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To the Public

Times and Seasons, vol. 6, pp. 775 to 776

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Nauvoo, Jan. 17, 1845.

As much has been said concerning stealing and secreting property in this city, for the purpose of giving an impression abroad that Nauvoo was a grand Depot for concealing stolen property, and that the Mormon community was concerned in it,-I will state, that so far as my knowledge extends, concerning the matter, I have ascertained that stolen property has been brought by way of Nauvoo, from the country, and then crossed over the Mississippi river to Iowa, and back into the Territory some ten or twelve miles; where the thieves have some friends to conceal stolen property.

There seems to be a connection of these friends thirty of forty miles back into the country on this side of the river, who, with five or six in this city, seem to have a line for running stolen property through Nauvoo to the Territory of Iowa; and I have good reason to believe that those in the country on this side of the river, those in the city, and those in the Territory, are one clan, but they are not Mormons; nor have the Mormons any fellowship with them.

I have taken pains to go with a person from

the country, with a writ, and have searched every house suspected, till the person was satisfied, and till I was satisfied myself that no such property, as claimed, was in the city.

I have good reason to believe that scoundrels stay in Nauvoo, and when stolen property comes into the city, they are ready to pass it on to the Territory, and screen themselves under the cloak of Mormonism, in order that the Mormons may bear the blame. If people will satisfy themselves as I have done, they may find a "Depot" in the regions of Iowa, containing the greater part of the property charged to the Mormons.

I would state further, that the Mormons had no agency in the searches I made, but that I made them, at the instance of men from the country, and that I spent three days in the Territory of Iowa, searching in to the facts and matters, and my statements are made up from personal observation.

JOSEPH A. KELTING,

Dep. Sheriff of Hancock Co.