Your s opinion that the are <​part of the​> Militia of the State of , seems so consistent with the spirit and genius of the charter and the common law of the land, as well as the intention of our constitutions, that the Attorneys Generals opinions, to the contrary not withstanding, are some what like an eclipse on the opposite side of the earth, “to us invisible!”

With a devout calculation to magnify the law and safely confide in it, and the integrity of its executors, I, as well as the Latter day Saints generally, will be sure that the Missourians, and disaffected Illinoisans, are Law breakers, aggressors and made themselves guilty before we move with<​out​> counsel, and not then but for self defence. We alway let our enemies violate law.

January 1, 1844 Copy letter to <​from J Smith​> copied for the Governor

Jan 1. 1844 [p. [4]]