American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-03-18

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From the Portland August
THE HORRORS OF MILLERISM--TRIAL OF
ISRAEL DAMMON,
We have seen report of the trial of man
who is termed Elder Danlmon, at Dover, in
this State, commenced the 18th ult. before
Moses Sweat and Seth Lee, Esqs. The tria /
developes most shocking particulars, and con-
vinces us more fully than before, that town and
city authorities should interfere and arrest these
sensual and demoralizing proceedings They
are as bad as the worst days of that arch scoun-
drcl and fanatic, Cochran, who ''led silly wo-
i!aen captive" and despciled the domestic peace
OF many peaceful and respectable family. A
part OF the evidence we have omitted, it being
too gross for publication.
Dammon was charged with being vaga-
bond, common -aler and brawler, neglecting
20 support his family, &c He plead not guilty,
and numerous witnesses were examined during
the time of trial, which lasted two days. Some
Of the witnesses testified that they saw nothing
improper, and Others detailed what they saw
showing that the conduct of prisoner and his
associates was abominable. TO this point J.
w. L. Harvey testified that he had attended
their meetings two days and four evenings
First meeting lasted eight days; have known
Dammon six weeks; Dammon, White and Hall
were leaders
Dammon said the sinners were going to hell
In two days. They were hugging and kissing
each other; Dammon would lay on the floor,
then jump up; they would frequently go into
another room. Dammon has no means to sup
port himself that know Of The meeting ap-
peared very irreligious; have seen him sit on
the floor with woman, his arms around her.
The room they went into was back room,
don't know what was in it.; was in two rooms
where there was fire. In the back room they
said the worlds people must notsgo. Dammon
said the meeting was to be a private meeting
and they wanted no one to come in unless they
believed as he did in the Advent doctrine. |
did go to them; went to satisfy myself what
was done. | had no hostile feelings against
them. Prisoner lived on his followers.
VIM. c. Crosby testified. He was at the
meeting on Saturday night, from about to 9
O'Clock. There was woman on the floor who
lay on her back with a pillow under her head;
she would occasionally arouse up and tell vi
sion which she said was revealed to her. They
would at times all be talking at once, hallooing
at the top of their voices;-some of them said
there was too much sin there. After the ces-
saton of the noise, Dammon got up and was
more coherent; he complained of those that
came there that did not believe in the advent
doctrine. At one time Dammon said there
were hogs there not belonging to the band, and
pointed at him and said, mean you, sir. Sub
sequcntly he addressed him again. said, you
can't drive us out of town; he stared him in the
face, and said, | am an honest man, or could
not look you in the face, and you have hell's
brass or you could not look me in the face
Dammon said if he was owner OF the house, he
would compel all unbelievers to leave it; they
were sitting and laying on the floor promscu
ousy, and were exceedingly noisy. By spells
It was the noisiest l ever attended. He had
seen them in groups hugging and kissing each
other. Once saw Elder Hall with his boots off,
and the wemen would 60 and kiss his feet
One girl made a smack, but did not hit his foot
with her lips. Hall said, 'He that is ashamed
of me before men him will be ashamed of be-
fore my father and the holy angels" She then
gave his feet number of kisses.
Lotion Lambert testified that he attended
meeting one evening lately, and that Dammon
was very abusive; calling all other denomina-
tions liars, murderers, SC. A woman was pre-
SENT whs pretended to have visions, and who
was blasphemcusly called the Imitation of Christ.
She was said to be from Portland Her name
was Ellen Harmon. She told Mrs. Woodbury.
she must be baptised or go to hell. Mrs. w.
concluded to be baptised. A Miss Dorinda Ba-
ker, of Orrington, figured largely. She told
Lambert he was the devil and would 60 to hell.
She subsequently, went into the bed room with
a man, whom they called Elder White, and
when they came out they were hugging each
other. Miss Baker then went to one Doore,
and kissed each other. This night. they went
to the water and baptized. The visionist, Miss
Harmon, lying on the floor several hours
from to o'clock, that night Part of the time
Dammon lay on the floor, on his back. Elder
White said if the Almighty had any thing to
reveal, he revealed it to Miss H. She acted as
mediator.
Deacon James Rowe testified that prisoner
stood up in the floor and said, While | stand
here, men nor devils cannot hurt you. He had
known him for 90 to 80 years, and his charac-
ter was good till recently.
Jere B. Green testified that in the meeting
he attended, he saw men wash women's feet,
&C. Elder d. was the presiding Elder. He
saw Dammon kiss Mrs. Osborn.
Eben Trundy testified that prisoner told him
he must live on them that had property, and if
God did not come, then they must all go to
work together.
The first witness offered by the defence, was
James Aver, Jr. He denied that man went
into the bed room with Miss Baker. He is an
adventist, and said it was part of their faith
TO kiss each otler-and that they had Bible au-
thority for it. He admitted that prisoner had
no other business than to attend meetings.
Dammon admitted he had a spiritual wife, and
was glad of it. He understood Miss Harmon
had vision at Portland, and was travelling
through the country relating it.
Job Moody, one Of the brethren, affirmed
that prisoner had repeatedly urged upon them
the necessity of quitting all labor. He affirmed
that DIS character was good. As for himself,