The New York herald., 1877-03-22
ROLL OF THE ASSASSINS.
Organizing an Indian Attack on
the Emigrant Camp.
SWORN TO SECRECY OR DEATH.
Brigham Young Indorses the Crime and
Supports the Brethren.
THE PROPHETS PLAN OF CONCEALMENT.
.Bx TILxaRApz TO THE HERALD. ]

BY TExxGRAPH TO THE HERALD.
PIocHE New, March q. 1877.
John D. Lee was indicted with several others by
the Grand Jury Of Beaver county, Utah Territory,
on September "a, 1874, for the crime OF murder
committed by him In the part he took at the Noun
tain Meadows massacre In Washington county, Utah
Territory, on September IL. 1857 ut which time l2O
men, women and children, known as the Arkansas
emigrant train, passing through the Territory on
their way to California were, after several days
hEhttng, decoyed from their fortincations and
disls. All OF the emigrants who were
old enough to disclose anything oft butchery
were killed on the spot. Seventeen small children
were spared from the massacre the train was plum.
dcred and the most Of the property turned over TO
the Mormon Church ut Cedar City. The bloody
clothing. stripped from the mutilated bodies, was
sold at auction by order Of the Church authorities
1t Cedar City, Utah. Lee was first tried at Beaver
City, Utah. In the Territorial District Court IN July
1875, Judge Foreman presiding. At this trial the
three for convection. second trial was
had on the same indictment in September,
1885, In the same Court and before tho same Judge,
resulting In verdict Of guilty. Leo was then sen-
senced to be shot ON January 20 1877. he choosing
that mode Of execution, the laws OF Utah per-
mtting party capitaly convicted to choose the
mode u his death. ON an appeal to the Supreme
Court Of the Territory the Judgment OF the lower
Court was confirmed nc the January term in 1877
and the sentence Of the lower Court was ordered
to be enforced at the March term In 1877. Judge
Boreman set Friday, March %, 1877. a. the day Of
execution
LEE CONFEssEs
After sentence Of death had been passed upon
Lee in September 1875, he made full confession
In writing OF his participation In the Mountain
Meadows massacre. which document he delivered
to Mr.. W. W. Bishop, one OF his counsel, and d.
rected him to have the same published after his
execution. The following Is the confession made
by Lees
MS PLACE OF BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE.
'hy name is John d. Lee was born on septem-
ber Q, As12, ct Kaskaskia, Randolph county, ILL.,
My mother belonged to the Catholic Church and
was christened in the faith. My parents died while
was still child and my boyhood was one OF trial
and hardshlps
HIS MARRIAGE.
II married Agathe Ann woolsey in 1888 and moved
to Fayette county. Ill, on Ruck Creek, where
became wealthy.
EMBRACES MoRMoNIsM.
"In 1885 became acquainted with some travelling
Mormon preachers. ! bought, read and believed
the Book Of Mormon. I sold my property In Illi-
nois and moved to Fairwest In Missouri, in 1887,
whore joined the Mormon Church and became in
tlmately acquainted with Joseph smith, Brigham
Young and other leaders OF the Church Of Jesus
Christ OF Latter Day Saints.
lie JOINS THE DANIrEs.
ri was subsequently initiated into the Order of
Danites ut its nrst formation This Order was SOL
cmnly sworn to obey all the orders OF the priest
hood Of the Mormon Church,; to do any and all
things as commanded. Tho Destroying Angels OF
the Mormon Church were selected from this organ.
izatlon.
AN ACTIVE MEMBER.
~ LOOK IN ucuVe part w u nlOImon SOtueT III the
CONFLICTS between the people OF Missouri and the
Mormons which made Jackson county, NO.,
historic ground. When the Mormons were expelled
from Missouri I was one OF the first to settle at
Nauvoo, ILL.,, where took an active part in all that
was done tor the Church or city,
COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND POLICEMAN.
~ had charge OF the construction Of many OF the
public buildings there. Was policeman and body
guard OF Joseph Smith at Nauvoo. Alter his death
held the same position to Brigham Young, who
succeeded Smith as prophet, priest and revelator
In the Church.
CHURCH OFFICIAL AND ORGANIZER.
"l was Recorder for the Quorum Of Seventy, head
clerk OF the Church, and organized the priesthood
into the Order Of Seventies. took all OF tho dc.
Rrees In the Endowment House aud stood high In
the priesthood.
AS MISSIONARY AND PINAxctIn
~ travelled extensively through tile United States
Us Mormon missionary, and acted as trader and
financial agent for the Church from the death Of
Joseph Smith until the settlement at Salt Lake CITY,
In Utah.
THE SETTLEMENT OF UTAH.
81 was on the Locating Committee THAT selected
the sites for the various towns and citios In Utah
Territory.
AS A LEGISLATOR AND JUDGE
~ held many Offices In the Territory, and was