| 51 one day some sixty of seventy of them assembled, rode off a few miles east, and stopped a few waggons [wagons], which were moving to Clay co., and turned them back. It was manifested from their threatnings [threatenings] and actions, that they were determined, to fall upon the saints and drive them out of the county, if they could. It was equally manifest, that the saints were disposed to defend themselves against mobs, even to the sheding [shedding] of blood.
At that time it was seen that if something was not done to stop it, blood would be shed; (for the mob party were resolved on driving, and the saints were determined not to be driven by them, without first trying their strength;) Wherefore the most intelligent, and respectable citizens of the county, who had always appeared friendly to the saints, held a meeting, in which they appointed a committee, and also requested the saints to appoint a committee, to meet their committee near Liberty, on a day appointed to confer with each other; and see if something could not be done, to evade the storm, which appeared to be fast gathering.
The committee met at the appointed time, and a proposition was made by the citizen's committee, to the other, to this effect.
That whereas, the people of Clay co. had kindly received the saints in their distress, when it was expected, that they would soon return to Jackson co., and not think of making Clay co. a permanent home; and whereas, almost three years had passed away since, and the prospect of their returning to Jackson co. was less at that time than it was years before; and that a portion of the citizens of Clay co. were dissatisfied, to have them remain where they were any longer. Therefore the committee in behalf of the citizens requested, that they (the saints) should look themselves a new location, either in some unsettled part of the State, or otherwise go out of the State, as suited them best. The committee disclaimed all right, to request any such thing; they said, that they knew very well, that the saints had just as good a right there, as themselves, but they thought that considering the opposition that there was to them it would be better for them, to go where they could be more by themselves; and they even recommended their gathering together, and living altogether by themselves. They further said, that if they would consent to go., and seek a new location, they would send a committee with them, who was acquainted with the country, who would pilot them, in looking it out. However a location had already been selected, and about sixteen hundred acres of land purchased but a short time previous; and they were willing to go, and some of them were making preparations to move there soon before the meeting of the committee: Wherefore the committee, on the part of the church, consented to the proposition made to them; and then all parted with apparent good feelings.-Soon afterwards three, on the part of the church, and two pilots, started to view the country; they travelled [traveled] a number of days, the new settlements, towards the N. W. corner of the State; and they finally concluded, that the place previously selected, now known as Caldwell Co. should be the place, where they would settle; there being but a few inhabitants, in a district of country large enough for a county; and they, in general, willing to sell out.
Upon these movements the mob spirit in Clay Co. measurably subsided, and the saints prepared, and moved to their new settlement, as fast as their circumstances would permit; pleased with the idea of settling together by themselves.
COMMUNICATIONS COPY OF A LETTER FROM J. SMITH jr. TO Mr. GALLAND.
Liberty jail, Clay co. Mo. March 22nd, 1839.
Mr. Isaac Galland; Dear Sir: I have just been privileged with a perusal of a letter, put into my hands by Mr. D. W. Rogers, which letter was directed to him, dated February 26th, 1839. and signed, Isaac Galland. The contents of said letter expresses a sympathy and a good feeling towards the people and church of the Latter Day Saints, which I have the high honor, of being their religious leader; I say high honor, more especially, because I know them to be an honorable, a virtuous, and an upright people. And that honor, virtue
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