History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5Smith, Joseph, Jr.
History
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
It might have been supposed that these circumstances, transpiring
in the manner they did, would have produced a thorough reformation
in his conduct; but, alas! like a being totally destitute of common
decency, and without any government over his passions, he was soon
busily engaged in the same wicked career, and continued until a
knowledge of the same reached my ears. I immediately charged him
with it, and he admitted that it was true; but in order to put a
stop to all such proceedings for the future, I publicly proclaimed
against it, and had those females notified to appear before the
proper officers, that the whole subject might be investigated and
thoroughly exposed.
During the course of investigation, the foregoing facts were proved
by credible witnesses, and were sworn and subscribed to before an
alderman of the city, on the 15th ultimo. The documents containing
the evidence are now in my possession.
We also ascertained by the above investigation that others had been
led by his conduct to pursue the same adulterous practice, and in
order to accomplish their detestable designs made use of the same
language insinuated by Bennett, with this difference, that they did
not hear me say anything of the kind, but Bennett was one of the
heads of the Church, and he had informed them that such was the
fact and they credited his testimony.
The public will perceive the aggravating nature of this case, and
will see the propriety of this exposure. Had he only been guilty of
adultery, that was sufficient to stamp disgrace upon him, because
he is a man of better information, and has been held high in the
estimation of many. But, when it is considered that his mind was so
intent upon his cruel and abominable deeds, and his own reputation
not being sufficient to enable him to do it, he must needs make use
of my name in {38} order to effect his purposes, an enlightened
public will not be astonished at the course I have pursued.
In order that it may be distinctly understood that he willfully
and knowingly lied in the above insinuations, I will lay before my
readers an affidavit taken before an alderman of the city, after I
had charged him with these things:--
State of Illinois,
City of Nauvoo.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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