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. LOUIS, 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.