| 40 so far as to fill a house in time of worship with tobacco smoke and also, that of powder by firing fire crackers in the house, also saluting the house outwardly with a gun; there were two magistrates and one constable present, officers, sworn to keep the peace who looked quietly on, and said nothing to the rabble, and I learn that at least one if not both of the magistrates assisted in disturbing the public and the harmony of the worship of God; "the Lord reward them according to their works." The following Sabbath I had the privilege of leading three into the waters of baptism, may the Lord bless them and preserve them for his kingdom.
I am now on my way home having been absent between four and five months. STEPHEN POST.
A copy of a letter dated, Iowa Territory, Jan. 4, 1840.
Sir.-You informed me that a committee of Mormons are about to apply to Congress of the United States, for an investigation on the cause of their expulsion from the State of Missouri, and to ask of the general Government remuneration for the losses sustained by them in consequence of such expulsion, and ask of me to state my opinion of the character and general conduct of these people while they resided in the State of Ohio: and also the conduct and general report of those who have settled in the Territory of Iowa, since their expulsion from The State of Mo.
In compliance with your request, I will state that I have had but little personal acquaintance with them: I know that there was a community of them in the north part of the State of Ohio, and while I resided in the State, they were generally considered an industrious, inoffensive people; and I have no recollection of ever having heard, in that State of their being charged with violating the laws of the country.
Since their expulsion from Missouri a portion of them, about one hundred families, have settled in Lee county, Iowa Territory, and are generally considered industrious, inoffensive and worthy citizens.
Very respectfully yours,
ROBERT LUCAS;
A. RIPLY GOV. OF IOWA TER.
TIMES AND SEASONS COMMERCE, ILL. JAN. 1840
NEW YEARS ADDRESS. We have arrived at the close of another year. Yes, 1839 has passed away and gone. And since its commencement, thousands of our fellow mortals have gone to try the realities of another world, yet we are spared: and we have abundant reason to thank the God who made us, and who has upheld us to the present time, for the mercies and blessings which he has bestowed upon us, unworthy creatures as we are.
In taking a retrospective view of the past, we see many things, respecting ourselves, which we could wish had been otherwise; but still for the most part, we have kept a conscience void of offence [offense] towards God and man.
Our brethren, the saints, have had to pass through much affliction, and sorrow the past year: thousands of them have had to leave a goodly land, a healthy land, and a pleasant land; yea a land which they had bought, and had paid for; and had also made for themselves comfortable homes, upon the same; that we say they had to leave. Yes and in the cold and dreary months of winter too; being subjected to many privations, whilst journeying hundreds of miles, in that inclement season of the year. And we have no doubt, but that many have been brought to an untimely grave, and that hundreds of others have experienced more or less sickness, in consequence of the privations, troubles and hardships which they have had to endure. Which privations were brought upon them by the barbarous conduct of a jealous, unfeeling, and hard-hearted people: whom the saints never injured, neither had they any desire so to do, provided they could have been left, to enjoy their own fireside in peace. But notwithstanding the great persecution of the saints, still the work rolls on, and many are embracing it for the truth's sake; which shows that the cause of God will prevail, in spite of men or devils.
But the year is past and gone, and the earth continues to roll on its axis
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