History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 510
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2 July 1834 • Wednesday
Propositions, &c, of the Mormons.”
<​July 2.​> <​Propositions of the Mormons in Camp.​> “Being called upon by the above named gentlemen, at our camp in , to ascertain from the leaders of our men, our intentions views and designs, in approaching this county in the manner that we have; we therefore, the more cheerfully comply with their request, because we are called upon by gentlemen of good feelings, and who are disposed for peace an[d] an amicable adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people of . The reports of our intentions are various, and have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of almost every man. For instance, one report is, that we intend to demolish the printing office in : another report is that we intend crossing the on monday Sunday next, and falling upon women and children and slaying them: another is that our men were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from manufacturing establishments in the East, that had closed business; also that we carried a flag, bearing peace on one side and war or blood on the other; and various others too numerous to mention: All of which, a plain declaration under our hands of our intentions from under our <​own​> hands, will shew are not correct.
In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostillities against any man or set of men. It is not our intention to injure any man’s person or property, except in defending ourselves. Our flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen who will be able to describe it. Our men were not taken from any manufacturing establishment. It is our intention to go back upon our lands in , by order [HC 2:121] of the of the , if possible. We have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self defence, as it is well known to almost every man of the that we have every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defence, considering the abuse we have suffered in . [p. 510]
2 July 1834 • Wednesday
Propositions, &c, of the Mormons.”
July 2. Propositions of the Mormons in Camp. “Being called upon by the above named gentlemen, at our camp in , to ascertain from the leaders of our men, our intentions views and designs, in approaching this county in the manner that we have; we therefore, the more cheerfully comply with their request, because we are called upon by gentlemen of good feelings, and who are disposed for peace and an amicable adjustment of the difficulties existing between us and the people of . The reports of our intentions are various, and have gone abroad in a light calculated to arouse the feelings of almost every man. For instance, one report is, that we intend to demolish the printing office in : another report is that we intend crossing the on Sunday next, and falling upon women and children and slaying them: another is that our men were employed to perform this expedition, being taken from manufacturing establishments in the East, that had closed business; also that we carried a flag, bearing peace on one side and war or blood on the other; and various others too numerous to mention: All of which, a plain declaration of our intentions from under our own hands, will shew are not correct.
In the first place, it is not our intention to commit hostillities against any man or set of men. It is not our intention to injure any man’s person or property, except in defending ourselves. Our flag has been exhibited to the above gentlemen who will be able to describe it. Our men were not taken from any manufacturing establishment. It is our intention to go back upon our lands in , by order [HC 2:121] of the of the , if possible. We have brought our arms with us for the purpose of self defence, as it is well known to almost every man of the that we have every reason to put ourselves in an attitude of defence, considering the abuse we have suffered in . [p. 510]
Page 510