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

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 511
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<​July 2​> We are anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us, upon honorable and constitutional principles.
We are willing for twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by each party, and these men shall say what the possessions of those men are worth who cannot live with us in the ; and they shall have their money in one year; and none of the Mormons shall enter that county to reside until the money is paid. The damages that we have sustained in consequence of being driven away, shall also be left to the above twelve men. Or they may all live in the , if they choose, and we will never molest them if they will let us alone, and permit us to enjoy our rights. We want to live in peace with all men, and equal rights is all we ask. We wish to become permanent citizens of this , and wish to bear our proportion in support of the government, and to be protected by its laws. If the above propositions are complied with, we are willing to give security on our part; and we shall want the same of the people of for the performance of this agreement. We do not wish to settle down in a body, except where we can purchase the lands with money; for to take possession by the Conquest or the shedding of blood, is entirely foreign to our feelings. The shedding of blood we shall not be guilty of, until all just and honorable means among men, prove insufficient to restore peace.”
(signed) Joseph Smith, Junr, , , , , .”
<​ June 21 st ​>
“To John Lincoln, Geo. K. Morehead John Sconce, James H. Long, James Collins
3 July 1834 • Thursday
<​High Council of Zion Organized.​> On the 3d. of July. the of Zion assembled <​in the yard of Colonel Arthur’s where lived​> in , and I proceeded to organize a , agreeable to the revelation and pattern given at , for the purpose of settling important business that might [HC 2:122] come before them, which could not be settled by the and his . was elected , and and assistant presidents. The following High Priests namely, , , [p. 511]
July 2 We are anxious for a settlement of the difficulties existing between us, upon honorable and constitutional principles.
We are willing for twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by each party, and these men shall say what the possessions of those men are worth who cannot live with us in the ; and they shall have their money in one year; and none of the Mormons shall enter that county to reside until the money is paid. The damages that we have sustained in consequence of being driven away, shall also be left to the above twelve men. Or they may all live in the , if they choose, and we will never molest them if they will let us alone, and permit us to enjoy our rights. We want to live in peace with all men, and equal rights is all we ask. We wish to become permanent citizens of this , and wish to bear our proportion in support of the government, and to be protected by its laws. If the above propositions are complied with, we are willing to give security on our part; and we shall want the same of the people of for the performance of this agreement. We do not wish to settle down in a body, except where we can purchase the lands with money; for to take possession by Conquest or the shedding of blood, is entirely foreign to our feelings. The shedding of blood we shall not be guilty of, until all just and honorable means among men, prove insufficient to restore peace.”
(signed) Joseph Smith, Junr, , , , , .”
June 21 st
“To John Lincoln, Geo. K. Morehead John Sconce, James H. Long, James Collins
3 July 1834 • Thursday
High Council of Zion Organized. On the 3d. of July. the of Zion assembled in the yard of Colonel Arthur’s where lived in , and I proceeded to organize a , agreeable to the revelation and pattern given at , for the purpose of settling important business that might [HC 2:122] come before them, which could not be settled by the and his . was elected , and and assistant presidents. The following High Priests namely, , , [p. 511]
Page 511