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

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 71
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<​June 6​> trading in, said paper money, as all that was issued as genuine was redeemed; after the first officers who signed said bills retired, a new set of officers were appointed, and the vault of the institution was broken open and robbed of several hundred thousand dollars, the signatures forged upon the said stolen bills, and those bills are being slily bartered or had in trade for the purpose of wilful and malicious prosecution and collection. In the first place the bills are not collectable by law in an unchartered institution; in the second place they are spurious, the signatures being a forgery, and every person passing or trading a bill is guilty of passing counterfeit money, besides the barefaced act of swindling. And lastly, he that uses said bills in any way as a medium of trade, is guilty of fraud, and shows a wicked and corrupt determination to wilfully, maliciously, and feloniously rob the Latter Day Saints; and if the executors of the laws are as ready to mete out even handed justice to such [HC 6:429] men as to the Mormons, more indictments will indicate more honesty. Time will show.
Joseph Smith”
, June 6th, 1844.
7 June 1844 • Friday
<​7​> Friday 7 called professedly to make some concessions in order to return to the Church; he wanted a private interview which I declined. I had some conversation with him in the hall in the presence of several gentlemen. I told him I would meet with him in the presence of friends; I would choose three or four, and he might chose an equal number, and that I was willing to settle every thing on righteous principles. In the evening a report was circulated that had said I would receive him back on any terms, and give him a hatful of dollars into the bargain.
I went to the about 2 P. M, and instructed Elder to answer a certain bill or receipt of .
The first and only number of the Nauvoo Expositor was published, edited by .
In the evening I received an extremely saucy and insulting letter from .
Pleasant evening.
8 June 1844 • Saturday
<​8​> Saturday 8 From 10 A. M. to 1 P. M. in the City Council, also from 3 to 6½ P. M. The subject of the “Nauvoo Expositor” was taken under consideration. An Ordinance was passed concerning the City Attorney, and his duties.
Elder preached at the this evening. Thunder and rain this evening and during the night.
A ferry boat came down from with a pleasure party, and landed at the at 2 P. M.
I sent to to give in some lots for assessment, and while there Backenstos told him that had been gone to eight days to try to get another writ for me. also got [HC 6:430] news that the democrats had dropped , and substituted James K. Polk, of Tennessee, for President, and Silas Wright, of , for Vice President.
I walked out in the evening with .
The following appears in the Times and Seasons:—
, June 8th., 1844.
,
Dear Sir:— It is with mingled feelings of gratitude and pleasure that I again seat myself to address you a few lines agreeably to promise expressive of my feelings with regard to your prophet— his doctrine, character, views, &c. During my short stay in your , I have found nothing to alter my opinions of its inhabitants, as expressed [p. 71]
June 6 trading in, said paper money, as all that was issued as genuine was redeemed; after the first officers who signed said bills retired, a new set of officers were appointed, and the vault of the institution was broken open and robbed of several hundred thousand dollars, the signatures forged upon the said stolen bills, and those bills are being slily bartered or had in trade for the purpose of wilful and malicious prosecution and collection. In the first place the bills are not collectable by law in an unchartered institution; in the second place they are spurious, the signatures being a forgery, and every person passing or trading a bill is guilty of passing counterfeit money, besides the barefaced act of swindling. And lastly, he that uses said bills in any way as a medium of trade, is guilty of fraud, and shows a wicked and corrupt determination to wilfully, maliciously, and feloniously rob the Latter Day Saints; and if the executors of the laws are as ready to mete out even handed justice to such [HC 6:429] men as to the Mormons, more indictments will indicate more honesty. Time will show.
Joseph Smith”
, June 6th, 1844.
7 June 1844 • Friday
7 Friday 7 called professedly to make some concessions in order to return to the Church; he wanted a private interview which I declined. I had some conversation with him in the hall in the presence of several gentlemen. I told him I would meet with him in the presence of friends; I would choose three or four, and he might chose an equal number, and that I was willing to settle every thing on righteous principles. In the evening a report was circulated that had said I would receive him back on any terms, and give him a hatful of dollars into the bargain.
I went to the about 2 P. M, and instructed Elder to answer a certain bill or receipt of .
The first and only number of the Nauvoo Expositor was published, edited by .
In the evening I received an extremely saucy and insulting letter from .
Pleasant evening.
8 June 1844 • Saturday
8 Saturday 8 From 10 A. M. to 1 P. M. in the City Council, also from 3 to 6½ P. M. The subject of the “Nauvoo Expositor” was taken under consideration. An Ordinance was passed concerning the City Attorney, and his duties.
Elder preached at the this evening. Thunder and rain this evening and during the night.
A ferry boat came down from with a pleasure party, and landed at the at 2 P. M.
I sent to to give in some lots for assessment, and while there Backenstos told him that had been gone to eight days to try to get another writ for me. also got [HC 6:430] news that the democrats had dropped , and substituted James K. Polk, of Tennessee, for President, and Silas Wright, of , for Vice President.
I walked out in the evening with .
The following appears in the Times and Seasons:—
, June 8th., 1844.
,
Dear Sir:— It is with mingled feelings of gratitude and pleasure that I again seat myself to address you a few lines agreeably to promise expressive of my feelings with regard to your prophet— his doctrine, character, views, &c. During my short stay in your , I have found nothing to alter my opinions of its inhabitants, as expressed [p. 71]
Page 71