The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1910-04-24
HIS FOUL LECHERIES.

The story Of Nancy Rigdon. daugh.
ter of Sidney Rigdon, is another one
of those recitals that expose the utter
ldepravity Of the bogus prophets at
Nauvoo. We viii give it in brief
| form
AS is a well known fact, Joseph
Smith had a private office at Nauvoo
in which was transacted certain "busi-
ncss' that would scarcely bear the light
of day. Scores Of young girls and mar.
ried women were enticed into this foul
place, some of them to Indignantly re-
pulse the unclean advances made to-
ward them and some to fall victims 10
the lust of tho chief priests One day
Joseph told John c. Bennett that he
had fallen in love with the comely
Nancy RIgdon. and desired Bennett TO
procure her presence AT his private Of.
flee. Bennett told Joseph that mas
much as he was prominent member of
a certain secret order, and as Nancy
was the daughter of brother in that
order, it would be dangerous for him
to attempt 10 invade the home of his
friend. Joseph was insistent, however,
as he always was when his passion
was aroused) and urged Bennett to do
as he requested. The latter consented,
but IN The meantime he warned Nancy
Rlgdon of what she might expect when
she visited Joseph at his private of
flee. The young woman went accord
ing 10 appointment, but was prepared
TO receive the prophet So advances
in the spirit which they deserved Up
on her arrival at the place Joseph
locked the door and began TO importuno
the girl. saying that he had asked the
Lord for her and had received permits.
sion to take her TO his bosom. He said,
though, that If she had any scruplcs in
he matter ne would marry her i'm.
modiately, but that this would not pre-.
vent her from afterwards marrying
some other man if she so desired. II
was when Joseph attempted to kiss
Nancy that she flew into rage. and
so great was her Indignation, and her
threats of exposure were made in such
earnestness, that tho "prophet" was
glad TO release the girl from his prasp
aud unlock the door so that she could
depart.
This was in the summer of 1s4l.
Miss Rgdon Immediately went home
and told her father of the occurrence.
Sidney al once sent for .Tosepb. who
came 10 his house with brazen front
Nancy told her story before the whole
household, and in the presence Of 10.
seph Smith. Smith attempted TO deny
| IT at first. according To the account
given by George W. Robinson (who
was once 4 church clerk), and en-.
deavored to browbeat the girl with a
lot of lies. But il happened that the
story of Miss Rigdon was so straight.
and she told it with such impressive
ness, that Joseph was finally obliged
TO admit it's truth and to fnll back up.
on an excuse for his action With the
assumption born Of his impudcnt claims
to complete jurisdiction over the con.
duct OF his followers, he told the fam.
ily that he had merely had the inter
view with Nancy to try her, as he de-
sired 10 test her virtuel
Many of the saints withdrew from
the church when they heard of this
outrage, and upon repetition with other
women and girls Of the course pur-
sued with Nancy RigJon, largo seq
meut OF the Mormons at Nauvoo began
! TO ccnspire agains, the life of Joseph.