“Whereas it hath been intimated to me by persons of credibility that there are persons in the surrounding country, who profess to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who have been using their influence and endeavors to instil unto the minds of good and worthy citizens in the State of , and the adjoining States, that the First Presidency, and others in authority and high standing in said Church, do sanction and approbate the members of said Church in stealing property from those persons who do not belong to said Church, and thereby to induce persons to aid and abet them in the act of stealing, and other evil practices. I therefore, hereby disavow any sanction or approbation by me, of the crime of theft— or any other evil practice, in any person or persons whatever, whereby either the lives or property of our fellow men may be unlawfully taken or molested: neither are such things sanctioned or approbated by the First Presidency, or any other person in authority or good standing in said Church, but such acts are altogether in violation of the rules order and regulations of the Church, contrary to the teachings given in said Church, and the laws of both God and Man. I caution the unwary, who belong to the aforesaid Church, and all other persons, against being duped, or led into any act or scheme which may endanger their character, lives or property, or bring reproach upon the Church; and I certify that I hold my person [HC 4:460] and property ready to support the laws of the Land, in the detection of any person or persons who may commit any breach of the same. To which I subscribe my name and testify, this 26th. day of November 1841. . Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th. day of November 1841. J.P.”

“City of , Illinois, November 29. A.D. 1841. To the Public. The transpiration of recent events makes it criminal for me to remain longer silent. The tongue of the vile yet speaks, and sends forth the poison of asps— the ears of the spoiler yet hear, and he puts forth his hands to iniquity. It has been proclaimed upon the house top and in the secret chamber, in the public walks and private circle, throughout the length and breadth of this vast continent, that stealing by the Latter Day Saints has received my approval; nay, that I have taught the doctrine, encouraged them in [p. 1255]