History, 1838–1856, volume F-1 [1 May 1844–8 August 1844]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 272
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<​July 16​> no doubt are true, that the , & Green Plains mobocrats are making strong exertions to raise forces sufficient to mob and drive the people of your from their present residences. I think you should keep a steady look out, for it seems that the cold hearted murder of Gens Joseph and in the Jail has not satisfied the blood thirsty disposition of those demons, but they desire to prosecute their wretched purposes still further.
“I, as one of ’s staff, have used my influence against calling out a large armed force to be stationed at , fearing that some might be influenced by those mobocrats to join them in their wretched purpose, for I have no idea they can get forces enough to leave their homes, neither in nor for that purpose,— to overcome you. If we, could have four or five hundred troops stationed at , of the right sort, that could be depended on, to suppress mobs, I should like it, but, fearing the influence of those desperadoes might cause them to disobey all orders and join the mob against you, I think it best not to risk it.
“The murder of Gens Joseph and is deprecated by the community, almost at large, that is those who are not lost to the principles of humanity; and there seems to be a general feeling of sympathy resting on the public mind. I was pleased to hear of the prudent course that your people resolved to pursue, in acting only on the defensive and abiding the law, which is on your side.
In haste, Yours &c
.”
To which Dr. replied, as follows:—
July 16. 1844
“Sir,
I am sorry that there has been delay which caused your letter to arrive so late to hand, and I feel thankful for the very kind and sympathetic manner in which you express yourself towards us as a people, and shall be very thankful if you will continue your favors to me whenever any thing may occur, and you may depend upon my doing the same to yourself.
“In regard to the assassination of the Gens. Smith, we do not intend to take any action in the case whatever, but leave ourselves [HC 7:193] entirely in the hands of the and the majesty of the law to mete out just and retributive justice in the matter. You may rest perfectly assured that we never did act on the offensive, or against the law, but shall continue the same course, which appears to have given you so much satisfaction, and act entirely on the defensive, and abide the law
In haste, Sir, I remain Yours &c
Esq—”
Elder wrote the following:—
July 16. 1844
“Elders and ,
Dear Brethren,— I hasten to inform you that brethren [blank] I returned to this on hearing the report of the death of Joseph and , expecting to see you; I have waited a number of days in deep suspense to obtain word I could rely upon. This morning two letters were [p. 272]
July 16 no doubt are true, that the , & Green Plains mobocrats are making strong exertions to raise forces sufficient to mob and drive the people of your from their present residences. I think you should keep a steady look out, for it seems that the cold hearted murder of Gens Joseph and in the Jail has not satisfied the blood thirsty disposition of those demons, but they desire to prosecute their wretched purposes still further.
“I, as one of ’s staff, have used my influence against calling out a large armed force to be stationed at , fearing that some might be influenced by those mobocrats to join them in their wretched purpose, for I have no idea they can get forces enough to leave their homes, neither in nor for that purpose,— to overcome you. If we, could have four or five hundred troops stationed at , of the right sort, that could be depended on, to suppress mobs, I should like it, but, fearing the influence of those desperadoes might cause them to disobey all orders and join the mob against you, I think it best not to risk it.
“The murder of Gens Joseph and is deprecated by the community, almost at large, that is those who are not lost to the principles of humanity; and there seems to be a general feeling of sympathy resting on the public mind. I was pleased to hear of the prudent course that your people resolved to pursue, in acting only on the defensive and abiding the law, which is on your side.
In haste, Yours &c
.”
To which Dr. replied, as follows:—
July 16. 1844
“Sir,
I am sorry that there has been delay which caused your letter to arrive so late to hand, and I feel thankful for the very kind and sympathetic manner in which you express yourself towards us as a people, and shall be very thankful if you will continue your favors to me whenever any thing may occur, and you may depend upon my doing the same to yourself.
“In regard to the assassination of the Gens. Smith, we do not intend to take any action in the case whatever, but leave ourselves [HC 7:193] entirely in the hands of the and the majesty of the law to mete out just and retributive justice in the matter. You may rest perfectly assured that we never did act on the offensive, or against the law, but shall continue the same course, which appears to have given you so much satisfaction, and act entirely on the defensive, and abide the law
In haste, Sir, I remain Yours &c
Esq—”
Elder wrote the following:—
July 16. 1844
“Elders and ,
Dear Brethren,— I hasten to inform you that [blank] I returned to this on hearing the report of the death of Joseph and , expecting to see you; I have waited a number of days in deep suspense to obtain word I could rely upon. This morning two letters were [p. 272]
Page 272