The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-12-16
The Mormon CITY,

NauVoo-me CITY OF the latter day saints the place
where Mormonlsm is concentrated, is beautifully To-
Gated on The East side of the Mississippi river below
the first rapids and there accessible to the largest
class OF STEAMBOATS, on the 'Father of Waters' Its
name is derived from two Hebrew words, somewhat
distorted which mean "6eautiCul rest'
When the Mormons we're driven from Missouri
after passing through series OF hardships of very
trying character the present site of Nauvoo was &C.
Iectcd by Sidney Rgdon, for town Several land
CLAIMS were purchased Of individuals and by unit
ing the different parcels, constituted Mormon terri
tory. The chartered limits include a plat four miles
long, by three in beadth-al laid out into souures
and streets, at right angles and on scale of conyen
fence that is honorable the taste of those who pro
jectcd the plan. Those who have examined Nauvoo
with any degree Of care nckno Wedge that il possess
ses the elemants of the elegant city Of the West
When first taken possession Of by the new owners
there were neither inhabitants nor dwellings; vet in
the short period Of three years there were one thou
sand houses; und now the population is not far from
slSteent housnnd-rapd increasing too nowithstnnd
ing the universal opinion OF their enemies, that tho
spell is broken and the Mormon community will soon
he dissolved In word, Nauvoo is the largest civ
IN the state oil lInois-nnd regarding all respects il
one OF the greatest curiosles Of that part of the con-
hrent' Nauvoo is divided into four wards and gov
erncd by Mayor, eight Aldermen and sixteen Com
mon Conncimen constituting the city government
Property Is not held in common, as frequently rep
resented many persons holding real estate in the cit
y arc not Mormons, yet their rights and interests arc
protected with as much care as they would be in
boston or New York. There is not a SQUIRE in the
whole city that has not building upon it. The
squares being about an acre large, the houses have
the appearance of being spread prodigous ex-
tent oil surface-nlI portions, therefore, not occupied
by buildings, are cultivated. AS the population in
creases. the gardens will be fewer in number md
smaller in their dimensions.
All the Mormons do no! reside in the city; if ,hev
Did, their number woud increase the nstonishmen,
which already prevails. They extend both ID and
down tha river for nearly thirty miles rs farmers
Quito town Is also growing up on tho Missouri side
opposite Nauvoo. The ground plot Of Nauyoo is
shaped somewhat like bow. The river en-
braces two sides OF it; whsl the back ground rises
nagnlicenty about mile from the Mississippi Civ
ing the observer field OF vision over the most
lovely rural scenery imaginable.
At the summit, overlooking the whole landscapc
for nearly twenty five miles in all directions stands
tho Mormon temple, the largest structure in any Of
The Western states. When pleted it is assumed
that the entire cost will not vary much from four
hundred thousand dollars. Nothing cun Le original
IN architecture cnch Of its huge plasters rests on up
on block OF stone, bearing in relief on its face the
profile of u new moon, represented with nose, eve
and mouth, az sometimes seen in amanucs On the
top not Tar from fifty feet high, is ideal represent
alton Of the rising sun, which ia monstrous prom-
hent stone face the features OF which are colossal
and singuarly expressive. Still higher are two g.
Enormously large hands graspins two trumpes crossed
These all stand out the stone bodily
Their finish is admirable and as complete as nny Of
the best specimens of chiselng the Grarl College
ut Philadelphia. The interior is TO be one vast A.
partnent, about l2s feet by So simply subdiyided
by three great vcs rich crimson draperv suspend
ed from the ceiling overhead Neither pevys stools,
cushions chairs cucumber the holy edifce.
In the basement is the font of baptism hich when
completed according to the design, will be pretty
exact imitation of the brazcn LAYER in Solomons tenn
pie
The tank is perhaps eight feet square, resting on
the backs Of twelve carved oxen. They are Of noble
dimensions, with large spreading horns, represented
to be standing in water half way up to their knees
The execution of the twelve evinces degree Of
ingenuity, skill and perseverance that would rebound
TO the reputation Of an artist in any community When
they are finally gded, intended, and the aver is
made to resemble BRASS together with the finish
ing up OF the place in which this unique apparatus of
the church is lodged-as WHOLE that part of tho
temple will BIO OF the striking artificial curl
osities in this country.
When the officiating priests in their long robes Of
otfce lead solemn procession Of worshippers
through the sombre of the basement story,
chanting they go, the effect must he exceedingly
imposing to those who may deplore the nfutuaton of
a whole city Of mormon devotees.
Although estimated to so largo a sum, the
walls Of the tompe gradually rising from day to
day by the concurrent, unceusing labor Of voluntary
laborers Every brother gives one day in ten TO the
Thus there always many hands
employed as be conveniently on the work at the
same ,irno. The architect and master workmen are
constantly at hand to direct the operations. Each
day, therefore ,ushers in a set Of operatives
Some fine brick buildings already raised on tho
different streets, and continually going up.
Even were tho Mormens abandon the city, it is
as serted that they will, somebody will own the prop