| 449 after appealing to the authorities in vain, dared to stand up in their own defence [defense] and in that of liberty and the laws-They have resisted oppression and injustice by every lawful means, and when they did so; they were obliged by executive power to leave their inheritances. These things are true, and can be substantiated, and whatever we have to suffer in consequence thereof, we can appeal to him "that searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men" and say, "Thou who knowest all things, knowest that these things are true.'
We do not ask for sympathy, but fair and impartial justice from all, which, if we obtain we shall feel satisfied.
Letter From The Editor
American Hotel,}
Monmouth, Warren co., Ill.}
June 9th., 1841.}
Wednesday Evening,
We have just returned from the Court House, where we have listened to one of the most eloquent speeches ever uttered by mortal man in favor of justice and liberty, by O. H. Browning, Esq., who has done himself immortal honor in the sight of all patriotic citizens who listened to the same.-He occupied the attention of the court for more than two hours, and showed the falsity of the arguments of the opposite council, and laid down principles in a lucid and able manner, which ought to guide the court in admitting testimony for the defendant, Joseph Smith.-We have heard Mr. Browning on former occasions, when he has frequently delighted his audience by his eloquence; but on this occasion he exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The sentiments he advanced were just, generous and exalted, he soared above the petty quibbles which the opposite council urged, and triumphantly, in a manner and eloquence peculiar to himself, avowed himself the friend of humanity, and boldly, nobly, and independantly [independently] stood up for the rights of those who had waded through seas of oppression and floods of injustice, and had sought a shelter in the State of Illinois. It was an effort worthy of a high minded and honorable gentleman, such as we have ever considered him to be since we have had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Soon after we came out of Missouri, he sympathized with us in our afflictions, and we are indeed rejoiced to know, that he yet maintains the same principles of benevolence. His was not an effort of a lawyer anxious to earn his fee; but the pure and patriotic feeling of christian benevolence and a sense of justice and of right.
While he was answering the monstrous and ridiculous arguments urged by the opposing council, that Joseph Smith might go to Missouri and have his trial; he stated the circumstances of our being driven from that State, and feelingly and emphatically pointed out the impossibility of our obtaining justice there. There we were forbidden to enter in consequence of the order of the Executive, and that injustice and cruelties of the most barbarous and atrocious character had been practised [practiced] upon us, until the streams of Missouri had run with blood, and that he had seen women and children barefoot and houseless, crossing the Mississippi to seek refuge from ruthless mobs. He concluded his remarks by saying that to tell us to go to Missouri for a trial, was adding insult to injury, and then said. "Great God! have I not seen it? Yes my eyes have beheld the blood stained traces of innocent women and children, in the drear winter, who had travelled [traveled] hundreds of miles barefaot [barefoot], through frost and snow, to seek a refuge from their savage pursuers. Twas a scene of horror sufficient to enlist sympathy from an adamantine heart. And shall this unfortunate man, whom their fury has seen proper to select for sacrifice, be driven into such a savage band, and none dare to enlist in the cause of justice? If there was no other voice under heaven ever to be heard in this cause, gladly would I stand alone, and proudly spend my latest breath in defence [defense] of an oppressed American citizen.
"The Latter Day Saints, a Poem in two Cantos; by Omer, Author of "Eliza or the Broken Vow."
We have been favored with the perusal of the above work, and feel great pleasure in recommending it to the public. It pictures the condition of the saints in their tribulations in Missouri, and also our present circumstances, in a very pleasing and interesting manner.
We are glad to hail such productions; because they tend to instruct the mind, and fix upon the memory, in poetic language, scenes of great importance, and also improve the taste of the reader.
The author, altho' young in years, has given evidence of poetic genius, which, we hope, will be cultivated, until he arrives at the acme of perfection.
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