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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
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person and property, and but few cities of a population of twenty thousand people, in the United States, hath less of
dissipation or vice of any kind, than the city of Nauvoo.
"Of the correctness of our conduct in this affair, we appeal to every high Court in the State, and to its ordeal we are willing
to appear at any time that His Excellency, Governor Ford, shall please to call us before it. I therefore, in behalf of the
Municipal Court of Nauvoo, warn the lawless not to be precipitate in any interference in our affairs, for as sure as there is a
God in Israel we shall ride triumphant over all oppression.
"Joseph Smith, Mayor."
It was stated at the time, that the brothers, Joseph and Hyrum, were occasionally, during the two days' discussion in the
Council, highly excited, and indulged in violent language. The former is reported to have vehemently exclaimed: "If you
will not stick by me, and wade to your knees in Hood, for my sake, you may go to h--I and he d--d, and I will go and build
another city!" Hyrum is reported to have used this ironical language: "We had better send a message to Long-nosed
Sharp that if he does not look out, he might be visited with a pinch of snuff that will make him sneeze!" And continued: "If
any person will go to Warsaw boldly, in daylight, and break the press of the Signal office with a sledge hammer, I will
bear him out in it, if it costs me a farm. He could only be taken with a warrant at any rate, and what good would that do?"
Of course such language would not do to be reported in the organ. It is proper, however, to state that Hyrum and his
friends made emphatic denial of having uttered threats against the Signal or its editor.
The foregoing report in the extra is to be taken as conclusive of the reasons for the destruction of the press. When
analyzed they resolve themselves into this: Emmons was poor when he came to the city, with only two shirts to his back;
the Laws oppressed the poor, by adhering to their rules in grinding, and they had dunned the prophet for money due;
Dr. Foster had been too intimate with a sister in Ohio, and besides had written the Mayor a saucy letter; Wilson Law had
seduced another sister; they had all misrepresented the spiritual-wife doctrine; and all this amounted to treason and
rebellion against the independent sovereignty and kingdom of Nauvoo; and, therefore, their printing press was a
nuisance, and must be destroyed. Even in this the Mayor transcended the authority given him by the Council. The
resolution instructed him to abate the nuisance by removal; he issued his order to the City Marshal to destroy the press
and pi the types in the street, and, if necessary, demolish the house, and arrest all who oppose.
THE ATONEMENT.
The city was now at fever heat. The seceders all left, and repairing to the county seat, procured writs for all engaged in the
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
destruction of the press, on the charge of riot. These writs were placed in the hands of an officer, who, with a posse, went
to the city and arrested a number of persons charged. The habeas corpus was again applied, and they were "honorably
discharged!"
"Meanwhile the whole county was in commotion. Public meetings were held at various points, and the people called to
arm for the approaching crisis. The following resolutions were adopted at "Warsaw and afterward at Carthage, by
acclamation:
Resolved, That the time, in our opinion, has arrived, when the adherents of Smith as a body should be driven from the
surrounding settlements into Nauvoo. That the prophet and his miscreant adherents should then be demanded at their
hands, and if not surrendered, a "war of extermination should be waged to their entire destruction, if necessary for our
protection.
Resolved, That every citizen arm himself to be prepared to sustain the resolutions herein contained.
It is proper here to state that there were at this time and even afterward while the Mormons remained, four classes of
citizens in the county: 1. The Mormons themselves; 2. A class called Jack-Mormons, who, not members of the church,
adhered to and sustained them for mercenary or political gain; 3. Old citizens who were Anti-Mormons at heart, but who
refused to countenance any but lawful measures for redress of grievances; and 4. Anti-Mormons who, now that the crisis
had come, advocated "war and extermination." Some of the third class were denounced as Jacks, by the extremists;
though the great body of them acted throughout with the fourth class, in all but their extreme measures.
All over the county men were arming, organizing and drilling, having been notified by the officers that the posse
comitatus would be called out to assist in making the arrests. A great want existed in the absence of arms and
ammunition. Agents were sent to Quincy, to St. Louis and other places. At St. Louis a cannon and a lot of ammunition
were procured and brought to Warsaw. The authorities of the town voted $1000 zzz for supplies. A deputation having
been sent to Gov. Ford, at Springfield, he decided to visit the county in person, and judge for himself.
In much that follows regarding the death of the Smiths, and the events leading thereto and subsequent, we condense
from Ford's History, correcting his evident mistakes, and his many distortions of facts in order to make a case against the
old citizens.
Upon the Governor's arrival at Carthage he found an armed force collected and collecting, while another was assembling
at Warsaw. Gen. Deming had also called for the militia of McDonough and Schuyler counties. The Governor at once
placed all the troops under orders and under command of their proper officers. He next summoned the Mayor and City
Council of Nauvoo to present their side of the question, which they did, through a committee sent to him. After some
considerable delay and indecision as to what course to pursue, "a force of ten men was sent with the constable to make
the arrest and to guard the prisoners to headquarters."
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
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The officer made the arrests of the Mayor and Councilors, who signified their willingness to accompany him to Carthage
at eight o'clock next morning. Eight o'clock came, but the accused failed to appear, and the posse marched back to
Carthage without them.
This incensed the Governor; he blamed the officer for coming without them, very unjustly. The officer knew better than
His Excellency the ways of the accused. He knew if they had intended submission, they would have presented
themselves at the time; and that if they did not, an officer and ten men would find it an up-hill business to hunt out and
bring away an equal number, from the midst of two or three thousand armed men.
Next the Governor demanded that the State arms in possession of the Legion should be delivered up; and they delivered
three pieces of cannon and 220 stand of small arms, of 300 which had been distributed to it by Quarter-Master General
Bennett.
The surrender of the chiefs being insisted on, on the zzz2ith the prophet, his brother Hyrum, some members of the City
Council, and others, came in and surrendered to the officer holding the writs, and voluntarily entered into recognizances
to appear at court.
In the mean time a new warrant charging Joseph and Hyrum with treason had been issued, and they were again arrested
by the constable. The charge of treason was based on the alleged fact of levying war against the State, by declaring
martial law, and ordering out the legion to resist the execution of the laws. Here historian Ford, in order to find fault with
the Hancock people, gives us a new and novel definition of treason. He says:
Their actual guiltiness of the charge would depend upon circumstances. If their opponents had been seeking to put the
law in force in good faith, and nothing more, then an array of military force in open resistance to the posse comitatus and
the militia of the State, most probably would have zzzaraomited to treason. But if those opponents mainly intended to use
the process of the law, the militia of the State, and the posse comitatus, as cat's-paws to compass the possession of their
persons for the purpose of murdering them afterward, as the sequel demonstrated the fact to be, it might well be doubted
whether they were guilty of treason. -- (Ford's Hist. Ill., p. 337. )
So that treason, instead of depending upon the acts and intentions of the person charged, is to be measured by the acts
and intentions of others. It is a principle of law that intention must be taken into account; but it comes strangely from the
Governor of a State, that to constitute crime, the intentions of the people who are endeavoring to bring a criminal to
justice, rather than his own, are to be considered. But by what process does Gov. Ford so summarily arrive at the
intentions of those he styles the "opponents" of the Mormon leaders?
Neither party being prepared for the examination on the charge of treason, the Smiths were committed to the county jail
for greater security.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
The Governor now decided to march his force into Nauvoo, but does not seem to have had any clearly defined purpose
in so doing. The morning of the 27th was fixed on for the march, and on the 26th word was sent to the troops at Warsaw
to meet him and the main body at Golden's Point, about seven miles from the city; but on the 27th he wavered in his
intention of going with a force into the city, and called a council of officers to consult. A small majority voted in favor of
going, but the Governor took the responsibility, and ordered the troops disbanded, excepting three companies, two to
remain at Carthage, and one to accompany himself and a few friends to Nauvoo. Word to this effect was sent to the
Warsaw troops, who were already on the march; and they were met by the messenger on the prairie before reaching
Golden's Point. Here, much to their dissatisfaction, the officer disbanded them. After disbanding, many returned home,
while a portion lingered, and finally straggled east toward Carthage. The two companies left to guard the jail were placed
under command of Capt. Smith, of the Carthage Greys, his own company being one of them.
"Having ordered the guard, and left Gen. Deming in command in Carthage, and discharged the residue of the militia, I
immediately departed for Nauvoo, 18 miles distant, accompanied by Col. Buckmaster, Quartermaster-General, and Capt.
Dunn's (Augusta) company of dragoons." -- (p. 34:5. )
It was claimed that one purpose had in view, in thus visiting the city, was "to search for counterfeit money." But on the
way, he began to fear an attack on the jail; so he decided to omit the search, but hurry on to the city, make the Mormons a
speech, and return to Carthage the same night. The baggage wagons were halted, with orders to return at night. He and
his escort reached the city about four o'clock, called the people together, made them an address, in which he says he
rated them pretty severely for their bad conduct, and ended by putting the vote whether they in future would obey the
laws. They unanimously voted Yes, when His Excellency and his retinue started for Carthage a little before sundown. A
few miles out they were met by a messenger with the information that the two Smiths had been assailed in jail by a mob,
and killed! The messenger who brought the news was ordered to return with them to Carthage, which he did; but by some
means unknown to us the news reached the city during the night.
General consternation now pervaded the whole county. The troops had been disbanded, and most of them had left for
their homes. Three companies only remained -- the one with the Governor, and the two at Carthage -- to confront the
Legion, should it make a raid upon them. The Governor with his command hurried on to Carthage, only to find the place
partially deserted; and all who had not gone were going as fast as they could find means of conveyance. Men with their
families, in carts, in wagons, and on
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
323
horseback or a-foot, were en route mostly toward Augusta and St. Mary's. The Hamilton Hotel, where the dead bodies and
their wounded comrade had been taken, with perhaps a few other houses only, were not forsaken. Gen. Deming had left
town in the afternoon, before the deed had been committed. The Governor, in great excitement, hurried into town, where
he remained only long enough to denounce the people for their folly, and rode on to Augusta.
At Warsaw the people were not long in hearing what had been done, and anticipating Mormon vengeance, hurried from
their homes, mostly crossing the river to Alexandria. Picket guards were stationed about the town to watch the approach
of an enemy.
At Nauvoo great consternation prevailed. The messenger had been turned back by the Governor; yet late in the night the
news somehow reached the city. The people were appalled at the disaster which had befallen them. Most of the citizens
had retired to sleep before the news was received, so that only a portion knew of the death of their leader till the morning.
On the morning of the 28th of June, 1844, the sun rose on as strange a scene as the broad Hancock prairies had ever
witnessed. At the three corners of a triangle, 18 miles asunder, stood a smitten city and two almost deserted villages, with
here and there a group of questioning men, anxious to hear the news of the night. Toward the two villages the more
courageous ones were returning to find their several abodes unsacked and untouched. The wet and heavy roads leading
to the county seat from the south and east were being again traversed by the refugees of the night, now returning, and
wondering that they had homes to return to. All know that a great crime had been committed, by whom they knew not; and
they knew not how, upon whom, where, or in what manner retribution might fall!
The murder of the Smiths, while he was at Nauvoo and in danger, convinced our suspicious Governor that his own death
had been contemplated by the murderers as a part of the programme. But for this suspicion he had not the shadow of
evidence. He, however, very justly concluded that his authority was at an end. He had by his course failed to satisfy either
party, and both regarded him with distrust. He accordingly hurried from the county, and brought up at Quincy, forty miles
from the scene of the troubles. It was strongly suspected by the citizens that he had contemplated a rescue or an escape
of the prisoners; and he was very angry with them for harboring such suspicion. But he acknowledges in his book that
he had such a plan; which was "thwarted by this insane folly of the Anti-Mormons," (p. 839).
This fact was never fully known, until made public by himself. Its consummation could hardly have been effected without
bloodshed and violence. And here we have the startling fact confessed, that the Executive of a State, whose duty it is to
execute the laws, was contemplating the escape of great criminals, in order to avoid
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
the responsibilities his duty devolved upon him, and as the easiest way of getting rid of troublesome men.
HOW IT WAS DONE.
There can be little doubt that the killing of the Smiths was perpetrated by men who had been with or of the Warsaw troops.
There was plenty of time during the day, however, for others to have joined them, and they may have done so. Those
troops were composed partly of citizens of Warsaw and the country around it, with a few from Missouri and other places.
They numbered some one or two hundred, and were under command of Colonel Levi Williams.
After being disbanded on the prairie, as we have seen, a portion of them left at once for their homes, while others went on
toward Carthage. What course they took, or what became of them, until the afternoon when they were observed
approaching the jail, is not known. From a lady who resided perhaps nearest the jail, and who saw them approach, we
lately obtained the following: That they strung along in single file and quick step, from the direction of the woods
northwest of the town, until they came to the fence surrounding the building. This they scaled at once, and seized the
guard. She was several hundred yards away, too far to recognize any of them, or to see positively whether they were
masked or otherwise disfigured, though she thinks they were not. Her first impression was that they were Mormons, come
to release the prisoners; and that impression was shared by the other inhabitants of the town, as the alarm spread. She
thinks there were not more than thirty to forty men in the gang, as they filed along. The guard was soon overpowered,
and a rush was made for the stairway, ascending on the outside to the door of the jail, on the south end, the upper story
being used for that purpose. The door was assailed and burst open. The prisoners inside, aware of the attack, were,
however, behind it, well armed, endeavoring to prevent ingress. As the door would yield to the outside pressure, the
Prophet fired several shots around the edge with his revolver. The mobbers fired a number of shots through the door,
which killed Hyrum Smith, and wounded John Taylor severely. Seeing they were being overpowered, Richards, who was
still unhurt, ran with Taylor wounded into the inner dungeon, while Joseph Smith hastened to a window on the east,
raised the sash and leaned partly out, probably with a view of jumping, when he was shot by several balls from the
outside, and he fell to the ground near the well curb. It has been stated that after he fell, he was set up against the curb,
and several times shot. This last, we are reliably informed, is not the fact, but that no shot was fired after he fell, and that
he died from the two or three shots he received in the window. The story, we believe, is based on the statement of
Daniels, who afterward issued a pamphlet giving a most miraculous account of the transaction.
Gov. Ford and others have stated that the plan had been devised
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
325
and concerted between the mob and the Carthage Greys, and that the guard of ten men of that company who were
stationed around the jail, were in the plot, and made only a feint at resistance. This we are compelled to believe is partly
true. It is certain that a portion of the Greys knew that something was to be done; but others, the great body of them, knew
nothing about it. We have lately conversed with some who protest that they were wholly ignorant of anything going on,
until the firing was heard, and then, like the rest of the citizens, they apprehended a Mormon rescue.
Gov. Ford also charges that the mob selected that time -- while he was in Nauvoo, and in the power of the Mormons -- to
do the bloody deed, in order to compass his own destruction at their hands in revenge. His own too excitable and
suspicious nature originated the thought. So far from it being the fact that they designed and contemplated the murder of
the Governor, we believe they did not even contemplate the killing of the prisoners! This avowal will no doubt surprise
many of our readers; for we well know that the Governor's statement has been so often reiterated that it has been
generally received. But from all the inquiries we have made, and looking at the circumstances as they are known to have
existed, that is our honest and fixed conclusion. Of the thirty or forty men who approached the jail that day with stealthy
tread, we do not believe there was one with murder in his heart. They are not excusable, nevertheless. They were there for
an unlawful and wrongful purpose; though we believe that purpose was not clearly defined in any one's mind.
Let us look at the circumstances on which this opinion is based: There had been several demands made by Missouri for
the delivery of Smith, in the near past, all of which had in some way been thwarted. Added to this, only a short time
before, a public meeting at Warsaw and another one at Carthage had asked the Governor of Missouri to make another
demand, and pledging aid in support of it. This purpose, we are convinced, and this only -- to take the prisoners and run
them into Missouri -- was as far as any purpose went, until they reached the door uf the jail. There they were met with
resistance -- with tight; a defense certainly to have been expected; and it ended in death. It has been stated that two or
three of the mobbers were wounded and carried away. We know not whether this is so.
This "Book of Daniels," referred to above, was such a curiosity in itself, and contained so many wonderful statements, that
we should be glad to copy it entire as a specimen of the literature and truthfulness of the times. It was put forth by one
Wm. M. Daniels, a good-for-nothing youth, whom no one ever heard of before or since, who says that he was among the
Warsaw troops, and at the jail when the deed %\as done, and that afterward he was warned in a dream that he must go
and join the Saints, and publish his knowledge to the world, in order to further the ends of justice. He accordingly went
to Nauvoo, and, with the assistance of a typo there,
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
his book was ushered to the world. But we must content ourselves with a very short extract. He says that on the way to
Carthage, after being disbanded, the Warsaw troops concocted the plan of killing the Smiths; that Sharp, and Grover,
and Davis, and others, openly boasted of it along the road; that they sent a squad of men on ahead, to confer with the
Carthage Greys; that a portion of the latter came out to meet them with a proposition, which was agreed upon; that the
Greys stood and looked on while the killing was going on, etc., etc. He says, that after Joseph fell to the ground --
A fellow six feet tall and upward, holding a pewter flute in his hands, bare-headed and bare-footed, having on nothing but
his pants and shirt, with his sleeves rolled above his elbows, and his pants rolled above his knees, picked him up
instantly and set him up on the south side of the well curb, situated three or four feet from the building. As the ruffian
sprang over the fence to Gen. Smith, and while he was in the act of picking him up, he said: "This is old Jo: I know him. I
know you, old Jo. Damn you! You are the man that had my daddy shot." The reason of his talking in this way, I suppose,
was that he wished to pass himself to Gen. Smith as being the son of Gov. Boggs. * * * Four of the ruffians who stood in
front of Col. Williams, about eight feet east of the curb, were ordered by Williams to fire. They raised their muskets and the
fire was simultaneous. * * * After the breath had left his body, the person I have previously described, who had passed as
the son of Gov. Boggs, caught up a bowie knife for the purpose of cutting off his head. The knife was raised ready to
strike, when a light, so strange, so bright and sudden, flashed between him and the corpse, that he and the four men who
had shot him were struck with terror and consternation. Their muskets fell from their hands, and they stood like marble,
not having power to move a single limb. They were about to be left, when Col. Williams, who had also beheld and been
terrified at the light, shouted out to the men, "For God's sake, come and carry away these men!" They were obliged to
carry them away, as they were as helpless as though they were dead. This light was something like a flash of lightning,
and was so much brighter than the day, that after it had passed, it left a slight darkness like a twilight.
Daniels further states that when it became known that he was going to be a witness against the accused, and the nature of
his testimony became public, the sum of $2,500 was offered him to leave the State; this failing, efforts were made to put him
out of the way by violence!
BEFORE INDICTMENT AND TRIAL.
During the summer and fall (1844), after the death of the leaders, great dissatisfaction and trouble existed at Nauvoo,
growing mainly out of the struggle for the succession. Rigdon and his adherents were at work against Brigham Young
and the rest of the Twelve. Many of the rank and file were becoming lukewarm, and were quietly leaving the city; at the
same time numbers were retiring from the Mormon settlements in other parts of the county, some locating in the city, and
others scattering to other counties, and in doing so were stealing liberally from the Gentiles.
To add to the excitement a Grand Military Encampment was called to be held at Warsaw on the 2d of October. This call
was circulated in handbill, and was dated 27th Sept., signed by Col. Williams, Major Aldrich, and a number of officers of
independent companies in the neighborhood of Warsaw.
We are assured that this movement actually intended nothing
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
327
beyond what was expressed in the call, but it gave great uneasiness to the Mormons and their friends. They saw in it
something more than a peaceful military display; and it soon became magnified into a great wolf hunt, in which the
wolves hunted were to be Mormons in sheep's clothing. The excitement spread, and the Governor was appealed to for
protection. His Excellency, ever ready to believe any thing prejudicial to the old citizens, in this case allowed himself to
be imposed upon, and without proper inquiry, decided to send an expedition with troops into the county. A proclamation
was accordingly issued, calling for volunteers (2,500 required), and after a delay of several day a force of about 450 men
was marched into Hancock, the whole under command of Col. John J. Hardin, accompanied by the Governor himself.
The two Quincy companies were sent directly to Nauvoo, by way of the river. People were reluctant to volunteer, believing
that the Governor was engaged in an unnecessary and uncalled-for enterprise.
Some days previous to the call for troops, Murray McConnell, Esq., of Jacksonville, had been sent into the county, to
Carthage and Nauvoo; and the result was that Messrs. Williams and Sharp of Warsaw, and the Laws and Fosters of Rock
Island, with Joseph H. Jackson, were selected as examples for arrest, and writs for them were accordingly issued by
Aaron Johnson, a Nauvoo Justice of the Peace. These writs, excepting as to Col. Williams, were served; but all refused to
go to Nauvoo for hearing, and no attempt was made to take them there.
After a delay of a day or two at Carthage, the Governor's army was marched to Nauvoo on the 27th, and encamped about
a mile and a half below the city near the Mississippi. On the 28th the Nauvoo Legion was paraded for review. From
Nauvoo the troops were ordered to Warsaw, where they arrived on the 29th, and encamped in the suburbs. As the troops
approached the town, the men apprehending arrest, with some of their friends, quietly repaired across the river to
Alexandria. Knowing this fact. Gov. Ford chartered a keel-boat at Montebello, and had it secretly dropped down to the
vicinity of Warsaw; intending to use it that night in kidnapping the men from Missouri, and bringing them to the Illinois
side. But during the afternoon Cols. Hardin and Baker visited the Missouri side, and had a conference with the accused.
An agreement was entered into by which Williams and Sharp (Jackson being sick) agreed to give themselves up on
condition that they be taken before Judge Thomas for examination, with some other conditions as to bail, etc. The writ
was accordingly read to them, and afterwards, with Col. Baker, escorted by Quincy troops, they were shipped to Quincy
in quest of the Judge. Here, after waiting two days, and no prosecuting witnesses appearing, they entered into voluntary
recognizance to appear at next term of Court, and were set at liberty; thus leaving the whole matter as it was previous to
the Governor's expedition.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Mention has been made of Joseph H. Jackson. Mr. J. was an adventurer of fine appearance and gentlemanly manners,
who appeared in the county during the troubles; went to Nauvoo and became quite intimate with the prophet and the
leaders; afterwards turned against them, went to Warsaw and published a pamphlet claiming to be an exposure of
Mormonism and the evil purposes and practices of its chief's. This pamphlet made many serious charges against Smith
and his adherents -- charges of murder and conspiracy, of counterfeiting, debauchery, spiritual-wifery, etc.; and claimed
that he had gone among them with the sole view of ingratiating himself and then exposing them. His expose was of much
the same character as that of General Bennett. As in the case of the latter, much of his statement was corroborated by
circumstances, and much lacked confirmation. The equivocal position in which he stood, it is proper to say, tended to
lessen the confidence of the public in his statements, and his little book made but slight impression. The Mormons
charged that he was an adventurer of the worst class, and came there to practice his trade of counterfeiting, etc., and
quarrelled with the prophet and the authorities because he was detected and exposed.
TRIALS AND ACQUITTALS.
At the October term, 1844, of the Hancock Circuit Court -- present, Jesse B. Thomas, Judge; William Elliott, Prosecuting
Attorney; Jacob B. Backenstos, Clerk, and Gen. Minor K. Deming, Sheriff."
The following composed the Grand Jury:
Abram Lincoln, Thomas Gilmore,
James Reynolds, Benj. Warrington,
Thomas J. Graham, Reuben H. Loomis,
"Wm. M. O-svens, Samuel Scott,
Ebenezer Rand, James Ward,
Thomas Brawner, Samuel Ramsey,
Ralph Gorrell, Thomas H. Owen,
Brant Agnert, David Thompson,
Martin Tetter, John J. Hickok.
William Smith,
Abram Golden, E. A. Bedell, and Geo. Walker, excused for cause. Samuel Marshall refused to serve, and fined $5.00.
The Court began its session on Monday, the 21st. There had been rumors industriously circulated that the old citizens
intended to rally and interpose obstacles in the way of the Court, and considerable anxiety was felt. The Judge in his
charge to the Grand Jury alluded to this rumor, and said he was glad to see that no such demonstrations were being
made. He charged them to do their duty in the cases likely to come before them, and leave the consequences. His charge
gave general satisfaction.
There was a rumor that a lot of Mormons and Indians were encamped near town, and this rumor occasioned
considerable uneasiness. Orders were issued to investigate. The facts turned out to be that a number of Mormons had
come down from Nauvoo to attend Court, and had gone into camp to save expense. As to the Indians, it was ascertained
that a company of them had gone through the county.
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
329
on their way to Iowa, for some purpose not known; but the two facts had no connection with each other.
On Tuesday the Grand Jury began their work, and on Saturday about noon, they brought into Court two bills of
indictment against nine individuals; one for the murder of Joseph Smith, and the other for the murder of his brother
Hyrum. The persons indicted were as follows: Levi Williams, Jacob C. Davis," Mark Aldrich, Thos. C. Sharp, William
Voras, John Wills, Wm. N. Grover, Gallaher and Allen.
Murray McConnell, Esq., of Jacksonville, by special appointment of the Governor, was present, assisting Mr. Elliott in the
prosecution. Messrs. Bushnell and Johnson of Quincy and Calvin A. Warren, and perhaps others, appeared for
defendants.
Immediately on announcement of the indictments, most of the defendants appeared, and asked for an immediate trial.
This Mr. McConnell objected to on the ground of not being ready. His witnesses before the Grand Jury had departed
without being recognized, and besides, Mr. Elliott had gone. It was finally agreed that the causes be postponed until next
term, and that no capias should issue from the Clerk in the interim, if the defendants would pledge themselves to appear
at the time agreed on -- a compact which was afterward violated by the prosecution.
Subpoenas were asked for by the prosecution for between thirty and forty witnesses, among whom were Wm. M. Daniels
and Brackenberry, the two miracle men, and John Taylor, Mrs. Emma Smith, and Governor Ford.
On May 19, 1845, Court again met in special term at Carthage -- present, Richard M. Young, Judge; James H. Ralston,
Prosecuting Attorney; David E. Head, Clerk; and M. R. Deming, Sheriff. The cause of The People vs. Williams et al.
coming up, Messrs. Williams, Davis, Aldrich, Sharp and Grover appeared, and were admitted to bail on personal
recognizance in the sum of $5,000 jointly and severally. Josiah Lam born, of Jacksonville, as Assistant Prosecutor; and
Wm. A. Richardson, O. PI. Browning, Calvin A. Warren, Archibald Williams, O. C. Skinner and Thos. Morrison for
defendants. Motion of defendants to quash the array of jurors for first week, on account of supposed prejudice of County
Commissioners, who selected them, and of the Sheriff and deputies, was sustained. Also, motion for the appointment of
elisors for the same cause, and absence of Coroner from the county. The array was set aside, and Thomas H. Owen and
Wm. D. Abernethy appointed elisors for the case. These gentlemen had a thankless and arduous duty to perform. Usually
it is not hard to find men willing to sit on juries; in this case but few were willing to try the experiment of going to Court,
with the almost certainty of being rejected by one or the other party; and the position was not an enviable one, if taken.
Ninety-six men were summoned and brought into Court before the requisite panel of twelve was full. The following are the
names of the jurors chosen:
Jesse Griffitts, Jonathan Foy,
Joseph Jones, Solomon J. Hill,
Wm. Robertson, James Gittings,
Wm. Smith, F. M. Walton,
Joseph Massey, Jabez A. Beebe,
Silas Griffitts, Gilmore CaUison.zzz
The trial lasted till the 30th, when the jury was instructed by the Court, and, after a deliberation of several hours, returned a
verdict of Not Guilty.
330
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Instructions to the jury had been asked by both parties. The following, among a list of nine asked by defendants' counsel,
were given, and probably had most influence on the verdict:
That where the evidence is circumstantial, admitting all to be proven which the evidence tends to prove, if then the jury
can make any supposition consistent with the facts, by which the murder might have been committed without the agency
of the defendants, it will be their duty to make that supposition, and find defendants not guilty.
That in making up their verdict, they will exclude from their consideration all that was said by Daniels, Brackenberry, and
zzzjSIiss Graham. (Witnesses.)
That whenever the probability is of a definite and zzzunlimited nature, whether in the proportion of 100 to 1 or of 1,000 to
1, or any ratio, is immaterial, it cannot be safely made the ground of conviction; for to act upon it in any case would be to
decide that for the sake of convicting many criminals, the life of one innocent man might be sacrificed. -- (Stakkie, 508. )
Same defendants, for murder of Hyrum Smith, were required to enter into recognizance of $5,000 each (with 14 sureties) to
the June term, 1845. At said term case was called, and Elliott and Lamborn not answering, the cause was dismissed for
want of prosecution, and defendants discharged.
It has been the custom for sensational writers to treat this trial and verdict as farcical and an outrage. One of these writers.
Col. John Hay, now of the State Department at Washington, though then a mere boy, was yet raised in the county, and
had within his reach correct sources of information. In the Atlantic Monthly for Dec, 1869, he has a lengthy article,
abounding in extravagant and sensational statements and surmises, among which we quote only the following:
"The case was closed. There was not a man on the jury, in the Court, in the county, that did not know the defendants had
done the murder. But it was not proven, and the verdict of Not Guilty was right in law."
Here is a fling at the jury, the Judge, and people; and we venture to characterize it as extremely unjust. "We know the
writer intended to perpetrate no wrong. He was too intimately connected with some of the accused -- indeed, with all
concerned -- to desire them wrong; but he aimed to produce a readable story for the Atlantic, which he did, though at the
expense of candor and justice. Another fling at the jury was equally unjust:
"The elisors presented ninety-six men before twelve were found ignorant enough and indifl'erent enough to act as
jurors."
Some of those men we knew -- not all; and we know that they, instead of being "ignorant and indifl'erent," were men of
intelligence, probity and worth.
There were some circumstances connected with those cases, not generally known, that tend to show how difficult it was
to find out the guilty ones. The Mormons had had one John C. Elliott arrested and bound over, charged with the offense;
they had also had writs for the Laws, and Fosters, and Higbees, at Rock Island, under the same charge. And when the
Grand Jury was in session,
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
331
the names of some sixty individuals were presented by the prosecution for indictment. One of those sixty has informed
us that he since learned that he narrowly escaped indictment, although, being one of the Warsaw men, he returned
immediately home after disbandment, and had no knowledge of the affair till after it was over. It has since transpired that
the Grand Jury voted on the whole sixty together at the first, and failing of an indictment, struck off ten and voted again,
and so on until the last nine were reached, when the indictment carried. It has also been ascertained that the Grand Jury
found bills against the nine, some as principals and some as accessories solely on the testimony of the three witnesses
whose testimony on the trial the Court instructed the petit jury to disregard.
From all these facts it is very easy to say that a murder had been committed; that somebody had done the deed. But to say
that among the Elliotts, Laws, and Fosters, and Higbees, and long list of men charged, those five or six who were on trial
had done it, and the jury, and Court, and everybody else knew it, is saying a great deal.
STRUGGLE FOR THE SUCCESSION.
If anything were needed to convince one of the folly and wickedness of Mormonism, it is to be found in the quarrels and
contentions of the leaders. During the prophet's lifetime he was continually at variance with one or more of his former
followers and trusted associates; denouncing and excommunicating them one month, and the next taking them back to
his embrace and confidence. Cowdery, Harris, Whitmer, Rigdon, Phelps, Williams, and many others, had been sent by
his maledictions to "buffet with Satan for a thousand years;" and long before their time was out, taken back again and the
malediction removed.
So, after his death, a great struggle began for the possession of the mantle that had fallen from his shoulders. The grief at
his death was genuine on the part of the main body; but on the part of the few, its bitterness was assuaged by the hope of
assuming his place and honors. Rigdon, who had the best right -- having furnished the principal brain supply for the
concern at its origin -- was soon sent back to Pittsburg with a flea in his ear. He had made the inexcusable and unlucky
mistake of moving to carry the delusion back to the East. Young, wiser and more discerning, adopted the idea of
following the setting sun; and he succeeded in overcoming all opposition. Absent when the prophet was killed, he
hastened home, and quietly but firmly began to gather the reins of government about him -- one by one securing the co-
operation of his associates -- till, before they knew it, he was supreme dictator, and they the pliant tools of his will.
William, the patriarch (all the Smiths, we believe, had been patriarchs), the only male member left of the family, also
hurried to Nauvoo, to advance his claims. But he was vacillating and
332
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
weak, and sadly lacking in the traits requisite for a leader; and he fell into the meshes of the others, and quietly settled
down into the business of dispensing "patriarchal blessings" for pay; and the organ urged the brethren and sisters to
patronize him. But the pay being insufficient, or for some other cause, he again became troublesome -- flew off at a tangent
-- quarreled with and denounced the Twelve -- -and finally went and joined James J. Strang in Wisconsin. But after the
leaders had left for the West, thinking there might be a chance again, he came back to Nauvoo, and tried to prevent the
remnant from following Young into the wilderness. zzzFtYiling again, he, Rigdon and Strang organized a trinity which
drew off a great many of the faithful. Whether Strang had ever been with them at Nauvoo, we do not know. The first we
hear of him is at a place he called Voree, in Wisconsin, where he tried the old game of finding plates, claimed the
prophet's mantle by will from the prophet himself, got up revelations, issued a small monthly paper, and for a time made
some noise in the Mormon world. The following illustrates his method of plate finding:
Strang's four witnesses.
On the 13th day of September, 1845, we, Aaron Smith, Jirah B. Wheelan, James M. Van Nostrand, and Edward Whitcomb,
assembled at the call of James. J. Strang, who is by us and many others approved as a prophet and seer of God. He
proceeded to inform us that it had been revealed to him in a vision that an account of an ancient people was buried in a
hill south of White river bridge, near the east line of Walworth county, and leading us to an oak tree about one foot in
diameter, told us that we would find it enclosed in a case of rude earthenware under that tree at a depth of about three feet;
requested us to dig it up, and charged us to examine the ground, that we should know we were not imposed upon, and
that it had not been buried since the tree grew. The tree was surrounded by a sward of deeply rooted grass, such as is
usually found in the openings, and upon the most critical examination we could not discover any indication that it had
ever been cut through or disturbed.
We then dug up the tree, and continued to dig to the depth of about three feet, where we found a case of slightly baked
clay containing three plates of brass. On one side of one is a landscape view of the south end of Gardner's prairie, and
the range of hills where they were dug. On another, is a man with a crown on his head and a scepter in his hand; above
is an eye before an upright line; below, the sun and moon surrounded by twelve stars; at the bottom are twelve large stars
from three of which pillars arise, and closely interspersed with them are seven very small stars. The other four sides are
very closely covered with what appear to be alphabetic characters, but in a language of which we have no knowledge.
The case was found imbedded in zzzindurated clay so closely fitting that it broke in taking out, and the earth below the
soil was so hard as to be dug with difficulty, even with a pick-ax. Over the case was found a flat stone about one foot wide
each way and three inches thick, which appeared to have undergone the action of fire, and fell in pieces after a few
minutes' exposure to the air. The digging extended in the clay about eighteen inches, there being two kinds of earth of
different color and appearance above it.
We examined as we dug all the way with the utmost care, and we say, with utmost confidence, that no part of the earth
through which we dug exhibited any sign or Indication that it had been moved or disturbed at any time previous. The
roots of the tree stuck down very closely on every side, extending below the case, and closely interwoven with roots from
other trees. None of them had been broken or cut away. No clay is found in the country like that of which this case is
made.
In fine, we found an alphabetic and pictorial record, carefully cased up, buried deep in the earth, covered with a flat stone,
with an oak tree one foot in diameter
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
335
growing over it, with every evidence that the sense can give that it has lain as long as that tree has been growing. Strang
took no part in the digging, but kept entirely away from before the first blow was struck till after the plates were taken out of
the case; and the sole inducement to our digging was our faith in his statement as a prophet of the Lord, that a record
would thus and there be found
Aaron Smith,
TlRAH B. AViIEELAJJ,
I. M. Van Nostrand,
Edward Whitcomb.
Now, if living, stand forth, Messrs. Smith, Wheelan, Van Nostrand, and Whitcomb, and answer: When you made that
public statement thirty-five years ago, did you not utter an absolute and infamous falsehood?
Why the discovery of these plates did not form the basis of anew revelation and a new creed, we can not say; nor even
whether Strang ever attempted a translation of them. It may be that he came to the very erroneous conclusion that the
fools were nearly all dead -- and so gave it up.
Rigdon, as heretofore stated, endeavored by all the means in his power to gain the place left vacant in the Church. The
Twelve however decided quite unanimously that they would have no prophet, seer and revelator any inore, but that the
Twelve should be the supreme authority as a body. The breach widened, and finally they brought the contumacious old
man to trial before the conference. This trial is reported at length in the Times and Seasons, and deserves a conspicuous
place in the history of ecclesiastical tribunals. The charge against him was -- a little of everything bad; but the offense for
which he was tried and condemned, was really that he wished to be President of the Church. The trial was a long one,
and finally the vote was put, offered by W. W. Phelps, "that Elder Sidney Rigdon be cut off from the Church, and delivered
over to the buffetings of Satan until he repents."
The vote, says the report, ''was unanimous, excepting about ten." A motion was then made to cut off the ten. This failed,
and they were taken singly, on separate and different charges, and cut off by unanimous votes. Elder Marks was one of
them, having made a speech defending Rigdon; but the conference had hopes of him, and he was not expelled. In the
next Times and Seasons he issued a card, stating that after candid consideration he had become convinced that Sidney
Rigdon's claims to the Presidency were not founded in truth. The conference closed after Elder Young had delivered
Sidney over to the buffetings of Satan, in the name of the Lord, ''and all the people said Amen!"
Mr. Saulsbury, a brother-in-law to the Smiths, though we believe never a leader among them, about this time came out, and
through a letter to the Warsaw Signal denounced the Twelve and made the same or similar charges against them that
William Smith and Rigdon had made. He died in this county.
336
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
MORE VIOLENCE AND BLOODSHED.
If the year 1844 was one of blood, that of 1845 was more bloody still. Excitement and violence prevailed during a great
part of the year.
We have seen that Gen. Minor E. Deming was elected Sheriff of the county in August, 1844, and Jacob B. Backenstos and
Almon W. Babbitt members of the Legislature, by Mormon votes. More objectionable men to the Anti-Mormon citizens
could scarcely have been found in the county. Gen. Deming was an officer of militia, and a citizen previously in no way
identified with the Mormon fraternity. He had resided on a farm some miles out of Carthage; was well educated and
capable, and we think he was conscientious in his endeavors to do right. But he was extremely conservative in his
respect for law and order. He was also conceited and self-willed, and had "an itching palm" for office, and the best way to
obtain this was to ingratiate himself with the Mormon leaders.
Mr. Backenstos was a new-comer into the county, imported, it was said, by Judge Douglas from Sangamon, to take the
office of Circuit Clerk, which he had held for some time previous to his election to the Legislature. Babbitt was a Mormon
lawyer. He was expected to obey the behests of the Mormon leaders, of course. As the others obtained favor with the
Mormons, they incurred the hatred and distrust of the other citizens of the county.
As before stated, the agreement entered into that no arrests should be made of the parties indicted for killing the Smiths,
was violated on the part of the prosecution, and frequent attempts were made by the Sheriff and his deputies to arrest
some of them, during the winter. J. C. Davis, one of them, was State Senator. At the opening of the Legislative session he
took his seat in that body. During the winter he was arrested at Springfield by an officer from Hancock county, but was
ordered released by resolution of the Senate.
During the session a move was made to repeal the Nauvoo charters, and after discussion in the House was passed,
January 21, 1845, by a vote of, 76 to 36. It subsequently passed the Senate. Messrs. Backenstos and Babbitt both made
speeches against the repeal, the former taking occasion to violently denounce the old citizens of the county. For this
speech, and his otherwise vindictive and objectionable course, a demonstration was made in the spring after his return,
to drive him from the county. He soon afterward obtained an appointment through Congressman Hoge, to an office in the
lead mines, and subsequently was made a Captain in the forces sent to the Mexican war.
During the winter and spring, as a result of the unsettled state of affairs in Nauvoo, and the consequent hard times, there
was an unusual amount of stealing done, not only in the city, but in other parts of the county. It extended to Adams,
Henderson, and other adjoining counties. In Adams, where arrests could be made, there
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
337
were as many as eight Mormons in jail at one time. In the city, the two parties, Twelveites and Rigdonites, stole from each
other; while in the country the Gentiles were the chief sufferers. This became so insupportable that public meetings were
held at many points to devise means of protection and redress. Township committees were appointed to collect statistics
of these thefts, which was done, and many of them published, footing up hundreds of dollars in various townships. Some
of these reports were no doubt exaggerated; but as many must have been omitted, it is safe to say that the totals fell short
of the truth. Of course, it was not proven that all these depredations were committed by Mormons, and probably were not.
The charge has often been made that stealing was done on Mormon credit, which is in itself an admission against them;
but that a vast percentage of it was done by them alone, all circumstances go to show. And events which transpired this
year, show that they had among them some who did not hesitate at robbery and murder, as well as theft and burglary.
On Saturday night, May 10, 1845, a horrible murder was committed near the town of Franklin, in Lee Co., Iowa, on the
persons of John Miller, a Mennonite German minister from Pennsylvania, and his son-in-law, Leiza. The latter was not
killed, but died of his wounds afterward. The locality is about ten or twelve miles from Nauvoo, and the murderers, three in
number, were traced to that city. Their names were William Hodge, Stephen Hodge, and Thomas Brown. The Hodges
were arrested on the 13th and conveyed to the Iowa penitentiary at Fort Madison, for safe keeping. On the 15th they were
indicted by the Grand Jury at West Point, and on the 21st were arraigned for trial. They asked for a change of venue, and
the cause was certified to DesMoines county. On the 21st of June they were put upon their trial at Burlington. They were
defended by two eminent Burlington attorneys, J. C. Hall and F. D. Mills, assisted by George Edmunds, of Nauvoo. The
trial lasted about a week. Mason, District Judge, then sentenced them to be hung on the 10th of July. They were so
executed.
A peculiar cap worn by one of the murderers, and which he lost at the house of the murder, led to their arrest. They were
traced to Nauvoo, and found at the house of their brother, Amos Hodge, in the suburbs. They were taken before Aaron
Johnson, a Justice of the Peace, for examination, where they were defended by Almon W. Babbitt. Babbitt himself was
afterward murdered mysteriously in Utah [sic], while U. S. District Attorney.
On the night of the 23d of June, Irvin Hodge, brother to the accused, was assassinated in Nauvoo, while on his way
home from a visit to them at Burlington. He had, it is said, endeavored to induce Brigham Young to send and have his
brothers rescued from jail, and failing, was free in denouncing him for the neglect. But little notice was taken of this last
murder in Nauvoo. The father of the Hodges was allowed to visit them before their execution.
338
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
from his confinement in the Alton penitentiary, where he was under sentence for larceny.
The patriarch Wm. Smith, in a letter to the Sangamo Journal, dated Sept. 24, 1846, says of the Hodges: "Irvin Hodge was
murdered within twelve feet of Brigham Young's door. Amos Hodge was murdered, it is said, between Montrose and
Nashville, Iowa, by Brigham Young's guard, who pretended to escort him out of Nauvoo for his safety, under cover of
women's clothes, who then pretended that he had run away." And again: "If Mr. Amos Hodge, the father of the young
Hodges, will call and see me, I can tell him the names of persons that will put him on the track of the men who murdered
his sons."
In an affidavit for witnesses to prove an alibi, the Hodges claimed to rely on the testimony of six or eight named
witnesses residing in Nauvoo, and upon John Long, Aaron Long, and Judge Fox, who they said resided in St. Louis.
These names will long be remembered in the annals of crime in the West, as the parties who perpetrated
THE MURDER OF COL. DAVENPORT,
at his home on Rock Island, on the 4th of July, just after the conviction of the Hodges. This murder was perpetrated in
broad daylight, while all the family but the old Colonel wore absent at a celebration on the main land. He was an aged and
quite infirm man, and was quietly sitting at his house reading a paper, when he was attacked by the robbers. Rising to
approach the door, at which he heard a noise, it was pushed open, and three men entered, one of whom at once
discharged a pistol at him, the ball entering his thigh. He was then dragged through a hall, and up the stall's, to a closet
containing his safe, which they compelled him to open. After obtaining the contents, and money from his bureau drawers,
they left him, still tied upon his bed, in which condition he was afterward found by persons passing. Surgical aid was
procured, and he was revived sufficiently to describe the assassins and the circumstances, but he died about ten o'clock
that night.
Fifteen hundred dollars reward for the murderer was offered by George L. Davenport, his son; and John Long, Aaron
Long and Granville Young were finally arrested and hung for the offense; Judge Fox was arrested and allowed to escape,
while one Birch, a daring desperado, said to have been connected with the Danite Band, was implicated and arrested, but
escaped by turning State's evidence. About the same time numerous acts of robbery and burglary were committed in Lee
county, opposite, and along the river, traceable in almost all cases, to a gang that had their headquarters in Nauvoo.
EVENTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY.
But while these acts of violence were being perpetrated out of the county, a most lamentable tragedy was enacted at
home. On
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
339
Tuesday, June 24, 1845, an altercation occurred between Dr. Samuel Marshall. County Clerk, and the Sheriff of the county,
General Deming, which resulted in the death of the former at the hands of the latter. The difficulty arose in regard to some
mistake in official business. Dr. M. was a very exact and punctual man in all his affairs, and he expected others to be
equally so, and the General's apparent carelessness in the matter in dispute irritated him. A scuffle ensued, in the midst of
which Gen. Deming drew a pistol and shot his antagonist. The affair was a very unfortunate one, as it resulted in the
death of a most estimable citizen and public officer, and added to the excitement already existing in the county. A little
self-control and moderation on the part of both, and the conflict might have been avoided. Dr. Marshall was a strong
Anti-Mormon in his feelings and principles, and had the full confidence of the party; yet he resolutely refused to sanction
any of their unlawful proceedings. He was one of that small number who believed it better to suffer all the ills of
Mormonism, rather than resort to illegal and violent measures for redress.
Gen. Deming was at once taken into custody by the Coroner, and a jury of inquest summoned. The jury returned a verdict
of "Murder without sufficient cause or provocation." This occurred on the day set for the special term of Court for the trial
of the persons charged with the murder of Hyrum Smith. The Court opened about five in the afternoon, and two hours
after the tragedy Deming was brought into Court, and stated that he was desirous to have a Grand Jury impaneled for the
investigation of this case. The Court ordered the Coroner to summon a Grand Jury by the next morning. The accused
then inquired if there was no process by which he might be admitted to bail during the pendency of the investigation, to
which the Court gave a negative answer. On Wednesday morning a jury was impaneled, and charged by the Court, and
at three in the afternoon brought into Court a bill for murder, with counts for manslaughter. It was stated that the vote
stood in the jury room 16 to 3.
A motion was made by Deming's counsel to admit him to bail, and after hearing he was admitted to bail in the sum of
$5,000. Bail was given and he was discharged from custody.
Mr. Deming resigned the office of Sheriff, and an election was ordered to fill the vacancy, to take place August 11th,
resulting in the election of J. B. Backenstos by the following vote: Backenstos, 2,334; John Scott, 750; scattering, 11.
Mr. D. was never brought to trial. He was stricken with congestive fever, no doubt brought on or aggravated by
excitement, and died on the 10th of September, and was buried in Quincy by his brother's side.
And now it becomes our painful duty to chronicle a series of events which transpired in the county, -- acts which had no
warrant in law or order, and which cannot be reconciled with any correct principles of renponing. and which we then
thought, and still
340
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
think, were condemned by every consideration looking to good government; acts which had for their object, and which
finally resulted in, the forcible expulsion of the Mormon people from the county. The disorders at Nauvoo, the vast
amount of stealing and other depredations upon property, the murders in Iowa and elsewhere, and the consequent
feeling of fear and insecurity everywhere, brought the people to a state of recklessness.
On the night of Sept. 9th, a public meeting of Anti-Mormons was being held in a school-house at Green Plains, for some
purpose, when it was fired upon by parties in the bush. It was at once resolved to begin the expulsion of the Mormons
from the settlement known as Morley-Town. This resolve was put into execution; on Wednesday night two Mormon
cabins were burned, and the inmates notified to leave the settlement. For a week the burning continued until the whole of
Morley-Town was in ashes, with many other residences in the Bear Creek region and that of Green Plains. In all it is
stated that as many as 100 or 125 houses were burned, and their occupants driven off. These proceedings created
intense excitement all over the county. Sheriff Backenstos endeavored to raise a posse among the old citizens to
suppress the disturbances, but failed. He therefore issued a proclamation dated at Green Plains on the 13th, calling on
the rioters to desist, and upon the posse comitatus of the county to assist him. He also stated that it was his policy to
have the Mormons remain quiet, but that 2,000 men held themselves in readiness in Nauvoo to come to his aid when
necessary. On the 16th Lieut. Franklin A. "Worrell was killed while passing from Carthage to Warsaw, by Backenstos, or
some of his posse, and on the 17th Samuel McBratney was killed among the burners at Bear Creek, by the posse. Lieut.
Worrell (of the Carthage Greys) was in no way connected with the burners, and had nothing to do with the prevailing
disturbances. In company with eight other men, he was passing on the road from Carthage to Warsaw, with the view of
ascertaining the facts as to the disturbances at Green Plains. Three of these men, Worrell and two others, were on
horseback; the others were in a buggy and a two-horse wagon, the wagon also containing the arms of the company. As
they came in sight of the road leading toward Nauvoo, and which they would cross at right angles, they discovered a
man riding up that road. Not knowing him, and seeing he was coming from the direction of the burning, they hurried on
to intercept him at the crossing, hoping to gain information. He then drove more rapidly, apparently to cross before they
could come up. They hurried on, the three horsemen in the lead. As they neared the brow of a ravine he had crossed,
and when they came in sight, he was seen standing near his buggy, and at the same moment a shot was fired from near
him, which struck Worrell. He nor his associates had made no demonstrations of violence; but now seeing or believing it
to be Backenstos and zzz\\\& posse, immediately wheeled their horses and rode toward
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
341
the wagon and buggy which were approaching Mr. Worrell soon fell from his horse, was picked up, placed in the wagon
and driven to Warsaw; but died on the way.
Backenstos and the notorious O. P. Rockwell were both subsequently indicted for the murder of Worrell, and both
acquitted, the former under trial by change of venue at Peoria, and the latter at Galena. AVho was the actually guilty party
may never be known. We have lately been informed from Salt Lake that Rockwell did the deed, under order of the Sheriff,
which is probably the case. The Sheriff's Proclamation No. 2 would lead to this conclusion. He says, in his usual style of
exaggeration: "I discovered an armed body of some 20 or more men on the Warsaw and Carthage road, two or three
miles east of me, going toward Warsaw. I watched them, and on discovering that four men of the force mounted on
horses, left the main body, apparently to strike a point in advance of me, with all the speed of their horses, and finding
that they were in pursuit of me, I put the whip to my horse; as I was traveling in a buggy, they taking a near cut evidently
gained on me, The chase lasted for a distance of about two miles, when I fortunately overtook three men with teams. I
immediately informed them that armed men were pursuing me, evidently to take my life; I summoned them as a posse to
aid me in resisting them. I dismounted and took a position in the road, pistol in hand. I commanded them (the mobbers)
to stop, when one of them held his musket in a shooting attitude; whereupon one of my posse fired, and. it is believed,
took effect on one of the lawless banditti."
Admitting this statement to be an honest one from his standpoint -- which is not at all likely -- it only illustrates how easily
the fears and excitements of an individual can change peaceable citizens into "lawless banditti." It is, furthermore, quite
certain that had Lieut. Worrell and his companions known who it was they were following, he would have been permitted
to go his way unmolested.
The Sheriff says that he ordered his posse to take the burners prisoners, if practicable, if not, to fire on them. How well
this order was obeyed the killing of McBratney will show. He was pursued, with others, by a crowd of men on horseback;
was overtaken and shot in the back, and while down was hacked and bayoneted in numerous places. His horse was
slow, and he could have easily been taken prisoner alive.
It is proper to state that the Mormons and their friends have charged the tiring on the school-house at Green Plains to
have been a sham previously arranged by the mobbers to create a sympathy in their favor. This has been denied; whether
true or not, we do not know.
The Sheriff, failing to raise a posse outside of Nauvoo, was obliged to resort to his "2,000 armed men" there, to carry out
his purposes. He obtained such force as he desired, and soon succeeded in scattering the burners. He now carried
things in the county
342
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
with a high hand. Exactly what his object was is not known, but on the evening of the 19th of September, the Sheriff, at the
head of several hundred men, rode into Carthage after sundown, surrounded the place, and ordered all the citizens who
could be found to be arrested and taken to headquarters at the court-house. He said he was in quest of criminals. After
roughly handling many of them, and searching their houses for arms, most of them were set at liberty. In the morning, the
posse, excepting about fifty, left town, the fifty remaining, as he said, to protect the town. They retained possession of the
court-house till the arrival of Gen. Hardin and his State troops, who gave them immediate leave of absence.
These disturbances and excesses, as on a former occasion, of course, called for executive interference, and accordingly
Gov. Ford again sent a detachment of volunteers into the county, and again under command of Gen. John J. Hardin. The
General was accompanied as adviser, by J. A. McDougal, Attorney-General of the State, and also by Judge S. A. Douglas
and Major W. B. Warren. On the 27th of September, Gen. Hardin issued a highly meritorious proclamation to the people
of the county, enjoining them to be peaceable and to obey the laws and the constituted authorities. In conjunction with
his advisers he at once entered into correspondence with the authorities of the Mormon Church at Nauvoo, which
resulted in the Mormons agreeing to leave the State in the spring.
THE BEGINNIXG OF THE END.
In the meantime a meeting of representatives of nine counties contiguous to Hancock had been called to meet at
Carthage on the first and second days of October (Hancock county being excluded), to take into consideration the state
of affairs. The convention was organized as follows, viz: Isaac N. Morris, Esq., of Adams, President; Col. Wm. Ross, of
Pike, Gen. James McCallen, of Warren, and John Kirk, Esq., of McDonough, Vice-Presidents; and Alva Wheeler, of Knox,
Geo. Robinson, of Schuyler, and Wm. H. Benneson, of Adams, Secretaries. Fifty-eight delegates were reported from the
counties of Adams, Brown, Henderson, McDonough, Pike, Schuyler, Warren, Marquette and Knox. On motion of O. H.
Browning, of Adams, a committee of three from each county was appointed to prepare a preamble and resolutions
expressive of the sense of the convention. Mr. Browning, in behalf of the committee, reported a preamble and series of
resolutions, of which we find room for only two, as giving the sense of the convention on the points mentioned.
Resolved, That it is the settled and deliberate conviction of this convention that it is now too late to attempt the settlement
of the difficulties in Hancock county upon any other basis than that of the removal of the Mormons from the State; and we
therefore accept, and respectfully recommend to the people of the surrounding counties to accept the proposition made
by the Mormons to remove from the State next spring, and to wait with patience the time appointed for removal.
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
343
Resolved. That we utterly zzzrepinlinle the impudent assertion so often and so consistently put forth by the Mormons, that
they are PERSECUTED for righteousness' sake, we do not believe them to be a persecuted people. We know that they are
not; but that whatever grievances they may suffer are the necessary and legitimate consequences of their illegal, wicked
and dishonest acts.
The action of this convention, composed as it was of leading and representative men from the neighboring counties, and
from both the political parties, had a beneficial effect upon the public mind; and no doubt satisfied many that the
conclusions to which it arrived were only such as would give peace and prosperity to our distracted county. And the
Mormons also accepted the conclusions as inevitably and earnestly prepared to act accordingly. The opinion expressed
in the last of the resolutions quoted, is as much as the most ardent Anti-Mormon could ask, and should forever shut the
mouths of those Mormon apologists, who have regarded them as a persecuted people, only needing to be let alone.
As the basis for the subsequent action of both parties, the correspondence alluded to is here reproduced:
Nauvoo, Oct. 1, 1845.
To the First President and Council of the Church at Nauvoo:
Having had a free and full conversation with you this day, in reference to your proposed removal from this county,
together with the members of your Church, we have to request you to submit the facts and intentions stated to us in said
conversation to writing, in order that we may lay them before the Governor and people of the Slate. We hope that by so
doing It will have a tendency to allay the excitement at present existing in the public mind. We have the honor to
subscribe ourselves, respectfully yours, etc ,
John J. Hardin,
S. A. Douglas,
W. B. Warken,
J. A. McDougal.
Nauvoo, Oct, 1, 1845.
To Gen. John J. Hardin, W. B. Warren, S. A. Douglas and J. A. McDougal:
Messrs: -- In reply to your letter of this date, requesting us to "submit the facts and intentions stated by us to writing, in
order that you may lay them before the Governor and people of the State," we would refer you to our communication of the
24th ultimo, to the "Quincy Committee," etc., a copy of which is herewith inclosed.
In addition to this, we would say, that we had commenced making arrangements to remove from this county previous to
the recent disturbances; that we now have four companies organized of one hundred families each, and six more
companies now organizing of the same number each, preparatory to removal. That one thousand families, including the
Twelve, the High Council, the Trustees and general authorities of the Church, are fully determined to remove in the
spring, independent of the contingency of selling our property, and that this company will comprise from Ave to six
thousand souls.
That the Church, as a body, desires to remove with us, and will, it sales can be effected, so as to raise the necessary
means.
That the organization of the Church we represent is such, that there never can exist but one head or presidency at any
one time, and all good members wish to be with the organization; and all are determined to remove to some distant point
where we shall neither infringe or be infringed upon, so soon as time and means will permit.
That we have some hundreds of farms and some two thousand or more houses for sale in this city and county, and we
request all good citizens to assist in the disposal of our property.
That we do not expect to find purchasers for our Temple and other public buildings; but we are willing to rent them to a
respectable community who may inhabit the city.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
That we wish it distinctly understood, that, although we may not find purchasers for our property, we will not sacrifice or
give it away, or suffer it illegally to be wrested from us.
That we do not intend to sow any wheat this fall, and should we all sell we shall not put in any more crops of any
description.
That as soon as practicable we will appoint committees for this city, La Harpe, Macedonia, Bear Creek, and all necessary
places in the county, to give information to purchasers.
That if these testimonies are not sufficient to satisfy any people that we are in earnest, we will soon give them a sign that
cannot be mistaken -- we will leave them!
In behalf of the Council, respectfully yours, etc.,
Brigham Young, Pres.
WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk.
The communication to the Quincy committee was of similar import to the above, but referred particularly and in eloquent
terms to their sufferings and grievances here and elsewhere, and begged to be let alone.
Two other murders were committed at this time, one in Nauvoo and the other in the Camp Creek settlement, by Mormons.
On the 16th, Phineas Wilcox, a young man of St. Mary's township, went into Nauvoo on business, was there charged with
being a spy, and was never afterward heard of, although repeated inquiries and search were made for him by his friends.
Circumstances strongly showed that he had been murdered and thrown into the river. The other case, that of Andrew
Daubenheyer, was as mysterious and atrocious. Mr. D. resided in the north part of the county, and was known as an
active Anti-Mormon. On the 18th of September he started to Carthage with a two-horse wagon. On the evening of the 20th
he started for his home on horseback, which he never reached, but on the morning of the 21st his horse came home
without him. On his road, home was encamped a body of Mormons, supposed to be of Backenstos' posse, and the belief
was that he had been waylaid and killed by them. Search being made his body was afterward found, buried near the place
of the encampment.
The agreement entered into by Gen. Hardin and the Mormons being deemed suflicient to pacify the county, the troops
were withdrawn, leaving only Major Warren with a hundred men, to remain until withdrawn by the Governor.
THE EXODUS BEGUN.
In accordance with the pledge made by the Twelve, active preparations were made during the winter in Nauvoo, and
throughout the county, to leave in the spring. Those residing in the country made sales of their property and retired to
the city in order to join the expeditions. Large numbers of wagons were manufactured, and many were obtained by way of
exchange, while oxen and horses were in great demand. As early as Feb. 10, the weather being favorable, it was stated
that over one thousand persons, including most of the Twelve, and many of the other dignitaries of the Church, had
crossed the river and were on their way westward. As
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
345
the spring advanced they were still leaving in large numbers; but the advance had not yet reached beyond Keosauqua,
from which point they kept up a constant intercourse with the city. The Rigdonites, Strangites, Smithites, and Twelveites,
still behind, kept up their dissentions, the former all agreeing in denunciation of the latter, and all excepting the latter,
censuring the Western movement.
Major Warren, who had been deputed in the fall to remain in the county with a small force, had orders from the Governor
in April to disband and withdraw on the first of May. He and his troops had been stationed at Carthage all winter, and had
performed many arduous and delicate duties to preserve the peace, arrest offenders, and execute writs. Their aid had
been invoked in all parts of the county, and they had been employed on numerous occasions in Nauvoo in the execution
of process. They had been braved and threatened and insulted, even to violent resistance in that city, but they had
exhibited a prudence, firmness and judgment which entitled them to the regard of all peace-loving citizens. These
gentlemanly soldiers were mostly from Quincy, the "Quincy Riflemen," under the immediate command of Captain James
D. Morgan and Lieut. B. M. Prentiss, names the country has since recognized in the list of Union Generals in the late
Rebellion.
The contemplated withdrawal of the Guard, together with indications at Nauvoo, gave general uneasiness to the people.
It began to be feared that many of the Mormons were not intending to leave the city, but to quietly remain, in the hope and
expectation that in time all danger would be over. Public meetings began to be held in Hancock and the adjoining
counties, at which these apprehensions were expressed, and reference made to the action of the nine counties in
October. These demonstrations brought a letter of inquiry from Mr. Babbitt to Gov. Ford. In his answer the Governor
denied that he or the State was a party to the agreement that the Mormons should leave in the spring. But he also plainly
intimated that they were bound to go, and that he would be powerless to prevent their expulsion. "I tell you plainly," said
His Excellency, "that the people of Illinois will not fight for the Mormons."
The day after Maj. Warren's detachment had been disbanded at Carthage, he received an order from Gov. Ford to retain
them in service until further orders. He again mustered them in and remained, making his headquarters chiefly at the
Mansion House in Nauvoo. On May 14. he sent a dispatch to the Signal, stating that the Mormons were leaving with all
possible speed; that the ferry was crossing as fast as possible; that an estimate of 450 teams and 1,350 souls had left
within the week; that new settlers were taking their places, etc. Information was also received from LaHarpe, Ramus and
other points, that they were fast leaving the neighborhoods. On the 22d he reported: "The Mormons still continue to
leave the city in large numbers. The zzzi'en-y at this place averages about 32 teams per day, and at Fort Madison, 45. Thus
it will be
346
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
seen that 539 teams have left during the week, which average about three persons to each, making in all 1,617 souls." A
week later the reported estimate was about 800.
After the Twelve had left the city, and while within convenient reach, O. P. Rockwell seems to have been employed as a
messenger between the camp and the city. He became very violent in his conduct while there, so much so that the leaders
began to fear he would bring trouble upon them. On May first, a writ was issued for his arrest, on the affidavit of a certain
Dr. Watson, charging him with the killing of Lieut. Worrell. This writ was placed in the hands of some of Maj. Warren's
men, who proceeded to Nauvoo and arrested him, surrounded with fifteen shooters and other weapons of defense. He
waived examination, and was sent to Quincy to fail. At the May term in Carthage, a true bill was found against him by the
Grand Jury, and he was sent to Galena for trial, he having obtained a change of venue from this Circuit. He was
subsequently tried in Galena and acquitted.
Warlike demonstrations still continuing, on May 11th Maj. Warren issued a proclamation, in which he warned the Anti-
Mormons to desist, assuring them that in his opinion the Mormons were making all reasonable efforts to leave.
Notwithstanding this assurance, a public meeting was held at Carthage, at which the opinion was expressed that large
numbers of the Mormons designed to remain; and recommending that the citizens of the surrounding counties prepare
forthwith to put in execution the resolutions of October last. Accordingly a considerable force was assembled at Carthage,
and thence marched to Golden's Point, where they held a conference with a deputation of new citizens from Nauvoo, who
had been invited to meet them there. The latter objecting to their entrance into the city, and the force being weak, and
poorly officered and drilled, it was decided to retire again to Carthage, where it was soon disbanded.
On June 20th, George Walker, Esq., the "old citizen" County Commissioner, resigned his office and notified the public
that his Mormon associates, Coulson and Perkins, having both left the country, there would be a full board to elect at the
coming election. Backenstos, having been appointed to a Captaincy in the army against Mexico, also resigned the office
of Sheriff. On July 25th an Anti-Mormon Convention was held at Carthage to nominate candidates for office. The
following ticket was put in nomination: For Senator, Jacob C. Davis; for Representatives, Thomas Morrison and James
Stark; for Sheriff, Melgar Couchman; for County Commissioners, Frederic Walton, Daniel N. Painter and James M.
Renshaw; for Treasurer and Assessor, James W. Brattle; and for Coroner, Wm. S. Moore -- a Democrat and 5 Whigs. No
full ticket was put up against this, but there were several independents. The above named were all elected by majorities of
about zzz-±00. At this election Nauvoo polled between 500 and 800 votes. zzz
The peace was of short duration. About the 10th of July, some
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
347
Mormons from Nauvoo went out to the vicinity of Pontoosuc, and engaged in harvesting a field of wheat for one of the
brethren. It is stated that they behaved in a very unruly manner, when some of the neighbors collecting, seized and
whipped them, and sent them away. A few days after, a posse went out from Nauvoo and arrested Maj. McAuley, of
Pontoosuc, and James W. Brattle, of Carthage, who happened to be at his house. In return, several other Mormons were
captured and held as hostages, and this led to other arrests, till there were of McAuley's party some ten or fifteen held in
the city in custody. They were held for over a week, and denied the privilege of an examination or giving bail. At length a
writ of habeas corpus was obtained from Adams county, and served on Clifford and Furness, who had the prisoners in
custody, and they and their prisoners were taken to Quincy, examined and released on bail.
The new citizens of Nauvoo were generally an orderly and well-disposed people; but they had a few ruffians among them,
who, by their violence and intemperate conduct made themselves generally obnoxious. Of these, the most conspicuous
and disorderly was William Pickett. Clifford and Furness, above named, were very vindictive toward the Anti-Mormons.
About the first of April the Hancock Eagle appeared at Nauvoo. It was ably conducted by Dr. William E. Matlack, a stranger
in the county, it claimed to be a "Democratic" sheet, but was in fact the organ and mouthpiece of Backenstos and what
was known as the "Jack-Mormon" influence. Its course no doubt greatly weakened the Mormon efforts to get away, and
increased the animosity existing between them and their enemies. It continued under Dr. Matlack's management until his
death, which occurred about the last of August.
WAR IMPENDING.
During the first week in August writs were issued by John Banks, Esq., of Rocky Run township, for Clifford, Furness and
Pickett, of Nauvoo, charged with false imprisonment and robbery, during the troubles heretofore mentioned. These writs
were placed in the hands of John Carlin, of Carthage, a Deputy Sheriff. On the 7th, the officer went to Nauvoo and
arrested Clifford and Furness, but was resisted and defied by Pickett. He took Furness before the Magistrate (Clifford
having taken sick and left), where he gave bail for his appearance at Court, and was set at liberty. Carlin resolved that
Pickett should be arrested. On the 17th he therefore issued a proclamation, calling out the posse comitatus to assemble at
Carthage on Monday the 24th, to aid in the arrests.
On the 12th a meeting was held in Nauvoo, of the Mormons and their adherents, at which it was resolved that Carlin's
writs should not be executed; they also took measures to organize for military resistance.
On the 21st, Gov. Ford, at Springfield, issued an order to Maj. James E. Parker, of the 32d Reg. Ill. Militia, saying:
348
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Sir: -- I have received information that another effort is to be made on Monday next to drive out the inhabitants of Nauvoo,
new and old, and to destroy the city. Maj. P. was authorized to take command of such persons as would volunteer free of
cost to the State, and repel any attack and defend the city. He was also authorized to assist any peace officer in making
arrests. This order of the Governor's placed Parker and Carlin in antagonism. Carlin's proclamation was dated the 17th;
on the 25th, Parker issued a counter proclamation, calling on all armed bodies of men in the county to disperse, and
stating that he held himself in readiness "to aid any officer in any part of the county in executing any lawful writs in his
hands." Carlin replied by letter, that he was a legally constituted officer, with writs in his hands to execute, that he had
been resisted, and had called out the posse to aid him, that he did not acknowledge the authority of the military to
interfere, that a large force was collecting, and he should proceed. To this Parker rejoined, that he was sent by the
Governor, that the force under Carlin was a mob, whose aim was to set the Mormons over the river, that his position
compelled him to regard the posse as a mob, and he must treat them as such. This brought another letter from Carlin,
who reiterated his former statements, and concluded: "The posse will proceed to perform its duty, and as you have
cautioned me, that if it does not soon disperse you will treat it as a mob and as one good turn deserves another, I will
caution you, that if you attempt to interfere with this posse while acting under the law, I shall regard you and your
command as a mob, and 'treat them as such.'" Hereupon Parker fell back upon proclamations. On the 28th he issued a
second, and on the 3d of September, a third, defining his position, and warning "the mob" to desist.
In the meantime the force was concentrating at Carthage. On the 25th, Col. John B. Chittenden, of Adams county, was
placed in temporary command, with the understanding that Col. James W. Singleton, of Brown, was to supersede him on
his arrival, Col. S. arrived on the 2Sth and took command, with Col. Brockman, of Brown, in command of the First
Regiment, and Col. Thomas Geddes, of Hancock, in command of the Second. The camp was fixed about five miles from
Carthage, on the Nauvoo road, the force numbering from 600 to 800 men. Here negotiations for a compromise began
between the two commanders in secret. This was concluded and ratified by Col. Singleton, but unanimously rejected by
his officers and men, amid great excitement. The conditions of this agreement were, in short: that the Mormon population
of Nauvoo shall all leave in 60 days; that a force of 25 men be left as a guard, the expense to be equally borne by both
parties; that an attorney be selected to take charge of all writs; that the Mormons shall deliver up the State arms, and that
all hostilities shall at once cease. The reasons given for the rejection were, that no confidence could be placed in the
Mormon's professions of sincerity, and that no provision was made for the execution of the writs in Carlin's hands.
On the rejection of the treaty, Col. Singleton withdrew from the command, and Carlin appointed Col. Brockman to the
place. He immediately gave orders for an advance, and on the 10th, the whole force, numbering about 700 men, marched
toward Nauvoo and encamped about three miles from the temple. Here a committee, consisting of Hon. John Wood,
Major Flood and Joel Rice, of Quincy, appeared and proposed a compromise. Terms were named to them, and by them
taken to the city; but no answer was received. The posse was put in motion towards the city, and for
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
349
two days considerable skirmishing was carried on between picket guards, and some firing of artillery, of which both
parties had a few pieces. On the 12th, a flag of truce was sent in by Brockman and Carlin, demanding a surrender. It was
replied to by Maj. Benjamin Clifford, in command (but what became of Parker does not appear), refusing to comply.
Preparations for battle were thereupon immediately made. As this was the concluding and only military battle of the war,
we deem a report of it in full, copied from the Warsaw Signal of the 13th October, worthy of a place here.
THE BATTLE AND RESULT.
"After the reception of this letter (Clifford's) the army was drawn up in column on a piece of high ground lying between the
camp and the city. While in this position a few shots were fired from a breastwork the Mormons had erected during the
night, and the fire was returned from our artillery. So soon as all was ready, the Warsaw Riflemen were divided into two
sections and deployed on the right and left as flankers. Capt. Newton's Lima Guards, with Capt. Walker's gun, were
ordered to take position a quarter of a mile in front of the camp, and employ the attention of the Mormons at their
breastwork, and from which they kept a constant fire, while the main body of the army wheeled to the left, passed down
across the La Harpe road, through a cornfield, thence across Mulholland street, then bore to the right through an orchard
and on to the city. So soon as the army was fairly under way, Capt. Newton's company and the piece of artillery with it,
were brought up in the rear. This march was made directly across and in the face of the enemy's fire, and within good
cannon range, yet not a man was injured.
"Arriving on the verge of the city, the army, all except the artillery and flankers, was halted, while the latter advanced and
commenced an attack on the Mormon works, from which they had been firing during the whole time of the march. A hot
fire was kept up by the artillery from both sides for fifteen or twenty minutes. During this time the Mormons did no
execution on our ranks, while the balls from our cannon rattled most terrifically through the houses in the city.
"At length the fire of small arms was heard from some Mormons who had taken position on the extreme left in a cornfield.
Immediately Col. Smith's regiment was ordered up and drove the assailants before them. The Second Regiment was in
the meantime ordered up to the support of the artillery. By this time the action became general.
"The Mormons were in squads in their houses and poured in their shots with the greatest rapidity. Our men were also
divided off into squads, took shelter where they could best find it, and returned the fire with great energy. The greater part
of the First Regiment had no better shelter than a cornfield and a worm fence;
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
the Second Regiment was on open ground, having but two or three small houses to cover the whole body; while our
artillery was entirely exposed.
"The firing of small arms was continued for half an hour, during which time our men steadily advanced, driving the enemy
in many instances from their shelter. For a time their fire was almost entirely silenced; but unfortunately at this juncture our
cannon balls were exhausted; and our commander deeming it imprudent to risk a further advance without these
necessary instruments, he ordered the men to be drawn off." This was done in good order, and in slow time the whole
force returned to the camp.
"In this action we had about 500 men engaged, and four pieces of artillery; 200 men and one piece of artillery having been
left at the camp for its protection. Our loss in this engagement, as well as in the subsequent skirmishes, will be found in
the report of the surgeons hereto appended. Most of our men throughout the action displayed remarkable coolness and
determination; and we have no doubt did great execution. We believe if our cannon balls had held out ten minutes longer,
we should have taken the city; but when the action commenced we had but 61 balls. The battle lasted from the time the first
feint was made until our men were drawn off -- an hour and a quarter. Probably there is not on record an instance of a
longer continued militia fight. (?)
"The Mormons stood their ground manfully; but from the little execution done by them, we infer that they were not very
cool or deliberate. Their loss is uncertain -- as they have taken especial pains to conceal the number of their dead and
wounded. They acknowledge but three dead and ten wounded. Amongst the killed is their master spirit, Capt. Anderson,
of the 15-shooter rifle company. Their force in the fight was from three to four hundred. They had all the advantage,
having selected their own positions; and we were obliged to take such as we could get. Sometimes our men could get no
cover, and the artillery was all the time exposed, while theirs was under cover.
"On Saturday after the battle, the Antics commenced entrench- ing their camp, and on Sunday made it secure against the
shots of the enemy's cannon, which frequently reached or passed over it. On Sunday the Anties cut part of the corn from
the field on the left of the La Harpe road, to prevent the Mormons from taking cover in it. While thus engaged the
Mormons fired on the guard which was protecting the corn-cutters. The fire was returned by the guard, and kept up at
long distance for two or three hours. In this skirmish one of our men was badly wounded. The loss of the enemy is not
known. On Monday a party of Mormons crept up through the weeds to a piece of high ground, and fired at our camp --
wounding three men, none seriously. Their balls were nearly spent when they struck. On Sunday morning after the battle
a powder plot was dug up in the La Harpe road, which the army was expected to pass. On Wednesday another was dug
up on the
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
353
same road nearer the city. Several of these plots were discovered near the temple and in other parts of the city."
But the lighting was over and the war was ended. On Tuesday morning, the 15th, a deputation from 100 citizens of Quincy
arrived in camp with proposals for mediation. The sub-committee was headed by Andrew Johnston, Esq., as chairman. A
similar sub-committee was sent to Nauvoo to confer with B. Clifford, the Commander there. A truce was agreed on, and
after a long and voluminous correspondence, a treaty was concluded, which we can give best in its own words:
1. The City of Nauvoo will surrender. The force of Col. Brockman to enter and take possession of the city to-morrow, the
17th of September, at 3 o'clock p. m.
3. The arms to be delivered to the Quincy Committee, to be returned on the crossing of the river.
3. The Quincy Committee pledge themselves to use their influence for the protection of persons and property from all
violence; and the officers of the camp and the men pledge themselves to protect all persons and property from violence.
4. The sick and helpless to be protected and treated with humanity.
5. The Mormon population of the city to leave the State, or disperse, as soon as they can cross the river.
6. Five men, including the trustees of the Church, and five clerks, with their families (William Pickett not one of the
number) to be permitted to remain in the city for the disposition of property, free from all molestation and personal
violence.
7. Hostilities to cease immediately, and ten men of the Quincy Committee to enter the city in the execution of their duty as
soon as they think proper.
We, the undersigned, subscribe to, ratify and confirm the foregoing articles of accommodation, treaty and agreement, the
day and year first above written.
Signed by: Almon W. Babbitt, Joseph L. Heywood, John S. Fullmer, Trustees in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints; Andrew Johnson, Chairman of the Com. of Quincy; Thos. S, Brockman, commanding posse; John
Carlin, Special Constable.
The remarkable feature of this treaty is, that it contained not a word about the arrest of the persons named in the writs held
by Carlin, and for the service of which the expedition was undertaken.
Soon after the agreement was signed and exchanged, Major Clifford gave orders for the withdrawal of the forces under
his command. By three o'clock the next day, nearly the whole Mormon population had crossed the river. At three,
Brockman's force was put in motion, marched through the city, and encamped near the south end of town. On Friday all
except 100 men were disbanded, and to co-operate with these the new citizens organized a company of 100 men as
guards to the city.
The surgeons in Col. Brockman's camp, Drs. Berry and Charles of Warsaw, reported twelve men wounded, as follows:
John Kennedy, of Augusta, in the shoulder; Jefferson Welsh, of McDonough Co., in the thigh; Mr. Rogers, of Adams Co.,
thigh and hip; Uriah Thompson, of Fountain Green, in arm; Mr. Humphreys, of Hancock Co., in the thigh severely, and
died ten hours afterward; George Wier, Warsaw, in the neck; Capt. Robert F. Smith, who commanded the First Regiment,
slightly in the neck; Mr. Crooks, of Chili, in the head slightly; Mr. Winsor, of Nauvoo, in the back, while loading; Mr.
Denny, of Green Plains, at camp-guard;
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Dr. Geiger, of Nauvoo, in camp; and Mr. Stinson, of Brown Co., in the thigh. Of the loss on the other side we have no
reliable data.
But, although the war was over, the troubles were not yet to end. The force left in the city, not satisfied with the withdrawal
of the Mormons, dealt pretty roughly with the ring-leaders of the obnoxious new citizens. A few of them were ordered to
leave. They did so, but made their appeals to the public and to Gov. Ford at Springfield, in a tissue of most exaggerated
statements. Maj. Brayman, who had been commissioned by the Governor to investigate, made reports also to his
Excellency, which, taken together, decided him to again order a force into the county. He recruited about 100 men, with
which he entered the county, and after a day or two at Carthage, proceeded to Nauvoo, where he arrived on the 28 th of
October. He was waited on by numbers of the respectable new citizens, who endeavored to disabuse his mind as to the
state of affairs in the city. The Governor encamped his force about the temple, where he remained until the lith of
November, when he left for Springfield, leaving a part of his force under Major Weber, at Nauvoo. Before reaching the
county, the Governor became convinced that he had undertaken a useless expedition, as the result proved, for during
his whole two weeks' presence nothing transpired requiring military or executive interference. The force left, remained in
the county inactive, until withdrawn by Gov. French. Gov. F., having been elected to succeed Ford, was inaugurated
December 8th, and on the 12th he withdrew the force, and addressed a short note to the people of Hancock county,
announcing their withdrawal, and exhorting to peace and quietness.
NAUVOO CHARTER AND ORDINANCES.
A history of Mormonism in Hancock county would be incomplete that failed to recite the Charter granted that people by
the State Legislature, and to give a few samples of the Ordinances passed by the City Council. The following is a verbatim
copy of the Charter:
AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE CITY OF NAUVOO.
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly, That all that district of
country embraced within the following boundaries, to-wit: (omit long description of boundaries.)
Sec. 2. Whenever any tract of land adjoining the city of Nauvoo shall have been laid out into town lots, and duly recorded
according to law, the same shall form a part of the city of Nauvoo.
Sec. 3. The inhabitants of said city, by the name and style aforesaid, shall have power to sue and be sued, plead and be
impleaded, defend and be defended, in all courts of law and equity, and in all actions whatsoever; to purchase, receive
and hold property, real and personal, in said city; to purchase, receive and hold real property beyond the city for burying
ground, or for other public purposes, for the use of the inhabitants of said city; to sell, lease, convey or dispose of
property, real and personal, for the benefit of the city; to improve and protect such property, and to do all other things in
relation thereto as natural persons.
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
355
Sec. 4. There shall be a City Council to consist of Mayor, four Aldermen and nine Councilors, who shall have the
qualifications of electors of said city, and shall be chosen by the qualified voters thereof, and shall hold their offices for
two years, and until their successors shall be elected and qualified. The City Council shall judge of the qualifications,
elections and returns of their own members, and a majority of them shall form a quorum to do business; but a smaller
number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, under such penalties as may be
prescribed by ordinance.
Sec. 5. The Mayor, Aldermen and Councilors, before entering upon the duties of 'their offices, shall take and subscribe an
oath or affirmation, that they will support the Constitution of the United States and of this State; and that they will well and
truly perform the duties of their offices to the best of their skill and abilities.
Sec. 6. On the first Monday of February next, and every two years thereafter, an election shall be held for "the election of
one Mayor, four Aldermen, and nine Councilors; and at the first election under this act, three Judges shall be chosen viva
voce by the electors present, the said Judges shall choose two clerks, and the Judges and clerks, before entering upon
their duties, shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation, such as is now required by law to be taken by judges and
clerks of other elections; and at all subsequent elections, the necessary number of Judges and clerks shall be appointed
by the City Council. At the first election so held the polls shall be opened at nine o'clock, a.m., and closed at six o'clock,
P. M.; at the close of the polls the votes shall be counted, and a statement thereof proclaimed at the front door of the
house at which such election shall be held; and the clerks shall leave with each person elected, or at his usual place of
residence within five days after the election, a written notice of his election, and each person so notified, shall within ten
days after the election, take the oath or affirmation hereinbefore mentioned, a certificate of which oath shall be deposited
with the Recorder, whose appointment is hereafter provided for, and be by him preserved; and all subsequent elections
shall be held, conducted, and returns thereof made as may be provided for by the ordinances of the City Council.
Sec. 7. All free white male inhabitants, who are of the age of 21 years, who are entitled to vote for State officers, and who
shall have been actual residents of said city sixty days next preceding said election, shall be entitled to vote for city
officers.
Sec. 8. The City Council shall have authority to levy and collect taxes for city purposes, upon all property, real and
personal, within the limits of the city, not exceeding one-half per cent, per annum upon the assessed value thereof, and
may enforce the payment of the same in any manner to be provided by ordinance, not repugnant to the Constitution of
the United States, or of this State.
Sec. 9. The City Council shall have power to appoint a Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, Marshal, Supervisor of streets, and
all such other officers as may be necessary, and to prescribe their duties, and remove them from office at pleasure.
Sec. 10. The City Council shall have power to require of all officers, appointed in pursuance of this act, bonds with
penalty and security, for the faithful performance ot their respective duties, such as may be deemed expedient; and also to
require all officers appointed as aforesaid, to take an oath for the faithful performance of the duties of then- respective
offices.
Sec. 11. The City Council shall have power and authority to make, ordain, establish and execute all such ordinances, not
repugnant to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, as they may deem necessary for the benefit, peace,
good order, regulation, convenience and cleanliness of said city; for the protection of property therein from destruction
by fire or otherwise, and for the health and happiness thereof; they shall have power to fill all vacancies that may happen
by death, resignation or removal, in any of the offices herein made elective; to fix and establish all the fees of the officers
of said corporation not herein established; to impose such fines not exceeding one hundred dollars for each offense, as
they may deem just, for refusing to accept any office in or under the corporation, or for misconduct therein; to chvide the
city into wards; to add to the number of Aldermen and Councilors, and apportion them among the several wards as may
be most just and conducive to the interests of the city.
Sec. 12. To zzzMcense, tax, and regulate auctions, merchants, retailers, grocers, hawkers, pedlars, brokers, pawn-brokers
and money-changers.
Sec. 13. The City Council shall have exclusive power within the city, by ordinance to license, regulate and restrain the
keeping of ferries; to regulate the police
356
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
of the city to impose tines, forfeitures and penalties for the breach of any ordinance, and provide for the recovery of such
fines and forfeitures, and the enforcement of such penalties, and to pass such ordinances as may be necessary and
proper for carrying into execution the powers specified in this act: Provided, Such ordinances are not repugnant to the
Constitution of the United States or of this State; and in fine, to exercise such other legislative powers as are conferred on
the City Council of the city of Springfield, by an act entitled "An act to incorporate the city of Springfield," approved
February third, one thousand eight hundred and forty.
Sec. 14. All ordinances passed by the City Council shall, within one month after they shall have been passed, be
published in some newspaper printed in the city, or certified copies thereof be posted up in three of the most public
places in the city.
Sec. 15. All ordinances of the city may be proven by the seal of the corporation, and when printed or published in book
or pamphlet form, purporting to he printed or published by authority of the corporation, the same shall be received in
evidence in all courts or places without further proof.
Sec. 16. The Mayor and Aldermen shall be conservators of the peace within the limits of said city, and shall have all the
powers of Justices of the Peace therein, both in civil and criminal cases, arising under the laws of the State; they shall, as
Justices of the Peace within the limits of said city, perform the same duties, be governed by the same laws, give the same
bonds and security as other Justices of the Peace, and be commissioned as Justices of the Peace in and for said city by
the Governor.
Sec. 17. The Mayor shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all cases arising under the ordinances of the corporation, and
shall issue such process as may be necessary to carry said ordinances into execution and effect; appeals maybe had
from any decision or judgment of said Mayor, or Aldermen, arising under the city ordinances, to the Municipal Court,
under such regulations as may be presented by ordinance, which Court shall be composed of the Mayor, or Chief Justice,
and the Aldermen as Associate Justices, and from the final judgment of the Municipal Court to the Circuit Court of
Hancock County, in the same manner as appeals are taken from the judgments of Justices of the Peace: Provided, That
the parties litigant shall have a riglit to a trial by a jury of twelve men in all cases before the Municipal Court. The Municipal
Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of the City Council.
Sec. 18. The Municipal Court shall sit on the first Monday of every month, and the City Council at such times and places
as may be prescribed by city ordinance, special meetings of which may, at any time, be called by the Mayor or any two
Aldermen.
Sec. 19. All processes issued by the Mayor, Aldermen or Municipal Court shall be directed to the Marshal, and in the
execution thereof he shall be governed by the same laws as are or may be prescribed for the direction and compensation
of constables in similar cases. The Marshal shall also perform such other duties as may be required of him under the
ordinances of said city, and shall be the principal ministerial officer.
Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the Recorder to make and keep accurate records of all ordinances made by the City
Council, and of all their proceedings in their corporate capacity; which records shall at all times be open to the
inspection of the electors of said city, and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the ordinances of
the City Council, and shall serve as Clerk of the Municipal Court.
Sec. 21. When it shall be necessary to take private property for opening, widening, or altering any public street, lane,
avenue or alley, the Corporation shall make a just compensation therefor to the person whose property is so taken, and if
the amount of such compensation can not be agreed upon, the Mayor shall cause the same to be ascertained by a jury of
six disinterested freeholders of the city.
Sec. 23. All jurors impaneled to inquire into the amount of benefits or damages that shall happen to the owners of
property so proposed to be taken, shall first be sworn to that effect, and shall return to the Mayor their inquest in writing,
signed by each juror.
Sec. 23. In case the Mayor shall at any time be guilty of a palpable omission of duty, or shall willfully and corruptly be
guilty of oppression, mal-conduct, or partiality in the discharge of the duties of his office, he shall be liable to be indicted
in the Circuit Court of Hancock county; and on conviction he shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars, and the
Court shall have power, on the
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
357
recommendation of the jury, to add to the judgment of the Court, that he be removed from office.
Sec. 24. The City Council may establish and organize an institution of learning within the limits of the city for the teaching
of the arts, sciences and learned professions, to be called the "University of the City of Nauvoo;" which institution shall
be under the control and management of a Board of Trustees, consisting ot a Chancellor, Registrar, and twenty-three
Regents, which Board shall thereafter be a body corporate and politic, with perpetual succession, by the name of the
"Chancellor and Regents of the University of the City of Nauvoo,'' and shall have full power to pass, ordain, establish and
execute all such laws and ordinances as they may consider for the welfare and prosperity of said University, its officers
and students; Provided, That the said laws and ordinances shall not be repugnant to the Constitution of the United States
or of this State; and. Provided, also, That the Trustees shall at all times be appointed by the City Council, and shall have
all the powers and privileges for the advancement of the cause of education which appertain to the trustees of any other
college or university of this State.
Sec. 25. The City Council may organize the inhabitants of said city subject to military duty into a body of independent
military men, to be called the "Nauvoo Legion," the court-martial of which shall be composed of the commissioned
officers of said Legion, and constitute the law-making department, with full powers and authority to make, ordain,
establish and execute, all such laws and ordinances, as may be considered necessary for the benefit, government and
regulation of said Legion; Provided, Said court-martial shall pass no law or act repugnant to or inconsistent with the
Constitution of the United States or of this State; and. Provided, also. That the officers of the Legion shall be
commissioned by the Governor of the State. The said Legion shall perform the same amount of military duty as is now or
may be hereafter required of the regular militia of the State, and shall be at the disposal of the Mayor in executing the laws
and ordinances of the City Corporation, and the laws of the State, and at the disposal of the Governor for the public
defense and the execution of the laws of the State, or of the United States, and shall be entitled to their proportion of the
public arms; and. Provided, also. That said Legion shall be exempt from all other military duty.
Sec. 26. The inhabitants of the "City of Nauvoo" are hereby exempt from working on any road beyond the limits of the city;
and for the purpose of keeping the streets, lanes, avenues and alleys in repair, to require of the male inhabitants of said
city, over the age of twenty-one and under fifty years, to labor on said streets, lanes, avenues and alleys, not exceeding
three days in each year; any person failing to perform such labors when duly notified by the Supervisor, shall forfeit and
pay the sum of one dollar per day for each day so neglected or refused.
Sec. 27. The City Council shall have power to provide for the punishment of offenders, by imprisonment in the county or
city jail, in all cases when such offenders shall fail or refuse to pay the fines and forfeitures which may be recovered
against them.
Sec. 28. This Act is hereby declared to be a public act, and shall take effect on the first Monday of February next.
Approved, December 10, 1840.
CITY ORDINANCES.
And we present below a few of the ordinances passed from time to time by the City Councils of Nauvoo:
AN OEDINANCE
Regulating the mode of proceeding in cases of habeas corpus before the Municipal Court:
Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That in all cases where any person or persons shall at
any time hereafter be arrested or under arrest, in this city, under any writ or process, and shall be brought before the
Municipal Court of this city, by virtue of a writ of habeas corpus, the Court shall in every such case have power and
authority, and are hereby required to examine into the origin, validity and legality of the writ or process, under which
such arrest was made; and if it shall appear to the Court upon sufficient testimony, that said writ or process was illegal, or
not legally issued, or did not proceed from the proper authority, then the Court shall discharge the prisoner from under
358
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
said arrest; but if it shall appear to the Court that said writ or process had issued from proper authority, and was a legal
process, the Court shall then proceed and fully hear the merits of the case upon which said arrest was made, upon such
evidence as may be produced and sworn before said Court; and shall have power to adjourn the hearing, and also issue
process from time to time, in their discretion, in order to procure the attendance of witnesses, so that a fair and impartial
trial and decision may be obtained iu every case.
Sec. 2. And be it further ordained, That if upon investigation it shall be proven before the Municipal Court that the writ or
process has been issued either through private pique, malicious intent, religious or other persecution, falsehood or
misrepresentation, contrary to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, the said writ or process shall be
quashed, and considered of no force or effect, and the prisoner or prisoners shall be released and discharged
therefrom.
Sec. 3. And be it also further ordained, That in the absence, sickness, debility or other circumstances disqualifying or
preventing the Mayor from officiating in his office, as Chief Justice of the Municipal Court, the Aldermen present shall
appoint one from amongst them to act as Chief Justice or President pro tempore.
Sec. 4. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
Hyrum Smith,
Vice-Mayor and President pro tempore.
Passed August 8, 1842.
James Sloan, Recorder.
AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING MARRIAGES.
Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That all male persons over the age of seventeen years,
and females over the age of fourteen years, may contract and be joined in marriage; Provided, in all cases where either
party is a minor, the consent of parents or guardians be first had.
Sec. 2. Any persons as aforesaid wishing to marry, or be joined in marriage, may go before any regular minister of the
gospel, Mayor, Alderman, Justice of the Peace, Judge, or other person authorized to solemnize marriages in this State,
and celebrate or declare their marriage in such manner and form as shall be most agreeable, either with or without
license.
Sec. 3. Any person solemnizing a marriage as aforesaid, shall make return thereof to the City Recorder, accompanied by
a recording fee of fifty cents, within thirty days of the solemnization thereof; and it is hereby made the duty of the
Recorder to keep an accurate record of all such marriages. The penalty for a violation of either of the provisions of this
ordinance, shall be twenty dollars, to be recovered as other penalties or forfeitures.
John C. Bennett, Mayor.
Passed Feb. 17, 1843.
James Sloan, Recorder.
The foregoing, it will be observed, abrogates a law of the State, which requires a license to be obtained from the County
Court. The second section was a mere scheme to put money into the pockets of the Recorder; and no penalty for its
infraction could have been enforced by law, as every person solemnizing a marriage is required by State law to make
return to the County Clerk, and when that is done the law is fulfilled.
Here is an ordinance investing the "Prophet, Seer and Revelator," and President of the Church of Zion, with all the rights,
duties, responsibilities and emoluments -- aye, emoluments -- belonging to the liquor traffic:
AN ORDINANCE
For the health and convenience of travelers and other persons.
Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That the Mayor of the city be and is hereby authorized
to sell or give spirits, of any
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
359
quantity, as lie in his wisdom shall judge to be for the health, comfort or convenience of such travelers or other persons
as shall visit his house from time to time.
Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed Dec. zz, 1843.
W. Richards, Recorder.
AN EXTRA ORDINANCE
For the extra case of Joseph Smith and others.
(Preamble recounting Smith's difficulties with Missouri omitted.)
Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, According to the intent and meaning of the Charter,
for the "benefit and convenience" of Nauvoo, that hereafter if any person or persons shall come with process, demand or
requisition, founded upon the aforesaid Missouri difficulties, to arrest said Joseph Smith, he or they shall be subject to be
arrested by any officer of the city, with or without process, and tried by the Municipal Court, upon testimony, and if found
guilty, sentenced to imprisonment in the city prison for life, which convict or convicts can only be pardoned by the
Governor, with the consent of the Mayor of said city. * * * *
Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed Dec. 8, 1843
W. Richards, Recorder.
Another of similar purport;
AN ORDINANCE
To prevent unlawful search or seizure of person or property, by foreign process in the City of Nauvoo.
Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, To prevent kidnapping, illegal arrests of persons, or
unlawful searches for property, that all writs issued zzzoiU of the city shall, before they are executed within the limits of the
city, be examined by and receive the approval and signature of the Mayor of said city on the back of said process, and be
served by the Marshal of said city.
Sec. 2. And be it further ordained, That every officer who shall execute, or attempt to execute, any process as aforesaid,
without first obtaining the approval and signature of the Mayor of said city, as specified in the first section of this
ordinance, shall be subject to a fine of not less than five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or imprisonment not
less than one month nor more than six months in the city prison, or both, as a breach of ordinance to be tried before the
Municipal Court of said city. Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed Dec. 21, 1843. zzz
WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.
AMENDMENT.
Sec. 3. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That nothing in the foregoing ordinance shall be so
construed as to prevent, hinder, or thwart the designs of justice, or to retard the civil officers of the State or county in the
discharge of their official duties; but to aid and assist them within the limits of this city. Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed Jan. 10, 1814.
Willard Richards, Recorder.
These two ordinances were so glaringly illegal and offensive, that it was deemed necessary to repeal, or at least make a
show of repealing them. That was done in this wise, -- a repeal which re-enacts their chief features, only slightly varying
the penalty:
AN ORDINANCE
Entitled "An ordinance to repeal certain ordinances therein mentioned."
Whereas, An ordinance entitled "An ordinance for the extra case of Joseph Smith and others." passed December 8, 1843,
and, Whereas, the ordinance entitled
360
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
"An ordinance to present unlawful search and seizure of person and property by foreign process in the city of Nauvoo,"
passed December 31, 1843, have had their desired effect in preserving the peace, happiness, persons or property of the
citizens of Nauvoo, according to their intent and meaning; therefore.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, That the aforesaid ordinances are hereby repealed.
Sec. 3. And be it further ordained, that nothing in the first section of this ordinance shall be so construed as to give
license or liberty to any foreign officer, or other person or persons, to illegally disturb the peace, happiness or quiet of
any citizen of said city, any ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding, under a penalty of not less than five hundred
dollars, or imprisonment six months in the city prison.
Joseph Smith, Mayor.
Passed February, 1844.
WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.
The foregoing ordinances are copied verbatim from the Times and Seasons and the Nauvoo Neighbor, the official and
recognized organs of the Church and city. Want of room forbids the copying of a number of other ordinances passed by
the City Council, exemplifying the peculiar genius of that honorable body for governing a city.
In concluding this chapter on Mormon affairs in Hancock county we throw together a number of items omitted in the
course of the narrative, of more or less importance as parts of a complete history.
THE KINDERHOOK PLATES.
The above are fair representations of two uf the six plates of copper, held together by a small ring, which were dug from a
mound at Kinderhook, Pike county, Illinois, by Mr. Wiley, a merchant of that place, about the year 1843. They were brought
to Nauvoo, and exhibited among the Mormons, as well as at other places in the county, and regarded by the Saints as
proofs of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. The writer hereof saw and "hefted"
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
361
them, at the time, but is now unable to tell what became of them. They are probably deposited in some museum, where they
should be, unless the angel who guided Mr. Wiley in procuring them, ordered them replaced in the mound. Whether the
prophet ever undertook their translation, we are not informed.
"SONS OF DAN."
Both John and Orson Hyde believed in and doubtless knew of the existence of the Danite Band. The former, in his work
on Mormonism, published ten or twelve years after that people left Hancock county, states that in 1838, in Missouri, a
"death society" was formed under the direction of Sidney Rigdon; that its first captain was David Patten, one of the
Apostles, known as Capt. Fearnaught; and that its object was to "punish the obnoxious." They had some trouble to find a
suitable name. "Daughters of Zion," was first adopted, but dropped, from its inappropriateness. "Genesis xlix, 17,
furnished the name they finally assumed. The verse is quite significant: 'Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in
the path that biteth the horse's heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.'" And Hyde continues: "'The Sons of Dan' was
the style adopted: and many have been the times they have been adders in the path, and many a man has fallen
backward and has been seen no mfire." -- (Stenhouse, p. 104. )
From "Sons of Dan," they came to be known to the Gentiles as the "Danite Band." Brigham Young himself furnishes full
confirmation, as quoted by Stenhouse from the Deseret News, vol. 7, page 148:
"If men come here and do not behave themselves, they will not only find the Danites, whom they talk so much about,
biting the horse's heels, but the scoundrels will find something biting their heels. In my plain remarks, I merely call things
by their own names."
It is due to the Mormons to say, that in all their publications, they have steadily denied the existence of any such
organization among them.
BEASTS IN THE LAND OF PROMISE.
The country (America) to which these "Wandering Jews," described in the Book of Mormon, were directed, was entirely
uninhabited. But "there were beasts in the forests of every kind," -- among the rest the ox. Here is revealed a fact in natural
history of which even Cuvier was ignorant. Oxen have heretofore been supposed to exist only in countries inhabited by
man: but here they were found running wild in the forests of America!
WILLIAM W. PHELPS.
This man, notorious among the faithful at Nauvoo as one of the most zzzblindh- obsequious followers of the prophet, was
a printer by
362
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
trade, and published at Independence the Evening and Morning Star. He was a ready writer, but usually dealt in the
"hifalutin" style. He was supposed to have been often employed by Joseph to adorn his compositions. For these many
acts of kindness, his patron is said to have had a revelation in his favor, that he should live till Jesus came. The Salt Lake
papers report his death in that city on March 7, 1872, aged over 80 years.
THE TITLES OF THE TWELVE,
As given by W. W. Phelps, and published in the Times and Seasons, in 1841:
Brigham Young -- The Lion of the Lord.
Parley P. Pratt -- The Archer of Paradise.
Orson Hyde -- The Olive Branch of Israel.
"Willard Richards -- The Keeper of the Rolls.
John Taylor -- The Champion, of Right.
William Smith -- The Patriarch of Jacob's Staff.
Wilford Woodruff -- The Banner of the Gospel.
George A. Smith -- The Entablature of Truth.
Orson Pratt -- The Gauge of Philosophy.
John E. Page -- The Sun-Dial, and
Lyman Wight -- The Wild Ram of the Mountains.
THE PROPHET AS A LINGUIST.
How he became a linguist is beyond comprehension, seeing he was so entirely ignorant of his own native English
tongue. But he was fond of parading his acquirements in that respect before his wondering followers. In the Times and
Seasons of May 1, 1843, we find over his signature a learned dissertation on the derivation of the name "Mormon:"
* * * It has been stated that this word was derived from the Greek word Mormo. This is not the case. There was no Greek
or Latin upon the plates from which I, through the grace of God, translated the Book of Mormon. Let the language of that
book speak for itself. On the 523d page of the fourth edition, it reads:
"And now behold we have written this record according to our knowledge in the characters which are called among us
the Reformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech; and if our plates had
been sufficiently large, we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could
have written in Hebrew, behold ye would have had no imperfection in our record; but the Lord knoweth the things which
we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; therefore he hath prepared means for the
interpretation thereof."
Here, then, the subject is put to silence; for ''none other people knoweth our language," therefore tire Lord, and not man,
had to interpret, after the people were all dead. * * * We say from the Saxon, goud; the Dane, jod; the Goth, goda; the
German, gut; the Dutch, goed; the Latin, bonus; the Greek, kalos; the Hebrew, toh; and the Egyptian, mon. Hence, with the
addition more, or the contraction mor, we have the word Mormon, which means literally more good.
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
363
AND ANOTHER.
In a correspondence with James Arlington Bennett, a "swell-head" relative of Dr. John C. Bennett's, residing at Arlington
House, near New York city, the prophet made this display of his learning:
Were I an Egyptian, I would exclaim Jah-oh-eh, Enish-go-on-dosh, Flo-ces-Floa-is-is (O, the Earth! the power of
attraction, and the moon passing between her and the sun); a Hebrew, Haueloheem zzzyenau; a Greek, O theos phos esi;
a Roman, Domiuus regit me; a German, Got gebe uns das licht; a Portugee, Senhor Jesu Christo e libordade; a
Frenchman, Dieu defend le droit; but as I am, I give God the glory, and say, in the beautiful figure of the poet:
Could we with Ink the ocean fill;
Was the whole earth of parclunent made,
And every stogie stick a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade, --
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the whole upon a scroll
Be spread from sky to sky.
That beat Arlington. He had been appointed to some office in the Nauvoo Legion, and he had had some thought of
coming to Illinois, and through the prophet's influence being elected Governor. But he never came.
AND STILL ANOTHER
of those grand displays is given in "Gen. Joseph Smith's Appeal to the Green Mountain Boys." This effort was published
in the Nauvoo Neighbor about the last of Jan., 1843. It was an address "To the Freemen of the State of Vermont, the brave
Green Mountain Boys, and honest men." The burden of it was a recital of his sufferings in Missouri, and a call for aid in
obtaining redress for the same, but whether by the sword and bayonet, or moral suasion, is not stated. He starts out by
stating that he was born and raised in Vermont; that his father fought in the Revolution, etc., and after a rehearsal of
Missouri outrages, and other matters, he injects the following learned paragraph:
Were I a Chaldean, I would exclaim: "Keed'-naob ta maroon le-hoam elauhay augh deysheraayaugh yah aur kan ion gua
abadoo, yabadoo ma-ar'guan bomen tehoat shemayaugh elah." (Thus shall ye say unto them. The gods that have not
made the heavens and the earth, they shall perish from the earth, and from these heavens.) An Egyptian: "Saeeh-ni."
(What other persons are those?) A Grecian: "Diabolos bassileuei." (The Devil reigns.) A Frenchman: "Messieurs sans
Dieu." (Gentlemen without God.) A Turk: "Ain sheurs." (The fountain of light.) A German: "Sie sind unferstandig." (What
consummate ignorance!) A Syrian: "Zanbok." (Sacrifice.) A Spaniard: "Il sabio muda conscio, Il nescio no." (A wise man
reflects, a fool does not.) A Samaritan: "Sannau." (O Stranger!) An Italian: "O tempa!_ O diffidanza!" (O the times! O the
diflSdence!) A Hebrew: "Autoub ail rancy." (Thou Goil seest me.) A Dane: "Hoad tidende?" (What tidings?) A Saxon: "Hwart
riht!" (What right!) A Swede: "Hvad skilla!" (What skill!) A Polander: "Nav-yen-shoo-bah poa na Jesu Christus." (Blessed
be the name of Jesus Christ.) A Western Indian: "Slie-mo-kah, she-mo-kah, ough-ne-gah." (The white man, O the white
man, he very uncertain.) A Roman: "Procol, o procol este profani." (Be off, be off, ye profane.) But as I am, I will only add:
"When the wicked rule, the people mourn."
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Our readers will remember this individual as having been tried, found guilty, and executed a few years ago in Utah, for his
participation in the Mountain Meadow Massacre. In looking over the Church organ, we find his name as having been a
resident at Nauvoo in ISiS, and a traveling elder, preaching and healing the sick, as reported. He was afterward advanced
to the position of bishop, and at the time of the Mountain Meadow aflair was known as Bishop Lee.
THE "REVELATIONS"
Uttered in the name of the Lord, by the prophet. Smith, soon after his appearance in Illinois, and indeed throughout his
whole career, would of themselves form a curious chapter in religious literature. The limit and scope of this work will not
permit us to devote much space to them; but we copy parts of one given Jan. 19, 1841, as found in the Tinier and
Seasons, of June 1, 1841. It is long, and we only quote its essential portions:
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant, Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offerings and
acknowledgments which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might shew forth my wisdom
through the weak things of the earth. Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in answer to them, I say unto you that
you are now called immediately to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel, and of this stake which I have planted to be
a corner-stone of Zion, which shall be polished with that refinement which is after the similitude of a palace. This
proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world, to the four corners thereof, to the honorable President-elect, and
the high-minded Governors of the nation in which you live, and to all the nations of the earth scattered abroad. * * * *
And again I say unto you, let my servant, Robert B. Thompson, help you to write this proclamation, for I am well pleased
with him, etc.
And again I verily say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, loveth him, etc.
Again, let my servant John C. Bennett help you in your labor, in sending my word to the kings and people of the earth. * *
* I have seen the work he hath done, which I accept, if he continue, and will crown him with blessings and great glory.
And again, it is my will that my servant Lyman Wright should continue in preaching for Zion, etc.
And again, my servant George Miller is without guile; I seal upon his head the office of a bishoprick. Let my servant
George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant John Snider and others, build a house unto my name, such an one as
my servant Joseph shall show unto them, upon the place which he shall show unto them also. And it shall be for a house
of boarding, a house that strangers may come from afar to lodge therein; therefore let it be a good house, worthy of all
acceptation, that the weary traveler may find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord, and the
corner-stone I have appointed for Zion, This house shall be a healthy habitation, if it be built unto my name, and if the
Governor which shall be appointed unto it shall not suffer any pollution to come upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lord your
God will not dwell therein.
And again, verily I say unto you, let all my saints from afar, and send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and
say unto them, come ye, with all your gold and your silver, and your precious stones, and with all your antiquities; and
with all who have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring the box-tree and the fir-tree and the pine-
tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth; and with iron, and with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and
with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house to my name for the Most High to dwell therein, etc. * * *
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
365
And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house, which I have commanded you to build for the boarding of
strangers, let it be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my servant Joseph and his house have
place therein from generation to generation. * * * Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him, have place in
that house from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord, and let the name of that house be called the
Nauvoo House. * * *
Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock in that house, for I, the Lord loveth him for the work he hath done, and will forgive
all his sins, etc. * * * And let my servant William Law pay stock in that house for himself and his seed after him, etc. * * *
And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve me, and be a counselor unto my servant Joseph, let him
arise and stand in the office of his calling, and humble himself before me. * * * Verily I say unto you, even now, if he will
hearken to my voice it shall be well with him.
POLYGAMY.
Who may be entitled to the infamy of introducing polygamy as part of the system of Mormonism is not positively known
to the outside world. It is a question on which the saints themselves disagree. That it was instituted and practiced
sometime before it was publicly acknowledged is certain. It needs no argument to prove that it is a direct and flagrant
violation of law throughout all Christendom, the bane of the social system, destructive of the best influences of home and
the family circle, and an outrage upon civilized society. It has not one ennobling and humanizing feature; and could have
only been engrafted into their system and practiced for the most debasing and lustful purposes. But no people, no set of
men and women, however well-meaning they may be, have a right to shield themselves from just punishment for such
practices, under cover of a religious creed. And it is a wonder and a shame, that more determined efforts have not been
made by the constituted authorities to put an end to these illegal practices. It is now claimed that the system has been so
long in operation, that to break it up would cause great injury to many innocent persons. It is a principle of law, that one
shall not take advantage of his own wrong; and besides, every one is presumed to know the law. These pretended
revelators, while claiming the sanction of heaven to cover their selfish purposes, knew that the law and the morality of the
country were against them, and that their so-called revelation was an infamous and blasphemous falsehood. Religious
creed, too often used as a cloak for sin, cannot be permitted to shield its wearer from the consequences of crime.
That Joseph Smith ever advocated or encouraged polygamy, as a branch of the creed, is now strenuously denied by the
followers of his son, of the re-organized branch. They justly denounce it with all the rest of Christendom; and they quote
strong proof from his writings and from the Book of Mormon, that he set his face against it. The Salt Lake Mormons as
flail}'zzz assert that he was its author and introducer. We think the new branch will have hard work to convince the world,
-- as they certainly have not convinced us, -- that the prophet was innocent of this outrage. He may not in his day have
fully incorporated it into his creed and taught it to his
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
followers in public; but we think there is indubitable evidence that he was its originator. Who, without his sanction, had a
right to broach such a thing, and preach it, by degrees and parcels, as was done in his life-time and in his chosen city?
And how came it to be so fully established so soon after his death, that it had become a sweet morsel in the creed of the
leaders, at the time they left for the West two years afterward, so sweet a morsel that it divided man and wife? In his life-
time it had not reached the dignity of title it has since. Now, it is ''Polygamy" (and didn't Solomon and David and
Abraham, and all the patriarchs practice polygamy?). Then it was "Spiritual-wifery," a sort of clandestine, sneaking system
of concubinage, with an I-would-if-I-dare effort to adopt it, and an I-do-and-I-don't acceptance; but with a crushing public
denial and denunciation. All who remember the days of Mormonism in this county and are conversant with its workings,
know that this is the way in which polygamy became a constituent of its creed and a chief pillar in its system. Had the
main body remained here it would have been "spiritual-wifery" still, most probably -- denied to the outside world, and
practiced in the harems of the leaders. Before they left it was the accepted creed of the governing class; and we know of
one legal wife of a prominent man among them, who refused to go with him, and did not, because he would not agree to
forego the anticipated delights of the system in the wilderness; * while others generally went, by force of circumstances,
though their best natures as women cried out against the unnatural dogma. The Salt Lake people now publish a revelation
which they assert was delivered by the prophet before his death, in which this doctrine is promulgated. The reorganized
branch here claim this to be a forgery; whether justly or not, we leave the reader to decide. John Taylor is now and has
ever been a prominent leader at Salt Lake; while here, and after the prophet's death, we believe throughout, be was editor
of both the Mormon papers. The files of those sheets show that he was continually denying the doctrine, and ridiculing it
as an invention of their enemies. If said revelation had been genuine, as now claimed, Taylor must have known it; and
what can be said of his and their truthfulness?
TEMPERANCE CLAUSE.
The Act to incorporate the "Nauvoo House Association" contained one clause which can be recommended to all similar
associations:
Sec. 9. It is moreover established as a perpetual rule of said house, to be observed by all persons who may keep or
occupy the same, that spirituous liquors of every description are prohibited, and that such liquors shall never be vended
as a beverage, or introduced into common use in said house.
A TOLERATION ORDINANCE.
The following ordinance was flourished in the Nauvoo papers, without date, as proof of the tolerant spirit prevailing
there;
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AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Sec. 1. Be it Ordained by the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, That the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists,
Latter-Day Saints, Quakers, Episcopalians, Universalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans, and all other religious sects and
denominations whatever, shall have free toleration and equal privileges in this city; and should any person be guilty of
ridiculing, abusing, or otherwise depreciating another in consequence of his religion, or of disturbing or interrupting any
religious meeting, within the limits of this city, he shall, on conviction thereof before the Mayor or Municipal Court, be
considered a disturber of the public peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not
exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of said Mayor or Court.
The foregoing was paraded as proof of the extremely liberal spirit prevailing in the city; and yet it will be perceived that it
empowers the Mayor to fine a man five hundred dollars and imprison him six months, for merely speaking in
depreciation of the Mormon religion!
THE MANSION HOUSE,
which many have confounded with the Nauvoo House, was a neat frame building situated some hundreds of yards from
the river, and was in all the prophet's after years his residence and home, and where he dispensed hospitality and good
cheer to friends and visitors. It was a hotel, and was opened with great ostentation on the 3d of October, 1843, on which
occasion a large crowd sat down to the table. The following is one of the volunteer toasts passed: "Resolved, That Gen.
Joseph Smith, whether we view him as a Prophet at the head of the Church; a General at the head of the Legion; a Mayor
at the head of the City Council, or as a Landlord at the head of his table, has few equals and no superiors."
EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHICS.
Prof. Caswell, of Kemper College, near St. Louis, told the following story: He paid a visit to Nauvoo and the Mormon
prophet, and had in his possession a Greek psalter of great age -- one that had been in his family several hundred years.
"Why he took it to Nauvoo does not appear; but some of the brethren saw it, and insisted that he should give brother
Joseph a chance of translating it. The professor consented, and the book was handed over. The spirit of prophecy -- the
same as in the days of the golden plates -- descended upon Joseph, and he said, "This book I pronounce to be a
Dictionary of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics."
THE TEMPLE
is said to have cost in labor and money over a million of dollars. It may be possible, and is very probable, that
contributions to that amount were made to it, but that it cost that much to build it, few will believe. Half that sum would be
ample to build a much more costly edifice to-day; and in the three or four years in which it was being erected, labor was
cheap and all the necessaries of life remarkably low. Wheat was quoted in the county markets at forty to
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
sixty cents; corn, 20; flour, $4.00, and pork, $2.00. If a million of dollars were contributed by the faithful for the temple fund,
it is easy to guess where at least half the sum was expended.
THE NAUVOO HOUSE
was never half finished during the prophet's life- time, and was never occupied by him or any one. It stood, one of its
wings under roof, but the walls of the main building unfinished, an imposing structure, until long since the prophet had
met his fate, and his followers had located in the wilderness. It was left or somehow passed to the ownership of the
widow and her second husband. Major Bidamon, and has recently been fitted up and kept by them as a hotel. The
location is most beautiful and commanding, being on the sloping and rocky bank of the Mississippi, facing southward at
the curve of the river, and about 150 yards from the water's edge.
The work upon this building was never prosecuted by the faithful with the same zeal as that upon the temple. While the
contributions flowed in freely for the temple, those for the hotel lagged; and it took much hard begging to keep the latter
going forward. At the April conference, 1844, President Smith said: "It is necessary that this conference give importance
to the Nauvoo House. A prejudice exists against building the Nauvoo House, in favor of the Lord's House, and the
conference are required to give stress to the building of the Nauvoo House. This is the most important matter for the time
being; for there is no place in this city where men of wealth and character and influence from abroad can go to repose
themselves, and it is necessary we should have such a place."
So the Times and Seasons, under date of Nov. 15, 1841, in an editorial says: "Let us not forget that we have another
house also to build in this place, even the Nauvoo House; and which is as important to us as the temple; inasmuch as
great things are depending upon that house, and it is commanded us of God.''
JAMES C. BREWSTER.
This was an ambitious young man, who resided in Springfield, Ill., and a member of the Church. He claimed to be gifted
with the spirit of prophecy, and issued a pamphlet in which he put forth his claims. But this was not allowed. He was dealt
with, and the organ, Dec. 1, 1842, admonishes the brethren against him, quoting from the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants: "But behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and
revelations in this Church, excepting my servant Joseph Smith, junior, for he receiveth them even as Moses," etc. So Mr.
Brewster was squelched. But this command must have been afterward abrogated in favor of brother Hyrum; for we find him
declaring a revelation in the election of 1843, in favor of Hoge for Congress; and the prophet vouched that "brother
Hyrum never told a lie."
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
371
A STORY FROM STENHOUSE.
"It is stated that on leaving Nauvoo for Carthage, he said: 'I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a
summer morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall
yet be said of me, he was murdered in cold blood.'" -- (Doctrine and Covenants, p. 335. )
Stenhouse says:
Notwithstanding this apparent readiness to meet death, and the deep and clear divine impressions claimed to have been
imparted to the prophet of his forthcoming end, it is understood that he managed to send from prison a communication
to the Mormon officers in military command at Nauvoo, to bring with all possible dispatch a portion of the Legion to
protect him from treachery and from that assassination which he had then so much cause to apprehend. This military
commander put the prophet's communication into his pocket and gave no heed to the call for help. No one was
acquainted with the contents of the paper, and the officer was therefore, he presumed, safe in disregarding it.
After the prophet's death, by some accident or other, this communication was lost, and picked up on the street and read.
The intelligence that Joseph had called for aid, and none had been rendered him, was soon bruited among the Saints,
and excited their deepest indignation, as they were not only ready to march at a moment's notice, but were eager for the
opportimity.
Some time afterward, when all was quiet, this "coward and traitor," as some of the Mormons called him, or "fool and idiot,"
as others said, was sent on a mission to the Western frontiers, accompanied by a faithful elder. While traveling alone with
his companion he fell ill and died, it is said of dysentery! His companion buried him. (Page 164, Note. )
If the foregoing statement is true, it reveals a fact which we have never heard from any other source. The whole story
bears the semblance of truth; and from the narrator's twenty-five years' connection with the priesthood afterward, it is
evident he had every facility to learn the truth. It was always accounted a wonder that the Legion did not make some
demonstration while their leaders were in jail, either to protect or release them. That they did not, we have attributed to
their reliance upon the prophet's previous good luck. This story, taken in connection with the admission of Gov. Ford,
that he, too, contemplated a rescue, presents a very important suggestion: whether the disobedience of the officer of the
Legion did not frustrate a rescue, and the consequent massacre of the guards and citizens. The belief has always been
general, that had not the murders been perpetrated as they were by the mob, the affair would soon have terminated in a
bloody encounter by an attack from the other side. This belief cannot be offered as an excuse for the murders, but it does
excuse the people of Carthage and the Greys for the feverish apprehension under which they labored, and which their
vacillating and excitable Governor blamed them so severely for. Who that Legion commander was, thus alluded to in the
quotation, and who died afterward of dysentery (the italics are Stenhouse's own) we are unable to state. The italics
suggest a popular Mormon mode of dealing with offenders.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
COL. THOMAS GEDDES' STATEMENT.
We have shown from his own admission, that Gov. Ford was willing to connive at the escape of the Smiths,
notwithstanding his virtuous indignation at the citizens for suspecting him. We shall now show that, notwithstanding his
devotion to law and order, he did, what was asserted at the time, counsel the violent expulsion of the Mormons from the
State. Col. Thomas Geddes, then still residing at Fountain Green in this county, and at the time of the troubles in
command of a portion of the troops at Carthage, has recently made us this statement, of which he says his recollection is
clear:
"While the Smiths were in jail, I went to the jail in company with Gov. Ford, and there we conversed with them for some
time, the burden of Smith's talk being that they were only acting in self-defense, and only wanted to be let alone. After
leaving the jail, and while returning from it, the Governor and I had still further conversation about the subject matter. After
some time the Governor exclaimed, 'O, it's all nonsense; you will have to drive these Mormons out yet!' I then said, 'If we
undertake that. Governor, when the proper time comes, will you interfere?' 'No, I will not,' said he; then, after a pause,
adding, 'until you are through.'"
MRS. ELIZA B. WELLS,
wife of the now General Daniel H. Wells, one of the dignitaries at Salt Lake, was a daughter of Rev. Charles Robison. She
now resides at Burlington, Iowa. On the authority of her brother, Chauncey Robison, of Appanooe, zzz we have the
statement that when the Mormons left for the Far West, Mrs. Wells refused to go with her husband because he would not
consent to confine himself to one wife -- which he refused to do. She had never joined the Church. Thus they were
separated and divorceds, he remaining behind, and he following the fortunes of the Brighamites, with whom he was then
and has since remained in high authority. This fact tends to show that polygamy was a cherished institution with the
leaders before they left Nauvoo.
THE CARTHAGE GREYS.
A good deal was said by Gov. Ford and in the Mormon papers, about the insubordination of the Carthage Greys toward
Gen. Deming, while the Smiths were in custody. From a gentleman who was a member of that company, we have
procured the following statement of the facts, as near as he can recollect them. It seems that after the McDonough
regiment had been disbanded and were about to return home, they expressed a desire to see the prisoners. The wish was
reasonable, and as the easiest mode of gratifying it, they were drawn up in line, and Gen. Deming, with the two prisoners,
one on each arm, and the Greys as an escort,
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
373
passed along the line of the troops, Deming introducing them as "Gen. Joseph Smith," and "Gen. Hyrum Smith, of the
Nauvoo Legion." The Greys, not aware that this was done at the request of the McDonough men, and not satisfied to be
made an escort to such a display, exhibited signs of dissatisfaction, and finally gave vent to their feelings by hisses and
groans. As a punishment for this offense, they were afterward ordered under arrest. In the mean time there was great
excitement in the company. As a detachment of the troops was being detailed for the purpose of putting the General's
order into execution, the officer in command of the Greys addressed them a few words, and then said, "Boys, will you
submit to an arrest for so trifling an offense?" "No!" was the unanimous response. "Then load your pieces with ball!" was
his sullen order. In the mean time some explanations had been made, which permitted Gen. Deming to countermand the
order for arrest, and the Greys were quietly marched to their encampment.
PARLEY P. PRATT AS A PROPHET.
In 1838 Parley P. Pratt was engaged in a controversy with LaRoy Sunderland, editor of Zion's Watchman, an Eastern
paper. During the controversy, Mr. Pratt was seized with the spirit of prophecy, and poured forth the following: "Within
ten years from now the people of this country who are not Mormons will be entirely subdued by the Latter-Day Saints, or
swept from the face of the earth; and if this prediction fails, then you may know the 'Book of Mormon' is not true."
It has now been forty-two years since this prediction was uttered, and Pratt himself, and the prophet, and Rigdon, and
Young, have been "swept from the face of the earth." So we have Pratt's own testimony to the falsity of the Book of
Mormon. Mr. Pratt mistook his own intense fanaticism for the voice of the Lord, -- a mistake which many men wiser than
he have made before him.
THE BAPTISMAL FONT,
in the temple at Nauvoo, was in itself a curiosity, and a fit accompaniment to the building. It was first constructed of wood,
but this being deemed not sufhciently durable, was taken away, and another built of stone. It rested on the backs of twelve
stone oxen of colossal size -- four abreast at the sides, and two at each end, standing back to back. The oxen had the
appearance of being sunk in the floor half-way to their knees, and the font rested on their shoulders, their horns, heads,
necks and shoulders being exposed to view outside. The font itself was of immense size -- 18 feet long, eight feet wide,
and four feet deep. It thus stood about eight feet high, from the top of its rim to the floor. It was placed in the basement, or
first story of the building -- an object of great curiosity and comment to all stranger visitors.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
INCIDENTS OF THE BURNING.
From a very respectable old gentleman who was an eye-witness of some of the house-burning operations in the fall of
1845, we have the following statement received from him verbally during the last year. He says that for such lawless and
outrageous acts, they were done in such a quiet and orderly manner as to be astonishing. He resided not far from some
of the houses that were burned; and hearing what was going on, he mounted his horse and rode to where the work was
in progress. There seemed to be a company of 25 or 30 men engaged -- mostly, as he thought, Warsaw clerks, though he
only knew a portion. They were commanded, he thinks, by a man from the north part of the county, whose name he could
not recollect.
The burning began at what is now Tioga -- then called Morley-town, or Yelrome, in Walker township -- and continued on
up to Green Plains. The last house burnt in that section of the county, was the one they were at when attacked by the
Mormon posse under Sheriff Backenstos, and where McBratney was killed. The houses burnt were mostly log cabins of
not much value, though some pretty good dwellings were included.
The manner was to go to the house and warn the inmates out -- that they were going to burn it. Usually there would be no
show of resistance; but all hands, burners and all, would proceed to take out the goods and place them out of danger.
When the goods were all securely removed, the torch would be applied, and the house consumed. Then on to another.
We are not aware that a correct count was ever made of the number thus burned; but our informant states that there were
probably 70 or 80. Some accounts have placed it as high as 125.
As an evidence of the coolness and good temper in which this work was done, our informant relates the following, to
which he says he was an eye-witness. While the burners were engaged in burning a certain house, a young woman
belonging to the family, standing and looking on, felt an inclination to smoke, and asked one of the burners for some
tobacco. Having none himself, he pointed to one of his comrades and said he would give her some. She approached the
other; he unconcernedly put his hand in his pocket, handed her the tobacco, from which she took what she wanted, and
handed it back; when he went on with the work in hand, and the young woman proceeded to smoke !
MORMON METHODS.
I. R. Tull, Esq., of Pontoosuc, gives us the following items, as illustrating Mormon methods: "I often went with produce to
Nauvoo; and it mattered little what kind it was, so it was something people could live on; and if at any time my stuff was
dull sale, I would go to the committee rooms, and could always trade it off for something. They had almost every
conceivable thing, from
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
375
all kinds of implements and men's and women's clothing down to baby clothes and trinkets, which had been deposited
by the owners as tithing, or for the benefit of the temple."
Again he says: ''In the foil of 1843 I went to Nauvoo to buy calves, and called on a blind man who had one to sell. I bought
his calf, and being curious to learn his history, went in and saw his wife, with two little twin infants in a cradle, and great
destitution. He told me that he had a nice home in Massachusetts, which gave them a good support. But one of the
Mormon elders preaching in that country called on him and told him if he would sell out and go to Nauvoo, the prophet
would open his eyes and restore his sight. And he sold out, and had come to the city, and had spent all his means, and
was now in great need. I asked why the prophet did not open his eyes. He replied that Joseph had informed him that he
could not open his eyes until the temple was finished, and then when the temple was finished he would open them, and
he should see better than betbre! And he believed, and was waiting patiently for the last stroke to be made on the temple."
And again, of this same, poor family: "After this interview, when in Nauvoo I often took them something, and the blind
man's wife seemed to think I was one of the Saints. One day I inquired how they were getting along. She told rae they had
been getting along finely; that there was a company formed to go out on the prairie and butcher cattle to get beef for the
destitute, and they had been well supplied until about a week ago; but brother zzzwas mean enough to tell on them, and
now they dare not go out any more to kill beef on the prairie, and 'what to do we don't know.'"
GOV. FORD'S INACCURACIES.
As a specimen of Gov. Ford's general inaccuracy of statement in regard to our difficulties, we mention the following: He
says in his History of Illinois, p. 319, of Walker and Hoge's canvass: "Mr. Hoge received about 3.000 votes in Nauvoo,
and was elected by 600 or 800 majority." The facts are: the vote for Hoge throughout the whole county, including regular
Democrats and Mormons outside the city, was just 2,088, and he was elected by 155 majority in the district.
THE PROPHET A LAND SPECULATOR.
The prophet was quite a speculator in lands and town lots, in and about Nauvoo. Of course, he desired a monopoly of
the business. One of his methods was to keep the following notice standing in the Neighbor.
To Emigrants and Latter-Day Saints Generally:
I feel it my duty to say to the brethren generally, and especially those who are emigrating to this place, that there is in the
hands of the trustees in trust, a large quantity of lands, both in the city and adjoining townships m this county, which is
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
for sale, some of which belongs to the Church and is designed for the benefit of the poor, and also to liquidate debts
owing by the Churchy for which the trustee in trust is responsible. Some, also, is land which has been consecrated for
the building of the Temple and the Nauvoo House.
If the brethren who move in here and want an inheritance, will buy their lands of the trustees in trust, they will thereby
benefit the poor, the Temple, and the Nauvoo House, and even then only be doing that which is their duty, and which I
know, by considerable experience, will be vastly for their benefit and satisfaction in days to come. Let all the brethren,
therefore, when they move into Nauvoo, consult President Joseph Smith, the trustee, etc., and purchase their lands of
him; and I am bold to say that God will bless them, and they will hereafter be glad they did so.
We hold ourselves ready at any time to wait upon the brethren and show them the lands belonging to the Church, and
Temple, etc., and can be found any day, either at President Joseph Smith's bar-room or the Temple Recorder's office at"
the Temple.
Nauvoo, Dec. 16, 1843. W. Clayton, Clerk.
THE RE-ORGANIZED CHURCH.
In concluding this history of the Mormon Era in Hancock county, it will not be out of place to refer to Joseph Smith,
junior, who, it is known, is building up a sect which he denominates the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
Day Saints." (While he was about it he might have reorganized the phraseology of its title to advantage.)
At the time of the exodus from Nauvoo Joseph was a mere child, and with his mother and the rest of the family remained
behind; she not choosing to relinquish a competence and a home here, for the uncertain honors and the certain
privations of a sojourn in the new promised land. In this she acted wisely; but by doing so she greatly thwarted the
purposes of the leaders. It was their ambition to carry with them the widow, and above all, the young son of their martyred
leader. For years afterward they adhered to this darling scheme, and many efforts were made to induce the youth to join
them. Embassies were sent to him, and glowing representations made; but to no purpose. His ever-watchful mother and
his own disinclination proved effective against all their solicitations and blandishments.
Joseph grew up to be a sober, temperate, and steady young man. and with a fair reputation among his neighbors. We
never heard that he aspired to any extra share of holiness, or to the possession of any miraculous gifts; or pretended to
have had any special call from heaven, for the course he has seen proper to pursue. zzzFor do we know just at what time
or in what manner he undertook his work of reorganization. Strange as it may seem, we must inter that he believes in the
divine mission of his father and the truth of his claims; as he makes these in effect the basis of his work.
This reorganized Church is based on the "Book of Mormon," the "Book of Doctrines and Covenants," and other works
common to Utah Mormonism; but it totally rejects the polygamy features of the Utah creed. We are not able to perceive
any other marked features of difference either in creed or form. The practice of the new Church, however, has been widely
different. Instead of calling all the believers together to one "Zion," or "New Jerusalem,"
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
377
the building of one magnificent temple, and the pampering of a domineering and infallible priesthood, as under the old
system, the new organization thus far has allowed its members the freedom of choice as to where they may make their
homes and pursue the business of life. Consequently here and there through the States, societies are springing up,
churches being erected, and regular worship carried on, much as is done by societies of other denominations. There are
several of these reorganized Churches in this county And why not? Joseph Smith has just as good a right to head a sect
as any man has, and to build up a creed and ransack the country for proselytes. And he has a right to base his creed on
Spaulding's Manuscript Found or Aesop’s Fables, if he so choose. That is a right to which no man or set of men has a
monopoly. And so long as he will continue in what seems to be his present course and policy, and avoid the rocks on
which his father went down -- and which are sooner or later to be the destruction of Utah Mormonism -- while we may not
respect his judgment or wish him God-speed, no man can desire him evil.
While Methodism, Presbyterianism, Quakerism, or any other form of Christianity can live and be at peace even with
Paganism, no so-called Gentile people in a land of light and liberty can quietly dwell side by side with Mormonism, as it
existed of yore under the dynasty of Smith, the elder, in this county, and since under Brigham Young in Utah. Under them
it was eternally aggressive upon the rights, the consciences, the property of their neighbors. "This land is for the home
of the Saints -- This property you call your own, is consecrated to their use and the service of the Lord -- Your blood is as
water, to be poured out upon the earth, for the unbeliever shall be utterly destroyed," -- is now and has been from the
beginning, the teaching from their temples and the burden of their songs. And should this reorganizer ("President," we
believe he calls himself) ever fall into this fatal and wicked error, it will as certainly bring to him disaster, as it did to his
predecessors who adopted it.
Whatever may be in the future for Utah Mormonism, it looks as if the reorganized branch might take and hold a
respectable place among the religious sects of the day, could but the facts of its origin and the character of its founders
be effaced from memory.
CONCLUSION.
And we now close our account of the Mormons and Mormon history in Hancock county and the State of Illinois. Much
more we are compelled for want of room to omit. We believe, however, that we have brought together in these preceding
chapters, a more complete and reliable statement of Mormon affairs, during their eight years' sojourn in this county, than
can elsewhere be found, or that has ever before been given to the public.
And, in conclusion, we beg to be indulged in a few reflections. It would seem that no one can take the trouble to acquaint
himself
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
with Joseph Smith's character and career, as seen in the light of history and truth, and not know that he was a very bad
man -- a hypocrite, a blasphemer, a knave. And yet hundreds and thousands believe otherwise, that he was a holy man, a
saint and a martyr to the truth. Such is the difference in men. And while we are forced to believe that he was as before
stated, we are also compelled to conclude that many of his professed followers and believers were equally guilty -- were,
in truth, not his dupes, but his tools. That while he was taking care of number one, and rioting in luxury and debauchery,
they were doing the same thing, as his aiders and abettors. His own talents could never have secured for him the
position and notoriety he obtained; but to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, and scores of others, whom
his interests and their interests drew around him, he was largely indebted for his success. They submitted to be managed
by him, because their interest lay in submission.
Beyond these and around them, supporting, feeding, pampering, and ready to fight for them, rallied a host of others, of
many grades of character, sincere, devout, ignorant, willing and unwilling dupes, to whose sustaining power the sect
owes its life. They furnish the bonds that hold the rotten system together.
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