History of Joseph Smith

CONTINUED.

The following is an extract of a letter to me, from Elder Phelps, dated

"Clay county, Mo, Dec. 15, 1833.

The situation of the saints, as scattered, is dubious, and affords a gloomy prospect. No regular order can be enforced; nor any usual discipline kept up: among the world, yea, the most wicked part of it, some commit one sin, and some another, (I speak of the rebellious, for there are saints that are as immoveable [immovable] as the everlasting hills,) and what can be done? We are in Clay, Rav [Ray], Lafayette, Jackson, Van Buren, &c, and cannot hear from each other oftener than we do from you. I know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of Zion, that the rebellious might be sent away. But, brethren, if the Lord will, I should like to know what the honest in heart shall do? Our clothes are worn out; we want the necessaries of life, and shall we lease, buy, or otherwise obtain land where we are, to till that we may raise enough to eat? Such is the common language of the honest for they want to do the will of God. I am sensible that we shall not be able to live again in Zion, till God or the President rules out the mob.

The Governor is willing to restore us, but as the constitution gives him no power to guard us when back, we are not willing to go. The mob swear if we come we shall die! If from what has been done in Zion, we, or the most of us, have got to be persecuted from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, we want to know it: for there are those among us that would rather earn eternal life on such conditions, than loose it: but we hope for better things, and shall wait patiently for the word of the Lord.

Our people fare very well, and when they are discreet little or no persecution is felt. The militia in the upper counties is in readiness at a moments warning, having been ordered out by the Governor, to guard a court martial and court of enquiry [inquiry], &c., but we cannot attend a court of enquiry [inquiry], on account of the expense, till we are restored and protected.

(Signed) W. W. PHELPS."

I received the following