| 521 On May 2 Hon. Stephan A. Douglas and Cyrus Walker, Esq., visited Nauvoo and addressed the citizens. They and the people of Nauvoo seemed to be mutually pleased with the results of the visit. 9
9 CITY OF NAUVOO, May 6, 1841.
To the Editors of the Times and Seasons; Gentlemen:-I wish, through the medium of your paper to make known that on Sunday last I had the honor of receiving a visit from the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas Justice of the Supreme Court and Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, and Cyrus Walker, Esq., of Macomb, who expressed great pleasure in visiting our city, and were astonished at the improvements which were made. They were officially introduced to the congregation who had assembled on the meeting ground, by the mayor; and they severally addressed the assembly. Judge Douglas expressed his satisfaction of what he had seen and heard respecting our people and took that opportunity of returning thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo for conferring upon him the freedom of the city, stating that he was not aware of rendering us any service sufficiently important to deserve such marked honor; and likewise spoke in high terms of our location and the improvements we had made, and that our enterprise and industry were highly creditable to us indeed.
Mr. Walker spoke much in favor of the place, the industry of the citizens, etc., and hoped they would continue to enjoy all the blessings and privileges of our free and glorious Constitution, and as a patriot and a freeman he was willing at all times to stand boldly in defense of liberty and law.
It must indeed be satisfactory to this community to know that kind and generous feelings exist in the hearts of men of such high reputation and moral and intellectual worth.
Judge Douglas has ever proved himself friendly to this people; and interested himself to obtain for us our several charters, holding at that time the office of Secretary of State. Mr. Walker also ranks high, and has long held a standing at the bar which few attain, and is considered one of the most able and profound jurists in the State.
The sentiments they expressed on the occasion were highly honorable to them as American citizens and as gentlemen.
How different their conduct from that of the official characters in the State of Missouri, whose minds were prejudiced to such an extent that instead of mingling in our midst and ascertaining for themselves our character, kept entirely aloof, but were ready at all times to listen to those who had the "poison of adders under their tongues," and who sought our overthrow.
Let every person who may have imbibed sentiments prejudicial to us imitate the honorable example of our distinguished visitors (Douglas and Walker), and I believe they will find much less to condemn than they anticipated, and probably a great deal to commend.
What makes the late visit more pleasing is the fact that Messrs. Douglas and Walker have long been held in high estimation as politicians being champions of the two great parties that exist in the State; but laying aside all party strife, like brothers, citizens, and friends, they mingle with us, mutually disposed to extend to us courtesy, respect, and friendship, which I hope we shall ever be proud to reciprocate.
I am, very respectfully yours, etc.,
JOSEPH SMITH.
-Times and Seasons, vol. 2, p. 414.
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