8. And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand, and if he continue to be a faithful witness and a light unto the Church, I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen. The same day, Hon. J. T. V. Thompson, Missouri state senator, wrote Elder Phelps, at Liberty, as follows: Jefferson City, Nov. 25, 1834. DEAR SIR:--I will say to you that your case with the Jackson people has been mentioned to the highest officer in the sate, the governor. He speaks of it in his message, and so much of his message will be referred to a committee. I am not able to say what will be their report, but I will write you again. I have the honor, etc., J. T. V. Thompson. The following is that portion of the governor's message referred to in the foregoing letter: In July, 1833, a large portion of the citizens of Jackson county organized themselves and entered into resolutions to expel from that county a religious sect called Mormons, who had become obnoxious to them. In November following, they effected their object; not, however, without the loss of several lives. {172} In the judicial inquiry into these outrages, the civil authorities who had cognizance of them, deemed it proper to have a military guard for the purpose of giving protection during the progress of the trials. This was ordered, and the Attorney-General was requested to give his attention during the investigation, both of which were performed, but all to no purpose. As yet none has been punished for these outrages, and it is believed that, under our present laws, conviction for any violence committed against a Mormon cannot be had in Jackson county. These unfortunate people are now forbidden to take possession of their homes, and the principal part of them, I am informed, are at this time living in an adjoining county, in a great measure upon the charity of its citizens. It is for you to determine what amendments the laws may require so as to guard against such acts of violence for the future. _Minutes of a Council held at Kirtland, November 28th_. A council convened this evening to transact business according to the regulations of the Church; Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams presiding. Eight councilors present. John Johnson and Hyrum Smith were appointed to speak. A letter from the church in Lewis, Essex county, New York, was presented by Brothers John H. Tippits, and Joseph H. Tippits, and read by the clerk. Said letter contained an account of money and other property sent by the church in Lewis, in the care of said brethren, to carry to Missouri to purchase land. These Elders wished the advice of the council, whether they had better pursue their journey or not.