The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-07-01
The Beaver Island Arrests.


seldom moved to mob violence
| The Beaver Island Arrests.
The United States steamer Michigan arrived
at Detroit on the 22d ultmo, having on board
James j. Strang, who claims to be the prophet
of God and King Of the Earth, and ten of his
confederates, charged with robbing the mail +,
counterfeiting the coin, and committing i'm
mense depredations on the public lands. The
dispositions of nearly sixty witnesses have been
taken, to be used on the trial, by which mode the
Government saves about sixty dollars on each
witness which it would otherwise cost to bring
him TO Detroit and detain him during the contin-
uaton of the trial. The evidence discloses the
most extraordinary state of things that has ever
been known, and will exhibit to the world de-
gree of credulity and crime that will astonish
every one. Allthe Mormon witnesses testify that
they not only believe, but KNOW, that Strang is
the prophet of God, gifted as Isaiah and the other
prophets with the power of speaking in I'M
known tongues; that God holds constant com
muncation with him; that God revealed to him.
Strang, that the Beaver Islands belong to him.
ana JUdL lnb TeutIdl OUNGIHluSIll ldu IO Ute
thereto The Mormons will doubtless be
taught that the Federal and State laws must be
respected, notwithstanding their fanaiieal no
tons in this regard. We subjoin a letter from
the United States district attorney for Michi-
gan to Mr. James M. Greig, pastor of the
MOrRon percussion, showing that the authori-
ties, I'm bringing these offenders to justice are
disposed to use every possible humanity which
the case admits Of:
UNITED STATES DIST. ATTORNEYS OFFICE,
District of Michigan, June 20, 1851,
st. James, Beaver Island, Mich
SIR: The deputy marshal for this district has
this morning placed in my hands a communica-
ton signed by you, copy of which is hereto APP
pended and, in reply thereto, the officer of the
United States for the arrest of the per
sons referred to therein, have to state az follows
First That the arrest of all those persona was
made upon the complaint of officers of the STATE
and FEDsRAL Government, under OATH stating
not only the offence of assaulting the mail carrier
with deadly weapons, but variety of acts not ne
rcessary to mention, committed by these men and
those associated with them; exhibiting an utter
disregard OF the laws of the United States, and
reckless determination TO set them at defiance |
do not say that the proof will establish the guilt of
any of them; but this DO say, that the complaints
came from men entirely respectable, of every
grade of religion and of politics. and that no process
was ever issued against any of them, until re-
peated statements under oath had been furnished
to this Office, and to the President of the United
States. If these defendants are suffering now for
want of food, the complainans, including Justices
of the peace, the postmaster at this place and the
United States deputy marshal here, together with
various of the most respectable of the inhabitants
the Island of Mackinaw, complain that the de-
PENDANTS and their confedcrates have not only coun
terfeited the coin, attempted to rob the mall COM
mitted extensive deprcdations the public lands;
but after violating the laws of the State by tho
commission Of arson, burglary, and even murder
itself, have openly resisted and overcome the con-
stituted authorities Of the county in which they
live. AS to the truth of these charges l know
nothing; and am free to admit that believe
many of them have been grossly exaggerated, and,
hope and trust all may be fully explained. Yet
these defendants should bear in mind that, for all
the offences charged against them, they have been
arrested on the complaints, oath, of American
citizens holding Offices under the State and Fede-
raj Government, Of every scot in religion and
every hue of political party.
Second That grand jury OF the United States.
for the district OF Michigan, afteE patient and
careful investigation Of all the evidence adduced
found bills of indictment sustaining the complaints
made to the district attorneys office, and present
cd by me to the appropriate department do not
pretend for one moment, but that all the circum-
stances presented before the grand jury may be
explained on the trial Of these indictments nor
would PREJUDICE the defendants cause, or in any
manner bias the minds of the jury who may be
called upon to try the cause.
Third. That the arrests, with the exception of
Mr.. Strang and three in Jail at Detroit, have,
go far the United States concerned, been
merely nominal, the defendants having been per-
United to go at large their parole; and If their
families suffering for food, neither the Federal
Government it's officers have had any part or lot
in causing that suffering, any portion Of it.
! Fourth. That 70 furnish to these defendants every
possible facility for full and fair investigation,
and to give them the full benefits Of impartial
trial at as little expense possible the President
of the United States, with degree OF promptness
and justice worthy Of his own reputation and the
position he occupies, has ordered here a national
vessel to transport to this place, where the defend
ants live, free Of expense, the principal offender
| OF offenders there be) and his counsel; and that
the district Judge most properly, with the udyice
and consent of myself ordered that the dispositions
Of all witnesses for tho defence might be examined
here's and that for the trial, fifteen witnesses for
the defendants should be transported TO Detroit at
the expense Of the United States, while but five
should be examined orally for the prosecution on
each indictment.
In view Of all these facts, it i'll becomes you, as
the chief pastor, (pro tempore,) to complain, as