of “Backwoodsman” and stated at some length the principle ideas contained in it. Now if we go between the to the place under consideration there will be no jealousies from any nation, but if we stop this side the mountains there will be complaints which will reach us. There have been some objections to the country because the land is high, but it is surrounded by very high mountains which would moderate the climate very much. If we can get to this place we can strengthen ourselves and be better able to grapple with our foes. It is a place where we could get access to all the tribes on the northern continent and some of the tribes could easily be won over. The shoshows [Shoshones] are a numerous tribe and just as quick as we could give them a pair of breeches and a blanket they [p. [102]]
This letter, dated 22 October 1845 from Palmyra, Missouri, was read in a meeting of the Twelve Apostles and others on 29 October 1845. The author stated that he was a member of a group that included prominent citizens from Kentucky who intended to settle in San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Valley in California, which they planned to make part of the United States. “Backwoodsman” argued that the Mormons could not peaceably coexist with other settlers in California since their claim to be “the Lords chosen people” and to “have a right to every thing” they needed was “incompatible with civil government, and the rights of others, and will not be tolerated.” The author proposed that the Mormons settle in uninhabited areas at the mouth of the Colorado River and assist other American settlers in California in rebelling against Mexican rule. William Clayton recorded, “His letter was principally made up of slander and abuse and the council considered it to[o] contemptible to answer.” (Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1838–ca. 1882, vol. 14, pp. 236–244, underlining in original; Clayton, Journal, 29 Oct. 1845.)
Historian’s Office. History of the Church, 1838–ca. 1882. 69 vols. CHL. Volumes 1–12 (labeled A-1–F-1, C-1 addenda, and A-2–E-2) are designated herein as “JS History.” See JS History.