Mormon War Letters
written in 1838 by Missouri Militia officers
and citizens
These letters were transcribed from microfilm of originals at the
Missouri State Archives. Spelling is unchanged.
-
- 12th Sept. 1838
Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs
We, the citizens of the counties of Daviess and Livingston,
represent to your honor that a crisis has come, which we believe
requires us, as the legitimate citizens of Missouri, to call on the
Executive of State for protection. For several weeks past, the
Mormons have been making formidable preparations for a civil war,
and one which they are pleased to call a war of extermination. We
presume that your honor is apprised of the attack made on Adam
Black, Esq., on the 8th of August, by the Mormons, and
shall not enter into a detail of it here, but we will apprise your
honor that the Mormons have and keep a lawless armed force stationed
in our country, and are constantly throwing out menaces, threats and
challenges to our citizens. Influenced by fearful apprehensions of
danger, we, the people of the above counties, sent an Express to
Richmond last week for arms and ammunition, and on their return with
their load of guns, say, forty-five, several kegs of powder and two
hundred pounds of lead, they were intercepted on Sunday last, in
passing through Caldwell county, by a banditti of those fanatical
enthusiasts, made prisoners of, and taken to Far West, where they,
the guard and the above munitions of war, are still held in custody.
On Sunday last, an armed force of fifty Mormons left their own
encampment in this county, and marched to the territory of
Livingston County, for the purpose, as they said, of removing a
considerable amount of property, which was subject to a lein, held
by Mr. James Weldon; they passed into the settlement secretly, and
falling in with a family which they suspected would alarm the
settlement, they violently seized, and made prisoners of the whole
family, which consisted of three men and two ladies, all of whom,
with three others of our citizens, we believe are still held in the
custody of those rebels, and deprived of their liberties.
Our country, sir, is in a distressed situation; probably two-thirds
of the families of Daviess County have left, and gone to seek
protection among the neighboring counties, while a few of the old
settlers are still here, and are determined only to surrender their
houses with their lives. For about four weeks, we have been humbly
and unceasingly petitioning our neighboring counties for aid, but we
are yet in a helpless and defenceless condition. We, therefore, the
people of the above counties, being well aware that your honor is
well acquainted with the character of those people called Mormons,
and believing that our lives, our liberties, our property and our
all, are in the most imminent danger of being sacrificed by the
hands of those imposterous rebels, earnestly call on your honor for
assistance -- assistance we must have, or leave our homes and seek
protection elsewhere. Most of us, sir, emigrated to these frontier
counties before there were any settlements formed; we have had to
encounter and have realized nearly all the difficulties incident to
a new country; we have foregone the pleasures and the advantages of
the old and well-settled counties, which we have left in
anticipation of enjoying like blessings in these -- but, alas! Our
anticipations are blasted, and unless we can get rid of those
emissaries of the Prince of Darkness -- we and our families are
ruined. We are, sir, your petitioners, The Citizens of Daviess and
Livingston Counties.
Camp near De-witt
7th Octr 1838
To the Citizens of Howard County
Gentlemen:
This county is the theatre of a civil war, and will soon be one of
desolation, unless the citizens of the adjoining counties lend
immediate assistance. The infatuated Mormons have assembled in large
numbers in De Witt, prepared for war, and are continually pouring in
from all quarters where these detestable fanatics reside.
The war is commenced; blood has been shed. They shed it. They
waylayed and fired upon a body of the citizens of Carroll County,
& wounded some. They are the aggressors. They have been guilty
of high treason, they have violated the laws and shed the blood of
our citizens, and we think this one of the cases of emergency in
which the people ought to take the execution of justice in their own
hands. Speedy action is necessary. The progress of their imposition,
insult and oppression ought to be checked in the beginning. The
people must act together. They must act energetically.
It is now twelve O'Clock at night. The Mormons are lurking round our
camp, and making preparations to attack us before day. Our number is
much less than theirs, and we will have to act on the defensive
until we procure more assistance.
About two hours ago the Mormons were re-inforced by 62 mounted men
well armed from Far West. They are arriving every night. Two nights
ago it is thought one hundred came to De Witt for the purpose of
making war upon the people of this county. Under such circumstances,
you cannot fail to come forward immediately. Can you not be here by
Sunday or Monday at farthest? Come by fives and tens if you cannot
come in companies. Bring all you can. This is no false excitement or
idle rumor, it is the cold reality too real. We will anticipate you
immediately, and shall expect your cooperation and assistance in
expelling the fanatics, who are mostly aliens by birth and aliens in
principle from the country. We must be enemies to the common enemies
of our laws, religion & country.
Your friends & fellow citizens.
P.S. Our guard was just now fired upon by the Mormons. They have
become emboldened by their recent re-inforcements, and we will have
to act on the defensive until assistance arrives.
Yrs &c
Congrave Jackson
Larkin K. Woods
Thomas Jackson
Rollo M. Davis
James Jackson Junr
John L. Tomlin
Sidney S. Woods
George Crigler
William L. Banks
Whitfield Dickens
Boonville October 9th 1838
To the Commander in Chief
Sir, enclosed you will receive a communication from Genl Parks,
which I deem my duty to forward to Your Excellency. I have required
Genl Doniphan with the troops from Clay, Clinton and the Platte to
co-operate with Genl Parks. I have also instructed Parks to prevent
armed Mormons from marching to De Witt, and also to send back or
take into custody all the Mormons from Caldwell County who may be
found in arms in Carroll County. Also to disburse all armed bands of
citizens from other counties found in Carroll.
I have also suggested to Parks to urge it upon the Mormons in
Carroll County to sell out and remove elsewhere, and also to urge
the citizens to make the proposition to buy. I have no doubt but
Your Excellency, if you should deem it your duty to proceed to
Carroll County, could restore peace. I would have forwarded this
communication by express, but was informed that you were at St.
Louis; it is therefore sent by mail. If you deem it necessary to
proceed to Carroll County, I would respectfully suggest that it
should be done as quick as possible. I have the honor to be &c.
D. R. Atchison
P. S. If your Excellency should deem it necessary to proceed to
Carroll County, Boonville will be in your route, where it would give
me great pleasure to see your Excellency, at which time I will be
prepared to give all information as to the difficulties between the
Mormons and citizens, as far as it could be obtained.
D. R. Atchison
I, the undersigned Adam C. Woods, a citizen of Howard County, do
certify that on the 6th day of October 1838, in company with Captain
Congrave Jackson and others of Howard County, hearing of the Mormon
difficulty at De Witt, concluded to go up there, and did go to
interpose our good offices and make peace between them and the
citizens. When we reached there on last evening we found under arms
in a mile or thereabouts of De Witt, about two hundred citizens
encamped and sentinels out. I did not go into De Witt. I was advised
not to go in, fearing that I would be injured. I was informed and
believe the information to be true, that the Mormons at De Witt are
between five and six hundred, well armed. I remained on last night
in the camp of the citizens, intending on this morning to go in town
and endeavor to make peace, but about midnight the Mormons commenced
firing on the sentinels placed out by the citizens, which was
returned. There was occasional firing at a distance until day.
From the above occurrences we were deterred from making any attempt
with the Mormons for peace, and I left on this day about 10 O'Clock
in the morning.
A. C. Woods
Octr 7th 1838
Elk Horn, Ray Co, Mo. 13th Octr 1838.
To His Excellency L. W. Boggs
Dr Sir,
I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you [of the] present
deplorable condition of our country. I arrived home last night of
the 2nd tour of duty to suppress insurrection, when the first
campaign closed on Grand River and the public was informed that
peace was restored. The citizens who livd in Daviess and the
adjoining counties knew and expressed themselves that the Mormons
were determd to drive the citizens from Daviess Co - which the
Mormons have since expressed. The lives of the people of Daviess
have been threatend. Many of them have fled for safety to the
adjoining Cos. Whenever we meet a Mormon he is armed in best manner
and continually throwing out his threats. Next we were ordered to De
Witt in Carroll County under Genl H. G. Parks. When we arrived at
Carrollton we were informd that the people of Carroll and the
Mormons, who were mostly Canadians, were assembled in a mile of each
other, ready for battle. We were also told the Mormons of Caldwell
were on their way to De Witt, 100 more expected to pass down that
night. I went to Genl Parks and requested him to permit me to move
my company on that road and prevent their passing, but he refusd and
we lay there that day and till midnight at which time W. C. Williams
came to the camp and told us the Mormons were passing from Caldwell.
I paraded my company and marchd to the Mormon road, leaving Parks in
Carrollton (drunk) incapable of knowing what was going on. The
Mormons passed before I reachd the road. The next day Parks overtook
us with the balance of the troops. We moved down near De Witt &
encamped two days without making one effort to disperse either
party. I visited De Witt in company with Parks, Dr Ellis, McGee and
several others, and on the public highway some 1/2 mile from the
town we were met by a Mormon from Far West, who cocked his gun,
presented it at me, and commanded us to stop. This is a common thing
with them in this country; the public highways are guarded. Genl
Parks returnd home with his command, leaving over 200 Mormons well
armed in Carroll Co, who came from Caldwell after being expressly
orderd by Major Genl Atchison to disperse them at all hazards.
The people of Carroll and the Mormons have made a compromise. The
Mormons are moving West. It is supposed they intend pushing the
citizens out of Daviess. That county is in a state of great
agitation, great excitement prevails here. The Daviess &
Livingston Co people, and many from others, are on their way to
Daviess County with one field piece, with the determination to
prevent their settling in that county at all hazards. If there is
not some effective means taken to settle this difficulty, much blood
will be spilt soon. It will require a strong force. Too many of our
officers are seeking popularity with the Mormons, supposing their
votes in time will be of some service to them.
You may rest assurd times grow worse & worse here. The Mormons
embody themselves, keep out guards, and refuse to let any person see
their forces. Had you proceeded on to Daviess County you could
easily have convincd yourself the state of things which are
desperate in the extreme. You will no doubt be calld on. I hope you
will take steps to make a final settlement of this matter. If it is
not soon done, our country is ruind.
Your Obt. Servt,
Samuel Bogart
Capt. in the late Volunteers
Daviess Co, Mo.
October 21st 1838
To his Excellency the Governor of
The State of Missouri
Sir: - I deem it my duty, made so not only from the law, as an
officer, but also as an individual, to report and make known to your
excellency the unheard of & unprecedented conduct and high
handed proceedings of the Mormons of this & Caldwell Counties
towards the other citizens of this county, being myself one of the
sufferers. On Monday the 15th inst. we learned that the Mormons were
collecting in Far West for the purpose of driving what they term the
mob from this county, by which we understand the citizens that were
not Mormons. And accordingly they have come & their worst
apprehensions have been already fulfilled.
They have plundered or robbed and burned every house in Gallatin,
our county seat, among the rest our Post Office, have driven almost
every individual from the county, who are now flying before them
with their families, many of whom have been forced out without
necessary clothing, their wives and little children wading in many
instances through the snow without a shoe. When the miserable
families are then forced out, their houses are plundered and then
burned. They are making this universal throughout the county. They
have burned for me two houses and, sir, think this not exaggeration,
for all is not told. And for the truth of all and every statement
here made, I pledge the honor of an officer & gentleman.
These facts are made known to you, sir, hoping that your authority
will be used to stop the [blank] of this banditti of Canadian
refugees and restore us to our lost homes.
I neglected to state that among the rest, our County Treasury office
has been also burned. Will only ask in conclusion, can such
proceedings be submitted to in a government of laws? I think not. I
must answer my interrogatory no, not withstanding the political
juggling of such men as David R. Atchison & some others, whose
reports & circulations setting the conduct & character of
the Mormons favorably before the community, are believed by the
peoples of this county to be prompted by the hope of interest or
emolument.
I am yours, sir, with due regard,
Wm. P. Penniston, Co. G
60th Reg., 2nd Brig., 3rd Div. M.M.
P.S. Since writing the above I have procured the testimony on oath
of some six or eight persons corroborating with my statement, which
accompany this.
Wm. P. Penniston
Brigade Head Quarters at Richmond
2nd Brigade, 3rd Division
21st Oct. 1838
Major Genl D. R. Atchison
Sir, I received yours of the 16th inst. from Boonville, which I will
let remain until I see yours. I have now returned from the County of
Daviess & assure you this county is agitated by a deeper &
more desperate excitement than I have yet witnessed. I left the
place on Tuesday the 16th inst. with two companies of mounted men,
having directed Col. Dunn to precede me to Daviess County, where I
had good evidence to believe the troops and [blank] intending to act
against Adamondiamon. Intending to cooperate with Genl Doniphan
& the remainder of the troops, I had proceeded to the head of
Crooked River when a severe snow storm overtook us & we were
compelled to abandon the undertaking for the present. The troops
were dismissed until further orders, and the troops under Col. Dunn
had been ordered home by Genl. Doniphan who came as far as Far West,
from whence he returned home. I with a part of my staff proceeded on
to Far West, which I reached on Tuesday night, & learning that
the Clay troops had gone home, I determined to proceed to Daviess
& examine the state of the country. On Thursday I proceeded to
the town of Adam in Daviess County, & on the way heard the
Mormons had burnt a storehouse in Gallatin belonging to Jacob
Stallins. I sent two men to see & learn the fact & on their
return confirmed the news. I saw at Adam on Diahmon about 500
Mormons under arms, all well armed, about 200 of them mounted. I
asked them their motive in appearing in arms. There answer was they
intended to defend that place. They had been driven from De Witt
& other places, and here they were determined to stand and die
rather than be driven from that place.
I next visited Millport, & found on my way down the ridge that
the inhabitants had left their houses and all above Pennington's
have fled. That county is in a worse state than at any former
period, and I believe that the Mormons are now the aggressor, as I
have seen many depradations which they have committed. I have
certificates of their having taken arms from the citizens of Daviess
forcibly. The excitement in this county is more deep and full of
vengeance than I have yet seen it, & I would not be surprised if
some signal act of vengeance would be taken on these fanatics.
Wednesday next is fixed for a full and general meeting of the
citizens of this county to take into consideration the steps
necessary to be taken in this state of affairs.
I do not know what to do. I will remain passive until I hear from
you. I do not believe calling out the militia will avail anything
towards restoring peace, unless they were called out in such force
as to fight the Mormons & drive them from the country. This
would satisfy this people, but I cannot agree to it. I hold myself
ready to execute, as far as I can go, any order from you, and wish
you to advise the Commander-in-Chief as to the situation of the
upper country. Perhaps a visit from him would have some effect in
allaying the excitement. I remain your obdt Servt
H. G. Parks, Genl
2nd Brigade, 3rd Div.
Jonathan J. Dryden after being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that
on the 21st day of October 1838 he was taken as a prisoner by the
[people] called Mormon from his [own] house, sick with the fever,
and carried him about one mile and released him, upon the account of
his health. And while in custody he ware told by them, they had
applied to the Governor diverse of times for pertection, and he
never had sent them any assistance, and now they had taken the law
in their own hands, and they intended to have the thing settled;
because they believe the Governor to be as big a mob man as any of
them, and the [plunder] which they ware now taking was to pay them
back for the property which they had lost in Jackson County, when
they were driven from there, and the affiant sayeth not.
Jonathan J. Dryden
The above sworn and subscribed before me the 22nd day of this
[instant].
Adam Black
J.P.
James Stone after being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth, that on the
20th day of October 1838 the people called Mormon came to his house,
and told him if he did not leave Daviess County against next
morning, against sunrise, that they would take his head with their
sword, and drew their sword and waved it at him, and said they would
take his heart's blood if he did not leave [the] county. And then
this affiant took them at their word and left his house about 10
O'Clock in the night, he and 2 other men, and went back next morning
and his house was robbed. And this affiant sayeth on the 21st day
inst. that he with several other men saw the said people called
Mormon herding a number of cattle, the amount not known, he supposed
to be about 10 acres of ground covered. And they looked at them
until they started them towards Caldwell County, and this affiant
sayeth not.
James Stone
The above sworn to & subscribed before me 22nd day of this
instant.
Adam Black J.P.
I, Thomas J. Martin, after being duly sworn do testify upon oath
that whereas I was returning from meeting on the 21st day of Oct
1838 in Livingston County, I was intercepted and taken prisoner by
the body of people called Mormons, which presented their guns and
told me that I had one of two things to do. That was, to relate to
them all that I knew concerning the [blank] their munitions &c,
or to be laid on the sod and let birds eat me. They also took me
about 12 miles during which time I saw them rummage the house of Mr.
White. I also saw them take 4 others, and they had some others that
had been taken before, some of which [they] took to Adam on deamon,
and I have not [heard] from them since. During the time I was a
prisoner they told me that they did not intend to let any man stay
in Daviess County that was not friendly to them. And that they were
doing the same to redress the injury received in Jackson County.
Thomas J. Martin
The above sworn to and subcribed before me this 22nd day of October
1838.
Adam Black J.P.
Liberty Oct. 22nd 1838
To his Excellency the Commander in Chief
Sir, Almost every hour I receive information of outrage and
violence; of burning and plundering in the county of Daviess. It
seems that the Mormons have become desperate and act like mad men.
They have burned a store in Gallatin, they have burnt Millport; they
have, it is said, plundered several houses and have taken away the
arms of diverse citizens of that county. A cannon that was employed
in the seige of De Witt in Carroll County, and taken for a like
purpose to Daviess County, has fallen into the hands of the Mormons.
It is also reported that the anti-Mormons have, when opportunity
offered, disarmed the Mormons and burnt several of their houses.
The great difficulty in settling this matter seems to me in not
being able to identify the offenders. I am convinced that nothing
short of driving the Mormons from Daviess County will satisfy the
party opposed to them, and this I have not the power to do as I
conceive legally. There are no troops at this time in Daviess
County, nor do I deem it expedient to send any there. For I am well
convinced that it would but make matters worse for, Sir, I do not
feel disposed to disgrace myself, or permit the troops under my
command to disgrace this state, and themselves, by acting the part
of a mob. If the Mormons are to be drove from their homes, let it be
done without any color of law and in open defiance thereof. Let it
be done by volunteers acting upon their own responsibility.
However, I deem it my duty to submit these matters to the Commander
in Chief, and will conclude by saying it will be my greatest
pleasure to execute any orders your Excellency should think proper
to give in this matter, with promptness and to the very letter.
I have the honor to be your
Excellency's Most Obt Servt
David R. Atchison
Major Genl 3rd Divis M.M.
N.B.
I herewith inclose you a report from Genl Park, also one from Capt
Bogart.
D.R.A.
Elkhorn, Oct 23rd 1838
Gen. Atchison,
Dear Sir, The Mormons have burnt Gallatin & Millport & have
ravaged Daviess County, driven out the citizens, burnt the Post
Office, taken all kinds of property from the citizens, have gone
into Livingston County & taken the cannon from the citizens
there. They have threatened to burn Buncombe & Elkhorn, &
have been seen near & on the line between Ray & Caldwell,
from consequence of which I have ordered out my company to prevent,
if possible, any outrage on the County of Ray, & to range the
line between Caldwell & Ray, & await your order &
further assistance. I will camp at Fields, 12 miles north of this
tonight.
I learn that the people of Ray are going to take the law into their
own hands & put an end to the Mormon war.
In haste your obdt servt
James Bogart
P.S. Please be explicit in your express to me as to my course.
Richmond, Mo.
Oct. 23rd 1838
His Excellency the Governor of Missouri
Dear Sir,
The Mormon difficulties are arising and have arisen here to an
alarming height. It is said (and I believe truly) that they have
recently robbed and burned the store-house of Mr. J. Stollings in
Gallatin, Daviess County, and that they have burned several dwelling
houses of the citizens of Daviess, taken their arms from them, and
have taken some provisions. Mormon dissenters are daily flying to
this county for refuge from the ferocity of the prophet Jo Smith,
who they say threatens the lives of all Mormons who refuse to take
up arms at his bidding, or to do his commands. Those dissenters (and
they are numerous) all confirm the reports concerning the Danite
band of which you have doubtless heard much, and say that Jo infuses
into the minds of his followers a spirit of insubordination to the
laws of the land, telling them that the Kingdom of the Lord is come
which is superior to the institutions of the earth, and encourages
them to fight and promises them the spoils of the battles.
A respectable gentleman of my acquaintance from Livingston is here
now who informs me that the Mormons are robbing the citizens of
Livingston, on the borders of Caldwell, of their corn and whatever
else they want; that they have taken a cannon from Livingston County
and are prowling about the country, a regularly formed banditti.
That the prophet Jo Smith has persuaded his church that they are
not, and ought not to be, amenable to the laws of the land, and is
still doing it I have no doubt. The Danite band as I am informed by
numbers of the most respectable of the Mormons (who are now
dissenters) binds them to support the high council of the Mormon
church, and one another in all things whether right or wrong, and
that even by false swearing. I have taken much pains to be informed
correctly about this Danite band, and am well satisfied that my
information as above stated is correct. I have no doubt but that Jo
Smith is as lawless and consumate a scoundrel as ever was the veiled
prophet of Chorassin. I believe the criminal law in Caldwell County
cannot be enforced upon a Mormon. Grand Juries there will not
indict. Jo declares in his public addresses that he can
revolutionize the U.S. and that if provoked, he will do it. This
declaration has been heard by Col. Williams of this place, and other
gentlemen of equal veracity. I have hoped that the civil authorities
would prove sufficient for the exigency of the case, but I am now
convinced that it is not, so long as indictments have to be found by
the jury of the county in which the offense may be committed.
I do not pretend to have wisdom enough to make a suggestion as to
what Your Excellency should do. The evil is alarming beyond all
doubt. I suggest the foregoing facts for your consideration.
I am very respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Th. C. Burch
P.S. Judge King will give you some information by the next mail.
T. C. B.
Richmond, Mo. Octr 23rd 1838
The Governor of the State of Missouri
Sir,
The alarming state of Daviess County, and the panic produced by the
late movements of the Mormons in that county has produced a degree
of excitement and alarm here that has not been heretofore witnessed.
The latest accounts from Daviess County that has reached us, say
that all the inhabitants of Daviess County have left and sought
refuge in Livingston or this county. The store house of Jacob
Stollings in Gallatin, Daviess County, was robbed and burned by the
Mormons, the Post Office kept there was also destroyed. And we
believe that the houses of 5 or 6 of the inhabitants of Daviess have
been destroyed by fire, the property taken away, and the women and
children obliged to flee. The arms of all the citizens in Daviess
they could find have been taken by them forcibly. They have also
carried away the cannon from Livingston County, and have it now in
their possession.
The Mormons have robbed George Worthington, P.M. at Gallatin, of his
notes & property to the amount of nearly $2,000. In short, the
news from them reach[es] us hourly that they are destroying the
property of the citizens they cannot carry away, and all that they
can carry away they take. Blood and plunder appears to be their
object. All those who do not join with them in their incindiary
conduct are banished from Caldwell, and all those of other counties
who are opposed to them are threatened. It is the desire of the
citizens that His Excellency would visit this section of country and
call out a sufficient number of troops to put a stop to the further
ravages of these fanatics. If some such measures are not taken
shortly, the whole country will be overrun. But we now firmly
believe they are aggressors, and say they will indemnify themselves
for losses in Jackson and Carroll. We are not alarmists, and have
had no fears until lately, these fanatics would have dared to behave
as they have lately. There seems to be but one opinion here on the
subject and that is, unless a military force is brought in to act
against them, and that shortly, they will destroy as far as they are
able. We think it our duty to advise you of these things.
Very respectfully,
Your Obt Servts
T.L.D.W. Shaw
James S. Beell
G. Lenhart
J. R. Doolittle
Jno C. Richardson
B. J. Brown, Sheriff of Ray County
M. P. Long
George Woodward
R. S. Mitchell
Lewis L. Jacobs
John N. Hughs
Berry Hughs
Thomas McKinney
William Hudgins P.M.
Jesse Corner
We are deficient in arms. If there are any to spare, we wish them
brought up here.
William Hudgins
Sir:
We were informed last night by an express from Ray County that Capt
Bogard and all his company amounting to between fifty and sixty,
were massacred by the Mormons at Buckhorn, twelve miles north of
Richmond, except three. This statement you may rely on as being
true, and last night they expected Richmond to be laid in ashes this
morning. We could distinctly hear cannon and we know the Mormons
have one in their possession. Richmond is about twenty-five miles
west of this place on a straight line. We know not the hour or
minute we will be laid in ashes. Our country is ruined, for God sake
give us assistance as quick as possible.
Yours &c
Sachel Woods
Joseph Dickson
Carrolton, Mo.
Octr 24th 1838
Being requested by a committee of the citizens of Ray County to make
a statement of such facts as are within my knowledge relative to the
Mormons, I have to say that I came to Far West the 17th April last
and have lived there ever since. I have never been a member of the
Mormon church, but my parents are. I am about the age of 18 years. I
have lived at the house of Sidney Rigdon the most of the time. I
have heard the prophet Smith in public address say he would like to
have a play speel of the whole U.S. (in a fight as I took it). This
was on the election day last August. I have often heard the Mormons
say they would as soon shoot the dissenters that came out and talked
against them, as to shoot anything else. I have heard diverse
Mormons say that they burnt the store of Mr. Stolling in Daviess
County. David W. Patton had the command of the company that went to
Gallatin. The Mormons say that they did not burn the goods, but
hauled them off. Said Patton went by the name of Capt. Fearnot.
A few days ago I heard a company of Mormons who had been to Daviess
County say they had taken from the citizens of Daviess County about
twenty-four horses and thirty-two guns. And it was said by Mormons
about there, that it was done to make up for losses in Jackson
County. When the company came up who took the guns & horses, I
heard Sidney Rigdon shout three times, "Hosannah to the
victors!" and made them a speech exhorting them not to fear,
& to keep up courage.
Henry Marks
Richmond, Mo.
Oct. 24th 1838
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day above written.
Henry Jacobs J.P. of Ray County.
Lexington, 6 O'Clock P.M.
October 24th 1838
Gentlemen,
This letter is sent after you on express by Mr. William Bryant of
Ray County. Since you left us this morning, Mr. C. R. Morehead came
here on express for men to assist in repelling a threatened attack
upon Richmond tonight. He brought news that the Mormon armed force
had attacked Capt Bogart this morning at daylight, and had cut off
his whole company of 50 men. Since Mr. Morehead left Richmond, one
of the company (Bogart's) had come in and reported that there were
ten of his comrades killed, and the remainder were taken prisoners
after many of them had been severely wounded. He stated further that
Richmond would be sacked and burned by the Mormon Banditti tonight.
Nothing can exceed the consternation which this news gave rise to.
The women and children are flying from Richmond in every direction.
A number of them have repaired to Lexington, amongst whom is Mrs.
Rees. We will have sent from this county, since 1 O'Clock this
evening about 100 well-armed and daring men, perhaps the most
effective that our county can boast of. They will certainly give
them (the Mormons) a warm reception at Richmond tonight. You will
see the necessity of hurrying on to the City of Jefferson and also
of imparting correct information to the public as you go along.
My impression is that you had better send one of your number to
Howard, Cooper and Boone Counties, in order that volunteers may be
getting ready and flocking to the scene of trouble as fast as
possible. They must make haste and put a stop to the devastation
which is menaced by these infuriated fanatics. And they must go
prepared, and with the full determination to exterminate or expel
them from the State en masse. Nothing but this can give tranquillity
to the public mind and reestablish the supremacy of the law. There
must be no further delaying with this question anywhere. The Mormons
must leave the State, or we will one and all. And to this complexion
it must come at last. We have great reliance upon your ability,
direction and fitness for the task you have undertaken, and have
only time to say God speed you!
Yours truly,
E. M. Ryland
Messrs Amos Rees & Willey Williams
At the request of a committee of the citizens of Ray County, I make
the following statement in relation to the recent movements, plans
& intentions of the Mormons in the counties of Caldwell &
Daviess.
Shortly after the settlement of the difficulties at De Witt in
Carroll County, a call was made up by the Mormons at Far West in
Caldwell County for volunteers to go to Daviess County, to disperse
the mob as they said. On the day before this Joseph Smith the
prophet in which he said that all the Mormons who refused to take up
arms, if necessary in difficulties with the citizens, should be
shot, or otherwise put to death. And as I was there with my family I
thought it most prudent to go, and did go with my wagon, as the
driver.
We marched to Adamondeoman and found no troops or mob in Daviess
County. Scouting parties frequently went out & brought in
intelligence that they had seen from three to five men. We got to
Diamon on Tuesday evening, & on the next day a company of about
eighty of the Mormons, commanded by a man fictictiously named
Captain Fearnot, marched to Gallatin. They returned and said they
had run off from Gallatin twenty or thirty men and had taken
Gallatin, had taken one prisoner and another had joined the company.
I afterwards learned from the Mormons that they had burned Gallatin,
and that it was done by the aforesaid company that marched there.
The Mormons informed me that they had hauled away all the goods from
the store in Gallatin, and deposited them at the Bishop's
storehouses at Adam on diahmon. On the same day, Lyman Wight marched
about eighty horsemen for Millport. He returned before night and
called for Joseph Smith & Hiram Smith to report to them (said
Hiram being counsellor of said Joseph the prophet) and said Wight
reported that he had been in sight of Millport, saw no one to fight,
but that the people generally had gone & left their houses &
property. The prophet, on hearing the property was left, commenced a
reply & said "We had better see to it." When Wight
stopped him by saying "Never mind, we will have a private
counsel," and Smith replied "Very well." The private
counsel I did not hear. The men were dismissed to go to their camps.
The same evening a number of footmen came up from the direction of
Millport, laden with property which, I was informed, consisted of
beds, clocks & other household furniture. The same night, I
think, about three wagons were dispatched for about forty bee gums,
and the next day saw several gums where they were splitting them up
& taking the honey & burning the gums, in which business of
taking out the honey, but few were engaged for fear, as they said,
they would be called on as witnesses against them. When Wight
returned from Millport & informed Smith that the people were
gone & the property left, Smith asked him if they had left any
of the Negroes for them, & Wight replied no. Upon which someone
laughed and said to Smith, "You have lost your Negro,
then."
During the same time, a company called the fur company was sent out
to bring in fat hogs & cattle, calling the hogs
"bears" and the cattle "buffaloe." They brought
in at one time seven cattle and at another time, four or five
belonging to the people of Daviess. Hogs were brought in dead, but I
know not how many. I saw only two.
They have among them a company consisting of all that are considered
true Mormons, called the Danites, who have taken an oath to support
the heads of the church in all things that they say or do, whether
right or wrong. Many, however, of this band are much dissatisfied
with this oath as being against moral and religious principles. On
Saturday last, I am informed by the Mormons, they had a meeting at
Far West at which they appointed a company of twelve, by the name of
the destruction company, for the purpose of burning &
destroying, and that if the people of Buncombe came to do mischief
upon the people of Caldwell & committed depredations on the
Mormons, they were to burn Buncombe & if the people of Clay
& Ray made any movement against them, this destroying company
was to burn Liberty & Richmond. This burning was to be done
secretly by going as incendiaries. At the same meeting I was
informed they passed a decree that no Mormon dissenter should leave
Caldwell County alive, & that such as attempted to do it should
be shot down & sent to tell their tale in eternity. In a
conversation between Doct. Avard & other Mormons, said Avard
proposed to start a pestilence among the gentiles, as he called
them, by poisoning their corn, fruit &c and saying it was the
work of the Lord. And said Avard advocated lying for the support of
their religion, & said it was no harm to lie for the Lord.
The plan of said Smith, the prophet, is to take the State, & he
professes to his people to intend taking the U.S. & ultimately
the whole world. This is the belief of the Church & my own
opinion of the prophet's plans & intentions.
It is my opinion that neither said Joseph Smith, the prophet, nor
any one of the principal men who is firm in the faith could be
indicted for any offense in the county of Caldwell. The prophet
inculcates the notion, & it is believed by every true Mormon,
that Smith's prophecies are superior to the law of the land. I have
heard the prophet say that he should yet tread down his enemies
& walk over their dead bodies; that if he was not let alone he
would be a second Mahamet to the generations, & that he would
make it one gore of blood from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic
ocean. That like Mahamet, whose motto in treating for peace was the
Alcoran or the sword, so should it be eventually with us - Jo Smith
or the sword.
These last statements were made during the last summer. The number
of armed men at Adamondiamon was between three & four hundred.
Thomas B. Marsh
Richmond, Mo.
October the 24th 1838
Sworn & subscribed before me the day hereon written
Henry Jacobs, J.P., Ray County, Mo.
The most of the statements in the foregoing disclosed of Thomas B.
Marsh I know to be true. The remainder I believe to be true.
Orson Hyde
Richmond, Oct 24th 1838
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day above written
Henry Jacobs, J.P.
The undersigned committee on the part of the citizens of Ray County
have no doubt but that Thomas B. Marsh & Orson Hyde, whose names
are signed to the foregoing certificates, have been members of the
Mormon Church in full fellowship until very recently when they
voluntarily abandoned the Mormon Church & faith. And that said
Marsh was, at the time of his dissenting, the President of the
Twelve Apostles & President of the Church at Far West, and that
said Hyde was, at that time, one of the Twelve Apostles. And that
they left the church & abandoned the faith of the Mormons from a
conviction of their immorality & impiety.
Richmond, Oct 24th 1838
Thomas C. Burch
William Hudgins
Geo. Woodward
J. R. Hindley
C. R. Morehead
O. H. Learcey
Henry Jacobs
Richmond, Oct 24th 1838
Dear Sir,
As Mr. Williams will be to see you in reference to our Mormon
difficulties, I will be able to say all to you perhaps that can be
said. I deem it a duty notwithstanding to give you such information
as I have sought and obtained, & is such I assure you may be
relied on. Our relations with the Mormons are such that I am
perfectly satisfied that the arm of the civil authority is too weak
to give peace to the country. Until lately, I thought the Mormons
were disposed to act only on the defensive, but their recent conduct
shows that they are the aggressors & that they intend to take
the law into their own hands. Of their recent outrages in Daviess,
you have doubtlessly heard much already. Of their course of conduct
in Daviess, I will give you the general facts, for to give
particulars would far transcend the contents of a letter. On Sunday
before they marched to Daviess, Jo Smith made known his views to the
people, and declared the time had come when they would avenge their
own wrongs, & that all who was not for them, & take up arms
with them, should be considered as against them, that their property
should be confiscated and their lives also be forfeited. With this
declaration, & much else said by Smith, calculated to excite the
people present, the next day was set to meet & see who was for
them & who against them. And under such severe penalties there
was none, that I learn, who did not turn out, & about 3 or 400
men, with Smith at their head, marched to Daviess. This was on
Tuesday. The next day was the snow storm, & on Thursday they
commenced their ravages upon the citizens, driving them from their
houses & taking their property. Between 80 & 100 men went to
Gallatin, pillaged houses & the store of Mr. Stollings and the
Post Office, & then burnt the houses. They carried off the
spoils on horseback & in wagons & now have them, I
understand, in a storehouse near their camp. Houses have been robbed
of their contents: beds, clothing, furniture &c & all
deposited, & they term it a consecration to the Lord.
At this time there is not a citizen in Daviess except Mormons. Many
have been driven without warning. Others have been allowed a few
hours to start. The stock of the citizens have been seized upon,
killed and salted up by hundreds. From 50 to 100 waggons are now
employed in hauling in the corn from the surrounding country.
They look for a force against them and are consequently preparing
for a seige, building block houses &c. They have lately
organized themselves into a band of what they call Danites, and
sworn to support their leading men in all they say & do, right
or wrong, & further to put to instant death those who will
betray them. There is another band of twelve, called the
Destructives, whose duty it is to watch the movements of men &
of communities, & to avenge themselves for supposed wrongful
movements against them by privately burning houses, property, &
even laying in ashes towns, &c.
I find I am running out my letter too much in detail. I do not deem
it necessary to give you a minute detail of all the facts of which I
am possessed, but I give you the above in order that you may form
some idea of the disposition of these people. The Mormons expect to
settle the affair at the point of the sword, & I am well
warranted in saying to you that the people in this quarter of the
state look to you for that protection which they believe you will
afford when you have learned the facts. I do not pretend to advise
your course, nor make any suggestions other than what I have stated,
that it is utterly useless for the civil authorities to pretend to
intercede. The country is in great commotion and I can assure you
that either with or without authority, something will shortly have
to be done. I hope you will let me hear from you by the return of
Mr. Williams, and if you should come up [to] the country shortly, it
will give me pleasure to take the trouble to see you. I am very
respectfully,
Austin A. King
At a very numerous public meeting held at the Court house in
Richmond, Ray County, on Wednesday this 24th day of October 1838 for
the purpose of taking into consideration the difficulties of the
Mormons.
The object of the meeting having been explained by Thomas C. Burch,
Esqr. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted after
reading the report of Charles R. Morehead, William Thornton and
Jacob Gudgel, which is hereunto attached. To wit -
Resolved That the report here made by Charles R. Morehead, William
Thornton and Jacob Gudgel Esqrs be transmitted by express to the
Governor of the State, together with these resolutions.
Resolved That this meeting have the most implicit confidence in said
report as well from the known veracity of said Gentlemen, as from
numerous other facts and circumstances in our knowledge
corroborating the same.
Resolved that in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived
when it is the imperious duty of the executive by an armed force to
quell the insurrection put on foot by the Mormons, and that to
effect the same the civil authorities are wholly inadequate.
Resolved, That Wiley C. Williams and Amos Rees Esqrs be requested to
visit the Governor, and lay before him the proceedings of this
meeting, and urge upon him the necessity of ordering out forthwith
an armed force against the Mormons sufficient to meet the emergency.
Resolved, that we view with the utmost concern the conduct of the
Mormons in the counties of Daviess & Livingston, and that
immediate action is necessary for the protection of our property and
homes from this lawless Banditti.
Resolved, that heretofore as citizens desiring to abide by the laws
of the land, we have been disposed to see this people called Mormons
dealt with for their offenses by the civil authorities, but that in
the opinion of this meeting, from their past and present lawless
course, a resort to the laws will be worse than useless and wholly
insufficient to afford the country that protection to which it is
entitled.
Resolved, that we appeal to the Governor of this state to give the
people of upper Missouri protection from this fearful body of
thieves and robbers.
Resolved, that it would at this time be inexpedient to take any
offensive, but that we should at present act on the defensive.
Resolved, that all who have in good faith renounced the Mormon
religion should be protected, either those in this county or in
Caldwell during the present excitement.
Resolved, that some men should now be raised to go to the northern
border of this county, and guard it from intrusion by the Mormons;
to act entirely on the defensive for the present; and that Genl
Parks be requested to raise three companies for that purpose, or
that they be raised by volunteers.
The undersigned having on Monday morning last learned that the
Mormons had burned Millport in Daviess County in addition to the
burning of Stollings store in Gallatin in said county; and of their
having threatened to burn the store in Buncombe Settlement in this
county; and feeling an anxiety to know the truth in relation to said
reports left this place, Richmond, on that Monday morning &
proceeded to Millport. They, however, previously called at Judge
Morin's who lives about 1/4 of a mile from Millport, who informed
those that all they had learned was substantially true, and that
much more had been done by the Mormons than the people of this
county had been informed of. He went with us to Millport where we
found all the houses in ashes, except a grocery store house
belonging to a Mr. Slade and a house in which Mr. Wilson McKinney
had lived. We also found the house of Robert Peniston, near
Millport, burned. The horse-mill belonging to him (Peniston) was
taken down, the stones, bolting chest &c lying out some distance
from the shed, and the shed yet standing. Mr. Morin informed us that
the burning was done on Sunday night last, that on the next day he
saw Mormons there and saw them taking off beds and other things
belonging to Wilson McKinney. We also saw some furniture, which we
understood from Mr. Morin belonged to McKinney, standing out in the
commons and which seemed to have been rifled of its contents. Mr.
Morin expected on the day we were there that the Mormons would be
there (at Millport) to move off the remaining property and to burn
the balance of the houses. He stated to us that he considered the
situation a precarious one, that he had been permitted to stay this
long owing to having no wagons to move with, but that he expected to
get wagons that day & intended moving into Richmond immediately.
He said that the county was entirely deserted by the inhabitants
except himself and a few others besides the Mormons, and expressed
it as his belief that the corn from his house to Diamon would all be
gathered and hauled into Diamon by the Mormons in 48 hours from that
time. He also stated to us that he was at Diamon a few days
previously, and saw a company of men (Mormons) come into camp with a
drove of cattle, amounting to about 100 head, which he supposed
belonged to other citizens. He also saw a man in possession of a
Mormon which he was very certain belonged to Wm Morgan, a citizen of
Daviess County. Mr. Morin looked upon these Mormons whe were then a
Diamon (amounting he supposed to about 600 men) as a band of robbers
and desparadoes. He advised us very strongly to go no farther, not
to attempt to go to Diamon or Far West. That we would gather nothing
by doing so, in addition to which we there learned that the county
on the north side of Grand River and west of him was certainly
deserted except by the Mormons, and had been for several days. That
the houses were all burned, or to use his own words, that it was a
complete waste.
Mr. Morin also informed us that the Mormons had ordered the other
citizens out of the county, and that he too had been ordered to
leave. He appeared very anxious that we should not be seen at his
house by any Mormon, that it should not be known that he had given
any information or expressed anything unfavorable towards them,
until he get away. We did not visit Gallatin, but understood from
Mr. Morin and others, whom we met moving into this county, that all
the houses in that place were burned except a Shoemaker's shop
belonging to a Mr. Borwell.
Richmond, Mo. Wednesday October 24th 1838
C. R. Morehead
Wm Thornton
Jacob Gudgel
Daviess, Midnight
25th Octr 1838
Maj Genl John B. Clark
We write you a hasty letter from this point to give you authentic
information as to the appalling situation of this country in the
neighborhood of the Mormons. We are on our way as expresses to the
Governor concerning the following information: that these wretched
fanatics have thrown off all restraint and are destroying all before
them. They have burned Gallatin, the county seat of Daviess, taken
the goods from J. Stallings' store and burned the house. They have
burned the village of Millport in Daviess and have burned almost
every house from Gallatin and Millport north with many others in
other parts of the county, and plundered the whole county of the
property of the inhabitants. They say themselves that they have
taken $30,000 worth of property. We have this moment received an
express informing us that they this morning at daylight attacked
Capt Bogard's company of 50 men with 300 Mormons and defeated him,
killing some ten men, wounding many others and taking the most of
the remainder prisoners. Many of the Mormons having been killed in
the fight as is supposed. We have but little hope from these
wretched desperadoes but that they will kill all these prisoners.
This attack was made in Ray County. Capt Bogard had been stationed
on the northern line of the county to patrol and guard it, the
Mormons having threatened to invade that county. They have
determined to attack and burn Richmond tonight and we have but
little doubt but that they will attempt it. The women and children
have all left Richmond and are leaving the county, flying for
protection to Livingston and elsewhere. These creatures will never
stop until they are stopped by the strong hand of force! And
something must be done, and that speedily. There is no kind of doubt
but that all the alarm, with much more that I have not time to
write, is true and you may act accordingly.
Yours respectfully,
Wiley C. Williams
Amos Rees
Head Quarters of the Militia
City of Jefferson
Oct. 27, 1838
Sir,
Since the order of [********] morning to you, directing you to call
400 mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received
by Amos Rees Esqr of Ray, & Wiley C. Williams Esqr, one of my
Aides, information of the most appalling character which entirely
changes the face of things and shows the Mormons in the attitude of
an open and armed defiance of the law, and of having made war upon
the people of this state. Your orders are therefore to hasten your
operations with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as
enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state if
necessary for the public peace. Their outrages are beyond all
description. If you can increases your forces you are authorized to
do so to any extent you may consider necessary. I have just issued
orders to Major Genl Willock of Marion Co. to raise 500 men and to
march them to the northern part of Daviess and there unite with Genl
Doniphan of Clay, who has been ordered with 500 men to proceed to
the same point for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the
Mormons to the north. They have been directed to communicate with
you by express. You can also communicate with him if you find it
necessary. Instead, therefore, of proceeding as at first directed to
reinstate the citizens of Daviess in their homes, you will proceed
immediately to Richmond and there operate against the Mormons. Brig
Genl Parks of Ray has been ordered to have four hundred of his
Brigade in readiness to join you at Richmond. The whole force will
be placed under your command.
I am very respectfully
Yr Obt St
Lilburn W. Boggs
Com in Chief
To Genl John B. Clark
Fayette Ho. Co.
Richmond, Oct. 28th 1838
Head Quarters of the 3rd & 4th Div. M.M.
To the Commander in Chief of the Militia
Sir,
From late outrages committed by the Mormons, civil war is
inevitable. They have set the laws of the country at defiance, &
are in open rebellion. We have about two thousand men under arms to
keep them in check. The presence of the Commander in Chief is deemed
absolutely necessary, and we most respectfully urge that your
Excellency be at the seat of war, as soon as possible.
Your most obedient servants
David R. Atchison, M. G. 3rd Div.
Saml D. Lucas, Maj Genl 4th Div.
Chariton, 30th Oct 1838
His Excellency Gov. Boggs,
Sir, I have ordered one thousand men from this Divis., and now have
five hundred this far under march, and five hundred from the Second
Brigade will join me today at Keytesville from whence I will proceed
to Richmond without delay. Your two orders were both received on day
before yesterday at the same time. On this moment I received per
Capt. Long the enclosed express from Genl Atchison and Lucas then at
Richmond; it was met by Col Williams, your Aide, and opened and sent
to me, supposing that the powers conferred on me were sufficient.
This may be so, but I would give your Excellency my decided opinion,
that it would be best for you to be there, and hope you will if
practicable.
In the meantime, I will endeavor to act out your orders in letter
and spirit, however great the responsibility. I have this moment
dispatched to Genls Atchison & Lucas a copy of your two orders
to me, with instructions to act for the best, until I can arrive.
All the additional information that I have from the scene of
disturbance is worse and worse.
I have the honor to be
Yr. Obt Servt
John B. Clark
Major Genl Comd
10 O'clock A.M.
Camp Chariton, Oct 30th 1838
Majr Genl Lucas & Atchison
Gentlemen:
I am now here with near one thousand men under a force march to
Richmond in performance of an order from the Commander in Chief,
copies of which are herewith enclosed to you for the use only of
your confidants. You will discover by them the power vested in me
and for that purpose I enclose them to you. Capt Long this moment
arrived with an express from you to the Govr which had been wet and
opened by Col Williams, one of the Govr Aides, and sent to me. I
have forwarded it to the Govr.
Act with your respective commands for the best according to
circumstances until I arrive, when some plan of action will be
settled upon if the Gov should not come. I will reach Richmond as
soon as I can.
Capt. Long returns with this to you and Mr. Fristo goes on to the
Govr.
Respectfully yours
John B. Clark, Major Genl
1st Div M.M.
Executive Department
City of Jefferson, 1st Nov. 1838
To Major Genl Jno B. Clark
Sir: Your communication by express of Oct 30th, enclosing one from
Major Generals Atchison & Lucas of the 28th Oct. have been recd.
It is impossible for me to leave here, the near approach of the
meeting of the Legislature rendors it necessary that every moment of
my time be employed in preparation to meet them. It was considered
by me that full and ample powers were vested in you to carry into
effect my former orders. The case is now a very plain one, the
Mormons must be subdued and peace restored to the community. You
will therefore proceed without delay to execute the former orders;
full confidence is reposed in your ability to do so. Your force will
be amply sufficient to accomplish the object. Should you need the
aid of artillery, I would suggest that an application be made to the
Commanding Officer of Ft. Leavenworth for such as you may need. You
are authorized to request the use of it in the name of the State of
Missouri. My presence there could affect nothing, I therefore again
repeat that you are authorized and full power is given to you to
take whatever steps you deem necessary and such as the circumstances
of the case may deem it to demand, to subdue the insurgents and give
peace and quiet to the country. The ringleaders of this rebellion
should be made an example of, and if it should become necessary for
the public peace, the Mormons should be exterminated or expelled
from the State.
In order that no difficulty may arise in relation to the command, I
must inform you that neither Generals Atchison or Lucas have been
called into service under this late order, except Genl Lucas was
directed to raise 400 men in his Division and to place them under
the command of a Brigadier General. The privilege was offered him of
commanding the troops from his own Division, though subject to your
orders. All the troops now under arms and those that may arrive at
the seat of war are placed under your command.
You will report to me by express and keep me regularly informed of
anything of importance which may occur. The near approach of winter
requires that your operations should be hastened. After having
restored quiet, you will cause the people of Daviess County who have
been driven from their homes to be reinstated.
I am respectfully
Your obdt svt
L. W. Boggs
Com. in Chief
Camp near Carrollton, Midnight
Novr 1st 1838
Genls Atchison & Lucas
Gentlemen
[ ] while at Chariton [ ] that you were at Richmond and was only
holding the Mormons at check until further orders which you sought
from the Commander in Chief. And having before then received orders
from the Commander in Chief with plenary powers to settle this whole
difficulty and call to my aid such force as I might deem necessary,
a copy of which I sent you by express per Capt. Long, but learning
at this place that you have proceeded to Far West and hearing a
report (not official) that some of the Mormons have already
surrendered to you. Therefore, under my orders, and in pursuance of
the only and proper power assigned me, I send you respectively the
following orders (viz): you are to remain at some secure position in
the vicinity of Far West, protecting the citizens & their
property from the aggressions of the Mormons until I arrive with my
force, which will be by tomorrow night, amounting to two thousand.
But you are not to make any attack or operate offensively until I
arrive, where the plan of adjustment suggested by the Commander in
Chief and proposed by myself, will be communicated. You must take
steps if you have not and if it be necessary to provision your
forces by foraging or otherwise. If you have any prisoners, you will
make no truce with them by which they are to be discharged until my
arrival, but preserve them from injury as prisoners. The Govr, I
have learned this evening, is on his way up and will join us perhaps
tomorrow.
I will be able to reach Far West in three more days. If Genl Willock
has arrived at the place he was ordered, you will direct him and
also Genl Doniphan to remain there until my arrival for further
orders observing their original orders to prevent the retreat of the
Mormons to the north.
The express leaves immediately and I cannot be more specific. You
will both report to me immediately your Head Quarters, strength and
position and such other matters as tend to further the service in
which we are engaged. My express Messrs Scott, Turner & Enyart
you will furnish with such necessaries as they may need and much
oblige me.
I have the honor
to be your Obt Servt
John B. Clark, Major Genl
1st Div M.M.
Head Quarters
Camp near Far West
Nov 2nd 1838
His Exc. L. W. Boggs,
Comd in Chief, M,M.
Sir, On morning 29th Oct. the troops ordered out by Maj. Genl
Atchison & myself (as per our report to you of said date) took
up their line of march from camp near Richmond for Far West. We
encamped the night of the 29th at Linville Creek, a short distance
from the road, about sixteen miles from Far West, at which point we
received an express from Brig. Genl Doniphan informing us that he
was encamped on Log Creek with a force of 500 men, and that he would
join us at the crossing of said creek on the road from Richmond to
Far West by 10 O'clock A.M. The next morning on 30th Oct. the troops
got together at the late named point, when we mustered about 1800
men. Whilst at this place we received your orders of 26th ult. and I
received an order of 27th ult. & a letter from you of the same
date. At this point Maj. Genl Atchison left me for Liberty, when I
was left in sole command. Before leaving Line Creek I received
information that a band of Mormons 200 in number, called Danites,
had been seen about two hours previous near the route that we had
passed. Upon receiving this intelligence I ordered a detachment of
two companies from the respective commands of Brig. Genl Wilson,
Doniphan, Parks & Graham to go in pursuit of said band, which I
placed under the command of Genl Wilson with instructions to
intercept, and if possible to cut off their retreat to Far West. I
then took up my line of march for Goose Creek, one mile south of Far
West, which point we reached about one hour by sun in the evening.
Just as the troops were encamping, I received intelligence from Genl
Doniphan, from his position on the right, that he had discovered a
party of Mormons approaching Far West from the east, and requested
permission to intercept them if possible. Leave was granted, &
his Brig. started off at nearly full speed to accomplish the order,
but the Mormons succeeded in reaching the fort. Genl Doniphan
approached within 200 yards of their fortress when they displayed a
force of about 800 men. At this juncture I ordered Genl Graham, Brig
[ ] holding, Genl Parks & part of Genl Wilson's mounted, in
reserve, to march full speed to the relief of the 1st Brig. 3rd Div.
But from the inequality of the force of the 1st detachment (being
only 250 strong at the time) & the Mormons, it was considered
prudent to withdraw the troops & march against them in the
morning. Which was accordingly done, and they all returned, as dark
set in, to camp. At this place I established my Head Quarters &
continued there during the expedition against the Mormons. The
detachment under Genl Wilson returned about 9 O'clock P.M. The next
morning, 31st Oct, I received a message from Col. Hinckle, the
commander of the Mormon forces, requesting an interview with me on
an eminence near Far West, which he would designate by hoisting a
white flag. I sent him word that I would meet him at 2 O'clock P.M.,
being so much engaged in receiving & encamping of fresh troops
who were hourly coming in, that I could not attend before.
Accordingly, at that time I started with my staff officers and Brig.
Genls Wilson, Doniphan & Graham, Genl Parks being left in
command. We met him and some other Mormons at the point before
mentioned. He stated that his object in asking me to meet him there
was to know if there could not be some compromise or settlement of
the difficulty without a resort to arms. After giving him to
understand the nature of your orders, I made him the following
propositions, which I furnished him a copy of, and a copy of your
order, viz:
1st: To give up their leaders to be tried & punished.
2nd: To make an appropriation of their property, all who had taken
up arms to its payment of their debt and indemnity for damage done
by them.
3rd: That the balance should leave the State, & be protected out
by the militia, but to be permitted to remain under protection until
further orders were received from the Commander in Chief.
4th: To give up their arms of every description, to be receipted
for.
Col Hinckle agreed to the proposition readily, but wished to
postpone the matter until morning. I then told him that I would
require Jos Smith Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley Pratt and
Geo. W. Robinson as hostages for his faithful compliance with the
terms, and would pledge myself and each one of the officers present
that in case he, after reflecting and consulting upon the
propositions during the night, declined acceding to them, that the
hostages would be returned to him in the morning, at the same point
they were received. But it was understood that in case they did
comply, they were to be held for trial as part of the leaders called
for by 1st stipulation. I then gave him until one hour by sun in the
evening to produce and deliver them. We then returned to camp, &
I directed the troops to make preparations to march to Far West by
an hour & a half by sun, with a determination, in case the
hostages were not produced, to make an attack upon the town
forthwith. I directed Genl Parks' Brigade to be mounted, & to
form on the right of the Division, to act as flankers if necessary
and, if required, to pass entirely around the town and form on the
north side with instructions to make the attack at the report of the
cannon, which was to be the signal for the general attack. Genl
Graham's Brigade was mounted & formed on the extreme left to act
as flankers and, if required, to form the line on the west side with
similar instructions as to the commencement of the attack.
Genl Doniphan's Brig. was ordered to parade on foot and to form on
the left of Genl Parks, with instructions to form on the East side,
with similar orders relative to attack. Genl Wilson's Brig. was
ordered to parade on foot and to form on the left of Genl Doniphan,
with instructions to form the line of battle on the South side, with
same instructions as to commencement of attack.
The artillery company, with one piece of ordnance, was placed at the
head of Genl Doniphan & Genl Wilson's Brigades with instructions
to occupy an eminence within 300 yards of the town.
The army being disposed of in this manner, at the appointed time I
took up the line of march in the direction of Far West. When the
troops got within about 600 yards I discovered the flag, and the
hostages advancing. I immediately halted the army and rode out and
met them, received the hostages and placed a guard over them for
their safety and protection, and ordered the force back to our
encampment. I cannot forbear at this point expressing my
gratification and approbation of the good conduct & gallant
bravery evinced by all the officers and men under my command. They
marched up with as much determination and deliberation as old
veterans, not knowing but that the charge would be sounded every
moment for surrounding the town. There was no noise [nor even
passion/fusion] - nothing but an eager anxiety upon the countenance
of every man to get at the work. When the hostages were received,
the troops, with some slight exceptions, marched back in profound
silence.
1st Novr I ordered the whold forces amounting to 2500 men to parade
at 9 O'clock A.M. & to take up the line of march for Far West,
and 1/2 past 9 O'clock to receive the prisoners & their arms.
The troops marched out & formed in the prairie about 200 yards
east of the town. Genl Wilson's Brig. formed the west line, Genl
Doniphan's the east line, Genl Graham's & Genl Parks' the south
line with the artillery company and the cannon in the center of the
two latter, leaving one side of the space open.
The Mormon army, reduced to about 600 men by desertion and
otherwise, under their commander Col Hinckle, marched out of their
town, through the space into our square, formed a hollow square and
grounded their arms. Col. Hinckle then rode forward & delivered
up to me his sword & pistols. I then directed a company from the
respective Brigades to form a front, rear, and right & left
flank guards, & to march the prisoners back to Far West, &
protect & take charge of them until the next morning. I then
detailed a company from Genl Doniphan's command to take charge of
the arms. Then, in order to gratify the army, & to let the
Mormons see our forces, marched around the town & through the
principal street, & back to Headquarters. Considering the war at
an end in this place, I issued orders for Genl Doniphan's Brigade,
with the exception of one company, & Genl Graham's Brig. to take
up their line of march for their respective Head Quarters, &
dismiss their men. And directed Genl Wilson to take charge of the
prisoners (demanded for trial) & arms & march them to my
Head Quarters at Independence to await further orders, & to
dismiss all except a guard for the prisoners & arms.
2nd Nov: I relieved the guard placed over the prisoners at Far West
by 4 companies of Genl Parks' Brig. and placed them under the
command of Col. Thompson's 2nd Brigd 3rd Div. with instructions to
report to Genl Clark.
The balance of Genl Parks' Brigade, with Capt. Gilliam's company of
Genl Doniphan's Brigade under the command of Genl Parks, I ordered
to Adam on Diamon, a Mormon town in Daviess County, with
instructions to disarm the Mormon forces at that place and to leave
a guard of 50 men for the protection of prisoners, & to report
to Genl Clark. In order to carry the treaty & stipulations into
effect, I have requested your Aide-de-Camp Col. Williams, together
with Col. Burch & Major J. Reese of Ray, to attend to drawing up
all the papers legally, & directed Col. Thompson to wait on them
with a portion of his command, & to cause all their orders &
requirements consistent with the stipulations to be carried into
effect.
This day about 12 O'clock there was a Battalion of 100 men from
Platte arrived at Far West, which I ordered back, having understood
that Major Genl. Clark would be in in a day or two with a sufficient
force to operate in Daviess & Livingston, & for any service
that may be required.
I have the honor to be
Most respectfully
Saml D. Lucas
Maj. Genl.
Commanding
Head Quarters of the Forces
Against the Mormons
Richmond, Nov 2nd 1838
Genl Samuel D. Lucas
Major Genl 4th Div M.M.
Sir: I have heretofore directed you to report to me of your
movements in your operations against the Mormons, but you have not
done so or even sent me a line, except a pencil scrawl accidently
found in the Bar Room of the Tavern at Richmond. I know nothing
officially of what has been done, and shall therefore move on to Far
West. You are ordered to have all the prisoners and arms taken from
the Mormons to be brought forthwith to this place and the prisoners
put in the Richmond jail and guarded, and the arms put in some
secure place and guarded also. And you are also ordered to discharge
your forces except a sufficient guard for the arms and prisoners as
above. You will then repair in person to my camp between here and
Daviess County with your [unit ] and also communicate to me a
complete report in detail of what you have done in this expedition.
These orders I make under order to me from the Govr.
I have the Honor
to be your Obt Svt
John B. Clark
Comg Genl
Head quarters of all the forces
against the Mormons
Far West, Nov 4th 1838
Brig. Genl Parks
Sir: I received your communication of this day per express and can
only say you are right in obeying the orders of Genl Lucas although
they were not without authority so far as he was concerned. You
have, I suppose, taken the whole of the men of the Mormons
prisoners. If not, you will do so and place such a guard around them
and the town as well to protect the prisoners and to secure them
until they can be dealt with properly. Also, the property must be
protected from plunder and waste as far as practicable. In relation
to the property of the citizens, you will give notice that as soon
as I get things settled here I will repair to that place with a
sufficient force to place the citizens back in their homes, and then
all their property that can be found will be delivered up to them.
And also the best means adopted to have them paid for the damage
they have sustained, till which time, to wit, my arrival, all their
property as well as the Mormons' must be held in custody. This is
done in order that justice may be done in its distribution. All the
citizens who have been moved can now move back with perfect safety,
as my forces will not be discharged until they who choose to have
moved.
If you think 60 men or one company enough without doubt to leave at
that place to secure the prisoners and afford protection &c, you
are at liberty to do as you suggested. But you must select a company
in whom you can confide to execute your order and charge them to be
strict that no outrages are committed. Prisoners must be protected.
If you move your forces here, all but one company, you had better do
so immediately. I will wait here until you have time to come before
I make any further orders about Adam.
I am, Sir, yr Obt Svt
John B. Clark
Maj Genl Comg
Independence, Mo. 5th Novr 1838
His Exc. L. W. Boggs
Commd in Chief
M.M.
Sir: I returned on yesterday with the troops of the 1st Brig. 4th
Divis. M.M. We got to Goose Creek in the vicinity of Far West on
30th ult. and the next day the town surrendered to us under the
following conditions and stipulations, viz:
1st To give up their leaders to be tried & punished.
2nd To make an appropriation of their property, all who had taken up
arms, to the payment of their debts, and indemnity for damage done
by them.
3rd That the balance should leave the state and be protected out by
the Militia, but to be permitted to remain until further orders from
the Commander in Chief.
4th To give up their arms of every description, to be receipted for.
We took about 600 prisoners and rec'd something like that number of
arms.
In disbanding my command, I ordered Genl Wilson to take charge of
the leaders who I had demanded for trial, viz, Jo Smith, Sidney
Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Amos Lyman, Geo. W. Robinson, Parley Pratt,
Hyram Smith, together with the arms, and march them to my
Headquarters at Independence to await your further orders. On 3rd of
Novr, when at Williams Ferry, Missouri River, I received a letter
from Major Genl Clark, by express, ordering me to march the
prisoners and arms to Richmond, to discharge my forces, and repair
myself with my staff to his camp wherever I could find it between
Richmond and Daviess County. This order I did not comply with, as I
could not under any circumstances be commanded by a Junior Major
Genl. I was thrown into the field by a call from Brig. Genl Parks
there in the field. Which, according to military ettiquette and
usage is equivalent to an order. And from your order to Genl Clark,
he is only authorized to command Brigadier Generals, but can make a
call on Major Genl's for any force that he may think necessary.
I received a copy of your orders to him, and I intend to start the
prisoners and arms to Richmond in the morning when the whole will be
subject to his order.
Your orders of 26th & 27th ult. together with your letter to me
of latter date was only rec'd by express on 30th ult. within 6 or 7
miles of Far West. At this point Major Gen'l Atchison left me and
returned home to Liberty. I was then left in the sole com'd of about
1,800 men, which I marched that night to Goose Creek, within one
mile of Far West. By sun-down the next day my forces were increased
to 2500 men. With an army of this magnitude I could not think of
lying idle and inactive.
I will make out a fair report and send it to you by next mail. We
were looking for you every day, for the last 4 or 5 days, or I would
have sent an express to you from Far West. A communication I
received from Gen'l Clark 1st Novr stated that he had learned you
was on your way up, and would arrive in a day or two. Learning that
Gen'l Clark was on his march with an army of 2000 men, I concluded
that he would have force sufficient to operate in Daviess and
Livingston Counties, and to make a final close without the
co-operation of my troops. I deemed it proper in order to save the
state an enormous expense, which each day was immensely heavy, to
discharge my forces which was accordingly done, with the exception
of four companies left at Far West, and five companies under Gen'l
Parks, sent to Daviess County. I left your aid, Col. Williams, Col.
Burch and Major Reese of Regt at Far West drawing up all the
necessary papers, and Col. Hinkle and myself appointed 5th Comd, viz:
Wm Collins of Jackson, G. W. Woodward of Ray, Judge Cameron of Clay
and John Corrill and M. Phelps of Far West.
The Mormons are to convey their property in trust to those comd's
for the benefit of creditors and for indemnifying those that have
been damaged by them. This arrangement gave satisfaction to the
whole army and was the means of saving a great many valuable lives,
and the effusion of immense bloodshed.
I have the honor to be with
Great respect
Saml D. Lucas
Major Genl 4th Divis M.M.
P.S. I sent Genl Clark a copy of my report to you, as soon as I had
it made out.
Executive Department
City of Jefferson
6 Nov 1838
[To]
Major Genl
Jno B. Clark
Commanding the forces
against the Mormons
Sir: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication under the date of the 3rd inst, dated at Richmond, by
the express Mr. G. D. Maupin. I regret very much to hear that Genl
Lucas has been guilty of disobedience of orders; on the subject,
however, I shall cause in due time an inquiry to be made. I thought
I had been so very explicit in my orders, that it was not possible
to misunderstand them. You have placed the proper construction upon
them, which was that the whole force to be employed in this service
was to be placed under your command. General Lucas was not ordered
out at all, except in the way I mentioned to you in my last
communication. He was directed to cause four hundred men of his
division to be raised, and place them under the command of a
Brigadier Genl with the privilege, if he thought proper, to waive
his rank as Major Genl and take Brigadier General's command.
General Atchison was not ordered out in this last affair for two
reasons: one was that I was aware as a member of the Legislature he
would have other duties to attend to, and another was that there was
much dissatisfaction manifested towards him by the people opposed to
the Mormons. He, though, under our militia law, has a right within
the limits of his command to order out his troops to quell
insurrection or repel invasion. Genl Lucas, though, could not
exercise any command within Genl Atchison's division only so far as
he may have been directed by the Commander in Chief, and that only
extended to the command of a Brigadier.
In pursuance of the orders which I forwarded by Mr. Black, the
express from Daviess County, whose companion Mr. Dryden bore my
first orders to you. I therefore approve of the course you have
taken in demanding the prisoners of Genl Lucas, as well as the arms,
and shall send to him instructions to deliver them over to your
order in the way you have directed him. You will see that they are
securely confined within the limits of some prison and strongly
guarded. The course you have proposed taking in relation to the
other prisoners, that is to hold an Examining Court, and cause all
those deemed guilty to be confined and guarded, is the correct one.
You will proceed to Diamon and there disperse all the persons you
may find embodied and under arms without authority of law. In the
meantime, attachment from your command can, if it is deemed
necessary, be employed to reinstate the people of Daviess in their
homes. It will also be necessary that you hold a Military Court of
inquiry in Daviess County and arrest the Mormons who have been
guilty of the late outrages committed towards the inhabitants of
said county. My instructions to you are to settle this whole matter
completely if possible before you disband your forces. If the
Mormons are disposed voluntarily to leave the state, of course it
would be advisable for you to promote that object in any way deemed
proper. The ringleaders of this rebellion, though, ought by no means
permitted to escape the punishment they merit.
The troops from Col. Gasconade and Franklin are directed to report
to you. You had perhaps better return them in service and discharge
them who from fatigue or otherwise may be disposed to return.
I would be pleased to hear from you of the final result of this
matter, previous to the meeting of the Legislature. I shall forward
to Genl Lucas by Express the necessary orders and instructions to
obey the orders you have directed to him, under date of the 3rd
inst. in relation to the arms and prisoners.
I have to request of you to embody all the facts you can collect in
relation to the commencement of progress, and termination of the
recent difficulties with the Mormons, in order that I may
communicate same to the Legislature.
I am respectfully
Yr Obt St
L. W. Boggs
Com. in Chief
P.S. The prisoners will of course be delivered over to the civil
authority, when you may deem it prudent to do so.
Head Quarters
Nov 7th 1838
Genl Order
Brigadier Genl Robt. Wilson will take up the line of march with his
Brigade this morning for Adam on diamon in Daviess County and take
possession of the prisoners at that place and proceed to ascertain
those who committed crimes. And when done to put them under close
guard. And when he moves, take them to Keytesville after having them
recognized by the proper authority. He will then endeavor to restore
the citizens of Daviess to their homes. After things have been
restored as far as may be he will march for home and discharge his
force and report to me. I send a copy of the orders of the Govr to
me, which are transferred to him, all things for that particular
service to do all things which you may deem necessary under said
order.
John B. Clark
Major Genl Comg
Independence, Novr 7th 1838
His Exc L. W. Boggs
Comd in Chief
M.M.
Sir: I recd from Genl Clark last night, per the hands of Col Price,
a copy of your orders of the 1st Novr in which you state that
neither Genls Atchison & Lucas was called or ordered into the
field by you. If your orders had of reached me before I got into the
field, I would not have went, but I know nothing of the call for men
or of the arrangements for giving the command to Genl Clark, but
acted as I have before informed you. Upon a call from Brig. Genl
Parks, then in the field (which, according to military usage &
ettiquette is equivalent to an order) for assistance, he represented
things in such a manner (which your Excellency has been apprised of
by Col. Williams and Major Rees) that I believed I had no
alternative but to act as I did. I have no disposition to thwart
either your designs or Genl Clark's plans in going into the field,
but after I got there with an army of 2500 men I could not
consistently lie idle or inactive.
For the result of my proceedings, I refer you to my report sent
herewith. I did not make any report to Genl Clark because I did not
believe it proper to do so consistent with my grade of office.
I am very Respectfully
yr Obt Servt
S. D. Lucas
Major Genl 4th Divis. M.M.
P.S. If your Excellency should deem it proper, you can cause Genl
Clark to be furnished with a copy of the above.
Head Quarters of the Militia
Employed against the Mormons
Richmond Novr 10th 1838
His Excellency L. W. Boggs
Sir, A day or two before I received your first order, I had upon
information from a letter from Mr. Rees and Col. Williams on their
way to you, issued an order to have raised in my Division one
thousand men ready to march on Monday the 29th day of October last,
all of which I communicated to you by express, the one however
conveying my communication met one from your Excellency &
returned.
On the 29th according to my order the first Brigade rendezvous at
Fayette proposed to march, and did on that evening take up the line
of march and reached Chariton on that evening. At Chariton I recd an
express from Messrs. Atchison and Lucas to you, which I forwarded
and then I dispatched an order to Genls Atchison & Lucas with a
copy of your several orders to me, all of which you have been
informed of by me. The next day, October 30th we reached Keytesville
where we met the 2nd Brigade, commanded by Genl Robert Wilson who
had been ordered to join me at that place. The next morning October
31st I organized the two Brigades into a Division, officered the
same and took up the line of march for Richmond. We made forced
marches until we reached Richmond. On the day we reached Carrollton,
Novr 2nd I heard a report that Genl Lucas had invested Far West and
effected a capitulation, the arms of which I sent you from here on
my way out. I then sent another express to Genl Lucas to hold fast
to all he had (supposing he had the prisoners and arms) until I
arrived, to make no final capitulation or treaty until I did arrive,
when I would communicate to him my plans for settling the
difficulty, and also requesting him to report to me forthwith his
acts, strengths &c. The express was directed to bring back to me
at Richmond any communication the Genl might desire to make.
The next day I reached Crooked River in the neighborhood of
Richmond. At this place I learned that Genl Lucas had disbanded his
forces, and marched the prisoners to Independence. I immediately
sent an express to intercept him, with orders to march the prisoners
and arms back to Richmond for the reasons contained in my letter to
you from Richmond.
I continued my march to Far West where I arrived on Sunday the 4th.
When I reached there I encamped in the vicinity of town. At night I
went into town with all my Field Officers & commenced ferreting
out the guilty amongst the Mormons who were there. This business
employed my time for two days and nights. After I had obtained all
the information I could by disclosures from the dissenters from Jo
the prophet (and there are not a few at this time) I caused the
whole of the Mormons to be paraded, and took out of their ranks such
of those I conceived guilty as could be found, and put them into a
room.
A deep snow falling on this evening, and there being no chance to
obtain fuel or provender, I was compelled to march back to Richmond
with the prisoners, forty-six in number. I however, the day before I
left Far West dispatched Lt. Col. Price from the Second Brigade to
Richmond with two companies to receive the prisoners and arms, but
on his arrival not finding them there, he went to Genl Lucas at
Independence and informed him of his mission. The Genl then sent
them and they reached here on last evening.
On the day I left Far West, I ordered Genl Wilson with his Brigade
(except the two companies with Col. Price), to Adam Ondo Ahmon, a
town in Daviess which had a few days since surrendered & given
up their arms, with instructions to take possession of the town and
disarm all the Mormons, and act in that quarter in accordance to
your instructions to me, a copy of which was furnished him.
He was also instructed to take out from the mass of Mormons such as
probably could be convicted of crime, and have them committed and
then carry them to Keytesville, and have them placed in jail and
guarded, but he was instructed not to leave that quarter until he
had reinstated the citizens in their property and homes as far as
practicable, and if necessary leave a small force there to protect
the citizens.
I also ordered Capt Comstock with his company in Livingston to
continue there, disarming the Mormons where-ever found, and report
to Genl Wilson at Diamon for further orders.
This being done, I proposed to march back to Richmond. The morning
before I left Far West I called the whole of the Mormons together,
about five hundred (a great number having run away between the
surrender and my arrival) and informed them that the prisoners I
had, together with those taken by Genl Lucas, would be taken to
Richmond, tried, and punished if found guilty. That they must comply
with the terms of the capitulation with Genl Lucas.
The situation of their women and children, and the inclemency of the
weather, induced me to modify the terms, and not require them to
remove forthwith. That they could remain until their convenience
suited them in the Spring. That no military guard would go with
them, but I would pledge the honor of the State, they should not be
hurt, and that their arms should be given up to them whenever they
left the State, and not before. This they readily agreed to, so far
as I could judge from their expressions.
This being done, I took up the line of march with the prisoners, and
got here on yesterday. On my arrival here I discharged the whole of
the first Brigade. I will here state that on my way to Far West,
while at Richmond, I wrote to Genl Grant and ordered him to
countermarch and discharge his forces. The same order I sent to Genl
Willock from Far West, also Genl Crowster's Division was discharged
at Richmond on their way, except the Boonville guards who were taken
on to Far West and discharged here this morning. Genl White,
learning of the state of affairs, left his men at the River near
Livingston and came on to meet me with his staff at Far West. I then
ordered him to countermarch his Brigade, except the cavalry
commanded by Capt Parsons, which company is now here guarding the
prisoners.
All the forces in this quarter are now discharged, except two
companies commanded by Capt Parsons and Capt Bogard. I detained
Lieut. Col. Price to superintend the guard of the prisoners, and I
also detained Genl White and his field officers here a day or two
for the purpose of holding a Court Martial if necessary. I this day
made out charges against the prisoners and called on Judge King to
try them as a committing court, and I am now busily engaged in
procuring witnesses and submitting facts. There being no civil
offices in Caldwell, I have to use the military to get witnesses
from there which I do without reserve.
Genl Wilson's Brigade is still in service in Daviess County, under
the instructions above stated. They will be discharged as fast as
possible.
The most of the prisoners here I consider guilty of Treason, and I
believe will be convicted, and the only difficulty in law is, can
they be tried in any county but Caldwell. If not, they cannot be
there indicted until a change of population. In the event the latter
view is taken by the civil courts, I suggest the propriety of trying
Jo Smith and those leaders taken by Genl Lucas, by a Court Martial
for mutiny. This I am in favor of only as a dernier resort. I would
have taken this course with Smith at any rate, but it seems doubtful
whether a Court Martial has jurisdiction or not in the present case,
that is, whether these people are to be treated as in time of war,
& would here ask you to forward to me the Attorney General's
opinion on this point. My whole object is to obey your orders &
settle this matter so as to have the best effect upon the people,
& at the same time not compromise the character of the State.
But it will not do to allow these leaders to return to their
treasonable work again on account of their not being indicted in
Caldwell.
I find by inquiry that with all the enormities we have heard charged
against these people, many of which charges we looked upon as the
offspring of prejudice on the part of our citizens, the truth has
not yet been told. There is no crime from treason down to the most
petty larceny but these people, or a majority of them have been
guilty of. All, too, under the counsel of Joseph Smith Jr, the
prophet. They have committed treason, murder, arson, burglary,
robbery and larceny, and perjury. They have societies formed under
the most revolting covenants in form, & the most horrid oaths to
circumvent the law & put them at defiance, & to plunder
& burn & murder & divide the spoils for the use of the
Church. This is what they call the Danite Club or Society.
These facts I gather from some persons I have who have disclosed:
Under this horrid system, many of the citizens of Daviess County,
who went to that frontier poor, & who by their industry &
economy had acquired a good living, have been robbed of every
article of property they have - their houses burnt before their
eyes, & them & their wives & children driven out of the
country, without any kind of shelter. In one instance, I have been
informed that a family was ordered off & their house burnt in
their light & a woman driven out while it was snowing, with a
child only four days old. In another case, I was informed a family
was driven away & the woman was compelled to ask protection in a
few miles, where she was delivered of a child in a short time after.
These, sir, are some of the offenses of these people. I do not
wonder at the prejudices against them in their vicinity.
I send you enclosed a copy of a Constitution of one of their
societies from which you can gather some information. I design to
continue my head Quarters here, until the investigation of the cases
of the prisoners are closed. You shall be informed from time to time
of the progress, as also of the movements in Daviess. Those facts I
now communicate to you, supposing they would be useful to you before
the meeting of the Legislature. Your communication of the 6th was
received today by Mr. Maupin. Its contents were duly noted &
shall be attended to. I have this evening informed the prisoners of
what is charged against them and ordered the leaders to be bound, so
as to [ ] to save them.
I am, Sir, your obt Servt
John B. Clark
Maj Genl
Commanding
Independence, 11th Nov 1838
His Excellency L. W. Boggs
Comr in Chief, M.M.
Sir: Your communiction of 6th Nov. 1838 through B. M. Lisle, Adj.
Genl, has just been received. The prisoners have been sent to
Richmond, subject to the order of Genl Clrk, & the arms will be
sent as soon as the weather will permit. I have also furnished Genl
Clark a copy of my report to you, all of which proceedings have been
transmitted to you by mail, but which I presume did not reach
previous to the date of your orders.
I have the honor to be yr
most obdt servt
Saml D. Lucas
Maj. Genl 4th D. M.M.
P.S. I refer you to my report & two other communications since
my return from Far West, for further particulars as to the prisoners
& arms.
Col. S. V. Noland, one of your Aide-de-Camps who accompanied the
expedition under my command, will leave this evening for Jefferson
City & will communicate further on this subject.
Sl D. Lucas
Maj. Gen 4th Div
P.S. The first communication received from Genl Clark was under date
30th Oct in which he directs Genl Atchison & myself to act as we
think best according to circumstances. This letter was received
either on the day or the day before the surrender, by Capt. Long,
one of the persons Genl Atchison & myself had started to you
with our report. The 2nd communication from Genl Clark was dated 1st
Nov. In this, he directs us to remain in some secure position, &
not to make any attack until he arrived. This, together with the 3rd
communication, (the one you sent a copy of in your communication per
Mr. Dorriss) was only received at Williams Ferry, Missouri River,
two days after I had disbanded the army, as per my report to you of
the 2nd Nov.
I never had any idea of trying any of the prisoners by a Court
Martial, but only ordered them to my Head Quarters to await your
further orders.
S. D. Lucas
Maj. Genl 4th Div. M.M.
Head Quarters 2nd Brigade 1 D, M.M.
Adam-on-Diahmon Nov 12, 1838
Maj. Genl Clark:
Sir, In pursuance of your order of the 7th at Far West, I took up
the line of march with my command & arrived here on the 8th. We
suffered much from the inclemency of the weather, which still
continues.
On my arrival here I found the troops had left. I met Col. Burges
some two miles from this place, he being the last. I immediately
placed a guard around the town & ordered the Mormons to parade,
which order was promptly obeyed, and about two hundred men entered
their names. I then proceeded to the investigation as you required
by your order, Justices Black & other citizens being present. I
caused such of the Mormons as were supposed to be guilty of crimes
arrested, and handed them over to the civil authorities for trial.
It however appears that the most guilty had previously escaped, they
having ample opportunity as I am informed the town had not been
under guard up to the time of our arrival. The investigation is
still progressing but with but little hope of effecting much, as the
citizens seem to be unable to identify but few.
It is perfectly impossible for me to convey to you anything like the
awful state of things which exist here. Language is inadequate to
the task. The citizens of a whole county first plundered, & then
their houses & other buildings burnt to ashes. Without houses,
beds, furniture or even cloting in many instances to meet the
inclemency of the weather. I confess that my feelings have been
shocked with the gross brutality of these Mormons, who have acted
more like demons from the infernal regions than human beings. Under
these circumstances you will readily perceive that it would be
perfectly impossible for me to protect the Mormons against the just
indignation of the citizens. I therefore promptly informed the
Mormons in a short address of all the facts that had then come to my
knowledge - told them I should remain in Daviess County ten days,
& would endeavor to protect them during that time. At the end of
the ten days I would leave, and was not authorized to promise them
further protection in Daviess County - that you had promised
protection in Caldwell County - that such of them as wished to
remove to Caldwell, or out of the state, I would give a permit to
state that effect & would guarantee their safety on the route.
The Mormons themselves appeared pleased with the idea of getting
away from their enemies & a justly insulted people, and I
believe all have applied to receive permits to leave the county. And
I suppose about fifty families have left & othrs are hourly
leaving, & at the end of the ten days, Mormons will not be known
in Daviess County.
This appears to me to [be] the only course left to prevent a general
massacre and I hope my course in this matter may meet your
approbation, as it has been your pleasure to commit to my charge a
most important command without special instructions. I feel the more
bound not only to return you my sincere thanks for the honor thus
done, but to give you a full account of all my acts. Nothing has
been left undone on my part to justify that confidence.
The citizens of Daviess have cooperated heartily with me & to
their praise be it said, have shown a degree of compassion &
charity, unparalleled under the circumstances, to their enemies,
& have cheerfully obeyed every order I have found it proper to
give in this matter & now confidently believe I shall be able to
close this most shocking insurrection without further bloodshed.
I had previously to receiving your order discharged all the troops
under my command, except one company under Capt. Norbold. This
company will be retained until I close my business here. I expect,
without otherwise ordered, to remain here until tomorrow week &
then set out for home. If therefore it is your pleasure to give me
further orders before leaving, I would suggest that they be
forwarded in time to reach here before that time.
It would astonish you to see the immense piles of stolen property
which has been brought in & deposited by the Mormons, consisting
of almost everything to be found at a farm house, & much
remaining yet concealed. Large quantities have been found buried in
& near town. I have been making all possible exertions to
collect & preserve this property for the owners, but I find it
hard to do as these dirty thieves are more skillful in the pilfering
line than any I have yet seen. The citizens inform me that much of
their property has been to Far West. I suggest that you order them
to return them here at their own expense.
I write in a miserable shanty called the Lord's Store House, late at
night after having been well soaked in the rain during the day,
& much fatigued. I may have omitted some things, but when I am
more comfortable I will write you more fully.
I have the honor to be with unsignal [ ] good will
Your Obt Servt
R. Wilson, Brig. Genl
[ ] 2nd Brig. M.M.
Executive Department
City of Jefferson
Nov 12, 1838
[To]
Major Genl D. Willock
Cmdr Detachment
Hartville
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of
the 10th inst. from Hartville. From information received from Genl
Clark, who was placed in command of all the troops raised in
pursuance of the late order of the Executive, there will not be any
necessity for your proceeding any further. You will therefore return
your troops and discharge them. The Quarter Master of your
detachment will purchase and grant certificates to the person of
whom he purchases, for such provisions as you may need. You will,
however, [ ] out with as small a quantity as possible.
You will please present my thanks to the troops under your command
for their promptness in marching to the call of their country.
Respectfully,
L. W. Boggs, Com
in Chief
Head Quarters, Richmond
Nov 14th 1838
His Exc Gov Boggs -
Sir: In my last communication I informed you of all the important
incidents of the expedition up to that time. On Tuesday last we
commenced the examination of the alleged crimes, being treason,
murder, burglary, arson & larceny against Jo Smith and his
co-leaders & about forty six others who occupy less a space
amongst their people, but many of whom are equally guilty. The
defendants have employed Messrs. Rees and Doniphan to defend them,
who are both present.
The enquiry, as you may well imagine, takes a very extensive range
and involves many important legal principles not often adverted to
in our own practice, & being as I consider too important to be
made out against the prisoners I, at the suggestion of Mr. Burch,
the Circuit Attorney, spoke to Col. W. T. Wood to assist in the
prosecution, promising him to lay the matter before your excellency,
not doubting but what some provisions would be made by which he
would have paid to him a reasonable fee. This was not done because I
doubted Mr. Burch's ability in the least, for he is a good lawyer,
and entering into this matter with his whole energy, but there are
so many points [starred] & so much labor to arrange the facts,
so as to make them bear on the various defendants that I did not
wonder he should ask assistance. And for the good of the state I
spoke to Col. Wood as above stated, & he very willingly engaged
with Mr. Burch.
We progress slowly, but thus far the disclosures indicate certain
conviction of treason against Smith, Wight, Pratt, Rigdon & some
one or two more, and of murder against some five or six. Burglary
against several, arson against a number & larceny against
others. How it will all result I cannot yet tell, but that the
leaders will all be convicted of treason or murder I think is
reasonably certain, & many others of felony. You shall be
informed as we progress.
I received this evening a communication from Genl Wilson, who had
been dispatched to Daviess County, a copy of which I enclose you,
from which you will discover that things are becoming as well
settled there as can be under the circumstances, though they & I
would have been much better settled if your orders had been complied
with before my arrival. It seems to me if proper steps had been
taken to save the active leaders, they could all have been captured.
The protection Genl Wilson alludes to my giving the Mormons in
Caldwell I explained to you in my last communication.
I regret exceedingly to learn that any acts of yours should create
any heart burnings or collision with your Excellency and any General
officer, and particularly to such an extent as I understand exists
with Genl Atchison. Your motives doubtless were good, your orders
were undoubtedly right as to the Mormons, and my command and I have
no doubt the whole country will sustain you.
Business of a very urgent nature compels me to leave here on
tomorrow for Fayette, where I will arrive on Sunday, leaving Lt.
Col. Price, a competent officer, here until my return. I will only
remain in Fayette until Tuesday or Wednesday next, & then I
shall return here to remain until this whole prosecution is settled
or put in such a condition that a military force is unnecessary. It
is thought that the investigation will last for two or three weeks.
I am, sir, your obt servt
John B. Clark
Maj. Genl, Commg
Richmond, Nov 23, 1838
Understanding that Maj Genl Clark is about to return with the whole
of his command from the scene of difficulty, we avail ourselves of
this occasion to state that we were present when the Mormons
surrendered to Major Genl Lucas at Far West and remained there until
Major Genl Clark arrived. And we are happy to have this opportunity
as well as the satisfaction of stating that the course of him and
his troops while at Far West was of the most respectful kind and
obliging character towards the said Mormons. And that the destitute
among that people are much indebted to him for sustenance during his
stay.
The modification of the terms upon which the Mormons surrendered, by
permitting them to remain until they could safely go in the spring
was also an act that gave general satisfaction to the Mormons. We
have no hesitation in saying that the course taken by Genl Clark
with the Mormons was necessary for the public peace, and that the
Mormons are generally satisfied with his course. We feel duty bound
to say that the conduct of the Genl, his staff officers and troops
was highly honorable as soldiers and citizens so far as our
knowledge intends, and we have heard of nothing derogatory to the
dignity of the state in the treatment of the prisoners.
Respectfully,
W. W. Phelps
George Walters
John Clemmson
G. M. Hinckle
John Corrill
Keytesville, Nov 25th 1838
Genl Clark:
Sir - In performance of your order dated at Far West Nov 7th, I
marched with the troops under my command for Adam Onde Ohman in the
County of Daviess where I arrived on the 8th. Immediately after my
arrival I had called together all the Mormons then residing in
Daviess County and distinctly informed them of the nature of the
order of the Commander in Chief, and that you had transferred the
same to the undersigned to be executed in the County of Daviess. I
also informed them that they would be permitted to remain in Daviess
County during the winter or that they, at their option, should be
permitted peacably to remove themselves and property to Caldwell
County if they desired so to do. That I would remain ten days with a
sufficient force for their protection, and that I would give to such
as desired it a written permit to remove to Caldwell or out of the
state. So soon as this was made known to them, they unanimously made
application and received the permit above alluded to. And in the
course of ten days all the Mormons residing at that point, with a
few exceptions, had removed in peace and safety. I would here give
it as my opinion that, owing to the hostility these people had
produced against themselves by their excesses and depredations upon
the property and lives of the citizens, would not have been
permitted to remain there in safety, and of this the Mormons seemed
to be well satisfied.
I found the greater portion of these people to be late immigrants to
this place from Canada and the northern parts of the United States,
encamped mostly in tents and provided with provisions for the
winter. I was told upon inquiry that the prisoners had not been
guarded since their surrender and that such as knew they could be
identified by the citizens had mostly absconded. Such of the Mormons
that could be identified were placed on trial before a justice of
the peace.
The Mormons have done immense injury to the citizens of this county,
first by robbing them of all their movable property and then burning
their houses. A part of this property was found at Adam Ondi Ahman,
but the greater portion is still missing. The people of Daviess
County, during my stay among them, conducted themselves toward the
Mormons with great propriety and even generosity. I am fully
satisfied for myself that no people having any claims to honesty
would permit such a band of robbers, as these Mormons have proved
themselves to be, to reside among them. It is useless for me here to
recapitulate the evidence upon which this opinion is founded, as you
must be fully in possession of the same from the inquiry now going
on forward at Richmond.
I have great pleasure in being able to certify to you of the good
conduct of the troops under my command. Both officers and privates
discharged their duty to my entire satisfaction and without a
murmur. So far as I am informed no Mormon was injured in person or
property by any person under my command.
Finding the civil authorities of Daviess County in a situation to
discharge all the duties required of them by law, I referred all
matters in dispute in relation to property between citizens and
Mormons, under the belief that an exercise of military authority
under the circumstances would have been improper.
The extent of the injury sustained by the citizens would not be
fully ascertained, but so far as my observation and information
extended, the whole county is laid waste and I fear many will suffer
during the winter. It is impossible [to] witness these scenes of
distress without feeling the deepest indignation against the leaders
of these people who under the sacred name of religion have caused
their followers to commit the most horrid crimes ever perpitrated in
any country, and that too, as they allege, for the advancement of
the Kingdom of Christ.
The troops under my command have all returned home and I am this far
on the route subject to your further order.
I have the honor to be
with great respect
Robert Wilson Brg Genl
2nd Bat 1st Div M.M.
Senate Chamber Nov 28th 1838
Dear Sir: In answer to your note of this morning requesting me to
give you such information as was in my knowledge relative to the
battle fought on the 30th October at the Mills on Shoal Creek
between the citizens and Mormons.
I will state that the company I belonged to was stationed in the
rear as a reserve at a distance of about 40 yards of the line of
battle. As soon as the line of battle was formed and before all the
troops in the line had dismounted, the fire commenced (by the
Mormons as I was told by those in front). The position I occupied
prevented me from seeing the commencement. As soon as firing
commenced, the company I belonged to dismounted and run in the line
in front. When I got sight of the position of the Mormons, they were
all in the house or under the bank of the creek and the smoke of
their guns from both places appeared to me to be continual. Our men
took a few fires at a crack in the house when I heard the order to
charge the house which order was promptly obeyed. The men run to the
house. As we approached it I saw one man have out his gun in front
of me. I stepped to one side & the man in front of me squatted
down and pitched under the muzzle, lay still until the gun fired. He
then rose and as the Mormon drew back his gun, our man shoved his
gun in the house & fired. By this time our men got possession of
all the port holes, cracks &c and kept up such a constant fire
that the Mormons could not get their guns out to shoot. They then
broke out of the house and run towards the creek, but many fell in
their flight. About that time I heard the cry of Quarters among our
own men. I recollect distinctly of hearing one of our own men say
(they called for quarters). I then hallowed Quarters! Quarters! as
loud as I could which was echoed by all around me. The firing then
ceased on our parts at which time a volley came from the creek. I
then thought they had heard us calling for Quarters and thought we
were whipped. The firing then renewed on our part and continued as
long as there was any Mormon in sight, except the wounded. After the
battle was near a close, I saw some of the Mormons that had reached
the top of the hill south of the creek, about 300 yards from us,
stopped, turned around and shot back at us and then run on.
After the battle had subsided I saw some of our men carry our
wounded man into a house and laid him on a bed. The men in counting
the dead found one man in the house not hurt who had fallen down in
the early part of the action and was covered with the slain. I saw
him and talked with him the moment he was taken prisoner. Those who
counted the dead said 31 was killed of the Mormons and seven of our
men was wounded. We then got a waggon and horses and such of our
wounded as was unable to ride was put in the waggon and we left the
place.
The above is an outline of that affair as my recollection serves me.
Yours respectfully,
Daniel Ashby
To Genl J. B. Clark
Nov 14th 1838
The Governor of the State of Missouri -
....There was at Far West about five hundred Mormons, several
hundred having run off with their unit before my arrival, and at
Adam on Diamon about one hundred and fifty or two hundred, making in
all about twelve hundred armed men all together, as well as I can
ascertain. There is now collected in the hands of my Quarter Master,
and I presume Genl Lucas, about seven hundred guns, a great many
pistols, swords and spears, but I have not now in my possession any
means to ascertain the exact numbers. But they have been receipted
for and will be reported in due time by the proper officer.
Before I left Far West I had the Mormons called together and
addressed them in substance that they have capitulated with Genl
Lucas and made their own agreement, and they would be expected to
comply, and must comply, but that they would not be expected to go
until their convenience in the spring. That no military guard would
go with them, that none was necessary as I would pledge the honour
of the State they should not be hurt. That their arms should then be
given up to them. I did not see what else I could do under the
circumstances without setting at naught what had been done by Genl
Lucas, which I thought would have produced another difficulty with
these people of perhaps more danger than the one that was then
settled.
....These people had, as you will perceive, united themselves
together in Societies, the object of which was to first drive from
their society such as refused to join them in their unholy purposes,
and then to plunder the surrounding country and ultimately to
subject the State to their will. They have committed great injury to
the country by burning, robbing. These things, however, their
leaders say was done to punish the citizens of our State for past
violence to them in other places...They have murdered, robbed, stole
and burnt and committed many inhumane acts on helpless families. I
have no doubt but what we have many citizens who have very much
mistreated these people, but never to such as extent as to create
the idea in a rational mind, who loved his country, that the
Government ought to be subverted and the laws put at defiance.
The whole number of Mormons killed through the whole difficulty, as
far as I can ascertain, are about forty and several wounded. There
has been one citizen killed and about fifteen badly wounded. I give
it as my decided opinion that much more blood would have been shed
than this if there had been only troops enough ordered out by your
Excellency to conquer the insurgents [ ]. Their influence [ ] them
into submission to the first troops that appeared before them. This
I am authorized to say by intelligent Mormons...
...not any of the forces after I arrived at Far West committed any
violence either upon the property or persons of the Mormons of
either sex; any statement or insinuation to the contrary is false
and is slander upon my command and our citizens. I am led to make
this statement, your Excellency, on account of pictures I have seen
in some of the public journals of the country about the troops
generally, and consequently embracing my command. I cannot vouch for
the troops before my arrival but I do afterwards, and in justice to
the officers commanding before, I will state that I believe that
great injustice has been done them also. I have the testimony of the
most intelligent Mormons on this subject, which I attach. It is
humiliating to the militia, who are citizens generally of high
order, to see the public journals of the country publishing every
report that is put out without knowing whether it be true or false
for the purpose of casting reproach upon our arms our country. I
make this statement to rescue my command from such [insurrective ]
censure which I know to be false as far as they are concerned, and
leave other General officers having the command before my arrival to
act as they please in the premises.
I have not been able to satisfy myself as well as I would upon the
causes of this difficulty, but enough is shown by the evidence I
here attact to enable the country to appreciate your prompt movement
in ordering out the Militia to put down an insurrection of no
ordinary character. It had for its object dominion, the ultimate
subjugation of this State and the union...
Much has been said to the prejudice of those engaged in the battle
at Hauns mill. Not having received before my departure from Richmond
an official account of that battle from the officer commanding.
Since my arrival here I addressed a note to Maj Ashby, a senator
from Chariton who was there, for information. His answer is here
appurtenent and marked, to which I refer you.
I would inform your Excellency that I have been informed by Mormons
that there are now about one hundred persons, the wives of those who
were killed and run off, who are destitute and depend on their
friends for support.
I do not know how many of the prisoners will be committed, not
having read the evidence in defense. When I left Richmond, I
obtained copies of all the evidence that had been given in that I
could procure, and engaged a gentleman to copy the balance on both
sides & forward it to me at this place by each mail....
Having now submitted to your Excellency the course taken by me under
your several orders in every material step, as well as such
information as I possess, permit me to assure your Excellency that I
entered on my duties with fearful apprehensions that my experience
and ability to command had been exaggerated by you, and it would
have given me pleasure if such an important trust involving so much
had been committed to other, more competent hands. But in the
discharge of my duty I have endeavored to comply with your orders as
I understood and construed them, making the restoration and
preservation of the public peace the great object to be attained.
All which I respectfully submit to your Excellency, hoping that my
acts may be satisfactory to you and yours to the Country.
I am, Sir, with consideration
of high respect your
Obt Servant
John B. Clark
Major Genl Com
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