Memorial to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, circa 24–26 March 1844, Willard Richards Draft
Source Note
JS, Memorial, , Hancock Co., IL, to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, [], ca. 24–26 Mar. 1844. Version drafted [ca. 24–26 Mar. 1844]; handwriting of ; docket and notation in handwriting of ; seven pages; JS Collection, CHL.
Memorialist may have the privilege; and that no citizen of these shall obstuct, or attempt to obstuct or hinder, so good, so great, so noble an enterprize, to carry out those plans and principles, as set forth in this preamble, and be shielded from every opposition by evil and designing men;—
Sec 1. BeitordainedbytheSenateandHouseof Representativesof the in Congress Assembled, that Joseph Smith, of the city of , in the state of , is hereby authorized and empowered to raise a company of one hundred thousand armed volunteers, in the and Territores, at such times and places, and in such numbers, as he shall find necessary and convenient for the purposes specified in the foregoing preamble; and to execute the same.
Sec. 2. And be it further ordained, that if any person or persons shall hinder or attempt to hinder or molest the said Joseph Smith, from executing his designs in raising said volunteers, and marching or transporting the same to the borders of the and territories, he or they so hindering, molesting or offending, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars each, for each <every> offence; or by hard labor on some public work not exceeding two years, or both, at the discretion of the nearest District [p. 5]