| 897 requisitions of the Colonel, made him appear like one standing at the head of civil and military law, taking a stretch beyond the constitutional limits of our Republic,
Rather than have submitted to these unreasonable requirements, the saints would have cheerfully shed their blood in defence [defense] of their rights; the liberties of their country, and of their wives and children; but the fear of violating law, in resisting this pretended militia; and the flattering assurances of protection, and honorable usage, promised by Lieut. Governor Boggs, in whom they had resposed [reposed] confidence up to this period, induced them to submit, believing that he did not tolerate so gross a violation of all law, as has been practised [practiced] in Jackson county. But the great change that may appear to some, in the views, designs, and craft of this man, to rob an innocent people of their arms by stratagem, and leave more than one thousand defenceless [defenseless] men, women, and children, to be driven from their homes, among strangers in a strange land of, to appearances, barbarians, to seek a shelter from the stormy blast of winter's cold embrace, is so glaringly exposed in the sequel, that all earth and hell cannot deny, that a baser knave, a greater traitor, and a more wholesale butcher, or murderer of mankind never went untried, unpunished and unhung; as hanging is the popular method of execution among the Gentiles, in all countries professing christianity; instead of blood for blood, according to the law of heaven.
The conduct of the Colonels Lucas and Pitcher, had long proven them to be open and avowed enemies. Both of these men had their names attached to the mob circular, as early as July last, the object of which was to drive the saints from Jackson county. With assurances from the Lieutenant Governor and others, that the object was to disarm the combatants on both sides, and that peace would be the result, the brethren surrendered their arms, to the number of fifty or upwards; and the men present, who were accused of being in the battle the evening before, gave themselves up for trial. After detaining them one day and a night on a pretended trial for murder; in which time they were threatened, brickbatted, &c., Col. Pitcher, after receiving a watch of one of the prisoners to satisfy costs &c., took them into a corn field and said to them, "clear."
After the surrender of their arms, which were used only in self-defence [defense], the neighboring tribes of Indians in time of war let loose upon the women and children, could not have appeared more hideous and terrific, than did the companies of ruffians, who went in various directions, well armed, on foot and on horse back; bursting into houses without fear, knowing the arms were secured, frightening distracted women with what they would do to their husbands if they could catch them; warning women and children to flee immediately, or they would tear their houses down over their heads, and massacre them before night. At the head of one of these companies, appeared the Reverend ISAAC McCOY, with a gun upon his shoulder, ordering the saints to leave the county forthwith, and surrender what arms they had. Other pretended preachers of the gospel took a conspicuous part in the persecution, calling the "Mormons" the "common enemy of mankind," and exulting in their afflictions.
On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the 5th and 6th of November, women and children fled in every direction before the merciless mob.-One party of about one hundred and fifty women and children fled to the prairie, where they wandered for several days, under the broad canopy of heaven, with about six men to protect them. Other parties fled to the Missouri river and took lodgings for the night where they could fine it, One Mr. Bennett opened his house, for a night's shelter, to a wandering company of distressed women and children, who were fleeing to the river. During this dispersion of the women and children, parties of the mob were hunting the men, firing upon some, tying up and whipping others, and some they pursued upon horses for several miles.
On the 5th, Elders Phelps, Gilbert, and McLellin went to Clay county and made an affidavit, similar to the foregoing sketch, and forwarded the same to the Governor, by express; and the Governor immediately upon the reception thereof, ordered a court of enquiry [inquiry] to be held in Clay county, for the purpose of investigating the whole affair, and meteing [meting] out justice to all; but alas! corruption, wickedness, and power have
Left the wretches unwhipped of justice,
And innocence mourns in tears unwiped.
Thursday Nov. 7th. The shore began to be lined on both sides of the ferry, with men, women, and children, goods, waggons [wagons], boxes, chests, provisions, &c.; while the ferrymen were busily employed in crossing them over; and when night again closed upon the saints, the wilderness had much the appearance of a camp meeting. Hundreds of people were seen in every direction; some in tents, and some in the open air, around their fires, while the rain descended in torrents. Husbands were enquiring [inquiring] for their wives, and women for their husbands; parents for children, and children for parents. Some had the good fortune to escape
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