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Letter to Richard Blennerhassett, 17 March 1843

Source Note

[JS], Letter,
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL, to
Richard Blennerhassett

9 May 1811–25 Dec. 1857. Teacher, lawyer. Born at Conway Castle, Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. Son of Edward Blennerhassett and Alicia Spotswood. Member of Church of England. Married Theresa M. Byron. Migrated to Upper Canada, May 1831. Moved to Attica...

View Full Bio
, [
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

More Info
, St. Louis Co., MO], 17 Mar. 1843. Featured version drafted 17 Mar. 1843; handwriting of
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
; one page; Truthiana, 1843, CHL. Includes dockets.
Single leaf measuring 13 × 8½ inches (33 × 22 cm). Before inscribing the letter to
Blennerhassett

9 May 1811–25 Dec. 1857. Teacher, lawyer. Born at Conway Castle, Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. Son of Edward Blennerhassett and Alicia Spotswood. Member of Church of England. Married Theresa M. Byron. Migrated to Upper Canada, May 1831. Moved to Attica...

View Full Bio
featured here,
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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—using the pseudonym of “Viator”—wrote the final page of a draft of a 17 March 1843 letter to the Boston Bee on this leaf. Richards used the verso of the draft letter to the Bee to draft the letter to Blennerhassett. The document was folded for filing. The document has undergone conservation.
Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
added dockets for the two letters on both sides of the leaf. The document was presumably retained among the church’s records. In 1983 it was processed as part of the holdings of the Church Historical Department (now CHL).
1

See the full bibliographic entry for Truthiana, 1843, in the CHL catalog.


The early dockets and later processing suggest that it has remained in continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See the full bibliographic entry for Truthiana, 1843, in the CHL catalog.

Historical Introduction

On 17 March 1843, JS composed a letter in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois, for
Richard Blennerhassett

9 May 1811–25 Dec. 1857. Teacher, lawyer. Born at Conway Castle, Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. Son of Edward Blennerhassett and Alicia Spotswood. Member of Church of England. Married Theresa M. Byron. Migrated to Upper Canada, May 1831. Moved to Attica...

View Full Bio
, an attorney in
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

More Info
, regarding the arrest, incarceration, and forthcoming trial of
Orrin Porter Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
. Blennerhassett had written to
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
leader
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
on 7 March offering to defend Rockwell, who was being held in
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
state custody on the charge of having attempted to assassinate former governor
Lilburn W. Boggs

14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...

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in May 1842.
1

Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU; see also Historical Introduction to Letter from Isaac Galland, 11 Mar. 1843; and “Part 1: March 1843.”


Comprehensive Works Cited

Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

The attorney apparently learned of Rockwell’s situation from an estranged Latter-day Saint, attorney Joseph Wood, although Blennerhassett did not mention Wood in the letter to Whitney.
2

Letter from Isaac Galland, 11 Mar. 1843; Letter from Joseph Wood, 14 Mar. 1843.


Blennerhassett, an Irish immigrant, was admitted to the
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
bar in 1835 and was considered one of the best criminal attorneys in St. Louis by 1842.
3

See Scharf, History of Saint Louis, 2:1477; Letter from Isaac Galland, 11 Mar. 1843; and Letter from Joseph Wood, 14 Mar. 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Saint Louis City and County, from the Earliest Periods to the Present Day: Including Biographical Sketches of Representative Men. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Louis H. Everts, 1883.

Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
received
Blennerhassett

9 May 1811–25 Dec. 1857. Teacher, lawyer. Born at Conway Castle, Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. Son of Edward Blennerhassett and Alicia Spotswood. Member of Church of England. Married Theresa M. Byron. Migrated to Upper Canada, May 1831. Moved to Attica...

View Full Bio
’s 7 March 1843 letter in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
by 17 March, when Whitney delivered it to JS at JS’s home at 4:00 p.m. After reviewing Blennerhassett’s missive, JS immediately dictated a response to his scribe
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
.
4

JS, Journal, 17 Mar. 1843.


The draft includes emendations in the handwriting of Willard Richards, which may have been dictated by JS or made by Richards, acting on assignment. Richards presumably made a fair copy of the letter that was sent to Blennerhassett. Letters took approximately a week to travel between Nauvoo and
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

More Info
.
5

For example, Blennerhassett mailed his 7 March 1843 letter on 10 March, and it arrived in Nauvoo by 17 March. (Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

JS asked Blennerhassett to read the letter to
Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
and requested that Blennerhassett write back regarding any further developments in Rockwell’s case. No response to JS’s letter is known. Ultimately, the prominent
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
attorney
Alexander Doniphan

9 July 1808–8 Aug. 1887. Lawyer, military general, insurance/bank executive. Born near Maysville, Mason Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Doniphan and Ann Smith. Father died, 1813; sent to live with older brother George, 1815, in Augusta, Bracken Co., Kentucky...

View Full Bio
represented Rockwell.
6

See Transcript of Proceedings, 18 Nov. 1843, State of Missouri v. Rockwell (Clay Co. Cir. Ct. 1843), [6], Historical Department, Nineteenth-Century Legal Documents Collection, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historical Department. Nineteenth-Century Legal Documents Collection, ca. 1825–1890. CHL. CR 100 339.

The letter sent to Blennerhassett is apparently not extant. The draft of the letter, preserved among church records, is featured here.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU; see also Historical Introduction to Letter from Isaac Galland, 11 Mar. 1843; and “Part 1: March 1843.”

    Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

  2. [2]

    Letter from Isaac Galland, 11 Mar. 1843; Letter from Joseph Wood, 14 Mar. 1843.

  3. [3]

    See Scharf, History of Saint Louis, 2:1477; Letter from Isaac Galland, 11 Mar. 1843; and Letter from Joseph Wood, 14 Mar. 1843.

    Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Saint Louis City and County, from the Earliest Periods to the Present Day: Including Biographical Sketches of Representative Men. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Louis H. Everts, 1883.

  4. [4]

    JS, Journal, 17 Mar. 1843.

  5. [5]

    For example, Blennerhassett mailed his 7 March 1843 letter on 10 March, and it arrived in Nauvoo by 17 March. (Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU.)

    Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

  6. [6]

    See Transcript of Proceedings, 18 Nov. 1843, State of Missouri v. Rockwell (Clay Co. Cir. Ct. 1843), [6], Historical Department, Nineteenth-Century Legal Documents Collection, CHL.

    Historical Department. Nineteenth-Century Legal Documents Collection, ca. 1825–1890. CHL. CR 100 339.

Page [1]

Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
March 17th 1843.—
Sir—
your letter of the 7 inst, in relation to
Mr [Orrin Porter] Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
was <​is​> received this hour <​day​>,
1

Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

and in reply, I would state that his friends have been advised of his situation,
2

Word of Rockwell’s arrest reached Nauvoo on 13 March 1843. (JS, Journal, 13 Mar. 1843.)


and will make all due prepeation [preparation] for his defence.
Mr Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
has done has acted wisely in imploying council, and it is important he should have some one near the scene of action who will cause the trial to be deferred till Prepertions are made. but <​X #​>
3

TEXT: “but” was canceled using “X #”.


in the multitude of councillors there is safety
4

See Proverbs 11:14.


& his friends will retain, in addition to his council. the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
Attorney

1790–Oct. 1855. Teacher, lawyer. Born in Keene, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York, ca. 1810, where he taught school and studied law. Admitted to bar, 1812, at Watertown. Practiced law in Adams, Jefferson Co., and Sackets...

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for the District of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
, or
J. A. Bennett [James Arlington Bennet]

21 Dec. 1788–25 Dec. 1863. Attorney, newspaper publisher, educator, author. Born in New York. Married first Sophia Smith, 8 May 1811. Served as third and later second lieutenant in First U.S. Artillery, 1 Aug. 1813–14 Oct. 1814. Published American System ...

View Full Bio
of
New York

Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...

More Info
, <​as council in his behalf—​> & you must not suffer the trial to go forward till one or the other is present.—
5

Justin Butterfield was the United States attorney for the district of Illinois, and he represented JS before the United States circuit court in Springfield, Illinois, in the January 1843 hearing held to evaluate whether Missouri officials could extradite JS as being an accessory before the fact to Rockwell’s alleged assault on Boggs. Bennet was a New York attorney and philanthropist with whom JS had corresponded since 1842. (See Historical Introduction to Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 Dec. 1842; “Part 1: March 1843”; Historical Introduction to Letter to Justin Butterfield, 18 Mar. 1843; and Historical Introduction to Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 17–18 Mar. 1843.)


His friends have a flood of testimony— some of which he is not aware of, which must be gathered by affidavit. & some of the most important is in the state of
new York

Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...

More Info
and it will take some time to to collect the whole
6

JS was likely referring to information that Bennet promised to supply regarding John C. Bennett’s allegations, in particular that Bennett had reportedly admitted to Bennet that “the charge [of being accessory to the assault] could not be brought home” against JS. (Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 10 Apr. 1843.)


<​# X​> your communication to the
Govenor

12 Mar. 1796–9 Feb. 1844. Attorney, politician, judge. Born at Mason Co. (later Bracken Co.), Kentucky. Son of Nathaniel Reynolds and Catherine Vernon. Admitted to Kentucky bar, 1817. Moved to Illinois, by 1818. Served as clerk of Illinois House of Representatives...

View Full Bio
was an <​wise,​> important <​& wise​> move,
7

After learning of Rockwell’s situation, Blennerhassett wrote to Missouri governor Thomas Reynolds “demanding the protection of the laws for Rockwell against personal violence.” (Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU, underlining in original.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

and if you will continue to take such furether steps as the nature of the case demands for his personal safety and comfort, till further inteligence may be received and also convey their inteligence to
Prisoner

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
, to your client, you will find all things well in the end.
<​#​>
8

TEXT: The phrase “to Prisoner” was canceled first, after which the entire line, “and also convey their inteligence to Prisoner, to your client, you,” was canceled. Minor emendations were also made three lines above the canceled portion. Subsequently, three lines above and one line beneath the deleted line were canceled with a downward stroke. Finally, editorial markings were used to designate more precisely the text that was to be canceled.


<​X​> I answer your letter at sight, without waiting to consult
Mr Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
s friends about reta[i]ning you for council, It is sufficient for me to say to you that
Mr Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
has friends and any assistan[ce] you may render him as your client will be duly appreciated by them.— Do your duty as councillor— & you have nothing to fear conce[rn]ing your clients poverty.
9

Rockwell had been in hiding since August 1842 and presumably had few, if any, resources when he was arrested in St. Louis in early March 1843. (See Historical Introduction to Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong and Orrin Porter Rockwell, 1 Dec. 1842.)


<​X #​>
10

TEXT: This passage was initially canceled using a diagonal downward stroke. Editorial markings were then used to more precisely designate the text to be canceled. This second block cancellation may have been made to preserve the paragraphing in the initial draft.


The whole farce is a trick of
John C. Bennets [Bennett’s]

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

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— to be revenged on the mormons for exposing his rascality and whoredoms to the world & turning him out of decent society.—
11

In spring 1842, Bennett was accused of sexual misconduct, which led to his excommunication from the church, his resignation as mayor of Nauvoo, and his subsequent departure from the city. (“Joseph Smith Documents from May through August 1842”; see also Smith, Saintly Scoundrel, chap. 7.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, Andrew F. The Saintly Scoundrel: The Life and Times of Dr. John Cook Bennett. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1997.

and if in the end it should appear that
J. C. B.

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
was the instigator of the base plot against the life of
[Lilburn W.] Boggs

14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...

View Full Bio
no one need be frightened.
If all
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
knew all of
John Cook Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
s, threats against the peace & happiness of their
states

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
they would not keep him quite so close to their hearts as they now do.—
12

Writing under the pseudonym “Joab, General in Israel” in late 1840, Bennett condemned Missouri’s past treatment of the Saints, predicted divine retribution upon the state, and called for armed military resistance to the ongoing efforts to extradite JS to Missouri to stand trial for crimes allegedly committed during the 1838 conflict. (John C. Bennett [Joab, pseud.], to Don Carlos Smith, Nauvoo, IL, Times and Seasons, Sept. 1840, 1:165–167; Editorial, Times and Seasons, 1 Aug. 1842, 3:875.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

but more on, its proper place, will appear. <​Read this to
Mr Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

View Full Bio
​>
You will advise us, at the earliest date, of any new move, concerning the matter, & when there will be any <​a​> probability of a the day of trial.— [p. [1]]
View entire transcript

|

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Source Note

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Page [1]

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter to Richard Blennerhassett, 17 March 1843
ID #
5089
Total Pages
2
Print Volume Location
JSP, D12:62–66
Handwriting on This Page
  • Willard Richards

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU.

    Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

  2. [2]

    Word of Rockwell’s arrest reached Nauvoo on 13 March 1843. (JS, Journal, 13 Mar. 1843.)

  3. [3]

    TEXT: “but” was canceled using “X #”.

  4. [4]

    See Proverbs 11:14.

  5. [5]

    Justin Butterfield was the United States attorney for the district of Illinois, and he represented JS before the United States circuit court in Springfield, Illinois, in the January 1843 hearing held to evaluate whether Missouri officials could extradite JS as being an accessory before the fact to Rockwell’s alleged assault on Boggs. Bennet was a New York attorney and philanthropist with whom JS had corresponded since 1842. (See Historical Introduction to Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 Dec. 1842; “Part 1: March 1843”; Historical Introduction to Letter to Justin Butterfield, 18 Mar. 1843; and Historical Introduction to Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 17–18 Mar. 1843.)

  6. [6]

    JS was likely referring to information that Bennet promised to supply regarding John C. Bennett’s allegations, in particular that Bennett had reportedly admitted to Bennet that “the charge [of being accessory to the assault] could not be brought home” against JS. (Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 10 Apr. 1843.)

  7. [7]

    After learning of Rockwell’s situation, Blennerhassett wrote to Missouri governor Thomas Reynolds “demanding the protection of the laws for Rockwell against personal violence.” (Richard Blennerhassett, St. Louis, MO, to Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo, IL, 7 Mar. 1843, Newel K. Whitney, Papers, BYU, underlining in original.)

    Whitney, Newel K. Papers, 1825–1906. BYU.

  8. [8]

    TEXT: The phrase “to Prisoner” was canceled first, after which the entire line, “and also convey their inteligence to Prisoner, to your client, you,” was canceled. Minor emendations were also made three lines above the canceled portion. Subsequently, three lines above and one line beneath the deleted line were canceled with a downward stroke. Finally, editorial markings were used to designate more precisely the text that was to be canceled.

  9. [9]

    Rockwell had been in hiding since August 1842 and presumably had few, if any, resources when he was arrested in St. Louis in early March 1843. (See Historical Introduction to Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong and Orrin Porter Rockwell, 1 Dec. 1842.)

  10. [10]

    TEXT: This passage was initially canceled using a diagonal downward stroke. Editorial markings were then used to more precisely designate the text to be canceled. This second block cancellation may have been made to preserve the paragraphing in the initial draft.

  11. [11]

    In spring 1842, Bennett was accused of sexual misconduct, which led to his excommunication from the church, his resignation as mayor of Nauvoo, and his subsequent departure from the city. (“Joseph Smith Documents from May through August 1842”; see also Smith, Saintly Scoundrel, chap. 7.)

    Smith, Andrew F. The Saintly Scoundrel: The Life and Times of Dr. John Cook Bennett. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1997.

  12. [12]

    Writing under the pseudonym “Joab, General in Israel” in late 1840, Bennett condemned Missouri’s past treatment of the Saints, predicted divine retribution upon the state, and called for armed military resistance to the ongoing efforts to extradite JS to Missouri to stand trial for crimes allegedly committed during the 1838 conflict. (John C. Bennett [Joab, pseud.], to Don Carlos Smith, Nauvoo, IL, Times and Seasons, Sept. 1840, 1:165–167; Editorial, Times and Seasons, 1 Aug. 1842, 3:875.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

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