Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1842-01-29

we are indebted to pious and intell lqeni
gentleman of this city, for the following
description of Mormonisn, as itis to be found
at Nauvoo, and of 10 Smith, it's leader The
intelligent reader will scarcely believe that
each humbuggery could be successfully prac-
tsse>, al this day, upon the most creduloue or
ignorant of the community, yet it is SO in this
lnstnuce
Nauvoo, Nov. 4, lS4l.
DEAR SlR;-We were yesterday enioying
the hospitality of Joseph Smith, the leading
Prophet ofthe Latter Day Saints, the Mormons.
We are. this morning on the dcclivi,y of Zion's
Hill taking last look at their city, We stand
among heaps of limestone rock, that are fas,
using into temple--a fac simle of that TEN.
pie which was built by Solomon, and trod by
the rarlour. The devoted Morlnons are ham
ncsihg basily a, weik and giving it each the
tenth of their time; and from this up, the half,
er even the whole, both Of time and property.
Before ns, is the beginning ola great city,
noble bottom land, already half covered with
cattns Higher up, also, the bluffs and timber
are thickly scattered with them, extending
back n couple Of miles OF more Crowds of
pc pie. from England, many Of them poor, are
pouring in. How they are to support them.
selves, or be supported, Heaven only knowe
1t seems as ifthey must be driven, By sheer
Necessity, to spoil the Egyptians Il. e. all
who are not Mormons about them y and it is
Dot surprising that their name is in bad on or
with their neighbofs. The notion that there is
community of property, among them, is alto
gether false; and many must and do suffer.
Some few have met at ST. Louis, fastening
lack to England, while their money holds
ont.
The Mormons gathering is singuiarly in.
terestlag phrase of our times. They are, too,
cay what you will, sngularly interesting
people AS people, am ready to believe all
god Of them. Would that there were amopp
them as much of Christian intelligence as of
the Christian spirit.
Of the leaders, or rather their chief leader
Joseph Smith, say nothiug by way of private
opinion. At our request, however, | give
Through You. somewhat reluctantly, confess,
an account of my interview with him. As he
promptly discovered and revealed to me that
| was worthy Of no mans confidence, | can
eesiaialy betray no confidence in this case, try
ss may. The facts as they lie fresh in my
memory, are simply these Yesterday after
noon in my company with friend, entered
the house of this strange man, intending to tres
pass bat few minutes on his hospitalities
expected to have seen person of some dignity
and reserve and with at least, an. outside of
r.o'y. -"e fropnet was asleep in his
rocking chair, when we entered. His wife
and children were busy about the room, iron.
ing, DC, and one or two Mormon preachers,
ately returned from England, were sitting by
tae large log fire. After having been intro
duced the following talk ensued
A. You have the beginning OF o great city
here Mr.. Smith
(Here came in the more prominent objects
of the city. The expenses of the tcmrle, MIR,
Smith thomght, would be 100000 or $780,
600. The temple is 1877 feet side, by Ss fee,
front; and BY its plan, which was kindly shown
Us, Will fall short of some Of our public build
.ngs. AS yet only the foundations are laid.
Mr. Smith then spoke of the false reports cur
rent ABOUT himself, and supposed We had heard
enough ofthem.'
a. You know sir, persecution sometimes
drives the wise man mad
Mr.. ). Qanghing) 'Ah, sir, you must not
pnt me among the wise men, my place is not
there make no pretensions to pie,y either.
1t you give me credit for anything, let it be tor
beng good manager. A good manager do
claim 70 be-
A. You have gsea, influence here, Mr..
SMITH
Mr.. s. Yes have, bought 900 acres here,
few years ago, and they all have their lands
ofmc. My influence, however, is ecclesas,i-
cal only in civil affairs | am but common
c!tizen.-To be sure, am member of the
City Council, Lieutenant General of the Nau-
roo Legion. can command thousand men
70 the field, at any moment, to suppor, the laws
had hard work to make them turn out and
form the Legion, until l shouldered my musket
and entered the ranks myself Now, they have
nearly all provided themselves with a good
Uniform, poor as they are. BY the way, we
had regular set to- up here, day or two
since. The City Council ordered a liquor SOL
Ter to leave the place, when his time wa. up;
and ne still remained, they directed that his
house should be pulled down about hrs oars