| 349 immediately. They have, since that time, been getting away as fast as possible. Some few families, I learn, have gone south to Grand River, and some others have gone east. Great sacrifices have been made: some being destitute of money, have sold their cattle and other effects at a very low rate.
"Much property that was left behind has been destroyed, and other property that yet remains probably will be before it can be taken care of. Some families are as it were entirely destitute, and must unavoidably suffer unless God interposes in their behalf. This is the present condition of the church.
"And now, the question is, What can be done? The Governor has manifested a willingness to restore us back, and will if we request it; but this will be of little use unless he could leave a force there to help protect us, for the mob say, that three months shall not pass before they will drive us again. And he cannot leave a force without calling a special legislature for that purpose, unless the President should see fit to place a company of rangers here with power to assist us in time of need.
"To enter a criminal prosecution against them would be of little or no use; for I am satisfied that a grand jury cannot be had in Jackson County at present that would indict them for their crimes; and the law, I am informed, requires that criminals shall be tried in their own county. And if the heads of the mob should be taken and put into jail, it undoubtedly would be torn down and they liberated.
"If we could be placed back, and become organized into independent companies, and armed with power and liberty to stand in our own defense, it would be much better for us. But then, as their numbers are double ours, this would be paving the way or laying the foundation for another scene of murder and bloodshed.
"What can or will be done I know not; but I think that the State of Missouri is brought to the test, whether it can and will protect the persons and rights of its own citizens or not; or whether it will suffer its government and laws to be trodden down and trampled under the feet of a lawless banditti, without bringing them to justice.
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