Mormon History

John C. Bennett's 4th Disclosure - 1842

Sangamo Journal – July 22, 1842

GEN.  BENNETT'S  4TH  LETTER.



Bennett's expose of the attempted murder of Gov. Boggs published -- also Miss Botherton's statement of Smith's attack upon her -- Culpability of those who remain under the control of Joe Smith hereafter -- Reasons of Bennett for not making earlier disclosures -- Statement of the Nauvoo "Times and Seasons" that the Mormons have not been guilty of Penitentiary crimes, proved to be false -- Comments -- Joe Smith's correspondence with Mrs. White over the signature of "Old White Hat" -- Letter of Joe Smith to Miss Rigdon to be published -- Irregularities of Nauvoo Lodge -- Admission of C. A. Warren, Esq. that Joe's "big deed" was made out on a Saturday preceding the Monday on which he applied for the benefit of the Bankrupt Law -- the deed ante-dated -- Comments -- the City Council of Nauvoo on the 5th July passed a habeas corpus, to take Joe Smith from the Governor's warrant, if demanded by Missouri -- Two hundred Danites in Nauvoo, sworn to obey Joe Smith "as the supreme God" -- Gen. Bennett in Nauvoo, sworn to obey Joe Smith "as the supreme God" -- Gen. Bennett will not attempt to refute the charges made against him by Joe Smith and company until he accomplishes the work of exposing their iniquities.

For the Sangamo Journal
ST. L
OUIS, Mo. July 15th, 1842.

To the Editor of the Journal:

I have published in the Bulletin of this city a detailed account of the attempted assassination of Governor Boggs, by Smith; and in a subsequent number, the full statement of Miss Brotherton, both of which you will please to copy, as they are of much interest at this time. The cases of Mrs. Pratt, Miss Rigdon, and Miss Brotherton, all ladies of the first order of talents, and the highest respectability, are precisely similar. In all these cases the ARCH SEDUCER, and his Apostles, were signally repulsed: but in hundreds of other cases, they succeeded to their hearts' content in their black hearted work of deep degradation, corruption and sorrow.

ALL who now remain in the church must be regarded as particeps criminis in the new doctrine; -- their wives defiled, their daughters debauched, their sisters outraged, and their mothers polluted!!! Can men who have a just sense of honor, and their duty to themselves and their families, longer follow a base deceiver and teacher of such a system of licentiousness and debauchery, such as is Jo Smith? They cannot without being partakers with him in his hellish deeds. The "HISTORY OF THE SAINTS," which I am about to publish, will develope wonders.

I am blamed by some for not making earlier disclosures; but I will show to the perfect satisfaction of all candid and reasonable men, that an earlier attempt would have met with a signal defeat. I came out as soon as I had all the facts in my possession, and a premature expose, all must admit, would have been worse than nothing. The minds of his believers never could have been DISABUSED by such an unwise step. You will see.

An article appears in the (Nauvoo) Times and Seasons, of July 1, 1842, from the pen of William Law, (one of Joe's councilors of the First Presidency, selected by express revelation from Heaven thro' Joe, as he boasts, for his great piety and unquestioned veracity), dated June 17, 1842, and headed "Much ado about Nothing," in which the truthful General Law says:

Where is there a record against any of our people for a penitentiary crime? NOT IN THE STATE, Where is there a record of fine or county imprisonment (for ANY breach of law) against any of the Latter Day Saints. I know of none in the State. If then they have broken no law, they consequently have taken away no man's right, they have infringed upon no man's liberties.

And the truthful holy Joe. and his truthful holy Job Tylor, the Apostle, (the senior and junior editors of the Times and Seasons) endorse the statement in an editorial, as follows:

The above are plain matters of fact, that every one may become acquainted with by reference to the county or State records. We might add that in regard to moral principles there is no city in this State or in the United States, that can compare with the city of Nauvoo; you may live in our city for a month and not hear an oath sworn -- you may be here as long and not see one person intoxicated; so notorious are we for sobriety, that at the time the Washingtonian Convention passed through our city, a meeting was called for them, etc. etc.

 

NOW  FOR  THE  RECORDS!!!

The People of the State of Illinois,}
          vs.
Timothy Lewis, (Mormon)           }

Indicted for Larceny, October 2d, 1842. Sentenced to four years imprisonment in the Penitentiary -- thirty days solitary confinement -- for stealing horses.


The People of the State of Illinois,}
          vs.
Sally Castile and Francis Castile, (Mormons) }

Indicted for stealing a log chain, October 5th, 1841. -- These defendants were convicted by a jury of Hancock county for the above theft, -- new trial granted -- the venue changed to McDonough, where no witnesses appeared, and they were discharged.


The People of the State of Illinois,}
          vs.
_______ Johnson, (Mormon)       }

Arrested for stealing, and escaped from the officers.


The People of the State of Illinois,  }
          vs.
Alanson Brown, (Mormon Danite) }

In jail under process from McDonough county for stealing, and for stabbing a man in Hancock county.


The People of the State of Illinois, }
          vs.
__________ Grear, (Mormon        }

In jail for incest and rape on his own daughter..


The People of the State of Illinois,}
          vs.
William Wood, (Mormon)           }

Change of venue from Hancock county to McDonough, and sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years, for stealing horses.


The People of the State of Illinois, }
          vs.
_______ Lindsay, (Mormon          }

Sent to the Penitentiary from Adams county for stealing a saddle from B. F. Marsh, in Hancock county.


These cases are from the RECORDS of Hancock. McDonough and Adams counties; and if these truth-telling Mormons, Smith, law and Taylor, wish more proof I refer them to the same records. When liars black-hearted liars, are so bare-faced as to challenge the records, their refuge of lies shall not cover them.

Because ye had said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell, are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves. -- Isaiah, c. 38, v. 15.

And your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then we shall be trodden down by it. -- Ibid. 28, 18.

Now, gentlemen, what do you think of the RECORDS? These are the pretended men of God, who speak as they are moved by the Holy Ghost!!! Let Satan hide his head for shame. If other cities cannot compare with Nauvoo in regard to "moral principles," they can undoubtedly excel in moral practices: -- what think you, Mr. Editor? Joe Smith himself is a great drunkard; and most profane swearer, and the "History of the Saints" will show it up in fine order.

I would here ask Joe if he recollects, of certain letters written by himself to Mrs. White, from Springfield, signed "Old White Hat?" If he does not, I can inform him that one or two of these letters are on hand. I have Joe's letter to Miss Rigdon, which will come out in the history.

Let me here inform the Masonic Brethern, that in Nauvoo Lodge, U. D., sixty three persons were balloted for in one ballot -- and three entered, three passed, and four raised, in one day, and the records made to appear as though only three were raised by ante-dating one. Robinson, Higbee and Henry Marks, can tell about this. Mr. Bowen, of Hannibal, Mo., a high Mason, can tell them (and he did tell the Junior Grand Warden, Mr. Dilts, of Quincy,) that Mr. Hollister was absent from there (Hannibal) at Nauvoo, only six or seven days, during which time he presented his petition and was entered, passed, and raised.

This was done by the direction of George Miller, the Master, by Joe's directions, and was affected by ante-dating and interlining the Old Record, as can be seen by examination. Their Dispensation should be immediately withdrawn, and a charter refused, and Miller and Joe expelled. Miller, that beautiful piece of perfection, shall be shown up in such a way as will make Masons tremble at their credulity in relying upon the statements of this Mormon High Priest; and HYRUM, that holy Patriarch, must have a few choice compliments served up for his special benefit in our own good time.

It may not be unimportant to remark here that CALVIN A WARREN, Esq., Smith's attorney in bankruptcy, admitted in presence of Dr. Marshall, of Carthage, the County Clerk of Hancock, that Joe's big deed was made out at the time I have stated in my last, the Saturday preceding the Monday on which he applied for the benefit, and on which it was filed for record. In what light will this place the Mormon Justice of the Peace, Ebenezer Robinson, in the ante-dating an official act under oath? I told you before, however, that the most of the Mormons would do, say, and swear to ANY THING that Joe Smith directed; and you now see it. Are you not now satisfied that most of them (tho' there are some purely honest in all these things who are kept in ignorance,) are liars, thieves, robbers, murderers, and every thing that is vile, low and groveling. On the 5th of July, the City Council under the Governor's warrant passed a Habeas Corpus act to take Joe Smith from under the Governor's warrant if demanded by Missouri!!! Congress should be very careful how they pass any act repugnant to the ordinances of Nauvoo -- as that Theocracy might exclude them from the celestial kingdom. This is a "pretty kettle of fish," for Joe Smith to issue a Habeas Corpus to take himself from under the Executive writ!! and that too for the darkest deeds known to the black catalogues of crimes.

There are about two hundred Danites in Nauvoo, sworn to regard Joe Smith as the supreme head of the church, and to obey him "the same as the Supreme God."

I have not time here to go into detail, but shall give a full account of them hereafter. As to my own case, I shall not attempt to refute any of the charges preferred against me by that combination of wicked men and devils, until I accomplish the work before me, (nothing shall divert me from my plans, then I will show up their lies in rather an unexpected way to them. When Missouri secures Joe, I shall be ready to make all my charges good against him.

Yours Respectfully,
JOHN C. BENNETT.


 

Disclosures -- the attempted
MURDER  OF  BOGGS!

To the Editors of the St. Louis Bulletin:

In accordance with your request I now proceed to give you some account of the attempt on the life of Ex-Governor Boggs, of Missouri.

Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, in a public congregation in Nauvoo, last season, (1841), prophesied that Liburn W, Boggs, Ex-Governor of Missouri, should die by violent hands within a year. Mr. C. S. Hamilton, of Carthage, Ill. stated in my presence, and in the presence of several other gentlemen, at the tavern house of Mr. Robinson in Warsaw, Illinois, on Sunday, the 10th inst., that he was present and heard this prophecy; I was likewise present, as were many thousand people, and heard the prediction. The faithful,

In the spring of 1842, Smith offered a reward of five hundred dollars to any man that would kill Boggs. I heard the offer made to some of the Danites, and told Smith that if he persisted in such a course, it would result in his ruin. Mr. Jonathan Clark, of Hancock county, Illinois, stated in Carthage on the 6th inst., in the presence of Dr. Thomas L. Barnes, Jonas Hobart, myself and others, that Mr. Taylor, an English emigrant, told him that he heard Smith make the same offer and that he (Taylor) had, in consequence thereof apostatized and written home to his friends in Europe detailing the horrible facts.

Mr. O. P. Rockwell left Nauvoo from one to two months prior to the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, told Orson Pratt, and wife that he (Rockwell) had been in Bogg's neighborhood, in Missouri, and had had the honor of standing on the corner of [the] Temple lot in Independence -- and returned to Nauvoo the day before the report of the attempted assassination reached there -- said he came down the Missouri river to the Mississippi, then down to St. Louis, then up to Nauvoo, etc., etc. At that time the "Nauvoo Wasp" declared, "It remains to be known who did the NOBLE DEED." The Wasp was, and is yet, edited by Wm. Smith, brother of the Prophet.

Some weeks after Rockwell left Nauvoo I asked Smith where he had gone. "Gone," said he, "Gone to fulfill PROPHECY," with a significance in relation to the violent death of Boggs.

On the evening of the 29th ultimo, twelve of the Danites, dressed in female apparel, approached my boarding house, (Gen. Robinson's), in Nauvoo, with their carriage wheels wrapped with blankets and their horses' feet covered with cloths, to prevent noise, about 10 o'clock, for the purpose of conveying me off and assassinating me, and thus prevent disclosures -- but I was so admirably prepared with arms, as were also my friends, that after prowling around the house for some time, they retired.

On Friday, the 1st., I went to Carthage; and on the 5th I had a call from Mr. O. P. Rockwell, the result of which is detailed in the following affidavits, to wit:

State of Illinois, Hancock County, ss.

Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall, a justice of the peace in and for said County, John C. Bennet, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that on the 5th of July, 1842, at the house of Mr. Hamilton, in Carthage, Mr. O. P. Rockwell came to him and desired a private interview, to which deponent replied that if he (Rockwell) had any thing to say, he could speak it out before the gentlemen present. Rockwell said it was a private matter which interested them only -- deponent then went out with him. Rockwell said, "Doctor do you know your friends, -- I am not your enemy -- and I do not wish you to make of my name in your publications;" deponent replied that he recognized Joe Smith and all his friends, as his personal enemies; to which Rockwell replied "I have been informed by Warner and Davis that you said Smith gave me fifty dollars and a wagon for shooting Boggs, and I can and will whip any man that will tell such a cursed lie -- did you say so or not? After looking at him for a moment the deponent said, "I never said so, sir, but I did say, and I now say it to your face, that you left Nauvoo about two months before the attempted assassination of Ex-Governor Boggs, or Missouri, and returned the day before the report of the assassination reached there; and that two persons in Nauvoo told me that you told them that you had been over the upper part of Missouri, and in Boggs' neighborhood;" -- to which Rockwell replied, "Well I was there; and if I shot Boggs they have got to prove it -- I never done an act in my life that I was ashamed of, and I do not fear to go any where that I have ever been, for I have done nothing criminal." Deponent replied, "Certainly they have got to prove it on you if you did shoot him; I know nothing of what you did, as I was not there, I only know the circumstances, and from them I draw my own inferences, and the public will their's -- and now, sir, if either you or Joe Smith think you can intimidate me by your threats, you are mistaken in your man, and I wish you to understand distinctly that I am opposed to Joe and his holy host -- I shall tell the truth fearlessly, and regardless of consequences." Rockwell replied, "If you say that Joe Smith gave me fifty dollars and a wagon to shoot Boggs, I can whip you, and will do it in a crowd." Deponent then saith -- "why are you harping on what I have not said, I have told you what I have said to your face and in presence of these gentlemen, and you have acknowledged the truth of all I have said, and I shall say it again, and if you wish to fight I am ready for you." The conversation then ceased on that subject. Rockwell told deponent that he had been accused wrongfully of wishing to assassinate him, or of being ordered by Smith to do so; bit deponent said, "I believe that Joe ordered you to do it -- I know that orders were sent from him to the Danites for that purpose." Rockwell said that Smith had never given him any such orders, neither was it his intention; and further the deponent saith not.

                                        JOHN C. BENNETT.

Sworn to, and subscribed, this 7th day of July, 1842, before me, at my office in Carthage.

  (Seal)             SAMUEL MARSHALL, J. P.


State of Illinois, Hancock county. -- ss.

Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Clayton Tweed, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that on the 5th day of July, 1842, at the house of Mr. Hamilton, in Carthage, Mr. O. P. Rockwell came up to Gen. John C. Bennett, and said to him, "I wish to have some private conversation with you, will you come out of doors with me?" To which Bennett replied, "No, sir, if you have anything to say to me, speak out before these gentlemen." Rockwell then observed, "It is a matter which interests you and myself alone, and I should like much to see you a few minutes by ourselves." They then went out, and were some time in conversation, when loud words ensued, and deponent came up much agitated, fearing there would be a fight, and heard Bennett say, "I now say to your face what I said behind your back, that you left Nauvoo about two months before the attempted assassination of Ex-Gov. Boggs of Missouri, and returned the day before the report of his assassination reached there, and that two persons in Nauvoo told me that you told them that you had been over to the upper part of Missouri, and in Boggs' neighborhood," to which Rockwell replied, "If I shot Boggs they have to prove it." Bennett said "certainly they have got to prove it on you, if you did shoot him. I know nothing of what you did, as I was not there. I only know the circumstances, and from them I draw my inference and the public will theirs. And now, sir, if either you or Joe Smith think you can intimidate me by your threats, you are mistaken in your man; and I wish you to [understand instantly], that I am opposed to Joe and his holy host -- I shall tell the truth fearlessly, and regardless of consequences." Bennett further remarked, "why are you harping about what I have not said? I have told you what I have said, to your face, and you have acknowledged the truth of it, and I will say it again; and if you wish to fight I am now ready to go for you -- you will never have a better time." This conversation then ceased, and the parties separated -- and further this deponent saith not.

                    CLAYTON TWEED.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 7th day of July, 1842 at my office in Carthage.
(seal)         SAM'L MARSHALL, J. P.


State of Illinois, Hancock county, ss.

Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John H. Lawton, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that on the 5th day of July, 1842, he came up to where Gen. John C. Bennett and O. P. Rockwell were in conversation, at the house of Mr. Hamilton in Carthage, and heard Rockwell say that he had been up in Boggs' neighborhood, in Missouri, and that if they had shot Boggs they had to prove it; and then began to talk of whipping Bennett, where upon Bennett replied, "I have said nothing behind your back but what I now said to your face, and if you wish to fight now I am now ready for you," the conversation then ceased and the parties separated, and further this deponent saith not.

                    JOHN LAWTON.
Sworn to and subscribed, this 6th day of July, 1842, before me, at my office in Carthage.
(Seal)         SAMUEL MARSHALL, J. P.


State of Illinois, Hancock county, -- ss.

Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall, a justice of the peace in and for said county, Jonas Hobart, who being duly sworn accordingly to law, deposeth and saith, That on the 5th day of July, 1842, at the tavern house of Mr. Hamilton, in Carthage, he came up to where Gen. John C. Bennett and Mr. O. P. Rockwell were in angry conversation, when he heard Rockwell say, that if any man said that Joe Smith hired him to shoot Boggs, he stated what was false. There was then some warm talk about fighting, and Bennett said, "I tell you sir, to your face what I have said behind your back, and if you are for fight now is as good a time as you will have." Rockwell said he had been up into Boggs; neighborhood, in Missouri; and said he, "if I shot Boggs they have got to prove it." Bennet said "Certainly they have. I do not know what you did, I only know the circumstances -- I have told them, and I have now told them to your face, and you have acknowledged them -- and I shall tell them again fearless of consequences," -- and further deponent saith not.

                    JONAS HOBART.
Sworn to and subscribed, this 9th day of July, 1842, before me, at my office in Carthage.
(Seal)         SAMUEL MARSHALL, J. P.


I would say further, that, before Rockwell left Nauvoo, he was abjectly poor. Since his return, he has left his family in the lower part of the city -- taken up his residence at the tavern of Capt. Amos Davis -- has an elegant carriage at his disposal and his pockets filled with gold. Capt. Davis can, and will, if called upon, tell more about his former poverty, and present apparent affluence, et al events so far as GOLD is concerned. This is said to be the same carriage and horses that were muffled on the evening of the 29th of June.

If Smith is demanded, I will show by Col. F. M. Higbee and others, that he murdered a certain prisoner in Missouri.

These are some of the facts of this outrage upon civilized society. Now let the demand be made, and the truth shall appear. As Smith was an accessory before the fact in this case, he should be demanded on the old indictments for murder, treason, burglary, and arson and secured -- then the facts shall appear in this case. Rockwell can be demanded on affidavit
however, will deny this, in order to save "THE LORD'S ANNOINTED." as Joe Smith is called, from merited punishment. I expect Higbee on Tuesday next, if Smith does not have him murdered to prevent his developments.

I am aware that Smith now seeks my life, and is fortifying his Mormon witnesses by revelation; but if the demand is made as I have suggested, no earthly force can save him.
                              JOHN C. BENNETT.
ST. LOUIS, July 13, 1842. 


 

MISS  BROTHERTON'S  STATEMENT.

                              ST. LOUIS, July 13, 1842.
Gen. John C. Bennett.
Dear Sir: -- I left Warsaw a short time since for this city, and having been called upon by you, through the "Sangamo Journal," to come out and disclose to the world the facts of the case in relation to certain propositions made to me at Nauvoo, by some of the Mormon leaders, I now proceed to respond to the call, and discharge what I consider go be a duty devolving upon me as an innocent, but insulted and abused female. I had been at Nauvoo near three weeks, during which time my father's family received frequent visits from Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, two of the Mormon Apostles; when, early one morning, they both came to my brother-in-law's (John Mellwrick) house, at which place I then was on a visit, and particularly requested me to go and spend a few days with them. I told them I could not at that time, as my brother-in-law was not at home. However, they urged me to go the next day, and spend one day with them; the day being fine, I accordingly went. When I arrived at the foot of the hill, Young and Kimball were standing conversing together. They both came to me, and, after several flattering compliments, Kimball wished me to go to his house first. I said it was immaterial to me, and accordingly went. We had not, however, gone many steps when Young suddenly stopped, and said he would go to that brother's, (pointing to a little log hut a few yards distant) and tell him that you (speaking to Kimball) and brother Glover, or Grover, (I do not remember which) will value this land. When he had gone, Kimball turned to me and said, 'Martha, I want you to say to my wife, when you go to my house, that you want to buy some things at Joseph's store, (Joseph Smith's) and I will say I am going with you, to show you the way. You know you want to see the Prophet, and you will then have an opportunity.' I made no reply. Young again made his appearance, and the subject was dropped. We soon reached Kimball's house, where Young took his leave, saying, 'I shall see you again, Martha.' I remained at Kimball's nearly an hour, when Kimball, seeing that I would not tell the lies he wished me to, told them to his wife himself. He then went and whispered in her ear, and asked if that would please her. 'Yes,' said she, 'or I can go along with you and Martha.' 'No,' said he, 'I have some business to do, and I will call for you afterwards to go with me to the debate,' -- meaning the debate between yourself and Joseph. To this she consented. So Kimball and I went to the store together. As we were going along, he said, 'Sister Martha, are you willing to do all that the Prophet requires you to do?' I said I believed I was, thinking of course he would require nothing wrong. 'Then,' said he, 'are you ready to take counsel?' I answered in the affirmative, thinking of the great and glorious blessings that had been pronounced upon my head, if I adhered to the counsel of those placed over me in the Lord. 'Well,' said he, 'there are many things revealed in these last days that the world would laugh and scoff at; but unto us is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom.' He further observed, 'Martha, you must learn to hold your tongue, and it will be well with you. You will see Joseph, and very likely have some conversation with him, and he will tell you what you shall do.' When we reached the building, he led me up some stairs to a small room, the door of which was locked, and on it the following inscription: -- 'Positively no admittance.' He observed, 'Ah! brother Joseph must be sick, for strange to say, he is not here. Come down into the tithing-office, Martha.' He then left me in the tithing-office, and went out, I know not where. In this office were two men writing, one of whom, William Clayton, I had seen in England; the other I did not know. Young came in, and seated himself before me, and asked where Kimball was. I said he had gone out. He said it was all right. Soon after, Joseph came in, and spoke to one of the clerks, and then went up stairs, followed by Young. Immediately after, Kimball came in. 'Now, Martha,' said he, 'the Prophet has come; come up stairs.' I went, and we found Young and the Prophet alone. I was introduced to the Prophet by Young. Joseph offered me his seat, and, to my astonishment, the moment I was seated, Joseph and Kimball walked out of the room, and left me with Young; who arose, locked the door, closed the window, and drew the curtain. He then came and sat before me, and said, 'This is our private room, Martha.' 'Indeed, sir,' said I, 'I must be highly honored to be permitted to enter it.' He smiled, and then proceeded -- 'Sister Martha, I want to ask you a few questions; will you answer them?' 'Yes, sir,' said I. 'And will you promise not to mention them to any one?' 'If it is your desire, sir,' said I, 'I will not.' 'And you will not think any the worse of me for it, will you, Martha?' said he. 'No sir,' I replied. 'Well,' said he, 'what are your feelings toward me?' I replied, 'My feelings are just the same towards you that they ever were, sir.' 'But, to come to the point more closely,' said he, 'have not you an affection for me, that, were it lawful and right, you could accept of me for your husband and companion.'

My feelings at that moment were indescribable. God only knows them. What, thought I are these men, that I thought almost perfection itself, deceivers? and is all my fancied happiness but a dream? It was even so; but my next thought was, which is the best way for me to act at this time? If I say no, they may do as they think proper; and to say yes, I never would. So I considered it best to ask for time to think and pray about it. I therefore said, 'If it was lawful and right, perhaps I might; but you know, sir, it is not.' -- 'Well, but,' said he, 'brother Joseph has had a revelation from God that it is lawful and right for a man to have two wives; for, as it was in the days of Abraham, so it shall be in these last days; and whoever is the first that is willing to take up the cross will receive the greatest blessings; and if you will accept of me, I will take you straight to the celestial kingdom; and if you will have me in this world, I will have you in that which is to come, and brother Joseph will marry us here to-day, and you can go home this evening, and your parents will not know any thing about it.' 'Sir,' said I, 'I should not like to do any thing of the kind without the permission of my parents,' 'Well, but,' said he, 'you are of age, are you not?' 'No, sir,' said I, 'I shall not be until the 24th of May.' 'Well,' said he, 'that does not make any difference. You will be of age before they know, and you need not fear. If you will take my counsel, it will be well with you, for I know it to be right before God, and if there is any sin in it, I will answer for it. But brother Joseph wishes to have some talk with you on the subject -- he will explain things -- will you hear him?' 'I do not mind,' said I. 'Well, but I want you to say something,' said he. 'I want time to think about it,' said I. 'Well,' said he, 'I will have a kiss, any how,' and then rose, and said he would bring Joseph. He then unlocked the door, and took the key, and locked me up alone. He was absent about ten minutes, and then returned with Joseph. 'Well,' said Young, 'sister Martha would be willing if she knew if was lawful and right before God.' 'Well, Martha,' said Joseph, 'it is lawful and right before God -- I know it is. Look here, sis; don't you believe in me?' I did not answer. 'Well Martha,' said Joseph, 'just go ahead, and do as Brigham wants you to -- he is the best man in the world, except me.' 'Oh!' said Brigham, 'then you are as good.' 'Yes,' said Joseph. 'Well,' said Young, 'we believe Joseph to be a Prophet. -- I have known him near eight years, and always found him the same.' 'Yes,' said Joseph, 'and I know that this is lawful and right before God, and if there is any sin in it, I will answer for it before God; and I have the keys of the kingdom, and whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven, and if you will accept of Brigham, you shall be blessed -- God shall bless you, and my blessing shall rest upon you; and if you will be led by him, you will do well; for I know Brigham will take care of you, and if he don't do his duty to you, come to me and I will make him; and if you do not like it in a month or two, come to me, and I will make you free again; and if he turns you off, I will take you on.' -- 'Sir,' said I, rather warmly, 'it will be too late to think in a month or two after. I want time to think first.' 'Well, but,' said he, 'the old proverb is, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained;" and it would be the greatest blessing that was ever bestowed upon you.' 'Yes,' said Young, 'and you will never have reason to repent it -- that is, if I do not turn from righteousness, and that I trust I never shall; for I believe God, who has kept me so long, will continue to keep me faithful. Did you ever see me act in any way wrong in England, Martha?' "No, sir,' said I. 'No,' said he; 'neither can any one else lay any thing to my charge.' 'Well, then,' said Joseph, 'what are you afraid of, sis? -- come, let me do the business for you.' 'Sir,' said I, 'do let me have a little time to think about it, and I will promise not to mention it to any one.' 'Well, but look here,' said he; 'you know a fellow will never be damned for doing the best he knows how.' 'When, then,' said I, 'the best way I know of, is to go home and think and pray about it.' 'Well,' said Young, 'I shall leave it with brother Joseph, whether it would be best for you to have time or not.' 'Well,' said Joseph, 'I see no harm in her having time to think, if she will not fall into temptation.' 'O, sir,' said I, 'there is no fear of my falling into temptation.' 'Well, but,' said Brigham, 'you must promise me you will never mention it to any one.' 'I do promise it,' said I. 'Well,' said Joseph, 'you must promise me the same.' I promised him the same. 'Upon your honor,' said he, 'you will not tell.' 'No, sir, I will lose my life first,' said I. 'Well, that will do,' said he; 'that is the principle we go upon. I think I can trust you, Martha,' said he. -- 'Yes,' said I, 'I think you ought.' Joseph said, 'she looks as if she could keep a secret.' I then rose to go, when Joseph commenced to beg of me again -- he said it was the best opportunity they might have for months, for the room was often engaged. I, however, had determined what to do. 'Well,' said Young, 'I will see you to-morrow. I am going to preach at the school-house, opposite your house. I have never preached there yet; you will be there, I suppose.' 'Yes,' said I. The next day being Sunday, I sat down, instead of going to meeting, and wrote the conversation, and gave it to my sister, who was not a little surprised; but she said it would be best to go to meeting in the afternoon. We went, and Young administered the sacrament. After it was over, I was passing out, and Young stopped me, saying, 'Wait, Martha, I am coming.' I said, 'I cannot; my sister is waiting for me.' He then threw his coat over his shoulders, and followed me out, and whispered, 'Have you made up your mind, Martha?' 'Not exactly, sir,' said I; and we parted. I shall proceed to a justice of the peace, and make oath to the truth of these statements, and you are at liberty to make what use of them you may think best.
              Yours, respectfully,
                   MARTHA H. BROTHERTON.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 13th day of July, A. D. 1842.

              Du. BOUFFAY FREMON,
    Justice of the Peace for St. Louis county.

 

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