I was as stubborn as a mule, but still there was +something about me he respected; that he believed I was honest, +and certainly no coward. Gen. Wilson said: + +"Young man, do you live at Adam-on-Diamond?" + +"I cannot say that I do; but I did once, and I have a wife and +child there that I would like to see; but as to a home, I have +none left." + +"Where did you live before you came here?" + +"In Illinois," I answered. + +"You will soon see your wife and child. I shall start in the +morning with my division for Adam-on-Diamond. You are at liberty +to select two of your comrades and go with me as guide to pilot +us there. Be ready for an early start and report to my adjutant." + +"Thank you, sir, I will do as you request," said I. + +The next morning I selected two good men. Brother Levi Stewart +was one, but I have forgotten who the other man was. The day was +cold and stormy, a hard north wind blowing, and the snow falling +rapidly. It was an open country for thirteen miles, with eighteen +inches of snow on the ground. We kept our horses to the lope +until we reached Shady Grove timber, thirteen miles from Far +West. There we camped for the night by the side of Brother Waldo +Littlefield's farm. The fence was burned for camp-fires, and his +fields of grain were fed to the horses, or rather the animals +were turned loose in the fields. After camp was struck I went to +Gen. Wilson and said: + +"General, I have come to beg a favor of you. I ask you in the +name of humanity to let me go on to Adam-on-Diamond to-day. I +have a wife and helpless babe there. I am informed that our house +was burned, and she is out in this storm without shelter. You are +halfway there; the snow is deep, and you can follow our trail" - it +had then slackened up, or was snowing but little - "in the morning; +there is but one road to the settlement." + +He looked at me for a moment, and then said: + +"Young man, your request shall be granted; I admire your +resolution." He then turned to his aid, who stood trembling in +the snow, and said, "Write Mr. Lee and his two comrades a pass, +saying that they have gone through an examination at Far West, +and were found innocent." + +After receiving my pass I thanked the General for his humane act, +and with my friends made the journey, through the snow, to Adam- +on-Diamond. As we neared home the sun shone out brightly. When I +got in sight of where my house had been I saw my wife sitting by +a log fire in the open air, with her babe in her arms. Some +soldiers had cut a large hickory tree for firewood for her, and +built her a shelter with some boards I had had dressed to +weather-board a house, so she was in a measure comfortable. She +had been weeping, as she had been informed that I was a prisoner +at Far West, and would be shot, and that she need not look for +me, for she would never see me again. + +When I rode up she was nearly frantic with delight, and as soon +as I reached her side she threw herself into my arms and then her +self-possession gave way and she wept bitterly; but she soon +recovered herself and gave me an account of her troubles during +my absence. + +The next evening Gen. Wilson and his command arrived and camped +near my little shanty. I started at once to report to Gen. +Wilson. On my way to him I passed my friend McBrier, who had +trusted me for some cattle. I still owed him for them. I told him +why I had been unable to pay him, and wished him to take the +cattle back, as I still had all of them except one cow that had +died of the murrain; that it was an honest debt, and I wished to +pay it. I asked him to go to my shanty with me, and said he could +take what cattle were left and a black mare that was worth +seventy-five dollars, and an eight-day clock that was worth +twenty-five dollars, for my note. + +"I have not got your note," said he. + +"Who has it?" I asked. + +"I do not know; I supposed you had it." + +"I never saw it since I gave it to you." + +"Well," said he, "my house was burned, and all my property either +burned or taken from me, and your note was in the house when it +was burned." + +"Well," said I, "it matters not with me. If you will take the +property and give me a' receipt against the note, so that it +cannot be collected the second time, I will settle the debt." He +then said: + +"I thought you were in the party that burned the house, and had +taken your note, but I am now satisfied to the contrary, and that +you are an innocent man. All I ask is for you to renew the note. +The property of the Mormons will be held to pay their debts and +the expenses of the war, and I will get my pay in that way. You +just renew the note, and that will settle all between us." + +McBrier introduced me to a number of the soldiers as an honest +Mormon. This worked well in my favor, and pleased me much, for it +satisfied me more than ever that honesty was the best policy. I +had done nothing that I considered wrong. I did not have to run +and hide, or screen any act of mine from the public gaze. + +My wife had been treated well personally during my absence; no +insults had been offered to her, and I was well pleased with +that. I was treated with respect by Gen. Wilson and his men. +True, I was associated with the people that had incurred the +displeasure of the authorities, and my neighbors were then +receiving fearful punishment for all they had done. The +punishment, however, was in a great part owing to the fault of +the people. When the Gentiles found any of their property they +became very abusive. + +Every house in Adam-on-Diamond was searched by the troops for +Gentile property. They succeeded in finding very much of the +Gentile property that had been captured by the Saints in the +various raids they made through the country. Bedding of every +kind and in large quantities was found and reclaimed by the +owners. Even spinning wheels, soap barrels and other articles +were recovered. Each house where property was found was certain +to receive a Missouri blessing, that is to say, the torch, from +the troops. + +The men who had been most active in gathering plunder had fled to +Illinois, to escape the vengeance of the mob, leaving their +families to suffer for their deeds. By the terms of the treaty +all the Mormons were to leave Daviess County within fifteen days, +but they were allowed to stay through the winter in Caldwell +County; but all had to depart from Missouri before the first day +of the next April. There were but a few families that met with +the kind treatment that mine did. The majority of the people were +censured and persecuted as much as they were able to stand and +live. + +In justice to the Prophet Joseph I cannot say that I ever heard +him teach or even encourage men to steal little things. He told +the people to wait until the proper time came to take their +rights. + +"Then," said he, "take the whole State of Missouri like men." + +When the people at Adam-on-Diamond had signed the treaty and +complied with the stipulations, the committee of twelve commenced +their duties. When it came my turn to receive the property +necessary to take me out of the State I was told to fit myself +out comfortably. I told them that I had a wife and one child; +that I had two good wagons, one a heavy one-horse wagon, with +thills, and that I had a large mare which was equal to a common +span; that the mare and wagon would do me. I wanted some bedding +and our clothing, and some other traps of little value. I had a +good milk cow that I wished to give to a friend who had lost all +his cattle. His wife had died a short time before, leaving a +little babe that must have milk. I told them they could take the +rest of my property and do with it as they did with that of the +brethren. I was worth then in property, at a fair valuation, four +thousand dollars. + +The officers were astonished at me, and said they did not, wish +to oppress a man who acted fairly. They told me to take my large +wagon and two of my best horses, and all the outfit that I +wanted. I thanked them for their kindness. I was permitted to +give the cow to my friend, and I had the privilege of taking such +articles as I wished. I fitted up with just what would take me to +Illinois, and left the remainder as a spoil for the enemies of +the Church. I did not regret the loss of my property; I gave it +up as the price of my religious freedom. + +Before I speak of other things I will say a few words of the +country we were then in. Adam-on-Diamond was at the point where +Adam came and settled and blest his posterity after being driven +from the Garden of Eden. This was revealed to the people through +Joseph the Prophet. The Temple Block in Jackson County, Missouri, +stands on the identical spot where once stood the Garden of Eden. +When Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden they traveled in a +northwesterly course until they came to a valley on the east side +of Grand River. There they tarried for several years, and engaged +in tilling the soil. On the east of the valley there is a low +range of hills. Standing on the summit of the bluffs a person has +a full view of the beautiful valley that lies below, dotted here +and there with groves of timber. On the top of this range of +hills Adam erected an altar of stone, on which he offered +sacrifice unto the Lord. There was in our time (1838) a pile of +stone there, which the Prophet said was a portion of the altar on +which Adam offered sacrifice. Although these stones had been +exposed to the elements for many generations, still the traces +remained to show the dimensions and design of the altar. After +Adam had offered his sacrifice he went up the valley some two +miles, where he blessed his posterity and called the place the +Valley of Adam-on-Diamond, which, in the reformed Egyptian +language, signifies Adam's Consecrated Land. It is said to be +seventy-five miles, in a direct course, from the Garden of Eden +to Adam-on-Diamond. Those ancient relics and sacred spots of +earth are held holy by the greater portion of the Latter-day +Saints. These things, and much more concerning the early days, +were revealed to the Prophet Joseph. + +On the 20th day of November, 1838, I took leave of my home and +the sacred ground of Adam-on-Diamond and started as a banished +man to seek a home in Illinois. We went to my farm on Shady Grove +Creek, and stayed over night. We found everything as we had left +it, nothing having been interfered with. I killed a large hog and +dressed it to carry with us to cat on the journey. The snow was +fully twenty inches deep, weather very cold, and, taken all in +all, it was a disagreeable and unpleasant trip. + +We went to the settlement on Log Creek and stopped with the +family of Robert Bidwell. He had plenty of property. This man had +good teams, and had reaped where he had not sown, gathered where +he had not strewn. He was engaged in removing families of his +helpless brethren to Quincy, Illinois, who had not teams to move +themselves, but who had a little money that he was after, and he +got all they had. For some reason unexplained to me he had been +permitted to keep all of his property; none of it was taken by +the troops. + +While at Bidwell's I bought a crib of corn, about two hundred +bushels, for a pocketknife. I built a stable for my mare, a crib +for the com, and hauled wood enough to do the family the rest of +the winter. I also attended to Bidwell's stock and worked all the +time for him. They had five children, which made considerable +work for the women folks; my wife worked for them all the time. + +During this time we had nothing but corn to eat. The hog I killed +at my farm was diseased, and I had to throw the meat away. +Notwithstanding our constant work for Bidwell's family, they +never gave us a drop of milk or a meal of victuals while we +remained there. Mrs. Bidwell fed six gallons of milk to their +hogs each day. I offered to feed the hogs corn for milk, so we +could have milk to eat with our boiled corn, but she refused the +offer, saying they had all the corn they needed. They did have +provisions of every kind in abundance, but not a particle of food +could we obtain from them. + +Prayer meetings were frequently held at their house. They had +plenty of tallow, but Mrs. Bidwell would not allow a candle to be +burned in the house unless some other person furnished it. One +night at prayer meeting I chanced to speak upon the subject of +covetousness, and quoted the twelfth chapter of Paul to the +Corinthians, where he speaks of members of the Church of Christ +being united. I was feeling bad to see so much of the covetousness +of the world in some of the members of the Church, and I talked +plainly upon the subject. + +The next morning Mrs. Bidwell came into our room and said that my +remarks at the meeting the evening before were directed at her, +and she wanted me to understand that if I did not like my +treatment there she desired us to go where we would fare better. +This inhuman and unwelcome language did not sit well on an empty +stomach, and was more than I could bear. I burst into tears. Yet +I pitied the ungrateful woman. As soon as I could control my +feelings I said: + +"Sister Bidwell, I will take you at your word. I will leave your +house as soon as I can get my things into my wagon, but before I +leave you I wish to say a few words for you to ponder on when we +are gone. In the first place, you and I profess to be members of +the same Church; for the sake of our faith my family has been +broken up and driven from a comfortable home in this inclement +season of the year. We came here seeking shelter from the stormy +blasts of winter, until the severity of the weather was past, +when we intended to leave this State. You have been more +fortunate than your brethren and sisters who lived in Daviess +County. You are allowed to live in your own house, but we are +homeless wanderers. Now you drive us from the shelter of your +roof for a trivial offense, if offense it was. But I assure you +that you are only angry because my words were the truth. Woe unto +you who are angry and offended at the truth. As you do unto +others, so will your Heavenly Father do unto you. Inasmuch as you +have done this unchristian act, you will yet be houseless and +homeless - you will be one day dependent upon those that you now +drive from your door." + +At first she mocked me, but soon her tune changed and she +commenced to cry. She then begged me not to get angry with what a +woman said. I told her I could not undo what I had said - that I +should start at once for Quincy, Illinois. + +We left the house of that stingy and selfish family, intending to +go direct to Illinois. We traveled until we arrived at the house +of a man by the name of Morris; they had a much smaller house +than Bidwell's, but they would not listen to our continuing our +journey during the severe cold weather. We accepted their +invitation, and stayed there about two weeks. This family +possessed the true Christian spirit, and treated us while there +as kindly as if we had been their own children. + +While staying with Brother Morris I attended several meetings at +Far West. Old Father Smith, the father of the Prophet, led the +meetings. He also directed the exodus of the Saints from Missouri +to Illinois. + +Thomas B. Marsh was at that time President of the twelve +apostles, and I think Brigham Young was second and Orson Hyde the +third on the roll. The great opposition to our people and Church +caused the two pillars, Marsh and Hyde, to become weak-kneed and +turn over to the enemy. Col. G. M. Hinkle, Dr. Averard, Judge W. +W. Phelps, and others of the "tall" men of the Church followed +suit. I remember going with Brother Levi Stewart to some of those +fallen angels (in the days of our prosperity they had looked like +angels to me) to inquire what to do and what was to be the future +conduct of our people. G. M. Hinkle said that it was his opinion +our leaders, the Prophet Joseph and those with him in prison, +would be either hanged or imprisoned for life - that the members +of the Church would scatter to the four winds, and never gather +again in this dispensation. + +We then went to Joseph's father and asked him for counsel. He +told us that the Saints would gather again in Illinois. We asked +him at what point, and he said: + +"I do not know yet, but the further north we go the fewer +poisonous serpents we will find." + +He then advised us to attend private meetings and be set apart to +the ministry. Public meetings could not be held by the terms of +the treaty. We did attend private meetings, and I was ordained in +the Quorum of Seventies, under the hands of Joseph Young and Levi +Hancock. Stewart was ordained to the lesser Priesthood, which +gave him authority to preach and baptize, but not to confirm. + +The office that I held gave me authority to preach, baptize, and +confirm by the laying on of hands, for the reception of the Holy +Ghost, and to ordain and set apart Elders, Priests, Teachers, and +Deacons, and to ordain a Seventy or High Priest, as the office of +a Seventy belongs to the Melchisedek Priesthood; yet a Seventy or +High Priest is generally ordained and set apart by the presidents +of the several quorums. + +After we were ordained we attended a private feast and blessing +meeting, at which my wife and I got our Patriarchal Blessing, +under the hands of Isaac Morley, Patriarch. This office properly +belongs to those that are ordained and set apart to that calling, +to bless the fatherless and the widow especially; but he can +bless others who ask it and pay one dollar for the blessing. +Often the widow and the poor are blessed free, but this is at the +option of the Patriarch. My Patriarchal Blessing was in the +following form: + +"Brother John Doyle Lee: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and by +virtue and authority of the Holy Priesthood, in me vested, I lay +my hands upon thy head, and confer upon thee a Patriarchal or +Father's Blessing. Thou art of Ephriam, through the loins of +Joseph, that was sold into Egypt. And inasmuch as thou hast +obeyed the requirements of the gospel of salvation, thy sins are +forgiven thee. Thy name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, +never more to be blotted out. Thou art lawful heir to all the +blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the new and everlasting +covenant. Thou shalt travel until thou art satisfied with seeing. +Thousands shall hear the everlasting gospel proclaimed from thy +lips. Kings and princes shall acknowledge thee to be their father +in the new and everlasting covenant. Thou shalt have a numerous +posterity, who shall rise up and bless thee. Thou shalt have +houses and habitations, flocks, fields, and herds. Thy table +shall be strewed with the rich luxuries of the earth, to feed thy +numerous family and friends who shall come unto thee. Thou shalt +be a counselor in Israel, and many shall come unto thee for +instruction. Thou shalt have power over thine enemies. They that +oppose thee shall yet come bending unto thee. Thou shalt sit +under thine own vine and fig tree, where none shall molest or +make thee afraid. Thou shalt be a blessing to thy family and to +the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thou shalt +understand the hidden things of the Kingdom of Heaven. The spirit +of inspiration shall be a light in thy path and a guide to thy +mind. Thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first +resurrection, and no power shall hinder, except the shedding of +innocent blood, or consenting thereto. I seal thee up to eternal +life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy +Ghost, Amen, and Amen." + +To a true believer in the faith of the Latter-day Saints a +blessing of this kind, from under the hand of a Patriarch, was +then, and is now, next to a boon of eternal life. A Patriarch is +a man highly favored of God, possesses the gift of discerning +spirits, and can read the present and future destiny of men. +Patriarchal blessings strengthen, stimulate and encourage true +Saints to press on to perfection while passing through this world +of sorrows, cares and disappointments. + +Having been ordained and blessed, my next step was to arm myself +with the Armor of Righteousness, and in my weakness pray for +strength to face a frowning world. I had put my hands to the plow +and I was determined that, with God's help, I would never turn +back to the sinful elements of the world, the flesh, and the +devil. + + + +CHAPTER VII - THE SAINTS GATHER AT NAUVOO + +About the middle of February, 1839, I started back for Fayette +County, Illinois, with my family, in company with Brother Levi +Stewart and Riley Helm, two of my old Illinois neighbors. While +traveling through Missouri we were kindly treated by most of the +people; many of them requested us to stop and settle down by +them. I refused to do so, for I knew there was no safety for a +true Saint in that State at that time. + +When we crossed the Mississippi River at Quincy, and touched +Illinois soil, I felt like a new man, and a free American citizen +again. At this place I found many of the Saints who had preceded +us camped along the river. Some had obtained employment; all +appeared happy in the faith and strong in the determination to +build up the Kingdom. Here I parted with Riley Helm, as his team +had given out and he could go no farther. I gave him twenty-five +cents in money - all that I had in the world - and twelve pounds +of nails, to buy food with until he could get aid from some other +quarter. I had laid in enough provisions at Brother Morris' to +last me until I could reach my old home again. I started from +Quincy by way of Mr. Vanleven's, the man I sold my cattle to, +taking his note, when going to join the Saints. + +Without meeting with any remarkable adventures, I arrived at Mr. +Vanleven's house and was kindly received by him. He had the money +ready for me, and paid me in full all he owed on the cattle. I +now saw that some honesty yet remained in the world. I took two +hundred dollars and left the rest of it with my friend and +banker, so that it would be safe in case I met another storm of +oppression. I then went to Vandalia, Illinois, and put up with my +wife's sister's husband, Hickerson. He was in good circumstances. +I left my wife with her sister, after laying in a supply of +provisions for her and our child. I then commenced preparing for +a mission. I did not know where I was to go, but I felt it my +duty to go forth and give my testimony to the truth of the gospel +as revealed by Joseph, the prophet of the everlasting God. +Brother Stewart was to go with me, he having made arrangements +for the comfort of his family during his absence. + +The time I started on my first mission was about the 1st of +April, 1839. I bade adieu to my little family and started forth, +an illiterate, inexperienced man, without purse or scrip. I could +hardly quote a passage of Scripture, yet I went forth to say to +the world that I was a minister of the gospel, bearing a message +from on High, with the authority to call upon all men to repent, +be baptized for the remission of their sins, and receive the Holy +Spirit by the laying on of hands. I had never attempted to preach +a discourse in my life. I expected trials, and I had them to +undergo many times. + +Brother Stewart and myself started forth on foot, with our +valises on our backs. We walked about thirty miles the first day, +and as night was approaching we called at a house for lodging. +They had been having a log rolling there that day, and quite a +number of people were around the house. We asked for lodging and +refreshments. + +Our request was carried back to the supper-room to the man of the +house, and we stood at the gate awaiting the reply. Presently the +man came out and said that no Mormon preacher could stay in his +house; and if we wished to save our scalps we had better be +making tracks lively. + +Brother Stewart took him at his word, and started off at a double +quick. I followed, but more slowly. We made no reply to that +man's remarks. A mile further on we again called for lodging. + +The man could not keep us, as he was poor, and his family sick; +but he directed us to a house half a mile from the traveled road, +where he said a man lived that was an infidel, but would not turn +a hungry man from his door. + +We went to the house and asked for entertainment. The man said he +never turned a man from his door hungry, but would as soon +entertain horse thieves as Mormon preachers; that he looked upon +all Mormons as thieves, robbers, and scoundrels. There was +determination in his voice as he addressed us in this manner. He +held his rifle in his hand while speaking. Then he said: + +"Walk in, gentlemen. I never turn the hungry away." He addressed +his wife, a very pretty, unassuming lady, and said, "Get these +men some supper, for I suppose they feel pretty lank." + +There was a good supper soon on the table; but I could not eat. +Brother Stewart ate his supper, and soon was enjoying himself +talking to the family. He was a great talker; liked to hear +himself talk. They requested me to eat, but I thanked them, and +said rest would do me more good than eating. I soon retired, but +did not sleep. I was humiliated; my proud spirit was broken and +humbled; the rough words used toward me bad stricken me to the +heart. At daylight we were on our way again. + +About ten o'clock we arrived at a little town, and went to the +public pump to get a drink. While there a woman came to the pump +and asked us if we were Mormon preachers. We told her we were, +but had never preached yet. She invited us to her house, saying +she owned the hotel; that she was a widow; that she would inform +the people of the town we were there, and as it was the Sabbath +we could preach in her house, for she wished to hear the strange +doctrine. We consented to remain, and went home with her and had +something to eat. + +At 11 o'clock, a. m., I made my debut to quite an attentive +audience. I both quoted and made Scripture. I had been fasting +and praying until I had become as humble as a child. My whole +mind and soul were swallowed up in the gospel. My most earnest +desire was to impart to others the knowledge that I had of the +truths of the gospel. + +When I began to speak I felt an electric thrill through my whole +system. I hardly knew what I said, but the people said I spoke +from inspiration; none of the audience noticed my mistakes in +quoting Scripture. + +After dinner my companion, Stewart, proposed to travel on, and, I +agreeing with him, we left the town, although the people wished +us to stay and preach again. I had but little confidence in +myself, and concluded to preach but seldom, until I got over my +timidity or man-fearing feeling that most beginners are subject +to. But I have now been a public speaker for thirty-five years, +and I have not yet entirely gotten over that feeling. + +We started for Cincinnati, and traveled two days and a half +without food. My boots hurt my feet and our progress was quite +slow. The third night we applied to a tavern keeper for lodging +and food. He said we were welcome to stay in his house free, but +he must have pay for what we eat. + +We sat in the hall all night, for we were much reduced by hunger +and fatigue. That was a miserable night indeed. I reflected the +matter over and over again, scrutinized it up one side and down +the other. I could not see why a servant of God should receive +such treatment - that if I was in the right faith, doing the will +of God, He would open up the way before me, and not allow me to +perish under the sore trials then surrounding me. I had seriously +considered the propriety of walking back to where the kind +landlady gave us our last meal, but was soon comforted, for these +words came into my mind: + +"He that putteth his hands to the plow, and then looketh back, is +not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven;" "If ye were of the world, +then the world would love its own, but because I have chosen you +out of the world, the world persecuteth you;" "Ye, and all who +live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, while evil +men and seducers wax worse and worse, deceiving and being +deceived." + +The Son of God Himself, when He entered upon the duties of His +mission, was led into the wilderness, where He was tempted forty +days and nights, and when He was hungry and asked for bread He was +told, substantially, that if His mission was of God that God would +feed Him, that if hungry He could turn the stones to bread and eat. +I remembered that similar sayings had been thrown into our teeth. +These thoughts passed through my frame like electricity - or to use +the language of one of the old prophets, it was like fire shut up in +my bones; I felt renewed and refreshed from head to foot, and +determined to trust in the Arm that could not be broken; to conquer +and subdue the passions of my nature, and by the help of God to try +and bring them in subjection to the will of the Spirit, and not of +the flesh, which is carnal, sensual, and devilish. I determined that +there should be no lack on my part. + +Daylight came at last, and we renewed our journey. I put a double +guard over those evil passions that were sown thickly in my +sinful nature. The passion most dreaded by me was the lust of the +flesh; that I knew to be the worst enemy to my salvation, and I +determined to master it, I have walked along in silence for +hours, with my heart lifted up to God in prayer, pleading with +Him to give me power over my passions and sinful desires, that I +might conquer and drive from my mind those besetting sins that +were continually warring with the Spirit, which, if cherished or +suffered to remain, would wound and grieve the Spirit and drive +it away. It is written, "My Spirit will not dwell in an unholy +temple." Jesus said to His followers that their bodies were the +temples of the Living God; that if they who had charge of those +temples, or bodies, allowed them to become unholy, He would +destroy that body; while to those who guarded their temples, and +kept them pure and holy, He and His Father would come and take up +their abode and dwell with them as a constant companion forever, +even unto the end, guiding them in all truth and showing them +things past, present, and to come. From day to day I kept my mind +in a constant strain upon this subject. Notwithstanding, the +tempter was ever on the alert, and contested every inch of ground +with me. + +Often, while I was in the most solemn reflections, the tempter +would place before me some lovely female, possessing all the +allurements of her sex, to draw my mind from the contemplation of +holy things. For a moment humanity would claim the victory; but +quick as thought I would banish the vision from my mind and plead +with God for strength and power to resist the temptations that +were besetting me and enable me to cast aside the love of sinful +pleasures. The words of the Apostle Paul were appropriate for me +at that and in future time, when he declared that he died daily +to crucify the deeds of the flesh. So it was with me. I was +convinced that I could not serve two masters, God and Mammon. +When I tried to please the one I was certain to displease the +other. I found that I must give myself up wholly to God and His +ministry and conduct myself as a man of God, if I would be worthy +of the name of a messenger of salvation. I must have the Spirit +of God accompany my words and carry conviction to the honest in +heart. In this way I grew in grace from day to day, and I have +never seen the hour that I regretted taking up my cross and +giving up all other things to follow and obey Christ, my Redeemer +and Friend. I do most sincerely regret that I ever suffered +myself to be captivated by the wiles of the devil, contrary to my +better judgment. + +Brigham teaches that the will and acts of the people must all be +dictated by him, and delights in hearing the apostles and elders +declare to the people that he, Brigham, is God. He claims that +the people are answerable to him as to their God, that they must +obey his every beck and call. It matters not what he commands or +requests the people to do, it is their duty to hear and obey. To +disobey the will of Brigham is a sin against the Holy Ghost, and +an unpardonable sin to be wiped out only by blood atonement. I +must now resume my narrative, but I will hereafter speak of +Brigham more at length. + +We left the Fasting Hotel, as I called it, and traveled to +Hamilton, Ohio, then a neat little town. As we arrived in the +center of the town I felt impressed to call at a restaurant, kept +by a foreigner. It was then noon. This was the first house we had +called at since morning. + +As we entered the proprietor requested us to unstrap our valises +and sit down and rest, saying we looked very tired. He asked +where we were from, and where we were going. We answered all his +questions. He then offered us refreshments; we informed him that +we had no money, and had eaten nothing for three days. He said it +made no difference to him; that if we had no money we were more +welcome than if we had plenty of it. We ate a hearty meal, and he +gave us a drink of cider. He then filled our knapsacks with buns, +cheese, sausages, and other things, after which he bid us +godspeed. + +We traveled on with hearts full of gratitude to God, the +bountiful Giver Who had opened the heart of the stranger that had +just supplied our wants, and we felt grateful to and blessed the +man for his generous actions. While passing through Cincinnati we +were offered refreshments by a lady that kept an inn. We crossed +the Ohio River at Cincinnati, and stopped over night at a hotel +on the Kentucky side of the river. We then traveled through +Kentucky and into Overton and Jackson counties, Tennessee. I now +bear testimony, though many years have passed since then, that +from the moment I renewed my covenant to deny myself to all +unrighteousness and live the life of a man devoted to God's work +on earth, I have never felt that I was alone, or without a Friend +powerful to aid, direct, and shield me at all times and during +all troubles. + +While in Tennessee I stopped with my friend Levi Stewart at the +houses of his relatives in Overton and Jackson counties, and +preached several times. My friend Stewart was blessed with a +large bump of self-esteem. He imagined that he could convert all +of his relatives at once; that all he had to do was to present +the gospel, and they would gladly embrace it. He appeared to +forget that a prophet was not without honor, save in his own +country and among his own kinfolk. + +Brother Stewart, though I was his superior in the Priesthood, if +not in experience and ability, looked upon me as a cipher, fit +for nothing. The rough treatment and slights that I received from +him were more than humiliating to a man of fine feelings and a +spirit such as I possessed. I said nothing to him, but I poured +out my soul in secret prayer to my Heavenly Father, asking Him to +open the door for my deliverance, so that my proud spirit, which +was bound down, might soar in a free element. + +One Sunday we attended a Baptist meeting. We sat facing the +preacher, but at the far side of the house. My mind was absorbed +in meditating upon my future labors. Gradually I lost consciousness +of my surroundings, and my whole being seemed in another +locality. I was in a trance, and saw future events. What I then +saw was to me a reality, and I will describe it as such. I +traveled in a strange land and among a people that I had never +seen. I was kindly received by the people, and all my wants were +supplied without my having to ask for charity. I traveled on, +going over a mountainous country. I crossed a clear, handsome +river, and was kindly received by the family of the owner of the +ferry at that river. I stayed with this family for some days. I +then recrossed the river and called at a house, where I asked for +a drink of water, which was given me. I held quite a conversation +with two young women. They informed me that there was no minister +in the neighborhood; also that their father had gone in pursuit +of a Mormon preacher who had passed that way a few days before. A +few days passed, and I saw myself in the midst of a congregation, +to whom I was preaching. I also baptized a large number and +organized a flourishing branch of the Church, and was in charge +of that people. I was very popular with, and almost worshiped by, +my congregation. I saw all this, and much more, when my vision +closed. My mind gradually changed back, and I found myself +sitting in the meetinghouse, where I had been just forty minutes +before. + +This was an open-day vision, in which the curtains of heaven were +raised and held aside from futurity to allow me to look into the +things which were to come. A feeling of heavenly rapture filled +my being, so much so that, like the apostle who was caught up +into the third heaven, I did not know whether I was in the body +or out of it during my vision. I saw things that it would be +unlawful for men to utter. While the vision lasted my soul was +lighted up as if illuminated with the candle of God. When the +vision closed the hallowed influence gradually withdrew, yet +leaving sufficient of its glorious effect upon my soul to justify +me in feeling and knowing that I was then chosen of God as a +servant in His earthly kingdom; and I was also made to know, by +my sensations, that my vision was real, and would soon be +verified in every particular. + +At the close of the church services we returned to our lodgings. +Brother Stewart asked me if I was sick. I said: + +"No, I am not sick, but I feel serious; yet I am comfortable." + +That evening, after I had given some time to secret prayer, I +retired to rest. Very soon afterwards the vision returned, though +somewhat varied. I was in the midst of a strange people, to whom +I was propounding the gospel. They received it with honest +hearts, and looked upon me as a messenger of salvation. I visited +from house to house, surrounded by friends and kindred spirits +with whom I had once been familiar in another state of existence. +I was in the spirit, and communing with the host of spirits that +surrounded me; they encouraged me to return to the body and +continue to act the part that my Master had assigned me. No +person, except those who have entered by pureness of heart into +constant communion with God, can ever enter into the joyous host +with whom I then, and in after life, held intercourse. + +When I came to myself in the morning I determined to travel until +the end of time to find the people and country that God had shown +me in my vision; and I made my arrangements to start forth again, +knowing that God now went with me. I started off after having a +talk with Brother Stewart. He tried to dissuade me from going, +saying I had little experience, not sufficient to warrant my +traveling alone; that we had better remain together where we +were for a season, for we had a home there, and could study and +inform ourselves more thoroughly before starting out among +strangers. I told him that in and of my own strength I was but a +weak vessel; but my trust was in God, and unless He would bless +my labors I could not accomplish much. That I was God's servant, +engaged in His work, therefore I looked to Him for strength and +grace sufficient to sustain me in my day of trial. That I trusted +in the arm of God alone, and not in one of flesh. I started off +in a southwesterly course, over the Cumberland Mountains, and +went about seventy miles through a heavily timbered country. I +found many species of wild fruit in abundance along the way. + +Springs of pure, cold water were quite common. I passed many +little farms and orchards of cultivated fruit, such as cherries, +peaches, pears, and apples. As I proceeded the country became +familiar to me, so much so that I soon knew I was on the very +ground I had seen in my vision in the Baptist church. I saw the +place where I had held my first meeting, and my joy was great to +behold with my eyes what I had seen through a glass darkly. I +turned aside from the road, and beneath the spreading branches of +the forest trees I lifted my heart with gratitude to God for what +He had done for me. I then went to the house where I had seen the +multitude assembled when I was preaching. + +There I saw the two young women that I had beheld in my vision. +They appeared to me as though I had known them from infancy, they +so perfectly accorded with those whom I had seen while God +permitted me to peer into futurity. Yes, I saw the women, but +their father was gone from home. I asked for a drink of water, +and it was handed to me, as I had seen it done in my vision. I +asked them if there had ever been any Mormon preachers in that +country. They said there had not been any there. The young women +were modest and genteel in behavior. I passed on to the +Cumberland River, was set over the river by the ferryman, and +lodged in his house. + +So far all was as God had shown me; but I was still at the outer +edge of my familiar scenery. I stayed about a week with the +ferryman. His name was Vanleven, a relative of my friend and +banker in Illinois. I made myself useful while there. I attended +the ferry and did such work as I could see needed attending to. I +also read and preached Mormon doctrines to the family. + +On the fifth day after reaching the ferry I saw five men +approaching. I instantly recognized one of them as the man I had +seen in my vision - the man that took me to his house to preach. +My heart leaped for joy, for God had sent him in answer to the +prayers I had offered up, asking that the man should be sent for +me. I crossed the men over and back again, and although I talked +considerably to the man about what was uppermost in my mind, he +said nothing about my going home with him. I was much disappointed. +I retired for secret prayer, and asked God, in the name of His +Son, Jesus Christ, to aid me, and to send the man whom I had seen +in my vision back for me. Before I left my knees I had evidence +that my prayer was answered. + +The next morning at daylight I informed my friends that I must +depart in search of my field of labor. They asked me to stay +until breakfast, but I refused. One of the negroes put me over +the river, and directed me how to cross the mountains on the +trail that was much shorter than the wagon road. I stopped in a +little cove and ate a number of fine, ripe cherries. I then went +on until I reached what to me was enchanted ground. I met the two +sisters at the gate, and asked them if their father was at home. + +"No, he is not at home," said the ladies, "he has gone to the +ferry to find a Mormon preacher, and see if he can get him to +come here and preach in this neighborhood." + +They then said I must have met him on the road. I told them that +I had come over the mountain trail, and said I was probably the +man he had gone for. They replied: + +"Our father said that if you came this way, to have you stop and +stay here until his return, and to tell you that you are welcome +to preach at our house at any time." + +This was on Friday. I took out my pencil and wrote a notice that +I would preach at that place on the following Sunday, at 10 +o'clock, a. m. I handed it to the girls. They agreed to have the +appointment circulated. I passed on and preached at a place +twelve miles from there, and returned in time for my appointment. + +When I arrived within sight of the place of meeting I was filled +with doubt and anxiety. I trembled all over, for I saw that a +vast concourse of people had come to hear an inexperienced man +preach the gospel. I went into the grove and again prayed for +strength and assistance from my Father in Heaven, to enable me to +speak His truth aright. I felt strengthened and comforted. As I +arose from prayer these words came into my mind: + +"Truth is mighty and will prevail." + +Thereafter I waited until the hour arrived for preaching; then I +approached the place where I had once been in a vision. + +This meeting place was in a valley, near a cold, pure spring; on +either side was a high, elevated country; in the center of this +valley there stood a large blacksmith and wagon shop, surrounded +with a bower of brushwood to protect the audience from the sun. +This bower, in which I was to preach, would seat one thousand +people. + +In the center of the bower they had erected a framework or raised +platform for a pulpit. I took my place and preached for one hour +and a half. My tongue was like the pen of a ready writer. I +scarcely knew what I was saying. I then opened the doors of the +Church for the admission of members. Five persons joined the +Church, and I appointed another meeting for that night. I again +preached, when two more joined the Church. + +The next day I baptized the seven new members. I then arranged to +hold meetings at that place three times a week. I visited around +the country, seeking to convert sinners. The first converts were +leading people in that county. + +Elisha Sanders and his wife and daughter were the first to +receive the gospel. Sanders was a farmer; he had a large flour +mill, owned a woodyard, and was engaged in boat building on the +Cumberland River. Caroline C. Sanders had volunteered to publish +the appointment of my first meeting, which I left with the +daughters of Mr. Smith. I labored at this place two months, and +baptized twenty-eight persons, mostly the heads of families. I +then organized them into a branch of the Church. + +Brother Sanders fitted up a room very handsomely for me, in which +I could retire for study, rest, and secret prayer. I was made to +feel at home there, and knew that God had answered my prayers. I +had the knowledge that God's Spirit accompanied my words, +carrying conviction to the hearts of sinful hearers, and giving +me souls as seals to my ministry. + +Brother Stewart soon preached himself out in his relatives' +neighborhood. He heard of my success, and came to me. He said +that the people where he had been preaching were an unbelieving +set. I introduced him to the members of my congregation, and had +him preach with me a few times, which gratified him very much. + +One Sunday we were to administer the ordinance of baptism. +Several candidates were in attendance. Brother Stewart was quite +anxious to baptize the people. I was willing to humor him. So I +said: + +"My friends, Brother Stewart, a priest of the New Dispensation, +will administer the ordinance of baptism." + +The people stood still; none would come forward for him to +baptize them. They said they would not be baptized until I would +baptize them myself. I told them I would act if they desired it. +So I baptized the people, and Brother Stewart was much offended +with them. He had not yet learned that he that exalteth himself +shall be cast down, and he that humbleth himself shall be +exalted. I then called on the people for a contribution, to get +some clothing for Brother Stewart. I had concluded to have him +return home, and wished to reclothe him before he started, for he +was then in need of it. The contribution was more liberal than I +expected. + +After Brother Stewart departed I stayed there some three weeks. +Then I made up my mind to go home and visit my family. Brother +Sanders invited me to go to Gainsborough with him, whore he +presented me with a nice supply of clothing. Sister Sanders +presented me with a fine horse, saddle, and bridle, and twelve +dollars in money. The congregation gave me fifty dollars, and I +had from them an outfit worth over three hundred dollars. I at +first refused to accept the horse, but Sister Sanders appeared so +grieved at this that I finally took it. I left my congregation in +charge of Elder Julien Moses, and started for my family about the +1st of October, 1839. I promised to call on my flock the next +spring, or send a suitable minister to wait upon them. + +When I reached Vandalia I found my family well. God had raised up +friends for them in my absence. The Saints were then gathering at +Commerce, that is to say Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. I +visited my sister's family that fall; they then lived about one +hundred miles north of Vandalia. I preached often through Central +Illinois, and that fall I baptized all of my wife's family, +except her father. He held out and refused the gospel until he +was on his deathbed; then he demanded baptism, but being in a +country place he died ere an elder could be procured to baptize +him. By the rules of our Church a person can be baptized for the +dead, and later he was saved to eternal life by the baptism of +one of his children for the salvation of his soul. + + + +CHAPTER VIII - LEE AS A MISSIONARY + +Shortly after my return to Illinois I built a house for my +family. During the winter I entered into a trading and trafficking +business with G. W. Hickerson. We would go over the country and +buy up chickens, butter, feathers, beeswax, and coon skins, and +haul them to St. Louis, and carry back calicoes and other goods +in payment for the articles first purchased. We made some money +that way. + +While carrying on this trade I drew the remainder of my money +from my friend, Vanleven, and began my preparations for joining +the Saints. About the middle of April, 1840, I succeeded in +securing a good outfit, and with my old friend Stewart again +joined the Saints at Nauvoo. I felt it to be God's will that I +must obey the orders of the Prophet, hence my return to the +society of the brethren. + +Joseph and his two counselors, his brother Hyrum and Sidney +Rigdon had been released from jail in Richmond, Missouri, and +were again at the head of the Church and directing the energies +of the brethren. It was the policy of Joseph to hold the city +lots in Nauvoo at a high price, so as to draw money from the +rich, but not so high as to prevent the poor from obtaining +homes. The poor who lost all their property in following the +Church were presented with a lot free in the center of the city. +The Prophet told them not to sell their lots for less than eight +hundred to one thousand dollars, but to sell for that when +offered; then they could take a cheaper lot in the outskirts of +the city and have money left to fix up comfortably. + +All classes, Jews and Gentiles, were allowed to settle there, one +man's money being as good as another's. No restrictions were +placed on the people; they had the right to trade with anyone +that suited them. All classes attended meetings, dances, +theaters, and other gatherings, and were permitted to eat and +drink together. The outsiders were invited to join in all of our +amusements. Ball was a favorite sport with the men, and the +Prophet frequently took a hand in the game. He appeared to treat +all men alike, and never condemned a man until he had given him a +fair trial to show what was in him. + +Among the first things was the laying of the foundation of the +Temple. When this was done each man was required to do one day's +work in every ten days, in quarrying rock or doing other work for +the structure. A company was sent up the Mississippi River to the +Pineries to get out lumber for the Temple and other public +buildings. The money for city lots went into the Church treasury +to purchase materials for the Temple which could not be supplied +by the Saints' own labor. + +At the conference in April, 1840, the Prophet delivered a lengthy +address upon the history and condition of the Saints. He reminded +the brethren that all had suffered alike for the sake of the +gospel. The rich and the poor had been brought to a common level +by persecution; many of the brethren owed debts that they had +been forced to contract in order to get out of Missouri alive. He +considered it unchristianlike for the brethren to demand the +payment of such debts; he did not wish to screen anyone from the +just payment of his debts, but he did think that it would be for +the glory of the Kingdom if the people, of their own will, freely +forgave each other all their existing indebtedness, one to the +other, renew their covenants with Almighty God and with each +other, refrain from evil, and live their religion. By this means +God's Holy Spirit would support and bless the people. + +The people were then asked if they were in favor of thus bringing +about the year of jubilee. All that felt so inclined were asked +to make it known by raising their hands; every hand in the +audience was raised. The Prophet declared all debts of the +Saints, to and from each other, forgiven and wiped out. He then +gave the following words of advice to the people: + +"I wish you all to know that because you were justified in taking +property from your enemies, while engaged in war in Missouri, +which was needed to support you, there is now a different +condition of things. We are no longer at war, and you must stop +stealing. When the right time comes we will go in force and take +the whole State of Missouri. It belongs to us as our inheritance; +but I want no more petty stealing. A man that will steal petty +articles from his enemies will, when occasion offers, steal from +his brethren too. Now I command you, that you who have stolen +must steal no more. I ask all the brethren to renew their +covenants, and start anew to live their religion. If you will do +this, I will forgive you your past sins." + +The vote was taken on this proposition, and resulted in the +unanimous decision of the people to act as requested by the +Prophet. He then continued, saying that he never professed to be +a perfect man. + +"I have my failings and passions to contend with the same as has +the greatest stranger to God. I am tempted the same as you are, +my brethren. I am not infallible. All men are subject to +temptation, but they are not justified in yielding to their +passions and sinful natures. There is a constant warfare between +the two natures of man. This is the warfare of the Saints. It is +written that the Lord would have a tried people - a people that +would be tried as gold is tried by the fire, even seven times +tried and purified from the dross of unrighteousness. The chances +of all men for salvation are equal. True, some have greater +capacity than others, yet the chances for improving our minds and +subduing our passions by denying ourselves to all unrighteousness +and cultivating the principles of purity are the same; they are +within the reach of every man; all have their free agency; all +can lay hold of the promises of eternal life, if they will only +be faithful and comply with God's will and obey the Priesthood in +these last days. Never betray anyone, for God hates a traitor, +and so do I. Stand by each other; never desert a friend, +especially in the hour of trouble. Remember that our reward +consists in doing good acts, and not in long prayers like the +Scribes and Pharisees of old, who prayed to be seen of men. Never +mind what men think of you, if your hearts are right before God. +It is written, 'Do unto others as you would that others should +do unto you.' The first commandment is, 'Thou shalt love the +Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, and strength.' The second +commandment is, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' Upon +these two hang all the law and the prophets." + +To more deeply impress these truths upon the minds of his people +the Prophet gave them an account of the man who fell among +thieves and was relieved by the stranger; and he also taught us +from the Scriptures, as well as by the revelations that he had +received from God, that it is humane acts and deeds of kindness, +justice and words of truth, that are accounted to man for +righteousness; that prayers, made to be heard by men, and +hypocritical groans are displeasing to God. + +The Prophet talked to us plainly, and fully instructed us in our +duty and gave the long-faced hypocrites such a lecture that much +good was done. I had at that time learned to dread a religious +fanatic, and I was pleased to hear the Prophet lay down the law +to them. A fanatic is always dangerous, but a religious fanatic +is to be dreaded by all men - there is no reason in one of them. +I cannot understand how men will blindly follow fanatical +teachers. I always demanded a reason for my belief, and hoped I +never would become a victim of fanaticism. + +During the summer of 1840 I built a house and such other +buildings as I required on my lot on Warsaw street, and was again +able to say I had a home. The brethren were formed into military +companies that year in Nauvoo. Col. A. P. Rockwood was drillmaster. +Brother Rockwood was then a captain, but was afterwards promoted +to be colonel of the Host of Israel. I was then fourth corporal +of the company. The people were regularly drilled and taught +military tactics, so that they would be ready to act when the +time came for returning to Jackson County, the land of our +inheritance. Most of my wife's relatives came to Nauvoo that +year, and settled near my house. + +In 1841 I was sent on a mission through Illinois, Kentucky, and +Tennessee. I also visited portions of Arkansas. I traveled in +company, on that mission, with Elder Franklin Edwards. I was then +timid about speaking in towns or cities. I felt that I had not a +sufficient experience to justify me in doing so. + +My comrade had less experience than I had, and the worst of it +was he would not study to improve his mind, or permit me to study +in quiet. He was negligent, and did not pay sufficient attention +to secret prayer, to obtain that nearness to God that is so +necessary for a minister to have if he expects his works to be +blessed with Divine favor. I told him he must do better, or go +home. He promised to do better; also agreed that he would do the +begging for food and lodging, and I might do the preaching. I +accepted the offer, and in this way we got along well and +pleasantly for some time. + +At the crossing of the Forkadeer River we stayed over night with +the ferryman, and were well entertained. When we left the ferry +the old gentleman told us we would be in a settlement of +Methodist people that evening, and they were set in their notions +and hated Mormons as badly as the Church of England hated +Methodists, and if we got food or shelter among them he would be +mistaken. He told us to begin to ask for lodging at least an hour +before sundown, or we would not get it. + +In the after-part of the day we remembered the advice of the +morning and stopped at every house. The houses were about half a +mile apart. We were refused at every house. The night came on +dark and stormy, the rain fell in torrents, while heavy peals of +thunder and bright flashes of lightning were constant, or seemed +so to me. The timber was very heavy, making the night darker than +it would otherwise have been. The road was badly cut up from +heavy freight teams passing over it, and the holes were full of +water. We fell into many holes of mud and water, and were well +soaked. + +About ten o'clock we called at the house of a Methodist class +leader, and asked for lodging and food. He asked who we were. We +told him that we were Mormon preachers. As soon as he heard the +name Mormon he became enraged, and said no Mormon could stay in +his house. We started on. Soon afterwards we heard him making +efforts to set his dogs on us. The dogs came running and barking, +as a pack of hounds always do. + +Brother Edwards was much frightened; but I told him not to be +scared, I would protect him. So when the dogs came near us I +commenced to clap my hands and shouted as though the fox was just +ahead of us; this caused the dogs to rush on and leave us in +safety. In this way we escaped injury from the pack of ten or +more dogs that the Methodist had put on our trail. + +At the next house we were again refused shelter and food. I asked +for permission to sit under the porch until the rain stopped. + +"No," said the man, "if you were not Mormons I would gladly +entertain you, but as you are Mormons I dare not permit you to +stop around me." + +This made twenty-one houses that we had called at and asked for +lodging, and at each place we had been refused, simply because we +were Mormons. + +About midnight my partner grew very sick of his contract to do +the begging and resolved to die before he would ask for aid from +such people again. I told him I would have both food and lodging +at the next place we stopped. He said it was useless to make the +attempt, and I confess that the numerous refusals we had met with +were calculated to dishearten many a person; but I had faith in +God. I had never yet gone to Him in a humble and penitent manner +without receiving strength to support me, nor had He ever sent me +empty-handed from Him. My trust was in God, and I advanced to the +next house, confident that I would not ask in vain. + +As we approached the house we discovered that the negroes were +having a dance. I asked where their master was; they pointed out +the house to me. We walked to the house and up on the porch. The +door was standing open; a candle was burning, and near the fire a +woman was sitting holding a sick child on her lap. The man was +also sitting near the fire. Our footsteps attracted their +attention; our appearance was not inviting as we stood there wet, +muddy, and tired. I spoke in a loud voice, saying: + +"Sir, I beseech you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to entertain us +as servants of the living God. We are ministers of the gospel, we +travel without purse or scrip; we preach without hire, and are +now without money; we are wet, weary, and hungry; we want +refreshment, rest, and shelter." + +The man sprang to his feet, but did not say a word. His wife +said: + +"Tell them to come in." + +"We will do you no harm; we are friends, not enemies," I said. + +We were invited in. Servants were called, a good fire was made +and a warm supper placed before us. After eating we were shown to +a good bed. We slept until near ten o'clock in the morning. When +we did awaken our clothes were clean and dry, and breakfast was +ready and waiting for us. In fact, we were as well treated as it +was possible to ask. + +This family had lately come from the State of Virginia, intending +to try that climate for a year, and then, if they liked it, +purchase land and stay there permanently. After breakfast the +gentleman said: + +"You had a severe time of it among the Christians yesterday and +last night. As you are ministers, sent out to convert sinners, +you cannot do better than to preach to these Christians, and seek +to convert them." + +He offered to send word all over the settlement and notify the +people, if we would stay and preach that night. We accepted his +offer, and remained, thus securing the rest that we so much +needed, thanking God for still remembering and caring for us, His +servants. + +Agreeably to arrangements, we preached in the Methodist meeting- +house to a very attentive audience upon the first principles of +the gospel. We alluded to the treatment of Christ and His +followers by the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious sects of +those days, and said that we preached the same gospel, and fared +but little better. This meeting-house had been built conjointly +by Methodists and Universalists. Members from both persuasions +were present. Our neighbor who had fed and cared for us leaned to +the latter faith. + +At the close of our remarks the class leader who had set the +hounds on our track was the first to the stand to invite us home +with him. I told him that the claims of those who did not set +their dogs on us, after they had turned us from their doors +hungry, were first with me - that his claims were an after +consideration. He said it was his negro boys that sent the hounds +after us; he would not be bluffed. He said that one of us must go +with him - that if I would not go Brother Frank must go. I told +him that Elder Edwards could use his own pleasure, but I would +hold a meeting that night with our Universalist brethren; and +thus we parted. + +Elder Edwards went to spend the night with the class leader, +while I attended a meeting with the friends who had invited me +home with them. I had a good time. Of their own accord they made +up a collection of a few dollars as a token of their regard for +me. I was to meet Elder Edwards at the house of my friend who +took us in at midnight from the storm, an hour before sun; but he +did not put in an appearance for an hour after. When he got +within talking distance I saw by his features that he had been +roughly dealt with. His first words were: + +"He is the wickedest old man that I ever met with, and, if he +don't repent, God will curse him." + +That was enough, and I began to laugh. I conceived what he had to +encounter the long night before. He said: + +"If the Lord will forgive me for going this time, I will never go +again unless you are along." I said to him: + +"Brother Frank, experience teaches a dear school, yet fools will +not learn at any other. I knew what treatment you would receive, +and refused to go. If you had been a wise man you would have +taken the hint and kept away from him." + +We made our way through to Overton County, Tennessee. Here I +advised my friend Edwards to return to Nauvoo, and gave him money +to pay his fare on a steamer, for he was not cut out for a +preacher. + +At Carlisle, the county seat of Overton County, I met with a +young man, an elder, by the name of Dwight Webster. Though but +little experienced, yet he was a man of steady habits and an +agreeable companion. We held a number of meetings in this part of +the country. Brother Webster and I baptized several persons, and +made a true friend of a wealthy merchant, named Armstrong, who +welcomed us to his house and placed us under his protection. He +also owned a large establishment in Louisville, Kentucky. He was +an infidel, though an honorable gentleman. His wife Nancy, and +her sister Sarah, were both baptized. + +While here I received a letter from Brother James Pace, one of my +near neighbors in Nauvoo, requesting me to visit his brother, +William Pace, and his relatives in Rutherford County, Tennessee. +Elder A. O. Smoot and Dr. David Lewis succeeded us in this +county, and in Jackson County, Tennessee, and added many to those +whom we had already baptized. + +Brother Webster and I made our way through to Stone River, +preaching by the way, as opportunity occurred. Here I handed my +letter of introduction to William Pace, brother of my neighbor, +James Pace, who received us kindly and procured us the liberty of +holding forth in the Campbellite chapel. + +Here we were informed that the Campbellite preachers were heavy +on debate; that none of the other sects could stand before them, +and that no one dare meet them in public or private discussion. I +replied that my trust was in God, that the message I had to bear +was from Heaven; that if it would not bear the scrutiny of man I +did not want to stand by it; but if it was of God He would not +suffer His servants to be confounded. + +"Truth is mighty and will prevail; Error cannot stand before +Truth. If these men can overthrow the gospel which I preach, the +sooner they do it the better for me. I do not wish to deceive +anyone, or to deceive myself. If anyone can point out an error in +the gospel which I preach, I am willing to drop that error, and +exchange it for truth." + +The hour came, and Brother Webster and I both spoke. We spoke on +the first principles of the Gospel of Christ, as taught by the +Saviour and His apostles. + +Before sitting down I extended the courtesy of the pulpit to any +gentleman that wished to reply or offer any remarks either for or +against what we had set forth. Parson Hall, the presiding +Campbellite minister, was on his feet in a moment and denounced +us as impostors. He said we were holding forth a theory that was +fulfilled in Christ; that the canon of Scripture being full, +these spiritual gifts that were spoken of in the New Testament +were done away with, being no longer necessary. As for the story +of the "Golden Bible" (Book of Mormon), that was absurd in the +extreme, as there were to be no other books or revelations +granted. He quoted the Revelations of St. John in his support, +where they read: + +"He that addeth to, or diminisheth from the words of the +prophecies and this Book, shall have the plagues herein written +added to his torment," or words to that effect. I followed him in +the discussion, and quoted John where it reads: + +"He that speaketh not according to the law and the testimony hath +no light in him." I said that my authority and testimony were +from the Bible, the book of the law of the Lord, which all +Christian believers hold as a sacred rule of their faith and +practice. + +To that authority I hoped my worthy friend would not object. I +illustrated my position by further quotations from the criptures, +and when our meeting was over the people flocked around Brother +Webster and myself in a mass, to shake hands with us and invite +us to their houses - the Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians +especially. + +The planters in this county were mostly wealthy, and prided +themselves on being hospitable and kind to strangers, especially +to ministers of the gospel. We went from house to house and +preached two and three times a week. We saw that the seed had +already been sown in honest hearts, and we were near to them. + +Knowing the danger of being lifted up by self-approbation, I +determined to be on my guard, attend to secret prayer, and to +reading and keeping diaries. When at our friend Pace's house +Brother Webster and I would frequently resort to a lonely grove +to attend to prayer and read to ourselves. + + + +CHAPTER IX - MORMONISM AND ITS ORIGIN + +Only a short time after the events narrated it was arranged that +Parson Hall and myself should hold another discussion in the +Campbellite chapel. Parson Hall did not want to meet me in +discussion, but he must do so or lose his flock, as all the +people had become interested in the subject of Mormonism. We met +at the appointed time, and chose two umpires to act as moderators +of the meeting. The subject to be discussed was: + +"Are apostles, prophets, and teachers, together with the +spiritual gifts spoken of and recorded by the Apostle Mark in his +16th chapter, necessary to the Church now as they were then?" + +In his closing speech Parson Hall became very abusive and +denounced the Mormons to the lowest regions of darkness, and +called the Prophet Joseph a vile impostor. I replied to him and +closed the discussion. It had been agreed that the Old and New +Testaments should be the only authorities to be quoted by us. The +umpires refused to decide as to which one of us had the best of +the discussion. They said it rested with the people to decide for +themselves. It was evident, however, that the people were with +me. The principal topic of conversation was about this strange +Mormon doctrine. + +Parson Hall's flock was by no means satisfied with his course. He +said the Mormon doctrine was the strongest Bible doctrine he had +ever heard of, and he feared the consequences of a further +discussion. But this would not satisfy the people, who wanted to +hear and learn more of it; so another discussion was agreed upon, +in which Parsons Curlee and Nichols were to assist Parson Hall, +and prompt him. The subject was: + +"Is the Book of Mormon of Divine origin, and has it come forth in +direct fulfillment of prophecy? And was Joseph Smith inspired of +God?" + +We selected three judges; the hall was thronged. I felt the +responsibility of my situation, but I put my trust in God to give +me light and utterance to the convincing of the honest and pure +in heart. The discussion lasted many hours. I showed conclusively, +both from the Old and New Testaments, that, in accordance with +Scripture and prophecy, the ten tribes of Israel had been broken +up and scattered upon the face of the earth. That sure and +indisputable evidence had been found and produced by which it was +certain that the North American Indians were descendants from the +ten tribes of Israel. I showed this from many customs and rites +prevalent among the Indians, and there could be no doubt, in any +rational mind, that these tribes had sprung from the remnants of +the scattered ten tribes of Israel. The prophecies of the Old and +New Testaments, the traditions and history of the Indians so far +as known, their solemn religious rites and observances, were +conclusive evidence of this fact. + +And God has repeatedly promised that, in His own good time, these +tribes of Israel, this chosen people, should be again gathered +together; that a new and further revelation should be given them +and to the whole world, and that under this new dispensation Zion +should be rebuilt, and the glory of God fill the whole earth as +the waters cover the mighty deep. It should be as a sealed book +unto them, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, +"Read this book," and he saith, "I cannot, for it is a sealed +book." It is strange that a people once so favored of God, +strengthened by His arm and counseled by His prophets and +inspired men, should have wandered and become lost to all sense +of duty to God! But so it was, until, as the prophet says, the +Book that should come unto them spoke to them out of the ground - +out of the dust of the earth; as a "familiar spirit, even out of +the dust of the earth." + +The Book that was to contain the Divine revelation of God was to +come forth, written upon plates, in a language unknown to men. +But a man unlearned, not by his own power, but by the power of +God, by means of the Urim and Thummim, was to translate it into +our language. And this record, in due time, came according to +God's will. It was found deposited in the side of a mountain, or +hill, called Cumorrah, written in the reformed Egyptian language, +in Ontario County, in the State of New York. It was deposited in +a stone box, put together with cement, air-tight. The soil about +the box was worn away, until a corner of the box was visible. It +was found by the Prophet Joseph, then an illiterate lad, or young +man, who had been chosen of God as His instrument for making the +same known to men. + +The Prophet Joseph was a young man of moral character, belonging +to no sect, but an earnest inquirer after truth. He was not +permitted to remove the box for a period of two years after he +found it. The angel of God that had the records in charge would +not permit him to touch them. In attempting to do so, on one +occasion, his strength was paralyzed, and the angel appeared +before him and told him how that record contained the gospel of +God and an historical account of the God of Joseph in this land; +that through their transgressions the records were taken away +from the people and hid in the earth, to come forth at the +appointed time, when the Lord should set His heart, the second +time, to recover the remnant of His people, scattered throughout +all nations; that the remnant of His people should be united with +the stick of Judah, in the hands of Ephraim, and they should +become one stick in the hands of the Lord. This is the Bible, +which is the stick of Judah, that contained the gospel and the +records of the House of Israel, till the Messiah came. The angel +further informed Joseph that when the ten tribes of Israel were +scattered one branch went to the north; that prior to the birth +of Jesus Christ the other branch left Jerusalem, taking the +records with them, of which the Book of Mormon is a part. The +branch of the ten tribes which went north doubtless have a record +with them. + +When these plates containing the Book of Mormon and God's will, +as therein revealed, were removed from Ontario County, New York, +they were taken to Professor Anthon, of New York City, for +translation. He replied that he could not translate them, that +they were written in "a sealed language, unknown to the present +age." This was just as the Prophet Isaiah said it should be. + +Do any of the present denominations counsel with the Lord? No, +they deny Revelation, and seek to hide their ways from Him. Upon +all such He pronounces woe. I do not wish to be considered as +casting aspersions on any other sect. It is not my purpose to do +so. The love that I have for truth and the salvation of the human +family may cause me to offend, but if I do so it is because of my +exceeding zeal to do good. Remember that the reproof of a friend +is better than the smite of an enemy. Jesus said, "Woe unto you +that are angry and offended because of the truth." + +It is not policy on your part to be offended on account of the +truth. If your systems will not stand the scrutiny of men, how +can they stand the test of the great Judge of both the living and +the dead? I place a greater value upon the salvation of my soul +than I do upon all earthly considerations. + +After my second discussion I began to baptize some of the leading +members of the Campbellite Church. Among the first to be baptized +were John Thompson and wife. Brother Thompson was sheriff of +Rutherford County, and an influential man. Among others who were +baptized were Wm. Pace and wife. Mrs. Pace was a sister of Parson +Nichols, who assisted Parson Hall in his last discussion with me. +Major D. M. Jarratt and wife, Mrs. Caroline Ghiliam, Major Miles +Anderson, and others were also baptized and received into the +Church. + +My friend Webster, after being with me about a month, returned to +visit and strengthen the branches of the Church established in +Smith, Jackson, and Overton counties. I continued my labors on +Stone River and Creple Creek about six months. During the most of +this time I availed myself of the opportunity of studying grammar +and other English branches. During my stay I lectured three times +a week, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons. + +Sabbath forenoon I attended the meetings of other denominations. +During this time I held four public discussions in addition to +those I had with Parson Hall. I held two discussions with the +Rev. James Trott, who for fifteen years had been a missionary to +the Cherokee Nation. I held a closing debate in that settlement +with the Rev. Mr. Cantrall, of the Campbellite faith. He came +from a distance, at the request of friends, to endeavor to save +the flock. + +After consultation with Parson Hall and other members of the +flock they refused to submit to moderators or judges; neither +were they willing to be confined to the Old and New Testaments +for authority to disprove the doctrine that I defended. Their +proposition was that Mr. Cantrall should speak first, bringing +out any argument he chose; when he finished I was to conclude the +debate, and the people were to judge for themselves who had the +best of the argument. + +My friends would not consent to this arrangement, but I told the +opposition they might have it their own way. If the Rev. Cantrall +wished to condescend to the platform of a blackguard, in a case +of necessity I would meet him there, though I preferred honorable +debate to slander and ridicule. This statement I made to the +assembly prior to the gentleman's mounting the stand, with +Parsons Hill, Crulee, Trott, and Nichols as prompters. + +They had provided themselves with a roll of pamphlets and +newspapers, containing many of the low, cunning, lying stories +about the Prophet Joseph walking on the water, being a money +digger, an impostor, and a thousand such tales. Mr. Cantrall read +and emphasized each story, as his prompters handed them to him. +He occupied two hours and a half in this manner, and about half +an hour in trying to point out discrepancies in the Book of +Mormon. + +He spoke of the absurdities of the boat that the Nephites built +in which to cross the ocean, from Asia to America, and said that +it was built tight, excepting a little hole on top for air, and +that it would shoot through the water like a fish, and ridiculed +such an absurdity. He defied me to point to any such inconsistencies +in the Holy Bible. He said the Bible was a book of common sense, +written by men inspired of God. It was full of good works and +pure characters, nothing like the impostor Joseph. He challenged +me again to point to a single instance in the Bible which would +compare with the stories in the Book of Mormon. The idea of +apostles and prophets and supernatural gifts in the Church, as in +the days of Christ, was absurd. He said the History of Nephi was +absurd and a burlesque upon common sense; that he hoped none of +the people would be led away by such nonsense and folly. I sat +facing him during all his long harangue of abuse and ridicule. + +When it was my turn to speak I asked the reverend gentleman to +occupy my seat. I did not want more than thirty minutes to reply. +I said to the assembly that a sense of duty to the truth, and the +cause I had espoused, alone prompted me to make any reply to the +long tirade of abuse and sarcasm they had been listening to. The +gentleman and his prompters had gathered quite an angry-looking +cloud of pamphlets and newspaper slang and abuse, without quoting +a single passage of Scripture to disprove my position, or in +support of their own. But on the contrary, he had become an +accuser of the brethren, speaking evil of things he knew not. The +spirit of persecution, hatred, and malice is not the spirit of +the meek and lowly Saviour. The gentleman tells you that the day +of perfection has arrived, that Satan is bound in the gospel +chain, that we have no need of spiritual manifestations, that +this is the reign of Christ. Now, I will say that if this is the +millennial reign of Christ, and the devil is bound in the gospel +chain, I pity the inhabitants of the earth when he gets loose +again. After reading the description of the millennial reign, as +it shall be, as described by the Prophet Isaiah, can anyone be so +stupid as to believe that we are now living in that holy day? +Shame on him who would deceive and tamper with the souls of men! +The gentleman who told you this, doesn't believe it. + +The gentleman has challenged me to produce anything from the +Bible equaling in strangeness the building of a boat like a fish, +in which the Nephites crossed the ocean from Asia to America. I +call his attention to the first chapter of the Book of Jonah. +Here a very strange craft was used for three days and nights, in +which to send a missionary to Nineveh. This craft was constructed +after the manner of the boat spoken of in the Book of Mormon. If +the prophet was correct in the description of his craft, he too +scooted through the water in the same way that the Nephites did +in their boat. The Book of Mormon is nothing more or less than a +book containing the history of a portion of the House of Israel, +who left Jerusalem about the time of the reign of Zedekiah, King +of Judah, and crossed the ocean to America; containing also the +gospel which was preached to them on this continent, which is the +same gospel as that preached by' Christ and His Apostles at +Jerusalem. The Bible and the Book of Mormon both contain a +history of the different branches of the House of Israel, and +each contains the gospel of Christ as it was preached unto them, +the different branches of the house of Israel, and to all +nations. Both testify of each other, and point with exactness to +the dispensation of the fullness of time. The Book of Mormon does +not contain a new gospel; it is the same gospel as that preached +by Christ. It is a mysterious book, just what the prophet said it +should be, "a marvelous work, a wonder." But my friend says that +it is too mysterious, too wonderful, for human credence, and +challenges me to point out anything told in the Bible that seems +inconsistent with reason or experience. Now, which is the more +reasonable, that Nephi built a boat after the pattern mentioned +in the Mormon Bible, being directed by God how to build it, and +then crossed the ocean to this continent, or that Jonah was in +the whale's belly for three days and three nights, and then made +a safe landing? Or would it sound any better if Nephi had said +that when he and his company came to the great waters, the Lord +had prepared whales, two or more, to receive them and their +outfit, and set them over on this side? + +Nothing is impossible with God. If He saw fit to send Jonah on +his mission in a whale's belly, I have no fault to find with Him +for so doing. He has the right to do His own will and pleasure; +and if He instructed Nephi how to fashion his boat, or Noah to +build an ark against the deluge, or caused Balaam's ass to speak +and rebuke the madness of his master, or Moses to lead the +children of Israel through the Red Sea, without any boat at all, +or the walls of Jericho to fall to the ground, and the people to +become paralyzed through the tooting of rams' horns, or empowered +Joshua to command the sun to stand still while he slaughtered his +enemies, is any of these things more wonderful than the other? + +Now one of these instances that I have selected from the Bible, +if found in the Book of Mormon, would be sufficient to stamp it +with absurdity and everlasting contempt, according to the +gentlemen who oppose me; but when found in the Bible the story +assumes another phase entirely. It is as the Saviour said of the +Pharisees, "Ye strain at a gnat and swallow a camel." My opponent +strains at a gnat, when found in the Book of Mormon, but if +camels are discovered in the Bible he swallows them by the herd. +I cannot see why a big story, told in the Bible, should be +believed any more readily than one found in the Book of Mormon. + +It is not my purpose to find discrepancies in the characters of +the ancient prophets or inspired writers, but my opponent has +challenged me to produce from the Bible a character of such +disrepute as that of Joseph, the Mormon Prophet. Now I will say +that of the characters I shall mention we have only their own +history or account of what they did. Their enemies and contemporaries +have long since passed away. But if their enemies could speak +worse of them than they have of themselves, decency would blush +to read their story. I will refer to only a few instances. + +Moses, the meek, as he is called, murdered an Egyptian that +strove with an Israelite, and had to run away from his country +for the offense. He was afterwards sent by God to bring the +Israelites out of bondage. Noah was a preacher of righteousness. +He built the ark, and was saved through the deluge. His name has +been handed down from posterity to posterity, in honorable +remembrance, as one who feared God and worked righteousness. But +we find him soon after the Flood getting drunk, exposing his +nakedness, and cursing a portion of his own posterity. Lot, whose +family was the only God-fearing family in Sodom and Gomorrah, +rescued by the angel of God from the judgments that overwhelmed +those cities, when only a short distance from Sodom became drunk +and debauched his daughters. Think of the conduct of David with +Uriah's wife - and David was, we are told, a man after God's own +heart. Also Judah, Judge in Israel. Peter cursed and swore and +denied his Master. The enemies of Christ said He was a gluttonous +man and a wine bibber, a friend of the publicans and sinners; +that after the people at the marriage feast were well drunken, He +turned water into wine that they might have more to drink; that +in the cornfield He plucked the cars of corn and ate them; that +He saw an ass hitched, and without leave took it and rode into +Jerusalem; that He went into the Temple and overset the tables of +the money changers and took cords and whaled them out, telling +them they had made His Father's house a den of thieves. I am +aware that all Christians justify the acts of Christ, because He +was the Son of God. But the people at that time did not believe +Him to be the Son of God, any more than the gentleman believes +that Joseph is the prophet of God. I have alluded to these +instances merely in answer to the challenge imposed upon me by my +opponent. + +Few seem to comprehend that man, in and of himself, is frail, +weak, needy, and dependent, although the Creator placed within +his reach, as a free agent, good and evil, and instilled in the +heart of every rational being a degree of light that makes us +sensitive to, and teaches us right from, wrong. As the Saviour +says: + +"There is a light that lighteth every man that cometh into the +world." + +My argument as I relate it here has been abbreviated very much, +lest I tire my readers. I had scarcely closed speaking before my +reverend opponents were making for the door. They would have +nothing more to do with the Mormons. Some were honest enough, +however, to acknowledge that Mormonism had stood the test; that +it could not be disproved from the Bible, and sooner or later all +other creeds would have to give way to it, or deny the Bible, for +the more it was investigated the more popular it would become, as +it would expose the many weak points and inconsistencies of the +different denominations. Others denounced it as an imposition, +and warned their adherents to have nothing to do with it. This +kind of talk from the pulpit served to give Mormonism a new +impetus. I soon baptized many converts, and organized branches in +that and adjoining counties of over one hundred members. + + + +CHAPTER X - LEE CASTS OUT DEVILS + +After holding the discussion mentioned, Brother Young, of Jackson +County, Tennessee, wished me to go with him and join in a +discussion with a couple of Campbellite preachers. At first I +declined, as the distance was nearly one hundred miles, and my +labors in the ministry where I was were pressing. I had more +calls to preach than I could fill. However, I finally consented +to go and attend the discussion. On our arrival at the place +agreed upon I learned that all necessary arrangements had been +made. The subject was: + +"Is the Book of Mormon of Divine authenticity, and has it come +forth in direct fulfillment of prophecy found in the Old and New +Testaments; and is Joseph Smith Divinely inspired and called of +God?" + +There was a large concourse of people assembled. The discussion +lasted two days. At the close of the debate the judge decided +that the Mormons brought forth the strongest reasonings and +Scriptural arguments, and that the other side had the best of the +Mormons in sarcasm and abuse. + +When I was about to leave, Brother Young exchanged horses with +me, he keeping my pony, and giving me a fine blooded black mare. +I was then built up, so far as a good outfit for traveling was +concerned. Brother Young traveled with me as far as Indian Creek, +Putnam County, twenty-five miles southeast, as report said that a +couple of Mormons had been there. We concluded to visit the place +and learn the facts. + +This was about the 1st of March. It was Saturday when we arrived +there. We rode at once to the Methodist chapel. Here we found +several hundred people assembled - the most distressed and +horrified worshipers my eyes had ever beheld. Their countenances +and actions evinced an inward torture of agony. Some of them were +lying in a swoon, apparently lifeless; others were barking like +dogs; still singing, praying, and speaking in tongues - their +eyes red and distorted with excitement. + +The chapel was situated in a yard surrounded with trees. I was so +overcome with amazement and surprise that I forgot I was on +horseback. The first I remember was that a man had led my horse +inside the gate and was pulling me off, saying: + +"Come, get down, you are a Mormon preacher; we are having fine +times." + +Presently a chair was set for me by some rational person, and I +leaned my head upon my hands and commenced praying. I was a +stranger, both to the people and to their religious exercises. I +was puzzled, not knowing what to do. + +There was a young woman, about eighteen years of age, of handsome +form and features, in her stocking feet, her beautiful black hair +hanging down over her shoulders in a confused mass. She was +preaching what she called Mormonism, and warning the multitude to +repent and be baptized, and escape the wrath of God. In front of +her stood a young Methodist minister, to whom she directed her +remarks. + +He smiled at her. + +Of a sudden she changed her tack, and belted him right and left +for making light of what she said. + +The next moment she confronted me, and shouted: + +"You are a preacher of the true Church, and I love you!" + +Thus saying, she sprang at me with open arms. I stretched forth +my hand and rebuked the evil spirit that was in her, and +commanded it to depart in the name of the Lord Jesus, by virtue +of the holy Priesthood in me vested. At this rebuke she quailed, +and turned away from me like a whipped child, left the crowd, and +went home, ashamed of her conduct. This gave me confidence in +God, and in Him I put my trust still more than I had ever done +before. + +It was now about sunset, and we had had no refreshments since +morning. I arose and informed the multitude that we would preach +at that place on the morrow at ten o'clock. A merchant by the +name of Marshbanks invited us home with him, some of the leading +men accompanying us. + +They informed us that a couple of men, brothers, from west +Tennessee, named William and Alfred Young, formerly members of +the Baptist Church, had joined the Mormons, and had been there +and preached; that they enjoyed spiritual gifts as the apostles +anciently did, and had baptized the people into that faith, and +ordained John Young, who was Receiver of the Land Office there, a +preacher; that he had been an intelligent, well-educated man, but +was now a fanatic; that their leading men were ruined and +business prostrated, and all through that impostor, Joe Smith. +They said he ought to be hanged before he did any more harm; that +their settlement was being ruined and all business stopped; that +if anyone would give John Young, or Mark Young, his father, who +was formerly a Methodist class leader, his hand, or let either of +them breathe in his face, he could not resist them, but would +come under the influence and join them. I told them that I had +been a member of this Church for a number of years and had never +seen or heard of anything of this kind. + +The next morning about daybreak those two fanatics, the Youngs, +were at Marshbanks' house. They said they had had a glorious time +through the night, and had made a number of converts. I began to +reason with them from the Scriptures, but as soon as I came in +contact with their folly they began to whistle and dance, and +jumped on their horses and left. + +Some time after, on our way to the chapel, my friend Marshbanks +indulged in a great deal of abuse of the Prophet Joseph. He told +me that I could not be heard among the fanatics at the chapel, +and had better return to his house and hold a meeting there. I +said to him: + +"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I will preach there to- +day, and not a dog will raise his voice against me; you shall +bear witness to it." + +"Very well. I will go with you and try to keep order," he +replied. + +As we entered the chapel, the same scene of confusion prevailed +that we observed the day before. Some were stretched on the +floor, frothing at the mouth, apparently in the agonies of death. +Others were prophesying, talking in tongues, singing, shouting, +and praying. I walked into the pulpit as a man having authority, +and said: + +"In the name of Jesus Christ, and by virtue and authority of the +holy Priesthood invested in me, I command these evil spirits that +are tormenting you, to be still, while I lay before you the words +of life and salvation." + +As I spoke every eye was turned upon me, and silence reigned; the +evil spirits were subdued and made powerless. + +There were two Presbyterian ministers present who asked leave to +take notes of my sermon, which I freely granted, telling them +they were at liberty to correct me if, in anything, I spoke not +according to the Law and Testimony of Christ. I preached a plain +sermon on the first principles of the gospel of Christ, as taught +by the apostles. I showed them that the house of God was a house +of order, and not confusion; that the Spirit of God brings peace, +joy, light, and complete harmony. + +Before I dismissed the meeting I asked my Presbyterian friends if +they wished to reply to me. They said they did not; that they +were much pleased with my remarks, which were Scriptural and +reasonable. + +Now I concluded to return to the branch at Rutherford County and +continue my labors there. A delegation came to me from the +assembly and said: + +"Mr. Lee, your discourse has turned us upside down. You have +convinced many of us that we are going astray. Do not, for +mercy's sake, leave us in this situation. We are persuaded that +many are honest-hearted and will obey the truth." I replied: + +"My mission is to preach the truth, to call erring children to +repentance." + +With that I appointed a meeting, and preached that evening at the +house of David Young, a brother of Mark Young, the Methodist +class leader, to a large body of inquiring minds. + +The following day I preached by the side of a clear running +brook. After the preaching many demanded to be baptized. I went +down into the water and baptized twenty-eight persons, among whom +were two well educated young men. One was a nephew of Gov. +Carlin, of Illinois; the other was Brother McCullough, now a +bishop at Alpine City, Utah. + +Elder Samuel B. Frost had been laboring in DeKalb County, east +Tennessee, where he baptized about thirty converts. As he was on +his return to Nauvoo, I asked him to tarry with me a few days, +and assist me, as Brother Young had returned home. Those of the +people who had been under the power of the spirit of darkness had +become alarmed, and dared not trust themselves away from us. We +fasted and prayed three days and three nights, pleading with the +Father, in the name of the Son, to give us power over those evil +spirits. + +And here I will say that up to the time of my witnessing what I +have narrated I was skeptical on the subject of our power over +evil spirits. I had heard of such manifestations, but had never +seen them with my own eyes. My experience here impressed me with +the fact that we could attain such power, and showed me the stern +necessity of living near to God; for man, in and of himself, is +nothing but a tool for the tempter to work with. + +As I said, the people dared not trust themselves away from us. +Once we were in a large room at Mark Young's house. I was sitting +by a desk writing in my diary. Adolphus Young, the chairman of +the delegation which had waited on me and requested me to remain +with them and set them right, was walking to and fro across the +room. As he came near me I noticed that his countenance changed, +and as he turned he cast a fearful glance at me. I kept my eyes +upon him as he walked away from me. When near the center of the +room he wilted down and exclaimed: + +"O God, have mercy on me!" + +Without a word spoken, Elder Frost and I sprang to him. Laying my +hands upon him I commanded the evil spirits, by virtue of the +holy Priesthood, and in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of +him. + +As I spoke these words I felt as if a thousand darts had +penetrated my mouth, throat, and breast. My blood ran cold in my +veins; my pulse stopped beating; in a word, I was terror- +stricken. I saw a legion of evil spirits in the vision of my +mind. And what was still more, they had fastened their fangs in +me. I was about to give up the contest, when another influence +came to my relief, and said to my spirit: + +"Why yield to the powers of darkness? You hold the keys over evil +spirits. They are subject to your bidding in the name of Jesus, +through faith." + +This last comforting assurance relieved my fears, strengthened my +faith, and gave me power to overcome the evil spirits. I was only +a minute or two in this situation, but during that time I endured +more agony, torture, and pain than I ever did before or since. +The man was restored, and bore witness to the power of God in his +deliverance, and was to the day of his death an honorable, good +citizen. + +During my stay here I added to this branch of the Church until it +was more than fifty members strong. My friend, Elder Frost, +agreed to wait in Overton County until I could revisit the branch +in Rutherford County and set things in order there. Then I was to +accompany him home to our families in Nauvoo, the City of Joseph. +I ordained Brother William Pace in the office of the lesser +Priesthood, to take charge of the Saints there. We also ordained +Brother Adolphus Young to preside over the branch at Indian +Creek, Putnam County. + +After calling on Brother Young. I joined my friend, Elder Frost, +and drove to Nauvoo for him six jacks and jennets to exchange for +land, that on his coming he might have a place to dwell. We had a +pleasant journey to Nauvoo, as the weather was fine. On arriving +in the city I met my family, all in good health. I traded some of +my stock with Hyrum Smith, the Prophet's brother, for land. + +It was now June, 1842. In the summer and fall I built me a two- +story brick house on Warsaw street, and made my family comfortable. +I enclosed my ground and fixed things snug and nice. I then took +a tour down through Illinois. H. B. Jacobs accompanied me as a +fellow companion on the way. Jacobs was bragging about his wife, +what a true, virtuous, lovely woman she was. He almost worshiped +her. Little did he think that in his absence she was sealed to +the Prophet Joseph. + +We raised up a branch of the Church in Clinton County. Among +others whom we baptized, were the Free sisters, Louisa and +Emeline; also the Nelsons. Emeline Free was afterward sealed to +Brigham, and her sister Louisa to myself. + +In Randolph County, the home of my youthful days, I baptized my +cousin Eliza Conners, with whom I had been raised. I also +baptized Esther Hall, the sister of my old friend Samuel Hall, +with whom I lived when I was first married. I was kindly received +in my own county. Few, however, cared to investigate the +principles of Mormonism, as the most of them were Catholics. + +In all my travels I was agent for our paper, the Nauvoo Neighbor, +and collected means, tithings, and donations for the building of +the Temple. I returned home by steamboat. + +Through the winter Joseph selected forty men for a city guard, +from the old tried Danite veterans of the cause. I was the +seventh man chosen. These men were to be the life guard of the +Prophet and Patriarch and of the twelve apostles. My station as a +guard was at the Prophet's mansion. After his death my post was +changed to the residence of Brigham, he being the acknowledged +successor of the Prophet. From the time I was appointed until we +started across the plains, when at home I stood guard every +night; and much of the time in the open air, one-half of the +night at a time, in rain, hail, snow, wind, and cold. + + + +CHAPTER XI - HOT FOR LEE IN TENNESSEE + +During the winter of 1841 a letter was sent I the Prophet from +the leading men and members of the branch church on Stone River, +Tennessee, and Creple Creek, Rutherford County, Tennessee, +desiring him to send me back to labor in that country, as it was +a wide field for preaching. They stated that I had so ingratiated +myself among the people that no other man could command the same +influence and respect among them. + +This was enough. In the latter part of February I took leave of +my family and entered upon my mission. To refuse to comply with +the call of the Prophet is a bad omen. One so doing is looked +upon with distrust, renders himself unpopular, and is considered +a man not to be depended upon. + +At the time I started the river was blocked with ice. I traveled +on foot, without purse or scrip, like the apostles of old, +carrying out the motto of the Church, the bee of the desert, +"Leave the hive empty-handed and return laden." In this way I, as +well as many other elders, brought in money - thousands of +dollars yearly - to the Church; and I might say hundreds of +thousands, as the people among whom I traveled were mostly +wealthy, and when they received the love of the truth their +purses as well as their hearts were opened, and they would pour +out their treasures into the lap of the bishop. All were taught +that a liberal man deviseth liberal things, and by his liberality +shall he live, and that he that soweth liberally shall reap +bountifully. + +As I passed along my way I strengthened the brethren of the +various branches, reminding them of their duties, especially of +the necessity of building the Temple. That duty was more +important than all others, for in that alone, when completed, +they could attain to the highest exaltation of the Priesthood, +with all the spiritual gifts that belong thereunto. + +When I arrived at my old home, the place of my childhood days, I +there found Elder John Twist, who was waiting my coming. We +stayed in that neighborhood a few days, and then started on. My +uncle was going our way with a wagon for about one hundred miles, +and we accompanied him. I passed through Kaskaskia, where I was +born, but did not preach there, for my uncle was in a hurry to +reach the point of his destination in Jackson County, where he +was establishing a woodyard on the Mississippi River. Here we +intended to take steamer for Nashville, but no steamer would +receive us on board at the landing, as it was a bad one for +boats. + +While staying at that place we preached to the people, and made +our home with Mr. V. Hutcheson, and his sister Sarah, where we +were treated very kindly. Finally a flatboat came in sight. We +hailed it and went aboard. We were soon on good terms with the +captain and crew, and went with them to Memphis, Tennessee. At +this place the captain of the flatboat sold out his cargo, and +then offered to pay our fare on a steamer from Memphis to +Nashville. While we were in Memphis Gen. William Henry Harrison, +then a candidate for President, arrived, and a great political +meeting of the Whig party was held in the open air. + +After my friend Wm. Springer, the captain of the flatboat, had +sold his cargo and received his money, he invited Brother Twist +and myself to go with him to a saloon. There were quite a number +of men in the saloon, fiddling, eating, drinking, and otherwise +enjoying themselves. Capt. Springer was not used to drinking. He +soon got mellow, felt rich, and commenced throwing his money +around in a careless manner. + +The saloon keeper was a man with an eye to business, and became +particularly interested in friend Springer. He treated him often +and insisted on his drinking. I tried to get Springer to his +boat, and took him by the arm and started off with him, when one +of the crowd told me not to be so officious, that the man knew +his own business and was capable of attending to it. I said +nothing in reply, but I sent Brother Twist in haste to the boat +with word for the crew to come at once before Springer was robbed +of his money. They came, but not any too soon for his benefit, as +a row had commenced, with the design of going through him while +it was on. + +When the crew came I started for the boat with Springer, the crew +keeping back the crowd of drunken robbers. By acting in this way +we saved him and his money too. Brother Twist and myself refused +all kinds of drinks that night. We were therefore sober and in +condition to protect the man who had favored us and been our +friend. Next morning Springer wished to reward us, but we refused +to let him do so. I told him we had done nothing but our duty. + +We parted with him and his crew, and took passage in a new +steamer that was owned in Nashville, and making its first trip +from Nashville to New Orleans. The boat got into a race with the +Eclypse, another fast boat. The captain was a fine man. The crew +were all negroes. One of the firemen on our boat took sick, and +was unable to do his work. I saw that the Eclypse was crowding us +closely. I threw off my coat and took the negro's place as +fireman. There was a barrel of resin near by; I broke the head +with an ax and piled the resin on the fire. This had its effect, +and our boat soon left the Eclypse far in the rear. The steamers +parted at the mouth of the Ohio. The captain was so well pleased +with my work that he gave Elder Twist and myself a free passage. + +When we reached Nashville. Elder Twist became homesick, and +returned to Nauvoo. I gave him ten dollars to pay his way home. I +was thus left alone once more. I found the branch at Nashville in +a healthy condition, and much pleased to have me with them. I +visited the branch in Putnam County, and preached to them, +advising all to go to Nauvoo. I added several new members to the +Church. By the next spring that entire branch had gone to Nauvoo. + +The branch on Stone River also went to Nauvoo soon after I +returned home. A delegation, headed by Capt. John H. Redd, +invited me to preach in the settlement where Capt. Redd lived. +They said I could not preach publicly, for my life would be in +danger, as many of the citizens were hostile to the Mormons and +had run one man out of the neighborhood for practicing Mormonism, +and that Randolph Alexander had been run off for preaching +Mormonism. + +Capt. Redd was formerly a sea captain; he was a native of South +Carolina. I told the delegation I would preach if they gave +general publicity to my appointment. They were startled at the +proposal, and said my life would not be safe if I undertook to +preach in public. I told them to trust that to God. + +They returned home and gave general notice of when and where I +would preach. At the appointed time I started for the place of +meeting, which was twenty miles from Murfreesborough. I was met +by a guard of ten men, headed by Capt. Redd, who came to meet and +protect me. + +The next day I preached to a large number of people. I spoke two +hours to them, upon the subject of our free institutions and the +constitutional rights of American citizens. I told them who I was +and what I was; that I was a free American citizen; that I +claimed the right of free speech as a free man; that I held +myself open for investigation; that if the people wished me to +set forth the tenets of our faith I would do so, otherwise I +would leave; that if they did not desire to hear the truth they +could make it manifest and I would quit their country. The vote +was unanimous for me to tarry and preach to them. I preached +there twice. + +My first sermon was upon the apostasy of the Churches of the day +and the necessity of a purer gospel, proving what I said by the +Scriptures. I followed with the origin and authenticity of the +Book of Mormon. I was induced to continue my sermons. I stayed +there to do my Master's will. + +After the fourth sermon I commenced to baptize members. The first +one that I baptized at that place was Parson John Holt, of the +Christian faith. Then I baptized seven of the members of his +Church; then Capt. Redd and his family. This unexpected success +of the gospel created great excitement in that section of +country. + +About ten miles from where I preached lived two men, formerly +lieutenants in the militia company of Capt. Bogardus, of Missouri +infamy and disgrace. These men had strayed into this section of +the country, and were employed by two wealthy farmers as +overseers. + +They circulated fearful stories about the Mormons in Missouri, +and gathered up a mob of about twenty-five men and came with +them, determined to tar and feather me if I preached again. Word +reached the settlement of what was intended. The people flocked +to me and asked what they should do. I told them to wait and let +me manage the affair. + +The next day, Sunday, while I was preaching one of the ruffians +by the name of Dickey made his appearance with ten men. He +informed me of his design, and said that I must quit preaching +and leave for other parts of the country. + +"Not just yet," said I. + +At this he and his men made a rush for me. As they started, the +sisters next to the stand formed a circle around me. While thus +surrounded I continued my sermon. I refuted the absurd stories of +Dickey and his crew. I then told the people what had been done at +Far West by Lieut. Dickey and the members of Capt. Bogardus' +company. The mob tore down my stand, but could not get at me +because of the sisters. Then they retired to consult. + +Capt. Redd appointed a meeting to be held at his place that +afternoon, and he told the people that he did not want any person +to come into his yard unless he came intending to behave; that if +any violence was used there someone would get hurt. I preached at +his house that afternoon. A fearful storm raged during most of +the time, but this was fortunate, for it kept the mob away. + +While I was preaching a drunken man interrupted me and called me +a liar. Capt. Redd was sitting near me with two large pistols, +which he called his peacemakers. The insult was no more than out +of the fellow's mouth when Capt. Redd caught him by the neck and +rushed him from the house into the rain. The coward begged hard +for himself, but he was forced to go out and sit under a porch +during the rest of the sermon. Capt. Redd was a kind-hearted, +generous man, but would not stand abuse. + +The next Sunday was a cloudy day, so the meeting was held within +doors. Dickey had by this time raised his mob to fifty men, and +made every arrangement to give me a warm reception. Two ruffians +who were intoxicated had been selected to start the disturbance, +or "open the ball," as they called it. I had just commenced +speaking when one of these men began to swear and use indecent +language, and made a rush for me with his fist drawn. I made a +Masonic sign of distress, when, to my relief and yet to my +surprise, a planter pushed to my aid. He was the man who employed +Dickey. He took the drunken men and led them out of the crowd, +and then sat by me during the rest of my sermon, thus giving me +full protection. That man was a stranger to me, but he was a good +man and a true Mason. His action put an end to mob rule at that +place. After the meeting I baptized ten converts. + +Soon afterwards I was sent for by Col. Tucker to come a distance +of thirty miles. I attended, and delivered three lectures, which +were well received by all, the Colonel in particular. He was a +wealthy Virginian, and he pressed me warmly to make his house my +home. His wife and family were very favorably impressed. They +were of the Presbyterian order, and two of Mrs. Tucker's brothers +were ministers of that faith. I remained a few days, and made an +appointment to preach on the following Saturday and Sunday. +Before leaving I let the Colonel's lady have books on our faith, +and then went to fill some appointments that I had made at Capt. +Redd's. At the appointed time I returned to preach, as I had +promised, on Buckskin River. + +Within half a mile of Col. Tucker's house was a Methodist chapel. +At this place lived a New Light preacher, an old man, who invited +me to stop with him. He informed me that Col. Tucker had become +bitter against the Mormons because his wife believed in them; and +that she wanted to be baptized. She had left word with him, +requesting me not to leave without baptizing her. + +This was something I wished to avoid, so to prevent trouble I +concluded not to go to Col. Tucker's at all. I filled my +appointments, and returned to my Christian friend's house for +refreshments, intending to make my way over the mountains that +night, and thus avoid meeting Mrs. Tucker. + +This, however, was not to be. I had just finished supper, and +stepped to the door to start back when I met Mrs. Tucker. She +upbraided me for not calling to see her. I said that it was +contrary to the rules of our faith for an elder to interfere in +any man's family against the wish or will of the husband or +parents; that she must keep quiet and the Lord would take the +will for the deed. The more I tried to reconcile her, the more +determined she grew to be baptized. + +While I was talking with her a young man came to us and reported +that Col. Tucker had ambushed himself, with a double-barreled +shotgun, near the place of baptizing, swearing vengeance against +the man that attempted to baptize his wife. I tried to persuade +her to return, but in vain. She said to me: + +"You have declared that your mission is from Heaven, that you are +a servant of God; and I believe it. Now I demand baptism at your +hands. If you are a servant of God, don't shrink from your duty." + +I looked at her for a moment, and said: "Sister, if you have +faith enough to be baptized under these circumstances, I have +faith enough to try it." + +Some personal friends who lived in the little village accompanied +us to the water, a short distance above the usual place of +baptizing, and were present during the performance of the +ordinance. They advised her to return home immediately, with her +two servants, and never let on that anything had happened. + +For myself, I started for the house of my friend, carrying my +boots in my hand. It was now dark. As I got to the top of a high +fence and cast my eyes about me, I luckily saw a man with a +double-barreled shotgun in his hands, or what I supposed was +such. He was within ten steps of me, or nearer. I recognized Col. +Tucker. + +Having heard of his threats, I was induced not to tempt him too +far. I placed my hands on the fence and leaped over it, alighting +on the other side, near a cross fence which separated the garden +from a field of corn. As quick as thought I got among the corn, +which was at full height. I was within twenty feet of Tucker and +could hear all that was said. I heard him rave, and demand with +oaths what my friends, who came up, were doing there. Had they +been baptizing his wife? I recognized the voice of the parson's +lady with whom I was stopping. She had the wet clothes of Mrs. +Tucker. + +"Tell me," said Tucker, "if my wife has been baptized, or I will +blow your brains out." The reply was: "She has been baptized." + +"Where is that infernal Mormon preacher?" demanded the Colonel; +"I will put a load of shot through him." + +"He is in that cornfield," was the reply. + +The Colonel raved the more. Finally some of his friends persuaded +him to return home, and not disgrace himself. He pretended to do +so, but it was only a feint to get me out. + +After waiting until all was quiet I returned to the house of my +friend, and passing through the door went out on the porch. I sat +down and was slipping off my socks, to put on dry ones, when I +heard a rustling in the room behind me. The next moment Col. +Tucker had his gun leveled on me, but it flashed in the pan. He +then whirled up the butt of it to fell me to the earth. + +Seeing my danger I sprang and caught him around the waist, with +one of his arms in my grasp, which left him only one arm loose. + +"I have you now where I want you," he cried. + +He was a strong, muscular man, and, no doubt, supposed I would be +no match for him. I ordered a young man who stood near to take +his gun. I then gripped him with an iron hug, and sent him back +into the room. + +The old gentleman with whom I was stopping ordered him out of the +house unless he would behave himself. He said he had invited me +to his house, and felt it his duty to protect me. The Colonel +replied that he would go if he could; he never knew before that +when he was in the hands of a Mormon he was in a bear's clutches. +I said: + +"I will take you out if it will accommodate you." + +Thus saying, I stepped out on the porch with him. I saw that he +was willing to go. This gave me new courage. + +"Let me go, or I will blow your brains out when I get loose," he +said. + +"There is one condition on which I will let you go, which is that +you will go home and be quiet and trouble me no more," I replied. + +"I will settle with you for all this," was his answer. + +It was in the month of July, and very warm. I had hugged him +closely, and he was growing weak. As I was in the act of dashing +him to the ground he begged of me, saying that if I would set him +loose he would go and trouble me no more. I let him fall to the +ground, handed him his gun, and let him live. When he got a +little distance away he began threatening me, and said he would +be revenged. When all had quieted down I retired to rest in the +upper story of my friend's house. + +About one o'clock in the morning I was awakened by a voice which +I recognized as the voice of Mrs. Tucker. She informed me that +her husband was bent on my destruction, and he and ten men were +then waylaying my road, and advised me not to start in that +direction. Her husband had accused her of wetting the loads in +his gun to save my life; but she told me to be of good cheer and +put my trust in God, and that she had not regretted the steps she +had taken. I thanked her for her kindness, and begged her to +return home and not see me any more; that I was in the hands of +God, and He would protect me and deliver me safe; that her visits +would only make her husband more enraged at her. + +At four o'clock I awoke, dressed myself, and ordered the servant +to saddle my horse. As the servant hitched my horse to the post +Tucker and several men appeared upon the ground. Tucker told the +servant that he would shoot him in two if he saddled my horse. I +spoke to Tucker, saluting him with the time of day. His reply +was: + +"I have got you now." + +Thus saying, he ordered his nephew to bring Esquire Walls +immediately. + +After washing, I took my seat on the porch, and got out my Bible +to read. Tucker stood about ten steps from me to guard me and my +horse. + +While this was the situation my old friend, the New Light +preacher with whom I was lodging, had a fine horse saddled and +hitched on the south side of the cornfield. He advised me in a +whisper to pass down through the cornfield while I could do so +without being detected, take the horse, and thus get out of the +county before a warrant had been issued for my arrest. + +Deliverance was very tempting, yet I did not like the name of +running away from trouble. It would convey the impression of +fear, if not of guilt. So I chose to face the music and abide the +consequences. A little after sunrise I saw Justice Walls coming, +and some men with him. At this my heart leaped for joy. Among so +many I was satisfied all were not against me, as some of them had +attended lectures and were favorably impressed. + +After a short interview with Col. Tucker, Justice Walls informed +me that Col. Tucker demanded from him a warrant for my arrest for +having baptized his wife without his consent. I asked Col. Tucker +if he ever forbid me to baptize his wife; whether he had not +invited me to his house and asked me to stop there when I +returned. I told him I had not seen him, after this conversation, +until his wife was baptized; that I had not urged her to be +baptized - she had come to me and demanded to be baptized. I told +the Justice that I had violated no law of Tennessee. The law +allows a wife much greater privileges than being baptized without +the consent of her husband; she could sell one-third of his real +estate, and her deed would be good. The Justice said I was right, +and told the Colonel it would be useless to issue a warrant +without lawful cause. + +The Colonel then demanded a warrant for my arrest on the charge +of assault and battery. He said I had abused his person, and that +he was sore and scarcely able to walk. The Justice told the +Colonel that it seemed to him that he was the one who made the +assault; for he snapped a loaded gun at me and attempted to take +my life, while what I had done was in self-defense. He told Col. +Tucker he would talk with him again. He then beckoned me to +follow him, and I did so. We went into a room by ourselves, when +he said to me, + +"Parson Lee, you have warm friends here. I have been much +interested in your lectures. I believe you to be honest and firm +in your faith, and will do all I can for your benefit. Col. +Tucker is a desperate man when aroused. As a matter of policy, to +humor him, I will give him a writ; but I will manage to delay the +time, so as to enable you to get out of the county. I will send +for my law books, with instructions to delay in getting them +here, and will argue with the Colonel that I must have my books +to examine the law. It is only four miles to the county line, +where you will be all right. Take the trail over the mountain, +and they will not know which way you have gone. When you get into +your own county, remember me on election day. This county and +Rutherford County send three members to the Legislature. I am a +candidate, and the vote of your friends in these counties will +secure my election. When I send for my books appear and bid us +good-by, as though you were not afraid of any man. Col. Tucker +has promised that he will use no violence if I give him a writ." + +The Justice then gave me a token of the Brotherhood, and walked +out to confer with Col. Tucker. He sent his nephew back for his +books, instructing him in whispers to delay in getting them, so +as to give me time to get out of the county before an officer +could overtake me. + +After the boy started, the Justice told the Colonel to keep cool +and he would soon have a writ for me. I went into the dining-room +and sat down to breakfast, and ate a little as a blind. Then +taking up my saddlebags, I bade them all good-by. I walked to my +horse, that stood hitched where the servant had left him. + +As I left the house Justice Walls followed me as though he was +much surprised, and said: + +"Parson Lee, I hope you will tarry until this matter can be +settled amicably." + +Again I told him that I had violated no law; that my ministerial +engagements compelled me to leave, and I should have done so +before had not this unpleasant affair detained me; that I chose +to serve God rather than fear the ire of man. + +Thus saying, I placed my saddle upon my horse. Col. Tucker +leveled his gun on me, and said: + +"I knew you would run." + +At this I turned and eyed him and told him to put up his gun; +that I had borne all I intended to from him; that if he attempted +violence he would never trouble another man. At the same time the +Justice exhorted him to be careful, saying that he had made +himself liable already. I mounted my horse and turned to the +Colonel and told him he might guard that woodpile until the day +of judgment, for all I cared. He again raised his gun, but was +prevented by the by-standers from shooting. I rode off leisurely, +and when about seventy-five yards away I stopped and watered my +horse. Tucker again drew his gun on me, and I expected him to +shoot every moment, but I dared not show fear. + +My road lay along the mountain for two miles. When I passed a +house I would walk my horse, and sing and seem to be wholly +unconcerned; but when I was out of sight I put my horse on the +keen jump, and was soon out of Marshall County. Finding an out- +of-the-way place, with good blue grass and plenty of shade, I +swung down from my horse and returned thanks to my Father in +heaven for my deliverance. + +In the afternoon I arrived at the house of Capt. Redd, where, +when in that county, I generally made my home. The brethren all +came to welcome me back, and I related to them my experience and +deliverance. A short time after this James K. Polk and Col. +Jones, both candidates for the office of Governor of Tennessee, +and the candidates for the Legislature, including my friend +Walls, met at Murfreesborough and held a political meeting. Walls +gave me the sequel of what happened with Col. Tucker. + +When Justice Walls' nephew went for the law books he permitted +his horse to run away, and it was nearly ruined in the brush and +grapevines. Col. Tucker did not blame the Justice at all, but +rather sympathized with him in his misfortune. Mrs. Tucker to the +end remained firm in her faith. + +The kindness of Justice Walls in my hour of peril was not +forgotten. I spoke of it in all my meetings, and to my friends in +private. And to this act of justice and humanity he owed his +election, as he was elected by a majority of only five votes. + +Next I visited the branch on Stone River and made arrangements to +return to my family at Nauvoo, the City of Joseph. The two +branches now numbered about sixty members. I organized a branch +west of Murfreesborough, and ordained Brother John Holt to the +office of Elder. I baptized a young girl at Readysville, by the +name of Sarah C. Williams, of rich parentage. I lectured at +Murfreesborough for ten days, and about the beginning of October, +1843, I took the steamer at Nashville for my home in Nauvoo, +arriving there on the 14th of October. + + + +CHAPTER XII - OF PECULIAR INTEREST IN NAUVOO + +Upon my return home I found my family well. Work on the Temple +was progressing finely, every effort being made to push it ahead. +About this time a man named Bennett came on a visit to the +Prophet, and soon after joined the Church. At that time he +wielded quite an influence in government affairs. He grew in the +graces of the Prophet and became his right-hand man. He +endeavored in connection with Stephen A. Douglass to obtain a +charter for the city of Nauvoo. + +Bennett organized the Nauvoo Legion, and was elected Major +General. Through his influence, backed by Douglass, arms were +obtained for the Legion from the government. A Free Mason's +lodge, and the privileges of Masonry, were extended to the +Legion. Judge Cleveland, of Springfield, was very friendly, and +frequently visited the Prophet. A fine Masonic lodge was built in +Nauvoo, and many were admitted as members. The Prophet Joseph and +Hyrum Smith held high positions in the brotherhood. + +The institution flourished during our stay in Nauvoo, and was +frequently visited by the Grand Worshipful Master from Springfield; +lectures were given and a library established. I was librarian of +the order. I was also Wharf Master of the city, and held the +position of Major in the Nauvoo Legion; also, I commanded the +escort in the Fifth Infantry. I was made the general clerk and +reader for the Seventies, and issued the laws to that body. I +held the office of a Seventy, and was collector of the delinquent +military tax. + +The same fall I was appointed on a committee, with Brigham as +counselor, to build a hall for the Seventies, the upper story to +be used for the Priesthood and the Council of Fifty. Previous to +my being appointed on the committee two committees had been +named, but accomplished nothing. We commenced without a dollar. +My plan was to build it by shares, of the value of five dollars +each. + +Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, told me that he would give the +Patriarchal Blessing to any that labored on the foundation of the +building. The Seventies numbered about four hundred and ninety +men. I was to create the material. That is, when I could get a +contract to take lumber from the river, as rafts would land at +the city, I would take common laboring men, and the portion of +the lumber that we got for our pay we piled up for the building. +In this way we got all the lumber needed. The bricks we made +ourselves, and boated the wood to burn them and our lime from the +island. + +In the month of March, 1844, we had the building up on the west +side nearly two stories high. One day when the wall was built up +nine feet high and forty-five feet long, and was, of course, +green, a tornado blew the wall down, breaking columns and joists +below, doing a damage of several thousand dollars. I was inclined +to be down in the lip, but Brigham laughed at me, and said it was +the best omen in the world; it showed that the devil was mad, +knowing that the Seventy would receive the blessings of God in +that house; since they were to be special witnesses to the +nations of the earth, they would make his kingdom quake and +tremble. Brigham reminded me that when Noah was building the ark +he was mobbed three times; but he persevered, and finally his +tormentors said: + +"Let the old fool alone, and see what he will accomplish." + +"Just so with you," concluded Brigham. "Double your diligence and +put her up again. If you do not you will lose many a blessing." + +After that I went to work with as many men as could labor to +advantage. We threw the wall down flat, and commenced a new one, +another brick thicker than the former. I borrowed fifty thousand +brick, and made them and returned them when the weather was fine. +By the 1st of May we had the Hall closed in. + +During the winter Joseph the Prophet set a man by the name of +Sidney Hay Jacobs to select from the Old Bible such scriptures as +pertained to polygamy, or celestial marriage, with instructions +to write it in pamphlet form. This he did as a feeler among the +people, to pave the way for celestial marriage. Like all other +novelties, it met with opposition, though a few favored it. + +The excitement among the people became so great that the subject +was laid before the Prophet. No one was more opposed to it than +was his brother Hyrum, who condemned it as from beneath. Joseph +saw that it would break up the Church should he sanction it, so +he denounced the pamphlet through the Wasp, a newspaper published +at Nauvoo, as a bundle of nonsense and trash. He said that if he +had known its contents he would never have permitted it to be +published. + +At the same time other leading men were advocating it on their +own responsibility. The advocacy of polygamy by these leaders +pleased the Prophet Joseph, albeit for policy's sake he pretended +otherwise. Joseph said on the stand that, should he reveal the +will of God concerning them, they - pointing to President W. +Marks, P. P. Pratt, and others - would shed his blood. In this +way he worked upon the feelings and minds of the people, until +they feared that the anger of the Lord would be kindled against +them, and they insisted upon knowing the will of Heaven +concerning plural wives. + +The Prophet Joseph anxiously desired polygamy, but he dared not +proclaim it, so it was taught confidentially to such as were +strong enough in the faith to take the forward step. About the +same time the doctrine of "sealing" for an eternal state was +introduced. Also the Saints were given to understand that their +marriage relations with each other were not valid, and that those +who had solemnized the rites of matrimony had no authority of God +to do so. The true priesthood had been taken from the earth with +the death of the apostles and inspired men of God. Since then +people were married to each other only by their own covenants, +and if their marriage had not been productive of blessings and +peace, and they felt it oppressive to remain together, they were +at liberty to make a new choice, as much as if they had not been +married. The Prophet taught that it was a sin for people to live +together and beget children in alienation from each other. There +should exist an affinity between the sexes, not a lustful one, as +the latter can never cement the love and affection that should +exist between man and wife. + +Perhaps I should mention that Orson Hyde and W. W. Phelps turned +against Joseph in Missouri, and forsook him in time of peril and +danger and testified against him in the courts. After the +troubles were over, and Joseph was again in place in the midst of +the Saints, they both wished to be restored to fellowship and +standing in the Church, confessing their faults. Joseph laid the +case before the Church, and said that if God could forgive them +he ought to, and would do so, and give them another chance. With +tears he moved that we forgive and receive them back into +fellowship. He then sent Elder Hyde to the land of Palestine, to +dedicate that land for the gathering of the Jews. Also Hyde's +wife, with his consent, was sealed to Joseph for an eternal +state. Brigham's wife was likewise sealed to Joseph. Shortly +before the death of Joseph Brigham told me that Joseph's time on +earth was short, and that the Lord allowed him privileges that we +could not have. + +There was trouble between Joseph and Brother Law, his second +counselor, on account of Law's wife. Law said that the Prophet +purposed making her his wife, and she so reported to her husband. +Law loved his wife and was devoted to her, as she was an amiable +and handsome woman, and he did not feel like giving her up to +another man. He exposed the Prophet, and from that time became +his enemy. + +His brother, Wilson Law, sided with him. They were Canadians, and +wealthy and influential men. They, in connection with Foster and +Higbee, who were on the wane in the faith, established a paper at +Nauvoo, called the Expositor. They set the Prophet up without +mercy. They soon got after Brigham for trying to influence Martha +Brotherton to be sealed to Joseph. Her father found it out and +helped to expose them, which made it rather hot for them. The +next move of the Prophet and his friends was to get the City +Council to pass an ordinance declaring the Expositor to be a +nuisance, unless the proprietors would close it up. + +When I moved to Nauvoo I had one wife and one child. Soon after I +got there I was appointed as the Seventh Danite. I had superiors +in office, and was sworn to secrecy, to obey the orders of my +superiors, and not let my left hand know what my right hand did. +It was my duty to do as I was ordered, and not to ask questions. +I was instructed in the secrets of the Priesthood, and taught +that it was my duty, and the duty of all men, to obey the leaders +of the Church, and that no one could commit sin so long as he +acted as directed by his Church superiors. + +One day the Danite Chief came to me and said that I must take two +more Danites whom he named and watch the house of a widow woman +named Clawson. I was informed that a man went there nearly every +night about ten o'clock, and left about daylight. I was to +station myself and my men near the house, and when the man came +out knock him down and mutilate him; it would not be inquired +into if we killed him. + +It was my duty to report unusual orders that I received from my +superiors to the Prophet, Joseph Smith, or in his absence, Hyrum. +I went to the house of the Prophet to report, but he was not at +home. I then called for Hyrum, and he gave me an interview. I +told him the orders I had received from the Chief, and asked him +if I should obey or not. He said to me: + +"Brother Lee, you have acted wisely in listening to the voice of +the Spirit. It was the influence of God's Spirit that sent you +here. You would have been guilty of a great crime if you had +obeyed your Chief's orders." + +Hyrum then told me that the man I was ordered to attack had been +sealed to Mrs. Clawson, and their marriage was a most holy one; +that it was in accordance with a revelation which the Prophet had +recently received direct from God. He explained to me fully the +doctrines of polygamy, wherein it was permitted, and why it was +right. I was greatly interested in the doctrine. It accorded +exactly with my views of the Scripture, and I at once accepted +and believed in the doctrine as taught by the revelations +received by Joseph the Prophet. As a matter of course I did not +carry out the orders of the Chief. I had him instructed in his +duty, and Mrs. Clawson's husband was never bothered by the +Danites. A few months after, I was sealed to my second wife. I +was sealed to her by Brigham, then one of the twelve. + +In less than one year after I first learned the will of God +concerning marriage among the Saints, as made known by Him in a +revelation to Joseph, I was the husband of nine wives. I took my +wives in the following order: First, Agathe Ann Woolsey; second, +Nancy Berry; third, Louisa Free; fourth, Sarah C. Williams; +fifth, old Mrs. Woolsey (she was the mother of Agathe Ann and +Rachel A. - I married her for her soul's sake, for her salvation +in the eternal state); sixth, Rachel A. Woolsey (I was sealed to +her at the same time that I was to her mother); seventh, Andora +Woolsey (a sister of Rachel); eighth, Polly Ann Workman; ninth, +Martha Berry; tenth, Delithea Morris. + +In 1847, while at Council Bluffs, Brigham sealed me to three +women in one night, viz., eleventh, Nancy Armstrong (she was what +we called a widow, that is, she had left her first husband in +Tennessee, in order to be with the Mormon people); twelfth, Polly +V. Young; thirteenth, Louisa Young (these two were sisters). +Next, I was sealed to my fourteenth wife, Emeline Vaughn. In 1851 +I was sealed to my fifteenth wife, Mary Lear Groves. In 1856 I +was sealed to my sixteenth wife, Mary Ann Williams. In 1858 +Brigham gave me my seventeenth wife, Emma Batchelder. I was +sealed to her while a member of the Territorial Legislature. In +1859 I was sealed to my eighteenth wife, Teressa Morse. I was +sealed to her by order of Brigham. Amasa Lyman officiated at the +ceremony. The last wife I got was Ann Gordges. Brigham gave her +to me, and I was sealed to her in Salt Lake by Heber C. Kimball. +She was my nineteenth, but, as I was married to old Mrs. Woolsey +only for her soul's sake, and she was near sixty years old when I +married her, I never considered her really as a wife. After 1861 +I never asked Brigham for another wife. By my eighteen real wives +I have been the father of sixty-four children. Ten of my children +are dead and fifty-four are living. + +To return to Nauvoo: The Prophet Joseph had written a letter to +Martin Van Buren, wishing to know his views in regard to the +grievances and wrongs of the Mormon people, and what would be his +action should he be elected President. He replied that he +believed their cause was just, and Congress had no right to +interfere; that it was a State matter, and must be left to the +Executive. + +The Prophet addressed another letter to Wm. H. Harrison, on the +same subject. His answer was but little more satisfactory. + +Joseph then drew up a statement of his own, of the power and +policy of the Government. A convention was called, and the +Prophet nominated as a candidate for the Presidency. He set forth +his views in the Nauvoo Neighbor, formerly the Wasp. He stated +that if the people would elect him President it would be the +salvation of the nation; otherwise, the Union would soon be +severed. The two political parties would continue to influence +the people until it would end in civil war, in which all nations +would take part, and this nation be broken up. At this convention +the elders were assigned missions to different States. I was sent +to stump the State of Kentucky, with ten elders to assist me. + +"You had better shut up the Seventies' Hall and obey the last +call of the Prophet," Brigham said to me. + +Things looked squally before I left, with little prospect of +growing better. I left Nauvoo on the 4th of May, 1844, with +greater reluctance than I had on any previous mission. It was +hard enough to preach the gospel without purse or scrip; but it +was as nothing compared to offering the Prophet Joseph to the +people as a candidate for the highest gift of the nation. I would +a thousand times rather have been shut up in jail than to have +taken the trip, but I dared not refuse. + +About one hundred of us took the steamer Ospray for St. Louis. +Our mission was understood by all the passengers on board. I was +not long kept waiting before the subject was brought up. I had +made up my mind to banish fear and overcome timidity. I made the +people believe that I felt highly honored by my mission to +electioneer for a prophet of God. It was a privilege few men +enjoyed in these days. I endeavored to make myself agreeable by +mixing with the passengers on the steamer. I told them that the +Prophet would lead both candidates from the start. + +There was a large crowd on the boat, and an election was +proposed. Judges and clerks were appointed and a vote taken. The +Prophet received a majority of seventy-five, out of one hundred +and twenty-five votes polled. This created a tremendous laugh, +and we kept it up till we got to St. Louis. Here the most of us +took the steamer Mermaid. + +The change of steamers afforded me a new field of labor. I met a +brother of Gen. Atchison, one of the commanders of the militia +that served against the Church at Far West. He became interested +in me, and when we parted at Smithland he invited me to go home +with him and preach in his neighborhood. + +My destination being Frankfort, I could not accept his +invitation. I started for Lexington, by way of Georgetown, +lecturing as I went. I finally got to the capital, put up at a +hotel, and endeavored to hire the State House to speak in, but +found it engaged. + +My funds were low, and my hotel hill was four dollars per day. +After three days' trial I hired the Court House. The people said +that no Mormon had ever been able to get a hearing, though +several had attempted to do so. + +When evening came I had to light up the house and ring the bell. +Elder Frost assisted me. Soon the hall was filled with juveniles, +from ten to fifteen years of age. I understood the trick. The +people supposed I would leave, but to their surprise I arose and +said I was glad to see the young ones out in such numbers; that I +knew they had good parents, or they would not be there; that if +they would take seats and be quiet we would sing them our Mormon +songs. + +Elder Frost was a charming singer. We sang two or three songs. +Our juvenile hearers seemed delighted. I then knelt down and +prayed. By this time the hall was crowded with grown men, and I +begged them not to crowd out my little friends. I then spoke an +hour and a half upon the constitutional rights of American +citizens. I spoke of the character of the Southern people; how +they were noted for their generous treatment of strangers; but I +feared from the treatment I had received, I had missed my way in +Kentucky. My sires were of Southern birth; my father was a +relative of the Revolutionary Lee, of Virginia; my uncle was from +Lexington, Kentucky, I had come a stranger into their midst, but +I felt confident the right of speech would be extended to us, who +were ministers of the gospel, dependent upon the generosity of +the people for food and raiment. Nor did we preach for hire. If +they wished, we would remain there and lecture, and if it met the +approbation of the people they could have the gospel preached to +them without money and without price. + +The first man that spoke up was a saddler. He said he was a poor +man, but we were welcome to his house, giving the street and +number. About twenty more responded in like manner, among them +the most wealthy men of the county. We went home with a rich +farmer, and continued our labors, having more calls than we could +fill. + +We were sent for by a rich planter who lived about twenty miles +away. I was anxious to extend our labors as much as was +advisable. On our way to the planter's we found it difficult to +obtain dinner. The orthodox people did not like to associate with +Mormons. I finally asked them to direct me to where some infidel +or gambler lived. They wanted to know what on earth I wanted of +such. I replied: + +"To get something to eat. Infidels and gamblers are too liberal- +minded to turn a stranger away from their door. The Saviour ate +with publicans and sinners - for the very reason that we do, for +the Scribes and Pharisees would not feed Him." + +They pointed us to the next house, where we were kindly received +and entertained. The gentleman informed us that he belonged to no +Church, but had an interest in a church, and said we were welcome +to preach there. He made an appointment for us to preach. + +We preached, and were received with kindness. I soon began to +baptize, and calls came in from every side, when one day the +papers brought us the news of the assassination of the Prophet +Joseph and his brother Hyrum. + +We returned immediately to Frankfort, as I expected the elders +there, to learn what to do. We all retired to Maple Grove, on the +Kentucky River, and kneeled in prayer and asked the Lord to show +us whether or not these reports were true. I was the mouth-in- +prayer, but received nothing definite in answer to my prayer. I +told the elders to follow their own impressions, and if they +wished to do so to return to Nauvoo. Each of them made his way +back. I spent the evening with a Mr. Snow. He claimed to be a +cousin of Brother Erastus Snow, and was favorable to us. We spent +the evening talking over the reported deed. + +The next morning about ten o'clock my mind was drawn out in +prayer. I felt as though the solemnity of eternity was resting +with me. A heavenly, hallowed influence fell upon me, and +continued to increase until I was electrified from head to foot. +I saw a large personage enter the door and stand before me. His +apparel was as white as the driven snow and his countenance as +bright as the noonday sun. I felt paralyzed, and was speechless +and motionless. He remained with me but a moment, then receded +through the door. + +This bright being's influence drew me from my chair and led me +south about three hundred yards, into a plot of clover and blue +grass, and under a persimmon tree, which afforded a pleasant +shade. I fell prostrate upon my face. While here I saw Joseph the +Prophet and Hyrum the Patriarch, and the wounds by which they had +been assassinated. + +This personage spoke to me in a soft, low voice, and said that +the Prophet and Patriarch had scaled their testimony with their +blood. Our mission was like that of the apostles, and our +garments were clear of the blood of the nation; I should return +to Nauvoo and wait until power was granted us from on High; as +the mantle of priesthood fell upon the Apostle Peter, so should +it rest with the twelve apostles of the Church for the present. +Thus the vision closed, and I gradually returned to my native +element. + +Rising up I looked at my watch and saw that I had been there an +hour and a quarter. Returning to the house my friend Snow asked +me if I was ill. I replied in the negative. He said I was very +pale, and that he saw my countenance change while I sat in my +chair; that when I went out of doors it was as though every drop +of blood had left me, or been changed. I then told him that the +reports in the papers were true, and the two Saints, the Prophet +and the Patriarch, were no more. I asked him to take me to the +landing; I wished to get the evening packet, as my labors were +done in that country. He importuned so hard that I told him what +I had seen. + +He saddled a horse for me and one for himself, and we started, in +company with several others, for the landing. When we were about +to embark on the steamer Mr. Steele, a brother of the captain, +introduced me to the captain. About eight persons demanded +baptism; I could not stop, but advised them to come to Nauvoo. +Among them was my friend Snow. I had a cabin passage free. When I +reached Nauvoo I found excitement at highest point. + + + +CHAPTER XIII - DEATH OF JOSEPH SMITH + +Joseph the Prophet and Hyrum, his brother, were assassinated on +the 24th day of June, 1844, at Carthage, about twenty miles from +Nauvoo, while under the pledged faith of Governor Ford, of +Illinois. Governor Ford had promised them protection if they +would stand trial and submit to the judgment of the court. By his +orders the Nauvoo Grays were to guard the jail while the +prisoners awaited trial. The mob was headed by Williams and +Sharp, editors of the Nauvoo Signal. When they approached the +jail the guard made no resistance, but fell back. + +Brother Stephen Markham, who had been to visit the prisoners an +hour or so before they were killed, gave Joseph an Allen +revolver. A part of the mob rushed upstairs, to the inner door of +the prison and burst it open. Brother Richards parried the +bayonets with his heavy cane. Joseph reached out his hand and +fired his six shots at the crowd, and wounded several mortally. +Hyrum, who was trying to brace against the door, received a shot +in the face near the nose. + +"I am a dead man," he cried, and fell. + +Brother John Taylor received a shot, but fortunately it struck +his watch, which saved his life. These four were in the prison. +Brother Taylor, however, received another shot and fell. Joseph +left the door, and sprang through the window, crying: + +"O Lord, my God, is there no help for the widow's son!" + +He fell pierced with several balls. The crowd then left the door +and ran around to the windows. + +Brother Richards covered Brother Taylor with a straw bed. Several +shots were fired at the bed, some of which cut his leg. Richards +looked from the window on the scene, and several balls passed +through his clothing, but he received no injury. + +After Joseph fell he was set up against the well-curb and shot +again. A man named Boggs rolled up his sleeves, and with a knife +attempted to cut off his head. At this instant a flash of light +encircled the Prophet, and the man who was advancing to cut off +his head fell back. They were frightened, and fled. + +Governor Ford was terror-stricken, as it endangered his life, he +being without a guard, and at the mercy of the Mormons, had they +chosen to take advantage of him while he was in Nauvoo. Governor +Ford promised that he would see the murderers prosecuted. He gave +the Mormons a company of troops to bring their dead friends to +Nauvoo. + +The dead were placed in rough oak boxes and brought to the city. +There were lamentation and mourning among the people. Joseph was +a man dearly loved by the Saints, and blessed with direct +revelation from God, and was an honorable, generous, high-minded +man. + +The remains of the Prophet and his brother were laid in a +sepulcher made of stone. The oak boards which had enclosed them +were sawed in pieces and distributed among their friends, many of +whom had canes made of the pieces, with locks of the hair of the +Prophet set in the top of them, and those canes are kept as +sacred relics to this day. But I must go back and speak of the +cause of their arrest. + +While I was in Kentucky the printing press of Higbee & Foster was +declared a nuisance, and ordered destroyed. The owners refused to +comply with the decision of the City Council, and the Mayor +directed that the press and type be destroyed, which was done. +The owner of the grocery where the press was, employed John +Eagle, a professional bully, and others to defend it. As the +Danites entered, or attempted to enter, Eagle stood in the door +and knocked three of them down. As the third fell the Prophet +struck Eagle under the ear and brought him sprawling to the +ground. He then crossed Eagle's hands and ordered them tied, +saying that he could not see his men knocked down while in the +line of their duty without protecting them. + +This raised the ire of Higbee, Foster, and others, and they got +out writs for the arrest of Joseph, and laid their grievances +before the Governor. Joseph, knowing the consequences of such a +move, concluded to leave for the Rocky Mountains and lay out a +country where the Saints would not be molested. He crossed over +into Iowa with a few faithful friends. These friends begged him +to return and stand his trial; saying that the Lord had always +delivered him, and would again. He told them that if he returned +he would be killed, but if he went away he would save his life +and the Church would not be hurt; that he would look out a new +country for them. The Governor had advised him to do this. + +Those old grannies then accused him of cowardice, and told him +that Christ had said he would never leave his brethren in +trouble. He then asked them if his Emma wished him to return. +They answered: + +"Yes." + +Joseph then said it was all light before him, and darkness behind +him, but he would return, though he felt as a sheep led to the +slaughter. + +The following day he crossed the river into Illinois. He kissed +his mother, and told her that his time had come, and that he must +seal his testimony with his blood. He advised his brother Hyrum +not to go with him, saying that he would be a comfort to the +Church when he, the Prophet, was no more. Hyrum said: + +"No, my brother; I have been with you in life, and will be with +you in death!" + +The Prophet then called Brother Dunham and had some private talk +with him, and then started for the jail at Carthage. Dunham said +that the Prophet requested him to take his Danites and ambush +them in a grove near Carthage, and watch the movements of the +crowd; but Dunham dared not go contrary to the orders of the +Governor. + +About this time the settlements on Bear Creek and at Great Plains +had a difficulty with the Gentiles, and the settlements were +broken up and the settlers driven to Nauvoo. The Mormons sought +redress under the law. The sheriff tried to suppress the riot by +a posse, but since he could not get a posse from the Gentiles, he +was obliged to summon them from the Mormons. This made him +unpopular, endangered his life, and rendered him powerless. + +Governor Ford sought to bring to justice those who had assaulted +the Prophet and Hyrum, but public opinion was against him, and +the mass of the people objecting, nothing was done. Certain +leaders in the horrid deed were members of the Legislature, and +though the disturbance was partially quelled, still the feeling +of enmity continued to exist until the final breaking up of the +Church. + +Before proceeding further, we must learn who was to be the +successor of the Prophet and lead the Church. It had been +understood among the Saints that young Joseph was to succeed his +father. Joseph the Prophet had bestowed that right upon him by +ordination, but he was too young at that time to fill the office +and discharge its solemn duties. Someone must fill the place +until he had grown to more mature age. + +Sidney Rigdon set up his claim, he being the second counselor to +the Prophet. Rigdon had a few backers. A man by the name of +Strong, who had been writing for the Prophet, put up his claim to +the office, by forging an appointment from Joseph. Time passed on +until the whole twelve had returned from their missions, and a +conference was held, at which the several claimants came forward +with their demands. + +Sidney Rigdon was the first who appeared upon the stand. He had +been rather in the background for some time previous to the death +of the Prophet. He made but a weak claim. Strong did not file +any. + +Just then Brigham arose and roared like a young lion, imitating +the style and voice of Joseph the Prophet. Many of the brethren +declared that they saw the mantle of Joseph fall upon him. I +myself saw and heard a strong resemblance to the Prophet in him, +and felt that he was the man to lead us until Joseph's legal +successor should grow up to manhood. + +As soon as Brigham got the reins of government in his hands he +swore that he would never suffer an officer to serve a writ on or +arrest him, as they had Joseph; that he would send them the dark +and gloomy road over which no traveler ever returned. He wished +me to remove near to him, as I was one of the Danites assigned to +guard him. I had a good brick house and lot, all in fine order, +on Warsaw street. He told me to let him have my property on +Warsaw street and he would buy me a house on the flat, nearer his +own. I did so, and he bought out Brother Frost, and sent him on a +mission to Kentucky, where I had been laboring. He had a nice +little frame house. I moved into it and had it finished on the +inside and made comfortable. + +Brigham at that time was living in a log house, but was preparing +to build a brick house. I renewed my labors on the Hall of the +Seventies, and finished it in grand style. It was then dedicated, +and the different quorums had picnic parties in it, beginning +with the first quorum, consisting of seventy-seven men to each +quorum. Brigham said this hall would be a building creditable to +London. He called upon me to organize the young men into quorums +of Seventy, and keep the records for them. He appointed me +General Clerk and Recorder of the Seventies, and through me were +to be issued the licenses of the quorums. This was to be a +compensation for my services. + +Joseph Young was the senior president over all the quorums. My +burdens increased daily. I was offered the position of senior +president, I to select my six counselors and my Quorum of +Seventy, but I declined, as I did not want the responsibility. I +held then all the offices I could fill. Having finished the hall, +I was offered, or rather given a mission, to build Joseph Young, +the head president of the Seventies, a neat brick dwelling. +Calling upon the Seventies to assist me, I soon mustered what +help was necessary, and made brick enough to build me a large +dwelling house. Including my other buildings, it was ninety feet +front, two and a half stories, high, with a good cellar. By the +middle of July, 1845, I had both houses, the one for Joseph Young +and the one for myself, finished, ready for painting. + +During the winter of 1844-5 a man by the name of Stanley took up +a school, teaching the use of the broadsword. At the expiration +of his term I opened three schools, of fifty scholars each, in +the same exercise. I gave thirteen lessons in each school, +receiving two dollars from each scholar. This made me six hundred +dollars. I received twenty-five cents for each license that I +issued. With these means I purchased paints and oils to finish my +dwelling house. I became popular among the Saints, and many of +them donated labor and materials for my dwelling house. I had a +handsome enclosure, with fine orchard, well of water, house +finished and grained from top to bottom, and everything in finest +order. I was young, strong, and athletic. I could drive ahead and +work all day and stand guard half the night, through all kinds of +weather. + +My pay for doing the latter was the trust reposed in me. To guard +the President and leading men of the Church was considered a +mighty thing, and would not have been exchanged by those holding +that office for ten dollars a night. It was considered that this +would qualify ones performing the duty for any position of honor +or worth. + +In 1845 I was present when two young men named Hodges were tried +for murdering an old man and his wife. The Hodges said that +Brigham had sent them to rob the old people of their money, of +which they were supposed to have a large amount. When they went +to the house they found the inmates ready for them, and one of +them was wounded. Thinking then that they would be detected, they +killed the old people. + +One of the party became alarmed and reported on the two Hodges +boys. Their older brother, Erwin Hodges, said that Brigham had +gotten his brothers into this scrape, and must get them out of +it; that if he did not do so his (Brigham's) blood would atone +for it. + +That evening, as Erwin was returning home, a little after dark, +he was met by two Danites who had been waiting for him to come +along. After some little conversation, as Erwin was turning he +was struck on the head with a club, and then stabbed four times +over the heart. The Danites left, supposing him to be dead. He +was, however, only stunned, and the bleeding revived him. He +crawled about one hundred and fifty yards, and fell near +Brigham's gate. He called for water, and for Brigham to lay his +hands upon him. + +Some persons asked him who had done the deed. He replied that +they were his friends, and expired without finishing the +sentence. A neighbor came running to my house, knowing that +Brigham was there, as he often came there to keep away from +suspicious persons. I started home with Brigham, and while on the +way remarked that it was a shocking affair. He replied that it +was not worse for Hodges to be killed than it would have been for +him (Brigham) to have had his blood shed. This answer recalled +the threat that Erwin had made during the day, at the trial of +his brothers. + +Those men who had turned away from the Church were the most +bitter enemies to Brigham, and sought every opportunity to entrap +him. They tried to ensnare him, and find an occasion to arrest +him with a warrant. This caused Brigham to lie hidden as much as +possible. + +In the meantime his Destroying Angels were diligently on the +watch, and every suspicious man was closely tracked up, and no +strategy neglected to find out his business. If they suspected +that any man wanted to serve a writ on Brigham they never let +that man escape. Sometimes they would treat him with great +kindness, and in that way decoy him to some out-of-the-way place, +and there "save" him, as it was called. The Danites were not only +on the track of officers, but all suspected characters who might +come to spy out what was going on. I knew of many men who were +put out of the way. + +If any Danite was caught in a scrape, it was the duty of the rest +to unite and swear him out. It was shown that the Gentiles had no +right to administer an oath. The Danites might swear a house full +of lies to save one of the brethren. + +Whatever the Danites were ordered to do, they were to do and ask +no questions. Whether it was right or wrong mattered not to them, +they were responsible only to their leaders, amenable only to +God. I was one among them, into the secret of all they did; and +they looked for me to speak a good word for them with Brigham, as +they were ambitious to please him and obtain his blessing. The +captain of the Danites never asked me to do anything he knew I +was averse to doing. Under Brigham, Hosea Stout was Chief. + +The Danites buried a man in a lot near the Masonic Hall. They got +him tight and some were joking with him while others digged his +grave. They asked him to go with them into a field of corn, +saying it was fully grown. They told him they had a jug of whisky +cached out there. They led him to his grave, and told him if he +would get down into it, hand up the jug, he should have the first +drink. As he bent over to get down, Roswell Stevens struck him on +the back of the head and dropped him. They tightened a cord +around his neck to shut off his wind, and then covered him up and +set the hill of corn back on his grave to cover any tracks that +might lead to discovery. + +Another man they took in a boat, about two o'clock at night, for +a ride. When out in the channel of the river the Danite who sat +behind him struck him upon the head and stunned him. They tied a +rope around his neck and a stone to the other end of the rope, +and sent him to the bottom of the Mississippi. + +There was a man whose name I have forgotten, who was a great +annoyance to the Saints at Nauvoo. He generally brought a party +with him when he came to the city, and would threaten them with +the law; but he always managed to get away safely. They (the +Saints) finally concluded to entrust his case to Howard Egan, a +Danite who was thought to be long-headed. He took a party of +Destroying Angels and went to La Harp, a town near the residence +of this man, and watched for an opportunity when he would pass +along. They "saved" him, and buried him in a washout at night. A +short time afterwards a thunder storm washed the earth away and +exposed the remains. + +The Danites also made an attempt to kill an old man and his son +over on Bear River. Ebenezer Richardson, an old tried Danite had +charge of this mission. Four Danites went to the residence of the +old folks. Two of them asked for lodgings and refreshments. The +old gentleman told them he was not prepared to entertain them, +and directed them to a neighbor who lived a mile away. They +insisted upon stopping, and said they were weary and would lie +down upon their blankets. The old man was suspicious of them and +utterly refused to keep them. + +They then went away and counseled over the matter, and concluded +to wait until the family were asleep, then burst in the door +before they could have time to resist. The old man and his son, +being sure that the Danites had come for the purpose of "saving" +them, were waiting their return. Each of them had a gun. + +Brother Richardson and his party waited until about midnight, +when they slipped carefully to the house and listened. All was +still. Then Richardson and another burst in the door. As the +Danites were in the act of entering the house the old man and his +son fired. Richardson's arm was broken below the elbow; another +Danite received a slight wound. The reception was overhot and +they backed water, glad to get away. Richardson later wore a +cloak to conceal his broken arm. + +These matters were kept a profound secret. I was in Brigham's +office about this time. His brother Joseph and quite a number of +the others were present, when Brigham raised his hand and said: + +"I swear by the eternal Heavens, and all good Mormons will do the +same, that I have unsheathed my sword, and will never return it +until the blood of the Prophet Joseph, and Hyrum, and those who +were slain in Missouri, is avenged. This whole nation is guilty +of shedding their blood, by assenting to the deed and holding its +peace. Now," said he, "betray me, any who dare do so!" + +Everyone who passed through his endowments in the Temple was +placed under the most sacred obligations to avenge the blood of +the Prophet, whenever opportunity offered, and teach their +children to do the same. + +Once I heard Mother Smith, the mother of Joseph the Prophet, +plead with Brigham, with tears, not to rob young Joseph, her +grandchild, of his birthright, which his father, the Prophet, +bestowed upon him previous to his death. Young Joseph should have +succeeded his father as the leader of the Church; it was his +right in the line of the Priesthood. + +"I know it," replied Brigham; "don't worry or take any trouble, +Mother Smith; by so doing you are only laying the knife to the +throat of the child. If it be known that he is the rightful +successor of his father the enemies of the Priesthood will seek +his life. He is too young to lead his people now, but when he +arrives at mature age he shall have his place. No one shall rob +him of it." + +Brigham sought to establish himself as the leader of the Church. +Many years, however, passed away before he dared assume or claim +to be the rightful successor of Joseph, the Seer, Prophet, and +Revelator to the Church. When the time arrived, according to +Brigham's own words, for Joseph to receive his own, Joseph came, +but Brigham received him not. He said that Joseph lacked the true +spirit. Joseph's mother had married a Gentile lawyer, and had +infused the Gentile spirit into him. Joseph denied the doctrine +of celestial marriage. + +Brigham barred young Joseph from preaching in the Tabernacle, and +raised a storm against him. He took Joseph's cousin, George A. +Smith, as his first counselor. This he did as a matter of policy +to prevent George A. from using his influence in favor of Joseph +as the leader of the people, which he otherwise would have done. +He also ordained John Smith, the son of Hyrum the Patriarch, to +the office of Patriarch, and his brother, Joseph F. Smith, to the +office of one of the twelve apostles, thus securing their +influence, telling them also that had young Joseph been willing +to act in harmony with them, the heads of the Church, he could +have had his place, but that he was too much of a Gentile to lead +this people. Brigham said he had hopes that David, a brother of +young Joseph, when he became older, might occupy the place of his +father, but Joseph never would. + + + +CHAPTER XIV - THE DOCTRINE OF SEALING + +In the winter of 1845 meetings were held all over the city of +Nauvoo, and the spirit of Elijah was taught in the different +families as a foundation to the order of celestial marriage, as +well as the law of adoption. Many families entered into covenants +with each other - the man to stand by his wife and the woman to +cleave unto her husband, and the children to be adopted to the +parents. I was one of those who entered into covenants to stand +by my family, to cleave to them through time and eternity. I have +kept my obligations sacred and inviolate to this day. + +Others refused to enter into these obligations, but separated +from each other, dividing their substance, and mutually +dissolving their former relations on friendly terms. Some agreed +to exchange wives by virtue and authority of the holy Priesthood. +One of Brigham's brothers, Lorenzo Young, now a bishop, made an +exchange of wives with Brother Decker. + +All people are aliens to the commonwealth of Israel until adopted +into the Kingdom by baptism, and their children born unto them +before the baptism of the parents must be adopted to the parents, +and become heirs to the Kingdom only through the law of adoption. +The children that are born to parents after the baptism of the +parents are legal heirs to the Kingdom. + +This doctrine extends further. All persons must be adopted by +some of the leading men of the Church. In this, however, they +have the right of choice, thus forming the links of the chain of +Priesthood back to the father, Adam, and to the second coming of +the Messiah. Time will not allow me to enter into the full +details of this subject. + +The ordinance of celestial marriage was practiced by men and +women who had covenanted to live together, and plural marriages +are stepping-stones to celestial exaltation. Without plural +marriage a man cannot attain to the fullness of the holy +Priesthood and be made equal to our Saviour. Without it he can +only attain to the position of the angels, who are servants and +messengers to those who attain to the Godhead. These inducements +cause every true believer to exert himself to attain that exalted +position - both men and women. In many cases the women do the +"sparking," through the assistance of the first wife. + +My second wife, Nancy Bean, was the daughter of a wealthy farmer +who lived near Quincy, Illinois. She saw me on a mission and +heard me preach at her father's house. She came to Nauvoo and +stayed at my house three months, and grew in favor and was sealed +to me in the winter of 1845. My third and fourth wives were +sealed to me soon afterward in my own house. My third wife, +Louisa, was then a young lady, gentle and beautiful, and we never +had an angry word while she lived with me. She and her sister +Emeline were both under promise to be sealed to me. + +One day Brigham saw Emeline and fell in love with her. He asked +me to resign my claims in his favor, which I did, though it +caused a struggle in my mind to do so, for I loved her dearly. I +made known to Emeline Brigham's wish, and went to her father's +house and used my influence with her to induce her to become a +member of Brigham's family. The two girls did not want to +separate from each other; however, they both met at my house at +an appointed time, and Emeline was sealed to Brigham, and Louisa +was sealed to me. Brother Amasa Lyman officiated at the ceremony. + +At the same time Sarah C. Williams, the girl that I baptized in +Tennessee when but a child, at the house of Brother William Pace, +and who later came to Nauvoo, stood up and claimed a place in my +family. She is yet with me and is the mother of twelve children. +She has been a kind wife, mother, and companion. + +By Louisa I had one son born, who died at the age of twelve. She +only lived with me one year after her babe was born. She then +told me that her parents were not satisfied to have a daughter +sealed to the one highest in authority and the other below her. +Their teasing caused us to separate, not as enemies, however. Our +friendship was never broken. + +After we got to Salt Lake she offered to come back to me, but +Brigham would not consent. Her sister became a favorite with +Brigham, and remained so until he met Sister Folsom, who +captivated him to such a degree that he neglected Emeline, and +she died broken-hearted. + +Plural marriages at first were not made public; they had to be +kept still. A young man did not know when he was talking to a +single woman. As far as Brigham was concerned, he had no wives at +his house, except his first wife, or the one that he said was his +first wife. Many a night have I gone with him, arm in arm, and +guarded him while he spent an hour or two with his young brides, +then guarded him home, and guarded his house until one o'clock, +when I was relieved. He used to meet his beloved Emeline at my +house. + +In the spring of 1845 Rachel Andora was sealed to me - the woman +who has stood by me in all my troubles. A truer woman was never +born. She has been to me as true as I have been to Brigham, and +always tried to make my will her pleasure. I raised her in my +family from five years of age. She was a sister of my first wife. +Her mother, Abigail Sheffer, was sealed to me for an eternal +state. The old lady has long since passed away, and entered into +endless rest and joy. + +But to resume the narrative of events at Nauvoo. In the year 1845 +the building of the Temple was progressing. Through the summer +trouble was brewing among the Saints, both in Illinois and Iowa. +Many of my friends from Tennessee, and some from Kentucky, joined +us during the summer and fall, as well as numbers from other +places. An effort was made to complete the Nauvoo House, if +possible, but finding the storm approaching too fast the work on +the House was abandoned and all hands put to work on the Temple. +We were anxious to complete the Temple, in order that we might +receive our promised blessings in it before we commenced our +pilgrimage across the plains in search of a home, we knew not +where. + +Our time was limited, and our Gentile friends who surrounded us, +and whose ire had been aroused to the highest pitch, were not +likely to allow us to remain longer than the appointed space. The +killing of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum had led to other acts of +violence, and many Mormons whose houses were burned and property +destroyed, and who had come to Nauvoo for protection and shelter, +retaliated by driving in Gentile stock from the range to subsist +upon. No doubt the stock of many an innocent Gentile was driven +away, and this served to brew trouble. Thus things went from bad +to worse while the saints remained at Nauvoo. + +Much of the trouble that came upon the Church was brought down +through the folly of the Saints. A company was organized called +the "Whittlers." They had long knives, and when a stranger came +to town they would gather around him and whittle, none of them +saying a word, no matter what question was asked. They would +watch any stranger, gathering close to him, until they ran him +out of town. + +During the fall of 1845 companies were formed to make wagons for +the contemplated move, as many of the Saints were poor and had +neither wagons nor teams. Teams - with Gentile horses loose on +the range - were more easily obtained than wagons. People traded +off their lots and personal property for outfits. Many of the +wagons had wooden hoops in place of tires, though iron and +everything else was at the lowest price. Common labor was only +twenty-five cents per day, but money was hard to get. + +About the 1st of December, 1845, we commenced filling up the +Temple rooms for giving endowments. I assisted in putting up the +stoves, curtains, and other things. It was about fifteen days +before we got everything ready. I must mention that when the +doctrine of baptizing for the dead was first introduced the +families met together, down by the riverside, and one of their +number, of the order of the Melchisedek Priesthood, officiated. +They were baptized in behalf of all the dead friends they could +remember, the men for men, and the women for women. But when the +fount was ready in the Temple, which rested on the twelve carved +oxen, they went and were baptized in it, after the same order, +except that a clerk must make a record of it, and two witnesses +must be present, and the name of the person baptized and for whom +he or she was baptized, and the date of baptism, together with +the name of the officiating elder and those of the clerk and +witnesses must be entered in the record. All who are baptized +must also be confirmed. Men and women alike pass through the same +ceremony, and the fact is entered in the record kept for that +purpose. + +This is done for all who have died without the knowledge of the +gospel. As Jesus, while His body lay in the tomb, preached to the +spirits in the spirit world the doctrine of his gospel to all who +had died before hearing it since the days of Noah, so through +baptism for the dead can our friends, and those who have gone +before us, be made partakers of this new and last gospel sent to +us, and receive its blessings and eternal reward. + +No person, however, is allowed the privilege of this baptismal +fount, or his washings or anointings, unless he has paid his +tithings and has a certificate to that effect. In many cases, +also, where men require it, just debts must be settled before one +is permitted to be baptized, washed, or anointed. + +In the Endowment a list is made out the day previous, of those +who are to take their endowments. Every person is required to +wash himself clean, from head to foot. Also to prepare and bring +a good supply of food, of the best quality, for themselves and +those who labor in the house of the Lord. About twenty-five +persons are required in the different departments to attend to +the washing, anointing, blessing, ordaining, and sealing. From +twenty-five to fifty persons are passed through in twenty-four +hours. I was among the first to receive my washings and +anointings, and even received my second anointing, which made me +an equal of the Priesthood, with right and authority to build up +the Kingdom in all the earth and power to fill any vacancy that +might occur. I have officiated in all the different branches, +from the highest to the lowest. + +There were about forty men who attained to that rank in the +Priesthood, including the twelve apostles and Brigham, and to +them was intrusted the keeping of the records. I was the head +clerk; Brother Richards was my assistant clerk. My office was in +room number one, of Brigham's apartments. I kept a record of the +sealings, anointings, marriages, and adoptions. + +Also, I was the second son adopted of Brigham. I should have been +his first adopted son, being the first who proposed it to him, +but, ever ready to give preference to those in authority, I +placed Brother Rockwood's name first on the list. I had also had +my children adopted to me in the Temple. Brigham had his children +adopted to himself, and we were the only ones, to my knowledge, +that had our children so adopted in the Temple of Nauvoo. + +Officers were on the alert to arrest Brigham. He often hid in the +different apartments of the Temple. One day about sunset an +officer, knowing that he was in the Temple, waited for him to +come out. Brigham's carriage was standing at the door. + +Brigham threw his cloak around Brother Miller, who resembled +Brigham in build and stature, and sent him to the carriage with +Grant, his driver. As they got to the carnage Grant said to +Miller: + +"Brother Young, are you ready to go?" As he spoke to him, the +officer said: + +"Mr. Young, I have a writ for you. I want you to go with me to +Carthage, twenty miles distant." + +"Shall I take my carriage?" Miller rejoined. + +"You may, if you choose, and I will pay the bill," the officer +answered. + +Grant then drove Miller to Carthage, and the marshal took him to +the hotel and supplied him with refreshments. After supper an +apostate Mormon called to see him. When he beheld Miller he said +to the marshal: + +"By heavens! you are sold this time. That is not Brigham; that is +Miller." + +The marshal was a deal nettled, and, turning, he said to Miller: + +"I am much obliged to you." + +"You are quite welcome. I hope you will pay my bill as you agreed +to do." + +"Why did you deceive me?" + +"I did not," replied Miller; "you deceived yourself. I said +nothing to deceive you." + +"All right," replied the marshal, "I will settle your bill, and +you may return in the morning, if you choose." + +This gave Brigham to understand that it was time for him to get +away; many such tricks would not be wholesome. + +In the Temple I took three wives - Martha Berry, Polly Ann +Workman, and Delithea Morris, and had my family sealed to me over +the altar in the Temple, and six of them received their second +anointings - that is, the first six wives did, but the last three +there was not time to attend to. + +On the 10th of February, 1846, Brigham and a small company +crossed the Mississippi River, on the ice, into Iowa, and formed +an encampment on a stream called Sugar Creek. I crossed, with two +wagons, with the first company. Brigham did this in order to +elude the officers, and aimed to wait there until all who could +fit themselves out should join him. Such as were in danger of +being arrested were helped away first. + +Our Danites crossed over to guard Brigham. Those who were not +liable to be arrested remained behind and sent their teams +forward. I took one of Brigham's wives, Emeline, in the first of +the wagons, with Louisa, her sister, as far as Rainsville. All of +Brigham's wives, except the first, were taken by the brethren, as +he did not at that time have the teams or the means to convey his +family across the plains, but was dependent on the brethren for +help, though he had used every means in his power to raise an +outfit. + +Brigham called a council of the leading men. Among them was +Brother Joseph L. Heywood and myself. Heywood was a merchant at +Quincy, Illinois, doing a fair business before he joined the +Mormon Church, and was considered an honorable man. When the +Mormons were driven from Missouri many had occasion to bless him +for his kindness to them in their hour of trouble. + +At the council, after some conversation upon our present move, +Brigham proposed to appoint a committee of men, against whom no +charges could be brought, to return to Nauvoo and attend to +selling the property of the Saints, and see to fitting out the +people and starting them forward. He proposed that I, with +Brothers Babbitt, Heywood, and Fulmer be that committee. Brother +Heywood was asked to turn over his whole stock of goods to fit +out Brigham and the apostles for their journey. + +This to Brother Heywood was a stunner. He replied that he was +indebted to honorable men in the East for the most of his goods, +and that he did not dare defraud them; that he had been taught +from childhood to deal honorably with all men. He was told by +Brigham that he might take the money to pay his Eastern creditors +from the sales of the Mormon property at Nauvoo. This Brother +Heywood thought a doubtful method, as the property of the +deserted city would not be very valuable. + +Brigham then said that this was a case of emergency, and they +must have the goods; that Brother Heywood could write to his +creditors and tell them that, owing to the trouble among the +people, business had fallen off, and he was not able to pay them +then, but would in the future. Brigham told him if he failed to +raise money from the sale of city property, as soon as the Church +was established he (Brigham) would raise the money for him to +satisfy his creditors, and this would give him more influence +than ever among the outside world. They finally persuaded Brother +Heywood to turn over his goods. + +For my services to the leading men I never received a dollar. I +have managed, however, to maintain my family in good style, to +pay my tithing and live independently of help from the Church. I +was called a shrewd trader, a keen financier, and had plenty. I +always had money on hand. These were considered by Brigham noble +traits in my character. + + + +CHAPTER XV - THE SAINTS TURN WESTWARD + +Only a few words in regard to the Prophet Joseph. He was tried +twenty-one times for different offenses, and acquitted each time. +Once when he was visiting in Peoria he was captured by four men +from Missouri, who started with him in a wagon to take him to +that State. Two sat beside him with cocked pistols, punching him +in the side occasionally, and telling him that if he opened his +mouth they would blow his brains out. He was not arrested by any +process of law, but they were trying to kidnap him. Brother +Markham, an old friend of Joseph, ran ahead to the town of +Peoria, employed a lawyer, got out a writ of habeas corpus, and +had him set at liberty. + +When the news reached Nauvoo the Saints were in the wildest state +of excitement. The Mormon steamer was crowded with Danites, and +sent full steam ahead to Peoria to rescue the Prophet. When the +Danites arrived they found him at liberty. This was in 1843. + +The same winter Joseph organized what was called the "Council of +Fifty." This was a confidential organition. A man by the name of +Jackson belonged to it, though he did not belong to the Church. +This Council was designated as a law-making department, but no +records were kept of its doings, or if kept, were burned at the +close of each meeting. Whenever anything of importance was on +foot this Council was called to deliberate upon it. The Council +was named the "Living Constitution." Joseph said that no +legislature could enact laws that would meet every case or attain +the ends of justice in all respects. + +As a man, Joseph tried to be a law-abiding citizen, but he had to +manage those who were constantly doing something to bring trouble +upon themselves. He often reproved them and some he dis- +fellowshipped. But being of a forgiving disposition, when they +came back to him and begged forgiveness his humane heart could +not refuse them. He was often basely imposed upon. + +Joseph's sympathies were quick. Once I was standing with him, +watching a couple of men who were crossing the river in a canoe. +The river was full of ice, running swiftly. As they neared the +shore the canoe upset, throwing them into the river. One of them +got on a cake of ice, but the other made several attempts before +he could do so. Joseph sent a runner to them with a bottle of +whisky, saying: + +"Those poor boys must be nearly frozen." + +Joseph also had a sharp tongue. On one occasion, the 4th of July, +1843, at a celebration, a number of toasts had been offered when +someone said: + +"Brother Joseph, suppose you give us a toast." + +Raising his glass, with water in it in the place of spirits, he +said: + +"Here is wishing that all the mobocrats of the nineteenth century +were in the middle of the sea, in a stone canoe, with an iron +paddle; that a shark might swallow the canoe, and the shark be +thrust into the nethermost pit of hell, the door locked, the key +lost, and a blind man hunting for it." + +To return to our expedition across the plains. The snow lay about +eight inches deep when the first company crossed the river. The +plan was this: We must leave Nauvoo, whether ready or not. All +covenanted to help each other, until every one was away that +wanted to go. The teams and wagons sent to help others away were +to return as soon as a suitable place was found at which to make +a settlement, and leave the poor, or rather those who had no +teams to go on with. I was unwilling to start with a part of my +family, leaving the rest behind, and thought that now was the +time to get them out before worse trouble commenced. I went into +Brigham's tent and told him what I thought of the matter, and +that I could fit up teams in a few days and bring them all away. +He replied that he had been thinking of the same thing. Said he: + +"Go; I will give you five days in which to sell out and cross the +river again, and bring me one hundred dollars in gold." + +My first wife was still at Nauvoo. I had the confidence of my +family, as I never undertook anything that I did not carry out. I +started back on foot and crossed the river on the ice. I fell in +with acquaintances about La Harpe, who were in trouble over a +number of wagons and teams which they had purchased in the State. +The devil was to pay generally. Some of the Gentiles who had lost +cattle laid it to the Mormons in Nauvoo, and were determined to +take cattle from the Mormons until they got even. I had a brick +house and lot on Parley street that I sold for three hundred +dollars in teams. I told the purchaser that I would take seven +wagons and teams, and before I went to sleep that night I had my +entire outfit of teams. + +For my large house, costing eight thousand dollars (in Salt Lake +City it would have been worth fifty thousand dollars), I was +offered eight hundred dollars. My fanaticism would not allow me +to take so meager a sum for it. I locked it up, selling only one +stove out of it, for which I received eight yards of cloth. The +building, with its twenty-seven rooms, I turned over to the +committee, to be sold to help the poor away. The committee +afterwards parted with the house for twelve dollars and fifty +cents. + +One day I was sitting with my family, telling them that I ought +to get five hundred dollars in some way, but the Lord had opened +no way by which I could get it, and I had but five days to get +out of Nauvoo. In an adjoining room was an old gentleman and his +daughter who rented the room of me. They were from Pennsylvania, +and the old gentleman was wealthy. The daughter stepped into her +father's room, and soon returned, saying that he wished to see +me. I went into his room. He gave me a seat and said: + +"You did me a kindness that I have not repaid. Do you remember +meeting me, when coming from the Temple? I had been there with my +wife and only child to get my washings and anointings. I was not +admitted, because I was a stranger, and no one to vouch for me. I +was returning with a heavy heart, when I met you. You returned +with me and used your influence, vouched for us and procured our +admittance. I obtained our endowments. I had a cancer on my +breast at that time that was considered incurable. From the hour +I received my endowments it has never pained me and is healing +up. I am thankful I have it in my power to do you a little favor +in return." + +So saying, he lifted the lid of a box and counted out five +hundred dollars in gold coin, saying that if it would help me I +was welcome to it. I offered him a team, but he said he had money +enough to buy his outfit and support him while he lived, and that +he felt grateful for an opportunity of returning my favor. This +was to me an unexpected blessing from an honest heart. I wept +with joyful gratitude; I had the means that I desired in my +hands. + +The next morning I received my teams and wagons. All had to be +fitted up for the journey. My family went to work making tents +and articles needful for the journey. I sent my wagons to the +Mormon wagonshop and told the men to work night and day, and put +them in order within three days, and I would give them fifty +dollars in gold, which was five dollars for a day and night's +work, quite a difference from fifty cents, the usual price. They +went to work in earnest, and as fast as a wagon was rolled out +finished I had it loaded. + +In the meantime Brother Babbitt was urging me to cross the river, +as there was an officer in town looking for me. On the third day +I started one of my ox teams across the river on the ice, and +came near losing the whole outfit, by its breaking through. I +crossed no more teams that way. I got a large wood boat, with +twenty-five men to help me, and cut through the ice across the +river, so that the boat could be towed over. On the fourth day I +had all of my effects at the riverside. + +The day before, when I crossed the team that broke through the +ice, I met the officer, to whom I was unknown, at the riverside +looking for me. He purposed to arrest me on the charge of having +more wives than one. I told him I had seen Mr. Lee crossing the +river the day before, and that one of his oxen broke through; I +added that it was a pity Mr. Lee had not broken through also. I +stepped into a saloon with the officer and we took a drink +together. I then went with him into the wagonshop, and, stepping +ahead of him and tipping the wink to the men there, said: + +"Have any of you seen Mr. Lee to-day? Here is an officer looking +for him." + +They replied that he had crossed the river the day before. This +satisfied the officer, and he went away. I bought oils and paints +for my wagons, and five gallons of whisky with which to treat the +boys who had helped me over the river. + +As we left the river a heavy storm came up. It was so dark I +could see nothing. I had four mule teams, and let them follow the +road. We halted about a mile beyond the town of Montrose, and a +man who lived there, named Hickenlooper, took us in and attended +to the animals. I went to sleep and did not wake until ten +o'clock the next morning. This man had all the supplies we +needed, - flour, bacon, etc., - and I purchased my store of +supplies from him. I learned that the company had moved on, and +was camped at a place called Richardson Point, forty-five miles +from Montrose. + +Before reaching the encampment I was met by Brigham, H. C. +Kimball, and Dr. William Richards in their carriages, who bade me +welcome. After we reached camp a council was held, and I reported +my success, and gave ah account of my mission. When I had +finished Brigham asked me if I had brought him the hundred +dollars. I replied that I had, and handed it to him. He counted +it, and then said: + +"What shall I do with it?" + +"Feed and help the poor," I replied. + +Brigham then prophesied, saying I should be blessed, and means +come unto me from an unexpected source; that in time of need +friends would be sent to my assistance. + +The roads were in bad condition, and we lay quiet a few days, +during which time I painted and numbered my wagons. Myself, Geo. +S. Clark, Levi Stewart, and another man were appointed hunters, +as there was much game in the country we had to pass through - +turkey, deer, and some elk. + +From here we traveled to the Raccoon Fork of Grand River, about +seventy-five miles. At the three forks of the Grand River we came +to a halt. In fact, the rain had made the country impassable, and +our provisions were running short. Here we found some wild hogs, +and the men killed several. Brigham said they were some of our +hogs that had become scattered when we were driven out of +Missouri. This was license for us to kill anything we could find. + +While we lay here two men came to our camp, named Allen Miller +and Mr. Clancy. They were traders to the Potowatomie Indians. +Allen Miller later married one of my wives. They informed me that +we could get everything we needed fifty miles from there, near +Grand River. We unloaded seventeen wagons and selected such +articles as we could spare. I was appointed Commissary, to do the +purchasing for the companies. This was in April, 1846. + +We started with the seventeen wagons, and drove to Miller's and +made that place headquarters, as he had provisions in abundance. +The grass was like a meadow. I had some horses and harness to +exchange for oxen and cows. When we had turned out our stock for +the day at Miller's Mr. Clancy invited me home with him. + +On entering his house I found his partner, Patrick Dorsey, an +Irishman, sick. Mr. Dorsey had been tormented with a pain in his +eyes, insomuch that he had rested neither day nor night, and was +losing his sight. I asked him if he was a Catholic. He answered +that he was. I knew their faith, as I was raised a Catholic and +once believed in their doctrines. I asked him if he wished me to +pray for him. He inquired if I was a minister, to which I replied +that I was. + +"Do pray with me, for I am in great distress," he then said. + +With that I laid my hands upon his head, and asked the Father, in +the name of the Son, and by virtue of the holy Priesthood in me +vested, to stay his sufferings and heal him. The pain left him +instantly. He took his hat and walked with me to Miller's house. +They were astonished to see him without pain, and asked him what +I had done for him. He answered: + +"I was in distress; a stranger laid hands upon my head and prayed +and made me whole; but who he is, or whence he came, I know not. +But this I know, that I was almost blind, and now I see; I was +sick, but am well." + +This occurrence created an excitement in the settlement, and +nothing would do but I must preach the next evening. + +During the day I made several trades. Evening came, and I +preached at my friend Miller's. When I had closed my sermon they +made me up a purse of five dollars, and offered to load one of +our wagons with provisions. + +We remained about a week and did finely in trading. On Sunday a +large attendance, for a new country, turned out to hear me +preach. I was weary and did not feel like preaching. However, I +talked about an hour and a half. At the close of the service they +made up ten dollars for me, and Mr. Scott, a wealthy farmer, said +that if I would drive my wagons to his establishment he would +fill them with flour, bacon, and potatoes. I had the use of my +friend Miller's store to warehouse our traps, as I had more than +we could take away. The people were anxious for me to remain and +take up a farm, make my home with them, and preach and build up a +church. I told them I was bound for the Rocky Mountains. + +As for Mr. Dorsey, he offered me all he had, and wanted to know +what to do to be saved. He gave me a history of his life. He told +me that he led a company of men from Carroll County, Missouri, +when we were driven from the State. I reflected a little, and +gave him a list of city property at Nauvoo that I would turn over +to him at one-fourth its value for what property he would turn +out to me. He said he had twelve yoke of oxen and twenty-five +cows, besides other stock; four bee stands, three wagons, six to +eight hundred dollars' worth of bacon, flour, meal, soap, powder, +lead, blankets, thirty rifles, guns, knives, tobacco, calicos, +spades, hoes, plows, and harrows; also twelve feather beds, and +all of his improvements. He said he only wanted his carriage and +a span of black horses to take himself, wife, and partner to +Nauvoo. And all the above property he would turn over to me, and +I might give him deeds to property in Nauvoo. + +Brigham commenced making a settlement at the place where he was +camped. He called the place Garden Grove. We returned to camp, +laden with all that our teams could haul, besides the three +wagons I had from Dorsey. There was a deal that we could not move +away. I took a forty-gallon cask of honey and a quantity of +whisky and brandy from Dorsey. The bee stands, improvements, and +farming utensils I turned over for the use of what settlers +remained behind at Garden Grove. I also made arrangements for the +labor needed by the company that was left, so that they might be +planting crops and raising supplies while building houses to live +in. + +All the borrowed teams were returned to Nauvoo to bring others +forward, while those who had teams of their own pushed on and +made another settlement called Pisgah, and then went forward to +Council Bluffs - afterwards called Kanesville, in honor of Col. +Thomas L. Kane. From this point I took a cargo of traps, +consisting of feather beds, fine counterpanes, quilts, and such +goods, and went down to Missouri, with a number of wagons, to +obtain supplies, together with beef cattle and cows. + +During my absence a call was made on the Mormons for five hundred +men to go to Mexico and defend the American flag. Col. Ethan +Allen and Thos. L. Kane began to raise the required number of +men. An express was sent to Pisgah and Garden Grove asking them +to furnish their number. The ranks were nearly full before I +reached camp. Upon my arrival Dr. Richards said to me: + +"I am glad you have returned. We want you for one of the +captains." + +"All right," I answered. + +Brigham called me and said he could not spare me; that there were +men enough to fill the bill without me. The battalion was filled, +and Col. Allen, a United States officer, marched with them to +Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. + +From Council Bluffs I returned to Missouri, to buy a drove of +cattle for Brigham, Dr. Richards, and others, they having +received money from England. I loaded twenty wagons with +provisions and articles for trade and exchange. I exchanged +horses for oxen, as the latter were low and the former high in +price. About the middle of August I returned with over five +hundred head of cattle. + +While I was gone the camp moved across the Missouri River, to a +place called Cutler's Park. The cattle swam the river, but the +provision train was still on the Iowa side. Grant and some of +Brigham's men, teamsters and waiters, crossed back for a couple +of loads of provisions for Brigham. Without saying a word to me +they took from my train their supply of provisions. + +When I heard of it I was ruffled, as this train was in my charge +and I was responsible for it. I went to Grant, who seemed to be +the leader, and told him he had not acted the gentleman in +interfering with what did not belong to him. We had warm words, +and had not others interfered would have come to blows. He +justified himself by saying that Brigham sent him. I told him I +did not care who sent him - there was a right way and a wrong way +of doing things. The feeling grew bitter between us, and he +accused me of doing wrongful acts in my office. + +Finally Brigham called us together in the presence of the twelve +apostles, and we made our statements. My accusers said what they +had to say, and then I replied. When Brigham had heard our +statements he scolded my accusers sharply, and approved of what I +had done. He then said that we must not have ill-feeling, and +directed us to shake hands and be friends. I was the first that +arose to comply. We shook hands; still, though we agreed to drop +the matter, the old spirit lingered, even after we had crossed +the plains. + + + +CHAPTER XVI - LEE GOES TO SANTA FE + +We got into camp the next day. After striking camp I noticed that +a tire was gone from one of the wagons. A few days afterwards the +mother of my first wife went down to a stream near by and caught +a number of fine fish; on her way back to the camp she found the +missing tire. It had rolled nearly three hundred yards from the +road, and was lying where it stopped. + +The people began cutting hay and stacking it, so as to be +prepared for feeding our stock during the winter. + +One night, in the latter part of September, I dreamed that Lieut. +James Pace, of Company E, Mormon Battalion, then on its way to +New Mexico, stood at my tent door, and said Col. Allen, +commanding the Mormon battalion, was dead. I saw him plainly in +my dream; after he gave the information he started back to his +camp, and later a man, who always kept his back towards me, went +from our encampment with him. I saw him and his companion, and +all they did on their way back to Santa Fe, their dangers from +the Indians, and all that took place. From first to last in my +vision the comrade of Pace kept his back my way. Pace's +companion, as affairs turned out, was myself. + +The next evening I went, as was usual, with Brigham and Dr. +Willard Richardson, the Church historian, to attend a Council at +Heber C Kimball's camp. After the meeting was over and we were +going back to our tents I said to Brigham: + +"We will find Lieut. Pace at my tent when we get there." + +"How do you know that?" said he. I then told him my dream, and we +walked on. + +When we got in sight of the tent there stood Lieut. James Pace, +just as I had seen him in my dream. This did not surprise me, for +I knew he would come. Brigham said: + +"What on earth has brought you back?" He replied: + +"Col. Allen is dead. The battalion is without a commander, and I +have returned by order of the officers to report to you, and ask +you who shall now lead us." + +"Why did you not elect one of your captains?" said Brigham. + +"The officers prefer to let Col. Smith, of the United States +army, lead us, if you will consent to it. But some of our men +object, so I came for orders from you." + +The matter was taken under advisement by Brigham until next +morning. In the morning he came to me in my tent and said: + +"John, how would you like to go back with Brother Pace and get +the remittances of the soldiers?" I said: + +"My family is large, I have no houses for them; they are without +provisions, and I have no means to shelter them from the winter +storms. I have not hay cut to feed my stock through the winter. I +must attend to keeping my stock in order or I will have nothing +left to take me and my family over the plains next spring. But," +said I, "there is no one more willing to sacrifice himself and +his own interests for the benefit of the Church than I am." + +Brigham waited and heard me through; then he said: + +"Thus sayeth the Lord. You shall go, my son. Prosperity shall +attend you during your absence, and you shall return in safety; +not a hair of your head shall be hurt." + +"It is enough to know your will; I will go. But who will take +care of my family in my absence?" + +"I will see to your family, and attend to all you are interested +in during your absence," said Brigham. + +At that, I was satisfied, and proceeded to carry out Brigham's +will. I had cut considerable hay in company with the brethren, +but as it had to be divided, I felt sure I would not have much to +my share, especially after I had divided with the lazy poor. I +never went much on this copartnership system of labor. There are +always a number who will not work, and yet they are always +present when there is a division to be made of the proceeds of +the labor. + +Joseph the Prophet classed the poor into three divisions. He +said: + +"There are three kinds of poor. The Lord's poor, the devil's +poor, and the poor devils." I never objected to share with the +Lord's poor, but when it came to dividing with the devil's poor +and the poor devils, it was more than I desired; it took away the +profits. + +My outfit for the intended journey to Santa Fe consisted of a +snug light wagon, a span of good mules, a spyglass, and such guns +and traps as a man needs on the plains. I also took Dr. Willard's +dog with me to watch while I was asleep. I was ordered to keep my +business secret from everyone, for fear of being robbed on my +return home. I was not allowed to even tell my wives where I was +going, or how long I would be gone. I went to St. Joseph, +Missouri, and put up at John Green's, and stayed while fitting +out for the trip. + +While there I met Luke Johnson, one of the witnesses to the Book +of Mormon. I had a curiosity to talk with him concerning the +same. We took a walk on the river bank. I asked him if the +statement he had signed as to seeing the angel and the plates was +true, and whether he did see the plates from which the Book of +Mormon was printed or translated. He declared it to be true. I +then said: + +"How is it you have left the Church? If the angel appeared to +you, and you saw the plates, how can you live out of the Church? +I understand that you were one of the twelve apostles at the +first organization of the Church?" + +"I was of the twelve," said he; "I have not denied the truth of +the Book of Mormon. I and several others were overtaken in a +fault at Kirtland, Ohio - Wm. Smith, Oliver Cowdrey, one or two +others, and myself. We were brought up for the offense before the +Church authorities. Sidney Rigdon and Wm. Smith were excused, and +the matter hushed up. But Cowdrey and myself were proceeded +against and our choice given us between making a public +confession or being dropped from the Church. I refused to make +the public confession unless Rigdon and Smith did the same. The +authorities said that that would not do, for Rigdon was counselor +to the Prophet, and Wm. Smith the brother of the Prophet, and +also one of the twelve; but that if Cowdrey and I confessed, it +would be a cloak for the other two. I considered this unjust and +unfair. I left the Church for that reason. But I have reflected +much since that time, and have come to the conclusion that each +man is accountable for his own sins; also that the course I have +been pursuing injures me alone, and I intend to visit the Saints +and again ask to be admitted into the Church. Rigdon has gone to +destruction, and Wm. Smith is not much better off to-day than I +am." + +This conversation was a comfort to me. + +We went to Fort Leavenworth, where we learned that Col. Smith had +taken command of the battalion and marched away with it. Lieut. +Pace got another good horse here, and what oats and provisions we +needed. We then struck out after the command. + +We overtook the battalion on the Arkansas River about fifty miles +below Bent's Fort. Our brethren were rejoiced to see us. Many had +grievances to relate, and all had much to tell and inquire about. +That morning they had buried one of the battalion named Phelps. +The men said his death was caused by arsenic which the doctor had +forced him to take. They claimed that Colonel Smith was a tyrant +- that he was not the man that Col. Allen had been. The command +was on the march when we came up with it. There was a fifty-mile +desert before us, and little water on the route. + +Col. Allen had allowed the men to pray with and for each other +when sick and had not compelled them to take medicine when they +did not want it. But Col. Smith deprived them of their religious +rights and made them obey the doctor's orders at all times. The +doctor examined the sick every morning and made them take +medicine. When they refused to take it they were compelled to +walk; if unable to walk and keep up with the others they were +tied to the wagons like animals. The doctor was called "Death"; +he was known to all by that name. + +While traveling along, Capt. Hunt, of Company A, introduced Col. +Smith to me. I invited them to ride in my wagon. They got in, and +I soon brought up the subject of the treatment of the troops +adopted by Col. Allen, and spoke of its good influence over them. +I said the men loved Col. Allen, and would have died for him, +because he respected their religious rights. I said they were +volunteers, and not regular troops; that they were not used to +military discipline, and felt that they were oppressed. They had +lost confidence in their officers. I referred to the ill- +treatment of the men, and talked freely. + +Capt. Hunt got angry and jumped from the wagon. He said that I +talked like an insane man rather than a man of sense. The Colonel +said that he was willing to give up the command to the choice of +the battalion. I said he had better keep it until we arrived at +Santa Fe, but for his own sake to ease up on the boys. + +That evening Capt. Hunt sent a delegation to inform me that I was +inciting the command to mutiny, and must stop or he would have me +under arrest. I asked where he was going to find his men to put +me under guard - that he could not locate them in that command, +and if he doubted my word he had better try. The Captain knew I +was right, and the matter ended. I told the Colonel I would +encourage the men to obedience until we reached Santa Fe. The +troops were better treated after that. + +On the march water was scarce; I saw a man offer sixteen dollars +for a coffeepot of water on the desert. I walked most of the +time, and let the sick ride in my wagon. When we reached the +Spanish settlements we got water, pepper, onions, corn, sheep, +goats, and other articles of food. + +We reached Santa Fe in the midst of a snow storm. All the Mormons +were pleased to find that honest Missourian, Col. Doniphan, in +command at that place. He had a humane nature. The sick and +disabled men of the battalion were sent to a Spanish town called +Taos, under charge of Capt. Brant, for care and rest. + +Soon after reaching Santa Fe Col. Philip St. John Cook took +command of the battalion. The soldiers were paid off, and Howard +Egan, who had accompanied me, was given one-half the checks and +money donated by the soldiers for Brigham and Heber C. Kimball, +and the remainder was given to me to carry back to winter +quarters. I remained in camp ten days to recruit my mules, +because I could not purchase any there. The army had taken +everything. + +Lieut. Gully desired to return with me, and it was necessary to +obtain permission for him to resign before he could do so. I went +to the commander, stated the situation to him, and asked that +Lieut. Gully be permitted to resign. The commander granted my +request. The Lieutenant had been acting Commissary of Subsistence, +and had to make up his papers before he could start. I waited +until he was ready to go with me. I also took Russell Stevens +with me, as he had been discharged on account of ill health. + +While thus waiting I was troubled with Egan, for he got drunk +every day, and I feared he would be robbed. I had Stevens watch +him most of the time. By closely guarding him I kept him and the +money safe. Col. Doniphan said I should have a guard to protect +us through the Indian country, but animals could not be procured. +I took the necessary trouble and got as good a team as I could to +start back with. With the consent of the commander I bought a +large mule, which after much trouble was able to work with one of +my own. + +While we were in camp at Santa Fe the doctor was robbed. His +trunk was stolen, carried out of camp, and broken open. Two gold +watches and some money were taken from it. Two mules were also +stolen the same night. I knew nothing of this, nor who did it, +until long afterwards. After we had started for home, Stevens +suddenly brought in the mules. He brought them to camp and said +they were his. Stevens and Egan robbed the doctor, but they never +acknowledged it to me. + +About the 11th of October, 1846, we started for home over a +wilderness twelve hundred miles wide, every foot of it infested +with Indians. We camped in the mountains at Gold Springs, where +little particles of gold can be seen on the bottom of the +streams. Egan and Stevens did not join us until we were fifty +miles from Santa Fe. They had the doctor's mules and a Spanish +horse with them when they came up. + +When we had traveled ninety miles I discovered that my mules were +failing. The little flesh that was on them was soft and would not +last, for we had not fed them any grain. It is difficult to +recruit mules on the desert grass, for it is very short +generally, and the immense herds of buffalo ranging over the +country keep the grass short. At the last Spanish town we passed +through I sent Egan to buy a span of mules. That night Egan and +Stevens came to camp with two miserable little beasts. I said: + +"What on earth have you brought those poor brutes for?" + +"We cabbaged them; it was the best we could do," said Egan. + +Then I told him that I was on a mission of duty, and trusted in +God, and I would not permit him to bring stolen animals to the +camp. I sent him back with the mules at once. + +"My trust is in God, and not in the devil. We shall go on, while +you take back the mules, and leave them where you got them." + +At Moro Station, on the Las Animas, the last camp we would find +until we reached the eastern edge of the plains, we found a +large, fat mule that belonged to the Government. Lieut. Gully +gave the station keeper, a young man, a receipt for the mule, and +we took it with us, as we were, in one sense, in Government +employ. We were carrying a mail, and on general business for the +Government. This was a fine, gentle mule. I called her Friendship. +When the other animals grew weak I fastened the doubletree to the +axle, and thus Friendship alone hauled the wagon fully three +hundred miles. + +At the Cimmaron Springs we met a company of traders from St. +Louis, with a train of thirty-eight wagons. One of their wagons +was loaded with pitch-pine wood for cooking purposes. It was +raining, and a regular plains storm was coming on. These storms +are sometimes tremendously destructive. A train had been +overtaken at this same place the year before, and nearly all of +the animals perished. I counted one hundred and ninety skeletons +of mules that had died in that storm. Many of the men also died. +The storm took place ten days earlier in the season than did the +one which then threatened us. + +We were invited to his camp by the captain; the others went, but +I stayed in my wagon to write up an account of the trip, which I +was obliged to keep by order of Brigham. Capt. Smith came to my +wagon and gave me a drink of fine brandy. He invited us to take +supper and breakfast with him, which we did. He asked me if I was +not afraid to travel with so small a company, and said the +Indians were on the warpath, committing depredations all along +the road; that he had a large train, yet did not consider himself +safe. I answered: + +"My trust is in God, not in numbers." + +This led to a conversation on religious subjects. When I told him +who I was, and stated my belief to him, he was much interested in +the Mormon doctrine. At supper he gave us everything to eat that +could be desired. The Captain put up a large tent over my wagon +to protect it from the storm and wind. + +The next morning the storm was over and we made an early start. +The Captain gave me a cheese, a sack of butter crackers, +sardines, and many other matters which were of value to us on our +journey over the plains. He also gave me his name, age, and place +of residence in St. Louis, writing it in a little blank book +which he presented me. He then gave me five dollars in gold, +shook hands, and said: + +"Remember me in coming days," and we parted. + +At the Cimmaron crossing of the Arkansas River we met several +companies of Missouri troops. They informed us that Capt. Mann, +with three companies, had been attacked by a body of Southern +Pawnee and Cheyenne Indians; that the troops were defeated and +lost seven killed, with a number wounded; that three of the men +had come for help; that Capt. Mann had lost all of his animals +except the three that the messengers escaped with; that the men +only had a small supply of ammunition, and shot it all away +before they retreated. Reinforcements had gone to their +assistance and would bring in the command. + +They insisted that we stop with them, saying it was madness to +attempt to go on. I told them that my trust was in God, my +business urgent, and we could not stop. We went forward twelve +miles, when we met the troops bringing in the wounded and the +remnant of the men who had been engaged with Capt. Mann in the +late Indian fight; they also insisted that we return with them. +They said there were eight hundred mounted Indians not more than +two miles back, following up the rearguard, and that we would be +massacred unless we returned with them. I admit that the prospect +looked dark. Still I felt impressed to push on. + +Along this river, while it runs in nearly a level country and +with no timber within a hundred miles, there are many washes and +gullies that sometimes run out perhaps a mile from the river. +Often these washes, which are quite deep, caused the road to +twist round them, thus forcing one to travel a couple of miles to +gain two hundred yards in distance. It was near one of these +washes that we met the last of the troops. + +We stopped at the point where the road turned back to the river. +My comrades were in doubt what to do. I felt that the danger was +great. While debating the matter in my mind, my dream that I had +the night when I saw Lieut. Pace at my tent door came fresh +before me. I saw the whole situation. + +While studying upon this matter I heard a voice - an audible +voice - say: + +"John, leave the road and follow me," + +The voice appeared to be about twenty feet in front of me, and +the same distance from the earth. I was startled, for no human +being was there who could have spoken thus to me. I said to +Lieut. Gully: + +"Did you hear that voice?" + +"No," said he. + +"What shall we do?" I asked. + +"You are intrusted with this mission; follow your impressions and +all will be right," he said. + +From that moment I felt an invisible power which led me out upon +the plains, away from roads or trails. + +We went about half a mile, when we came to a low basin, which +entirely hid us from the road. This basin contained about one +acre of ground, and was covered with good grass. I felt impelled +to stop there, and did so. It was then about 1 o'clock, p. m. + +Soon after halting we saw a cloud of dust made by a large herd of +buffaloes running from the river where they had gone for water +and had been frightened by Indians. We did not see the Indians, +for we were protected by our position. We stayed there and let +our animals eat grass for about one hour and a half. We then +drove on, following my invisible guide, in an easterly direction, +over a country entirely strange to me. We traveled until after +dark, when we came to a wash which my spirit guide directed me to +follow to the river. I did so, and came to the very spot where +the Indians had attacked Capt. Mann that morning. Fragments of +the train lay scattered over the plain. + +Our mules were frightened at the smell of the blood. We watered +our animals, and filled our canteens. The night was still and the +least noise echoed and re-echoed through the river canyons, until +it made the place more than fearful for people in our situation. +We traveled until near midnight, when we turned out our animals, +tied the dog to the wagon tongue, to give us a guard, and then +lay down and slept until daylight. + +We never camped near watering places, nor near the trail. Our +reasons for camping away from water, and at least half a mile +from the trail, were to avoid the Indians. We never had a fire at +night. + +The next day we found a fat young mule, with all its harness on. +It had been frightened during the battle and broken way from the +command. It was fully forty miles from the battleground. I was in +need of fresh animals, for mine were nearly worn out. The finding +of this mule gave me renewed confidence in God, and strengthened +my belief that He was leading us. + +The next day we moved in the same direction. The heavy rains had +made the grass good. Buffalo were constantly in sight. We +followed our course three days, when we struck the trail at a +stream called Walnut Creek. + +Here we found an Indian encampment; the Indians were on a buffalo +hunt. We crossed the creek and camped, concluding to cook our +supper and let our animals eat and rest. It was no use trying to +escape from the Indians; they had seen us and could capture us if +they wished to do so. I felt that the best plan was to appear +easy and without fear. + +Soon after camping, a band of over fifty warriors surrounded us. +I offered to shake hands, but they refused. I offered them pins +and needles and some calico that I had purchased to trade with +the Spaniards. They took my proffered gifts and dashed them on +the ground. I began to feel that, although we had been delivered +from former dangers, our time had come. I remarked to Lieut. +Gully, who was a true and faithful man: + +"Pray in your heart to God, and ask Him to turn away the ire of +these people. They have been abused by white men and soldiers. +They think we are of that class, and only friendly because we are +in their power; if they knew who we are, and that we have been +sent to preach the gospel to them, and teach them its truths +through the Book of Mormon, they would die sooner than see us +hurt." + +An elderly Indian turned to a noble young buck. They talked some +time, and would occasionally point to me. Then they dismounted +and came nearer us. The old man raised his voice and talked in a +loud tone and rapid manner to his men for five or ten minutes. +The young buck then spoke to me in English, much to our surprise. +He said: + +"Young man, this is my father. He is Hard Robe, the war chief of +the Osage Indians. I have been educated in the East. We came here +with the intention of scalping you all. This tribe has been +abused by what my father calls the palefaces, though he wishes to +be friendly with them. When a small part of this nation comes in +contact with a larger force of palefaces, they are shot and +abused; but when the Indians have the advantage, the palefaces +want to be friends. We thought you were of that class, but now my +father is satisfied you are good men. I have read the Book of +Mormon to him and to our tribe. I got the book from a preacher +who was in the Cherokee Nation. My father wishes me to say to you +that you shall not be hurt. If you need dried buffalo meat you +can have all you want. Do not be afraid, we will not harm you, +but you must remain here until morning, otherwise you might fall +in with some of my father's braves, who, not knowing who you are, +would attack you. If you stay until morning I shall go with you +until you are out of danger." + +To this I replied that we must go on; that we had letters from +the Mormon Battalion to their friends at home, and must go at +once. The young man told the chief what I said. The chief replied +through the young warrior: + +"If you cannot stay, I will send word to the other chiefs not to +hurt you. They may not see you, as they are away from the trail, +but I will send runners to tell them to let you pass in peace." + +We thanked him, and I told him I was raised among the Delawares +and Cherokees; that when a child I used to play with them before +they were removed to this country, and was still their friend. + +The chief then asked if we wanted any dried meat. I told him no, +that I preferred fresh meat. I saw a buffalo near by, and asked +them to kill it, and bring me some of the meat. One of the +Indians rode for the buffalo at full speed of his pony. The well- +trained beast stopped when near the buffalo, and the Indian shot +it down; then he jumped from his saddle and cut out a piece of +the hump, and returned with it before we were ready to start. I +gave the Indians what trinkets we had and started on again. It +was now after sunset. + +Here was another manifestation of Almighty God. I felt so +grateful for our deliverance that I could not restrain my tears +of gratitude. I care not what people may call me. I know there is +a just God, and a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. I +know that my Redeemer liveth and I shall see Him for myself and +not for another. Though the day of my execution be now at hand - +four days only are given me to continue this story of my life - +my trust is in that Arm that cannot be broken. Though men may +err, and cruelly betray each other unto death, nevertheless the +hope of my calling in Christ Jesus, my Lord, is the same with me. +I shall rest in peace. However, I must not destroy the thread of +my narrative. I must continue, to the end that my story live when +I am no more. + +The next day two Indians came to us, but they could not talk +English, and we could not speak their tongue, so we had no +conversation. I am certain from the actions of the two Indians +that the old chief had kept his word with us and notified his +tribe to let us go in safety. + +On reaching the Pawnee Fork, a tributary of the Arkansas, we +found Capt. Bullard's train of thirty wagons. They lay by all day +searching for eight mules that had been stampeded by the Indians, +although picketed and closely guarded. The company could not find +a trace of them. + +The men were a rough, boisterous set, and, while our animals were +weary, I concluded that it was best to go further before camping. +It was raining, but that made traveling better, for the country +was sandy. + +We camped that night at Ash Creek. We now felt that we were over +the worst of our dangers, but we still had enough of trials +before us to keep the expedition from becoming a pleasure trip. + +Next morning our riding animals were unable to travel. They +refused to go on. I went to God in prayer and laid our case +before Him, and asked that He open up the path for our deliverance. +That night I dreamed that I was exceedingly hungry and had little +to eat, when several ears of large, solid corn were handed me by +an angel, who said: + +"This will meet your needs until you are where there is plenty." + +The ears of corn were of different colors; one ear was jet black, +but perfectly sound; one was red, and one was yellow. I was much +pleased with the corn and felt there was not much danger of +suffering now. The next morning our animals still looked bad; +only two of our riding animals could raise a trot. Lieut. Gully +said that unless God soon sent us some fresh animals we would +have to give up. + +"We will not give up," said I. "God has protected us thus far and +we will trust in Him - in the eleventh hour of our trouble He +will aid us. We will find help to-day." + +"I hope so," said he. "Have you been dreaming again?" + +Thereupon I related my dream about the corn, and said that I +thought the ears of corn meant mules. + +After prayer (we always kneeled in prayer, night and morning) we +started on our way. The mules could hardly travel. + +We had gone about six miles when we saw fresh tracks made by shod +animals, that appeared to be dragging long ropes and pins. The +tracks were following the trail and going in the same direction +that we were traveling. We had a long down grade before us. The +plain was dotted here and there with herds of buffalo. I halted +and with my spyglass took a careful survey of the country. My +efforts were rewarded by the sight of mules feeding among the +buffalo. + +We went on until we arrived as close to them as we could go +without leaving the trail. We called a halt, turned our mules +loose, then spread out the oilcloth that I used to feed the mules +on, and scattered a little of the grain we had left on the cloth. +The strange mules saw it, and came running to get a feed of +grain. We got hold of the ropes that were on the necks of four of +the mules and tied them together. + +There was a black mare mule that was quite shy, but I finally +caught the rope that was on her neck. The mule at that came at me +with her ears turned back and mouth open. She caught me by the +arm and bit me severely, then turned and ran away. Lieut. Gully +said: + +"Let her go, she will kill some of us." + +"No, we will not let her go," said I. + +Again I caught her, and she made for me again, but I caught the +rope near the end where it was fastened to an iron pin, and +struck her a blow with the pin, which knocked her down. I then +placed my knee on her neck, and caught her by the nose with my +hands. I held her in this way until a bridle was put on her, +after which we were able to manage her easily. I hitched this +wild mule to the wagon by the side of Friendship. We now had +fresh riding animals, and turned our jaded ones loose, and drove +them before us. + +At Kane Creek we lost the mule that I got from the soldiers in +Santa Fe. It drank more of the alkali water than was good for it; +we left it on the plains and went our way. We saw so many fresh +Indian signs that we knew we had no time to stay and doctor sick +mules. A few nights later I saw a large body of Indians among the +cedars on a mountain, not far off, but our lucky star was guiding +us, for soon we met three hundred soldiers, with whom we camped +that night. The force was so strong that the Indians did not +attack us. Next day we met soldiers frequently, and every few +hours thereafter we encountered troops until we reached Fort +Leavenworth. + +It was storming hard when we got to St. Joseph, Missouri. We put +up at a hotel, but before our animals were in a stable Eagan was +gone. I could not find him that night, albeit we searched for him +diligently. I was afraid he would be robbed; but he happened to +meet honest men, as drunkards will, who put him in bed, and kept +him and his money in safety until morning. After leaving St. +Joseph, where we had purchased a lot of supplies, we started for +winter quarters; we had to go through six feet of snow the whole +distance. + +We reached our friends. I had two hundred dollars, of which the +soldiers had made me a present. I took three of the mules we had +found on the way, and divided the others between my companions. +We reached winter quarters, now called Florence, on the 15th day +of December, 1846. The snow was deep, and my family, all living +in tents, were in a suffering condition. But I must report to +Brigham, then attend to my family. My family received me as they +always did, with open arms and thankful hearts. + + + +CHAPTER XVII - LEE IS TREATED BADLY BY THE BRETHREN + +With me I had brought home about all that my team could haul of +supplies, clothing, and groceries, which soon made my family +comfortable. I had met Brigham and shaken hands with him, but had +not made my report or delivered the money to him. The next +morning Brigham called to see me, and notified me that the +Council would meet at nine o'clock at Dr. Richards', and for me +to be there and make my report. He appeared ashamed of the manner +in which my family had been treated. + +"Brother Brigham, how does this compare with your promises to me, +when I trusted all to you?" I said. + +"Brother John," Brigham replied, "I am ashamed of the conduct of +this people. Do not blame me, Brother John, for I have done the +best I could." Then putting his hand on my shoulder, he said: +"Don't feel bad about it. You will live through, and the day will +come when we can look back and see what we have endured for the +Kingdom of Heaven's sake. Lord bless you, Brother John." + +Allow me to jump from 1847 to 1877, just thirty years. I have +remained faithful to the end. I was adopted by Brigham, and was +to seek his interests here, and in return he was to seek my +salvation; I, being an heir of his family, was to share his +blessings in common with his other heirs. True to my pledges, I +have done his bidding. I have let him direct my energies in all +things. And the time has come for me to receive my reward. An +offering must be made; I must hew the wood and build the altar; +then, as did Abraham of old with his son Isaac, I must be laid +upon the altar as a sacrifice. I must meet my fate without +murmuring or complaining; I must submit, true to the end. If I +endure firm to the end, I will receive the martyr's crown. + +After my return, my first duty was to build comfortable houses +for my family. Soon afterwards I was sent to St. Joseph to cash +the checks and purchase goods to supply the wants of the people. +I was directed to purchase a lot of salt and potatoes from a +Frenchman at Trading Point. I did so, and bought three hundred +dollars' worth on credit, and sent it back to the settlement. I +had to borrow the money from Mrs. Armstrong to pay the three +hundred dollars. But she was afterwards sealed to me, and it was +then all in the family. I never asked Brigham for it, and he +never offered to pay it. + +On that trip to St. Joseph I bought fifteen hundred dollars' +worth of goods, such as were needed at the settlement. I advanced +seven hundred dollars of my own money; the remainder was from the +money sent home by the Mormon Battalion. I took the goods back +and we opened a store at winter quarters. Brother Rockwood acted +as chief clerk and salesman. We sold the goods at a great +advance. What cost us seven cents in St. Joseph we sold at sixty- +five cents. Everything was sold at a similar profit. I kept the +stock up during the winter and did a good business. One drawback +was this: many of the families of the men who were in the Mormon +Battalion had no money, and we were obliged to let them have +goods on credit. I had to stand the loss myself, for few of the +men ever paid a dollar due me when they returned. + +Andrew Little was in the battalion, and at the request of Brigham +I let his family have two hundred and fifty-eight dollars' worth +of goods. Brigham said I should have my money when Little +returned, but I never got any of it. Little was also an adopted +son of Brigham, and did about as he pleased. James Pace, Thomas +Woolsey, and a few others of the soldiers paid me when they +returned for what I had advanced their families, but the majority +never paid. + +When I returned from Santa Fe I found David Young, his wife, and +two daughters lying sick and helpless - really in want. I took +care of them and supplied them with food and such articles as +they required until the death of the father, mother, and one son, +which took place in a short time - a few months after my return +home. I had baptized this family in Putnam County, Tennessee, and +felt an interest in them. The two girls were sealed to me while +we stayed at winter quarters, and became members of my family. +They are both living. By them I have had three sons and three +daughters. They were sealed to me in 1847. I was also sealed to +Nancy Armstrong the same evening that I took the Young girls to +wife. A few evenings afterwards I was sealed to Emeline Woolsey. +She was my thirteenth wife. + +Nancy Armstrong's maiden name was Gibbons. She was the wife of a +wealthy merchant by the name of Armstrong, who owned a large +establishment in Louisville, and another in Carlisle, Kentucky, +at which places he did business as wholesale and retail dealer in +dry goods. I became acquainted with the family at Carlisle, while +preaching there. + +The people of Carlisle were bitter enemies of the Mormon Church, +and a mob threatened to tar and feather me one night, when +Armstrong took me home with him and protected me. He was not a +believer in any religion, but I always considered him a high- +minded, honorable man. I afterwards often stopped at the house. + +His wife and sister Sarah were believers in the Mormon faith, but +as Mr. Armstrong was not, I advised his wife not to become a +member of the Church, and refused to baptize her until her +husband would consent to it. Elder Smoot afterwards baptized +Sarah Gibbons and Nancy Armstrong. + +Brother Smoot had taken his wife with him on the mission, and she +laid the plan to get Sarah to go to Nauvoo. A wagon was sent to +take Sarah Gibbons' goods to Nauvoo, and in it Mrs. Armstrong +sent her valuable clothing and jewelry, amounting to more than +two thousand dollars. She intended to join the Saints at the +first chance. + +Within a few months after Sarah had gone Mrs. Armstrong got the +consent of her husband to pay a visit to her sister and the +Church at Nauvoo; he fitted her up in fine style, sending two +serving maids to wait on her. + +Soon after she left home the friends of Armstrong advised him to +stop his slaves at St. Louis, if he wanted to keep them, for his +wife would never return to him. Armstrong stopped the slaves, and +his wife went on to Nauvoo, where she stayed until the Saints +left that place after the death of the Prophet. Elder Smoot had +planned to get Mrs. Armstrong to Nauvoo, so he could be sealed to +her and get her property. Sarah Gibbons was sealed to Elder +Smoot, but Mrs. Armstrong would not consent to take him as her +husband; but she lived in the family until she got disgusted with +Smoot's treatment of her sister. She loaned him nearly all her +money and he never paid it back; he wanted the rest, but she +refused to let him have it; he then declined to take her with him +across the plains. She told her griefs to my wife Rachel, and +Rachel brought about the marriage between her and myself. + +Mrs. Armstrong told Rachel that I was the first man on earth to +bring the gospel to her, and she had always had a great regard +for me, but I appeared to treat her coldly. Rachel told her that +I always spoke kindly of her, and the reason I had not been more +friendly was because I thought she wanted to become a member of +Brother Smoot's family; that she had heard me speak of her in +terms of praise many times. + +Finally she came to my house and I asked her, in the presence of +my wives, to become a member of my family. My wives advised me to +be sealed to her, and, as the matter was agreeable all round, I +was. Brigham sealed her and the Young girls to me. She was a +true, affectionate woman. My whole family respected her. She was +forty-eight years of age when she was sealed to me, and remained +a true wife until her death. + +In matters of this kind I tried to act from principle and not +from passion. Yet I do not pretend to say that all such acts wore +directed by principle, for I know they were not. I am not blind +to my own faults. I have been a proud man, and in my younger days +I thought I was perfection. In those days, too, I expected +perfection in all women. I know now that I was foolish in looking +for that in anybody. I have, for slight offenses, turned away +good-meaning young women who had been sealed to me; refused to +hear their excuses, and sent them away heartbroken. + +In this I did wrong. I have regretted the same in sorrow many +years. Two of the young women so used still keep warm hearts for +me, notwithstanding my conduct toward them. They were young and +in the prime of life when I sent them from me. They have since +married again, and are the mothers of families. They frequently +send letters to comfort me in my troubles and afflictions, but +their kind remembrances serve only to add to my self-reproach for +my cruel treatment of them in past years. I banished them from me +for lesser offenses than I myself had been guilty of. + +Should my story ever fall into the hands of Emeline Woolsey or +Polly Ann Workman, I wish them to know that, with my last breath, +I asked God to pardon me for the wrong I did them, when I drove +them from me - poor young girls as they were. + +Brigham built a gristmill during the winter, and ground meal for +the people, charging a toll for all that the mill ground. In the +spring I was ordered to go out and preach, and raise thirty-three +wagons with the mules and harness to draw them. I succeeded in +getting thirty of the teams. Brigham told me to go again, that he +had asked for thirty-three teams, not for thirty. I went again, +and preached so that I soon had the other teams. I then turned +the whole outfit over to Brigham, so he could send his pioneers +to look up a new home for the Saints. I offered to go with the +company, but Brigham said: + +"I cannot spare you; I can spare others better than you." + +Brigham directed me to take my family and a company and go and +raise corn for the people. He said: + +"I want you to take a company, with your family, and go up the +river and open up a farm, and raise grain and vegetables to feed +the needy and the soldiers' families. We cannot depend on hauling +our substance from Missouri, to feed the many that we have on our +hands. I want so much grain raised that all will be supplied next +winter, for we must feed our animals grain if we wish to cross +the plains next spring. There is an old military fort about +eighteen miles above here, where the land was once farmed, and +that land is in good condition for farming now. We will leave +Father Morley in charge of the various settlements. Brother Heber +C. Kimball will send some of his boys and make another farm this +side of there." Then turning to Father Morley, he said: "I want +John to take charge of the farming interests and the settlement +at my place, and you must counsel and advise with him from time +to time. I want you and all the brethren to understand that the +land nearest the settlement is to be divided between John and his +wives, for they are workers. The others are to go further for +their land." + +At this I said that such an arrangement would not give +satisfaction to the people; there were several of his adopted +sons already jealous of me, and I feared the consequences, and +preferred to have the land divided more equally. + +"Who is jealous of you?" he asked. + +Then I named several persons to him. In reply he said, naming a +man, that he would work all day under the shade of a tree. +Another could work all day in a half-bushel. Then he said: + +"Such men will do but little; let them go to some outside place +for their land. I want those who will work to have the best land. +Let each family have an acre near the settlement for a garden and +truck patch. And now, Father Morley, I want you to see that John +and his family have all the cleared land they can tend, for I +know they will raise a good crop, and when it is raised we can +all share with him. I want a company to follow Brother John, +about the 1st of May, when the grass is good, made up of men that +can fit themselves out comfortably. My brother, John Young, will +lead them, and Jedde Grant will be their captain." Then he turned +to me and said: "Brother John, I want you to fit my brother John +out. If he needs oxen, let him have them, and I will pay them +back; see that he gets a good outfit. When he leaves here Father +Morley will take charge of the Church. I want the brethren to do +as Brother John tells them; he carries a good in- fluence +wherever he goes; no evil reports follow him from his field of +labor; all respect him, and that is evidence to me that he +carries himself straight." + +Now, I settled up my business at the winter quarters. Brigham was +indebted to the firm two hundred and eighty-five dollars; he had +not the money to settle the account, and he was just starting to +look out a resting place for the Saints. His first adopted son, +Brother Rockwood, our salesman, could not spare a dollar, so the +loss of that money fell on me. I told Brigham he was welcome to +the two hundred and eighty-five dollars. Before he left for the +new land of promise he said to me: + +"My son John, what shall I do for you?" + +"Select me an inheritance when you find the resting-place," said +I. + +"I will remember you. May Heaven bless you. I bless you. Be a +good boy. Keep an account of how each man under your charge +occupies his time, while I am gone." + +Brigham then said I was to have half the improvements that were +made, and half the crop that was raised by the company I fitted +out with teams, seeds, and provisions. + +The pioneer company started April 1st, 1847. We moved to our new +location, and called it Summer Quarters. We threw up a fort to +protect us from the Indians, as they were troublesome. We then +laid out our land. I found that if I obeyed orders it would +require all the cleared land for my family, so I set off three +acres to each family - there were thirty-seven families - for +gardens, and took the balance. + +Although I had given each family three times as much land, for a +garden and truck patch, as Brigham ordered, the people found a +great deal of fault with me. Mrs. Armstrong had some money left, +and she told me to take it and send for supplies and seed corn. I +did take it, and sent four teams to Missouri for corn and +provisions, and then set all hands at work building the fort and +putting the land in order for the crop. + +About the beginning of May thirty-eight warriors of the Oto tribe +came to our camp. They were in full paint, and on the warpath. +They came in on the yell, and at full speed. It was just +daylight; I was laying the foundation of a house when they came +to me. I threw logs against them as if I did not see them, but +most of the brethren kept out of sight. + +The Indians began to build a fire in my garden, and one raised +his gun to shoot one of my oxen which the boys were driving up. +The majority of the Indians formed a half circle, holding their +bows fully strung, and commenced a war dance. We had been told +not to shoot Indians, but to take sticks and whale them when they +commenced any depredations. As the Indian took the leather casing +from his gun so that he could shoot, I rushed them with a heavy +club, with the intention of knocking down as many as I could. I +could speak their language some, and I told them I would kill +them all if they shot my ox. They saw that I meant what I said. +Then the two chiefs held out their hands, and yelled to the +warrior not to shoot. He lowered his gun and returned to the +crowd, but he was very angry. The other Indians seemed amazed, +and stood as if paralyzed. Old man Knight followed me with a +club, and stood by me all the time. Joseph Busby said: + +"Hold on, Brother Lee, they outnumber us." + +"For all that," said I, "there are not Indians enough in their +nation to make me stand by and see them shoot down my oxen before +my eyes." + +Busby then ran into the house to load my gun, but he was so +frightened he could not get the powder in it, and my wife Rachel +loaded it for him. I looked around to see how things were, and +saw seven of my wives standing with guns in their hands, ready to +shoot if I was attacked. I succeeded in driving the Indians from +the settlement. + +Some time after the Indians had gone away an old chief returned +and brought an ax that he said one of his bucks had stolen. I +gave him a little ammunition and bread, and he left me as a +friend. + +My firm stand saved the settlement at that time and secured it +from molestation in the future. The Indians never bothered us at +Summer Quarters again. In the fall they made us a friendly visit, +and called me a Sioux. + +Near our settlement there was an abundance of wild game - deer, +turkey, prairie chickens, ducks, geese, brant, and squirrels - +which gave us much of our food during our stay. We worked +diligently and raised a great crop of corn and vegetables. We +built comfortable houses, and made the floors and roofs of +basswood, which was plenty near by, and worked easily. + +In July the people were all sick. The fever and ague were fairly +a contagion. Other diseases were not uncommon. In August and +September seventeen of our people died. During these months we +had hardly a sufficient number of well people to attend to the +sick. The most of my family were very sick. My little son, Heber +John, the child of my first wife, Agathe Ann, died; also David +Young, Sr., the father of my two wives, Polly and Louisa; also +their brother, David Young, Jr. I lay at the point of death for +some time. I was in a trance nearly one hour and a half. + +While in this condition my wives Rachel and Nancy stood over me +like guardian angels, and prayed for me. My spirit left the body +and I was taken into another sphere, where I saw myriads of +people - many of whom I was acquainted with and had known on +earth. The atmosphere that they dwelt in was pure and hallowed. +Pain and sorrow were unknown. All was joy and peace. Each spirit +was blest with all the pleasure its ability enabled it to +comprehend and enjoy. They had full knowledge of earthly doings +and also of the sphere where they were so blest. The glory of God +shone upon them, the power of Heaven over-shadowed them all, and +was to them a shield from temptations and dangers. I was anxious +to remain, but the spirits told me I must return to the body and +remain in it until my appointed time for death - that my work on +earth was not yet finished. I obeyed, but did so with reluctance, +and once more entered the body, then apparently lifeless upon the +bed of sickness. + +After taking possession of the body again I lay some time in deep +thought, contemplating the majesty of God's works. I then spoke +to my faithful nurses, and told them of what I had done, heard, +and witnessed. I recovered from my sickness, but my life was for +some time a misery to me. I longed to join that angelic host I +had so lately visited in their mansions of glory and pleasure, +where I knew I was to go when I escaped from this body of earthly +material. + +This feeling of anxiety to go to my eternal rest was strengthened +by the bitter, malignant actions of men who acted like demons +toward me and mine. Every species of intrigue and meanness was +resorted to by several of the brethren to injure and torment me. +They were jealous of me and anxious to provoke me to violence. +Everything that envy and hatred could suggest was tried to break +up and scatter my family. Finally they reported to Father Morley +that nothing but a change of rulers in the settlement would bring +peace. + +Father Morley came, with several elders, and called a meeting, at +which he heard all the parties state their grievances against me. +He then told them they had brought nothing against me that +reflected upon me as presiding officer; that I had acted well and +for the best interest of the entire people; that all the trouble +arose from the wrong acts of the people. + +One of the brethren, C. Kennedy, proposed a change. He wanted a +High Priest to preside instead of a Seventy. I was tired of my +position and consented to the change. A man by the name of Fuller +was selected by Kennedy to rule over the people. Father Morley +put the question to a vote of the people, and said that all who +wished a change of rulers should hold up their hands. Only two +hands were raised. Then he said that all who wished me to remain +in charge should raise their hands, when every person present but +two voted that I should still be the ruler at Summer Quarters. + +Father Morley called upon the two brethren who had voted for a +change to get up and tell what they had against me. They could +give no good reason for wanting a change. They said they had +never lived by a better neighbor or kinder man than I was, but +that I was too kind. I let the people run over me; and they voted +for a change believing it would tend to unite the people and +satisfy those who had been raising a fuss and finding fault. + +Father Morley told them it was wrong to vote against a good man +for such reasons. He talked to the people on the principles of +their religion for some time, and advised them to forsake their +evil ways, for they were going in a road that led to hell. This +ended my troubles for a time, but I soon found that my enemies +had only let go their hold to spit on their hands and get a +better one. + +They asked to be allowed to organize a Danite force for the +protection of the settlement. This was to be entirely apart from +me. I granted their request. It was next decided to build an +estray pound. A meeting was called and it was agreed that each +man should build fence in proportion to the amount of stock he +owned, and that the public corral should be used for the estray +pound. But no stock was to be put into the pound until all the +fencing was done and the gates set up. I at once completed my +fencing, but the grumblers had no time to work; they were too +busy finding fault. The whole thing was a subterfuge, and was +meant to bother me. There was no need of a pound, as our cattle +were herded in daytime and corralled at night. But I submitted, +for I knew I could live by their laws as well as they. + +One evening, as my cattle were being driven up for the night, one +of the oxen broke through a brush fence and got into a patch of +corn. The herdsman ran him out in a moment. Instead of holding +the herder responsible for the damage, or coming to me to make a +complaint and demand pay for the wrong, they took my ox out of +the corral, and, contrary to the vote of the people, tied him up +in Wm. Pace's private corral. I was the only man who had made his +fence, as ordered by the meeting. I did not know that they had my +ox tied up (for work had not been done to justify putting any +stock in the pound). + +Next morning I sent one of my boys to yoke up my oxen; he +returned and informed me that one of my oxen was missing. I soon +found the ox, and demanded its release. I was told I must pay +twenty dollars before I could have the ox, and pay it in money. I +saw this was done to worry me, and sent word that I would pay in +any kind of property I had. + +They refused everything but money or butter. I had neither to +spare, and they well knew it. I was still weak from my recent +sickness, but I walked over and had a talk with Wm. Pace and +tried to reason with him, but to no purpose. I told him he ought +to take pay for damage done by stock in the kind of property that +the stock had injured, but no, I must pay money or butter, or +lose my ox. I reflected a moment and concluded that forbearance +had ceased to be a virtue; that unless I defended my rights I +would soon be without anything worth protecting. I then walked +into the yard, untied the ox, and told my boy to drive him home. +Pace stood by the gate with a large cane, but made no resistance; +in fact, he was not a bad man, but was being misled by evil +company. + +Kennedy, Busby, Dunn, and others were a little way off. They saw +me, and came running up. Kennedy was the bully of the camp, and +the leader of those against me. He came up and said: + +"If I had been here you would not have turned that ox out. I +would have switched you if you had tried it." + +"Kennedy," I said, "I have lost property enough without your +oppressing me any more." + +He shoved his fist under my nose. I parried his blow, and told +him that he would do well to keep at a proper distance from me. +He again made a pass at me. I then threw down my hat and said: + +"If you attempt that again you must take what follows." + +He came at me the third time, and as he did so I aimed to spoil +his face, but he dropped his head as I struck; the blow took +effect on his eyebrow, and badly sprained my thumb. We were on a +little knoll, full of stumps of small trees that had been cut +down. Kennedy caught hold of me and commenced shoving me back. + +I knew that my strength would not last long. I did not wish to +risk having a tussle among the stumps, so I backed towards the +cleared ground. I fastened my left hand in his long black hair to +steady myself, and as I reached the flat ground I suddenly leaped +back, breaking his hold by tearing my shirt. I then jerked him +forward at an angle of forty-five degrees, and planted my fist in +his face; stepping back, and drawing him after me, I kept feeding +him in the face with my fist, the blood spurting over me. + +The crowd saw their bully getting the worst of it, and ran in to +help him. Brother Teeples caught me around the arms, to prevent +me striking any more. My Rachel, who was standing by, called to +her brother, James Woolsey, and he came and took hold of Kennedy +and separated us. I was sorry that this fight took place, for I +had severely punished the bully, and his face was badly bruised. + +This suited the people; I had shown violence, and now they could +lay a charge against me that they thought would stand. I was +cited to appear before the High Council, and be dealt with +according to the rules of the Church, for a breach of the peace +and for unchristian conduct. + +The whole people were not against me, only a few; but there were +enough of them to keep up a constant broil. They began consecrating +my property to their own use; killed my cattle, and ate them, and +stole everything that was loose. They stole wheat from my +graneries, had it ground, and ate it, and bragged about it. + +Kennedy, by the evil influences he commanded, induced my young +wife, Emeline, to leave me and go to his house, and she went with +his family to the winter quarters. That was the reason that I +turned her away and refused to take her back. She repented, and +wished to come back, but I would not receive her. + +Similar influences were brought to bear on all of my family, but +without success. Such treatment was not calculated to bind me to +such a people, whose only aim appeared to be to deprive me of +every comfort and enjoyment that made life endurable. I was in +great trouble; in place of friends I had found enemies. There was +a struggle in my mind to decide what I should do. I looked upon +those of my family that remained true and shared my persecutions, +and knew that if I left the Church I could not keep or live with +them; that if I left I must part with all but my first wife and +her children, and to do so was worse than death. I did not know +what to do. I finally appeared before the High Council to meet my +accusers, who had formed a combination to destroy me. I had few +friends to defend me, and they were in a measure powerless. They +dared not speak their mind in my behalf. + +Father Morley was true to the last, although he was becoming +unpopular on account of having so long supported me. Lieut. Gully +was another true friend of mine; he said he would never turn +against me until I had done something wrong, even if Brigham +should desire him to do so. This lost him his influence in the +Council. + +The most willful and damnable lies were brought up against me. +Many things which had been said and done in moments of amusement +and jocularity were remembered, as though I had said and done +those things for wicked purposes. Everything that could be +discovered or invented to injure me was laid to my charge. All +who were against me had a full chance to talk. + +Brother Johnson, who was there, but not as a member of the +Council, was called upon to fill a vacancy occasioned by the +absence of some member. He made a speech to the Council, and +showed where I had acted well; he then voted for my acquittal. +Brother Cummings, who had been a member of the Council when I was +first tried in the summer, and who then took my part, now thought +he would make himself popular with the people, so he volunteered +his evidence and bore false witness against me. This man's action +was wrong and uncharitable. I had been more than a brother to him +in the past; I had supplied his family with food when they would +have suffered but for the help I gave them. + +The result of the trial was that I was ordered to confess I had +been in fault; that I was alone to blame, and must ask the people +to forgive me. If I refused I was to be cut off from the Church. + +To a man in my situation it was equivalent to death to be cut off +from the Church; my wives would be taken from me, my property +consecrated to the Church, and I turned adrift, broken and +disgraced, and liable to suffer death at the hand of any brother +Danite who wished to take my life to save my soul. I replied that +in justice to myself I could not make such confession, but, if +nothing else would do, I would say as the Council commended me to +say - that is, I would make the confession. I was told that this +would not do; that no whipping of the devil around a stump would +do them; my confession must be full and unconditional. + +What the result would have been I cannot say, for just then a +messenger returned, saying that Brigham was near at hand, on his +return with the pioneers who had gone out with him to look for a +resting place for the Saints. This stopped proceedings. + +The majority of the people rushed forth to meet Brigham. I +returned home, conscious of my innocence and willing that the +people should have the first show to talk to Brigham and give him +their side of the case. I did this so that I might see how much +he could be stuffed. + +The people told their story and misrepresented me in every way; +they told Brigham how I had divided the land, and said that I and +Father Morley both declared that he had ordered me and my family +to take the cleared land. + +Brigham sided against me. + +After that there was nothing left undone by many of the people to +irritate or injure me or my family. + +My property was stolen, my fences broken down, and everything +that vile men could imagine or work up by studying deviltry was +done to make life a burden to me. I had raised over seven +thousand bushels of corn, and everyone had a good crop. I had a +large lot filled up in the husk, and I let my cattle run to it so +as to keep them fat during the winter, that I might drive them +over the plains in the spring. My enemies took advantage of my +position, and drove my cattle from my own corn pile and put them +into the estray pound. I offered to put all the corn I had into +their hands as security, until I could have a meeting called to +examine into the charge. I wanted my cows at home, for we needed +the milk. I had a large family, and many little children that +would suffer without milk. Half the men in the settlement offered +to go my security, but to no purpose. I sent Lieut. Gully to +Brigham with a statement of the case, but he paid no attention to +it. Gully was well acquainted with Brigham, and a fine man too. +He insisted on giving Brigham the story in full, and demanded +that he should go in person and see to the matter. But Brigham +was immovable. + +Things stood this way until Emeline, one of Brigham's wives, took +the matter to heart, and begged him to look into the affair. She +asked him to bring her to my house, to visit her sister Louisa, +then one of my wives. He came, but said little of the trouble, +and soon left. + +Two days afterwards I wrote Brigham a kind letter, and invited +him to come to my house and eat a turkey dinner with me. I sent +this by Brother Stewart. He met Brigham on his way to my house +and gave him my letter. I did not expect he would come to see me, +but he was there. He treated me most kindly. When supper time +came he said to one of my wives: + +"Sister, I have come for a bowl of good milk, but skim the cream +off." + +"We have no milk," she replied. + +"How is that?" said he. "I thought Brother John always had milk." +I then told him that the Danites had my cows in the pound. + +"What on earth are they doing with your cows?" he asked. + +Then I told him the whole story in a few words. He scarcely +waited to hear me, but called to his carriage driver, Grant, and +said: + +"Come, George, I will go and see about this matter." + +He soon returned, saying: + +"Your cows will presently be here." + +Brigham then asked me where my turkey was. I told him Kennedy had +robbed me of all my turkeys, but perhaps I could borrow one from +him. I then sent Brother Gully to ask Kennedy to loan me a couple +of fat turkey's; that I had Brigham at my house and wanted them +for his supper. He sent word that Brigham was welcome to all the +turkeys he wanted, at his house. I then told Brigham I would go +hunting and get him a nice one for dinner the next day. I went +out that night with Gully and hunted some time, but the snow was +a foot deep or more, and a crust had frozen, so that it was +difficult hunting. At last we found a large flock of turkeys at +roost in the tall Cottonwood timber. I shot two by starlight; one +fell in the river, and we lost it, but the other fell dead at the +roots of the tree. This was a large and fat turkey. I considered +that it would do, and we returned home with it. We had been gone +only a little over an hour. + +Brigham stayed at my house. We sat by the fire and talked until +midnight. I unbosomed myself to him. I told him of my ill +treatment, and asked if I had failed in any respect to perform +the duties of the mission he gave me before starting with the +pioneers across the plains. I told him of the great crop we had +raised; that we had it in abundance to feed the poor and for +every purpose; so much, in fact, that there was no sale for it. +He said: + +"You have done well, and you shall be blessed for it." + +To this I replied that I hoped my blessings would be different +from those I had been receiving. He replied: + +"Jesus has said, In this world you shall have tribulation, but in +Me you shall have peace - that is, if you bear these things +patiently, without murmuring." + + + +CHAPTER XVIII - THE DANITE AND HIS DUTY + +While my mind is running in that direction let me tell of certain +of the doings of the Danites. These stories I relate will +illustrate the purpose and uses of the Danite in the work of the +Mormon Church, and show how the sword of Gideon was wielded in +cases smaller than the affair at Mountain Meadows, still to be +written down. What follows are instances of thousands of like +kind. + +In the fall of 1859 two young men on their way to California +stopped at the Santa Clara fort to recruit their jaded animals. +Expecting that while doing so they might be so fortunate as to +meet with a train of people going to the same place, and have +company to San Bernardino, the young men stayed at the fort over +two months. Hamblin, one of the Danites, assured them that they +could go alone through the country with perfect safety. At the +same time he had his plans laid to take their lives as soon as +they started. This was by direction of the Mormon leaders. The +Indians around the fort wanted to kill the men at once, but +Hamblin objected, and told the Indians to wait until the men got +out in the desert. + +At last these young men started from the fort. Hamblin told the +Indians that the right time had come, and wanted the Indians to +ambush themselves at a point agreed on near the desert, where the +men could be safely killed. The Indians obeyed Hamblin's orders, +and as the men approached the place of ambush fired upon them, +killing one of the men. The other returned the fire, and shot one +of Hamblin's pet Indians through the hand; this Indian's name was +Queets, which means left-handed. By wounding this Indian he +managed to escape, with the loss of the pack animals, provisions, +and the riding animal of his partner, who lay dead upon the +desert. The survivor stayed with Mr. Judd for a few days, when a +company of emigrants came that way, and, departing with them, he +succeeded in making his escape from the death that Hamblin still +planned for him. + +One day, this was in 1857, an emigrant train was passing through +the Mormon settlements. Hamblin, the Danite at Santa Clara, made +arrangements with Nephi Johnson, who was to act as their guide, +how and where to relieve this company of the large herd of stock +that belonged to the train. They had a number of horses and +cattle, more than five hundred head in all. Several Indian +interpreters were sent ahead of the train. One of these was Ira +Hatch, a Danite. They were ordered by Hamblin to prepare the +Indians for a raid upon the stock. + +About 10 o'clock, a. m., just after the train had crossed the +Muddy, and was a few miles beyond it on the desert, at the time +and place settled on by Hamblin, over one hundred Indians made a +dash on the train and drove off all the stock to the Muddy. + +The emigrants fired at the Indians, but Nephi Johnson their +guide, rushed out and told them that if they valued their own +lives they must not fire again, for if they did he could not +protect them from the cruelty of the savages - that the Indians +would return and massacre them. + +The acting of Johnson and the other Danites who were with him was +so good that after a consultation the emigrants decided to follow +his advice. The conclusion was that, as Johnson was friendly with +the Indians, and could talk their language, he should go and see +the Indians and try and get the stock back. + +The emigrants waited in the desert, and Johnson went to the +Indians, or pretended to do so. After a few hours he returned, +and reported that the Indians were hostile, and threatened to +attack the train at once; that he was afraid he could not prevent +it, and the only chance for the emigrants lay in their instant +departure; that while the emigrants were gaining a place of +safety he would, at the risk of his life, make an effort to keep +the Indians back and pacify them. Also that he would report to +Hamblin as soon as possible, and raise a force of men at the fort +and get back the stock, if it could be done, and write to the +company, giving an account of his success. They were to get his +letter at San Bernardino, and if he recovered the stock the +emigrants could send back a party to receive it and drive it to +California. + +Under the circumstances the company adopted his plan, and he left +them on the desert, with all their stock gone; but the danger was +over, for the stock was what Hamblin and Johnson had been working +for. + +Johnson returned and ordered the Indians to drive the stock to +the Clara. The Indians acted like good Mormons, and obeyed +orders. Hamblin gave them a few head of cattle for their services +in aiding him to capture the drove. The remainder of the cattle +and horses Hamblin took charge of for the benefit of the Mission. +As the cattle became fat enough for beef, they were sold or +butchered for the use of the settlers. Some were traded to nearby +settlements for sheep and other articles. + +In the winter of 1857-8 John Weston, a Danite, took an Irishman +who had been stopping with him as his guest on a hunt, and when +he got him to the brush and timber four miles west of Cedar City +he cut his throat and left the body unburied. He had received +orders to kill the man, because Brother Haight considered him a +spy. + +Near the same time Philip Klingensmith, a Danite, laid in ambush +to kill Robert Keyes (now a resident of Beaver City, Utah +Territory), while Keyes was irrigating his field. Klingensmith +decided to kill Keyes because Keyes refused to give testimony +when requested to do so by Klingensmith, who was then a bishop of +the Church. When Keyes came within a few feet of his hiding place +Klingensmith raised his gun and took aim at Keyes' heart; but the +cap burst without exploding the powder, and Keyes escaped. + +After the Mountain Meadows massacre Haight reported that I was +the big captain who had planned, led, and executed it; that the +honor of such a deed for avenging of the blood of the Prophets +would lead to honor, immortality, and eternal life in the Kingdom +of God. In this way it became a settled fact that I was the +leader in that affair. Year by year the story has gained ground +and strength, until I am now held responsible, and am to die, to +save the Church. + +As I have stated in other places in my writings, the people in +Utah who professed the Mormon religion were at and for some time +before the Mountain Meadows massacre full of wildfire and zeal, +anxious to do something to build up the Kingdom of God on earth +and waste the enemies of the Mormon religion. At that time it was +a common thing for small bands of people on their way from +California to pass through Cedar City. Many of these people were +killed. When a Gentile came into a town he was looked upon with +suspicion, and most of the people considered every stranger a spy +from the United States army. The killing of Gentiles was a means +of grace and a virtuous deed. I remember an affair that took +place at the old distillery in Cedar City, just before the +massacre. + +Three men came to Cedar City one evening; they were poor, and +much worn by their long journey. They were on their way to +California. The authorities believed they were dangerous men; +that they were spies from Johnston's army; and ordered the +Danites to devise a plan to put them out of the way decently and +in order. + +That the will of God might be done, these men were coaxed to go +to the old distillery and take a drink. They went in company with +Danites John M. Higbee, John Weston, James Haslem, and Wm. C. +Stewart, and another man, whose name I have forgotten. The party +drank considerable, and when the emigrants got under the +influence of the whisky the brethren attacked them and knocked +the brains out of two with the kingbolt of a wagon. The third man +was powerful and muscular; he fought valiantly for his life, but +after a struggle he was overcome and killed. They were buried +near Cedar City. + +Some time in the fall of 1857, not long after the Mountain +Meadows massacre, it was decided by the authorities at Salt Lake +City that Lieut. Tobin must be killed. Tobin had left a train in +Salt Lake, joined the Church there, and afterwards married a +daughter of Brother Charles C. Rich, one of the twelve apostles. +Tobin was a smart man, and soon after his marriage he was sent to +England on a mission. + +While preaching in England, it was reported that he had committed +adultery, and he was ordered home. On his arrival in Salt Lake he +was cut off from the Church, and his wife taken from him by order +of Brigham. He made several efforts to get out of the Territory. + +Finally he joined a company and left Salt Lake, intending to go +to California. After he had been gone a few days the Destroying +Angels were put on his trail, with orders to kill him before they +returned. + +Two desperate Danites were selected, who knew nothing but to obey +orders: Joel White and John Willis were the Danites. They started +on the trail, determined to kill Tobin when they found him. + +White and Willis overtook the company that Tobin was traveling +with at a point near the crossing of the Magottsey. They found +where he was sleeping, and, going to him as he lay on the ground +rolled up in his blanket, they shot him several times. Although +thinking him dead, they concluded to shoot him once more to make +certain that he would not escape, so they put a pistol against +his eye and fired; the ball put out his eye, but did not kill +him. The Angels made their escape and returned to Salt Lake City, +and reported that their orders were obeyed. Severely wounded as +he was, Tobin recovered, and was, when I last heard from him, in +the Union army. + +At Parowan, in 1855 or 1856, there was a man by the name of +Robert Gillespie. He was a member of the Church, had one wife, +and owned a fine property. Gillespie wanted to be sealed to his +sister-in-law, but for some reason his request was denied. He had +known of others obtaining wives by committing adultery and then +being sealed to avoid scandal. So he tried it, and went to +Apostle Smith, and again asked to be sealed to the woman. But +Brother Smith refused to seal him or let him be sealed, giving as +his reason for refusing, that Gillespie had exercised the rights +of sealing without first obtaining orders to do so. A warrant was +issued and Gillespie was arrested and placed under guard; he was +also sued in the Probate Court, before James Lewis, Probate +Judge, and a heavy judgment rendered against him, and all of his +property was sold to pay the fine and costs. The money was put +into the Church fund and Gillespie was broken up. + +The fate of old man Braffett, of Parowan, was a peculiar one, +and, as it afterwards led me into trouble, I will give the story +briefly. Old man Braffett lived at Parowan, and in the fall of +1855 a man by the name of Woodward came to Braffett's house and +stopped to recruit his teams before crossing the deserts. +Woodward had two wives. He had lived in Nauvoo, and while there +had been architect for the Nauvoo House. While Woodward and his +family were stopping with Braffett, one of his wives concluded +that she would be damned if she went to live in California, - +leaving the land of the Saints, - and she asked to be divorced +from Woodward and sealed to Braffett. + +At first Braffett refused to take her, but she was a likely +woman. She made love to the old man in earnest. Mrs. Braffett +made a fuss about it. The authorities were informed of Braffett's +transgressions, and he was arrested and taken before the Probate +Judge and tried for the sin. He made a bill of sale of some of +his property to me, for which I paid him before his trial. + +After hearing the case, the Probate Judge fined him one thousand +dollars, and ordered him to be imprisoned until fine and costs +were paid. Ezra Curtis, the then marshal at Parowan, took all of +Braffett's property that could be found and sold it for the +purpose of paying the fine; but the large amount of property +which was taken was sold for a small sum, for the brethren will +not bid much for property taken from one who has broken his +covenants. + +Being unable to pay the fine, the old man was ordered to be taken +to Salt Lake City, to be imprisoned in the prison there. I was +selected to take him to Salt Lake. I took the old man there, and, +after many days spent in working with Brigham, I succeeded in +securing a pardon for him. + +Braffett was put to work at Salt Lake by Brigham. He dared not +return home at that time. His property was gone, and he was +ruined. The part I took to befriend the old man made several of +the brethren at Parowan angry with me, and they swore they would +have revenge against me for interfering where I was not +interested. + +After Braffett's pardon I stayed in Salt Lake some time, and when +I started home there were quite a number of people along. All the +teams were heavily loaded; the roads were bad, and our teams +weak. We all had to walk much of the time. After we had passed +the Severe River the road was very bad. My team was the best in +the whole company, and I frequently let some of the women who +were in the party ride in my wagon. + +One evening, just about dark, I was asked by a young woman named +Alexander to let her ride, as she was very tired walking. I had +her get into the wagon with my wife Rachel, and she rode there +until we camped for the night. I got into the wagon after dark +and drove the team. We had ridden in this way an hour or so, when +Rachel said she was going to ride a while in the next wagon, +which was driven by son-in-law Dalton. + +Soon after Rachel got out of the wagon a couple of my enemies +rode by. I spoke to them, and they rode on. As soon as these men +reached the camp they reported that I had been taking privileges +with Sister Alexander. I was told to consider myself under +arrest, and that when we reached Parowan I would be tried by the +Council for violating my covenants. I was surprised and grieved +at the charge, for I was innocent, and the young woman was a +virtuous woman. As God is soon to judge me, I declare that I +never knew of her committing any sin. + +When we reached Parowan there was a meeting called by the +Priesthood to try me. This Council was composed of the President +of that Stake of Zion and his two Counselors, the High Council, +and the leading men of Parowan. It was a general meeting of the +authorities, Church and civil. + +The meeting was held in a chamber that was used for a prayer +circle. It was called a circle room, because the people met there +to hold prayer in a circle, which was done in this way: All the +brethren would kneel in a circle around the room, near enough to +each other for their arms to touch, so that the influence would +be more powerful. + +When the meeting was called to order, all the lights were put +out; and I was taken into the darkened room and placed on trial. +I could not see my hand before my face. The charge was stated to +me and I was ordered to confess my guilt. I told them I was +innocent; that I had committed no crime - in fact, had not +thought of wrong. I told the truth, just as it was. I was then +ordered to stand one side. + +The young woman was then brought into the room, and as she came +in a pistol was placed to my head and I was told to keep silent. +She was questioned and threatened at length, but not all the +threats they could use would induce her to tell a falsehood. She +insisted that I was entirely innocent. + +Next her father, an old man, was introduced and questioned. He +told the Council that he had diligently inquired into the matter, +and believed I was innocent. Neither the young woman nor her +father knew who was in the room. All they knew was that they were +being examined before the secret tribunal of Utah, and that a +false oath in that place would insure their death. + +When the evidence had been received, and the witnesses retired, +the candles were again lighted. Then speeches were made by most +of the men present, and every one but two spoke in favor of my +conviction. Without taking a vote, the meeting adjourned, or +rather left that place and went somewhere else to consult. I was +left in the dark, the house locked and guards placed around the +building. I was told that my fate would soon be decided, and I +would then be informed. I knew so well the manner of dealing in +such cases that I expected to be killed in the dark, but for some +reason it was not done. + +Next morning some food was brought to me, but I was still kept a +prisoner and refused the liberty of consulting with friends or +any of my family. Late that day I looked out of the window of the +chamber where I was confined, and saw a man by the name of John +Steel. He was first Counselor to the President of that Stake of +Zion. I called to him and asked him to secure my freedom. After +stating the case to him, he promised to see what could be done +for me, and went away. + +Through his exertions I was released. I was told to go home and +hold myself subject to orders - that my case was not yet decided. +I went home, but for months I expected death every day; for it is +the usual course of the authorities to send an Angel after men +who are charged with or suspected of having violated their +covenants. + +Nothing further was done about the case, but it was held over me +as a means of forcing me to live in accordance with the wishes of +the Priesthood and to prevent me from again interfering with the +Church authorities when they saw fit to destroy a man, as they +destroyed old man Braffett; and it did have the effect of making +me more careful. + +In 1854 (I think that was the year) there was a young man, a +Gentile, working in Parowan. He was quiet and orderly, but was +courting some of the girls. He was notified to quit, and let the +girls alone, but he still kept going to see them. This was +contrary to orders. No Gentile is allowed to keep company with or +visit any Mormon girl or woman. + +The authorities decided to have the young man killed, so they +called two of Bishop Dames' Destroying Angels, Barney Carter and +old man Gould, and told them to take that young Gentile "over the +rim of the basin." That was a term used by the Danites when they +killed a person. The Destroying Angels made some excuse to induce +the young man to go with them on an excursion, and when they got +close to Shirts' mill, near Harmony, they killed him and left his +body in the brush. + +The Indians found the body, and reported the facts to me soon +afterwards. I was not at home that night, but Carter and Gould +went to my house and stayed there all night. Rachel asked them +where they had been. They told her they had been on a mission to +take a young man, a Gentile, over the rim of the basin, and +Carter showed her his sword, which was bloody, and said he used +it to help the Gentile over the edge. Rachel knew what they meant +when they spoke of sending him "over the rim of the basin." It +was at that time a common thing to see Danites going out of Cedar +City and Harmony, with suspected Gentiles, to send them "over the +rim of the basin," and the Gentiles were always sent. + +This practice was supported by the people, and everything of that +kind was done by orders from the Council, or by orders from some +of the Priesthood. When a Danite or a Destroying Angel was placed +on a man's track, that man died, certain, unless some providential +act saved him, as in Tobin's case. + +The Mormons believe in blood atonement. It is taught by the +leaders, and believed by the people, that the Priesthood are +inspired and cannot give a wrong order. It is the belief of all +that I ever heard talk of these things - and I have been with the +Church since the dark days in Jackson County - that the authority +that orders is the only responsible party and the Danite who does +the killing only an instrument, and commits no wrong. In other +words, if Brigham or any of his apostles, or any of the +Priesthood, gives an order to a Danite, the act is the act of the +one giving the order, and the Danite doing the act only an +instrument of the person commanding - just as much an instrument +as the knife used to cut the throat of the victim. This being the +belief of all good Mormons, it is easily understood why the +orders of the Priesthood are so blindly obeyed by the people. + +In 1857 there was an emigrant, a Gentile, who worked a number of +months for Captain Jacob Huffine, at Parowan. This man wanted his +pay; it was not convenient to pay him; he insisted on being paid, +but not getting his wages, determined to leave. He started for +the settlement at Summit, about seven miles from Parowan. The +Indians were sent for and ordered to overtake and kill the man. +They did so, and shot him full of arrows. The man called to the +Indians and told them he was a Mormon and that they must not kill +him. The Indians replied by saying: + +"We know you; you are no Mormon, you are a Mericat." + +They beat his head with rocks, and cut his throat, and then went +back to Parowan and reported what they had done. + +Brother Lancy had formed the acquaintance of the family of Aden +while on a mission to Tennessee, and was saved by Mr. Aden from a +mob that threatened his death because he was a Mormon preacher. +When Fancher's train reached Parowan, Brother Laney met young +Aden and recognized him as the son of the man who had saved his +life. Aden told him he was hungry, and that he and his comrades +had been unable to purchase supplies from the Mormons ever since +they left Salt Lake City. + +Brother Laney took young Aden to his house, gave him his supper, +and let him sleep there that night. The next day Laney was +accused by leading men of being unfaithful to his obligations. +They said he had supported the enemies of the Church and given +aid and comfort to one whose hands were still red with the blood +of the Prophet. A few nights after that the Destroying Angels, +doing the bidding of Bishop Dame, were ordered to kill Brother +Laney to save him from his sins, he having violated his endowment +oath and furnished food to a man who had been declared an outlaw +by the Mormon Church. + +The Angels were commanded by Barney Carter, a son-in-law of +Bishop Dame. The Angels called Laney out of the house, saying +that Bishop Dame wished to see him. As Laney passed through the +gate into the street he was struck across the back of the head +with a club by Barney Carter. His skull was fractured and for +many months Laney lay at the point of death, and his mind still +shows the effect of the injury he then received, for his brain +has never quite settled since. I have frequently talked with +Laney. He is still strong in the Mormon faith, and believes that +Dame had the right to have him killed. Punishment by death is the +penalty for refusing to obey the orders of the Priesthood. About +this time the Church was in the throes of a "reformation." + +One of the objects of the reformation was to place the Priesthood +in possession of every secret act and crime that had been +committed by a member of the Church. These secrets were obtained +in this way: a meeting would be called; some Church leader would +make a speech, defining the duties that the people owed the +Priesthood, and instructing the people why it was necessary that +the Priesthood should control the acts of the people; it was +preached that to keep back any fact from the knowledge of the +Priesthood was an unpardonable sin. + +After one or more such discourses the people were called upon by +name, commanded to rise from their seats, and standing in the +midst of the congregation publicly confess their sins. If the +confession was not full and complete, it was made the duty of the +members of the Church, or any one of them who knew that the party +confessing had committed a crime which he or he had not divulged, +to then make public the same. + +Unless the party then confessed, a charge was preferred against +him or her for a violation of covenants, and either full +confession and repentance immediately followed, or the sinful +member was slain for the remission of sins - it being taught by +the leaders, and believed by the people, that the right thing to +do when a sinner did not repent and obey the Council, was to take +the life of the offending party and thus save his or her +everlasting soul. This was called Blood Atonement. The members +who fully confessed their sins were again admitted into the +Church and rebaptized, taking new covenants to obey any and all +orders of the Priesthood and refuse all manner of assistance, +friendship, or communication with those who failed of strict +obedience to the authorities of the Church. The most deadly sin +among the people was adultery, and many men were killed by the +Danites for that crime. + +Brother Rosmos Anderson was a Danish man who had come to Utah +with his family to receive the benefits arising from an +association with the Latter-day Saints. He had married a widow +lady somewhat older than himself; and she had a daughter who was +fully grown. The girl was anxious to be sealed to her stepfather. +Anderson was equally anxious to take her for a second wife, but +Bishop Klingensmith had set his eye on her, and desired her for +himself. + +At one of the meetings Anderson and his stepdaughter confessed +they had committed adultery, believing that if they did so that +Brigham would allow them to marry when he learned the facts. +Their confession being full, they were rebaptized and received +into full membership. They were then placed under covenant that +if they again committed adultery Anderson should suffer death. + +Soon after this a charge was laid against Anderson before the +Council, accusing him of adultery with his stepdaughter. This +Council was composed of Bishop Klingensmith and his two counselors; +it was the Bishop's Council. The Council voted that Anderson must +die for violating his covenants. Bishop Klingensmith went to +Anderson and told him the judgment was that he must die by having +his throat cut, so that the running of his blood would atone for +his sins. + +Anderson, being a firm believer in the doctrine of Blood +Atonement and the teachings of the Mormon Church, made no +protest, but asked half a day to prepare for death. His request +was granted. His wife was ordered to prepare a suit of clean +clothing, in which to have her husband buried, and informed that +he was to be killed for his sins, she being directed to tell +those who inquired after her husband that he had gone to +California. + +Bishop Klingensmith and Danite James Haslem dug a grave in a +field near Cedar City, and that night, about twelve o'clock, went +to Anderson's house and told him to make ready to obey the +Council. Anderson got up, dressed himself, bid his family good- +by, and without remonstrance accompanied those he believed were +carrying out the will of Almighty God. They went to the place +where the grave was prepared, Anderson kneeling by the side of +the grave and praying. Bishop Klingensmith then cut Anderson's +throat and held him so that his blood ran into the grave. + +As soon as he was dead they dressed him in his clean clothes, +threw him into the grave and buried him. They then carried his +bloody clothing back to his family, and gave them to his wife to +wash, when she was again instructed to say that her husband was +in California. She obeyed their orders. + +No move of that kind was made in Cedar City unless by order of +the Council or of the High Council. Anderson was killed just +before the Mountain Meadows massacre. The killing of Anderson was +a religious duty and a just act. It was justified by the people, +for they were bound by the same covenants, and the least word of +objection to thus treating the man who had broken his covenant +would have brought the same fate upon the person wicked enough to +raise his voice against the Church authorities. + +Brigham knew that I was not a man who liked to take life. I was +well known as one that stood high in the confidence of Brigham, +and was close-mouthed and reliable. I knew of many men being +killed in Nauvoo by the Danites. It was then the rule that all +the enemies of the Prophet Joseph should be killed, and I know of +many a man who was quietly put out of the way by the orders of +Joseph and his apostles while the Church was there. It has always +been a well understood doctrine of the Church that it is right +and praiseworthy to kill every person who speaks evil of the +Prophet. This doctrine was strictly lived up to in Utah, until +the Gentiles arrived in such numbers that it became unsafe to +follow the practice; but the doctrine is believed, and no year +passes without one or more of those who have spoken evil of +Brigham being killed, in a secret manner. Springfield, Utah, was +one of the Church hotbeds, and more men were killed there, in +proportion to population, than in any other part of Utah. In that +settlement it was certain death to say a word against the +authorities, high or low. + +Brother Warren Snow was bishop of the Church at Manti, San Pete +County, Utah. He had several wives, but there was a fair young +woman in the town that Snow wanted for a wife. He made love to +her with all his powers, went to parties where she was, visited +her at her home, and proposed to make her his wife. She thanked +him for the honor offered, but told him she was engaged to a +young man, a member of the Church, and consequently could not +marry the old priest. + +This was no sufficient reason to Brother Snow. He told her it was +the will of God that she should marry him, and she must do so; +that the young man could be got rid of - sent on a mission or +dealt with in some way so as to release her from her engagement; +that, in fact, a promise made to the young man was not binding +when she was informed that it was contrary to the wishes of the +authorities. + +The girl continued obstinate. + +The "teachers" of the town visited her and advised her to marry +Bishop Snow. Her parents, under the orders of the Counselors of +the Bishop, also insisted that their daughter marry the old man. + +She still refused. + +Then the authorities called on the young man and directed him to +give up the girl. This he steadfastly declined to do. He was +promised Church preferment, celestial rewards, and everything +that could be thought of - all to no purpose. He said he would +die before he would surrender his intended wife. + +This resistance of authority by the young people made Bishop Snow +more anxious than ever to marry the girl. The young man was +ordered on a mission to some distant locality. But the mission +was refused. + +It was then determined that the rebellious young man should be +forced by harsh treatment to respect the advice and orders of the +Priesthood. His fate was left to Bishop Snow. + +It was decided to call a meeting of the people who lived true to +counsel, to be held in the schoolhouse in Manti, at which the +young man should be present, and dealt with according to Snow's +will. The meeting was called. The young man was there, and was +again requested to surrender the young woman to Snow, but he +refused. + +The lights were then put out. An attack was made on the young +man. He was tied down with his back to a bench, when Bishop Snow +took a bowie knife and slashed and mutilated him. They left the +young man weltering in his blood. During the night he succeeded +in releasing himself from his confinement, and dragged himself to +some haystacks, where he lay until the next day, when he was +discovered by friends. The young man has been an idiot or quiet +lunatic ever since. + +Bishop Snow took soon occasion to get up another meeting at the +schoolhouse, so as to have the people of Manti and the young +woman that he wanted to marry attend the meeting. When all had +assembled the old man talked to the people about their duty to +the Church, their obligation to obey counsel and the dangers of +refusal; and called attention to the case of the young man. The +young woman was sealed to Bishop Snow. + + + +CHAPTER XIX - THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS + +My time I find is getting short. To continue as I have the story +of the little details and what befell as we crossed the plains +for the promised land of Utah would need more days than I have +left me. I will go then direct to the story of the Mountain +Meadows troubles for which I am to die, as I desire that the +facts as they occurred should be known. As a duty to myself, I +purpose to give a statement of all I know in that affair. I did +not act alone; I had many to assist me at Mountain Meadows. + +Those who were connected with the massacre, and took part in the +transaction, were moved by a religious duty. All were acting +under the orders and by command of their Church leaders. The +immediate orders for the killing of the emigrants came from those +in authority at Cedar City. I and those with me moved by virtue +of positive orders from Brother Haight and his associates. + +Before I started on my mission to the Mountain Meadows I was told +by Brother Haight that his orders to me were the result of full +consultation with Bishop Dame and all in authority. The massacre +was decided on by the head men of the Church. + +To approach this subject properly I must step backward several +years. After the destruction of Nauvoo, when the Mormons were +driven from the State of Illinois, I shared the fate of my +brethren, and partook of the hardships and trials that befell +them from that day until the time of the settlement of Salt Lake +City, in the then wilderness. After reaching Salt Lake I stayed +but a short time, when I went to live at Cottonwood, where the +mines were afterwards discovered by General Connor and his men +during the late war. I was just getting fixed to live there, when +I was ordered to go into the interior and aid in forming new +settlements and in opening up the country. I had no wish or +desire, save to know and do the will of Brigham, since I had +become his adopted son. I believed that Brigham spoke by +direction of the God of Heaven, and I would have suffered death +rather than disobey any request of his. + +At the command of Brigham, I took one hundred and twenty-one men, +went in a southern direction from Salt Lake City, and laid out +and built up Parowan. George A. Smith was the leader and chief +man in authority in that settlement. I acted under him as +historian and clerk of the Iron County Mission, until January, +1851. I went with Brigham, acted as a committeeman, and located +Provo, St. George, Fillmore, Parowan, and other towns, and +managed the location of many of the settlements in southern Utah. + +In 1852 I moved to Harmony, and built up that settlement. I +remained there until the Indians declared war against the whites +and drove the settlers into Cedar City and Parowan, for +protection, in the year 1853. I removed my then numerous family +to Cedar City, where I was appointed Captain of the Danites, and +commander of Cedar City. + +After I had commanded at Cedar City about one year I was ordered +to return to Harmony and build the Harmony Fort. This order, like +all other orders, came from Brigham. When I returned to Harmony +and commenced building the fort, the orders were given by Brigham +for the reorganization of the Danites at Cedar City. The old men +were requested to resign and younger men were appointed in their +places. + +About the 7th of September, 1857, I went to Cedar City from my +home in Harmony, by order of Brother Haight. I did not know what +he wanted of me, but he had ordered me to visit him, and I +obeyed. If I remember correctly, it was on Sunday evening that I +went there. + +When I got to Cedar City I met Haight on the public square of the +town. Haight was then President of that Stake of Zion, and the +highest man in the Mormon Priesthood, and next to Bishop Dame in +southern Utah, and in the command of the Iron District. The word +and command of Haight were the law in Cedar City at that time, +and to disobey his orders was death; be they right or wrong, no +Saint was to question them; it was obedience or death. + +When I met Haight I asked him what he wanted with me. He said he +must have a long talk with me on private and particular business. +We took blankets and went over to the old Iron Works, and lay +there that night, so that we could talk in safety. + +After we got to the Iron Works Haight told me about the train of +emigrants. He said that the emigrants were a rough and abusive +set of men. That they had, while traveling through Utah, been +abusive to the Mormons. That they had insulted many of the Mormon +women. That the abuses heaped upon the people by the emigrants +during their trip from Provo to Cedar City had been constant and +shameful; that they had burned fences and destroyed growing +crops; that they had poisoned the water, so that all people and +stock that drank of the water became sick, and many had died from +the effects of the poison. That these vile Gentiles publicly +proclaimed that they had the very pistol with which the Prophet +Joseph was murdered, and had threatened to kill Brigham and all +of the apostles. That, when in Cedar City, they said they would +hang Brigham by the neck until he was dead, before snow fell in +the Territory. They also said that Johnston was coming with his +army from the East, and they were going to return from California +with soldiers, as soon as possible, and desolate the land and +kill every Mormon man, woman, and child they could find in Utah. +That they violated the ordinances of the town of Cedar, and had, +by armed force, resisted the officers who tried to arrest them +for violating the law. That after leaving Cedar City the +emigrants camped in the company, or cooperative field just below +Cedar City, and burned the fencing, leaving the crops open to the +herds of stock. Also that they had given poisoned meat to the +Corn Creek tribe of Indians, which had killed several of them, +and that they and their Chief, Konosh, were on the trail of the +emigrants, and would soon attack them. These things, and much +more of like kind, Haight told me as we lay in the dark at the +old Iron Works. + +Brother Haight said that unless something was done to prevent it +the emigrants would rob every one of the outlying settlements in +the south, and that the whole Mormon people were liable to be +butchered by the troops the emigrants would bring back with them +from California. I was then told that the Council had held a +meeting that day, to consider the matter, and it had been decided +by the authorities to arm the Indians, give them provisions and +ammunition, and send them after the emigrants. The Indians were +to give them a brush, and if they killed part or all of them, so +much the better. + +"Brother Haight, who is your authority?" I said. + +"It is the will of all in authority," he replied. "The emigrants +have no pass to go through the country, and they are to be killed +as common enemies, for the country is at war now. No man has a +right to go through this country without a written pass." + +We lay and talked much of the night, and during that time Haight +gave me instructions as to what to do, and how to proceed in the +affair. He said he had consulted with Bishop Dame, and everyone +had agreed to let the Indians use up the whole train if they +could. Haight then continued: + +"I expect you to carry out your orders." + +Then I knew I must obey, or die. I had no wish to disobey, for my +superiors in the Church are the mouthpieces of Heaven, and it is +an act of godliness to obey any and all orders given by them, +without asking questions. + +My orders were to go home to Harmony and see Carl Shirts, my son- +in-law, an Indian interpreter, and send him to the Indians in the +south, to notify them that the Mormons and Indians were at war +with the "Mericats" (as the Indians called all whites that were +not Mormons), and bring the southern Indians up and have them +join with those from the north, so their force would be +sufficient to make a successful attack on the emigrants. + +It was agreed that Haight would send Nephi Johnson, another +Indian interpreter, to stir up what other Indians he could find, +so that we might have a large enough force to give the emigrants +a good hush. In conclusion Haight said to me: + +"These are the orders that have been agreed upon by the Council, +and it is in accordance with the feelings of the entire people. +Some of the Indians are now on the warpath, and all of them must +be sent out; all must go, so as to make the thing a success." + +It was then intended that the Indians should kill the emigrants, +and make it an Indian massacre, and not have any whites interfere +with them. No whites were to be known in the matter; it was to be +done by the Indians, so that it could be laid to them, if +questions were asked. We agreed upon the whole thing, how each +should act, and left the Iron Works, and went to Haight's house +and got breakfast. After breakfast I made ready to start, and +Haight said to me: + +"Go, Brother Lee, and see that the instructions of those in +authority are obeyed; and as you are dutiful in this, so shall +your reward be in the Kingdom of God, for God will bless those +who willingly obey counsel, and make all things fit for the +people in these last days." + +At this time the Mormons were at war with the United States, and +the orders to the Mormons were to kill and waste away our +enemies, but lose none of our own people These emigrants were +from the section of country most hostile to our people, and it +was the will of every true Mormon that the enemies of the Church +should be killed as fast as possible, and inasmuch as this lot +had men among them that had helped kill the Prophets in the +Carthage jail, the killing of them would be keeping our oaths and +avenging the blood of the Prophets. I will give my talk with +Brother George A. Smith. + +In the latter part of the month of August, 1857, about ten days +before the people of Capt. Fancher, who met their doom at +Mountain Meadows, arrived at that place, Gen. George A. Smith +called on me at one of my homes in Washington City, Washington +County, Utah Territory, and wished me to take him round by Fort +Clara, via Pinto Settlements, to Hamilton Fort and Cedar City. He +said: + +"I have been sent down here by Brigham, to instruct the brethren +of the different settlements not to sell any of their grain to +our enemies. And to tell them not to feed it to their animals, +for it will all be needed by ourselves. I am also to instruct the +brethren to prepare for a big fight, for the enemy is coming in +force to attempt our destruction. But Johnston's army will not be +allowed to approach our settlements from the east. God is on our +side, and will fight our battles for us, and deliver our enemies +into our hands. Brigham has received revelations from God, giving +him the right and the power to call down the curse of God on all +our enemies who attempt to invade our Territory. Our greatest +danger lies in the people of California - a class of reckless +miners who are strangers to God and His righteousness. They are +likely to come upon us from the south and destroy the small +settlements. But we will try and outwit them before we suffer +much damage. The people of the United States who oppose our +Church are a mob, from the President down, and as such it is +impossible for their armies to prevail against the Saints who +have gathered here in the mountains." + +Gen. Smith held high rank as a military leader. He was one of the +twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day +Saints, and an inspired man. His orders were sacred commands, +which it was my duty to obey, without question or hesitation. + +The day we left Fort Clara, then the headquarters of the Indian +missionaries under the presidency of Jacob Hamblin, we stopped to +noon at the Clara River. While there the Indians gathered around +us in numbers, and were saucy and impudent. Their chiefs asked me +where I was going and whom I had with me. I told them that he was +a big captain. + +"Is he a Mericat captain?" + +"No," I said, "he is a Mormon." + +The Indians then demanded to know more. They wanted to have a +talk. The General told me to tell the Indians that the Mormons +were their friends, and that the Americans were their enemies, +and the enemies of the Mormons, too; that he wanted the Indians +to remain the fast friends of the Mormons, for the Mormons were +all friends to the Indians; that the Americans had a large army +just east of the mountains, and intended to come over the +mountains into Utah and kill all the Mormons and Indians in Utah +Territory; that the Indians must get ready and remain ready for +war against the Americans, keep friendly with the Mormons and do +what the Mormons told them to do - that this was the will of the +Great Spirit; that if the Indians were true to the Mormons and +helped them against their enemies, the Mormons would keep them +from want and sickness and give them guns and ammunition to hunt +and kill game with, and also help the Indians against their +enemies when they went into war. + +This talk pleased the Indians, and they agreed to all that I +asked them to do. I saw that Gen. Smith was nervous and fearful +of the Indians, notwithstanding their promises of friendship. To +relieve him of his anxiety I hitched up and started on our way as +soon as I could do so without rousing the suspicions of the +Indians. We had ridden along about a mile or so when Gen. Smith +said: + +"Those are savage fellows. I think they would make it lively for +an emigrant train if one should come this way." Then the General +fell to a deep study for some time, when he said: "Suppose an +emigrant train should come along through this southern country, +making threats against our people and bragging of the part they +took in killing our Prophets, what do you think the brethren +would do with them? Would they be permitted to go their way, or +would the brethren pitch into them and give them a good +drubbing?" I reflected a few moments, and then said: + +"You know the brethren are now under the influence of the late +reformation, and red-hot for the gospel. The brethren believe the +Government wishes to destroy them. Any train of emigrants that +may come through here will be attacked and destroyed. I am +particularly sure they will be wiped out if they have been making +threats against our people. Unless emigrants have a pass from +Brigham, they will never get safely through this country." + +My reply pleased him, and he laughed heartily, and then said: + +"Do you believe the brethren would make it lively for such a +train?" + +"Yes, sir," I replied, "I know they will, unless protected by a +pass, and I wish to tell you, and you must inform Brigham, that +if he wants emigrants to pass without being molested he must send +orders to that effect to Bishop Dame or Brother Haight, so that +they can give passes to the emigrants; their passes will insure +safety, but nothing else will, except the positive orders of +Brigham, as the people are bitter against the Gentiles, full of +religious zeal, and anxious to avenge the blood of the Prophets." + +The only reply he made was to the effect that on his way down +from Salt Lake he had had a long talk with Haight on the same +subject, and that Haight had assured him, and given him to +understand, that emigrants who came along without a pass from +Brigham could not escape from the Territory. We then rode along +in silence for some distance, when he again turned to me and +said: + +"Brother Lee, I am satisfied that the brethren are under the holy +influence, and I believe they will do just as you say they will +with the wicked emigrants that come through the country, making +threats and abusing our people." + +Thereupon I repeated my views to him, but at much greater length. +I went into a statement of the wrongs of our people, and told him +that the people were under the blaze of the reformation, full of +wildfire, and that to shed the blood of those who would dare +speak against the Mormon Church or its leaders would be doing the +will of God, and the people would do it as cheerfully as they +would any other duty. That the Apostle Paul was not more sincere +than was every Mormon who lived in southern Utah. My words served +to cheer up the General; he was delighted, and said: + +"I am glad to hear so good an account of our people. God will +bless them for all they do to build up His Kingdom in the last +days." + +On my way from Cedar City to my home in Harmony I came up with a +band of Indians under Moquetas and Big Bill, two Cedar City +chiefs; they were in their paint, and fully equipped for battle. +They halted when I came up and said they had had a big talk with +Haight, Higbee, and Klingensmith, and got orders from them to +follow up the emigrants and kill them all, and take their +property as a spoil. + +These Indians wanted me to go with them and command their forces. +I told them I could not go with them that evening; that I had +orders from Haight, the Big Captain, to send other Indians on the +warpath to help them kill the emigrants, and must attend to that +first; that I wanted them to go where the emigrants were and camp +until the other Indians joined them; that I would meet them the +next day and lead them. This satisfied them, but they wanted me +to send my little Indian boy, Clem, with them. After some time I +consented to let Clem go with them, while I returned home. + +When I got home I told Carl Shirts what the orders were that +Haight had sent to him. Carl being naturally cowardly was not +willing to go, but I told him the orders must be obeyed. He +started that night, or early next morning, to stir up the Indians +of the south, and lead them against the emigrants. The emigrants +were then camped at Mountain Meadows. + +The Indians did not obey my instructions. They met, several +hundred strong, at the Meadows, and attacked the emigrants +Tuesday morning, just before daylight, and at the first fire +killed seven and wounded sixteen of the emigrants. The latter +fought bravely, and repulsed the Indians, killing many of them +and breaking the knees of two chiefs, who afterwards died. + +The news of the battle was carried over the country by Indian +runners, and the excitement was great in all the small settlements. +I was notified of what had taken place early Tuesday morning, by +an Indian who came to my house and gave me a full account of what +had been done. + +The Indian said it was the wish of the Indians that I lead them, +and I must go back with him to the camp. I started at once, and +taking the Indian trail over the mountain I reached the camp by +going twelve miles. To go round by the wagon road would have been +between forty and fifty miles. + +When I reached the camp I found the Indians in a frenzy of +excitement. They said they had been told that they could kill the +emigrants without danger to themselves, but they had lost numbers +of their bucks, and others were wounded, and unless they could +kill all the "Mericats," as they called them, they would declare +war against the Mormons and kill everyone in the settlements. I +did as well as I could under the circumstances. My talk served to +increase their excitement. I told them I would go south and meet +their friends, and hurry them up to help them. + +At first the Indians would not consent, but they finally said I +might go and meet their friends. I then got on my horse and left +the Meadows and went south. I had traveled about sixteen miles +when I met Carl Shirts with one hundred Indians and a number of +Mormons from the southern settlements. They were going to the +scene of conflict. How they learned of the emigrants being at the +Meadows I never knew, but they did know it, and were coming +armed, and determined to obey orders. + +Among those that I remember to have met there were Brothers +Samuel Knight, Oscar Hamblin, William Young, Carl Shirts, +Harrison Pearce, James Pearce, John W. Clark, William Slade, Sr., +James Matthews, Dudley Leavitt, William Hawley, William Slade, +Jr., George W. Adair, and John Hawley. + +The Mormons camped that night with me, but most of the Indians +rushed on to their friends at the camp on the Meadows. I reported +to the brethren what had taken place at the Meadows, but none +were surprised in the least. I spent much of the night in prayer. +I wrestled with God for wisdom to guide me. + +In the morning we agreed to go on to Mountain Meadows and camp +there, and then send a messenger to Haight. We knew that the +original plan had been for the Indians to do the work, and the +Mormons to do nothing beyond plan for and encourage them. Now we +saw the Indians could not do the work, and we were in a fix. I +did not then know that a messenger had been sent to Brigham for +instructions. Haight had not mentioned it to me; James Haslem, a +Danite, was sent to Brigham. + +We went to the Meadows and camped at the springs, about half a +mile from the emigrant camp. There were a larger number of Indian +there - fully three hundred, and I think as many as four hundred +of them. The two chiefs who had been shot were in a bad way. The +Indians had killed a number of the emigrants' horses, and about +sixty or seventy head of cattle were lying dead on the Meadows, +which the Indians had killed for spite and revenge. + +Our company butchered a small beef for dinner, and after eating a +hearty meal we held a council and decided to send a messenger to +Brother Haight. The messenger started for Cedar City, from our +camp on the Meadows, about 2 o'clock, p. m. We stayed on the +field, and I tried to quiet and pacify the Indians, by telling +them that I had sent to Haight, the Big Captain, for orders, and +when he sent his order I would know what to do. This appeared to +satisfy the Indians, for said they: + +"The Big Captain will send you word to kill the Mericats." + +Along toward evening the Indians again attacked the emigrants. +This was Wednesday. I heard the report of their guns, and the +screams of the women and children in the corral. I ran with +Brothers William Young and John Mangum, to where the Indians +were. While on the way to them they fired a volley, and three +balls from their guns cut my clothing. One ball went through my +hat and plowed through my hair. Another ball went through my +shirt and leaded my shoulder, another cut my clothes across my +bowels. I thought this was rather warm work, but I kept on until +I reached the place where the Indians were in force. + + + +CHAPTER XX - THE MUSTER OF THE DANITES + +On Thursday, about noon, several Danites joined us from Cedar +City. I cannot remember the order in which the brethren came to +the Meadows, but I do recollect that at this time and in this +company were Brothers Joel White, William C. Stewart, Benjamin +Arthur, Alexander Wilden, Charles Hopkins, and James Tate. These +men said little, but everyone seemed to know what he was there +for. As our messenger had gone for further orders, we moved camp +about four hundred yards further up the valley on to a hill, +where we made a camp as long as we stayed there. + +The emigrants' wagons were corralled after the Indians made the +first attack. On the day following our arrival the emigrants drew +their wagons closer together and chained the wheels one to the +other. While they were doing this there was no shooting going on. +Their camp was about one hundred yards above and north of the +spring. They generally got water from the spring at night. + +Thursday morning I saw two men start from the corral with +buckets, and run to the spring and fill them with water, and go +back again. The bullets flew around them thick and fast, but they +got into their corral in safety. + +The Indians made a determined attack on the train on Thursday +morning about daylight. At this attack the Clara Indians had one +buck killed and three wounded. This so enraged them that they +left for home, driving a number of cattle with them. During the +day I said to Brother John Mangum: + +"I will cross the valley and go up on the other side, on the +hills to the west of the corral, and take a look at the +situation." + +As I was crossing the valley I was observed by the emigrants, and +as soon as they saw that I was a white man they ran up a white +flag in the middle of their corral or camp. They then sent two +little boys from the camp to talk to me, but I could not talk to +them at that time, for I did not know what orders Brother Haight +would send to me, and until I had his orders I would not know how +to act. I hid, to keep away from the children. They came to the +place where they had last seen me and hunted all around for me, +but being unable to find me they turned and went back to the camp +in safety. It is false what has been told about little girls +being dressed in white and sent out to me. There was nothing of +the kind done. I stayed on the west side of the valley for about +two hours, looking down into the emigrant camp. + +While I was standing on the hill looking into the corral I saw +two men leave the corral and go outside to cut wood; the Indians +and Mormons kept up a busy fire all the time, but the two paid no +attention to danger, and stuck to their work until they had it +done; then they went back to camp. The men acted so bravely that +it was impossible to keep from respecting them. After staying +there and looking down into the camp awhile I returned to my +company. + +On Thursday evening Higbee, Chief of the Iron Danites, and +Klingensmith, Bishop of Cedar City, came to our camp with two or +three wagons and a number of Danites all well armed. I can +remember the following as a portion of those who came to take +part in the work of death which was so soon to follow, viz.: +Brothers John M. Higbee, Chief of the Iron Danites, and also +first Counselor to Brother Haight; Philip Klingensmith, Bishop of +Cedar City; Ira Allen, of the High Council; Robert Wiley, of the +High Council; Richard Harrison, of Pinto, also a member of the +High Council; Samuel McMurdy, one of the Counselors of Klingensmith; +Charles Hopkins, of the Counselors of Cedar City; Samuel Pollock; +Daniel McFarland, a son-in-law of Haight; John Ure, of the City +Council; George Hunter, of the City Council; Samuel Jukes; Nephi +Johnson, with a number of Indians under his command; Irvin +Jacobs; John Jacobs; E. Curtis, a Captain of Ten; Thomas +Cartwright, of the City and High councils; William Bateman, who +afterwards carried the flag of truce into the emigrant camp; +Anthony Stratton; A. Loveridge; Joseph Clews; Jabez Durfey; +Columbus Freeman. There were others whose name have slipped me. I +know that our total force was fifty-four Danites and three +hundred Indians. As soon as these gathered around the camp I +demanded of Brother Higbee what orders he had brought. I then +told all that had happened at the Meadows, so that every person +might understand the situation. Brother Higbee reported as +follows: + +"It is the orders that the emigrants be put out of the way. +President Haight has counseled with Bishop Dame, and has orders +from him to put the emigrants to death; none who is old enough to +talk is to be spared." + +Brother Higbee then said substantially that the emigrants had +come through the country as our enemies, and as the enemies of +the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That they had no +pass from anyone in authority permitting them to leave the +Territory. That none but friends were permitted to leave the +Territory, and as these were our sworn enemies they must be +killed. That they were nothing but a portion of Johnston's army. +That if they were allowed to go on to California they would raise +the war cloud in the West and bring destruction upon all the +settlements in Utah. That the only safety for the people was in +the utter destruction of the whole rascally lot. + +The Danites then in Council now knelt down in a prayer circle and +prayed, invoking the Spirit of God to direct them how to act in +the matter. After prayer Brother Higbee said: + +"Here are the orders," and handed me a paper from Haight. + +The paper read in substance that we were to decoy the emigrants +from their position and kill all that could talk. This order was +in writing. Brother Higbee handed it to me and I read it. The +orders were that the emigrants should be decoyed from their +stronghold, and exterminated, and no one left to tell the tale. +Then the authorities could say it was done by Indians. Haight +told me the next day that he got his orders from Bishop Dame. + +After the Council I retired and bowed in prayer before God. +Brother Hopkins, a man in whom I had great confidence, came to me +from the Council, saying that he believed it was right, for the +brethren and the Priesthood were united in the thing. At the +solicitation of Brother Hopkins I returned with him to the +Council. When I got back the Council again prayed for aid. The +Council formed a prayer circle, and kneeling down, so that elbow +touched elbow, the Danites prayed for Divine instructions. After +prayer Brother Higbee said: + +"I have the evidence of God's approval of our mission. It is +God's will that we carry out our instructions to the letter." He +then said to me: "Brother Lee, I am ordered by President Haight +to inform you that you shall receive a crown of celestial glory +for your faithfulness, and your eternal joy shall be complete." I +was much shaken by this promise. + +The meeting was then addressed by me. I spoke in about this +language: + +"Brethren, we have been sent to perform a duty. It is a duty that +we owe God and our Church and people. The orders are that the +emigrants must die. Our leaders speak with inspired tongues, and +their words come from the God of Heaven. We have no right to +question what they have commanded us to do; it is our duty to +obey. On Wednesday night two of the emigrants got out of camp and +started back to Cedar City for assistance to withstand the Indian +attacks; they had reached Richards' Springs when they met +Brothers William C. Stewart, Joel White, and Benjamin Arthur, +three of our Danite brethren from Cedar City. The men stated +their business to the brethren, and as their horses were drinking +at the spring Brothers Stewart, feeling for the glory of God and +the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God on earth, shot and killed +one of the emigrants, a young man by the name of Aden. When Aden +fell from his horse Brother Joel White shot and wounded the other +Gentile; but he got away, and returned to his camp and reported +that the Mormons were helping the Indians in all they were doing. +Now the emigrants will report these facts in California if we let +them go. We must kill them all, and our orders are to get them +out by stratagem if no other thing can be done to put them in our +power." + +The plan of action had been agreed upon, and it was this: The +emigrants were to be decoyed from their stronghold under a +promise of protection. Brother Bateman was to carry a flag of +truce and demand a parley, and then I was to go and arrange the +terms of surrender. I was to demand that all the children who +were so young they could not talk should be put into a wagon, and +the wounded were likewise to be put into another. Then the arms +and ammunition of the emigrants must be put into a third; I +agreeing that the Mormons would protect the emigrants from the +Indians and conduct them to Cedar City in safety, where they +would be safe until an opportunity came for sending them to +California. + +It was understood that when I had made the treaty the wagons +would start for Hamblin's Ranch with the arms, the wounded, and +the children. The women were to march out on foot and follow the +wagons in single file; the men were to follow the women, they +also to march in single file. + +Brother Higbee was to stand with his Danites about two hundred +yards from the camp, double file, open order, with about twenty +feet space between the files so that the wagons could pass +between them. The drivers were to whip along, and not stop. The +women were not to stop, but to follow the wagons. The Danites +were to halt the men for a few minutes, until the women were some +distance ahead and among the cedars, where the Indians were in +ambush. Then the march was to be resumed, the troops to form in +single file, each Danite to walk by an emigrant, and on the +right-hand side of his man, the Danite to carry his gun on his +left arm, ready for instant use. The march was to continue until +the wagons had passed beyond the ambush of the Indians, and the +women were in their midst. Brother Higbee was then to give the +order: + +"Do Your Duty to God!" + +At this the Danites were to shoot down the men; the Indians were +to kill the women and larger children, and the drivers of the +wagons and I were to kill the wounded and sick men that were in +the wagons. Two men were to be placed on horses near by, to +overtake and kill any of the emigrants that might escape the +first assault. The Indians were to kill the women and large +children, as we desired to make certain that no Mormon would be +guilty of shedding innocent blood - if it should happen that +innocent blood was in the company that were to die. Our leading +men all said, however, there was no innocent blood in the whole +company. + +The Council broke up a little after daylight on Friday morning. +All the horses, except two for the men detailed to overtake those +who might escape, and one for Brother McFarland to ride, so that +he could carry orders from one part of the field to another, were +turned out on the range. Then breakfast was eaten, and the +brethren prepared for the work in hand. + +The Mormons were then at war with the United States, and we +believed all Gentiles should be killed as a war measure, to the +end that the Mormons, as God's chosen people, hold and inhabit +the earth and rule and govern the globe. + +Soon after breakfast Brother Higbee ordered the two Indian +interpreters, Carl Shirts, and Nephi Johnson to inform the +Indians of the plan of operations, and place them in ambush, so +that they could not be seen by the emigrants until the work of +judgment should commence. This was done in order to make the +emigrants believe that we had sent the Indians away. The orders +were obeyed, and in five minutes not an Indian could be seen on +the Meadows. They secreted themselves and lay still as logs of +wood, until the order was given them to rush out and kill the +women. + +Brother Higbee called the people to order and directed me to +explain the plan to them. I did so, explaining how every person +was expected to act during the whole performance. Brother Higbee +then gave the order for his men to advance. They marched to the +spot agreed upon, and halted there. Brother William Bateman was +then selected to carry a flag of truce to the emigrants and +demand their surrender; I was to go and make the treaty after +someone had replied to our flag of truce. The emigrants had kept +a white flag flying in their camp ever since they saw me cross +the valley. + +Brother Bateman took a white flag and started for the emigrant +camp. When he got about halfway to the corral he was met by one +of the emigrants. The two talked some time, but I never knew what +was said between them. + +Brother Bateman returned to the command and said that the +emigrants would accept our terms, and surrender as we required +them to do. I then started for the corral to negotiate the treaty +and superintend the business. I was to make certain and get the +arms and ammunition into the wagons. Also to put the children and +the sick and wounded in the wagons, as agreed upon in Council. +Brother Higbee said to me: + +"Brother Lee, we expect you to faithfully carry out the +instructions that have been given you by our Council." + +Two Danites, Samuel McMurdy and Samuel Knight, were then ordered +to take their teams and follow me into the corral to haul off the +children and arms. The troops formed in two lines, as had been +planned, and were standing in that way, with arms at rest, when I +left them. I walked ahead of the wagons to the corral. When I +reached it I met Mr. Hamilton, one of the emigrant leaders on the +outside of their camp. + + + +CHAPTER XXI - THE BLOOD FEAST OF THE DANITES + +It was then noon, or a little after. I found the emigrants +strongly fortified; their wagons were chained to each other in a +circle. In the center was a rifle-pit, large enough to hold the +entire company. This had served to shield them from the constant +fire which had been poured into them from both sides of the +valley and a rocky range that served as a breastwork for their +assailants. + +The valley at this point is not more than five hundred yards +wide, and the emigrants had their camp near the center of the +valley. On the east and west there is a low range of rugged, +rocky mountains; it afforded a splendid place for the protection +of the Indians and Danites, leaving them in comparative safety +while they fired upon the emigrants. The valley at this place +runs nearly due north and south. + +When I entered the corral I found the emigrants engaged in +burying two men of note among them, who had died but a short time +before from the effect of wounds received from the Indians at the +time of the first attack on Tuesday morning. They wrapped the +bodies in buffalo robes, and buried them in a grave inside the +corral. I was told by some of the men that seven men had been +killed and seventeen wounded in the first attack made by the +Indians, and that three of the wounded men had since died, making +ten of their number killed during the siege. + +As I entered the fortifications men, women, and children gathered +around me in wild consternation. Some felt that the time of their +happy deliverance had come, while others, though in deep +distress, and all in tears, looked upon me with doubt, distrust, +and terror. I told the people they must put their arms into the +wagon, so as not to arouse the animosity of the Indians. I +ordered the children and wounded, some clothing, and the arms to +be put into the wagons. Their guns were mostly Kentucky rifles of +the muzzle-loading style. Their ammunition was about all gone - I +do not think there were twenty rounds left in their whole camp. +If the emigrants had had a good supply of ammunition they never +would have surrendered, and I do not think we could have captured +them without great loss, for they were brave men, very resolute +and determined. + +Just as the wagons were loaded Brother McFarland came riding into +the corral and said that Brother Higbee had ordered haste to be +made, as he was afraid the Indians would return and renew the +attack before he could get the emigrants to a place of safety. I +hurried the people, and started the wagons off towards Cedar +City. As we went out of the corral I ordered the wagons to turn +to the left, so as to leave the Danites on the right. + +Brother McFarland rode before the women and led them out to the +Danites, where they still stood in open order as I had left them. +The women and larger children were walking ahead, as directed, +the men following them. The foremost man was about fifty yards +behind the last woman. + +The women and children were hurried on by the Danites. When the +men came up they cheered the Danites. Brother Higbee then gave +orders for his men to form in single file and take each his place +at the right hand of an emigrant. I saw that much, then our +wagons passed out of sight of the troops, over the hill. + +It was my duty, with the two drivers, to kill the sick and +wounded who were in the wagons, and do so when we heard the guns. +I was walking between the wagons; the horses were going at a fast +walk, and we were fully a half mile from Brother Higbee and his +men when we heard the firing. As we heard the guns I ordered a +halt and we proceeded to do our part. I here pause and ask myself +the question: Am I not a traitor to my people, to my friends and +comrades who were with me on that holy day when the work of the +Church was carried on in God's name? + +Heretofore I have said that the small children were put into the +wagons; that was wrong, for one little child, about six months +old, was carried in its father's arms. It was killed by the same +bullet that entered its father's breast. It was shot through the +head. I was told by Brother Haight afterwards that the child was +killed by accident. I saw it lying dead when I returned to the +place of judgment. + +When we had got out of sight, as I said before, and just as we +were coming into the main road, I heard a volley of guns at the +place where I knew the Danites and emigrants to be. Our teams +were then going at a brisk walk. I first heard one gun; then a +volley followed. + +Brothers McMurdy and Knight stopped their teams at once, for they +were to help kill the sick and wounded who were in the wagons, +and do it as soon as they heard the guns of the Danites. Brother +McMurdy was in front; his wagon was mostly loaded with the arms +and small children. Brothers McMurdy and Knight got out of their +wagons; each one had a rifle. Brother McMurdy went up to Brother +Knight's wagon, where the sick and wounded were, and raising his +rifle to his shoulder, said: + +"O Lord, my God, receive their spirits; it is for Thy Kingdom I +do this." + +He then shot a man who was lying with his head on another man's +breast; the ball killed both men. + +Then I went up to the wagon to do my part of the killing. I drew +my pistol and cocked it, but it went off prematurely, and shot +Brother McMurdy across the thigh, my pistol ball cutting his +buckskin trousers. Brother McMurdy turned to me and said: + +"Brother Lee, keep cool. Keep cool, there is no reason for being +excited." + +Brother Knight then shot a man with his rifle; he shot the man in +the head. He also brained a boy that was about fourteen years +old. The boy came running up to our wagons, and Brother Knight +struck him on the head with the butt end of his gun and crushed +his skull. + +By this time many Indians had reached our wagons, and the rest of +the sick and wounded were killed almost instantly. I saw an +Indian from Cedar City, called Joe, run up to the wagon and catch +a man by the hair, raise his head up and look into his face; the +man shut his eyes, and Joe shot him in the head. The Indians then +examined the wounded in the wagons, and all of the bodies, to see +if any were alive, and any that showed signs of life was shot +through the head. + +Just after the wounded were killed I saw a girl, some ten or +eleven years old, running towards us from the place where the +Danites had attacked the main body of emigrants; she was covered +with blood. An Indian shot her before she got within sixty yards +of us. + +After all were dead I ordered Brother Knight to drive one side +and throw out the dead bodies. He did so, and threw them out of +his wagon at a place about one hundred yards from the road, and +then came back to where I was standing. I then told Brothers +Knight and McMurdy to take the children that were saved alive +(sixteen was the number), and drive to Hamblin's ranch. They did +as I ordered them to do. + +Before the wagons started Nephi Johnson came up in company with +the Indians that were under his command, and Carl Shirts I think +came up too. I then considered Carl Shirts a coward, and +afterwards made him suffer for being a coward. Several Danites +joined me, but I cannot tell their names, as I have forgotten who +they were. + +After the wagons with the children had started for Hamblin's +ranch, I turned and walked back to where the brethren were. While +returning to the brethren I passed the bodies of several women. +In one place I saw six or seven bodies near each other; they were +stripped naked. I walked along the line where the emigrants had +been killed, and saw many bodies dead and naked on the field. I +saw ten children; they had been killed close to each other; they +were from ten to sixteen years of age. The bodies of the women +and children were scattered about the ground for quite a +distance. Then I came to where the men were killed. I do not know +how many were killed, but I thought then that there were fifteen +women, ten children, and forty men killed, but the statement of +others with whom I have since talked about the massacre makes me +believe there were fully one hundred and ten justified that day +on the Mountain Meadows. The ten who had died in the corral, and +young Aden killed by Brother Stewart at Richards' Springs, would +make the total number one hundred and twenty-one. + +When I reached the place where the dead men lay, I was told how +the orders had been obeyed. Brother Higbee said: + +"The boys have acted admirably; they took good aim; and all of +the Gentiles but three fell at the first fire." + +Brother Higbee said that three or four got away some distance, +but the men on horses soon overtook them and cut their throats. +He said the Indians did their part of the work well, that it did +not take over a minute to finish up when they got fairly started. +Three of the emigrants did get away, but the Indians were put on +their trail and overtook and killed them before they reached the +settlements in California. I found Brothers Higbee, Klingensmith, +and most of the brethren standing where the largest number of the +dead men lay. Brother Higbee said: + +"We must now examine the bodies for valuables." + +The bodies were searched by Brothers Higbee, Klingensmith, and +Stewart. The search resulted in a little money and a few watches, +but there was not much money. + +After the dead were searched the brethren were called up, and +Brothers Higbee and Klingensmith, as well as myself, made +speeches, and ordered the Danites to keep the matter a secret +from the entire world. They were not to tell their wives, or most +intimate friends, and we pledged ourselves to keep everything +relating to the affair hidden during life. We also took the most +binding oaths to stand by each other, and to always insist that +the massacre was committed by Indians alone. This was the advice +of Brigham. + +The men were ordered to camp on the field for that night, but +Brothers Higbee and Klingensmith went with me to Hamblin's ranch, +where we got something to eat, and stayed all night. I was nearly +dead for rest and sleep, as I had rested but little since the +Saturday night before. I took my saddle blanket and spread it on +the ground after I had eaten my supper, and, using my saddle for +a pillow, slept soundly until next morning. I was awakened by +loud talking between Brother Haight and Bishop Dame. + +They were much excited, and were quarreling with each other. I +arose at once, but was unable to hear what they were quarreling +about, for they cooled down as they saw that others were paying +attention to them. I soon learned that Bishop Dame, Judge Lewis +of Parowan, and Brother Haight, with several others, had arrived +at the Hamblin ranch in the night, but I do not know what time +they got there. + +After breakfast we went back in a body to the Meadows, to hide +the dead and take care of the property that was left there. When +we reached the Meadows we rode up to that part of the field where +the women were lying dead. The bodies of men, women, and children +had been stripped naked. Knowing that Brothers Dame and Haight +had quarreled at Hamblin's that morning, I wanted to know how +they would act in sight of the dead. I was interested to know +what Bishop Dame had to say, so I held close to them, without +appearing to be watching them. + +Bishop Dame was silent for some time. He looked over the field, +and was quite pale, and looked uneasy and frightened. I thought +then that he was just finding out the difference between giving +and executing orders for wholesale killing. He spoke to Brother +Haight, and said: + +"I must report this matter to the authorities." + +"How will you report it?" asked Brother Haight. + +"I will report it as it is." + +"Yes, I suppose so, and implicate yourself with the rest?" said +Brother Haight. + +"No," replied Bishop Dame. "I will not implicate myself, for I +had nothing to do with it." + +"That will not do," said Brother Haight, "for you know better. +You ordered it done, and I will not be lied on." + +Bishop Dame was much excited; he knew Brother Haight to be a man +of determination, and one who would not stand any foolishness. As +soon as Bishop Dame could collect himself, he said: + +"I did not think there were so many of them!" + +At this I felt that it was time for me to chip in, so I said: + +"Brethren, what is the trouble between you? It will not do for +our chief men to disagree." + +Brother Haight stepped to my side, a little in front of me, and +facing Bishop Dame. He was very angry, and said: + +"The trouble is just this: Bishop Dame counseled the thing, and +now he wants to back out. He cannot do it. He must not try to do +it. He has got to stand to what he did, like a man." + +Bishop Dame was cowed; he did not make any denial again, but +said: + +"Isaac, I did not know there were so many of them." + +"That makes no difference," said Brother Haight. + +It was now time to stop the fuss, for many of the young Danites +were coming around. So I said: + +"Brethren, this is no place to discuss such a matter. You will +agree when you get where you can be quiet, and talk it over." + +"There is no more to say; he has got to stand by it," said +Brother Haight. + +We went along the field, and passed by where the brethren were at +work covering up the bodies. They piled the dead bodies in heaps, +and threw dirt over them. The bodies were only lightly covered, +for the ground was hard, and the brethren did not have proper +tools to dig with. I suppose the first rain washed the bodies out +again, but I never went back to examine whether it did or not. + +We went along the field to where the corral and camp had been, +and the wagons were standing. We found that the Indians had +carried off the wagon covers, clothing, and provisions, and had +emptied the feathers out of the feather-beds, and carried off all +the ticks. + +After the dead were covered up or buried (it was not much of a +burial) the brethren were called together, and a Council was held +at the emigrant camp. All the leading men made speeches; Bishop +Dame, President Haight, Bishop Klingensmith, Brothers Higbee, +Hopkins, and myself. The speeches were first: Thanks to God for +delivering our enemies into our hands; next, thanking the +brethren for their zeal in God's cause; and lastly, the necessity +of saying that the Indians did it alone, and the Mormons had +nothing to do with it. + +Most of the speeches were in the shape of exhortations and +commands to keep the whole matter secret from everyone but +Brigham. It was voted unanimously that any Danite who should +divulge the secret, or tell who were present, or do anything that +might lead to discovery, should suffer death. The brethren all +took a solemn oath, binding themselves under the most dreadful +and awful penalties, to keep the whole a secret from every human +being, as long as they should live. No man was to know the facts. +The brethren were sworn not to talk of it among themselves, and +each was to kill any who proved a traitor to the Church or to the +people in this matter. + +It was agreed that Brigham should be informed of the business by +someone selected by the Church Council, after the brethren had +returned home. It was also voted to turn all the property over to +Klingensmith, as bishop of the Church at Cedar City, and he was +to take care of the property for the benefit of the Church, until +Brigham gave further orders what to do with it. Bishop Dame then +blest the brethren and we prepared to go to our homes. I took my +little Indian boy, Clem, up on the horse behind me, and started +home. I crossed the mountains and returned the same way I had +come. + +When I got within two miles of Harmony I overtook a body of about +forty Indians, on their way home from the massacre. They had a +large amount of bloody clothing, and were driving several head of +cattle that they had taken from the emigrants. The Indians were +glad to see me, and said I was their captain, and that they were +going to Harmony with me as my men. + +It was the orders from the Church authorities to do everything we +could to pacify the Indians and make them the fast friends of the +Mormons, so I concluded to humor them. I started on and they +marched after me until we reached the fort at Harmony. We went +into the fort and marched round inside, after which they halted +and gave their whoop of victory, which means much the same with +them as cheers do with the whites. I then ordered the Indians +fed; my family gave them bread and melons, which they ate, and +then they left me and went to their tribe. + +From that day to this it has been the understanding with all +concerned in that massacre that the man who divulged the secret +should die; he was to be killed, wherever found, for treason to +the brethren who killed the emigrants, and for his treason to the +Church. No man was at liberty to tell his wife, or anyone else; +nor were the brethren permitted to talk of it even among +themselves. Such were the orders and instructions from Brigham +down to the lowest in authority. The orders to lay it to the +Indians were just as positive. This was the counsel of all in +authority, and for years it was faithfully observed. + +The children that were saved were taken to Cedar City and other +settlements and put out among different families. I did not have +anything to do with the property captured from the emigrants, or +the cattle, until three months after the massacre, and then I +took charge of the cattle, being ordered to do so by Brigham. +There were eighteen wagons in all at the emigrant camp. They were +wooden axles but one, and that was a light iron axle; it had been +hauled by four mules. There were over five hundred head of +cattle, but I never got the half of them. The Indians killed a +number at the time of the massacre, and drove others to their +tribes when they went home from Mountain Meadows. Bishop +Klingensmith put the Church brand on fifty head or more of the +best of the cattle. + +The Indians got about twenty head of horses and mules. Brother +Samuel Knight got a large sorrel mare; Brother Haight got a span +of average American mules; Brother Joel White got a fine mare; +Brother Higbee got a good large mule; Bishop Klingensmith got a +span of mules. Brothers Haight, Higbee, and Allen each took a +wagon. The people took what they wanted, and had divided and used +up over half the property before I was put in charge. + +The first time I heard that a messenger had been sent to Brigham +for instructions as to what should be done with the emigrants was +three or four days after I returned home from the Meadows. Then I +heard of it from Brother Haight, when he came to my house and had +a talk with me. He said: + +"We are all in a muddle. Brother Haslem has returned from Salt +Lake City, with orders from Brigham to let the emigrants pass in +safety." In this conversation Brother Haight also said: "I sent +an order to Brother Higbee to save the emigrants, after I had +sent the orders for killing them all, but for some reason the +message did not reach him. I understand that the messenger did +not go to the Meadows at all." I at once saw that we were in a +bad fix, and I asked Brother Haight what was to be done. + +Brother Haight told me it was the orders of the Council that I +should go to Salt Lake City and lay the matter before Brigham. I +asked if he was not going to write a report of it, as he was the +right man to do it; for he was in supreme command of the Danites +in that section of the country, and next to Bishop Dame in +command of the district. He refused to write a report, saying: + +"You can report it better than I could write it. You are like a +member of Brigham's family, and can talk to him privately and +confidentially. Do this, Brother Lee, and you shall receive a +celestial reward for it, and the time will come when all who +acted with us will be glad for the part they have taken, for the +time is near at hand when the Saints are to enjoy the riches of +the earth. And all who deny the faith and doctrines of the Church +of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shall be slain - the sword +of vengeance shall shed their blood; their wealth shall be given +as a spoil to our people." + + + +CHAPTER XXII - THE DANITE CHIEF REPORTS TO BRIGHAM + +Accordingly, I went to Salt Lake City to report. I started about +a week or ten days after the massacre, and was on the way about +ten days. When I arrived in the city I went to Brigham's house +and gave him a full, detailed statement of the whole affair. He +asked me if I had brought a letter from Brother Haight, with his +report of the affair. I said: + +"No, Brother Haight wished me to make a verbal report of it, as I +was an eye-witness. Brother McMurdy, Brother Knight, and myself +killed the wounded men in the wagons, with the assistance of the +Indians. We killed six wounded men." + +Brigham asked me many questions, and I told him every particular +- everything I knew. I described everything very fully. Brigham +then said: + +"Isaac [referring to Haight] has sent me word that if they had +killed every man, woman, and child in the outfit there would not +have been a drop of innocent blood shed by the brethren; for they +were a set of murderers, robbers, and thieves." + +While I was talking with him some men came into his house to see +him, and he requested me to keep quiet until they left. I did as +he directed. As soon as the men went out I continued my recital. +I gave him the names of every man that had been present at the +massacre. I told him who killed various ones. In fact, I gave him +all the information there was to give. When I had finished +talking, he said: + +"This is the most unfortunate affair that ever befell the Church. +I am afraid of treachery among the brethren that were there. If +anyone tells this thing so that it becomes public, it will work +us great injury. I want you to understand now, that you are never +to tell this again, not even to Heber C. Kimball. It must be kept +a secret among ourselves. When you get home I want you to sit +down and write a long letter, and give me an account of the +affair, charging it to the Indians. You sign the letter as Farmer +to the Indians, and direct it to me as Indian Agent. I can make +use of such a letter to keep off damaging and troublesome +inquiries." He then said: "If only men had been killed, I would +not have cared so much. I suppose the men were a bad set, but it +is hard to kill women and children for the sins of the men. I +must have time to reflect upon it." + +Brigham then told me to withdraw and call next day, and he would +give me an answer. I said to him: + +"Brother Brigham, the people all felt, and I know that I +believed, I was obeying orders, and acting for the good of the +Church, and in strict conformity with the oaths that we have +taken to avenge the blood of the Prophets. You must either +sustain the Danites in what they have done, or release us from +the oaths and obligations we have taken." The only reply he made +was: + +"Go now; come in the morning, and I will give you an answer." I +went to see him again in the morning. When I went in he seemed +quite cheerful. He said: + +"I have made that matter a subject of prayer. I went right to God +with it. I have evidence from God that He has ruled it all for +good, and the action was a righteous one. The brethren acted from +pure motives. The only trouble is they acted prematurely; they +were a little ahead of time. I sustain you and the brethren in +what was done. All I fear is treachery on the part of someone who +took a hand with you, but we will look to that." + +Then I was again cautioned and commanded to keep the whole thing +a sacred secret, and again told to write the report as Indian +Farmer, laying the blame on the Indians. That ended our +interview, and I left him and started for my home at Harmony. +When I reported my interview to Brother Haight, and give him +Brig- ham's answer, he was well pleased; he said I had done well. +I remember a circumstance that Brother Haight then related about +Brother Dan McFarland. He said: + +"Dan will make a great warrior." + +"Why do you think so?" + +"Well," returned he, "Dan came to me and said, 'You must get me +another knife, because the one I have has no good stuff in it, +for the edge turned when I cut a fellow's throat at the Meadows. +I caught one of the devils that was trying to get away, and when +I cut his throat it took all the edge off my knife.' I tell you +that boy will make a warrior." + +Next I wrote the letter to Brigham and laid the massacre to the +Indians. It was as follows: + +Harmony, Washington Co., U. T., November 20th, 1857. To His +Excellency, Gov. B. Young: + +Dear Sir: My report under date May 11th, 1857, relative to the +Indians over whom I have charge as farmer, showed a friendly +relation between them and the whites, which doubtless would have +continued to increase had not the white men been the first +agressors, as was the case with Capt. Fancher's company of +emigrants, passing through to California about the middle of +September last. When they were on Corn Creek, fifteen miles south +of Fillimore City, Millard County, the company poisoned the meat +of an ox, which they gave the Pah Vant Indians to eat, causing +four of them to die immediately, besides poisoning a number more. +The company also poisoned the water where they encamped, killing +the cattle of the settlers. This unguided policy, planned in +wickedness by this company, raised the wrath of the Indians, +which soon spread through the southern tribes, firing them for +revenge till blood ran in their path, and as the wrong, according +to their tradition, was a national one, any portion of the white +nation was liable to atone for that offense. About the 22d of +September, Capt. Fancher and company fell victims to the Indians, +near Mountain Meadows; their cattle and horses were shot down in +every direction, their wagons and property mostly committed to +the flames. Had they been the only ones that suffered we would +have less cause of complaint. But the next company passing +through had many of their men shot down near Beaver City, and had +it not been for the interposition of the citizens at that place +the whole company would have been mas- sacred by the enraged Pah +Vants. From this place they were protected by military force, by +order of Bishop Dame, who also provided the company with +interpreters, to help them through to the Los Vaagus. On the +Muddy some three to five hundred Indians again attacked the +company, and drove off several hundred head of cattle, telling +the company that if they fired a single gun they would kill every +soul. The interpreters tried to regain the stock, or a portion of +it, by presents, but in vain. The Indians told them to mind their +own business, or their lives would not be safe. Since that +occurrence no company has been able to pass without carrying +along some of our interpreters to explain matters to the Indians. + +Friendly feelings yet remain between the natives and settlers and +I have no hesitancy in saying that it will increase so long as we +treat them kindly, and deal honestly with them. I have been blest +in my labors the last year. Much grain has been raised for the +Indians. I herewith furnish you the account of Bishop Dame, of +Parowan, for cattle, wagons, etc. + +Furnished for the benefit of the Chief Owanup (ss.), +for Two yoke of oxen, $100 each, one wagon and chain $75. +Total.....................................................$275.00 +Two cows $30 each, for labor $80...........................140.00 + ---------- + $415.00 +P. K. Smith, Cedar City, Iron County: +For two yoke cattle $100 each, and Mo. 2 Weekses Band.....$200.00 +One cow $35, do one wagon $80, total.......................115.00 + ---------- +Total.....................................................$315.00 +Jacob Hamblin's account for the benefit of Talse Gobbeth Band, +Santa Clara, Washington Co. (ss.): Two yoke of cattle, +$100 each, do one wagon, two chains, $100, total..........$300.00 +Two cows $35 each, total....................................70.00 + ---------- +Total.....................................................$370.00 +Henry Barney's account for the benefit of Tennquiches Band, +Harmony (ss.): For two yoke cattle $100...................$200.00 +Do one wagon $100, do one plow $40, total..................140.00 +Do four cows at $35 each, total............................140.00 +For labor in helping to secure crops, etc...................40.00 + ---------- +Total.....................................................$520.00 +For my services the last six months, and for provisions, +clothing, etc........... $600.00 + ---------- +Sum total...............................................$2,220.00 + +From the above report you will see that the wants of the natives +have increased with their experience and practice in the art of +agriculture. With sentiments of high consideration. + +I am your humble servant, + +John Doyle Lee, Gov. B. Young. Farmer to Pah Utes Indians. + +Having signed, I forwarded that letter, and thought I had managed +the affair nicely. I put in this expense account of two thousand +two hundred and twenty dollars just to show off, and help Brigham +to something from the Government. It was the way his Indian +farmers all did. I never gave the Indians one of the articles +named in the letter. No one of the men mentioned had furnished +anything to the Indians, but I did it this way for safety. +Brigham never spent a dollar on the Indians while he was Indian +Agent. The only money he ever spent on the Indians was when we +were at war with them. Then they cost us some money, but not +much. + +Brigham, knowing that I wrote this letter solely for the +protection of the brethren, used it in making up his report to +the Government. I obeyed his orders in this, as I did at the +Mountain Meadows. I acted conscientiously, and have nothing to +blame myself for. + +The following winter I was a delegate to the Constitutional +Convention that met in Salt Lake City to form a constitution +preparatory to the application of Utah for admission into the +Union. I attended during the entire session, and was often in +company with Brigham at his house and elsewhere, and he treated +me with kindness and consideration. + +At the close of the session of the Convention I was directed by +Brigham to assume charge of the cattle and other property +captured from the emigrants, and take care of it for the Indians. +When I got home I gathered up about two hundred head of cattle +and put my brand on them, and gave them to the Indians as they +needed them, or rather when they demanded them. I did that until +all of the emigrant cattle were gone. + +The taking care of that property was unfortunate, for afterward +when the Indians wanted beef they thought they owned everything +with my brand on. So much so, that I quit branding my stock. I +preferred leaving them unbranded, for everything with my brand on +would be taken by the Indians. I know it has been reported that +the emigrants were very rich. That is a mistake. Their only +wealth was in cattle and teams. The people were comfortably +dressed in Kentucky jeans and lindsey, but they had no fine +clothing that I ever saw. They had but few watches. + +While in Cedar City Brigham preached one night. In his sermon, +when speaking of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, he said: + +"Do you know who those people were that were killed on the +Mountain Meadows? I will tell you who those people were. They +were fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, +and children of those who killed the Saints and drove them from +Missouri, and afterwards murdered our Prophets in Carthage jail. +And yet after all this, I am told there are some of the brethren +who are willing to swear against those who were engaged in that +affair. I hope there is no truth in this report. I hope there is +no such person here, under the sound of my voice. But if there +is, I will tell him my opinion of him, and the fact so far as his +fate is concerned. Unless he repent at once of that unholy +intention, and keep the secret, he will die a dog's death, and go +to hell. I must not hear of any treachery among my people." + +These words of Brigham gave great comfort. They insured our +safety and took away our fears. + + + +CHAPTER XXIII - LEE NEARS THE END + +Many people think that Brigham cut me off from the Church and +refused to recognize me following the massacre. I will relate a +circumstance that took place ten years after the facts were known +by him. + +In 1867 or 1868 I met Brigham and suite at Parowan, seventy miles +from Washington, the place where a part of my family resided. +Brother James Pace was with me. The Prophet said that he wanted +uncle Jim Pace to go with me and prepare dinner for him, and to +go by my herd and take several fat kids along and have a good +dinner for him by the time he got there. + +Brigham's will was our pleasure. We rode night and day, and felt +thankful that we were worthy the honor of serving the prophet of +the Living God. The time designated for dinner was one o'clock. +The company arrived at eleven o'clock, two hours ahead of time. +The Prophet drove to Bishop Covington's house, in the block where +I lived; he halted about five minutes there, instead of driving +direct to my house according to previous arrangement. Then he +turned his carriage around and got out with Amelia, his beloved, +and went into the Bishop's house, leaving his suite standing in +the street. Brigham felt his dignity trampled on because I was +not present to the minute to receive him with an escort, and +welcome and do homage to him upon entering the town. + +As soon as I learned of his arrival I hastened to make apologies. +The Prophet heard my excuses, and said that his family and +brethren, all except himself and Amelia, could go to my house to +dinner; that he would not eat until about two o'clock. He then +whispered to me and said: + +"Cut me a chunk off the breast of the turkey, and a piece off the +loin of one of the fat kids, and put some rich gravy over it, and +I will eat it at 2 p. m." + +At two o'clock I again made his will my pleasure, and carried his +dinner to him as requested, when he did me the honor of eating +it. The rest of the company went to my house and took dinner. +Among my guests that day were Bishop Hunter, Brothers John +Taylor, W. Woodruff, several of the Prophet's sons and daughters, +and many others. + +At dinner Brother Smith and others of the twelve apostles laughed +about the anger of Brigham, and said that if the Old Boss had not +got miffed they would have lost the pleasure of eating the fat +turkey. The party enjoyed themselves that day, and had many a +laugh over the Prophet's anger robbing him of an excellent +dinner. + +At that time part of my family was at Washington, but I also had +quite a family living at Harmony, where several of my wives were +staying. The next morning the Prophet asked me if I was going to +Harmony that night. I told him that I did intend going. + +"I wish you would go," said he, "and prepare dinner for us." + +Brigham then gave me full instructions as to what to prepare for +dinner, and how he wanted his meat cooked, and said the company +would be at my house in Harmony the next day at 1 o'clock, p. m. +I at once proceeded to obey his instructions. I rode to Harmony +through a rain storm, and I confess I was proud of my position. I +esteemed it a great honor to have the privilege of entertaining +the prophet of the Lord. + +My entire family in Harmony were up all night, cooking and making +ready to feed and serve the Lord's anointed and his followers. I +killed beeves, sheep, goats, turkeys, geese, ducks, and chickens, +all of which were prepared according to instructions, and eaten +by Brigham and his party next day. + +Prompt to time, the Prophet and his suite and an escort on +horseback came into the Fort. There were seventy-three carriages, +besides the Danite escort. I entertained the entire party, giving +them dinner, supper, and breakfast. + +In 1858 Brigham called upon me to locate a company of cotton +growers, of which Brother Joseph Ham was captain. This company +was sent out by Brigham and the leading men of Salt Lake City, to +test the growing of cotton on the Santa Clara and Rio Virgin +bottoms. In obedience to counsel, I located the company at the +mouth of the Santa Clara River, about four miles south of where +St. George now stands. + +In 1859 or 1860, the first trip that Brigham took from Salt Lake +City to southern Utah, he went by way of Pinto, Mountain Meadows, +Santa Clara, and Washington. I was at Washington, building a +gristmill, some two miles west of the town, when he came along. I +was sitting on a rock about thirty steps from the road. His +carriage was in the lead, as was usual with him when traveling. +When he came opposite where I was sitting he halted and called me +to his carriage, and bid me get in. I did so. He seemed glad to +see me, and asked where I lived. I told him I lived in the same +block with Bishop Covington, and that he would pass my door in +going to the Bishop's. I then thought he would put up with the +Bishop, and not with a private person. + +In crossing the creek, on the way into town, the sand was heavy. +I was about to jump out and walk. He objected, saying: + +"Sit still. You are of more value than horseflesh yet." + +When we neared my residence, he said: + +"Is this where you live, John?" + +"It is. That is where the Bishop lives." The old man made no +reply, but continued on. Then he said: + +"You have a nice place here. I have a notion to stop with you." + +"You are always welcome to my house," I replied. + +Then he said to the company, which consisted, I think, of +seventy-three carriages: + +"Some of you had better scatter round among the brethren." + +About half the company did so. The rest, with the Prophet, stayed +at my house. The next day the whole company went on to Tokerville, +twenty miles from my residence. I went with them to that place. +In the evening all went to St. George, and held a two days' +meeting. At the close of the meeting the Prophet called me to the +stand, and said: + +"John, I will be in New Harmony on Wednesday next. I want you to +notify the Saints, and have a bowery built, and prepare for my +reception." + +Brother Imday was President of that place, and was at the +meeting. I traveled all night, and reported the orders of the +Prophet to the people. Great preparations were made for his +reception. A committee of arrangements was appointed, with a +committee to wait on his Honor. Also an escort of fifteen Danites +was selected to accompany this committee. They went out fifteen +miles, where they met the Prophet and his followers and made a +report of our proceedings. He thanked them, and said: + +"I am going to stop with Brother John D.," as he often called me. +"John, I am going to stop with you." + +"You know you are always welcome," I said. Brigham drove to the +center of the town and halted; then he said: + +"John, where do you live?" I pointed across the field about half +a mile. + +It being his will, we went to my house, sixteen carriages going +with us. Quite a number of Brigham's company had gone by Kanab, +to Cedar City, to hold meetings in what settlements they would +pass through. The arrangements of the committee were treated with +indifference by Brigham and his party. All the company but one +carriage went to my house; that one stopped at Brother James +Pace's. During their stay at my house all were friendly. Brigham +asked me to go with them to Cedar City, which I did. + +In 1870, some time in the fall, I went from Parowan by way of +Panguich, up the Severe River with Brigham, on a trip to the +Pareah country. On this trip I was appointed a road commissioner, +with ten men to go ahead, view out and prepare the road for +Brigham and his company to travel over. While at Upper Kanab I +had a private interview with him, concerning my future. Brigham +said he thought I had met with opposition and hardships enough to +entitle me to have rest the balance of my life; that I had best +leave Harmony, and settle in some good place farther south; build +up a home and gather strength around me. After a while we would +cross over into Arizona Territory, near the San Francisco +Mountains, and there establish the order of Enoch, or United +Order. We were to take a portable steam sawmill and cut lumber +with which to build up the southern settlements, and I was to run +the mill in connection with Bishop Stewart. This I consider an +additional honor shown me by the Prophet. + +From Upper Kanab I was sent across the mountains to Lower Kanab, +to Bishop Stewart's, to have him carry supplies for the Prophet +and company. I had to travel sixty miles without a trail, but I +was glad of a chance to perform any duty that would please the +Prophet. I again met the company, and went with the party to +Tokerville, where I closed arrangements with Brigham about the +sawmill. All was understood and agreed upon, and we parted in a +very friendly manner. About two weeks after leaving Brigham and +party at Tokerville, I was notified that I had been suspended +from the Church because of the Mountain Meadows affair. + +The following spring I visited the Prophet at St. George, and +asked him why they had thus dealt with me, without allowing me a +chance to speak for myself; why they had waited seventeen years +and then cut me off; why I was not cut off at once, if what I had +done was evil? + +"I never knew the facts until lately," he said. + +"Brother Brigham, you know I told the whole story to you a short +time after it happened." + +The reply he made was this: + +"Be a man, and not a baby. I am your friend, and not your enemy. +You shall have a rehearing. Go up to the office and see Brother +Erastus Snow, and arrange the time for the hearing." + +We arranged the time of meeting. It was agreed that all parties +interested were to be notified of the meeting, and required to be +in St. George on the following Wednesday, at 2 p. m. All parties +agreed to this, and after talking over the whole thing I again +parted with Brigham in a very friendly manner. I went to +Washington and stayed with my family there. The next morning I +started for Harmony, to visit my family at that place, and make +arrangements for the rehearing that was to me of the greatest +consequence. I then considered that if I was cut off from the +Church I might better be dead; that out of the Church I could +find no joys worth living for. + +Soon after I left Washington Erastus Snow, one of the twelve +apostles, arrived at my house and asked for me. My family told +him I had gone to Harmony to arrange for the new hearing and +trial before the Church authorities. He appeared to be much +disappointed at not meeting me, and told my family that Brigham +had reconsidered the matter, and there would be no rehearing or +investigation; that the order cutting me off from the Church +would stand; that he would send a letter to me which would +explain the matter, and the letter would reach Harmony about as +soon as I did. On the next Tuesday night an anonymous letter was +left at my house by one of the sons of Erastus Snow, with orders +to hand it to me. The letter read as follows: + +John Doyle Lee, of Washington: + +Dear Sir: If you consult your own interest, and that of those +that would be your friends, you will not press an investigation +at this time, as it will only serve to implicate ones who would +otherwise be your friends, and cause them to suffer with, or +inform upon you. Our advice is to make yourself scarce, and keep +out of the way. + +There was no signature, but I knew it came from Apostle Snow, +written by orders of Brigham. When I read the letter I saw that I +had nothing to hope from the Church, and my grief was as great as +I could bear. To add to my troubles, Brigham sent word to my +wives that they were divorced from me and could leave me, if they +wished to do so. This was the hardest blow I ever received in my +life, for I loved my wives. As the result of Brigham's advice +eleven of my wives deserted me, and have never lived with me +since that time. + +Afterwards I was arrested (on or about the 9th of November, 1874) +and taken to Fort Cameron, in Beaver County, Utah Territory, and +placed in prison there. A few days after my arrest I was visited +in prison by Brothers George A. Smith, Orson Hyde, Erastus Snow, +A. F. McDonald, and many other leaders of the Church. They each +and all told me to stand to my integrity, and all would come +right in the end. + +At this time the Prophet was stopping with Bishop Murdock, in +Beaver City. My wife Rachel went under cloud of night to see him +and have a talk about my case. He received her with kindness, +saying: + +"Sister Rachel, are you standing by Brother John?" + +"Yes, sir, I am," was her reply. + +"That is right," said he. "God bless you for it. Tell Brother +John to stand to his integrity to the end, and not a hair of his +head shall be harmed." + +What is there more? I wait within the reach of death. There is no +help for the widow's son. Still, all is for the best. + +Camp Cameron, March 23rd, 1877. + +Morning clear, still and pleasant. The guard, George Tracy, +informs me that Col. Nelson and Judge Howard have gone. Since my +confinement here I have reflected much over my sentence, and as +the time of my execution has come, I feel composed. I hope to +meet the bullets with manly courage. I declare my innocence. I +have done nothing wrong. I have a reward in Heaven, and my +conscience does not accuse me. This to me is a consolation. I +place more value upon it than I would upon an eulogy without +merit. If my work be finished on earth, I ask God in Heaven, in +the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to receive my spirit, and allow +me to meet my loved ones who have gone behind the veil. The bride +of my youth and her faithful mother; my devoted friend and +companion, N. A.; my dearly beloved children, with whom I parted +in sorrow, but shall meet in joy - I bid you farewell. Be true to +each other. Live faithful before God, that we may meet in the +mansions that God has prepared for His servants. Remember the +last words of your most true friend on earth, and let them sink +into your aching hearts. I leave my blessing with you. Farewell. +John Doyle Lee + + + +APPENDIX I - BLOOD ATONEMENT + +As exhibiting the Mormon position on the doctrine of "Blood +Atonement," the following extracts are taken from the sermons and +preachings of the Prophet Brigham Young: + +"I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been +righteously slain in order to atone for their sins." + +"Now, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off +from the earth, that you consider is strong doctrine; but it is +to save them, not to destroy them." + +"All mankind love themselves; and let these principles be known +by an individual, and he would be glad to have his blood shed. +That would be loving themselves even unto eternal exaltation." + +"This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help +him; if he wishes salvation, and it is necessary to spill his +blood upon the ground in order that he be saved, spill it." + +"Any of you who understand the principles of eternity - if you +have sinned a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin +unto death - would not be satisfied or rest until your blood +should be spilled, that you might gain the salvation you desire. +This is the way to love mankind." + +"It is true the blood of the Son of God was shed for sins through +the fall and those committed by men, yet ye men can commit sins +which it can never remit. As it was in the ancient days, so it is +in our day; and though the principles are taught publicly from +this stand, still the people do not understand them; yet the law +is precisely the same." + +"I have known a great many men who have left this Church, for +whom there is no chance whatever of exaltation; but if their +blood had been spilled, it would have been better for them. The +wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this principle +being in full force, but the time will come when the law of God +will be in full force." + +"Will you love your brothers and sisters likewise, when they have +committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of +their blood? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed +their blood? That is what Jesus Christ meant. He never told a man +to love his enemies in their wickedness. He never intended any +such thing." + +"I have known scores and hundreds of people for whom there would +have been a chance in the last resurrection if their lives had +been taken and their blood spilled upon the ground as a smoking +incense to the Almighty, but who are now angels to the devil, +until our elder brother, Jesus Christ, raises them up, and +conquers death, hell, and the grave." + +"There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering upon an +altar, as in ancient days; and there are sins that the blood of a +lamb, of a calf, or of turtle doves cannot remit, but they must +be atoned for by the blood of the man. That is the reason why men +talk to you as they do from this stand; they understand the +doctrine, and throw out a few words about it. You have been +taught that doctrine, but you do not understand it." + +"Now, take a person in this congregation, who has a knowledge of +being saved in the kingdom of our God and our Father, and being +an exalted one, - who knows and understands the principles of +eternal life, and sees the beauty and excellency of the +eternities before him, compared with the vain and foolish things +of the world; and suppose he is overtaken with a gross fault - +that he has committed a fault which he knows will deprive him of +that exaltation which he desires; and that he cannot attain to it +without the shedding of his blood; and also knows that by having +his blood shed, he will atone for that sin and be saved, and be +exalted with the gods, is there a man or woman in this house but +what would say, 'Shed my blood, that I may be saved and exalted +with the gods'?" + + + +APPENDIX II - THE STORY OF LEE'S ARREST + +United States Marshal's Office, Beaver City, Utah, April 1st, +1877. + +My Dear Sir: As requested, I send you the facts of the arrest of +John Doyle Lee, from the time the warrants were placed in my +hands until I arrested him and brought him to Beaver City. I tell +it in my own way, and you can use it as you see proper. + +About the 1st of October, 1874, warrants were placed in my hands +for the arrest of Lee, Haight, Higbee, Stewart, Wilden, Adair, +Klingensmith, and Jukes (the warrant for the arrest of Dame not +being placed in my hands at that time). I received instructions +from General George R. Maxwell, United States Marshal for the +District of Utah, that Lee was the most important one of all +those indicted, and that he wanted him arrested first, if +possible, but that it was a dangerous undertaking, for he was +satisfied by what he could learn that Lee would never be taken +alive. He wanted me to take him alive, if possible, but not at +too great a risk; that he did not want to give me any plan of +operations or particular instructions how to act, as he believed +I knew more about that kind of business than he did, and that he +did not wish to give any officer under him any plans when he was +sure, as he was in this case, that it would be laying a plan to +have one of his own officers killed. I took the case in hand, +thinking at that time that I would have to go to Lee's place on +the Colorado River. I was arranging for that trip. + +On the 28th day of October, 1874, I started south from Beaver +City, to summon jurors for the November term of the District +Court for the Second Judicial District of Utah Territory, to be +held at Beaver City. I also intended to procure a guide, if I +could do so, and go to the Colorado River to make the arrest. +When I reached Parowan I learned that it was currently reported +that Lee had come from the Colorado River, and was then in the +southern counties of Utah. He was supposed to be at Harmony, +because it was known that he had some accounts due him there, +which he was then probably collecting, in the shape of provisions, +to take back with him to the river. I at once started again, on +my way south, determined to arrest him at Harmony, and to do so +alone, for I did not know where reliable aid could be had. I +considered there was no time to lose, and that I was taking no +more chances in attempting the arrest alone than I would be +taking if I found him at the Colorado River, at his stronghold, +even if backed by a strong force. + +On my way I met Thomas Winn. I told him what I was intending to +do. I told him I was going to arrest Lee. Winn said he considered +it madness, as it was reported that several of Lee's sons were +with him, and all armed. He volunteered to go with me and take +even chances. + +We finally decided that he should go to Iron City and get help, +as there were then several men there that we could depend on. He +was to get these men and be at Harmony by daylight on the morning +of the 30th of October. I was to go to Harmony and get there soon +after dark the night of the 29th of October, and make the arrest, +if I thought I could do so and get away in safety under the cover +of night. If not, I was to find out where he was, and wait for +assistance. + +When I got to Hamilton's Fort, eight miles south of Cedar City, I +learned that Lee had left Harmony and gone back to the Colorado +River, by the way of Toquerville, and was then several days ahead +of me. I then sent a boy out on the Iron City road to stop Winn +and send him back. I proceeded on my way and summoned my jurors. +I could hear nothing of Lee in the southern country. On my way +back I stopped at Thomas Winn's house, and got him to go over on +the Severe River, to see if Lee had not gone by the way of +Panguitch, and stopped there to lay in more supplies. + +Winn started on the 5th day of November, and took Franklin R. +Fish with him. They pretended to be looking for stock. They were +to report to me at Parowan, on the night of the 7th of November. +I returned to Beaver City, and made my returns. + +On the morning of November 7th I started for Parowan to meet my +men, Winn and Fish. That same day Brigham Young went from Beaver +to Parowan. He passed me near the Buck Horn Springs. I have no +doubt but that he thought I was there to assassinate him, for he +had four of his best fighting Danites with him as a guard. They +were armed with Henry rifles, and as they came up to me the +Danites rode between me and their beloved Prophet's carriage; but +they had no reason for alarm. Brigham Young was not the man that +I was after at that time. I met Winn and Fish at Red Creek. As +they were coming out of Little Creek Canyon Winn remarked: + +"Your man is there!" + +As the men had found that Lee had made everything ready for a +start, we rode on to Parowan, where I arranged my plan of action. +Fish was to go back over the mountains to Panguitch that night, +with instructions to come out and meet us, in case Lee should +start away from Panguitch. I was to start back toward Beaver City +until I had passed Red Creek settlement, and then go up Little +Creek Canyon. The others, Thomas Winn, Thomas LaFever, Samuel G. +Rodgers and David Evans, were to go into the mountains in +different places, and all to meet near Thompson's Mill on Little +Creek. We followed this plan, and met at the mill. We then went +over the mountains towards Panguitch. + +The snow on the way would average fully two feet in depth, and +the night was very cold. We stopped at a place about three miles +from Panguitch for the night. I sent David Evans into Panguitch +to see Fish, and find out if all was right. Long before daylight +we saddled our horses and started on, for the night was bitter +cold. We had no blankets with us, and dared not build a fire, for +fear it would alarm Lee and notify him that we were there. We +reached the place where Evans was to meet us sometime before +daylight; he was not there. We waited until after the sun was up, +but still Evans did not come. Then thinking that my plans had +been found out in some way, and that my two men, Fish and Evans, +were captured, and more than likely Blood Atoned, I concluded to +act quickly and effectually. + +We mounted our horses and dashed into the town at full speed. We +found Evans, and learned that Fish had not been able to locate +Lee, but knew that he was in town. I then ordered my men to go to +different parts of the town, and keep a good lookout, and not to +let any wagon go out of town until they had searched the wagon. I +inquired of the citizens about Lee, but could learn nothing from +them about him. Some said they never knew him, others that they +never heard of such a man, had not even heard the name. + +The citizens soon came crowding around in disagreeable numbers. I +saw I must resort to strategy, or I and my friends were in +danger; so in order to disperse the crowd, I took out my book and +pencil and took down the names of those around me. I then +summoned them to assist me in finding and arresting Lee. They +each and all had some excuse, but I refused to excuse any of them +and ordered them to go and get their arms and come back and aid +me. This worked well, for in less than five minutes there was not +a Mormon to be seen on the streets of Panguitch. About this time +I rode near Thomas Winn, when he said: + +"I believe I have Lee spotted. I asked a little boy where Lee's +wife lived, and he showed me the house." + +This was something to work on. I rode around to the house that +Winn pointed out to me. As I turned the street corner I saw a +woman looking into a log pen, and when she saw me she turned back +towards the house, then turned and walked back to the pen, and +appeared to be talking to someone in the pen. She seemed to be +very much excited. I rode by the house and around the lot, and +while doing so I saw a little girl go out and look into the pen +for a little while; she then took up a handful of Straw and went +buck into the house. I, like Winn, was then satisfied that Lee +was in that pen. I then told Winn to keep the place in sight, but +not appear to be watching it, while I was getting ready to search +for Lee. I soon afterwards met Samuel Lee. I took down his name +and ordered him to assist me in searching for and arresting John +D. Lee. + +"John D. Lee is my father, sir," said he. + +At that I told him it made no difference to me if he was his +grandmother, that I was going to search the house and wanted him +with me. He said he was going down to the threshing machine to +see his brother Al, and started off. I drew my revolver and told +him to stop. He walked right along, looking back over his +shoulder at me all the time. I then spurred my horse and went in +front of him. He said: + +"You can shoot and be hanged. I am not heeled, but I am going +down to see my brother Al." + +While we were talking, Alma Lee came up and asked what was up. +Sam said: + +"This is the officer come to arrest father." + +"Is that all! I thought there was a dog fight." + +He then took Sam one side and talked to him for a time. Sam soon +came back and said he was ready to go with me. I then dismounted +and had Winn do the same. I first went into the house, where I +found several women. I searched the house thoroughly, but found +no one in it that I wanted. I then said to Sam: + +"We will go over to the other house." + +"All right, come on," said Sam, and started out ahead of me. + +When I got into the yard I stopped, saying: + +"Hold on; here is a corral out here, let us examine that." + +At this Sam came to a standstill, and was very much excited. I +was then certain that my man was there. I had to urge Sam +considerably to get him to go up to the corral with me. Henry +Darrow, one of Lee's sons-in-law, followed us. I took a circle +around the corral, and then walked up to the log pen. This pen +was about seven feet wide, nine feet long, and four feet high in +the clear. There was a hole close to the ground, just about large +enough for a man to crawl through. I first went to this hole and +looked through into the pen, but I could see nothing but some +loose straw in the back end of the pen. I then discovered a +little hole between the top logs, near the back end, where the +straw covering was off. I went to this hole and put my eye down +to it, and then I saw one side of Lee's face, as he lay on his +right side; his face was partly covered with loose straw. I +waited a few seconds, until Winn came near enough for him to hear +me without my speaking over a whisper. I then said: + +"There is someone in that pen." + +"I guess not," said Darrow. + +"I am certain there is a person in there." + +"Well, if there is, it is likely one of the children," said +Darrow. + +By this time Winn was in position and holding his Henry rifle +ready for instant use. Winn and myself were alone. All my other +men were in other parts of the town. Just then I saw Fish coming. +I then said: + +"Lee, come out and surrender yourself. I have come to arrest +you." + +He did not move. I looked around to see if any of my men were +coming. I saw Fish sitting on his horse in front of the door, his +gun in his hand. I motioned my hand for him to come to me, but he +remained still and kept watch of the house, as if he was going to +shoot, or expected danger from that quarter. His action surprised +me, for he was a brave man, and quick to obey orders. I then +looked at the house to see what was attracting his attention, and +I soon saw there was enough there to claim his full time. I saw +two guns pointed through the logs of the side of the house and +aimed directly at me, and Fish was watching the people who held +those guns. That looked like business. I instantly drew two +pistols from my overcoat pocket, taking one in each hand. I put +one pistol through the crack in the roof of the pen, with the +muzzle within eighteen inches of Lee's head. I then said to Winn: + +"You go in there and disarm Lee, and I promise you that if a +single straw moves, I will blow his head off, for my pistol is +not a foot from his head." + +Winn was going into the pen. Darrow then commenced to beg me not +to shoot. Lee also spoke and said: + +"Hold on, boys, don't shoot, I will come out." + +He then commenced to turn over to get out of the pen, at the same +time putting his pistol (which he had all the time held in his +hand and lying across his breast) into the scabbard. I said to +Winn: + +"Stand back and look out, for there is danger from the house." + +Darrow continued to beg us not to shoot. I told Darrow that I +would not hurt a hair of Lee's head if he surrendered peaceably, +but that I was not going to die like a dog, nor would I permit +Lee to get away alive. Lee came out of the pen, and after +straightening up, he asked very coolly: + +"Well, boys, what do you want of me?" + +"I have a warrant for your arrest, and must take you to Beaver +with me," I said, + +Lee then asked me to show him the pistol that I put through the +pen and pointed at his head. He said: + +"It was the queerest-looking pistol that I ever saw. It looked +like a man's hand with the fingers cut off short." + +It was a dragoon pistol, with the barrel cut off short. He +laughed when he saw it, and was not at all excited. We then went +to the house. The women seemed wild, some of them crying and all +unreasonable in their language. Lee told his family to be quiet, +and did all that he could to pacify them. I sent and bought some +wine, and took a pitcher of the liquid into the house to the +women. They all took a drink. When I got to one of his daughters, +who was crying bitterly, she took the glass and said: + +"Here is hoping that father will get away from you." + +"Drink hearty, miss," I said. + +By the time all the family had taken a drink a large number of +people had gathered around the house. I think fully one hundred +and fifty Mormons were there. I turned to one of my men and told +him to find some place where we could get something to eat. Lee +heard me, and apologized for not thinking to ask us to have +something to eat before that time. + +"But," said he, "the women folks have been making so much fuss +that I have thought of nothing." + +Lee then ordered breakfast for us all. His sons gathered around +him and told him that if he did not want to go to Beaver, to say +so, and they would see that he didn't go. Lee then took me one +side and told me what his friends proposed, and wanted to know +what answer he should give them. I thought he did this to see if +there was any chance to frighten me. I told him to tell the boys +to turn themselves loose; that I knew I had no friends in that +place, except those who came with me, but we were well armed, and +when trouble commenced we would shoot those nearest to us, and +make sure of them, and then keep it lively while we lasted. Lee +said he did not want anything of that kind to happen, and would +see that the boys behaved themselves. + +We started from Panguitch soon after breakfast. We put two of our +animals in the team, making a four-horse team. Darrow drove. Lee +and Rachel, one of his wives, and two of my men rode in the +wagon. It was about 11 a. m., on Monday, the 7th day of November, +1874, when we left Panguitch with Lee as a prisoner. We reached +Fremont Springs that night at 11 o'clock, and camped there until +daylight. The roads were so bad that we had been twelve hours in +making thirty miles. The night was dark and cold, and having no +blankets with us we could not sleep. + +We left Fremont Springs at daylight, and reached Beaver about 10 +o'clock, a. m., November 10th, 1874. We had been twenty-four +hours without food. Lee and Rachel had fared better, for they had +a lunch with them. When we reached Beaver the people were +thunderstruck to know that Lee had been arrested. After the +arrest Lee was in my custody the greater portion of the time that +he was in prison. He never gave any trouble to me or his guards. +He never tried to escape, but at all times assisted the guards to +carry out the instructions received from the officers. + +I remain your most obedient servant, + +William Stokes. + + + +APPENDIX III - DEATH OF JOHN DOYLE LEE + +John Doyle Lee was executed on Mountain Meadows, Washington +County, Utah Territory, at the scene of the massacre, on the 23d +day of March, 1877. On Wednesday preceding the day fixed upon for +the execution the guard having Lee in charge started from Beaver +City, where Lee had been imprisoned, for Mountain Meadows, where +it had been decided to carry the sentence into execution. The +authorities had received information that an attempt to rescue +Lee would be made by his sons, and precautions were taken to +prevent the success of any such attempt. The place of execution +was kept a secret, and a strong guard procured. Lee was cheerful +and seemed to have but little dread of death. + +The party reached Mountain Meadows about 10 o'clock Friday +morning, and after the camp had been arranged Lee pointed out the +various places of interest connected with the massacre, and +recapitulated the horrors of that event. A more dreary scene than +the present appearance of Mountain Meadows cannot be imagined. +The curse of God has fallen upon it and scorched and withered the +luxuriant grass and herbage that covered the ground twenty years +ago. The Meadows have been transformed from a fertile valley into +an arid and barren plain, and the Mormons assert that the ghosts +of the murdered emigrants meet nightly at the scene of their +slaughter and re-enact in pantomime the horrors of their taking +off. + +As the party came to a halt at the scene of the massacre +sentinels were posted on the surrounding hills, to prevent a +surprise, and preparations for the execution were at once begun. +The wagons were placed in a line near the monument, and over the +wheels of one of them army blankets were drawn to serve as a +screen or ambush for the firing party. The purpose of this +concealment was to prevent the men composing the firing party +from being seen by anyone, there being a reasonable fear that +some of Lee's relatives or friends might hereafter wreak +vengeance upon his executioners. The rough pine boards for the +coffin were next unloaded from a wagon, and the carpenters began +to nail them together. Meanwhile Lee sat some distance away. + +At 10.35, the arrangements having been completed, Marshal Nelson +read the sentence of the Court, and at its conclusion turned to +Lee and said: + +"Mr. Lee, if you have anything to say before the sentence of the +Court is carried into effect, you may now do so." + +"I wish to speak to that man," said Lee, pointing to the +photographer, who was adjusting his camera near by. "Come over +here," said Lee, beckoning with his hand. + +"In a moment, Mr. Lee," replied Mr. Fennemore. + +"I want to ask a favor of you," said Lee. "I want you to furnish +my three faithful wives each a copy," meaning the photograph +about to be taken. "Send them to Rachel A., Sarah C., and Emma +B." Lee then repeated the names of his three wives carefully, +saying to the artist, who had approached him: "Please forward +them - you will do this?" + +Mr. Fennemore responded affirmatively. + +Lee then seemed to pose himself involuntarily, and the picture +was taken. He then arose from his coffin, where he had been +seated, and, looking calmly at the soldiers and spectators, said +in an even tone of voice: + +"I am on the brink of eternity; the solemnities of eternity rest +upon my mind. I have made out - or have endeavored to do so - a +manuscript, abridging the history of my life. This is to be +published. In it I have given my views and feelings with regard +to these things. I feel resigned to my fate. I feel as a summer +morn. I have done nothing wrong; my conscience is clear before +God and man. I am ready to meet my Redeemer and those that have +gone before me, behind the veil. I am not an infidel. I have not +denied God and His mercies. I am a believer in these things. Most +I regret is parting with my family; many of them are unprotected +and will be left fatherless." Here he hesitated. "When I speak of +these things they touch a chord within me. I declare my innocence +of anything wrong. I am only a victim - a victim must be had. I +do not fear to die; I trust in God; Death has no terror. No mercy +have I asked. I do not fear eternity. I am a believer in the +gospel of Jesus Christ. It is my last word - it is so. I believe +in the gospel that was taught in its purity in former days. I +regret leaving my family; they are near and dear to me. These are +things which touch me - those poor orphaned children! I ask the +Lord, my God, if my labors be done, to receive my spirit." + +Lee was informed that his hour had come. He looked at the small +group of spectators, exchanged a few words with Marshal Nelson, +saying: + +"I ask one favor of the guards - center my heart." + +The Marshal then bound a handkerchief over Lee's eyes, but his +hands were allowed to remain free. Lee straightened himself up, +faced the firing party as he sat on his coffin, clasped his hands +over his head, and exclaimed: + +"Remember! The balls through my heart!" + +The Marshal gave the order to the guards, Fire! As the word +"fire!" rang out on the morning air a report was heard and Lee +fell back, dead. There was not a cry, not a moan. + + + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mormon Menace, by +John Doyle Lee and Alfred Henry Lewis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORMON MENACE *** + +***** This file should be named 23519.txt or 23519.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/1/23519/ + +Produced by Bret Blakeslee + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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