They say they have a right to steal from any man who is not a member of the , if they consecrate two-thirds of it. <​I have <​also​> been informed that they are ​> They are also making bogus money. They had three or four amongst them who denied the<​ir​> faith, <​and​> would talk, they <​& they threatened to​> ripped up their bowels and gave <​give​> them to the Cat-Fish, and that was their Oath. I wish to warn you all not to be duped by such men, for they are the Gadianters of these days. <​He then​> Read an affiavit made by him some time ago, also, the article at large. The man said they referred to the Bible, and Book of Cov.<​enants, to support their doctrines, but no such doctrines are taught there​> and Book of Mormon. He stated that they <​these​> were the little Foxes that spoil the vine, and that all these things were used to decoy the foolish and unwary. I have said <​that​> the curse of God will rest upon such. I will mention two names David Holbrooks and . I went to them and asked them if they were robbing for a livelihood. Holbrook said they did, but not from the Brethren. would not aknowledge. I <​subsequently when they came to me​> ordered them out of my house. David asked me to forgive him and he lifted up his hands and swore he would never do it again. Soon after he was found stealing salt, he then stole a Skiff and took his family down the , stole a Barrel of Flour from Curtis and sold it at . would not promise to quit but said he would go to . I tell you to day the man that steals shall not long after be brought to the Penitentiary. They will soon be brought to condign punishments. I demand in the presence of God that you will exert your wit and your power to bring such characters to justice, if you do not the curse of God will rest upon you, such things would ruin a <​any​> people. Should I catch a latter-day saint stealing, he is the last man to whom I would shew mercy.

Pres. Joseph Smith arose, and said, I think it best to continue this subject. I want all the to help to make it known abroad what the power <​opinion​> of the is. Such things never have been tolerated, I despise a theif above ground, because I would know that he would be a detriment to my cause, and would steal my horse when I wanted to <​it,​> & run away.

It has been said that some was <​were​> afraid to disclose what they know of these secret combinations, consequently I issued this proclamation which you may read in the Times and Seasons. If any man is afraid let him come to me, and I will protect him [illegible] necessa<​r​>y to make a proclamation [illegible] . [illegible] [p. [2]]