Mormon History
The St. Louis Republican of June 2 says:
Difficulties are anticipated between the Mormons and the citizens of
Jackson county. A letter from Independence, under date of 21st May,
says -- 'The people here are in fearful expectation of a return of the
Mormons to their homes. They have heard that a reinforcement is coming
from Ohio, and that as soon as the Santa Fe company of traders leave,
the Mormons will re-cross the river from their temporary residence in
Clay county; in which event, much blood will be shed. It is not to be
wondered at, that they have chosen this as the 'promised land,' for it
is decidedly the richest in the state.' A merchant of Independence has,
we understand, given orders for a piece of artillery to be sent to him
immediately, to be used in defence of his property. The Mormonites are
now on their way from Ohio."
The company of mormons which passed through Springfield on Friday last, is
undoubtedly, the "reinforcement" above referred to. This company were between
250 and 300 strong -- composed of able-bodied men, with the single exception of
one woman and a few children -- and appeared to be generally armed. They did not
state their place of destination, although frequent inquiries were made upon the
subject. One of the company, who appeared to be a leader, stated to a
respectable citizen of this town, that he had himself performed more miracles
than were recorded in the Old and New Testaments.
The company mentioned in the following article is supposed to be the same; --
EMIGRATION. -- On Thursday, the 15th inst. about one hundred and
fifty persons passed through this place southward, emigrating to
Illinois, or perhaps Missouri. They had their plunder in 22 or 23
wagons, we were informed; had guns (muskets and rifles) in abundance,
were roughly clad, & what excited most curiosity, there were but
two or three women with them, and but few children; and a very great
disproportion of old and elderly men. We did not see the main caravan
ourselves, but are informed that, by conversation had with some of
them, they were supposed to be of that sect called Mormons or
Mormonites. One of the women, we are told, observed, in answer to some
questions propounded to her, that their object, in carrying guns with
them, was not battle; but as they intended a settlement, or to settle,
somewhere in the West, they did not intend to be driven off, as some
who had went before them had been. Those of them we happened to see,
were apparently "pretty well Yankeyed over," and "considerable well up
to the trade and pedlin."
Ohio Collustrator.
Missouri Intelligencer – June 21, 1834
THE MORMONS.
The situation of affairs with the Mormons appears to be getting
into a worse state than ever. The large & well armed body of that sect, from
Ohio, heretofore mentioned, crossed the Mississippi in Pike county, Mo. a few
days since, and we presume are now in Jackson county. It also appears, by the
annexed article from the Liberty, (Mo.) Enquirer, that the Mormons who had taken
refuge in Clay county, have been arming themselves preparatory to joining their
brethren from Ohio. A negociation is likewise slated to be in progress for the
purchase, by the people of Jackson, of the lands belonging to the Mormons, and
for indemnifying them for the injuries heretofore sustained.
The people of Jackson county will now, in all probability, reap the bitter
fruits of their lawless acts. The courts of justice in that county being
virtually shut against the Mormons, the course now taken by them is perhaps, the
only one by which they can hope to obtain redress.
The Governor has proceeded to Jackson county.
From the Salt River (Mo.) Journal.
MORMONS. -- A party of the Mormonites, consisting of between two and
three hundred men, crossed the Mississippi river, at the town of
Louisiana, in this county, during last week, on their way to Jackson
county, in this state. The party had with them, between twenty and
thirty wagons, no other property, and were entirely disencumbered of
their children and females. It was composed chiefly of young and middle
aged men, who had the general appearance of possessing considerable
personal strength and activity. They were, with few exceptions, well
provided with fire arms and accoutrements of war.
We learn from a gentleman who conversed with some of them, that they
designed taking possession of the lands belonging to their brethren, in
Jackson county, and that they intended resisting any attempts that the
citizens might make to expel them from their homes. They avowed their
intention of acting entirely upon the defensive; but expressed a firm
resolution of claiming the right of their society at all hazzards and
of resolutely defending the Holy Land. They were generally from the
state of Ohio.
We regard the Mormons as a set of deluded and deceived fanatics, yet
they have their rights and privileges, and whilst they exercise these,
we can not desire to see them disturbed; on the contrary, we wish them
success in resisting every lawless innovation of their rights.
In their case we believe the arm of the law is neutralized and their
only hopes of protection, will be in their ability to resist brute
force. The only cause of regret is that the citizens of Jackson, have
so far forgotten the principles of the duty they owe to the government
and themselves, as to have brought about such a state of things. It is
doubtful whether in this contest they have the sympathies or even the
respect of a large portion of the state.
From the Liberty (Mo.) Enquirer.
For the last six or eight weeks, the Mormons have been actively engaged
in making preparations to return to Jackson county, 'the land of
promise,' by providing themselves with implements of war, such as guns,
pistols, swords, &c. &c. They expect a re-inforcement from the
State of Ohio, and we are informed that small parties are arriving
almost every day. So soon as they all arrive, they intend to call upon
the Governor to reinstate them upon their lands in Jackson, and then,
if molested, they are determined to protect themselves, sword in hand.
We are told they will be able to muster 700 strong.
A gentleman from Jackson informs us that the citizens of that county
are no less engaged in making preparation for their reception. On
Monday last they held a meeting, for the purpose of electing officers,
and Samuel C. Owens, a gentleman known to many citizens of the state,
was unanimously elected commander-in-chief of all their forces. Our
informant states that they have received a letter from the Governor,
advising them to effect a compromise, if possible by purchasing the
land of the Mormons, and paying them for injuries which they have
sustained. For this purpose ten persons were appointed, invested with
full power to settle the whole matter, and will meet the Mormons in
this place, on Monday next, for that purpose. Should the Mormons refuse
to accede to an honorable and fair adjustment of these difficulties,
the Governor will not restore any to that county, but such as hold
lands. The following gentlemen compose the above named Committee:
Thomas Stayton, sen., Samuel Erwin, Smallwood V. Noland, Smallwood
Noland, Robert Rickman, James Campbell, Richard Fristoe, Thomas
Jeffries, and John Davis.
We have our fears as to the final issue of this matter, but hope for the best.
Note: For a more complete reprint of the Liberty Enquirer article, see the July 11, 1834 issue of the Painesville Telegraph.