Mormon History
Joseph Smith and the March of Zion's Camp - 1834
Sangamo Journal – June 7, 1834
The St. Louis Republican of June 2 says:
Difficulties are anticipated
between the Mormons and the citizens of Jackson county. A letter from
Independence, under date of 21st May, says -- 'The people here are in fearful
expectation of a return of the Mormons to their homes. They have heard that a
reinforcement is coming from Ohio, and that as soon as the Santa Fe company of
traders leave, the Mormons will re-cross the river from their temporary
residence in Clay county; in which event, much blood will be shed. It is not to
be wondered at, that they have chosen this as the 'promised land,' for it is
decidedly the richest in the state.' A merchant of Independence has, we
understand, given orders for a piece of artillery to be sent to him immediately,
to be used in defence of his property. The Mormonites are now on their way from
Ohio."
The company of mormons which passed through Springfield on Friday last, is
undoubtedly, the "reinforcement" above referred to. This company were between
250 and 300 strong -- composed of able-bodied men, with the single exception of
one woman and a few children -- and appeared to be generally armed. They did not
state their place of destination, although frequent inquiries were made upon the
subject. One of the company, who appeared to be a leader, stated to a
respectable citizen of this town, that he had himself performed more miracles
than were recorded in the Old and New Testaments.
The company mentioned in the following article is supposed to be the same; --
EMIGRATION. --
On Thursday, the 15th inst. about one hundred and fifty persons passed through
this place southward, emigrating to Illinois, or perhaps Missouri. They had
their plunder in 22 or 23 wagons, we were informed; had guns (muskets and
rifles) in abundance, were roughly clad, & what excited most curiosity, there
were but two or three women with them, and but few children; and a very great
disproportion of old and elderly men. We did not see the main caravan
ourselves, but are informed that, by conversation had with some of them, they
were supposed to be of that sect called Mormons or Mormonites. One of the women,
we are told, observed, in answer to some questions propounded to her, that their
object, in carrying guns with them, was not battle; but as they intended a
settlement, or to settle, somewhere in the West, they did not intend to be
driven off, as some who had went before them had been. Those of them we happened
to see, were apparently "pretty well Yankeyed over," and "considerable
well up to the trade and pedlin."
Ohio Collustrator.
Missouri Intelligencer – June 21, 1834
THE MORMONS.
The situation of affairs with the Mormons appears to be getting
into a worse state than ever. The large & well armed body of that sect, from
Ohio, heretofore mentioned, crossed the Mississippi in Pike county, Mo. a few
days since, and we presume are now in Jackson county. It also appears, by the
annexed article from the Liberty, (Mo.) Enquirer, that the Mormons who had taken
refuge in Clay county, have been arming themselves preparatory to joining their
brethren from Ohio. A negociation is likewise slated to be in progress for the
purchase, by the people of Jackson, of the lands belonging to the Mormons, and
for indemnifying them for the injuries heretofore sustained.
The people of Jackson county will now, in all probability, reap the bitter
fruits of their lawless acts. The courts of justice in that county being
virtually shut against the Mormons, the course now taken by them is perhaps, the
only one by which they can hope to obtain redress.
The Governor has proceeded to Jackson county.
From the Salt River (Mo.) Journal.
MORMONS.
-- A party of the
Mormonites, consisting of between two and three hundred men, crossed the
Mississippi river, at the town of Louisiana, in this county, during last week,
on their way to Jackson county, in this state. The party had with them, between
twenty and thirty wagons, no other property, and were entirely disencumbered of
their children and females. It was composed chiefly of young and middle aged
men, who had the general appearance of possessing considerable personal strength
and activity. They were, with few exceptions, well provided with fire arms and
accoutrements of war.
We learn from a gentleman who conversed with some of them, that they designed
taking possession of the lands belonging to their brethren, in Jackson county,
and that they intended resisting any attempts that the citizens might make to
expel them from their homes. They avowed their intention of acting entirely upon
the defensive; but expressed a firm resolution of claiming the right of their
society at all hazzards and of resolutely defending the Holy Land. They were
generally from the state of Ohio.
We regard the Mormons as a set of deluded and deceived fanatics, yet they have
their rights and privileges, and whilst they exercise these, we can not desire
to see them disturbed; on the contrary, we wish them success in resisting every
lawless innovation of their rights.
In their case we believe the arm of the law is neutralized and their only hopes
of protection, will be in their ability to resist brute force. The only cause of
regret is that the citizens of Jackson, have so far forgotten the principles of
the duty they owe to the government and themselves, as to have brought about
such a state of things. It is doubtful whether in this contest they have the
sympathies or even the respect of a large portion of the state.
From the Liberty (Mo.) Enquirer.
For the last six or eight weeks, the Mormons have been actively engaged in
making preparations to return to Jackson county, 'the land of promise,' by
providing themselves with implements of war, such as guns, pistols, swords, &c.
&c. They expect a re-inforcement from the State of Ohio, and we are informed
that small parties are arriving almost every day. So soon as they all arrive,
they intend to call upon the Governor to reinstate them upon their lands in
Jackson, and then, if molested, they are determined to protect themselves, sword
in hand. We are told they will be able to muster 700 strong.
A gentleman from Jackson informs us that the citizens of that county are no less
engaged in making preparation for their reception. On Monday last they held a
meeting, for the purpose of electing officers, and Samuel C. Owens, a gentleman
known to many citizens of the state, was unanimously elected commander-in-chief
of all their forces. Our informant states that they have received a letter from
the Governor, advising them to effect a compromise, if possible by purchasing
the land of the Mormons, and paying them for injuries which they have sustained.
For this purpose ten persons were appointed, invested with full power to settle
the whole matter, and will meet the Mormons in this place, on Monday next, for
that purpose. Should the Mormons refuse to accede to an honorable and fair
adjustment of these difficulties, the Governor will not restore any to that
county, but such as hold lands. The following gentlemen compose the above named
Committee: Thomas Stayton, sen., Samuel Erwin, Smallwood V. Noland, Smallwood
Noland, Robert Rickman, James Campbell, Richard Fristoe, Thomas Jeffries, and
John Davis.
We have our fears as to the final issue of this matter, but hope for the best.
Note: For a more complete reprint of the Liberty Enquirer article,
see the
July 11, 1834 issue of the Painesville Telegraph.