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Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 17 Page: 474 (~1834)

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474 of Clay County their written statement, containing the substance of what passed between us.

"(Signed) CORNELIUS GILLIUM.

"PROPOSITIONS; ETC., OF THE 'MORMONS.'

"Being called upon by the above-named gentlemen, at our camp, in Clay County, to ascertain from the leaders of our men, our intentions, views, and designs, in approaching this county in the manner that we have; we therefore, the more cheerfully comply with their request, because we are called upon by gentlemen of good feelings, and who are disposed for peace and an amicable adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people of Jackson County. The reports of our intentions are various, and have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of almost every man. For instance; one report is that we intend to demolish the printing office in Liberty; another report is, that we intend crossing the Missouri River on Sunday next, and falling upon women and children, and slaying them; another is that our men were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from manufacturing establishments in the East that had closed business; also that we carried a flag, bearing 'peace' on one side and 'war or blood' on the other; and various others too numerous to mention;-all of which, a plain declaration of our intentions, from under our own hands, will show are not correct. In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostilities against any man or set of men. It is not our intention to injure any man's person or property, except in defending ourselves. Our flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen, who will be able to describe it. Our men were not taken from any manufacturing establishment. It is our intention to go back upon our lands in Jackson County, by order of the Executive of the State, if possible. We have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self-defense, as it is well known to almost every man of the State that we have every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defense, considering the abuse we have suffered in Jackson County. We are anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us, upon honorable and constitutional principles. We are willing for twelve disinterested

(page 474)

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