The Mormoms or Latter Day Saints, with their Persecutions

Mr. Taylor, Sir:

Since Mr. Smith has retired from the Editorial department, and the responsibilities are now placed upon you; I feel disposed to write the following communication for insertion in your valuable paper, upon the subject of your persecutions; as I have been an eye witness to many of them, since the organization of your Church, I cannot any longer remain in silence, and do justice to my own feelings. Notwithstanding I am not particularly partial or prejudiced either for, or against any sect, still I am in favor of all parties enjoying equal rights, under a free and independent government. This right seems to be torn from you as a people, and for what? the only answer that is, or can be given, is because of your religion, and nothing else. This nation has long boasted of her free independent, and religious institutions; but she can no longer boast of her glory and true Republicanism for those laws, and those constitutions, made by her ancestors, are now trampled upon, and trodden by their children; and in place of peace, tranquility [tranquillity] and repose; tyranny and oppression reigns. This Republic has justly been termed the mart of nations, attended with peace, equity, justice, and every blessing and fortune of life; but when the wicked rule the honest, and virtuous mourn, and I am fully persuaded that could the fathers of this nation rule, as they once ruled, the scene would be changed-your rights and liberties would be restored-and persecution cease; but, as it is, persecution has followed your church from the beginning; particularly Mr. Smith, your Presiding Officer: he has borne more and greater contradictions, than any man since the despensation [dispensation] of the Saviour [Savior]. Notwithstanding his life has been sought, and his enemies have gathered around him like thick clouds of darkness, ready to cut him off at one single blow; yet he has always had some warm-hearted friends, who have plead his cause, under the broad folds of the constitution; and I conclude will, so long as they have influence and power to act. The course that was pursued against him

and your church, by the executive, and people of the State of Missouri, recently renewed by Gov. Reynolds, and ex-Governor Carlin, is an open violation to their own oaths: not only so, but is in direct opposition to the constitution of either of the States, as well as of the U. States, and is derogatory to the character, genius, or policy of any people, nation, or government. This same course which has been pursued against you, as free born citizens of these United States, is the same which has, in many respects, proven the downfall of other nations, which were once great and mighty, but have dwindled away, and their original character can only be traced by searching the pages of Ancient history. The Jew crucified the Savior-killed the apostles and prophets, because of their religion; but the result which immediately followed, was severely felt, and is to this day.-Now if the Jews were scourged for their iniquities, we may expect this nation to be scourged also. Although neither they nor their rulers have personally crucified the Savior; yet they have suffered the same acts of violence, and regardless of all consequences, and without the least particle of Law, have injudicially, and contrary to all laws, forced your church by the edge of the sword, point of the bayonet, and mouth of the cannon, to flee from one state to another, to seek safety among strangers; without a place to lay their heads, while others were slain, and their bones left to bleach upon the plains, a scene which is almost without paralell [parallel] in the history of Nations. Never have I seen or read of such tyranny, and oppression in modern times, as I witnessed during a short stay of a few weeks, while in Far West; where your troubles arose like mountains, and descended upon you like torrents. Surrounded with the most wicked and savage, whose very looks and unconstiutional [unconstitutional] acts surpassed in malignity and cruelty the acts of the demons of darkness; his darkest deeds would sink into insignificance before them and his satanic majesty would blush by reason of being out-generald by his liege subjects the inhabitants of Missouri. One of your last public persecutors of any note, seems to be that great (little) man General Bennett, of whom Lucifer can boast, because he executeth his will far beyond his expectations, while the balance of his servants fear and tremble, as they see the day approaching.

Bennett will be called home to receive his reward, then the last struggle will be made and "gathering hosts will be seen around Nauvoo," or some other place, (this is the same time I suppose Bennett refers to in the N. Y. Herald, whom Mr. Smith together with his associates will tremble at the sight of such an innumerable company all arrayed in martial order;) then Bennett will no doubt expect to gain the victory, and exalt his kingdom above the stars, and bear universal sway; but alas his imaginary happiness is already blasted! his influence gone! his heart is sick! his soul is faint! and he is nigh unto cursing and burning when he like Jonah's goard [gourd] will wither away-his name be forgotten and blotted out from the generations to come, together with his associates who have been accessory to the shedding of blood.

In conclusion, I can safely say I never have seen anything derogatory to the Character or conduct of Mr. Smith, as a christian, or prophet; but he has every where proclaimed against wickedness and abominations, for which his life has been sought; but I think he will at last come off victorious, together with his afflicted people, (if you are what you profess to be,) and your enemies will call for the rocks and mountains to fall on them to hide them from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of his power.

I am your friend, sir, in your rights and liberties, in honesty and virtue,

J. C. S.

Nauvoo, Ill. Feb. 19, 1843.

Mr. Alfred Ed. Stokes-

Dear Sir,-In obedience to your request, I send you one number of each of the papers published in this place. I am well aware, that designing men, for sinister purposes, have put in circulation reports concerning the people here, which are so monstrous, that it is a matter of surprise how any rational being could profess to believe them at all. If I were to even profess to believe such incredible and ridiculous nonsense about any people, I should consider the public would have sufficient cause to scorn me, as the mere tool of corrupt and foul slanderers; but any thing to stop the progress of that, which cannot be done by fact and scripture truth. That man must have a large stock of moral courage, who dare, in any wise profess belief in such outlandish representations as are made in the public papers concerning the people of Nauvoo, and circulated orally by wicked and designing men. The old stale story about common stock, in defiance of fact and truth, it would appear by your letter, and that of your friend Evans, is professedly believed by the people in the vicinity of Waynesville, Ohio. This falsehood was invented by an ignorant blockhead, by the name of Matthew Clapp, who for want of any other means to stop the progress of truth, in its more incipient states,

invented this falsehood, and finding it took with persons of his own stamp, circulated it with untiring perseverance, in direct opposition to the testimony of his senses; knowing at the time he commenced circulating it, that it was false.-He was a preacher of the Campbellite faith.-It would require the ignorance of barbarians, and the credulity of savages to attempt a belief in the falsehoods which are circulated against the saints with great zeal, by many. I have never supposed that the authors of these defamatory tales ever expected the public would believe them; but they expected that men of corrupt minds, like themselves would profess to believe them: neither do I now believe that those who profess to believe them do actually believe one word of them; but they profess to do it thinking that by so doing they can make some headway against us; but it is a vain attempt; for every attempt of the kind has only excited enquiry [inquiry], awakened curiosity, and caused investigation, which have in every instance resulted in an increase of members to the church, so that we grant full licence [license] to all defamers to do their utmost.

Our city is a great thoroughfare; people of all classes are crowding into it; multitudes who do not belong to the church of "Latter Day Saints" are seeking locations, where they can prosecute their respective callings. If you wish the papers you can put the money into a letter, and the Postmaster at your place will sent it without expense.

Yours, with respect,

Sidney Rigdon, P. M.

Messrs. Stokes, and Evans.