The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1859-04-09
MORMONISM IN ILLINOIS.

Auley'S, VINO reSlueu nine mlieo Avn. N"u
VOC. The posse arrived at his residence
about midnig ght, when they succeeded in
effecting bis arrest without resistance OF
opposition. The premises were searched,
and an nti-Mormon by the name OF Brat
tie, u resident of Carthage, who had not in
any way participated in the lynching OF
the Mormons, was taken into custody. The
gun which had been taken from the Nor
mons was also found and secured. These
prisoners were Immediately brought to Nau-
700, where the officer and his posse arrived
about sunrise.
The prisoners demanded an Immediate
trial, which undoubted right, on the most
trivial pretexts, was denied them. Instead
of being brought before a justice of the
peace for u legal examination OF the charges
for which they had been restrained OF their
liberty, they were remanded into custody to
await the convenience of their cap;ors. To
render escape impossible, they were placed
in the third story Of a large waste building,
known as the Masonic Hall, whilst guard
of malicious and uucompromising Mormons
surrounded the building. All communica-
ton with their friends was prevented, and
any interference in their behalf was rendered
impracticable by the jealous vigilance Of
their iailors.
The Mormons were not yet satisfied with
the glory of this achievment, nor was their
vengeance fully gratifed. Consequently
another expedition was instantly planned
a renewed call for volunteers was made,
tn :, power of the county was again invoked,
and new and more formidable posse was
organizeo for the purpose Of following up
their success. and bringing to justice oil
persons in the lat, lawless demonstration
This body was Instantly called into active
service. A new judicial calcer, an avowed
and most daring and reckl,,ss Mormon
known as Captain Anderson, was sworn IN
auI! received the warrants for execut, on. III
was Supposed that the great portion OF the
rioters resided in the village Of Pontoosac,
an unimpcrtant place on thu Mississippi
river, twelve miles above Nauvoo. To thi !
place the officer now directed his march.
Ills force amounted to near enc hundred
men. They were all mounted, and armed
in a manner knowD only to Mormon troops.
The Anti-Mormon rioters, after whom they
were marching, were equal in numbers, !!
if their organization and equipments had
been equal, spirited conflict might have
Justly been anticipated on the meeting of
the parties. This company Of Mormons
arrived in tho neighL orhood Of Pontoosac
late in the es en- ne, where they selected a
convenient place, aad u ;amped until the
following morn NJ.
Ia the meantime the news OF the arrival
of thus Mormon force was communicated
the neighborhood by the zeal
Gus Anti Norm ons, with so much secresy
and effect, that long before morning dawned
q force was collected equal in number to
their adversa.ics, every man of which was
resolved to resist any effort which might be
made TO secure any arrests OF their num-
bers. This force, as soon as it was collect
eu together secretly marched to hazel
thicket, about eighty rods from Pontoosac,
which on both sides hanked the Nauvoo
road. and afforded q sufficient cover for a
force much larger than theirs, where they
concealed themselves with the intention Of
assailing their adversaries, should they
attempt to march into Pontoosac. They
had not long occupied this ambuscade, when
the Mormon force was discovered on the
march. Fate was apparently leading them
without suspicion into the range of their
deadly weapons. Every heart beat high in
anticipation of victory. But whilst with
exultation they bebeld the Mormon column
on its blind and fatal march to certain ruin,
they were surprised too see it make sudden
halt before it came in direct range OF their
rifles. The Mormons we're eviiently &C.
uuainted with the existence and locality OF
the ambush. A short and hurried consulta-
ton took place in the column, upon the
close of which the Mormons refined in their
horses, and spurrihg them into the most
furious speed, they precipitately charged
into the densest part of the thicket. This
sudden and unexpected movement Of the
Mormon cavalry took their adversaries
completely by surprise; and majority Of
them, without waiting to count numbers, OF
to make any defense, instantly retreated in
the greatest confusion. Only about a dozen
had sufficient presence Of mind to remain.
These were required to submit themselves to
the authority of the process. This they
peremptoriIy refused to do; upon which the
ton man of the boldest courage, proceed.
ed without any difficulty to disarm them.
When this was accomplished, their names
were inserted in the warrant, charging the
commission of a riot, and the whole number
were unceremonleusly placed in a wagon
and without delay were borne in triumph to
Nauvoo.
The success Of this campaign was hailed
by the Mormons with joyful accIamation.
Captain Anderson was voted hero of the
first magnitude. A general shout of exul-
tation arose from every part of the city.
Loafers, boys and priests commingled to-
gether promiscuously, to gaze on the de-
spending ard terrified prisoners, and ex.
change congratulations on the result of the
victory which had crowned their arms. They
had now in close custody fourteen of theil
most bitter enemies, and it was determined
that their trial should be for the present
postponed, and that they should remain in
confinement under the eye of vigilant and
reliable guard, as hostages for the good be-
havior Of their associates and friends, until
the -Mormons now under arms should
c.::snerse or cease their depredations.
The Anti -Mormons, however, never
thoug,;t of the abandonment of any of theil
enterprises, from the fact that part Of
their comrades had fallen into the hands
of the Mormons. In their own language, wal
had again been declared in Hancock. Jhey
had no longer any compromises to make
with Mormonism. They were resolved that
the existing conflict should continue unit
the one party or the other should prove
finally and completely triumphant. Should
they be defeated, they would surrender thel'
homes and their county to the Mormon'
forever. Should they prove triumphant
the Mermons should be driven from th'
State. If their friends had fallen into th'
hands of their enemies, it was the fortune o.
war, and like other prisoners of war, they
must abide their misfortunes as becam'
soldiers. They considered any effort whicl
they might make for the rescue of thell
prisoners as entirely hopeless. Their wises
policy. they concluded, was retaliation; ant
for opportunity to test this policy they ha'
not long to wait.
The very day on which Captain Andersen
"made due and lawful return of his prison