| 146 hands to you, we would with deep solemnity importune you as a father, a friend, a patriot, and as the head of a mighty nation, by the Constitution of American liberty, by the blood of our fathers, who have fought for the independence of this republic, by the blood of the martyrs, which has been shed in our midst, by the wailings of the widows and orphans, by our murdered fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, wives and children, by the dread of immediate destruction from secret combinations now forming for our overthrow, and by every endearing tie that binds man to man and renders life bearable, and that, too, for aught we know, for the last time, that you will lend your immediate aid to quell the violence of mobocracy, and exert your influence to establish us as a people in our civil and religious rights, where we now are, or in some part of the United States, or in some place remote therefrom, where we may colonize in peace and safety, as soon as circumstances will permit.
"We sincerely hope that your future prompt measures towards us will be dictated by the best feelings that dwell in the bosom of humanity; and the blessings of a grateful people, and many ready to perish, shall come upon you.
"We are, sir, with great respect, your obedient servants,
BRIGHAM YOUNG, }
WILLARD RICHARDS, }
ORSON SPENCER, }
ORSON PRATT, } Committee.
W. W. PHELPS, }
A. W. BABBITT, }
J. M. BERNHISEL, }
"In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Nauvoo, Illinois.
"P. S.-As many of our communications postmarked at Nauvoo have failed of their destination, and as the mails around us have been intercepted by our enemies, we shall send this to some distant office by the hand of a messenger."-Life of Joseph the Prophet, pp. 545-549.
Many outrages, including murders, were committed in both Illinois and Iowa. These were by the opposition laid at the door of the "Mormons," which they persistently denied. Among others the clerk of Hancock County, Dr. Marshall, was slain, by Minor R. Deming
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