For the Neighbor

Mr. Editor:

Before taking my farewell of your beautiful and growing city, I avail myself of a few leisure moments in expressing some of my views and conclusions of the prophet Joe and the Mormons. In the first place allow me to say that the Mormons as a people have been most woefully misrepresented and abused, and in ninety-nine instances out of a hundred by persons who know nothing of their principles and doctrines. Before visiting this place my mind was very much prejudiced against the Mormons, from reports which I had listened to in travelling [traveling] through the different states, and I presume if I had never taken occasion to inform myself of their religion and views my mind would have still remained in the same condition. There is not a city within my knowledge that can boast of a more enterprising and industrious people than can Nauvoo, her citizens are enlightened and possess many advantages in the arts and sciences of the day which, other cities (of longer standing) cannot boast, in a word Nauvoo bids fair to soon outrival any city in the West.

General Smith is a man who understands the political history of his country, as well as the religious history of the world, as perfect as any politician or religionist I have ever met with.

He advances ideas which, if could be carried into effect would greatly benefit the nation in point of commerce and finance, and while he maintains, and philosophically shows that our country is approaching a fearful crisis which if not arrested, will end in disgrace to the country, and cause our national banner to hug its mast in disgrace and shame, clearly points out the remedy.

Shall the liberty which our fathers purchased at so dear a price be wrenched from the hands of their children? Shall our national banner which floated so proudly in the breeze at the declaration of independence be disgraced and refuse to show its motto? Shall we, as American citizens fold our arms and look quietly on while the shackles of slavery are being fastened upon our hands, and while men only seek office for the purpose of exalting themselves into power; I say, shall we still rush blindly on and hasten our own destruction by placing men in power who neither regard the interests of the people, nor the prayers of the oppressed? Every American citizen will shout at the top of his voice, NO.

Mr. Smith's "views of the power and policy of the government" manifest a republican spirit, and if carried out, would soon place the nation in a prosperous condition and brighten the prospects of those who now have to toil so incessantly to support the profligate expenditures and luxurious equipage of the present rulers and representatives of our nation.

Joseph Smith is a man who is in every way calculated to make a free people happy, he is liberal in his sentiments and allows every man the free expression of his feeling on all subjects; he is sociable and easy in his manners; is conversant and familiar on all exciting topics, expresses himself freely and plainly, on the different methods of administering the government, while he is not ashamed to let the world know his views, and criticise [criticize] upon his opinions.

I am in no way connected with the Mormon Church, but am disposed to listen to reason in all cases. I have heretofore been a warm advocate of the measures of the whig party, but considering General Smith's views and sentiments to be worthy the applause of every citizen of the United States, and especially the yeomanry of the country, I in every instance advocate his principles, and use my utmost influence in his favor.

I am, Sir Yours, in haste.

AN AMERICAN.

Nauvoo Mansion, May 1.2, 1844