| 618 hereafter to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the church, in relation to this important matter,-
STATE OF ILLINOIS, }
}ss
HANCOCK COUNTY. }
Before me, John C. Bennett, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, personally came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (commonly called Mormons,) who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his unqualified and unreserved disapproval, and the most vigorous opposition of the church over which he presides, and further this deponent saith not.
JOSEPH SMITH, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, at my office, in the City of Nauvoo, this twenty ninth day of November, Anno Domini 1841.
[L. S.] JOHN C. BENNETT, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo.
Now it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless as to state that I or the church to which I belong, approve of thieving-but that all the friends of law and order will join in ferreting out thieves wherever, and whenever, they may be found, and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment which such infamous crimes so richly merit.
JOSEPH SMITH, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
COURT MARTIAL.
City of Nauvoo, Ill., Nov. 30, 1841.
To Brev. Maj. Gen. Wilson Law:-
We, the undersigned, members of the General Court Martial, detailed by you on the order of Lt. Gen. Smith, through Maj. Gen. Bennett, for the trial of David Smith and Joseph Holbrook, officers of the Nauvoo Legion, charged with theft, and being accessory thereto, are of the opinion that they are guilty of the charges preferred against them, and our unanimous decision is that they be cashiered, and their names stricken from the rank roll.
Witness against David Smith-Hazen Kimball.
Witnesses against Joseph Holbrook-B. Young, and W. Richards.
HYRUM SMITH, Brev. Maj. Gen.,
President of the Court.
WM. LAW, Brev. Maj. Gen.,
C. C. RICH, Brig. Gen. 2d Cohort.,
H. McFALL, Adj. Gen.,
DANIEL H. WELLS, Com. Gen.,
S. BENT, Col. 3d Reg. 2d Cohort.,
T. BILLINGS, Col. 1st Reg. 2d Ct.,
J. T. BARNETT, Capt. 3d Com. 1st Reg. 2d Cohort,
Members of the Court.
To Maj. Gen. Bennett:-
I approve of the above decision, and submit it to you for your action on the case.
WILSON LAW, Brev. Maj. Gen.
To Lt. Gen. Smith:-
The General Court Martial detailed for the trial of David Smith, and Joseph Holbrook, officers of the Nauvoo Legion, have made the above report to me, and asked my concurrence in the same, which, under the circumstances cannot be withheld; it is therefore, submitted to you for your final approval or disapproval.
JOHN C. BENNETT, Maj. Gen.
Approved-
JOSEPH SMITH, Lt, Gen.
COMMUNICATIONS.
London, August 27th 1841.
Elder Kimball:-
Dear Brother: We received your letter dated 10th of June, which afforded us great joy and satisfaction. I intended to have answered it before; but from various reasons I have neglected it until the present opportunity. Before I received your communication, I had directed and mailed a letter to you and Elder Young, which it is presumed you have received before this. I have been less anxious, or rather I may say, I have been less prompt in writing to you, as I have written communications for the Star, from time to time, which it was thought likely you might receive and thereby learn the state and prosperity of the church in London, and the conference in general. I am happy to say that the work of the Lord is still moving forward in this metropolis.-The prospects have never been better or
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