The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-22
From The 81. Louis Republican
MORMON WAR. Il.

We have every prospect just Of fearful COM
motion between that sect of religious fanatics (he
Mormons) and the citizens Of Davies and some of the
adjoining counties We give below the remarks Of the
Western Star" and the proceedings of meeting in
Ray county The tone and temper Of the resolutions
adopted at the meeting in Ray such every one
will highly approve Let the law have its full
and then, if there not power in its officers and man
dates 10 protect the rights Of the citizens let the appeal
be made to the last Of all remedies-the right of self
protection The Mormons are troublesome and dam
gerous set Of people, and to any community in
which they may be located We have known many of
them personally they generally low, dirty gno
rant, and degraded Glass; who look upon their leaders
with the most implicit confidence, and whose bidding
they obey with the most ahect serylity. Still, bad
they are, they have some to complain that
laws have not protected them. The report that 10
Smith had surrendered himself to the civil authorities
is not confirmed by the latest accounts from that quar-.
The remarks OF the western STAR are as fol-
lows
"MoRNoNIsM From the following proceedings of
public meeting of the citizens of Ray county, read
will al perceive the great excitement which pre-
walls consequence Of the conduct Of this extraordna
ry We will not attempt TO give the various ru-
mors aoat of threats and denuncstions Illuminated
by 10 Smith and his council They be part
in an Grafton delivered by Sidney Rggon, on the last
4th of july in which he threatens to "cary war and
extcrmnaon to the lives and property of every cit-
zen who may dare 10 oppose their wild career.
The Mormons at this time in open rebellion
against the laws OF the land Armed men, as will be
found from the statement of Mr. Black, paradng
through Davies county, compelling every person in any
way dsaffected towards them, to sign instrument of
writing dictated by themselves, the purport Of which
are unable to find out. ...
Under circumstances alarming to the tranquility of
this upper country the circuit Judge Of this district
called to issue his for the apprehension of the
ring leaders, who probably complied by issuing
rant against Joseph Smith, Jr., and Lyman Wight
For the purpose Of executing this warrant placed
in the hands Of the Sheriff Of Davies county, who
paired to the house Of Lyman Wright-snd there found
an armed force of from 80 to 100 men, and told by
Wright Z" that he would not be taken alivethat the
law had never protected him, and he owed them
obedence-that the whole State of Missouri could not
take him." &C. Joseph Smith, r professed his willing
ness to be tried, provided it done in Caldwell co.
Upon these facts being made known, the people Of Ray
county deputed a committee TO Smith and Wright, II
possible to prevail them to cease their opposition,
and peaceably submit to the execution Of the laws That
committee as far as we understand, unsuccessful
| in their mission. A second committee then ap-
pointed from whose proceedings have not heard one
word.
The Mormons can raise from 1000 to 1900 fighting
men, well armed. They believe 10 Smith to be pro-
phet of the Lord and that he holds communion with
him Hence any statement given to them by said Smith
a REVELATION of the Lord is 10 be implicitly
| piled with He embody them one man-as
emp6ed in the late election Suppose then, this modern
Mahomet backed by such host of armed bggos and
enthusiasts should take it into his head 10 resist the
execution Of the laws would it not verify the state
ment of Wright that even the "wHoLE STATE OF MIS-
SOURI, COULD NOT TAKE HIM"