| 1026 far as possible, the Jackson outrage, but the bold front of the mob, bound even unto death (as I have heard.) was not to be penetrated by civil law, or awed by executive influence.-Shortly after Capt. Atchison informed me that he had just received an order from the Judge, that his company's service was no longer wanted in Jackson county: and we were marched out of town to the tune of Yankee-doodle in quick time, and soon returned to our camp without the loss of any lives. (This order was issued by the court, apparently, on account of the speedy gathering of the old mob, or citizens of Jackson county, and their assuming such a boisterous and mobocratic appearance,) In fact much credit is due to Capt. Atchison for his gallantry and hospitality, and I think I can say of the officers and company, that their conduct as soldiers and men, is highly reputable, so much so knowing as I do the fatal result had the militia come, or not come, I can add that the Captains safe return, refreshed my mind with Xenopehn's safe retreat of the ten thousand. Thus ends all hope of "redress," even with a guard ordered by the Governor, for the protection of the court and witnesses.
Before a crop is harvested, it becomes ripe of itself. The dreadful deeds now done in Jackson county, with impunity, must bring matters to a focus shortly. Within two or three weeks past, some of the most savage acts ever witnessed, have been committed by these bitter branches. Old Father Lindsey, whose locks have been whitened by the blast of nearly seventy winters, had his house thrown down, after he was driven from it; his goods, corn &c. piled together and fire put to it, but fortunately after the mob retired, his son extinguished it.
The mob has quit whipping, and now beat with clubs. Lyman Leonard, one of the number that returned from Van Buren, had two chairs broke to splinters about him and was then dragged out of doors, and beat with clubs till he was supposed to be dead; but he is yet alive. Josiah Sumner and Barnet Cole were severely beat at the same time. The mob have commenced burning houses, stacks, &c., and we shall not think it out of their power by any means, to proceed to murder any of our people that shall try to live in that county, or perhaps, only go there.
Such scenes as are transpiring around us, are calculated to arouse feelings and passions in all, and to strengthen the faith and fortify the hearts of the saints for great things. Our Savior laid down his life for our sakes and shall we, who profess to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God; shall we, the servants of the Lord of the vineyard, who are called and chosen to prune it for the last time; shall we, yea verily, we, who are enlightened by the wisdom of heaven shall we fear to do as much for Jesus as he did for us. No; we will obey the voice of the spirit, that God may overcome the world.
I am a servant &c.
W. W. PHELPS.
We continued our journey and on the 28th Feb. staid [stayed] at a strangers, who entertained us very kindly and on the first of March arrived at Brother Lewis'; and on the 2nd which was the Sabbath, Brother Parley preached, and I preached in the evening; we had a good meeting. There is a small church in this place, which seems strong in the faith. O may God keep them in the faith, and save them and lead them to Zion.
March 3rd we intended to start on our journey east, but concluded to tarry another day. O may God bless us with the gift of utterance to accomplish the journey and the errand on which we are sent, and return safe to the land of Kirtland, and find my family all well. O Lord bless my little children with health and long life, to do good in their generation for Christ's sake, Amen.
After, leaving Kirtland we had passed through Thompson, Springfield, Elk creek, Erie, Westfield, Livonia, Silver creek, Perrysburgh, Collins, China, Warsaw, Genesee, Centreville, Catlin, and Spafford before we arrived at Westfield. On the 4th inst. we continued our journey from Westfield, accompanied by Elder Gould, and after a ride of thirty three miles at Villanova and tarried all night with a Brother McBride. The next morning, March 5th we went to Brother Nickerson's, and found him and his household full of faith and of the Holy Spirit
We called the church together, and related unto them what had happened to our brethren in Zion, and opened to them the prophecies and revelations concerning the order of the gathering to Zion, and the means of her redemption; and I prophesied to them, and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon them, and with all readiness, the young and middle aged volunteered for Zion. The same evening we held two meetings, three or four miles distant from each other.
March 6th. We held another meeting at Bro. Nickersons. The few unbelievers that attended were outrageous, and the meeting ended in complete confusion.
March 7th. We proceeded on our journey accompanied by Bro. Nickerson, leaving Brothers Gould and Matthews to prepare and gather
(page 1026) |
