SIR:--I forward to your Excellency a number of affidavits relative to the late kidnapping of the Averys, and upon other matters. When the mob made efforts to resist the laws, Joseph Smith, as Mayor, gave notice to Major-General Law to hold a portion of the Nauvoo Legion in readiness; and Aaron Johnson, Esq., called for some troops to maintain the laws: but I am happy to say, none were ordered to march, as it was deemed most advisable to let Colonel Levi Williams and his mob flourish until indictments could be made at the Circuit Court of Hancock county. We shall continue to keep your Excellency informed upon all matters of moment touching the premises. _Saturday, 30.--_At nine, a.m., held Mayor's court. Two boys, Roswell and Evander White, were brought up for stealing six hens and a rooster. They were sentenced to pay for the fowls, and to ten days' hard labor each on the streets. In the afternoon, met in the assembly room with the quorum. William Law and wife were not present. Warm and rainy. _Sunday, 31st.--_At home. In the afternoon, called with Elder Parley P. Pratt to see his wife. At early candle-light, went to prayer-meeting; administered the sacrament; after which I retired. At midnight, about fifty musicians and singers sang Phelps' New Year's Hymn under my window. {154} Warm and rainy. No ice to be seen. The subjoined list shows a few of the publications for and against the Saints during the year. _Pro et con Mormonism, publications for the year 1843_. The _Alton Telegraph_ published several very severe articles against the Church. Edward Brotherton published a scurrilous pamphlet at Manchester, England, entitled "Mormonism--its Rise and Progress, and the Prophet Joseph Smith." The _Richmond Palladium_ published an amusing and favorable article on "Mormonism." The _Boston Bee_ published a series of articles favorable to the Saints, which had a beneficial effect in putting down prejudice and misrepresentation. A favorable account of a visit to Nauvoo was published by Samuel A. Prior, Methodist minister. The _Morning Star,_ a Freewill Baptist paper, published a long and bitter article against the Latter-day Saints, entitled "Mormon Perversion." A favorable article, entitled "Nauvoo and Mormonism," was published by a Traveler. The _Quincy Whig_ published several bitter articles against me. The _Warsaw Message,_ and subsequently the _Warsaw Signal_, published a continual tirade of abuse, misrepresentation, and lies against the Saints. The _New Haven_ (Con.) _Herald_ published a favorable account of the "Mormons" in Nauvoo. Footnotes: 1. There was also a Memorial prepared by the Prophet from the inhabitants of Hancock county generally to the same effect as the above, but it was never extensively signed or presented to Congress.