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
In order that the truth might be fully established, I asked Bennett
to testify before an alderman, whether I had given him any cause
for such aggravating conduct. He testified that I never taught him
that illicit intercourse with females was under any circumstances
justifiable, neither did he ever hear me teach anything but the
strictest principles of righteousness and virtue. This affidavit is
also in my possession. I have also a similar affidavit taken before
the City Council, and signed by the members of the Council.
After these things transpired, and finding that I should resist all
such wicked conduct, and knowing that he could no longer maintain
himself as a respectable citizen, he has seen fit to leave Nauvoo,
and that very abruptly.
I have been credibly informed that he is colleaguing with some
of our former cruel persecutors, the Missourians, and that he is
threatening destruction upon us; and under these circumstance I
consider it my duty to give you information on the subject, that a
knowledge of his proceedings may be before you in due season.
It can be proven by hundreds of witnesses that he is one of the
basest of liars, and that his whole routine of proceedings, while
among us, has been of the basest kind.
He also stated that he had resigned his commission as major-general
to the Governor, whether this be true or not, I have no knowledge.
I wish to be informed on the subject, that we may know how to act
in regard to the Legion.
A short time ago, I was told by a friend of mine (not a member of
the Church) that some of the Missourians were conspiring to come
up to Nauvoo and kidnap me, and not doubting but that it might be
true, {44} I consulted with General Bennett upon the most proper
course to be pursued. We concluded to write to you on the subject,
and I requested him to do so. I understand he has written to you,
but I know not in what manner, and I should be very much pleased if
you would write to me on receipt of this, giving me the contents of
his communication.
I have also heard that you have entertained of late very
unfavorable feelings towards us as a people, and especially so with
regard to myself, and that you have said that I ought to be shot,
&c. If this be true, I should be pleased to know from yourself the
reason of such hostile feelings, for I know of no cause which can
possibly exist that might produce such feelings in your breast.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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