Mississippi Democrat., 1846-01-07
CARRoLLToN. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7, 1916


The MoRMoNs. Important letter from
Mrs. Smith, tcidow Of The Mormon Pro
Phet--The following interesting letter from
Mrs. Smith, widow of the late General
Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, came
10 us yesterday by private conveyance
from Nauvoo. twill be read with great
interest, as giving probably the most correct
though brief view of affairs as at pre-
sent existing among that unhappy people
NAuvoo, Ill. Nov. 30, 845.
To The Editor of the New York Sun
sir hope TO be excused for addressing
for the first time in my life, letter to
the Editor of Newspaper, and this
have been induced to do, from seeing the
letters Of Gen. Arlington Bennett, pub
llshed in the newspapers, urging the Nor
mon people to remove to the Pacific
Ocean, and advocating the cause of the
1yrunts who have seized on the govern
ment of the Mormon Church. This church,
such as it is, was formed by my lamented
husband who was martyred for its sake,
and whether true or false, has laid down
his life for his belief
! am left here, sir, with family of chill
dren to attend TO, without any means of gi-
wing them an education, for there is not a
school in the city, nor is il intended there
shall be any here, or at any other place,
where the men who now govern this infa-
tuated, supplemented people have sway.
| have not the least objection that these
petty tyrants remove TO California, or any
other remote place, out of the world il
they wish; for they will never be of any
service to the Mormons, or the human
family, no matter where they 60, Their
object is to keep the people over whom
they rule in the greatest ignorance, and
most abject religious bondage, and if these
poor couiding creatures remove with them
they will die in the wilderness! The laws
Of the United States are quite good
enough for me and my children, and my
settled intention is 10 remain where am
take care of my property, and if cannot
educate my children here, send them to
New York or New England for that
purpose. Many of the Mormons will, no
doubt remove in the Spring, and many
more will remain here; and nothing would
give me greater pleasure than to have a
mired society in Nauvoo, as in other cities,
and all exclusive religious distinctions abo-
lished. must non SAP, that l nerer for
a moment belieped in what my husband
called his appdritions and revelations, as /
thought him laboring under diseased mind /;
yet, they may all be true, as a Prophet is
seldom without credence or honour, ex-
cepting In his own family or country; but
as my conviction is 10 the contrary, | shall
educate my children in different faith,
and teach them to obey and reverence The
laws and institutions of their country -
Shall not, sir, be protected in these resU
lutions against the annoyance of the men
whom | now oppose, for they will no doubt
seek my ife2
What object Gen. Arlington Bennett
has in advocating the cause of these petty
tyrants, | am not able to understand, for
he assured me when at my house, that he
had not the smallest intention of connect
ing himself in any manner with them,
much less removing with them 10 the Pa
ci6c Ocean. But this is strange world;
and | would not be surprised if they offer
ed to anoint or crown him King or Empe-
ror, in the West! As / have something
more to say, Twill take the liberty to
write you another letter.
With great respect,
am, sir, your humble serv'i,
EMMA SMITH.