| 498 there would be any risk about it; for if you remain in peaceable possession of your property there is no doubt on the subject. Under the present circumstances, we do not know precisely what to say, and would like to hear from you on the receipt of this in relation to your future prospects.
Yours, &c.
Shepard & Stearns.
Our reply to the above was mailed immediately, informing them that the first we knew of being at war with our neighbors, it was announced in the New York papers, &c. Thus our enemies with their ten thousand lies may hinder our progress for awhile, but we will eventually outride the storm, and accomplish all we have undertaken, we trust, to the full satisfacton [satisfaction] of our friends who have taken such an interest in the paper we propose. As soon as our materials arrive, we shall commence the publication.
[From the Juliet Courier.]
Monmouth, June, 1841.
My Dear Sir:-Before this reaches you-I have no doubt you will have heard of the trial of Joseph Smith; familiarly known as the Mormon Prophet. As some misrepresentations have already gone abroad in relation to Judge Douglass' decision and the merits of the qeetion [question] decided by the Judge; permit me to say that the only question decided, though many were debated, was the validity of the executive writ which had once been sent out, I think in Sept. 1840, and a return made on it that Mr. Smith could not be found. The same writ was issued in June 1841. There can really be no great difficulty about this matter-under this state of facts.
The judge acquitted himself handsomely, and silenced clamors that had been raised against the Defendant. Since the trial I have been at Nauvoo on the Mississippi, in Hancock co. Ill, and have seen the manner in which things are conducted among the Mormons. In the first place I cannot help noticing the plain hospitality of the Prophet Smith, to all strangers visiting the town, aided as he is, in making the stranger comfortable by his excellent wife, a woman of superior ability. The people of the town appear to be honest and industrious, engaged in their usual avocations of building up a town, and making all things around them comfortable. On Sunday I attended one of their meetings, in front of the Temple, now building, and one of the largest buildings in the State.-There could not haste been less than 2,500 people present, and as well appearing as any number that could be found in this or any State,-Mr. Smith preached in the morning, and one could have readily learned then the magic by which he has built up this Society, because as we say in Illinois-"they believe in him," and in his honesty. Dr. Bennett a talented man, preached in the evening-he is the mayor of the city and cannot but be a useful man to them and to his country, as he has learning and great force of character. I wanted to hear Elder Rigdon of whom so much has been said by the talkers and slanderers of this Society. His name is closely identified with Mr. Smith as one of the persecuted, and builders up of the Mormons; a word I am happy to learn is no longer a word of reproach in this free land.
It has been a matter of astonishment to me, after seeing the prophet, as he is called, Elder Rigdon and many other gentlemenly [gentlemanly] men, any one may see at Nauvoo, who will visit there, why it is that so many professing christianity, and so many professing to reverence the sacred principles of our constitution, which gives free religious toleration to all, have slandered, and persecuted this sect of Christians? There can be no danger in the United States from any denomination. If they are in an error, (and who is to decide that ) let freedom of opinion combat it, and nothing is to be apprehended from such error. I know the time when the "Methodist's were said to be a deluded ignorant set." What sect now equal them in the U. States? For the honor of our State I hope no such degrading brutish persecutions, will he got up in Illinois as was in Missouri, against the Mormons.
You would admire the manner in which the town of Nauvoo is situated and laid out. It covers over 1000 acres and laid off into acre lots. The Temple is building on the hill nearly a mile from the river in front. The river running here in a half circle. I am told that it numbers now over 5,000 persons and they are fast arriving from Europe and different parts of the United States.
So much for the present, when I see you I will give you further particulars of Nauvoo, and this part of our State which is certainly beautiful.
Conference
We are requested to say that a conference will be held at Springdale, Hamilton county Ohio, at the house of Daniel Burch, to commence on the first Saturday of September next. Elders passing are requested to attend.
Conference Minutes.
Extract from the Minutes of the High Council of Zarahemla, Iowa Territory, June 7th, 1841.
High Council convened.
Elder Calvin Beebe's case for breaking covenant and keeping a tippling shop was taken up.
Council unanimously resolved, that for breaking covenant and keeping a tippling shop, Calvin Beebe be no longer considered a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and that President John Smith be authorized to demand, and receive his elder's license.
(page 498) |
